Hope of Morning
Just before The Collector brings Luz through the portal, she's able to pull out her last piece of paper with a light glyph drawing on it. She uses it to let everyone know she's not giving up. She will find a way back to them, no matter what.
Luz releases the light glyph as The Collector takes her through the portal, back to the place between the human realm and the demon realm. They look at Luz who's still crying, broken down after having to say goodbye to everyone.
"Why are you sad? We both have each other now. Isn't that what we've both always wanted? A friend…" The Collector asked, genuinely curious.
Luz realizes, despite everything they've done, The Collector's still just a lonely kid. She remembers feeling that way. Lost, hurt, and desperate for true connection. It's painful to feel so alone in a world that doesn't understand you.
Luz wipes away her tears and tries to sympathize with The Collector.
"Yeah, I remember being alone and longing for a friend. But I found people who love me for who I am back on the Boiling Isles. That's why I'm sad, I miss them. Listen, I get how it feels to be so lonely and hurt by what people have done to you in the past, but you can't force people to be your friend. True connection means letting people in, being there for them and letting them be there for you. Friendship is hard, but it's worth it." Luz said with a hopeful smile.
The Collector sits next to Luz, thinking about what she said. They've never had a real friend before so they don't quite understand how it all works. Luz is the first person to open up to them and be kind instead of manipulative or controlling. So they're willing to listen to her.
"Okay, I think I understand. Friendship is like a game, but I can't be player one all the time. I have to see if people actually want to play with me instead of forcing them to. That's going to be hard since I like being in control, but I'll give it a shot." The Collector replied.
Luz is relieved she's finally getting through to The Collector. And she's starting to understand them. It sort of mirrors her own experience.
When Luz first came to the Boiling Isles, she saw it as a fantasy adventure and herself as the hero of the story with a destiny to fulfill, like in the Good Witch Azura books.
Over time Luz came to realize her wishful thinking was her escapism. She wasn't able to make genuine connections until she let that mentality go. And when she started opening up to others, she experienced a true sense of belongingness.
"That's a good metaphor, but try not to get too lost in thinking life's a game. It's much more complicated than that and so are people. Sometimes you'll make friends, sometimes you'll lose them. You'll have moments of joy and sadness in life. I guess it's about holding onto those little moments of joy you share with others." Luz said.
"And that's why you're sad isn't it? You want to go back and be with your friends and family. I get it now. I just wish I had someone to play with, a friend who won't leave, lock me away, or lie to me. You seem like a good friend, but if being stuck here with me makes you sad, I can send you back home if that's what you want." The Collector replied sadly.
Luz thinks back to when she felt alone and hopeless. When she finally got back home, she was feeling so sad. She had dark thoughts and isolated herself from the people who love her because she didn't want to hurt them. She felt like a burden, and that's a deep pain she wouldn't wish upon anyone.
"Maybe you can come back with me. I can help you learn how to be a better friend. Believe me, it's challenging and I'm still learning as I go. But we'll figure it out together." Luz said.
"Are you sure I should go back? Everyone probably hates me after everything I've done. I don't know if they'll forgive me or even accept me." The Collector replied.
Luz thinks about this for a moment. Being a socially awkward outcast for most of her life, she understands being rejected and it hurts. But with time, she was able to find people who understand her so she knows there's hope.
"You're right, it's going to take time for people to come around. But if you work towards change, with time, you'll come to find people who accept you for who you are." Luz replied.
The Collector hugs Luz, she's caught by surprise, but eventually hugs them back. Coming to an understanding of each other they never thought they'd have.
Once they stop hugging, they look at each other with hopeful smiles. The Collector draws a spell circle in the air and opens up a portal back to the demon realm.
"Okay Luz, let's give this friendship thing a try." The Collector said.
"Repeat after me, we can do this together." Luz replied.
"We can do this together." The Collector replied with enthusiasm.
With that, Luz and The Collector fly through the portal. Luz is excited to reunite with everyone again. The Collector looks nervous, so Luz gives them a thumbs up and a hopeful smile and they smile back, feeling a bit better.
Suddenly, Luz and The Collector are back at the Boiling Isles, floating in the sky while the sun's slowly starting to rise. Warm colors fill the sky, bringing color back to a night that was once so dark and hopeless.
Luz and The Collector slowly float down to the ground together. Then Luz sees Amity in the same spot she was when she was taken through the portal, but her back is turned.
Once Luz and The Collector are on the ground again, Luz starts walking towards Amity. When she gets closer, she notices Amity's drawing a plant glyph in the grass, creating the same flowers they made when they were honoring her Dad's passing.
"These are for you Luz. I know they bring you comfort when you're feeling sad and lost. I just hope they're enough to bring you back, somehow…" Amity said in tears.
Luz starts to tear up. She's so emotional about this heartfelt moment, she doesn't even know what to say to let Amity know she's back. So she says the first thing that comes to her mind.
"Those flowers must have some serious power of friendship and love conquers all magic in them because it looks like they were enough to bring me back!" Luz said, overjoyed.
Amity's shocked and freezes up for a moment, she can't believe who she's hearing. Then she turns around, a big smile comes across her face as tears fall down her cheeks when she sees Luz.
Amity leaps into Luz's arms, hugging and spinning around in a circle. So happy to be together again, safe in each other's arms.
"Luz, I'm so glad you're okay. Just please, don't ever scare me like that again. I had hope you'd come back after I saw your light glyph, but I couldn't stand the thought of losing you." Amity said.
"I'm sorry Amity. I thought giving myself up was the only way to save everyone, so I did it on an impulse. I should have thought things through instead of letting my heart get in the way again." Luz replied.
Amity thinks about this for a moment and realizes something important.
"You know, as much as your recklessness scares me sometimes, it's also what I admire about you. You're so brave and kind, always helping the people you care about. I just hope you learn to love yourself as much as you care for others." Amity said.
Luz looks at the ground as she comes to the sudden realization that she's never truly loved herself. Seeking distractions, doing grand gestures to make connections, and escaping reality through fantasy have always been coping mechanisms to hide her low self worth. Her journey of self discovery in the demon realm has changed her, but she still has room to grow and she's willing to accept help from the people who love her.
Luz smiles as she picks the flowers from the ground and holds them close to her heart.
"You're right Amity. I've always thrown myself into dangerous situations to help the people I love, but I've realized that only leads to hurting myself and the people who care about me. Self love is important too. It might take time, but I'm willing to work towards healing and growth." Luz replied with a genuine smile.
Amity hugs Luz, then looks into her eyes and smiles.
"I'm so proud of you Luz. And I'll be here to support you every step of the way. I love you." Amity said.
"I love you too, Amity." Luz replied.
Suddenly, Luz and Amity turn around and notice Eda, Lilith, Raine, King, Hooty, Hunter, Willow, and Gus along with their palismen companions watching them with tearful smiles of joy. All happy to see Luz is back and safe.
Then The Collector comes over, standing by Luz's side, to introduce themselves.
"Hi everyone, I'm The Collector. The one who started the whole Owl House game. Yeah, not the best first impression, but I'm here to try and make friends the right way. If you'll give me a chance." The Collector said.
Everyone just stares at The Collector in shock, unsure how to respond.
Luz puts her hand behind her head nervously as she realizes she needs to explain this.
"Don't worry everyone, I'll explain everything." Luz said.