Cassandra's Betrayal Rewritten

An Old Friend

"Welcome Cassandra, I've been expecting you."

Cassandra's eyes blinked. She slowly opened them, and winced, adjusting to the new lighting. She was sitting in a chair, at the end of the long table she had seen earlier adorned with loads of food. At second glance, she realized her arms were tied down to the arm rests, and her feet tied to the chair legs. On the other end was a man she didn't recognize. He had white hair, swooped to the side, but had a brunette moustache. A matching goatee accompanied it. 

"WHAT IS THIS? LET ME OUT YOU SICK CREEP!" She struggled in her binds as the man chuckled.

"Oh, sorry about that. Just wanted to take extra precautions. I've heard all about the fearless warrior you are, and didn't want to get caught in a fight."

"WELL I WOULDN'T WANT TO FIGHT IF YOU HADN'T TIED ME UP!"

"Ease up Cassandra. I do not intend to hurt you."

"Yea, well you kind of already have! What's up with me falling unconscious, huh?!"

"Just another safety measure, that's all. And, I needed a way to guarantee you would stay and listen to what I have to say so..."

"That still doesn't give you the right! Now untie me or else!"

"I think for now I'll be holding off that. How about you stay put and we chat?"

"What makes you think I would 'chat' with you when you've made me fall unconscious and then proceeded to tie me to a chair?! And how exactly did you get me to pass out?"

"Oh that- it was easy. All I had to do was lure you into the house and use this little potion to confuse your mind and make everything feel vey irritable to you, causing you to pass out." He held up a small vial, half-full with a green liquid. "It wasn't very hard either, as I had some help to make this little guy."

"I don't care how you made it! JUST LET. ME. OUT!"

"Can't do that, I'm afraid. Now, you might as well continue this conversation seeing as there isn't much else you can do."

Cassandra fought against the rope, but it was no use. She finally gave in to the fact they weren't going to budge, hanging her head in disappointment. She had no way to get out, and was going to be stuck in that position for who knows how long. She sat there, wishing she had never listened to the green orb. It was a talking green orb, for christs sake!

"Well it seems you're ready to listen and participate?"

"Fine. But one question, who are you exactly? I mean you know my name so why shouldn't I know yours?"

"Matthews. Now let's move on. I have a few questions first."

She didn't respond.

"I'll take that as an acceptance to answer. How about whenever I ask you a question, you can ask me one, as long as you answer properly?"

"Ok, whatever."

"Alright! I'll start with something easy. How did you get here?"

"I was teleported here, I guess by a talking green orb."

"Interesting, now you can ask me one."

"Why do you need me to answer your stupid questions?"

"Harsh, much? But to tell you, I'm simply curious."

"You've essentially kidnapped me all because you're curious?! What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"Ah, Cassandra it's not your turn anymore. Only one question at a time, remember?"

"SHUT UP YOU-" Matthews clamped his hand over her mouth.

"Shhh Cassandra. No need to become aggravated. Just be patient, that's all. Now where were we?" He kept his hand in place. "Oh right, my turn for a question. Where is Rapunzel?" He let his hand off.

"How should I know? She left me to die at the Great Tree and went on her way exploring! Happy now?!"

"Actually, yes. Your turn."

"What are you going to do with me after you're done?"

"That's not up to me. Actually, the person who's in charge might might want to tell you himself. I'll go fetch him." Matthews left the dining room.

Cassandra searched the room for anything that could break the rope. Her eyes landed on a sword mounted on the wall, just above the fire place. It wasn't too far behind her, and she could maybe reach it if she moved her chair just a little.

Before she could try anything, Matthews reappeared. The shadow of another person cast against the floor. He was just out of Cassandra's sight.

"I think you'll actually recognize your host. He speaks so fondly of you."

"I don't care who he is, just let me speak to him!"

"Calm down Cassie." The other man spoke up. She recognized that voice. It wasn't one of a man, but neither a full blown child.

His shadow began to move, and a portion of his hair peaked out from his hiding spot. It was black, with a streak of blue running through it. She knew that hair. He continued walking out of the darkness, fully revealing someone Cassandra once called a friend.

"Welcome Cassie, I've missed you."

Her eyes widened, staring straight at him.

"VARIAN?!"