Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When he and his siblings wandered these lands years ago, he found solace in their nomadic ways. There was always something new to be discovered, life to be cherished in all forms. 

All good things must come to an end eventually.

One by one, his family grew old. They were tired and so was he. When it was time for some of their souls to drift back into the stars, their bodies would roam and settle onto a spot where eternal peace was met. 

Most of his siblings rotted away, their husks shallow and decrepit, nothing left of them as they disappeared. Others say they were unworthy of Remembrance, their fathers and mothers who hung the stars in the sky did not see their souls fit to join them. They are Forgotten.

Those who are Remembered are beautiful. 

Bodies preserved, turned into landmasses and life springs anew, a cycle reborn. 

He hopes to be Remembered.

His children now roam these lands, knowledge diluted and forgotten. The times where giants roamed are now simple myths and being painted among murals of fledgling civilization. So now he rests. Laid upon the planet and gazing at the stars above. It is peaceful, he is content. He sleeps.

Over time his body becomes a home for his descendants. With vague awareness, he can sense the deep thrums of thousands of heartbeats on top of his form. Hushed whispers of ‘ The Titan ’ brush against his mind. He used to have a name…what was his name?

No matter, if Titan is what he is to be Remembered as, then Titan it shall be. He rewards his children with the knowledge of power and wonder. His very essence seeping from the blood that still flows underneath his flesh. He is content.

Something is different the next time he ‘wakes’. There is a shift of energy that feels…wrong. Idly, he notes how many more children have been born since his last slumber. “Witches.” they call themselves and oh how they have bloomed into their blessings. It’s almost rejuvenating to feel the hum of constant mana that flows through his system. Is this what the stories meant? To be one with your own creations, being Remembered for all eternity? He likes to think so, it's nice.

However, this shift of energy is worrisome. These new life forms are not like the witches or demons that roam upon his body. They are…dull, almost lifeless. Hardly any mana flowing through them. It's wrong . He reaches out and brushes against their soul. ‘Kind-hearted, patient, determined’ . He can fix them, as long as they stay here, where he can influence their energy, he can fix them.

Over the years, more of these strange empty vessels come and go. Some stay and if they are worthy, he gives them his blessing. If not, he withholds his gifts. He loses count after a while. Until they come.

Brothers they are, one of his children had lured them to this land. Immediately, he reaches out to the eldest. ‘ Naivety, curiosity, brave’ . Yes, he would do well here. Next was the youngest and when he brushes against his soul, his body quakes.

‘Malicious, cynical, hateshateshateshateshateshate HATES ’

NO.

He knows if he stays here, ruin will come for his children. The younger brother is not worthy, he will never be worthy.

The two brothers stay and the eldest begins to change. The youngest does not.

The eldest is blessed with an extension of himself, ‘Palismen ’ his mind supplies. While the youngest is empty handed. 

The eldest falls in love.

The youngest descends in hate.

So when brother kills brother. The Titan mourns, the eldest had become one of his children and this transgression from the blood of his blood could not stand.

The witches would call it a curse.

He calls it a sacrifice.

He blesses the eldest brother's future line with gifts ancient and great. Let it be known that whichever name his widowed mate chooses it will be imbued with power.

With the youngest he traps the souls of his selfish gains for a gift he did not deserve within him. Let the ugliness he hides be shown to the world. Let his children know who he transgressed. He hopes it will be enough of a warning for them, for it is all he can do.

The Old Ways start to die out and his presence grows weaker in the next fifty years.

He is being Forgotten. 

He is scared, he failed to stop the malicious brother all those years ago. He was too lenient, his sister would laugh at him to see such a mistake being made. He was always too soft. ‘The Titan’, his Remembered name being blasphemed by the young brother, Belos. Using it to bring his goal to eradicate his children to fruition. 

It seems there is nothing left to do, but to mourn. Mourn for an inevitable end. 

‘Optimistic, Inquisitive, Bright! ’

Another empty vessel has arrived-no, she’s not empty. He reaches out weakly, using the last of his essence to see .

This child burns as bright as the sun. 

She will save his children.

She will make them Remember.

When Luz steps through the portal door, she feels an unbearable weight sit heavily against her chest for no more than a few seconds. Warmth accompanies it soon after and so she brushes it off as some magical side-effect.

When Luz arrives in the Boiling Isles, everything changes.

And she does too.

Chapter Text

When Eda wakes, her body aches terribly.

Her mouth feels like it's full of cotton and the grimey aftertaste of her elixir remains on her taste buds. Craning her head, she squints as she looks out her window from her nest. It was morning, but the sky was still dark as remnants of the storm makes its way across the Isles. Rolling thunder can still be heard at certain intervals and a light drizzle of rain makes itself known on the roof of the house.

A lazy day, good, she could do for a few more hours of shuteye. 

But something woke her up in the first place, it wasn’t just the soreness.

Eda inhales as the scent of food circulates its way throughout the house. Ah, the kids are cooking. She closes her eyes to get a few more winks.

.

.

.

THE KIDS ARE COOKING.

Eda jumps up quickly, ignoring the snap of her old bones and practically flies down the stairs. Her hand raises, magic thrumming in time with her accelerated heartbeat, ready to put out whatever flames on the stove she’s sure to find. Rounding the corner of the archway leading to the kitchen, she pauses.

Nothing is on fire and everything smells absolutely delicious. 

Luz is setting a plate on a tray. Her tongue is stuck out in concentration as she attempts to make the presentation pretty. King is sitting on top of the kitchen table, glitter in his fur and a makeshift card in hand. They both look up as she reveals herself, Luz grins sheepishly at her.

“Eda! Uhhh, good morning?”

Eda raises a brow, her arm lowers and the half formed spell circle fizzles out. “Morning squirts! What’s all this for?” She walks over to glance at the plate. Giffin eggs are slightly over cooked, and chimera sausage definitely undercooked. 

“We wanted to apologize for last night!” King speaks. He thrusts the card covered in copious amounts of glitter in Eda’s face. She gently takes it from him and looks it over. Her heart melts at the sight of her, King, and Luz crudely drawn and holding hands. The crudely drawn runes spell out ‘We’re sorry!’ in bright colors. Eda is touched at the thought, she won’t admit it out loud though.

Instead, she snatches a fork from the tray with her free hand and takes a bite out of the egg. It's good, flavorful. Luz definitely knows how to cook, she just needed to adjust the temperatures for non-human food.

Eda stuffs the card in her hair to put on her vanity later and ruffles Luz’s hair. “Aw, you kids have no need to apologize. It was my fault for not taking my potion before I conked out yesterday. I should’ve known better.” She makes sure to cut this across somewhat firmly. She’s the adult here. The Elder in this household, these kids are her responsibility and she has to step up. Eda winks at Luz to lighten the mood and takes another bite of egg. “Not bad on breakfast kid, but next time let's do it together so I can show you how to properly cook the sausage.”

Luz frowns as she stares at the said item on the plate. “It looks done to me! It’s nearly black, and it's practically burnt!”

Eda barks out a surprised laugh and shakes her head. “Chimera meat turns purple when it's fully cooked.”

“It does?!”

Eda chortles some more, she picks her plate up off the tray and sets it at her place on the table. “Did you two make something for yourselves?”

“Not yet,” Luz responds. “We were gonna bring your breakfast up to your room so you could have it in bed.”

“Aw, that is sickeningly sweet kid.”

Luz blushes in embarrassment and fiddles with the hem of her shirt. “I-I still feel really bad about last night.”

“Aht!” Eda quips as she turns and makes her way to the stove. “What did I just say?”

One of Eda’s ear flicks as an annoyed groan emits from the human. “It’s not our fault.” She grumbles.

“Exactly! Now go snag the paper from Hooty, y'all know the drill! I want you both to read me something aloud from the runic pages while I make food for you two. King, you can pick a comic to read today.”

“Yes!”

Two weeks Luz has been here and despite the human’s frustrations, Eda has been teaching her important knowledge. The girl had to know how to read runes before anything really. The elder witch wants to scoff at the desecration of the Old Tongue and Language throughout the years. Slowly but surely Common had become the primary written language of the Isles. Eda despises it. There were no meanings in the letters, no intent! Sure, a witch could weave their magic into their voice to seal a promise or oath, but it wasn't the same.

Plus, knowledge is power and if Luz was going to be the first human to master magic in the Boiling Isles, she would need to read some old as dirt books. They were all written in runic. Heck most of Eda’s impressive library literature was only written in runes. Only the newer books she’s gathered in the past ten years have been in Common.

Her idle thoughts come to a halt when she hears Luz and King return to the kitchen. She could hear the fervent rustling of the pages as Luz tries to find an article that looks interesting. She plates the scrambled eggs on Luz’s and King’s plate. Eda takes out the leftover sausage and begins cooking some for King. She hears Luz hum in interest.

“Find something kid?” Eda asks.

“I think so!”

“Have at it then!”

Luz begins reading, slow at first as she enunciates each rune, but picks it up quick enough. The kids' food is done when Luz finally stumbles onto a word she can’t pronounce.

“The Eh-lu…Illusionists have prov-eye-did a kah- a kah-m…” 

Eda sets King’s plate down in front of him and Luz’s to the side as she looks over the human’s shoulder.

“Ah,” Eda starts, “That’s a tricky one.” She helps sound out the runes slowly with Luz. She gives her a tip on how sometimes your mind just clicks if you read the back half of the word. She points to the end of the word and Luz instantly spells it, out of familiarity. 

“T-I-O-N!”

“Good! So you’ve read the first half of the article and how they talk about the need for volunteers right?”

Luz nods and her eyes go to the next set of runes after the word she’s having difficulty with. She taps the word with a finger. “That says fee…Oh! Compensation Fee!” 

“Atta girl!” Eda ruffles Luz’s hair, the kid laughs as she bats her hands away. “Another week and you’ll be speeding through tomes as thick as Hooty!”

“Thanks Eda.”

“No problem, squirt, now eat up! Food is getting cold. No stealing from King’s plate either! Last time you ate something off his plate you couldn’t move for two hours, kid.”

Luz huffs and stuffs her face with scrambled eggs. “Worf it.” she says.

Eda shakes her head fondly and takes note how quickly Luz is eating. The girl suddenly has a bottomless pit of a stomach as she practically inhales the eggs and fruit placed on her plate. Huh, if this is what she has to look forward to when King gets into his teen phase. She better start saving up snails now.

Once King has finished eating, it's his turn to read a small comic panel outloud to Eda. He did well, only getting distracted by the pictures twice. Eda makes sure to scratch his skull in approval. 

More thunder rumbles over the house and the rain is getting heavy again. 

“Alright kiddos, it looks like we’ll still be indoors for most of the day! I have a few potions I need to finish up, so I’ll be in my lab for an hour or two.”

Luz fidgets in her chair, she’s biting her lip and keeps glancing at Eda nervously.

“Spit it out, kid.”

“Can, I-uh. Can I help with your potion making today?” Luz asks shyly.

Eda is slightly taken aback. Luz has always wanted to know about the flashier side of magic, most kids do. Especially since yesterday, she hadn’t stopped drawing out the light glyph every chance she got. “You sure kid?” Eda begins. “I’m no slacker when it comes to potion-making, if you’re going to help me you have to follow my instructions exactly . I’m serious.”

“Yes, please! I figure I have to learn something about potion making. It is magic in some shape or form right?”

Eda nods, seeing everyone is done with their food, she draws a large circle in the air to clean the kitchen. She can see King pouting out of the corner of her eye. “Hey mister, no big lip! Luz is old enough to join me, with supervision. Once you hit your growth spurt you can help me out too!”

King grumbles to himself, crossing his arms in discontent. Eda tries another angle.

“Look at it this way, someone gets to hog the crystal ball for two hours today.”

“Weh!” King is up and out of his highchair, quickly scrambling down to run towards the living room. Eda chuckles to herself and stands up, Luz follows soon after. 

“Alright come on kid, I’ll make you a Potion Master in no time!” 

She can hear Luz squeal in excitement behind her. Eda leads the two of them through the house. Her lab is in a seperate section in the basement, far enough away to limit exposures and if any mishaps happened, they would be contained. Luz ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ in wonder as she is taken into a new section of the house. They stop in front of the door leading to her lab. Unlike the other hardened feloak wooden doors in the house, this one is made of thick metal, almost like a blast door. Eda rummages through her hair and takes out a key.

Before going to unlock the door, she turns to Luz and levels her with a serious look. The girl looks startled at the sudden change in her mentor's demeanor, but matches the serious look with one of her own. Good, she’s listening. 

“Luz, once we step in here, everything I say goes. Got it? The brews I am making today are pretty standard, but one wrong move and it becomes Hel in a handbasket!”

She watches as Luz nods in conviction and gives her a salute. “Yes, ma’am!”

Eda hums, satisfied. She turns back around and unlocks the door to step inside. The sharp smell of different herbs and one or two cauldrons of simmering brews assault her senses. The room is large, stone walls surround them. On the opposite side where they’ve entered is a shelf of basic reagents. The more sensitive ingredients are behind another door to the right of the wall. In the center lies an empty iron cauldron, scrubbed and cleaned after her last batch. There is a large wooden table nearby. Inscribed on the legs are runes of safety and protection. A countermeasure for the more unseemly parts of the more dangerous potions.

Far on the left side of the room are three more cauldrons, properly spaced and a stasis bubble on two of them. Each of the cauldrons are also made of different material. Eda eyes the silver one, it’s become tarnished rather quickly with the painbow repellent simmering within. She makes a mental note to polish it well after that particular brew is done.

To the right there is a washing station. She guides Luz over and hands her a leather apron. 

“Alright, first rule! Cleanliness is important! I’ve got all types of stuff in here and we don’t want to cross-contaminate anything, can you tell me why?”

Luz is meticulous as she washes her hands. Her brow is furrowed as she washes underneath her nails, searching for an answer. 

“It’s like chemistry right? Cross-contamination can lead to a failed or dangerous result?”

Heh, her apprentice is one smart cookie!

“Exactly!” Eda begins washing her own hands, the method instinctual and repetitive. “Second rule.” She dries off her hands and guides Luz over to the large table in the center of the room. “No magic.”

Luz looks genuinely confused and Eda can’t blame her. The more modern books about potion making describe how to use spell circles to do the work for you. Chop the ingredients, stirring, even measuring! Fools, the lot of them! Feels like she and Morton are the only true Potioneers left.

“Actively using magic while making potions dilutes the product.” Eda explains. “It naturally draws any passive magic lying dormant in the ingredients into whatever wack ‘potion’ spell and makes the finished product no better than diluted apple blood.”

She points to the numerous rune-inscribed stirring rods, pewter knives, glass beakers, and other components spread throughout her lab. “If you are going to be my amazing apprentice, we’re doing this The Old Way.”

Luz is soaking all this up like a sponge. Eda hates to admit this feeling, but she’s enjoying this. Makes her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Oh Titan, is this what Bump was trying to convince her to do? Teach? Ugh.

Eda opens a thick book of potion recipes on top of the table. “Last rule.” She points her finger on a page. “Sometimes it's good to follow your gut!” 

Luz leans over to see what Eda is pointing at. The page is on the instructions of how to make a healing tonic. Useful for first aid-uses and when tweaked just the right way, can stop moderate internal wounds if bad enough. The printed scrawl of runes are annecdoted with Eda’s own handwriting. Small notes of improvements and slight changes on how to prepare ingredients differently, grace the margins of the page. “ You're not there yet missy. But once you get into the thick of potion making, something clicks! It could be an added ingredient or stirring it clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. It’s almost like a guiding hand of inspiration takes over, then BAM! New or improved potion with life-changing results!”

“Woahhhhh.” Luz breaths. “Eda, this is so cool! I never knew potion making could be like this! I thought it was just like cooking!”

Eda scoffs. “That's because you’re reading those pompous modern books! All the action is in here!” Her finger taps on the page. “Are you ready to get started?”

“Mhm!”

Eda makes sure to read aloud the recipe she has done hundreds of times for Luz. Keeping a close eye on her apprentice, she prepares certain reagents. She calmly explains why they do certain steps in certain ways. Eda feels invigorated and ecstatic that Luz has picked up on brewing so quickly, she’s even begun to ask questions way to advance for someone's first potion.

She’s proud.

It's a strange feeling.

Huh.

She can get used to this teaching thing.

Something rumbles within her as she watches Luz stir the health tonic to its perfect consistency. This child is special, bright and inquisitive. Eda decides right then and there she’s going to teach everything she can about magic to Luz.

That girl is going to take the Boiling Isles by storm.

Bright Owlet is strong. Good for parliament. Protect.

Eda nearly jumps out of her skin at the sudden mental intrusion, Luz looks up worriedly, afraid she did something wrong. Eda waves her off and tells her she’s fine to ease her mind.

Well, that’s new.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Luz loves it here.

The Boiling Isles are weird, but it's a good kind of weird. Two weeks here feels more like one month as each day passes by. Eda is amazing! She’s definitely the best teacher she’s ever had. She doesn’t get mad when she asks too many questions. She actually explains methods in a way that doesn't want to make Luz shut down and figure it out on her own!

Like yesterday! Luz wanted to find every book on potions and learn every combination she could. Eda was insightful when it came to her craft. Her mentor moved around the lab as if she was gliding across ice. Luz never knew how extensive potion making actually was. Especially when it came to imbuing some concoctions with the rune-inscribed rods. Luz promised to never take Eda’s method of teaching for granted again, as she read the inscriptions scrawled through the potion lab. While no active magic was allowed in this space, the ambient magic was stifling. 

Luz rubs her chest as she recalls the feeling. It felt like a warm buzz deep in her heart. It left her energized and cozy at the same time. Weird but so cool! She could also see how Eda could spend hours down there. When they bottled the finished product of the healing tonic, Luz felt satisfaction at a job well done and a hunger to create more. To move on to the next project. Eda had grinned at her when she said it out loud. She said that she had caught ‘The Spark’, Whatever that meant.

Her enthusiasm in a new subject would have to be put on hold today though. Now, she reads dramatically to King. Detailing Azura’s upcoming witch duel with her rival Hecate.

“Ughhhh, Luz please, you’re going to scare away the customers with all that fruity nonsense.” Eda groans.

Luz closes her book and raises a brow at her mentor. “Uh, Eda. There are no customers! There’s not even a stall in sight, we’re the only ones here!” She waves her arms at the empty street. She’s positive she just saw the Boiling Isles equivalent of a tumbleweed pass by them.

Eda turns around from facing the supply tent and actually looks at their surroundings. “Hmmm.” her eyes narrow. “This bears a bad omen.” 

“Luz!”

Luz perks up at the sound of her new friends approaching the stall. She waves them over with a bright smile. “Willow! Gus!” she exclaims. “What’s up?”

Gus is bouncing in place, literally vibrating in excitement as he nudges Willow to give whatever speech they have planned for her. Willow pushes up her glasses and holds out a pamphlet for some sort of event going on today. 

“The Covention is today Luz! Do you wanna join us?”

A Covention? Sounds exciting, she’s definitely going! Only, she doesn’t know what a Covention is. “I would love to! Only…what is it?”

Willow opens her mouth to respond, but Gus jumps in front of her as he blurts out his answer. “It's only the best annual event ever! All sorts of different Covens come together to show off their skills and attributes for future members like us!”

Luz hums in understanding and snaps her fingers. “Oh! Like a job fair for Witches! Sounds fun! I’m in! Eda can we go?” she turns around to ask her mentor. 

Eda does not look ecstatic about this at all, in fact she looks almost…sad? Frustrated? Luz isn’t sure. 

“No.” Eda quips, terse and cold. “Absolutely not.” 

Luz can see both Willow’s and Gus’ ears pin back at the sharp tone of her mentor, Luz frowns. “Why not?”

Eda seems to notice her harsh reaction’s effect on Luz’s friends and softens her tone. “The Coven System is a hack. Takes away the Witch's individuality away from them! I especially dislike the fact that they are promoting such a system to young witchlings, such as yourselves!”

Luz scrunches her nose up at Eda’s speech and a look passes between her, Gus, and Willow. Well, time to take out the big guns. Luz widens her eyes and folds her hands out in front of her in a pleading gesture. “Oh great, powerful, and wise mentor! Can we please go to the Covention? Why, with such skill you possess, we surely won’t be corrupted by the evil bureaucrats that plague these lands!” She makes sure to bat her eyes for added effect.

Eda is pinching the bridge of her nose at the display. The scrunch in her brow makes her look older than she seems. “Ugh, you’re not gonna give up aren’t you?”

“Nope!” Luz says cheerily.

A weary sigh escapes her mentor. The familiar warm buzz of magic makes itself known, as Eda conjures a large circle to pack up the stand and send it home. She picks up King and settles him on her waist, King himself is currently preoccupied looking at the pictures in Luz’s Azura book.

“Fine.” Eda says dejectedly. Gus and Willow whoop in excitement. “But! We will stick together while we’re in there, got it?”

Luz nods and gives a quick mocking salute. “Yes ma’am!” She goes to tackle Willow and Gus in one arm hugs as they start walking to the Bonesborough Convention Center.

Willow talks to her about her new classes in the plant track. She’s way more happier than she was and Luz finds herself engaging just as much. The topic has fallen onto magical herbs and Luz has bombarded Willow with different inquiries. Willow was happy to answer, the bespectacled witchling in turn asking questions about the manual potion process Luz was a part of yesterday. 

“So you two made a healing tonic with no magic?” Willow's tone carry’s disbelief, as if she’s never heard of the method before.

“Yup!” Luz pops the ‘P’ with distinction. “It was fun! And we smelled like snowmint for the rest of the day!”

“Crap.”

Eda’s voice cuts through their conversation. They have arrived at the center, Witches and Demons of all walks of life flow in and out of the building. What garnered all of their attention however, is the numerous wanted posters of The Owl Lady plastered upon every conceivable free wall space.

“Wow Ms. Eda! You’re pretty infamous!” Gus exclaims. He’s got a hand under his chin, looking back and forth from the artist's depiction and the real deal. “They got your nose wrong though.”

Eda sucks her teeth and scoffs. “Figures! They can never truly draw the full form of this beauty!” With the free arm not holding King, she fluffs her hair dramatically, Luz laughs at the action. “Bah,” Eda continues. “I’m a criminal because I didn’t join a Coven.” She shrugs. “It’s a given they’d put up so many posters of me in this place. I’m a textbook example of an ‘Evil Wild Witch.’”

Luz feels herself frown at this proclamation. That hardly seems fair. For Eda to be shunned because she wields her magic differently? Is learning all types of magic that bad? She scrunches her nose at the thought. Looks like she’s going to have to get more information on this.

Her mentor sighs as she places King down from his perch on her hip. “Well, can’t get arrested if I’m the one supervising you kiddos.” Golden eyes scope out the scene, Eda making sure the coast is clear before drawing a large spell circle above her head. Like an overly large halo, it moves from the top of her head to her feet. As it covers her, her features change.

“Woah…” Gus breathes out. Luz glances over to him. The young prodigy's eyes are sharp. Taking in every detail he can. Luz swears she can see a faint blue glow emitting from his sclera. “That’s a powerful spell.” He murmurs.

Luz looks back at Eda when the spell is finished and she’s changed, if only slightly. First off, Luz would’ve never thought red hair suited Eda. The Owl Lady’s gray mane was now chopped, short, and ginger. She even looked younger! Over her signature red dress was a maroon cloak, clasped with an owl brooch to boot. 

“Alright!” Eda grins, her golden fang still present. “Let’s get y’all’s curiosity and willingness to be brainwashed into a corrupt system satisfied, yeah?”

Eda ushers them inside, Luz makes sure to grab King's hand so he doesn’t get lost. Surprisingly, this was the most mundane looking event she’s seen since being on the Boiling Isles. Her earlier assessment of it being like a job fair was mostly correct, give or take a few things. Luz’s eyes are drawn to the larger nine colorful banners hoisted above the entire center.

“Those are the main nine Covens!” Willow answers her unspoken question for her. “But there are other smaller Covens you can join!” As they walk past stalls, Willow and Gus rattle off the different Covens one can join. To Luz, it sounds perfect! A place where one can go based on their special interests? Where they can focus on said specialty? She was thinking back to the other day, brewing potions with Eda. Wouldn’t she enjoy the Potion Coven?

Eda must have read her mind, the two of them have fallen behind Gus and Willow. King has slipped out of her hand and scampered off somewhere. Eda places a hand on her shoulder. “I know what you're thinking kid.” She turns them towards the Illusion Coven booth and points. “Watch.”

A kid her age, looking determined, held out their hand to an older witch. A strange gauntlet was in the older witch’s hand. They grasp onto the kid's arm and face their palm up. Placing the gauntlet just above their wrist, Luz watches in horrid fascination, as a sigil shaped like a mirror, is seemingly seared onto the flesh. For just a short moment, blue spider-like tracks crawl up the kid’s arm and then color drains from their face. They’ve become much too pale too quickly for Luz’s liking.

“Once you join a Coven, all other magic is sealed off to you. That kid can now only cast Illusion magic.” Eda explains.

Luz’s thoughts screeched to a halt. T-that doesn’t make sense! The implications of that alone are-! 

“Talk to me, kid.”

They’re walking again, still a few ways away from her friends. She looks up at Eda, her face is grave and suddenly Luz truly understands why Eda despises this system.

“I-if you’re saying that those marks seal magic…and magic comes from a Witch’s heart.” Luz feels ill and terrified. She wants to drag Willow and Gus away from all this.

Eda hums noncommittally and nods. “Congratulations new Coven initiate! You just severed your life span in half and gave yourself a one way ticket to Magical Erosion!” Gold eyes glance down at Luz. “In human terms, they’re more susceptible to heart attacks. The sigil is like a big old moving clot. Limiting your growth and weakens your sac.” Her hand waves around the area, pointing out the large amount of young witches surrounding them.

“There are laws put in place to not commit yourself until you’re sixteen summers but that is still too young, in my opinion.” Eda quips bitterly.

“Eda, that’s insane! Aren’t there like, studies about this? T-the Healing Coven! They’ve had to have said something about it!” Luz’s heart is racing, and it’s getting hard to breathe. This is horrible! It’s not right!

A strong arm wraps around her shoulders and warmth envelopes her. Fingers comb through her hair and a soothing rumble travels through her body. “Calm, witchlet.” Oh, that’s Eda’s voice. “I’m sorry.” It continues. Why is Eda apologizing? “I didn’t mean to scare you. I didn’t think you would catch on so quickly, kid. I’m impressed, others your age don’t see the true implications of these kinds of things. Or, they ignore them.”

Eda’s arm is a steady anchor as they slowly walk side by side. Her voice pitches lower, a strange lit overcomes her tone and consonants sound harsh when she speaks. It takes a moment for Luz’s mind to register that she's speaking Old Tongue. “ As for the knowledge hidden in shadows by the Ones Who Mend. The King would keep The Children naïve.”

Broken sounding as it was, Old Tongue was quite literal in its meaning. Luz quickly deciphered the sentence in her head. Her question about the Healing Coven answered. The King was Emperor Belos, The Children being the people of the Isles. Luz feels chills and rubs her forehead. This is reminding her of that one book she had to read back in the human realm for school. A dystopian world where big brother is always watching. 

Now, all these stalls and booths around her feel all encompassing. The way people, kids even! Are willingly and quite literally giving away their lives and magic itself to belong in a box…it feels no better than the summer camp her Mami was trying to send her to. 

One Coven stands out above the rest. It’s sigil oddly familiar to Luz, she feels as if she’s seen it before. They’ve caught up to Willow and Gus. King is with them, numerous amounts of free trinkets and t-shirts among him. Where did he even get all that stuff? Her two witch friends were freaking out about this one. Apparently, this Emperors Coven was elite among all the others, as they explained it to her. She was still standing close to Eda, who now had her cloak hood raised and shadow cast over her face. Illusion magic had to be at work because all Luz could see was her mouth and chin. Eda notices her gaze, she gives her apprentice a small small and the universal sign for ‘quiet’ as a lone finger falls on her lips.

“Come on Luz! This is where the special guest is going to be announced!” Willow exclaims. She grabs Gus’ arm, who’s wailing about how he can get his forehead sign, and they rush off into the auditorium. 

Eda’s hand is back on her shoulder, “Come on kid. Can’t leave your friends to the vultures.” She scoops up King as they walk past the watchful eyes of the guards.

It’s easy to find a seat once they’re inside. Luz settles next to her mentor, her heart still racing, now at the thought of Eda being caught. Her friends being branded and this entire system that is doomed to fail. Beside her, Eda is calm. King sits in her lap as he eats a cupcake and she is leaning back on the step behind her. Right, she has nothing to worry about! Eda has gone this long without being caught for good reason! She practically announces herself at the market every week! Hm, now that Luz thinks about it, the Emperor Coven guards seem pretty incompetent.

Before more thought can be put into that topic, Principle Bump arrives in the middle of the stadium to give the announcements. He speaks about how the Emperor's Coven is the most elite out of all of them. The reason? They can keep studying and performing all types of magic. And if that doesn’t set off even more alarm bells in Luz’s head, she doesn’t know what will. To have one force above the rest, make them the enforcers of this government (if you can even call it that!), and only a few select can join every year?

Luz’s head begins to pound. It’s the components for a perfect literary analysis essay on corrupted systems! She closes her eyes as her vision begins to blur. Now more than ever she wants to leave, no longer excited to learn the “right way” to learn magic in the Boiling Isles. 

“And now, introducing our special guest, you know her, you love her! Coveness Lilith!”

“Shit.”

Luz opens her eyes to look back at her mentor. The only thing she can see is the pronounced frown from her cowl. King in her lap gasps and covers what Luz thinks, where his ears are. “Eda! You said an evil word!”

Luz snorts. She’s positive she’s heard Eda say worse.

“Sorry, squirt. That's 10 snails in the swear jar when we get home, I know.” She rubs the top of King’s head as a form of apology. “I’m just a bit shocked is all,”

Luz’s vision is still somewhat blurry, she rubs her eyes as she asks Eda a question. “Why? Do you know the Coveness?”

“Eh, you could say that…”

When Lilith performs a brilliant flash of magic to close off her speech. Everything is suddenly too bright. Luz hisses, as sensation akin to a luminescent camera flash, blinds her briefly. Spots dance behind her eyelids, it feels like an eternity before she can open them again, when in reality it had only been a few seconds. Luz can feel Eda rubbing calm circles on her back, “You okay Luz?” She asks.

“Y-yeah, I think so. I just need some fresh air I think.” she responds.

Eda hums. “Go on then, I’ll be right behind you. I just need to make sure Goops and Plant Girl will be okay by themselves.”

Luz nods and stands up to leave. Most of the audience has milled out already, so luckily, there’s not much foot traffic. Vision is still blurred and slightly out of sorts, Luz doesn’t realize she’s run into someone until the impact hits her.

“Hey! Watch where you’re- oh it's you . Willow’s abomination thing.”

Pompous voice, mean girl attitude, green hair. Ah, it's Amity, of course. Luz doesn’t want to make worse of the already horrid first impression she made with the girl, so she backpedals.

“Riiiight, about that! I’m so sorry! I’m uh, not an abomination! I’m Luz the Human!” Holding her hand out, she gives Amity the widest and toothiest grin she can muster. Amity’s eyes narrow and Luz feels a nagging tug in the back of her mind when Amity returns her grin with one of her own.

Well, it's much more manic and looking more like a sneer, and her fangs are quite impressive-wait, she’s angry.

“Get that away from me.” Amity bats her hand away and pokes her chest. “You’re the one who got me in trouble with Principle Bump and I never get in trouble.”

Luz feels incredulous at the accusation and sputters out. “Didn’t you try to dissect me? I don’t think those two things are equivalent!” 

A red hue coats Amity’s cheeks and she sniffs. “You aren’t supposed to be here anyway. This Covention is for Witches only!” 

Luz scoffs. “Yeah, you won’t have to worry about me coming to one of these things ever again! And I’m training to be a Witch! My mentor is very powerful AND she has a ferocious demon by her side!”

“Luz!” Said ferocious demon was running up to her, cupcake in his hand. “Eda said you weren’t feeling good so I want to give you one of my offerings!” Before King could reach her, he tripped on one of the numerous scarves adorning his form. Luz bends over to catch him. King secured in her arms, Luz turns to grab the cupcake, five second rule hopefully applies on the Isles.

Amity had stepped on the confectionary good, crushing it beneath her boot. 

King starts to cry. 

Luz, already annoyed with her headache, forbidden knowledge, and stupid oblivious fall-in-line Witches, snaps.

“That’s it!” She stands quickly, turning to face Amity. She’s running hot, more blood rushing to head and her ears. She can hear much clearer now and colors are now more sharp and defined, blurred vision forgotten. Amity takes a step back, eyes wide. Luz can see the strain in the girl's brow, ears wanting to pin back at her sudden rush of rage. Amity’s eyes darted from King to herself, lips parted in a shocked ‘o’ as Luz lashed out. 

“I can take you calling me names and not being a Witch, But bullying my friends, I will not stand!.” Luz hisses out. Her throat feels funny, like she needs to cough, but she presses on. Knowledge of the Boiling Isles combined with her innate understanding of Azura, causes her to impulsively make a rash decision. “I challenge you to a Witch’s Duel!” 

The surrounding participants at booths gasp at the declaration, the rage Luz felt moments before, fizzles out quickly and she has a brief moment of clarity. The temporary increased HD vision and hearing she gained in the heat of the moment has vanished. Everything is much more dull and muted as Amity steps up to her and accepts her challenge.

Oh, she messed up.

Amity had actually accepted her challenge. They set the terms and shook on it, which would’ve been fine. Luz was definitely not going to freak out about this everlasting oath thing. No sireee.

She was freaking out, she needed to find Eda. 

Running back to the entrance of the auditorium, Luz spots Eda, cowl now down and Illusion still in place. She looks angry, she’s talking to that Lilith lady who looks the same. No time to wait for them to finish talking. “Edaaaa! I messed up, I reeeeallllly messed up!” she goes to grab at the side of her cloak, only for her hand to fall through and make contact with her dress. She hears Eda sigh and misty cloud of magic ‘poofs’ around her as the illusion spell is dropped. 

“Woah, kid. Slow down! What happened?”

Luz rambles off the events to Eda, who’s listening with narrowed eyes. When she reaches the everlasting oath part, Eda groans and pinches the bridge of her nose. “Teenagers.” She utters out.

Lilith, who Luz totally forgot was here with them, releases a short chuckle of her own. “We made stupid oaths too once, Edalyn. It also sounds like your student challenged my top protégé. What do you say? A spar between our pupils to settle this?” 

Luz watches as Eda bares her teeth in a frightening grin and quips back at the Coveness. “You’re on.” She looks back down to Luz and raises a brow. “But first. Give me the hand you shook with the baby Blight, Luz.” 

Confused, Luz obeys and holds out her right hand. One of Eda’s larger ones, gently holds Luz’s arm steady by her forearm. Eda stares at her wrist for a few seconds, twisting and turning Luz's hand as if she’s looking for something.

“Ah! There it is! A tricky one.” Eda says to herself. With her free hand, Eda pinches the air on the side of Luz’s wrist, right where her radial pulse would be. Luz squawks when Eda starts to pull a long glowing purple string out of thin air. As she pulls, Luz feels that weird buzzing sensation again in her chest. It feels like a promise she made was just broken, but there is a sense of relief, as if an obligation was also just fulfilled.

“What was that?!” Luz exclaims, she pulls back and rubs her wrist, bringing it up to her face she attempts to try and see whatever Eda saw.

Eda holds the string of magic between two hands. She reads it like a strip of tape and whistles. “Wow kid, we’re going to have to work on clauses with you. Agreeing to not learn magic ever again if you lose? Yikes.” She pulls the string taut and lets go. It shatters and its remnants become sparkles that fall to the ground.

 “And what I just did? Something every adult should know. If we just let all love struck or spiteful witchlings throw around everlasting oaths like candy, our population would be very scarce.” She gives Luz a look. “You and baby Blight are fourteen kid, nowhere near old enough to be making life changing oaths.”

“So, it's gone? Just like that? I won’t have to give up learning magic?” Luz says incredulously. 

“Yup!”

Lilith hums from beside them. “I’ll leave you two to prepare for our spar. I’ll be sure to unwind the oath from Amity as well.” With a spell circle of her own Lilith, gets rid of all the WANTED posters of Eda and saunters off, chin held high. Luz thinks she looks like a pompous peacock.

Eda leads them to a secluded area of the center and crosses her arms. “Well kid, we’re fucked.” she quips.

Luz chokes on her own spit and sputters out her mentor's name. “Eda! You’re supposed to say something motivating!” She then points an accusing finger at the older woman. “And that 20 snails for the swear jar!”

“I’m telling you like it is kid! We haven’t even begun to touch combat spells, and you are definitely not even close to even properly wielding combat potions. Not only barring that, you only have a light glyph in your arsenal.” Eda scratches her cheek and vents a breath through her nose. “But! I refuse to let my sister win that easily!”

Luz becomes warry at the mischievous glint in Eda’s eyes.

“I,” Eda declares. “Have an amazing plan.”

“This is a terrible plan, Eda.” Luz deadpans.

“What? Psh, nah this is foolproof!” Eda says as she hunches over the last booby trapped mound.

Luz fidgets nervously as she watches the stands above her fill up. Her headache is coming back due to her nerves. She spots Willow, Gus, and King waving at her from above. She warily waves back as she whispers to her mentor frantically. “This is cheating .”

Eda stands up and cracks her back. “No one will know Luz.” Eda reassures her. “To everyone up on the stands, it will look like you’re performing magic.”

Luz grumbles to herself about how in her heart, she’ll know about her transgression. Eda promptly ignores her and gives her a last minute bout of encouragement. 

Lilith introduces her and Amity to the crowd. Amity looks like she was born for this, head held high and shoulders back. The perfect student. Her and Luz walk to the center of the arena and Luz fumbles as she tries to remember how to properly bow before the start of the duel like Eda showed her. 

‘Right hand and palm flat over where your bile sac should be, there! Slight bow, not too deep, that’s a different meaning. For a duel, you must keep eye contact the entire time. Perfect!’

Luz follows the instructions near perfectly, she didn’t even break eye contact! As soon as both of them are back in an upright position the bell screams. 

Everything moves much too quickly for Luz’s liking.

Amity’s familiar purple magic summons a larger than life abomination, Luz feels like that shouldn’t even be possible for her age. Then again she did challenge the leader of the Emperor's Coven apprentice, her mistake really. Yeah she’s not fighting this head on, ain’t no way. So she runs.

"Not so bold now are we, human?" Amity shouts.

Squeaking as the abomination's head whizzes past her head and into the ground. She jumps over mounds, careful not to step on any of them as she slams into the arena wall and turns around.

The abomination is approaching fast, she should do something! Anything! Her heart is racing again and that nervous headache has reached a crescendo that beats in time with her heart.

The abomination steps on a trap.

Fire erupts from the ground.

And Luz screams.

‘Too bright, too bright. Hurts! ’

Luz swears she feels some blood vessels pop beneath her eyelids from the strain as she curls herself into a ball. She breaths harshly into the ground and she can feel the dirt scraping against her cheek. 

There’s no noise. Everything is quiet. No shouts of the crowd, no groaning abomination, no spiteful comments from Amity. 

She cracks an eye open, it's dark. Near pitch black.

“Luz?”

Eda has crouched down in front of her, palisman in one hand keeping her upright. The only source of light is the warm glow from Owlbert’s eyes surrounding them. 

“Luz,” Eda tries again, she places her free hand on Luz’s shoulder. “Talk to me kid, are you okay? You passed out there for a minute.” 

Luz fully opens her eyes and Eda hisses at what Luz assumes, her bloodshot eyes. She can feel it.

“Aw geez hun, here lemme help you with that.”  Eda’s hand moves from her shoulder to her forehead. A lone finger gently traces a circle upon her skin. Luz can instantly feel a relief wash over her. The throbbing in her head disappears and the pain in her eyes dissipates to a tolerable dullness. “Better?” Eda asks.

Luz weakly nods as Eda helps her stand. They are still in the arena, Luz finally notices that she and Eda are surrounded by a giant bubble.

“Stasis spell.” Eda winks at her. “A modified and bigger version than what I put on my potions back home, obviously.” Her mentor’s hand settles on her shoulder to steady her. “This spar is over Luz, you should’ve told me you weren’t feeling well before we started.” she gently scolds.

“I-I didn’t know something like that would happen,” Luz rasps out. “It was so sudden, I’m sorry.” She sways a bit and Eda squeezes her shoulder to steady her apprentice. 

“Don’t apologize kid, I pushed you too hard.”

Luz wants to protest, but she still feels like she's gonna puke. She just hums in acknowledgment. 

“Alright I’m gonna let down the bubble, you ready?” 

“Yeah.”

Eda slams the butt of her staff on the ground, darkness fades into light and a muted pop returns ambient sound to Luz’s senses. Lilith and Amity are standing a few feet away from them. The abomination is still summoned, but not making any moves. Amity looks….concerned? Weird, considering she was just trying to kill her a few minutes ago. 

“You intervened, sister. That is an automatic forfeit.” Lilith still has that smug grin on her face. Luz wants to punch it.

Woah, sudden anger issues, reign it in.

Eda looks to be on the same boat as her though. She stands tall and as she speaks her words are clipped and formal. “My charge was not fit for this battle. I, Edalyn Clawthorne take responsibility and fight in her stead as Mentor. Who witnesses this claim?!” Eda barks out. Her head snaps up to the stands, searching for something or someone.

“I stand as Witness!” Principle Bump’s voice carries over the arena. He rises from his seat on the lower steps, making himself known.

A feral grin makes its way across Eda’s features as she turns back to face her sister.

“Do you object?” Eda drawls.

Murmurs rumble throughout the crowd at this declaration. Each word Eda spoke felt heavy in weight, the atmosphere grew charged. Luz is confounded. She thought the fighting was over?! 

Amity steps behind Lilith, her eyes are wide, she seems to be just as confused as Luz is.

Lilith raises a perfectly arched brow and sniffs. “Very Well sister. I’ll confide in your heathen ways just this once.” The Coveness steps up to The Owl Lady and responds just as formally. “I, Lilith Clawthorne, accept this exchange! Are we Heard?!” Lilith takes out her own regal palisman and levels it beside her.

“I have Listened!” Bump calls back.

“Are we Seen?!” Eda exclaims, getting into a ready stance.

“I have Perceived! Two Witches have stated their claim! One will be Remembered and one Forgotten! Witches, are you ready?” Bump raises his hand, all is silent. The strange proceeding put a trance upon everyone in the area.

One.

Two.

Three.

“BEGIN! ”

Luz yelps out loud when Eda and Lilith move. They move fast . Contrasting hues of magic clash back and forth with ferocity. Luz can feel her hair stand on end with the power they exude. It was terrifying and awesome at the same time.

“Luz!” 

Amity has grabbed onto her arm. Her ears are pinned back and she starts to drag her alongside the wall and towards the exit. “We need to get out of here!” the young witch exclaims. Luz couldn’t agree more, they quickly make their way to the exit of the arena, only having a close call by a stray fireball nearly singing their eyebrows. 

When the two of them make it outside, they both find a secluded area in the hall and slide down the wall. Silence exists between the two of them for a few minutes. There are a few times where Luz can catch Amity opening her mouth as if to say something, but backs out at the last minute. 

“I’m sorry,” Amity utters quietly.

Luz looks to her right to get a better glimpse at Amity and her breath hitches. She looks defeated…for what? She practically won the battle. Amity answers her question soon after, her clenched left hand settles down on the ground between them and drops something. It's a power glyph from the Construction Coven. It clicks then for Luz, she wasn’t the only one who cheated.

“Amity, no. Don’t apologize, I cheated too!” 

Amity barks out a bitter laugh at the proclamation. “Oh. Well we’re both in the wrong then, huh?” she follows up with a huffed sigh. “And now my future in the Emperor’s Coven is ruined because both of our mentors are gonna kill each other.”

Luz blinks. “Huh? What? No! Eda just wants to beat Lilith at something, besides didn’t you hear in there? They’re sisters apparently.” 

She meets Amity’s eyes, and she swears the girl freezes for a moment, before shaking her head to snap her out of whatever stupor she was in. “Still, this never would’ve happened if you just had accepted you aren’t a Witch.” she grouses. 

Luz doesn't have enough energy to get mad anymore today. Instead, she’s just sad. She rummages through her jean pockets and takes out her sketchpad and pencil. “You’re right,” Luz says, drawing out a light glyph. She taps it and watches how the piece of paper shrivels up into a ball and becomes a light source. “But I’m training hard to be one.”

Luz catches the look of awe on Amity’s face before she schools her features back into ‘Mean Girl’ attitude. “That’s simple.” Amity quips. “Kids can do a basic light spell…but I’ve never seen it casted like that before.”

Luz holds the ball of light in her hand for a brief moment before smothering it, ending the spell. “I learn magic differently, in ways that seem easier to me that might seem natural to you. Eda is great. She explains stuff to me in ways that actually makes me understand and want to learn so much more!”

“....Miss Lilith is like that with me, too.”

Luz gives Amity a wry grin. “See? Must be a family trait for them!”

A genuine laugh escapes from Amity at this comment and she goes to stand. This time it's Amity who initiates the handshake. “Truce?”

Luz can’t keep the smile off her face as she also stands up and takes Amity’s hand. “Truce.”

Amity nods and walks off. Giving Luz a small wave. “See you around, human.”

Luz waves back in farewell. She grunts when a hard skull rams into her leg.

“Luz! You left me! Eda was winning!” King’s voice is muffled by her leg and she laughs as she picks King up.

“Was she? That’s Great! Did you wanna get more free food?” she asks him. King has laid his head on her shoulder and gives a grunt in disapproval.

“Nah, those cupcakes weren’t good anyways, and my tummy hurts.”

“How many did you eat?”

“Three…”

“ King .”

“Seven!”

“You know Eda is gonna make you eat all your vegetables for seven days right?” Luz states.

“Not if you don't tell her!”

In an instant, the ground is no longer under her. She squeezes King tightly so he doesn’t fall from this sudden upheaval. A strong arm is keeping her steady, and when Luz gets her senses situated, she realizes Eda has scooped her and King up on her staff. They’re flying out of the center and into the air.

“Woah! Eda! what's the rush?!” Luz yells out. She swears she can smell burnt hair. When she looks back, Eda doesn’t look too terrible, a few scratches and bruises here and there. Part of her gray mane is burnt at the ends.

Eda laughs, boisterous and joyful as Bonesborough disappears under them. “I won missy! Through a Witness and everything! Oh, I’m going to hold this over Lily’s head for years! Ha!”

Luz doesn’t quite understand half of what Eda said. To be fair she’s looking at the horizon as they make their way home. Dusk has settled but to her everything still seems brighter. Hm, she’ll chalk it up to some witchy side-effect from that healing spell Eda did. Speaking of…

“Hey, Eda. Will I ever be a True Witch?”

“Huh?” Eda questions behind her. “Where’s this coming from?”

Luz shrugs, careful not to jostle King, he’s fallen asleep. “I dunno.”

“Hmph.” Eda responds. “Who really knows what defines a True Witch, Luz? That quack of an Emperor doesn’t, my uptight siser sure as Hel doesn’t know. Heck even me! And I know everything!” she jokes.

It stirs a chuckle out of Luz before she continues. “Look, becoming a ‘True Witch’ means finding your own way. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise, got it?” She feels the arm securing her squeeze gently becoming a type of hug.

Luz nods and responds in kind. 

“Got it.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Focus Luz, FOCUS. Luz sits at the kitchen table, eyes narrowed and practically glaring at the book of herbs in front of her.

‘Blastginger, is a root native to the Lymph Hills of the Titan. It contains numerous healing properties when prepared correctly…’

Her stomach rumbles. She’s hungry. Maybe there’s some leftover Griffin eggs-FOCUS!

‘… when minced into a fine paste and combined with Snowmint extract, thermogenesis begins. Certain elixirs with these components will become sensitive to light…’

She literally just ate breakfast an hour ago! Why does it feel like her stomach wants to eat itself?

‘ Tinted flasks are required for the following potions-‘

Luz’s stomach growls louder, mocking her, screaming ‘ feed me!’ Okay maybe not all that, but it feels like it. She huffs and slides out of the chair, making her way to the pantry. Opening it, Luz is assaulted with the sight of a family size bagged Hex-Mix. Yeah, she’s had enough of that. Eda bought it for her because it’s one of the only processed Boiling Isle snacks she can keep down. Numerous spices and ingredients grace the bottom and middle shelves, nothing Luz can simply snack on. Eventually, her eyes wander to the top shelf. There’s caution tape on the lip of the shelf that reads ‘LUZ DO NOT EAT’. 

All the salty, sweet, and protein filled snacks are on this shelf. All the stuff she can’t eat. But…the bag of basilisk jerky looks and smells divine. 

Luz quickly looks behind her, scanning the kitchen for any keen eyes. When confident that she’s still alone, Luz snags the bag of jerky and makes her way back to the table. 

The first bite is absolute heaven. And the second. And third! 

This is how Eda finds her, twenty minutes later. Luz has eaten half the bag and is going for more as she’s hunched over the herb tome, interested in some passage about the use of Wicker Cloves.

“Luz, hun, your stomach is going to feel like dead weight and your abdomen will be as hard as a rock-you ate half the bag?!” Eda exclaims incredulously.

Luz looks up from her reading. Eda is glancing back and forth worriedly between her and the jerky. She doesn’t feel bad, at least not yet! Her hunger has been conquered and now she can focus on finishing this book so she can join Eda in her next brewing session. 

“I don’t feel anything yet.” Luz says aloud, shrugging. 

Eda sighs and walks over to one of the kitchen cabinets. Ah, the boo-boo cabinet as King calls it. As Eda gets into close proximity, glowing red runes appear on the door. 

‘lɑk↫↬sɑɪn↫↬ɑʊl↫↬ki’ are written in a circle, in between the words are symbols that remind Luz of a chain link. Eda places her finger in the center of the circle, a golden pulse of magic emits from her digit, and a soft ‘ click!’ is heard.

The storage is stocked with different medicinal potions. Luz likens it to Mami's medicine cabinet at home behind her bathroom mirror. Different shelves have different temperatures, all isolated within their own unit. The bottom shelf emits a frosty mist, like you just opened a freezer. The middle has mirage-like haze, similar to what you would see in the middle of the summer heat. The top and final shelf was pitch black, an endless void. Eda’s hand travels to this shelf and it disappears in darkness before returning with a dark amber potion flask in hand.

Luz watches as Eda inspects the container. Turning it in her hand, shaking it by her ear, and finally eyeing the strip of paper that surrounds the neck of the bottle. Obviously satisfied by what she sees, Eda closes the potion cabinet and walks over to hand Luz the potion.

“Stomach Soother,” Eda begins. “Sip on that once you start feeling queasy, got it?” She gives Luz a pointed look.

Luz takes the flask and nods. “Mhm! Thanks Eda. Sorry, I was still hungry and the basilisk jerky just sounded soooo good and I-“

Eda stops Luz by raising her hand. “I get it kiddo,” she chuckles. “You’re a growing witch with no sense of impulse control. I was the same!” She then claps her hands together. “Now! I believe it’s market day! It’s also the second week of the month!”

“Yeah!” Luz pumps her fist, then pauses. “Second week of the month?” She asks.

Eda has summoned her staff and cloak as she nods. “Yup! Second week of the month is a time where I not only sell human trinkets, but some of my potions in store, so to speak.”

“Woah, professional and an efficient way to keep customers!”

“Now your gettin’ it!” Eda replies proudly. With a flick of her wrist and a quick spell circle, she summons a chest that's almost as big as Luz. It floats in the air beside her. Luz is always awed by Eda’s casual display of magic, she doesn’t think she can ever get tired of seeing it. However, soon after Eda summoned the chest, feathers emerged from her arm and the magic keeping the chest afloat, slammed to the ground with a loud thud!

“Uhh, Eda…” Luz says warily. 

“ Titan Forget me! ” Eda curses. “Ugh, I’m fine kid.” Eda waves her hand dismissively. She rummages through her dress pockets and takes out a tiny vial of her elixir. “I’m running low, but this should get me through the morning before I have to stop by Morton’s to pick up more.” Eda knocks it back, slowly but surely, the feathers on her arm recede.

Luz furrows her brow and asks a lingering question she’s had since she’s found out about her mentor’s curse.

“Why can’t you make your own elixir, Eda?”

The chest is floating again beside Eda and she gives Luz an appraising look. “Hm, I was wondering how long you were going to take to ask.”

Luz feels her face heat up in embarrassment and she rubs the back of her neck sheepishly. “I didn’t want to be too nosey.”

Eda barks out a laugh and shakes her head. “Kid, there’s no such thing as asking too many questions. Follow that line of thinking and you will find yourself buried in answers and revelations you never thought possible.” She winks. “As for your inquiry, I simply can’t. In fact most Witches who are cursed are physically unable to create the potions that counteract the curse.”

“Huh?” Luz blinks. “You mean you can’t just start brewing what you need?” 

Eda shrugs. “Well, you could. But something will always stop you. An accidental slip of the wrong ingredient. It congeals when it isn't supposed to. Or in extreme cases like mine, I just…forget.”

“Forget?!?!”

“No yelling this early kid. And yes I forget. Curses are tied to our mana, essence, bile, however you want to call it. A curse can manifest in many different forms, but it just knows in some shape or form you are trying to get rid of it, so it defends itself.”

“Ohhhh, like an autoimmune disease!” Luz snaps her fingers. Eda grins at her and ruffles her hair.

“Exactly kid! So, with me unable to make the elixir I need, I rely on Morton.”

King has walked into the kitchen at this point. Approaching Luz and raising his arms. Luz obliges his unspoken request and picks him up. It’s still rather early, the baby demon conks out as soon as he’s situated in Luz’s arms. Eda smiles fondly at the sight. 

“Eh, he’ll wake up by the time the stand is in order. Do you mind carrying him Luz?”

Luz shakes her head. “Nuh-uh, are we leaving now?”

“Yup!” Eda replies. “Come now inquisitive witchlet, it's time to make some Snails!”

They make their way to Bonesborough and find a space along the strip of markets and shops setting up for the morning. The chest Eda had trailing behind her during the flight, is nestled in the tent in the back. Up front is Eda’s usual array of human collectables, spread out in a way to attract attention. Luz helps with a few things, she sets up the sign and the money box. King has woken up, but leaves Luz’s arms and settles himself in Eda’s hair, saying how he wants to intimidate any customers who try to swindle Eda out of her merchandise.

Now, Luz sits on a stool as Eda barters with her first customer of the day. It’s a demon with green skin and a unihorn sticking out of its forehead. Eda is mighty convincing as she hypes up some sort of large ship device that sits off to the side. Luz tries to remember what it's called. A barnacle, benal, oh it’s a binnacle! Whatever that is. It's large and obnoxious with the way it looks. Luz isn’t surprised that the demon paid a hefty amount for it, especially after Eda said it contains an ifrit to do your bidding hidden inside. 

The next couple of hours pass with the occasional sale of human trinkets but no potions. Luz has zoned out, people watching, that is until she catches the harsh lit of Old Tongue gracing her ears.

“Greetings.” A deep feminine voice rumbles. Luz turns her head to look back at Eda and this newcomer. Eda stands straighter, eyes sharp and calculating as she looks at the figure in front of her. 

Their body is obscured by a deep blue cloak, but their head is visible. It’s an older woman, older than Eda from what she can gather. Her hair moves , tendrils of shadowy locks flow gently like wheat fields disturbed by wind. While Eda’s eyes are sharp, sizing up this person, the woman’s are soft𑁋bright blue in color. Luz can tell this woman has lived a very, very long time.

Eda must also recognize this, because instead of the lady introducing herself first, it's her mentor that initiates. 

“ Greetings ,” Eda returns. “ I am called Edalyn Clawthorne. Remembered as The Owl Lady.”

The older woman inclines her head in acknowledgment and responds. “ Well met Owl Lady. This one will not Forget. I was Given Anora Twilighttore, Remembered as The Wandering Abyss.”

Eda’s eyes widen minutely at the name and she gives a quick nod. “ It is an honor Elder .” she switches back to Common. “What can I do for you?” 

Huh, Eda isn’t jumping straight to scamming, interesting. Anora’s eyes flicker to Luz and she gives her a kind smile. Luz smiles sheepishly back and waves.

“Oh? You are a mentor? Good to see not everything is lost.” Anora hums. Eda seems to preen at the subtle praise from this woman, Luz deduces she must be famous or something. “The Week of Celestial Observation is upon us and I need wither root catalyst for the potions I need to brew tonight.” Anora continues.

“That’s this week?!” Eda sucks her teeth and hisses. “I’ve lost track of time!”

Anora chuckles softly. “The Moonlight Conjuring is tonight child. The Titan’s Eye will be high in the night sky and aligned.” she then hums. “Do not blame yourself, having a young witchling and demon pup to handle, added with your reputation is not an easy feat.”

“Still, I cannot believe I forgot. Ah well, there’s always next year.” Eda points behind her. “I have what you need, just let me grab it from the back. Luz,”

Luz jumps as her name is said, surprised at the sudden attention brought to her. “Yeah?” she responds.

Eda makes her way to the storage tent. “Keep an eye up here, make sure no one else comes by with sticky fingers, I’ll only be a sec.” 

“Gotcha!”

Now it was just her and this Anora Twilighttorne person. Luz had to admit that last name was super cool. She gives Luz another smile, crows feet and laugh lines prominent following the action. 

“Luz is it? Is that your Given name?” 

Luz isn’t quite sure what a Given name is, but she assumes based on the earlier interaction it's the name you are born with. Luz also feels like she should be standing up talking to this lady. So she gets up off her stool and nods. “U-um yes ma’am! Luz Noceda!”

“And The Owl Lady is your mentor?” Anora states, as she seamlessly flows between Common and Old Tongue. “That is very impressive! You will learn alot from her, she is very powerful.” 

Luz still feels like he hasn’t even touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to magic, but she nods along with Anora anyways. She isn’t wrong, Eda is a powerful witch, but the way Anora carries herself tells Luz that she could probably give Eda a run for her money. 

“Here we are!” Eda emerges from the back with a set of four vials. She sets them on the counter. Anora aprasies one, picking the vial up and turning it around in her hand. The liquid inside is silver, Luz can see what looks to be a blackened twig inside.

“These are high quality, I’m impressed. Oh? Is this a bit of innovation I see here? The consistency is not the same as the others I’ve seen.” Anora questions.

Eda nods with a closed lipped grin. “When stewing the root, I used melted snow from the Knee instead of purified water. It increased its overall potency.” 

“Impressive, the natural mana imbued with the snow gives it an extra kick. Hmmm, I’ll give you four-hundred snails for each vial.”

“Four-hundred?!” Eda squawks and waves her hands. “ Elder , with all due respect, I can’t take that! It's too much!”

Anora scoffs and reaches in her cloak to grab her coin purse. “Nonsense. You will take the money. You are under-selling your product, child. And with the potions I’m going to brew with these, the price will surely triple in certain circles.” She drops the entire coin purse on the counter and snatches the vials before Eda can protest anymore. 

Eda’s staring at the object like it’s just sprouted two heads. Anora pats Eda’s hand that's placed on the counter. 

“Hey Luz…” 

Luz turns her head to see a dejected Willow and Gus approach the stand. She frowns, who hurt her friends?!

“Hey guys! What’s with the long faces?”  she asks.

Willow has her arms crossed and glaring towards a shop down the road. Luz follows her gaze to see Amity and others she's giggling and laughing with shopping bags in their arms. Willow points to the group. “Amity is having a Moonlight Conjuring, she’s invited everybody in our class except me.” she grouses.

There’s that Moonlight Conjuring word again. Luz is just going to resign herself that she needs to look at a calendar with Boiling Isles major events the next chance she gets.

“Okay, resident Human here! What’s a Moonlight Conjuring?”

“It's where you gather your friends and stay overnight at one of their houses. You eat, drink, tell stories-” Willow explains.

“Oh so like a sleepover!” Luz says.

“And you bring inanimate objects to life!” Gus jumps in.

“Like a really weird sleepover!”

Willow shrugs. “Yeah, the only thing is, we need three people.”

Luz raises her hands and jumps up and down. “Oh! Oh! I’m three people! We can do this Conjuring at the Owl House!”

Gus’ starts jumping up and down with Luz. “Really? Oh my gosh! I’ve always wanted to do a Moonlight Conjuring! Willow! We get to do a Moonlight Conjuring!”

Willow laughs, her annoyance forgotten and replaced with the contagious excitement. “Yeah! Are you sure we can do it at your place Luz? Eda won’t mind?”

Oh right, she should ask Eda before doing any type of ritual in the house huh? Luz recalls that was rule #4 in the House Rules.

When she turns back around to ask Eda, Anora is gone and Eda is still looking down at the pouch of Snails in shock. King is still in Eda’s hair, poking her scalp repeatedly, trying to get her attention.

“Luz! Eda is stuck in some kind of trance! I think that old crone put a spell on her with that pouch!” King exclaims.

Luz snorts and shakes her head. “No buddy, I think she’s just in shock.” she walks closer to poke Eda in her side. This causes Eda to blink and look down at her. 

“Luz,” Eda begins. “I was just paid by The Wandering Abyss! A legend! The fact that she even stepped foot in Bonesborough today of all days?! Oh my Titan, she’s using MY potions!” Eda rambles, her voice holding a mix of reverence and excitement.

To Luz, Eda is absolutely fangirling.

“Edaaaa!” Luz pesters. “Can Willow, Gus, and I have a Moonlight Conjuring tonight?”

Eda stops short on info-dumping about this old lady’s feats at Luz’s question. She scratches her cheek and hums in thought. “It’ll just be you three squirts?”

Luz nods. “Uh-huh!” 

“I guess it couldn’t hurt.” Eda shrugs and Luz hears Gus and Willow whoop behind her. “We’re done for the afternoon anyways! We still have to stop by Morton, before they come over so I can get my elixir. I’m sure he still has some in stock..”

“I’m out of stock, E”  Morton says.

“Aw, monkey feathers.” Eda utters.

Morton sighs and Luz gets a good look at the Potioneer’s store behind his window. She can see an array of shelves and drawers, most likely enchanted, similar to Eda’s medicine cabinet with different temperatures. She spots a shelf to the left that’s labeled ‘E’s elixir’, it's barren.

“I’m sorry, I had an accident in the lab a few days ago, and the fumes ruined everything else I had brewing.”

Eda clicks her tongue and gives Morton an incredulous look. “You didn’t have stasis bubbles over the other cauldrons?”

Morton has the right to be embarrassed as his ears pin back and his eyes dart to the side. “I was overwhelmed with orders…”

Luz sees Eda narrow her eyes and points a finger at the man. “You should know better Morton, a tired Potioneer is a dead Potioneer. Especially when we brew The Old Way.”

Morton raises his hands in surrender and nods frantically. “I know, I know E! I was stupid and thought I could fulfill everything at once. It would happen again…” Eda is still glaring at Morton. “And I’ll make sure to get some rest! I got it!”

Satisfied Eda nods and sighs. Luz notices her arms are hidden within her cloak. Her feathers had grown back out on the way here. 

“Well Mort, you got any other options around here? A nightshade sleeper? Maybe if I’m knocked out for a few days I wont change.” she jokes.

“You’re still on a nightshade ban until the end of the month. You know what happened last time I gave you that stuff.”

Eda snorts. “Ha! It was worth it! The market was Emperor Coven free for a week!”

“Ugh, listen E.” Morton lowers his voice. “If you come back later, there’s this guy named Grimmhammer who sells your elixir. Coven made, but something is better than nothing.”

“I hate the Night Market.” Eda groans out. “But if that’s the only way...” Eda thanks Morton for the advice and the three of them make their way back to the house. 

Eda sighs as they enter, Luz can hear bones crack as her mentor stretches out the kinks that come with the onset of her curse. More feathers had sprouted on her arms as Eda took off her cloak. The Owl Lady turns to face Luz and King.

“Alright Luz, I’m gonna make some food for you two and extra for Goops and Plant Girl when they come over.”

Luz blinks, slightly shocked. “Wait,” she starts. “You’re gonna leave us alone?” She begins to follow Eda into the kitchen. The Stomach Soother potion still lies on the table, Luz completely forgot to take it with her. She didn’t even need it. 

Eda takes out a pot and pan. She can’t use magic at the moment with the way her curse is progressing. She turns her head and raises a brow at Luz. “Yes? You do remember our rules about ritual safety right?”

Oh yeah! Don’t summon demons, that's an inconvenience for them. No blood sacrifice and always speak clearly. Luz nods. “Yeah!”

“Then I don’t need to worry! I trust you, as long as you don’t destroy the house. Hooty has feelings you know. Besides, I should only be gone for an hour or two tops.” Eda replies.

With the ingredients her mentor has gathered as they spoke, Luz recognizes Eda is making spaghetti and eyeballs for dinner. She usually just eats the noodles and sauce, but the eyeballs Eda has put in the pan to cook look rather appetizing…

Luz walks over to the kitchen sink to wash her hands and help. “Do you need us to watch King?” she asks.

“Nah!” Eda waves a wooden spoon. She places a cutting board and knife for Luz to slice the garlic, that's not really garlic. It has spikes that Luz needs to break off before she peels it.

“I’m going to bring King with me.” Eda continues. “I could use an extra set of hands and eyes to pickpocket and look out for me.”

Luz hands the chopped not-garlic to Eda and she throws it in the pot of sauce she’s stirring. Luz worries her lip as her hand brushes against feathers. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay Eda?”

Eda can probably see Luz’s nervous ticks, when she glances down, her gaze softens. The sauce has been quickly brought to a simmer thanks to the enchanted oven. Eda hands Luz the wooden spoon to taste the sauce. 

“I’ll be fine Luz,” Eda says, watching her lick the spoon. “I’ve dealt with this thing longer than you’ve been alive. Have some trust in me, kid. Have fun with your friends, learn something new tonight. Celestial Observation only comes once a year and it's some heck of a week. Moonlight Conjuring AND you have the Wailing Star later this week!” 

The sauce is delicious, it has a little kick to it, but that’s just how Luz likes it. She goes to wash off the spoon and hand it back to Eda, who shoos her away. 

“Go on and get ready, there’s spare blankets and pillows in the spare closet. Dinner should be ready in ten.”

Luz can’t deny that she’s super excited to have a magic sleepover. King helps her set up the living room with an array of pillow nests and blankets, he even lets Luz borrow some of his minions for the night.

Eda has called them in for dinner by the time they finish setting up which is good. Luz is absolutely starving! 

She helps King into his chair and goes to make her plate. Adorning her noodles with orange sauce and placing a few eyeballs on top. Returning to the table, Eda gives her plate a funny look and she purses her lips. 

“Hungry kid?” 

Luz is already digging in, unbothered by the new texture and flavor the unearthly protein source brings. “Mhm!” 

“Huh. Gah, King, don't get the sauce in your fur squirt.” Eda moves to wipe his face. King tries to protest but ultimately fails.

“I can do it myself!” King whines.

“Tell that to the sauce stains on your skull bud.”

As they all chow down, Luz asks about the Anora lady that came by the stand earlier. Eda is happy to explain to Luz why she’s so important. Apparently, she’s a wild witch, just like Eda! Unlike Eda, there’s the fact that she’s incredibly skilled at keeping a low profile. Never being caught by the Emperors Coven while still outwardly practicing spells and rituals that were well and alive during the Savage Ages. Luz is impressed. If Eda is geeking out about this woman, she must be held to a very high standard. 

“Just how old is she?” Luz asks as they clean up the kitchen. She’s on drying duty today and vigorously tries to rub out a sauce stain on a plate as she awaits Eda’s answer.

Eda takes the difficult plate from Luz and places it back in the sink to soak. “Ah, I couldn’t really tell you! Older than me by miles! I’d say she’s pushing three-hundreds. Give or take a few decades.”

Once again Luz is shocked about how different everything is here. Her heart also skips a beat as she thinks back to the information Eda revealed to her at the Convention. Every witch that’s marked as cut their life spans by half, if that! Essentially now, a witch may live only a few years longer than a human.

Luz peers at her mentor. Gosh, if Eda’s only forty how is she gonna look when she’s in her hundreds?! 

A soapy finger gently flicks her forehead, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts.

“Hey! I know that look kid! I’ll have you know I’m still in my prime and looking foxy!” Eda protests.

King, who’s wiping off the table, blows a raspberry across the room. “Nah! You’re definitely old and cranky!”

“Why, you!”

Before Eda can snatch up King and presumably tickle him to death, Hooty’s voice graces their hearing.

“OOOoooo! Are you Luz’s new friends?! Hi! I’m Hooty! Do you like bugs!?”

Luz quickly runs to the front door before Hooty can cause psychological damage to Gus and Willow. She opens the door quickly, ignoring Hooty’s squawk of indignation and gives her two friends a wide grin. “Hey guys! Welcome!”

Gus and Willow are, for once, out of their Hexside uniforms and carry overnight bags with them. They return Luz’s smile with ones of their own and Gus waves.

“Hey Luz! Your house demon is pretty cool! My Uncle has one, but they’re pretty boring.” Gus says.

“Ohhh, cool! Are they an owl tube like Hooty?” Luz asks.

Gus shakes his head and his brow furrows as he tries to remember details. “Nah, I think they’re some sort of spirit my great-great grandma made a deal with years ago. They just stay at the family home now! Too lazy to move on I think.”

“Oh Titan, I’m so excited for tonight Luz!” Willow remarks. “My dads were pretty happy that I had friends to do the Moonlight Conjuring with too!” She gasps as she looks up at the night sky and points at the moon. “Look! The moon is rising into place!”

Luz looks up to where Willow is pointing. 

The moon, like all things here, is unfamiliar. But tonight it captures a beauty Luz cannot describe. A hazy blue aura surrounds the circumference of the space rock, it reaches outwards across the night sky, caressing the stars and giving everything else a strange glow. Luz thinks she can feel…something. The air is different, more charged so to speak. When she breathes in deeply her throat tickles, almost like she has to cough.

“Dang,” Luz says aloud. “It's beautiful!” 

Luz feels a hand settle on her head. Eda has arrived to greet the others and to bid farewell it seems. She’s wearing her usual cloak, strapped to her chest is a baby carrier holding King in place. The little guy is conked out and Luz coos at the sight,

“Something to look at, yeah? Maybe next time I can teach you some advanced stuff the next time this rolls around. Baby steps first though! That’s what the M.C is for!” Eda winks at Luz and her friends.

Luz files away the hope of there being a ‘ next time ’ for later. No time to unpack what that means anyways. 

“Alright brats!” Eda continues. “I should only be gone for a couple hours! No destroying the house or feeding Hooty the leftover noodles from tonight. He’s got a muten allergy”

“I do not!”

“He does. Stay safe and have fun! Byeeee!” Eda flies off on her staff into the night.

Luz squeals in excitement and ushers the two young witches into the house. Like any other excited host, Luz shows them around the humble abode. She makes sure to show them the bathroom and kitchen first. Then, she leads them to her room and shows off some of the human stuff she brought with her to this realm. Gus is absolutely fascinated with her phone and how similar it is to its scroll. He does say that it seems like an inconvenience if you can't summon a phone from your personal pocket dimension. Luz has to agree that is a downside.

They make their way back downstairs and Willow prepares the area where they’ll do the conjuring for the night. Luz grabs bags of Hex Mix and other snacks and drinks for the event. Gah! This is so cool! She finally has actual friends to do stuff like this with! And they don’t find her weird or annoying! She can’t wait to see what tonight brings!

Walking back into the living room, Luz surveys the scene. A few candles have been lit and Gus looks elated as he places an action figure in the center of their makeshift conjuring circle. Willow is sighing fondly and shaking her head. Looks like Gus had won whatever small argument they had while Luz was gone. She places the snacks off to the side and meanders her way over to her place in the circle.

“So!” Luz claps her hands together. “How does this thing work?”

“Well,” Willow hums. “First we needed three people to form a circle by linking our hands together! Similar to a spell circle! A beginning and an end.”

“Life and death!” Gus pipes up.

“Bloom and decay, however you want to word it! A complete circle is important!” Willow gestures to all three of them. “Then, we need something to bring to life with. Gus decided Buff Boy doll will be our object.”

“Figurine, Willow.”

“Right, Figurine Gus.” Willow laughs softly. Her eyes alight with mirth. “We have to say the incantation and make a connection with the figurine! Then bam! We did it!”

Luz nods as she listens to the instructions. It sounds easy enough! Nothing too drastic! She’s ready to get started! Grabbing Willow’s and Gus’ hands, she nods to the both of them. “Sounds easy enough!” she comments. “Let’s do it!”

With all hands linked, Gus and Willow begin to chant.

“ Moonlight we call, we sing!

Moonlight take this chance!

Moonlight come tie the string!

Moonlight its time to dance!”

Nothing happened.

Crap, Luz is pretty sure she broke rule three of ritual safety big time. Speaking clearly.

Which she totally did not do because she didn’t know any of the words for the incantation!

There was a pulse of something that went through them, but Luz can probably blame that on sweaty hands and nerves. Bummer.

Then the house shakes.

The three of  them tumble over and yell as the house tilts and rumbles in their wake. Luz can hear the pots and pans holding the leftover food clatter to the ground and a few cooked eyeballs roll into the living room. The shaking eventually stops and the trio regain their bearings.

“Uh, guys? Was that supposed to happen?” Luz questions.

Willow groans from her place on the ground and moves to stand up. “No, it wasn't. I think we might have accidentally animated the house.”

“The house?! As in the house infected by a sentient house-demon, house?” Luz exclaims. She moves to run out the front door and nearly tumbles over the edge of a very dangerous height if Willow hadn’t pulled her back. 

The house is moving, it has giant bird legs because of course it does! Eda is gonna kill her. “Hooty!” Luz faces Hooty, his eyes carry the same blue glow that surrounds the moon. “Hooty you have to snap out of it!”

“ By the power of Moonlight, I have risen! Hoot Hoot! ”

“Willow what do we do?!” Luz turns to face her friend. Willow’s ears are pinned back and the palms of her hands cover her eyes, spectacles pushed up to her forehead. 

Willow mumbles to herself quickly and Luz realizes she's reciting words from the Conjuring book she brought.

“When the connection is broken-that’s it! Gus! Luz! We have to hold hands again! Quickly!” 

Willow doesn’t need to tell them twice. They link hands once more and a surge of power washes over them.

“Hooty! Stop!” 

The house stops in its tracks. Huh.

All of them sigh in relief, Luz looks ahead and shudders. They almost walked over the edge of a cliff. 

“Okay,” Gus says slowly. “What now?”

“Well we should probably stay put and wait for Eda.” Luz says. They’re already going to be in enough trouble as is for moving the entire house. 

Willow and Gus have other plans though.

Luz curses the machinations of peer pressure. At least she’s having fun taking the house out for a joy ride! They even pranked one of the girls that's been mean to Willow and Gus!

It's all good until it's not. Hey, how was Luz supposed to know monster hunters exist in this world! To be fair, they seem very unethical for even capturing a sentient being and CHILDREN in the first place. 

So now, here they sit. Tied up and being brought who knows where! Yeah, Eda was definitely gonna kill her. Luz has been wiggling against their bonds for a while now, she’s almost able to get an arm free. If she just can bend her arm the right way...there! Okay that's one arm! The problem? The knot is on the opposite side where Gus’ chest is, great.

The house rattles as the cart it's placed upon goes over another bump. Luz is startled when something solid bumps against her leg. She looks down and reaches with her free arm to pick it up. It's the Stomach Soother potion that she never drank from this morning. Must have rolled in here when they first animated the house. Wait a minute.

Luz’s eyes narrow as she looks at the neck of the potion flask. The strip of parchment encircling the neck has runes written on it. 

lɛdən↫↬æmbər↫↬ʃraʊd

This is a tinted flask, which means…yes!

“Guys! I have a plan!” Luz says. 

“Huh?” Willow turns her head in Luz’s direction. “Oh! You have an arm free! What’s that?”

“A distraction!”

Luz places the flask between her knees and picks at the parchment with fervor. She picks at the chain link between æmbər and ʃraʊd as it wears away the golden sheen that covers the container cracks and falls off. 

The house stops and Luz can hear the hunters conversing about some sort of plan for what to do with Hooty. Something about selling him for food?! No way that can happen. Luz is finally able to scratch away the drawn link between runes, she watches in fascination as the amber coating flakes away and all that’s left is a clear flask revealing a bright pink potion. Exposed to little light, Luz can see small bubbles forming inside, almost like soda. Perfect.

She tucks away the flask and her arm in a way to make it seem like she hasn’t escaped her bonds. She and her friends wait with bated breaths as the door handle wiggles. The lead hunter enters and narrows his eyes at them. Luz thinks such a mean face would look good on a wanted poster, because how is kidnapping kids not illegal here?

He grabs and throws them out the house. Luz heaves as the wind is knocked out of her from the action.

“Once we take out the house-demon we can ransack the house to see if there's any other items we can sell. The house-demon can be sold for exotic meat.” The leader speaks gruffly and he’s smiling as if he’s proud of such a fine capture. 

“What about the worms?” One of the lackeys asks.

The leader looks the three of them up and down and scoffs. “Throw them off the cliff.”

Nope not happening! Time to activate her trap card! “No one’s being thrown off a cliff tonight! Take this!” Luz exclaims.

Luz, with her free arm and flask in hand, raises it into the sky. The moonlight shines brightly and with the added ambient magic from the celestial event, the reaction has a bigger impact than Luz can anticipate. 

The flask grows hot in her hand and shakes as the small bubbles akin to carbonation, now expand rapidly. Luz quickly throws it at the hunters all grouped together and tells Willow and Gus to brace themselves.

BOOM!

“Agh!”

“What the-!

“I’m stuck!”

Once the ringing their ears have subsided, the trio pick themselves off the ground. Luz hears Gus laugh in disbelief at the scene before them.

The hunters are presently stuck. There is a thick pink goo that covers them head to toe, it kinda reminds Luz of abominations. Glass shards poke out from a few congealed masses, the most of them being in the ring leader’s makeshift goo prison.

“You brats!” He snarls, gnashing his teeth. “Wait until I get out of here! I’ll!”

A flash of red and gray and a pulse of golden magic enters the scene. Oh thank goodness, Eda’s here! Oh, she’s absolutely fuming.

“You’ll do what?” Eda bares her own fangs, her palisman is aimed at the leader’s exposed head. “I have half a mind to wipe you from the Titan’s memory here and now.” she hisses. Magic sparks around her body and hair, Owlbert’s eyes begin to glow fiercely. 

King has approached the three of them, using his small hands to undo the knot of their bindings. Once free, Luz bends down to engulf him in a hug. Scared to approach Eda as she carries out her wrath.

“Children.” Eda spats. “You were going to kill children? Specifically MY kids?! Do you even know who I am?” Her sclera has turned black, but her pupils still shine bright in color. If it weren’t for the raw power Eda was exuding, Luz would’ve thought she still hadn’t taken her elixir.

“I-I’m not afraid of witches like you!” The leader shows bravado, a stupid move, Luz thinks.

Eda barks out a laugh that makes everyone shudder. “Witches like me ?” Her grin is feral and she starts pacing, like a wild animal in a cage. Each step leaves a scorch mark in its wake, any grass or verdant life once there burned away into embers. “I guess even scum like you have fallen for the Emperor’s pretty lies. A fatal mistake. Hm.” Eda looks around, scrutinizing the state the other hunters are in. 

“You’re lucky my apprentice got to you first. Since no blood was spilled but your own, I’ll be…merciful. How do you feel about a lovely vacation to the conformatiorium? I hear the food there is to die for!” Eda grins as the leader sputters and protests. His group began to plead and beg as well. Offering Eda half of their cut, exclusive deals, anything but the conformatiorium.

Eda just laughs and keeps laughing as she moves around them, scorched earth being left in her wake. Luz akins it to dancing, there is a certain pattern to Eda’s movements. She is aided by her palisman, smaller spell circles linked together in a geometric pattern, surrounding the lead hunter and his crew. Mixed in with Eda’s resplendent magic are the cerulean hues from the magic of the moon, amplifying her power. 

Eda is hovering above them now, grinning deviously as she finishes, to what Luz can assume, a massive teleportation spell. Pleads of mercy have turned into screams as rage, all unheard. Eda connects the amalgamation of spell circles and with a bright glow and snap of her fingers, the hunters have disappeared. 

Willow and Gus are slacked jawed at the display of power. Luz is just relieved. It's not everyday you come so close to death! She hopes she doesn’t get used to it!

Eda lands in front of the kids and rushes up to look them over. The power that had exuded from her has subsided, as well as her blood-lust attitude. Now she’s just babbling. Soft worried eyes scan them from head to toe.

“Are you all okay? Do you hurt anywhere? Did any shards cut you? Does anyone need Bruise-Salve?” 

“Eda! Eda! We’re okay! Hooty might be a bit beat up, but we’re fine!” Luz attempts to calm her mentor down.

Eda pulls Luz into a hug and releases a massive sigh. “Thank Titan. Now what!” She pushes Luz back to look all three of them in the eye. “Were you three thinking?! Animating the house without adult supervision? I was only gone for two hours!”

“Miss Eda, it was my fault! I convinced Luz to take the house out for a joyride!” Gus explains.

Willow interrupts “No Gus, it was my fault! I shouldn't have pushed Luz to stay out longer! I just wanted to get back at Amity for saying I wasn’t a powerful witch…”

“What?” Luz furrows her brow and turns to her friend. “Willow, we literally animated a HOUSE! You grew an entire ecosystem at school! Next to Eda, you're the most powerful witch I know!”

Willow blushes at the praise and tackles Luz into a hug. “Thanks Luz,” she mumbles into her shoulder.

“Speaking of,” Eda interrupts. “Who broke ritual safety rules?” 

Luz gulps and raises her hand. Eda snorts. “Of course it's you kid.” Eda says fondly. “Ah well, it's been a long night and I’m sure you three are exhausted. Let's get Hooty back in place and we can all settle down and talk it over some hot drinks.”

As exhausting and scary as the night was, Luz had fun! She got to be part of a witch sleepover, do her first ritual, aaaand learned a new potential prank potion! Gum bomb? Gooey grenade? Eh she'll figure out schematics later. 

“Oh by the way squirts, you’re cleaning the house top to bottom when morning comes.” Eda quips.

Three collective groans make Eda’s ears twitch.

Okay, well, Luz expected much worse.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Eda bites back a curse mid-yawn, her jaw giving way to a sharp click. Ugh, she might have to get that looked at. Rubbing her chin she takes in her surroundings.

The sun is making its way over the horizon. Eda has a fantastic view from on top of the tower behind the house. There's a steaming cup of freshly made human coffee on a small table in front of her. She’s still trying to get that awful taste of Grimmhammer’s arm out of her mouth. That thing was nasty. 

‘The adversary was defeated, he shall never come near Furry Owlet again!’

‘Yeah, yeah, settle down birdbrain. You got your fair share a couple days ago.’   Eda mentally quips back. Her attention falls back to the star chart in front of her. She still wants to kick herself in the rear for forgetting about Celestial Observation this week. She could’ve made a fine batch of fertility potions to sell. Eh, no use crying over spilled milk. She can at least get some use out of the star alignments. There was some major shift in energies happening this year, Eda wasn’t 100% sure. She was pants at Oracle-based magic, she used to leave that branch of talent to another who had the skill of finding beauty wherever it may be.

Mint hair and soft smiles. Rough hands from their craft tracing her body, came to the forefront of her mind briefly.

‘Trilling Mate!’ Her curse coos.

‘NO! Not my…whatever you’re calling them!’ Ugh. Stupid bird.

Focus on the chart! She’ll have to look for past almanacs to compare if such an event this size has happened before. Eda withholds another yawn and decides to sip on her coffee. The kids will be awake soon, might as well get started on breakfast. Mug in hand, she trudges her way down and out the tower back into the house. 

Her free hand reaches out, fingers gliding against the walls. The connection takes hold. 

“G̵̡̧̈́o̶̡͐̍͘ǒ̴̢̟̟̼̊͐d̶̝̬̮̿͊̌͘ ̴̜̘͖͕̆̍M̷̝̓͠ö̷̡̠́͑͊͠ŕ̵̘̯̜̓ͅȓ̵̡̨̯̫̀̚͝o̵̹̲͙̎ẅ̷̨̘̏,̴̹̽ ̷̡̥̩́M̸̢͑̾͋͝ȉ̶̠̠̘̏͂̚s̶͈̮͐ț̶̼̀̅̆̏r̸̜̝̟͑̐̀ĕ̷̺̱̭̈s̶͎̰͇̆s̷̰͖̖̈́”

Hooty’s presence settles in her mind. The Owlbeast hisses at the intrusion before settling, warily recognizing the familiar aura. 

“Hooty,” Eda says aloud. “How was the night? Anything amiss?” She pauses at the archway leading to the kitchen. Palm settled against the smooth grain of wood. Connected to Hooty, she can feel a deep thrum underneath the material. A steady and slow rhythm, a heartbeat.

“T̵̠͌h̸̬̭̿͛̀͠ȇ̷̺̗͋͑͑͜ ̴̹̣͒̓͗w̶̢͈͎̼͒̇͗ĭ̶̡̭́t̴̛͉̟̏͝c̴̪͕̤̈̔͊̑h̷̫̬̦͠ḻ̷̞̂́͜ͅi̸̪̗̟͔̽n̸͖̗̔ͅg̵̝͔̰̹̏͒̑͝ ̸̛̯͙̞̉̄͛a̸̙̎̏ǹ̴̥̦̞͎̿̌͠d̷̬̈̂ ̶̺̟̦̝͊͛̓͒p̵̩̯͎͗͛̀͜ü̶̥̠̲̗p̸̘͇̼̫̑̒̓͝ ̸̧̏̕s̵̘̞̾̿̆ḷ̴̰͌̈́ȇ̸͍̳̥̫p̵̥̘̆́t̴͈̐̔̆ ̶̲͝p̸̠̼̹̬̒̈́e̴̡̯̳̜͠ả̸͚̿͠c̶̘̟̓͝e̴̠͘̕͠f̶̧̞̪́̒u̴̢͖͕̞̕l̴̰͕̜͕̂͗̓l̴̛͍̝̺͕͋̇̿ÿ̶͕̐̏̈.̸̝́̍ ̷̡̈́Ţ̷̭̼͍̌́́́h̷̹͖̟̱̏͗̐͘é̵͉̰̰̉r̵̠̋̓̃́e̸͚͖͂̂͌ ̶̣̟̟̉ͅw̷̙̽ą̸̠͑̂̅͝s̴̛̙̓̊̀ ̴̣͕̭̟́̈́͝ǎ̷̢͇͉̐ ̸͙̜̤̿s̷͙͇̋̐̚c̸̣̫̦͙̎̇͑ọ̴̟̖͈̋̏̓û̴̗t̸̞̙̱̾͝ ̸̢̛̹̥̤̇f̸͚̼͍̹̀̃o̸̪̲̣͎̓̀̂̕ǔ̴̢ņ̴͈͂d̷̛̗̱́̌͗ͅͅ ̴͖͉̏t̸̜͎͓̆̾͛̄ȏ̴̥͙͐̊̚o̷͕̤̎̂̄ ̵̛̭̗̼͔̓͊̀c̷̡̝͊̊̇ḻ̵̯͛͒͘o̴̦͑́̈͝ṡ̶͎̳̒̑é̷̩̪͇̹͆ ̷̡̇̋̂t̴̺̺͎̤͘o̷̗͑͒̌ ̷̱̾̉̉̃o̸͚̤͓̎ǘ̷ͅr̶͔̟͚͚̀̊̌͘ ̷̼̳͇̦̎͝b̴̬̫̠̂̔o̵̱͗r̶͈̫͖̯̊d̷̪͖̰̿̓e̶̫̥͚͗̓̈́ŕ̵͈̙̺̯̂s̵̤͙̙̅̚.̷̥̔̐̋̌ ̴̨͖̼̉̒́͑H̷̗̐́͒͝e̴͕̫̪͌́ ̸̨̘̤̖̈́͂h̴̬̥̟͇͐̋͠a̷͍̙̐̋͘͠ͅs̸̟̠̐̒̕ ̵̨͆̎͠b̸̥̣͕̋̈́̔͝ẻ̷̼͚͒̈́͒ę̴͚̮̑n̸̡͓̺͆̒̕ ̷̧̣̯̾ͅd̴̩́ͅë̸̱̼̗́a̷̮̓̊l̴̤̗͊̐͐͝t̷̼͑ ̸̰͙̇̚w̸͍̔̓i̸̢̘̳͈͛t̷͉̅͂̍͝ͅh̵̩̬̀̽̈́.̶̥̺̘͗”

Hm, that’s the third scout in the past two months. Might be time to re-up her defenses again. “Wake the kids for me when breakfast is ready.” Eda thanks Hooty for his due diligence and severs the connection, removing her hand from the archway.

‘This one does not like the Talking Roost.’ The Beast hisses.

‘I am His and He is Mine. Get used to it!’ Eda snaps back and sighs exasperatedly, this is gonna take some getting used to.

Now that she’s in the kitchen and coffee halfway done, she’s a bit more awake. It’s going to be a hot oats with fruit kind of day. Eda makes sure to put two pots on the stove for liquid to boil. The larger one for hers and King’s being cooked with sphinx’s milk and the smaller for Luz. No matter how many times that girl wants to deny it, she’s lactose intolerant in both worlds. 

Going to the refrigerator Eda pauses as she stares at her own handwriting. The title of the ‘to-do’ list is written in red, placed at her height so it can’t be ignored. 

Ah right, they have to go shopping today! Hopefully the order Eda placed will be ready by the time they finish gathering everything else. 

Luz is in a definite need of more clothes. The girl wears the same outfit everyday for three weeks! There's an occasional wash Eda makes sure she gets in when Luz is conked out. In fact that’s how she found out the girl brought so few essential items to the Boiling Isles. Luz only came here with her yellow duffle bag. It was barely enough for a weekend trip! Luz had her toiletries, fresh clothes that could last her 5 days tops, her phone charger, and some notebooks! 

Her apprentice had told her she was going to some camp for three months. There, they would supply her a camp uniform and other needs to last her for that period of time. To Eda, it sounded more like a prison than a camp. The way Luz described this ‘reality check’ business rubbed Eda the wrong way. 

Luz is her charge and responsibility. It is within her rights as a mentor to provide for Luz as if she were her own blood. Eda has no complaints about that. She’d do almost anything for that brat (affectionate) at this rate.

‘Bright Owlet is still hatchling. Keep her in the nest. Do not feed her this gruel!’

Eda, now stirring the oatmeal, rolls her eyes at the intrusion of her thoughts. That’s another thing she’s noticed. The Beast and her are very…protective when it comes to the kids. So protective that they damn near agree on some things.

‘Owlets are part of the parliament. They are kin. Keep safe.’

‘ Yes, yes, we will! And for the last time I am NOT regurgitating leftover Tibbles into their mouths!’ 

‘It is good sustenance! Owlets will grow strong like Us!”

Oh for the love of all things living and dead. Ugh. Ignoring the Beast’s indignant squawks of protest, Eda continues down the mental list. Once they finish breakfast, they’ll go down to the market. Eda is certainly not low on funds. Especially after the generous payment from Elder Twilighttorne. She still gets giddy thinking about it!

Stay on track Clawthorne! Right, so clothes for Luz, swing by Mort’s and pick up the emergency batch of elixir he cooked up, then get ready for the lunar eclipse and festival tonight! Oh, and extra veggies on King’s plate for dinner, he’s been skimping. 

The oatmeal is done, Eda goes back to the fridge to take out the already washed fruits for the kids to garnish with.

Canting her head, she can hear the familiar pitter patter of claws against hardwood floors. King is down here first. He’s holding Francois and rubbing the sleep from his eyes furiously. 

“G’moring…” he mutters blearily. 

Eda chuckles and walks over to pick him up. She gives him a kiss on the top of his skull as she settles him on her hip. “Morning squirt. Sleep well?”

“Mhm.” Colorful eyes scan the countertop, looking at the pots of oatmeal and fruit. “I dreamed that I was ruling with an iron fist!” As King recalls his dream he becomes more awake and energetic.

“That right?” Eda inquires. With skilled dexterity and a little bit of magic she starts making King’s bowl of food. “What fruit would you like hun?”

“Cinderberry please! And yeah! You were my war advisor! And Luz was the lead diplomat! We never lost a battle!”

Eda barks out a laugh as she eases King into his seat. “Oh? We were unstoppable huh? I’m glad I’m viewed so highly in your court, my liege.” As she gives King a bow, the bowl glides in front of the demon and settles in its place.

“Uh, duh!” King picks up his spoon and starts to dig in. “You’re like my mom, so you gotta have a place in my court! It's the rules!”

King says it so casually, that word. He doesn’t even register that Eda is short-circuiting at the admission as he digs into his oatmeal. 

She can feel the Owlbeast smugly preening and there’s the aura of ‘I told you so’ emitting from them. 

Okay sure, it's no big deal, King just admitted to her being his mom. Everythings great! She is NOT gonna cry this early in the morning. 

“Morning Eda…” 

Ah, perfect! A distraction from her feelings! Bless her student!

“Luz! Morning kid!” Did her voice just crack? Damn you emotions! 

Luz is still in her Pjs. She looked just as tired as King when he walked in. Her hair was in more disarray than usual, Eda has the sudden urge to preen it. Luz groans as she settles into her own seat at the kitchen table and places her forehead on the polished wood.

“It’s too early Edaaaaaa! Even for you!” Luz bemoaned. “Hooty scared me half to death this morning!”

Well, Luz ain't wrong about it being earlier than normal. She did start breakfast at the crack of dawn. 

“Sorry kid! Early bird catches the maggot and all that. Name the fruit.” Eda quips.

“Um, what do we have?” 

“Cinderberry, eldritch dates, and aridcot.”

“Two eldritch dates please.”

Eda hums to her in confirmation and picks out the dates. Summoning a knife, she carves out the pit. The core in her hand vibrates and whispers caress her mind.

‘Free us! Serve the master! Cthulhu shall rise from the ashes!’

She promptly burns the pits to ash and rinses her hand off in the sink.

“Alright, here you go cranky pants.” Eda places the bowl beside Luz’s head, she grunts in thanks.

“Now, the reason we’re all up at the crack of dawn is because we need to get some shopping done before the stores close early.” Eda snags her own oatmeal and sits down at the table with the kids. “King,” she addresses him. “Do you remember what day it is?” 

King is stirring his bowl of oats vigorously, he’s smashed the cinderberries within, so now the color of his food is more red than a bland beige. “Ummmm. It's the Week of Celestial Observation?”

“Which means?” Eda encourages.

“It’s when the stars and the moon fall in line with the Titan himself! Uh, that means it's the time where Demons and Witches are in tune with their magic and the Others! It's also called um…sanitation!”

Eda snorts and kindly corrects King. “Synchronization, bud. Good Job! You get all that Luz?”

Her apprentice is slowly chewing her food, brow furrowed and eyes alight with probably hundreds of questions. She swallows her food and asks her question. “Who are the Others?”

Whew, that’s a loaded question that Eda isn’t sure she can answer fully. Hm, simple as she can then. She chugs the rest of her, now cold, coffee. 

“No one truly knows,” she begins. “The most we can grasp from old tomes, and by word of mouth, is that they are from the stars. Most on the Isles believe they are other Titans. The siblings or parents of this one we reside on now, even.” She takes a bite of her food before continuing.

“We know for sure that the moon and other celestial bodies contain magic in some shape or form. It’s why you’ll hear some folks say the moon is the Titan’s Eye.”

Luz is taking this all in stride. So her apprentice asks another question that actually stumps Eda.

“Have witches ever been to the moon?”

Eda chokes on her food. Coughing she hits her chest a few times, mindful of her embedded gem and summons a glass of water. “Kid, warn me next time before you propose something that adventurous!”

“Eda,” Luz says slowly. “You’ve been to the human realm before right? Surely you know that humans have been to the moon and back multiple times?” 

No, Eda sure as Hel did not know that! Her excursions have always been focusing on scamming people out of their hard earned cash or stealing! Well, they're the same really. 

“Huh, you’re teaching me something new for once kid. For humans to not have any magic, they sure are resilient. But no, no witch has never been to the moon. At least no witch who has tried and lived to tell the tale.”

Luz hums and nods. Eda already knows the celestial section in the library is going to be baren this week.

“Moving on! This week is important! Every day there is a celestial event, minor or major, that happens due to the alignment! The Moonlight Conjuring marks the first day. Then, there's the Shimmering and the Field of Stars the Second and Third day respectively. We are on the Fourth day. Lunar’s Shadow! A lunar eclipse! It’s also called the Bloody Eye.” Eda counts off the days with her fingers.

King gasps from her seat and raises his hand. “Oh! Oh! I know this one! Can I tell her?!”

“Go ahead buddy.” Eda grins.

“Today is super cool Luz! There’s a festival! Everyone wears these cool masks and shrouds! There’s games and food too!” King is full of energy now, more awake than ever. 

“Best part is,” Eda continues. “This is the only holiday that Emperor Belos couldn’t get his grubby hands on! Too important of a day to smother with lies and deceit. Today, everyone is a Wild Witch! Ha!”

Now Luz is excited, she’s flapping her hands and squealing. “Oh my gosh! Seriously?! That sounds awesome! When can we go? What do I need to do? Do we need to clean the house?”

“Woah Woah, slow down kid!” Eda pacifies her student. “We’ll explain more as we get closer to the festival, okay? We got time!” she laughs. “Now, the last day, which is tomorrow, is called The Displacement. Essentially, the moon has come out of alignment and the energies that came with it secede. But!” She holds up a finger and grins. “This year is special! There is one more day, a comet passing by called the Wailing Star.”

Everyone has finished their food at this rate, Eda stands to collect the bowls. “I won’t spoil the surprise for that day, I’ll put you on the right path to discover it yourself!” She winks at Luz and uses magic to clean the kitchen.

Eda ushers the kids to go get themselves ready for their shopping trip. She already knows it’s going to be packed with beings of all shapes and sizes today. Ugh, everyone is going to be there. Which means there is a possibility that she might run into Lilith again. A soft chuckle is released from her, thinking back on the duel. 

As cocky as her older sister might be, she can still back up her bark with her bite. That duel was the most invigorating challenge she’s had in years. It also reminded Eda that she’s getting soft in her combat skills. She should start a regimen again. 

Regardless, every time Eda thought about her sister, her heart clenched and her eyes burned. There was bad blood between them, this was true. When they were children, joining the Emperor’s Coven had been their dream for years! Until she got cursed. 

Then she found her Mentor, ran away from home, and learned the truth.

She had begged and pleaded with her sister to not take the mark, but that Clawthorne stubbornness ran through the both of them.

Now it was a game of cat and mouse. Lilith believed that Eda joining a Coven would be the end all be all to cure her curse. No, that is a life Eda cannot live, but Lilith is still her sister. She won’t stop trying to sway her world view and see just how much she’s missing!

Hmph, either way Lilith is still probably super pissed from wiping the floor with her. So! Take all precautions to avoid her uptight sibling if spotted today!

The market is absolutely FLOODED with people. With the bustling of last minute shopping before the stores close, along with the various decorations and clearing of certain streets for the festival. It was controlled chaos! Eda loved and loathed it. King, being too small to walk amongst the crowds, is being carried by Luz. 

Prim and Proper is luckily not too crowded, yet. Eda knows that Prim is swamped during this time of year. Thank goodness she corresponded with her a week ahead for this visit. Eda ushers the kids into the store, she can hear Luz gasp in awe as they enter.

Prim’s shop is a menagerie of textiles and colors. Threads sew themselves, bolts of cloth wiz by to and fro from different shelves. In the center of this storm is Primrose Magehand. Short, stout, and almost as fierce as Eda. Her blond hair is pulled back into a bun, gray eyes scan over a dress that Eda can vaguely recognize. Ah, that particular garment is for a lucky bride. Whoever they are, they’re keeping it traditional, nice. What Eda likes most of all about Prim, is that she does not bear a Coven mark. The effortless display of magic around the store will shock anyone who enters. It also garners curious customers.

“Prim!” Eda greets.

The woman looks up from her work, a bright smile appears on her face. “Eda!” She approaches them, arms open. Eda bends down to give her friend a hug. “It’s been too long! How is everything?” Prim asks as they pull back.

“Ah you know,” Eda waves her hand. “A new potion here, escaping the law there, the usual!”

Prim laughs, shoulders shaking vigorously at the action. “The usual alright!”

“What about you? Coin flowing seamlessly I hope?” Eda asks.

“Always, friend! Especially this time of year, everyone and their mothers are ordering last minute cloaks and shrouds for the festival tonight! Bah! I can do it, sure, but do they want quality or quantity?”

Eda smirks and raises a brow. “Already had to turn away disgruntled blue-bloods huh?” 

“They’re incredibly rude! And they say we’re the heathens! Ugh!” Prim scoffs and then her attention shifts to Luz. “Oh! You must be the lucky witchling to apprentice with Eda! What joy! She’s told me all about you!”

Well, Luz wasn’t supposed to know that Eda has been gushing about her to Prim! This is embarrassing and awkward.

“O-oh? Really?” Luz stammers, glancing down, Eda can see a shy smile and faint blush on her student.

“Indeed! I’m so excited to show what I have in store for you!”

Now, Luz just looks confused. She looks up at Eda for an answer.

“Clothes shopping, kid! You need some more threads if you’re staying here longer than two weeks!” Eda comments.

Her student’s eyes widen, with that action, Eda can see the color of her pupils clearly. A thin golden ring surrounding her pupils blend seamlessly with the bistered color the rest of her eyes have. “Eda!” she begins. “I’m okay! Really! You don’t have to buy me anything!”

“Nonsense!” Eda barks back, though not unkindly. “You’ve been living here for three weeks, kid. With one or two pairs of shirts. ONE pair of pants, Titan’s know how many small clothes you even brought. I won’t allow it. This is nothing, don’t worry about it.” A hand falls down naturally to ruffle Luz’s hair, reassuring the child.

Luz’s head ducks down and a mumbled out ‘thank you’ is heard by keen ears.

Prim’s eyes are sparkling in mirth and giving Eda a knowing look. Her own eyes narrow in warning at her friend. The Weaver pats Luz’s arm gently, gaining the human’s attention.

“Now young witch, come with me! I have to double check your measurements and I have some nice casual doublets for you to try on. What’s your favorite color?”

Luz sets King down and trails off behind Prim. “Um, purple?” She looks nervously back at Eda, who gives her a thumbs up in encouragement. 

She and King settle into seats found near the entrance of the shop. Eda idly watches all the patrons that come in and browse or be helped by floating scissors or thimbles that guide them to their finished orders on the counter. King asks how Prim can do all this without looking. Eda explains it as intuition and a knack for her craft. Not all witches can be Weavers, just like how many can’t be Potioneers. It's a specialty, a mix of certain magics that flow together without hindrance. 

Every object moves with synergy and intent. In short, Prim has split her mind in more than ten different ways to run this shop. In Coven terms, it is a mix of Oracle, Healing, and Illusion magic. 

Prim has spunk, Eda hopes she stays that way. The Emperor's Coven haven’t come knocking down her door yet for illegal ‘Wild Magic’ practice. Eda only thinks she’s been able to work this long because of her popularity. There’s a sort of protection from the community when the one who puts the clothes on your back, doesn’t match the propaganda authority presents.

King asks if there's other occupations or trades that don’t conform to the EC. Eda is happy to list them off, giving King an impromptu lesson while they wait for Luz to finish. 

She starts with herself and Morton. Technically in a world without restrictions she’d be a jack of all trades, but for the sake of simplicity, she calls herself a Potioneer. She tells King about ‘The Spark’ , a magical surge of innovation that rushes through fellow Potioneers like Fire Bees. Many think it's a sign from the Titan himself, a whisper to create new tonics, cures, and salves to advanced witch society. 

Then there’s the Weavers and within them, Enchanters. Prim has a little bit of both. As a Weaver her craft lies in creating garments that can protect any witch from the harsh cold of the Knee or the humid bogs of Latissa. Of course during the day, basic clothing with small modifications were sold here at her shop. Whenever she opens up at night for the lesser known crowd, that’s when Prim’s talent truly shows.

Smiths, Healers, Druids, Seers, and Conjurers, are most of the occupations that have been absorbed and warped by the Coven system. Their signature magic was lost to time, or preserved through practice by Wild Witches such as herself. 

There are a handful of other titles out there, Eda makes a metal note to search for a worn leather journal stashed away in her private collection for King to read. Her mentor’s note had an array of different branches of magic and their use.

“Eda!”

Prim’s voice interrupts her and King’s deep dive into the difference between marked and unmarked Healers. She looks up to see the Weaver grinning madly. The measuring tape around her neck wiggles like an excited snake. Prim’s hands are behind her back, chest puffed and chin raised as she makes her announcement.

“I have to say this is my best work yet! Your student’s sense of fluidity is something I whole-heartedly appreciate! Without further ado,” Prim places her right hand just below her clavicle, giving Eda a small bow. 

“Eda, The Owl Lady, I present to you your apprentice! Luz Noceda!”

Luz steps into their view and Eda smiles wide. Oh yes, Prim sure did out-do herself.

King has exclaimed how good Luz looks. It triggers a laugh from her student as she thanks him and twirls around in her new outfit.

Luz now wears a white shirt underneath a deep maroon quarter-sleeve vest. The sleeves for both garments were large, but provided mobility. The shirt came down slightly past Luz’s elbows, stopping at the brown leather bracers adorning her forearms. The shirt and vest are tucked in and held in place by a leather girdle the same color has her bracers. Eda releases an impresses hum. The girdle is custom made, she can see places where Luz can attach pouches. No doubt to place the papers and writing materials to write her glyphs with. The outfit was all tied together with a pair of brown trousers and boots that covered Luz’s calves.

The vest even had red trimming that suited the scheme nicely. No, wait. Eda squints to garner a closer look. Ah! Clever Prim! Along the collar and chest of vest Eda can make out embroidered runes repeating in a pattern. It’s subtle enough from a distance and truly only if one is close enough to converse face to face is when you would be able to read them.

Eda can tell Luz adores the outfit, she’s showing off all the small details to King. Bags float in front of Eda’s line of sight. Prim is still grinning smugly, proud of her work.

“Thanks Prim, you always know how to do it just right!” Eda states as she rummages out money for payment.

Prim scoffs and waves her hand dismissively. “Bah! Please, it was nothing! Your child knew exactly what she wanted! I just made sure everything fit! Now, these bags contain more shirts and different vests. I’ve added a few doublets for fancier occasions, like for tonight, and a dress or two. Obviously more pants and some undergarments. Oh! And the special item you ordered!”

A sole bag appears between the two of them. Eda peeks inside to appraise the item. 

“Titan’s pits! This is perfect Prim!” Eda exclaims. 

Prim laughs. “I knew you would approve, you are going to present it to her before the festival, yes?”

Eda nods, paying Prim for her services. “Of course! I can’t wait, I know she’s gonna love it.”

“Love what?” Luz interceded.

Clothes paid for. Eda takes over and banishes the bags and gift for Luz, back to the house. “That is a surprise missy!” She appraises her student with a smile. “Looking sharp by the way!”

Luz returns Eda’s smile with a brilliant grin of her own. “This is amazing Eda! I feel so cool! Look! My belt has spots where I can put pouches for my glyphs!”

“I can see!” Eda laughs. “Hopefully Prim didn’t scare you too much, did she?”

“Oh! No!” Luz turns to Prim and she bows her head in thanks. “Thank you so much! Your work is beautiful!”

Prim chuckles softly as she replies to Luz. “Thank you, young Luz! It was my pleasure! Always a joy to supply a witch with their armor! Now, off you lot go! I got orders to fill! Don’t be a stranger Eda.”

They say their goodbyes to Prim and exit her shop. It’s almost noon when they leave and the streets are looking more put together for the festival tonight. 

“Alright, kids. Next up is Morton then we head home to get ready for tonight!”

King whoops out loud and starts rambling off the different games he and Luz can play tonight. Luz listens raptly, eyes darting to the beginnings of stalls being set up for tonight. 

When they finally arrive at Morton’s, Eda knows he’s about to shut down for the day. Instead of his usual store front attire, he’s wearing his leather smock. It’s stained with all types of potions, many of them have the lingering smell of Snowmint. Hm, a medicinal order for oral issues, judging by how prominent the herb is overtaking other scents.

“E!” Morton waves them over once he notices them. “Come on, I got some vials ready for you.”

“Thanks Mort, you’re a lifesaver!” Eda takes the small box laid out for her and tucks it under her arm. 

Morton smiles and shakes his head. “It’s no issue, I should have your normal batch ready a week from now. That should hold you over for two, just in case.” His eyes fall to Luz. “Well now! A new look! I recognize that cut of shirt from anywhere! Made a visit to Prim did we?”

Eda nods and places a hand on Luz’s head. “Yup! Whattaya say Morton? You think Luz can give Ronald a run for his money?” She teases.

Morton scoffs and shucks off his apron, rolling his eyes. “My husband will never cease to try to out weave Prim. I’m telling you, put those two in the same room together and they would either kill each other or have the most intuitive ideas.”

“Gonna be making your way back up to the Knee?” Eda asks.

Morton nods and waves around his store. “I have a few more potions to check up on before I close for the day. We might come back down to Boonesborough for tonight. These guys always host the best festival!”

“Oh, I don’t know, I heard Latissa is one you have to go to at least once in your life!”

“And get so black out drunk that I don’t remember anything for three days? No thanks.”

“Gah! Live a little Mort!” Eda chuckles. “I’ll let you get to it then, thanks again for the elixir!”

Mort waves them goodbye and the trio set off back to The Owl House.

The outskirt rural homes of Bonesborough disappear and fade into nature as they walk twoards their destination. Luz has gone oddly silent and King has found his own way out of walking via Eda’s hair. 

Another few minutes of unusual silence pass before Eda picks up Luz’s quiet call of her name.

“Eda?”

“Sup kid?”

“Why are you doing all this stuff for me?” 

“You’re my apprentice.” Eda says simply.

“B-but that can’t just be it! These clothes we got! They look like they cost a fortune! You’ve had to work longer down in your lab to make more potions to sell! A-and still make time to teach King and I about…well, everything!” Luz babbles on as they walk, voice carrying confusion and frustration at Eda’s simple answer.

Hm, a more thorough explanation is needed then.

“Luz,” Eda says gently. “being an apprentice to a Witch does not just mean I teach you only about magic. I also teach you lessons that help you be successful in whatever path you choose. I take you into my home, we share a hearth, food, drink. I will provide for you and teach you all I can give.” 

They’re in front of the house now, Hooty blending into the wood of the front door, keeping silent watch. 

Eda sets down her box of elixir on the ground and places her hands on Luz’s shoulders and looks into her eyes. “Don’t worry about how hard I’m working. I also don’t want to hear a lick of any inclination or thought of you being a burden, because you are not. Understand?”

Luz is gnawing on her lip as she nods, still unsure. Okay Eda, pull out the wild card of reassurance. A bit earlier than intended, but now is just a good time as any. She raises one hand from Luz’s shoulder and snaps her fingers. The lone package Prim handed her in the store appears next to them and floats into Luz’s arms.

Eda steps back and gestures Luz to open it.

Luz reaches her hand down into the bag and pulls out a cloak.

It’s finely made. The base being a charcoal gray with the outlining trim a deep purple. The clasp that came with it is identical to Eda’s on her own cloak. 

Luz furrows her brow and looks at Eda for an answer. The Owl Lady, with careful hands, takes the cloak from Luz to hold it out in front of her. 

“This,” Eda begins. “Is your cloak marking you as my apprentice. Officially, in wild witch terms at least. The gray marks it so.” She points at the cloak. “You’ve actually seen something similar in your friends’ Hexside uniforms. Gray means a blank slate, you are still learning and discovering who you want to be. The trim is made of witch’s wool. Usually, the color would indicate who’s Mentoring you, but we can forgo tradition. That’s what the clasp is for anyways.”

Eda shrugs. “I meant to give this to you before we left for the festival tonight. But I could see you needed some reassurance-oof!”

Luz has collided with Eda. Being knelt down, Luz is able to wrap her arms around Eda’s neck. A few sniffles are released from her student, and Eda can feel hot tears on her shoulder.

‘Bright Owlet is distraught! Soothe her! Preen her feathers!’

“Jeez kid! I’m sorry! Was the present really that bad?” Eda tries to joke as she pats her back.

“No!” Luz pulls back, wiping her eyes. “It’s wonderful Eda! Everything you’ve done has been amazing! I don’t know how to thank you for all this.”

Eda stands up and peers down at Luz. “You don’t have to thank me for anything, kid. Truly, you asking me to mentor you is one of the highest honors you can give an old hag like me!”

“Eda, you’re not that old!”

“Bah! Regardless! Now, let’s make this official! King? Hooty? Stand as our witnesses please?”

“Of course!” King exclaims. He stands at attention, chest puffed out and proud.

Hooty blinks and wiggles out of his place from the door. He chitters in confirmation, oddly serious.

Eda nods at the two and turns her head back to face her student.

“Luz Noceda,” Hooty intones. “You have asked The Owl Lady to be your Mentor. She has accepted. Edalyn Clawthorne, what say you?”

Eda throws the cloak around Luz’s shoulders. Luz’s mouth is agape in disbelief and she blinks rapidly, holding back more tears.

“I, Edalyn Clawthorne, take Luz Noceda as my charge. Everything I know will be passed on to her. A beginning to an end. The student will become the teacher and the cycle will begin anew. May she rest her head within this home and one day call it her own.” Eda states, clasping Luz’s cloak together. The garment pulses briefly with the familiar golden magic that is signature to Eda. Luz shivers briefly.

“Luz Noceda, do you accept these terms?” Hooty inquires.

Luz stammers out her answer. “I-uh! Yes! Yes of course!”

“It is known!” Then, like a light switch, Hooty is back to his normal state. “YAY! Luz is official! Oh I’m SO excited! We’re going to have so much fun!” He elongates and wraps himself around Luz, wiggling all the while.

“Hooty! Stop! That tickles!” Luz laughs, trying to push him away. “King! Help me!”

“Get away from Luz, foul demon!” King wails and jumps on top of Hooty.

Eda laughs at the display and looks on with fondness. The buzz of her magic thumming at the new connection recently made.

Huh, to think she of all people would become a mentor! Not in a million years would Eda think of taking on an apprentice, let alone a human that stumbled upon this world. 

Hooty has taken the kids inside, Eda picks up her box from Morton and follows. A few more hours until the real fun begins!

“Okay! Are we all ready?” Eda asks.

“Yes!” Luz and King exclaim.

“Coin purses?”

“Check!” King lifts his own tied around his neck. Luz pats her satchel.

“Fancy clothes?”

“Check!” Luz has changed into a fancier royal purple doublet, black pants and boots to match. King is looking rather smart in his red vest.

“Cloaks?” Eda taps her the clasp of her own cloak.

“Triple check!” Luz has her apprentice cloak on her shoulders. King wears a mini-version of Eda’s. Red in color and smaller for his frame of course. 

“Finally the piece of resistance! Our masks!” From underneath her cloak, Eda produces three carved wooden masks. 

Hers is in the shape of an owl. Ironic? Maybe. But it's intricate, the brow is painted red and gold, the design having flowing swirls and spirals that trail down to where the mask cuts off at the bridge of her nose. 

Luz’s mask is in the shape of a bat. The wood is stained a deep umber. Protruding from the side of her mask, just above her ears, are wings. Hers is painted blue and purple, sharp geometrical lines strike across the mask’s eyes.

Last but certainly not least is King’s. The shape of the top half of a dragon’s skull is carved skillfully out of knotted birch. The wood grain twists and turns between black and white like treated marble. Green and orange paint wrap around the top of the snout of the mask, giving off the illusion of King emitting a deadly breath of fire.

“Woah Eda! These look better than last year’s! You went all out!” King takes his mask from Eda and inspects it in his hands. 

“Eh,” Eda waves him off. “It’s the best I could do last minute! And you know me bud, why buy those cheap knock offs when you can make these bad boys with your own two hands!”

“You made these?!” Luz squawks incredulously.

“Yup! Through magic and might!” Eda replies. She won’t admit that she was freaking out about trying to finish making them last minute. Luckily Hooty distracted the kids long enough to put the finishing touches on them. “Now, Luz this is your first time attending a Lunar Shadow festival!” Eda holds up her mask. “The name of the game here is anonymity! Or at least an attempt for there to be. You’ll see everyone in different masks, obscured by illusion spells or both!”

Eda places her mask on her face and grins. “Most important rule of all though is to have fun! We still have an hour before the eclipse starts! So peruse games and curios to your heart's content! If we get separated, we’ll meet up back at the town’s square ten minutes before the eclipse begins. Got it?”

“Got it!” Both children exclaim.

“Good! Mask up gremlins! We got a festival to crash!” 

Its well into the night when they arrive back at Bonesborough. Lights and music flow through the town and in the past few hours it has transformed. Strings of banners and flags, made from the different colors the night sky is dotted with, line the streets. Purples, blues, and dotted whites akin to stars, make the environment seem like an endless void. Patrons of all shapes and sizes are shrouded in disguise, enjoying the festivities. 

King and Luz immediately head to a game stall. It's an interesting one. Using mini-wands to try and shoot as many balloons as possible. It’s also a money dumper. Eda has no doubt in her mind the kids will come back to her, begging for a few more extra snails to try the game just one more time.

Eda makes sure she buys souvenirs before that inevitable action happens. She gets a pillow for Luz in the shape of the moon. For King, a small case of Lunar Cider, his favorite treat made during this time. 

Speaking of the baby demon, he’s found her walking back to the game stall he and Luz were at last. Bright eyes pierced through his mask as he looks up and raises his arms.

Eda oblige his silent request, it is past his bedtime and it had been quite a busy day for them. “Conking out so soon bud?”

“No! Not yet! We still need to hear the Story! I just need to rest a bit. Luz found her friends and I got bored.” King grumbles.

Yeah, he’s sleepy. Eda looks up at the sky. They have about another twenty minutes before the big event starts. Might as well make their way to the square so they can get good seats. Eda takes her time walking towards the center of town, pointing out the different masks and illusions people have to King. 

“Eda?” King utters softly into her neck.

“Yeah bud?”

“Am I just as important as Luz? Even though I don’t have a fancy cloak like her?” His voice is unsure and it is in with this moment, King sounds more of his age, projecting his insecurities.

“Oh, King.” The arm holding him, squeezes him in reassurance. “What’d you say to me this morning, hm? I’m like your mom right?” Eda can feel her throat tighten as she speaks. “That means, you're my son. The blood of my blood. No fancy cloak needed.”

It’s the right thing to say, as she feels King relax in her arm. “Thanks…mom.”

Edalyn Clawthrone, do not cry in front of hundreds of people with a child in your arms. RESIST.

Eda will be sure to talk to King about this a bit more later. Now, they’ve reached their destination. Eda scans the benches surrounding the square and snorts as her eyes fall to the covered Belos statue in the middle. 

“Eda!” Luz calls them over, she’s found a seat and sits alone on the bench.

“Hey kid! Where are your friends?” She hands off a half-sleep King to Luz to place on her lap.

“They went to sit with their parents! You should’ve seen Willow’s mask! Her’s was completely made of vines and flowers, it was so pretty!” Luz responds.

A bell tones and rings throughout Bonesborough, five minutes before the eclipse starts. 

“So what’s all this for?” Luz gestures around her. Eda places a lone finger on her lips and winks behind her mask.

“Just wait and see, squirt.”

The center has filled up, excited chatter creating a buzz through everyone. A deep baritone voice cuts though.

“ TWO MINUTES .”

It gets quiet. Eyes point to the sky. One minute left.

Creeping over the moon is a crimson glow that bathes the land in a similar hue. Hoots and laughter are exclaimed as the eerie glow encompasses the entirety of the celestial object. Bolts of magic shoot up into the air in celebration.

The same voice that called the two minute warning speaks again. This time the voice has an origin. It is a cyclops, broad shouldered and standing tall. He walks around the square, looking at the seated individuals.

“THE BLOODY EYE HAS ARRIVED! WHO SHALL START THE TALE?”

Shouts and raised hands go up all around them. Luz is watching all this unfold with excitement. King is still awake, this is his favorite part.

“YOU. ” The cyclops points to an elegant looking lady. Her mask looks to be made of stained glass of all things. It is in the shape of a swan, the silver cloak she wears shimmers like the stars in the sky. 

The witch stands and places herself next to the cyclops in the center of the square. The one-eyed demon summons a lute, comically small in his large hands, but carries it with care. He tunes to the instrument, sparks of magic releasing after a few plucks.

When finished, he nods at the chosen witch and begins playing a tune, stomping his foot to make a beat.

The lady begins a lyrical shanty.

“Come one, come all for on this night a story shall be told!

One, for children, witches, demons, and even hags of old!

I sing to you a tale about the Bloody Eye!

 One the Titan lost fighting, due to petty lies!”

As the performance begins, magic coming from the cyclops's lute emit a steady flow and warps into images to go along with the story.

“The Titan had a sister, Hel her Given name!

The Titan had power, one Hel had to claim!

The siblings fought, fairly matched, neither one could beat!

The siblings fought, fairly matched, until Hel’s deceit!”

Images of two Titan’s battling moved across the square, the red hue of the eclipse giving the lights a menacing shadow. 

“Through trickery and illusion, Hel made a single strike!

The Titan’s eye was gouged, and thrown into the night!

Enraged by betrayal, the Titan fell to his knees!

His tears falling freely, making the raging Boiling Sea!”

The stomping beat the cycolp’s began at the start of this tune, has now reached the audience. Clapping or stomping adding to the steady rhythm as the witch finishes the story.

“Let this be a lesson for those who crave deception!

Do not be caught like Hel, do so with discretion!

Or if you seek the truth, like the Titan beneath us lies!

Do not fall for duplicity or you will gain a Bloody Eye!”

The story finishes with a crescendo of music, shouts and cheers. Eda hollers along with the crowd and applauds the storyteller. She did well and her voice was nothing to laugh at either. Magical fireworks go up as the eclipse begins to wane. Music starts up again and the center turns into a dance square as couples move with each other, dancing under the fading red sky.

This was a night still stewed in tradition, it gives Eda hope this time of year that people can look back and see the joy and unity the community gains through nights like this. It was pretty successful! Eda should’ve brought a camera to capture Luz’s expression.

“That was awesome! Eda how did that guy show pictures like that when he was playing? It was like a movie!” Luz chatters excitedly to Eda as they stand to leave. Eda takes back a sleepy King from Luz.

“Ha!” Eda barks out a laugh. “You think that was something? You should’ve have seen it when I was chosen storyteller years ago! I knocked it out of the park!”

“Hmmm, I heard from Willow’s dads there was someone who set everything on fire one year..”

“…I plead the fifth.”

“Do you even know what that means?!”

Chapter Text

In a classroom where the small youth gather to count their numbers and learn their runes, a teacher stands by a chalkboard, pointer in hand.

"Alright children." The woman says kindly, "Are we ready to sing our rhyme of the months?"

Young giggles of excitement and nodding heads answer the teacher.

"Very good! On three everyone! One, Two, Three!"

"Ten months will turn and a Cycle is complete! 

Round and round they go with Holidays they meet!

New Callus marks the start of every new year!

Scabuary marks the day every Wild Witch should fear!

Trudge comes next with colors of pain!

Then First Till with gifts from the rain!

Julymph is hot, your skin will rot!

The Grand Harvest is here, let's fill our pots!

Sun's Smite draws near with blinding rays!

Auguts follows with shorter days!

Hacktober brings forth the snow from the Knee!

Then with Dismember, the year secedes!"

The Grand Harvest is here! The Titan's body and the steady hands of the Isle's farmers produce food to last until the next First Till. To celebrate the successful growth of crops the Feast of Abundance is celebrated! This always falls on the last Rhythm of the month, ensuring that any excess crops gathered are used for the holiday. We're not done yet, every three years the Week of Celestial Observation falls on this month. It cycles back and forth between The Grand Harvest and Sun's Smite. The Week of Celestial Observation is a time where the stars and the moon fall in line with the Titan. Demon's and Witch's magic are in tune with the Others, making it a time to cast powerful spells or brew strong potions.

Chapter Text

Luz is glaring at the strip of parchment in front of her. Sitting in the living room, the coffee table looks like a warzone. Crumpled and smoldering papers are scattered across the floor. Luz shakes out her hand as a cramp makes her way to her fingers for gripping the pen for too long.

Trigger? No, too complex she’d have to add more to the chain. Time maybe? Hm…

Eda and King are in the room with her. King, finding a free space within Luz’s mess to practice his numbers and Eda on the couch behind her reading a book. Maybe she can ask her…

“Eda?”

“Hm?” Her mentor hums. Luz looks back to see her turning a page, but her ears are perked. She’s paying attention.

“Um, what can-”

“No Common. ”

Dang it she forgot! No speaking Common today. Luz scrunches her nose as she thinks of the words she needs to say. “Need guidance on chains.” Luz eventually tumbles out. Hopefully that’s close enough so Eda can understand.

Eda closes her book and sits up, Luz takes that as an indication to grab the parchment she was working on and show it to her. She points to her scrawled runes.

“Cannot find rune for… fuse?” Her eyes meet Eda’s hesitantly. The older witch simply repeats the word in Old Tongue slowly for Luz to repeat it. Luz nods in thanks and repeats her question. “Cannot find rune for fuse. Need short connection. Guidance please?”

Eda rubs her chin as she stares at the list of runes Luz has already written out. She points to one of them with a raised brow. “Runic is simple. A base form. Words contain power and meaning. Think with a sound mind, apprentice. Time has a rhythm, you want to use time to cause an effect, yes?”

Luz nods and pulls back the paper, looking at the word Eda had pointed too. Okay so this is a lot harder than she thought. A challenge! She likes it though. Time has a rhythm…oh! She grabs her pen again and writes down her revelation.

↬ɛnkɪndl↫↬fɑɪv↫↬bits↫

She puts down her pen and picks up a pair of scissors to cut the strip of written runes. She wraps the parchment into a ring, writing facing on the outside. When the ends connect, a warm glow, similar to a brand, appears on the parchment and fuses the two ends together. Luz quickly sets the newly formed rune chain on the table and hops up on the couch next to Eda to watch her result in anticipation.

Five seconds pass and nothing happens. Luz frowns and huffs in disappointment, crossing her arms. Eda pats her knee in reassurance. “Do not give up. There is still-”

A spark erupts from the table. King squeaks and jumps back, grabbing his work as the ring of paper goes up in flames and burns away into scattered embers.

Luz whoops in victory and pumps her fist, it worked! Although five seconds was more like fifteen. She narrows her eyes at that. 

“Mentor, ” Luz starts. “Why hindrance in time?”

Eda tilts her head at Luz. “ You wrote ‘beats’. In runic that alludes to heartbeat. ” she responds.

“Heartbeat… ” Luz says the new word slowly. Even if that were true, it still should’ve been at least ten seconds! “Heartbeat like this?” She knocks on the arm of the couch in a two-beat rhythm.

Eda huffs out a laugh and shakes her head. She holds up three fingers. “The Children have three beats within them. ” Her hand curls into a fist and she knocks the opposite arm beside her. 

The first two knocks are similar to Luz’s own heartbeat, the third knock comes after a very short pause. Then Eda starts the rhythm all over again. 

“Third beat is for bile.” Eda explains. 

Oh right, that makes sense! Huh, guess if she’s going to use that formula for fuses she’ll have to take account of times. 

King approaches them and hops up to sit in Eda’s lap as he hands her his work. “Complete!” he exclaims.

Eda snorts and takes the papers from him and starts to look them over. Luz stands up and begins to clean up her mess. Buzzing in happiness as she basks in the success of creating her first rune chain. One of her ears tickles as the sound of the front door being knocked on intrudes the home.

“EDAAAAA.” Hooty’s voice emits from the outside. “Your friend is here!”

“Friend? ” Eda murmurs. She gently places King on the ground and gets up from the couch. Luz follows behind, curious about their unexpected guest.

When Eda opens the door, Luz’s mouth drops open.

This demon is MASSIVE. She’s practically a giant head with arms and legs! Long dark tresses are the same length as her entire form and Luz can make out bat wings connected to the underside of the demon lady’s arms.

Eda looks just as surprised as Luz. “ Yi-Yi! You did not announce your arrival!”

The demon lady, Yi-Yi bows slightly forward in some sort of apology. “Yes, forgive me Eda. I have a request that I must ask of you.” Yi-YI reveals a basket and peering inside Luz can see a smaller version of Yi-Yi. Awww, this must be her baby.

“The Wailing Star arrives and I must tend to the unbound and lost Palismen. May you watch my child? You will be rewarded.”

“I would be disgraced if I said ‘no’ to The Bat Queen.” Eda smirks as she gently takes the sleeping baby in the basket with great care. “The little one will be safe under my care, Yi-Yi.”

“Aunt Yi-Yi! ” King’s voice emits and Luz grunts as King’s hard skull pushes its way between Luz’s and Eda’s legs. 

“King! You have grown since the last time I saw you.”  The Bat Queen leans down and places a kiss on his skull. “The Owl Lady has told me in missives you’ve been learning to multiply. Well done!”

King giggles at the kiss and puffs up his chest at the praise. “ When we have a night in your woods again, can Luz come?” he asks.

Yi-Yi’s gaze finally falls on Luz and she shivers at the feeling. That gaze carries something Luz cannot describe. It's heavy but comforting. “Oh? You are Luz, hm?” The Bat Queen’s eyes flicker back and forth between her and Eda. “Eda’s apprentice? Interesting. As for your question nephew, you must ask The Owl Lady first, then we will discuss.”

King nods in understanding and falls back to stand by Eda.

“I must take my leave, I will return by sunrise tomorrow. Be Remembered Eda.”

“Farewell Yi-Yi.”

Luz felt pretty proud of herself that she was able to follow the conversation rather well. Eda closed the door as The Bat Queen flew off, batting Hooty away as he tried to poke the baby with his beak.

“Can I assist? ” Luz asks as Eda walks back towards the couch in the living room. Her mentor shakes her head and snaps her fingers, summoning a stack of books and what looks to be a lunchbox. 

“No child, I have a task for you. First, return these tomes to the athenaeum.” At Luz’s lost look she clarifies. “Athenaeum is a place of study, a library.” She says the last bit in Common and Luz nods, mouthing the word a few times. Eda continues. “Return the tomes and study the Wailing Star tonight.”

Wait, Eda wants her to be at the library all day? And night it seems like! Eda did say she wanted Luz to experience the celestial event tonight. Maybe she can find a book to help her hint of what's to come. She needs to clarify with her mentor first.

“You want me at the a…athenaeum, all day?”

Eda simply grins and floats the books and lunchbox for Luz to carry. “Complete your task apprentice. Be safe.”

Luz walks out the door grumbling at Eda’s cryptic words. She doesn’t grouch for too long, about ten feet away from the house she can hear the piercing wail of an infant crying. Luz winces as she shakes her head to get rid of the ringing in her ears. If the crying was that loud from this far away, she can’t imagine what Eda and King were going through.

Carrying the books through Bonesborough was easy enough, she only tripped twice! Reaching the library, she took in the architecture with awe. The library reminded her of Notre Dame, its towering presence inviting for anyone who wishes to learn. Oh this is so exciting! A magic library! She can’t wait to see the wonders inside!

Walking up the stairs to the entrance, Luz’s eyes widen at the large doors. It’s much larger up close. She whistles low, impressed at the craftsmanship. The smaller set of doors within push open easily as she walks through. 

The smell of paper and ink assaults her senses, she can hear the crackling of flames from the braziers along the sides of the walls. Looking closer, there is a haze of magic covering them, stopping the flames hitting any exposed book. 

Luz walks closer to the front desk. As she does, each book becomes encompassed in a green glow and becomes weightless, they float towards the old librarian at the counter.. She quickly scrambles to catch her lunchbox as it falls from the remnants of the book tower.

“Late, Late, ugh! Scribbles in the margins! No matter how many times I tell that witch-Eda! You ought to-oh. You’re not Eda.”

The older man looks over his spectacles at Luz, eyes narrowing. “Oh, Titan she’s reproduced…” he utters. “Witchling, tell your mother that she cannot desecrate the books! ‘Correcting’ them does not mean vandalizing!”

Luz sputters and shakes her head. “Wait! Eda’s not my mom! Besides! Those books are wrong in some places!” She points to the reagent book ‘ 77 Herbs and You’ . “There’s two-hundered and six herbs, including sub-species! AND most of them have been translated incorrectly!” Luz is adamant about this. She’s read that book and Eda’s own version, she says it's banned, but it contains so much more information!

The librarian groans and pinches the bridge of his nose. “I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and pray that you take after your other parent when it comes to taking care of books.” He vents a harsh breath of air through his nose in exasperation. “Luz, is it?”

“Uh-huh!” 

“Luz, tell Eda that any more marked books I find in her return pile will also be marked towards her tab.” The man summons a long scroll and writes something down. “Now, don’t dawdle in here for long, we are closing early tonight for the Wailing Star.”

Luz nod’s in understanding, oh! She can ask this guy where to find more information about tonight! “Um…Mister…?”

“Archivist Lucius.”

“Right! Archivist Lucius! Um, where would I find more books about the Wailing Star?”  She points to a poster of the event sitting behind him. It was quite a funny depiction. A crying star shooting across the land.

“You should be old enough to know the Demon Decimal System…then again maybe not. With all these children running around with scrolls in their hands, there’s no respect for proper organization any more.” The Archivist sucks his teeth before he responds to Luz. “The reference section will have what you need, it’s near the kid’s corner, you can’t miss it.”

He points to his right and Luz thanks him for his time. She takes a leisurely pace around the place. Seeing other Archivists milling around and sorting books. She also sees some students that go to Hexside seated at tables, studying most likely. She encountered the Demon Decimal System Archivist Lucius was talking about, it looked very confusing…and what kind of system eats your papers?! Don’t they digest or something? Hmmm.

Luz finally finds the area where she can search up references. Crystal balls all lined up on tables like computers and all of them seem to be occupied, dang she’ll have to wait.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?!”

A familiar voice rings out from a nearby section of the library. Luz turns her head to the source, it's the kid’s corner. She’s thoroughly surprised to see Amity, of all the people she’s met so far, reading to a bunch of small children. 

She tells the story of Otabin and how he wished he had friends. Her cadence draws Luz in as she tells the tale. When Amity finishes the last page, their eyes meet. Luz sheepishly waves hello as she stands by the entrance. The smaller kids thank Amity for her time and wander off, no doubt going to meet their parents waiting outside.

Luz steps inside the area, softly laughing at the child-like posters about the importance of reading. She takes note of the section labeled manga to the side. She’ll have to check those out later. There’s a couple of strewn out books on the floor, she makes a move to pick them up to help out Amity.

They meet in the middle, Luz gives the green-haired witch another small grin. “Um, hey?” She holds out the discarded books for her.

Amity’s brow is furrowed as she appraises Luz. Amber eyes fall to the swooping collar of her vest and her head tilts. She looks to be reading the embroidered runes sewn throughout. Amity hums and steps back, taking the books out of Luz’s hands with a tiny smile of her own.

“Thank you, you look different.”

Luz twirls around and gives her a mock bow. “Oh, yeah! Boiling Isles fashion takes some getting used to, but I think I pulled it off!”

Amity hums and raises a brow. “Well, that too, but there’s something else.”

Something else? What did that mean? Did she not brush her hair thoroughly this morning? 

“Ohhhh, Mittens!”

Luz watches in real time how quickly Amity’s face gets red. Her hands reach out and hover just in case she starts to pass out from the sudden change in blood pressure. “Amity?!” She exclaims in concern.

Two older teens appear in a puff of smoke. It’s in the familiar cyan color Luz has associated to be the base color of illusion magic. Amity drops the books in her hands from surprise.

Both sported green hair darker than Amity’s and looking close enough, Luz can spot some similar features from all three of them. The girl was leaning on Amity, a smirk plastered on her face as she watched Amity get more and more beet red. The boy was dangling a rather cute Otabin themed lunch bag above her head, shaking it.

“Mittens!~” The boy sing-songed. “Mom says to quit forgetting your lunch.” He shakes the bag one more time before Amity snatches it out of his hands. At the same time she bats the girl’s arm off of her head. 

The older girl looks between Amity and Luz. “Who’s your new friend Mittens?”

A low growl erupts from Amity and she has that same manic grin that she gave Luz at the Convention aimed at the older teens. Luz clenches her teeth on instinct, the display of aggression from Amity causing her to step back. 

“Emira, Edric'' Amity hisses. “Stop calling me that!” She gnashes her teeth with a resounding click.

The girl, Emira, simply smiles brightly showing off her own set of teeth. “Oh dear sister, don’t go getting a big ego now that you’ve lost all your baby fangs.” 

“Knock it off you two.” Edric pipes up. “If mom could see you, she’d threaten to file down those pearly whites because it's ‘ Unbecoming of a Blight to succumb to boorish instincts.’ ” His voice becomes high-pitched and stiff. Luz decides right then and there that she doesn’t like Mrs. Blight.

“You two started it!” Amity snaps. “You gave me my lunch, you can leave now!”

“And not introduce us to your fellow nerd? Rude!” Emira gasps.

“Hi?” Luz waves half-heartedly and looks to Amity for an explanation.

“Ugh,” Amity rubbed her forehead. “Luz, these are my annoying older siblings and twins, Edric and Emira. Edric and Emira, meet Luz the Human.”

“A human?! ” the twins intone in unison. Edric walks around Luz, eyes squinting as he observes her. “Well she sure looks like a human, the ears are certainly a dead give-away.”

“Hey!” Luz exclaims, she instinctively covers her ears and narrows her own eyes in annoyance. “Are you two just going to continue to be mean, or do you have nothing nice to say?”

Edric and Emira look at each other then back at Luz. “Well,” Emira starts. “You are kind of cute.” she shrugs.

Luz feels her face heat up at that admission and coughs awkwardly.  

“Out!” Amity summons a small abomination, with a morning star for a fist, to chase her older siblings out of the space. 

Amity sighs as the twins’ cackling laughter fades. She clenches the handle of her lunch bag. “Sorry about them…” she grumbles. 

Luz waves her off with a smile. “Ah, don’t worry about it! From what I hear, older siblings can be a drag.” She held up her own lunch. “Wanna eat some lunch together?”

Amity looks surprised by the offer, her eyes widen and mouth forming into a shocked ‘o’. “Wait really? Even after everything that’s happened between us? I was horrible to you!”

Luz hums. “We shook on it right? A truce? I don’t think that means we can’t start over!”  Luz holds out a hand “Hi! I’m Luz Noceda! Resident Human of the Boiling Isles and Apprentice to The Owl Lady!”

Amity releases an actual laugh at the display and shakes her head. Her own hand grasps Luz’s to shake it firmly. “Amity Blight, Heir to Blight Industries and abomination enthusiast. A pleasure to meet you Luz.”

Luz smiles and nods. “You too!” She points behind her, turning her head to see a free space where the reference section is. “Do you mind if we sit over there? I have to look something up while we eat.”

“Sure,” Before they leave, Amity makes sure to pick up the books she dropped earlier and places them back on the shelf. “What are you researching?”

They meander their way to the empty seats at the table and Luz taps on the crystal ball. Ugh, it's buffering, the Boiling Isles equivalent to wi-fi sucks. “I’m trying to find some more info on the Wailing Star tonight! Everything is closing early, so I’m wondering if it's a big event like Lunar Shadow.” she responds.

Amity takes out a sandwich and some fruit as hums. “Well, I can answer some of your questions. At least, what my dad told me as stories when I was little.” 

Eh, why not? This crystal ball is slow as molasses anyways. Luz makes her move to unpack her own lunch. She smiles, Eda had packed fairy-wing chips, one of her new favorite snacks. Sweet! She had leftover cockatrice stew in a thermos as well. “I would like that Amity, thanks!”

The green-haired witch nods and picks apart at the crust of her sandwich as she speaks. “Well, from what I remember, dad told me the Wailing Star is said to be one of the Others. Every thirty years, this Other, endlessly travels the stars. Passing over far off Titans and more of their kind, never stopping. This Other is tired, exhausted, they just want to rest but can’t. That’s why it wails in sorrow.”

“Yeesh, that’s dark.” Luz comments as she munches on her chips. “And sad…”

Amity nods solemnly “Yeah. To wander endlessly like that? Never knowing solace, doomed to repeat an endless cycle? I would be wailing too.”

Luz scratches her cheek. Wow, they got philosophical rather quickly. “What about magic-wise? Anything interesting happening like the other days in WOCO?”

Amity blinks. “Woah-Co?” She sounds out.

“Week of Celestial Observation is a mouthful, Amity. WOCO!”

Amity snorts and shakes her head. “Fine, and no. Well at least I’m unsure what happens during the Wailing Star. Every adult I ask keeps it hush. Like it's taboo to talk about it.”

Luz nods in understanding. “Yeah, I get that. I tried to ask Eda and she was all secretive and cryptic.”

“What did she tell you?” Amity asks as she takes a bite of her now crustless sandwich.

“Only to hang out here all day and find out for myself.”

Amity sucks her teeth. “Dang, guess we’ll have to do some digging. By the way, what does your vest say?” A lone finger points to the said garment and Luz furrows her brow.

“You can’t read Runic?” Luz questions, surprise in her voice.

Amity shifts in her seat, a blush of embarrassment settles on her cheeks and her ears seem to droop slightly. “My mother says that Runic is a dying language from a dead age. No proper witch, especially one joining the Emperor’s Coven, has no need for such a savage script.” She states bitterly.

Luz looks around the library. Looking at the signs that indicate what section is where. Now that she’s paying attention, each sign that is written in runes has the Common translation beneath them. The Common words look freshly painted underneath the weathered and carved Runic, the original signs being untouched long before the added translated words.

Luz frowns at this, is this why Eda was so adamant on getting her to learn runes and Old Tongue? Knowledge itself was being wiped away! Pushed aside for ‘correct’ literature and incorrect facts! The more Luz hears about this so called Emperor, the more she wants to punch his stupid face. 

Her hand reaches up to trace the first word. “The first one is my name in Runic, Luz.” Her hand trails down. “Then it’s ‘light’,” she smiles. “It’s actually what my name means.” She points at the two rune word and taps the others that follow. “The Glyph Witch. Eda had this made for me, she put a lot of thought into it.” Luz smiles at the memory of her in the clothing store, looking in the mirror of her new outfit. She felt powerful and strong with the added runes indicating who she was.

Amity’s eyes follow Luz’s movements closely, her eyes light up in understanding as gestures at her. “It repeats, doesn’t it?”

Luz fiddles with the top of her thermos, she still had plenty of stew left. She nods. “Yeah!” She pauses, maybe she can…“Um, I could ah, teach you some Runic if you’d like?” 

Amity gives Luz a shy smile. “I would like that.” 

Luz brightens at the confirmation. Awesome! She thinks she just made another friend! Her Mami would be proud of her. Luz looks back at the crystal ball, THAT'S STILL BUFFERING? She groans and slams her head on the table. A patron not too far way from them hisses “Shhhh!” At the sound her head made against the table.

She hears Amity giggle softly and looks up. 

“Well if this doesn’t work, we at least have one clue.” Amity says.

Luz grunts and runs a hand through her hair as she sits up. “Yeah? What’s that?”

“We have to be here in the library. Your mentor said to hang out here all day right?” 

“True, the only problem is this place is closing early!” Luz throws up her hands in frustration. 

Amity chews at her lip and fidgets with the sleeve of her dress. “I have an idea in mind, but you can’t tell anyone else.”

Oh man, they’re already sharing secret ideas? Okay Luz, keep cool. “Of course not.” She zips her lips shut and locks it with an imaginary key.

Amity looks into her eyes and nods, seemingly satisfied with whatever she was looking for. She packs up what’s left of her lunch and motions Luz to do the same. 

Amity leads her through different bookshelves, passing the numerous genres and resources this library has. They stop at the romance section, Amity looks around, making sure its only the two of them present in this area. Her hand falls on a particular book that Luz catches the name of ‘The Lone Witch & Secret Room’. Amity pulls it back and a quiet click resounds throughout the bookcase as it separates to reveal an actual secret room!

“Woah,” Luz breathes out. They step in and the shelf closes behind them. The room is quaint and cozy, illuminated by soft glowing stars and moons that hang from the ceiling.  Amity has a desk against the far end wall, the desk is stacked with books. On the left hand side are scattered pillows and a couple blankets. A familiar book cover catches Luz’s eyes. “No way!” she says, rushing over to the shelf.

“You have Azura here?!” She counts the volumes. “One through four too! Nice!”

“You like Azura?” Amity walks up beside her. Her voice carries the most excitement Luz has heard from her yet. 

“Like? I LOVE Azura! Gosh the rivalry between her and Hecate have keeps me up at night!” Luz squeals and flaps her hands. “Oh! Do you want to borrow book five? I see you don't have it yet!” 

Luz sees Amity’s ears perk up and her eyes widen. “You have book five?! It isn’t supposed to come out until next month! Have you read it? What happens? NO WAIT. Don’t tell me! No Spoilers!” Amity covers her ears and squeezes her eyes shut.

Luz laughs and shakes her head. “Don’t worry! I won’t say anything! I didn’t bring my satchel but the next time we meet up, I’ll give it to you.”

Amity opens her eyes and smiles. “Thanks Luz, I would like that.” She motions her hands around the hideout. “Now, this is my study room! The Head Archivist gave it to me after I started working here every week to help with the kids.” Amity points at the pillows. “We can hang here once the library closes and wait for the Wailing Star!”

“Ooohhh.” Luz breathes. “Amity, that's genius! Oh! I have some extra snacks and stew Eda packed if we get hungry!” she knocks on her lunch box.

Amity laughs. “I have some snacks and water stored away here too. I can get carried away in here.”

Luz eyes the notebook and writing materials scattered upon Amity’s desk. “Well, while we wait.” She cants her head over to the desk. “How would you like your first Runic lesson?”

“Okay, so there are three different ways to pronounce ‘A’?” Amity asks incredulously. She was staring down at a makeshift cheat she made.

“Four.” Luz holds up her hand and wiggles four fingers. “It's all about pronunciation and enunciation. “‘æ ’ is different from ‘ a’ and depending on which one you put and where you place it, it can change the entire word!”

The two of them sit on top of a pillow nest they created a few hours into their study session. They got side tracked a few times, talking about Azura and other interests. The library has since been closed and the last time they went out to stretch their legs, night had fallen. 

Amity barks out a laugh. “I have to give it to you Luz, this is much harder than it looks.” 

“Are you kidding? You’re picking it up pretty well in my opinion!” Luz states. She’s eating the last of her food she had left over. “You think it’s time yet?” she asks. She bites into a particular tough piece of cockatrice and hisses as the right side of her mouth throbs in pain. Ugh, she had to have bitten into some cartilage or something. Luz chews more slowly and switches to the left side of her mouth, making sure not to bite her tongue.

Amity hums in thought as she scribbles a few more runes in her notebook. Luz can make out she’s attempting to write her name. “I’m sure if we leave now, we can catch it.” Amity finally responds. She stands up and stretches, cracking her neck in the process. “You ready?”

“Yep!” Luz puts away her thermos and follows Amity out the hideaway. 

The library is super eerie at night. There are no ambient sounds of pages turning or the humming drone of magic being used by the Archivists. It’s just silence, with the occasional creaks and groans of the surrounding bookcases.

“It should be any minute now…” Amity trails off, looking at one of the large windows adoring the tall walls of the library. 

Luz hears it. It’s faint at first, but grows with each passing second. A turquoise glow as bright as the sun passes by. A mournful cry follows and Luz, remembering the story Amity told her, feels a profound sadness for this star. In a way she can sympathize. The star never knows a sense of belonging, so it wanders aimlessly, hoping for someone to hear them, to pay attention.

The event itself lasts at least five seconds, but there’s nothing of note. Huh, well that was interesting…Luz knows there has to be more than that. 

“Well..” Amity drawls, picking up a book titled ‘ The Ninth Bone Cult’ “At least the star was prett-Titan!”

The book Amity was holding clatters to the floor, laying open. A witch painted like a ghastly skeleton emerges, covered head to toe by a black cloak. The summoned book witch narrows her eyes. “You are not my cavalier, where is that idiot?!” Her hand raises and from the pages, Luz can see…phalanges, tibia, femur, oh crap, she’s summoning a REAL skeleton! Luz dives for the book and closes it quickly. The woman and half formed skeleton disappear. 

She and Amity meet eyes. “Amity,” Luz says slowly. “The book came to life..”

“Yeah…” 

“The book came to life!”

“Yeah!” 

They both laugh hysterically at the revelation. Amity helps Luz up off the floor, once they put the dangerous skeleton book away, they ran off. Animals, clothes, and history, she and Amity ran through it all, fascinated by the effect the Wailing Star had on the library. 

“Ohmygosh, Amity!!!” 

The green-haired witch is startled from her observance of a giraffe of all things, galloping around the shelves. She closes the book quickly. “What? What’s wrong.”

“If all this comes to life do you know what that means?” Luz rambles off quickly. Amity furrows her brow in thought. 

“Um…endless knowledge?”

“No! Azura in real life!”

It was like she lit a fire under Amity, she had never seen the girl move so fast. Luz laughs as she runs after her, following the girl back to her hideout. 

She grunts as she quickly stops herself from running into Amity’s back. “Amity?” Luz questions. “What’s wrong?” She places a hand on her shoulder.

The care free and fun demeanor Amity had just seconds ago had wiped away in an instant. Her shoulders were hunched and ears pinned back against her head. Distress, Luz has come to recognize this position of witch ears. Or defeat rather, either way, Luz does not like this sudden shift. She peers around Amity to garner a view of what her newfound friend sees.

Oh, Luz does not like this, not one bit.

The entrance to the hideaway is open, cruel laughter emits from within. Amity’s older siblings have a book open. From here she can see the mini-Amity talking aloud, these are private thoughts.

This is Amity’s diary.

Edric has his scroll out, recording a segment while  Emira holds the book open. This isn’t harmless sibling rivalry. This is cruelty.

The twins haven’t notice them yet, oblivious to the obvious pain they’re causing their sister. Amity’s eyes are welling with unshed tears, her face is a blotchy red and fingers grip the hem of her tunic. This isn’t right. For the short amount of time that Luz has been on the Isles, she’s learned from Eda that bonds are important. They mean something to Witches, it carries a magic that Eda couldn’t even describe to her. To see family act this way, like bullies. It makes her blood boil.

A rumbling starts low in her chest, moving up to her throat. A low vibration emits from her and finally, the twins look up from their action. Luz sees Emira’s eyes widen minutely at the sight of the two of them. Edric simply laughs.

“Mittens! Nice to see you finally join us! Aw, why so red sis? Can’t you take a little joke?”

“A joke?!” Luz barks, still growling and steps up beside Amity. “Exposing your sister’s private thoughts to the world is a joke to you?” 

Emira raises a pacifying hand. “Woah, chill little human. This is just a little black mail to get Mittens to stop telling on us to mom and dad. We didn’t even send it to anyone. ”

“Yet.” Edric quips.

Luz hisses at him. “Delete the video.”

“What? We just said-”

“No!” Luz yells and points at the two. “You think getting in trouble with your parents is equivalent to bullying?! What is wrong with you two?!”

“Look,” Edric states. “We didn’t mean anything by it-”

A choked sob breaks through Amity, Luz stiffens and turns her head. Amity is crying now, the younger Blight quickly turns heel and runs off. Luz attempts to reach out to her. “Amity! Wait!”

Silence.

“Edric, delete the video.” Emira’s voice cuts through.

“Huh?” Edric huffs.

"Delete the video off the scroll.” Emira firmly says.

“What? But sis-“

“No, Ed. Luz is right…we went too far.”

“I,” Luz watches as Edric sighs and looks down in shame. “Yeah…” he mumbles. Luz can see him hit the mini trash can on the scroll’s display.

“Luz,” Emira calls, as she closes Amity’s diary and puts it back in its place. “We’re sorry. Usually we like to rile Amity up…but seeing her that way…” she rubs the back of her neck and closes her eyes. “We’ll do better.” She states with conviction.

Luz still has a frown on her face. It shouldn't have gotten this far to begin with, but if she wasn’t here who knows what could have happened. “Yeah,” she responds. “You need to apologize to her.”

Edric shuffles his feet, looking forlorn. “I don’t think she wants to see us right now.” He says. “I think it’s better if we just leave. We’ll make it up to her tomorrow.”

Luz narrows her eyes and huffs. “Fine. It better be sincere too!” She points a finger at the both of them.

“Of course! ” They both exclaim. 

They come out of the hideout and make their way to leave. Fine, if they won’t find their sister, Luz will. 

Luz starts walking in the direction Amity ran off to.

“Amity?” Luz calls. “Amity? Where are you?”

Suddenly, a hysterical quacking is running towards her. Luz quickly flattens herself against a bookshelf as a duck with muscular human legs runs past her. 

Okay. Weird. But not so weird that she questions if it’s normal or not on the Isles. She presses forward. 

Luz eventually finds Amity in the kid’s corner. She’s tucked away between the corner of two bookshelves. Her knees are pulled up to her chest, chin resting on top, as forlorn eyes watch a small cheerful rabbit hug her ankle. ‘Otabin the Bookmaker’ is open in front of her. 

Luz pulls out a light glyph to hover around her as she moves to sit down next to Amity. “Hey,” she says softly. “You okay?”

The soft glow of illumination reveals the tear tracks on Amity’s face as she turns her head to look at Luz. “They hate me, my own brother and sister.” Amity bitterly states.

Luz shakes her head. “They don’t. They’re misguided I think. Don’t know when to stop at harmless pranks. It’s not an excuse…” she looks down at Otabin, the cute character is now sitting in front of them, threading a book together. “They deleted the video, Amity. They looked, regretful I think? My good looks must have persuaded them!” She wiggles her eyebrows and gently nudges Amity.

She’s rewarded with a small laugh. “Yeah right…thanks Luz.”

“No problem, now do you want to get out of here?”

Luz stands and holds out a hand to help Amity of the ground. Amity makes sure to say goodbye to Otabin before she closes his book. He waves farewell enthusiastically to the two teens and Luz coos at the adorable sight. 

“H̵͔͕͋o̵̟̔̉́m̶̺͂e̵̠͙̹̽,̸͍̳͖̒̔̃ ̶̫͚̄Ī̶̜͋͘ ̷̛̰w̵͎̦̿å̶̤̚̚n̸͖̺͊̆͜t̸̯̳̋ ̶̗̙̜͋̾̍t̶̨̮͆o̸̬͋̋ ̵͖͔̼̾̈́g̷͖̩͌o̴̰̓͝͝ ̶̝̋͗̊Ḫ̴̓̏̌o̶̝̯̿̈́͘͜m̸̧̎͑e̴͈̠͈̓!”

Amity and Luz look out of the archway of the kids section. Startled at the new voice echoing throughout the halls.

“What was that?” Luz whispers quietly.

“I-I don’t know…” Amity has her hand raised, ready to draw a spell circle at any moment.

“I̶̱̜͆͗̀'̸̢̭͚̜͇͇̽̈́̆̕m̵̡̛͚̯̓̔͊͜ ̸̙̲̳̭̃̄̒s̵̨̞̦͈̰̔̉̅̓͊͝ó̶̡̰̳͕͆̾ ̵̱̪͔̹͋̋t̴̨̗̫͍͈̲̅́̌̊̏͗ȉ̸͈̮̞͛ȑ̵͉̳̜̰̺̈́̔̋̕e̷͔̗̜̝̔̈́͒̀̚͝d̵̻̜͔̍,̶̠̂́̏͑̊̀ ̴̛͈̩͇̫̹̽̚w̷̢̲̱͒͗̉͋h̷̡͑͐̍̾é̸̩̭̆͘͜r̵̳̽̃͆̔͑̏ė̴̝͔̈́͆ͅ ̵̻̣̙̰̭̗̌́̈͛̂̊i̷̧̜̘̐̇͊͆̂͊ś̸̨̛̬͙̜̯͋͗̈́ ̴͉̽̂H̴͚͛́͐͜͠ọ̵͉̻̤̫̋̇̚͠m̷̧̾͑e̴̛̫̅͐̔?”

A hand grips the entrance to the kids corner, then a body follows.

The figure towers over the both of them, leaning down to look into the room. It has no discernable shape, shifting from a strong hulking muscular figure to a soft curvaceous one. For a split second it shrinks tremendously, its form akin to a small child before it flickers back to its larger form.

The most indicating feature of all though was the body itself.

It was made of stars. 

Constellations familiar and unfamiliar to Luz move in cohesion with each shift. Where the figure’s face would be is the brightest collection. She can make out shooting stars and exploding giants. It’s here where Luz can make out the vague marks of where eyes and a mouth should be.

In short, this creature is utterly terrifying.

Luz can spot scrolls and a large book circling its head as well, it looks like a crude solar system.

“Ĥ̶̲̞͉͌̕ò̶͚̹̚ḿ̴̨͗̇e̵͔̦͋?” It sobs and points to the glowing light hovering between Luz and Amity. “A̵̻̐̽r̶̖̱͂̏e̷̡͒͋͝ ̴̻̣̤̒y̴̦͗͝ö̶̦̎̀u̶͇̅͠ ̵͍̼̈́͛̈́Ḫ̸̡̞̔ȏ̴̤͊̑m̸͖͕̐͑e̵̮̼̚?”

The two girls both freeze. Okay this could be bad.

The weird screaming never skipped leg day duck, comes running back into the picture. The star-figure’s hand grabs it by the neck.

Amity and Luz watch in horror as the duck explodes into a colorful cloud.

‘A nebula’ Luz’s mind supplies.

Okay this is REALLY bad.

“H̵̺̱̾ô̶̧m̸̡̰̓ę̷͕̈͒…̶̲̻͛R̴̯̟̫̕ĕ̴̡̮̕s̶̨̢̾͌̈́t̷̑͐ͅ…̸̻̯̎̾”

The figure saunters towards them.

“Luz!” Amity hissed out, magenta colored magic forms a circle and a decent sized Abomination shoots up to protect them. “Your light! De-summon your light and RUN!”

No need to tell her twice! She snatched the light ball in her hands and smothers it quickly. Amity pushes her hands forward and yells out. “Abomination, guard!”

The conjured goo groans and stumbles forward, distracting the body of stars long enough for Luz and Amity to quickly escape the confined room. 

As they run Amity curses out loud, Luz turns her head quickly to see One of Amity’s eyes flash brightly. “It destroyed my abomination! That only bought us a few seconds!”

They turn a corner and hide behind a large shelf, heavily breathing.

“W-what is that thing?” Luz huffs out.

Amity shakes her head and pulls at her ears. “That’s an Other! At least, a depiction of one!”

“What?” Luz hisses. “That thing?!”

“It’s not supposed to be here.” Amity rushes out. “Any book on Others are supposed to be in the Forbidden Stacks!”

“H̸̨̙̆̄̽ǒ̵̭͖̌͝m̵͎̉ͅe̵̳͊!̴̧͙̗̈́ ̸̙̯̂̈W̶͈̼͔̋̋h̴̼͕̎e̶͚̻̾͊̈́r̴̥̞̟̂̈e̶͉͇͂͘ ̶̙̑̒̔į̸̤͇͠s̴̠͝ͅ ̵̢̺͈͝H̶̱̝̒̇͠o̴̠͌̄̀ḿ̷̨̙̱͛e̴̹̲͝?̶̩͚͉̌́̇!̶͔͐̀͠”̷͔̹͊̀  The Other’s voice wails in the distance…it sounds oddly familiar.

“Amity,” Luz whispers frantically. “This Other is the Wailing Star.” 

“Huh?!”

Heavy footfalls come closer to them. Luz grabs Amity’s hand and pulls her along deeper into the library. “Look,” she continues. “It was attracted to light right? Maybe we can distract it with some glyphs and make a break for it!”

“And let it destroy everything in the library? Look around Luz!”

They stop for a brief moment and Luz pales. Entire bookcases were missing from where, Luz assumed, the Other touched. 

“If we close the book,” Amity continues. “Everything will return back to normal.”

“And if we don’t?”

Amity doesn’t have an answer for that. Which is fair, this whole situation is insane. 

“Ṟ̴͕͎͆̈ȩ̶͉̫͑̀̕s̵̤̥̳̎t̵̻̋̈͑…̶̖̺̊I̵̡͖̻͌̀̇ ̸̲̦̽̿͋ͅw̴̮͎̍͒ą̴͙̿ń̴̖͜t̴̬́̔̍ ̸̦̦͠t̶̹͝ǫ̷̬̋ ̵̤̯͔̃̿͂ŗ̶̦͗ē̶͕s̴̩̩̦͐͝͝t̴͉̕͝͝.̷̨̜̀̈́̉ ”

The Other has found them. It looms menacingly from a distance. Luz bounces on her toes and shakes her hands. “Okay, I distract it, you aim for the book?” She quickly points to the tome making revolutions around the being’s head. Her other hand rummages through the pouch secured to her belt, grabbing multiple light glyphs. 

Amity nods, hands hovering and stance wide. 

“GO!” Luz barks out. She taps multiple glyphs, the parchment shriveling up and numerous balls of light emerge in their wake. 

The Other is immediately enthralled, its face brightening and stars streaking across the lower half of its face, forming a mocking celestial smile. “Ḧ̵͎̘̞́͠o̵͉̹̣̒m̶̹̥̘̅ḛ̴̱̌̇.̴̻̭̖͌”  It croons.

Amity has darted off to the side, Luz can see the trail of abomination goo falling from her hands. Goo gloves, nice.

The only problem with their plan was that the Other was much too tall. Amity only had seconds when it would shift its form to its child-like stature. Small enough for her to grab the book without risking running into the being.

Luz moves behind another shelf, thinking quickly. If they can’t close the book, what else could they do? Her eyes fall to an unlit brazier in its perch. Wait, that's it! She looks for a book along the shelf that wont be missed and opens the cover. Luz digs a pen out of her pouch and begins to write, turning the book in a circle as she does so.

ɛnkɪndl↫↬fɑɪv↫↬bits

The second she completes the chain, the words glow like cinders and Luz closes the book. Amity has fifteen seconds. Peeking around the corner, Luz can still see the Other grasping at the remaining light orbs, each touch turning them into a bright nebula cloud and disappearing. 

She can spot Amity crouching underneath a table waiting for the right moment. 

The Other’s form ripples and contorts as it reaches for the last three orbs. Amity takes the opportunity presented to her and starts running. The Other has shifted into its child form, small finger reaching out to poke the last bit of light.

Amity isn’t going to make it. Luz can see how The Other’s body shifts instantly and starts to elongate at the same moment it turns around, hearing Amity approach. 

The book in Luz’s hand is smoking and her skin prickles at the increasing heat. She slides out of her hiding place and chucks the book at the Other’s head. The book sails through its cranium and slingshots back through, before settling in its new gravitational pull. The smoking book is now a part of its orbit. The action causes the celestial being to pause, giving Amity enough time to retreat, stumbling backwards as she attempts to regain her footing.

FWOOM

The trapped book goes up in flames, lighting fire to the surrounding scrolls and eventually its sourced book. As the fire licks across the open pages, Luz and Amity watch the stars defining its body disappear one by one. 

“F̷̤̝͑i̶̐̔ͅn̴̫̈́̔͝a̶̟͗̏l̴̻̰̀ļ̴̲̦́̃ý̶̢̲ ,” It sighs. “Ī̶̭̼͈ ̶̻͍̎c̴̱̬̏̿a̷̹͝͝ǹ̶͓̭̈́̕ ̴̩̿͜r̸̨̠͚̓̎e̴͖̦͆s̷̨̛̩̓̕͜t̴̲͂…̴͎̉.̷̨̛̮̰͊́ţ̶͎̱͌̚h̵̭̐a̸̯̟͍̅́̕n̶̬͖̚k̴̫̘̂̄…̷̛̫̺͐y̵̨͍͊̌o̵̧͓̖̎̚u̸͇͑͆́.” The brightest of stars on its face dissipate as ashes fall around it. The final page of the Other’s books dissipates into embers and fall to the ground.

Popping and poofs sound out around them as missing books and furniture return to their original places. Luz laughs hysterically and falls to the ground. Thank God this event only happens once in thirty years.

“Luz?” Amity’s worried face appears above her. The beginnings of sunrise peek through one of the windows nearby. “Are you okay?”

She gives the girl a shaky thumbs up. “Never better,” she wheezes out.

The two of them sweep up the ashes, attempting to clean the scene of the crime. They laugh and regale the near death experience as they walk out of the library.

“Man Amity, you were super cool!” Luz exclaims.

“Me?” Amity scoffs. “I nearly got turned into colorful dust! You were the one who tossed the fireball at it!” 

“Hmmm, let's call it a tie. We were both awesome.” Luz grins before a yawn hits her. “Sheesh, we’ve literally been up all night. Are you okay getting home on your own?”

Amity waves her off. “Yeah, I’m good. Thanks for everything again, Luz. I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah!”

They part ways and Luz makes her way back to the Owl House, sore and utterly exhausted. When she walks through the front door, King is swimming in a trunk full of Snails. Eda is sitting on the floor beside the trunk with an adding machine, counting the money. She looks up at the sound of the front door opening and grins.

“Hey squirt! Have fun?”

Luz grunts and drags herself to the couch, flopping face first.

Eda barks out a laugh. “Ha! I’ll take that as a yes! Oh, I remember my first Wailing Star, I nearly died!”

Eda would later realize that Luz didn’t listen to a lick of the story she told, the girl was knocked out as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The Other known as The Wailing Star

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

“Luz, are you sure you want to do this?”

Eda has asked this question for at least the tenth time this morning. Luz can’t blame her, this is a rather spur of the moment decision. 

The two of them stand in front of Hexside School of Magic and Demonics. Luz is genuinely surprised with how close Eda lives to the school. A ten minute fight with Owlbert is about a thirty minute walk. For a lady who hates the system, she’s living rather comfortably close to it.

“Yes Eda, I’m positive! I just want to get some insight on how Willow, Gus, and maybe even Amity learn things!” Luz explains for the eleventh time, throwing her hands up.

Luz hears Eda huff. She looks up at her Mentor to see her rub the palms of her hand over the top of her eyes.

“Okay,” Eda starts. “Kudos to you kid for keeping an open mind. I know I’ve been a bit…radical in my views, but at least you can look underneath the pristine sheet that’s over this place.”

Eda wasn’t wrong about that fact. As they were standing on the school grounds, Luz could see an array of students in uniform, sporting different colors. Each of them reminded her of the banners she saw in the Convention, giving her a hint that these colors were the different classes aligned to a Coven. 

A shiver makes its way through Luz. Preparing kids to commit themselves as young as eight? Yeah, no thanks. But, she at least had to see why this system was so successful. Plus, maybe she can get a glimpse of Eda’s signature within the school. Her mentor did say she was popular or something.

“Yeah,” Luz eventually responds. “Besides, I might not attend this place anyways! I am still banned.” she points to the numerous posters with her face covered in abomination goo plastered on the entry doors of the school.

“Bah, don’t worry about that! Besides, if it's any magic school I want you to go to, it's Hexside. St. Epiderm is too posh and Glandus has their heads up the Emperor's ass.” Eda says.

‘Noted’ , Luz thinks to herself, Hexside is better than these supposed Boiling Isles versions of charter schools.

“Edalyn Clawthorne.”

Luz watches as Eda stiffens like a board at the sharp tone. To Luz, it's a very familiar voice and she can’t help but do the same as she watches a figure descend from the stairs at the entrance.

Principal Hieronymus Bump was old . At least, from what Luz could discern from the bottom half of his face AND his old man hunch. The demon settled on his head still looked pretty cool and creepy to Luz. His gaze upon her and Eda felt like two sets of eyes instead of one. 

“Bumpipoo!” Eda snaps out of her stupor and grins. “Long time no see!”

“I Witnessed your duel with your sister two weeks ago, Edalyn.” 

“Ah, schematics! I have to say you are looking rather spry for your age! How many years until retirement? Two-hundred?”

“Three-hundred.” Bump deadpans. “Titan willing, Hexside and her magic will keep me sane for that much longer. Or at least let me only deal with a Clawthorne once every fifty years.” He peers at Luz. “I assume this young lady will be that Clawthorne. I’m impressed Edalyn, not even enrolled and this witchling has already been banned from the premises.”

Eda coughs awkwardly and a red hue dusts her cheeks and tips of her ears. “Well, ah, she's only learned from the best!”

“I’m sure.” Bump states dryly.

“Look, give her another chance, yeah? Can we at least talk it out in your office?” Eda places a gentle hand on Luz’s shoulder. Luz herself looks up at the principal with a shy grin.

Bump hums in thought and turns around to walk back into the school, the demon on his head flicking its tail in a gesture to follow.

The halls hadn’t changed much since the last time Luz had been in here. It’s still early, so they’re students milling around their lockers and ceaseless chatter about homework, outings and the like.

Principal Bumps office was…welcoming? It was bare bones really, Luz was expecting giant skulls all over the place or something. It was nice though. Bump summoned another chair to place in front of his desk and motioned for the two to sit down.

Luz takes the offer, a bit nervous with Bump's stern presence. Eda stays standing, now in an atmosphere of privacy, her nonchalant demeanor is dialed back and her eyes are sharp.

Bump stands behind his desk, arms folded in front of him, brow raised. “I thought I would never see The Owl Lady set foot on these grounds ever again.”

“Yeah, well my priorities have changed.” Eda responds and nods her head at Luz. “My Apprentice wants a change of pace. Some experience in the Coven side of things. She wants to see how things work under the system.”

The air is charged between the two adults and Luz shifts uncomfortably in her seat. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

“Mentor, you are distressed.” Luz says in Old Tongue.

Eda has a strong grip on the top of her chair, Luz can see claw marks indented in the wood. Eda relaxes her grip and her shoulders slump as she attempts to breath out any remaining tension. Her mentor gives Luz a reassuring smile and shakes her head.

“Forgive me Apprentice, I forget myself.” Eda replies.

“You are teaching the child The Old Ways?” Bump's voice cuts through, both Eda’s and Luz’s attention snaps back to the Principal. Luz’s in shock and Eda’s in scrutiny.

“Yes.” Eda replies. “They are important, vital to teaching magic within. You should know this well, Blinding Shield .”

Blinding Shield, that must be Principal Bump’s Remembered name. The way Eda hisses it out scathingly makes Luz wonder what stories this old man carries.

Bump seems to age over sixty years after Eda’s statement. He finally sits down in his chair and sighs.

“Eda, we’ve discussed this numerous times-” he starts.

“You are part of this corrupt system Hieronymus, and yet do nothing to stop it!” Eda snaps. 

“You don’t think I’ve tried?!” Bump’s fist slams down on his desk. “I have done everything in my power to keep these children as free as I am able! I can protect them as long as they walk these halls, but once outside of them it’s a free for all!”

“It would help if you had some competent teachers-”

“Why do you think I tried to hire you-”

“Competent teachers that aren't ME.”

“You are being ridiculous!”

"Titan Forget you Blinding Shield! ” Eda curses. “It’s been THIRTY years since I’ve left here and you are still participating in this-!”

“ENOUGH!” Bump yells. His magic pulses and for a brief moment Luz can feel the office shake at such a display of power. 

Eda goes silent, tight-lipped. Bump’s own breaths come out ragged as his eyes are squeezed shut. 

“You don’t think I know what happens to my own students? I have outlived at least a third of all the recent graduating classes. There are only ten children in this year's kinder class, Edalyn! Ten! You don’t think I see what is happening?! You forget yourself, child !” Bump’s voice rises in crescendo, but Eda stands tall, chin raised as she is attacked with harsh words from the man. 

“The least I can do here is try .” Bump stresses as he closes his eyes and frowns. “As long as I keep to the Emperor’s rule, my own power here can protect every innocent that passes through these halls.”

There is a somber pause after this statement. Luz feels terrible for Principal Bump. Being stuck in a position where his passive inaction does more harm than good in the inevitable end. Seeing the students that he wishes to protect, ultimately end up in a system that he himself doesn’t agree with but forced to conform.

“You will keep my Apprentice safe.” Eda wearily sighs. “If any of the Emperor’s lackeys come through here, I will know about it OR she will not be present in whatever propagandist nonsense they emit from their pie holes.”

Luz watches as Bump nods at the request and places his right hand over his heart. “The school already protects the children, I am its guardian if she can’t defend herself or them any longer. Luz, will be protected here. If any blood is spilt through malicious means, you have the right to take upon retribution as Mentor.” he intones. 

“Good.” Eda grunts. “Now, ain’t there paperwork I have to sign or something?” She moves to finally sit in her own chair.

Bump groans. “Unfortunately.” He snaps his fingers and a stack of papers as tall as King thud onto the desk. The Principal’s eyes peer over the small tower to look at Luz. “This might take a while, how would you like a proper tour of the school? Hm? You know Willow Park and Augustus Porter, yes?”

Luz nods at him with a grin. It would be great to see some friendly faces right now. “Yeah! Will their teachers mind?” 

Bump shakes his head. “No, no. We have a few students from the other schools come by and shadow from time to time. They’ll know the deal. I’ll have you with Ms. Park this morning and Mr. Porter for this afternoon. Does that sound alright to you?”

Luz looks at Eda, she gives her a thumbs up. “Go on kid,” she says. “Knowing Bumpkins, I’ll probably will have to exorcize the girls locker room while I’m here.”

“That and a lot more Edalyn.”

“Yeah, yeah!” Eda scoffs.

Principal Bump calls for Willow to arrive at his office. When the girl enters, Luz can tell she’s nervous at the unexpected summoning. Her expression changes to surprise once she spots Luz and Eda in the room.

“Willow, hey!” Luz hops out of her chair and strides over to her to give her a hug.

“Luz?” Willow’s tone holds genuine surprise as she returns the hug. Her embrace is strong and comforting, like a buoyant anchor that’ll keep Luz afloat. “I thought you were banned! What’s going on?”

They pull back and Luz points behind her. “I wanted to try my hand at Hexside for a few classes! I convinced Eda to let me enroll.” she grins.

Willow raises a brow and purses her lips. “Really? Huh.”

Principal Bump speaks up behind them. “Ms. Park, I have already informed your teacher that Luz here will be attending your morning class with you today. Think you two can refrain from giving Professor Swifthoof a stroke, unlike Professor Homunculus?”

Luz laughs sheepishly and Willow’s cheeks contain a faint blush of embarrassment. 

“Yes sir! Come on Luz! Bye Ms. Eda!” Willow grabs one of Luz’s hands and drags her off the office and through the halls.

“Oh you’re gonna love it Luz! Professor Swifthoof is amazing! He’s super nice!” 

Luz laughs as she’s dragged along. Willow’s excitement is contagious. She doesn’t know much about Plant magic, but from what Luz has seen from Willow, it's pretty dang powerful! They arrive in a different hallway that seems to be placed in the back of the school. Luz’s eyes widened at the sight.

This hallway is definitely dedicated to the Plant Track. Vines and different foliage creep along the length of the hall, creating a colorful array. As soon as she and Willow stepped into this new section of the school, Luz can feel her hair frizz up from the humidity. Strange floral scents grace her sense of smell. Luz looks up, along the ceiling is a continuous skylight, letting the sunlight in to cover the various plant life.

Both her and Willow are still walking, at a slower pace now. Luz looks through the doors that lead to different rooms.

Each classroom is a greenhouse, Luz can see the glass gardens with different types of plants from the doorways.

This is so fricken cool!

Willow sees Luz’s head making circles as she takes in everything she sees. Her friend nudges her on the shoulder. 

“Cool right? Each track has their own specialty hallway where we convene for homeroom and class! We’re in the dark room today! My class is about fluorescent and nocturnal plantlife this morning.”

They enter the last classroom on the right. 

The room is definitely living up to its name. It’s dark .

But somehow she can see perfectly. It's in muted colors, sure, but Luz is able to see tables with small lanterns on top of them, and other students sitting down. She blinks and rubs her eyes a few times just to make sure this isn’t some trick or her eyes still adjusting.

Nope, she can still see.

“Luz?”

Willow calls her name and she turns to face her. The small amount of light from the hallway hits Willow’s eyes just right. The reflective glow her eyes give off remind Luz of a cat. Okay, awesome, another Witch fact Luz files in the back of her mind. 

“You okay? Can you not see?” Willow asks. She can feel Willow’s hand grasp her upper arm gently, getting ready to guide her. “We’ll turn on our lanterns once class starts, you need help getting to the table?”

Luz is still blinking rapidly, in a bit of a stupor. She just hums in confirmation and lets Willow guide her to their table. 

“Alright,” A kind voice seems to emerge from nowhere. “Everyone here? Good.” A snap is heard, the window on the hallway door letting little light in, becomes tinted and the lanterns on the tables flare to life, giving a comforting glow.

At the front of the classroom stands a minotaur. With the little luminescence they have, Luz can make out black fur covering his hulking form. Glints of light come from his head, a giant golden nose ring swings slightly with each exhale from his nose. Dark horns curve around the front of his forehead, the left holding a dangling feather and another thick gold band. He wears green trousers stained with soil. The leather harness secured around his torso carries numerous small pouches, vines wrap around the leather straps. Luz swears she can see a flower growing out of one of the pouches. 

There is a lull in conversation as red eyes scan the room and fall on Luz and Willow’s table.

“Ah,” he speaks. “It seems we have a potential new student in our ranks.” All eyes are suddenly upon them and Luz wants nothing more than to pull up the hood of her Apprentice cloak she’s wearing and disappear. Instead, she puts on a brave face.

“Uh, hi?”

The minotaur chuckles softly and waves back. “Greetings witchling, I see you are seated with Willow, you’re in good hands!” He winks at them and Luz feels herself relax slightly. “I’m Professor Takashin Swifthoof. I wish you good fortune in whatever track you choose, hopefully this class will leave a good impression on you.”

Luz gives Professor Swifthoof a smile. Willow was right! He does seem pretty cool!

“Now,” the professor addressed the rest of the class. “The last time we were here, we studied the cycle of the Dead Goldenglow. A plant native to Latissa.” he places a bulbous mound on top of his table. It pulses in a steady rhythm, and glows a dim sickly yellow. A knife is summoned in his hand and he points to the plant. “Who can tell me this plant's properties once fully mature?”

Willow’s hand shoots up quickly and Luz glances at her friend. She is self-assured, confidence exuding from her. 

Swifthoof’s eyes scan the room, he points at Willow with his knife. “Willow, enlighten us will you?” he says cheekily.

Luz snorts, this teacher has puns too! She likes him already.

Willow also got the joke as she giggles softly before answering. “Dead Goldenglow can be used as an accelerant. Its pus, consumed in raw form, can give you a small boost in magic by increasing your bile-sac rhythm. Potioneers are able to brew and mold it into a pill, and it's used in emergency kits the scouts carry in the Emperor's Coven.” Willow waves her hand at the brown leaves surrounding the circumference of the bulb. “Its leaves can also be used as a coagulant, stopping bleeding from most open wounds if a Healer isn’t available.”

Spot on! Luz grins at Willow, she’ll have to tell her that there’s also one more property that's not looked upon highly for this ‘healing plant’. There's a reason the word ‘ Dead ’ is in the name and it's not because of the leaves.

“Very good Ms. Park! Most people don’t mention the leaves. It's a quick-fix and I always carry a few rolled up in my pouch. Never know when disaster might strike!”

“Professor T, you sound like a Healer!” A student groans.

“Ha!” He laughs and steps around his table, hooves making a solid sound against the dirt floor. “Tell me Mx. Sanguine, what defines the Plant Coven?”

“Raw strength?” They question.

“No ya gonk! It's our adaptability!”

“Nah, definitely our ingenuity!”

Luz’s head whips around the dimly lit room as suggestions and possible answers spread like wildfire. 

Professor Swifthoof simply leans back against his table, watching the students with a small smile.

“All of your answers are right.” he eventually says. “In fact, each of your answers can be applied to the other tracks!” He snaps his fingers and points to the student who started the discussion. “When one thinks of strength, most would immediately apply that to the Construction Coven, no? But we’ve all seen Ms. Park’s aptitude and raw power with her plants, would you say she’s weak?”

The student named Sanguine grunts out a “No”.

The minotaur continues. “Beast-Keeping also applies to adaptability and in some aspects, intertwines with Plant magic more than one thinks! The plants and animals adapt to the turn of the seasons. Many different floral and fauna live off each other in symbiotic relationships! If you think about it, we ourselves live a symbiotic existence with the Titan himself!”

Oh yeah, Luz REALLY likes Professor Swifthoof. He seems down to earth! Everything he’s explaining is the basics that Eda had taught her. Everything is connected, no matter how much you try to separate different sects of magic, one will always bleed into another in some shape or form.

“Finally,” Swifthoof pauses for dramatic effect, leaning forward and hands splayed out. His tail flicks back and forth, his gaze looks to each student capturing their attention. “Ingenuity. The Potioneer’s carry that on their chests with pride! Every new hair growth potion, acne cleanser, or youth potion you see in the stalls was created by a Witch with ingenuity! We have that too! Quick, Ms. Rathmore!”

The called out student at the table next to the left of Luz squeaks. “Y-yes Professor?”

“I am on the Knee in the middle of a raging blizzard with no plant life in sight. What can you, as a Plant Witch, do in this instance?”

The witch hums deeply in thought, brow furrowing. “I would use the packed snow and ice to form a Chilling Bite. My magic is used as the substitute energy in place of sunlight. With the snow all around me, the water would cause the ice vines to grow from a single icicle and I could form a temporary shelter.”

Professor Swifthoof claps his hands and laughs. “That folks, is ingenuity! Now let's get back on track! Each table gets one Goldenglow bulb! Today I’m going to show you how to properly remove its pus and save the leaves!”

Luz enters the cafeteria with Willow, absolutely starving, but excited about the class she just finished with her friend.

“Aw man, you were right Willow! Professor Swifthoof is so cool! He sure knows his stuff!”

Willow’s uniform carries spots of soil, her hands have neon yellow stains from the Goldenglow pus. It was hard to wash out, even after the third time washing their hands. Willow herself seemed to carry a glow similar to the recent plant they just studied. She was practically vibrating as she grabbed a tray for herself and Luz, laughing breathlessly.

“I told you! He’s amazing! Professor T has taught us so much, stuff you can’t find in books even! Some of the other Professors don’t like him because he ignores the curriculum, but no student has failed under him yet!” 

They find an empty table and settle themselves in. Willow slides Luz’s tray over to her and she nods in thanks.

Willow truly is adept at her craft. In the classroom, she answered almost every question and then some. When it was time to harvest the Dead Goldenglow bulbs in the dimly-lit greenhouse, black-lit looking vines and bioluminescent flowers reached out to the bespectacled witch as she and Luz walked through the rows to reach the Goldenglow. 

Willow was in her peak environment, and it makes Luz wonder. Why the Abomination track? Was it because of her parents? Amity? 

Luz feels queasy at the thought of Willow forever being locked to only performing Abomination magic. Never being able to tend to her plants with her own magic again. 

Heh, maybe trespassing the school to make new friends and state her curiosity did some good. No wonder Eda was so proud.

“Hey guys…”

Luz looks up from her musings to see a rather miffed Agustus. 

His brow was furrowed and a frown plastered his face. He moved to take a seat next to Willow, placing his lunch bag on top of the table.

Willow nudges Gus’ shoulder with her own. “Gus, what’s wrong? Did Galvan say something again?” She asks.

Luz sees Gus shake his head and growls softly in frustration. “No, even worse!” He makes a small circle creating a small illusion of some bowl-cut kid blowing raspberries at them. It dances around the table like a bug.

“This new kid, Mattholomule,” Gus hisses the kids name. “Has the audacity to call my human collectibles fake! ME! The president of the Human Appreciation Society!” Gus gestures to himself, animated and talking with his hands now that he can share his troubles with his friends. 

He groans and places his head in his hands, Luz watches as his fingertips rub back and forth over the shaved sides of his fade. 

“Well, former president now.” he grumbles.

Willow gasps. “What?! Gus, you've been president of the club for two years!”

“That’s what I’m saying!” Gus throws up his hands. “This dude just comes in and swoops away all the hard work I’ve done! And my fellow appreciators! No loyalty I tell you!” 

The tiny live image of Mattholomule is now cackling and pointing at Gus.

“Shut it!” Gus growls and curls his hand in like he’s snatching air, the illusion disappears in a blue cloud. He sighs and rubs his forehead. “Sorry to be a grumpy pants guys, it’s just so frustrating!”

Luz feels a laugh rise out of her and Willow and Gus stare at her like she’s grown two heads.

“Gus!” Luz giggles. “You forgot about your trump card!”

“My what now?”

Luz raises her hands and points to her ears. “Uh, hello? Resident human present? I could come with you to your club meeting and verify your objects for you!”

Gus barks out a laugh of his own. “Titan, Luz! You’re right! Oh I can’t wait to rub it in Mattholomule’s face! I have a human friend in the flesh!”

Gus starts muttering elaborate reveal plans under his breath as he starts to eat his own lunch with vigor. Luz catches Willow’s eyes, Willow looks back with a knowing grin and a raised brow, as if to say ‘Now you’ve done it, you broke Gus.’

“Gus,” Willow starts. “You and Luz can figure out how to blow the club’s mind after class. You know you have Luz with you for the last half right?”

The youngest Witch blinks in realization. “I do?” Gray eyes brighten in excitement “Sweet! I have Advanced Application Theory this afternoon, Luz. It can be a bit disorienting, but Professor Liraz breaks it down as best as they can!”

Ooo, that class sounds fancy! Luz grins and claps her hands. “Oh, is this class in the Illusion part of the school? Is it just as cool as Willow’s class?”

Gus crosses his arms and nods with a rueful smirk. “I’d say it’s even better than Willow’s in my personal opinion.” He teases their friend. Willow scoffs and rolls her eyes playfully.

“You’ll have to make that deduction for yourself Luz.” Willow said. “Each hall is different and unique! Keep an open mind!”

Keep an open mind alright.

The hallway Gus had led the both of them down after lunch was disorienting to say the least.

Luz watched, mouth agape, as Illusion students would disappear behind brick walls, sink into the floor like they were walking down steps, and the environment itself change and twist every other 5 minutes. From shifting lockers and new hallways leading to nowhere, Luz was at a loss.

Unlike the Plant Track hall, where sunlight and humid warmth reigned, the Illusion hall made her feel fuzzy. It was like she had a constant static charge from rubbing her socks on the carpet.

There was also a mirage like haze that covered the length of the hallway, the farther you looked down, the worse it got.

“Gus, I am so confused right now.” Luz admits.

She hears Gus hum in amusement beside her. “Luckily this is my last Illusion base class of the day before we go back to General Studies! So I won’t overwhelm you too much!”

“Uh…Thank you?”  Luz replies.

Gus laughs and grabs her hand. “Illusions are much more than smoke and mirrors! A Lot of people can overlook us! Most Illusionists today go into entertainment. Make movies and famous playwrights. There’s much more to it though!”

He leads her down the hall, passing a group of lockers, he points at one. “Sometimes, Illusions can be as obvious as a rampaging Griffin.” 

Luz looks to where her friend is pointing. All other lockers beside this one were identical, a steady row of closed eyes attached to the demonic storage, all closed except one. The lone locker had its eye open looking left and right nervously. At least what Luz thinks is nervous for a locker.

A student younger than Gus, elementary school aged, walked up and waved. The child was giggling all the while as they pointed. “I see you!” They exclaimed.

The locker peered down at the child and its mouth gave way to a large grin. It opens its mouth wide to reveal an Illusion classroom set up for younger students.

“Izabell! Well done!” Luz hears a teacher say from the inside. The little witch steps inside with a skip in her gait. The locker promptly closes its mouth behind her and Luz watches in fascination as it becomes as still as the others.

To her and Gus’ right another locker suddenly comes to life. Eye scanning back and forth widely. 

“The lower the grade, the easier it is to spot abnormalities.” Gus explains. He leads her further down. Gus is focused, his grip on her hand is tight, making sure they don’t let go of eachother. His eyes are alert, not distracted by the other students like Luz is. 

Luz watches as Gus’ left ear flicks, he snaps his head to the left. “Ah, here we are!”  he says. Luz turns her head as well to try and discern what Gus sees.

Well, it's certainly a nicely painted wall. 

Gus, with a beaming smile on his face, lets go of Luz’s hand and walks backward to the wall. He winks as he phases through.

Okay yeah, magic school is pretty impressive, she has to admit. 

Before she could take her own hesitant steps to follow behind Gus. The bell rings, well screams actually. 

The static feeling in the hall fades and Luz feels like she has a sudden case of vertigo as the environment of the corridor shifts and changes once more.

A wall is no longer in front of her, instead it's the basic doorway to a classroom. Luz steps back and looks up and down the hall. All the students previously walking throughout the hallway are gone, settled in their classrooms. There are a few stragglers, walking briskly or running to their class.

“Luz come on!”

Gus is waving her inside from the doorway. She steps inside to see a surprisingly normal looking classroom. Although, there is a copious amount of mirrors along the walls.

They find a free table and get themselves settled. Gus has taken out a notebook, scrap paper and pencils. He hands Luz some of his supplies just in case she wanted to take notes of her own.

“So what's this class about?” Luz asks. She’s idly doodling on the corner of her piece of paper. “Am I gonna see some cool Illusion spells?”

“Eh,” Gus waves his hand in a so-so motion. “Application Theory is more writing ideas or problems down on how to improve Illusion themselves. Professor Liraz is super technical!” He points to the teacher writing on the board.

They’re writing some sort of mathematical equation to Luz’s surprise. This Witch is tall, if Luz would have to guess, they’d probably stand a couple inches over Eda. They wear a standard teachers robe. Their head was shaved, in place of hair was an intricate tattoo. Artistic depictions of cogs and gears that actually moved in a rhythmic sequence brought attention to any uninitiated passerby. They turn around and survey  their students with keen lavender eyes.

Oh, she definitely wants a magic tattoo when she’s older. No ifs ands or buts.

“Students! Good Afternoon.” Professor Liraz says, their voice is soft, carrying a calmness that reminds Luz nothing at all from her previous teachers back on Earth. “I hope you’ve been studying! We’re going over the Deathagorean Theorem and how it can help you apply more geometrically accurate architectures when creating environmental Illusions.” 

Luz is already lost while Gus is writing notes furiously in his notebook.

For the next forty minutes or so, Luz watches as the single equation on the board grows exponentially. Professor Liraz takes their time. Answer any questions their students have and make sure to pause every time they write down a new line of notes. 

When class is over, Luz's head is spinning as Gus packs his bags. Talking excitedly to Luz about the lesson.

“I would've never thought to apply the Theorem to urban buildings! It's genius! It would take more time for you to cast. Splitting the psychological effects with the accuracy of the environment is rather advanced.”

A quiet chuckle interrupts Gus’ rambling. Luz and Gus look up to see Professor Liraz standing in front of their table. “I’m glad you enjoyed today’s lesson, Agustus. You’re always thinking two steps ahead. Practical application of this equation won’t start until next month.”

“Awww, that’s too long of a wait! I want to try it now!”

“Patience is a virtue Mr. Porter.” Their eyes fall on Luz and they hold up a packet. “I heard of our potential new Hexside student through the vine. I have worksheets here for you that can help you catch up, if Illusion magic is the path you choose.”

Luz takes the papers from Professor Liraz’s hands and smiles. “Thank you! It all seems very interesting. Gus soaks it up like a sponge.” She looks at her friend. Gus is grinning sheepishly and shrugs.

“Stuff like this comes naturally to me.”

Liraz gives Gus an appraising look. “I’m sure it does.” They muse. “Now you two run along now. The day is almost over.”

“Yes Professor!” Gus replies. “Come one Luz! We gotta get ready for the H.A.S meeting!”

General Studies turned out to be pretty normal stuff. History, basic algebra, and what Luz would assume the Boiling Isles equivalent for English class would be.

Luz assumes that Eda is still filing paperwork when classes end. Her Mentor hasn’t come and tried to find her yet with Principle Bump. Gus is ecstatic as he plots Mattholomule’s egotistical downfall. 

“Luz! You should put up your hood to hide your ears! We can give the club a real surprise!” Gus points to her cloak.

She laughs and obliges her friend, giving him a wink. “I like your style Gus! Oh I can’t wait to see the look on these guys' faces!”

They arrive at a normal looking classroom. Three of the club members are already seated. Matt is at the front, waving around a crudely painted rock painted like a phone. 

“This is a fone. It’s how humans summon their dark lord to answer inquiries for them!” Matt says smugly.

Luz snickers, he’s half right.

Matt notices their presence and gives Gus a dazzling smile. “Gus! How lovely for you to finally join us! I was just showing our fellow appreciators real human curios!”

Gus scrunches his face and presses his lips into a thin line. Matt’s gaze turns to Luz. “Oh who’s this? A new member? One more person in your favor isn’t gonna help you get a majority vote, Agustus.”

Okay yeah, this guy is a massive jerk. Luz crosses her arms and glares at the boy.

“Jokes on you Mattholomule!” Gus points at him. “This is one of my best friends! Everyone, meet Luz the Human!”

“What?”

“A real human?!”

Matt scoffs and walks up to them. “Yeah right,” he walks around Luz. “Like you could get an actual human here in the flesh.” 

Luz’s hands reach up to pull her hood down. She grasps the edge of her ear and tugs gently, looking Matt in the eye. “Wanna bet?” She says.

Matt stumbles back in shock and starts stuttering. “W-well, I-I!”

Gus approaches the table of fake human items, gesturing at them. “I brought Luz here so she can verify these supposedly human objects.” He looks smug as he raises a questioning brow at Matt. “Will that be a problem?”

Mattholomule’s ears are pinned against his head and grinding his teeth. “No,” he grits out. 

Luz waves to the other members who are staring at her in awe. She surveys the fake human objects and is mildly impressed. Matt had to have seen human objects somewhere to get even a little bit of accurate representation. He’s already been knocked down a few pegs, no need to put him down any further.

“I have to admit, these are pretty good fakes! You got some things right when creating them.” Luz looks at Matt to see him turning red out of embarrassment. “But why lie? From what Gus has told me you’re trying to kick him out of his club!”

Mattholomule flares his nose as he vents a harsh breath. “At my old school, it was all about the strong versus the weak. I saw Agustus as the weak link and decided to act accordingly! Plus, I wanted drama.”

Gus releases a strangled noise of confusion from beside her. “Dude, your old school sounds mean! We don’t do that kind of stuff here! We’re all somebody, each of us have individual talents that make us special, not weak!” He waves his hands around the classroom. “That’s why I made the H.A.S the way it is! No one gets left behind here.”

“Bleh,” Matt fake gags at the end of Gus’ speech. “Yeah, that sounds lame! I want tension! Animosity! And I’ve decided that you’re going to be my rival Agustus. You better watch your back!”

Matt gathers up his fake items and blows a raspberry at them. “I’ll be back! You’ll rue the day Agustus!” He turns to talk out the door, only to run face first into The Owl Lady.

“Woah! Careful kid!” She exclaims and helps Matt stabilize himself. 

Principle Bump is standing behind Eda, looking rather proud of himself. Luz can spot band-aids covering her Mentor’s hands and what suspiciously looks like bright graffiti paint on her pale skin.

“Oh! Hi Principle Bump! Hi Miss Eda!” Gus waves at the two adults.

“Heya Goops!” Eda looks around the classroom. “Heh, starting a business to rival my own hm? How much are you selling this stuff for?”

Gus Squawks in indignation and shakes his head. “These aren’t for sale! They’re rare human collectibles!”

Luz eyes the paperclip on the table and stifles a laugh.

Eda also seems amused as she raises a brow. “Hm, next time I’m selling at the market, stop by my stall. I’m sure I could give you a few more rare items on hand.”

“Really? Yes!” Gus pumps his fist.

“Luz,” Eda addressed her with a wry grin. “You’re lucky I like you kid! Guess who’s starting Hexside next semester!”

Luz jumps up and down, squealing in exuberance. “Seriously? Oh Eda, thank you!” 

“Uh-huh, do you know how hard it was to not let Bumpikins convince me to sign a consent form for the detention demon?” She points a thumb behind her.

Principle bump inclines his head and folds his hands in his robe. “It’s a successful tactic to keep troublesome students in line.” He says petulantly.

“By the Titan, you sound like Principle Faust.” Eda snarks.

Principle Bump seems to pale rapidly at the name and chokes. “We do not speak of that man!” An arm comes out of a sleeve and points an accusing finger at Eda. “Don’t ever compare me to that tyrant!”

“Hey, monkey see, monkey do Bumpipoo!”

“Edalyn!”

Luz tunes out the encroaching argument between the two adults and grins at Gus. Magic school! She gets to see more of her friends and all the different types of magic! And maybe, just maybe, she can convince her friends to branch out and teach them some Wild magic while she’s at it!

This is going to be fun!

Chapter Text

Yi-Yi has lived thousands of years and she has seen many things.

She remembers when magic was free and unbound, happiness and life came in troves of abundance. There was never a better feeling to be so closely connected to the Titan.

Her soul aches as she vaguely remembers her first bond.

Crafted from one of the largest Palistrom Tree in her time. Legends say that the tree she was carved from reached the stars, a potential bridge between the Titan below and the Others above.

Time moves on and memories fade, but her purpose stays.

She will protect the broken and discarded.

It only started with a few lost Palisman. A Witch or Demon grows old and passes on, if their familiar couldn’t find a new soul to bond with they would come here. Safe and waiting. Hundreds of years ago Witches of old would pass through her woods, seeking a Palisman, if one did not have the skill to carve one, or the luck of finding a Druid with the honored title of a Spiritmender to make one for them.

It was a generous and kind system, one that worked.

Until the lost Palisman started to arrive broken.

Cracks cut across the grain, missing parts, and leaking souls.

YI-Yi did not like it, not one bit.

Witches came to her woods less and less over the next century. Yi-Yi could not blame them, she had become more protective of the charges in her care.

The stories the Palismen told became more horrifying with each passing year. Witches willingly rid themselves of their connection to the Titan. Sealing themselves to become not even half of what they once were. Some even die much too young. 

Then the Palistrom wood became much too scarce. The Druids had all but disappeared and the self-proclaimed guardians of the TItan’s body were nowhere to be seen to guard the groves. Witches clad in white with vulture masks swept through every grove and chopped down each tree. From the ancient to the sapling, barely any Palistrom Tree was spared.

Yi-Yi is informed that members of this new Plant Coven have kept some sanctuaries for the few Palistrom Trees that still live. It gives Yi-Yi a sliver of hope that things can get better.

Her woods are filled with the lost and broken now more than ever. The few Witches that dared to cross her territory have earned their right to do so. Their minds have not been twisted or warped by The False King. The Wild Witches remember what was right.

Eda is one of those Witches.

The woman was stubborn, conniving, but wickedly smart. Yi-Yi supposes she can blame Eda’s Mentor for that. She only learned from the best. Her mentor taught her well, Edalyn Clawthorne was powerful. Many from the Clawthorne lineage were, keeping to their wild roots assured them of this.

Eda was one of the few allowed into her woods. Her father was another, but it had been many years since he last visited. Perhaps she could ask Eda about him next time.

A nudge impacted her leg, she looked down to see one of her babies seeking attention.

“Mamane! ” They cry.

Yi-Yi croons and picks them up with one arm. She had become lost in her thoughts again. 

“Chirp! ”

A small weight settled on top of her head, she looked up. A red beak and one eye peers down back at her.

“Ah, Flapjack!” Yi-Yi exclaims, her face settles into a frown, he’s returned much too soon. “I thought you were still searching for other Lost Ones, such as yourself. You’ve returned early.”

Another chirp emits from the cardinal and a series of images enter Yi-Yi’s mind. 

A castle, new Coven acolytes lines in formation, Palisman handed over to a scout with a golden mask. Hm, interesting.

“Did you follow? ” she asks Flapjack. 

He shakes his head no and gives her a sad trill. 

“Worry not,” Yi-Yi comforts him. “They will find their way here soon enough once the misguided throw them out like trash.” she sighs. 

Flapjack chirps once more and nuzzles himself into Yi-Yi’s hair before he flies off into the trees to join his fellow Palisman.

The rest of the evening is a rather calm affair, until Owlbert finds his way into her abode.

"Hoot!"

Yi-Yi blinks and raises her arm so Owlbert can perch himself upon it. Hot white anger flows through her as she sees a generous crack work its way around the little owl’s head.

“Who did this to you, Owlbert? Was it Eda?!”

The older woman would never! But if she had…

Owlbert quickly hoots and shakes his head. He connects with Yi-Yi projecting rushing images in her mind to explain.

Eda with her children at the park. Home. Owlbert sleeping and being awoken from Eda’s Apprentice. Being used by Eda’s eldest without explicit permission. Loss of control, fear, uncertainty, and pain! 

Oh my, this will not do. This child does not realize the grievance she’s caused. A lesson will be needed.

She hears the calls of Owlbert’s name from the child and senses two other witchlings tagging along. Their magic was not yet capped, still a small pool waiting to become an ocean. The trio emerges into the clearing of her home, panting and covered in scratches from the bramble.

The witchling blessed with the gift of nature is strong. Her magic unconsciously seeps into the ground beneath them, connecting her to root systems ready to aid at her beck and call. 

The young boy’s magic covers him like a protective shroud, it shifts and warps as if to disguise him. Every so often, it reaches out to his friends, caressing their aura every so gently, as if it was checking to be sure that they were real. Hm, a powerful Illusionist is within their midst, wait. Ah, there was an inkling of something else there, small concentrations of magic centers around his forehead, in between his eyes. Interesting.

Eda’s child, a human, did not carry an aura like her companions, but he could sense something . It was very faint and familiar. There was the protective magic that surrounded Luz, this was from her Mentor and the cloak surrounding her frame. Underneath it all was something small. So insignificant that if Yi-Yi was not as observant it would be missed entirely. 

This was very interesting. She would have to talk to Eda later.

Luz’s friends yelp and take a step back when Yi-Yi reveals herself. She jumps down from the branch she was perched in, arms raised and wings flared.

Luz, stands her ground. Eyes lighting up at recognition as Yi-Yi announces herself.

“Madam Yi-Yi! This one is sorry to intrude. I am looking for Owlbert! ” Luz greets her with somewhat broken Old Tongue, she’s still learning, but Yi-Yi can’t help being impressed at the attempt. Her eyes look expectantly to her friends. Luz blinks and mouth forms into an ‘o’ as she remembers proper introductions.

“Apologies!” Luz exclaims and gives a quick bow of her head. “These are my companions.” She waves her hand to the bespectacled girl. “Willow is her Given name. Other friend was Given Agustus.”

She can see Luz’s companions tilt their heads in confusion, they do not understand. Hm.

Owlbert hoots from her shoulder, revealing himself as he peeks out of her hair. He projects more images.

Eda officially accepts Luz as her Apprentice, laughter, proud looks of accomplishments. He cares for this child and Yi-Yi understands his message. ‘Do not hurt her.’

This Palisman has no need to worry, lessons will be shared with these children and they will become better Witches because of it.

“Luz,” Yi-Yi says in Common, for the sake of the human’s friends. “You have entered into my woods without your Mentor present. Searching for Owlbert, whom you have harmed with your carelessness.” Her eyes narrow, voice stern. She must let the children know she is not happy.

Luz stammers out an apology to her and pleads to Owlbert that she didn’t mean for any of her actions to hurt him. Yi-Yi grunts as Owlbert trills sadly.

“Child, has Eda explained what Palisman are to you?” Yi-Yi asks.

The human hesitantly nods, wringing her hands together as she nervously answers. “Yes…Eda says that she and Owlbert are bonded for life, and she carved him herself from an ancient tree.”

Hm, not much then, and judging by the looks on her friends faces, they were not well educated either.

“You are right, but there is more.” She holds up her hand and Owlbert nestles in her palm. “Palisman are carved from great Plaistrom Trees. They are one of the last gifts from the Titan, Palistrom Wood is sacred,” she gives a pointed look and gestures to the crack on Owlbert. Luz winces and shuffles her feet, looking down on the ground.

“The Owl Lady carved Owlbert, as her hands worked, her magic weaved and her soul became Owlbert’s soul. She is his and He is hers. ”

The children's eyes are wide, Luz has paled as she soaks in the knowledge Yi-Yi has bestowed upon them.

“Owlbert had allowed you to wield him because he trusted you witchling.” Yi-Yi nods at Owlbert. “You have broken that trust, and thus you must rebuild it.”

“I’ll do anything! I love Owlbert dearly! I shouldn’t have ever hurt him like that, I was selfish.” Luz is forlorn, and her eyes are welled with unshed tears. A shuddering breath makes its way through her as another inquiry is passed through her lips. “C-can he be fixed?”

Yi-Yi hums and nods, assuring the child. “Yes, but Eda should be the one who can heal him, not I.” She raises a brow. “She will know what has transpired. Better to learn this lesson from me now, than when you all are older. I have no such leniency with grown Witches.”

She points to a large fallen log. “Your friends shall sit there, while you go through your trials.”

“Trials?!”

Yi-Yi nods. “Yes child, trials. You must take responsibility.”

Willow speaks up. “Miss Bat Queen, ma’am! That’s unfair! Your trials are known to be impossible to complete!”

The child is not wrong, for those who wish to be seen as worthy to grace these woods, one must pass the trials she gives. They are not unfair, most of the time, but they are challenging and serve a purpose.

“Worry not witchling.” She soothes Luz’s friend. “I will not be so harsh with her. These trials serve as lessons. Do you understand Luz?”

Luz nods “I-I understand!” She states.

Ah, conviction. This is what Yi-Yi likes to see. She Leads Luz over to the center of the clearing, she flares her wings and gestures wildly. “These trials will not be easy, child. Are you ready?”

Luz, gripping the staff in her hand nods. Eyes hard and ready to face whatever Yi-Yi throws at her.

“First trial involves gentle hands.” Yi-Yi emits a high pitched whistle. Chittering emerges from the deep bramble and a spider-demon reveals itself. “You must milk the spider-demon and fill the bucket.” She points to said container being carried within the demon’s mandibles.

She watches as Luz gulps nervously looking back and forth between the udders of the spider-demon and the bucket.

Luz takes one glance at Owlbert, who’s looking back with expectant eyes. This seems to fuel the human, with a set jaw and her friends cheering her on, Luz gets to work.

Yi-Yi watches patiently as the girl chases the spider-demon around the clearing. Her first attempt at milking the demon caused it to yelp in pain and flee. The second attempt was just the same. Much too rough and violent. Third was better. The child was covered in thorns as she calmly sat down beside the spider-demon, palms forward and splayed to show vulnerability.

The child learns quickly, that is certain. Luz lugs the bucket full of spider-milk infront of her, careful not to spill any with how full it is. She places it down gently in front of Yi-Yi, who nods in satisfaction. Good, first trial down.

“Very well,” Yi-Yi inclines her head in acknowledgment. “Now for second trial.”

She points to two nearby trees that stand at the perimeter of the clearing. A knotted and twisting thin bark branch connects the two trees. On either side of the trees are buzzing fire bee hives, the bees themselves lie dormant. 

A Phalange Bird lands on the branch harshly, making it bounce up and down jostling the supporting trees. This causes the fire bees to emerge, buzzing angrily at being disturbed. The offending bird screeches and takes flight as one bee flies into its wing.

“For second trial, you must sit upon the branch for ten minutes with out angering the bees.” Yi-Yi explains. “You must control the movement of the branch or it will control you. Come, I will help you up.”

Yi-Yi gently grasps Luz by her arms with her feet. She beats her wings a few times to gain air and rise to the significant branch. With gentle ease, she lowers Luz onto her temporary perch. The human is much heavier than a bird, the branch instantly wobbles as the child attempts to find her balance. 

The soft drone of buzzing becomes louder with each shake and the haze of heat surrounding the hives grows. 

Luz squeaks and freezes, tucking the base of Eda’s staff under one arm and grasping the tree branch with both hands. Her friends down below wait with baited breath.

Once Yi-Yi is assured that the child will not fall, she glides back down to the ground. “Time begins now!” She calls out.

Luz is as stiff as a board, knuckles and the palms of her hands stark white from gripping so hard. She is too tense.

“Relax, child!” She encouraged. “Find solace and balance for this trial!”

Luz gives her a shaky nod, slowly but surely the human moves into a more comfortable position. Only freezing when she makes too much movement and the sound of buzzing increases.

Yi-Yi settles herself near the ones called Willow and Agustus. They are still slightly frightened by her presence. She knows this is probably caused by the stories told to witchlings that are about her.

Do not wander into the woods or The Bat Queen will add you to her nest of trees.

It’s quite funny to think about. Of course most of the older Witch population merely know her as either the richest “demon” on the Isles or some secluded old hag. Of course some of that was true.

“Your human friend is formidable, witchlings.” 

Agustus, brightly colored in the yellow and blue markings of Hexside nods vigorously. “Luz is amazing! She’s going to beat any task you hand her!”

Beside him, the girl, Willow, pumps her fist. “Yeah!” Green eyes shoot at Owlbert, who’s still resting upon Yi-Yi’s head. “Um, Owlbert. We’re really sorry too.” Willow frowns. “We were all so excited for the game and how to get there, we didn’t think about how you felt.” 

“Hoo!” Owlbert flies off Yi-Yi and lands on Willow’s shoulder. He gives the girl a soft bump of his head and then hovers over to Gus. The little owl proceeds to gently nip at one of his ears before flying back over to Yi-Yi.

More images come to the forefront of her mind as Owlbert projects a particular moment. He and Eda are in sync and fueled by the power of Eda’s rage under a magical moon. The children watching in awe as their aggressors are banished with a bright golden light. Protection and adoration is associated with Luz’s friends.

“He forgives you.” Yi-Yi states. “It is Luz who must prove herself, not you.”

Willow pushes up her glasses, looking at Yi-Yi curiously. “Are staves that important? I know my Dads mainly use them for transportation, and I think they babysat me when I was little.”

Yi-Yi chuckles. “You are still little, witchling.” She keeps a close eye on Luz, she’s found a good position to keep mostly still. Sweat beads down her neck from the radiating heat of the hives. Very good, she still has another five minutes. “A staff is an extension of the Titan. It is how Witches can connect with what is left of him.” She eventually says.

This is why she is so protective of her charges. A gift from the Titan himself, tossed away and Forgotten is a grievous offense. Although, judging by these two confused looks, they do not yet realize the importance. Hopefully, they will learn sooner rather than later.

From his position on the log, Agustus hums. “My Dad’s Palisman keeps him grounded.” he glances knowingly at Willow. “You know how often he can get lost…” 

Yi-Yi sees Willow nod solemnly. Lost? Ah, that would explain Agustus’ diverted concentration of magic. “Agustus, tell your Father the next time he Peers, he should do so with staff in hand.”

Augustus tilts his head. “Okay? He’s always done the basic channeling through stones, but I’ll let him know The Bat Queen gave me advice!”

Yi-Yi gives him a smile and turns her attention back to Luz. “The second trial is complete!” she yells out. Luz is startled and yelps, grip slipping. Her balance wavers, the base of Owlbert’s staff coming loose underneath her arm. Luz snags it with one hand and pushes it out infront of her as a counterbalance.

The method works, the fire bees that have slowly come out of their hive from the sudden movement still. They seem to glare at the child as she lets out a breath of relief. Luz looks down from the trees. “Um, may I get down now?” she squeaks.

Yi-Yi obliges and helps her down back to the clearing. Luz leans against the staff, panting heavily. She gives a shaky thumbs up to Agustus and Willow as they cheer from the sidelines. 

Yi-Yi looks down at the human child with a raised brow. “The first and second trial have been passed. Now for third.” She began to walk around Luz and reaches out to connect with some of the hidden Palismen. “You must understand within. How your carelessness will not be tolerated.”

Luz is hugging the staff close to her, eyes glancing around the trees as rustling leaves and snapping twigs create ambiance. 

One by one Palismen of all shapes and sizes emerge from the woods. Some healed, some with scars, and very few unrecognizable. Yi-Yi hears Agustus and Willow gasp and watches Luz closely.

Her expression shifts from surprise, curiosity, realization, anger, then sadness. “I-these are all Palisman?” she says weakly. “They’re all hurt! Where are their owners?” Luz kneels down to a snake Palisman. Patches of where violet scales should be, are exposed to the elements, the grain of the Palistrom wood bare to the world. The snake flicks its tongue at Luz’s outstretched hand, it hisses and slithers up her arm.

“They’re owners have either perished, abused, or discarded them.” Yi-Yi states. A bee Palisman, Clover if she remembers, hovers curiously near Willow who giggles and summons a flower for her. A chameleon has attached themselves to Agustus’ pant leg.

Luz stands up to face Yi-Yi with a frown on her face. “My actions were very selfish, huh?” She moves her arm as the snake coils around the appendage. “A-and you were a Palisman too, weren’t you?”

Very good, she’s figured it out. “Yes.” Yi-Yi confirms. “I protect these woods and all the lost and broken who come here.”

Luz sniffs and blinks back tears. “I would never do this! Neither would my friends or Eda!”

“I know this now. So does Owlbert, but we did not know before.” Yi-Yi hums. “I have lived a very long time child, memories fade, but one thing stays the same here.” She gestures to the array of Palisman now scurrying across the clearing.

Old Tongue passes through her lips with ease to denote what she’s attempting to explain. “There are Witches who seek to break a sacred bond gifted to them, I seek to protect at least one half if the other will not keep their promise.”   

“I will keep it! ” Luz snaps back with determination. She stands tall, shoulders back and taps the butt of the staff on the ground. “This one will keep her promise! ”

The stagnant magic within the staff pulses briefly and Yi-Yi can feel Owlbert shudder from the connection. He trills once and ruffles soft wooden feathers, before flying back over to Luz to land on the human’s shoulder. 

Yi-Yi nods. “Very well, child. It seems you have proven yourself to Owlbert and earned his forgiveness.” 

Luz’s friends are up and out of their seats as they go to tackle her in a group hug. Laughter and sentences of disbelief are tossed around in celebration. The hovering Palisman make their way back to the trees, the three children wave good-bye to their temporary companions.

Yi-Yi looks up to the twilight-ridden sky. These children should be on their way home. “Luz Noceda, Apprentice of The Owl Lady , take the lessons I gave you to heart. This goes for you two as well, Augustus and Willow. You three are welcome back here, WITH an adult present. Do not enter here on your own again, understood?”

A chorus of ‘Yes ma’ams’ from the three children respond in synch for her. Owlbert has settled himself back onto his staff. Yi-Yi points to Luz. “Let's put those trials to use now, yes? It is late, home is your destination with your friends.”

Luz stares back and forth between Owlbert and Yi-Yi. She glances between her two friends, takes a deep breath, and nods. “Okay,” she breathes out. Agustus and Willow settle behind her as Luz positions the staff.

Her grip is gentle, not too tight. Her voice is soft, asking Owlbert to lift them off the ground slightly. Luz is balancing upon Owlbert like she had been riding him for years. She feels Owlbert’s gaze fall upon her and catches a wink from the owl. Cheeky Palisman. 

They hover higher in the air, Luz more comfortable than ever. She looks down to wave at her. “Good-bye Ms. Yi-Yi! Thank you!”

Yi-Yi laughs as she waves back at the tro. “Goodbye witchlets! Fly safely! And Luz, be sure to bring my small nephew next time, yes?”

“I will!”

The Bat Queen watches closely as the children fly off with control back to civilization. Yi-Yi smiles to herself, this was one of the more interesting days she’s had in years! 

“Chirp!”

“Ah, Flapjack! Just in time, do you wish to help me bathe my babies before bedtime tonight? ”

“Chirp!”

“No, it is not Clover’s turn, nice try.”

“Bzz! ”

Yi-Yi watches in amusement as the bee Palisman begins chasing Flapjack around the forest. Now, where did she put tonight’s bedtime book?

Chapter Text

Snow-capped peaks tower over all who reside on the Titan, his knee resting high. Ruins from a not-so-distant past are buried under ice and slush. Not far from these dilapidated buildings and old paths lies a stone tablet, forgotten in time.

A tarnished bronze plaque is embedded within. Cracks are buried deep within the stone, with every storm and added years of erosion, the engraved runes become harder to read.

More names are written below, but the elements and lack of upkeep to the memorial have marred them beyond recognition.

Chapter Text

Luz’s lungs burned as her legs pumped furiously in a sprint. She dodged and weaved through merchant pedestrians to make her way to the borders of Bonesborough. Yells and shouts of indignation emitted from passersby but she could care less, she had to get to Eda!

The wooded forest filled with strange pines and fauna whizzed by. The familiar smell something akin to evergreen lets Luz know she’s close to the house. Her heart pounds in quick succession, increasing its pace as she reaches Hooty, who stands watch at the front door.

“Heya Luz! You sure are fast! What are you-”

“Not now Hooty!” Luz rushes out. She pushes the front door open, gliding through the living room and into the hall that leads to the kitchen. “Edaaaaa!” Luz scrambles through the archway, nearly tripping and tumbling over as she comes to a sudden stop.

Her mentor is startled by Luz’s quick arrival. Eda looks up from her project on the table. She wears a leather apron and her gray mane of hair is tied up in a bun. Her pale hands are stained with blood from the remains of the large animal carcass she had divided. Luz spots a cleaver in one of her hands and a humongous bone on the chopping block. Eda raises the cleaver and her eyes sharpen as she looks behind Luz.

“What? What’s wrong?!” 

Luz’s anxieties rise to the surface, and with the sharp smell of raw meat and simmering broth from the stove, she becomes overwhelmed. Squeezing her eyes shut, she blurts out her worries. “I'mgonnabeputinthebabyclass!” 

“What.”

Luz opens one eye. Eda has put the cleaver down and is looking at Luz with a raised brow. She’s started fidgeting, gnawing on her lip and rubbing her hands on the material of her cat hoodie she decided to wear today. Seeing this, Eda points to the smaller spare apron and gestures to the table.

Luz immediately understands what Eda is suggesting and goes to the sink to wash her hands and prep herself to help. Once ready, she stands beside the older woman who hands her the cleaver and points the bone she was chopping.

“Three inch chunks. We’re using these to make a broth.” Eda says calmly.

Luz nods quickly, now focused with the task at hand. She’s very careful with her movements, making sure not to cut herself. Eda herself is now slicing cuts of meat from the flank of the animal, moments of idle silence pass before Eda speaks again.

“Now, slower this time squirt, what were you amped up about?”

Luz sighs and puts a piece of chopped bone in the bowl of cold water Eda has placed the others in. “I’m going to be put in the baby class at Hexside! I have to know at least two spells!” she finishes chopping the last part of bone, the cleaver making a satisfying ‘ thunk! ’ on the block.

Eda wipes her hands off on a stained towel in the front pocket of her apron. She looks over to the bone filled bowl and nods with satisfaction. Luz hands her the bowl and the two walk over to the stove, a large pot sitting on top.

Luz’s mentor snorts as she places the bones in the simmer pot one by one. “Kid, you already know two spells. You got your light glyph and fuse circle or whatever you call it. Pass me the veggies, please.”

Luz obliges and grabs them for Eda. “I don’t think Runic Chains would count though, right? You said they're more like enchantments than spells. Even Amity’s siblings said they had their doubts!” She watches as Eda pours the chopped root vegetables into the pot then covers it to let the contents simmer. 

Eda’s nose scrunches at Luz’s admission and she sighs. “Well, you’re not wrong…Runic Chains and their use have died out. They’ve been watered down to only be used as glorified storage cabinets.” she points to the enchanted medicine cabinet. “Of course there’s more to them than that, as you’ve discovered…and Bumpipoo is too much of a stickler for the rules to allow an exception.” 

Eda crosses her arms and hums in thought. She stares at Luz, golden gaze warm but piercing as she evaluates her student. Luz blinks and stares right back at Eda, unwavering, but wondering what she’s looking for.

The older woman snaps her fingers and grins as Luz jumps from the sudden action. “Well kid, looks like we’ve got to teach you another spell! I think you’re ready to visit one of the most magical places on the Island!” One of her ears flick, and Eda suddenly turns around to point at King. He’s been caught, a raw rib between his jaw.

“Oh no, young man! That is for the Feast!” Eda narrows her eyes at the baby demon, who petulantly pouts as he takes the rib out of his mouth.

“Mom please! Just one!” King wines as he waves the bone. There’s a good size chunk already bitten off and Luz giggles at the sight. Eda glances back at Luz to give her an exasperated look. It was a dire mistake, as soon as Eda turned her head a “Weh!” was heard and the back door slammed shut with one less rib on the piles of cut meat.

Luz hears Eda muttering under her breath as she draws up a spell circle. The meat is quickly wrapped and packed to be summoned into the ice box. “As I was saying!” Eda continues. “Pack a hat kid, we’re going to the Knee this evening!” 

Luz pumps her fist and squeals in excitement. Yes, yes, yes! Eda’s gonna show her some awesome spells and secret magic! She won’t be in the baby class!

She’s definitely going to be in the baby class.

First off, Amity and her siblings were here. Cue embarrassment protocol DEFCON 1. Secondly, Eda had just approached the four of them with piles of snow in her mouth. How her mentor was able to fit so many snowballs in her maw, Luz wasn’t sure. 

She knows she doesn’t doubt Eda’s abilities. She’s seen her in action! There was her powerful spell she casted on the monster hunters, and the potions she brews! 

So why did she want Luz to smell some moss? Or eat snow?! 

Amity was out here flinging cool looking fire balls! 

This was stupid, and a waste of time! Her placement exam will be in a couple days. Luz huffs as she finds a dilapidated piece of carved stone to sit on. The moss cupped in the palm of her hand breaks apart and blows away into the setting sun as a slight wind picks up. 

Well, if anything, Eda was right about the scenery. It was pretty magical, the frigid cold being a stark contrast to the sweltering heat in Bonesborough. The ruins nearby however, casted an eerie shadow. Towering pillars holding nothing aloft loomed ominously over her. Even the makeshift seat below her felt…off.

Luz stood up quickly. She looks at the ruins in front of her and then behind her, the way back to Eda and the tent. She won’t lie, she is rather curious to see what mysteries the ruins contain. Maybe she can find a lost book with magic even older than Eda within! The more she thinks about it, the more plausible her idea sounds. She still has a bit before she would have to return to Eda. Might as well make use of wasted time!

The sound of her boots crunching against the snow is all she hears the closer she gets to the ruins. Nature itself seems to avoid this place, and the sound of feet hitting packed snow becomes solid as Luz hits scattered stone. 

She makes her way to the lone intact giant archway. She breathes out in awe, breath misting into the atmosphere as she looks up and around. A giant broken chain dangles above her, interestingly enough, it has not rusted despite being out in the elements for this long. There is an open doorway to her left, leading into some interior. Its super dark, she takes out a pre-made light glyph and activates it.

The light hovers beside her, the ball giving her a warm buzz of comfort as she traverses over fallen stone into the entrance. It’s a decent sized corridor, it curves  around to where Luz can’t see the end unless she keeps walking. Her hand trails along walls ice and snow falling off from their cold perch. 

Luz pauses as she feels her glove catch on something. The wall is uneven and its not from destruction or erosion. She reaches up to guide the ball of light from her head to the palm of her hand. The stone here is engraved, its all one deep line that goes upward and veers right. Luz steps back, raising the light for a better look. Moss covers part of the stone wall, but Luz laughs at the realization of what she’s looking at.

Its a giant Rune! She tilts her head, guiding her hand to trace out the singular rune to the best of her ability.

 ‘ P’  

She looks to her right, five feet further she can see the makings of another engraving. This is amazing! She’s found something cool! Her laugh echoes throughout the empty corridor as she picks up a jog to reach the next Rune.

The ground she treads beneath her is there until it isn’t. Luz hears ice crack, feels the stone rumble, and suddenly she’s weightless as she falls below.

The wind is knocked out of her as some of the snow softens her fall. Her palms sting as she attempts to catch herself, clawing at falling rock to try and gain purchase but to no avail. It's like a mini-avalanche, when the environment finally ceases its movement and Luz’s back aches, laying still on a new stony surface, she sighs in relief.

She moves her arms and legs, nothing is broken, that’s good at least. The light glyph had followed her down here as she fell. The luminous orb hovering mockingly above her face. Luz groans as she sits up, hissing at the sting of her palms from the scrapes she’s gained. She looks up from the place she fell and feels the blood rush out of her face.

The way back up is a no go. Rubble and snow create a mini mountain at least twenty feet high that leads up to the place she fell down at. Said rubble and snow was also blocking said entry. 

Okay no need to panic! Eda has to have realized she’s gone by now! She should just wait here and yell for help!

“Eda! Eda! Somebody?! Help!”

The sound of her yelling bounces off harshly against whatever cavern she's fallen into. Luz yelps as some from the pile of rubble roll down at the sudden noise. Okay, maybe she shouldn’t yell so loud.

Taking a shaky breath, Luz takes note of her surroundings. The ground beneath her isn't natural, cobblestone is the cause of her rough landing. This cavern isn’t a cavern at all, rather a hallway. Along the crafted walls are pillars and more collapsed entryways. Looking further, Luz squints. Oh! There’s a huge double wooden door straight ahead, maybe its a way out! It’s not too far away from where she fell too. 

Luz trudges on, as she walks the foreboding feeling she felt earlier only gets worse. It makes her heart race and much more jumping at the moving shadows made from her light. It takes her about five minutes to reach the door, it looks like it used to be really pretty a long time ago. Luz can make out beautiful carvings that are rotted and what looks to be scorch marks staining blackened soot upon the umber wood. 

There’s a large piece of lumber she almost trips over, she hisses in frustration as she stomps her foot to shake out the pins and needles from stubbing her toe. Maybe she was better off smelling moss. This is what she gets for not listening to Eda, again! Stupid! Luz harshly whispers her intrusive thoughts aloud, grabbing one side of the double doors to pull it open.

“I just had to be curious. Luz, the dummy, couldn’t just be satisfied sniffing moss like her Mentor told her too!” She grunts in exertion as the door cracks open. A small gust almost knocks her over as the ancient seal is broken. Luz huffs in satisfaction at her work and squeezes to the opening she made.

“Woah…” Luz looks around at the room she’s walked into. It was a library! Well, it used to be. The ornate shelves along the walls are laid bare and those that have some books left looked to be burned beyond recognition. She approaches one of the shelves to pick up a tome, the moment she touches it, it falls apart into soot and dust in her hands.

Above her Luz can feel a breeze. It’s dark now, the stars are out, but she can see the sky! Its a way out! She thinks quickly, it's much too high for her to climb, and her scrawny nerd arms certainly can’t move one of those bookshelves to scale.

Her summoned light orb, hovers obediently beside her and she blinks, grinning. That’s it! She rummages through her pouch and takes out a handful of paper. One by one she quickly inscribes the luminant glyph with ease. Orbs formed, she carefully aims each one to the collapsed ceiling to push them up and out into the open sky. 

There, the others did camp near the ruins. Hopefully someone will see them! Luz eyes the area where the rubble from the destroyed ceiling gathers in a pile. Her brow furrows as she catches something bright red sticking out the stone. 

Luz approaches, careful to watch her step as more ash, dust, and snow cover her boots. She kneels down in front of the pile and sucks in a breath. It looks like the base staff for a Palisman! When she looks closer, Luz can feel her heart drop to her stomach. She’s not sure what the Palisman used to be, but it had talons and scales perched upon its base. The wood where the rest of it’s body would meet was cracked and splintered. It was snapped in half.

She can feel tears well up in her eyes at the sight and she grips the staff in an attempt to pull it out of the rubble. It's rough, but the more she wiggles, the more loose the staff becomes. With a final yank that had a bit too much force, Luz falls back, with Palisman in hand. 

Luz sighs in relief as she cradles the staff and sits up, looking back at where she found the magical item.

Empty sockets stare back at her.

Luz screams.

She jumps up and instinctively points at the staff at whatever was staring back at her. For a few moments nothing happens and Luz realizes what she’s looking at.

A skeleton lays upon the stone, Luz can spot tatters of a bright orange cloak peeking out from between the ribs. The right arm is outstretched, at least what’s left of the right arm. The hand and forearm are missing. In the left, it grips an ornate book. It looks to be in much better condition and the only surviving tome in this place. 

Luz knows that this person is dead (or at least should be, who knows at this point in the Boiling Isles), but its gaze seems judgmental. The weight Luz has felt during this entire impromptu journey has reached its crescendo. It is here where the silence of the ruins originate, the buried guardian beneath the mountain. 

She looks back and forth between the staff and the skeleton. Her grip tightens and she ignores the increasing sting in her palms from the action. “I’m not sure what happened here…” Luz starts warily. “But…I think you did whatever you had to do to protect this place.” She can see the soot covered fingertips on the skeleton’s lone hand.

“I-I think your friend is gone…” She lifts the staff as if to show proof. “I’m sure they also put up a very brave fight, it looks like it.” She whispers, she feels stupid talking to a pile of bones like this, but with each word, the weight grows lighter and she can breathe with ease. “Would you like me to bury them for you?”

She remembers coming home from The Bat Queens woods. Eda was waiting for her, arms crossed and with an impressive raised questioning brow. She at least gave a chance to Luz to try and explain herself, with Owlbert to vouch for her. She was still somewhat grounded, which was fair but also educational. As her arms burned from polishing silver cauldrons, Eda educated her more about Palismen. While adoption was a viable and honorable option, some Witches and Palismen were buried together. Through life and death they would stay side by side.

At Luz’s empty inquiry, the skeleton stares and stares, until oddly enough, its left arm drops away, leaving the book it held open to grab.

A strong breeze comes through the opening as Luz stare in shock. She doesn’t register that the cause was Eda zooming through the opening on Owlbert until her Mentor collides with her.

“Luz! Titan, girl! You’re going to cause me to keel over at this rate! Are you alright?! Let me see your eyes, are you nauseous? Dizzy? How many fake fangs do I have?!” Eda cradles Luz’s face and turns her head side to side.

The gentle scrape of Eda’s nails ground Luz in this moment. She can feel the cooling rush of healing magic that seep through Eda’s palms. The stinging in her hands and slight burning from the tips of her ears cease and web away. She swallows thickly, trying to find her voice as Eda probes.

“I, uh. My back kind of hurts where I fell, but nothing else.” she feels the cooling energy move from her hands to her back. Luz releases a relieved sigh. Looking at Eda, there’s a concerned frown on her face, Owlbert is active on top of his staff, looking curiously at the found item Luz still holds. He hoots at Eda, and Luz watches as Eda turns her attention briefly towards him. The two hold a silent communication that lasts only a moment, but Luz can guess what was said as Eda looks down at the broken staff.

Luz holds it up to her. “When I couldn’t go back the way I fell, I found this place. Everything here is ruined…but I found this Palisman and its owner…what’s left of them anyways.” Eda’s hand traces along the base of the staff and frowns. She pulls away and turns to look at the lone skeleton and then their surroundings. 

Eda summons her own ball of light, much larger than Luz’s own, and guides it up into the air brightening the place even more. It illuminates the entire room.

Now properly lit, Luz can see just how much damage their truly is. Torn pages, piles of burnt and rotting books scattered throughout the old library. 

“In all my years…” Luz hears Eda mutter. Her mentor turns back to the long dead Witch and she squats down in front of them, using her staff as leverage to keep herself upright. Luz stands behind her, watching Eda scan the bones and rubble surrounding them. Luz is not sure what she’s looking for until Eda clicks her tongue and nods. 

“Ah, there we are.” With her free hand, Eda gently maneuvers her hand between the exposed part of the dead Witch’s rib cage. Pulling back, Luz can catch a bronze gleam in Eda’s hand. It’s a clasp to the Witch’s cloak.

Eda’s thumb brushes away the dirt and grime. Looking over her shoulder, Luz can see the runes engraved into the metal.

‘bleɪz’

“You never fail to surprise me kid…” Eda says. She sounds sad and Luz doesn’t like it.

“Forgive me Mentor! I did not mean to- ” Luz begins to ramble out, her voice is thick and her gut feels like it’s tied up in knots

“Shhh, Luz. It’s alright.” Eda responds to her in Common. “You’ve found someone who was lost for a very long time, kid.”

“Miss Eda! Is Luz okay?!”

The two of them look up to see the Blight siblings looking down from the opening. All off them looked worried. They must have been down here longer than they thought. Eda waves up. “She’s fine! We’re fine! Give us a couple more minutes, okay?”

Still crouched Eda makes small spell circles to remove the rest of the rubble from the now named skeleton, Blaze. She waves Luz closer when she’s finished, full skeleton laid bare before them. She kneels down next to Eda as she points at the different bones.

“There is a place here where the two of them can be properly put to rest.” She nods her head at the broken Palisman. “There’s steps to these things, but I think Blaze here has waited for someone to find him long enough. So here’s what we’ll do.”

Eda guides her on how to properly wrap Blaze’s bones within what’s left of his cloak. Like most things Eda has taught her about the Old Ways, it is methodical and has a purpose. The skull must rest on top of the pile and when buried, they’ll lay the Palisman a certain way. Eda ties the bundle to what’s left of Blaze’s Palisman with a satisfied nod. She hand’s it off to Luz who takes great care to handle it.

She watches as Eda moves to pick up the lone book and tuck it within her jacket. Eda helps Luz sit on Owlbert and once she’s sure that her student won’t fall off, Eda takes flight up and out of the forgotten ruin.

They hover a little ways away from the pit in front of Amity and her siblings. They are surrounded by smaller mountains that surround the hole. Where the Blights are standing, Luz can make out a small path that probably leads back to where all of them were training. Luz gives her friend a reassuring grin once she spots the youngest Blight. Amity returns the gesture with a relieved smile of her own.

“Alright you terror twins, do you have your Palisman with you? We’re taking a small detour!”

Luz watches as the twins look at eachother then back at Eda. Emira shakes her head. “We don’t have one.”

Sitting behind Eda, Luz can’t really see her mentor’s face all to well, but her voice gives away her disbelief. 

“You both are sixteen summers, are you not? And I’m sure you're able to snag some Palistrom wood from the Plant Coven with your parents' money.”

Edric shrugs, frowning at Eda. “Nope. We do have a flying carpet though!”

Luz sees Eda’s shoulders slump in exasperation. “Figures…” Eda mumbles. “Alright, come on. We’ll head back to camp so you can snag your fancy carpet!”

Eda lets Emira sit behind Luz, with Amity and Edric staying behind to wait. The flight is quick, and Emira hops off with ease as she runs into the fancy tent. As they wait Eda looks behind her, catching Luz’s eye.

“You okay back there?” 

Luz nods, the free arm wrapped around Eda’s waist to steady herself tightens. “Yeah…ears are cold though.” She feels them being all prickly at the tips.

Eda chuckles and wiggles her own red-tipped pointed ears. “You’re faring better than me kid! I forgot my earmuffs! This old hat’s warming enchantments ran its course years ago!”

Luz can’t help at Eda’s attempt to cheer her up, she always knows what to say. Before Luz could comment, Emira flies out of the tent. 

She sits atop of a fancy ornate rug that moves like water. Luz can see a small ring of Emira’s magic surrounding her wrist. Her palm is flat, facing downwards. The elder teen’s eyes look expectantly at Eda.

Eda whistles low. “Dang, that’s fancy! Remind me to scam your mother out of some fake crystals the next time I see her.”

Emira releases a startled laugh at Eda’s proclamation, but nods with a feral grin. “Help you prank my mother? I would be honored, Miss Eda!”

The Owl Lady snorts as she gains altitude again, leading them back to Amity and Edric. The remaining siblings hop on the rug, with plenty of space to fit three more people on it if they wanted to. 

“Okay,” Eda says. “Keep close to me, the place we’re going is not to far away.”

As they fly, Luz lets her mind wander. Man, she really messed things up today. Sure, she found something cool, but she can tell that Eda is disappointed in her. Which is the absolute worse feeling. Eda hasn’t said anything about it yet, she doesn’t need to. Luz is prepping herself for the upcoming scolding after this. 

Her eyes wander up to the night sky, counting the stars. The constellations are different here. It’s the ultimate reminder that Luz is truly no longer in her world. She remembers her first week here. Sitting on the roof of the Owl House in the middle of the night. For hours she’d try to chart the stars, find Sirius, Orion’s belt, something to reassure her that this place wasn’t so different after all.

Instead she sees strange patterns and a moon that smiles down entirely at her each night. 

A shooting star passes by Luz’s gaze, she follows it until it disappears. Wait a second. 

Luz blinks and turns her head, those look like…

She leans forward, jostling Eda’s slightly. “Woah Luz!” Eda exclaims “You ain’t falling asleep back there are ya?”

“No, I’m not! Sorry! I just saw something interesting…” 

“Ah, the ever curious witchling strikes again. So? Spill it kid! What can be more interesting than carrying a centuries old Elder who guarded a long lost library?” Eda bemuses.

“I can’t tell you yet.” Luz laughs.

“Ooo, more secrets! How exciting!” 

They’ve arrived at a clearing. It is settled at the crest of a mountain that sits higher than the one all of them were camping at. Few trees surround this place and Luz can catch remnants of carved stone, similar to the ruins below them, scattered throughout the clearing. The view is beautiful.

Eda helps Luz off the staff with her free hand as she stares at the sight. You could practically see the entire Titan from here! 

Luz wraps Blaze’s remains in both arms, cradling them gently as Eda leads all of them to a large and crumbling stone tablet. Amity has fallen in step beside her, looking down at what Luz carries. “What’s that?” she asks.

“A Witch who stood up to adversaries.” Eda’s voice answers Amity’s question. They all look at the adult who cants her head at the tablet. “Luz, would you do the honors and read this aloud for us?”

She nods and steps closer, looking down at the bronze engraved runes embedded in the tablet.

“Here lies the souls and magic…” Luz trails off, translating the runes with a steady cadence. When she reaches the names, she pauses at a familiar title and gives a wide eye look to her Mentor. Eda smiles sadly and urges her to keep going.

When she reaches Blaze’s name, her mouth feels like its full of cotton. The rest of the tablet is worn and illegible, but its enough. She and the Blight siblings all look distraught at the revelation. Amity is looking at the ruins below with newfound awe. Edric and Emira have gotten closer to the tablet that Luz read. Staring at the runes in fascination. 

She feels a hand on her shoulder and looks up to see Eda looking down at her with a sad smile.

“Let’s make sure The Endless Spark is no longer Forgotten, hm?”

Luz nods and watches as Eda steps away and digs out a proportional grave large and long enough to fit Blaze’s remains within. Eda has to catch her breath after that particular spell, grumbling how her geomancy was slacking. 

Exchanges were made, as Luz hands Eda the bundle, she hands her Owlbert. Luz watches as Eda kneels down in the snow, gently lowering the remains and Palisman into the ground. With more magic, Eda covers the site with more dirt and snow. She wipes her hands and nods at her work.

“There, better to be with friends than cooped up all alone, yeah?” She gives a wink to all of them. Luz feels lighter, its a good feeling.

Amity is fidgeting nervously, her arms are crossed and brow furrowed in thought. “Something bad happened here , didn’t it?” She eventually says looking at the memorial and back to Eda warily. “Was it Wild Witches?”

Luz immediately wants to jump to Eda’s defense at such an accusation, but a pointed look from her Mentor ceases such talk.

“No, much talk about the Knee and what happened here is obscure. Most don’t even know about this place.” Eda’s hand waves around. “Some say it was a spell gone wrong, others say the Titan struck down, few will say they were attacked by someone else. Rivalry from another town? Quarrels within their government? Who knows?” she shrugs. Raising a brow at Amity she continues. “Here’s some advice, kid. Wild Witches are just Witches.”

Luz hands Owlbert back to Eda. Amity seems even more confused at such a statement, but comments no further.

“Now,” Eda continues. “It’s late, and you three should take your fancy rug back home.” Her gaze falls on the twins. “And please try not to anger any more Slitherbeasts tonight, hm?”

Luz watches the twins sputter, specifically Edric sputter, as they ramble off to explain.

“I told Edric not to follow after that bat!”

“His name is Batric, Emira! And he was in danger!”

“He’s a bat Ed! He can fly away! If it wasn’t for Amity’s fireball, you’d be digesting right now!” 

“Its the principle of it all! I was fine! I had an amazing plan!”

The exasperated look Amity gives her makes Luz laugh at the twins antics. Eda just shakes her head and ceases the increasingly loud argument. 

“Alright Alright! Can it you two! Less talking, more flying! I don’t need Odalia to send a hitman on me for kidnapping.” Eda snarks. Luz watches as the three Blights hop back on their flying carpet.

Peeking over the edge, Amity waves at Luz as Edric and Emira bicker over who’s going to control the carpet. “Bye Luz, see you at school?”

Luz smiles and nods. “Yeah! Maybe we can start that book club we talked about!” Azura book club! It’d be awesome, and if she ends up in the baby class, at least she’ll have that and H.A.S to see her friends.

There’s a faint blush that rises to Amity’s cheeks, more prominent because of the cold. She laughs as they slowly rise, looks like Emira is controlling their ride. “As long as it’s a secret book club.” she says. 

Edric’s head peeks over the edge with Amity’s. “Nope, not a secret!” 

“Edric!” Amity pushes her brother’s head as they begin to fly off. 

Now it's just her and Eda. A silence between them as their company leaves. Eda breaks with a soft hum. “Come sit with me kiddo.” she guides Luz to a few boulders that look out upon the entire Isles. Eda sit’s down and pats the empty space of rock beside her.

Luz follows through, sitting and looking down at her knees. She shivers as newly fallen snowflakes hit the base of her neck.

“Wanna tell me what happened today?” Eda asks idly. 

Luz feels her subsiding frustrations rising to the surface again, her hands clench and bunch up the bottom material of her winter coat. “I was just…frustrated! You kept telling me to sort twigs, look at mushrooms and taste moss! So I thought I could find some secret that would actually have useful information to teach me a cool spell.” Her ire wanes the more she speaks, now she just feels stupid for speaking at all, stupid Luz! You’re such an idiot!

“You are not.” Eda says firmly. 

Oh, she must have said that last part out loud. She looks up to see Eda looking at her with a frown. 

“I don’t ever want to hear you speak about yourself that way again, understood?”

Luz is taken aback at Eda’s tone, her temples twitch and she raises her hands to press down the hat flaps covering her ears. “I…yeah…” 

Eda softens her gaze and inclines her head. “I know methods may seem unorthodox, but it was an attempt to get you connected with nature. That’s what magic is all about! Especially Wild Magic.” she bends over to pick up a handful of snow. “I told you that the Knee is where Witches of old would come to be more in tune with the Titan. Its one of the few places that carry strong magic here.”

Luz watches as Eda takes a bite of the pile in her hand and nods. “You remember what I used for my Witherroot Catalyst?”

Oh, wait seriously? “Eda, was this a Potion lesson?!”

Eda chokes and coughs for a few moments. “What? No! Okay maybe a little. Seriously though, I was trying to have you feel the magical properties embedded here.” she scrunches her nose. “Perhaps we should’ve tried the caves..” she trails off.

Luz laughs in disbelief. Well she was actually learning something, good job for not paying attention. Connected with nature huh? She watches as a snowflake lands on the palm of her tattered gloves. The geometric pattern peaks Luz’s curiosity. That looks like a glyph!

Eda is still talking as Luz collects more snowflakes, just to be sure.

“Anyways kid, you gotta feel and look for what the Titan is trying to tell you! Even the trees can-Luz?”

Luz had hopped up from her seat, new glyph memorized. She goes to one of the few tress surrounding them to grab a stick. Eda’s right! Finding things in nature to connect with magic! Luz thought she was crazy when she saw the light glyph within the stars earlier, but no!

Eda had approached her as she finished the final touches of the medium sized glyph. Now to test it. Her palm reaches out, and the familiar buzz she’s become accustomed to makes itself known the closer her hand gets to the glyph. Luz taps it, a blue glow illuminates the ground and where the sigil once was, a giant ice pillar rises from the ground.

She did it! A second spell! She grabs on to Eda’s sleeve and tugs it as she points to the pillar. “Eda! Look! I did it! Just like you said! It was in the snowflakes and the stars and and!”

Eda whoops and laughs along with Luz. “I’ll be damned kid! Two surprises in one day! Ha!” She ruffles Luz’s hair and appraises the pillar. “Do you think you could make something bigger?”

They’ve been at the Knee all night, but Luz carries satisfaction within herself as she and Eda fly away from the crest of the mountain.

The crumbling stone-tablet memorial is gone. In its place is a large ice obelisk. The bronze plaque placed upon its face. With the rising sun Luz can make out a kaleidoscope of colors that hit the engraved runes and freshly fallen snow just right.

It might be the sleep deprivation, but Luz swears she sees ghostly form wave to her from the base of the obelisk. A bright orange cloak surrounds their shoulders and a red dragon flies around their head.

Luz smiles and waves back, watching the figure disappear, before laying her head against her mentor’s back and falling into a blissful sleep.

Chapter Text

"We leave the seat open for any Druid who passes by. Let them rest their weary eyes for a brief moment and thank them for the seeds they helped plant."  Their grandmother's voice is soothing as she speaks about the Feast in Old Tongue. A young Eda scrunches her nose and sneezes as her grandmother summons new flowers under the archway. Her sister giggles and waves a bright petal in her face.

"Are you girls paying attention to your Elders?" Their father's voice is the only warning that he's approached. Strong arms scoop the young witchlings off the ground and into his embrace.

Both sisters squeal in excitement as Dell spins them around, his own baritone melody of mirth joining his children's.

"Father! Aren't you a Druid? That's your seat!" There's a lisp to Lilith's speech, the eight year old has lost her first baby fang. Eda pouts at the reminder, she wants her grown-up teeth too!

Papa chuckles and places a kiss on Eda's head, his beard makes her forehead itchy. Eda can't help but nod along with her sister, she was right! The pretty space made at the other end of the table was surrounded by nature and an abundance of fruit.

"I am a different sort of Druid, daughters of mine. This place is for the Druids who've had a hand helping the food and animals grow during First Till. They wander the Titan, protecting his body and being a vital part of making sure that you two have full bellies by the end of the night!" He nods his head at the large horn. "We blow the horn, to signal any Druid who wanders the wilderness, that they are invited to indulge. And we keep the candle lit because?"

Eda bounces in her father's grasp and raises her hand. "I know Papa! I know! It's so they can see the way to the table if they're late!"

"That is correct my flaming fledging!" 

Lilith points to the horn. "Father, may I blow the horn tonight?!"

Eda gapes and pouts. "I wanna do it!"

"You're too little!"

"Nuh-Uh!"

"Uh-huh!"

"Girls! Girls! Let's compromise, hm? Eda, you may help me summon the stony chair. Lily, you will help blow the horn. Then next year we can switch. Does that sound good?"

Eda thinks its a little unfair she'll have to wait another whole year to blow the horn, but watching her papa mold the chair is super fun too! She nods along with Lilith as their father sets them down. 

"Good!" He states. "Now run along and help your mother finish the Challah! I'll call you two back out when we're almost ready!"

Lilith runs quickly back to the house, baking is her favorite part. Eda thinks its kind of boring, but she likes braiding the dough. She follows after her sister, but pauses after a moment. She should bring mama some flowers! She'd been cooking for forever, maybe something pretty would help her relax. 

As Eda turns and runs back over to the set table outside, she quickly hides behind a tree when she hears her father's and grandmother's voice rise in a heated argument. Why are they fighting?

"No one will come my son. The hope I once had has fizzled out like a basilisk feeding upon my magic." Grandma sounds tired, maybe she should sit down, she is really old.

"Mother, please do not say such things. There are still a few of us left!" Her father responds.

"And how many more will soon leave and join this..Plant Coven? Hm? It is a mockery! A disgrace! "

"This is just a passing event, a new way to study magic. It will die out soon enough and be another option to expand one's horizons."

"Hm." Grandma grunts.

"Someone will come mother, the food will be consumed and the plate left barren. As it has always been."

Later that night, two sisters snuck out of their beds to watch from the window to see if they can spot the honored guest. When Dell finds them asleep the next morning, he looks out the window and frowns. 

The candle has burnt out and the plate lies in the same position as last night, food untouched upon its place.

Chapter Text

Willow twirls around in front of the large mirror in her room, the yellow sundress she’s put on flows with her movement. Hopefully this would be alright to wear!

Yesterday, Luz had invited her and Gus and their parents to her and her family over to the Owl House for the Feast of Abundance. Luz was excited talking to them over the crystal ball. In the little background Willow could make out, she recognized the kitchen. Every once and a while a floating pot or pan would zoom behind Luz’s head.

Their human friend talked a mile a minute, Willow could hardly make out what she was trying to tell them. Something along the lines of how there’s bread, a horn, and tons of plants.

Willow knows about today’s holiday. It marks the last day of their small break before the new semester starts. It consists of a big dinner marking the near end of summer and beginning of fall. As well as thanking the Titan for the abundance of crops he provided for the people. 

What Luz described is drastically different, it leaves Willow very curious. So, she asked her dads if they could go to this different sort of feast. They were surprisingly enthusiastic, especially since they would finally meet Luz’s guardian. With how much Willow talks about her friends, her dads have taken a liking to the girl, wanting to meet the infamous Owl Lady was a bonus.

She’s glad her dads are open minded enough not to judge Miss Eda. Willow made sure to reassure them that she’s not some evil criminal but really cool and powerful! Her dads already had points in their books from the Conjuring and Convention. Eda did look after her and Gus during those times as if they were her own kids.

Eda was super nice and not anything like those pictures the WANTED posters depicted her as. The thought of this makes Willow frown. From what she’s gathered, Eda was a Wild Witch, a person who by all means is an enemy of the Empire. They are destructive and harmful, set in their ways to tear down the Coven system and take their society back to the Savage Ages. 

At least that’s what’s been told to her in school and books. Papa always did say to never judge a book by its cover either.

Eda’s cover was meant to be scary and dark. In reality, she was one of the most interesting people, besides Luz, that Willow has met. She’s seen the way Eda has fiercely protected her friend. How she outwitted Conveness Lilith from the duel. Her magic didn’t corrupt or destroy anything it touched either.

Willow scrunches her nose. This was all very confusing, perhaps she can ask Luz about her thoughts about Wild Magic and Witches later.

The crystal ball on her night stand chimes from an incoming call. Willow rushes over and brushes her fingertips over the smooth glass. Gus’s face appears and he looks rather frazzled.

“Willow!” He breathes out in relief. “I need some help! I don’t know which vest to pick!” He lifts up a blue and black vest and his eyes peek expectantly over the garments, waiting for her input.

Willow laughs softly and shakes her head. “Gus! Luz said to wear whatever you want! You’re gonna be running late at this rate!” She pauses and looks between the two vests before pointing to the blue one.

Gus groans. “I know, I know! Dad’s still in the shower! We’re going to be late anyways. I should’ve reminded him again last night.” he grumbles.

Willow can sympathize with Gus on that front. Mr. Porter is very forgetful. “Well, Luz said the event won’t start until sundown. So you still have some time!”

“Yeah but Luz said we can help cook if we’re early! And you’ve had Ms. Eda’s cooking! It’s so good!”

She laughs at Gus’ proclamation and shakes her head. “You just want to sneak in a few bites before this feast we’re having!”

“I am a growing boy Willow!”

There’s a gentle knock on her door that pulls her attention away from Gus. She voices to whoever is outside to come in. 

Her Papa peeks his head through the door, blue eyes sparkling with mirth behind square glasses. “Ah, I see my Sunflower is gossiping with her partner in crime. Hello Gus!”

“Hi Mr. G!” Gus emits from the crystal ball.

Willow gives Papa a warm grin. “I was helping Gus out on what he should wear at Luz’s place!” 

“Speaking of,” her father starts. “It’s about time for us to leave. Are you ready?”

Willow nods and grabs her large sun hat, laying on the bed. “Bye Gus! See you soon!”

Gus waves goodbye through the crystal ball and cuts the connection. She turns back to face her father and gives him a thumbs up. “Ready!” As they leave the room, Willow gives her space a thorough scan over the premise, reaching out to her multitude of plants along her balcony and the walls with her magic.

Calm and content as they are, fed and watered. A vine wrapped around her bedpost wiggles in its own gesture of a farewell. She giggles and waves back before closing the door behind her.

Willow walks down the stairs to the foyer to see her dads waiting patiently.

Papa was fixing Dad’s tunic, tying the strings properly to keep them from coming undone.

Harvey Park was a man fueled by jovial laughter and defined by his boisterous nature. He was broad shouldered and had thick arms. Willow always says that he has the best hugs, they’re all encompassing and warm, shielding her from the outside world for brief moments when able. With age the brunette hair on his head transferred to his face, the impressive beard does not hide his beaming smile as lilac eyes appraise his daughter.

“Ah, Willow! You look gorgeous, daughter of mine! Can you tell your Papa here that I look perfectly fine?”

Papa scoffs half-heartedly. Blue eyes cut through teasingly behind his spectacles. “You are wearing a wrinkled tunic as a first impression to The Owl Lady. The least you could’ve done was put on a doublet!” 

Her Papa, also known as Gilbert Park, was a lot calmer than her dad. While Dad was all about physical affection, Papa used his words to encourage and comfort. Which was ironic in Willow’s opinion, he was a Construction Witch. Willow got her stature and build from her dad, her physical traits were all from Papa. Similar colored hair, nose, they even frown the same, which Dad absolutely loves to comment on.

Harvey hums in amusement as a hand reaches up to cup his husband's face. “You worry too much Gil, this is going to be fun! Not some uptight Coven event! Right Willow?”

Willow grins brightly and nods. “Yeah! Luz said don’t worry about wearing anything fancy! You’re fine Papa.”

Gilbert grumbles and Harvey silences him with a peck on the cheek. “See? Nothing to worry about! We’ll be fine! Now the real question! Which awesome dad do you want to hitch a ride with Willow?”

Willow laughs at her dad’s antics and pretends to think about it. “Oh I don’t know, Papa made some amazing cookies a few days ago…”

Harvey releases a gasp and dramatically places a hand over his heart. “Betrayed by my own kid!” He chuckles and summons his Palisman, Green in color the staff settles easily within her Dad’s hand. The large tortoise on top, hidden in its shell pokes their head out. “Well Axas,” Harvey continues. “Looks like it's just you and me!”

Axas looks even more betrayed than her dad, but gives Willow a wink. 

“Sorry, Axas,” she laughs. “How about I ride with you on the way back?”

The tortoise nods and looks expectantly at Gilbert. 

Her Papa grins and summons Cosmo, his own Palisman. The winged swine on top is already alert and active, off from their interlock. It snorts at the sight of Willow and flies over to her, landing on her head.

Willow looks up to see a pinkish snout staring down at her. “Hello Cosmo,” she smiles. 

‘Oink!’

“Cosmo, we don’t have time for games! We’re all going to be late at this rate!” Papa exclaims.

Dad shakes his head fondly and ushers all of them out the door. “You heard him everyone! We have places to be!” 

The weight on Willow’s head lessens as Cosmo flies back over to the base of his staff. Gilbert twists him on and readies himself to  take off. Willow settles behind him and holds on firmly. 

Papa looks back with a calm smile. “Ready?” 

She nods. “Mhm!” 

Her father likes to fly fast. It’s a remnant of a time when he was youthful and able to engage in such activities. Willow loves it! Papa rises and dives at some intervals, bringing forth peels of laughter from her. Dad isn’t far behind them, Bonesborough whizzing by in a blur of colors below them. Eventually the suburban sprawl thinks out and the jaded forest becomes dense and thick. 

Willow makes sure to point in the general direction where they would have to land and walk the rest of the way. It isn’t far and she reassures her dads that, no they aren’t lost! 

The trees thin out and eventually they make it to their destination. The Owl House is just as intimidating from the last time Willow was here for the Moonlight Conjuring.

The house is massive, with its crumbling tower keeping watch behind it. The giant stained glass window up front is eerily similar to an eye. Willow knows better than to be wary, of course she couldn't say that for any other stranger who has the unfortunate time of finding this place, and in turn, discovering Hooty. 

“OH! Guests! Hiya Willow!” Hooty has stretched himself out ten feet away from the door, meeting her and her dads halfway across the clearing. She can tell her parents are startled by the house demon, her Papa’s calloused hand quickly finding her shoulder, ready to pull her back.

Hooty looks as excited as he can be. At least, more so than he usually is. His feathers are ruffled and Willow can pick out some chopped vegetables dotted throughout the length of his body. She reaches up her hand to pat him on the head and he chitters in response.

“Hi Hooty! These are my dads!” She steps aside to gesture to them. “Try not to scare them too much, please?”

Hooty wiggles in his version of a nod. “Oh no! I would never! Eda told me I had to be on my best behavior today!” He blinks and tilts his head at her parents. “It’s nice to meet you! I’m Hooty! Eda’s best friend!”

Willow laughs as her Dad warily takes his turn to pat Hooty’s head. Meanwhile, her Papa was utterly fascinated. He was looking back and forth from Hooty to the house.

“Hooty, how long have you been a part of this home?” Gilbert asks.

Hooty narrows his eyes in though and gives them a long drowned out hum. “Hmmmm, I don’t know! Years at least!”

Willow has to laugh at her Papa’s disbelief. Leave it to Hooty to never give you a straight answer. 

Harvey chuckles alongside her and urges them along to the front door. Hooty has shortened himself and clicks his beak. “I’ll go get Luz! She’s been waitin-HOOT!”

The front door slams open and reveals a beaming human. “Sorry Hooty! Willow! Mr. G and Mr. H! You made it!”

Luz is covered in flour, the apron she wears barely showing any of its original color. Bits of some sort of dough can be seen stuck to her fingers. She wears a purple bandana that covers her hair and her eyes gleam with unbridled excitement, the gold ring around the pupils shining bright.

“Of course we made it!” Willow responds. “Hooty said we still have some time!”

Luz nods and waves her hand to bring them inside.

The smell is absolutely divine, Willow can recognize the scent of fresh bread being baked, along with spices and herbs of different varieties making its way through the house. Luz leads them to the kitchen, where the rest of the Clawthorne family resides.

At the table, King looks no more worse for wear from their battle with flour than Luz is. His fur is covered in the stuff, but he looks to be having fun kneading dough on the table with his hands.

Miss Eda is stirring a creamy looking soup in an iron-cast cauldron with a giant wooden rod. Spice bottles float in a conveyor line in front of her, surrounded by her golden hue of magic and turning over to dump the correct amount in whatever concoction she was making. Her massive amount of hair was tied up into a bun, the band keeping it together looks like it could snap at any moment. 

“Eda!” Luz gains the attention of the older woman. “Willow and her parents are here!”

Eda looks up from her task and smiles at them. “So they are!” Eda draws a small spell circle and the spices go back to their rack, the stirring rod in the soup moves on its own. She wipes her hand on a towel and approaches the three of them. 

Harvey makes the move first, holding out his hand for Eda to shake. “Harvey Park, Miss Clawthorne. And this is my husband Gilbert Park.” 

Eda stares at Dad’s hand for a moment before a pale hand grasps it, it's a stark contrast against Harvey’s darker skin.

“Nice to meet you! I only know you two through word of mouth from Luz! But if Willow is anything to go by, I say y'all live up to your reputation. Ha! And call me Eda, please.”

Willow can hear her Papa sigh out in relief from behind her. 

“Well, it was quite the same with us Eda. Imagine our surprise when Willow told us she was friends with a human. A human whose guardian is the infamous Owl Lady at that!” Gilbert says.

“Well, you three aren’t running for the hills, nor have I chopped you up for potions. So I guess the wanted posters mean nothing to you huh?” Eda drawls.

Gilbert scoffs. “Please, some of those rumors are from tabloids. Besides, you protected our child when we weren’t able during the Moonlight Conjuring. That puts you on the good side of my list.”

Eda furrows her brow and frowns. “Uh, what’s the bad side?”

Harvey shakes his head and chuckles. “Believe me, you don’t want to find out!” 

“Ha!” Eda throws her head back and laughs. “You two got spunk, I like it! Now! Which one of you two can do Construction Magic? I have a task for you if you can.”

Willow looks up at her Papa to see him push up his glasses and raise his hand, Construction Coven mark revealed on his wrist. “I would be that Witch Eda. What can I assist you with?”

Eda nods and points to the door out back.. “Follow me, I’ll explain it as best I can. Never was one to be a nerd with numbers.” She glances down at Willow and Luz. “Luz, you still have to braid the last few loaves of Challah, why don’t you and King show Willow how it's done? You remember to grease the pans?”

Luz nods excitedly and gives her a thumbs up. “Yeah! I got it! Come on Willow! Let me find an apron for you!” her friend practically drags her to the kitchen sink so she can wash her hands. The adults leave through the backdoor to go outside and Luz disappears in the pantry to grab Willow an apron to use.

“Here you go Willow!” A faded green apron is plopped in her arms. She nods in thanks and ties it around herself as Luz leads her to the large table. There’s an equally large window on the back wall and Willow blinks as she looks outside.

Another table is set up outside, there's enough seats for all of them, including Gus and his dad when they arrive. At the far end of the table is a place with no chair, but it’s surrounded by flowers and vines. Fruit and vegetables are laid upon its place and Willow can make out a lone unlit candle where a plate would be. Nearby is a large silver horn, gleaming in the sunlight, it looks to be recently polished. 

Willow decided now would be a good time to ask Luz what’s the big deal with all this stuff. It seems like alot to go through just for dinner with family and friends. Luz gives her a calm smile and shakes her head as she explains.

“Well it’s not just a feast marking the near end of summer. It’s an offering!” Luz says. Willow watches carefully as her friend dumps a glob of dough on the flour covered counter in front of her. She follows her movements as they begin to knead.

“We’re supposed to be thankful to the Titan, the farmers, and the Druids who helped grow and harvest a successful crop for the upcoming winter. At least that’s how Eda explained it to me.” The human continues. She’s rolled and separated three parts of the dough into long strips. Willow does the same, following her friend’s movements.

Druids? Willow’s never heard of them. Luz has begun braiding the strips, snugly woven together. Her tongue is stuck out in concentration. 

“What are Druids? A type of farmer?” She asks, perhaps it's another word for members of the Plant Coven.

Luz laughs and shakes her head, wiping her brow with her forearm, a trail of flour follows marking her dark skin. “Well, kind of! But not really! Eda could probably explain it better, but Druids took care of the Titan! They protect nature, like the animals and plants. They used to help the farmers plant their crops, traveling all over the Titan and making sure there was plenty of food for everyone when the harvest ends!”

Willow pauses her own task of braiding her loaf and frowns. It sounds alot like Beast Keeping and Plant Magic meshed together. Wild Magic and yet how Luz described it, it was used to help the people and life itself. They were also able to travel wherever they wanted to? Huh. It’s interesting and Willow is curious. There had to be a catch.

“Okay,” Willow starts. “But what about the areas lost to Wild Magic? Like the Forearm Forest, it's overgrown and becomes much too dangerous for any Witch to travel through.” She’s finished her loaf, it’s not as pretty as Luz’s but it's good enough in her opinion, she’s always sucked at braiding.

Luz places their creations (and King’s own baby loaf) into individual pans and carries them to the oven. “The Plant Coven doesn’t take care of that?” she asks.

Willow shakes her head. “No, the magic is too volatile and rumors say the forest fights back if any Witch attempts to cull it.” Willow sits on the bench that’s part of the windowsill. “There’s tons of places like that on the Titan. The Shin Shoals, Pelvic Caves, the list is endless!” she throws up her hands. Places unexplored and uninhabited for years because of overgrowth or overpopulation of dangerous animals. Willow had hoped that when she joined the Plant Coven she could change that! Others before had tried and failed, but she’s sure she could find a way to clear the paths!

Suddenly, the kitchen becomes pitch black, like someone had turned off the sun. Willow blinks rapidly at the sudden change of lighting.

“Witches of all shapes and sizes!” A familiar voice intrudes.

Ah, it’s just Gus. She huffs out a laugh. Dramatic as usual.

“Introducing the dynamic father and son duo!” Aaaand of course Mr. Porter is in on it.

“The Porters!”

An illusionary spotlight shines at the archway entrance to the kitchen revealing Gus and Perry Porter. They’re both posing extravagantly with wide grins on their faces.

The back door opens and Willow hears a snap. The room distorts slightly as everything goes back to normal. Eda is standing at the open backdoor and she’s not amused. “Aht! No unnecessary magic in my kitchen! We aren’t a fancy show restaurant here!”

Gus laughs and rubs the back of his head. “Sorry Miss Eda.”

Gus’ dad is cleaning off his glasses with the end of his shirt. And his ears perk at the utterance of Eda’s name. “Wait, Eda? As in Edalyn Clawthorne? Class of ‘23? It’s been years!”

Willow watches as Gus gives his father a sad smile and taps his arm. “Dad, I told you we were going to Miss Eda’s place this morning, remember?”

Perry blinks and furrows his brow. “You did?”

“Yeah at breakfast, you made pancakes?” The inflection in Gus’ voice is encouraging but Willow can hear the strain put behind it.

Mr. Porter nods. “Ah, that you did, Agustus! Must have slipped my mind.”

Eda has approached the two and pats Perry’s shoulder. “Good to see you Perry! You’re on the big old crystal ball now huh? Action News too!”

Perry chuckles. “Oh yes! It’s brought a ton of opportunities for us! You think I could get an interview with you?” He jokes. 

“Ha! No.” The Owl Lady states cheerfully. “Now, everyone’s here right?” Golden eyes look around the room. Eda seems wary in Willow’s opinion. More nervous than ever as she fiddles with the knot in front of her apron. The woman takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. 

“I-uh, appreciate you all coming. Luz was pretty adamant that she wanted her friends here. Especially after I told her what today is about.” Eda gestures around her and points at the large window. “All I ask is for you all to keep an open mind, hm?”

King pipes up from beside her leg shaking his fist. “Yeah! Don’t be rude or Hooty will eat you!”

“Oookay!” Eda bends down to scoop up the baby demon. “Hooty will NOT eat you.” She reassures the group. “We still need some help setting up! Perry, could you grab the roast out of the left hand side of the oven? Oven mitts are on the counter.”

Perry laughs and gives Eda a mock salute. “Aye, Aye Captain!” 

“Thank you, put it on the table outside would you? Goops, I need some lights around the table. Think you can manage?” Eda questions.

Gus scoffs and crosses his arms. He gives Eda a challenging grin. “Do I look like an ametuer?”

“Ha!” Eda snorts. “Keep that confidence kid. Gil and Harv, you know your jobs! Bread should be done in ten and then we can start! And you mister,” Eda boops King’s Nose. “Need a quick bath.”

King begins to squirm in Eda’s arms. “Weh! I don’t need one! I’m squeaky clean!”

“No getting out of this one bud! We’ll be quick! Luz, wash up too. You still have flour…all over hun.” She says amusingly. 

She watches as Luz looks down at herself and laughs. “Guess we got carried away!” She looks at her and Gus. “I’ll go change! Be back in a jiff!” Luz runs off to her room.

“Willow,” Eda addressed her. “I need your insight kid.” 

She blinks, The Owl Lady needs her advice on something? With what? “Um, I’m not sure if I can be of much help, Miss Eda.” 

“Just Eda kid, please. And sure you can! Luz says you know your stuff about Plant Magic!” She nods her head at the backdoor. “Follow your dads out back, I need you to add your own specialty and flare for what we’re about to do. I’ll join you guys once this squirt is cleaned up.”

While they were talking. Willow realizes that it was only her and Eda left in the kitchen. The way the Owl Lady is self assured and confident in her abilities makes her nervous, but Willow smiles and nods. “You can count on me!” Willow raises her chin and pumps her fist. Whatever she has to do, she’ll give it her all!

“Great! Thanks kid!”

Eda takes it as her cue to walk off with a still squirming King in her arms. Willow ignores the puppy eyes the baby demon is giving her, an attempt to escape his cleansing fate. She takes her own leave and walks out the back door to join the others. 

The sun is steadily descending, giving way to the evening and for the moon to take its place. Gus is by one side of the table, he has a string of magical lights between his hands. One of his hands turn clockwise, each partial rotation changing the brightness and hue of the lights. Mr. Porter is nearby, looking at the spread of food with raised brows.

There was quite a lot on the table already, not including the collection of produce at the far end. A smoked platter of different cuts of meat, roasted vegetables, and bottles of wine and cider lay upon the table. When Luz said there would be alot of food she wasn’t kidding! 

She spots her dads near the makeshift arbor where the empty placement is. Papa has his small notepad out, his muttering under his breath and Willow can make out numbers and equations being written down quickly.

Dad notices her approaching and chuckles, pointing his thumb at Papa. “Hey, Sunflower. Your Papa is in the zone, as you can see. Eda wants him to make some sort of stone chair for this place.”

Yeah, that usually happens when Papa finds something of interest, especially if it's about building something. He gets weird. Willow scrunches her nose and tilts her head as she looks at the area. The arbor was pretty bare, now up close there weren't a lot of plants as she thought either. 

The plants that did reside here were thrumming with energy. Excitement, elation, and anticipation. Willow shivers at the feeling and feels that connection becomes part of her own, influencing her just a tad. This is what she loved about Plant Magic, everything she created was life itself. Each time she summons a flower or vine a piece of her is woven within and she feels satisfaction at a job well done.

She’s thankful that Luz stumbled into her life, throwing a wrench into her planned out path to make room for an improvised one. She looks at her parents and feels a tug in her chest. 

Willow still holds a bit of resentment.

Her dads had seen the grades, they knew about the countless hours spent in her room or at the library trying to catch up to her peers in the Abomination class. She despised it, the particular branch of magic made her feel sluggish and disgusting.

Then again it was also her fault for not saying anything. She didn’t need her dads to worry. 

Besides they put her in that class with good intentions, it was during a time where she and Amity were still friends…

Willow shakes her head to clear her spiraling thoughts. She looks up at Dad to ask him a question. “So,” she starts. “What’s all this for?”

Eda’s snort startles the three of them and Willow whips her head around quickly to see the Wild Witch placing the cauldron of steaming soup at her place at the head of the table. Luz and King are walking out of the kitchen with Luz carrying one of the fresh loaves of bread they made to the table.

“This spot is for our honored guest!” Eda quips. She walks up to them and gestures at the arbor and setting. “I’m pants at Plant Magic,” Eda looks down at Willow and gives her a wink. “I need someone who knows what they’re doing to add some more flowers and vines to the area and cushion the stone seat with moss.” 

Gilbert is still muttering and scribbling in his notebook, Eda raises a brow at her Papa and snickers. “This ain’t a test Gilbert, no need for it to be perfect.”

Harvey nudges his husband, causing Gilbert to look up and flush in embarrassment. “Well, you said this is an important ritual! I didn’t want to offend you…”

Eda waves her hand. “Bah! Don’t worry about it! Put feeling into it, that’s all that matters. Now chop chop! It’s almost time to start!”

Willow watches as her papa nods and hands off his notebook to Dad. He walks around the small area he has to work with. His eyes trial up to gauge the height of the arbor and scan back and forth to measure the width of the table. Papa nods once and straightens his vest. Two sage spell circles are summoned and settle themselves around his wrists. Willow watches as her father stomps the ground and his hands curl into fists.

His arms move in powerful and precise strokes. With each movement a pillar of earth rises abruptly, rigid and upright. Papa opens his hands and brings them together, cupping them as if he’s holding a ball. The stone pillars warp and mold into each other as he shapes the earth into what can be recognized as a great chair. 

Beside her, Luz and Gus are watching in awe seeing a master of their craft at work. Willow can’t help but to smile, it was always a treat seeing her dad work like this. 

Eventually the earth solidifies in its new form. Papa went all out, making the stone seat look more like a throne than a chair.

Eda whistles nice and low, clapping her father on the back. “Damn! That’s impressive! It’s perfect Gil! Thank you! Now your turn Willow! Add some lively beauty to this showstopper!”

Willow doesn’t know why she’s nervous all of a sudden. She’s around friends and family, none of her classmates! Get a grip! Okay, Eda said they needed more vines and moss to cushion the chair. Simple! She lays a hand on the back of the chair, feeling the smooth grooves and abstract edges as she traces her fingers down its side. The few plants at her feet rise and grow, tickling and wrapping around her ankles in response to the build up of magic she’s about to release.

She draws her hand back, quickly forms a large spell circle and shoots her hand back through, slapping her palm on the rock.

A burst of verdant life pulses forth from the center of her hand and spreads throughout the small area. Moss overtakes the stone throne and vines wrap around the top of the seat to shoot up into the arbor, connecting the two structures in a plant-like spider web. Flowers sprout from every available space in Willow’s control and she laughs at the feeling, pushing out more magic through her palm.

She feels a hand on her shoulder, shaking her out of her bliss. Willow pulls her hand back, breathing heavily and blinks.

Oh, she might have gone a little overboard. 

It’s Eda’s hand that's on her shoulder, she looks back at her dads who are staring at her in shock. The small area made for this honored guest was more like a tropical forest than a table setting. The stone chair her papa made was entirely covered in moss, no gray slate to be seen. The arbor was less empty now, sweet floral scents emitting from every nook and cranny on the arch. Willow looks down, the plants that had wound up her ankles and onto her calves slither back into the ground, reluctantly parting as she cuts off her magic.

She can feel the heat rush to her face from embarrassment. “I’m sorry!” she squeaks. “I got carried away! I shouldn’t have-”

“Are you kidding?” Eda huffs out in disbelief, “This is perfect kid! Great job!”

“Wha-really?”

Eda nods and crosses her arms, looking impressed at the display. “Yup! That’s some powerful work!” Her gaze falls on the horizon. “Just in time too! Alright, everyone, find a seat! Leave the stone one open!”

Luz and Gus are absolutely gushing about how cool she looked with her recent stunt. She can’t help feeling proud of herself, it was frowned upon at school to get lost like that. Lack of control meant more risk of falling into the side of Wild Magic. But Eda encouraged her, not scolded. And she was impressed! Her cheeks are hurting from smiling so hard.

Herself, Gus, Luz, and King all sit on one side of the table, while she and Gus’ parents sit opposite of them. The lights Gus had conjured float above the table, casting a warm glow as the sun dips lower and lower behind the trees.

Eda takes her place at the head of the table, opposite of the arbor and stone seat. Luz is giddy, she’s practically vibrating in her seat as she watches Eda double check that everything is in its place. 

Assured that everything is ready, Eda clears her throat. “Alright! It’s time to start!” All eyes snap to the Owl Lady and she grins widely. “We are here today gathered as friends and family to celebrate the nearing end of summer.” she begins. “But, we are also here to give thanks to the Witches who had a hand in ensuring that everyone on the Isles has enough food to last through harsh winters.”

Eda’s voice is steady, each word she speaks carries a certain lit that has Willow and the others at the table enraptured.

“The Druids have wandered these lands, some knowing no place to call home, for their home is wherever the Titan takes them. We leave the stone seat open on this day so they can recline and rest from their travels.” Eda nods her head at the mossy throne.

Eda then traces a small circle in front of her, the action causing the tip of her index finger to carry a small flame. “We light the candle and keep it lit throughout the night, so on this day they can find their place at the table even in darkness.” She aims her hand at the lone candle placed at the opposite end of the table. She flicks her finger and the flam travels across to land on the wick.

Eda’s gaze falls on Luz and she smiles. “Finally, we blow the horn, so on this day they know that the invitation has been sent and this home will not reject their presence.”

Luz pumps her fist and quickly gets up from her seat, rushing over to the silver horn placed next to the arbor. Willow watches as the human takes a deep breath and blows into the instrument. 

It is a long and deep euphonious note. It only lasts as long as Luz’s breath does, the human looks satisfied with herself as she goes back to her seat. 

Eda claps her hands together. “And now we can eat!” Eda removes a dish towel from a tray revealing one of the loves she, Luz, and King had made. “Alright everyone tear off a piece as it goes around, who wants soup?”

Luz and King immediately start to chatter, asking for a bowl. Mr. Porter is looking curiously at some ribs. Her dads are talking in hushed tones to each other and when one of them catches her staring, they give her a reassuring smile and carry on.

“Eda can I have some wine?”

“No, Luz you can not. There’s cider on your end!”

Willow snickers as Luz sucks her teeth. “Darn.” She says and looks at her and Gus. “Worth a try right?”

Gus nods, swallowing a piece of bread before he responds. “Dude, everything here is so good! Luz pass the ribs please?”

Willow makes her own plate and she has to agree with Gus, everything she’s tasted has been amazing. Luz said Eda had prepped for this day for the past week. She and Gus make sure to tell the older woman how delicious everything is and thank her for cooking. Eda just grins and waves her hand in dismissal. 

Everyone is much more relaxed and the evening goes on. Mr. Porter is regaling some stories about Hexside when he and Eda were students. Dad is laughing loudly and on his third cup of wine. Every now and then she can see Papa slip water in the cup while talking to Eda. 

King is digging into a piece of pie, maw absolutely covered in cinder berries, From the droop of his eyes, Willow can tell he’s about to go into a food coma, she might follow soon after at this rate.

“So, what happens now?” She asks. Luz is gnawing on a bone, breaking small pieces off and chewing the marrow. 

“Mph!” Luz wipes off her mouth with a napkin and takes a sip of her cider. “Well, now we clean up and make sure to leave a plate out for the Druid! It’s kind of like leaving milk and cookies for Santa.”

Gus, fascinated by anything on the topic of humans pipes up beside Willow. “What’s a Santa?”

“Oh my amazing companions, you are missing out on the joys of Christmas!” 

Luz explains the human holiday in great detail. Presents and trees, it sounds similar to the Winter Solstice. Well, without the old man breaking and entering into your home, that sounds…terrifying actually.

Gus seems to agree because he’s giving Luz a weird look in response to her exuberance. “Dude, you just let a magic old man leave strange presents near your hearth?”

“Psh, uh yeah? And they’re not strange presents! He already knows what you want for Christmas.”

“He can read your mind!?”

“No! Well, I mean kind of. That’s not the point! He’s a very jovial man who brings cheer and happiness to every home!”

Yeah no, still super weird. “I have to side with Gus on this one Luz, and what’s this about a flying sled and reindeer? I thought humans didn’t have magic in their world.”

Luz sighs forlornly. “Ya know what, we’re going to add Christmas experience to Gus’ Human World list.”

A poof of blue smoke catches Willow’s peripheral and she see’s Gus check off a roll of parchment. “Added!” He says.

The clinking of gathering plates and utensils let all of them know that the adults have started to wind down. Luz immediately gets up to help, going to grab King before she pauses and laughs.

Willow looks over and sees that the baby demon has fallen asleep in his pie. She laughs at the sight. Luz just shakes her head and picks him up, carrying him with both arms. She turns back to face them and smiles amusingly. “I’ll go put him on the couch. Mind grabbing our plates?”

Gus gives Luz a thumbs up and Willow nods. The human thanks them and walks back towards the house, King drooling and leaving berry stains on the shoulder of Luz’s shirt. Gus is quick to help and walks around the table to nudge his dad, who had been staring off into space with the empty tray of ribs in his hand.

Mr. Porter breaks out of his stupor to look down at his son with a grin. “Oh Gus! I was just telling Harvey about the time Eda hexed the school bells! And-Huh, that’s funny, I swore he was just here…”

“We’re cleaning up dad! It’s almost time to leave.” Gus says.

Mr. Porter looks down at the tray in his hands and nods, they begin to walk to the house. “Ah right right, Eda made some fine ribs! Do you think she’ll give me her recipe?” Willow doesn’t catch Gus’ response. Once again it's just her and Eda.

The Owl Lady has a single plate in her hand, she’s divvying up portions, making sure it's full of food. Eda catches her staring and smiles. “Enjoy yourself kid?” she asks.

Willow nods and trails behind Eda as she goes to place the plate at the opposite end of the table. The candle gives the area an eerie glow. Willow looks out into the wooded area surrounding Eda’s home, she half expects someone to reveal themselves at any moment. Walking out of the trees and ready to sit down to consume the meal made for them.

“No one will come.” Eda answers her unspoken question. She blinks and looks up at the woman. Eda is resigned and her shoulders slump. “No Druid has been seen or heard from in years.”

Willow frowns, “Then why do all this?” She asks. “And there has to be someone! You said they know no home. So, maybe they’re just lost?” 

Eda responds with a hollow laugh. “I like that.” she muses. “Lost, huh? Well, let's hope this candle is bright enough to help them find their way back, hm?”

With that, Eda turns on her heel and grabs the remaining dishes to take back to clean, leaving Willow alone.

The candle flickers at her and the wind blows from the nearby cliff. Willow shivers and looks back towards the woods once more. The leaves rustle from the evening gust and branches bend.

Yet still there is nothing.

The food remains.

The candle flickers yet again.

And Willow starts her slow pace back to the house, with a million questions on her mind. 

Chapter Text

The misty morning dew soaks Eda’s slippers as she trudges through the grass.

Hooty had awoken her in the wee hours of the morning. And so had the beast.

‘Intruder near the Aerie!’ Her curse had hissed violently.

The wake up call was unpleasant as much as it was terrifying. She had quickly risen and rushed to check on the kids. The both of them were nowhere to be seen in their rooms and it sent Eda into a feral overdrive.

She could feel the feathers sprouting on her body and the Beast clawing its way through her mind scape, screeching and squawking to rend and tear the enemy who dared touch their fledglings. 

Everything came to a halt when she reached the kitchen and bitter sweet memories of her and her sister tumbled forth.

King and Luz were piled on top of the large window sill bench, dead to the world. Eda could make out hand prints and scratches from claws on the glass.

She and her sister were in similar positions once. Waiting for a guest who would never arrive.

‘The Owlets should be in the nest’ The Beast chitters, now disgruntled but satisfied kids are safe.

Eda can’t find herself to mentally respond with a witty comeback. Currently, she stares at a stone seat, an unlit candle, and an empty plate.

She knows Hooty would never dare intrude upon the setting. He’s older than Eda and has lived long enough to hold respect and reverence for The Old Ways just as she has. He knows better than most.

So someone had come. 

This is how she found herself. Soggy slippers, feathers stuck to her sweater, and starring incredulously at the folded parchment addressed to her sealed from the melted wax of the candle.

She recognizes the script. It’s strokes familiar and it brings forth a wave of shame and guilt that runs through her.

Eda clenches her fists and takes a steadying breath before picking up the letter and opening it to read.

Eda’s eyes are misty and her ears burn hot with the effort of keeping it together. She’s now noticed the leather bound journal placed on the stone chair. It’s thick, pages almost bursting out of the seams, funnily enough the spine was bound by twisting vines, keeping the book closed.

Perhaps it is a cruel joke or a twisted sign from the Titan. The journal feels heavy in her hands as Eda picks it up.

This is an obligation, it feels like it shouldn’t be, but the more Eda looks at the letter and journal in her grasp, the more it urges her to fly over to the Parks and chuck the damn thing through their window.

Impulsive attitude aside, she has a better idea on how to hand this off.

She walks back to the Owl House, journal tucked under her arm and makes the motion of a spell circle with her free one.

The stone chair and arbor crumble, melding back into the fold of scenic nature and fade into the morning mist.

Chapter Text

“Eda, I might be having second thoughts.”

“What? Come on kid, that’s just the nerves talking.”

The two are flying on Owlbert towards Hexside. Luz knows Eda is right, but the grip she has around her mentor’s waist tightens as intrusive thoughts wiggle their way into the forefront of her mind. The new uniform she wears is itchy and she hates the small cowl that surrounds her neck. “Yeah, maybe, I dunno. I’ve never really made good first impressions at school back in the human world, what if I mess up here?”

The disbelieving snort from Eda shakes Luz slightly as the noise emits from the older woman. “You’ll be fine kid! Don’t let other people’s opinions dictate your life! If I did that, I’d be some old broad wasting away in the Emperor’s Coven! You’ll be fine.” Eda reassures. “Besides! You knocked it out of the park with your entrance exam! Bumpy-poo was impressed!”

Luz smiles at the reminder, she was able to write the short essay in runic pretty well and the practical magic portion was a breeze! The extra glitter she brought for the demonstration was worth it in her opinion.

As they land on the large path that leads to Hexside’s entrance, Eda ruffles Luz’s hair fondly. “The most important thing of all is to have fun, kid.”

The human huffs out a soft breath and nods with conviction. “Okay! Yeah! You’re right! I’m gonna have fun learning magic!”

“That’s the spirit!” Eda laughs, golden eyes alight with mirth. “We can celebrate your first day tonight at dinner! How does roasted cockatrice sound?”

Luz jumps up and down and nods rapidly. “Oh, yes please! With the roasted veggies and gravy!” Eda’s cooking was the best! 

“Done! Now go on! You don’t want to be late. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! Byeee!~” Eda shoots off into the air on her staff and gives Luz a farewell wave as she disappears into the sky. 

Right! First day! She can do this! Luz turns around to face the impressively large educational institution. Students are milling about outside, catching up with friends and delaying the inevitable seven hours they’ll have to spend doing schoolwork. There are kids of all shapes and sizes her. Luz is pretty sure she saw a giant walking their way back behind the school. 

She can feel her palms become cool and sweaty. What will she learn in Hexside? She wants to know everything! Her body moves before her mind can catch up to her, one foot in front of the other. Luz is so busy looking up and around, she yelps when she feels a gooey tap on her shoulder.

Turning, Luz is faced with Amity and her summoned abomination. The Abomination’s eternal frown and slack face seems joyful. Well, from what Luz can gather anyways. The goo flows and dribbles downward from the Abomination’s body, in some places it drips down onto the ground, only to be absorbed by its feet. 

“Sorry to scare you Luz.” Amity says. “I just wanted to congratulate you on not getting into the baby class.” the young Witch smiles at her and Luz can’t help but to smile back. 

“Yeah!” She twirls around, showing off her grey and white uniform. “Newly admitted Hexside student, Luz Noceda at your service!” She finishes off her spin with a mock bow. It causes Amity to giggle softly and hum.

“Well done, maybe I’ll see you in class?” Amity muses and tilts her head. Funnily enough, the Abomination copies her actions. 

Luz nods as she begins to walk off and gives her a thumbs up. “You bet! I got to figure out my schedule with Principal Bump first. See ya, Amity!”

As Luz says goodbye to one friend, she is met with two more. Gus and Willow are posted on the stairs that lead to the entrance of the school. Willow is clapping excitedly and Gus has summoned a ‘Maybe Next Time?’ sign with Illusion Magic. She laughs at the words and swoops in to give her friends a hug. 

“You did it!” Willow says as they all pull back. “I knew you could!”

“Yeah!” Gus grins. “There was only a 32.5% probability you would pass, but I bet on the fewer odds!” He crosses his arms and gives a satisfactory nod, smug grin on his face. “Now Mattholmule owes me 100 Snails.”

The wry grin settles on Luz’s face before she could stop it and she points to the illusionary sign above their heads. “Is that why this sign is apologizing to me instead of ‘Congratulations?’”

Gus’ gray eyes glace upward and an dark flush takes over his face. “You, ah. Have to be prepared for anything?” He coughs awkwardly and waves his hand. It dispels the current words and summons new ones.

‘Don’t Give Up!’

Luz watches as Willow releases and amusing sigh and pushes up her glasses to pinch the bridge of her nose. “Really Gus?” she asks.

“Look if it was a thirty percent chance to pass, only three of these bad boys are gonna be the good ones.” he explains.

She giggles at her friends antics and Luz feels herself relax a bit at the banter. This isn’t so bad! At least she already has friends before coming here. It’d be a nightmare trying to prove herself. Luz reassures Gus and Willow that she’ll see them at lunch as they walk into Hexside and go their separate ways. She can vaguely remember the path to Principal's Bump’s office. Willow made sure to give her quick instructions as a reminder, which helped her immensely.

The closer she got to the Principal's office, the walls of the hall filled with more and more pictures. Graduating classes, Coven acceptance of alumni, tournament wins. This hall leading to the boss of the school was filled with memorabilia of years past. One painting stood out among the rest. It was huge!

Luz stops herself in front of the larger and more detailed painting of the depiction of the conquest that lead to Hexside’s existence. It was much more gruesome than the pamphlet depicted. Coooool.

“Ah, there you are Miss Noceda!” 

She turns her head to see Principle Bump standing in the doorway of his office, he waves her over. 

“Come along now,” he begins. “Let’s get your schedule in order.”

Once inside Bump’s office, Luz’ nerves come back to hit her full force. Eda isn’t here with her this time, and even though Bump’s kind gaze held no ill will or intent at her, Luz can’t help but feel stifled all of a sudden.

She’s sitting in the lone chair in front of his desk, kicking her feet back and forth. Bump is sorting through some paperwork, most likely hers, as he scans over the forms he begins to speak.

“You did well writing and reading your runes, so you’ll be in the same general studies class as your peers. Those usually take place after lunch. The real question is, which track would you like to join?”

Oh! This is her cue! Luz rummages through her bag and takes out a piece of paper. “Actually Principle Bump, I was thinking I could take a little bit of everything! I’ve written out my version of a schedule here for you to look at! I think-”

“No.”

It was like a slap in the face. No? What does he mean no?

“But-” she starts.

Principal Bump raises his hand and shakes his head. “I’m sorry Luz, but you cannot learn multiple tracks at this institution. You must choose only one track to learn.”

One? Only one?! The piece of paper in her hands crumples as she clenches her fists. But there was so much to learn and see! How could you just choose one? “Is there like a magical item to help me choose?” she asks.

Principal Bump pales and shudders, he shakes his head. “Once, we had the Choosey Hat. It went rogue and started trying to eat the skulls of new students, so that is no longer an option.”

Darn. Seriously! How can she choose? Bump must have been getting impatient with her, because in the next moment she hears a long drawn out sigh and a snap.

The white parts of her uniform shift to the dyed yellow that indicates the Potion Track. She turns her arms to look at herself in awe. 

Bump waves his hand and leans back in his chair. “I think Potions would suit you. Knowing Edalyn, its probably what she’s started teaching you. I’m sure if you are so eager to learn the other tracks The Owl Lady can teach you at home.” He pulls open a drawer from his desk and a folded paper lands on top of the wood in front of Luz.

“That is your schedule,” He continued. “Your first class is with Professor Bloodworth. She’s a fine Potions Professor, one who can challenge you.”

Still upset with the decision of what classes to take being made for her, Luz simply nods. Well, potions are cool and she does enjoy the process of gathering and refining ingredients. So maybe this won’t be so bad! Principle Bump gives her the directions to her classroom and the the Potion Hall. She makes sure to thank the old man and before she leaves his office, he calls out to her.

“Luz?”

She turns and blinks. Bump’s gaze has turned sharp as he inclines his head. “Try to be on your best behavior today. We have an inspection and there can be no mishaps.” His eyes dart to the banners above the entrance to his office, and Luz follows the directions for her own eyes to meet the Emperor’s Coven banner, larger than the rest, hanging ominously overhead. 

Ha! No problem, she’ll be on her best behavior! She winks and shoots her finger guns. “You got it Principle Bump! I’m gonna be the perfect student!”

She's pretty sure finger guns are supposed to be pretty motivating. So she doesn’t know why Bump looked devastated at the action. Huh, maybe it meant something different on the Isles. 

She’s got about ten minutes before her first class starts, hopefully its enough time to reach where she needs to be. Roaming the main center atrium, she doesn’t see any of her friends, just stragglers. They must have already made their way to their own classrooms. Keeping Bump’s earlier instructions in mind, Luz makes her way to the Potion Corridor. She’s excited and curious to see what she’ll find. If its anything like Gus’ or Willow’s Halls, she might be in for a treat.

Eventually, the basic architecture of the generic halls ends, and Luz approaches double doors that look similar to the door of Eda’s lab back at the Owl House. She looks up and sees a metal sign with the words of ‘Potion Hall’ engraved within. She’s made it! Great! Her palms have become sweaty as she reaches for the door handle and pulls with slight exertion to open it.

When she enters, its like she’s stepped through a time machine. 

This hallway was old, the difference between here and the reinforced doors separating the rest of the school was astonishing. It reminded Luz of those medieval castles she would see in her fantasy books and movies. The stone bricks that lined the walls were large and mismatched, sconces were spaced evenly a few feet apart, holding actual torches alight with flames instead of the magical artificial lights that graced the rest of the school.

Students milled about in smocks and aprons. Some even wore goggles and what suspiciously looked like gas masks. Those particular set of students were further down the hallway, disappearing into more heavy metal doors.

Then there was the smell. Again so very similar to Eda’s lab. Earthy and potent and from a few open classroom doors, she can make out haze and colorful smoke that escaped and rose to the ceiling. Looking up, she feels her jaw drop. 

A brewing storm of clouds made of different bright colors are churning. Luz can make out strikes of lightning as well that streak across the length of the hallway. What the heck is that?!

Questions later Luz! She has to get to class. Okay, Bump told her room 106…

The numbers are stamped on the door thankfully, large enough to read at a distance. She breathes in relief as she enters the classroom right as the bell screams. The teacher has their back turned, writing on the large chalkboard. Luz can read the ‘Potions 101’ title written clearly and the beginnings of a list of ingredients below. She surveys her classmates, all of them look rather bored at the moment, each settled at their own individual workstation. Luz spots a free space and quickly settles in at her spot. 

Okay, she has a small portable cauldron, burner, laid out ingredients…a fog brew? She looks back up at the board, the teacher has moved and revealed more of what they're making today. Yeah, it's a fog brew, but the amount of ingredients is wrong. And where’s their stirring rods?!

Their teacher turns and clears their throat. Luz can finally get a better look at her Potion’s Professor.

She’s not similarly humanoid like herself or other Witches. Their teacher is a demon her face containing a large bird-like beak that is hooked over her mouth. She looks nice enough, even with her black eyes scanning with scrutiny over the classroom. 

“I welcome you to the new semester students! I see plenty of old faces as well as new ones.” Her gaze falls on Luz and she sits up straight at the attention drawn to her. “For those that are new here, I am Professor Bloodworth. I assure you that you’ve made the right decision choosing Potions for your track!” 

Professor Bloodworth stands aside to show off the board. “As most of you know, potions can have a variety of effects. From healing wounds, to enhancing physical and mental capabilities. Potion making is an important magic to have!”

Luz finds herself nodding along with the mini-speech. Professor Bloodworth was right! Luz had scanned through different recipes with Eda and she’s seen what different concoctions could do. There was an invisibility potion she wanted to try but Eda said she wasn’t ready for that one just yet.

Professor Bloodworth taps the board with a conjured pointing stick. “Today we’ll be making a fog brew! Useful for entertainment or simple fun! The directions and ingredients are on the board. You all have forty-five minutes to complete your batch. Any questions?”

Yeah, she has a lot actually. The reagents for this brew were correct, but the amount and process of refining them was wrong. Also, forty-five minutes wasn’t enough to complete or keep the consistency of the potion! With the type of base they use, the mixture has to sit at least an hour to thin out! Luz worries about her lip and looks around. 

The rest of her classmates have already started, using spell circles at that to cut and stir their own potions.

Luz looks back at her own workstation. She at least had a knife and…a wooden spoon? Well, it could be worse! Okay, the first step is to wash her hands. Luckily she spotted a washing station beside the door. Numerous eyes are on her as she makes her way to the sink. Ignoring them, Luz is set on her task. 

The washing station has seen better days and it makes Luz wonder if it’s even been used in months. Water stains and sediment clog the sink, but at least the faucet still works. The slimy grime on the bar of soap was concerning, but at least it smelled good! No towels though, she made sure to shake her hands really well and let them air dry on the way back to her station.

She catches the disgusted look from a three-eyed girl sitting behind her. Her own cauldron was already simmering, lavender smoke billowing out in gentle waves. The girl looks satisfied with herself as she looks back at her project, twirling a finger to give the wooden spoon her magical energy to make it stir. 

Well, she might not finish her own potion until the very end of class, but at the very least hers will be made right! Determined with newfound vigor, Luz eyes the ingredients at her desk and looks back up at the board where the instructions are written 

A pinch of pumice dust
Minced and seasoned xorn spleen
Loosely peeled artery of a pixie
A dash of smoky quartz dust

Frowning, she rewrites the ingredients in her notebook scratching out the inconsistencies and correcting them.

A handful of pumice dust.
Chopped and season xorn spleen
Peel the pixie artery thoroughly, leave no loose stringy things!
A pinch of smoky quartz dust.

Okay, so far so good! The rest of the instructions are clear and concise, even if there's a note to make sure your spell circles are slowed and controlled. Yeah, no flinging circles for her! With clean hands and a sound mind, Luz gets to work. 

The purified water is first, she puts her burner on high to speed up the process of boiling it as she preps her ingredients. The xorn spleen is pre-seasoned, a revelation that makes Luz scrunch up her nose. Ah well, she can’t fix everything, the water gives off a bright green hue once she adds the spleen and stirs. The smell it gives off reminds Luz of popcorn. 

Next was peeling the pixie artery, a challenge because she doesn’t have any of Eda’s fancy tools for this sort of task. Tongue stuck out in concentration and brow furrowed, she takes the knife and carefully peels away at the thick membrane that surrounds the small length of the biological string. Luz double checks her work and gently plops the artery into the cauldron.

The brew simmers back up to a quick boil, changing its color from green to yellow at the added ingredient. She quickly grabs her wooden spoon and stirs three times counter-clockwise remembering Eda’s tip. Turn the clock backwards to reduce reactions and forwards to accelerate.

The liquid quickly settles down and she eyes it for a few more seconds making sure it's stable. The last few steps are easy! The small jar of pumice dust is just enough for a handful thankfully. She swears she hears some sort of squawk when pouring the entire jar in, but ignores it, the dust has given the fumes a nice haze and it's time for the last ingredient!

The smoky quartz dust shimmers quite prettily with its dark colors. Luz takes a small pinch of the dust and rubs her fingers together to release the dust into her cauldron. As the dust hits, Luz waits with bated breath to see her outcome.

Her brew simmers for a few more moments and then settles in its final state. It’s smoky and light, wisps of misty tendrils rise and spill over her cauldron, disappearing into thin air once they reach the wood of the table.

It's perfect! She wipes her brow with the back of her hand and grins. Well, near perfect! Hmm…perhaps crushed ghostshrooms could change the color of the fog! Ooo, she’ll have to ask Eda about it when she gets home.

“Ms. Noceda. What is this?”

Luz looks up from her work and sees her teacher staring at her potion with a frown. She looks around at the other tables and blinks. Her classmates' results are drastically different from her own. The color of their brews is a bright golden color. Almost exactly like the shade of Eda’s elixir. 

Professor Bloodworth’s eyes are narrowed at her and there's a disdainful twitch of her brow. Luz is familiar with this look and she feels herself shut down at the sudden attention. “I, um well it's a fog brew?”

Their teacher scoffs. “That?” she points at her cauldron. “No, not at all, it's nothing of the sort. I watched you dirty your hands and use the incorrect amount of ingredients.”

With each word that comes out of Bloodworth’s mouth, Luz feels her anger rise. “It is a fog brew ma’am! I can prove it! I did everything right!”

Professor Bloodworth clicks her tongue, beak pointing ominously at Luz. “Very well, let's prove it then. Boscha, bottle your brew please?”

The three-eyed girl sitting behind Luz responds in a saccharine voice. “Of course Professor!”

“You two will present your brews up front. Your grade for today will be determined on the consistency of the fog and how long it lasts. Does that sound fair?”

No, Luz fumes. It's not fair! She’s just calling her out because she made the potion differently? Well she’ll prove her wrong! Luz nods in agreement and bottles her own potion. She walks up to the front of the classroom, a multitude of curious gazes watch her every move. 

Boscha glances at Luz and gives her a mocking grin, chin held high. Luz clenches her teeth and vents a harsh breath through her nose. She wouldn’t mess things up any more than she already has on her first day! 

Professor Bloodworth stands in front of them and waves her hand at Boscha. “Boscha, you’ll go first. Demonstrate to the class if you would?”

“It would be my pleasure Professor Bloodworth.” She gives the class a bow and throws down her flask in front of her, the glass shatters and a purple fog obscures Luz’s vision for a brief moment before subsiding, revealing a grinning Boscha and giving way to a small applause from their classmates.

“Well done Boscha! That was perfect! Everything was just right!” Professor Bloodworth cheers. “Now Ms. Noceda I believe it's your turn. Let’s see if your brew can measure up!”

Luz’s ears burn in embarrassment, but her resolve is solid and stoking the flames of determination. The flask in her hand is cool and its weight feels like nothing. Her thumb rubs the glass a few times before she closes her eyes and chucks it down on the floor.

The resulting plume of fog that emits from the intended reaction is massive. It swathes across the classroom causing the other students to yelp in surprise and Professor Bloodworth to trip over themselves and fall backwards.

Luz blinks and rubs her eyes, the dull gray fog rendered her visibility near useless. Even with placing her hand in front of her she can hardly see it. Oh man this is cool! Eventually, after about a minute the fog subsides, dissipating slowly and gathers around her feet. It lingers as if they’ve entered a humid bog for a few moments more then disappears entirely.

The stagnant liquid near her feet from throwing the brew down shrivels up and turns into small wisps of smoke, evaporating and leaving the shattered glass from the flask the only evidence of activation. 

Next to her, Boscha is glaring at her. Hair in disarray from the violent emission of fog plume. Professor Bloodworth is still on the floor, mouth agape as she stares at Luz in shock. 

The bell screams, signifying class is over. 

Luz takes this moment of opportunity by the horns. She laughs awkwardly as she quickly goes back to her desk to grab her bag and quickly file out into the hallway with the rest of the students trickling out of their own classrooms.

Okay so the Potion 101 class may suck in the future, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her from enjoying the rest of her classes! Rummaging through her bag she takes out her schedule and groans aloud at the writing shown. It’s just making different potions or potion theory all day?! Potion Theory is her next class and looking at where the room is, it's in one of the general hallways.

She makes her way back to the central atrium, grumbling under her breath and brain going a mile a minute. Lunch seems like hours upon hours away, this is what everyone is satisfied with? Hammering one subject for the rest of their life? She wants action! Adventure! Intrigue!

Near her next classroom she spots a shelf of crystal balls, but they look different than the one at home. A crescent-head witch emerges from the classroom beside it. She holds it gingerly and Luz watches with curious eyes as she whispers to it. The incoreperal form of some sort of mummified spirit emerges and looks down upon her. It whispers back, Luz can’t hear any words said but she looks away as both the witch and ghost glance at her.

There’s a hum, the sound of glass being put down, and finally fading footsteps. Luz looks back at the shelf. Oracle Magic is just predicting futures right? Maybe she can sneak a peek into her own and see if her classes get any better or more interesting! Or better yet, she can see a future where she becomes Professor Bloodworth’s star student, “wrong” methods and all.

Luz snickers to herself at the thought and looks around the corridor, making sure no prying eyes are aimed her way. She creeps up to the shelf, blatantly ignoring the ‘Oracle Track Only!’ sign. With careful hands Luz takes hold of one of the crystal balls and her breath is taken away as she feels a tug both from her heart and the center of her forehead. 

Unintelligible whispers caress her mind as an intangible figure is produced from the crystal ball. Its form is ghastly and Luz can only make out its eye and mouth from their mummified wrapped face. The lone eye looks piercingly at her and the drone of whispers in her head solidifies into one voice.

‘Who are you?’

She blinks and looks around. No one else was in the hallway and anyone left was hurrying along to their next class.

‘Who are you?’ The voice asks again and Luz looks back to hesitantly respond.

“Uh, I’m Luz? Luz Noceda!”

Her forehead still prickles with its strange sensation as the lone voice splits back into numerous whispers before unifying once more. 

‘Luz Noceda…’ The ghost from the crystal ball points at her as the voice drones. ‘You will be in trouble soon.’

Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?! She didn’t even ask a question yet!

“Ms. Noceda!” 

Concentration broken, Luz helps at the call of her name and her grip of the ball slackens. She juggles the orb frantically, trying to take hold and not have it shatter against the floor. The ghost originating from the crystal ball has disappeared back into their confined home. The sudden break of whatever connection Luz and the specter had, caused Luz to hiss out in pain from the onslaught of a rapid headache that reached forward over the crown of her head.

The ball is encapsulated in a green glow as Principle Bump makes his presence known. Oh, he looks mad…

“Ms. Noceda.” He starts. “I believe I have informed you that there is no such thing as inter-track mixing!”

Sweat prickles at the base of her neck and the words Luz wants to say threaten to spill from her lips. She wants to yell, kick, and scream of the unfairness of it all, as well as the recent outing attempt in Potions to embarrass her from an adult she’s supposed to find guidance in.

But the nagging familiarity of being ignored weighs on her conscience. Her tongue feels like lead and all she can do is stammer out a pathetic explanation. 

Of course she’s proven right as Bump motions her to follow him. Frustration burns like smoldering embers within her and the sting from her eyes kindles the low lying flames of rising anger. And when they reach prison like doors and Bump switches her yellow accented uniform to a depressing charcoal gray denoting her detention status, Luz is ready to go home.

Bump says she can try again next semester, she won’t even be here next semester! 

Her mood only worsened when she tried to make friends with her fellow detention buddies. The teacher watching over them was super rude and just made her do chores for interrupting his nap! 

Gus and Willow had stopped by outside a window looking for her. They sympathized and explained to her how she’ll learn nothing from the detention track! Gosh, this was a nightmare! Luckily, her two friends promised to break her out so she just has to wait long enough… 

“Pst, hey!”

The tap on her shoulder startled Luz out of her escapist fantasies. Turning around from the window, she’s met face to face with the girl she tried to defend earlier. Sage green eyes stare at her in amusement at her reaction.

“Um, hi?” Luz whispers.

The girl places a lone finger on her lips to signal Luz to keep quiet and points to the detention teacher. All six of his eyes are closed and a steady stream of drool trails down the side of his open mouth. Gross.

Luz’s potential newfound friend urges her over to the blackboard and Luz feels her eyes widen as the girl draws a circle and key hole on the board. The piece of chalk seems to be the key or rather was it the drawing itself? Luz has questions and even more inquiries fill her mind as the drawn secret door opens to reveal a small hallway. 

The two of them enter and once the door closes behind them, the girl gives her a wide grin. 

“We’re safe to talk in here! I’m Viney by the way, thanks for sticking up for us back there. You’re fierce too! It looked like you were about to rip teach’s head off!”

Luz laughs nervously and rubs the back of her head. “Yeah, I haven’t had a good day today. It’s been rough.”

Viney nods. “I can understand that. Come on, I wanna show you something. You’re in the Detention Track now, so you're one of us!”

The two of them walk down the short corridor, Luz is able to get quick glances of old books and an assortment of school supplies within the small alcoves along the way. When they reach the door with a crudely hand made sign saying ‘keep out’, Luz can’t help but find the handwriting looks familiar.

Viney opens the door and reveals a room that leaves Luz speechless. 

There are so many doors! 

“Welcome,” Viney begins. “To the Secret Room of Shortcuts!”

The room is shaped like an uneven tower, every inch of wall space is taken up by a door of different shapes and sizes. Each door was unique, one never the same. Luz could see some doors with locks and others with no handles at all. The tower winds up to about four stories high. There’s even doors on the ceiling! 

“Woah.” Luz breathes out.

Viney laughs and nudges her with her elbow. “Impressive right? Jerbo, Barcus! You two can come out now!”

A nasally voice emits from one of the doors above. “How do we know if she’s cool, Viney? She might rat us out!”

Luz looks up to see the other two detention kids reveal themselves. The tall and lanky boy has his eyes narrowed at her in suspicion. The…dog demon? Yeah, the dog demon with overly large square glasses tilts his head and barks. The boy looks down at him then back at Luz, suspicion no longer on his face, but relief. 

“Barcus says your aura is strong and silly, like a baby’s laughter. So, Welcome!”

He got all that from one bark?! Barcus wasn’t even speaking Common! Honestly Luz shouldn’t even be surprised. The Boiling Isles throws anything and everything at her at this rate. There’s more important matters at hand. Like this giant secret room! The excitement has washed away most of her past frustrations of today and she flaps her hands as she squeals aloud. “Oh my gosh! I love secret rooms!” She rushes over to one of the doors. “Where does the door lead?”

The one she cracks open leads out to one of the main hallways that branch out from the central atrium. Amity’s voice is trailing off mid rant as Luz peeks around the corner of the doorway.

“So you go two the same school now, that doesn't mean anything!”

Okay this is super cool! She closes the door and turns back to Viney as she listens to her explain more of the room. 

 “Each door leads to different parts of the school. Previous Witches thrown into the Detention Track leave a hint that this place exists for the next few students whose fate resides here.” Viney points over to a wall covered in graffiti and different names surround a painting also smothered in bright colors. “The Witch who made this place is known as Lord Calamity.”

Luz whistles low and looks around again. One Witch made this on their own?! She doesn’t even want to know how much magic that took.

Jerbo picks up where Viney left off and gains Luz’s attention again as he points to the different names surrounding the picture frame. “They started this troublemaker wall and we each added our names in their honor.” He places a hand on his heart and bows slightly to the painting in respect. 

This place is super impressive and Luz can only imagine what sorts of shenanigans these guys can get up to with such a room. She says her musings aloud and Viney chuckles.

“We can do ‘shenanigans’ and be up to no good, but we use the doors for so much more than that!”

Barcus has his head poking through one of the cracked open doors and Luz can catch the intense voice of a professor giving their students a lesson.

“To understand life, we must also understand death. We work backwards to see the signs…”

Oracle Magic? Or at least, that’s what Luz thinks is being talked about. It sounds a lot more complicated than she expected.

“We’re not able to learn any magic in the Detention Track,” Viney says. “So we take what we can learn here.”

Jerbo nods from beside her. “Now instead of learning just one track, we can learn all of them!”

Ha! She’s not the only one who wants to learn everything! “How did you guys end up here in the first place?” Luz asks.

Viney is fiddling with her fish hook earring, sheepish grin on her face. “We’re all here because we mixed different types of magic. I combined Beast-Keeping and Healing. Unconventional? Who’s to say!” She shrugs. “But I think it’s a great idea to have something to pet while I fix you up!”

Jerbo snorts and shakes his head fondly, he points to himself. “I was mixing Plant and Abomination magic. It’s genius if you ask me! Why go through the ins and outs of making abomination goo when you can just use dirt! Foliage and vines can be used in place for the skeleton and the richness in soil can-“

“Jer! Reign it dude.” Viney interrupts.

Jerbo coughs and Luz sees a small blush dust his cheeks. “Right uh, sorry.”

Luz points over to Barcus who’s busy writing notes on the lesson he’s eavesdropped on. “What about Barcus?”

“Oh, he uses Potions for Oracle spells! He always tells us it’s much more tangible than relying on a spirit.” Jerbo explains.

Viney gestures around the room, sighing in frustration. “We’re all here because Bump and some of the other Professors want to keep things in line. Bump also told us we should be more focused on a single track” she sits down on the floor, joining Jerbo and Barcus who also took their leisure on the ground. 

“It’s not fair,” Jerbo huffs. “No one understands us or takes the time to hear us out. Mixing magic can’t be that bad can it?”

“Woof!”  Barcus replies. 

Jerbo laughs and snaps his fingers, pointing at his friend. “Exactly Barcus! The only danger its posed for us is the unexpected results! But I don’t have an urge to cause sudden anarchy!”

Well, Luz can attest to the vague influence of anarchy when it comes to learning Wild Magic, but she blames Eda for that. As she sits down with the rest of them a sense of comradery and belonging washes over Luz as the trio explains their reasonings and starts new topics. She also begrudgingly nods at the mention of Principle Bump and his strict rules. She thought Bump wouldn’t be so strict about these things, especially after the meeting with Eda. He knows that she learns other types of magic, so why can't the same be offered to other students?

“Yeah,” Luz grumbles. “Seems like Principle Bump doesn’t have his priorities straight.”

“Right?” Viney says. “You’re alright Luz, since you’re one of us now, do you want to add your name to the Troublemaker wall?” She holds up a permanent marker for Luz to take.

Luz is ready to say yes and scribble her own signature on the infamous wall. The Detention Track wouldn’t be all bad! Now that she has Viney, Jerbo, Barcus, AND this amazing room where she can learn just about everything!

Her arm reaches out to take the marker from Viney, only pausing when the familiar voices of her friends echo down the entrance hall to the secret room. 

“Luz! Where are you? We’re here to break you out!”

Oh no, they couldn’t have come at a better time. She feels herself grimace as the troublemaking trio turn to look at her with skepticism in their eyes. Luz tries to wave it off in dismissal.

“They, uh. Could be talking about a different Luz?” She laughs nervously.

Viney simply raises her brow and stands to make her way back to the chalkboard entrance to eavesdrop. Luz and the others follow after Viney just in time for the older girl to crack open the entrance of the secret doorway and for Luz to hear her friends paraphrase her earlier discussion with them by the window.

Luz watches Viney’s ears droop as she quietly shuts the door and turns back to face her. The fairy lights giving little light to the small corridor cast a shadow over Viney’s face. “You think…” Viney says slowly. “That you’re better than us?’ 

The judgmental and betrayed gazes Luz can feel burn at the base of her neck from Barcus and Jerbo cause her heart to race as she fumbles for an explanation. “No! I-it’s not like that! I just didn’t think-”

“Deceiver!” Jerbo barks out harshly in Old Tongue. His accent is off, but the sudden accusation catches Luz by surprise as she turns to face the other two. Jerbo looks upset but not surprised, which honestly makes Luz feel worse than she already is. “I was right from the start. You’re just like everyone else who looks down on us. Just because we don’t fit the standard.”

When Barcus sneezes in her direction, there is a sharp and sudden probing in Luz’s mind, almost as if she was holding the crystal ball again. Instead of incessant whispering, clear and concise words interrupt her own line of thought.

‘Your aura carries lies.’

“I-” Luz starts.

“It’s fine, Luz.” Viney says. Luz turns back around to face her. Her shoulders are slumped and the frown that mares her face has Luz predicting how the rest of this conversation will go. “I thought you were different.” Viney sighs. “I guess I was wrong. I think it's best if you just leave.” 

Viney stands to the side to let Luz through. Luz herself, cannot muster any words at the moment. Of course just as her fay seems to be getting better, something worse comes along to slap her in the face. Great going Luz! The one chance you had to make some new friends and you ruin it!

She can’t bear to look at her newly lost friends, she swallows the ever increasing lump in her throat and nods. “Yeah…o-okay.” 

They go separate ways without saying goodbye. The door leading to the Secret Room of Shortcuts slams loudly behind her, causing her to wince. 

Willow and Gus at least seem happy when she pokes her head out of the chalkboard door. They explain their genius escape plan on how to get her back to Principle Bump’s office without being seen. Most of the students and teachers are in the auditorium for the presentation for the inspector, a perfect opportunity for them to sneak by. 

It’s a sound plan and the trashcan Gus and Willow procured for her to fit in was a perfect metaphor of how she felt right now. 

On the way to the principal's office, they ditched the trashcan halfway. Luz was still upset about what occurred recently, she could tell her friends were trying to cheer her up. She was grateful for the reassurance, as empty as they made her feel. What was the point? So she’d be able to get put back into a track, what would that mean for Barcus, Jerbo, and Viney? That wouldn’t be fair for them either!

She vaguely voices her concerns aloud to Gus, being careful to not mention any names or give away the secret hideout. 

“Yeah, you make some valid points Luz. Maybe that’s another topic you can talk to Principal Bump about!” he says.

Luz scoffs and shakes her head. “I doubt it! I thought he was gonna be cool like Eda, but he’s a goody two-shoes.”

Willow turns her head to give her an amusing smirk. “And you’re not?”  she asks.

Luz feels herself sputter and nearly gives a teasing retort to Willow. She’s interrupted by the sound of hooves and heavy boots rushing across granite reverberating down the hall. 

The three of them snap their heads towards the sound to see the hulking form of Professor Swifthoof and the lithe one of Professor Liraz rushing towards them. The two adults stumble to a stop once they’re near. Luz blinks and looks back and forth between them.

Professor Liraz’s head tattoos are moving urgently. The magical ink composed of intricately drawn gears and pistons turn quickly as if they’re in overdrive upon their ebony head. Liraz is huffing, hands on their knees as they catch their breath, but their eyes are alert, glancing behind them every few moments.

Professor Swifthoof fairs better than his counterpart, the only sign of exertion from him is his flared nostrils and broad shoulders moving in time with quick breaths. He is more focused on Luz and her friends. Red eyes scanning over the three of them before he speaks. 

“What are you three doing here? You all need to evacuate the school now.” Swifthood does not need to yell, his baritone is sharp and Luz can sense the underlying panic in his voice.

Gus and Willow seeing their two Professors on edge like this, cause them to worry as well. “Professor?” Willow addresses the minotaur. “What's wrong, what's going on?”

Professor Liraz has caught their breath and responds for him. “There’s no time witchling! Do as he says! Quickly! Before-!”

There is a horrifying screech that causes Luz to cover her ears at its intensity. The ground seems to shake as giant crashes shake the foundation of the school. Rounding the corner is a giant creature that looks like a sea serpent to Luz. It looks frenzied, the patches of scales along the length of its body are a mix of patches and rawhide. Even underneath its tattered and ripped tunic it wears, Luz swears she can see its ribs. This creature is starving and it’s looking at the five of them to be its next meal.

Professor Swifthoof curses and stomps his hoof. Silver colored spell circles are summoned and creep up his arms, thick vines being left in place and forming a living armor that creeps up his hands to make gauntlets. The vines around his leather harness thicken and surround his neck and shoulders, slithering along dark fur in an attempt to protect him. “Mind backing me up Raz?” he gruffly asks.

The Illusion Professor stands in front of them, attempting to shield the children from the strange beast that inches closer with each passing moment. “You’re going to punch it, aren't you?” They say calmly, lavender eyes sharp and eyeing each corner of the hallway. Their hands are already moving, A large circle, the same color of their eyes, being formed. 

The minotaur shakes out his arms, the vines now surrounding his horns, those ones in particular carry thick thorns around them. “I can, if I’m able to get close enough. But I know you got that covered!” He turns his head to wink at the analytical teacher, who scoffs in turn. The creature is looking hungrily at the circle they have summoned, their hands moving quickly forming smaller circles within the larger circumference  and linking them to one another.

“Be quick about it! As for you witchlings,” Liraz turns their head to glance down at their students. “Run!” 

Professor Liraz wastes no time in completing their spell, the geometric pattern of circles giving a final pulse as they connect and their hands pull apart, sending each half of the circle to the sides of the walls.

The lockers twist and contort and the ceiling closes in on itself. The entire hallway twists clockwise starting from where Liraz is standing. The environment seems to shatter like glass as it morphs into this new form. Luz feels like she’s looking into a kaleidoscope, senses all over the place as she tries to orient herself. Squinting, she can see that Professor Swifthoof is unaffected and looking like a knight made of plants as he runs along either the floor or ceiling, charging at the creature tumbling around in the center of this twisting foundation. 

Willow tugs on her sleeve and she looks back to see her friends frantic and scared look. “Luz, we have to go!”

Right! Whatever this thing is, the teachers could handle it! The three of them turn heel to start running away from the ensuing fight, steps and gait fumbling from the sounds of crashing and rumbling of the ground. They are near the end of the hall where it branches off into another corridor that leads to more classrooms and the atrium when a giant body flies over their heads and slams into one of the display cases.

Luz and Gus cry out and Willow summons a small wall of vines to quickly shield them from the flying shards of glass. Luz turns around to see Professor Liraz on one knee. Heaving breaths and shaking hands define their state of being, they look exhausted and have come upon this result much too quickly. The creature that threatens them has wound the colors of Liraz’s magic around their finger like a spaghetti noodle and promptly sticks the congealed magic in their mouth.

The creature hums in satisfaction and as they slurp the remaining magic from the ebony-skinned Witch. Liraz falls to the ground, the magical inked gears falling still. The complex illusion they casted warps and dissipates, putting the hall way back in its regular state.

“Delicious…” The creature hisses, their voice is feminine and the fact that it speaks makes the situation much more horrifying for Luz.. “And now I have more cute morsels to feed upon as well!” 

Willow pushes past her and Luz quickly looks back to see the unconscious figure of Professor Swiftoof. The vines that encompassed him are dead or withering away, his hands still clenched into fists. 

“We may be cute, but we’re nobody's morsels!” Willow yells out bravely, she bares her teeth at the creature and is quick to act. Summoning her own spell circle, Willow summons a carnivorous looking flower, its form breaking through the solid concrete. Gus is shaken out of his own stupor from seeing his Professor fall. He runs up to stand beside Willow, forming his own spell that augments and enhances Willow’s own. 

It gives the summoned plant buff arms and a more beefy form. Willow commands her plant to launch at the terrifying magic sea-serpent. 

In hindsight, perhaps they should’ve kept running. Especially when the beast caught Willow and Gus’ combined spell and consumed it in one bite. Its effects on her two friends was horrifying. The two immediately fall to the ground, skin pallor and bodies shaking from their sudden stolen magic. 

The forked tongue of the creature darts out of their mouth, tasting the air. Slitted eyes stare directly at Luz. “Oh? You smell good.” 

Nope! They need to get out of here and fast! The creature lunges at Luz the same time she takes out her notebook. Luckily there's an already drawn light glyph among the pages, she slaps the paper to activate it and launches it at the adversary’s mouth.

They reel back and screech in pain, the flash of light temporarily blinds and distracts them long enough for Luz to at least grab Gus and Willow and make a break for it. Her mind is racing and there is only one place of relative safety she can think of at the moment. Gus’ weight is heavy across her shoulders and Luz makes sure to squeeze Willow’s hand to make sure she is still stumbling behind her as they rush by doors and turn corners. 

There is one door in particular Luz is looking for and when she spots it, she knows it is the correct entrance. The blue paint is peeling off the stripped wood, below its golden handle is a faintly glowing keyhole. Luz quickly kicks open the door startling the occupants within. “Guys! Please! I need your help!”

The Troublemaking Trio were in for quite the sight. Rightfully so they don’t question or accuse Luz of why she’s back considering the state she and her friends are in. Viney jumps up and quickly urges them further inside, closing the door behind them. Jerbo helps Luz ease Gus down onto the ground as Viney checks Willow over.

Viney’s eyes narrow as the back of her and touches Willow’s forehead. Her arm then trails down to Willow’s neck as two fingers press upon it, checking her pulse. Viney frowns and looks up quickly barking out a sharp question. “What happened? What’s going on?”

“I-I don’t know! There's some sort of creature going around the school stealing magic!” She stumbles over to another door, one that’s shaking and rattling from the ensuing attempts of fighting back from other students. She cracks it open, revealing the enemy. Once Viney gets a good look she hisses and slams the door shut. 

“That’s a Greater Basilisk!” Viney curses and starts pacing. “I’ve only heard about them in class. They’re supposed to be extinct!”

A Basilisk? That thing? Luz thought they were just supposed to be giant snakes! But extinct? “Supposed to be?”

Viney looks up to stare at Luz and waves her hand at her two fallen friends. “They eat anything with a magical source. Draining it, and in dire cases, killing whatever it drains.” 

Luz feels her heart skip a beat with that statement and worryingly looks at Willow and Gus. Viney notices her worried look and places a hand on her shoulder.

“They’ll be fine.” she said. “But we need to go get help. A teacher or-”

Luz shakes her head frantically. “Guys, there are no teachers! The basilisk took out Professor Swifthoof and Liraz like they were just bugs! It’s up to us!”

“Luz,” Jerbo says. “If Principle Bump catches us using or mixing magic again, we’ll be kicked out.”

She turns on the boy and throws up her arms. “And if there’s no more teachers or students at Hexside? What then? Look, we’re troublemakers right? We’ve never been one to follow the rules. Maybe the unconventional way is the advantage we need to defeat the basilisk!” She looks at the three, gauging their wary but determined expressions. Barcus looks up at his other two friends and barks once. Viney and Jerbo blink as if to process his words then look at each other and nod.

Viney steps and cracks her knuckles, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “Okay. So? What’s the plan?”

She was hungry, starving, absolutely ravenous.

The incessant hunger was never stated, even after she drained Glandus and St. Epiderm dry. It felt wrong, unnatural. The pain in her stomach tells her that she needs more.

It is the first time in years that she’s been free like this. No more cold and damp encroaching dungeon walls. No more waiting in fear, not knowing what day it was or if she was next to leave her prison and never return. She had escaped, she was a survivor. A Great Basilisk who should be revered! 

And yet she is not herself, she knew this. Even with bits of clarity breaking through her frenzied mind she knew something was very wrong with her.

The False King did something to her. It made her feed more than she should and once she got a taste of magic, she could no longer stop herself.

So when she escaped and fed upon her first victim, she could not get enough. Her mind became clouded and primalistic instinct were her primary thoughts. The more magic she consumed the more her hunger increased.

Hexside was the last of the main three schools to fall to her frenzied state. It was easier to infiltrate than the other two. Posing as a Coven Inspector was child’s play. Some of the older Witches had put up quite a fight, their essence was delectable in the heat of battle. If these were the teachers teaching young witchlings, then their magic would be delicious as well.

She moves down the corridor, voice droning on about her famished needs. The next few moments come quickly and jar her senses. She eyes the parchment thrown near with befuddled amusement. Another attempt to-

The wind is knocked out of her as the parchment explodes into a ice pillar as wide and thick as herself. It slams her back down the hallway, dazing her.

“What is this?!” She hisses scathingly.

“From the humblest of beginnings, a hero will rise!” A hooded figure jumps out in front of the ice pillar, dramatically waving their arms, giving their performance some more substance.

Oh? What's this? Her nostrils flare. Ah, it’s the child with little but potent magic. Yes, perhaps this is what she needs!

“I have trained with a Secret Society to discover the powers of mixing magic!” The cloaked child proclaims loudly. “I am!”

“Dinner!” She lunges for the girl, mouth salivating the closer she gets. The child is quick and she is much too eager. Slamming into the wall of ice gave way to her rising anger, causing her to chase after the girl with renewed vigor. The walls rush by as she closes in on her target, arms outstretched and claws nearly catching the small cowl of the panicked student. 

She is greeted with more pain as something large and sharp collides with her. The screeching beak of a griffin is what she is greeted with along with the sting burn of sharp talons scratching at her weakened scales. Shrieking back at the beast, she fights back, grasping at downy feathers and rough hide. The griffin reels back in pain and it gives her enough time to throw the beast off herself. 

However the floor she was laid upon no longer felt against her back. Her stomach dropped at the sudden shift of gravity as she fell downwards through a door that wasn’t there in the first place. She doesn't even have time to right herself as another door catches her abrupt fall. The girl she was chasing earlier had followed her down, using her belly as a springboard to push her through the final threshold.

The wood beneath her splinters and cracks. From her dazed state, she can recognize the auditorium where she started her feast. She cannot make out what the girl is saying at first. She feels her hand being grasped by someone else and opens her eyes to look behind her. A strange dog demon has poured an odd concoction on her palm. It renders her hand numb and as the canine demon’s eyes glaze over and glow with Oracle Magic, she feels herself panicking.

“W-what’s he doing?” she finds herself hissing out.

The child she had been chasing earlier tells her that he’s reading her future and how bleak it looks. She is foolish to let such readings distract her. Too worried about her future and fate to realize that in the following moments she’d be rendered weak and drained from all the magic she consumed.

She lays there weak as she was when she escaped if not weaker, listening to the sounds of celebration and relief. Dread washes over her and dark thoughts make her stomach not turn in hunger, but fear.

She doesn’t want to go back. She can’t go back.

The Head of this school stares down at her, frowns on his face and pity in his eyes.

Perhaps she can ask for one last request from this man. She hopes he’ll honor it.

“Witch,” she hisses weakly in their language. “I ask one thing of you…”

“Okay kid, back up. You showed out in Potions class, got detention, found the secret hideout I helped make, fought a Greater Basilisk, AND convinced Bump to let you pick every track all on your first day?!” 

Well, when Eda puts it that way it sounds way cooler. Luz nods enthusiastically as she waves around the cockatrice leg she hasn’t bitten into yet. She, Eda, and King all sit at the table eating the dinner Eda had promised to make for Luz. “Yeah! I think I made a pretty good first impression!”

King’s plate is already empty and he’s crunching on the bones of his portion of meat. “I still think you should’ve taken me with you! The trash at Hexside is the best to eat!”

Eda scoffs and leans over to wipe King’s mouth with a napkin, him protesting all the while. “And if you did that, you wouldn’t have an appetite to eat the pie and ice scream tonight.”

King sputters and pushes Eda’s hands away. “I rescind my statement!” He proclaims. 

Luz laughs at King’s antics and takes a bite out of her food. She curses as a sharp throbbing pain shoots up and around her jaw. The cockatrice leg clatters on her plate as she drops the appendage quickly to cover her mouth. 

“Luz? Are you alright?” Eda voices her concern but Luz’s rising heart rate and the blood rushing to her head renders her mentor’s inquiry useless.

Luz tastes the copper tang of blood on her tongue as she stares at the lone tooth embedded in the piece of meat she tried to take a bite out of. That’s…not supposed to happen, she has all her adult teeth! She’s been brushing and flossing every day since she’s been here! Why-?

“Huh, ah is that what’s freaking you out? Congrats kid! You lost your first baby fang! Make sure you eat it to get the extra calcium!” Eda cheerily states.

She’s lost what?!

Meet Professor Liraz!

Master Illusion Analysts Liraz is a master of their craft, warping the environment to their will is a specialty of theirs. As one of the illustrious professors teaching at Hexside they take pride in their work and instructing students on the ins and outs of arithmetic and equations to make imagination reality.

Chapter Text

Laid upon a desk with other note taking supplies lie numerous notes. A notebook lies open, leaving any curious eye to see what this particular student has been writing. A picture is drawn on one side of the notebook, half done by the looks of it, while the other carries words describing the illustration.

The Pathways of Sight are a guide to help Oracles ground themselves when communing with spirits and predicting the future. Each node represents a base component that the Witch can call back to or use for certain spells. These Pathways are all connected in some form with the very first node always being represented by the Titan. Each "pillar" can also be subsections and branches of Oracle magic. The Left side is more physical, denoting the strength of the body to manipulate spirts, without a focci it is dangerous to make deals with any sort of spirit, the risk of being possesed is too great; ALWAYS HAVE A CRYSTAL BALL WHEN COMMUNING. The Right side is mental, focusing on the branch of Sight or looking into the future. A Witch's mind can break if one doesn't take the proper precautions when Seeing take proper precautions to protect the mind before diving!

The notes trail off into illegible scribble, it seems this Witchling had fallen asleep soon after this lesson.

Chapter Text

The sound of running water from the faucet sink in the bathroom is the only thing keeping Luz grounded.

Luz Noceda, the human, stares at her reflection in the mirror.

She is unsure who stares back.

Luz opens her mouth, tongue darting to the empty space of her recently lost tooth. She grimaces at the dull pain that shoots briefly through her from the sensitive gum. Closing her mouth and frowning, her hands reach up to her ears. She watches closely as one of her fingers trace the still rounded tip. Involuntarily she can feel it trying to move, strange muscles she’s never felt before at the corner of her jaw twitching at the action.

Then there were her eyes.

The color she inherited from father is still present, but the golden ring that surrounds her pupils is bright and prominent. She pulls down the bottom of her eyelid and moves forwards and backwards from the mirror, looking at herself from different distances.

The more Luz thinks about her sudden changes, the more scared she becomes. Maybe it's some of the things she’s eaten here to cause such a reaction? The air? Is she going to lose all of her teeth and look like a toothless old lady?!

Her breath quickens, the bathroom seems to close in as her anxiety takes hold and presses the advantage against her spiraling thoughts. Her hearing is much more sharp, and the sound of running water from the sink is like a rushing tidal wave. Luz covers her ears, whimpering as she sits herself down on the toilet and dips her head between her knees. Her fingers grip against thick locks of hair and her breath shakes as she tries to pull herself together.

Everything is much too loud and the longer she stares at the tile below, the more the floor spins. Luz squeezes her eyes shut as more thoughts and assumptions of what’s happening to her stem from her fear of the unknown.

But there is a little inkling of anticipation and a whisper of elation from one thought that is constant behind the rest.

Am I turning into a Witch?

“Luz?”

Her name is muffled, the sounds of tidal waves have stopped. Someone has turned off the sink. She feels a hand on her knee and her name is called again.

“Luz, hun. Can you look at me please?”

She obeys, rising up from her semi-fetal positioning and releasing her hands from her ears. Her vision is graced by her Mentor. Eda has crouched down in front of Luz, looking at her in concern. Something moves and catches the corner of her eye. Glancing quickly, Luz realizes it's Hooty. He’s stretched above her, his body entering from the bathroom window above the toilet. It seems he was also the one to turn off the sink.

Eda brings back Luz’s attention to her with a gentle tap on her knee. She looks back, and the older woman asks her another question.

“Are you okay?” The Owl Lady’s voice is soft and calming. It makes Luz angry.

Why would she even ask that? Shouldn’t she know what’s happening to her? Tell her they can fix things?! Eda should be tracing her finger in the air to draw the perfect circumference of a spell circle and POOF! Everything would be right as rain!

But even as these frustrating thoughts grip her mind and squeeze at her heart, the opposite of what she wants to yell at Eda escapes her.

“I’m scared.”

It’s a hoarse whisper, syllables cracked and disjointed. Luz hugs her waist and sniffs. “I don’t know what’s happening to me Eda! I’m not supposed to be losing ANY teeth! And everything’s too loud and bright, and-!”

As soon as her mouth starts rambling again, her voice is cut off by a hug. Eda is breathing in slow and deep, chest rising and falling in a comforting cadence. Luz’s own quick breaths settle into a rhythm to match Eda’s own.

“It’s alright kid.” Eda hums. Once Luz’s breathing is steady, she pulls back, hands gently placed upon her student’s shoulders. “Whatever is going on, we’ll figure it out, hm? Don’t you worry! I’ve got books bursting at the seams with all types of knowledge! I’m sure we’ll find something.”

Eda’s voice is so sincere, Luz can’t help but to feel a bit better from her statement. “What if we don’t?” Luz utters. “What if I was cursed somehow?” She looks worryingly at Eda who shakes her head in disagreement.

“This ain’t a curse kid, trust me. If it was, we would be having an entirely different conversation right now.”

Well, that gives her a little bit more reassurance… and if she’s listing all her complaints here and now, she might as well keep going.

“My gums hurt.”

This rouses a soft laugh out of Eda as she nods. “Yeah, that’s a given kid. I can give you something to help soothe the pain. It’s only for a few weeks. Once one baby fang goes, the others follow rather quickly.” One of Eda’s ears flicks as her brow narrows. “We should probably schedule a Healer appointment…”

A couple weeks. Luz will be sporting four brand new and impressively sharp teeth in a few weeks. Oh gosh, how is she going to explain this to her Mami?

“Eda…”

“Hm?”

“What about my mom? How are we going to explain…all this?” She waves a hand in front of her face.

Eda blinks owlishly at her and tilts her head. “We just tell her? I mean we have to talk to her anyway about a dimension hopping schedule. You still have a lot to learn and cutting down our days while you’re in the human realm delays my teaching plan a bit…”

“Wait, wait Eda.” Luz interrupts. She’s a bit confused at what Eda just told her. “What do you mean? I thought you were just teaching me for the summer?”

“What?” Eda starts. “Luz, you’re my Apprentice, not an intern! Until you’re of age or I’ve taught you all I can offer, you’ll be using that portal door a lot more often than originally planned.” The Owl Lady moves to stand and holds out her hand for Luz to take.

Luz takes the offer and rises from her seated position. She rubs the sweaty palms of her hands on the pajama shirt she was still wearing. She feels a little bit better, at least the more negative thoughts have been pushed to the back of her mind and replaced with the newfound prospect of going to school and then coming here on the weekends when fall begins.

She’s startled as Hooty chitters and ruffles her hair in his form of a comforting nudge. Luz instinctively reaches up to return the kind gesture with a hug, soft feathers tickling her skin.

Eda hums and asks Luz if she wants to stay home from school today, noting how it looks like she needs it.

Luz finds herself shaking her head. “No! I want to go! I’m not gonna let one lost tooth deter me from the joys of learning!” Besides, this will be her first day taking a new class in a different track!

“If you’re sure…” Eda trails off. “But!” Eda raises a lone finger. “If anything else feels off, tell me. Okay?”

Well, she sure hopes that nothing else will feel off. Hopefully the teeth and eyes will be the only thing she has to worry about! “I will!” Luz states. It seems to be enough for Eda as she leaves Luz to continue getting ready. Hooty bids her a temporary farewell to give her privacy.

Luz finds herself staring at the mirror again, granting herself comfort as familiar features still exist among her face.

She ignores the unfamiliar gaze.

Luz didn’t bring up her current issue to her friends.. She didn’t want them to worry! Besides, they didn’t seem surprised that she showed up with one less tooth. They congratulated her on losing her first fang and Gus even remarked how he was a little jealous.

She was excited to start a new batch of classes! Looking at her new syllabus, she had Illusion, Plant, and Oracle classes on her schedule today. Luz grinned and told Willow and Gus she’d be spending a good chunk of the day with them before splitting off to her Oracle lessons. Plant Classes were first, then Illusions. They would break for lunch and afterwards Luz would be heading to her Oracle class and then General Studies for the rest of the day.

She asked Willow what General Studies consisted of and fromwhat Luz could gather, it seemed to be just the standard classes she would’ve been taking in the human realm. Basic math, English (Common in this case), and History.

Luz made sure to ask Gus if he could wait for her after her Plant classes. She wasn’t trying to get lost, or worse, be late to her new lessons. Gus just gives her a wide grin and laughed. He told her not to worry and that he’d be by the entrance of the Illusion Hall to meet up.

The two girls waved goodbye to Gus as the warning bell screamed, warning students to mosey along to their places.

Luz was glad to see Professor Swifthoof again, he seemed to be recovering well since the Basilisk attack. He was just as joyful and enthusiastic as ever, even more so when he saw her sporting her new multi-track uniform.

“Ha!” he barked out a deep laugh. “Looks like Ms. Luz took our previous lesson to heart! Good on you!” he winked.

She felt herself grinning widely at the praise and rode on that high for most of the class. The lesson today was on carnivorous plants, and Willow did not waste one second before info-dumping to Luz about their different diets and methods for catching prey.

The Mauling Snapperdil was a plant with personality. Essentially it was a giant mouth, its large purple and green head reminds Luz of an enemy you’d avoid in a video game. The large vine that kept it upright was littered in thorns: according to Professor Swifthoof these guys had to be repotted frequently as their roots moved too much beneath ground to be confined.

Her bespecaled friend scratched the large maw of a freshly fed Mauling Snapperdill as Luz wrote down the reactions in one of her notebooks.

“You know, these types of plants are technically animals.” Willow’s voice caught Luz’s attention. She looked up from her crude doodle and color coordinated notes.

Willow’s face was complentative as she gave the adorable murderous plant scritches. There was a divot in her brow as if she was in deep thought, her eyes darting to the other students briefly. Luz did the same, seeing how the others are struggling in calming their Snapper. Some growled threateningly, while others tried to eat the hand that fed them. Luz’s and Willow’s Snapper is calm, even helping them out by pointing a tendril at certain cuts of meat it enjoyed the most.

“Really?” Luz responds. “Professor Swifthoof seemed adamant on letting us know they’re just vines and teeth.” Her pencil pointed to the impressively sharp set of grinning canines in the Snapperdill’s mouth.

Willow hummed, the hand commiting to the action of giving the Snapper scratches has a faint glow, signifying her active magic. “It’s something I read up on, but some animals are considered plants and vice versa. If you don’t know what you’re working with, Plant Magic won’t have an effect on certain types.” Her hand pulled back and the Snapper whined at the loss of contact, leaning in to nuzzle her cheek.

This just confirmed to Luz that Willow was super cool. The way she just stood there without a care in the world. Drool from the carnivorous plant life seeped into the shoulder of Willow’s cowl as she idly grabbed her own notebook and scribbled her own findings. Luz could make out English words with a scattering of crudely drawn runes colored in green ink. The Snapper huffed at the lack of attention and turned to Luz, the thick yet pliable stem arching to move towards her. It rumbled and shook the few leaves it carried and Luz obliged to its pleading request.

She continued the affectionate scratches.

“Ah! Looks like you two were able to soothe the savage plant!” Professor Swifthoof came by their workstation, fur disarrayed and completely covered in thorns and a few bite marks half-hazardly covered with Healing Coven bandages.

Willow snapped her notebook shut and gave their teacher a sheepish grin. “It wasn’t that savage Professor! They were just hungry and some thorns needed to be trimmed!”

The minotaur gave a knowing hum and nods. “I see, you two are also the only ones who’ve seemed to come out unscathed! You two shouldn’t have a problem with the essay assigned at this rate. Now-”

“Professor!”

Swifthoof’s head snapped to the distressed call of a student and the sound of smashing pots. “Oh Titan! Quickly Mx. Sanguine! Grab another pot, don't let the Snapper get a taste for your blood!”

The bell rang as the Plant Professor rushed over to the incident. “Class dismissed!” he called behind him. “Be sure to read the assigned chapters! Your essays are due next week!”

Luz and Willow shared amused grins and laughed on their way out of the classroom. Luz made sure to give one last pat to their well-behaved Snapper before they left.

Illusions with Gus thankfully didn’t involve more complicated equations. Luz was still trying to catch up. Instead, today was practical application; they were placed in groups of three and Professor Liraz explained their task.

“Within your groups, cast an Illusion using cardboard boxes surrounding your tables.” They droned, walking around the room. Large boxes of different shapes and sizes surrounded each group, some towering up to the ceiling and others as short as a stepstool. “When making an illusion use your surroundings! Warped physical objects can help add to the realism of your craft.”

Luckily the math involved in this small project was basic geometry, easy! Luz’s group consisted of her, Gus, and their third member, who was oddly quiet.

Then again, it was likely for good reason, considering the edges of their mouth were sewn shut.

Luz took a good look at their third groupmate while Gus immediately started writing down numbers and mumbling to himself about different environments they could choose from with their boxes.

Their fellow classmate was multi-tracked, which was awesome! The only other multi-tracked students Luz had seen, excluding herself, were the former Detention Track kids. The Witch carried the colors of Illusion, Beastkeeping, Bard, and Healing. Quite an interesting mix! Their dark hair faded into deep red at the ends and it was pulled back into a ponytail. Luz noted the stub of a unicorn like horn protruding from her forehead, and the two sharp tusks pointing downward from the top of their mouth.

“Can I help you?”

Luz blinked, and stared at the student. Did they just talk? Their lips didn’t even move?

The student’s scarlet eyes narrowed behind half-moon glasses, she raised her right hand in front of their sewn mouth, palm facing at Luz. The palm lines traced in their skin split open into a mouth and the question was asked again.

“Are you okay?” The voice emanating from her palm was soft-spoken. They raised their other hand. This one is covered in a black fingerless glove, mesh placed in the middle of the palm. Luz could see the splitting of another mouth on the other palm. “Do I speak louder for you?”

“Uhhhh…”

Luz’s lack of a response seemed to snap Gus out of his mathematical stupor. “Oh, sorry Eira! I forgot to introduce you two! Luz this is Eira! Eira, that's Luz the Human!”

Eira’s annoyed gaze left them and curiosity took its place. The front of her sewn mouth parted barely into a surprised ‘o’. “A human?” Her ungloved hand is the one which spoke; Luz can make out rows of sharp teeth within. Numerous questions rose from within her, but she held back, not wanting to be rude.

Luz nodded and waved politely. “Nice to meet you!”

Eira’s right hand turned into a half-hazardly formed peace sign as she responded. “You too!”

Gus smiled at the interaction. “Eira heard of you getting Principal Bump to let students take multiple tracks! She and her friends did the same thing as you and the Detention Tracks did!”

Eira nodded and Luz could see the stitches straining at the closed-lipped grin they gave her. “We all have you to thank for a chance to learn everything we can! As much as I like Illusions, there’s a lot more magic I want to try before thinking of joining a Coven.”

Luz could feel herself blush and rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. “Oh! I didn’t think a lot of other people would take the opportunity to join other tracks!”

“Principal Bump was just as surprised as you were to find out the same thing.” Eira responded.

Professor Liraz cleared their throat and the three of them smiled nervously. Liraz arched their brow with an amused hum. “As much as I enjoy seeing the bonds of friendship form in my classroom, now is not the time for chatter.”

Luz looked around. Professor Liraz did have a point. Other tables were already shrouded in Illusion Magic, some of the boxes surrounding the numerous groups’ tables being disguised as rocks, benches and trees. She turned to face Liraz and nodded. “Sorry Professor! We’ll get right on it!”

Liraz nodded and wished them luck on whatever they chose to create. Luz looked over to Gus glancing at the measurements of the boxes surrounding them. Eira had complimented Gus’ mathematical equations with drawings. Most of them looked like the familiar architecture of the buildings within Bonesborough, elongated. This looked to be a problem for both Eria and Gus, as they’d started mumbling to each other, mildly arguing about not wanting to do anything basic like a tree, or overly complicated.

Luz looked up; if not a tree, what about a skyscraper? Oh! A mini-city, like New York! She presented this idea to her two groupmates, who turned to look at her with confusion.

“Luz, buildings can’t reach that high! Over 1200 feet? That’s impossible, and having all of them that close together?” Eira looked over her shoulder as Luz drew out a crude depiction of the city that never sleeps. Gus was oddly quiet, eyes darting back and forth from the mock-up drawing of the Empire State Building to their tallest box that towered over them.

She laughed at Eira’s incredulous accusation and grinned. “That’s not even the tallest building in the world, Eira! Or the biggest city!”

Eira’s scarlet eyes widened behind her glasses. “How many humans live in the Human Realm for you all to have more cities like this?”

“Almost 8 billon!”

“What in Titan’s name is a billion?

“I got it!” Gus’ voice interrupted Luz’s and Eira’s discussion. He slammed down his notes on top of Luz’s drawing. “Luz,” he continued. “Can you see through all these windows on the tall buildings?”

Weird question, but Gus looked borderline insane with how excited he looks. “Uh…no? Not all of them. Some of them are like mirrors!”

This answer caused Gus to grin madly. For Eira, it's like a light bulb switched on in their head. “Agustus…” Eira drawled with a grin on both palms. “Try not to get too carried away this time, yeah?”

“No promises!” He quipped and pointed at Luz. “Luz, since you know what these giant towers look like, you’ll be our Lead!”

“15 minutes left!” Liraz’s voice called out.

Luz pointed to herself, sputtering as she was put on the spot. “Woah, wait a minute Gus! What am I supposed to do?! I haven’t figured out Illusion glyphs yet!”

Gus waved his hand in a pacifying manner, and Luz noted the magical rings around his wrists. His hands shimmered and glitched, everytime he moved his hand there was a specter of its previous position in place for no more than a few seconds. Eira also had her magic at the ready, standing beside Gus. “Being Lead, means you’re also our guide! As we shape the Illusion, you point out missing details or improvements needed to be made!” he said. “Since you’re the one who's seen places like this before you can give us the most information to work with.”

Oh! Okay that didn’t sound too bad. “Right!” She said “Got it! I’m ready whenever you two are!” Luz nods.

Gus pumped his fist and laughed. “Alright! Let's make something no Witch has seen before!”

It was amazing to see the contrast between Eira and Gus, and how they worked their magic. Eira’s movements flowed seamlessly and they used more of their hands to mold and shape the Illusion they wanted to portray. Her hands were more rigid and made different shapes and odd motions that reminded Luz of sign-language in some forms.

Eira was responsible for the weather, weaving chilly air and the thick mist that formed into clouds as you looked up at reaching spires. Luz did her best to explain the feeling of a cold day in the city. The ambient noise was also a factor. With an arch of her arm, a delicate ear for Luz’s reenactment, and with the help of her phone, Eira was able to capture the sound of distant horns and rushing vehicles on the road.

When Gus was in his zone, he was precise and focused. He would mumble under his breath, gray eyes sharp as he cut each angle. Luz would tell him what was missing on one part of the Illusion, and with magical dexterity Gus pertained, one hand would stay still, holding the Illusion in place, while the other would quickly draw glowing numbers in the air. Luz realized with each minor change or flaw that Gus adjusted, he would double check his proportions. Eira was done with their part, and seeing Luz’s disbelief, they chuckled softly and raised a hand near her ear to whisper.

“Augustus is good at what he does. He leaves no stone unturned when it comes to details. The more you add to an Illusion, the more complicated it gets. Having your math right helps relieve the strain in some of the more complex spells.” She explained.

Being in charge of the buildings themselves, Gus took the tallest box in their area and turned it into a towering skyscraper. Added with Eira’s atmosphere, the Illusion Classroom ceiling was no longer visible. When Luz shuffled her feet she could hear and feel the scrape of the concrete sidewalk. With each exhale, she could see her breath as if it was a chill winter morning. And yet, she did not feel cold.

They were still inside Hexside, she knew this for sure.

But currently, she, Eira, and Gus stood on a busy block in a fictional New York.

Gus wiped his brow and sighed, looking up and around in delight. “Wow! This really all came together!” His ear twitched as the passing blare of a horn echoed in the distance. “Dang Eira! You got the echoes down too! How did you-?”

“When you changed your equation for the height of the skyscraper and connected buildings, I compensated for the decibels”

Gus laughed. “You sound like a bard!”

Eira’s stitched mouth strained in a grin. “I am in the Bard Track, I did learn a few tricks.” They said, her right hand speaking.

Luz raised one hand to receive a high five from Gus and curled the other into a fist for a bump from Eira. “This looks amazing guys! It's so real!”

“We couldn’t have done it without you Luz! I can’t believe humans built stuff like this!” Gus exclaimed.

“Indeed Mr. Porter I’d have to say the same!” A voice reverberated from a dark alley. Luz watched as the lithe form of Professor Liraz strides down the environmental corridor. The inked gears marked on their scalp turned furiously as they looked up and around their students’ creation. “I have to say in all my years of teaching, I’ve yet to see something quite like this! Who was the Lead?” They asked.

Both Gus and Eira pointed to Luz with proud smiles. Liraz appraised the three of them with a satisfied nod. “Well done you three, passing grade for all of you and an exemplary one at that. I’ve never seen such a design for buildings. With the added reflection you gave to the windows, this would be quite the scene to duel in.”

Gus explained how they came together and geeked out about the small facts Luz gave them about human cities. As he gushed about the subway system to Professor Liraz, Liraz themself cut their hand sharply to the side, breaking their illusionary city-scape. The false skyscrapers shattered like glass and the bustling noises of passing cars fell silent.

They were back in their classroom, other students packing their bags and leaving. The bell must have rung. Wow! They hadn’t even heard it in there!

“And Luz says there’s these giant beasts called rats that live in the subway. Humans fight them all the time for food!”

Surprisingly, Professor Liraz seemed just as fascinated as Gus was. Eira had gathered all of their bags and handed Luz her own. “They always get like this at the end of class.” She laughed. “A couple of years ago you would think Gus lives here.”

Luz would have to agree with Eira. Gus was comfortable in this environment; when his mind wasn’t occupied with numerous questions about the Human Realm, his skill in Illusions became the frontrunner. She caught that the topic had moved on from rats and the subway to today’s project.

The young prodigy is in the midst of showing his notes to Liraz. The Illusion Professor looked up at the two other Witches waiting for their friend.

“Mr. Porter.”

“And then I had to make sure each individual window closest to the viewer had near perfect detail, I could get lenient the taller the building was. But then-”

“Mr. Porter.” Liraz enunciated.

Gus looked up from his notes and blinked. “Yes Professor? Was I talking too fast?” he frowned.

Liraz chuckled and shook their head. “No, no! I could follow you quite well. I just have to remind you it is lunch time and your friends are waiting for you.” They pointed behind Gus and he turned to look at Eira and Luz.

There was a dark flush to his cheeks as Gus laughed. “Sorry guys! I got carried away.” he graciously took his bag from Eira and waved to Liraz. “Bye Professor! See you tomorrow!”

Liraz, sitting on top of their teacher’s desk, waved back with a smile as the three of them left the classroom. The door clicked shut behind them andLuz looked back to see not a door, but a window that looked out into the grounds of the school. Man, that would never get old.

The twisting environment of the Illusion Hall waned into the common corridors of the main atrium. Eira spotted her group of friends waving to them and turned to Luz and Gus to bid them farewell.

“It was meeting you Luz! Class was fun! I’ll see you around!”

“Yeah! You too!” Luz waved.

She and Gus made it to the lunchroom and met up with Willow. Lunch was frustrating to say the least. The sandwich Eda had packed for her was soft enough but she still felt each throb of dull pain from her other teeth. Luz huffed in frustration as she threw down her sandwich in the midst of listening to Gus retell Willow about their project in class.

The drone of talking students was louder than she remembered. When not focused on her friends, Luz was able to tune into other conversations with ease. Amity was with her mean friends, talking about some sport called grudgby. Other students complained about homework or made plans to hang out after school.

Luz craned her head when she heard Eira. She sounded worried.

“I haven’t heard from him in days! Has messaged you two on Pensta?” Eira asked someone.

“No…” A different voice responded. “That’s the weird thing. He’s just avoiding us. It’s not like him.”

“Do you think-”

“Luz!”

The close proximity to her yelled name caused Luz to flinch and rub her ear. “Yeah?” she responded.

Gus, sitting across from her, threw an apple slice at her as he said. “It’s rude to eavesdrop, you know.”

She felt herself blushing and groaning. “Sorry, everyone’s so loud!.” She waved around the cafeteria.

Willow hummed and poked her side. “I think you’re just nosy.”

Luz laughed softly and pushed her friend’s hand away. “Yeah…”

“I still think it's unfair that you’re losing your baby fangs before me.” Gus grumbled to himself. His short-term brooding frown turned into a teasing smile. “But with all things considered, you are a late-bloomer I guess.”

“Gus!”

“What?! She is!”

Luz watched her two friends bicker and gave a full bellied laugh. They paused to look at her with wide eyes. These two had been her friends since the start. She felt somewhat bad not telling them everything, but they knew she was feeling down and had made an effort to cheer her up.

“Thanks guys.” She leaned in to give Willow a side-hug and held out one of her hands to fist bump Gus across the table. Willow squeezed back and hummed.

“You know you can tell us anything right?” She said.

Gus nodded. “Yeah!”

She pulled back and nodded in return. “I know! I appreciate it, truly! Now,” Luz was ready to change the subject. She went to her bag and pulled out the school map.

It was an absolute mess, halls that led to nowhere and were scribbles of notes and updates she had made herself on the places of classes she’d already been to.

“Can you guys show me how to get to the Oracle Hall?”

Entering the Oracle Hall gave Luz an uneasy feeling. She could describe the place with one word.

Creepy.

Honestly the entire length of the hall reminded Luz of a really impressive Halloween display. The Hall was made of a blackened stone. Along the interval pillars were sconces holding braziers alight with purple flames. Up above there are golden chandeliers, its metal hanging gracefully. Each dangling arm ended with a glowing crystal, allowing a bit more light to brighten the Hall. Shelves were prominent along the walls, holding a multitude of crystal balls of different shapes and sizes. They seemed out of place to Luz. The furniture was a recent addition from what she could gather, slotted along empty spaces and walled off archways. Each shelf had a sign beside it with a strange numbering system engraved on them.

Luz walked up to one of the signs, reading a sheet of parchment tacked on.

‘Spirit #12-Temperamental and uncooperative. On blackout until 3rd Rhythm of Sun’s Smite, Year 52.’

‘Spirit #20-Attempted Possession of a Student on numerous occasions. Attempts made to Submit: Four EXORCIZED AS OF THE 38TH RHYTHM OF THE GRAND HARVEST’

She frowned at the statement and looked at the shelf holding numerous crystal balls beside her. Sure enough, near the bottom of one of the shelves lay an empty space where a crystal ball would be.

Without her friends, she would have to traverse this place on her own. Luckily, it didn’t seem too out of place. No tricks like the Illusion Hall, or intervals of strange fumes from the chemical cloud sinking down from the ceiling like the Potion hall. The classrooms were ordered accordingly and there were a few sources of light by them to read the numbers with ease.

Her destination was just another door down and Luz could see her fellow classmates grab a crystal ball off one of the nearby shelves before heading inside. She eyed the shelf she was previously examining, taking note of the labeled ‘Number 12’ at the base of the orb.

Her hand went to grab Crystal Ball Number 11. It was very cold in her hand as she quickly stepped into her classroom, making her fingers tingle.

The room Luz entered reminded her of one of those old churches with the beautiful stained glass windows. She had vague memories of places like that. The only association she had to them were from her abuela, but she had passed away when Luz was really little. Still, it had its charm. A single window was the only source of natural light. The teacher's desk had one of the more ornate and bigger crystal balls settled on top.

The teacher themself was familiar to Luz as well. She remembered seeing her when she was in the Detention Track. Barcus had spied on one of her lessons while Emira explained how the doors worked. The teacher was a Demon, her head in the shape of some form of canine. The small tuft of hair she had on her head was slicked back and professional. She made the rounds to each table, inspecting each crystal ball with care and nodding in satisfaction when she found whatever she was looking for.

There were no seats left in the front of her class and there were an odd amount of students, so Luz was at a table by herself. She fidgeted nervously as the teacher approached, only relaxing when she gave Luz a kind smile.

“Ah, you must be another one of my new students. Welcome! Barcus has told me about you!” As the Demonic teacher spoke she picked up Luz’s crystal ball and inspected it, running fingers around the sphere and peering into it for a few seconds. “I’m Professor Graves.” she continued. Professor Graves nodded in satisfaction as she finished her inspection and placed the crystal ball back down on Luz’s desk. “I foresee great things from you, Ms. Noceda! Oracle Magic is a study requiring ambition and I see that you have much of it!”

Wow! Well, if Oracle Witches were the ones who could see the future, Professor Graves must believe what she’d said was true! “Oh, thank you Professor!” Luz replied. “I’m excited to be here, I can’t wait to learn everything I can!”

Graves winked and gave Luz a thumbs up. “That’s the spirit!” They turned back around to walk towards the front of the classroom. “Now lets begin! As a review, last class we left off learning about the Pathways of Sight…”

Luz wrote down as much of the impromptu review in her notebook as she could. She could tell that Professor Graves didn’t have to go over the last lesson plan again, but was grateful she did. It was a bit confusing, looking into the future and communing with ghosts were all connected somehow. Today’s lesson was about communicating with whatever spirit was inside their chosen crystal ball- also known as foci- using the Pathway chart as a guide to help make the connection.

The room was quiet; glancing up from her notes, Luz looked around to see her fellow classmates peering into their crystal balls, silent communication happening between them and the spirit within.

She stared at her chosen tool, taking in its purple fog that obscured or hid whatever ghost that lay within. Her hands lay upon the crystal ball and Luz could feel some sort of connection made once held. The fog churned and oscillated as Luz stared at it, looking for the spirit.

Was she doing this right? How long did she have to stare? ‘Hello?’ Did she have to rub the crystal ball like a genie lantern? ‘No.’ Would her ghost be friendly? ‘Depends.’ Depends on what?

‘If you’re not mean like the others.’

Huh?

Luz hadn’t realized that she’d zoned out. Blinking to regain her focus, she realized that the fog from her crystal ball had cleared. The spirit revealing themselves looked familiar…well in the way it was wrapped like a mummy like the first spirit she encountered on her first day.

‘That was me…you are the Potion student who got in trouble.’ The voice in her mind was like a whisper, it felt weird and sounded distant. Yet the spirit tilted its head as it communicated with Luz, letting her know that they were the one talking.

Oh this was weird and cool.

‘You are an Oracle now?’ The spirit pressed, there was curiosity in its tone.

‘Yes’ she replied silently in her head. ‘I’m learning everything!’

‘Everything?’ The spirit echoed, a frown present on its exposed mouth.

Luz found herself nodding as she replied. ‘Yeah! It’s fun. Oracle Magic is a bit strange to me, I’ve seen you predict the future and saw one student using a crystal ball to fight. Do you guys have mini-towns in there? Or a house!’

She felt her brain buzz as if it were a cell-phone on vibrate. The spirit was chuckling. ‘No,’ it responded. ‘We are contained. Ready to serve at the beck and call of those who commune with us.’

‘That doesn’t sound fun…’

‘It is our duty. I am bound here. We used to roam but no longer….What year is it?’

Luz was about to reply in human years before she caught herself. She gave the spirit its answer then asked for its name. There was silence for a good minute and Luz thought she’d lost the connection until the spirit’s voice responded back in confusion.

‘You ask me my name? Why?’

‘Everyone has a name! And you were alive once right? What were you called?’

‘I was much too young to have earned a Remembered Name. My Given Name was Rehan.’

Luz frowned at this. Much too young? What did they mean by that? Foriegn emotions conflicting with her own made themselves known. Sadness, anger, frustration, and resentment hit her and she shuddered at the onslaught.

‘I was only sixteen summers…’ Rehan droned. It's like a light switch was flipped, the voice was no longer a whisper. It grew louder in Luz’s head as they continued speaking. ‘There was fighting, the walls crumbled around me. I couldn’t breathe.’

Her breath was caught in her chest, an odd pressure making it hard to inhale. Luz could smell smoke and blood.

‘We were buried here.’ Rhean wailed. ‘Our lives nothing but a triumph for false prophets! Our souls once free, now bound in an opulent prison and wrapped in bindings that choke us! I want out! Let me out!’

Luz cried out as Rehan’s voice and flashes of images pounded against her skull. Her hands pulled back away from the crystal ball and she pressed them against her eyes.

‘Break the prison!’ They screamed at her, pleading. ‘Break the-!’

“Ms. Noceda!”

Rehan’s voice cut off and Luz’s thoughts were her own again. She breathed harshly, trembling slightly as her hands removed themselves from her face and lowered back into her lap.

A gentle hand was placed on her shoulder and she flinched back, looking up at the source. Professor Graves looked concerned, she snatched the crystal ball off her desk and held it in one hand. The purple fog that used to fill the crystal ball was now pitch black. “Ms. Noceda.” Graves called her name again. “Deep breaths now. Almost being possessed takes a lot out of a young witch such as yourself!”

Possessed? “W-what?” she stuttered out. “No! I wasn’t…you need to let Rehan out. He's scared!”

Graves ‘tsks’ and shook her head. “Ah, the first mistake is asking for the spirit's name! A dangerous act. This spirit was tricking you, witchlet. They are better off not remembering who they used to be. They are tools serving a purpose. They help with Sight and protection, nothing more.”

Nothing more, her Professor said. The images she saw were anything but. Rehan had friends, family, and went to school just like she did! Class was dismissed and Luz was in a trance as she packed her bag. She was the last out of the classroom. Trudging back down the Hall Luz paused at the shelf and sign she got Rehan’s ball from. There, in fresh ink and bold lettering, was a notice underneath the other two she had read earlier.

Spirit #11-Attempted Possession of a Student. On Blackout until further notice.

Luz felt sick as she stood and stared at the empty space on the shelf. It increased tenfold as she looked back down the hall, hundreds of crystal balls that spanned the perimeter. Were all of the spirits like Rehan? Scared? Alone? Nails dug into her skin as she held the strap of her bag in a vice-like grip.

She kept walking to exit the Oracle Hall, the feeling of being watched by hundreds of eyes bringing chills down her back.

Meet Eira!

One of the few handful of students who immediately took the chance to learn multiple tracks, Eira is ready to learn all that they can! She's an interesting Witch, not known to say much and rather shy. Those who get to know her can find she's prone to crack jokes and can help you with any advanced Witch Tech you have.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Augustus Porter is a prodigy in his own right. Since he was young, Illusion Magic came easy to him. Numbers and equations were a breeze. He could tell you the size and dimensions of nearly every building in Bonesborough. It was quite simple to recreate the town with his magic, fake as the buildings may be. It’s the tricking of the senses and mind that draws Gus to this type of work. To make the unbelievable, believable. To create temporary worlds that can render any Witch into a confused stupor.

Augustus Porter is also only twelve summers old.

As much as he shows his aptitude in class and beyond, it renders him a target as well. It’s bullying mostly. He can still hear the snide whispers, even after he’d become friends with Willow and others along the years. Gus ignores the comments as best as he can, but yet again, he’s only twelve.

He’s still a kid that has hopes, dreams, and fears, even if his mind works differently than that of his peers.

Augustus had dreams that he’d become a Master Illusionist by the age of seventeen. He had hopes that Willow and Luz would still be his best friends until they were all old and wrinkled.

Those desires, he noted, were all in a future that hasn’t happened yet. His fear ,meanwhile, was an ever-present cloud that loomed over him.

Augustus Porter is twelve summers old, and he is deathly afraid that his father will eventually forget him.

Some would say it’s a ridiculous notion. How could a father forget his own son? To lose the memories of your child’s first steps and words? What his favorite food is? His first spell?

A ridiculous notion to some, but for Gus it was all too real.

It started small. His dad would forget where he placed his glasses. Repeated morning routines twice or three times over, even forgetting to pick him up from school a few times. Gus brushed it all off at first, his dad was getting old and he’d even seen his older relatives get this way whenever they visited.

When his father forgot his 10th Nameday, he began to get scared.

The time his dad spent in his office increased. His job as a news reporter had him use Oracle Magic to scry and look into possible futures and events he could cover front and center. Gus found the more his father used this branch of magic, the more he lost him.

Dad would always come out of his office in a trance, glassy-eyed and distant. Gus would call his name, guide him to the dinner table and make sure he ate. Eventually his dad would come back to the present, repeating questions Gus had already answered earlier that day, but he didn’t mind.

Then there was that nagging worm of fear that burrowed its way into Gus’ psyche on the evenings his dad wandered back into the office.

‘What if he doesn’t come back?’

It took longer and longer for his dad to snap out of his distant haze these days. They would have good days and bad days. Even still, that fear is ever present.

Augustus Porter is twelve summers old and he is terrified of Oracle Magic.

Illusion is what he knows, what he’s good at. Dad would sometimes remark how he’d remind him of Mom, she was a great Illusionist.

Eyes flicker up from the floor of his bedroom to the picture on his nightstand. He was only a baby when this picture was taken of him and both of his parents, but Gus cherishes it.

His Dad looks young and bright eyed, cradling a swaddled Gus. Next to him is his Mom, laughing in the photo. Long braids in motion as her head jerks back from the force of her mirth. Eyes closed but her smile seems to light up the picture in its frame.

Gus reaches out to trace the frame of the portrait, humming softly. The picture rattles and shakes suddenly as the alarm set on his crystal ball buzzes in warning.

Right, time to get to work!

He stands from his bed, stretching and groaning as the morning chill hits him. A clean school uniform hangs from his closet door and Gus quickly changes. He makes sure to go over the homework that lies on his desk one last time before packing it up. Satisfied, he stuffs the parchment in his bag and heads to the bathroom before going downstairs.

With fresh breath and shiny baby fangs, Gus bounds down the stairs into the kitchen. It’s not as grand as Miss Eda’s or large like Willow’s, but it has its own charm.

Sticky notes line the fridge and some of the cabinets, small reminders and labels scattered throughout to give his dad helpful reminders when Gus isn’t home. There’s a small chalkboard on the upper door of the fridge, with the smudged marks of yesterday’s date and reminders still present.

Gus grabs the small folding step stool wedged between the large appliance and the counter, using it to aid him in retrieving the board and the chalk that’s stored on top. Grumbles of annoyance about his lack of a growth spurt are heard throughout the kitchen as he proceeds with his task.

Materials and board gathered, Gus goes through the mental checklist of what to write down for the day. The scraping of the chalk is the only noise that graces Gus’ hearing as he focuses on his penmanship. Above him, the floorboards’ creak along with the groans of the pipes and water running lets him know that Dad is awake.

He looks down at his handiwork, reading the board once over making sure no mistakes are present.

7th Passing of Sun’s Smite

• Don’t forget your lunch!
• Take Charlotte before you Scry!
• Trash Worm makes its rounds tonight!

Gus nods to himself, satisfied that today’s list is smaller than usual. They’re basic and helpful reminders. Easy enough for anyone to remember! He places the small chalkboard back on the fridge with care and puts the step stool away just in time to see his dad enter the kitchen.

Perry Porter yawns as he makes his way to the stove to start boiling some water. Gus eyes his mannerisms all the while. His father’s movement’s are fluid and there is no hesitation. He feels his shoulders sag in relief at the sight. It’s one of his good days.

“Morning Dad!” Gus chirps.

Perry jerks and blinks, slightly startled by his son’s greeting. He huffs out a laugh as Gus walks up beside him.

“Ah, morning Augustus! I see you’re ready for school,we aren’t late are we?” he replies, squinting out the window. You could faintly hear the bustling of their fellow neighbors beginning their day in the heart of Bonesborough. The sun is bright and harsh, making it seem like it’s mid-day rather than early morning.

Gus hums and hops up on the counter, kicking his feet as he watches his dad grabb the tools to make scrambled griffin eggs for the both of them. “Nope! Sun’s Smite began dad! The sun will be out super early this month.”

He watches his father frown at the statement, brow furrowing as he looks back up at Gus. “It’s Sun’s Smite already? We haven’t even celebrated the Feast yet!”

And there it is.

That feeling of helplessness that slams into Gus full force when his father has moments like this. He swallows a lump in his throat and gently shakes his head. “No dad, we did! We went to Miss Eda’s.” His scroll is summoned in his hand and he finds a photo of his dad sitting at the outdoor table cracking a joke with The Owl Lady. He turns the scroll around to show him. “See? We even wrote her rib recipe down so we could try and make it!”

It takes a moment, it always does, but Gus sees the flash of recognition as well as something else appear in his dad’s eyes. Perry chuckles and shakes his head. “Ah, that’s right! Your friends were there as well! Luz and Willow!”

“Mhm!”

The eggs are cooking now and Gus makes sure that he grabs two plates for them. The kettle is screaming, indicating its task has finished. He feels his ears perk as the sound of his father’s deep hum reverberates throughout the kitchen.

“If it’s Sun’s Smite that means I’ll be at work later than usual this month.” Perry’s eyes flicker to the board displayed on the refrigerator. “Looks like I’ll have to make my famous chili for dinner on those days.”

Gus laughs softly at that response and feels his eyes burn with unshed tears. His dad will forget to make the chili and it will end with him either visiting Willow or ordering take out on those lonely nights. He’s seated at the table now. Dad grins at him as he lays the plate of eggs down in front of him.

Perry takes his own seat with an added mug of steaming tea. Their routine continues as usual, Gus always makes sure to tell his dad about his homework and new lessons he’s learned. In turn, his father reminisces about his own school days and repeats stories that Gus has heard numerous times.

But he doesn’t mind, he never would.

Cleaning up is easy as the two prepare for the rest of their day. As always, he and his dad stand outside their front door and say their goodbyes, their destinations in opposite directions. Gus hugs his dad around his waist. The smell of parchment and incense is comforting to the little Illusionist. Perry wraps his own arms around his son, chuckling as he leans down to give a kiss to the top of his head.

“Be good, my chimerical son.” He pulls back and winks behind his spectacles. “Give Professor Stoneheart your best!” Perry turns on his heel and waves as he walks off, leaving his child standing at the front of their house.

Gus sniffs and releases a watery laugh as he turns to begin his walk to school.

Professor Stoneheart hasn’t taught him since he was nine.

Needless to say, school was the least of his worries today. It showed in his lack of effort and enthusiasm in class. Worse, he didn’t have his friends to distract him for the duration. Luz was in Healing and Eira seemed to be bothered themself , rarely speaking and deep in thought. He didn’t want to disturb her further.

When he failed to answer questions with his usual unbridled enthusiasm, Professor Liraz gave him a knowing look.

As the lunch bell rings, his Professor pats a stool that sits beside their desk. The inviting and comforting smile from Liraz calms Gus’ fears for just a moment.

“What’s troubling you, Mr. Porter?” Liraz’s voice is smooth and soothing. The numerous piles of their students’ paperwork are ignored for just a few moments as they talk to their resident prodigy.

They usually have talks like this after class. Before Gus became friends with Willow this is where he would spend his lunch period, asking questions that Liraz was more than happy to answer. Their talks are much shorter these days, not that he minded, he couldn’t keep his friends waiting!

But for days like today, afew more minutes of semi-solitude would do him well. The question Professor Liraz had asked him was a loaded one. Gus knows that Professor Liraz has an idea of his father’s mental state. Titan, they’ve walked him home a few times when the sun set way past the Titan’s Skull and his father was still nowhere to be found.

The memory of the farewell from his dad this morning makes his heart hurt and he squeezes his eyes shut.

“I-” he starts, voice catching in his throat. “It’s my dad.”

Liraz hums knowingly and he opens his eyes to look at them. The divot in their brow is slight, the frown on their face being more prominent. “You said he was getting better the last time we spoke, witchlet.”

That was a few weeks ago, after his adventures in The Bat Queen’s forest with Luz and Willow. He had taken the large demon’s advice and managed to convince his dad to take Charlotte, his Palisman, to work with him. During that short time Dad was better and Gus was glad. At least until his dad’s job told him that a Palisman wasn't needed for his line of work. Charlotte was once again left behind, locked away in the office gathering dust.

Gus shakes his head in response. “He was…not anymore.” He looks down at the ground and feels his ears pin back against his head. “He’s getting worse. He thought I was Nine today.”

“Oh, Augustus…”

“It’s okay!” He interrupts his teacher and waves his hand in dismissal.

“It is not, young one.” Liraz quips. “Surely there are Healers that can help assist-”

“Fifty-two.” Gus interrupts.

Liraz blinks, looking questioningly at Gus. “Fifty-two?” They echo.

He feels himself nod, the catalog of Healers he memorized coming to the forefront of his mind like an equation. “There are fifty-two registered Healers who claim to be Masters. We’ve visited ten of them, each telling my dad the same exact diagnosis every time.” Gus feels like the Healers they’ve seen are reading off a script. “Giving him the same potions he never takes.” He bites out.

Gus holds out his hand, five fingers splayed out in display. His mind starts to work to what he knows best. “After five Healers gave the same verdict with no change, I did my research. Fifty percent is too high of a probable number for there to be no difference in opinion.”

He sees Professor Liraz nod, a proud glint shining in lavender eyes.

“Every Master Healer is sponsored by the Healing Coven…” Gus continues, wary of the words he’s saying, testing the waters. Liraz makes no indication that they are affronted to the conclusion Gus is heading towards. They listen aptly, sitting forward in their chair and focused. Encouraged, he presses on. “Then I looked at the paperwork dad was given. Each one was the same format. A copy, word for word. The only difference was the signature.”

It makes Gus mad just to think back on it. He was so angry when he found out, the Healers didn’t even try. Who's to say they didn’t do the same thing with Mom? Dad said she’d been very sick too…

“So no, Professor, there are no Healers who can help him. Once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.” He finishes sadly.

There is a silence that feels heavy on Gus’ shoulders. Professor Liraz looks angry, but it's not directed at him. The gears inked onto their head turn furiously as they rub their temples.

“It’s okay.” Gus repeats, softer this time. He sees Professor Liraz attempt to respond and the look in their eyes screams at him ‘No, it isn’t’.

Gus ignores it, he always does. He’s done it with Willow and her parents, done so with Luz, and as always he’ll keep ignoring it himself for the few ignorant moments he has where everything is normal.

Just for a little while longer.

He’s done talking and now there is only thirty minutes left until lunch is over. Quickly, he gathers his bag and exits the classroom, giving the still stunned Illusion Professor a quick wave as he leaves.

His spirits lift at the thought of seeing his friends. Arriving at the cafeteria, Willow spots him at the entrance and waves him over. He feels Willow’s strong arm wrap around his shoulders in a side hug as he sits next to her. Gus melts into the embrace and sighs. She could probably tell that today hasn’t been all that great. Although something seems…off. He frowns and looks up across the table.

Luz is quiet. Which is an alarming thought. She is currently leaned forward into a book that Gus can hardly make out the text for. There are bags under her eyes as well, letting Gus know that she has barely slept in the past few days. Luz bites her lip as Gus watches her eyes squint on a certain page. He withholds a snicker as he sees the prominent gap of her missing baby fangs.

Willow notices his staring and answers the silent inquiry. “She’s been like this the entire time,” she drawls. “Said she wouldn’t tell me anything until you were here too.”

A soft laugh is released from him at the new information. He pulls away from their embrace to take out a sandwich he packed for today’s lunch. “Well, I’m here now! What’s got Luz looking like a maniac?”

“I’m a studious maniac, thank you very much!” Luz snarks.

She snaps the book shut with a dull ‘thump!’ and looks around. Most students have started to mill out of the cafeteria to make their way to their afternoon classes. Her hand motions Gus and Willow to lean forward so they can whisper inconspicuously. “I may have found something really cool or utterly terrifying.”

“I’d bet ten snails it’s both.” Willow whispers amusingly.

Gus snorts and Luz gives the other girl a blank stare.

“Oh.” Willow frowns. “You’re serious.”

Luz nods solemnly and knocks on the cover of the book she was reading. “I could be overreacting, but something about using Oracle Magic feels…wrong.”

Wrong? This catches Gus’ attention. His head tilts as he whispers back. “What do you mean?”

Luz’s eyes flicker over to Gus and her bi-colored gaze holds many questions that she can’t answer herself. “I’m not sure,” she frowns. “But a few days ago, in Oracle class, we used crystal balls. The spirit I talked to, Rehan-”

“Luz!” Gus finds himself hissing in shock. “You asked for a spirit’s name? You should never do that!”

It’s a rule drilled into most Witches who choose to commune with spirits. Giving or asking for a name leads to increase chances of possession. Luckily, his dad deals more with Sight than Spirits.

“And why not?” Luz implores. “If I’m working or using a ghost, the very least I can do is ask for a name! They were people too, weren’t they?”

Beside him, Willow hums. It’s unsteady and there’s a waver in her voice. “Yes, but they are resigned to serve in their afterlife...at least from what we’re told.”

He watches as Luz shivers and shakes her head. She pushes the book more in the middle of the table and opens it once more. Now having a closer look at the text, Gus realizes its all in a mix of Runes and Common. He can recognize familiar symbols and pictures that indicate the book is about Oracle Magic. When Luz reaches the section she wants to show them, she pauses.

“Every book I’ve read about Oracle Magic talks about how to control a spirit. At least the books I’ve found in the library or here at school.” Luz is speaking quickly now, realizing that the three of them are running out of time before the end of lunch. “So I borrowed this super old book from Eda, but even in this one, the chapter on spirits is missing.” She points to the missing pages that were torn away at the seams of the book.

Gus finds a number at the corner of one of the pages.

139

His eyes drift to the next number.

183

Oh, that’s a lot missing. His hand hovers over the book, silently asking Luz if he could take a look. She nods in confirmation as Willow asks what happened to the rest of the pages.

He closes the book again and takes a look on the outside. It’s leather-bound and the corners have been dipped in gold. It looks familiar. Turning the book to look at its spine is when recognition clicks for him.

“Luz,” he starts. “My dad has this book in his office!”

Technically, it was his mom’s. This book, along with other oddities that belonged to her, could be found on the top shelf in his dad’s office, collecting dust.

The bell screams, startling them all from their huddled position. Luz looks at him, excitement showing through her grin. “Really? We could see if it has the missing pages! Think we can head to your place after school?”

He’s wary at first, but curiosity gets the best of him. It shouldn’t be a problem, plus Dad did mention he might be working late. Gus finds himself nodding in confirmation. “Yeah! Hopefully we can find what you’re looking for.” Maybe sooth his human friend’s inquisitive mind while they’re at it. Luz is toeing a line that even he knows might be dangerous.

“We can help each other with our homework afterwards too.” Willow agrees.

Gus scarfs down the rest of his sandwich as he and his friends go their separate ways once more. They all promise to meet at the front of the school when classes are done, with Gus leading the way to his home.

The rest of the day goes smoothly, but a new worry is added to his list of anxieties.. Free from distractions, it now comes to the forefront as he sits on Hexside’s grand stairs waiting for his friends.

Why was Luz so adamant in this newfound interest in Oracle Magic? From the look of her it's like she’d been focused on Spirits for a few days. Gus can’t blame her for questioning the order of things, he would be a hypocrite to say that she couldn’t. Yet…

Gus sighs and looks at the ground. The cobblestones emit a scorching haze as the bright sun beams upon them. He has every right to be concerned for his friend. Wary of the information she seeks. He doesn’t want Luz to end up like Dad or even become possessed, but the whispering influence of curiosity kept him from shutting down the already proposed idea.

Maybe they could find something to help Dad! Something that hadn’t been written by an uptight Coven member. Maybe, just maybe, Gus could find answers.

Conviction strong and resolve hardened, he could nearly be just as excited as Luz and Willow as they finally met him on the stairs. The walk was filled with questions bounced back and forth. Luz had solemnly explained the events of her first Oracle Class in detail. The feeling she had while communicating through the crystal ball and meeting the spirit, Rehan.

She told them of the cryptic words they spoke to her. Pleading cries to release him from the crystal ball and free the spirit from his prison. To Gus, it was a textbook case of a spirit trying to trick the Witch in lieu of possession. Even Willow seemed a bit skeptical, but surprisingly she was the one to start asking more in depth questions.

“He said he was only sixteen? That’s odd.” Willow says, her mouth downturned into a frown.

They’ve reached his house as Luz responds. Gus digs into his backpack to search for his keys.

“Yeah, everything else he said was a bit confusing too! I-I don’t think he died peacefully.” The human utters.

Gus shivers at the statement, just what has Luz gotten into?!

Door unlocked, he leads his friends into his house. Willow has been over to his small town home numerous times, she’s already thrown her bag on the couch. Luz ‘Ooo’s’ and ‘Ahhs’ as Gus shows her around. She gushes when he shows her his room, laughing and enthusiastically explaining some of the human treasures he’s collected. She’srather impressed with his haul, saying that he could even give Eda a run for her money.

The impromptu tour ends at the doors to his father’s office. Architecturally, the door is the most detailed piece in the house. Intricate carvings of an image of the Oracle Coven’s symbol melding with the grain of the wood. It was kind of gaudy in Gus’ opinion, but his dad loved it.

Even so, the umber door looms over Gus, making him feel much smaller than he already is. It feels wrong to do this and his palms sweat as he reaches for the doorknob. A gentle hand placed on his shoulder stops him. He looks to his left to see Willow eyeing him with concern. Her verdant gaze flickers to the door then back to him.

‘Are you sure?’

It’s a question not asked aloud, it has no need to be. He’d confided to Willow about his fears once or twice, vague as his confessions may have been. Willow was smart, she was able to connect the dots quite easily early on in their friendship. She never pried, only being a strong shoulder for Gus to lean on when days get too overwhelming.

Gus frowns and flares his nostrils, giving a minute shake of his head and a shrug from his shoulders.

‘No, but I have to try.’

There’s a slow blink and nod from Willow. Her hand never removes itself from his shoulder. She gives a comforting squeeze and Gus feels a little bit stronger.

On his right, Luz is oblivious to their silent conversation as she studies the door, a contemplative look on her face. She catches Gus’ gaze and gives him an encouraging grin. With both of his friends by his side it gives him enough strength to open the door.

Some things have changed and some things have stayed the same. The office is dark, the large window to their left being covered by pitch black curtains to obscure sunlight. His eyes adjust as he blinks, giving way to furniture and bookshelves that line the rest of the walls. Tentatively, he takes a step forward.

Gus releases a breath he doesn’t know he’s been holding as he steps through the threshold. Great! They didn’t blow up! There’s also no screaming, meaning Dad didn’t set a ward for his office. That thought makes Gus’ heart hurt; Dad had trusted him enough not to snoop, hence not needing a ward in the first place.

Soon after he’s entered the lights to the office turn on, illuminating the scene in an amber glow. Dad’s desk isn’t too far from the window, tons of newspapers are scattered throughout. Gus spies a calendar on display with frantic scrawls of times and events written in red ink. Most words have been crossed out rather harshly.

His ears pin back suddenly and he hisses in pain as Luz releases a sudden shriek. “Gus! Don’t move!”

Luz’s response to whatever has scared her causes Gus to freeze. He turns around quickly to face her. “What? What is it?”

“There’s a giant spider on your back!”

A giant-? Oh!

He looks over his shoulder to see eight beady violet eyes staring right back at him. “Charlotte!” he exclaims. “I thought dad would remember to take you…” He held out his hand and the golden spider skittered and crawled onto his palm.

Lus looks like she’s about to faint. Willow is trying her best not to laugh. Gus grins and holds his hand up. “It’s okay Luz, this is Charlotte. She’s my dad’s Palisman!” He looks at Charlotte and points with his free hand. “Charlotte, this is my new friend I told you about, Luz!”

Charlotte bounces up and down in Gus’ palm in a form of greeting. Gus watches as Luz gives the palisman a hesitant wave, her form relaxing once she realizes that Charlotte wasn’t out to hurt them. Willow guides Luz closer by the crook of her arm; once the two are in close proximity, the wooden spider pounces and crawls up Luz’s shirt to settle on her shoulder.

Luz laughs at the feeling, no doubt being tickled by Charlotte's legs. Gus chuckles along with her, pushing down disappointment. If Charlotte was here in his dad’s office that means he didn’t take his son’s reminder to heart. Gus’ eyes glance at the base of Charlotte’s staff leaning against the corner of the wall. It gathers dust, with Charlotte left alone by herself in this room.

“Um, we’re looking for a book, Charlotte.” Luz’s voice breaks Gus’ train of thought. He looks back over to his friends to find Luz speaking to the Palisman. “It has gold corners and talks about Oracle Magic!”

Gus knows where to find the book they’re looking for. So does Charlotte. She jumps off Luz and skitters along the wall of books, chittering to gain Gus’ attention. There’s a space between the top of the bookshelf and the book itself. Charlotte makes her way through the gap and starts pushing the book out from its place.

He scrambles to stand under the area where the book will fall. It drops into his arms and he has to hold back a sneeze from the copious amounts of dust that’s been released. Brushing the rest off to clear the cover, golden letters reveal themselves.

‘Gossimer’s Guide to the Known and Unknown’

“Well,” Gus starts. “This is it!” He holds up the book and feels Charlotte jump on top of his head from the shelf. He places the book down on the ground, sitting along with it. Luz and Willow follow him. Luz, having brought along her satchel, takes out the same book with the missing pages.

“So we can cross reference!” She states.

Both he and Willow are a bit lost about where to begin, but Luz gives them the rundown as she flips through the intact Guide to find the lost pages. She pauses at a few sections giving quick explanations about what she’s found.

“Once I asked for Rehan’s name, that’s when he started to sound sad…and scared.” Luz murmurs, still flipping through pages. “It was like, he was trying to show me something? I felt like I couldn’t breathe and I swear I felt like I wasn’t even in class anymore. I was somewhere else.”

Gus listens intently to Luz’s explanation. It sure sounds like a possession, but it also…isn’t. He voices his concern and watches as Luz frowns and shakes her head.

“That’s the thing! The Professor said the same. How I was almost ‘possessed’. I’ve looked at countless Oracle books involving spirits since then. Not one book can give me a clear answer on what being possessed means! Some say it happens when you ask the spirits name. Other’s when you don’t use a crystal ball. But what about the ghosts that roam free?”

Well, Luz did have a point. His brow furrows as Luz aims a question at Willow.

“Willow, when was the last time you’ve heard of an actual possession happening or even seen one?”

Willow opens her mouth to answer, then frowns as she pauses. “I-I actually don’t know. We’ve always heard of attempts…but not the actual act.”

She’s right. Gus recalls watching his dad on the news covering events and breaking stories about spirits attempting to possess a Witch, never the actual possession. There was always a cautious warning or tale to take heed while communing, but even Gus can’t recall reading or seeing an actual possession happening.

“Aha!” Luz exclaims. She taps the page with her finger. “Here!”

Gus looks down at the page and blinks. It’s gibberish. Well. it was actually a mix of Deadwardian Era Common and Runic.

So yeah, gibberish.

“Uh, Luz? Mind translating?” He looks at his friend to see her smile sheepishly and nod.

“Right! Sorry!” Luz clears her throat and Gus follows her finger as she reads aloud.

“Thy Spirit is complicit, only to those deemed worthy. Through a symbiotic bond there can be no discourse. One asks, so the other may give. Is it strength? Foresight? Protection? Spirit and Witch act as one until the Spirit deems that their part is done.

Respect is needed and Compassion necessary. The days when the Spirit roamed our Titan as a Demon or Witch had their name Remembered. Ask for it and you shall breathe as they did, feel as they once had, and understand their deaths. For Death is new Life and their name carries on to serve by their own choice.”

Luz stumbles on a few words, but her cadence is steady. Respect and Compassion? Willingly asking for the Spirit’s name? The logical part of his mind screams that it’s incorrect and the complete opposite of what he knows, but the reasonable parts can understand what the author is describing.

Gossimer boils it down to treating the Spirit like you would a stranger or even friend. Asking for help instead of taking it against their will.

If that’s all there is to it, then why is it bad to do the right thing? One line in particular stood out to him. ‘Understand their deaths.’ Luz’s description of what she felt while talking to Rehan sounded unpleasant. Considering what they had just read, Gus can only jump to conclusions about Luz’s experience.

It seemed Luz had realized it as well. She had stopped reading and pressed lips together into a thin line. Willow sat beside her and sensed her growing discomfort. She wraps an arm around Luz. “Breathe, Luz.” Willow intones calmly.

“He was crushed…” Luz chokes out. “That feeling…he was crushed to death!” her hands shake and Gus takes action to take hold on one of them. She’s trembling and he squeezes her hand in reassurance. “Rehan shouldn’t be trapped like that. No Spirit should! It’s wrong!” Luz waves her free hand at the book.

Gus’ mind races. What could the three of them even do? They’re just kids! He has no doubts that the only adult who would listen or try to help them was Eda. The thought of smashing all of the school’s crystal balls is one that Luz says out loud, but that would be a one way trip to the Conformatorium. That idea is shut down and as Luz rambles more about what Rehan told her, dots slowly connect in Gus’ mind.

He thinks about how far out of his comfort zone he would be in if he hadn’t met Luz. Would he still be mindlessly excelling in Illusions instead of reading taboo information about Oracle Magic? Would he still be blissfully ignorant to the subtle horrors that plague their school? He would still carry his own doubts. The most damning one being if he should still join the Illusion Coven. A thought for another time. The revelation that hits him is more important.

It makes him sick to think about and he clenches his teeth on instinct. Rehan had told Luz that he was buried in Hexside. Trapped beneath rubble. School spirit has served Gus well, as he can tell you every detail about Hexside’s history. It’s always been competitive and bloody, the sense of pride that flows through every Grudgeby win and relay race between schools. Now, shame and disgust flows through him as he recalls Hexside’s founding and its first proud achievement.

On the 11th Rhythm of Dismember, Year 3 A.C, the newly formed Hexside School of Magic and Demonics won their right to teach the next generation of Witches through conquest. Some say it was a battle between Covens and Wild Witches. The school that was defeated still taught Wild Magic at that time. They refused to adapt.

Hexside became the first school to begin teaching magic by Coven rules, though some historians argued that the school also once taught Wild Magic before Emperor Belos united the Isles.

The history books never went into too much detail when it came to Hexside’s conquest, but there was one fact that had always stuck out to Gus: the casualties. It had always caught his attention, with such a specific number used. There were no other details about it. No names, who they were, what they did. Just a number.

‘As a result of the use of Wild Magic, the former institution collapsed on top of its defenders, raising the total casualties of this conquest to 436.’

Gus has only been to the Oracle Hall twice at Hexside. Both times he was utterly terrified to walk through the corridor. His naïve self would be on edge speeding past the numerous shelves of crystal balls that contain spirits within. Gus never understood why the Oracle students needed so many ticking time bombs in the first place. Now he wants to slap himself for being so blind. 

Gus blanches. It feels like he, Luz, and Willow have stumbled upon something much bigger and scarier than they realize.

Luz laments half-baked plans, her frustration showing through her bouncing knee and frantic flipping through pages. She’s read aloud some more pages that Gus can’t make sense of. Willow is attempting to follow the best she can, pointing out certain words and giving her own ideas from what she knows.

He looks out the window. The light barely showing through the crack of the curtains lets him know the sun is setting, basking part of the office in an eerie auburn glow. His dad will be home soon and they need to get out of here before they’re caught.

“What about Hooty? He’s old right? Maybe he could help!” Willow asks.

“I already asked him. He started spouting nonsense about having a tea party and etiquette.” Luz responds begrudgingly. 

Hooty, the house demon.

Wait!

“I got it!” Gus exclaims.

Willow and Luz jump, looking at him with wide eyes. Gus closes the book and gestures around the room. “I can ask my Uncle!” he breathes out, plan forming in his mind. “Our family home was left to him, there’s a spirit who protects the house, like Hooty!” He hasn’t talked to his Uncle in a long time, but he remembers he always told Gus he was a Crystal Ball call away.

Luz’s eyes brighten as she nods vigorously. “Oh, you can ask him about the spirit! I remember! You said your great-great grandma made a deal right?”

Gus is surprised Luz remembered that detail, but she was right. He doesn’t know much about it himself. He’d just repeated what his Uncle told him, which was very little. Gus hums in confirmation as he stands. “Yeah! Maybe he can help. You were right Luz.” he points to the book. “It sounds like we’re being taught the wrong way to commune with spirits…” He releases a small growl and rubs his forehead. “But why?”

“To hide something, I bet.” Willow answers. Gus looks at his friend. She’s pale, having removed her arm from embracing Luz and instead crossing them over her chest. Willow’s fingers clench and unclench around her forearms as she breathes in and out slowly, attempting to calm herself. “Oracle Magic and its use isn’t the only type being restricted.” She continues off-handedly, glaring at the book as if it offended her somehow.

On her last slow exhale Willow’s shoulders droop. “We need to have a plan, before we go in magic blazing”, giving a pointed look at Luz, who has the decency to look away in embarrassment. “Gus has a head start. He can get more information from his Uncle and we can go from there.” Willow stands and offers a hand to Luz, who takes it, and hauls her upright.

Preparation and analysis, Gus can do that with his eyes closed. He summons a spell circle and weaves a levitation spell to place ‘Gossimer’s Guide to the Known and Unknown’ back to its original place. He feels Charlotte move around on top of his head again, settling on his forehead. Gus goes cross-eyed looking at her.

The spider chitters sadly, sensing that her company is about to leave.

“Don’t worry,” Gus whispers. “I’m still reminding Dad everyday to use you.” It's all he can do, and Charlotte knows this too, her beady eyes blinking slowly in thanks. She jumps back onto his dad’s desk and waves one leg goodbye at Luz and Willow.

Gus leads his friends out the door and looks back around the office to make sure they left nothing out of place. Satisfied, Gus closes the door behind them and breathes out a sigh of relief. They weren’t caught and didn’t break anything. He considers that a win!

It's gotten way too late for either Luz and Willow to stay and go over homework together. Luz has to walk through the woods before the sun fully sets and Willow says her dads should have dinner ready by now.

As always, Willow invites Gus over, and as always, Gus politely declines. She would always ask when Dad worked so late. He doesn’t want to impose and reassures her that Dad had left some dinner in the fridge for him.

He stands at the front door watching his friends leave.

“Bye Gus!” Luz calls out as she walks away. “See you tomorrow!”

He gives Luz a grin and a wave of his own. “See ya Luz!”

Willow is left and she’s giving him the ‘Concerned’ look.

“Willow. I’m fine.”

She knows that she can’t fight him on this. It’s a never ending back and forth between the two of them. “You know Dad and Papa would be glad to help-”

“I’m fine.”

Willow sighs, and closes her eyes. She rummages through her bag and hands him a metal container. It’s warm in his hands and as he breathes in he can smell a delicious aroma. His heart aches at the gesture.

“Thanks.” Gus manages to choke out. Willow hums and leans down to place her forehead against his own. Her hand is gently placed against the back of his head and Gus can feel the gentle scrape of calloused fingers against the nape of his neck.

“No thanks needed Augustus” Willow replies and pulls away. “You’ll need all the brain food you can get to crack this new case” she adds jokingly to lighten the mood.

It works, as Gus barks out a laugh. “You’re not wrong!”

Willow gives him a wink and a wave as she walks off. “Have a good night Gus! Tell your dad I said ‘Hi!’”

Gus promises he will and settles at the kitchen table with his newly procured dinner and homework. He’s a bit distracted considering their most recent discoveries. His mind bounces back and forth between proper equations and just how to ask his Uncle about the family spirit that guards the house.

His attention wavers when the sound of the front door unlocking graces his hearing. Dad is home, and the usual groans of exhaustion and thrown shoes are comforting.

“Gus?” His father calls.

“In here!” he responds.

Gus watches his dad round the corner as he speaks. “You wouldn’t believe what I had to report today! Some unfounded rumors about shutting down Prim and Proper! It was-” he pauses mid-sentence, looking at the empty container of food and Gus’ unfinished homework. Dad’s ears pin back against his head and he sucks in a breath. “Oh, Augustus…I forgot about dinner again, didn't I?”

He sounds so tired. Gus feels like there’s cotton in his mouth as he reassures his dad. “No dad! I said I would go over to Willow’s tonight!” The lie passes easily through his lips. The words are sour and the smile he gives is strained. “You said you’d make your famous chili tomorrow!”

Perry’s worrying gaze is uncertain, yet his son sounds assured. “Right, right. Well, first thing in the morning we’ll prepare it in the pot to simmer!” He moves to sit down next to him. “How was your day son?”

Sensitive topic and downward spiral avoided, Gus happily relays what he learned in school today to him. He shows him his homework and explains what he has to do. As always his dad looks on in disbelief. Commenting how he never was one for numbers.

“You take after your mother when it comes to brains.” Perry muses fondly and Gus beams.

He feels warm during moments like this. These moments of clarity and conversations being in the present, it makes everything seem normal.

Gus can bask in it, just for a little while. No worries, fears, or stress. Just a father and son talking about their day.

Augustus Porter is twelve summers old. He prays to the Titan every night that he can have more moments with his dad just like this, unburdened and his memories intact for just a little while longer.

Amanita Porter

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The book in Eda’s hands is heavy as she reads over the same paragraph she’s been hounding over for the past ten minutes. Her room is more of a mess than it usually is. Papers scribbled in her own handwriting are strewn throughout the area.

She is not freaking out. She’s got everything under control.

Sure, she’s dealing with a human child suddenly undergoing witch puberty times one-hundred. Which should not be happening, but it was fine! Luz was only losing a few teeth, no biggie!

At least that’s what she thought at first.

As soon as Luz had told her that humans didn’t grow fangs in their teens, Eda became worried. She wouldn’t admit to her apprentice that such a sudden change was concerning; some new teeth were small and easy to handle. But when one thing became apparent, others followed.

Now that Eda was paying attention, it was clear Luz had been undergoing changes long before losing her teeth . It was the increased appetite and sudden change in diet that had Eda’s hair standing on end though. She was by no means an expert in healing magic, but she knew enough to understand that if Luz was able to digest the dangerous food of the Isles, something must be happening beneath the surface.

So Eda is doing what she does best. Research.

Well, less research and more hoarding old, forbidden books. She’s read through every tome of healing and history she could possibly find in her library. The ones that mentioned humans only mentioned them as myths or bygone legends in the Savage Ages. There was nothing indicating any record even existed of a human experiencing the changes Luz was undergoing. It frustrated Eda to no end, pushing her towards a decision she would rather avoid.

Actually going to see a proper Healer.

She grimaces at the thought, but the plan was already set in motion. They’d go today after Luz gets home from school. But Eda had held onto a sliver of hope that she would find something to avoid the inevitable. Looking up, her gaze falls on an old tome lying on her vanity. This book mocks her; it’s the one Luz had found in the ruins on the Knee.

Like most old books, its cover is made of leather. It’s embellished in silver and, even though there is no lock present on the book, Eda is unable to open it.

She has tried almost every means to pry it open, yet it simply wouldn’t budge. It frustrates her to no end. Knowledge unseen for decades at their very fingertips and the damn thing wouldn’t open! For all she knew, it could hold the answers she’s looking for!

Eda huffs out a dry laugh. Who is she kidding? One book won’t give her what she needs right now. She’s simply trying to find any excuse to keep her from dragging herself and her apprentice to the nearest clinic.

She’s never had the best experience with them herself. Past memories of sitting in a cold, sterile room for hours on end make themselves present in Eda’s mind. The Beast hisses in warning, no doubt also remembering the needless intrusions of magic that felt slimy and wrong.

‘No! Bright Owlet is fine! They need no prodding talons!’

Eda can feel the fear and anger flow through her, thick feathers sprouting around her neck and hands, causing her to grunt.

“We’ll be fine, birdbrain!” she snaps. “We won’t let anything happen to her!” She feels the feathers recede and a few drop to the ground, while more fall to the top of her desk.

The reassurance she gives the Owlbeast is also for herself. Eda would not be like her mother in this upcoming task. There is no need to put Luz through any unnecessary or intruding ordeals. She wouldn’t have it. A simple check-up is hopefully all they’ll need.

A short knock at the door breaks Eda out of her thoughts. Turning around in her seat, she sees King pop his head in at the entrance. She can feel the smile form on her face before she even realizes. “Hey squirt! Everything alright?”

The baby demon nods once and fully enters Eda’s room. She has to release a snort at the sight of her son. He’s stolen one of her aprons, obviously way too big on him, and is wearing a chef’s hat. King’s eyes narrow in an attempt to look intimidating and he points his weapon of choice, a spatula, at her in accusation.

“You said you would be downstairs in ten minutes to help make snacks for our quest today! It’s been fifteen!” King states.

Eda squints at her nearby clock. Ah, he’s right, Luz would be home in half an hour. Looks like she got carried away reading again. She stands and takes steady strides towards King, scooping him up and walking out her bedroom. She ignores his indignant protests as she apologizes.

“I’m sorry King, got carried away there. Thanks for reminding me bud!” She’s walking down the stairs. By now, King has squirmed out of her arms and sits in her hair.

“It’s okay!” King exclaims above her. “I know you’re worried about Luz. I am too! But I think she’s just fine!”

She hums as they round the corner into the kitchen. Leave it to King to make a mess of the place in five minutes.

… Is that a jar of jelly on the ceiling?

Eda reaches up to grab King and lower him back down to the ground. She raises a brow at his previous statement. “Oh really? And what makes you say that?” she asks.

While waiting for King’s answer, Eda sets out the missing components of the sandwitches King was attempting to assemble. He’d completely forgotten about the bread.

Once set up on the counter, she helps King drag his step stool next to her. Eda watches with keen eyes as King makes their snacks properly this time. Focused on making sure all the condiments of his and Luz’s sandwich are stacked properly.

“Well,” King begins, spreading some must-aired on his slice of bread. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Luz.” he says confidently. “She said she’s always wanted to be a Witch and learn magic! So why is it bad that she’s turning into one?”

It’s easy to forget how young King is. The innocent inquiry leaves Eda tongue-tied. “It’s not bad buddy,” she responds. She hopes not. “We just need to make sure Luz is healthy and safe.”

King slides over his sandwich to Eda for her to cut the crust. Out of the corner of her eye she can see him frowning.

“Then why do we have to go see a Healer? I thought you said all of them were quacks.”

Oof, that’s right, she hasn’t really painted Healers in a good light to King. To be fair, before Luz, it had only been them two. Eda had been the one to soothe the runny noses and high fevers of childhood with King. Her knowledge of brews helped immensely with such maladies. He never came down with anything so serious for there to be a need to see the local Healer.

Now that she thinks about it, immunizations would do him some good. That seems to be the only thing the Healing Coven is good at these days.

“I said most of them were quacks, not all.” Eda eventually replies. Finding Healers that weren’t at the beck and call of their Coven was rare and far between. Eda doubts there’s any in Bonesborough considering their proximity to the castle, but she can hope.

“Luz!” Hooty’s grating voice calls out. “You’re back from school! I thought you left FOREVER!”

It only takes a few minutes for Luz to fight her way out of Hooty’s grasp and enter the kitchen this time. Eda chuckles to herself, it's a new record.

Her student's hair is in disarray, some of Hooty’s feathers sticking to the cowl of her Hexside uniform. Eda furrows her brow in concern. She looks exhausted, no child should have bags like those under their eyes. This only serves to deepen Eda’s worry; here’s another reason to find a Healer.

“Hi Luz! Look, I remembered how to make your favorite sandwich for our adventure today!” King is excited as he holds up Luz’s crustless sandwich in its bag.

Luz laughs and throws her school bag on the table. “Thanks King! I almost forgot about that today!”

“You’re just in time too, kid.” Eda replies. “We got a long afternoon ahead of us, depending on how things turn out. Go ahead and get changed. We’ll meet you out front!”

Snacks packed and kitchen quickly cleaned, Eda and King wait for Luz by the front door. Eda makes sure to give Hooty the ground rules, again.

“Hooty, for the tenth time, you can NOT eat the mailman.”

“But the stamps taste good!”

Her glare must be impressive, because any further protests were silenced right then and there. He squawks as the door is slammed open to reveal Luz dressed in the outfit first given to her at Prim’s shop. She has her satchel with her, no doubt filled with whichever book has piqued her interest this time. Eda has noticed some of the books on Oracle Magic missing from the library. Humans always did have a fascination with ghosts for some reason.

“Ready?” Eda asks as she summons Owlbert.

Luz bounces on her toes and nods. “Mhm!” she responds.

Great. Eda makes sure both of them are settled and secured on Owlbert. Hopefully this won’t be a giant waste of time!

Of course she just had to jinx herself!

Has she upset the Titan somehow? Cursed again? Maybe even hexed with how their luck is going.

This is the third cold, sterile patient room they’ve sat in. Waiting for the Healer to enter and start their exam. King is asleep in her lap as she sits in one of the spare chairs in the room. Luz is kicking her feet back and forth on the exam table, reading the book she brought with her.

Eda vows that she’ll tear this Healer's head off if they give her the same exact answer the other two gave her.

It seems that the general consensus is they don’t know jack shit. An understatement if anything. Eda should've known something was up given their reactions when Luz had told them that she was human. They had laughed at her and brushed off such a claim as the result of an overactive imagination. Even with her confirming her apprentice’s statement, the damn quacks took the evaluation with a grain of salt. In both of the previous offices they’d been in the patient room a mere ten minutes after waiting over an hour in the waiting room. A whole lot of nothing just for them to say that Luz was a healthy witchlet who was simply a late bloomer.

This is exactly why she hadn’t wanted to do this in the first place. Already, with a quick decisiveness Healers shouldn’t have in the first place, they’dbeen invalidated and brushed aside. Legitimate concerns that should have these so-called Masters jumping out of their seats and scrambling to figure out the root cause of the issue their patients are facing. A human child is growing fangs she shouldn’t have and eating foods that should have killed her by now.

The pounding pressure behind Eda’s eyes hasn’t helped either. With each office they visit, the Beast has voiced their indignation with increased anxiety.

Eda jumps when the sound of knocking interrupts the silence of the room. Luz says that she’s decent and the Healer enters.

The dark blue coat and embroidered name gives away the status of this Healer. Eda reads. Mst. Barclay, as she eyes the man. He looks to be an average Witch, old too, if his receding hairline has anything to say about it. Thin square glasses miraculously stay put at the end of his nose. His eyes look dark and beady as he quickly scans the paperwork Eda had filled out in the waiting room.

“Luz, is it?” Barclay states. His voice is clipped and he sounds annoyed. Already Eda can feel her hackles rising.

Luz, bless her heart, is oblivious to the tone. She gives Barclay a shy grin and nods. “Yup! That’s me!”

Barclay looks up from his clipboard and hums. “Never expected to see the infamous Owl Lady’s spawn in my clinic.”

The atmosphere in the room shifts instantly. Luz has caught on to the now obvious disdain that oozes from the man. She hugs the book in her lap and glares at the Healer. Eda immediately stands, careful not to jostle King too much at the action.

She’s at least two heads taller than the man and bares her teeth. “Is there going to be a problem? You are sworn to unbiased care, Wild or Coven shouldn’t be a deal breaker.”

Barclay is unfazed as he stands his ground. He sniffs at Eda and waves his clipboard. “I have no problem caring for Wild Witches and their associates. But when you come into my clinic claiming fantasy and nonsense-”

Eda hates being right sometimes. He’s the same as the others! “It is not nonsense! I wrote in explicit detail what’s happening to my kid!”

“No human has stepped into the Boiling Isles in years Miss Clawthorne! Your child is simply a late bloomer with an active imagination!”

“You didn’t even do a proper examination, let alone look at her!”

“I have no need to! My associates have already informed me of your fruitless endeavor! You took no heed in their recommendations! Mine will be no different!” He flips through the papers on his clipboard and rattles off the suggested care that Eda has heard twice already. “A nutrition potion for her gums and quite possibly her ears as they seem underdeveloped.” Barclay slaps the page with the back of his hands. “An increased appetite is normal for her age, and tolerance for certain foods may have occurred as she ages!”

They aren’t listening. Eda closes her eyes and clenches her jaw. It’s just the same as it was when she was a child. Being told everything and anything that could suppress her curse, giving her basic remedies and sham potions that gave no relief for her symptoms. She should’ve known this was a waste of time!

“Luz,” Eda strains, doing her best not to tear the Healer limb from limb. “We’re leaving.”

She’s thankful she’s holding King in her arms.

Her apprentice has been quiet during this entire exchange. Eda has no doubts this was the final straw for Luz as well.

Barclay scoffs and rolls his eyes. “All you Wild Witches are just the same. You come in here and waste my time with faulty claims and think you know better than a Healer who’s been studying Healing Magic for years. Why do we even bother?”

‘Rend him! Tear out his throat! He has made our Owlet upset!’

As much as Eda wants to give in to that urge, she doesn’t. She stands straight and nods to the man. “Thank you for your time, Mst. Barclay.” She says tersely. She snatches the papers off of his clipboard and leads Luz out of the building.

Once outside of the Metrics Clinic, Eda keeps walking. Frenzied energy urging her to keep moving. She makes sure to keep an eye on Luz, making sure she doesn’t fall behind. Healers are now out of the question, back to square one. She might have to make a trip to some old ruins soon. Maybe she can find some books on Healing written before the rise of Belos somewhere. Or perhaps go back through her library? Maybe she could teach herself a proper scanning-

A sudden impact has her tighten her hold on King, stumbling mid-stride. She can feel King jolt awake and Luz call out her name in worry. She knocks whoever she ran into to the ground and begins to apologize.

Eda sets King down and holds out a hand to help.“Titan! I’m so sorry, I wasn’t-”

“It’s quite alright, I shouldn’t have-”

A hand that was oh-so-familiar has grasped her own. The voice that responds to her offered apology is one that she hasn’t heard in years.

“Eda?”

'Trilling Mate!'

Raine Whispers stands before her in all their glory. This day couldn’t get any worse.

Age seems to be the only thing that has changed them throughout the years. An added wrinkle here and there, and less hair, but they still look the same. Instinctively, Eda finishes helping them off the ground. Hauling Raine up, her fingers brush against the raised skin on the inside of their wrist, where their Bard Coven Sigil is placed.

Eda can’t help but think back to a time when they were both free. Whispered oaths of being Wild together, sealed by fleeting kisses and professed love. The sigil, their choice, is a reminder of broken hearts and shattered promises. As well as a lingering pain that Eda cannot simply ignore. Her hand pulls back and she crosses her arms.

“Raine.” she says curtly.

“I-uh.” They stammer. “How are you?”

Small talk? Really? That’s all they’ve got?

“Fine, sorry I knocked you over Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

“Wait!” Raine throws up their hands in a placating manner. The setting sun makes the glare on their glasses more pronounced as they bow their head to look down. “Eda, please.”

Eda feels her eyes burn from unshed tears. Oh, the irony of it all! “Wait?” she repeats incredulously. “I asked the same of you all those years ago, Raine. I waited for you. What did that get me?”

The cadence of Old Tongue falls on Raine’s lips as they continue their pleas, the Bard has damn near fallen to their knees.. “Forgive me, Owl Lady. I beg of you.” they rasp. “I have asked for your absolution for twenty cycles. What say you?”

As always, Eda’s response is quick. “You are denied, Singing Storm.”

She watches as they flinch violently at their Remembered Name. “Please don’t call me that.” they whisper. “I do not deserve it.”

“You deserve every syllable. May you be Remembered.” Eda snaps back mockingly.

Twenty cycles, twenty years they’ve been doing this back and forth. Truthfully, Eda is tired of it. She wants nothing more than to accept Raine’s everlasting apology and hope that things can go back to how things once were. But it was never that easy.

She feels the tug of her dress and looks down to see King looking at her in concern. If she wasn’t so pent up, she would have laughed at the fierce glare he was attempting to give Raine. He could obviously tell she was upset.

“Mom? Can we go now? I’m hungry.”

Her keen hearing can catch the sudden hitch in Raine’s breath. She looks back up to see them, mouth agape, eyes darting back and forth to her, King, and Luz who was beside her.

Several emotions show themselves on Raine’s face in mere moments. The final expression that settles being shame. “Eda, I-”

“Don’t.” she snaps. It takes everything in her to smother the increasing ire that’s already at its precipice within her. “You don’t get to try and fix this, not now. Maybe not ever.”

Raine’s ears pin back against the side of their head. Eda can see the beginning of tears that threaten to spill from the corner of their eyes. For a brief moment, there is guilt, before it is smothered with a bitter satisfaction. This is only a fraction of the hurt they’ve caused her.

‘You are upset with Trilling Mate.’ The Beast chirps their thoughts. ‘Why?’

Memories are supplied as an answer. Pain, betrayal, loss, and grief. It's only the tip of the iceberg, Eda knows if she dives deeper she’ll still find emotions that she’s not ready to confront.

Like how she’s ready to forgive, and the want, the hope, to love them again.

The Beast is silent after information is freely given. Its chitters hold no malice, only sadness.

‘Holding anger for so long is not good for Us.’ It responds. ‘It is also not good for Hatchlings.’

Eda wants to scoff. Great, now she has her own beastly therapist in her mind to boot. She is mere moments away from just walking away from this increasingly awkward and tense conversation, when luck finally blesses her on this increasingly shit day.

“Is there a problem here?” A voice calls.

Eda snaps her head to the source. Anora Twilighttorne has once again graced Bonesborough with her presence.

Anora holds a basket filled with numerous herbs that reek of a medicinal bite that would make a person’s eyes water. Blue eyes dart back and forth between the two scorned lovers.

Eda remembers her manners and bows her head in greeting. “Elder! It is good to see you again.”

The old woman gives a kind smile in return to both her and the kids. It falls as her attention turns to the lone bard, who’s stiffened once more at the sound of Old Tongue. “And you?” Anora directs her sharp tone at Raine.

She wants to laugh as Raine stumbles over their words to introduce themself. Eda has no doubt they recognize ‘The Wandering Abyss’ just as she did nearly a month ago. They hastily bow their own head as they respond.

“Apologies Elder, my Given Name is Raine Whispers.” There is a short pause before their voice strains. The harsh syllables of Old Tongue hitching as they continued. “I am Remembered as The Singing Storm.”

Raine is not proud to announce their rightfully earned name. Eda can see Anora has also taken note of this, the Elder’s lips thin and her nostrils flare. “Be Remembered Singing Storm,” Anora replies in Common. It is a curt dismissal, the Elder has a right to withhold her own introduction. “Edalyn, I’m glad I’ve run into you! You have an eye for reagents, I could use your assistance. Your witchlet and pup can help as well.”

Eda thanks the Titan for a way out and away from any more tense conversation with Raine, taking this opportunity by the horns. “Oh? I’d be honored to help!” She places a hand on King’s skull, he’s still clinging to her leg. “Do you mind if we stop by someplace to grab some grub first?”

The mint-haired Bard can sense they’ve overstayed their welcome. They give one last look at Eda and her kids before giving a respectful farewell to Anora and herself. Eda humors them with a stiff nod and turns her attention back to Anora, who’s watching the both of them with a raised brow.

“I have a hearty meal simmering in a pot back home.” Anora says, watching Raine’s retreating form until they’ve disappeared in the crowd of bustling town dwellers. “You all are more than welcome to join me as a reward for your help. Come.”

Eda makes sure to pick King back up so he doesn’t get lost or fall behind the quick pace Anora sets off with. Luz has been quiet since they’ve left the clinic, a silence that Eda doesn’t like one bit. She was prepared to avoid invasive questions about her ex to be spilling out of her apprentices mouth a mile a minute!

It didn’t help that three Healers in a row couldn’t give them any answers. Not to mention throwing out invalidating statements! What kind of Witch brushes off the health concerns of a child?

“I assume you and Mx. Whispers aren’t on good terms Edalyn?” Anora’s voice startles Eda out of her spiraling stupor. The old Witch has led them out of Bonesborough and into the woods, away from the Owl House. The sun has fully set, and while she, Anora, and King can see perfectly fine with the help of the Titan’s Eye, she recalls that Luz can’t.

Eda snorts as her hand rises to cast a circle for a ball of light. “That’s the understatement of the century.” The spell is half formed when Luz interrupts her by tugging on her cloak. The spell fizzles out and she looks down, confused, until she isn’t.

Luz’s eyes give off a reflective sheen like her own; she hasn’t stumbled or tripped from being unable to see. She looks at Eda clear as day. “It’s okay.” she assures her Mentor. “I can see, don’t waste your magic.”

Okay, clearly there’s still some guilt from the Owlbeast incident, she’ll put that aside for later. Now though, Eda has to tally another mark of increasing changes happening to her kid. Eda remembers for a fact that humans are blind as bats in the dark.

She is not freaking out.

Her ear flicks as she hears Anora’s amused hum. In the dark it feels like they’ve been walking forever. Anora takes no twists or turns, simply walking in a straight line. Eda is sure Illusion Magic is at play here. They never divert from their path to avoid trees or other foliage. It was uncanny.

Eventually, the Elder stops at a crude archway created naturally by two large, slanting slabs of stone. Looking through the opening, Eda can only make out more woods, but the biting chill in the air, and misty breath that releases with each exhale lets her know that they are ways away from Bonesborough.

“A warp?” Eda finds herself asking aloud. More out of reverence and awe than accusation. Anora turns to face them and lowers the hood of her cloak. She gives Eda a look of approval and nods.

Eda blinks and furrows her brow. “But when-?”

“You haven’t passed through it yet.” Anora glances up at the stones and sucks her teeth, ebony tendrils of hair undulating in irritation. “The wards are leaking. I need to touch up the Runes.”

She follows the Elder’s gaze and squints. She can make out indentations and carvings in the stone archway. They were an intricate mix of chiseled Runic and…were those glyphs?

“Edalyn Clawthorne.” Anora’s voice stops Eda from inquiring further about the puzzle in front of her. She stands up straight and looks into the eyes of The Wandering Abyss.

“You stand before my home. Why?” Anora continues. Eda is familiar with these words. It is an exchange of seeking refuge. Announcing guest rites.

“Me and my kin seek a place to rest our feet and fill our bellies,” Eda pauses momentarily before she adds, “And ponder your insight.”

Anora’s brows raise minutely at the declaration, but nods. “I shall provide the aid you seek. My Hearth is Open to you and your Children, Owl Lady.”

The wave of magic feels like a warm hug and Eda closes her eyes at the feeling. King giggles as his fur stands on end and Eda can hear Luz gasp beside her.

Anora waves her hand for them to follow her through the stone arch, and as soon as the old woman steps through, she disappears.

Luz’s worries and disappointments of today’s outing have obviously been temporarily pushed aside as Eda hears her sputter and runs up to the obvious magical entrance. King starts squirming, so she puts him down and he scampers beside Luz.

The kids both look back at her for permission, she sighs fondly and shoos them forward. “Go on squirts, it’s alright. I’m right behind ya!”

When the kids step through, Eda slumps and presses her palms over her eyes. It’s fine. Everything is fine.

It’s all under control.

She hears Owlbert hoot and feels him wiggle his way out of her nest of hair. Wooden claws dig gently on the top of her head as he finds his perch.

‘You worry too much.’

Eda barks out a dry laugh. “Oh, so you're the expert now? Hm? Is there something you’re not telling me? Come on buddy, share with the class!”

‘Our Witchlet is fine.’ Owlbert reassures and starts preening her hair in comfort. ‘Trust me.’

She feels herself sigh in exasperation. Leave it to her own Palisman to not give her a straight answer.

Now it’s her turn to walk through the gate formed by nature. As she passes underneath the stone archway, Eda feels like she’s walking through a waterfall of mud. It’s brief, fading as she clears the threshold, and as she completes her steps the forest that was shown past the arch has faded. Bonesborough’s dry summer heat is replaced by the nipping breezes found at the base of the Knee and its jutting osseous mountains.

Feloaks are replaced by Bleedingpines; these trees are large, towering, and strategically placed. They form a large perimeter that surrounds the clearing where Eda can see the mismatched home of Anora.

It is here where The Wandering Abyss resides. Eda can see the humble abode tucked away, its face jutting out from the opening mouth of a cavern.

Eda glances to her left, towards the nearest pine. She spots her Apprentice looking at the bark with furrowed brows and a gnawing lip. She walks over and places a hand on her head, startling her.

“What’s got you thinking so hard kiddo?”

Luz huffs, opens her mouth and closes it. Her nose scrunches as she looks back and forth between Anora’s home and the trees. “The bark…there’s giant Runes on them! Just like the ruins on the Knee!” she eventually rushes out.

She feels a proud grin grow on her face. “Good eye, kid!” Eda winks and can see Luz has much more to say. “Well, what else have you noticed?”

“It’s a giant Rune Chain!” Luz blurts and flaps her hands. “Each tree has one rune and the rope tied between them is the link!” she points to the tree in front of them. “This one has the runes ‘ɛk’. The next looks like ‘ʃ-Oh! prətɛkʃən!”

Luz is correct in her assessment. The sanctuary they’ve entered into is steeped in old magic.

Very old magic.

Eda is once again trying to contain herself and not squeal like a useless fangirl. She’s been accepted into The Wandering Abyss’ own home! Moments away from eating at her table! Oh how she wishes she could gloat about this to someone.

“You’ve taught your Apprentice well so far, Edalyn.” Anora’s chuckle interrupts them. Eda puffs her chest at the praise from the Elder and Luz beams. “Your son is already inside on his second bowl of stew.” she continues amusingly. “Come now before it's all gone.”

Luz bounds up beside Anora and starts spouting questions. Did Anora carve the Runes herself? How long did it take? Is the rope special?

Leave it to her kid to render an Elder speechless for a few moments.

As they enter the house embedded in the mountain, Eda’s sense of smell is assaulted by the wondrous aroma of a homemade meal. It brings a feeling of comfort and safety, one that’s rare to find outside her own home these days. Anora frets over them, urging them onwards to the kitchen.

It’s small and homey. Dried herbs hang from the ceiling near the oven and the large simmering cauldron above an open flame resides within a brick rumford oven. Eda can’t help but smile at the tell-tale sign of Anora’s age.

King is at a small table, fur an outright mess with chunks of vegetables and meat splattered along his skull. Their elderly host has sat Luz down and indigo aura covers floating bowls and utensils, Anora’s magic active in serving her guests.

Eda sits down next to Luz, who’s humming eagerly with each bite of her meal. Anora is the last to join them. As dinner continues in full swing, conversation flows seamlessly, no one is left out.

Eda laughs a lot more than she’s had in years.

She feels welcomed here, able to be herself.

It’s nice.

Eda will admit to herself that technically, she is a hermit. Not by choice. Add on the fact that she’s a fugitive, which means getting out and about to make friends is hard. However, ever since Luz stumbled through her portal, she’s been able to rekindle some old bonds and make new ones.

Gilbert and Harvey have been sending her different recipes over Penstagram. They also always offer to watch King and Luz if she’s had to run her business into the night or run some errands. Not to mention both Park men have been subtly easing inquiries to her about The Old Ways. No doubt they’ve noticed their daughter picking up a few things.

Perry concerned her.

She remembers they were rather close back in their Hexside days. Sometimes he would help her and Raine with their many pranks to torture Bump. Hel, he’d even invited her to his wedding! They had grown apart afterwards, with Eda breaking the laws and being on the run, and Perry dealing with married life and a kid. She didn’t blame him for not keeping in touch, especially after Amanita passed.

Eda wants to kick herself for not reaching out more.

Seeing Perry so… vacant at the Feast scared her. She knew a few signs of deterioration from Coven Sigils. Magical Erosion was the obvious end all be all, but the more sinister effects that ail from specific magicks were less known.

Like Raine losing their hearing. A slow and arduous sign, that they choose to ignore, but present nonetheless.

For Perry it was his memories, and Eda is damn sure Amanita succumbed to her own Coven’s specific way of breaking the mind.

Eda had decided after the Feast that she would do better at keeping the little bonds she had left in her life. For Luz’s and King’s sake as well as her own. So now, at least once a day, she shoots a text to Perry. Some of the messages were nonsensical, others were gentle reminders. She could tell Perry was happy about it, and grateful. For he too started to ask questions (some repeated) about a friend who had similar symptoms like himself and what he should do about it.

She promptly told him that the Healers were all hacks, the potions they prescribed also shams as well. With high praise and recommendation, she tells him about Morton and his shop. A properly made Clarity Tonic would do him some good, and Morton brewed The Old Way, unconstrained by rules and placebos.

But her own knowledge only goes so far.

Eda’s gaze falls on her Apprentice, sated and full from her meal. Luz is wiggling her tongue in the empty space of her mouth where Eda can see the point of her newly formed adult fang poking through. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Anora staring intently.

The Elder’s gaze is darting back and forth between her and Luz. It finally settles on Eda as she raises a brow. “You’ve rested your feet and your bellies are full.” She starts. “But you’ve also asked me for my insight.”

Why does she feel like she’s being tested?

Eda clenches her jaw and nods, venting a harsh breath out of her nose. “Yes,” she begins, reaching out and ruffling her hair, despite her charge’s protests. “It’s Luz.” who stills under her hand.

Anora leans back in the chair, blinking slowly. She continues.

“She’s human.” Eda states. “But… she’s been changing. Changing in ways that shouldn’t be possible. At least from what I’ve gathered and what she’s told me.”

She closes her eyes and grits her teeth. “When you ran into us, we had just left the third Healer who didn’t even properly examine her!”

The old woman hums. “Coven Healers have forsaken their Oath for years, Edalyn. I do not blame you for trying, but it was fruitless.”

Eda knew this, she did, but she had hoped that there was some inkling of decency left in the Isles. Healers for Titan’s sake! Sworn to protect! To aid!

“Come,” Anora stands and points to the entryway to the living room. “I’ll do a proper examination, Titan below knows it’ll be one-hundred times better than whatever those clinics shill out.”

What.

“Eh?”

Very eloquent Eda, Pops would be proud!

“How do you think I lived to be this old, witchling? Hm?” Anora asks. “I know my way around Healing spells older than your parents!” She barks out a laugh.

Luz is looking at Anora, wide eyed and nervous. Her fingers have found themselves rubbing over the embroidered Runic of her vest. “W-Will it hurt?”

Eda sucks in a breath.

What?!

Luz notices the startled look from both her and Anora. Eda can see the tears start to well up in her eyes as Luz stammers to explain.

“It was only the first clinic we went to!” Luz assures, as if it’s okay for such a thing to happen. “It was the scanning spell, I think. My insides felt prickly.” A grimace warps her features and Eda finds herself clinging on to the little self-control she has left.

Anora’s only telling sign that she’s just as disturbed as Eda is her hair. It moves wildly, lashing out around her frame. She shakes her head gently at Luz.

“No, it won’t hurt. Healing Magic is never meant to cause harm.” Anora says. “I’m just going to ask you some questions and do a proper scanning spell. Then we’ll go from there.”

Luz nods, reassured by Anora’s words. With a quick wave of the Elder’s hand, the kitchen is promptly cleaned and in the next few minutes all of them are seated in Anora’s living space.

The large hearth is roaring with comforting flames. Eda is seated on an old couch to the side, with King next to her. He’d wanted to join Luz, who’s seated crossed legged in the center of a pile of pillows. Anora sits in front of her.

Currently, there is no spell casting. As promised, Anora asks questions for Luz to answer. She is patient as the kid rambles, rarely skimping on the details of the changes she’s noticed.

With each tidbit of information, Anora’s face becomes more serious. Her cerulean gaze holds disbelief and…hope? Eda wasn’t sure, but she was getting antsy for answers. When Luz had told her all she could, Anora nodded, patting Luz's knee.

“Very good. I’ll be performing the scanning spell now. Just so we can get a glance at what's happening on the inside.” Anora says.

The old woman shapes a spell circle akin to a halo above Luz’s head. Luz herself sits ramrod straight, both looking at the magical circle in awe and trepidation. Anora’s left hand guides the circle slowly downwards, encompassing Luz. Her right hand shoots out, fingers splayed, and an illusionary image of Luz forms in front of the hearth.

It’s transparent, the more visible parts of the Illusion are the organs which look much more solid than the outline of the frame. Eda whistles low as King exclaims how at how cool and gross Luz’s insides look. Once Anora is finished Luz releases a breath in relief. Like a lightswitch, she’s back to her usual excitement.

“That was so cool! When the other Healers did that, we didn’t get an image like this one!” Luz buzzes and points to the magical diagram of her anatomy.

Anora sucks her teeth. “That’s because a proper scanning spell also has Illusion magic woven within. Coven Healers are unable to cast this spell in its correct form, thus failed diagnosis have become the norm. A disgrace!”

Anora was right. Eda had to snicker at Luz’s face, she had unknowingly caused the Elder to go into a tirade.

“How can you properly heal your patient if you cannot see what is happening? Base it off feeling? And half-formed guess work from outward symptoms?” Anora stands and walks over to the conjured image. She continues to glance over the copy of Luz and keeps muttering. “If I was younger, I’d have half a mind to-” Anora pauses.

Eda can see that Anora’s gaze has fallen to where Luz’s heart and lungs are. She has to admit it's rather weird to see Luz’s left lung being the same size as her right. Eda squints her eyes, trying to discern what exactly Anora is looking at.

“Luz,” Anora starts, and her voice is deathly serious.

It terrifies Eda.

“Have you had any chest pains?” Anora asks.

“No?” Luz stammers.

“If you do, you tell your Mentor, immediately, without hesitation. Do you understand?”

Eda has had enough of mysteries and beating around the bush today. She rises from her seat, hackles rising as she hisses out. “What is it? What’s wrong?!”

“To put it simply, young Luz is in the process of turning from a Human to a Witch.” Anora quips professionally.

That’s simple?!

She’s obviously shown that her face went through hundreds of expressions at once, because Anora continues.

“From what Luz has told me, and from what I’ve found…it seems her body is adapting to the Isles.” Anora points to the real Luz, who’s now standing and has backed up into Eda’s legs. “Growing proper fangs, her stomach adapting to eat demonic foods, these are minor changes.”

Eda keeps Luz steady by placing her hands on her shoulders, squeezing them in reassurance.

Anora looks at Eda, brow raised. “What else do you see?” she asks.

Eda looks down at her student. The change in her eyes are much more noticeable as Luz looks back up at her. She catches slight movement and her gaze falls to one of Luz’s ears. They’re moving, or at least attempting to. The tips of her kid’s ears are red, and barely round anymore. Eda can see the beginnings of a point forming. What in Titan’s name-

“She’s also in the process of growing a Bile Sac.” Anora states.

Okay, she’ll finally admit it. Everything is not fine and she is officially freaking out.

Eda’s words came out gabled and stuttered. “Elder, wha-...” What can she even do in this situation? Could they stop the process? Is it hurting her?! Maybe if they sent Luz back to the Human realm-

“This is not a bad thing, Edalyn. In fact, it is a gift.” Anora muses. “It’s a slow process, but in a couple more months, Luz will be nearly indiscernible from any other Witches her age.”

She calls that a gift? She feels Luz shuffle in front of her, obviously scared and uncomfortable with such revelations. Eda frowns and responds.

“With all due respect Elder, my kid being put through extreme growing pains isn’t ideal.” she says. Nor is growing an entirely new organ! And how in the Hel is she going to explain all of this to Luz’s mom? She could have dealt with just the teeth and maybe the eyes, but everything else?

Anora inclines her head. “You misunderstand me. The magic affecting Luz, the reason for her change, is a magic that is old and powerful. It is magic from The Titan himself.” she carefully says, eyes alight with satisfaction.

The air has grown heavy in the room, its heat now stifling. “There are myths of old that tell tales of humans who stumble into our realm. Some return to their homeland. While others disappear, never to be seen again.” Anora waves her hand and the scanned image of Luz diminishes in a cloud of smoke. “However, what many fail to discuss is that some of these humans never disappeared. They thrived here, embracing The Titan’s gift to his Children.”

Anora smiles and within that expression, Eda notes that ‘The Wandering Abyss’ looks like her true age at this moment. The final statement that Anora gives them in the cacophony of Old Tongue leaves no room for argument or doubt.

“This child has been Blessed, The Titan has chosen wisely and so have you Owl Lady.”

Her gaze falling back to Luz, Anora places her right hand above her heart and bows.

“May you be ever Remembered, witchlet.”

Chapter Text

In the Owl House, Luz’s room is a scattered mess of numerous tomes, most stolen from Eda’s collection. Homework lies forgotten at her desk, overtaken by a large book open for the world to see. Upon its pages you see an image, grotesque, but educational in nature. The Anatomy of a Witch is an a basic knowledge everyone should have.

Chapter Text

Amity Blight is a young Witch held to high expectations. She’s expected to enter the Emperor’s Coven by sixteen summers. She is also the heir to Blight Industries.

She doesn’t want to be.

She’s watched by her mother every waking moment. Her life controlled down to the very roots of her hair.

It’s unfair.

But as much as Amity wants to scream and rage at it all, she bottles it all up. Her mask can’t break, she’s learned that lesson once. It resulted in the loss of the last true happiness she once had. Where laughter had come easily to her and there were no worries to push herself on being at the top of every challenge or competition.

Amity is tired of it all, but she presses on as she always does. She can admit that things have gotten a little bit better. Her older siblings have been nicer and school has been much more entertaining.

She supposes she could thank Luz Noceda for such changes.

To think a human could cause such a major impact in her life in the span of two months. Ever since the annual Covention her thoughts have been a mess. Doubts and more questions arose during her and Luz’s time in the library during The Wailing Star.

Luz makes a lasting impression wherever she goes, and Hexside is the perfect example. Each day Amity sees more and more students with multitrack uniforms cropping up in her class. She wants to do the same. Take that step and expand her horizons a bit, but she knows her mother wouldn’t accept such nonsense. It might even be treacherous in her eyes. Amity shivers at the thought.

“-ity? Amity?!”

Amity jerks out of her thoughts, blinking. Right, she’s still at school. She should’ve taken a sip of Emira’s coffee this morning when she had the chance.

Looking in the direction of the voice that called her, Amity frowns.

Skara has walked up to her place by the lockers. She looks defeated, and she’s clearly been crying. Gripped in Skara’s hands are pieces of an animated invitation. Amity can barely make out the number fifteen on the shredded paper.

Skara may be one of the ‘friends’ that her parents had pushed onto her in her youth, but she was much nicer than Boscha and Amity felt she could connect to Skara better because of that. Skara was also the more optimistic of the group. Seeing her so down this early wasn’t a good sign.

“Skara?” Amity asks as she pushes herself off the lockers. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

The girl sniffs. “Boscha.” Skara’s voice wobbles. “I know she’s been on edge for a while, but today she just snapped! All I did was give her the invitation to my fifteenth!”

Amity reaches out and places a comforting hand on Skara’s shoulder. She then points to the torn invitation. “And she did that?”

Skara nods. “I don’t get it, Ams. She’s been snippy and avoiding us all week. What’s her deal?”

If Amity was honest, she was glad to have such a reprieve from Boscha, but she wouldn’t say it out loud. Instead she sighs and squeezes Skara’s shoulder.

“I’ll talk to her, where is she?”

Her friend looks skeptical, but Skara tells her she was on the first floor of the main atrium, at her locker. Amity nods and reassures Skara that it will all work out and she’d see her later.

It isn’t hard to find Boscha, as all the other students are wise enough to give the girl a wide berth as they pass by. Amity eyes Boscha scowling into her locker as she snags books and tools for Potions. She hasn’t noticed her approach, so Amity clears her throat.

“What?!” Boscha growls out, the mouth of her locker snapping shut as she turns to face her next victim.

Amity narrows her eyes at the girl and crosses her arms. “You know what.” she quips. “You were mean to Skara.”

Boscha scoffs and rolls all three of her eyes. The middle one regains focus on Amity as Boscha glances to the side. “She was annoying me. She should know better by now not to pester.”

Deep breaths Amity.

She vents a sigh as a hand reaches up to rub her forehead, feeling a headache coming on. “Okay, what’s wrong? Have your moms been on your case again?” Amity asks, taking a second to really look at Boscha.

Titan, she looks terrible.

Her uniform is wrinkled, nails chipped, and it looks like she hasn’t washed her hair in days. Amity swears she can see some type of abomination goo clotted into her uniform, but she isn’t so sure. If all that wasn’t enough, Boscha’s posture was slightly hunched over, as if she was carrying a bag much too heavy for her.

“Okay, seriously.” Amity repeats her question. “What’s wrong?”

Obviously, it was the wrong thing to say because Boscha snaps like a frayed cord.

“Buzz off, Blight!” Boscha bares and gnashes her teeth, causing Amity to take a step back and a few bystanders to pause. “Don’t act like you care now! Go back to your new friends. The losers, like the human!”

What? Obviously the shock and confusion shows on her face because Boscha sneers even more at her lack of response.

“I don’t know why I even bother. I see right through you, Blight. You’re useless, pathetic, nothing. Just like the rest of them!”

Where in Titan’s name is this coming from?! The vitriol in Boscha’s voice stings like acid, but Amity won’t accept defeat, nor let Boscha have the last word. She raises her head high and scoffs. “Surely you forget who you’re speaking to, Crowe.” she bites out Boscha’s surname in a hiss. “Don’t forget who kept your family afloat for the past three years. You call that useless?”

There’s tittering and rumors quickly rippling through their growing audience. She won’t let Boscha get the last word, so before she can retort, Amity turns heel and walks off.

She won’t let Boscha get to her. Yet, as she grips the straps of her school bag, the hurtful words ring over and over in her head.

‘Useless, pathetic, nothing.’

Boscha’s voice gradually blends into her mother’s. She can feel her own nails pierce into the skin of her palm, trying to will away the increasing negative emotions that bleed through.

The pendant underneath her uniform tunic burns.

She can’t break down in the middle of a hallway, not now. Instead, Amity ducks into the nearest classroom with an open door and slams it behind her. She presses her forehead against the grain of the wood as her vision blurs.

‘Useless.’

Shut up.

‘Pathetic.’

Shut UP.

The leather cord of her pendant digs uncomfortably into her skin, she claws at it, taking it out from underneath her tunic and tearing it off. She chucks it somewhere behind her, but no sound of crystal hitting tile comes after.

Someone has caught her necklace. Someone else is in the room with her.

Amity squares her shoulders, quickly slipping her mask back into place before confronting the unsuspecting student who’s watched her mini-breakdown.

She turns around.

‘Nothing.’

Willow Park stands before her. Pendant dangling from her fingers and concern etched plainly on her face.

Amity’s mask nearly shatters again.

She’s made a point to try and avoid Willow ever since the Abomination incident. Amity can’t help but note that Willow has carried herself differently since then. She’s noticed the increased confidence from afar, especially when Willow hung out with Luz and Gus.

Willow stands tall, thick hair pulled back into a bun. Her brows are furrowed behind her glasses, clearly caught between wariness and concern. Amity takes note of their surroundings. They aren’t in a specific track hall, so it’s likely Willow was helping clean up at the end of her general studies class. There is luminescent silk stuck to part of Willow’s uniform.

Looking around, Amity can spot the extracted memories clipped and hanging above different desks. Her eyes fall to a familiar picture, one she has hidden away in her room, gathering dust.

Willow’s memories hang on display for all to see. It confuses her, briefly; the picture plucked from Willow’s mind was one of them together, younger and carefree.

Willow still thinks about her.

Amity’s mouth tastes like ash as she fumbles to speak. Mindless threats and insults try to claw their way up her throat, acid coating her tongue. Anything to keep what was witnessed moments before just between the two of them.

It is Willow that breaks the silence first.

“You dropped this.” she says softly, holding out the pendant to her.

Amity reaches out, fingers brushing against Willow’s calloused palms to grasp the cord. She doesn’t thank her, not trusting her voice just yet.

Instead, it’s Willow who continues this one-sided conversation. She tilts her head slightly, humming before asking that dreaded question. “Are you alright?”

And what sense does that make? Other than bitter insults and empty words, Amity hasn’t had a decent conversation with Willow in years. She wants to say ‘no’ and spill her frustrations to her former best friend. To be able to speak truthfully and honestly. She's tired of this Titan-Forsaken facade.

As always, she fails. Amity blurts out another question as an answer, avoiding the subject.

“Is it true?” Amity asks. “Is it true that Luz was expelled?”

Willow blinks and raises a brow. “Where did you hear that rumor?” she says in disbelief and shakes her head. “No, she wasn’t feeling well. So she stayed home. What does it matter to you?”

It's an aggressive statement. It catches Amity off-guard, but she snaps back. “She’s my friend. I have a right to be worried.”

Willow barks out a laugh. “Of course” she sighs and grumbles to herself. “Plan C is really looking great right now Luz.” Willow turns back around and rummages in her bag, looking for something. Amity stands in the empty classroom awkwardly, the ominous red glow from the surrounding silk adding even more tension to this unexpected event.

Eventually, Willow finds what she’s looking for. It’s a folded piece of parchment. Held between two fingers, she holds out her hand once again, waiting to see if Amity will take the offer.

She’s hesitant. This entire situation is making her head spin, but she takes the assumed note and opens it.

It’s in runic. With very familiar handwriting.

Amity pauses and rereads the last sentence one more time. She’s gotten better at reading runes since The Wailing Star, but surely Luz had to be joking, right?

Highly confused and feeling her headache returning , Amity rereads the second sentence. How much had Willow told Luz about them? The parchment crunches in her hands as she tightens her grip. It’s quiet.

Willow is waiting for an answer.

She will admit, she’s curious why stealing school property is part of whatever scheme or shenanigan Luz has conjured up with Willow. If they’re already on ‘Plan C’, they obviously aren't doing too well.

The fact that Luz even mentions a ‘Plan D’ only serves to fray her nerves even further.

“What is all this?” Amity asks.

Willow shakes her head. “I can’t answer that unless you’re in.” And Willow must have caught the face she makes because her gaze hardens. “I’m serious, Amity. Will you help or not?”

Amity is caught off guard at Willow’s shift in tone, she can tell she’s nervous. Her ears are alert, twitching, and her eyes constantly shift towards the classroom door, making sure no unexpected guests stumble in.

The rational part of Amity’s mind nags at her. The obedient daughter who should be running to Principle Bump and alerting him to whatever idiocy that’s going to happen tonight.

Then there’s the not so rational side. For one, it’s Luz who asked for this favor, and that alone has her already wanting to jump onto this plan, blinded by the fear of disappointing her new friend. There’s also the air of mystery surrounding the whole thing. Amity can be honest with herself sometimes. She’s just plain nosy, she can blame her mother for that trait.

Amity bites her lip. This could also be a chance to actually talk to Willow without the prying, judgmental eyes of society looming over them. Probably not the most opportune time, considering they’d be in the middle of a heist. But it couldn’t hurt to try? Right?

“Okay.” Amity finds herself saying out loud. “Yeah, I’m in. Now will you tell me why we’re stealing a crystal ball in the first place?”

She sees Willow’s shoulders relax at her declaration of agreement. Once again, her eyes dart towards the door.

“Well, there’s really no easy way to say it, but...” She pauses, before taking a quick, shallow breath. “ Hundreds of innocent souls are being held captive in our school. And we’re going to free them.”

The lunch bell screams.

Huh?

Oh, they have to be joking!

Willow has gathered the rest of her things, and instead of heading towards the exit like a sane witch, she’s walked over to a row of supply cabinets on the other side of the room. Amity can’t see what she’s done, but Willow opens the small cabinet door to reveal not shelves, but an entirely different room. Willow looks back and gestures Amity over.

“Come on. Gus and I can explain it more.”

This is insanity. It's unbecoming of a Blight to involve herself in such a ridiculous scheme. But Willow’s expression doesn’t change, and Amity has already given her word that she’ll help. So she follows.

Willow disappears inside the cabinet. Amity ducks down and crawls behind her. Her stomach flips as she feels her center of gravity shift as soon as she passes the threshold.

The tunnel they crawl through is cramped. Amity’s palms scrape against wayward clutter; lost pencils and scrapped homework line the crawlspace that stretches on much longer than she thought.

She watches Willow reach the end and maneuver herself to exit safely. Amity can hear a soft thud, which lets her know there's a bit of a drop at the exit. The light at the end of the tunnel blinds Amity for a brief moment, clearing as she squints and looks down.

They’ve entered a strange room with a lot of doors.

Amity’s fingers grip the ledge as she cranes her head up, seeing spiraling staircases and different size doors. Looking below at the main floor, she can see Willow approaching Gus, who’s seated in the middle of the room looking over notes and open books.

She shimmies her way out of the exit, maneuvering her body to land safely on the ground. A narrow door to her left suddenly opens and she yelps in shock.

“Hey Gus! Hey Willow! I’m in and out!” A lanky teen speaks quickly. Willow turns to give the boy a smile and Gus waves from his seated position.

“Jerbo! Heading to the green houses?” Willow asks.

The lanky teen, Jerbo, responds. “Yeah! Speaking of which, you have those seeds I asked for?” He hasn’t stopped his stride as he walks by them, turning to walk backwards as Willow responds to him with a procured pouch and tosses it to him. “Man! You’re the best! See y'all!” he waves, and Amity watches him open a glass door that leads to a tool shed that’s obviously outside.

Okay, well this explains how Luz is able to get to her different classes on time. She’s always wondered how she managed that with her different tracks.

She approaches Gus and Willow, tuning in on the conversation they were having before Jerbo arrived.

“Gus, we’ll be fine.” Willow laughs.

“Yes, but you have to make sure you’re in and out within an hour! Do you remember which door to use?” Augustus is pointed in his questioning. No doubt out of concern for his friend. Now closer, Amity can see what he was working on.

Gus’ lunch has small nibbles round the edges; seems like he’s been too distracted with his current project to focus on eating. Amity can see crudely drawn floor plans of the school. She can tell most of these are from memory, but still, she was quite impressed. They were very accurate. Marks of colorful ink lead her to believe that they were indications of a door that lead to whatever this place was. The books scattered about pertained to a variety of different topics. Oracle magic mainly, which was interesting. She knows about Augustus and his prodigious skill in Illusion magic; skipping grades is an impressive feat in her books.

Before Willow can respond to Gus’ question, the younger boy’s attention falls to Amity. He stares at her, steel gaze apprehensive. His nose scrunches and he looks back at Willow.

“She agreed? Plan C is actually happening?” Gus asks.

Willow sighs and gives him a nod. “Unfortunately.”

This causes Gus to bark out a laugh and grin. “Well, welcome to the Team of Epicness Amity! Also known as-”

“Gus.” Willow attempts to interrupt.

“T.O.E!” Gus exclaims.

Oh, they are definitely getting expelled tonight. Her mom is going to kill her.

“Okay,” Amity starts. “Can someone actually explain to me what’s happening here?!”

Augustus blinks and tilts his head. “Did you not read Luz’s letter?”

She’s going to rip out her hair at this rate. Amity levels her voice in an attempt to calm herself. “Yes, and Willow said something about ‘innocent souls’? Do you know what you all sound like? Stealing a focus? Freeing spirits? You sound like you’re possessed!”

Gus flinches at her raised voice, and Willow moves closer to her friend, as if protecting him from her.

Willow glares at Amity behind her glasses. “We’re not. And there’s no such thing.”

No such-? “Do you hear yourself?!” Amity huffs and throws up her hands in exasperation.

“There’s no such thing as possession Amity.” Willow repeats. “Luz discovered something that’s much bigger than all of us combined. But there’s a chance for us to make it right.”

Memories of her day at The Knee flood Amity’s mind. How a short and simple conversation with The Owl Lady had left her rattled. Not everything is as it seems. That foreboding weight of sorrow and unease has plagued Amity since Luz read the text of the old memorial. The countless names and the metaphorical storm that destroyed the town was a warning.

Plus, Luz has always had good intentions. Amity is positive there’s not a bad bone in the human’s body. And she had asked for Amity’s help.

Help she’s willing to give.

“Okay,” Amity sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. “What’s this half-baked plan? Break it down for me, please.”

Augustus gives her a wry grin and jumps up to walk around Willow. “I can do that! And it’s not half-baked!” He spreads out his arms and gestures to all the doors surrounding them. “First off, welcome to the Room of Shortcuts! Our base of operations!”

A fitting name. Amity is surprised more people don’t know about this place. Then again, perhaps that’s a good thing.

Gus continues on with explaining the plan. He points to a door right above them and Amity can see a piece of paper with a bright blue ‘X’ drawn on it. “You and Willow will sneak back into the school later tonight. I’ve marked the door that leads straight to the Oracle Hall and near the shelf Rehan is supposed to be on.”

Rehan must be the spirit they’re trying to free. Amity nods. “What about this time limit you were talking about?”

“There are patrols.” Willow picks up after Gus; she’s begun to pace, nervous energy returning. Her head nods at Gus’ notes scattered on the floor. Amity looks, seeing dotted trails of what look to be routes throughout the school. “The night guards take an hour for each track hall. Same rotation each time. The patrol for the Oracle Hall starts at the second midnight hour. That’s how long we have to get in and out.”

It’s solid, Amity has to admit. Especially with the access to this room. Her fingers find purchase at the hem of her runic and she worries her lip. “That plan sounds too perfect. But it just might work. And you just need me to be a lookout?” This question is aimed at Willow, who’s paused her pacing.

“Yes.” Willow nods. “We shouldn’t even take an hour. We’ll be done in twenty minutes tops.”

Sounds easy enough. “Alright. I guess I can add property theft to my stunning list of achievements.” Amity sighs.

“Alright! Baby sis is becoming a criminal!” Edric cheers.

Amity throws a pillow at her brother, causing him to fall over dramatically. She and her siblings have gathered in her room. A once rare occurrence that’s becoming exceedingly more common these days. The setting sun casts an amber glow while counting down her time until she meets back up with Willow.

“Guys, I’m serious!” she hisses. “Will you cover for me or not?”

Emira is sitting behind her on the bed. The buzz and chattering teeth of the razer causes the back of her neck to tickle.

“Well you can’t pull a mischievous heist with a grown out undercut. Now sit still!” Emira quips.

“So is that a yes?” Amity huffs.

The razer pulls away and she feels a poke in her side. “Yes, Mittens. You worry about having fun and we’ll worry about Mom.”

She sighs in relief. “Thank you.”

Edric raises his head from his position on the floor. “Soooo, does this mean you and Willow are friends again? Committing crimes together does tend to form tight-knit bonds.” he asks.

Amity frowns. “You know it's not that easy, Ed.”

Her brother grunts and scratches his cheek. “Amity, we talked about this. Who cares what mom thinks?”

She laughs, this argument again. “You don’t care what mom thinks because you two aren’t the heirs, are you?”

“That shouldn’t matter either.” Emira says behind her. “You’re fourteen summers old, Amity. You won’t even inherit until you’re twenty-one. Mom needs to get it through her thick skull that you’re still a kid." Her voice is uncharacteristically stern.

“You two are also ‘still kids’.” Amity retorts.

“Yeah, well, this isn’t about us right now.” Emira continues. “Look, I remember when we were younger, you and Willow were joined at the hip!”

Amity turns around to face her sister. Emita looks sad, a tiny pile of brunette hair shavings settled in her lap.

“I know we haven’t been the best older siblings, but we’ll still look out for you sis. I can tell you right now, this is the most excitement I’ve seen from you in years!”

Edric barks out a laugh. “Em’s right! It’s almost like you’re going on a date!”

Amity summons a ball of Abomination goo to fall on Edric’s head.

“Euugh, Titan! It’s in my mouth! Oh-hurk~”

It’s definitely not and never will be a date. Amity has ruined that possibility from ever happening with the way she’s treated Willow. She feels a hand on her shoulder and looks up. Emira is smiling at her.

“You’re thinking too hard. Just be yourself, your real self, Mittens. You already do that with Luz." She gives Amity a pointed look and Amity can feel the blush coloring her face.

“Most importantly.” Emira continues. “Be careful. Shenanigans are all fun and dandy until someone gets hurt.”

Amity rolls her eyes. “Anything else?”

“Have fun!” Edric garbled from the floor.

Her siblings kept her company until it was time for her to leave. Before they leave her room, Amity hands Emira her necklace, who takes it with a wink and mouths ‘good luck!’. The door shuts behind the twins and Amity can hear a faint buzz near the handle. Emira must have put some sort of deterrent spell on her door.

Smart.

Edric had left her the flying carpet, rolled up near her window. She takes it underneath her arm and quietly sneaks out onto her balcony. Unfurling it gently, Amity takes a slow breath, ears keen to any noise other than the ambient music of nature. Once she’s positive nothing is amiss, she hops on the carpet, takes control, and flies off into the night.

Hexside isn’t far, it takes her about ten minutes to reach the perimeter of the school grounds, so she finds an area in the woods well hidden and near the place she and Willow agreed to meet up.

Her nerves are at an all time high, which is understandable. Still, something just feels off and Amity can’t put her finger on it. Luckily, she doesn’t have to wait long for Willow, and it's as if nature itself announces the girl’s arrival. The summer breeze picks up and the bramble and branches surrounding this clearing move to make a walkable path.

Willow’s footsteps are eerily silent, and she seems unfazed by the way nature moves with her. It's strange, utterly terrifying, and beautiful.

This isn’t the Willow she remembers.

She hears Willow sigh in relief and at the same time another breeze passes by. The forest exhales.

“Good, you actually came.” Willow says.

Amity wants to respond ‘Of course’ and from here on she wants her reply to be ‘Always.’ But perhaps that's too much.

So a nod is all she has to offer.

“Right,” Willow continues and begins walking towards the school. “Come on, we’re on a time limit here.”

It’s easy to follow her former friend in silence. Amity should say something, anything really. “So, uh.” She speaks low. “How have you been?”

There’s a snort of disbelief ahead of her and the reflective gleam of Willow’s eyes flash at Amity as she looks back. “Fine? Is now really the time to start idle chat, Amity?”

They break through the woodline, Hexside towering before them. It looks more foreboding at night. Maybe because of the lack of students.

“I just thought we could break the ice.” Amity finds herself responding. “Lame excuse, I know.”

They’ve reached the side of the grand stairs that lead into the school. Crouching low behind bushes, Amity can actually see the pattern Willow traces with her finger to reveal a keyhole and a newly formed doorknob. The small hatch reveals a hall similar to the other she traversed through earlier, no doubt leading to the Shortcut Room.

It seems Willow isn’t in the mood for talking, which is fair, considering the high stakes they’re walking into. The awkward silence that follows as they enter their destination doesn’t help with the nerves.

“I’ve been fine.” Willow says.

Amity turns quickly after shutting the door behind them. The shortcut room is as dark as the rest of the school. The only source of light being the moon coming from the misplaced windows. Willow’s expression is uncannily blank, especially as the two of them simply stand in the middle of this giant room, alone.

Alone.

No bystanders, no parents, no fake friends. Just the two of them. Amity braces herself; better late than never then.

“I’m sorry.”

Her voice echoes, shattering the tranquil silence this room once had. And something breaks.

Her vision blurs, and years of guilt rend their way to the surface. Her head bows, more rambles of shame and truths she had to keep under lock and key bursting forth in hitched breaths and a strained voice.

When she’s finished and vision is regained, Amity looks back up at Willow.

She hasn’t moved. Worst of all, she looks angry, but oddly enough, the girl begins to laugh.

From what Amity remembers it's not the joyful snorts that Willow huffs out in times of amusement. Nor the little giggles she’d give out of elation. These laughs were desperate. As if Willow was reassuring herself that this was some sort of joke.

“You’ve tortured me for cycles, Amity!” Willow says. “You’ve ignored me, belittled me, made me feel like trash…and now you apologize? What is wrong with you?!”

Amity can’t answer that question, not now. She takes the verbal lashing from Willow, who’s own walls are breaking. Just like hers.

Willow grips at her hair, small blooms of spiny flowers forming at the girl’s hairline. “Luz told me you’ve changed. I still have my doubts.” Willow continues, her gaze sharp as she stares at Amity. “So you want to know how I really feel, Amity? I’m angry and I’m tired.” She keeps talking and makes her way to the door Gus marked for them.

Amity follows behind, steps choppy and unsure, as Willow voices her true feelings.

“I’m angry that you let bigotry ruin our friendship.” Willow says and Amity winces. “I’m angry that you broke our promise, as childish that may sound.” She huffs out a sigh as they climb a set of twisting stairs. “I’m angry at this school, my dads, the Emperor and honestly? At this rate? Probably the entire Isles!”

Willow throws up her hands and now Amity is lost.

Just what did she mean by that?

They stand in front of their designated door. Willow has calmed down, petals falling from her hair as the flowers dissipate in a mist of magic.

“Most of all, I’m tired and scared, Amity.” Willow glances at her, hand on the doorknob. “Now is your chance to turn back.” She says seriously. “You could turn around and go home, and if I’m not dead or expelled by morning, go back to calling me a ‘half-a-witch’ behind my back.”

Amity eyes the door warily, soaking everything in. Did she want to go back to being miserable? A stupid question, of course she didn’t! So why didn’t she before? Amity likes to consider herself strong, innovative, and resilient. That’s what Miss Lilith always praised her for with their lessons.

She’s the best, carving her perfect path into the Emperor’s Coven.

She’s brave. That’s… what she likes to think. Truthfully, she’s a coward.

So right here and now she has a choice, one that she feels will change the trajectory of her life dramatically. She isn’t sure how yet, but the first step is here in front of her, trying to make amends.

Amity clenches her fists and faces the door. “Let’s go.” she says.

A second of silence, Amity can see Willow raise her head in acknowledgement.

“Okay.” she replies and opens the door.

The Oracle Hall is even more creepy at night, which is impressive.

The door leads them out into the hallway beside a shelf of crystal balls, which give off a faint glow just bright enough to see the walls of the hallway. Amity strains her hearing, listening for the shuffling of footsteps or opening doors. Willow does the same beside her.

A beat passes and the both of them have determined it's all clear. Willow steps fully into the hall, while Amity stays crouched besides the hidden door.

“Rehan’s ball was moved near the end of the hall.” Willow whispers. She peeks around a shelf then turns back to look at the large entry doors. “Just keep an eye out for the security guards. We should still have plenty of time, I’ll be quick.”

Without giving Amity a chance to respond, Willow quickly strolls further down the hall, footsteps growing fainter the deeper she went.

‘Okay,’ Amity thinks. ‘Now we wait.’ Her attention is on the entry doors, but occasionally, it wanders to the shelf she now stands in front of. She’s no stranger to Oracle Magic. The manor had numerous crystal balls in each room. Easily within reach for her mom to use. She always thought they were pretty to look at. The colorful fog churning within was almost hypnotizing.

Now, surrounded by them, she’s starting to feel differently. Amity reads one shelf, taking note of a row of crystal balls that have been blacked out.

‘Spirit #34-Uncooperative.’

‘Spirit #35-Uncooperative.’

‘Spirit #36-Unresponsive.’

Much of the rest is the same, and Amity is increasingly becoming more uneasy. Walking backwards, she trails her fingers along the grain of the shelves. A fuzzy feeling gathers at her fingertips as she passes by unmarked crystal balls. The scant knowledge she carries lets her know that some of these spirits are attempting to reach out to her, but they are stopped by the foci.

Amity stops at a shelf that looks off to her. From what she could see it was placed in front of a walled off archway and it's filled with Oracle textbooks. She doesn’t have time to examine it any further, because seconds later the frantic pounding of footeps and Willow’s voice shatter the tranquility of the darkened school.

“Run!”

Amity’s heart rate quickens as she moves around the small divot in the walls to see a fully sprinting Willow, target object acquired and underneath her arm.

And so, she does the most idiotic thing she can think of.

Amity freezes.

Willow realizes this as she reaches Amity. She turns sharply, nearly slamming them both into the wall. Until they don’t; something gives way, but there is no sound of breaking wood or the impact of a stone floor.

Amity’s stomach is doing somersaults and she realizes that they’re falling.

Fear crawls up her throat, confused and terrified of what they’ll hit below. Quickly, Amity slashes a spell circle into the air with a clawed hand. She wraps her other arm around Willow, supporting her as viscous goo surrounds them to soften their impact.

They hit the floor, Amity wheezing as the shock reverberates through her spine and Willow’s body knocks the wind out of her.

Willow is quick to regain her senses, pulling herself out of the summoned Abomination goo. Amity can feel herself being pulled out as well, hands gentle as Willow hastily looks her over.

“Titan, Amity! Are you alright? Did you break anything?” Willow’s voice is shaky as Amity’s vision adjusts to the new environment they’ve found themselves in. She shakes her head in response and looks up.

A well constructed stairwell with a distinct lack of stairs greets her eyes. “Willow,” Amity says slowly. “Why were you running? I thought we still had time?”

The room they fell in was old. The smell of mildew and dust made Amity want to sneeze her brains out. Willow summons a ball of light, looking closer at Amity, not believing she wasn’t hurt.

“It wasn’t the guards.” Willow replies.

Amity’s brow furrows. “What do you mean it wasn’t the guards? Who else would be here this late?” she hisses.

“It was another student.”

“What?!”

“Shh!” Willow waves her hands down. “It was someone I couldn’t recognize and two others, but I don’t know, they seemed different? They didn’t even say anything. Just started chasing me after I took… oh, Rehan!”

Willow digs the crystal ball out of the latent goo and Amity blanches as Willow cleans it off. There’s a giant crack in the crystal.

Amity is already making another spell circle, ready to temporarily fix the mess she made. A vine shoots up from the cracked cobblestone and wraps around her wrist. Willow shakes her head. “Just wait Amity, trust me. Okay?”

The warnings her mother screamed at her when she was younger are telling her to do the exact opposite. Under no circumstances should you let a spirit free! But Willow was serious, and this is what they came for. So she cancels her spell and watches as black mist seeps out of the cracks and the form of a spirit takes shape.

It stops emerging at its waist, like it's stuck, but its form solidifies. If not already strange enough, the spirit wasn’t wrapped in bindings like she’s used to. At least, it’s face isn’t. Amity can tell it used to have dark hair braided into a long ponytail. One of its ears was cropped in half, the left having no point in sight.

The spirit looks young, around the twin’s age. Spectral as it was, the uncovered face showed an array of emotions, fear, shock, confusion, until Willow uttered its name.

“Rehan?”

The spirit blinks and looks down at Willow, who’s holding the crystal ball with care. It opens its mouth then shuts it quickly. Wrapped hands reach up to its lips in shock, it gathers its composure and furrows its brow.

“Y-you said my name.” Rehan states.

Willow smiles sadly and nods. “Luz told me.”

The spirit perks up and grins. “Luz! I remember her! Is she here?” The spirit twists to look at Amity. Now face to face, Amity begins to feel ill. He really was just a kid. “Oh, you’re not Luz. Are you two of her friends?” Rehan asks.

Willow nods. “Mhm! It’s nice to meet you, Rehan! My Given Name is Willow Park. My friend was Given Amity. We’re here to get you out, but we got a bit lost.”

Amity is unsure what ‘Given Name’ means, but she can make the educated guess it's some proper way to introduce yourself. Rehan looks around and tilts his head. His form becomes brighter for a brief moment before fading back to a faint glow.

“You two aren’t lost. You’re at school! This is the Main Hall!” Rehan replies.

Amity and Willow glance at each other, then at their surroundings once more. There is a large archway behind them, mostly blocked off by rubble and rock foundation. Amity can see a space to squeeze through that would move them deeper into whatever ruin they fell in. There's a strange fluorescent glow that bleeds through the cracks. Other than the archway and stairwell, the room branches off into other places, but they’re impassable from what they can see.

“Rehan, this isn’t Hexside’s main hall. Hexside isn’t underground.” Willow says calmly.

Rehan frowns, eyes blank before he shakes his head. “Right, sorry. Everything is kind of mushed together…but I remember! Even though I don’t want to. This is Hexside you’re in.” he perks up. “Are you here to free me and the others?! You should free Echo next! They’re super smart.”

Amity is at her limit. Everything tonight has gone upside down, and once more she’s left with more questions than answers.”Rehan.” She says. The spirit looks at her and Amity shivers at his gaze. “What do you mean, this is Hexside?”

His form flickers this time, gone in one moment, then visible the next. When he reappears the mummified bindings have crept back up his neck and brushes along the edge of his jaw.

“We were buried here…” Rehan drones. “This is Hexside, Academy of the Arcane. One of the best schools on the Isles in my opinion!” he pauses. “At least, we were until the outliers came.”

“Outliers?” Amity echoes back in question.

Rehan nods, his upper half stretching to look at the surrounding walls and rubble. “The outliers wanted us to stop teaching ‘Wild Magic’, whatever that meant. We refused of course! But it looks like that didn’t matter in the end…” Once again his corporal form flickers. “False prophets…”

Amity is connecting the dots in her head, and she doesn’t like it, at all. Surely Principal Bump knows about this place? And the sheer implications of who Rehan is! She eyes Willow, who seems unfazed at this information. Her face only showed sympathy to the lone spirit. Her verdant gaze catches Amity’s increasingly frantic one and she nods.

“It’s exactly what you think it is.” Willow states tiredly “Rehan and the other spirits trapped in the Oracle Hall were the former students of the old Hexside.”

She feels like she’s going to be sick.

‘I’m angry at this school, my dads, the Emperor and honestly? At this rate? Probably the entire Isles!’

Willow’s comments burned in Amity’s mind in a new light. She understood Willow’s righteous anger more than ever, because she was right. Surely the Emperor wouldn’t allow such a fate? Would he? This method of containing spirits was meant for criminals! Not kids!

She stumbles to the broken stairs to brace herself, hands scraping on the stone. A mistake really, because as she looks down she can spot a familiar sigil in the rubble beneath.

The glint of the golden crest is unmistakable. She doesn’t want to think about the displaced skeletal hand that grips onto it. “Rehan,” Amity rasps, bile rising. “Are all the trapped spirits students your age?”

A discordant sigh from the spirit gives Amity her answer, but Rehan presses on. “No,” he replies. “Some are former Professors while others vary in age. We did not choose to be trapped. Some of us were content to wander these old halls, as unexpected as our deaths were.”

Amity turns back around, resolve fortified. This is wrong, horrifyingly immoral, and it seems that only Luz and her friends knew about it. They need to fix this.

“So what do we do?” Amity asks. The question is aimed at Willow.

“Right now, we need to get out of here and take Rehan to talk to Luz and Gus.” Willow replies, looking up at the stairwell they fell down through. “I can summon some roots to help us climb back up-”

“Shh!” Amity raises her hand and looks at the barely passable archway. She thought she heard something. All of them, including Rehan, suddenly still.

“-do you mean?”

“-lost her-escaped-”

Voices.

She and Willow make eye contact and shuffle over to the rubble. Rehan has made himself smaller, almost reentering the crystal ball. The cracks and small gaps give Amity somewhere to peek through as she strains her eyes to try and identify the other intruders.

The strangle glow seems to be coming from the softly bioluminescent mushrooms that creep along the sides of the old cobblestone. Past this archway is another long hall.

The figures further ahead do not look large enough to be adults. These must be the students that were chasing Willow. They didn’t come the way she and Willow had unceremoniously entered, meaning there must be other secret paths that led to this place somewhere in the school.

“And you couldn’t get a good look? Are you sure?” A voice presses.

“No, why does it matter? They’ll tell on themselves if they decide to snitch on us.”

There’s a scoff, and oddly familiar sounding one at that.

“This plan requires every spirit we can possibly obtain, you dolt!”

Boscha?! What in Titan’s name was she doing here?

“It’s fine.” This voice was from a different person, its tone discordant like Rehan’s and echoing with irritation, it sounds like another spirit. “One missing isn’t the end all be all. We still have enough.”

“Two days then?” Boscha sighs and the sound of shoes scraping against stone lets them know they’re moving away. Sounds of agreement grow distant and any other conversation that’s had is impossible to grasp as the voices disappear.

Amity nearly screams as a hand falls on her shoulder. She instead inhales sharply and looks at Willow, who, in a haste, has handed Rehan to her.

“Hold him.” she says. “We need to leave, now.”

Amity couldn’t agree more, even if she feels uneasy holding a partly escaped spirit. Rehan is oddly quiet now, as if in deep thought.

“Do you know that other spirit Rehan?” Amity asks softly.

He doesn’t answer, which is concerning. Before she can press further, Willow has sprung into her task of getting them out of the ruins. Green spell circles are closely wrapped around her wrists as she beckons and pulls at nothing.

Amity is confused at first, until she sees creeping roots emerge from the walls surrounding them.

The roots surround the base of the stairs and braid onto each other, growing in size and thickening to make a natural spiral ramp. It’s powerful, and most of all, impressive. Willow hasn’t even broken a sweat.

Amity is genuinely surprised, Willow never showed such aptitude with magic in Abominations. She’d honestly thought the stunt when first meeting Luz was a fluke. Just one more thing she’s been wrong about tonight.

Willow beckons her to quickly follow her back up and out of this increasingly dangerous mystery. This time Amity doesn’t hesitate, making sure Rehan is secured in her grasp as she treks up the summoned roots. The climb takes much longer than the fallWhen they reach the top, they find themselves in another empty room. Cleaner than the ruins below, but still abandoned.

Rehan is their sole source of light; he looks around, recognition and sorrow warring on his translucent face.

The wall Amity and Willow fell through was intact, left undisturbed as if nothing had happened. Willow voices her confusion with a huff. Her hands trail along the stone, attempting to find a latch of some sort to lead them back out into the Oracle Hall.

Willow is still pressing against the wall when she suddenly gasps in shock as she falls right through it. Amity scrambles behind her, placing her free hand against the place where Willow fell through.

The wall encases her entire arm, and she can feel the change of air on the other side. She doesn’t have time to analyze this secret doorway, as Willow grabs her hand and pulls the rest of her body through.

It’s unpleasant to say the least. Static prickles at her fingertips and ears as she crosses the threshold. Willow steadies her as the creepy surroundings of the Oracle Hall make themselves visible again.

Amity turns around, a normal looking bookshelf shelf stares back at her. Her hand pushes against it one more time.

Nothing. The coarse feeling of leather bound-books meet her. There’s no give or any hint there was an entrance here at all. The only echo of a passageway was the bricked archway that was common enough to see along the length of this hall.

Willow tugs her along; Amity can hear footsteps again. This time they’re methodical and efficient. The entry doors to the Oracle Hall rattle. The security guards are almost here. Quickly, they make their way back to the door that leads to the Shortcut Room.

“By the Titan…” Rehan hisses. He’s still small, torso hovering along the crack on his crystal ball. His form grows sickly brighter as he looks at all the foci lining the shelves. “How long…? I-I don’t want to see this.”

Amity doesn’t blame him, she can’t even imagine what he’s feeling right now. “I’m sorry Rehan,” Amity whispers. She ducks into the secret door just in time, it seals just before the magical lights of the guards reach them.

Once they are back in the Shortcut Room, Amity feels like she can breathe again. She’s tired, feels gross, and she can feel a dull pounding behind her unfocused eyes.

“Okay.” Willow says.

“Okay?” Amity repeats.

Willow has sat down on one of the chairs in the room. She’s leaning forwards, elbows resting on her knees, looking downright exhausted. “I’m not ready to forgive you, not yet.” she continues and Amity flinches as if she’s been struck. “But, you’re a part of this now.” Willow waves her hand around the room. “And we all have to look out for each other. So, welcome to T.O.E.” she chuckles. “Consider this your initiation.”

How Willow still has a bit of humor in this situation is baffling to Amity. Her life’s been turned upside down in a span of an hour.

“Willow, what are we going to do?!” Her voice is borderline hysterical. Her composure is nonexistent.

Willow places her hands on Amity’s shoulders. “Breathe, Amity. Slow.”

Was she hyperventilating?

Regardless, she follows Willow’s instructions and syncs her own breathing in time with Willow’s.

Once calm, Willow speaks slowly, her hands moving from Amity’s shoulders to the crystal ball she still holds. Amity willingly hands it over.

“We’ll meet at The Owl House tomorrow. And we can figure out a plan together. We’ll all be there, can you make it?” Willow explains.

Unlike earlier, her answer is instant.

“Of course.” Amity says.

Willow smiles for the first time tonight, shy and unsure. “Good, come on. Let's get out of here.”

They part ways once they make it back to the clearing outside of Hexside. Rehan waves goodbye to Amity as Willow disappears with him once more into the woods, heading back to Bonesborough.

The flight back to the manor is silent, Amity’s only company being the dread and exhaustion churning her thoughts.

When she’s back home, her body immediately finds her bed and she passes out. Nightmares of twisting corridors and students trapped in glass prisons plague her mind.

When Amity wakes a mere three hours later, she feels like she’s been run over by a trashworm. The twins don’t fail to mention this, assuming she had fun last night, oblivious to the events that said otherwise.

The entire family is present for breakfast, a rare occasion, as usually her dad is holed up in his workshop. Her mother is as snide as ever, discussing politics and money. Amity should be paying attention; she knows she’ll quiz her later.

But the crystal ball mom is using to cast her predictions for the industry’s stocks is all too foreboding. The mummified spirit groans its answers, at her mom’s beck and call, unwilling or not.

And it makes Amity wonder if there was a child underneath the spirit’s bindings. Her appetite is gone in an instant, and Amity does to what she does best when responding to her mothers incessant inquiries.

She puts on her mask.

Amity Blight is a young Witch held to high expectations. She’s the Heir to Blight Industries.

She’s expected to join the Emperor’s Coven by sixteen summers.

She’s expected to become a murderer at sixteen.

She refuses.

The Spirit pauses its list of predictions, sensing a change, and turns to look at Amity.

Amity smiles.

Chapter Text

Rehan's mind wanders as he listens to his Professor drone on. He looks around the room, counting the empty seats as he goes. Suddenly he feels a small shock, it doesn't hurt, and Rehan knows its only meant to gain his attention. He looks down to see a small piece of parchment on his desk. Blue ink and familiar scrawl greets him. He huffs in exasperation as he reads, picking up is own pen to quickly write out a response. Once finished he taps the paper on its corner, and it disappears. Sent to it's intended recipient. He knows they've received it when he hears the soft laughter and huff of air tickle the back of his neck. 

The parchment appears on his desk again, he feels himself rolling his eyes and replies once more. As he taps the note again to send back, the Professor's voice cuts through, aimed at him and his partner in crime.

"Rehan! You and Echo seemed to be more interested in gossip than properly applying a ward! Pay attention!" they quip.

Rehan's voice mixes with Echo's as they simultaneously apologize. He can feel the sheepish grin from Echo being aimed at him. He flicks his ear in response.

This time when he counts, there's five more empty seats. 

Rehan initiates the note passing this time. He and Echo are much more subtle and successful with this round.

The next note lies in an empty classroom, books and satchels left behind. The building shakes and dust settles on the missive shared between friends.

When Rehan wakes, he can't breath.

He attempts to open his mouth, scream in fear and confusion, but finds it impossible to do so.

'Where am I? Where's Echo?'

It's much too dark, and he can't move, why can't he move?

"Spirit."

The strange voice startles him, and at the base of his navel he feels a tug and painful drag. Whatever dark confines he was stuck in has disappeared, and he finds himself...in a classroom?

"Ah fantastic job Ms. Wyldmere! You've successfully summoned your first spirit through its focci!"

'What?'

Rehan looks down at himself. Quickly his situation clicks into place. He cannot move because strange bindings restrict him, and currently, his legs are non-existent. His soul is bound to a crystal ball. It's wrong. His eyes dart to the Witch who summoned him. She had not asked for his name, he did not agree to this. He can see other spirits, any recognition Rehan tries to gather is futile, as many are wrapped up to their eyes. Few have their mouths unrestrained. Those that do drone monotoned answers to the inquires they're asked of. 

There's one voice that cuts throughout the rest. He recognizes it from anywhere.

"You will be frightened soon."

It's Echo! He's sure of it! 

He screams her name with muffled effort, ignoring the young Witch, now scared and calling for their Professor. Echo sees him, Rehan knows she can tell its him. There's fear in her eyes, why is she so scared? 

The same feeling he had being taking out of the crystal ball, is ten times worse going back in.

Rehan is placed back in darkness and he stays there. He isn't sure for how long.

For the first ten years its a pattern. Be summoned, refuse to submit, and imprisoned once more. Again and again this goes on. Rehan learns on the eleventh year to do as he's told. There's no escape and there's privilege when it comes to cooperating. Now he can see outside the shelf he's placed on.

Hexside looks very different. 

He learns that the students marked in purple are denoted as Oracles. And the Old Ways of communing with Spirits has died out, deemed too dangerous and wild. 

Guess the big head won after all. 

Day in and day out, he's used to answer or fight for Witches who only see him as a tool. He is not sure how many years pass. He becomes numb, and eventually he begins to forget.

"Am I doing this right?"

Another student.

"No." Rehan replies. The new voice and it's commands garner more curiosity than most. He recognizes it. Oh, the Potion girl with round ears. She recognizes him as well. She's not demanding like the others before her, and she says that she's learning everything now, not just Potions. 

It's the first conversation he's had in years. 

And then she asks for his name. 

"My Given Name was Rehan."

Chapter Text

The Crowes were a long family line, one dating long before Emperor Belos’ rise to power, back and farther still to the depths of the Savage Ages. Not many families could claim this unbroken lineage, and some wear that badge with honor.

‘Strong Will, Strong Results.’

These were the Crowe’s House words. A phrase engraved into Boscha’s sense of self since she could speak. Her Mothers would always tell her to bring pride upon their house. The Crowe’s were considered the best Brewers on the Isles; if you wanted a quality potion, look for the two headed crow.

Boscha knew her place in this world. What she deserved.

So why was this happening?

“Mama,” Boscha’s voice shook. “What’s wrong with Mother?”

She’d been waiting for the both of them to return from the castle, where they were to debut a groundbreaking brew they had been working on for months. They hadn’t told Boscha what it was for exactly, but they would always reassure her that this would heighten their house to a prestige she couldn’t even dream of.

It seemed things hadn’t gone as planned.

Her mothers had entered the manor like a pair of wounded griffins. Mama was holding Mother upright, a difficult feat as she was much shorter than her wife. Mother looked so much worse for wear, breathing heavily and with a hand clamped tightly over her third eye.

There was blood oozing through her fingers.

They had rushed past her and into the sitting room. Mama eased Mother into one of the chairs and frantically rummaged through her travel pack. Boscha recognized the pain potion she procured.

Mama’s hands shook as she fumbled with the cork; it finally popped open and she guided the bottle to Mother’s lips.

“Drink my love, drink Nissa.” she pleaded.

Nissa Crowe was known to be stern, a force to be reckoned with if one did not watch their step around her. Her regal demeanor magnified the effect even further, and how Boscha strived to be like Mother. To take the mantle as Lady Crowe when she came of age and proved herself.

The woman struggling to drink a pain potion, nearly weeping in pain, was not Mother. So Boscha asked her question again.

This time Mama acknowledged her. Her grey eyes looked hollow through the cracked lenses of her glasses.

“Boscha,” she breathed. “We-”

“Astra don’t.” Nissa rasped.

“This isn’t something we can hide, Nissa!” Mama snapped.

The sense of dread in the room was all consuming, silence reigning for a few moments before Mother conceded. “Fine. You’re right.” she said. “The Emperor was...displeased with our efforts, Boscha. It was only fitting for us to be punished for it.”

Boscha had inched closer to her parents, standing near Mama when a comforting hand was placed on her shoulder . Mother looked too pale, and the fluttering gasps of her strained breathing reached Boscha’s ears

“T-the Emperor did this?” Boscha whispered.

“It was deserved.” Mother strained. “We failed him, and in turn failed ourselves. But we will prevail, as our family always has.”

Boscha heard Mama scoff. “Prevail?! Nissa, we’ve been disgraced! Licenses revoked! Vitmir has stripped us of our Alchemist titles! We’re finished!”

Bosha had seen Mother grow more and more irritated with each passing word. A low growl was the only warning before she too lost her composure.

Nissa rose from her seat, dried blood flaking off her skin as her face contorted in anger.

“Chok Shŭ Chok Khut’! This was simply a setback! We’re strong enough to prevail! Fight through this folly! There is still hope for us to get back into the Emperor’s good graces. Our house will not fall like the others!”

“We are shamed, Nissa! When word gets out the Motifs will cease to associate with us! Not to mention the Blights!” Astra moaned.

At this point Boscha had tuned out her parents' arguments. Their livelihood had just been taken from them. The titles that had held them high in society were crumbling around their ears.

They’d lost their place in the world.

Boscha had felt numb. She’d ceased to really register the passage of time nor feel the reality of the situation until two weeks later when she glanced at the crumbled newspaper in the trash.

Seemed like Mother couldn’t keep the rumors at bay for long.

Boscha thanked the Titan that many of her classmates hadn’t heard word of her family’s disgrace. Well, she was sure Professor Bloodworth had, as every day in class she looked at Boscha with pity. It was disgusting.

Grudgby and mountains of homework could only keep her distracted for so long. Boscha didn’t fail to sense the growing distance between her parents. She’d rarely seen them outside of their lab anymore. The manor felt empty. She was alone both at school and at home.

That was, of course, until she met Saix.

After the news article was released, Boscha had begun to spend her lunch period either on the Grudgby field or in an empty classroom. She refused to deal with the chance of snide comments being thrown her way or feeding fuel to the rumor mill.

On some days, even thinking was too much. Such was the day she met her newfound acquaintance.

Silent tears flowed freely as Boscha chewed on her sandwich, holed away in a classroom to have a breakdown without scrutiny. She nearly jumped out of her skin when a discordant voice announced itself.

“Why do you cry?”

Boscha was sure the Titan had cursed her when she saw a free Spirit materialize in front of her. It was not bound, and did not look like a disheveled criminal from the oracle books she glanced at more than a few times. She should’ve yelled for help, gotten a teacher before running the risk of being possessed, but she hesitated. Its face seemed kind and genuine.

The spirit voiced its inquiry again. “Why do you cry?”

Perhaps it was the pent up emotional turmoil Boscha had dealt with by herself for the past week. Or being unable to confide in her friends for fear of being shunned, like the adults were doing with her parents. Regardless, the dam broke, and loneliness, coupled with her clouded judgment and weak will, had Boscha regaling her troubles to the free Spirit.

Out poured a tirade of how unfair and unjust the Emperor was being, words she knew she shouldn’t say aloud. How the Potion Coven had made a mistake in shunning their family. She was out of breath and yet felt lighter once her frustrations had been aired out.

The Spirit listened to every word, never interrupting. Only when Boscha finished did it speak once more, and its words brought a chill down her spine.

“I can help.”

Boscha scoffed at that. “You’re just a Spirit, and you won’t trick me into possession.”

“Possession?” The Spirit echoed. “No, no, that is a lie to keep you from the truth, we just want to be free. I can aide you. Help you search out a path that will set your family back on the right track.”

This was Oracle Magic, something Boscha had no skill in. But she was desperate. It wouldn’t be long until the true ramifications of her family's new status reached the entire school.

‘Strong Will, Strong Results’

“If you were to help me,” Boscha began. “What’s in it for you?”

The Spirit laughed, a wry smile blooming on its transparent face. “Set us free.”

“Us?” Boscha repeated. The request seemed simple enough, but Mother had instilled in her to know the name of whomever you dealt with. “What’s your name?”

The Spirit’s form brightened as it bowed its head. “I was Given Saix.”

“Saix…” Boscha repeated.

She recognized the ancient greeting and inclined her head in return. “Fine, I’ll take your word for it.” She held out her hand. “But one wrong move, and I’ll have you put back into a focus faster than you can blink.”

Saix’s smile did not fade at her proclamation. He reached out his hand, and much to Boscha’s surprise, she felt him take hold. His grip was strong, Boscha felt rough skin, smelled smoke and suddenly she was no longer in the empty classroom. She stood in a hallway, its architecture half collapsed. Spellfire whizzed over her head and she screamed.

Only… her voice was not her own. It was much deeper, and she looked down at herself to see dark skin and sharp claws at the end of her fingertips. Most alarmingly, her sight was skewed. Her telescopic vision was gone and the colors around her were much more muted. Was this what it was like to have two eyes? It was horrible!

She’d been a fool! The Spirit had obviously cursed her and now she was stuck in some strange dreamworld while he roamed around in her body!

‘No’ Saix’s voice reverberated in her mind.

‘What did you do?! Where am I?!

‘You are me.’

Behind her, a voice called out.

“Saix! Saix, let's go! We have to get to safety!”

Boscha felt a tug on her arm and turned to look at who’d pulled her. It was another boy, dark hair in a long braid, left ear clipped, with pitch black eyes. “Come on! We can’t leave Echo by herself!”

Boscha pulled back, not of her own volition, and felt herself speak in Saix’s voice. “She’ll be fine, Rehan! You go to her, I have to help!”

“You’ll get yourself killed! We can hide! Escape with the others!” Rehan pled.

Boscha felt anger rise within her at Rehan’s suggestion. She let out a hiss, mana burning in her veins. “And where would we go, Rehan? Home? Mine is gone! Hide with our parents? They were accused and thrown behind bars, for nothing!”

The walls shook as a distant explosion reverberated nearby. Boscha turned to run towards the fighting, but Rehan stopped her again, grasping her hand. She was about to snap at the boy again but paused as she looked at his face.

Mouth suddenly dry, she felt the anguished fury within her—Saix’s?—body quell, for just a moment. The boy looked at her desperately, fingers momentarily tightening round her hand.

“Stay.” He whispered.

‘I should’ve said yes.’ Saix murmured.

“No.” Boscha responded softly. She leaned down to place a kiss on Rehan’s forehead, a final goodbye. “Go Rehan, Echo needs you.”

There wasn’t much time for Rehan to protest, the hall shook once again and the sound of fighting steadily grew closer. Both she and Rehan shouted as the crackling fireball flew over their heads. Boscha pushed Rehan away more urgently this time. “Now, Rehan! Go!”

Rehan stumbled, resignation and fear in his eyes as he gave one final look towards Boscha. “Be Remembered, Saix.” Then he ran.

Boscha watched Rehan’s retreating form with relief, hopeful that he and Echo would be safe with the others. As long as she was fighting, she could stall the outliers.

‘Who are the outliers?’ Boscha asked.

‘Them.’ Saix responded.

Boscha blinked and the environment shifted, her body— no, Saix’s body— moving. She could feel her heart race as she dodged a pillar of earth erupting from the foundation of the building. Witches her age, students, were out for blood.

She recognized the uniform of these so-called outliers, one she hated wearing because it clashed with her make-up constantly. These outliers were Hexside students. And Boscha could put two and two together. She was reliving the conquest of Hexside through Saix’s eyes.

But why?

‘Death is new Life’ Saix said.

Bocha cursed as she felt viscous Abomination goo wrap around her leg, causing her to trip. The goo crept upwards, stopping her in her tracks. Boscha felt her eyes narrow, glaring at the caster.

It was another teen. He stood over Boscha, levying a disappointed frown in her direction.

“Why do you resist? Look around you! It’s over! It’s not too late to join us!” he said.

A hysterical laugh ripped forth from her throat. “You’ve been fooled, Outlier!” The stone was rough against her back, she couldn’t move nor cast, but the ceiling above was cracked, unsound. “Blinded by pretty lights and false promises.”

The Outlier had the audacity to look disappointed. “It really is the same with all of you. So focused on the past instead of what’s to come!”

Boscha felt herself roll her eyes. “Ah yes, the ‘Day of Unity’. The momentous event that won’t happen in another two-hundred cycles.” she said scathingly. “Open your eyes!”

The teen scoffed. “I can see just fine. I’m trying to help you! Protect you!”

“From ourselves? Our lifeblood? The same ‘Wild Magic’ that flows through your very veins?” There was a whisper in Boscha’s mind; it's not Saix, it was something else. It urged her to continue speaking, to push forward and utter the words that would define her captor. “You are someone whose loyalty is displaced, clouded by judgments made by another. The Blinding Shield.”

Boscha didn’t understand what happened. Whatever she said caused the teen’s control to falter, giving her enough room to wrench an arm free and form a large spell circle aimed at the cracked ceiling. A compressed force of air shot out from Boscha’s hand. It was enough to push the Outlier, The Blinding Shield, away from her, but she miscalculated, didn’t move fast enough.

Something hit her head and she knew no more.

Gasping, she felt bile stinging its way up her throat as she returned to her senses. Her eyes—all three, thank the Titan— slowly readjust to the classroom around her as she blinked. Boscha felt a set of foreign emotions linger as she took deep breaths.

Fear, regret, anger.

Saix looked at her expectantly, their hands still joined. “Set us free.” He repeated.

And Boscha then understood She and Saix were not so different. This deal would benefit both of them.

‘Strong Wills’

Boscha nodded. “Okay.”

‘Strong Results’

Saix grinned. “Good. We’ll need some help”

Chapter Text

If King were to describe Luz the Human with one word, it would be stubborn.

Well, he had no room to talk, but still!

Luz was acting weird, she is currently a ball of nervous energy as she paces about in her room. She looks silly with the brightly colored beanie on her head. He couldn’t understand how she wasn’t hot with it on, Sun’s Smite heat could take out even the strongest dragon!

The crystal ball beside him thrums with energy waiting to be released. There were more cracks along its shape, and because of this, their new ghost friend had more of a discernible shape.

Rehan’s presence in the house was a secret, both from Hooty and Eda. Luz had stressed this to King after he walked in and nearly screamed bloody murder seeing a half-released spirit looking over his sister.

“Why is she so nervous?” Rehan stage whispers to King.

King had learned not to believe everything you see on the M.C.B after talking to the dead teen. Eda taught him better than that! She had always said to regard new information with suspicion, just in case it’s a scam.

Rehan certainly wasn’t a big bad spirit that will eat your brains. He was funny and cool, like Luz! It also seemed he was just as confused as he was watching Luz. His spectral brow was furrowed, and luminous eyes scans back and forth watching Luz pace.

King takes a moment to look away from Luz to look at the spirit. Rehan’s form was much more comprehensive. That could be thanks to the large amount of fractures within the face of the crystal ball. The wrappings that hide his features were now down to his waist. King could make out a school uniform on Rehan’s top half. As for Rehan’s face, it was covered in numerous piercings.

Ornate silver earrings moved silently as he and Rehan kept watching Luz pace back and forth. The curious expression he held made the studs between the bridge of his nose more prominent as it scrunched up. King couldn’t stop staring at the moist embellishing piercings that were emphasized whenever Rehan spoke. The two additional studs embedded on his cheeks. He looked awesome! Maybe he could ask ǂ𝐢 if he could get his tail pierced!

He has long dark hair, tied in a loose braid and thrown over his shoulders. So far, he’s only been curious with his surroundings. Gawking at everything stacked against the walls of Luz’s rooms. Eda’s various knick-knacks that they’ve been slowly moving to the junk closet for Luz’s bed frame and desk.

King feels Rehan staring at him and he starts a bit realizing he never answered the boy’s question.

“I don’t know.” He stage whispers back, he watches as the beanie moves as Luz’s pointed ears twitch in their direction. King notes how Luz clenches her fists at the action.

He still isn’t quite sure why Luz still seems scared at the changes she’s going through. To him, it seems like a wish come true! He hasn’t forgotten the sleepovers they had, the whispers of hopes and dreams way past midnight as they watch movies on Luz’s phone.

“King, do you think I’ll be a good witch?”

This was before the obvious changes, only two weeks since she had been living with them. He remembers laughing in disbelief. They were being taught by the most powerful Witch on the Isles! Of course she’d be an incredible Witch! If that was Luz’s deepest desire, then why is she so afraid?

King huffs through his nose and feels his tail twitch irritably as he watches Luz grab the beanie and shove it further over her head. This action covers more of the tips of her ears, she’s trying to hide the changes from her friends, they’re supposed to be here any minute now.

“That’s not going to help.” King finds himself quipping.

Luz finally turns back to the two of them. She opens her mouth to respond to King before Eda’s voice cuts through, causing Rehan to dematerialize and King shove his crystal ball under the bed.

“Kid! Your fellow delinquents are here!”

Luz walks over to the door and cracks it open. “Thanks Eda!” she responds.

King can hear multiple patterns of footsteps coming up the stairs, and before long Luz widens the opening of her bedroom door to let Willow, Gus, and Amity in.

They both look just as nervous as she does. Gus’ face contains trepidation, every so often one of his ears flick nervously. He brought a satchel with him, looking like it could tear at the seams at any moment with the amount of books peeking out from it.

Willow’s expression is calm, but King can eye the freshly bitten nails and tension in her shoulders. Both of them smile and greet him, he returns the gesture with a wave.

He’s still wary of Amity, when Luz had taken him to the library one day, the youngest Blight had made it a mission to apologize for her behavior at the Covention. King reluctantly accepted said apology when he saw how genuine she was being. Luz had told them of their adventure during the Wailing Star, and he could sympathize needing to act tougher to scare your enemies.

She still ruined a perfectly good cupcake though.

While Willow seemed calm and Gus anxious, Amity looked to be…thinking? There was a big word for that. Contemptive? Content? The word eludes him, but the divot in Amity’s brow is intense.

Luz closes the door behind her and breathes out a sigh of relief. “Glad you could make it guys.”

Willow nods as she responds. “Of course! This is important Luz! We can’t let you go at this by yourself!”

King begs to differ, he’s sure if Luz didn’t have such awesome friends she would have tried to figure this out all on her own. He’s been trying to convince her to tell Eda about this whole situation, but she would retort how The Owl Lady already has too much going on. He reluctantly agrees with that part.

They’ve both been seeing the extra empty bottles and feathers throughout the house. Eda’s curse is getting worse.

The only true adult figure that they’ve told was Hooty, and that’s because Hooty knows everything and everyone coming into the house. Surprisingly he kept quiet about their resident spirit, almost solemn as Luz begged him not to say anything to Eda. He assisted in alerting them when Eda was near while Rehan was out. Like now for example.

The bedroom door emits a rattle, humming in vibration, seconds later a knock follows. King makes sure to stay sitting in front of the bed, hoping his body is blocking the sight of the crystal ball shoved underneath.

Luz opens her door again and Eda stands dressed in her cloak and traveling boots. King watches Eda’s expression falter at the sight of Luz wearing a hat. Her ears droop, and there’s a flash of exasperation before it settles back into her well known grin.

“Alright kids, it’s my time to sell at the market again. Since no one is coming with me, Hooty is left in charge. I’ll only be gone for a few hours. Luz, there’s snacks and leftovers in the fridge if you all get ravenous.” she winks.

Her gaze falls to King and he feels his tail involuntarily wag at the next words that emit from his mom.

“sɔïkʼ a vachtoj gu Ta’ni.”

“Yes Mom.” he replies with a bit of snark.

For a brief moment, Eda pauses. Her eyes scan the room and it takes everything for King’s fur not to stand on end at the sudden scrutiny. He can tell the others have held their breath as Eda’s gaze falls once again to a fidgeting Luz. “Hm. I smell trouble, but hopefully it's good trouble! You know I’m always here if you need help Luz-”

“Eda we’re fine! Seriously! Come on, you're gonna be late! Mr. Reeth is going to take all your customers again.”

The Owl Lady hisses and sucks her teeth. “Damn, you’re right! Alright, alright, I’m going! You kiddos have fun!” she exclaims before shutting the door.

It's a tense silence that has all of them wait to be in the clear. Luz walks over to the cracked open window, craning her head to listen for the tell-tale signs of Hotty sobbing whenever Eda leaves the house.

King could hear the house demon’s sniffles and cut wails before Luz shut the window fully, sighing in relief as she did so. “Okay, coast should be clear! King, could you bring Rehan back out?” She asks.

He nods and crawls under the bed, straining to reach out to the crystal ball until he feels his claws tap the surface. It easily rolls back towards him, and soon out from underneath, stopping in the semi circle all of them formed in Luz’s room.

King notes to himself that more spindly cracks have appeared on the surface of the object. And Rehan’s spirit swirling within was brighter and more active. He catches Gus out of the corner of his eye shifting uneasily. The boy looks like he wants to say something, but he’s holding back. Luz coaxes Rehan out, both Willow and Amity’s eyebrows raise as the spirit emerges.

“Rehan, you look different from the last time we saw you!”

Rehan grins at the familiar faces, childlike enthusiasm blooms across his features. “Willow! Amity! It’s good to see you two again!” His form stretches closer to the two girls. “I’m a bit more free now, thanks to all of you. I haven’t felt this good in years!” He looks over to Gus and waves kindly. “Luz told me all of you helped get me out of Hexside.”

The spirit pulls back, King watches as Rehan bows his head and states: “zho ïm khum.” When he looks up, spectral tears trace down his face. The boy’s jovial facade breaks for just a moment. “Sorry, it's been so long since I’ve talked to anyone properly like this.” he sniffs.

King wishes he could give Rehan a proper hug, he definitely needs one after all he’s been through. The others seem to think the same as they watch Rehan gather himself. “I’m fine! Now that everyone’s here, we can figure out how to help the others!”

Luz, obviously enthused to get the ball rolling, nods and plops down on the pillows she’s laid out for them. “Right! T.O.E meeting for Operation: Liberate has begun!” She points at Amity suddenly and says her name. “Amity!”

The Blight unceremoniously squeaks in response, ears instinctively pulling back at the sudden attention. “Yes?”

“You and Willow said that you saw Boscha when breaking Rehan out. You're her friend right? Why was she there?” Luz continues.

Amity scowls at the mention of Boscha being her friend, but it soothes into a frown as her brow furrows simultaneously. “I’m…not sure. I actually haven’t seen her as much lately. She hardly comes to lunch anymore and when I tried to talk to her, she snapped.”

Willow hums. “Is that why you ran into my classroom that day? After your argument?”

King spies an embarrassed flush appearing on Amity’s face as she nods. “Yes,” She replies. “Honestly I’ve been distancing myself from Boscha lately. Until I talked to Skara, I didn’t realize how much pressure she’s been under.”

Gus speaks up. Shock laden in his voice. “Wait, Amity. You’re telling me you haven’t heard the news?”

“I’ve been spending more time at the library and less time at home, much to my mother’s disdain.” Amity replies as she crosses her arms. “And my gossip source was Boscha. Skara has been too busy as well. So no, what news?”

Gus' posture on the floor is sitting crossed-legged, he leans forward and utters low. “The Crowes were disgraced. My dad helped write an article about it!”

Amity blinks rapidly, opens her mouth once, then closes it. Gold eyes stare at Gus incredulously. “Oh…Oh.” she breathes.

Disgraced.

King knows this word and its meaning for family names.

The Clawthornes are disgraced. Eda had always told him to wear this “dishonor” with pride. Being disgraced meant you were free.

But obviously to Gus and Amity it meant something much worse. Willow had pursed lips at the news, but Luz? She was lost, as was Rehan who was looking between Amity and Gus as they spoke.

Luz raised her hand hesitantly. “Um, hey! Resident…human here! What does being ‘disgraced’ mean?”

Amity breaks out of her stupor to turn to Luz with a grim look. “It means you’ve displeased the Emperor. Disrespected your rights as an Ancient and Noble house. Some would say they rather be petrified than doom their family name like that.”

This causes Luz to balk at Amity. “You’re joking.”

“Unfortunately not. To hold the titles of ‘Ancient’ and ‘Noble’, means the family has survived for a very long time, and can trace their ancestry back to the Savage Ages.” Amity continues. “The families are allowed to keep heirlooms tainted with wild magic under a registry, own large amounts of property, and be sponsored by a Coven.” Amity lists these benefits off like she’s reading from a book.

“The Motifs, Skara’s family, are Sponsored by the Bard Coven. Boscha’s family the Crowes are-or rather were, Sponsored by the Potion Coven.” Her hand then waves to herself.

“Amity Blight, heir to Blight Industries, subsidiary and beneficiary of the Abomination Coven.”

Willow, sitting beside Amity, huffs a breath through her nose. “Ancient and Noble families are also stuck-up and rich beyond measure Luz.” she quips.

Amity grimaces and nods in assertion. “True. But the Families must uphold the respect of the Empire. Leading examples to the lowly…at least that’s what I’ve been taught.”

Rehan’s form shimmers as he inserts himself in the discussion. “I thought I recognized those eyes! The Blights…” His head tilts and a faint chime echoes from his piercings. “Some of those Mentored by your family were well known in the Pelvis…but this ‘disgraced’ stuff? It sounds horrible!”

“It’s not the best outcome.” Amity agrees. “But now it makes sense why Boscha was acting the way she was.” She turns back to Gus. “Do you know any details?”

The boy nods and easily summons a newspaper. “It was on the front page a few weeks ago. Potion gone wrong in front of Emperor Belos I think.”

King doesn’t miss the heavy glare and twist of fury that flashes on Rehan’s face at the name before he composes himself. It was gone as quick as it came. “The False Prophet.” he growls out. It is the first time Kng has seen anger course through Rehan, it frightens him.

Amity quickly scans over the weeks old newspaper, eyes narrowing further with every line. When she finishes she sighs and hands the paper back to Gus. “Well that explains some of her behavior, but the question is why align herself with a Spirit.”

“That Spirit's name is Saix.” Rhan says. They all turn to look at him, “And I think I can guess the plan he wants to commit to.” his voice is sad…exhausted it seemed. “His goal is probably the same as ours. Freeing my classmates and teachers. But he’ll also want revenge. He can’t do that alone.”

Luz frowns and as optimistic as ever she offers her own solution. “Can’t we just talk to him? I’m sure we can convince-”

“Luz.” Rehan interrupts. “I don’t think you understand. We were murdered. Slaughtered within what some would call their second home. Echo and I died underneath rubble, but others like Saix sought to fight back before their inevitable end.” he waves down to his crystal ball. “And without a say, without a choice, we were refused the right to roam freely, refused to be Remembered. To be used as tools.”

King hears the buried sorrow within Rehan’s voice, pain comes forth with each word. His form grows brighter, the crystal orb shakes under strain.

“You’ve read some of the history to me. How our eradication was a grand liberation and conquest. I should be just as angry as Saix, I understand his pain. The other spirits your fellow students have aligned themselves with will no doubt feel the same.” Rehan explains.

King scratches at his skull. So Saix would be too mad to listen to them? He’s gotten that way before. Mostly due to unjust (in his opinion) punishments. Like not eating his vegetables or sneaking into Eda’s lab when he wasn’t supposed to. These bouts of anger were always short lived, and usually solved when Eda would gently explain why he was grounded, and he would respond with his reasoning for a better understanding.

Luz was right, talking to Saix could be their solution here!

Well that and actually getting an adult like Eda to help…but that wasn’t an option right now.

“But,” Rehan continues. “It seems to be our only choice. We’re going to have to confront him on the night they execute their plan.”

“What I don’t understand.” Gus utters loud enough for all of them to hear. “Why lie?”

Silence reigns as no answer is given. Gus continues, voiced slightly panicked as he taps his fingers on his knees. “We were always taught that Oracle magic is dangerous, tempting, but needed. It was always one mishap away from being too Wild. I’ve believed that, without question.” Gus stands, too anxious to keep still as he starts to pace.

“But then I talked to my Uncle. Visited him, and when I asked about his house demon, the story I had always been told was also twisted. My great-great grandma never made a deal with a house demon, she is the house demon. A free spirit.” He barks out a laugh, as he recounts his story. “For years our family has protected us. No possession, no melting minds, no murderous spree. So why lie?”

The analogy pops up in King’s mind instantly. “Well, it's like a big illusion right? If Rehan and others were free. They could tell their story. They could tell you that Belos is wrong.”

Gus snaps his fingers and points at King. “Exactly! A giant Illusion, that's so ingenious and nearly unbreakable, no one questions it.”

Amity throws up her hands in exasperation. “So now what? You all are not thinking of the consequences of this. We free Rehan and the others. Free Spirits roam Hexside, you don’t think that won’t attract the Oracle Coven’s attention? They’d be put back into crystal balls faster than we can cast a circle!”

Gus shakes his head and recites a line from a book with perfect clarity. “Thy Spirit is complicit, only to those deemed worthy. Through a symbiotic bond there can be no discourse. One asks, so the other may give. Is it strength? Foresight? Protection? Spirit and Witch act as one until the Spirit deems that their part is done.”

Amity stares blankly at the boy, but Willow’s eyes light up, catching on. King and Luz are just as confused as Amity.

But it's Rehan’s understanding “Ah.” that breaks the mold.

Gus is grinning madly, Luz gives him a look of recognition, she’s seen him act like this before. “We trick the trickster.” Gus says proudly. “Without a doubt Saix is probably planning to break as many crystal balls as he can. It's a quick way to free everyone, but as Amity said, it will bring too much attention to the school.”

Gus pauses in front of Luz and Rehan. “Luz, when you asked for Rehan’s name, it broke whatever hold it had on him. So, I have a theory…” his bravado falters briefly as he looks at Rehan. The gaze Rehan returns to Gus is friendly and knowing. Anticipation and tension rising in the room as they wait for Gus’ solution.

There is a battle within steel eyes as Gus takes a deep breath. King can smell fear, a tang thats become distinct to him many times. It's yucky and makes his skull itch, it emanates in waves off Gus, but determination follows suit as the boy steadies himself with a deep breath.

“Spirit,” Gus begins. “My Given name is Agustus Porter. I ask for Foresight within your means. I ask your name in hopes to receive this gift.”

As Gus speaks, King notes more spindly cracks are all around the surface of Rehan’s prison. Rehan is no longer emitting his form from the top of his waist. Nearly all the wrapped chains and bandages have unraveled. Full form nearly escaping the crystal orb. Rehan is shockling still as he stares at the dark-skinned boy. With a swiftness carried with grace, the Spirit replies once Gus finishes his intonation.

“I was Given Rehan. You ask for Foresight Agustus Porter, and I will give it. Together may we reach a better understanding and work as one.” Rehan reaches out his hand and with more confidence than before Gus grasps it. In an instant a bright light blinds them and a small shockwave rattles the room.

King quickly closes his eyes and hisses at the sudden show, he can hear Hooty squawk down below and the others also recoil at the scene. As quick as it starts it's over.

The black sports that dance in King’s vision slowly fade as he gathers what just happened.

Gus is still standing in the middle of the room, Rehan is nowhere to be seen. The crystal prison that held Rehan captive was still intact, even though it still looks to be mere seconds from shattering on the spot.

Luz has quickly jumped up, placing her hands on Gus’ shoulders as she looks him over. “Gus? Gus?! Are you alright?”

Willow has also risen and gathers herself, worried eyes dart over Gus and pause on Luz. They widen in shock briefly before quickly glancing back to their friend.

King wonders what could’ve caused such a reaction from Willow, but when he eyes the beanie Luz was wearing on the ground, he grimaces in understanding.

Luz is shaking Gus now, frantically asking him questions. “Gus? How many fingers am I holding up?”

The boy warbles out a response as his balance is jostled by Luz’s shaking. “L-Luz! I’m fine!”

“Can the same be said for our missing friend?” Amity replies behind him. “Where’s Rehan?” she asks warily.

“Boo!”

Amity chokes on a scream as she scrambles backwards. Mirthful laughter follows, as she and the others stare at a free and unbound Rehan.

“Sorry! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself! It’s just-I’m free! No choking, no walls, no silence! Gus! Thank you!”

Gus gives Rehan a wide grin. “I-I’m glad it worked!” he wipes his forehead like he’d been sweating. “But how did you live in The Pelvis like that? It's way too hot!”

Rehan sticks out his tongue teasingly. “Bah, you surface dwellers are coddled by the sun! It’s too cold up here.”

King could pick up the finer details on Rehan’s form now that he was free. Black sclera being a contrast to bright eyes that shined joyously. “I can think much more clearly now too!” Rehan exclaims. “Luz, do you think we can-'' his voice trails off as he hovers over Gus’ shoulder.

“Rehan?” Luz’s voice is concerned. “What’s wrong?”

“I thought you were human?” he replies.

Luz’s body stiffens, ears twitching and straining to press back against her head. The movement is obvious to everyone, and it's here where she finally notices her hat was knocked off during Rehan’s release.

King recognizes that Luz is spiraling. That acrid smell of fear and anxiety hits him once more. Her hands grip the fabric of her paints and her breath quickens. “I-I’m-”

Clearly, Rehan realizes he’s upset Luz and he holds up his hands and begins to apologize. “I’m sorry! That was rude of me! I shouldn’t have-”

“No! It’s okay.” Luz interjects, breath shaky. “It was dumb of me for trying to hide it I guess. I’m just…scared.” She looks at her friends. “I don’t know why or how, but I guess my wish of becoming a Witch is coming true huh?” She waves her hands around half pointed ears in a mock display. “Taa-da!~”

The shocked silence causes Luz to continue to ramble, King knows her well by now, she hates silence.

“It’s not a big deal, you know? Having fangs is pretty cool! I always wanted some sharp teeth! And there’s perks to seeing clearly in the dark! The stars here look amazing! There’s-”

King quickly gets up and rushes over to the human. He feels his skull collide with her legs and he wraps his arms around them. Luz’s voice hitched as she looked down at him. “King?”

He squeezes tightly and looks up. He hopes his determined glare is comforting enough! “You don’t need to hide anything! You could grow a tail or third arm for all I care! All that matters is you’re still Luz! That’s the important part!”

“King is right Luz!” Willow states. “Despite all these changes, you’re still you. No more no less.”

“You’re definitely still yourself, impulsive heroism and all.” Amity drawls teasingly.

Their affirmations calm Luz down, who sniffs and wipes her eyes before picking King up and giving him a proper hug. King relishes in the embrace Luz held him tight and squeezed him gently in thanks.

“You guys are the best. All this is still taking some time to get used too…I’m scared to go back to school to be honest.”

King hears Amity scoff, he pulls back just in time to see Amity flipping green locks. “If anyone says anything, they’ll have to deal with me.”

Willow snorts. “Oh no, the horrors of a ruined school reputation.” she gasps mockingly with a wry grin.

Gus pats Luz’s shoulder as Willow and Amity begin their weird new tradition of quipping back and forth with each other. “We’ve always had your back Luz, just like you’ve always had ours! Whatever you're going through we’ll get through it together!”

“Yeah!” King agrees. “You can hide me in your bag when you go to school and all who defy my second in command shall fall to my wrath!”

King bounces as Luz laughs at his declaration. “Thanks buddy.” She says softly.

Rehan is smiling sadly at the scene. “You guys remind me of Echo and Saix.” He sighs. “Soon, we can be together again I hope.” He eyes his still intact crystal ball with disdain and interest. “But for now, we need to stop Saix.”

“Breaking the crystal balls will do us more harm than good.” Gus summarizes. Amity and Willow have quieted, listening closely. “We can’t bring the attention of The Oracle Coven or teachers to our plan. Whatever Saix is attempting will probably do just that. So, tomorrow night we have to stop him and the others before it's too late.

All this planning reminds King of the human spy movies he’s watched with Eda. It's exciting and scary. One wrong move Luz and her friends make tomorrow could collapse the entire idea of freedom Rehan wishes for his classmates. They’ll have to be extremely careful.

Before he knows it, King is watching Luz’s friends leave out the door. Rehan had disappeared, the only sign of him being bound to Gus being the flash of black sclera appearing when the spirit wished to say something through Gus.

Gus is the last to leave, standing in the doorway, hesitant to say his last words. “You know, I promised myself I would never touch Oracle Magic.” Gus states to Luz.

Luz blinks in response. “Really? Why?”

“My Dad mostly,” he trails off. “But talking to my Great-Great Grandma, has me looking at it through fresh eyes, literally!” He laughs and both Luz and King can make out Rehan’s voice mixing within Gus’ mirth.

“It still terrifies me…” Gus admits. “But, I also want to learn more. The right way, the Old Way?” he scrunches his nose in thought. “It’s much different than Illusion Magic. I cannot answer questions with a complex equation or formula. This magic is new, it's skeptical, and relies on probability. Probability, Luz!”

Luz grins at that and winks. “You still found a way to add math into a magic that doesn't require any? Careful Gus, some might say you're mixing.”

Gus shakes his head with a smile. “What can I say? The Owl Lady and her Apprentice have a bad influence on me.” he starts walking backwards and waves goodbye. “See you tomorrow Luz! Bye King!”

“Bye!’ they both exclaim.

Luz shuts the door with a napping Hooty and sighs in relief. “Well? What do you say we raid the fridge for some dinner? We can make a plate for Eda too.”

“Yeah!”

If King were to describe Luz the Human with two words. The first would be stubborn and the second would be determined.

Luz’s determination to do the right thing inspires King. While he had stubbornness mastered. Determination was a work in progress. Determination teaches you to never quit while stubbornness can lead you into bitter defeat.

The King of Demons must learn to master both he supposes. He still has much to learn.

As they eat their dinner in the living room, watching some Demon soap opera, King makes sure to reassure Luz with one more positive affirmation.

“Hey Luz?”

“Mph?” She responds, her mouth is full of potatoes.

“You’re gonna be a great Witch.”

A beat passes before King feels himself being pulled into a bone crushing hug, nearly spilling his food on the floor.

“Thanks buddy.” Luz whispers.

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