Chapter Text
With the help of the Morgans and their people, the Realtí Colony, the salvage of Old Corona took a little under a week. They even offered them a place to stay with them until they could decide what they would do next. During this time, Varian packed up the things he needed and moved in with the Morgans with Ruddiger (getting another shock when he learned their house was sentient). He made the guest room his own, and the Teachín even set up a trapdoor to a lab under his room. They even found a place in the stables for his father’s horse.
In between helping with the salvage, Varian and Micheal also worked on trying to find a way to break the amber. So far, they hadn’t had any luck. Varian tried compound after compound while Micheal poured over his spellbooks for something that would free Quirin. However, after they nearly blew themselves up in one attempt that got them sent to Jareth for treatment, Alannah suggested they take a break before trying anything else.
After salvaging what they could still use, Varian and the Old Coronans gathered and discussed what they would do next. The alchemist, being acting mayor since his father was imprisoned, had said he would be staying with Morgans, which prompted some of the adults to suggest they stay with the Realtí Colony as well. In a near-unanimous vote, it was decided Old Corona would join the Realtians, at least for now, while they waited to see if King Frederic would come through with more land. Alannah agreed to this and used her magic to create homes for the Old Coronans to stay in.
It was still cold, but the snow was almost gone. Today, Varian and Micheal were out in the woods helping the alchemist look for ingredients for a new solution. Ruddiger rode on Varian’s shoulder while Fiona sniffed around near Micheal.
“Okay, the plant we’re looking for should be right around here,” Varian said as they spread out to search.
“Didn’t we look for this plant yesterday?” Micheal asked.
“Yeah, but it’s for a different formula.”
“Couldn’t we have just asked Isaac or Rowan to grow some for us?”
“I, uh… I didn’t want to bother them,” the alchemist stuttered, not looking at him.
Micheal stared at the other boy for a moment with sad eyes. After what happened during the blizzard, they realized Varian had developed a fear of asking for help. Once, Varian had burned himself during an experiment, and Micheal had to drag him to Jareth for treatment. It was going to take some time to break this fear…
“Hey, guys!”
The boys turned as a young girl about a year older than them came running up. She was tall, beautiful, and slender with a sculpted figure. She had fair skin, long, waist-length, wavy brown hair with bangs, engaging light brown eyes, red lips, a sharp jawline, and a natural pink tint to her cheeks. Still dressed for the cold like everyone else, she wore an olive green over a pink dress, black leggings, and a pair of brown boots.
Her name was Flora Guinness, and she was a lifelong friend of Micheal’s. In fact, her older brother, Martin, was dating Micheal’s cousin, Dominic. (Once again, it was a culture shock for Varian to see open same-sex couples)
“Hi, Flora!” Micheal greeted her.
“I was wondering where you guys went off to.”
“Just looking for another alchemy ingredient.”
“Want some help?” She asked.
“Uh, sure,” Varian nodded. He had only met Flora a couple of times, so she was still kind of a stranger to him. Still, Micheal trusted her, and Varian would admit he was starting to trust him, so he didn’t see a problem with her around.
Fiona sneezed suddenly, catching the kids off guard as the dog shook her head. “Ugh, this cold isn’t letting up!”
“Give it a few more days, Fi,” Flora assured her.
“Still, can’t Patty warm things up a little?”
“She can’t,” the mage said. “That storm was summoned by ancient dark magic, something stronger than Aunt Patty’s weather magic. We just have to wait for things to warm up on their own.”
“An evil blizzard?” Varian said, looking puzzled.
“It’s magic, Varian. Don’t think too much about it, or your head will explode.” Flora joked.
“No, no, it’s not that,” The alchemist responded, thinking about something. “I just… I think I’ve heard about something like that before…”
“Where?” Micheal looked at him.
“I think Xavier mentioned the story to me in passing, but he talks about a lot of different legends, so I’m not sure.”
“Who’s Xavier?” Flora asked.
“He’s the blacksmith in the capital. He’s also an amateur historian who loves talking about old legends and myths. I think the one that mentioned a blizzard was the Curse of Zhan Tiri.” Varian explained.
“Zhan Tiri?” Micheal’s eyes widened in fear. “The warlock?”
“Yeah. Have you heard of him?”
“Unfortunately,” The Morgan boy replied grimly. “His cruelty is legendary, even in Realtí.”
“If I remember correctly, he hated Corona,” Varian explained. “He cast a curse on the kingdom so that when it was at its weakest, a violet snowstorm would appear and destroy what was left of it.”
“Well, that makes sense,” The colonist boy responded. “Between the rocks, the King and Queen being out, and the kingdom being run by a princess who had no clue what she was doing, I’d say that was the literal perfect storm.”
“Destroying Corona wasn’t the only thing on his mind,” Fiona said as she scratched herself.
“Right. He was also after the Sundrop and Moonstone.” The female colonist said, knowing some of the stories herself.
“The Sundrop?” Varian’s eyes widened. “You mean the magic flower used to save Rapunzel and her mom?”
“The same.” The mage nodded. “The Moonstone is its dark counterpart. Supposedly, when the two are brought together, they create some kind of divine ultimate power.”
“Not something you want falling into the hands of a vindictive warlock,” Fiona commented.
“Absolutely not.” Flora shook her head in agreement.
“You said the Moonstone was the Sundrop’s counterpart, right?” Varian questioned. “Then does that mean it has the opposite powers of the Sundrop?”
“Mmhm,” Micheal nodded. “In fact, the black rocks actually come from the Moonstone.”
“Then, why are they here?” His colony friend questioned.
“Because the balance between it and the Sundrop was disturbed. Magic forces exist in a delicate balance, a lot like nature. Disrupt that and expect disastrous consequences.”
“But doesn’t nature try to correct itself when its balance is disturbed?” Varian pointed out.
“Yes, but it takes time, and time is something Corona doesn’t have.”
“So, how do we speed up repairs?” Flora asked.
Micheal sighed defeatedly. “I don’t know. When the two artifacts appeared, it was obvious that they came from a higher power. It became taboo to even consider taking either one of them. No one thought that anyone would actually do it. I can try checking my books, but there’s never been a lot of information on the Sundrop and Moonstone.”
Varian thought for a minute before getting an idea. “Let’s go talk to Xavier. He knows a lot about legends. Maybe he knows something we don’t.”
“Then let’s go see him.” Flora agreed with the idea.
“Uh…” Micheal replied, having a different opinion.
“What?” The other teens asked together.
“We better tell them, Micheal,” Fiona said.
The mage sighed, trying to gather his words. “We were going to tell you once we were done salvaging.”
“Tell me what?” Varian raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Dominic was keeping an ear out for what was happening in the city. He heard some… unsettling things… about you.”
“What do you mean?”
Before anyone else could say something, Ruddiger suddenly perked up and glared at the woods behind the alchemist. He jumped to the ground and hissed at the foliage, getting the trio’s attention.
“What is it, buddy?” Varian asked, getting nervous.
Whatever it was, Fiona sensed it and began to growl in time with Ruddiger’s hiss.
Micheal’s eyes widened in fear. Something was wrong. He needed to get Varian and Flora back to the colony now.
“Varian, let’s call it a day for today. We can ask Isaac about the plant later,” he suggested as Fiona backed towards her human friend, not taking her eyes off the bush.
“Besides, it’s getting late,” Flora agreed, moving closer to her friend. “It’s not safe to be away from the colony after dark.”
“Right,” Varian nodded as he scooped up his raccoon. “Let’s go, Ruddiger.”
The teens turned to run when suddenly, a man jumped out in front of them. He wore a dark red tunic, a black cape, and a silver helmet covering his head and face.
“Hand over the alchemist,” He demanded, his voice distorted by the mask.
“A witch hunter!” Flora cried.
“Run!” Micheal yelled, grabbing Varian’s hand.
The girl ducked around one side of the hunter while the mage pulled the alchemist around the other. However, the man grabbed Varian by the arm, forcing them to stop as the hair-striped teen cried out.
“Varian!”
“Let go!” Varian struggled in the man’s grip.
Fiona barked as she charged at the man, teeth bared in an angry snarl. She jumped at him, forcing him to let go of Varian as she knocked him to the ground. The boy and the dog regrouped with the mage, not noticing another man rise behind them.
“Watch out!” they heard Flora call, turning just in time to see a snow-covered tree branch swing out and smack the man in the face. The female colonist emerged from the foliage and rejoined the others. “Come on!”
The trio tried to run again but soon found more trouble as more witch hunters stepped out of the trees. The teens pushed themselves back to back as they found themselves surrounded. Micheal knew he could use his magic to get them out of there, but that would mean exposing the colony.
Just when they thought this would end badly, they heard the sound of hoofbeats. Both groups turned just in time to see August riding up on his horse, Scarlet, and Jonah and Camille on Angus and Camille’s horse, Kylie.
Scarlet was a grayish-silver mare with a white stripe down her face, a flowing black mane, and brown eyes. Meanwhile, Kylie was primarily black with a shorter mane than Scarlet, with a stripe of white down her nose, white sock patterns on her legs, and light green eyes. Both mares wore the same saddle and blanket set as Phoenix, the same as Angus.
Along with the Morgans was a girl about Camille’s age. She had long blond hair in a high ponytail, long-swept bangs that mostly covered her right eye, dark blue eyes, tan skin, and pink lips. The girl appeared tall on her horse, with a slender and curvy yet athletic build. She was dressed similarly to Camille with a black coat, gray pants, a red scarf, matching earmuffs, and brown boots. Her horse was a white stallion with gray dapples, brown eyes, and a short black mane, and he wore the same bridle and saddle set as the Morgans’ horses.
The hunters scattered as the cavalry rode up, Jonah firing arrows at them in warning shots. August slid off his horse, drawing his sword before charging at the hunters, the girls doing the same. Having come unarmed, the witch hunters quickly retreated into the forest.
“This isn’t over!” The leader warned before following his men.
August glared angrily after the hunters before turning a concerned gaze back on the frightened boys. Varian had collapsed at one point, and Micheal kneeled beside him to comfort him, although he looked pretty shaken. Flora was on Varian’s other side, visibly trembling as Fiona nuzzled her comfortingly. Jonah and the girls were still on guard as if they had half-expected the hunters to reappear at any second.
“Let’s head back to the colony,” He suggested, unsure what else to say.
Without another word, the teens got up and started walking back the way they came. Jonah and the girls put away their weapons and followed them, guiding their horses by the reins. August sighed tiredly before doing the same, looking over his shoulder one last time as he took up the rear.
( Later )
Varian was curled up on his bed at the Teachín, eyes unfocused and wet with tears.
After they returned to the colony, almost everyone came to check on them. When Dominic heard the witch hunters in the woods, he alerted everyone else. The adults who knew what he was talking about became immediately alarmed, especially Marcus and his mother when they realized Flora was out there. Varian barely responded to it, even when Jareth pulled him and Micheal into his arms. He felt numb from the attack, remembering how the masked men had singled him out.
Once the group dispersed and the colony’s scouts were posted to keep watch, the Morgans informed Varian of what was happening. Naturally, he was horrified to learn that the King was out to get him and about the rumors. Those men must have been sent by the King… which meant Varian had put the colony and Old Corona in danger. Seeing the shock on his face, Alannah suggested he and Micheal rest in their rooms. The alchemist vaguely remembered the mage wanting to stay with him, but his grandmother had told him to let him have some space. Varian was grateful for that because as soon as he reached his room, he closed the door and started crying into the sheets.
Ruddiger watched his human sadly, wishing he could do something for him. He jumped onto the bed and curled beside him, hoping to offer comfort.
“Oh, Ruddiger… what have I done?” he said after a minute. “I was so desperate to be helpful and… prove something, and now… This is all my fault. How could I have been so stupid?”
Varian couldn’t help but wonder: Did his dad know about this? Is that why he lied to the King and told him not to say anything? Did he know what would happen if they told the truth?
Sniffling again, Varian sat up, wrapping the blanket around him for comfort. He didn’t know the answers to those questions, but one thing was sure…
“I wish he was here,” He whispered, wanting nothing more than his father’s comfort. Ruddiger whimpered and snuggled in close to him, doing the only thing he could do.
They both felt the Teachín shudder for a minute like it was weeping for him. Then, a side table came up through the floor with a mug of hot cocoa on it.
“Oh… thank you,” Varian said as he took the drink, too caught up in his emotions to think it was weird he was talking to a house. After taking a sip, he stared at it before talking to the Teachín again. “You know… deep down… I always knew I didn’t fit in here. I kept telling myself that one day, I would make the greatest invention ever, make everyone’s life easier, and then they would finally accept me.”
He grew quiet as his frown deepened. “I should’ve known… no matter what I did or how hard I tried… they would never accept me.”
Varian looked out the window, watching as the sky changed colors in the approaching twilight.
All those days watching from the windows
All those years outside looking in
All that time, never even knowing
Just how blind I've been
Varian got up from the bed and slowly moved to sit on the window seat. He stared out at the woods around the colony and the castle looming like an ominous thorn beyond it.
Now I'm here, crying in the twilight
Now I'm here, and suddenly I see
Sitting here, it's all so clear
I'm not where I'm meant to be
His mind cycled through how everyone around him said Corona was the best. Everything here was great and perfect, yet there was a darkness lurking in the shadows—darkness created by the ignorance of those who refused to believe that perfection is impossible… at least without covering up the cracks.
Varian knew Lady Caine’s story. How many others were like her? Had their families torn apart by the whims of the… tyrant on the throne?
And at last, I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last, I see the light
And it's a disappointing view
And it's cold and coarse and cruel
And my world has somehow shifted
Varian clutched his mug tighter, fighting tears as the rose-tinted glasses came off, and he saw his homeland for what it really was.
All at once, everything is different
Now that I know you
Ruddiger jumped up in front of Varian, who sighed tiredly. The alchemist was in such a whirlwind emotional state that he didn’t know what to feel or do.
August opened the door slightly and watched Varian momentarily before announcing his presence. “Varian?”
“Hm?” The alchemist looked up. “Oh, hi, Mr. Morgan.”
“August is fine,” The older man assured as he stepped into the room, back in his casual clothes. “How are you doing?”
“Not great,” Varian admitted, looking and sounding numb.
“I don’t blame you,” August said, Ruddiger moving over so the man could sit beside him. “What happened today was pretty scary.”
“It’s not that…” Varian said, causing him to look at the boy in confusion. “It’s just… All my fault.”
“Varian, being targeted by witch hunters is one of the downsides of being magical. We all knew the risks coming back to Corona.”
“But if I had just left the rocks alone like I was told, none of this would be happening!” the alchemist argued, voice rising as he became more distressed. “I brought trouble to the colony all because I was so desperate to prove I was more than just the screw-up alchemist that blew up the village every other week!”
August watched him softly as Varian’s rant stopped when he started crying again. The older man scooted closer as Ruddiger moved aside before wrapping the boy in a hug.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…” He whimpered, guilt and tears making it hard for him to talk.
“Varian, it’s okay…” August assured him as he took the drink out of his hand and set it on the side table. “As far as we’re concerned, you’ve done nothing wrong. Look, I don’t know a lot about alchemy, but if it’s like magic, then it’s something you need to be careful when doing.”
Varian sniffled a little as he listened to the older man’s words.
“Take Micheal, for example. He’s like you when it comes to magic, excited to learn and create something new. But he also knows he needs to be careful when working on his spells or potions because he knows that even minor mistakes can have disastrous consequences. Do you understand?”
“… Yeah, I do.” He said after a moment as they untangled. Varian had gotten lectures like this before, but something about how August explained it seemed to register with the teen scientist. It might be because he was more patient and understanding with Varian than his father and fellow villagers were. “I’m sorry for nearly getting your son blown up before…”
“Also not your fault,” August said, smiling slightly despite himself. “Micheal’s always been dedicated to his studies, but I’ve never seen him push himself this hard. He really wants to help you.”
Varian smiled as well, grateful for the other teen's help.
“As far as feeling like needing to prove something, I learned long ago that it’s just a waste of time. What’s the point of constantly seeking validation when all it does is hold you back from being happy with your life? Just be yourself and do what makes you happy. That’s something to really be proud of.”
The alchemist felt his eyes water again, but this time for a different reason. He didn’t realize how much he needed to hear those words until someone finally said them.
“Thank you…” He whispered before taking a deep breath. “What do we do about the King and the witch hunters?”
“Don’t worry, we know how to handle witch hunters,” August said, placing a hand on Varian’s shoulder. “As for His Majesty, we have a plan in the works, but we’ll handle that once you feel a little better.”
“Okay,” Varian nodded after a minute.
“In the meantime, we’re going to have a celebration tonight to mark our new friendship with your fellow villagers. Would you feel up to going?” the older man asked as the alchemist thought it over. “There's nothing wrong with saying no.”
Varian shook his head. “No, being acting mayor, I should put in an appearance, at least for a little bit.”
“Well, all right,” August got up to leave. “It won’t be for a few more hours yet, so try to rest for now.”
“Okay,” Varian nodded as the older man left the room. The alchemist looked out the window again, taking in the sky’s changing colors with renewed hope.
Meanwhile, August checked on his son, not surprised to find his books everywhere. Micheal was pouring over one text at his desk, looking frustrated.
“Watcha doin’, Son?” He asked, stepping into the room.
The younger Morgan groaned exhaustedly. “Trying to find something helpful about the Sundrop and Moonstone.”
August looked on sadly before rubbing his son’s back. “I know, Micheal, I know.”
Micheal sighed as he leaned into his father’s side, losing his irritated energy. “Did Uncle Brian say anything else when he did his reading?”
“Nothing about the celestial artifacts as far as I know.”
The younger sighed again. “What do we do now?”
“For now, let’s take a break and enjoy the party tonight. You and Varian need one after today.” August suggested.
“Shouldn’t we be worried about the witch hunters coming back?”
“Don’t worry, we’ve got our defenses set up, and your grandmother’s casting her own spell to protect the colony. Tonight, let’s celebrate a new beginning and come back to the problem with a fresh look tomorrow. Sound good?”
Micheal looked at his father before smiling slightly. “Well, I can never say no to Phápa’s cooking.”
“That’s the spirit!” August grinned, pulling his son into a hug as they both laughed.
( Later that Evening )
The celebration was in full swing, with the Realtians and Old Coronans celebrating a job well done and beginning a new friendship. Not even the remaining cold and snow from the blizzard or the witch hunter sighting could dampen their moods.
Food and drinks were served as everyone mingled and laughed by firelight. Those who knew music played songs for ambiance, while some colonists showed the Coronans a dance from their homeland. Some of the Morgans, like Rachel, Emmett, and Victoria, used their powers to entertain the younger kids, while Anthony’s animal friends joined in the fun as the youngest Morgan rode around on his wolf, Peter.
Varian sat off to the side with a new cup of cocoa, watching Ruddiger run around with two of Anthony’s raccoons. The alchemist had seldom attended these events since he became the kingdom outcast, preferring to work in his lab away from everyone.
He smiled slightly as he watched everyone have a good time despite the tragedies of the past few months. Like his father always said, they would endure. Yet, at the thought of his father, Varian’s smile faded. The young alchemist understood now why his dad was being so secretive. He wished he could go back and do that day over again, if only to apologize for their fight.
“Hey.” Varian turned to see Micheal had come over to him. “Want some company?”
The alchemist shrugged, and the colonist took that as a sign to sit down. The boys sat silently for some time, watching the festivities around them.
“How have you been since… earlier?” Micheal finally spoke.
“Better,” Varian sighed. “Not okay, but better.”
“Same thing.”
“I’m kinda surprised to see you here. I mean, you and I are so alike that I figured parties and crowds weren’t your thing. The only reason I’m here is because I felt like I had to make an appearance since I’m the acting mayor.”
“You’re not wrong. When we have functions, I usually stay inside and read. If I have to come, I’ll stay long enough to say I was there and then head back. Dad thought taking a break and hanging out with everyone would help after today.”
“Speaking of today, how’s Flora? Is she here?”
“She’s hanging out with the band,” Micheal nodded toward the music. The alchemist saw Flora sitting near the musicians, clapping along with the melody. “‘Probably taking a break from dancing.”
“Hey, didn’t the girl on the piano come to help us earlier?” Varian asked, recognizing the blond from earlier.
“Yeah, that’s Trinity Moore. She’s a musician as well as a fighter.”
“Oh.” Varian nodded as he watched the band. Also in the group was Rowan on the accordion and Viorel playing the tambourine while dancing to the music.
Then there was a boy about Micheal’s age, playing the guitar. He looked taller than himself and Micheal, at 5’5”, with a slender yet muscular-looking build. His dark brown hair was shoulder-length in a low ponytail, his skin was tanned, and his eyes were bright blue-green. Since it was still cold out, he dressed for the weather with an indigo coat, a white scarf, dark blue pants, and black boots.
“Who’s that?”
“Oh, that’s Roderick, but he goes by Erick. He thinks his name is too on the stuffy side.”
Varian chuckled slightly before asking, “Is he a friend of yours, too?”
“Yup, same with Trinity. I’ve known them and Flora since we were kids.” Micheal explained before something caught his eye, making him chuckle. “Looks like Phoebe strikes again.”
“Phoebe?”
“Over there with Louis.” The Morgan boy nodded in the direction his brother was.
Varian followed his gaze and saw Louis being pulled to the dance area by a girl older than them yet younger than Louis. She was a beautiful young woman with a slender yet muscular build, an hourglass figure, and a softly shaped face. She had long, wavy brown hair in a high ponytail with soft bangs, curly fringes on the tips, brown eyes with thick eyebrows and eyelashes, full red lips, and fair, flawless skin. She wore a black winter cloak and a blue coat over a lighter blue dress with black shoes and a yellow shawl around her waist. Louis looked awkward as Phoebe started to dance, but he soon found his rhythm as they danced together.
“Phoebe’s the only person in this colony who can get Louis to take a break and have fun.”
“I get it.” Varian smiled slightly.
Micheal looked back at the band and said, “And it looks like Flora wants us to come over.”
Following his gaze, the alchemist saw Micheal’s friend wave to them. The mage got up and offered a hand to Varian, silently asking if he wanted to come, too. The alchemist hesitated but agreed as he took Micheal’s hand and let the other teen lead him to the others.
They sat next to Flora, who smiled happily at them. “Hi, guys, having fun?”
“Yeah, we’re just hanging out,” Micheal said.
“Great.”
“Yeah, we earned this after the last week,” Trinity commented without pause in her movements.
“Let’s take five after this set,” Erick suggested. “I want another turn at the food table.”
“Then let me get in one more dance,” Flora said as she stood up before turning to Micheal. “Join me, Micheal?”
“Sure.” The mage followed her to the dance, waving slightly to Varian as he left.
Varian waved back with a small smile, but it fell as he started feeling uncertain. He didn’t know Micheal’s other friends well, so he worried about it becoming awkward. Thankfully, Erick and Trinity were so focused on playing music that they didn’t try to converse. Still, Varian was starting to feel antsy just sitting around doing nothing…
After watching Trinity play a bit more, he looked at the piano, walked over, and sat down next to the blond girl. He plinked out a few notes before playing along, going off sound since he had never heard these songs before. He looked at Trinity, who smiled in appreciation for him joining in. She had been playing for a while and was ready for a break.
The tune differed slightly from what the Realtians knew of the song, but they enjoyed the change. The other musicians adjusted their instruments so they were all in synch, and the dancers changed their steps to a new dance while those who were listening clapped along.
Varian smiled at them as he played but focused on the music. When the song finished, everyone clapped and cheered, making the alchemist blush sheepishly.
“Nice,” Trinity nodded in approval. “Where’d you learn to play like that?”
“Oh, I’m self-taught,” Varian moved to get up. “If you want to take over again, I’ll–”
“Oh, no, it’s okay. You can keep playing,” She encouraged.
“Uhm, okay. Let’s see…” Varian thought it over before starting a new song. He didn’t know any Realtian music, so he picked a folk song he was familiar with.
The other musicians adapted and started playing along with the piano. There were some pitchy moments, but soon everything harmonized. Erick smiled at Varian as he played, the alchemist smiling back. Rowan danced around with his accordion, causing them and Trinity to laugh.
Varian looked back at the crowd as the Old Coronans showed the Realtians the dance for this song, watching Micheal and Flora try to follow along. The brunette male looked at him with a smile of his own, causing Varian to blush shyly as he smiled back before focusing on the music.
Soon, the song was over, and everyone clapped and cheered. Varian got a few friendly claps on the back and hugs before Micheal came over to bring him back to the food area for a new cup of hot chocolate.
“You’re good,” he said as he and Varian got warm drinks. “I didn’t know you could play.”
“It’s just a hobby of mine,” the alchemist shrugged, trying to be nonchalant, but sadness started to appear in his eyes. “My mom used to play the piano, and after she died, I found some of her old sheet music and taught myself how to play.”
Ruddiger and Fiona reappeared from wherever they were and rejoined their humans. The raccoon climbed onto Varian’s shoulders and patted his face with a paw, sensing his sad emotions. Varian chuckled slightly and drank more of his cocoa.
“I’m sorry about your mom,” Micheal offered his sympathy.
Varian finished his drink and nodded, wiping at his mouth with the back of his gloved hand. “It was years ago. I was barely old enough to remember her.”
“Some hurts never go away,” the mage said, looking over at where his grandmother was talking with some of the older members of the communities. This caused the alchemist to look in that direction as well. “Sometimes, when I get up at night, I’ll find Mhamó talking to Daideo’s portrait, asking him for guidance.”
“‘Daideo?’”
“It’s our native word for ‘grandpa.’ He died when my dad was just a baby. That was fifty years ago, and Mhamó still misses him.”
“Oh.”
“On their wedding anniversary, she’ll wear a mourning shawl. That’s when she misses him the most.”
Varian looked at the Morgan matriarch with sadness, knowing firsthand how painful it is to lose someone you love. Suddenly, Micheal wrapped an arm around the alchemist in a one-armed hug, pulling him close. Varian leaned into him as a few silent tears appeared in his eyes.
“I’m gonna head inside. Do you want to come? I was just going to read until it was time to clean up.”
“Sure.” Varian nodded before the two headed for the door, leaving the party behind for the night.
( Later that night )
The party had ended some hours ago. Everything was cleaned up, and everyone had gone home to rest for the next day.
Varian was up in his borrowed room trying to sleep, but no matter how much he tossed and turned, sleep wouldn’t come. The few times he managed to shut his eyes, his mind was plagued by the witch hunter attack in the woods. After a few more tries, he gave up and sat up in bed, looking out the window at the night world beyond it. Sighing, he got out of bed and headed to the kitchen to get something to drink.
As Varian went downstairs, he heard murmuring from the living room. Looking in curiously, he saw Rachel, Vanessa, and Bella huddled together on the couch. Rachel wore an ocean blue, ankle-length nightgown with shoulder-length sleeves and dark and light blue water flower patterns on the top and hem, and her hairpiece was gone. Vanessa’s hair was loose from its usual ponytail, and she wore a similar style nightgown in baby blue with white ruffles on the waist and collar, darker blue ribbons, and a transparent overskirt that made the bottom part look whiter. Finally, Bella’s hair was in a high ponytail, while her nightgown was baby pink with ruffles on the neck and sleeves. Vanessa was clearly upset about something, her face in her sister’s lap while Rachel and Bella tried to comfort her.
“It’s okay, Vanessa,” Rachel soothed. “It was just a nightmare.”
“Yeah, Flora and the boys are safe, and we were able to chase off the witch hunters,” Bella added. “Uncle August has a plan to deal with them, so everything will be alright.”
“I know…” Vanessa murmured before sitting up. “I know, it’s just…”
“We know. You’re magic makes it hard for you to deal with the bad times,” Rachel understood.
“Do you want me to wake Emmett and have him help you sleep?” Bella offered.
“No, thank you. Can we just… sit here for a few minutes?” Her cousin asked.
“Sure, we can do that.” Rachel agreed, scooching closer to her sister.
“I’ll go get some hot cocoa from the kitchen.” Bella offered as she got up. Varian had moved further into the shadows, so she didn’t see him as she walked past.
The alchemist watched her go before looking down guiltily. Although August said this wasn’t his fault, he couldn’t help but feel like it was. He turned away from the girls and walked back the way he came.
Seems like I've spent my whole life sleeping
Dreaming of things that don’t exist
Varian moved to the staircase when he caught sight of moonlight through the back door. Feeling oddly compelled, he changed course and walked towards the door.
Wracked with emotions, just trying to pretend I’m fine
He opened the door and looked around cautiously before stepping outside and closing the door quietly behind him. Varian knew logically that this was a dumb idea, especially since it was still cold out, but he felt he needed some space and air right now.
When she appeared, I thought the doors had opened
I could finally be what I wanted to be
To my dismay, something stood in my way
Nothing there was mine
He turned in the direction of the capital, looking at the castle.
And now they’ve crossed a line
Varian glared at the castle as he considered what had happened. If the King wanted a war, fine, but he wasn’t going to mess with his village or new friends. (Yes, Varian considered, they were his friends now)
But I feel the wind in my hair
There’s a gleam in my eye
And an endless horizon
Varian returned to the house to grab some things as the moon watched him go. Back in his room, he quietly got dressed and grabbed a few alchemy balls in case he ran into trouble while out.
Now I see the truth
And I’m no longer scared
Returning downstairs, Varian checked and saw the girls still in the living room. Grateful they didn’t see him, he went to the back door.
And if anyone gets in my way
Varian was about to open the door when he felt a presence behind him. Turning around, he saw Micheal behind him, fully dressed and carrying a hand-carved wooden staff topped with a sapphire star.
Well I’ll make sure that they’re all aware
The boys stared at each other before Micheal smirked, which Varian returned. There was truth in the saying, ‘Great minds think alike.’
That I am prepared
With the wind in my hair
Without another word, the boys ran out into the night.
So many roads I'll get to travel
With the new friends I’ve only met
Finally my own adventure’s just around the bend
Once in the woods, the duo stopped to catch their breath.
I’ve got a mystery to unravel
Varian glanced at a black rock beside them before he got up and walked on. Micheal followed beside him, holding up his staff as the gem began to glow, lighting up the woods around them.
And more mistakes I might regret
I finally see who I must be
Here with my friend
On him I’ll depend
Varian glanced at Micheal, who looked back at him, and the duo smiled. While the alchemist had only known the other briefly, the brunette hadn’t given him a reason to not trust him yet. Everything he said aligned with what he did, something Rapunzel hadn’t mastered yet.
The boys took off in a run again, Micheal leading the way with his staff.
I feel the wind in my hair
There’s a fire within
And my life’s finally starting
I’ve got a promise to keep
And a story to share
Once they reached the wall, they slowed to a stop. As they caught their breath, Varian looked back at the castle, narrowing his eyes before turning around.
Micheal focused on his staff, and suddenly, they were lifted into the air. Varian yelped in surprise as they rose onto the wall, the alchemist letting out a breathless laugh from the experience.
There’s a northern breeze blowing through
Varian looked out at the world beyond Corona with awe-inspired eyes before looking at the stars glittering above them. Micheal gave him a side smirk, knowing Varian would like this.
I’m ready to follow it who knows where
And I’ll get there I swear
With the wind in my hair
The alchemist opened his arms wide as the night breeze blew over them, feeling the freest he had ever felt for the first time in his life.
“How ya feeling?” Micheal asked as Varian came down from his high.
“Better. A lot better.”
“I’m glad.”
The boys settled down on the stone wall, getting comfortable as they watched the night sky. They sat in silence for a moment before Varian spoke up curiously. “How did you know I couldn’t sleep?”
“I didn’t,” Micheal answered. “I couldn’t sleep either, so I figured going to watch the stars for a bit would help. I didn’t realize you were awake until I saw you at the back door.”
“Oh… Sorry for sneaking out.”
“It’s fine. I usually stargaze with Estelle and Emmett, but they’re both asleep.”
They were quiet again momentarily before Varian asked, “Is Vanessa okay? I overheard her, Rachel, and Bella in the living room, and it sounded like she was having trouble sleeping, too.”
“Oh, that,” Micheal smiled sadly. “Vanessa’s magic revolves around retrocognition. She can see into the past. Part of that also gives her a photographic memory, so she has a hard time pushing away bad memories.”
“Oh, wow,” Varian murmured with wide eyes. “I had no idea.”
“Even mages have their problems,” the other boy shrugged. “But she doesn’t have to deal with it on her own. That’s what family is for.”
The alchemist looked at him for a minute before smiling as he looked back up at the sky. “Yeah, it is.”
The boys fell quiet again as they watched the night skies above them, enjoying the peace of the evening.
( Meanwhile )
The shadowed figure of a large man with a sword on his back walked through the shadows. He stopped just as he exited the forest, looking at the capital a short distance away.