The Alchemists and the Nine Realms: The Love Hypothesis

16 - Varian Wanted

The next morning dawned a pale gray, a chill clinging to the air that mirrored the growing unease in Varian's workshop. He tinkered with his contraption, efficient but distracted. Julie, sensing his worry, offered a hesitant smile.

"Everything alright, Vari?" she asked, her voice a gentle nudge.

Varian flinched, surprised at the nickname. "Y-yes," he stammered, forcing a smile. "Just... finalizing the details. This celestial shield should be operational by nightfall."

He avoided her gaze, a nagging sense of foreboding twisting his gut. The remnants of a nightmare lingered – a shadowy figure, purple eyes glowing in the darkness, a chilling whisper promising power. He knew it was foolish, a product of late-night brainstorming, but the unease wouldn't shake.

"Hey," Julie said, placing a hand on his arm, her touch grounding him. "What's really going on?"

Varian hesitated, then blurted out the dream, his voice laced with embarrassment.

Julie listened patiently, a thoughtful expression on her face. When he finished, she chuckled softly.

"Varian," she said, her voice warm, "you worry too much. It was just a dream."

"But what if..." Varian began, his voice trailing off.

"No 'what ifs,'" Julie stepped in, her eyes holding his. "We'll focus on what we can control – the shield, protecting Corona. And besides," she winked, "you have me by your side, remember?"

Varian's heart skipped a beat. Right. He had Julie. Her confidence, her unwavering trust, it chased away the shadows of his dream. He smiled, a genuine one this time.

"Right," he echoed, feeling a surge of determination. "Let's save Corona, one... non-explosive invention at a time."

The evening air in Corona was cool and crisp as the gang settled back into the castle, each member busy with their own tasks. The day at the market had been fruitful, and everyone was in high spirits. However, that sense of contentment was about to be shattered.

Rapunzel was in her room, organizing her new art supplies, when she heard a commotion from the courtyard. Curious, she set her brushes down and hurried out, her long golden hair trailing behind her. As she descended the stairs, she saw Eugene, Cassandra, and the rest of their friends gathered around something in the center of the courtyard, their faces etched with concern.

"What's going on?" Rapunzel asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Eugene turned to her, his expression serious. "Rapunzel, you need to see this."

In the middle of the courtyard, a black rock jutted out of the ground, its surface smooth and ominous. Hanging from the rock was a piece of parchment, fluttering slightly in the breeze. Rapunzel's heart sank as she approached, recognizing the rock's unmistakable connection to the Moonstone Opal and the black rocks that had once threatened their kingdom.

Cassandra stepped forward, carefully removing the parchment from the rock. She unfolded it and read aloud, her voice steady but laced with tension. "We will find him."

The silence that followed was heavy, the meaning of the message clear to everyone. Genevieve, the current wielder of the Moonstone Opal, was on the move, and her target was unmistakably Varian.

Varian, standing beside Jewel, his face pale but resolute, spoke up. "We need to figure out what she wants and why she's looking for me."

Lance, usually so jovial, was uncharacteristically serious. "We can't let her get to you, Varian. We've dealt with the black rocks before, and we'll do it again."