The bitter cold at the prison was enough to make anyone shiver. And it only became worse if you get to thinking about what the prisoners could possibly have done to land them there. In fact, there had actually been a time when Varian had shuddered at the mere thought of such crimes happening at all, let alone somewhere near him. But, then again, he had done similar, if not worse things in his life.

What got to him, though, was the fact that people came to visit him. They braved the chill and the horrors just to see him. And they had reason, too. Every single visitor that he'd had during his time spent behind those cold, metal bars had come to mock him and taunt him, to shame him in some way or other.

He knew what he had done, and he had known that it was wrong. The shame and guilt he felt every time he thought of what he had done was unbearable; why did they think that he wanted to hear their opinions on the matter?

But this visitor... This man was different.

Marcus Pfeiffer was a man with wild white hair and kind grey eyes. Everything about him seemed friendly and... Not so judgmental. He was intelligent, too, one of the smartest men in all of Corona- well, that's that everyone said; Marcus was far too humble to say anything on the matter- and his main passion was science.

In fact, he was one of Varian's role models- of course, though, he managed to be tied with Flynn Rider for first- as he had been since the alchemist was a really young boy. So imagine Varian's surprise when he looked up to see Marcus Pfeiffer himself standing just outside of his prison cell.

Marcus offered the teen a friendly smile as he pulled a stool up so that he could be closer to the cell. "Good evening. It's Varian, right?"

Varian just nodded, looking down at his lap. Of course he's here to berate me. And why shouldn't he?

Still, though, Varian was thoroughly intrigued. Marcus Pfeiffer- the biggest name in science, as far as he was concerned- was here. Visiting a young, failed alchemist. Sure, he was there because he probably had a bone to pick with Varian, but still... Why?

"I've heard all about you, my boy," Marcus continued in a soft, warm voice, "all about your inventions and antics. I wasn't exactly there, but I've heard people talking about your invention at the Science Expo earlier this year."

Marcus stopped for a minute, allowing time for Varian to process what he had just said. That was a good thing, in all honesty, because the alchemist was having a hard time grappling with the concept that he wasn't being spoken down to... At least, not yet. He needed the time to take that in.

Finally, Marcus spoke again. "A new element? That's really impressive, Varian."

Varian quirked an eyebrow. "I... Thanks?"

"You're welcome, my boy."

"Okay... Why?"

It was Marcus's turn to look at Varian in confusion. "Why what?"

"Why are you talking to me like this? Why are you treating me like an equal? Why not... Why not just say the mean things I know you're here to say and just leave already?"

"Mean things?" Marcus asked, shaking his head, "never! While I don't necessarily like what you did to the royal family, I don't believe that it's reason enough to be completely rude and disrespectful to someone."

Nobody had ever said anything like that to Varian. The idea that someone- even if it was only one person- could hold such a belief... It amazed him.

"We're all people, Varian," he continued, "we're all human. Why should we condemn and put down when we've done bad things, too? Why should we judge someone when, in all reality, all they want is a chance, a chance to be heard... Much like many other people do?"

"Then... Why are you here?"

Marcus smiled at the alchemist. "I'm here to give you an opportunity, Varian. I feel like you and I... I feel like we have a lot in common, my boy, and I also feel like we also have different insights and ideas to bring to the table. So what do you say?"

"What do I say to what?"

"What do you say to becoming my apprentice?"

Varian looked at him incredulously. "You're kidding."

But Marcus looked absolutely resolute. Varian looked to Ruddiger, who chittered and pawed at his human's knee.

Take it, the raccoon seemed to be saying, it's the opportunity of a lifetime!

But Varian felt rather uncertain about this. He knew Marcus's stances now, but... Who was to say that everyone- or anyone, really- would feel the same way?

"I- I'm going to have to consider it," Varian finally said, "that is, if you're okay with giving me time to..."

"Of course, Varian," Marcus smiled again, already standing to leave, "take all the time that you need."

"You asked for me?"

Varian nodded, standing to join Marcus near the metal bars. Two months had passed, two months full of Varian wondering if he should or shouldn't take up the offer. and then he realized that, sure, everyone wasn't going to be like Marcus. Nobody was just going to accept him back into society.

But, then again, nobody ever would... Not if he stayed in this cell for the rest of his life. Besides, it would be nice to have someone on his side once again, even if it was just one person.

"I'm... I'm assuming that your offer still stands?" he asked quietly, "the one I said I'd consider?"

Marcus nodded. "Indeed it does."

Varian took a deep breath. "I have my answer, then."

"Oh?"

"And... I'm accepting. It would be an honor, honestly, to be your apprentice, sir."

Marcus smiled at the young alchemist. "Please, just call me Marcus."

Hearing this, Varian did something he hadn't done in what felt like ages: Varian smiled.