Happy Halloween Everyone! It feels so weird knowing that there's just one more chapter after this.

While this may have just been a fun little fanfic for some it was a bit more for me. I went to a collage that…wasn't my first choice, chose a path I wasn't fond of because it was a "safer' option. Cut to more than 2 decades later I've been stuck in a job, and while I'm good at it, I really don't like it. After a bit of a rough patch and getting my life in order I started wondering would I have been better or worse if I followed my passion. I decided that I'd rather try and fail than be left with a lifetime of what if's.

I used this story as a "test" if you will. I hadn't drawn or written anything in a long time. I wanted to see if I could commit to a weekly update, and knock the rust off my pencils and get back into drawing and writing on a regular basis. Even if this would be nothing more than a fun hobby I was at least doing something I loved again. And that has meant the world to me.

It was stressful at times but I proved to myself I could do it. Over 60 chapters and more than 100 pictures has left me feeling pretty proud of myself. Looking back at the earlier chapters I can see that I have been improving, which was another goal. I still have a ways to go but I'm looking forward to improving my work.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to comment, like or even just enjoy this story.

Content warning: Trials, near death experience, funerals, mourning/moving on, guilt, forgiveness, fractured/patched together friendships, escaped villain and love confessions.

Chapter 35

Winds of Change

After stepping through the portal the Corona crew and the Brotherhood ended up on the outskirts of Old Corona where the House of Yesterday's Tomorrow was last located. One look around told them all they needed to know.

"The Rocks!" Rapunzel exclaimed as a bright smile appeared on her face. "Varian did it!"

"What did Varian do?" They were so distracted by the clean countryside they almost didn't notice the figure coming up the road heading for the capital. Everyone's eyes widened when they saw who it was.

"Q-quirin?"

"Brother?" Edmund and Adira were in awe seeing their brother alive and well.

"Your Majesty? Adira? What are you doing here?" Edmund and him clasped hands as Adira smiled.

"It's a long story, Quirin." Edmund answered as the now free man noticed the Princess and her entourage.

"Princess, you mentioned my son Varian earlier, where is he?" Her smile faded at the thought of telling the man he would never see his son again. Eugene put a hand on her shoulder as he started guiding everyone to the castle.

"He's a part of that long story. Come with us, we'll tell you on the way."

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After the battle was over and everyone was sent back to their home world Ladybug went back to the building under construction (which was now fixed) hoping to catch before he ran off with the Miraculous again. As it turns out she didn't have to worry. He left the butterfly pin behind along with a note asking for three days. She wasn't sure what that meant but at least he wasn't going to be a danger to anyone…she hoped.

Unbeknownst to her, Adrien and Varian got a message from wanting to talk. Both were a little hesitant but after helping out in the final battle with Zhan Tiri they felt he deserved a chance to talk things out.

They met him at a safe house where he was staying with Gorilla and a very sick Nathalie. She was laying in bed extremely pale. Her hair had turned almost completely white since they had last seen her.

"This is one of the reasons I wanted you boys here and why I asked for time." He didn't have to say it out loud but Nathalie was dying. Adrien was having flashbacks to when his mother was sick on her deathbed. He never thought he'd have to go through that twice.

"I wanted to give you two a chance to say goodbye." He put a hand on Adrien's shoulder. "It was wrong of us to not give you that closure with your mother. For that I am sorry and I won't repeat that mistake again." The small family sat together for a time simply talking to the woman who was undeniably a part of it. They weren't sure she could hear them at this point but none of them really cared.

By this point it was getting very late and Gabriel was shooing the boys off to bed. Varian asked to stay a few moments longer. Not seeing any harm Gabriel agreed. As Gabriel went to inform Hector Varian would be joining him soon the boy sat by the bed with a thought swing back and forth through his head like a pendulum.

It had to do with how Rapunzel was able to use the Decay Incantation. She was the Sundrop so the fact that she was able to use a spell meant for the moon was making him think. She hadn't been able to use the Healing incantation since she was cut off from her power all together and when she gained it back it seemed to have evolved in a way that protected itself. Kind of like how the Moonstone broke off a piece of itself to protect the whole.

Now fully connected with this Moonstone Varian couldn't help but wonder, could he use the healing incantation? He glanced back at Nathalie, she wasn't long for this world but maybe just maybe…

His hair wasn't long enough to wrap around her so he wove tiny rocks and spun them into flexible strands and wove them into his own hair. Once it was long enough he wrapped it around Nathalie's arm and began the incantation.

"Flower gleam and glow

Let you power shine"

Light was emanating from his hair. Encouraged he kept going.

"Make the clock reverse

Bring back what once was mine"

As he sang the color started coming back into her face and her hair was reverting back to its original color.

"Heal what has been hurt

Change the fates' design"

As she began to stir he felt himself growing tired but he kept going.

"Save what has been lost

Bring back what once was mine"

She was starting to wake up, it was working. But the more he sang and the healthier she got the weaker he was becoming. But he had to finish. He was almost done.

"What once was…mine"

As Nathalie rose to ask Varian what had happened he lost consciousness and fell to the floor.

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The road to the castle was long and at some points painful for Quirin. He learned that after the accident Varian had gone seeking help and his tortuous journey that followed. They took turns filling the poor father in not sparing any details or trying to paint themselves in a better light. By the time they had reached the castle gate they had just informed Quirin how Varian had to remain in the other world and that Hector had stayed behind to be there for him.

The man was in a state of shock not showing much emotion as the group was led into the castle. The guards alerted the Queen that her daughter had returned home and she raced to meet her.

After a tearful reunion Arianna noticed some of her daughter's newer companions noticeably a very sullen Quirin. The last time she had seen the man she was being held captive by his son in a desperate attempt to free him.

"I see a lot has happened, Rapunzel. When the rocks vanished I was happy for your success but worried what it might have cost." She looked her daughter up and down relieved she didn't appear to be hurt, physically anyway. "Something else happened didn't it? What is my daughter? And…have you heard from your father while on the road?" Rapunzel wrung her skirt, something Arianna recognized as a familiar gesture, something she did when she was nervous.

"Mom?" Rapunzel said with a worried expression on her face. "I…we…There's something I need to tell you. A lot of things actually." Arianna nodded and usured the group into the castle.

"Yes, there is much to discuss."

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Varian woke up with a splitting headache not unlike the ones he used to get when the Moonstone was struggling to connect with him. He heard some mumbling around him and he thought he heard someone saying, "He's waking up."

He finally dragged himself from the depth of sleep and the first thing he hears is,

"You Idiot!" Varian jumped now fully awake as his Uncle Hector hovered over him with an angry expression. "What were you thinking using the Healing Incantation!" Varian was a little shook by Hector's reaction but he stood his ground.

"I figured since Rapunzel could use the Moon's spell I could use the Sun's."

"And when she used it she lost all control and couldn't stop it. When Nathalie rushed in to call for help you were on the floor with a pulse so weak we feared-" He stopped and turned around trying to get his anger under control. "Yes, you can use the healing incantation but it's not a natural spell for you. It appears in order to heal you must use your own energy and the more you need the more is taken from you." He kneeled down so he was closer to Varian's level.

"Varian, listen to me. I know you like the idea of using your powers to help people and I am not discouraging you but this…this could kill you, It almost did. It's been almost three days since you healed Nathalie and you're only now just waking up." Varian's eyes widened with shock.

"Thr-three days?" he questioned, remembering the last time he pushed himself so hard he was out for several days. So many people were worried about him and he swore not to do it again.

"Varian? Father, he's awake!" It was Adrien standing in the doorway waving at Father to come in. Both of them were dressed in black. For a moment he feared he was too late and Nathalie didn't make it after all. He was so relieved to see her following Gabriel in also dressed in black. They all looked like they had just come back from a formal occasion.

"I'm sorry." Was the first thing he said when everyone had gathered. "I'm glad Nathalie's alright but I didn't know the incantation would-" Nathalie held up a hand.

"It's alright Varian. While I appreciate what you did to help me I must insist you not do that again." Varian smiled sheepishly.

"Agreed." Stated putting a hand on his shoulder. "None of us want to see you hurt yourself like that." Varian nodded.

"I know and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry." While the adults were satisfied Adrien noticed he didn't promise not to do it again. Knowing his brother this might not be the last time.

"Father, do you mind if I speak to Varian alone for a moment?" Gabriel nodded.

"Of course son but just for a moment. Dinner will be ready soon and afterwards we'll need to…discuss some things." Adrien already knew what it was going to be about but Varian would need to know the details. That could wait until after dinner though. Once they were alone Adrien sat down besides his brother.

"You missed a few things while you were asleep. We just got back from Mom's funeral." There was a public one about a year ago. No one besides Gabriel, Nathalie and Gorilla knew she was still alive and on life support and that the coffin was empty.

"Father discussed it with us and we decided to take her off life support and put her to rest. It's what she would have wanted." This decision was more certain since they had met the other Emilie from the other dimension. She wanted her familiar to move on and now they finally could.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you guys." Varian said, lamenting. "How are you feeling?" Adrien paused before answering.

"Sad but in an odd way…more at peace. I think it helped seeing my Father properly mourn her. He's been holding on to her for too long and well, that caused a few problems didn't it." That was a very polite way to put it. He then turned to face Varian with a serious expression on his face.

"I've had some time to think and I want you to know I forgive you for taking the ring." Vari was more than a little surprised by this.

"Ar-are you sure? I understand if you're still mad It was a pretty shitty thing to do." but Adrien was not swayed.

"It was but I do understand why and I believe you when you said you regretted it and wouldn't do it again."

"Without a doubt," he confirmed.

"After everything we went through and everything you've done to make up for it I can't really say I'm mad anymore and I don't want to be. When you almost had to leave I realized we'd never see each other again and you'd leave thinking I was still mad."

He didn't say it out loud but after he hurt himself by healing Nathalie he feared he might be attending another funeral. It was probably a good thing that they made the final decision about his mom while he was asleep. If he had tried to bring her back he Adrien had no doubt he'd die trying. Something none of them wanted.

"You'll always be my brother Varian so I officially forgive you." Varian felt his eyes tearing up. He almost felt like he didn't deserve forgiveness but he could feel the honesty in Adrien's words. He was ready to accept them.

The two of them hugged feeling more at ease than they had been in a while. Afterwards Adrien held out his hand.

"We should get to dinner. Father still has something to discuss." He was right. Varian may have gotten a pardon from Ladybug but still had more to answer for then him. His last minute assist was helpful but he wondered if it was enough.

"Alright, let's go."

There was much to discuss.

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Queen Arianna had a very long talk with her daughter and her companions. She revealed that she had learned about Frederic's family and the supposed sacrifices and the altered history. She also discovered there was more to Varian's disappearance than first thought.

It was then Rapunzel's turn to fill her in on all the details she had learned. Everything from her father, his hatred for Varian and being taken by the Evil Rapunzel and Varian. Arianna wished she was more surprised than she was. But after everything she'd found she had a pretty good idea of what the picture looked like before she had all the pieces.

With her husband…no longer with them it made some things easier but still caused some problems. By law with Frederic's absence the crown should go to Rapunzel since she was his heir and was of age but Rapunzel didn't have a lot of experience. She certainly wasn't going to trust Nigel with helping her adjust; he was on the list of people to investigate.

She had a more private talk with her mother expressing her stress, lack of knowledge and her trauma when she discovered the person she thought was her mother was her kidnapper. This was an issue Arianna had thought Rapunzel might need some help with but with her positive attitude and her husband insisting she was fine and simply needed time to adjust she let it pass.

Now she was seriously regretting that decision. She promised Rapunzel to get her the help she needed and that she would have a lot of support when she took the throne. As it turns out her and her Aunt Willow had been planning a little something behind the scenes for when Frederic returned. The plan was still in effect since there were still some nobles in line for the throne who would be as bad if not worse than Frederic. Rapunzel taking the crown would keep them at bay but if they tried to fight they'd be ready.

Rapunzel was relieved that her mother was already working toward a solution and offered her some additions to the plan.

Arianna liked them very much. They got the group back together to discuss the details.

Corona would be changing soon and for the better.

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It was the talk of Paris and the world when Gabriel Agreste walked into the police station, informed them that he was Hawkmoth/Shadow Moth and turned himself in. Ladybug fell off her bed when she heard the news. He had asked for three days and on the third she was stressing out fearing what he had been planning but she never would have guest this.

The first thing she did was call her boyfriend and ask if he was OK. He assured her that he was and that his Dad had discussed everything with the family beforehand. His aunt Amalie and his cousin were staying with him in Paris while everything was going on. He had even arranged an apartment for Hector where he could stay and Varian could visit. While Varian was still welcome in the manor he would likely be living with his Uncle if Gabriel went to jail.

Well, now she knew why Gabriel needed the time. Still she wasn't expecting him to just confess. She would no doubt be called to testify but now she wasn't sure what she should say.

The trial was going to be tricky. Alya brought up that a good lawyer could argue no one was ever hurt since her Lucky Charm fixed all the damage he caused which may have led him to believe he could continue since he wasn't really hurting anyone. That was completely false but she had to be prepared since that argument was very likely to come up.

She was surprised yet again when Chat Noir came to her and offered her a unique solution. Vee had mentioned in passing that the United Heroez had a villain rehabilitation program for former villains who could potentially use their powers for good. He wanted her to contact them and ask if this was an option.

He wanted her to be the one to ask since he feared they might still be mad at him for accidentally cataclysming Uncanny Valley. Ladybug took some time to think it over. While she wasn't willing to give him the Miraculous back his actions did show he was willing to try and change. He had given back the Miraculous and turned himself in on his own and that did help push the bar in his favor.

She told Chat Noir she would talk to the American Heroes and get their opinions as well. They didn't usually interfere with foreign heroes and villains but they were intrigued by Ladybug's suggestion.

The program had in fact helped a number of villains turn their lives around and a few even became heroes that worked for the United Heroez now. While it didn't seem like Gabriel would go the hero route he could still contribute to society.

Majestia was the liaison and explained to a very surprised Gabriel about the program. She explained it would be like an extended probation and watched very closely for a while. He and his entire family would also be seeing a psychiatrist for an evaluation and to help with any trauma associated with it. Gabriel agreed but the final decision would still be decided by the people of Paris at the trial.

The whole Agreste family was very nervous when the trial finally took place. Public opinion was mixed at first, some not believing that the three Akumatized people weren't there against their will.

Mr. Pigeon didn't exactly help, he seemed a little unstable and a little too happy about being Akumatized for most people's liking.

Jalil was a mixed bag. He had previously confessed to being tricked by a spirit that brought the rocks to Paris, something Ladybug and Chat had confirmed. Even though he was not officially charged with a crime some of the people who lost loved ones still thought he was worse than Shadow Moth and should still be punished. He had to leave the country for his own safety but still testified remotely saying he agreed to being Akumatized to help try and fix some of the damage he had caused. It swayed a few people but a lot thought he was trying to make himself look better.

Marc on the other hand was pretty convincing. He stated that after his boyfriend was hurt he was offered the chance to help. The fact that his power counted the Decay Incantation convinced a lot of people. The ones who were still in Paris while the final battle was going on described the feeling of dying until Reverser came on the scene. He expressed how he was grateful to help especially when the demon was defeated and Ladybug was able to fix everything including the people who were hurt like Nathaniel.

After a long debate and deliberation the judge agreed to the Supervillain rehabilitation program. If he showed progress and contributed to society he could sever out his sentence that way. However if he returned to a life of villainy the punishment would be much harsher.

Gabriel was in shock, he honestly didn't think he would be getting a second chance but he was grateful for it. The whole family was getting a second chance and was determined to make his family proud instead of the other way around.

Ladybug was happy for them too. She was even more happy that Adrien wouldn't be moving to London with his Aunt. She did however pity the therapist who would be assigned to their family.

Whatever they were being paid wouldn't be enough.

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Quirin had returned to his village to help his neighbors rebuild now that the rocks were gone and the land was sustainable again. Many of them returned after fleeing Old Corona. Settling anywhere when the rocks just seemed to follow them was difficult to say the least. Many of them were also intrigued by the Princess's proclaim that Varian was the one who ultimately got rid of the rocks and wanted to hear the whole story.

Most quickie found the boy's grieving father and offered him comfort instead. The boy had always been a bit dangerous in their eyes, heck many heard the rumor that he had killed his own father. Obviously that wasn't true. It seems like the boy had done a great service to Corona but had not been able to return with the Princess.

Quirin was vague about why his son had not returned but assured them that he was in a place where his brilliant mind could thrive. He left it at that. He never told anyone his son was the true keeper of the Moonstone and he was thankful those who did know kept it a secret. Let Varian's good deeds be praised instead of being thought of as the cause of their suffering. It was the only way the truth could be told.

"Penny for your thoughts brother." Adira asked knowing her brother could sense her before she even came in.

"Just…trying to pick up the pieces." it was clear he was still in mourning. Varian may still be alive but Quirin would never see him again. His family was gone and Quirin was alone once again.

"You should return to the Dark Kingdom with us. With the rocks gone we have a chance to rebuild." She was hoping he'd say yes. There wasn't anything for him here and keeping him busy would keep him from dwelling on what he had lost.

"Thank you for the offer but I don't think I can start from scratch again. Besides, even though Rapunzel said he has friends and loved ones in the other world, I'd still like to see him again someday. Just to make sure he's…alright." It was clear he had made up his mind but then she noticed several bags in the corner as if he was preparing for a journey.

"It looks to me like you are getting ready to leave. Where are you going?" He was quiet for a moment.

"Away, not sure where to yet." She recognized a dismissal when she heard it. Still there was something else she needed to tell him, something she needed to get off her chest.

"I can respect that. Speaking of Varian-"

"I know you left to follow the Sundrop and not give Varian the message like I requested." He said coldly, not looking her in the eye. Edmund told him no doubt. She didn't blame him though, he probably figured she wouldn't say anything.

"I don't ask for your forgiveness, Quirin. Just know that I'm sorry." She turned to leave. "I'll be returning to help the King rebuild. He's still not thrilled with me but with Hector gone he'll need all the help he can get. Maybe in time I can make up for chasing a fairy tail."

As she left to retrieve Hector's bearcats she half expected Quirin to stop her and say something else. But he let her leave and said nothing.

She almost wished he had yelled at her.

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Varian had been putting this off for a while now but with the trial over and his family getting back on track he was out of excuses. When Max asked to meet him to talk, a ball of anxiety dropped into his stomach. Still Max had the right to be heard. This was one of the last things he had to make up for.

Max was waiting for him at the park and Varian was relieved to see he was alone and that Kim wasn't with him. Kim had been a lot nicer to him after learning he was the one to save his Nana but he was still fiercely defensive about Max and Varian doubted he'd be able to get in a word if he was there.

"Hey Max." he said as the other boy waved him over. "Sorry I haven't had a chance to talk lately." Max thankfully didn't seem mad or offended.

"There did seem to be a lot going on with the trial."

"So…how did you feel about it?" Varian asked, testing the waters. Max and Markov were Akumatized after all. He noticed Markov wasn't here with him. He couldn't really blame Max for being protective of his friend.

"I suppose I'm still mixed like most people. I was caught while trying to evacuate some citizens when that demon unleashed the Decay incantation." Varian felt guilty that he didn't know.

"I'm sorry I didn't know."

"It's OK. I didn't exactly tell anyone. Still I am curious to see if your guardian will lead a lawful lifestyle."

"Well one of the ideas the family therapist recommended was to sponsor some community events or programs that will help people. I gave them a few suggestions including expanding on our water purification system so we might be starting up some really neat things soon."

"I'm looking forward to hearing more. Be sure to keep me updated." As nice as it was to just talk to Max like everything was normal it seemed like they were both skirting around the subject,

"Listen Max, I…I just want to say how sorry I am for infecting Markov like that. I knew it was wrong and I knew it would hurt you and I did it anyway. I can't tell you how much I regretted it, not just because the plan failed." Thank goodness it failed. He thought, thinking back to the alternate Emilie and Quirin. Max was quiet for a while and Varian waited patiently for him to respond.

"I can't say it didn't hurt when I found out it was you." Varian hung his head. "But there's also a part of me that feels hypocritical for being mad." That was unexpected.

"Why, you didn't do anything that deserved that?"

"Not to you but…when I was younger I met someone who I thought was a friend. This was before I met Kim. After they basically humiliated me in front of the whole school I did something that…wasn't exactly legal."

"What did you do?" Max fidgeted with his suspender.

"I…sort of hacked into a place that I wasn't supposed to to get him in trouble and got a visit from some people from the government." Oh, that was a big deal.

"Fortunately I was only seven and they let me off with a warning. The lecture from my Mom when they left however was much worse." Varian cringed.

"Oh, I know that feeling."

"The point is I made a mistake that I regretted later. More so for getting my Mom involved than the bully but even so. The firewall was a thoughtful gesture."

"It really was!" Varian turned to see Markov hovering behind him.

"Markov? I…I thought Max left you behind since he was meeting me."

"We did discuss it but the fact was both of us wanted a chance to talk to you." Varian smiled sadly.

"Well I'm glad I got a chance to say I'm sorry to you too." Markov nodded.

"I heard as part of Gabriel Agreste probation therapy would be required for the whole family. Do you feel it is helping?"

"Actually it was scary at first but since I don't have to worry about getting locked up again it hasn't been so bad. It's actually nice to be able to talk to someone about…well everything."

"I am pleased that you are getting sufficient mental health checks." Max agreed.

"Agreed, after my legal trouble mine helped as well." It was a bit of a relief to know so many of his friends did need help from time to time.

"So long as the problem behind the hack has been resolved and you are on good terms with Max I can forgive you as well." Varian was touched, he really did have the best friends. He wasn't going to forget that again.

"By the way, Varian. Ivan told me of your plans for that tree powered air purifier. The premise sounds intriguing."

"Oh, I still have the notes for that in my phone if you'd like to see them."

"I would indeed."

"It still has some kinks to work out, I could use some advice." Max smiled as he looked over Varian's notes.

"I think this might be feasible. In fact this could be a project that Gabriel could sponsor. It would certainly fall under improving the community." A large smile spread across Varian's face at the suggestion.

"You're right! You're absolutely right!"

"This would be a fun and interesting project to work on together."

"Totally!"

The two friends and Markov chatted away happy that their friendship was not lost. It was a little dented but not broken. They planned to bang out the dents together.

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Queen Arianna wasn't kidding when she said her and Willow were planning something. She had allied herself with King Trevor who offered her support during the…transitional phase in Corona.

They had exposed Frederic's family history putting him and his allies in the spotlight. It was…messy to say the least but in the long run changes were being made. The guards who she had managed to sway to her side helped arrest the corrupt ones as well as some of the more corrupt people in the capital. Rapunzel and her unbreakable hair was a huge help.

Nigel had gotten wind of the arrests and had disappeared before he could be the next target. Nigel escaping was a disappointment, the list of charges against him was almost as long as Frederic's.

As for the people questioning where Frederic was, Rapunzel felt the truth was the best answer.

The details of Frederic's crimes almost sounded too horrifying to be true but most of the evidence Arianna provided supported it.

While this was going on Willow recommended several tutors for Rapunzel and after a few tries they found the perfect fit. Her new teacher was much more engaging then her old teacher who would lecture for hours making everything sound so dull she'd fall asleep. They often took their lessons outside and encouraged her to learn what everyone's role was in the kingdom by talking to them. The people loved the fact that Rapunzel was taking such an interest and gave her a lot of encouragement to help her improve. It wasn't all fun and games though, what she was learning was important and her teacher knew when to push her.

It wasn't long before Rapunzel officially took the throne as Queen and Corona's reform began. Cassandra poured herself into the prison reform and retraining the guards.

Her father was part of the investigation. He was part of a group who was loyal to the crown but had no knowledge of the corruption. Or at least how deep it went. While he wasn't arrested he did resign as captain. There was talk of Cassandra taking the possession but she said she would refuse it. She felt she needed a bit of reform as well.

While Cassandra was working on the prison situation Eugene and Lance offered their support to a new program to help troubled youth much like themselves when they were young. Lance ended up adopting Angry and Red, Aka Kiera and Catalina.

Eugene however was starting to miss Varian. Seriously, the kid he assigned to was an "ex" thief (Ex in heavy quotation marks) who was way too smart and way too cocky for his own good. He was an even closer match to himself than Varian was at that age.

The boy's name was Hugo and he apparently came to Corona in hopes of meeting the famed Alchemist of Old Corona. He didn't believe Eugen when he said he was in another world until he saw Cassandra's hand. He said the technology was way too advanced to be Coronan and offered to help Cassandra with maintenance as part of his rehabilitation program. Eugene suspected he was just using that as an excuse to study the technology but decided to give the kid the benefit of the doubt. After he had messed up so badly with Varian he was learning to be a little more patient.

As for Rapunzel, her Aunt Willow had recommended a mind healer for her and Rapunzel was extremely thankful for the help. She was still dealing with a lot of issues but she now had a better way to help her work through them. She even brought Eugene and Cassandra in and while reluctant at first both of them later admitted it was helpful.

It was still a learning process and they would all make mistakes along the way but they would learn and grow from them in the years to come.

One of the biggest changes was the foundation of the Corona Council. After learning more about Corona and being inspired by the governments in the other world Rapunzel wanted the people to have a say in how their kingdom was run.

An election was held to appoint leaders from the many parts of the kingdom from the capital to the farmers. Rapunzel was hoping this would be the start to her biggest idea yet.

Corona would be trying a revolutionary method suggested by Rapunzel which would let the people decide who should rule them. They were still a ways away from trying this but as much as she loved her people she knew she didn't want to rule forever. She would stay and make sure that the country was stable and the voting process would work. She'd probably stay even afterward to help with the transition.

But again that was still a few years off.

The future of Corona was uncertain but hopeful. Change was a scary thing but together the people of Corona were looking forward to the future.

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Varian and Luka were relaxing in the park playing music to their own beat. No sheet music in sight, they were just feeling each other's rhythm and the result was beautiful music.

After the final battle Varian did admit to liking Luka but he wasn't sure if he was in love. He hadn't had much experience in that field and asked to take it slow. Luka was fine with that. It was a little awkward at first but once they stopped thinking so hard about the "L" word and just went back to being friends they were able to relax around each other again and just enjoy being together.

Varian couldn't stay too long though he had to meet his family at home for an important appointment soon. Putting away their instrument they started making their way back to the Agreste Manor. Luka was laughing when Varian explained how Adrien's cousin kept trying to trick him and kept failing.

"I've seen pictures of them together, they could be twins. You're telling me he didn't fool you once?"

"Nope, he's good at imitating him but there was always something a little…off whenever he tried. I'm not sure if he was pissed off or impressed that he couldn't fool me. It annoyed the hell out of Adrien though." Luka chuckled again.

"Marinette tells me he's been enjoying the baking lessons from her parents." Now that things were more settled Adrien was trying out some new hobbies to see what he wanted to do once he graduated.

"Yeah he seems to like working with his hands and MR. Dupain-Cheng is a pretty enthusiastic teacher. He wants to try a few more hobbies but baker is definitely a contender."

"Marinette likes the idea too." It would actually work out pretty well if he took over the bakery while she went into fashion design. "By the way, how's the tree project coming?"

"We've done a few test trials and it looks promising. The biggest problem is stopping some of the potential investors from rushing it out. People keep expecting a quick solution but problems that took generations to build up will not be solved in just a few years never mind over a weekend. At least Jalil's in a better place and he's been a big help."

Once the heat had died down Jalil offered to help set up some of the water purification systems around the world. He found the work very rewarding especially meeting the people this was helping. He frequently sent back detailed reports with test results, flagging any problems, and feedback from the locals. It was hard work but he found he really enjoyed it.

"Sounds like you've got a good idea where you're going."

"How about you?" Varian asked. "How's the Kickstarter going?"

"I met my goal and it's still going…and going and going." He said with a nervous smile.

"I knew your work would be in demand. Quality over quantity or AI."

"Maybe so but it'll take me months to make them all if this keeps up." He glanced at his phone and gave a nervous squeak seeing how much it had gone up and how much time was left.

"Need some help?" Varian offered. "I know you like fine tuning and crafting each piece but I could handle some of the prep work. I could even get some of the others to help." Luka was a little unsure until he saw the latest update.

"That…might not be a bad idea." By that point they had made it to the Agreste manor.

"Well, I have to run. Let me know if you need any help."

"I will. Good luck tonight."

"Bye, Love You!" Both boys froze in their tracks. "I…I mean…"

"Varian?"

"Shoot, sorry I…that just slipped out. That wasn't how I wanted to say it. I had all these different ways in my head and then I just…blurted it out." Luka smiled, moving closer.

"Well, I was the one who started by blurting it out in the middle of a battle."

"Ha ha, yeah that was awkward. So was this." Luka chucked again.

"Then it suits us perfectly." Varian laughed as well.

"Yeah it kind of does."

"Varian! Are you ready?" Nathalie called from the front door.

"Be right there!" He looked back at Luka, not sure what was supposed to come next. "What happens now?"

"We can just keep things the same if you like. I'm in no rush if you still want to go slow." Varian was fidgeting as thoughts were forming in his head.

"What if…maybe I want to go a little further? Just a little." Luka leaned in close but let Varian make the first move. It was a small but that sweet first kiss stirred up a bushel of butterflies in their stomachs.

"I liked that." Luka responded. "How about you?"

"Good." Varian said, blushing even harder. "Great actually."

"Varian, we really need to get started!" Nathalie called again and Varian reluctantly retreated.

"Talk to you later?" He said almost afraid he messed things up. He didn't need to worry.

"Let me know when you're done." Varian smiled as Nathalie led him into the house with a big smile on his face.

"By the way, Varian." Natalie asked. "Has anyone given you "the talk" before?"

Varian groaned as instantly his good mood was shattered.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Even though Nigel had planned for this, escaping before he could be thrown in jail proved rather difficult. Nigel needed to disappear but he still needed to stay close. Once he was sure he was alone he gazed into the mirror that was currently reflecting their true form. A faceless hooded figure surrounded in green light.

It was only a matter of time before "Nigel" had outlived his usefulness. A shame, he rather liked this form but now they needed something more…simple.

As Zhan Tiri's servant Changeling they had played so many roles over the years they no longer remembered their original face but that hardly mattered.

The fact that they still had their powers meant that their mistress was still alive and they would be ready to serve them when they returned once again. It might take a few hundred years or so but they were nothing if not patient. As they finalized their new form, they painted a well practiced smile on their face and headed back out.

Best to keep their head down for now and see how things in Corona played out. They would keep an eye out and their ears peeled. The worlds may be sealed but if they had learned anything over the years was that anything was possible.

And they would be ready.

To be continued…

Next time: All three Varian are back where they belong and are moving on with their lives. Join me for the final chapter of Promise of a Miracle.

Also here's a bonus pic of Varian and Luka dressed up for Halloween.