A/N: Hello. There is another chapter. And this time, the order will be switched up a little. :) This would be all in accordance for the new message being spelled out, with which so far, it spells with the first letter of each episode title, "A WITCH LOSES HU..." Hopefully, you can start to understand what it's saying. Also, remember that black-haired girl that briefly appeared in the last chapter? Well, now, you get to see more of her. Her name is Selena Morales and she is voiced by Jessica Alba as Luz's former best friend. And even more about her will be shown in this chapter and the next as well as future others. And aside from that, there would also be a couple of more OC's voiced by Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell as well as a certain familiar dialogue form a certain story by Mr. Hardcor3, so be sure to give him some credit. And I apologize if Luz's own backstory seems redundant. :)
The Owl House: Coven of Owls
Chapter 13: Understanding Luz & Willow
Act I
It all started on a hallway in Hexside, where one student was magically changing her nails and a black haired girl was reading.
"Too wiggly. Too obvious. Now we're talkin'! I think today is a talons day - rawr!", the girl spoke before another arrived.
"Hey girls! Time to bug out at my birthday party!", another added as the other girl held up an invite which unrolled in the shape of a red butterfly with its wings reading, "JESSIE'S 15th" on it.
"Invite only, but you witches are my VIPs!", Jessie spoke.
"Are these made of real insect wings?", the black-haired girl asked.
"My dad spared no expense! You only turn 15 once!", Jessie responded.
"You only turn every age once, Jessie.", the other girl spoke.
"Prepare thyself to do battle like a human! Thumb war!", Luz shouted.
"It's funny 'cause it's stupid!", Willow laughed with Amity giggling a bit as Luke and Lucia grinned.
"It's so weird that more humans go here now. Too bad they've already burned their social lives at the stake. Any friend of Willow's is an automatic dork.", the other girl spoke as Selena grew irate from hearing this before the invite started molting.
"Ugh! Jessie! Why did you give me an invite that was molting? Gross! Give me another one.", the girl spoke as she threw the invite on the floor before 2 younger kids spotted it with one of them gasping.
"An invitation to Jessie's party! I want it!", the 1st kid shouted.
"I want it!", the 2nd argued.
"It's mine!", the 1st argued.
"No, it's mine!", the 2nd argued before the two kids started fighting.
"Oh. Kid fight!", the 1st teacher shouted.
"Kid fight?", the 2nd teacher asked.
"Kid fight!", another shouted as he popped up.
Meanwhile, Selena had a sad look as she then flashed back to when she walked through the woods back in the human realm, remembering what her parents were telling her as she made her way toward a house with a door with a giant eye on it.
"Selena, you're going to be staying with your aunt for a while.", Selena's mother spoke.
"But don't worry. Your aunt isn't very far from here. It should be somewhere in the woods. You'll know you came to the right place if you get to a house with, are you ready for this, a door with a giant eye on it, because it'll take you to a very special place.", Selena's father added before Selena looked up at the eye.
"The Boiling Isles...", Selena spoke.
Act II
Meanwhile, Luz, Luke, Lucia, Amiyah, Amity, Boscha, their younger siblings (two each for Amity and Boscha), and Willow were at the Noceda trio's lockers.
"Oh my gosh, Willow, I'm so excited for photo class! I can't believe you can make pictures of your actual memories! I'ma see me some baby Willow!", Luz spoke as she tickled her locker as did Luke and Lucia for theirs.
"I'll admit, I was adorable.", Willow spoke before, while Luke and Lucia got their books, Luz tried to take a book out of her locker, only for it to bite down on it.
"Don't eat that.", Luz urged as she pulled at the book and fell before a locker ate her book and hissed.
"Hiss!", Luz hissed before he stood up before one of the black-haired girl's friends laughed.
"I can't believe she'd even hang out with her! It's just embarrassing. 'Oh look at me! I'm going on a date with my ferns!'.", the bully spoke as Jessie laughed while the two and the black-haired girl passed Luz and the others, one of which started to wilt in shame, as the black-haired girl saw Luz and then had a look of shame as she passed by.
Unfortunately, Luz froze up and started breathing heavily, worrying Luke and Lucia.
"Luz, what's wrong?", Lucia asked.
"Wait. There's only one person who could make her react like this. Only one...", Luke glared as Luz had horrible flashbacks.
"You're a screw-up...and that's all you'll ever be.", a voice echoed as Luz panted heavily, starting to grow feathers and claws, prompting Luke and Lucia to gasp upon realization before they quickly got angry.
"SELENA!", Luke and Lucia shouted, making Selena worried as she turned.
"Eep...!", Selena squeaked before Luke and Lucia lunged at her with a roar and pinned her to the ground, making her friends run off in fright.
"How dare you show your face near her again?! HOW DARE YOU?!", Luke scolded, squeezing her head against the ground.
"I'm not here to bully her this time! I just want to help!", Selena pleaded.
"The same way you 'helped her' back in the human realm?!", Lucia scolded, making Selena gasp.
"You really wanna help her? Then get out of our lives and stay out! And never come back!", Lucia only snapped before she lifted Selena up and pushed her off with Selena regaining her balance and running off.
"It's okay, Luz. She won't hurt you ever again.", Luke assured as Luz's breathing calmed down with her feathers and claws retreating back to normal as she took a deep breath.
"What was all that about?", Gus asked.
"Yeah. The last time you two acted this hostile was when Amiyah yelled at her.", Amity responded.
"Well... let's just say you and Willow aren't the only ones scarred by history.", Luke responded.
"In fact, it's just like your situation earlier, but Luz had the worst of it back home.", Lucia added, making Willow frown in worry.
Later, at a darkroom-like classroom with students sitting in front of undeveloped photos, Luke got out a pair of tweezers.
"Okay, Luz, I'm gonna try and get some memories out and I need you to hold still, okay?", Luke asked before Luz nodded.
"All right. Here goes nothing.", Luke spoke before then carefully removing a photo from Luz's ear and placing it onto a wire with 4 more plucked out.
"Okay. That should do it. Your turn, Willow.", Luke spoke as he handed the tweezers to Luz.
"Alright, memory melon. Let's pick another juicy one!", Luz spoke.
"Be careful with my brain!", Willow spoke before Luz pulled a photo out from Willow's ear.
"Ooh, who says brain surgery is hard?", Luz asked as Willow rubbed her ear before she put the empty photo on a wire.
"As you work, note that some prints have greater clarity than others. These are moments that evoke a strong emotional response.", the photo teacher spoke.
"All the colors of the brainbow.", Luz spoke as she went to touch the photo only for a big blue hand that has "HALT" on it appear to stop her.
"But, if you damage the prints, you'll damage the memories themselves. Be extremely careful.", the photo teacher warned before walking away.
"Whoa. Photo class is intense.", Luz spoke just as one photo developed, never mind two, both of which each showed Luz and Willow in their awkward hair phases with Willow on a chair, blushing a bit, with a band-aid on her cheek, and with wavy and poofy hair while Luz had her hair done up in three awkward braids, each sporting two bows with stickers also present in her hair.
"Oh my gosh, Willow, you had an awkward hair phase, too? I knew we were meant to be friends.", Luz grinned before the rest of the two friends' photos developed.
"Ooh, there's more!", Luz spoke as for Willow's case, it showed her being pushed on a swing by her dads, Willow feeding a spider demon, Willow and her dads at what appeared to be a winter holiday, and Amity hugging Willow at a birthday party, making Luz gasp before Willow groaned and turned away while for Luz's case, it showed only photos of the aftermath of each time Luz got sent to the Principal's office, which to be fair, was a bit bittersweet, but still good.
The only thing that wasn't, though, was a picture of Luz and Selena together, making Luz groan in disgust and turn away this time, puzzling Willow.
"Hey, I may not know everything about what's going on, but I do know that you and this Selena have a history. Wouldn't you feel better talking about it?", Willow asked.
"Depends. Wouldn't you?", Luz asked.
"No, I'd rather do this.", Willow responded, flipping the two photos (1 in each row) around.
"That's my motto after all! 'Out of sight, out of mind.'", Willow responded before the bell screamed and rang with the students leaving.
"I know what it's, like, though, Luz. If you won't tell me what she did, I'll never be able to think of a way to get you the closure you need.", Willow spoke.
"I get it, but I am not in a mood for this. Okay? Now let's get to lunch!", Luz spoke before she, Willow, Luke, Lucia, and Amiyah left.
"Well..., only one thing to do here.", Luke spoke as he flipped the photos back and caught up with the others just as Selena and her friend came from the opposite direction.
"I can't believe I made him cry. Like, he's the teacher.", Selena's friend spoke before the two passed the photo class with only Selena seeing Luz and Willow's memory photos, especially both the birthday one and the selfie one.
"Oh, no.", Selena spoke in worry.
"Why do you look like you've seen a ghost? Is there a ghost in photo class? Are they cute!?", Selena's friend spoke before Selena tried to block her friend's view with her hand.
"Yep, just a super cute ghost. But they're all mine!", Selena fibbed before slamming the door.
"Ask if they have any friends!", the girl spoke before Selena went over to Luz's memories and took down the specific photo.
"Luz, I'm sorry. But I have to do this.", Selena sighed before she then summoned a small flame to burn her face off the photo and blow on the embers to put it out, put the photo back, and leave.
Unfortunately, the photo reignited before Selena could leave as she then turned around and noticed what was happening.
"Oh, no. No, no, no, no!", Selena panicked just as Amity, Emira, and Edric and Boscha opened the door and walked in time to notice what had happened.
"Selena...! What... did you... do?!", Amity scolded.
"Whatever you did in there, that was totally not cool!", Boscha added.
"Wait a minute. Are you seriously burning those memories?!", Emira asked.
"That is messed up, man.", Edric added.
"I-I can fix it!", Selena assured before she blew on the flame only for that flame to not only spread to all of Luz's memories, but also to Willow's as well.
"Oh, come on!", Selena groaned as Amity looked in anger and worry before Boscha turned to see Kroscha, Moscha, Emilia, and Erebor passing by when they saw what happened in there.
"Oh, there you guys are! We need you to get everyone there and help put this fire out. Got it?", Amity asked before the little siblings nodded and panted as they ran.
Meanwhile, at the cafeteria, Gus was looking at a corkboard titled "WHO TO INTERVIEW".
"Hey there, detective. Are you solving a crime or about to commit one?", Luz asked.
"This is one problem crime can't solve. My interview for journalism class is due tomorrow! I'm supposed to choose someone 'interesting, accomplished, and noteworthy.' People aren't meant to be all those things! Curse your need for perfection, Gus!", Gus exclaimed.
"Okay buddy, okay.", Luz spoke as she was about to give Gus apple blood when she started sweating.
"Uh, Luz? ¿Estáis bien Willow y tú?", Luke asked.
"When did it get so hot?", Willow asked.
"My head...! It hurts! It fees so hot!", Luz groaned before both drank water and exhaled steam with both dousing themselves with the pitchers, releasing more steam with Gus sipping his apple blood, looking confused, while Luke, Lucia, Boscha, Kroscha, Moscha, Emilia, Erebor, and Amiyah grew worried as steam went out of Willow's ears as she cleaned her glasses before putting them back on.
"Luz? Can you open your eyes and look at me?", Luke asked.
But while Willow's pupils dilated until her eyes are completely black, Luz's eyes were blank black all the way as she opened her eyes.
"Uhh, hi! I'm Willow! Remind me of your names?", Willow asked.
"Uh..., hey there. I'm Luz Noceda. What are your names? How do you know my name? And why is it so dark in here?", Luz asked.
"This is serious journalism, guys. Clowning around will get you nowhere.", Gus urged.
"I'm-I'm serious! Who-who are you?", Willow responded.
"I'll admit, this amnesia spin has piqued my interest.", Gus spoke.
"Hold on, Gus. Something isn't right.", Lucia spoke.
"Yeah. They wouldn't forget us like this.", Amiyah agreed.
"Then, what could've happened. It's almost as if...", Luke began before gasping in shock.
"Their memories are being erased!", Luke realized before Kroscha and the others burst in.
"GUS! Come quick! There's a fire in photo class!", Kroscha shouted.
Later, Luke and the others rushed to photo class and ran in with Luz and Willow walking drunkenly behind them.
"Hexside Free Press! What's going on here?", Gus asked before Luke and Lucia gasped at the very sight of the one person they did not wish to see at all as she, Amity, and Boscha were desperately trying to blow out the flames.
"YOOOOOOOUUUU!", the two siblings shouted before Selena turned to notice them.
"...Hi.", Selena squeaked in worry.
"We told you to get out of our lives and never come back, and you... burned Willow's memories... and our sister's memories.. INTO ASHES?!", Luke shouted, starting to sprout feathers, claws, and a distorted voice, along with ghastly black eyes (or at least half as ghastly), scaring Selena.
"W-W-We saved as many as we could!", Selena responded fearfully as she held up the picture of Luz and Willow's awkward hair phases with two more behind them before an ember burned both of them to ash, which fell.
"Ugh! Why would they make memories so flammable!?", Selena shouted before Willow giggled, wiggling her fingers.
"Have I always had this crazy thing? Blap, blap!", Willow spoke as she slapped her face gently before Luz walked to Luke and Selena and put her arms around their shoulders, blind as she is.
"Eeee, heee, heee, I can tell we're gonna be good friends!", Luz spoke drunkenly before she fell.
"Ugh...! You know what? I can't deal with this right now.", Luke sighed as the feathers fell off and his claws retracted with his eyes and voice returning to normal.
"Well, now what do we do?", Lucia asked.
"I'm afraid there's only one thing we can do. If anyone knows how to fix something like this, it's Eda. I only hope we're not too late.", Luke responded.
Act III
Later at the Owl House, the whole situation was explained.
"So, you set Luz and Willow's memories on fire and erased everything. Even minor damage can have huge effects!", Eda spoke before Willow walked into the couch where King was sleeping.
"Ahh, a chair for sitting!", Willow spoke before she only flopped face front onto the couch, did a handstand while trying to sit, and then flopped upside down while Luz started to sprout feathers while crouching on all fours and sniffing around, making purring sounds.
"Yep, her brain's burned up real good. Damage like that can change everything about a person. Willow may never be the same and neither would Luz, especially when it comes to Luz's curse!", Eda spoke.
"Luz's curse? What happened?", Selena asked.
"Well, recently, she was cursed to turn into an Owl Beast whenever she goes through extreme duress or anger and every time she changes, the curse gets worse. If something isn't done soon, she'll turn into an Owl Beast and stay like that forever.", Eda responded.
"Oh, no! I-I had no idea...!", Selena spoke in horror.
"No. You didn't!", Luke responded coldly.
"Mason, I think you know what has to be done here.", Eda spoke.
"Right.", Mason nodded.
Meanwhile, Tibran got a call from his scroll before he opened it and decided to answer.
"Tibran, we need your help. It's urgent.", Mason spoke.
"What's the situation this time?", Tibran asked.
"This, Tibran, is the problem.", Mason spoke as he gestured to Luz clawing at the furniture curiously just as Willow finally got the sitting position right.
"I got it! Ooh, a furry fruit! I'm gonna peel it!", Willow spoke as she looked at King and picked him up by the back.
"What? What is happening?!", King spoke in worry as he tried to escape.
"Nap time.", Eda spoke before she cast a spell, putting Willow to sleep but not before Luz jumped off the couch.
"Sleep spell...", King spoke before yawning.
"I didn't cast it on you.", Eda responded.
"Yeah, who cares?", King yawned.
"Both Luz and Willows memories have been burned.", Mason stated.
"They've been what?! I'm on my way. You can tell me how this happened once I get here.", Tibran urged before hanging up, getting out his staff, and sped off, riding on his staff out the window before then hurriedly arriving at the Owl House in less than a minute.
"Now, what is the situation?", Tibran asked before Selena looked guilty.
"And who is this?", Tibran puzzled.
"I'm Selena, sir. And... here's the problem...", Selena spoke nervously.
A few moments later, the situation was explained.
"You burned their memories?! Do you have any notion of the consequences of your blunder?!", Tibran scolded with a shout.
"All I know is that Luz and Willow would never be the same again unless it can be fixed.", Selena responded.
"I'm afraid it's worse than that for Luz. Now that Luz's memories have been burned, her Owl Beast is starting to come out. If she transforms completely before her memories, could be fixed, she'll remain an Owl Beast forever.", Tibran explained.
"Oh, no! What have I done...?! This is all my fault...!", Selena spoke in horror.
"You think?!", Lucia only scolded.
"Is there anything we can do?", Amity asked.
"There is one way, but it's terribly dangerous and partially illegal.", Eda spoke.
"Partially?", Tibran asked.
"So you're in the right place! I'll send you into their minds to fix the damage.", Eda spoke.
"It won't be easy. You have a lot to fix in there, 'cause it's a mess!", Mason added.
"Yep, whoever did this to Luz and Willow showed unbelievable disregard for their safety, downright despicable.", Tibran spoke with Selena looking guilty again.
"Oh, that's right. It was you!", Tibran scolded to Selena.
"Anyways, Amity, who's going inside with you?", Eda asked before Hooty opened the door and piped up.
"Maybe I can help! I'm pretty good at getting stuck inside people's heads!", Hooty spoke.
"This is someone's brain, not a night club!", Eda rebuffed before she closed the door with a spell.
"Two max.", Eda spoke.
"If I may, I may have something that can increase the limit of how many people go inside. The sooner we fix all those memories, the better. Time is of the essence and, at the same time, the more, the merrier.", Tibran spoke.
"In that case, Selena, as mad as we are at you for what happened, you have to go with us.", Amity spoke.
"Luz might not want me in there after what I did. And I'm definitely sure Luke and Lucia don't want me in there either.", Selena responded, pointing to the two who were glaring at her.
"Is that really any wonder? You set their memories on fire! But that's all the more reason you have to help. And besides, we'll fix Willow first and then Luz afterwards. Is that okay?", Amity asked.
"As long as you're quick about it.", Tibran responded before Luz then started to grow claws on her fingers as she crawled around, sniffing around for shrews and/or voles.
"Really quick.", Tibran responded before Selena sighed.
"Okay. I'll do what I can.", Selena sighed before Amity held her hand out to Selena, who hesitantly took it.
"We wanna help, too.", Kroscha spoke as she and Moscha held hands as did Emilia and Erebor with Amiyah and Mason, Boscha and Gus, and Edric and Emira.
"Alright! Bold choice, taking the girl who caused the mess.", Eda spoke before drawing a spell circle around them and summoning a bell with Tibran multiplying the bell by 6 with one person in each group taking a bell.
"When you're all done, ring that and I'll cast you back- Oh, and keep an eye out for her 'Inner Willow' for this one. She's the gatekeeper of emotions and memory. She might help ya.", Eda spoke.
"Or hinder you depending on what emotion is left remaining.", Tibran added.
"We'll keep an eye on Luz for the time being here on our end and make sure she at least doesn't hurt herself or us.", Luke responded.
Then, Eda lifted her hand with the spell circle around Selena and Amity producing a light that encased them with the same thing happening to the other five.
"Now, here we go!", Eda spoke before Selena and Amity, Kroscha and Moscha, Emilia and Erebor, Edric and Emira, Boscha and Gus, and Amiyah and Mason all disappeared into each of the 6 yellow lights of the spell before Eda directed all 6 to Willow, still fast asleep.
Then, the 6 groups of two landed in yellow columns which dissipated. Soon after, a bright light appeared and burst forward with the 12 all shielding their eyes. When the light dimmed, they're standing in a forest, each tree growing around a dark picture frame before they started walking forward.
"Where's her Inner Willow? Do you really think it'll help?", Boscha asked.
"I'm not sure.", Amity responded.
"Then, we'll just have to start fixing stuff on our own until then.", Amiyah spoke before she turned to a dark picture frame.
"I wonder what this is...", Amiyah spoke before she blew dust off a frame and coughed.
It was a picture of a fort on a beach. Amiyah reached for the picture with her hand only for it to go through the picture.
"Okay. This is weird.", Amiyah spoke before she entered the picture with Kroscha, Moscha, Emilia, Erebor, Edric, Emira, Boscha, and Gus noticing just as Mason, Amity, and Selena were looking for her.
"Amiyah? Amiyah! Where is she?", Mason asked before Amiyah stuck head out the picture.
"I think I found the memories. Let's go!", Amiyah spoke before she dragged Amity, Mason, and Selena in through the photo.
"Oh, boy.", Emira grinned before she and the rest went inside the memory and fell through the opposite side of the picture, landing face first.
"Huh? What happened?", Amiyah puzzled as the memory was now in grayscale and burning, especially while they're at a grassy beach with a dock and sign that read "LAKE LACUNA".
"Lake Lacuna! This is where Willow and I took swimming lessons! The ash must be from the fires.", Amity realized before she gasped.
"Our fort! In the dunes!", Amity shouted before she and the others ran up to the fort with Amity starting to take things off it.
"One time Willow wanted to play hooky from our swim lessons, so we built this!", Amity spoke as she shoved a plank in Selena's hands.
"Hooky, eh? I didn't know you had that in you, sis.", Edric smirked.
"That was a long time ago.", Amity responded.
"But why did you want to play hooky, much less build a fort here?", Selena asked.
"We knew the swim teacher would be on the prowl, but Willow said she'd protect us with an illusion spell.", Amity spoke, looking at the fort in pride.
"Aw. It's like a little dog house for angels!", Amiyah spoke.
"Wait, something is missing.", Amity spoke before she looked down and swiped sand off a small flag, which read "A+W" before smiling at it fondly and putting it in a small flowerpot tied to the top of the fort.
"There.", Amity spoke as the memory's color returned before Amity and the others appeared back outside the memory picture in Willow's mind.
"We're back!", Amity spoke, looking around.
"Yeah, but look. It's more colorful now.", Moscha spoke.
"I think fixing the fort fixed the memory.", Mason guessed before the memory started playing in color, showing a young Amity and Willow laughing and entering the fort.
"Ugh! The seagulls are back again!", Young Amity spoke.
"Don't worry, I'll get rid of them!", Young Willow assured before she cast a spell.
Unfortunately, instead of getting rid of the seagulls, she got rid of the fort, prompting the seagulls to attack them as the fort reappeared with the two yelling as the swim teacher spotted the girls and dragged them back to class.
"Willow!", Young Amity scolded.
"I'm sorry, I thought I was getting better!", Young Willow responded.
"What was that about?", Selena puzzled.
"Willow was a... late bloomer.", Amity responded.
"Uh, more like a great bloomer! This place is like a theater showing her most innermost important moments!", Gus spoke.
"Well, let's hurry over to this one, then. The sooner we fix her memories, the sooner we can fix Luz's next.", Mason responded before he and the others climbed in to a memory with Willow's awkward hair stage, not knowing that a pink fiery foot stepped on the ground.
In the meantime, Amity, Selena, Boscha, Gus, Amiyah, Mason, Emira, Edric, Emilia, Erebor, Kroscha, and Moscha all got to work on fixing Willow's memories as the first 2 groups fixed a swing set before then showing Willow and her dads playing on the swings with the next 2 placing a book called "Weapon of Love" back in the shelf, fixing the memory with Willow and Amity reading 13+ romance novels (although not without getting chased by the librarian), and the last 2 fixing a sign for the Roller Ghoster, which then fixed the memory of Amity waving for Willow to join her on the "Roller Ghoster" as Young Willow screamed. Afterwards, the group all went into a memory filled with apparent eggs before they then placed a sort of purple egg with teal spots on it back in the nest before they burst out from the memory with Amiyah pulling an egg shell off her head.
"We're getting pretty good at fixing these.", Amiyah spoke.
"Yeah. And there's only one last memory to fix! The photo that started it all.", Amiyah spoke, making Selena look downcast.
"Are you okay?", Kroscha asked.
"Yeah, I just... I can't believe I almost erased all of this. I really messed things up.", Selena spoke.
"Don't worry. We've gotten really good at fixing memories. I won't rest until we've got this all sorted out. Repeat after me: 'We can fix this together!' Come on!", Amity spoke as Selena smiled.
"We can fix this together.", Selena blushed.
"Heck, yeah, we can!", Gus grinned.
"I know some of these memories must be painful for you. Heck, I know what it's like with Willow seeing as the last memory is out there, but, what happened between you and Luz?", Amity asked.
"Well, I just...", Selena began before Amity sniffed as smoke appeared from nearby.
"Is something...burning?", Amity asked before she and the others gasped upon seeing pink flames destroying the memories they had just fixed.
"Look!", Amiyah shouted, pointing toward the pink monster, which appeared and ran toward the twelve, making them scream.
Back at the Owl House, Tibran was screaming, too, but in frustration as to how difficult it is to catch Luz in her worsening condition as her feathers had spread to half her body now as she flew across the house.
"Come back here, you little...!", Tibran shouted as he ran after her.
"Huh. Spritely little thing, isn't she?", Eda commented.
"Energetic is more like it. Cute, but energetic.", King spoke.
"Well, she is cursed. What did you expect?", Camila responded with a slight glare.
"Maybe we should put some bells on her so we know where she is.", Lucia suggested.
"But she's going to stay close to us, isn't she?", Luke asked.
"Not at this rate.", Lucia responded.
"Fair point.", Luke sighed.
Back in Willow's mind, a big pink monster was roaring as it ran toward the group.
"Hide, hide, hide!", Amity urged as she and the others ran behind the egg memory tree as the pink monster jumped into the photo, which got reignited as Amity and the others looked on.
"Oh, no! That thing is burning up all the memories!", Kroscha shouted in worry.
"Now, that is messed up.", Edric commented.
"Please call Eda. I don't wanna be here when it comes out!", Amity urged before Amiyah grabbed her bell and rang it.
Unfortunately, back at the Owl House, several bells were ringing as they were tied around Luz, who was all too eager to try and eat Owlet, who hooted in fright as Eda, Tibran, Camila, Luke, and Lucia had to hold her back as best they can.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Luz? Owlet is not for dinner!", Eda scolded as she grunted.
"Yeah! Why don't you pick on someone like me for a change?!", King exclaimed before Luz then turned to him and cooed as she licked her lips with her tongue.
"Weh...?!", King spoke nervously.
Meanwhile, back in Willow's mind, Amity was ringing the bell with every word.
"Why won't she answer?!", Amity shouted.
"Yeah... she's not exactly reliable at times. I can admit that.", Mason responded before the flames behind them grew.
"Run!", Emira shouted before she and the others ran as the monster emerged and then entered several more photos, mainly those with Amity involved.
"Why is it destroying all the photos?", Selena puzzled.
"I don't know. That one hasn't been burned, or that one!", Gus spoke as he looked at the swing photo and the library photo.
"Of course! Amity, that monster isn't after just any photo. It's after photos with you in it!", Mason realized with a gasp before the monster turned and focused on Amity.
"What?", Amity asked before the monster roared as its flames burned brightly and ran toward Amity.
"Run! I have an idea!", Selena urged as she shoved Amity to the beach photo.
"We can't go in there, I'm in there!", Amity exclaimed.
"I know you have no reason to, but just trust me!", Selena urged before she shoved Amity in, checked to see if the monster is coming after them, and then brought everyone with her as they all jumped in just before a gash of pink flames could touch them, and arrived at the memory with Selena then drawing a spell circle with said circle being traced on the sand but bigger.
"Time for a swimming lesson!", Selena spoke before the big circle then started to produce a big circle of ice as it rose up with the monster leaping through the photo only to land on the pillar, slip, and fall into the water, dousing the fire.
"Whew! That was too close.", Selena sighed before Kroscha grinned.
"You did it! You defeated the monster.", Kroscha spoke.
"No, I don't think she has.", Mason responded before the smoke cleared, revealing Willow with pink flames around her before she looked at Amity and the others.
"Are you... the Inner Willow?", Amity asked before the Inner Willow closed her eyes and then opened them, her eyes turning completely purple.
"I was. Love, sadness, fear. I used to be a being made of all emotions. But ever since you set Willow's mind on fire, all I can feel is ANGER!", Inner Willow responded as her footsteps left charring flames on the ground as her voice echoed before her hands ignited into flames.
Around them, the memory started to burn again as a tree was set on fire, then another, and then the fort, especially the flag, which burned to ash.
"You stop that this instant! This is too cray cray!", Gus shouted.
"Every moment she touched, I'm going to burn.", Inner Willow spoke as she summoned the birthday party photo and grabbed it with a hand coated in fire.
"You're just hurting Willow. Why are you doing this?", Amity asked.
"Still haven't figured it out yet? Then I'll show you!", Inner Willow exclaimed before she threw Amity into the memory with Inner Willow going in next.
"Amity!", Boscha shouted before she, against her normally better judgment, leapt in after her with the others following after her as they panted.
Arriving in Amity's childhood bedroom, she bounced off her bed and landed on her feet while Inner Willow floated into the memory and everyone else flew through the air and crashed into something.
"Ugh. Remind me to be careful while jumping through memories.", Mason groaned as he rubbed his head before standing up as Boscha, Emira, Edric, and the 4 younger siblings walked up to Amity.
"Where are we?", Amiyah asked before Inner Willow spoke up.
"You said I was hurting Willow? I was just finishing what you started!", Inner Willow shouted before, with a bell toll and a flash of flame, the memory began playing with the door to Young Amity's room opening as Young Amity and Young Willow entered.
"You have to get out Willow, now!", Young Amity urged.
"Wait, why?", Young Willow asked worriedly.
"Because, because-", Young Amity began.
"Is it because I still can't do magic?! Ami, I'm- I'm sorry I got us in trouble at the beach, I just- I can't get the spells right.", Young Willow apologized as she grabbed Young Amity's hand only for Young Amity to rip said hand away.
"Well..., yes, that, that is why! Because you're a weakling! You can't do magic so I don't wanna be your friend. Now, go!", Young Amity spoke before Inner Willow made them disappear into dust with Young Amity's scowl disappearing to reveal Amity's sad expression as Young Willow's tearful face disappeared, thus, revealing Inner Willow's furious one.
"Then you let your new friends pick on her for years until recently. All because you thought she was weak. Well, now I can erase all that pain. After all, out of sight, out of mind.", Inner Willow spoke as her eyes turned completely black.
"Amity!", Boscha shouted as a ring of fire circled around Amity's feet before a column of fire then erupted, making Amity scream.
"AMITY!", Kroscha, Moscha, Boscha, Emira, Edric, Emilia, and Edric shouted while everyone else gasped in horror.
"Time to burn, Amity Blight...", Inner Willow glared.
Little did anyone know that while engulfed by the ring of fire, Amity groaned in severe pain as canines jutted out from her quivering bottom lip, worrying her greatly as Amity noticed and even started to tear up before she brought her head down as her body crunched and twisted through the transformation with talons bursting out from her nail beds, wings popping out with a sickening crack, and worst of all, pained screams turning into screeching roars as her eyes were completely turning pitch black all the way and her claws scraped against the wood floor as her clothes tore off completely right before her body grew abnormally, shocking everyone before those wings unfurled quickly, causing the flames to disappear.
The Owl Beast, whose hair band snapped off during the growth, now had purple feathers with an emerald green plumage for her wings and the top of her back with her hair longer and more fierce, especially with her hair having grown out from her ears, which are pointier than before, before it then smashed its hands against the ground and roared at Inner Willow, shocking her greatly as she gasped.
"Amity! What have you done to her?!", Selena shouted angrily, shedding tears.
"She didn't do anything! She was about to, but she didn't. It's the curse Luz transferred to her.", Mason explained.
"What...?", Selena puzzled.
"I know this is a lot to take in, but right now, we have to change her back. It's a good thing I brought this with me when I did. Amiyah, hold on to this. I've got a plan.", Mason spoke, getting out a jar of elixir before handing it to Amiyah.
Meanwhile, Owl Beast Amity then proceeded to attack the briefly Inner Willow with slashes with the Inner being barely dodging them in the nick of time before Inner Willow tried to burn her with fire blasts only for Owl Beast Amity to dodge them before charging in toward her.
"What?", Inner Willow puzzled in shock before Owl Beast Amity then pounced on Inner Willow, never minding the burns before screeching at her only for Inner Willow to smirk.
"You know what? This is better. I was going to burn you, but you being resigned to the life of a monster is actually a fitting punishment.", Inner Willow smirked before Owl Beast Amity growled right before roaring as she raised her claws and descended them toward Inner Willow!
"ENOUGH!", Mason shouted before he chained Owl Beast Amity's wrist, preventing her from making contact as she snarled and turned toward Mason.
"Amiyah, now!", Mason shouted before Amiyah nodded and then hurried over to Owl Beast Amity and fed her the elixir before Owl Beast Amity could have any time to react and was forced to swallow it down.
"You know what you have to do, Amity. Make this right!", Amiyah urged before Owl Beast roared as she started to convulse again with her roars turning back into distorted screams as she shrank, her wings retracting, her feathers shedding, and her claws shrinking before groaning as Amity was now back to normal as she leaned down toward the ground on all fours, her clothes halfway torn in some holes before Inner Willow turned to Amiyah.
"What have you done?!", Inner Willow growled.
"Wait! Please.", Amity urged before Inner Willow turned to see Amity, who groaned as she struggled to get up while also explaining why it happened.
"Before all this started, ugh...! There- there was something else!", Amity spoke before something banged on the door.
"Amity?", a male voice spoke before the door opened with a light turning on in the darkness, showing both Young Amity and her parents' shadows looming over her.
"What is Willow doing here? She wasn't on the guest list for a reason.", Amity's mother, Odalia, spoke.
"But, she's...she's my best friend!", Amity responded as Inner Willow grew surprised by that, indicated by her widening eyes.
"Nonsense, Blights only associate with the strongest of witchlings. You can choose a new friend from one of the suitable companions we invited.", Amity's father, Alador, responded as it then showed a black and white picture of young Boscha and Skara appearing next to the Blights, both witchlings of which looked bored.
"But they're mean!", Young Amity spoke.
"Hey.", Boscha glared with one eyebrow raised.
"Just because you work with their parents doesn't mean I have to like them!", Young Amity spoke.
"Good children don't squabble, dear. Sever your ties with Willow, and if you don't...", Odalia began.
"Then we will.", Alador added, making Young Amity gasp.
"We'll make sure the girl is never admitted into Hexside. Now go, and try not to make a scene.", Odalia spoke before the door closed with all color in the room fading as all the flames went out.
"Wow...", Emira spoke in slight shock.
"I knew you said something bad happened, but wow...! That really takes the cake, Mittens.", Edric added.
"We've hated our parents for this ever since that night and we still hate them now.", Emilia responded.
"Yeah. In fact, right now, I don't even care if we ever see them again.", Erebor added.
"Amity... Is all this true...?", Inner Willow asked.
"Willow, you were never too weak to be my friend. I was too weak to be yours. I can't take back what I've done, but I can promise you this. I won't let Boscha and her gang pick on you ever again!", Amity spoke.
"And we're going to make sure we won't make fun of you like this again, either.", Boscha assured in addition.
"You get the gesture, right?", Amity asked before Inner Willow turned, tears in her eyes.
"I do.", Inner Willow responded before grabbing Amity's hand.
"I think Willow should keep her memories of you. The good, and the bad.", Inner Willow spoke.
"Me, too.", Amity responded, full of emotion, before frowning.
"And... I'm sorry I attacked you as an Owl Beast. Once I changed, I... I just couldn't stop myself.", Amity responded.
"I know. And I guess it's not all your fault. Your actions weren't exactly your own back then.", Inner Willow assured.
"Well, if that's all said and done, we still have some work to do.", Mason spoke before Inner Willow nodded with the group of 13 all putting their heads together.
A flash of light later, they're back in the main forest of Willow's mind. Emilia handed Amity the repaired birthday photo and the latter hung it in the tree with Young Inner Willow running behind them, making them turn around before Inner Willow walked out from behind a tree, no longer surrounded by pink flames, holding Young Inner Willow's hand. Amity waved at them while everyone else gave a sad grin of relief, all except Gus, who was ugly crying, before Young Inner Willow turned to leave and walked face-first into a tree before giggling and running off as Inner Willow waved and followed her.
"So, does this mean you and Willow are buddies again? For real, this time?", Amiyah asked.
"I'm not sure.", Amity responded.
"Well, why don't we go see?", Selena asked as she pulled out her bell.
"Everyone else who has bells, get them out.", Mason spoke as he pulled out his before Boscha, Kroscha, Emilia, and Emira got out the bells with all 6 out of 12 present ringing them.
Back at the Owl House, King was squealing as he and Owlet were being chased by the partial Owl Beast Luz.
"Ay, ay, ay, this cannot go on!", Camila sighed before the bell rang.
"Huh?", Eda puzzled before she looked back at Willow.
"Oh, right, I put people in there.", Eda spoke.
"Well, I guess it's done, then.", Tibran spoke as Eda then summoned forth Amity, Selena, Kroscha, Moscha, Emilia, Erebor, Boscha, Gus, Amiyah, Mason, Emira, and Edric from Willow's mind before they all landed with 6 puffs of yellow smoke, each group of 2 holding hands before the bells disappeared as Eda then used a sleep spell on Partial Owl Beast Luz, putting her to sleep to stop any further chases.
"Well, this should be good.", Tibran grinned.
Act IV
"Whoa. What went down here?", Amiyah asked.
"Well..., a lot. But mainly, Luz had been chasing Owlet and King for hours on end.", Luke responded.
"They sure can run fast.", Lucia added before Willow woke up.
"Willow! Do you know who we are?", Boscha asked.
"And what happened with Amity?", Tibran asked, noticing the torn condition.
"She went Owl Beast while we were inside.", Amiyah responded.
"Luckily, we were able to cure her before things got worse.", Mason responded before Willow sat up.
"Friendly scarecrows?", Willow asked.
"Oh, no! It's even worse now!", Boscha groaned before Willow proved otherwise as she spoke next.
"Just messing, I remember everything!", Willow spoke.
"Oh, thank goodness.", Boscha sighed exasperatedly in relief.
"She's back, guys! Willow's back! I'm gonna hug you so hard, you'll never forget me again!", Amiyah shouted as she hugged her before Selena grinned.
"Well, it looks like there's only one more person left.", Selena spoke.
"And I'll be switching out with Gus this time around. The Owl beast is taking her over by the minute. And as such, it is going to be quite perilous. And besides, Gus. Don't you need to look for someone to interview?", Tibran asked.
"Oh, my gosh, you're right. I completely forgot about it! I'm running out of time. Ugh. I'm in total free fall!", Gus exclaimed before he looked at a pile of books.
"Must I turn to forbidden sources?", Gus asked in worry as he reached for one, only for the books to growl, making Gus scream as he fell as a result.
"And on that note, we'd best be going.", Mason spoke.
"You got that right.", Eda spoke as she traced the same spell circle from before with the 6 groups getting their bells again, but this time, with Tibran taking Gus' place and with Willow getting her bell.
"And you all know the drill, right?", Eda asked.
"Yes, we are very well aware.", Tibran responded.
"Good.", Eda responded before the 14 people disappeared and got transported inside Luz the same way it was done for Willow earlier.
Once inside, a bright light lit up and dimmed, revealing a fancy hallway with a purple decor along with several paintings with each one representing a memory.
"Wow... Now, that is fancy.", Boscha spoke in amazement.
"Well, each mindscape is different per person. And this case appears to be no exception.", Tibran responded just as Amity noticed the first painting.
"Guys, look at this. It's her first day at... a human school?", Amity puzzled.
"That might be a school similar to ours.", Willow spoke.
"Let's go check it out.", Amity spoke before she and the others went in.
When they did, they found themselves outside in High School with the area looking a bit gray and dark, especially with some burns on it.
"Okay. According to this memory, we need to find the one thing that helps this memory click and it should play as normal.", Willow spoke.
"Well, you can leave this one to us.", Emira grinned.
"Yep. This isn't exactly our first rodeo.", Edric added before the twins then picked up the letters and put them back on the sign, making them read, "Happy 1st Day of School".
"'Happy 1st day of School'. Nah.", Edric spoke as he read it before he and Emira were about to mix up the letters.
But before they could, a flash of light occurred, causing the memory to play.
"Aw, man! And just when it was getting good.", Edric groaned.
"Guys, look! There's her mom. And Luke, too. But why isn't Lucia here yet?", Amity spoke.
"Hope you enjoy a first day of high school, Carino.", Camila shouted.
"Okay, Mom. We get it.", Luz grinned as she and Luke went inside.
"Huh. It's nice to know she was so eager.", Amity grinned.
"But what I don't understand is what happened?", Tibran puzzled.
"I'd rather not talk about it...", Selena sighed.
"Uh..., let's just get a move-on with the other memories, okay?", Amity asked.
"Okay.", Selena spoke before she and the others went out before they appeared back in the hallway.
"All right. Everyone, you all need to split into groups and fix as many memories as you can. That way, we can prevent Luz's inner owl beast from taking over her. Understood?", Tibran asked.
"Yes!", the 12 witches shouted with nods.
"Good. I'll restore some memories on my end from here. Now, go!", Tibran urged before one group of 3 left for the memory of Luz's first day on the Boiling Isles while the other 9 each went for the memory of Luz's first Hexside experience, her unfortunate first change, and lastly, the body swap at the Bonseborough market.
Little did anyone know that there was a foot print stepping forward with dark blue fire.
Meanwhile, in the first memory, Kroscha, Moscha, and Emilia found themselves in the center of the conformatorium where they noticed an unbound Burger Queen crown before Kroscha picked it up and looked at it a bit closely.
"Hey, guys. Do you know what this is?", Kroscha asked.
"I think it's some kind of crown.", Moscha spoke.
"Yeah, but more like a toy. I think we know what we need to do here.", Emilia responded.
"Okay.", Kroscha responded as she put it together before a flash of light occurred and dimmed, showing a memory of Eda talking with Luz, Luke, and Lucia.
"King and I don't have much in this world. We only have each other. So if that dumb crown is important to him, it's important to me. And besides, us weirdos have to stick together, you know?", Eda asked before Luz grinned and blushed as making Kroscha gasp as she widened her eyes, which were now puppy eyes, with a grin.
Meanwhile, Luz was still sleeping as Gus paced in front of her.
"No one can give me the interview I need, except... myself!", Gus realized before he created an illusion double.
"I'd rather die than expose my secrets!", Gus' illusion spoke.
"Then die you shall!", Gus responded as he rolled up his sleeves before he and his illusion struck fighting poses.
"Ahem. If you need an interview, look no further. Interesting? I'm a bad girl living in a secret fortress.", Eda spoke before Hooty crashed through the window.
"I'm the secret!", Hooty shouted before Eda shushed him and floated, gesturing to the wanted poster.
"Noteworthy? I'm public enemy number one. Accomplished? I'm the greatest witch who ever lived!", Eda stated as the mural on the ceiling glowed while Eda posed dramatically.
"What do you think?", Gus asked to his illusion as he turned to him before King burst through Illusion Gus' chest with a puff of light blue smoke.
"I think not! If you're handing out attention, I deserve it. Nyeh!", King exclaimed as he jumped to the floor before Gus' illusion disappeared in a puff of blue smoke with the real Gus looking at King and Eda.
"I will choose one of you, but which one? If you want to get picked, you'll have to impress me.", Gus spoke before King and Eda glared at each other.
"Oh, man... This is gonna be one weird night.", Luke sighed.
At the 2nd memory, Boscha, Emira, and Edric found themselves back at Hexside with the nervous Willow present next to her abomination jar.
"Huh. Seems easy enough.", Boscha spoke before she then placed the lid back on the jar as it was on the ground before another light flash occurred with Luz, who was inside the jar as an actual abomination at the time, peeked out of the pot.
"Don't listen to them, Willow. We can do this.", Luz assured before Past Willow gave a small smile as did Boscha.
"Hey, I remember hearing about that.", Edric spoke.
"Who knew they'd actually turn into such realistic abominations?", Emira asked in amazement.
Meanwhile, King was looking at himself in a hand mirror.
"Just give up, King, 'cause I got this.", Eda smirked.
"You got nothing. No one could turn down an interview with someone this pretty!", King retorted.
"Are you sure all this is necessary?", Camila asked.
"I have never been more sure of anything in my whole life. Don't forget it.", King responded before the lights suddenly turned off.
"Weh?", King puzzled as Eda was just as puzzled before Gus summoned a ball of light.
"If you want this interview, you're gonna have to start answering some tough questions. Where were you born?", Gus shouted as he shined the ball toward King.
"Weh?", King exclaimed before Gus shone the light ball toward Eda.
"What'd you eat for breakfast this morning?", Gus asked.
"Wha?", Eda puzzled before Gus went back to King.
"What's your greatest strength?", Gus asked.
"My decisiveness. W-wa-Wait, I changed my mind!", King exclaimed as the ball was moved away.
"This will be the single greatest interview of all time. So if you want it, you'll have to dazzle me!", Gus explained as he turned one ball of light into smaller dozens.
"The kid scares me.", Eda spoke.
In the 3rd memory, Erebor, Mason, and Amiyah were at the Covention theater as it showed the trio looking over to see some cupcakes in the air.
"Wow. That defies logic.", Mason spoke.
"Let me have a crack at it.", Amiyah spoke before she grabbed the midair cupcakes and set them back down on the tray before a white flash occurred and then started playing a memory of King stealing a cupcake off the other baker's tray and running.
"Oh, hey, guys! Look at all those offerings-", King began before tripping on his scarf and exclaiming.
Luz and the others to help him up, but when they both reached out for his dropped cupcake, Amity stepped on it, making King gasp.
"Oops. That was an accident.", Amity smirked.
"Yeesh...", Erebor sighed.
Meanwhile, Eda was ringing several bells with even more on the coffee table in front of her.
"How's that for interesting? There's levels to me kid, levels I say!", Eda asked.
"Yes, that was nice.", Gus spoke.
"No, it wasn't! If you want noise, I'll give you noise!", King exclaimed as he slid on the table, sending the bells flying, before he got out a metal sheet and slammed a spoon against it as Gus smiled and wrote on his notepad.
Meanwhile, at the 4th memory, Amity, Selena, and Willow were now at the center of the Bonesborough market with the staff and Owlsbert separated and on the ground before the trio looked at Lilith, the Coven Guards, and pretty much everyone that was sprawling around before Amity gasped in realization.
"I know what memory this is.", Amity realized.
"You do? What is it?", Selena puzzled.
"It's a bit hard to explain.", Amity responded before she put Owlbert and the staff back together and screwed Owlbert back onto the staff.
When she did, a bright flash lit up and dimmed. Soon afterward, there was a barking noise nearby.
"What was that?", Selena puzzled.
"Try looking over there, but just a quick heads-up? It's gonna get weird.", Amity warned before Lilith, apparently switched with a guard dog, shouted.
"Eda, you rotten sister! Switch me back! Ah!", Lilith demanded before barking.
"Say wha...?", Selena puzzled.
"I did tell you it'd get weird.", Amity responded.
"Far be it form me, but I'm not sure I like that part.", Willow spoke, gesturing to the two coven guards switched into Roselle and Dottie's bodies.
"What's happening? Who the heck are you?", the 1st guard asked.
"I'm a Coven guard, wise mouth.", the 2nd guard responded.
"No, you're not. I am!", the 1st guard exclaimed before Roselle, in the Oracle student's body, lunged toward the 1st guard.
"You get outta my body, you galoot!", Roselle shouted.
"Fight!", the 2nd guard spoke as he got out the net and was going to use it when it the memory suddenly froze up and burned a little at random spots.
"Uh, what just happened?", Selena spoke in worry as Amity and Willow turned to notice someone coated in dark blue flames and gasped.
"I think I know.", Amity spoke before Selena turned and saw what they saw, an livid Inner Luz, her body coated entirely in dark blue flames.
"You... Are you the... Inner Luz?", Selena asked before Inner Luz closed her eyes and opened them, revealing them to now be blank dark blue.
"I was... Love, sadness, fear. I used to be someone made up of all emotions. But ever since you set my mind on fire, the only thing I could feel is ANGER!", Inner Luz responded as her footsteps left charring flames on the ground as her voice echoed before her hands ignited into flames, releasing a shockwave that blasted the trio out of the memory before they landed just as everyone else got out normally.
Play Cats Don't Dance music: "Max Enters"
"Did everyone fix the memories?", Tibran asked.
"Yeah!", the groups shouted before Amity, Willow, and Selena got up.
"Yeah.", Selena responded.
"Good. Now, let's go find the Inner Luz.", Tibran spoke.
"Uh, I don't think that's gonna be a problem.", Willow spoke, pointing to the painting before out came the livid Inner Luz, who has already burned the painting and was already about to go to another one when Amity shouted.
"Wait! Stop!", Amity shouted.
"But Selena wanted this! Every moment she touched, including recently, I am going to burn.", Inner Luz spoke as she summoned the high school photo and grabbed it with a hand coated in fire.
"I know you're hurting inside, but you don't need to do this.", Willow urged.
"Give me one reason I shouldn't!", Inner Luz retorted.
"Because you're hurting Luz!", Willow responded.
"Why are you doing this?", Selena asked.
"Still haven't figured it out yet? Then I'll show you!", Inner Luz exclaimed before she threw Selena into the memory.
"Selena!", Amity shouted.
"You wanted to know everything, right? Then come take a trip down memory lane.", Inner Luz smirked.
"Uh, I don't know if I should...", Willow spoke nervously before she was abducted by Inner Luz into the photo.
"After her!", Tibran urged with Amity and the others following after her as they panted.
Pause Cats Don't Dance music: "Max Enters" (0:42/1:44)
Arriving in Luz's childhood bedroom, Selena bounced off Luz's bed and landed on her feet while everyone else flew out and crashed into the wall.
"Honestly, how do I put up with this...?", Tibran groaned.
"This must be Luz's room.", Selena guessed before Inner Luz floated into the memory and touched down.
"You said I was hurting Luz, Willow? I was just finishing what she started!", Inner Willow shouted before, with a bell toll and a flash of flame, the memory began playing with the door to Luz's room opening as Past Luz and Past Selena entered.
"You have to get out, Luz! Now!", Past Selena urged.
"Wait, why?", Past Luz asked worriedly.
"Because, because-", Past Selena began.
"Is it because I still screw things up?! Sele, I'm- I'm sorry I got us in trouble at school.", Past Luz apologized as she grabbed Past Selena's hand only for Past Selena to rip said hand away.
"Well..., yes, that, that's why! Because you're a screw-up! You can't do anything right, so I don't wanna be your friend anymore. Now, go!", Past Selena shouted.
"Selena... Why...?!", Past Luz spoke, starting to sob.
"You'll never be someone special, because you're a screw-up...and that's all you'll ever be.", Selena responded before Inner Luz made them disappear into dust with Past Selena's scowl disappearing to reveal Selena's sad expression as Past Luz's tearful face disappeared, thus, revealing Inner Luz's furious one.
"That means all this time, Luz had that kind of problem... Just like me.", Willow realized.
"After that, you and your friends ruined my social life and bullied me nonstop even when I didn't bother you! So now, since you ruined me, I will DESTROY you! After all, out of sight, out of mind.", Inner Luz spoke as her eyes turned completely black before she grew claws and feathers, growing to an abnormal size and screeching horrifically, petrifying Selena, who screamed before she ran away with Inner Owl Beast Luz chasing after her all across the bedroom.
"I don't think I can do this!", Selena panicked as she ran.
"Yes, you can, Selena! If Amity started making things right with me, so can you!", Willow assured, worrying Selena before she, as scared as she is, decided to be brave and show determination and stopped running.
Play Cats Don't Dance music: "Max Enters" (0:42/1:44)
And then, all of a sudden Inner Owl Beast Luz jumped upon Selena by the arms before roaring at her.
"Hey, Luz! I got something to tell you!", Selena shouted before Inner Owl Beast Luz only growled and raised her claw with a roar before thrusting it downward.
"I'M SORRY!", Selena shouted before the claws stopped near the chest, puzzling the Owl Beast to a point that she lets go of Selena and then sets her hands on the ground with her feet.
Pause Cats Don't Dance music: "Max Enters" (1:02/1:44)
"Look. Before all this started, there was something else. Something I was too ashamed of to tell you.", Selena spoke before the door opened to show a couple of shadows on the wall with Selena in a fowl mood with them.
"Selena?", Selena's father spoke.
"What is Luz doing here? She wasn't invited for a reason.", Selena's mother spoke.
"But, she's...she's my best friend!", Selena responded as Inner Luz grew surprised by that, indicated by her widening eyes and her tilting head.
"Nonsense. Morales' only associate with the most popular of humans. You can only choose a new friend from one of the suitable companions we invited. Nobody else.", Selena's father responded.
"Really? Where have I heard that before?", Amity spoke sarcastically.
"But they're just a bunch of jerks! Just because you work with their parents doesn't mean I have to like them!", Selena spoke.
"SILENCE!", Selena's father shouted, slapping her in the face, making her exclaim.
"Oh, dear. I think I've lost a nerve back there. But I assume you're starting to get the point.", Selena's father spoke.
"And that point is, good children don't talk back to their parents, dear. Now, be a good girl and end your friendship with Luz, otherwise...", Selena's mother began.
"We will.", Selena's father added, making Selena gasp.
"We'll make sure the girl is never admitted into this school, much less live at all. Now go, and try not to make a scene.", Selena's mother spoke before the door closed with all color in the room fading as all the flames went out as Inner Owl Beast Luz gave a sad look and whimpered a little.
"I thought my own parents were jerks, but they're even worse.", Amity spoke.
"Yeah. What a bunch of creeps!", Erebor agreed.
"Our parents may be awful, but not even they are that bad.", Emira added.
"Wait until you see my parents.", Boscha responded.
"Luz, you're not a screw-up. The only one around here is me. I should've fought harder for you. And now, look where we are. I don't know if I can take back what I've done, or if it's ever possible for you to forgive me...! But I can promise you this. No matter what, I will not let anyone pick on you ever again.", Selena responded as she got out Jessie's invite and tugged on it.
"I'm not actually gonna rip it because that is actually a real butterfly. But you get the gesture, right?", Selena asked before Amity grinned to her as Inner Owl Beast Luz's eyes went from blank black to its usual normal color.
"I do.", Inner Owl Beast Luz responded in a normal voice, shedding a small joyful tear as she turned toward Selena before she then morphed back to normal.
"I think Luz should keep her memories of you, Selena. Both good and bad.", Inner Luz grinned.
"Me, too.", Selena grinned.
"You see how that happens?", Amity grinned.
"If it's all right with you, we have a lot of work to do.", Tibran responded before Inner Luz nodded with a flash of light going off.
Soon after, all the paintings were restored with the picture of Luz and Selena in the former's room added into the hall as they grinned before they turned and saw Inner Luz and grinned before she left.
"Well, time to head on back home.", Tibran spoke as he got out a bell.
"Wait a second. What's this?", Amity puzzled, pointing to a huge painting of Belos holding a sort of newborn baby in a cloth with a 1-year old baby with her, although he was near Belos' leg.
"Since when was this here?", Amity asked.
"And who is he holding?", Boscha added.
"I... I don't know. But let's go find out.", Selena puzzled.
"Very well. But we must be careful. We mustn't stay in there for too long.", Tibran suggested before they entered through the painting and saw quite a sight.
The Emperor and Empress, who was apparently someone they knew very well, looked upon the small newborn infant, accompanied by her older brother (albeit by 1 year), with tears of joy in their eyes as the latter was pregant still.
"We... We're parents." Camilia said.
"She's... beautiful. Luz Gabriella Noceda, Princess of the Boiling Isles. You will one day be the most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles." Belos said, watching as Luz grabbed her father's finger in her little hands before she let out a yawn and her eyes closed.
Her parents watched as she slept, feeling even happier than their wedding day.
"What? She was Belos' daughter this whole time?", Amity exclaimed in surprise.
"How come we never knew this?", Boscha added before it then went to another memory.
"I hardly think this is the least of your concerns.
This time, it showed a person in a black cloak and dark gray mask sneaking into the bedroom later that night. The being pulled out a large dagger and walked toward the bed, his shadow creeping over Camila, Luke, and Luz, as well as the unborn baby.
"So, this is the bloodline the Necromancer fears so much.", the assassin spoke as he looked at the prince and princesses peacefully sleeping and raised the dagger just as Camila woke up and gasped in fright.
"Say good night.", the assassin spoke before he thrust it down and it was about to strike the unborn baby first when his hand was suddenly grabbed.
"What...?!", the assassin grunted before he was abruptly hit by a staff and stumbled backwards, dropping the dagger before he looked at who prevented the assassination.
"Lilith! Thank goodness.", Camila grinned just as Belos woke up, mainly due to Luke and Luz's crying.
"Everything will be alright, my Darling Princess. Daddy's here.", Belos assured as Luz cooed.
"Now, can someone explain what is going on here?", Belos asked before he saw the assassin.
"Lilith Clawthorne. Why am I not surprised?", the assassin glared before Lilith put a foot on the dagger and kicked it away from the bed.
Then, she dodged an attack from him and created a bubble to keep him secured.
"Hey! Let me go!", the assassin demanded before grunting as he tried to break free.
"I was doing one final round before heading home when I found this masked person trying to assassinate the prince and the princesses.", Lilith reported, gesturing to the assassin.
"GUARDS!", Belos shouted before the two ran out.
"Yes, Emperor?", one of the guards asked.
"Put him in a cell this instant. Tomorrow, he will be petrified." Belos ordered.
"You got it!", one of the guards spoke as he and his partner went to the bubbled assassin and lifted it up as the assassin chuckled.
"You think you've won? This realm is not yours to rule! 15 years from now, whether or not these children are alive, an ancient enemy shall regain his full strength. The Necromancer shall rise again!", the assassin smirked to himself as he was carted away.
"Don't count on it.", Belos retorted before turning to Lilith.
"Thank you, Lilith. You have saved my little girl's life.", Belos thanked.
"I was only doing my job." Lilith said.
"No, your job is to be the public face of the Coven. What you've done tonight was far above and beyond the Call of Duty. I want you to keep a close eye on Luz. But for now, go home. Rest. You've earned it. I have a few things to figure out.", Belos responded.
"So do I...", Selena spoke to herself as she got out her bell and rang it.
Meanwhile, Eda and King were panting, posing on the coffee table with various items littering the floor.
"So? Who got the gig, kid?", Eda asked.
"Well, this has been the hardest choice of my entire life. But with the public interest in mind, the interview goes to... Hooty!", Gus shouted.
"Hooty?!", Eda puzzled.
"Hooty?!", King shouted in shock.
"Hoot?!", Hooty exclaimed as he opened the door.
"Say wha?", Luke and Lucia spoke in surprise.
"Well, your performances got me thinking. What could create such interesting people? Only the Owl House itself.", Gus grinned before Hooty gasped and got excited.
"Tell me everything, Mr. Hooty!", Gus grinned.
"I've been waiting to hear those words all my life!", Hooty began before he closed door.
"Well, that was a bit anticlimactic for you, wasn't it?", Camila asked as Hooty continued in muffles.
"Where to begin? It all started with a hunt. Blood red skies. That's right, I was...", Hooty began as Eda and King grew annoyed.
"Ooooh, I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna bake that bird in a pie!", Eda growled.
"I'm gonna bake that kid into a pie!", King added.
"You do that and I'll give you two such a pinch!", Camila warned before the bell rang.
"Huh. Done already?", Eda asked before she then got everyone out like before.
"Thank you for getting us out, Eda.", Tibran thanked.
"By the way, where's Gus? What did you do?", Amiyah asked with a joking glare.
"He's fine, he's just dead to us.", Eda replied as he and King left.
"Yeah, those are very mixed messages.", Amiyah commented.
Just then, Luz growled a bit as she stirred before she started to shrink back to normal and yawn, stretching her arms with her voice returning to normal as well.
"What's up, guys?", Luz asked.
"Luz!", Amity shouted before she and the others, except Tibran, who only grinned, and Selena, who felt guilty, ran toward her and hugged her.
With that, Selena started to leave before Luz and the others watched her open the door and give her a shy wave before taking a step out the door.
"I remember what you did, too.", Luz spoke, making Selena stop and turn back in worry.
"Well, more accurately, what you did in there.", Luz spoke as she pointed to her head.
"And I remember you doing that, too, Amity.", Willow added to Amity.
"I can't say we're friends, but it's... a start.", Luz spoke to Selena, making her wave again, but this time, with a smile.
"I really am sorry, you know.", Selena spoke.
"So, you're finally apologizing, huh? Don't know if I believe it for even a second.", Luke responded.
"Well, you can take that up with my parents. They were the reason I ended my friendship with Luz in the first place. The reason I made the worst mistake of my life that would've ended me if I hadn't told Luz what really happened. Parents like mine can just be so... cruel.", Selena spoke.
"Oh. I had no idea you had to go through all that.", Lucia spoke, feeling silly about holding a grudge with her.
"Neither did I. And you know what? Maybe we will take it up with your parents. No child should ever have to endure whatever you went through.", Luke spoke, surprising Selena a bit.
"Oh. And, uh, Selena? Lucia and I can't exactly trust you now, but... the way you stepped in and fixed this... It was a noble thing to do.", Luke spoke.
"Yeah. So..., see you later, I guess.", Lucia spoke before Selena nodded and left and closed the door behind her.
"Guys, question: how did Selena happen to see the photo I hid in class?", Luz asked.
"Well, let's just say it was a mission for your closure.", Luke responded.
"Never mind that. How come you didn't slowly turn into an Owl Beast like Luz did?", Amity asked.
"I guess my own curse takes a while to develop.", Willow guessed.
"My first word was hoot. My second word was hoot-hoot. My third word-", Hooty continued as Selena passed by him and Gus.
"Hooty, you gotta stay on track here buddy!", Gus spoke before Selena stopped walking, reached into her pocket, and let the invite unfold.
Smiling, she let it fly off and walked away.
"Here's a song I wrote! Bored bored bored, bored bored bored.", Hooty sang before Gus couldn't take it anymore as he threw his notepad and pencil.
"Ah! I can't take this anymore!", Gus shouted as he left.
"Here a hoot, there a hoot, somewhere else a hoot hoot, hooty-hoot hoot!", Hooty spoke.
A/N: Well, that was a bit of a surprise, huh? But what's more worrying is that the Necromancer will be arriving soon. Speaking of, the assassin sent by him is voiced by Kirk Thornton, who now voices Shadow the Hedgehog. He's a cool guy. Anyway, I apologize for how long it took to get it ready. That was the longest I've ever had to work on any chapter for the story. And if you have ideas for what should happen in the next chapter, which will be called "Mini-sized problems", please let me know any time in the review after reading this chapter. :)