Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The moon sat high in the sky, giving the dark night the smallest amount of light. The sand on the ground sat undisturbed. The night was peaceful, but a dark man waited with a dark purpose. He sat on his horse, the darkness almost swallowing him. If it wasn't for the moon, you might have missed him.

He sat there in the dark, waiting. He knew this new guy was a mistake, but there really wasn't anyone else. It was almost past midnight by the time he heard the sound of a galloping horse. He didn’t even bother to look behind him, for he knew who it was.

“You… are late” breathed Andrew, his voice traveling through the night.
“My deepest apologies, o patient one” wheezed the man, jumping off his horse and giving Andrew the smallest of bows.

“You have it then?” Andrew said, growing more impatient. The man reached into his coat and pulled out a small, shiny object. “I had to slit some throats, but I got it.” Andrew’s face split with an evil grin as he reached his hand out to take the gold object.

“ Ah-ah-ahhh” the man pulled the gold medallion away and out of Andrews reach. “The treasure.” The man held out his other hand, waiting for his payment. Andrew's annoyance grew more as he looked down at the man.
Suddenly, something flew through the air and grabbed the gold medallion out of the man's hand. The small patriot dropped the gold medallion into Andrew’s waiting hand. “Trust me, my pungent friend,” said Andrew, pulling out the other half of the medallion. “You'll get what's coming to you.”

He put the two halves of the medallions together when a bright glow shone through the night. The medallion formed into the shape of a bug and flew through the night, leaving a trail of gold dust in its wake.

“Quickly! Follow the trail!” shouted Andrew, wiping the rains of his horse and began following after it. He didn’t bother to see if the man was behind him, his eyes glued to the trail of gold that flew across the sand. After a few minutes, the gold bug stopped and broke in half again but landed somewhere in the sand.
Andrew stopped and watched as the gold halves rose with the sand, and slowly, the shape of a tiger grew out of the sand.

The tiger's form grew more and more until finally it was towering over the two men. “After all these years, I finally found it, the cave of wanders.” Andrew looked up at the grand site before him. He had been searching for this for years, now he was only a few minutes away from getting his hands on the lamp. His companion rode up behind him and jumped off his horse, looking up at the great tiger made of sand.

The tiger's mouth fell open wide onto the sand, a bright glow coming from the back of its throat. “Now, remember. Bring me the lamp! The rest of the treasure is yours, but the lamp... is mine” Andrew said to the man, pointing to the tiger's mouth. The man looked up at Andrew with a small hint of surprise but made his way over to the tiger’s open mouth.
He was only a few feet away from the entrance when the tiger suddenly spoke, a great loud rumble in the quiet of the night.

“All who disturb my slumber know this, only one may enter here. One whose worth lies far within… the diamond in the rough."

Diamond in the rough thought, Andrew. What could that mean? The man looked back at Andrew with a hint of confusion on his face.
Andrew merely waved his hands forward, telling him to continue into the cave. The man turned and walked into the entrance and down a set of stairs. He walked about five steps, however, when the earth started to shake.

The tiger let out a great roar, and its mouth slammed shut with the man barely getting out.

“NOO!” shouted Andrew as the sand sank back down and the two medallions fell to the ground rolling in the sand.
“Seek me out the diamond in the rough…” The voice of the tiger floated in the air, but the sand stayed still and unmoving. “I can't believe it. I just don't believe it! We're never gonna get a hold of that stupid lamp!” cried Iago from where he sat on Andrew’s shoulder.

“What on earth are we going to do?! Who else will be stupid enough to enter that death trap?!” Iago continued ranting, but Andrew only paid half attention. So only one could enter the cave, it seemed.
Tonight might not have gone as planned, but Andrew knew he would find this certain person this… diamond in the rough.

***

The morning sun was high and hot as it shone through the streets of Corona. The streets were busy with travelers and merchants from everywhere. But among the many shoppers, one moved fast and swiftly through the crowds. He ran up a set of stairs on the side of a house.
Hugo ran across the roof of the house but stopped suddenly when he saw the captain of the guard running up the stairs with three other men.

“Stop Thief! I'll have your hands for a trophy, street rat!” he cried and began running towards Hugo. Hugo looked down at the bread in his hands, then back at the approaching guards. “All this for a loaf of bread?” he looked over his shoulder where his little mouse friend, Olivia gave him a small shrug.
Hugo gave her a small smile and jumped over the edge of the roof, falling through multiple lines of drying clothes.

He landed on a pile of clothes as he heard the captain of the guard telling his men to spread out and find him. He checked to make sure he still had the bread as he scrambled to his feet and grabbed a cloak, pulling it over his head and running over to a group of women who were all talking.

“Morning, ladies.” said Hugo as he stopped and straightened up. “Getting into trouble a little early today, aren't we, Hugo?” said one of the women with a slightly amused look on her face. “Trouble? No way. You're only in trouble if you get caught.” said Hugo, a small smug grin on his face. Suddenly, he felt a large pair of hands grab his shoulders and pull him backward. The cloak he was wearing fell off as the hands grabbed the fount of his vest tightly. “Gotcha!” the captain cried, getting in Hugo’s face. “I'm in trouble!” “And this time I'll make sure you ahhh-! ”

Hugo just saw Olivia climb up the captain's foot when she bit down, drawing a bit of blood. The captain cried out, dropping Hugo as the tiny gold mouse jumped off the captain and grabbed Hugo’s pant leg.

“Perfect timing, Liv, as always!” he said, placing her pack on his shoulder. Hugo ran from ally to ally, trying to lose the guards as they scrambled everywhere. After some time, he finally managed to jump out a window and lose them.
Hugo made sure to get some distance between him and the guards before finally finding a place to sit and eat. He sat down on the ground, slightly tired after all the running.

“And now, esteemed effendi, let's feast” said Hugo as Olivia scurried and sat on Hugo’s knee. Hugo was about to take a bit out of the bread when he heard a small crash. His head shot in the direction from where it came, and he saw two little kids.

They were both thin and dirty and looking in the trash that was on the ground. Hugo’s heart cried for them.
He knew exactly what it was like to look in the trash for the smallest bit of food. He looked down at Olivia, who was looking at them with a sad expression on her face. That was all Hugo needed.
He got up slowly and walked over to the kids. The smaller of the two, a little boy ran and hid behind the older girl's back, who looked to be under ten.

Hugo churched down, meeting their eye level, and gave them a small smile. Hugo held out the loaf of bread to them, and they both backed up just a little “Here. Go on, take it” he said, holding out the bread to them.
The little boy peeked his head out more and slowly took the bread from Hugo. He gave them another small smile and got up and walked away. It's ok, Hugo thought. They needed it more than I did.

He began walking away when he heard lots of cheers and shouts from the other way. He decided to see what it was about out of curiosity. The street was lined with people from the day as a man on a grand white horse went, though. “Ah, another suitor for the prince,” Hugo heard one man say. “One can only suppose,” said another man.

Hugo looked up at the man. He could just tell he was the type to think very highly of himself just because he was rich. Most of the prince's suitors did. Hugo couldn't stand it.

As he continued watching the prince, he felt something rush past him. He looked to see the kids he gave his bread to running out into the street, right in front of the prince and his horse.
The horse was naturally started and raised onto its hind legs. Hugo shoved through the crowd and ran in front of the kids, blocking them from the direction of the horse.

“Out of my way, you filthy brats!” the price shouted, raising a whip in the air. Hugo shoved the kids out of the way and jumped just in time to avoid being hit.
“You know if I were as rich as you, I would try to afford some manners!” said Hugo as the prince began wraping up his whip. “Oh-I’ll teach you some manners!” shouted the price as he spit at Hugo’s feet.
Hugo stepped away from the saliva on the ground as the prince made his way to the fount of the palace gates.

“ Well, look at that, Liv. It’s not every day you see a horse with two rear ends!” Hugo yelled out of pure annoyance. The prince froze and slowly turned around to look at Hugo.

“Oh! You are a worthless street rat! You were born a street rat, you’ll die a street rat, and only your fleas will mourn you.” said the prince, and with that, he turned and walked through the palace gates closing loudly behind him.
“I’m not worthless. And I don’t have fleas!” shouted Hugo at the thick oak doors. He looked up at the tall stone wall, letting out a sigh.
“Come on, Liv. Let’s go home.” he said to the small mouse still on his shoulder.
He turned and began walking towards the allies to his makeshift home. Hugo began to get lost in thought. Street rat. That's what he'd been called his whole life. A worthless, good for nothing street rat. The entire way Hugo fell further down the train of thought. Was he really going to die a sad and worthless boy? Was there really no one who cared? No, no, no, he can’t think like that. If he did, he would've given up years ago.

He made it this far, and that's all he needed to go on. He’d prove them all wrong some day, just you wait.

Chapter Text

Varian sat on his throne that was among many grand carpets and tapestries lining the floors and halls. He sat with a bored expression on his face as he absentmindedly rubbed his pet raccoons’, Ruddiger, fuzzy fur.

“Your highness I'm rich beyond belief! I could give you everything you could ever want!” the prince bragged. “Yes, so I've heard,” said Varian with little interest. Seeing these suitors at this point was just a routine.
They were all pretty much the same, bragging about themselves or their money, how grand their castles or mansions were. All. the. SAME.

“Please, your highness, a beautiful thing like yourself should have it all!” This piqued Varian’s interest.

None of his suitors ever showed much interest in him, only ranting about the things they could buy for him. “You think I'm beautiful?” Varian asked.

Maybe this guy wasn't as bad as he thought. “Why yes, one of the greatest sites I've ever seen!” said the prince. “Is there anything else you like about me?” Varian asked a small bubble of hope rising in his chest. “What else is there to like?” Said the prince as if it was a joke.

“A pretty face is always the best,” said the prince. “Well, do you have any hobbies? Science or art or do you like to read?” Asked Varian trying to see if this guy was still on the table.

“Art and science, please, that stuff is for peasants. And who needs reading when you can just stay quiet and look nice?” That was all Varian needed to know this one was hopeless.

The problem with all of his suitors wasn't the constant bragging or stuck up manners, it was they never wanted to hear a word he said. They just wanted to have a nice little partner who never talked back and held his tongue.

“Look, I bet you are a nice guy but I don't think this will work out” Varian said bluntly. “What?! No! I have to have you! You are perfect for me! I refuse to leave until you change your mind!” the prince was getting angry, stomping towards Varian from where he sat.

“I am sorry but you're not for me” said Varian trying to calm him down.
He was only a few feet away from Varian, stomping closer and closer. “I HAVE TO HAVE YOU!” repeated the prince shouting and getting in Varian's face. He was about to say something when there came a low growl.
Ruddiger was looking at the prince, eyes narrowed and tail high, his fangs and teeth bared. “And why do you have such a disgusting rodent in a castle? See with me I could get you something so much more grand like a peacock or a tiger!”

Ruddiger growled louder at the prince, his tail fluffing up ever so slightly. “I think you should go”

***

Quirin was pacing in the room just outside the throne room waiting patiently. He really hoped this one worked. But just as he was thinking that the large doors burst open and out came storming prince James.
“Oh, Prince James, you're not leaving so soon, are you?” cried Quirin walking after the infuriated prince.

“Good luck marrying him off! And you should keep that creature on a leash!” Quirin noticed a sizable tear in the prince's pants right on the butt where a colorful set of underpants were visible. “Oh Varian” Quirin breathed under his breath.

He walked into the throne room only to see the doors leading to the garden wide open. He walked out seeing Varian sitting on the edge of a white marble fountain. Ruddiger was rolling on the ground playing with some ripped fabric and getting a small giggle out of Varian.

Quirin walked over to his son who was petting some of the fish in the water. “Varian…” said Quirin quietly and sitting by his son.

“Varian you must stop rejecting every suitor who comes to call on you” he said it like an old chant. “I know but they're all the same: stuck up and rude. I don't want to marry just because the law says I have to. And if I do marry, I want it to be for love.” Varian said, a sad tone to his voice.
“Varian, it's not only this law… I'm not going to be around forever, and I just want to make sure you're taken care of, provided for.” Varian rolled his eyes and scoffed.

“Dad, try to understand. I've never done a thing on my own,” said Varian standing up and walking away from his father. “I've never even been outside the palace walls.” Varian waved his hands at the tall stone wall separating the castle from the streets to the city. “But Varian, you're a prince! It's not up to you to go about with the people of the city!” Said Quirin.

He'd had this conversation with his son hundreds of times and each time nothing changed. “Well then maybe I don't want to be a prince!” Shouted Varian, storming off.

“Varian! Oh what on earth am I going to do with that boy?” whispered Quirin as he made his way back inside. He knew what Varian was going through, he did the same thing when he was Varian's age.

He knew the pain of meeting person after person and finding the right one. It's fortunate he found Ulla. She was smart and kind but also silly and adventurous but most of all, she was his best friend.
He only knew Ulla would be able to provide more help for Varian then he was, if only she were still around… “Good afternoon your majesty.”

Quirin turned to where the voice came from. “Ah Andrew, my most trusted advisor. I am in desperate need of your wisdom.” Said Quirin as Andrew walked out of the shadows towards him.

“My life is but to serve you, my lord,” Andrew gave a small bow and continued “what may I help you with today?”

“It's this suitor business,” Quirin began saying. “Varian refuses to choose any of the suitors and it's driving me up the wall!”

“Up the wall awk! Up the wall!” Quirin looked to see Andrew’s pet patriot on his shoulder and gave the thing a small smile.
“Now then, perhaps I can divine a solution to this thorny problem?” said Andrew with a small swish of his cloak.

“If anyone can help, it's you,” said Quirin in a tired voice. “Ah well you see your majesty, it would require the use of the mystic blue diamond.” said Andrew, pointing to the big blue diamond on Quirin’s finger.
“Uh, my ring?” asked Quirin, slightly shocked. “ But it's been in the royal family for years and I-”

“It is necessary to find the prince a suitor.” interrupted Andrew, raising his snake shaped staff.

He lined the eyes of the snakes with Quirin’s and a red glow filled the room. “Don't worry. Everything will be fine.” Andrew said in a soft but dangerous voice. “Everything...will be...fine.”
“The diamond.” Andrew stated bluntly but Quirin did as told, removing the shiny diamond of his finger and handing it to Andrew.

“Here, Andrew. Whatever you need.”
***

Varian ran up to his room slamming the door shut loudly. He couldn't stand it. No matter what his father tried or said he would never change. He knew his father cared for him but it was times like these that really made that hard to believe.

Varian stomped around his room as Ruddiger claimed up onto his small little pet bed. Varian paced the room for some time before a small knock on the door broke the silence. “Dad, please, I'm not in the mood to discuss this again” Varian called to the door. “Well maybe you'd be in the mood to just sit and talk?” A light female voice said through the thick doors.

Varian rushed over to the doors pulling them wide open and seeing the cheerful face of his only real human friend. “Rapunzel!” Varian jumped forward wrapping his arms around her and hugging her tight. Rapunzel was a palace maid who Varian had known almost all his life.

Her parents were part of the royal kitchen staff which made it pretty easy for her to get the job. When Varian's mother died Rapunzel's family moved to the castle shortly after and she was the only one to really understand him.
Varian didn't know where he would be without her.

“You doing OK Var?” She said after a minute. “I- not really…” said Varian letting her go and walking into his room. “It's just this stupid law! I can't stand it and I can’t stand these suitors! I just wish my dad wasn't making me do this.” Varian said, sitting down on his bed.
Rapunzel followed and sat down next to him rubbing his shoulder.

“And it's always without fail I'm left with no power over the situation. It's like my only job is to just sit quietly and be a good little prince” he ran a hand through his hair. “I bet that must be hard but try to remember your dad is just trying to look out for you. He wants you to have a bright future,"
"I know,” said Varian.

“It’s just… I want to marry someone who really gets me but I fear that there might not be anyone out there. I’d be stuck with some dumb, snobby person who only wants the throne.” Varian leaned back on his bed and stared up at the great big ceiling. Rapunzel leaned back to lay next to him thinking about what to say.

“Well,” she finally said after about a minute. “If it's any consolation I’ll be here with you, no matter what.” She turned her head to look at him and gave him a big smile.
He returned her big smile when she suddenly sat up. “Well I think it's time we stop moping around and do something fun. What do you say?” Varian sat up and walked to the door with Rapunzel.

Sure it was times like these he was glad she was his friend but there was still that nagging thought in the back of his mind that what if he never found someone good enough for him.

Chapter Text

Varian lay wide awake in his bed, the smallest bit of sun peeking over the wall into his window. He couldn't help but let his mind wander to yesterday and what his dad said. ‘It's not up to you to go about with the people of the city!’

What was the point of being the ruler when he’ll never be able to leave his own castle? If only he was a peasant. He wouldn't have all these responsibilities, he could get married when he wanted to and he wouldn’t be… alone.

Varian sat up in his bed watching the sun come over the wall just a little. That was his biggest fear with these suitors and the idea of getting married, he’d been alone his whole life, he didn’t want to be alone with his partner.

He couldn’t stand the thought of being married to someone who didn’t care about him. If only there was something he could do.

As he watched the sun slide over the wall more and more an idea popped into his head. What if there was something he could do? What if he ran away?

He wouldn't have to get married if he was a peasant. He could wait till he found the right person.

Slowly, so as to not wake up Ruddiger, Varian tiptoed over to his wardrobe and looked through it carefully. After a minute he pulled out a set of worn out pants, a white long sleeve shirt and a teal blue sleeveless vest with some gold embroidery.

It wasn’t particularly flashy but he could guess they were nicer than most common clothes. He searched through some more piles and eventually found an old brown cloak. He didn’t know why or how he had it but he was glad he did. He pulled it on and inspected his reflection.

The cloak covered most of his body and with the hood on it was hard to even see his face. Perfect. Varian slowly made his way to the doors of his room and looked back at his room. He would miss it.

He’d miss Rudigger and Rapunzel and his dad but… this was for the best. He quietly tiptoed down the halls and stairs to make sure he didn’t wake anyone up or run into any guards.

He finally made it to the front gates of the palace and spotted the great western juniper tree that was close enough to the wall so he could climb up it. Just as he was about to start climbing he heard a small chitter.

Varian turned and saw Ruddiger who was looking up at him with a sad expression on his face. “Oh I’m sorry buddy but I can’t say here.” Ruddiger gave a small chitter and rubbed his head on Varian’s leg, as if saying I understand.

Varian petted his head knowing he’d miss his fuzzy friend. He drew his hand back and began climbing up the tree and sitting on the edge of the wall. “Good bye” he whispered to the raccoon.

He got one last at the grand palace that had held him hostage for so many years. “Good bye” he said again looking up at the castle with a little more meaning in it.

He was really leaving. And he was never going back. And with that he slid off the top of the wall and landed on the dirt ground, free for the first time in his life.
***
“You ready Liv?” Hugo asked the small mouse in his hand. It was just a little after eight which meant that it was time for breakfast.

Hugo sat just behind a fruit stand in the shade, eyeing some of the fruits for his meal. He looked back down at Olivia who gave an enthusiastic nod.

Hugo lowered her down to the ground where she scampered around then ran up the leg of the fruit stand. She sat herself just out of view of the vendor and waited till his back was fully turned.

She then picked up a piece of fruit that was twice her size and dropped it on the ground, making a loud splat sound. The vendor of the stand snapped his head to see the fruit smashed to pieces on the ground.

While the vendor was whining over the fruit Hugo grabbed a big green melon and ran off. He climbed up to sit on the roof of a low stand and broke open the melon and took a bite.

It wasn’t as flavorful as he’d hoped it would be but it was still good. Hugo sat there on the roof watching all the people of the city.

He watched as the merchants from out of town were trying to sell their products from fish to jewelry and lots of other things. He watched the animals from stray dogs to camels as they ran up and down the street. But Hugo’s favorite about the city was all the villagers. It was always fun to see them going about their daily business.

However there never was much to see in the early mornings of the day. Hugo sat there eating his fruit when he suddenly spotted someone particular in the crowd.

He’d never seen this person before, which wasn’t uncommon but there was something about him. It was a short boy, wandering around the market like it was some sort of festival or magic show.

He was bumping into stands and backing into some people giving a small apology every time. His eyes locked on every good he came by and the vendors and merchants were flashing different items in his face.

Hugo watched in amusement. What a curious person, he thought.
***
Varian was in awe. He’d never seen so much chaos. It was incredible. There was so much to see from the street performers to the vendor’s' stands to the buildings themselves.

He couldn't believe this was happening. He walked from stand to stand trying to see everything at once. There were stands with fancy necklaces and jewels, exotic fruits of all kinds and trained monkeys and birds doing tricks for treats.

Everything about the market just felt so unreal. He bumped into a stand selling something like fish every now and then and backed into a person from time to time but who could blame him?

He’d been missing out on so much his whole life, but now he was going to make up for it. Varian continued walking around when all of a sudden he spotted a small little boy.

He was skinny and dirty and quite pale despite the high sun. He was on his tiptoes trying to grab an apple from a nearby stand. Varian walked over to the boy who, when he noticed him, began to back away.

But Varian merely grabbed an apple from the top of the pile and bent down to meet the boy's eye level. “You must be hungry,” he reached his hand out to give the apple to the boy. “Here you go.”

The boy cautiously took the apple from Varian and gave him a small smile. He then turned and ran off back into the crowd. Varian got up and turned to walk away when a shout and a hand on his shoulder stopped him. “You'd better be able to pay for that.” said a low voice.

Varian turned and saw that it was the vendor of the stand, an angry expression on his face. “Oh yes, I’m sorry, let me just…” Varian turned to grab some money out of his bag when he realized he'd left it at the palace.

“I um, I forgot my money at home, but if i can just-” the man grabbed Varian’s wrist keeping him from leaving. “No one steals from my cart!” shouted the vendor.

“Please, if you let me go to the palace, I can get some from the sultan and-ahh!” The man’s grip tightened on his wrist and he pulled him over to a table used for cutting fruit. He graded a large sword from under the counter that was used to cut larger fruits.

“Do you know what the penalty is for stealing?!” the man shouted, laying Varian’s wrist on the table and raising the sword high. Varian struggled in the man’s grip trying desperately to pull his arm away.
“No, no please!” The sun shone on the blade blinding Varian as he braced himself for the pain, still struggling helplessly. Varian saw the sword lower but it was stopped by a new hand.

“Thank you kind sir!” came a new voice pulling Varian back and away from the man. “I am so glad you've found him!” Varian turned and saw that it was a boy, just a bit older than himself, with round glasses, a lean figure and messy blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail.

“I've been looking all over for you,” said the boy waving a finger in Varian’s face. The vendor looked at the boy in shock as he pulled Varian into a side hug. Varian looked at the boy with a surprised and questioning look as if silently asking what are you doing?

The boy seemed to understand giving him a just play along look. “Well thank you again good sir you have no idea how helpful you are,” said the boy who Varian just noticed had the sword and gave it back to the vendor.

“You know this boy?” the vendor asked, looking between the two of them. “Sadly, yes. He is my brother. He’s a little crazy.” The boy made a circle with his fingers and crossed his eyes slightly.

Crazy?! Varian made to move forward when something caught his eye. It was a shiny gold creature moving up one of the legs of the stand and slipping into the vendor's cash bag. What was-?

“He said he knows the sultan!” shouted the vendor drawing Varian back to the present. “Please, he thinks the camel is the sultan.” The boy rolled his eyes slightly and merely pointed to a camel that was tied to a poll in the ground. Varian looked at the camel as it was chewing on some grass, but then caught the pleading expression on the boy's face.

Catching on quickly, Varian gets down on his knees. “Oh, wise sultan, how may I serve you?” he said, talking up to the camel. The vendor looked slightly weirded out and turned back to the blonde boy who had a fake look of sympathy on his face.

“Well my good sir, you see this is all just a big misunderstanding and that there is no need to get upset, now how much do you want for the apple?” asked the boy.

“Three coins” said the vendor bluntly. “Of course! Let me see, ah, here you go” the boy pulled out three shiny coins and gave them to the vendor.

“Pleasure doing business with you and now,” the boy walked over to Varian who was still on his knees and helped him onto his feet. “It’s time we go and get you to the doctor,” he began walking towards the street guiding Varian by his shoulders.

“Ah yes, oh hello doctor, how are you?” Varian waved to a nearby fish hanging upside down on a different stand. The blonde boy was not expecting that and had to hold in his laughter, trying to get them out quicker leaving the man and his stand behind.

“Follow me,” said the blonde boy, grabbing Varian’s hand softly and smiling. “There’s somewhere I want to show you.”

Chapter Text

“With all due respect, your rottenness, couldn’t we just wait for a real storm?” shouted Iago from across the room. He was running on a small treadmill that was connected to a large hourglass in the middle of the room.

Sand ran from the top to the bottom of the hourglass. Overtop the great hourglass was an intricate device simulating a big thunderstorm that was stirring the top layer of sand.

“Save your breath, Iago, you’ll need it.” Andrew walked over to the hourglass and set Quirin’s blue diamond ring into a small place just by the hourglass. The storm clouds overhead roared with dry lightning and loud thunder.

“Sands of time, reveal to me the one who can enter the cave!” The sand began to swirl in the lower half of the hourglass. In the center of the swirling sand a faint image began to appear. It was a boy, dirty and lean with blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. He was climbing up the side of a building with another boy who looked… familiar.

Andrew watched as they made their way up the side of a building till the blonde boy made it to the top of the roof. The boy climbed over but lost his footing and the blonde boy caught him just in time. His hood fell off just enough to show his face and it was, “The prince!” shouted Andrew.

“THE PRINCE!?” Iago lost his footing and slammed into the wall behind him feathers flying all over the floor. “Why is he with this dirt ball who can open the cave?!” shouted Iago as he got back on his feet.

“I’m not sure but, I say let’s have the guards extend him an invitation to the palace, shall we?” said Andrew with a wicked smile and turning to leave the room. At last he was going to get that lamp.

***

“Almost there,” said Hugo. He climbed up the side of the wall that led to his little hideout, Varian following behind him. Varian climbed over the side but missed his step, sending him falling to the floor.

Just as he began to fall, Hugo caught him and looked down at him. They locked eyes for just a moment then Varian straightened up looking away with a small blush. “I-I want to thank you for stopping that man.” said Varian following Hugo as he walked to the other side of the roof. “Uh, forget it,” said Hugo with a small wave of his hand.

He scanned the floor for just a second before bending down to pick up two long wooden poles. He handed one to Varian and held the other tightly in his hands. “So, uh, this is your first time in the marketplace, huh?” said Hugo. He backed up a bit and ran at the edge of the wall, pole vaulting to the next building.

“Is it that obvious?” Varian asked, slightly embarrassed. His plan to go unnoticed might not have been as flawless as he’d hoped. Hugo bent down again and picked up a large wooden plank which was a little thin but still sturdy. “Well, you do kinda stand out,” Hugo said, a small blush spreading across his face. “Uh, I mean, uh, you don’t seem to know how dangerous Corona can be.”

He laid the plank across the two buildings when Varian suddenly landed right behind him. He gave Hugo a small smirk and tossed the pole back to Hugo who had a look of surprise on his face. “I’m a fast learner.” said Varian walking past him.

Hugo stood in a daze for a moment then snapped out of it, setting the pole back on the ground. “Right. C’mon, this way,” he led the way through what looked like an abandoned attic of sorts with torn curtains, broken beams and some shattered glass.

Varian was looking everywhere, trying to take it all in. Despite the state it was in, it was beautiful. He turned as he walked looking at everything in the room. “Whoa. Watch your head,” said Hugo as Varian almost ran into a low hanging beam.

“Is this where you live?” said Varian, still looking everywhere he could. “Yep. Just me and Liv. Come and go as we please.” said Hugo as they reached the top of the old stairs. “Liv?” Varian asked. “Oh yeah, Olivia” said Hugo, who was digging in his pocket and pulled out a small golden mechanical mouse.

“I knew I saw something by the vendor's stand! It was her, wasn’t it?” said Varian as he examined the small creature in Hugo’s palm. “Yeah. Liv here is my secret weapon to pretty much everything I do.” Hugo said, pride dripping into his voice. “Where did you get her?” Varian asked, still examining the tiny mouse. “Oh, I made her myself.” said Hugo as if remembering some far off memory.

“You made her?” said Varian with pure astonishment on his face. “This is the most intricate and functional thing I’ve ever seen! She’s so small but well assembled and moves so realistically!” Varian had a look of pure wonder, like he did in the marketplace, on his face.

Olivia, obviously liking the attention climbed off Hugo’s hand and onto Varian’s knee. “She’s absolutely incredible!” breathed Varian as he picked up the small mouse in his hand to look at her closely.

She gave a small squeak and little smile to Varian as he continued to look at her. “I’m guessing you like engineering?” said Hugo who couldn’t help but smile at Varian’s wonder for the small mouse.

“I love it but, alchemy is more my thing” he said putting his hand on the floor to let Olivia run off. “Oh i know! It’s just so investing to try and figure out how something works” said Hugo. “I loved to take apart my toys and try to assemble them as a kid. I think I went through a total of 12 tops until I finally figured out how to fix it.” said Varian with a small laugh.

“Tell me about it, it took me forever to finally get all the parts I needed for Liv, then another eternity to build her but it was worth it in the end. She taught me to never give up on the things I love.” Hugo watched as Olivia ran to her little makeshift hammock he built for her.

“Easier said than done.” mumbled Varian. “Why’d you say that?” asked Hugo. “It’s just… I ran away because… my father is forcing me to get married and I know he loves me but it feels like he’s just trying to get rid of me sometimes or that he doesn't care.” Hugo stared at Varian who had a sad look on his face.

“And that's why I ran away, to find someone who might actually care.” Varian looked down at his hand’s that were on his lap and let out a sigh. “I know how you feel,” Hugo said and Varian looked up at him.

“My parents died when I was really little and I was all alone. I grew up stealing just to survive. No one ever cared what became of some sad, lost boy just trying to get by. I had to learn to do things on my own and depend on myself. But even then I still just felt so…”

“Trapped?” Varian finished for him. “Yeah.” They were back to staring into each other's eyes, needing no words to understand each other. Hugo leaned forward slightly, Varian doing the same.

Out of nowhere there came a series of loud squeaks. Both boys' heads snapped to see Olivia looking at them with a ‘really’ kind of look on her face. She began squeaking again and Varian giggled as she started pacing.

“What's she saying?” Varian asked, his smile growing. Hugo shot an annoyed glare at the mouse before turning back to Varian. “She said she's sorry about your dad,” the smallest hint of a fib in his tone.

“Oh really? And does she have anything else to say?” Said Varian with a small grin, leaning forward. “Well, uh, she wishes there was something she could do to help.” Hugo said, leaning forward himself.

“Hmm... well tell her that’s very... sweet.” Varian and Hugo’s faces were only inches apart, their breaths mingling. They were only centimeters apart and… “There you are!” came a shout, startling the boys.

It was the captain of the guard and several guards following close behind. Both boy’s jumped to their feet as the captain made his way closer to them. “They’re after me!” shouted Varian and Hugo at the same time. “They’re after you?” They pointed to each other, both sharing looks of confusion but still full of fear.

“My father must have sent them-” Varian said, panicking under his breath as Hugo ran and looked over the edge of a large hole in the wall that was covered by a curtain.

“Do you trust me?” Hugo asked quickly, watching the guards draw closer. “What?” Varian asked, still panicking. “Do you trust me?” Hugo repeated, extending his hand to Varian. Varian looked back at the guards who were only feet away then back to Hugo. “Yes.” Varian took Hugo’s hand and Hugo pulled him forward just as the guards were about to grab him. Hugo picked up Olivia and put her in his pocket for safety. “Then jump!”

Hugo pulled Varian close to his chest, wrapping his arms around him as they plummeted to the ground. Varian let out a scream that was quickly drowned out by the rushing wind in their ears. Varian held to the front of Hugo’s vest tightly, closing his eyes, bracing for impact.

They broke through a covering slowing down their fall and landed on a soft mund of sand, taking a small tumble. Hugo helped Varian to his feet and began to run down the alley to escape when he ran right into the captain.

Hugo pushed Varian back to keep him away as the captain lifted Hugo off the floor by his vest. “We just keep running into each other, don’t we, street rat?” he sneered in Hugo’s face. Hugo began to struggle when he was suddenly thrown to two other guards. “Hey, get off of me!” shouted Hugo as Olivia flew out of his pocket and scampered away to avoid being stepped on.

“Let go of him!” shouted Varian. The guards turned around to look at him and began to laugh loudly. “Look what we have here, men--a street mouse,” shouted the captain, pushing Varian to the ground and laughing harder. Anger bubbled in Varian’s chest as he stood back up and pulled off his hood.

“I said unhand him, by order of the prince!” the guards froze looking at Varian’s blue hair stipe, each wearing a horrified expression on their faces. They all immediately bowed on one knee forcing Hugo to bow as well.

“Prince Varian!” cried the captain. “The prince?” Hugo whispered looking back at Varian’s face. Now that his hood was off he could see the blue stripe in his hair and the tiniest bit of a fancy vest poking out by his neck. Hugo kept looking up at Varian with utter shook but Varian’s gaze was fiery, staring up at only the captain.

“Your highness, what are you doing outside the palace? And with this street rat?” Varian felt more anger rise in his chest as they called Hugo a ‘street rat’. “That’s none of your concern, now, do as I say and release him!” Vairan said letting his tone be mean and demanding.

“Well, I would, your highness, but I have orders from Andrew to take him in. You’ll have to speak with him.” The guards suddenly stood and dragged Hugo away. Hugo only got one last look at Varian who was looking up at the captain with a look of pure anger. “Oh believe me, I will.”

***

Andrew was walking out of his hidden lab in the castle wall, another evil smile on his face. His plan was flawless, as long as the boy cooperated. He had thought of everything.

“Andrew!” came a sudden shout from the next room over. Andrew slammed the door he was exiting from in Iago’s face, who let out a groan of pain. Andrew turned as Varian came storming into the room, his face full of pure loathing and disgust.

“Oh Prince Varian,” said Andrew, giving a lazy bow. “How may I be of service to you?”

“The guards just took a boy from the market, on your orders.” said Varian, stomping closer to him. “Your father has charged me with keeping peace in the kingdom. The boy was a criminal!”

“And what was his crime?” demanded Varian, losing his patients. “Why, kidnapping the prince, of course.” Andrew said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “He didn’t kidnap me, I ran away!” said Varian.
He knew no one planned on him running away but it seemed stupid to assume he’d actually been kidnapped. “Oh, dear!” Andrew drew a hand to his chest, a shocked look on his face. “Oh, how frightfully upsetting. Had only I known,”

“What do you mean?” asked Varian, concern in his voice. “Sadly, the boy’s sentence has already been carried out,” said Andrew, turning away from Varian to hide his face. The boy was already sentenced?

“What sentence?” asked Varian, his voice barely above a whisper. Andrew turned back to face Varian with a small smile on his face. “Death. By beheading.” Varian’s world shattered.

His legs gave way beneath him and he collapsed to the floor, his eyes burning. “No! No, no, no” "I am exceedingly sorry, your highness.” said Andrew, not even putting effort to hide the joy on his face.

“How could you?!” said Varian getting up and running from the room, tears spilling from his eyes. “So, how did it go?” Andrew turned and saw Iago walking over to him, his feathers disheveled. “I think he took it... rather well,” said Andrew, laughing evilly.

***

“Varian?” Varian looked up to see Rapunzel’s silhouette in the darkness. Varian had run outside and was crying by the fountain’s edge, Ruddiger’s head resting on his leg.

“Oh, it’s all my fault, Rapunzel,” he said, his voice weak. Rapunzel pent down and wrapped him in a hug, letting him cry into her shoulder. “I-I didn’t even know his name.” whispered Varian, for the first time in many years feeling the loss of a person sting him.

Chapter Text

Hugo sat in the dark, damp cell, his back pressed against the cold stone wall. His wrists were bound by chains over head, the smallest bit of moonlight shone through a small window right at his feet. He felt sore.

He’d been struggling for hours to no avail. But despite it all his mind couldn’t help but wander to that afternoon. “He was the prince. I don't believe it. I must have sounded so stupid to him.” he said out loud. Hugo didn’t get it. Why would a literal prince willingly want to be around a peasant like him?

Not to mention, the prince felt just like him.

Hugo smiled at nothing just thinking of his sweet smile, his blue eyes and his goofy little giggle. He heard a faint scampering sound pulling him out of his thoughts. He looked up at the window at the top of the cell when he saw a familiar silhouette walking on the edge of the rock.

“Liv?” he called up to the small mouse. “Liv! Down here!” he whisper-shouted to the golden creature. She spotted Hugo on the floor and climbed down the wall to him. “Hey Liv, good to see you're ok. C'mon-help me outta these.” She climbed up Hugo’s leg and sat on his knee with an ‘I’m not impressed’ look.

“What? What’d I do?” Hugo said who knew that face all too well. Olivia grabbed some of Hugo’s pant leg and pulled it over her head, wearing it like a hood. She then looked up at him with a big eyed expression and gave a small squeak.

“Hey, he was in trouble,” he told her, knowing who she was referring to. Olivia climbed down his leg and up his arms striking her tail into the lock to pick it. “I had to do something, even if I’m here. But, ah, he was worth it.” Hugo let another smile spread across his face and Olivia rolled her eyes.

“Oh, don't worry, Liv. I'll never see him again. I'm a street rat, remember, and there's a law. He's gotta marry someone of noble status, he deserves the best.” Hugo let out a sad sigh, his smile falling. Olivia gave a small squeak that was followed by the click of the lock. Hugo’s wrists were finally free and he rubbed them. “I'm a fool if I think I have a shot with royalty.” Hugo said more to himself, getting up onto his feet.

“You're only a fool if you give up, boy.” said an old raspy voice. Hugo froze. His eyes scanned the dark cell looking for the owner of the voice. Out stepped an old man with a long gray beard, wooden walking stick and missing many teeth. He wasn't even aware there was another person in his cell, and he’d been there for hours.

Hugo backed away from the man and Olivia got into a defensive stance on his shoulder. “Who are you?” Hugo asked as the old man hobbled a bit closer. “A lowly prisoner, like yourself. But together, perhaps we can be more,” not the answer he was looking for but the last part peaked his interest. “I'm listening.”

“There is a cave, boy. A cave of wonders. Filled with treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Treasure enough to impress any prince, I'd wager.” said the old man wobbling on his stick. Hugo looked down at himself then back at the old man “But the law says that only someone of noble birth can marry-”

“You've heard of the golden rule, haven't you boy?” said the old man as if waiting for Hugo to answer him. When he didn’t he continued, “Whoever has the gold makes the rules,” he gave a laugh that was more a horse wheeze. Hugo’s suspicion grew. “So why would you share all of this wonderful treasure with me?”

“I need a young man with good legs and a strong back to go in after it.” said the old man. “And who better to give this chance to the one looking to win the heart of a prince,” said the old man, pocking Hugo in the chest with his stick.

“Ok, one problem. It's out there, we're in here.” Hugo stated bluntly. “Mmm…things aren't always what they seem.” said the old man walking over to the wall behind Hugo. He used his stick to bush a brick into the wall, opening a secret passage.

“So, do we have a deal?” the old man asked Hugo, giving him a toothless grin. Hugo looked at Olivia who gave him a skeptical look. Hugo didn’t trust this man but then he suddenly heard a shout from behind him. He only guessed it was the guards. He took a quick glance at the cellar door then back at the old man by the secret door. Hugo sucked in a breath and walked over to the secret door and ducked his head, walking through the door down the long passage.

***

“Varian? What's wrong?” Quirin asked, walking into Varian’s room. Varian was sitting alone in his room on his bed. “Andrew...has...done something... terrible,” said Varian in a shaky voice. Quirin sat next to Varian and pulled him into a hug. “There, there, we'll set it right. But first tell me what happened.”

***

“Who disturbs my slumber?” The ground shook under Hugo’s feet, the bright light of the cave shining in his eyes. “It is I, Hugo,” Hugo recited. The old man had told him to say that and wait for the signal.

Hugo looked back at the old man who had an odd look on his face. Hugo couldn’t place the look when the ground began to shake again. “You may proceed. But know this: touch nothing but the lamp. For if you touch the forbidden treasure, you shall join it for all eternity!”

Totally not horrifying, thought Hugo. He took a small step forward and saw a staircase forming in the back of the tiger's throat. “Remember, boy, first fetch me the lamp, and then you shall have your reward!” Hugo looked down at Olivia who was hiding in his pocket looking up in fear. “C'mon, Liv. We got this.” said Hugo, taking a step forward.

***

“Would ya look at that!” said Hugo for the fifth time, staring up at the mountains of gold coins, bright jewels and other priceless treasures. “Just a handful of this stuff would make me richer than the sultan!” Hugo didn’t have much but he’d bet everything that most kings would die to just get a look at the grand mountains of gold.

Olivia was running around on the floor bolting from gold goblet to clay vase and so on. She’d never seen anything like the shiny gold coins that littered the floor. She was happily running around when she ran across an old persian carpet slipping on a fold in it and was sent flying toward a pile of necklaces.

She let out a scared squeak just as Hugo ran forward and picked her up. “Careful Liv, we can’t touch anything or we’re goners,” he said, setting her back on the ground. She began moving at a much slower pace when she suddenly stopped. She felt like she was being followed. She turned around and looked at the room.

There didn’t seem to be anything out of place, all the goblets were laying on their sides, coins still littered the floor but the carpet was…gone. As she turned to run back to Hugo she saw the carpet from before only upright and moving. Moving?! Olivia bolted over to Hugo squeaking loudly. Hugo turned around in concern as she ran up his leg to hide in his messy hair.

“Liv, what’s wrong?” said Hugo, looking up at the startled mouse. She just kept squeaking frantically and shaking on Hugo’s head. “Liv, what did you…see?” said Hugo as something moved out in front of him. It was a carpet and it was moving like it was alive. “A magic carpet!” breathed Hugo.

He couldn’t believe it. A real magic carpet! It was blue and purple with some hints of red and yellow for decor with some golden tassels on all four of the corners. It moved closer to Hugo when Olivia let out a loud squeak startling the carpet, making it back up and away from them. “Hey, wait, don’t go,” said Hugo reaching a hand out to the carpet. The carpet paused and turned as if looking at him.

“I’m kinda lost and maybe you could help us find the lamp?” Hugo asked. The carpet waited for just a moment before zooming in the air towards Hugo. The carpet knocked Hugo off his feet but he landed on the soft wool as the carpet began to fly down the maze of treasures.

They passed through the narrow rose of treasurers lost to time until they emerged in a giant, dim, underground cavern. There was more treasure but not as grand. There were statues made of white marble lining the wall and in the center sat a great stand holding a large, shiny ruby. There was some form of a lake all along the cavern and there in the center of the giant stone cavern was a tall pillar, at least a hundred feet high, with a staircase going up to it.

It was surrounded by coins and in the water were unevenly placed stones forming a bridge across the water to the pillar. And there at the top of the pillar was a bright beam of light shining onto something with a gold reflection.

Hugo looked up at the large stone steps leading to the prize at the top. “Wait here,” said Hugo, stepping off the carpet and walking towards the stone steps in the middle of the room. Olivia sat on the floor looking around the cavern. It was definitely harder for her to see with her old scanners making her stumble when she tried to walk.

The carpet tried to help guide her but she just pushed it away. She began to tumble down a small slope, knocking into a white marble statue. It tipped over, knocking into another statue, creating a domino effect. Olivia and the carpet froze watching as the statues continued to fall.

Hugo was almost to the top. His legs were aching slightly, his head was pounding lightly and his whole body was sore. Still his pace didn’t falter. There were some moments when he slipped and almost fell but even then he never stopped once.

He climbed up to the top of the piller till he was level with a… dusty, old, oil lamp. He didn’t think the old man was really talking about an actual lamp. He thought it would’ve been something priceless or magical but no, just an old oil lamp. “This is it?” said Hugo almost in disbelief, picking up the lamp and examining it.

“This is what we came all the way down here to-” Hugo looked down and saw to his horror there were white marble statues falling on one after another. He noticed Olivia and the carpet standing frozen with fear as the final statue fell on top of a big red ruby, cracking it right down the middle. The sound of the jem shattering filled the whole cavern making Hugo’s heart skip a beat.

They were plunged into pin dropping silence when a great roar shook the earth. “You have touched the forbidden treasure! Now you will never again see the light of day!” The caver shook more fiercely as the ceiling on the far end of the room turned to molten hot lava.

Hugo secured the lamp by tying it to a rope around his waist and raced down the steps when they flattened into a ramp, causing him to slip and fall down the pillar. He tumbled down until he flew into the air. Hugo just caught a glimpse of the water below turning into lava when he landed on the carpet, Olivia running to hide in his hair.

The carpet flied throw the air, swerving and dodging rocks and melting coins. Hugo looked left and right and sees rocks exploding into lava and melting to the floor. “Whoa! Carpet, let's move!”

Olivia poked her head out of Hugo’s flying hair and scampered down his face, knocking his glasses off, and hiding in his pocket. “Liv, this is no time to panic!” shouted Hugo fixing his glasses in order to see. He put them back on and watched as they are flying straight for a wall. “Start panicking!”

The Carpet flied by the wall and through a secret door where Hugo can just make out the entrance to the cave. The Carpet flies up towards the sentence, when suddenly a large rock fell from the ceiling and on the back of the carpet, sending it to the floor.

Hugo, losing the surface under him, went flying onto the side of the cave. He grabs hold of the sharp rock wall, the cold metal of the lamp bumping into his leg. Hugo slowly climbed up the side of the cave towards the entrance where the old man was looking down at him.

“Help me out!” Hugo threw out his hand to the old man while desperately trying not to fall into the lava below. “Throw me the lamp!” shouted the old man, sawting Hugo’s hand away. “I can't hold on.” cried Hugo desperately. “Just give me your hand!” “First give me the lamp!”

Hugo knew he’d get nowhere if he didn’t, so he reached down and grabbed the lamp off his belt and handed it up to the old man. “Ha ha ha ha! Yes! At last! It’s mine!” cried the old man holding the lamp above his head. Hugo finally found his footing and, with a bit of help from Olivia, started to climb out of the cave. Just as he’s almost out, the old man reaches down and grabbed his wrist tightly.

“What are you doing?” Hugo looked up into the face of the old man who was smiling evilly. “Giving you your reward,” said the old man reaching into his cloak and pulling out a dagger. “Your eternal reward!” He raises the dagger as Hugo struggles against his grip when Olivia suddenly bit down on the man's arm and ran up the sleeve of his cloak.

The old man let go of Hugo’s wrist out of shock and threw Olivia in Hugo’s face. Hugo slid on his stomach back down into the cave. He tried desperately to grab something to hold onto to. His body slammed into the side of the rocky wall hitting his head hard. Hugo feels himself falling until he feels something catch him, right before the world goes dark.

***

At last, at long, long last he did it he had the lamp! Andrew throws off his disguise and tosses his wooden stick away. “It's mine. It's all mine! I-” Andrew reached into his cloak but didn’t feel anything. Where had he set the lamp? He’d had it in his hands. “Where is it? No. NO!!!” It couldn’t have fallen in, right? He hadn't been paying atencion to it at the time so that must have meant…after all these years of research and blood spilt, he’d lost it. It was all for nothing.

Chapter Text

Hugo lay unconscious and the cold stone, unmoving and unresponsive. Olivia crawled over to Hugo poking his face and squeaking, trying to wake him. After a minute Hugo let out a small groan.

The carpet was under Hugo, having caught him before he hit the ground, slowly lifting him up, letting him sit up all the way. “Oh, my head.” Hugo rubbed the back of his head where he hit himself feeling a small bump. He looked up at the ceiling of the cave seeing it was blocked.

“We’re trapped.” he said feeling annoyed. “That two faced son-of-a-jackal!” he shouted at the ceiling. How was he so stupid? He played right into the old man's hands. “Well... whoever he was, he’s long gone with that lamp.” Hugo deflated slightly but Olivia let out a squeak to get his attention.

She pulled out the old oil lamp with a mischievous smile on her face. “Why, you adorable little thief!” Hugo said, picking up the lamp. So the old man lost what he tried so hard to get. “Looks like such a... beat-up, worthless piece of junk.” Hugo mumbled.

He really didn’t see how it could be worth a dime let alone almost dying for it. Hugo looked over the dented lamp when he saw something on the side. “Hey, I-I think there’s something written here, but... it’s... it’s hard to make out. Mabey if I just…” Hugo took his hand and rubbed the side of the lamp wiping the dust away.

Suddenly the lamp started to heat up slightly and blue smoke came out of the tip. It rose higher and higher into the air, lightning and thunder cracking and booming. The cave shook at the swirl of blue and a figure rose out of the smoke.

“OY! Ten-thousand years will give ya such a crick in the neck! Hang on a second,” Hugo was suddenly lifted off his feet and was hung by his vest on the stone wall be hind him. He looked up and saw a large figure stretching its arms high above its head. “Whoa! Does it feel good to be outta there!”

Hugo was pulled off the wall and fell on his butt with a thud. Hugo saw the figure turn until his eyes landed on Hugo sitting on the floor. The figure leaned down to be on Hugo’s eye level and pulled a microphone out of thin air. “Nice to be back, ladies and gentlemen. Hi, where ya from?” said the figure sticking the microphone in Hugo’s face.

“Never mind, I’m Eugene, the genie of the lamp and I’m here today with, what is your name?” Hugo’s head was spinning. He’d really lost it. “I must have hit my head harder than I thought.” Hugo said, rubbing his forehead. “That's what they all say,” said the figure.

“Yo, Rugman! Haven’t seen you in a few millennia! Slap me some tassel!” the carpet flies up to give the blue figure a high five. They did a form of hand shaking the carpet using its tassels for hands. So the carpet and blue guy were friends. Now Hugo knew he was crazy.

“Heyo, master man, you doing alright? You looking kinda pale,” Hugo was pulled out of his thoughts as the figure leaned down looking at Hugo. “Well I don't know, I got arrested today, an old man tried to kill me and a giant blue man just flew out of an old oil lamp and called me master man so my day’s going great, how about you?” Said Hugo with a fake cheerful note in his voice.

The figure looked at the carpet and back to Hugo. “Ok I get it, I'm stunning in looks and power but you gotta understand that finding the great, magic lamp of time will lead you down some weird roads.” “Wait, magic lamp, like MAGIC lamp?!” Said Hugo, looking down at the rusty lamp, still in his hands. “Yep!”

“And I'm your master?” “That’s right! He can be taught!! What would you wish of me, the ever impressive, the long contained, often imiti-totted, but never duplicated Genie of the Lamp! Right here direct from the lamp, right here for your enjoyment wish fulfillment. Thank you!” Hugo froze.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wish fulfillment?” Hugo said, needing confirmation for what he just heard. “Yes sir, wish fulfillment. Three wishes to be exact. And a no way Jose on the wishing for more wishes. That’s it, three. No substitutions, exchanges or refunds!” said the Genie holding up three fingers. “Ok, now I know I’m dreaming”

“Master, I don't think you quite realize what you've got here! I'm Eugene, the most powerful being known to man. I can grant your every wish, just rub that lamp and whatever you want is yours.” Hugo paused thinking over what the genie just said.

“Wait, your name is Eugene?” Hugo asked. The genie, Eugene, lit up slightly at that. “Why yes it is my mini master!” “Why Eugene, of all the names?” Eugene gave a small eye roll but continued. “Why, it is Eugene for it is short for ‘Your Genie’.” Said Eugene.

“Interesting, and you said you could grant my every wish? Like any three wishes I want?” Asked Hugo. He couldn't help but ask questions, for he was a man of scientist at heart and needed to know as much as possible about anything. “Ah, almost. See, there are a few provisos, a couple of quid pro quos…” said Eugene counting down his fingers.

“Like?” Hugo pressed on. “Ah, rule number one: I can’t kill anybody,” Eugene imitated slitting his throat with his finger. “So don’t ask! Rule two: I can’t make anyone fall in love with anyone else,” He made a big red heart in the air that was beating lightly. “And rule three: I can’t bring people back from the dead. It’s not a pretty picture,” He grabbed Hugo’s shoulders, shaking him as he turned a pale shade of green. “I don’t like doing it! Other than that, you got it!” Said Eugene as if waiting for applause.

Hugo sits and thinks for a moment. He could just guess this wasn't someone to bend or break the rules out of kindness. He had to play his cards right. Hugo looked down at Olivia when an idea popped into his head.

“Ah, provisos? You mean limitations? On wishes? Some all powerful genie,” said Hugo turning and talking to Olivia. “Can’t even bring people back from the dead. I don’t know, Liv, he probably can’t even get us out of this cave.” Hugo picked up Olivia and set her on his head.

“Looks like we’re gonna have to find a way outta here Liv,” Hugo got up to leave when a large shoe stomped on the ground right in front of him making Hugo jump. “Excuse me? Are you lookin’ at me? Did you rub my lamp? Did you wake me up, did you bring me here? And all of a sudden, you’re walkin’ out on me? I don’t think so! Not right now. You’re getting your wishes, so sit down!”

Eugene picked up Hugo and sat him down on the carpet, sitting right next to him. “In case of emergency, the exits are here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here anywhere! Keep your hands, arms and small passengers inside the carpet at all times. And we’re…outta here!” The carpet shot up to the ceiling breaking though the top and sending sparkes everywhere in the night sky.

***

“Andrew, this is an outrage. If it weren’t for all your years of loyal service… Well, from now on, you are to discuss the sentencing of prisoners with me, before they are beheaded.” said Quirin, who was standing in the throne room of the palace with Varian and Andrew.

“I assure you, my lord, it won’t happen again.” said Andrew, taking a bow. This was just great. First he lost the lamp and now he was being ordered around again, as if to rub more salt in the wound. “Now Varian, Andrew, let’s put this whole messy business behind us. Please?” Quirin said with a desperate glance at Varian.

“My most abject and humblest apologies to you as well, your highness.” Andrew grabbed Varian’s hand but he pulled it away with a disgusted look on his face. “At least some good will come of my being forced to marry. When I am king, I will have the power to get rid of you.” said Varian, turning and storming out of the room.

“Varian please wait, we still have to discuss this suitor business!” shouted Quirin running after Varian. When Varian and Quirin were gone from the room, Andrew’s smile fell into a sour frown. “If only I had gotten that lamp!” he cried, turning and walking over to an open balcony. “I will have the power to get rid of you!” imitated Iago in Varian’s voice perfectly.

“Oh! To think we gotta keep kissin' up to that chump, and that chump prince for the rest of our lives,” shouted Iago pulling out a feather or two. “No, Iago. Only until he finds a chump suitor. Then he’ll have us banished…or beheaded!” Andrew placed a hand on his throat only imagining the horrid scene.

“If only there was a way to stop him from becoming king,” said Andrew, starting to pace back and forth. “Oh! Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Andrew? What if you were the chump suitor?” iago said. “What?” asked Andrew insulted.

“Just think about it, you marry the prince, all right? Then, you become sultan!” Andrew was about to shout how stupid that was when he paused. “Marry the shrew? I become sultan…the idea has merit!” he said, rubbing his chin in thought.

“Yes, merit! And then we drop papa-in-law and the little boy off a cliff! Kersplat!” Iago falls off Andrew’s shoulder landing on the floor by his feet. Andrew’s wicked smile returned to his face. “Iago, I love the way your foul little mind works!” he let out an evil laugh Iago joining him in their plotting.

Chapter Text

“Thank you for choosing the Magic Carpet for all your travel needs. Don’t stand until the rug has come to a complete stop. Thank you. Good bye now. Good bye. Thank you! Good bye! Well, now. How about that, Mr. Doubting Mustafa?” said Eugene as Hugo stepped off the carpet onto the sand. They’d flown almost all night away from the cave now standing just outside the kingdom.

“Oh, you sure showed me. Now about my three wishes-” said Hugo turning to look at Eugene. “Dost my ears deceive me? Three? You are down by ONE, boy!” said Eugene waving one finger in Hugo’s face. “Ah, no-I never actually wished to get out of the cave. You did that on your own.” said Hugo with a mischievous smile. He actually got Eugene to get him out of the cave without using a wish.

Eugene thinks for a second then looks at Hugo with an impressed and shocked look. “Well you little trickster nicely played but no more freebies.” said Eugene with a stern tone in his voice. “Fair deal. So, three wishes. Hm, I want them to be good,” siad Hugo, pacing back and forth. Hugo turned to look at Eugene, who was sitting on a lounge chair.

“What would you wish for?” Hugo asked and Eugene looked at him with a sad look. “Me? Ha, well, no one’s ever asked me that before. Well, in my case... ah, forget it.”
“What?”

“No, I can't. I…”

“Come on, you can tell me.”

“Freedom.”

Hugo looked at Eugene who was looking down at the gold bracelets on his wrists. “You’re a prisoner?” asked Hugo, feeling sad for the genie. “It’s all part-and-parcel, the whole ‘genie gig’. Phenomenal cosmic powers! Itty bitty living space.”

“That’s- that’s terrible.” said Hugo only imagining what it must be like. Always serving people who only care about themselves. “But oh…to be free. Not have to go ‘Poof! What do you need? Poof! What do you need? Poof! What do you need?’ To be my own master, such a thing would be greater than all the magic and all the treasures in all the world! But what am I talking about? Let’s get real here. It’s not gonna happen. Eugene, wake up and smell the hummus.” Eugene sat down on a rock.

“Why not?” “The only way I get out of this, is if my master wishes me out. So, you can guess how often that’s happened,” said Eugene, letting out a sigh. Hugo looked at Eugene. “I’ll do it. I’ll set you free.”

Eugene gave a light laugh and rolled his eyes. “Uh huh, yeah, right. Whoop!” “No, really, I promise. After I make my first two wishes, I’ll use my third wish to set you free.” Hugo held out his hand for Eugene to shake. “Well, here’s hopin’.” he took Hugo’s hand and shook it.

“So how ‘bout it? What is it you want most?” said Eugene, pulling his hand away and getting back to business. Hugo thought for a moment. What did he want most in the world? He could wish for money or fame or luxury like a prince…prince. The word alone just took him back to the wonderful hours he spent with Varian, talking and laughing and his heart gave a flutter.

“Well... there’s this boy…” Hugo said after a moment. “Wrong!” shouted Eugene, making Hugo jump. “I can’t make anybody fall in love, remember?” “Oh, but he's smart and funny, and…”
“Pretty?”

“Beautiful! He’s got these eyes that just shine and his smile just makes the world stop and his goofy giggle,” Hugo let out a sigh and Olivia looked at him like he was crazy. Maybe he was. Hugo deflated a little, remembering a key detail. “But he’s the prince. He lives a life of luxury. To even have a chance, I’d have to be…” Hugo paused. He had a Genie and three wishes, did he not?

“Can you make me a prince?” asked Hugo, turning to look at Eugene who was sitting at a fancy tea table with a little tea cup and teapot on doyles. “Let’s see here,” Eugene pulls out a book of some kind and begins to flip through it. “Chicken à la king? Nope. Alaskan king crab. Ow. I hate it when they do that. Caesar’s salad? Ah! Et Tu, Brute? No. Aha. ‘To make a prince’ Is that an official wish?” said Eugene giving a sly glance at Hugo who smiled wide.

“Eugene the Genie, I wish for you to make me a prince!” “All right! First, that fez and vest combo is much too third century. These patches, what are we trying to say, beggar?” Eugene was walking around Hugo looking him up and down, inspecting his outfit.

“Ok work with me here, lets see,” he snapped his fingers and Hugo was standing in attire pink with a teal sash, long pink robe and the dumbest hat he’d ever seen. “No, the lines are all wrong, the colors clash with your hair and just makes you look sad” Hugo looked down at the stupid pink frills and gold embroidering on the outfit. Hugo guessed he’d never looked worse.

“No Eugene we gotta go bold and gold, something at says prince,” he snapped again and now Hugo was standing in a long gold trim that looked a bit like a dress. And boy did it way a ton. “No, we need something more subtle, and that also goes with your eyes.” Eugene snapped his fingers again and the weight of the gold outfit was lifted off his shoulder.

“I like it! Very nice! Some of my best work yet!” A mirror appeared in front of Hugo and he looked back at his reflection. It was almost hard to believe it was him in the mirror. He was in a cream green set of puffy pants and shirt with a matching shoulder cape and hat with a dark green feather with a jem on the front.

“Wow! I can barely recognise myself,” said Hugo, turning to look at more of his reflection. “Very nice, great, now, it still needs something. What does it say to me? It says mode of transportation. 'Scuse me, little mouse thing! Over here!” Eugene turned to Olivia who had just sat back watching until that point, and snapped.

She clicked and clanked as her form grew higher and higher until… “And what better way to make your grand entrance on the streets of Corona, than riding your very own brand new elephant! Yes!! Whoa!! Talk about your trunk space, check this action out!” Hugo looked up at Olivia who looked just like a real elephant. You could see some bolts where her joints were but her shiny body was now gray and smooth.

Hugo walked over to her, petting her new trunk. “You look good, Liv.” Hugo said, smiling up at her. “Let's see, he’s got the outfit, he’s got the elephant, but we’re not through yet. Hang on to your glasses, kid, 'cause we’re gonna make you a star!”

***

“Sire, I have found a solution to the problem with this suitor business.” Andrew marched into the throne room where Quirin currently was, holding a long scroll of paper. “Awk! The problem with the suitors!” repeated Iago from Andrew's shoulder.

“Really?” said Quirin with a note of hope in his voice. Varian was almost out of options for suitors and time was short. Less than a couple days till his eighteenth birthday. Andrew unrolled the scroll and began looking for a certain spot on it.

“Right here. ‘If the prince or princess has not chosen a suitor by the appointed time, then the sultan shall choose for them,’" Andrew recited the law. “But Varian hated all those suitors! How could I choose someone he hates?” Quirin said. He really wanted his son to be happy despite forcing him to get married.

“Not to worry, my liege, there is more. ‘If in the event a suitor cannot be found, the prince or princess must then be wed to…hmm…interesting.” Andrew paused looking at the paper. “What? Who?” “The royal vizier! Why, that would be…me!” said Andrew in shock.

“Why, I thought the law says that only someone of some form of nobility can marry a royal, I’m quite sure-” Quirin made an attempt to grab the paper but Andrew rolled it up and tucked it into his pocket. “Desperate times call for desperate measures, my lord.” Andrew pulled out his snake staff and placed the red eyes of the snake in front of Quirin’s eyes, an ominous red glow filling the room.

“Desperate measures…” said Quirin, the hypnosis spell sinking in. “You will order the prince to marry me.” said Andrew, all formality gone. “I…will order…the prince…to…” Quirin paused for a moment and plinked, the red leaving his eyes “But you’re so old!” he said, looking Andrew up and down.

Andrew brings the staff closer to Quirin’s eyes again, the red returning. “The prince WILL marry me!” “The prince will marry…” Quirin stops again as the faintest of melody’s drifts throw the window.

“Why is that music?” said Quirin listening to the music growing louder. Quirin walked over to the balcony looking down and seeing a great big parade rolling through the streets. “Oh my!” floats of all different colors and decorations drifted through the streets as the townspeople watched in delight. The floats had performers and animals doing tricks and flips and more. “Make way for Prince Hugh!” chanted a group of men juggling swords “Say hey! It’s Prince Hugh!” chanted more of them.

***
Varian sat in his room on his bed with Rapunzel. He’d been so sad since he’d snuck out and Rapunzel couldn’t bear it. She knew how he was feeling. When she moved to Corona and into the castle she had to leave her aunt and best friend behind. They were still in touch but it wasn't the same without them. That’s why she feels so close to Varian, he lost someone important in his life the same time she did.
“How about we go for a ride on the horses?” suggested Rapunzel. “Not in the mood. Besides there’s only one trail I can go on so what's the point?” said Varian letting out a sigh. “Ok then, how about some chess?”

“You and I both know I always beat you and you only win when I let you or you beg me to” said Varian as Ruddiger jumped onto his lap. Rapunzel made a face of mock offense but continued. “How about we-” Rapunzel stopped talking, suddenly hearing faint music in the distance. She looked to Varian’s balcony window trying to see what the sound was.

“Do you hear that?” she asked, standing from the bed and walking to the balcony. She leaned over the edge slightly and Varian watched her face light up. “Varian! Come here! You have to see this!” Varian got up and walked over to the balcony and looked over the edge. There on the streets below was a great parade. There were hundreds of performers dancing and throwing swords in the air, all of them singing.

“Make way for Prince Hugh! Say hey! It’s Prince Hugh!” they all chanted. Varian watched as the parade came closer and closer to the palace gates. He watched as a man on the most colorful and lively float pointed and waved to a figure at the back of the parade. All the performers copied waving and pointing to an elephant at the back. Sitting atop the elephant was a tall boy.

He wore nice cream green clothes but nothing too fancy. The boy on top of the elephant was waving and smiling to everyone in the crowd below him like he was a celebrity. The people cheered and screamed his name. Varian barely managed to catch a glimpse of the boy's face when he turned around and stormed off. He only knew one thing if this boy was a prince, he would have to face another stuck up and arrogant suitor.

***

“Splendid, absolutely marvelous!” cried Quirin when Hugo flew into the throne room on the carpet with Eugene. Hugo flashed a confident smile, despite being scared half to death at what he was doing and walked over to Quirin taking a small bow.

“Ahem, your majesty, I have journeyed from afar to seek the prince's hand!” “Why, Prince Hugh! Of course. I’m delighted to meet you.” Quirin grabbed Hugo’s hand and shook it with a tight grip. “This is my royal vizier, Andrew. He’s delighted too.” said Quirin, pointing to Andrew who was a few feet behind him.

“Ecstatic. I’m afraid, Prince Hulolo,” “Hugh” corrected Eugene for him. “Whatever. You cannot just parade in here uninvited and expect to-” “By the sun, this is quite a remarkable device,” said Quirin looking down at the carpet. “I don’t suppose I might…?” asked Quirin.

“Why certainly, your majesty! Allow me,” Hugo helped Quirin sit in the middle of the carpet when suddenly something pinned it to the ground. “Sire, I must advise against this-” said Andrew with a look of annoyance on his face. His snake staff was pinning the carpet to the floor making a small dip on the edge. “Oh, button up, Mr. Snakey Staff. Learn to have a little fun!” said Eugene, eyeing Andrew. He kicked Andrew’s staff off the carpet and it slowly rose into the air.

It rose steadily higher doing the occasional sharp turn or dive as Andrew turned to Hugo, a sharp glare in his eyes. “Just where did you say you were from?” he said, taking a small step forward. “Oh, much farther than you’ve traveled, I’m sure,” said Hugo. “Try me.” said Andrew, a dangerous note in his voice. Just as Hugo was about to respond there came a loud shout.

“Out of the way, I’m coming in to land. Oh Andrew, watch this!” The carpet throwed Quirin in the air a foot or two then slowly lowered back to the ground. Quirin got off with a large grin on his face. “I do say that was quite fun!”
“Spectacular, Your Highness.” said Andrew with an annoyed tone. “Ooh, lovely. Yes, I do seem to have a knack for it,” Quirin looked at Hugo who watched as the carpet flew over and sat on Olivia’s back. “This is a very impressive youth. And a prince as well. If we’re lucky, you won’t have to marry Varian after all.” whispered Quirin to Andrew.

“I don’t trust him, sire.” interjected Andrew immediately. “Nonsense. One thing I pride myself on is I’m an excellent judge of character.” said Quirin walking back over to Hugo and Eugene. “Oh, excellent judge, yeah, sure. NOT!” hissed Iago from Andrew’s shoulder. Andrew drew in a steding breath to calm himself.

Behind him, unbeknownst to everyone, Varian watched from the door to the throne room. “Varian will like this one! I can tell” said Quirin, looking Hugo up and down. “And I’m pretty sure I’ll like Prince-” “Your Highness, no. I must intercede on Varian’s behalf. This boy is no different than the others. What makes him think he is worthy of the prince?” said Andrew.

“Your majesty, I am Prince Hugh. Just let him meet me. I will win your-!” “How dare you!” all heads turn to see Varian marching into the throne room tailed by Rapunzel trying to stop him. “All of you! Standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!” Varian shot a glare at Hugo when he said that, then turned and stormed out of the room. Hugo saw Eugene and Rapunzel lock eyes for a moment, Eugene giving her a small wave. She waved back and giggled lightly before she turned and walked out after Varian.

“Oh, dear. Don’t worry, Prince Hugh. Just give Varian some time to cool down. Now let me show you two to your rooms.” Quirin walked out of the thorne room with Varian and Eugene following behind him. Andrew watched as they walked away letting out a slow breath. “I think it’s time to say goodbye to Prince Hulolo.”

Chapter Text

“What am I gonna do? Varian won’t even let me talk to him. I should have known I couldn’t pull off this stupid prince wish.” Hugo was outside in the castle courtyard pacing back and forth.

Eugene and the carpet sat off to the side playing a game of chess and Olivia was just walking around. “So move! Hey…That’s a good move. I can’t believe it, I’m losing to a rug.” said Eugene not paying attention. “Eugene, I need help.” begged Hugo.

“All right, sparky, here’s the deal. You wanna court the little lad, you gotta be a straight shooter, do ya got it?” asked Eugene in a weird voice. “What?” Hugo asked, confused. “Tell him the…TRUTH!” Eugene shouted.

“No way! If Varian found out I was really some crummy street rat... he’d laugh at me.” “Anyone appreciates a man who can make them laugh!” said Eugene. Hugo gave him a small smirk.

“Like a certain maid with brown hair?” Eugene blushed at that. “I-well-fine, I can help you talk to him but you really oughta be yourself out there.” Eugene snapped and disappeared. Hugo checked to make sure he still had the lamp on his hip before looking up at Varian’s balcony.

“Okay, I’m gonna go see him,” said Hugo to himself. “I gotta be smooth, cool, confident-” Hugo threw his cape over his shoulder, accidentally hitting himself in the face and knocking his glasses askew. “You know what, never mind, just be yourself.”

He stepped on the carpet and it flew up to Varian’s bedroom balcony. Hugo looked over the edge of the balcony and just barely caught a glimpse of Eugene and Rapunzel walking out of the room and closing the door behind them leaving Varian alone in the silence.

Ok, thought Hugo. You just need to be yourself. He stepped lightly onto the cold floor of the balcony. “Prince Varian?”

***

Varian was still angry, sitting in his room as Rapunzel was talking about the guy who came with Prince Hugh. She’d been at this for a few hours now which was nice but honestly how long can a girl talk about a guy she just saw and waved to?

“I mean he seems nice,” she said for the tenth time. “You just saw him. You don't even know his name!” Varian said. He was glad Rapunzel was the one talking for once. He always felt a little guilty when he just ranted for hours.

“Yeah, but if they stay for a few days I could talk to him and mabey-” her words were cut off as there was a knock at the door. She looked at Varian then walked over to open the door. When she opened it she saw Prince Hugh's companion.

“Oh, hello!” Said Rapunzel in a sweet voice. “Can I help you?” “I-um well no but um… these are for you” he handed her a small bouquet of purple flowers of all shades. “I-would you care to accompany me on a walk?” he asked, not looking at Rapunzel.

“I-please excuse me for a second'' said Rapunzel, closing the door and turning to Varian, who gave her a big smile and thumbs up. Rapunzel took off her apron and set it by Varian’s bed before reopening the door.

“Why thank you. Did you know purple is my favorite color?” Said Rapunzel as she closed the door and walked off. Varian sat alone in his room petting Ruddiger. He heard a faint sound as if someone was walking but brushed it off. Then suddenly…“Prince Varian?”

He stood up quickly, Ruddiger going over to the balcony where the voice came from. “Who’s there?” Asked Varian, cautiously walking over to the balcony. “It’s me, Prince Hugh,”

Great thought Varian as he walked out to see him standing there. Just who I want to talk to. But what was he doing on his balcony? Had he climbed up from his room to his? If so, this guy was desperate.

“I do not want to see you.” Varian said, turning to go back into his room. “No-no, please, please your highness,” Prince Hugh took a step forward but stopped as Ruddiger hissed, teeth bared. “Just leave me alone.” said Varian as he began to walk away.

“Just, just give me a chance-” Ruddiger pounced at Hugh who let out a shout and ran to the railing of the balcony to not get bit. “Down! Down please, nice little raccoon,” Hugh took off his hat trying to shoo Ruddiger away when Varian looked back and saw his face.

He froze. Now that the hat and feather were gone he could see the boy's face properly. His glasses were askew and his hair was pulled into a small ponytail. He looked like…

***

“W-Wait, wait. Do I know you?” Said Varian, walking over to Hugo. Hugo looked at him then quickly put his hat back on his head. “Uh, no, no.” Hugo took a step away from the raccoon, who'd backed off for a moment, and straightened up.

“You remind me of someone I... met in the marketplace.” Varian said, walking a bit closer and a sad note in his voice. “The marketplace? I have servants that go to the marketplace for me. Why, I-I even have servants who go to the marketplace for my servants, so, it-it couldn’t have been me you met.” Said Hugo leaning on the rail of the balcony, his feather on his hat flopping in his face.

“No... I guess not.” Varian sounded disappointed. He turned to go inside his room but Hugo couldn't mess this up. If he did he'd surely never get the chance again. Say something you idiot thought Hugo.

“Um, uh, Prince Varian? Has anyone ever told you’re very…punctual!” WHAT. WAS. THAT! HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH PUNCTUAL?! JUST SAY HE’S PRETTY!!! Hugo was mentally screaming. “Punctual?” asked Varian confused. “Uh, uh, beautiful.”

Oh to not be where Hugo was at this moment.  Varian didn’t take the compliment, and started to walk towards Hugo, an unreadable look in his eyes. “Hmm. I’m rich too, you know.” he said as he got closer.

“Yeah!”

“The son of a sultan.”

“I know.”

“A fine prize for any prince to marry.”

“Uh, right…right, a-a prince like me.”

Varian was now only a few feet away from Hugo's face who backed up. “Right, a prince like you,” he suddenly pulled Hugo's hat over his head and wrapped his cape over it. “And every other stuffed shirt, swaggering peacock I’ve met! So just go jump off a balcony!” He turned on his heel and walked over to his bedroom.

“What?!” Shouted Hugo as he pulled his hat off his face. Hugo felt a tug on his pant leg and saw the carpet waving its tassels as if saying ‘go after him’ “Yeah, right!” hissed Hugo to the carpet.

“What?” said Varian turning to look at Hugo. He looked at Varian’s bright blue eyes that held so much behind them. Varian told him he felt trapped and Hugo was doing just what all the stuck up prince's and lords and what-not had been doing. He took a deep breath. Just be yourself.

“You’re right. You're not just some prize to be won, you should be free to make your own choice and pick who you want. I-I’ll go now.” Hugo stepped onto the edge of the rail and jumped off falling into the dark. “No!”

***

Varian didn't actually think he'd jump off the balcony! “No!” Shouted Varian as Hugh fell off. He ran towards the edge not ready to see Hugh falling or squished on the ground. “What? What?” Hugh's head rose over the balcony railing.

Varian froze in shock. Hugh's hands weren't holding on to anything and his feet had nothing under him. “How...how are you doing that?” said Varian looking at Hugh who might just be floating in the air for all he knew. Hugh raised in the air and Varian saw a colorful rug under his feet.

“It’s a magic carpet.” said Hugo as it lowered closer to the ground. “It’s incredible.” Varian breathed as the carpet waved its tassels. “You, uh... you don’t wanna go for a ride, do you? We could get out of the palace, see the world.” said Hugo.

“Is it safe?” asked Varian looking at the lack of anything to hold him down. “Sure it is. Do you trust me?” Hugo reached out his hand for Varian to take, a bright smile on his face. “What?” asked Varian as if he'd heard those exact words before. “Do you trust me?” Hugo repeated, his hand still out. “...Yes,” he took Hugo's hand and he pulled him up onto the carpet.

He held to Hugo's front as the carpet rose into the air, leaving the palace far behind. Hugo and Varian flew through the streets of Corona pointing out small things to Varian every now and then. He picked a light blue lily off a plant in a window and handed it to Varian who glowed when he saw it.

They rose higher into the air, the lights of the castle and town slowly faded as they left Corona far behind. They flew up to the clouds floating slowly in the night sky. They flew and flipped in the air the carpet lowering every now and then to show them the world below. Varian was in awe of every site and landscape they saw, happily pointing and staring at everything.

After a few hours of flying and seeing the world they stopped to watch a street performance with dancers and fireworks of all colors. “It’s all so magical.” Said Varian with a happy sigh. “Yeah,” Hugo said, getting lost in the mood.

“It’s a shame Liv had to miss this.”

“Nah. She hates fireworks. She doesn’t really like flying…either…That is…oh no!”

Hugo let it slip. And that was all Varian needed to know that this was the boy in the marketplace. He pulled Hugo’s hat off looking at him probably in the face. “You are the boy from the market! I knew it. Why did you lie to me?” Varian shouted, moving away from Hugo. “Varian, I’m sorry.”

“Did you think I was stupid?That I wouldn’t figure it out?” he said pointing a finger in Hugo's face. “No! No. I mean, I hoped you wouldn’t. No, that’s not what I meant.” Hugo was officially a goner. There was no way to recover from that.

“Who are you then? Tell me the truth!” “The truth?” Now was Hugo’s chance to tell him the truth. Not lie to someone he cared about. He didn't want to lie but if he told the truth… he'd lose Varian forever.

“The truth, um... the truth is, I sometimes dress as a commoner to escape the pressures of palace life. But I really am a prince!” said Hugo, the feather on his hat falling in his face. “Then, why didn’t you just tell me?” Varian asked.

“Well, you know, royalty going out into the city in disguise, it sounds a little strange, don’t you think?” Varian smiled and leaned on Hugo's shoulder.

“Not that strange.”

***

Hugo and Varian flew back to the castle, the hour late. Hugo flew down to Varian’s bedroom balcony where he helped him down onto the stone, Varian’s hand in his.

When he was back on solid ground Hugo let go of his hand and the carpet lowered so he was looking up at Varian as he leaned over the edge of the rail. “Good night, my handsome prince.” said Varian with a warm smile on his face. “Sleep well, your highness.” Hugo said, rising on his feet a bit.

Hugo felt a small shift under his feet when the next second the carpet pushed him forward. He flew up toward Varian’s face expecting to hit his head or something when his lips collided with Varian’s. Hugo stood there frozen for a moment before Varian kissed him back, leaning into it.

They stood there for a moment, the world seeming to stop and start at the point where they were connected with the warmth of each other before they pulled apart. They both stood in silence looking deep into the others eyes, trying to explore the hidden worlds within them. Varian smiled and turned to go to his bedroom door.

Before he walked around the corner and out of sight he turned back to Hugo and gave him a small wave. Hugo returned the wave with a dazed look on his face. Varian walked around the corner and out of sight. Hugo smiled. He felt light. He felt free. He felt happier than he'd been in a long while, mabey his whole life.

“Yes!” he leaned backwards, the carpet catching him and drifting slowly to the ground. Hugo looked up at Varian’s balcony, his smile growing even bigger. “For the first time in my life, things are starting to go right.” he felt his heart do a little flip when suddenly a hand grabbed his face, covering his mouth.

Hugo was thrown onto the floor, someone binding his ankles and wrists behind his back. He looked and saw Olivia tied down and someone tying the carpet to a tree. A thick gag was pulled over his mouth as he struggled against the binds. “I’m afraid you’ve worn out your welcome, Prince Hulolo.” Hugo looked up to see Andrew turning and walking away.

“Make sure he’s never found” was the last thing Hugo heard before a sharp pain in the back of his head and the world went black.

Chapter Text

Hugo slipped in and out of consciousness each time waking with a small throbbing in his head. Each time he saw something different. The castle was off in the distance but not too far, a night sky full of stars, but he heard the sound of the sea, getting closer each time.

When he finally regained full consciousness, boy did he have a headache. He tried to move but found he was still bound with the tight rope, preventing him from moving. He sat with his back on the cold, damp ground as someone hooked something cold and metallic on his ankle, making a loud clicking sound.

Hugo felt a shiver run down his spine as he was suddenly dragged across the grass, the sound of the sea filling the air. There was a harsh tug from where the cold metal was on his ankle as he was pulled by the back of his shirt on the grass toward the sound of water on rock. He could tell the person was large and had a sword from the hand on his collar and clank of metal everytime they took a step. Hugo tried to figure out more clues when his ankle was suddenly picked up and he saw three things that made his blood run cold.

The captain of the guard held a large heavy metal ball on a chain that was on his ankle and a big, high cliff edge. Before Hugo could react the captain tossed the metal ball over edge, Hugo plummeting over the water. He heard the captain laughing evilly before the cold chill of hitting the water over took his senses, his breath cutting off. He struggled as the weight of the metal ball pulled him down to the bottom of the sea. What was he going to do? He was gonna drown and no one would ever know!

He felt the metal ball hit the sand on the bottom as his lungs started to ask for air. He looked around thinking fast. What to do, what to do!? In the corner of his blurry vision he saw a golden glint hit the floor a few feet away. The lamp! He still had the lamp!

He made to swim and grab the lamp when his ankle tugged on the metal ball, holding him down. Hugo's breath was running low, his lungs now screaming for air. If only he could grab the lamp! He pulled the metal ball as hard as he could, turning to try and grab the lamp in his hands. The lamp was only a few inches away if he could just… Hugo felt his lungs give up and the world went dark again just as his fingertips brushed the smooth gold service of the lamp.

***

“Never fails.  Start to fix your hair and there's a rub at the lamp.” Eugene rose out of the lamp, a comb in his hand, and looked around waiting for Hugo to say something. “Hello?” Eugene saw Hugo's limp body floating to the bottom of the sea slowly, sese bubbles flying to the top. “Hugo? Hugo!  Kid, snap out of it!” Eugene grabbed Hugo's shoulders, shaking him, trying to wake him. Hugo just sat floating in the water unresponsive.

“You can't cheat on this one! I can't help you unless you make a wish. You have to say ‘Eugene, I want you to save my life.’ Got it? Okay. C'mon Hugo!” Eugene shook his shoulders again, this time Hugo's head nodding up and down ever so slightly at the motion. “I'll take that as a yes. And up we go!”

Eugene grabbed Hugo and flew up to the surface, laying him down on the lamp grass, his binds gone. “C'mon kid, wake up.” Eugene shocks Hugo’s shoulders, desperately trying to wake him.

Then a gasp broke the night as Hugo inhaled cold fresh air and began to cough the water out of his lungs. “Eugene? Oh Eugene!” cried Hugo as he coughed up the last bit of water and pulled Eugene in a hug “Thanks, Eugene,”

***

Varian sat in his room, a big smile on his face as he looked at the blue flower Hugh had given him. He couldn't believe it. Varian was in love. “Varian.” Varian turned and saw Quirin standing in the doorway. “Oh, father, I just had the most wonderful time.” said Varian, getting up and walking happily over to Quirin. “Oh I'm so happy-”

“You should be, Varian. I have chosen a suitor for you.” Varian stopped in his tracks. “What?” What did he mean he'd chosen a suitor? His father knew he hated all the other suitors than he'd met. “You will wed Andrew.” Quirin opened the door the rest of the way and revealed Andrew, who stood with a wide grin on his face. “You're speechless, I see.  A fine quality in a-” “I will never marry you!” Varian shouted. “Father, please, I choose Prince Hugh!” “Prince Hugh left!” Andrew said, his grin growing.

“Better check your crystal ball again, Andrew!” Varian turned and saw Hugo standing in the doorway to the balcony. “Hugh!” Varian seemed relieved to see Hugo walking over and getting in Andrew's face an angry look in his eyes. “Tell them the truth, Andrew!  You tried to have me killed!” “What? Ridiculous nonsense, your highness. He is obviously lying!” Hugo saw Andrew move his staff in Quirin’s face.

“Obviously...lying…” Quirin repeated. Varian looked in shock at Quirin. “Father, what's wrong with you?” Andrew looked gleeful beyond compare as he twirled his snake staff when Hugo noticed a red glow from the eyes of the snake. Then it hit him. “I know!” Hugo ran forward and grabbed Andrew's staff out of his hands. “No!” Hugo raised the staff and smashed it onto the ground. The staff let out a loud clatter that rang through the room, red smoke flying out of the base.

“Oh, oh, oh my!” Quirin shook his head looking around with a confused look. “What-who-where?-” “Your highness, Andrew's been controlling you with this!” Hugo raised the broken staff, stalking towards Andrew. “What? Andrew? You, you traitor!” Quirin turned and walked over to Andrew, Varian following. Andrew backed away. “Your majesty, all of this can be explained-”

“Guards! Guards!”

“Well, that's it, we're dead! Just dig a grave for both of us!” Iago cried. “Guards! Arrest Andrew at once!” Two guards marched in and grabbed Andrew under his arms. He struggled in their grim then looked at Hugo with a deadly glare. “This is not over yet, boy!” Andrew pulled out a small orange vail from his coat and smashed it onto the floor. Thick orange smoke filled the room and obscured everyone's view. There was a crash and groan and when the smoke cleared the guards that had restrained Andrew where now on the floor.

“Guards! Find him, search everywhere!” Shouted Quirin. The guards got up and ran out of the room, alerting more guards. Hugo stopped coughing and ran over to Varian. “Varian, are you all right?” Said Hugo, pulling Varian into his arms lightly. “I-Yes.” Varian, realizing who it was, leaned into Hugo's arms, basking in the warmth between them. Varian looked up with a happy look in his eyes as Hugo pulled him just a bit closer.

“I don’t believe it, Andrew, my most trusted counselor, plotting against me all this time. Just horrible. How will I ever-” Quirin froze looking at the pair in awe. “Can it be true? Have you finally chosen a suitor?” Varian looked up at Quirin and nodded happily. “Ha ha! You brilliant boy, I could kiss you! I won't-I'll leave that to Varian. Oh! You two will be wed at once! Yes, yes. And you'll be happy and prosperous, and then my boy, you will be a sultan!”

“Sultan?” Hugo looked at Quirin who was practically jumping for joy. “Yes, a fine upstanding youth like yourself, a person of your unimpeachable moral character is exactly what this kingdom needs!” “Why…yes…” Hugo mumbled, standing there deep in thought. Sultan?

***

“We gotta get outta here!  We gotta start packing! Only essentials.” Iago was frantically flying around the secret lab as Andrew closed the door behind them, a large grin eating his face. He began to laugh softly, a scary, evil chuckle. It grew louder and louder as he looked up at the giant hourglass in the lab. “Oh, boy--he's gone nuts. He's cracked. Andrew? Get a grip, your rottenness!” Andrew grabbed Iago holding his eyes to his level.

“Prince Hugh is nothing more than that ragged street rat. He has the lamp, Iago,” Iago looked shocked and began flying around the room in a fit. “Why that miserable-” “But you are going to relieve him of it!” Andrew said dangerously “Me?” Iago gulped.

Chapter Text

“Sultan? They want me to be sultan?!” Hugo was in the middle of a lounge room near the front of the castle gardens. Eugene rose out of the lamp, a large grin on his face. “Huzzah! Hail the conquering hero-” Eugene stopped as he saw Hugo walking with his head hung and watched him.

“Hugo, you've just won the heart of the prince. What are you gonna do next?” Hugo just glanced at Eugene then walked over to a bench and sat down letting out a sigh. “Psst, your line is ‘I'm going to free Eugene!’... Anytime.” Hugo finally looked at Eugene, a distressed look over his face.

“Eugene...I can't.”

“Sure you can. You just go ‘Eugene, I wish for your freedom.’" “I'm serious. Look, I'm sorry, I really am, but they want to make me sultan-no! They want Prince Hugh to be sultan. Without you, I'm just... Hugo.”

Hugo was torn. He didn't want to go back on his promise but if he didn't? He'd lose it all. The only life he'd wanted, away from stealing and running. The only person he ever cared for, who was too good for him in every way. But also, his first real friend. He didn't want to admit it but he considered Eugene his friend more than anything.

“Kid, you won!” said Eugene, pulling Hugo out of his thoughts. “Because of you! The only reason anyone thinks I'm anything is because of you. What if they find out I'm not really a prince? Eugene, I can't keep this up on my own. I can't wish you free.” Eugene looked at him with a hurt look on his face.

“Hey, I understand. After all, you've lied to everyone else. I was beginning to feel left out. Now, if you'll excuse me, master.” Eugene said the last word in disgust and shrinks back into the lamp. Olivia and carpet, who where standing by a window watching, look at Hugo with a sad but disappointed look.

“Eugene, I'm really sorry-” a tongue poked out of the tip of the lamp and blew raspberries at Hugo. “Well, fine. Then just stay in there!” Hugo grabbed a pillow and stuffed the lamp under it. “What are you guys looking at?” Hugo snarled at Olivia and the carpet. They both shared hurt looks and walked away from the window. “Look, I-I'm sorry. Wait, Liv wait I'm sorry, I didn't-wait, c'mom. Oh, what am I doing? Eugene's right…I gotta tell Varian the truth.” Hugo grabbed his hat when off in the distance…

“Hugh? Hugh, will you come here?” Varian’s voice came from somewhere in the garden. Hugo sucked in a breath and put his hat on. “Well, here goes. Varian? Where are you?” Hugo walked out onto the front steps and looked around. “In the menagerie, hurry.”

“I'm coming.” Hugo walked over to where the menagerie was, right past Iago, hidden in the bushes.

***

Once he was sure Hugo was gone, Iago flew out of the bushes and into the lounge. He looked around for a moment before noticing the smashed pillow on the bench. He landed on the bench and used his claws to grab the cold handle of the lamp, the gold metal shining in the light of the sun. “Boy, Andrew's gonna be happy to see you!” Iago tightened his grip on the handle and flapped his wings, flying out the back window.

***

Hugo was walking everywhere and he couldn't find Varian. Odd. He said he was in the menagerie but when Hugo checked he didn't find him. He was walking by the palace gates when he heard a call from above him. “Hugh!” Hugo looked up and saw Varian walking down the long set of stairs that were leading up to a guard tower just above the city.

Quirin stood at the top, making an announcement to the people who were all listening with great interest. “People of Corona, my son has finally chosen a suitor!” He called out to the people below. Varian waved up to Hugo, silently telling him to climb up. “Varian?” Hugo asked when he finally made it to the top.

“Hugh, where have you been?” Varian said, looking Hugo over really fast and adjusting his hat on his head. Varian had a large grin on his face and was particularly jumping up and down. Hugo noticed Rapunzel off to the side, a smile on her face but a slight look of sadness, as if expecting someone.

“Varian…there's something I've got to tell you.” said Hugo as Varian turned around to look through the curtains, not paying attention to Hugo. “Oh Hugh, the whole kingdom showed up for father’s announcement!” Varian ran over to Hugo, patting his coat off just a bit, and pushing him towards the curtains.

“Announcement? What-no! Wait Varian, listen to me, please!” “Good luck!” Varian pushed Hugo forward out onto the platform next to Quirin as he was finishing his sentence. “Prince Hugh!” The crowd below cheered as Hugo straightened up feeling his face go red. “Oh, boy!”

***

“Look at them, cheering that little pipsqueak.” snarled Iago from Andrew’s shoulder. They sat in the secret lab looking out the window at the crowd below as they cheered at Quirin’s news. “Let them cheer,” Andrew said, turning and walking to the middle of the room and pulling out the lamp.

He curled his fingers around the side of the lamp and rubbed the other side, his wicked smile on his face. A large blue smokey rose out of the gold lamp. “You know kid, I'm getting reallyyyyyy-I don't think you're him.” Eugene froze seeing the one who rubbed the lamp was not Hugo.

“I am your master now!” Andrew shouted, stomping his foot hard on the ground. “I was afraid of that-” “Genie, grant me my first wish! I wish to rule on high, as sultan!”

***

Hugo stood out on the podium as the sounds of the people cheering filled his ears. One second he was hearing cheers of joy when the next they were replaced with screams of terror. The ground beneath his feet began to shake violently, the sky turning dark as thunder and lightning filled the clouds blocking out the sun.

“Bless my soul. What is this? What is going on?” cried Quirin looking around. Then suddenly the crown on Quirin’s head flew off, zooming through the sky. It landed on a shadowy figure who was laughing loudly over the howling of the wind. A crash of lightning lit up the ground and Hugo could see Andrew with an evil grin on his face.

“Andrew, you vile betrayer!” “That's Sultan Vile Betrayer to you.” shouted Iago from his spot on Andrew’s shoulder. “Oh, yeah?  Well, we'll just see about that!” Hugo's hand flew to his belt reaching for the lamp when… it closed on nothing. It wasn't there. “The lamp!”

“Finders-keepers, Hulolo,” said Andrew signaling to the castle. A large figure rose out of the ground lifting the castle off the base of the floor and moving it up. Hugo saw the figure was… “Eugene!” Hugo just saw out of the corner of his eye Rapunzel looking up at the figure then to Hugo and back.

Hugo didn't pay attention to that as he whistled, the carpet flying over and Hugo jumped on. They flew up to Eugene, Hugo going  right up to his face. “Eugene! No!”

“Sorry, kid…I got a new master now…” he placed the palace on top of a mountain, turning back to Andrew. “Andrew, I order you to stop!” Shouted Quirin from the ground,  Varian and Rapunzel running up behind him. Andrew glared down at them.

“There's a new order now. My order! Finally, you will bow to me!” “We'll never bow to you!” shouted Varian. “If you will not bow before a sultan, then you will cower before a sorcerer! Genie, my second wish, I wish to be the most powerful sorcerer in the world!” Eugene extended his finger towards Andrew looking away.

A red glow filled the air, when it was gone Andrew stood with a new staff in his hand and his grin even wider. “Ladies and gentlemen, a warm welcome for Sorcerer Andrew!” Iago cried, practically skipping. “Now where were we?  Ah, yes, abject humiliation!” A red glow flew through the sky towards Varian, Quirin and Rapunzel.

They all let out a cry struggling helplessly and bowing on their knees in front of Andrew. He walked over to them as they were stuck helplessly in a bow on the ground as Hugo turned and flew over to Andrew. “Oh, prince Varian, there's someone I'm dying to introduce you to!” Andrew grabbed Varian’s chin forcing him to look up into his face.

Andrew zapped Hugo and the carpet as they were only a few feet away, both freezing in mid-air. “Prince Hugh, yes, it is he, but not as you know him.” Hugo's eyes widened with fear as Andrew walked over to him and grabbed his face. “Yes, meet a thief from your past, whose lies were too good to keep up so say hello to your precious Prince Hugh!” “Or should we say Hugo?”

Andrew zapped Hugo again and this time he knew he was in trouble. His fancy hat and cape vanished, his nice shirt and pants replaced with his old shirt, vest and pants and he could tell there was no way out of this when he saw Varian's face looking at him in shock. The red glow around Varian faded and he walked up to Hugo. “Hugh…?”

“Varian, I-I tried to tell you-”

“So Hugh turns out to be merely Hugo,” said Andrew. Olivia, who was now running up on the scene, was zapped and turned back into the small little mouse Hugo knew. Hugo was suddenly lifted off his feet and dangled upside-down, Varian spinning in the air and Olivia letting out a squeak as she crashed into Hugo's chest.

“Just a con, need I continue? His personality flaws give me adequate reason to send him packing on a one-way trip-” Hugo rose into the air, red smoke filling his vision. He rose higher and higher, grabbing Olivia and holding her close, till he was thrown into one of the castle windows.

The carpet zoomed up to the window trying to grab Hugo when the tower shook. Hugo ran over to the window when the next second the tower rocketed off the ground and into the sky. “Goodbye, see ya!”

“So long, Ex-Prince Hugh!”

Chapter Text

It. Was. COLD. Colder than Hugo had ever been in his life. But now was not the time for that. Hugo looked up, seeing the tower from the castle laying on the snow.

Snow?!

Where did Andrew send him?

Andrew! Andrew had magic and powers but most of all the lamp. Hugo had to think fast to get back and stop him or who knows what could happen. Hugo looked around in the snow when he heard the faintest of squeaks.

“Liv?” Hugo called into the raging wind. Hugo looked over and saw a large, bottomless pit and felt his stomach drop. Did she…?

“Liv?!”

He began digging in the snow when he heard another faint squeak and bolted over to where it came from. He dug in the snow and pulled out the tiny gold mouse, who was unmoving, her joints frozen from the cold.

“Liv!” He pulled the little mouse out of the snow and placed her in his vest pocket, trying to warm her up. “Oh, this is all my fault, I should have freed Eugene when I had the chance. I'm sorry, Liv, I made a mess of everything.” Hugo looked around the land covered snow.

“Somehow, I gotta go back and set things right.” Hugo began walking against the harsh winds of the storm, snow sticking to his glasses and hair flying in his face. He almost fell over when he stepped on something stiff frozen in the snow.

“Carpet!” Hugo grabbed the ice cold rug when he saw it was pinned under the large pillar, stuck in place. Hugo got on his knees and started moving snow away trying to free the carpet. Olivia let out a small squeak and jumped out of his pocket, helping him dig. “Good job Liv! That's it!”

As Hugo dug more snow away from the pillar it started to roll. Hugo felt the movement and looked up to see the pillar rolling towards him. He grabbed Olivia and ran as the tower picked up speed. There was nowhere to run with a some-hundred pound pillar moving toward him and a bottomless pit just on the other side.

Hugo watched in horror as the pillar rolled closer and closer when he saw a tiny window on its side. Thinking fast Hugo ran towards the tiny window as it rolled in the snow, Olivia letting out a terrified squeak. At the last second Hugo bent down just as the window rolled over the snow, not crushing Hugo.

Hugo sat up and watched as the pillar rolled over the edge of the pit. Hugo heard a loud crash then turned and grabbed the carpet out of the snow.

The carpet, now free, flew up into the air and Hugo jumped on, grabbing the front and zooming through the cold air. “Now, back to Corona! Let's go!”

***

Hugo flew back to Corona and up to the castle and when he landed in an open window he was met with a horrible sight. There on the floor was Rapunzel and Quirin, unconscious with small scratches and bruises on their faces and arms. Eugene was off to the side, a look of horror on his face. And there in the middle of the room was Varian, a large cut on his cheek and his clothes were torn revealing more cuts and scratches.

But despite all the bruises and small beads of blood Varian was still standing tall, facing down Andrew who was very angry. “You had enough Andrew?” Varian shouted. “I could ask you the same but it's very simple for you. Just renounce your title and I'll let your father and friend go!”

“Never!”

Just as he said that a flash of red shot at Varian, sending him backwards into the wall and he fell to the floor. Varian sat up and backed away a bit as Andrew drew closer. “You know, I never liked you, but I never thought I'd be the one to end you!” said Andrew, an evil grin spreading on his face, holding his staff in front of him.

Varian’s face filled with fear as he scrambled away from Andrew who shot another bolt of red at him. Hugo took the chance and jumped down to the floor and scanned the room. Then he saw it.

The lamp was on the arm of the thorne Quirin usually sat at. Hugo ran as fast as he could over to the throne and hid as there came another crash. He turned and saw Varian was hiding behind a large overturned table as Andrew walked closer. “Come on your highness! I'll end you quick and easy!”

Varian looked to his side, looking for an escape plan, when his eyes landed on Hugo. Relief flooded over Varian’s face as Hugo put a finger to his lips and lowered Olivia to the ground. She scurried up the arm of the thorne and grabbed the lamp in her tiny paws just as Andrew lifted the table Varian was behind when…

“Andrew! The street rat!”

Iago flew down and tackled Olivia as she was running back to Hugo. Andrew's gaze snapped over to where Iago was frantically fighting Olivia. A bright red light filled the room and next second Andrew stood in front of Hugo, who froze in shock.

Andrew rose his staff and was about to zap Hugo when Varian ran forward and tackled Andrew, his staff flying out of his hands. “Get the lamp!” Shouted Varian as he ran to get Andrew's staff. “You! How many times do I have to kill you, boy!?” Andrew extended his hand and his staff flew to his hand just before Varian could get it.

Varian ran at Andrew again but he turned and zapped Varian into a large hourglass. “Ah, ah, ah, your highness, your time's up!” shouted Andrew, his evil grin spreading more across his face. Varian sat up but at that moment sand began to fall from the top of the hourglass onto his head.

“Varian!”

“Oh, nice shot, Andr-!” Olivia pushed a large piece of brick and it fell on Iago’s head and he fell to the floor limp. She then bolted to get the lamp still on the floor when Andrew turned and slammed his staff on the ground. “Oh don't toy with me!”

He zapped Olivia who turned into a toy mouse with a key on her back and began to run in small circles.

“Liv!”

The carpet shot through the air and right at Andrew who raised his staff and zapped the colorful rug. “Things are unraveling fast, now boy!” The carpet fell to the floor, a pile of colorful wool. Panicking, Hugo turned and ran to grab the lamp. Andrew raised his staff again. “Don't you get the point yet?”

Large swords fell from nowhere and stabbed into the floor, blocking Hugo's path. Andrew laughed and picked up the lamp. “I'm just getting warmed up!” Andrew breathed out, surrounding Hugo in a ring of fire. “Are you afraid to fight me yourself, you cowardly snake?” Hugo shouted to Andrew, who he couldn't see through the wall of red fire.

“A snake, am I? Perhaps you'd like to see how snake-like I can be!” Andrew began to step through the wall of fire, a small bit of smoke flying off his shoulders. As he stepped through his body turned into a great big cobra, the fire going out and becoming part of his tail. Andrew surrounded Hugo and raised his head to strike.

He circled around and striked, missing each time, but still being a close call. Hugo dived behind a pillar and grabbed the leg of a broken chair and made a break for Varian who was almost halfway buried in sand. Just as Hugo ran out Andrew slammed his tail in front of the path, causing Hugo to go flying.

“No Hugo!”

Varian was slamming his fist on the glass trying to break it as Hugo scrambled to his feet and hid again. Andrew struck at Hugo who dogged and sent Andrew crashing through a window and almost fell over the edge of the castle. Hugo grabbed a large shard of glass and stabbed it into Andrew’s tail.

“Hang on, Varian!”

Andrew let out a cry of pain as Hugo grabbed a stone and ran for Varian again. Just as he was about to break the glass Hugo was grabbed from behind and dropped the stone. Hugo was lifted off his feet and held tightly in Andrew's grasp.

“You little fool! You thought you could defeat the most powerful being on earth! Without the genie, boy, you're nothing!”

Hugo watched as Varian was almost swallowed in sand, his hand the only thing still visible. Running out of breath and time, Hugo thought fast. “The genie… the genie… Eugene”  Hugo looked around when his eyes landed on Eugene who was giving him a ‘there's nothing I can do’ look. Then an idea hit Hugo in the face.

“Eugene has more power than you'll ever have!” Shouted Hugo up to Andrew.

“What!?”

“He gave you your power, he can take it away!” Hugo cried. “Kid, what are you doing? Why are you bringing me into this?” Eugene hissed at Hugo. “Face it, Andrew, you're still just second best!” Andrew looked murderous but then froze, thinking.

“You're right! His power does exceed my own! But not for long,” Andrew slithered over to Eugene who was looking up with a hint of fear. “Slave, I make my third wish! I wish to be an all powerful genie!” Eugene looked at Andrew then Hugo and reluctantly pointed his finger at Andrew.

“All right, your wish is my command.” A bolt of blue shot through the air and hit Andrew. Andrew rose in the air letting Hugo go as he grew up high. Hugo fell and ran over to the hourglass and smashed the glass. Varian fell limply to the floor as the sand poured out and Hugo shook him lightly.

“Varian?” Varian’s eyes fluttered open and he sat up and coughed. “Hugo…?” He looked up at Andrew who had torn the roof off the castle.

“Yes! Yes! The power! The absolute power!” As the wind and debri fell Hugo grabbed Varian and held him close. “What have you done?” Cried Varian looking up in fear. “Trust me!” Hugo watched as a dark, black red lamp formed on the floor. He got up, bracing the wind, and looked down at the lamp. “The universe is mine to command, to control!” Andrew laughed evilly.

“Not so fast, Andrew! Aren't you forgetting something?”

Andrew glanced down questioningly at Hugo. “You wanted to be a genie, you got it!  And everything that goes with it!” bright gold bracelets formed around Andrew's wrists as Hugo picked up the black lamp. “What?! No! No!” Andrew shrank down into the spout of the lamp grabbing Iago who was fleeing.

“Phenomenal cosmic powers!” recited Hugo. Andrew disappeared into the lamp, his shouts and cries disappearing with him. “Itty bitty living space.” Hugo smiled down at the black lamp as Eugene ran forward and pulled him into a hug.

“Hugo, you little genius, you!” There was a flash of light to Hugo's left and he saw Olivia turn back into her normal form, the key on her back disappearing. To Hugo's right the carpet re-raveled and flew in the air doing little flips. The red glow in the sky disappeared leaving a bright blue cloudless sky.

Hugo looked down at the lamp still in his hands when Eugene grabbed it out of his hands. “Allow me,” he walked over to the balcony, wound up and threw the lamp far into the sun. Eugene turned around and dusted off his hands. “Ten- thousand years in the cave of wonders ought to chill him out!” said Eugene with a small smile.

Hugo looked at Eugene then turned and saw Varian who was helping his dad to his feet and Rapunzel was standing up. When Quirin was standing steady, Varian looked at Hugo and walked over to him. “Varian, I-I'm sorry I lied to you about being a prince.”

“I know why you did.”

He grabbed Hugo’s hand and gave it a small squeeze. “I never should have been selfish and you deserve so much more then I could give you.” Hugo kissed the top of  Varian’s hand and tryed to pull away.

“Hugo-”

“Varian, even if you don't care, I can't. The law says-”

“Oh, that stupid law. This isn't fair, I love you.”

Varian laid his head on Hugo's chest and let out a small sniff. He hugged Varian, never wanting to let go. “Kid, no problem. You've still got one wish left.” Eugene said. “Just say the word and you're a prince again!” Hugo looked up at Eugene who had already done so much for him.

None of this was fair for him. He deserved to be happy and make his own decisions in his life. Hugo could never be the person to take that away from him. He let out a sigh and let go of Varian.

“Alright then,” said Hugo, stepping forward. Eugene cracked his head and looked at Hugo with determination.

“Give it to me, let's go, last wish!”

“Eugene, I wish-”

“Just say it!”

“Eugene I wish for your freedom.”

Eugene froze, looking at Hugo as if he hadn't heard him right.

“I-what?”

Hugo held up the gold lamp as it glowed and flowted in the air.

“Eugene, you're free!”

The lamp glowed a bright light and the bracelets on Eugene's wrists did too. Eugene looked down as his gold bracelets fell from his wrists and vanished. A bright glow filled the room and next Eugene was standing on his feet, looking between his wrists. The lamp fell to the floor with a loud clatter, now a useless gold trinket.

“I'm free. I don't believe it I'm free! Quick, wish for something outrageous. Say ‘I want the Nile.’ Wish for the Nile. Try that!”

“I wish for the Nile.”

“No way! I'm free! I'm free at last! I'm hittin' the road. I'm off to see the world! I-” Eugene froze, turning and looking at Rapunzel who was still off to the side. “I would like to see the world with a certain maid if she'll see it with me?” He reached his hand out to Rapunzel who took it happily and hugged Eugene tight.

“I have no clue on what happened but as long as you tell me I'll see the universe with you!” Rapunzel said, spinning with Eugene. “Oh this is incredible! Oh Hugo, how could I ever-” Eugene stopped looking around for Hugo who was gone. “Hugo?”

He looked around more when he saw a door slide close. “Oh Hugo,” said Varian tears almost spilling over. Eugene walked over and pulled Varian into a hug. “It's ok. He'll always be a prince to you and me.” Quirin watched as his son wiped a tear away and stepped forward.

“Varian?”

Varian turned and looked up at his father, who for the first time ever looked like he might cry. “Varian, if you really love him, go after him.” said Quirin. “But the law-”

“It's that law that's the problem! Now am I sultan or am I sultan? From this day forth, you shall marry whomever you wish!” Varian smiled up at Quirin and pulled him into a long hug.

“Thank you, dad.”

***

Hugo walked down the long dirt path away from the grand palace gates. Deep down Hugo always knew he'd fail. Mabey not at first but way down he knew he'd end up being a worthless street rat again. "Well, Liv, I sure am going to miss sleeping on a real bed," said Hugo to the little mouse as she crawled up and sat on his shoulder.

Hugo looked down at the plain dirt road and walked the path he had walked many times. He didn't even comprehend the light gasps coming from the small crowd of people who were out doing their daily things. "Stop thief! Your sultan commands it!" Hugo froze.

He knew whose voice that was but it couldn't be… Hugo turned and there he saw Varian. He stood tall and proud in front of the crowd with a light breeze blowing his hair, making his hair strip even more visible “Sultan?" Said Hugo, walking toward Varian.

"Does that mean I'm in trouble?" Hugo asked only a few feet away from Varian. Varian looked up at Hugo, his bright blue eyes shining in the light of the sun. His face was only inches away from Hugo's, his breath warm and welcoming against his skin. “You're only in trouble if you get caught” and with that Varian leaned forward and locked their lips together for a bright wonderful kiss.

Hugo might have melted. He brought his hand up to hold Varian’s cheek, never wanting to leave this moment. After minutes or hours he pulled back and wrapped his arms around Varian’s waist and spun him, wind whipping their hair.

***

Hugo rested his forehead on Varian’s smiling down at him as the carpet rose into the air. Hugo watched as the castle and his friends faded in the night, the stars shining in the night sky. He gave Varian a small kiss as they flew up to the clouds towards the moonlight.

“A whole new world,”

“A whole new life,”

“For you and me!”