I know what you're all waiting for so let's get right to it.

Content warning: Talk of past trauma, guilt, confessing and grieving.

Chapter 15

Welcome Back

The news spread quickly. Varian had just gotten home after yet another emotionally charged day when he got the message that Luka had awakened from his coma. He and Adrien had practically run into each other trying to tell the other the good news. As happy as he was to be told he could stay with the Agrestes this was the highlight of the year.

Luka's family wanted to spend the day with him and the next they'd be allowing visitors. As much as he wanted to see that Luka was awake for himself Varian was glad he had a day to just decompress.

He convinced Nathalie that he wanted to talk to Ruddiger and not use his Miraculous. It would be best if he held off anyway. His emotions were all over the place right now but he still needed to make things up to his old friend.

Ruddiger appeared as soon as he put the goggles on. He expected the Raccoon to still be angry at him, but instead he found a worried Kwami who was about to burst into tears after seeing him.

"I'm sorry." They both said at the same time confusing Varian.

"What are you sorry for? I'm the one who kept pushing after all the times you asked me to slow down. And…" I'm the one who stole the ring in the first place.

"I saw how far you were gone. I should have said no sooner." Varian opened his arms allowing the tiny creature to come in for a hug.

"It's not your fault I keep screwing up."

"But you were asleep for three days! I'm the older one and I should have been more responsible." Varian sat down as Ruddiger took his favorite spot on his shoulder.

"Tell you what. You see me going to the dark side again and you'll have my permission to take away my powers. I trust you to make that call." The little Raccoon smiled but prayed that he wouldn't have to make that call in the future.

He filled Ruddiger in on Rapunzel and her crew appearing in this world and how Gabriel had defended him from an irate Cassandra. In better news Luka had awoken and they were planning to see him tomorrow.

Ruddiger was getting whiplash from hearing so many things happening in the few days he wasn't with Varian. He was concerned that Rapunzel and her party had somehow managed to cross dimensions as well as the black rocks. It felt like something big was happening but neither of them knew what. It was almost like everything bad from Corona had followed him here as silly as that sounded. Little did he know.

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Mathews had concluded that no, he hadn't gotten enough rest if the state of the house was anything to go by. It didn't help that while he was trying to rest Nigel kept waking him up to see if ready yet. He wished he could punch that man through the mirror. He finally gave up and managed to move the house close-ish to where his fellow disciple said to park it.

He knew he really shouldn't be doing this. The East Wing was no longer dripping with cheese but now there were tons of holes in it from all the vermin eating their way in. He still hadn't gotten them all out. But he was royally screwed when he met the person he was supposed to be sending after Rapunzel and her friends. A royal named King Frederic.

What in blue blazes was Nigel up to? But he had no time to question what all these bizarre twists and turns in this crazy plan were meant to accomplish as he welcomed the King himself to the House of Yesterday's Tomorrow. He hoped it would stay together long enough to keep calling it that by tomorrow.

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Varian was not surprised to see that everyone who was at his get well street party was also there once word got around that Luka was awake. He was hoping all these people wouldn't overwhelm the other boy but he also knew Luka would appreciate the sentiment. As excited as he was to see one of his best friends he was also extremely nervous.

Did Luka still remember who their identities were? Did he remember Tanuki saving him or hurting him? If so, then what? He would be disappointed to know he stole the Chat Noir's ring. As ecstatic as it was to find a way to break the amber he still didn't have a way to use it in his home world.

With all the crazy stuff going on with the dimensional barrier he couldn't safely test any ideas either. He might have to sneak back to the jail and find out how everyone's been traveling to this world. If Cassandra doesn't stab him first. He was at a loss and didn't know what to do.

"Varian!" Hearing a familiar voice he hadn't heard in ages he quickly turned around. "It's good to see you again." Kagami stood before him with a present in her hand and a smile on her face.

"It's good to see you too."

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After the fight with Varian Rapunzel found herself wondering wherever her legs took her. She was soon found by a group of volunteers who were helping people displaced by the black rock. She was led to a camp sight where she was given food and a place to sleep. She didn't realize how tired she was until her head hit the pillow in her sleeping bag.

The next morning she awoke and it took her a minute or two to remember where she was. Not knowing what else to do she started helping some of the volunteers make breakfast and they got to talking. Varian didn't seem to think it was a good idea to let other people know they were from a different world so she just said she was traveling and got separated from her companions. So not really lying.

She was told by the chatty volunteer that this camp was for people still waiting for their homes to be rebuilt due to the rock invasion. She was also surprised to learn this happened fairly recently. It seems the camp was smaller now than it once was due to donations speeding up the process and a number of people were already in new homes but there was still a waiting list.

She took her breakfast and thanked the volunteer as she sat down at one of the tables to eat. She of course gave Pascal some first and when a strange looking bird landed by her feet she couldn't resist giving it some as well.

"That's very kind of you Miss." The man sitting opposite her was a thin man with a hat and slightly bulgy eyes. "Not many people like pigeons, they see them as a nuisance." he scoffed.

"What? A cute little thing like this?" she giggled as more landed. The man smiled, feeding them some of his food as well.

"My name's Xavier Ramier and I love birds, especially pigeons. I envy how free they seem soaring through the skies."

"I was a bird once." She said without hesitation. The person who was about to ask if the set next to her was taken decided to keep going instead.

"So was I! Well sort of. As an Akuma I could fly with my birds. I can never remember much but I remember the feeling. It was so wonderful that I tried to get Akumatized as much as possible just so I can enjoy that sensation again." Another person sped past their table.

"Oh, that volunteer told me about them. There's this wizard who gives people powers and makes them steal jewelry." He chuckled, finding her bubbly personality refreshing. She was even talking back, to him of all people, that was simply amazing.

"Something like that. So how did you become a bird?" He listened intently as she talked about a friendly couple in the woods with a magical teapot and blue eggs.

They never noticed no one else wanted to sit with them.

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Mathews put on the straightest face he could when he was introduced to the King. The house was far from immaculate but he knew how to appear confident even if. like his house. he was falling apart on the inside. Frederic eyed the strange and mismatched rooms and decor with a hint of caution while Nigel, who was standing behind him, had a look of panic. It would have been funny if he wasn't about to collapse.

"So you say this house can open doors to other worlds?" The King asked, backing away from a house plant that was trying to shake his hand.

"It can indeed your highness. For a price of course." They had no need of the money but the king would be too suspicious if they offered their services for free.

"Yes Nigel has informed me of your fee. It's yours as long as you are able to send me to my daughter and…is that a wombat behind you?" Mathews didn't bother to look. Easier to maintain his poker face.

"Yes, yes it is." The King looked confused while Nigel was sweating and biting his fingernails.

"What is a wombat doing in your house?"

"The House of Yesterday's Tomorrow is vast and holds many secrets." It was probably for the best that he didn't see it eating a piece of the wall.

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"Kagami, it's so good to see you!" Varian gave Kagami a quick hug. "Are you here to visit Luka?"

"Yes, Marinette has been keeping me informed since Mother insisted we relocated for safety." He couldn't blame Kagami's mother for wanting to keep her daughter safe. Still, he missed her.

"Sorry my messages have been a little sporadic lately."

"Not at all. I heard about your accident as well and your…acquaintances from back home. Also, thank you for the constructive feedback on my drawings."

"I hope it wasn't too harsh."

"Oh no. They were very respectful and I have used your insight to make some improvements." This was one of the reasons he liked talking to Kagami. While she strived for perfection she also appreciated blunt honesty. He needed that himself every now and then.

"I look forward to seeing them." She smiled as she sat down next to him in the waiting area.

"Have you been in to see him yet?" He nervously tugged at the end of his shirt.

"Ah, not yet. Everyone's been seeing him in groups but I had something…private to talk to him about." She was obviously curious but didn't ask him for the details.

"So soon after he woke up?"

"This…this can't be put off much longer. I was going to talk to him just before the rocks invaded."

"Thank goodness someone pulled him out of the water. Juleka thinks it was Tanuki." Varian was very grateful he wasn't drinking at the moment because the poor girl would have been soaked.

"Ta-Tanuki? The supervillain?" She turned to him curious.

"Didn't you know? He helped a lot of people during the first invasion." He looked down and started pulling a loose thread off his shirt.

"Yeah but he also stole Chat Noir's ring. He can't be that much of a hero." Kagami was quiet for a moment as she chose her next words carefully.

"That may be but Luka is still a good friend. If he was the one who rescued him he still has my gratitude." He paused and looked back at her, not quite able to read her expression. But before he could ask her what she meant a dark haired blur ran up to them.

"KAGAMI!" Marinette shouted, giving the other girl a large hug almost knocking her off the chair.

"It's good to see you too, Marinette." Kagami smiled as she greeted her friend.

"Luka will be so happy you came back just to see him. He's doing pretty good, the doctors said they haven't found any major complications and most of his wounds have healed. It looks like he slept through most of the bad stuff. Are you and Varian going to go in next?"

"Marinette please slow down." Marinette backed off sheepishly.

"Sorry I'm just so happy! Luka's doing well and I get to see you again. Today's a good day!" Both Varian and Kagami giggled at her reaction. After everything that's been going on lately some good vibes were needed.

"I'm glad Luka is doing well. Sadly I can only stay for a short time before my mother comes to collect me." Marinette and Varian both look disappointed at that.

"Aw, I was hoping to take you out to lunch. But if you don't have a lot of time, you and Varian can go next." Varian stood up still tugging at his sleeve.

"Actually Kagami can go first. I was hoping to talk to him alone."

"Why?" Kagami stepped in.

"It's private." Marinette was wondering why Varian hasn't gone in yet even though he got here with Adrien hours ago. Whatever it was, it must be important.

"Alright then. Most of us have gone in already so it shouldn't be too much longer Varian." He sighed with relief giving Kagami a grateful look as she went in to see Luka. As soon as she was out it'd be his turn. And everything was going to change.

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Eugene cursed and threw away his last hidden lock pic. He didn't know what was keeping these locks shut, maybe the same magic that brought light into the room without candles. If he didn't know better he'd say Varian had helped make these. The self cleaning chamberpot had his signature written all over it.

"Darn it! I guess they've made locks better in the last 200 years." Lance didn't respond. He hadn't said much to Eugene since he freaked out about the chamberpot earlier. Eugene kept trying to start a conversation but the other man just seemed lost in thought.

"Alright, I can't take it anymore! Say something buddy!" Lance turned and looked at him. It wasn't anger, it wasn't sadness, it was disappointment.

"Can I ask you something?" Relief filled his face.

"Finally the silence was killing me. Yes, ask away."

"Was everything that creepy guy said true?" Suddenly he regretted wishing for an end to the silence.

"Well, I mean…the situation was a lot more complicated than he was making it seem." Lance turned back around.

"Yeah I figured."

"Hey come on. Yes we could have handled the situation differently but-"

"The kid had pretty much lost the only family he had. I would think someone like you would be able to sympathize. Just a little."

Guilt that he had managed to push down since the kid's trial had been pushing its way back up ever since he had found that toy in the Playroom. He managed to get it back down again but yesterday the flood gates had been reopened and he hadn't been able to fully close them since.

Eugene sat back down on the bench wondering just why he was trying to push the thought of the kid away as hard as he had. A kid that was apparently his biggest fan (formally) who dreamed about adventure and making a mark on the world. In a way that sounded like him at that naive young age. But that couldn't be right, the kid was nothing like him.

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The sun was starting to dip down below the horizon painting the sky in shades of orange and red with hints of purple in their mix. Luka had awoken yesterday and today he was met with a barrage of well wishers and friendly faces all looking so happy and relieved to see that he was OK. It warmed his heart as he met with each and everyone of them. Although he was starting to get tired he was waiting for one person in particular. He knew they were here and he would be patient if they needed some time.

Finally when everyone else had come and gone Varian tentatively knocked on the door. Luka had to admit it was a bit of a tearful reunion with a lot of hugging and crying until they both calmed down enough to finally talk.

Varian had all sorts of things prepared to say but the words kept getting caught in his throat. It almost seemed selfish to bring up Miraculous business just as Luka had finally woken up. He knew there were things he needed to say but he had no idea where to start. So Luka started for him.

"Thank you for saving my life." Varian was jolted out of his thoughts with the acknowledgement that yes, Luka did know about his identity and he remembered Tanuki's desperate race to save him.

"I…so you did know."

"I had to admit it took me by surprise when I found out."

"And you never told anyone." It wasn't a question.

"I'm not going to lie. I had a bit of a sleepless night but I wanted to talk to you about it first. I take it that's why you were there so early in the morning. You wanted to talk too, didn't you."

"I…I'm not going to lie either. I was panicking when I figured out that you might have learned I was Tanuki. I even whipped up a small batch of truth serum and spent hours debating whether or not to give it to you." He kept his head down not wanting to see Luka's reaction to that confession. "In the end I couldn't do it." He still wasn't looking at him when he felt a hand over his.

"Sounds like this has been eating you up for some time now."

"He really was coming to talk to you, but then the rocks invaded and well…" Luka looked up at the unfamiliar voice and saw a tiny raccoon floating above his head." Varian smiled, still looking a little sad.

"Luka this is my Kwami, Ruddiger." Luka held out a little finger for the creature to shake.

"How do you do?"

"Very well it's nice to officially meet you." He made his way to Varian's shoulder.

"We've been through a lot together. Both here and back home." As if it had only now just occurred to him Luka realized that if Varian was Tanuki then he was from another world like Ladybug said.

"I take it home isn't Germany." He sighed.

"It's similar in some ways but it's also about 200 years in the past. A place that isn't always welcoming to new ideas. It's also a world with dangerous magic." His face darkened thinking about it. "It's where those rocks came from." Luka frowned remembering how they had trapped him in his own home and how he had nearly drowned.

"Why don't you start from the beginning." And so he did. Varian told him all about the Princess and the rock. How he got so desperate he committed an act of treason. He told him of his time in prison and how an accident ended with him being saved by Gabriel Agreste. About their partnership, the truce during the first wave of the invasion and finally to him stealing Chat Noir's ring.

Varian tried to keep eye contact the whole time but he wasn't able to, not after confessing that. Luka listened intently, hearing about his friend's struggles. And it was just like he thought, Varian had made some bad choices, he still was, but there was still a good person there trying to decide what was the right thing to do.

"I was right about the ring." He continued. "Once I combined it with Ruddiger's powers I was able to control the Cataclysm. I even freed a stray cat who had gotten caught in the amber when we stopped the red rock."

"Sounds like you were successful but you don't sound too happy about it." Varian sighed.

"The Kwami's magic doesn't work in my world. Ruddiger here was an ordinary raccoon back home. So even though I went through all of that I'm still no closer to freeing my Dad." He paused letting some things he's had in the back of his mind settle in. "It's what I should want more than anything but lately…what I want is for this place to be my home. The Agrestes are all a little broken and even a little messed up but so am I. I have so many real friends who care about me and I…I feel at home here." Tears started to fill his eyes.

"I'm such a bad son." Luka now understood what was driving the other boy down such a dark road.

"You know what I think?" He tilted Varian's head up to meet his eyes. "I think you're starting to move on."

"But how can I just abandon him? While I'm in this beautiful and wondrous city he's still trapped and possibly suffering. It was my fault this happened, I don't deserve to be happy." Luka was a little shocked to hear that but if he was being honest, he wasn't surprised.

"Do you really think your Dad would want you to keep punishing yourself for the rest of your life?" Varian looked away thinking back to how his Dad pushed him away from the amber offering his life for his son's.

"N-no but-"

"No buts. Look Varian I can't imagine what it must have been like for you. I'm not saying you have to give up trying to help your dad but it's OK to live in the now." He took comfort in Luka's words but he had a feeling it might take a little work on his part for them to ring true.

"What do you think I should do now?" He had bared his heart and soul and while it did feel a little lighter he was stuck on which direction he should be heading in. Luka thought for a moment before answering.

"I think you know what you need to do. You don't need me to tell you." In truth he did know but…

"I'm scared…I've hurt so many people. And more will be hurt once the truth comes out."

"What are you scared of most?" Varian clenched his hands and closed his eyes.

"He'll hate me. He trusted me and I betrayed him."

"Who will hate you?" He knew the answer but it was important that Varian acknowledged it.

"Chat Noir…Adrien." He had known, they both had. "I-I kept telling myself that it wasn't him even if all the evidence was pointing to him I still went through with it." He looked at Luka holding on to one last thread of hope that he was wrong, that he hadn't betrayed his brother but Luka couldn't give him that.

"He'll be angry that's for sure but he'd feel worse if you and his father made the wish like you planned wouldn't he?" There was no pretending around Luka anymore. It was a little scary having lived in secrecy for so long but it was also immensely freeing.

"I only started to think about that recently. Getting our wishes would mean we'd be sacrificing ourselves, we'd be abandoning him. Sure he'd have his mother back but he'd have to lose a parent all over again."

"You'd be losing one again too." Varian blinked. It was something he hadn't said out loud but over time he was seeing Gabriel as a second father figure. It was another thing that was adding to his guilt.

"I don't want to lose him but if I want to protect him…he'll hate me for it as well." After everything the man had done for him Varian knew the best thing he could do for him was not letting him make that wish. It would also be another betrayal. It may be the right thing to do but everyone in this situation was going to be hurt one way or the other.

"You know the power of creation and destruction may be opposites but they're not necessarily enemies." Varian looked up feeling so tired but he listened with everything he had. He needed a push in the right direction and trusted Luka not to steer him wrong.

"As things are destroyed they make way for the new. It's often scary and painful and it will never go back to the way it was but from the ashes something new will be reborn. There is no guarantee if it will be better or worse but change can and will come.

"Things can't stay the same, Varian but I can't make that choice for you. So do you know what you're going to do?" Yes he knew, but it was going to be painful even if it was necessary.

"I have to give the ring back."

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The House of Yesterday's Tomorrow had seen better days. Mathews was once again opening the portal to the other world and was forced to sacrifice much of his control over the house just to make the magic door manifest. Nigel looked on in dismay seeing the house practically crumble around them. Nevertheless he managed to do it.

The door opened and he instructed the King to enter quickly as he wasn't going to be able to hold it for more than a few moments. The King was halfway through the door when the worst happened, he hesitated. Mathews cried out as his connection to the other world slipped. He tried to find the original vain again but he was too quick and not careful enough.

The next moment the world shook. He wasn't sure what happened at first but when he looked up the King was gone. He had just enough energy to reach out and find out what happened.

"What the bloody hell did you do?" Nigel screamed pointing to the sky that looked like it had a large crack in it. "Where is the King?" Oh this wasn't good, that was not a good.

"I…I think he's lost." Mathews looked pale at this point too weak to get up.

"Lost? What do you mean lost?"

"I mean he waited too long and was sent somewhere else."

"Where exactly did you send him?"

"I don't know. All I know is that he didn't go to where I tried to send him. And what's worse, something, no, several things fell through and have just landed in the other world."

Well he could kiss that promotion goodbye.

To be continued…

Next time: Varian needs to make things right with Adrien and give back what he's stolen. Even if that means losing his trust. Meanwhile several beings have just entered their world and two of them have plans to target the Agreste household.