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Chapter Text

Your Majesty of Bayangor,

As per my last report to Your Majesty, I have continued in my apprenticeship to Varian the Royal Engineer of Corona. It‘s been seven months since we completed our journey and found the Eternal Library. Four since I returned from our kingdom. Since then, my mentor has been working hard to safely uncover the secrets inside. Your Majesty will be happy to know that I am still taking extensive notes on our findings and have included the most up-to-date version of them with this correspondence. As always, everything included has been cleared by my mentor to share.

The Kingdom of Corona is busier than ever as we will be hosting both the Celebration of Candlenights and the Council of Sciences’ Annual Convention. While I know Your Majesty’s family will be in attendance for Candlenights and the Royal Minister of Science will be in attendance for the Convention, I will still do my duty as Ambassador and send you all the most important information from the events.

I am still very eager to receive correspondence back from Your Majesty, especially about the initial design sketches I sent of the invention I’ve been working on these past few months. I really think it will be awesome an artistic revelation for Bayangnor! 

Your Servant and Ambassador of Science, Yong

After one final look over his letter Yong carefully folded it and placed it inside the envelope he’d addressed to the Royal Palace of Bayangnor. 

“There. Now it’s all set,” said Yong. Satisfied that it was sealed and ready, he held it up proudly to the stocky, dark-haired courier that had been standing, waiting for him. “Make sure it’s transported safely, my good sir!” The courier then took it and stowed it away in his bag. 

“I’ll look after it as always, Little Yong,” he said, turning to walk away.

“Hang on,” Yong called after. The courier stopped and looked over his shoulder. “You’re absolutely sure there are no letters for me?”

The courier sighed. “I checked three times for you already.”

“I know,” said Yong, forcing down the disappointment that reared its head once more. “Just… I thought I’d hear back from the King of Bayangor by now. Or even one of his family… or court… someone.”

The courier’s face softened and he took a step back to Yong. “I’m sure they’re just busy with things we don’t even know about. Maybe you’ll get one my next time around.”

“Yeah,” said Yong softly. “Maybe.”

“Cheer up, there. A young person like you shouldn’t be so down today. Not when it’s-”

A trumpet played in the distance, cutting off the courier and making them both perk up. Out the nearest window, they could see a large procession making its way through Corona and up to the palace.

Yong could see the banner of Koto from here. 

“She’s here!”

With hardly a wave goodbye, Yong bolted down the corridor for the front entrance. His way was riddled with castle staff all hastily preparing for a long week of festivities. The halls were already pristinely cleaned and decorated with stars, banners, and a deluge of candles. 

Yong ducked beneath a ladder a pair of men were moving from wall to wall, hanging ribbons and garlands from the towering ceilings. They automatically lifted their load for him to slide under with ease.

He wove through the maids dusting paintings and polishing brass. They shifted their skirts out of his way as he smiled at them, shaking their heads fondly before returning to work. 

Yong leaped and slid down the banister of yet another staircase, landing solidly amidst the staff rushing in and out of the kitchens. He paused his dash to marvel at the massive roasts and aromatic plates of food that marched on their rolling carts in a parade set for that night's feast. His eyes shined at the colorful display of iced cookies: golden corona suns, silver shooting stars, and pure white snowflakes. 

Unable to help himself, he snatched a snowflake cookie up and bolted down the hall. Just before he could leave the kitchen doors a chef stepped in his way. She glared down at him and the half-eaten cookie in his hand. Yong blushed and smiled sheepishly. The head chef rolled her eyes but smiled back. Then she pulled out a rag, roughly wiped the crumbs from his cheek, and ruffled his hair before returning to work. Yong’s eyes went wide with surprise before he burst out grinning after her.

Holiday cheer certainly had its perks. 

Finally, he waved to the staff and dashed off, rounding another corner. He was nearly at the entrance when he ran headlong into something tall and slim. Nigel stumbled back and the stack of papers he’d been writing on flew into the air.

“Good heavens!”

“Sorry!”  Yong exclaimed, scrambling to pick up all the papers. He heard Nigel scoff and looked up to see his scowling face.

“As if it wasn’t enough trouble to have one tinkering fool running about this place,” he muttered, not caring if Yong could clearly hear him as he gathered the papers. “The princess should know better by now than to let children run amok in the castle.” His scowl turned into a sneer as he huffed bitterly, “Then again- not like she is much better.” 

“Maybe some might call the princess’s optimism childish,” A new voice called, waving another stack of papers in the Royal Advisor’s face. Nigel snapped his head up to come face to face with Hugo. The alchemist smiled charmingly, but there was a sharp look in his eyes.  “But I wouldn’t go around saying so when you want to keep your job. Bit treasonous, that.” 

Nigel shot to his feet, sputtering furiously. From behind Hugo’s taller frame appeared Varian, smiling sweetly as he leaned into view. 

“But, by all means, don't let us stop you,” Varian said as he gently pulled Yong to his feet and pulled the papers he’d gathered away. He shoved them into Nigel’s chest firmly enough to make him stumble. “After all, what would a tinkering fool know?” 

Nigel's face turned beet red, his mouth twisting open and closed in silent rage. Then, without a word, he turned on his heel and marched away. Hugo and Varian rolled their eyes before sharing a look. 

“Just for the record,” Hugo said, “he was calling you the tinkering fool.” Varian gasped dramatically, setting a gloved hand to his chest.

“No- Really?” His face dropped to a deadpan, “And here I thought he was finally warming up to me.” 

Yong couldn’t help but laugh, though he still looked warily after the Royal Advisor. 

“Are you sure I can’t put fireworks in his mattress?” Yong asked for the hundredth time. Varian only chuckled and placed a hand on his apprentice's shoulder. 

“Don’t worry about him. He’s all bark and no bite-”

“And even the bark is more of a yapping- oof.” Hugo interrupted but was quickly cut off by Varian’s elbow in his gut. 

“It’s more important we don’t give him an actual, legitimate reason to go to the king and queen.” Varian continued as if nothing had happened. “So no ‘accidentally’ setting him on fire.” 

Yong pouted a bit but nodded in acquiescence. Just like he did every time they repeated this conversation. Hugo winced as he rubbed his side, but smoothly recovered to wrap an arm behind each of his companions and start pushing them to the door. 

“Enough of the boring, responsible mentor/student act. We’ve got a princess to meet. Her Royal Highness can’t waste away in her golden carriage forever.”

~*~

Nuru’s own carriage wasn’t literally gold, but her mother’s certainly was. Hugo, Varian, and Yong watched the opulent procession entering the courtyard with various degrees of awe. Coal-black Kotoan stallions trotted in perfect sync as they pulled the caravan along. Each carriage was a different splendor- some pearlescent and ivory, others rich mahogany with the fuchsia banners of the Kotoan flag, but none were as beautiful as the golden and purple Queen’s carriage tucked safely in the middle. By the time the procession stopped, the trio of alchemists could barely pick their jaws off the floor. Then from the Queen’s carriage rang out a shrill, familiar voice.

“You invited who?! ” Nuru cried. The boys could just barely make out more muffled voices, arguing from inside. The three shared a look but jumped as the carriage door slammed open. 

Nuru stood in the doorway, poised and gracefully smiling as if nothing untoward had just happened at all. She politely took the footman’s offered hand and stepped down to the ground. Her purple winter gown was much more extravagant than the usual ones they saw, draped by shimmering, translucent layers of embroidered stars. Perched on her sculpted curls was a golden crown whose points radiated out like the sun. It was clear that their friend was here as a princess and not just an ambassador. 

However, that didn’t stop her elegant expression from breaking into a toothy grin at the sight of her friends.

“Yong!” She called, lifting the hem of her dress to move faster. “Varian! Hugo!” The four collided into a hug.

“Nuru!” Yong replied and squeezed his arms around her middle.

“Good to see you,” Varian said warmly. 

“I’ll ignore how apparently I’m the last one to get a hello,” Hugo quipped. Nuru rolled her eyes and reached around to flick his shoulder. 

Behind them, Rapunzel and her parents came down the grand steps of the palace to meet the Queen Ahdra of Koto as she emerged. The Queen shot Nuru an exasperated look before returning her diplomatic smile to the Coronan royal family. Nuru’s two older sisters, Zuri and Asha, came out of another carriage. Then out of another came Nuru’s younger sisters, Amali and Niara, along with an elderly woman who could only be Nuru’s grandmother. The four princesses lined up obediently behind their mother for introductions while Nuru’s grandmother walked past them and right up to the group of young scientists.

The group parted as she approached, her eyes warm and smiling when they met Nuru’s expectantly. She stepped back from her friends to sweep her arms widely in presentation. 

“Bibi, these are my friends! Varian, Yong, and Hugo. They helped me find the Library and save everyone. I couldn’t have done it without them.” Then she turned to the boys, “This is my Bibi. She was the first person to believe me about the comet. If it weren't for her, I might never have gone with you guys.” She said proudly.

Yong and Varian bowed respectfully to their elder, but to everyone’s shock, it was Hugo who spoke first, offering his hand.

“A pleasure. Your granddaughter is pretty cool for a princess.” He smirked. Yong winced as Nuru glared at his lack of decorum. Before she could scold him, Bibi let out a hearty laugh and took Hugo’s hand in both of hers.

“The pleasure is all mine. You are just as she described you.” She smiled. Yong suppressed a snort at Hugo’s bemused expression. 

“...and this is my mother, Grand Duchess Akili.” They heard Queen Ahdra say by the stairs. Varian and Yong straightened and stepped forward next to Hugo. 

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace,” Varian said, only to be startled as the elderly duchess grabbed his hand as well.

“Call me Bibi, dear. You are practically family to my little Ru-ru.” She replied, ignoring the red that dusted Nuru’s cheeks. Hugo’s eyebrows shot up with an evil grin. 

“I’m sorry, did you just call her-” Before Hugo could finish, another carriage door opened and Bibi suddenly turned the four friends around and up the stairs with surprising strength.

“Come now, let us get out of this cold.” She ushered them upstairs as Queen Ahdra spoke up again. 

“And this is my newest advisor, Duke Chandu.” Nuru stiffened and Yong peeked behind them to see. Duke Chandu was a young, handsome man with neatly shorn coils and a charming smile. He bowed low to the Coronan Royal Family and took Rapunzel's hand.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness.” He said with a wink. Rapunzel smiled sunnily while Eugene’s smile became all teeth. 

“Yes, yes, I’m sure it is. Big honor.” Eugene slipped his arm around his wife’s shoulder possessively. Duke Chandu didn’t seem to notice as he turned his attention to Queen Ariana and Frederick. 

Yong noticed then that his suit was the exact same shade of purple as Nuru’s dress.

Bibi continued to shepherd them inside the castle. Once inside, Varian led the group into one of the many royal parlor rooms. He turned to look at Nuru, who was still stiff and frowning. 

“What was that about?” He asked.

“Yeah, who was that guy?” Yong chimed in.

“And why does he look so obnoxious,” Hugo added helpfully. 

Instead of answering any of them, Nuru turned to her Bibi with a look of outrage. 

“I can’t believe she invited him to Candlenights!” She huffed and began pacing the room. “It’s bad enough I have to see him at every Royal meeting, now this? What was she thinking? Does she really think I’m going to break up with Amber for that- that-” 

The three boys- still very lost, all shot up at that. Varian’s eyes widened.

“Woah- woah- what do you mean break up with Amber?” He balked. Nuru stopped short, her eyes also wide. 

“I’m not breaking up with Amber!” She shot back defensively. Bibi placed a calming hand on Nuru’s shoulder, and she deflated. “Sorry. Just- you guys remember my coronation, right?”

“When you turned eighteen and being a princess became your job and not just your title?” Yong asked, recalling the way Nuru explained to him how a princess could be crowned and become a princess. 

“Right,” Nuru smiled faintly.

“Has that been going okay?” Varian asked, concern pinching his brow. “ I know you were stressed before the coronation. You were already an Ambassador and a Royal Astronomer,”

“It’s been good, more or less. The duties of a full-fledged princess are comparatively light- especially for the third-born,” Nuru eased. “But it also means that idiots like Chandu, ” she glared at the door. “started to see me as a way to get into the Royal Family. He’s been trying to court me for weeks and my mother won’t stop him.” Nuru’s grandmother watched her with commiserating eyes and patted her arm.

“My dear, your mother brought Chandu to help him adjust to his new diplomatic position. His grandfather was one of the King’s top advisors; he has big shoes to fill. He’s an ambitious young man, but not a bad one. I’m sure he’ll leave you alone in time.” Nuru looked at her grandmother doubtfully until Bibi’s smile turned mischievous. “And if he doesn’t, you have three strapping young men here to teach him a lesson.” 

Hugo laughed. “I don’t think Starburst needs anyone to teach a lesson for her, but we’ll keep an eye out.”

“Just let us know if it gets to be too much, okay? I'm sure Rapunzel could help keep him away from you during the celebrations.” Varian offered.

“I don’t want it to come to that,” said Nuru, “It's already hard enough to get the court to respect me. I have to show them I can handle myself.” Her frustration made way for determination as she shook herself together. “I’m sorry, guys, I don’t want to ruin your Candlenights over this.”

Yong lifted his hand to place it on Nuru's other arm. “You’re not ruining anything.” Nuru smiled down at him softly, then her eyes sparkled with remembered joy. 

“That’s right! Won’t this be your first Candlenights, Yong?” She grinned. 

“I guess so,” Yong shrugged, smiling right back. 

“You only ever celebrated Bayangorian holidays back home, right?” Varian asked. 

“I didn’t even know there were holidays celebrated by every kingdom,” Yong said, still feeling awed by the idea. 

“Course you didn’t” Hugo snorted derisively. “Candlenights is a hoity-toity holiday for royals and capital folk. Celebrating the formation of the ‘Greatest Alliance in History’,” His fingers curled into air quotes. “No offense,” He shot to Nuru’s grandmother, who smiled amusedly. “Don’s taken me to a few over the years as Royal Engineer and it’s just a week of feasting and political bribery. They tacked on the gift-giving for us commoners, but it’s a month before Sigrevet and no one in Ingvarr has the money for two gift-giving holidays in a row. We don't even get the day off. At least Princess Sunny Side made this one interesting with the whole stargazing thing.”

Varian and Nuru rolled their eyes at Hugo’s dramatics as Varian placed his hand on Yong’s shoulder. 

“I promise you it’s much more than that. At least in Corona. We don’t really have our own winter holiday-” 

“Shocking, as it seems like you people have a celebration for everything else.”

Varian glared at Hugo for the interruption “-so we got all out for Candlenights.”

“Really, though. Everything. Corona is practically the party capital of the world. How do you guys not have one?” Hugo interjected again.

“There will be feasts and parties, sure.” Nuru continued, well practiced in ignoring Hugo. “But we’ll also have fun of our own. There are lots of Candlenights traditions. We can decorate a tree with candles, make candied almonds, hang mistletoe, ride sleds-”

“Why mistletoe?” Yong asked.

“Well- um…” Nuru stuttered, then made a disgusted face as if remembering something. “Maybe we can skip that one.” 

“That one’s not too bad, though,” Hugo interrupted, sending Varian a look that made him blush and made Yong decide he’d rather not know. Varian recovered and turned back to Yong.

“Point is,” he chirped, “Candlenights is about friendship. And we’ll make sure you have the best one ever.”

The others agreed and Bibi smiled warmly, watching them all from her plush chair. 

Then came a knock at the door. 

It opened a moment later to reveal an older woman with a silver braid and a scar down her left cheek. She cast her stern gaze over the room, and as it fell upon Hugo, her eyes softened slightly. 

“Donnie!” Hugo called, his grin widening to something surprisingly sincere. Donella nodded in greeting before turning to the Grand Duchess with a bow. 

“Pardon me, Your Grace, but I’d like to speak with my so- associate,” She said. In the Duchess's chair-turned-throne by her quiet, regal presence, Bibi raised a hand in casual permission and turned to Nuru. 

“I’d like to settle in my room before tonight's welcome feast,” Nuru straightened up as if she’d been shocked. 

“Oh! I’m so sorry Bibi, you must be exhausted from the journey.” The princess rushed over to help her grandmother up, looking over to the boys. “I’ll see you guys tonight, then?” 

“Of course!” Varian replied

“Rest well!" Yong said to Bibi, who turned her gentle smile to him and nodded in response.

“Sure thing, Twinkles,” Hugo said, then aimed a questioning look at Varain. Whatever he’d asked, Varian nodded in response and reached over to squeeze his hand. “See you later, Blue.” Hugo pecked his boyfriend's cheek and ruffled Yong’s hair “Firecracker.” Then he followed Nuru and Bibi out the door and after Donella. As the two pairs walked in opposite directions, Yong could faintly hear Hugo’s voice loudly starting up his dramatics for his adoptive mentor.  

Yong turned to his own mentor with a questioning look. “So is that it until tonight?” He asked. Varian looked back at him with a sly grin. 

“Well, if you aren’t busy, I’ve still gotta buy some supplies so we can show off at the Science Convention.” He said as he whipped out a list from his vest pocket. “I know how badly you’ve been wanting to try titanium powder in your fireworks.” Yong's eyes went wide with excitement.

“I’ll go get my coat!” Then he turned and ran out the door, leaving Varian shaking his head fondly. 

“And I can do some totally-not-last-minute gift shopping.” He said to himself, perhaps a bit overly pleased. “Excellent planning, Varian.”

~*~

It seemed the whole of Corona was done up in lights and wrapped in garlands of pine and holly. The sweet scent of baked goods and candies floated in the air through every hearth-warmed window. With the streets and rooftops blanketed in snow and ribbon, Yong had to agree with Hugo that it greatly reminded him of Sigrevet, if not for the candles that broke the late evening gloom where they lined the road and lit up every ledge and window. Yong wondered at the fire safety of that, but most of the candles were kept under glass or surrounded by pebbles on the ground. 

Yong and Varian bustled from shop to shop, picking up their normal supplies as well as the little holiday trinkets and treats that Yong had never seen or tried before. Varian showed him a rudimentary doll made to crack nuts in its mouth, a red and white striped candy bent like a hook, and even a giant sock people were meant to put presents in on the final day of Candlenights. It all made less than no sense to Yong, but he let Varian buy him a stocking and soaked in the odd, warm atmosphere that surrounded the market. 

Corona was always a kind, happy place. But there was something unique about this celebration that brought that out of people tenfold. They were passing Monty’s Sweet Shoppe and Attila the Bun's Bakery when Yong saw a cake in the window with the image of a large, rotund man with a red licorice hat and fluffy frosting beard. He stopped to look at it curiously. Varian noticed him stop and followed his gaze to the sweets, laughing when he saw what drew his apprentice's attention.

“That’s Saint Nick,” Varian chuffed. “Historically, Candlenights is about the leaders of the Seven Kingdoms joining forces to survive a harsh winter. But there are a couple of fairytales connected to it. He’s one of them: a spirit that supposedly saved the original Seven Kings. Now he gives gifts to kind people and well-behaved kids.”

Yong looked up to Varian doubtfully. “Is this a ‘Moonstone, Sundrop, Eternal Library’ kind of fairytale? Or is it a ‘leaving your baby teeth under your pillow for new parts’ kind of fairytale.”  Varian looked at the frosted Saint Nick thoughtfully and hummed.

“My money’s on the latter.” He replied. Satisfied, Yong continued down the road. He was looking out for a gift for Nuru that Varian had suggested when a cheery voice called out. 

“Varian!”

Yong and Varian turned to see a familiar auburn head bobbing up and down over the crowd. Just behind Ulla was the giant figure of Quirin, moving through the crowd like an iceberg at sea. Varian’s grin widened at the sight of his parents. Even all these months later, seeing Ulla put a quiet sort of awe onto the Royal Alchemist’s face.

“Mom! Dad!” He answered and placed his bags down just in time for Ulla to leap into his arms. He was just barely taller than her, but the strength Varian inherited from his father let him swing her fully around with ease before setting her on the ground. “What are you guys doing in town so soon? I thought you’d only be arriving for the Star Fall?” 

“Last-minute shopping,” Quirin answered, his eyes full of emotion at seeing his wife and son embrace, “Your mother burned up half the pantry.” 

“It was a completely safe experiment! How was I supposed to know you’d been baking and spilling flour everywhere?” Ulla defended, then turned to Varian’s concerned expression, “I had everything under control, baby. No worries.” Varian didn’t look convinced.

“I think now I finally know how you’ve felt all these years, Dad,” Varian said, sharing a commiserating glance with Quirin. Ulla took affront to this. 

“Excuse me, young man, I can take care of myself! I’m one of the greatest alchemists of all time. I discovered the secrets of the Eternal Library. I gave birth to Varian of Corona . I won’t stand for this slander!” Ulla ranted with mostly false outrage if her smile was to be believed. Varian and Quirin laughed at her antics, big hearty laughs once rarely heard from the father-son pair. 

Yong watched the three together quietly. At first, he simply enjoyed seeing the family’s happiness. They truly deserved it. But as he stood there, he remembered Nuru with her Bibi. He remembered Hugo and Donella. 

He remembered his own family, hundreds of miles away. 

Finally, the family trio turned to Yong with triplet grins. 

“Yong! It’s so good to see you!” Ulla cheered. “How are your studies going?” 

“It’s been great!” Yong tried to return their smiles, but he couldn’t feel it in his eyes. He hoped they wouldn’t notice, but the next second, a furrow formed in Varian’s brow as he reached for Yong’s shoulder.

“You okay?” He asked in a low voice. Shame flushed Yong’s cheeks as he glanced away. 

“Ye-yeah. I’m fi-” 

A scream interrupted Yong’s lie. 

The four turned around to look inside the sweet shoppe-bakery window to see people chaotically running about inside. Then, over the din, they heard Monty yell. 

“Out! Get out, you troublesome vermin!” They saw the flash of a broom before the door burst open, and out scampered Ruddiger. The raccoon saw Varian and immediately scrambled up to the safety of his human’s shoulder. Monty followed him out with angry red cheeks as his eyes landed on a wide-eyed Varian. “Young man, control your animal!” He scolded. 

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know he’d followed me into town.” Varian stammered. After a minute, Monty calmed down, begrudgingly. 

“In the spirit of Candlenights, I’ll let it go just this once. But watch that raccoon or I’ll have to ban you both from the shop!” Then he turned around and stormed back inside. 

All four were stunned by the sudden events, but Varian shook off his shock to glare down at Ruddiger. 

“We’ve talked about this, buddy. You can’t be going into shops without me.” He scolded. Ruddiger had the decency to look at least a little contrite, sheepishly offering Varian a pilfered candy cane. Varian declined and then turned to his folks. “We better be heading back. I don't think Ruddiger can help himself around all this food.” The raccoon in question chirruped in offense at that but settled with a scratch behind his ear. 

Quirin and Ulla nodded in understanding and hugged Varian goodbye. Then they each patted Yong's shoulders. 

“You boys have a good Candlenights,” Qurin rumbled, “We’ll see you again in a couple of days.”

“Stay warm!” Ulla chimed. “And come see your poor mother before the festivities end. Bring your friends!” She took Varian’s face gently in her hands and brought him in for a big smeck on his forehead. Then the couple continued down the street, arm in arm. 

Varian’s dopey smile didn’t fade as he watched them walk away. When he finally turned to Yong, the boy had finally managed to school his expression to something neutral. 

“Let’s go get ready for the feast,” Varian said, then led them back to the castle. 

Yong followed quietly and thought loudly. 

~*~

In his room at the castle, Yong stared at himself in the mirror. His clothes, for once, were completely unsinged and his hair was neat. All he could think of was how disbelieving his mother would be that he even owned an unmarked set of clothes. Even this set wasn’t perfect. Yong's fingers brushed over a place where he‘d stitched together a ripped seam. 

He recalled his mother rocking in her favorite chair and sewing up the many holes in his favorite jacket. She looked down next to her, where a sizable pile of Yong's other clothing sat, all burned and torn by his reckless experiments. On her other side, Yong had shuffled his feet, looking guilty at the floor. His mother sighed. 

“If you're going to keep doing this, you are going to learn to sew.” She said, then pulled an eight-year-old Yong into her lap to show him the needle and thread. Her arms wrapped around him were warm.

In his room in the castle, Yong felt cold. 

He walked over to his work desk and pulled out a pen and paper. 

Dear Mama and Baba, 

Happy Candlenights! 

I have learned so many new things in my apprenticeship here. Sciencey things I won’t bore you with, but amazing things nonetheless. I know I got to be home for a few months after I found the library, but I miss you guys so much. I miss you and all my big siblings. I miss Ling and Chen and Lee and Ping and Yue and Shen. I even miss Ru.

I’m so glad you let me go on this amazing adventure. But sometimes I wonder- why did you let me go so easily? Was it because I was so much trouble? 

I’ve grown up now. I’m not the kid who burned everything down anymore. I don’t want to come home yet- there’s so much left to learn!

But sometimes I can’t help but wonder if you’d like me better now. 

I love you guys. Tomorrow I’ll write a letter I can actually send. 

Yours, Yong

After he finished his letter, Yong folded the paper and placed it in an envelope. He carefully sealed the envelope in wax, then opened the lowest drawer in the dresser by his bed. He gently placed his letter next to all the other ones he would never send. 

Then Yong blew out the candle on his desk and left his room to join the party. All smiles once again. 

Chapter Text

Yong crept quickly down the dim hallway. He was late, but hopefully, no one would mind. Stan and Pete nodded to him as he snuck in through the side door and blinked in the blinding light. The Royal Ballroom had been glamourously refitted as a grand dining hall, with one long, sweeping table stretching from one end to the other. At the far end, he could see the royal family of Corona with many foreign Kings, Queens, and heirs seated together in tall backed chairs. Most of the middle was more regular-sized chairs, where he could see Nuru, Hugo, and Varian seated together with other nobles and ambassadors. At the opposite end, Yong didn’t see anyone he recognized except for Nuru’s twin little sisters, giggling together where their seven-year-old heads barely peeked out over the backs of their chairs. He was about to move towards his friends in the middle and the seat he could see saved for him when he saw movement at the head of the table.

Rapunzel stood from her seat at the head of the ballroom, gazing out regally over the hundreds of guests in attendance. It was her first year hosting Candlenights as the Royal heir, but you would never have guessed from her face. When most of the seats were filled. She gently clinked her crystal glass and the idle chatter of the room fell silent. 

“My friends, it is a great pleasure to host this year's Candlenights Festivities and pay our respects to the Alliance of The Seven Kingdoms. I thank you all for your attendance. We will spend these days celebrating the strength of our bonds and see to another year of prosperity. 

“In addition to honoring our age-old traditions, we have organized a handful of new events. The first of which is the Star Fall Festival. All our guests will have tomorrow to rest and recuperate from their long journeys and visit our wonderful city. But the following evening we invite you all to join us outside the city limits to witness the Geppetto Meteor Shower. 

“For now, enjoy yourselves with the feast we have prepared for you with recipes from all over our great lands. Happy Candlenights!” With a wave of her hand, a line of servants appeared from where they’d snuck inside during the speech, each carrying a large covered tray that they grandly revealed to be a colorful array of different foods and dishes. As the food was sat down and people began eating, Yong made his way over to the table. 

As he approached, his friends saw him and turned to him with wide grins. He was just about to reach the open chair between Hugo and Nuru when suddenly a purple waistcoat blocked his way. 

“Your Highness!” Duke Chandu purred. “I am honored that you would save a seat for me.” Nuru’s smile instantly strained again.

“Duke Chandu, what a… surprise ,” She gritted. “I’m afraid this seat is reserved for our dear friend Yong, here.” She gestured to Yong, who Chandu turned to look at as if just seeing him for the first time. 

Yong smiled nervously at the taller man, but as he was about to sidestep the Duke, Nigel appeared at their side. 

“I’m afraid, Your Highness,” he said in a way that wasn’t very afraid at all, “that this young man has been seated with the other children over there.” He gestured to the far end of the table, which Yong now realized was in fact seated by only the youngest children of the kings and dignitaries in attendance. He looked over at Varian who looked just as confused as he did. 

“I don’t remember Rapunzel saying-”

“It was a request of the visiting Royals that they may discuss their matters amongst peers and allow their children to make friends their own age,” Nigel stressed the last few words, smirking down at Yong condescendingly. Varian glared and looked like he was about to say something, but Nuru beat him to it. 

“Is that so?” She said in a saccharinely sweet tone that dripped in honied venom. Nigel had the good sense to lose his smirk and gulp nervously. 

“It’s as I’ve been ordered, Your Highness.” He held firm, to his credit. Nuru held his gaze for a minute before realizing he must be more afraid of whoever gave this order than her and sighed. 

“Very, well. But I will be discussing this with the hosting Princess. Yong is our peer.” She insisted.  Yong was warmed by her words, but then Nigel nodded and cleared his throat. 

“Of course Your Highness,” He gestured down the table, not even looking at Yong, “This way, Young Sir.” Yong hesitantly followed, watching over his shoulder as Chandu victoriously grabbed the seat. 

“It is no great loss, My Princess.” He cheered. Varian and Hugo shared a look as Nuru’s eye twitched in a way Yong didn’t think he’d ever seen before. “I’m sure you will much more enjoy my compan-EE,” Chandu yelped as his chair collapsed beneath him and he fell backward. 

“What is the meaning of this?” Chandu yelled once he recovered from the shock. His face was red in embarrassment as other dignitaries glanced over at the sound. A pair of harried servants rushed over to help the Duke up. As they heaped on their apologies and promises of another chair, Yong saw a flash of bronze disappear from the pieces and dash over to Hugo’s chair. The inventor looked rather self-satisfied and winked when he saw Yong looking. As the chair was swept away, Hugo and Varian quickly slid over to fill the gap while Chandu steamed at the servants about “disrespect”. 

Yong tried not to laugh or give them away. It wasn’t too hard to do as he was led further and further away from his friends. It never really occurred to him that he was the only child amongst them now. Especially now that Nuru was freshly eighteen. It never occurred to him that it might matter either. 

He tried to tell himself it didn’t. 

Finally, Nigel pulled out a chair for Yong and looked down his nose while gesturing for him to sit. Yong looked around nervously but was relieved to see he was still seated next to one grown-up, a balding, dour-looking man with thin wire frame glasses and a bushy mustache. 

“Of all the indignancies!” He muttered as he stabbed a fork into his food. “I’m the bloody Earl of Weselton! Not some childminder or serf! One small political faux paus and this is the treatment I get?” His equally bushy brows raised and lowered with his outrage and scandalization. “Absurd. Absolutely absurd. I deserve to be amongst peers!” 

There was that word again, and it struck a chord in Yong. His words slipped before he could think better of it.

“Tell me about it.” He muttered, barely audible yet somehow the mustachioed Earl heard him. 

“I beg your pardon, my boy?” The outrage immediately subsided to surprise at being replied to. Yong blushed furiously at being heard, but still, he couldn’t stop himself from speaking. 

“I wanted to sit with my friends.” Yong gestured to where his friends talked amongst themselves, laughing at a joke he couldn’t be a part of.  The Earl of Weselton followed his gaze and laughed lightly. 

“My boy, isn’t it better that you make friends your age?” He dismissed. That phrase again. Suddenly Yong felt very silly and a little bit angry.

“I’m- I’m an ambassador.” Yong defended. “And I work with the Royal Engineer of Corona.” The Earl looked him up and down doubtfully. 

“Your father might be an ambassador.” He patronized. “And I’m sure Corona’s Royal Engineer could use a little break from his apprentice. All adults need time to be with other adults.” He said this last line with a touch of bitterness as if another adult didn’t sit to his left. 

Yong wanted to sink into the floor and disappear. 

“I… I-” 

“He is an ambassador.” A soft, stern voice interrupted. The Earl of Weselton and Yong turned to look across the table simultaneously. A young teen girl sat opposite the Earl, glaring at him. Yong recognized her instantly, and his eyes went wide.

“Princess Ming!” He gasped. Dressed in elegant silks, the fourth and youngest princess of Bayangor turned to Yong with an apologetic smile. Then she turned back to the Earl with cold eyes. 

“You are speaking to the Royal Ambassador of Science between Bayangor and Corona, and a brilliant inventor,” the princess said. 

“I- I had no idea, Your Highness,” the Earl sputtered nervously. 

“Is it your belief that I deserved to be sequestered here away from the other royalty due to my age, Earl of Weselton?” She said his title like she was confirming it to memory and the Earl paled. 

“Of course not, Your Highness, it’s an honor to be seated with one such as yourself,” He flustered. Ming nodded regally, graciously forgiving the slight. 

“I’m sure it is.” Then she turned to Yong, “At the very least I am honored to be seated across from Bayangor’s rising prodigy.” Yong blushed as the praise eased his bruising ego. 

“The honor is mine,” Yong said. Then the princess turned to her meal and continued eating without another word. Yong and the Earl smartly followed suit and they ate in slightly less tense silence. 

The rest of the feast wasn’t so bad after that. Course after course came out until dishes were cleared and Rapunzel once more stood from her chair. The crowd watched as the King of Bayangor was called up to light the first Candle of Candlenights. 

Yong listened to the story of Candlenights he’d heard several times now- The original Seven Kings had been trapped in a blizzard on their way to peace talks. They kept their last candle going for seven days and nights as the storm raged outside. The rulers entered that cave as enemies, and left as friends, ending several generations-long wars. 

This first Candle would stay lit throughout the night. Then the next day another ruler would light another. And another and another until Corona would light the final wick and mark the end of the festivities. 

As Yong tucked himself into bed that night, he smiled remembering Ming’s words. Someone in the palace had read his letters! Someone from Bayangor, a princess , saw him and appreciated him! He felt better than he had since writing that letter to his parents and as he fell asleep he thought,

Perhaps Candlenights wouldn’t be so bad after all. 

~*~

The following day, Yong went down to the royal lab where Varian claimed to have a surprise for him. When he arrived he saw that the lab they’d spent the last week cleaning was decorated with Varian’s neon-colored light potions wrapped in ribbons of red and green along the rafters. Several empty tables were set up where visiting royal scientists and engineers could prepare their inventions and creations for the Council of Science’s Convention.  

Unlike the annual Exposition of Sciences, the Convention was held exclusively for alchemists and engineers who were already members of the Council or were employed by royalty. Rather than being a competition, the convention served as an international showcase of what each kingdom contributed to the alliance’s future. 

Rather than working on their project for the convention, which Yong knew was mostly completed, Varian was in the corner of the lab in a small kitchenette they used for experiments. As Yong approached, he noticed the counter was covered in ingredients. Varian turned around from where he was setting out measuring cups and grinned at Yong.

“Good morning!” He called cheerily, “As you can see I’ve prepared a special test of your alchemical abilities to see how you’ve progressed in the months we’ve worked together. In the spirit of Candlenights…” He drew out the words dramatically as he pulled out a plate from behind him. On it was a small pile of oddly shaped cookies that smelled heavenly. “Today you will be reverse engineering my special recipe for gingerbread!”

Yong smiled and took a closer look at the cookies. It was rare for Varian to give Yong a baking test, but not unheard of. Baking was just chemistry you could eat. It relied on complex thermodynamic reactions and chemical compounds with ingredients that were much easier to get a hold of compared to some of Varian's more expensive supplies, which meant there was much more room for error. 

Yong had considered himself fairly well versed in chemistry before meeting Varian, through his own studies and from watching his brother Ru, but with these lessons, he learned about the most crucial component in both baking and alchemy: timing. As Yong picked up a cookie to study it, Varian continued.

“Gingerbread is a special kind of cookie made for Candlenights. People use its sturdy structure to make model buildings and castles. The royal chef will be making a model of the castle to be displayed on the final night of Candlenights.” Varian picked up two of the cookies shaped like a gear and stuck them on a small board of pegs. He spun the cookies demonstratively. “Rapunzel has asked if we would be able to engineer a portion of the model to move. I’ll need your help with it, but first, that means familiarizing yourself with our building components.” Then he gestured back to the table. “Everything you’ll need is here. I’ll help with the tricky bits so start whenever you're ready.” 

Yong nodded and looked back to the cookie in hand. He took a bite, the cookie breaking in his mouth with a satisfying snap. Then he chewed thoughtfully.

“Crumbly but also moist,” he whispered to himself and took another bite.“And mostly ginger but- Hm…” He scanned the table where he could see a series of other spices he could use. “If I start with flour,” he continued to mutter.  “And maybe a hint of baking soda. Then some butter could keep the gluten structures in the flour from overhydrating… Now something slightly acidic… Like brown sugar! That would mix well with the alkaline baking soda to form carbon bubbles in the oven. Then molasses would give the whole mixture that sweetness… as well as the structure and moisture!”

Yong pulled ingredients from the pile into a new workspace as Varian nodded approvingly and together they began. Here and there Varian would advise on something. He added the nutmeg Yong hadn’t recognized- really that was less about alchemy and more about good taste. Finally, after sifting and mixing and kneading and rolling, Varian stopped them for a moment. 

“Good work!” He praised, “You only missed a couple of things and changed one ingredient with a decent substitution.” Varian wrapped the dough they’d made up in cloth. “Now we need to take this to the cold pantry to chill for about half an hour. Then we can pick up some candy canes from the kitchen. I think we could use them as dowels for the gears.” 

Yong nodded dutifully as he took the dough, and Varian turned to their notes on the gingerbread mechanism, making a mark here and there. As the apprentice alchemist turned to leave the lab he nearly ran into the grey work jacket blocking his way. Yong looked up to see Donella, gazing cooly down at him. Before he could recover she easily sidestepped him into the room. 

“Yong.” She greeted, more polite than he’d expected from her dismissive glance. “Varian. Just the alchemist I was looking for.” Varian looked up in surprise. 

“Donella,” Varain replied, civil but guarded. Despite having encouraged his mother and boyfriend to make their peace with Donella, Varian was very slow to trust the former crime lord and Royal Engineer of Ingvarr. Donella accepted this distance easily, in fact, she welcomed it. 

“I have something I wish to discuss with you. Privately” She clipped. It was rare they ever talked without Hugo or Ulla present. Yong tried to get a read on the situation but the elder engineer was unreadable as always. Yong tried to make eye contact with Varian, silently questioning if he should stay, but he only nodded at Yong to go ahead.

“Sure,” he replied neutrally, “What’s up?”

Yong walked out the door and immediately battled the urge to eavesdrop.

He turned back towards the heavy wooden door, rocking hesitantly on his toes. He pressed his ear to the door for a second before stepping back and shaking his head.

“She’ll know,” he muttered. “She’ll catch me somehow. Like that time with the butterfly net.” He shuddered at the recollection. 

He took a step away.

“... Maybe if I’m really fast.”

Yong slid back to the door and pressed an eye to the keyhole. He caught sight of Varian and Donella talking but before he could make out anything they were saying, Donella’s head snapped to attention and her green eyes seemed to stare straight at Yong.

He jumped back in shock, sweat clinging to his brow.

“Varian will tell me later,” He squeaked to himself before scampering away to the main castle.  

~*~

Yong dashed by the kitchen to put the dough away and collected a bowl of candy canes.

Then, with plenty of time to spare, he decided to wander around a bit. The castle was still abuzz with activity. The visiting royal families and dignitaries were all rooming in the guest wing of the palace and, with their free day, were spending time mingling among themselves in the many parlors and sitting rooms of the castle. 

As Yong passed one of these rooms, he stopped as he caught a glimpse of a familiar head of black curls and a brown bob. Nuru and Rapunzel were with their families. King Frederick and Queen Ariana sat around a tea set and chatted with Queen Ahdra while Rapunzel, Zuri, Asha, and Nuru all stood together. In the corner, Amali and Niara played with their toys, paying the adults no mind. 

Nuru caught Yong's eye and smiled, gesturing him in. Rapunzel also turned and gave him a dazzling sunshine grin. Yong happily joined the four young women.

“Oh Yong, I’m so glad to see you!” Rapunzel said giving him a big tight bear hug, then she put him down with remorse in her eye, “I’m so sorry about the feast last night. I had no idea they set up the seating chart like that! I promise I’ll fix it.” Yong still flushed with embarrassment from that night, but the princess looked so genuine in her apology.

“Okay.” He answered meekly, then turned to Zuri and Asha, “It's nice to see you again, Your Highnesses.” They smiled kindly back at him. 

“It’s nice to see you too, Yong,” Zuri responded. 

“How have you been?” Asha asked.

The five of them traded small talk for a bit. The princesses occasionally referenced some political thing or commiserated over royal duty from time to time, but for the most part, Yong enjoyed the conversation. 

“Yong is really brilliant with fireworks!” Nuru raved, having turned the conversation back to him. “I remember one time he made one that perfectly mimicked Ursa Minor!” That had been Yong’s present for Nuru’s eighteenth birthday, and it warmed him that she liked it so much. 

“That’s impressive! Have you been working on anything new, Yong?” Zuri asked. Yong lit up with excitement 

“Yes! Varian and I have something really special planned for the convention, but I’ve also been working on a project of my own. It’s gonna help me launch more fireworks than ever before! If I can finish the final touches by the end of Candlenights, then maybe I can demonstrate for you.” Yong said. Before any of the princesses could respond a booming voice interrupted them.

“My goodness! ” King Frederick exclaimed. Yong’s excitement had brought the king’s attention to his daughter and her friends, where he noticed the large bowl of candy canes tucked under Yong’s arm. “That’s quite a bit of candy for one young boy.” Yong was too stunned to respond. Queen Ahdra looked over at Yong’s bowl too and chuckled. 

“Children do tend to have eyes bigger than their stomachs,” The Queen teased. 

“I know I certainly did at that age,” Frederick laughed. Yong blushed furiously. 

“I-it’s not for me.” he stammered. “Varian and I are using them for an experiment.”

“Oh?” Queen Arianna asked curiously, “What kind of experiment?” 

“We’re… baking cookies.” Yong's blush deepened as he realized how childish it sounded. 

“You’re working on the project I asked for? That’s wonderful!” Rapunzel exclaimed. Yong nodded quickly, hoping that would bring legitimacy to his work, but Queen Ahdra hadn’t heard. A nostalgic look fell over her face.

“I remember baking with my girls when they were little. Their father used to give them all sorts of little projects for Candlenights.” The queen looked over at her twin baby girls playing with their dolls. “Perhaps I should start back up the tradition for Amali and Niara.” 

“That sounds wonderful.” Ariana agreed. And the conversation continued as if Yong hadn’t spoken at all. 

Nuru and the princesses kept talking as if nothing was wrong, but Yong felt a twisting in his stomach. He must have been quiet for too long because soon he felt a nudge at his arm and turned to see Nuru looking down at him with quiet concern. Yong smiled up at her reassuringly, then adjusted the bowl of candy under his arm. 

“I better get back to the lab now. I’ll see you guys later.” He said to the princesses, who all wished him farewell. 

“If you guys need help with baking, I’d love to join you.” Nuru offered, the pinch in her brow not quite gone. Yong nodded again with his plastered smile and turned out the door. 

~*~

By the time Yong crept back into the lab with the candy and chilled dough, Donella was gone. Varian stood alone in the kitchenette. He’d cleaned up the counters and now stared into the distance with a serious look on his face that Yong didn’t like at all.

“Hey.” Yong greeted as he got closer. Varian startled and looked up.

“Heyyy buddy!” He replied, a bit too cheerily. The smile on his face was a bit strained, but as usual, Yong pretended not to notice.

“What did Donella want?” Yong asked as he set the dough and candy down on the counter. Varian pulled out a roller and some cookie cutters shaped like people, circles, and gears. 

“Oh! Just- uh- just boring politics. The Queen of Ingvarr has agreed to delegate some funding from Donella’s weapons program to her new infrastructure project!” Varian said, his face losing some of its tension to genuine excitement. 

“That’s awesome!” Yong said. It was great to see Donella actually change for the better. Yong hadn’t really been sure she could, but maybe she wasn’t a lost cause after all. But something still didn’t sit right. “Is that all she said?”

“Yep,” Varian replied a touch too quickly. “You know how it is with cagey ex-villains.” He chuckled. 

Yong did indeed know- Varian was showing him right now. But before he could press, Varian reached for Yong's shoulders and turned him to face the counter, where now he could see two mugs piled high with whipped cream and sprinkles. 

“Hey look!” Varian diverted. “I made us some hot chocolate!” Before Yong could say another word, Varian had pressed a mug into his hands and popped a candy cane into the swirl of cream. “You can use these to stir! Isn’t that neat?” 

“Uh… yeah!” Yong reluctantly agreed and stirred his drink. He took a sip and kept watching Varian. It wasn’t like him to keep important things from Yong. 

But then again- that last big secret he had kept to himself was his criminal past. Maybe this was like that and Yong shouldn’t pry. His friend would tell him in good time. The two sipped their hot chocolate together in companionable silence. It tasted amazing- especially with the slight minty flavor of the candy cane melted in. Soon Yong was tipping his mug all the way back to finish it. When he set it down again Varian's eyes widened and he laughed. 

“Looking sharp there, Saint Nick,” He said. Yong was just about to ask what he meant when Varian grabbed a cloth from the counter and wiped off a bit of the whipped cream mustache Yong had created. Yong laughed too when he realized and stood still to let Varian wipe the rest off. 

As he did, Yong suddenly remembered his mother doing the same, having to clean him up since he was such a messy child . Yong heard the Earl’s words in his head.

‘I’m sure Corona’s Royal Engineer could use a little break from his apprentice. All adults need time to be with other adults.’ 

Was that why he wouldn’t tell Yong about Donella? 

Suddenly that horrible twisting in Yong’s stomach was back. He quickly took the towel from Varian and wiped his own face as the older alchemist laughed again in amusement and mild confusion.

“Okay, so what next?” Yong asked and Varian happily showed him the next steps to preparing the cookies. 

Another half hour later, the cookies had baked and cooled and Varian revealed to Yong another surprise: several jars of brightly dyed frosting.

“Now we test out adhesives and color brightness. Gotta make sure everyone will be able to see the greatest Gingerbread Corona of all time!” He grinned proudly. His enthusiasm was infectious and Yong nearly forgot all about Donella and the Earl. 

Then the door barged open and a horribly familiar nasal voice filled the air.

“And this is where you’ll be able to set up your workstations in preparation for the Convention,” Nigel said. Varian and Yong turned to see a small group of people stream into the lab. Varian grinned as he recognized members of the Council of Sciences. 

“Welcome to my lab!” Varian stepped forward and gestured grandly at the cavernous space he’d set up for himself beneath the castle. “It’s great to see you all! I wasn’t expecting anyone to arrive for at least another day.” One of the scientists, an older, curly-haired Nesdernian woman, came forward to shake Varian’s hand. Yong recognized her as Dr. Keahi Tanaka. 

“It’s good to see you as well, Sir Varian.” Dr. Tanaka smiled, “We decided to beat the crowd and get some time before the convention to enjoy Candlenights.” She then turned to Yong and reached out her hand. “Hello, Yong! It’s nice to see you again too.” 

“You too Dr. Tanaka,” Yong responded gratefully. Most members of the Council tended to ignore apprentices. Especially- 

“I hope you actually have something interesting to present this year, Royal Engineer of Corona.” Dr. Saint Croix said as he too entered the room. Varian, Yong, and Dr. Tanaka’s smiles all tensed. 

“Alcott,” Varian replied breezily, knowing the older man hated it. Sure enough, his monocled eye twitched as he gritted his teeth. “I can assure you that everyone will be very impressed with what Corona has to offer this year, but you’ll have to wait until the Convention for a proper demonstration.” 

“Yes, well” Alcott gritted, “We can only hope when you’ve seemed to turn half of your lab into a bakery.” 

“A simple project requested by the princess. You’ll see the results of my and Yong’s work on the final day of Candlenights.” 

“I certainly hope that isn’t all you are teaching your apprentice.” He sniffed. Yong prickled in irritation that anyone would imply Varian wasn’t a great mentor. 

“It’s not.” Yong interrupted fiercely. “He’s taught me so much.” Yong turned to the work tables where his recent project sat under a tarp and moved towards it. He hadn’t planned to show anyone but Varian yet, but he couldn’t stand there and not look like a good apprentice. “In fact, Cause of everything he’s taught me, I’ve been working on som-”

“So many different things!” Varian cut in. His hand grabbed the tarp and held it down, stopping Yong from pulling it away. Yong looked up at his friend in confusion. He was completely composed except in all the ways that Yong knew better. Varian was nervous. He didn’t look at Yong but at the other scientists. “He’s helped me with everything! If it wasn’t for him I’d be swamped in work. Probably one of the most brilliant kids I’ve ever met!” 

Despite the praise, Yong felt more and more uneasy. Varian wrapped an arm around Yong and led him back over the the kitchenette.

“I’m sure you all will need room to set up your workstations, so we’ll clean up here.” Varian grabbed the plate of cookies and handed it to Yong. “We can finish this up tomorrow. Can you check up on Hugo for me? He’s been down in The Library all day and probably forgot to eat.” Yong accepted the tray slowly, watching Varian with a questioning look. 

But Varian didn’t answer the question, so Yong nodded and hated the relief on Varian’s face.

“Alright. I'll see you later okay?” Varian asked.

“Yeah. Later.” Yong replied

Then he turned and left without another word. 

~*~

Varian’s lab was in the same tunnel system as the Library’s entrance, but far closer to the surface. Deeper down, hidden by the twists and turns of Herz Der Sonnes tunnels, lay the entrance of The Eternal Library. 

After stopping Demanitus’s comet, Eugene and a select few members of the royal guard cleared a way down to the library, building bridges over chasms and stabilizing the tunnel walls under Varian and Hugo’s directions. Now the way down was still secret, but safe enough to traverse alone. 

Yong stepped through the bronze portal into another world, knowing he would never get used to the awe-inspiring feeling. 

The four friends had made few additions to the library since discovering it, one being a lantern trail that led from the entrance directly to Ulla’s former home and the Heart of The Library. According to Ulla, the world of The Eternal Library had no fauna or hostile flora, but Yong still felt a bit unsettled by the towering treelike bookshelves and the deep shadows they made. He quickly made his way to the Heart of the Library and found Hugo. 

Hugo was standing before one of the magic lecterns that surrounded the Pool of Knowledge. His eyes were closed with focus and a gentle glow could be seen just beneath his lashes. As a new book filled before him, a root came from the ground next to Hugo and snatched it up, then carefully sat it on the large stack of books behind Hugo. 

This was how they were exploring The Library. The place itself was too massive to travel physically for long. It was too easy to get lost once one lost sight of the amber orb that floated above the portal. Instead, Hugo and Varian took turns doing what they called “reading sessions”. 

The water that flowed through the Library was magical. According to Varian, that water was how his mother had unlocked the Library’s secrets, so one of the Librarians would drink the water, and ask The Library to bring them books on different topics. They had to start simple, asking for specific things like how to treat a common cold, or how to build a house. Apparently, it was very easy to get overwhelmed by all there was to learn, but over months, the men had slowly gotten the hang of it. 

Yong climbed down into the valley and ran to join his friend.

“That doesn’t sound like Freckles,” Hugo said around a mouth of gingerbread after Yong had explained all of Varian’s weirdness. 

“I know right?” Yong exclaimed, “And then he just sent me away!” In the time it took to come down to The Library, Yong had mulled over the encounter again and again. “He didn’t want me to be around all the other council members… is he… is he embarrassed of me?” 

Hugo nearly choked on the cookie in his mouth, looking at Yong in shock. 

“Where in the seven kingdoms did you get that idea?” He balked. “Goggles has never done anything short of brag about you, Sparkles. All the time. It’s actually kinda annoying sometimes how proud of you he is.” 

“Then what was all that?” Yong asked, pleading for an answer. Hugo softened. 

“I’m sure he-” 

“How’s the book search going, four-eyes?” A loud voice boomed. Yong and Hugo jumped in unison and turned to see Eugene walking down the trail to the valley. The two alchemists shared a surprised look. The captain of the royal guard rarely came down here. But there he was, striding along down like he came here every day. “There you are. Just the annoyance I was looking for.” He said to Hugo. 

“What, run out of mirrors to look at?” Hugo quipped back. 

“Don’t even joke about that,” Eugene shuddered, then reached for Yong's head to ruffle his hair, “Hey there, kiddo. Doing okay?” After the day he’d had, Yong bristled at the nickname, but from Flynn Rider, it didn’t sting too much. 

“I’m good.” He answered simply.

“Great to hear. Say, Glasses,” He turned back to Hugo, “Think you can help my guys with a thief-catching exercise?” Yong expected another insulting comeback- maybe about Eugene needing the help because he himself was so out of practice- but Hugo just looked at him confused. 

“Didn’t I help with that yesterday?”

“And I need help with it again today.” Eugene smiled easily. 

“Riiiight.” Hugo replied. He turned to share a raised-brow look with Yong. “Sure then, since you’re clearly in need of a real thief. Yong, think you can finish sorting these for me? I can take them to the Royal Library tomorrow.” 

Hesitantly, Yong nodded. As Eugene and Hugo said goodbye and headed out of The Eternal Library.

As Yong watched them leave, the worst sort of deja vu sunk into his stomach like a rock. 

~*~

Yong decided to go ahead and bring the books to the Royal Library himself. By the time he was done, night had long fallen over the castle. Most people were already asleep, preparing for another day of fun. Yong was sure that in the throne room, the second light of Candlenights was already flickering with life. 

Yong walked along through the darkened castle, nodding sleepily to the guards he passed by. As he walked past the entrance to the guest wing of the palace, a soft voice called out. 

“Hello again,” Yong turned to see Princess Ming, standing in the hallway in a petal pink nightgown. 

“Your Highness? What are you doing up?” Ming smiled shyly, much different than her regal composure at the feast. 

“I went to the royal kitchens for something to help me sleep.” She ran a hand through her long black hair, “I was actually hoping I’d run into you again, Yong.” 

“You were?” 

“Yes! You’re a surprisingly hard man to find.” Ming teased. Then her brows pinched. “I was hoping to apologize for last night.” 

“Why?” Yong asked, completely baffled

“It was my father who requested that children be seated separately,” Ming admitted. 

“But why would he do that?” 

“Well…” Ming bit her lip, “My father doesn’t much like children. He only became close to my siblings once they came of age and could be of use to him.” That made Yong realize something

“You were the only one sitting away from them?” He asked. Ming smiled sadly.

“Me and my baby brother.” She allowed. 

“That’s horrible.” Yong slipped before he could stop himself. It wasn’t smart to speak against the King of Bayangor. But Ming didn’t seem to mind. 

“My father is a good man. I know he loves me. But sometimes it’s the people who love us the most who hurt us.” She said, meeting Yong’s gaze knowingly. 

Yong looked at the floor. 

“I- I should head to bed.” He said. “Goodnight, Your Highness.” It wasn’t entirely appropriate to dismiss himself, but once again Ming didn’t seem to mind. 

“Goodnight.” She said. Yong turned to leave when the princess’s voice stopped him again. “And Yong?” 

“Yes, Your Majesty?” He asked as he turned to her again. Her dark eyes glittered in the shadows. 

“One day we’ll both prove them wrong,” she smiled

Then Princess Ming turned down the hall and disappeared around a corner. 

Yong returned to his room soon after and tucked himself into bed. He thought about reading the letters in the bottom drawer of his dresser. He thought about writing one. But instead, he closed his eyes and simply thought. And once again, it was Ming’s voice that echoed in his head as he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

No matter where Yong looked, he was surrounded by shadow and polished obsidian. His breaths left him with puffs of steam as he shivered. He was alone. Then from the darkness came a voice. 

“Why can’t you make friends your own age? You’re a child, Yong. We don't have time for you. ” The voice echoed, bouncing off the obsidian walls and making them tremble. It sounded like Nigel and Varian speaking at the same time. 

“There’s really no reason for you to be here. You’re too young to be decent company. ” A voice that sounded like Nuru and Chandu whispered.

“Hope you had fun playing apprentice, Kiddo, but now it’s time to leave the adults alone and go back home to your family.” This time it was Hugo and the Earl’s voices. 

Yong backed away from the shadowed silhouettes. “I-I’ve been here before…” He stammered, trying to remember. “This-this isn't r-real. It’s not. I-it’s-” There was a swoosh sound and Yong spun around. There was a Candlenights tree before him, surrounded by more silhouettes, ones he recognized with a sinking dread.

“Oh, and you think we want him?” Ru’s voice hissed.

“We’d just managed to get rid of him!” Yue's whined.

Yong wanted to back away, but he felt frozen in place as the shadow of his mother and father knelt before him, holding him at eye level. 

“Fire can’t be changed. It only stops burning when you cut it off.” His Baba’s voice hummed. 

“Why would you be any different?” Mama sighed. Then they stood and walked away. 

“Wait!” Yong called out. “Wait I’ve changed! I promise I’ve changed!” He ran after them but could get no closer. Then the Candlenights tree burst into flames, sending the whole room up in sparks. 

Yong gasped. “I didn’t do that.” He looked around but he was alone. They’d all left. “Wait! I didn’t do this. I’m better now I promise-”

~*~

“Wait!” Yong called into his empty bedroom. 

It was still dark outside. Late moonlight spilled into Yong's room from the window. The gentle patterning of snowfall was the only company for his quiet, heavy breathing. After a moment to remember where he was and what was happening, he sighed.

“Another trials dream.” He muttered, “Been a while.” He peered over the side of the bed. “No lava.” He reached over and lit the candle by his bedside. He moved the candle around so the light reached every corner of his room. “No moving shadows.” Then he leaned far out from his bed and looked out the window. Corona was an untouched blanket of white. The ice-coated trees sparkled just like the stars in the sky, which were all appropriate sizes for stars. “No giant space rocks.” Yong took a deep breath and stretched his arms as high as they could go. “Alright.”

With that finality, Yong jumped out of bed and over to his closet to get an early start on the day. 

Dawn hadn’t even broken when Yong finally descended the stairs into the main part of the castle, but a few employees were already up and about. The kitchen had to get an early start every day to prepare the amount of food needed- especially with the Star Fall Festival tonight. Yong decided this time he wasn’t in the mood to bother them. 

Instead, the young ambassador made his way straight for the post boxes. He hadn’t had a moment to check the post yesterday. Yong checked the mail daily between his letters, waiting for a message from the palace. He trotted up to the Royal Post Master, who had just arrived at her office. She looked back at him with sleepy eyes and a droopy smile. 

“Master Yong, you’re up early. Missed you yesterday.” She said. 

“Busy day yesterday! And today too.” Yong excused. 

“Tell me about it.” She rolled her eyes. “No rest for us working folk on Candlenights.” She sighed. “But isn’t the King of Bayangor here? Why would you get a letter from him now?” 

“I don’t want to disturb his Majesty on his holiday.” He replied. At first, he’d wanted to, but Varian advised him to wait. And after talking to Ming, Yong was glad his mentor had stopped him. “But his advisors at the palace are running the kingdom while he’s gone. Maybe they sent something?” He asked hopefully. 

“Alright, I’ll check,” The postmaster relented. She turned to the boxes where various staff received their mail and paused when she opened his. “Huh, would you look at that?” She pulled out a thick envelope. 

Yong’s eyes widened and he grinned. “It is from the Palace of Bayangor?” he asked excitedly. The Postmaster gave an indulgent smile as she turned the envelope over, but it quickly faded.

“Sorry, buddy. Looks like it's just from someone named Lou-”

“Lou?!” Yong yelped and lunged forward towards the letter. The postmaster chuckled at his excitement as she handed the letter to him. 

“I take it that’s good, then?”

“Thank you!” Yong cheered and bounded out the door. The Postmaster shook her head fondly after him. 

“Wish I had that kind of energy before sunrise.” She sighed and returned to work. 

Yong practically skipped down the hallways with his letter from Lou, wasting no time in opening it to see what his old friend had said. 

“Dear Yong,” He read aloud. “Happy Candlenights! I loved reading your last letter about your newest invention. It sounds so cool…!”

We don't really celebrate Candlenights in Amilan- it’s more a Coronan holiday than a Saporian one. But according to my mom, a lot of the traditions are similar to traditional Saporian winter holidays! I wonder why that is? I hope you’re having an awesome time!

I’ve been talking to my mom and she said maybe we can go along the west coast on our merchant route next year and stop by Corona! I hope I’ll get to see all your cool inventions in person! I bet your stuff is gonna change the world!

I’ve missed you, my friend. Inside I have some drawings I’ve done of all the places I went to this year! They aren’t amazing, but since you’ve shared all the cool things you’re doing, I wanted to do the same. 

See you soon!

Lou

Yong pulled the other stack of paper out of the envelope and opened them to reveal a beautiful drawing of the Nesdernian coast. The blue-streaked ocean swirled and the palm trees waved so freely that Yong swore he could smell the salt air right there!

Yong was so enthralled by Lou’s pictures that he didn’t even realize where his feet had taken him until he heard a familiar voice. 

“We have to tell him!” Varian cried out. Yong froze and shot his head up. He’d walked up an extra flight of stairs without realizing it. This was where the royal family’s offices were- including the Captain of the Guard’s, where through the cracked door Yong could hear several people shushing. 

“Do you want to wake the whole castle?” Donella scolded. The door then shut closed, but Yong was already creeping closer to hear. 

“Well, how are we supposed to react to this kind of thing, Donnie?” Hugo griped back. He was the very opposite of a morning person, and Yong was shocked to even hear his voice.

“This is a delicate matter,” King Frederick said. Yong’s eyes widened. Just who all were in this room? He carefully tip-toed over and ducked his head to the keyhole.  “We need to keep this information to the people in this room until we know more.” 

Yong's jaw dropped. Inside Eugene’s office were the King, Eugene, Rapunzel, Donella, Varian, Hugo, and Nuru. They gathered around the desk so tightly that Yong couldn’t see what they were looking at.

“I know you want to tell Yong, Varian.” Rapunzel soothed as Yong suppressed a gasp. “But you know why we can’t.” Yong could see Varian’s hackles rise before they drooped in defeat.

“You’re right,” He sighed. Yong’s heart sank. 

“But we can tell him eventually, right?” Nuru asked. Sounding like she would do so with or without permission. 

“As soon as the danger has passed, you and the genius club can plot revenge to your heart’s content,” Eugene replied, also clearly not pleased by the early hour. In the hall, Yong could only silently mouth the word. 

Danger?

Hugo snorted. “Right, 'cause I’m sure Yong is gonna be thrilled with us after being left in the dark.”

The group all stood in perfect silence with that. Yong held his breath. 

“And you’re sure this tip is solid?” Eugene asked. 

Donella snorted derisively. “I don’t exactly take such things lightly.” She said. 

“Then what's our pla-?” 

Suddenly Donella raised a hand, sharply cutting the Captain off. The group silenced and Donella looked sharply at the door. 

Yong shot away from the keyhole and looked around. The door to the next room over was open just a crack. He ran inside and quietly shut the door just as he heard Donella burst into the hallway. Yong held his breath and counted the seconds until eventually he heard the soft click of Eugene’s office closing once again. 

Yong let out a silent sigh of relief and waited a minute more. He could still hear voices through the wall, but they were only the quietest murmurs now. 

It didn’t matter. He’d heard enough. 

Yong snuck back to his room, confused and more than a little angry. 

“Danger?” He asked the empty room, bewildered. “They think I can’t handle a little danger?” Yong sighed and slumped into his desk chair. “If Corona is in trouble… I have to do something. I just…” Ming’s words came to him again. “I’ll just have to prove them wrong.”

~*~

When morning properly arrived, Yong dragged himself back out of his room and ran down to Varian’s lab, ready for another day of work. Maybe if he asked the right questions, Varian would let something slip. Yong had just hopped off the main stairwell to the castle’s ground floor when an arm suddenly caught him around the shoulders. 

“Woah there, Firecracker. Where do you think you’re going?” Hugo said. Yong craned his head back, suddenly worried that Donella had seen or heard him before, but Hugo’s grin was wide and the glint in his eye was mischievous, not accusing.

“Just- uh- just heading down to the lab!” Yong cheerily replied. 

“Not today, my friend.” Hugo produced Yong’s coat from behind him. Then he steered them through the foyer and out the doors of the castle. Yong was still nervous, but as they stepped outside he gasped. 

The night’s storm had turned Corona into a massive, shimmering jewel. The rising sun glittered off the snow-covered rooftops of the city. The Royals Gardens were now a fluffy white blanket dotted only by the brightest winter roses. The fish pond in the center had turned into a perfect circle of glass. Yong looked every which way, taking in every glittery detail while Hugo led him over to a bench and swept the snow aside to sit Yong down there.

“Alright, put that on.” Hugo gestured at the coat. While Yong complied, still looking every which way, Hugo walked over to the fish pond and kneeled beside it. He looked closely at the ice covering its surface, pushing down on it. Then he pulled at his scarf to let Olivia out from her cozy nest beneath his chin. “Think you can check it?” He asked. Olivia wasted no time turning her tail into a little drill and creating a hole in the ice. She looked down into the hole, then squeaked an affirmative. “Perfect.” Hugo grinned. The inventor tucked his creation back into his scarf and turned to Yong, who was watching him with curiosity. 

“What are you doing?” He asked. 

“Just double checking for favorable conditions, Short Stuff.” He replied breezily and swaggered over to the bench. “Corona’s not much for winter fun. Something about ‘generational trauma’” He curled his fingers into quotes as Yong stifled a giggle at his dramatic expression. “But back in Ingvarr, there was one good thing about winter…” Then Hugo pulled a pair of bladed shoes from behind his back. “Ice skating!”

Yong looked at the shoes in confusion. “What’s that? He asked. Hugo’s grin somehow widened.

“I’ll show you.” He said. 

Minutes later, Hugo had the pair of bladed shoes, skates he called them, fastened to his feet, and was sitting with one shoe propped up on his knee. Yong looked down at them curiously as Hugo pointed to the different parts. 

“I made these myself.” He declared proudly “Balancing on the ice with these blades creates enough traction to stabilize while limiting friction for maximum potential velocity. These picks at the front let you grab onto the ice for different maneuvers. But I’ll just teach you the basics today.” Yong had been nodding along to Hugo’s explanation, absolutely fascinated, but then stopped short.

“Teach me?” he repeated. “But I don’t have-” Hugo smirked and Yong’s eyes went wide as he produced a small parcel from his coat. 

“Happy Candlenights, Firecracker.” He handed Yong the parcel and ruffled his hair. “Normally you’re supposed to wait until day seven for gifts, but since when do we play by the rules?” 

Yong opened the gift to reveal a bright red set of skates. They fit perfectly and Hugo helped steady Yong as they moved towards the ice. As soon as they stepped on it, Yong's foot slipped, but Hugo was there to catch him.

“Alright, just hold on to me. Keep your feet apart.” Hugo instructed. “Good. You’ll wanna point your feet out- yeah just like that. Hold it…” Then slowly he let Yong go. 

Yong wobbled for a moment, but then he widened his stance a bit more and stabilized.

“Huh.” He said to himself. “That’s not too bad.” 

“Nice work, kid.” Hugo cheered. Then he pushed off on one foot and angled the skate to circle around in front of Yong. “Now you just need to make a ‘V’ with your feet and push off one skate at a time. Be sure to shift your weight over the other.” 

Yong nodded and tried to shift his weight. The first push was light, the second was too,  but then something clicked in his brain. Yong rocked his center of gravity side to side, pushing off in time to the movement. He started to go faster.

“That’s it! You’re a natural, Yong!” Hugo cheered. Yong looked up to see Hugo’s proud grin. “Okay, turn by facing your shoulders in the direction you wanna go, your feet will follow!”

A few more laps around the pond and Yong was really starting to pick up speed. Once he got comfortable Hugo started showing him other ways to move and turn. He even showed him how to spin. Soon Yong was going even faster than Hugo. 

“Woah!” Hugo called as Yong sped past him again. “Slow down, Firecracker. I know you’re apparently some kind of ice prodigy, but Var will kill me if you crack your head open.” 

Normally, Yong would probably have listened without complaint, but Hugo’s doubt reminded Yong of that morning.

“You don’t think I can handle it?” He frowned. Hugo slid up next to him with a brow raised. 

“I just think you could probably practice a little more first. If this is how your first lesson goes you’ll probably be skating circles around me by winter's end. But-” Hugo paused when for the first time in their acquaintanceship, Yong ignored him and started going faster. Now both of Hugo’s brows raised as he moved to try and match the teen’s pace. 

Soon the two of them were practically racing around the fish pond. It was exhilarating and clearly Hugo felt the same as he let out a loud whoop . Yong turned to his friend with a triumphant grin. 

“See?” He yelled to be heard. “Told you I could do it!” Hugo was giving him an odd but smiling look. 

“I didn’t doubt you could, kid,” Then Hugo’s eyes caught something on the path ahead and he paled. “I just don’t think I’ve taught you how to stop at high speeds yet.” He said panicked.  

Yong turned to see and paled too. Their circuits had gotten wider without him noticing, and now the snowy bank of rose bushes stuck out right in their path. There was no time to turn. He was gonna crash!

Yong braced himself for impact when suddenly Hugo wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close. The older alchemist reached into his pocket and slammed a blue alchemy ball into the ground in front of them. Yong and Hugo tipped forward into the blast of bubbles and opened their eyes to the wobbly blue that surrounded them as they floated just above the snowbank. 

A second later, a skate popped the bubble and deposited them in the bramble-free snow below. Yong landed in Hugo’s lap with a hefty oomph . Hugo flopped back into the snow with a relieved sigh and Yong rolled off into the snow next to him. They panted away their adrenaline as Yong’s face grew redder and redder. Once he caught his breath and all was silent, Yong dared to turn and look at Hugo. 

“I- I’m sorry. I should have listened,” he said, waiting for the inevitable blow-up or lecture coming his way. Instead, Hugo chuckled weakly and sat up to dust away the snow. 

“It's fine, Firecracker. I’d be the pot calling the kettle aluminum if I was mad.  Don’t think I listened to anyone when I was your age.” Yong’s blush deepened with shame that for the moment overshadowed his indignancy. He sat up to stare at his shoes, the gift Hugo had given him. Was Yong being ungrateful? Then Hugo nudged him with an elbow and Yong looked up. “Still don’t, if we’re being honest,” He winked. Yong chuckled and accepted the hand reaching out to help him up. 

“So you just decide to do whatever Varian tells you to do. All on your own” Yong raised an eyebrow.

“Yep. You and I are mavericks, kid. Can’t be held down. Freckles would be heartbroken if he knew.” Hugo placed a hand on his chest and sighed dramatically before grinning down at Yong. “But you can keep a secret, right Detective?” Yong rolled his eyes 

“Riiight.” Yong laughed lightly. The tension was gone and a thought came to him. Maybe Hugo wouldn’t listen to the others. Not even Donella. “Hey… Hugo-”

Then a snowball came out of nowhere and beaned Hugo in the side of the head. 

“Sorry!” A voice cried from over the hill. “I swear that wasn’t on purpose!” Yong and Hugo turned to see a little red-headed face peaking over a snow bank. Catalina looked uncharacteristically mortified as her sister Kiera glared at her. 

“That’s going on our record, Cat!” She scolded. “We were doing so good!” 

“Not if they join us!” Catalina defended and turned to the boys, “You guys wanna join our snowball fight?”

Hugo and Yong shared a confused look. Then Hugo shrugged and turned to the girls. 

“Sure! If you guys wanna get beaten that badly.” 

“Ha! As if a Has-Been could beat the greatest thieves who ever lived!” Kiera mocked. Then the two girls ducked away behind their shelter.

“That sound like a challenge to you, Firecracker?” Hugo smirked at Yong as they took off their skates and ran for cover. Yong grinned back and started scooping up snow. 

The battle went on back and forth, with four of them at a stalemate. Yong and Hugo managed to put together a solid fort in the snow drift and started using their scarves as slings. Meanwhile, the Silent Strikers lived up to their name, darting in and out faster than the boys could hit them.

The stalemate only ended when Lance and Eugene entered the courtyard. Kiera and Catalina paused in their assault on Fort Cool Guys and turned in unison. 

“Dad!” They called to Lance, “Come join us!”

Lance made the face he always did when they called him dad. Like he was going to cry. It didn’t matter to him that half the time it was because they wanted something. 

“Sure thing, girls!” He boomed, “You want in on this Eugene?” He nudged his friend with an elbow. But the Captain of the Guard looked distracted.

“You go on ahead, big guy.” He patted Lance’s shoulder and started up the steps of the palace. “I got some uh- paperwork to do.” 

“Well don’t work yourself too hard buddy. It’s Candlenights!” He called in a singsong and he jogged over to the girl's side of the garden. Keira and Catalina shared a mischievous look as he approached.

“Kids versus Grown-ups!” Keira cried out. Then the two hopped over their little barricade and ran straight for Yong. They snatched him up and bolted to a new defense position.

“You’re with the Has-Been, Dad!” Catalina called back to Lance. Hugo tugged Lance behind The Fort and the war started all over again. 

Lance was a pretty good shot, keeping the three on their toes, but Yong couldn’t help following Eugene with his eyes as he disappeared into the castle. The captain and former thief looked stressed- like he was severely regretting every decision that brought him to this moment. Yong pursed his lips and looked up at the castle. Somewhere in there were the answers he needed to help. As he ducked another snowball, he looked over at Keira. 

“So,” Yong asked as he peeked over the snow to aim, “Hypothetically. If someone wanted to break into the captain of the guard's office, how do you think they’d do it?” Keira looked up at him suspiciously, then ducked another snowball from Hugo and immediately retaliated. 

“Depends.” She replies vaguely, “They’d have to do it after Candlenights was over.” Yong paused mid-throw.

“What?” Yong’s expression twisted in confusion, “Why?” 

“Cause otherwise they’d get no gifts from Saint Nick!” Keira explained as if it was the most frustratingly obvious thing and Yong must be an idiot to not know. 

“You believe all that?” Yong gaped. 

“My sister is a werewolf,” Kiera deadpanned, making Catalina giggle as she tossed two snowballs at once. “I’ve pretty much given up on disbelieving in magic.” 

It was a fair point. 

“So we’re not pulling any stunts until after we’ve secured the goods.” Kiera huffed. Then she scooped up an armful of snowballs and darted out to circle Hugo and Lance. Catalina took her place next to Yong, not even looking away from where she was scooping and aiming and throwing. Yong accepted the conversation was over, and startled when the quieter sister spoke.

“Hypothetically,” She said casually, “If one had to do it during Candlenights, I’d wait for there to be a big enough distraction that I could sneak in. But, you know, only if it was completely necessary.” she turned to look at Yong with large, knowing green eyes. Yong huffed a nervous laugh and turned back to the game. 

“Hypothetically.” He replied weakly. That could work, and a plan formed in Yong’s mind. But even as it did, guilt started sinking in his stomach. Especially when he saw Hugo finally get hit with a snowball and laugh as it knocked his glasses askew. 

Yong didn’t feel like playing anymore. 

After a minute, He lifted his scarf and waved it in surrender as he walked off the field. 

Hugo turned to him, immediately concerned. 

“You okay, Short Stack?” He called. 

“I'm fine! Just tired. I’ll be back!” Yong lied. 

Yong walked around the palace to the other side of the courtyard, near the royal gazebo. In the winter chill, no one was using it. He was alone with the thoughts. Yong picked a bench in the middle of the rose bushes and sat quietly. 

~*~

Yong wasn't sure how long he sat there in silence before a purple-mittened hand rested on his shoulder. Before he could turn his eyes were suddenly covered in wooly clothes. Yong's hands shot up to pull back the purple winter cap snuggly placed over his ears.

“Your ears are gonna fall off like that,” Nuru teased as she sat beside Yong. She helped him adjust the cap. Yong almost considered refusing it and giving it back, Nuru must need it too, but the warmth on his ears made him realize just how numb they had been.

“Thanks.” He replied softly. The two of them sat on the bench in silence a bit longer, Nuru leaning against him to share warmth. Finally, she broke that silence with the soft, certain voice that Yong always felt comforted by during the trials. 

“Are you okay, Yong?” Nuru asked

“Yeah, I’m just… tired” He replied, suddenly he worried that perhaps Nuru had seen him that morning, “Why- uh- why’d you ask?” Nuru gave him a long search look before sighing. 

“All of our families are here,” she explained, “Except yours. I'm sorry I didn’t realize until you were spending time with mine. I know you were homesick a lot during the trials. I’m here if you want to talk?” She wrapped an arm around Yong's shoulders and pulled him into a hug. 

Yong’s heart warmed and clenched all at the same time, as he rested his head on her shoulder. 

“I do miss my family… but it’s not that bad!” Yong backtracked pulling away from Nuru, “It’s been awesome being here with everyone. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to learn from you guys,” He insisted. Nuru smiled, a soft, sad thing like she caught what Yong wasn’t saying, as always. 

“Well, we want you here. Not just to teach you. But as our friend.” She patted Yong’s hand like it was that simple. 

Maybe it was that simple. Maybe he could just ask.

But before he could find the words, A pair of green-mittened hands reached around to cover Nuru’s eyes. 

“Guess who, Honeydew,” A sweet, twangy voice sang. Nuru’s jaw dropped and she twisted around to see the familiar ginger behind her. 

“Amber!” Nuru screamed and, in the least lady-like way possible, leaped off the bench to tackle her girlfriend to the ground. The pair landed tangled up in the snow, but neither seemed to mind.

“Hey there, sweetheart.” Amber grinned her bucktooth grin so similar to her cousin’s. 

“What are you doing here?” Nuru pushed herself up on her hands, staring down in disbelief. 

“I got your last letter about that annoying Chandu fella. Figured maybe I could help make certain messages clearer.” Amber reached up to brush a bit of snow out of Nuru’s hair, “And-” She propped herself onto her elbows, bringing the two women nose to nose. “Maybe I just missed my Princess.” She smiled. 

Nuru laughed and blushed as she sat up, looking so uncharacteristically shy that Yong couldn’t help but grin. 

“You didn’t have to do that. I can take care of myself.” She defended weakly. 

“Oh, I know you can. I'm shocked you haven’t just decked the guy yet.” Amber climbed to her feet and pulled Nuru along like she weighed nothing. Nuru laughed again, more bitterly this time. 

“I’m as shocked as you are.” She muttered darkly. “But that’s not how things work for nobility. It’s all about subtlety and reputation with them.” Amber raised her eyebrows and Nuru shot her a dry smile. “You can’t fight him either, Amber,” Amber put up her hands defensively. 

“Wasn’t planning to! I just figured it would look pretty bad for him to try all that courting stuff while you’re literally on your girlfriend's arm.” Amber countered. Nuru tried to give her an unimpressed look but Yong saw how thin it was. 

“She does have a point.” He interjected. Nuru and Amber looked back at him like they just remembered he was here, and were glad for it. 

“See? Even one of your smarty pants people agrees!” Amber pointed to Yong and offered a high-five. Yong gladly accepted even when it stung far too much for a regular high-five. Even through his mitten.

“It’s not that I’m not thrilled you’re here,” Nuru promised Amber with a kiss pressed to her cheek. “This is the best Candlenights present I could have ever asked for! I’m just…” 

“Stressed?” Amber smiled cheekily. 

“Very,” Nuru admitted. Yong felt his guilt stir again at that. Nuru was juggling so much and Yong was just piling onto that. No, he needed to handle this himself. 

“Well, that’s why I’m here!” Amber continued, “To make it easier! That’s what girlfriends are for isn’t it?” 

“Yeah,” Nuru replied dreamily. “Guess it is,” Then she kissed her girlfriend properly. 

Yong politely looked away, truly happy for them, and caught sight of Hugo and Varian approaching from the palace gate. 

“Hey guys!” Varian called, “It's about time for the Star Fall festival to start!” Sure enough, the sun was starting to set. It felt like the day had passed in the blink of an eye. “Rapunzel wants us to help the royal astronomer recalculate again to make su- Amber?!” Varian's jaw dropped as he cut himself off. Amber grinned mischievously back at him.

“What? Can’t a girl visit her cousin and girlfriend for the holidays?” She opened her arms and gave Varian a Rapunzel-worthy bear hug.

“It’s so good to see you!” Varian grinned. 

“You too, cuz. How’s Auntie Ulla and Uncle Quirin?” She asked genuinely. Varian’s extended family had visited Corona as soon as Varian's letter about The Library was received. Varian and his cousins still remembered the teary reunion between Olin and Ulla.

“They’re doing great,” Varian replied. “Mom is settling in really well! Better than we could have hoped for.” The first weeks of Ulla’s adjustment from being trapped in The Eternal Library were rocky. Yong remembered how tired Varian seemed every day and was glad to be there to help, even if it put off him seeing his own parents again. 

While the cousins caught up, Nuru glued to Amber’s hip, Hugo slid up to Yong’s side and ruffled his hair. 

“Doing better now, kid?” He asked. 

“Uh- Yeah. Much better. Just needed a break” Yong lied. 

He was getting into the habit of doing that. 

~*~

The five friends chatted as they made their way out the castle gates and into town. They weren’t alone as it seemed like the entire city was mass migrating to the city bridge. The Star Fall Festival was being held on the banks of Corona Lake just outside city limits. Nuru and the Royal astronomer had calculated (and at Rapunzel's request, recalculated) the perfect angle at which to see the Geppetto Meteor Shower. As the group crossed the bridge, slowly following the flow of traffic, they could see lanterns lighting the festival grounds. 

Soon they entered the festival grounds and were immediately assaulted on all sides by the heavenly scent of food. Vendors and chefs from Corona and all the Seven Kingdoms were lining the area and giving away the most amazing food. At the entrance, each person was given a handful of tickets to exchange for anything they’d like. 

Yong’s stomach reminded him at last how little he’d eaten that day. 

The gang quickly grabbed some food and moved towards the massive temporary gazebo Rapunzel had set up for Royal Seating during the event. The Crown Princess of Corona was in rare form tonight, pointing guards and servants this way and that with a piece of parchment in her hands. When she caught sight of the group she smiled, maybe a bit less sunnily than normal. It seemed the stress was getting to her too. 

“Nuru! I'm so glad you're here. And Amber! Oh my gosh, I didn’t expect you! Thank you for coming!” Amber nodded politely and Rapunzel's wide eyes returned to Nuru, “I need you to help Fernando run the numbers just one more time while there’s still time. Just in case! I mean the sky’s so clear! Just like you predicted. But what if it starts getting cloudy? What if we need to move everything? If we knew the second best location then maybe-” Rapunzel was brought out of her spiral by Nuru’s hands on her shoulders.

“Rapunzel I’ve run the numbers half a dozen times each time you asked me. I'm absolutely sure this will be the best place to view the meteor shower. All that’s left to do is wait. Go relax .” She insisted. Rapunzel looked unsure, but then Eugene appeared at her side.

“The Royal Genius is right, Sunshine.” He took his wife by the shoulders and led her over to where her parents had set up a little picnic blanket with their food. “You deserve a break.” 

“But- but the gazebo! I haven’t even finished decorating it yet! Oh, I knew I should have started at dawn!” Rapunzel lamented. 

“It’s okay, Raps,” Varian chimed in, “We can handle it. Go!” 

Rapunzel still looked unsure, but let her husband lead her away. The group found the box of garlands and lanterns that would go around the edge of the gazebo. They’d just begun hanging them when the other Royal Families started arriving. 

“Nuru!” Zuri called. Nuru looked up to see her family and waved back. 

“We’ll keep them busy for a minute,” Nuru said to the boys, “You keep decorating.” Then she and Amber went to join the Koto royals. 

“Mother, you remember Amber, right?” Nuru smiled.

“Ah, yes. The Nesderian mechanic from your coronation, the Royal Engineer’s cousin, I remember,” The Queen replied. 

“ And my girlfriend,” Nuru added with a gritted smile. 

“It is an honor to see you again, Your Majesty.” Amber smiled and bowed low. It was perfect manners and even the Queen seemed pleased, but still she smiled at the girls like they were six-year-olds vowing to marry one another. Like they were adorable. 

“Yes, of course.” She dismissed. “When you’re done helping The Princess of Corona, come join us for tea before the event,” Then she went off to her seat in the gazebo. Zuri and Asha shot her apologetic looks while Bibi gave Amber's hand a quick squeeze that might as well have lit up Amber's entire world. 

Then Duke Chandu walked up to them. 

“Princess,” he purred, “You look lovely this evening. Mind introducing me to your little friend?”

“This is Amber. I believe I’ve mentioned her before. Repeatedly.” Nuru smiled cloyingly. 

“Ah yes!” Chandu replied, “Your childhood sweetheart.” He smirked. Nuru’s eye did that twitch again. She looked like she was about to say something very unprincess-like when Amber spoke up.

“Dork Chandu! It’s great to finally put a face to a name.” Amber interjected, grinning with all her teeth. 

“I beg your pardon?” The Duke said. Yong, Varian, and Hugo all choked down their laughter from where they were definitely not eavesdropping.

“I said it's great to finally put a face to a name!” Amber said loudly as if he was hard of hearing. Then she shot her hand out to grip his in a handshake that looked like it would have ripped his arm off if he hadn’t jerked away. 

“Right…” He sniveled, wiping the hand off with a handkerchief. He turned to Nuru, smile a bit less composed “I’ll see you later for the festivities, Your Highness.” He still had the gall to reach for Nuru’s hand when Amber swung them both around and back to the Gazebo.

“See you then!” She called out as Nuru finally cracked and giggled behind her hand. When Chandu finally walked off to who cared where, grumbling all the while, the boys broke into laughter.

“Well done!” Hugo commended, clapping a hand on Amber’s shoulder. 

“Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all week.” Amber batted her lashes and preened. 

“You will?” Nuru asked, achingly hopeful. Amber stopped her dramatics and turned to her girlfriend. 

“Course I will, Princess.” She said softly. They smiled soppily at each other while the boys hurried back their their work. 

They were almost done, the girls and Hugo skipped over to the other side to speed up their progress. When it was just Yong and Varian, the older alchemist cleared his throat. 

“Hey…” He started awkwardly.

“Yeah?” Yong replied with that knot of anxiety back in his stomach. 

“I just- I wanted to apologize. For yesterday.” Varian said as Yong’s eyes widened. “I shouldn’t have rushed you out like that.” He looked truly guilty and Yong remembered the distress in his voice that morning. 

“Why?” He asked. It was as close to his real question as he dared guess. 

“I just- I don’t trust the other council members right now. Or the Royal Engineers.” He said as he hung another lantern, not looking at Yong. “There’s some- political stuff going on right now. I don’t want anyone to see anything we’ve made until the Convention. Okay?” 

Yong opened his mouth to ask more. To press deeper. 

No words came out. 

“Okay.” He said just before the pause became awkward. Varian smiled weakly at him and Yong was sure his own cracked at the edges. They went back to work. 

By the time they finished, Yong had made his decision. 

He caught sight of Kiera and Catalina, running around with cookies in their hands. Yong pointed at them until Varian saw the girls too.

“I’ve got a couple of tickets left,” He said. “I’m gonna see if they’ll tell me where to get some dessert.” 

“Alright!” Varian smiled. “Meet us back here soon though, the meteor shower is about to start!” 

Yong nodded weakly and left. 

As he walked along the top of the ridge that bordered the lake, Yong had the perfect view of what must have been all of Corona sitting together on picnic blankets and make-shift chairs, watching the sky. From here he could see his friends on their own blankets in front of the gazebo. He could just make out Amber and Hugo’s hair and guessed that his other friends were curled up against their partners, cuddling ostensibly for warmth. The couples were likely too wrapped up in their lovey-dovey little worlds to even realize he was gone.

“As good a distraction as any,” he muttered.

The whole scene reminded him of home. Of New Year’s Eve that was just around the corner for Bayangor. It was so easy to imagine his family among the masses, sitting together and counting down the seconds to midnight when their small town would put on the biggest fireworks show Yong had ever seen- courtesy of his brother Ru.

Now that he thought of it, those shows were probably what inspired him. Probably what brought him to this point in his life in the first place. Maybe one day he could thank Ru for that. 

After a long pause, Yong continued through the festival grounds. The Vendors were all sitting outside their booths, facing the direction of the lake to watch, but they were still handing out food to the stragglers. 

Yong walked past them. 

When he got to the entrance of the festival, Pete and Stan were standing guard. Or rather, they were sitting guard on a rock, leaning together and watching the stars. When Yong got close enough, Pete noticed him. 

“Hey, little buddy!” He waved, “Where you going? The show’s about to start!” Yong paused and realized he had no proper excuse.

“I- um”

“He’s going to get me medicine.” A soft voice interrupted. 

“Princess Ming!” Pete stood at attention and dragged Stan up with him. “Are you well, your highness?” He asked. 

“For now yes,” She assured, “But I have felt tired all day and fear a cold is coming on.” Ming coughed delicately into the sleeve of her pink hanfu. “Master Yong said he would be able to get a special alchemical deterrent for me.” 

Yong blinked at Ming for a moment before she gave him a meaningful look. 

“Uh- yeah!” He said. “Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’m super fast! I can be back before the meteor shower starts!” Ming nodded, satisfied, and turned to the guard. 

“Best that he hurry.” She said. “And don’t tell anyone, please. I don’t want my father to worry before we even know if I’m sick.” 

“Of course!” Stan said.

“Not a peep,” Pete added. 

Yong looked at the Princess gratefully, then ran into the darkness, farther and farther away from the light of the lanterns. He crossed the bridge at a full sprint, not slowing down until he reached town. 

When he did stop, it was because of the silence. 

Corona was a ghost town. Everyone had gone to the festival, leaving the city without a soul. It was so unnerving and liminal that Yong almost turned around right there. Adrenaline was still pumping in his veins from the knowledge of what he was doing, so he took several deep breaths. 

“Corona’s in danger.” He whispered to himself, unable to break the city's silence. “I just need answers. That’s all.” 

Then he ran through the ghost of Corona to the Castle.

~*~

In a dark, damp place, several shadows huddled together. 

“Is everyone in place?” A hoarse voice asked. 

“Yes,” Came the reply. ”Our last member has finished setting up. We’re set to start any minute now.”

A pearly white grin shone in the candlelight. 

“Excellent,”

~*~

Yong darted up the castle stairs in near darkness. He was sure the only reason he didn’t trip was because he knew the route so well. After a few minutes of weaving and climbing, he arrived at Eugene’s office. 

The door was locked. Of course. But several of his teachers and friends were once world-renowned thieves. Yong pulled a bent-up pin and a flat piece of metal from his pocket. He stomped down the guilt building in his stomach again, more determined than ever. 

“I just need answers.” He jiggled the pin in the keyhole, keeping pressure on the flat metal trying to turn the lock next to it. “I just wanna help.” Frustration was bleeding into his voice. It was so much harder to do this under pressure! “I just have to-” Finally the lock clicked and the door opened, revealing the Captain's office. “...prove them wrong.” 

Yong rushed inside and closed the door behind him. Through the window, he could see the first shooting star cross the sky. 

He had nothing worth wishing for. 

~*~

Nuru straightened and Amber’s arms as the first meteor streaked across the sky. 

“It’s starting!” she cried. Slowly the dim chatter around them fell silent as another and another star fell from the heavens. 

Amber pulled Nuru back into her arms, resting her head in her curls as they watched with matching awe. Hugo and Varian were right there with them, Hugo’s chin on Varian's shoulder, idly stroking up and down his arms. ‘For warmth’ he said when called out, but Varian was hardly complaining. He melted at the attention. But as the show started he suddenly jolted upright and looked around, rudely throwing Hugo off.

“Where’s Yong?” he asked with a furrowed brow. 

“You said he was going with his friends to get dessert?” Amber reminded. 

“It’s been a while, he should be back by now,” Varian said. 

“The demon sisters are probably just keeping him.” Hugo hummed, trying to pull his pillow boyfriend back to him.

“If he isn’t back by the first lull, we can go find him. The real peak isn’t for another hour anyways,” Nuru finished reasonably. At last, Varian relented and returned to the warmth Hugo provided.

“...Alright,” Varian said

“Hey,” Hugo whispered in his ear, “I get why you're worried, but it’s fine. Those little weirdos are with him and the entire guard is keeping watch tonight. And since he counts as a Royal employee, he can only leave with Royal Permission. He’ll be fine,” He soothed. 

Varian nodded and watched the stars. 

But his bad feeling didn’t go away. 

~*~

Yong watched the meteors for a moment, before turning back to Eugene’s desk. In the moonlight, he could just make out several locked drawers and decided to start there. 

After careful minutes of lock picking, the top drawer opened and on top of the various sheets of parchment sat a letter.

A letter addressed to Donella. 

Yong wasted no time in opening it, already long past the nervousness of breaching privacy. It seemed to be a letter from an informant. 

Donella,

Yeh lyxq wk fzq Hytux Ryehf zug jwrmqv ej yk gqdqhux rykrqhkwko gwokg. Wf gqqlg fzuf gylqykq zug oyffqk uzyxv yp jxukg pyh u dqht vukoqhyeg cuh lurzwkq luvq st fzq Hytux Ulsugguvyh yp Grwqkrq fy Ryhyku, Tyko. Fzqhq lut sq u jhyfyftjq wk fzq rugfxq. Wf’g rxquh fzuf ekvqh ky rwhrelgfukrqg gzyexv fzwg lurzwkq hqurz pyhqwok gywx. Cq uxgy zudq hqugyk fy sqxwqdq fzq Rukvxqkwozfg Rqxqshufwyk yp Ryhyku zug sqqk ryljhylwgqv wk gylq cut. Ug tye cwxx sq fzqhq, cq hqryllqkv fzuf tye gqrehq syfz fzq vqdwrq ukv wfg rhqufyh, xqgf fzwg rykgjwhurt fumqg uoohqggwdq lqugehqg fy uriewhq syfz.

“Oh- for Demanitus's sake!” Yong cursed. 

Of course, it would be encrypted. Yong looked in one of Eugene's unlocked drawers until he found a piece of charcoal and some paper. Then he quickly copied down the message. He’d have to spend time solving this. But it shouldn’t take too long.

Then a cloud passed over the moon and shrouded the room in darkness again. Yong groaned in frustration, then patted around for a match. He lit it and held it to the candle’s wick. 

~*~

Somewhere in the darkness, an unfamiliar hand lit a match. 

It held the fire to a different kind of wick.

A fuse.

~*~

On the not-so-distant shore, Corona sat and watched the night sky frame their city with dazzling drops of starlight.

In Eugene’s office, Yong sat at a desk still too large for him and finished scribbling down the answer he’d been looking for.

All was quiet. Until it wasn’t. 

And the world shook

With a massive

BOOM.

Chapter Text

It felt like the whole castle trembled with the explosion, but realistically, Yong knew that was only his own shock. The sound was loud but far from the castle. Is the festival okay? Cold gripped Yong as he scrambled to the window and saw clouds of dust and smoke blocking the shore. But before Yong could properly panic, he realized the smoke wasn't coming from the mainland either. His eyes followed the trails of ashy black to their source, and he froze. 

Corona’s bridge was gone.

The jagged edges of it still stood on the island and the mainland, but all that lay between them was the rippling water that had swallowed stone and mortar whole. Little sparks of torchlight started sprinting along the shore towards the rubble as people realized what was happening. Yong bolted for the door. He needed to move. To do something. But as he rushed down the hall, something leapt from the shadows and tackled Yong to the ground. Yong reached into his pocket for a cherry bomb when he recognized the chittering creature scampering around him. 

“Ruddiger?” Yong gasped. “Did you follow me?” Varian’s raccoon scrambled in a blind panic until he finally managed to crawl under Yong’s coat and hid curled up against his chest. “Hey- hey easy there, easy. You’re alright.” Yong petted the trembling creature soothingly until Ruddiger poked his head up out of the coat’s collar, looking at the boy with wide, confused eyes. Yong did know what to say; he could still see the billows of dark grey just outside the windows, blocking out the starfall. 

“They- they blew up the bridge... they blew up the entire bridge,” He muttered half to himself, “ Why?” As if he could command the answer to present itself. 

Catalina’s words entered his mind in a new light. ‘ I’d wait for there to be a big enough distraction that I could sneak in’

“The falling stars,” Yong wrapped his arms around Ruddiger as he stood and hurried down the hall to the nearest guard’s station, empty except for some spare helmets. He stomped the ground, of course, it was empty. “They waited for everyone to be gone.” Ninety percent of the royal guard was on shore protecting the most important people in the seven kingdoms. But someone had to still be there. Yong turned and continued running. “But- why blow up the bridge? Why not just sneak in?” Now, all of Corona knows they’re here. Everyone is going to try to find a way back as quickly as possible, it's just a matter of- 

“Time,” Yong huffed, sliding down the staircase bannister and landing on the stone floors of the ground floor. “Maybe they need time. To find something.” Ruddiger grumbled in complaint at the bumpy ride, but Yong chose to interpret it as a response, like Varian always did. It was soothing. “It must be something big. Something valuable. Something hidden.” Only two things fit the description in Yong’s mind. “Like The Royal Treasury or-” 

Yong nearly tripped over his feet and his thoughts as he realized.  

“ The Library. ” He whispered in horror. Then doubled his speed.

Yong skidded around another corner. There were still guards stationed at the castle entrances and at the docks. He’d been able to get past them with Ming’s excuse. There was always someone stationed at the treasury, but now Yong had to warn them to protect the entrances to Hernz de Sonne’s tunnels, too. As he made it to the main hall, Yong finally caught sight of a pair of guards, looking out the window towards shore and the shattered bridge. He was about to rouse them from their shock when one threw her head back and cackled.

“That was awesome!” The guard with dark braids turned to grin manically at her larger companion.

“Good riddance to that horrid stain on nature!” He sniffed. 

Yong froze, then threw himself behind the wall as the pair turned and practically skipped down the Grand Hall. 

The Separatists. Demanitus, why was it always the Separatists? Yong was almost disappointed, but more so relieved. These guys, he knew how to handle. Him and his friends had kicked their butts before and now that he was older and smarter he could kick their butts again. Yong crept after Masie and Kai, keeping to the shadows. He wondered how Andrew had escaped prison again . Cass had been so confident he’d never bother them again… 

The two terrorists marched confidently in their pilfered uniforms, heading to the back of the castle. Yong ducked behind a suit of armor as two more Separatists joined them- Clementine in a squat, oversized guard’s uniform and Juniper with his top hat seated on top of his helmet. 

Once they reached the servants' area, the halls grew narrower. Yong couldn’t get much closer without being seen. As they turned into the kitchen, Yong paused before a paneled wood wall. He waited until he heard more voices, then pressed his hand firmly to the panel on his right. With a muted click, the panel slid aside to reveal a secret passage. Ruddiger chittered in surprise.

. 

“Faith sometimes lets me have leftovers if I help clean up after a feast. She hides the extra dirty dishes here from Old Lady Crowley,”  Yong whispered and stepped carefully around the carts of empty platters stored within and scurried inside. If he continued down this passage, he’d pop out right in the Grand Ballroom, already decorated and prepared for tomorrow's festivities. Yong instead stopped at a wall where the voices grew louder.

“Are the guards handled?” A woman's voice asked. 

“All the ones still in the castle,” Masie replied

“Taking a nice nap in dungeons. I hear it’s a five-star accommodation,” Kai added. 

“Good. Red’s team and the Boss should be here soon. Don’t stand there uselessly and help me,” a gruff voice replied. 

Yong heard the sound of several heavy things being moved around, but he couldn’t focus enough to figure out what they were. The two new voices sounded familiar. He just couldn’t place them. Yong felt along the wall, looking until he saw a little spot of light seep into the dark passage. He knelt to the peephole and squinted against the firelight. 

“You two take that door over there. Sankar! Take these and cover the servant’s entrance.” Yong’s stomach flipped and dropped at the sight of that familiar ugly goatee. The Banyangorian gang leader rolled his eyes and lifted the sandbags over his shoulders. He moved to stack them in front of the door, revealing the sour face of former Mayor Beatrice. Yong covered his mouth to hold in a gasp. He hadn’t given a thought to his hometown’s corrupt former mayor since she’d been arrested. He was too relieved that their town was safe at last.

His relief had apparently come too soon, as the Saporians and Beatrice’s men worked together to barricade all entrances to the castle but one. Just when the direness of the situation started sinking in, that door opened to reveal just how much worse it could get.

“You starting the party without me?” The redhead at the door purred. 

“You’re late, Caine.” Beatrice barked. 

“Fashionably, of course,” She smirked, “And as I don't see the boss here yet, I’d argue I’m early.” 

“Are your men in position?” Beatrice asked. Lady Caine rolled her eyes and sauntered over to sit on the counter. 

“The docks are clear and covered. The pretty pruned princess and her boytoy will have a hard time coming home before we’re done. Not if they want all their limbs intact,” She crossed her legs and glanced around lazily at the Saporians and Sankar still stacking sandbags. “Though it looks like you might be falling behind schedule already. Too much responsibility for you, Madame Mayor?” Beatrice gritted her teeth, looking like she was ready to lunge forward and strangle Caine. Before she could, Sankar walked over from the barricaded door. 

“We’re all done here, lady.” He glared at Caine and grounded a hand on Beatrice’s shoulder. The former mayor regained her composure but gruffly shrugged off Sankar's hand.

“How about we do our job and you do yours?” She hissed, leaning threateningly into Caine's face. Lady Caine smiled sardonically. 

“Mmm-hm,” she hummed as if this was the exact reaction she wanted. Beatrice looked even more incensed by her satisfaction. Opening her mouth to say something else, when the door slammed open. Yong yelped in surprise, but luckily, the bad guys were all distracted by who came through the door next.  

A lithe, black-haired woman strode into the room, hair swept back into braided buns. She gazed coolly around the silent room with one grey eye, the other hidden behind a dark green and gold eyepatch. Yong held his breath in fear of being heard in such sudden quiet, as every villain awaited the woman's words. 

“Everything is in position?” She asked quietly. Caine and Beatrice stared each other down, trying to be the first to speak, but idiocy spoke up faster. 

“Yes, Ma’am!” Dwayne piped up, ignoring the dangerous looks shot at him, “So long as that old bloke shows up soon. By the way, Boss, when did you say we was gettin' paid? Is it once we get off this rock, or when we deliver the k-” Dwayne yelped and leaped into the air. Everyone flinched back, blocking the view. Yong craned his head to see what had happened. When at last everyone had calmed down, he saw the “Boss” calmly holding a fan of throwing knives, having brought them out so fast that not even those next to her had seen it. Everyone- even Caine- looked uneasy at the woman’s inscrutable mood. 

“Upon completion of the job,” She responded softly. Dwayne fumbled apologies and shuffled to the back of the group. Once silence fell upon the room again, the boss lifted her head and spoke, barely raising her voice so that Yong felt the need to lean in as close as possible. 

“Our window is short.” The Boss said simply, “Corona’s forces are now aware of us, we cannot underestimate their attempts to retake the castle. Our last friend is establishing correspondences with his spies on the mainland. That will keep us a step ahead, but we must work quickly.” Yong reeled at the idea of spies so close to his friends and the royal families- he had to warn them! Yong leaned forward more, not wanting to miss a word. “Green team-” The Saporians stood at attention, just like they would for Andrew. “You will cover the upper floors. Keep an eye out for signals from the Gold Team.”

“Ye-yes, Ma’am,” Juniper fumbled.

“You can count on us!” Masie added nervously. The Boss didn’t acknowledge either of them as she continued. 

The Red Team will cover the castle's main floor. Both may do as they will with whatever valuables you find,” Lady Caine smirked in satisfaction. “Blue team will search the lower floors and secure our Secondary Objective.” Sankar’s gang had joined them in the room and quietly groaned as they turned right back around. The Boss then turned to address the entire room,  “Notify me immediately when our Primary Objective is found. Are there any questions?”

Everyone was quiet once more. Until-

“What's so special about this-” Smack. Dwayne yelped as the butt of Lady Caines sword connected soundly to his skull.

Crack!

All eyes spun around to the wall as Yong startled and hit his own head on a wooden beam. Ruddiger startled and scuttled away. 

Immediately, Yong's hands flew to his mouth as he shuffled back further into the shadows of the secret passage. He reached for his spare cherry bomb again, only to be horrified at the empty pocket of his coat. From the kitchen, he heard a hushed whisper, the shing of metal, and shuffling as someone hurried out the door. A few minutes later, the feet returned louder. 

“Nothing,” said Raj. 

“Probably just a mouse,” added Ram.

“Big mouse,” Caine replied. Yong could hear the roll in her eyes. After another tense moment of silence, the Boss spoke. 

“Move out.” 

Instantly, several sets of feet stepped hurriedly out of the room, like no one wanted to be the last to follow orders. When he thought they’d all finally left, Yong slowly crawled towards his peephole to check if the coast was clear. 

He leaned his eye close and immediately shot back, hand covering his mouth.

The Boss was still standing there, alone in the room. She was looking at the wall with that uncanny gray eye. He knew it couldn’t be true, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was looking-

Right. At. Him.

Yong kept his breathing low and quiet, slowly scooting back and getting to his feet. He tiptoed further down the passage. When he was sure he was out of hearing range, he sprinted up a set of servants' stairs, as far from the kitchen as he could get.

Once he reached the top of the tight spiral stone steps, Yong found himself in a small, cramped lookout turret. The only light came in from a narrow arrowslit in the stone wall. Yong collapsed onto the top step, his heaving breaths turned coughs in the cloud of dust he sent up. His coughing started a chitter from the corner of the room, and Yong snapped around to see Ruddiger fluffed up in the corner. Once they both recognized each other, they relaxed. Yong pouted and turned his back on the raccoon. 

“Traitor.” He huffed. 

Ruddiger looked at Yong guiltily, then pattered over until he could wiggle his head under Yong's armpit. He looked up at the boy and chittered apologetically until Yong met his big, wide eyes and sighed. 

“I guess I ran too…” Yong relented. “That lady was creepy,” He shuddered. Ruddiger reached out a paw to pet Yong’s face comfortingly. 

The wind whistled in through the arrowslit, echoing hollowly through the empty tower. Yong’s brows furrowed in thought. He could still smell smoke on the wind. 

“We’ve gotta stop them,” Yong whispered, “We gotta stop them and warn the others… somehow.” He sounded unsure even to himself. Ruddiger crawled the rest of the way into Yong's lap and whimpered worriedly. Then the prodigy alchemist shook himself together. “We can do this.” He insisted, “Everyone is counting on us. I’m not just some kid-” Yong leapt to his feet and started pacing. Ruddiger squeaked as he fell to the floor. 

“I completed all seven of the Demanitus Trials. I’ve defeated Beatrice and the Saporians before. I’ve blown up meteorites! From space!” Yong was now fired up, not paying attention to his feet. “I can do this. I just- Ah!” Yong fell with an oomph as he tripped over something covered in cloth in the corner. Ruddiger sniffed at the cloth until it fell and revealed the boxes underneath. Yong saw them, and his eyes lit up. As the cogs in his brain spun, he smiled mischievously.

“I’ve just gotta be creative.”

~*~

Varian was having perhaps the third worst day of his life. For most people, it would have easily taken the top spot. But most people had sane lives. With sane friends. And lived in a sane kingdom and not gods accursed Coron- 

“Freckles? Hey- Hey, Freckles! Come on, Blue, pull yourself together,” Hugo shook Varian’s shoulders to knock him out of his muttering spiral. But how could he pull himself together? 

Yong was missing.

Not even half an hour ago, when the explosion went off, every one of their group dove into action. Through the screams of citizens, Varian, Hugo, Nuru, and Amber shot to their feet and made a beeline for the gazebo. The royal family's personal guards were creating a barrier around them, but Rapunzel pushed through them and stood before the crowd, raising her voice to give orders and try to calm the crowd. 

“What on Earth was that?” Cried Monty.

“Are we under attack?” A woman shrieked.  

“Everyone, please remain calm and stay where you are!” Rapunzel commanded. 

“That was not the light show I signed up for!” Replied Felspar indignantly, “How am I supposed to get back to my shoes? I have a shop to run!” He began to walk to the shore, and others followed uncertainly.

Seeing the princess struggle, Eugene leapt to her side.

“Everyone, stay where you are!” He ordered in his ‘Captain of the Guard' voice, “Here is the safest place to be while we investigate.” 

“Your safety is our top priority,” Rapunzel assured her people as their attention returned to her, “Remain with your families and friends while we assess the situation.” With that, the nervous crowd seemed appeased for the moment. The princess turned to her staff and sent them off to gather blankets and start some bonfires. It was going to be a long, cold night

Rapunzel then caught Varian’s eye and rushed down the steps with Eugene right on her tail. 

“Let’s go,” She called and rushed past the four through the crowd. Varian, Hugo, Nuru, and Amber wasted no time following. 

The sight that awaited them was bleak. 

The make-shift borders of the festival were flush with guards, armed and tense. They swung their gaze between the distant tree line and the rubble on the shoreline, preparing for a sudden attack. The evergreen trellis that marked the entrance had been toppled over by the soldiers who rushed to the bridge first. Varian could see Pete and Stan covered in dust. Pete was pressing cloth to Stan’s forehead, where a large gash was sluggish bleeding. 

“You guys okay?” Varian called.

“Yep,” Stan said, trying to push away Pete who adamantly ignored him to keep cleaning the wound. “Just a little busted up.”

“Was anyone on the bridge?” Eugene urgently asked. They both straightened to attention in his presence. 

“No, Sir,” Pete responded. 

“We were just about to change guard, Sir” Stan added, before swaying a bit too much to the side. Pete quickly pushed him back into his seat as the rest shared worried glances.

“You two take it easy,” said Eugene, “You’re both relieved of duty for the night.” The two nodded in guilty relief and continued to tend to their wounds. The six then slowly approached what was once Corona Bridge. 

Hugo let out a low whistle. 

Corona Bridge was nearly as old as the kingdom itself, starting as a simple wooden structure and flourishing alongside the kingdom. Varian remembered the first time he’d crossed it as a child, following his father to the city for an audience with the king. Its gentle stone slope and regal archway seemed so grand to him back then. Once he moved here, time quickly weathered away that special feeling. Now, all that remained was a granite splinter piercing the shoreline and a row of smoking columns breaking the water's surface, like a line of gruesome candles. 

They could barely see the kingdom through the grey, just enough to know that at least it’s still standing. That should have been reassuring. 

“What could’a done this?” Amber whispered. 

“Something nasty,” Hugo muttered, breathing the smoky air in. “But I don’t smell anything, so that narrows it down… some.” 

“Varian?” Rapunzel looked to the royal alchemist hopefully. Varian’s face twisted in concentration.

“Hugo’s right, that narrows things down, but not by much. I can’t smell anything I recognize. And it’s hard to estimate the blast radius over water. We’d have to get a closer look. Yong might have an idea.” 

“Wait. Where is the kid?” Eugene asked, brows furrowed. 

“He’s with his friends, ain’t he?” Amber asked. “That pair of sneaky sisters?” Nuru nodded.

“We should go find him.” Nuru said, “Explosions are his specialty. He could give us a lead on who did this. And why?” She looked around at the guards who’d been stationed at the bridge. They were digging through the snow to set camp. Some limped. Others already wore bandages. “We’re lucky no one was killed.” 

“It wasn’t luck,” Hugo said, glaring at the island. Everyone looked to him but Eugene, who also stared across the water. 

“What do you mean?” Amber asked nervously. 

“He’s right,” Eugene reluctantly admitted. “They waited for the guard to change.” Now, everyone was looking at the island. “Waited for everyone to be gone.” 

“They’re still in Corona,” Varian concluded. Everyone tensed. Rapunzel turned to her husband.

“Can we warn the castle guards?” She urged. Eugene shook his head. 

“Too much smoke for a signal fire,” he said. “We’ll have to wait for it to clear up.” 

“We don’t have that much time,” Hugo argued. 

“Whatever they’re doing, they’ve still trapped themselves on an island.” Eugene furrowed his brow, thinking hard for a solution. “We can send for reinforcements. Get some ships to seal off the bay.” 

“We don’t even know who we’re dealing with!” Hugo countered. “Or what they’re after. They could already be gone.” 

“If that were true, they wouldn’t need to blow up the bridge,” Nuru interjected. “They could have just snuck in while everyone was gone.” 

“See!” Eugene shot a hand out to gesture at Nuru. “The Royal Genius gets it,” Hugo rolled his eyes. 

“We still don’t know how long they’ll-”

“Let’s talk about this after we find Yong.” Varian interrupted. He’d been looking back at the festival nervously. Something didn’t sit right. 

The feeling seemed mutual as the others turned around as well. “Alright, kid. We’ll go find him. He’s probably off with Lance and the girls.” Eugene chuckled stiffly, “Actually, I’m a bit surprised they haven’t rushed over here ye-”

“Eugene!” Lance hollered. Several figures pulled out of the crowd who gathered around various campfires. They ran out of the festival and towards the bridge. Leading them was Lance's towering figure plowing through the snow and waving his hand frantically. His other hand was preoccupied, carrying something the group couldn't make out until he was right before them. Several packages of festival food were piled in his arm, teetering precariously up to his shoulder. “Sorry guys, had to make sure the girls and me we’re set for the night. Food’s running out fast now that people know we’re stranded- uh, I mean- while we’re all waiting for our brilliant princess to get us home! I had to grab some more kabobs and sausage and those tasty little cheesecakes Monty brought and- ah,” He cleared his throat, “You know, gotta be a responsible father and all that.” 

Lance, holding enough food to feed a team of sumo wrestlers, stepped aside to reveal his adoptive daughters, each holding comparable piles. 

“Yeah,” Kira griped from behind her pile. “No way we’re starving out here waiting for a boat.” 

“Don't you three live on the mainland?” Hugo dryly pointed out. 

“Won’t other people need some food too?” Nuru suggested to the younger girls. Kira and Catalina looked at each other consideringly before groaning. 

“Fiiine,” Kira grumbled as they both turned back towards the crowd to pass their treats out. “Stupid Candlenights…” Kira grumbled. 

There was no one else behind them. 

“Hey-” Varian cut in, finally seeing past the absurdity that followed Lance and the sisters. “Where’s Yong?” The girls looked over their shoulders at Varian with twin confusion. 

“He’s not with you?” Lance asks. 

Silence.

“Where did you see him last?” Hugo shot at Kira and Catalina. 

“We haven’t seen him since Corona,” Kira said defensively

“At the snowball fight,” Catalina added. “Why?” 

“He said he was going to meet you guys before the show,” Nuru answered slowly. “You really haven’t seen him?” Her voice was careful, like any wrong step could shatter the ice underfoot. 

Both Keira and Catalina shook their heads. 

“We gotta find him now,” Eugene snapped as he walked back to the festival. Lance caught his arm as he passed, brow furrowed in concern.

“Easy there, the kid’s probably just gotten lost in the crowd. He’s a little guy. I’m sure he’ll turn up. 

“Yeah, well that’s just not good enough for me,” Eugene responded, pulling from Lance’s grasp and walking over to a pair of guards. “I need everyone on the lookout for a kid. Bayangorian. Short with black hair. Red coat. Uh- yay high…” 

As Eugene described Yong to his men, Lance slowly turned back to Rapunzel. 

“Aaaam I missing something, Princess?” He asked. 

“I’m sure Lance is right,” Rapunzel said instead, “He can’t have left the festival. We just need to find him and everything will be alright- Varian?” 

All eyes turned to the Royal Alchemist, who had gone pale as he looked at the ground. 

Slowly, Varian stooped down to pick up something from the snow. He straightened to reveal the small object in the palm of his hand. 

A single cherry bomb