The Owlet with Amber Eyes
Episode Six:
Basilisk Number Five (Part One)


The ride out of Gravesfield was a silent one as Camila drove down the dark road.

In the backseat, her daughter(?) sat in the backseat with the blonde girl's head on her lap, a deep look of concern on her face. Camila's eyes left the rearview mirror and returned to the road in front of her, painfully aware of the tension in the air.

Camila had to defuse this tension and get to the bottom of everything that was going on.

Who was the girl that pretended to be her daughter?

Why did she look like her daughter?

Who was the blonde girl?

And why was she driving towards this address instead of taking the blonde girl to the hospital?

"So," Camila finally spoke. "What is this address that I'm going to?"

"It's Masha's mansion," Vee softly answered. "She'll be able to help Clara when we get there."

"Clara…." Camila murmured.

"Clarabelle "Clara" Violet Kiramman," Vee clarified.

Camila's eyes widened.

The Kiramman family was THE richest family in Gravesfield and practically owned the entire city. From what Manny had explained, the Kiramman family were said to be the decedents of the city's founders, the Wittebane family.

"I see….And she is your friend?" Camila slowly asked.

Vee let out a nervous laugh. "I-I guess you can say that," Vee slightly stammered. "It hasn't been too long since we've become friends….so I guess so."

"Is Vee your real name?" Camila asked.

She looked at Vee's reflection through the rearview mirror and noticed the girl visibly deflate. "No. Masha gave me the nickname. I never really had a name before…."

Camila's heart lurched at the utter sincerity in Vee's voice at this statement. There was such a heavy sadness in those words that it was hard to say anything after that. However, Camila endured and gently replied, "I understand…. Is there another name you wish me to call you?"

Vee shrugged and said, "Eventually….But right now, I'm not sure…."

"And that's alright," Camila assured the teen girl. "For now, let's just get to—Whoa. That's a really big mansion!"

Staring at the massive two-story mansion, Camila heard Vee giggle.

"I had the same reaction," Vee softly replied.


Masha: The Owlet with Amber Eyes


Masha Severin was exhausted.

She was thankful that the matriarch of her clan was brought down during the summer and not during school, otherwise, she would have been very stressed out for their distant family member.

And if the new matriarch, whoever she may be, changes things, perhaps Masha could finally be able to break out of the mold she felt trapped in.

What that mold was, she didn't know, but she had a feeling that she was on the cusp of that discovery. "What do you think, Lenore?" Masha asked.

In the corner of her room, draped in darkness was a raven palisman with black, spectral energy that flowed from its body like mist. The raven cocked her head, her blue eyes glowing. "Think things will change for the better for this cursed-assed family?"

"I think so," a soft voice answered within her mind. "But, it would take time."

Masha chuckled and replied, "As all good things do?"

Lenore chuckled. "As all things do," The spectral palisman confirmed.

Masha grinned and then reached for her phone, unlocked it, and frowned. "Weird, I haven't heard from Vee all night. She said would text me around this time….Hopefully, she's able to sneak out without her Madre noticing…."

Just then, there was a gentle rap on the door.

"Lady Severin?" A voice called out.

Masha cringed at the title but brushed it off. Sticking to her training, Masha put on her best "Stuck up royal" tone and said, "You may enter, Olivia."

The door opened to reveal an older pale-skinned woman with platinum silver hair, a smattering of freckles on her cheeks, and kind brown eyes. She wore the standard Severin maid uniform which was a long black dress with a white-frilly collar, white gloves, a white belt with a red belt buckle, and black ballerina sandals.

Olivia had been her personal maid and caretaker for many years, due to her mom spending all of her time priming her twin sister to become the matriarch of their branch of the clan.

Masha wasn't bitter about this, as it left her able to relax and be able to be herself somewhat when it came to this rigid family.

"You have guests waiting in the foyer, Lady Severin," Olivia announced.

"Guests?" Masha asked.

She wasn't really expecting anyone until much later in the night, and Vee was supposed to sneak in from her balcony, not by the front door.

"Yes, she said her name was Luz and Camila Noceda," Olivia divulged. "They said it was of the utmost importance."

Masha blinked in surprise.

Vee and her mother were here?

Something must be wrong. Vee wouldn't have bought her mother otherwise.

"Ah, thank you, Olivia," Masha acknowledged with a nod. "Inform the ladies Noceda that I will be down in a moment."

"You are most welcome, dear," Olivia replied with a smile. That smile then turned into amusement as she added, "And dear? Please be sure to at least put on some clothes before the meeting."

Masha looked down at her bare chest, her jack Skellington underwear, and then back at Olivia. "It gets hot in here. Sue me." Masha defensively replied

Olivia chuckled and closed the door.

Masha quickly got out of bed, tossed on a sports bra and then a slightly long gray shirt, slipped on a pair of her torn black jeans, and made her way out of her room and into the hallway of her grand mansion.

She turned to see Lenore and motioned for her to follow. Lenore flew after her and turned invisible as Masha looked over the banister at Vee and her mother and said, "Luz! I wasn't expecting you tonight."

Masha then noticed the grave look on Vee's face and a bad feeling settled in her stomach.

Masha rushed down her overlong hallway, ran down the stairs, and stopped in front of Vee and her mother. "Hey Luz, hello, Ms. Noceda. What are you both doing here?" Masha greeted.

"Well, let's just say, our night just got complicated," Vee offered with a slight smile.

Masha raised her eyebrow.


"Well, ain't this a kick in the stomach," Masha sighed as she stared down at Clara's battered body. "It's going to take a lot of magic to heal her from this damage."

"I know," Vee replied. "But a lot of things are going on, Mash, and I…."

Masha silenced Vee with a peck on the lips, which caused Vee's face to turn red. "Relax, my little chameleon," Masha softly told Vee. "I got this."

Vee nodded, seemingly at ease in Masha's eyes. Masha turned away from Vee and stared down at Clara with sympathy in her eyes. "I should have known this was going to happen eventually. Her group isn't exactly a group that instills loyalty. But who am I to talk when it comes to my family?" Masha joked. "Speaking of family, Vee, what's your mom doing here?"

"She called me Vee," Vee revealed.

Masha was surprised. "Your cover was blown? But how?" Masha asked.

"I don't know," Vee answered. "But I intend to find out…."

Masha opened her mouth to respond, only for Olivia to come down the stairs. "A barrier has been placed to keep our mansion hidden but it will only last twenty-four hours," Olivia dutifully said.

"Do my parents know that it's been erected?" Masha asked.

"They do. Due to their affairs in New Orleans, they won't be back for another week, I will replenish the barrier once the magic subsides," Oliva told her.

Masha nodded in thanks and Olivia walked upstairs back to the first floor, leaving Masha and Vee in the basement with Clara's unconscious form. "Alright, Vee. I'll take care of Clara from here. Why don't you go talk to your mom?" Masha suggested.

Vee looked nervous and Masha could understand why. All Vee had wanted to do since last week was to tell her human mom the truth about her and what happened to the real Luz, but when dealing with the enemies they had, things got pushed to the side. "Hey," Masha gently started with a hand on Vee's left shoulder. "Just be open and honest, just like I told you last week. As long as you do that, you'll be alright."

Vee looked unsure but then, she nodded and walked upstairs.

Masha stared at Clara's body and murmured, "Alright, you prissy little hunter…." Blood-red swirls of magic flowed from Masha's hand and with a flourish, a dark red dagger appeared in the air. She grasped the hilt of the dagger and cut her left palm. "Let's get you healed…."


Vee: The Owlet with Amber Eyes


Vee walked upstairs from the basement and pressed a button on the right side of the wall. The wall slid to the left, revealing the Severin Library that Masha had in her mansion. She stepped out into the library as the bookshelf behind her slid back in place.

She made her way to the middle of the library, where she saw Camila sitting on the couch that sat below the large stained-glass window with her cell phone in her hands and a frustrated look on her face. Vee walked up to Camila and asked, "Everything alright?"

Camila looked up and said, "That's a loaded question, Vee. Nothing is alright. But I'm making do. I was once told that I wasn't able to "go with the flow" so I'm trying to prove her wrong in that assessment."

"Her?" Vee questioned. "Do you mean Eda Clawthorne?"

Camila stilled and then chuckled, albeit bitterly and yet longingly, "I haven't heard that name in a long time. Not for lack of trying, anyways…. You know her?"

"I know of her," Vee answered. "But that can wait. I'm sure you have a lot of questions for me, right?"

"Understatement of the galaxy," Camila tried to joke but it only made Vee wince.

"Well, I…." Vee paused. She needed to keep her voice steady for this. "You asked about my name earlier. Vee….I told you that Masha gave me the nickname, and that's true. Because before that name, I didn't have one. I was simply known as…."

Vee took a shuddered breath.

"If I'm going to do this, I should start by showing you, instead," Vee whispered. With a deep breath, she allowed herself to change. Because she was trying to conserve magic by only changing her body, the clothes she wore ripped and tore apart as Vee revealed a true form.

Camila let out a startled and horrified gasp, which caused the little bravery that Vee had gained to plummet, but in for a penny, in for a pound.

"I was known as Number Five. I'm a basilisk, and technically, I... I shouldn't exist," Vee revealed with a somber tone in her voice.

And so, Vee spilled it all. Everything about the Boiling Isles, her first memories of being born, how she was tortured and experimented on by the Emperor's Coven. Camila's horrified expression only deepened. Vee didn't know if it was due to how ugly she was or because of her story, but she prayed that it was the latter more than the former.

"Oh, Vee…." Camila whispered as the woman took her hand. "How did you ever escape that horror?"

"Since I was the Basilisk with the most potential for whatever they wanted, I was the one often tested, tortured, watched," Vee recounted.

"It thought it would never, ever end….But then one day, A man came. He wore a golden mask and looked very important. He was ordered to watch over me but over time, he became my friend. He defended me, gave me treats, would tell me about his uncle and the human realm, and most of all, he was so kind….."

"He made torture I went through worth it, I guess….But then one day, all of the basilisks were gathered up and were taken to die. I still don't know why but I guess we served our purpose. But then, he showed up. He fought the other guards and helped us escape," Vee revealed. "But he had gotten injured…."

Vee felt the familiar feelings of anguish fill her chest. "That's when he appeared. Emperor Belos. He told him that he would forgive him if the golden-masked man killed us, but the man refused. He called him a monster. Belos was upset and summoned this terrifying magic that I had never seen before. The man shielded us using his magic but he was so weak….."

Vee felt herself appear back in that moment.

She was in the sewer with a basilisk holding her. In front of her was the masked man, wearing a black suit and cloak. The golden mask on the man's face had shattered, from the left, revealing his magenta eyes.

Vee could remember the heat from the Emperor's magic barreling down on the man. The man turned to her and smiled with his eyes. "Despite me screaming for him. All he did was smile and tell me to live a happy life," Vee whispered as tears fell from her eyes. "I was pulled out of the sewer, and then there was an explosion….I knew it then that he died…."

"Oh, Vee….I'm so sorry," Camila whispered.

Vee took a shuddered breath and wiped her eyes.

No time for tears.

Not yet.

"Thanks to him, w-we were able to escape but I knew it was only a matter of time before the emperor caught us again. But then, two days after the escape, I was in Bonesborough. And that's where I saw Luz. She was with Eda Clawthorne, and they were selling what I now know was a TV," Vee revealed.

"Luz…. She's in this place. The Boiling Isles, with Eda?" Camila breathed.

Vee noticed that the woman seemed shaken by this reveal. Vee nodded and said, "She looked happy and excited to be there. But I didn't talk to her because I knew what she was and if she were here, I realized there might be a way out of the Isles. I snuck behind them and saw a glowing door in their tent. I went through it, and I came out of the shack, where we met…."

"I didn't mean to keep playing this role, but... you were so nice to me and I…." Vee drifted off. "I wanted to tell you since last week. I didn't want to hide it from you anymore. But I was so scared, and things went sideways so fast…."

"Vee," Camila softly interjected. "I understand being scared and I do appreciate that you wanted to be honest with me. But you didn't have to disguise yourself as my daughter. I would have helped you out regardless."

"R-Really?" Vee asked.

"Yes," Camila confirmed. "But admittedly, this was very cruel and while I don't hold it against you, nor hate you for it, I will need a little time to think on this."

"I understand," Vee murmured.

"But, before I take that time, I need to know, what exactly is going on?" Camila asked.

Vee frowned at Camila's question.

Truthfully, there was so much going on that Vee didn't even know where to start. Camila must have seen the frown on her face because the woman suggested, "If you're unsure of where to start. Why not at the beginning?"

"The beginning…." Vee murmured. "Well, I guess that means I should start at camp. The day I met Masha. That's when things started…."


Vee: Memory


Five's first day as a human was such a strange experience.

She met a very kind woman in Camila and was taken to what was called a "Camp," where she met other humans her age. Some were nice, and some were not. There was a particular girl that looked at her with this expression that reminded Vee of how the Emperor's Coven Guards would glare at her during her tests.

Like she shouldn't exist.

It greatly unnerved her.

Thankfully, she hadn't seen that girl for the rest of the day.

But she also met a group of very interesting people, including a girl that seemed to like talking about her.

A pretty cute girl with a rather handsome smile.

But as Five lay there in her cabin, while the rest of her Cabin Seven mates slept, she found herself restless. Slowly, she peeled the covers off of her body and crept out of the cabin and out into the night. Cabin Seven was located right near the lake, which offered Five a sight she had never seen before.

It was of the night sky, filled with what felt like endless stars and the beautiful glow of the moon. The lake was so clear, that she was able to see the reflection of the sky in it. Around her, these bugs that would glow green floated while the sounds of chirping filled the quiet air.

Five closed her eyes and absorbed it all in.

For the first time in her turbulent life, she was at peace. There weren't any guards that threatened to use her skin as a pelt, she wasn't being electrocuted for not wanting to drain the lives of rodents, and there were no cruel names tossed her way.

She could finally just be….happy.

(Camila: Oh Vee….)

(Vee: *Sniffles* Being at camp that first night was magical to me. It made me realize that my life could be filled with something other than strife and struggle…. It will always be my most cherished memory.)

"Hey, Noceda, what are you doing here out?" A voice suddenly asked. Five shrieked in surprise at suddenly being ripped from the peaceful ambiance of the human realm to the point where she fully demorphed back to her true form.

"Whoa!" The voice cried.

Tears immediately fell from Five's eyes.

All she wanted was just one moment of peace, and now, it was all over. Five immediately slithered toward the forest, but the voice shouted, "Whoa! Wait a minute, I'm not going to hurt you!" Five stopped and slowly turned around, and there she saw her cute cabin mate, Masha.

Masha was a slightly tall girl with a slim build, medium-tan complexion, dark brown irises, chin-length black bob cut, and a tooth gap. The girl wore a dusty-mauve tank top, black boxers, and skeleton-printed sandals on her feet.

"H-Hey, it's just me," the girl whispered with both arms in the air in a surrendering motion. "This wasn't exactly what I expected when I saw you sneak out," the girl joked.

Five remained silent for a moment as Masha slowly approached. "A-And what were you expecting?" Five questioned.

"Well, maybe to get you to know a cute girl better," Masha replied. "And looking at you, I'd still like to do that."

Five was surprised.

"W-What?" Five stammered.

Masha finally stopped a few feet away and sat down in the grass. "Well, don't be shy. Well, shyer, join me," Masha invited as she patted the spot beside her. Five didn't know if this was a trap but the girl's disarming smile eased the basilisk.

Hesitatingly, Five moved to Masha and settled beside her. "So…. Cute girl to cute monster girl. That's pretty dope," Masha sheepishly said. "Hell of an icebreaker, though."

"Ice? But we are on land?" Five said with confusion.

Masha laughed and clarified, "It's a human saying about starting a conversation."

"Oh…." Five murmured. "Y-You don't seem surprised about this. About me…."

Masha laughed and said, "Why would I be? It's not the first demon I've seen before."

Five shot the girl an inquisitive look, but the girl stared up at the starry sky. "So, is Luz Noceda your actual name?" Masha asked.

"No," Five answered. "It's the name of the girl I transformed to. The real Luz is alive, just not in this realm?"

"Really?" Masha gasped. "What realm would she be in? Actually, let's shelve that thought for a moment. What is your name? Your real name, I mean."

Five rubbed her forearm as her eyes lowered. "I don't have one….I was always referred to as Basilisk Number Five," Five murmured.

"What a mouthful," Masha sighed. "Well, let's get a little fancy. Do you mind if I call you Vee?"

"Why Vee?" Five asked.

"Well, "Vee" is the roman numeral for "Five" so I figured that could be your name until you find something better," Masha answered.

"I guess that would be fine…." Vee bashfully answered.

"Well, I guess I should say, welcome to my realm, Vee," Masha grinned.

Vee stared at Masha as the fireflies glowed around the girl and then slowly smiled.


Vee: Memory End


"We talked the entire night," Vee told Camila as the two sat on the couch, with Vee still in her Basilisk Form. Vee's cheeks turned blue as she thought of her friend, who worked on her more recent friend in the basement below.

Camila chuckled and said, "I'm glad that you were able to meet someone that could make you feel comfortable."

"She did," Vee revealed. "But neither of us knew that someone else had seen us that night…."


Vee: Memory


Vee rubbed at the skin on her arm with a small frown of discomfort on her face. Human skin was so strange and elastic. "I've never seen someone look at their arm with such fascination," Masha suddenly teased from Vee's right.

The suddenness of Masha's voice caused Vee to jump, but thankfully, she held her disguised form this time.

"Masha! Why?!" Vee exclaimed as she immediately hid her basilisk ears from sight.

"I can't help it," Masha teased. "It's cute when you're startled."

Vee pouted.

"Still, you shouldn't. You might be okay with me being a Basilisk, but I doubt anyone else will," Vee admonished. "I don't want to go through that panic twice…."

Masha offered an apologetic smile and locked her arm with Vee's, which caused the basilisk girl to bashfully smile. "I'll try not to startle you in the future. Except when I know we're alone, okay?" Masha compromised.

"Alright," Vee murmured in agreement.

It had been three days since Vee arrived at camp and she had already blown her cover once due to being startled, which led to her sudden friendship with the personable and flirty Masha Severin.

It was kind of surprising that Masha had remained her friend but it felt nice to know she had her first friend. But during the last few days, Vee noticed two things.

The first thing was that there was a strange, almost subtle, scent of magic in the air, and that mean blonde/pink-haired girl was actively watching her.

Vee didn't know why either of these things was happening, but she didn't want to know. She just wanted to enjoy her time in this new human place.

"So, why did you come and decide to try and scare me in the first place?" Vee questioned.

"Well," Masha started. "I guess I was curious about the Boiling Isles. I didn't get a chance to ask a few days ago but Is it true witches come from there?"

Vee nodded. "As far as I know, that's where witches originate from," Vee answered. "However, I didn't talk to many witches after I was broken out of the Conformatorium. Why did you want to know?"

Masha hummed in thought and replied, "I mean, why wouldn't I want to know? You're from a whole 'nother world. Who wouldn't be curious about your origins?"

"I guess that's fair," Vee murmured.

(Camila: So, what is the deal with Masha?)

(Vee: Well, that'll come about soon, M—Camila. I promise.)

"Alright, kiddos! Today, we're going to do a scavenger hunt!" The perky reality camp counselor exclaimed, which caused all of the campers to groan, except for Vee, who looked around in confusion.

What was a scavenger hunt?

Another counselor passed out a sheet of paper to every camper and Vee saw a long list of items on it. "Your objective, my dear little campers, is to find these items that are hidden across the entire camp. Because this is a large camp, we're going to pair each of you up with a partner."

A kid raised their hand. "Can we choose our partners?" A kid asked.

"Unfortunately not," the counselor answered. "Because in real life, we don't get to choose who we work with. You know who does?"

All of the teens groaned. "Our future bosses," the group chorused.

"Your future bosses," The counselor confirmed. "Now, let's get everyone partnered up."

"Think we'll be partners?" Masha asked.

"I don't know," Vee murmured. "I would like to be…."

"Oh, you finally warming up to me, Vee?" Masha asked with a wink.

Vee blushed.

Unfortunately, the counselor decided to dash her hopes and announced, "Luz Noceda, you will be partnered up with Clara Kiramman."

Both Vee and Masha looked disheartened at the news. "And last but not least, Masha Severin, you are paired up with Korra Sato the second. Now, pair up with your partners, and let's begin the games!" the counselor exclaimed.

"Well, this sucks," Masha grumbled.

"I think it will be fine," Vee said. "As long as Clara doesn't ta—"

"Noceda," A rude voice interjected from behind her. Vee and Masha turned around to see the annoyed face of Clara Kiramman.

Clara wore a lot of baggy clothing, from a gray hoodie, cargo pants, and combat boots, which was weird to Vee since

"Forgive me for interrupting whatever riveting conversation you're having with Severin, but we need to get going."

Masha stepped up with a frown and said, "Hey, dial back the attitude, Kiramman."

"How about your dial back a few steps and get out of my face, Severin," Clara replied. "Unless you want me to make you?"

"I'd like to see you try," Masha challenged.

Vee stepped in between the two while she said, "Can we not argue, please?" Vee then turned to Masha and implored, "I don't want you to fight her, okay?"

Masha crossed her arms and murmured, "Fine. For you, I won't knock her teeth down her throat."

Clara smirked and said, "I'm so scared. Now, Noceda, let's go. I have an idea where the first item on our list is."

Vee nodded, turned to Masha, and gave a small smile to her friend. "Have fun and good luck, okay?" Vee asked.

Masha sighed and said, "You're lucky you're so cute. Have fun and be careful. I don't exactly trust her."

Vee nodded and walked off with Clara, sparing one last look to Masha.

(Camila: So, Masha didn't trust Clara?)

(Vee: Yeah. Masha commented on it a few times during those five days, but I wasn't sure why. I sure found out though *laughs*)

Vee followed Clara for what felt like twenty minutes, with the noises of the camp getting farther and farther away. "This seems far," Vee commented as Clara continued to lead her deeper into the forest. "Are you sure the first item is around here?"

"I'm positive," Clara replied with her hands tucked in her hoodie pockets.

"Alright. Hopefully, we find the item soon. I would like to be back by lu—" Vee shrieked as a rope tightened around her foot and dragged her into the air, where she hung upside down. Once again, Vee was so startled, she instantly dropped her Luz disguise.

"W-What is going on?!" Vee cried as Clara stopped walking. "What is this?!"

"This, Demon, is your last day on our Earth," Clara answered as she turned around and unzipped her hoodie and then tossed it off, revealing a grey leather vest with two pouches going down a line on the right side of the vest along with a holster that held the hilt of a knife, and a black long-sleeved undershirt.

Vee started to panic as she wiggled in the trap that held her tail while Clara pulled out a silver dagger with deep etchings engraved in the steel from the sheath on her vest.

"I always suspected something was off about you, Noceda. Ever since we first met at Graveside High. But to think you're actually a demon in disguise. This will earn me my silver level for sure. And to think, I would have missed my chance at gaining this level had I not stumbled upon you and Severin."

"What are you? Why are you doing this? Let me down!" Vee tearfully yelled as Clara slowly approached her. The dual-haired girl paused for a moment and then sighed.

"This is what I was born to do, Noceda," Clara answered. "To hunt demons and witches."

"But why?!" Vee asked. "I did nothing to you or anyone!"

"Doesn't mean that you won't in the future," Clara answered as she placed the knife at Vee's neck. Despite her fear, Vee noticed that the girl's hand was trembling. She looked closer at her eyes and saw that there was fear in them.

Thunder rumbled above them as Vee implored, "Clara, please. All I wanted was a better life…."

"Shut up," Clara whispered.

"I just wanted to be able to walk free instead of being tortured in a cage," Vee continued.

"Shut up," Clara repeated, her hand trembling harder.

"I just wanted to be happy," Vee said as the tears finally spilled.

"Shut up!" Clara yelled as thunder clapped. "I have to do this!" Clara screamed. "You're a threat. I would be betraying humanity if I don't do this!"

But despite these words, Vee noticed the uncertainty in Clara's eyes. "You don't have to do this," Vee whispered. "I know that you don't want to do it. I'm not a threat to humanity. I just want to be a normal girl….Please…."

Clara sucked in a breath as a drizzle of rain started to fall.

Vee then heard something whistling through the air and without warning, Clara jumped back as a dark red sickle sliced through the air and collided with the tree to her left. "Get away from her!" Masha's voice commanded as she walked into view, a strange, ornate black dagger in her right hand, and a bleeding palm in her left.

"Masha!" Vee cried in joy at the sight of her friend. But it was there that she smelled the scent of magic.

Magic she had never smelled before.

What was this?

"A Blood Witch," Clara hissed as she gripped her knife.

(Camila: Masha was a witch?!)

(Vee: *Nods* And a really good one despite being a novice, in her words.)

"Vee, Are you alright?" Masha asked with a soft tone.

"I'm okay but what are you doing here?" Vee asked.

"Gut feeling something was wrong when you both disappeared for thirty minutes," Masha replied. "After I realized you both were missing, I followed Clara's blood scent. Who knew you were a witch hunter of all things."

"I should have guessed that you were a witch, with that hideous getup," Clara hissed as she smirked. "I may have faltered in taking down the demon, but I will slay a witch."

Masha opened her left palm and the blood that flowed from the cut stretched out and grew until it created a scythe. "I'd like to see you try, Witch Hunter," Masha challenged.

Vee watched helplessly as the two girls faced off. Finally, fearing for both girls' safety, Vee shouted, "This isn't right! I don't want you both to fight! Not over me! Just let's calm down and talk over lunch!"

Both Masha and Clara didn't respond, their eyes locked on one another. "Please! This isn't the way," Vee begged. "Clara….Masha….I'm begging you both to not fight….Can't we just look the other way and forget this ever happened. Please?" Vee whispered.

After a moment of tense silence, Clara sheathed her dagger and stepped out of her combat stance. "You're lucky, Blood Witch, that this type of weather isn't good to fight in."

"I agree, my favorite dress is getting soaked," Masha tersely replied.

Vee noticed that Clara turned to her and for a moment, Vee thought she saw relief in the girl's blue eyes, but it disappeared so fast that Vee was sure she imagined it. "I'll let you both live," Clara replied. "Just keep out of my way…."

Clara walked away, bumping into Masha's shoulder on her way past.

"Bitch," Masha grumbled as her weapon melted against the rain. Vee noticed that the girl looked visibly exhausted. "Alright, Vee. Let's get you down."

Vee nodded, but her mind couldn't let go of the look in Clara's eyes.

Why was she relieved?


Eda: The Owlet with Amber Eyes


Luz had suddenly rushed upstairs after answering her mother's call and had been up there for what felt like ten minutes. But while King and Liliyn ate in the kitchen, Luz walked downstairs with a crestfallen expression on her face.

Whatever happened in that conversation must be weighing heavily on her kid.

"Kiddo, are you alright?" Eda asked.

Luz looked at her and tried to smile, but her attempt looked so pathetic that Eda immediately knew that Luz was upset. "Luz," Eda started. "What's the matter?"

"Well, Mom knows that I'm not a camp," Luz revealed. "And there is a girl that looks exactly like me at my house. With a cute little cat."

Eda inwardly panicked at this.

"Y-You have a sister?" Eda asked.

Luz let out a shaky laugh and replied, "Nope. I'm an only child. At least….I thought I was…." Luz then walked up to Eda and thumped her forehead against Eda's chest with a small sigh, missing the silent relief on Eda's face.

"Aw, there, there, squirt," Eda murmured as she rubbed the top of Luz's hair. "So, your mom knows that you aren't at camp. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is that she'll want me to go back to the human realm and continue to be normal when I'm anything but that!" Luz exclaimed while she moved back from Eda. "I mean, I'm a weirdo, a proud weirdo! I don't want to learn how to balance checkbooks and learn to appreciate public radio! I'm tired of trying to fit in a box I don't belong in! Why can't she understand that?"

Eda felt an intense wave of déjà vu hit her.

"I'm not some monster you can keep throwing "cures" at, Gwen! I'm not some project to cure. I'm your daughter, at least I thought I was!" Her younger self's voice echoed in her mind. "I hate having this curse but I will learn to live with it. Why can't you understand that? Why can't you respect that?"

"And what makes it worse is that I can do magic. Sure, that magic changed me and I unlocked a form I didn't know I had, but this is my biggest dream coming true," Luz continued, her voice thick with sadness. "I-I don't want to go back…."

"Hey, hey, breathe," Eda consoled as Luz sniffled. Eda bent down and placed both hands on Luz's shoulders and said, "Hun, I get it. I completely understand where you are coming from. W-While I don't feel comfortable talking with your mom, we'll find a way to make everyone happy, I know it."

Eda reached up and wiped the tears from Luz's eyes. "So no more tears, alright? This is a new day with new questions and new training. Future Eda and Luz will deal with your mom. Today, let's focus on building you up to be the best witch you can be," Eda finished with an encouraging smile on her face.

At least, what she hoped was an encouraging smile.

Luz sniffed and then nodded with a watery smile. "Thanks, Eda…." Luz drifted off.

"Anytime," Eda replied as she stood. "Now, let's go get some food in us."

Luz nodded.


"So, you think that new form is connected to you being able to use magic, huh?" Eda asked.

Luz shrugged as she ate her scrambled griffin eggs and chimera bacon. "I mean, that's the only explanation I have. I mean, I had been having those weird chest pains since I showed up on the Isles, which got worse after we came back from the Sunken Palm. Maybe I absorbed some of the Palm's chaotic magic and it caused this change and my ability to use magic?" Luz theorized.

Eda was silent for a moment.

Eda was nowhere near ready to tell Luz that she was her other mother. She didn't even know how to broach the subject. Hell, she still couldn't even believe it herself. Luz had given her the perfect out with her crazy theory.

But, was it such a crazy theory? Because whatever happened to Luz caused her to get hit with her witch puberty. Eda would have to think about this on a deeper level later on when her mind wasn't such a titan-damned mess.

"That sounds about right," Eda murmured, guilt hitting her chest at lying to her unknowing daughter. Eda will tell Luz the truth about being her other parent and the truth about her transformation. She just needed some time to figure out how to break it to her.

Luz shrugged and looked around. "Where are King and Liliyn?" Luz asked.

"In the backyard near the tower with Hooty," Eda answered. "I'm going to have Hooty repair the tower to add a bedroom and a training center in there."

"Really, why?" Luz asked.

"Well, since I've taken you on as my apprentice, I can't have you sleeping in a closet, Luz," Eda explained. "And while things are up in the air in terms of you staying here or in the human realm, if we can work something out with your mother about your training, I want you to have a proper room and training grounds to hone your skills better."

"S-So that tower…." Luz drifted off.

"It's yours," Eda replied.

"Oh my gosh, I….Eda, you don't have to do that," Luz said. "That's far too much for me."

"Nonsense," Eda replied. "No dau—I mean—student of mine is going to stay in the closet forever. You have to come out and breathe that nice fresh air."

Eda almost messed that up, but thankfully, Luz didn't seem to notice.

"Oh," Luz murmured. "Thank you…."

"But let's not worry about that right now. You now can do magic now, so, we should sta—"

Eda was interrupted by a voice shouting into the house, "Edalyn? Are you here? Your door is open!"

Eda felt her heart drop into her stomach.

He was here, and it was two days early.

"Who is that?" Luz asked.

Eda took a shuddered breath and answered, "Your weapons teacher. Come on and follow me."

Luz nodded and the two walked out of the kitchen and into the living room, where Eda saw him.

Standing in the doorway, hunched over and frailer than how she remembered him was her father, Dell Clawthorne.

Her father had a fair complexion, one golden eye, a sloped nose, pointed ears, thick, gray eyebrows, scruffy long gray hair, and a fluffy gray beard and tied-up mustache. Eda also saw that the left side of his face and his left hand were covered in scars, and his left eye is closed.

He wore a dark-colored robe, brown boots, brown fingerless gloves, and held a cane in his left hand. He had Owlbert on his left shoulder and Isaac, his Dorothea cardinal palisman, on his left, and he still had that same warm smile she remembered him having, even if it filled her with absolute grief.

"Edalyn," The man spoke with such warmth that it made Eda want to tear up. "Oh, my sweet little witchlet. It is so wonderful to see you again….I wasn't too late this time."

"Eda, who is this?" Luz softly asked.

Eda took a soft breath and whispered, "Luz, this is my dad, Dell Clawthorne….."

'And your Grandfather,' Eda wanted to say, but her fear kept her from doing so.

Eda could see Luz instantly become bashful as she took a step back toward Eda with a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Clawthorne. I'm Luz Noceda, Eda's apprentice…."

"It is nice to meet you as well. Owlbert has told me a lot about you, Owlet," Dell greeted with a fond smile. Eda stiffened at the term of endearment and shot a look at Owlbert, who looked just as surprised.

Dell walked toward Luz and placed his trembling left hand on the top of her head, which prompted Luz to look up at him, her amber eyes glowing in wonder.

Dell chuckled and turned to Eda said, "She certainly has your eyes."

Eda flushed and looked away while she caught the confused look on Luz's face.

"Now, Witchlet, I believe I was contacted to assist Owlet in weapon training, is that correct?" Dell questioned.

"Yeah, D-Dad," Eda stammered. "A weapon that I'm unfamiliar with chose her and….since that was a weapon you once trained in, I figured…."

Eda felt a warm hand fall on top of her head. She looked at Dell and saw fondness in his eye. "I'll be happy to help." He removed his hand from Eda's head and said, "Now, Owlet, why don't you grab your King and your Repede so I can meet them. Your teacher and I must converse."

Luz shyly nodded and ran into the kitchen and out of the backdoor with Owlbert flying behind her, leaving the father and daughter alone. "Sorry, I, uh, haven't been in touch. There's been a lot going on," Eda started, unable to take the silence between her and her father.

"I know there has been," Dell softly confirmed. "I know that you were very hesitant in seeing me again, but I am so happy to see you again. And with a student that bears your eyes."

"Did Owlbert tell you?" Eda asked.

"No," Dell answered. "A Clawthorne's eyes are very unique. It was easy to spot in her."

Eda frowned.

Ever since she was little, her father and Gwen always told her that there was a certain glow of magic within the irises of the Clawthorne women that made them instantly recognizable. At least, that was how it was like back before the savage ages when family clans were more the norm.

"Oh, Witchlet," Dell sighed. "You disappear from Bonesborough, you're fixing up my old tower, and then suddenly I see you on a wanted poster. And now, I find out you've taken in a "King of all Demons" and that Gwen and I have a granddaughter."

"Yep, that's King and L-Luz alright…." Eda murmured. "It been pretty hectic but I've been making due."

"I can see that, Witchlet," Dell murmured. "All the same, I am so happy that you felt comfortable in reaching out to m—"

"Stop," Eda implored him. "I only reached out to you so I could help Luz with her dream. Not to gain something I don't deserve."

"Eda—" Dell started.

"There is nothing you can say to make this right. I ruined your life. Have you even been able to carve a new Palisman since I attacked you?" Eda asked.

Dell sighed and placed his trembling left hand on her shoulder. "It's been over 20 years, Witchlet. You were a child with a curse. Don't you think it's time to let the past stay in the past? To let yourself be forgiven for something that wasn't your fault?"

Eda let out a sharp breath and answered, "I don't deserve your forgiveness, Dad, let's just leave it at that, okay?"

Dell sighed and said, "Very well, Witchlet…. But when you are ready, I will be here."

Eda nodded.

"So, does she know that you're her mother?" Dell asked.

"No," Eda replied.

"That sounds like a story," Dell chuckled. "Would you mind sharing it with me?"

"I can," Eda replied. "How long will you stay here?"

"Your mother is currently on another quest to tame the mighty Liger Zero, so I will be here for at least a week before I'm expected back," Dell replied.

"Alright. Then I'll tell you about it later tonight, okay? When the gremlins are asleep," Eda told him.

"I can't wait to hear it," Dell said with a smile. "And maybe before that, we can go over the skills that Luz knows."

Eda nodded.

"Now," Dell smiled. "Let's go meet King and the Repede."


Camila: The Owlet with Amber Eyes


"So, what happened after that encounter?" Camila questioned.

"Well, nothing much. Masha wouldn't let me out of her sight and Clara didn't come near any of us for the rest of that day. Masha didn't want to talk about being a witch and I was pretty shaken so we just spent the rest of that day in silence," Vee answered. "But that incident didn't leave me at all. Even now, I think about how helpless I was. How helpless I always was until recently…."

"And then the day after that, I picked you up," Camila said.

Vee nodded. "That day was very important to me. Not only due to our bonding, not only due to the movie we saw, Cybersix, but because of what I found once we returned home," Vee told her.

Camila was confused.

What did Vee find when they returned home? "Can you expand on that for me?" Camila asked.

Vee nodded and explained, "When we returned home, I could smell magic in the house," Vee revealed. "I managed to find a box in the attic that had a picture of you and Eda Clawthorne."

"Ah, you found that?" Camila softly asked.

Vee nodded and answered, "I was unaware that you knew her. She's one of the strongest witches of all the Boiling Isles, at least, that's what the rumors say."

A small smirk formed on Camila's face at Vee's words. "How strong is she?" Camila asked.

"Well, considering she is a wild witch, she has access to all magic. Some say she could defeat the Emperor himself," Vee answered. "She's the face of rebellion there, even if she doesn't know it."

"Sounds like her," Camila mumbled.

"I…." Vee faltered. "Were you two friends?"

"We were more than that, once upon a time," Camila answered. The human woman then shook her head as a wave of sadness and bitterness filled her chest.

This was not the time to think about the woman who shattered her heart. "But that's neither here nor there, Vee. What happened next?"

"Well," Vee started. "Thanks to Cybersix and finding Eda's things, I started to get a rather reckless idea. I was created by Emperor Belos and was tortured and experimented on for so long. And then I was captured by Clara and was at her mercy. I was tired of being weak and helpless. I wanted to be someone that instilled hope in other Basilisks in the Boiling Isles and for people that couldn't help themselves. But for that, I needed more information about myself…."


Vee: Memory


There were many things that a Basilisk could do that a normal witch could not.

The first was Metamorph, the ability to look and sound like an exact duplicate of any humanoid, or demon of any sex, while also being able to wear virtually any kind of clothing.

Her control over this ability was so great, that even identity spells would fall short of suspecting her. While witches had to use Illusion Magic and some Bard Magic, Basilisks could do this in their sleep. But there had to be more to her than just shapeshifting and absorbing magic.

And so, Vee went to the one person she knew could help her.

"Feel free to call or come over to my place," Masha's voice echoed in her mind. "I'll always be available for you."

Vee stared at the paper in her hand that had Masha's number on it. Okay, she had seen Camila use this strange device several times, so it couldn't be that hard to use this "Phone." All she had to do was press the numbers that were on the paper into the phone in the exact order the numbers were written and then wait.

And so, Vee dialed the number and waited for Masha to answer.

Thankfully, she didn't have to wait long.

"Hello?" Masha's voice asked.

"Hey, Masha," Vee greeted.

"Vee! I wasn't expecting you to call so soon. What's going on?" Masha asked.

"I know we didn't really get the chance to talk after everything with Clara went down. In terms of you being….that but I wanted to know more," Vee started. "And I wanted to know if you had any information about Basilisks…."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment.

"I think I can help you with that. But first, where do you live?" Masha asked, finally breaking the silence after five minutes.

Vee gave Masha her address and then asked, "Why?"

"Because, I'm going to pick you up and bring you to my home," Masha answered.

Vee squeaked and blushed. "You can't just say something like that with so much ease," Vee admonished, flustered.

Masha laughed and teased, "You sound flustered. I'm sorry, I'll say that again. Do you want to come over to my house?"

Forty-five minutes later, Masha knocked on her door, introduced herself to Camila, took Vee into her long vehicle, and then Vee was whisked away to a new location.


Vee was in shock as the limousine stopped in front of the beautifully crafted black and gold French chateau-inspired mansion.

She had never seen a house so large in her entire life. "You live here?" Vee asked, unable to keep the awe out of her voice.

Masha grinned and replied, "Sure do. Took a lot of demon wishes to get something like this. Come on, I'll take you on a tour."

Vee and Masha got out of the car and walked up the stairs to the mansion doors, passing by two statue lions at the base of the stairs. Almost like magic, both doors to the mansion opened and Vee was treated to the inside of the mansion.

It was beautiful.

The walls were painted a cream color with pictures of, what Vee assumed, were family members of Masha's. To the right of her, there was a spiral staircase that led upstairs and in the room to the right of the staircase was the dining room.

To the left, sat a two-story library, filled with dozens and dozens of books.

And from where Vee could see, on the second floor of the library were three cathedral glass-stained windows with what looked to be a painting of Masha and a girl that looked just like her on it, each one depicting a different age of the two girls.

"The place has four floors with an elevator, nine bedrooms with 12 full bathrooms, with two of the master bedrooms having a private entrance that attaches to their private balcony, a full basement that has a theater along with a sauna, huge wine cellar, safe room, a gym area, a soccer field, several beautiful gardens, and a swimming pool," Masha explained.

"Wow. That seems like so much…." Vee asked.

"Well, when we have to make pacts with demons, my family tends to go all out," Masha joked. "Funny enough, this isn't even our main home. This is one of their vacation homes…"

(Camila: How rich is this family?)

(Vee: *laughs* Very rich)

"They keep everything well stocked so the five kitchens, two in the guest rooms, one down on the main floor, one downstairs, and the one outside, are stocked with fresh food for us to eat if we get hungry…" Masha finished. "Have I wooed you yet?"

"Woo? What is that?" Vee asked.

Masha paused and then smiled in a way that made Vee's stomach flutter. "You're so cute," Masha revealed. "Now, to the library."

(Camila: This Masha seems to be coming on quite strong, Vee.)

(Vee: Coming on? How?)

(Camila: She is taking every chance to flirt with you.)

(Vee: Don't….friends do that?)

(Camila: Friends? Oh Sweetie….)

Masha led Vee to the library as the witch explained, "My ancestors were historians before they left the Boiling Isles three hundred and sixty years ago. If there is anything about Basilisk's, it'll be here."

"So, your family has been here for that long?" Vee asked.

"Yeah," Masha replied as the pair entered the library. "From what the history books explained, we had to flee where we came from once some Emperor dude came into power. And if what you say is true, that means your Emperor Belos is the reason we're here. Small worlds."

"Why did you get kicked out of the Isles?" Vee asked.

"Well, from what the spirit of my great-great-great grandmother once told me, Blood Magic was painted in a bad light and the Emperor wanted to wipe out all magic that didn't fit in his precious dynasty. But it wasn't just my family. It was the LaCour family and the Eloi family. One with the power to grant powerful and mysterious magic, and also take it away, and one that dealt with spirit magic," Masha explained. "So, he decided to go full genocide and wipe out those clans. It was thanks to a woman with dark blue hair that helped us get to this realm."

"Seems that's what he does best…." Vee hissed.

Masha frowned and said, "He's a dick, no doubt. But, a few other clans that were friendly with us, such as the Moreau, The Moran, The LeRoux, and the Dupre, decided to come with us. Once the clans were settled, we went all across the world."

"So there a plenty of witches in the human realm?" Vee questioned.

"All over the world. But where there are witches, there are witch hunters," Masha sighed. "I was hoping that there weren't any in Gravesfield….Just our luck that Clara was one."

"They can't be that dangerous, can they?" Vee asked.

"Witch Hunters are very dangerous," Masha sighed. "Sure, they don't have the magic we have, but they have their ways of wounding us. For example, you know that dagger Clara was going to use on you?"

Vee nodded.

"A witch's skin is more durable than a human's. We can take more damage. It's to accommodate the magic that is within us at all times. That dagger held a seal on it that could cut our skin and corrode it," Masha revealed.

"Seal?" Vee asked.

"The ornate design on it, it's actually a seal," Masha explained. "Not only that, they can carve that into their special crossbows and swords, and its instant witch slayer."

"But how did witch hunters get that?" Vee asked.

Masha frowned and replied, "No idea. It's been a long rumor that the Wittebane clan created it to better subdue witches. Others also believe that a witch gave the hunters that seal to do it. But it wasn't just that. They also have other equipment that can dull our magic or make a witch's effects on them weaker."

"Seems like a lot to deal with," Vee murmured.

"It is, but we're pretty good at hiding our powers and the locations of where we live," Masha laughed. "So, I'm not too concerned. Now, the Severin library goes by alphabetical order and the B's are on the second floor. So follow me."

The two walked up the staircase to the second floor and Vee followed Masha until she stopped at a wall. "Here are the B's. Now, these also go in alphabetical order so it might take a bit to find anything on Basilisks. I'm going to go grab a book ladder to check the higher shelves."

Vee nodded and Masha quickly left to the right side of the second floor, and then returned with a ladder that was connected to the bookshelves. Once the ladder was situated, Masha climbed it and started her search for any book that could help her. "So, why did want this anyways?" Masha asked as she searched.

"I was thinking about the Isles and Belos….After what happened in the forest between you, Clara, and I, I realized how weak I was in that situation…." Vee explained.

"Oh! So you want to become strong for revenge?" Masha asked.

"No. To make sure no one else would be at anyone's mercy. And to help my fellow Basilisks, if any are still alive in the Isles," Vee answered.

"I gotta say, that sounds kinda a noble, Vee. I thi—Catch!" Masha exclaimed as she tossed down a rather large book. Vee caught the book and stumbled slightly. When she looked down, she saw the title which read: "Basilisks: A guide on combatting the Isle's greatest demon."

"That's the only one I see here," Masha announced once she slid down the ladder. "So, want to crack it open?"

Vee opened her mouth to respond, only for her stomach to make itself known with a hungry grumble. Vee flushed while Masha grinned. "Well, after we eat of course?"