Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hugo was glad to be in Ponyville, it meant there was absolutely no way that Rapunzel or Eugene could drop in on them. Which they'd been doing a lot lately, as the day of their departure neared. Hugo wasn't about to pull them aside and tell them he wanted some private time with his boyfriend, or that Varian was getting overwhelmed with the amount of time Rapunzel and Eugene were trying to spend with them. Cass, she'd came over a few times but she was always there to chat with Shining and then, if they were available, she might hang out with them. Cozy came over to chat and play chess with Varian, something they both enjoyed even if they were both fairly nervous about what was coming. Hugo looked up from his tinkering, smiling as Sugar Belle came in, Apple Spice in a little saddlebag on her.

"Hey Sugar Belle."

"Oh, hello Hugo! I just came to let Twilight know that Pinkie went to the hospital, nothing to worry about but she was pretty sure that Strawberry Cheesecake is on the way." Sugar Belle explained.

Twilight smiled and clapped her hooves together before hurrying off, Varian not far behind her, but Hugo decided to wait.

"I'm excited, don't get me wrong, I just want to wait a little bit because waiting in the waiting room makes me nervous. Medical things, ya know?" Hugo mentioned waving his mechanical arm. "I'll just wait maybe an hour."

"Oh, of course." Sugar Belle smiled, sitting next to Hugo and picking Apple Spice up out of the saddlebag. "I have to wait too, hospital waiting rooms aren't the safest place for a newborn."

"Fair enough." Hugo nodded, smiling down at the little foal. "Considering how tall Big Mac is, I thought he'd be bigger."

The infant foal smiled and babbled at Hugo, reaching up toward him with his hooves.

"I think this is the first time he's really seeing you." Sugar Belle admitted. "Do you want to hold him?"

"Oh uh… I've never held a baby before. Of any kind." Hugo admitted nervously.

"Well that's not quite an answer." Sugar Belle mentioned with a small smile.

"Just uh… I dunno how, I guess." Hugo said.

"Here, hold your arms like mine." Sugar Belle instructed. "Foals are a little less fragile then it sounds like human infants, or at least that's what I've been led to believe."

"Yeah, neck isn't so floppy." Hugo admitted as he carefully took Apple Spice into his arms. "Hey there little guy."

Apple Spice happily babbled at him, and Hugo smiled and rocked him a little as he and Sugar Belle chatted.

"How did Varian's little family reunion go?" Sugar Belle asked.

"Really well. Flurry was so excited to have cousins and she seemed to really click with them, specially Onyx and Jasper. Cadance and Shining really got on well with Ulf and Martha too." Hugo admitted. "And Amber loved gettin' to see Varian's lab, I mean they all did but it's honestly nice seein' him have a cousin his age ta chat with."

"Onyx, Jasper and Amber? Huh. I guess that's one of life's little synchronicities." Sugar Belle mused.

"Whatcha mean?" Hugo asked, a little distracted as Apple Spice got his hooves on his glasses and laughing a little.

"Well, those are all geology based. Weren't there five kids in that family?" Sugar Belle asked.

"Yeah, the younger two twins Malachi and Morgan… oh. Malachite and morganite. I get it. Well, Martha's from Galcrest. It's called the 'earth' kingdom for a reason, I spose." Hugo admitted.

"Yeah, but that's something they have in common with a lot of ponies in the Crystal Empire." Sugar Belle offered. "Ready to go to the hospital?"

"Yeah, at least I think I am." Hugo nodded. "Say, can I ask you something? Has Tempest been a little off lately?"

"Oh yeah, me and Twilight were talking about that recently. We think she's worried about you kids." Sugar Belle admitted, before glacing around and getting giddy as she whispered to him. "Buuuut I think she's going to propose soon, it's almost the anniversary of the day they met."

"Aaah." Hugo smiled a little. "That'd make a lot of sense ta me."

They arrived at the hospital with some more chatter, Hugo still holding the baby as they arrived into the room Pinkie was in. Varian looked over and smiled, he was sitting next to a tired, but seemingly healthy, Pinkie who smiled and waved at them.

"Hey, how do you feel Pinkie?" Sugar Belle asked.

"Tired, but finally getting to meet lil' Cheese is more then worth it." Pinkie smiled. "She's in the nursery if you want to see her."

"Trust me, you'll know which one she is. I've never seen so much mane on a baby. And so curly." Varian admitted.

"Flurry had a full head of hair too." Pinkie smiled.

They chatted with Pinkie a while before leaving to let her get some rest with Cheese by her side, Hugo walking alongside Varian as they headed back to Twilight's castle.

"So how do you like the Festival of Friendship?" Hugo asked.

"I like it a lot. I mean, it's just Canterlot jam packed with fun festive food and games." Varian admitted. "I mean the goal is to strengthen friendships or for every creature to make a new friend, it's just a really fun day."

"Mmm guess that means we're not spending it together?" Hugo asked.

"Well nooo but not because I don't want to. I'm helping with some… well some preparations, and besides I want you and Nova to hang out. Get to really know each other." Varian admitted.

"Lettin' me spend time with your best friend who knows every embarrassing detail about you?" Hugo teased, putting an arm around his waist.

"Well, your my boyfriend now so I guess I just have to accept your going to know those things." Varian admitted with a fake sigh, before resting his head on Hugo's shoulder. "… Now that it's almost time to go, I kind of hate the idea… not of taking the moonstone."

"Of having a long trip with Rapunzel?"

"Yeah… I mean and Eugene. They're trying, and I know I haven't made it easy I just… I don't know… It's hard." Varian sighed. "I don't… I don't know."

"Hey, it's okay. We knew this wasn't going to be easy. But, at least according to what I've learned from your family… friendships aren't always easy, but they are worth fighting for." Hugo said. "They're trying. They just... well, they don't get you, I guess. That you don't want to hang out every day all the time."

"I know I hang out every day with you or Nova, sometimes Nuru I just… we all have stuff in common." Varian sighed. "And I know you don't have to have a lot in common to be friends but the common bonds we do have were really strained…"

"So maybe while I'm prying all the embarrassing things out of Nova that I can, you should just try to spend some time with Rapunzel or Eugene during the Festival." Hugo mentioned, Varian sighing.

"I don't know if I'll have time. I'm helping… someone with something." Varian insisted. "That'll make sense later, really."

"… Ooooh, so Sugar Belle was right." Hugo surmised with a smug smile. "Your helping Tempest."

Varian was relieved that Hugo guessed, before he looked around to make sure no one else was around before talking about it a little, "Wrangling aunt Twilight to where Tempest wants to do it is going to take a lot of work, since this is aunt Twilight's holiday. She's always working hard during it to make sure everyone is making a friend or having a good time."

"Fair enough." Hugo nodded. "And I'm sure Tempest doesn't want to do this super publicly."

"Nope, nice private proposal. My job is just to make sure Twilight gets to the venue." Varian admitted.

"Well, good luck. You'll need it, since this is the first Festival with all those humans there." Hugo reminded.

"I know." Varian sighed. "That's why Tempest asked me for help in the first place."

Hugo chuckled, "Well, if you need help, you know me and Nova are there for you."

Varian smiled, "Yeah. I know."

The Festival was finally there, and the preparations had gone off without a hitch. Though Hugo wasn't sure how well the Varian was doing, though, because as promised, he and Nova met up and were wandering the Festival together. And while it hadn't been that long since the Festival began, they were getting along well.

"Oh, Hugo!" Rapunzel's voice caused him to sigh a little before he gave his best fake face of indifference.

"Rapunzel, Eugene. Hey."

"Do you know where Varian is?" Rapunzel asked.

"Nope. Maybe making a new friend, like this Festival is mostly about?" Hugo said, crossing his arms. "Instead of bothering him, you should probably think about doing that."

"Oh… uh…" Rapunzel's mood dropped almost immediately. "I just wanted to ask about this Festival."

"Uh huh." Hugo wasn't so sure, but Nova clearly wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt.

"It's Princess Twilight's festival, it's pretty new still. It's a big party where creatures are encouraged to try to make a new friend, or spend time and strengthen an existing bond." Nova explained. "That's why me and Hugo are hanging out. I mean, I'm Varian's best friend, he's his boyfriend, it'd be way better for all of us if we get along."

Eugene nodded, "Took me and Cass a while to accept that idea so uh, glad you two are getting along better."

"Where is Cass?" Hugo asked, trying to head off Rapunzel in case she pointed out she and Varian needed to work on their bond.

"Oh, well, Rainbow Dash pulled her off to go meet someone she thinks she'll get along with. Which I guess makes sense now that we know what this holiday is." Eugene admitted.

"Oh I bet she's introducing her to Gilda." Nova smiled. "From how Varian described Cass to me, she's got a lot in common with griffons in terms of attitude."

"Yeah makes sense." Hugo nodded, pausing as a thought came to him. "Hey, princess, I think I know someone you should meet."

"You do?" Rapunzel smiled.

Hugo was a little annoyed she was still so easily distracted, but he pushed that down as he gestured, "Yeah, I think I just saw her headin' to the arts pavilion."

They walked together to the arts area, Hugo spotting the earth pony he was looking for. A young mare with a messy, artsy mane, already covered in paint and seemingly looking for more inspiration.

"Hey Toola-Roola, you know the Festival is supposed to be fun, right?" Nova asked.

"Oh hey Potion Nova, hey prince Varian's boyfriend." Toola-Roola greeted. "I know, an I am trying to have fun, I'm trying a new painting technique."

"Kinda seems like you hate it." Hugo mentioned. "Anyway, my name is Hugo by the way, Rapunzel, Toola-Roola, Toola-Roola, Rapunzel. You both love painting."

"Rapunzel? Isn't that the princess of-" Toola-Roola started, looking at Hugo suspiciosly.

"Things are fine between them, Varian is just off with someone else." Hugo insisted. "And I know from experience that Rapunzel here doesn't have an art friend."

"Oh well, okay…" Toola-Roola smiled up at Rapunzel. "I did see some of the art in the Corona Gallery before everything went… uh… sideways. That big mural you painted was so unique!"

Hugo was satisfied so he went to hurry away with Nova, but they both nearly ran into Eugene.

"Oh, right, you." Hugo sighed. "Sorry, I don't know anyone besides your girlfriend who would willingly waste time on you."

"Hey remember a month ago when we almost kind of agreed to try to get along? What happened to that?" Eugene asked.

"I think I internalized that conversation differently. Or maybe after a couple weeks of having dates crashed I decided I liked you even less now." Hugo said, crossing his arms.

"Dates? You guys were just tinkering with things almost every time we showed up." Eugene argued.

"Yeah? You and Rapunzel go eat cupcakes and dance, Varian and I do activities we like, which is mostly inventing. We do other things too, we spend time in the garden or go shopping or to meals, but we aren't exactly the most extroverted people in the world. " Hugo countered.

Eugene blinked before looking apologetic, "Right, uh… sorry. We obviously didn't know those were dates but, Rapunzel has been trying pretty hard with Varian lately…"

"Yeah but that's only going to make it worse." Nova said. "I mean, Varian is the kind of guy who really likes his personal time. So, knowing that, I have to assume that means not only has his dates with his first ever boyfriend been interrupted, but his personal time. He's friendly but he really, really likes his solitude too. And that was before- well…"

Eugene knew she was eluding to the betrayal, something they'd all known had changed Varian. He was quick to anger now, and far less patient when explaining things, if they could get him to to begin with. Eugene had tried to ask him about the wagon axle he'd made that, apparently, mechanized the movement a little to make it lighter for the ponies who would pull it, but Varian had been curt and had eventually snapped that Eugene 'wouldn't understand anyway'. He'd apologized after a moment, but it was clear that he no longer got enjoyment trying to help them understand science. The only thing he and Rapunzel had done they both liked was baking, but Rapunzel wasn't really up to asking if he'd like to because it had been what they'd done the day everything changed.

"Look, Rider, we'll have all the time in the world to figure it out starting tomorrow when we all head out on a several month road trip together, yeah? So for now, just drop it." Hugo insisted. "C'mon Nova."

Eugene watched them leave, unable to think of any kind of retort to Hugo even if he hated how it felt to be back at square one again. He knew he and Rapunzel were dropping in too often, he had, but he was desperate to understand what made Varian so… upset around him specifically, now. Varian was guarded, like he was afraid of Eugene, and Eugene just… didn't like it. He decided to leave Rapunzel to the art pavilion, she and Toola-Roola were hitting it off and really, he needed advice. Twilight had been strangely cagey about whatever was going on as well, and she was more then a little bit busy on this day. He hadn't seen any of her friends yet, either, aside from Applejack but it seemed that the Apple family as a whole were very busy cooking.

"You look lost." A somewhat familiar voice said, Eugene looking over to see Capper leaning against a table with a pint of something. "I know Canterlot is big but somethin' tells me it isn't a matter of physicality."

"Capper, right? I just uh… hey, how close are you to Varian?" Eugene asked.

"Mmm, I'd say we're close acquaintances but since I lived far, far south until recently we aren't exactly friends." Capper admitted. "But from what I hear that's closer then you've been lately."

Eugene sighed, "uh… yeah… I just don't know why. One minute, we're all in agreement to try again, the next it's like… he's afraid of me and lashing out to keep me away."

"That is a little weird for the sweet little guy." Capper admitted.

"… That's all?"

"Look, I know that Twilight and her friends are real good at the advice thing, but me not so much." Capper shrugged, Eugene sighing.

"I can't fix it if no one will tell me what I did!" He threw his hands up in frustration.

"Yeah, but your asking a teenage boy to act completely rationally. Maybe, because who hurt him was an adult human man, he's just become sort of nervous around them." Capper offered.

"… He's fine around Lance, and he seemed fine around Cyrus." Eugene sighed. "I wish that was it."

"Still could be. Lance helped him escape right? So maybe Lance and Cyrus are just considered safe and other people aren't." Capper offered again, sliding Eugene a drink. "Apple cider?"

"Thanks. So, why aren't you making a friend or hanging out with a friend?" Eugene asked.

"I could be, I'm talkin' to you aren't I?" Capper asked. "But uh, I'm working up the nerve to ask Rarity out on a date, if you must know."

"I thought you two had something going on. Why wait until now?" Eugene asked.

"Well, first I was just kind of busy with my job, ya know?" Capper asked. "And then I got… well nervous. I didn't want to hold her back. Some creatures still are real… weird, about two different creatures bein' together. Especially ones that are considered 'very' different."

"Huh… I guess I keep thinking everyone has everything figured out here." Eugene admitted. "So what changed your mind?"

"Seeing Rarity alone at a ball, I guess. I mean, she's the only one there not in some kind of real, committed relationship. Twilight has her war criminal girlfriend, love that for her, Rainbow and AJ have.each other, Pinkie has Cheese, Fluttershy for some reason stuck with Discord… and Rarity, she's still on her own. Feels wrong. Especially when I know…" Capper sighed.

"That you love her." Eugene nodded. "Hey, I'm sure she feels the same."

"Hopefully. Well, considering she's busy doing… you know, she didn't tell me. I have all day to muster up the courage." Capper said, taking a sip. "And since I'm not as mad at you as some of the others are, I wouldn't mind some company. From how I hear it, we have a lot in common."

Varian smiled as Twilight handed him a snack, walking with her as they went through the Canterlot streets.

"Aunt Twilight, you really need to relax. Everything is fine." Varian insisted.

"It is, isn't it?" Twilight smiled, clearly relaxing.

Plenty of humans were around, getting to know the creatures of Equestria and the lands beyond. Trevor and Discord were even spending time together, which Varian would be concerned about but he did think his uncle Discord could be a good friend when he wanted, and he and Trevor had a lot in common as far as personality went. And Fluttershy seemed to be enjoying Trevor Jr.

"You should go enjoy the festival, Varian." Twilight insisted.

"I am. I'm spending time with my favorite aunt before I go on a quest that'll keep me away from my family for months." Varian smiled, Twilight looking touched at the sentiment. "Oh, we should go check on the fireworks before it gets dark."

"Good idea." Twilight smiled.

Varian hoped that Tempest was ready, because they were on the way.

Tempest was pacing, more nervous then she'd ever expected to be for this. Rarity had helped her make sure everything was ready, as had Varian, but now that it was nearly time, she found herself worried.

"Tempest, relax. There's no reason she'd say no." Shining insisted.

"I know… I guess I'm just nervous." Tempest sighed. "I uh… It took me a long time to forgive myself for my past, let alone feel like I deserved all this."

"Hey, we already consider you family." Cadance assured.

"Speaking of family… I know it's a little late, considering they leave in the morning but… I would like to accompany the kids to the moonstone. I know Starlight can handle anything, and Trixie is… well, surprisingly resourceful really, but I hated how I felt not knowing where the real Varian was, and not knowing how I was going to save everyone." Tempest explained.

"I know I'd feel better knowing my future sister-in-law was there." Shining admitted, Tempest giving him a small smile.

"Especially since we all know what you can do." Cadance nodded.

"They're coming." Spike ran in, ushering Shining and Cadance away. "C'mon, let's give them space."

Varian opened the door, assuring his aunt that someone had in fact put the fireworks in that room. Twilight wasn't so sure, clearly, mentioning something about how the last time they kept fireworks inside went poorly. She trailed off as soon as she saw Tempest, smiling and rushing over to her.

"Here you are! I haven't seen you all day, what have you been up to?" Twilight asked.

"I had something to prepare for. Well, this day, over a decade ago now, we met. And it might not have been the uh… best way to meet someone I care a lot about, but that doesn't change that it's how it happened." Tempest said, Twilight seeming to catch on to what was happening. "And after spending so long with you, I know I want to be with you for the rest of my life."

Twilight didn't really wait for Tempest to actually ask the question before she excitedly said yes and hugged onto the taller mare. Twilight was momentarily startled as a confetti cannon went off but smiled over where her friends, and family, stood waiting.

"I knew you'd want them involved. And I might have backed out of it if they weren't here." Tempest admitted. "You know me and being open about my feelings."

Twilight smiled and cuddled into her more, laughing a little as Flurry flew over and nearly crashed into them.

"Sooo she's aunt Tempest now right?"

"Well not exactly right now, but… yeah." Tempest smiled. "And I just finished talking to your parents about me coming with you kids tomorrow."

"Really?" Varian felt a strange wave of relief, the idea of having Tempest there made it seem a lot safer.

Sure, he knew Starlight was strong, but Tempest was strong without needing her magic. If they ran into witch hunters, which he knew they would, she would be unaffected largely by their tricks.

"Hey, I'm attached to you kids. I might not be as good at showing it as others, but I am." Tempest said. "And while I totally trust Cass's abilities, I know I'll feel better by being there myself."

"Thanks Tempest." Varian smiled a little.

"And it gives Twilight lots of time to plan a wedding." Cadance teased.

"Don't worry, Twilight. You can reach me at least once a day via letter if there's something you need my input on." Tempest assured. "Just uh, remember, I never thought about a wedding as being something I'd have, so I have absolutely no idea what I'd want."

"I'll keep that in mind Tempest."

"Alright Varian, now that that's done, you should run along and find your cousins or something." Rainbow insisted. "We're all going to miss you but this is the last time any of us are going to see you for a while."

"I know." Varian sighed. "Hopefully it won't be too long but we are going by foot. I get the feeling there's a lot I missed via air travel, so I do think we'll uncover more about Demanitus and Gold Lily."

"And you'll hopefully heal a little." Twilight mentioned.

"I'm doing better… mostly…" Varian rubbed his elbow, sighing. "Yeah I uh, I'm going to go find the girls."

"Try to have fun sweetheart." Cadance cuddled him, watching him hurry off. "… He still hasn't been doing well… especially not with Eugene."

"I wish I knew why, but he won't talk to us about it." Shining added.

Tempest nodded, "I'll keep you guys in the loop, if I find anything out."

"Thank you Tempest." Cadance nodded.

It was almost easy to forget that they'd be leaving the next day, everything felt pretty normal. He and the girls had a lot of fun just running around, playing games, eating food, and thankfully avoiding both Eugene and Rapunzel. Varian knew he was being immature, but he couldn't help it. He had to spend months with them soon, he just wanted as much of this day to be with his old friends and family, with Hugo, as it could be.

"Here you are." Hugo said as he walked over.

"… Is your hair longer?" Varian tilted his head, looking at Nova. "Did you get him to drink something?"

"Hey, I've told you I know what I'm doing with potions." Nova shrugged.

"Did she tell you it would grow your hair out?" Varian asked.

"No. Just dared me to drink it." Hugo admitted.

"And you did?" Varian looked at him incredulously.

"Hey, you're friend wasn't going to poison your boyfriend in broad daylight. Besides, it's nothin' a trim couldn't solve." Hugo shrugged.

"A trim before tomorrow morning bright and early when we leave Corona?" Varian raised an eyebrow, Hugo staring at him for a moment.

"Well I've cut my own hair plenty. Most of the time actually." Hugo shrugged.

"I mean it doesn't look bad longer." Varian admitted, blushing as the girls all chimed in with an 'awwww'. "Oh stop!"

"Sorry, we just think you two are really sweet together." Sweetie Belle admitted.

"I mean any guy who would rescue you from that situation is alright in my book." Nova added.

"Well I'm glad you all like me." Hugo admitted.

"Keep Varian safe for us, okay?" Scootaloo asked, Varian glancing at her. "What? I know you can handle yourself, but you also… well, sometimes you care more about other people more then yourself."

"See I thought I was the only one who noticed that." Hugo admitted. "Don't get me wrong, V, I love that about you but… I dunno, sometimes it worries me."

"I know." Varian sighed. "I'll be more careful of that."

"How uh… how dangerous do you think your trip is going to be?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I mean with Starlight, Trixie, Cass and now Tempest, to say nothing of what Flurry can do, I think we'll be fine." Varian insisted. "And I can protect myself you know. I did hold my own against Chrysalis before she… well you know."

"We know Varian. We're just worried. We know you don't… well, like everyone your going with." Sweetie Belle explained.

"I don't dislike them… I just." Varian sighed. "I wish it was easy to move on. They didn't even have anything to do with the actual thing that happened! I forgave Cass' dad, and he was there."

"Yeah but he was there under duress." Scootaloo added.

"Duress? What are you a dictionary?" Sweetie Belle asked, the girls and Varian all letting out a small chuckle. "But Scoot has a point, he was literally forced to do what he did, that does really change how it looks."

Varian nodded, "And he… well he was remorseful pretty much every time he came to try to get me to eat."

Hugo nodded, "Still looks like he feels the weight of the world whenever he does spot you. And he hasn't tried to force you to talk to him. I get why they think they need to talk to you to fix everything but I think they're trying too hard. Makes it feel disingenuous. Which you know it's bad if I think that, I spend a lot of time being disingenuous ."

"You do?" Varian tilted his head, thinking.

"Well not to you. Mostly at Rapunzel since you asked me to be nice." Hugo admitted. "Speaking of, I stuck her with Toola-Roola."

"Ooh, not a bad idea." Sweetie Belle smiled.

"It clearly worked, I haven't seen Rapunzel all day." Varian smiled a little. "Thanks. And Eugene?"

"Dunno where he went. And I don't really care. I did unload on him that he and Rapunzel were a little too… involved lately." Hugo admitted. "I've barely seen Flurry all day."

"She and Cozy Glow were with Varian's other cousins last we saw." Apple Bloom admitted. "I hung out with Amber a lot today too. Yer family is great."

"Well, the half of my family…" Varian sighed, looking at Hugo. "Do you think we'll run into Adira?"

"Oh, I didn't think about that. Yeah probably… and she'll probably be more pushy. Think I could learn to teleport others away like Sunset?" Hugo asked.

Hugo had been practicing magic with Twilight and anyone else whenever they had a moment, he wasn't exactly a professional like Twilight, Starlight or Sunset but he'd made a lot of strides. He even took theoretical magic classes with Sunburst, which Varian was hoping would help them figure out more about everything.

"I think the fact you can teleport at all is already impressive." Varian admitted. "But maybe don't push it, magic can really exhaust you."

"Trust me I've noticed." Hugo sighed. "Starlight's gonna help me learn more though, while we travel. Well, hopefully Adira isn't a problem. I mean, she had good intentions, right?"

"I think so… I mean, stopping the moonstone's rampant magic is important. What has me worried is if she had another part to her plan. She tried to force a wedge between us too." Varian recalled, shaking his head. "But that could be because she was actually worried you were using me."

"I mean, Ingvarr has a reputation." Hugo sighed. "Still hate that I keep getting caught up in it but… I get it."

Varian took Hugo's hand, giving him a smile, but before he could say anything Twilight got everyones attention.

"Hello every creature! I know his Festival of Friendship was a bit different then I think any of us expected, and we have a lot of new creatures here with us today, and even more new kingdoms. I hope you all had a good time. Without further ado, our musical act to wrap up our festival, Flare Flower!"

Varian recognized the name but it took a while to know where, the kirin was once friends with Starsong based on the photo they took as foals. Her music was a very different, more happy sounding genre but what few words Varian could make out were they weren't totally innocent. Nothing someone too young to know would understand, but certainly not the usually innocent music entertainment his aunt would get for. Varian and Hugo both got away from the main stage after a while, leaving the CMC to listen as the concert continued.

"I don't think aunt Twilight looked at what kind of music Fire Flower does. She must have just heard the happy poppy sounding music." Varian admitted. "I mean it's not bad just uh… I don't think that's friendship."

Hugo chuckled, "I bet Fire Flower tried to find her most innocent songs for this, too."

"Oh, Varian!" Rapunzel's voice chimed over the crowd, causing Varian to sigh a little.

He pulled himself together though, knowing she hadn't really done anything wrong before he turned to look at her. He was a little taken aback by just how much paint and what he assumed was chalk she was covered in, but seeing that she had clearly had a good time in the art pavilion.

"Hey I uh, I think you might have missed the canvas princess." Hugo joked, Rapunzel laughing a little. "Or is this one of those art piece statements?"

"No uh, I think I just a little enthusiastic." Rapunzel admitted. "Did you have fun with Nova? … Is your hair longer?"

"Is it really that noticeable?" Hugo looked at Varian.

"I mean, yeah? You had an undercut." Varian shrugged, looking at Rapunzel. "I'm glad you had fun though. I take it you and Toola-Roola are friends now?"

"Well at least on the road to it. Speaking of road, are you excited about tomorrow?" Rapunzel asked.

"Eh, not… really. But I get why you are, you're finally getting to see the rest of the world after eighteen years in a tower and a year in Corona." Varian admitted. "Maybe once we're out on the road, I'll have a better time but right now I'm… sort of dreading it."

"Oh…" Rapunzel's shoulders slumped a little, but she seemed to understand as she thought about it. "Well, last time you were out there it was because you had to be, regardless if you mostly had a good time based on the stories you've told us. But hey, we might learn something new, that's exciting right?"

Varian wanted it to be, but it was clear that Rapunzel knew his smile was forced, "It is…"

"… Varian, are you sure you want to do this? Technically… Eugene and I don't have to be there, if it would make it easier." Rapunzel's offer caught Varian, and Hugo, off guard.

"… It might make it technically easier, emotionally but… this involves you too. I'll be fine I just… when we are on the road, I need you to respect my space. If I'm in the wagon, or if me and Hugo decide to go do something just… leave me be, okay?" Varian asked. "I know you wanted to spend time together, to try to mend things, I know I offered I just… I guess I need this to go slower."

"Of course." Rapunzel nodded. "I'm sorry. I was too enthusiastic about trying to be your friend again and I guess… Well, I guess we have enough similarities that I thought maybe a lot of quality time and fun activities would be what you wanted but I guess that's more what I like."

"I'm okay with quality time, just… you know, less of it." Varian shrugged. "I can't just get annoyed and not tell you why either… otherwise we're going to have a terrible road trip."

"He's right. We learned that the hard way." Starlight said as she walked over. "I came to find all of you, since we're going out in the morning I thought it would be best if we all slept in the same place."

"… Uh… which place?" Varian asked a little nervously.

Varian had been over once or twice, but he had been so uncomfortable inside the castle that Rapunzel had come up with activities to do outside as quickly as she could. She couldn't imagine asking him to sleep over at the castle at the moment, even if it made sense.

"Oh, I know." Rapunzel interjected. "We could sleep out at Old Corona. We're leaving from that border anyway, and in case… in case the loyalists that might still exist are on the lookout, they'd probably be less likely to expect the abandoned village."

"That's not a bad idea." Hugo admitted, nodding. "What do you think V?"

"Yeah. Yeah that'll work. We'll go back to the Empire and get our things ready and meet you there." Varian said, looking around. "After I find Flurry…"

"Good luck." Rapunzel called as she ran off. "I'll go make sure everything is ready at home and have everything moved."

"See you there in a few hours." Varian called back, looking around for Flurry.

"… You know, I know she's not perfect but she is trying. I mean, she knows you don't feel safe in the castle and she gave you an out." Hugo mentioned carefully.

"I know… I appreciate it I just…" Varian sighed. "Let's just get Flurry and get everything ready."

"Oh, Varian, I had something for you." Nova rushed over. "For you to take with you, that is."

She was coy about what it was the entire way back to the Empire, but she brought over a small crystal chest as Varian packed the wagon.

"Here. Obviously, you don't have to give them to anyone but… well, it might help if you do." Nova mentioned. "And it took me a while to find the right kind of clam and cultivate these soooo I'd appreciate it if my hard work helped."

Varian smiled a little as he realized what he was looking at, more transformation pearls, until it dawned on him who Nova had intended for him to give them to.

"… I don't know if I have time to worry about them learning how to do… well whatever they'd be able to do." Varian muttered.

"I dunno V, having those abilities really came in handy." Hugo admitted. "Starlight is there, it's not like you'd have to teach them magic if that's what you're worried about."

"Yeah but flying…" Varian stopped. "I'll think about it. Thank you, Nova."

"Hey, we academics inspire each other." She gave him a small smile, giving him a hug. "Hang in there okay? I know your resilient, but… you were a lot younger the last time you got hurt like this, I don't remember how long it took."

"Neither do I." Varian admitted. "I'll uh… I'll be okay though."

Varian closed the chest, putting it into the wagon before he looked around. Flurry sighed and flopped over, "Yeah, Trixie and Starlight are taking forever on their last checks."

"Well last time Trixie and Starlight went on a roadtrip together it almost ended their friendship." Varian reminded. "Thankfully it was still a new friendship at the time so I'm sure they're doing better now, but uh, just in case, Hue just so you know Starlight snores like a bear and Trixie talks in her sleep."

"Well at least there's a wall between us and them." Hugo sighed.

"Sorry, we stopped to get some more supplies since Tempest is coming too." Starlight apologized as she hurried in.

"And we had to tell Lance to get a move on. You'd think he was never seeing the girls again with how long it took him to say goodbye." Trixie sighed, before smiling a little. "But it is nice to see such an affectionate father."

"I don't think he's adopted them yet Trixie." Tempest mentioned, walking over to the wagon. "Hm. Big."

"Well humans need more space overall. And it still won't be as heavy as Trixie's over stuffed old wagon." Starlight teased gently, putting the harness on.

"Actually it should be surprisingly light thanks to the mechanization I added to it." Varian mentioned, Starlight pulling it a little experimentally, surprised she could pull it alone. "Considering everything we needed to bring with us, and the size of this wagon, I wanted to make sure you'd have an easier time."

"Wow Varian, I can barely feel it." Starlight admitted, smiling over at him. "How does it work?"

Varian explained the whole way to Old Corona, Hugo glad to see the enthusiasm after everything. It really seemed to only be Rapunzel and Eugene who made him uncomfortable and guarded, but considering how they'd spend months together that only made Hugo more worried. The others were waiting with their own wagon, Varian hurrying to slip into the wagon before anyone could try to talk to him. Flurry frowned and followed after him, leaving just Hugo, Starlight, Trixie and Tempest.

"G'night." Hugo waved awkwardly, following after Varian.

"We do need to be ready to go bright and early." Tempest nodded. "Get some sleep, all of you."

"Right." Rapunzel nodded, hesitating a little to look at the wagon as a lanterns light illuminated a side of it. "… Goodnight."

Tempest nodded, looking worriedly herself at the wagon before she jumped onto the top of the wagon to sleep while keeping an eye out. She didn't want to consider Corona enemy territory, but with the loyalists, she had to.

"Vari? Are you okay?" Flurry asked.

Varian had quickly stepped into the little partition Rarity had made them so he and Hugo could change clothes without issue to get into his pajamas. There wasn't going to be personal space for months, which was really hitting him now. Sure, he, Hugo and Flurry had half the wagon to themselves thanks to a wall built between their half and Tempest, Trixie and Starlight's half, but he'd always have Flurry and Hugo there.

"I'll be fine Flurry I just… I guess I'm not having a great time, is all." Varian admitted, stepping out in his pajamas.

"But we're finally going on an adventure together, just like we always used to talk about." Flurry mentioned, Varian pausing as he put his other clothes away.

He'd focused a lot on the dangers, on the time it would take, on two specific people. He hadn't thought about how excited Flurry had been leading up to it, about him and Hugo getting to spend time unlocking more of the mystery that had built up their friendship, about the fun they might have along the way. And he'd told himself, told Rapunzel and Eugene, he'd give them another chance, because he knew they were good people who made a bad decision. He took a deep breath in, trying to think positively and to remember the fun he used to have with them.

"… You know what, I think I just had a long day, well week I helped aunt Twili with the Festival. I think everything will be better in the morning." Varian smiled over at Flurry, who perked up hearing it. "Buuut if you want morning to come faster you need to get some sleep."

"Aw but I'm so excited, I don't know how I'm going to sleep." Flurry said, flying up to the hammock set up for her.

The wagon was organized at the moment, but Varian knew it would likely get messy as the travels went on. He'd seen how Hugo worked and it drove him a little crazy, but he didn't mind cleaning up behind him. There were two small beds, for him and Hugo, and a hammock hanging from the ceiling for Flurry, which she'd been dead set on. The wagon was based on the same design for Rapunzel's, but Varian and Hugo had agreed on a few differences. One was that they didn't want bunked beds, Varian had rolled off the top bunk of enough beds to know he couldn't sleep on a top bunk and it made Hugo nervous to sleep that high. So instead, two twin beds were built in on one wall, the other wall having a window and built in tables for them to work at. Despite what she'd said, like usual, Flurry fell asleep very quickly, Hugo chuckling as he stepped out in his own pajamas.

"She's always passed out immediately." Varian admitted with a small smile.

"You look like you feel a little better." Hugo admitted, sitting on his bed.

"I do." Varian admitted. "This is going to be fun. I mean, how could it not with you and Flurry here? And, while Trixie can be serious when she puts her metaphorical therapist hat on, she's a lot more easy going then most of my family. Starlight too. And Tempest, well Tempest has always been a 'learn the hard way' kind of aunt. And… as soon as I get over whatever my hang up is, I know Rapunzel and Eugene can be fun. Lance is fun. This will be fun. Uh… when we're not in danger."

"Hey, we're in a lot less danger now then we were before. Sunset destroyed a lot of their traveling trees. We'll run into them a lot less." Hugo assured. "So, let's tuck in and get some sleep."

"Right." Varian smiled a little. "Goodnight Hue."

"Night Varian."

Varian reached over and turned the lanterns key, starving it of fuel, the two dozing off before they heard a loud snore from the other side of the cabin. They both laughed a little, but settled in regardless of Starlight's snoring. They had a long road ahead.

Chapter Text

Sunburst already missed the siblings, even after just a couple of days of them being gone, though he could tell Cadance and Shining were almost beside themselves. They all were receiving plenty of letters from the two, but it wasn't the same as the usual random sounds the kids would make throughout the day. But he had something to do to try to help Varian's quest, and that was learning what he could about Skyros, pre-Equestrian pony tribes, anything he could find out about Grogar or any other alias that being used. Something in the recesses of his eidetic memory was practically screaming at him, but it wasn't something he'd actively read, maybe an open book he'd peeked at while passing someone else. He hadn't noticed how many hours he spent in the library until he realized he wasn't alone, looking up from his book and letting out an embarrassingly shrill scream as he spotted the glowing red eyes looking back at him, his horn glowing bright orange as his fear raised. He remembered the castles newest resident and calmed down, taking a few deep breaths as he relaxed.

"Sombra, sorry. When did it get so dark in here?" Sunburst asked, looking around the darkened library.

"You've not moved in three hours. I was curious when you'd get up on your own. Your focus is very impressive." Sombra admitted. "Luna raised the moon two hours ago."

"Oh. I guess I was really focused on my reading." Sunburst admitted. "But I think I'm getting close to a breakthrough. See, Varian and his friends gave me an interesting hypothesis, that is where the sundrop and moonstone's magic came from. It's natural ambient magic given a form unnatural to itself, which is why the moonstone was so upset for so long. The sundrop, on the other hoof, was totally accepting of it's new form. I tried hard to think of what the difference was and I think I'm onto something."

"Ah… the celestial magic may be the magic that used to move the sun and moon in our world." Sombra surmised, Sunburst nodding.

"And the reason it looked like a star falling from the sky is it must have found one of the natural portals in the sky." Sunburst explained, drawing on a chalk board. "Now, solar and lunar magic doesn't really need to be connected which helps explain why it broke apart when it was ripped from the fabric of our reality. But something bothered me about the sundrops appearance and powers. We've never seen solar and floral magic tied together like that. Celestia isn't exactly well known for flowers growing wherever she goes. So I think-" Sunburst paused as he recalled just who he was talking at, Sombra didn't particularly look bored but it was unclear if he was listening. "Oh uh… sorry, I'm rambling, you probably have better things then to listen to me."

"If I wanted you to stop talking I would have stopped you myself." Sombra said, before pausing. "That came out wrong. I'm still learning not to 'talk like an evil king' as Radiant would put it. I am invested in your theories. Please continue."

"Oh well, don't worry I'm still not very good at social interaction either. I spent a long time as a homebody." Sunburst admitted. "Well, I think the sundrop also contained some of Equestria's floral magic. But unlike the moonstone and sundrop, the floral magic didn't end up in the other realm."

"Ah, it was found by the Flutter ponies who then took up the mantel of using it to keep nature's balance." Sombra smiled as he understood. "And it staying in our world as long as it did gave pegasi and earth ponies a chance to pick up the pieces, while unicorns worked on the celestial magic."

"Exactly. For the time being, I'm going to refer to the Flutter pony crystal as the sunstone. It's not the most fitting name considering I don't know how much it had to do with the sun if anything, but being the third of the magic artifacts created when Zhan Tiri, or at least what I assume was Zhan Tiri, attempted to rip it out of the fabric of our reality, taking the stone from moonstone and sun from sundrop is the only idea I could think of." Sunburst smiled.

"I think its good enough." Sombra nodded, before he frowned. "This has been going on for so long, right under all of our noses…"

"There's a chance that the crystal you came from, you and the other umbrum, might have also been tied to it. The Crystal Heart too." Sunburst admitted, Sombra nodding.

"Light and Darkness, positive and negative emotional energy… It sounds like it was likely once one thing before as well. The fact our world survived whatever Zhan Tiri did likely irked them." Sombra thought for a moment. "But then, when Varian gets the moonstone, will that really be enough to prevent them for getting it back?"

"I'm not sure. The problem is that this Zhan Tiri is very good at manipulation." Sunburst admitted with a sigh. "But we know we can't risk them, or anyone working for them, getting a hold of it or its power."

Sombra nodded, "Well… as impressive as your studying has been, you should go eat something and get some sleep. I'll look through the archives and see if I can't find anything you might parse through for more information."

"Oh uh, alright. Thank you." Sunburst smiled a bit. "I know you don't need much sleep but try to get some yourself too, alright?"

Sombra just nodded, before he began to do as he promised and look around the library. Sunburst decided that the interaction was very positive, all things considered, and left to get some dinner. Sombra was capable of doing some referencing and cross referencing, Sunburst was sure of that much.

The first few days had gone well, for the most part. Varian, Cozy and Flurry spent a lot more time in the air then he'd ever anticipated, and as his mom had warned him flying was a physical activity that made him voraciously hungry. He landed carefully next to Tempest, who smiled at him as he nearly tripped over his own hooves. She was pulling the wagon on her own, having Tempest alongside them meant Trixie and Starlight could actually take breaks from time to time. Which was good, it let Trixie help him one on one every once in a while. He'd avoided snapping at Rapunzel thus far, and he was hoping that everything would be okay.

"Still coming in a little too fast." She said. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Just hungry again." Varian sighed. "I swear Flurry never complains about being this hungry…"

"Well, Flurry is used to that level of physical activity." Tempest mentioned. "Go inside and get a snack. I think we're going to have to stop for more food anyway."

"Already? But it's only been almost a week." Varian tilted his head.

"I guess that the Coronans underestimated how much food the princess could eat." Tempest said simply. "Lance said they were almost out of food, we're heading to somewhere called Vardaros. Lance and Eugene seem excited about it."

Varian felt a little suspicious about that, but he shook it off before he headed inside the wagon. Hugo was sat down tinkering again, Olivia was skittering around the table and handing Hugo tools, and Varian used his pearl before grabbing an apple and sitting next to him.

"How was the sky today?" Hugo asked.

"The same as yesterday. Wind is kind of cold, sun is warm. Flying is fun, and I am completely wiped out." Varian admitted, scooting his chair closer. "So what are you working on?"

"Eh, just tinkering on some new parts for Liv. I hate not having anything to do, but until we get new information I dunno what else to do." Hugo admitted. "You know we're supposed to stop for lunch soon right?"

"Trust me, I'll eat that too." Varian admitted.

"Yeah? Guess flying is hungry work." Hugo smiled a bit, before he turned to look at him. "So any idea where we're heading first?"

"Vardaros. We need supplies? I guess they're going through food fast." Varian admitted.

"Vardaros? That's bold of Eugene." Hugo admitted.

"What makes you say that?" Varian tilted his head.

"Well, he's got a history, one I'm sure we'll hear about from someone in Vardaros." Hugo mentioned. "And I don't really mean the uh thieving thing, I mean exes."

Varian hummed, about to ask Hugo for clarification when something when the wagon stopped, Starlight calling to them, "Boys, it's lunch time."

"Good because I'm still starving." Varian admitted.

He and Hugo stepped out of the wagon, unsurprised that Cass and the others were stretching. Hugo did too, Varian was the only one aside from Flurry and Cozy who had a very easy way to stretch. Tempest, Trixie and Starlight at least could walk, and Ruddiger was able to scramble around the wagon without issue, though the raccoon was more then a little lazy.

"Oh look more ravens." Flurry said, looking up at the sky.

"Hm." Trixie looked at Eugene. "You used to feed them or something?"

"No. Why?"

"Well because they remember people they like. And people they hate. But, they clearly seem to like you." Trixie said.

"… Why do you know so much about ravens?" Eugene asked.

"I've known Fluttershy for over a decade now." Trixie answered.

"You'd be surprised what Trix can pick up just by listening to about half of the conversations she's in." Starlight teased, Trixie smiling at her.

"… Is that a charm point for you?" Eugene tilted his head, shaking it and sighing. "Hey, kid, mind helping me get some wood for a fire for lunch?"

Varian froze. He didn't want or mean to, but he began to panic at the familiar term from Eugene.

"… Me?" Varian finally squeaked out.

"… I mean, I was talking to you, but I guess 'kid' could refer to you or Flurry." Eugene admitted. "Or Hugo if I was feeling generous."

"Right uh- firewood." Varian quickly hurried off.

"… Well that's progress!" Trixie smiled. "Much better then the agitation he was showing before."

"I mean I am glad about that but I'm still so confused." Eugene admitted. "I mean he still clearly is… I don't know, afraid of me? And I really wish he wasn't. I already feel terrible, seeing him nervous to talk to me makes it much worse."

"He's working through something." Trixie said, digging in their supplies.

"And that something is?" Eugene asked.

"Can't tell you. It's up to him when or if he wants to talk about it." Trixie said, looking as a raven landed nearby. "… I think they're stealing your garbage."

"What?!" Eugene turned, watching as the bird flew away. "What did it take?"

"I don't know." Trixie shrugged. "Hugo, how does a salad sound?"

"I could eat a salad." Hugo nodded, looking back into the glass of the window.

"… You good?" Eugene asked.

"I dunno. I never really let my hair grow too long because it tangles pretty easy. That's what the undercut was for, and I kept it the same length as long as I could remember. I… didn't want it to get stuck in anything…" Hugo admitted, rubbing his upper arm where the mechanics connected.

"Oh… Yeah, that makes sense." Eugene admitted.

"Well, changing that style because you feel safer is okay, as long as it's what you want." Trixie said.

"I think I do. It's just uh… I dunno." Hugo muttered, shaking his head. "I'm going to go look for Varian and help him find that firewood, since Rider scares him so bad."

Hugo hurried off, leaving Eugene to sigh, "And there's the walls again."

"He still does that to almost everyone, don't take that too personally." Tempest insisted.

"I know I know." Eugene sighed. "Any idea what that's about though?"

"Vari complimented his hair and he's been kind of looking at his reflection different since." Flurry answered.

"Ah, he got his first real compliment from someone who really matters and it's causing feelings. Been there." Eugene admitted. "Alright well uh… since they're getting wood I guess I'll do something else…"

Varian felt very, very embarrassed about how he'd reacted to Eugene. He'd been working on not acting out in anger just because he felt afraid of something that he knew Eugene wouldn't do, he knew it was unfair. But being awkward around the man was almost worse.

"Come on Varian pull it together… He probably won't even care." Varian muttered to himself.

That only strangely made it worse. They were cousins. Varian was Eugene's family, the only family that they knew Eugene had. That only made Varian feel worse, to know he knew something that would mostly likely mean something to Eugene. That he'd been withholding that information for a month, information he felt that Eugene deserved to know. But what Eugene had said about Varian 'giving a human family a try' kept ringing in his ears. Varian sighed as he picked up another fallen branch, pausing as he realized something. He had the very distinct feeling he was being watched.

He stood up, starting to walk back to the caravan without making it known he knew he wasn't alone. He began to run as quickly as possible as soon as he was sure he was being followed, nearly crashing into Hugo.

"Someone is chasing me!" He hurriedly shouted, Hugo turning and running after throwing something down.

Based on the cursing behind him, Varian had to assume Hugo threw down some kind of trap. The voice sounded familiar, but Varian was too panicked to think on it as he and Hugo made it back to the others.

"What's wrong?" Cass asked, quickly unsheathing her sword.

"Didn't see who, but someone is out there." Hugo answered.

Rapunzel jumped up and grabbed a pan, stepping in front of Varian. Before he could complain he didn't need her to protect him, Flurry landed suddenly, causing a small tremor on the ground as she turned toward the woods with her horn glowing. Cozy landed behind Cass and Lance, but the filly was watching carefully.

"Woah there, calm down. It's just me." The familiar voice said again, before the woman stepped out.

"Ugh. Adira." Hugo sighed, crossing his arms.

"Adira?" Cass raised an eyebrow. "The lady who almost got Varian killed by not minding her own business?"

"… That seems like a harsh way to put that." Adira said.

"Well that's how I see it." Hugo crossed his arms.

"And I don't appreciate people going behind my back to use my alchemy against my friends." Varian added. "So you can just go."

"I know the last time we saw each other things didn't go quite as well as they could have-" Adira started.

"You tried to trick my boyfriend into drinking a truth serum!" Varian snapped. "What, if you had your way do you think it all would have been fine? I knew Hugo hadn't told me everything, he was scared. I know what he was working up to tell me now."

Adira paused, looking between the two for a while before she relaxed, "I suppose you do. He looks a lot more confident now."

"I was plenty confident." Hugo huffed. "And we do not need you on the road with us. You were more then a little unpleasant to travel with the first time."

"Go away." Flurry huffed.

Clearly, she didn't like all the negativity Adira's presence caused. Varian knew he had complicated feelings about the woman, and he was sure that Hugo's feelings were very negative about her.

"… Are you going to the moonstone?" Adira asked, looking at Varian.

"In time. But there's answers we need to find on the way." Varian said. "And like Hugo said… you were very unpleasant company before."

"I did tell you about your father." Adira reminded.

"Yeah. And I can appreciate that and be upset about how you treated my friend. Friends, really. You got into Sunset's stuff without permission too." Varian crossed his arms. "I'm not going to forgive Frederic for what he did just because he's also told me stories about Quirin. It's not that simple."

"Well I hope you don't consider me to be that bad. Fine then, I'll go. But I'll be back. You'll need my help." Adira shrugged, stepping around them to circle the group. "Before you had that air ship. Traveling by foot, well, that's a lot more dangerous."

"If your referring to Hector, I'm not afraid." Varian interrupted, stopping Adira in her tracks. "Something tells me you aren't that good of judge of character, so when we inevitably run into him, I'm going to give him a chance. He's just as much family as you are."

Adira shook her head, "Hector is barely a human-"

"Being a human doesn't matter much to me. Almost everyone whose ever hurt me has been a human." Varian countered. "Hector is doing what he thinks is best to protect people from the moonstone. You're just mad he didn't agree with you about neutralizing the moonstone and sundrop."

"… So what were you two planning to do if not that?" Adira asked.

"So you were willing to sacrifice him is what I'm hearing." Cass said, glaring at the woman.

"Just ignore her, Cass. We're having lunch and moving on." Tempest said, looking over at Adira. "If I were you, I'd make myself scarce. Because, if Cass is right, as his aunt, I'm liable to show you what I can do."

"… Do you really think there's another way?" Adira asked, looking at Varian and Rapunzel.

"Yeah. I do." Varian confirmed.

"I know Varian is right." Rapunzel added. "Equestria knows way more about magic then Corona does, even if Varian never took a lot of interest in magic classes before he would know more then most people here about magic just from hearing it from everyone else."

"Some creatures would call that social osmosis. Where someone learns something just because its a part of the culture they are a part o-" Varian started, pausing once he saw Rapunzel looked excited. "… What?"

"Nothing! I mean, that's very interesting." Rapunzel said, pulling herself together quickly.

It was the first time in what felt like forever that Varian explained something or gave her a random fun fact. It felt like forward progress, even if Varian looked confused by her sudden joy.

"… Anyway, yeah, we're going to try things our way." Varian said. "And I'm not willing to travel with you because I don't trust you at all, you were very rude to my boyfriend, got into peoples personal belongings, and frankly we have enough people to keep track of."

Rapunzel nodded, before she looked around, then at Varian, "Where's Lance?"

"… Seriously? How did he- he's the biggest one of us." Varian sighed.

"Yeah he's like eight feet tall." Flurry looked around.

"Okay I know you know he's not that tall." Hugo chuckled a little.

"Maybe he went to get firewood since obviously you were chased out of the woods." Eugene mentioned, looking around.

They began to look around, finding Lance standing around the back on the wagon.

"There you are." Eugene raised an eyebrow. "What's uh… what's up with you?"

"Oh, nothing. Hey, let's go ahead and get that lunch made." Lance insisted, turning the group around.

Varian was sure he was hiding something, but he didn't really want to press it. He just wanted to focus on eating and getting a move on again, and getting away from Adira.

"Do you think that lady is following us?" Flurry asked, peeking over her hammock down at them.

Varian couldn't bring himself to hang out with everyone else once the wagons had stopped for the day, not for too long. He'd managed to spend a few hours with the others here and there, he always spent time with them for lunch, but usually by the end of the day he was too tired to fake niceties. And with how he'd been around Rapunzel and Eugene he was trying not to snap at them when they weren't doing anything wrong.

"Adira? She better not be." Hugo huffed.

"She almost for sure is." Varian admitted. "I don't think she'll do anything. I mean, she wants us to go to the moonstone. If anything she'll just be really annoying when we make other stops."

"But… if she's in the Brotherhood, that means she's like family to you, right?" Flurry asked.

"Well, sometimes… sometimes family hurts you and you can't just move on easy from that." Varian wasn't sure he was explaining right, thus far in their life all their family had been good. "Adira almost got me killed, and while it wasn't her intention, she did intend on forcing Hugo to tell the truth when he wasn't comfortable doing that."

"Yeah, okay." She thought for a moment. "But… what about Hector? Is he family?"

"Well, I think so. I remembered something Hue, when I fell? I didn't hit the ground because Hector caught me. At least I think he did… I mean I did hit my head hard. Sure, I was a pony but… I mean if I'm right, and if he stuck around to make sure I wasn't alone, then he knew it was me." Varian explained.

"… Think Sunset stayed outside the trail chamber to talk to him?" Hugo asked, sitting up.

"Oh hey, yeah. Yeah that makes sense." Varian confirmed. "I really wish Sunset would have waited a little bit so we could talk to her a little. Well, I know we won't be seeing him for a while but… I want to try to talk to him. Not just about Quirin, but… I mean if I were him I'd be lonely, after all this time."

"Especially if we assume everyone or even just most people act like Adira does around him. Seems like makin' connections wasn't easy for him. I know how that feels." Hugo said, crossing his arms. "But he might be dangerous to the rest of us. I don't think he'll hurt you, but if he's takin' that oath seriously…"

"I know. I'm working on a plan." Varian admitted. "And working on how and if I'm going to tell Eugene before we get to the Dark Kingdom. I mean… I guess it's his heritage too…"

"… WAIT WHAT?" Flurry moved to stand but instead fell out of her hammock. "EUGENE IS-"

"Ssh!" Varian shushed her, jumping to catch her. "I uh… I guess I forgot to tell you… Eugene and I are cousins, I guess."

"Which gives me so many questions… None of which anyone can answer." Hugo admitted.

"Eugene is family too?" Flurry asked, Varian nodding after a moment. "And he doesn't even know?"

"I haven't told him for a reason. A… mostly good reason." Varian insisted.

"And that reason is?" Flurry raised an eyebrow, Varian sighing.

"… When everything bad that happened happened, Eugene said something that sounded like he thought I should have been raised by humans. I don't know how much he meant it, and he seems sorry but… I'm afraid. I'm afraid he'll… I don't know, insist on something if he finds out we're blood related." Varian admitted quietly.

"I get that fear V, really but… I mean, he knows about your uncle Ulf and aunt Martha now." Hugo said it carefully, knowing that Varian could be volatile about this issue. "He hasn't said anything about you 'needing' to go with them. Only thing he said about them was a joke about how much you all look the same. Which is fair honestly Ulf and Ulla's genetics are pulling a lot of weight."

Varian chuckled a little, aware of just how similar he looked to his cousins. Especially Amber, it was more clear since they were almost the same age. The only thing he seemed to inherit from his fathers side were his darker hair and skin, at least as far as he could tell at a glance that was all.

"I like our new cousins." Flurry smiled, before looking at Varian. "But don't you think Eugene might like to know he has family too?"

"I don't know. I mean, I'd think so but…" Varian sighed. "I'll tell him soon. I promise."

"You might feel better once you do." Hugo admitted. "You know Flurry, you usually don't hang out with us in here during the evening. Something wrong?"

"I guess I was just curious about that lady, and Hector. And Cozy Glow is acting all weird. Suspicious. I mean, like she's suspicious of something not that she's acting suspicious." Flurry explained.

"Probably Lance. He's acting weird." Hugo admitted.

"You thought so too?" Varian sighed. "I was hoping I was just… well, a little paranoid because of everything that happened. Lance helped us before, I can't imagine him doing something-"

Flurry seemed concerned and looked out the window, Varian realizing his sister was acting suspicious immediately.

"… Flurry, do you know something?" Varian asked.

"… Uh… noooo." She averted her gaze, fooling neither of the teenage boys.

"Are you lying? Badly?" Hugo asked, smiling a little. "This is what happens when your taught to be honest by Applejack huh?"

"Lance said it was a secret." Flurry muttered.

"What kind of secret?" Varian asked.

"… Um… A friend kind of secret. A secret between friends." Flurry looked up, but it was clear neither Hugo nor Varian really bought that.

"Flurry, what is it?" Varian knelt down to her level.

"I can't tell you! You'll tell the others." Flurry insisted.

"Sounds like it's the kind of thing that shouldn't be a secret." Hugo mentioned, crossing his arms.

"Flurry, if this somehow is related to something serious that is going to cause problems down the road, we and the others need to know." Varian tried gently, but Flurry gave him a look.

"Like Eugene being related?"

"… I'm going to tell him, eventually. The only reason I haven't is because Eugene hurt me in the past and I'm struggling to trust him." Varian countered.

"But if you tell him, then you'll have a stronger bond he won't want to break, right?" Flurry asked.

"Well I don't- you are trying to change the subject." Varian sputtered, catching himself after a moment.

"Does this have something to do with the food?" Hugo asked.

"… Tangentially." Flurry muttered.

"Tangentially? What are you a dictionary, since when- Flurry, is Lance feeding that food to someone who isn't supposed to be here?" Varian asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ummm."

They all heard a loud snap of some kind along with a startled shriek, Flurry looking more worried as they hurried outside. Cozy Glow had evidently set up a trap, a trap that had successfully snared two familiar forms as they exited the food storage of the Coronan wagons.

"You brought the girls?!" Starlight was angrier then Varian had ever seen her before.

Keira and Catalina were sitting nearby, Keira had her arms crossed as though she was annoyed while Catalina looked remorseful. Eugene looked about as upset as Starlight, though he wasn't saying anything. Rapunzel clearly was fighting the urge to try to get everyone to get along. Cozy was still pretty proud about her trap and how well it had gone, which Varian couldn't blame her really considering. It was almost a miracle that Ruddiger, Max, or Pascal hadn't set it off before it could get the girls. Trixie was watching with what could only be considered amusement, sharing cinnamon nuts with Hugo and Cass who seemed to just be letting Starlight handle it. Tempest, she was just watching with her usual neutral expression. Varian was standing nearby, having already given Flurry a piece of his mind about hiding the fact they had two children with them unknowingly, the filly staring at the ground. Varian hated arguing with his sister, but he really could not believe that she hid this.

"Now hold on, I can explain." Lance insisted.

"Oh please do, I'd love to hear this." Starlight huffed.

Lance opened his mouth as if to speak, but the length of time he took made it clear he was struggling to think of an excuse.

"Lance!" Starlight snapped.

"I'm thinking! Your so angry-"

"Because we're on a dangerous quest and you brought a couple of little kids!" Starlight gestured at the girls angrily.

"Flurry and Cozy got to come!" Keira spoke up.

"Flurry can take out a kingdom in a heartbeat." Eugene said. "And Cozy Glow caught you, so I think we can safely say she can handle herself. And she has her very scary older sister here just in case."

Cass nodded with a small smile, clearing her throat, "And, Flurry and Cozy are both older then you two."

"Barely!" Keira countered.

"Why did you two want to come anyway?" Rapunzel asked.

Catalina opened her mouth to answer, but Keira gave her a look before answering herself.

"A big epic adventure? Who wouldn't want to go?"

"… I don't think I believe you." Varian admitted. "But something tells me pulling the truth out of you two is going to be impossible."

"Great. Now we need to turn back and take them back-" Starlight sighed, rubbing her face.

"Now hold on, I'm their guardian, and I decided it was okay to bring them." Lance interrupted.

"You- You have got to be kidding." Starlight looked at Lance. "We're going to be attacked by witch hunters, sooner or later, almost for certain. Then there's Zhan Tiri's minions. The alicorn. Is any of this ringing a bell?"

"Oh come on Starlight, they survived working for the Baron and helping every creature from Ponyville survive in the Everfree Forest." Lance picked up the girls, nodding in self assurance. "And I will keep them safe."

Before Starlight could argue, Tempest spoke up, "Fine then. Then you will be responsible for them. Keeping them safe, keeping them fed, keeping them out of trouble and dealing with whatever trouble they get into. Because if your responsible for them, then your responsible for their actions."

"Fine, fine." Lance sighed. "Do you have to be so serious about everything?"

"You should be more serious. Those girls count on you." Tempest said, turning and heading back to the campfire. "At least now we know why the supplies were being gone through so much. Now we can adjust for the two extra mouths."

Varian didn't really want to turn around and go back to Corona, so he had to accept that outcome.

"They aren't sleeping in my bed." Cozy said as they headed back to the fire.

"Oh come on, you don't even use all that space." Lance said. "There has to be something I can do to get you to share."

Varian listened idly to the pleading and promises Lance gave to Cozy before she eventually accepted some kind of bargain. He wasn't really listening to what by that point, he was instead reading the letters he'd received that day.

"That seems like a lot more then usual." Hugo mentioned.

"Aunt Pinkie sent me a long letter about all the things little Cheese and Apple Spice did the past few days. And three other letters just about things that happened in Ponyville." Varian smiled a little. "Of course right now little Cheese and Apple Spice are just doing normal baby things so… sleeping and eating mostly."

"Well they'll be up on their hooves before you know it." Trixie said. "And we all know Pinkie gets a little… extra when it comes to things like this. She just misses you."

"Mom and dad just responded to our letter yesterday. We need to write them another one… and maybe ask them to tell Cheerilee where the girls are just in case." Varian said, looking over where Flurry was still quietly staring at her dinner.

He hated seeing his sister like this, they almost never really argued about anything so when they were at odds they struggled to bounce back. He thought for a moment before he leaned over and poked her cheek gently with the back of his pen.

"Hey… I'm not mad at you, okay?" Varian asked, Flurry looking at him. "But since we are on a big, dangerous quest, you need to tell me stuff like this."

"I know. I'm sorry." Flurry gave him a small smile, before her eyes flicked over to Eugene.

Varian knew she wasn't pushing him to talk to him to Eugene, in fact the filly moved on instead to write her own letter back to their parents. It was just a silent question, one she was probably asking herself more then him. A question he wasn't really sure he had an answer to himself, still, despite him grappling with it for a month now.

After dinner, Varian tried to go right to bed, but he found himself struggling to. Even once he could tell by the sounds of their gentle breathing that Hugo and Flurry had fallen asleep, and by Starlight's snoring and Trixie's sleep talking through the wall. He seemed to be the only one awake, so he got up as quietly as he could and slipped out of the caravan. He looked up at the sky as he sat down on a tree stump, the little lights of the stars and the moon making it clear enough for him to see fairly well. He wasn't sure how long he sat there quietly trying to parse through his thoughts before he heard something, a consistant little sound he couldn't quite place. He moved toward it as quietly as he could, before he spotted a little lantern light and realized the sound was the pen Rapunzel had, the woman was drawing.

"Rapunzel?" He spoke up before he could think about it, jumping a bit as he startled her.

"Varian!" She sighed in relief. "Did I wake you up?"

"Oh, no. I couldn't sleep. Uh… not because of that." Varian paused for a moment for Starlight's snore to make his point. "I guess I just… I don't know. What about you?"

"I couldn't sleep either. I don't really know why… maybe it's the sundrop and moonstone?" She offered.

"Hm, could be." Varian admitted. "I mean, we don't know a lot about them yet still…"

"Uh… while we're alone, there's something that was bothering Eugene. You don't have to tell me anything, obviously, but… Eugene is worried that you seem like your afraid of him." Rapunzel mentioned.

Varian wasn't sure how it had been coming across to Eugene, but his conclusion made sense. It was also technically correct, though now that he knew Eugene knew he was afraid of the man in some it only made him feel worse.

"It's not that I'm exactly afraid of him." Varian muttered. "It's… complicated. I… I know logically he wouldn't do anything. It's…"

"You don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable. I was just worried, it seemed like things between you two got worse not better and we didn't really know why. Uh… unlike before. Sorry. Eugene told me that we accidentally crashed a few dates?" Rapunzel looked at him sheepishly.

"Uh… Yeah. But it's not like you knew, I was annoyed but not mad." Varian admitted. "It's just… hard for me to be open with you now. I know I need to be… I'm working on it."

"I know you spent most of it away from us today but… you seemed to be more yourself today." Rapunzel admitted. "Not as angry and only a little afraid."

Varian wasn't sure what to respond to that with, but it did make him feel better to hear that there was some kind of visible way for them to see he was healing, at least a bit. He did think of something Trixie had told him just the day before, and he decided to pass that explanation and a bit of that talk he'd had with the mare to Rapunzel. He sat down somewhat close to her, though still a little bit away from her, and he was pretty sure he noticed her perk up. She really seemed happy with any amount of positive interactions with him, but he couldn't be upset about that. She hated when people weren't happy, he knew it would extend to him too.

"That's the goal, I think. To have more 'good days' then 'bad days', at least that's how Trixie put it. Sometimes I wake up and I see you guys and I'm angry immediately and even I know that's not healthy so I stay away because I… I don't like hurting you guys or snapping at you or any of that. It's just… some kind of survival instincts or something acting up, to keep me safe. But other days I wake up and its easier to remember how things were before. I know you and Eugene are good people, just with… some issues that made it harder for you to stand by me against Frederic. You because you went into your own survival mode, trying to make your parental figure happy because it was easier and safer. Eugene, he was afraid of what Frederic might do to him, he'd already almost been executed, I understand all that and I know you wouldn't do that again but… I don't know." Varian sighed. "It feels stupid."

"It's not, Varian. Emotions are just… complicated." Rapunzel admitted. "I know there were… are times I feel stupid for things that feel complicated but shouldn't be."

"… Like?" Varian looked over at her.

"… Sometimes, I miss her. Gothel. And I feel so stupid for that. She kidnapped me. She killed Eugene, he's only still here because of the sundrop. She was going to use me to keep herself young forever. She mistreated me and gave me all kinds of issues and behaviors including the ones that hurt you but…" Rapunzel sighed.

"… But she still raised you. She was the only person you knew for eighteen years. I get it." Varian admitted. "I can't imagine what you went through…"

"… I know if there's anything I could do or say to help you feel safe around us again, I'd do it in a heartbeat." Rapunzel offered.

"… You kind of did. I mean, I heard how you spoke to Frederic during the trial. I think I just need time around you, when I'm comfortable with it." Varian admitted. "And to work though… what's currently going on with me and Eugene. Which is a personal issue right now."

Rapunzel nodded, giving him a small smile, "Any time you want to spend together, just let me know. We have a long road ahead so it's not like we don't have time."

"I will. Well uh… I'm going to try to get some sleep." Varian got up, brushing himself off. "Good night, Rapunzel."

"Good night Varian. Sweet dreams." Rapunzel smiled a little watching him leave.

She knew it was just a single 'good day', that Varian might be cold or angry or just plain unavailable the next day, but after what felt like months of only 'bad days', she was just glad to see a little bit of the boy she knew before.