#hes not saporian and they betrayed him first

[lightdrizzel]

What would you say are the biggest flaws of the main tangled gang?

I almost feel like i've answered this in the past, laughs. But let's see...

Rapunzel: She's a people-pleaser, and socially naive, at least at first. Which is a terrible combination for almost anyone who isn't named 'Gothel'. All she knows is that she wants things to be OK, and will do almost anything to help others make it so. This leads to more than a few mix ups where she fails to catch onto social cues. Ironically, it's part of her best qualities that she will ALWAYS stand by anyone she cares about.

Eugene: It's pretty obvious that Eugene's ego is one of his defining traits. Even in season 3, when he's really learning what defines him now vs the Flynn Rider days, he can't bring himself to let go of the old persona, the great thief that he was. At least until a wakeup call from Rapunzel - and Brock - that makes Eugene realize that since others have faith in him as he is, he should too.

Cassandra: Obviously I've talked about this at length, but Cass's flaw is definitely her lack of self-worth. She fights for recognition like she needs it to live. Ironically Cass struggles with basically the opposite thing Rapunzel does. Where Rapunzel expects people to show love to her as much as she does them, Cassandra internalized that 'earning her keep' with others means everything.

Lance: Funnily enough, I could talk about Lance's fear of cliders (clown spiders), but I think the real flaw Lance faces is that, for most of the series, he's still a thief. Or, at least, more of a thief than Eugene is now. Lance never has the same aversion to his past that Eugene develops, but he does grow out of it with time.

Varian: He never thinks things through, plain and simple. His inventions are only so amazing until something unexpected happens. And then there's his villain arc, of course. He gets thrown out of the castle because he didn't expect Rapunzel to have to care for the whole kingdom, he steals the Sunflower when its power has been fully absorbed by Rapunzel, then he fails to realize what would happen if Rapunzel's hair couldn't break his father three. And, finally, he sides with the saporians to overthrow the kingdom, and never expects that they'd try to betray him too.

[zonerobotnik]

So, I was all set to make that comparison post but, 1), I have 26 wips that still need to be updated, 2) it's 90° F and I don't want to bother thinking of how to word it (this heat is also getting in the way of me writing) and 3) there isn't enough footage of both sides to work with for a proper comparison, sadly. I do have THIS to show though. If Varian was being abused, manipulated, whatever, why did he look so shocked when he was punished for turning against them by being locked up with Rapunzel?

That's not the face of someone that is used to being put down or punished, that's the face of someone that has never been punished by the people punishing him and he's in disbelief that they're treating him like a naughty kid.

And then he looks SAD about it, he's sad that he let them down, he's sad that things turned out this way, that the Saporians felt like they needed to turn to violence because "we don't have time".

This is not the face of someone that has been abused.

This is the face of someone that was so well-treated that he was basically running the Kingdom instead of Andrew, who could've taken the Royal Advisor role for himself if he was that type of guy.

The Saporians are Varian's people.

The Coronans, and Rapunzel especially, are his employers and actual past abusers who he can't feel at full ease around. Being caught goofing off has him nervously chuckling and questioning why they're in his lab.

The closest argument you can get as "proof" he was abused is Varian being worried for Rapunzel and her group after the bomb went off.

And, honestly, they all look like they didn't fully agree with the bomb being used here.

Varian was concerned about the use of violence, which was his OWN last resort, but he wasn't kowtowing to Andrew because he abused and groomed him, he just trusted his judgement as his friend and leader, just as the others did.

This is not normal for him.

He is confused, he is hurt, he is seeing himself being betrayed by his friends again, seeing them go against his wishes.

Clementine thinks that he might just be sad about his alchemy no longer being used, so she assures him that they'll still being using it, which was a mistake on her part.

Enraged about them not only turning to violence against his wishes, but also using his alchemy for it, Varian reminds Andrew of a promise he made.

And Andrew, instead of saying "Shut up, we're doing this" tries to reason with him. They don't have time to keep trying to make the memory gas, does Varian really want to be on the wrong side of history and help the ones that hurt him before?

And Varian considers it. He has the freedom, the trust in them to not hurt him, to consider it. He turns to Rapunzel's pleading face, and considers his past, his future, his present, and makes a choice.

This is probably the first disagreement they've had. They seem genuinely shocked that he would turn on them, and even question what he intends to do.

And after he gives them a rather sudden and unwanted bath, Varian isn't scared of them, but embarrassed. Look at the quirk of his brow, he's confused about how that happened and embarrassed it did, especially after his big, dramatic speech.

Especially in front of Rapunzel. The absolute shame he must be experiencing.

And all they do, as a punishment, is open the door and lock him in with Rapunzel.

Once aboard the airship, he's all confident again. The embarrassment has passed, and he's determined to stop his alchemy from being misused.

The Saporians fight Rapunzel with swords, but for Varian, they only use their fists, never intending to hurt him seriously, maybe just knock him out or grab him.

Clementine is the first and only one to aim a sword at him, and even then she's just pointing it, not slashing. She could also be using any form of magic on him, I doubt she only had the one wand, and instead she's just pointing a sword at him.

Then Andrew does the infamous move of holding Varian over the edge. Sadly, I have reached the limit of pictures I can do per post, so I'm afraid I can only use words from this point.

However, I can give time-stamps and you can check it out yourself.

33:57-33:58 - Andrew grabs Varian and holds him over the edge. 33:59-34:00: Varian holds onto Andrew's arm while he dangles him over, looking up at him not with fear, but with a determined expression, though his gaze does turn towards the ground below. He's not pleading for mercy or begging to be let go, he doesn't think he'll actually do it, but that ground does look awful far if he actually does get the inclination... 34:01-34:05 - Pascal runs in his little bubble to crash into Andrew's leg. Andrew is knocked back and lets go of Varian, but not before yanking him back with him so Varian falls onto the ship itself. Andrew had time to drop him, if he was going to, and he didn't, because he, and the Saporians, actually care enough about Varian to not kill him or even hurt him.

And I can't put the pictures in because of the limit, but compare his scenes with Andrew with his scene with Eugene before "Be Very Afraid", starting with "The Alchemist Returns". There's a very telling scene where Varian looks terrified at the idea of being seen by Eugene when he comes up to Rapunzel in the castle, and that was before he actually got a criminal record because they didn't know at that point that he was the creator of the truth cookies.

Those two got some off-screen history.

[no-more-treason-guys]

i wish i knew how to write, because all thats going through my head right now is

andrew: traitors to saporia pay with their lives!

varian: im not saporian. also, you betrayed me first

andrew:

varian: like, you literally told me we wouldnt hurt anyone and then you went behind my back and formed a plan that would most definitely hurt a lot of people

varian: so of course i stopped you. you lied to me and betrayed me. i did what i had to do to fix a situation you swore wouldnt happen

varian: and im still not saporian

andrew: alright ur going overboard

varian: WAIT—

[heir-of-the-chair]

Head empty only Varian’s slew of various trust and self-worth issues

stop asking me to trust you while I’m still coughing up water from the last time someone let me drown

[indigaygo]

Reasons I think Varian Was Meant To Be The Moonstone

// TANGLED SPOILERS //

Okay, so I am a heavy reacher when it comes to tangled and I am also a firm believer that Varian was originally meant to be the moonstone but they changed it to Cassandra because either they wanted some massive plot twist or they thought Varian being a villain 3 times was too much. I think personally Varian would have been the better moonstone holder, nothing against Cass I just think he would have made a better villain.

Warning, this will be long. I apologise for any mistakes.

-

1- Cassandra's villain arc makes absolutely no sense.

Not only was this sudden change out of the blue with zero build up to it besides from Adira, but overall it isn't her personality at all. The whole "Gothel preferred you as a daughter" feels like a very rushed plot point just to give Cass some edge and a reason to hate Rapunzel. She was there, she knows about what Gothel was like and the things Rapunzel went through and she barely knew her in the first place.

2- Varian is the only one with abnormal hair colour.

Okay this one I REALLY looked into. If you go through the tangled series, there is not a single person who has any strange hair colours. And this one is explained in two sections. First half being about genetics and parents. Only 4 people in the show have their parents shown. Rapunzel, Eugene, Varian and Cassandra.

Cassandra shares the same hair colour and eye colour as mother Gothel. Eugene shares the same hair colour and eye colour as both of his parents. Now Rapunzel is when things get interesting. Rapunzel has the natural hair colour of her mother, but only when she isn't effected by the sundrop. The sundrop is what changed her hair colour.

Now for my explanation. Varian, is the only one, who doesn't follow this pattern. His father had black hair and via a canonical portrait, his mother was ginger.

So where did the teal hair come from? Now I hear you yelling "But Indi!! He could have had an alchemical accident or added it in himself!!" But is that true?

Because looks like he was born with it. And if Varian followed the pattern of the others with their parents, that hair stripe would be ginger. We've seen Quirin front and back and no where does he have that same stripe, likewise his mother doesn't show on either.

Cassandra's hair only TURNED teal after using the moonstone. However, Rapunzel, who would have genetically been born brunette, was born blonde because she was afflicted by the sundrop before she was born. And where did Varian's father come from? That's right, reason number 3.

3- Quirin and the brotherhood.

We know now that Quirin is a part of the brotherhood. All 3 of them have affiliations to the moonstone. Quirin was around when the blast from it had happened. The moonstone and the sundrop share something in common. Once they touch your insides, like the sundrop being drank by Arianna, and like Cassandra put the moonstone in her chest. Once touched internally, you are officially effected by it's power. Quirin was extremely close when the blast happened, there was no way he didn't get any injuries from it, which would have been a part of him to then pass down to his son. While Gothel, had no affiliations with the moonstone in the slightest.

There is more I could go off of but those reasons are more to do with my personal opinions about the lore and how the story should have gone while these ones are facts.

But yes I am very, very annoyed at the fact they didn't end up using Varian as the moonstone when the potential he could have had story wise would have been so insanely interesting rather than just sticking him with the Saporian's only to get betrayed in one single episode. Varian had such lackluster lore for such an important, repeated character in the series and then Disney denied us VAT7K.

Yes I am very mad about this.

[moss-likes-rocks]

Varigo ghost AU

Summary: Ghost AU where Hugo is a demon that Varian summoned at a point of loneliness while living in his lab with his encased father. Hugo's orignal plan was to use Varian to get a vessel, but something about the boy endears him, and he decides his plans can wait a little longer.

So Hugo is attached to this gem that Varian attached to a necklace because of the spell used to summon, and the gem is taken from Varian when they realize whoever has it Hugo can't hurt, (like a Genie from Aladan situation.) After Rapunzel destroys Varian's controled automaton, Hugo becomes very protective, and the moment Rapunzel has the necklace, he retreats into it and refuses to communicate at all. That is until Rapunzel is on the road, and gets a very intimidating message in her journal "You need to go back to Corona and free Varian or [redacted] -Signed, Hugo." And Rapunzel is like "Oooh, your name is Hugo? That's very neat!" And Hugo is like "FEAR ME. I AM A DEMON." And this goes back and forth with Rapunzel trying to befriend him and him being super upset she's not scared. Eventually Hugo gets tired of writing her like a pen pal, and tries to scare her with shape shifting (since he's a ghost he can change his form), like a really scary bear form, but she's all "Can you do a dolphin?"

Cass HATES that they have the gem, and has no idea Rapunzel has been befriending the demon attached. Hugo finally breaks and slowly begins to just start talking to Rapunzel. While he would love to have just taken her vesal from the start, Varian wouldn't like that very much. He slowly kind of befriends Rapunzel, but never fully trusts her.

So when Cass steals the moon stone, Rapunzel legit tries to confide in Hugo for a moment, but he's like. "Woah, listen princess. I don't care. She clearly was mad at you almost all the time, I don't even know why you're shocked." And Rapunzel is all "This is fine."

THEN THEY GO BACK TO CORONA AND- When Hugo sees Varian being all tall dark and mysterious he's like "Pretty boy had a growth spurt." So he tricks Rapunzel into throwing the gem at Varian, so he can "attack" him. Varian pockets the gem, now reunited with his only real friend.

Varian excitedly shows Hugo his project, and Hugo is slightly hesitant. Wait, no. This is the exact kind of thing Hugo would have done, right? It's fine. Varian is fine. Rapunzel will be fine.

When Rapunzel eventually gets caught trying to sneak into the castle, and Hugo listens to Varian's plan, Rapunzel adds in that Hugo has to know Varian is wrong, they were friends, right? Varian gets very angry at that. He insists that Hugo was HIS friend, and the only person who tried to help him.

When Hugo is hesitant to agree, Varian throws the gem into the cell in a panic. His only real friend had betrayed him. He exclaims that Rapunzel will forget all this ever happened, and that she'll never even know who Hugo was, because she didn't understand.

Andrew has to break the news that there would be no mind erasing, and Varian is even more alarmed. He makes the decision to betray the Saporians, only to be quickly and eagerly comforted by Hugo when it backfires.

Rapunzel is slightly shocked, Hugo had been so cold when Cass had betrayed her. Hugo really cared for Varian, huh?

After defeating the Saporians, Rapunzel has one last promise she needs to keep. Hugo asks to talk with Varian, and Rapunzel leaves the lab for a moment. Varian asks what's wrong, and Hugo has to explain that his reason for being summoned was freeing Quirin, and Hugo had no vesal, so after Quirin was freed, Hugo would have to go.

Since Hugo has no last name (which means his name isn't very a very easy identification) it'd be an extreme and long process to summon him again, and it probably wasn't worth it after this. Hugo let's Rapunzel back in, and Varian was now almost hesitant to free his father.

The amber started to melt, with it, Hugo began to fade. Varian had to stand still, he had to help Rapunzel after the incantation was over. As soon as the amber under Quirin's feet melted, Hugo was gone. Varian freed Rapunzel, and broke into tears. He had one loved one, but had lost another.

So Varian searches everywhere he can to get Hugo back, alongside having to now translate the scroll, he really hasn't left his room other than to get food in days. Eventually, Varian manages to find something that he thinks may work, but he'll have to put all his focus into it. But when he stops giving updates on the scroll, Rapunzel has to see why. He tells her about what he found, but everyone os hesitant. The spell requires the caster to sell their soul to the spirit, and they don't exactly trust Hugo to not take advantage of that.

They express their concerns to Varian, but he gets really defensive, and kicks them out. His dad is normally working un the field for the majority of the day, so he has almost no idea what's happening.

So he goes through with it-

He successfully summons Hugo again, this time summoning him as a companion, which means Hugo doesn't leave until Varian does. But something is off. Varian can't put his finger on it, but he's happy Hugo is back, everyone else is very iffy, they're not too happy about the spell Varian used. Rapunzel tries to give Hugo the benefit of the doubt, and he happily accepts her friendship again.

With Cass still on the loose everyone is still on edge, and when Be Very Afraid roles around, Hugo is very upset. He doesn't like that whatever this is, is giving his amazing living boyfriend nightmares. So he is happy to help when Rapunzel enlists his, and Varian's help. Hugo, is not affected by the rocks due to the fact that he's a ghost.

Hugo is very protective with Varian (not that he wasn't before), and kind of defensive around Rapunzel. Something about Varian studying the scroll. Hugo feels like Varian is putting himself at risk, since he had seen how dangerous the brotherhood was first hand.

Varian tries to assure Hugo that it's fine, but he's only more unnerved when Varian is gonna spend five weeks in solitude. Hugo is going with him, of course, but with minimal bothering.

When Cass breaks in, Hugo tries to protect Varian, but Cass THROWS THE NECKLACE INTO THE PIT. They can't find a way to get it back, so they leave Hugo there in favor of saving Varian.

Hugo is mildly understanding once they are able to get him out, but this only raises the newborn tension between Rapunzel and Hugo. Rapunzel has no idea why Hugo had been so defensive around her, and she wanted to discuss it with Varian, but there was no chance to do that without Hugo hearing.

Hugo is mildly angry angry at Varian for not being more careful, but he knows that it wasn't Varian's fault. For the most part, Hugo is focused on Cass. How dare she kidnap Varian, feed him truth serum, then trap him 1,000s of feet in the air and put his life at risk?

Hugo really wanted a word with her, but Varian didn't even want to talk about the interaction, much less talking about finding Cass and letting Hugo talk to her, which Varian knew that ISN'T what he wanted to do.

So Hugo finds out that he can kind of control Varian while he's asleep, but he doesn’t tell Varian, because he's nervous, and he knows that everyone else will just be even more on edge around him. But that does give him some ideas, if he really needs to protect Varian, this could really come in use.

[tangledbea]

I'd like to introduce a friend to TTS but I know they won't want to watch episodes that are not relevant to the ongoing story/character progression/relationships. What episodes would you consider essential viewing that are a must in regards to plot, characters and story arc progression?

The problem with questions like these is that there are smaller episodes that are nonetheless important to the plot, because they introduce characters or concepts that are important later.

For example, when it comes to overall plot of the episode, "Not In the Mood" isn't important. However the stinger at the end is relevant to the major plot.

Anyhoo, here's my general take on the important stuff and why. Please note that other people won't necessarily agree with me.

Tangled: Before Ever After - starts the whole thing off, explains the broad, important strokes of the series and introduces Cassandra

What the Hair?! - introduces Varian and the idea that Rapunzel's hair acts without her command

Cassandra v. Eugene - lets us know that Cassandra is adopted, which is incredibly relevant later

The Return of Strongbow - introduces Lance

Great Expotations - Shows that Varian knows about the rocks

Under Raps - Introduces Andrew and the concept of the Separatists of Saporia

Big Brothers of Corona - Introduces Catalina and Kiera and the phrase “stole his prized stallion Stalyan”

Queen For a Day - introduces the concept of Demanitus and Zhan Tiri, sends Varian on his villainy spiral

Painter's Block - introduces the concept of Disciples of Zhan Tiri

Not In the Mood - shows Varian getting his hands on the mood potion

The Quest for Varian - let's Rapunzel know what happened to Quirin, knocks the tower down

The Alchemist Returns - conflict between Rapunzel and Varian re: the Sundrop flower, let's Varian know that Rapunzel is the Sundrop

Secret of the Sundrop - climactic battle between Varian and the rest, including him being sent to jail, the wall breaking, and Rapunzel finally being allowed to leave

Beyond the Corona Walls - introduces Adira, shows that Rapunzel's hair is no longer functioning as it had been during S1, Rapunzel and Eugene finally starting to get on the same page about getting married

Vigor the Visionary - introduces Vigor who (as we now know) is Demanitus

Keeper of the Spire - introduces Calliope and the Spire as a place full of magical artifacts

Rapunzel and the Great Tree - introduces Hector, Reverse Incantation, the burning of Cassandra's arm, just... so much plot relevance

Rapunzel: Day One - shows that everything isn't hunky dory with Rapunzel and Cassandra, introduces the idea that the Saporians have memory-wiping magic (Note: This episode aired before the next one but chronologically takes place first)

The Brothers Hook - explains where Hook Foot went (literally, that's the only reason it's on the list. I love it, but it's not overtly plot-relevant)

Mirror, Mirror - introduces Matthews and this important house

You're Kidding Me! - shows that Matthews is working for Zhan Tiri

Rapunzeltopia - Gives us insight into Rapunzel's mentality re: the conflict with Cassandra, shows that ZT knows that Rapunzel is the Sundrop and is trying to drain her, introduces Cassandra to "enchanted girl" (though we don't know that's what happened until later)

Lost and Found - THE MONKEY IS DEMANITUS, we learn that Gothel was a Disciple of Zhan Tiri, Rapunzel's hair gets its power back, Eugene is warned that someone will betray Rapunzel

Destinies Collide - introduces Edmund, Eugene is the Dark Prince, Cassandra betrays Rapunzel and becomes Moonsandra, kicking off her villainy arc

Rapunzel's Return - we learn why Cassandra betrayed Rapunzel and who her mother is, Varian has taken over Corona with the Saporians, Varian's redemption arc, Quirin is finally freed from the amber

Return of the King - Eugene and Edmund bond, Eugene gets the sash that he wears at his wedding

Beginnings - Rapunzel and Cassandra's rocky start to their relationship

Be Very Afraid - Cassandra creates a different kind of rock, Varian's continued redemption with the people of Corona

Islands Apart - We learn what Cap has been up to all this time and how Cassandra is affected by what he knew

Cassandra's Revenge - Cassandra builds her tower and rejects Varian's advise, New Dream almost gets engaged, Zhan Tiri gets a corporeal body, the Moonstone cracks... lots of plot in this one too

Race to the Spire - In case the viewers still had any doubt, we learn for a fact that Enchanted Girl is Zhan Tiri, Cassandra gets the Mind Trap and starts controlling the Brotherhood

A Tale of Two Sisters - Rapunzel almost manages to get through to Cassandra, thus securing her determination to get her back

Once a Handmaiden... - Cassandra discovers ZT's identity and attempts to make amends with Rapunzel (in a roundabout way), but due to ZT's manipulation, kicks of the series finale

Plus Est En Vous - it's the end of the series and wraps the whole thing up

[fletchphoenix]

Nightmares

I am....back? I guess? This is kinda short - just a lil drabble while I work on the Coffee Shop au and some other side projects but hey at least its content! love you all and hope you enjoy! <3

--------------------------

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The blond stirred in his bed, his eyes slowly opening and his brain trying to figure out where the hell that knocking was coming from. Couldn’t be the window, Hugo thought as he glanced over at the paned glass - he was on the second floor and as far as he knew, there were no trees outside that could potentially be knocking their branches against his window. The only viable option was the door at the entrance to his room, unless by some freak chance there was a serial killer waiting in his closet for him to fall asleep, which if that was the case, why would they knock and alert him to their presence?

Knock, knock, knock.

“Alright, alright...I’m comin’” He slurred, drowsiness still lingering in his voice as he swung his legs off the side of the bed, letting them hit the freezing, wooden floor, all the while his hand fumbled across the bedside table, searching for his glasses. After a few seconds, his fingers grasped the wire frames, the blond setting them in place on his face. Whoever was outside his door in the middle of the night had better have a good excuse, he thought while he stumbled through the pitch black room. Eventually, his hand met the cool metal of the door handle, the teenager pulling open sleeping. “Someone better be dying-” he muttered, his words dying down in his throat as his eyes adjusted to the sight in front of him.

There stood Varian, at this moment in time a sniffling mess, rubbing at his eyes supposedly to get rid of tears that ran down his cheeks - Hugo could faintly see the tracks that they’d left from the faint glow of the moonlight in the hallway, the liquid glistening ever so slightly as the other stared at him quietly. His hair was a mess, showing that he’d clearly just woken up or had been pulling it. The teen’s faithful raccoon wasn’t accompanying him either. Strange. Almost instantly, Varian stepped forward, resting his forehead against Hugo’s chest (much to the blond’s surprise as the weight settled against his chest). “Woah okay goggles. That’s uh-wow that’s a lot of sudden affection. Care to tell me the problem?” “Nightmare.” A mumble came, the raven haired teen’s voice barely audible from being obscured by the cloth of Hugo’s shirt. Ah. Nightmare. Why the hell would he be coming to Hugo for comfort from a nightmare? All the blond does is antagonise and annoy him, giving him stupid nicknames and pointing out his flaws every single time he did even one thing wrong, so why the hell was he now so comfortable with Hugo? The blond let out a gentle sigh, moving his hands to wrap around the other’s waist in an admittedly awkward hug, his chin settling on top of the teen’s head as he directed a blank stare towards the wall of the corridor.

“Can I stay with you for the rest of the night?”

The question was almost inaudible, the teen’s voice clearly shaky and nervous as he posed the question to the older teen. For a split second, Hugo could swear his heart had skipped a beat as he heard the question from the other, and in a swift movement, the blond bought his foot forwards to gently kick the door closed behind the raven haired boy, his arms wrapped around the other as he shuffled backwards towards the double bed situated in the middle of the inn’s room. “Alrighty Varian. Lets get settled, okay?”

Taking a seat on the bed, Hugo’s hands absentmindedly rose as he brushed away the teen’s tears. It was a shame, really - he was so beautiful all the time, and at the sight of those tears, Hugo’s heart hurt at the sight. “Hey, don’t cry. You wanna talk about what’s wrong or just...go to sleep?” A deep sigh came from the other teenager, Varian shuffling uncomfortably in place as Hugo’s eyes focused on him.

“I...when I was fourteen, I was-there were these black rocks destroying my kingdom. I...I didn’t know where they were from at first so-so I thought I’d experiment. I thought that-that if I found a way to get rid of them that...that maybe my dad would be proud of me. That-that people would stop seeing me as a mistake and-and that maybe he’d start respecting me and my experiments.” Another sigh was let out by the alchemist, his fringe falling in front of his face as a frown settled onto it. Hugo would give anything to get rid of that frown on the other’s face. It really didn’t suit him at all.

“I...one of my experiments messed up. My dad-he uh..pushed me out of the way of some amber that was growing around it. And he ended up uh-getting encased. I headed through a snowstorm to get him help from the princess. I begged and begged and...no one helped. I felt so betrayed by her and like-like I didn’t matter. So I decided to make them hear me. I...stole the sundrop flower and...and tried to use it to free my father. When that didn’t work, I kidnapped the queen and...and attacked everyone. I just wanted them to hear me and...I was arrested.”

“I joined the Saporians and helped them take over...and I...I helped to fight back against them as well. I amended everything with the princess and the kingdom, but I still can’t shake the feeling that...that I’m always going to be a villain and that I’m always gonna be a screw up.” Letting out a deep breath, Varian finally directed his gaze back to the blond, his mouth agape. “Sorry, heh..it’s a lot, isn’t it?” Hugo sat in a stunned silence for a few moments, his eyes focused on the other. Gulping, Hugo placed his hand on the other’s cheek, tucking a few stray strands of hair behind the other’s ear and taking in the sight of Varian’s amazed face with a smug expression. “Well…you aren’t wrong. It’s a lot to take in. But...you’re still my favourite science nerd, whether you committed treason or not. You’re still Varian to me. So how about we go to bed..?” The blond smiled.

“I...yes. Yes sure.” Varian replied, allowing for Hugo to shuffle under the covers, before shuffling in beside him, laying down with his head resting on the blond’s chest and listening to the steady heartbeat there, smiling to himself. “Goodnight Hugo.” He muttered, his eyes closing as he curled up beside the blond and his arm wrapped around his waist. “G’night Varian.” Hugo whispered in response, pressing a kiss to his forehead and setting his glasses aside on the bedside table once again before closing his eyes and letting himself drift off to sleep, Varian in his arms.

[glorytoukraine2022]

Hey everyone! I’m back with another analysis! This time I’m going to do a comparison of reformed villains from Elena of Avalor and Tangled the Series. The main reformed villains I will be comparing is Cassandra, to four reformed villains from the two aforementioned shows. If you’re a fan of both shows, you probably might know who they are.

First up, will be Cassandra vs Varian. I know this is an obvious choice I’m starting off with, but given that these two are from the same show, they’re the easiest to analyze. TTS does everything it can to push comparisons between Varian and Cassandra and make them seem like parallels. However, these two couldn’t be more different.

Varian didn’t want to turn to crime. He only became a criminal because he was pushed to it. When Varian lost his dad, he asked for help not only from Rapunzel, but the entire kingdom as a whole. But because of a false rumor going around the kingdom claiming that Varian had attacked Rapunzel. Rapunzel never cleared the rumor, nor did she follow up on Varian’s request for help. The King sent guards to chase Varian out of his home in order to cover up the destruction of the rocks, isolating Varian from society and any possible aid. Varian was still wron, but he literally had no other options left.

Cassandra, however? She was faced with no such situation. Her life was pretty stable when she stole the moonstone. Was it perfect? No, but if she was so unhappy, than she could have left anytime. She was even offered an opportunity to become a warrior of the kingdom of Ingvarr, but chose to stay because of her friendship with Rapunzel.

Like Varian, Cassandra too was mistreated by Rapunzel. I don’t blame either of them for wanting to leave her. Yet the show didn’t use any of these valid reasons as her motive for Cassandra stealing the moonstone. Instead, they decided to have Cassandra victim-blame Rapunzel for her own kidnaping.

The entirety of season 3, we see Cassandra gaslighting an abuse victim. Gothel didn’t kidnap Rapunze because she loved her more than Cassandra. She only cared about her magic hair.

Varian realized his actions were wrong long before the events of season 3, but nobody in Corona gave him a chance, leading to him turning to a Terrorist Leader. But when the Saporians revealed that they were going to destroy Completely using Varian’s chemicals, Varian turned against the Saporians to save Corona and it’s citizens, despite how the kingdom mistreated him, because it was the right thing to do. Cassandr, on the other hand, was about to rip the Sundrop straight from Rapunzel, despite her clearly being in pain.

For my next comparison, it will be Cassandra vs. Victor and Carla Delgado. One could argue that Cassandra saw the power of the moonstone as a power conduit and a means of respect, similarly to how Victor and Carla saw being Malvagos. However, given that TTS does seem to give a clear or specific reason for Cassandra’s theft of the stone, it’s honestly hard to say if power, respect or anything, for that matter, is Cassandra’s motive. “Destiny“, is also given as a motivation, but it’s hard to tell. Whereas Victor and Carla’s motivations for becoming Malvagos is clearly stated that they saw it as a means to gain power, in order to gain respect, which, quite frankly, makes more sense than anything that came out of Cassandra’s mouth throughout her entire villain arc.

Yes, Cassandra and Carla were both abandoned by their naristsstic, power-hungry mothers, but the way each of them reacted to it couldn’t have been more different. When Ash betrayed Victor and Carla by turning Victor to stone, Carla was devastated, and who wouldn’t be? Yet in that moment she saw her mother for who she truly was and turned against her, standing by her father when he needed her.

Now Cassandra? Let’s see, she went on a rampage to hurt her friends and others innocent people and ATTACKED her father. See the difference? One could argue that Cassandra was four when Gothel abandoned her whereas Carla was 19, but Cassandr’s memory of Gothel’s abandonment was repressed until Zhan Tiri showed it to her in The House of Yesterday’s Tomorow. Even though it happened when Cassandra was at a young age, when she remembered it, she was a 24 year old woma, and should have handled it with the maturity of a young adult.

Nobody is saying that Cassandra isn’t allowed to feel hurt. Nobody is saying she isn’t allowed to react badly. That she isn’t allowed to confront her father on the truth if she feels that he kept it from her. But you’d think she’d react in a mature manner. That she’d be willing to hear her father out and talk to him about it rather than straight out attack him!

Carla clearly wanted her mother in her life. She wanted a relationship with her. Cassandra also clearly wanted to be raised by her birth mother, but their mothers made their own choices. Ash and Gothel chose to abandon their daughters for selfish purposes. They can’t change who their mothers are, as much as they might want to. The difference is, only Carla has the maturity to realize that. She also realizes that she has her father, who loves and cares about her more than anything in the whole wide world. Cassandra disregards all of this.

From what we know about Victor and Carla’s childhoods’ Victor had fun days at the palace racing Esteban down the halls, playing hide and seek and cooking with him and Elena. Carla had fun cooking with her father as a child. But some of their lines from “Don’t Look Now”, tell us that their childhoods weren’t exactly peachy. According to Victor, if you had seen him as a child, he would have “always had a frown” because he was put down by others and was “treated like a clown” whenever he tried to stand up. And let’s not forget that him and his family were banished by Shuriki while Victor was still in his teens.

According to Carla, she and Victor were “always on the move“ and that the only thing that never changed was that she would “always feel alone.” The reasons she and Victor could never settle down was probably because they survived as theives and con-artists. If they were alwlays on the move, than Carla probably nevertheless had the chance to make friends growing up. And we’re suppoesd to feel sorry for CASSANDRA?!

While it’s possible she might have felt looked down upon like Victor, Cassandra had a pretty stable life growing up. Growing up inside a CASTLE! She was even allowed to train for the Royal Guard at age six! Victor and Carla had to resort to becoming con artists for a living, and Cassandra is pouting just because she didn’t get the job she wanted?!

When Carla nearly fell to her death after she was knocked over a ledge, Victor was terrified that he was going to lose Carla right then and there, causing him to realize that power wasn’t worth the price of losing his daughter. This gave him the incentive and courage to stand up to Ash for Carla’s safety, and end dark pursuits right then and there. Ash responded to this by turning him into stone. Heartbroken and angered by Ash’s betrayal, and realizing her mother’s true nature, Carla stands against Ash and reforms as well.

Victor and Carla may have once believed that power would gain them the respect they’ve always wanted, but in the end, realized that they never needed power. All they ever truly needed to be happy was love and family. Each other. That’s what I call a true, remarkable redemption. Cassandra didn’t seem to learn or realize anything based on her experience. To this day, I still don’t understand just what new insights and changes resulted from Cassandra’s “redemption.” All Zhan Tiri did was take the moonstone from her. There should have been more than that to her redemption.

Now, last, but not least, Cassandra vs Esteban. Now, I saved this one for last, because Esteban is the one I’ve heard people compare Cassandra to, and while I understand where they are coming from, I still have my objections. I’ve heard people compare Esteban to Cassandra based on the fact that they both had a desire to be noticed. While I understand this comparison, I still feel like Esteban is the more sympathetic of the two.

As much as Esteban wanted to be listened to, he always loved his family deeply. But he always made the mistake of trusting the wrong people, first Shuriki, then Ash, and then the Four Shades. He trusted them, only for them to go after the people he loved and wanted to listen to him in the first place. Cassandra wanted to be listen to, but she didn’t care if it cost her everyone that had ever cared about her. We see this early on in season 1, during “Challenge of the Brave”, when she tries to sabotage Rapunzel’s chances in “Challenge of the Brave” by stealing her weapon of choice, and in “Great Expotations“, when she breaks her promise to Varian that she would be his assistant at the Science Expo if he completed her Handmaiden duties for her, just so she could be on guard duty.

Both Cassandra and Esteban are ambitius and have sought to undermine their family/friends if given the oppourtunity, but I felt that Esteban was always more misunderstood whereas Cassandra was just willing to screw over anybody in her way. Think about it, even after Esteban joined up with Ash, he NEVER EVER wanted to hurt his family, and was always going out of his way to protect them and migiate harm. Cassandra, on the other hand? Went on a killing spree to murder her friends and cause as much destruction as possible.

I have also heard people comparing their redemptions and complaining about how they were both “last minute.” While I would agree in regards to Cassandra, I would NOT say the same about Esteban. As I pointed out in previous paragraph, Cassandra was still hell bent on hurting Rapunzel before Zhan Tiri grabbed the moonstone. Just before that scene, Esteban had just sung a duet with Elsa about how remorseful he feels for everything he’s done and all the people he’s hurt.

Iv’e also heard people comparing their “deaths”, claiming that Cassandra dying was a self sacrifice. NO. I REPEAT. Cassandra’s death in the TTS finale was NOT a self sacrifice! A self sacrifice is when you knowingly put yourself in harm’s way for someone or something else, knowing that you’ll be killed, or seriously injured in the process. Esteban teleporting in front of Elena to take Cahu’s time grain, was a self sacrific. Anna choosing to save Elsa from Hans in Frozen was a self sacrifice. Cassandr’s death was NOT self sacrifice. Cassandra and Rapunzel didn’t believe they were going to die or suffer any consequences by uniting the stones. The only person who they bellived would die was the person who United the stones, that person being Zhan Tiri. Cassandra’s actions were not self sacrificial, in any way, shape or form. What Esteban did for Elena in that moment was more powerful than anything Cassandra did in the finale.

All of these people I talked about above were better villains than Cassandr, with much better motivations, and are More worthy of redemption as have becom better people than she ever will be. If Cassandra ever grows in the futur, sh’ll be lucky if she ever gets at least half to where all these wonderful people are today.

I’m sorry if this analysis isn’t as good as my others so far. I stayed up until 3:40 AM writing this, so I apologize for any sloppiness or spelling mistakes you might see. I still hope you enjoyed my thoughts!

[finnoky]

AU where pascal didnt save varian in time and andrew dropped him in Rapunzel's return? :3

•| Send me a potential AU and I’ll tell you five fun facts |•

Oh god anon, right out the gate with the angst... I like your style. BUT ALSO THESE WONT BE FUN FACTS CBDJDBX.

TW: Character Injury

1) I'm gonna say that Pascals little thing is delayed — that by the time to thwacks Andrew, Varian has already been dropped + Andrew sorta... Falls overboard just after him. Rapunzel heard Varian yelling for help, and fought the other Saporians off, but by the time she makes it to the boat edge he's just... Gone. Without a trace. She's so panicked she doesn't notice the balloon lines getting slashed until it's too late... Seeing Andrew gives her some hope — girl works out how to lift the ship out of explosion range from the town + Yadda Yadda canon stuff hair goes glow, Rapunzel saves the town all sunshine and rainbows.

2) Boyo landed on a roof in Corona — alive but VERY injured, no one is sure he's actually gonna make it. Rapunzel is horrified the bubble thing didn't work for him which I'm putting down to Varian just not having the reaction time to DO that, at least to himself. But he's not dead. Civilians got him down and were debating what to do with him until Rapunzel came along and made them try help. At least then if he doesn't make it they tried their best; Boy is still awake, though not responding to anything [Cue Eugene arriving to Raps cradling Varian close + singing the healing incantation]

3) Rapunzel gets the fun time of dealing with what she could have done better and starts overworking herself trying to balance everything — it's hard work, she has to deal with her parents, recovering Corona, Cass' betrayal and Varians injuries. She can't bring herself to visit him though she clears his criminal record and assures he won't be going back to prison.

She can't bring herself to visit Varian — she frees Quirin but Eugene has to explain what happened BC she keeps breaking down into tears, she's horrified she sacrificed a friend for her kingdom and it's just. A lot.

She focuses on the kingdom first — it feels good to see herself making progress and the civilians are nice. Eugene catches her standing at the infirmary door most nights... And she suffers a lot as she tries to stay happy and positive. Drives people away by her determination to keep going.

4) Varian suffers a lot™ and is unconscious for days. His main visitors are Eugene and Quirin, with Lance who usually sits with him. It's a miracle he's alive, though he's far from unscathed [A broken arm, brain injury that leaves his memory spotty] and worst of all... A broken back + a spinal injury that leaves him without any feeling in his legs.

Though the injuries are bad he's doing ok! They're devastating, and he shuts off for a while. When Quirin returns is the first time he really reacts to anything, but from there there's progress. He gets help he needs. Assurance he's been cleared of crimes — Eugene forms a good friendship with him, but... Rapunzel still hasn't visited, and no one really explains Cass to him.

Honestly? Quirin is impressed by how Var draws up blue prints for wheelchairs and supports as soon as he can sit up for long enough. There's tough times... But he resolves to see it as a challenge, he needs a wheelchair or something so he can go back to work and start making it up to the people of Corona. After a couple of months he moves back to Old Corona with Eugene issuing him the Demanitus scroll to try translate

5) Whilst Varian starts improving, Rapunzel has managed to get most the castle repaired & shines as a Queen — though that's just on the outside. Cass' betrayal is still fresh, as is the guilt of Varian. Eugene tries to convince her to visit but it's too much. She's sure he's broken beyond repair and is terrified of that.

Eventually... She has to, she goes to Old Corona convinced that her friend will still be bitter and bedridden, only to be greeted by an explosion coming from the lab. Runs in panic. Sees Varian grinning to himself over some new formula. Asks what he's doing, Varian awkwardly explains... There's some tension and mostly exchanging pleasantries. Until Rapunzel finally apologizes — and once she starts she can't stop.

Rapunzel rants and raves about everything — how the kingdom is a mess, how Cass betrayed her, how she felt so bad because she thought HE died and she couldn't protect him. She's so sick of everyone else doing well while she feels like she's shattering to pieces.

That's when Varian speaks up. He gets the chance to explain all his frustrations in full — how now his life is changed forever, how he felt betrayed and bad and that Rapunzel still couldn't face him for what he'd done! He hasn't told dad or Eugene but of course he's struggling to... And it's just a sorta level they can connect on. They both struggle admitting they need help... And that things are far from perfect.

After that conversation is easier. Their friendship starts getting better + become good advisors to each other, Varian taking Cass' place as Raps' advisor / confidant and Varian getting the chance to feel like he is working on getting better.

------------------

These... Are long points but I didn't want bad end. I think rest of canon works — BVA happens in a similar way + Cassandra's Revenge is Cass stealing his wheelchair tho she's more aware of being the bad guy. Worries Varians replacing her which makes her a bit bitter and regret it less. I'm not sure about the finale? He could get healed, but honestly Varian doesn't feel the need to be healed — he's adjusted, and can still use his hands.

IF he did get healed he'd still need months of reablitation afterwards and still rely on a wheelchair a lot! It's not just a snap and fixed. Either way he gets a lot of love and support, and it deepens his bond with Punzie

[littlemisslol-fic]

Mayhaps... Varian is found by the Saporians after Qfad and they take him under his wing... but when explaining their plan to him he ain't quite keen on killing anyone, so they mess with his head to make him the perfect saporian.

Ooooooooo interesting! I always love season one Varian, such an angry little goblin lol

THIS ONE GOT LONG TOO LMAO

1. They find the kid half buried in the snow. Andrew and his crew had been keeping to the outskirts of Corona, thinner guard numbers, more wiggle room to move during the day, but on their way to their new hideout they stumble across him nearly dead. For a second Andrew thinks to leave him, to continue on. The kid’s Coronan, he’s not their problem.

But then he recognizes the boy. The one from the expo, with the invention that had started a storm and had nearly killed them all. Andrew hadn’t known that kind of power was even possible, not without magic at least, and here was some little boy making a machine out of garbage and tape that was capable of such destruction.

They take Varian with them.

2. When the boy first wakes up, he immediately starts to cry. Andrew can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy as the kid blurts out his story. A betrayal from a friend, a useless King. A dead father. Corona had taken a lot from all of them, parents, sisters, brothers, friends, but this is the first time he’s seen the kingdom turn against one of their own.

Varian is a gullible kid. Even when he’s near devastated, he still looks towards anything with a pulse for approval; it’s easy for Andrew to placate him, to twist the scenario into something useful. It doesn’t feel good to do so, but it’s for the cause. It’s simple to take Varian’s sorrow, his grief, and turn it against the royal family, and eventually against Corona entirely.

They betrayed you, he tells the kid, left you to rot. You refused to be quiet, asked the difficult questions, and for that they turned against you. They’d rather live in blissful ignorance than actually help anyone.

Varian is easy to trick, to mold. His guard falls the second someone tells him he’s done a good job. Andrew knows that Varian thinks he’s in charge of what’s happening, thinks that he’s the one using Andrew. He couldn’t be more wrong.

The kid’s smart, deadly so. All it takes is a little push and the kid’ll be a perfect Saporian to add to their ranks. Varian’s an incredibly useful resource- he may not be a fighter, but his inventions and tactical capabilities are unparalleled, even at such a young age. Andrew can’t help but pay him close attention, drawing the kid further into his net.

Besides, he would need an heir, eventually.

3. Eventually they go for the Sundrop flower. Andrew already knows it’s a crapshoot, but Varian’s determined and to try and stop him would uproot all of Andrew’s careful groundwork. So they go, fight through the catacombs as a group. It’s easy with so many of them, even with the massive automaton that nearly kills them. Varian geeks out about it, but Andrew can see the gears turning in that brain of his.

They reach the flower.

Just as Varian shoves it in his bag, the princess shows up. She looks shocked to see them all together, her eyes zeroing in on Varian with horror. It’s obvious that she thought he was safe at home. Rapunzel snaps at them, frantically tells Varian to get away from them, to get away from Andrew, but Varian only scowls.

He turns his back on the princess, and Andrew feels smug.

4. Varian starts to double time his inventions after meeting with the princess. It seems seeing her had sparked an anger in him; almost in a split second he goes from devastated waif to ball of fury. He builds weapons, bombs, potions and elixirs.

Even automatons.  

Old Corona becomes Saporian territory. The villagers are long gone, abandoning everything out of fear of the black rocks. It’s a good vantage point, high on a hill with a thick wall to the back- Andrew couldn’t ask for a better place to start their revolution. Spurring it all is Varian, who gives them an edge they’d never had before. For the first time in almost a thousand years, Saporia has the advantage.

Andrew will see victory, with his successor by his side.

5. They go too far. Varian, for all his anger and pain, hadn’t wanted to cause undue pain to anyone. Andrew had been slowly working on it, squashing those pesky morals out with some soft guidance and a well-placed word.

It all comes crashing down when Varian sees them doing away with a spy.

A guard, young and stupid, had been caught. Jupiter had taken him out, as she always did, but they’d forgotten to check around before starting to drag the body away. Varian nearly screams at the sight of blood, flinching back. Andrew catches him, an arm around thin shoulders to keep him from running off.

Varian tries to argue, to demand that they stop this, they’d gone too far.

It’s easy to put him back in his place.

6. (Bonus) Varian betrays them, in the end. Kid rigs his own inventions to fail, the automatons collapsing under their own weight. Without them, the Saporians are forced to retreat, but Andrew knows better. Before he goes he throws Varian from his side, casts the kid clean off a bridge and into the moat below. If he survives, Andrew doesn’t care.

Varian does live, but he wakes up chained to a bed in the castle infirmary. Rapunzel sits nearby, holding his hand. The second she sees his eyes open she starts to cry, shaking her head and begging to know why he did what he did. He tells her about Quirin, about Andrew, about it all. He doesn’t expect to be forgiven, doesn’t even expect to be spared the gallows; he’s shocked when Rapunzel only hugs him tightly, promising to help him. 

It’s rocky,, and full of missteps, but eventually they grow back to a place where they’d call each other friends. Varian and Rapunzel work together, accepting that they both had made mistakes, they’d both either let things happen or had taken it too far.

When Andrew comes back, Varian stands against him, his friends at his side.

OKAY YIKES THAT WAS REALLY LONG LMAO I just love the intricacies of season one, all the craziness is always a treat. Thank you for the ask, these are really fun!!! 💕💕

Send me an AU, and I’ll come back with 5 points about it!

[perthshirecottage]

I was thinking some more about Varian’s redemption and I don’t think Varian gets enough credit for how he came back to the light. I know, it sucks that we didn’t get to see Varian’s path to redemption onscreen, but there are plenty of clues.

Fredrick promised Rapunzel that Varian would receive help. Now we have no idea what this help would entail. Maybe once a week Varian met with a therapist or something or the sort. Whatever this help was did and did not do it’s job. Now, I know some people have wondered why Fredrick didn’t want to put Angry and Catalina in jail but was perfectly fine with tossing Varian in there. First off, Varian committed treason, kidnapped the queen, destroyed the courtyard with a modified raccoon, drugged a bunch of people, created a bunch of automatons to attack people, threatened to encase Arianna in amber, then nearly murdered Rapunzel, Cassandra, and Arianna. Angry and Catalina stole some stuff. Also, while Varian is a kid, he is also several years older than the girls. Doesn’t make it a lot better but that is a fact. Angry and Catalina have done something wrong but it wasn’t the worst thing ever and so Fredrick was willing to be lenient. Varian needed to be kept somewhere secure for everyone’s safety. He was a lose cannon who didn’t care who he hurt in the midst of his mindless rage. It’s the part about locking Varian up with a full grown adult that is the really bad part. But who knows, maybe the cells were full and Andrew was deemed the least dangerous for Varian to be paired with.

While Varian was in jail he came to the conclusion that what he did wasn’t right and came to regret his decisions. He no longer had the single minded goal that he could free his father. At this point, Varian probably came to accept that he couldn’t free his father from the amber. He was completely alone in the world. Varian obviously depends on having someone who loves him because when he lost that one person he knew cared about him, he went pretty bonkers. Now, there isn’t enough information to determine whether Varian came to this conclusion on his own or with whatever help Fredrick offered. The first part of this realization had to have come from Varian recognizing that it was his own actions that led to his father being trapped, accepting this truth, and no longer blaming anyone for his own shortcomings. Letting go of this anger allowed him to see that he was not making his dad proud and that he had really screwed up. He also realized that because he had messed up he would most likely not be forgiven. After all, he didn’t forgive the citizens of Corona or Rapunzel for perceived slights against him when they didn’t deserve his wrath. Why would they forgive him for hurting them on purpose?

Rapunzel was only away from Corona for about a year, so Varian had to have come to this realization fairly soon after being imprisoned. Probably after a few months. Now that Varian was no longer being led by anger, he must have fallen into despair. His dad was gone, most likely forever and the no one could possibly forgive him for what he had done. Varian himself said that he wasn’t sure how anyone could trust after that trust was broken. Varian felt betrayed by his trust being broken and lashed out so others would do the same. This is where Andrew came in. He offered a hand in friendship that Varian sorely needed. I don’t think that Varian saw them as true friends, he was aware that Andrew needed him and that Andrew wasn’t exactly a good guy. Varian even made sure Andrew not hurting anyone was part of their agreement of working together. But Andrew was still more than Varian had. Andrew would also have made sure to play up how despite Varian’s revelations about himself, no one would forgive him. Then Andrew came up with a plan to use Varian, who had nearly brought the kingdom to its knees singlehanded, to take over Corona. There was time to come up with a plan and then the actual coup and then however long, perhaps a couple months or more, or citizens digging in the mines for the minerals Varian needed. There was a lot of Quirinium on that ship so they had to have dug up a lot of those minerals plus Ulf going off to find Rapunzel would have taken time.

In the time Varian was in prison, no one ever gave Varian the impression that he could make up for his mistakes. They never implied that he could be freed and earn forgiveness. There was no hope of anything besides prison. Varian quickly helped with erasing the king and queen’s memories because they hadn’t given him any indication or shows of potential friendship.

When Rapunzel comes back, again Varian has no idea that he can make up for what he has done and Andrew’s plan seems like the best one at that time. So he continues along with trying to make to Quirinium because what else can he do?

The part I like the most about Varian’s redemption is when it happens. Rapunzel is in a cell, Varian is gloating about his victory over her and how all of his plans will work and he will have everything he wants. During this conversation Varian reveals that his motivation has changed from freeing his father to making everyone forget how badly he messed up. That he has let go of his anger and doesn’t want to hurt people anymore. He no longer wants to force people to feel as miserable as he does. He is at rock bottom and desperately trying to claw his way out and no one besides Andrew has given him a chance. And then Rapunzel offers Varian the chance he has been waiting for. She offers him the forgiveness he thought no one would ever give him. All his doubts are proven wrong and he has a chance. Here he is, with all the power, Rapunzel locked up, and the Saporians on the cusp of victory and Varian turns back to the light. He chooses to help Rapunzel when has no reason to. He fights to save those he once hurt when he has no guarantee that they would ever accept him again. He offers to risk his life to make sure his mistakes don’t hurt anyone else. Varian does all of this with no certainty of a reward. At this point he doesn’t even know about the reverse incantation or that there is even the slightest hope of saving his dad. Thought the whole episode Varian never mentions freeing his dad, like it’s not even something he is considering because he doesn’t think it’s an option.

Varian’s redemption is so different from a lot of villains. He gets to that point on his own, he just needed a little push to make that last step. Then he does everything in his power to earn the redemption he never thought he could or should be granted.

[princess-rapunzel-of-corona]

So you let a grown adult go who only became “good” again after Zhan Tiri betrayed her and then began to do what she was going to in the first place, but left a child who wanted nothing more but to bring his Dad back in a jail cell right next to a Saporian terrorist? Yeah, because that totally makes sense.

S3 AU

{Sighs as the memory’s of Varian’s defeat flood her mind}

I-I didn’t ask for Varian to be thrown in jail, my dad told me that he was going to get Varian help before I left and I trusted him. How was i supposed to know that he wasn’t going to keep his word?

{Exhales}

We don’t know is Cass was going to do any of this in the first place. Yes I admit Cass and I had our fights but she would have never gone this far. Cass is my friend and I knew we could work things out if Zhan Tiri wasn’t manipulating her.

[aro-throughyourchest]

 LIES

CHAPTER 1

WORD COUNT: 1,111

WARNINGS: None? This is just a really sad story

BASED OFF OF @thesunflowerchild-varian ‘s ANGST AU

This helped me realize how depressing writing angst is

I really wanted to give this a happy ending

“What the-“

That squirrel was back! It held Varian’s newest project’s blueprints in his mouth. Dangit, that was a gift for Rapunzel! It stared at Varian with big round eyes. Varian lunged for the prints, but it ran out the lab’s door.

“HEY!”

Varian called and ran after it. The squirrel seemed to pause every time Varian couldn’t keep up like it was waiting for him to follow it. They ran a good half-mile, leaving Varian winded as all heck. He hadn’t exercised much while he was overthrowing Corona.

Varian stopped before the squirrel ran up a tree. He groaned, but he noticed it dropped the blueprints in front of the tree. Varian huffed and snatched up the blueprints indignantly. Before he went back home, he heard a voice say his name.

“Varian-“

He turned around to find Rapunzel, Cass, Eugene, and Lance all talking. About him? Curious, he hid behind a bush and eavesdropped.

“I don’t know,” Lance (assumingly) said. “Lying to Varian? This feels cruel.”

Varian lost his breath. WHAT?

“What other choice do we have?” Cassie- Cass interjected. “He’s clearly unstable! He’s tried to kill me, Raps, and the Queen just last year, Lance. Last month, he had the kingdom in his clutches. Just because he got his dad back, it doesn’t mean he won’t pull stunts like that again.”

Varian looked down, a hand clasped over his mouth. He didn’t like this topic anymore.

“I’m with Cass and Blondie on this. Varian’s a good kid, or at least he tries to be, but he’s... unpredictable.” He meant dangerous, didn’t he. “The slightest thing might send him back to the Saporians or just betraying us himself. He tore his own village to shreds! Not a smart idea to trust him.”

Varian trembled. So much for Team Awesome. So much for his so-called friends. Of course, he’s been alone his entire life, why-

“Yeah...”

Varian froze at Rapunzel’s voice. No...

His grip began to tighten around the blueprint plans.

“While I do believe everyone can change, Varian can’t be easily forgiven. He put my entire kingdom in danger. Forced them to work in mines. My parents’ memories are gone because of him. I guess we got even for that.”

There was an edge to her voice. A cold, uncaring edge. It was unnerving. Varian hugged his arms, his feet stuck to the ground. The signs were there. He should’ve known they wouldn’t trust him, the forced smiles, the annoyed eye rolls. They were just like everyone else.

“Besides, he’s valuable! In the sense that we’ve already gotten, like, 3 inventions out of him.” Cassandra joked. Varian bit back a growl.

“Cass!”

“Oh, come on, we used his smarts to our advantage, big whoop.” Cass paused. “Actually, when you put it like that it does sound bad-“

Eugene scoffed and sighed. “Well, the kid’s got what he wanted. Let’s see how it plays out.”

Varian could hear them leave, and he hesitated, trying to take in all the information he just heard. His eyes filled with tears, and he dashed home as fast as he could.

Why did he think they would trust him?! Why did he think that MAYBE he was worth something? He didn’t deserve their forgiveness in the first place, did he? Of course, he didn’t. Why was any of this happening to him? WHY?!

He shoved open the door, wiping his eyes and sniffling. Quirin noticed his son’s distress and asked, “Varian, what happened-“

He held back a sob and interrupted, “I’M FiNE.”

Ruddiger followed him, and he burst into the lab, slamming the door. He let out a shaky breath and rapidly ripped the blueprint to shreds. Stupid, stupid, stupid-

He burst into tears and buried his head in his hands.

<•>

A month had passed since that breakdown. He couldn’t take it anymore. A month of pretending he hadn’t heard what they said, of tight smiles, of knowing they hated him, but saying nothing. HE WAS DONE. He waited for Raps to leave before grabbing a pen and paper. His goodbye to their ‘friendship.’ His goodbye to Corona.

“Rapunzel,

I know you hate me. You’ve pretended for the past month, and so have I. But I can’t take this anymore. I know all of you don’t trust me; I know you’ve all been using me.

And I have had it.

You’ve thrown kind word after kind word at me, told me lies, and I wanted to believe them so badly. SO BADLY, because I had faith that you of all people would trust me.

But I heard what you said last month, and I heard what you said last week.

I’m sorry I’m ‘unpredictable,’ Eugene.

I’m sorry for the ‘stunts’ I pull, Cassie.

Your smiles are toxic and laced with dishonesty. And I’d beg of you all to stop, but I don’t need to. Because I’m leaving.

Leaving so you all don’t have to worry about me. I don’t expect you to look for me, but I won’t be in Old Corona. You’re not the only ones lying to me.

Rapunzel, I’m sorry for what I did. Now you won’t have to care. I’ve tried my best to reverse the Saporian memory wand’s effects, but they haven’t worked. The alchemy ball next to this paper shall be my last attempt. Use it, I don’t care.

I know none of you will miss me.

Bye.

Sincerely,

Varian Ruddiger.”

He slammed down the mentioned ball of alchemy and grabbed his bag. He ran out the door, Ruddiger tailing behind him.

“This is our farewell, buddy. I hope you’ve said goodbye to any raccoon friends you have,” he joked, tears in his eyes.

He arrived home and left a similar note on his house’s mantle. He looked at his father, sound asleep in his chair. Another person who wouldn’t miss him.

Varian laid a blanket over his father and hugged him. He then left, headed for the Corona wall.

<•>

Rapunzel stared at the note in her hands, Eugene and Cass behind her. The older two exchanged a glance while Rapunzel didn’t move.

“Varian’s gone.”

Eugene nodded. “He certainly hit the nail on the head with those quotes.”

“...Do you think he’s playing us?”

“I don’t think he’s lying. But maybe we should go check with Quirin.”

“He might be in on it.”

“Oh come on, Quirin doesn’t seem like the type to scheme.”

Cass shrugged. “Maybe.”

A moment passed, and they noticed Rapunzel’s silence. Her hair was in her face, but you could tell she looked lost.

“Well...” She stood up, note in hand and alchemy ball in the other. “He made his choice, didn’t he?”

Sorry

Next Chapter

[honeyxmonkey]

MWUHAHAHAHAHA!!!! time for angst

The sword pressed closer to Hugo's neck and Andrew curled his fingers tightly into his hair, drawing a pained hiss from Hugo.

"Before I kill you," the saporian grinned wickedly at Varian. "I'm going to make you watch me very slowly, kill your little boy toy here, Varian."

Varian's eyes darted desperately from Hugo to Andrew.

"Please. Please don't hurt him." Varian begged. "He-he has nothing to do with this."

"Oh, I know that. I just want to make you suffer for betraying Saporia." Andrew pressed the sword even closer, drawing a thin line of blood. "Traitors to Saporia pay with their lives. And now, for you, with your heart."

Varian surged forward but was quickly stopped by the chains holding him down. "No! Andrew leave him alone!"

Andrew clicked his tongue, shaking his head a little. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. We wouldn't want to make this more painful for him, now would we?"

He leaned down closer to whisper in Hugo's ear. "Now, what would be the most efficient way to dispose of you in the way that will hurt Varian the most?"

"Screw you." Hugo spat.

Andrew sighed, backing away only to jam his sword into Hugo's shoulder from behind.

Hugo screamed in pain, leaning away from Andrew as much as he could with his hands chained behind his back.

Varian pulled on his own chains, desperately trying to reach his boyfriend. "No! No, stop! Andrew stop! Please!"

"Oh, Varian. When will you learn that this is your fate? Once a traitor, always a traitor. You and this boy, are going to die today. And let me tell you, it won't be pleasant."

Andrew walked in front of Hugo, lifting his chin up with the tip of his sword.

"I think a few deep cuts should be enough for you to bleed out, right?" He looked at his accomplices. "What do you think, Kai?"

Kai surprisingly looked rather worried. "I dunno, Andrew. I think we should kill them quickly. Their friends are bound to be looking for them."

"Oh don't worry about them. They would never think to look here." Andrew grinned evilly and turned back to Hugo. "So, anything you want to say before you die?"

Hugo glared at him. "If I could flip you off I would."

Andrew's eyes narrowed. "I don't think you should've said that."

And with those words, the saporian drove his sword into Hugo's abdomen, earning him a gasp of pain from the blond and a scream of horror from Varian.

"No!" Tears streamed down Varian's face as he watched Hugo collapse. He turned to Andrew, pure, maddened fury in his eyes. "I'll kill you, you son of a-"

Andrew suddenly grabbed Varian's face, yanking the boy towards him. "This is what happens to traitors. They lose the ones they love," he nodded his head towards Hugo who's breathing was already shallow and heavy. "And they lose their lives."

Varian furiously yanked on his chains, his glare hardening.

"You should've died all those years ago, Varian. Because you delayed this, you dragged somebody else down with you."

He pulled away to run his sword through Varian's heart when they heard alot of shouting.

Andrew growled in irritation. He looked back at Varian. "Until next time, I guess."

With that, he and the other saporians disappeared, leaving Varian alone with no way to get to Hugo who was very quickly losing the fight.

Varian once again felt tears come to his eyes. He didn't know how long it would be until they found them and by the time they did it would be too late.

"Goggles?" Hugo's weak voice called out to him.

Varian looked at him and almost cried more. The idiot had the nerve to smile.

"It's gonna be okay, Hugo. We're going to get out of here, alive."

Hugo searched his eyes before speaking again. "I love you, Varian."

Varian could tell it had been hard for him to say anything at all with how heavily he was breathing.

"Hey, don't... don't do that. We're going to get out of this."

Hugo nodded, slumping against the floor. It was an awkward position with the way his hands were behind his back. It did the wonderfully awful thing of letting Varian see just how much blood he was losing.

Finally, finally, finally, their friends burst through the doors. Eugene was the first one in and he immediately went to Varian to unchain him from the wall. Rapunzel was the next one in and she went to Hugo.

Anxiety spiked through Varian as he wondered if they were too late. He couldn't read Rapunzel's face but as soon as Eugene had him freed Varian rushed to Hugo's side.

When he reached him, Varian almost screamed. He was cold, and pale and he wasn't breathing.

"No! No, no, no, no!" Varian held him close, sobs racking his body as he screamed and cried. "Please! Please, no. I can't lose you. Not like this."

Rapunzel and Eugene were at a loss on what to say as they watched Varian have a complete mental breakdown.

"Please..." Varian's sobs slowly stifled into hiccups as he leaned his forehead against Hugo's. "I love you."

Eugene put a hand on Varian's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him but the contact only made him cry harder.

"I'm so sorry, Varian." Rapunzel was close to tears herself. It broke her heart to see her brother like this.

Varian finally began to release his hold on Hugo's body. He looked at Rapunzel and Eugene, bloodshot eyes and tear stained cheeks.

Rapunzel reached forward and hugged him. Varian returned it with one arm, keeping one hand on Hugo's cheek where his head sat on Varian's lap.

"I'm so, so sorry Varian." Rapunzel squeezed him tightly. "This shouldn't have happened. We should've gotten here faster."

Varian's only response was more tears and Rapunzel didn't mind. She hadn't known Hugo very well but she knew that he had meant the world to Varian.

Eugene looked anxiously at the door. Andrew might come back at any moment. He hadn't known it was just Eugene and Rapunzel who'd come for them. He was bound to have figured it out by now.

"Varian, we need to go."

Rapunzel had released him by now and Varian had gone back to holding his boyfriend's body.

"No!" Varian's voice was shaky and he sounded like he was on the verge of tears again. "We can't leave him here!"

Eugene sighed, his heart aching for his brother. "We don't have time. Andrew could come back at any moment."

Varian looked back at Hugo, tears coming to his eyes once more. "We can't- we can't leave him."

The sound of shouting coming from the other doorway was what prompted Eugene to do something he would never have done under normal circumstances. He grabbed Varian by the arm and pulled him up. He started to basically drag him out of the room as the boy fought him, screaming and thrashing in his grip.

"No! No, Eugene! Please, we can't!" Varian sobbed and yelled, his voice becoming ragged with the way he was screaming for Eugene to put him down. To go back for him.

As soon as they got outside Eugene pushed him onto Max and they rode as fast as they could, Rapunzel not far behind on her own horse.

All the while Varian didn't stop crying. His sobs had become silent tears and when they got back to Corona, he still hadn't said a word.

They dismounted and everyone came streaming out of the castle to see if Varian was alright.

Quirin worriedly looked over his son. "Are you okay?"

Varian didn't answer, staring emptily at the ground. His heart had been shattered into a million pieces and he didn't know if he would ever be able to pick them up again.

"Varian?" Quirin turned his son's face towards him. "Varian, talk to me. What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

He shook his head.

"Then talk to me. Varian, please."

The alchemist started to cry again and Quirin did the only thing he could think of, he pulled Varian into a tight embrace.

He looked helplessly at Rapunzel who looked rather worn.

The princess shook her head, looking sadly at Varian.

It slowly dawned on Quirin that someone was missing. Someone who Varian cared alot about.

"Where's Hugo?"

The question made Varian cry even more and Quirin knew exactly what Varian was feeling. It was pure and utter heartbreak.

"Varian, I'm so sorry." Quirin hugged his son tighter.

After Varian had finished crying he let go of his dad. Quirin felt his own heart break at the look in Varian's eyes. He was completely shattered.

Varian looked down at the ground, only able to think about how he had left Hugo alone, not even knowing what Andrew would do to his body.

Varian felt something awful crawl into the pits of his stomach. Something he hadn't felt in years. An unquenchable thirst for revenge. He wanted to make Andrew pay for what he'd done.

"He's going to pay for this." The words left Varian's mouth so quietly no one else had heard him. "I'm going to make him pay."

[justaghostingon]

varian and the seven kingdoms additional field trips

Hugo and Varian

Varian and Hugo get into a fight over books

Varian thinks Flynn rider is the best

Hugo thinks its trash compared to real authors like Charles Brickens (This worlds Charles Dickens) who cover the real problems of the world. Tells them about how he writes in the paper, but no one knows who he is

Varian decides to find him, to ask him what he thinks about Flynn rider

Hugo is very eager to get involved in this, and together they use alchemy to trace the ink of the papers slipped under the press door to find out where its from

End up at a nobles town house.

Hugo thinks its a staff member, but it turns out to be the lord of the house.

Hugo is really upset that its a noble, feels betrayed.

But Varian stays and talks to the “Charles Brickens”, who tells him how his dad went to debtors prison, and how he experienced the atrocities firsthand when he was sent to a factory for years as a child, and decided to devote his life to bringing attention to them.

He tells Varian his struggles in his youth made him a better man today, which Varian connects to because of his own checkered past.

Meanwhile Hugo meets the staff of “Charles Brickens,” who reveal they all helped him get the information and inspiration for his stories, and that “Charles Brickens” is a code name for all of them.

It was a plan they all came up with when they met him in the factory as kids.

Hugo asks them if they are ok with a noble taking the credit, to which they point out that “Charles Brickens” isn’t a noble, but a title they all created, and sure, one of them is a noble, but the rest of them aren’t, and more importantly, they are all survivors of the factory.

The noble’s one part of the team (and often acts as frontman to publishers and other inquisitive nobles) but he’s not the only one. They all work together to take on corruption so no one else has to go through what they did.

Hugo comes back in about the moment the noble explains this to Varian.

 Hugo eventually get an autograph from every member of the team signing as Charles Brickens, even the noble. 

Also everyone on the team totally loves Flynn Rider books, and agree its a good series, to Varian’s delight and Hugo’s disapproval.

Varian and Nuru

flashback episode

The party is passing near a special mine of an element that is important to both Varian and Nuru.

Causes the two of them to reminisce over how useful it can be in cleaning and recount an encounter they had with each other

They met while Varian was a prisoner of corona, but before the Saporian take over.

Nuru had recently gone through a particularly traumatic meteor shower, where her inventions and plans were not enough to save her people, and her family decided to send her to Corona on a diplomacy mission to get her confidence back

Varian meanwhile, was being made to clean the halls without alchemy under the authority of the head cleaner lady.

Nuru, bored out of her mind, runs into him in the hallway and suggests he use an alchemic solution to clean faster

To which Varian tells her he would love to, and suggests and even better formula he would like to use, but he’s not allowed to touch alchemy because this is meant as a punishment

gestures to ball and chain.

Nuru is off put by the ball and chain, but he doesn’t look that much older than her, so he can’t have done anything too awful, and besides, its been so long since she had someone else to talk too.

So she engages him in conversation about the elements, which Varian is very grateful too.

then it all goes wrong when a formula Nuru created, which makes things bounce and she took out to show to Varian, gets loose and falls on something important and then proceeds to bounce off

Varian and Nuru freak out, and try to chase it down without getting caught.

Nuru uses the last of the serum on Varian’s chains so he can run and help.

After several close cases with the guards, they manage to get to it just as the serum wears off and it begins to fall from a great hight

Varian manages to catch it, and the two return it safely. 

Nuru apologizes profusely for nearly getting him hurt, and mentions how she can’t seem to do anything that doesn’t go wrong, to which Varian tells her that it was actually the most fun he’s had in ages, and that she really cheered him up.

Nuru leaves realizing that her power can bring happiness to people, confidence restored, and Varian leaves feeling like someone listened to him for the first time in ages.

Also his chain is still bouncy, which makes his escape attempt from his cell far easier.