I don't own Disney's The Owl House. I do, however own the Main OC and any other OC's that will appear in the story. Hope you all enjoy my story on this lovely show.
Chapter Thirty-Three
After King and Hooty comforted her enough, Luz went straight up to her room. Opening the window, Luz sits on the sill as King reads from a book.
"The Boiling Isles, born from the flesh and bones of a fallen Titan. This original magic was so potent, all life on the Isles evolved to wield magic too. For years, we explored those power freely. Until, a mysterious witch appeared who declared that he, and he alone, could speak to the island. He said that we were using magic all wrong. His teachings took hold, his strength grew, and he became... Emperor Belos. Belos said that mixing magic was wrong, that only he had that right. So, he created the coven system. And there, our knowledge was restricted, and our potential sealed away. Those who resist are called wild witches, and they face harsh punishment. Emperor Belos has since retreated into his castle. There are whispers that say he's planning something big," said King, flipping through the pages of the book before looking at Luz. "I wonder if catching Eda and Danielle was part of his big plan. What do you think, Luz? Luz?"
"I don't care what Belos is up to... because today, I'm saving Eda and Danielle!" said Luz, donning the cape Eda made for her before heading towards the room where Eda kept the weapons at.
"Luz, what are you doing?" asked King, watching Luz stare at the weapons.
"This is serious, King. Eda used her power to save me and got caught by Lilith. Now she's the Owl Beast and is being taken before the Emperor!" said Luz, trying to lift an axe only for it to be too heavy before settling on a jagged dagger. "I don't know what he's planning to do with Eda and Danielle, but I'm going to rescue them."
"Haven't you been listening to me?" said King, holding the book. "He's the Emperor! He's the most powerful witch alive!"
"King, please try to understand," said Luz, bending down. "Eda is in this situation because of me and Danielle. Because of our stupid choice. I have to make up for it."
"But she's in her Owl Beast form!" said King, staring at Luz. "How will she even recognize you?"
"I don't know," said Luz, looking at King. "But I have to try anyway."
"Well then, I'm going too," said King, staring at Luz, just as determined.
"King..." said Luz, concerned.
"Me and Eda don't always see eye-to-eye, but I do consider her family. Danielle as well," said King, looking at Luz. "I want them back as much as you do."
"Alright. Then we've got no time to lose!" said Luz, running out of the room with King by her side.
Meanwhile, back at the Emperor's Castle, Lilith was chasing Eda in Owl Beast form around the throne room.
"Eda, stop that this instant!" said Lilith, placing Eda in a bubble after she tore down a banner of Emperor Belos. "Don't look at me like that. This is for your own good. Emperor Belos will heal you, and we'll be in his coven together. Isn't that wonderful? I will not fall prey to your childish games."
The door to the throne room opens. Six coven guards and Kikimora enter.
"All kneel before Emperor Belos!" said Kikimora, bowing.
Kikimora bows and moves away from the door. Lilith kneels. A pair of glowing blue eyes approach from the darkness, eventually revealing Emperor Belos. Beast Eda shrieks and bursts out of the bubble, running towards Emperor Belos.
"Eda, no!" shouted Lilith, seeing Eda try to attack Emperor Belos, only to appear behind her and throwing her against a wall by lifting his finger, glowing red ropes binding Eda in place. "My Lord, I apologize for my sister's rash behavior. She is still in her cursed form. Once you've healed her, as promised, I am sure she will become a useful asset to the coven!"
Emperor Belos summons his mechanical staff and raises it, healing Eda only to the point of allowing her speech in her Beast form.
"Ah. Where am I? What is this?" said Eda, only to realize where she is. "Aw farts, I got caught."
"Edalyn Clawthorne, the infamous Owl Lady, the wild witch of Bonesborough," said Emperor Belos, staring at Eda. "Mentor of Luz the Human and Danielle."
"You stay away from them, or so help me, Titan..." said Eda, glaring at Emperor Belos.
"You've got it all wrong. Luz is safe, for now. I just want the portal she came through," said Emperor Belos, before revealing Danielle under his cloak. "As for Danielle, she's right here."
Danielle was donning a long sleeve white dress with white ribbons. There was a gold medallion situated on her sternum that depicted the Emperor's Coven. Had heeled white dress shoes. Her hair was placed in an ornate bun with some hair framing around her face. Her eyes were blank like she wasn't at the forefront.
"Danielle!" said Eda, her and Lilith both gasping. "What have you done to her?"
"I merely showed her the light," replied Emperor Belos, stroking Danielle's cheek. "Such a child like her needs guidance. Now, the portal."
"I ain't telling you nothing!" said Eda, glaring at Emperor Belos.
"Ugh, pity. Although I suppose I could ask Luz herself," said Emperor Belos, snapping his fingers while placing his other hand on Danielle's shoulder before the guards start dragging Eda away.
"Wait! Don't touch them!" shouted Eda, before staring at Lilith. "Lilith, don't let him hurt them! Lilith!"
"Ah, taking her to the healing ceremony?" asked Lilith, staring at Emperor Belos.
"I will not be healing her," replied Emperor Belos, playing with Danielle's hair.
"But, you, promised me," said Lilith, turning around to fully face Emperor Belos.
"Don't be so naïve, Lilith. This is the Titan's will," said Emperor Belos, gesturing to the murals nearby. "All wild witches must be dealt with before the Day of Unity. You understand, don't you?"
"Of course..." said Lilith, disheartened. "And the human…"
"Not something you need to know," said Emperor Belos, walking away with Danielle before snapping his fingers, Owlbert appearing in Lilith's hand. "Oh, one more thing. Destroy the Owl Lady's staff. She won't be needing it anymore."
News has spread through the isles. Willow, Gus, and Amity see the news and grow concerned. Luz and King watch from a nearby crystal ball in a store.
"Please tell me that's not as bad as it sounds," said Luz, looking at the news.
"Petrification is only done to the worst criminals, and once the spell is complete, it can't be reversed," said King, seeing the rest of the news displaying witches that were petrified in the past.
"Lilith. She cursed Eda. She captured her own sister! She is the worst! If I ever see her again!" said Luz, getting angry and shattering a crystal ball.
"Luz, calm down," said King, looking at Luz. "We need to think about saving Eda and Danielle first!"
"You're right, but how will we get to the Conformatorium in time?" asked Luz, sighing.
"We'll have to do something so diabolical, so criminally insane, that they'll have to send us to the Conformatorium," said King, seeing a guard nearby.
"Hey!" said Luz, getting the guards attention after she and King stand on grass with a sign saying DO NOT STEP ON GRASS, King joining in antagonizing the guard. "Whaaa?"
"Yep," said Luz, the guard throwing her and King into a paddy wagon. "Perfect plan."
Meanwhile, after Emperor Belos lead Danielle back to her room and left, her eyes regain their light. But Danielle convulses in pain. Laying on the bed, Danielle clutches her head in pain.
"It hurts, it hurts!" said Danielle, feeling her magic growing rapidly within her. "Make it stop!"
Trying to take some calming breaths despite the pain, Danielle feels the pull from before. Standing on shaky legs, Danielle walks to the door and tries to open it. Turns out Emperor Belos had locked her in. Gripping the doorknob, Danielle breathes heavy and falls to her knees, not noticing the doorknob heating up and the lock melting. The doorknob comes off before being flung towards the bed. Standing up, Danielle ventures out into the hallway. Walking down the many halls, Danielle had to dodge a couple coven scouts and guards as she followed the pull she felt. Danielle tore the collar off the dress off at one point, feeling like she was suffocating. Unfortunately, Danielle's luck ran out and a burly guard captain as tall as Warden Wrath found her. Grabbing hold of Danielle, the guard captain tosses her in a certain room.
"Lasciami andare!" said Danielle, struggling in the guard captain's arm before being tossed in a room. "Aah!"
"Huh…" said Aster, spotting Danielle then looking towards the guard captain.
"Stay in here till Emperor Belos gets back," said the Guard Captain, pointing at Danielle. "Wouldn't want anything to happen to his bride."
"Sposa?!" said Danielle, before glaring at the guard captain. "I am not his bride and never will be. I'm getting out of here and going back to the owl house."
"Can't go back if there's no Eda," said the Guard Captain, slowly closing the door. "The owl lady is about to be petrified within a few hours."
"What… no no no-no-no! Let me out!" said Danielle, running toward the locked door and trying to open it before slumping toward the floor. "This can't be happening. Eda has done nothing wrong to deserve petrifaction… hold on… this pull…"
"Danielle, stai bene?" asked Aster, coming out from behind a pillar.
"Aster… Aster! You're okay!" said Danielle, overjoyed seeing Aster and pulling him into a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay. Don't worry, I'll get you out of here, I promise."
"Hot," said Aster, feeling Danielle's magic rolling off of her in waves.
"Uh, really," said Danielle, pulling at the dress. "This dress is not really me."
"I'm not talking about that," said Aster, fanning at himself. "Your magic… it's increased so much that it's making your body overheat."
"That would explain why it feels so hot," said Danielle, leaning against the pillar. "I thought it was just the castle."
"Nope," said Aster, looking at Danielle. "That dress does not suit you."
"Agreed," said Danielle, sliding down the pillar and sitting down on the floor. "Either Belos changed my clothes or he had someone else do it."
"How'd you get in the castle?" asked Aster, sitting near Danielle.
"School field trip… best opportunity," said Danielle, smiling at Aster. "I'm getting you out of here if it's the last thing I do."
"Is what that guard captain said true?" asked Aster, looking at Danielle. "Is Eda getting petrified?"
"It sounded like it," said Danielle, getting teary eyed. "I can't let that happen either."
"Mmm… Danielle over here," said Aster, moving towards a certain area and pointing at something. "One of the scouts threw your bag in here."
"Yes," said Danielle, grabbing her bag and seeing the vial of titan's blood in there before thinking. "Not here. I want to release Aster someplace nice, not this stinking castle."
"Danielle, maybe you should take it easy," said Aster, staring at Danielle. "You look really pale."
"But if what that guard captain said is true then Eda is in trouble," said Danielle, before a star in her hand left a round strapped bag with an opening in the front in her hands before looking around and seeing the tablet. "There, this should work."
"Awesome," said Aster, looking at the bag with his tablet in it. "It can pass for a really stylish bag. And I don't have to be confined cause of the opening."
"Yup, it's like those bags I've seen people wear where the bag is in front of the chest," said Danielle, before deeply sighing. "Now to get out of here and find Eda."
"Hey, I got an idea," said Aster, before twirling around Danielle's feet and slowly encasing her with his shadow form.
"Hahaha, Aster s-s-stop, that tickles," said Danielle, giggling and getting Aster to laugh too before being fully encased with Aster's shadow form.
"There, now you can blend in with the shadows easily when hiding," said Aster, flexing his hand at the same time as Danielle.
"Much like a ninja," said Danielle, staring at a mirror in the room showing herself clad in Aster's shadow.
Staring at their reflection, Aster and Danielle see how they look. Aster's shadow made it look like Danielle was wearing a black bodysuit, even covering her head and hair. On each wrist and on the ankles was a crescent moon. Three suns on her lower abdomen making it look like a belt. The crescent moon from the tablet was visible.
"So cool," said Danielle, staring at herself and Aster.
"I can even act as eyes in the back of your head," said Aster, blinking. "Now no one can sneak up on us."
"Let's get out of here," said Danielle, teetering a little before jiggling the doorknob. "Dang, forgot he locked me in."
"Danielle, your hands are shaking," said Aster, feeling Danielle's hand shake. "Maybe you should rest a little."
"But Eda…" said Danielle, slumping to the floor.
"You won't be able to help Eda if you pass out," said Aster, coming off of Danielle's shoulder somewhat.
"You're right," said Danielle, leaning against the door before sliding to the floor. "Can you actually see me this time?"
"No, just like in my fox form or when you have an out of body, I still see you like before," replied Aster, looking at Danielle. "Maybe I will once I'm out of the tablet."
"And I will get you out of there," said Danielle, pulling Aster into a hug. "Prometto…"
"Danielle…" said Aster, watching Danielle breathe heavy and closing her eyes some. "Please get some rest."
"Bene… bene…" said Danielle, slowly nodding off. "Prometto… prometto… Aster."
As that was going down, Luz and King finally arrive near the Conformatorium. Staring out the window, Luz and King see various witches that were petrified over the years. Two coven guards carry a pedestal bearing Eda's name on it.
"There's not gonna be a new statue going up today. Right, Luz?" said King, before staring at Luz. "Luz?"
The paddy wagon passes a poster of Lilith. Luz growls. The paddy wagon continues on, entering the Conformatorium proper. A gate closes behind it before the paddy wagon backs in to a docking station.
"Sir, the Owl Lady's human student has been apprehended," said a Coven Guard, staring at Warden Wrath.
"Very good. Ah, Luz the Human. How I've waited to see you again. Now I'll have my revenge and you'll have front row seats to Eda's demise," said Warden Wrath, only to scream when opening the paddy wagon's door when a bunch of branches shoot out.
Luz screams and slams an ice glyph on the ground. A spear of ice pins the Emperor's Guard to the ceiling. Wrath shoves away the branches, then is captured by several ice pillars. Luz walks up to him with King on her shoulder.
"Where's Eda and Danielle?" said Luz, glaring at Warden Wrath.
"Eda's in the holding cell in the dungeon," replied Warden Wrath, scared. "I don't know where Danielle was placed though."
"Draw me a map!" shouted Luz, holding out a piece of paper and a pencil.
"There," said Warden Wrath, drawing the map before seeing Luz and King run down the hall. "Hey, hey… at least let Danielle know I want a bundle of corn. I'll pay triple the price."
People were crowded in the area where Eda was going to be petrified. Many people wondered if Eda truly deserved being petrified. Gus's dad was set up to broadcast the event across the isles.
"If we know anything about Luz, she's going to be here trying to save Eda and Danielle," said Willow, pulling down her hood.
"And we'll be here to save her and Danielle when they needs us!" said Gus, pulling his hood down as well.
"Let's split up and find her!" said Willow, separating from Gus and looking around.
Meanwhile, Lilith looks out the window towards the stage. Kikimora berates Warden Wrath for letting Luz escape. As for Luz and King, after having to deal with some coven scouts and guards in their way are standing outside the door to where Eda was.
"King, watch the door," said Luz, before breaking the lock with an ice glyph and heading inside and runs towards Eda. "Eda? Eda! Eda, wait! It's me! It's me."
"Luz?" said Eda, regaining her senses and looking at Luz. "Oh no. Oh no, no, no, no, no, wh-what are you doing here?"
"It's okay Eda, I'm here to save you and Danielle," said Luz, trying to use the fire glyph to break Eda's restraints only for it not to work.
"Your magic isn't strong enough for this," said Eda, staring at Luz. "Find Danielle and leave, now!"
"But, but I can't! It's mine and Danielle's fault you needed to save me," said Luz, still using fire glyphs to break the restraints. "It's mine and Danielle's fault you got captured."
"No. Listen to me. I'm here because of my own actions. I went against Belos's law, and for a while I was able to get away with it. But," said Eda, sighing. "Well without magic, I can't do much. I don't regret anything. I lived freely and... I got to meet you, Danielle, and Aster."
"Eda..." said Luz, Eda placing a hand on her cheek.
"But if you stay here, I won't be able to protect you and Danielle," said Eda, staring at Luz. "You need to find Danielle and leave now!"
"But we're a family!" said Luz, teary eyed. "Us weirdos have to stick together, remember?"
Eda sticks a claw into her hair, pulling out the key for the portal door. She activates it, making the door rise from the floor. It opens as she speaks, revealing the same path that Luz chased Owlbert down at the beginning of the summer.
"You both have a family already. Go back to them. And when you're home, use your fire magic to destroy the portal door," said Eda, placing the key around Luz's neck. "I don't know why Belos wants it, but we can't take any chances."
"I love you, Eda," said Luz, hugging Eda.
"I love you too, kiddo," said Eda, before hearing the siren go off. "Luz, get away!"
"No!" said Luz, seeing the restraints change into a cage and the ground rising before running towards and grabbing Eda's claw. "Not yet!"
"I'm sorry. Goodbye, Luz," said Eda, pushing Luz off before thinking. "Goodbye Danielle. Goodbye Aster."
"Eda!" shouted Luz, seeing the platform completely rise into the ceiling, crying into her hands before Lilith holding King by the scruff enters the room.
"Drat!" said Lilith, staring at the ceiling.
"Let me go!" shouted King, struggling in Lilith's grip.
"I'm too late, at least I found you, human," said Lilith, staring at Luz.
"You. You hurt Eda. You put her in chains. And now, I will take you down!" said Luz, jumping at Lilith while activating some glyphs.
"I just wanna talk!" said Lilith, dropping King and blocking the spell with her staff.
"Talk to the glyph, witch!" said Luz, glaring at Lilith.
Luz slams five plant glyphs to the ground at once, summoning several tendrils to trap Lilith. She breaks through them easily with a spin of her staff, but Luz uses the distraction to jump onto Lilith.
"Ah, stop! What is wrong with you?" shouted Lilith, her and Luz going through the portal door.
"Luz!" shouted King, following after Luz through the portal door.
Luz and Lilith fall off the porch of the house in the human realm. King follows through a second later. Luz is the first to recover, looking at the forest they landed in as the wind blows her cloak and hair. Lilith stands behind her with her hands glowing blue.
"Luz, watch out!" shouted King, being pulled to the ground by vines.
"Fire!" said Luz, only to see her glyph disintegrate in her hands. "What?"
"Please, just listen to me!" said Lilith, tackling Luz.
"No way! You deserve to be petrified!" said Luz, glaring at Lilith. "Not Eda!"
"You're right," said Lilith, backing away from Luz. "I deserve to be in Edalyn's place."
"Why did you do all this?" asked Luz, staring at Lilith.
"When Edalyn and I were younger, we were, the best of friends," replied Lilith, thinking back to a certain time.
(Flashback)
A young Lilith and Eda, wearing Potions-track Hexside uniforms, runs through the woods while laughing. Young Eda trips, then sits up to reveal her knee bleeding. She starts crying. Young Lilith turns around and kneels in front of her, cupping Eda's face to wipe her tears before putting their foreheads together.
"With this spell declared, let the pain be shared," said Young Lilith, half of Eda's wound transferring over to her knee.
(Flashback end)
"Being in the Emperor's Coven was my dream," said Lilith, looking at Luz. "I wanted to work alongside the most powerful witch on the Isles and make the world a better place. Eda wanted to be with me, but there was a problem."
(Flashback)
At the Hexside grudgby pitch, where a field day is being held, Teen Eda and Lilith are standing in front of the Emperor's Coven stand.
"One spot is available. You duel tomorrow," said an Emperor's coven delegate, staring at Lilith and Eda. "The winner will join our ranks."
(Flashback end)
"I knew Edalyn would beat me," said Lilith, staring at the ground. "She was younger, but worked twice as hard. She met me at my level. Emperor Belos always said, "To be great, you have to make sacrifices." What would he do in my situation? I found a spell that would take away her powers."
(Flashback)
Teen Lilith wearing a cloak walks through the Night Market. Teen Lilith looks at a scroll with an owl seal on it. Her face goes from nervous to determined, and breaks the seal. A bright red light comes from the scroll. The door to Eda's room opens as she sleeps. An indistinct, shadowy figure becomes Lilith as she steps forward and pulls down the hood of her cloak. She approaches Eda's bed, holding out the cursed scroll. It glows red again, reflecting in Lilith's glasses ominously.
(Flashback ends)
"I thought it would just be for a day," said Lilith, gripping her hands.
(Flashback)
Back at the Hexside grudgby pitch, the stands are packed, and Teen Eda and Lilith stand opposite each other. They each raise an arm in a dueling pose, before Lilith runs forward with a yell, a blue flame appearing in her hand. Eda watches her approach.
"No! I refuse to battle my sister" said Teen Eda, before walking over to Teen Lilith. "I've decided that covens aren't really my style. Hey, don't forget me when you're a big shot, sis."
(Flashback end)
"And as Edalyn walked away..." said Lilith, closing her eyes.
(Flashback)
Teen Eda barely makes it to the edge of the grudgby pitch before she starts yelling in pain and falls to her hands and knees. Feathers burst from her hand and race up her arm, tearing the seam of her uniform. Brown wings sprout from her back, her ears grow as she covers her face with claws, until she screams in a voice part-witch and part-beast, her eyes pitch black. The newly transformed Owl Beast looks at the crowd, looks at Lilith, terrified. The crowd yells and jeers.
"What is that?!" said someone from the crowd, staring at Eda.
"That girl is a monster!" shouted another person from the crowd.
A rock hits Beast Eda's forehead. Emperor's Coven members continue to throw rocks at her as the crowd boos, until Beast Eda flares her wings and snarls at them. Beast Eda turns tail and runs away.
"Edalyn!" shouted Lilith, about to go after Beast Eda.
"Lilith Clawthorne, we welcome you to the Emperor's coven!" said the Emperor's coven delegate, grabbing Lilith's arm.
(Flashback end)
"I made my sacrifice for the emperor, and it was time to receive my reward," said Lilith, staring at Luz. "I've been pursuing Edalyn because if she joined the Emperor's Coven, Emperor Belos told me he would heal her curse. But he lied to me. I know how to rescue Edalyn, but I can't do it alone."
"How do I know I can trust you?" asked Luz, staring at Lilith.
Lilith appears to think for a second before tracing a large spell circle. Owlbert and the rest of Eda's staff appear in her hands. She holds them both out to Luz, who takes them.
"Owlbert! You're okay," said Luz, holding Owlbert as he coos and nuzzles into her before she stands and looks at Lilith. "All right, Lilith. I don't like your whole, deal, but... we need your help to save Eda and Danielle."
"Thank you," said Lilith, before releasing King.
"Weh?" said King, standing up.
"Now, let's head back," said Lilith, walking towards the portal door.
Luz starts to follow her, but a breeze makes her look back at the human realm behind them. A nostalgic, mournful feeling goes through Luz as she stares at the trees. Lilith walks through the door, but King notices Luz lingering.
"Hey Luz, You... need a minute?" asked King, staring at Luz.
"No. I'm coming," said Luz, walking toward the portal door closing behind her.
As that was going on, Danielle had finally woken up after a little rest. Slicing the doorknob off with light magic, Danielle and Aster set out into the hallways. Going down many paths and looking out various windows to see where they were going, Danielle and Aster find the correct path to where Eda was. Unfortunately, there was a coven scout guarding a certain entrance they wanted to go down.
"Out of the way," said Danielle, white energy-based dragon claws coming through the shadow like it was being torn.
"Go on," said Steve, stepping to the side. "Steve saw nothing."
"Huh…" said Danielle, staring at Steve. "You're… you're not going to stop me?"
"I don't want to see Eda get petrified. She's a darn good witch," said Steve, gesturing Danielle to the door. "So go on, I saw nothing."
"Thank you," said Danielle, running past Steve.
Danielle and Aster run down the ledge of a tall wall towards their destination. They could hear drum beats the closer they got. Staring down at the stadium, they see Kikimora rising with the cage. Kikimora walks forward and pushes a lever, making a three headed statue rise from the ground. Beast Eda visibly looks nervous as the machine crackles to power. Danielle eyes glow dangerously white as she stares at the scene before teetering and falling to her knees, her body still being wrecked by her increasing magic.
"Don't worry Eda," said Danielle, breathing heavy and shakily standing up. "Me and Aster will save you."
"Danielle," thought Aster, tightening his hand around Danielle's own in comfort.
As for Luz, Lilith, and King, they had snuck into the Conformatorium. They pass by many towering statues covered in what looked to be meaty tendrils. They stop before a small platform.
"You can take this up to the stage where they're holding Edalyn," said Lilith, pointing to the platform.
"Thank you, Lilith," said Luz, looking at Lilith. "What will you do now?"
"I will stay in the Emperor's coven, but I will make sure nothing like this ever happen again," replied Lilith, looking at Luz.
"That's good to hear. Wait, why are there no guards around?" asked Luz, looking around before a red tendril grabs Lilith and King. "Lilith! King!"
Lilith and King are dragged up near the ceiling before being suspended on either side of the far wall. Fires ignite below them, flanking a skull-like throne that Belos is sitting in, his staff in hand.
"Ah, Lilith," said Emperor Belos, staring at Lilith. "You chose the wrong side."
Lilith and King are pulled upwards. Luz stares in horror and tries to walk forward, but two arms grab her legs.
"No!" shouted Luz, gripping Eda's staff.
"Ah puh-puh. I'd actually like to have a word with you, human," said Emperor Belos, staring at Luz.
Luz glares at Belos. Lilith and King are being forced into Beast Eda's cage by two Emperor's Coven members. They both land, kneeling, as the bars close behind them.
"Hello, Edalyn," said Lilith, looking up at Eda.
"Lilith. You hurt Luz. You hurt Danielle. You cursed me," said Eda, pacing around before raising her claw. "Before anything turns me to stone, I'll tear you apart."
"No, don't!" shouted King, jumping between Lilith and Eda. "She was trying to help. She even betrayed the Emperor for you!"
"What?" said Eda, staring at Lilith shocked.
"If I knew something like this would happen, Edalyn, I…" said Lilith, before hearing the three headed statue activate.
Lilith tries to cup Eda's face, but the activation of the petrification machine earns both of their attentions. The machine's eyes begin to glow, first yellow, then green. Willow and Gus gasp.
"We gotta do something," said Willow, staring at the three headed statue.
"And in a shocking turn of events, head Coven leader Lilith is now in the holding cage. Escorted by what appears to be a deranged cat," said Gus's dad, before Gus pulled on his sleeve. "Augustus? I'm live!"
"Dad, you have to stop!" said Gus, staring at his dad.
"Yeah," said Willow, grabbing the microphone. "What's happening to Eda isn't right. She might not always follow the rules, but she hasn't done anything worthy of a petrification!"
"She helped me escape jail," said the Eye-Eating Prisoner, staring up at Willow.
"She helps me stay in business!" said Morton, lifting two potions up.
"She helped me love teaching again... after she left," said Principal Bump, Danielle and Aster giggling after hearing him.
"The Emperor should let Eda go," said Willow, pumping her fist into the air, the crowd following suit.
"Let Eda go!" shouted Gus, getting the crowd cheering alongside him. "Let Eda go! Let Eda go! Let Eda go! Let Eda go!"
"Looks like we're not the only ones that think Eda should be let go," said Aster, staring down at the crowd.
"Glad to know there are people who agree with us," said Danielle, getting a little teary eyed before getting into a position near the three headed statue and conjuring her wings which were clad in Aster's shadow but torn looking in different areas. "Ready?"
"Yup!" said Aster, flexing his fingers and wings.
Back down in the chamber where Luz and Emperor Belos were, Luz glares at him.
"Let my friends go, or else!" said Luz, glaring at Emperor Belos.
Owlbert hoots. Luz slams the butt of Eda's staff into the floor, rocketing out of the grip of the hands holding her down. She lands with a flip and slams the staff down, summoning a row of ice spikes that stops inches away from Belos's mask.
"Okay," said Emperor Belos, melting away from the throne and reappearing behind Luz. "I'll play."
Belos lifts a finger and flicks it, sending Luz into the base of a towering statue. A crack travels up the statue, until it frees the giant two-headed axe, which Luz just barely dodges. Luz sends a fire blast at spikes of earth. She freezes a giant red hand in a block of ice. She mounts the staff to avoid more earth spikes. She pulls the staff around and aims for Belos, fire glyphs in hand. Belos stands immobile as a monster appears around him. Luz screams as the monster swallows her. It explodes a second later, and Luz lands on the ground on her feet.
"What's wrong, human?" said Emperor Belos, throwing his voice around. "I thought you wanted to fight."
The shadow of Belos passes, and Luz turns to face it. More arms grab her legs and arms, pulling her back down to the ground.
"Huh? Ah!" said Luz, before glaring at Emperor Belos.
"Had enough?" asked Emperor Belos, appearing from the shadows.
"Not even close," said Luz smirking before activating an ice glyph, a spear of ice shattering Emperor Belos's mask.
"I like your spirit," said Emperor Belos, chuckling before turning around revealing a glowing blue eye from the broke part of his mask. "But try that again and things won't end well for you. Now, I'm just a humble messenger for the Titan. In the grand scheme of things, the Owl Lady's life is inconsequential. But then you and Danielle showed up. If you want to save your mentor, give me the portal to the human realm."
"But... my home," said Luz, scared.
Back with the petrification statue, it was finally powered up. A bolt of green energy directs itself to the cage. Beast Eda, King, and Lilith all scream. Beast Eda dives in front of Lilith and King, taking the full brunt of the blast of magic.
"Edalyn!" shouted Lilith, watching Eda's body slowly turn to stone.
"Eda!" shouted Danielle, flying over and landing on top of the three headed statue, white energy-based dragon claws covering her hands before striking the big green orb. "I won't allow you to take Eda away!"
Beast Eda screams, more beast than Eda. Luz hears Eda's screams from the chamber.
"You probably think we want to invade the human realm, but the Titan's will is not so boarish. You'll understand soon," said Emperor Belos, staring at Luz. "Tick tock, human. The Owl Lady doesn't have much time left."
"No! Fine!" said Luz, reaching under her cloak and pressing the key before hugging the portal door. "Lo siento, Mamá. Here, it's yours."
"The Titan will be pleased," said Emperor Belos, staring at the portal door.
Belos takes the door. Luz's hand lingers on it, not dropping until a few seconds after it's completely out of her grasp. She finally steps on the platform that Lilith had brought her to, pulling the hood of the cloak up.
"Go on then," said Emperor Belos, tapping his staff on the floor making the platform rise. "Go be a hero."
"I may have lost, but so have you," said Luz, glaring at Emperor Belos.
Luz turns around and taps Eda's staff against the platform. Owlbert's eyes glow, as do the fire glyphs on the door before the latter ignite, making the portal to the human realm explode. Belos backs away from the flaming eye, the only substantial part of the door that remains. He glares at Luz through the smoke, who glares right back as the platform carries her out of the chamber. Beast Eda legs begin turning to stone. Luz and the platform rise in between the cage and the petrification machine. Luz grabs a plant glyph and throws it to the base of the machine. Vines burst out of the glyph and rock the machine to the side, stopping it. Danielle jumps off the statue after having damaged the big green orb to the point that it disintegrated to dust. Beast Eda screeches and falls to the ground, nearly completely stone.
"Wh—what do we do?!" asked King, staring at Lilith.
"The spell wasn't completed! Maybe I can help her fight it!" said Lilith, placing her hands on Eda's wings.
"No! What is happening?" said Kikimora, before feeling Danielle's dragon claw on her head. "Eep!"
"Free them, now!" shouted Luz, activating a fire glyph behind Kikimora.
"Moonshadow here agrees," said Danielle, glaring at Kikimora, enhancing her dragon claws with ice magic.
"Moonshadow…" thought Aster, grinning. "I like that name."
Kikimora shrinks in on herself and traces a spell circle. The cage disappears, and Luz, Danielle, and Aster run to Eda.
"Eda! Are you okay?" asked Luz, seeing the stone recede off of Eda.
"As good as I'll ever be," said Eda, before flinging Luz, King, and Lilith on her back before flying and grabbing Danielle's hand with her claw. "Let's fly!"
The coven guards take aim with their spears, but none hit them. The crowd cheers as Eda flies away. Kikimora glares after them, until Emperor Belos walks out, his mask still broken.
"My liege!" said Kikimora, seeing Emperor Belos.
"Children of the Isles. The Titan has told me to spare the Owl Lady's life, but in return, her curse will strip away all her powers," said Emperor Belos, walking to the edge of the roof and staring at the crowd. "Let her monstrous form be a lesson about the dangers of wild magic."
"After them," said Dark, spotting Danielle and Aster in the distance. "She has the child."
Emperor Belos disappears from the roof and reappears on top of the wall. Even from this distance, Emperor Belos was able to strike Danielle and Aster down from Beast Eda's grasp with some lightning. Falling to the ground, Danielle holds Aster and the tablet tightly, little success using her wings since being struck, and landing in the forest.
"Ow…" said Danielle, Aster coming off her and staring at her. "Aster, are you okay?"
"Yes, but you're not," said Aster, seeing Danielle wincing in pain.
"I'm getting you out of there," said Danielle, seeing the vial of titan's blood on the ground and reaching for it only for Emperor Belos to appear.
"I don't think so," said Emperor Belos, stepping on the vial.
"No," said Danielle, looking at the broken vial. "The titan's blood…"
"Danielle had…" thought Aster, looking at the vial than Danielle. "Titan's blood?"
"I needed that!" said Danielle, glaring at Emperor Belos before an idea popped in her head and used magic to draw the titan's blood towards her.
"No need for that," said Emperor Belos, sending fire at the titan's blood only for some to still get on Danielle's hand.
"Aster… I promise," thought Danielle, about to slam her hand on the tablet only for a vine to grab her hand. "Let go!"
"So much spirit, I like it," said Emperor Belos, stroking Danielle's chin only for her to kick him in the groin.
"Hands off! Aaah!" shouted Danielle, before Dark burst out from underneath Emperor Belos's cloak as a giant snake and coiled around Danielle. "S-s-s-s-serpe…"
"Get off her!" shouted Aster, slashing at Dark and leaving slash marks on Dark who hissed in pain before looking at his hand. "Ho-ho-how was I able to do that?"
"Crap, the girl is able to get the child to attack in that form," thought Dark, before lunging at Danielle. "Come here Light!"
"Danielle!" shouted Aster, only for something to jump in front of Danielle.
"Stay away from my little sister!" said the person, glaring at Dark before turning to Danielle. "Vee, are you… okay?"
"A basilisk…" thought Aster, staring at the person defending Danielle.
The basilisk was obliviously male in his teens, hovering over Belos. Had gold-colored scales with the tips being black with a dark cream underbelly. Short spiky dark red hair and blue eyes with the sclera being black and his claws being black. His fangs poke out of his mouth.
"Wait… you're not Vee," said the Basilisk, seeing Danielle back up into a tree.
"Looks like I've found one of the two basilisk that was still loose," said Emperor Belos, staring at the basilisk. "Nice to see you Number Ten."
"That's not my name," said the Basilisk, glaring at Emperor Belos before feeling magic pouring in waves from behind him. "What the…?"
"Aaaaaaaaah!" screamed Danielle, her magic exploding around her before passing out.
"No no no-no-no… Danielle," said Aster, about to run towards Danielle only for the basilisk to stop him. "Out of my way!"
"You're the one that helped that madman bring my kind back and made us suffer under his hands," said the Basilisk, glaring at Aster.
"Suffer?" said Aster, not understanding what the basilisk was talking about.
"You know what I'm talking about," shouted the Basilisk, before sucking in magic that Emperor Belos threw at him. "Blech, artificial magic is disgusting."
"Looks like its my time to leave," said Emperor Belos, hearing Eda, Luz, Lilith and King come their way before grabbing the tablet. "Come Collector, let's go back to the castle."
"Danielle," thought Aster, staring at Danielle sadly before looking at Emperor Belos. "Fine just don't harm her."
Meanwhile as that was going on, after being struck a little and losing hold on Danielle, Eda plummets to the ground near the owl house. Luz, Lilith, and King dismount.
"Don't worry, Eda. I'll run and get you some elixir and…" said Luz, bending down near Eda.
"No, human. No amount of elixir can heal her now. Oh, sister. I should have done this a long time ago," said Lilith, cupping Eda's face and placing their foreheads together. "With this spell declared, let the pain be shared."
Lilith and Beast Eda glow blue and float. Their gems glow, and Eda returns back to her usual witch form. Luz shields King from the light, and they both turn when it fades to see Eda, back to normal, and Lilith land softly.
"Eda!" said Luz, running towards Eda with King right behind her.
Lilith and Eda turn their heads to reveal that one of each of their eyes has turned gray, and Lilith now has a streak of gray hair while Eda has a streak of white and her gem is still black. Eda laughs as Luz and King run and hug her.
"Can you still do magic?" asked Luz, looking at Eda.
"That's a no," said Eda, tracing a spell circle only for it to disintegrate. "It'll take some time to get used to this."
"I feel that I've been weakened as well," said Lilith, looking at her hand.
"It's okay. I can teach you what I know," said Luz, placing a light glyph in Eda's hand. "And what we don't know, we can learn together."
Eda activates it, looking shocked that it worked. The ball of light floats into the night sky. Lilith walks closer to the others.
"Thanks, kid. I look forward to that," said Eda, hugging Luz before everyone heard Danielle scream. "Danielle!"
"It sounded like it came from this direction," said King, jumping off of Luz and running in the direction he heard Danielle.
Running through the forest, everyone shouts out for Danielle. Coming towards the area where Danielle was, everyone sees the basilisk bending down and checking on Danielle. King growls at the basilisk.
"I mean no harm," said the Basilisk, hands up.
"You better get away from Danielle," said Luz, holding up an ice glyph.
Backing away from Danielle, the basilisk watches as Eda and Lilith check on Danielle. Luz and King watch the basilisk out of the corner of their eyes. Danielle was breathing heavy and was very pale, wrecked with pain still from her magic increasing. Eda picks Danielle up and heads back with everyone to the owl house. The basilisk follows, concerned for Danielle. The moment everyone got back to the owl house, Eda and Lilith stripped Danielle out of the dress and had put on a set of pajamas before setting her in bed. Slowly gaining consciousness, Danielle bolts up in bed.
"No!" shouted Danielle, breathing heavy. "Aster!"
"Whoa," said Eda, stroking Danielle's hair. "Calm down."
"No… he's got Aster," said Danielle, crying into Eda's chest. "I failed… I failed…"
"Slow down," said Eda, tilting Danielle's chin up. "What are you talking about?"
"Aster… he's not a summons spirit. He's a higher being that was sealed away and Belos has him," said Danielle, choking up. "I failed to get him out of there… I failed… he's just a little kid, he doesn't deserve to be sealed."
"It's okay Danielle," said Luz, kneeling down and looking at Danielle. "We'll help you get Aster out of there. Besides, he's one of us."
"Us weirdoes have to stick together, remember," said King, hopping onto Danielle's bed.
"But I promised…" said Danielle, before passing out in Eda's arms.
"We've all had a long day," said Lilith, staring at everyone then the basilisk near the door. "Why don't we call it a night?"
After situating Danielle back in bed, everyone else convened to the kitchen for some hot choco smilk and apple blood. Unconscious, Danielle appears at the crossroads. Seeing Aster curled in a ball, Danielle floats over to him.
"Aster," said Danielle, rubbing Aster's cheek. "Are you okay?"
"How long…" said Aster, staring up at Danielle. "How long have you had the titan's blood?"
"Not long after you're last outing with us," replied Danielle, looking at Aster. "King ended up hurting himself with a knife cause he wanted to impress me with his budding cooking skills. I was going to show you when you came with me again but I didn't anticipate what was going to happen in the coming days. I'm so sorry."
"Why didn't you let me out when you saw me?" asked Aster, looking at Danielle.
"Cause I wanted you to see something nice when I let you out, like a field of flowers or…" said Danielle, pulling her hair back and getting teary eyed.
"I would have seen something nice," said Aster, staring at Danielle.
"Huh?" said Danielle, staring at Aster.
"I would have seen something nice," said Aster, grabbing Danielle's hand. "I would have seen you. You're nice."
"Thanks Aster. You're a sweet kid," said Danielle, hugging Aster. "I will get you out of here, I promise. But I think Emperor Belos is going to be more on guard now cause of today."
"It's okay. I'll wait," said Aster, snuggling into Danielle and hugging her back. "You really meant what you said the day we met, so I'll wait."
As Danielle was having her out of body, everyone had questioned the basilisk in the kitchen. After all the questioning, everyone had headed to bed. The basilisk slept curled up in the living room alongside Lilith for the night. Luz was still up recording a video to her mom.
"And that's how we escaped from the Emperor. Everyone told me he was the most powerful witch alive. But look at this, Mom. I chipped off a piece of his mask!" said Luz, smiling while holding the broken piece of Belos's mask. "I know he's not invincible now. It's a strange feeling, having gone through so much and, not having you here to share it with. And I don't know when or how I'm gonna see you again. But I will find my way home to you. I promise. Deja una luz puesta para mí. Te quiero."
Luz pokes the ball of light, putting it out. Several balls of light hovering outside of her window float away when it goes dark. In the Emperor's Castle, Emperor Belos is standing in front of a robed figure and Kikimora is walking down.
"Sire, those miscreants are still at large. Please, allow me to capture them," said Kikimora, walking down steps and looking at Emperor Belos.
"Worry not, Kiki. We'll be keeping an eye on the inhabitants of the Owl House," said Emperor Belos, nodding to a robed figure before looking at the portal door being slowly repaired. "In the meantime, the Day of Unity is almost upon us... and we have much work to do."
"That we do," said Dark, chuckling. "Light's current incarnation will be experiencing her magic increasing in bounds and furthering her awakening. Oh, how much pain she will be in every time it happens now is ecstatic."