A Cassarian Story
Varian always knew that he cared for Cassandra. But he didn't realize how much until she was gone.
Six long years after Cassandra leaves Corona, she finally returns. Varian is overjoyed, but she comes bearing terrible news. A stran...
Opal scrunches her face in reaction to her parents' story. "I don't like Abhu. I want him to leave."
Varian laughs, a bit louder than he means to. "That's my girl!"
"Yeah, well, as annoying as Abhu was, your father was getting on my nerves just as much," Cassandra says to Opal.
"And I noticed," Varian adds. "I was disheartened by your mother's reaction to my confession, but soon we would have more issues arise to distract from the awkwardness... including a new member to our party..."
"Okay... What just happened?" Eugene asks. The others stare after Cassandra, apparently sharing his befuddlement.
Except for Varian. He knows exactly why she reacted that way, and he knows he is to blame. He shouldn't have confessed his feelings for her so soon, he just couldn't hold them in any longer! But now he has made things awkward between the two of them, and awkwardness is something Cassandra does not deal with well.
Yet, even after her actions, he feels a desire to follow her. To talk with her. To console her—or attempt to, anyway. He may be in love with her, but he is her friend first, and friends help each other. He takes a step toward her tent, when a voice from above stops him in his tracks:
"Sheesh, looks like you guys have loads of drama within this little gang of yours. Fortunately, I'm all about drama."
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Varian grimaces as Hugo leaps from his perch on a tree branch and lands smoothly on the ground in front of him.
"Hey, it's the thief who stole my journal!" Abhu shouts, pointing at Hugo. "Adira, apprehend him!"
Adira raises an eyebrow. "I do not work for you. Or anyone."
"Hey hey hey, relax," Hugo says, holding his hands out innocently. "I'm only here to talk."
"About what? How you apparently followed us here?" Varian says. "How did you get here so fast, anyway?!"
"That's for me to know, and you to... not know," Hugo smirks. "Great to see you again, Freckles."
Varian glares at him. "The feeling is not mutual."
"What're you doing here, Hugo?" Eugene asks. "And it better not be to get my help for a job. I'm a changed man now."
"Oh yes, I've heard how the infamous Flynn Rider is now reformed and lives the royal life in a sparkling castle with his dazzling queen," Hugo says indifferently. "No, I'm not here for you."
"Then what are you here for?" Varian asks, unsure whether he really wants to hear the answer or not.
"Let's just say I overheard your little predicament, and I might have some valuable info," Hugo replies, tapping the journal in Varian's hands.
