Adira was confused, concerned, furious, and about a dozen other emotions that she was having a difficult time identifying. Hector had finally given in to the demon's whispering. She felt that she should be furious with him, but she really wasn't. Hector had been resisting the demon's torment for so long, but that kind of torture could only be withstood for so long.
Adira had suspected that Hector would give in eventually, and she'd tried to keep an eye on him, but she'd also tried to give him his personal space. She knew that she had hurt him, and he deserved to have some space from her. Adira had also been distracted with Rapunzel's arrival and the moonstone's fate. She hadn't thought that Hector could do anything during that small window of opportunity.
But Hector had struck, and he'd dragged Varian into it. Normally Adira would be furious, but she couldn't really blame him when she knew that she probably would have done the same thing, and not just because of Zhan Tiri.
Hector had told her that the demon was planning something. He had referred to Short hair by name. Adira should have put the pieces together. She should have never allowed Short hair to go anywhere near the moonstone after that. Hector had seen the danger that Adira was blind to, and he'd protected it. He may have taken things further than Adira would, but that had always been Hector's way.
Adira was desperate to go after Hector and Varian, just to make sure that the two of them were okay, but she couldn't go yet. She knew that Hector would keep Varian safe, just like he always had, and in turn Varian would keep an eye on Hector and ground him when he needed it. They would need help sooner rather than later, and Adira would provide it, but first she had a thief to deal with.
Immediately after Hector had grabbed Varian and leapt off the moonstone platform Short hair had growled and ran after them. Adira lunged forward and grabbed her arm, pulling her back before she could go after them. Short hair probably didn't know about the hidden platform and cave that led out of the moonstone chamber, but she would learn about it if she was allowed to jump off the moonstone pillar. Adira couldn't allow that to happen.
She pulled Short hair out of the moonstone chamber, ignoring her growls of desperation and pain as the cut on her shoulder was pulled on and irritated. Adira threw her to the ground in the statue hall, away from the moonstone chamber.
The others followed her out, though Rapunzel seemed reluctant to leave. She seemed nearly as desperate to go after Hector and Varian as Short hair was, though Adira suspected that their motivations were different.
The second that Rapunzel saw Short hair sprawled on the ground, clutching her shoulder and gritting her teeth, the princess turned her attention to her.
"Cass, are you okay?" Rapunzel asked. Her voice shook. She looked determined to do something to help her friends. Rapunzel moved to be at her friend's side, but Eugene pulled her back and Adira stood in her way.
"Her injury will heal." Adira said coldly. Hector's aim had been to cause pain, not permanent impairment. The cut would need to be treated eventually, but Adira was much more concerned about exactly why Hector had hurt her in the first place.
Adira glared at Short hair, who met her gaze with a fiery glare of her own. "Why were you trying to steal the moonstone?"
"She wouldn't-" Rapunzel started, but Eugene cut her off.
"Blondie, I know you want to see the best in people, but you know what we saw." Eugene said gently. "Cass was fighting more to get to the moonstone than you were."
"But there has to be a good reason for it." Rapunzel said desperately. "She...she was probably trying to protect me."
"Get over yourself, Rapunzel." Short hair spat with so much disgust and hatred that the princess looked like she'd been hit. "Not everything's about you."
Rapunzel was quiet for a moment. "D-did you really try to steal the moonstone? Why?"
"I'm done living in your shadow," Short hair moved to get to her feet, but Adira used her foot to push her back down to the ground. "I'm not some supporting character in a world that revolves around you. I just wanted to find my own destiny."
"The moonstone isn't your destiny." Adira growled, sounding more like Hector than herself. "It's a sacred, dangerous artifact that shouldn't be used by just anybody." The whole point of the Brotherhood was to keep the moonstone out of the hands of people who thought that they were entitled to the powers of the moon.
.
Cassandra scowled "But Rapunzel gets to use it?"
"She's the sundrop," Adira said plainly. It wasn't a fate she had asked for. The way that Adira saw it, destiny could be achieved in one of two ways. Someone could be born for it, like Rapunzel as the sundrop, or Eugene as prince of the Dark Kingdom, or they could choose their own destiny, such as Eugene's position as the prince consort of Corona. However, somebody who was seeking their own destiny couldn't just steal the fate that somebody else was born into. That wasn't how the world worked.
"Cass," Rapunzel knelt. Adira and Eugene wouldn't let her approach Cassandra, but she wanted to get closer to her level anyway. "Why did you want the moonstone? I understand that you want your own destiny, and I support you in that, but why were you looking for it with the moonstone? What were you going to do with it?"
Cassandra scowled. "With the power of the moonstone, I was finally going to get the respect that I deserve."
"Respect?" Eugene's expression darked. "That's what this is about? Cass, people already respect you."
"Don't patronize me." Cassandra snapped. "All people see when they look at me is a personal servant to Rapunzel."
"No, they don't." Eugene's expression darkened. "Everybody in Corona knows you're a powerful warrior. The king asked you to be Rapunzel's handmaiden so you could be her bodyguard, because he knew you were capable of protecting her. Your father trusted you to lead the royal guard when we went to save the queen. People respect you." Eugene crossed his arms. "The only person I know that doesn't respect you, who only sees you as a handmaiden and nothing more, is you."
"What?" Cassandra growled. Eugene walked past Rapunzel, storming to Cassandra. He leered down at her, and Adira was stunned to see the look on his face. He looked so much like King Edmund, stern and authoritative. For the first time Adira didn't see the goofy, arrogant boy that she had come to expect from Fishskin. Instead she saw Prince Horace, heir to the Dark Kingdom.
"You tried to steal the moonstone." Eugene said. "Take it from a former thief, there are two main reasons why people steal. Out of necessity, because they're starving and desperate and have no other choice, or from arrogance. Those people, people like you, steal because they feel like they have something to prove, or that the world owes them, but that's not a problem with the world, that's a problem with you."
"Guys, please, let's not fight about this," Rapunzel said. She still sounded desperate, but there was a fair amount of command in her voice. She stood up and straightened her dress. "We will talk about this more later, but right now there's more we need to think about." Rapunzel looked back towards the moonstone chamber. "Varian has the moonstone. If he's a threat-"
"He's not." Adira insisted. She knew her nephew far better than Rapunzel and her friends did.
Cassandra scoffed. "Who are you kidding? He single-handedly kidnapped the queen and crippled the royal guard."
"Oh, he's capable of being a threat when he wants to be." Adira said. Varian was a resourceful young man. "But he doesn't want to be. Right now he'll only attack if he feels threatened." Of that, Adira was certain.
"How can we trust that?" Cassandra asked. "He hates Corona. How do we know he won't try to attack the kingdom again?"
"Varian only has one reason to go back to Corona," Adira said. "To save his father. And this time he might have the power to free him." Adira could think of a number of ways that Varian could use the moonstone to free his father. He could use the healing incantation, or the decay incantation. Varian could even just use his control over the black rocks to pull back the amber. If Varian couldn't save Quirin with the moonstone, then he probably couldn't be saved at all.
"So it's okay for Varian to steal the moonstone for his own selfish reasons?" Cassandra glared at them. "You're all just conspiring against me and my destiny."
"Get out of your own head." Eugene said. "For somebody who doesn't want Rapunzel to make everything about her, you're making everything about you." Eugene sighed. "And Varian didn't steal the moonstone. We already know that if anybody should wield the moonstone it should be Moonbeam. Well, now he has it."
Rapunzel's eyes widened. "Varian was Moonbeam? T-the whole time?" Her shoulders shook slightly. "B-but Moonbeam was afraid of me. Varian's afraid of me?"
"I don't think he's scared of you, Sunshine," Eugene said quietly. He stopped glaring at Cassandra to turn his attention back to Rapunzel. He gathered her into his arms. "He's just afraid of trusting you again, just like I know you're scared of trusting him."
Rapunzel gave a short sob and leaned against Eugene's chest. "You...you knew, didn't you?"
"I had my suspicions," Eugene admitted. "It was just recently confirmed."
"Why didn't you say anything?" Rapunzel asked. "I-I could have made things right."
"I don't think either of you were ready for that." Eugene said. "He's still recovering from his mistreatment in Corona." Eugene grimaced. "Did you know he was hurt by the guards and locked in the dungeon?"
Rapunzel flinched and pulled away from Eugene to stare at him. "He was what? But my dad said he would…" Rapunzel trailed off and closed her eyes in barely restrained fury. "Dad, he...I don't believe it. I mean, I do, but I really don't want to." Rapunzel brushed a stray bit of hair behind her ear. "I'm going to have to have words with him. Again."
Rapunzel took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Look, it doesn't matter if Varian's a threat or not, we still need to go after him. We need to make sure he's okay. If he's trying to free his dad, then I want to help him. And if he tries to go after Corona again, we'll need to be right there to stop him."
Adira narrowed her eyes at them. "I'm not sure if I trust you with Varian." She would love it if the moonstone and sundrop worked things out, but Varian's desperation may still be too raw for him to handle seeing Rapunzel. Last time he'd been around for an extended period of time his emotional well-being had deteriorated. If that happened while he was holding the moonstone, disaster could happen.
"But do we trust Hector with him?" King Edmund asked quietly. "He hasn't been acting like himself lately. He seemed angrier and more forceful than usual when he defended the moonstone."
Adira agreed with that. She didn't think that Hector would ever intentionally hurt Varian, but just how much control over him did Zhan Tiri have? Adira certainly wanted to join up with Varian and Hector, but she didn't dare bring Cassandra or Rapunzel near him. They would have to divide and conquer.
"I'll escort Short hair and the princess back to Corona." Adira said. Somebody needed to play the role of mediator between them. Adira had never been very good at being an unbiased person, but she would have to try to take a page out of Quirin's book. He had always been the one to mediate between Adira and Hector's fights. Adira hoped that she had learned enough from Quirin's examples.
Eugene and Rapunzel looked at each other before turning back to Adira. "What about me?" Eugene asked cautiously.
"You and I will catch up with Hector and Varian," King Edmund said. He was thinking along the same lines as Adira was. They would divide and conquer. Adira wanted to be the one to go after her brother and nephew, to see for herself that Hector wasn't giving in to the demon's whispers. However, she knew that she was the best suited for reining in Rapunzel and Cassandra, as she knew both of them far better than King Edmund did. And the king would probably appreciate the chance to get to know his son, who would be going after Varian to represent Rapunzel's interests.
"I guess we'll be meeting up in Corona?" Eugene asked. He was trying hard to sound casual and at ease, but Adira could hear the tremble in his voice. He didn't want to part from his girlfriend, especially when he would have to be leaving her with somebody that held newfound animosity towards her.
"That's the plan," Adira said. She nodded at Eugene. "I'll do my best to keep the princess safe if you'll do the same for my family."
"I don't plan on letting anything happen to Varian," Eugene said. "And I'll keep an eye on the other guy too."
"There's something you should know before you go," Adira looked to King Edmund. "The reason why Hector hasn't been acting like himself is because something happened when we were at the Great Tree. Varian was in trouble, and Hector did the only thing he could think of to save him. He pulled the Spear of Demanitus out of the heart of the tree."
King Edmund's gaze darkened dangerously. She had very rarely seen him look this furious, and never when it came to Hector. "He did what?"
"The demon sorcerer has been tormenting him nonstop since then." Adira said. "He's strong, but I don't know if he's strong enough to continue to resist Zhan Tiri."
King Edmund sighed deeply. He looked as determined as he had the day that he'd tried to destroy the moonstone. "I shall deal with it." He reached for his ax. "Horace, we must be off."
Eugene grimaced at the name, but he nodded. He turned to Rapunzel and embraced her. "I'll see you soon, Blondie. Be careful."
"You too." Rapunzel said. She leaned against him for a long moment before she stepped back, allowing him to join his father, who was already walking away. Earring, who had been quietly watching their exchange this whole time, looked between Adira and Eugene before following after his friend.
Adira watched the three men leave before turning back to Rapunzel and Cassandra, who were now staring at each other. "Alright, we've got a long journey ahead of us, as well as a long discussion." Adira bent down and grabbed Cassandra's arm, yanking her to her feet with probably more force than was necessary. "Let's get you bound up, and then you can tell me exactly why you tried to take the moonstone, because, frankly, I'm not satisfied with your answer.
Cassandra gave Adira a challenging look. "When you say bound up do you mean taking care of my cut, or tying me up so I can't go anywhere?"
"I haven't decided yet," Adira said. She didn't want to let Cassandra just walk free. Right now Adira considered her a prisoner of the Dark Kingdom. She may not need to be locked up quite yet, just because she hadn't succeeded in stealing the moonstone, but Adira wasn't going to let her leave so she could try something like this again. Especially not when Cassandra could easily sneak off and try to claim the moonstone from Varian.
No, as long as there was the possibility that Cassandra was a threat to the moonstone Adira would have to keep an eye on her. She wasn't going to be laying a hand on Varian, not if there was anything that she could do about it.
Hector held onto Varian's hand as he pulled him along the secret tunnel. Hector had never been down this particular path before, but he had dedicated the paths to his memory years ago. These tunnels were here for the exact reason why they were using them now, as a back way out for them to get the moonstone out of the chamber in case the danger was coming in from the front. Hector didn't think it had ever been used before, but it was nice that these safeguards had been put into place.
Varian hadn't said a word since Hector had pulled them out of the moonstone chamber. He just silently followed behind Hector and let him pull him along. They got all the way out of the castle and started making their way across the barren lands before Varian stumbled over his feet, almost tripping. Hector finally stopped.
"We'll catch our breath for a few minutes." Hector said. He looked at Ruddiger, who was curled up on Varian's shoulders, looking antsy and nervous. Hector was glad that the rodent was so dedicated to staying by Varian's side. It made things easier.
"Little thief, I've got a job for you." Hector said. "Go to the stables near the castle and get my bearcats and rhino. We'll need them if we're wanting to get out of here as quickly as possible."
Ruddiger whined and gave Varian a look of concern. Hector nudged the raccoon. "Go on, I'll keep an eye on the kid. The best thing you can do for him is get our ride."
"G-go ahead, buddy," Varian said quietly as he pet Ruddiger's fur. "I'll be fine." The raccoon chattered and nudged Varian before jumping off his shoulder and running off. Hector sighed and reached into his hidden satchel and pulled out some dried meat.
"Eat up, kid," Hector said as he passed him the food. "You'll need to keep your energy up."
Varian accepted the meat, but he didn't start eating it. He was too busy staring at his gloved hands. He wore gloves more often than not, but this pair looked different than Hector was used to seeing on the kid. They were a familiar shade of black that had the same sheen as the black rocks.
Curious, Hector leaned forward and took one of Varian's hands. His gloves felt solid, like a mix between the black rocks and armor, and not at all like his thick, flexible work gloves that he normally wore.
Hector frowned. "Kid, take off your cloak for a second."
Varian silently did as he was told, and they were both surprised to see that his gloves weren't the only part of his outfit that had changed. Over his worn shirt there was a vest that looked similar to the black rock armor as his gloves. A black rock armor shoulder belt went across his chest. The shoulder belt had the emblem of the Brotherhood on it. The boy's boots and part of his apron, as well as the leather of his goggles, resembled the black rocks now too.
Varian stared at the moonstone, which he was still holding tightly in his hand, which was now shaking. "This...this isn't possible."
"It's magic, kid." Hector grabbed Varian's hand that was holding the moonstone and guided it to the symbol of the Brotherhood on his shoulder belt. The moonstone slipped right into place inside of the symbol, like it had belonged there. "I wouldn't overthink it."
"Okay, forget about the how," Varian took a deep breath. "Why would the moonstone change my outfit?"
"It's defensive." Hector said. "It's always protecting itself. Now that you're holding it, it's protecting you." He poked at the shoulder belt. It felt just like the black rocks, which were some of the strongest things he knew.
Varian hummed thoughtfully as he looked at the small amount of armor he was wearing. You know, my gloves, boots, apron, and goggles are all for protection anyway. I guess the moonstone just enhanced what I already had, and added a bit more for my chest."
"The moonstone is already working with you." Hector gave him a small smile. "It's a good sign." If the moonstone was working with Varian, maybe it would cooperate with him and allow its powers to come to him easily. Hector didn't know. He'd never seen somebody actually use the moonstone before.
"I know how to use it." Zhan Tiri said. Hector groaned. Just when he could start to pretend she wasn't there, she would open that smug little mouth of hers. "If you want me to give you any tips-"
"We'll figure it out on our own." Hector growled.
"Figure what out?" Varian asked quietly, a small amount of fear in his eyes. Hector didn't like this unease that Varian was starting to feel around him, but what was he supposed to do, tell the kid that he was listening to the advice of a demon? Absolutely not.
For one thing, Hector didn't want to scare him. Mostly though Hector didn't want Varian to feel guilty. Zhan Tiri may have been released because Hector had been trying to help Varian, but that didn't make it the boy's fault. It had been Hector's decision, and even knowing what would come of it he would probably make the same choice again if he had to.
"Nothing," Hector said as he glared at Zhan Tiri. When Varian was asleep he would have to talk to the demon about Varian. If she dared to say a word to the boy Hector wouldn't rest until he got rid of her. If Zhan Tiri wanted something from Varian, she would have to live with going through Hector for it.
Not that Hector wanted to be manipulated so that Zhan Tiri could use him to take advantage of Varian, but he would rather it go that way than for the kid to be tormented by the same nightmares and whisperings that had been bothering Hector for all this time.
Of course, Hector would have to pull things back and act a bit more like himself, otherwise Varian would get suspicious, or scared, and Hector didn't want that. There were very few people whose opinion Hector actually cared about, but Varian had wiggled his way onto that short list. Hector liked his nephew, and he didn't want to do anything to chase him away.
Varian slowly ate his dried meat. He clearly had something on his mind. He ate silently for a few minutes though, and Hector let him. He knew that when Varian felt like talking he would. Sure enough, when the kid had finished the last of his meat he cleared his throat.
"D-do you really think I'll be able to save my dad?" Varian asked quietly. "Or did you just say that to get me to take the moonstone?"
"I'm going to be real with you, I don't know for sure." Hector said. Varian seemed to deflate. "I do think it'll work though. And if it doesn't, I won't rest until we find another way to get him out."
"Really?" Varian looked at him with wide, hopeful, cautious eyes. He didn't look like he completely believed Hector, but he desperately wanted to. Hector didn't want to disappoint him.
"Yeah, kid," Hector said. "I'm not giving up on Quirin, and I ain't giving up on you."
Varian gave him a small smile. He lightly touched the moonstone in near awe and respect. "If I'm going to be using the moonstone to free my dad, don't you think I should figure out how to use its powers?"
Hector smirked. That would take practice, which was just another way of saying training. That was something that Hector could do. "We'll work on it." Hector stretched and got in a fight-ready position. "We've got a few minutes until your little thief comes back with our ride. Let's see if we can get you to summon a black rock or two while we wait."
Varian nodded, a determined expression on his face. He didn't look the least bit worried about training with something that he knew nothing about. Hector thought that Varian might be looking at this like an experiment. Between Varian's love for figuring things out and Hector's dedication to training, they would definitely be able to figure this moonstone thing out. It was only a matter of time.