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Chapter 65 -
Going Back With Indecisive Thoughts
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The tall mountain comes into view with snow still raging down. Soon the inside is shown and there was Rapunzel, Xavier, and Cassandra turning on a mechanism.

The Demanitus Device.

It almost looked like an orrery and it began to turn, making the teal colored crystals on the ends spark with electricity. That gave the whole device more power and a teal beam of light shoots up.

The beam began to swirl and a very powerful wind blew back the storm, making it stop snowing.

The place rumbles from the strong movement of the spinning arms. Thus causing two giant cracks to crawl up the wall. Two bright green lights burst and fly up and out from the top of the mountain.

“Zhan Tiri!”

Something to green flies out toward the castle and one melts into the shadows, following in the same direction.

-

You open your eyes and feel someone holding you tightly.

“Are you feeling alright?” He asks softly.

You stay close and frown, humming weakly. “Mmhm.”

Varian takes your arm and you scoot a little as he examines your mark. “Was this always there?”

You shake your head, “No…..it appeared when Rapunzel had gotten her hair back.” You hold your arm, “I didn't tell anyone about it.”

“Why didn't you at least tell me?”

This time you glance up at Varian, “I was scared.”

It gets quiet and Varian glances at the window, “You always scared me, not because of what went on, but when you get hurt….” He sighs, “(____)......I….I want you go go back to the castle.”

You sit up, “Why?”

Varian sits up too and pulls you close, “(____). I don't want you near these rocks and….I know you're going to try and get my dad out…” He takes a shaky breath, “.....I can't have you get hurt if it's not working right.”

You cling to him, “I'm not leaving you here alone, Varian. Just let me stay for awhile and take care of you.”

He knew you wouldn't leave and he was glad you were staying, but he still didn't want you near this place. “Okay.” He pulls away and smiles softly, “Few days then you head back.”

“Fine.”

Varian chuckles lightly and holds up your gloves, “Here. I'm guessing these help and I don't want you touching the rocks without them.”

You smile softly and put them on. Your hand goes up to cup one side of his face, “We'll get through this, okay? I'm still going to be here no matter how far apart we are.”

Varian closes his eyes and leans into your touch, “I know we will. The power of two.”

You hum, “Power of two.” You kiss his cheek and get up.

Three days wasn't enough, but it also went by quickly. During that time, you kept Varian away from his lab. It was easy. Most of the time he wanted to sleep and stay close to you. So you didn't mind when he hold you while he slept, plus you read his Rider books out loud and brush your hand through his hair.

Those nights or at random times he would cry in their sleep. You would wipe his tears and hum softly.

Mimi and Rudiger would help too and sometimes they would try to pull a tray of food into Varian’s room. What made you slightly scared was that the rocks were slowly breaking through an empty part of Varian's room.

Half of the house was like that but you notice the rocks did keep their distance.

You stand in the frame of the front door and stare at the village. It was completely destroyed and everyone had left, leaving it like a ghost town.

“Here's Mimi.” Varian says and holds up Mimi who squeaks, smiling at Varian.

You turn around and blink in surprise, grinning. “Aw! Varian that's so cute!” You take Mimi as she shows off her bow that's your favorite color.

Varian blush lightly, “Yeah, I thought you want her to have something that she's yours.”

You pet Mimi’s head and have her crawl onto your shoulder, “Thanks, Varian.” You hug him tightly, “Will you be okay?”

“I'll be fine. Besides I have Rudiger with me. I won't be alone.” He kisses your forehead, “Just go for me. This place is getting worse and I don't want you near here.”

Varian watches you until he can no longer see you. Gently the door closes before going to his lab. He sits down on the floor and sadly stares at his dad. Varian buries his face on his knees and slightly tugs on his hair, yelling in frustration.

“Why do I always mess everything up?!”

He sobs dryly and Rudiger comes in, purring in worry.

Varian looks at his companion and gently picks him up, “I won't do anything, Rudiger.” Rudiger curls up closer to Varian.

“I don't want to be a huge mistake again, but I want to help my dad…..I-I know Rapunzel had to take care of the kingdom, it's just-” He stops and cries slightly, “There's so many emotions and….ugh I'm more confused than ever…”

You were half way between Old Corona and The Castle when you stopped, anxiously squeezing the strap to your satchel.

You look back at the direction of Old Corona. You wanted to go back and take a step to go, but stop and look toward the castle, taking a step then stop.

Mimi squeaks at you in worry.

“Mimi….I want to go to him, but I also want to listen to him. I just-” You growl in frustration and kick the dirt. It suddenly freezes in mid air like ice before turning to ash.

You pant and rub your face. Mimi stand and nuzzles your cheek.

“I can't go back to Varian like this….I could hurt him.” You rub your temples, “This is so confusing.”

You notice the sun was starting to set and sigh, continuing your walk. Though you keep glancing back Old Corona.

“I'll be back, Varian. Rudiger will be there until then.”

Mimi squeaks and gently pats your cheek. You smile softly and lean a bit to her, “I'm so glad you're here too, Mimi.”

By the time your foot steps onto the bridge, it's evening and you see everyone starting to head inside.

You sigh and continue walking.

“Hey, Hi! You look like a man who appreciates fine art like this.”

You see Lance sitting on the sidewalk while a man goes by. He sighs. You walk over and smile, examining the painting. “Hey Lance! Selling art?”

Lance grins, “Yes! One that I have painted myself in art class.”

You see he had the price at 20, then 15, 5, and now ½. “Well I have to say it's very amazing! Those people don't what they're missing.” You smile.

Lance sighs, “Thanks, (____).”

You silently take off the 15, 5, and ½ price tags. “So. 20 coins huh?”

Lance looks at it then beams, “Yes! Are YOU Little Lady, looking for such FINE art in your humble abode?”

You pretend to think, “Why sir, I believe I am!” You give him 20 coins, “You should probably head to bed now, Lance.”

Lance salutes, “Will do, Lady (____).”

You hum then sigh after he leaves. You look at the painting better and giggle lightly, “Goofball, still it's cute he put all his work into, right Mimi?"

Mimi nods and smiles.

Xavier waves at you in greeting and you wave back before making your way to the castle. Not noticing two pairs of eyes from different places watch you walk away.

-

Lance slowly walked, counting the gold coins happily.

“Mr. Strongbow. I'm glad I found you.” An elderly woman comes up to him, her cane tapping as she leans on it and her glass on the bridge of her nose.

Lance grins, “Oh! Hi, Mrs. Sugar Sod.”

The woman smiles calmly, “Yes. Ah, might I ask who that was that so kindly bought your art?”

Lance puts his money away, “That's Lady (____). She just got back from somewhere and I have to say, I didn't think she had loved my work, but I was wrong.”

She hums and smirks smugly, “She must have a very artist eye then. Maybe you should invite her to class tomorrow, Mr. Strongbow. The more the merrier.”

“What a great idea! Thanks, Mrs. Sugar Sod!” Lance continues on his way.

“A great idea indeed.” She walks away then grins proudly while walking past a dark shadow. “I will set him free, not you.”

“Ignorant, Witch.” The shadow stares at her before sinking into the shadows.