beautifulsynergy | •||• You'll never outrun your own past

•||• You'll never outrun your own past

[ Piper had so many questions...! How had it come to this? She hadn't even been gone that long, but to return to Corona after weeks- months -to find Old Corona in ruins... and Varian's father...! Strange black stone everywhere, laying out a path into the distance, and rumors of the mad alchemist who had attacked the royal family- NONE of it made sense, and NONE of it sounded like the earnest boy she'd gotten to know.

She'd had the foresight to secure a horse before enacting this crazy plan. Walking into the kingdom had been the easy part. Getting into the castle's dungeon was marginally more difficult, but getting back OUT was where the real challenge began, one that involved a lot of sneaking and ducking into shadows, out into the village proper and through the back alleys.

Of course he had a hundred questions after what he'd just seen her do! But she reminded him, quiet but urgently that right then wasn't the best time. She'd explain everything when and if they managed to get away without being slapped in irons again.

The alarm was risen not long after when they were halfway through the town and Piper quietly uttered a curse in Greek under her breath that Varian may or may not have heard. Only then did Piper dare to put any real urgency in their step, bringing him all the way to the edge of town where the stable and her steed waited.

Wait there, she'd instructed him, disheveling her own hair before approaching the tense guards, pretending to be out of her breath and scared out of her wits as she stepped into the moonlight. No one was to come in or go out through the kingdom gates.

"I need help!" She'd pleaded, so convincingly terrified that their grip on their swords had tightened, Piper feeding into their suspicions and tensions, rather than trying to convince them to stand down. She'd come to tell them she'd just been startled a big, hulking, shadowy figure running for the armory!

Probably looking for weapons to fight their way out, the guards figured, and from there it was incredibly easy to convince them that it would take BOTH of them to bring the suspect down. It was what they were expecting to hear, after all.

The breakneck horseback ride through the gate and across the bridge was silent except for the clopping of hooves on cobblestone and then dirt roads. Piper's heart was pounding in her chest, trying not to think about the fact that she'd just effectively made herself a wanted criminal in the HEART of the kingdom. The only thing she cared about then was getting the two of them to safety, and so they rode, not stopping until her horse's breathing had become labored and Piper was assured that they had managed to stop leaving a trail of tracks. The black rocks were good for SOMETHING, at least, or so she thought to herself once they'd crossed beyond the walls of the kingdom.

Under the cover of a dark canopy she coaxed the horse to come to a stop, dismounting and turning to see if Varian needed any help down, head still spinning. ]

We... we should be alright now. I don't think they'll be able to find our trail now. [ Her eyes sought him out in the darkness. Whatever color he'd seen them as before, now they shifted with her restless and agitated emotional and mental state. Brown to green to blue, and every shade in between, brown with green flecks, steely gray. No point in hiding it now, not if they were going to be honest with one another, and she hoped very much that they would, now. ]

Varian...

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[It was a wild mix of emotions that Varian had felt when Piper had rescued him, and confusion was chief among them. How had she gotten to him? And why? As much faith as he'd once had in Piper, it had become so hard to have faith in anyone... And he'd honestly assumed she would turn away from him, like everyone else had. Everything else was secondary to that - the excitement and fear and stress and, from that small part of him that could see where he'd played a role in all of this, shame.

As the adrenaline from their escape wore off, many of these emotions had slipped away, too, until he just felt numb again. Well, numb and curious, because even trauma couldn't change him entirely. He had so many questions for her - now more than ever.

He was reluctant to meet her eyes at first, and when he did, he was sure his own vision was playing tricks on him. It didn't stick long, though, because the way she said his name... He could only imagine, in his current state, what she'd have to say. Had she just freed him to tell him how wrong he was? How badly he'd messed up?

It spoke to how his care for Piper was still present, despite everything, that he couldn't bring himself to lash out. The one person he couldn't do that to, now. He just looked back down.]

Look, I don't want to talk about it. I'm sure you heard what happened.

[ Piper may or may not know her fortune, that Varian still valued her friendship enough to not immediately push her away. It wasn't something she was thinking about in the moment, though. She worried about him, first and foremost. She'd seen the amber, she'd seen his father, and she could only imagine that he must be beside himself with grief and frustration.

Her hand lifted partway, as if she was contemplating reaching out, but uncertainty held her back, and she gazed down as well for a moment, guilt ridden herself. How could she push HIM to talk about his problems when she was still hiding her own secrets?

Even so... ]

I heard... [ She begins, as if to confirm, but when she looks at him again there isn't any shame or judgement in her expression, but understanding, a mix of remorse and empathy. ] I heard a bunch of rumors from angry and confused villagers and guards, but I know better than anyone that people will tell themselves whatever they have to to justify things that they can't understand...

[ She lets out a breath, then goes on slowly. ]

And I know that if I'd been in your position, I'd do anything to help my dad... and you can't do that from inside a dungeon cell. I came to help, Varian.

[Varian's shocked expression might have looked downright comical in another situation. However, with all that was weighing down this moment, it does more to highlight how much he wasn't expecting anyone to help him.

But he knows - he's learned the hard way - that he can't let his guard down. The walls are back up in an instant, and he just gives a curt nod.]

You're right. Most people will always believe what's easiest for them.

[He shakes his head.]

I'm glad you're smarter than that, and I appreciate your help.

Of course.

[ She says that, but his answer doesn't inspire a ton of confidence, mainly because Piper is so unaccustomed to seeing him like this. The entire time she'd known him, even when he was worrying about something he'd always felt... open, gentle in a way. Looking at him now, even having heard what she'd heard, even having seen the remnants with her own eyes it was hard to believe that this was the same young man she'd met on the road all those weeks ago. His response stung for some reason. Short, and to the point.

Given what he'd been through it made sense, she supposed, and that was what she told herself to try to quell the uneasy churning in her gut, so that she DIDN'T think too much on what it REALLY felt like.

Like... like he was keeping her at arms length. ]

Come on... We should make camp. She needs to rest, and I think so do we.

[ She took the horse's reins with that, turning to lead him further into the woods. An ideal spot would be further off from the road and the black rocks, just in case Corona DID send out a search party- and they probably would. ]

I guess.

[A sigh. He wants... Well, he's not sure what he wants in this moment. To open up to Piper is tempting, but he can't be hurt again. So he hesitates, before finally nodding.]

Yeah. Let's make camp. Maybe, uh... Maybe you can tell me about what you've been doing.

[Getting the focus off of himself sounds really good right now.]

[ She still feels guilty for leaving, and she hadn't told him the truth about why, worried he'd want to come with her, worried she'd put someone else she cared about directly in harm's way just by being close to her. But when word reached her that something had happened... she'd had to come back, to see that he was alright. If only that had been true. ]

Not much of anything... traveling... staying on the move.

[ Reigns in hand she leads them along, eyes open for signs, clues, things that might lead to an ideal camp site. ]

... We need to talk about that, actually, Varian. If we're going to be traveling together, you should know. The reason I left Corona... I was trying to protect you, and your village.

[Varian stops in his tracks at those four words. "We need to talk" - that doesn't sound at all promising, and he almost tells her not to say anything more. He can't take more pain.

But... Well, maybe it's his curiosity, or maybe it's his concern. But he nods.]

What is it, Piper?

[ When Varian stops, so does she. The rocks are a good ways away, and out away from the path the sounds of nature take over again.

She frowns softly to herself, gazing off to the side for a moment before deciding to just... come out with the truth, straight forward. ]

When I told you before that I was... into mythology and legends, it's not just some hobby of mine. It's my heritage- well, half of it, anyway... I'm... I'm a demigod, and that basically makes me walking monster-bait.

[ She peeks up at him, unsure if he'll believe any of this, or what he'll make of it. ]

When I first came to Corona I felt... something, like some kind of magical barrier that protected the kingdom. But then something changed a few months ago. Whatever it was, it's gone now. I knew it was just a matter of time before they started tracking me down again, and... I didn't want to put your or your family in danger. I'm sorry.

[He's always prided himself on being a man of science, but lately, things science can't explain have become impossible to deny. That and - as he realizes in that very moment - he trusts Piper. Still. In fact, she might be the only one he still does.]

We'll get back to the barrier. I... I need to know more about this demigod thing. Who- I mean, how- How is that even possible?

[He brings a hand up through his bangs.]

I don't understand... And why didn't you tell me?

Humans aren't supposed to know. It's this big thing with the Greek gods, about veiling the world of the gods from mortals. There's even this special mist that keeps them from seeing what's really out there.

[ And... ]

... Besides, the last time I tried to tell someone they thought I was just trying to get attention. Not that I didn't trust you, but... knowing demigods is hardly ever a good thing for mortals.

[ She could tell him plenty of stories about the times she'd used her powers, to try to get her dad to pay attention to her- even if it was negative. No one ever believed "But I asked to borrow that horse and carriage and he said YES! I was bringing it back!" as an explanation. ]

But I want to help, and you need to be able to trust me for that. So I'll tell you what I know and answer whatever questions I can. Before that, though, I want you to know I've never used any sort of magic on you or anyone in your village. I swear it on the River Styx.

Edited 2019-04-29 13:37 (UTC)

[He sighed, then fussed with his goggles to stall for time. This was a lot to take in, but he did feel he could still trust her. And wasn't that the craziest thing for him to think, after everything he'd been through? He should be wiser, part of him couldn't help thinking. Ah, well. Maybe he hadn't learned much after all. Or maybe, just maybe, Piper wasn't like the others.]

Okay. Okay, I trust you. But I definitely have - just - so many questions.

What kind of magic is it, exactly, that you didn't use on me?

[ Wasn't that just a loaded question? She knew it was coming, but that doesn't make answering it much easier.

Here it goes, though. ]

... [ With a sigh, she braces, just in case there's backlash anyway, regardless of her assurances that he hadn't been a target of her abilities at any point, because honestly a lot of people tend to assume the worst when they learn you can manipulate others. ]

You remember the guards back at the gate? That wasn't entirely acting. I can... convince people to do what I tell them. That's how I got into the dungeons to find you. I told them to let me in, and they did. It's called "charmspeak".

O- Oh. Wow, that's really... Invasive? I mean, thanks for using it there! And- And I believe you. That you never used it on me, or anyone in Old Corona.

[There's never been a moment where he's done something for Piper that felt involuntary or odd, honestly. Granted, he's not sure that's how charmspeak even works, but still. It's nice to have something he can have faith in, right now.]

Wait, wait, which god- goddess? I'm guessing your dad, the actor, isn't a god. I mean... Your godly parent. Who is that?

[ To her credit she manages to only look a little uncomfortably embarrassed when he calls it for what it is. Yes, it's incredibly invasive, and she knows it herself, has thought it herself- which is why she tries to only use it when she HAS to or when she has some sort of vague permission (which, to be honest she never has, but if someone were to ask for a demonstration, for instance...) or level of trust (again, something she's yet to have). Not since she's learned what the ability actually was. It was different when she had no idea it was MAGIC, before she found out what she was. Now? She feels incredibly guilty thinking about it. She's tried to be responsible since-

But he hadn't asked for all that, so she keeps those thoughts to herself.

In short: His response is fair.

But then he asks who her godly parent is and...]

...

[ Oh gods why.

Piper blushes, visibly, and her eyes shift away. ]

... My.... mother is Aphrodite.

The goddess of love?

[Well, he supposed it fit in with the charmspeak thing, or rather, the other way around, but... That's still quite a lot to swallow. So much so that all of his bitterness and pain take a temporary back seat.]

...Wow, um. Wow.

So, is that why you didn't know her growing up?

Yeah... that's her. [ She confirms, eyes darting to the goggles he'd been fidgeting with for a moment, then finally back down to Varian's eyes with a flash of a sheepish smile. It melts again after a moment, though, not only because the mood isn't exactly jovial, but because the topic is a somewhat delicate one. ]

She had to hide what she was from my dad, and when she found out she was pregnant with me, she had to leave. She knew she couldn't hide the truth if she was around twenty-four-seven, so... she left me with him. He never told me much about her, just that she left us.

[ But honestly, maybe it was for the best, maybe it was for their safety. ]

I didn't meet her, or even know who she was until I was out on my own. Showed up out of no where one night and told me I was her daughter, and gave me this. [ She holds up the dagger she'd been using to fight the very first time they met. ] That's when I finally found out about my powers.

[The idea of a parent not being present... It makes him angry. Sure, Quirin shared no interests with Varian, and didn't understand him, but he'd been there, as much as the leader of Old Corona could be. A deep scowl forms of Varian's face.]

That- But that's messed up! [He probably should be quieter, but he can't manage.] Did you see her again, after that?

Edited 2019-06-26 18:47 (UTC)

Only in a dream, once. That's how I found out something was wrong.

[ She'd heard whispers, sure, but not until she'd already begun to backtrack. Aphrodite had come to her in a dream to warn of some ominous stirrings of "old magic" and her immediate concern had been for Varian.

She tries not to look phased by it, shrugging a little. ]

Greek gods aren't exactly going to win any "parent of the year" awards anytime soon. According to Aphrodite, most demigods never even get claimed by their godly parent. I was one of the lucky ones.

[He frowns, shaking his head.]

Lucky... Yeah, right.

[But as angry as he is on her behalf, her mention of "something" being wrong draws his attention.]

Did she tell you anything specific?

[Her expression is a mix of regret, apology, and frustration, shaking her head just so.]

Just that some old magic was involved... Powerful, like... realm of the gods, dangerous in the hands of mortals type stuff. The usual vague but ominous warnings.

[She opts not to pursue the bit about her absent mother, because honestly she's never really stopped to fully process how it made her feel. There was so much about it to try to understand, and Piper already had her hands full just trying to survive. On some level she'd maybe learned to accept it, but she still isn't sure how she feels about Aphrodite as a parent, maybe because she hadn't acted like one yet.

Maybe Varian was right to be so angry about it on her behalf, but--]

But that's what made me come back.

[Despite everything that's wrong - with her situation, with his - he has to smile at that. It's fleeting, but it's there for a second.]

I'm glad you did.

[But then he just shakes his head and sighs.]

It's never straightforward with magic. That's why I don't like it.

[Alchemy, the sciences, those he can understand - analyze and predict and all of it. Magic doesn't allow for the same.]

[ It's fleeting, but she catches it. Equally fleeting is the little smile she gives back, as if to say "Of course I did." or "That's what friends are for.". Despite her inclination for borrowing things for attention, doing the right thing was more or less ingrained in Piper's dna. Demigods weren't perfect or heroic by default, but she could no more leave a friend and their home in danger than she could put them in harm's way herself.

She laughs just a little then, dryly. ] No one can fault you for that one. It can be pretty convoluted...

[ Piper shakes her head a bit, trying not to let on too much how much she dislikes that option, but for his safety she'd deal with it. ]

Anyway, there's another reason I brought it up. Mythology isn't all magic and monsters. I mentioned before, there were inventors too. Between both I think if we find the right lead... we can find something to free your dad. There are so many possibilities, we're bound to find something. [ She looks at him, raising an eyebrow, already knowing the answer. ]

You up for it, Goggles?

Edited 2019-11-10 18:37 (UTC)

You think so?

[But of course she does, she wouldn't bring something like that up on a whim. He knows her better than that, he's just a little shocked. Maybe it has more to do with the fact that she wants to help, than that she might know a way to. After a moment, he comes back to his senses, and nods.]

Of course. We've got this.

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•||• You'll never outrun your own past

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Sorry! I forgot she already mentioned the monster part up thread.

No worries, I'm sorry for the delay!