Owl House Academia

Chapter 10: Escape of the Palisman

Bonesborough Playground

At the playful, yet frightening to look at, playground, several baby-track Hexside students were there. A sign at the front gate read "THE SLAYGROUND funded by the Bonesborough department of parks & wreck". A sign above a bench that read "ALL BLOODTHIRSTY MONSTERS MUST BE LEASHED." Sitting on a bench under the signs were Eda, Uruslla, Eli and Luz, both the teacher and the latina girl, both looking nervous, while Eli looked questioning this.

Visibly nervous, Luz frantically asked, "What if he gets hurt? What if the kids are mean to him?" She gasped, "My parental instincts are freaking out, man."

"Not as frantic as mine, Luz," Ursulla paled, visibly worried.

Eda, who looked like she was okay with it, shrugged, "He's fine. Eli isn't freaking out about it all." And then nudged forward, "Just look at him."

The subject was King, who was climbing up the slide, and struggling on it, as Eli arched an eyebrow, "Are you sure he's okay?"

"look at him, he's fine." Eda assured them.

Luz thought on it, and nodded, "It does look like he's having fun."

Ursulla then nodded, "Yes, but we're all here to help him if he gets any booboos."

King grunted as he managed to crawl himself up, as Luz gushed, "Aw. I wonder what cute little game he's playing."

King grunted, "Stand back, cretins." He finally reached the top, as he stood up proud, and cried out, "Yes! Yes! This is a throne worthy of a tyrant." He then looked down at the kids, as he ordered, "Bow to me you snotty underlings. Bow!"

The two looked to one another, and then shrugged, "Okay." One did a handstand while the other did a backbend.

Ignoring that they didn't get the bow right, King was more elated at they did as they were told, as he clicked his claws together, and smirked, "Yes, appease your master."

Eli rolled his eyes, "Here we go..."

"This isn't for standing it's for sliding, you try." A kid said pushing King down the slide.

"Whoa, whoa!" King screamed as he crashed on the ground. He grunted, but the shouted, "ELI!" He ran over to his friends and clung to Eli's leg, "Eli, help me! That monster took my throne!"

Eda arched an eyebrow as she asked, "You mean the baby?"

King shook his head as he roared, "No, the usurper. I want you to go over there, use the Philosopher Arcanum, and blow him up. Kaboom!"

"Kaboom!" the Usurper cried out in joy as he rode a spring rider.

"Okay one... I don't think that this is what you-know-who said to use when she gave it to me." Eli pointed out, hiding the fact that Ursula was Chariot.

And Eda said, "And don't even think of asking me to use Owlbert to blow him up. Owlbert has better things to do, like this." And petted Owlbert under his beak, who warbled in response.

Both Luz and Eli gushed as they both went, "Aaaaawwwww!"

Then Luz gushed as she scooted next to Eda a she asked, "What a sweetie. How did you get him?"

Eda arched an eyebrow in confusion, and explained, "Get? I made Owlbert from the branch of an ancient tree."

Eli asked, "Ancient?"

"A rare tree known as Palisman Ore Trees," Ursula explained. "All Witches and Wizards make their palismans from this type of tree." but then sighed, as she looked saddened, "Sadly, the Palisman woods have declined. No one knows why though."

Owlbert hopped onto Eda's hand, hooting, as Eda nuzzled him, "Oh, he's my palisman and we're bonded for life." Owlbert hopped up to her shoulder, nuzzling her cheek. but her heartwarming smile disappeared as it turned into a death glare, "I'd annihilate anyone who'd hurt or destroy him."

Urusula chuckled remembering how someone tried to do that during their school years and the anarchy that followed.

King huffed as he stated, "Fine. Don't help. Revenge will taste all the sweeter if they fall by my hand alone." And then laughed maniacally, "MWAAHAHAHAHAHHAA!"

Though it was halted as the Usurper got behind him and shoved him over, "Tag, your it!" and then laughed as he ran off.

Eda chuckled, "Oh, man. Here we go. King's squeak of rage."

Eli arched an eyebrow as he asked, "Squeal of rage?"

Urusla giggled, "You'll see."

King stood up, as he grumbled, "Nyeh! Nyeh!" But then squealed at a high pitch tone, thrashing on the ground as he did so. He then charged after his rival, still squealing.

Both Urusla and Eda laughed, as Eda stated, "He's like a little teakettle." Snorting as a result.

Urusla laughed as well, looking rather cheerful than nervous as she always, "It never gets old."

Owlbert went and nuzzled Eda with his head, though Luz and Eli can see something at the bottom of his foot. "hey Eda?" Luz began.

"What's that?" Eli asked, pointing at the shape under Owlbert's foot.

Eda looked and saw what they were talking about and explained, "Oh, that's his interlock. So he only fits on to my staff. Every palisman has one."

Though as she spoke, everything but her, her staff, and the bench, disappeared. She blinked as she called out, "Luz? Eli? Ursula?"

She stood and looked around the void. Both her staff and the bench disappeared, "Hello?"

Her call echoed all over, as the real world returned with the trio looking over her.

Luz looked in a panic to her, "Eda! Eda! Wake up!" Eda's eyes opened as she was now laying down on the bench.

Ursula helped her old friend up and asked, "Eda, you okay? You passed out."

Eda shuddered a little, "What? Oh, no. The curse. Hey, we have to get home. Now!" She picked up her staff and with Ursula's help, left.

Luz followed after as Eli called out, "King, we have to go! Now!"

King, who was atop the jungle gym and facing the Usurper, cried out, "Five more minutes, please!"

Luz and Eli called out, "King!"

King grumbled, as he sighed, "Ah, man." He then pointed at Usurper as he stated, "This isn't over."

"Okay, let's play again real soon," Usurper said, as he walked over to hug King.

King paled at this, as he cried out, "No, no. Keep those sticky hands away! Oh, no!" And then he was hugged, as he cried out hysterically, "He's touching me! AAAAH!"

Later On

Owl House

Eda dropped on the couch, tired.

Eli and Luz were about to run up to her room, as Ursula stayed to help her out, "Hang on, Eda. We'll get the elixir."

Eda spoke in the couch's cushions, "Don't worry about it. I'll get it myself in a bit."

Eli stopped as he stated, "We are not gonna risk the chance of being stalked by the Owl Beast. Again."

"Do you need us to stay home?" Luz asked before gasping, "I could put King in a little Doctor's outfit."

All eyes turned to King who was with a big stack of papers and confused he asked, "Meh?"

Ursula went starry eyed, as she asked, "Is it weird that I want to take photos of that?"

"Probably not," Eli shrugged.

Eda groaned, "No one wants to see that."

Luz looked to everyone, and then back to King as she whispered, "I do."

"Me too." Ursula whispered still starry eyed at the thought.

Eda grumbled, as she turned over on her back, "Look, I know how to take care of myself. I've had this curse longer than you've been alive, kids."

Eli then looked to her and asked, "Speaking of the Curse, you said that a while ago, you were cursed. Do you know how you got it?"

Eda grunted, "I don't know."

Everyone, minus Ursula, blinked, as Luz asked, "You don't know?"

"Could it have been someone that you rubbed the wrong way? Old boyfriend you dumped," Eli asked.

Eda was getting annoyed as she groaned, "Look. Somebody gave it to me. I don't know who and I don't care because I'm fine, all right?" She then sat up and asked, "Anyway, don't you guys have plans with Raccoon girl, Shroom Queen, and Tweedledum and Twerpledee?"

"And the Cavendish siblings," Eli finished.

"Oh yeah the big Grudgby game!"

Luz nodded, "Yeah, August said that he wanted to take me, Eli, and the others to a Grudgby game between Hexside and Glandus High."

Eda screwed Owlbert back in place onto the staff, as she arched an eyebrow, "Since when are you two into sports?"

Luz smirked, "Since I found a little something called 'Hexside Pride'," she then grunted, "To think that Glandus, whoever they are, would dare face us."

"And mostly, who wouldn't want to see a sport with people flying on staffs and magic," Eli smirked, excited, but rather calm. But he turned to his aunt, "But if you need one of us to stay..."

"Ugh... compassion guilt... go." Eda pleaded.

Ursula sat next to Eda as she smiled, "I'll keep an eye on Eda. You kids go and enjoy the games. But stay out of trouble."

"Please. what sort of trouble can we get into?" Luz asked.

Eli shook his head, as he headed out, "We'll try not to get into too much trouble." And then joked as he smiled, "Mom."

Ursula paused as she heard that and turned to Eli's direction.

Her face had a sort of forlorn look.

Though Eli didn't notice it, as he was long outside. Luz didn't notice it either, as she knelt down at King, who was drawing up schemes against the Usurper, "Hugs and kisses, King." And kissed his skull, as she headed out in a sing song tone in her voice, "Don't spend all night plotting revenge."

King, who was still hard at work, spoke in a sing-song tone, "That drooly‐faced heathen will know my wrath."

Ursula sighed after the two went out and looked down, still forlorn, whispering, "Eli..."

Later ON

Hexside Front

As the two were walking to the front for the others, Eli asked, "Ever wonder what King would do if he was in the Human Ream? I'm just saying, he might actually be able to conquer it."

"Doubt it did you see how cute he is? He could be the next Pokechu." Luz said squealing at how cute he'd look like the electric mouse on some adventurer's shoulder, about to go on an adventure to be the very best that no one ever was.

Eli thought on it, as she said, "yeah, that's what concerns me. If he did go through, he'd be like..."

In the human realm, everyone was going to and from their daily lives. Until a shadow walked upon them, getting their attention. There, standing at the street, was King, with his little crown, and Franscois at his side, still little too.

Everyone suddenly gushed, as King spoke up, "Dwellers of the Human Realm. Can you not resist the hypnotic power of King of the Demons?" Everyone was still in a trance of this, gushing and taking selfies, until King ordered, "Then Bow to your King!"

They suddenly did so, as they bowed on their knees, and chanted, "King... King... King..."

Then King puffed out his chest, as he cried out, "Have some of this!" And then blew out fire, incinerating all that was around him, and those around him too.

Snapping back to reality, both teens shook their heads, but Luz asked, "Wait. Can King breathe fire?" But Eli shrugged at that idea.

The two made it to Hexside as they almost walked into their boat, who was also alive.

"Luz, Eli!" Willow cried out.

They made it past the boat-beast thing... and went to their friends, Willow, Gus, and August.

Following there was Diana and Akko, including Sucy.

Akko went hugging Eli, "Master Eli!"

Eli hugged her back, "Nice to see you're okay. I take it the sleepover with Willow and Sucy wasn't okay?"

Akko whimpered, "It was terrifying, she wanted to feed me all these questionable mushrooms and put them in my dishes. I was almost force-fed one in my sleep if it wasn't for Willow!"

Willow looked apologetic, "I am very sorry that happened to her Eli."

Eli looked to Sucy and asked, "I thought I was the guinea pig?"

"You are," Sucy said, and then looked away as she softly smiled, blushing, "I'm saving my better experiemnts for you. Personally."

"No more experimenting on friends." Luz said getting between them.

Luz let that slide, as she smiled, "Well, anyway...Happy game day, fellow, uh... Are we Hexidians? Hexies?" She then gasped, "Hexoleos?"

Willow shrugged happyily, "Actually, most people call us..." And then looked serious as she clenched her fist, "... winners."

Gus nodded, "Grudgby games are the best. The players go through these action‐packed trials. And the audience gets to wave flags. Look, I practiced." He then pulled two flags out, turned in a circle as he waved them and hummed while doing it.

Luz then looked at her hoodie and Eli's, as she asked, "Is it weird that we're not wearing anything Hexside?"

Willow shrugged, as she pointed at Luz, "Um, it's weirder that you're wearing Glandus colors."

Eli looked and said, "I told you something was off about your colors today."

A giant student walked passed them and knocked Luz, as she said, "Get ready to get creamed, Glandus nerd!"

"See what I mean," Eli said.

"I'm a Hexside nerd!" Luz shouted after the giant student before asking, "Umm... know where I can show my Hexiallegence?"

August thought on it and suggested, "I believe you can find something in Lost and Found."

"Thanks." Luz smiled as she went to Lost and Found.

Moments Later

The front doors of Hexside busted open, as Luz, now in full Hexside apparel, waved pom-poms. "Goooo, Hexside!" And did a split, as she went wide eye, "Well, I never did that before." she got up, and blinked, as she saw only Eli and the others stand by "Uh, where is everyone?"

The dragon bus was flying away, while the giant student, who was flying in the rear, shouted out, "Hexside rules!"

"Oh, no! Come back," she called out, as she ran down, and looked to everyone, "Why didn't you guys board the bus?"

Eli crossed his arms, as he said, "And leave you? No way." Willow nodded, "We weren't going to leave you behind, Luz."

Gus sighed, "I was."

August nodded to Sucy and Diana, "they wanted to as well."

Akko then said, "I'd never leave master behind."

Diana sighed, "Well, we are completely without any means of going to the game at all."

Eli shrugged and asked, "Why not use your Palismans?"

"We don't get them until we're of age, but with the shortage of Palis-ore wood... We'd have to wait for someone to fly us there." August explained.

Luz thought on it, while Eli thought of something as well, as he asked, "Why not use a combination of Wind and Hover magic to fly yourselves over?" The others stood there, looking a bit surprised, and then they all began to erupt with laughter.

Eli blinked, "What?"

Luz also asked, "yeah, what's so funny? You guys could do that."

"The stuff you guys think up," Willow giggled.

"Nobody can fly without a Palisman. And there's no such thing as Wind Magic," Gus waved off.

"You guys have magic for almost anything, but you can start or control wind," Eli asked.

"Eli if it was actually a thing then we'd be able to fly without palisman."

Luz sighed, "Well, we'll have to go with Plan B."

Back at the Owl House

Luz was on her knees in front of Ursulla who was told the situation, as she pleaded, "Please, Miss Castillis, you gotta lend us your palisman and Eda's to get us all to Glandus."

Ursula bit her lip, "The thing is... I... don't have a palisman..."

Everyone blinked at this, as they all asked, "Huh?" "Did you lose your Palisman," Akko asked. "Did it run away from you," Gus also asked, the reporter in him asked.

"No... I never had one before... There was a shortage of wood and it made those in my class, other than Eda and Lilith, to not have Palisman, especially during the curse wars."

Luz arched an eyebrow, "Curse Wars? Was that during the 1980s? Is it like the Human Realm's version of the Cold Wars?"

"Not exactly..." She looked to the other kids, "It was a war that happed for 30 years when a witch that became known as "The Curse Master" incited a rebellion and a civil war against Emperor Belos which last till 20 years ago when Chariot's predecessor drove him into the darkness, his followers scattered, but because of his uses of wild magic and curses he gained the title of "The Curse Master" due to his actions made all who feared him refused to call him by his name. The war was harsh and many were caught in the crossfire, much like the Palisman groves."

Eli blinked, "Dang. Did they ever catch this Cursed Master?"

"No... About 20 years ago he tried to resurge himself but that was where Chariot made her debut and ended him... but at great loss... but those loyal or who aren't happy would try and start up trouble, tored of Belos' system."

Everyone was a bit taken by that, but by those who did know of the past, only Eli and Luz were a bit taken by that. Then Sucy nudged Eli, "It's more believable than Wind Magic or using said magic to fly without a palisman."

"I remember watching his debut calling Belos' claims of listening to the titan heresy and he was a fraud." Ursula shivered.

Luz sighed, "Well, this scratches any plan we have of going to Glandus and watching Winners kick the snot out of them at Grudgby."

"I'm sorry everyone..."Ursula said looking at them.

Sucy thoguht, "Well, there's always the Dark Woods."

The room stopped while the confused duo asked, "The Dark Woods?"

Sucy looked ominous, her fearful nature rising as a dark aura surrounded her, "They say the Palisman of Wild Witches are sent there by the Emperor to Die. They cry out for the mourning of their masters." She then showed her back as she said, "Many have gone through the forest to find them..." And then turned to face them with her eye, as it glowed red, "... and never come out alive."

Luz gulped.

Eli, in the first time everyone had known him, asked, "But there are Palisman in the forest, aren't there?"

"Well yes... but tghey're not really happy..." Gus said scared.

"Palisman Hunting it is! We're gonna find a way to Glandus vs Hexside no matter what," Luz decreed.

August smirked with a sweatdrop, "She's really geared up about this, isn't she, Eli?"

"Ever since Eda said Luz could do magic with a staff, she's been aching to do whatever it takes to get one," Eli replied. "Even clean Hooty."

Said house demon opened the door, and reported, "I'm 40 percent mucus!"

Everyone watched before all shouting, "TO THE DARK WOODS!"

Ursula paled at this, as she called out, "Eda, help me! These kids are planning to go to the Dark Woods! Eda?!"

She saw King standing before the door.

Everyone blinked, while Diana went starry eyed, while hiding her face with her hair. Luz asked, "King, where's Eda?"

"Umm... not in the room awaiting my command." King said, lying.

Eli arched an eyebrow, "King?"

King remained steadfast.

Ursula then waltzed to the stairs, "I shoudl go up and see if she's okay?"

King got in her way, "No don't!" He shouted frantically.

Everyone blinked as they asked, "Huh?"

He then hurried upstairs as he said presenting Owlbert, "here you go!" and goes back to Eda's room as he got on and ordered, "To the playground my vengeful steed!"

they all blinked at this, as Gus asked, "Her curse is flared up, isn't' it?" "Without a doubt. He's probably gonna use Eda to get revenge on his Usurper," Eli droned.

"The who?" August asked while Akko gasped, "Did King get usurped from his throne?"

"We'll explain while we go to the forest to find more palismans," Luz replied as she held Owlbert.

Owlbert hooted awake, startled.

"Hey, Owlbert. Sorry for the rude awakening, but we could use your help to find Palismans," Luz asked.

Gus then asked, "Couldn't we just have Owlbert take us to Glandus all together?" August replied, "You honestly think Owlbert can carry all of us together?"

Owlbert hooted, concerned about this, looking back to Eda's room.

King called out, "Nothing to see here, Eda says to take care of Owlbert! she trusts you guys!"

Luz walked, "Well if you're sure..."

Eli reached over and petted Owlbert, as he replied, "Don't worry, Owlbert. Luz isn't a complete klutz, and I'll be sure to make sure nobody goes overboard with you, buddy."

Owlbert hooted, nodding as he trusted Eli.

Later On

The Dark Woods

They were as ominous and ancient as some legends stated. And the fact that anyone could get lost in it was a plus on it. Everyone was in line with Luz and Eli leading the front, as Luz gently held Owlbert out as Eli asked, "I've been meaning to ask, but why have you been sticking Owlbert out like that? It's like you made him into a poison detector, without the silver coating." "I figured maybe Palismans can sense one another. Maybe if I stuck Owlbert out, he'd get a good reading," Luz explained. She pulled him back, as she asked, "Anything, buddy?"

Owlbert looked around before shaking his head with a warble.

Luz sighed, "Dangit. I was really hoping we'd find Palismans in this forest." She then looked to Owlbert and smiled, "Maybe we'd find another one to befriend." "And teh fact that you'd have one to wield magic made no nevermind to you, does it," Eli asked. Luz shrugged, "Well, that. and I always wanted to have a mystical animal friend as my magical partner." "And King doesn't count," Eli teased.

"King's more like an adorable little mascot/cuddle buddy." Luz pointed out.

Gus paled as he whimpered to Willow, "How can those two be so calm? This is teh Dark Forest. Nothing comes out of here. Nothing. We should have called your parents to take us." "But Willow's parents were at work, so they couldn't do that," Akko explained, having slept over with Willow and overheard the situation.

Diana, coming back from her cute stupor of King asked, "Can we return to the subject of Eda being cursed?"

Willow was the one to explain the Owl Beast to Diana and August, as she explained that Eda had been cursed to turn into an Owl Beast. She didn't know where or how it happened, But Eda seemed to space out about the seriousness of taking the elixir the Healer's and Potions' Covens had perscribed to her. Even Luz mentioned she was so fixated on Hexes Hold'em that she completely forgot to stock up.

Diana looked down, "But what about the Coven Head of the Healer Coven? His level of skills might be able to help."

Eli turned around and said to Diana, "Actually, I asked Eda about it back then, but she shrugged it off. It was Miss Castillis that said it was the Head that went to see her when she first got it at 14."

Diana remained silent about this, before muttering, "he never said anything..."

August thought on it as he pondered, "Now that I think about it, he did seem rather fixated and studied nonstop on the source of a bizarre curse. It almost put him through exhaustion on it." "Hey, guys," Luz asked, as she looked around, "Does anybody know hwere we are?"

"The Dark Woods." Sucy answered, as if that was obvious.

"yeah, but does anyone know our route," Luz asked. Everyone looked around and saw for themselves... the pathway leading out was gone. Nothing but darkened forest. The path was gone.

Gus began to shiver as he looked like he was about to have a panic attack.

Luz thought on it, as she held Owlbert's staff, "I might have an idea." She then drew around them in a big circle, with Owlbert watching, as she then drew in teh center, making the sign of the Light Glyph.

Gus shouted, grabbing Willow in fear, "Turn it off! Turn it off! Turn it off!"

However, it was not too late, as the light was dying down... and something swooped out and grabbed Owlbert off the staff.

"Owlbert!" Both Eli and Luz cried out, running after the Palisman.

They were about to rush in, but suddenly, mushrooms erupted all around, blocking their way, or sending them flying up in the air, as giant mushrooms were growing to block the path or hold them up in the air.

Luz stared, "No! Please! I'll find you Owlbert! I promise!"

Eli cried out, "Just be strong, Owlbert! We'll find you!" Akko looked to Sucy as she stated, "Sucy, what was with the mushrooms?!" "Honestly, that wasn't me," Sucy replied, but then thought on it, "there must be something going on... or someone in this forest stealing Palismans." Gus picked up on that as he stated, "I heard the Emperor's Coven have been stealing Palisman nonstop. Even cutting down the Palisman Woods and stripmining it."

"What? But that's against what we were taught in class." Diana said, unable to believe it.

Eli turned around as Luz struggled to climb down, "What do you mean?"

"We were taught that Paliswood is a prized means for future generations of Witches, and that it was because of the Curse Master's dark forces that was stealing Palisman." Diana stated.

"Gaaaaah!" Luz cried out as she fell down and crashed on the ground. "I'm okay." She then got up as she said, "Hang on, Owlbert. I'm ACK!" Luz cried out as she fell back on the ground.

Everyone safely got on the ground, as Luz struggled to get back onto her feet, her left ankle swollen, even while she used Eda's staff as a walking crutch.

Eli looked concerned, "Are you okay Luz?"

"Yeah, arg... I'm fine... AGH!" Luz whimpered through her steps, but bit away at the pain to limp forward, making her way to where the strange creature flew and snatched Owlbert.

Eli stopped her, "Luz wait!"

"No! Owlbert's my responsibility. It was my idea that got him in this situation, and I'm gonna be the one to..." But suddenly, Eli got in front of her, and knelt down, as he said, "I know. But you can't walk with your leg like that, so I'll carry you." Luz blushed at that, as Willow and Akko blushed like fangirls at this site, as Luz asked, "Y-You want to carry me on your back?"

"Yeah, it's a cinch, since I now know Construction Magic and have been working on my Body Enhancement powerups," Eli said.

Blushing, Luz smiled nervously, "Well, I think I can give my ankle a wee bit of a rest while looking for Owlbert."

"Or you can have one of us heal your girlfriend's leg for you." August called from the background, looking a bit pouty for being forgotten. Both blushed at this, as August smirked mischievously, "Though I wouldn't worry about it. We can heal it up in a while once we find Owlbert." Everyone withheld their giggles, while the two blushed.

Meanwhile

Owlbert fell on the ground, as the little owl palisman recovered from being snatched. But at the moment, Owlbert looked as it saw a huge bird-like being tower over him, with big yellow glowing eyes.

Owlbert hooted worried at the being before him.

And suddenly, in a poof of smoke, Owlbert swatted it away... only to blink at what it was looking at. It was a Red and yellow Phoenix only a few inches bigger than him, maybe a quarter of King's size. It had a lovely coat of yellow and red feathers, blue eyes, three cowlick feathers on its head like a crown swept back, and a lovely long tail behind it. But despite its beauty... it seemed to have the mentality of a child, as it hopped around Owlbert, wanting to play with him, seemingly confusing the palisman.

Owlbert hooted confused about the bird before him, questioning its identity and what it was doing here alone.

But suddenly, mushrooms erupted underneath them, acting like trampolines as the phoenix was bounced up and down, with its left clawed foot revealing... an interlock.

Owlbert blinked surprised and asked, in hoots, if it was a palisman like he was.

The palisman though stopped as it halted its flapping, as it gently chirped to Owlbert. Suddenly, something shot up and bounced with them. It appeared to be a mushroom of sorts; a body color of white stem and a red cap with white spots, with two little noodle arms with a shroom top for one arm each; the left was white and the right was red, and underneath the hood was a single yellow eye. But it bounced up as it revealed an Interlock as well, with the phoenix taking a wing and patting it on the head to calm it down.

Owlbert looked around to see anymore Palisman with the three of them.

However, he did hear a familiar voice, "Owlbert? Owlbert! Owlbert, where are you?"

The two palismans heard that as well, as another familiar voice called out, "If you can hear us, give us a sign!"

Owlbert gave a loud "HOOOOOOOOOOOT!"

"That's Owlbert!" Luz called out. "Either that or Hooty!"

Owlbert shook his head at that comment, and jumped and flew down, as the two Palismans looked. Luz looked around, while still being carried by Eli, "Owlbert? Owlbert?"

"Hooo,"

Owlbert suddenly flew down, right in front of them, as the kids looked. Luz and Eli lit up as both cried out, "Owlbert!" And Luz immediately hopped off... only to winch and cry out due to her ankle, "AH!" Owlbert was a bit startled by that, as he jumped back, but then noticed Luz's ankle was swollen, as everyone rushed to her.

He flew over hooting concerned for Luz.

However, before Owlbert got to her, the phoenix flew in between them, and screeched at the students and humans. Gus blinked as he blabbed out, "Is that a Phoenix?! Those birds are super rare!"

Eli looked at the Phoenix staring at it.

Eli tried to reach out to it, but the Phoenix tried to scare him off. But to no avail, as he gently put Luz to the others as he walked over to it. The phoenix continued to cry out at him, but he stilled walked towards them. Suddenly, the Phoenix's ferocity was fading, as it seemed scared, and whimpered as it spread out its wings to shield Owlbert.

Eli approached calmly and cautiously as he said "It's okay... you don't need to do this... Owlbert is our friend... we just wanted to make sure he was okay before his partner finds out he was missing and kill us." He then asked the phoenix, "Have you been here all alone?"

the Phoenix turned to him, almost confused by this gesture. Most beings like him snatched Palismans and one in particular killed them. It looked to Owlbert chirping the question about it.

Owlbert warbled to tell it that Eli and Luz are his friends.

The Phoenix looked to the two humans, and to Eli who knelt down between them, and gently reached out to the phoenix. The phoenix was flinching, afraid that Owlbert was wrong... only to be greeted with a gentle pat on its head, and gentle petting as it looked to Eli, who only had a soft and calming smile on his face.

Eli kept on smiling as he asked, "There now, see you and I are friends."

The Phoenix seemed to soften, and unshield Owlbert. It turned to face Eli front to front, while Owlbert hopped over to Luz, and hooted, looking at Luz's ankle in concern.

Luz smiled assuring Owlbert, "I'm fine Owlbert, I'm just happy you're okay." And hugged him to her.

"Y'know, I don't think I've ever been in this part of the woods," Willow stated. "I kept stepping on a lot of crunchy twigs."

Luz and August gulped, as the latter sweatdropped with a nervous smile, "Um, Willow... Those are bones."

Willow suddenly looked up, "Not if I never look down."

A shadow passed them, making them all yelp together, with Eli shielding the Phoenix, confusing it much deeply about this boy as it looked up to him. Despite the overwhelming terror situation, this boy was holding his own. Why though?

Luz gulped, "This isn't any kind of forest I'm used to." As she saw a bunch of webs, that even Owlbert was freaking on about.

Willow the paled, as she realized it all, "That's because this isn't a forest."

"It's a cave." Akko whimpered hiding with Gus behind Sucy.

Suddenly, three screeching forms were hopping towards them, as Willow paled, "It's a nest!" And appearing from the shadows.. were the Bat Queen's kids.

Luz and Eli blinked ,"Wait... aren't they..."

"The Bat Queen's children," Akko finished.

THe others paled as August asked, "The Bat Queen?"

Eli looked to them and asked, "You know her?"

"Know of her and fear her!" Gus gulped and turned screaming, "She's going to eat us!"

Willow backed away and gulped, "I think taking our chances with Eda's Owlbeast form."

Diana and August both felt fear as they took steps back while Akko was on all fours, pressing agaisnt the ground as she whimpered, "Please don't eat me." over and over again like a chant.

Eli, while still shielding the phoenix shook his head, "Oh, calm down. The Bat Queen isn't a monster. Sure she's got a head for a body, and she's big enough to swallow a chest of gold and a person, she's not a monster..." At that moment a shadow loomed behind him, as he asked, "And she's right in front of me, isn't she?" The boy turned to see The Bat Queen step forward from the shadows to face the children, right in front of Eli and into the light.

Everyone gasped as she looked at Luz and Eli, as she calmly said, hissing, "Hello... humans."

The two gulped as it seems like she isn't as happy as before during the Wailing Star Night.

Luz managed to get up with the help of Eda's staff, with Owlbert looking at her in concern, as she wobbled over on a still bruised ankle, "Hiya, BQ. My, your hair is looking greasy. And your kids," she winched and she nervously chuckled. "They're as hideous as ever. To speak in Boiling Isles terms, of course."

The Bat queen growled as Gus whispered, "You know, that coulda gone worse."

Luz chuckled nervously, as she stopped next to Eli, "So... Owlbert got snatched by some giant beast and we were looking for him. We didn't mean to wander in your nest, so we'll leave..." the Bat Queen put a claw on Luz's chest to startle her, as she screamed, "Ah!" And fell flat on her butt, as the crash acted on her ankle, "Aaaaah!"

Owlbert saw this, and was about to hop to her, but the same mushroom palisman stretched out its arms and pulled him back to the Bat Queen, as she berated, "To be careless with a staff, it's very serious. I protect him."

Eli helped an injured Luz on her good foot, as he stated, "And thank you for that, uh, but he belongs to Eda, the Owl Lady." He then looked to her, as the Phoenix flew over to the Bat Queen. "And you owe her a favor, remember?"

"Owl Lady is careless," she shot at them both, "Her staff left her sight. Taken by humans who steal, frighten..."

The kids all blinked at that, "Huh?"

The Bat Queen's eyes glowed, as the others glowed with her, as she said, "I sensed it. heard his crying voice in fear."

Owlbert's eyes glowed but tried to convey what really happen, but it seems to be a losing battle.

"But nobody ever meant to hurt Owlbert," Luz said as she knelt down. "Please trust me."

"You also came here to hut down Palismans, DIDN'T YOU," the Bat Queen roared.

Eli stood up, "We didn't! We were just looking for Palisman to help us!" he stood his ground even though his body was shaking.

"NO MORE LIES! HE told me of how humans want to destroy magic and burn any who get in the way! We Palismans are of magic!" Bat Queen screamed.

However, Owlbert flew up to the Bat Queen and hooted, calming her down, as she thought, and looked to the humans, "You want Owlbert back? Then you must pass three tests." The witchligns were about to join in, but suddenly, mushrooms and fungai gummed them up to keep from getting close as the mushroom palisman hopped on front of them, as the Bat Queen stated, "By yourselves."

Luz stood up, on her shaking and injured ankle as she asked, looking blue in the face and sweating up a storm, as she said, masking her pain but her voice said otherwise, "Sure. Whatever you got, we'll do it."

The Bat Queen then asked, "Anyone among you able to heal? Human girl needs healing."

August and Diana raised their hands.

After getting healed, both Luz and Eli stood at the ready, while the mushroom Palisman used string mushrooms to wrap the kids in place once the healing was done again. Flames erupted in front of the Bat Queen, three pillars to show the number of trails, while Owlbert was kept from flying towards the two by the Phoenix palisman, who seemed to watch Eli intensely.

Willow called out while still trapped, "Luz, Eli. The Bat Queen is well‐known for her impossible trials. I've never heard of anyone winning against her."

Luz turned to her as she sadly smiled, "But we have to get Owlbert back."

Akko and Willow nodded, looking like they understood, Gus managed to wag his flags out. the siblings could watch the scene and hoped for their newfound interesting future classmates would best these trials. While Sucy looked at the mushroom palisman and asked, "So you're the one with the giant mushrooms, eh? Mushroom keeper witch Palisman, eh? Interesting."

"Now, let the trials begin," the Bat Queen called out. "Trial one: Milk the spider demon."

Eli's eye twitched that.

A giant cow-sized spider with udders approached both human realm residents, while Luz was holding a bucket. The spider demon growled, as Luz and Eli approached, "All right. Come here, pal. Let's do this." The spider demon ran, as it was squealing. Eli realized this, as he shot at it, while behind Luz, as he remembered why tehy were doing this, "If you run, you'll just make this harder for yourself." Moments later, one of the three flame pillars went out, showing the test was completed, as the Bat Queen stated, unfazed by this, "Remove bees nest."

Luz and Eli climbed a tree, empty staff in hand. A giant buzzing bees nest was sitting in one of the branches. She raised the staff to smack the nest, but it turned into the head of a giant bee that screeches at her. Luz and Eli both yelped, as they both fell out of the tree. The two ran passed the others, screaming, the bee screeching after them. Moments later, another pillar went out showing the two passed it again. Owlbert was looking at the kids in worry, as the Phoenix seemed a bit confused on these two. Everyone would have given up by now, even running away when the third test was the toughest.

Bat Queen, "Third test: Give babies a bath!"

Eli looked to Luz and said, "This should be easier than the others."

Luz was eating those words now, as the two were scrubbing one baby bat, sitting on another, and Eli had the third biting his shoulder. They're all covered in suds. Willow called out, "Go, you guys"

Akko cried out, "yeah, you can do it!"

But Gus asked, "You guys sure you don't need help?"

"You help, humans forfeit Owlbert!" Bat Queen screamed out to the kids, not to interfere.

"No, I was selfish," Luz stated, as she and Eli cleaned the screeching babies. "... and we almost got Owlbert hurt. We... I need to do this so he knows we care about him."

And Eli dumped a barrel of water over the baby bats. They turned around to show the two humans they were squeaky clean and neat wtih shiny face. The two gushed at that... only to freak out when they shook their heads and screeched at them. Owlbert looked at the two humans in worry, while the Phoenix looked at the two, and heard Luz speak her reasons. It didn't sense a lie at all from her, and the trio didn't give up at all.

The two humans walked up to the Bat Queen, the final test done with, as the last pillar was snuffed out. Luz huffed from exhaustion, "Okay, so we milked the Spider Demon, both fangs and udders, cleared the Bee's nest, and we were able to clean your babies, Bat Queen."

"Which to be honest, was way easier to clean than Hooty. Him being a Worm type of House Demon," Eli sweatdropped, earning Willow, Gus, Akko, and Sucy to shudder at that fact.

"So may we please bring Owlbert home?" Luz asked politely looking at Bat Queen.

The Bat Queen looked down at them, almost like she was going to go back on her word. But then Eli asked, "Bat Queen. May I ask something?"

"Yes, you may, Hybrid," she shot at him.

Eli cleared his throat, "I'd like to know: Why are you so protective of Owlbert? You know that Eda takes exceptionally amazing care of him. Also to the point where she'd annihilate anyone who would hurt him. But.. why are you so dedicated to protecting him?"

The question threw off the kids, even the Queen, as she sighed, "It is not just him I protect."

"Is it because you're a Palisman," Eli asked, which actually threw everyone off guard. "I only saw it for a moment when you flew from the Owl House, but it was an odd marking under your right foot. When Eda told us about Palismans an Interlocks, when I saw it, it hit me. You're a Palisman."

That caught all of the Witch's surprise as the bat Queen looked away in pain.

Luz then walked up, looking empathetic to her as she asked, "So... is it true, Bat Queen? Are you a Palisman?"

The Bat Queen nodded, "Yes... I was." She looked at her interlock, and clenched her claw, "I was once part of a grand staff. A staff made for a giant." She then looked saddened, "But I was broken in battle, and by the victor, I was discarded."

Eli then pieced it all together, as he deduced, "So, that's why you're so protective of Owlbert."

Bat Queen looked to the two as she regained her composure, "It is not just Owlbert." She then flapped her wings out, spreading them, as her eyes glowed, "I protect... all of them!"

As this happened, behind her, dozens of other eyes began to glow, even around the others, and above them. Everyone saw as among them, in the trees hiding on the ground, there Palismans. Dozens upon dozens of Palismans, as the teens gasped at this. There were so many of them of different designs; some creatures of the Demon Realm while some resembled those of the human realm. But they could see among them some were broken, scarred. Looking like someone was trying to break them.

Willow blinked as she said, "There's so many..."

"I made home in forest for them," the Bat Queen explained, sounding calmer as some Palisman were a bit braver, having seen Luz and Eli had done so much for one Palisman. "I'm here to take the lost. The forgotten. The hunted. Protecting them from the One who wants to kill them."

"The Curse Master?" Diana guessed, remembering the crimes the history books said that he

The Bat Queen shrieked, "No! He has no desire to hurt Palismans, when he grieves for his own!" The phoenix let Owlbert go, and flew up to the Bat Queen, as it whispered to her. The Bat Queen then thought of it as she asked, "You wish to test?" She nodded as she looked to them, "Very well. One final test. Phoelo wishes to see the Red One do this test."

All witchling eyes turned to Eli for his red hair and eyes as he asked, pointing to himself, "Me?"

"Wait, you said three tests," Luz stated.

"Yee Yee, and you three passed. But Phoelo wishes to test the boy," the Bat Queen stated. "Phoelo eye is caught by him."

Eli sighed, as he asked, "Okay... what's the test?"

"TRIAL BY COMBAT," Bat Queen cried out dramatically with her wings spread out. Suddenly, the shroom palisman smatched Luz and stuck her to the fungus, while Phoelo flew over to Owlbert and nudged him to be with Luz.

As Owlbert flew to Luz, Eli rolled up his sleeve as he said, "Alright, I'll do it."

But the Bat Queen held up her claw, as she stated, "Wait. Phoelo has said you must decide your opponent."

Eli looked shocked as he stated, "I'm not gonna fight my friends!"

"No, not one of them," Bat Queen stated, as a few Palismans scuried, flew or walked up to him in a row. Among the line was a blue chameleon, a brown Manticore, a yellow cute bee, a red panda, a unicorn dog, and an indigo snake, "You will face one of them."

Eli looked among them, while Luz cried out, "You're forcing Eli to fight those cute widdle babies? You monster!" Eli continued to look among them all, and then stopped to look at the Bat Queen, while Phoelo was perched on her head, "So I can choose to fight anyone among them. Right?" "Yee Yee," Bat Queen replied. Eli thought on it, and then made his decision, "Then I choose..." and pointed to Phoelo. "Phoelo. Seeing as she snatched Owlbert away from us."

The Bat Queen looked to Phoelo who seemed okay with it, as she looked to the boy, "You certain this is who you wish to fight?"

the redhead nodded, "yep. I chose to fight Phoelo." But then looked confused, "Only I don't know how to do that."

However, the Bat Queen began to softly chuckle, and then full blow laugh, as she said, "Poor choice."

Suddenly, Phoelo flew down... and then suddenly, in a puff of smoke, made Eli flinch as he walked back. But then he blinked as the dust settled... and he and everyone was in shock at what they saw. Standing before him was a twelve-year-old Caucasian girl with dazzling blonde hair that went down to her thighs, with a frame of bangs framing her face, long elvish ears, blue eyes, and a slender small frame. She wore a white dazzling dress with red trim, a red bow in the back and the front, while she had white leggings and feet with the toes and heels exposed. But the oddest thing about her... was that she had golden yellow wings on her back with red feathers.

The kids blinked at this, and they all freaked out with screams at this, as Luz asked, "Did that palisman turn into a human girl? With Wings?!"

"No way! There's no way that any palisman can do that," Gus freaked out.

But August looked rather excited as he stated, "Unbelievable! We've got ourselves something to see in wonderment."

"Phoelo is one of the oldest of Palismans. Her owners were all exceptionally powerful. And as such, she has become such. So powerful she can go from palisman size, to giant size. And even this form," the Bat Queen said.

Phoelo smirked, as she spoke in a cute and charming voice, "It was your biggest mistake to choose me as your opponent."

"I was gonna fight you anyway, as you were the one that caused all this," Eli stated, smirking as he was excited like August.

Phoelo smirked as she crouched down, and Eli clapped his hands together, his arms glowing brown as they signified Construction/Enhancement Magic. The aura around the two felt like an old Western draw. It was just a question of who would draw first.

The Bat Queen swung her wing down as she cried out, "BEGIN!"

Suddenly, Phoelo shot right at him like a bullet; it was hard for anyone to see how fast she was. But thankfully, Eli was quick enough to anticipate it, as he made a few walls to slow her down. She smashed through them like paper, as Eli unleashed a ball of light, that became a flash grenade blinding her. As she fell on the ground and stumbled, Eli raced out for a bit more ground, as she recovered as he shouted, "You're gonna have to catch me!"

Phoelo pouted, rather cutely, as she said, "No fair! Meanie!"

And then suddenly, sped out of there like a bullet as all were left behind. This was made evident as Gus stated, "Hey, you can't just leave us..." But suddenly, the fungal gooey prisons were allowed to sink in, as the shroom palisman let them go.

August looked to the Shroom Palisman and said kindly, "Thanks for that."

The Bat Queen suddenly got behind all them and shouted, "NO INTERFERENCE, ONLY SPECTATE!" Everyone flinched at this, but the Bat Queen calmly stated, "This is between Witch and Palisman."

Outside

Eli was using construction pillars to launch himself out all over the place, while Phoelo was smashing through as she sped up. Eli was a bit surprised that this palisman turned girl was fiercely powerful and agile. Was it because she was the oldest palisman that the Bat Queen said, or... was it possible the magic or Palisman Ore tree she was carved from that gave her such power? Either way, this young lady was way far from being a pushover like Isaac or Amity.

Though Phoelo smiled as she giggled, "This is so much fun!"

"You don't say... When was the last time you were able to go all out like this?"

Phoelo landed on a branch and thought on it. In fact she looked like she was struggling, or about to blow a blood vessel in her head. She even hunched over looking like she'd explode in thought.

"You don't remember do you?"

Phoelo blew out the air she was holding n and gasped, until she shrugged, "Nope sorry. I think I've never had this much fun." she then innocently smiled as she said, "Although I did have fun with Owlbert and Fun-Gi..." but then her mood changed as she looked at Eli, "Before you Palisman Poachers came."

Eli stopped, "hold on... we're not poachers." "We just wanted to find Palismen to help us." Eli began to explain.

"That's what the last people said. There were thousands more of the lost ones," Phoelo stated as her wings spread out, "But then they stole that many, and took them to that scary place at the Heart of the Titan..." Her hands then suddenly had gray circles growing around them, as she stuttered, "And then... and then they... they..." She then finally screamed out, as her hands shot forward, blowing tremendously powerful wind at Eli. He was blown off the branch and almost fell. Luckily, he grabbed onto a nearby branch, as everyone, inlcuding the Bat Queen and the other Palismans all watched this unfold.

"List We're nothing like those people... How can we prove it to you Phoelo?

Though below everyone was a bit taken back, as Phoelo flew and hopped around, blowing at Eli with the supposed nonexistent Wing Magic. Luz was the first to shot out, "Wind magic? She's got Wing Magic?!" "Yee Yee, Phoelo is very gifted in affinity for it," The Bat Queen replied.

THe other stared in shock at Wind Magic.

Eli then said, "If my words won't convince you... maybe this will." ELi said as he used his magic to speed off branch to branch as he tried to make the young girl lose track by Construction Magic to empower the muscles in his legs. (edited)

Phoelo hopped around from branch to branch, as Eli did, as he dodged wind blasts, or air blades, to which Gus was dropping his jaw at. Though when one of the wind blasts hit a dirty tree, the dust mixed in with the wind. It was then that Eli spotted it: A circle with a twister glyph in the center with a circle centered into the whirlwind.

This was the Wind Glyph

He then noticed it and ised the Wind Glyph he just learned to blow Phoelo away.

The Phoenix Palisman landed on a branch, as she fumed, "No fair, you know Wind Magic and were holding back?"

"Actually I didn't." Eli confessed, "I was looking for a way to learn it, like I did some others, but you helped me learn how to use it. So I should thank you for teaching me wind magic."

Phoelo was a bit shocked by that, as she asked, "You mean you just now learned it?"

he nods, "So thank you Phoelo for teaching me this magic."

Phoelo's cheeks puffed out, as she scolded... which honestly made the girls down below, including Sucy and Diana, to gush at how she's so cute.

He then asked, "Do you know what will happen if you combine the two magics together?"

Phoelo looked confused on that, "Huh?"

"Me neither." Eli answered, before he asked, "How about we find out." He then put construction magic with Wind magic which made him moved faster and with more precision than before.

Phoelo freaked out as she jumped out of the way, as she tried to dodge or evade him, making her change back to her phoenix form, as she flew higher.

Just as the palisman thought she was safe she felt a slipstream and there was Eli a couple inches from her. Phoelo squawked at that, completely shocked. He then hugged her to him and said, "Got you."

Luz called down, "Um, that's great... but did you master landing?" Both blinked at this, and saw they were pretty far up, and both blinked. Then the two were screaming as they were plummeting down to the bottom, preparing to get their bones shattered... until a net of fungal strands caught them, sticking them to it, as Fun-Gi jumped up and down in congrats on a catch well done.

As they fell, Eli covered Phoelo to keep any harm from befalling her.

Fun-Gi settled them down, as the others rushed to him, with Phoelo still in phoenix form and in his arms.

He looks to her and asked, "You okay, Phoelo?

Phoelo opened her eyes, and then quickly fished out of his grasp, as she landed a few feet from him, and suddenly poofed into human form. Her back was turned as her fists balled up. But the Bat Queen announced, "The Superd Human is the winner."

Eli looked at Phoelo and smiled, "I'm glad you're okay, Phoelo."

However, winds began to circle around her as she was... or appeared to be.. fuming with anger as her wings ruffled, almost fluffing up. Even the other Palisman seemed a bit wary of this. In honesty, even to the Bat Queen, Phoelo had been a protector of them, fiercely powerful. She was even to knock out or blow away Emperor Coven goons away. but deep down... she had the mind of a young girl she was designed to be.

So it was only natural she would probably have a temper tantrum about to form.

Eli twitched his eye in fear before saying, "There's always next time."

but suddenly... she launched at him, tackling him to the ground as a huge dust cloud formed around them. Luz freaked out as she cried, "Eli!"

But as the dust settled, everyone, minus the Bat Queen, were flabbergasted by Phoelo hugging and snuggling him, as she giggled, "I found him. I found my master~"

Everyone blinked while asking, "Huh?"

Eli blinked, "Can someone tell me what's going on?" "Palisman adoption trial," The Bat Queen explained. "Phoelo took interest in the redheaded boy. so final test was hers to see if he was a fit for her owner."

"Wait, really?" Gus asked surprised.

August said, "There hasn't been a Phoenix Palisman in 400 years. She's very rare, and given how she's still a little girl despite how old she is means she's very powerful."

"Well, yeah," Phoelo replied, as she looked to them as she explained, "I really did think you guys were gonna hurt Owlbert, so I snatched him with Fun-Gi's help. Being a Mushroom Keeper Palisman, he could entrap and ensnare you guys easily. When I was alone with Owlbert he told me all about you guys wanting to learn magic and in need of palisman help to get somewhere. And didnt want to burden him with so many trips. With the Bat Queen's test and my own, I determined who I wanted as my owner." She then sat up on Eli and smiled, "And I choose Eli. He's creative, resourceful, and a big heart to go through all this to find and help Owlbert and everyone. Just like how I wanna protect the Palismans here."

August raised his hand and asked, "What about Fun-Gi?"

Fun-Gi suddenly launched himself at Sucy... who latched at her face like a facehugger.

Willow mumbled, "Glad that wasn't me."

August sighs, "Oh well... there's another time... I hope."

Gus then went wide eyed, "Oh man, I was so hyped about all the challenges and the epic battle, I forgot the time."

Diana looked at her watch calmly as Sucy gently pulled Fun-Gi off her face, "There's only 20 minutes left in the game."

"Wait... is this enough to fly us to the game?" Gus asked, shaking his flags, "I want to wave my flags!"

Phoelo asked, "A game? Where at?"

Willow pointed, "It's between our school Hexside and our rivals, Gladius." Her expression became serious, "...and they're going down."

Phoelo thought on it, and then smiled, "I can get you all there. All at once."

They all looked surprised, "really!?"

Suddenly, a puff of smoke erupted around them.. and before them was Phoelo in Phoenix form, only she was as big as a family van now. She smiled, "Travel form, activated."

They all had expressions of shock and awe by this.

An Hour Later

Owl House

Everyone walked in and crashed on the floor. They all looked rather happy, while Diana just simply walked to the couch, still being dignified enough to do that. Willow smiled, "Now that was a Grudgby match."

Luz smirked, "That was so awesome."

Gus waved his flags, "Go, go, go, gooooo... Hexside!"

Eli then smirked, "It was kinda funny when Phoelo charged in and plowed the Glandus team."

"Who knew her first Grudgby game got her that excited," Gus smirked.

On Eli's left shoulder, a brown shoulder guard had been formed, all while Phoelo had turned into her Palisman form and was part of it. Apparently, her standby mode was also unique, being a piece of garment instead of a staff.

Luz though bolted up as she held Owlbert, "Oh jeez, I forgot to return Owlbert before Eda..."

"Before Eda what?" Eda's voice spoke up.

They turned and saw a tired Eda, a haggard Ursula, and a surprise King entering.

They all shot up, even a half tired, half-excited, half-traumatized Gus looked to see all three. Eda then noticed Owlbert in Luz's hand, and asked, "Owlbert, why are you with these guys? what were you all doing?" Owlbert flew over to Eda, and hooted, as Eda asked, "Luz, Eli, and the kids took you to get ice cream? And Eli found his own Palisman? And Sucy too?" Eda arched an eyebrow, and said, "Aw, that's... a horrible lie." But Eda shrugged as she put King down, and stretched out, "Well, I'm too tired to care rgith now, so lucky all you. Nap time." And walked up the stairs to her room.

Ursula looks and said, "I would like to know if there's some truth, but I had a horrible time so I'll go home..."

Suddenly, Phoelo popped off, and transformed into her human form, as she smiled, "Okay, you have a good night, pretty lady."

Ursula stared, before screamed, "Eda!"

"Not caring, going to bed now," Eda groaned.

Phoelo looked around the house, as she was still energetic, "OOoh, this is a big house."

"Just be sure not to touch the Apple Blood. Eda gets possessive of that stuff," Eli advised.

She turned around and waved out, "Kay, Eli."

"Eda, magic girl!"

"Sleeping! Sleepy Owl!"

Luz walked up as she smiled, "We should probably explain. Needed to go to Dark Forest, find lost palismans to help us, found Bat Queen and colonly of Palismans, one of them challenged Eli, now Eli has his own Palisman." And then pointed at Sucy, who was growing mushrooms with Fun-Gi's help. "Sucy's got one too."

Ursula's eyes bulged put before asking, "How quickly can he make his mushrooms's"

"1.85 seconds," Sucy replied. "Course, you were busy on Phoenix palisman girl there, it could have been more."

Eli then looked to King and asked, "So how as your day of terrorizing the snotty usurper?"

King then said, "I'm going back to the playground..."

As he left while Ursula said, "have him make a bed of them for me... I'm going to pass out now..."

However, while Phoelo stuck her head out of Hooty's mouth, she saw King... and suddenly rushed in front of him, on all fours. She looked like a cat ready to pounce at a catnip toy.

Eli stared and asked, "Phoelo?"

Luz blinked, "King... don't... make any moves... or talk."

King turned his head quickly and asked, "Why?"

Phoelo slowly inched herself at him, her shoulder going up and down like a seesaw. She was really like a jungle cat, sizing up for the kill. And her prey... was King.

King looked just seeing the girl, "Whe?"

King could sense danger, as he slowly backed up. The vastness of power, the speed she mustered to get in front of him. The Owl Beast was one thing... but something about this girl... King knew... he was in danger.

Eli and Luz paled at this as they realized, until Gus shouted, "KING, I THINK SHE'S GONNA EAT YOU!"

King screamed as he ran for hid life.

But it was too late as King's fears were realized, as everyoen cried out when a yellow and red blur tackled him in a roll... and Phoelo stood up snuggling King as she giggled happily, "You were right, Luz, he's so cute. I wanna cuddle with him tonight along with you, Luz. I can't get enough."

"Eda! Save me from this hugging terror!" King screamed, "She's worse than Luz!"

Everyone just smiled and giggled at this, while Sucy took penstagram photos of this.

Meanwhile

Eda's Room

Eda had to smirk as she heard all the commotion, and was proud of her nephew, getting his own Palisman like that. Making one was something but adopting one that had no master was actually a kindness of its own. She was about to get ready for bed until she stopped and coughed up a bottle that held elixir in it. Eda picked up the bottle, and paled as she slightly remembered she had drank a bottle earlier, but the effects didn't happen until King squealed, "The elixir... It isn't working on the curse anymore." She paled as she realized teh kids would be in serious danger of this, "This is bad." But then suddenly hacked up a half-eaten swing, and blinked, "When did I swallow a swing?"

"EEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" King screamed from below.

Next Chapter: Adventure in the Elements