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Chapter 70 -
The Alchemist Returns
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The smell of cookies waffled in the home and you pull the covers over your head to block it out. You groan and hop off the top bunk of Varian’s room.

You go to the kitchen, but it didn't smell in there and you follow the aroma up to Varian's lab. You raise a brow and try to open the door, but it's locked. “Since when did this have a lock?” You ask to yourself then knock.

The door opens a bit and Varian peeks through, “What?”

You smile sheepishly, “Are you making cookies in your lab?”

Varian blinks then chuckles, “Uh…..yeah! Weird right? Nothing worry about.” He thinks then closes the door. He comes back and hands you one, “Here. I'm almost done, might as well try it.” He gently pats your head and slams the door.

You hold the cookie in confusion and shrug, “Okay?” You head back down while seeing the cookie is purple. With a small bite you taste it and it’s normal.

You finish it and sigh, then jump when Varian comes out. “Hey, we're going to see the princess.”

You look at him worry, “Is it safe to go out?”

“I'm sure.” Varian smiles and fixes his bag, “Come on. Let's take the tunnel.”

In the tunnel, you just hear Rudiger and Mimi chasing each other around you two.

“(_____).”

“Hm?”

“Where do you think the Sundrop Flower would be?” Varian asks.

“It would've been in the Royal Vault, but I took it.” Your eyes widen and you cover your mouth.

Varian stops and turns to you, chuckling while shaking his head, “What do you mean YOU took it?” He stares at you seriously.

You held a hand over your mouth, but it's like you couldn't help to tell the truth. “I knew you were going to get the flower, but it doesn't hold its power anymore.”

Varian narrows his eyes more.

“Varian, please don't be mad. The book I was searching for is in the vault and I knew that flower would be useless.”

Varian sighs deeply, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. “Change of plans….” He continues walking, “I'm not mad, but next time tell me. We're getting the book then you'll give me the flower afterwards.”

You gulp then nod, “Okay.” You try not to say anything else and bite your tongue.

“The serum will wear off in a bit. I only gave you less than it should be.”

You blink at him, “Serum? Varian why would you-”

“To get truthful information. I didn't want to, but you know the castle more than I do.”

You grab his shoulder and turn him to you, “Varian, you've been acting weird since I got back. Did anything happen?”

Varian doesn't look at you, “I don't know what you're talking about. Nothing happened.” He takes off your hand, “I'm acting how I should be.”

You frown and follow him. “Varian-”

“Shut up! I'm fine now leave it at that!” Varian yells at you.

He has never yelled like that especially to you. Your eyes start to water a bit and you felt a pain in your chest. “Okay.”

You walk out of the tunnel once you get to the exit and walk a few feet away from Varian. Not long, you feel arms wrap around you.

“I'm sorry. I'm just stressed about everything and it's getting a bit frustrating that we're not getting anywhere.”

You sigh lean back against Varian, “I get it, but just please don't take it out on the ones who are there for you.”

Varian kisses you cheek, “Got it.” He takes your hand and the two of you continue to Corona.

In town, you help Varian sneak about and you spot Rapunzel heading for the docks. Varian tells you to wait and takes off with Rudiger somewhere.

“Something is wrong with Varian, Mimi. I know it's an obvious statement, but I need to know what it is.”

Mimi squeaks softly and nuzzles your head. Varian and Rudiger come back. “Rudiger, make sure there's no one with the Princess.” Varian lets the raccoon run off toward Rapunzel.

“Ah! Oh, Rudiger, where did you come from?” Rapunzel says.

Varian moves closer with you behind and he now quickly jumps onto the boat with Rapunzel and covers her mouth. “Sh!”

When she doesn't make a sound, he lets go and she turns to him. You walk up and carefully slip onto her other side.

“Oh Varian!” She hugs Varian then turns to you, pulling you into a hug, “Where have you two been, I was so worried about you two.”

Varian sighs, “Uh, yeah. We've had to lie low after these guys were watching us.”

“They just attacked us too and they hurt Varian while trying to get the Graphtyc.” You said.

“Wait a minute. The Captain and his guards attacked you two?” Her voice rises a bit.

You huff in disbelief, “The Captain? But why?”

Rapunzel groans, “My dad…..he must have had them watch over us.”

“Well I guess it's mostly because no one is too keen on someone who attacks their Princess.” You chuckle a bit while Rudiger curls up on Varian’s lap.

“Attack me? You mean….(____) that wasn't your fault.” Rapunzel says with sadness.

“Attack the princess?” Varian questions.

“Long story.” You and Rapunzel said.

Varian sighs, “Okay? Any way, at least you got to see why I needed your help.” Varian looks at her in sorrow.

Rapunzel gasps a bit and covers her mouth, “Varian, I am so sorry. I had no ide-”

Varian holds up a hand, “You had to save the kingdom. You had to do what you had to, but you have to help me now, Rapunzel.” He slightly begs. “Do you have the scroll?”

Rapunzel digs around her, “The scroll! I got like you asked.” She hands it to Varian. “I don't know what it is, but my dad was desperate to keep it from me.”

“He was desperate that he attacked us?” You question. “Geez.”

“I'm sorry they attacked you two. I didn't know-”

Varian rolls his eyes and sighs, taking out the scroll, “It took me awhile to translate this old language, but from what I can tell. Those black rocks are actually some kind of ancient darkness. Its destructive power can only be stopped by its counterpart, the Sundrop.”

“Rapunzel, the flower.”

“You mean, THE flower? The one that healed my mom and gave me my hair, but my dad said it was long gone.”

Varian stares at her seriously.

“Rapunzel, your dad lied.” You say.

“What? He couldn't have lied about this.”

Varian hums and has a hand to his chin, “Would you say your dad has been a reliable source of information?”

“Well….um….”

Varian shakes his head, “Rapunzel, no. It's still here. I'm sure of it. Your dad wouldn't just throw away something that could wield that kind of power.”

You realize Varian was playing along so Rapunzel could help. “Just a single petal can help us solve ALL of our problems. That's all we need.”

“Yeah, but even if the flower is here. I don't think we could just ask my dad to hand it over.”

Varian slightly smirk, “Oh I know we can't. Which is why we have to steal it.”

Rapunzel is hesitant, but agrees and help you two sneak into the castle. Guards go by and you realize Rapunzel is sneaking toward the room with Herz Don Sonne’s journal.

“Gah! Princess! What are we doing here?” Varian panics a bit while leaning up against the door. “The flower would most likely be in the Royal Vault which is on the other side-”

“The other side of the castle, I know, but if we want to get past the vaults security. Our best bet would be to use the underground tunnels. In Herz Don Sonne's Journal it has a complete map of them.” She goes in.

Your eyes are wide and you bite your lip. You hope she doesn't open it. You glance at Varian to him looking at you suspiciously.

Rapunzel runs out and takes your hand in panic, “Change of plans. The Journal is missing and I don't know if I can do this. About to take the journal, stealing the flower, these are all acts of treason.”

Varian frowns, “Rapunzel. This may be my dad's only hope. This may be Corona’s only hope, Rapunzel Corona needs our help.”

She sighs, “For Corona.”

“Good. We need to head back outside. I may know where the journal is.” Varian says.

Rapunzel runs, but immediately stops and causes you to run into her. You almost yell and falls backward only for Varian to catch you.

“EUGENE!” Rapunzel laughs nervously, “Hey!”

“Blondie, what are you doing?”

“N-nothing. Nothing!”

Eugene sounds a bit unsure, “Right! Okay. I know you want to be alone, but Cass and I-”

He stops after Rapunzel glances back at us and you silently point back to where Eugene is. Rapunzel looks then chuckles.

“You okay?”

Rapunzel nods, “Mmhm!”

You facepalm.

She sighs, “Eugene, how far would you go to find the truth?”

“Personally….not very far. Frankly, the truth is not all that's cracked up to be.”

You blink and hum a bit. Sometimes the truth isn't always sunshine and rainbows.

“Blondie are you sure you're alright?”

“Yeah, sorry. It's a...it's just I had a lot to process lately. I promise I'll talk when I'm ready, okay?”

“Okay, just let me know if you need anything.” Eugene walks by and Rapunzel pulls you and Varian in a hurry.

Outside where no one is around, Varian had turned to you, “(_____), where's the journal?”

Rapunzel looks at you, “(_____)?”

You stand there like you got in trouble then cautiously take out the journal from your satchel. “I…..I took it before any of this so I could explore, but I…..forgot to return it.” You lied, smiling sheepishly.

Rapunzel takes it, “At least it wasn't someone else.” She opens the book and glances around. “The entrance should be around here somewhere.”

Varian sees a manhole and lifts it open to check, “I found the entrance.”

It was dark, so he quickly finds a decent stick to use as a staff and ties three glowing vials to it. He hops in first and helps Rapunzel down.

You look in to see Varian holding his arms up to you. You jump in and Varian catches you. Mimi just crawls down the wall and Rudiger falls in.

You stay close to Varian since this place gave off a creepy vibe especially with the lighting Varian has.

“We have to go this way.” Rapunzel now leads the way through the tunnels.

“Um….that way?” She wasn't so sure herself.

Rudiger chitters and Mimi crawls on his head to hide from the rats.

You held onto Varian's arm and he smiles, “Wow. Oh oh! These tunnels depicted an ancient technology of-” He moves his staff in front of him.

You two yell and back up when a skeleton comes into view, “OH!”

Varian gulps and stares in fear, “Uh….Eee, this way!” He makes a sharp turn to the right.

“Guys, we have to be careful. These tunnels may have been forgotten, but traps still litter around here. Really dangerous ones.” You say a bit nervously.

Varian laughs, “As you can recall, (____). I know a thing or two about booby-traps.” He steps forward and steps on a trap.

“Varian!” You and Rapunzel yell.

“AH!” He closes his eyes when arrows shoot out and luckily they get lodged onto his staff. “Whoa.” He stares at the arrows.

You punch his arm, “VARIAN!”

He chuckles nervously, “Well that's one down.” He grimaces and continues walking.

“Don't jinx it, Varian.” You huff at him.

You guys step into a room and suddenly all the exits close up. “Uh…..It's too late for that.” Varian says nervously.

The walls on either side start closing in toward you three. You all go to try and push the walls from stopping. “We're gonna get squished!” Varian yells.

“No kidding, Genius!” You say in panic.

You scan the surroundings then pick up a bone and Varian's staff. “Mimi, Pascal!” You go to the small opening where the wall is being turned.

Mimi and Pascal climb on you, while you lift them up onto the end of the staff. “Pascal wedge this into the axle and take Mimi with you behind the wall to find a release mechanism.”

Pascal stops the walls from moving and the two head behind the wall. Not long, the bone breaks and the walls move again, but faster.

“Oh no!” You lean against the wall and try to use your feet to push on the other.

“Whoa!” Varian screams and you two panic when your heads are being squished together along with your bodies.

The walls stop before it gets too tight. Pascal and Mimi jump down on Rapunzel’s head, “You guys did it!” She says happily.

You glance at Varian to see he is super close and he doesn't look to good.

“I think I'm gonna be sick.” He whispers.

The door in front of you opens and the wall releases you three. You yell when you hit the floor and Varian lands on top of you.

“Sorry.” He helps you up and keeps a hold on your hand as you all continue.

You stop when Varian does, “Tripwire.” He steps over then you and Rapunzel do the same.

Mimi squeaks at Rudiger and he carefully goes over the wire with a smile. Pascal squeals a bit at seeing a spider that crawled on the wire and he hops down from Rapunzel's shoulders, but Mimi squeaks at him.

Pascal pouts but goes back to Rapunzel.

A shadow had been watching the darkness and it morphs into a rat, scurrying toward the tripwire. Its bright green eyes glimmering with mischief and it snaps the wire with its teeth before running off.

The ceiling above you shakes and starts to break. Rudiger panics along with Mimi and you immediately grab them, rolling out of the way as debris fall where you stood.

“Guys are you okay?” Rapunzel asks in worry.

“Yeah.” You hug Rudiger and Mimi clings to his fur. Rapunzel sighs in relief.

“We're getting closer to the surface, we don't want to alarm guards.”

Varian smirks, “Oh I'm pretty sure they and everyone else have their hands full.”

You stare at him suspiciously, “What do you mean?”

Varian chuckles then turns around, seeming to compose himself, “I uh….I mean just um…” He grins a bit, “...H-hey! They have their hands full everyday. Corona, you know.” He leans on a beam.

You see it sink into the wall and the floor under Varian caves in. “AH!”

“VARIAN!” You and Rapunzel go up to the hole.

You sigh in relief when Varian's staff had caught him. “Hang on!” Rapunzel yells.

Varian looks down at the black abyss and gulps, “Way ahead of you!”

You and Rapunzel grab onto Varian's staff and easily pull him out. You hug him and he smiles softly.

The ground shakes and the flooring begins to cave in. “What do we do?!” Varian panics.

“I'm going to go with RUN!” Rapunzel runs off.

You all run down the tunnel and the floor behind you keeps falling apart. You stop at the end which is a dead end. “Uh, Dead End!”

Rapunzel pulls apart the beads that hold her hair and throws a strand to wrap around a beam. “Guys come on!” She holds out her arm.

Varian holds onto her and reaches out to you, but the floor break between you two. You back up until you're leaning against a very small ledge.

“Don't worry, (____)! There's an entrance right under you!” Rapunzel swings her and Varian until they disappear under you.

“Hang down if you can and I'll catch you!” Varian says.

You try to look over but all you saw was the dark abyss. “Nope!” The ledge randomly cracked and you fell downward. “Ah!”

Varian catches you and falling over himself. “It's okay. I got you.”

You cling to him and he decides to hold you, walking along.

“Varian, you're sure this flower is worth it right?” Rapunzel fixes her hair back together. “It's Corona’s only hope?”

Varian hums. “It should be, but uh...I'm not really concerned about Corona.”

You and Rapunzel looks at him. “You don't care about Corona?” Rapunzel said unsure.

Varian gently places you on your feet, “Oh, uh, of course I'm concerned about C-Corona. I love Corona. I mean just right now I'm concerned about how it's going to help my dad.” He says nervously. “Corona too.”

You and Rapunzel glance at each other in confusion then follow Varian.

The room you came into had seven pillars and up above is vault looking door. Varian groans, “A dead end again?”

Rapunzel shakes her head, “No. This is it. We are right under the vault. Do you see that trapdoor ?” She points to the door before scanning the room.

“Yeah, h-how do we get it open?”

You walk up to the smaller pillars on the floor below the door. “Same way we open a door. The knob.” You push a small pillar to the right, causing the rest to rotate.

The door above makes noises as it opens up and a ladder is now present inside.

“Piece of Cake.” You say with a grin, but your grin falls when you feel something big stomp behind you guys.

“Guys.” Rapunzel steps back.

You slowly turn around to meet an Automaton.

Varian’s eyes widen in excitement, “Fascinating! I believe this is an automaton. A marvel of ancient technology really! I've read about them, but just to see-”

The metal arm of the automaton raises up and you panic, “Varian, look out!” You tackle him out of the way before the hand smashes the ground he stood on.

“Now is not the time to fanboy over this.” You say.

Varian laughs and stands, “Don't worry. I got this, (____).” He says with confidence and runs at the automaton with vials in his hand.

He keeps throwing chemicals that explode when in contact with the metal being and it runs into a pillar.

Varian grins proudly, “See? I got this.”

You run over once you see the automaton move. “Varian pay attention!”

He turn and gets smacked into a pillar and slides down. Rapunzel runs to him and you were going to, but a metal claw stops you. You look up at the glowing green eyes of the automaton and it reaches for you.

You run from it and now it starts chasing you before it grabs you. You struggle and hear Varian. “Despite the excruciating fact that I am about to pass out. The science at work here is spellbinding!”

You groan, “VARIAN! Seriously!?”

His eyes widen once he realizes you're in the automaton’s clutches. “Hey Automaton!!”

It turns only to get hit with more explosives and you cover your face. Varian runs around, hitting it and making sure not to hit you.

“Varian! Get it to come this!” Rapunzel yells out wherever she was at.

Varian nods and throws one more big explosive. “You want me? Come and get me!” He waves his arms, walking backwards to where Rapunzel is.

The automaton turns away then gently places you behind a pillar. You stare it in disbelief until another vial hits it. The automaton runs at Varian on all fours and you peek around.

It gets caught on Rapunzel’s hair before its weight pulls down two pillars on top of it. The automaton shuts down after it gets crushed.

“(_____)!” Varian runs to you and checks over your arms and face, “Nothing hurting?”

“I'm okay.”

Rapunzel pulls down the ladder, “Lets go!” She climbs up, followed by Rudiger.

You take the steps then look back at the automaton. It was protecting you, but why were you scared of it?

Varian gently tells you to go up and glances back at the automaton too, humming in thought once he sees the axle that powers the metal being.

You get into the vault room and it's a bit dark like last time. Varian was going to follow Rapunzel, but you lead him over by a certain place by the walls.

The room lights up now from whatever Rapunzel was doing and you see the mark on the wall glistening, so you touch it.

The wall shifts again and out pops the weirdly metallic stone box.

Varian tilts his head at the words, “I can bring tears to your eyes; resurrect the dead, make you smile, and reverse time. I form in an instant but I last a lifetime. What am I?” He shakes his head, “A riddle?”

He takes off his bag and hands it to you, “Hold this.” He starts to think.

“We have a HUGE problem!” Rapunzel comes over, “The Flower is gone!”

Varian doesn't pay much attention, “I know. Besides, this is what we really came here for.” He taps his chin in thought and repeats the riddle.

“You know?! What are you talking about-” She stops and tilts her head at the box.

Rudiger pulls on Varian’s back and you sigh, “Rudiger. What are you doing?” You slightly giggle and open it, “Does Varian have food-”

Your hand touches a glass bottle that's recognizable without even a second thought. You shakily pull it out and you stare at the swirl designed flakon.

You swallow the lump on your throat and take a deep breath, “Varian. What is THIS doing in your bag?”

Varian whispers something and the box opens. He pulls out the book and sticks it in his bag. He glances at you and raised a brow.

“You gave it to me.”

“This! I would never give you something so dangerous.”

Rapunzel gasps, “(____), I thought we dumped that.” She looks at Varian seriously, “Varian, that had Xavier's Mood Potion in it. You shouldn't be fooling with it.”

Varian snatches the bottle away from you while smirking, “There was one drop left, but it was enough for me to replicate and modify.” He frowns and clenches a fist.

“Serum….you made a truth serum.” You shake your head, “You gave it everyone, didn't you?”

Varian lets out a breathlessly laugh and smirks at you, “Oh you'd be surprised what people will tell you for a cookie.”

You remember when you ate one and cover your mouth, “Varian….no wonder you're not yourself. I never gave you that potion, you need to stop this.”

Varian tsks, “Stop what? Stop myself from being how I should've felt about everything!”

Rapunzel holds her hands to her chest, “Varian, how could you?”

Varian rolls his eyes, “Oh do you honestly expect me to be concerned about the welfare of Corona.”

“But you said you-”

“Rapunzel! I. Used. You! I begged you and this kingdom for help! Everyone turned their back on me. At least (____) tried to help, but instead your kingdom hurt her! It has to be this way.” He was getting more angry.

“Varian, please. It doesn't have to be this way, we have the book now and we can return everything and do everything right.” You say to him.

Varian narrows his eyes at you, “What difference does it make?! They turned our backs on us and you still wanna try to stay on good terms. People like them will never help people like us!”

You slightly back up when he steps close, “Now are you with me OR with them?”

You look in his eyes a bit fearful and anxious about your decision. “I-I want to be with you Varian….b-but not when you’re like this.”

He frowns deeply and hums, “Still honest.”

“Varian, we'll fix everything, I-I promise. Just...this is not the way. Please?” Rapunzel says desperately.

Varian seems guilty then the door shakes as someone is trying to get in and Varian slowly glares at Rapunzel.

“Sorry, Princess, but I know firsthand how well you keep promises.” He sneers.

You slightly grab Rapunzel’s arm and she places a hand on yours in reassurance.

Varian frowns even more and turns as the doors slam open. Cass, Eugene, and two guards come in, “There he is, get him!”

Varian pulls out vials again throws them down and this time a stronger explosive lights up brightly. It caused everyone to fall to the floor and magenta smoke fills the room.

You cough and feel yourself being picked up and thrown over someone's shoulder as they run.

"I still need you." Varian sligthly frowns.