In the throne room…
Varian was sitting down as he looked down sulking as he was being lectured, once again being spoken to but not listened too.
"Varian, we have noticed this odd behavior since you have found that small door and we believed it best for children not to go near there anymore." King Fredric began in a strict tone.
"Really, what's so bad about the dreams?" Varian questioned, "In my dreams, people treat me better than here and everything is great. Uncle Monty in that world even let me into his shop again, which was a candy wonderland and gummy chameleon circus, and Feldspar was even willing to fix up my shoes. I'm not treated as an outsider."
"Varian, the people are only-." Arianna began as she tried to defend her people's actions.
"Only what? Hurt, scared, mistrustful? I have been trying hard to make up for what I did, yet it seems that no matter what I do it's never enough and I never was even given a proper apology either." Varian argued as he was frustrated with this Corona.
"Varian, there had been omens since we have discovered that room, the fortuneteller's prediction, shorty with the animals, and the history of disappearing children. You could be lost forever and never found." Fredrick ordered.
"And why are you pretending to care about what happens to me? You should want me to go into the Ballroom more, I would finally be out of your hair for good. I would be out of everyone's hair for good. I'm still the same menace in everyone's eyes and they would be happy if I were just gone." Varian countered.
That was like a knife to the heart for those who were listening.
It was too much to bear, did Varian really favor those dreams over Corona?
Was it so terrible for him that he wanted to stay in that world for good?
"Varian, enough." Quirin ordered as his son sighed, he hated it when his son did that, looking like he was a prisoner, it was painful, "Look, I'm taking you home today. No more going to the castle for a few weeks and no more going into that room period."
"Yes sir." Varian flatly spoke.
That was the worst blow of all. That was Varian use to say before the Amber when he did not have a voice and his father made him feel like nothing. When their relationship was strained.
On the streets of Corona…
Quirin decided to make a side trip for clothing for Varian for the next season that was coming as Varian's were looking ragged.
The people were gossiping about the things Quirin did not want to even hear about.
"You know, Other Monty would've let us have that candy for free."
"This is shoddy work, Feldspar. The Other Feldspar could do it better."
"Buttons for eyes sound really painful."
"Our princess looking like an actual doll… Seems strange."
Great, word about Varian's dreams were spreading and they were not going to die down anytime soon. He was trying to steer his son away from this and the people were not helping. He dragged Varian into the clothing store as they noticed the tailor's frustration. He began to paint a sign.
'No talk of Other World!'
Finally, a place where he could think clearly about the situation.
Varian sat down in the chair while the farmer talked to the tailor about new clothes for him. He then noticed a new set of alchemy attire. As he was about to reach for them, his father, not even looking in his direction spoke, "Put them back, Varian."
Varian then argued, "But dad, I could really use a new change of apron, gloves, and goggles. My goggles are broken and cracked."
"Varian, until this blows over, no more Alchemy," Quirin ordered his child.
In a huff and wanting to get under his father's skin, "My Other Father would've gotten them for me."
"Quirin, please, I cannot handle any more of this… 'Other Talk'. The customers keep comparing my work to some made-up tailor in your child's made-up world." The tailor begged.
"Varian, please, no more talk of this 'Other World'. Those dreams are dangerous." His father ordered as he heard his son sigh.
"Yes sir."
Back at Varian's home…
Varian was sulking as none of them spoke to one another.
Then Rapunzel and Eugene came in to check on their young friend.
"Hey Varian, how's it going?" Rapunzel asked as she tried to help with the situation.
"Same as usual in lovely old Corona." Varian rudely answered in a sarcastic way.
"Varian, Corona is the safest place for you and this Other World does not exist and there is no such place of people with button eyes." Quirin sighed.
"If it's not real, then why did you lock the door?" Varian questioned, not even bothering to look up.
"Oh, there was lizard dung on the cobblestone and with your obsession with those dreams, we thought you would be… safer," Quirin explained.
"Their Chameleons and the dreams aren't dangerous; they have been the best part of my life since of late. Besides, people don't care about my safety, just theirs." Varian argued as he looked up to the others.
"Varian, that's not true. We do care about you." Rapunzel protested as it upset her that her friend thought this way.
"Then why doesn't anyone trust me or want me?" Varian questioned.
"Kid, Corona's not a bad place." Eugene tried.
"With everyone given me glares and banning me from stores. Yeah, a real paradise." Varian scoffed as Quirin was about to say something when Nigel came in.
"Your Majesty, you and Mr. Fitzherbert and Lord Quirin are requested for a trip to the allied Kingdom to discuss the Cassandra problem. The merchants are coming as well to gain more trade, (and to escape the 'Other World' gossip.)" Nigel announced.
"Can it wait? We were in the middle of something." Eugene asked.
"No, we must go now," Nigel answered as he walked out.
"Varian look, when we get back, I promise to get you anything you want for today." Quirin tried to cheer Varian up.
"Oh, like the new alchemy outfit?" Varian sarcastically questioned.
"Varian, things have been hard for you. But I promise I'll make things right." Rapunzel added, hoping it would help Varian.
"That's what you all always say."
That stung as the three soon left with saddened looks.
"I'll be back soon, Varian." Quirin bid as he closed the door behind him.
"But I might not be," Varian smirked.
The King and everyone else thinks they could keep Varian a prisoner, but no one can keep Varian locked up. He proved that time and time again.
After the Alliance Meeting in another kingdom on a ship…
Quirin was distraught as he was sitting on a barrel.
Arianna and Fredric noticed this and went to check up on their friend.
"Thinking about Varian again, I see?" Arianna asked, pointing out the obvious for the saddened parent.
"I just, I just don't understand. He loves that made-up world more than here, he loves that 'Other Father' more than me even." Quirin growled in frustration.
"The kid doesn't love him more. I think he might like him more but-." Eugene began but then the glares in his direction realized that he was not helping, and he went quiet.
"I still don't understand why the boy is so obsessed with an imaginary world. But then again, he always seemed a little off." Uncle Monty huffed as he saw Quirin eyed him, "No offense."
"Maybe it's not the dream itself that he likes." Xavier spoke up as everyone turned to the man, "Think about it, take away the magic, and what are the dreams about?"
Quirin thought about it and realized it.
They were dreams where he trusted his son and showed him attention, where the princess and her fiancé had time for him and were listening, where the King and Queen wanted him around, where the people of Corona were thankful for his hard work. It was a world where he truly felt he belonged.
"I'm a mule." Quirin sighed as he put his hands on his face, "I'm doing it again. I'm trying to protect my son and all I'm doing is pushing him away."
"We weren't any better," Rapunzel added as she felt just as guilty.
"What do you mean, your majesty?" Nigel gasped.
"Varian has always wanted to help, even before and no one ever treated him with respect or kindness. When he asked for help, no one came, and he was forgotten." Rapunzel explained as she began to tear up, "I promised Varian things would be different. But I broke another promise to him."
"Honey, please don't cry." Arianna came as she tried to cheer up her daughter.
"Yes, your majesty. You shouldn't waste your tears on him." Nigel scoffed as Quirin glared.
"Really? You really think that?" Quirin questioned as he caused the man to flinch, "When the red rocks came, who stopped them? Who helped Rapunzel with the scroll? When the castle was filthy, who gave the maids a new way to clean? Feldspar, who made you that automated boot shiner? Monty, who gave you that Deluxe Sweet Machine? Nigel, who was the one who kept you from being fired, despite you disobeying Rapunzel's orders? Fredric, Arianna, who was that helped the guard's defenses, kept watch on the weather, gave you special bath supplies to make you cleaner and smell better, help get your memories back, and did other wonderful things for Corona?"
Everyone then hung their heads with shame.
"Why call it Corona, when it should be named Mule Kingdom?" Monty uttered.
"Varian never even got an apology from us for being abandoned. He was left alone for months and we promised Rapunzel to help him when we just locked him away. We don't deserve to be rulers." Arianna sighed.
"We owe the boy a massive apology, for everything." Fredric groaned as he hated to admit when he is wrong, again.
"That's it. When we get back, we'll throw Varian an appreciation party, give him everything he wants, and finally give him a proper apology." Rapunzel suggested as everyone soon made plans.
Back at Corona…
Varian used the secret tunnels to return to the castle as he snuck into the princess's tiara room.
He knew the king too well as he stuck his hand underneath the pillow to find the key. It was easy for him to avoid the guards as they were given orders to take Varian home or follow him if they saw him. Next was to return to the Ballroom and unlock the door. Despite his mind telling him it couldn't be real, his heart told him otherwise.
Though there was another part of, a part that told him his father was right and he should stay away from the door. He ignored it and want to be selfish for the first time in his life. He opened the door, expecting the dung covered cobblestone, but instead, it was the tunnel to the other world.
"I knew it was real." He breathed as he crawled in, not noticing his raccoon watching him.
Ruddiger sighed then growled with a glare in between the doorway.
What had his friend got himself involved with?
In the Other World…
Varian crawled out of the tunnel and noticed that there was no humming with that peculiar melody when he entered the room.
He walked to the kitchen to see that the Other Father wasn't there, but he left a feast for Varian, some presents, and a letter. The young alchemist plucked the cute little letter from its place as he looked to his new gifts.
Dearest Varian,
Forgive me for not properly greeting you, but I am still working on your greatest gift yet.
I heard that you were in need of new clothes as well as a new alchemist attire. I sew them to meet your needs and wants in an outfit.
Nigel crafted some entertainment at the Snuggling Duckling and is waiting for you, the guest of honor to finally arrive. You can go after you are done eating and try out your latest outfit. I really hope that you like it.
Love, Father
Varian checked out his gifts.
Opening them one by one, loved the clothes that his Other Father made for him. His original father could never sew right, he could never sew anything as amazing as what the Other Father had made for him. First, he would pig out and the food, then he will strut his stuff in this awesome new outfit.
After the meal and leaving the Other Castle…
Varian emerged from the castle in his newest outfit.
His shirt was a dark blue with yellow shining stars as it was as soft as cotton. His pants were long and back with many pockets to store his stuff with a white belt with a golden buckle. The apron he wore was black and was impossible to stain as it was added with liquid-proof material. His boots and gloves matched as they had their own little gadgets built into it to assist in his inventions. Then finally were Varian's goggles as the leather was breathable and comfortable as the lenses were made out of diamonds, making them un-scratchable.
The Young teenager let out a burp from the tasty meal he had then patted his belly. His Other Father was the best cook he ever has seen. Not even the royal chef could compare to him. If only the Other Father and every other… Other could come with him back to real Corona and stay with him. Maybe he could ask them.
Varian then happily hopped down the steps as he was excited to see the show at the Snuggling Duckling, then he heard the sound of a Raccoon. He looked up to see Ruddiger, or who he thought was an Other Ruddiger.
"I have a raccoon like you at home," Varian grunted as the raccoon walked to the edge of the tree branch and crawled down of the stumps.
"You even got his mannerisms and sense of grace like him. You even captured his sweet, cute, little face like his. But you must be Other Ruddiger." Varian assumed as Ruddiger licked himself.
Then Ruddiger looked up to Varian and spoke in a deep, British accent, "No, I am not another anything, I'm me. But thank you for the compliment on my stunning face."
Varian's eyes went wide when the Raccoon talked back to him. Did Ruddiger just talk to him? Ruddiger never talks.
"Umm… I see you don't have button eyes, but if you really are my Ruddiger, then how can you talk?" Varian questioned as he walked with Ruddiger.
"I just can, Varian. There is no great explanation." Ruddiger answered with his tail flicking in the air.
"Raccoons don't talk at home." Varian countered his now talking friend.
"No?"
"No."
Ruddiger then chuckled as he climbed up the tree.
"Well, you are clearly the expert on these things, my dear little Blue Streak Friend. Because according to your friend, 'I'm just a chubby Raccoon'." Ruddiger huffed in an irritated tone.
Varian gasped then coaxed, "Come back, please. I'm sorry, what she said, I really am. How did you get into this world, Bud?"
Ruddiger shook his head, "Varian, I have been coming here for a while."
The raccoon then walked behind the trunk of the tree then disappeared. As Varian wondered where he disappeared to, Ruddiger appeared behind through the hollow of a fallen tree.
"It's a game we play or more of a dance between adversaries. He hates Raccoons, especially me and tries to keep me out," He explained as he put his head into a buck and his head appearing in the hollow of a living tree next to Varian, "But he can't of course. I come and go as I please."
"The Other Father hates raccoons? My father was always indifferent towards you." Varian asked as Ruddiger began to crack up.
"Not like he's any father that I have ever known. No, no, no, my sweet Varian. None that I have ever known." Ruddiger shivered and began to walk on the branch.
"What do you mean? He's-." He began but was interrupted by his friend who can suddenly talk.
"Amazing, great, spectacular, fantastic, the best? This world is a paradise, perfect, beautiful. Please, Varian, it is too perfect for it to have innocence. You must have your doubts. You probably think this world is a dream come true, but you are wrong. Even your Other Friends told me so." Ruddiger warned as he crawled on the roof of the castle.
"You mean, Other Lance, Red, and Angry? But that's nonsense. They can't even talk." Varian argued.
"Perhaps not to you, my friend because they are not allowed. But Racoons like me, have far superior senses and can see and smell and-."
Then he suddenly stopped as his ear began to twitch. He then hushed his boy with fear.
"What's wrong?" Varian asked his pet.
"I hear something." Ruddiger warned his human as he began to crouch, "Right… Over…"
Then Ruddiger freed a raccoon battle cry and ran towards the sound.
Varian stared for a few minutes then shrugged it off as he headed to the Snuggling Duckling.
At the Other Snuggling Duckling…
Varian entered the bar as it was converted into a massive theater.
He was then blind-sighted for a moment by the flash of the lantern and revealed it to be the mime Other Ulf, who was smiling at him. As he walked down with the mime, he noticed that the spectators of the play were Pub Thugs and the horses. He led the boy to his special seat as he sees Other Faith, Other Lance, Other Red, Other Angry, Other Eugene, and Other Rapunzel."
"Hey, guys." He whispered as he sat next to his friends.
The lights went down as the music played by the Other Hookhand as the stage was moved by horses in giant hamster wheels. It was a cheery tune as the background was fantasy-like, showing Big Nose playing as a satyr with a pan flute.
"He's practically naked." Varian laughed with Other Faith.
"I am known as the most majestic being~."
"Player of music and dancers of plays~."
"If you hear my sweet song~."
"You might sing along~."
"Let your sweet minds drift away~."
Everyone clapped for Other Big Nose as Other Nigel cued for the second act. The horses with Button eyes nodded and ran the other way to switch the stage to a more sky like affair. Then Other Shorty appeared as a cherub with only a diaper and wings.
"Oh, by Sol's great light." He gasped at the sight.
"The true music of the land, lies through the sky~."
"Why listen to a goat man, why do you try~?"
"A song of the heavens the air~."
"Can Fly without care~."
"For songs to appear from air~."
There was applause as Nigel instructed the horses to do the third and final act.
First Big Nose.
"My dear Shorty, why must we fight?"
"When we can sing through the night."
"Why not show delight?"
Then Shorty.
"Why wear an outfit so tight?"
Big Nose.
"You're too old for a diaper."
Shorty.
"I'm twice as hyper."
Big Nose.
"Let Heaven and Earth meet."
Shorty.
"That would be sweet."
Then they sang together as the stage began to fall apart.
"We'll sing with happiness and without care~."
The stage then falls apart as the two was trying not to get hit while the curtains fell as Varian heard a crash. Varian and his Other Friends flinched while everyone clapped. The Other Nigel then cued for the horse to move a small barrel to center stage as two ladders appeared with Other Shorty and Other Big Nose were on top.
They were going to jump.
"I can't look." Varian gasped as he closed his eyes, but Other Faith encouraged him to do so.
"It'll be fine. Just watch." She promised.
The two began to jump, ready for the barrel, when they unzipped their costumes, revealing to be young and handsome while performing trapeze work. Varian looked up to see that everything was okay, causing him to laugh.
They began to quote from a famous play as they perform their trapeze work while the machinery span and moved around the entire theater.
The handsome Other Big Nose then grabbed Varian as he became part of the act. He was licked by a horse and then was hanging onto the machinery as the two actors somersaulted into the barrel. Varian then falls as he feared to meet his end, but was caught by Handsome Other Shorty, who used this hand to balance Varian, who laughed.
Everyone cheered for them as Other Faith tossed him a rose who caught it right away.
Back at the Other Castle…
The Other Father was waiting for them with a smile as Other Rapunzel and Other Eugene entered the castle.
"Did you enjoy the show, son?" Other Quirin wondered as Varian couldn't stop talking how much he loved the show, not noticing his Other Friends frowning with worry.
"It-it was… It was magic." He sighed with joy as his father chuckled a bit.
"You do like it here, don't you Varian?" Other Father smiled as Varian nodded.
"Goodnight, guys." Varian bid as he entered inside.
As he did the Other Father glared at them, and without speaking, ordered them to smile then headed back inside.
Inside the Castle…
Other Quirin walked to his son who was with Other Rapunzel and Other Eugene.
"You know, Varian. If you want, you could stay here forever." The Other Father offered as they headed into the dining room.
"I can?" Varian asked with hope.
"Of course, we'll sing and play games and you'll have any meal you want." Other Rapunzel offered as the Other King and Queen were waiting for them.
"There is just one tiny little thing you have to do. One thing is all I ask, and you can stay here forever." The Other Father assured.
"What's that?" Varian wondered as he sat down.
"Well, it's a surprise." Other Eugene laughed as he ruffled his hair, then the royal presented a small box.
"To you, our little doll." They said as Varian eagerly opened the box.
Then, to his surprise and confusion, he sees two large black buttons, a needle, and thread. He didn't understand this. Then the sense of dread came as they began to talk.
"I know that black is droll and traditional. But if you want to shake it up, you can make them pink…" The Other Father suggested as his button eyes turned pink for a moment.
"Or Sapphire…"
Then Other Rapunzel and Other Eugene's buttons eyes turned blue.
"Or Amethyst…"
Then the buttons turned color too as Varian realized what they wanted from him.
"If you keep suggesting colors, old friend, I might get jealous." The Other King chuckled as Other Quirin tapped his button eye.
"NO WAY!" Varian shrieked as he pushed the present away, which was caught by the smiling Other Father, "YOU'RE NOT SEWING BUTTON INTO MY EYES!"
"Oh, but Varian. We need a 'yes' if you want to stay here." The Other Father spoke in a calming manner.
"And it hurt won't a bit." The Other Rapunzel assured.
"It's so sharp, you won't feel a thing-ow!"
The Other Quirin then kicked the Other Princess and Other Eugene to keep them from talking as Varian was panicking inside.
"Now, Varian, it's okay. We only want what's best for you." The Other Father tried to coax that made the alchemist panic more, showing the gift.
"Um, er, I-I have to go to bed. Right now." He stuttered as she began to walk backward.
"Bed?" The Other Rapunzel questioned with concern.
"Before Dinner?" The Other Eugene added.
"I-I just had a long, exciting day and needed some sleep." Varian pretended to yawn as he began to walk for the guest bedroom.
"Of course, I'll be happy to tuck you in." Other Father offered.
"No, no thanks. You've just done so much for me already." He thanked as Other Quirin appeared from behind.
"You're welcome and I-we are not worried at all." The Other Quirin spoke in a calming manner, "Soon, you'll see things our way."
Then the Others let him go as Varian slowly began to walk. Then, once they were out of sight, he bolted to his guest room where he is confronted by his inventions. He traps them in a chest and barricades the door to keep anyone from getting in.
"I'm going home tonight, and I won't be back." Varian proclaimed as he hid under his covers."
Go to sleep. Go to sleep. He begged his body as he remembered what the Others said.
"You know, Varian. If you want, you could stay here forever."
"There is just one tiny little thing you have to do. One thing is all I ask, and you can stay here forever."
"To you, our little doll."
"Oh, but Varian. We need a 'yes' if you want to stay here."
"It's so sharp, you won't feel a thing."
"Soon, you'll see things our way."
Hours later…
After the dark realization for the price of paradise, Varian tried to slumber in hopes he would return home this way.
Begging his body to sleep and confining himself in his room to prevent any Other from entering and sewing the buttons while he slept, Varian fell into a restless sleep. He then awoke when felt a light on his face from under the covers. The boy smiled as he believed that he had returned home and held onto that happiness in his heart.
"Dad! Rapunzel! Everyone!" Varian shouted as he pulled the covers off as expected to be back at the medical wing.
But to his dismay, he never even left the Other World.
"Oh, by the moon… I'm still here?" Varian gasped as he tried to think about what to do next.
His only real option right now was to go through the door and hope that it was not covered by cobblestone. But he would have to be careful. He snuck down the steps and hall to the Ballroom as he tried to open the large doors, the only thing blocking him from the small door home. He pulled, pushed, jangled, and tugged but no matter what he did, the doors would not open.
Varian knew a locked door then he saw one.
He then heard the notes in the music room and gritted his teeth in anger. He entered the room to see Other Eugene and Other Rapunzel playing notes, though something was off with them. They were less kempt than they were. But Varian didn't care right now.
"Hey, you two! Where's the Other Father? I want to go home!" He demanded as he stomped his foot.
"All will be grand once our dear father is replenished. His strength is ours." The Other Rapunzel creepily answered in a cryptic way as a mechanical hand covered her face roughly and hushed her, "We mustn't talk when father's not here."
"If you're not going to help me then I'll find the Other Friends. They'll help me." Varian scoffed at them as he was about to leave.
"No point, Blue Streak," Other Eugene told him as he stretched his face into a frown in an unnatural manner, "They were too melancholy, and Father didn't like that."
The mechanical hands then grabbed both Other Rapunzel and Other Eugene in hopes to quiet them, causing Varian to flee from them and from the castle!
In the Other World…
Varian began to run into the forest then walked when he realized he was alone and could collect his thoughts.
He still kept his eye peeled for any Others as he was frightened and uncertain of this place, he once called a second home away from home. He needed to escape now, he needed to go home and forget this place forever.
He then heard a familiar sound of his beloved raccoon. Varian looked down to see Ruddiger walking with him.
"And what do you think you are doing, my dear friend?" Ruddiger questioned the young alchemist who was scared.
"Well… I'm getting out of this place. That's what I'm doing." Varian answered as he noticed something strange was happening around him.
The forest was less there and becoming more white, more blank, and empty with nothing to be reaped for sewn.
"Huh? I don't understand. Shouldn't the well and everything else be here?" Varian questioned as they continued to walk into the emptiness.
"There is nothing out here. It is the empty for of his world, Varian. He only made what he knew would impress you." Ruddiger explained as they continued their walk and conversation.
"But why? Why does he want me of all people?" Varian questioned.
"No one knows for sure, but there are a few theories that I accumulated over time," Ruddiger answered the boy.
"Like?"
"The first is that he wanted something to love. Something that wasn't him, something real and not from cloth and buttons. A child to love and care for forever. Rather a sad thought really. Desperate for love. The other and probably the more morbid answer is that he would love something to eat." Ruddiger responded as that last theory scared Varian.
"Eat? That's insane, he couldn't be a cannibal, and besides… Fathers don't eat sons." Varian refused to believe out of fear.
"Varian, I don't think you realize that he's not a human being. Besides, you are a sweet little thing. How would you taste?" Ruddiger badly joked then laughed a bit, "Forgive me, Varian. Just trying to lighten the mood."
Then they returned to the house as the colors returned as someone had stitched them.
"Hold on, how can you walk away from something and still come back to it?" Varian gasped as he looked to the talking Raccoon.
"Walk around the world." He simply answered.
"Small world," Varian uttered as Ruddiger heard a trumpet and rustling in the bushes.
"Hold that thought," Ruddiger growled as he attacked something in the bush!
The Chameleon screamed as it tried to get away from the raccoon but was caught!
"Ruddiger, stop, he's just one of the Gummy Chameleons!" Varian begged, but Ruddiger would not listen.
Ruddiger then bit into the chameleon, killing it instantly as his friend gasped. Then, before his eyes, the pretty little chameleon turned into an ugly wart skeleton see-through lizard with button eyes. Varian gasped again but this time in realization.
"I don't like lizards when they are easy prey, prefer apples more. But this one was sounding an alarm. Can't have that." The raccoon explained as he decided to hide the body.
"Good, raccoon."
Varian then noticed a long piece of metal and decided he was through playing nice.
Back to the door of the Ballroom…
Armed with the metal, he broke the handles and pushed the door, finally gaining access to the Ballroom.
From the light of the hall alone, he saw the small door, making Varian smile at the sight of his only means of escape being right in front of him. But as he entered, a large dresser shaped like a beetle with button eyes scuttled in and blocked the door. The room then lit itself as it was transformed into a living area, via bug-themed as the furniture was alive.
"They say that even the proudest, strongest, and smartest spirits can be broken… with love." The Other Father began as he revealed himself sitting on the moving centipede couch.
Varian was then hosted by a moving bug chair and was placed in front of his Other Father who chuckled a bit.
"But of course, some sweets wouldn't hurt. Would you like one?" He offered as it showed larva covered in sugar, "A delicacy from a foreign land."
He then took a bit as Varian shivered at the sight. Varian did not longer what to be here.
"I. Want to be. With my real kingdom and Dad. I want you to let me go!" Varian demanded from the button-eyed man who swallowed then glared back in a scolding way.
"Varian, is that any way to talk to your father?" He questioned with his fists on his hips.
"You. Are. Not. My. Father." Varian coldly answered.
"Apologize. At. Once. Varian." The Other Quirin coldly demanded with all warmth leaving him.
"No!" The young alchemist defiantly answered as he crossed his arms.
The Other Quirin held a cold rage inside him that was apparent.
"I am giving you to the count of three." He warned as Varian refused to move.
"One."
Then the Other Father began to change as he began to grow taller.
"Two."
He then was thinner and sicklier as his hands looked thinner as well. He didn't even look like Quirin anymore.
"Three!" He bellowed as he grabbed Varian's nose roughly!
"Ow, what are you doing?" Varian screamed as he was being dragged down the halls, "Ow, that hurts!"
Then the Other Quirin flung Varian into a dungeon-like room through a mirror!
"You may come out when you learn to be a loving son." He scolded then disappeared as Varian shouting in anger and began to hit the wall!
He breathed heavily and started to calm down as the adrenalin passed. He then heard a girl's scream in the darkness.
"Who's there?" Varian gasped.
"Hush and shush. For the Beldam might be listening." A voice in a wardrobe warned the boy.
"You-you mean the Other Father." Varian quivered then walked towards the wardrobe.
With reluctance, he opened the wardrobe and sees three ghosts huddle within. All had button eyes and frightened looks. One was a boy who looked like a fox hunter, one was a girl who looked like a maid and the other looked like a princess.
"Who are you?" Varian asked them.
"Names, names were the first thing to be taking from us." The ghost boy answered.
"We don't remember our names, but I remember my true Daddy." The maid ghost added with a saddened tone.
"Why are you here?" Varian asked.
"The Beldam." They answered all at once.
"She spied through our lives through the little doll's eyes."
"And saw that we weren't happy."
"So, he lured us away."
"With treasures."
"And treats."
"And games to play."
"Gave everything we wanted."
"But we still desire more."
Varian watched them as the most frightening girl approached him.
"So, we let her sew the buttons to stay."
The ghost passed through him as he felt the buttons on his eyes. The feeling was unpleasant and cold, like death itself. IT caused Varian to shiver.
"He said that he loved us."
"But then locked us in his wardrobe."
"And devoured us whole."
The wardrobe them closes for the ghosts.
Varian breathed as fully realized what he was up against.
"Well, he can't keep me in this prison forever. Not if he wants to win my soul." Varian sighed as he turned to the ghost, "Beating him is my only chance for life."
"Maybe, if you do win your freedom, you can find our eyes." The Girl in the princess dress requested.
"He took those too?" Varian asked in a tone of pity.
"Yes, Mister and hidden them." The ghost answered as they covered one of the button eyes with their hand.
"Find our eyes, Sir, and our souls will be free." The Ghost Maid pleaded.
"I-I'll try." Varian stuttered then was grabbed by a pair of arms!
Varian struggled as he pushed the person off his back, revealing to be four people in masks! He took the masks off to reveal it is the other Friends that were forced to smile!
"Faith? Lance? Red? Angry?" Varian gasped as he took a good look at them, "Did he do this to you?"
Varian undid the sewing allowing them to frown again.
"I hope that feels-."
But Other Faith shushed, "We don't have time. You need to go."
They dragged him out of the halls and into the ballroom!
The Other Lance pushed down the Beetle dresser as it made a loud noise!
"Varian, is that you?" The Other Father demanded!
"Let's go," Varian shouted as he opened the door to see it covered in webs, children's clothing, and toys!
"Varian!"
Varian then tugged on the others.
"Come on, we can escape. If you stay, he'll hurt you again." Varian begged.
"Varian we can't. For we only exist here, for him." Other Faith explained as Lance demonstrated when his hand turned to dust and he blew it away.
"Varian, how dare you disobey your father?!" He boomed as the Other Friends forcibly shoved him in and closed the door behind him, "Varian!"
Varian ran through the tunnel as fast as he could, making no stops and tumbling through the tunnel! Covered in webs, he made it to the other side, closed the door, and locked it without hesitation!
At the real Castle of Corona…
After his close and deadly brush with the demon beldam, he began to search for his real father and his real friends.
"I'M BACK!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, not caring if he was being improper right now.
Varian then began to look for them as he was as happy as a clam in the ocean to be back to where he belonged.
"HEY! HELLO! IT'S VARIAN!" He kept shouting as he hoped to find someone and give them a hug, "REAL DAD! REAL RAPUNZEL! REAL EUGENE!"
Then Varian noticed food on the dining table and went to check it out. He went to check the food and noticed it was rotten and covered in flies, causing him to gag.
"That's disgusting." Varian shivered as he noticed someone was in the garden.
In the Garden…
Varian rushed into the Garden in hopes that Rapunzel was there, but instead, it was Faith, the one who put him in this position in the first place.
"H-hey, Varian, how are you doing?" Faith greeted as Varian gave her a nasty glare, "Look, about that doll… Um… Mrs. Crowley is pretty upset that I gave that to you-."
"You stole that doll, didn't you?!" He accused her.
"W-well, it looked just like you-."
"First it looked like that Maid kid! Then Foxhunt Jr.! Then that princess girl with the frilly dress and hennin and ribbons and-." Then Varian realized something important, "Mrs. Crowley's missing friend… I think I found her."
Varian then dragged the confused Faith back into the castle.
In the Ballroom…
"Umm, Varian, we were not supposed to be in here- Woah!" She gasped as Varian dragged her to the small door.
"She's in there." Varian plainly explained as he pointed to the door with a key in it.
Faith did not understand what was going on or what was with this door, but Varian seems to be a bit hysterical right now.
"Um… Can you-can you unlock it?" Faith wondered as she reached out for the key but was stopped by Varian.
"Not in this lifetime. Besides, even if I did, she wouldn't be able to escape." Varian explained then looked sad, "None of the ghost kids can."
"Right." Faith spoke as she looked at Varian as if he were crazy, "So, about that doll…"
"Great, I loved to be rid of that thing! It's been causing me nothing but trouble." Varian agreed as he wanted to strangle the doll.
In the Medical Wing…
Varian slammed open the door and began to search for the doll.
"Where are you hiding, you little monster? I won't let you get away from me." Varian sneered as he searched for the doll.
"Um… Varian, have you been talking to Mrs. Crowley? Because you're saying things she would say." Faith asked as she took a step back from Varian.
"The Doll's his little spy keeps an eye on me so he could try and trap me, see what I like, and hate." Varian angrily explained as he tried to find the doll.
"The doll is-is Mrs. Crowley's spy…?"
"No, the Other Father, the Beldam, the Demon, whatever he's called! He's made up this world where everything is amazing! The food, the land, the people…" Varian then turned around to Faith, "But it's all a trick."
"Um… I-I think I hear Mrs. Crowley is calling for me…" She stuttered as she took a step back from him.
"Don't believe me? Go ask Ruddiger!" Varian shouted, making himself look nuttier.
"Your Raccoon… Look, I think you've been inside too long-ow!" She yelped as Varian through a boot at her.
"You're not listening to me!" Varian yelled in frustration as he had his other boot in his hand, inherited by his father's temper.
"That's… because… you're… CRAZY!" She shouted as she fled from him as the alchemist chased her!
It was raining in Corona as Faith ran away.
"You jerk!" Varian shouted.
"CRAZY!" She shouted back as she dodged a boot and disappeared.
"Crazy? You're the one who gave me that dumb doll!" Varian bellowed as took a few deep breaths.
Old Corona later…
After searching for anyone, someone in the kingdom, he was alone.
Either the doors were locked, or the buildings were empty with no people. Without any luck, he hoped there would be people there. Maybe his father would be there too. But it was even emptier than Corona itself. Exhausted and miserable, he crawled into his father's bed and hoped he would be home soon.
"Goodnight Dad." He sobbed as cried himself to sleep, hoping to see his real dad soon.
Later…
Varian was fast asleep with a tearstained face as a familiar furry friend crawled onto the bed.
He used his paw tickle Varian's nose, to make him wake up. At first, it did little, then he used both of his paws to wake him up. The Alchemist opened his eyes to see Ruddiger staring at them.
"Ruddiger, it's you." Varian spoke softly as he hugged his friend, "Do you know where everyone is?"
The Raccoon nodded at him with a determined look and showed Varian the way.
Back at Corona…
It finally stopped raining as Varian returned to the castle.
He followed his friend to a mirror as the raccoon sat down. Varian did not understand why his friend chose to bring him to a mirror in the castle until he saw the image of the People of Corona, shackled and imprisoned, including his dad! They were all terrified and shaking!
"Dad! Rapunzel! Eugene! Everyone!" He gasped in horror as Quirin looked to his son.
Quirin quickly wrote a message to his son backwards.
!SU PLEH
Then they suddenly disappeared as Varian slammed his hands on the mirror! He banged and banged until it broke apart, as he shielded his head from the shards! Ruddiger approached Varian and nudged his head in comfort.
"I don't understand. What happened to them? Why did it happen? Who did this?" Varian begged as Ruddiger led Varian into the Ballroom.
There, hiding, behind the pile of wood was the Doll.
But it did not look like Varian, it looked like Quirin!
Varian gasped in horror as he knew what it meant!
"He took them!" Varian uttered then in fury, he flung the doll into the fireplace and watched it burn.
It writhed in agony as the button eyes melt. Varian stared at the fire with a look of complete guilt. If he had only listened to his father, none of this would be happening. He then saw the small replica of Corona on the Fireplace and knew what had to be done.
"They're not coming back, everyone. Not on their own." Varian spoke as his Raccoon shook his head, confirming what Varian already knew.
"Then there's one thing to do." Varian softly sighed as he glared at the door.
He needed to prepare though.