Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“So, let me get this straight…”

Eugene paced back and forth across Rapunzel’s bedroom, his footfalls soft on the carpet. Rapunzel tracked his movement, sitting cross-legged on her bed with Pascal perched on her shoulder as usual. The window was open, letting the pale morning light fall across the floor as a pleasant breeze played with the curtains. It was peaceful, not at all like what last night had been.

Cassandra was seated beside Rapunzel, the bed dipping from their combined weight. Her legs coiled beneath her in such a way that she could easily spring into action at a moment’s notice, should the need arise, but for now she was still. Her silence was a stark contrast to Eugene, both of them processing what Rapunzel had told them in their own way.

Eugene’s hands gestured wildly as he talked. “Varian was kidnapped by a secret cult because he has magical powers that are supposed to be able to destroy the world as we know it? And this new friend of his was a part of the cult but decided to help him escape? But they were almost killed by an assassin spy, which was why the whole castle was up in arms last night?”

Rapunzel nodded. “Yeah, that… kinda sums it up.”

“Wow. That’s, uh, a lot to wrap my head around.” Eugene sat down on the bed beside Rapunzel, running a hand through his hair before giving her a sidelong glance. “And he had no idea he had powers?”

“None,” Rapunzel said grimly. She looked to her other side, noting that Cassandra hadn’t said anything yet. “Cass…? What are you thinking?”

Cassandra hesitated, uncertainty flashing in her hazel eyes. “I don’t know… secret societies? Ritualistic sacrifices, magical lightning? Are you sure, Raps? That… all sounds a bit farfetched, don’t you think?”

Eugene gave her a look. “What, you think the kids weren’t telling the whole truth?” he asked doubtfully.

Cassandra threw her hands up, exasperated. “I don’t know, maybe! I mean, I know that obviously, someone sent an assassin after them, but as far as the rest of it… how can we know for sure? I wouldn’t put anything past Varian-”

“You didn’t see him, Cass,” Rapunzel said quietly. “After he came back.”

Something in her voice seemed to make Cassandra pause, her expression softening. “Alright,” she ventured. “Then… tell me?”

“Okay.” Rapunzel took a deep breath, fidgeting with a strand of hair as she recalled the events of the night before. “It was very late when I saw Varian. My dad wanted to question Perilune first, but… we should’ve checked on him right away...”

Rapunzel walked in step with her dad, glancing at Perilune out of the corner of their eye.

The young teen was following closely behind them, their head tilted slightly down and their steps quick. They seemed to be resisting the urge to run on ahead as Varian’s cell came into view, everything about them screaming urgency. Varian’s guards straightened at the trio’s approach, giving Dad a quick bow of the head.

“Your Majesty!” Pete looked relieved to see them.

“Hello, Pete. Stan.” Dad nodded at them in turn. “Any change?”

“No, sir,” Stan said. “He’s still unresponsive.”

Dad’s mouth pressed into a line before he glanced down at Perilune, furrowing his brows. “Now, I don’t want to see any funny business, understood?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Perilune’s eyes almost looked like they could burn through the door with their intensity. Tension was strung in every muscle in their body; their jaw clenched and their hands curled into fists.

Satisfied, Dad turned to Stan and nodded. Stan pulled a key off his belt and slipped it into the lock, stepping aside as the heavy wooden door swung open with a low groan. The light from the torches in the hallway flooded into the cell, illuminating its sole occupant.

Varian was curled up on the floor, knees tucked to his chest and hands clutching his head. Shackles around his wrists tethered him to the bed against the wall, and the skin beneath them was raw and bleeding. Tears glistened on his cheeks, his eyes squeezed almost painfully tight, and he was shaking violently. There was no indication he even heard the door open, teeth bared in a grimace.

Rapunzel hadn’t really seen him in a while, aside from a passing glance here and there. His hair was longer, more unkempt. Even in the scarce light from the hallway, she could see how pale he was, the dark circles under his eyes more pronounced. He was skinnier, too; his face was hollow, and his shirt seemed even more ill-fitting as it hung off his frame. Bare-footed and missing his alchemy gear, he almost looked like an entirely different person.

Rapunzel felt her breath catch at the sight, even Dad stiffening beside her. Stan and Pete looked grim, and she was suddenly struck nauseous at the thought that Varian had been in such a state for hours, now. The hopelessness and terror in the cell was almost a physical sensation, sitting heavily in the air like a dense fog.

The spell was broken the moment Perilune called his name.

“Varian!”

Varian’s head snapped up instantly, his eyes wide. He appeared to try and push himself up, unable to support himself on trembling limbs, but that didn’t matter because Perilune bolted no sooner than the word had left their mouth. They practically crashed into him, wrapping him in a tight embrace. Varian put his arms around them, shaking with silent sobs.

They stayed like that, just clinging to each other. Like they weren’t entirely convinced the other was really there. Rapunzel’s throat tightened, and she exchanged a look with her dad. Beneath his ever-composed features, he seemed unnerved. It was hard, seeing how upset these two were and knowing it could’ve been prevented. She understood Dad’s reasoning, for all the questioning and the precautions, but it was still something that weighed on the conscience. A difficult choice.

Varian was the first to speak, his voice wavering. “Is- is it you? P- Perilune?”

Perilune’s response was barely audible. “Yes, my love, it’s me. I’m here.”

A jolt of surprise went through Rapunzel. From the way Perilune had talked about Varian, it was clear they cared about him, but she’d had no idea to the extent. It… wasn’t that hard to believe though, after hearing about everything they’d been through together. And seeing them with each other, now… it couldn’t be more obvious. The revelation left a warm, fuzzy feeling in Rapunzel’s stomach, that these two could find solace in each other despite everything that’d happened. It was uplifting, to say the least.

Varian finally pulled away, stammering. “I- I thought that- I didn’t kn- know if you- if you were-”

“I know,” Perilune murmured. “I know. It’s alright. I’m here.”

“Are you okay? They- they didn’t hurt you?”

“No, I’m fine. Your wrists, what happened?”

“It doesn’t matter. What- what about your leg?”

“It’s been taken care of. It’s late. You should rest.”

At Varian’s nod, Perilune started to help him over to the bed. Rapunzel watched the exchange with an odd mix of happiness and heartache; their concern for each other was touching, but there was such brokenness to them…

Dad let out a slow breath and glanced over at Stan and Pete meaningfully, and Rapunzel caught on to his intent just as he opened his mouth to speak.

“Dad, please.” Rapunzel put a hand on her dad’s arm. “Just… look at them. They need each other right now.”

Dad hesitated. “Rapunzel, we have to remember that Varian is a criminal,” he said, his voice low. “There are rules put in place to ensure that-”

“Pe- Perilune…”

Varian’s faint voice made them fall silent again, glancing over at the pair of teens. Varian was finally settled in bed, Perilune at his side.

“Please don’t go…” he was pleading, struggling to keep his eyes open.

“Shh, shh… just rest,” Perilune soothed him. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“… promise?”

“I promise.”

Dad’s expression softened. He seemed to realize what Rapunzel had; if they forced Perilune to leave Varian right now, when they were both in such fragile states of mind, it would go over disastrously. They’d both been through enough for one day. At this point, separating them would be unbearably cruel. Any tentative trust Perilune had in them would be shattered, and Varian would probably fall to pieces all over again.

“… very well,” Dad relented. “Make sure to check in on them regularly, Stan. Every hour. And when the night watch gets here, make sure they know, too.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.” Dad put a hand on Rapunzel’s shoulder. “We should get some rest, dear. You did well tonight,” he added gently. “I’m glad to have you by my side in all this.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Rapunzel smiled. She gave Varian and Perilune a parting glance, her expression sobering.

Varian’s eyes were closed, his hand gripping Perilune’s as they ran their other one through his hair. Both of them still had tears on their faces, and the emotion in Perilune’s expression made Rapunzel’s heart tighten.

It was a sweet moment, but she could tell they both had a long road to recovery ahead of them. They’d been through more trauma than could be erased in a single night; Rapunzel ached to think of all the hurt they’d faced. But at least they had this.

Rapunzel turned away as the cell door closed, hoping beyond hope that these two kids would be okay.

Someday.

The room was quiet for a moment.

Rapunzel’s shoulders slumped with weariness at the memory. Pascal gave a sympathetic chirp, scales rubbing comfortingly against her cheek.

Cassandra let out a slow breath. “He was that bad, huh? I… didn’t know, Raps. I’m sorry.” Her eyebrows creased together in thought. “Hey, if you believe them, then that’s good enough for me.”

“Yeah, we’re with you,” Eugene said, putting a gentle hand on Rapunzel’s shoulder. “Look, I think we can all agree that things weren’t handled the way they could’ve been with Varian. Now that things are even crazier, we should try our best to be there for him. And his new friend.”

Rapunzel nodded slowly. “Agreed.” As hard as it had been to accept it, she knew they’d failed Varian at the start. It didn’t excuse or justify the lengths he’d taken in retaliation, but she couldn’t ignore the circumstances that’d pushed him that far.

“Agreed.” Cassandra still didn’t look entirely convinced, but it was enough that Rapunzel was certain she would at least try. That was all Rapunzel could really ask of her.

“Thanks, guys.” Rapunzel smiled at them, squeezing Eugene’s hand, before rising to her feet. “I think I’m gonna go try and talk to Varian. He should be awake by now.”

“Be careful,” Cassandra offered.

“And let us know how it goes,” Eugene added.

“I will,” Rapunzel assured them. Their support helped ease some of her nervousness, and not for the first time, she was thankful she had such great people in her life. “See you in a little while.”

Her walk to Varian’s cell was cautiously optimistic, and she took a single, steadying breath before knocking on the door.

Rapunzel hesitantly poked her head into her dad’s study.

“Hi, Dad.” Her voice made Dad look up from whatever document he was scanning intently. “Can we talk? About last night?” she asked.

Rapunzel had a lot on her mind. Her talk with Varian the morning before had gone… well. Comparatively. He’d talked to her, which was apparently more than he’d given anyone before. She hadn’t visited him in his two months at the castle; all the lingering fear and resentment and heartache hadn’t left her in a mindset where anything good would’ve come from it. So, she wasn’t surprised by how he’d received her. Obviously, there would still be tension between them- but he wasn’t the same spiteful, malicious boy she remembered from his trial. At least there was that.

But then, last night… things had taken a drastic turn for the worse. The discovery of Varian’s ability to drain life had shocked them all, Varian especially. It was definitely something that required following up on, since Rapunzel hadn’t stayed long enough to see the resolution. Which is why she’d made sure to track her father down early in the morning, before his duties took him away for the day.

“Yes, I wanted to speak with you as well,” Dad said, tucking the paper away in his desk drawer. He invited her to sit beside him, and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I sent you away, Rapunzel. After hearing what Varian’s powers are capable of, I wanted to make sure you were safe. But I shouldn’t have disregarded you like that.”

“Hey, I understand, Dad,” Rapunzel assured him, putting a hand on his shoulder. “So what happened? How’s Stan doing? And is Varian okay?”

“Stan is fine; there seem to be no lasting effects, and he’s taking the day to rest. As for Varian…” Dad frowned. “It’s… difficult to say. He’s going to be wearing gloves now, to prevent any more accidents. He seems certain that the power won’t work unless he’s directly touching someone.”

Rapunzel tiled her head, considering. “That makes sense.” After all, her healing abilities had relied on direct contact, too.

“Unfortunately, it won’t stop his other abilities from manifesting,” Dad continued, expression somber. “He will continue to stay under strict watch in his cell until a solution can be found. I already have Xavier looking into it, and once the patrol I sent to the temple returns, whatever information they’ve found will hopefully be of help.”

Rapunzel was silent for a moment, turning the information over in her head. It seemed like a reasonable course of action; Varian’s powers shouldn’t be taken lightly. But she did need to make something clear.

“… he didn’t mean to do it, Dad,” Rapunzel murmured, looking up at him.

Dad’s expression softened. “I know, Rapunzel. I promise, I’m not trying to punish him for it. And I don’t believe Varian would intentionally harm someone, not anymore, but accidents can happen, and an accident such as this could be devastating. I feel it is best to err on the side of caution for the time being.”

Rapunzel nodded slowly. “So… are you going to tell me to stay away from Varian?” she ventured.

Dad sighed wearily, and the lines in his face suddenly looked deeper, like he’d aged five years in a single moment. “No, sweetheart,” he said quietly. “I… have made many mistakes, and will likely make many more, but I endeavor not to repeat the same ones. Whatever all this means, you’re a part of it, and Varian is as well. I won’t try to keep you from it like I did before.” Gently, he took her hands in his own. “All I ask is that you be careful, and ask for help when you need it.”

Rapunzel gave him a reassuring smile. “I will, Dad,” she told him, hugging him tight. “Thank you.”

“Thank you, dear,” Dad replied, returning the embrace. “For being so supportive in all this. I haven’t forgotten my promise to help Varian, but this cult business was an unforeseen complication. It’s my responsibility, and I’ll do my best to take care of it.”

“You won’t have to do it alone,” Rapunzel reminded him. “You’ve got me and Mom.”

“And I am thankful for that, every day.” Dad pulled away, brushing a strand of hair from her face with a fond smile. “It won’t be easy, but we’ll get through it. Together.”

Rapunzel kissed him on the cheek. “Together,” she agreed.

Rapunzel looked up from her journal at a soft knock on her door.

She dog-eared the top of the page she was working on- her scribbled, half-formed thoughts titled Varian and Perilune- before closing her journal. “Hello?” she called.

The door cracked open, and Rapunzel straightened at the sight of her mother. “Oh, hi Mom!”

“Hi, dear.” Mom gave her a gentle smile, lingering in the doorway. “May I come in?”

“Of course,” Rapunzel said. “Is everything okay?”

“I was actually going to ask you the same thing,” Mom said, sitting down on the bed beside her. “You seemed quiet at dinner. What’s on your mind?”

“Well…” Rapunzel bit her lip, brushing a thumb over the cover of her journal. “I’m worried about Varian. And Perilune.”

It’d been nearly a week since the night when Varian’s powers activated unexpectedly. Since then, it’d been happening often; usually whenever he had a nightmare. If Stan and Pete hadn’t mentioned it to Rapunzel, she still would’ve known because she could feel it. She didn’t always get woken up from it, but whenever Varian’s powers were active, she’d get that same nagging sensation in her mind. Like someone or something was trying to call to her, but getting distorted, as if she was underwater. Even if it wasn’t enough to wake her, it would slip into her dreams, leaving her uneasy when she woke.

(Absently, she wondered if Varian would feel it if her powers acted up...)

Whenever it happened, Stan and Pete couldn’t do anything but watch from outside the door, until Varian exhausted himself and the magic faded. It didn’t seem like his powers were getting any more explosive, and there hadn’t been an incident like the first time, but Varian was definitely struggling. She’d heard it all from Stan and Pete; not sleeping, hardly eating, and withdrawing from all interaction. It was like nothing had changed, like that one promising day had been nothing but a dream.

Most troubling was his decision to stop seeing Perilune. Rapunzel had been shocked when she’d first heard. She still was; she would’ve thought that Varian would be reaching out to Perilune now more than ever- she’d seen firsthand how much Perilune seemed to reassure him. But instead, he’d asked Stan and Pete not to let them visit him- which was his right, Rapunzel supposed, but it had worrying implications.

Mom reached out and squeezed Rapunzel’s hand. “I know the past week has been… eventful,” she said. “I’m sure things will settle.”

Rapunzel sighed. “I don’t know, Mom… I mean, obviously Varian wasn’t going to be fine straight away, but he just seems to be getting worse. And I don’t think Perilune’s been sleeping, Pete said that when they came by today, they looked really tired.”

Mom’s eyebrows knit together in concern. “Do you think they’re just having a hard time adjusting, or is it because they’re worried about Varian?”

“Both?” Rapunzel shrugged helplessly. “Honestly, I think they need each other right now, but Varian won’t let Perilune see him. He… seemed really freaked out about his powers, after almost hurting Stan… it’s like he’s pushing Perilune away.”

“He’s been doing that since his arrest,” Mom said thoughtfully. “All my attempts, and anyone else’s to connect with him, were in vain. But the day after his return… he spoke with your father civilly and answered his questions. He held a conversation with you, and even willingly reached out to Stan and Pete. It was more progress in a single day than I’d seen in his two months here- and now he’s reverted back to the way he was before.” She gave Rapunzel a considering look. “So, what can we do about it?”

Rapunzel recognized the open question for what it was. “Well, they need to talk, but Varian’s made it clear he won’t see them willingly,” she mused, playing with a strand of hair. “Forcing it would probably make things worse, I don’t think Varian would appreciate me… meddling, or anything, and Perilune would feel like they’re imposing. So if I could just get them to meet in a less… oppressive, environment… maybe they’ll work things out?”

Mom nodded slowly. “Varian’s been on lockdown for almost a week, I’m sure he’s long overdue for a trip outside. Perhaps the courtyard?”

“Oh! Yes, that could work!” Rapunzel said excitedly, standing up. She paced back and forth, toying with the beginnings of a plan. “I’m sure Dad can be convinced, especially if Varian’s guards are with him, and then I just need to get Perilune outside. At the very least they’ll see each other, which might be enough as a starting point. I can go ask Dad right now, and- oh!” She quickly whirled back around to hug her mother. “Thanks, Mom!”

“Anytime, Rapunzel,” Mom smiled. “I’m proud of you, you know. Most people would consider Varian a lost cause. I fear even your father was starting to lose hope. But perhaps he just needed someone to believe in him.”

Rapunzel hummed in agreement. “I think so, too. But… that progress we saw in him wasn’t brought on by anything I did.” She thought of the tenderness in Perilune’s eyes when they looked at Varian, and realized they’d probably been the first person to believe in him in a long time.

Mom seemed to realize it, too. “Then I’m glad those two have someone like you looking out for them,” she said gently.

Rapunzel gave her a determined smile. “I’ll do my best,” she said, the weight of her words settling around her heart.

It was an almost-promise; no guarantee that things were going to turn out a certain way, but the commitment to try and be there for Varian this time. For the both of them.

She could do that.

“So? How’s it going? Are they talking?”

Rapunzel kept her face carefully angled away from Varian and Perilune, the pair of teens seated on a bench at the far end of the courtyard. She didn’t want to be too obvious, but she was dying to know if her plan had worked, if the two were finally attempting to clear the air between them.

“Uh, looks like it, Your Highness,” Pete murmured, with a discrete glance over his shoulder. “Doesn’t look too good, though. Varian seems upset.”

“Well, there’s a lot of hurt right now, Pete,” Stan put in wisely. “They’re gonna have to get through it.”

“I know how conflict resolution works, Stan,” Pete huffed. “I’m- I’m just saying, he looks upset right now, but there’s really no way to know how things are going since we can’t hear them.”

Rapunzel hummed noncommittally. “I think this’ll be good for them,” she said. “Thanks again for letting Perilune over there. I mean, I know it’s technically not against the rules since Varian’s not in his cell, but… I appreciate it.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” Stan replied. “Happy to help.”

“And even if they don’t work everything out, it’ll at least be a good starting point for them!” Rapunzel continued, playing with a strand of her hair. “Maybe Varian will be open to talking with them again tomorrow, and eventually they can-”

“Oh, uh, Princess?” Stan raised his eyebrows, looking past her. “Yeah, I think they’re good.”

Confused, Rapunzel risked a glance over at Varian and Perilune. She immediately had to stifle a gasp- they were kissing, Perilune’s hands cupping Varian’s face.

Rapunzel quickly looked away so as not to intrude, though she couldn’t hide her smile. That was a reconciliation if she’d ever seen one. It did take her slightly by surprise, but happily so; for Varian to be willing to take such a leap… he must really trust Perilune. It was also relieving in a roundabout way; not only did it mean that things were going to be better for the both of them, but it was proof that Varian was not beyond help, beyond love… it made Rapunzel more hopeful for his future than she’d been in a long time.

“Oh, that’s so sweet,” Pete said beside her, his voice soft.

Stan nodded in agreement. “And thank goodness, too. It broke my heart to send Perilune away every day. And I’ve never seen the kid as happy as he was with them.”

Rapunzel bounced on her toes, only just managing to contain her excitement. “Seriously, thanks so much, you guys! They both really needed this.”

“No problem,” Stan replied, putting a hand on Pete’s shoulder. “We know as much as anyone how bad he was doing before. We just want him to be happy.” He glanced over at the bench. “Oh, okay, they’re done. Good timing, we should probably get Varian back now.”

He tilted his head at Varian and Perilune, who had finally pulled away and were talking quietly. Varian looked almost breathless with happiness, and Perilune was smiling brighter than Rapunzel had ever seen them. It made her feel like her heart was going to burst.

“I’ll go fetch the lovebirds,” Stan continued, the corners of his mouth pulling up.

Pete let out a gentle sigh as he and Rapunzel watched Stan walk away. “Y’know, Your Highness… I think those two are gonna be okay,” he said thoughtfully.

Rapunzel watched as Varian and Perilune stood, still holding hands. A tender smile made its way across her face, and she was filled with certainty, reassurance, and above all, hope.

“I think so, too.”