Good day to you all. We're rolling right along here just wanted you to know next week's chapter will still be on Tuesday but it might be later in the day. Also the title of this week's chapter comes from a Jeremy Jordan song from the Death Note the Musical Soundtrack. I thought it was very fitting here.

Content warning: Threatening children, talk of past crimes including terrorism, assault, stealing and attempted murder. Mention of past past child abuse while incarcerated, starvation, neglect, abuse of power, false charges, and manipulation.

Chapter 14

Where is the Justice?

"Where the hell are we?" Eugen asked as he took in the sights of this strange city. It was like nothing he had ever seen before. Chariots moving without horses, buildings made of glass and steel, and people dressed so strangely.

"Wherever we are Rapunzel's definitely been here." Cassandra said examining Rapunzel's marking on the building where the black rock seemed to split into two paths. They went the way the marking suggested leading them through a busy city. Lance was looking at the signs and shops.

"You know, this might sound crazy but I think we're in France." Eugene raised an eyebrow.

"Lance we've both been to France this doesn't look anything like-" but then he started looking at the signs as well and they were in fact in French. Another strange thing was that the people were in fact speaking in French but he could understand them perfectly as well as read the signs. He knew a little French, mostly for the ladies, but he was more versed in Italian. He chalked it up to the magic of the house and the door they came through but that still didn't explain why France looked so weird. Still there were a few landmarks he recognized which led him to an almost impossible conclusion.

"Do you think we're in France but…" he hesitated in saying this. "In the future?" Cassandra's first instinct was to laugh but then she saw a newspaper showing the date on the front cover. She snatched it up and her eyes became wide with disbelief.

"It says we're over 200 years in the future!" Eugen and Lance crowded around the paper confirming the truth. Lance looked back up at their surroundings and frowned.

"Does that mean Rapunzel failed? I mean if we're over 200 years in the future and the rocks are still here..." He did have a point but as Eugene looked around he noticed something was off. A lot of these structures were new or at least weren't there the last time he had been to France but the rocks seemed to be poking through them. Some of the damage looked recent as well.

"I don't know Lance, it's one thing to build a city around rocks that have been there for years but some of these rocks are right in the middle of the street and through homes." Cassandra was looking with a more critical eye as well.

"I hate to agree with Fitzherbert but he's right. The damage looks too new." But that just left them with a barrage of new questions. "Let's find Rapunzel first and then we'll figure out where we are and how to get home." If we can, was left unspoken.

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Varian waited patiently in the car with Gorilla and Natalie while Gabriel was attending the Parent Teacher conference for Adrien and his class. It was a meeting they had for all the students who would be moving on to the next level in their educational career. Adrien had been stressing out since he really hadn't had a chance to see what career he wanted to pursue outside of modeling. He didn't have to make a final decision about what school he'd be attending next just yet but the deadline was drawing closer. Varian was there for moral support.

He also wanted to see his friends again, he felt bad that Rapunzel had interrupted their get well celebration for him. Hard to believe that was only yesterday. It took a bit of convincing to let him come with them but he was following the rules they set so they were content to let him sit and wait until school got out.

Once the bell rang and all the parents and students filed out Varina was allowed to greet them. He saw Max and his mother and went up to say high to them.

"Hey Max, sorry yesterday turned out to be such a fiasco." Max waved his hands.

"You don't need to apologize for that Varian. It was clear Rapunzel's arrival was unexpected. How are you feeling though?" Varian still had the bandage in his head although this one was a little smaller than the one he had before.

"I'm doing better honestly. No headaches so far." Max's mother Claudie was still a little concerned. She had heard some of what happened yesterday from Max and once again Varian was ill.

"That's good to hear. Max said you were in an accident when the rocks moved last week?"

"Yeah, I was hit by debris when I was out. I don't really remember it but Gabriel had to rush me to the hospital."

"Thank goodness he was quick." At least he was taken to a hospital this time. But with Varian's history of illnesses and now an injury she was starting to think she might need to ask Gabriel a few serious questions about his foster son.

Max and Varian chatted for a little while until Varian spotted Alix and Kim.

"Hey I'm just going to say Hi to Alix. I never got a chance to ask her about her brother yesterday." Max nodded with a sad expression.

"I don't believe he's been found as of yet." Varian frowned as well. If her brother has been missing for this long the odds of finding him alive were extremely slim.

"I definitely need to say hi then. Be right back." As if switching out Kim came over and grabbed Max by the shoulders.

"Hey Max, Hey Claudie!" Claudie smiled.

"Hello Kim. I heard your swim meet went well."

"You bet, Max came up with this great cheer! It really helped motivate me!"

"Is that so? I'd love to see it." Both boys beamed as they got into possession while Claudie took out her phone to record the routine. Something she could look back on fondly and embarrass her son with when he got older.

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"We are utterly and totally lost." Eugene complained as they had to take yet another detour while trying to follow the black rocks. They'd followed these things across countries, hell he'd been in an actual maze and he was more lost now than ever before. Asking for directions didn't help since they didn't exactly know where they were going.

Cassandra was looking for more of Rapunzel's drawings but they never found any more.

"I hate to say it but I think we need to double back and find a way through those deadends." Many of the areas where the black rocks were the most concentrated were closed with soldiers keeping everyone away. The men reluctantly agreed.

On their way back they passed what seemed to be a large school. Class was letting out for the day and there were a lot of kids just outside the building. They paid this no mind until Cassandra stopped in her tracks. There in the courtyard was none other than Varian the escaped terrorist.

"It's him!" she hissed, causing Eugene and Lance to turn back.

"Him who?" Eugene asked as he looked into the yard as well. His eyes widened seeing Varian talking to a few girls on the far side of the yard. "Didn't know he was attracted to girls his own age."

"Good for him." Commented Lance before noticing too late that Cassandra was already making her way into the yard ready to draw her sword.

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Varian found Alix hanging out with Rose and Jukela. They were trying to avoid Chloe who was complaining to her dad about something with Zoe, Sabrina and her Dad in tow.

"Hey guy!"

"Hey Varian!" they all said as Alix pointed to the building.

"Adrien's still inside with his Dad. Something about narrowing down his career choices." Varain sighed and rubbed his head.

"Yeah he's been worried about that for a while now. The rocks kind of put a halt to everything." He saw Alix's eyes drop, no doubt what she was worried about.

"I meant to ask yesterday, any word on your brother?" She shook her head.

"Me and my Dad are still convinced he's trapped in the museum. I did the math and as long as the cafeteria isn't blocked off a number of people could survive there for months." There was still hope in her eyes and she wasn't wrong about the food rations.

"Let's hope you're right. Anything I can do to help?" She shook her head no but was thankful for the support.

"Right now my Dad's talking with Jagged Stone to see if they can put pressure on the army to try and find out where these rocks came from and hopefully get rid of them." Varian saw the two men talking with Jagged gesturing wildly. He wasn't too surprised that those two had bonded. Both their sons were victims of the rocks after all. He was hoping with all the modern technology available the army might be able to do something. In his heart he knew better.

He thought about the ring he still had. He had been so focused on freeing his Dad he didn't stop to think that this could also be used to help someone else he cared about. He felt like an awful friend but maybe there was a way he could fix it. If Ruddiger allowed it. He had been grounded from using any Miraculous by Ruddiger himself. It was upsetting to know he'd caused the little creature so much stress he banned him from using his Miraculous. They needed to talk and he needed to apologize. He was so lost in thought he jumped a bit when he felt a tapping on his shoulder.

"Oh, sorry Juleka I must have spaced out for a moment."

"It's OK." she whispered quietly. "I need to talk to you about something important,"

"What is it? Is Luka OK?"

"Oh sorry, he's still the same. It's just…he left something for me. It was-"

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Juleka was cut off by a loud shriek by Chloe as the girl shoved her sister Zoe in front of her like a shield. A moment later Varian saw a sword inches away from his face. Without thinking he shoved the girls behind him to protect them from the attacker. The next moment he saw who his attacker was.

"Cassandra?" He backed the girls away. "What are you-"

"Found you at last traitor!" she said in a low threatening voice. "What have you done with Rapunzel?" By this time Eugene and Lance had made their way to her.

"Ah Cass, maybe you should tone it down a little." Eugene said as one of the adults wearing a uniform had drawn a weapon and was aiming it at her.

"THIS IS THE POLICE! DROP YOUR WEAPON AND STEP AWAY FROM THE MINORS!" All the parents as well as their children were watching as this unknown woman was threatening a group of kids with a sword. This was not an Akuma attack.

"I'm not going anywhere until he tells me what he did with Rapunzel!"

"Cass, listen to me, I didn't hurt her I swear. I did see her yesterday but she ran off. I don't know where she went." Rose nodded still behind Varian.

"It's true miss, we all saw her." Eugene was starting to panic now.

"Cass put your sword down before someone gets hurt." he could hear sirens in the distance getting closer. No doubt Sabrina's Dad had called in reinforcements. Sensing the situation was getting out of hand Eugene tried again to talk her down.

"Cass I know Varian is probably number one on your hit list but you're threatening a group of kids in front of their parents. We look like the bad guys right now!" Just then the yard was raided by police all drawing their weapons on the trio. Cass realized to her embarrassment she might have acted a little rashly. They had no choice but to surrender.

"What's going on here?!" Gabriel had just come out and was holding his son back after seeing his brother and friends in trouble. Roger put away his weapon once the three were in handcuffs and the four kids all raced to their parents.

"Some crazy lady stormed in with a sword and was threatening a group of kids including your son." Eugene's ears perked up hearing this.

"Wait son?" Gabriel had an arm around both Varian and Adrien keeping them as far away from these people as possible. Cass raised her head and glared at Varian.

"I don't know what lies he's told you but that kid is an escaped terrorist and as a member of the royal court of Corona it's my duty to send him back to prison where he belongs!" Roger looked conflicted. It was his duty to protect the citizens of Paris and uphold the law. Clearly these three were threatening the lives of children right in front of him. It unnerved him to think how close his daughter had been to the incident. But if these three were telling the truth and the boy was an escaped criminal he would have no choice but to arrest him as well.

Sensing where Roger's thoughts were heading Gabriel decided to take action. He had been prepared for something like this for a while now.

"I think it would be wise for all of us including Varian to come down to the station so we can sort this out." He felt Varian tense in his hold but he gave the boy a reassuring pat. He knew just how to handle this, he might have even been looking forward to it.

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At the station the three were sent to an interrogation room while a large number of angry parents wanted to insure the criminals could never threaten their kids again. Some like Claudie and the school principal were protesting that Varian was being brought in as well.

"I have a video of the incident officer." She held up her phone first showing her son and his friend then clearly seeing Cassandra storming up and threatening Varian without any provocation or even identifying herself. Rodger thanked her for the evidence but still tried to deny her access. Varian touched Gabriel's arm.

"If it's alright, can she come too?" Gabriel was a little surprised by this.

"Are you sure?" he nodded.

"Yeah, I trust her." In the end the Mayor, the principal, Gabriel and Claudie were the only ones allowed in. Adrien was upset that he wasn't denied as well.

"Father, what if they get their way and Varian has to go back to prison?" Gabriel put a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Don't worry son, no one is taking Varian anywhere I promise you that."

"But what if?"

"Adrien, you'll have to trust me on this one." Reluctantly Adrien nodded as he watched his Father and brother go into the interrogation room praying they would both come out.

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Roger began announcing the people in the room to witness the interrogation. This was more than a little unorthodox but the Mayor insisted so what could he do. He introduced the Mayor André Bourgeois, the school principal Denis Damocles, Astronaut Claudie Kante and Gabriel Agrest Foster, Father of Varian Ritter.

"Please state your name and position. You are being charged with trespassing, child endangerment and bringing a weapon into a school zone. We are also here to look into the claim that the minor Varian Ritter has indeed escaped custody and if he should be extradited to his home country to serve the remainder of his sentence."

"Cassandra of the royal guard of Corona and bodyguard to Princess Rapunzel."

"Hi, Lance Strongbow. I'm sought of, in between jobs right now but I certainly don't work for the crown. In fact I barely know these people at all." Eugene rolled his eyes but didn't take offense.

"Eugene Fitzhurbert, Trainer to the Royal Guard of Corona. And recently discovered lost Prince of the Dark Kingdom." That last one took Varian by surprise.

"Wait what?"

"Yeah, it turns out I'm a long lost prince. Not only that, your old man was part of this Brotherhood group of knights with my Dad they were all adopted into. So in a way that makes you my cousin." Varian looked both confused and horrified at the idea. Most of the people in the room thought he was making a joke. Gabriel didn't think it was very funny.

"I will not be relinquishing custody!" he practically shouted, startling a few people. Varian was surprised but comforted by his statement.

"That's very noble of you sir," Eugene began. "but I don't think you realize just who you've taken in. I mean, OK he's not the Devil himself but Varian-"

"Is charged with theft, treason, kidnapping, assault, acts of terrorism and attempted murder. Do I have that all correct?" Gabriel answered so smoothly it was like he was reciting a shopping list and not an arms length of criminal charges. Eugene had his mouth open with his finger in the air looking gobsmacked. The kid had really confessed all that to his caretaker?

"OK, I guess you do know who you've taken in." The other adults all looked at Varian with a look of shock and surprise. Varian couldn't look at them and did his best to hide himself in his oversized hoodie.

"Those are the official charges, yes. Varian has been very upfront with me and has taken responsibility for crimes." The mayor was more than a little surprised that someone as protective as Gabriel would allow someone with a criminal record into his home.

"Gabriel, you knew all this?" The man lost none of his composure.

"Those are the charges yes but there is a lot more to this story and I ask you to hear the whole thing before you do anything drastic like deporting Varian." Roger looked at the Mayor who was still a little disturbed by the number and severity of the charges but he was also very curious to know the details as well.

"I don't see any harm in that." Cassandra however did.

"Oh, so you can twist things around making him the victim?"

"Miss Cassandra all I'm asking is for you to recount the situation honestly. Surely telling the truth won't be a problem." She hesitated and the others in the room took notice.

"No, no problem at all. Let's start with how he-" Gabriel interrupted.

"Let's start at the beginning shall we? Well get to his crimes I won't be ignoring them I assure you." She shut up figuring it was best to just play along. The truth would come out soon enough. Eugene glanced at Lance; they were both thinking the same thing. They knew this type of con and were going to have to be very careful around this Gabriel fella.

"When was the first time you met Varian?" That question was a little tricky. They couldn't tell them they were time travelers. So she just based her answer as if they were still in their own world.

"Almost two years ago."

"And how old was he then?"

"14."

"How did you two meet?" Cassandra's cheeks became a bit red.

"It was a misunderstanding. I was told Varian was a powerful wizard but when I went to his home I found him instead." Varian rolled his eyes at the wizard reference.

"Wizard?" Claudie question.

"You'll have to forgive them. Their home is a bit behind the times. A little like the Amish communities who live in the United States." The three Corona citizens had no idea what Amish was but it was clear Varian told this man he was from another time like them and was helping to cover for them. Varian seems to have found himself a powerful ally indeed.

"Back to the questions. So you sought Varian out for assistance and after you found out he was a minor you left correct." Cass's eyes looked away for a moment.

"Ah no, when Rapunzel and I arrived we told him our problem and he agreed to help. And we were nearly killed in an explosion thanks to him!" Varian ducked further into his hoodie praying Gabriel knew what he was doing.

"Really, I'm surprised his Father would allow strangers into his home while his son was working on an experiment." Cassandra bit her lip seeing the trap he had set too late.

"Actually his Father wasn't home."

"And Varian just…let you in?"

"Ah, well you see we had to keep this kind of quiet and when no one answered the door we went in to find him."

"So you admit to breaking into his home and conducting business with a minor without his parent's permission?"

"You…you're twisting things around! We were still almost killed in the accident!" Eugene nodded, agreeing.

"She's right. The kid had this crazy idea to bring hot running water to people's homes. Can you believe it?" The others were stunned but not for the reasons they had hoped.

"Wait," The principal inquired. "Your town doesn't have running water?" Eugene's cocky smile quickly turned into a frown.

"Is that a thing here?" The others just looked at him speechless.

"Regardless," Gabriel said, getting them back on track. "Varian told me about the incident with the water heater and was disciplined by his Father when he did return home. How about you Miss Cassandra? Were you charged with any of the crimes mentioned against Varian?" She had the decency to look ashamed.

"I-it was supposed to be a secret I couldn't let anyone know." Eugene cringed as she was getting eaten alive by this man and he was far from done. Gabriel smiled back coldly.

"Is that why you threatened him if he told anyone you had paid him a visit. I noticed you left that part out of your testimony. Clearly you were doing something that could have gotten you in trouble and yet you and your friends escaped without punishment. Hardy fair if you ask me."

Eugene looked troubled at the last part. He didn't know Cassandra had threatened Varian when they first met. And the kid still had a crush on her after that?

"Let's skip ahead to the next time you meet up with young Varian. It was a local Science Expo wasn't it?" Cassandra was already cringing but if this man was going to railroad her she might as well tell it her way.

"I know what you're going to say, no need for the dramatics. I had been offered a promotion to guard duty provided I completed my other tasks as handmaiden. I fell behind and Varian offered to help in exchange for assisting him with his project when he went on stage for his demonstration." She signed, maybe she did feel a little guilty about this.

"A few of my fellow guards had an accident and they needed me to be the judge's personal guard. So yes even though Varian came through on his end I left him on his own. His ah, new assistant left something to be desired." She looked back at Gabriel satisfied she had taken the wind out of his sales by confessing. He only smiled more.

"I commend you for your honesty about this incident. And while you did come through for him in the end this wouldn't be the last time the royal guard had pushed him to the side. Let now talk about the catalyst that would start the series of events that led Varian to the desperate act that landed him in prison."

He was talking about the blizzard. They all knew this was coming. That didn't make it any easier to hear. He told of a badly timed accident that happened to fall during a state of emergency. How Varian had fought his way through a blizzard to try and get help only to be turned away and thrown back into the storm.

"We didn't know he was thrown out." Eugene protested with Cassandra in agreement.

"He's right, Rapunzel even told the guards not to hurt him." Gabriel turned back to Cassandra.

"So you were present when he came asking for aid? We'll come back to that." She did not like how he phrased that. "It is unfortunate that help was not able to come to young Varian or his Father. It was a difficult choice but one most good authority figure would make." He gave a nod to the mayor who had gone through a similar emergency and finally had to tell his daughter no and stick with it.

"It's what happens afterward that personally makes my stomach churn." His tone had become a little more darker and the Corona crew knew he would not be kind to them in this next part. "After the snow had parted and the roads were clear and the town celebrated. Conveniently forgetting all about the boy who just the day before had come pleading for aid. A display you witnessed, right Miss Cassandra?"

"I…look I figured whatever was wrong it was already too late. I had other duties."

"That's right, I believe Feldspar the shoemaker went missing, was that it?"

"Yes, and as it turns out he was in trouble as well as several other townspeople."

"A pity you didn't give young Varian the same attention as part of the guard. I guess a boy from a farming family means less than someone who lives in the capital. A boy who caught a severe case of pneumonia after being out in a storm twice. With no one to care for him and his Father because no one could be bothered to check." he stared coldly at them. "Don't bother trying to excuse it. You both were aware he needed help and you didn't so much as send anyone to do a wellness check or even a message."

Lance was now looking at his two traveling companions. Was all this right? He hadn't known the kid until he attacked the palace but did they really just forget about him?

"And while this next part does not involve anyone here it needs to be said to understand the mindset of a boy driven to desperation."

He told of the King's soldiers, which included Cassandra's own father, sent to harass the boy to keep his secrets and to try and steal something that belonged to his family. For three months the boy was alone either sick or being hunted and forgotten by everyone who he saw as a friend. He couldn't even go into town because of a false rumor being spread about how he attacked Rapunzel. One no one thought to confirm.

"After all that Varian was desperate. He tricked Rapunzel into helping him steal a flower he believed would help his Father. When that didn't work the clever boy used every bit of knowledge he had to get the attention of everyone who wronged him."

He recounted how Varian had attacked the palace as a diversion to kidnap Rapunzel's mother to draw the girl in. He left nothing out, not even the fact that Cassandra's father was hurt in the attack. Nor did he skimp over the fact that while piloting a robot he had repaired he nearly crushed Queen Ariana and Cassandra. Finally the story ended with Rapunzel taking the boy down and his arrest. At least they thought this was where the story ended. Varian looked sad and ashamed hearing his crimes recounted. He was still doubtful Gabriel could get him off but his confidence never waived so at least he had a little hope.

"Has everything I've said been true?" he asked the Corona group who all nodded yes. "This was important because the next part was only witnessed by Varian himself until I had the chance to intervene." He then explained to a stunned room, including the Coronans, about Varian's inhumane treatment while in prison. From the starvation, the pneumonia returning, the lack of medical care, the mistreatment by the guards and finally welding the shackles to his wrist. All under the King's orders. At this the Coronan's protested.

"You can't seriously believe the guards would do something like that. Rapunzel asked her father to get him some help." Eugene stated to the stunned room.

"Hold on," Roger held up his hands. "Was he sentenced by the same person he committed a crime against? Isn't that a conflict of interest?"

"It is indeed Roger. And I'm afraid having that much power over the one responsible for threatening his family, Frederic took some extreme measures to insure Varian would never leave that cell. Not alive at least." Cassandra shook her head angrily.

"There's no way that was possible. My Dad is captain of the guard. He'd never allow-" but she froze as Varian took off his gloves in front of the crowd for the second time since he arrived here.

"Mr. Fitzherbert?" Eugene was momentarily distracted by seeing the scars on the kids wrist.

"Ah, what?"

"You were a former thief weren't you? I know you were pardoned when you discovered Frederic missing daughter and returned her to her parents. A noble act for sure but shortly before that you had stolen a piece of jewelry from his family. Before you could return it and inform Frederic about his daughter you were captured by the guards. Tell me what was to be your punishment for stealing." Eugene still felt a lump in his throat when he remembered it.

"I-I was to be hung."

"When was your sentence to be carried out?"

"The next day." The room gasped in shock.

"Swift justice indeed. You were fortunate to escape Mr. Fitzhurbert because while your home of Corona's symbols is the sun the ruler Frederic is well known for being extra hard on criminals even for the lighter crimes. So is it so hard to believe young Varian wasn't subjected to the harsh treatment I described?" The three were now looking at each other with doubt in their eyes as Gabriel turned to the others.

"Due to his harsh treatment while incarcerated I'm asking for refugee status for Varian. I will take full responsibility for him. He's already been here for several months and during our time of crisis has made an excellent contribution to our city." The principal nodded in agreement.

"I organize a lot of local charities for our community. Since the black rock invaded a lot of my school children have stepped up to help. Even though he's not one of my students, Varian has been very active and helping out." The Police chief agreed as well.

"He stepped in for Adrien during the charity concert. I heard that they raised a lot of money for our displaced citizens." Claudie was also quick to point out his work with the water purifying solution.

"He and my son Max found a quick way to purify our city's water supply. I hear other nations are eager to use it to help make clean water accessible to more people." Varian peeked out of his hoodie blushing a little. Gabriel was pleased as well.

"As you can all see, since escaping his cruel treatment Varian has made a considerable contribution to society. Repaying his debt in a more productive way. What benefit would it be if we sent him back? I doubt he'd survive if Frederic got a hold of him again." So far all of the citizens from France were all for letting Varian stay and continue his community service in place of a jail sentence. The Mayor however had been nervously fidgeting with his sash.

"You make an excellent point Gabriel and I have no desire to see the boy returned to such horrid conditions but…without proof that's going to make things a little difficult."

"What about the scars on his wrist?" Claudie asked, relieved that she was finally getting some answers about the boy but also angry about what he had to go through.

"I'm afraid that's not enough." Gabriel paused for a moment then sighed.

"I was hoping I wouldn't have to reveal this, for Varian's sake but…I do have proof." All eyes snapped to the designer with Varian's being the widest. "When I took Varian into my care he was in such poor condition he nearly died. I feared taking him to a hospital worried he'd be sent right back. I brought in a private doctor who documented her care in case evidence was needed." Varian had been mostly quiet and behaved but after hearing this he jumped up.

"What! No you can't!" He didn't want anyone to see him like that. Weak vulnerable wasting away. He looked at Gabriel with pleading eyes. He looked back sympathetically.

"Varian I know you wanted to keep this private but if you want to stay here they need to know the truth. What happened to you wasn't OK." Varian thought for a moment really wishing he could say no, but he didn't really have a choice.

"Alright but not them." he turned to the three Coronans. "They wouldn't care anyway." he said bitterly.

Eugene was saddened to hear this. Although he supposed the kid had a point. No one had really looked out for the kid until Gabriel came along. The man was manipulative as all hell but he did seem to really care about Varian, flaws and all. And if those testimonials were true it sounded like he was trying to turn his life around. He didn't know what that thing Gabriel was showing to the French people was but whatever it was made everyone's faces turn white.

"Oh good lord!" the principal said, looking away. Claudie had a hand to her mouth and looked at Varian who was back to hiding in his hoodie. Roger was asking for a copy for evidence while the Mayor just stood there looking shocked.

Cassandra had no idea what the group was looking at but somehow Varian had managed to trick them again. She knew her Dad, she knew the guards, they all practically raised her. Sure Frederic was tough on criminals but he had to be. He had even given her a special mission just before her and Rapunzel had left and then a second one on the road. That one was warning her about Varian's escape and if she found him she was to bring him back alive. So of course he had to be lying about what happened in the dungeon, the king didn't want him dead! As for those scars…well he probably had another lab accident. What he said just couldn't be true. Because if it was…

"Mr Mayor, I don't care what they say I'm not leaving Varian in the hands of those Barbarians!" Claudie exclaimed, ready to fight if she had to. Fortunity she didn't have to.

"No no, I…I agree with you Ms Kante." He turned to Gabriel. "You'll have my full support and I'll see to it that Varian gets refugee status. Now if you'll excuse me I…I need to go home and hug my girls."

Varian couldn't believe it. He…he wasn't being sent away? It wasn't like they could have sent him back to Corona but he wasn't being kicked out of the country or locked up again? He didn't have to leave Gabriel, Adrien, Nathalie or Gorilla or any of his friends? He felt like he was dreaming.

Claudie walked up to Gabriel and gave him back his phone. Doing so she accidentally nudged his arm causing him to winch.

"Oh sorry. I didn't think I hit you that hard."

"It's nothing, I just got a nasty scrape when the rocks shifted." She paused. Truthfully she had been worried that Varian was being abused with how often he was getting sick and then injured but now that she knew the truth she had a bit more respect for the man. He must really care for Varian to fight for him like that.

"I'm relieved he's in good hands but the kid really needs to be in therapy." Gabriel knew that was true but things were still complicated.

"I admit we've been avoiding it for fear someone might pick up on Varian's non existing paper trail. He's been afraid of being taken away."

"Well now that things are more out in the open it might be time to revisit that conversation."

"Yes, perhaps you're right."

Roger led the Corona's to the holding cells. They would likely be deported once he learned where they were really from. There was no country named Corona after all. A part of Varian felt a little bad for them but there wasn't much he could do. Cassandra still looked ready to skewer him so maybe it was best they cooled their heels for a while. But even after all that their victory felt hollow. Sure he had gotten into charity work and he loved doing it but there was that one glaring fact that Gabriel omitted.

That Varian was Tanuki and maybe he hadn't reformed as much as he'd claimed.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Juleka had finally calmed down enough so that she could think straight. Her Dad had taken her to rest in their hotel suite while he informed her Mother about what happened. She was not happy.

That was twice now someone from Varian's past had shown up all dressed in strange clothes. Only this time one of them got violent. Rapunzel had said he had hurt people but it looks like it was more serious that anyone realized.

Still what stuck out to her the most was the way he threw himself in front of her Rose and Alix before he even knew what the danger was. He didn't back down either. She was still fairly convinced he was Tanuki but after giving this a lot of thought she knew he was a good person. She wasn't sure what Luka was trying to tell her in that letter but she would trust in Varian. It's what her brother would do.

Just then her Dad came running into the room with the biggest smile on his face she had ever seen.

"Juleka, great news! I was on the phone with your Mom and she said Luka just woke up!" There were tears in both their eyes as he gathered his little girl up and swung her around in celebration.

Luka was awake!

To be continued…

Everyone is ecstatic to hear Luka is awake and doing well, especially Varian. But what does he remember? Varian knows this conversation needs to happen and is prepared to put his trust and faith in Luka's hand come what may.