Previously on The Owl House: Return of the Lost Son, Lincoln and Luz were once again sent to the principal's office for causing a state of panic with the other students for their project on The Good Witch, Azura. Luz was given a brochure for the Reality Check Summer Camp, as a means of controlling her imagination and free spirit, but Lincoln was expelled from Royal Woods Middle School, one of the reasons being his ears; one of the main points of ridicule of his branding as a "freak". After finding kinship with Lucy, who was simply acting out of fear of being discovered and following an owl who stole Luz's book, the two find themselves on the Boiling Isles, a landmass formed from the corpse of a colossal beast. They meet three peculiar allies: the peculiar and criminal Owl Lady Edalyn "Eda" Clawthorne, the miniature and self-proclaimed King of Demons and the strange bird... owl? tube? thing named Hooty.

They agreed to infiltrate a prison called the Conformatorium where those who cannot fit in with society are imprisoned in order to steal King's paper crown, where it's placed in a room only a human could enter, but Lincoln was able to open the door and earn an ancient sword. When Warden Wrath attacked in the name of love, a power surged within the boy and with Luz's aid, managed to liberate its tenants and learn that he is an Azarathian, a powerful race that has lived in this realm long ago. Knowing that back on Earth, they never fitted in, Lincoln and Luz decide to stay in the Owl House, Eda makes mention of the child of a man named Draven. Meanwhile, someone has begun posing as Lincoln and Luz while a different person ambushes the Warden and some of his guards, their fates unknown.


Luz's Room, The Owl House, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Morning, the Next Day

The chapter opens on the Owl House. Wind howls as it moves Luz's open and creaking window. Luz rolls over and breathes heavily. Flashback to events of the previous day.

Line break here

Owlbert hops through the portal door in Eda's Human Collectible's tent with a sack in his beak, Luz running through behind him with Lincoln following behind her.

Luz: Stop adorably hopping away, you... Huh?

Cut to the living room, the first time Luz and Lincoln entered their current home.

Eda: Welcome to... (Snaps fingers.) ...the Owl House.

Luz gasps. She thinks back to their first staff ride, whimsical music playing over the scene.

Lincoln awakening his power, liberating an entire people from Warden Wrath before the scene shifts into a warrior of stardust facing away from sight, his head turning to her.

Line break here

Cutting back to the present. Luz wakes up with a gasp and looks around the room. King is snoring. Seemingly overnight, the rooms that she and Luz use have been altered to more accommodating quarters. The left side is based more on Luz, and is filled with many weird oddities and knick-knacks, some she brought from Earth, some from the Demon Realm. She has saved a section for King to call his dark domain.

Luz: It wasn't a dream! (Opens the window.) Good morning, terrifying fantasy world.

Green-Eyed Monster: (Waving at her.) Good morning. (Sinks into the ocean.)

Luz: Ughhh.

King continues snoring.

Luz: (Picks up King.) Good morning, you little cutie-pie. (Kisses his head repeatedly.)

King: I am not your cutie-pie!

Luz: Yes, you are. (Hugs him tightly before putting him back down on her sleeping bag.)

King: (Sighs.) I know.

Cut to Luz, fully dressed, opening the door to Lincoln's room on the top of the tower. Eda mentioned that she had closed off that section due to "lingering memories" as she put it, but opened it for Lincoln to live in. The chamber is a mix between a boy's dorm and an armory. Comics and games, along with artifacts and relics mix together in an oddly appealing tapestry, the blade, which he has dubbed Caliburn by a voice he heard in his head, rests on a special stand. Lincoln himself lays on the bed, still very much sleeping after the breakout at the prison.

Luz: (shakes him, getting a grunt) Lincoln? (shakes him harder) Lincoln! It's time to wake up

Lincoln is shocked by her awakening, and grabs his blade. Luz stops him and after taking a moment, calms down.

Lincoln: Whuh? Luz? So that wasn't a dream? (Luz shakes her head)

Luz: No, now let's go, It's time to start the day.

After Lincoln changes into his casual attire, they open the baththroom door, having a "LADIES'' sign placed and a King Lincoln sign posted on it. Several owls fly out of it, hooting. They watch them fly away before entering, walking backwards, bumping into Hooty.

Hooty: Hi, Luz! Hi, Lincoln!

They both scream and Luz karate chops Hooty's face.

Hooty: Ow! I'm just wishing you a good morning. (Retreats to the front door.) Jeez! Hoot! Ow!

Lincoln: (shouts down) Morning, Hooty! Sorry, still getting used to your surprises.

Hooty: Thanks, Lincoln! At least somebody appreciates my hospitality.

Luz: Sorry, Hooty. (Looks at the bathroom counter and picks up her Azura book. Flips it open to a headshot of Azura and holds it up to the mirror.) This is it, Lincoln. Our first day on the Boiling Isles, as Witch Apprentices. (Punches the air.) Hyah! (She runs off, leaving a smiling Lincoln to head downstairs to fix up some breakfast. She opens a closet door while covering her eyes.) Please have witchy clothes. Please have witchy clothes. Please have witchy clothes. (Takes her hand off her eyes and sees a closet full of stereotypical witchy stuff.) Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! (Screams.)

Cut to Luz writing "Witch Apprentice Luz" on a name tag and sticking it to her chest. She is now wearing a robe and what looks to be a witch's hat as she stands at the bottom of a staircase.

Lincoln: (voiceover) Let me guess, you found witch clothes in Eda's closet?

Luz: (squeals) That's right! (strikes a pose) Now come, brother in arms. The time has come for us to learn magic!

A toilet flushes and Eda's shadow appears on the wall before she steps into frame. Her nightwear consists of a plum sweater with amber cuffs, a stained, long, violet nightgown, and light yellow stained and torn bunny slippers.

Eda: (Yawns.) Hmm?

Luz: Good morning, Eda the Owl Lady. I am ready for my first day of Witch Apprenticeship.

Eda: Ugh! (Shakes spiders out of her hair, picks another one out of her ear.) Who are you, again?

Luz: Huh? (Stares in horror as her name tag falls to the floor.)

Lincoln: (voiceover) It's been only one night and already forgot about us? And I thought owls were supposed to be wise.


Play music: The Owl House Theme

The portal appears and opens.

Luz and Lincoln appear, and appear to be going through the sky upwards, but the camera shows that it was upside down and that actually, they were falling.

Eda rescues Luz and Lincoln, and along with King, they appear flying the Owl Staff, in the direction of The Owl House.

The camera follows them to the Owl House.

It approaches the door, where Hooty is, Luz opens it and is seen twirling the staff, until she leaves it standing, Luz puts her right hand on her hip, and holds the staff with her left while Lincoln draws his sword and strikes a similar pose

Eda takes the staff away from her and Luz gets nervous, Lincoln giving a funny one while King stands in front of the camera to wave with his arms outstretched.

Willow, Gus, and Amity appear in three frames.

Willow makes a heart with her hands, Gus holds out his arms in celebration, and Amity just ignores, and turns her back, crossing her arms.

King appears holding a stuffed rabbit, along with many other stuffed animals around.

He pretends to rule these stuffed animals, until some of them fall on him, while other stuffed animals keep falling in front of the camera.

Luz flies over Bonesborough while Lincoln rides alongside, where she meets Tiny Nose, Willow and Gus.

Later, Eda and King are seen running from the guards, They help them escape, but later Luz loses control of the staff, and are chased by a creature.

Luz, Lincoln, Eda and King are on the roof of the Owl House, where Luz casts her Light Spell, making it go into the night.

The Owl House

Return of the Lost Son

The Owl House logo appears, then the Light and Lightning spells streaks across it with background sounds. The theme ends there.

Chapter 2

Witches before Wizards


Kitchen, The Owl House, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Luz: (Following Eda into the kitchen.) Remember me? Luz? Lincoln? (Grunts as a coffee cup labeled "30 and Flirty" hits her in the back of the head.) We freed the oppressed and defeated the evil warden together and learned that he was an Azarathian? Yesterday?

Eda: Kid, lay off the details. I haven't even had my cup of apple blood yet.

Luz: You mean apple juice?

Eda: No.

Lincoln: Give her space, Luz. We all get a little fuzzy without our fix.

Eda sits on the kitchen table and drinks from her mug. Lincoln opens a door for Hooty, setting down five dishes. King is sitting in a high chair and stabbing a fork into a yellow blob with eyes sitting on a plate. They all dine together, Hooty planting his face in the meal since he doesn't have arms.

Hooty: (satisfied) Wow, Lincoln! Before you came along, all I ate were bugs and small animals that sealed their fates. But now I feel like a proper noble.

Eda: (mind comes back to reality) Agreed. Where did you exactly learn all this, Lincoln? I recognize some of this from what Draven told me, but a lot of this is new to me. Think it might be useful for a good scam.

Lincoln: (grunts) My so-called dad. One of his big dreams was to open a restaurant of his very own. Got the approval to make it before it literally went up in flames, the next day, someone else took his place, using the recipes he learned from his mentor to rake in a strong following. After that, I got a cookbook in the mail and memorized them all by heart. Have it with me if you want to try it.

Luz: Delicious food aside. (turns to Eda) Teach us some spells. When do we get a magic staff? Were we supposed to bring our own runes? (Gasps.) Do you have a dangerous magical quest for us?

Eda: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down, kid. Being a witch doesn't happen overnight. Also, you're wrapped in a bathrobe and wearing the dirtiest traffic cone I've ever seen.

Luz pulls her hat off and blows on it, revealing that it was, in fact, a traffic cone with a severe layer of dust on it. King laughs.

Lincoln: King, be nice. But I've got the runes covered in my room in case you're wondering.

Eda: But a magic staff, huh? Do you really want one?

Luz: More than anything.

Lincoln: I'd rather earn the privilege.

Eda: Good answer. Magic staff, come to me!

She holds out her left hand. For a second, nothing happens. Then several things crash distantly. King, Luz, Lincoln and Eda all slowly turn to the sound, until Eda's staff appears and smacks her in the face, clattering to the ground.

Eda: (Grunts and picks the staff up, spinning it before tapping it on the ground.) It's early. Now, witches are awarded their staff from school. With me as your teacher, you'll be taking a different approach. (Drops a bag of potions onto the floor.) You'll have to work for it. (Leads them through the living room.) I run a few businesses. On weekends, I offer rare human treasures that Owlbert drags over from your side of the realm.

Lincoln: You mean you have your friend steal stuff and sell them for a profit.

She grabs a toy sword with green lights on its fuller, a gold cross-guard and pommel with a crown on the latter and hits a button near the pommel.

Sword: I shall smite my enemies! Ages six to eleven.

Eda: (Tosses the sword over Luz's head.) But most days I sell only the finest homemade elixirs and potions.

Luz: (Pulls a bottle with a green stamp on it from the bag and reads the label.) "Snake oil."

Eda: No one wants an un-oiled snake. Follow me.

Cut to Eda, Lincoln and Luz walking onto a balcony, overlooking the town they were in yesterday, surrounded by ribs, a ring of bone, and a limb plucking a house with similar ones embedded into his arm.

Eda: Today you'll deliver packages and sell potions to that town over there, Bonesborough. You'll have to be careful. I have rivals everywhere who'd love to take my business down and you along with it. You wanted a dangerous magical quest? Sister, you've got one.

Luz: I won't let you down, Miss Eda.

Luz turns to salute Eda, dropping the sack of potions off the balcony in the process. The two of them watch it fall, Luz winces when it crashes loudly on the ground, but hears a thump, looking down to see a draft of wind holding it up and letting it slowly fall to the ground.

Lincoln: How about I take the bag, Luz? Who knows how dangerous some of these are. Wonder if this is one of those bottomless bags.

Eda: I'm sure. (Cut to the living room, where Eda is pushing them out the door with another bag of potions in Lincoln's hand.) Remember, never befriend a man in sandals and always measure twice, cut once.

Luz: Uh...

Eda: Good luck! (Slams the door closed and dusts her hands off, then looks at King, napping on the chest) I hate to interrupt your power nap, but you have to go with them.

King: What? But I just found the perfect spot. Why do I have to go?

Eda: You and I know they're either going to get lost or eaten, probably both. And who knows how much power Lincoln has in those little arms of his.

Lincoln: You know we can hear you, right?

Luz: (Squishes her face against the stained glass window.) No, we won't.

Eda: (Closes the blinds with a spell.) And because you work for me, too, unless you want to start paying rent.

King throws a short tantrum before stomping out the door.

Eda: Be back by nightfall or risk mortal peril. (Slams the door again.)

Hooty: Have a nice trip.

King: Huh! Let's get this over with.


Bonesborogh, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Midday

They travel to Bonesborough. Luz and King walk through an archway.

Luz: Woah!

Lincoln: Some things never lose their luster the second time.

The scene zooms out to reveal a wall covered in wanted posters on either side of the archway. Various types of demons pass, all of which Luz and Lincoln stare at in amazement.

King: Hey, it's rude to stare.

Lincoln: I'm sorry, but I can't help it. This place is amazing.

Luz: I've only seen places like this in my dreams. It's incredible. And are we the only ones of our kind here?

King: (Shrugs) I haven't seen any others.

Luz: Wow! There must be a reason for that, right? What do you think of that Lincoln.

Lincoln: I keep thinking about how I came to Earth in the first place. I mean if I'm the only one of my kind left, someone here must know how I survived and made my way to the Human World. If I was truly born in this world, then who was I before I was sent there? Who were my parents? What if there are others? (takes a minute) This is just a lot to process right now.

Luz and King stared at him because of how deep his words hit them.

Luz: Okay? I meant why am I here? What if I, Luz Noceda, average teen, and Lincoln Loud, Last of the Azarathians, actually have... (Gasps.) ...a predetermined path of greatness? (Gasps.) Just like Azura! (To Lincoln) And if I'm meant to master the art of magic, maybe I can help uncover the secrets of your past?

King: Yeah. Did Azura's path to greatness involve her delivering boil cream? (Takes an erlenmeyer flask labeled "Boil B' Gone" from the sack and holds it up.)

Lincoln: We determine our own destinies, King. And the greatest of journeys usually begin with something simple, if not beneath our notice.

Luz: Today we're delivering packages, but tomorrow we'll be earning the respect of everyone on the Boiling Isles with our magical prowess.

King: Ha! Good luck. The Boiling Isles is nothing but a cesspool of despair.

Luz: More like a cesspool of delight.

Lincoln: Let's just agree to disagree. Let's just focus, we're delivering the potions.

Luz puts the boil cream back in the sack before Lincoln hefts it over his shoulder and looking around. They start in the direction of the market, where she walks up to a brown haired centaur holding a pumpkin in front of his chest.

Luz: What has four hooves and wants to buy a potion? This guy.

Centaur: (Sighs and lowers the pumpkin to reveal his face is on his chest.) My eyes are down here.

Luz exclaims and runs off. Lincoln just keeps looking at him.

Lincoln: So... you've been working out?


Line break here

They reach a house, where Luz rings the doorbell. She leaves her hand on the button, and the doorbell bites her hand and slowly starts to eat her arm. Luz screams while Lincoln tries to pry her arm out of its grip. King walks away in annoyance. Cut to a curb, where Lincoln, Luz and King are sitting, the latter scarfing down a Not Dog from the cart behind them, manned by a slime creature with green eyes attached to a brain wearing a yellow cap.

King: (Sighs.) I know I've had enough delight for one day.

Luz: I thought being the only human in a magical world would make me special. But apparently, it just makes everyone want to scream at me or... (Holds up her arm to reveal a small winged creature biting her elbow.) eat me. (Flings the creature away and sighs, opening her book, turning to a picture of Azura kneeling before a wise man with a wrapped scroll) At this point, Azura had already been sent on an enchanted quest. Where's my quest-granting wizard?

King: Sorry to break it to you, Luz, but no one here is that well-dressed.

Lincoln: No one that we know of yet, King. But not all stories follow Azura's path. Some protagonists' journeys are subtly placed on a trail of breadcrumbs, a search for answers, or are simply forced into the role by a certain event in their lives.

Luz: This has been a rough day. (They stand and Lincoln hefts the potions sack over his shoulder with a grunt; Luz takes out a piece of paper and starts down the alley.) Let's just deliver this last package and go home. Maybe this world isn't what I thought it was— (Gasps.) Pretty!

They gaze to reveal a large castle with golden banners illuminated by sunlight. The doorbell is also made of gold, and towering wooden doors open after Luz presses it.

King: Big houses always belong to big whack jobs. Let's kick the package inside and get outta here.

Lincoln: You call this a house, this place looks like a dump. Are you seeing what I'm seeing?

Luz: (Not noticing, she walks inside with Lincoln and ignores King.) Hello?

Lincoln: Is anyone home?

King: Hey, wait. (Runs after them, yelping when the doors slam behind him.) Weh!

Luz: (Entering a room.) W-We're delivering a package from Miss Eda, the Owl Lady.

Lincoln: Seems no one's answering, might as well leave the package here for the customer with a note and leave... Huh?

Lanterns around the room flare on, revealing it to be a massive library. They illuminate a grand staircase, above which is a painting of a wizard. Said wizard enters from a door in the same pose he has in the painting. He has a purple hat, sandals and a robe with yellow stars on it, purple eyes and a white and purple beard

Luz: (Gasps.) Today just got better.

Adegast's Castle, Bonesborough, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

One advertisement break later the camera pans up the wizard.

Luz: (Dancing excitedly.) Magical wizard!

King: Weird old man in jim-jams.

Lincoln: Technically you don't wear any jim-jams. Or anything else on that matter. (King covers himself)

Adegast: (Descending the stairs.) I was in my oscillarium, reading the stars. And who might you be, with eyes full of curiosity?

Luz: Uh, W-We're—

Lincoln: (eyes look above him, then back down) We work with Eda, you ordered a package and we came to deliver. Now that you're here, we'll take our leave.

The Azarathian became immediately suspicious of this so-called wizard for two reasons. One, this place is too perfect compared to the rest of town. Secondly, he was wearing sandals just like Eda warned them about, and three; he's the only one who sees what he's hiding.

Adegast: (Running up to the three of them.) Young lady, dareth I say, I sense something unique about you. Please, won't you join me for tea?

Adegast summons three chairs and a table of snacks. He sits down in the white throne with red arm cloths and a necklace and crown on the top.

Luz: (Gasps) Okay.

Lincoln: (grabs Luz's arm) We came here to deliver a package and we did just that. Now let's go, Eda clearly said not to trust anyone wearing sandals.

King: (Grabbing Luz's leg.) He's right. Let's scram! (Climbs up to Luz's shoulder.) Wizards are just old people with glitter in their pockets.

Adegast takes a handful of glitter out of his pocket and drops it on the floor.

Lincoln: I don't know where he got that, nor do I want to know what he does with that all alone.

King: I don't trust him.

Luz: But the stars on his robe are sparkling. And look, there's a baby fox in his beard.

The baby red and yellow fox with blue eyes giggles.

Lincoln: (starry-eyed) Aww... It's so adorable (looks above again and slaps himself back to his senses) Aside from his taste of companionship, I still doubt his motives.

Luz: Plus, I see scones on the table.

King: Where?

King pants as he runs to the table. Luz looks at Lincoln, who sighs.

Lincoln: So we're doing this then? Alright. (He humors her, following them and dropping the bag of potions in front of the chair as he sits in it.)

Luz: We'd love to join you for tea.

King munches on the food.

Luz: (Turns and notices a cart of potions.) Do you sell potions, Sir Wizard?

Adegast: Please, call me Adegast. Ma'am, yes, I run a small business.

King: (Munching, holding up an empty plate.) You should run a small business of more scones into my mouth. (Chuckles.) Yes!

Adegast: I'm surprised to see you here. It was my understanding that Eda delivered the packages herself.

Luz: Well, we're kinda, sorta, her apprentices.

Adegast: Oh! And how are you finding the experience so far?

Luz: (Holds a fake grin before sighing.) Well, on Lincoln's part, he has already made progress, able to use magic and wield a special sword. But for me, can I be honest, Mr. Adegast? When I decided to stay in this magical world, I thought I was meant for something special. But Eda thinks I'm meant for chores and I'm afraid I came to the wrong place.

Lincoln: (whispers) Ixnay on the torysay. Remember the saying, "Wax on, Wax off"

Adegast: (looks at Lincoln) A special sword, you say? (takes a good look at the blade on his back, its master bringing its hand to its grip) Interesting, I thought the Azarathians were all but extinct.

As much as the trio were surprised by this information, King dropped half of his bun during the info bomb.

Lincoln: How? Are talking a dying out scenario, purge, departure or suddenly vanishing?

Adegast: Only a truly worthy Azarathian can wield a weapon like that. But how strange, I thought the last Azarathian alive was Draven Godspeed?

Lincoln/Luz/King: Draven Godspeed?

Adegast: You don't know anything about the famous, or rather infamous Phoenix Lord? I thought Eda told you that she went everywhere with him back in the day.

Lincoln was surprised and began to think that if this Draven was his biological father, he would much to discuss with Eda back home, including any other secrets that she's been hiding.

Adegast: (Approaching Luz.) Well, I have a quest—

Luz: A quest?

Cup shatters. King notices that Lincoln was the one who broke in his bare hand, that glare from last night coming back, still staring up.

Adegast: (Chuckles.) You didn't let me finish. I have a question.

Luz: Oh.

Adegast: Would you like to go on a quest?

Luz: Yes!

Adegast: (Reaches into his beard and pulls out a scroll.) I might have just the thing. (Unrolls the scroll to reveal a map of Felina, scrolling up) The prophecy speaks of a young human girl and his brotherly comanion who will claim the Celestial Staff and free this world from an ancient evil. Perhaps thou hath cometh here for a reason.

Luz: Perhaps I hath. (Takes the map.)

Adegast: Should you believe yourselves worthy to attempt this quest... (Begins walking through his house.)

Luz: (Follows him.) So worthy.

Adegast: ...you need to know the road is dark and perilous.

Luz: Love peril. I'm a big fan of peril.

Adegast: And only the Chosen One can pull the staff from its post.

Luz: (Stops walking.) Chosen one.

Lincoln continues watching Adegast, since that got very strange, very fast. But he didn't want to be rude, so he decided to pretend that he believed him, while keeping an ear out for anything that he may slip out.

King: (Walking past Luz with the bag of potions.) Neat story, awesome. Anyway, your food is gone and we are, too.

Luz: Yes, we have to go. And pack for this enchanted quest! We're in.

Adegast: Wonderful.

Lincoln: (facepalms) Hook, line and sinker.


Luz's Room, The Owl House, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Afternoon

Cut to Luz's bedroom, where she's sheathing the toy sword from earlier. Around her are various potions, food, the quest scroll, and of course her Azura book.

Luz: So, Lincoln, King, what kind of Chosen One should I be?

Lincoln didn't want to answer since he was still thinking about what the wizard said about the other Azarathian that could be his biological father and his connection to Eda.

King: (Kneading Luz's sleeping bag, yawns and lies down.) Huh? What?

Luz: (Picks up her book.) Should I be full of optimism and goodness, like the Good Witch Azura? Or should I be like a bad girl Chosen One with black nail polish and a mysteriously withdrawn attitude? (Uses the book as a mouth.) "I act like I don't care, but I secretly do."

Lincoln: Are you seriously falling for that "Chosen One" gimmick so easily?

Luz: Yeah, what's the problem?

Lincoln: (counts with his fingers) We found a castle in an alley, one too perfect by this world's standards, and a stranger that we never met before gives you a quest right out of the gate? If that's not strange coming from the guy with ten sisters, then I don't know what is.

Luz: But this is my chance to finally get a magic staff! Exactly how Azura got her staff and how you got your sword!

Lincoln: Hey, leave Caliburn out of this! (holding it close, then composing after seeing raised eyebrows) First, off Azura earned her magic powers. And second, the "magician" (finger quotes) only sent those on such a quest to reach the witch.

King: (looks at the two) You two are fans of that disgustingly cheery book?

Luz: But this could be different!

Lincoln: I know you want to prove yourself to Eda and earn your staff. But this is not the right way to go about it, please don't go off on this "quest."

Luz: (annoyed) Ugh! Why can't you let me have this?! I'm not the little girl you met that day anymore, and besides you're not my brother and you can't tell me what to do!

Lincoln was startled by her outburst and was about to say or do something before Eda walks in, carrying a blue, scarred arm with sharp nails removed from the bone.

Eda: Oh, am I overhearing an argument between friends? When's the fight? Who am I going to bet on?

Lincoln/Luz: NOT NOW!

Eda: Wait, what's going on? And why am I thinking about stereo?

King: Eda, tell Luz how dumb wizards are.

Eda: (Gesturing with a severed arm and almost hitting King several times.) Ugh! Wizards are the worst. Never trust a man in casual drapery. (Laces her fingers with the severed arm.) Why?

King: Your wizard client told Luz... (Laughs.) she was a— (Laughing.) was a Chosen One! (Laughing.)

Eda: Wait, wait, Luz? (Snickers, then laughs so hard she falls back onto the floor.)

King: He even gave her a map.

Eda and King laugh as Luz hides behind her book, an embarrassed blush on her face.

Lincoln: (growling at their mockery) Hey, stop laughing. This is a serious matter. Besides, he didn't look like a wizard to me.

Eda: Let me see this map.

Luz hands her the map. She inspects it for a few seconds.

Eda: Ok, I agree with them. You didn't think this was real, did you?

Luz: What?

Eda: This map is bunk. There's no lake with a Celestial Staff on the Boiling Isles. I would have stolen it ages ago. (Notes Luz's down face and hands her the map back.) Ah, don't worry. Couple more months here and you won't look like such a mark.

Luz: Can I have some time alone?

Eda shrugs and leaves the room. King hops off of Luz's sleeping bag and follows Eda. Lincoln gives her a worried look, and decides to give her some space.

Lincoln: Luz, you may say that I'm not your brother, but know that you will always be my sister. (The door closes behind him, casting the room in shadow.)

Luz: Maybe they were right. (Leans against the wall before sliding down it to the floor.) Huh?

Sunlight is illuminating one corner of the map, revealing the word "one" in shining blue lettering. Luz holds the entire map up to the light revealing the message: "The chosen one. The path will only appear to the worthy".

Luz: "The path will only appear to the worthy." (Gasps.) That's why Eda couldn't see it. But am... Am I really worthy?

Wind howls and opens the window. The map flies out of her grasp, landing next to her book. The wind flips the pages to show Azura standing loved and triumphant on a small hill, the people around her applauding as she holds a staff to the sun.

Luz: I'll never know unless I try.


Living Room, The Owl House, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

The scene moves to the living room, where King is laying down on the couch.

King: Finally! All that mean‐spirited laughter made me sleepy.

Lincoln looks at him before speaking to Eda.

Line break here

Play: I'm Too Scared by Steven Price

Lincoln; Uh, Eda? Can I ask you something in private?

Eda: (looks at him) Of course, you can ask me anything. But why do you ask?

Lincoln: You met my real father, didn't you?

Eda: (surprised) Where did that question come from?

Lincoln: Well, the wizard said that there was once another Azarathian named Draven Godspeed, the Phoenix Lord. Is this true?

Eda looks at him in silence for a moment before taking a deep breath, she never thought to tell this to him now, like this.

Eda: (sighs) You're just like your father in nearly every way. Always curious and guessing things out in a minute or less.

Lincoln: So you did know him.

Eda: Yes. (She pulls out the same photo from last night out of her hair) Back when I was your age, Draven and I were best friends, almost siblings, the same way you and Luz are. At the time, I didn't know he was an Azarathian. He was good at hiding things, even from me. He was such a unique soul, unbroken despite all that hurt. But when we were in our adult years, Draven told me everything he knew and made a vow to never say a word to anyone else, not even to my closest friends and family.

She gives the photo to the boy. Lincoln looks at the photo, showing Eda making a mockery of some unlucky passerby and next to him was a teenager. Like the Azarathian he had white, messy hair, golden eyes and pointed ears.

Lincoln: (surpirsed) He really does look at me.

Eda: (smiles warmly) You guys are practically identical, from your looks to the way you move and think.

Lincoln: (looks at her): What was he like?

Eda: He was one of the best students back in school and an extremely skilled sorcerer. Draven always had so many plans and counter-plans, some that I don't even think he knew about, for every possible situation and contingency. He had this almost cosmic feeling to his prowess. Even took the little nickname I gave him back then as his title, the Phoenix Lord. Phoenixes are a symbol of cosmic divinity and celestial valor here in the Demon Realm. I heard from Luz that back on Earth, it was a powerful archetype for new beginnings, self-regeneration, and healing. Either way, it's always an auspicious sign for healing and renewal in an area of one's life.

Eda: (creates a fireball) The phoenix symbolizes the eternal flame, which can mean faith, will, or passion in life. No matter how many times you get set back, the phoenix will remind you that you have within you the fire and wherewithal to heal and be new again. (snuffs it out) He was a good friend, one that I will never forget. Which reminds me.

Eda goes to where there is a big chest. She opens it and searches for something, eventually pulling out an old brown book with the same alchemy transmutation circle they saw on the pillar from the Conformatorium.

Eda: Your father wanted to give you this when he grew up. Before he... went away.

Lincoln: (takes it) A book?

Eda: That is far more than a book. This is the Book of Azarath, named after the first of your kind. Here within its pages lie all the magic spells that your people ever made and devised... (coldly) before the dark days. Before the Age of Extinction.

Lincoln (sees her depressed) How did my father die?

Eda: (takes a deep breath) It was a day when the Azarathians that never left for greener worlds were considered far too dangerous to live, and began to hunt them down like monsters one by one, even accusing anyone of protecting and siding with them and punished them just as hard. Something like the Salem Witch Hunts, but far more bloody. They were going straight to your father, who was the acting leader of your people and in an attempt to save me, he cast a sleeping spell and sent me away. When I came to and hurried back here, he was long gone. I was so scared I began to look for him 24/7 without food or rest, but everywhere I went, I only saw blood, death and destruction (tears begin falling from her eyes) I was so scared, heck, I was horrified because not only did I lose one of my closest friends, I felt like I lost a part of my soul in the process.

Lincoln: Wow, I had no idea.

Eda: (puts a hand on his shoulder) Listen, son. No one on these isles must know that you are an Azarathian, because there are people here who are more than capable of persecuting you like they did your dad and doing something very unwanted.

Line break here

Lincoln: (nods) I understand. I think I'm glad I didn't listen to Adegast.

Eda: Adegast?

Lincoln: That's the wizard's name, King was with us so he knows too. But I kept looking at him like he was directing a puppet show. I knew Luz and King were seeing something else, but I knew I felt something was wrong when I saw that castle.

Eda: Interesting. (to King) Crony, wake up. You said that wizard was one of my clients?

King: Yes. Now go away.

Eda: I don't know him that well. (Sits on the couch with enough force to send King flying into the air.) And I don't trust this itch he's scratching in the human.

Lincoln: Agreed, although I think you two shouldn't have made fun of her, I've got a bad feeling that something bad is going to happen to her.

King: Less talky, more nappy.

Eda sighs. Back to the door of Luz's room, Eda pushes it open.

Eda: Hey, Luz? Aw, nuts.

Lincoln: Oh, no. I hate it when I'm right about these things.

Her room is empty, the howling wind pushing open the window. Eda and Lincoln run to the window.

Eda: Hooty, where'd she go?

Hooty: Hoot, hoot. If you want the answer that you seek, solve my riddle within a week—

Eda punches the wall with her right arm hard enough to shake the whole house and leave cracks in the wall.

Hooty: Ow! Okay, okay. She went into the forest towards Bonesborough. Sheesh!

Eda: Ugh! (Eda runs out)

Lincoln: What?! But why did I come back here if... (realizes) Oh,right. We should probably get after her. (To Hooty) If it makes you feel any better, I'll try and fix the damage and you can tell me your riddle when we get back. (runs off, Hooty giggling in anticipation)


The Forest, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Cut to a sign proclaiming the city limits of Bonesborough, next to which is Luz.

Luz: (Inhales.) My first mythical quest. Ha!

She jumps and slides down an incline, then gets over a fallen log. A thick fog rolls in as she keeps walking.

Luz: Okay. Got my scroll, got my youthful optimism, got my trusty weapon. (Pulls out the sword and hits a button on it.)

Sword: By the power of Skullgar, I am out of battery.

The lights on the sword dim as Luz lowers it. She continues onward, ducking a branch and cutting a rope with the sword.

Luz: You know, I wonder if I made the right choice by coming here. (Gasps.) Wow!

The camera reveals a village full of cats wearing clothes and walking on two legs. Luz walks through the village, beaming as she looks around. She approaches a fountain in the middle of a square, from which a witch with a sword strapped to his waist emerges, flipping wet hair out of his face. He has an eye patch over his right eye, black hair, including some on his upper lip, and wears a green shirt, red belt with a gold buckle and black boots.

Behind Luz appears a man in a full-length black coat with a hood and a waist-high slit going up the back (similar to a duster), wearing a gold, red and white mask. The coat has a large silver zipper that fastens at the top and zips down to seal the coat. It has silver drawstrings for the hood decorated with a large silver bead hanging from the end and a silver chain ornament adorned with four large cylindrical silver beads that fastens to a loop on either side of the collarbone region.

Nevareth: I see. So you're the Chosen One. (Scoffs.) The Celestial Staff should've picked me, Nevareth Bladestrife, Teen Prince of Angstmore.

Luz: (Staring at his biceps.) Yes. Yes, I did make the right choice.

Unknown: Not to me you're not. (startling Luz) unlike him, I'll give the benefit of a mystery as to who and what I am. I have my own reasons for finding the Celestial Staff and making sure it does not fall into the wrong hand. Adegast may say otherwise, but I won't be dissuaded. Now that I think about it, where are your friends exactly?


Adegast's Castle, Bonesborough, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Meanwhile back in the alley from earlier, Eda, Lincoln and King are trying to pick up Luz's scent by backtracking to the wizard's domain.

King: (Sniffing.) This is where we met the scones. I mean, the wizard. Whoa!

Eda pushes aside a patched curtain.

King: It wasn't like this before.

Lincoln: Not to me, neither Luz nor King saw it, but I'm glad you both see now too.

The castle is now in complete ruin, with crumbling walls, no spire, and faded banners. One of the front doors is laying on the ground, and as they look, a chunk of wall falls from a pillar.

Eda: I don't like this.

Lincoln: You and Luz must have been under some kind of illusion, but why wasn't I affected? Also, is it me or does this look like one of the castles from Dark Souls?

Eda: It's a neat little trick with those Azarathian eyes of yours. They have the innate ability to see through illusions, and reveal hidden truths. Adegast must have noticed you staring at his true self and started getting antsy, moving to trick Luz instead of you.

A door creaks open, revealing the library. Tattered scrolls now litter the floor, shelves are broken, paintings are ripped, and chunks of debris are blocking the stairs. Eda steps forward, onto a bundle of scrolls. She picks them all up, each illuminated with the glowing message of: "The chosen one".

Eda: I really don't like this.


The Forest, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Back in the middle of the woods, where Luz is walking with Nevareth and the masked man, and a flying onion with blue eyes, teal shoes and bat wings.

Luz: Nevareth, your vengeful backstory is so compelling. And I'm loving' your animal sidekick.

Nevareth: After my village was consumed, my heart has known nothing but vengeance.

Masked Man: But I try to make sure he walks toward the path to dawn. The road to vengeance leads to nothing but pain and suffering.

They stop walking.

Luz: Nevareth!

Nevareth: Lady Luz, do you think love can bloom on the battlefield?

Luz: (Turns and laughs to herself.) This quest is questing in all the right ways.

The four of them walk onto a bridge, yelping when a small gray cat creature wearing a brown hat and shirt, a crescent moon on his forehead and a bulging left eye, jumps in front of them.

Nevareth: Ew.

Creature: (Dances.) Hum-di-d, to pass the bridge, you must first solve my riddle.

Luz: Hit me, little furry man.

Chris: Your quest shall stop if you fail this game. So tell me, my dear, what is my name?

Luz: Hmm. (Bends down to inspect his nametag.) Uh... Chris?

Chris: That's it. You may cross the bridge. And please take this, Chosen One. It shall help you on your journey. (Hands her a gold ring with a blue gemstone in its claws.)

Luz: Wow. This is amazing. Thank you. (Puts the ring on.)

Nevareth: Do you need a cape?

Luz: Nah, I think I'm goo—

Nevareth: You can use my shirt.

Nevareth rips his shirt off, revealing his six-pack and ties it like a cape over Luz's shoulders.

Masked Man: (facepalms) Ugh, every single time, faker. Every time.

Luz: (Pauses at his words, then turns back to Nevareth) Yes. I need a cape. (Giggles.)

Nevareth: Three cheers for the Chosen One. Hip, hip...

Everyone: (all cheer except for the man in black) Hurray!

Nevareth: Hip, hip...

Everyone: Hurray!

Luz blushes from the praise.

Nevareth: Hip, hip...


"Cat Village" The Forest, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Back with Eda and the others, they just managed to enter the forest and are now coming up on her first stop.

Eda: Oh, no.

Her, Lincoln and King are standing in the cat village, which is now destroyed. Dark clouds hang in the sky and fog clouds hang in front of the houses.

Eda: Are you sure she came here?

King: (Sniffing.) Can't mistake her smell. Like lemons and young, naïve confidence. Wait, there's another scent coming from nearby. It's not Adegast but its something else.

Eda: Hmm.

Eda walks up to the fountain, which is now broken and covered in dying vines. An odd cat wrapped in vines is laying in the lower basin. Eda kneels in front of the fountain.

Eda: Hey! Wake up, you. (Flicks the cat's head.) What have you done with Luz? (Shakes it.) What's your endgame?

Cat: To find your pupil and still your wrath, look ahead and follow the path. (Cackles as it disintegrates.)

King: (Gasps.) The cat man melted!

Lincoln: Another illusion.

Eda: (Sighs and stands.) It's a trap. They want me to follow Luz. And if what you saw was any indication, you're probably a target too.

King: So, what do we do?

Eda: Hmm.

Lincoln: What is there to do? We find Luz and hopefully spring the trap before Luz does.

Eda thinks about his plan before turning to him.

Eda: Lincoln, it's time for a quick little swordsmanship lesson. If you're going to carry that lump of metal around, you'd best be using it correctly.

Lincoln, confused but later understands as he unsheathes his sword.


Illusionary Celestial Lake, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Deeper into the woods, where, along with Nevareth and Chris and the man in black, Luz is now walking with a fairy much less hostile than the one she met the day before. She has pink skin, purple eyes, teal hair with two antennae sticking out of a gold tiara, she has butterfly like-wings and wears a pink one-piece with a yellow frill and white leg stockings.

Luz: Thank you for inviting me to your feast, Princess. All your food was so tiny and cute.

Princess: (Twirls her hands and creates two bracelets with a blue zigzag pattern.) For you, Chosen One.

Luz: (Puts the bracelets on.) Thank you. You have all been so kind and thoughtful. (Jumps and strikes a pose.) I hope this quest never ends.

Chris: Your quest will soon come to an end, for the staff you seek is around the bend.

Masked Man: You really are dedicated to this rhyming thing, are you? (gives a cold stare to Chris) Next time, read the room before you spout such nonsense again. (Chris whimpers)

Luz: (Drops her pose.) Thanks for ruining the mood, Chris.

Nevareth: Go on, Chosen One. The Celestial Staff is yours. You've earned it.

Luz perks back up and continues down the path.

Nevareth: Farewell, Lady Luz.

Princess: Farewell. We love you, Chosen One.

Masked Man: This will not be the last we see each other, daughter of Camila. Be careful, little one. Not all is as it seems. (She stares oddly at him as he disappears into the woods)

Birds twitter as they fly overhead, casting long shadows below them. Luz looks away from them to focus on the path, before slowing to a stop. Luz gasps. The Celestial Staff, an white staff holding a diamond prism at its tip, stands on a platform in the middle of a lake, illuminated by a ray of light. As Luz approaches the edge of the lake, a glowing light comes from the water, followed a few seconds later by a stone walkway rumbling into place, connecting the edge of the lake and the central platform.

Luz: I knew this world wasn't all gloom and doom like Eda and King said. (Skipping and twirling down the walkway.) There is wonder here. And just like Lincoln came here because he was an Azarathian, I... I think I came here for a reason.

She pauses as she reaches the platform, staring at the staff in awe.

Luz: Okay, this is it. Moment of truth.

She hesitantly grabs the staff. Blue swirls of magic come out of it, creating waves in the lake as the top of the staff glows brightly. She pulls it out of the ground and holds it above her head triumphantly.

Luz: Yes! I am the Chosen One! I knew it! I always suspected there was a reason nobody besides Lincoln understood my wacky antics back at home. (She jumps and twirls in a circle, then holds the staff with both hands.) Now I have concrete proof. (Laughs.)

(The staff disintegrates, the dust blowing away in the wind.)

Luz: No!

She grabs at the dust. Around her, the rest of the illusions fade: flowers at her feet wilt, water drains from the lake and retreats up the riverbanks, and even leaves disappear in a swirl.

Luz: What?

Masked Man: (voiceover) I warned you.


Forest Canopy, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Back at Eda's party, she and King are flying through the woods on Eda's staff.

Unknown: WOOOHOOO! (They turn to see Lincoln, who was riding the blade, transformed into a flying board.)

Lincoln: (excited) This is amazing, I never knew I could fly with Caliburn. I'm like Thor, but without the hammer! Reminds me of those three Sonic games and those lessons Ronnie Anne gave me.

King: I'm surprised he wasn't down there hanging to the weapon for dear life like his comics suggest.

Lincoln: (flies near Eda) So you know something about our so-called wizard?

Eda: I know this guy. He's no wizard. He's what you'd call a puppeteer, a demon who specializes in scamming and manipulating people. He's probably trying to use Luz to get to me.

Lincoln: And since he knows I'm an Azarathian, and also tried to trick me and failed, I bet he wants to get the bounty on your head and try to steal my power and Caliburn.

King: Yeah, and we're flying directly into his trap. Hurray.

Eda: Well, if you can think of a better plan, I'd love to hear it. Hey, faster, you. (Slaps her staff.)

Owlbert hoots, increasing his speed. Lincoln close behind.

Lincoln: (mentally) Luz, please be safe. I can't lose another family member today.


Celestial Lake, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Back in the true Celestial Lake, now surrounded in fog. Luz backs up, holding her sword in front of her. Luz whimpers.

Adegast: (Appearing from the fog.) Luz, the human.

Luz: Magical wizard?

Adegast: Your hubris has failed you, Witch Apprentice. (Cackling.)

Adegast lifts the wizard puppet to reveal hinmself as an octopus-like demon, consisting of his head, along with a series of prehensile tentacles. The ground begins to crack.

Luz: Huh?

Her previous traveling companions and the cats from the village arise from the stone, a tentacle in each of their heads. They're lifted in the air and surround Luz, who slowly spins around. The man in the black coat is strangely absent.

Luz: Okay, Luz. Don't panic. This is classic Chosen One biz. You just have to rescue everybody and defeat the final boss.

Adegast: I am everybody! You fool, don't you see? I'm no wizard. And you're no Chosen One. I've tricked you. (Evil laughter.)

Luz: What?

As she's distracted by the reveal, her cape floats up around her. It turns to chains, forcing her to her knees. The bracelets become hand cuffs and the ring becomes chains that lock her hands together, secured with a padlock.

Luz: No! Betrayed by my own cool accessories. Why are you doing this?

Adegast: Your mentor has been stealing customers from my potions business for years. She must be destroyed. A downright shame I couldn't deceive that Azarathian friend of yours. Those eyes of theirs always find a way to see the truth, but no matter.

Luz: Does everybody have a beef with Eda here?

They all agree. Luz sighs. One however doesn't answer her question, clenching his fists.

Adegast: Had you listened to the Azarthian being as powerful as people once were, we wouldn't be here today, but caring for a lesser insect like you was his greatest weakness and you lured them right into my trap, all because you wanted to think you were special. You should have listened to that little pet of yours.

Luz: No. Joke's on you, 'cause Eda and Lincoln aren't stupid enough to fall for your trap.

Eda: Adegast!

Lincoln: Sis!

Luz: Oh, heck!

Eda and King land at the end of the walkway. Lincoln comes second, transforming the board back into the blade.

Lincoln: Free my sister-friend from those bonds, and we'll let you leave with your life.

Adegast: Eda and the Azarathian, I have you now!

Multiple cat puppets erupt from the ground, one grabbing Eda, the second King, the majority of them barely holding down Lincoln, causing him to drop his sword onto the ground.

Eda: That's right. You have us. Now release Luz.

King: I didn't have to be a part of this!

Adegast: Oh, she can leave. If she wants to. But I sense she wants a real fantasy.

The Chris puppet breathes a cloud of fog at Luz. When she opens her eyes, she's free of her restraints, kneeling in a dark void. Adegast's puppets walk up to her from the dark.

Nevareth: Stay with us, Luz. Stay with Adegast. We need you here. You could be our Chosen One.

Princess: Yeah, you can eat our tiny foods forever.

Nevereth: Luz, why would you want to live in a world where people laugh at you?

Luz: It is beautiful here.

Eda: Luz!

Lincoln: Don't listen to them!

Luz: And you guys think I'm special.

Eda: No! (Grunts as the tentacle nearly envelops her.)

The puppets all close in on Luz.

Luz: But it's not real. (Grunts and waves the fog away, running forward to pick up her sword.) I am a Witch's Apprentice. And I'm gonna earn my magic staff the hard way. I believed you, Magic Man. Now feel my wrath!

Luz stabs the wizard puppet through the stomach, making it disappear with a poof. Adegast screams. Eda, Lincoln and King free themselves, landing next to Luz with grunts.

Lincoln: Welcome back, sis. (grabs Caliburn) I'm feeling like calamari for dinner.

Luz swings her sword at the princess like it's a bat, making her poof away. Three cat puppets approach Eda. She draws a spell circle, sending a plume of orange smoke at them. They disintegrate with distorted screams. Adegast continues screaming. Lincoln raises his sword, calling a lightning bolt and hurtling at Chris, electrocuting and exploding the false beast, making Adegast recoil in pain again. Nevareth tries to blindside Luz, but his yell alerts her. She catches his sword with her own and duels him.

Luz: I thought we had a connection, Nevareth! (Plunges her sword through his chest.)

Nevareth: (Grunts.) Ah, my flawless pecs! (Poofs.)

Eda lands next to Luz and Lincoln, the three sharing a smile.

Adegast: Back off! (Holds up King.) Or the dog gets it.

King: I am not a— (Muffled grunt.)

Eda and Luz drop their weapons and raise their hands in surrender.

Luz: King, Lincoln, I'm sorry. I should have listened to you two and never trusted that wizard. You were right. He isn't mystical or magical. He's just a big, slimy j*.

But Lincoln doesn't loosen his grip, the lake begins to glow gold as his power begins to rise again.

Adegast: You too boy, or do you truly care for such an inferior beast unlike your predecessors?

Lincoln: (angrily) You shame all those who bear the title of wizard. Trying to play me and Luz for fools. But you were right about one thing, Adegast. We all desire a fantasy, and escape from a reality that shuns people like us. But unlike you. I will make those dreams a reality. You wanted my power so badly, take it! Luz!

She kicks her sword, sending it flying point first into Adegast's head. Picking up her idea, he sends a blast of charged energy into the screams and drops King, who is caught by Luz. The scream changes pitch as Adegast's body begins to swell to eighth times his previous size until he bursts into wet chunks and green liquid, dowsing the quartet in his blood. Eda and Luz walk up to King.

Eda: (Picks his heart up.) Well, that's the last time I take an outside referral. (Eats it.) Mmm. Oh, did you want some of that? (To Lincoln) You said something about calamari?

Lincoln: (blood steaming off his body, dry-cleaning himself) Yes, I'll tell you back home. (looks at himself) Please tell me that wasn't blood.

Eda: Ehh... (waves her hand)

Luz: Now I'm just confused.

Eda: Thinking of calling it quits, huh?

Luz: This place is nothing like I imagined. (To Lincoln) I'm sorry for what happened and what I said earlier. If I had listened to you, none of this would have happened,

Lincoln: No apologies necessary, Luz. (hugs her) Don't worry, I understand. If I were in your position, I would have done the same thing.

Luz: (pushes him away) It's not just that. The truth is, I wanted to be like you. You became a caster first thing when we got here. You already have a purpose, but I don't.

Lincoln: (puts his hand on her shoulder) Hey, it's alright. Even if you're right and I do have a purpose, that doesn't mean that we can't find one here. I know you have a purpose on these isles, or else you wouldn't have followed Owlbert here yesterday. You just have to find it on your way to becoming a witch, or make one of your very own.

Luz smiles tearfully before hugging Lincoln.

Eda: Hmm. If you two are done with your cheesy moment together, come with me. I got something to show you.


Boiling Isles Skyline, Demon Realm

Dusk

Cut to the four of them on Eda's staff, hovering in the sky. Luz and Lincoln are wearing blindfolds.

Eda: Okay, you can look.

Luz: (she and Lincoln take the blindfold off.) Whoa!

The camera pans to reveal the whole of the Boiling Isles: the decomposing body of a titanic demon. It's laying with its arms splayed in the sea, its right leg bent, forming a mountain, its skull illuminated by the setting sun.

Lincoln: These islands, they're...

Eda: The bones of the Isles. Up close, the Isles can be slimy—

King: And very stinky.

Eda: And gross. But if you look at it from a different perspective...

The four of them look to the sky above the titan's skull, where stars are beginning to appear. As they watch, a shooting star crosses the sky, there for only a moment.

Luz: It's beautiful.

King: Yeah. (Leans against Luz.)

Luz: Eda, how did you know that wizard was lying?

Eda: Look, kid, everyone wants to believe they're "chosen". But if we all waited around for a prophecy to make us special, (Chuckles.) we'd die waiting. And that's why you need to choose yourself.

Luz: Does that mean you'll give us a magic staff of our own?

Eda: Not yet. But... someday.

Luz leans against Lincoln as Lincoln puts his arm around Eda.

Lincoln: (mumble) Thank you... Eda. (they lean against her)

Eda looks at Lincoln and could only smile as they watch the sun continue to set.

Celestial Lake, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm


Celestial Lake, Boiling Isles, Demon Realm

Nightfall

With the departure of the Owl Lady and her apprentices, moonlight falls upon the fall of Adegast. A pair of footsteps could be heard as the one of the the demon's puppets approaches the center of the lake, carrying a small octopus on his shoulder without a tentacle attached to the back of his head. He kneels down and begins speaking to himself, holding up an orb of energy.

Unknown: You knew the dangers of dealing against an Azarathian, puppeteer. Yet, you moved forward despite the risk. But if there's one rule to being a ventriloquist, is that you should always make sure to guard your own strings, lest one pull and cut yours.

He places his hand against the bottom of the lake, and the land ripples like water, transforming into a shining temple across a sea of starfire. Among him are six animals made of cosmic flame and gold armor pieces; an eagle, two leviathans lovingly dancing in duet, a galaxy in each of their chests, an ox with a black hole for body, a lion with elongated fangs and a wingless dragon, below them an artifact that represents them placed on altars below. The masked man, revealed to be a part of this reality, and not one of Adegast's puppets, walks up the stairs to a seventh, greater altar and sees the one true Celestial Staff, the one Luz found earlier was a means of dissuading treasure hunters.

Masked Man: (grabs the staff) Marus Alphaneum. This place had long since been sealed off the Azarathians as a means of protecting their secrets, and keeping their friends safe from those who would abuse their cosmic power. And what about you, old friends? (To the beasts) It has been so long since we last spoke. Can you trust me to safeguard the legacy of our people, and help aid the Prime Transcendant in his time of need?

The six look to each other in counsel, then turn back and nod. The man bows before them in respect and they disappear, the artifacts disappearing along with them.

Masked Man: A new dawn rises upon the Ascended Realm once more, my friends. But will daybreak reveal a new hope for the people of this reality, or be the harbinger of its final death? We shall see.

TO BE CONTINÚE


Allusions

Thor: Ragnarok - The scene where Eda calls her owl staff is similar to an scene in the film where Thor calls his hammer, Mjølnir (disguised as an umbrella), while in Doctor Strange's Sanctom Sanctorum.

He-Man - The toy sword Luz has is a reference to the He-Man series. It even says a line similar to He-Man's transformation phrase "By the power of Grayskull".

Metal Gear Solid - The question Nevareth asks about love blooming on the battlefield is an infamous line said by Otacon.

Harry Potter - Nevareth's cloak is similar to one of the cloaks Albus Dumbledore wears in the aforementioned franchise.