Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all are doing well. Let's just jump right in this week shall we?

Content warning: Talk of injury, starvation, sickness and scars. Manipulation.

Chapter 4

The Unlocked Door

Gabriel Agreste watched as the doctor tended to the boy from another world. He had a number of doctors and specialists on standby in case there were any emergencies that he didn't want documented. Miss Lucrecia Perreault was currently fighting to have her medical license reinstated after reporting a case of child abuse. The abuser was a powerful man and his lawyers were trying to discredit her. She needed money for her own lawyer which Gabriel would happily oblige. He told her the child she was treating was being mistreated by his caregivers but he feared taking him to a hospital only for him to wind up back in their custody. She didn't ask any further questions.

After several hours she came out and reported what she found. The boy had been kept in restraints so tight they damaged the skin on his wrists. He would likely have permanent scars. He received an infection from them as well resulting in a high fever. There was also bruising mostly around his arms and legs and he was clearly malnourished. Gabriel had guessed most of this but his claim that the boy had been abused didn't seem that far off. She would stay for a few days until she was sure he was out of danger.

Once she retired for the evening Gabriel entered the boy's room. He was being treated in the lower level of the house where no one would stumble upon him. The boy was asleep and covered with several blankets which made him look even smaller than he really was. He was around his son's age with a nest of dark hair on top of his head with a curious blue strip on the side. The doctor gave him some strong antibiotics and something to help him sleep. She said he might not fully wake up for a few days.

He didn't know what to expect when he went after the new Miraculous holder but this certainly was not something he ever anticipated. He glanced at the boy's googles or to be more precise his Miraculous. He knew the Raccoon Kwami was hiding somewhere keeping an eye on the boy. He wondered how much he knew.

He had many questions but one thing was clear. After everything this child's been through he was going to have to work hard to gain his trust.

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Ruddiger watched the man who had taken Varian in very carefully. He wasn't sure what his motives were yet but his intervention had definitely helped his boy, possibly even saved his life. He had been worried he might have been after the Miraculous but he had left them on the nightstand near Varian's bed untouched. It was possible he knew he couldn't wield its power but he could still have kept them away from Varian. He wasn't sure, he still suspected this man knew something about the Miraculous he just didn't know to what end.

Regardless, Varian was getting better. He was a long way from being well but his fever had broken and whatever was in those bags dripping into his body was giving him nutrients and keeping his body hydrated. He was still asleep even after two days but he suspected the doctor added a sleeping agent to help him heal better. His boy could certainly use the rest, he always had a hard time sleeping in his cell with the need to always be on guard.

For now though he was safe. Whatever the man had in store for them would be known soon enough. But for the moment they could rest.

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Shadow Moth was having trouble concentrating. The boy from another world was still asleep but it wasn't a restful one. He had been trying to scan for negative emotions which he could twist and turn into an Akuma but it seems the boy was having nightmares. And at the moment the strongest emotions were coming from him.

He couldn't quite see what the boy was seeing, not without Akumatizing him but he could feel it all too well. There was a devastating loss and a sense of responsibility for the cause. There was fear and betrayal, a promise broken and agonizing despair of being abandoned. Persecution that turned into blind rage and the isolation and feeling trapped at the hand of someone with authority. Even without seeing anything he had a very good idea what the boy had gone through or at least what he was feeling.

Some of those emotions and thoughts had been his at some point, it was what drew him to the boy in the first place. Clearly though the boy had been through much worse in his short life.

Taking the sick and injured boy into his home had been an impulse decision thus the need to hire a private doctor. There hadn't been much of a plan at that point. But even so he still felt compelled to help him and the more he learned it was becoming more likely that they could help each other. The boy did possess a Miraculous after all.

He started formulating a plan. He needed to gain the boy's trust and gauge just how willing he would be to assist him if their goals were similar. He'd have to go slow at first. He suspected the child had been let down before and manipulating him too much could backfire.

One step at a time, if he played his cards right the boy would come to him on his own.

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Varian felt like his head was swimming in a sea of cotton while his body was in a sea of sap. He wasn't sure where he was or what had happened to him. He tried piecing together what had happened and the last thing he clearly remembered was cuddling with Ruddiger in his prison cell. What happened after that? He…he was supposed to get a cellmate wasn't he? Yes, but…something happened. There was a hole in the floor and he fell through. Was that right? It didn't seem to make sense but somehow he knew that's what happened. He was having trouble remembering what happened after that. Something about a tiny Ruddiger and a lady in red but the details eluded him.

He had been in and out of consciousness for some time when he finally woke up. He could still feel the ache in his body from the fever he had and he still felt really weak but he no longer felt like he was on fire so that was a plus.

He pulled himself up into a sitting position and realized he was no longer in the dungeon but a private room with a very comfortable bed. So…his memory of him falling through a hole was-the Portal!

He was in another land! At least that's what he could guess seeing the amazing city he had landed in. But before he could recall anything else there was a knock on the door and someone saying they were coming in.

The man was tall with glasses and light hair. His closes were strange though. He'd never seen an outfit like that before so he couldn't quite guess where he was just from that.

"Ah, you're awake." the man said approaching the bed but not getting too close. Varian was glad he still had a little personal space.

"Who are you? Where am I and why did you bring me here?" Varian demanded not expecting any answers.

"Forgive me, you must be terribly confused. My name is Gabriel Agreste, I discovered you passed out with a dangerously high fever and brought you back to my home for medical attention and some rest. Which is in Paris, France in case you were wondering." Varian was struck by how much the man was just telling him. If he was telling the truth that is. He still had a million questions but he had to be careful what he asked.

"Why did you help me?" Gabriel knew he was watching for a reaction.

"While I don't have the best reputation in the world for compassion I could hardly let a child die on the street now could I?" Varian was still not convinced. He'd learned the hard way no one offered him anything without expecting something in return.

"And why not turn me over to the Lady in Red?"

"Do you mean Ladybug?" Varian blink.

"Ladybug?" That was her name?

"Yes, it was her misuse of magic that brought you to this world." Varian felt his empty stomach drop. He suddenly remembered the glowing portal and seeing all the strange and wondrous technology. He…he really was in another world altogether? He looked up at the man for any signs he was lying but he saw none. Now it seemed all his vague memories were knitting themselves together and forming a cohesive if not strange narrative. Ruddiger was originally from this world and he was a strange magical creature that gave him superpowers with the help of his-He felt the top of his head and felt a flash of panic not feeling the familiar weight of his mother's goggles.

"If you're looking for your headgear they're on the table next to you." Varian turned and saw them sitting right where the man said. He grabbed them and put them back on his head. He must not have known what they were. But at that thought something accrued to him.

"How did you know I came here from another world?" Gabriel had to answer carefully here.

"I witnessed the portal opening and you falling into the alley." Varian paled. What else did the man see? "If you're worried about Ladybug finding out about your Miraculous or your Kwami fear not. I have no plans on informing her and have since erased the evidence. She has no idea what you really look like."

Varian had no idea how to react to this. He felt Ruddiger's tiny form peek out at him from the breast pocket of his pajama top. He didn't seem to know what to do either.

"What do you want from me?" He asked, rephrasing his question from earlier.

"That's something we can discuss later when you are feeling better. You've only just woken up after three days after all." He knew it. No one is ever nice to him without expecting anything in return.

"And how long do you plan on keeping me prisoner here?" The man looked genuinely surprised.

"I do believe there's been a misunderstanding. You are my guest here for as long as you'd like. If you wish to leave you may do so at any time. However I recommend staying here for a little while so you can regain your strength at least." Varian wasn't buying that for a moment but he nodded his head pretending he did. He'd have to figure a way out when the man's guard was down.

"I do have one condition though." Here it comes, he knew there was a catch. "I only ask you not to venture into the second lever of the house."

"Why?"

"It's where my son lives and while you are welcome to stay you are a stranger still." Varian thought for a moment. He could be lying about the kid but…he didn't think that was the case. And if it was, it seemed reasonable. Either way he would play along for the time being.

"I apologize. I should have asked this earlier, what is your name?" Not wanting to give his real name he blurted out the first one he could think of.

"Rider, Flynn Rider." He nearly bit his tongue as he cursed to himself. Really, Flynn Rider? Might as well have called himself Romeo Montgue. Gabriel had a feeling the boy was lying but didn't push it. Trust with the boy was going to be hard earned indeed.

"Well Mr. Rider, are you hungry? The doctor said you could have some broth once you woke up. Nothing too heavy for the time being." Varian's stomach rumbled in response much to his embarrassment. "I'll have my chief prepare some. There's water on the nightstand as well. I'll be back shortly." And with that he left the room. Ruddiger popped out and floated in front of Varian's face.

"Thank goodness you're awake, I was so worried." Varian cupped his hands and Ruddiger rested himself within them.

"Sorry I scared you buddy. What do you think we should do? Think we can escape?" Ruddiger frowned.

"Varian, you may be feeling better but you've been very sick. You need to regain your strength." the boy shook his head.

"If we wait we may never get out. I don't know what this Gabriel wants but he's hiding something."

"I don't disagree but even if we do get out what then?" But before he could answer there was another knock on the door. Ruddiger flew back into Varian's pocket as Gabriel brought in a tray with the promised broth. Ruddiger was right about one thing, he needed some of his straight back. He accepted the broth with a smile all the while planning his escape.

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Later that night Varian disconnected the IV cords that were keeping him medicated and hydrated and grabbed whatever he thought was useful from the room. Ruddiger tried to discourage him but didn't try to stop him.

Varian had managed to squirrel away the spoon from his meal. The long end he had broken off and worked it into a point. He went over to the door intending to use it to try and pick the lock but to his surprise the door opened without any trouble. He figured the man must have gotten careless but he wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He slipped out of the room trying to stifle a cough as Ruddiger looked up concerned.

Varian looked down the hallway and saw several doors but no clear exit. He cautiously tried each door one by one and to his surprise all of them opened. He was even more confused than he was before but so far nothing was impeding his progress.

The only thing that slowed him down was when he found the library. According to the sign this was the sub-level section but one look inside almost made him want to stay. It was bigger than the collection at the royal palace with shelves upon shelves of books stacked up to the ceiling. He heard Ruddiger express his delight at this treasure trove of knowledge, he'd been gone for so long he felt compelled to catch up. Varian didn't think he'd be able to read them all if he started now and never stopped. He thought of seeing if there was anything useful in here but knew if he started he wouldn't be able to pull himself away. As he closed the door he heard his little friend whimper at the loss, it was a sentiment he shared.

He spotted another room down the hall that looked like the kitchen. He would have liked to have grabbed some food but he could hear people inside, most likely the staff. He continued his search until he found a staircase. The sign earlier said this was a sub-level meaning underground so logical the exit must be up on level 1.

He had to pause a few times on the stairs to catch his breath after his coughing fits came back. By the time he got to the top he was feeling dizzy and had to sit down for a moment. But he wasn't deterred. He'd get his freedom or die trying.

He only tried a few more doors on the first floor before he was met with a night sky lit up with lights similar to the first night he arrived here. He could hardly believe it. He was out but…what now? Ruddiger popped out of Varian's pocket to plead with him.

"Varian I know you hate feeling trapped and I know you don't fully trust Gabriel but think for a moment. You're still sick and right now you're in a strange land with no resources."

"Isn't this where you came from?"

"Yes but I've been gone so long it might as well be another world for me too." Varian frowned.

"Are you suggesting we stay here?"

"Just for the time being. Gabriel wants something from you I know but he hasn't done anything to hurt you. You've gotten much better since you came here but I don't want to see you relapse." Varian looked thoughtful but still unsure.

"Besides, Gabriel said you could leave any time. He didn't lock any of the doors so he kept his word." Varian's eyes widened in realization. Ruddger was right, there was no way he would be careless enough to leave all the doors unlocked. He looked back out and could feel the breeze from the night air which he could just walk into at any time.

'He was telling the truth. He kept his promise." To some that wouldn't mean much but to Varian it meant so much more. He sighed, the adrenaline rush from his daring escape attempt was quickly fading as exhaustion set in.

Suddenly Ruddiger jumped back into his pocket. Varian turned around to see Gabriel turn the corner. He didn't look surprised to find the boy at the door.

"Leaving so soon?" That could have sounded like a threat but it didn't. "I was hoping you'd stay until your health improved but if you feel you need to leave can I at least offer you some prevision?" Varian was left stunned once again. In his weakened state there wasn't much he could do to defend himself if Gabriel tried to force him to stay. So he was even more unprepared for the offer of food while he went off into the unknown world. He looked at the door again and back at Gabriel. The man didn't seem upset or agitated at all; he was just standing there patiently awaiting Varian's decision.

He was hit by another coughing fit, once he was able to breath again he finally relented.

"Maybe I'll stay…for just a little bit longer." Gabriel nodded.

"If that's what you wish." Varian didn't realize how important it was to have some control over his situation. He hasn't had any in a very long time. The last of his energy now gone he was now struggling to stay on his feet.

"Do you need some help?" Normally Varian didn't like showing weakness but this man had already seen him at his weakest yet. Still he was given a choice. Thinking of the staircase he had to climb to get here he agreed mainly so he wouldn't fall down the stairs. The tall man scooped him up as if he weighed nothing and, given how much weight he'd lost that wasn't very far from the truth. As he helped the boy back into bed Varian couldn't help but ask,

"What is it you want from me?" The man seemed to consider the question but did deny it.

"There is something I wish to acquire and I believe it will benefit us both once we do." As his head touched the soft pillow he felt the pull of sleep dragging him into dreamland.

"What…what is it…"

"In time Mr. Rider for now let's focus on getting you well again."

"Varian"

"What?"

"It's…Varian." And with that Varian was asleep and Gabriel left the room.

To be continued…

Next time: Varian discovers something about his new host, and it changes everything.

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