We find ourselves in front of an old house where the Leviathan Axe was lodged in the ground when suddenly a powerful gust of wind blew the battle axe out of the ground through a glowing door.
Through the door we find ourselves in the Boiling Isles as the Leviathan Axe flew into Ardyn's hand and the Owl House Title logo appeared.
Iki wo sutte haitara kurushii koto
Kizu ga hitotsu fueru tabi ikiteiru koto
Looking around Ardyn sees the Owl House with Hooty and King watching Eda teaching Luz magic.
Tsukaifurusareta sonna kanshou mo itsuka kitto
Yoru ni tokete kieru
We then find ourselves at Hexide as Willow and Gus wave at them while Amity merely looks away with a small blush on her face.
"No enough" yugandatte
"No escape" machigattatte
"No fear" koroge mawatte
Susumeba iin deshou
As Eda struggles to fight off the curse she briefly fights off the feathers before we see Romani chained up against the wall before a large shadow grows.
Looking up they saw Emperor Belos glaring down at them with staff at the ready and all his coven ready to attack. Standing behind him is a shadowed figure with a demented grin on his face.
Sore wa marude shinwa no you na
Iro, katachi no jubunairu
Spinning her staff Eda creates a powerful blast blowing the guards away before Lilith leaps in and the two sisters clash making magic explode all around them. From the smoke Ardyn, Luz, Amity, Willow and Gus ran towards the top.
Summoning an ice glyph Luz makes a bridge of ice allowing Amity's abomination to charge forward ramming them away as Willow made a road of vines for Ardyn to run ahead.
Ibitsu na mama hibiwareteiru
Kono sekai de hitotsu kagayaku
Kirei na tsuki
Running to the top, Ardyn and Emperor Belos clashes axe and staff before the shadowed figure fires a powerful blast knocking Ardyn back.
Holding out his hand a gilded sword forms in Ardyn's hand before he thrusts his weapon clashing with Belos and the shadowed figured creating a bright light.
FATE/BOILING ISLES
Book 1
Chapter 9: Escape of the Fated Palisman
A few days had passed since Ardyn and Luz went to Hexside, unknowingly being a part of Gus' scheme to secure his position as president of the H.A.S.. It ended in disaster but wasn't all that bad. Now the two best friends were being enrolled at the witchcraft school. Of course, Ardyn and Luz were excited to be able to go and learn magic. However, for the hybrid, there was something else going on for him.
Last night when he went to sleep and enter his mindscape, he met his Caster-class Servant: Archimedes and learned much from him.
He was known as a "celebrated genius in human history." A mathematician ahead of his time.
Originally, Archimedes lived around c. 287 - c. 212 BC as a mathematician, engineer, and astronomer. He was born to a line of artists and took up astronomy just as his father did before him. At the time of his death in the year c. 212 BC, he resided in the city of Syracuse, located on the eastern coast of current-day Sicily. Archimedes' famous achievements involve a range of geometrical theorems from "On the Equilibrium of Planes", "On the Measurement of a Circle", and "On the Sphere and Cylinde", as well as "Archimedes' cattle problem" in Diophantine analysis.
While his peers considered him a genius, they also considered him rather strange. Archimedes lived in proud seclusion far from Alexandria, the hotbed of academic pursuits at the time, and preferred written correspondence to face-to-face dialogue. Most scholars of his era treasured recognition just as much as discovery and basked in the praise of the citizens around them. Archimedes had no such interest and was said to have been fixated on the beauty and accuracy of his own theorems.
Archimedes was also the cornerstone of Syracuse's defenses, as he was even more talented as an engineer than he was a mathematician. The seaside city-state relied on his supreme war machines far more than it did on ordinary soldiers. Plutarch wrote in his "Parallel Lives" that Archimedes was related to King Hiero II, the ruler of Syracuse. It is easy to imagine how he ended up in the position of chief engineer tasked with the defense of the city-state. Archimedes' fame as an engineer was known throughout the land from early on. The ancient Greek historian Polybius, born in c. 200 BC, wrote a following account in his Universal History some seventy years after Archimedes' death.
If you were to see these works, you would easily understand how the intelligence of a single human being can bring about something amazing if they are given proper stage. In truth, the Roman armies who had shown overwhelming might on the planes of both ground and sea were convinced that they would be able to conquer the city-state of Syracuse should just that single old man disappear. However, as long as Archimedes existed, and his methods of protecting Syracuse were in place, they would fear to tread anywhere near the city's walls.
(Polybius)
Many of the defense mechanisms Archimedes invented effectively demolished a variety of would-be invaders. However, in the year of c. 212...
Syracuse formed an alliance with Cartage in the Second Punic War against the Romans, and so Syracuse and Rome became enemies. Consequently, a Roman force led by the General Marcus Claudius Marcellus laid siege to the port city by both land and sea. Archimedes' fortifications effectively repelled invaders, but the city fell to treachery, and Archimedes lost his life in the aftermath. However, his story comes to an end after the siege, rather than during it.
Archimedes' name was well known to the Romans, and the victorious General Marcellus sent out orders that the scholar was not to be harmed. According to popular account given by Plutarch in his heroic tale "Parallel Lives", Archimedes was contemplating a mathematical diagram when the city was captured. A Roman soldier commanded him to come along, but he declined, saying that he had to finish working on the problem. The soldier then flew into a rage and killed Archimedes with his sword. (Plutarch calls this story a mere rumor, and clarifies that there were other rumors as well, like one stating that Archimedes was killed because the soldier thought the technical drawings in his possession would be valuable spoils of war.)
It is said that Archimedes' last words, uttered to the soldier who stopped him while he was drawing geometric configurations in the study, were "μή μου τούς κύκλους τάραττε" meaning "Do not step on my figures/Do not disturb my circles!" Despite those last words being well known, they are not noted in Parallel Lives, and their source remains a mystery.
A bit of trivia: When the Roman orator and politician Marcus Tullius Cicero was serving as a quaestor in Sicily in c. 75 BC, he reported finding the tomb of Archimedes near Argentine gate in Syracuse, clearly neglected, and overgrown with bushes. It is said that the tomb contained a sculpture illustrating the late scholar's favorite proof, consisting of a sphere and a cylinder of the same height and diameter. This was one of the greatest mathematical accomplishments of his life.
Today, the thing that was on his mind is the photo of his mother and her friends in his hand, Ardyn focused on one of them; the one with the staff. He was more than sure of it. It was the same staff used by the wizard that saved him, Luz, Gus, and Willow from the Demon Hunters.
It all led Ardyn to ask one question. Who was this guy? And why did he save them from getting killed by the demon hunters. So many questions and so little answers.
"Ardyn, you agree with me, right?"
"Huh?" Ardyn looked up at Luz. Quickly, he stuffed the photo back into his pocket. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"
The two kids, Musashi, Romani and Eda were sitting on a bench at a playground in the middle of Bonesborough. Or, as it was called in the Boiling Isles, the Slayground. And just like everything else in the Demon Realm, everything was alive in some way. There was a slide adjacent to a strange monster-like building with its mouth open, a sand pit with tentacles coming out of it, and a set of swings made from bones.
There were several baby-track Hexside students there, playing around and having fun. It reminded Ardyn of when he was forced to watch over some of the younger kids from the orphanage.
"I'm talking about King!" Luz exclaimed frantically, pointing at King, who was trying to climb up the slide. "What if he gets hurt? What if the kids are mean to him?" She gasped. "My parental instincts are freaking out, man."
"Luz, you're too young to have parental instincts," Ardyn said.
"I agree." Musashi said with a smirk on her face.
"Said you, Mister 'I-can't-play-because-I-have-to-babysit," Luz exclaimed, pointing a finger at him. Remembering days when he had to babysit some of the orphans. But on those days, she'd help him.
"Will you relax, kid," Eda said. "He's fine. Look at him."
Ardyn and Luz watched as King continued making his way up. "It does look like he's having fun," the Dominican-American girl said.
"He's growing up fast, Luz," Ardyn said in a humorous tone, smiling as he wrapped his arm around Luz's neck. Luz smiled as she leaned into him and the two watched King. "Our little demon boy is becoming a fully grown demon boy."
"Aw. I wonder what cute little game he's playing," Luz said, secretly enjoying being against Ardyn's body.
"Probably trying to set up his territory." Romani said as the others looked at him in confusion.
"What do you mean by that?" Musashi said as Romani pointed towards King and the others decided to watch where this go.
"Stand back, cretins," cried King, grunting as he continued climbing up to the tip of the slide as a few kids watched him. When he reached the top, he turned towards the kids in a victory pose. "Yes! Yes! This is a throne worthy of a tyrant. Bow to me you snotty underlings. Bow!"
The kids at the bottom of the slide just shared a look with one another. "Okay!" And then they did the exact opposite. One did a handstand while the other did a backbend.
"See?" Romani said as the others said "Oh!", now understanding what he was talking about.
"Yes, appease your master!" King yelled, not noticing a kid with dark skin and red hair behind him.
"This isn't for standing, it's for sliding," the boy said, with a green booger running down his left nostril. "You try."
And with that, the kid shoved King down the slide. The little demon tumbled down before landing on the ground. The kid smiled like it was good fun. But King looked upset and angry. Hopping to his feet, he screamed and ran to Ardyn, Luz, and Eda.
"Eda!" He wailed and clung to Luz's leg. "That monster took my throne!"
"You mean the baby?" Eda asked with an amused tone.
"No, the usurper," King yelled, pointing at the kid, who was now riding on a little dragon spring rider. "I want you to go over there and blow him up. Kaboom!"
"Kaboom!" The 'Usurper' mimicked, causing the others to look at King with a deadpan stare.
"Yeah, I don't think Eda's is going to use not Owlbert to blow up a five-year-old," Romani said as Eda nodded.
"He's right y'know." the Owl Lady said, unscrewing Owlbert from her staff. The Palisman hooted when he woke up and hopped into her hand. Smiling, Eda placed him on her lap. "He's got better things to do. Like this…"
Eda scratched the little owl under his wing, making him warble in affection. Loving the scratches very much.
"Aw, what a sweetie." Luz smiled.
"How did you get him?" Ardyn asked.
"Get him?" Eda repeated, looking at Ardyn for a moment before pointing to herself. "I made Owlbert from the branch of an ancient tree. Owlbert hooted as he hopped onto Eda's hand. The old witch smiled as she lifted her hand, allowing the little owl to hop to her shoulder and nuzzle her cheek. "Oh, he's my palisman and we're bonded for life. If anyone hurt him, I'd unleash my full wrath to annihilate them off the face of the Boiling Isles!"
Ardyn and Luz scooted away from Eda, hugging each other with a scared look on their faces. "But luckily it's never come to that," Eda said with a smile before laughing. Ardyn and Luz sighed in relief.
"Hey Romani? Why don't you have a Palisman staff?" Ardyn asked as Luz looked towards the male witch as well, curiosity in her eyes. Romani, however, gave off a huge sigh.
"I knew you two would ask soon." Romani said as he calls his staff via magic. It was a dark grey staff with a wingless, four-legged dragon Palisman on the end. The Palisman came to live as it gave off a low yawn before it jumped off and made itself comfortable on Romani's head. "This here is Drake. I have him for about a couple of years now and we've been pals ever since. Always liked to sleep though, but when the times get tough, the tough get going."
"Either way, pretty cool to have a dragon Palisman." Luz said as she and Ardyn reached to scratch the head of the dragon palisman. Drake didn't seem to mind as gave off a low noise of comfort to show that he liked the scratches he got from the two kids.
"Ardyn, use your axe and bring me his head!" King demanded as he tried to lift the axe, but it was too heavy for him to lift.
"Dude, I'm not going to kill a kid," Ardyn told him as he called the axe back via magic. "If you're a king, then why don't you just, I don't know, reclaim your throne? It's more satisfying and fun that way."
That seemed appealing to King, who rubbed his hands together in a sinister way. "Yes. Yes! Revenge will taste all the sweeter if they fall by my hand alone," he proclaimed and laughed.
However, the Usurper once again came up behind him and shoved King over. Making him land face first on the ground. "Tag, you're it!" He said, laughing and running off.
"Oh, man. Here we go. King's squeak of rage." Eda chuckled, waiting for King to freak out with excitement.
The three watched as King grunted and stood right back up. And then it happened! He threw a temper tantrum while letting out a high-pitched squealing scream while wriggling and punching on the air. He paused for a moment, before continuing to squeal as he charged after his rival. All while Ardyn, Musashi, and Eda laughed together at his scream.
"Oh my God! That's hilarious and adorable!" Ardyn yelled, whipping away some of his tears from laughing so hard.
"He is like a little teakettle," Eda snorted, before sharing a high five with her nephew.
Luz and Musashi looked to Eda again, before noticing Owlbert scratching at his face. As he did so, she noticed an oddly shaped hole in his foot. "Hey, what's that," Luz asked, pointing to it.
"That's his interlock. So, he only fits on to my staff," Eda explained, grabbing her staff as Owlbert jumped off her shoulder and stood on the back of the bench. "Every palisman has one."
However, when she turned back to Musashi, Romani, Ardyn and Luz, Eda saw that they had disappeared. In fact, everything had disappeared, and she was now back in the void that haunted her dreams. Everything but her, her staff, and the bench were gone.
"Romani? Musashi? Luz? Ardyn?!" She called out. Her voice was echoing and full of panic. She stood up and looked around the void. Both her staff and the bench disappeared. "Hello?"
"Eda?" Luz's voice echoed.
"Luz!" She called back.
"Aunt Eda!" Ardyn's voice called out.
"Ardyn!"
"Eda, wake up!" Ardyn shouted as he, Luz, Musashi, Romani, and Owlbert looked over Eda's unconscious body. It all happened so fast! One moment she was explaining how palisman work, the next, she just fainted. The whole group moved off the bench and placed Eda on it.
"Eda? Can you hear us?" Luz asked, shaking her a bit. However, she got no reaction.
"Okay, I didn't want it to come to this, but…" Holding up both of his hands, Ardyn breathed into it. Luz wondered if he was checking his breath, but her eyes widened when she saw him puts his hands together to make a makeshift blowhorn.
"Wait, Ardyn!" Luz tried to stop him, but it was too late.
"HEYYYY! WAKE THE F**K UP!" Ardyn said loudly through his hands, making the Owl Lady's eyes shoot open.
"OW!" Eda yelled as she shot up and held her ears from the ringing. Turning to Ardyn, she glared and yelled, "What the fuck, kid?! Why'd you do that?!"
"Because you passed out, that's why! We were worried!" Ardyn said as Eda lets go of her ears.
"What?" Eda asked before shuddering. Seeing this Ardyn knew what was going on.
"It's the curse, isn't it?" Romani asked to which Eda nodded. "Alright, we need to get back to the house. Now!" Ardyn quickly handed her the staff. Eda stood up as Ardyn and Luz helped their mentor walk away.
"King, we have to go!" Musashi called out to the demon as they made their way out of the park.
Meanwhile, King atop the jungle gym, facing the little Usurper. "Five more minutes, please!" He called out and was about to push the kid back on the slide.
Seeing he wasn't going to come willingly. Ardyn walked towards him with a deadpan look on his face. Grabbing his little body in a tight grip. "Let's go!" Ardyn yelled, pulling King off the jungle gym.
"AAAH! You haven't seen the last of meeeeeee!" King yelled while being taken by Ardyn.
The little boy waved at him. "Bye bye!"
When the group arrived back at the Owl House, Eda tossed her staff to the couch, yawned, and flopped face-first onto the couch. Owlbert flew to the back of the sofa to watch her as Ardyn and Luz walked up to her. "Ardyn, you watch Eda," Luz said as Ardyn nodded and let's go of King. "I'll go get the elixir."
"Don't worry about it. I'll get it myself in a bit," Eda said in a muffled voice as she waved him off. Her face was still in the couch.
"Eda, this is serious," Ardyn said with a worried expression. "Do you need us to stay home and take care of you?"
Luz gasped in excitement when she had an idea. "I could put King in a little doctor's outfit."
Everyone looked at King, who looked up from a stack of paper he was about to write on. "Meh?"
"No one wants to see that," said Eda.
"I do," Luz whispered with dark spots under her eyes. "Oh! I'll even dress up as a nurse!"
"God, I want to see that," Ardyn muttered .
"What?"
"What?" Ardyn said while his and Luz's cheeks immediately flared up while Romani and Musashi found it adorable.
"Look, I know how to take care of myself," Eda said as she pushed herself up from the couch. "I've had this curse longer than you've been alive."
"So, how'd you get it?" Luz asked.
Eda grunted as she planted her face back into the couch. "I don't know," she said in a muffled voice.
"You don't know?!" Luz exclaimed.
"Eda, this is serious! How could you not know?" Ardyn asked.
"Somebody gave it to me. I don't know who and I don't care because I'm fine, all right?" Eda said, wanting to end the conversation right then and there. She sat up and pointed at Ardyn and Luz. "Anyway, don't you two have plans with Tweedledum and Twerpledee?"
"Their names are Willow and Gus, aunt," Ardyn said with a disapproving look.
Owlbert retrieved her staff as Luz explained to the Owl Lady her plans. "Well, me, Willow, Gus, and Ardyn are going to the Grudgby game between Hexside and Glandus High."
"Since when are you into sports?" Eda asked while screwing Owlbert back onto the staff. Making him inanimate.
Luz got into Eda's face. "Since I found a little something called 'Hexside Pride,'" she told her, grunting as she hopped down from the couch's armrest. "To think that Glandus, whoever they are, would dare face us. But if you need us to stay…"
"Gross. Sympathy. Go!" Eda commanded, standing up and pointing to the door. "Go have fun at sport."
"Hooray! Hooray for sport!" Luz cheered as she and Ardyn was about to run out the door. However, she stopped when noticing that Booker wasn't cheering with or following her. "Romani? Musashi? Aren't you two coming?"
"Actually Luz, Romani and I haven't really hung out much, so I thought 'Hey? I want to hang out with this guy for today while the kids have fun'." Musashi said with a big grin on her.
"So how about while you two have fun, why don't we do the same while keeping an?" Romani suggests.
"I suppose that makes sense. Have fun guys. You should try getting to know each other, you might have more in common than you realize." Ardyn said strapping the Leviathan Axe to his back.
"Alright! Let's go! Hugs and kisses, King." Luz said giving King a forehead kiss.
"Don't spend all night plotting revenge." Ardyn said as they left.
"That drooly‐faced heathen will know my wrath." King said in a song-like tone.
Walking to Hexside, Luz and Ardyn were practicing chants.
"How about this? Hexside's going to wreck your side." Ardyn suggests doing a cheer.
"Hmm no, how about Hexside is the best side in the west side?" Luz suggests before they jump back startled by the dragon bus.
"Guys." At the back of the line, Willow and Gus in Hexside hats and shirts were waving.
"Happy game day, fellow, uh re we Hexidians? Hexies? Hexoleos?" Luz asks.
"Actually, most people call us winners." Willow declares.
"Grudgby games are the best. The players go through these action‐packed trials. And the audience gets to wave flags. Look, I practiced." Gus said taking out two flags and spins them around.
"Is it weird Ardyn and I aren't wearing any Hexside clothes?" Luz asks.
"Um, it's weirder that you're wearing Glandus colors." Willow points.
Looking at the poster, they saw Glandus was the same colors as Luz's hoodie.
"Hey, you can't blame her for that, she's been wearing this since you met us." Ardyn said when a giant student shoved them.
"Get ready to be creamed, Glandus nerds." He mocks Luz and Ardyn.
"Hey! We're Hexside nerds!" Luz calls out. "Man, we got to change into some Hexside gear. Where can Ardyn and I get Hexside shirts?"
"I know. There's a lost and found box in the cafeteria." Gus points with his flags.
"The Lost and Found box, the perfect thing for last-minute supplies." Ardyn chuckles.
"Come on, let's hurry." Luz said as they ran in.
Finding the lost and found box, Luz opens it, and they see quite a few Hexside clothes.
"Yes." Luz smiles.
"Lost and Found box, you've done it again." Ardyn grins as he and Luz begin to dig into the box to find clothes their size. Minutes later, Luz and Ardyn came out in Hexside clothes and pom poms.
"Go Hexside!" Luz leaps up and does the splits but couldn't get up. "Well, I never did that before."
"See this is another reason you weren't meant to be a cheerleader." Ardyn cringed helping her up when they noticed the bus was gone and only Willow and Gus were there. "Hey where is everyone?"
Suddenly they heard a roar and saw the dragon bus flying away.
"Hexside rules!" The giant kid yells.
"Oh, no! Come back!" Luz yells as they ran down.
"Why didn't you guys get on the bus?" Ardyn asks.
"We weren't going to leave you behind." Willow said.
"I was." Gus said when Willow elbows him shutting him up as he rubbed his arm in pain.
"Well… at least your honest." Ardyn said in a deadpan tone.
"Can we walk to Glandus?" Luz asks.
"We'd never make it in time. Glandus is all the way out in the middle of the island." Gus said.
"What about you? Can you use Archimedes' drones to take us to Glandus?" Luz asks looking to Ardyn.
"No way I can carry all four of us. Also, I don't what to hear him complaining about how 'It is illogical it is to use my drones that way.' speech." Ardyn said as he shook his head. Archimedes always favors logic and rationalism, does not stray from his own views if possible, and endeavors to treat all things with objective dignity. So, using his drones for transportation for four is not going to fly with him.
"And my parents are working, otherwise I'd see if they could give us a ride on their staff." Willow sighs.
"Man, I really wish I could figure out how to fly." Ardyn sighs giving Luz an idea.
"A staff... because staffs fly. Of course. I can get us a staff." Luz smiles.
"You can?" Gus asks.
"Yes, now come on." Luz said leading them back to the Owl House.
In the kitchen, Musashi and Romani were laughing about what they have in common while having a drink.
"How is that possible? How in the world did you not lose your head from that." Romani said. From what he heard from Musashi, in 1611, Musashi began practicing zazen at the Myōshin-ji temple, where she met Nagaoka Sado, vassal to Hosokawa Tadaoki; Tadaoki was a powerful lord who had received the Kumamoto Domain in west-central Kyūshū after the Battle of Sekigahara. Munisai had moved to northern Kyūshū and became Tadaoki's teacher, leading to the possibility that Munisai introduced Musashi to Sasaki Kojirō, another guest of the Hosokawa clan at the time. Somehow, a duel was proposed between the two; in some versions, Nagaoka proposed the duel, in others, Kojirō proposed it out of rivalry or jealously. Tokitsu believes that the duel was politically motivated, as a matter of consolidating Tadaoki's control over his fief.
The duel was scheduled for April 13, 1612, when Musashi was approximately 30 years old. The departure by boat for the duel was arranged for the Hour of the Dragon in the early morning (approximately 8:00 AM) to the island of Ganryūjima, a small isle between Honshū and Kyūshū. While Hosokawa officials banned spectators, the island was filled with them anyway. Kojirō was known for wielding an oversized nodachi (Japanese greatsword) called a "laundry-drying pole" for its length, as well as being titled "three-shaku silver blade". Using this sword, Kojirō was said to be known for a swift two-stroke sword technique called tsubame gaeshi, and he bore the nickname "The Demon of the Western Provinces". Kojirō arrived at the appointed time but was then left to wait for hours; Musashi had overslept. Kojirō sent out servants to retrieve Musashi, who ate a full breakfast, taking his time. In some variants of the tale, Musashi intentionally arrives late as a sign of disrespect. As she sailed over the Kanmon Straits, Musashi carved a crude oversized bokken from one of the ship's oars with her knife, making an improvised wooden sword, possibly to help wake himself up. Upon his arrival, an irritated Kojirō chided Musashi's lateness and dramatically threw his scabbard into the sea, as a sign that he would not stop and would fight to the death. Musashi responded with a taunt of her own, saying that Kojirō clearly wasn't confident in himself if he thought he'd never get a chance to use a fine scabbard again.
The two circled each other, and Kojirō leaped toward Musashi with his trademark overhead strike. Musashi, too, jumped and swung her weapon with a shout, and the two sword strokes met. Musashi's headband fell off, sliced by Kojirō's sword, but somehow, only the headband was cut rather than Musashi's skull. Musashi's strike, meanwhile, had struck true, cleaving Kojirō's skull.
"Yeah, I'm still trying to find out how that happened! Except what they didn't tell you is that I nearly pissed myself when that blade close to my head." Musashi smirks.
"How you survived that I will never know." Romani smiles.
"Y'know Romani, I think you and I are going to be good friends." Musashi said.
"Same." Romani nods as he raised his glass to her, and Musashi smiled as she taps her cup to his and both take a drink.
Upstairs, King had entered Eda's room.
"Eda! Great news. I thought of the perfect way to get revenge on that usurper." King said holding up a piece of paper that read "FIRE?". "Now, don't be put off by the complicated premise. I'll break it down for you in small pieces. Huh?"
In her nest, King looks in horror to see Eda was in her Owl beast form and growling at him causing King to scream.
"Owl Beast! Stay back!" King screams and the Owl Eda steps back confusing him. "Did you just listen to me?" Standing up King saw Owl Eda standing in front of him. "Uh come here." King orders.
As Owl Eda walks over King noticed one eye was black and the other was normal.
"This is an interesting development. Eda's only partially transformed which means she's totally suggestible. Yes. Yes! I think this will do nicely. Forget fire. I've got a greater force to unleash. You! You're going to help me regain my throne. I mean if that's okay with you. Right?" King asks as Owl Eda growls. "I'll take that weird grumble as a yes. I'm just going to grab a little bottle of elixir in case you go rogue on me."
Walking over to the counter, King grabs an elixir but when he grabs a bag and drags it away, he didn't notice 3 empty elixir bottles spill out of it.
"Now, to destiny's battlefield: the playground!" King declares.
"King? King?" Luz calls out.
"What?" King gasps turning to Owl Eda. "Sit. Stay."
Dropping the bag, King runs to the door and opens to see Luz walking over.
"Is Eda up?" Luz asks.
"Who? Oh that Eda. No, no. She is out like a light." King said when they heard a growl from the other side of the door. "Oh, man. Can she snore."
"Oh no, Ardyn and I wanted to borrow her staff, but I know she needs her rest." Luz said.
"Oh, I'm sure it's fine. It's fine. Just take it." King said giving Luz the staff.
"I can't. Not without Eda's permission." Luz said when she heard a faint cry.
"Well, there's your permission. Off you go." King urged.
"I really owe Gus and Willow one. And it's just for the afternoon. I'm sure Eda wouldn't mind." Luz said.
"Not our generous, kindhearted Eda. Big heart on her." King said.
"Well, we'll be back soon." Luz said walking away.
"Close call." King said.
"What?" Luz turns around revealing she hadn't gotten far.
"Nothing." King said as Luz shrugs and walks out. "Close call. And now revenge. Right, Owl Eda?"
Grabbing a chair Owl Eda starts eating it.
"I'm feeling confident about this plan." King chuckles, not knowing the trouble he was about to get himself into.
Downstairs, Ardyn sees Luz walk down.
"So, what did she say?" Ardyn asks.
"King said Eda was still tired but I think she might have said yes I'm not sure." Luz said holding up the staff.
"Boy that curse must really drain her." Ardyn said.
"To Glandus high!" Luz gestures with the staff but ends up hitting Owlbert against the Owl House in her declaration. "Sorry, Owlbert. It's okay. We're just on our way to help some friends."
"Ooh." Gus and Willow smile admiring the palisman.
"Who's ready to board Air Luz?" Luz offers as the four of them climb on.
"This is going to be fun." Ardyn said.
"Feel that power‐to‐weight ratio." Willow said.
"Boys, be ready to fly." Gus said gesturing with his flags.
"Next stop, Glandus High." Ardyn declares as they took flight.
"Step on it Owlbert." Luz slaps the staff.
Squawking Owlbert shoots off into the forest causing all their hats to fly off.
Screaming the four of them fly out of control doing loop-de-loops before diving down and crashing into a big tree.
Groaning Willow and Gus fall into bushes while Ardyn and Luz lose their Hexside hoodies.
Slipping off his back the Leviathan Axe falls off and hits Owlbert on the head causing his head to crack and the Leviathan Axe to land in the mud.
"Is everyone okay?" Luz calls out.
"Hoo." Owlbert hoots.
"Oh no." Ardyn gasps walking over. "Owlbert."
But before Ardyn could get close to him, Owlbert unscrews himself from the staff and flies away.
"Oh no, no, no! Owlbert come back!" Luz calls out.
Gasping Ardyn pulls the muddy axe out of the ground. "Oh man." Ardyn groans as he shakes the mud off.
"Ardyn come on!" Luz said as he was forced to put it off until later as the four of them ran after the little Palisman.
Back at the Owl House, Romani was playing a game of Blackjack with Musashi.
"Twenty." Musashi said as she places. "Pass!"
"Twenty-One. Blackjack" Romani as Musashi nodded at her lose when they heard a crashing noise from upstairs.
"What was that?" Musashi asks.
"That came from Eda's room." Romani said standing up.
Going upstairs the two of them heard a noise.
"Come on just wait, I need to get this on first." King said.
"King what is going on in there?" Musashi asks knocking on the door.
"Uh nothing, just looking after Eda." King said on the other side.
"Come on King, open up." Romani said.
"No! Uh everything's fine." King said when Owl Eda knocks over a table and a flowerpot shatters.
Gasping both girls look to each other and open the door to see King wearing what appeared to be a cardboard box with a drawing of a six-pack muscular chest and riding on Owl Eda's back.
Turning to them Owl Eda growls causing both to scream in shock and horror.
"What the spirts?! Eda?!" Musashi panics.
"King get off her now!" Romani said summoning his spell circles and Musashi draws her blades. Growling Owl Eda swings her arm and swats them both away sending them crashing to the ground. The two groaned as Owl Eda was about to attack when King pulled her hair.
"Owl Eda heel!" King yells stopping her.
"King?! WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!" Romani and Musashi said as they saw what just happened.
"Don't worry girls I'll bring Eda back safe and sound. Right after my revenge." King said as he and Eda left. Romani and Musashi looked at each other for a moment before running out the door as they sprinted to the playground hoping they weren't too late.
Back in the forest, Ardyn, Luz, Willow, and Gus were running through a dark area trying to catch up with Owlbert.
"Owlbert! Owlbert come back!" Ardyn calls out.
"Please!" Luz begs.
"We didn't mean for you to get hu—" Before Ardyn could finish, he slipped on a root and feel down a small slope.
"Ardyn!" Luz gasps. Tumbling down Ardyn crashes at the bottom in pain and the Leviathan Axe lands in front of him. Groaning in pain, Ardyn struggles to get up when Luz, Willow and Gus arrive.
"Are you okay?" Luz asks as she helps him up.
"Yeah, I just tripped." Ardyn groans when something grabbed the Leviathan Axe.
"You need to be careful the forest has a lot of loose plants all over." Willow said when they heard metal being dragged.
"What's that?" Gus asks.
"Hey where's my Leviathan Axe?" Ardyn gasps realizing it was gone.
"Oh no! First Owlbert and now this?" Luz asks when they heard a growling noise.
"Huh?" Looking up the hill, they see a brown bear palisman with the Leviathan Axe handle in its paws.
"A Palisman? All the way out here?" Willow said surprised.
"Uh what is that? I've never seen anything like that before." Gus said.
"It's a Bear Pallisman, A Kodiak Bear to be precise." Luz realized.
"And it has my axe. Give it back." Ardyn said but the Kodiak Bear ran through the trees and entering a cave, the same cave Owlbert went into.
"It went in there." Luz said.
"Come on." Both were about to go in when Willow stops them.
"We have to be careful. It's really easy to get lost in this part of the forest." Willow warns.
"That Leviathan Axe belonged to my mom I am not leaving here without it." Ardyn said.
"And not to mention this is Eda's palisman, Willow. She'll kill us if we don't get it back. Let's go." Luz said.
Walking in the four of them heard crunching with each step they took.
"Wow. I keep stepping on a lot of crunchy twigs." Willow said.
"Uh Willow, those are bones." Ardyn said.
"Not if I never look down." Willow said looking up when a shadow raced past them.
"Who's there?" Ardyn calls out.
"This isn't any kind of forest I'm used to." Luz said poking a spiderweb with the staff.
"That's because this isn't a forest." Willow said looking down and they saw the Bat Babies come towards them.
"Hey, I remember you three." Ardyn recalls.
"You're Bat Queen's babies." Luz remembers.
"Wait. The Bat Queen?" Gus said as he and Willow back up in fear.
"I think I'd rather take my chances with Eda." Willow said.
"We're looking for a little owl and bear and…there they are." Luz points seeing Owlbert and the Kodiak bear up ahead. However, both Palismans step back.
"Owlbert, thank goodness you're okay. Come here, buddy. Time to go home." Luz said.
"Please give me back that axe, it means a lot to me." Ardyn said as they both walked towards them only for the Bat Queen to land in between them surprising everyone.
"Hello, small human and hybrid." Bat Queen said as she glares making all of them nervous.
At the playground, all the kids were happily playing minding their own business. In the sandbox one kid was building a castle when a loud footstep knocked it down.
"Ahem." King said getting their attention. "Listen carefully. You all have two choices. Grovel or—" Before King could finish Owl Eda shrieks at them causing the kids to scream and run away.
"Ah! Monster!" Braxus yells.
"Good enough." King said as Owl Eda made her way to the Jungle gym where Usurper was panting terrified. "Your time has ended. Mine begins."
Instantly the little kid cries going down the slide and running off.
"Not so tough now, you spongy hatchlings. I will eat you." King declares going up the slide. "All who stood in my way are gone. I declare myself despotic ruler of this land. Nothing can stop the almighty—"
Before King could finish Owl Eda took a bite out of the slide.
"Hey! Hey! No eating the throne. No." King glares but Owl Eda took another bite. "Oh come on."
"King!" Romani and Musashi yell.
"Romani? Musashi?" King said surprised. Entering the playground both caught their breath approaching him and Owl Eda.
"King, this has gone far enough." Musashi said.
"It's a playground, that's not even a real throne." Romani gestures.
"King this has to stop right now. Look at Eda." Musashi points.
"Oh, she's fine." King said as Owl Eda started eating the swings. "No, no! Bad Eda! You are my beast and I control you." Hitting on her on the wing, Owl Eda roars at King scaring him.
"Help me!" King screams as Musashi uses her speed to pick him up before Owl Eda struck him down.
"You were saying?" Musashi glares.
"Okay maybe I did cross a line or two." King admits.
"That's what I thought. King, get out of here!" Romani said as he and Musashi stared the Owl beast down.
Back in the forest, Bat Queen slowly approached them when the Kodiak bear Palisman dropped the Leviathan Axe at her feet.
"It's the…" Willow gulps.
"Bat Queen, yeah we met her once." Ardyn said.
"We kind of babysat her kids once. Don't worry leave it to us." Luz assures.
"Hey Bat Queen, long time no see. Good to see you again." Ardyn waves.
"My, your hair is looking greasy. And your kids they're as hideous as ever." Luz adds.
"You know, that could have gone worse." Gus admits.
"So, listen that palisman kind of took my axe from me and Owlbert sort of ran away so we can just get take them we'll be on our way." Ardyn said reaching to them while trying to call his axe back, however the axe didn't respond to him which caused him to look at the Leviathan Axe in surprise while Bat Queen steps forward.
"To be careless with weapons, it's very serious. I protect him." Bat Queen said.
"And thank you for that, uh, but he belongs to Eda, the Owl Lady. And you owe her a favor, remember?" Luz points out.
"Owl Lady is careless. Her staff left her sight. Taken by human who steals, hurts, frightens." Bat Queen lists.
"Huh?" Luz gasps.
"And you." Bat Queen stared as she turns to Ardyn, who flinched. "To parade around with this powerful weapon in plain sight is like painting a target on your back. And look at it, it's in horrible condition. The previous owner of this axe never made such a mistake."
"What?" Ardyn gasps.
"They told me all." Bat Queen said as both Owlbert's and the Kodiak bear's eyes glowed.
"Owlbert we never meant to hurt you." Luz said.
"I didn't know I was being so reckless, but please the axe belonged to my mother. Trust us." Ardyn begs.
Climbing up to the Bat Queen, both Palismans land on her head as her eyes glowed for a few seconds. "Trust must be earned. Through trials!" Bat Queen declares as flames shot up around her perch.
"Trials?" Gus said excited.
"Guys, the Bat Queen is well‐known for her impossible trials. I've never heard of anyone winning against her." Willow whispers.
"We don't have a choice, Willow. I can't lose one of things my mother left behind." Ardyn said.
"Or Owlbert." Luz said as they both stepped forward. "We accept your challenge."
"And we'll be right there with you." Willow nods.
"Let the flags raise you up." Gus declares. However, Bat Queen raised her claw and the webs encased Willow and Gus trapping them.
"Hey!" Gus said.
"What?" Willow gasps.
"No helpsies. Now, let the trials begin. Milk the spider demon." Bat Queen orders. Cringing both were given a bucket as a giant spider with cow udders crawled in. Taking a deep breath, they both glared.
"Alright you come on you." Luz said but the Spider Demon ran off.
"You can run but you can't hide!" Ardyn yells.
"You're just making this harder for yourself." Luz calls out.
Leaping on the Spider Demon, Luz holds it in place as Ardyn milks it filling up the bucket extinguishing one trial flame. The Bat Queen looked a bit angered but calmed down before saying the next trial.
"Remove bees' nest." Bat Queen orders. Climbing the tree, Luz tried to poke the nest with the staff, but the nest turned into a giant bee. Panicking Luz drops down as Ardyn caches her before he moves in, using his power glyph into his right arm.
"Take this! Shōryūken!" Swinging his arm, Ardyn uppercuts the giant bee clear out of the forest.
"Woah nice shot." Luz said catching her breath. Nearby Gus was tugging at the webs holding him.
"Come on. Almost got it." Gus smiles as he breaks free of the webs. "I am free! Bat Queen, you will rue the day you tried to trap—"
Before he could finish his sentence Bat Queen closed her claw making more webs tie him up.
"Aw man." Gus groans as the second flame went out.
"Give babies a bath." Bat Queen declares. Struggling to wash them, Ardyn held two pinned down as Luz scrubbed them, but the two babies were putting up a fight and the third was biting them.
"Guys, we're here if you need us." Gus said.
"Yeah. Cut us free. We can get Eda and the others." Willow said.
"No, I was selfish, and I hurt Owlbert." Luz scrubs.
"I messed up too. I took having the Leviathan Axe for granted. We have to do this to prove we care." Ardyn said.
Grabbing the bucket, he dumps the water down on all three bat babies cleaning them up and making them shiny.
"Aww." Both Ardyn and Luz smile.
Shaking it off all three babies screech showing their fangs causing them to hug each other in fear.
Back at the playground, Musashi and Romani were dealing with their own struggles. Shrieking at them, Owl Eda charges in but Musashi swings her sword with enough force knocking Eda back, but not cut her. However, Owl Eda didn't stay down for long as she got back up
"Wow she can take quite a hit." Musashi said impressed.
"Sorry Eda, but it's for your own good." Romani summons an energy whip and flicks it at Owl Eda making her scream as it explodes on her. "Come on! Snap out of it!"
"How do we snap her out of it?" Musashi asks as she dodges a claw swipe.
"Not on me at the moment." Romani said flicking his energy whip, but Owl Eda catches it in her teeth. "Uh oh."
Swinging with all her might Owl Eda throws, Romani into Musashi sending both Servant and male witch tumbling into the sandbox. Up on the Jungle gym, King was watching in horror.
"What was I thinking? I'm such a fool. I'm such a—" Moving his hand King sees his bag nearby. "Genius." King smiles grabbing the Elixir.
"Romani! Get her to take this!" King yells tossing the elixir to them. Leaping up Romani caught it.
"You had this the whole time?" Romani asks.
"Yep." King said as Owl Eda unleashed a roar as she charged.
"Alright Eda. Time to take your medicine!" Unplugging the elixir, Romani takes aim and throws the bottle right down her throat. "Bullseye."
"Nice shot." Musashi said as King runs to them.
"Good job, now change back to Eda." King said but Owl Eda still growled at them. "Anytime now. Just magically transform." King gulps as the three of them backup in fear.
"Uh King I don't think it's working." Musashi gulps. Roaring once again, Owl Eda attacks them again.
"Aw nuts." King said.
"Run!" Romani panics as the three ran from the Owl Beast from getting slaughtered by her.
"King, figure out a way to stop Eda." Musashi orders causing the little demon to look at her in confusion.
"Why me?" King asks when Musashi grabs him by his collar and yanks him in close.
"Because it's your fault we're even in this mess! Now figure out a way to fix her or else!" Musashi snaps.
"Yes ma'am, right away ma'am." King whimpers.
"Whoa, remind me not to get on your bad side." Romani said.
"We figure out a way to stop Eda, you got it." Musashi said.
"Get her!" Romani said as both combatants charged in and attacked.
At the Bat Queen's nest, Luz and Ardyn were panting heavily totally exhausted as the last flame went out. Wiggling Gus manages to break free again.
"Yes, I am free again." But right when he hits the ground, he got tied up again.
"Oh c'mon!"
"Okay, Bat Queen that's the last of your chores. We've proved our dedication. Please, please give us back Owlbert and the Leviathan Axe." Ardyn said turning to the Kodiak Bear palisman. "I'm sorry for being mad at you and you were right to take it from me, but if you give it back, I promise I will never let it get that way again."
"I'm so sorry for the pain I caused you, Owlbert. I promise to be more careful. Will you come back with us?" Luz asks. Seeing the sincerity on their faces the two Palisman nodded. Leaping down both were about to walk over when Bat Queen raises her claws encasing them.
"No! More trails. Last trial. You must face me!" Bat Queen declares grabbing the Leviathan Axe from the Kodiak Bear with her claws and holding it up.
"What?!" Both Ardyn and Luz gasped as the Bat Queen took flight and swings the Leviathan Axe at them, causing both to hit the ground from being cut down.
"You two will never get them back!" Bat Queen declares.
"So, this is what being on the receiving end of the Leviathan Axe is like." Ardyn groans in pain.
"I don't think I like it." Luz admits.
"Luz, get us out. We can help." Willow said. Running over, Luz and Ardyn cut Willow and Gus free.
"Look out!" Willow points to the Bat Babies flying in.
"I'll hold them off with my flags!" Gus declares causing the Babies to screech and attack him and Willow. "No! That was a bad plan."
Panicking Luz and Ardyn run for their lives with the Bat Queen right behind them. Struggling the Kodiak Bear palisman started biting on the webs freeing him and Owlbert.
"We won't let you imprison Owlbert!" Luz yells trying to swing the staff at her, but Bat Queen blocks it.
"That's not yours!" Ardyn creates a sphere of fire and leaps at her, but Bat Queen swings her wing knocking him to the ground.
"You don't deserve this weapon. Your mother was powerful witch, a true wielder of this weapon. You just see it as a fancy axe, but she knew it was so much more." Bat Queen growls swinging it but at the last second Luz blocks it with the staff. Getting up Ardyn joins Luz and pushes back as Bat Queen applied pressure forcing them into a lock. Growling the three of them stared each other down when Ardyn noticed a mark on Bat Queen's paw.
"Is that an Interlock?" Ardyn gasps as he and Luz pushed her back.
"Bat Queen, you used to be on a staff, didn't you? You were a Palisman, weren't you?" Luz asked causing the Bat Queen to gasp.
At the park, King was hiding behind the Jungle Gym as Romani leaps off the slide and grabs onto Owl Eda's back. Roaring Owl Eda tried to shake her off when Musashi was trying to pin Owl Eda down when she flew free and ran out of the playground.
"Romani!" Musashi gasps running after them.
"What have I done?" King said in horror.
"Your pride has destroyed you." Eyes widening King turns to see the Usurper standing across from him. "The throne belongs to me now."
"Over my dead body!" King declares when they heard Musashi and Romani scream followed by Eda's screech. "Romani! Musashi! Eda!"
"Yes, leave and forfeit your reign." Usurper grins.
"Then forfeit I shall!" King declares running after them. "Hang on guys!"
Running down the street he sees Owl Eda have Musashi and Romani backed into a corner, ready to fight to the finish.
"Eda stop!" King yells getting her attention. "I know you're in there."
Snarling Owl Eda moved towards him.
"King what are you doing?" Romani asks.
"Trust me." King said slowly walking to her. "Eda, I'm sorry. I used you for your strength because I felt weak. I'm your friend. If only there were some way to remind you who I am." King said when he remembered something.
"Wait a minute, Eda loves my rage squeal. Like this." Taking a deep breath King released his high pitch squeal causing Owl Eda to burst into laughter.
"So tiny, so angry." Eda laughs as she transforms into her normal self.
"Eda!" Smiling King, Romani and Musashi run to her.
"What happened?" Eda asks.
"Okay, so I went to your room, and you were the beast. And then…" King gulps.
"We saw you escaped and chased you all the way here." Romani said.
"Well, you two are taking it a lot better than Ardyn and Luz did, but I can deal with this later. Let's bounce." Eda suggests.
"Best idea we've heard all day." Musashi said as they left to go back home.
In the forest, Ardyn and Luz were standing across from the Bat Queen as she drops the Leviathan Axe in front of her.
"You were once a Palisman, weren't you?" Luz asks. Looking to her claw, Bat Queen slowly turns away.
"Yes, I was once part of a grand staff. A staff made for a giant. But I was broken, discarded. All alone…until I met her, Anna Bronwyn." Bat Queen said.
"My mother, you met my mother." Ardyn realized.
"I was injured, Anna found me and brought me to this forest. With that weapon she protected me until I was strong again." Bat Queen nods.
"That's why you were so protective of the Leviathan Axe." Ardyn said.
"And Owlbert." Luz adds.
"Not just Owbert or Leviathan Axe. I protect all." Bat Queen declares as her eyes glowed. From the trees, more eyes glowed as Ardyn and Luz gasp to see they were all palismans. Countless broken and scarred palismen of every type are in the trees.
"I made home in forest. I'm here to take the lost. The forgotten." Bat Queen said.
"I understand. But Owlbert is not forgotten. He has someone at home who loves him very much." Luz said.
"And my mom left that axe for Eda and she chose to give it to me. I know I messed up but please, I know I can be worthy of it if you gave me another chance." Ardyn said.
"He will not go back with you and Anna made the wrong choice giving it away." Bat Queen said.
"These aren't your decisions to make." Luz said.
"I won't let him." Bat Queen was about to attack when Owlbert and the Kodiak Bear palisman stop her with glowing eyes.
"Hoo." Owlbert hoots while the Kodiak Bear gave of a bear growl.
"You…care for them." Bat Queen said as their eyes stopped glowing.
Grabbing the Leviathan Axe with paws, the Kodiak Bear brings it back to Ardyn while Owlbert flies to Luz.
"Aw thanks little guy." Ardyn smiles petting him.
As the Kodiak Bear roared happily, Ardyn notices something carved on its neck. "Wait a second."
Bending down Ardyn's eyes widen seeing a Kanji was carved on the Kodiak Bear's neck. To be more specific the kanji for bear.
"Kuma? Is that your name?" Ardyn asks as it roared happily confirming it. "Well thanks Kuma, you really saved us."
Seeing this a soft smile appeared on the Bat Queen's face as she turned away.
"Very well. Go. And take your friends." Bat Queen gestures as Willow and Gus ran over still being chased by the Bat Babies. Whistling the Bat Babies stopped attacking Gus leaving him covered in drool.
"I don't think I'll ever be clean again." Gus said as Ardyn and Luz looked to Bat Queen.
"Bat Queen, do you know what happened to your owner?" Ardyn asks.
"It has been thousands of years. I've forgotten." Bat Queen admits.
"If you ever want to search for the truth, I'll help you." Luz smiles.
"We'll help you." Ardyn smiles.
Looking at Ardyn, Bat Queen smiles.
"Hybrid, perhaps you would be interested in assisting me with something." Bat Queen said.
"Uh what is it?" Ardyn asks with a raised brow.
"That palisman, Kuma as you called him has been with me for a few years. Not as hurt as the others. Perhaps I can send him your way from time to time. I think he needs a friend." Bat Queen said.
"You do?" Ardyn looks down to Kuma who gave of small bear noises wanting to spend time with him. "Well how can I say no?" Ardyn smiles.
"Thank you." Bat Queen said leaving with Kuma and her babies.
"I can't believe you two took on the Bat Queen." Willow smiles hugging them in joy.
"And we're not dead!" Gus cheers.
"Thanks for helping us out. Sorry you missed the game." Luz said.
"Are you kidding? That was better than any grudgby match. There were action‐packed trials. I got to do my flag wave, and I'm slightly traumatized. Hooray!" Gus cheered.
"This was almost as exciting as Powerball." Willow smiles.
"Powerball?" Ardyn said interested.
"We'll tell you about it some other time." Willow said.
"Come on Ardyn, let's get this little guy home." Luz suggests as the others nodded and made there way out of the Palisman Forest.
Going their separate ways; Ardyn and Luz return to the Owl House with Owlbert and the Leviathan Axe. There Ardyn was polishing the Leviathan Axe to the point it had no mud or dirt on it while Luz put a Band-Aid on Owlbert.
"And now you're a part of the boo‐boo buddy club." Luz said as Owlbert hoots.
"And the Leviathan Axe is good as new." Ardyn said putting it in an axe-blade cover to help protect it.
"Owlbert, why are you off the staff?" Turning to the door they saw Eda, King, Romani, and Musashi walk in. Hooting Owlbert flew to her and landed on her shoulder.
"Luz and Ardyn took you to get ice cream? Aw, that's a horrible lie." Eda said as Owlbert looks to them. "Well, lucky for you three I don't care right now. I'm going to take a nap." Eda said going upstairs.
"I'm going to the playground." King said about to leave.
"Oh no you're not." Musashi said as she and Romani grabbed him.
"You're not going anywhere. Eda may not have it in her to punish you, but we do." Romani said with a smile butt everyone knows that this a smile that promises pain.
"What?! No!" King screams as they dragged him away. "Luz! Ardyn! Save me!"
"How about we just keep this between us?" Luz suggests.
"Works for me." Ardyn nods and Owlbert hoots in agreement as they made their way back to their room to hit the hay. After toady, they deserve it.
In Eda's room, Eda was coughing as 4 elixir bottles laid by her table before spitting out the one Romani thrown down her throat.
"The elixir It isn't working on the curse anymore. This is bad." Eda said before coughing up the swing from the playground. "When did I swallow a swing?"
Back at the Bat Queen's lair, the Bat Queen was chasing her babies around.
"Babies. To bed." She orders as they flew up to their branch to sleep.
"And now, how about a story?" She smiles flying up to them. "This is the story of how I came to watch over our friend Kuma."
Flashback:
We see Bat Queen sitting in front of an older Anna who was 6-months pregnant as she was carving Kuma from Palsiman wood.
"That is a unique palisman. I've never seen a bear like that before." Bat Queen said.
"It's a Kodiak Bear. It's a brown bear found in Alaska. My husband showed it to me one time at a local zoo that was nearby where we live." Anna said carving the Kanji onto his neck. "Kuma. That shall be your name."
"Why do you want a palisman? Because you have the Leviathan Axe you never needed one." Bat Queen asks.
"He's not for me, this little fella is going to be for my little boy someday." Anna smiles before placing a hand on her womb where her unborn son is.
"Ah. Your hybrid son." Bat Queen said surprised. "I've never seen one before."
"Part human, part witch. The first of his kind. His name's Ardyn. Ardyn Bronwyn Pierce" Anna said.
"Do you think he can even do magic?" Bat Queen asks.
"Oh, I know he can. Call it a mother's intuition." Anna said with a hint of pride in her voice before finishing up causing Kuma to come to life. "That's why he's going to need someone as loyal as Kuma."
Looking around Kuma gave off bear noise happily before looking to Anna.
"Will you please watch over him for me? I can't give him to Ardyn just yet. So, you need you to hold onto him until he's ready. That's my favor." Anna asks.
"Hmm hold onto that favor. If it's watching over a Palisman consider it on the house." Bat Queen said before whistling causing Kuma to come to her side.
"Thank you, Bat Queen. You're a good friend." Anna said getting up.
"Wait. Before you leave, I have something I want to ask." Bat Queen said as he turned to her. "What do you think it's going to be like being a parent to a child?"
"It's going to be the most wonderful feeling in the world." Anna smiles getting her attention. "Watching something you made grow up right in front of you. There's no greater feeling in the world. You want kids someday?"
"Maybe I'm not sure just yet." Bat Queen smiles.
"From my experience of watching over kids at my former job at the library, kids are tough but trust me, they're worth it." Anna said before bending down to Kuma. "Don't worry you're in good hands. And someday you'll meet Ardyn and I hope when you do you two will make a great team."
"Take care Anna." Bat Queen said.
"Hey uh for what's it worth. I think you'd make a great mother." Anna said.
"You're just saying that." Bat Queen said bashfully.
"I mean it, you take care of all these abandoned Palismans. You care for them, protect them, you'd be great." Anna smiles before leaving. As Anna walks away Kuma looks to her and runs up to the small hill and sat down.
Not knowing that it would be the same hill where he would meet her soon-to-be master.
Flashback End:
Hearing the story, the babies fell asleep.
"And Anna was right, being a parent is magical." Bat Queen sighs. Flying in to hang upside down next to them, Bat Queen looks to see Kuma looking in the direction Ardyn went.
'Those two will make quite the team. When the young hybrid is ready.' Bat Queen thought before going to sleep.