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For Balto’s 29th anniversary, here’s screenshots of Star. He’s a trooper and no one gives him credit for things he can do.

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                                 The Aftermath (Reupload)

Takes place in Cassandra’s Revenge, when the gang got back to the castle with Varian. Hope you enjoy!

         The princess watched as Lance set Varian down on the bed. The group were in a guest room. The alchemist had passed out when Rapunzel and Eugene met up with Lance, the girls, and Maximus.

“Is he going to be ok?” asked Catalina in a trembling voice.

Lance smiled at her. “I’m sure he’s going to be right as rain tomorrow. Don’t worry.”

Eugene cleared his throat. “Hey, Lance? Would you mind if…” he trailed off still a bit shaken up about what happened with Cassandra.

Thankfully, Lance got the hint and quietly lead the girls plus Max out the room. Rapunzel went over to the bed. She gently shook him awake. “Varian? Varian, wake up.”

Nothing.

Pascal got off her shoulder, walking to where Varian’s ear is and stuck his tongue in it.

That woke him up.

“Ack! Ahh! Don’t eat me!”

Rapunzel shushed him. “Calm down, Varian. It’s just us.”

Varian stared blankly at the couple, waiting for his eyes to adjust. When he saw it was them, he relaxed. 

He chuckled nervously. “ Oh. Hey. I-I must of went to sleep there. Sorry about that.”

Eugene sat down at the foot of the bed beside Varian. “Are you ok, kid?”

“I’m..ngh.. really shaken up from what happened in the tower.”

Rapunzel raised an eyebrow, puzzled. His answer came out rather quickly. 

“What’s going on?” she asked him. 

Before the alchemist could respond, Eugene piped up. He covered Varian’s mouth as he replied, “Cass-an-dra had drugged him with his own truth serum in order to tell her the third incantation. Also, he’s compel to answer any questions you ask him.”

Rapunzel was horrified. She can’t believe Cass drugged Varain and then put him in a cage. “No…Is…Is that true?” She looked into the terrified blue eyes of the alchemist. Eugene removed his hand so he can answer. Varian winced in pain of the serum. “Agh! Y-Yes.”

He slumped forword causing Eugene to grabbed him before he fell off the bed. While Eugene explained to the princess, Varian answered automatically which exhausted him. Rapunzel took her place on the other side of Varian on the bed. She placed her hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Varian.”

Varian sighed. “It’s okay, Rapunzel. You didn’t know Cass kidnapped me.There was a lot going on back at the Demantius Chamber.”

“He has a point, Sunshine.” said Eugene.

Rapunzel grabbed Varian’s backpack, wanting to cure the alchemist. She opened it and started rummaging through it finding an antidote. Rapunzel pulled out small bottle that is labeled “truth serum antidote.”

“Here’s the cure, Varian.” She opened the bottle, held it out in Varian’s direction.

“Say Ahh.”

“Ahh.” The alchemist open his mouth so Rapunzel could pour the antidote in.

Varian swallowed the stuff, feeling better already. He was glad he made a cure for the truth serum. The princess put the backpack aside. “Ok..” she began, testing to see if it worked. “How are you feeling?” Eugene and Pascal nervously waited for Varian to respond. The alchemist’s face did not show any signs of pain whenever he felt the truth serum kicked in.

Varian sighed in relief. He was cured.

“Well, I’m fine now. Thank you, Rapunzel!” he hugged her, letting out a joyful laugh.

Rapunzel laughed along with him, returning the hug.

“Soooo what happened after that tower…uh, got build?” Eugene asked.

Rapunzel pulled away from the alchemist. She wanted to know too, but judging how Varian bit his lip nervously it was probably not the time. “Eugene, Varian has been through a lot today. Maybe we should let him rest first.” she suggested.

Varian suddenly grabbed Rapunzel by the shoulders, startling her in the process. “No! I…have to tell you now.” he said, replaying the whole ordeal in his head. Rapunzel didn’t say anything. She motioned him to go on with her hand.

Varian breathed in sharply before taking his hands off the princess and got his backpack. Brows furrowed, he held it tightly against his chest.

Eugene started to comfort Varian by rubbing his back in repeated soothing circles. “It’s okay, Varian. Take your time.” The man told him.

Varian looked between Eugene and Rapunzel, mouth covered by the backpack. The princess gave him a warm smile as Pascal climbed back on her shoulder. 

Varian finally calmed down and began to tell what happened.

“Cass put hand cuffs on me with her powers, then she took me in the tower. As we were going up the stairs, she….started talking to herself…but it wasn’t herself.”

Rapunzel narrowed her eyes. “She did that back at the Demanitus Chamber.” The princess pointed out.

Eugene groaned. “Oh, great. She’s gone completely insane. Well, not as insane as before, but this is a whole different level!”

Varian went on. “It was really weird. It’s like she’s having a conversation with someone she can see. When we got to the um, top, Cass said that I wasn’t part of this, she didn’t want to hurt me. Cass took the hand cuff off me.”

The alchemist was looking at Rapunzel, his expression sorrowful. “I tried to talk her out of what she’s doing, Rapunzel. She is on the same path I’ve been! I-I really didn’t want to see her go through that route. But…it wasn’t enough. And that’s when she put me in that cage.”

Varian hung his head. “I failed getting through her.”

Rapunzel exchanged a concerned look with Eugene before placing her hand on his shoulder.

“Varian, I appreciate you trying to convince Cass. It shows how far you come. You know how it feels to be on the dark path that you want her to not go the same way.”

Varian lifted his head back up, his gaze downcast. “It’s a horrible way to handle anger. It twists your mind until you can’t think straight.”

He shivered. “One of my biggest regrets of my life.”

Eugene gave him a gentle nudge. “We’re proud of you for trying though.” he said grinning.

Varian stared at him in surprise. “R-Really?”

Eugene nodded.

Varian rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Gosh. I don’t know what to say.”

“Well, you could say thank you.”

“Um…thank you, Eugene. heh.”

They both shared a laugh.

Varian started to remember how threatening Cass was when she pulled him and Eugene back in the tower. She never looked more like a villain than the alchemist has ever seen. “Varian? What’s wrong?” Rapunzel asked, noticing him tense up again.

Eugen felt the alchemist trembling slightly. “She scared you, huh?” he said in a gentle voice. The man wasn’t teasing him, Eugene was worried about Varian.

“Yeah.” The alchemist admitted, bringing the backpack closer to his body.

Varian sniffled, a tear rolled down his cheek. “Cassandra…”

Rapunzel offered him a hug which he took, sobbing uncontrollably. Eugene held his backpack for him. The princess comfort him like a sister to her little brother. She was glad Varian is safe now. Rapunzel considers making him stay for the night so he can recover.

“Don’t worry, Varian. We’re not going to give up on her.”

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The Takeover Aftermath chapter one

Follow up after Trust and a quick snack

Rapunzel and Varian returned back to the castle. Before finding Varian again, Eugene told her he’s going back to get her parents with Lance and Maximus. They need to figure how restore the king and queen’s memories. Rapunzel decided she’s going to be the temporary queen until her parents are back to normal.

The Saporians were arrested and going back to the dungeons. Rapunzel will make sure that Varian doesn’t go back. He’s no longer a villain anymore.

They have to get Varian’s clothes back so he could ditch the clothes the Saporians gave him. Rapunzel left him in her room so she can get his clothes. She went in the Captain’s office where she found Nigel.

When she told him she needed Varian’s stuff, Nigel said he should go back in the dungeons like the traitor he is.

That’s when Rapunzel became full princess mode. She gave the advisor a diplomatic yet stern talking to. The princess even brought up how Varian was willing to sacrifice himself to save the kingdom.

That made him shut up and gave her the alchemist’s clothes.

Rapunzel raced back to her room. She saw the surprised look on the boy’s face when he sees his old clothes again.

“You can change in my room dividers, Varian.” she told him.

Varian nodded, grabbing his clothes going behind the dividers to change.

Rapunzel took the moment to look over her room. She left Pascal with Eugene so she can be alone with the alchemist.

It’s so nice to be back in her room. The paintings remain untouched during the takeover much to Rapunzel’s relief.

She got a lot of painting to do later.

“Rapunzel?”

The princess turned around to see Varian coming out, holding the Saporian clothes and the boots. She smiled seeing the boy back in his outfit. “There’s the Varian I know!” she joked, walking over to him.

Varian chuckled. “Yeah, here I am.” The alchemist spread his arms out to express his point.

He handed Rapunzel the clothes. “ I’m gonna miss that cool coat though.” Varian admitted causing Rapunzel to laugh.

The princess put the clothes on one of chairs. She placed the boots on the floor.

“Well… you already have a cool coat.”

“Yeah, but not as cool as that!”

“You’re so edgy.”

“What can I say? I love to be extra.”

Rapunzel laughed again.

She went back to him. She missed him so much. The princess started to see the alchemist as a little brother.

Varian fiddled with his gloves. “Um… it feels so weird being back in my old clothes.”

Rapunzel noticed they didn’t fit him like before. Did he get taller? She thought. I guess he had his birthday while I was away. It hurts to think the teen had a birthday while in prison. She’ll have to make it up for him. New clothes- she’s going to get him a fresh new look. First she has to talk about this with Eugene.

“Hey…Rapunzel?” Varian’s voice snapped the princess out her thoughts.

“Yes, Varian?”

The alchemist nervously rubbed his arm. “There’s something bothering me since you guys first came back.”

The princess felt panic as she knew what he was going to say. “Uh…what is it?”

“Where’s Cassandra?”

And there it is.

She didn’t know how to explain to Varian what happened to her former friend. The princess wasn’t ready to talk about it.

Rapunzel looked away from the alchemist.

“Well…uh…y-you see, Varian. Cass… She-“

A loud rumbling interrupted her explanation. She jumped in surprise, looking outside. “Was that thunder?”

Varian took a step back, visibly embarrassed. “You know, stomach. It’s not nice to interrupt.” he mumbled.

Rapunzel looked at Varian. “Did you say something?”

The alchemist quickly shook his head. “Nope! Nothing!”

Rapunzel went to look outside the balcony. It wasn’t raining or any thunder. Confusion came over her. If it wasn’t thunder, then what is it?

She heard it again but it sounded like it was behind her. Rapunzel turned around to see Varian with his hands behind his back.

She’s got a good idea what the noise was.

“Varian, you seem quiet all of a sudden. Do you know what it is?” The princess asked, smirking a little.

The alchemist fidgeted as she walked over back to him. “Um…n-no. eheheh.”

She leans down closer to the boy, making Varian squeak. Rapunzel cupped a hand to her ear and listened to his stomach. Sure enough, she heard it rumbling. Rapunzel giggled, standing up. “Varian! That was you!” she cried, poking him in the belly.

The alchemist chuckled sheepishly, putting a hand on his stomach. “Yeah, that’s me.”

Rapunzel wondered what happened with him while she was away. She was half grateful and half bad the subject about Cassandra was dropped because of the alchemist’s stomach.

“Varian….you said you haven’t been eating much lately. What did you mean by that?”

Varian waved his hand dismissively. “I told you I was shut down. Don’t worry about me.”

His stomach growled again. The alchemist sighed, rubbing his belly. Rapunzel narrowed her eyes. “Sounds like your stomach is telling me something I don’t know.”

When the alchemist didn’t answer, she placed her hand on his shoulder. “ Varian, I want to help you. Please.”

The alchemist looked at Rapunzel, reading her expression. He can tell she’s genuine and really wants to help. Giving a heavy sigh, Varian told Rapunzel what happened to him.

“Okay. I….um…I-I gave myself a punishment to not eat.” he admitted, preparing himself for the princess’ reaction.

Rapunzel’s eyes widened. “What? Why did you do that?”

“Because I felt like I didn’t deserve any food.” Varian closed his eyes. “The guilt was tearing me apart so much that I couldn’t bring myself to eat. This happened when me and the Saporians took over Corona.”

“Did the guards feed you?” asked Rapunzel.

The alchemist looked away. “Th-they did, but my stomach didn’t agree with the prison food so the Queen organized a special food thing because she said that teenagers like me need good food instead of gruel.”

“Wait…my mom did that?”

“Yes. Your…um..dad didn’t help.”

Rapunzel sighed angrily. “ He promised me you would get help!”

“I hate to tell you this, but your father has a problem.” Varian said bluntly.

“Tell me about it.” Rapunzel scoffed.

The alchemist then remembered something. “Oh! I’m fifteen now by the way.”

“Ah, that’s why you gotten taller.” The princess joked in amused tone. This made the boy blush and shifting his feet.

Suddenly, Varian’s stomach let out very loud growl. He cried out, clutching his middle. Then he started feeling weak in his legs. The alchemist felt his legs give out.“Varian!” Rapunzel managed to catch him before he fell.

She helped him stand back up. Rapunzel looked at him worried. “Are you ok?”

Varian nodded, still holding his belly. “ Ugh. Yeah, that’s my ravenous stomach.” He pointed to the chair that had the Saporian clothes hanging on the arm. “I need to sit down.” Rapunzel nodded and guide him to the chair. Varian sat in the chair, wincing from the hunger pangs.

“ Let’s get you something for that ravenous stomach of yours.” Rapunzel told him. She thinks of something simple for the boy can eat. Soup! Rapunzel will make him some soup.

“How does soup sound to you?”

Varian smiled. “That sounds good actually.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t made that sandwich for you. I wasn’t thinking and we were on a time crunch-“

Varian cut her off. “No, Princess. Don’t beat yourself up. It’s okay. Also, I managed to keep it down the whole time.”

Rapunzel smiled. “Your right, Varian. But you need to eat soup or anything not heavy.”

Varian absentmindedly began drumming his fingers on the arm of the chair. “One more thing…the Saporians forced me to eat because they’re sick of hearing my stomach growling.”

“No kidding! Are you sure you don’t have a wild animal in there?”

The alchemist looked down at his belly. “Sure does sound like one. Seriously, why do stomachs have to make such embarrassing noises?”

“Because it lets us know we’re hungry.” Rapunzel explained, putting her hand on Varian’s stomach. The alchemist blushed and the princess giggled as his stomach rumbled. “ Plus you’re a growing boy who needs vitamins and minerals.”

Varian grinned. “Heh. Your mom said that.”

“And she’s right. I’m glad she took care of you.”

The princess better get started with that soup. She couldn’t decide whatever to bring Varian with her or have him stay here.

“Are you good enough to walk?” Rapunzel asked carefully.

“I-I think so.”

“Do you need me to carry-“

“N-no! I’m fine. No need to do that, heh!”

Rapunzel wasn’t entirely sure about this, but if he said he’s alright then what’s the worst that can happen?

Varian got up, putting his hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Rapunzel. We can just take it easy on the way.” he smiled softly at her.

The princess smiled back. “Okay. Then Operation Chow Down is a go!”

Varian laughed. “Operation Chow Down?”

Rapunzel blushed. “Yeah. Your going to be working on getting your energy back. I know, not the best name.”

“Nah, I get it. I do it too.” admitted Varian.

The boy’s stomach got so impatient that it emitted another loud growl causing the two to flinch.

Rapunzel and Varian simultaneously slapped their hands on source of the noise to silence it.

“Down, boy!” they both said in unison.

Rapunzel took the alchemist by the arm. “Okay, that’s our cue to go!” she said urgently.

“Uh, Y-yeah. Let’s- Whoa!” Rapunzel dragged him out her room.

They went on the way to the royal kitchen.

On the way to the kitchen, they ran into Nigel. Varian immediately hid behind Rapunzel. The princess glared at the advisor who gasped upon seeing the boy.

He was holding an apple. Nigel cleared his throat. “I wanted to give this to him.” he explained, holding out the fruit.

Rapunzel raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I know he hadn’t eaten during the takeover and after what you told me, I decided I was wrong about him.”

Varian nervously peaked out behind the princess. He flinched when he locked eyes with Nigel. “I apologize, Varian. Please..accept this apple. You need it.”

The alchemist hesitated. He don’t know if the advisor was serious or not. It didn’t help that he pretended to be the advisor for the King and Queen. Varian stared at the apple. What if he poisoned it? A way of getting him back for stealing his job? There’s no way he could take it.

“Don’t worry, boy. It’s not poisoned.” Nigel told him as if he read his mind.

Varian gave Rapunzel an unsure look. Rapunzel smiled. “It’s ok. Take it.” The alchemist bit his lip, stomach screaming at him to take the apple. He raised a suspicious eyebrow at Nigel. The advisor seemed very apologetic and not putting on a fake facade. Finally, he slowly took the fruit from Nigel.

“Um…Thanks.”

Nigel smiled and went off his way. Rapunzel and Varian watched him go.

“Well, that was unexpected.” said the princess.

Varian scanned the apple carefully. “ I’m not sure I wanna eat this.”

“Varian, you gotta eat something. The soup is gonna take a while so you need at least an snack in your stomach.”

The alchemist wasn’t so sure. He was good at reading people and even though Nigel had a chance of heart of him, Varian didn’t want to risk eating this apple. He’s expecting the other boot to drop. His stomach at this point, doesn’t care and let its opinion know as loud and clear.

Rapunzel placed her hand on her neck. “Varian.”

The alchemist felt a twinge of pain in his belly. He clutched it with his left hand.

Varian winced in pain. “Ow. O-ok, ok. I’ll eat it. Anything to ease up these hunger pangs.”

The alchemist started eating the apple as they continue walking.

Varian felt a little better after eating the apple. Apples remained of Ruddiger so much. He hopes he’s okay.

The two finally arrived at the kitchen. Varian threw away the core in a barrel. Rapunzel began to get ingredients to make soup. “Try to find something else to eat, Varian.”

“Okay. Uh, Rapunzel?”

“Yes?”

“Can….” Varian trailed off, rubbing his arm.

Rapunzel looked at him concerned. “What’s wrong, Varian?”

“Mind if I-I spent the night with…you? I uh.. don’t feel safe being in a room by myself. Cause you know, the guards could-“

The alchemist jumped feeling a strong grip on his shoulders. He saw Rapunzel gazing at him with a face that screamed protective big sister.

“I’m not gonna let them take you away. You can sleep with me until tomorrow we can free your father.”

The boy gave a sigh of relief then began searching the cabinets for anything to snack until the soup is ready.

Sadly, he couldn’t find any food in the lower cabinets. He looked at Rapunzel who was putting ingredients into the soup.

Varian heard his belly rumble again. I know, I know.

“Rapunzel, there’s no food in the lower cabinets.” he told her.

Rapunzel put the stove on simmer and checked the lower cabinets. “ Okay… you’re right. There’s no food in them.”

Varian started to whimper.

“But we haven’t checked the top ones yet!” Rapunzel pointed out.

She went to check the top cabinets. The princess gasped, seeing there is crackers that are stale, bananas that are bad and grapes. She takes the grapes out, checking them over. Varian began licking his lips in anticipation. He clasped his hands together. “Are-are they any good, Princess?”

Rapunzel nodded. “They’re safe to eat, Varian. The soup is almost done by the way. I can tell you’re very hungry.”

The alchemist chuckled. “Is it my stomach?”

“No, it’s by the look on your face.”

“Oh.”

Rapunzel went back to the soup. The boy began stuffing his face with grapes. She smiled when the soup is done. Finally it’s done. I’m getting hungry myself.

“No, I’m not finishing the grapes!”

Rapunzel turned around to the alchemist confused. “Uh, Varian?”

Varian had eaten half of the grapes and judging by his hand on his stomach, he’s arguing with it.

His stomach growled at him. Varian groaned. “Don’t growl at me! I don’t want to eat a whole thing of grapes! Settle down, you’re getting soup.”

Another growl.

“There’s no way you got a mind of your own! It’s not even scientifically possible!”

“Varian!”

The alchemist looked up at her. He blushed. “Uh…heheh. Sorry about that.”

Rapunzel giggled as she poured the soup in two bowls. The alchemist raised an eyebrow, confused. “Wait…you’re hungry too?” Varian asked.

Before she could answer, her stomach growled loudly. Rapunzel gasped, clutching her stomach.

Varian stared at her for ten seconds then burst out laughing. “That’s a yes!”

The princess blushed.

“Making the soup did it. We better start eating before our tummies start having a conversation.”

Varian agreed. “Yeah. Believe me, my tummy did a lot of talking during the takeover.” He visibly cringed that he said the word tummy. Thanks, Rapunzel. Varian thought with mock sarcasm.

The princess gave him sorrowful look. “I’m sorry you had a hard time, Varian.”

Varian sighed. “Don’t apologize. If I haven’t gone through that, we wouldn’t made up.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

Rapunzel grabbed two spoons. She gave one to Varian. “We’re eating in here so it’ll be less travel to the dining room.”

Varian looked at the soup. “What kind of soup is this?”

“Hazelnut.”

Varian’s eyes widened. “Hazelnut soup?”

Rapunzel bit her lip nervously. “The…person who I thought was my mother makes it. It’s still my favorite. I’m sure you heard of Gothel, right?”

Varian nodded.

She messed with a lock of hair. “ She raised me into thinking she’s my mother and I shouldn’t go outside the tower I used to live. It’s wasn’t pleasant. But… at least I had Pascal.”

Varian listened intently as Rapunzel went through how she met Eugene, her first time out the tower, up to Eugene died and brought back by her magic, Gothel dead and finally reunited with her real family.

“Sometimes I feel weird making the soup. There’s some good memories to living in the tower.” Rapunzel sighed. “I don’t know.”

“Well…nothing wrong with that. If you still like it, you continue making it.” Varian told her, giving a small smile.

Rapunzel smiled back.

Just then, they heard their stomachs rumbling. Rapunzel and Varian both looked at each other’s bellies and grimaced.

“Ooooookay. I think our stomachs have waited enough.” said Rapunzel, rubbing her belly.

Varian let out a sheepish laugh, as he nursed his own stomach which gave another rumble. “ ‘Specially mine. I hear ya, stomach. I’m sorry for making you wait.”

He picked up his spoon. “Well, Princess. Let’s chow down!”

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Reblog because this a continuation to Trust and a quick snack. Could've done the second panel much better, but oh well. This is an old drawing anyway.

“It’s all over.” 
“Not yet. There’s still one promise I need to keep.” 
Rapunzel put her hair back in it’s braid before taking off to find Varian. She left Pascal with Eugene so she have some time with the alchemist.
“Varian!” she called. The princess made it to the building where she dropped him with her hair. Rapunzel looked up. “Are you up there?”
A gasp followed by the sound of footsteps skittered to the side of roof. The alchemist’s head poked out, surprised to see Rapunzel. “Oh! Rapunzel, y- you’re okay!” he breathed out. 
The princess chuckled at his reaction. “Of course I’m okay. I have magic hair to protect me. Remember?”
Varian rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Yeah.”
“Do you need help getting down?” Rapunzel asked.
“Yes, please.”
She undid her hair and throw it around the chimney. Rapunzel made sure it’s secure enough for Varian to slide down. “Grab on it and slide down.” The princess instructed him.
Varian nodded, went over to her hair, his hands gripping tightly on it. With a jump, he safely slide down to the ground. Rapunzel got her hair off the chimney in a quick whip. She put it back a braid once more before hugging the alchemist. 
Varian hugged her back. “I’m so glad the kingdom is safe!”
Rapunzel pulled away. “Me too, Varian.”
Varian sighed, his smile fading.” Guess I have to live on my own.” he mumbled to himself.
The princess frowned at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Varian felt himself tense up remembering his father. “I…I-I tried to find a way to free my dad on my own, but I failed! And-” His eyes moved towards Rapunzel’s hair. “M-May I? Please?” he timidly asked, voice wavering as he pointed at her braid. Rapunzel hold out her hair for him to which Varian took it in his hands. The alchemist doesn’t have Ruddiger to comfort him, so her hair makes a replacement. Plus, there is something about Rapunzel’s hair makes him feel safe. Now he feels really bad for forcing her to help free his dad. Varian started sniffling, tears formed in his eyes as he held the princess’s hair.
“I gave up trying. There is nothing I can do. H-He’s dead! Dad, I’m so sorry!” Varian sobbed, bringing Rapunzel’s hair closer to his face. The princess watched him broke down with her hands clasped together, mouth agape in utter shock. She had an idea of how to free his father, but right now she needs to console Varian.
Rapunzel placed her hand on his shoulder. “Varian, look at me.” she said gently.
The alchemist lowered her hair away from his face, sniffling as he looked at the princess. He wiped his eyes with the back of his arm.
She put on a stern look. “What you did wasn’t right, but you had no choice. I’m sorry I couldn’t help then.”
Varian lets go of her braid. “I- It’s ok. I’m sorry I forced you and kidnap your mother by the way.” 
Rapunzel hummed in reply. 
She suddenly realized something about the alchemist.
“Do you know what I admire about you?” When Varian didn’t respond, she continued: “Your determination. You always finding a solution to a problem. When one of your experiments fails, you don’t give up. You keep on trying until you get it right. Sure, we all fall down…. but we get right back up.” 
“What are you trying to say?”
Rapunzel smiled and put her hands on Varian’s shoulders. “What I’m saying is don’t give up hope. Learn to hope again.” she said, remembering what he told her about trust back in the cell. 
Varian’s eyes widened. He open his mouth to speak, but he closed it. His eyebrows furrowed in worry. The princess looked at him with concern. “Varian?” 
The alchemist swallowed. “But…what if there’s nothing else you could do?”
Rapunzel paused. She thought of all the obstacles on the road, such as Vardaros. Her mind shifted to Cassandra’s betrayal. 
“Well…some situations you can’t do anything about it and some you can fix. I always find a way to fix a problem.” she explained, putting on her trademark smile.
“I think I said never give up to Ruddiger.” Varian said with a nervous laugh.
Rapunzel took her hands off the alchemist. “Where is Ruddiger?”
“He….I told him to guard my house. Heh, might as well be my house since I didn’t have my dad taking care of me.” 
“Varian, I think I have a way to save your father.” 
The alchemist stared at her surprised. He almost lost his footing when he stepped back. Varian looked at the princess like she sprouted extra limbs or something. “I- y-y-you do? What is it?”
“I learned an incantation while I was on the road. It’s called the reverse incantation.” Rapunzel told him.
Varian tilted his head at this information. “Reverse Incantation?” he echoed. Rapunzel nodded. “Yes. I think it could help melt the amber.” 
Varian wasn’t so sure. He doesn’t want to see her get hurt…or worse. 
“I got a bad feeling about this.” 
The princess gave him an reassuring smile. “It will be okay, Varian. I’ll explain it once we get to your lab.” 
Varian gulped. “Um. If you say so, Princess.”
Rapunzel glanced around the area. She can hear that the guards had found the Saporians. 
“The guards could get you arrested again, but I won’t let them do that. You are no longer a bad guy, Varian.” 
The alchemist smiled really big. “Thanks.”
Rapunzel returned the smile. “Welcome back, Varian.”
She ran a hand through her hair. “Now, how about we go back to the castle and change your clothes?”
Varian groaned. “Awwww, really? But I really love this coat!”
Rapunzel crossed her arms. Her expression was firm but playful. “Varian.”
The alchemist’s mouth form into a pout. “Oh, alright….but I’m keeping the belt. Might be useful.”
Rapunzel laughed. “Deal.” 
It’s all done. I had a hard time with their skin colors to fit the background. (which I’m proud how it looks.) Mostly Varian’s, but it came out ok. I picture this scene off screen in Rapunzel’s Return. Varian must came to the conclusion that there is nothing else he could do in order to free Quirin while between his time in prison and taking over the kingdom. He just assumed his father is dead. With that being said, Varian had reached the final stage of his grieving: Acceptance.

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Varian: The amber solution ruined my life, I can’t even look at it without getting a sick feeling in my stomach!

Varian, 8 episodes later: Y’ALL F**KERS CHECK OUT MY BADASS AMBER BAZOOKA!!! PEW PEW!!!

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Oof

I just realized something and I’m so mad it took me this long to figure it out. Varian’s anger at the end of the season one finale was always so LARGE and incredible, he was willing to kill people out of rage and it was so much more than we’d ever seen from him.

And then I’m sitting here talking to @ajoyfultrashcollection and it hits me. Varian is grieving. Varian has been in the grieving process since he found his father in the amber. Varian would like to hope Quirin’s still alive in there, but Varian is terrified that he isn’t, that he’s dead, and Varian is grieving his parent.

Varian’s anger makes so much more sense, he’s on the third stage of grieving. He’s a kid working through the trauma of being the reason his father is possibly gone for good. 

Shock, Denial, Anger. 

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Disney Villains Week - Day 1 - Favorite Underrated Villain(s)

Si and Am - Lady And The Tramp

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Varian and the girls.

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We are Siamese if you please. I figured I'd draw these two cats as they are before I redesigned them. Also first time doing the slit cat eyes.

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Rapunzel, Eugene and Varian looking determine.

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Official Production Order of Tangled: the Series Episodes

Pilot

Tangled: Before Ever After

Season 1

What the Hair?!

Rapunzel’s Enemy

Fitzherbert P.I.

Challenge of the Brave

Cassandra v. Eugene

The Return of Strongbow

In Like Flynn

Great Expotations

Under Raps

One Angry Princess

Queen For a Day

Painter’s Block

Not In the Mood

Pascal’s Story

Big Brothers of Corona

The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth

Max’s Enemy

The Way of the Willow

The Quest For Varian

The Alchemist Returns

The Secret of the Sundrop

Season 2

Beyond the Corona Walls

The Return of Quaid

Goodbye and Good Will

Forest of No Return

Freebird

Vigor the Visionary

Keeper of the Spire

King Pascal

There’s Something About Hook Foot

Happiness Is…

Max and Eugene In “Peril On the High Seas”

Curses!

The Eye of Pincosta

Rapunzel and the Great Tree

Rapunzel: Day One*

The Brothers Hook*

Mirror, Mirror

You’re Kidding Me!

Rapunzeltopia

Lost and Found

Destinies Collide

Season 3

Rapunzel’s Return

Return of the King

Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne

Beginnings

No Time Like The Past

The King and Queen of Hearts

Be Very Afraid

Pascal’s Dragon

Day of the Animals

Islands Apart

Cassandra’s Revenge

Race to the Spire

A Tale of Two Sisters

Flynnposter

Once A Handmaiden…

Plus Est En Vous

*While the production order for these two episodes are correct, the viewing order should be reversed, since Hook Foot leaves in “The Brothers Hook” and is not present in “Rapunzel: Day One”. Also, at the end of TBH, they’re left without transportation, but at the beginning of R:DO, they find the crashed caravan.