Throughout the Demon Realm…
Word reached out across every island in the realm as posters and news were still being broadcast.
"Word from the Emperor's Coven, that Princess Luzura Crescent Noceda-Wittebane shall have her long awaited Coronation next week. Invitations are being sent out and gifts are heading to the palace. Cross your fingers and pray to the Titan to get invited because this will be the biggest party in all of the Demon Realm."
Everyone was getting excited about the event as they prayed to be on the invite list. It was the talk of the realm as everyone was getting presents and sweets. Luz's friends, family, and those she was close to being the first to get their invite as the guest's family were getting ready for the party.
…
"Which suit looks best for the Coronation Party? Emerald Green with the black sash or Moss green with the white silk sash?" Harvey wondered to his husband so he can figure out which one to iron.
"Willow, do you think we should bring food to the party?" Gilbert asked his daughter.
"The invitation said that the emperor would be providing the catering, but I don't know for sure. I'll ask Luz when I see her."
…
"Reporting and being invited to the coronation party. Woof, looks like I'll have my hands full." Perry marveled as he was excited that he and his son to be invited to the most exclusive and rememberable party to come.
"I wonder if the emperor would answer some of my questions. Like his life before becoming the revered general or his allies during the war. I know Luz said that her dad was a private man but maybe he'll open up at the party." Gus excitedly announced as he was writing down his questions.
"Maybe you'll have better luck than me. I've been trying to crack that nut for years. There is so much to Emperor Belos, he's like a layered Matryoshka Doll. You think you've seen his true self, but you find another layer underneath."
…
Odalia and Aldor were frantic to make a good impression after their disastrous encounter with the emperor and his princess last time.
They were only invited because their children were, they were only allowed to come by association. They would be laughingstocks at the party.
"I wonder if the emperor is going to like me. I-I mean, he seems to like me, and he really cares about Luz." Amity as Emira rolled her eyes a bit.
"You and Ed. You both caught the eyes of the royal family and still don't know how to approach them. Don't worry, you guys already impress him." Emira informed the pair.
"How do you know. I mean… not like I care what Hunter thought." Edric muttered as he was blushing.
Odalia grinned at the opportunity. If they get hitched to royalty, then she would rocket to the top. Just in case her other prospects flop.
At the Owl House…
Luz was lying on her bed thinking back how far she's come…
In the Lavender Fields…
Luz couldn't believe it; she couldn't believe she was going to be sent away to Reality Check Summer Camp.
But her mom was worried about her, she even thought she was a weirdo. She didn't mean to disappoint her, she just loved magic. Before going to the bus stop, she wanted to see the fields one more time. This was her favorite place in the world. She, her mother, her father, cousins, and stepfather, this was their secret place, their hideaway to enjoy the flowers, the picnic… the secret hideout! She needed to draw something before she goes!
Luz then traveled down the hill to find a crevice in the side. Inside was a cave, turned into a secret hideout with her cousins. She saw an image of herself five years old with her year older cousin, Hunter. They were drawing the faces of the entire family, her, the Flock, her parents, stepparent, cousins, everyone. Luz touched the space between the drawing as the ghosts in her memories disappears. Just one more thing to be added.
A heart.
A heart that will connect them all.
"This world, this world is about to change." An emotionless voice uttered, startling Luz.
"Wh-who's there?" Luz gasped, turning around to see a woman in a red dress but a hood covering her entire head.
"This world will enter another transition, just as it did for the previous events in history. For whenever Witchcraft emerges, this world changes."
"You know about the worlds-. Are you a witch, too?" Luz asked her, causing her to darkly chuckle.
"Foolish child, enthralled by a place you do not belong or understand. This place will be tainted unless something is done. The other place is not for you." The hooded woman warned.
"Hey, who are you to stay where I belong! One day, I'm going to learn where my family came from! See the world my dad protects!"
"The emperor is a fool, and you a foolish daughter."
Then like a formless wraith, she phased through Luz and stole her book!
"Forget magic as beauty, see it as evil and you may survive." She warned as she was walking out of the cave.
"Hey, give that back!"
Luz then chased after the woman!
At the broken-down house…
What a day, first she was going to reality camp, then a crazy witch woman steals her The Good Witch Azura book, throws it in the trash, only to have it stolen by a little owl.
She chased it to an old house with a strange door with an eye.
This door looked so familiar, and she was drawn to it. Luz opened and entered through.
In another world…
Luz has never been more enthralled and more terrified of a place.
At first, she thought she died and went to… the bad place, especially when the fairy creature tried to eat her skin. But then she remembered seeing things in her father's books, books that her father brings, trying to share the world with her if she could never go there.
This is it.
"The Boiling Isles." She uttered as she spotted the owl again.
The little thief with her book soon made its way to the marketplace, where a woman in red resided. She was riffling over some unique items, she deemed garbage until she found gag glasses.
"Yes, this will make me rich!" She proclaimed with a cheer.
When she presented the TV, Luz showed how it was really used and that is when Eda took an interest in her and when the law is on their tail.
This was the start of Luz's journey with the Owl Lady as her presence would soon be known.
The Aftermath in the forest in Bonesborough…
The little demon Adegast tried to scurry away, but Eda managed to catch him.
"Last time I take a referral…" Eda groaned as it whimpered in her hand before she eats him, "Oh wanted some?"
"No thanks," Luz assured.
"I'm good," King added.
Luz then slumped a bit, "Eda, how did you know that the wizard was a fake?"
"Kid, I've heard this line before. You don't get a destiny, you make it." Eda answered.
"Right you are."
The group then turns to Blueberry Parfait, jumping in surprise!
"Will you stop doing that?" Eda growled at the mysterious woman.
"And where would be in the fun in that?" Blue murfed then turns to Luz, "You did well Luz, this was a lesson you needed to learn. Not everything is as it seemed and not everything is good here."
"But I was stuck in that illusion."
"You got out and that shows strength in the mind. Not many have that, and you showed great inner strength. Perhaps one day, you can even surpass your father."
Luz grinned as she hugs the woman.
"Now, how about we return to the Owl House for a nice rest?"
Luz nodded and left as Blue hits Eda in the back of the head.
"Ow hey-!"
"That was for that compensation comment."
Then left.
"Hey, Willow! How's your day?" Luz greeted as she bookmarked the tome.
"Great, great… Luz… I wanted to apologize for what happened-." Willow began.
"It's fine, it was my suggestion to pretend to be an abomination, besides I had a lot of fun. Even though I won't be going back for a while." Luz admitted as Willow was shocked to see how understanding she was.
How could she not be mad after almost being killed?
"Still, I want to make it up to you. I want you to have this." Willow offered as she showed the girl a strange plant, "It-it's called the Mou-Mou Fruit tree, it's a plant that grows the fruit of friendship, the sweetest fruit in the world. It was the first plant I've grown and I want you to have it."
"Are you sure, Willow? This is your first?"
"But if it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't have found my true calling. Thank you, Luz."
Luz took the plant with thanks, feeling pride in helping her.
"Just say you're not a Witch!" Amity demanded.
"…I'm not a witch." Luz sighed as Parfait wanted to step in but then Luz showed Amity a spell, "But I am training to become one."
Amity was stunned by what she had seen.
"How-how did you do that?"
"I figured it out. I've been trying hard to understand this word and become a witch. So, yeah, I'm not a witch but maybe I can become one, through training and hard work."
"Luz, I owe you an apology." Blue began.
"Really, but I was the one who disre-."
"I was too hard on you, and I see that you weren't disrespecting them. I was for not telling you."
She then handed them a picture, an old one with Belos, her, the Golden Guard of that time, and the First Coven Heads after the war.
Hans Muckwacker the Abomination Coven Head and his Palisman Tweezer the Horn Beetle.
Juno Ramrunner the Oracle Coven Head and her Palisman Coot the Redcap.
Helene Serene the Healing Coven Head and Her Palisman Oceana the Flying Fish.
Vincent Jay IV the Bard Coven Head and his Palisman Little Dipper the Silverfish.
Duncan Skullswallow the Beast Keeping Coven Head and his Palisman Spunky the Skull Jellyfish.
Mia Miasma the Illusion Coven Head and her Palisman Snapdragon the Dragonfly.
Grim Vidalia the Plant Coven Head and her Palisman Orchid the Flower Pixie.
Charlie Elixirs the Potion Coven Head and his Palisman Chippy the Horned Centipede.
Marco Dragonbeard the Construction Coven Head and his Palisman Echo the Unicorn Dragon.
"These were the brave men and women who fought by your father's side and you should know their stories."
"Okay, fess up. Who are you really and why are you here?" Amity questioned the human.
"Huh?"
"Don't act innocent. I found this when you accidentally dropped it."
The picture… Oh crud, she was careless. She needed to fix it quickly before the coven does something drastic.
"Only members of the emperor's army and their family members were allowed this photo. Also, only members of the Elite are allowed doors to the human world. So… Who are you?"
Luz sighed.
She'll tell some of the truth but not all.
"Okay, okay, truth is… I'm half a witch. My mother is human and my father…"
"A member of the Elite in the Emperor's Coven."
"You could say that. They met, had me but… It didn't work out. Afterward, he had to leave but always visited. I wanted nothing more than to learn where I came from on my father's side, to be a witch like him and Azura. I snuck here though Eda's door and… well here I am." Luz explained, leaving out the big details, "I'm supposed to keep it a secret, and the Coven is supposed to protect me. But I promise to tell you the rest, but my dad wants to wait on the right opportunity."
"So… we're cool?" Luz wondered as Amity gave back the picture.
"For now."
She then left with her siblings.
Luz breathed in relief.
That was too close.
At Bump's Office…
Bump bowed to the emperor, who was resting in one of the chairs, reading a book.
"A pleasure to be in your presence, your Majesty."
"No need to be so formal, Principal Bump. I am here to discuss the matter of Luzura's enrollment." He spoke.
"You know this girl?"
"Of course, what father wouldn't recognize his own daughter."
Bump felt like his mind was shattered. Luz is the Princess of the Boiling Isles. He banned the Princess of the Boiling Isles. He almost dissects the Princess of the Boiling Isles. If Belos finds out, he'll be the one dissected.
"Eda, I'm surprised you went through so much so Luz could expand her education, even though you could have just told me she wanted to attend." Belos reminded then Eda face palmed herself, "You didn't consider that option… Oh well, it would make for a better cover story."
"As you may be aware, the emperor wishes to keep the secret of his daughter until everything is ready. So, you could imagine that you want to keep it under your hat." Blue informed.
"O-of course and we will be fully eager to welcome her into our school." Bump grinned, hoping Luz wouldn't say anything that happened in the past.
"Thank you."
"Listen, kid, I know you want to know more, and I still think this place is uptight. But I'll support you all the way and hey… maybe you can teach them some bad girl magic." Eda grinned.
"Don't corrupt my child, Miss Clawthorne. I'm proud of your pursuit of knowledge. You are truly my daughter, a scholar in pursuit of understanding the world around you."
Luz blushed at the praise from both Eda and her father as they soon ended their meeting. Bump then stopped Luz for a moment.
"Err… Princess Luzura or maybe Miss. Luz should be preferable for the time being. Would you-I mean, can you-."
"Don't worry, I won't tell them. I promise."
In a dead end of a hallway…
Luz was trapped and her friends were out of magic.
"No more tricks, no more friends, no more games. Looks like, in the end, I get my revenge on your father for keeping us away from the outside world." She sneered.
"I can see why."
GROWL!
She lunged, but a pair of hands from above grabbed Luz and pulled her up, causing the creature to crash into the wall!
"WHERE ARE YOU! WHERE ARE YOU! I'LL TEAR YOUR INSIDES OUT AND SHOW THEM TO YOU WHILE YOU'RE STILL ALIVE!"
Luz was breathing hard as she sees the trio before her.
"Guys, you saved me."
"Of course, we would!" Jerbo assured her.
"But… I thought you hated a half-witch like me…" Luz uttered with sadness in her voice.
"Bark! Bark!" 'We lied. We lied because-because we know we were out of your league as the princess!'
"You guys know?" Luz gasped.
"Yeah… We just thought a princess like you shouldn't have to settle for peasants and we didn't want to get you into trouble with your dad." Viney admitted.
"We're sorry."
Luz then hugged the group as they hugged her back.
"So… how did you know she was a fake?" Viney wondered as they were still hugging.
"When a member of the Emperor's Coven or anyone in the higher ranks of their Coven introduces themselves, they have to give their name, the Coven, their rank, and their occupation. She only said she was an inspector, which was really informal."
"Nice. So, what should we do?" Jerbo wondered.
"When I was going through the tunnels, I was able to find these." Luz presented as she twisted a pipe, revealing a large supply of weapons.
"Bark!" 'Now we need a plan.'
In the principal's office…
Luz explained everything about how mixed magic was able to defeat the monster.
"…So, I was thinking that maybe we should try multi-coven and multitrack," Luz suggested.
"Luzura, that is a dangerous idea." Belos informed, "We have never attempted multiple Covens on a single person. The results could be disastrous."
"But how do we know if we don't try? What if multiple tracks are what will make us stronger for the Mark of Mastery?"
"Luzura, to test that theory, someone would have too willingly accepted another sigil and with such a risk, I highly doubt anyone will be." Blue sighted.
But then Bump spoke up.
"I will."
They all turned to the principal.
"What?" Belos uttered.
"I am willing to try. I have witnessed multitrack save this school and these students. If this can move us forward, forward to a better future, then I am willing to try."
Belos looked at Kikimora and Blue, and both nodded.
"Very well, we can test it at the nurse's office and Luz… you still have an appointment to get to."
At the mural halls…
"It was during the Era of Kings when the war began, the Nun in Red, the infamous monstress spider woman, Demona Occide Magam caused horror and chaos to the land. Many lives perished and villages were lost. But it was the hard work and struggle of the emperor and the first coven that we were able to fight back and win our home again." Kikimora declared, "The titan chose Belos as his champion of the lands and showed him the powers to counteract Demona's evil magic, thus creating the coven system today, for we may fight alone or together, we are all united as one with the power of the Sigil."
The students were in awe as Luz looked at the Demona depiction and shivered. So, this was the bad guy witch her dad fought.
"What happened to Demona after they lost?" Gus wondered.
"The emperor killed her and dunk her body into the boiling sea so no one could resurrect her." She smoothly answered.
"Woah," Luz uttered, still a little bit nervous around the Nun in Red pictures in the stained glass.
"Now in this hall where the artifacts of the First Coven are held, including the great Hat of Healing, which could undo any wound, any disease, and any curse."
Wait, heal curses?
That's it.
Luz snuck inside while Kikimora continued the tour, Lilith, not too far behind.
Luz was about to take the hat when Lilith soon appeared behind her.
"It will not work. It is only an old relic from the past, your highness." Lilith formally informed.
"Lilith." Luz gasped.
"But I know of a way to heal Edalyn. I need your help though."
"Me?"
"Yes, if you want to help her, come with me, right now."
Near the abandoned Docks…
"Lilith, are you sure about this…?" Luz questioned.
"Yes, your highness, this is the only way to help Eda."
"But-but shouldn't my dad be here or Blue?"
"No! I mean, no, no, we can do this on our own, they can give us the cure."
"Lilith, I really think my dad should know this."
"No, he does not!"
"But-!"
"ENOUGH!"
Lilith then cast a spell to trap her in a bubble!
"YOU NOT RUIN THIS! I AM GOING TO FIX THINGS AND YOU WON'T STOP ME!" Lilith growled at her with her magic glowing threateningly.
But soon Eda arrived, and the witch's duel began.
Luz was scared, for Eda's magic was getting worse with every spell but she was capable of facing off against Lilith, even when she tried to threaten her life.
"Face it, Lilith! I am better than you!"
That is when the truth came out!
"IF YOU WERE SO GREAT, THEN WHY WAS IT SO EASY TO CURSE YOU!?"
Luz gasped, Eda was stunned, and Lilith covered her mouth.
Everything fell into place.
Who else could have gotten into her house?
Who else could have known about the Beast Scrolls?
Who else benefited from her curse?
"It. Was. You?" Eda growled.
"E-Eda, I-I can fix this… Just-!"
But Eda was blinded with rage as Lilith was overwhelmed and soon became the Owl Beast.
"Looks like everything is in place…" A voice smirked as Eda was sealed into a bubble, howling with rage.
"You're here," Lilith uttered as the monks appeared.
"We are, now to the ship."
Luz and Eda were taken away onto the ship and down into the boiling seas.
On the Ship…
The look on Luz's face was that of rage and grief as Lilith forced her hand out.
The monks came out with a knife and cut the princess's hand, allowing her blood to be filled into a jar. Once enough, she was back into a bubble.
"Now, we have everything we need."
"Good, good now everything can be how it was." Lilith declared happily then saw the princess's face, "Your Highness, please understand. This will fix everything-."
"I'm going to tell my dad."
Lilith gasped.
"I'll tell my dad everything. I'll tell everyone. You are going to pay for this." She gritted her teeth.
"Oh, then you are a liability."
Before Lilith or Luz could respond, the head monk tossed the bubble with Luz inside into the boiling sea!
"No!" Lilith shrieked as she rushed to the haul, but it was too late!
Luz disappeared into the water!
"She would have told." The head informed then turned to the staff, "Plot a course to the Webbed Towers of Black Barbs at the Eye of the Storm!"
As the ship sailed, the waters continued to boil.
But not everything in the water is instantly destroyed, for Luz was in a bubble, unharmed.
"Luzura… Luzura…"
She stirred and found herself in the bubble.
"Luzura… hurry to the Owl House. You must prepare for battle, go back to the Owl House…"
The bubble then turned into a pathway and Luz was forced to go down it, looking back at where the ship was.
The voice was right.
She needed help.
At the Private quarters…
Luz fought with the Head Cultist.
"Oh, I should have chopped you into pieces before throwing you into the sea. But thank you for the door. My master will need it." He grinned.
"Your master?"
"Why, she was the one who brought you here." He sneered.
"Well, she needs to get a new door!" Luz declared, pinned by his arm!
Then, suddenly the door burst into flames as it was shattered.
"NO!" He howled as Luz stuck her tongue.
He snarled as he took out a blade, ready to slit her throat!
"I let you live. I won't make that mistake."
SLICE!
But it wasn't her throat.
It was his arm!
Belos hand was covered in blood as it returned to its original state.
"I suggest you beg for mercy." He snarled.
"Daddy!" Luz gasped as the cultist glared.
"Oh, but it will be you who will beg, soon enough…" He sneered, "FOR THE BLOOD CRUSADERS!"
He then turned into crows as Belos tried to blast them all, but they got away. After they were gone, he went to his daughter and hugged her.
"My sweet little princess."
"Daddy…"
"That's… Garlog?" She questioned as the other Coven Scouts laughed at the tiny creature.
"Do not mock the Great Garlog the Giant! For I can grow before your very-!"
The girl grabbed him as she took away the bottle and handed it to the captain.
"Well, that was easy. How can a little guy rob twenty-seven village treasuries?" One of the scouts questioned then handed a bottle to the girl.
The captain sniffed the potion.
"Contraband Growth Potion, no wonder you hit it big with that look you stole." The captain answered as the demon chuckled nervously.
"Officer, I think there has been some sort of misunderstanding… If you could give that back…" He chuckled nervously.
"You might wanna check this out." One of the scouts informed then everyone gathered around to see the stolen snails and treasures.
"Every last stolen cent." The captain uttered, "Alright, your highness, let's complete the arrest. Bottle him."
She nodded and then stuffed Garlog into a bottle.
"Garlog the Giant, you are under arrest for illegal use of Contraband Growth Potions, Larceny, and damage to government property." She announced to the sealed-up demon.
"I got caught by one of the emperor's brats?" He whined but then faced an angered captain.
"You will refer to her as Princess Luzura of the Boiling Isles." He snarled then smiled at the girl, "Alright, your highness, one last thing."
The princess smiled behind her mask as she removed it so her face could be seen, then held the jar up high with a smile.
The captain then pulled out a flying camera.
"Alright, your highness, say cheese!"
"Cheese!"
Screech!
CLICK!
"Perfect." The captain grinned as he took the picture, "You know how sentimental your father gets and this is the best picture so far."
"And that makes that what? Twenty-seven criminals collected… ready for his scrapbook."
"Well, we got our required quota, let's head back to the Boiling Isles and get some rest. The emperor and the Owl Lady will kill us if you are late for bedtime."
"Unless you want to lose a million snails and be put to shame, you promise to reinstate my friends and leave them alone!" Amity sneered at her mother, who growled in frustration.
"You think I would give in to a pair of disrespectful brats?" Odalia snarked not knowing that there were scouts behind her.
"Would you rather look like a fool in front of your investors?" Amity scoffed as they were close to destroying it, "So what's it going to be?"
Odalia growled at her daughter's defiance but knew she was beaten.
"FINE! I'll withdraw! Now, uphold your end!"
And Luz and Amity allowed the Abomaton to beat them. The people cheered as the sales with up and when the time to get what they came for.
"Alright, Mom. Now you hold your end of the deal. Let my friends back at school and leave them alone." Amity demanded as she spotted, "And you better do it quick before Luz's dad gets here."
"I will not be given anything to a bunch of sniveling, putrid, bumbling piles of platypus vomits, who are not even fit to scrub my boots," Odalia growled, not realizing that the entire Emperor's Coven was behind her.
It was enough to snap Alador from his deep thinking.
"Odalia…" Alador uttered, his face turning pale as he realized who this girl with Amity was.
"You little snot nose half witches are a stain to the finest of fine witches and are dragging my family down with the rest of the dregs."
The coven scouts, captains, and even Coven Heads got out of the way for the Emperor of the Boiling Ilse, his Palisman, the Coven Committee Chairwoman also current Emperor's Coven Head, and the parents of the students.
"Mom, stop," Amity warned.
"She's dead." Gus gulped as she and Willow were stepping away from her to not get covered in blood.
"Pathetic little worms like you should be stomped out!"
Belos was standing right behind her.
"As for who this whelp's father is, he's probably just another street rat, a slobbering oaf with no real class or refinery! An imbecilic, hideous-…"
She then spotted the shadow as it was painfully familiar then looked at the group in front of her as they were taking a step back.
"Luz… wouldn't be short for Luzura, is it?" She gulped with fear.
"That's my full name," Luz answered.
"As in… Luzura Crescent Whittebane-Noceda?"
"Yep."
"Princess Luzura… of the Boiling Ilse?"
"Yeppers."
"Daughter of Emperor Belos, the most respected and feared Witch Emperor Belos?"
"Yep."
"Emperor Belos who could turn people into stone… just by looking at them!?"
"Yes, that would be me." He answered for his daughter as Odalia turned stiff, fear filling her, freeing a high pitch sound from her lips.
She slowly jerked around to see the cracked mask of Emperor Belos, whose eyes glowed a sharp blue.
"EMPEROR BELOS! You-your highness…" She shrieked as she shrunk in his presence.
Then with one blast from his hand, he destroyed the Abomaton into pieces!
"E-Emperor Belos, I-I can explain-!"
"Adrian…. Blue… take my daughter, and her friends out of the building, have music played as loud as it can, and make sure they stay outside until I come back out. I don't want them to see or hear what is about to happen…"
Yeesh, the 'I will introduce you to a new form of nightmares' voice. She only heard her dad use that voice once on one of his employees, whose kid was bullying her.
"Alright, you heard the man. Time to go!" Adrian urged.
"you're Adrian, the Head of the Illusion Coven!" Gus squealed with delight.
"Yes, yes, and I will autograph anything you want once we are out," Adrian assured.
"B-but-," Amity spoke up.
"Don't worry, Amity, he will not kill your parents. But he will make an example of them. What they've done is borderline treacherous and everyone will know the price of such a thing. The emperor bore witness to your honor and so sees hope in the family he once called a friend." Blue explained as they kept pushing them out.
"Friend-?"
"A story for another day, now move."
The door closed behind them as Belos looked at the pair with hate.
"Bartholomew Blight? The founder of Blight Industry?" Amity gasped.
"Wha-?" Luz gasped.
"Barty… He was a good friend and a good partner. We met when I first came to the tiny town of Bonesborough. Back then, I only have the clothes on my back and Blue. But nothing more than that. Luckily, I was able to remember how to carve and earned an apprenticeship from a blind old man with five eyes, Job'booty Truuty. Bartholomew was a fellow apprentice. Over time, while we carve for a living, we began to explore more in machinery and its potential as engineers and inventors. While carving Palisman and other wooden charms for others, we earned enough to have our own shop, Bellowing Blight."
Belos then showed the picture of him and Bartholomew standing before their own shop with their Palisman.
"Woah…"
"Yes, I was a simple man with a simple business with my friend. But our ideas on Palisman creation and automatons soon attracted the entire Isles and King Starnose wishes to know more of us. Even when I became an advisor and he was a royal engineer, we still had our business. But after the war, I gave my shares to his granddaughter, your great-grandmother, and thus came Blight Industries."
"You created Blight Industries." Amity realized.
"Indeed. Things soon changed when your mother began to forget the Blight's Honor. I want you three to remember that the Blights were once respectable and you can make it again." Belos informed the three.
"We will do our best."
"I know you will."
The next morning at Belos Laboratory…
It was rare to be able to gain access to Belos' labs, a place where his discoveries and inventions are created.
Lilith feels somewhat unworthy to be here as King was brought to the table. He was a little nervous as Belos was getting ready.
"Um… is this safe?" King wondered.
"Don't worry, the emperor knows what he's doing. Just try to relax." Blue assured as Belos arrived with a strange device replacing his mask.
"Alright, now let's get a better look at you and see what you are." Belos grinned in comfort as the gadget on his face was spewing steam.
"Um… what is that thing on your face?" Eda rudely questioned.
"It is a Biological Magical Entities and Species Identifier Goggles or BMESIG. The latest model I've created so it's 97.5% on accuracy." Belos informed in an explanatory tone, "It will not only give me a closer look but properly analyze everything about your friend here. Kikimora."
"Take notes, already on it, Your Highness." The right hand answered with the scroll ready.
She has done this before.
King felt nervous as Belos approached.
The goggles extended as they looked at King from in front and behind.
"Hmm, a surprising mixture of Mammal, Avian, Reptilian, Amphibious, Vertebrata… hmm… you're a little bit of everything. Even a touch of plant." Belos observed and then looked at King's skull.
"The collagen of the skull seems to have crystalized almost to a Diamond-like structure and… something else… Hmmm."
The goggles then looked at the fur.
"Astonishing… the fur's unique structure acts as an armor for a variety of acidic properties. Have you ever played in the waters of the Boiling Isles?" Belos wondered.
"No way! I would be burned alive!" King answered.
"You wouldn't though. Your skin and fur act as armor against the boiling rain and the waters of the isles, somewhat similar to my nephews but completely different, too. Luzura, is he a biped?"
"Yep," Luz answered as Blue frowned a bit.
"Philip, it never has taken you this long to identify a creature. Is everything okay?" Blue wondered.
"Everything is marvelous. I had never seen anything like King before. His species is something not new… but old, very, very old." Belos analyzed the tail and the spinal structure, "This magic within King… this isn't like anything documented before."
"What?" Blue, Lilith, and Kikimora gasped.
"What does that mean?" Luz wondered, "Is King okay?"
"Your Highness, what that means is that King's species is something beyond our understanding of magic and creatures," Kikimora answered.
"It could mean that King's kind existed before even us. That could explain why we have only seen him." Blue answered as Luz was starting to get it.
Soon Belos made his way to the collar after looking at King's paws.
"What is this?" Belos wondered.
"My collar? I-I've had it since I was a baby." King answered.
"This collar… I don't understand the language of it… but it looks like a royal pendant, somewhat like the few I gave to my children to identify them as members of the Royal Family… You may not have been far off as being a ruler. Not a king, but… perhaps crown prince if I'm looking at this right." Belos informed.
"Really?" King squealed as he wagged his tail.
"Indeed, that room you described could have been a sacred hatchery for a ceremonial celebration of your birth." Belos answered but then glared at a certain part of the pendant, "This magic… the way it's formed and structured… Is this primal magic-?"
SHARK!
Belos freed a mess of curses from his lips as a bolt of magical lightning struck his hand and turned into goop!
"Daddy!" Luz gasped as Blue and Kikimora rushed to his aid!
Belos gritted his teeth in pain as he was trying to solidify his arm again!
"Are you okay? Kikimora, get the Healing Coven, now!" Blue ordered as she was already calling them in.
"I-I'm fine. Should have known that there was a defense mechanism in place, a nasty one too. It almost killed me." Belos chuckled.
"That's not funny." Blue scolded.
"But it is interesting. This magic managed to completely destabilize my arm to its more Elk Beast-like state, somewhat lingering but I could already feel it leaving." Belos analyzed as his arm was slowly reattaching itself.
"Are you seriously analyzing after almost getting killed by that magic around King's neck!" Blue questioned.
"I don't think the magic was to kill me but warn me not to get close."
Late at Night at the Owl House…
It was agreed that Lilith would be in the custody of her parents, though Hooty was saddened by that news.
"I must learn what I must be now, my good friend. For there is far too much bad blood, one of my own doings. I need to find my own path and hopefully, fully understand the true nature of family." Lilith informed, "I promise I will write and you can send as many letters as you wish."
"But I don't have fingers!" Hooty wailed.
"I wish you both luck." Belos bowed.
"Yeah, and Mum, thanks again for listening." Eda smiled.
"Edalyn, I am sorry I didn't listen to you. I promise I will always be there as support and this time, I will listen." Gwen assured, "But before I go, I must uphold my end of the bargain. Luzura."
Luz stepped forward.
"Thanks to you, our family can heal and now I can help yours. You see… you are not the first human to come here." Gwendolyn informed.
"What?" Luz gasped.
"Yes, there is a thing called Titan's blood, the rarest of rare. One of its powers is the ability the leak through other worlds. Through yours we get so many things; your world has a lot of trash. But humans, humans are quite rare. My great-grandmother once told me that three humans came to our world long ago, two of which are in the royal family bloodline."
"Indeed, I took the name of one of my ancestors after discovering their threads to us." Belos informed, "The diaries of the brothers should still be in the Imperial's Bloodline section of the Library."
"If you want proof that humans can survive here, best check there," Gwen suggested as Luz hugged her and thanked her.
"Luzura, if you wanted to know more about our family, you could have asked me." Belos smiled at his daughter, while Blue…
At the Library…
Luz was more than happy to have Amity take her to the Royal Family archives and uncover the truth of her family's history.
"Thanks again for helping me. I really want to know more about my family's history." Luz thanked the girl who blushed a bit.
"Yeah well…! I am curious about learning more about the royal family, your dad especially." Amity stuttered a bit.
"My dad?"
Amity then continued with her thoughts.
"Your dad is a pretty amazing guy, started off as a broken man with nothing but a mask, a cloak on his back, and his Palisman, Blue. He led the witches to victory from the Blood Crusaders and rebuild the isles as they are but…" Amity mentioned, "His life before all that… it's pure blank."
"Oh, that's because my dad lost his memory in a witch's duel," Luz answered as Amity turned her attention to her.
"Witch's duel?"
"Yeah, a long time ago, my dad and uncle stopped a bad witch from killing everyone in a town but their group and their palisman perished. Uncle Caleb saved my dad by giving him the Elk Beast while Caleb's Wife, my aunt, cursed the witch. But the witch, in blind fury, dunked my dad into Eclipse Lake to kill him. From what Blue's told me… he was never the same after that."
"That's awful…"
"It is. But maybe, learning more about our will not only help my mom be less afraid of this world but maybe help my dad remember."
"It sounds like a long shot but maybe we can find something."
At the Library…
William and his Bat Palisman were gathering books as they were walking down the halls.
Not too soon they find trouble when the librarians were surrounding his cousin and her friend.
"What's all this?" William questioned in a scolding tone.
"Forgive us, Sire. But the princess has broken the rule and brought a trespasser to the Royal Family Archive, the most important section of the Forbidden Stacks-."
"You mean, Miss. Amity Blight, the latest Imperial Knowledge Keeper?" William lightly scolded the group.
"Sir! We have made a grave error!" One of the Librarians frantically informed with papers.
He then whispered, Malphas gasped in shock then fear.
"Oh dear, oh dear, we pride ourselves in diligence! If people found out… if the emperor-!"
"Let's make a deal, you get Amity upgrade today, let her be my guide into my family records and we forget this little misunderstanding," Luz suggested with a smile like her father's.
"Of course! Of course. Miss. Blight, please arrive in one hour for your newest picture and you will be hastened in your introduction of the Forbidden Stacks. Pl-please do not tell anyone this." He pleaded.
Amity's eyes lit up when she realized her promotion in the library.
After Amity's promotion paperwork and new picture…
With purple hair to represent renewal and freedom, Amity great fully took her portrait as it was stamped on the card.
Due to the error, she was forced to take the accelerated courses and would become the youngest Imperial Knowledge Keeper.
"Alright, take this card, you are the official guide to the Emperor's Coven and the great royal family. Be the beacon of knowledge and shine a light on the darkness of the unknown." They declared as Amity and Luz could finally enter.
Malphas, in a form of an apology, guided the girls to the family archives and presented Echo Mice.
"Some of your family's documents were rotting away and to prevent losing such knowledge, we feed the Echo Mouse their information and they project their knowledge. Here is the mouse you seek, your highness."
Luz was given the mouse as it projected a chapter of the Diary Of Philip Wittebane
Today is a most splendid day indeed as I, Dr. Philip Wittebane will donate my diary before finalizing my quest…
I will donate my diary to the library so my story will not be forgotten, or the story of my brother Caleb Whittebane or my closest friend, Sister Marianne Soulbird…
May 21… I believe, my wonder and awe of this bizarre world still befuddle me as its magic takes my breath away, from what I know before is now widened and truly renewed to what I know now. No mere words can be found for my admiration of this realm and the bonds I cultivated along the way.
Maybe one day, I can show Father Horace and everyone in the village this world, and maybe… just maybe we won't have to live in fear…
"What do the Crusaders want with those Palismen?" Luz wondered as Hunter was tense.
"Don't know, but it's all the more reason to get them away from Ukoback."
The demon then locked the Palisman into the hive as he turned to his two-headed dragon.
"I'll make contact with the others then make certain… Weaver's out of the picture and I'll be the top dog." He declared then turned to his dragon, "Duke, find someone who owns this and enjoy your little snack."
The dragon growled and ate the mask.
Luz shivered as the plant Palisman made sounds for Hunter and Luz. Flap tweeted to follow it. The cousins then walked to where the palisman scurried to and uncovered where their kidnapper landed. To their surprise, she looked like a young girl, probably as old as Luz. Her face was covered in scars, many more than Hunter (Who got his cheek scar in the Autonomation Invention Presentation one year when one of the inventions exploded and Belos shielded him from most of the blast.) or even Atticus (From his work as a Golden Guard and saving many lives from many different things).
She looked so tired… so warn…
"She's a Blood Crusader? She looks like she could go to Hexside." Luz uttered as she slowly crept near her sleeping form.
"Careful, Luz." Hunter warned as Luz got closer and closer to her face, knowing what she was going to do.
"WAKE UP!"
SLAP!
Yep.
That.
In Latissa…
Though it took some convincing, and Luz stealing her staff, the Scarlet Weaver agreed to cooperate with the cousins to take the Palisman from Ukobach in his hidden base.
Since he was guarded by thugs, Luz came up with a plan, using Glyph Magic and Sleeping Nettles.
"Now, you're thinking like a Whittebane General. Uncle will be proud." Hunter grinned.
"This-this is incredible. This type of magic is the earliest form that can be uncovered. I ready about wild magic and the magic of-."
The Scarlet Weaver suddenly stopped and went quiet. Then they learned something they have in common.
"I'm a powerless witch, I came from a long line of them, always turned away and lost… until we were found by the Crusaders, and they gave us a chance and a home. I would never repay them for helping us and I can't ever forgive Belos…"
Hunter and Luz frowned as they knew that didn't sound right. The plant palisman then approached the girl who wanted the palisman away from her.
"Hey, hey! Be nice to the little girl. She's being friendly." Hunter scolded.
"I don't care! These things are made with wild magic! They are dangerous!"
"Okay, one: Wild Magic? Really? Wild Magic is unauthorized and unrestricted magic that needs to be taken into account, which we don't do except for Luz's teachers. Two: Palismen are not dangerous on their own. They are the best friends of witches and demons alike. I would know because I've lived with them all my life. In fact, it was the Palismen that saved my uncle's life and not just Blue alone. No, Palismen that never even met him before." Hunter informed.
"Maybe the Crusaders aren't right about everything," Luz added sweetly.
"Look, let's just get those Palisman…"
"Daddy, hi. How's your stomach been holding up?" Luz greeted her father who hugged his child.
"Oh, I'm better. A little bit of medicine and then my morning Sangria without any pesky cardinal palisman trying to pilfer it from me does nicely. Now, I don't have to go through it again until next year." Belos smiled at his child, "Eda told me you were having troubles."
"Well… I don't know what I should do or what I will be."
"Princess, there is nothing wrong with that. For most of my life, I didn't know what I would be, heck most of it changed as I go through my life. Even the Palisman I crafted took years to come to completion."
"Really?"
"Yep, and it was even before I realize MPEB (Mystical Palisman Enchanted-items Bejeweling). No one truly knows where their path goes, but wherever it goes, I know it will lead you to what you are truly meant to be. You don't even have to try to achieve greatness." Belos assured then presented presents, "Because you already are."
Luz opened her gifts to see Palistrum wood and her father's Palisman carving set.
She smiled as Eda, Belos, and King hugged her, then left the room with her own music box turned on, so she can sleep.
At the Gland Prix…
Belos was watching as his daughter was getting ready for the races.
His little girl looked so excited for the big races. He also knows why she and her little unknown species friend are doing this, to try and send a message to King's father. The ruler of the Ilse's also knows of the gift they planned for Eda, who would make the witch smile.
"Your Highness, things are looking a little… Bloody." Kikimora warned the emperor.
"Well, have it cleaned up."
"Yes Sir."
Belos knew it was not safe for people to be here. Shame another event must be closed.
We went up to the microphone and tapped it three times to get everyone's attention.
"People of the Boiling Isles, I humbly apologize for this interruption but due to circumstances beyond our control, he must cancel-."
"People of the Boiling Isles… your sins against our true Gods have come to an end."
Luz looked to see someone hacked into the systems. She knew that voice…
"Everyone, get in the air," Luz ordered the other flyers suddenly as something was telling her to get out of the way!
"What? But we haven't-."
"NOW!"
Startled, they did as they were told as everyone barely escaped the explosion!
Everything was splintered as the frightened witches and demons got out their palismans to fight back!
"Very clever girl, truly are the daughter of Belos… He must be truly proud of the ruthless cunning you inherited from him. Might be the last positive emotion he'll ever have."
"Everyone, follow me!" Luz ordered the other flyers as she helped them avoid the bombs!
"Roasted Chicken!" Belos called out to his palisman, who transformed back into staff form as Belos rode it, going after his child!
At the Gland Prix…
The Coven Scouts were leading people to safety as they fought back against the Blood Crusaders.
Luz was leading everyone out of danger while the bombs keep going off! One caused a massive piece of earth was about to crush them! Luz was going to call to scatter but a voice was talking to her.
"No, keep going… show your inner strength, young one."
Luz listened to the voice as it helped her before.
"Forward!" She called.
"But-!"
"I got this!"
Everyone watched as the Human Luz bashed the giant piece of land! But instead of getting her head smashed, she completely destroyed it! Everyone cheered for her while the flyers and King were stunned.
At the Owl House…
"…It is a powerful and useful ability, Luzura. But you will need to learn control as it will make you quite clumsy. Reminds me of my 'graceful' years." Belos advised as he gently guided her to Eda, so she and King could talk to her.
Raine and Belos watched as they showed the adoption for King and all she needed to do to be his mother was sign. Eda was overwhelmed and happy as she hugged the kids.
"See? You're not losing family, we're growing bigger." Luz assured her.
"No! No! Not again! Have to get out! Have to!" She sobbed as the princess, the real Luz appeared in a mirror.
"Hey, it's okay. Just try to calm down. I'll get you out." Luz promised her, strange how the monster trying to steal her life would be given kindness.
"My dad's song… does it help? Do you want me to sing?"
Vee nodded.
"Vergib mir, lieber Bruder."
"Ich bin einem Dämon mit Engelsgesicht gefolgt."
"Ihre süßen Lügen trieben mich vom Weg ab."
"So sehr habe ich für sie gesündigt."
"Nur um alles zu verlieren."
"Dich an den Boden der Erde zu verlieren."
"Ich bin ebenso verflucht wie sie, denn es ist wohlverdient."
"Blätter fallen auf unbekannten Boden."
"Magie peitscht die Luft~."
"Aber es ist keine Lieferung~."
"Denn der Teufel sind wir~."
"Wir haben dieses Land beschmutzt."
"Dieses Übel ist meine Schuld~."
"Ich bin im Netz verloren."
"Ich bin für ihr schwarzes Herz verloren."
"Ich hoffe, du verzeihst mir, Bruder."
"Ich hoffe, du verzeihst mir, Bruder."
"Wo auch immer deine Seele ruht."
Vee then calmed down, changing back into her disguise, though some of her features still showed that of a basilisk. Luz smiled at the girl.
"Okay, umm? What's your name?" Luz asked the girl.
"My name is F-Vee. My name is Vee." She introduced, "Your Camilla's real daughter and… Emperor Belos."
"Yeah, okay, now just go back."
Vee did just that.
"Loosen the knot."
Then Vee was freed.
"What happened to the door? It would be here." Vee wondered to the girl.
"It's broken right now. Dad's fixing it." Luz answered.
"Oh no, what am I going to do? If Echo finds me, he'll take me to Belos and he's going to be so mad I ran away." Vee muttered to herself.
"Hey, it's okay. He'll understand if you tell him. He's not a bad guy." Luz assured her.
"I know, he's given me and my kind so much and I still chose to run away. WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME!?" Vee wailed.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. Look, you're a basilisk, right? You need magic to maintain your form, right?" Luz wondered.
Vee nodded to the girl in the mirror.
"Let's find you some then."
"You don't have to push yourself to do this. You can take your time-." Luz began as she could sense the hesitance of her mother.
"No, Mija I can do this. I've been trying to avoid this too long and this realm… this world is a part of you. I have to see it fully, stop judging it and see what you and your father see." Camilla declared as she would no longer let herself be crippled by fear.
Luz held her hand and gave her a smile, and she gave one in return.
"Why not start with the Owl House and you can meet Eda, King, Hooty, and my Slitherbeast, Mr. Saltine?" Luz offered as she led the way.
It was like this was one winding road she was destined to take like everything was meant to happen. Her dad and Eda said there was no such thing as destiny, but it seemed like this was where she was supposed to be.
Maybe she was overthinking things and something else was bothering her.
Demona…
That name is thrown a lot since the Blood Crusaders. From what she was told, she was the tyrannical witch who ruled over the Demon Realm, killing anyone who opposed her and bringing suffering to everyone. Her dad killed her and banished her cult.
If she's dead… then why is her presence still felt?