Maxwell's vision of meeting Eda's father in person was leaving him worried, nervous and little excited from the nervous energy as he's met Gwendolyn and gotten her blessing to marry Eda and bonded with her but he's never met Dell Clawthorne, the father of Eda as well as the man who would become his father-in-law.
He didn't know what to expect as he knew that he never had a good relationship with his biological father but knew that he had to make a good impression when meeting Dell while he feared he might be denied the blessing of marrying Eda when he's at the legal age. He knew that Lilith and Gwendolyn would put in a good word for him when talking to Dell about him and Eda but he knew that since he never met Dell before. He was worried that things would go south very fast.
Eda was a bit nervous herself since the last time she saw her father was probably more or less than twenty years. They had no idea when Dell would arrive since Maxwell's vision didn't give a direct date. Eda wasn't showing it but she too was nervous. Nervous about seeing her father again after so long which she had reasons why she hadn't seen him in such a long time which is something she didn't explain to the children. She also worried that Dell might not like Maxwell or that Maxwell might be denied the blessing from him.
Eda knew that Maxwell was just as nervous as she was. Both of them were nervous about Dell coming over for similar and different reasons.
The next day. Luz was in her room reading through the books and sat on the floor as she was having at least a dozen books that she looked through to jot down information on how to build another portal door that would be more stable than the last one. There was a bulletin board nearby that had notes, pictures and information nailed to it with thumb tacks.
There were pictures of the portal key, the portal door and two pictures of both Eda, King, Luz and Maxwell when they both went to Grom. There was even the glove that Amity left them that was stained with Titan blood nailed to the bulletin board with the pinky finger of the glove ripped off and missing since they probably used it to create the previous portal door. The Echo Mouse was running on its hamster wheel as a form of exercise.
Maxwell had a shadow copy of himself with Luz to not only look after her but also to assist her. The real Maxwell was downstairs as he was just about to walk into the living room but stopped himself. He took a shower in the morning, got himself cleaned up, got his hair done, brushed his teeth and made sure he looked presentable.
"This is the day you meet the father-in-law. We don't know when he'll be here but hopefully, he'll be here soon, and I hope to the good lord that he likes me and I have his blessing to marry Eda so I have to make a good impression when meeting him. What can go wrong?" Maxwell told himself under his breath.
"So Eda has finally found herself a man she's going to marry once he's of legal age? I've heard the rumors it's the southern gentleman but I didn't think I'd meet him in person." came an unfamiliar woman's voice. "And he's trying to heal both Eda and Lilith of the curse as an act of love while Gwendolyn helps alongside him like a tag team effort."
Everyone let out an adored "Awww" while Eda was probably blushing and playing it cool.
"For one, his name is Maxwell Logan, Flora. So call him by his name." Eda advised. "But you are right about one thing about my man. He's fallen in love with me. He used to be afraid of me but turned out he fell in love with this owl lady and knew that this curse and I didn't see eye to eye and he's been trying to heal me of it ever since which he's more then happy to have anyone to assist like a tag team. Now that Lily is sharing the curse. We both have it and Maxie knew that if our magic was diminished because of it. He poured half of his magic into us so we wouldn't do without magic. He may love to be able to do magic like us but he loved me even more than that and decided to half his magic so we could still have ours. You've heard the rumors of the good he's done and they've all been confirmed."
"I've met him and he's the sweetest guy anyone will ewer meet." came Tiny Nose's voice. "But be nice to him. He's a wittle...shy. And we all know what he's been thwough before any of us met him."
"What that Daston dude and anyone who hurt him did to him is so not cool." said an unfamiliar male's voice. "Speaking of which. Where is the little guy?"
"I can go find him and tickle him out." teased Flora.
"Flora, behave and be nice to him." warned Lilith.
"Alright, I'll behave." chuckled Flora.
"I'll go get him." said Eda.
"I'm already here!" Maxwell said with a hiccup. "Is Dell here yet?"
"Not yet. That vision you had didn't really give a specific time or date. But don't worry. If and when my dad comes. We'll all be together when you do meet him." reassured Eda. "Stevie, don't get macho on Maxie. He's not the type to be macho or to show off."
"No worries." came Steve's voice.
Maxwell took in a deep breath and let it out as he entered the living room. He saw that there were eight people who attended the party who are celebrating Lilith's new job. The attendees were Gwendolyn, Morton, Lilith, Eda, Tiny Nose, King, Steve in his casual attire and the woman who appeared to be Flora. And Hooty was the nineth attendee.
Flora was a woman of an average-built in the body with tan skin, short black hair styled in a bob cut, and brown eyes. She also had pointed ears and a brown top lip. Flora wore a burgundy dress with a black belt and sleeves, in addition to orange pantaloons and high gray-and-black boots. A triangular emblem is present on her dress. She also wore pink-tinted eyeglasses.
Everyone was wearing cone party hats that were yellow with red spiral stripes in a downward spiral fashion. There were balloons that looked like eyeballs floating in the air. Maxwell greeted them all with a brief wave as he would think of how confident he's become because of Eda's positive influence which had his shyness disappear.
"Nice to meet you all. I know some of you already know me and met me but there's a couple people here who haven't met me till now. Steve, you'll remember to treat the women with respect here as do I?" Maxwell greeted.
"You got it, little man." answered Steve.
"Flora D'splora. Lilith's former mentor, historian at the Supernatural Museum of History. A bit of an adventurous woman who loves to travel, high level of intelligence and bit more into history then most which there's no problem with that. If you're having a strong passion for history and the likes of that, then that's a good thing and you shouldn't let anyone tell you different." said Maxwell showing his polite gentleman nature towards Flora.
"Looks like the rumors about him reading others minds and being a gentleman have been confirmed. I kind of like that." said Flora with a proud grin.
"Also, you should really consider trying to have peaceful interactions with animals because they respond better to peace and love among people. You show them peace and love, they'll do the same for you." Maxwell kindly advised.
Flora blushed at the last statement.
"What makes to you say that?" Flora nervously chuckled while tucking away something from behind her.
"I saw that you had a whip secured to your belt from the right side of your waist belt and now you're hiding it behind your back." Maxwell answered. "Animals don't respond very well to cattle prods, whips or cowboy spurs. A good southerner knows that animals, no matter how big or small, respond better with peace, respect and love, not fear and pain. If you are to defend yourself against an animal that is to harm you, if you can, tranquilize them with a sleep spell, it'll give you a chance to escape while they're out cold. God would want us to have peaceful and loving encounters with animals as they share this world we live in. Tranquilization is non painful and non-lethal. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made."
Maxwell's kind advice and his words of the good lord as well as his words on showing peace, love and respect towards animals in order to live in peace with them sounded like something that even Flora could agree to. She might've been used to using her whip but using a sleeping spell to temporarily tranquilize an animal if she was to be attacked sounded like a solution she could get behind on. Everyone else was impressed by his words of wisdom and how he spoke out of love towards all animals.
"I heard you were said to be a Christian but are you also an animal rights activist?" asked Flora looking visibly impressed.
"My mother was and so am I." answered Maxwell. "Also, Flora, if you encounter a brutish man who tries to harm you or lays their hands on you, just do what I do."
"And what's that?" asked Flora.
"He means kick them in the nuts. The weak spot to every man who tries to harm a lady and I'm a witness to see Maxie do that to prove it works everytime." Eda blurted out.
Flora looked at Eda whose expression of pride was unshaken and she looked at Maxwell who nodded once to confirm it. She whistled in amazement.
"I'll that idea in mind." said Flora looking amazed. "And I'll try to avoid using my whip on animals but if I'm to use it. Maybe just for self-defense."
"Praise God." said Maxwell.
"Praise the lord!" said everyone in unison.
"Also, I see that Lilith has become the new assistant curator of the Supernatural Museum of History. I'll bet the history comes alive there." said Maxwell.
"Especially when the term takes a literal turn. And I'm not joking. Supernatural history isn't like the history in the human realm, it literally comes alive and might have a few dangers." said Lilith blushing as she was worried this might scare Maxwell.
Maxwell was puzzled for a brief moment and he had one idea to what Lilith meant and to Lilith's surprised relief. He shown no fear, no panic, not even feeling or showing to be skittish.
"Sounds like Larry Daley." said Maxwell.
"Who?" said Flora confused.
"Oh it's just someone who had a similar experience." answered Maxwell.
Maxwell approached Lilith as the two faced each other while Maxwell had something inspirational to say to her.
"Lilith, upon your new job as assistant curator of the Supernatural Museum of History. In the months I've known you as well as Luz knowing you. You may have done some things that you later regretted doing throughout the past, despite those past actions. When you found out that the Emperor had been lying to you the whole time and using you. You saw the light and began to try and fix the mistakes you've made, even if me, Luz and King provided some assistance along the way. After you've split Eda's curse to make sure it wasn't as serious as it once was. You started to do your part in redeeming yourself and saw the truth about Belos. You've more than redeemed yourself because your past actions were influenced by someone who's lied to you and used you for his own purposes. You've turned to God and the holy spirit not just for forgiveness but also to figure out what you should do next with your life. The roughest journeys lead to the most beautiful destinations. Your journey had been a tough one but you've made it to the top of that mountain even with a heavy amount of weight that was on your back. You've made it to the top even with us to help take some of the weight off your back. Despite everything you've been through and what you've done along the way when you saw the light and joined the side of good. I can say that the big man upstairs is proud of you for the woman you've become. After all this time. You're still standing strong and proud like the strong woman you've become. As am I." Maxwell told Lilith proudly. "And you look beautiful with glasses."
Hearing Maxwell's inspirational words not only touched Lilith but also everyone in the room. Both Lilith and Maxwell embraced each other as they shown the love to each other. Lilith smiled and blushed as everyone let out an adored "Awww"
"Beautiful words." said Steve reaching inside his mask to wipe a tear away but kept his face hidden.
"That's my man." said Eda proudly.
Hooty had wrapped part of his body around a wine cup that had something other than ice in it. There was purple liquid in them but the things that were there in place like ice were looking like some odd-looking body parts. Lilith and Maxwell released their arms from each other and Maxwell noticed that the toast was taking place.
"Hold that thought Hooty. I'll go get Luz." Maxwell chimed in.
Maxwell teleported in a puff of smoke out of the room which left Flora and Steve to feel a little impressed by how he could teleport and possibly make an escape and an entrance.
"You said your future husband is a hybrid of a human and a witch?" said Flora looking surprised as if seeing Maxwell's powers in action was enough to leave her surprised like she found out she was pregnant.
"His father was a witch while his mother was a human. At first, we thought that his power was brought on by someone who poured all his magic into him and we thought he was full human. But with the Bat Queen and Principal Bump doing some digging and the information they've dug up as well as what they may have found out about Daston and his past. Maxie turned out to be the first hybrid. Which everything about him has confirmed the legend." explained Eda.
"Half human, half witch. But stronger and more powerful than both human, witch, demon. Some people determined they're a demiwitch which that's the only official species pronunciation name they've been given. With Maxwell Logan being the first hybrid. It would be interesting to study him and find out more about the kind of species which could lead to..." Flora started.
"You're not experimenting on my man like he's some test subject for your experiment. That includes Luz. You're not experimenting on them." warned Eda cutting her off.
Flora blinked twice and nervously chuckled with a nervous grin.
"Wha-a-a-at! I wasn't going to experiment on them." said Flora blushing.
Within an instant. Luz and Maxwell teleported into the living room in a puff of gold smoke that cleared within seconds. Both Luz and Maxwell worn party hats like everyone there and had a glass of what looked like red liquid. Eda looked and almost began to worry if the drink they were having was the alcoholic form of apple blood.
"Is that?" Eda started.
"Not to worry. This is the non-alcoholic form." reassured Maxwell. "Go ahead, Hooty."
Eda let out a sigh of relief when Maxwell told her that. Hooty lightly tapped on the glass he held with part of his body and it got everyone's attention.
"It is so nice to be surrounded by all of Lulu's dearest friends!" said Hooty looking proud.
There was a pause. Lilith felt some slight embarrassment being called "Lulu" as she preferred Hooty being the one to call her that cute nickname but if anyone else referred to her by that name. She felt that it was more of Hooty's thing but she didn't seem to mind as long as it was used appropriately.
"Yeah! All hail Lulu!" cheered Steve.
"We're here to celebrate the new assistant curator of the Supernatural Museum of History. Here's to you, Lulu!" said Hooty.
Everyone uttered "Cheers!" to Lilith while they all drank down what they had to drink. For the next twenty-five minutes at the party. Everyone was ether engaging in conversation with each other, talking about life, what was currently going on with their lives, some eating food that was prepared, while most eaten something that was native to the Boiling Isles. Luz and Maxwell were eating what was native to their world.
There were other times when Flora was flirting with Maxwell by hugging him, playfully tickling him a few times till Eda or Lilith made her stop, asking him about what things are like in the human realm, which he made sure to let her know the positive sides of the human realm but Flora was also curious about the down sides of the human realm which Maxwell made sure not to get too graphic with the details.
Flora seemed to have a notebook and pen magically floating in the air and taking notes on what Maxwell and Luz told her about the human realm for later information which was probably in case anything at the museum got anything wrong about humans and anything involving humans and their lives and culture. Maxwell even told her a little bit about the love of God, Christianity, the bible and as well as his favorite bible story which was "David and Goliath" which this kept Flora not only entertained but interestingly amazed by what he told her.
"So out of every story in this bible you say is from. Why the story of David and Goliath being the one you favor most?" asked Flora.
"I relate to it more." answered Maxwell. "Also, if you do find someone you love and want to be with the said person forever. Let it be someone who will love you for who you are, not for what you got. I know, most people often want the most attractive as their romantic partners, but the toughest thing about that in relationship terms is that you'd want someone who you can carry on a conversation with, so some people would prefer a romantic partner that's more intelligent and can think for themselves whose got their own opinions and personalities."
"I do like what I'm hearing. I do remember that someone once said only dogs are to obey. If you truly love the one you're meant to be with forever. You'll value their opinion." said Flora who apparently understood.
"As do I value the opinion of my woman. Very few people feel like they're lucky to have someone whose got both looks and brains but the true love of your life would be someone whose got brains, their own opinions and their personalities, one who can think for themselves and do know how to not only take care of themselves but also the one they love as the one they love does the same for them. Basically, true love is finding someone you want to grow old with. As the saying goes in weddings." Maxwell continued.
"Till death do us part." said Maxwell and Flora in unison.
"There's someone out there for you when you start to become interested in finding that perfect someone. No matter if someone is into the opposite gender alone, or if they're preferring the company of the same gender, not minding both genders, loving all genders or even if it's being with someone whose gender is complicated to identify. I do not discriminate against anyone for whom they choose to love. The day you find the one for you. No matter who this person is. You have my respect." said Maxwell.
Flora smiled yet she also blushed. She knew that Maxwell was wise beyond years, a true gentleman who respects a woman and has done a lot of great things. But seeing this from him in person was something to be believed and she was surprised at how wise, kind, and accepting he is. She hugged him once more but this time, the hug was gentle, warm and loving with plenty of trust. She released her arms from him.
"Truly a gentleman who came from humble southern roots. I like that in you. Yet I'll keep an eye out for the one I'm to be with as I grow with them." said Flora.
As Flora walked off and it was to use the bathroom. Maxwell telepathically told her where the bathroom was so she could find it easier but he also advised her that one day, she'll have to leave the Emperor's Coven as he told her that it's dangerous to remain with the Emperor and those loyal to him and that she'll have to cut her ties with the Emperor's Coven in favor of choosing her freedom and her individuality which she oddly understood but knew the time for that was unknown.
Luz and Maxwell approached Hooty who at first offered some gross looking owl pellet like food, one of them was still moving and made a faint screeching sound. He was about to make an extra one as it looked like he might literally cough it up but Luz and Maxwell politely declined as Hooty understood.
"By the way. Where's Lilith? We want to congratulate her." said Luz pulling her party hat up a bit to show the Echo Mouse was underneath her hat.
"Incoming." said Maxwell pointing forwards.
That's when a whip suddenly appeared as it had to belong to Flora and she used it to grab one of Hooty's "app-pellet-tizers" and just like a fishing rod, she pulled back on it and grabbed it while Maxwell and Luz came outside to see that Flora and Lilith were outside. Flora caught what she got with her hand.
"Oh, I wish I could stay longer, but I must be off on my next adventure." said Flora suddenly tossing the app-pellet-tizer. "It's such a delight to see my little bookworm back in the historical world after all these years. And it looks like you've gained an adorable human niece, I'd pinch that girl's cheeks if I could, and you've gained a smoking hot brother-in-law. Not to worry, I won't do anything inappropriate with them."
"Uh, thank you, Flora, but it's just a small job. Only an assistant. I'm surprised you even heard about this." said Lilith removing the party hat from her head as she appeared visibly nervous.
"The Emperor wanted to make sure you weren't getting into any trouble. And to clear out your office. I left a box of your knick-knacks inside. Wish you took more from my tutelage, dear. Histories supposed to be exciting after all!" said Flora with a hint of condescending.
She was about to pull out her whip but Maxwell approached them and he knew what Flora was about to do.
"Hold that thought!" Maxwell advised.
Maxwell let out a loud, piercing, bird like shrieking sound like that of an eagle and within an instant. They saw a huge griffin fly down to them that was roughly the size of a monster truck. It landed on the ground with its feet and Maxwell saw it staring at them as if curious. Maxwell approached the large griffin and made soft cooing sounds like that of a pigeon. He bowed in front of the creature who in turned bowed back by leaning its head forwards and downwards once before facing him.
Flora witnessing this appeared to be a sight she never seen in person and she saw Maxwell get closer to it and whispered something to the huge bird like creature which the griffin listened and nodded twice after Maxwell told it what he informed and instructed to do.
"You tamed the beast." said Flora shocked.
"She'll get you where you need to be. Just don't pull out any of her feathers. I'll give you a leg up." said Maxwell.
Flora approached the huge griffin and Maxwell assisted her by whispering a word that sounded like "Fēixíng" and gold sparkling transparent hands appeared as they took hold of her hands gently and flown up her on top of the griffin's back as she sat on the creature's back like she was riding a horse. The gold transparent hands disappearing with the sound of a loud pop.
"Happy trails to you, Flora. Until we meet again." said Maxwell politely. "Parakaló, kánte tis mia vólta ekeí pou prépei na páei."
The griffin spread her wings and flapped them which it flown high into the air with Flora riding on her back. She was impressed how Maxwell tamed this griffin without her using her whip on the creature. She felt a growing admiration of him within her heart.
"Heigh-ho, Silver." said Maxwell as he turned to Lilith.
Lilith and even Luz were impressed with Maxwell's methods of taming a griffin and getting it to obey him so Flora could be given a ride to where she needs to go. Luz approached Lilith as both Maxwell and Luz removed their party hats from their heads.
"Who was that?" asked Luz curiously.
"Flora D'splora. Bad-girl historian, celebrity, and my former mentor in the Emperor's Coven." said Lilith looking resentful of Flora.
"I have questions about that name." said Luz looking puzzled by such a name.
"And I have questions about MY LIFE!" said Lilith sharply as she paced back and forth. "All I ever got to do was desk work, while she goofed off riding wild snake horses and, and, and eating mummy jerky! Well, I can be just as exciting as Flora. I'll come up with an exhibit that'll knock the Titan's socks off!"
"Lilith! Look at me." Maxwell instructed.
Lilith looked towards Maxwell and he shown her a stoic yet calming expression which he attempted to calm Lilith down.
"I take it you and Flora didn't get along or didn't see eye to eye?" guessed Maxwell.
"It was sort of complicated. There were times when we agreed and times when we didn't. She can a little condescending and brags a bit." Lilith confessed.
"Then that's probably a good idea that I left her a note or so that would inform her to be nicer to you." said Maxwell with a calm tone.
"How?" said Lilith now confused.
"You can say I left her a mental note that informs her to take a look at a message on a scroll in her bag once she makes the first landing. It'll explain to her everything about why she should be nicer to you while she doesn't feel offended by it. While I let her know I have respect for her. I made sure it was polite." Maxwell informed.
This left Lilith to feel somewhat a sense of comfort. How Maxwell left Flora a scroll message to inform her on being nicer to Lilith was something they wondered how he did it without anyone seeing him do so was leaving them to believe that he used a bit of quick magic like quick thinking. Lilith's frustration had subsided and she felt like her fuse had been put out.
"I'm grateful that you did the kind thing." Lilith thanked.
Lilith came to the two kids and hugged them as they hugged back.
"Congratulations on your new job." the two said in unison.
"Thank you both. I'm glad to know that." said Lilith.
Suddenly, Lilith's moment of tranquility was interrupted as she felt a gurgling sound coming from within her lower body and she felt like it meant one thing.
"If you'll excuse me. I have to use the little witch's room." said Lilith as the gurgling got louder.
"Clear the way!" said Luz and Maxwell in unison as they stepped three feet out of Lilith's path.
Lilith took off running towards the bathroom inside the Owl House and they knew that it had to be something she ate that made her make a mad dash to the bathroom.
"I think Hooty's app-pellet-tizers is finally going right through her." said Maxwell taking notice.
"Like the fiber and sorbitol in prunes." said Luz.
It was two hours later after the party was over and Eda was about to be cleaning up the place of any messes around the house as most parties did leave a lot of messes after it was over. But Maxwell volunteered to do the cleaning up and heavy lifting. With Maxwell, the house was cleaned up at a fast rate.
The plates, cups, silverware and more got cleaned and washed and placed back where they're usually kept in case of any future use, the party hats, any bits of food that was left from the party was placed inside a trash bag which the trash bags were taken out to garbage cans outside for whomever was to pick it up and dispose of it. Every or any mess from the party was clean and the house was both clean and spotless.
"Quite a party." said Eda.
"I agree. Although Flora flirting with me left me a little uncomfortable. Just like how Terra was advancing on me." Maxwell said with a brief shudder.
"Me and Lily told Flora to stop flirting with you since you and me are together." reassured Eda. "As for Terra getting all Saturday night on you. From everything you, Luz and Amity told me during the events of the Coven Day parade from your end. I'm glad you protected the girls and fought back against that old plant hag. If she touches you, Luz, or anyone we love. Then just you've said. Mama said knock them out."
"I do often say that." said Maxwell recognizing the fact about him.
"And you found out about the time I encountered her when me and my sister were younger?" asked Eda curiously.
"Yes. Seeing how she was back when she was a spring chicken and seeing her now. I don't know if she was worse back then or today. But if she tries to harm you, Luz, King, Hooty, or anyone I love. She'll than have a few choices." said Maxwell with one hand clenching into a fist.
"Is one of them choices being turned to stone?" asked Eda.
"Nope. Too easy. Let's just say I got something on her that if Emperor Scarface finds out. Knowing the Emperor, he'll be more unforgiving than I'll be if he finds out Terra's dirty little secret. The only people who know about her secret is me, Kikimora, Luz, Amity and God...and you too know it." Maxwell answered. "Hopefully, I won't have to see or interact with Terra again, unless she's hurting someone I love. Then she better look out."
Eda took a minute to think about what this dirty little secret of Terra was but remembered what Maxwell and Luz told her when they told her about what they had happening on their end when Luz, Maxwell and Amity fought Kikimora and encountered Terra. She knew that the Emperor was highly against witches having sexual relationships, feelings and desires towards humans, even if the person was Maxwell's hybrid species.
"Oh, I get it. And Terra better watch out." said Eda with a wink. "Also, Terra's Snapdragon's middle name is Dolores?" laughed Eda with a snort.
Eda had a moment to have a laugh that Terra's middle name was Dolores or as Eda referred to it being a "grandma's" name. Maxwell blushed and knew that she had a point since the two of them found out others who had embarrassing or hilarious sounding middle names when they battled enemies. But Maxwell was mostly focused on Eda's laugh and snort. He found her laugh and snort to be one of the cutest things about her.
"You always did have a cute laugh, especially when you laughed and snorted." said Maxwell blushing deeper.
"You always did have the big heart that a gentleman has. Even Luz always has a big heart with how sweet both of you are." said Eda also blushing.
They stared at each other for a moment and Maxwell uttered a loud hiccup. Eda chuckled as she knew that Maxwell only hiccups when he's nervous about something or when he's having a romantic moment with Eda which the hiccupping is always brief. Eda placed her hands on his shoulders and around his body afterwards they planted a kiss on each other's lips.
The two were kissing each other on the lips as they felt the romantic love they have for each other and it was an eternal flame as Maxwell always felt and knew that their love is for all eternity. But their moment was interrupted once King came running into the hallway where they were making out in.
"Hey guys, Luz's echo mouse is..." King paused as he saw them suddenly stop kissing each other and he smiled with red cheeks. "Am I interrupting something?"
"You were saying something about Luz's mouse?" said Eda changing the subject.
King got them to follow him as they walked into the living room and Luz's echo mouse was projecting more entries of Philip Wittebane's diary which was showing to be projecting through its eyes and onto the ceiling.
The first image shown a projection of what looked like an area of a town and then a projection image of Philip's silhouette as he sat at a desk, writing in his diary.
"After careful analysis during this Deadwardian Era, I believe the current human year is 1660. Or is it '70?" Philip said.
Another image would show Philip writing in the diary again but looking like time has passed a bit as his hair grew long enough to have a ponytail and it looked to be almost reaching Maxwell's hair length and he was starting to show he grew a little bit of a beard. Another image shown him doing the same thing again but this time, his hair was long enough to look longer than Maxwell's hair even if it was in a ponytail or hanging loose without it, facial hair looking as though his beard was thicker, longer and bigger than before.
As Philip continued to speak through the projection. It morphed into what looked like a potion vial that looked like a skull with horns and blue liquid within it. Then it changed to show Philip at a strange looking door that looked like it might be the door to an ancient crypt or burial chamber. He was holding a torch and knocking on the door, the door opened like double doors and the image changed to look like a face appeared where it looked like one half of it was white and the other half was black but looked like his face was having a crescent moon painted on his face.
It than morphed into a spiral and disappeared while showing what looked like the mouth of a sharp toothed monster and Philip continued to speak.
"The years are flashing by, but it will all be worth it. I've gathered all the portal ingredients including Titan's Blood. All that's left is to seek out The Collector, and he will tell me what I need to complete my mission. But first, my companions and I must face-" Philip's voice stopped at mid-sentence.
The projection faded and the echo mouse let out a few soft mouse-like squeaks before it went to bed, tired apparently. Seeing the projection left them all curious but starting to sense that this person known as "The Collector" could ether help them with creating a perfect portal like the one Eda had from before but Maxwell sensed something about this person named "The Collector" could be of great help to them or could be someone they shouldn't trust. Luz sat up on the couch.
"The Collector. I've never heard that name." said King looking curious.
"Me neither. What kind of jerk puts "The" in front of their name anyway?" said Eda not amused.
"This unidentified person could be of great help or could possibly be someone or something of grave danger that could spell the doom of the world. But we can't say for certain what this person is like till we actually meet them." said Maxwell with mixed feelings about this unidentified person.
"But The Collector may know how to make a real portal door. He may know why mine is so unstable. I just... I messed up so bad last time. I need to do better." said Luz appearing desperate to find out answers.
"Luz, I've got leg hair older than you. This Philip guy worked on his door for years. Try not to beat yourself up too much." said Eda attempting to reassure her.
"It's the same with me, Luz. I know what we need but trying to create a portal door that's as perfect as the previous one is something I have no idea how to do. The unidentified man that poured all that magic in me with the magic enhancer that amplified everything as well as my power finally kicking in like teenagers reaching puberty. The knowledge on how to use it didn't include that." said Maxwell showing his sympathies.
"Yeah." said Luz dejectedly. "I just wish I could go back in time and talk to him."
"Same here. Talking to him about this sounds a lot safer then talking to The Collector. Not going to lie. The Collector sounds like someone who might leave people to feel trusting such a person is one-sided. But if we had to talk to this mysterious person other than Philip, it would only be if we have no other choice. But talking to Philip, a human that lived hundreds of years ago in a place of magic, time travel in the human realm isn't possible but only exists in science fiction entertainment, real life, not so much. It would be a miracle if there was a spell or artifact that could allow us...to..." Maxwell explained but started to stop.
As Luz sat there for a moment, thinking, it right at that time when both Luz and Maxwell were struck with a sudden realization. They turned to face Eda as an idea formed in their heads.
"Eda! Is time magic a thing?" asked Luz looking eager.
"I tried communicating with spirits of the dead and there's no way I could contact Philip. So maybe time travel might be another option." said Maxwell also looking eager.
With Eda looking like she was thinking hard. She now had an idea on how time travel could work but she knew it probably wasn't the way humans perceived it to be.
"Not really, but..." said Eda with a pause.
Eda, Luz and Maxwell walked over to a shelf of books as Eda pulled one off the shelf. The book was a light red shade with the title "History's Top 10 Plot Holes" on its spine in white lettering while the title was on the front too but below the title looked like an odd purple looking whirlpool.
She flipped through some pages and smiled as she knew that this was something fun she delved into when she was younger or at Luz and Maxwell's age.
"Back in the day, I was a bit of an urban-legend junkie. Twig Foot, Lenderman, possums..." said Eda as she shown them pictures of these beings.
"Did you say possums?" asked Maxwell.
"I did." answered Eda.
"Those are real." said Luz.
"Yeah sure, kid." snorted Eda brushing her claims off.
"Actually Eda, I don't mean to argue but possums are definitely real. They've been known to get roughly the size of a house cat would preach. Sometimes we get a few of them in our area where I'm from, especially in southerner states as well as in someone's backyard no doubt." said Maxwell. "I've encountered them three times, the first two times were peaceful interactions but the last one scratched me and left a few scars on the back of my left leg. I was lucky the little creature wasn't rabid."
"That's what those scars are from? Ouch!" Luz stated.
"That mystery's solved." Eda said surprised as she explained to them further about what she spoke of. "There are stories about these things called Time pools. Mythical puddles that act as windows into the past, but they're never in the same spot twice. Me and Lily used to search for them. She'd say I forced her into it, but I think she had more fun than me." said Eda.
She smiled as she shown them a page of these "Time Pools" she spoke of. The page on the left read "Myriad Pools of Time" printed on there with the first three words in gold lettering and the last one in blue lettering. Below it shown a printed note piece that read "Fold a piece of paper so even chrononauts may understand" with a blue symbol picture of what looked like the time pool that shown to be shaped like an hourglass sand timer and shown on the left and right of it an "A" and "B" as if to be how you enter and exit the time pool.
The right page shown four printed pictures of flat blue puddles that had an arrow trail going through them as if showing how to enter and exit from a time pool. There was a crossed-out warning near it that read "No Diving" which written next to it was a message that read "Pfft! Whatever" in red writing. It was obviously written there by Eda.
After hearing everything Eda told them about the experience that Eda and Lilith had when they were younger and searching for these time pools meant that if anyone was to know anything about these time pools when found, it had to be Lilith. Eda knew plenty about them but Eda, Luz and Maxwell knew that with anything involving time travel, history and anything involving it was more like something Lilith would be into. The two teenagers knew what to do.
"Lilith! Of course! Thanks, Eda!" said Luz happily as she was given the book for later notes.
Luz ran off to go find Lilith but before Maxwell followed Luz. He hugged Eda and the two smooched each other on the lips before Maxwell ran off to follow Luz. Eda smiled proudly.
"Just like when me and Lily went off to search for those time pools. Good times." said Eda to herself.
The two teenagers found Lilith in the kitchen as she sat at the table with various items, equipment, notes and more on the table. She was painting on balusters as she was making model balusters. It was as though she was doing work that involved what museum workers did. Maxwell was about to stop Luz but she was too eager to stop herself.
"Lilith!" said Luz without warning.
Lilith jumped slightly, startled, and letting out a hiccup.
"Sorry Lilith, we didn't mean to startle you." said Maxwell apologetically.
"Sorry Lilith. Also, we see you're dealing with all this." said Luz.
"I'm plotting out my first exhibit for the museum. It's almost as if the Emperor wanted Flora to tick me off." said Lilith at first optimistic and later annoyed by Flora as she got up and pushed her glasses up. "Well, I'll show her that she's not the only bad-girl historian in town. I'm thinking..."
Lilith began to pull out a board with a lime green background and on the title of the topic it read "The Thrilling Timeline Deadwardian Balusters" it had various balusters on the board that looked like various balusters that were used throughout the Deadwardian Era that Lilith spoke of.
"The Architecture History behind Deadwardian Balusters"." Lilith finished.
Luz gazed at the board with an awkward smile while Maxwell looked the board over for a moment and back at Lilith. Maxwell knew that Lilith was feeling irate about Flora's condescending remarks directed at her and he knew that Lilith although a fully grown adult woman and not a child anymore. He knew that even adults, depending on the person, can sometimes have a fragile self-esteem. He also didn't want to lie but also didn't want to hurt Lilith more than her self-esteem had already taken a few hits from. As Maxwell took breath and let it out. Lilith was coming to a realization of what she knew they thought of her idea.
"This won't work, will it?" said Lilith slightly dejected.
"Lilith, although you have a new job. I wouldn't let this idea get you down because it's your first day. Everyone's first day at a new job or first day at school for that matter isn't going to be perfect. Me and Luz's first day at Hexside wasn't perfect but it got better. That, and ideas often have their successes and blunders but maybe you can keep trying with this one and if something works out, then go for it. And on the possible chance that it doesn't work out. Then I can try helping you out on an idea that can have a better success rate." said Maxwell attempting to both console and assist Lilith. "In case this idea doesn't work out. I know something in mind we can try out but only if this idea doesn't work out. But if this idea does work out. Then we'll know that this idea was a real goldmine after all. So don't give up. That's the thing about Americans in the human realm. We're known for a huge amount of determination. Kind of like how us southerners are a bit stubborn on some topics and day to day life subjects."
"Maxie's right, Lilith. Don't let Flora get you down! I even started calling you "Cool Aunt Lilith" in my journal." said Luz giving her a wink and grin.
"Uh, oh, really?" said Lilith looking flattered. "Maxwell, are you the same way in a different yet similar fashion?"
"For one, I don't have a journal. And two, since I know I'm going to marry Eda once I'm eighteen or older. I've been referring to you as cool sister-in-law Lilith or cool older sister Lilith. Even though I'm not much for nicknames. I can give cool older sister Lilith a shot." said Maxwell showing his support.
Maxwell approached Lilith and gave her a hug which she blushed and grinned and hugged him back. She felt that Maxwell's subtle affection was working to raise her self-esteem. Even Luz's support and calling Lilith "Cool Aunt Lilith" was raising her self-esteem higher.
"You can be a bad-girl historian. And I know how." said Luz showing Lilith the page in the book Eda shown them.
Lilith took a gander at the pages with the time pools showing after both Lilith and Maxwell released their arms from each other.
"Oh, I remember these! "In the Premysteric Era, it's theorized that coagulated Titan Blood mixed with the magical algae of the Boiling Sea created temporary holes in time." said Lilith as she looked through it.
"Time magic, baby!" said Luz looking thrilled. "You can make an exciting exhibit on Time Pools, and maybe we can get information on how Philip made the portal door!"
"That actually beats my idea and I kind of like this idea for Lilith even more then my original idea I had to offer. But this sounds a bit dangerous." said Maxwell while expressing worry.
"I... did cobble together a device to find these with Eda. It should be in the box Flora returned to me. But it was faulty. It needed more power than I could ever give it." said Lilith.
"Can we possibly take a gander at this device? Maybe there's something we can do to make it flawless, fully functional and of better use." asked Maxwell.
Luz gasped and looked like she gotten an idea and advised them to stay where they stood. She ran out of the room and was searching for something that she knew could work in making Lilith's device faultless. They heard metallic rummaging and heard something that sounded like a crash that made a loud noise that made them feel the vibration of the crash be felt from beneath their feet.
"Luz, everything alright?" Maxwell called out.
Luz came running back to them and she was carrying Amity's glove that had the titan's blood stained on it. She held up the glove.
"Would Titan Blood do the trick?" asked Luz looking excited.
There was a moment of silence and Maxwell did remember that Lilith said using coagulated Titan Blood mixed with magical algae cold create these temporary holes in time, even if it was a theory that has yet to be proven. Maxwell now knew what the idea in mind was that came to Luz and Lilith's minds. Lilith placed her board down on the table with a grin.
"Let's do it!" said Lilith looking excited.
"Wait a minute! We're doing this now. What if daddy, I mean Mr. Clawthorne, I mean Dell! What if your dad shows up and we're not here? That vision I had of meeting him has, well, kind of has me hoping to meet him and get his blessing to marry Eda. I don't want him to think negatively about me if he's to want to meet me and I'm not here." said Maxwell nervously tripping over some of his words while blushing. "Also, if this is dangerous, I want to go with you but I also want to meet Eda's father."
"Not to worry, Maxie. I know we'll be back in time for us to meet Eda's dad. Besides, I too want to meet him. But not to worry, we'll be back to meet him before he comes here." reassured Luz.
Luz and Lilith both wrapped their arms around Maxwell to reassure him as they knew about Maxwell's vision of him meeting Dell Clawthorne and they knew that he wanted to get Dell's blessing to marry Eda and to make a good impression. Maxwell felt a sense of consolation from their embrace.
"Not worry Maxwell. I know we'll be back in time for you and Luz to meet my dad. And both me and my mother have put in a good word for you with him and he's shown quite the interest in wanting to meet you and Luz too. He might've been stoic with his response at first but he's shown a great deal of interest in wanting to meet you and Luz. Trust us on this. Trust is like having faith and you do have a strong faith in both the good lord and the people you love just as much as we have faith in you." said Lilith with a word of comfort.
Hearing their words of comfort gave him a boost in positivity, faith and hope. He let out a sigh and knew they were right.
"Okay. I'll go with you. But as we do this. We stick together and take precaution the whole time while we do not stray from the group. I've seen one science fiction film that involved time travel and if one thing from the past gets altered, changed or messed with. I know that it can affect the future in a way that can be catastrophic." Maxwell advised while giving a kind warning. "Even in the past. No man is allowed to touch a woman as long as I'm around and still breathing."
"We understand and not to worry. As the responsible adult. I'll make sure no harm comes to you two. And we'll all watch each other's backs." reassured Lilith.
"Maxie called Eda and Lilith's father Papi?" Luz lightly joked.
"I'm ready to go." said Maxwell with a blushing hiccup.