Hey all! So…I'm going to be honest here. This isn't my favorite chapter. It was originally going to be set up for something I ended up cutting and the tone was supposed to be more light hearted. Since the general tone got a bit darker then before this didn't really fit and I almost cut this part out completely. However it did solve a different problem I had since the tone change. I'll explain that more at the end.
Content warning: Cyberbullying, stalking, gaslighting, threatening, harassment, flashbacks, PTSD
Chapter 8
Spotlight
In the days after the charity concert Varian's private/anonymous life was turned on its head. The front of the house was a sea of reporters keen to get the story about the newest addition to the Agreste family. He found it difficult to go out and do his volunteer work without interruptions and someone had gotten ahold of his phone number and it was practically exploding with calls and messages.
Most were from that slimy producer Bob Roth promising him the moon and a fortune that would rival the Agreste if he just signed with him. Varian couldn't believe the audacity of that man. Did he think he'd forgotten about how he tried to screw over Jagged Stone right in front of him? After trying to block the man about a dozen times he went to Gabriel for a new number swearing to only give it to his close friends. Not Chloe since she was likely the cause of the leak.
"We'll be having a press conference via skype this afternoon. That should quell most of the vultures outside." Varian wasn't exactly looking forward to it but he would be glad to be able to leave the house again. He was getting flashbacks of running from the guards and the villagers throwing rocks at him.
"I'm sorry Gabriel, I had no idea this would happen." Gabriel handed him a copy of what the interview would entail, the questions he approved and what he was supposed to answer.
"I can't say I'm too surprised. I already had a few things planned if you were revealed early. He watched through a window as a security guard pulled someone off the wall again. "Still this is a bit more excessive than I calculated." Varian sighed.
"Well, you did say to give it my all." Gabriel sighed as well.
"Yes, I suppose I did." Gabriel went off to make some more calls as Varian settled in for breakfast shortly followed by Adrien. He looked a lot better than he did a few days ago but he was still a little under the weather.
"How are you feeling? Any better?" Varian asked as Adrien helped himself to toast and juice.
"Better just…not quite well yet." That was good to hear. "I was worried I might have gotten you sick but you seem OK." They had spent a late night working on Adrien's song together.
"Yeah I still feel OK. Maybe I just missed the infection window." Adrien was glad, he felt bad about missing the concert he'd feel even worse if he got Varian sick on top of that.
Midway through breakfast Varian's phone went off with a text alert. He carefully picked up the phone and was relieved to see it was just a message from Max.
"By the way I had to get a new number."
"Yeah I got your message. How are you holding up with all-" he gestured to the window, the curtains hiding the roaming press outside. "This?" Varian put his head in his hands frustrated.
"I'm still getting used to having real friends and people liking me. This-" he points back to the window. "Is a different monster entirely." Adrien gave him a sympathetic look; this was one of the many things he hated about being a model. People thinking they had a right to see and know every part of his life.
"I can't say I miss it. Hell, I still can't just go wherever I want even though I quit. I wanted to end it officially with that song though. Not every fan is crazy and it'd give me some closure."
"How did you handle this for so long?"
"I just…thought it would make my Father happy and bring us closer. Ironically I think we're closer now that I've quit."
"I know I'd take farm chores over this any day."
"Look at the bright side, no one's calling you Basement Dweller any more."
"Yeah well, I loved my basement lab. I miss my basement lab."
After morning lessons from Nathalie Varian begrudgingly opened his phone and his old number. He wanted to just throw it away but he needed to make sure there wasn't anything important . Just as he found one for the charity group he'd joined the phone rang and he accidentally hit the received button. 'Shoot.' he thought but figured he might as well answer since he did.
"Hello?"
"Hey is this Varian Ritter?" The voice sounded familiar but he couldn't place it.
"Yes, who is this?" It could be one of his contacts from the charity group.
"Oh, I'm so glad I finally got a hold of you. This is XY gracing you with my gorgeous voice and extraordinary talent. And do I have an offer for you!" Varian rolled his eyes.
"Whatever it is I'm sorry but I'm not interested."
"You haven't even heard my brilliant idea yet. Picture this, a colab video with me and you. You bring that righteous voice and I'll bring the music talent."
"But I'm not-"
"You've got to strike while the iron's hot bro. I can get us some studio time today and by this evening we can-"
"LISTEN!" Varian shouted trying to get through to this bonehead. "I'm not interested in a music career. This was a one time thing for charity. That's all." But the other boy was not deterred.
"Hey, don't sweat it. It's not like real work. It's all about getting those views and staying on top. The money will be pouring in and you can give it to whatever charity you want." Varian took a deep breath wishing he just hung up when accidentally answered.
"Isn't your Dad the same person who scheduled a 'charity' concert at the same time as us just to cash in on our publicity?"
"Hey, that was my Dad's idea. He has nothing to do with this. But you're a hot commodity now V. Together we could-"
"And aren't you the one who tried to steal Kitty Sessions designs and music passing them off as your own?"
"Th-that was also my Dad's idea. I didn't know-"
"Save it. I'm not interested in working with liars and cheats." He was about to hang up when suddenly-
"You stupid little shit! You think just because some rich man took you off the streets that makes you better than me?" Varian was so shocked by the tone change he hesitated to hang up. "You know he only did that for some good press. He'll drop you the second he gets bored and when you come crawling back to me crying and begging me on your knees for my help, I will laugh in your face! You hear me! LAUGH-" He finally hung up.
"Geez!" The same number tried calling back but he just took the battery out of the phone and tossed it in his 'spare parts' box. The press conference couldn't come soon enough.
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XY stared at his phone in shock. "He hung up on me, that little brat hung up on ME!" he tried calling back but no one picked up. He left message after message until the inbox was full. He threw his phone on the floor fuming.
How could this have happened? He did everything his Dad told him to do. He played whatever music was popular, dressed however he was told and followed every marketing strategy there was. He even gave up making his own original music since he could never seem to find an audience big enough.
Now his Dad is obsessed with trying to sign this nobody saying he's found someone with real talent.
So how had this snot nosed little brat just swooped in with a freakin Disney song and suddenly all eyes are now on him? It had to be Gabriel Agrest doing. He was cultivating a new young talent because his own brat got scared by a fan. Adrien was a big part of his brand and now it was going to be Varian. He chuckled to himself. Not if he could help it.
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Varian sat nervously in front of the computer waiting for the interview to go live. Adrien was with him for support and if he needed help with the questions. Gabriel was out somewhere but would be appearing to help lead the interview. Adrien said it wasn't so bad. The reporter was chosen by his father and was pretty much following a script so they shouldn't expect any surprises.
The only thing that wasn't in their control was the open chat that the fan could use to comment and ask additional questions. Again Adrien reassured his brother that the reporter would be silently asking Gabriel if any of the spectators' questions were allowed to be asked. Varian nodded glad he wasn't going to get bombarded with unnecessary questions as he rechecked his note cards.
Soon enough the broadcast went live and Varian put on a well practiced smile he'd seen Adrien use so often. The reporter was Nadja Chamack and she started off the interview with some brief introductions. Varian introduced himself along with Gabriel and Adrien and then the questions started. Gabriel was answering most of them, telling the audience the cover story about how he met Varian on a trip to Germany and was impressed by his intelligence. He also said he learned of the boy's allying father and with no other family to look after him Gabriel took him in as a foster child.
"It's been some time since he's been in your care Mr. Agrest, why are we only learning about this now?" It was a fair question Varian thought as Gabriel replied.
"Varian had been caring for his father for some time before I met him. I felt he needed a stable living environment out of the eyes of the media." Nadja turned to him next.
"So Varian, what's it like living with the Agreste's?" Varian smiled and gave the answer that he was provided with earlier.
"It's definitely a change. I grew up on a farm with an orchard so I had to get used to a lot of things. Like living in a house the size of my home town." Nadja laughed as the chat was sending out a lot of LOLs in response.
"But seriously, I'm extremely grateful for Mr. Agreste taking me in as well as helping out my father."
"I'm glad to hear it. So since you've had a chance to experience Paris for yourself tell us what you think." Varian's smile became genuine this time.
"It's wonderful here. Not just the beautiful architecture, but the rich history, the libraries and museums but especially the people. I've made some good friends since I came here and even if it wasn't under the best circumstances I'm glad I came." He blushed a little realizing he went off script a bit. "Ah sorry I tend to ramble a little when I get excited." The reporter just smiled as she turned to Adrien.
"And how does it feel to have an additional member living in your house Adrien?"
"Well as you know Nadja, I've always been an only child so it was a bit of an adjustment when Varian came to stay. But over time we've gotten close and he's been there for me through some tough times." He didn't say it out loud since Gabriel instructed the reporter not to bring up Adrien's kidnapping but to just about everyone watching it was pretty obvious what he was implying. "He even helped me write my farewell song which I plan to release soon as a thank you to the fans who have supported me over the years."
"If it was anything like what we heard at the concert then we're in for a treat." She turned back to Varian.
"So Varian everyone is dying to know, do you plan on doing any more shows? " He put the fake smile back on and said his rehearsed line.
"While I appreciate all the attention and support for the charity I don't have plans on making this a career. Music is fun and while I do enjoy it my real passion is science." Adrien had been keeping an eye on Varian glad he was doing well but something in the chat caught his eye. Something that should not have made it past the mods. This didn't go unnoticed by Nathalie either as she tried to find out who sent that awful message. But then it happened again and again and now she was trying to cut the chat entirely.
Varian was still talking when Gabriel saw the messages in the chat and ordered the chat be taken down. Varian finally saw what was being said about him and froze.
Suddenly he wasn't at an interview he was back in Corona begging people for help. They yelled, threw things at him, and some even chased him with weapons. All over a rumor, all over a lie. And here he was again, everyone would be mad at him again and no one would believe him.
By this point Adrien was trying to get Varian's attention but he was not responding. Gabriel quickly cut the feed ending the interview early.
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XY laughed as he saw the look on Varian's face once he read the messages. He had paid a nerdy fan to hack into the interview and left some colorful messages about the new Agreste boy. It didn't matter that they weren't true if enough people believed it, little Varian would never be able to show his face in public ever again. And once again XY stays on top. He didn't notice the dark butterfly coming towards him.
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Gabriel was furious! He had set up that interview so that Varian's story could be told and he would feel safe. This was a vicious attack on a member of his household and he was going to see to it that they paid. He had been in his lair this whole time debating if he should end the truce with Ladybug or not. The rocks hadn't grown since the red ones attacked but they were still there and causing problems. Whoever this person was had forced his hand.
He transformed and used his power to look for someone with a deep hatred of Varian and it didn't take long to find him. That arrogant singer XY actually felt threatened and was willing to ruin Varian's reputation to secure his popularity. This gave Shadow Moth an idea. He sent out an Akuma and it easily found its prey.
"Spotlight, you've just humiliated your enemy but that's not enough for you is it?" His voice whispered as baited this pampered brat. "You want all the attention on you."
"Like it should be!" Shadow Moth smirked.
"And that is what I'm offering. I shall grant you the power to command the attention of any one who hears your voice and sees your face. No one will be able to look away." XY smirked, liking the idea more and more. "In return you will bring me the Miraculous of Ladybug and Chat Noir." He really didn't expect this imbecile to succeed but the old speech naturally rolled off his tongue.
"I'll get them alright, and everyone will see me doing it!" That was just what Shadow Moth was counting on. The Akuma transformed the singer into Spotlight. Normally Gabriel took great care in his Akuma designs but this brat had absolutely no imagination and kept rejecting them over and over again. He finally settled on the body suit of Lady Wifi, the wings from Dark Cupid, Captain Hardrock's bandanna along with Truth's Sentimonster, Lighteye. He changed the color's a little and XY was finally satisfied.
"Now go and show everyone who's number 1." Spotlight ran out like a kid eager to show off a new toy. And for once Shadow Moth was looking forward to his defeat.
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Marinette was on the phone with Adrien after the interview was cut short. She couldn't believe those comments were broadcast on air, she felt so bad for Varian. She was calling to make sure he was OK. He seemed like he was in shock while he was on the air.
"How is he?" Adrien sighed over the phone.
"Not good, I think he had some kind of flashback." Marinette frowned.
"He did mention something about false rumors when we all first met him."
"I know, he's locked himself in his room afraid to come out."
"Any idea who could be responsible? Only a handful of people knew about him before the concert. Or did someone have a grudge against him?" Adrien thought for a moment.
"I'm not sure. I know his old number got leaked somehow. Now that I think about it he seemed a little upset before we started the interview but I just thought he was nervous. I wonder-" They were both interrupted by an Akuma alert on their phones.
Marinette frowned. This was the first attack since the black rocks started and Tanuki called a truce. If she was being honest it lasted a lot longer than she thought but that didn't make her any less disappointed. Maybe Shadow Moth was back to his old tricks but perhaps she could still reason with Tanuki.
"I'd better go, Adrien."
"Same here, stay safe."
"You too." She hung up and turned to Tikki. "I guess the reprieve is over."
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Adrien tried knocking on Varian's door wanting to make sure the other boy was OK before he left to fight the Akuma.
"Varian?"
"Please," Came a quiet voice from inside. "I just…want to be alone right now." Adrien reluctantly left the other boy as he wished.
"Alright, but call if you need anything. Even if it's just to talk." He didn't get an answer but he had to leave. Going back to his room he transformed and cursed at Shadow Moth coming back at the worst time.
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Varian sat on his bed with his knees pulled to his chest. He was so embarrassed that he just blanked out on live TV over some stupid comments. But as soon as he read them he was back in Corona again where he spent months trying to get help while fleeing from the citizens and well as the king's guards. He didn't feel safe anywhere and then he actually attacked the royal family because if they were going to treat him like a dangerous criminal even when he did nothing wrong then he might as well give them what they wanted. And then after his defeat he was thrown into the dungeon where he was beaten and starved with not a moment's peace.
Here with the Agrestes was the first time he felt safe in a long time. And now he worried if he left the house would he'd be ridiculed and attacked like he was in Corona? It was all a little too much for him. He glanced at his phone on the other side of the bed as he listened to the tings and beeps from incoming messages but he couldn't bring himself to look. He only gave his number out to his friends but what if it was leaked again?
After several minutes of this he heard a very distinct ding. It was different because that meant it was from Gabriel and it was Miraculous business. Hesitantly he picked up the phone and opened up his messages entering a special code to keep it from prying eyes.
'Varian, I apologize but I've been forced to break the truce.' Varian's eyes widened as he continued to read. 'I found out who is responsible for this attack on my house and plan to use the Akuma to expose them. Or rather have them expose themself.'
Varian had been wondering when Gabriel would get back in the game and was a little surprised it had taken this long but more surprised he was doing it for him.
'Sit back and I'll take care of the rest. I'm certain the outcome will be very satisfying. Just be sure to mute your phone.'
Varian then opened up the Akuma alert on his phone and really, he should have known. There was XY Akumatized as Spotlight. His fist clenched remembering that obsessive message he left on his old phone. He'd never even met Varian in person. How could he hate him so much just for outshining him one time?
He wanted to go out there but as Tanuki he would be helping Spotlight and he knew there was no way he could do that. Gabriel was right he would have to sit this one out. Still, there was something he could do.
He went back to his spare parts box and retrieved his old phone. As much as he didn't want to listen to this bastard's rants this would be evidence they could use if Gabriel's plan worked.
He sat back and proceeded to copy every hateful message on the phone ready to send.
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Of all the Akuma Shadow Moth had sent out, this one was one of the most annoying she had ever seen. He couldn't even be bothered with an original design. Even so it was extremely annoying having to stop and look at the villain every time he spoke. And he never seemed to shut up. He had a set of wings which kept him in the sky as his knock off Sentimonster turned into a glowing eyes keeping everyone focused on him.
He wasn't even saying anything meaningful just how great he was and how his music was so superior to everyone else's. He was barely even trying to attack them which was strange. It was making her nervous thinking this might be a new strategy from Tanuki. She tried looking for him and even spotted him out of the corner of her eye a few times but Spotlight would force her attention back towards him.
"Not to worry, all my fans, Spotlight has tons more entertainment for you. So listen up and all eyes on me! Your-" his concentration was broken by Chat Noir's staff clipping one of his wings. Ladybug was able to break away long enough for her partner to toss her some ear plugs.
"Thanks Kitty." He couldn't hear her of course but he did sigh 'You're welcome.' before turning back to the battle. She was about to put them in but something was bothering her. He had said something earlier that was ringing a bell in the back of her mind. Then she remembered the comments from Varian's interview. It could be a coincidence the broadcast had been public after all. She wanted to test something but she also needed to end this pointless fight.
"Lucky Charm!" She received a hand mirror and instantly knew how to use it. She texted Chat Noir the details and he quickly got into position.
"Spotlight!" She shouted getting his attention and now all eyes are on them. "Seriously, did you get Akumatized because you wanted to be more popular?" He just smiled.
"It's working isn't it no one can look away." She used the mirror behind her back to signal her partner.
"Yeah but your music isn't all that great. That new kid Varian however-"
"That little brat has nothing on me!" This was only feeding her theory.
"But he's all over the news and have you heard him, he sings like an angel."
"What, didn't you see the interview? He's never going to be able to show his face again after what I posted!" Ladybug bit her cheek in disgust but she had him right where she wanted him.
"Come on, you're not smart enough to hack into the news broadcast."
"Smart enough to hire someone who can." She was simply baffled that he didn't seem to realize he was confessing to a crime but it was time to end this. Right on cue, Chat Noir used his Cataclysm to destroy his bandanna freeing the Akuma. Ladybug made quick work of the corrupt butterfly and used the Lucky Charm to fix everything, sadly still stuck with the black rocks.
Finally able to look at her surroundings she spotted Tanuki off to the side, almost hidden in the shadows. Once again, just watching. She tried to confront him but he managed to slip away without leaving a trace. After all they had gone through with the red rocks she had hoped he was starting to reconsider his partnership with Shadow Moth. It looks like that wasn't the case. Still she had hope that one day he would come around to their side.
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After the Akuma attack XY thought, as an Akuma victim he would be rewarded with sympathy. Instead he was met with police officers wanting to ask him a few questions especially about hacking into the broadcast. He was quick to point out that anything said or done under the influence of an Akuma couldn't be held against him. Which was true, Paris had a unique law on the books protecting the Akumatized victims. (With how many times Chloe was one or caused one her Dad rushed that one through.)
However there were also the harassment charges Varian and Gabriel had filed using the voice messages as evidence. His father, Bob Roth, quickly took charge of his son's defense claiming that he did that while he was under the influence of an Akuma as well. Something no one believed but it would be difficult proving it. Ironically the two that actually could prove it couldn't reveal themselves so their hands were tied.
Surprising everyone, Varian agreed to do the interview again just not with the chat visible. He had something he needed to say and something to get off his chest. Nadja was once again asking him questions and soon enough the harassment issue was raised.
"We are very sorry those messages got through, Varian. You seemed awfully shaken up about them." Varian waved her off.
"It's not your fault I know it wasn't on purpose but I did want to address something about them. You see this isn't the first time false rumors were spread about me with no proof. It was one of the reason I couldn't get help for my Dad right away." It wasn't a total lie and it was as close to the truth he could tell. "And once again someone I care about is in the hospital and when I saw those horrible rumors starting up again I felt like I was…back there again. Alone with no one to help." He turned to Adrien and Nathalie, both smiling at him.
"But that's not the case anymore. I have people in my life who care and support me. And while this…thing with XY was…unpleasant, it doesn't change the fact that I've met so many wonderful people here. I'm not expecting everyone to like me but I'm not going to let a bad apple or two distract me from all the good things I've experienced since I came here."
Gabriel gave him a subtle smile. He didn't need much more interference and handled the rest of the interview with ease. A little stumble or two and maybe he rambled a bit here and there but otherwise he did fine.
He once again thanked everyone who supported the charity but said he wasn't going to be having a career in music. Maybe for a special occasion but he was itching to get back to his lab and his experiments. Nadja even brought up his help with his formula that was helping to get clean water back to people's homes. That was something he was eager to talk about making sure to include Max and Markov since they were a big part of the project.
The interview ended and Varian slumped with relief. He was still probably going to be recognized whenever he left the house but at least the mystery element was gone. Hopefully this meant he could get back to some of his projects. His head was bursting with ideas. But he had one more thing he had to deal with before he turned in for the evening.
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Gabriel waited for his partner knowing he'd want to talk to him in person. He thought about today's event and realized this was the first time he'd used an Akuma to help someone other than himself. Meanstreak didn't really count since Varian volunteered. It left him with a strange warm feeling in his chest, one he hadn't felt in a long while.
It was a shame that little punk XY would likely get off with the Akuma excuse but he didn't want to really push the issue. The law was in place for a reason and it could reflect badly on him if he pursued it. Still, now everyone knows those rumors were false and Varian wouldn't have to go through that again. He heard the door unlock and speak of the devil.
"So uh, I guess the truce is over then." He paused before looking back at Gabriel. "Thanks for that though." Gabriel placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It was going to end eventually." Varian looked down a little unsure how to feel right now.
"So back to business as usual I guess." Gabriel frowned at the disappointed undertones in Varian's voice.
"Are you having second thoughts?"
"What! No, I just…I'm not sure the wish would even work for me." The Lucky Charm usually fixed everything it touched. But these rocks were an ancient force of destruction from his world and remained even when the most powerful thing from this world was unleashed. He went back to the abandoned subway station and found to his dismay the amber was still there even if all the red rocks were gone. Not to mention they still didn't know if the kwami's magic would even work in his world but he was starting to think it was hopeless.
Gabriel lifted the boy's head so that he was looking him in the eye. "Whatever you decide, as long as you are in this world, you have a home here." Varian smiled but then found himself thinking again.
Maybe it was time to…move on.
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Bob Roth sighed as he looked at the newest numbers for his son XY. Despite getting him out of being arrested the public wasn't very impressed with his little stunt.
"So son, you've been working really hard lately, how's about you take some time off and go somewhere…far away?" XY frowned as he looked up at his father.
"But I have a concert in a few days don't I?" Bob cringed.
"Well you see, we kind of had to cancel it due to a high number of refunds and protests."
"You've got to be kidding me, I'm at the top of my game, everyone loves me!"
"That was before you pulled that stunt on the air!" he shouted, clearly annoyed.
"That doesn't count, I was Akumatized remember?"
"We both know you weren't Akumatized when you had that fan hack the broadcast. And damn it why did you have to leave all those messages on the kid's phone. You know how hard this is going to be to cover up!" XY just crossed his arms and pouted.
"Seriously Xavier, I tell you exactly what to do and you shoot to number 1. What made you go off and do something stupid like that?" Xavier jumped up and kicked the chair away.
"I always do whatever you say! The one time I have an opinion of my own-"
"And you screw up!" He huffed and ran a hand through what was left of his hair. "Look, right now Varian is the media's newest little darling and your jealousy is making you look really bad right now. Just lay low while I soothe this over and maybe if I'm lucky I can still sign him." Xavier's face went from disbelief to outraged.
"You're still trying to sign him! Knowing he outshines me!"
"It's just business kid, you're going to have to start learning it sooner or later. No one lasts forever in this industry there will always be someone new ready and willing to take your place. Besides, having you two perform together should clear up all the hate that's being spewed online." Xavier growled and shoved his headphones onto his head to drown out whatever else his Dad had to say.
Thankfully his Dad took the hint and left, leaving him to sulk. He had a random track playing and in his lousy mood groaned as the repetitive and boring rhythm he'd heard a thousand times before. He froze a moment later when he realized it was one of his own tracks.
He hated that brat even more.
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It took several days of searching but Adira had finally found the shell house again. She kept her distance though. Whatever was controlling this thing didn't want to be disturbed and it really didn't want to release its captives.
She paused sensing another presence and gracefully ducked out of the way of Hector's blade. She noted he was a bit slower than usual, most likely still recovering.
"Good to see you again brother. I trust you received a message from the king as well?" Hector, more surprised by the fact that Adira was in contact with the King than the dodge, blinked in surprise.
"He contacted you?"
"Yes, he's asked for my help with the theft of the Moonstone's power. Even if it is temporary." Hector scoffed.
"Why should I believe that, how do I know you didn't steal it?" Adira rolled her eyes with annoyance.
"Why would I steal the Moonstone's power when I've been trying to reunite the Sundrop with the actual Moonstone for years now?"
"That and I was the one who contacted her." Both knights looked up to see their King approaching and dropped to one knee. "At ease, soldiers. We have a serious problem." He held up the once powerful Moonstone now looking like a worthless piece of rock. Both were shocked by the sight.
"My King." Adira began. "Forgive me for asking a foolish question but are you sure someone didn't swap the Moonstone out for a fake?" One of Hector's Bearcats sniffed the rock in Edmund's hand and growled. Hector was convinced.
"The Stone has been acting up for several months now. So much so that I've been keeping a constant visual. I watched as suddenly the stone's glow died and an orb of energy arose from it. It then disappeared from my sight. That was only a few days ago."
The knights looked at the stone all wondering how something like this was possible. Hector was the first to speak.
"It's the Princess and her travelers, it has to be." Adira scoffed.
"They've been trapped inside that strange seashell house for the past week. It couldn't have been them."
"What if they found a way to steal the Moonstone's power from something in that house?" Edmund looked over at the house himself and could feel the massive amount of power it held. Not only that, the stone which had been dead in his hands since he left pulsed a little bit when he turned to the house.
"Alright, regardless of what stole the Moonstone's power, our biggest clue seems to be pointing to something in that house. We need to work together as we did in the days of old. Any grievances must be put aside for the sake of the mission. Is that understood?" Adira and Hector looked at each other for a moment before bowing to their King.
"Did you contact Quirin?" Hector asked. "He'd figure a way in in no time." The king lowered his gaze.
"I did but sadly he is no longer with us." Hector was stunned, what on Earth could have taken out his brother.
"How?"
"The rocks," Adira answered. "They found him." Hector clenched his fist. The blaster rocks had taken so much from them.
"And his spawn?" The king was about to answer but once again Adira stepped in.
"He's alive." Edmund was surprised at the news. "But he's not going to be able to help us."
"Why not? Surely Quirin trained him to take over his duties; he's the last heir save for the lost prince." Adrira sighed.
"It's a long story, one I will share after we find a way into that house." The King was very interested in that story, grateful Quirin's son was not dead as he feared. But Adira was right, they had a mission to complete. He raised his sword in the air as his fellow knights followed suit.
"For the Brotherhood!" he began.
"For the Brotherhood!" they said in unison.
"Good, now. Let's see what's in that house."
To be continued…
Next time: Varian makes a shocking discovery, one that will lead him to a crossroad. He will soon have to make a decision and the outcome could change everything.
Side note: So back when I was plotting this story out I wasn't sure if I was going to do a season three or not. I had some ideas but no solid story. I eventually decided to extend season two a little and incorporate some of those ideas from what would have been in season three and fix the ending.
One of the ideas that I decided to cut was having XY be a rival to Varian. Small and harmless at first but it would potentially become more serious after he teamed up with (villain not yet determined) This chapter was originally meant to be set up for that but it was also supposed to be more comical. But after cutting that plot line out the set up wasn't really needed and I almost cut this chapter out completely.
Then I realized it was a way for Shadow Moth to bring back his Akumas in a way Varian wouldn't be mad. As you'll see in the next few chapters this will be necessary. That also meant the tone had to be harsher. I left the comments unseen figuring whatever you were imagining they said was probably worse than anything I could write.
This is no longer the calm before the storm I wanted but destiny waits for no man. Bring an umbrella because the storm is now fast approaching.