At the Emperor's Palace…
Kikimora hadn't heard Belos laugh this hard since the time he saw someone doodle on Lilith's face.
It seemed that the Flock was also joining in this joviality as well. The hand demon was curious to see as the emperor was gazing into the pool which was watching the residence of the Owl House. When she entered, she spotted what was making the emperor laugh so hard. Of course, since the Bat Queen and the emperor had been close friends longer than anyone could remember, before he even became a carver and inventor for the isles, he suggested a baby sister for the children. Who better than the woman who was teaching his daughter, especially since she's been lacking in her teachings?
"It's nice to see her learn what it's like to have wild children." Belos chuckled as he knew all too well what it was like for him.
With so many nieces and nephews over the years, not to mention cousins and relatives, how could he naught? But he would relive it all over again for they were a special place in his memories, especially his daughter and Atticus, Hunter, William, and Spade. Such pleasant times for him.
"It seems that the Owl Lady is walking in your shoes as a parent. Such subtle irony." Kikimora pointed out as she loved poetic justice.
"This will be a way for her to make some extra money, I can continue to convince the Bat Queen some more and everyone can have a laugh." Belos grinned while he prepared himself for the long journey into the woods.
"Why do you persist on having the Bat Queen move into the Castle?" Kikimora wondered, unfamiliar with the relationship between the two.
"…It was thanks to her that I survived my… accident." The King answered and then left saying nothing more.
At the Library at Night…
Luz was prepared for the power of the Wailing Star to be revealed to her.
She wanted to see what kind of magic could present itself. She crept by the library as the twins were waiting for her.
"Hey, Luz, ready to get in?" Edric grinned with a scroll in his hand.
"How? It seemed to be locked up." Luz wondered pointed to the magic lock.
"Well, I'm allergic to locks. So, we better do something about that." Edric proudly announced.
"Also, milk." Emira reminded.
"Wow, just reveal all my weaknesses."
The scroll was activated as the spell unlocked the door.
In the Forest of Lost Palisman…
With Blueberry Parfait in her staff form, Belos traveled down the path of trees and mystery, the memories flooding his head.
For they were the earliest ones he could have since the incident.
Long ago in the Bat Queen's Lair…
Was this… Death?
He could… could… could not tell…
So much pain… he felt like he was on fire…
The images of her…
His brother…
Where was he…?
Wait…
What was his name… again…?
It started with 'P'…
Didn't it…
"What if he dies? What if my master dies?"
Parfait…
His-his Palisman…
"He's not going to die. I promised my love that he would live. We need to keep going!"
Who was that woman…?
"If she finds him again-."
"She won't not here. You sent the distress call to her?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Flapping wings…
…
He grew tired…
Maybe…. Some rest…
Belos wished he could remember something, anything earlier in his life but at the same time… The man he was… was he one he could be proud of?
He then heard the flutter of the wings, then he sat on a stump, preparing tea for two. The Bat queen appeared before him with a bow.
"The Bellowing One returns and his beloved Swan Palisman." The Bat Queen greeted with a pleasant smile on her massive face.
"I am pleased to see you, old friend. It seemed that you haven't changed a bit or our dearly charming friends." Belos smiled through his mask as he poured the tea, and spotted the palisman in the tree, many of them were ones who lost their witches in the war.
"Yet, you have changed greatly. When you first came here, you were empty, hallowed out." The giant palisman pointed out.
"I know, it took me years but thanks to you and Blue, I was able to put myself back together again."
"So, why are you here? It doesn't seem like just another friendly visit."
Blue reverted back to her palisman form as she sat on Belos' shoulder.
"Bat Queen, you have been good to me, you helped me and Blue when we had no one to turn to. You saved me from death and in these times, I feel as though it may not be safe for you and the others to linger in the woods-."
"Bellowing One-."
"I think you and the Palisman should move in-."
"We have been over this. I know you worry, but we are safe here and I do not like other witches, besides you. I don't trust them with so many of us cast out."
"Not all the Palisman here were cast out, others lost their witches… because of my failing. Let me make amends and repay my debt to you. I promise you all will be given the best care."
"I appreciate the offer, Bellowing One. But just because you see us as equals, family, doesn't mean others will."
At the Library after the Wailing Star…
Amity and Luz were able to clear up the mess as the Twins were coming out of the building, a little embarrassed about how their mischief went a little too far.
"Okay, fess up. Who are you really and why are you here?" Amity questioned the human.
"Huh?"
"Don't act innocent. I found this when you accidentally dropped it."
The picture… Oh crud, she was careless. She needed to fix it quickly before the coven does something drastic.
"Only members of the emperor's army and their family members were allowed this photo. Also, only members of the Elite are allowed doors to the human world. So… Who are you?"
Luz sighed.
She'll tell some of the truth but not all.
"Okay, okay, truth is… I'm half a witch. My mother is human and my father…"
"A member of the Elite in the Emperor's Coven."
"You could say that. They met, had me but… It didn't work out. Afterward, he had to leave but always visited. I wanted nothing more than to learn where I came from on my father's side, to be a witch like him and Azura. I snuck here though Eda's door and… well here I am." Luz explained, leaving out the big details, "I'm supposed to keep it a secret, and the Coven is supposed to protect me. But I promise to tell you the rest, but my dad wants to wait on the right opportunity."
Amity wasn't satisfied but she looked to see Coven Scouts watching. She'll get answers later, she didn't want to lose her hand.
"So… we're cool?" Luz wondered as Amity gave back the picture.
"For now."
She then left with her siblings.
Luz breathed in relief.
That was too close.