Eugene had ever really enjoyed travelling, especially not with others. When people travelled together they were forced to be in their company, whether they got along with each other or not. Secrets were shared, tempers were lost, feelings were hurt, and boredom was abound.
Eugene had enjoyed travelling with Rapunzel, just because he was able to be at her side every day. They could be doing the worst thing in the world and Eugene would find at least some joy in it if Rapunzel was there to ook on the bright side of things. Travelling back to Corona though Eugene was separated from her, and the stakes felt a lot higher. This wasn't a relaxing journey, it was a stressful, time-sensitive trip.
The one thing that this trip back had going for it was that it was a lot shorter. They travelled faster and harder than the caravan had.
Eugene was stressed, but there were moments that he genuinely enjoyed, and most of them had to do with Varian. With his father busy keeping Hector under control, Eugene took up the responsibility of keeping an eye on Varian, and he came to like the boy a lot more than he thought he would.
Varian was extremely passionate and loyal. He was eager to impress those that he looked up to. Eugene had known this much about the boy from the start, but he'd somehow seen them as negative traits. Eugene thought that the kid always took things just a step or two too far. He didn't stop to think about the consequences of his actions.
Eugene didn't know if it was because Varian had changed, or if he himself had changed during his journey with Rapunzel, but he saw the boy in a different light now. Varian was still obsessed and too smart for his own good, but he was also vulnerable. He was hard-working, kind, and willing to do everything he could for the sake of those he cared about. In a lot of ways, Varian reminded Eugene of Rapunzel.
The kid had started out cautious around him, but as Eugene treated him well and showed some trust himself, Varian began to open up around him. Within just a few weeks Varian was completely comfortable around Eugene. Varian didn't ignore the way he had been mistreated in Corona, or pretend that he hadn't done anything wrong himself, but he was starting to move past it anyway.
Eugene was impressed. Especially since he was having such a hard time getting over his own past.
While the two of them grew closer, Eugene still kept himself at arms-length of his dad. It was nice to know that his dad was alive and he wasn't truly an orphan, but Eugene was still so hurt by how he'd been brought up. He may have a dad now, but he hadn't when he was a kid. Growing up had been hard, and it hurt to think that he wouldn't have needed to go through any of that if his dad had kept him around.
Eugene's dad had explained multiple times why he felt it was necessary to send him away, but he refused to listen. Even if his dad had a very good reason, Eugene had still had a rough childhood, and nothing could change that.
Varian had been confused at first when he'd seen Eugene keep his distance from Edmund. Varian was trying so hard to get his own dad back, so he had a hard time understanding just why Eugene was reluctant to open himself up to his dad when he clearly wanted to be a part of his life. Varian said he would give anything to have his dad try half as hard to connect with him as Eugene's dad did.
After Eugene had heard that he started to relax a little around his dad. He still felt awkward around him, but if he awkwardly started a casual conversation, just for the sake of it, Eugene would try to humor him. They were both awkward messes, but at least they were making a little progress.
Varian had been happy for Eugene when he started to spend time with his dad, even if it was just a little bit of awkwardness at a time. The more time Eugene spent with his dad, the more comfortable he started to be around him. Their relationship was far from perfect, but Eugene was starting to have hope for a relationship with his father.
Eugene wanted to return the favor and help Varian to be more hopeful about his own relationship with his dad. He asked the kid if there was any wisdom he could give. To his surprise, the kid seemed to seriously consider his offer. His shock only increased when Varian finally came up with something.
"Actually, there is something you can do." Varian said quietly, almost nervously. He raised up a black rock, and then made it sink back down to the ground again. Varian had been practicing with the black rocks so much that it had become instinct for him to mess with the black rocks when he was anxious. He'd gotten pretty good at it. No matter how upset Varian was, he had complete control of the rocks.
"What do you need?" Eugene asked.
Varian looked behind them where Eugene's dad was walking alongside Hector, talking to him. "I'm worried about Uncle Hector." Varian said. "He won't let me close enough to talk to him, so I can't make sure he's okay for myself. Can you talk to him instead? See how he's doing, ask if there's anything we can do to help him, that kind of thing."
Eugene frowned slightly. He'd never realy talked to Hector before. He knew that his dad saw him as a brother, and Varian considered him family too, but all Eugene really knew about him was that he was aggressive, angry, haunted, and more than just a little unstable. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea, kid."
"Please." Varian gave him a pleading look. He probably had no idea just how effective his puppy eyes were. "I know Zhan Tiri is still talking to him, but King Edmund won't tell me a thing about what she's saying. I want to help, but I can't do that if I don't know just what's wrong."
"I don't think he'll tell me much." Eugene said. Hector didn't seem quick to trust anybody. He seemed reluctant to talk to Eugene's dad, even though he knew him so well. How much would he open up to somebody that he showed so much blatant animosity to?
"Can you just try?" Varian asked. "Anything will help." He sounded so desperate, and Eugene couldn't bring himself to say no to him, and not just because Varian had a history of lashing out when he felt like he was let down.
"Yeah, I'll try." Eugene sighed. Varian's bright grin made his agreement worthwhile, even if he thought it was likely that the only thing he got out of a conversation with Hector was a punch in the face.
"Thanks." Varian said. He sounded so relieved, and almost shocked, like he wasn't used to somebody agreeing to do something for him.
Eugene very quickly came up with a plan, because he refused to walk into this interaction blind. He said a few quick words with Lance, just to fill him in, before he fell back a bit so he was walking alongside his dad and Hector.
"So, dad, I know we weren't planning on stopping for another hour or so, but Lance was thinking of making a big breakfast for us. Varian says he's never really been hunting before. Maybe you can take him and show him the basics before the sun comes up."
Eugene's dad looked excited at the suggestion. "I've never taught someone how to hunt before."
Hector narrowed his eyes at Eugene, who shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. The man seemed to know that he was up to something. "Varian hasn't gone hunting because he doesn't do blood. He faints at the sight of it."
Eugene thought he remembered Rapunzel or Cass mentioning that kind of thing before, and it made him feel a bit foolish. The people of Corona had planned this massive defense against Varian when he'd kidnapped the queen, and all they had to do to get him to stop was for someone to get a small cut in front of him? Eugene had been thinking for a while now that they had probably taken things much further than was necessary when dealing with Varian back then, but this just proved it.
Eugene didn't know just what to say to that, but fortunately his dad had a suggestion of his own. "Hunting isn't always as messy a business as you make it, brother." Eugene's dad said. "I would be happy to teach the boy some of the finer parts of hunting and tracking." He gave Hector a concerned glance. "Do you think you'll be alright on your own?"
Hector's expression darkened. "I've been able to take care of myself my whole life. I can survive one hour without you coddling me."
Eugene thought that Hector was being a bit harsh towards somebody who was just trying to help him, but his dad seemed unbothered by the cold tone.
"We shall return within the hour." Eugene's dad said cheerfully as he left Hector's side and made his way towards Varian, who was watching them anxiously.
Eugene turned his attention back to Hector, who was glaring at him.
"Alright, what's going on?" Hector practically growled. Eugene shifted uncomfortably.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Eugene said in what he thought was a surprisingly convincing tone.
Hector gave him an annoyed look. "Do you think I'm blind? I saw you and the kid conspiring over there. He's always up to something, and you wouldn't talk to me without a reason, so what are you two plotting now?"
"We're not plotting anything." Eugene said defensively. Hector scoffed in disbelief. "Varian's just worried about you, and he thought that since you're avoiding him, maybe I could talk to you on his behalf."
"I'm not avoiding him." Hector said. "And even if I was, it would be for his own good."
Eugene narrowed his eyes at Hector. "Do you think you're a threat to Varian?"
"I'm a threat to everybody." Hector said so casually that Eugene was thrown off. He stared at the man in shock. Hector snarled at him. "I don't care if that look is pity, judgement, or something else, knock it off."
Sorry." Eugene said awkwardly. Hector's frustration just increased.
"Tell Varian I'm fine." Hector said. "And leave me alone." He stormed past Eugene, who didn't know what he was supposed to do about this. He'd had every intention of trying really hard to learn how to help Hector, for Varian's sake, and he'd upset the man in just a matter of seconds.
Eugene wasn't one to give up so easily though. Maybe Hector needed some time on his own, but there was no reason why Eugene couldn't try again later. It would probably continue to be awkward, and if Eugene wasn't careful he'd probably end up angering Hector even more. Varian had specifically asked for this though, and the kid was so reluctant to ask about anything, because he didn't want to be disappointed.
Eugene had let him down back in Corona, but he refused to do it again.
The journey from the Dark Kingdom to Corona took several months, but it felt like no time at all to Hector. For one thing, he'd been on his own in the Great Tree for twenty five years. A few months was nothing compared to that. Of course, Zhan Tiri's constant presence and commentary was certainly helping to pass the time. While she was talking to him, time seemed to drag on and on, but when King Edmund was able to pull him out of it Hector realized that they had travelled several miles.
It wasn't an enjoyable experience at all, but at least they were almost at Corona. The journey was almost over. Hector knew that this wouldn't stop his private torment, but at least they'd be able to get Quirin back. Hector didn't know if Quirin would be able to help him at all, but it would be nice to have his brother back. And Quirin had always been really good at helping him to fight off his personal demons. Edmund was great at providing support, but he was no Quirin.
Hector tried really hard to not get his hopes up. He loved his brother, but there was only so much he'd be able to do against an all powerful demon sorceress. Besides, he wasn't getting Quirin back for himself. He was doing this for Varian's sake. As long as the kid was happy and had someone around to keep an eye on him, Hector was fine with whatever happened.
Hector was still exhausted. Edmund made sure that he got enough sleep that he didn't have the risk of completely dropping. Zhan Tiri showed up in most of his dreams and nightmares, so even though Hector slept he rarely ever got to rest. Edmund, with Varian's help, tried to put together a sleeping solution for Hector.
They weren't nearly as good at it as Adira was. Their solutions weren't as strong or reliable as Hector needed, but it was better than nothing. A handful of restful nights every week or two was better than no sleep at all.
Hector didn't know whether it was his fatigue, or Zhan Tiri's presence, or if it was just the way he was, but he felt on edge all the time. He felt like he was surrounded by enemies that were just waiting for a moment of weakness. He was constantly on the lookout for any potential threat so that he could hurt them before they had the chance to get to him.
Logically he knew that his only enemy was Zhan Tiri, somebody that he couldn't hurt. He needed to have some control in his life though. Something that he could beat with brute strength, which was why he was looking for another enemy. If there was a threat that he could fight back against then he could prove to himself that he wasn't completely helpless and pathetic.
Hector sighed and rubbed his head, which was aching dully. He was so tired, not just physically, but just in general. He almost missed the peace and quiet that came from living alone in the Great Tree. It had been boring and unbearably lonely, yes, but at least he had ways of ignoring the torture of his own mind. He couldn't ignore Zhan Tiri. Every time he tried she just came back with a vengeance.
"Would it help if someone knocked you out?" Eugene suggested. Hector gave the prince a dark look. Eugene held his hands up defensibly. "Not that I'm saying that I want to hit you over the head, but I don't think people dream when they're unconscious, so maybe you'll be able to get some rest."
Hector had to keep himself from drawing his weapon and attacking the younger man. He knew that Eugene wasn't really a threat to him, he was just making a desperate suggestion for a desperate situation. It was a violent idea, but not one that Hector should get mad at someone for having, because he'd been tempted to do the same thing to himself multiple times these past few months. The only reason he hadn't was because King Edmund had forbidden him.
"As tempting as that idea is, your dad has already forbidden it." Hector said coldly. He just wanted Eugene to go away. He had been trying really hard to keep his violent ideas to himself, but that was really hard to do when Eugene came to talk to him, which has been happening more and more frequently lately.
Apparently Varian was getting more concerned about Hector. Since he wouldn't let the kid get too close to him, for his own safety, Varian was now sending Eugene to check up on him. Hector wanted nothing to do with the prince, but Varian wanted this, and Edmund seemed to want him to get along with his son as well, so Hector was tolerating him for their sake.
Still, Hector wished that Eugene would stop being so persistent. The younger man had to know that Hector didn't want him around. Why was he so determined to be around somebody that clearly wanted nothing to do with him?
"Don't be so harsh on the prince." Zhan Tiri commented. Hector gave her an annoyed look. "After all, you're frequently around people who want nothing to do with you."
Hector grimaced. It was fairly tame, as far as everything that Zhan Tiri had said to him, but it stung. When Hector was young he was sure that Adira hated him, Edmund was annoyed with him, and Quirin barely tolerated him. He was convinced that they had only wanted him around because they pitied him. Hector thought he had gotten over those feelings, but twenty-five years of little contact with the Brotherhood seemed to have brought them back.
"What's Zhan Tiri saying this time?" Eugene asked. Hector hated that everybody seemed to know exactly when Zhan Tiri was talking to him. When had he become such an open book?
"None of your business." Hector said. He may be willing to open up to Edmund, but he had no reason to do the same with the prince.
"And here I thought you were loyal to the royalty of the Dark Kingdom." Zhan Tiri said.
Hector knew from experience that ignoring Zhan Tiri did more harm than good, but he didn't want to acknowledge her. He just wasn't in the mood for it.
"What's Corona like?" Hector asked Eugene, who smiled broadly. The prince was way too pleased with himself when he knew that Hector was only talking to him because he was just slightly better company than Zhan Tiri. Hector may have been to Corona before, but he'd had a very specific job to do. He hadn't been there to sight-see.
"It's beautiful." Eugene said. "Everything grows beautifully here."
"Including the black rocks." Hector glanced at the destructive stones that seemed to have sprouted up like weeds. Hector was used to only seeing the rocks in the Dark Kingdom, a place that was incredibly gloomy, even without the black rocks. It was odd to see the moon's stones so close to the kingdom of the sun.
Eugene looked around with a small frown. "Yeah, well, hopefully Varian can fix that."
Hector glowered at him. "Varian's not here to clean up your princess' messes. He's here for his dad, that's it. As soon as we see that Quirin's okay, we're gone."
Eugene frowned and started to say something in disagreement, but Hector didn't hear a word he said. There was a much more invasive voice forcing its way to the forefront of his attention.
"It's nice to be back here after so long." Zhan Tiri said. "I must say though, I think that it looks much nicer covered in snow." Hector hated this tone from Zhan Tiri. She thought she was being clever, and Hector dreaded to know what she was up to now.
Zhan Tiri floated in front of Hector. Her smile looked sweet enough, but the mischievous look in her eyes was absolutely terrifying. "Do you want to hear about the last time I was in Corona?"
Hector subtly shook his head, not wanting Eugene to hear him talking to Zhan Tiri. They all knew that he heard the sorceress' voice in his head, and yet they still got so concerned and afraid when they caught him talking to her.
Zhan Tiri's grin widened. "Are you sure? I think you'll be interested in what I have to say."
Hector highly doubted it. Everything that came out of Zhan Tiri's mouth seemed to be the absolute last thing that Hector wanted to hear.
"It was a lot of fun." Zhan Tiri giggled. Hector didn't think he ever wanted to hear a child giggle again. One wouldn't think that it should be a pleasant sound, but there was nothing else that could bring shivers down Hector's spine so quickly. "You can just ask Varian if you don't believe me."
Despite himself, Hector stopped and stared at Zhan Tiri cautiously. "What are you talking about?" Out of the corner of his eye he saw Eugene give him a panicked look. Zhan Tiri shifted so all Hector could see was her.
Zhan Tiri's grin widened, and Hector felt dread. He knew that look all too well. She had him right where she wanted him, and he didn't even know just how he had fallen into her trap this time.
"Well, last time I was in Corona, Young Demanitus was there too." Zhan Tiri said. "I saw him. He saw me too, though he didn't know it."
Hector growled and brought his blade out with a flick of his wrist. He knew he couldn't hurt Zhan Tiri, but he was trying to be intimidating. "Don't play games with me. You were imprisoned last time he was here."
"My powers may have been trapped, but you're even more of a fool than I thought you were if you believe that an alchemist can stop me completely." Zhan Tiri said. "I may have only had a fraction of my power, but it was enough to pull off my favorite little trick. Possession is a complicated business, but you would be surprised how simple it is to possess nature itself."
Zhan Tiri's grin became absolutely wicked. "Such as, for example, a blizzard."
Hector didn't understand what was so significant about what Zhan Tiri said, but it didn't take him long to figure it out. He felt a chill go down his spine at the same time as his face heated up. He felt equally furious and horrified. "Y-you…no. You can't have-"
"Oh, but I'm afraid I did." Zhan Tiri said all too joyfully. "You know, Corona is rather ill-prepared for bad weather. One night of snowfall and the entire kingdom almost crumbled. It was a treat to see. But do you want to know what the best part was?"
"Shut up." Hector growled. His body was stiff and his hand was shaking. He hated how much sense it made that Zhan Tiri was somehow involved with, if not directly responsible for, the blizzard that had practically ruined Varian's life.
Zhan Tiri refused to show mercy to him. Why would she start now? "Young Demanitus was out in my storm. Oh, you should have seen him." Zhan Tiri began to slowly float around him. Hector turned to keep his gaze on her.
"He was so terrified and yet determined when he made his way to the castle." Zhan Tiri said. "But it really got entertaining when he left the capital. The crying. The screaming. It had been so long since I've seen someone in so much despair."
"Shut up!" Hector snapped. How dare she? Hector had thought that the people of Corona were the ones to blame for Varian's fame, and the bad storm had been nothing but terrible luck. Now Hector knew that Varian's delay to the capital, the reason why the princess had to break her promise to him, and the cause of his sickness that had taken him months to truly get over, was all Zhan Tiri's fault.
As if he'd needed more reason to hate her.
"The poor boy felt so betrayed." Zhan Tiri said. "His pain and anger was quite a sight to see. He tried so hard, and failed so dramatically. It was wonderful. I just hope this trip to Corona is just as exciting." Zhan Tiri laughed. "I wonder who's going to be killed in a hilariously tragic accident this time."
Hector had heard enough.
"Shut up!" Hector screamed in raw pain and fury. His brother had been imprisoned, his nephew had been hurt, and Zhan Tiri had the audacity to laugh. Hector would make her pay, somehow. He surged forward, aiming to slash through Zhan Tiri. He knew he couldn't hurt her, but he didn't want to hear another word out of his mouth. He was so angry, tired, and hurt that his instinct completely took over, making him disregard all of his logic.
Zhan Tiri chuckled and disappeared just before Hector's blade would have gone through her. His blade immediately met resistance in a way that Hector was all too familiar with. He'd hit something, or someone.
There was screaming, shouting, and all kinds of noises that made Hector's ears ring. His knees felt weak so when he felt a harsh force slam into him from behind he went down without a fight. He felt a single thick arm wrap around him, and Hector would recognize Edmund's hold anywhere, even through his fuzzy mindset.
His brother was talking to him, or possibly yelling, but Hector couldn't understand a word that he was saying. His head was pounding. He knew that something had gone horribly wrong, he could feel it in his gut, but he couldn't figure out just what it was.
Hector didn't like being held down and trapped. He grunted and growled as he squirmed to try to get out of Edmund's grip, but the man's hold was iron. Hector struggled wildly for a long moment before his gaze landed on Varian, or more specifically at the large slash across his chest.
Hector froze when he and Varian's eyes met. The boy looked terrified and faint.
"U-uncle Hector?" Varian said weakly. It was the only sound that Hector registered, and it scared him. Varian was hurt, and Hector was the one responsible for it. The boy's eyes rolled to the back of his head as he fell unconscious.
Hector let out a painful, raw, almost animalistic scream as he fell apart.