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Chapter 2 -
Sense Of Familiarity Of The Unfamiliar
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“Do I Know you?”

Before you could answer, someone stepped into the room and let out a sigh. The boy, which you knew his name now, Varian had froze then smiled sheepishly at them.

“Good Afternoon, Dad!”

The man from last night looks at the almost cleaned mess and at the hole in the ceiling, “Varian, what did I tell you about doing your experiments in your room?”

Varian glances up in thought and lets out a hearty laugh, “You said, not to do dangerous chemicals in my room or the house and do my work in the lab. But it was just a tiny experiment, besides…” He crosses his arms, smiling proudly, “...it wasn't dangerous.”

You look up at the hole then realize if it was a few inches toward you, the glass would've hit your head.

The man narrows his eyes slightly and Varian hums, “Well I guess it was dangerous….kinda. Not fully and no one got hurt…..ish.” He grins nervously after looking back at you.

You zoned out a bit as they talked since it was more of a light argument between son and father. Thinking back to the voices, you felt the urge to call Varian’s dad, Quirin. Especially when he sounded exactly like the voice who was trying to reason with Fredrick, whoever that is.

“Quirin….?”

They both stopped and turned to you before the man told Varian to get food prepared. He came over to sit on the edge of the bed, “That is my name, though I don't think I seen you around here before.”

It may have seemed like a very innocent and confusing question to ask as you held your head from pain, pointing to Quirin’s hand which is gloved.

“Is there a mark there?” You didn't know why you asked but yet it just slipped out without thinking.

Unfortunately, Quirin gave you a suspicious expression and subconsciously rubbed that hand before changing the topic. “What's your name Little Lady?”

You felt anxious after he gave you that look, but he smiled warmly and he seemed to calm down, so you began to think. A name was there for you, but it's like it won't form correctly to actually put into words. The pain started again and you held your head.

Quirin sighs softly then patiently smiles, “It's alright. Take your time, but we do need to try to find your family or at least see if anyone recognizes you.” He stands and holds out his hand, “Come. I'm sure Varian is done making lunch.”

You hesitantly take his hand and he helps you stand. You hold onto his arm since the dizziness made you stumble all over. Once down the stairs and immediately there is a fairly small kitchen with a table and chairs against the wall. Definitely a Medieval Era vibe.

“Here you go, Dad.” Varian handed Quirin a sandwich in a clothed wrapping. Quirin has you sit on a chair and you began to zone out again. It was like you were daydreaming. Something golden almost glowing like the sun, dropped from the sky and fell onto a flower.

The chair beside you screeched, making you jump and Varian grins sheepishly, “Sorry….. Soooo,Dad left and I'm suppose to keep an eye on you.”

He took a bite of the cheese and bread, then held out the same thing for you. You take it as he continues talking, “To be honest, I want to work on more experiments with chemical compounds which is why my lab and our home is yards away from the village.”

It was a relief that you didn't really have to talk, especially how Varian talked non stop, not giving you enough time to answer. So you ate your sandwich while listening.

“After we're done eating, you can come with me to my lab and I'll watch you from there. Of course, I'm use to everyone not liking Alchemy so don't feel bad if you don't want to come. You know, the first time I discovered and tried Alchemy. It was like something clicked!”

Varian slid his cup of water over to you, “It's like I was destined for it! Like Flynnigan Rider destined for thrilling adventures wherever he went! I mean people get mixed messages when I say Alchemy. They think it's magic….” Varian shakes his head and waves his arms as a no gesture, “...But noooooho! Magic isn't science and science is Alchemy.”

You drink the water and continuing to watch and listen to Varian, you got this feeling that began to build up when you see something too cute or adorable.

“I have an Abundance for Alchemy!” Varian laughs wholeheartedly, “Get it? You know, having a chemical element with Alchemy? Huh? Two and two together.”

A snicker escapes from you and soon Varian stares at you when burst into a fit of laughter. Yes, it hurt your head, but you couldn't help it. Everything about him in that few minutes was funny and cute.

“I'm sorry, but it’s adorable how passionate you are with Alchemy. True, you said Alchemy too many times, but it just shows you love it. And I do get the joke there, Varian. It is funny.” You say still trying to calm down from laughing.

Varian’s face flushes a pinkish-red color and he grins shyly, glancing away, “Oh. I didn't think you were, actually listening to me.” He furrows his brows and turns to you, grinning happily. “Hey! You said more than one word!” He pointed out which caused you to blush slightly.

Varian got up and stands in a proud stance, “Ready for a walk to the lab?” He holds out his gloved hand and helps pull you up. “Hold on.”

You see him pull off his gloves and tuck it into onto his waist. Varian grins, “Alright, this should help you hold on better, especially during the stairs.” You don't know why, but the way Varian held one arm around your middle while his other hand held yours made you nervous. Maybe it was because you weren't keen on close contact with anyone right now.

Varian helped you keep balance as you two walked around to stoned stairs that circled up. That's where you spot the small village from the windows with a wall around the area and many trees and green hills. It all seemed like something from a……….cartoon. Your head held another painful pinch so Varian stopped when you let in a painful breath in.

As you blink, all you could see is sharp black things glowing and sticking out everywhere. You backed up because this was all confusing and you just wanted to run from it all.

Varian looked really worried especially now that you're clinging to his shirt, basically hiding.

Faintly you can hear Varian calling out to you and you look up to his face, “I think being outside is a no go for now and seeing this for the first time is too much. Close your eyes.”

You shook your head, not wanting to see the dark. Varian smiles sincerely, “I promise I'll get you up there safely and I won't let go.”

It didn't take long to get to the last step and Varian speaking his guidance made you feel trust in him. Sure, HE tripped over the most of the steps while walking, but it was never you. It made you laugh when he said sorry every time.

“Finally. Now behold!” Varian stopped and dramatically pushed the door open, “A lab fit for an alchemist.” He walked in, waving around with a very happy smile, “Welcome to Varian's Lab of Extraordinary Science!!!!”