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...
"Wha— Daddy, you fell off a cliff?!" Opal stares at him in horrified amazement. "Were you okay?!"
Varian chuckles. "Of course I was okay! I'm right here, aren't I?"
"I had never been that terrified in my entire life," Cassandra admits. "I was so worried about your father. I couldn't believe that he was really gone."
"And it's a good thing you didn't believe it," Varian says to her with a smitten smirk. "A very good thing..."
Varian has felt the sensation of falling on many occasions. But usually Rapunzel was there to catch him with her hair. Or Lance, that one time.
This time, though, he is on his own. His choices are to either find a way to break his fall, or die. The first option would be preferred. He reaches out for something, anything, to grasp on to. Unfortunately, there isn't anything around but rocky walls.
Desperately, he digs around in his pockets for something to use. But he doesn't believe that the alchemical solutions he has on him will provide any help in this situation. He closes his eyes tightly. It looks like this really is the end...
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He doesn't regret it, though. If he hadn't stepped in front of Abhu when he did, it would be Cassandra plummeting to her death instead of him. And he wouldn't have been able to live with himself if that had happened. He would do it over again in a heartbeat, for her.
He would do anything for her, whether or not she would do it for him in return. He only wishes he could see her one last time. Hold her hand again. Be near her again.
If only...
Finally, he forces his eyes back open. Below him, could that be... a ledge? A ledge! With an extended, thick branch from a tree growing out of the side of the rocks!
What are the odds?
Who cares?! It's here, and he's going to use it to his advantage! He reaches out for the branch, but it is too far away. He fears he may not be able to save himself after all, when he feels a sudden strong gust of wind blowing him towards the branch.
"Gale!" He shouts joyfully, managing to grab the branch with her help. "Thank you!"
While the branch breaks his fall, it also cuts his cheek. He uses the branch to swing onto the ledge, and prepares himself for a bumpy landing. After tucking and rolling, he lands flat on his stomach within the small crevice behind the ledge. He can already feel the bruises forming, but he is alive. Alive!
Barely able to believe it, he rubs his face to make sure he is really here. But when he sees the blood on his glove from the gash on his cheek, he sighs.
"Oh no..." He says, barely able to get the words out before he loses consciousness.
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