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Chapter Text

" How much longer, Varian? " A chubby and short boy questioned with an explosive amount of excitement.

" Not much longer, Yong. " A dark skinned girl in a constellation dress said, pointing to where a large gate stood beyond the path.

" Was he asking you, Miss Prissy? I think not. " A pale boy in green smirked, leaning his elbow on the shoulder of his new lover.

" Honestly, Varian. " The girl started, " how did you fall in love with a guy like him- uh. . . . .Varian? "

But the raven haired boy wasn't listening to a word being said. His eyes looking straight ahead of him to where the gate that supposedly welcomed everyone from miles away. His eyes seemed to be empty as the donkey pulled their mini home on wheels closer to the Kingdom he still feared.

The elder boy and younger girl sighed at the sight of Varian, as the boy told all 3 of them about why they found old wanted posters of him on their travels to the Eternal Library. That was probably the only time the 3 of them saw the most emotion out of Varian throughout their entire adventure together.

The boy known as Yong, however, didn't sigh with the rest of them, but instead gave Varian a hug. A hug that brought his light blue eyes back to reality to see a boy, who he loved as a little brother, hugging him. A small smile tugged against his lips at the gesture.

The 2 others walked towards the boy and sat down with him, the tension in the air so thick that it could be cut through with a knife.

" You know, we don't have to go to Corona if you don't want to. " The blond boy placed a hand on the head of his lover. " I mean- since Donella and her henchmen ranaway after- well, you remember. . . "

How could Varian not forget what happened 2 weeks ago upon them unlocking the Eternal Library?

Finding out that your crush was working for the bad guys the whole time?

Honestly, he kinda did that in Corona and betrayed everyone he'd cared about.

Having your mother go crazy and try to take over your body so that she could escape the library and see the real world once more?

Eh, considering he was the victim, Varian thought he deserved it as punishment for all the wrong he did in his past.

Having a villain runaway with her henchmen because she got mad and probably vows for revenge?

All Varian cared for was that he wouldn't run into her again, although he hoped he would so that Hugo could see her one last time.

Having your crush confess to you and become your lover?

That was really the only thing that was good that came out of it. Well, that and finding a way for his female companion to save her kingdom.

" Hugo, I don't think you're helping the situation, " the girl complied.

" But he's technically right, Nuru, " Yong explained. " Hugo is gonna wanna stay with his husband and so Varian will probably be embarrassed by him that he'll not wanna go home just yet so they can come and stay with my family! "

Hugo blushes from the statement of being Varian's husband, as did Varian, and started yelling at the 12 year old. Nuru rolled her eyes with a smirk and tried to defend to Hugo that Yong was right about the husband thing.

The more Varian looked at the 3 of them, the more they reminded him of. . . . .well, himself.

Yong: an energetic boy who finds every little thing fascinating and wants to be friends with everyone.

Nuru: a girl who only wants to protect the people she cares about and wants to make her family proud.

Hugo: a boy who did many wrong things in order to survive because the only people who helped him were those who were bad, and yet changed for the better and was proud of it.

All of these friends Varian had made reminded him for himself so much that he saw them all as family. Yong being like a little brother to him. Nuru being like a little sister who acted more like a big sister, despite him being older than her. And Hugo. . . . . .what can he say, the blue eyed boy hopes that maybe the blond will be his husband one day.

" Goggles? What's wrong?! "

Hugo's voice suddenly brought him back to reality, with the worried eyes of his friends staring at him. " Varian, are you okay? " The smallest boy asked. " You're crying. "

' I am? ' Varian thought, bringing a gloved hand to his face and noticing the clear liquid dripping into his gloves.

" I. . . . .I'm okay, " the boy whispered. " These tears just remind me that I have an amazing family with me. "

The 3 childish people stood there dumbfounded because they didn't understand what the heck he meant and Varian gave a small chuckle. " What I mean is that I see you all as family to me. . . . . .and- and I hope you aren't mad at me for thinking that way. . . . . "

A few more crystal tears slid down the boy's freckled face, a look of shock seemed to be jolted onto the faces of the other 3.

" We're sorry that we made you cry, Varian! " Yong wailed and gave the striped haired boy a tight hug.

" Y-yong. . . . .c-n't br-bre- "

As soon as Yong realized what was happening, he instantly let go of Varian, mumbling a lot of sorrys to the boy. Grabbing Varian by his gloved hands, Nuru and Hugo pulled the ravenette onto his feet, with, of course, Hugo wrapping his slender arms around the small boy's waist. A light blush dusted his cheeks as Hugo removed one of his arms from the boy's waist to grab Varian's chin to make him look into his green eyes.

" Varian, you know that we would never be mad at you for thinking of us as a family. To be honest, if I'm speaking for everyone, we all feel the same way you do. "

Nuru and Yong stood on each side of Varian and gave a nod. A small smile, and yet a smile that was brighter than the sun itself, was brought upon Varian's face. His light blue eyes sparkling more than the moonlight that laid across the dirt road.

" Thank you, for everything. "

" Anytime, Goggles. " Hugo replied.

" So if we all see each other as a family, does that mean that Hugo and Varian are married? "

" YONG, NOW IS NOT THE TIME! "

As Yong hid behind Nuru, who laughed at the sight before her, and with Hugo and Varian blushing madly, the 4 decided it was finally time for bed. As Nuru and Yong went to sleep first, Varian laid awake in his bed, a small wave of fear washed over him as he thought about the place that was supposedly his home. Hugo noticed the stressed look on his lover's face and slid into bed with him.

" Be honest- " Varian whispered, " I'd never thought I would ever find someone to love a freak like me. "

Hugo looked at the ravenette with glossy eyes and a sad smile, for he knew that same feeling. He never thought anyone would ever love a thief like him. Now look at him: it finally felt as if he had a true family.

" Varian, you mean the world to me. And I will never let you feel that way you did before ever again. "

Stroking the smaller boy's hair, Hugo let out a soft hum before kissing him on the forehead. With that he wrapped his arms around the boy's waist and fell into slumber.

And yet, Varian didn't know what to do. How he wished he'd told his friends the way of Corona, but didn't in fear of what they might say. As well as him feeling saddened by the very words Hugo had just said. Again, ever since they started dating, Hugo never said the very 3 words Varian longed to hear. Even when they confessed their love for each other in the library- Hugo never actually said those words. It was Varian who said 'I love you too' without Hugo even ever saying 'I love you'.

Letting out a small sigh, Varian closed his eyes. His head against the taller boy's chest as he listened to his calm breathing. How the people of Corona would react was what he feared. And yet it was a fear he couldn't get rid of.

With that, he let the darkness cause him to sleep, with only one thing on his sleepy mind: ' I'll always be a criminal to Corona now, won't I? '

Chapter Text

" You really must hate yourself for lying to your so-called family, now don't you? "

Varian turned around to see Donella giving a piercing glare towards him. Her lips curving into a smirk as she walked up towards him and seemed to somewhat examine him. Forcefully grabbing onto the ravenette's shoulders, her nails digging deep into his shirt and seemingly drawn blood from his flesh, Varian let out a small wince.

" They may know of your past, but you never told them everything. Now did you, buddy? "

The term use of 'buddy' made Varian shiver. Andrew would call him that, as well as do other things to the small boy.

" If you really love your new 'family', then you would've told them the very truth of Corona. You must not trust them then, don't you? "

Even though Varian tried so hard to speak up, words never seemed to exit his mouth. He became muteless for the moment being.

" Once they all find out what you've hidden from them they're going to get mad at you. You know that's right? "

Even though the blue eyed boy knew that wasn't true, a small part of him believed that would happen. The freak of Corona would then feel abandoned and alone once more.

" And now, you have to continue lying to the people who you are about because you're afraid of what'll happen. "

That very moment was what made Varian realize that he wouldn't ever feel safe in the Kingdom of Corona ever again. He would have to lie for the rest of his life to the people he cared about once more.

" Andrew was right, you really are pathetic. "

The name of his old cellmate made Varian flinch. And yet the words Donella was speaking felt true to him.

" It would've been much easier if you'd just stayed in your prison cell and been the bad little boy you are. I mean- you tried to kill the royal family, as well as other people, you stole, you've caused major property damage, hell- you ever trapped your father in amber for a whole year! "

Donella cackled at the last part, while Varian was on the urge of a panic attack coming. That's when he heard it.

" Varian! " A voice seemed to call out, a voice that seemed to sound like his father.

" Varian! "

The very voice of Rapunzel.

" Varian! "

The very voice of Eugene.

" Varian! "

The very voice of Cassandra.

" Varian! "

Andrew.

" Varian! "

Zhan Tiri.

" Varian! "

Donella.

" Varian- up! "

Yong?

" Varian, wake- "

Nuru?

" Varian, wake up! "

Hugo?!

Yong was the first one to get up the next day, with explosive amounts of energy seeming to be coursing through his veins.

As the Chinese boy got out of bed and stretched, he heard a small whimper. Curiosity filled his eyes as he looked over to see where the sound was coming from. But before he did, he saw Ruddiger and started chasing him around their mini house on wheels. After almost falling in his face for about the third time, it doesn't stay clean when you have 2 alchemists, a hyperactive 12 year old, and a star gazing princess staying with you, Yong  decided he'd wake up Nuru. Why was he about to wake up Nuru? Because it was his turn to do something on the chore list and he didn't know what he's supposed to do because the chore list is too high and he's a short boy.

" Nuru, " Yong said as he looked at her pacing, " can you please wake up? "

With a small groan, the dark skinned girl rose out of her bed and put her hair in a loose bun with the hair tie around her wrist. " Good morning, Yong. " Nuru said, stifling a yawn as she stood up and began stretching.

" Good morning, Nuru! " He replied as energetic as ever. " Can you please tell me what my chore is? I- uh. . . . . .can't exactly see what my chore is. "

Sweat dropping a bit, Yong followed Nuru over to the chore list with the girl mumbling how Hugo and Varian needed to make a step stool for the boy, she heard the whimpering that Yong heard earlier. She panicked a bit when she turned around to only see Hugo and Varian sleeping in Varian's bed. Although she could've used one of Hugo's new inventions, he called it a camera, to get blackmail on the both of them, she didn't because of the way Varian was lying in the bed.

Also because last time someone tried to use the 'camera' it exploded and their mini house on wheels almost burned down at 2 in the morning. That was also the night Nuru, Varian, and Hugo decided that Yong wasn't allowed to have sugar after 9 pm anymore unless he was kidnapped and his kidnappers gave him sugar.

The way the ravenette slept in bed was concerning to the princess. His face was formed into a look of pain, as sweat glistened off his forehead. The boy's hands were gripping onto Hugo's shoulders, nails digging into the blond's skin. A small whimper escaped Varian's mouth, causing him to grip onto Hugo tighter.

The sudden pain of contact made Hugo jump a little. His eyes opened slightly to see the desperate look on his boyfriend's face, causing him to sit up quickly. Yong looked over to where Nuru was looking and gasped as he went over there to see if Varian was okay.

Before any of them could say anything, Varian started crying. The very moment seemed to shock everyone, as their friend- no, their family member seemed to be having a panic attack in his dream.

" Varian, wake up! " Yong said in a state of panic. Sure, he knew that Varian had some nightmares when they first began traveling together, but never as bad as this.

" Varian, wake up! " Nuru had a look of fear in her eyes. Since she was the last one to join the group, the dark skinned girl never saw Varian have nightmares, considering that Varian only had nightmares during the beginning of the journey.

" Varian, wake up! " Hugo yelled, with Varian in his arms. He moved the smaller boy's head to his lap, his breathing hitched when he felt his lover twitch in his sleep.

Suddenly, Varian's eyes opened. Though his vision was blurry from his tears, the arms that held him down during his panic attack made him feel at home. It made him feel safe, something he hadn't felt in the Kingdom of Corona for a long time.

The very thought of Corona made his breathing hitch. Varian closed his eyes once more, tighter than before. He felt as if he couldn't breathe any sort of breath, no matter how hard he tried to do so. He could feel sweat on his forehead, dripping even though his body felt cold as ice.

Yong was extremely worried, as a few years slipped down his chubby face. The person he thought of as an older brother, as a mentor, looked like he was in so much pain. And there Yong was, standing there in fear, just watching the ravenette's panic rise further and further.

Nuru was scared, so scared that she felt her body shake in fear. Seeing the person she saw as a brother, looking so broken that she would question if the Varian she knew was still there, broke her heart. She was going to be queen of her kingdom one day. She had to help people- no, she WANTED to help people. So why can't she help a boy who helped her save her kingdom?

Hugo was heartbroken and angry, so much that he didn't realize that one of his fists was clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He may not have liked Varian when they first met, but then something changed and Hugo realized he loved the short alchemist. And even when he didn't like him, he knew that no one at the going age should have gone through what Varian went through. And all that way, all the way through his struggles, no one helped the blue eyed boy until it was too late.

That's what angered Hugo the most, that no one cared about him or noticed him until the damage was already done. Varian may have said that he was okay now, but the blond knew he was just trying to make them all feel better. To not make them stay with him out of pity. That's why he felt so heartbroken and angry, not just because Varian had to go through all of this pain, but because Varian went through all of this pain and felt like he didn't deserve to feel better.

The blond suddenly got an idea upon looking at his lover's face being twisted into pain. Leaning his head down towards his face, the green eyed boy gently placed a kiss on Varian's forehead. The ravenette's body suddenly seemed to calm down, as his shoulders became less tense.

Opening his cerulean blue eyes, deep and heavy breaths filled his lungs. After a few moments, his vision became less blurry as he felt a gentle touch wiping away his crystal tears.

Looking around his surroundings, Varian could see the worried eyes of the people he'd called his family the night prior. All 3 of them had either watery eyes or had tears falling down their cheeks *cough* Yong *cough*. His eyes widened as Nuru and Yong went over to him and gave Varian a hug, Hugo's forehead against Varian's.

As the four family-like companions stayed in that position for the rest of the morning, they only ever stopped when their home on wheels came to a stop. The Kingdom of Corona standing before them.

Chapter Text

" I'm telling you, Stan, " Pete said, " that cloud clearly looks like a horse. "

" No, " Stan rolled his eyes. " That looks like a cow. "

As the 2 guards continued to- well, guard the opening gate to the Kingdom of Corona, they were so invested in their very important argument that neither of them realized the house on wheels pulled up to the gate and stopped in front of the 2 guards.

A dark skinned girl wearing a purple nightgown came out, looking annoyed as hell that the guards didn't notice them, and huffed loudly. Startling them, Stan and Pete looked at the girl in front of them, her arms crossed with a very pissed off look on her face.

" If you 2 would please excuse us, my friends and I would like to get through, " she stated in a strong, yet gentle voice.

How Nuru wished she would've said that the other 3 boys in the house on wheels were her family, it seemed like they were to her. Her only reason for not doing so is because if they saw Yong the guards probably would've thought she, Hugo, and Varian kidnapped the 12 year old.

A sudden explosion came from inside the house on wheels, pitch black smoke now coming out of the door. Concerned looks came from Stan and Pete, as Nuru just facepalmed.

" HUGO! "

The sudden yell from the smoke caught the guards attention, having heard the voice before. Before either of them could say anything a raccoon, robotic mouse, and 3 boys came running out of the house/vehicle.

" In my defense, Goggles, " a blond boy started, " you were clearly the one who knocked over your chemicals while you were getting dressed. "

Out of the smoke came out a flustered boy, a boy Stan and Pete haven't seen in almost a year.

" I wouldn't have knocked over my chemicals if YOU hadn't taken my goggles! "

Rolling her eyes, Nuru went over to Hugo and took Varian's goggles out of his hand and gave them back to the smaller boy, since- well, Varian couldn't reach the goggles.

" What happened? " Nuru whispered to the youngest boy once she was able to go over to him.

" Hugo wanted a kiss from Varian and took his goggles to get one, but Varian tried to jump to reach his goggles from Hugo and knocked over some chemicals, so then it exploded. " Yong whispered back.

Stan and Pete, however, didn't hear the whisper and were only looking at the ravenette who was yelling at the blond.

" Varian?! " The guards questioned in unison, causing the blue eyed boy to turn around to see 2 of the very few guards he knew didn't hold a grudge against him for his past mistakes.

" So. . . .I'm back- and hello. " Varian said, as he placed his goggles onto his head. " It's uh. . . .it's been a while- "

Before he could finish his sentence, Varian felt his chest and lungs tightened, his vision going a little blurry. The next thing he knew, Hugo was holding him up, a concerned look on his face.

" You okay? " The green eyed boy asked softly to him.

" What happened? " The ravenette asked, looking over to see Nuru yelling furiously at the 2 guards. Apparently she was saying some. . . . .not so nice things, considering she was covering Yong's ears while doing so.

" Those 2 dimwits hugged you so tight you almost passed out. " Varian rolled his eyes at the statement, before steadying himself with Hugo, as if he was his cane.

" Nuru, it's okay. Stan and Pete were just excited to see me after so long. Anyways, Stan and Pete, dad should be working at the palace right now if I'm correct, right? "

The 2 guards stood up tall, as if they were being like real guards that didn't almost make a cinnamon roll faint. Both of them nodded and opened the gates, the sight of Corona caught in their vision.

Though the 3 new travelers looked at the place in awe, the one most associated with the kingdom flinched slightly at the action of Stan and Pete slamming the ends of their weapons into the ground. The ravenette felt his body become a little stiffer as he saw the view of Corona, breathing becoming a little harder for him to do.

Saying their goodbyes to the 2 friendly guards, the ground of 4 went back into the house on wheels. Once they all got inside and shut the door, the 3 looked at the Royal Engineer.

" Varian? " Yong asked, as if his name was a question, " are you okay? "

" Are you sure that you want to go back home? " Nuru asked, her hand on the boy's shoulder for comfort.

" Y-yeah. . . . .just- just got a little scared at the moment. . . "

" Look, " Hugo started, " we know what happened there a few years ago, so if you really want to go home, then do so. But if you become scared again, please let one of us know. We're family, and family should stick together. See what you've done, Goggles? You've turned me all sappy. "

The last line cheered up Varian's mood as he stood on his tip toes and pecked a kiss onto Hugo's lips. Nuru rolled her eyes, as Yong was clapping like a toddler who just found their favorite toy.

" I thought kids are supposed to find this stuff gross? " The blond asked Yong, pulling away after his lover's kiss.

" Love is so adorable! " He squealed with joy. " It's amazing and I don't know why people even find all that stuff gross. "

As Nuru excuses herself to get changed into her regular clothes, the 3 boys just looked the other way, the house on wheels had entered the Kingdom of Corona and was moving right along.

Once she was dressed, the dark skinned girl made it over to her new family, a smile on her face upon looking at the sight before her. She looked towards the younger boy and he looked just as elastic as she's been.

She then turned her head to look at the new couple, calmness washing over her. She knew that after visiting the kingdom Yong and her would have to leave to go back home. Deep down, Nuru didn't want to have to leave everyone, but one day she would come visit again. Again and again for the rest of her life.

Knowing that Hugo would most likely by staying be Varian's side for the rest of his life made her feel less saddened by it all. Although Hugo never confirmed he would be staying in Corona with Varian, he most likely would be considering they're dating. And if he's not, Nuru is gonna knock some sense into the ex-thief.

As the house on wheels rode onto the streets of Corona, the uneasiness Varian felt before returning. What he was doing was a risk, a risk so great he could be thrown back into the dungeon he feared so much.

And yet it was a risk he was willing to make. To his family he'd grown so close to for almost an entire year.

The people of the kingdom showed a variety of emotions upon seeing the house on wheels return from its journey with the Royal Engineer. From looks of happiness, to fear, to even anger, the 3 newcomers of Corona were surprised by the different reactions.

They all looked at Varian in concern, but he just shrugged. His baby blue eyes set on a building in the marketplace he felt safe visiting before seeing everyone else.

' It's not like I haven't gotten looks like that before, ' the young alchemist thought.

Varian halted for the donkey to stop upon reaching the building. With the sudden stop, Hugo, Yong, and Nuru looked at the ravenette in confusion.

Slowly getting out of the house on wheels slowly, he still left dizzy for some reason, with Ruddiger on his shoulders, Varian stepped out. The folks who were around the area gasped upon seeing the Royal Engineer after so long.

With Nuru, Hugo, and Yong looking even more confused, they followed suit and got out as well. Whispers could be heard around the 4 of them, people questioning as to who the 3 newcomers were.

Taking a shaky breath, Varin knocked on the door in front of him, hoping who he was looking for was inside. The door slowly opened to reveal someone under a welding mask. Upon realizing he has company, the man took off his welding mask.

Dark steel eyes wandered over to the looks of the 4 children in front of him, a smile spread wide across his freckled cheeks once he saw the little ravenette. Letting out a laugh, the dark skinned man pulled Varian into a hug.

This is what Varian missed from Corona. Not a hug so tight like what Stan and Pete gave him, and not like the hugs people stiffly gave when fearing him. But a hug that was filled with warmth and love from someone who actually cared for him.

Letting a small smile slide onto his face, Varian hugged the man back, the rest of the squad behind him confused as ever. Realizing that he still had his companions with him, Varian let go of the blacksmith and turned around to meet the eyes of his family-like friends.

" Guys, " he started, " this is the town blacksmith, Xavier. "

Chapter Text

The 3 newcomers of Corona stood in front of the blacksmith and of their friend in shock. Nobody knew what to say, so Yong said what was on everyone's mind.

" Wait, THAT'S YOUR DAD?! I thought you said your dad was a farmer?! "

Varian looked at Yong in shock, a blush forming on his face as he waved his hands around frantically. Xavier gave a chuckle at the statement, placing a hand on Varian's head. The sudden contact seemed to calm the flustered boy down, though he was still embarrassed.

" No, little one. " He replied with a warm smile, " Varian and I are just close. You could say that I do act like a second father to him. "

Yong put on his 'serious face' and nodded. While Hugo and Nuru were laughing, Varian rolled his eyes, Xavier invited the 4 into his workshop/home.

Going through the door, the ravenette smiled at how the shop seemed to look like how it was when he first left for his journey. The anvil had flecks of ash on it, as the coals burned in the fireplace. Hammers and other tools laid around in different places, with the smell of melting metal filling the air.

" Since you're all my guests for now, why don't I bring us all some water? "

" Xavier, you really don't have to do that, " Varian rubbed the back of his neck. " Honestly, I apologize if my friends and I bothered you while you were working- "

Varian was suddenly cut off by Hugo, well, more like a kiss from Hugo. It was short, but I was sweet as well. The ravenette's eyes widened a bit and his mouth gaped open. Uneasiness filled him, as he quickly glanced from Hugo to Xavier.

Varian seemed to be in a trance of sorts that when the blacksmith chuckled and smiled at the scene, he flinched back into reality. Xavier made a gesture with his hand and Varian followed him into the little kitchen.

Upon arriving, Varian felt like he was on the verge of having a panic attack. The words he tried to speak whenever he opened his mouth was only filled with silence. Before he knew it, a comforting hand was placed onto his shoulder.

Looking up, Varian saw the wise old eyes of Xavier. A warm smile present on his face like usual.

" X- xavier. . . .I- I can ex-expl-, " Varian was suddenly cut off by the soft shushes of the blacksmith.

" Don't worry, " he said. " I can tell that you deeply care about them all. "

A light blush dusted Varian's freckled cheeks, his mouth gaping open. The ravenette stifled as Xavier placed a hand on his head, slightly leaning into the comfort gesture. A small throb of pain made his way to the center of his forehead, causing him to grit his teeth to not make a sound.

Before the blacksmith could ask if Varian was okay, a sudden crash explosion was heard from the room previous. Facepalming, Varian walked out there, with Xavier holding the drinks, to see a smoking Yong, a worried Nuru patting down the boy's clothes, and a smirking Hugo.

" What in- the GODDAMN HELL- IS GOING ON HERE?! "

" Uh oh. . . . " Yong trailed off, quickly smashing his hand against his head to stop the small fire that was on it.

" Busted. " Nuru crossed her arms, jabbing her thumb towards the blond, who whistled innocently.

Varian sighed and rubbed his temple. 'This is the fourth time this week!'

" Alright, " he started, " whoever tells me what really happened will get a cookie- "

Before he could even finish, Varian was trampled by Yong, whose clothing was still smoking some. " Hugo threw something at me when I was trying to set a bug on fire that was annoying Nuru! "

Xavier looked at Varian with eyes that hoped what the young boy was saying wasn't true. However, from the look he had on the green eyed boy, Xavier knew it was true.

" Hugo- " Varian was suddenly cut off by arms snaking around his waist, earning a small squeak from him.

The baby blue eyed boy was met with a gaze of mischievous green eyes. Varian could already feel the blood rushing towards his cheeks, his breathe caught in his throat.

" Maybe I threw one of your powdered chemical alchemy weapons at the bug, or maybe I didn't do that. " A smirk danced on his lips, as Hugo rested his head on the shorter boy's own. His boyfriend was so gonna yell at him later.

" Even if I did do so, you have no physical evid- "

Nuru gestured towards the broken glass from the alchemy weapon. " Oh, so I'm a bad guy now? "

Xavier had a hardy laugh at the scene before him. They seemed as close as family. It made the man smile at how far Varian has come so far.

" It's all good, young one. " Xavier said, " everyone has been the bad guy at some point. "

" I'm 19. "

" Don't matter what you look like

Don't matter what you wear. "

" Varian, what the hell is he doing? " Hugo whispered over to him, as Xavier sang his song.

" Well, he's sing- "

" No shit sherlock, " Hugo whispered/yelled back. Nuru had to cover Yong's ears when he said that.

" How many rings you got on your finger

We don't care

(No we don't care)! "

Yong didn't care how weird the man he met 10 minutes ago was, but already loved him. Enjoying the tune, he pulled on the dark skinned girl's hand as he spun around with her. Nuru seemed to be enjoying the song as well, as she was smiling and laughing along with Yong.

" Don't matter where you come from

Don't even matter what you are. "

Xavier suddenly had pulled out a stack of old newspapers from somewhere. Honestly, Varian was surprised that they were still in good condition.

The 4 kids looked at the 4 papers, each one of them having a different picture on them:

The first was of a bald teen that looked like he'd started to grow facial hair had robbed a candy store.

The second was of a boy who was being sent to execution for stealing the princess' crown.

The third being about a kid being arrested for multiple charges, the chains being too big for his hands.

The fourth being of a girl who looked pissed off as hell and had sharp rocks surrounding her.

" A teen, "

Lance.

" a boy, "

Eugene.

" a kid, "

Varian.

" a girl, "

Cassandra.

" Had 'em all in here

(We had 'em all in here)! "

Yong, Nuru, and Hugo all looked at the newspaper photos in shock. All of these people in these photos were being 'the bad guy' at one point or another.

" And they all knew what they wanted

What they wanted me to do

I told 'em what they needed

Just like I be telling you. "

Varian fiddled with the hem of his shirt. How he wished he could go back and erase the mistakes from the past, to make everyone forget about what happened just mere years ago.

But he couldn't- well, he actually COULD do that, but a small, ever so tiny part of him told him not to erase his past. Maybe life would've been better for him if he did stop himself from getting revenge long ago.

" You got to dig a little deeper!

Find out who you are

You got to dig a little deeper! "

Looking up to see Xavier sing, and looking around the shop, would he have gotten to see this side of Xavier more if he didn't make his mistakes?

" It really ain't that far

When you find out who you are

You'll find out what you need

Blue skies and sunshine guaranteed. "

Varian's eyes shifted towards the dancing forms of Yong and Nuru, already having been recovered from looking at the newspaper photos. They were trying to get Hugo to join their dancing. It didn't work.

" You got to dig (dig)!

You got to dig (dig)! "

Feeling 2 hands suddenly grab his own, Varian realized he was being pulled by Yong. A smile on the small boy's face as he tried to make the ravenette dance with him.

Hugo saw a bag of golden coins on one of the wooden tables, the small pouch being titles to reveal the shiny coins. If Hugo was here a year ago, he would've taken those coins with no hesitation.

" This Blondy is a poor little boy

You wanted be rich instead? "

A sudden hand clasped his shoulder. Being startled, Hugo flinched and looked to see Xavier looking at him with warm eyes.

' How the hell did he know that?! ' Hugo thought, deciding he would ask Varian later if this guy was a witch.

" That ain't gonna make you happy now

Did it make you happy then? No! "

The old blacksmith was right though. Having money wouldn't make him happy, at least not anymore.

" Money ain't got no soul

Money ain't got no heart.

All you need is some self-control

Make yourself a brand new start! "

Xavier reached his hand into the pouch and pulled out one of its golden coins, flipping it over to Hugo, who caught it by surprise.

" You got to dig a little deeper

Don't have far to go

You got to dig a little deeper! "

The blond looked over to where Varian was being spun around, a smile staying present on his face. The ravenette looked so happy, as if all his troubles were gone. It made Hugo smile a bit more.

" Tell the people Mama told you so

Can't tell you what you'll find

Maybe love will grant you peace of mind

Dig a little deeper and you'll know? "

Once Yong stopped spinning him, a small headache began to form. But when Xavier placed a comforting hand in his head, the alchemist closed his eyes tightly to withhold the pain, and reopened them to see him still there.

" Mr. Goggles, might I have a word?

You's a hard one, that's what I heard. "

Varian couldn't help but scoff a little at the line. Of course he was a hard one, he was the youngest person in Corona to get arrested. That must've been a world record.

" Your daddy is a loving man

Family through and through

You your daddy's son

What he had in him you got in you! "

The blue eyed boy couldn't help but smile, even if his headache grew more violently by the minute. There were very few similarities between him and his father, and how he wanted to BE like his father when he was young.

Varian always thought he could never be like him, and tried to make him proud to show that he was like his father. But. . . . . . after everything, the person he'd looked up to for so long was already proud of him, for being Varian.

" You got to dig a little deeper!

For you it's gonna be tough.

You got to dig a little deeper!

You ain't dug near far enough. "

Sudden arms found their way around Varian's waist. The arms of the person he loves so much. Leaning his head a little into Hugo's chest, with Nuru and Yong spinning in circles and Xavier still singing, not one of them heard the clasping of horse hooves outside.

" Dig down deep inside yourself

You'll find out what you need!

Blue skies and sunshine guaranteed. "

A few people could be heard getting off of the horses. A smile formed on Varian's face as he stepped away from Hugo, taking side by Xavier.

" Open up the windows

Let in the light children!

(Blue skies and sunshine).

(Blue skies and sunshine). "

" Hey, Xavier, Quirin needs your help welding one of the water pi- " The father stopped upon seeing that Xavier was doing his morning singing.

Varian took a deep breath, before singing the next line. Proving Hugo that he COULD sing higher than any of them. Let's just say that, that competition earned wolves chasing the house on wheels for half an hour.

" Blue skies and sunshine! "

The new singing voice confused the dark skinned man, the 2 little helpers who came along with him having their mouths wide open.

Nuru, who had stopped spinning, smirked and crossed her arms, Hugo and Yong being surprised that Varian could sing that high.

" Guaranteed.

(Ahhh...). "

Xavier noticed a sudden breeze and looked to see the company who'd let themselves in. Before he could greet them, the new arrivals cut him off.

" VARIAN?! "

Chapter Text

The yell of his name made Varian flinch. Before he could turn around to see who called for him, he was tackled to the ground by the force of two.

" Varian, we missed you! " One of them shouted in a high voice, while the other one shook her fist and nodded in agreement.

With vision blurry as the sea, the splats of black and red washed over him. The sudden force was lifted off of the ravenette, allowing him to breath fully once more.

Being helped up by Nuru and Hugo, Varian was back on his feet, vision becoming clearer now. The splats of color reformed to be shaped into 2 young girls, a dark skinned man holding them both by the collars of their shirts.

" . . . Catalina. . . Angry. . . Lance. . . w-what are you doing here?! "

To say Varian was shocked by their appearance was an understatement. With Lance having adopted the girls and all, you would think he was too busy with fatherhood.

" Well, " Lance started as he set his daughters down. " Your dad needs a new part of the castle's boiler. It. . . well- it might just be easier for you to come fix it now that you're here. " He finished with a sheepish grin.

Rolling his eyes, Varian turned to face his friends. Realizing he forgot the introductions, he started right on that with a blush of embarrassment.

" Yong, Nuru, Hugo, this is Lance and his daughters: Catalina and Angry. Lance, Catalina, Angry, this is Yong, Nuru, and Hugo; the people I traveled wi- "

" So, you're not Varian's father either? " Yong suddenly asked.

Lance suddenly had his mouth gaping open, Angry and Catalina laughing hysterically and Varian's face grew redder from the statement. Nuru and Hugo both cracked a grin with a deep chuckle coming from Xavier, leaving Yong confused as hell.

" Yong, not every guy Varian knows is gonna be his dad, " Nuru smirked.

" Yeah, " Hugo butted in as he wrapped his hands around Varian's waist, his fingers being able to touch one another. " Plus, look at this Goggles' waist. He can't be related to buff guys like these too, " Gesturing to Xavier and Lance.

' Well, you're gonna find out soon, ' the ravenette's face now being as red as the burning coals in Xavier's workshop/home as well as his sweat dropping.

" Actually- " before Yong could say anything, Nuru covered his mouth with her hand, to which he licked to try and stop her. . . .it didn't work.

" Anyways, " Varian started, " we should be heading to the castle. Don't I have a boiler to fix? Oh! And by the way Lance, " a mischievous grin danced on Varian's face, " how did the boiler get broken? "

" You know what? Let's go to the castle and not talk on the way, okay? Okay! Bye Varian and friends, see you at the castle! "

With that, Lance rushed himself and the girls out of the blacksmith's workshop, Varian face palming as a result. He looked over to the blacksmith, who gave him a nod, resulting in Varian grabbing a few hearing tools.

" It was nice seeing you, Xavier. And thank you again for helping, " he gave a bow before continuing on, " you really didn't have to go through the trouble of helping me at all and I'm sorry- "

The ravenette was cut off by the lack of oxygen in his lungs, that's when he realized Xavier was hugging him. Varian hugged the old blacksmith back with a smile.

" Nonsense, Varian, it was a pleasure to see you return back to Corona. Also, " he whispered into Varian's ear, " next time you come here, do you mind telling me how you and Hugo met? I can tell he's a keeper. "

A, once again, flustered Varian found his way back to the house on wheels. He sat in the front to take control of it when Yong took them before him.

" Varian, remember! Hugo said I was allowed to try to drive! "

" And when was this? " He asked, turning his head to face Hugo.

" Just now! " The young Chinese boy gleamed with a big smile.

" Maybe another time, " Varian sweat dropped.

As the 4 rode towards the castle, the uneasiness Varian felt earlier seemed to return. The glaring eyes of people seemed to be following his every move.

Lanterns of all different colors filled the high and mighty poles towering above them all, chalk art of various pictures covered the streets of Corona.

From apples, to bows, to even images of books being drawn out, each and every picture looking as spectacular as the next. Children's laughter filled the streets as adults watched the smiling faces of their children.

Carefully avoiding the beautiful artwork, the gang made their way to the castle; their final destination being reached at last. A sudden wave of blurriness washed over Varian's vision once more, sleepiness seemingly taking over his vision as well.

" Hey, Goggles, are you feeling alright? You're looking kinda pale- "

The moving house on wheels came to a sudden stop. Guards that looked like they weren't native to Corona surrounded the gang.

" Varian, hey! What's wrong?! " A worried voice called out.

But Varian couldn't hear the voices. The blue eyed boy felt like his very soul was fading from existence, his vision getting darker by the minute.

" VARIAN?! "

And just like that, silence fell upon Varian's ears. The small boy's eyes closed as he fell into the arms of his lover. . .

Chapter Text

So. . . maybe Hugo thought that Corona would be different from most kingdoms. And maybe he thought that everything would be perfect now that he was away from Donella, had actual friends he saw as family, and had a loving boyfriend.

But no, here he was with a bunch of guards, who Yong could possibly blow away with a firework or 2, a lover with glowing white eyes, as well as when he assumed to be a very frightened and pissed off princess in front of him, it could've been better.

' Wait ago destiny, you motherfu- ' Before Hugo could finish his train of thought, the glowing eyes of Varian slowly closed, leaving everyone else, including Hugo himself, confused as hell.

Yong suddenly placed 2 fingers over Varian's palm and sighed in relief. The young boy flashed a smile towards the princess.

" Well, the good news is that he isn't dead- "

And that's how Hugo, Nuru, and Yong ended up in the dungeon of Corona's castle.

For the seventh time during their so far 10 minute period in the cell, Hugo was trying to pickpocket the lock. Hey, he said he would try to be good after they got together and that he would only do bad things in an emergency. Which it was because you don't just see your boyfriend have glowing eyes and then suddenly pass out!

And, for the seventh time of picking the lock, did Hugo fail once more and slammed his head against the bars. It seemed as if Corona had gone and used locks that the blond was unfamiliar with.

" I'm sorry, I was only speaking the truth. " Yong looked down in shame upon seeing Hugo's head against the bar.

" It's alright, Firecracker, " the blond gave a tired smile. " At least Goggles is getting treated, hopefully. "

Hugo's gaze shifted to the dark-skinned princess in the cell. Her knees were against her chest as she reached for a little book in her dress pocket.

' She must have big pockets then, ' Hugo thought as she began flipping through pages of the book. The blond could tell Nuru had something on her mind as her eyes quickly skimmed through the pages.

Hugo rolled his eyes and turned back over to the full view of the dungeon they were trapped in. Across from their cell were 2 look-alike circus freak twins. Both had red hair with a glare as sharp as a dagger coming from their light blue eyes. The only way to tell them apart was that the one had stupid looking sideburns, sharp ears, the little fringes on his head were curved more to the right, and slight curved scar on the right side of his face. The other, however, had rounder ears, the fringes on his head being curved to the left side, and had an eyepatch on his left eye with a scar underneath it.

And damn, did Hugo think they wanted to stab him. So he did the best thing he could do: insult them.

" Hey, you two! Sideburns and Patchy the pirates, shouldn't you guys be on a ship in search of you 'Treasure Island' and such, or did ya get arrested for stealing someone's booty? "

Just the look from the man with the sideburns made Hugo shiver. Maybe it was because the man looked ridiculous, but something about them suddenly made him feel uneasiness swell up inside him.

" Oh, aren't you funny, Mr. Know-It-All? "

" I don't mean to interrupt, but I think his husband is the 'know-it-all-. " Yong apparently overheard the conversation and was now standing next to Hugo, deciding to join.

" Yong, Goggles is not my husband! " Hugo's face became flushed as Nuru gave her signature smirk and mumbled a " Not yet~ " before looking back to her little book.

But the 2 pirate twins each gave a mischievous smirk. Not one like Nuru's previously, but one more sinister. He didn't know why, but their smirks scared him. The only other time he ever remembers feeling this scared was. . .

" Well, no wonder you lot are in here, " Sideburns began, snapping Hugo out of his thoughts. But before he could say anything else, what Hugo assumed to be the dungeon door opened and in came 2 guards.

" I'm telling you, Stan, your wife would love it if you two went on a picnic for your anniversary- " A pale guard with freckles and blue eyes began saying.

" Pete, you know I have to work on that day, " a darker skinned guard butted in.

" I'll ask the captain if we can switch shifts then. " Pete grabbed the key ring from Stan as he placed the key into the keyhole.

" Pete, you don't have to do that, ya know. " The cell door swung open as Nuru slid her book back into her pocket.

" Stan, " Pete turned around and placed both of his hands onto Stan's shoulders, " you are my best friend. I will always try my best to make you happy. "

" Pete, I- " a fake cough from Hugo caught the guards' attention and they both placed their arms by their sides and gave a serious look towards the 3.

" We have been informed that you three must come to the infirmary. " Stan the Guard held the cell door open as the 3 walked out.

" Who requested us? " Yong asked as he grabbed ahold of Nuru and Hugo's hands, a habit he tended to do when he felt scared.

" Varian did, " Pete replied as he and Stan led the trio out of the dungeon to Varian's location.

' I'm coming, Goggles. . . '

Chapter Text

" I see you've returned to your dreamscape, buddy. "

Varian felt as if he was disconnected from his body. And that voice, it felt so, so familiar, yet he couldn't recall who it was.

Looking around himself, Varian saw the shards of his mind were cracked. Not metaphorically, but the entirety of the world around him looked like glass. It was weird, but it somehow made sense to him.

Each panel of glass held something significant to him. It was then he realized that they were his memories.

Just as he was about to reach and touch one of them, he felt something rough grab his wrist. That's when he saw him.

The user of the voice he'd somehow forgotten about. He was surprised that he didn't recognize the voice. Though it would've made a little bit of sense since he hadn't heard that voice since. . .

Varian tried to speak and pull his wrist out of the hand made of darkness. But once more was he muteless in this shattering world around him. The hand, however, also had different plans in mind as it yanked the boy away from the memory.

" We can't have you temping with the Fates, now can we, buddy? "

The closer Varian looked, the more he realized the hand pulling him was entirely crimson, as was the floor around him. But the hand wasn't connected to a person, but rather to the floor. He desperately tried the pull away from the crimson hand of darkness.

CRACK

One swift look towards the glassy memory he'd almost touched, and it gained a severed crack in it. One that reached from the top right corner to the bottom left.

The memory, however, was of one of the greatest moments in his life and was only a few weeks prior to now. When he and Hugo confessed to each other in the Eternal Library.

In a single swift movement, Varian found himself being pulled towards the crimson ground. His feet sunk into the floor as cackling could be heard from all around him.

A sudden burning sensation filled the boy's chest, one that burned with agony. He tried to let out a scream of pain, yet he was in a state of muteness once more.

Apparently, things hadn't gotten weird enough, that an emerald liquid seeped through the cracked memory, which moved and formed on its own. The liquid twisted and turned in all sorts of shapes and directions. And when it was done moving, Varian's eyes widened at the sight before him.

The symbol of Saporia. A heart beginning to be covered in the crimson ground. A mouth with a finger shushing it. A book about the relations of alchemy and magic. A pair of glasses and goggles intertwined with one another. And finally, 2 different test tubes: one cracked and seemingly about to crumble apart, the other looking completely fine.

Varian was too in-depth of what was going on and what everything meant that he didn't realize how his body was slowly becoming weaker from being pulled through the ground. A silent scream ripped through his throat as he was suddenly dragged and plummeted into the crimson ground. The last thing he heard was of a voice he'd never heard before and a bright light filled his vision.

" Soon, child. Soon everything will spill, and nothing shall be left. . . "

Varian could feel light pounding against his eyes. It seemingly felt like the lids of his eyes were burning. A sudden sharp pain stabbed his head, and he opened his eyes and sat up quickly. Though, it was rather too quickly, as stars floated across his vision, and the only thing that kept him from falling back onto the bed was a warm, comforting hand on his shoulder.

Varian could see 2 blurry figures before him. Both had brown hair, but the one had significantly longer hair, as the other had a goatee instead.

" Varian, are you with us? "

The boy gave a sloppy-looking nod to the figure who spoke. The pain in his head soon became dull, nothing more than a buzz of pain instead of the scream he felt before.

Before he could speak, coughs racked Varian's entire body. A gentle rub on his back and a glass of water later, Varian was starting to get around.

" W-where's- " but Varian could tell his voice still wasn't ready to work properly. Rapunzel, however, already knew where he was going.

" You're wondering where the people who were with you are, right? " The boy gave a nod. " We thought they might have caused you to do- whatever it was that happened, and I may or may not have had them put into the dungeon. "

If Varian was able to, he would've started yelling at the princess. But he didn't and just shook his head quickly towards the older girl.

" So, they didn't do that to you? "

" Th-they're my fr-friends. . . " his speech was barely above a whisper. Rapunzel heard that though and asked if he wanted some privacy with them. When he greedily nodded, she smiled before gesturing for Eugene to call the guards in order to get Varian's friends.

After a few minutes, a knock was heard at the door, and when Eugene opened it, in came Hugo, Nuru, and Yong, plus Stan and Pete, who Varian assumed were the ones to guide his friends along. His face lit up when his gaze met Hugo's own. Rapunzel, Eugene, and the guards made their way back to the door. Rapunzel spoke once more.

" Oh, and, Varian, " she gave her sunny-like smile to him, " welcome back home. "

Soon the door was closed, and it was just Varian and his friends- his family. He tried to get off of the cot he was laying on previously. Hence the term previously and Varian felt his knees buckle as soon as he took a step.

The impact of the floor didn't hit him, however, as he soon felt himself being held up by Hugo. The blond smirked and lifted Varian into his arms before setting him back into the cot.

" Guess you could say I swept you off your feet. " A sad smile broke across the blond's face. Nuru and Yong made their way over to the cot and sat in the chairs next to it. Hugo, meanwhile, took a seat on the cot Varian sat on.

" But, seriously, Goggles, what happened? "

The Royal Engineer stayed as silent as the calming winds of Corona. He felt as if the world was against him. As if his very soul had been tainted with the bloody juices of lies.

Varian shook his head before leaning it on Hugo's shoulder. He felt weightless for some reason. A reason he, for once, didn't know the answer to. It scared him deeply.

Hugo took in the sign of silence and fear his boyfriend produced and kissed the top of Varian's head. The comforting gesture made the boy sink into the warm arms of his lover.

Nuru couldn't help but smile at the scene before herself. The love her friends shared was as pure as metal.

Yong smiled as well and joined in comforting Varian by hugging the older boy. Nuru did the same but placed one of her hands on the boy's head to fiddle with his hair a bit.

The silence among the found-made family was peaceful, though still full of worries and concerns. It was nice.

Varian felt his heart filled with joy with the comfort of his friends. Yet, the guilt of worries washed over him. His body became slightly rigged.

" I'm sorry. . . "

Hugo looked at Varian with a broken look on his face. His arm tightened slightly around the boy's waist as he lifted Varian's head to look at him.

" There's no apology needed, Var. "

Hugo closed the gap between them with a kiss on Varian's lips. At this, the boy seemed to calm down, as he looked at the older boy with eyes full of passion.

Varian wished he'd told them about his nightmare, but he'd already bothered them enough. He would deal with that on his own later. As of now, he had a family to help comfort him.

Chapter Text

A sudden knock at the door caught the attention of Varian. Hugo caught his discomfort and gently shifted off of the cot. He went to the door and was about to open it when he heard a few whispers.

" I'm telling you, Lance, that kid IS HIM! "

" Eugene, you know I trust you 110%, but this guy can't be- "

As soon as the door opened, Hugo grabbed the first person who walked through the door and flipped them onto their back. The other guy shrieked in fear at the sudden action. Hugo smirked at the older guy, whose face was kissing the ground, as he groaned in pain.

" How's it going, Rider? " Hugo smirked as Varian smacked his forehead, earning confusion from Yong and Nuru.

" I told you, Lance! " Eugene hissed.

" Hugo! "

" Come on, Goggles. You know I always wanted to do that to Rider. "

Varian sighed as he slowly got off of the cot, with the help of Nuru, and went over to Eugene. He held out a hand to the older man, who took it gratefully, and dusted himself off. He glared at the blond, who just crossed his arms with a smile of delight on his face.

Eugene placed both hands on Varian's shoulders as he stared at him straight into the eyes. " Varian, I know I only left you alone for 10 or so minutes, but how the he- " Eugene's gaze shifted to Nuru, who was shaking her head and covering Yong's ears. " -ck did you get mixed up with a guy like- like him?! "

Hugo rolled his eyes, paying no mind to the unconscious body on the floor, and snaked his arms around Varian's waist. The shorter boy blushed slightly as shoved his arms off of him, earning a look of confusion from Hugo.

" In my defense, Eugene, " Varian began. " He's a lot like you. "

" Yeah, the bad part of me! "

" You gave me another chance, remember? " Varian's voice became quiet and so did the rest of the room. They all knew what he meant by that, who didn't? People still held rumors of 'the crazed wizard' that lived in Old Corona and how he 'cursed the royal family in order to make them forgive him.' Varian couldn't help but shutter how the one day people threw rocks at him on his way home from work long ago.

Eugene rubbed his temple before letting out a sigh. " Look, Goggles, I-. . . " He was at a loss for words. Eugene learned to forgive Varian over time because he'd gotten to know him. But Mr. Hugo the Thief here? What he did know about him wasn't good. Course, Varian was in a similar situation- why must being an older brother/cousin be so difficult?!

A sudden explosion caught the attention of everyone, even waking up Lance from his unconscious state. Eugene glared at Lance, who was just starting to sit up, and began to yell at him. Something about pipes and welding and stuff.

Varian rolled his eyes before leaving the medical room, earning the strange gazes of his friends. Eugene and Lance, meanwhile, didn't notice the departure of their friends till they all left the room and they began running after them.

Hugo looked at the love of his life as if he was crazy. He knew Varian was stubborn, but literally running after an explosion after literally passing out that same day. ' What the hell, Goggles?! ' And damn could that boy run!

Wait. . . where the hell did his cute alchemist go?!

Mother of Demantis did Varian regret doing this now. Was his head still hurting like he'd been hit against a wall from one of his chemical explosions, yes it was and he instantly regretted doing what he was going to do.

Varian ran and stumbled through the castle's hallway. He ran a hand through his raven hair as he felt a pulsing pain throughout his head, his vision switching from the royal walls and floor to the crimson darkness he was before. A slight bump into the doorway and he realized he was at the entrance. Varian opened the door with no hesitation, shook his head to attempt to clear his vision, and ran down to the castle basement.

Heavy smoke and heated water was filling the room. Yells from below surged through Varian's ears as he stumbled down the last few steps. The smoke was becoming so thick Varian could barely see. Apparently there were more people down there as Varian felt the shoves of other people hitting against him, sending the ravenette crashing to the ground. The water boiled and burned like the blazing sun itself.

" It's going to blow in mere minutes, Quirin! " A voice filled with annoyance and anger yelled to his father. " There's no point in trying to fix it without Xavier here to help! "

Before he could call out and say he could help, Varian felt an agonizing pain hit his back as he bit back a whimper. A flash of his dream suddenly entered his mind- the symbol of Saporia and a cracked test tube.

With a slam of the door above him, Varian got up in a daze and quickly made his way over where the explosion had occurred. ' Why didn't I think of this earlier, ' he thought as he slid his goggles over his face. They did not help with the smoke.

A sudden yelp escaped his lips as he accidently touched one of the water heaters that began to leak water. Well- at least he knew where to start. Scrounging around the floor with his foot, Varian luckily found a welding torch and began to patch up the hole with a piece of metal he also found on the ground.

As Hugo, Nuru, and Yong ran through the castle walls, their worriness only grew more, especially for Hugo. The blond was so focused on finding his lover that he ran into a man, who was running in the opposite direction.

" Are you okay, kid? " The man quickly asked as he held a hand out towards him. Hugo nodded as he took the man's hand and was lifted up from the ground.

" Why are you guys running? " Yong asked as he pointed to where smoke was coming from.

" There was a loose pipe for the heating water system and it broke, which led to hot water flooding the workshop. The whole boiler is going to explode and flood the place any minute now, " the man explained.

Eugene and Lance had finally caught up to the kids, panting slightly when they stopped. Once the man explained the situation, he and Eugene were trying to think of how to best solve this problem.

Curiosity got the best of Hugo as he saw a slight indent on the royal rug that laid against the floor. A few other prints, which were spaced out greatly, were the same and led to the room where the boilers were.

" Hey, where's- " Lance was cut off by the sudden step of Hugo, causing everyone else to turn their attention to him.

" He wouldn't. . . " Hugo snapped his gaze back to the smoke when he heard a yell. Before Nuru could yell at him, he had dashed towards the smoke. The yells of the man, Eugene, and Nuru fading as he ripped the door open.

Varian really regretted doing stupid things in life, especially if one of two things can happen. One: if he gets injured. Two: if Hugo, Nuru, and/or Yong yells at him for doing such stupid things. But in this case both things would happen due to his stupidity. . . again.

Not only did he have a headache, but his lungs were most likely congested with the smoke his machine produced, and the red skin he got from the boiling water wasn't helping. His scream from before was from a piece of metal falling off of the pipe and tearing his glove, making a deep cut in the process. So, in summary, Varian was not okay.

The water level had reached up to his chest by now and the smoke never dimmed down. The hole in the pipe was much bigger than he thought it was. It was also worth noting that the Royal Engineer couldn't go under water to search for more scrap metal due to the- oh, I don't know, the scalding hot water making the hole bigger, so he has to keep one hand on the steaming pipe?!

Varian could feel his skin becoming raw from the boiling liquid, especially with the newly made and bleeding cut on his dominant hand. He whimpered as the pain refused to end. His goggles were doing more harm than good when he was beyond the point of being able to see. The welding torch he had tried its best to patch up the whole, yet it failed at every try.

Gasps for clean air could be heard from the ravenette. His hands shook with every difficult breath he took. His sight was just inky mist, difficult to rid of, yet present through and through as the water level grew higher by the second.

Before Varian could comprehend what happened, another hole in the pipe appeared, sending water down onto his head. The force of the water was too great for the boy. His entire body plummeting deeper into the void of water before him. His entire body felt as if it was burning like a shooting star as his vision grew deeper with the darkness.

A sudden jerk from his arm and Varian saw another image from his dream:

" Ya' know, Goggles. If ya' just wanted to go for a swim, I probably could've found a lake for you to enjoy. "

Varian couldn't help but laugh as he began to cough up water. The smoke still caused a problem with his vision, but he knew that sweet and annoying voice anywhere.

" Two for two, huh Glasses? "

Hugo smirked as he handed the boy back the welding torch he'd dropped. " Well, you are my partner in science and life. " Hugo grabbed Varian's chin and gazed into the younger alchemist's eyes, the other doing the same. They could feel each other's breath the closer they got towards each other- their faces near millimeters apart from each other.

Another burst of a pipe and the two quickly separated. Both of them being a blushing mess.

" We should. . . "

" Y-yeah. . . "

As Varian went back to trying to patch up the holes in the water pipes, Hugo slipped his own goggles over his face and dove into the water, hissing as the boiling water touched his own skin. It didn't take long for him to find extra scrap metal among the water. Copper and aluminum pieces would be the best they could do for now.

As he swam to Varian, Hugo noted how the water had risen to the boy's collar bone. ' He must be swimming by now, ' he thought as the water reached under his chin when he stood.

Upon reaching Varian, Hugo quickly grabbed one of the copper pieces of metal and held it against one of the holes. Varian welding the two materials together as fast as possible. The hole finally being patched and the water coming to a stop. Varian grinned at his boyfriend as they continued to repeat the process until all of the holes were patched.

When done, they both held on to one another as they made their way to the door. Trudging through the water while doing so, Varian had to even walk on his tippy toes and Hugo would never let him down. The water had grown cold by then, their bodies freezing to the bone.

By the time both boys made it to the door, Hugo was shivering slightly as Varian seemed unbothered by the cold water. It was then that Hugo noticed the raw cut on the boy's hand. He tried to grab it, but Varian just pulled away, averting his eyes to the door before them.

' Later, ' he mouthed to the blond before wiping his hand, which was still somehow bleeding, against his pants. With a deep breath, Varian opened the door, the blurs of people swarming his vision as Hugo held a gentle grip on his shoulder.

Chapter Text

The first thing Hugo noticed when walking out of the boiler room was how dark it was. The only light that shined through the windows was the light from the moon. The stars drifted along the glowing rock high in the sky.

When Hugo looked towards the direction he and Varian were walking, smoke bellowed out of the door behind them, causing a coughing fit to them both and what he assumed were others that were waiting for them. Once it subsided did Hugo notice the slight rigged form Varian went into as the younger stared forward.

" Dad. . . ? " He asked it more as a question than a definite answer, lifting his goggles off of the blue eyes Hugo adored. Hugo removed his own goggles and adjusted his glasses before he saw who the man was.

" That's your dad. . . ? " Hugo was surprised to see the man before him, the same man who helped him when he crashed into him earlier. Just how long has he and Goggles been down there for? But he shook his head at the thought. All he cared about was that Varian was with him once more.

Varian's father was quick to run up to his son, and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. Hugo could tell by the look in his eyes that the father and son were distant. Especially when the very touch made Varian flinch under his father's gaze. The man let out a sad sigh before releasing his grip on him.

" Welcome home, Varian. " The man said. His gaze shifted to Hugo, who looked up when being noticed. He gave an awkward laugh and wave before the father's gaze returned to his son's.

" Hi, dad, " Varian moved in to hug his father. His arms slowly wrapped around the older man before he buried his head in his father's chest. Varian let out a deep breath before noting the sound of rapid feet.

" Varian! " Two voices called out at once. Varian released the grip of his father as two people tackled him into a hug. Hugo quickly grabbed him by the shoulders to prevent him from falling onto the floor.

Hugo noted the slight flinch the boy gave when he was touched once more. That's just another thing he and the others will have to help him with.

A fake cough caught Varian's attention as he quickly removed himself from his friends' grasp. His posture elevated itself up right with a small intake of air being held. His blue eyes darted towards his father as quick as an arrow.

" I think it's a good idea for you all to go rest for the night, " a new voice chimed in. " You can introduce it to your friends tomorrow, Varian. I can show you to your rooms. "

Varian nodded as he gave an awkward wave to his father, who returned the kind gesture, as he and his friends followed Rapunzel.

Hugo laid on the bed in the room he was given. His mind was scrambled. Everything that happened today made it into 'The Weirdest Things Hugo has ever been a part of List'.

But he couldn't wrap his mind around one thing: the way Varian acts today. Saying that his boyfriend had had a rough day today was an understatement. The boy's flinches were more frequent, he'd seemed to refuse physical contact unless forced to, he looked like he was going to have a panic attack at Xavier's, the list went on.

But it all came to the simple thought that when entering Corona, Varian changed who he was. They all knew about Varian's past and accepted him for it, but did they truly know him? It was something Hugo couldn't wrap his head around.

Light tapping caught the blond's attention. His gaze trailed off to one of the bedroom walls- the one that held a fireplace against it. He made his way over there with ease.

Hugo looked at the wall in confusion before turning to go to bed. But just as he'd done, the light taps became present once more. He quickly turned around but saw nothing. He was about to touch a piece of the wall paneling began to move upwards. And upon doing so, there stood the love of his life.

" Can I come in? " His voice was just barely above a whisper, yet a gleam of panic was still present in his eyes. Hugo gave a nod before the boy walked out of the wall, who pressed a certain part of the wall before it collapsed back down.

Varian shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His arms hugging himself as the silence between them grew.

" So, today was weird. . . "

Varian only nodded at the statement. His gaze on the floor as Hugo walked towards him, stopping only mere inches away from him.

" Hey, Goggles. What's wrong? " But Varian wouldn't budge. A slight pulsing pain made its way into the younger's head. He bit his lip in agony as the pain continued to grow as he began to draw blood from his lip. He opened his mouth with the slight drip of blood, mumbling something afterwards.

" Goggles? "

" I'm fine, " he said. He was about to walk back over to the door when he felt a slight tug in his arm. Turning around, he saw Hugo with eyes made of concern and worry.

Hugo gently pulled the smaller boy into a hug, his body freezing when he felt the boy flinch. He looked at Varian's eyes to only see them being frosted over. He carefully pulled the boy's eyes to his chest. The silence returned once more.

The blond couldn't help but stroke the younger's hair. It was something he realized calmed the boy down. It was a small gesture, but one that was effective.

After another moment, Hugo felt the weight on his chest subside. Varian faced the ground. His arms still hugging himself, his bleeding lip opening slightly.

" I'm sorry. " Hugo shook his head before tilting Varian's head up to face him.

" You have nothing to apologize for, Goggles. " This warned a small smile from Varian, seeing that he didn't have to apologize for his little mistakes was still something he wasn't used to.

" I suggest you, " Hugo pointed a finger towards him, " go to bed. "

Varian rolled his eyes at Hugo being a mother hen. He could be just as bad as Rapunzel and Nuru combined. Maybe even worse than Eugene!

" But, " Varian caught Hugo's gaze right into his own. " Do you swear to talk to me tomorrow? About everything you aren't telling us, telling me? "

Varian looked as if he was pondering when I'm reality he was grateful. A single word was all it took for Varian's world to come crashing down right before his eyes. People may still use that word around him, but Hugo never did.

" Of course, " Varian replied, unwrapping his arms from himself and placing them around Hugo's neck. He pecked the boy's cheek before Hugo pulled him in for a kiss.

' Sometimes I feel that it is only Hugo who still respects my boundaries. ' Varian thought as he and Hugo pulled away from each other.

" Good night, Goggles. "

' And that was okay. '

" Good night, Glasses. "

' Because Hugo was the only person I could be myself around. '

Chapter Text

Now, Varian wasn't trying to not get any sleep the night before. It just kinda, maybe, sorta happened? Look in his defense, after what happened the day prior, he wasn't too excited to be alone with his- could he even call them dreams?- anymore.

What didn't help was how awkward it was last night with Hugo. He was glad the boy didn't push anything on him, it was something Varian admired about the man, and Hugo was someone Varian could trust his life with. And yet. . .

Varian shook his nerves off. Everything would go amazing today! His family and friends were going to meet the people he considered as a second family. Plus they were going to stay for a few days to visit. Everything would be fine!

If only that were true as the test tube in him cracked once more.

" So, Varian, are you going to introduce us to your friends? " The princess of Corona, and temporary queen, asked during breakfast.

Said boy shifted with unease. One wrong move and his life would return to chaos. One slip up and the mask he'd worn would break into a million pieces. A single mistake- and he would be in the dungeon once more.

" R-right, " he stuttered out slightly. He gripped the poorly bandaged hand he dressed this morning, though it was under a glove so that no one would notice. After last night, he didn't want to bother Hugo anymore, and took a deep breath. ' Here we go. '

" The smaller boy, " he pointed to Yong, " is Yong from the Fire Kingdom. " The Asian waved excitedly towards the princess, who returned the gesture, and her husband did the same but much more calmly, with a smile on his face. " The girl is Princess Nuru of the Air Kingdom, " he gestured to the dark-skinned girl. " Then the boy with the glasses is Hugo. "

" And where's Hugo from? "

Varian looked nervously towards his father who asked the question. Before he could reply, Mr. Smarty Mouth decided to first.

" I come from nowhere and from everywhere. " Hugo grinned as Nuru rolled her eyes.

" I don't quite- "

" He's probably a traveling salesman, " Eugene replied, setting down his glass and giving Hugo a slight glare. " So tell us, Hugo- how did you end up traveling with Goggles over here? "

Hugo opened his mouth to reply before a sharp pain hit his foot. He looked towards his right to see a glaring Varian staring right at him. Hugo immediately closed his mouth after that.

" He- uh, he's actually an alchemist like I am, Dad. Isn't that great? " Varian answered a little too quickly for his liking. He saw his father just nod before he went back to looking at his food.

" Varian, I- "

" Woops, look at the time! I promised them that I'd give them a tour of the town, isn't that right?! "

The three looked at Varian with worry but nodded anyway. The four stood up and pushed in their chairs. " Thank you for everything, Rapunzel, but we should get going. Bye! " Before anyone could say another word, Varian ushered the three out of the dining room.

So Varian realized he'd screwed up. . . very, very badly. At least it wasn't as bad as a few other. . . mishaps. . . that have happened before. Right?

Oh Mother of Demantis he was so wrong!

And now here he was, with his three closest friends he saw as family, all of them looking confused, or in Hugo's case, anger he believed to be so. The blond rubbed his hand against his temple as he let out a deep breath. A lasering glare reaching Varian's eyes.

" Varian, can we please talk? " He spoke with teeth just barely clenching. " Alone. "

Varian knew this would be the end of his and Hugo's relationship.

Nuru and Yong took note of the scene and fled to some other part of the castle. Hopefully they wouldn't cause any trouble. Well, that Yong wouldn't cause any trouble, Nuru would be fine.

The sun bathed little of the hallway they were in. Portraits hung against the walls of the past royal families, their painted eyes following the boys' every move. Hugo ran a hand through his blond hair as the sunlight bounced off of it. Varian just wrapped his arms around his midsection in the shadows of the light, the portrait of the current royal family hanging right behind him.

Hugo walked closer to him. Varian felt his heartbeat skyrocket in that moment from fear.

' This was it, ' he thought, shutting his eyes closed, ' it all ends here. '

And before Varian knew it, he felt something grasping his hand. Opening his eyes as he saw Hugo with worriness filling his own. Before he could say anything the glove was off- his wrapped up hand was revealed to the older boy.

" What kind of a job is that, Goggles? " Hugo's voice cracked a little as he tugged the wrapping off of Varian's hand. " I thought I taught you better than this, but I guess I'll have to do it for you like always. "

The strips of bandage fell off with grace. Time seemed to stop around Varian as his boyfriend re-wrapped his hand. The painted, soulless eyes stared and stared right at the two.

Another slight pulsing pain hit his head once more. The image, again, being from the weird dream he had. A pair of glasses and goggles intertwined with one another.

Not before long did Varian snap out of his thoughts and see the newly bandaged hand. It was perfect and clean, unlike the one he had on previously.

" Are you mad? "

Hugo shook his head. Varian felt a light hand on his cheek as Hugo looked at him straight in the eyes. He noted how the blond's eyes seemed as hollow as a tree; his hair shading his eyes from that moment on.

Varian saw the way Hugo walked closer to him once more. This time in the shadows of the sunlight. Just like Varian was.

" Are you ashamed of me? " Hugo turned away once he asked, cringing slightly as his voice cracked at the end.

" No. . . " Varian quickly grasped the hands of his lover. His chest tightened at the thought. " No, Hugo, I-. . w-why would you say- "

" Because you don't want me here, " he said in a stern voice, causing Varian to flinch slightly at the tone. " You don't seem exactly comfortable, " he gestured to himself, " with me around. "

Varian stayed silent. He had been avoiding Hugo, but his reason for doing so. A sigh escaped his lips as he made little circles around the boy's palm. His shoulders hunched a bit before Varian placed his head against Hugo's collarbone.

" I could never be ashamed of you, Hugh, " his voice was muffled by the other's clothing. " It's just- what if they don't like us? Together I mean? "

Varian felt guilt welt up inside of him. He was telling the truth, technically, but he wasn't telling the whole truth. And it burned his insides to not be able to say everything.

He felt Hugo lift his chin up to meet his own. Blue and green eyes met and everything around them was forgotten. A single movement- and their lips crashed together.

Suddenly Varian felt all of his nerves leave at once. His body was calm for once, like a gentle breeze blowing through a flower field, and his mind thought of nothing but Hugo.

Was Varian doing the right thing? Should he have told Hugo the full truth? He knew the answer but pushed it into the back of his mind. They only needed to spend a few more days. After that, all of his worries would be gone. Forever.

Soon the young couple pulled away from each other. Both panted slightly from their kiss lasting for so long.

" Sorry, " Hugo blushed. " I- uh, didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. "

" You could never make me uncomfortable. " Varian smiled at the way his boyfriend got flustered. He pushed a piece of Hugo's hair behind his ear, and felt a dust of blush of his own flutter across his face.

" Look, I know that there's something else going on in that big brain of yours. " He pointed to Varian's head before continuing. " I know how you are, trying to hide everything and such, but you aren't alone anymore. And you don't have to hide your feelings from us anymore. From me anymore. But, until you're ready as is, I'll wait for you to tell me. Mother of Demantis, I'm starting to sound like Yong now. "

" I still love you, " Varian whispered. " And I always will, Glasses. "

" And I'll always love you too, Goggles. " Hugo grabbed the shorter boy's hands and pulled him towards the sunlight. " Now come on, you said you'd show us around the town, didn't you? "

Varian laughed at Hugo's childishness and felt his heart flutter. He grabbed the other boy's hand and pulled him down the way Nuru and Yong had gone. The rest of the day would be spent with the people who understood him.

Chapter Text

Hugo could tell Varian was hiding something from him. The first reason was because the boy never hides anything unless something is bothering him. The second is because Varian's a bad liar.

He could see how Yong was enjoying himself in the town to try and keep their spirits up. Nuru, on the other hand, lingered a little behind Yong and closer to Varian, a grim smile sporting her face.

The townspeople were. . . different. Not as a good different though.

Some of them would smile when he, Nuru, and Yong went by, but would look away when Varian came into their view. Others just scowled at the Royal Engineer till they passed. And while Hugo wasn't bothered by the looks, he could tell Varian was.

" So, " Hugo decided to start, " how are you related to that scary man we had breakfast with? "

" Hugo- "

" I'm just saying, you have your noodle arms, and he looks like he could break every bone in my body. Heck, I'm pretty sure your ghost mom could snap me in half like the beanpole I am! "

He saw how Varian's face lit up with a small smile. The first smile he had since coming into town that morning. And it was a smile Hugo could never help but grin at.

The town of Corona wasn't busy per se, yet it sure was noisy. The local businesses weren't open, yet there were many people banging on doors to try and force people to open their shops early. It clearly didn't work, but they would keep banging on doors until they got what they wanted.

They continued to walk through the town. And as people began to open their shops from public demand, the more envious eyes made their way to Varian.

" Are you used to. . . this kind of treatment? " Nuru asked in concern. Varian only nodded before grabbing Hugo's hand.

" Follow me, " he said.

But as they followed him, the townspeople already had their eyes glued on him.

Whispers grew around the group. Yet even as their eyes were still on Varian, Hugo couldn't help but notice the lack of emotion they had in them, soulless even.

" Why did he return? " A group of women with laundry asked.

" How is he still alive after his travels? " A group of shopkeepers questioned.

Hugo would've glared at them all. His blood boiled and he felt rage beginning to eat his patience away.

A calm, reassuring hand made its way to his shoulder. He looked to see Varian sadly smiling. His boyfriend tried to never resort to violence unless it was needed.

He knew Varian didn't want anyone to ever become hurt because of him. He already caused so much pain. And Hugo would never let anyone feel the same pain Varian felt back then ever again.

Hugo noted how Varian barely spoke to any of them. His blue eyes staring down the street till there was no tomorrow.

The group continued through the markets as the sun had now fully risen into the sky. Sounds of arguing and laughter filled the street. Yet everyone seemed like their actions were animatronic; everyone seemed fake.

That's when Hugo noticed a certain barefooted princess running towards them. Behind her, she dragged her ex-thief boyfriend, who seemed to also notice the faux look of the townspeople.

" Hey, guys! " Rapunzel waved excitedly. " Wait for us! "

" Y-yeah! What are you doing here, Rapunzel? You know. . . not staying in the very safe and almost non-threatening palace of yours? "

Yeah, Varian was lying about what the heck was going on in his life, Hugo decided.

Apparently the princess cleared her schedule so that she and Mr. Ex-thief could spend the whole day with them. Wonderful.

Was Hugo scared to be in the marketplace with royalty? Of course not because he had to deal with Nuru a lot. But oh boy was he kinda annoyed.

The princess was like the female version of Yong but with her happiness level at 100 instead of the usual level 50 Yong normally was. A combination of light and dark purple fabric made up her dress, which hung on her body till it ended around her ankles. Her chocolate colored hair slightly floated off her shoulders from the wind as bright green eyes took up about a third of her face.

' Just like Varian's, ' Hugo thought. He looked to see the bangs of his lover's blowing into his eyes. The younger looked annoyed and tried to blow them out, which failed miserably and caused Hugo to laugh. This earned him a kick in the shins.

" Mother of Demanitus, Goggles. I thought you loved me. "

Varian froze at the statement with his now shaking arms crossing. " I can tolerate you for five minutes before your mind dumbs down to the level of Eugene and Lance. "

Eugene gave a mocked gasp before arguing with Varian of how smart he and Lance were. This also included Rapunzel trying to defend Eugene and Nuru and Yong trying to do the same for Varian.

Yet Hugo couldn't focus on that. That answer bothered Hugo. It was answered too quickly, yet he'd still hesitated before saying it. And no one but him still noticed Varian's arms slightly shaking, as well as the pained and terrified look he had when Hugo's statement was made.

Suddenly Hugo felt a pained stab to the heart from Varian. The conversation he had with him earlier was still true. Wasn't it?

By the time he snapped out of his train of thought did he realize that both princesses and Yong were gone. Apparently Rapunzel decided to take Nuru and Yong to a bakery and sweet shop fusion, leaving the rest of the guys to defend themselves from awkward conversations about feelings and such. Was that princess trying to kill Hugo?

The three decided to just walk around for a bit and not speak. The wind blew quickly through the air, and Varian's bangs would continue to blow into his face as he tried to stop it. Hugo didn't comment on it.

" I-I'm going to go and quickly buy something. Be right back. "

As Varian went off, the ex-thieves were the only ones left. Hugo and Eugene. Eugene and Hugo. What could go wrong?

Everything.

Hugo couldn't help but notice how Rider ignored him. His gaze was on the people around the two of them.

The more Hugo looked at the man, the more he saw how different the princess' boyfriend was back when he double crossed him in a job. The man's hair had ditched the ponytail, that was Hugo's thing, and had tamed facial hair for once. It was a complete and ugly mess back then.

His muscles and shoulders were broader and more pronounced, as well as his light brown eyes being healthier than before. His outfit consisted of a red long-sleeved jacket that had some golden trim, white pants, gloves, and undershirt, as well as knee high brown boots. A leather belt was wrapped around his waist and a sun crescent was stitched into the side of the jacket.

" What are you planning, Hugo? "

The question snapped the blond out of his thoughts as he realized they had walked into an alleyway. The man's brown eyes gave Hugo an icy stare, though they weren't as threatening as Vari-

" Where's Varian? " Hugo asked. He could feel the man's gaze softening a little. Or maybe it was the opposite? He couldn't tell.

Hugo suddenly felt himself being lifted off of the ground by his shirt and being slammed against a wall. He winced slightly at the contact and felt something warm behind his head.

" Did Donella put you up to this? " The man questioned with a voice getting slightly threatening by the minute. " What is she doing now- "

" Rider- "

" It's Eugene, thief. "

" Okay, Eugene. One, " he let out a huff before continuing, " I'm not a thief anymore. Two, I don't work for Donella anymore. Three, I'm not planning anything. And finally, four, where is Varian? "

Eugene didn't say anything. Instead, he looked to the ground in shame. The alleyway's shadows covered the older man's eyes, causing Hugo not being able to see his eyes.

Suddenly Hugo felt a burning pain strike his head. He bit his lip in agony to hold back a wince. When Eugene looked at him, his eyes widened, and he dropped the boy to the cobblestone ground.

" Hugo-! "

Hugo suddenly found himself in a place full of mirrors. All of them had cracks forming on them.

The ground he stood on seemed like a melted darkness, creeping up his boots. He looked down in confusion and tried to kick the melty liquid. It didn't work.

He then tried to take a step forward to get closer to the mirrors.

He couldn't move either.

Now he was slightly panicking. The liquid continued to climb up his legs as he felt his breath become shallower the higher it got.

A sudden blob of the liquid floated off of the ground and floated midair. Hugo wanted to look away for some reason, yet he didn't want to as well. In a swift movement the blob shifted and transformed into different shapes.

The symbol of Saporia. A heart beginning to be covered in the crimson ground. A mouth with a finger shushing it. A book about the relations of alchemy and magic. A pair of glasses and goggles intertwined with one another. And finally, 2 different test tubes: one cracked and seemingly about to crumble apart, the other looking completely fine.

The blob quickly fell to the ground, fusing with the liquid that continued to grow around Hugo's body, which now was up to the middle of his chest. A single mirror in front of him glistened. With his arms still free, he was able to touch the cracked glass.

" BETRAYER OF CORONA! "

Hugo flinched back at the sound and covered his ears. The liquid had apparently increased in speed. Now it began to pull him into the ground.

Yet the mirror glistened once more, and Hugo couldn't resist. With the last of his strength, the very tips of his fingers brushed up against the cracked glass.

" Hugo, I'm sorry. . . "

Suddenly Hugo's eyes flashed opened. He was back, breathing heavily and a worried looking Eugene staring at him.

" Kid, you okay? "

Now it was Hugo's turn to not respond. Everything replayed through his head. The liquid. The mirrors. The images. The scream. The voice-

Hugo shakily yet quickly got up, stumbling and almost falling to the ground once more. He probably would've if Eugene hadn't caught him.

" Come on, Kid. Answer me- "

Yet Hugo pushed him away. And for the first time did Eugene realize a glossiness the blond had in his eyes. He held back a gasp as Hugo tried to get back up once more.

" Hugo, hey- "

" Varian needs us, " Hugo looked at him with eyes full of pain and agony. " NOW! "

Chapter Text

With the help of Ride- Eugene, he and Hugo began a rapid search for the younger alchemist. The blond stumbled his first few steps, but his balance soon returned as he made a mad dash around the marketplace.

The streets were busy this time around, which didn't help the search. People were shoving trying to get the last of bakery goods as attempted bargains turned into yelling wars.

And this all didn't seem to help Hugo with his worriness, nor his ever-growing headache.

Hugo didn't know what had happened when he was being held against the alleyway wall. But he didn't care at the moment. All his mind playing was the broken, sorrow-filled voice Varian had in his apology to him. The way his voice cracked was what would seemingly happen when he was about to cry.

He searched harder after that memory.

He and Eugene continued the search until they heard it. A strangled cry coming from behind the shoe repair shop.

Hugo could feel his heart racing against time, his mind and vision blurring as he ran. Eugene tried to follow closely behind him, but Hugo had lost him. The blond was quicker.

And as soon as he was behind the shop his heart stopped.

Varian was being held up against the wall by the collar of his shirt, which was already torn in a spot or two. Crimson liquid was dripping down his forehead, sticking to his skin that grew paler by the minute.

His eyes were still open, yet they seemed hollowed out by fear. A few crystal tears were present as they slid down his face in a rather quick manner.

One knife was pressed against his throat. Tiny streams of blood trickling out as the knife was pressed against him more. The other knife was in the hand of a woman.

" Aw, come on, Dearie. " The woman's voice was sickly sweet as she twirled the knife and threw it. Varian squeaked as the sharp objects embedded itself into the wall just above his head. " What's the matter, Magic Freak? I thought you wanted to show the world your magic? "

Hugo could see the look of annoyance on the younger alchemist's face. Just why the heck did people think alchemy was magic? People thought that magic was fake and a myth long ago. So why did they think alchemy was a myth if magic was present nowadays? Science and magic are two different spectrums people!

" Yeah, come on, Dearie, " the man said with a mocking tone, " you're already a betrayer to Corona. So why should it matter if you hurt more people like- "

" Leave him alone! "

Hugo's face was red with fury as the people looked towards him. An unsettling smirk formed on the man's face before he nodded towards the woman, who seemed to have gotten the same idea the man did. And all Hugo could do was to try to maintain his anger and not walk up and punch the smirk off his face.

" Oh, so you got a friend now, eh? " The man's gaze returned to Varian's own, which was filled with panic once more. " Does he know about your crimes too, Magic Freak? "

Hugo could sense the stupidity radiating off of the two. It was quite obvious really. But that stupidity couldn't stop him from seething with rage.

So he would just have to be the sarcastic alchemist he was. Simple. Easy. Smart-Mode Hugo was almost effortless- and mother of Demanitus, was he gonna screw up-

" Well, as a fellow 'Magic Freak' myself, I'd have to say your vocabulary is incorrect, Good Sir. You see, this boy and I are known alchemists, to which we study the wonders of alchemy. Apart from the science mainly being based on changing the chemical compound elements of matter, we also use it to help create our own chemical compounds. Of course, with the education you two have, I'll have to dumb it down for you both. "

Hugo felt a smirk tug at his lips. Varian looked like he was going to kick Hugo for making fun of people the moment he was let go of. The man and woman, however, were what Hugo had expected: dumb looking idiots who didn't even know what the heck he was talking about. Or at least that was until both of them looked to have steam blowing out of their ears.

But Hugo wasn't done.

" We, " he gestured to himself and Varian, " use certain things provided from nature to create better things. Of course, we also can create machines with metals and such, but that's basic elementary so you both should know exactly what I'm talking about. Isn't that right, folks? "

And before Hugo knew it, he was dodging rocks being thrown at him. Nonetheless, he, of course, was successful in doing so. Hey, being an ex-thief had its pros.

Apparently, if you dodge rocks for so long, said person throwing rocks is gonna get mad and try to charge at you. Who knew that would happen? Oh yeah, Hugo did!

As soon as the woman was a mere few inches away from Hugo, he dropped to the ground and kicked his leg towards her ankles, causing her to fall backwards. He quickly jumped back up and glared at the man still holding Varian against the wall. He could see the man was trembling.

" Now, why don't you let Varian go, punk? Unless you wanna go through the same thing your wife did. " He felt venom drip through his words saying that. His glare pierced through the man's heart as he suddenly dropped the boy and backed away shakily.

Hugo couldn't help but let an unsettling smirk etched on his face. " Grab your wife and run along now. And don't ever come towards Varian again. Think you can do that with your pea sized brain, Buddy, or do I gotta dumb it down for you? "

The man shook his head as he ran towards his wife and quickly ran down the alleyway. And as Eugene finally made it to the destination, Hugo made his way to Varian.

The younger alchemist was leaning against the filthy wall of the shoe shop. His head wound had stopped bleeding, which was good, though he knew the sight of blood made the younger faint. So it didn't exactly help when it had dripped dry down the side of his face and that the blood on his neck had also dried.

" Hey, Goggles. . . "

" H-hey, Hugo. . . " Varian's voice was softer than the blond could remember. He felt a hand touch the back of his head, and saw Varian pull it back to see red flakes and disoriented eyes.

" Hey now, don't faint in me now, " Hugo jokingly said through another painful pulse from his headache. Yet all he saw was the pained look in Varian's eyes.

" H-how did you get hurt? "

" Why don't we worry about you first? " Hugo pulled out an orange handkerchief from his pocket and licked a part of it. " Not the most sanitary method, but it'll do. "

" Is that Varian's? " A new voice popped in.

" Mhmm. " Hugo nodded to Eugene, who watched as the blond cleaned the dried blood off Varian.

Varian stayed silent during his cleaning. His mind wandered to what those people had said.

' They're right, ' he thought. And he knew they were: he always knew. But after not hearing it during his journey that much, he thought he wasn't that anymore.

He was wrong.

He was always wrong.

" So why should it matter if you hurt more people like- "

" The monster you are. . . " Varian mumbled under his breath.

" Whatcha say, Goggles? "

Varian snapped back to reality to see Eugene looking at him with confusion. Hugo, however, knew he heard him.

" N-nothin', " he replied. Standing up, he looked towards the faint woods. " I-I'm going for a walk. I'll be back soon. "

" Oh hell no! After what just happened- " Eugene was interrupted by a smack on the back of his head from Hugo, who glared at him before facing towards Varian once more.

" Just don't be too long, Goggles. " He pressed his lips to Varian's forehead for a few seconds before pulling back.

Varian felt his world crumble right before him.

Eugene sucked in a breath.

Varian left after that.

Once in the forest, Varian found a little stream and dropped to his knees. The wind blew his hair wildly as the only sound came from the movements of the stream.

In the forest he was alone. No townspeople. No royalty. No friends. No family.

No Hugo.

" It used to be so simple

It was a world I understood. "

Varian began to think about the people he'd met on his travels around the seven kingdoms. How each and every person he'd met was different from each other.

" I didn't know what I didn't know

And life seemed pretty good. "

A smile was brought upon his face as he thought of Yong, Nuru, and Hugo, and everything he'd done with them. Their adventures weren't exactly perfect. But they made Varian happy.

But after today, Varian's face fell a bit. He wishes everything would go back to that time.

" But now the darkness rises

From somewhere deep inside of me. "

Today has been a disaster from the very start. Everything he had feared was coming to the light.

Everything he ever wanted to take back was returning once more. And he couldn't prevent any of it.

" The power overtakes me

Can I keep this midnight from getting free? "

He'd wished these few days would pass. Heck, he even wished he'd never came back.

Yet the love for his family drove him back to Corona. But was that love even worth the pain he would have to endure once more?

" If I could stay with the light, I know I'd be free

And I could start to be whole, I could start to be me! "

He didn't know what was right or wrong in his life anymore. Everything he'd ever thought was bad was good in the eyes of the people of Corona.

And everything he ever thought was good was bad in the eyes of the people.

" But instead, I am struggling with all that I see

And these friends. . . "

And to Varian, Hugo was a part of him. Hugo was something good in Varian's life. And that meant he was bad to the eyes of Corona.

Varian couldn't hold back any longer, and the tears of regret began to fall like rain drops.

" Mustn't see the midnight in me!

The midnight in me! "

And as Varian shakily stood back up from the ground, panic still overwhelmed his body and mind. He wasn't ready to go back- he never would be.

Yet he still has some explaining to do.

" They mustn't see the midnight in me. . . "

Varian being accepted was never an option anyways.

" Alright, what gives? What's with that look on your face, Eugene? "

Eugene was still frozen in shock. He couldn't believe- didn't Varian-. He regained his composure and slid down the shop's walls. He patted the ground next to him for the latter to take a seat.

And once he did Eugene couldn't help but grimace. He looked Hugo straight into his eyes before speaking softly.

" You. . . you really love Goggles, don't you? "

The blond gave a confused look and a nod. Apparently he didn't know. No wonder why Varian's been acting weird.

Eugene gave a shaky breath before looking at the blond with sorrowful eyes. He placed a hand on his shoulder before speaking once more.

" Look, Hugo. It's- it's illegal for you guys to be together here. "

Chapter Text

Hugo didn't understand. It. . . It didn't make sense at all. But deep down he knew it did.

Each of the seven kingdoms are advanced in one way or another. The kingdom he grew up in was mainly advanced in building structures, Yong's was advanced in its variety of food, Nuru's was advanced in education, and Corona's was advanced in machinery, and so on and so forth. Yet that also meant each of them were behind on something else.

Apparently Corona's was behind on its laws, the punishments, and impacts of them.

And with the way Varian has been acting yesterday and this morning. Everything clicked.

Varian wasn't ashamed of Hugo. He was trying to protect him.

" Kid, are you okay? "

But Hugo didn't respond to Eugene. He stayed silent and gazed at the ground before him. His thoughts drown the noise of the town out.

If Varian knew about these laws, then why did he let them come here? With the townspeople already having a. . . dislike in him, they would've understood that he didn't want to go back. Maybe it was because he wants to see his family again? But he could've done that on his own and would've been in less danger.

But he didn't. And that's what bothered Hugo the most about all of this.

Varian didn't care if he was putting more danger onto himself or not. He was a walking target here, and everyone had an arrow to shoot at him anytime. And now that Hugo was here. . . He suddenly felt uneasiness rise within himself.

" Did Varian tell anyone here about our relationship? " Hugo's voice wavered a bit.

Eugene shook his head and rubbed his temple. " The only time we ever knew he was in love was that crush on Cassandra, but he didn't feel that way for long. "

Hugo nodded. His index finger decided to draw in the dust that caked the ground. And the image: glasses and goggles intertwined into each other.

" Look, kid, I'm sorry about the whole, you know- " he pointed to the back of Hugo's head, which was now dried with blood- " though you're shifty, it was still wrong of me to do all that. "

" Is Corona, like, the 'Apology Kingdom' nowadays? " He made air quotes around 'Apology Kingdom'.

The comment seemed to lighten Eugene's mood a bit as he laughed slightly. " That's what it seems to be now, isn't it? " His face turned serious before he continued to speak once more. " But in all honesty, I shouldn't have done that. But after learning- all of this- I can see I was most definitely in the wrong. "

" I don't actually blame you for doing so. When I was with Donella, I was like the thief you knew, alright? But I'm not like that anymore. I know you're Varian's family, and you're like a Mother Hen around him- "

" Hey! " Eugene interjected. " I am not a Mother Hen! Geezes, you're sounding like Lance now. "

" Not my fault you are. " Hugo smirked before his face softened a bit. " But Varian's growing up, ya' know, you just gotta let him be Varian, if you get what I mean. "

Eugene nodded before looking towards the little image Hugo had drawn in the dust. Two different sets of eye-wear, yet had many similarities. Just like Hugo and Varian. " I do. Thanks, Kid. "

" Anytime, Mother Hen. " Hugo smiled a bit. " It's like what Varian said, we're like you and that girlfriend of yours. "

" Mhmm, " Eugene nodded. Now he understood what the Royal Engineer meant. Ah, clever kid.

By the time Varian came out of the woods it was the afternoon. His body still trembled a bit, but it was a lot less than before. The red in his eyes would be there for a while, but it didn't matter. Though that didn't mean he didn't try to hide then and the slender tear track that ran down his face.

He walked until he reached town once more, and set off to find the alleyway Hugo and Eugene were in. He didn't want to exactly intrude whatever they were doing, but he had to confront Eugene about. . . everything. With a shaky breath, he stepped into sight of the two.

" Hey guys, " Varian waved slightly. His eyes met their own in seconds.

He saw how Hugo was the first to go up to him, and the blond slightly wrapped his arms around Varian's waist. Varian felt nerves rack his entire body, and fear screamed at him to run away as fast as possible, but he leaned his head into the older boy's chest and let out a breath he didn't know he held.

Varian saw how Eugene looked at them: a small smile grazing his lips with warm eyes looking towards them. He accepted them. He accepted both of them. It made Varian smile a bit too.

A few seconds passed before Varian lifted his head up and Hugo released him. He stood tall with his arms rubbing at each other. No one spoke until Eugene decided to start the conversation.

" So. . . you and String Bean are. . . a thing and such? "

Varian nodded. It should've been a simple conversation. Yet his mouth felt dry and he felt his body shake once more. He didn't trust his own mouth to speak for himself.

" Okay then, " Eugene ran a hand through his hair. " I'm- I'm glad that you can be happy, Kid, really, I am! But how do you exactly plan to bypass the law? "

Varian stayed silent. It was a plan he had been working on ever since he and Hugo first got together.

But Eugene was okay with the two of them being together. He wasn't even supposed to find out about this all, but Varian was happy that Eugene knew. He didn't know why. He just was.

Eugene sighed. " You don't have a plan, do yo- "

" I do, " Varian interjected quickly. He closed his mouth shut and gazed towards the ground. Not even Hugo knew what he was going to do. The only one who knew was Ruddiger, and he couldn't even really tell anyone!

The ravenette took a deep breath before closing his eyes, squeezing Hugo's hand, which earned a look of confusion from the blond, before speaking. " Once we- "

BOOM! An explosion from the distance cut him off. Thin smoke began to enter through the alleyway as the screams of townspeople rang through the streets.

" I'm guessing that's not normal, is it? '' Hugo pointed towards the sky, which was where the smoke was billowing from.

" Not even close, but not the worst! "

With that said, Eugene began to run back into the town square to evacuate and figure out what was happening. Hugo gave Varian a stern look.

" Come on, " he said. " We better get out of here. "

Varian nodded. But just as he was about to exit the alleyway, a certain image caught his attention. It was the same one in his dreams. Glasses and goggles intertwined with each other.

" How. . . " his voice trailed off when he took note of the smears of dirt and dust on his lover's fingers.

" Varian, come on! " Hugo grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the alley.

Varian was confused about everything. Did Hugo see the same dream, or. . . Varian shook his head. Right now they had bigger things to worry about.

Chapter Text

Now Hugo wasn't going to criticize the intelligence of someone just because they were a woman. But a floating metal ball being gravitated into the air by the forces of two very strong magnets covered in a bunch of crystals wasn't exactly, how could he put this, wasn't very impressive. But apparently having said the so-called 'invention' is more impressive once you throw a lot of acceleration at said 'invention' it creates chaos.

So yeah. . . that happened. . . which is bad. And that's why smoke and a vortex was in the sky, obviously.

But Hugo wasn't going to keep on being sarcastic about the whole situation coincidentally happening when he and Varian and probably at one of their lowest on a mental level and such. Okay, he really wanted to throw Aqua Regia at all of these. . . these things that keep on disturbing the two of them, but they had bigger problems right now.

" Don't worry everyone! " A woman's voice called out, no doubt the one who caused this. " This is all just a part of the show. "

" Didn't your invention cause somethin' like that at the expo a few years back? "

" That was the brat's fault! " She quickly regained her composure before speaking once more. " Besides, I, the Great Fernanda Pizazzo, shall show you the beauties of this catastrophic masterpiece. "

Hugo could feel Varian's grip tighten around his hand. He didn't exactly know why, but his attention was grabbed by the smokey vortex in the sky, which began to lift barrels, food, and more into the air. He could see Eugene trying to evacuate people away from the square, though this so-called inventor was throwing a hissy fit about the people ignoring her.

So, Varian's feelings would have to wait for a little while longer.

" Got any idea on how to stop that thing? " Varian nodded and pointed to a rooftop close to the vortex. Hugo grinned a bit. " Didn't know you wanted to do some parkour, Goggles. "

And so, the two began to make their way to the side of a bakery and scaled the wall. And even though the harsh winds were making its best attempts to knock them both down, Hugo couldn't help but let his mind wander.

Despite Varian knowing that he could tell Hugo anything, anything at all, he never always did. Sometimes, the blond would wonder what went on in the younger boy's mind. He wanted to comfort Varian during the painful times he endured, even if he already knew some of it from when he told the group.

But he couldn't help and comfort him if Varian didn't tell the whole story, with every inch of detail. And he knew Varian could be very detailed with stories of his experiments he'd told him of long ago. Sure, the ravenette told him, Yong, and Nuru what happened, and he believed it all. Yet there were things Varian never told them, and this woman was one of those things.

However, Hugo could only huff at the frustration he felt towards Varian. Despite him wanting to know more about the boy, he couldn't push Varian. That's what happened with the Saporians. Varian didn't go into great detail about it, but the other three knew the gist of it.

And the three promised to never let Varian be treated like that again.

By the time Hugo made it to the top, Varian was already tying a rope to his waist. Hugo looked at Varian with confusion as the younger alchemist put the rope into his hands. And before he knew it, Hugo was flying his boyfriend in the air like a kite. Mother of Demanitus, HE WAS FLYING HIS BOYFRIEND LIKE A KITE!

He saw how Varian's mood shifted a bit. The boy looked to be on a state of calmness for once, which was a rare sight for anyone to see. Yet it was. . . unnatural in a way. The blond had seen his boyfriend be calm before, of course, though it usually took a long time for Varian to be in a calm-like state. But not like this. . . Never like this. . .

Once reaching the 'invention', the ravenette grabbed a chemical solution from his pants before pouring the liquid. He then pulled out a little tube and pressed something on it emitting a bright flame that even Hugo could see from where he stood.

The vortex in the sky suddenly began to shrink in size. It started closing its opening as Varian pulled on the rope. Hugo nearly forgot about the ravenette at that moment.

Once Varian came down, Hugo knew something was wrong. The other alchemist's eyes were dimmer than before; his hands stiffening around the rope on his waist as he let out a deep breath. Baby blue eyes lingered at his hands--at the way Hugo still held onto the rope--before the other let out a heavy breath.

By the time Hugo came back to reality, Varian was untied from the ropes and had already made his way over to Eugene and Rapunzel, whispering to them so quietly that even Hugo couldn't hear them. Him! Hugo--the master of sneakiness, might I add--could not hear a conversation! Unbelievable!

Out of the corner of his eye did he see Varian walking back to the castle. Was he not even going to tell them all "bye" or of where he would be?

Hugo chased after the boy, unknowing to him of the sad looks the two brunettes were giving him. The town was a nightmare to walk through, much less to run through. He was surprised that the townsfolk were suddenly back to how they were before the 'invention' thing happened.

By the time he made it out of the crowds of people did he notice Varian wasn't in front of him. Hugo turned around and saw no one. No one. . . no one at all. All he saw was a shell of Varian, of the nerdy and clumsy and adorable and dorky alchemist he fell for long ago. But he did not see that. The boy behind him was not someone he recognized.

The boy behind him was not Varian.

Chapter Text

After the incident in the market, Varian didn't speak for the rest of the day. It was as if the younger alchemist refused to do so, yet no one knew why. Everyone except him.

Hugo and Eugene tried talking to him earlier, but the boy didn't budge. The only problem was that no one actually knew where he went. Hugo tried to remember the passageway Varian went through before to try and get into the boy's bedroom, but he couldn't remember at the moment. Eugene asked Rapunzel if she knew, but all she said was that "he's safe" and that was all.

While Yong was trying to search for Varian, along with Hugo since Eugene had to help Rapunzel with royalty things, Nuru was the only one who knew where the boy went. Maybe it was because she was basically the adult of their little group, and therefore the most responsible of the four. It also could've been that she remembers the way Varian acted when Hugo betrayed the group.

And only one thing would make him feel better.

After the assistance of a few guards, the star princess made her way down the halls of the castle. Few moments later did she reach her destination, the castle's catacombs, and she could hear the pelts of water dripping on the ground. Another turn at a corner, and she'd found her missing friend.

The room was nothing more but dark and dreary like she expected it to be. Stone coffins laid orderly

The boy's hair was messier than before, and his fingers were interlocked in the strands. His eyes glowed a pure white light as a worried Ruddiger rubbed himself against his friend's legs, which were pulled up towards the boy's chest. His breathing was labored as well, each breath stuttering.

Nuru froze but quickly took a step forward anyways. She continued doing so until she was mere inches away from the boy. Slowly she sat herself on the ground next to him, her hands calmly making their way to the boy's own.

Once she touched the boy's hands, Nuru carefully untangled them from his hair, gently lowering them down till they were in the boy's lap. Removing a hand, she tapped the ground a few times, nails clicking with the stone flooring. After a few moments she heard a few taps in response coming from the boy. She couldn't help but smile.

"You with me, Varian?" she asked in a quiet tone, one hand still placed on Varian's own.

Varian nodded a tinge, eyes growing dimmer till the sockets were like before, calming baby blue eyes. His gaze was downward, but not on his and Nuru's hands, rather on the dusted floor. Like an old toy he maneuvered a hand to the ground with stiff-like motions, fingers lying flat on the surface before twirling in the dust.

Curiosity got the best of the star princess as she peaked over what Varian was doing. His fingers were tracing in the dust--dancing, in a way. They made small intricate lines for a few moments before being lifted off the ground. The dust covered his gloved hands, and a sort of symbol was etched into the ground, but that wasn't what caught Nuru's attention the most.

It was a tear, and it splashed onto the imagery like rain. More and more constantly falling after another until what once was there was gone. There was nothing left but a dampened flooring in a room for the deceased.

"Do you recognize that symbol?" Varian croaked out.

The sudden question caught Nuru off guard. "Wasn't... wasn't it from a kingdom from long ago?"

Varian nodded mutely, still refusing to look up at her. The girl looked at the boy's dusty hands with a look of puzzlement before her eyes became as wide as dinner plates.

"That's the symbol of Saporia, isn't it." It wasn't a question, though, but a definite answer the princess knew just by the look on Varian's face. "The... the people who took over the kingdom those few years back- they're coming back, aren't they, Varian?"

Varian curled in himself a bit closer, and Nuru's mouth gaped open. "They're coming back for you..."

"Betrayers of Saporia pay with their lives." Varian looked up at her with somber eyes. They weren't in their usual panic-like state Nuru had grown used to, nor were they filled with the joy the boy had for alchemy. Instead, they bellowed silence as numbness spread through the atmosphere. "And I am unmistakably a traitor."

A sudden urge made Nuru want to hold the alchemist in her arms. She wanted to whisper kind words into his ear and tell him that everything would be alright. In a way, she wanted to mother the boy, despite him being older than her.

Their relationship felt like that on some days. A parent figure and their child bonding in the smallest of moments during their lowest of times. Nuru couldn't help but being reminded of the time she had a nightmare of her kingdom being destroyed by meteors, which wasn't out of the ordinary, but her people, her parents , they were taken with the destruction. That night it was Varian who understood the loss of those closest to you, and he stayed up that night to help her through that nightmarish crisis.

Right now, was no different.

Instead, Nuru grabbed Varian's hands and planted them in her lap and raised her one hand to the boy's head, stroking his hair as a way to calm his breaths. "You once told me that you'd help me protect my home, now it's my turn to help protect yourself from those invading yours."

Varian leaned further into her touch, earning a smile from the young girl. They continued to stay like that for a few moments longer. The soft hums provided by the princess and comforting chitters of Ruddiger being the only sound they cared for. Once satisfied, they separated from each other, Varian giving the girl eyes that pleaded thank you .

Soon, the two found their way coming out of the catacombs--neither of them having dry eyes--yet neither felt ashamed either. But one thing was for sure, and that was that the group would need to have a meeting with one another. Tonight.

Chapter Text

Yong, despite his age, was not an idiotic child, nor was he destructive by nature. I mean, sure he's blown up a few barns with his fireworks, and set his clothes on fire a few. . . hundred. . . thousand times, but those were all by accident!

But did that stop Princess Rapunzel and Eugene from making him wait in the study while everyone else searched for Varian? Of course not! And even though they told him he could search with Hugo--and was-- before the royal advisor and whatnot told him that he was a child and shouldn't be helping search for a dangerous criminal. If Varian hadn't taught him better, Yong would've shown the man why he was Varian's apprentice. Besides, it wasn't his fault he'd gotten separated from Hugo, THE HALLWAYS WERE A FREAKING MAZE!

And so, here he was--most definitely not pouting--while a cup of hot chocolate was being left cold. (He would not treat the royalty with satisfaction for treating him as a lesser person. He refuses!) Inside of a room he'd completely forgotten the name of.

And to make things worse he has a babysitter now, who was awkwardly trying to have a conversation with him.

"So. . . Do you like to blow stuff up?" The babysitter asked. Lance, if he can recall.

Yong scoffed before crossing his arms. "No. . . well, a bit. But it's not like that!" He raised his hands defensibly. "It's just that it's beautiful."

"Beautiful?"

"Yep,"--Yong couldn't fight the smile growing on his face--"beautiful. Sparks fly and fires glow with a burning passion. Metal sometimes flings off course, but no one gets hurt. Well, no one gets hurt most of the time."

Lance chuckled. "Sounds like a lot of fun, Firecracker."

Yong couldn't help but grin a bit at the nickname. Usually, he'd only let Varian or Hugo or Nuru call him that. The fact being that his village dubbed him the human bomb on a count of his love for explosives and physical. . . appearance. (But they aren't like that, Yong reminded himself.) And while he still was upset at the fact he needed a babysitter, he found the older man charming, in a sense.

(I don't think he's like that either.)

A sudden slam of the door caused Yong to be thrown out of his thoughts. Lance must've experienced the same reaction,  as his shoulders slumped with presumably relaxation upon seeing who it was. Sadly, it wasn't Varian like who Yong hoped for, but the clenching fists from the older boy easily made Yong want to hug him. So, of course he did just that.

Lance must've been shocked by Yong's actions, as he let out a squeak with widening eyes.

Meanwhile, the boy who came in had instantly mellowed at the hug. He wrapped his slender arms around Yong, who only squeezed tighter, and let out a softening breath. Yong could feel tension leaving the older boy's  body. A sense of relief washed over him. Last time the older was feeling like this was when he'd returned and saw. . . the incident happen to Varian.

After another few moments, Yong seized the hug to an end. "So," he began in a voice so quiet that Lance wouldn't be able to hear them, "you doing gooder than before?"

The other let out a half-hearted laugh. "That's not even a word."

"But it made you happy for a moment, didn't it?"

The older paused for a moment before continuing on, gently placing a hand on Yong's head and ruffling his hair, "Yeah, you did, Firecracker."

Yong smiled, throwing his fists up into the air, shouting "I made Hugo happy!" repeatedly as he marched around the room. Lance relaxed a bit seeing that Hugo wouldn't try to kill any of them, and smirked. He was about to join Yong when he felt an icy dagger being thrown through his chest, and instantly backed off.

"That's what I thought," Hugo sneered a bit, glaring at Lance. He then turned his gaze back to Yong.  "Did you have any luck finding Goggles?"

A sudden puff left Yong's mouth as a pout began to take over his smile. "He wouldn't let me leave the room--" jabbing a finger towards Lance "--because I'm a "child.""

"But you're 12!"

"I know, right?!"

Hugo must have taken note of Lance slowly inching his way to the door. "And you're probably the one who is supposed to be watching him, where are you going?!"

Lance froze as he saw a certain shadow become bigger. He put his hands up in defeat. "Now, Hugo-"

Hugo smirked as he drew closer to Lance.

"Hugo, buddy-"

The sound of a dagger impaling the door made him shut up. The blond slowly walked closer to Lance, a pained smile etching all across his face. And upon reaching the older man, Hugo grabbed his shirt and pulled it closer towards him.

"Listen here, Alrnwaldo," he began, "Varian is Demanitus know where after running off into a ginormous palace that's probably full and secret passageways and death traps, when you're telling me that we can't let a child with a mind as curious as Varian's own, as well as being the master of hide and seek, search for someone like Varian, all because he's 12?!" By the end, Yong could hear huffs of anger and voice seething with every word from Hugo.

"Well, I can't recall any death traps. But if there are some, and you said that he's like a mini Varian, then Firecracker over there probably shouldn't-"

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!" Hugo words rang through the room, most likely the entire palace as well. "WHY I OUTTA-"

A breath of silence washed over the room's tension. Yong saw something shift in Hugo's demeanor, and his body instantly went rigged. Yong was behind him, so he couldn't see what was going on, but the gasp from Lance was enough to tell him that it was worrisome.

Slowly, Yong reached his hand out to Hugo in an attempt to see what was wrong. Key word: attempt. Hugo's hands whipped to his head, slender fingers getting themselves tangled into his blond locks. Yong could hear irrational breathing, as if fear was lacing through his mind.

"H-Hugo. . .?"

And Hugo turned towards Yong with eyes glowing a faint white light; the same ones as Varian. His head lifted to endlessly gaze into Yong's eyes, who felt his breathing stutter.

And all hell broke loose.

Chapter Text

This was probably in the top 5 of Hugo's "Worst Day Ever" list. First, he finds his boyfriend being harassed and assaulted by 2 dummies, then finds out Corona has stupid laws, sees his boyfriend almost die again, sees said boyfriend run off to who knows where, and now he's back in the creepy mirror place. This places number 3 on his list.

Unlike the last time, however, Hugo could move freely through the reflective space. The strange liquid was still accompanying the ground, but it was better than nothing. It felt as if he was swimming as he walked along. A few of the mirrors around him glowed a bit, peaking Hugo's interest. He walked up to the one closest to him, about to touch it before a chill ran up his spine.

"Oh, what's wrong, my little Street Rat? Afraid of seeing the truth? You weren't always like this."

Hugo whipped his head around and saw a face he wanted so desperately to punch. His hands clenched into fists as the figure moved closer to him, walking on top of the liquid with confidence: arms opened wide and a smirk showing nothing but vengeance. You would've assumed she owned the stage to a performance of sorts. Perhaps thinking that she was preparing herself to sing her evil plan to the audience below her.

"Shut your damn mouth and tell me what you're doing here, Donella?" Hugo seethed. "Haven't you already wasted enough of your time trying to get someone who worked for you before? Hmm; and how did that work out for you?"

Despite the facade Hugo held with all his might, as soon as Donella reached and caressed his cheek, he felt himself flinch back and stumble to the ground. "There's the Street Rat I've always known. Are you enjoying this little fairy tale of yours? Tell me--" she grabbed Hugo's collar and brought him to mere inches away from her face--"how would you feel if I told you that Varian has been hiding something from you-"

"I told you to shut your damn mouth!" Hugo snarked, hands clenching into tighter fists than before, and spit flying into the woman's face. "Besides, Varian would never hide anything unless there's a good reason for it."

"Did hiding the fact that he was being harassed by the civilians of Corona have a good reason? Tell me, did he ever specifically tell you who is after him? What  this place  has to do with him?!"

With that, Donella threw Hugo to the ground and her hands up into the air. A cackle escaped past her thin lips as she continued to smile.

Though the woman laughed like crazy, it fell deaf to Hugo's ears. His head spun and hurt like he'd been caught in one of Yong's explosions, while his mind and vision was muddled. He felt like he was drowning, that even if he'd try so desperately to swim to the surface it would only result in agony.

"And just what would happen if I tried to touch this, hmm?"

A searing hot pain struck Hugo's head.  It was as if nails were being lodged into his mind, splintering the barriers that were present. He let out a horrified scream of anguish and frustration, yet it was filled with utter silence.

This must have amused Donella quite a lot, as it only made her smile grow wider, and she let out another heart-filled laugh. "I sometimes forget that you've grown soft, my little Street Rat."

Hugo returned his gaze to where Donella stood, specifically where her fingers were; her index was pointed out towards a figure in it, where she drew a line straight across the figure's neck. It was one of the mirrors he'd seen prior to seeing Donella. In its reflective surface held the splitting image, or rather a scene, of the time where. . . where. . .

Where Hugo betrayed Varian, Nuru, and Yong. . .

Where the silent tears of Varian fell before Cyrus came from behind and threw a dagger at him.

Sucking in a deep and ragged breath, Hugo threw a punch towards Donella, who dodged it with grace. He then tried to kick her, but like before, she got out of the way in just the nick of time. He growled when Donella gave him a smile of pity and continued aimlessly to attack her. She would grow tired at some point, wouldn't she? Then Hugo would be able to strike. It was only a matter of time.

Luckily for Hugo, he didn't know what self-control was.

In this moment Yong is forever grateful for the many times he's had to dodge a fireball or firecracker, because it was kind of similar to him dodging Hugo's punches and kicks.

I mean, Lance tried to reason with Hugo at the start. He spoke about kindness and the good within people and how even someone like Hugo could regain the trust and honor of the castle's staff. In fact, Yong found Lance's words so moving and beautiful that he even felt a couple of tears slip down his face. And, surely Hugo would have stopped-

He immediately knocked Lance out after said speech.

So, here Yong was, running and jumping all around the room and all across furniture as if he were Ruddiger chasing after a creature that's stolen his food. In those battles did the raccoon always win. But Hugo was the raccoon now, so Yong just kept on dodging, hoping that he wasn't about to just be screwed over.

Once more did Yong duck as an eye-glowing Hugo throw a punch his way. The former let out a slight squeak as he threw himself into the wall closest to the door. If he could, he would've tossed a few firecrackers in Hugo's way. But alas, Nuru, Varian, and Hugo told him to stop doing that considering how the last time ended in them all becoming trapped in a castle's bathroom. (Don't ask.) The only time he was to do that was if he could get away safely.

CRACK

And Hugo just splintered the door with a kick.

Yeah, Yong didn't have that "safe way out" to use said firecrackers.

Just at a mere glance of the room would one think that one of Yong's firecrackers already went off and trashed the room to smithereens. Furniture was flipped over and constantly jutted across the floorboards due to Hugo's kicks. Books were sprawled all across the room because the bookshelf may or may not have been broken in two because of Lance's unconscious form crashing into it. (Varian will fix it later, anyways, so it's okay.) Somehow the only thing that stayed in tack was the cup of not-so-hot-hot chocolate that Lance had set down for Yong prior to all of this, but besides that all, it was, in other terms, chaotic.

.

.

.

Which is why it was the perfect time for Eugene and Rapunzel to come into the room with Nuru and Varian by their side- wait, VARIAN?!

"What in freaking Demanitus' workshop is going on here?!"

Chapter Text

Varian should've known he'd somehow screw up Corona once stepping foot into the kingdom. Nevertheless, he never expected it to turn out like this.

"Hey, you guys found Varian!" Yong ducked from a punch that was incoming his way before turning his head slightly and giving a weary smile. "Come to join the fun?"

"Where is Lance?" Eugene asked, although everyone could see where the man was, as his legs stuck out from behind a thrown chair.

"I could use your help here, please!"

Yong's cries snapped Varian out of his ever-lasting daze. His mind still felt foggy from before, and he was only able to stand upright thanks to Nuru guiding him with her hand on his shoulder, but nevertheless did his body feel like it was running on one of Lance's drinks he'd introduced to him long ago: coffee.

And that coffee was capable of increasing his brain productivity.

He found his body moving out of Nuru's grasp, sparks of emotion overwhelming his mind. The figure before him cracking knuckles as a first striped forward towards Varian. He dodged to the left just in time, and Hugo let out a growl.

Everything was becoming weirder and stranger to Varian the longer he stayed in Corona. The sight of Hugo just proved him otherwise; eyes glowing and an intense white light piercing through a void once full of mischief, snarky comments, and love. It didn't help that the look he gave him was eerily familiar to Varian.

Heh. . . it was always those he cared about losing, wasn't it?

The yells of Yong snapped Varian out of his trace, being met with the young boy throwing pillows at Hogu and Nuru having grabbed a candlestick and was blocking the older boy's hits. (That girl was a beast when it came to sword fighting. Or in this case, candlestick and hand-to-hand combat fighting.) Eugene was over by Lance's unconscious body, most likely making sure he didn't have any serious injuries, while Rapunzel was sneaking up behind Hugo with a frying pan in her hand-

Wait. . .

The frying pan was getting closer to the elder boy's head. . .

His body seized and came to a sudden stop. The world around him felt cold and floaty-like. It was freezing like a snowstorm, yet it was all dusty and hot. It was all familiar, in a sense, and then his voice came through.

Soon, child. Soon everything will spill, and nothing shall be left. . ."

Sudden hands were placed onto Hugo's shoulders, though he didn't seem to notice it a bit. No doubt would that frying pan cause Hugo harm. . .

That was when the voice prior changed into one even colder; sinister and hate lacing it all like a pretty little bow for a present for someone's death day. This time it was her voice that shrieked and screeched against his ears.

"You must not trust them then, don't you?"

Varian felt time stop in that very moment, heat building up behind his eyes as--even though gasps were heard all around--fell deaf to his ears. And soon a certain pain of lips locked with his own, and his eyes would flash open to match Hugo's own: nothing but pure light.

It was as if he'd been sucked up by that portal a while back. Nerves and sickness rolled in his stomach and anxiety flooding into his veins as he gazed at the two in front of him.

On one side was his Hugo, whose glasses were tilting to the side and ponytail slipping away, exhaustion clearly beginning to overtake him. On the other side was Donella, a smirk dancing along her lips as she seemingly glanced at him, as if she could see him.

"Looks like I'll have to come and finish this later," she remarked before grabbing ahold of the blond's chin, tilting it up towards her as he growled at her, fists clenching in a way that made Varian realize that the other was going to punch her. Donella tsked. "No, no, you have company, Street Rat, now be a good little boy and don't go against my orders. You should know to listen to my commands."

Like that she threw him to the ground. Hugo scrambled up and had opened his mouth, most likely was going to curse out at her, but froze upon seeing. . .

"Varian. . .?"

And all either of the boys saw was the splitting image of two pairs of goggles being intertwined with one another, all tangled up in a way that would make it impossible for anything to separate.

A sudden head-splitting pain rippled through Varian's head, opening his eyes to see green orbs staring back at him. As well as. . . as his and the other's lips being pressed against one another. Kissing. . .

And sure, Varian could feel the eyes of everyone on him and Hugo. He knew that within the span of today his world was crumbling faster than ever before. But in that very moment, after everything that's happened, he could not give a damn about it all.

The two stayed pressed against each other for a few moments longer before breaking off the kiss. Both he and Hugo could clearly feel the tension in the room rising by the second. He pulled himself away from Hugo, wrapping his arms around himself in a little hug and averting his gaze towards the ground. His bangs covered his eyes, yet when he spoke, felt scarily commanding.

"Actually, can- can you three please go?" He directed the question to Rapunzel, Eugene, and a now awakened Lance; his weight being shifted onto his other foot at the worried gazes of Hugo, Yong, and Nuru, though he paid them no mind. He let out a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding as he continued, reverting his gaze back to the three adults that weren't him or Hugo. "I'll. . . I'll explain everything later, just- please don't tell anyone about all of this. For now, I just want to talk to them." The grip of his arms hugging him tightened as he let out a breath, "alone."

Rapunzel gave a somber nod as she dragged Lance and Eugene--who was giving Varian a look of concern--mumbling quietly how they needed to help her with some royal duties and that they would talk with him when he was ready. The door shut behind the three, leaving the quartet in a messily filled room.

But that wasn't the only thing that was messy at the moment. A burst of faint, yet prominent, manic laughter pounded through Varian's ears as he winced. The whispers of Coronaians were also mixed into it, all of them calling him numerous insults that he's heard millions of times before.

The sudden look of defeat was clearly present on his face, as Varian looked up to see Hugo in front of him, whose arms were opened slightly like he was asking for a hug, and normally Hugo wouldn't hesitate to even touch the other, but here it seemed as if he was afraid of touching him. Why would he-

Oh. . . That's why. . .

With a quick jerk of a nod, Varian instantly found himself wrapped up in Hugo's arms, an uncomfortable silence filling the room that once held a battle, yet now resides with nothing but the uttermost pain and fear. It was only a minute or two later that Nuru and Yong joined in. And as Varian's silent, crystal tears began to fall, not a word was uttered among them all.

He never would have expected his life to come to this, no one probably did. Yet here he was, still standing behind the barrier he'd built oh so many years ago that had too many cracks in it. And it had been hard and all, keeping this all up, and it only became sturdier after the snowstorm, and in a sense, Varian thought that barrier would only become higher and thicker as the years went by.

Instead, it grew weaker, thinning out and shrinking until it was as fragile as the panes of glass he used to create for the citizens of Corona. It was all that had once been left of a life that felt the need to not exist, of a life that's only ever made mistakes and problems for those around him. He used to stand tall and not have to worry about such a thing happening, and he was, somewhat, proud of that accomplishment. But now as he struggles to keep everything at bay, there are too many cracks for the barrier to hold up for much longer, and then he'll know that it's all over.

But these guys weren't the others. He. . . He could let the glass crack a bit more. Besides, they didn't have to know the whole situation.

"Guys," his voice was raspy and creaked like it would shatter like an icicle, "I. . . need to tell you something. . ."

Chapter Text

Varian knew he would most certainly be screwed as of now. There was no way to avoid it. There was no way in denying how much Varian wished he had pleaded with his friends to travel to somewhere other than Corona. Varian could go as far as to create a time machine to go back and rewrite this whole mess, and it probably would've turned out in a similar format. (But if he could go back, he'd first go to prevent a few other incidents from happening). And after what seemed like a race to tell everything that has been happening in the quickest amount of time as possible, he was relieved when Hugo let him lean on him for support.

"Well. . . it could be worse. . ?" Yong tried to lighten up the mood with a small smile present on his face.

"It probably will get worse," Varian sighed, rubbing his fingers against his temple as his voice rose. "The only thing is that I don't know why this is all happening!"

"Woah, woah, calm down, Goggles. Take a breath, okay?" Hugo rubbed Varian's back and leaned his forehead against the other before turning to Nuru. "So, Princess, got any ideas as to what's going on with Goggles and I?"

Nuru shook her head and placed her hands on her hips. "I've never read about anything like this before. And, Varian, I know you're stressed, and you're valid to feel like this, but remember that we're all going to help you figure this out."

"What about me?" Hugo pointed to himself.

Nuru waved a hand off to him, "that guy, too."

"Hey!"

"But you don't understand, this is bad . Like, really, really bad. If people see Hugo and I doing this freaky, glowy eye thing, they're going to start making connections, and everything's going to go downhill." Varian roughly ran a hand through his hair, millions of possibilities running throughout his mind, trying to figure out what course of action would be the safest choice.

They were coming back to get him. He is coming back to get him. How did he even get out in the first place? If he was working with someone, then. . .

"When you guys were in the dungeon our first day here, who was down there with you?" Varian asked, twisting his fingers around his wrist."

"Um, some guys who looked like pirates, I guess?" Hugo rubbed the back of his neck. "Both were redheads, but one had an eye patch and the other had sideburns."

Suddenly the world around Varian fell silent. He remembers Eugene telling him about them. Brothers who once wanted the grandest of riches in the entire world, and later on wanted something even pricier: Eugene's life itself. Their cell was by Varian and his own. And last time Varian remembered, the Saporians' cell was the same one he and him had shared-

The symbol of Saporia flashed in his mind.

"Did you tell either of them anything?"

His voice didn't sound like his own; it was lower and more distant. Actually, everything felt as though it was miles away from him. All he heard were the bare muffles of Yong's voice. Only seven words filtered through. Powerful words that shook the ground below him and his very own hands; words that would've been safe for anyone, anyone at all, but him and Hugo.

And it was Hugo who said those lethal words.

". . . Goggles is not my husband. . . Not yet. . ."

Just like that, the world came crumbling down.

~

In the long run, Hugo hadn't realized what Varian was asking for until Yong told him. Everything made more sense. Just like before, he solely put them all in danger, all because he (Yong as well, but Hugo didn't want Varian to hate the kid, too) didn't shut his stupid mouth. He screwed up this time, and now it was all his fault Varian was freaking out.

"Goggles, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that would have consequences. I completely forgot about that until just now. I know this is all pretty bad--really, really bad--but we've been in worse situations before, remember? We'll figure a way out of thi-"

"But we won't!  We fucking can't, Hugh! Those two are the Stabbington Brothers and they probably used that information to drive Andrew's motive and was able to get out!"

The symbol of Saporia flashed in his mind. It all made sense now.

Hugo's blood ran cold. "Andrew's. . . out?" his voice cracked at the end.

The sound of the door slamming brought the two back to reality. Out were Nuru and Yong--most likely wanting the two boys to have time to speak privately to one another--and now all that was left was the young couple. Hugo jerked his gaze back to Varian. If he could, Hugo would've dragged Varian far away from here. But he didn't.

Varian's gaze felt. . . hollow, as if the very mention of the bastard's name. Even if Varian said his name with fear and pain gripping onto those words, hearing it said by someone else who was scared was worse. All the life and anger that were once overflowing through Varian's eyes had disappeared. Nothing was left.

"Were. . . were you ever going to tell me that bastard was out?"

". . ."

Silence.

"Did you know he was imprisoned in Corona?"

". . ."

Silence, once more.

"Then why did we come here?"

Varian jerked back at the question, nearly tripping over the overturned furniture. One of Hugo's hands began to fiddle with a loose string of hair. He grimaced before rubbing his temple.

"We would've all understood, ya know, if you didn't want to return here. Believe me, when I say all of us could've just gone and explored the world across the sea and faraway lands. Even if we returned Nuru and Yong back to their kingdoms, you and I could've gone wherever you'd like to go, and I would've followed you all that way. We could've done so much, so why the hell did you allow us to come here if it brought you pain?" Hugo's fist was clenched and shook with fury. "If you would've just told us- told me --that you didn't want to come back to Corona and that the bastard was locked away here, we would have turned the damn caravan around and had gone somewhere else in this entire damn universe !

"But we didn't. I love you, Goggles. I love you so, so much. But we need you-- I need you --to tell us when something isn't safe or comfortable for you. But you don't trust us, do you? You don't trust me?"

A bit of light shone into Varian's eyes; a fight of desperation in them was illuminated by a familiar white glow. "Hugh, of course I trust you-"

"It was because I betrayed you, wasn't it?" Hugo interjected, his eyes dimly glowing a white light as well. "You would rather let us do as we please while you're hurting on the inside, all because you think me, Nuru, and Yong would betray you and leave you behind if you had said no?"

"That's not it at all-"

"Then what was it?! Did you think I would become like Donella and hurt you like she did?!"

From all those years of being raised by Donella, Hugo learned so much for the vicious woman. She basically taught him just about everything he knew. In the times where he and Donella would argue, the woman always knew how to make him listen to her, even if both of them had a temper.

He felt time slow down as his hand rose from his fist and was making its way through the air, swinging back and forth as it etched closer to. . . to. . .

Varian flinched back and fell to the ground.

Hugo quickly lowered his hand back down and shoved it behind him.

Tears fell from both boys' eyes, both being from the very cause of fear.

Seconds become minutes as neither's lips refuse to open. Five. Ten. Fifteen. All those seconds and minutes went by, yet nothing was made. No sound. No gesture. Nothing at all. Only difference was that the white light in both their eyes was gone.

Hugo was right. . . He was the new Donella. . .

He held his head low as he walked towards the door. Before Hugo left, he reverted his gaze back to Varian. The younger's back was turned away from him.

Nothing. It was the same as always.

Hugo deserved this. Varian didn't.

Hugo opened the old door, biting his lip as the tears from his eyes spilled, before he ran through the hallway to who knows where. Varian didn't want to see him. Not now.

Maybe not ever again.

"I'm sorry, Goggles. . ."

~

Varian's breaths began to slow more the longer he laid on the floor. Tears streamed down his face and onto the ground. His heart that once thumped as though he was running away from Catalina and Kiera now slowed down. He placed a hand against his chest, feeling for the heartbeat to make sure it was still there.

The anxiety and fear were still flooding through his veins, even if his body refused to show it very much. Sweat stuck to his brow, yet the entire room felt freezing. It reminded him of the blizzard all those years ago.

And just like back then, Varian was left all alone.

He let his watery gaze wander around the room until it landed on a familiar pair of goggles. He got on his knees and crawled over to the eye protector. Certain parts of it were scratched up by their previous adventures together, as well as a few of the little golden studs on them being silver.

"When I let him walk away

What if I had spoke instead?

Why did I go on concealing

The confusion I was feeling?"

Carefully, Varian took off the goggles on his head and held them side by side to Hugo's. They looked completely different, yet held the same purpose of protecting someone. It almost looked like. . .

"Now I'll never get to say

All the things I should have said.

Now there's no more love

Just echoes of the life we should have led."

A sob fell from Varian's lips before he knew it. He set down his goggles and held Hugo's right in front of him, looking in their reflection to see nothing but himself with glass tears falling more and more. Gently, he pulled Hugo's goggles closer to his chest, wrapping both arms protectively around the object.

"If I could take that moment back,

If he were here beside me still,

I'd let him see inside my heart.

Now he never will. . ."

~

Hugo refused to stop running. He didn't know where he was exactly going, nor did he know how long he'd been running for, all he knew was that he had to find Eugene. Immediately .

He, miraculously, made it to an open balcony. Hopefully, this would allow him to see the Captain of the Guards on the grounds. A little wave of exhaustion washed over Hugo, and he leaned against the railing, arms resting on the post in a way for him to lay his head against them like a pillow. He gazed above to see the moon peeking from behind the clouds and sighed as his tears fell.

"Maybe if I gave him time,

Maybe if I didn't go,

Maybe things, somehow, would change,

But now I guess we'll never know. . ."

~

Varian felt the weight of his argument with Hugo against his chest; it was heavy and constricted his thought process and breathing.

"If I could take that moment back. . ."

It was all his fault.

~

Hugo's eyes began to droop the longer he rested there, stress overwhelming his body as it was shutting down.

"If I could turn back time I would. . ."

It was all his fault.

~

Both boys couldn't help but fear what their future with one another held, if that future was still a choice.

"If we could make a brand new start-

How I wish we could. . ."

Both of them failed one another. Or, at least, that's what they thought of themselves.

~

"Wish I could take it back.

But now it's gone. . .

For good. . ."

Varian looked back to see Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance standing before him. All three held somber looks as they looked around the room, presumably searching for any other damages. Rapunzel slowly held her arms out, and before any of the three knew it, Varian was in her arms, sobbing his heart out as she rubbed circles along his back, with Eugene and Lance joining in the hug.

It would only be hours later that Varian would be tortured once more and be brought back to reality. . .

~

"Wish I had that moment back. . ."

Turning around to go back inside, Hugo saw the sadden looks of Nuru and Yong. And for the first time, the princess walked up to the ex-thief and hugged him, with more of Hugo's tears falling as Yong joined in. It was strange without Varian here, but, perhaps, Hugo would need to get used to a world like this.

It would only be hours later that Hugo would see the failure in this mindset. . .

Chapter Text

Okay, first off, THIS BOOK IS NOT BEING DISCONTINUED!

Oh yeah, hello again!

So. . . I know it's been a long time since I've updated this book. To put it simply, a few chapters back , I realized that I was rushing the story and thus had written myself into a corner. This led me to the predicament that I had no idea how to finish writing the story with this really weird and fast pacing.

So, I've been planning on doing this a few years ago but never got the drive to do so. We're gonna rewrite The Heart Of Alchemy! Yay!!!!

What'll happen is that I'm planning on rewriting the chapters that are already published out to you all, and I'll publish all the rewrites all at once. I had considered making a new book that'll have all of the new changes, but I'm not sure how that'll go. Please let me know which idea you like better!

The idea is to have all of the rewrites done before I go back to college, but at the latest, it'll be done before the end of 2025. (Oh yeah, I'm in college now 😅. One of the only reasons I went was because of you all enjoying my work, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me! 💗)

I hope you all have a wonderific day, my friends! I'll try to start the rewrites next week!

~ Brooklyn

Chapter Text

So. . . We ain't rewriting the book anymore.

Due to college and other fanfic ideas, I've decided that the best choice of action is to finish off this book. Because I really do love this story, and reading everyone's comments on it made me so happy and made me remember how much this story means to me.

I don't know when I'll be updating this book again, but I hope to do it soon. It's because of you all that I'm following dreams I didn't know I ever had, and this story is a part of that dream.

SO LET'Z NOT GIVE UP, MY FRIENDS! THE VAT7K GROUP SHALL RETURN!!!!

Have a wonderific day/night, my friends! 💗

~ Brooklyn