Chapter Text
In the Dungeons of Corona…
Varian huddled in his cell as he has for days.
Everything went down with a single broken promise as his life was ruined, left betrayed, and rotting in a cell. Even his own raccoon has betrayed him. It didn’t take him long to figure out how Ruddiger freed Pascal and Ruddiger admitted it (by sadly nodding at the boy). It was enough to see that no one in Corona can be trusted.
The cell doors opened as a man was pushed through the jail by guards.
It was Andrew.
“Be careful with this prisoner. He’s very dangerous.” The Guard warned.
“He’s right, Kid. I am.” Andrew smirked.
“I was warning you about him.”
Andrew then sat down on the opposite bench as he noticed the raccoon in the corner, wanting to get closer to the boy. There was a long silence at first as it got awkward to stare at a sulking and miserable child.
“You know, you don’t look dangerous. A little thing like you don’t belong in a place like this.” He began, trying to chalk up a conversation.
“Appearances can be deceiving,” Varian muttered.
“Really? What you do, steal some candy, jaywalked, say a naughty word?” Andrew joked as Varian narrowed his eyes.
Varian then explained everything he did as it stunned the man. He didn’t even realize the other prisoners were listening to the boy’s tales as they realized something.
“You’re the Mad Alchemist. The one who almost took down Corona.” One of the prisoners gasped, “Respect, kid.”
“I wouldn’t have to do that if they hadn’t-.”
“Let me guess… Corona screwed you over.” Andrew spoke up.
“Kid, everyone here has been where you are. The cruelty of Corona forced us down here, betrayed by the kingdom we once served.” A woman added.
“Yeah, we all been double-crossed by those jerks. You’ll fit right in.”
Varian smiled a bit as he didn’t feel so alone anymore. There were others that knew that Corona cares for no one but themselves.
“I never should have listened to the princess,” Varian muttered.
“Never trust royalty, Kid. They will always stab you in the back. But that’s in the past now and you’re one of us now.” Andrew grinned as he pushed a stone to reveal a secret compartment with more edible food.
“How-?” Varian uttered.
“You have to keep an open mind. We’ll teach you everything we know down here.” Andrew promised as Varian snacked on some cake.
Days later…
The Dungeons became a welcoming place for Varian as he had found family for Corona’s condemned.
Lady Caine acted as the big sister he never had, Pocket was teaching Varian the art of deception, the separatists of saporia were keeping up with his education and everyone else treated Varian as the youngest son of the dungeons. In return, Varian taught them alchemy and engineering.
Ruddiger was doing everything he can to win back Varian’s trust to keep him away from these types of people, but Varian was not ready to trust him yet. Betrayal still iced his heart and clouded his thinking. Ruddiger hopes the boy could understand and forgives him one day. But he could keep the boy alive and healthy.
Varian then began to have horrible nightmares of his father as Andrew tries to comfort him, despite the raccoon growling at him for getting too close. It was when the moon was full at one of these night terrors that it happened.
“No… Dad… G-get away from there… Dad… DAD!!!” Varian bellowed then!
He heard Andrew and Ruddiger yelp in surprise. Shaking off the grip of the dreams, he looked to see that the two others managed to avoid a sudden spike piercing through the cement floor. It was massive, strong, and thick as it nearly stabbed someone if their reflexes were not calibrated enough.
A Black Rock.
“What? How... the princess is not here and…?” Varian began as Andrew approached him.
“Hey kid, what’s going on with your streak?” He pointed as Varian used the black rock to see his reflection.
The blue in his hair, the one he had his entire life was glowing, shining with an eerie beauty. It was a similar glow to Rapunzel’s. Varian was not sure at first, but then he tried something. With a wave of his hand, the rock rose and fell with it.
“I can control it… Like Rapunzel.” Varian grinned as Andrew joined in one the eagerness of his new power.
“Nice, maybe it could be put to good use with a little practice.” Andrew encouraged as both secretly agreed to escape with all the other prisoners once Varian masters his powers.
Ruddiger shivered but hoped Varian’s uses without forgetting who he really is.
A week later…
New reached the seven kingdoms of what happened in Corona.
The Black Rocks returned, the prisoners including the Mad Alchemist’s returned on the streets, Quirin’s return with gloom and regret in his heart then the disappearance of the worst element of Corona. This brought fear and uneasiness to the kingdom as the people were certain they would return for revenge.
“They are not coming back. They are through with Corona… and those who lived there.” Quirin spoke with great depression in his voice.
For most, it would be a good thing, but for Quirin, it was one of misery. When asked, he would refuse to speak of it. Homeless, Fredrick offered his castle to his old friend as he sent his men to find the prisoners, including his son.
They were not found, but what was found was a mysterious kingdom with a dome made of Black rocks. A kingdom of perfection in every way, with a king with Black Rock Armor and goods, well desired. This kingdom was renowned as the kingdom of tomorrow as it shadowed over Corona as if it was telling them that it was the greater kingdom.
No one truly knew her secrets or what was within this greatest kingdom, nor their culture. All that was known as the name.
Crescent Moon.