Luz's footsteps echoed through the darkness as she sprinted to keep up with the figure walking in front of her. She didn't know who they were… but at the same time, she did. She can't remember. Why can't she remember? The teenager did not know how long or how far she had been running. There just seemed to be no end to this path. But something was keeping her going until she could reach them. "Who… who are you?" Luz asked with hesitance. "Where are you going?" She was closer to them now and reached to try to grab them. But as her middle finger was about to graze their body, they disappeared. Luz lost her footing and tumbled onto the ground. There she laid, her back against the floor, staring into never-ending darkness as she huffed and puffed.
"Luz." A voice said, who the girl assumed to be the figure. She's heard that voice somewhere before but can't remember. "Just forget about me."
"No!" Luz exclaimed, closing her eyes. "I can't. Not until I know who you are."
The teen suddenly felt something caress her cheek and opened her eyes to see a glowing apparition above her. "I'm sorry, but I have to leave. Please, just forget about me. For your sake. For your mother's sake."
"We can go with you!"
"No, you can't."
"Why not? Mami and I will follow you no matter where you go! Just…" Tears began to stream down Luz's cheeks. "Just don't leave."
The figure floats away from Luz in an upright position and levitates further away from the teen. "I'm sorry. But where I am going, neither of you can follow." As they floated away, a large door with a yellow demonic eye rose from behind him and creaked open with a white light pouring out.
"Stop!" Luz forced herself up and resumed her sprint after them — her legs were making the running motions, but she wasn't going anywhere. It's like the ground was keeping her in place. "Don't go!" She kept on running, pushing herself harder and faster to get to him.
"Please." The figure floated through the door. "Just forget about me."
"No!" She fell to her knees, sniffling and gasping as the tears poured faster. She beat the ground with her fist as the teardrops fell. "Don't go."
Satisfy my curiosity, would you? Luz raised her head upon hearing a voice she did not recognize. "Who's there?" What do you hope to gain by taking the Trials? She stood and looked around for the source. "Who are you?" What do you desire most from this wicked world to be willing to risk your life for? "Show yourself!" Whatever it is in your heart, I promise you; it can all be found with us. From the same door that the apparition floated into, Luz felt her entire body dragged towards it. "What's happening!" The teen struggled to get away, but she wasn't going anywhere like when she ran earlier. The door was getting closer. That is if you can make it to the end… Luz was through the door and being consumed by the brightness. She tried to scream, but no sound came from her. Pass the Trials, and everything will be yours. She attempted one last cry before the door shut before her.
Luz gasped as she woke in a sweat and sat up. She dragged a hand across her face. "It was just a bad dream." She sighed. She then heard snoring and looked over to see a still asleep King on top of Luz's sleeping bag. She then looked around and was ecstatic to see she was inside the closet Eda let her make a room out of. "Yes! This part wasn't a dream!" She opened the window behind her. "Good morning, terrifying fantasy world!"
"Good morning!" Greeted a giant sea monster before sinking back into the water.
Luz then walked over and picked King up. "Good morning, you little cutie‐pie."
"I am not your cutie‐pie!" The cranky demon protested.
Luz kissed his skull. "Yes, you are." She put him back down
King plopped back onto the bag as he sighed, "I know."
This is it. Today's the day Luz has been looking forward to — the day she, Willow, and Gus take Emperor's Trials and prove themselves as witches.
She entered the bathroom and went to take her shower. "Hi, Luz!" Hooty screeched as he slithered inside just as Luz was about to undress. Naturally, she screamed and slapped him in response. He yelped in pain. "Jeez! I just wanted to wish you a good morning. Hoot!"
"Sorry, Hooty." Luz apologized as the bird-tube slunk out of the bathroom.
Luz quickly finished her shower and put back on the same clothes she wore yesterday. She walked down the hall as she was drying her hair and noticed a half-opened closet. Luz dropped the towel, approached the door, then covered her eyes. "Please have witchy clothes. Please have witchy clothes. Please have witchy clothes." She moved her hand away and gasped as she saw black robes, pointed hats, and broomsticks. She squealed with joy. "Yes, yes, yes!" Luz puts the witchy clothes over her own and heads into the living room. She sees Willow and Gus eating cereal on the couch while watching something on a crystal ball.
Miss Arabella, if you marry me. Our families will be the most powerful witches in the land. Plus, I'm super-rich.
No, Arabella, I scrambled here as soon as I heard. I may be just a lowly stable boy, but our future could be sunny side up.
Arabella, my only daughter, you must know one final thing.
Mama. Mama!
Poor Arabella. I cry diamonds.
My angel weeps.
"Wow, this show has gone downhill," Gus commented.
"Seriously." Willow agreed.
"Good morning, Willow. Good morning, Gus." Luz greeted, joining them. "Are you the two of you ready for today?"
Willow and Gus looked at the human and couldn't hold back their giggling. "Luz, why are you wearing a bathrobe and traffic cone?" Willow asked.
"What?" Luz took her witches hat off and rubbed it, seeing black soot come off and reveal orange plastic underneath; her face turning into a pout. "I thought these were witch's clothes."
"We can see you're excited to take the Trials."
"I don't see why she shouldn't be," Gus said. "Luz is going to the first human ever to take the Emperor's Trials and the first human ever to join the Emperor's Coven." Gus hopped onto the table and raised his fist into the air, looking like a heroic statue. "This is history in the making, Willow. And we're witnessing it unfold, firsthand."
"Oh, stop," Luz said, blushing at Gus's flattery. She removed the bathrobe, folded it nicely, and placed it on the coffee table. "I don't want you guys or anyone else to treat me differently because I'm a human. I want to be Luz, witch's apprentice. Nothing more."
"Even if that's what you want, you shouldn't expect it," Willow said. "Though no one on the Isles has ever met a human, they still view them as weak because they can't cast magic. You remember what Kikimora told you, that she's only letting you participate because she thinks you're not gonna survive."
Luz playfully punched the air. "Well, you better believe I'm gonna prove just how wrong she is." That, Willow had no doubts about.
We interrupt the final episode of "Bleeding Hearts" to bring you this breaking news bulletin. Said a voice on the crystal ball, immediately drawing the attention of Luz and her friends. The video on the globe was a birds-eye-view of the Conformatorium. A break-in was conducted last night at the Conformatorium, which resulted in the escape of three dangerous convicts. The images of the three prisoners they helped escape.
"Eso es un montón de basura." Luz mumbled under her breath at the lies.
To bring us more information, we now go live to Perry Porter on the scene.
"My dad?" Gus said as the video changed over to a man that looked like an older version of Gus, but with glasses and wearing a yellow vest.
"This is Perry Porter of BBN-HXN news, coming to you live from the Conformatorium." The man said. "I am standing before the Conformatorium; the once thought to be inescapable prison. With me today, I am speaking to a member of the Emperor's Coven to hear what she has to say on the matter, Mrs. Odalia Blight."
The camera panned out to reveal a woman with golden eyes and short green hair tied into a low bun. She wore a very regal-looking pinkish-purple dress, underneath a white cloak worn by members of the Emperor's Coven.
Luz looked over at Willow and saw that she was scowling at the woman. She tightened her hands into fists so tightly that her fingernails could bury themselves into her flesh. "Mrs. Blight. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this." Perry said.
"It is no trouble at all," Odalia said with such posh that it didn't sound at all genuine. "I believe the Isles should know what happened here. The Emperor's Coven would like to issue an apology to everyone watching, an apology for allowing something like this to happen. But fear not, these dangerous criminals and their conspirators will be captured and brought to justice."
"Mrs. Blight, do you believe the rumors going around? That this could've been the work of the infamous Eda, the Owl Lady."
"I believe them, yes. This fiasco is exactly something a brigand like her would pull — a prime example of why covenless witches are dangerous. I have a message for her, and all of those like her: You can keep running for as long as you like, but you can't hide forever."
"Man," Luz said as he placed a hand on her stomach. "I don't know what it is, but something about this Blight lady just doesn't jibe with me."
"I don't find that surprising," Willow said. "The Blight family is one of, if not the most powerful family on the Boiling Isles. They have their hands politics, economics, education, and so many others."
"The Blight's have also been associated with the Emperor's Coven for generations," Gus added. "The first Blight's served Belos, and everyone after them has continued that tradition."
"There's also some controversy surrounding how the Blight's obtained their wealth and status. Some say it could've been through slave labor, others through being the Emperor's lapdogs for so long. But there's one thing they all have in common and will never change." The tone in Willow's voice sounded more personal. "They're all a bunch of snakes." Gus placed a hand on Willow's shoulder, knowing the reason why.
Before Luz could ask the witchlings about it, an obnoxiously loud yawn grabbed their attention as Eda walked in. She was wearing a plum sweater over a long violet nightgown and light-yellow bunny slippers. "Good morning, Eda." Luz greeted, with Willow and Gus waving.
"Oh, hey," Eda drowsily said as she slogged into the kitchen.
Luz followed behind her, practically dancing with each step. "Today's the big day! So, do you have any magic you wanna teach us before we're shipped off?"
Eda pushed her hand out into Luz's face. "Kid, can you be quiet for a minute?" She opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of crimson liquid. "I haven't even had my cup of apple blood yet."
"You mean apple juice?"
Eda poured the drink into a mug while giving her a deadpanned, "No."
"Can you teach us some spells? When do we get magic staves of our own? Were we supposed to bring our own runes? Or maybe…"
"Slow down, Kid! Being a witch doesn't happen overnight."
Luz blushed and rubbed the back of her head. "Right."
Eda grinned. "But a magic staff, huh? You really want one?"
Luz lit up. "More than anything."
Eda held out her hand and said, "Magic staff, come to me!" A series of clattering and crashing came from the hall as Eda looked to it and tapped her foot impatiently. Her staff flew in, going past her hand and bonking her head. "It's early." She picked it up off the ground. "Now, witches are awarded their staff from a school. But since you're participating in the Trials, your staff will be given to you if you pass them."
"You mean when we pass them?"
Eda remained silent and sipped her apple blood. It may be too late for Luz to back out of this, but Eda still had to ask her, "You really want to go through with this?" Luz nodded. Her eyes were still full of optimism and innocence and willingly ignorant of what she was about to face very soon. "The Trials are dangerous; don't you understand that? There's a real chance that you could die. On average, there are about five hundred applicants per year. Do you know how many witches become members of the coven?" Luz shook her head, but the look in her eyes didn't waver. "Ten. Ten people become members of the Emperor's Coven. The rest are either eliminated or dead. With that in mind, that means you have..."
"I don't care!"
Eda blinked in surprise. "Say again?"
"I don't care if I have a one hundred percent chance of dying. Or a two hundred percent chance. Or three hundred. I'm not afraid. I said I want to be a witch like Azura, and Azura wasn't afraid of what was thrown at her in Book Four: The Infernal Tournament. Plus, Willow and Gus will be with me every step of the way."
Eda would never admit this out loud, but the girl's determination marveled her. Not even the threat of death seems to scare her. That means she's either naive… or dangerous. "Well, I can help lower your chances of dying."
"Really? How?"
"Come." Eda gestured for Luz to follow. They wandered back into the living room, as Willow and Gus put their empty cereal bowls on the table and turned off the crystal ball. "Before the ship arrives, there is something you three should know. Since most of the secret examiners are witches with their own apprentices, they can train them in-between the tests. So, to make sure you three are prepared for whatever the Trials throw at you, I'm going to be taking you all on as my apprentices."
Luz gasped as Willow and Gus stood. "What?" "Really?" "En serio?" They all said at the same time.
"Yes, I'm serious. The three of you all have potential. I'm gonna make sure you use it to the fullest extent."
"We won't let you down," Luz told her. "We'll be the best apprentices ever."
"What she said," Gus said in agreement.
"I should give you all a warning, as well," Eda said, the gravity in her tone affecting the atmosphere. "The three of you should be careful on your way to the Trials."
"What do you mean?" Luz asked.
"Because of how dangerous the Trials are, they also bring in dangerous folk. Many will go to great lengths to ensure they win, even before the tests begin. And it won't matter if you're a kid or not. If someone sees you as a threat to them becoming a member of the Emperor's Coven, they will take you down if they see an opportunity to do so. Go in expecting everyone wants to kill you, eat you, or both." This made Luz, Willow, and Gus look at each other with some worry. "And never befriend a man in sandals. And always measure twice, cut once."
"Okay, we get the first part," Willow said, confused by the latter pearls of wisdom. "But…"
"Oh, the last two are just from personal experience. But make sure you watch each other's backs."
"We will," Luz said as she nodded at Willow and Gus, and they nodded back.
"Then all that's left is for you three to do whatever you need to do before the ship arrives. And good luck to you all of you."
It was almost time. The three young participants had their bags packed and were waiting for the ship to arrive. But before that, Willow's and Gus's parents stopped by the Owl House to say goodbye to their children. "Our baby girl's all grown up and joining the Emperor's Coven!" One of Willow's dads — a light-skinned, dark green-haired man wearing what looked like a blacksmith apron — cried as he tightly hugged his daughter, tears rolling down his cheeks.
"We're so proud of you." Her other dad — a larger man with dark skin and a bushy brown beard — said with more composure than his husband.
"I'm gonna miss you both, too," Willow said, crying as well.
"Now, you made sure you have everything you need packed, right?" Perry asked his son.
"Yes, dad. I have everything I need." Gus replied.
"Don't forget to keep practicing your illusions." Perry got on one knee and hugged his son. "I'm going to miss you."
Gus hugged him back. "I'm gonna make you proud, dad."
Luz, Eda, King, and Hooty all watched the witchlings from a distance. Sticking out of the human girl's backpack was the baseball bat, something to defend herself with until she learned real magic. Luz was happy to see her new friends had such supportive parents in their lives. But she also had feelings of envy that she tried to keep hidden. Luz pulled out her phone and opened her text message box.
From Mami: How's Summer Camp, Mija?
From Luz: I think I'm going to like it here. And I'm sorry for what I said earlier.
From Mami: I know, and I'm sorry, too. I'm glad you're having fun. I love you, Mija.
From Luz: I love you too.
"Is everything alright, Kid?" Eda asked.
Luz looked to the witch and put her phone away. "Oh, yeah, everything's fine." Luz then turned her attention to the sea and saw there was no boat approaching. "Where's the ship? I don't see it." She figured she'd be able to see it approaching them by now.
"Try looking there," Eda said, pointing her finger. Luz followed the finger and gasped as she saw a flying boat land near the Owl House and lowered a rope ladder for the three participants.
"All participants come aboard!" A man dressed like a pirate, who Luz assumed to be the captain, shouted.
"Está bien, eso es mucho mejor." The human admitted as she, Willow, and Gus approached it.
"Have a nice trip! Hoot!" Hooty shouted as he watched the witchlings climb up first, with Willow ahead of Gus, followed by Luz.
Once onboard, the rope ladder rolled itself up on its own, and the ship creaked as it prepared to take off. "Good luck to all of you!" "Don't forget to write!" "We're so proud!" The parents all said to their children, waving their hands.
"Goodbye! The next time you see us, we're going to be the best witches in the Emperor's Coven!" Willow proudly declared for all to hear.
Bouts of laughter sounded behind the trio, and they turned to see four girls approaching them with smirks on their faces. The one leading them was a triclops with purplish-gray eyes and magenta hair tied back in a bun. She wore a pink jacket with a screaming ghost patch over a yellow shirt, blue shorts, and black boots. "Y'know, I thought it was the altitude making me hear and see things but look at this." She said. "And here, I thought only real witches could participate. You said you're gonna "be the best witches in the Emperor's Coven," huh? I haven't heard a joke that funny in a long time."
The other girls laughed alongside her. One had brown skin with gray eyes and grayish-mauve hair tied into a ponytail; she wore a red blouse and black pants with a pair of slip-on shoes. One was pale and had green cropped hair and brown eyes; she wore a striped brown and green t-shirt, jeans, and oversized red shoes. The final member was dark-skinned, brown eyes, wavy brown hair, and prominent lips with red lipstick; she wore a pair of squared glasses, a modest blue dress, and a pair of black clogs.
As they continued mocking her, Willow looked away in embarrassment. "What do you want, Boscha?" Gus said defensively, standing up for his friend.
"I'm just here to take an ironic Penstagram next to you losers." Boscha then took out a device that looked like a phone, then turned her back as she held it up. A bright light flashed in the trio's eyes. "New post: Half-A-Witch Willow and Dweebus say they're gonna be the best witches in the Emperor's Coven. Spoiler alert: They're gonna die how they lived; worthless."
"Leave them alone!" Luz said as she stepped ahead of Willow and Gus protectively.
"Well, haven't seen you around before." Boscha looked at Luz's ears, and her face twisted with disgust. "Do you have a birth defect or something? What the hell's wrong with your ears?"
"I'm a human for your information. And Willow and Gus have as much of a right to be here."
"A human, huh?" The triclops smirked. "Are you the little dork's girlfriend or something? Because everyone at school knows about his little human fetish."
Gus stepped forward defensively. "The Human Appreciation Society is a club that…"
"Yeah, don't care." The triclops walked up to and pushed Gus to the ground, laughing at him with the others.
"Back off, or else!" Luz threatened the bullies as Willow helped Gus up.
"Oh, and what are you gonna do, huh? Spit your weird human venom on me?"
"Wait, do you have venom?" Gus asked.
"No. And even if I did, I wouldn't waste it on a perra like her."
"What did you call me?" Boscha was getting more defensive. "You better watch yourself human. Or I'll make you regret any of you got on this boat. You losers should just jump off the ship and spare yourselves from humiliation as none of you are getting' past the first test. I'll see to that."
Luz balled her hand into a fist as her face reddened. Her mom taught her never to attack anyone unless it was out of self-defense. But Boscha was making it difficult for her to show restraint.
"Don't listen to them, Luz," Willow told her as she and Gus placed their hands on her shoulders.
"Yeah, we're gonna prove them wrong," Gus said.
"Really?" Boscha snickered. She pointed at Gus. "You and your useless illusion magic?" She pointed at Willow. "And her lack of talent in... everything? Dream on." She and the rest of her gang continued laughing.
As the bullies continued to mock the trio, someone looking very green-faced came running by and hurled on the triclops's shoes. She shrieked in absolute horror. "What the hell is wrong with you! These shoes were brand new! And you ruined them!" She cried like a spoiled brat and ran away with her equally disgusted gang following behind.
"Oh, are you okay?" Luz asked the young man. She wanted to thank him for doing that, but it probably wasn't appropriate.
The fellow was a tall and slim teen, probably a year or two older than Luz and Willow. He had short brown hair and brown eyes. He wore a light green t-shirt and baggy magenta pants with black shoes. Upon seeing him, Luz immediately thought of Shaggy from the Scooby-Doo cartoons.
Luz and her friends suddenly heard barking and saw a chestnut-furred dog with a human-like face wearing a grey cowl and square glasses run-up to him. Alongside the dog was an older girl with brown hair styled in a messy bun and green eyes. She wore a light blue top crop top that exposed her midriff, orange leggings, and camouflage boots. Also, she had a fishhook in her ear, like an earring.
"It's okay, Jerbo." The girl told the boy. "Barcus and I have the potion for your airsickness right here." She pulled out a flask with a purple liquid.
Jerbo snatched it, bit off the cork, and guzzled it down. "Thanks, Viney." He told the girl. "You're a lifesaver." The dog growled. "And you too, Barcus." Barcus happily panted.
"Um. Hi." Luz sheepishly greeted the new people, getting their attention. "Who are you guys?"
Viney stood up and pointed a finger in Luz's face. "I'm the last person you'll ever see." Luz and her friend backed up when Viney's stern demeanor broke and started laughing. "I'm just messing with ya." She extended her hand out. "I'm Viney."
"I'm terrified. I... I mean… I'm Luz." The human grabbed Viney's then looked back to her friends. "This is Willow and Gus."
"Hi." "Hello." The two witchlings greeted them.
"Sorry if Jerbo puked on your shoes, too. He doesn't do well with flying."
"He didn't. And it's alright."
"But we also saw that bitch Boscha giving you a hard time. So, it kinda worked out."
"Not my intent, but you're welcome," Jerbo said, rubbing his stomach. Barcus then started barking. "Yeah, they do seem cool."
"Wait, you can understand him?" Willow asked.
"Oh yeah. It's a real mystery, but I can understand him. And so can Viney, but that's because she knows Beast Keeping magic."
There was a shriek in the air; the six of them looked up to see a griffin circling above. "Puddles!" Viney shouted with disappointment as the winged beast landed next to her. "This is the third time today. You know you can't leave the lower deck until we arrive." The griffin whined. "I know, I know." Viney hugged the griffin, and it purred. "We'll be arriving soon."
"You have a pet griffin?" Luz asked.
"Puddles is not a pet. She's a friend."
Suddenly, Barcus starts howling, and Puddles starts screeching. Viney and Jerbo turn around and look out in the distance. Luz, Willow, and Gus step forward to see what they're seeing and spot some unfriendly-looking clouds out in the distance. Barcus barked some more. "I agree. We better tell the captain that a nasty storm is coming."
"How do you know?" Luz asked. "It could not be as bad as it looks."
Viney gave the human a quick look. "One thing you should know about me, Luz. I'm never wrong about this kinda thing. And look over there." Viney pointed to her left, and Luz followed her finger. She spotted a flock of creatures that looked like a fusion between bats and sparrows flapping in a panic and cawing. "Those tengus are warning each other. They only do that if something bad is about to happen. Something they know they're not gonna survive. And take a deep whiff." Viney breathed in through her nose.
Luz and the others did the same thing, and they smelt a mix of earth and… sulfur. "Boiling rain." Gus gasped.
"Boiling rain?" Luz asked.
"One of the deadliest portents on the Isles," Willow answered. "Along with plagues, gorenados, shale hail, painbows..."
"It's like a rainbow, but looking at it turns you inside out," Gus added, shuddering.
"Puddles, go back below deck," Viney told the griffin. She shrieked and did as she was told. The older witchling then turned to the trio. "Get below too; we'll alert the captain and have his witches put up a barrier."
"Be careful," Luz said, telling Viney before she ran off. Luz, Willow, and Gus followed the tamed griffin down to the bottom of the ship and prepared to wait this out for however long they must.