(Picture above is my personal drawing again, so don't take. I drew this and added a filter so it pops out more. This is for those of you being patient with me.

My drawing was actually suppose to be in the chapter Queen for a Day, but I forgot.)

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Chapter 71 -
The Calm Before The Storm
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Varian place you on the floor and goes over to the table with papers and books. He slams the book on the table and narrows his eyes at the lock on it.

“Speak the true name of the Royal Bloodline?” He growls, “Nobody knows. This is wasting time.”

You sit up and flinch when Varian tries to cut and break the lock on the book. “WHAT? I…..this-this is the same material made from the black rocks!”

Varian stomps over to you, “Open it.”

You shakily take it and touch the lock, but it gives you a painful shock.

Varian takes it throws the book, “Useless!” He tries to calm down, “Where's the flower?”

“Varian, it's not going to-”

Varian digs in your satchel and takes out a jar. He goes over to crush a petal and smudges it on the end of a drill. He pumps up the machine and it spins. “Work, work. Please work.”

He pushes the drill into the amber but the tip bends.

“No…..no, NO!” Varian shoves the drill machine over. “NO!” He screams out and throws the papers off his desk. “THIS IS EVEN MORE USELESS!!” He slams a fist on the table. “It's like it no longer possesses the Sundrop’s power!”

You get up while he's distracted and sneak over to take the book, placing it in your satchel.

Rudiger and Mimi shake in fear of Varian's behavior, hiding under the table.

Varian stands there over his table, then looks to the withered flower and takes it in his hand. “The Sundrop isn't the flower anymore.” He crushes it and the remains cover a paper.

He growls, wiping it off to show a picture of Rapunzel, “It's Rapunzel.”

You look at the encased Quirin then tear. You have to get Varian back to himself, but you couldn't do it alone. He was losing his way.

You walk to the door and go out onto the steps. On the last step, Varian peeks out the door and slowly comes out.

“(_____)....I'm sorry.”

You don't turn to him, “Varian…..I'm going back. You got what you wanted and whatever you do, I know it won't be your fault.” You sigh, “But I want you to at least try to fight it off.”

Varian steps up behind you and looks away on guilt. “Are you going with them or me? I… I won't be mad if you go with them.” His voice cracks.

You close your eyes and hate it when he cries. “Varian…,.You know I will always pick you.”

His arms gently turn you around to hug you tightly. You nuzzle your face on his chest.

“Then you should know I'm sorry for what I'm going to do next. I can't have you getting in my way.” He whispers.

You grew confused and pull back to look at him. Suddenly you seen green glitter being blow in your face and you cough.

“Varian…”

Varian hushes you, “Just go to sleep.” He picks you up and goes inside as you fall asleep.

In his room, he places you on the bottom bunk and goes to his dad's room. He takes out the shackles from the chest that had weird symbols on it.

“So you don't use your abilities.”

He locks the cuffs on your wrists and drops the key in his pocket. Varian goes back to his lab and digs around for a small metal cage.

Rudiger watches in curiosity. Mimi runs off to check on you and she squeaks sadly, then examines the cuffs.

She suddenly squeaks loudly when a hand grabs her and she's placed in a cage. Varian locks it, “Sorry Mimi. Can't have you breaking (____) out.” He places her on a table in the room with you.

Varian slips his goggles on and stalks toward his lab with intimidation, “I know I sunk pretty low, but whatever I do, they deserve.”

In his lab, he pulls out an axle from the automaton and taps his fingers in thought then starts building after taking out a book.

A Book of Ancient Technology.

You woke up and notice the cuffs. Mimi squeaks and you gasp, “Mimi!” You take the cage and frown, “I'm so sorry Mimi…..you should've stayed at the castle.”

She smiles and shake her head no.

You sigh and listen to the metal pounds coming from Varian's lab. “I actually didn't see this happening, but I do know what he's going to do.”

It's been a week and Varian has come in to give you food before going back out. Sometimes Rudiger would come in and cuddle with you.

Today, you giggle as Rudiger plays hide and seek with Mimi even though she's in the cage.

Varian comes in, wearing his heavy leather coat. “Rudiger, come here.” He kneels down and smiles a bit.

Rudiger chitters happily and bounds over into his arms. He purrs when Varian runs a hand over his fur, then he pulls out a teal colored chemical in small tube.

He pours some of it on Rudiger, “It's just a test. You'll be okay, buddy.”

Rudiger blinks then your eyes widen when Rudiger began to grow on size and starts to look menacing. His claws grew sharp, along with his teeth and his eyes were white. Rudiger didn't even look like a raccoon.

You hold your hands to your mouth and tear up, “Varian. Wha-what did you to him?!”

Varian chuckles deeply, “Nothing. I just made him….bigger to be a diversion for my plan.”

Rudiger stomps over to you and smiles, purring. Hesitantly you reach out and hold his head, “Oh Rudiger.”

Varian climbs up on his back, “He's fine (_____). Obviously.” He rolls his eyes.

Rudiger nuzzles into your touch.

“Time for a game of hide and seek with everyone, Rudiger.” Varian pats Rudiger’s head, “Let's head to the castle.” He laughs and shakes his head, “I'm sure RaPunzel opened her surprising gifts from me.”

Rudiger runs out and yell out in frustration, “RUDIGER BETTER NOT BE HARMED VARIAN!” You pant then hit the shackles against the wall.

You stop and groan, feeling very very stupid. You reach up to your hair and pull out the pin. “I need to properly thank Eugene for teaching me this.”

The shackles fall off and the door to Mimi’s cage opens.