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...
"You said that day would be the start of something you didn't understand yet," Opal says. "I don't understand what it was, either."
"That will come later," Cassandra says.
"It's okay Little Gem," Varian says. "Neither me nor your mother had any clue what had begun inside her that day. But what we did know is, to find that orb, we had a lot of searching ahead of us..."
Varian watches Cassandra tromp off towards the shelter. He has to admit, he has no idea why she is so riled up. But he assumes it may still have something to do with everything that happened with Abhu.
"So, what's it like under the sea?" Hugo asks Misty, causing Varian's attention to return to the visiting mermaid. "Are there lots of treasures? I'm sure you've found lots of treasures."
"What're you going to do, pull an underwater heist?" Varian remarks. When Misty appears confused, Varian explains to her, "Blondie, here, is a thief."
"I am a procurer of valuable objects," Hugo corrects. "And we are currently in search of some very valuable orbs."
"We actually don't know their monetary value," Varian says. "But we need them to find something important." He is still amazed by Misty's existence, but they don't know this mermaid. He doesn't want to give away every detail of their mission.
"It sounds like a noble quest," Misty says. "I really wish I could join you! But my tail will only get me so far..."
"There's nothing wrong with having a tail," Varian says, but he facepalms when he realizes how stupid this sounded. Even Ruddiger shakes his head.
"Smooth," Hugo says.
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Misty chuckles. "It was a pleasure to meet you guys. I'll let you get back to your quest, but if there's any way I can help please let me know!" She waves, and then disappears under the water with a splash of her fins.
"Yeah, our quest..." Hugo says. "Where to begin when we're marooned on an island?"
"An island that is hiding the next orb," Varian reminds him. He imagines the smooth, shiny surface of the one they've already obtained, tucked safely in his backpack inside the shelter. He is thankful that the Lorbs didn't consider it dangerous and confiscate it. "We need to search every inch of this place until we discover its location!"
"Hmm... We know the indigenous leaf-folk don't know or care a thing about it," Hugo says. "Anyone else around here we could ask?"
"I'm not sure," Varian says. "Cass might know, though, since she's been here before."
Varian starts to head to the shelter after Cassandra, but Hugo stops him. "Hey, what is going on with her and grouchy Achoo, anyway? I heard some shouting last night, but I needed my beauty sleep and deemed it too unimportant to investigate."
