Chapter Text
Context: This takes place right after the ending of Secret of the Sun Drop (Part II of II).
It has been a long night. In the city of Corona, specifically in its prison, they have a new guest. A boy named Varian is in the prison of Corona’s castle after his recent kidnapping of the Queen. He is a rather awkward lad known who prides in Alchemy. Granted most of the people around him cannot tell the difference and calls him a wizard. Frankly, if it was not for him being 14, he may have been taken more seriously. He has just been transported by the Royal Guards to his cell where he will be staying for a long time. Afterall, one doesn’t get off easily after attacking Corona, kidnapping the queen, attacking the Princess, and basically declaring war on Corona.
Of course this is not without reason, over the past few months, he has seen his home, Old Corona, get destroyed by disaster after disaster. He has seen his father try to fix it but sadly there was no success, only compromise. Frustrated by this, he tried to do something and sadly it backfires leading to his father being imprisoned in an invention of his own making. Desperate to get help he turned to Rapunzel, the Princess of Corona and a symbol of hope to all. However, when she fail to help him, something snapped within him.
Everything in his life has been taken away from him, one by one and he has nothing. Determined to get revenge on those that have wronged him, he has decided to wage war on Corona. Using his brilliance in machinery, he kidnapped the royal family and threatened the Queen. However, this failed and now he is rotting in jail. Countless thoughts cross his mind but one thing is clear, he will get his revenge.
As he sat on his prison bed and mumbles to himself, “I will make you proud dad…”.
Suddenly, a voice is heard, echoing the halls of the prison saying, “You sure made a mess of things, Varian.”.
Hearing this, the young boy gets and heads to the bars of his cell looking into the darkness of the prison but finds no one. However, Varian clearly heard something, so where did it come from?
Confused at who it is, he asks, “Who is that? Where are you?”.
Varian looks around trying to find the source and sees nothing.
Suddenly, the voice says, "I'm right here.”
A figure then emerges from the darkness revealing itself, or should I say herself. The lady is dressed in a grayish brown tunic with a red undershirt (of sorts). Wearing boots, having short hair, and a pale face, Varian recognizes the woman.
“Wait…Cassandra?” asks a surprised Varian, “What are you doing here?”.
Cassandra is a close friend of Varian. They actually met much younger when the lady was a maid. Now she is the Lady In Waiting for the Princess. Granted, her personality, physical description, and mentality is quite contrary to what one would expect of a Lady In Waiting. If anything her personality is more akin to one of a soldier.
Nonetheless, walking to the cell door, she says, “Just thought I would pay a visit.”. Despite Cassandra’s expression having no sign of judgement, Varian looks in shame as he sees himself behind bars in front of a girl that he clearly had feelings for. Obviously, with her being his first friend in his life, it felt shameful now that he stands in front of her behind bars, especially after almost killing her a while ago.
“Well there isn’t much to look at here.” replies Varian shamefully, “Just a guy behind bars who tried to kidnap the royal family.”
Varian walks to his bed and curls up in shame and sadness unable to look Cassandra in the eyes. Despite his crimes, Cassandra knows that Varian is just a kid. What happened to him is not exactly his fault. He is just a boy that is forced to become a villain under circumstances. She felt no resentment against him which is more than what can be said for others.
“I just wanted to make him proud. I just wanted to make things right but everyone turned their back on me. I had no choice.” said Varian.
Cassandra looks in sympathy realizing that she actually understands his situation. She turns her back and leaned on the jail door getting comfortable for a chat.
“I get it.” says Cassandra.
Surprised, Varian raises his head in surprise and starts to pay attention to what Cassandra has to say.
“I understand how it feels to try to make everyone proud when you’re alone.” continues Cassandra, “To try and stay positive when everything is against you, I know it sounds bizarre but I get it.”
Varian gets out of his bed and walks to the jail door saying, “You do?”.
“Yep.” replies Cassandra, "Living in the castle and being the daughter of the Captain didn’t mean I had it easy. Everyday meant strict rules and judgemental eyes. If I stepped out of line, I was punished severely by my dad. There was also the constant feeling that no one was there for me. My dad was the only exception but… even that was rare.”
Not expecting this confession, Varian asks, “Did you know why you have to go through it?”.
“No,” replies Cassandra, “Not that I’m older, somethings I do understand but for the most part, I never understand why I had to live like that.”
“I’m sorry.” said Varian, next expecting such a life for her friend.
“Don’t be,” said Cassandra, “I’ve moved on and honestly it’s all thanks to Rapunzel.”
Varian’s expression pops up with surprise. Rapunzel is no mere person, she is the Princess of Corona, the person that Cassandra serves. For Varian, the name was once a symbol of hope. A person that could do no wrong and a beloved being of the nobility. However, when the young boy begged for help from the Princess only to fail. Even he came to resent her.
“Seriously?” asks Varian, not believing in what is being said.
Cassandra continues saying “Yup, she may be many things, but she isn’t like her father. She may be naive but she does genuinely want the best for people even if she is naive.”
“You believe that?” questions Varian.
Cassandra takes a breath and says “I do. Cause she’s the only one that has been truly there for me as long as I know. It’s going to take time, but I hope you can trust in her to do the right thing once again. It’s the only hope we have.”
Varian looks at Cassandra and she looks back at him seeing a warm smile.
“Thanks Cassandra,” said Varian, “It helps.”
Cassandra smiles back before turning to the exit saying, “I’ll try to keep in contact if I can, but it won’t be easy. I’m going with Rapunzel on her journey so it will be hard to keep in touch.”
Saying all she has, Cassandra departs for the exit. Before she leaves though, she turns back to him saying, “Goodbye Varian, I’ll see you soon.”