#if the note was about Varian taking care of himself it doesn’t matter anymore because Quirin is back

[fortune-maiden]

Eternally torn between Quirin’s note revealing bits about his past and the DK or cryptically begging Varian to forget about the rocks and take care of himself and be safe

#don't mind me having a moment #spinning an idea in my head and the note ultimately has little impact on it #but I’m still really curious #because both options just feel so right #before the amber incident it really looked like Quirin wanted to come clean about some things about his past #since he had dug out his old chest and all #but Quirin also wrote the note under what could very well have been his final moments #in his final moments I can’t imagine him thinking of anything but what would happen to Varian without him #so the note could very well have said things like don’t pursue the rocks. reach out to the neighbors. I love you. I’m proud of you #honestly as bitter as I am about it because it’s such a tease i don’t mind that the note burned up in season 3 #from a narrative perspective there wasn’t really anything the note could tell the audience that wasn’t shown in S2 #from a characterization perspective there is a lot they could have done with it though #as far as quirin knows he blinked and he was out #if the note was about Varian taking care of himself it doesn’t matter anymore because Quirin is back #he can say the things he thought he’d never be able to #if the note had lore information that Quirin just gave himself an out on divulging information he was sworn to secrecy on #would have been fun if quirin met edmund later and got a plot dump and some kind of release from his oath #(so what he divulged going forward would be entirely up to him without any conflicting loyalties) #anyway these are a lot of thoughts over a fic idea I may or may not write and a detail in that idea that really does not matter much #the tldr is narratively I think it’s fine that the note burned up but there were still fun things that could have been done with it #tangled the series #tts quirin

[dumbfridge]

context: i wanted varian and quirin to have a huge fight. basically the fight is that quirin is still keeping things from varian (the thing that he’s keeping from varian is ulla’s journal) even though varian is technically an adult now (he’s 18). quirin still sees varian as a reckless little kid and varian’s sick of it.

and varian finds ulla’s journal!!

snippet under the cut:

“Dad,” Varian says, calmer now. “You can’t keep hiding things from me. I’m not a kid anymore.”

Quirin sighs heavily. He looks down at the journal one more time before placing it neatly on the desk before him. He rubs a hand over his face and sighs again. “You still don’t understand.”

Varian closes his eyes as he lets anger pass over him. When he opens them again, he steps forwards and walks past his father, out into the hallway.

He can hear his dad following behind him, protesting profusely, but he tunes him out in favor of making his way to his dads room. When he gets to the door, his dad steps in front of him. Varian tries to push past but Quirin stops him on the first attempt.

“You need to stop, Varian,” Quirin says. Anger boils in Varian’s gut and he can’t help himself.

“And you need to stop treating me like a baby!” Varian says, teeth clenched. He pushes his dad with a little more force than before and is able to squeeze past him. His eyes roam the room for a split second before he spots what he’s looking for—a wooden chest pushed into the corner of the room. He hasn’t looked through it in years, not since his father caught him looking around in it for alchemy supplies. It’s where he found his goggles that he almost constantly wears.

“Varian,” his dad says, “you shouldn’t—”

“Don’t care.” He opens the chest and rifles through whatever it is his dad doesn’t want him to see. He takes out beakers, loose papers, charts on things he barely spares a glance to. His dad places a hand on Varian’s shoulder.

“Varian,” Quirin pleads. Varian shrugs his hand off and keeps searching.

He finds tons of various lab equipment until finally, Varian finds what must be it: a lone journal bound in green leather, with a vague outline of a symbol that Varian can’t make out in detail. Varian’s anger dissipates and he sucks in a breath, reaching out to caress it. His fingers retract, covered in dust. He’s kneeling in front of the chest now, reaching in to cradle the book in his hands. He wipes off the dust and opens it to the first page.

In the top-left corner, it reads: Property of Ulla. Varian feels tears prick at his eyes. His mother kept a journal. His mother’s own words are written into these very pages and he didn’t know until now. He wasn’t even meant to know. His grip tightens.

Quirin is deadly quiet and Varian doesn’t dare look at him. He flips to the next page and it’s filled to the brim with notes. He can barely make out the words but it doesn’t matter. The handwriting is messy. She’s crammed words in every possible spot she could. Sometimes, the words get larger in places she obviously got excited about. It’s all so achingly familiar and he’s never felt more connected to his mother than right now. Varian wipes his eyes to keep the tears from hitting the pages.

“Son—”

“Why?” Varian asks, his voice coming out a little bit wobbly. He feels his anger spiking again. “Why did you keep this from me?”

“Because,” Quirin stops. He takes a deep breath in and lets it out slowly. Varian turns to look at him. He hadn’t noticed before but there’s something desperate in his eyes; something sad and scared that Varian hasn’t seen before. Not even when the amber was crawling over his father. “I didn’t want to lose you too.”

“What?”

“Your mother, Ulla, she—” Quirin breaks off and shakes his head. “She thought she could find the Eternal Library so she went off and… She never came back.”

“So you kept this from me?” Varian can’t stop the edge in his voice and he only feels a little bit bad at the way Quirin bristles.

“It was the only choice I could make.” Varian tries to interrupt but Quirin’s voice overpowers him. “I knew that if you saw this, you would want to follow in her footsteps and I couldn’t… I can’t…”

He shakes his head again.

“It wasn’t your choice to make,” Varian responds, coldly. “I had a right to know.”

Quirin looks at him sadly but doesn’t say anything. Varian stands, holding his mom’s journal tightly to his chest. He walks past his father and out the door. He can hear his dad asking him where he’s going but he doesn’t respond. He can’t respond without screaming. He makes his way down the stairs, slipping on his boots without tying the laces.

He wants to know more about his mother but he won’t get anything here. If his father was keeping this from him, it isn’t likely that he’s willing to share more. But there’s one person who knows just about everything. One person who would be willing to tell him as much as he wants. One person he can trust with the truth.

He slams the front door closed and starts walking back towards Corona. He needs to talk to a certain blacksmith.

#varian and the 7 kingdoms #varian and the seven kingdoms #vat7k #varian tts #varian vat7k #tts quirin

[rachelbethhines]

Tangled Salt Marathon - Rapunzel’s Return Part 2

Continuing on from part 1 - 

https://rachelbethhines.tumblr.com/post/635068926214258688/tangled-salt-marathon-rapunzels-return-part-1

Summary: When Rapunzel tries to defeat the Saporians by herself she gets captured; but once Varian realizes that the Separatists plan on using one of his potions' destructive properties to destroy Corona, he and Rapunzel work together to stop it.

Let’s Talk About What a Let Down the Sapiorans Are

Throughout seasons one and two the Sapiorans were built up to be this intriguing race of people with a complex past and real problems that are sadly relatable to this day. They had a history, goal, motives, and special abilities like magic.  

Yet all we got was a really bad hipster parody. 

Heck, the crew can’t even keep it’s stereotypes right because they mostly slide into hippy territory instead. Hipsters, Yuppies, and Hippies are three distinctive counter culture movements for three different generations with completely different social concerns and fads. 

Basically Chris tried to “stick it to the kids” again and just wound up insulting his parents' generation instead because he’s that oblivious of other human beings.

And that’s not even taking into account that previously the Sapiorans were living on the run as nomads in caravans not dissimilar to common Romani stereotypes, so the show is once again making negative racial connotations due to thoughtlessness.

Why Do You Have a Secret Underground Room Hidden Behind Your Workshop Xavier?

Like that not a thing normal people happen to have lying around there workspace. We still are given zero explanation for why Xavier has all this plot convenient knowledge and rare unordinary plot useful stuff. 

Given his previous connection to Saporia and Zhan Tiri wouldn’t it not have made more sense to reveal that he is an actual plot important character in season three rather than keep him as just the exposition fairy? 

So Was This Before or After the Saporian Take Over? Cause Either Answer Makes This a Dumb Plan.

Why would the guards, especially Cap, just give up? Did they even bother fighting and then lost to Varian’s weapons or were they told to stand down by a brainwashed Frederic? If they knew something was wrong then why not stay and help? What makes them think they even could find Rapunzel given how no one knew where she was heading and her letters were infrequent? What difference would they think finding Rapunzel would do? 

Basically, just like with the “former cellmate” line, we needed to actually set up and establish this conflict rather than relying solely on exposition dumps. Because what we get here doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. It goes against established character and leaves a lot of unanswered plot holes. 

More Promotion of Authoritarianism From the Show

Remember that these are the same people who formed a lynch mob to hunt down a fourteen year old all because the king told them to. The same king who had been lying to them for years and placed their lives and homes in danger for months. The same king who persecuted the poor and orphans for years. Him suddenly sending townsfolk to the mines isn’t anything new, so what are these people’s breaking points? Anyone else would have revolted by now.  

But noooo, they need Rapunzel to do it for them. Cause Rapunzel is royalty and they can’t do anything without royal permission because they’re sheep. Sheep that’s been subjugated for years and conditioned to be afraid of their “beloved ruler”. 

I understand from a meta point of view why you would want your main character to take charge but...

Like this isn’t inspiring.

It’s disturbing. 

Why are we promoting blind loyalty to a person who’s not earned it just because they were born special? In a freakin’ kids show no less! 

Oh and still no one bothers to call out King Frederic’s abuses here, FYI. 

Take Note That Quirineon is Activated By Heat

This will be important later on in the review. 

He’s Already Built Grenades For You. Wouldn’t Those Be Better Because They’re Easier to Control?

He’s already built explosive chemicals for you. You just used them in part one of the episode. And it came in an easy to use form rather than an unstable, and untested, mess that could literally blow up in your faces since no one, not even Varian himself, knows how to control it yet. 

You Don’t Hammer Out a Cast Iron Pan

It’s literally in the word. To make a cast iron pan you pour the metal into a casted mold. You don't hammer it out like you would with a sword or something. And you can’t even go with the “rule of cool” here cause Rapunzel surrounded by molten metal and fire would have been far more impressive looking.  

Yes I’m being picky cause I’m stalling. I don’t care. This is just yet another instance of the crew not paying attention to details like they should. 

Behold The Final Time Eugene Will Ever Call Out Rapunzel’s BS

This is the last time Eugene will hold an honest discussion with Rapunzel like an equal to her. By the end of this episode he will have transitioned into full on doormat mode. 

Also burying negative feelings and not addressing issues is who Rapunzel is. She’s been pulling this shit since day one. It’s what causes 90% of the conflicts in the show. Have you not noticed Eugene?  

So This Episode Has Contradictory “Lessons” 

The episode presents this idea that Rapunzel needs to open up to others and trust again after Cassandra’s betrayal. The problem is that the episode doesn’t follow through on that. It makes a knee-jerk decision to go with a “responsibility” lesson that wasn’t built up to instead at the last minute. 

More on this later.    

Varian Doesn’t Actually Interact With the Saporians at Any Point.

The only person Varian interacts with is Andrew. We have no concept of how he fits in with the rest of the group and what his dynamics are with them. What do they think of Varian? What does Varian think of them? The consequence to this is to further divorce Varian from narrative, even though this is supposed to be his redemption episode. 

As I said in the last part, you can easily write Varian out of this episode and nothing really changes plot wise. That’s bad writing. 

Also I was robbed of Khary Payton and Jeremy Jordan exchanging lines. I was this close to having audio material for my BH6 crossover, dang it! 

Behold The One Time the Black Lady Gets a Line!

I think her name is Juniper? 

You can tell it’s her because of the shadow on the wall.

Anyways they casted this part and only bothered to give the character a single line? What a waste! 

But this just goes back to the series' poor representation. The only WOC in the show are presented as “shifty” and untrustworthy, even when they are ultimately “good guys”. The majority of them are straight up villains tho, and even as antagonists they’re not afforded any real screen time. 

And the only other outright black women on the show is the inventor lady who was given zero respect and the ghost of a barbarian. 

Once again, I don’t think the crew are intentionally racist. I think they’re just sloppy. They wanted to be more inclusive but they failed to actually give voice to minorities behind the scenes and so failed in representing them well. This is a problem with the industry as a whole, not just this one show, and must be talked about as such if we wish to change things for the better. 

None of this “Stuff” Holds Any Real Meaning

We get several callbacks to season one through Cassandra’s personal things that she left behind, but none of this stuff holds any real personal meaning. It’s just there. They wind up triggering these big emotional reactions from both Rapunzel and Cassandra but the audience is just left confused because what they’re crying over are things that have little significance to these characters. Even this line from season one is just dripping with sarcasm and not some pleasant past memory that either Cass or Raps holds dear to their hearts. 

Way To Go, Dumbass

It’s not that she went alone, or that she broke down when it finally hit her that Cass left, that I’m making fun off. The episode already addresses those two points. 

No, what ticks me off is that Rapunzel has taken down killer robots, ghosts, and monsters before now with her magical hair but a handful of regular dudes can just bring her down? I don’t care how much alchemy they got. Depowering your main character for no stated reason just for narrative convenience is poor writing. 

Because If He Didn’t He Would Have DIED, Rapunzel!!!

He literally would have freakin died had he not done something! He was left inside a jail cell to rot away! Before that he was threatened with hangman’s noose! Before that violence from an angry crowd! Before that he was left alone to starve and/or die from exposure! There was no way out for him except to fight! 

And here you are inside the very prison that you kept him in and you still don't have the fucking self awareness to put two and two together! 

This Right Here the Assassination of Rapunzel’s Character and the Killing Blow to the Series

Yeah, and what about after the storm? Hun, bitch!?

We’ve spent two damn seasons watching Rapunzel stepping on people and making excuses for herself and the one time when she should realize her actions are wrong and finally own up to her behavior and she still does not fucking change.

This is supposed to be a coming of age story! That means the main character is supposed to grow and learn shit! But when it matters most, Rapunzel only digs in her heels and refuses to change! 

Why should I care about this character anymore if she’s just going to keep on being selfish no matter what? Why should I bother watching the show if it fails to deliver on its premise? How is this in any way shape or form an appropriate message for children!? 

If you’re watching the series for the first time, then it’ll take awhile to register just how awful this scene is and how it really is the beginning of the end, because they did have time to turn things around after this. But they didn’t, and here we are. 

This Isn’t a Real Apology

It’s not a real apology if all you do is make excuses for yourself. Rapunzel doesn’t address what she actually did wrong here and it has nothing to do with her stupid promise. 

She neglected and enabled the abuse of a child for a year and three months, and she’s not even sorry for it! 

You Were Never a “Friend” Rapunzel

Friends, actually do shit together. They enjoy each other’s company. They care when the other is hurt or in trouble. 

Rapunzel only came to see Varian when she needed him for something. Even now, after this confrontation, that’s all she’ll ever do. She does not actually care about Varian, because the creators will not let her care. 

And Here Comes the Death of Varian’s Characterization

In order to make this stupid, forced, “redemption” work the writers had to do a complete 180 with Varian’s character and his motivations. Instead of freeing his father, seeking revenge, or just, you know, surviving, he now suddenly cares about “being friends” and “being accepted by people”, only he has no reason to want any of that! 

Rapunzel is a shit friend. Heck all the mains are crap friends to him. They ruined his life and the townspeople tried to kill him. Why would he want anything to do with any of these a-holes!? 

Varian doesn’t get assassinated in the same sense as Rapunzel and Cassandra do. He doesn’t suddenly become a hateable dumb douchebag or anything, but he nevertheless has his character retroactively sabotaged by the writing.  

Uh, Were You Not There When Your Dad Rounded Up a Lynch Mob Against Him, Raps?

I believe you were. Also Varian literally told you to your face that he had to go into hiding cause the townspeople were willing to attack him just because those rumors that you failed to stop and pretended not to know anything about. 

Just because the characters shout something repeatedly does not make it true. The audience isn’t dumb. They can remember what happened only two seasons ago. 

Where Was the Inciting Incident For This Change of Heart?

Why should he even want their forgiveness? Why has he given up on freeing his father? Why is he having second doubts about overthrowing the kingdom that persecuted him? 

If you’re going to drastically change a character’s motivations, goals, and moral alignment then you need to present an in story reason for that change. We don’t get that. There’s no inciting incident on screen for us to see the shift in his character development. 

The audience is left to only infer, and that’s poor writing. The audience shouldn’t have to do the work of the writers for them.  Characters’ motivations and goals  should not be guess work. 

The only thing we can glean from this is that he had a change of heart while in prison and that’s a horrifying thing for the show to suggest. That’s basically justifying Frederic’s abuse. It also recontextualizes Varian’s arc into one of submission to his abusers and not one of learning to do the right thing simply because it’s right. 

Once Again, Were You Not There For Season One Rapunzel?

They had a year and three damn months of chances. These people actively tried to do him harm just for simply seeking help. He has no reason to trust them nor you. 

Why Are We Shoulding All of the Blame Onto the Abused Child?

Yes, he did do all of those things, technically, but they’re being presented here without context.

The Queen enabled his abuser who was threatening his life and destroyed his home. He kidnapped her as a last restore when all other methods to get out of his desperate situation failed. 

The princess he threatened neglected him for three months and repeatedly refused to help him, even throwing him out into a deadly snow storm. Despite him being her responsibility, thereby making her neglect a flat out abuse of power.  

He would have died a slow and painful death in prison had he not helped to overthrow the kingdom that persecuted him. 

I’m not going to pretend that what Varian did was right or that he shouldn’t feel sorry for what he did, but this is a highly skewed version of events that are being recounted here just to create bias in the viewers. It’s manipulative writing intended to gaslight the audience. 

Also, why does he even want a second chance!?   

Doesn’t This Undermine The Saporian’s Goals?

The Saporians wanted to reclaim their ancestral homeland so that they would no longer be a displaced people. How does blowing up that homeland help them? 

Season three just throws all logic out the window. There’s barely a single villain who doesn’t undermine their own goals at some point with their stupid actions. 

So Why Varian and Andrew Not Some Other Team Up?

Out of all of the various recurring baddies in the show Varian and Andrew have the least in common. I’m not saying that they couldn’t work together, but doing so required more set up than this. Because as is, this is a very contrived teamup. 

They have diametrically opposed goals and moral alignments. Varian doesn’t bring anything to the table that the Saporaions couldn’t have supplied themselves. Meanwhile the Saporians have failed to offer Varian anything that he could want. 

At best it’s a marriage of convenience for them to both break out of prison together, but even that is contrived because we don't know why neither of them were sent away on the prison barge with the rest of the season one villians.  

Better combinations would have been 

Varian & Lady Caine

Andrew & Lady Caine 

Varian & Cass

Andrew & Cass 

Varian & Zhan Tiri

Andrew & Zhan Tiri

Varian & Hector

The Baron & Varian

Andrew & Staylan 

King Trevor & Varian 

Like there were tons of options here that the writers just ignored, even though any of them would have made more sense than the one they went with.  

The Andrew and Varian Dynamic Can Be Seen as an Allegory for Grooming; Unfortunately the Writers Didn’t Consider That Implication.

Yeah... That’s pretty much what Andrew has done here. He’s groomed this desperate and lonely teen to become a child soldier for him. And one only can only pray that’s all he tried to groom him to do since they were trapped inside a confined and enclosed space together for several months. 

Listen, I don’t mind children’s shows touching upon darker subjects. Often fantasy is a good way for people to process complex themes and uncomfortable real world situations through the safety of fiction. It can even be helpful for those who have had the misfortune to experience certain traumas. 

I’m not complaining that TTS is too dark. 

I’m complaining about it being shit. 

All of the crap Varian goes through is just thrown in there for shock value. It’s not here to commentate on the real world nor provide a complex story. The situations are brought only to then be outright ignored. This isn’t thoughtful nor deep. It’s not meaningful nor heartfelt. It’s just hollow drama done in bad taste. 

You’re Not In a Position to Judge Rapunzel 

You got captured first because you decided to throw yourself a pity party. 

Would He Though?

I’m pretty sure Quirin is very well aware of how shitty Frederic is. If anything I would think he’d be pissed that his son, that he tried so hard to protect, was mistreated in such a hordenous way. 

This isn’t some satisfying ending to Varian’s arc. It’s a heartbreaking revelation that he’s been beaten down by his abusers.  

Varian’s Arc Isn’t Actually About Validation, and Rapunzel Giving It Here Doesn’t Really Change Anything 

I spoke about this before on its own, but Tangled the Series places far too much stock in validation. Yes, it’s an aspect of his character arc, but it’s not the end all and be all of his motivation. It’s not the force that drives him to do what he does. 

His primary goal is survival, both for himself and for his father. His secondary goal is gaining his father’s approval, but that’s not because he’s seeking generic praise, it’s because his father is emotionally distant. The “validation” is a mask for the real issues which are to fix his relationship with his dad and avoid the guilt of having possibly killed him in an accident. 

Rapunzel has fuck all to do with that. 

He doesn’t need to hear approval from her. He needs her to get her shit together and help him! 

Rapunzel’s and Varian’s Situations Are Nothing Alike and Rapunzel Doesn’t Know Jackshit

Rapunzel you were dumped by your bestie because you’re a shitty friend. 

Varian was neglected and abused by those who were supposed to take care of him. 

Unless you’re drawing parallels to how Frederic and Gothel treated you, and even then neither of them denied you basic fucking needs! 

This should be an “Oh Shit! I’ve become just like Mother Gothel” moment for Rapunzel, not an “Oh yay! Someone to share in my personal misery” moment. 

Man, Rapunzel suuuuuucks! 

Also This Still Isn’t An Actual Apology

Once again, Rapunzel is not admitting what she did wrong here. She’s not actually acknowledging Varian’s pain, nor what she needs to do to make admins with him. 

What she’s doing is making things all about herself again. She’s talking about her feelings. About what she is facing. Rapunzel is an incredibly selfish and egotistical person and the show is trying to present this as a positive thing by rewarding her for such behavior. 

Varian’s Redemption Should Have Nothing to Do with “Friendship”

Varian has no reason to want to become friends again with the woman who ruined his life and abused him. 

But more than that, redemption shouldn’t be dependent upon Rapunzel’s friendship, nor even her ‘forgiveness”. Varian should be able to do the right thing just because it’s the right thing, Rapunzel be damned. 

This cheepens not only his character development but also Rapunzel’s development as well. Rapunzel is not allowed to grow as a person and accept that not everyone wants to be her friend, and that people may have valid reasons to hate her even, and that doesn’t make them evil. 

It also rushes through Varian’s arc undermining what the audience had to get through to get to this point.  

OK, Let’s Talk About The Goatee

I wouldn’t have minded the beard had it just not looked like a fucking barcode. There’s production art where it looks fine. But just wiping it away ties back to what I was talking about in part one. It’s denying Varian the chance to grow up. This is supposed to be his coming of age story as well but the crew won't let him do that because “rule of funny” apparently overrides what the characters actually need in order to develop.  

Once again, the show isn’t a sitcom. You can have comedic moments but the comedy doesn’t need to outright undermine the drama. 

Once Again, Shouldn’t Eugene Be the First Person to Jump to Varian’s Defence?

You mean the orphan on the streets who stole stuff and fought to survive when the adults failed to take care of him? Is that what you’re talking about Eugene? Cause if I remember correctly that was you not just three years ago. 

You Mean Rapunzel Needs Him To Make Her Feel Better About Herself

Spoiler alert, but Varian doesn’t actually do anything after this point in the episode. His entire “redemption” is just about making Rapunzel feel better about herself after Cass has rejected her. He’s literally become the rebound. 

How Come Varian Suddenly Became Shorter Just for This Shot?

I know the meta reason is to reflect that scene back in Queen for a Day when Rapunzel promised him that she'd help him before everything went tits up. Where he was also drawn shorter in that episode to make him seem more verunable, but here he’s just suddenly shorter for only two shots and then suddenly back to his usual height. 

Crap like this is why I insist that Varian didn’t actually get any taller in season three. The show just has always been inconsistent with his height and most of the “evidence” for his growth are cherry picked instances where the show drew him smaller than usual for reasons, like here.   

So Where Did They Get That Much of the Explosives and How Did They Get Them So Fast?

Only Varian knows how to manufacture that stuff. Why would he make that much of it if he was still in the experimental phase with it? He’s even surprised that they have so much, so where did they get it? If they made it then, how did they make it so fast? 

So This Plan Goes Nowhere

Spoiler alert: Varian doesn’t actually get to do any of that. In fact he’s kind of pointless for the rest of the episode. 

Why Would the King and Queen Care About a City That They Can’t Remember?

Like this revenge doesn’t make sense. It’s just a contrived way to get Eugene and Lance out of the way.

If the Quirineon Explodes From Being Exposed to Heat Then What Good Does Just Dropping It Do?

Yeah, remember? The stuff explodes when heated. Simply dropping it shouldn’t do anything other than make a mess on the ground maybe. 

All That Build Up and Varian Still Doesn’t Get to Do Anything Useful

Up till this point, Varian was shown to be the most competent threat in the show. Yet here they have him be a screw up twice in a row just for comedy antics and to glorify Rapunzel again. 

If you got to nerf other characters just to make your main look good then you’ve failed to establish your main character as being capable in their own right. 

Remember That This Boy Was Trapped in a Jail Cell With This Guy for a Year!

No, I’ll never be over this.

Andrew is the most directly violent and scummy out of all of the villians in the show. 

If he’s willing to do this now, if he was willing to do this to his ex-girlfriend, then what the heck was he willing to do when he and Varian were trapped alone together? 

So Andrew Just Willingly Sacrifices His Own People Here....Even Though His Goal Was to Give His People a New Home....

People need to use this gif more often when concerning this show and the villains’ ass-backwards plans.

And yes they survive because of Varian alchemy. But that was on accident. Andrew had no way of knowing that would happen. He’s willing to destroy his own people just to blow up his ancestral homeland and for what!? What does he gain from this action?  

The Mind Wipe Kills Frederic’s and Arianna’s Characters; Littraly

Frederic and Arianna are effectively dead at this point. Anything that made them, well them, has been wiped away. Their personalities, hopes, dreams, their on going stories and development, just gone. And we never get them back, even when their memories supposedly return. 

Varian’s Not Even Allowed to Get the Idea On How to Save Corona...In His Own Redemption Episode No Less

This is his episode! We’ve spent two years building up to this point and you can’t even let him help? He’s denied the chance to make up for his own mistakes! Just so Rapunzel can play hero and be a very shallow representation of what a bunch of men think a “strong” woman should be! 

It’s fucking insulting. That’s what it is. 

Making a female character the center of the universe to the point where other people are just props for her is not empowering! 

No It’s Not!!

Uh you wouldn’t even be here had you just fucking helped Varian to being with you dumb bitch! This is very much you and your father’s mess! 

Even now, while pretending to be responsible, Rapunzel can’t actually be responsible and own up to what she did! 

She’s fucking 20 and the 16 year old shows more maturity than her! 

Also Your Hair Can Protect Two People at Once Rapunzel; Remember?

There’s no excuse for leaving Varian out of the action. We’ve been shown multiple times now that Rapunzel’s magic hair can protect her and other people at the same time. 

Having Rapunzel Save the Day By Herself Undermines Everything the Episode Was Trying to Establish

What happened to needing to “trust again” and letting other people help you? Having Rapunzel save the day alone just tosses out the lesson that the show was trying to build up to. 

The show tries to frame this as Rapunzel learning “responsibility” but that also does not work. For one it was never established that she needed to learn that within the episode itself and secondly, she doesn’t actually do anything different from what she usually does. 

Being an action hero isn’t the same thing as being responsible. Being responsible is being considerate of others, doing the borning shit or mundane crap that you hate, and being mature enough to recognize your own failings and admitting when you were wrong. 

So in the end Rapunzel is neither responsible nor more open to others. 

And There’s the Death of Eugene’s Character

Lance, who has maybe exchanged all of three sentences with Raps, is more distrught than the guy that supposedly wants to marry her. This isn’t heartwarming, nor it is growth. It’s just lobotomizing a character right in front of our eyes. 

In this very episode he was worried about Raps going to face the Saporians by herself and was, guess what, fucking right to do so. But he doesn’t give two shits if she gets blown up!? 

Ooookaaaay.....

This is the completion of turning Eugene into a doormat. From now own he shan’t be allowed to have any thoughts or feelings of his own that disagrees with Rapunzel. 

The Eugene we knew is now dead. 

But Of Course the Show Rewards Everyone for Behaving In the Dumbest Way Possible Anyways

Don’t expect any of these grossly out of character moments and oxygen deprived logic to be addressed nor fixed within the show. The series will keep on shoving unearned endings into our facing while insisting that this is positive development. 

How Did Y’all Get Here Before Varian?

Yes, he was left on a roof, but he can climb and y’all were outside of the city. 

Yeah... A Year and Half Fucking Later!

Ok, a year and three months, but that’s still not any better. Worse, all this implies is that Rapunzel would not have ever concerned herself with trying to free Quirin had Varian not broken out of prison. She would have literally left them both for dead and we’re supposed to find her suddenly doing the bare fucking minimum heartwarming and inspiring?

Where Was the Inciting Incident to Use the Decay Incantation for This? 

How did Rapunzel come up with this plan? When did she come up with it? 

When the hurt incantation was first found no one mentioned how it could be used to save Quirin. No one even gave Quirin a thought. Since then the incarnation hasn’t been brought back up, ever. This is a pretty big leap in logic for Rapunzel to suddenly think of this. 

All it highlights how Varian was originally meant to be there to translate the scrolls and incantations in order to establish all this but of course it got cut so now it just comes the fuck out of nowhere. 

Not Letting Varian Have Anything to Do With Saving His Father Is Even Worse Than Not Letting Him Save the Day

This has been his motivation since the beginning. It’s been the driving plot for a season, and now that the time has finally come what does get to do? 

Hold a dang bucket. 

Part of coming up with satisfying endings is following through on what you’ve established. The audience needs closure. Simply freeing Quirin isn’t enough, we need the carthartis of Varian specifically fulfilling his goal. 

I don’t know how to break this to you Chris, but this isn’t Rapunzel’s story. Not this segment of it anyways. It’s Varian’s and it just so happens to connect to Rapunzel’s. She shouldn’t have been center stage for this. 

The Series Blows It’s Load Too Early with the Incantations

This is the last time we’ll hear any of the incantations sung on screen, cause someone in budgeting didn’t know what was important to throw the money at and what was not. 

It’s not bad here, but if we could only hear one incantation only once this season it needed to be in the finale with the final heal incantation. 

Varian Was Right All Along

Also, all this does is justify Varian’s actions in season one. Rapunzel was indeed the only one who could free his dad according to this. For a series that desperately wants to shove all of the blame onto an abused child’s shoulders they sure go out their way to prove him right. 

So How Is the Hurt Incantation Suppose to Work?

There were so many fan theories after this scene because Varian and Quirin don’t respond to the hurt incantation the same way previous characters had. 

No one is gasping for breath, Varian can touch Raps without burning his hands, and Rapunzel can control the direction of her power. ect. 

Turns out there was nothing there, the writers just didn’t know what the fuck they were doing and made the hurt incantation very inconsistent just like all of the magic in this show. 

BULLSHIT!!!

You literally turn into a villain because she gave up on you!!!!

She also didn’t give two shits about you throughout the entirety of season two. 

Why are we just pretending like season one didn’t exist!? 

Why!?

The Note!!!

No It Fucking Didn’t!

Does That Look Like “I’m Proud of You Son” To You?

Chris went on to confirm that, yes, the note did hold more information that then got cut. Pretty much confirming all that we suspected. That Varian was cut from season two and his story hastily shoved back into season three at the last minute. 

Below is the link to the tumblr post he made.

https://cnotes.tumblr.com/post/190534585146/apparently-one-of-the-writers-said-a-while-back

What’s worse is that his defense is such bullshit. The below exchange pretty much sums it all up.

This Doesn’t Actually Resolve Anything and Is Therefore Unsatisfying to Watch

Part of the reason why this conclusion doesn’t work is because it doesn’t actually address any of the problems that they have in their relationship. Quirin never owns up to what he did wrong. There’s no discussion of what Varian was up to while he was entrapped, no conversation about what secrets Quirin hid from his son, and zero admission of wrongdoing on either side.   

Also Varian has done nothing significant to earn those particular words. Saying I love makes sense, but in context saying “I’m proud of you” does not. It doesn’t even work on a meta level cause the episode prevented Varioan from accomplishing anything. 

It’s empty. 

There Could Have Been More Screen Time to Fix This If Not for Season Two Mucking About

https://discord.com/channels/427940661589704715/569296212218347522/777635115978457098

Above is the link to the original storyboards. It doesn’t fix everything but there’s a lot more satisfying emotional beats including adding Ruddiger back in who is suspiciously absent for the entire episode for no stated reason. 

This version was cut due to time. Which, like with the Crossing the Line song, didn’t need to be had they been more effective with their usage of time in season two. 

They also could have had a better conclusion to Varian’s arc in general had he not been cut from season two altogether. 

So What Does Freeing Quirin Add to the Series?

I’m serious. What does freeing Quirin at this point and time do for the story?

It doesn’t add any character development, Quirin just wanders around aimlessly in the background until the finale and even then his part in that is a pointless dead end. Varian doesn’t gain his emotional closure, just empty, hollow “praise”. Nor is he allowed to accomplish any of his established goals. No new lore or history is exposed. No mystery uncovered. 

There’s no reason why this couldn’t have been done later in the season. Provide more tension and keep up the consequences of the characters actions. Give the mains something to do and work on until Cass and Zhan Tiri show up again.  

The only reason why this is here is to wrap Varian’s story up as soon as possible so he won’t “steal Cassandra’s spotlight”. That’s it. He’s rewarded for conforming to Rapunzel’s will and all the fans should shut up and be grateful, at least according to Chris.

I Like This Song But It Wasn’t Needed

It doesn’t add anything to the story. It’s just a generic celebration song. Which would be fine if it wasn’t for the fact that we have a limited number of songs, even less than in previous seasons, and the story isn’t over yet. This is the wrong place to put a victory song at. 

Especially when we could have had a song that furthered Varian’s redemption instead.  Yeah, that was cut too. 

So Is Varian the New “Lance” This Season?

He’s right there! This is his dang focus episode! 

Why hire Broadway singers and not let them sing!? Why waste talent and money like that? 

Also These Lyrics!

Did Glenn Slater just not read the scripts before writing the songs? That’s all season three ever does! Give the mains what they want without earning it. Even in this very episode!

So Is This Rapunzel’s 20th Birthday or Not?

Ok I have gotten into many a heated debate about how long season three is supposed to be. And that’s because what the crew says doesn’t match what the series shows us. 

By all accounts this should be Rapunzel’s birthday. According to season two she’s been gone for one year, and there’s the lanterns that they fly specifically on her birthday. 

But no one verbally says it’s her birthday and I’ve heard conflicting accounts from different members of the crew. Some stating that it is her 20th birthday and some disagreeing that it is. 

Well I’ll take what evidence that the show actually presents to its audience on screen over what the cast and crew says after the fact any day of the week, so I’ll be gathering up this evidence and proving by the end that season three is two years not one. 

But the fact that I must comb through series to prove this, the fact that we can even have this debate, and the fact that the crew have to state basic info after the series is over is just proof of the bad writing. 

Fun Fact: Cupcakes Weren’t Invented Until the 20th Century

Yeah, that’s the fault of the OG film, and yeah it doesn’t really mean much, but still it’s one more thing to add to the pile of stuff that doesn’t fit. 

Plus I’m just a hardcore nerd for historical cooking and I like to share my knowledge.  

Yeah But How Can He Trust All of You Again?

You’re the ones who let him down first; repeatedly. And you only started to make things up to him once he became useful to you. What assurance does he have that you won’t mistreat him again next time he’s in trouble or is no longer of any use to y’all? 

Yes, Let NOT Show What the Main Character Is Actually Going Through

Yup, this is “Rapunzel’s show” but we’re not going to let Rapunzel have any focus on her feelings or give any insight into her thought process about what is the main conflict of the series now.

Conclusion

Ducktales was robbed! 

I can’t believe this shit won an Emmy for “best writing.” It utterly fails on every possible level. It fails to be a continuation of the ongoing story and it fails to be a stand alone episode. Even the very structure of the story is fundamentally flawed. The only reason why it’s not the worst episode of the entire series because the finale and the penultimate episodes exist. 

Anyways...I finally made it through. It literally took my entire weekend but I’m finally caught up. Next week I’ll be going back to the usual one episode a week schedule. 

#Varian #tangled #anti-rapunzel #rapunzel's tangled adventure #tangled the series #Eugene #andrew

[disneymiraculousefandomsblog]

Hey guys! So I wrote this story based on a picture @kaycartoons made I was so inspired by her picture about Varian taking the mood potion himself to try and become that perfect son Quirin wants him to be this takes place in the 7k universe but Varian never incased his father I though it be cool to even add Ulla to the story @ullathealchemyqueen anyway I hope you all like enjoy!

The Perfect Son

The Perfect Son

Varian was in his lab working on his latest invention he was making a machine that would help the crop from his garden grow faster so that the fruit and veggies would grow faster and it would be less work for him and his dad. It would give him more time to spend with his dad, Varian loved spending time with his dad even though they didn’t always agree on stuff like Alchemy. Varian was putting the last touch on his invention,”Ruddiger it’s ready, all I have to do is put this solution I made into this machine and it will distribute it to the crops and it should make the crop grow within a week” Varian told Ruddiger.

Varian grabbed and poured the solution into the machine “Alright Ruddiger I’m ready” Varian said with a nervous tone he grabbed the lever and pulled it down, the machine made a whirring noise and it shook a little bit. Varian stepped back and the machine started to overheat and shake more “uhh... it’s not supposed to do that” Varian said with concern in his voice, “Ruddiger we have to hide!” Varian said grabbing Ruddiger ducking behind a table. All of a sudden the machine exploded parts flying everywhere, Once it was safe Varian came out of hiding he looked around his invention was completely destroyed and half his lab had a hole in it, Quirin came Rushing in and ran to Varian, “Varian! Are you okay?” Quirin asked his son.

“Dad I’m fine...we’re ok” Varian said to his dad. Quirin pulled Varian into a tight hug “what happened?” Quirin asked Varian.

“I... I must have done something wrong and the machine exploded “ Varian tried to explain to his dad. “Oh Varian.... when will you learn?” Quirin said with a sigh. Varian just looked to the ground he knew his dad was disappointed, “you could have gotten hurt Varian” Quirin said to his son with a worried tone “I know dad... I’m sorry” Varian said trying to hold back any tears.

Quirin looked at his son he didn’t understand why Varian loved Alchemy so much it was dangerous but he knew Varian took after his mom Ulla she loved Alchemy. Quirin pulled Varian in a hug once more “I am going to go get dinner ready, please try and clean up this mess and I’ll see how we can fix this hole in your lab”Quirin told Varian. “Ok dad” Varian said.

Varian grabbed the broom and started to sweep up the broken pieces of his invention he kept thinking to himself why do I do this?, why do I always disappoint my dad?, I’ll never make him proud, I’ll never be the son he wants me to be, why am I such a failure, maybe my dad would be better off without me, all these thoughts came flooding to his mind he couldn’t take it Varian dropped the broom and ran outside he had to clear his head. Varian kept walking not really caring where he was going when he found himself near a pond and he saw this glass bottle filled with some kind of purple liquid Varian Being the curious boy he is grabbed it “I wonder what this is?” Varian asked himself.

Varian went back to his lab and started experimenting the purple compound after hours of experiments and extractions Varian finally figured what it was. “Ruddiger I figured out what this purple stuff is, it’s a mood potion it changes your mood to the opposite of what you are” Varian said proudly to his pet raccoon. Varian thought for a moment, “who should make this and why?” Varian thought to himself. After a couple of minutes and idea hit Varian, “That’s it!” Varian said loudly “If I enhance this with my own alchemy solution I could make it to where it changes me” Varian said to his pet raccoon. Ruddiger gave Varian a confused look, “not like physically change me but change my personality it will reverse my personality and change me to be the son my dad always wanted me to be” Varian started. Ruddiger didn’t like that idea he loved Varian the way he was he didn’t want him to change.

Varian started working on his compound and he had to make more of the mood potion because most of it was gone. Varian mixed his solution with the mood potion Done!” Varian said with a smile. “Alright Ruddiger all I have to do is drink this and within a couple of mins I’ll be the perfect son, I’ll finally make my dad proud of me” Varian said with a smile. “I only need to drink a little bit, here goes nothing” Varian said. Varian grabbed the glass bottle and drank a little less than half “Gah!, This is disgusting” Varian said sticking his tongue out. “Alright Ruddiger by tomorrow the potion will have taken affect and I’ll be the son my dad would be proud of” Varian told Ruddiger.

The next day Varian got up as usual and got himself ready he didn’t feel any different but he went down stairs to eat breakfast. “Good morning son” Quirin said to Varian. “Morning dad” Varian answered. Varian sat down and ate his breakfast, “what do you have planned today son” Quirin asked Varian. “I don’t know maybe clean up around the house help picking the crops” Varian said to his dad. Quirin was surprised usually Varian would have mentioned on working on a project or something that involved Alchemy but he didn’t. Quirin didn’t think much of it he though since the accident yesterday Varian would just take a break for the day, Varian cleaned up his lab, he fixed and cleaned the kitchen, he even tried to fix the hole from his lab. Quirin was shocked Varian always helped him there was never any doubt but only when his dad asked him to help.

A few days passed and Quirin was noticing something very different in Varian he was more quiet, he would loose his temper pretty quickly and he would get angry at any little thing that happened and he wasn’t feeding Ruddiger and hanging with him as much anymore and he hadn’t done or even try to use his alchemy or even invent anything. Quirin was a little worried but there hasn’t been any explosions none of the town people were complaining about Varian and his inventions it was actually pretty peaceful. Varian was cleaning his lab up and he grabbed a box and started putting away all his Alchemy stuff and all his inventions he never finished even his notes that he had worked on since he was a toddler he didn’t seem to care for it anymore. Ruddiger didn’t like this new Varian he was so mad and depressed and so serious he didn’t like to have fun and the worst part of all he didn’t like hot coco anymore. Ruddiger just wanted his old playful smart goofy master back.

Quirin came opened the door to his sons lab and saw Varian packing everything up “Hey son!, I brought you some hot coco for all the hard work you did these past few days it’s not as good as yours though” Quirin stated to Varian. “Um.. thanks dad but I don’t like hot coco” Varian said sternly. Quirin was shocked he couldn’t believe what he was hearing his son saying no to hot coco he never turned down hot coco. “Varian what are you doing? Why are you packing up all your Alchemy stuff?” Quirin asked Varian putting the cup of hot coco down. “And when did you stop liking hot coco?” Quirin asked with concern. Varian was getting tired of his dad asking him questions “Because it doesn’t interest me anymore and why does it matter if I don’t like hot coco anymore!” Varian snapped at his dad. Quirin was surprised Varian had never snapped at him he was always so obedient sometimes but he never talked back.

“Varian I don’t like how your acting, is something bothering you?” Quirin asked sternly. Varian turned around and looked at his dad and the vile fell from his pocket “no I’m fine!” Varian said. Quirin picked up the vile “what’s this Varian?” Quirin asked him. Varian looked and the vile and took it from his dads hands “it’s nothing” Varian said putting the vile away. Quirin gave a stern look at Varian “Varian what is it? And did you drink this? Is that why your acting weird?” Quirin asked his son sternly. Varian hesitated for a bit not sure if he should tell his dad Varian finally spoke “its a mood potion I found out in the lake I enhanced it to make me the son you would be proud of” Varian said to his dad. Varian have a angry look at to Quirin “you should be happy I’m not interested in alchemy anymore I haven’t invented anything dangerous that explodes I’ve done everything you wanted and asked me to do.” Varian said to his dad angrily. “You should be proud of me aren’t I the perfect son now aren’t I everything you wanted me to be that perfect son that doesn’t fail and disappoint you? A son that you can love” Varian said sternly to his dad.

Quirin stayed quiet trying to process what his son just told him, When Varian told him these things so many thoughts filled his head like what would Ulla do if she was I this situation? Why did Varian think he wasn’t proud of him? Why he didn’t think he loves him? All these thoughts came to his kind till he was finally able to speak. Varian was waiting for his dad to respond or at least say something, “Varian... I” Quirin was trying to figure out what to say. Quirin pulled his son in a tight hug and pulled him away where he could see Varian’s face, “Varian, I am proud of you I always have been, you didn’t have to prove yourself by making a potion and drinking it and changing you into something your not” Quirin told Varian with a half smile on his face. “I know I don’t always show and tell you that I love you and that I’m proud of you that’s my mistake for not telling you” Quirin said to Varian with sadness in his voice. “Varian I love you the way you were I love how you are so passionate about Alchemy, how talented , and smart, your persistence, you remind me so much of your mom she loved Alchemy and you act so much like her, if she was here she would be very proud of you Varian just like I am proud of you” Quirin told Varian putting his hand on his shoulders trying to hold back his tears.

Varian didn’t know what to say his dad never liked sharing his feelings and he never talked much about his mom either. Varian stayed quiet trying to process what his dad just told him, “Dad.. I’m sorry, I should not have treated you that way” Varian said with shame in his voice. “I just though that if I was different I would be the son you wanted me to be a son you could be proud of” Varian said trying to hold back his tears. “Oh Varian I am proud of you and I have always been proud of you, Ever since your mom left it’s been hard trying to raise you but I know If she was here now she hug both of us and tell us that she is proud of you” Quirin said to Varian. “No dad she would be proud of us” Varian said giving his dad a tight hug .

Quirin returned the hug with an even tighter one, They stayed there for awhile till they felt better, “now that we confessed our feelings to each other how about we make that reversal potion I’d love to have my son back” Quirin said with a smile. “Hehe sure I think I have the recipe I just have to make the original and it should make me back to normal” Varian told his dad with a smile. “Let’s get started” Quirin told Varian messing up his hair. Ruddiger came in and put his paw on Varian’s leg, “Hey buddy, sorry I was so mean to you and not paying attention to you can you forgive me?” Varian said to Ruddiger. Ruddiger crawled up to Varian’s shoulders and cuddled him, “Thanks bud, I love you to” Varian said hugging his pet raccoon.

Varian grabbed all the ingredients he needed to make the potion his dad helped him mix all the ingredients and heat and stir the compounds till the potion was ready. Varian grabbed the purple liquid and poured it in another glass vile and shook it. “Dad once I drink this it will turn me back to my original personality are you sure you want me to do this?” Varian asked his dad. Quirin smiled at his son “Varian I like you just the way you were before you drank the potion, besides I didn’t really like this Varian” Quirin answered his son with a smile. Varian just smiled “I didn’t like him either hehe” Varian answered back with a smile. “Here goes nothing” Varian said pouring half the vile inside his mouth “Gah! It still tastes awful” Varian said gaging. Quirin laughed “How about some water that should help” Quirin said to his son. “Yeah I’d like that dad” Varian answered with a smile.

The next day arrived Varian woke up for himself ready and headed downstairs to eat breakfast. Quirin had the table all set up and he handed Varian his plate. “Good morning son, How are you feeling?” Quirin asked Varian. Varian chuckled “I feel fine I guess I think it worked” Varian answered unsure. “Would you like some hot coco? I tried following your recipe” Quirin told Varian with a shy smile. Varian smiled, “Yes! I love hot coco” Varian answered with excitement. Quirin smiled and gave his son a cup of hot coco. Varian smiled “wow dad this hot coco is amazing!” Varian complimented his dad. Quirin smiled “I’m glad you like it son” Quirin said. Varian smiled at his dad “may I be excused I have a lot of Alchemy and inventions to catch up on” Varian asked his dad “sure son go for it just be carful ok” Quirin told Varian with a smile. Varian smiled “Yes sir” Varian answered. Quirin pulled Varian into a tight hug “I love you son, I’m so proud of you” Quirin told Varian. Varian tried not to cry he had longed to hear those words from his dad. Varian returned the hug “I love you to dad, thanks for not giving up on me” Varian said to his dad giving him a tighter hug.

Varian went to his lab and stared to unpack everything Ruddiger climes up to Varian’s shoulders and gave him a small tap on his cheek “hey bud! It’s great to be back” Varian said to Ruddiger petting him. Ruddiger gave Varian a smile he was happy his master was back to normal. Varian started working on one of his inventions and Quirin was downstairs cleaning up when he heard a small explosion. “Son you ok?” Quirin called out. “Yes dad just a little accident” Varian shouted from his lab. Quirin Chuckled “Welcome back son” Quirin said with a smile.

The End

I really hope you all enjoyed reading this and I’m sorry if it’s really long but I really tired to fit everything I had planned which took longer to write and type it lol 😂 but please constructive criticism is welcome I’d love to hear your feedback on what you though of this Fic??😊 I hope I did you justice as well @ullathealchemyqueen i tried my best lol 😂 Feel free to reblog and like guys I would really appreciate it 💕 Love you all💕

#varian #tts varian #rta varian #tts fandom #varian the alchemist #varian and the 7k rp blog #varian angst #varian and quirin #varian and the 7 kingdoms #varian and the seven kingdoms #tangled ulla #tts quirin #not in the mood #tangled the series #tangled varian #The Perfect Son #varian edit #tts fic #tts fanfic #disney fanfiction

[sonicgetsrawed]

Sharp Cheddar

A modern Varian x Hugo one shot!!! The cheese is relevant in this one!! I’m putting it under the cut cause it got pretty long! Enjoy!!!

Hugo draped his arm across his face, trying to block out the sun that streamed in from the window. He was normally a morning person but he had submitted his last project for the semester and thought he deserved to sleep in a little bit. He rolled over, fully intending to pull his boyfriend into his arms only to be met with an empty bed. He groaned sitting up and shoving his glasses onto his face. A deep frown settled into his features noticing that Varian’s side was still made up. He shook his head, the idiot probably fell asleep in their lab again. He kicked the blankets off with the sole goal of dragging Varian to bed and ordering in. The semester had been stressful for both of them. Quite frankly he was surprised their relationship survived. Their relationship had been fairly new at the start of the semester, having been in the same dorm room the previous. They had been at each other’s throats then, until one particularly explosive argument ended in an equally explosive make out session. From there they started an actual relationship deciding to move in together off campus. Varian had insisted on getting a two bedroom apartment, claiming that he would be sleeping in his own room. That lasted two weeks and now the second bedroom was used as a lab space now, so it wasn’t a total loss. And they worked on opposite schedules so they both had time in the lab. They had learned very quickly that working together would lead to arguments, and that almost led to breaking up. Although once the fight was resolved it led to making up, which he quite enjoyed. But they had been doing too much of that lately, he was looking forward to having a relaxing few weeks of peace as they prepared for the next semester.

He padded across the room, not bothering to check his phone, the only person he wanted to talk to was in the same place as him anyways. He opened the door, surprised to see Varian in the kitchen. He had his back turned to him, various sand which ingredients spread about on their island.

“Love you too, Dad. Okay, I will. Bye.” Varian said, hanging up his phone and slamming it onto the counter next to him. His shoulders were hunched up to his ears and Hugo kissed any ideas of having a relaxing day goodbye. Varian’s dad was another major source of their arguments. He did not approve of their relationship in the slightest, always saying that Varian deserved better, could do better. Was he right? Absolutely, but he had a habit of taking things he didn’t deserve and he had no intentions of letting Varian go without a fight.

He made his way over to the smaller male. He still might be able to salvage this. He wrapped his arms around his middle, placing a kiss to Varian’s cheek and trailing down to his shoulder. “Good morning.” He was testing the waters, trying to gauge where Varian’s mindset was at. He was always on edge whenever he spoke to his dad.

“It’s afternoon. You slept in.” Varian said simply, only relaxing slightly in his touch.

“I know.” He replied, although he really hadn’t expected to sleep in that long. “Did you sleep at all?” Despite keeping his tone light, Varian shot him a warning glare over his shoulder. Hugo sighed as Varian escaped his grip, pulling a butter knife from the drawer. He pushed himself onto the island, watching with concern as Varian put the sand which together a little too roughly. “What did he say this time?”

Varian slammed the knife down on the table, bangs covering his eyes as he hunched over the counter. “Same thing as last time. Same thing as every time. I just can’t do this anymore, Hugh.”

He wanted to pull Varian into his arms, rub soothing circles on his back, and let him cry his eyes out. Instead he got defensive, he wasn’t even sure why. Maybe it was the fear that he might actually lose Varian this time. “Do what, exactly?”

“This! The fighting with you and my dad! It needs to stop.” Varian yelled, looking up at him with desperate, pleading eyes.

“Okay. Then tell him! This isn’t my fault. I’ve tried talking to him but he doesn’t want to hear it. You can’t blame me for this!” Hugo argued, letting his anger cloud his judgement.

“I-I’m not-“ Varian started, frustrated tears welling in his eyes.

“Yes, you are! You always get like this when you talk to him! You-you let him brainwash you!”

“He doesn’t brainwash me! Do you hear how ridiculous you sound?!”

Hugo had a retort ready on his tongue. It died when Varian deflated, tears falling in steady drops. He hated when Varian cried and it absolutely broke his heart when he was the one that caused it. “Var-“ He tried reaching out.

Varian backed away, out of his reach. “Maybe he was right. Maybe we moved to fast. I don’t even know what kind of cheese you like!”

“Cheese? What does that matter? I lo-“ He couldn’t bring himself to finish his sentence, they hadn’t said those words yet and he didn’t want to say it like this. Not as a cop out in an argument, Varian deserved better than that, he was better than that.

“It matters because I feel like I don’t know you. I feel like you don’t know me. I don’t want him to be right, but I’m tired. I’m so tired, Hugo.” Hugo reached out again, desperate to keep Varian here, to keep him in his arms, but he slipped through his fingers like everything else that was good in his life. He didn’t know how long he sat there with the forgotten sandwich ingredients, eventually he had pulled himself together enough to move from his location. He wiped away a few of his stray tears. He wouldn’t accept defeat this easily. He would show Varian that they did know each other, and while his pride was his downfall he swallowed it and shot a quick text message to a number he didn’t even bother to save into his phone. It didn’t take long for him to get a reply. He quickly changed and jotted a quick note to Varian in case he came looking for him. Thankfully the meeting place wasn’t too far from his apartment.

He had to remind himself constantly that he was doing this for Varian to prevent himself from bolting from the pastel colored cat cafe. The blonde girl in front of him smiled kindly at the employee that handed her her drink and pastry. The foam cat on top of her coffee glaring into his soul, mocking him, with those beady foam eyes. His staring contest with the foam animal didn’t last long as Rapunzel dipped a piece of her pastry into the coffee, wiping the animal from existence.

“I’m so glad you wanted to meet up.” She said, a bit too cheerily for his liking.

“It’s not like I had a choice. I don’t have anyone to talk to about this.” Hugo responded, finally meeting her eyes. Normally he wouldn’t admit such a thing but he was feeling unusually vulnerable after the fight.

“Right, sorry.” She popped another piece of pastry into her mouth, taking a sip of her drink before continuing. “What happened this time?”

“We had another fight. He wants me to talk to Quirin.” He spat the name out. He had never gotten along with Varian’s dad no matter how hard he tried.

“So talk to him. If Varian sees you’re trying to fix things he’ll be satisfied. All he wants is for you to try.” Rapunzel explained as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

“It’s not that simple.” She raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. “Var thinks we don’t know each other.”

“Then show him you do.” She replied, eyes narrowed with a fire he had only seen a handful of times. It’s what made Rapunzel more bearable than the rest of Varian’s friends, her unwillingness to back down or give up on anything or anyone.

“How?” He asked, slumping forward in his chair, suddenly glad for their setting. No one he knew would dare set foot in this establishment and see the mess he was.

“You know, Eugene would probably suggest doing some big romantic gesture, but it’s all about the little things. The cupcakes he brings me when I’m sad, the extra paints he surprises me with on his way home from work, waking up early to get me coffee before I go into work. You know, things like that. They show you really care and know a person. Those mean more to me than any big gesture ever could.” Rapunzel explained, smiling as she lost herself in her memories.

“So bring him a cupcake?” Hugo asked, pushing his glasses further up his nose.

“No. You have to tailor it to you two. If you copy us it’ll just be an empty gesture. It has to come from the heart.” Rapunzel still had that stupid smile on her face, but he got the message. He stood an idea striking him.

“Uh, thanks, I guess.” He said as an afterthought as he headed out the door, not sticking around to hear her excited squeal.

It was dark by the time he returned to the apartment, various bags in his arms. He struggled to get the key into the lock and get the door open but he eventually got it. It was dark inside, which meant that Varian was likely still in the lab. He placed the bags on the counter and switched on the lights, eyes going wide at the sight that met him. The room had a giant blanket and pillow fort in front of their TV, lights strung from the ceiling, but Varian was nowhere to be found. He smiled softly to himself, setting up his horde of food in the middle of the fort. He couldn’t believe that someone would go through so much effort for him. He didn’t get much done before the door opened again. He pulled Varian inside before he could even properly process that he was there, pressing him against the closed door and kissing him like his life depended on it.

He reluctantly pulled away. “You did all this for me?”

Varian nodded, still trying to catch his breath. “Yeah. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken out my anger on you. I-I know that this doesn’t make up for the things I said, but I hope it’s a start.”

“I’m sorry too. You had a point about not knowing each other.” Hugo admitted, leading Varian to the fort. “So, I wanted to prove you wrong. It’s different food from all your favorite places.”

Varian made his way around the feast. “You got gyros?” Hugo nodded. “But you hate them!”

“But you don’t.” He said as way of explanation. “And.....” He shoved another tray into Varian’s hands.

“A cheese platter?” Varian raised an eyebrow, biting his lip in a way that sent his heart fluttering.

“Yup. I realized I don’t know what kind of cheese you like either. So, we’re going to try them all.”

Varian beamed before lighting up as if he just realized something. He dug around in the bag he hadn’t noticed before and pulled something out, placing it in his hands. “Do you have any idea how hard this was to track down?”

“Is this?” He asked staring in awe at the small blue toy car in his hand.

“Yeah. You said you always wanted one. It’s a little banged up, but we can repai-“ Hugo claimed Varian’s lips once again, relishing on how the other melted against him.

“It’s perfect. I love it.” He hesitated before deciding to speak his feelings. “I love you. I love you, Varian.”

“I love you too. I-I love you so much. I’ll talk to my dad tomorrow. We’ll work this out.” Varian responded.

“There’s no need. I already asked him to meet me tomorrow.” Hugo said.

Varian’s eyes lit up. “What did I ever do to deserve you? I love you.” Varian laughed, the sound like music to his ears. “I could say that forever. I love you.”

Hugo laughed this time, the sound quickly swallowed by Varian tackling him to the ground lips pressed against his the entire way down.

#tangled the series #varian #varian/hugo #hugo #modern au #Rapunzel #the cheese is relevant #im just naming everything I do with them after cheeses now #i dug my cheesy grave and I will die in it #Deep Fried Cheese #Varian and the seven kingdoms

[whitecatindisguise]

Let Me Make You Proud 20

Another chapter is here. So, the bomb was dropped. I saw many of you freak out, so let me assure you once more: this story WILL have a happy ending. Getting there won’t be a field trip, but I promise it will end on a happy note.

Anyway, Varian must now come to terms with the real form of his powers. And Zhan Tiri isn’t helping, being the manipulative b*tch we know she is.

TW: Thoughts on sacrifical suicide, Zhan Tiri, manipulation. If I missed anything, let me know.

------

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Varian questioned the moment Zhan Tiri strolled into the room. She cocked her head in surprise.

“I was not aware I should tell you anything, Moon Child.” She replied, her eyes scanning the room. There were books and scrolls set in piles on the floor, random notes lying around. “I take it your little study session was fruitful.”

“Fruit-!” The boy gasped at the words and shook in anger. “Damn fruitful! I know everything! You lied to me!”

“About what, exactly?” The demon didn’t look at him, picking up one of the notes and scanning it. 

“This… It’s not power! It’s a curse!” He cried in anger. “It kills whoever uses it! Were you even going to tell me about it?!”

“Why? Would you even believe me?” She questioned and he stared back at her. “From what I gathered, you don’t really put much trust in what I say.”

“That… You still could have said anything!” He argued, but it wasn’t as strong as previously. Would he believe it, if she told him about the curse? About how the power is killing him? 

“I could.” She agreed. “Or, I could provide you with a way to find out by yourself, from a much more reliable source, don’t you agree?”

“And if I had the Moonstone…? Would it really prolog the time I have?” He asked in a quieter voice. 

“Yes.” The demon replied and his head shot up. “But I need it to stay with Cassandra. She, too, has a role to play in this battle.”

“But… isn’t it also killing her?” Varian questioned. “If the Moon power itself is a curse, then the Moonstone-”

“That is not your concern, Moon Child.” Zhan Tiri interrupted. “If I were you, I would practice some more, so you can actually try and use your power in the upcoming battle.”

“But the curse-!” He argued but the demon was quick to shut him up.

“Won’t act so soon, since you’ve been using your powers for only a week now.” She said, her gaze stern. “Unless you aren’t planning on using all of it at once, I wouldn’t be worried.”

 He fell silent, pondering about what he learned. Zhan Tiri said he’d be fine, unless he uses too much power at once. He shouldn’t be worried about that, since his level of control wasn’t enough to go full-god-mode anytime soon. Then, something else he heard hit him.

“Wait… you said a week?” He asked, his eyes wide. 

“Why, yes. What of it?” Now Zhan Tiri was truly puzzled. Why was the boy so interested in how much time has passed. It didn’t really mattered at this point. 

“When… when are they planning an attack?” Varian’s voice trembled. It couldn’t be… did it was almost two weeks already?

“In two days. A little bit earlier than originally planned.” The demon replied and a knowing smirk appeared on her face. “You sent the message to the princess, didn’t you, Moon Child?”

His eyes widened in horror. She knew about that? Did that mean… Andrew knew too…?

“He doesn’t know about your little betrayal.” Zhan Tiri’s voice ringed in his ears. “Not that it matters, at this point. Either way, Corona will fall. With or without their knowledge.”

“No.. that’s… they have Rapunzel… and Eugene… and Max… and…” His head spun, vision after vision, each more worrying than the previous one. Corona in flames. His friends, lying motionless on the ground. The Saporian flag waving at the top of the castle. Himself, either dead or thrown out from the kingdom. His dad’s disappointed gaze. 

“Oh, yes. The Sundrop and her little tea party.” The demon laughed. “I wonder how will she react to know not one but TWO of her so-called friends have sided with the enemy. You think she’ll be angry? Sad? Heartbroken?”

Varian felt something trailing down his cheek. He rose his finger and touched it, surprised to find it wet. Oh… he was crying, wasn’t he?

“This will, for sure, be the sight to enjoy.~” Zhan Tiri sing-songed as she circled around the alchemist. “Those green eyes, widening in realization, when she finally understands what’s going on. And you… using the black rocks. She will feel betrayed, won’t she?”

“No! I would never-!” He tried to argue but his voice was stuck in his throat. 

“Oh… but you did.” The demon cooed, her grin widening. “The moment you agreed to work for the Saporians, all the weapons you built for them… the automaton you so eagerly decided to drive into battle. It all speaks for itself.”

Varian slumped to the floor, his knees giving out under him. He hid his face in his hands, crying. 

“I didn’t want it. I didn’t want it. I didn’t want it.” He repeated over and over, his whole frame shaking. 

“Did you?” Zhan Tiri whispered into his ear. “Because if you truly didn’t want to betray her… why didn’t you chose the other option?”

It took him only a few seconds to realize, what she was talking about. Traitors to Saporia pay with their lives. If he didn’t agree to help them, he would…

“See? In the end, it was your choice, Moon Child.” Zhan Tiri whispered and he heard her stepping away, creeking the door open. “You chose to betray her.”

He heard the door lock behind her and he bowed lower, shaking with spasms of tears. It was like that day in the snowstorm, one year ago. It was just like it, and different at the same time. Because, this time, it wasn’t Rapunzel who betrayed him. This time, it was him who betrayed her. 

~~~~~~

It was late at night, and he was still awake. After his hysteria back in the study room, it took him several hours to finally calm down. When Juniper came to pick him up, he wordlessly followed her to the cafeteria, forced some food into his stomach just enough to last until next meal, and silently went back to his room. 

There, he laid promptly on his bed and stared at the ceiling since then. No matter how much he tried, he couldn’t sleep. He didn’t even know if he wanted to, terrified of the nightmares that could taunt him. So he just laid, staring at the ceiling. 

More than once he came back to the conversation with Zhan Tiri. He tried to find loopholes in her reasoning. To prove he didn’t, in fact, betray Rapunzel. But no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t find any other explanation. And it made his stomach turn. 

If only I died, he thought. But what would that change? All of Corona already thought of him as the villain. If he died now, it wouldn’t change anything. 

His train of thoughts stopped abruptly, as an idea hit him. If he died now, nothing would change. But what if…

He once again remembered what the demon said. 

Unless you aren’t planning on using it all at once, I wouldn’t be worried. That’s what she said. So… what if he did. But not in the way she thinks he would.

What if… he used it to HELP Corona. What if he somehow managed to push Saporians away, make them leave the battle. Would that… redeem him of his crimes…?

He pondered about that thought. Sure, the idea was risky. He didn’t have much control, so he wasn’t sure it’s even going to work. But… it’s worth a try. 

And the automaton…if he could somehow use it to thin Saporian forces, would that show Corona which side he was truly on? Sure, he remembered both Andrew and Juniper threatening him about turning against them. But in reality…? He didn’t really care at this point. If he does it during the battle and gives Rapunzel and the others a way to defeat the Saporians, his dad shouldn’t be in danger. 

Plus… if everything goes the way he plans… they won’t have a reason to hurt him anymore. After all, even if Saporia wins, he won’t be around anymore. And with him gone… his dad will finally be safe.

#tts #varian #let me make you proud #zhan tiri #moon!varian #tw:suicidal thoughts #tw:sacrifical thoughts #tw:manipulation

[druidonity]

Anduin fanfic idea #1 (Feel free to use!)

IDEA: Varian’s death broke Anduin. With two wars back to back, he has had no time to recover. And now it’s the first year anniversary of his father’s death. Anduin cannot pretend anymore, he can’t hide his decaying health, he can’t hide his tears, and worst of all, no matter how much the light tries, it’s powers weaken on him. If the boy doesn’t change, he’s on track to die due to his heart break. But that’s not how this timeline should go. Anduin is needed for Azeroth to survive.  Chromie offers the young king a much needed break, and the next thing Anduin knows, he’s outside a house in Westfall. The house of the Ellerian nobel family. 

Rules for use: Credit me for the idea, and if you post the story, let me know! I wanna read! :D

Below the line are chapter by chapter notes for the story. Feel free to use all of it, none of it, some of it, etc.

Prologue: All events in the summery of the story above. Anduins sick, Chromie appears, sends him back in time, but makes it appear like hes asleep so Genn and the others don’t worry.

Chapter one: Anduin, weak and confused, is cared for by Mrs and Mr Ellerian, as well as their two daughters, Tiffin and Shelby. Tiffin is an 18 year old, currently trying her hardest to escape nobility. She seeks to be free, travel, like an adventurer. Shelby, age 12, goes to school in Stormwind, and wants to be Queen, but because she could finally make Stormwind’s crown help West fall. Anduin speaks to these people, and they ask him questions, he does not tell them who he is, only that his name is Llane. He is given soup and allowed to stay the night, in Tiffin’s room, with Tiffin moving to Shelby’s room. Surprisingly, for nobles, their second home is small and comfurting, and they dont appear to be nobles at all. Shelby mentions that her parents like to keep a humble side. As much as they represent Stormwind, they also wish to represent West fall.

Chapter two: Tiffin and Shelby set off to Stormwind the next day, Shelby for schooling and Tiffin to keep up with the Stormwind politics. Anduin goes with them and finds out that Tiffin from a young age has been representing the Ellerian house, mainly because her parents have weak bones and don’t make the trip every other day, only once a week. They stop in Goldshire for a bit before making it to Stormwind gates. (Tiffin gets nervous around Goldshire, turns out she has an ex who works in the Forge, she doesnt want to run into him. ((i read something about an ex in her wiki i think))

Chapter three: Tiffin shows Anduin their home in Stormwind, a rather nice house in Cathedral square. Anduin realizes he’s never known this was their house, and makes a mental note to check to see who owns the property when he gets back to his time. Tiffin says he can’t go with her to the meetings, but Anduin is free to do whatever he wants. He can leave if he wants, but he should at least write a note for her parents. They would worry. Anduin mentions he really doesnt have a place to go, to sleep, nor money for an inn. Tiffin says he’s allowed to stay in their home for as long as he wants, just don’t steal anything. My parents would know the second they walk into the house. Theyll find you. Anduin maybe spends the day walking around past Stormwind? He thinks of all the times he could change, but knows he should not mess with time.

Chapter four: Anduin ends up staying with the girls for months. Anduin becomes really close with the Ellerian family, and they try to pay him to be a house sitter for their home in Stormwind whenever the girls go back to westfall. Tiffin’s parents often invite Anduin over for dinner, etc. But then one month Tiffin’s parents pass, and her little sister (is killed or goes missing? maybe leaves a note explaining she isnt happy where she is anymore? i dont know? Or maybe the school sends her off to study across the globe?). Anyway, Tiffin is greatly hurt, and Anduin is the only one to comfort her. Except, he’s not. Tiffin tells him about a friend she’s recently made, and Anduin knows exactly who it is before she tells him. Tiffin talks about how she originally hated him, but now thats shes forced to spend a bit more time with him as the only noble of her household, she’s learned alot more about him. The King, Varian.

Chapter five: Anduin finds an invitation addressed to him to a winter ball at the keep, and finds out tiffin had smuggled an extra invite for him. Anduin sees many people at this ball, including Prince Arthas, Jaina, Onyxia, Bolvar, Magni, etc etc. Suddenly Anduin feels out of place and uncomfortable at the ball, but before he can slip out, Tiffin finds him to introduce him to the King. Seeing his father nearly brings Anduin to tears on the spot, but he survives the meeting. Anduin leaves the party early, to lock his bedroom door and let out all of his stress and feelings out. He misses his father sooo much.

Chapter six: Tiffin picks up on Anduin’s sorrow and tries her best to help him while getting the reason why. Anduin makes something up, while slightly true, saying Varian reminds him of an old family member who passed long ago. That he was nervous being around so many important political people and nobles, as a common man himself. Tiffin doesn’t really know how to fix these, but she can use the light to calm Anduin. She places her hand on his head and channels light, and Anduin again feels like crying because of just how powerful this moment felt. Its the first time hes seen her use the light, and she’s using it to aid him. This moment was the moment Anduin has dreamed of since a child, his mother caring for him and helping him in his worst of times. Tiffin says she learned about the light from a young age, but never really had a use to use it until recently. She was told she was very powerful, but she didn’t really believe it. Anduin says he thinks she’s got a thing with light.

Chapter seven: Time skip, Anduin now as seen Tiffin and Varian fall in love, and now it’s their wedding. Anduin offers to help in any way he can and Tiffin manages to give Anduin and very important role in her wedding. Tiffin wants him to be the ring bearer. The day goes perfectly, Anduin feeling so much joy the entire time. Near the end of the day, Lady Prestor confronts him, asking him how long he’s known the couple to be given the role of ring bearer. Anduin takes this oppurtunity to chat with her, but Prestor finds the man too chatty, too questioning, and walks away. Anduin finally feels like Chromie’s medicine has worked. He feels like he could go back home and do anything, including win the war, for peace.

Chapter Eight: If feels strange when Tiffin moves into the keep and leaves the home to him, but atleast Anduin can guess the house back home is probably owned by some random dude named Llane lol. He is often invited to the keep, and has become friends with Varian too, to go as far as to ask Anduin if he would like a job within the keep, or some other ranking position. They know he was a way with words and some use of the light, he could be of use. Tiffin seeks out Anduin sometime later, and with Varian, announces she’s pregnant. It feels really weird to realize there is now two of you, you you, and in mom’s belly you. Anduin supports them in any way he can. He also notices Lady Prestor acting a bit strange, appearing more around tiffin then usual. Anduin knows he shouldnt change the past, but he cannot let the past change on it’s own too.

Chapter nine: Prince Anduin, newborn son to the crown, is utterly adorable, and “Llane” Anduin adores him. He also sees now that as a newborn, he was whiney as fuck, but Tiffin’s light has always calmed him down. Varian also seems to adore his son, cooing over him, caring for him as much as he can between his job. Tiffin also seems to want to care for her son as much as possible, refusing the help of nannys as much as possible. At one point, Prestor gets the chance to babysit the newborn, but Anduin make sure he’s able to but in, taking the chance to keep an eye on the newborn while annoying the dragon with small talk. He can feel malicious intent from the women, and feels as if he’d just about saved his own life. He couldn’t be sure. Bolvar appears and coos over the newborn and offers to take the newborn off Prestor’s hands, and she accepts and backs away.

Chapter ten: Tiffin seeks out Anduin, telling him not to tell anyone, but shes afraid. Someone she knows, but she wont tell Anduin, is after her. Theyre acting strange, she says. She tell Anduin she saw something she shouldn’t have seen, and now wishes to forget. Anduin urges her to speak to Varian, but Tiffin insists that her husband would never believe her. No one would. Anduin calms her down with the light and tells her that he believes her. He will always believe her. She thanks him for clearing her mind, but she refuses to tell him anything else. Anduin worries, but cannot change the timeline. He’s gotten what he came for, now he wonders why Chromie would keep him here longer.

The next week, The Queen is killed, however Anduin doesn’t feel the pain he thought he would, he saw it coming. What he didn’t see coming was that the rock wasn’t what killed her. How could it, she was a strong lady with the light to heal her, and the rock was very small. No, Lady prestor had poisoned her and hid it with the rock attack. And on her death bed, with Varian at her side a mess, she has Anduin come in. She thanks Anduin for everything. Anduin holds her hand, as she holds her newborn son in her arms, and thanks her. Chromie appears, telling “Anduin , it is time to go home”. Tiffin and Varian see her, and Chromie says she’ll just erase their memories. Anduin turns to his mom and says “Mother, I love you so much.”. Chromie teleports Anduin home, but stays a bit longer to erase Varian’s mind. As she goes to erase Tiffin’s mind, Tiffin grabs her arm lightly, stopping Chromie. She speaks with a weak voice, “I’m due to die soon, lady of time. Please, allow me to remember him. I want to die knowing my son grows up happy.” Chromie allows it, and sits with Tiffin, Baby Anduin, and Varian, as the queen passes away.

Epilogue: Turns out to disguise his dissapearance, Chromie made it look like Anduin had slept for days without waking. When Anduin does awake, Genn, Velen, Jaina, etc, are all rushed in to a collective sigh of relief. They feared the king poisioned, dying, etc etc, due to noticing his poor emotional state and lack of connection with light. Anduin feels much better, much calmer, and ready to continue his war for peace. He thanks Chromie for everything, and says if she ever needs anything, Anduin is at her service. Chromie, before leaving, tells him that the Queen died knowing he would live to be a great king, and a loving man, caring for all of Azeroth.

Anduin vists his mother’s grave, talking with her as if her spirit was there.

end.

#World of warcraft #Anduin Wrynn #Tiffin Wrynn #fanfic idea #long post #wow #wow fanfic

[izaswritings]

Title: it’s just a mild inconvenience

Synopsis: Pro Tip— When you die saving the life of your worst enemy, make absolutely sure there’s no chance of survival. Otherwise, things get awkward. Like really, really awkward.

Personally, Varian would take the death and dying. At least then he doesn’t have to deal with all this “caring” nonsense.

Notes: It's..... been....... awhile.......... but I'm back!! Hopefully you all haven't forgotten this fic just yet, ahaha. I still have plenty of ideas left for this universe, and I hope you like where I'm taking it!!

Many thanks to the amazing @jessucakes for creating this awesome au! 💖

Warnings for: cursing/swearing (Varian continues to be a foul-mouthed brat, more news at 11), references to past character death (including references to past impalement), somewhat graphic description of wounds/scarring, and brief mention to a panic attack. As always, if there's anything you think I missed, just let me know and I’ll add it on here!

-

AO3 Link is here!

Chapter One is here!

Chapter Two is here!

-

chapter 3: the great ruddiger rescue mission

-

“Oh, no,” Varian says, for the fifth time in the past ten minutes. “Oh, no. Ohhhh no. No, no, no— damn it! Damn!”

He’s pacing in circles around the small length of the abandoned cabin, fingers curled in his hair and yanking at the strands. His feet are starting wear grooves in the floor.

“Oh, damn. Damn! Shit! I’m an idiot!”

He’s bare-footed and cold and still a little hungry, and that one bit of stale jerky has left a frankly horrid aftertaste in his mouth. He’s craving hot chocolate so badly his throat aches, and those stupid bandages have started to chafe at his arms, and everything’s just absolutely awful, but most importantly—

“Ruddiger! Ruddiger!! I forgot Ruddiger!”

Varian is having a crisis.

“How could I forget Ruddiger?” he asks himself, pivoting hard on his heel moments before he face-plants into the wall. “How could I forget Ruddiger? Shit! Shit! It’s been hours! What the hell am I doing! Oh, my god. What do I do?”

Another pivot.

“I mean, I was pretty drugged,” Varian considers. “Am. Am still drugged. Because I died. Died. I mean—that could mess anyone up. I think I have some liberties here. Right? Right.”

Pivot again. His legs are cramping, a buzz of pins and needles running up and down his numb feet. Ow. Just what Varian needs, thank you ever so much, stupid human flesh vessel. 

“Oh, my god, I forgot Ruddiger. He’s— the Princess. He’s probably with the Princess. Of course he’s with Rapunzel, why the hell not, stupid princess with her stupid hair and stupid tears and stupid animal-stealing attitude—”

He tries to pivot again, but his heel slips in the dust and instead of another dramatic turn, he just kicks his bare toes into the wall full-force. Varian bites back a yell and reels away from the wall, hopping up and down and holding his injured foot in the air. Unfortunately, though Varian is skilled in a great many things, balance is not one of them. He overbalances almost immediately and collapses back on the decaying hardwood with a high-pitched shriek of mingled pain and rage.

He hits the ground hard enough to wind himself, and scrawls boneless against the floorboards, fighting for breath. His foot aches. His legs ache. His heart aches.

He misses Ruddiger.

Varian covers his face and tries to breathe. “Damn it,” he whispers, into his palms. “Damn, damn, damn—”

He stops talking once his voice starts to crack, and stays shivering on the floor until the tears have finally left him.

Breathing uneven and shaky, Varian scrubs the back of his hand across his face and takes a deep and steadying inhale through his nose, willing himself to calm down. He rolls up to his feet, supporting his trembling legs by leaning against the wall, then closes his eyes and sighs out through his teeth.

“Okay,” Varian says, softly, to himself. “Okay.” He lifts his head and opens his eyes; meets his own gaze in the bare and undecorated mirror hanging plain on the cabin wall. “What do I know? Ruddiger isn’t here. I… forgot him.” He has to force the words out, but he does, and grits his teeth to keep calm.

“I forgot him,” Varian repeats, forceful. “Not my fault, but—that’s where I’m at. Okay. So—so, I have to find him again. Where will he be? The castle, probably… with Rapunzel, definitely. She has a soft spot for animals, and she’s trying to act nice to me, so she definitely won’t leave him behind.” A sudden and horrible thought strikes him. “If. If Ruddiger was there. He’s got to be there. They had to have found him. If he’s not there—”

He cuts himself off, sucking in a sharp breath through his teeth. “He’s there,” Varian affirms. Never mind that he can’t remember if he brought Ruddiger with him to that last disastrous fight—never mind that he can barely remember that day at all. Ruddiger had to have been somewhere. “He’s there. I just have to go back and find him. Easy as baking pie.” Though… Varian had never been all that good at pies. The last one he’d made—hmmm. “Easy as baking cookies.” There. Better.

Most important of all: “I can do this.”

His shoulders slump, relaxed and loose, and the tension around his eyes has eased a bit. The feverish flush is gone from his cheeks, the wet from his eyes— no one will ever be able to tell that he was just crying. Varian surveys his own face in the mirror and blows out a long breath, brushing his fringe from his face. He’s calm. He’s sure. He looks it, too. He looks…

His mood sours again, despite his best attempts to ignore it. Well. There’s no escaping it, is there? Varian looks dreadful. Dark circles under his eyes and grease in his hair and dirt smearing down his face from when he’d tumbled into that stream. The shirt he’s wearing, even the pants—they aren’t his, and they’re far too big, the shirt practically sliding off one shoulder, exposing a whole breadth of once-white bandaging, now yellowed with dirt and age. He looks like a plague patient. He looks like a ghost. He looks like he’s died and come back to life, which— Oh! Hey! He has!

The bandages are bothering him, though. They’re itchy, and he can’t get that weird doctor’s cryptic comments out of his head. It’s… weird. No matter how awful Varian looks, he very clearly isn’t actually injured. His chest doesn’t hurt at all, and despite all the running and falling that should have torn any stitches wide open, there isn’t even a hint of red on those wrappings. It’s as if they’re there for show.

What was it, exactly, that the weird doctor lady said? The rocks created some weird complications. It’s nothing bad, but the bandages were necessary. Which is all well and nicely cryptic, but not actually an answer. Hmm.

“What to do,” Varian mutters, tapping his fingers against his thigh. He steps up to the mirror and surveys his reflection with a dark look. It is, for some weird reason, hard to look himself in the eye. “Find out where I am. Find the castle. Get into the castle… find Ruddiger.” It’s a solid plan, and he smiles a little, very determinedly not thinking about how the hell he plans to break into the castle. He’s sure to come up with something. But first… “I should probably figure this out, huh?”

No answer. Varian sighs. He cannot wait to get Ruddiger back. He’d had no idea how much he relied on those little chirps for conversation until they weren’t there anymore. Now Varian’s only talking to himself, which is just… awkward.

He lifts a hand to his shoulder, brushing his fingers against the bandages. He’s… he’s stalling, isn’t he? He’s afraid to look, despite everything. But Varian refuses to keep walking around with those bandages on for much longer, damn it all. They’re useless and uncomfortable and attention-grabbing, and every time he sees them he’s reminded of what he did— no—and who he saved— why did I —and quite frankly, Varian is tired of distractions.

Also, itchy. They are so very, very itchy.

Thus decided, Varian clenches his jaw and tugs off the shirt, eyeing the layers of bandaging underneath. They’re… extensive. Almost overkill. The bandages wrap up his whole chest all the way to his neck and even down his arms, so heavy there’s not even the slightest gap. Though, if Varian arches his neck and tilts his head back, he thinks he can almost see—

His blood runs cold. Varian goes still, silent and staring. His breathing rasps loudly in his ears. On his neck—beneath the bandaging, too high to cover entirely— he can see—

No.

It looks like the loose curl of a fern leaf, except it’s pitted and deep and etched into his skin instead.

No, no, no—

His calm has vanished, his mind placing all those disjointed puzzle pieces together at last. In hindsight, the answer is obvious, but—but Varian hadn’t—he didn’t want—

I just wanted to forget about it.

But the world has already made it abundantly clear that it doesn’t give a damn about Varian wants.

Forget taking things slow. Varian’s lost calm and he knows it, but he doesn’t care. He rips off the bandaging with hurried movements, no longer trying to be careful about it. He tears the white cloth from his arms and away from his neck, and the moment it unravels fully he chokes.  

He is aware, distantly, of his breathing growing louder and more erratic, scraping in his throat.

You can’t do this to me, you can’t, you can’t—

But all the bandages are gone and Varian cannot deny it, either.

It’s a scar.

But no—no, maybe that’s an understatement. It’s not just a scar. It’s— it’s a mark. It’s like a brand. It’s a dark hollow of scar tissue in the center of his chest, trailing ends like veins, or the leaves of a fern, or—or a sun. The Corona sun, seared onto his chest and carving through his skin, trailing down his arms and up to his neck, violent and beautiful and cold, as if in saving him from death by the black rocks, the Sundrop power sought to mark him as theirs forever.

Ever since Varian has woken up, there has been a warmth. A pit of light nestled close to his heart. He’d thought it relief. He’d thought it happiness, maybe, that he’d survived. He’d thought— he’d thought.

Varian lifts his hand and presses it against that dark hollow, that impact-site, and feels that same warmth sing beneath his fingers.

He wants to cry, but some part of him knows this isn’t the worst of it, somehow. Not by a long shot. This hollow, this exit wound, where the rock had run him through—so what, then, of the point of impact, if this is what the Sundrop power has done to him here?

He turns around and looks at his back in the mirror, and the last of his breath shudders through his teeth. There is no sun, here. Nothing but scars, brutal and trailing, like a firework explosion at his back, where the rock had struck him through. It looks like a battle wound. It looks as gruesome as it felt; it looks like something no one could survive.

There’re echoes in his ears and dark spots in his vision, and Varian closes his eyes. He sits down slow and careful, curls up on the floor and hides his face in the crook of his arms. He rocks back and forth, wishing he’d never thought to look, trying to forget how it felt to die. 

-

In the end, Varian stays in the cabin only for the night.

When the dawn comes, Varian leaves the hut behind like the hounds of hell are at his heels. He throws back on the oversized shirt and even gives a paltry attempt at replacing the bandaging, but his hands shake too badly to tie the knots. He ends up throwing them down in a fit of disgust and grinding them into the dirt with his heel. Good fucking riddance.

As soon as light crests over the hills, and he can see more than five feet in front of him, Varian escapes into the woods. He practically skips as he flees, leaving the cabin and bandages behind him, the lone mirror shattered into tiny pieces on the floor.

It doesn’t take long to find a town; it takes even less to get directions back to the capital city. The trick is to ask children—eager to please and too forgetful to recognize Varian’s face or name from any wanted posters. Within three hours Varian knows three things: he’s about a five days’ journey from the capital city, he’s in the middle of goddamn nowhere and it’s a miracle he found people at all, and finally—he’s really, really hungry.

He steals an apple and spends another good five minutes talking himself out of feeling guilty, then determinedly marches his way back towards the castle. So, yeah. Easiest thing he’s done all week, honestly.

The problem, Varian knows, is not getting to the castle. That’s laughably easy. The problem is—well.

“Now, then,” Varian mutters, five days later and crankier than ever. He cradles his chin in his hands, eyeing those wide double doors with deep irritation. God, they’re so big. How pretentious can the royal family get? Do they need doors the size of giants? Is it necessary?

Answer: Absolutely not. Varian kind of wants to blow the place up on pure principle, but alas—he needs to get inside, not exact revenge. Not right now, anyway.

“Now,” Varian repeats again, and taps his fingers against his cheek. “If I were a wanted criminal who could be recognized on-sight and had to sneak into a highly fortified and well-guarded establishment without getting caught…” Which, yeah— “What would I do?”

He waits. No answer comes, and Varian sighs into the air and falls back to stare up at the sky. More seriously, he asks himself: “What should I do?”

Ruddiger in the castle, probably with the Princess, and Varian bereft of his usual tools and means of attack. The tunnels are probably well-monitored, after Varian’s little kidnapping stunt with the Queen; the front door is a no-go, no matter how funny it would be to just waltz in through the front gate. Which means…

Varian sits straight up and stares at the wide windows overlooking the gardens, over twenty feet high and gleaming in the light. “Oh,” he says. “Oh, damn it.”

He misses the days when explosions solved all his problems.

-

Okay, so, to be totally blunt: Varian and plans have never had a very substantial relationship. He has ideas, the ideas fail, he makes more ideas and ultimately finds out that yes, actually, water can catch on fire! Or at least, it will if Varian’s anywhere near it, science and logic be damned.

The point is, when Varian makes plans, things go horribly awry. Witness: his last plan got him killed, and left him with an annoying-ass scar that Varian is still trying not to think about. Which is why, when it comes to breaking into the castle… well.

Varian basically decides to wing it.

Sure, okay, it’s not the smartest idea—but again, the plan thing. If Varian is going to fail regardless, he might as well limit the explosions to a somewhat more manageable level. Ruddiger’s in there, after all, and… after all the goddamn trouble Varian went through to keep Rapunzel alive, killing her now would just be stupid.

(He ignores the quiet whisper lingering in the back of his mind. The softer voice that says, Never stopped you before, a little sad and a little bitter, almost regretful. Before—the before doesn’t matter, because there is no after. Nothing’s changed. Nothing’s changed. Varian just hates useless actions, is all. Killing Rapunzel now, after saving her—that’s a useless action, so he won’t. That’s it. That’s all there is to it.)

The start of his “winging-it” plan is the simplest—and easiest—part of the whole affair. Varian waits until dusk, when the shadows are longer and the torches are more dull than illuminating, and slips into the bushes by the castle wall when the guards aren’t looking. From there it’s a waiting game—sitting still in the shrubbery, legs pressed up against his chin, trying not to sneeze as the sun sets. Maybe it’s the waiting, or maybe just the stress, but the sun sure does take its goddamn sweet time. 

Finally, finally, darkness falls over the kingdom. Varian creeps his way along the wall—still hiding in the bushes, in the hopes that if he’s spotted they’ll assume it’s an animal instead of a homicidal teenager—until his reaching hands catch in a small indent in the stone.

Varian grins.

Okay, so—step one success. He’s gotten to the breach, and even better, so far he hasn’t been spotted. Rapunzel has the tunnels under surveillance, the doors on lockdown—but she doesn’t yet know how much Varian’s scoped out the castle, nor does she have any idea how many of her hidden escape routes Varian’s figured out.

Thank-you very much, you restless stir-crazy princess.

Varian slips out from the bush, quietly preening. Take that, Rapunzel. He’s still got it, and he didn’t even have to use alchemy this time. So what if he accidentally took a hit for Rapunzel? It’s not like it means anything, and this just proves it. Redeemable? Varian? Hah! He’s getting into that castle, he’s taking Ruddiger back, and then he’s getting as far away from Corona as physically possible.

Just you watch, Princess. I’ll prove you wrong. And then, then, Rapunzel can finally stop this stupid insistence that they don’t need to fight. She’ll strike back, the cycle will restart, and things can just… finally go back to the way they were.

(Beneath his collar, his new scar burns.)

Varian crouches down and ducks into a roll, wriggling his way through the small breach of the wall. He emerges through the other side without fanfare, into another set of bushes, this time in the palace gardens. He’s in!

Varian snickers under his breath, terribly pleased with himself. He’s gotten really good at an evil laugh, but alas he’ll have to save it for the escape—but just this celebration is enough. He’s gotten in! Now he just has to find a window, and soon he’ll be scot-free. Varian’s pretty good at this “sneaky” thing.

He steps out from the bushes, ready for things to finally go his way… and crashes right into the legs of a patrolling guard.

The guard yelps. Varian screams. The guard looks down. Varian looks up.

“Oh, fuck me,” Varian says, with intense feeling, then rolls up onto his feet and books for the castle entrance.

“What? What? Wait—was that—hey! Hey, kid! Hey! Stop in the name of the law!”

“Hell no!” Varian shouts back, and rounds the corner so fast he almost trips over his own feet. Oh, damn. Damn, damn, damn. He needs—he needs—a window! He needs to find a window, where—?

There.

Varian rockets forward, nearly crashing face-first into the wall, scrambling at the ground even before his knees fully hit the dirt. His fingers close around a hefty rock and he lifts it up high, weighing it in his palm as angry voices rise up behind him.

No time to waste. Varian reels back and chucks the rock as hard as he can, covering his eyes as soon as the stone leaves his hand. He hears the glass shatter, and lurches forward, following the sound, picking up a branch by his heels to knock out more glass from the frame.

“See, right there! The kid! I swear—”

“Wait—”

“Is that—”

“Didn’t he die?”

Varian grits his teeth and slams his branch into the glass. The hole is big enough, now—too small for an adult to slip through without slicing their arms to ribbons, but then, Varian has always been small for his age. For once it’s actually working in his favor! Hey, small mercies.

He slips through the window, pulse jumping in his throat, adrenaline burning acidic in his veins. He barely even feels the pin-pricks of pain as his bare feet press against the broken glass. His mind is all alarm bells—he’s got to get moving, and he’s got to move now.

“Do you think—is he—a g-ghost?”

His scars burn with memory, and for a moment the world turns dark and hazy—smoke in the air and blood rising in his lungs, the echo of a voice in his ears—but Varian shakes the sound away. Damn it, damn this, damn them.

Go, go, go!

This is what Varian gets for being cocky. Ugh. Will he ever learn?

Varian starts to run, his feet burning with every step, already breathless. Secrecy is shot to all hell. He almost slams into maids, into cooks, into servants—most just yelp, but those who do see him go white in the face and drop whatever they’re holding, and their words make his heart clench.

“—Dead—”

“Woah, hey! Who—?”

“But the reports say—”

Varian skids on the bare tile and goes barreling in the other direction, breath wheezing. He almost runs over a young seamstress, who falls over in a heap of colorful fabric, and even races past the same cryptic doctor from the village (seriously, what?), who whirls when she sees him and shouts, “Oi, child—”

The rest of the message is lost. Varian is already gone.

This was such a bad idea, some small, terrified part of Varian is wailing. Such a bad idea. I’m an idiot. Oh, my god, I’m an idiot.

This is why Varian needs Ruddiger. Total proof. Now, if only he could findhim—

Varian has to calm down. No, he needs to calm down. He can still salvage this. So what if he’s been spotted? The guards haven’t caught him yet, everyone else thinks he’s some mass hallucination/ghost, and so far, so good: Varian hasn’t run into anyone who really knows him yet, so his cover’s still safe. He can do this. He can salvage this. He can— 

Varian rounds another hallway half-way through this thought, and his feet slip on the smooth stone. His eyes go wide. He slams into whichever poor fool is on the other side, just as surprised and off-guard as he is, and all three of them go tumbling down to the tile.

Ow!

His scars burn. His feet ache. And Varian looks up, one hand rubbing through his hair, and meets the stunned gazes of Corona’s King and Queen.

#tangled the series #varian #varian tangled #rapunzel’s tangled adventure #tts #rta #varian the alchemist #varian tts #rapunzel #rapunzel tts #iza fanfic #mild inconvenience au