Chapter 26: Forbidden Love

Featuring: Beast Keeper Demon, Monsieur Bolst

Lion Demon, Gorza and

Bird Demon, Melba

A couple days after the date, Luz, Christa and Amity were meeting for their Azura book club to discuss the first couple chapters of the new Azura book. Amity was coming back from work and came to the Owl House this time for their club.

Amity: Wow, this was a diffrent but refreshing take on the story.

Christa: I know. Azura was facing off a new foe but next thing a mysterious girl floats down from the sky gently with a magical necklace.

Luz: And she wakes up with no memory but has magic powers no one can understand and Azura takes her with her on her journey, become friends and called her Aelita. Huh, it almost sounds like you Christa.

Christa: Does it?

Amity: It kinda does.

Christa: Huh Weird. It's almost as if the book series is supposed to mirror the things that's happening now with it's story and characters and everything that we read here will forshadow things that will happen in the future.

Luz: I think you're over thinking it.

Christa: Yeah you're probably right. I mean that is the most ludacris and ridiculous thing I have ever thought of.

The three of them laughed.

Christa: So hey uh, what got you guys into this?

Amity: Well I enjoy reading in my spare time. And I am a fan of fantasy adventure. I just really digged the character Azura. She reminds me of a certain someone.

Amity glanced over at Luz as she smiled at her.

Amity: What about you Luz?

Luz looked away with a small smile.

Luz: Well...um...it was my papa.

Christa: Your dad got you into this?

Luz: ( nods) Yeah. Papa and I always used to play together. We always liked to imagine our adventures and he loved playing along. We did so much together along with mama.

Luz's small smile then formed into a frown.

Luz: But then when I was 8, papa was ill from cancer. When he told me, I was scared. I didn't know what it meant and what would happen next. When he was at home, he lost his hair, he looked pale and lost so much weight. But 6 months later it was getting worse and he was sent to the hospital. This showed he wasn't going to make it. Mama wanted me to go see him before...before he left. When I entered the room he didn't look well. There were these tubes connected to him and I got scared. I went and he looked at me with small smile. I remember he said " Mija, I'm glad you could come." I held his hand and tried hugging him. I asked to him when are you coming home? He, he said that he may not. I began to cry, knowing I was going to lose him. He tried calming me down and said " Mija don't cry. I don't like seeing you like this." Then I said, but I don't want to lose you. Who's going to play with me? He said that he had a present for me that he was saving for my Birthday that was in three weeks. He wanted to give it to me then, but gave it to me now.

Luz began to tear up as her voice cracked. Amity and Chrita looked concerned for her, seeing her sad like this.

Luz: The last thing he said was " Even if I'm gone, I'll always be with you even if you can't see me. Keep doing what you love, stay safe, stay happy and look after you mama for me. I love mija. From Heaven to Earth. " The next morning, he died.

Amity and Christa both let out a small and quiet gasp.

Luz: This really killed me in the inside. I didn't know how I could move on without him or if I can move on. That was until I opened the present and it was... it was the first volume of Azura. I started reading and it amazed me. It was so magical and adventurous and really loved the characters. It helped me get through my tough times. That's why I'm a fan of Azura and another reason why I wanted to be witch, so I can always remember papa.

Amity and Christa both got up and hugged her tight.

Christa: I'm so sorry Luz, I shouldn't have asked that.

Luz: Hey it's okay. It's okay, it's not your fault.

Amity: I'm so sorry that happened. If he really is looking down on you, then I'm sure he must be proud of what you've accomplished.

Luz held onto her friends as she calmed down.

Luz: Yeah, he probably is.

Amity got a tissue as she wiped her girlfriends eyes.

Amity: Are you okay now?

Luz: I am. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be that way.

Amity: Don't be sorry it's okay.

Luz: It was hard before. I still had mama and I'm glad to still have her. But I'm also happy to have you guys as well. My life wouldn't be the same without you all in it.

Amity and Christa smiled at her as they gave her another hug.

Christa: Do you want to stop this now?

Amity: Actually we should, it's getting late I gotta get back home quick.

The three of them made their way downstairs where the others were.

Luz: Well I still had fun with today's club.

Amity: Yeah, I did too.

Amity hugs Christa.

Amity: Have a good night Christa

Christa: Good night Amity. See you at school.

Amity lets go of her and gives a hug to Luz, this one a little longer.

Amity: Adios Batata. I'm always here if you need anything.

Amity places a kiss on her cheek.

Luz: ( laughs) Did you just call me sweet potato?

Amity: Well, I'm still learning my spanish from Gus's book, but you gave me a nickname and thought I should give you one. I think it suits you.

Luz: Well I guess I am kinda sweet. But next I'll teach more spanish. I'll give you lessons.

Amity: I'd like that.

Luz giggles gives her a kiss on her cheek as well.

Luz: Adios Ami and thank you.

Amity leaves and passes by Eda, King and Hooty.

Amity: See you around guys.

Eda: Later Boots.

King: See ya.

Hooty: Bye Amity! Hoot! Hoot!

Amity got onto her staff and flew off home.

Amity made home, but it was late and saw the lights were off. Hopefully her parents were asleep. She quietly and gently opened the door and closed it so no one could hear her. She walked quietly to the staircase.

Odalia: And where have you been?

Amity stopped on her tracks when she heard her mom. The lights turned on and saw Odalia and Alador in the living room, sitting there in the dark seemed like they were waiting for her.

Amity: I was out.

Odalia: Where exactly?

Amity: I want to go to bed.

Amity was about to go upstairs but then their abomination butler blocked her way.

Aladaor: Amity, answer our question. Come here.

Amity had no choice but to go down and face them. As this was happening, Edric and Emira were watching from the corner worried about her.

Odalia: Where have you been?

Amity: I was out.

Odalia: Where?

Amity: I was just at the library mom.

Odalia: At night?

Amity: Malphas needed extra help organizing the books alphabetically. I was just working overtime.

Odalia: Really?

Amity: Yes, I was just out working overtime. I'm tired, let me go.

Aladaor: Amity, we know you're lying.

Odalia: How stupid do you think I am? I know you were out with your friends.

Amity: So what if I was?

Odalia: Maybe with that human.

Amity's eyes widened a bit. Was her mom onto her.

Amity: Luz is my friend. I can be friends with whoever I want.

Odalia: So you're just friends then? You're not in any kind of special relationship with her.

Amity: What are you implying?

Odalia: I've noticed how attached you are with that human. She's been holding you back on your studies and priorities.

Alador: Amity, you know you have more important things to focus on.

Amity: I have my own life outside of this.

Odalia: Your life is to focus on your studies and helping us. We provide you a home and care for you and...

Amity: Stop right there. Care? Care?! You two never cared about me or what I want. When I was 8, you didn't care that I broke my leg during one of your presentations. You only cared about your sales.

Odalia: You lived and healed, that's what matters.

Amity: No! You never considered how I feel. All you've ever done was put me through hell! You made me break ties with Willow and I almost turned into you.

Odalia: Don't you speak that tone to us young lady.

Alador: Odalia you must not blame her. I believe its her human friend making her this way.

Amity: Leave Luz out of it. She's an amazing girlfriend who's been supporting me all the way.

Odalia: I knew it! You are in a relationship with her!

Amity: Yeah I am. So what?

Odalia: Did you not hear yourself Amity. She's a human, you're a witch.

Amity: I don't care.

Odalia: You should. She's beyond below our level and I forbid you to see her again.

Amity: You can't keep us apart.

Odalia: You will or...

Amity: Or what? You're going to expel her from school again? We beat you once on that before. We can do it again.

Odalia: She's holding you back on your future. To be head witch, to make us...

Amity: It's always about you isn't it? That's why I hate you both!

Odalia: Watch it Amity...

Amity: The first thing I'm going to do when I turn 18, I'm moving out and I'm never seeing you again. Heck, maybe I won't even join a coven.

Odalia gets up and slaps Amity across the face. Amity's eyes were shut when she was slapped and slowly opened her eyes, glaring at her mother and trying so hard to fight the tears. Odalia looked at with a stern look as Alador looked a bit startled. Even he didn't expect that to come.

Odalia: You know I don't tolerate this kind of behavior. Go to your room at once!

Amity just turned away and went upstairs to her room.

Alador: She's being quite rebellious.

Odalia: It's that human. She's turned her against us.

Alador: What do you intend to do?

Odalia: Well, if she won't break up with her. We'll just have to put Luz out of the picture.

Odalia smirked as Alador had an unsure look of where this was going?

Back upstairs Amity made it to her room. Once she was in, she slammed the door and wanted to be left alone. She went to her make up station and looked at herself in the mirror and saw her cheek, bruised from her moms slap. It's been a while since she was slapped by her. When she was younger, Amity was always slapped across the face whenever she would misbehave in front of her, or anything Odalia would see as misbehaving and half the time she would help with her parents presentation with abomination weapons, she often got hurt but never cared about it as long as she lived. Why do they always treat her this way she thought? Why can't they just let her persue her own goals and be happy with what she has? She remembered seeing her Aunt Alice not long ago, to make sure she was okay at home and seemed suspicious about Odalia and Alador's parenting. But she didn't say anything because well at the the time she was okay and not letting them control her anymore and most of her abuse happened in the past, but it might be coming back to her. She touched it and winched from the pain. She slumped face down on her bed. Ghost got onto her bed and curled up to her. Amity began petting her for comfort. Then she heard a knock on the door.

Emira: Amity, it's us.

Edric: You okay in there?

Amity: Go away.

Emira: We just want to check on you.

Amity: Just go, just...please...I just want to be left alone.

Emira didn't say anything else and just nodded as she and Edric left her give her some time. Amity just buried her face in her pillow as we could hear her muffled crying as she cried herself to sleep.

The next day.

At the Owl House.

Luz and everyone was going over the notes she has so far with Phillip's journal entries and on making a new portal door.

King: Sheesh look at all this. This is all about the portal?

Luz: Most of it is. I want to organize the notes first before we continue on making a portal. Christa we will continue your research, I just want to see...

Christa: I get it Luz. You want to see your mom. You miss her.

Luz: Well you miss yours too.

Christa: I can hardly remember her but yeah. But we can do this first, mine might take longer.

Luz: You're so understanding Christa, thanks.

Hooty: Hey! Guess what I'm about to throw up!

Hooty began coughing and threw up the mail.

Hooty: The mail!

Eda goes to the mail and looks over.

Eda: Let's see, junk, junk, death hex, junk, oh Luz there's something for you.

Luz: Me?

Eda hands her the envelope. Luz opens it and reads the letter.

Luz: Dear Luz,

I have surprise for you. I left a map in this envelope. Follow and I'll see you there.

-Amity

( stops reading and gasps) Amity has a surprise for me?

Eda: Seems like it, I mean you two have been kinda attached lately.

Christa: But why send you a letter? Don't you have that little uh...thingy to text her?

Luz: Well, maybe she wants to make it special. Well I'm gonna go see her. Later guys.

Luz gets up, takes the map and leaves.

Some time later

Christa: Hey King, it never occurred to me until now. But is your skull like a helmet or is it part of your body?

Hooty: You know I kinda wonder that too?

King: I...huh. I really don't know.

Christa: Is it removable?

King: I don't know but, I wonder what I look like.

Hooty: OOH! I want to see!

Eda: AAAH! Uh, you don't want to do that.

King: Why?

Eda: Uh...

Christa: Wait have you seen King without his skull?

King: Wait you have? What do I look like?

Eda: Just trust me on this one, you don't want to know. It's uh...it's actually horrifying.

Christa: It can't be more horrifying than the time I saw Hooty without his skin.

Flashback: A few days ago.

Christa was heading outside to see Hooty.

Christa: Hey Hoot Hoot. I'm trying to reach a box on the shelf, can you help...

But Christa stopped talking when she saw Hooty skeletal body and hanging his skin outside to dry. He turned to her with his soulless skull eyes.

Christa: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Christa's scream was so loud that it echoed throughout the Boiling Isles and beyond, after that she fainted.

Hooty: Oh CC! Oh. Oh no, I'm sorry. Uh, this is pretty embarrassing. Hoot.

Flashback ends.

Hooty: You're uh, still not mad at me for scaring you like that are you?

Christa: Aw Hoot Hoot, I didn't know it was you at first. I didn't mean to make you feel ashamed. It was just uh...an unexpected moment and bad timing.

Christa hugs Hooty.

Christa: It doesn't change how I feel and I love you skin or no skin.

Hooty: Aw CC, that's why you're one of my BFFL. Best friends for life! Hoot, Hoot!

Amity: Hey, am I missing something?

They heard Amity's voice just outside the house since Hooty was inside and the door was open.

Eda: Boots?

Amity: Hey guys, I'm here to look over the notes with Luz.

King: What do you mean? Luz just left to go meet up with you.

Amity: What?

Christa: ( showing her the letter) You wrote her a letter saying you wanted to see her. It said you had a surprise for her. Wait, is it here? Are we throwing a surprise party?

King: Oh I love surprise parties! I'll pop out of the cake.

Amity looked at the letter.

Amity: Guys, I never wrote her a letter.

Meanwhile with Luz.

Luz kept walking in the woods. She was following the map as instructed to where she was going.

Luz: Wonder what the surprise Amity has for me. Maybe it's a new necklace, or maybe a picnic. I mean we just had our date, but hey I'm all forward spending time with her. I love my Ami.

But then she heard a twig break behind her.

Luz: Amity?

Luz turned around and saw nothing. She shrugged and kept walking, there was a cloaked figure watching her from the top of a tree.

?: This is it? A bit excessive to use my demons on, but I am being paid big. Very well.

The figure took out a small box and in it were two purple marbles. He took one out.

?: Now then, attack Gorza!

The figure threw down the marble near Luz. It exploded upon hitting the ground making her jump. The smoke cleared up and a large demon stood before her. He was a bipedal demon with green skin. He had scales on his arms and legs but his body had some shell like plating on it. Mainly on the chest and back. He had long tail, and his hands and feet had three claws on them each. The head looked like a lion, but had long tusk/fangs like a walrus and a small horn on his head. He roared ( stock Gomess roar) and set his attention to Luz.

Luz: OH! What is that?

Gorza roared again and approached Luz. He swung his tail at her which knocked her then the horn on his head glow and shot a red beam at her. Luz again barely got away from that. She got an plant glyph and placed it on the ground. Vines were emerging from the ground and were lassoing his arms and neck and body. It didn't hold him long as he easily broke free and was coming at Luz. This time she got an ice glyph ready. She rolled and placed it onto him, freezing Gorza instantly.

Luz: Whoo, man that was a close one.

?: Hmmm, this will be interesting.

The figure took the second marble out.

?: Get her! Melba!

When he threw the marble, it exploded into mid air. Luz heard it and looked up and saw a bird demon fly down at her. She ducked as it missed her. The bird demon Melba landed. It stood in a biped stance and it's body had red feathers, orange on the legs and blue on the head and feet. The wings were under it's arms but didn't stay like a bird but more like regular arms a gargoyle or bat. The head had long red rooster like comb, a long black beak, large googly eyes and turkey snood. Melba roared at Luz ( stock Birdon roar) and came at her.

Luz: Oh come on!

Luz got a fire glyph and shot a fire ball at Melba. Melba flapped his wings and created a wind storm. It blew away the fire and blew Luz down. Melba breathed fire at her, but Luz moved away and got a water and ice glyph combo. She used it at Melba and the wave of water froze him. But it didn't last long. The ice began to shake and the head was free as he breathed fire. He was breathing fire at the rest of his body to break free.

Luz tried to escape by taking out an invisibility glyph and held her breathe to become invisible. She got away as far as she could and was visible again as she tried to catch her breathe.

Luz: ( panting) I wish Seraphina was here. Back from Palm Stings with Lilith to spend quality time.

Luz heard Melba's roar. He was coming. She saw a log and crawled into it to hide. She stayed still and quiet as she heard Melba's roars and foot stomps. She thought she was safe, but then Melba pecked down the log and scraped Luz's arm. Luz let out a painful yell as she crawled out and Melba kept trying to peck down at her. But then she heard Gorza's roar and he appeared showing he thawed out. Luz was corned by the two. She couldn't do anything as she held onto her wounded arm. It had a huge cut and her blood was dripping from her finger tips. That was until two abominations appeared behind the two demons, grabbed them and threw them aside. Amity along with Eda, Christa and King arrived to defend her.

Luz: Guys.

Amity: Luz are you okay?

Luz: I'm guessing this is not part of the surprise is it.

Amity: I never had a surprise for planned. Oh no, your arm!

Luz: Just a scratch. I'm okay.

But Luz winched from the pain as Christa with her plant magic, formed a large leaf and wrapped Luz's arm to keep her from losing more blood. But they heard Gorza and Melba's roars again. The two demons were back up and were closing.

Eda: Just stay by us Luz, we got you.

?: I was not told there'd be more.

The cloaked figure jumped down from the tree and stood with his demons.

Eda: Who are you?

?: Surely you must have heard of me. I am the Boiling Isles top Beast Keeping hitman...

The figure removed his cloak and showed him his true form. He was about Eda's height with an athletic build. He had a grey body with purple on his shoulders, knees and abdomen and chest. His arms and feet were red with claws on them. His head resembled a cockatoo parrot with black eyes with blue iris.

?: I am Monsieur Bolst.

Christa: What are you targeting Luz for?

Bolst: I am just doing my job. If you don't want to get killed, I say step aside.

Amity: No one hurts my Luz.

King: That's right. We're not letting you get her.

Bolst: Fine, then. I'll just add this to the clients bill. Attack!

Monsieur Bolst along with Gorza and Melba charged at the group. Eda and King were together as they took on Gorza. Gorza tried grabbing onto Eda. He swiped his hand at her and kicked he to the ground. Before he could do anything else he felt a bite on his tail. King was biting his tail as he tried to shake him off. He got off and let out a sonic wave at him. Gorza was hit and pushed back. He fired his horn beam at King, but he got away. He was hit across the face by Eda with her staff. He tried hitting her with his tail, she ducked and got out a few glyphs. She threw a fire ball at Gorza, hitting him and he retaliated with a a horn beam. Eda dodged and formed used an earth glyph and a rock pillar hits Gorza, knocking him down.

Luz, Amity and Christa were against Monsieur Bolst and Melba. Melba went first and flapped his wings to blow them away. Christa formed a rock wall to block the wind. She punched the ground and a rock pillar formed in front of him and punched him back to the ground. He got back up and was about to attack. Amity formed large spell circle and abomination appeared in front of him and grabbed hold, trapping him inside it. But the Monsieur Bolst formed a spell circle and fired a beam at Amity, knocking her down.

Luz: Amity!

Amity loses control of the abomination and Melba was free. He roared and came at the three. It target Christa and grabbed her and threw her to the ground. Melba was about to peck down at her, she rolled away and tried to peck her again. She used her wind powers and pushed him away and then used her fire powers at him. Melba was about to breathe fire at her, but then she shot out a vine from her hands and it wrapped around his beak, closing it shut. She then placed her hand on the floor and ice glacier hit him in the face, knocking him down. Bolst was about to finish off Amity, until Luz formed an ice glyph and a ice spike came at his shoulder, stabbing him.

Bolst: AARGH! Damn you!

Luz: Amity, use this.

Luz showed her a fire glyph. Amity formed her fist into an abomination fist and Luz placed the fire glyph on her fist. Amity launched her fist at Bolst as he was hit with a firey blast, knocking him down again. Christa was still fighting Melba. She fired more vines from her hands and wrapped him up. But the fire and heat coming from his beak was starting to burn off the vine closing his beak. Once it was burnt off, he did the same for the rest of his body. He came at her and hit her across the head. Melba was about to finish her, but then he was hit in the back of the head with a abomination fist missile. He turned and saw Luz and Amity on her staff.

Luz: Hey bird brain. Isn't it me you want? Fly Amity.

Amity flew with her. Melba roared and flew up after them.

Gorza roared again as he tried to hit Eda and stomp on King. King used another sonic wave at him, knocking him down as Eda placed an ice glyph on the ground and an ice glacier hit him from the ground and sent him in the air. He landed and was weakening. Eda got a few fire glyphs and quickly ran up to him, placing them on his head. Once ignited it let out a firey blast. Gorza let out one last roar and finally fell to the ground dying.

King: Ha, yeah. Take that.

Eda: Didn't even have to use Harpy Eda on him too.

Back in the sky Melba was chasing after the two girls. It spat fire balls at them as Amity dodged them all.

Amity: Okay Luz, what's the plan?

Luz: Just fly a little more to that rocky cliff.

Amity did so and soon they were getting close.

Amity: Luz, we're getting too close.

Luz: I know, we're about to move away but first...( takes out invisibility glyph) hold your breathe.

Melba was about to spit another fireball at them, but then they turned invisible. This confused him for a moment, but his confusion distracted him from the rocky cliff and flies into it hitting his face head on. Melba roared as he fell down and into the boiling sea, dying. Luz and Amity turned visible again as they saw the whole thing.

Luz: Well that's one way to cook a bird.

Amity: In the most messed up way possible.

The two made it back with the others.

Christa: Are you guys okay?

Luz: We're fine, that things gone.

King: And we dealt with the other one.

Eda: We're not done yet.

Monsieur Bolst was getting back up, but Eda grabbed him by the collar and pulled him to her face.

Eda: You! What were you doing targeting my kid?!

Bolst: It wasn't personal. It was just business. I'm a hit man I told you.

Eda: If that's the case, who hired you?

Bolst: I cannot tell you. All client names are confidential.

Eda dragged him to a cliff and was holding him to the edge and down below was the boiling sea as he was panicking.

Bolst: No stop! It's just a job.

Eda: Who hired you? Was it Belos, the Five...

Bolst: Uhhh.

Eda was about to drop him

Bolst: No, no stop! Okay, I'll tell you! I was hired by...

Luz: Eda watch out!

But then an magic projectile was coming at her. She lets go and Monsieur Bolst loses balance and falls off the cliff. His scream is heard as he fell and then a splash was heard as everyone looks down. But by the time they did, he was no where to be seen. All there was were bubbles and steam coming from the water, signifying he died falling in.

King: Okay this was the most messed up thing I've ever seen in my life. Why'd you drop him like that Eda?

Eda: I wasn't really going to drop him, I just wanted answers so I can go after the scum who tried to kill Luz. Someone made me let go. We didn't even get answers who hired him.

Christa: It had to have been one of the Legion of Five. They're always after us.

Amity: But why would they hire someone to attack when they could just do it themselves?

Luz: Maybe it wasn't them. I thought Amity wanted to see me. I got your note.

Amity: ( shows note) You mean this? This isn't mine. I never wrote you a note.

King: Then who did?

Amity: I'm not sure but it's over, for now.

Amity hugged Luz tight.

Amity: I got so scared. I thought I was going to lose my Batata.

Luz: It's okay Ami. I'm okay. Thanks for coming here. Amity your face.

Luz noticed Amity's bruised face. This morning she applied make up on to hide it so no one could see. It must have faded off in the fight.

Amity: Oh uh...I must have got hit during the fight. It's just a bruise it's fine.

Luz: Are you sure? Does it hurt?

Amity: Well, a little.

Luz gave her a sorry look and kissed her bruised cheek. Amity smiled as she held her cheek. The spot where she was slapped was given a gentle kiss from her love.

Amity: Thanks.

Eda: Come on kiddo, let's take you back and treat your arm properly.

Everyone left the area and back to the Owl House. From the distance Odalia was watching the whole thing and didn't look happy.

We cut to Blight Manor as Odalia went downstairs to her and Alador's lab.

Alador: So, the assassination attempt failed?

Odalia: Unfortunately. I gave that idiot Bolst one job and he failed on that. Well no matter, I have something else in case this failed.

Odalia went over one of the drawers and took out a purple vile and a label with a skull on it.

Odalia: I wanted this to look more like an accident and I tend not to get my hands dirty. But if you want things done right, you should just do it yourself.

To be continued...

Aurthor's Note: That's it for this chapter. Not sure what the show was going to do with Odalia and Alador, but wanted to make this to bring them full circle and to add more monsters I made for this story. I know it wasn't my best ( maybe this arc won't be my best) but wanted to do this to show how evil they are. And because I saw the new episode I added the new lines of Amity calling Luz her Batata and Hooty's uh...terrifying moment. And because we're not sure what happened to Luz's dad, I added my own story to it. It was emotionally challenging to write. I want to thank Lady Shadow92 for help and ideas on this one. If you liked this chapter, be sure to follow, favorite and review. As always, thank you and until next time.