Chapter Text
Few years ago.
“Alchemist, do you copy?”
The static sound of a man’s voice echoed in Varian’s ear. Inside the glamorous room, full of intricate sculptures and expensive furniture, serene piano music drifted through the air. As the murmurs of guests piled outside, he strapped his necktie tightly, skillfully hiding the weapons underneath. His blue eyes scanned his client from head to toe. Lacked enough build. Draped in high-end silks. Weak. Varian cocked his head to the side, pressing the disguise communicator in his ear.
“Roger. Status report?”
Static sound.
“Confirmed. You have a little problem Alchemist.”
…
“How so?”
“It seems like Lady Raskolnikov’s men are here. Protect the ambassador of Equis at all costs—.”
Silence was met.
Someone had cut off the communication on the other end. Hmm. A faint smirk rested on his lips. Brave. He then prepared his watch, turning the small mechanism. A click signaled that the device was ready to shoot a deadly poison of his own creation. Brushing off a speck of dust on his suit, Varian strolled toward his client. Extending his arm, he gave a toothy grin.
“Agent V. Codename: Alchemist. At your service, sir.”
At the other side of the building, a tall man wearing a green suit casually played with a sharp knife.
“Viper, remember your mission. Make sure his dead at all cost.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man replied.
On the dance floor, Varian mingled with the guests. His eyes were sharp as he scanned the surroundings for any suspicious individuals. Suddenly, a certain person caught his eye. A tall, blonde, white male wearing a green suit. Varian had memorized everyone on the guest list. That man was not one of them. Wearing an innocent look, he walked toward the mysterious man. The blonde man noticed him approaching. A glint of bloodlust showed in his green eyes, but Varian smiled politely.
“Good evening, gentleman. I hope, I’m not disturbing you. But may I join your discussion?” He asked.
“Very well good sir.” The old men behind laughed.
The man observed him. Then smirked.
“How about a dance instead? After all, we youngsters should have a bit of fun eh? Besides, we would not want to bother these esteemed gentlemen.”
Varian gave a polite nod.
The man led him to the ballroom floor. “May I ask why you’ve taken an interest in me?”
Varian barked off a laughed. “Curiosity perhaps.”
“Is that so?”
Varian leaned a bit closer. “Maybe I want to personally meet lady Donella’s men myself.”
He gripped the man’s arm tightly. Viper smirked and replied, “Ah… I see. So the Brotherhood is in on this? If so, you must be the famous ‘Alchemist’ I’ve heard about.”
“And you are the Viper, am I correct?”
“Oh, am I famous?”
“Indeed. I’m quite excited to collect the bounty on your head, Mr. Viper.”
Viper chuckled. “Let’s see which poison kills us first. Mine or yours.”
Present.
“DAD!”
A teen girl screamed while dragging her younger brother down. Varian blinked, and the scent of burnt food wafted through the air. Shit. He hastily flipped the bacon. Unfortunately, a blackened crisp was found on the back of the cooked bacon, the oil sizzling as he flipped the other three. Luckily, only one was affected. He sighed in relief and scooped the other three onto a plate. Varian grabbed the plate of food and walked to the table outside. In the backyard, the sunlight beamed brightly, and the leaves swished as the wind blew by.
Their family dog, Ruddiger, ran around the grass field. Ahead, a circular table and a large umbrella came into view. He smiled and, carrying the plate of food, called out to his husband and daughter to help him out. Later, they sat down and ate while talking about mundane things.
“Dad. Can I please go to the party?” Orion said.
Varian glanced at his daughter. “No. You’re sixteen Ori. Going into a party full of perverted guys around? Don’t even think about it.”
Orion huffed. “Please, I can handle myself just fine. Besides Lorie and Nat are coming with me anyway.”
“So? It’s still a no Ori.”
“Dad—!”
“No, means no Ori. Don’t make me repeat myself again.”
His daughter grumbled in annoyance and went back to eating. Of course, she was giving him the silent treatment. He met eyes with his husband; Hugo looked amused, a faint mirth on his lips. Asshole. Varian mumbled quietly and went back to eating. Afterwards, he kissed his daughter’s and son’s foreheads (Orion aggressively wiped her forehead) and gave Hugo a deep kiss, which in turn caused a disgusted, dramatic sound to come out of his children’s mouths. He watched as Hugo started the car, his son Soren waving goodbye and Orion typing on her phone. After they left, he went back inside his house and went upstairs.
Varian quietly readied his belongings as he prepared to go to work. There were still thirty minutes before his class started anyway. While searching for his teaching materials, he opened a drawer in his room and noticed a worn-out document. Picked it up and saw. Oh. His old mission reports. Tracing the burnt lines, he could still smell the awful memory of iron, smoke, and gunpowder. Leaving his old life behind with Hugo. He barely talked about his old life anymore—it will stay that way— his kids barely know about the existence of the brotherhood—they don’t even know their grandfather. As much as Varian loves his family, he can’t risked dragging Orion and Soren into his previous life.
It was better for it to remain a secret.
It was too dangerous if they knew.
He and Hugo has too many enemies, they both carefully made sure to find a place away from the pain of their shared past—to start a new life they can finally call their own. Gripping the document tightly, he put the folder back inside the drawer. He locked the compartment and walked out of the room. As he closed the door, a dark shadow cast over the drawer.