Luz woke slowly to muffled commotion in the hall. This time it seemed to be reasonable morning hours and not ungodly early. King's rotund body was still fast asleep at her knees, not a care in the world to wake him up. Luz got up slowly, so as not to disturb King, and prepared for the day. Once dressed and tidied, which included wearing the sweater from Eda, Luz gently stirred King for the day. Much to his chagrin. Checking her phone, the clock read 8:15 am. No new texts from Mami, just a few spam messages from when she signed up for a "free azura book collection" scam. Annoying.

This morning the hallway was less crowded, maybe a combination of it not being a visiting day and the fact Luz was up later. The faces that did roam the halls were unfamiliar, none of her friends to be seen. Luz suddenly had a strange feeling as she stood there, almost as if something was watching her? The feeling left almost as soon as it appeared, thanks to King licking her ankle. She really would be lost without him. Deciding to take a detour, Luz stopped by Eda's office. A hastily drawn, 'will return sometime soon' sign was posted under the bronze name plate. The door was locked. King wriggled through the doggy door, probably to an awaiting meal. She could leave King here for a bit. Where did Eda go?

Luz raced to breakfast, feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. She encountered Bosha and Skara on the way, but there were no snarky remarks at Luz or her energy. Just a wave and polite smile, interesting. Today everyone seemed less happy. Glazed eyes and bland expressions. Once she got breakfast, simple Pop Tarts and apple juice, she realized her friends were nowhere to be seen. She did spot Doctor Lilith having a chat with Hooty though. "Lilith, LILITH!" That sure got her attention. "What is it, Luz? Me and Hooty have business to attend to, can't you go bother Eda or something?" Lilith looked one moment away from having a head splitting migraine. It couldn't be helping that Hooty was wearing an obnoxiously yellow and plaid outfit laced with glow-in-the-dark stars.

"Well I can't seem to find my friends, and Eda wasn't in her office." Lilith rubbed her temples frustrated. "The Blight siblings had an appointment with their case worker, something about their residency here. Miss Park was relapsing on her treatment and is under temporary room lockdown. As for young Porter, I think he is in one-on-one therapy with Hieronymus Bump. Does this answer your question?" A moment of silence as Luz processed what Lilith said. "And Eda?" A huffed sigh from Lilith. "Who knows. She honestly could be anywhere, but my guess is she went to get weekly reports from Mr Belos. In the adult wing, but don't get any ideas Luz." Too late. "I wouldn't dream of it! Thank you Doctor Lilith, and you too Hooty!" She zipped away before anyone could imagine the plans forming in her head.

The adult and children's ward was separated with a long, glass corridor. Security guards on either end, checking IDs of doctors and keeping stray patients from meandering. Luz needed to get to wherever Eda was, and fast. Who knows what Emperor Belos might do to Eda, petrify her? Or worse. Luz didn't wanna think about it. Just her luck, right as she pondered plans to slip by the guard, a group of boys walked by. Young, maybe in their twenties, led by a gruff nurse. He looked like a pirate now that she thought about it. Perhaps he was the captain, the rest were a scurvy crew of looters and pillagers. They were about to be walked through the corridor! She would need to blend in order to get through… A flashed ID and the group was nodded through. No one noticed a slightly shorter, scruffy imposter amongst the boys. Nevertheless, she managed to get to the other end without trouble.

The adult wing was laid out identical to the children's wing. Just, more boring. As if all color had been sucked from the foundation. They were led down the main hallway, passing doors of various doctors. All unfamiliar until one. The door that led to Emperor Belo's private chambers. His name ominously hung on the door, shiny… and menacing. Luz took a fortunate distraction to slip away. One of the young men had face planted into the floor, intentionally.

Once she was sure there was no one looking, she approached the looming door. Memories of Eda's petrification ceremony flooded her brain. The fear, the sadness, everything. Cautiously testing the handle, unlocked. Crept in. The room was dark, and surprisingly large. Ornate artifacts were placed neatly around the space, stark contrast to Eda's cluttered office. Less warm and cozy, more sinister. Banners hung on the walls, if they had eyes they would have been looking straight into her soul. She spotted a photo of Belos without his mask on. He seemed normal, if it wasn't for a large scar covering most of his face. He seemed human. Before she could think any further, voices came from right outside the door. The handle turned. Luz jumped behind his desk, and buried herself as far under the wooden desk as possible. Her heart was hammering in her ribcage faster than an old steam engine.

"I'm glad you could join me today, Doctor Edalyn." Luz's blood ran cold. It was HIM. With EDA. The monster that almost ruined Luz's life, and those she loved. If she hadn't been so terrified, she would have lunged out and assaulted him. "I'm glad you called me, I was confused at first but now I'm flattered you trust me with this." Eda? Why would she be here? With this… this monster! "Of course. You are a favorite among the kids, I would trust you with anything. This is a very special case and I figured you were perfect for the job." What were they talking about? And so casually too!

"Thank you. After what happened with Miss Noceda I was afraid you wouldn't want me working on this case. If it's any consolation, she appears to have stabled out." A fake chuckle from the man she hated more than anything in the world. "Glad to hear. I personally think she should have spent more time on the high security level, but that's not up to me, is it Doctor?" What? "I can assure you that won't be allowed to happen again sir. I have upped her dosage as per your request and made sure she can't get close to you." She could hear hints of sadness in Eda's voice. "Good. Well, would you like to meet your new patient?" A moment of quiet. "Of course Mr Belos." The quiet that settled once they exited was louder than any bell.

5 minutes passed, then 10, 15 minutes passed before Luz dared to move. Racing out and into the colorless halls. Several adults milled the halls, all patients based on their bland outfits. Some younger, some older, all trapped. This time, Luz wasn't interested in the details. She just wanted to find Eda and demand an explanation. Fast walking through the ward, not running as it would attract attention, Luz frantically searched for Eda. Door after door, no luck. Eventually until she happened upon a door with a plaque that read. "Private session in progress. Do not enter" As if rules ever stopped her before. Upon entry she saw a room very similar to hers. Except where her bed would be, a silver chair and desk sat instead. The bathroom door was shut, making the area feel small and empty. For a moment she failed to notice a boy about her age sitting on the floor next to the curtainless window.

When their eyes finally met, confused expressions crossed both young faces. After a few seconds of silence, the boy spoke first. "Are you my doctor? Emylin or something right? You seem a bit young, and your outfit is weird." Luz crinkled her face at the boy's rudeness. "I'm not Eda if that's who you were expecting. And my outfit is not weird, you are." She took a defiant stance, unwilling to show weakness against this enemy. He was silent for a moment, deep in thought. "Then who are you? And why are you here?" Luz relaxed, he didn't seem to be a threat… for now.

"I'm Luz Noceda and I am here to save Eda The Owl Lady from Emperor Belos and his evil plot." This caused the unnamed boy to burst out laughing. "So you're one of these crazy people locked up in here! I have the funniest feeling you're gonna be in big trouble if they find you with me." He barely could get this out without choking on a fit of giggles. This was upsetting, but she pitied him because it looked like he was locked up here also. As he slowed his manic laughter, she got a better look at him.

He looked slightly older than her, maybe closer to Edric and Emira's age. He had dirty blond hair, and eyes a shade of magenta. He appeared unnaturally scrawny and had tired purple lines under his eyes. A pink scar on his face, many cuts littering his arms and legs, and a notch out of his pointed ear. Wait. Pointed? He had witch ears! This was the first person she had seen since waking up here that had pointed ears. Before she could freak out and bombard him with millions of questions, footsteps stopped outside the door. He must have heard them also. Luz probably had a look of horror on her face because the boy jumped up and pushed her into the bathroom right before the intruders entered.

"Hunter! What were you doing? It sounded like you were talking with someone, and why did you slam your bathroom door? I have warned you about doing that." Of course it was Emperor Belos. "I-I'm sorry. I was upset… yelling at myself and slammed the door out of anger. It won't happen again." Muffled footsteps. "This is your new doctor, she will be working with you during your stay here. Doctor Edalyn. And her registered service dog, King." Could this day get any worse? "I'll take it from here, thank you Mr Belos." Heavy steps followed by shutting the door. A few moments of silence. "Alright, he is gone. Hunter, go let Luz out of the bathroom." How did she know!?

Luz sheepishly walked out of the bathroom, faceing whatever wrath Eda would dish out. Instead she was met with Eda's signature grin and a thumbs up. "I'm impressed you managed to get over here without getting caught! Also that you met Hunter before I did, and didn't kill Ol' Belos upon sight! Progress!" Luz couldn't help but feel confused. "How did you know I was here?" It was right then that King, who she had failed to notice was at her feet, let out a happy "Arrooooooooo!" and licked Luz's hand. "Are you kidding? When Lilith told me you were looking for me I figured you were having an adventure somewhere. Then King led me right to you, he has a good nose. I kept it cool around Belos, he isn't a big fan of you, until he left. Pretty hilarious right?" Luz only then realized she was shaking. "I was so worried, don't leave me like that again!" She barreled Eda into a bear hug, forgetting for a moment Hunter was watching the entire reunion.

After a lengthy introduction, Hunter had almost been caught up on what was happening. King had adorably cuddled up right between the two teens, head on Luz's lap and hind paws on Hunter's. "So now that everything is hunky-dory I would go so far as to say we should take the conversation to the other building. I kinda promised Belos that Luz would never step foot in the adult ward ever again… Not a big deal but I could be in hot water if he found out." The two teens nodded fervently. "Alrighty, Hunter, can you carry Owlbert for me? And Luz it's your job to help King traverse the stairs." At Hunter's confusion at getting handed a weird looking bag, Luz whispered. "That's Owlbert, her palisman. It turns into an owl sometimes." Hunter said nothing but looked as if he wanted to say something snarky.

"Do you have all your belongings Hunter?" So this must be a temporary room, makes sense now considering there isn't a bed. Hunter picked up a fancy duffel bag he had been sitting on, it looked expensive but the contents were nearly empty. Eda straightened up, and led the way into the hall. Luz felt like her heart was gonna explode, if Belos saw them they would be in deep trouble. Luckily, they got to the connecting hall without any trouble. And when the security guard asked about Eda's patients, she said they were newcomers. Not completely a lie. Also the guard looked half asleep and sick of his job, he didn't care.

By the time they got back to their regular stomping grounds, lunch had ended. Like, over two hours prior. Time flies when you're running around illicitly. Thankfully Eda had fruit snacks she smuggled out a few days before, don't ask why. "While I get Hunter's paperwork filed and room prepared, would you mind showing him the amenities? It would be a learning experience! Besides, your usual friends are still… sidetracked." Understatement. What Luz didn't know was that adventures had been happening to her friends today also.

The Blight twins had made a mega mess while trying to convince their case worker they were perfectly sane. Lets just say they won't be letting the twins around goat butter or violins anytime in the foreseeable future. Amity accidentally got wrapped up in this catastrophe and now they were ALL in solitary for the evening. Willow was more upset about her dads missing visiting day then she let on and had an 'episode' just before breakfast. She ended up in solitary for an hour and room lockdown for the rest of the day. That gave her plenty of time to watch several seasons of The Office. As for Gus, no one actually knows what he did. Some kids saw him playing in mud puddles outside, others saw him making macaroni art in Kikimora's group art session. Overall, Gus was being Gus today.

As Luz and King led Hunter to the main hall she remembered her burning question. His ears. But as she was gearing up to ask, she realized his ears were round. Just like everyone else who normally have witchy ears. This HAD to be some sort of illusion spell, or concealing potion, or… or something! Hunter cleared his throat and Luz realized she had been spaced out, how rude of her. "So…. are we just gonna keep walking in circles or are you giving me a tour?" "Oh, yeah! Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." A scoff. "Well duh, I'm mentally unstable, not blind." So their tour continued.

"This is the dining hall where we eat our meals. I can't remember exact times, but anytime you feel hungry it's usually some mealtime." Hunter seemed unimpressed. "Wow, I have never seen a cafeteria before. And I have no idea when basic meal times could possibly be." Well that was unneeded. She showed him the activity rooms, getting nothing but dull or snarky remarks. "Do you really make art here? Never woulda guessed." or "A library, how utterly remarkable." It was like talking to wood. Finally she had shown him everything, and only retorted back once! It was right then that Lilith and Hooty approached the two teens.

"Luz, I see you have met our newest guest and showed him around. Thank you for that. Hooty will escort Hunter to his room on the boy's level. Please enjoy yourself before dinner, and Eda wanted me to remind you to let King out to relieve himself." Luz felt slightly bad for Hunter, Hooty had started rambling about his day as the two walked upstairs. But he had made her miserable so maybe it was karma biting him in the behind.

King seemed very happy that Luz accompanied him outside. He technically could 'go' anytime he wanted but having someone with him made mundane outings enjoyable. The courtyard was just as picturesque as the day prior, except a huge mud puddle next to the hose. Strange. King took his time patrolling the grounds, while Luz enjoyed some Azura fanfiction reading on her phone. Cars could be heard in the distance and Luz wondered where the drivers were rushing around to get. I wish I could have one more moment of driving to school with Mami. It seemed so benign at the time, just a chore. Now I would give anything to spend one more moment jamming out to pop music with Mami on a lazy weekday. Like usual, time flew by and a diner siren went off. Alerting any patients outside, that dinner had started. While simultaneously giving them a heart attack.

The dining hall was more crowded than Luz expected. The meal was spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad. Yum! Luz wasn't expecting to see her usual buddies, but rather went to sit with Viney, Jerbo, and Barkus. Edric and Emira, of course, weren't sitting with them like usual. "Hey Luz, how have you been today?" Viney asked. "Oh! I had a wonderful adventure today! Filled with motley pirate crews, the evil Emperor Belos, and a mysterious witch boy named Hunter! How about you guys?" Barkus chuffed at Luz's explanation of her day. "W-well our day wasn't nearly as-as interesting. Mostly included cl-cleaning up after our significant others. They w-wrecked the counselor's office, something aw-awful. To-took us three hours just to get the stench of p-peanut butter out of the carpet." Viney and Barkus rolled their eyes simultaneously, facts were facts.

Their conversation was cut short by the energetic tornado that was Gus. A plate filled with barely any pasta, but more meatballs than seemed healthy. "HELLO GUYS! I CAN'T WAIT TO TELL YOU ALL ABOUT MY DAY! OH, I FORGOT A NAPKIN, BE RIGHT BACK!" He zipped away before Luz could even register what he had said. She did decide to steal one of his meatballs and sneak it to King, as if Gus would notice. King let out a happy snort after licking all the marinara sauce off his muzzle. When Gus did return, he eagerly talked non stop about his day, and everyone enjoyed listening.

Like usual, the evening slithered away faster than a basilisk with speed boosters. The orderlies signaled it was time for everyone to return to their rooms. This time Luz knew exactly where to go. Still needing to help King up the stairs. The hall was crowded with girls, either conversating or passing through. She wished Amity or Willow was here so they could have a few more moments of together time. But she had King! Who was currently licking his butt! Her room seemed lonely, she was wishing she had a roommate like almost every other girl on the level. Though, apparently that was a 'privilege that needed to be earned by not attacking people on whim.' Lilith's precise wording.

It took Luz exactly two minutes to be ready for lights out, new record! She noticed a water bowl for King on the floor, Eda must have put it there for late night doggie drinks. With several minutes to kill, Luz decided to text her Mami.

Luz: Good night Mami! Before I need to go to bed, wanna hear about my day?

Mami: Of course Mija, do you want to call me or just text it?

Luz: Well, lights out is in a few minutes… maybe texting would be simpler.

Mami: That sounds good. So what did you do today?

Luz: Today Amity, Willow, and Gus were all busy with their own things.

Mami: That's good to hear, I hope they had fun.

Luz: I know Gus did. Anyway! When Lilith told me Eda had gone missing I had to find her.

Mami. Oh no.

Luz: Oh yes! I snuck over to the adult wing, where Eda was, with a crew of pirates!

Mami: Pirates?

Luz: Yep! And when I did find her she was with Emperor Belos in his evil lair.

Mami: …

Luz: Once they left I followed them to this kid named Hunter's room. Turns out he is a new patient of Eda's!

Mami: So you made a new friend?

Luz: No. He is rude and annoying. But he IS a witch so I need to get close and find out his secrets.

Mami: Luz…

Luz: Then it turned out Eda knew I was there the whole time! So she took us back and had me show Hunter around.

Mami: That's nice Mija, but what did you say about witches?

Luz: Oh, he had witch ears for a bit. But he didn't after a while. Must be powerful magic at play.

Mami: Luz, am I going to get a call from Doctor Lilith soon about your behavior?

Luz: Nooooooooo! Of course not! But I hear Hooty in the hall so it's almost med time. Ttyl Mami!

Mami: Goodnight Mija…

As Luz had predicted, Hooty entered her room no more than a minute later with meds. He looked ridiculous, multicolor bandaids all over his face and arms. "Hoot hoot Luz! "How was YOUUUURR day? Mine was great! Me and Lilly removed a wasp nest from the garden! I have stings in places there shouldn't be stings! HOOT!" As usual, Hooty more than overshared. She took her meds quickly, the large blue ones tasted really bad, and chugged her water. Hooty did a quick cheek check, while simultaneously recalling a bug he found in his sandwich earlier.

By the time Hooty finally left, the pills had started to take effect. Luz felt like magnets were pulling her to the ground. King was fast asleep at the foot of her bed, exhausted from his nonexistent long day. As Luz snuggled under her blankets, she reminisced over her fun day. I sure hope tomorrow is this exciting, maybe Amity will be able to join in on the excitement. Her thoughts soon became fragmented, trying to hold onto one thought became too tiring. She let sleep drag her to tomorrow.

Character introductions: S2

These are characters that have been seen in my story, or will be present sometime, that were introduced in season 2 of The Owl House. I thought it would be nice to add some s2 characters while maintaining my original story line. For the Blight parents, they won't be main characters, but I felt some story exposition on their part was needed.

Hunter: 16 yo patient. Has bipolar disorder and suicidal tendencies. Not a typically violent person, but his mood swings are unpredictable. Scars litter his body from routine cutting. His uncle is Mr. Belos and legal guardian. It is still up in the air how long his stay will be, but he has visited the hospital many times as the nephew of the owner. He is a well known visitor around the adult wing, but not much exposure to the children's ward due to Mr. Belos grudge against Luz. Doesn't have any hospital friends... yet.

Raine Whispers: Usual entertainer at Hexside Hospital. Visits bi-monthly with their musical ensemble to entertain visitors of all ages. Is a old friend of Eda's, they have known each other since highschool and dated for a while as teens. Visits Eda occasionally just because they can. Is an expert at playing the violin and loves bats. Actually has a pet bat named B.A.T who sadly isn't allowed at Hexside, but they still show cute photos of B.A.T to everyone.

Vee Noceda: Luz's 12 yo foster sister that she has never seen in person before. Has met on video messaging but never face to face. Looks similar to Luz, but not as much as in Luz's mind. Has been a part of the Noceda family for two and a half years. Has a bad history of hospitals and refuses to visit Luz in person. Not a replacement for Luz, but she helps keep Camilla company. Is nice to Luz and looks at her like a sister, even though they haven't truly met yet.

Odelia and Alador Blight: Abusive parents of the Blight siblings. Were in jail for 5 years for child abuse and neglect. They recently got out and have been trying to regain custody of their children. Due to their kids being severely unstable, they have failed in regaining custody. But they will keep trying to gain their 'beloved' children back. They are very rich and have many connections so it is only a matter of time…

Gwendolyn Clawthorn: Mother to Lilith and Eda Clawthorn. Not a regular visitor, but friends with Mr. Bump so occasionally visits him. Not close with her daughters due to past mistakes, but has fixed their relationships to some degree. Spoils King, her 'grandson', absolutely rotten.

Warden Wrath: No one knows his real name, but he is the most despised orderly around the ward. Usually patrols the high security levels, but is sometimes on lower levels as well. Can take down any patient no matter how strong as he towers at a gigantic 6 feet 8 inches tall. Is known to wear an eerie plague doctors mask at all times, for reasons unknown. Has a one sided crush on Doctor Edalyn Clawthorn, a very one sided relationship.