Except for a pair of very irate messages from Gus and Willow when they figured out that they had missed the twins' birthday, the rest of the weekend was spent laughing and just enjoying each other's company at the Owl House. The twins even got the chance to experience Eda's bard magic after everyone else left that Sunday, and just after breakfast on Monday Willow and Gus were back to escort them to the Covention center. On the way Luz admitted, "Ok I still don't understand how all of this ties together."
Willow tried to explain it first, "So every part of the four day event has a meaning or that's what my dad's told me. Friday was the anniversary of the birth of the lost princesses, and as such most people spend the day in some kind of private celebration in honor of the possibilities that their lives could have brought. Saturday and Sunday are for getting together with friends and family to remind us of the people around us that matter the most. Some even give each other gifts as a sign of how much they mean to each other. Today is the Covention where everyone comes together and mourns the lost princesses and empress as a group since it is also the anniversary of the last time any of them was seen. Over the years it's also become a day dedicated to coming together and joining a coven publicly as a sign that we will never allow a tragedy like it to happen again."
"And that's the part I don't understand. The idea of the Covention is cool, but something about it just sounds off," stated Luz.
"What do you mean?" asked Gus.
"Well… I don't know. I can't really put it into words," sighed Luz.
"I've got ya Lu. So Eda told us the story the day after we got here. I don't know if it's public knowledge but the Clawthornes, Eda's family, and the Emperors are actually related. Eda and Belos are distant cousins." Revealed Kim to Willow and Gus's shock. "What's more they used to actually be friends when they were younger. Eda even got to meet the Empress shortly before the Emperor was crowned. From the way Eda tells it they never actually pushed anyone to join a coven until after the event. Most people just did it out of a feeling of pride and loyalty to their rulers, and before the incident they had actually been quite accepting of wild witches. Something about the whole story just feels off. I know witches and demons can sometimes act differently from humans…" asserted Kim.
"Isn't that the truth. After being here the last few weeks I can promise you humans are a thousand times more hateful and judgmental then you all are most of the time," spat Luz.
Kim just squoze her sister's hand in a reassuring way before continuing, "Can argue that Lu, but it seems weird that anyone, especially a group that was actually being left alone, would strike out at the government that was treating them pretty fairly all things considered. I know that it only takes one crazy person to cause a tragedy, trust me human history can prove that, but it just doesn't sound right. Combine that with the other oddness around it and I don't think the story is complete or parts of it have been changed."
Willow and Gus looked aghast at what their friends were saying, but they couldn't help the fact that they had a point. Willow continued to ponder, but Gus said firmly, "Ok I'll play along. My dad is the head reporter for the Isles and his mentor was the head reporter from back then. She was actually a really nice lady the times I met her, and I can guarantee that she would have reported the story without any kind of tampering. What other oddness are you talking about, maybe there is something I can help explain away."
This time Luz answered, "So somehow a mysterious wild witch that has never been identified managed to get in and out of one of the most heavily guarded places on the Isles, alone. Managed to injure the Emperor, someone widely believed to be so powerful he is nigh untouchable, and single handaly causes the disappearance of three members of the royal family. I know magic can do a lot of things, but making three people disappear without a trace given the resources of the Emperor if he wanted them to be found, it just seems… odd." Luz actually cracked a grin, "Actually I find it much more believable that the Emperor could have made them disappear himself a lot easier then some random witch could, but even I have to admit that's ridiculous."
Willow and Gus looked as white as sheets, but Gus said, "Well there were a few guard deaths that are usually not covered in the retelling, but beyond that I've got nothing."
Kim pushed on ahead as if Gus didn't speak, "Given the general strength of the guards that were at the Conformatorium I could almost believe that they could have bungled up badly enough to make the story plausible at least from their part of it, but I find it hard to believe that they are a good measuring stick in this case. Wraith seemed kinda incompetent to be honest. Also the Emperor has to have seen the assailant if he was really hurt as bad as reported, and I can't imagine why he wouldn't put their face on every wanted poster and report afterwards since they attacked his wife and kids. Leading me to believe that either he never actually ran into them or he's protecting them for some reason. Most likely the first one since the other is impossible given that we know that he put Eda on a wanted poster and they are actually family. Which causes a new problem. It would mean that the assailant managed to slip past the Emperor completely undetected in his own home."
Willow finally spoke up, "Now that's a terrifying thought. Clearly you two have put a lot of thought into this. I can't say that you don't bring up some good points, but why does this bother you both so much? If you're right, why hasn't anyone else brought up these concerns before?"
"For Kim I guess it's just the mystery of the whole thing," Luz said as Kim made an awkward smile. "She thinks too much, and unanswered questions tend to drive her insane until she can find an answer." Luz looked away as she said, "For me it's a bit different. I see how everyone treats Eda. Even you guys seem uncomfortable around her sometimes despite the fact that she has been nothing, but kind and welcoming to all of us. Her curse notwithstanding. I really look up to her, and the knowledge that such an odd story is being used as evidence that she's evil just rubs me the wrong way. It would be one thing if the story was solid and only had a few cracks or holes, but this story has holes big enough you could walk through them and never touch the sides. Maybe my respect for her is causing me to see things that aren't there. I just don't know." After Luz finished her thought everyone just gave her an understanding hug, and they walked in silence for a while, before returning to lighter topics.
Soon the friends arrived at the Covention center, and the twins got their first look at the scene before them. The place was packed with banners and booths of all kinds. Hanging proudly from the sealing were the symbols for the main covens, and they could see numerous copies of the poster they had at home depicting the silver bear mask scattered throughout. It seemed to the twins that the whole of Bonesborough had come out, and despite an undercurrent of sadness the whole place seemed to radiate a feeling of excitement and celebration. The group of four spent a few hours just walking the floor, and checking in on different booths with seemed to each represent a different major or minor coven. They got cupcakes from the baking coven, and even got to pet a variety of different creatures at the small cat, smallest cat, and pupper covens. Eventually they started visiting specific booths that caught their eye, like Gus led them to the Illusionists coven for a show, and the plant coven booth. Which they didn't get too close to since they saw an older witch there that made them uncomfortable by the name of Snapdragon. When they got to the healing coven booth they found a pair of familiar faces.
"Hey there Skara, and it's nice to see you Amity. Are you enjoying the Covention?" asked Kim.
At the sound of Kim's voice Skara blushed, but managed to hide it well as she said, "Ya this place is always a blast. How about you all?"
"Yep fun behind every corner around here, and some of the booths even have coven heads or high ranking witches running them which is extra cool," beamed Luz which made Amity blush slightly as well.
"Speaking of which, if you haven't seen the bard coven booth yet, we are actually heading there next. If you wanted to join us that would be fine. I heard Raine Whispers was heading it this year," sqweeed Skara leading to a blush from Kim.
"Who's Raine Whispers?" asked Luz.
"They are the current number two of the bard coven and there are rumors that they are going to be named the next head soon when the current one steps down," stated Amity before revealing a cat-ish grin. "They are also Skara's idol. She's been trying to meet them for years." Skara gave her friend a scandalized look, but said nothing. Amity just laughed at her friend as the six of them headed toward the bard booth.
When they got close everyone got their first look at Raine. They were a middle aged witch of light brown complexion and teal hair with white streaks near the bottom, and they looked bored. To Luz and Kim it seemed that there wasn't a lot of traffic around their booth, but whether that was the problem or if it was the fact that the majority of its visitors were very young and clearly didn't have the maturity to take it seriously was unclear. Raine did seem to brighten up when they noticed the sizable group of teens as they came up, and said hello.
"Welcome to the bard booth. Do we have any aspiring bards among us? I have just about any instrument you can think of close at hand," said Raine with a warm smile.
"Ya Skara here is the top student in the bard track at Hexside. She's amazing," gushed Kim, making Skara blush behind her. "And while I'm a bit too shy to really be very good, my sister Luz has a lot more talent."
As Raine took a closer look at Skara a look of recognition appeared on their face, "Skara Sharp, right? I know your parents. They have a keen ear, and make some great instruments." They then whispered to them conspiratorially, "Not very creative though when it comes to actually playing them though." They gave Skara a wink, "If you're half as talented as your friend claims though we could look into a mentorship. I'd need to hear what you've got in a more official capacity though first, and I'm not making any promises. I have high expectations. It's one of the reasons I don't have any students right now." Skara looked like she was about to pass out from excitement. Raine then shifted their attention to Luz, "So what track are you in at Hexside Luz?"
Luz laughed, "Actually I'm not currently attending any of the magic schools. Kim is in the Healing track, but I'm undecided. I guess you could say I'm in an exclusive mentorship. I've never really tried Bard magic, but I did learn the guitar for fun."
Raine looked at Luz quizzically before drawing a spell circle and summoning a fairly plain looking guitar, "Well why don't you give it a try. Who knows maybe you have the spark of an artist."
Luz shot Kim a 'I can't believe you're making me do this' look before she took the offered guitar and sat down nearby. At first she was going to play a song she knew from the human realm, but decided against it. Luz wasn't sure the Isles were ready for human music, but then she remembered the song Eda had played the night before and started playing that. The effects were nearly instantaneous as everyone became enraptured by the song, except Raine who had a look of fear, love, and confusion. After a few more seconds they couldn't help themselves but join in on their violin. For Kim, Skara, Gus, Willow, and Amity the world seemed to fall away, and they were transported into the world that the music was creating. A world of love and melancholy.
When the duo finished Raine let a single tear escape their eye as they asked softy, "Who taught you that song? There are only two people who should know it, and I certainly didn't teach it to you." With a pleading look they asked, "You mentioned a mentor. Please tell me the truth. Is it Eda? Did my Muse teach you that song?"
Before Luz could answer, another middle aged woman came walking over. She was pale and lith wearing a black floor length dress with a diamond shaped gem adorning her chest. She had mint colored eyes and long straight dark-navy hair. Despite that Luz immediately knew who she must be, but she just sat there stunned as she looked upon Lilith Clawthorne.
"Good morning Amity, Mrs. Sharp. I knew I heard something familiar. I've been trying for years to get Raine here to play that song for me, but they always adamantly refused. I don't know how you did it, but great job my young apprentice," said Lilith with the slightest of grins. Raine just looked away embarrassed.
Nobody was paying any attention to Luz until the exterior windows high up on the walls around the room suddenly shattered into the room, letting in a frigid gale. The air in the room suddenly became palpably charged with crackling energy, and the ground beneath them started to rumble ever so slightly. All around the room witches and demons began evacuating the Covention center, except those around the bard booth. They stood in shock as they looked into the rage filled face of Luz. Luz's eyes were glowing once more and around her hands were arcing lightning and scorching flame. Her attention was locked firmly on Lilith as she started taking slow steps in her direction. The ground beneath each step seemed to crack and bubble with each step. Everyone just looked on too stunned to move until they heard words slowly leak from between Luz's clenched teeth, "Lilith Clawthorne. You have a lot of gal showing up before us. We know what you did. I know how you failed her. You have committed an unforgivable sin, and it is time you paid for it." As everyone watched Lilith was blown back by an immense gust of wind that also sent any booths in its path sailing away. As Luz continued the walk she snapped her hand up into the air and then drove it downward causing a fork or lightning to coalesce above Lilith and then come thundering down on her kneeling form.
Luckily Lilith managed to throw up a shield just in time, but it didn't seem to absorb all of Luz's attack. As she tried to recover Lilith yelled out, "I don't know who you are or what you think I did, but you are going to stop this unprovoked attack this instant or I will be forced to make you."
Luz gave out an unamused mirthless laugh before she screamed, "Unprovoked? Stop ME! Eres ingenua sin corazón (You heartless witch). I am Luz Nocada and I will be but the first of many when everyone hears what you did." To punctuate her word Luz sent forth a stream of azure and purple flames directly at Lilith.
With great difficulty Lilith used a pair of spell circles to catch the flames and shot them away harmlessly out one of the destroyed windows. Lilith then fired a light blue beam of magic at Luz. Luz effortlessly caught the beam with a shield of light, absorbed it, and sent it back at Lilith in the form of an amethyst snake of power. As it collided with Lilith it sent her flying into the amphitheater where the Emperor's coven had been planning to give a special show.
During the whole fight Raine and the quintet of witchlings just watched with faces of horror, wonder, and worry. By the time Luz managed to enter the amphitheater they had all collected themselves enough to move under their own power, and as one they looked at Kim for some kind of answer. At Kim's face of abject terror and confusion they all looked away, and started running toward where they could hear the fight still going on.
Now in a completely open space Luz's aura seemed to rise and pour off of her in a purple glow that seemed to evaporate into stars as it left her. Unlike last time she had lost control, this time her hair had clearly grown to reach the tops of her shoulders, her fangs grew to be visible, and her eyes were now pools of pitch with only her glowing amber irises to give off any light. Luz seemed to almost float as the continued her slow approach toward Lilith. As she felt Luz's approach Lilith struggled to rise, and once she did she shakily made her staff appear. "I'll give you credit, Ms. Noceda. You are the first person to push me like this since I was named Head Witch of our Emperor's coven, but I have had enough. I have humored this temper tantrum long enough. Stand down, NOW," stated Lilith with a roar, as she began charging her magic for her next attack.
Luz just continued to look down at Lilith. She appeared to be so consumed by her rage she didn't even try to respond anymore. Luz just flicked her hand up suddenly with her palm to the ceiling, and from beneath Lilith sprang dozens of thorny vines that quickly wrapped up the older witch and cocooned her. Once that was done Luz simply snapped her hand into a fist sending chunks of stone from the floor and seats to fly toward the cocoon, and form a second layer onto it before it began to slowly shrink and compress itself.
This was the scene that Raine and the quintet of witches walked into. As they watched blue creaks of energy appeared on the cocoon of stone, and before their eyes Lilith came charging at Luz with all the power she could and looking like a blue commit. It was over in seconds, even with all her power Luz managed to swat Lilith away like a bug back into the area floor. As they watched a barely conscious Lilith looked up into Luz's face and said with as much conviction as she could, "Who? Who have I hurt so badly that I have earned this treatment? I can't think of anyone. If I'm going to die here I deserve to know why?"
"Even with your last breaths you seem determined to lie. I can't even tell if you are doing it intentionally at this point. So as your last request I'll tell you," seethed Luz. "Edalyn Clawthorne, your little sister. She looked up to you. She wanted to be like you. Stand beside you, and you cursed her. You trapped her in a cycle from which she had no way to escape. You doomed her to slowly lose herself to a beast. To feel her powers slip away from her like smoke through her fingers. You gladly agreed to hunt her like an animal for years. As an older sister your very existence sickens me. We have ONE job. ONE amazing, all consuming, herculean task to perform before we breathe our last breath, and it is to be there for our little sisters." Lilith looked up into Luz's eyes with shame, and could say nothing. "You are a failure. You could have been the wind that helped Eda soar higher than anyone before her, but instead you clipped her wings so that you could make yourself feel superior for a few seconds." With her fist clocked and radiating with power Luz drove it down with all her strength next to Liliths head, causing a distinct crater. "I wish I had the right to wipe you from the face of the Isles, but your fate is not mine to decide. That right belongs only to Eda, but so help me if you ever appear before me again. I will personally help you find out if hell exists, even if I have to join you there to do it." With her task done Luz turned and walked away. As she did Lilith just laid there unable to move or refute anything the young latina said. Once Luz finally rejoined her friends, she stumbled and all the rage and power that had been pouring off of her seemed to disappear like it had never been there to start with, but before she gave into the waiting arms of her own exhaustion she smiled at her sister and said, "Kimmy, I'm kinda tired. Can we just head on home now?"
"Sure sis. That sounds fine to me," said Kim with tears in her eyes.
"Don't worry everyone I've got her, and I'll help you get her back to the Owl House," promised Raine in a whispered tone. Kim, Gus, and Willow just looked at them thankfully as they made their way back. For a moment Skara seemed torn, but one look at her devastated friend told her that she had to stay with her. Amity needed her support.
After everyone else left Amity and Skara slowly made their way down to where Luz had left Lilith. They kneeled next to her, and used what limited first aid magic they knew on the older witch. Soon she was conscious but very sore and exhausted. They just sat there in silence for what felt like hours before Amity broke it with one question, "Is it true?" Lilith's continued silence spoke for itself, but Amity waited anyway. She needed to hear it.
Lilith eventually whispered in a voice dripping with shame, "Yes. It's all true."
Amity just looked at the witch she had respected most in the world. The witch she had seen as more of a mother then her own mother was, and she began to softly weep. As she did, Amity managed to choke out, "Ms. Lilith, thank you for being my mentor, but we are done. I can't trust you anymore. I can't find it in me to hate you, but I can not continue to be your student. I thought… I thought you were different, but in the end you're just as bad as mother. I need to go make sure everyone is ok, so goodbye and good luck with whatever you do next." Amity stood up, and with Skara next to her to provide support they walked away leaving Lilith laying on the ground alone. It wasn't until the pair made it back into the wrecked main room that Amity asked Skara, "Do you know how to get to the Owl House? I want to make sure they all made it back safely."
Skara looked at her friend and sighed, "No, but I know how to find out." And with that Skara pulled out her scroll, and the duo made their way to where they knew they had to go.
The walk to the Owl House was a silent one for Raine and their young companions for most of the trip, but when the silence got to intrusive Raine asked, "So you all know who I am, but I didn't get a chance to get to know much about any of you before things… happened."
Gus spoke up first, "My name is Augustus Porter. You can just call me Gus. I'm in the illusions track. My dad is Perry Porter."
Willow sighed, "I'm Willow Park, plant track. You probably don't know either of my dads since neither of them went to Hexside or are exactly high ranking in their covens."
"Just because I don't know them doesn't mean I wouldn't like to in the future. Plant track can be kinda rough. Just between us I'm rooting for you to be extraordinary. It's a little selfish, but I've only met you today and I can already tell I prefer you to Terra. She's kinda sadistic, so it's not saying much, but it's true." Raine's comments made Willow start laughing despite herself. "So I know this is an unfair question to ask right now, but has anything like today happened before? I can understand why she did it to an extent, but I've never seen magic like that before," Raine asked Kim.
"I've never seen anything like that before either. I've seen her lose her temper before, quite a few times in fact, but she's never done anything like that. It must be something that only started since we came to the Isles," asserted Kim, clearly still terrified for her sister.
That's when everyone heard a voice from Raine's back. Luz's eyes weren't open, and she didn't seem fully coherent. "Not true baby K. After the beast incident… Aunt Eda and I were talking… told me about scumbag… I got mad and took control of the storm… Aunt Eda gave me a hug… she gives good hugs… calmed me down." They waited for her to continue, but when she remained quiet they figured she must have passed back out.
Willow perked up, "Actually I think I saw something similar once. Kim remember back on the day we met, when you had that panic attack and your magic went weird? I think they might be related. Bile Overloads can cause some unique things to happen, and strong emotion is one of their common triggers."
They suddenly heard Luz again, "Yay Willow… she's so smart." Luz shifted and got a mouth full of hair that she immediately tried to spit out, but she was having trouble. Kim gave a slight chuckle as she walked over and helped her sister. "Thanks Kimmy… your the best. Stupid long hair… does it look good?"
"You make it look good Luz," laughed Gus.
"Dam… straight Gustavo… maybe I'll keep it… attract me a… cutie boy… or a girl… I'm not picky," Luz slowly stated, with a grin, but when she did she felt her new fangs. "Mouth feels funny… do I have fangs now?" Luz chuckled to herself, "Maybe I'll sneak a kiss… on Amity… give her a hickey." After that Luz really did pass back out, and began to snore quietly.
Everybody blushed at Luz's words for one reason or another, and then Kim let out an exasperated sigh, "Ugh I thought she was over that after we saw her bully you Willow. I'm sorry. I guess she has a type. It's really annoying."
Willow gave a hearty chuckle, "It's fine Kim. I get it. There was a time… Anyway I wish Luz luck. It's not my secret to tell, but Amity's mom is a real monster."
"On hopefully a less awkward point, Kim you mentioned coming to the Isles. Where were you two before that?" asked Raine.
Kim sighed softly, "Well since you haven't turned us over to the scouts, and you seem to know Eda. I guess we can trust you. Up until a couple weeks ago my sister and I lived in the human realm with our mom, and we honestly thought we were human because up till some things happened after we got here our ears were round and we had never been able to do anything remotely magical. Due to some… unfortunate circumstances, we are kinda stuck here for the time being, but Eda offered to take us in and teach us magic in the meantime. I know that she and people like her have a bad reputation around here, but…" Kim started to tear up a bit. "Eda has been so nice and good to us. Knowone has ever treated us so well except our Mami. It's just not fair. She deserves so much better than this."
All of a sudden Raine felt the weight on their back disappear, and Luz suddenly reappeared with her arms wrapped around Kim in a reassuring hug. Luz still wasn't conscious, but even in her current state it was like she could feel that her sister was upset and she instinctively came to be there for her. Any doubts about the girl evaporated in that moment. Despite everything they had seen at the Covention center it was clear that Luz wasn't a threat like they had feared. After removing Luz from Kim, a process that was surprisingly difficult even with everyone's help, Raine returned them to their previous position, and everyone got back on their way.
As everyone entered the clearing by the coast that the Owl House sat in Hooty's head suddenly came shooting out of the ground with him hooting, "Hoot hoot. Welcome back friends." But when he saw Luz his expression immediately got dark, "Luz! What happened to my bestie? Who hurt you?"
"Hooty calm down. We will fill everyone in once we get inside," stated Kim warmly.
Hooty looked around at everyone before coming to a decision. "Ok I guess, but I'm telling Eda they are here," Hooty said, indicating Raine before disappearing again.
"Mx. Whispers it would probably be best if you let Kim try to explain things to Eda first. I don't know what kind of relationship you two have, but I don't think Eda would ever hurt her," stated Willow.
"Ya this is going to be awkward either way," sighed Raine.
They all heard an enraged roar come from the house's open door, "RAINE WHISPERS!!! What have you done to my kids!?" Eda came storming out of the house looking a little feathery, and to everyone's surprise there was a slight hint of color in her usually gray hair and she appeared a few years younger then the last time they had seen her. In one smooth powerful movement Eda took Luz from Raine's back and went stomping back into the house as she yelled over her shoulder, "Kiddo's inside. Raine you are staying outside the door, and so help me if you try to run or I find out you hurt my students; I'm feeding you to Hooty."
Raine blushed despite themselves. They had forgotten how hot Eda could be when she cared about someone or something, and they just did as they were told.
After Eda got Luz comfortable on the couch, and King refused to be removed from her presence, a decision he soon outwardly regretted as Luz began cuddling him like a plush, Kim filled in Eda on what had happened at the Covention center. Eda's face took on many expressions as the story unfolded. Embarrassment at hearing about how Luz chose to play 'Raine's Rhapsody' for them even if she didn't understand its significance, and pride at hearing how well they played it despite only hearing it once. Shock and fear at how Luz reacted to meeting Lilith, and then to her surprise Eda felt an immense amount of pride and appreciation at how hard Luz had fought for Eda's sake even if she disagreed that it was really her place to do so. After some hushed questions about how the rest of the teens were doing Eda finally relented and let Raine come join them.
To take everyone's minds off of current events Raine asked, "So Eda… you are looking a lot more vibrant then last I heard…"
Eda gave Kim a one armed hug and Luz a warm smile as she said, "Thanks to these little miracle workers I finally have an elixir that is helping reverse the damage of the curse. It's a slow process, but maybe someday soon I won't have to be a silver fox anymore. My magic is getting stronger too. If this keeps up I might be able to walk openly again without having to worry about getting caught. Suck it Owl beast."
Willow looked between the adults and grabbed Gus's shoulder as she said, "Well now that Kim and Luz are back home safe, we should probably be heading home. After the ruckus earlier our parents are probably worried about us. We hope Luz feels better soon, and we will see you tomorrow at school Kim."
But before the pair could reach the door there was a ruckus outside, and Hooty snaked his head around hooting, "We have two more visitors, Eda. They seem kinda young to be scouts." Hooty then opened the door to reveal a terrified Skara and infuriated Amity, currently being restrained in his tube-like body.
"Ugh let us go you stupid owl… tube… thing… ugh. Is anyone going to help us? I swear this is the last time I'm ever going to waste my time worrying about you two if this is the way I'm going to be treated," yelled Amity.
Kim looked over at Hooty and gave him a sweet smile, "You can let them go Hooty. I doubt they will start anything right now." Hooty let the girls go, and returned to his place on the door to return to keeping everyone safe. Once they were freed, Skara went to sit down next to Kim and Amity sat down on the floor with her back to the couch in front of Luz's head. "Thanks for coming to check on us. Luz is a little out of it right now so if she says anything weird, please just ignore her."
As soon as Kim finished her warning they heard Luz stir every so slightly and start sniffing the air and by extension Amity's hair. "Something smells like vanilla," Luz said with a smile, and everyone saw Amity start to blush.
Stifling a laugh, Skara said, "I see." She then turned to Kim and gave her a serious look, "Are you doing ok Kim? I know today got a little intense, but I hope you enjoyed your first Covention before that."
"Ya I'm fine. I'm just happy that nothing like that ever happened back on Earth," said Kim with a forced smile before she looked away. "I… I don't want you to think less of Luz for how she acted. Growing up I was never very strong so Luz had to always have to fight to protect me, and I guess that's just who she is now. A fighter, a protector, and my hero more often than I'd like to admit."
"Love you too, Kimmy cup," babbled Luz.
"She would do anything for the people she loves, and I guess that includes you, Eda," Kim continued. Her words made Eda feel warm inside again. "Unlike me, Luz has never seemed afraid to be herself even when it gets her hurt." Kim put on a small grin despite her misty eyes, "There was one time that she asked out one of the popular guys at our old school, sports star you know the type, and he didn't feel like just rejecting her was enough so he pushed her down three flights of stairs. Luckily she only broke her arm. Another time she asked out the head cheerleader Zoe, and she did something worse. She threatened to out her to the whole school."
"I don't understand what you mean by outing her," questioned Raine, looking a bit awkward.
"Don't worry. I'll take this Kim. The human realm can be a little backwards on some things. They don't have magic to allow non-heterosexual couples to have kids. Combine that with some of their religions and people just being hateful and/or jealous… it's not exactly the best place to be if you love 'the wrong people'. To be honest people have been abandoned by their families or killed for no other reason than being in love. It's sick, and given how blessed we are here it can be hard to believe but it's true." When Eda finished she noticed that Kim wouldn't look anyone in the eye, and everyone else just sat there unable to believe what they were hearing.
"No. I can't believe that anyone could be so hateful about something that someone can't help. You have to be lying," whispered Amity.
Kim rounded on Amity and wept as she stated coldly, "Sometimes it's even worse. I asked out the wrong girl a while back. Her brother didn't like that very much, and during lunch one day he got me away from everyone else. He was going to beat me down, and I don't know if he would have stopped till I was dead. If it wasn't for Luz fighting him off… I might not be alive today. When I said she was my hero it wasn't just me being nice."
Seeing how distraught Kim was, Skara reached out and held Kim's hand reassuringly. "I know we didn't meet under the best circumstances, but I promise you. You will never have to deal with anything like that again here." Skara gave Kim's hand a gentle squeeze, "I won't let it. I know we aren't exactly friends, but I'd really like it if we were."
Kim looked at Skara before wrapping the bard in a thankful hug and whispering in her ear, "I think I'd like that too."
Amity watched it all and felt shame crawling up her back, and in that moment she made a choice. Quietly she got up and made her way over to Willow and whispered, "Willow can we talk for a minute. I know I don't deserve the chance, but there is something I need to tell you."
Willow looked conflicted, but something in Amity's eyes told her she needed this, "Ok Amity, but this is the last time. This better be important." Amity just nodded and together they left and moved to the side of the house, but despite how ready Amity believed she was the words wouldn't come out. When she realized she was about to make the same mistake again, her back hit the wall, and she slowly sank into a sitting position and started to clutch her knees as she hid her face. Willow just looked at Amity and she silently cursed herself. She couldn't let anyone suffer like this, not even Amity. "Amity I don't know what this is about, but if it bothers you this much you don't have to tell me. It can't be that important. Let's just go back inside."
Amity raised her head as she laughed and Willow saw she was crying, "Once again Willow you prove why I never deserved you as a friend. You care for others. Even a completely irredeemable piece of slime like me. I don't know why it should surprise me. You've always been like that. When a poor little rich girl couldn't handle all the pressure her mommy dearest put on her, you reached out a hand and gave her a hug and a safe place. When she felt ignored or belittled, you reminded her that someone cared about her. That someone valued her as more than a tool or a trophy." Willow just sat there stunned. Amity got a manic look as she continued, "After always being there for me, and always being my best friend I was given one chance to be there for you, to stand up for you and I failed you. I'm sure you remember my birthday all those years ago. The day I told you I didn't want to be your friend anymore. What you don't know is that just before that my parents confronted me. They demanded that I cut all ties with you or they would do it themselves. They said that they would destroy your future. You would never be able to attend Hexside or any other school. We both know that if they wanted to, they could make sure your dads were relegated to nothing jobs, and starve your whole family slowly and that's if mother is feeling kind. You've seen who my monster of a mother is. She would think nothing of making you disappear. She might not even bother hiding it. She might have decided to murder you right in front of me just to prove she could. I couldn't take that chance so I did as I was told, but that wasn't enough. I had to prove I was just as large a monster, and I can't even blame that on them. I chose to constantly bully and degrade you. I destroyed your self worth piece by piece for years. Today just proved that. I was born of a monster. I trained under a monster. I will never be anything, but a pathetic monster. I am no better than the humans that tortured Luz and Kim."
Willow saw that Amity was finished. She didn't have the strength to say anymore on her own, but one question swam in Willow's head. "Amity, are you sorry for what you did?"
"Yes. There has not been a day that I haven't regretted sending you away. That I haven't regretted the fact that I was too weak to be your friend. I wish it mattered that I'm sorry, but we both know that it's too late for that," cried Amity.
It might have broken something in her to do it, but Amity had told her the truth. Willow had the person who had hurt her the most in front of her and suffering, and she couldn't find it in herself to hate her. It was Willow's turn to do something hard. Something she never thought she would be able to do before today. Willow reached out and wrapped Amity in a tight tender hug, and she whispered into her ear, "Then I forgive you. I don't know if we can be friends again after this, but I get the feeling that we are going to have to try. Family forgives each other, and you were the closest thing I ever had to a sister." At Amity's disbelieving face Willow could only give her a deadpan look, "I'm going to be perfectly transparent on this. For the good of everyone, I will try to put all of our baggage behind us. I will try, and I will be there to try to help you be a better witch going forward, but I'm not going to watch you backslide. If you do, I will walk away, and you will never see me again. Am I understood?"
Amity gave Willow a hopeful smile, "Yes Willow. I swear I'll change. I'll do better. Thank you."
"I'm not just doing this for you. Kim and Luz are my friends, and Skara isn't so bad deep down. She never actually took part in bullying anyone knowingly, and I can't blame her for not being able to stand up to Boscha on her own. Titan knows I couldn't until she threatened Kim. Skara proved that she was a good person when she chose to go with you when you left Boscha's toxic orbit. She saw her chance and she took it. I can respect that. Moreover I can't be the only one to see how badly Kim and her are crushing on each other," Willow stated like everything she said was obvious.
"Ok but why does any of that mean you have to try to help me. We both know I don't deserve it," asked Amity.
Willow just gave her an exasperated look, "Fine. I was going to not make a big deal out of it, but Titan dammit Amity. We were friends for years. Do you honestly think I can't see the way you look at Luz sometimes? Girl I might need glasses, but I'm not blind, and as much as it worries me Luz seems to find you alluring." Amity blushed from ear to ear. "If you can prove that you're not a bully, and manage to actually get out of your own way, you two might have a shot at being together. Ugh. I hate this already, but Amity you deserve to be happy. If I have to play matchmaker between the four of you I will. I'm not going to enjoy it, but I'll do it. Now come over here and give me a hug. I missed you Ami."
"I missed you two Will," said Amity with a heartfelt smile as she hugged her ex-best friend for the first of hopefully many times.
Back inside Gus had joined Kim and Skara on the far side of the room as they talked and got to know each other better. With all of the kids seemingly distracted, Raine took the opportunity to talk to Eda without having to worry about being overheard. "Eda I wasn't just being nice when I said you looked better then anyone has seen you be in years, and we both know that this new super elixir of yours is only part of the story. Being a mom suits you."
Eda gave Raine an incredulous look, "You can flirt all you want Rainstorm, but my decision stands. You have the potential to be someone out there. You can still make a difference, and I refuse to get in the way of that. I can't lie even now after all these years you still own a part of my heart, but being with me will only drag you down. Moreover those kids already have a mom, and I know she loves them with all her heart because despite everything that's happened I feel the same way. Somehow they found a way to make me love them, and it makes me sick because at the end of the day I'm nothing but a glorified kidnapper."
Raine actually laughed at that, "You have made up some whoppers in the past, but that might be the most impressive pile of guano you have ever come up with." Raine reached out and took Eda's hand in there's, "I got a chance to see how much they adore you today, and I'm not just referring to the show Luz put on. On the way here I got the chance to speak with the other three, and Kim loves you just as much as Luz does. Apparently you are their Aunt Eda. You are like family to them. That means something especially given who they might be."
"Ok Rainstorm you've lost me," deadpanned Eda.
"Eda, really. A mysterious pair of twin witches show up all of a sudden from the human realm, and start showing off magic and capabilities beyond imagination. You can't say you don't find that suspicious," said Raine with an incredulous look.
"Ok I'll throw you a bone. There are a lot of weird coincidences between them and the lost pair, but that's all they are, coincidences. Ok they share a birthday and are the right age, but there are thousands of kids in the human realm who do as well. They told me they don't have a dad, but that's because he died in the human realm four years ago. I can't explain why they are so powerful, but that could be the result of a thousand different things. Just because they remind me of Cammy with the things they do and say… it doesn't mean anything. I miss her that's all it is. Please Raine don't give me hope that they could still be alive. I made peace with there deaths a long time ago, and I can't go through that again," Eda pleaded.
"Ok my beautiful Muse. I won't bring it up again," said Raine as they pulled Eda into a loving embrace.
Willow and Amity returned soon after that, and since it was getting dark all of the visitors decided to head home. Before they went though Raine made it a point to tell everyone that if they ever needed help with anything they were only a call away. After a quick dinner Kim managed to guide Luz down to her bed so they could finally put that long day behind them, but as they lay in bed Luz called out to her sister, "Kim are you still awake?"
"Ya Lu. What's up?" answered Kim.
"I heard something ridiculous earlier, but I can't seem to get it off my mind," said Luz.
"Ok what was it? Maybe I can help to your mind at ease," stated Kim.
"Raine thinks we might be the lost princesses," Luz blerted.
Kim stayed silent for a minute while she processed the thought, but then she said, "Yup that's ridiculous for a lot of reasons. For now though I'm tired. We can discuss this in the morning if you want, but for right now try to push it out of your head."
"Ok. Thanks for hearing me out K. I love you. Good night," said Luz with a smile.
"Ya no problem Lu. I love you too. Night," answered Kim as she turned over, but while Luz fell asleep soon after the thought had infected Kim's every thought and she was stuck wondering, "What if…"
Another chapter done, and this one refused to let me focus on anything else until I finished it. It's wild just how hot and cold it can feel writing these stories sometimes, but that's enough of my complaining. On to the fun.
I hope everyone enjoyed how I handled Raine's introduction. I tried to make all the conversations feel like they were happening organically, but maybe I'm just not a reliable judge. Feel free to let me know what you think. One good thing about the first season of The Owl House is that I'm not starved for ways to keep the pace of the story from feeling too slow or bogged down. I think I've determined a good pace in story, and it's probably going to stay at this speed for the rest of what I would consider season one of this fic. I hope everyone is enjoying it so far. Thanks for reading and have a great night everybody.
