Welcome, everyone! I am SuperHeroTimeFan, and I present to you a brand-new story that I have come up with. After getting into The Owl House recently, and seeing a lot of the episodes on Disney+, as well as reading the comics online and helping out Cloud4012 with his own Wild Wind Warlock story, I decided to try my own. I had help from Cloud4012 himself on this, since we are both big fans of the show, and finally, I have here the first chapter of my own story for The Owl House. So sit back, relax, and delve into my story, The Warring Isles! Please review, rate, and as always, please be sure to enjoy!
Chapter 1: A Divided Isles
"Stop adorably hopping away, you—" Latina teenage girl Luz Noceda called out as she chased after an owl through a door. The day had not been the best for her so far. She had wanted to amaze her mother, Camilla, and her teacher, with a presentation for school, but after having brought live snakes, it went awry.
In response, Luz's mother was requested to send her to a summer camp, away from what was making her unique. Though Luz was reluctant, she went with it, but not too willingly. Before she could even go, a small owl had made off with her copy of the first issue of the book series left to her by her late father, The Good Witch Azura. She chased it to a small shack, but when she went inside, nothing was what she expected it to be.
"Whoa," Luz said, looking around and seeing what appeared to be a tent. The entrance into the shack seemed to have a forest behind it, but the light coming from the door across from her seemed to prove her wrong. "I thought I had a lot of weird stuff, but this?" she asked as she picked up a plush head on a small hanger. "This is impressive."
"Finally! You're back!"
When Luz heard this voice, she ducked and hid away. Curious to what was going on, she peaked out of the tent, seeing a woman wearing a bandana. She took the owl and twisted it onto a staff, seeming to becoming the headpiece, causing her to gasp.
"Garbage, garbage…" the woman started out, tossing away first an old iPhone and then a ring with a jewel on it before coming across a shining chalice. "Garbage," she repeated, throwing the item away as well before finally coming across a set of glasses with eyes attached to springs, causing her to gasp. "Now this… this will make me rich!" she exclaimed before finally coming across the book. "And this? Ah this will make good kindling." She said, preparing to set the book ablaze.
Luz gasped and ran over, taking the book. "Excuse me, sorry. That's mine, thank you!" she said quickly before running back to the door. Before she could even reach the knob, it seemed to fold up, causing her to turn to the woman.
The woman, now in clear view, had grey hair, makeup, pale skin, and yellow eyes. However, Luz could not see anything about the top of her head, mostly because of the bandana covering her ears, though she could have sworn the bandana was pointed at the sides.
"You're not going anywhere!" the woman said sternly.
Luz gasped and reached under the tent, now making a run for it. The woman gasped and ran after her.
"Wait! Not there!"
Luz did not listen to the woman and instead continued to run. She turned to face what was in front of her, only for a lightning bolt to nearly hit her. She gasped and looked at what appeared to be a town in front of her, with smoke coming out from the streets. She looked to see a creature flying up before getting snatched by a giant hand from the ground.
In the streets, several people were running at each other from opposing sides, blasting what appeared to be fire, ice, plants, lightning or other elements from circles of energy at each other. There were also flags, each showing a symbol, albeit in two different colors for each side. One was gold, and the other silver. Both shown a symbol of a sword with a crown on the pommel, crossed by two sets of parallel wings, going through a circle, all over a triangle.
"What did I just get into? Where am I?" Luz asked herself. "Did I die? Am I in the bad place?" she asked before being grabbed by the woman.
"You wish." The woman said with a devilish grin.
Luz gasped before she was pulled back to the front of the tent. Soon, she was placed onto a bench in front of what appeared to be a stand.
"I'm so sorry, I just wanted my book! If you're gonna eat my skin, just make it quick, just do it now!" Luz begged, scared for her life.
"Eat you?" the woman asked in confusion. "Why would I eat… a potential customer?" she asked with a smile.
Luz opened her eyes, seeing the stand had a sign saying Human Collectibles, and had shelves behind the tables with other oddities from the door she once came from.
"A customer?" Luz asked.
"Can I offer you a human foot filled with holes?" the woman asked, showing a croc before switching to grab some deodorant. "A bar of green human candy? Oh!" she exclaimed before taking out a portable television. "How about this black shadow box that reflects only sadness?" she asked, showing it to Luz.
Luz took the entire moment to calm down before chuckling. "It does more than that," she said, taking the television. "Let me see it," she offered. She noticed some batteries in what she could only make out as a bargain bin, and placed them in the top. Now with them in, she pressed the button on the bottom, and a screen turned on, showing a workout video. "Voila!"
Soon, this caused many people nearby to come over and notice, now taking immense interest in the television.
"The sound… it's so alluring.
"I'll pay forty snails for the screaming box!" someone offered, taking out dollar bills, though they did not appear to have any of the Founding Fathers on them.
"I'll give you a hundred!"
"Can I eat the tiny person inside?"
The woman chuckled as soon, the crowd was placing bids for who could get the stock of items. "What did you say your name was?" she asked.
"I'm Luz, Luz Noceda."
"Well, Luz, that was pretty clever… for a human." The woman said.
Luz chuckled. "That's kind of a weird thing for another human to say."
"Oh, dear child," the woman said, pulling off her bandana to reveal pointed ears. "I'm not like you," she said before standing on the table. "I'm Eda, the Owl Lady! The most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles! All parts equally." She added on the last part.
"A witch?" Luz asked before realizing what Eda said. "All parts?"
"I am respected, feared…"
"Busted!" a deep voice said, smashing the television and causing the customers to run off.
"Hey, quit taking down the merchandise! See what you've done?" Eda asked.
"Eda the Owl Lady, you are wanted for misuse of magic and demonic misdemeanors." The man who smashed the television said as he showed off a wanted poster of Eda with a small creature. He was big, buff, had a mask that was pointed, out at the front, making him look like a bird of some sort, and had dark clothes with a white cape.
"Whoa, a witch criminal!" Luz awed.
"You are hereby ordered to come with me to the Conformatorium." The man said, grabbing Eda by the arm.
"And by my order, you are to come with me!" another guard said, walking over. In contrast to the buff guard's attire, this one had white clothes with a golden robe, and with a mask that had the bird nose going down the middle, giving the appearance of a falcon. "By order of Emperor Caleb!"
"You have no business here! Not on territory of Emperor Belos!" the buff guard argued as Luz looked back and forth between the two.
"One wants to arrest you, and the other wants to… do something else?" Luz wondered.
"Would you guys quit following me around?" Eda asked, getting the attention of the two guards as they turned to her. "I haven't done squat! This doesn't even count as three fourths of any territory of any of the emperors!"
"This town belongs to Emperor Belos!" the buff guard argued.
"No, it is territory of Emperor Caleb!"
"Not where I'm standing," Eda said, pointing to the ground, showing a line was drawn by magic. "Equal division. I'm on both, and therefore, by my standing, figuratively, am on neutral footing."
"Ah, we should have gotten a law set for neutral businesses!" the guard working for Caleb lamented.
"Yeah, we can't act like this," the buff guard said before noticing Luz. "She's on our turf!" he exclaimed, taking Luz by the hand.
"Hey!" Luz called out.
"You're coming with me for fraternizing with this criminal!"
"What? That's not cool! I don't even know her!"
"She's got you there." The other guard said.
"Don't criticize me when you're on your own territory!" the buff guard yelled, putting Luz back on the stool where she was before.
"Okay… is anyone doing any arrests or not?" Luz asked.
"Nope, and they won't hurt you either," Eda said, taking out her staff. She slammed it down, causing both guards to fly back before she wrapped up all of her belongings in her bandana, which turned into a bag. Sticking her staff through it, she got on and reached her hand out to Luz. "Follow me, human!"
With little choice, Luz got on, and Eda soon flew off.
"Well, at least she's safe." The light guard said.
"You won't get away with this, Owl Lady!" the buff guard called out, shaking his fist before realizing she was out of earshot. "Yeah, alright. You did," he admitted. "You got away with it. She got away with it, everyone!" he complained before walking away. "Typical."
"My work here is done." The other guard said, walking away as well.
"You can open your eyes now, human." Eda said.
Luz, who had her eyes closed, opened them, and nearly screamed, upon seeming to fall off before being helped back up.
"Flying staffs, crazy monsters, you're a witch, and there's two different emperors?" Luz asked. "What is this place?!"
"You're lucky they didn't even know about you," Eda said with a chuckle. "Besides, a human like you is much more valuable to me alive than dead."
"Huh?" Luz asked.
"This here is the Boiling Isles," Eda explained. "Every myth you humans have is caused by a little of our world leaking into yours."
Luz gasped before seeing a Griffin fly next to them, causing her to awe in wonder.
"Is that…?"
"Yep, a Griffin," Eda confirmed. "We've got 'em all. Griffins, vampires, giraffes…"
"Giraffes?" Luz asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Oh yeah, we banished those guys," Eda said before landing on the ground in a part of a forest. "Bunch of shrieking freaks."
"Um…" Luz said before seeing Eda's hand, detached from her body, still on the staff, causing her to scream and fall over.
"Sorry, that happens a lot." Eda apologized, placing her hand back on like a screw.
"Well, I've had enough adventure for today. This is clearly not the PG fantasy world I always dreamed about. So, can you help me get back home?" Luz asked before something hit her. "But before you do… what's this about two emperors?"
"First, you have to do me a favor," Eda said. "On getting you back home, I mean. I'll tell you about what the civil war we have going on here is about for free, of course."
"Civil war?" Luz asked. "That's… sorta the PG fantasy world I dreamt about."
"Centuries ago, there was a witch who came here to the Demon Realm, Evelyn," Eda started to explain, drawing a circle of orange fire in front of her as a magic energy started to create several figures. "She had journeyed to your Human Realm, multiple times, like me. She brought back with her on her most recent trip a human named Caleb Wittebane. Many were unsure of him due to practices that he and his brother followed, but in time, he gained their trust, even becoming the first human to know how to do magic," she said, showing an magic version of who appeared to be Caleb performing magic. "Learned all of the different tracks."
"What happened?" Luz asked.
"He lived with Evelyn for a few years, and then his younger brother arrived," Eda went on, her tone going dark as another figure showed up, armed with a knife. "All we know about him is that his name was Belos. He wanted his brother to forget this and go back to what they did, hunting witches. But Caleb refused. He finally found peace and wonder," she said. "Belos didn't take kindly to this, and started to try to hunt on his own, taking some lives with him," she went on, showing the younger brother setting a town ablaze before being tackled by Caleb. "Many were there to witness it. Belos tried to kill Caleb for giving up on witch-hunting. He almost killed him, but through the use of wild magic, he was able to avert any death blow meant for him. The two survived, and were battered. Belos ran off, and Caleb had to relocate with Evelyn to make sure they were safe. But they didn't do it alone. The witches who had trusted Caleb helped him and Evelyn, and spread their ways through the Boiling Isles."
"What about Belos?" Luz asked.
"Belos became trapped here, without the portal to go back through."
"Portal?" Luz asked.
Eda showed Luz the door, as well as the key, and she noticed matching eyes on both of them.
"I found this when I was a kid," Eda explained. "Allows us to travel to the Human Realm and back. There were many at first, but when Belos rose to power, most of them were destroyed."
"How did he rise?" Luz asked.
"Belos didn't have much of a place to go, and spent his time here, in the Demon Realm," Eda continued to explain. "He tried to do magic for his own deeds, but it didn't work. A few decades after his failed murder, he appeared again, claiming the Grand Titan had spoken to him, allowed him to survive the harsh environments over the years of isolation. Some didn't believe him, but he showed off magic of his own. And as further proof, was able to restore the town he had burnt. He spoke about something, an event called the Day of Unity, a day where all witches could be powerful. Some believed in him, but others stayed with Caleb."
"And the two fought for power." Luz realized.
"Yeah, and it wasn't pretty," Eda grimaced. "Since Caleb lived here longer than Belos, he knew more than him. But Belos was persistent, and continued to gain followers through the practices he had picked up. Then the two met at the head," she went on, getting an eyebrow raise from Luz. "The Boiling Isles is set on the body of the Grand Titan, passed away years before the two humans arrived. Where we just came from is the right arm."
"And half of the body is divided between the two empires?" Luz asked.
"Bingo," Eda said. "You catch on quick. So, the brothers met at the head, where everyone was, and dueled for total control. The fight was out of hand for the two, and soon, others were drawn in. That event, known as the Great Division, was the start of a civil war, one that still goes on. The War for the Isles has continued, and both sides now have equal share of the Titan. Belos has placed his palace on the left side of the head, and Caleb on the right. Many have followed Caleb, while others followed Belos. They have been looking for a way to break the tie for ages."
"Where do you lie?" Luz asked.
Eda smiled. "Follow me," she said. "I'll show you."
"But won't they follow you?" Luz asked.
"That's why I sent my guard to ensure your safety."
Luz and Eda turned to see a man in white and gold robes walk over, armed with a staff that had a Phoenix as the headpiece. He had a scar over his neck, and had faded blonde hair, as well as brown eyes.
"Emperor Caleb," Eda said. "Thank you… but you know my decision." She said as the man, Emperor Caleb, walked towards her and Luz.
"I know, and I will always respect that," Emperor Caleb said. "Just as where you live will always remain a secret with me. No one, not even my heads or my scouts, even know what I know about you."
"You're Emperor Caleb?" Luz asked. "But Eda told me you arrived centuries ago."
"Over time, I learned to adapt, and with help from witches, I was able to sustain my life, and even adapt to what had changed on Earth, thanks to Eda." Emperor Caleb said, smiling at Eda.
"He's one of my best customers," Eda explained. "I'm neutral, but I can't turn down a direct purchase from one of the emperors. Been selling to him papered books and newspapers from the Human Realm, anything to help him stay up to date."
"So… you know about the wars we've had and the deposing of our president?" Luz asked.
"Yes, and good riddance to someone so controversial," Emperor Caleb said. "I do something Belos refuses to do. Go out on my own and live a good life among the people. It helps me to see what troubles them, and how I can help them."
"But what brings you here?" Eda asked.
"I just want to make sure you are safe, and I wanted to see for myself who was with you when Alex reported a girl with the Owl Lady," Emperor Caleb explained. "I wanted to see for myself if another human did indeed make her way into the Demon Realm."
"Well, I'm honored," Luz said. "Could I become a witch like you did?"
"It took Emperor Caleb months to master magic," Eda said. "You're not quite ready."
"On the contrary, Evelyn was around her age when she started… may she rest in peace." Emperor Caleb said, looking to a locket.
"She didn't live on?" Luz asked.
Eda shook her head. "She passed away during the war," she explained. "Not a victim of the battle, but of natural causes."
"I'm sorry," Luz said. "I know what that's like. My own father died. It's hard to deal with loss, but Mama always they're with us as long as we always remember them."
"Then she is wise," Emperor Caleb said before taking out a long box. "When I come across special people, I like to show my respect to them," he said, giving it to Luz. "I gift many, whether they follow me or are neutral like Eda."
"Emperor Caleb, I respect this, but this seems to be too big of a rush," Eda said as she looked to the box, which Luz was prepared to open. "I had to wait to get Owlbert after I started my training."
"It's not a staff," Emperor Caleb said as Luz opened the latch. "Trust me, Edalyn."
Luz looked to the box and opened it up. Inside was a collection of papers, almost the size of cards, as well as ingots of different metals, each one shining.
"Whoa." Luz said with awe.
"Palistrom Paper? Titan Steel?" Eda asked as she turned from the contents of the box back to Emperor Caleb. "Not even Belos is known to have these."
"Evelyn and I would use these in my training," Emperor Caleb said. "I was told by her that they go to the most special in the start of their training to become a witch."
"I don't know," Eda said as Luz looked up. "The civil war is already taxing enough."
"I may not know exactly what is going on," Luz said. "But I want to train to become a witch in any way I can."
"That's what I like to hear," Emperor Caleb said. "It's rare that another human can learn actual magic like I once did."
"I've already settled a deal with Luz," Eda said. "You know… the thing?"
"Well, you didn't hear it from me, but the crown is being held where Warden Wrath wanted to take you to," Emperor Caleb said. "The Conformatorium. And you know that whatever you decide to do, I can't help you from there."
"I know," Eda said. "Thanks again."
Emperor Caleb smiled before getting onto his staff. The Phoenix on the head opened up its wings and flew off, taking Caleb to his palace and leaving a trail of golden feathers.
"Does he do this often?" Luz asked.
"He's not like Belos. He goes out and sees to his people whenever he pleases," Eda said before turning to a house by the shore outside of the forest. "Now, no need for you to worry about any of the armies coming after me. This house is set on neutral territory. In fact, it's the hidden capitol of the neutral area of the war."
Luz was still in awe at what she was experiencing. Apparently, the home that Eda resided in was called the Owl House, and was guarded by a house demon, a tube-like owl known as Hooty. He had a funny voice, but was not really tolerated by Eda for how he guarded the house. Inside, she even met a small demon with horns, though one was broken, named King. Then, she got the full story.
It was a while back when King had a crown of power. Warden Wrath had taken it away from him, and just as Emperor Caleb said, it was held in the Conformatorium. In exchange for Luz helping them, Eda would help to get her back to the Human Realm. But she was not too thrilled with going back, remembering that her mother was going to take her to a summer camp so that she could be taken away from the rest of what made her special. It ate away at her for the rest of the time on the way to the Conformatorium, where they began to try and steal back the crown.
Meanwhile, at the right eye of the Titan, a palace was situated. Inside of it were several guards and scouts similar to the one that got in the way of Warden Wrath. Unlike other regal palaces, this one had the foundation of a simple home, yet had a golden glimmer to it.
Inside, Emperor Caleb was walking back to the throne room, and with him, there was a man who wore a ragged suit with purple goo stained on it. He had brown hair, amber eyes and goggles over his head, while on his shoulder was a pauldron with the symbol of Caleb's empire.
"We should be doing well in keeping up with defenses to the palace," the man said. "The factory is working hard to ensure that my Abomatons will be able to counter anything that Belos may throw at us."
"Excellent work, Alador," Emperor Caleb said. "Your industry is booming with success," he said. "And how goes your search for a new wife?"
"Well, it's not an easy process," Alador said with a chuckle. "But raising Amity, Emira, and Edric has been harder. It has been slightly easy thanks to the divorce. Your counsel at our gathering all those years ago really helped Amity to set her mind straight."
"Don't pressure her or your other kin into joining my coven," Emperor Caleb advised. "These are choices I want the people to be able to make without others influencing them."
"The story of my life, on how Odalia and I are no longer together," Alador said with a satisfied sigh. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to rant about this."
"I am there for my people," Emperor Caleb said as a young boy who almost resembled him approached. "Whatever problems you or anyone else has, I will always listen and help in any way I can, Advisor Blight."
"Excuse me, Father?" the young boy asked.
"Well, I will take my leave, and report the next progress update once it occurs," Alador said, bowing slightly to both Emperor Caleb and the young boy. "Good day to you both." He bid before walking away.
"How may I help you, Hunter?" Emperor Caleb asked.
"We have been continuing to ensure that we find out the secrets hidden by your brother," Hunter reported as he led Emperor Caleb to a room where several buff guards were planning out at a table, one that had a map of the area that was in his control. "Thanks to suggestions for technological advancements to Blight Industries, we have managed to keep everything under your domain in order, and people safer. But we still have made no progress in infiltrating Belos's circle."
"Well, I'm sure we'll find a way to get through. He's avoided many of my requests for conference. Knowing my brother, he is planning something to gain control of the rest of the Demon Realm," Emperor Caleb said. "How many people were willing to infiltrate the Left Hemisphere?"
"Only a select few," a man with a tail, smooth hair and blue clothing said, walking over. "I am ready to do my part."
"You are certain, Adrian?" Emperor Caleb asked. "You don't have to do this. The Illusion Coven will need leadership."
"I've made up my mind, my liege," Adrian said. "I've practiced so much that even the guards have attempted to arrest me."
"Well, I bid you good luck," Emperor Caleb said before looking to Hunter. "And what of you? Is your alias ready for when you depart on your own mission?"
"Belos has no idea who I am," Hunter said. "Darius has helped me to get ready. Once there, I know what I am supposed to do."
"If it helps, Emperor Caleb, I will go ahead, before your son," Adrian offered. "With me there longer, I can be able to get the trust of Belos's Coven Heads, and put on a good display of power to put Hunter in line once it is time for him to join."
"As you wish," Emperor Caleb replied before looking to Hunter. "However long you need to get into your new role, take it. I do not want you to go too soon or too late."
"Of course," Hunter said, hugging his father as a guard approached. "Thank you."
"Emperor Caleb, the Mediator is waiting for your audience." The guard said.
"I will be there shortly." Emperor Caleb replied.
A few minutes later, Emperor Caleb emerged in the throne room. He now wore a royal suit of gold, with shoulder plates made in the form of gold feathers, curved with brown plating. Over his head was a helmet with an elaborate design, modeled after a Phoenix, like on his staff, sporting a silver mouth plate with black slits in it like a knight's helm. The rest was a golden helm, inspired by spreading wings with six black slits in it, topped with a black spike rising from the middle.
In the center of the throne room was a woman with pale skin like Eda, only she had black hair and dark clothes with a white cloak, as well as white staff in her hand.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Lilith?" Emperor Caleb asked.
"Your nine Covens have been deciding on whether or not to adapt to how Emperor Belos has been acting," Lilith replied. "As the mediator between this torn empire, it is my duty to ensure that both you and your brother are aware of each others' plans, as well as to ensure that the tension among the Demon Realm is kept to a minimum at best."
"I will not have a Conformatorium or a Petrification Sentence like Belos does," Emperor Caleb said. "He rules with an iron fist, and through fear, like a dictator. I rule with respect and a willingness to help the people. I am as equal to them as they are to me."
"Need I remind you that as the one in charge of being impartial to both sides to the public, that the public will need reason to rally behind you or your brother," Lilith said. "I do find it admirable that your kind ways have gained more supporters than Belos had gained, but his new laws are calling for extremist ways against you. He may plot to even kill you."
"Does he have a message for me?" Emperor Caleb asked.
"Not yet," Lilith replied. "If you have one for him, I will gladly deliver it," she offered. "But…"
"I wish I could say that I know a cure for your sister, Lilith," Emperor Caleb said. "But I don't. Whatever caused the curse set on her will be the source of undoing it, or at least alleviating it. Edalyn will not be forced into joining any of the Imperial Covens."
"I thank you," Lilith said, bowing in respect. "But I should now say that Emperor Belos has made a similar—"
Before Lilith could finish, a white raven flew in. Both she and Emperor Caleb looked to it as it perched on her staff, twisting itself to form the headpiece. She looked to its mouth and saw a parchment. Curious, she removed it, and unrolled it so that she could see the message. Upon reading it in whole, her eyes widened.
"What has happened?" Emperor Caleb asked.
"The Conformatorium has been attacked, with several prisoners escaping," Lilith replied. "The Warden has reported that it was caused by… Eda… my sister."
"Was anyone harmed?" Emperor Caleb asked.
"No major injuries, but only a few prisoners escaped. Others were forced back into their cells, and Emperor Belos has increased the price on Edalyn's head," Lilith added on. "I'm sorry, but he now requests my presence. If I return, I cannot assure my visit will come with good news."
"You are impartial to the war, and wise in your ways," Emperor Caleb said as he looked to his staff, letting his Phoenix Palisman fly onto his shoulder. "Fawkes knows that you can be trusted, and so do I."
"Until we meet again, Emperor Caleb." Lilith said as she walked out of the throne room.
Emperor Caleb nodded as he watched Lilith fly away from his palace. As she did, he also noticed Eda flying with Luz and King back to the Owl House, away from the Conformatorium, where fireworks were being set off. He smiled under his mask before walking to retire for the day.
That night, Eda was stretching as Luz played a little with King. During the break-in at the Conformatorium, his crown was crushed by Warden Wrath, who took the crown in order to as Eda out on a date, having used to date her. When she refused, they fought, and with help from Luz, they managed to defeat him, free a few prisoners, and escape.
"Well, a deal's a deal," Eda said, putting her staff down as she made her way to Luz. "Let's get you home." She said, snapping her fingers, causing the portal key that she had entrusted to Luz earlier, to help her escape during the fight, into her own hands.
With a press of the eye on the key, Eda opened up the portal door. As Luz was about to go through, she saw King, who looked saddened that she had to leave. Smiling, she walked over.
"Before I go," Luz said, taking out a figure of Azura and removing the crown from her head. "I know it's not the same, but a king shouldn't be without his crown."
King looked to the small crown before placing it on his head. "This shall suffice," he said before walking to a plant. "You there, plant! You are now under my command!"
"You don't really plan on going back, do you?" Eda asked, looking to the book of The Good Witch Azura left on the table before she and Luz looked to a flier for the camp that she was supposed to go to. "I may not know a whole ton about what you're going through in the Human Realm, but I do know this book is important, and whatever this camp is… well, I don't think it's going to quite work out."
"Well, to tell the truth, this day has been the most fun I've had in a while," Luz admitted before crumpling up the flier. She looked to the portal one last time before throwing the crumpled paper into the furnace. "Emperor Caleb is right. I can become a witch. He did before, and so can I!"
"Let her stay!" King begged as Eda looked on, impressed. "She can make us snacks!"
"Well, I suppose I can use some help keeping this goofball out of the cupboard," Eda said. "And we do need more people like you. As I said before, us weirdoes have to sick together."
"So you're gonna train me?" Luz asked.
"If you help in my business too," Eda said. "I'm happy to train you, but know that in this time of war, you're gonna need to learn how to defend yourself," she said as she looked to the box Emperor Caleb had given to her. "We can take tomorrow to rest and the day after to start your training. Right now, we need to make yourself a weapon."
Luz looked to the metals and pondered. "How hot is your furnace?" she asked, causing Eda to grin while King rubbed his hands together.
Through the night, both Luz and Eda were at work with the metals given to her. Eda even threw in some extra wood, which she called Palisman wood, to create a strong handle. After preparing a sample of each metal together, they were mixed and shaped, eventually being placed into the furnace in the kitchen.
While Eda used some excess metal to strengthen the Palistrom Wood, Luz was hammering away at the forged metal. With the two pieces complete, Luz and Eda put them together. Their result was a sword with a thin yet strong blade, a knob on the guard with symbols that could be selected, and a carved snake's head on the pommel.
"Well, it's no staff, but it fits a fine troublemaker like you," Eda said as Luz swung the sword around. "Now… you gotta find a use for the rest of the metal and the papers."
"What makes the paper so special?" Luz asked.
"Palistrom Paper has magical properties, said to be able to harness magic in extraordinary ways," Eda explained. "And only Caleb and a few others used it. Whatever you decide to do with it, Luz… make it special, make it count."
That night, as Emperor Caleb was looking to the Boiling Isles, he looked to where the Owl House was, and smiled.
"Good luck on your path… Luz Noceda."
Author's Notes: Well, what do you think of my start to my new story, The Warring Isles? It's small, but it will grow into something more later on. Thanks again to Cloud4012 for his help on some of this. Please be sure to review, rate, and as always, if you can, Private Message me for anything on the story. For now, this is SuperHeroTimeFan signing off. See you soon!