Welcome back everyone! Quick disclaimer: I didn't write nor do I own the lyric to the song, "Speechless" from the live action Aladdin movie. I know Jermey Jorden has a bunch of other songs he did sing but this was the one I felt would be something Varian would sing about his past. I've heard some male versions of this song and a few are pretty close. That's it for now, enjoy.
Content warning: not much in this one. A character being sick and some jealous people.
Chapter 7
Speechless
Despite being a little late Varian made up for lost time. As they were getting all the entertainment guests checked in Alya was giving everyone the rundown about the line up.
"Alright first up will be a performance by Kitty Session, then my Dad will be bringing over some of the animals from the Zoo. The local children's chorus is after that followed by Gabriel's fashion show. Fred Haprèle will then go on with his mime act to give Adrien time to change and do his farewell song and Jagged Stone will be our closer."
Varian was impressed at all the effort and hard work that everyone was putting in. Most of Adrien's classmates were here as well as a few from the younger classes. While it still sucked that Bob was putting on another concert at the same time with several big celebrities he felt they had a pretty strong set up. Alya was looking at her clipboard and frowned.
"The only two who haven't checked in are Jagged Stone and Adrien." That was a surprise. He had been so busy with the set up he didn't notice Adrien wasn't here.
"I'll give him a call and see where he is. I'm sure he's on his way." Juleka went to call her Dad as Varian called his brother. When he answered he was met by a harsh sounding cough.
"Hey Varian." Varian paled at the sound of his voice. He did notice him struggling when they were practicing last night but chalked it up to how late it was and him being tired.
"You sound awful, what happened?" There was another cough over the phone.
"I was feeling a little under the weather yesterday but it wasn't that bad so I thought I'd be fine." Varian then remembered all those cups of tea he saw in his room yesterday.
"Oh man, I hate to ask this but do you think you'll be able to make-" he was interrupted by another loud cough. "I guess not." Adrien blew his nose over the phone.
"I feel so bad about this, I really wanted to perform and help everyone out." Varian pinched the bridge of his nose. This was bad, Adrien was one of their major draws but he didn't want the poor boy trying to come out when he sounded this bad.
"Don't worry about it, just get some rest. Maybe Jagged can go on early and do a double set."
"I still feel like I'm letting you down."
"You just worry about getting better, we'll figure something out. Take care." And with that Varian went back to inform the rest of the group.
"Hey guys, bad news, Adrien's sick and he's not going to be able to make it at all today." Alya nearly dropped her clipboard.
"Wait what?" Rose peeked her head out from around the corner already dressed for Kitty Session's performance.
"Oh no. Poor Adrien." The other band members came out hearing the news. Ivan had a worried look on his face.
"But he's in two of the performances." As soon as he said that, Varian's phone went off. It was a text from Gabriel.
"Well a little good news, Gabriel is already sending a replacement for Adrien's part in the fashion show. As for Adrien's song, I was thinking Jagged could do two songs?" Juleka had just come back and raised her hand.
"There's more bad news. Dad's stuck in traffic because of an accident. He thinks he can make it for his time slot but it's going to be pushing it." Alya who was normally calm and collected was just about pulling her hair out.
"AH, what do we do now? It's too late to get anyone new!"
"What if Varian went on?" Everyone turned, surprised to hear Juleka at a normal tone instead of a whisper. "He's played with us a few times during practice, he's really good." The other band members all nodded in agreement but Varian went a little pale.
"Ah, I don't think that's a good idea. Why don't you guys do another song instead." Rose shook her head.
"We had to rework the music for the one song we're playing without Luka. There isn't enough time."
"Please Varian." Juleka asked again. "I know it's not fair to ask you since you've been doing so much but…please this is for Luka."
Varian saw everyone's eyes on him begging for an answer but this wasn't just about him. He'd be happy to do it but that would mean exposing himself to the media. People would be asking where he came from and while his small circle of friends knew he was staying at the Agreste's it wasn't public knowledge. There would be questions, questions he couldn't answer. He wasn't here legally and Gabriel could get into trouble. Even so, he wanted to help but…
"I…let me make a phone call. I'll give you my answer then." The others gave him a thumbs up as Alya directed Kitty Session to their cue since the show was about to start. Varian excused himself to give Gabriel a call. The man picked up immediately.
"Hey Gabriel?"
"If you're calling about Adrien no he's not well enough to-"
"I know, I spoke with him earlier. The thing is we still need a replacement act to fill in his time slot and…they asked me to do it." The was a pause on the other end.
"Is that something you wish to do?" Varian paused nervously.
"I want to help, this could help a lot of people not just financially but knowing their community cares and is reaching out. But that would mean revealing myself to the public and that's going to draw a lot of attention. So I guess I'm asking if you're OK with that. I know its a big ask and if you say no I'll honor you decision." He waited with bated breath honestly not knowing what the other man would say.
"The rules are in place for your protection Varian, not mine. I can handle whatever media storm comes and spin it in my favor."
"I know but-"
"Let me finish. In the end this is your decision but if you do choose to reveal you've been a part of our household there will be consequences. Not from me but not everyone is going to be happy that we've kept this hidden for so long. There will be questions and comments, not all of them kind. Not to mention there are likely to be unforeseen consequences. Knowing all this are you prepared to go through with it?" Varian took a deep breath.
"Yes, I am."
"Then I expect nothing less than a stellar performance. Good Luck." And with that Gabriel hung up getting ready to prepare for the media hail storm that was about to come.
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"Father?" Gabriel looked up and saw his son looking down from the balcony. "Did I hear right, is Varian taking my place in the concert?"
"Yes son, unfortunately there wasn't time to find a suitable replacement." Adrien looked worried.
"But wouldn't he get in trouble if the authorities from his county found out?" Gabriel pinched the bridge of his nose adjusting his glasses.
"You let me worry about that. Rest assured he won't be going back to prison. I'll see to that." Adrien wanted to believe his Father but was this something he could really fix? "I knew we couldn't keep this covered up forever, at least this way we do the revile our way and are prepared." Adrien thought for a moment.
"I want to help."
"Son, you're sick and are not leaving this house."
"I know but I think I have an idea."
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The King of the Dark Kingdom paced nervously awaiting the response from his fellow Brotherhood members. He had done all he could to study the stone and discovered there was a tiny sliver of power left. Not enough to summon a rock but perhaps it could be used to track the rest of the Moonstone's power.
He waited and was rewarded as Hamuel returned with three scrolls in his talons. Edmund eagerly opened Hector's and was pleased to see he was ready to help. He still felt guilty about asking him but the situation was urgent.
Adira was also willing to help but once again insisted that the Sundrop and her party were innocent. Edmund sighed heavily disappointed she had yet to give up on this crazy dream. She did however inform him about several evil entities trying to stop the Princess from reaching the Dark Kingdom. This was interesting especially since the party was currently trapped in a magical house by someone with very strong magic.
Seeing as both Hector and Adira were heading in the same direction he felt it might be wise to join them but first he had one more scroll to look at. Only it wasn't a reply, it was the original scroll he'd sent to Quirin with his seal still intact. He raised his eyes to Hamuel, confused as to why this one was not delivered. Unless…
"Hamuel, why has Sir Quirin not responded?" The bird was unable to speak but it knew how to communicate to his king. He looked down sadly and shook his head. Edmund's fears were starting to come to fruition. "How? What happened?" The bird flew up to a cluster of rocks, pecked at it and looked down again.
"Oh," he now understood. The blasted Moonstone had taken yet another of his loved ones. Since the scroll was returned and not given to his heir they must both be lost, that was the only explanation. He removed his crown and lowered his head solemnly.
"Rest in peace, Brother."
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Max and Kim were done with the set up and were taking a moment to enjoy the show. They were surprised to see Varian being dressed and primped by some of the fashion show crew.
"What's going on, Varian?" Varian managed to pull away for a moment before addressing the two boys.
"Slight change of plans, Adrien got sick so I'm taking his place for his performance." They looked at eachother and back at Varian concerned.
"But isn't that dangerous." Max stated as Kim raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah I thought-" he quickly looked around before whispering. "You were on the run or something." He smiled.
"I am but it's OK, this is important. Also, I'm tired of hiding and I'm going to have to face my past sooner or later." he looked up at Max while he took out his goggles. He didn't want to chance someone would recognize the Miraculous again. "Max, I'm asking you to keep this safe while I'm on stage. This is very important to me." Max took the goggles in his hand.
"These were your mother's right? Don't worry, I'll keep them safe." He knew he would because Max was a great friend.
"Thank you." The fashion crew were back still trying to pretty him up for the stage. "I've got to get ready. See you after the show." They both waved him off and wished him good luck.
The time came quicker than expected and before he knew it Alya was leading him to the stage behind the curtain with a grand piano ready to be played.
"I'm sorry for putting you on the spot like this. You didn't even get a chance to rehearse." Varian resisted the urge to run his hands through his hair and mess up all the stylist's hard work.
"It's OK, I have a piece I know by heart that has a special meaning for me."
"I'm more worried that Adrien's fans are going to blast us on social media for pulling a bait and switch." Varian admitted he was a little worried about that. "Alright, when the curtain opens you'll introduce yourself and go into your song." And hopefully not get booed off the stage. She silently added.
In a moment that seemed to take ages but came too quickly at the same time the curtain opened and Varian stepped out. He didn't notice Alya taking a call and rapidly usering orders behind the stage behind him.
"H-hello everyone thank you for coming out today to give you time and support to the people of Paris during this time of crisis. I know you were expecting to see Adrien Agrest on stage right now-" a sudden roar of excitement came from the crowd and for a moment Varian didn't know why.
He glanced back and saw a large screen had dropped down and Adrien appeared on screen slightly cleaned up but still looking ill. Adrien started moving his hands and subtitles started appearing below him. He was using sign language since he needed to save his voice.
"Oh, and there he is."
"Hello everyone, sorry I couldn't make it in person today. I really wanted to be there to show my support for Paris. I even stayed up late writing the song I was supposed to sing today but this bug hit me pretty hard. The person on stage right now is Varian Ritter. We haven't made this public yet but he's being fostered by my family." There was a low murmur from the crowd. "He's been like a brother to me and has helped me through some tough times. Heck he even helped me write my farewell song which everyone who attended or donated to the steam will get to hear first before we release it for sale. Everything will go to help those affected by the black rock invasion so once again thank you for your support."
The crowd cheered even if there were some disappointed fans. Adrien began signing again as the text continued.
"I know it's not the same as being there in person but you've got a great replacement. Varian is one of the best singers I've ever heard even if he is a little shy." Varian was actually blushing a little. "Trust me you won't be disappointed. Now, everyone give it up for my brother Varian!"
The crowd cheered again as the spotlight focused on Varian as he sat down in front of the piano.
"Thanks Adrien! I'll do my best. This song is something I heard shortly after I came to live with Adrien and his family and it means a lot to me. Adrien and I both have a friend who was hurt during the invasion Luka, who's also a member of Kitty Section. So this is for Luka on behalf of myself and my brother Adrien."
He took a deep breath and let his hands glide across the keys. This was a piece he had heard when he first got here and it had a special place in his heart. He ignored the crowd and let the music flow as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Here comes a wave
Meant to wash me away
A tide that is taking me under
Swallowing sand
Left with nothing to say
My voice drowned out in the thunder
But I won't cry
And I won't start to crumble
Whenever they try
To shut me or cut me down"
Behind the stage Alya's jaw dropped as she listened to Adrien's brother perform. Beside her Rose was jumping up and down while Juleka gave a happy smile. "I know you guys said he was good but I didn't expect him to sound like a professional." she said in a whispered voice as they continued to watch and listen.
"I won't be silenced
You can't keep me quiet
Won't tremble when you try it
All I know is I won't go speechless
'Cause I'll breathe
When they try to suffocate me
Don't you underestimate me
'Cause I know that I won't go speechless
The entire crowd, even the ones who were disappointed not seeing Adrien, were left speechless themselves as they listened to this undiscovered talent.
"Written in stone
Every rule, every word
Centuries old and unbending
Stay in your place
Better seen and not heard
But now that story is ending
'Cause I
I cannot start to crumble
So come on and try
Try to shut me and cut me down
I won't be silenced
You can't keep me quiet
Won't tremble when you try it
All I know is I won't go speechless
Speechless
People were recording and sending and commenting on the performance all over social media before the song was even over. Even Chloe, who still hadn't heeded her threat to move to New York was already online saying how she knew him personally.
Alya rolled her eyes expecting nothing less only to remember that Chloe had guessed that Varian was a celebrity the Agrestes were keeping hidden back when Varian first arrived and everyone was guessing why he was there. Alya looked back at the stage wondering if Chloe was actually right. And what a scary thought that was.
"Let the storm in
I cannot be broken
No, I won't live unspoken
'Cause I know that I won't go speechless
Try to lock me in this cage
I won't just lay me down and die
I will take these broken wings
And watch me burn across the sky
Hear the echoes saying I
Won't be silenced"
Back in his room Adrien watched the performance proudly but with a hint of sadness. Bit by bit he was slowly starting to understand the other boy who had become a part of his family yet still remained somewhat of a mystery. He could tell by the way he sang he was letting some of that frustration out and letting people know what he had been through. Even if most people listening would think it was just a song Adrien knew he was hearing the real Varian.
"Though you want to see me tremble when you try it
All I know is I won't go speechless
Speechless
'Cause I'll breathe
When they try to suffocate me
Don't you underestimate me
'Cause I know that I won't go speechless
All I know is I won't go speechless
Speechless!"
The song came to an end and Varian was so immersed he almost forgot where he was for a moment. The roar of the crowd brought him back to reality. It seems like he did a good job. He gave a bow and waved as he headed backstage hoping he bought enough time for Jagged Stone to get here in time for his set.
"That was totally rock and roll little dude!" Varian turned to see Jagged standing besides him a little breathless. He must have just arrived. "Luka said you were good and wow he wasn't kidding." Varian blushed again. It was an honor to receive that kind of praise from Luka's Dad who was a professional."
"I'm just glad I kept them in their seats until you got here." Jagged smiled and held up his guitar.
"Thanks for that mate." He practically ran on stage as the crowd cheered again. The spotlight no longer on him Varian finally let himself relax. He did it. He kept everyone from leaving and the event was still going smoothly. He just hoped they'd raised enough to make a difference.
As he walked back to the back staging area Rose practically tackled him. "Varian that was great!" she shouted as Jagged's loud music started. Juleka thanked him as well before going up to see her Dad's performance. Max and Kim came up to him with Max offering his googles back. He immediately put them back on no longer needing to worry about messing up his hair.
"Thanks for holding on to these for me."
"You're very welcome. And I must say for someone with no time to rehearse you did a splendid job." Kim just sighed.
"It's just not fair." Max looked back at Kim with a disappointed look on his face.
"Kim you're not jealous again are you?" Varian frowned but didn't say anything.
"I know I know but…you heard him, he sounds like he came right off a Disney or Hazbin Hotel soundtrack." Varian rolled his eyes.
"Well you'll be happy to know this was a one time thing. I'm happy I could help but this isn't something I'd do as a career." Kim looked back, not relieved but pacified. Max on the other hand looked at Varian with concern.
"I just hope all this publicity won't cause you or your family any problems." Varian sighed. He was more worried about the fallout from keeping his stay at the Agreste home a secret. In truth it was more trouble for Gabriel but he seemed OK with it so he supposed it was fine. It's not like anyone for Corona would have heard the broadcast.
"I'm sure it will be OK, Gabriel seems to think he can handle the barrage of questions. He even has a press release prepared. That is if anyone actually cares about the substitute act opening for Jagged."
"VARIAN!" Alya shouted as she ran up to him with a big grin on her face. "You were brilliant out there. The concert just ended and we've already raised a ton of money for the relief effort and there's still more coming in." Varian gave her a wide smile.
"That's great." she shoved her phone in his face waving it happily.
"That's not all. News is spreading like wildfire about Adrien's secret brother and your performance is already trending!" Varian's smile dropped and he quickly took the phone.
"I'm what now?" Sure enough social media was going wild and he let out a nervous chuckle. "Oh…great." He hoped this will all blow over soon.
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Later that night XY was at home finished with his own concert and was expecting to see himself trending. Much to his shock and dismay this random kid claiming to be Adrien Agreste's brother was taking all of his spotlight.
The concert his Dad had put on barely got half the numbers that low budget hack show did. Worst of all his Dad was now desperate to find the kid hoping to sign him to a record deal before someone else could but it seems he was having trouble finding him online.
XY clenched his fist and fumed after seeing picture after picture of this kid who had just taken all of his hard earned fame.
Who the hell was this Varian Ritter anyway?
To be continued…
Next time: Fame is a fickle friend and XY's jealousy gets the better of him.