All characters from Disney and other properties are owned by their respectful owners. The OCs made here are written entirely for the story. Enjoy the fic.
Chapter 88: The Return of the Witches
Foxy-Gossip Present… BREAKING NEWS!
"What is up, my followers!" Felicia Fox spoke into her camera. "Have I got some juicy stories to tell you! It's the biggest breaking news story that'll knock your socks off!"
Imagines of Amity, Gus, Willow and Eve were shown. "After over a week, the missing Hexside Four have been finally found in an abandoned Tarot Guild safehouse! They were found thanks to the work of the local town hero Eda the Owl Lady!"
Footage was shown of Eda escorting Amity, Eve, Willow, and Gus out of a warehouse used for housing animals. Larry was also there with a team of coven guards to escort the witchlings and keep the crowd back. The four children were shown wearing worn and torn clothes while also looking very dirty.
"It's thanks to Eda's determination and efforts that these four are now safe and sound! Eda not only recently busted the evil organization, but has now succeeded in finding those witchlings before all hope was lost! Surely this is a great day for the Boiling Isles!"
Alador had been fixing up an Abomaton in his lab at the Abominations Coven when Gibson walked over to him.
"Alador, your father sent me to bring you some news," Gibson spoke to him.
"News?" Alador turned to him while Gibson held up a mirror.
"They found them," Gibson explained while showing the news of the discovery of Amity, Willow, Gus. and Eve. "Amity and Eve are safe!"
"Amity…" Alador ran up and snatched the mirror from Gibson, looking at the image of his daughter as tears fell from his eyes. "Thank Titan… you're safe!" He looked up to Gibson. "I need to see her immediately." He started to leave but Gibson held his hand out in front of him.
"Hold up, Al," Gibson told him. "I don't think that's a good idea right now. Things are still tense with your family right now and your daughter must be still shaken from her captivity… perhaps give her some space. Besides, you can't afford to be distracted from your work."
Alador looked down. "I suppose… but I have to talk to her again at some point."
"You will, my friend," Gibson said as he handed him a drink. "But take solace in knowing that she is alive and well. Here, don't forget your tea…"
"Thanks, Gibson," Alador replied, drinking the tea while his eyes flashed. "You know, it's nice to have someone around that isn't my folks."
"And I'm glad to be here," Gibson said with a nod, patting Alador's back. "After all… what are friends for?"
At the coven station precinct, the once-missing witchlings were now in clean clothes, each with a cup of hot cocoa in their hands. Walking up to them is Le'Belle, who had her mask off.
"Hi, I'm Le'Belle, captain-in-training," Le'Belle explained. "The Emperor's Coven has chosen me to get a statement from each of you about your capture by the Tarot Guild. Hopefully this shouldn't take too long, since I understand you'll want to be with your families as soon as possible. So with that in mind, I'll try to make this a speedy process." The four looked at each other. "So who's up first?"
Earlier that day…
Amity, Eve, Willow and Gus had gathered in the living room while Eda, now wearing an eyepatch, gave them instructions.
"Alright, listen up," Eda told them. "This is Operation: Scapegoat. Right now, the Emperor's Coven has no idea that you four were in the Human Realm and that we have a portal door and the key. It is important that they don't find out. So… in order to explain where you were, we're gonna pin the blame on the one organization that traffics witches… the Tarot Guild."
"Mom joined up with the League Of Witches That Helps to bust them at the Scal-Mart a few days ago," Luz explained. "The organization is currently in shambles, which makes them the perfect culprit to frame for 'abducting' you and we'll make it look like you were 'found' in one of their safehouses."
"Me and Raine thought hard on this, it'll be a little risky, but play your parts right and we'll make this out on the home stretch," Eda told them while holding up scripts. "Now… time for some acting."
Amity was in the interrogation room as she gave her statement to Le'Belle.
"Yes, it is true that I went up to the Knee and was looking for Titan's Blood only to find out that Eclipse's Lake was dried up," a saddened Amity explained. "But… when I started to head back… I got jumped by my captors and I had a panic attack since I was reminded of my previous mugging." She shivered slightly. "I don't know if they were Tarot Guild members trying to gain access to Titan's Blood or if they were coven scouts working for the Tarot Guild, it happened so fast…"
Eda contacted the Parks through a crystal ball.
"Eda," Harvey said, noticing Eda's eyepatch. "Are you a pirate now?"
"No, no, this is just… long story short, we found Willow, Gus, Amity and Eve," Eda states, shocking the two fathers.
"Willow?! Is she alright? And Gus and Amity?!" Gilbert asked.
"Yes, they're all alright," Eda reassured them, "They're in the Owl House and you will be able to see her very soon, but first, we'll have to go over something…"
Using a mirror, Luz contacted her allies to give them the heads up. This included Skara, Cat, Amelia, Viney, Jerbo, Barcus, Emira, Edric, Bo, and Matt.
"Hey guys, guess who we found," Luz said as she moved aside, showing Amity, Gus, Willow, and Eve as they waved at their friends and family.
"Oh my Titan, you guys are back!" Amelia exclaimed in shock.
"We missed you all so much!" Cat said while in tears.
"I'm so glad you're okay, you guys!" Skara exclaimed.
"Yeah," Matt said. "When I saw the door left, I was worried. But Morty and Summer assured me that you guys would be alright."
"Arf!" Barcus said.
"Barcus said that he's glad that you're alright, Eve," Jerbo replied.
"Yeah, I'm glad to be back," Eve said, smiling.
"We all are," Amity added. "It's really such a relief to see you guys again."
"You too, Amity!" Emira replied. "There's so much we have to talk about!"
"Yeah, and you have to meet my new girlfriend!" Edric mentioned.
"You have a new girlfriend?!" Amity asked in shock.
"Willow, thank the Titan you're back," Skara said while in tears. "I tried to keep it together and stay strong while you were missing, but seeing your face again is such a relief."
"I missed you too, Skara," Willow told her girlfriend. "I promise we'll be able to meet each other in person soon."
"So what happens now?" Bo asked.
"Yeah, will you guys return home?" Viney asked them.
"Actually, we're already cooking up a plan," Luz responded. "And we wanted to let you guys know about it ahead of time."
Lilith was on her own crystal ball with Odalia, telling her about Amity's return.
"She and the others are back?!" Odalia asked her.
"Yes," Lilith confirmed. "You don't have to worry about her anymore."
"Thank Titan that she's alright," Odalia responded with a sigh. "Thank you, Lilith. I owe you and your family a lot."
"You don't owe me anything," Lilith told her. "Amity's as important to me as she is to you. And she wouldn't be back without your help anyway."
Odalia smiled. "Still, thank you, again, Lilith," she said as Lilith smiled back. "And I think I would like to repay you sometime for bringing my daughter home, if you would allow it."
"Uh, what were you thinking?" Lilith asked, slightly nervous.
"Eating out, perhaps?" Odalia suggested.
"I'll… think about it," Lilith said.
"I didn't see who captured me at the time since they were wearing a hood, but this isn't the first time I have been kidnapped," Eve explained. "Comes with being a mystery solver…"
"Yes, we're familiar with your case, Ms. Slipknot," Le'Belle told her.
"I tried to escape but my captor took every precaution by having me blindfolded, tied up, and gagged. I never got a good look at them before they left me in a building all alone, occasionally coming to give me food and water but never letting me see their face…"
"Alright, now what are you going to tell them?" Raine asked the teens.
"I was jumped and they knocked me out," Amity said.
"One of them climbed into my room through my window," Eve recited.
"They kept us separated in our cages after that," Gus explained.
Meanwhile, Luz contacted Felicia via crow. "Hey, you up?"
"Luz?" Felicia asked in shock. "I thought you died in detention!"
"I'll worry about that rumor later," Luz responded. "Right now, I am in need of a favor and I think this will benefit you as well…"
Eda contacted Larry, who answered. "Eda? Whoa, what happened to your eye?"
"Well Larry, that's a long and traumatic story," Eda said. "And I'll spare you the details, because I need your help…"
"Me and Gus were heading home when they got the drop on us," Willow said while she and Gus were seated together. "We didn't even get the chance to fight back."
"They put us in these dark smelly cages and kept us locked up in that building… it was a very traumatic experience," Gus said while looking shaken, which wasn't an act. "I was so scared that… I didn't know when we would be saved or even if someone would save us…"
The four against a wall while King held Hooty in position.
"Alright, in order for you guys to look like you've been imprisoned for a week, we have to dirty you up," King said as Hooty opened his mouth.
"I ate a lot of dirt!" Hooty declared while the four looked scared.
"Just make it believable…" Amity said as she stood up straight.
"We're ready when you are!" Willow said with determination.
King patted Hooty who's started to spew the dirt on the witchlings. Acorn looked away in disgust as she watched.
"Why did I come here to see this?" Acorn asked herself.
"Alright, I think that settles it," Le'Belle said after she finished interviewing each of the kids. She smiled at them. "Thank you for your patience. Would you like to see your families now?"
"Yes, we'd love to!" Amity said as the others stood up.
The four were brought out to see their families: Geist, Edric, and Emira Blight, Gilbert and Sully Park accompanied by Willow and Gus's Palismen, and Eve's parents, the Slipknots, who appeared to be even more gothy than her. Her dad was shown to have long black and white hair, a muscular body in a black vest and pants, with his arms covered in tattoos. Her mom was shown to have long black and red hair, pale skin with piercings on her nose and ears, and a dark red gown. Seeing their families got the four kids to rush over in order to reunite with them
"Ed! Em! Uncle Geist!" Amity shouted as she hugged her older siblings, who hugged her back.
"We're so glad that you're safe!" Emira cried out while in tears.
"Welcome back, sis!" Edric cheered.
"It's so good to have you back, Amity," Geist said as he cried the most when hugging his niece.
Both of Willow's fathers were in tears as they hugged both Willow and Gus. "We're so glad that you two are safe and sound!" Gilbert declared.
"So are we, Dads," Willow replied while managing to pet Clover despite the tight hug she was in.
"Yeah, glad to be back," Gus said while looking over at Emilie, smiling to his Palisman in relief.
"Daddy!" Eve shouted as she went to hug her father.
"EVIE!" Eve's dad cried as well as he hugged his daughter, both in tears.
Eve's mom went over and patted them both on the back. "Are you ready to go home, Eve?" she asked as Eve hugged her mom.
"Y-yes," Eve managed to say after hearing the words she had been hoping to hear for over a week.
After Eve went home with her parents, the trio of Amity, Gus, and Willow decided to go to the Pour-Ta-Geist with Geist, the Parks, and the Blight twins.
"Alright, we're here," Geist said.
"You're closed today?" Willow asked, noticing a sign.
"Closed for the public, this is something more… private," Emira said as she opened the door for them.
Once they went in, they were all surprised to see their friends there.
"Welcome back!" Luz, King, and Eda along with Skara, Bo, Amelia, Cat, Viney, Jerbo, Barcus, and Matt declared, having set up a surprise party for their friends even if that meant missing a day of school.
"Willow!" Skara cried as she ran up to hug Willow while in tears. "I-I-I'm so glad that you're ba-a-a-ack!" she sobs.
"Me too," Willow said while hugging her girlfriend back, gently stroking her hair as she calmed her down.
"I missed you so much!" Skara admitted.
"I know and it's okay, Skara. I'm here now," Willow said, managing to hold back her own tears.
Gus, meanwhile, went up to Matt and grabbed his hand, squeezing it firmly before the two boys embraced each other. "Hey man, Luz told me about how you helped her make the portal door. I really owe you one."
Matt smiled. "I'm just happy I was able to help," he said. "Welcome back."
Amity quickly found herself hugged by both Amelia and Cat, all three girls overjoyed to see each other again.
And so it went like that for a while, everyone exchanging hugs and kind words.
It was good to be home.
Later, everyone was seated in booths as they caught up with their formerly missing friends.
"And that's how we found out that Eve was in Gravity Falls," Amity said as she, Gus, and Willow recounted their experiences in the Human Realm.
"Wow, you guys really went through a lot," Jerbo commented.
"Honestly, I got lucky to meet a very nice group of humans and the guardian of the Human Realm's magic community," Willow explained. "Oh, and a teenage ninja superhero. I wouldn't have been able to get back without them. Instead I would…" She paused briefly, frowning. "Uh, nevermind that."
Gus was showing the photos he took in Vegas to Bo, Matt, Amelia and Cat. "This is where I ended up in, a place called Last Vegans. It is filled with automatized rising water sprinklers, peacock bipeds, and grimwalkers of some famous singer. They also have humans called magicians who pretend to do magic."
"Wow… the human world is a flashy place…" Bo said,
"This place called Last Vegans may be exhilarating, but wait until you hear what this town called Echo Creek has… a mysterious mud pit!" Amity said in a spooky-like manner.
"Wow, mud pit…" Emira said. "Tell us more?"
"Well it's-" Amity turned toward Emira and for some reason she saw a glowing aura around her… and Viney. "Uh…"
"What?" Viney asked her in confusion.
"Um, nothing…" Amity said in confusion. She felt a fry poking her cheek and she turned to Luz.
"Thought my lovely hot sweet potato would like a sweet potato fry," Luz offered, which made Amity smile.
"Thanks, I'd love that," Amity replied, taking a bite out of the fry.
Back at the Owl House, Acorn was flying around the hall when she was confronted by Hooty. "Hello, friend!"
"Fuck!" Acorn flew back, startled. "You better not try to eat me again, or else you're gonna get it!"
"I may not understand you, but I can tell you that since you're Amity's friend, I won't eat you!" Hooty said while Acorn flew around him. "Where are you going? We can play games!"
"Fuck off, you bird worm!" Acorn flipped Hooty off as she continued flying
Hooty frowned before noticing Star looking around. "Hey, Star! Since you are the new guest here in the Owl House, I wish to welcome you!"
"Yeah, that's nice," Star replied as she looked around. "Is there anything to eat around here?"
"Of course, try the kitchen!" Hooty answered as Star walked toward the kitchen. "So what's your interests? Got a favorite color? Hoot, maybe a love interest you have an eye on, hoot-hoot?" He nudged his eyelids, which creeped Star out.
"Would you please leave…" Star said, sounding irritated.
"But I just wanna welcome you and be your friend!" Hooty said while Star rushed into the kitchen.
"I don't need you as a friend!" Star shouted at Hooty, who backed away from her outburst. "Now where do you keep your food?" she said as she looked around, going under the table.
"Well, I guess next time! See ya later, hoot!" Hooty made his leave just as Camila comes in.
"What was that about?" Camila asked, seeing Star looking through the kitchen.
"Don't know, don't care what the tube bird wants," Star said while looking in a cauldron. "Where do you keep your food?"
"Um… the fridge and pantry?" Camila pointed out. "Do you need help, Star?"
"I'm fine, just… where's the fridge?" Star asked which concerned the woman.
"Let me just show you," Camila said as she walked over, helping Star out.
Eventually, she managed to cook some food for Star. "I think I've found the ingredients to make some fritos, if that is something you can digest…"
"Honestly, I'll eat about anything, so it's no worries, ma'am," Star she said while rubbing her own gloved hand.
Camila noticed this, but rather than address it, she decided to use this as a chance to get to know Star better. "So um, what do you usually eat?"
"Well, back home I would eat whatever I could manage to get," Star explained. "Bugs, birds, eggs, stolen royal corn, and anything else I could hunt."
"Oh." Camila couldn't help but be reminded of Luz. "So… what can you tell me about your home? What's it like there?" she asked.
Star looked away. "Well… I guess it was similar to this realm, being all magic and stuff. Except it was a lot less… fleshy, and more like say… a fairy tale book."
"Oh, that sounds like a nice place," Camila replied.
"Except it isn't," Star told her. "It is a kingdom built on lies, deceit, and corruption. The Monsters on Mewni were forced out of their homes thanks to the Butterfly family. In fact, we even had our own version of Belos there… the evil Queen Moon."
"Oh my… she sounds horrible," Camila said.
"She was pretty much a mad tyrant," Star responded. "Technically, the Monsters were ruled over for generations by the Avarius family, who got their royalty status thanks to Mewman influence. But they were nothing more than puppet rulers and pawns of the Butterfly family, not to mention terrible people, while most Monsters still lived in terrible poverty. But even that wasn't enough for Moon." Her fists tightened.
"What did she do?" Camila asks her.
Star looked down. "Conflict between Mewmans and Monsters escalated to the point where she restarted the Solarian soldier program, which had originally been created by Solaria Butterfly in her attempts to eradicate every Monster on Mewni. The program was discontinued because of how it drove its soldiers mad to the point of death. But Moon decided that restarting it was necessary to put an end to the war, even if it meant hurting her own people…"
Camila looked shocked. "That queen sounds a lot like Angel…"
"She was," Star responded while looking down at gloved hand. She thought about her connection to Moon… but she wasn't ready to talk about that.
Inside Eve's room, a rabbit Palisman was sleeping on Eve's bed. Eve came bursting through the door.
"I'm home!" Eve announced, startling her Palisman. "Hi, Cereal! Guess what? I'm back!" she said happily as she jumped onto her bed. "Ah… my nice, lovely bed… oh how I've missed you!"
Cereal twitched her nose as she walked over to Eve and nudged her with her head.
"I missed you too, Cereal," Eve said, patting the rabbit Palisman. "This is the best day ever…"
"Eve, your friends are here!"
Hearing her mom, Eve launched herself up. "The gang's here! Oh how I've missed them!"
She ran out of her room and spotted Linkin, Sioux, Korn and the Cerberus Sisters downstairs.
"Eve, you're really back!" Korn cheered.
"Guys!" Eve shouted as she ran down the stairs, only to trip. She yelped as she almost hit the stairs if not for Sioux using her magic to have her levitate up the air. Eve blinked as she was brought safely down the stairs. "Thanks, Sioux, really appreciate it."
"It's no big, thank Loki that you're alright," Sioux told her.
"Like dude, we've been so worried and demoralized over your disappearance that we have been overeating," Korn said.
"To clarify, only we and Korn were overeating," Blondie corrected as Eve hugged them.
"I have missed you guys so much!" she said as she hugged the sisters, then Korn, then Sioux, and then finally Linkin. "Now that I'm back, we can go around and solve mysteries on a daily-to-weekly basis!" she said before silence fell over the room. "What? What's… wrong?"
"Eve… the Shadowy Secret Expozers have broken up," Linkin said, shocking her.
"What?!" Eve exclaimed. "Since when?"
"Since two days ago when we tried to investigate this new villain known as the Grim Goblin," Sioux explained.
"But he was one crazy SOB," Korn mentioned.
"Oh… well, no problem then," Eve reassured them. "You didn't have me then, but since I'm back, you have a full team again and things can go back to normal!" She looked at her friends, who all looked down and shifted awkwardly. "What?"
"Yeah… about that…" Sioux scratched her chin.
"The reason why we broke up isn't because we got cold talons," Korn explained. "It is because we honestly blamed ourselves for your disappearance."
"We've been bad friends…" Patty added.
"What? No, you guys aren't…" Eve told them.
"We were looking into something we weren't supposed to and you went missing as a result," Linkin pointed out. "Since then, we got a wake-up call that this has gotten way too dangerous."
"Guys, I was captured by the Tarot Guild, my kidnapping has nothing to do with our mysteries," Eve insisted.
"But the journal you had also went missing along with you," Sioux pointed out.
"Yeah, there's no way it's not connected," Linkin said, nodding.
"But guys, I'm fine…" Eve reassures them.
"Yeah, you're fine now… but you could have very easily not been," Korn pointed out.
"You could've gotten seriously hurt, like more than usual, just like how we almost got hurt by the Grim Goblin," Cyndi pointed out. "So the most rational choice is to stay away from danger and mysteries in order to keep you safe. And that means no more looking into who Philip-"
"But Philip has nothing to do with why I was taken!" Eve insisted again.
"Is there something you're not telling us, Eve? Cause I can smell that you're holding out something," Patty said with her eyebrow raised.
"Yeah, what aren't you telling us?" Linkin asked.
Eve sighed. "Look guys, I wish I could tell you but I can't."
"Why not?" Korn asked.
"Well, It's just that you could get in a lot of serious trouble just by knowing," Eve said while rubbing her own arm. "I'm sorry guys, but this is for your own safety…"
Linkin looked at Eve and nodded. "I see, one of those 'if we knew, we die'-types of secrets… very well, this furthers cements that this whole thing was too dangerous. The team's shut down… indefinitely."
Eve's eyes widened. "Hey, there's no need to be drastic! If I hadn't been missing-"
"Eve, what happened to you was our fault," Linkin said. "And it is the last time that we want to put you in danger."
"Come on, I get myself in trouble on a daily basis, this is an overreaction and-" Eve saw them looking away, now upset. "Okay look, we don't have to solve every mystery and maybe some mysteries can be left alone for a good reason… but hey, if we're not solving mysteries anymore, it doesn't mean we can't still hang out."
The other considered that while looking at each other.
"I guess we can try that…" Linkin said.
"Yeah," Korn said in agreement. "Like, just hang out and drink all the coffee brew we want without having to solve any mysteries."
"I suppose we can give that a try," Blondie said.
"Yeah, I'm down for it," Patty said.
Sioux sighed. "Yeah, we don't have to solve mysteries just to hang out. We're already tight friends."
"Don't worry, guys, I'm sure that we'll manage to go through this, mystery solving or not," Eve said, happy that everyone had come to an agreement.
"Is that why they split up?" Amity asked Emira who nodded.
"Yeah, the Grim Goblin shook them up real bad," Emira said with a saddened look. "We still don't know who he really is but LOWTH is investigating him as we speak."
"I'm still surprised that you burned the Plant Head's face, Luz," Willow commented.
"The old crone had it coming," Luz told her.. "But hey, at least you guys are now caught up to speed."
"Yeah," Gus said with a sigh. "We've missed so much while we were gone. Eda's now a local town hero, you fought Nina in a brutal witch duel, and you ended the Inner Demon's control over Puck…"
"And Boscha," Amity said, looking down. "I didn't think her situation got worse, especially with her parents."
"Don't worry, she's getting the help she needs," Skara assured her. "She's doing a lot better now thanks to Simon's family, and she's been spending time with Ms. Traveler."
"Well, that's good news," Amity said while looking over to Emira and Edric. "Um, so you guys know that Odalia's involved in this, right?"
"Yeah, Luz already told us about it, and who Belos is," Edric responded while his sister looked away. "Emira didn't take it well."
Emira shut her eyes. "I told Luz that she can't trust that woman with anything."
"Emira, I said I was sorry," Luz told her. "It wasn't an easy choice, but it was mine and Aunt Lilith's decision and she did come through to help us out."
"I understand, but it doesn't mean I can agree with you," Emira said sternly while Amity and Edric looked concerned for their sister.
"Come on, Em," Edric said. "You know Luz-"
"Hi, Ed!"
Everyone turned to see Mel, who had shown up out of nowhere.
"Mel? What are you doing here?" Ed asked.
"Yeah, this is supposed to be a private party," Matt said.
"Oh I just let myself in," Mel said while walking up to the table and turning to Amity. "Hi! You must be Amity, my name's Mel, Ed's girlfriend!"
"O-Oh, nice to meet you," Amity said, shaking Mel's hand.
"Likewise," Mel responded with a smile. "I've heard so much about you from my dear Eddy. I love what you did with your hair…"
"Um, thanks," Amity replied, feeling a sense of deja vu. "So how did you two meet?"
"Speed dating," Edric explained. "We hit it off and she later came to visit while you were missing, since she heard about your disappearance and she wanted to help cheer me up. We started hanging out and, well, things just kinda happened."
Mel then turned to Edric, patting his shoulders. "If you don't mind, I'd like to steal your brother for a little bit," she said while pulling Edric from the table.
"I'll see you guys around!" Edric waved while walking with Mel to the door.
"See ya, Ed!" Amity waved as she saw them leave. She turned to her sister. "So Ed really has a new girlfriend? Wow, I really missed a lot."
"Yeah," Emira said. "I don't really know a lot about her, but she seems cool. I was kinda focused on my own stuff last week, but I am glad that Ed was able to move on from you-know-who."
Amity nodded and after Emira left to help Geist bring out some more food for everyone, Amity turned to Luz. "I hope that Odalia didn't give you much trouble in your time pool adventure."
"Actually, she was very cooperative," Luz responded. "Like, I see a whole different person."
"Really?" Amity asked. She looked down. "I'm… I'm still not sure about her yet. I don't know whether to talk to her or not."
Luz hesitated before answering. "Well… maybe you should give her a chance."
Amity looked up at Luz in surprise. "Really?"
"Ams, if experience has taught me anything, it is that being bad doesn't always mean the same as being evil," Luz explained. "Look at my Aunt Lilith. She has done a lot of bad things, but that doesn't make her evil and has been trying to make up for what she's done. And I honestly think that Dalia is in a similar position. I think she has realized what she did wrong and that she genuinely wants to make it up to you and your family, even going so far as to help us and even apologized to me. I honestly do believe she's sincere about wanting to change. So, when you're ready… I think you should talk to her. Maybe not let her back into your life, but talk to her at the very least. Whatever you decide, I will be here for you."
Amity thought about it while looking at her girlfriend. "Alright, I trust your judgment, Luz," she said while thinking about what to do next.
Elsewhere in Bonesborough, Mel was leading Edric to the outskirts of town.
"So we're going to meet your friends down here?" Edric asked as Mel nodded.
"Yeah," Mel replied. "I've told them so much about you, and they can't wait to meet you! Though I hope they'll like you."
"Hey, I'm very likable," Edric said with confidence. "You've met my friends, so I'm ready to meet yours."
They headed into an abandoned warehouse once used by the BATTs as their headquarters, now it was currently being occupied by some teenagers who made it their new hangout.
The first was a dark-skinned witch girl who appeared to have aqua-colored tentacle hair, teal eyes, and noticeable fins for ears. She wore a blue short sleeveless top with black fingerless arm-gloves, a blue short skirt, black and white striped leggings, and blue boots. She was sitting on a bean-bag reading a grimoire while performing water spells.
"Oh Serpentina!"
The girl, Serpentina, sighed as she heard the approach of a tanned, teenage boy with brown hair, black eyes, a goatee, an ear piercing, and clothes like a pirate with a black vest, yellow and red striped shirt, black baggy pants, and black pirate boots. He held up a heart-shaped box in front of her. "Look what I smuggled out of the market for you! A box of treats for a dear sea-witch like you!"
"You know I hate chocolate, Eustace," Serpentina said with a bored tone.
"Oh but this isn't filled with chocolate! It's filled with your favorite tantalizing treats!" Eustace declared while opening the box, showing it was filled with eyeballs, guts, an ear, and all kinds of awful stuff. "What do you think, my love?"
"Don't call me that," Serpentina said while looking back at her grimoire. "Just leave it with the rest of the treasure you keep bringing me."
"I can have them if she doesn't want it," spoke a brown-skinned teenage boy wearing a yellow cobra hoodie. He had long raven hair, black eyes, a muscular body, and an orange and red vest with a black shirt, red pants, black boots, and red fingerless gloves. "Besides, I'm kinda hungry."
"These were not made for you, Joshy!" Eustace declared.
"Hey, it's D-Josh, Eustace!" he shot back.
"Only my Serpentina can call me that!" Eustace declared.
"You two aren't even dating!" D-Josh pointed out.
"Boys, boys, stop fighting…"
Walking up to them while swaying her hips was a tall, curvy girl with light-blue hair, light-pink skin, and red eyes. She wore a light blue short top, blue shorts, black leggings with blue shaped hearts on them, and blue boots. She also wore fishnet arm gloves while appearing to have small bat-like wings on her lower back. "You shouldn't be fighting over such trivial matters, we have to look our best for Mel's little guest when he shows up."
"Trini's right," spoke an older teenager with a French-sounding accent as he played with a deck of cards. He had black hair tied in a ponytail, white skin with red eyes, and a soul patch. He wore a dark blue shirt with a black and white jacket that has a 'Jack of Hearts' on the back, navy blue trousers, and black boots. "We can't be dégrossissage around here, can we, Blazer?"
"No we can't," said Blazer, a brown-skinned teenage boy with white hair that had black streaks, transparent gray eyes, and freckles on each side of his face. He wore a white jacket with black spots all over them, a red and black striped shirt, black pants with white spots, and black shoes. "But I'm not gonna promise not to gut you if you cheat again, Jack."
"Hey, you've gotta have some faith in me, mon ami," Jack assured him. "Besides, I don't want to lose my ear from you."
"He's definitely cheating," Serpentina said while reading her book.
Blazer glared suspiciously at Jack before his nose picked up a scent. "She's back… with her toy."
Kicking open the door to the warehouse, Mel made her appearance. "I'm back, d-bags!" she declared while bringing Edric along.
"Um… hi," Edric said, waving to them.
"Oh, so you must be Mel's new toy," Serpentina said as she stood up.
"Jolly, new crew mate!" Eustace declared.
"Ooh, he's not bad-looking," Trini said with a smirk as she eyed him.
"Guys, meet Edric," Mel introduced. "Edric, I would like for you to meet Serpentina…"
"Nice to meet you," she replied, while still focusing on her book.
"Tina…" Mel hissed at her, which forced the Sea-Witch to close her book.
"Fine," Serpentina said while looking up at Edric. "Not bad, how did she catch you?"
"Oh um, we've met through speed-dating…" Edric said while feeling a tap on the shoulder.
"We've heard a lot about you, jeune ami," Jackson said while holding up a card. "The name's Jackson Hearts, have a card." He offered Ed a heart.
"Wow, thanks!" Edric replied before feeling Trini's arms wrap around him.
"My, my, you are such a cutie, aren't you?" Trini said, which made Edric blush. "My name's Trini, I can't wait to get to know you… personally…"
"Uh… me too…?" he replied, while behind him Mel glared at Trini, who backed away from him when she saw this.
"As for the rest," Mel said to Edric. "Eustace Curry here is a self-proclaimed pirate."
"Ay, as I used to sail boats, even used to work for Salty… then I got kicked out," Eustace explained.
"Why'd you get kicked out?" Ed asked.
"I kept burning his ships," Eustace revealed. "But only one girl gets to call me Eustace, for you can refer to me by my piratesona name… Deepbeard," he said while striking a pose..
"Don't listen to him, he's not that deep," Blazer said as he extended his hand "The name's Blazer, I hear that you're in Beast-Keeping, Potions, and Illusions?"
"Yeah, I decided to do three tracks," Edric replied while shaking his hand.
"And the name's D-Josh," D-Josh said while walking up "You could say that I'm the muscle of the group."
"It's nice to meet you all, really," Edric told them. "So… what do you guys do for fun around here?"
"He wants to know what we do for fun?" Trini asked while stroking her chin.
"Why don't we show him?" D-Josh suggested and with the snap of his fingers, upbeat music started to play.
Mel simply shrugged while getting in front of Edric, leaning forward while he backed away. "They say I'm trouble, they say I'm bad," she sang. "They say I'm evil, and that makes me glad!"
"A dirty no-good," D-Josh sang while pulling himself up some railing and onto a walkway. "Down to the bone! Your worst nightmare, can't take me home~!" Yellow and purple clouds burst behind him. Coming out was Blazer who jumped over the railing and landed on the floor.
"So I've got some mischief in my blood," Blazer sang while crouching down, his shadow shown to take up a different shape. "Can you blame me? I never got no love~!"
"They think I'm callous, a low-life hood," Serpentina sang while controlling the water around her, making it sprinkle. "I feel so useless, misunderstood!"
"Mirror, mirror, on the wall," Trini sang while she looked up to Edric as she crouched down in front of him. "Who's the baddest of them all?" she asked while staring into Ed's eyes, looking at a reflection of herself.
"Welcome to my wicked world!" Mel sang as she shoved Trini aside, eyeing Ed. "Wicked world!"
"I'm rotten to the core, core!" they all sang. "Rotten to the core- I'm rotten to the core, core!" They danced and stomped to the rhythm. "Who could ask for more?"
"Rotten to the core," Jackson and Eustace sang as they opened the door, letting everyone out as Mel brought Edric along. "I'm nothing like the witch next, like the witch next door! We're rotten to the- we're rotten to the- we're rotten to the core!"
The group traveled through Bonesborough, banging on trash cans and pans being sold at a stand.
"Call me a schemer, call me a freak," Jackson said while shuffling his cards. "How can you say that? I'm just unique?" He threw his cards up in the air.
"What, me? A traitor? Ain't got your back?" Eustace hung his arm around Edric. "Are we not friends? What's up with that?" He stole a bag of snails from Edric secretly, but Serpentina grabbed it from him and gave it back to Ed.
"So I'm a misfit," Mel sang.
"So I'm a flirt?" Trini sang seductively.
"I broke your heart?" Jackson asked while making a heart-shaped sign with his hands.
"I made you hurt?" Blazer asked as he licked up a knife he owned.
"The past is past, forgive, forget," D-Josh sang, patting Edric's back.
"The truth is… you ain't seen nothing yet," Serpentina sang while she and the gang danced through town.
"Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the baddest of them all?" sang Trini and Mel as Trini flew up to spread pink mist from her skin, which attracted the people of Bonesborough to her. "Welcome to my wicked world, wicked world!"
Edric started dancing to the beat along with Mel's gang.
"We're rotten to the core, core, rotten to the core! We're rotten to the core, core, who could ask for more?" they all sang as Edric sang along with them. "I'm nothing like the witch next, like the witch next door!"
"I'm rotten to the, I'm rotten to the, I'm rotten to the core!"
At the Healing Coven, Luz took Amity, Gus, and Willow to visit Bump in his room.
"I'm so glad that you three and Eve are okay," Bump said while resting in his bed.
"It's good to see you are doing better as well, Principal B," Gus replied.
"We brought you a present," Willow said as she placed a potted plant on his nightstand.
"Thank you," Bump said, genuinely appreciative.
"So how have you been feeling lately, Principal Bump?" Amity asked him.
"Well, I've been making progress in my recovery, getting the feeling of my legs back and I got a hip replacement," Bump explained.
"Well, once you've fully recovered, you'll be up and ready to head back to Hexside in no time!" Gus declared while Bump looked uneasy, "What? Is it something I've said?"
Bump sighed. "No, Augustus, it's just… been doing some thinking while recovering and… maybe… I should retire as principal."
"What?!" the four cried out in shock.
"But why?" Amity asked in concern.
"Look how I got here," Bump told them. "I failed to protect my students and Hexside itself during the Glandus War. I had a sworn duty as your principal… and I let everyone down."
"But you were just caught by surprise at the time," Willow assured him.
"Yeah, no one is holding that against you" Gus insisted. "You've done a good job keeping the school safe… most of the time."
"And Hexside needs you, Principal B," Luz told him. "Or at least it needs someone who isn't Faust."
"Well, thanks for the encouragement," Bump told them. "Though I haven't decided anything yet."
"Just please don't make any rash decisions," Amity advised.
"You don't think Bump will really retire, right?" Gus asked as they left Bump's room after speaking to him.
"Of course not, there is no way that he is going to abandon his school while Faust is still in charge," Luz pointed out.
"I just hope that-AAH!" Amity shrieked at something she saw.
"What is it Am-AAAH!" Luz screamed as well along with Willow and Gus when they saw Kyle covered in blood.
"W-Wait!" Kyle said with his hands up. "This was an accident!"
"Good Titan, Kyle," said Donna who, like Kyle, was wearing a shirt with a black stripe. "Did you spill the donated blood packets over you again?"
"Sorry, Donna…" Kyle replied. "I was getting the blood ready to be shipped to the vampires but then I fell and it got all over me… hopefully the vampires won't be all over me like last time."
"Last time?" Gus asked in concern.
Kyle grimaced. "I don't like to talk about it…"
"Hey Donna," Luz waved, catching Donna's attention.
"Luz? Oh dear Titan, glad to see you!" Donna waved back before noticing the others. "And you must be her friends that went missing, I was so relieved to hear that you were found!"
"Do you know her, Luz?" Gus asked her.
"You guys probably recognize her, but this is Donna Masterskull, she was at the Gland Prix representing St. Epiderm," Luz explained, pointing to the silver-haired girl.
"Hi, nice to meet you all!" Donna said cheerfully. "I'm glad that you're alright."
"Donna, meet my girlfriend Amity, and my best buds Willow and Gus," Luz introduced.
"Donna… I know you," Amity recognized. "My… parents used to be friends with the Masterskulls three years back."
"Yeah, and I recognize you as well, Amity," Donna replied. "You were such a quiet girl."
"So what are you doing here at the Healing Coven?" Luz asked her.
"Oh, I volunteer as a worm-striper," Donna explained. "I do this whenever I'm not busy with my 'extracurricular activities' and my student council stuff."
"Well at least you're wearing pants this time," Luz joked, earning a glare from Donna.
"No pants?" Willow asked.
"It's a little inside joke," Luz explained.
"Student council," Amity noted. "You know, I once tried to organize a student council for Hexside, but Bump said that I was too 'obsessed'…"
"Well if Hexside had one, I'm sure it'll be better than the one at Glandus," Donna told her. "Did your sister tell you that we're hanging out now?"
This surprised Amity. "R-Really? Wow, I thought you hated us after the… incident."
"Well, your sister made a mistake, and I don't hold it against her," Donna said. "We reconciled and I think she wants us to be actual friends this time. Though to be honest… I am a little jealous of you."
"You… are?" Amity asked.
"You have an awesome sister," Donna told her. "And honestly, I've always wanted siblings."
"Well, you can always ask your folks to adopt another child," Luz suggested.
"Yeah, I could," Donna replied as she heard Kyle trip and fall. "I should go take him to get a potions bath, it was nice meeting you all!"
As the four friends left the Healing Coven together, Luz explained her association with Donna to them.
"So your cousin is friends with her?" Gus asked Luz.
"Yup," Luz replied. "Hopefully you will get to meet him soon. I should also let you guys know that the 'extracurricular activities' Donna was referring to is her and her friends being the Boiling Isles version of a superhero team."
"Superhero team?" Willow asked before realizing something. "Wait, you mean they're-"
"The League Of Witches That Helps? Yup," Luz confirmed "They're like that teenage superhero group whose show I used to watch with Dipper. Fighting crime, saving the world, but it got canceled…"
"What show is that?" Amity asked.
"The Legion of Superheroes," Luz answered.
Back at the Owl House, Eda had found out that Star had gotten into her weapons stash
"Star… what do you think you're doing?!" Eda asked in a panic, seeing Star holding up a mace.
"What? I was just looking through your weapons," Star replied while Eda grabbed the mace.
"These weapons aren't toys!" Eda told her.
"Duh. Ooh, is that a dao sword?" Star pointed at the curved sword. "How often do you use these things?"
"Only on exes and house invaders…" Eda answered.
"And where did you get this baby?" Star asked as she held up a bazooka, which Eda grabbed away from her.
"Give me that, or you'll shoot your eye out!" Eda told her before Star held up a hatchet.
"Oh relax, I've handled weapons before, I know how to properly use them," Star told her.
"Hey, how's it going, guys!" Hooty popped up, startling Star.
"AAH!" Star threw the hatchet directly towards Hooty.
"AAAAAHH!" Hooty cried out until a hand grabbed the hatchet mid-air, stopping it from hitting him. Hooty turned and saw that Eda had caught it. "Whew, thanks Eda! If you hadn't caught it, I could've been axed off of this story!"
Eda narrowed her eyes at Star, who looked at her sheepishly. "Hehe, reflexes, am I right?"
"I just don't know what to do about her, Raine," Eda said with a concerned look. "I don't mind bringing her in, but I have no idea about this girl, Star. I know that Amity wants her in and I trust her judgment, but I know so little of her."
"I would admit, I am curious about her as well," Raine replied. "She looks human enough, but she came from a different realm."
Eda gave a serious look. "I can tell from looking into her eyes that she's been through a lot of shit, and she guards herself very closely. I know that feeling too well, and I don't blame her if it's true that her home realm was destroyed. But I mean, it's dangerous enough to hide you from the Emperor…"
Raine nodded. "Yeah, it is dangerous for me to be here… which is why I might be leaving when I'm well enough. I think I have a place to go to."
"What? Oh no, you can't just leave," Eda said, standing up. "This isn't because I want to keep you around in my basement a little longer, which sounds bad out of context, but I don't think it's safe for you to be out there right now!"
"Well I can't stay here forever, Eda," Raine countered. "Not to mention that right now you're in the public eye thanks to your status as a hero. It's only a matter of time before the Emperor's Coven learns of my whereabouts…"
Eda sighed while she sat back down. "Fine," she reluctantly agreed. "I hate it when you're right."
"Another point for me," Raine chuckled before glancing away. "I can't afford to be caught by the Emperor's Coven again. Not after last time…"
"Are you even strong enough to make it out on your own?" Eda asked them, while Raine continued to look distant. "Rainestorm?"
They sighed. "I never told you what I was put through at the Knee, did I?"
Eda looked concerned for them. "You were trapped in there with the Inner Demon…"
Raine nodded. "It isn't… easy to talk about it," they admitted. "But I… think I'm ready to tell you." They looked down as they began to recount their time at the Knee. "While I was given enough to keep me alive, I was still kept in a weakened state so that I wouldn't be able to escape. There were a few times where I managed to free myself and make it out of that cave… but I never made it far because of the harsh conditions and the Inner Demon would always find me and bring me back, gradually whittling away my resistance until…" They paused for a moment. "I let him in. The Inner Demon exposed me to my worst memories and my greatest fears. He started out with the embarrassing moments from my childhood, which he used to amplify my suffering."
"Titan…" Eda muttered. "Was it that bad?"
"The worst parts he showed me almost drove me mad," Raine replied. "Over and over he showed me how I betrayed my allies, that it was my fault for being so easily played by the Emperor and Terra. " They looked up at Eda with a guilty expression. "He also showed me the memory of our break up… and how by pushing you away, I forced you to fend for yourself as you had to deal with your curse and all of the terrible things that happened to you because of it, things that I could have helped you with if I had been there. But I wasn't…" Their fists tightened as Eda calmly placed her hand over theirs.
"Raine, I could never blame you for the breakup," Eda assured them. "I should've-"
"No, it wasn't your fault," Raine told her. "I could've put in more effort to help you… but I let my own feelings go over yours."
Eda looked at them with concern. "Well… let's just agree to disagree until we figure things out, because I think there is no way that neither of us are willing to let the other accept the blame."
"Yeah, good point," Raine said.
"Hey, mom," King said from upstairs. "There's um, someone outside to see you."
Eda and Raine looked at each other before Eda got up while Raine hid themselves under a blanket.
She walked upstairs and saw who was at the door… Shawm Eaglesnitch.
"Edalyn Clawthorne," Shawm said, clearing his throat. "The Emperor's Coven has a proposition for you…"
"Get away from my house immediately or I'll make Hooty eat you," Eda told him as she slammed the door in her face. Eda started to walk away, but when she heard knocking she sighed and went back to open up the door. "Look, whatever the Emperor's Coven wants-"
"Listen, Eda, I think you may want to hear me out," Shawm said. "It's very important that you listen."
"Ugh, fine, this better not be using me to boost Belos's popularity or something," Eda said while leaning in the doorway.
"Well actually, they sent me here to give you an offer," Shawm explained. "I, Shawm Eaglesmith, am here to offer you a position. You see, there's a sort of a crisis that involves the Scooter Crane's Home for Unwanted Witches and Demons. With Crane's death, we need somebody to run it. And given your recent popularity for your actions in service of the Titan-" Eda had to stop herself from groaning as he continued. "-the job is being offered to you."
Eda's eye widened. "Me… so… you guys want me, the infamous wild witch with a rap sheet a mile long full of M-rated shit, to run an orphanage? You're joking, aren't you?"
"No ma'am, I literally don't have a sense of humor," Shawm told her. He then realized something. "Wait, did you lose an eye?"
"So Sham, what happens if nobody takes the position?" Eda asked, ignoring his question.
"Well firstly it's Shawm," he told her. "Secondly, if nobody takes the position of running the Home soon, then the place will be liquidated. The orphans there will be sent to a new juvenile hall detention in the Conformatorium where they will live until they come of age and are ready to join the covens."
"You gotta be…" Eda said in shock as Shawm handed her a card.
"Please, think on this very generous offer and let us know what decision you reach," Shawm said as she prepared to leave. "Well, have a good day, ma'am."
Once he left, Eda looked at the card, and saw that it had the number to Scooter Crane's Home for Unwanted Witchlings and Demons. She groaned to herself before returning to the basement.
Shortly afterward, King headed out of the Owl House. "Alright, time for practicing my sonic screech," King said while walking to the clear space of the field
He set up some targets on the tree before he began to practice. He took a deep breath and let out a loud "weh!" at the targets on the trees. Each of the trees were easily knocked down.
"Alright! Score one for the son of Clawthorne!" King cheered before he spotted something. "Weh, what is…" He looked more closely, hearing squeaky noises. He walked over and gasped upon seeing a small, red furred, baby demon squirrel that had fallen from the tree he had knocked over. "Oh Titan… oh Titan, oh Titan, oh Titan!" He was panicking as he picked the injured baby squirrel up. "Don't worry, you're gonna be okay, just need to find mom!"
He went back inside, looking for Eda. But instead Camila was present. "Hey, can someone help?"
"What's the matter, King?" Camila asked him in concern. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
"No, but this little guy is!" King said worriedly, holding up the baby demon squirrel. "I was just doing target practice and-and this demon squirrel fell and… I think he's hurt!"
Seeing King's worry, Camila gave a determined look. "Follow me to the kitchen, we're gonna need a basket and a blanket to place him in," she said while leading King to the kitchen.
Back in the basement, Eda had told Raine about the deal Shawm had offered to her.
"That is weird," Raine admitted. "Out of everyone, the Emperor's Coven choosing you to run the orphanage in Crane's place… this may be a trick."
"Yeah," Eda agreed. "I mean, I got a record. If I ran that orphanage, does that clear my record?"
"Even if it's a trick or just an attempt by Belos to use you to get some good publicity, I don't think Shawm was lying about the orphanage being without its headmaster," Raine told her.
"So why couldn't they find some other rich folk in the Isles to run it?" Eda asked.
"The laws in the Emperor's Coven are a lot more complicated," Raine explained. "Scooter Crane was a Bard Head when he started the project, which means the orphanage is part of the Bard Coven, which in turn is owned by the Emperor's Coven. Even if there's someone wealthy enough to run the orphanage, if they're not part of the Bard Coven they can't do anything about it, and I doubt the current Head knows anything about running a foster home." Seeing one interview with Napoli was enough for Raine to see how desperate the Emperor was for replacements. "The orphanage has done a lot of good over the years, and if it's shut down, a lot of the children will suffer…"
Eda sighed. "There's always a catch to this, is it?"
Luz, Amity, Willow, and Gus stopped by the Bonesborough Library next.
"Amity, you're back!" Gary cheered dramatically. "We were so worried during your absence and we feared the worst, but now you have been found at last! Praise to the Titan!"
"Give it a rest, Gary." the deadpan librarian told him while Malphas went up to the kids.
"It is so good to see you safe and sound, Amity," Malphas told her. "You were missed here and in your honor we displayed your favorite books in the 'librarian picks' section!"
"Oh you didn't have to do that, but I'm glad to see you guys too!" Amity replied happily. "I hope my absence didn't cause too much trouble,"
"Not at all," Malphas said. "Of course, your siblings wanted to volunteer. I hesitated but I allowed it… worst mistake I've ever made."
He pointed to a certain section at the library, which looked burned, the books were flying around randomly, and one person screamed when one book tried to eat them.
"What… happened?" Gus questioned.
"That used to be the Adult section," the librarian said.
"Amity, you're here!" Braxus shouted as he went and hugged Amity's leg. "We at the kids section missed you so much!"
"Aw, I miss you and the kids too, Braxus," Amity replied, kneeling down and patting the demon boy on the head. "Sorry that I disappeared for a while."
"It's okay, we still love you!" Braxis said while hugging Amity.
"He should be alright," Camila said while she and King kept the baby demon squirrel in a blanket and basket. "Just need to feed him some food and water… what do baby squirrels usually eat?"
"Well they're carnivorous so, maybe some bologna would work," King said as he grabbed a pack of bologna, grabbed a slice, cut a strip, and hovered it over the baby squirrel. "Here, little guy, you should eat up."
The baby squirrel looked up and sniffed, smelling food. It reached out before it munched on the food it was being fed.
"Hey, he's eating it!" King said.
"This is good, now you need to give him some water. But you're gonna need a small baster," Camila told him as King dug through the drawer, finding a baster.
Once they got the baster, Camila gave the baby squirrel some water while King watched. "You're… really good at this."
"Yeah, I learned how to do this all the time back when I was around Luz's age," Camila responded. "My mother and I liked to help hurt animals together, which inspired me to pursue a career in health care work," she explained. "Now, I'm gonna look for the medical kit, think you can keep an eye on him?"
King nodded as Camila left to find the medical kit. King looked at the basket where the little squirrel was. "Hey um… sorry for knocking you out of that tree," he apologizes, folding his arms while looking at the poor thing. "Don't worry, Camila will get you patched up in no time."
As Eda walked upstairs, she spotted King with the baby squirrel as he continued talking to it. "You know, I wonder where your parents were when I knocked that tree out? I didn't see them around… maybe they left you alone, without anyone to take care of you, forcing you to fend for yourself… I know that feeling. But hey, at least you're found and being taken care of, just like how Eda found and took care of me."
Eda looked at this and put a hand over her chest. And as she watched King taking care of the squirrel, she thought about the orphanage…
The four friends had decided to pay a visit to the Smith household, where they were kindly invited in by Beth.
"It's so nice to see that you guys are safe," Beth told them while they were in the living room.
"We're glad to be safe, Mrs. Smith," Willow replied while the four met up with Morty and Summer.
"Yo, glad you guys are still alive," Summer told them.
"Summer, Morty, it's nice to see you two," Amity replied as they walked away from the living room down to somewhere private.
"We heard from Luz that you guys helped her and Matt finish their 'project'," Gus said.
"Don't worry, the house is always in silence mode, mate," Morty replied with an Australian accent.
This confused Amity. "What happened to your voice, Morty?"
"Oh, this?" Morty asked. "Yeah, looks like my voice cracked for the last time after I accidentally drank one of Rick's voice-changing potions. It was labeled 'Cusack' and I don't know what that means, but now I have an accent."
"So this is going to be a thing to you…" Amity asked as Morty nodded.
"So Luz, did you get me a souvenir?" Summer asked Luz.
"Yeah, I got something before the Shack closed down for good," Luz said while bringing out a bobblehead of Stan. "This bobblehead may be the last of its kind," she said as she handed it to Summer.
Summer looked at the bobblehead. "That's… a very interesting looking mascot this Shack has."
Meanwhile in Lokitown, the group of teens formerly known as the SSE were hanging out at the juice bar. They had their own booth as they drank their fruit shakes filled with spiders.
"Mmm, see? This is nice, isn't it?" Eve asked while drinking her spider-filled shake. "We can hang out just fine without having to solve mysteries."
"Yeah, it is nice to chill for once," Korn said while his sisters munched on a bowl of fruit.
Linkin looked over at a wanted poster up on display, showing the Grim Goblin on it.
"Yeah, that Grim Goblin's still at large," Ollie said from behind the bar, noting Linkin's gaze. "Nobody knows when he'll strike next. Say, didn't you guys try to stop him before?"
"We did…" Linkin muttered as he and the gang minus Eve just looked down.
Eve looked at them, trying to cheer them up. "Hey, so what, you guys didn't catch him. I'm sure that he'll be caught eventually."
Awkward silence fell over the group. Eventually, Sioux checked the time and realized that she had a LOWTH meeting to get to.
"I have to go," Sioux said as she stood up and walked out of the booth.
"Sioux, wait, where are you going?" Eve asked her.
"I'm, uh, needed somewhere, it's an emergency," Sioux replied as she walked out of the bar while Linkin got a notification on his scroll.
"I guess it's just us…" Eve said before seeing Linkin start to walk out. "You too?!"
"My mom wants me to go watch my siblings," Linkin said as he left.
Eve looked at Korn and the sisters, giving them a pout which made them feel guilty.
"Um… sorry, Eve, but we also promised our friends back at Merlin Meadows we would meet up with them," Korn admitted. "We were waiting for the right time to tell you…"
"This was still fun… it's not like we don't want to hang out with you now that we are no longer a team," Blondie assured her.
"No, it's fine," Eve said, lowering her head. "Just go do what you promised to do."
Korn and the Cerberus sisters looked at each other, feeling bad about leaving Eve alone.
"Well see you around," Cyndi said.
"And it's great to have you back!" Patty added as they left, leaving Eve alone…
Eve slammed a snail at the bar, earning Ollie's attention. "Give me ten Skapaya-bango-spider filled shakes on the double!" she ordered.
"Isn't that a little too much, Eve?" Ollie asked her as he saw her lower her head on the bar. "This really reminds me of how I felt from that Dear John letter I got from my ex-girlfriend…"
As Ollie went to make Eve's order, Eve looked down sadly. She raised her head up, noticing an envelope placed on the counter next to her… and it had her name on it.
"Hey Ollie, did you see someone else come in here?" Eve asked.
"Not to my knowledge!" Ollie replied while mixing the fruit with the spiders in the blender.
Eve grabbed the envelope and opened it, finding a note with cut out letters glued onto it to make a message:
"Welcome back to the game."
"You know, this may be my first time coming here," Luz commented as they stood outside of the Saltstar estate.
"Pretty much the same," Amity replied.
"I have been curious what it's like in Simon's home," Willow commented.
"Let's find out," Gus replied as they walked up to the front door. Gus pulled on a rope that rang the bell and the large door opened to show the behemoth man known as Samwitch.
He looked down and saw the kids. "Are you all here to see Boscha?"
"Yes, Mr. Saltstar," Amity nodded.
"Come on in then," Samwitch said as he let them in. "She will be happy to see you."
The four looked around and saw how big everything in the Saltstar home was. "Wow, I've never been in somewhere with such big proportions," Gus commented while looking at the large fork, knife, and spoon sets.
"Yeah, you even have the decorative large utensils," Luz pointed out.
"Actually, those are for when I eat," Samwitch pointed out, giving Luz and Gus confused looks.
They passed through a hallway with falls covered in pictures and a shrine for Delara with lit incense. The four looked at the picture, Willow summoning a flower to place onto the shrine as a sign of respect. Amity also showed her respects with a nod.
"Simon isn't home right now," Samwitch told them. "But Boscha is in her room right now."
"How is she feeling, Mr. Saltstar?" Luz asked.
"Still a little shaken up, but thanks to Ms. Traveler, she's been making progress. But she prefers to stay in her room most of the time," Samwitch answered as he led them to her room. "I'd knock, but last time I busted the door down."
Amity nodded as she looked at the door and knocked on it. "Boscha? Are you in there?" she asked.
Opening the door was the restless Boscha. When she looked at Amity, Willow, and Gus, her eyes widened and she immediately leapt forward… to hug Amity.
"You're back! You're really… really back!" Boscha shouted as she teared up. "I'm just… glad to see you again."
Amity hugged her back. "Yeah, and I'm glad that you're okay. Luz told me what happened, and I'm so sorry…"
Boscha let go of her, still crying. "It's fine… I'm just glad that you're all okay." She went to hug Luz as well. "Thank you for coming here."
Luz hugged her back. "It's no problem. How are you… feeling right now, Boscha? Uh, is it okay to ask that?"
"It's fine and I've been feeling a little better," Boscha said as she let them into her room. She went to sit on her bed, where Hogarth was laying. "Sometimes I feel a little empty, but seeing you guys back… I can't help but feel relieved. Relieved that you three are alright, and alive… I-I know I don't deserve anything from you guys, but-"
"Boscha," Willow said as she walked up to her and gave Boscha a hug. "I think you've apologized enough… I forgive you."
This silenced the triclops witch, who hugged Willow back.
"Thank you," Boscha said quietly before she let Willow go. "You think… you guys can stay here for a while?"
The four turned to each other and nodded as Willow spoke for them. "Of course, we are here for you, Boscha."
Boscha managed to smile. "Thank you guys so much."
At the Oscorne estate, Eve was let inside by the Abomi-butler. She looked around before spotting Teri and Gibson, the former running up to here.
"Eve, you're here!" Teri said as he and Eve hugged each other. "So glad that you're okay!"
"I'm glad to see you too, Teri," Eve replied. "Man, it has really been a while. I was surprised when I got your text to meet up."
"We're both glad that you're safe, Everscence," Gibson states while walking up to her. "You wouldn't happened to have met up with your… friends, have you?"
"Hey, Mr. Oscorne," Eve replied to him. "And yes, I have met up with them, though…" She looked down. "I am sad to say that the Shadowy Secret Expozers have officially broken up…"
Gibson paused for the moment. "They've broken up… well, I'd say it's about time," he declared with a relieved look. "It's for the best, really. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Dad…" Teri muttered.
"I mean, it doesn't mean we can't still hang out," Eve said. "Even if we don't solve mysteries anymore…"
"Still, all of this mystery-solving nonsense is a dangerous road to go down to," Gibson advised. "You kids should be focusing on your studies or making one of your Penstragram video things… though I would suggest cutting ties with your friends completely, since they are bad influences."
"Mr. Oscorne!" Eve said, feeling offended. "That's not very kosher, you know?"
"I will not apologize for what I've said, Eve. I wouldn't be surprised if your 'friends' were the reason that the Tarot Guild abducted you," Gibson said while adjusting his suit coat. "Now if you excuse me, I have some business to attend to." He walked away, leaving his son with Eve.
"I'm so sorry about my dad, he has some… strong opinions," Teri said while rubbing the back of his head.
"It's okay, I know how your dad doesn't apologize," Eve reassured him. "Guess some folks never change."
"Wanna come by the lobby to hang?" Teri asked her and Eve nodded before following him into the building.
"So how's St. Epiderm doing for you?" Eve asked him when they reached the lobby and started to catch up.
"Oh, it's been good," Teri replied. "I've been tight with Cross Drakescale, he's a cool guy. Hope you get to meet him."
"I'd like to meet your friends as well," Eve said. "Do you still write poetry?"
Teri hummed before starting to recite something. "The brim of my soul, shall set til the moon bleeds to bond two mates together at times of need."
"W-Wow, it sounds like you have improved," Eve replied, blushing slightly.
"I study Hicketorian-Era poetry in my spare time," Teri said, smiling. "My poetry slam is this weekend and I was wondering if you'd like to come see?"
"Of course," Eve replied before sighing.
"What's wrong, Eve?" Teri asked her.
"It's just… I noticed how my friends were acting earlier and… I'm afraid of them drifting apart," Eve admitted. "We like solving mysteries while also singing in our band as a side-gig, but most importantly of all we just had fun. Now this… Grim Goblin guy seems to have really shaken them up and I'm afraid that my friend group will never be the same…"
"I'm sorry to hear that, Eve," Teri replied. "I hope you guys will be able to work things out. But if not… well, sometimes these things happen and you have no choice but to move on with your lives. We can't hold onto our friendships forever…"
"Yeah…" Eve said before she thought of something. "Oh, I almost forgot." She dug something from her bag and pulled out a page from Eda's yearbook. "Here, I think you'd be interested in this."
Teri looked at the page of the yearbook and saw the original SSE. "This is…!"
"The original Shadowy Secret Expozers," Eve said as she pointed at one person in the photo. "One of them is Stacy."
"Whoa… my mom was a mystery solver?" Teri asked in shock. "Why hasn't dad told me about this?"
"I don't know," Eve admitted. "But even if the SSE are no longer together… I would still like to find out what exactly happened to her and the other original SSE members…"
Unknown to them, they were overheard by Gibson. As he listened to their conversation from the hallway, his fists tightened…
Later in the day, the four friends were at the Brookes home talking to Skara when Nina passed through the living room.
"Looks like you are alive, Clawthorne," Nina said. "I thought you got digested in detention."
"Nice to see you too, fuzzball," Luz countered.
Nina rolled her eyes as she brought out some gifts. "Anyway, since your girlfriend and your friends were recovered, as part of werecat traditions, I've crafted gifts for each of you," she said while handing the three gifts to Amity, Willow, and Gus.
Opening it, Amity saw that it was a taxidermy bird. "Oh… wow, this looks great, Nina."
"Yeah, you've really outdid yourself…" Willow said while holding up a stuffed spider with bones sticking out while Gus looked at the dead rat.
Nina looked at Gus and Willow as she spoke. "And I just want to tell you guys that I'm sorry for what I did during the school war. I'm not gonna even blame Emily for ordering me to capture Gus. I was an idiot for following Emily and I promise not to cause you any trouble in the future, but I understand if you don't want my apology or whatever."
As Nina started to turn away, it was Willow who spoke up. "Nina… we forgive you," she said.
This caught Nina by surprise. "Really? Just like that?" She turned to Gus. "Even you?"
Gus looked up to her. "Yeah, it's all square. If you and Luz can come into terms, then so can we. It is better for all of us that we don't hold any grudges. We have enough to worry about as it is."
"Oh… wow, I don't know what to say…" Nina said awkwardly. "What… what is this feeling I'm having? Skara, am I okay?"
"It could be a weight has been lifted from you," Skara said, patting the werecat's back.
"Or indigestion…" Nina said before burping out feathers.
Amity then looked down, which Luz noticed. "Hey, you okay?" she asked her.
"I'm fine, it's just… she's coming," Amity responded.
Luz sat by her side. "Hey, I can sit by you when you two talk."
"Thanks, I would like that," Amity said as she smiled at Luz while holding her hand.
"Amity," said Slasher as he came in. "Um… Odalia's here."
Amity gave a look, turning to her friends as she gave them a nod.
Skara spoke up. "Hey, Nina, you think we can show Willow and Gus the nice human music we listen to, the Fleetwood Mac guy?"
"Uh yeah, I guess…" Nina said as Skara grabbed her hand as they all walked upstairs,
It was then that Odalia came into the living room, spotting Amity with Luz. "Amity…um, hi."
Amity looked at her former mother. "Hello, Odalia," she said in a formal tone as Odalia walked over to her.
Odalia sat in a chair opposite from Amity while Slasher sensed the tension in the air. "Uh, I'll be in my pottery room," he excused himself before he left them alone.
"Amity… it's great that you're back," Odalia said, smiling at her.
"Y-Yeah," Amity replied. "Thanks… Odalia."
Odalia sighed. "I know that this is really awkward and I understand that it must be hard for you to be in the same room as me… but I just want to say that I'm sorry, Amity. I'm very sorry for everything. I know that I wasn't the best mother to you, Emira, or Edric…" She paused to take a deep breath and collect herself. "I know that maybe it is too late for me to be the mother you needed me to be, but I want to still be a part of your life, if you would let me. If not, then I'll stay out of your hair. But I promise you that I can be better for this family."
Amity was quiet for a moment, feeling Luz holding her hand as she got ready to respond. "I… I accept your apology."
Odalia looked up at her hopefully. "You… you do?"
"Well, you helped Luz and Lilith to help get me and my friends back," Amity replied. "And I do appreciate that. But I do still need some space and some time before I'm ready to forgive you. But helping Luz and apologizing is a good start… so I'm willing to give you a chance to prove that you're good on your word."
"Thank you, and I promise that I won't fail you again," Odalia assured her.
"Have you talked to Edric and Emira?" Amity asked.
"Not yet," Odalia said. "I know for a fact that Emira needs some space and I won't approach them until they are ready to talk to me." She looked down. "Then there's the matter with Alador…"
"Yeah, Luz explained that to me," Amity said. "I still don't understand how Arthur and Destiny managed to worm their way back into his life…"
"I've tried talking to him but he isn't answering my calls," Odalia said. "But he should be aware right now that you're back."
"Even if he is, I doubt that his parents would let him come and see me," Amity said. "But he doesn't know where I truly was."
"That's a good idea, since he's in the Emperor's hands right now," Odalia said, nodding in agreement.
Amity looked down at her knees. "Honestly, I've been debating with myself all day on how to handle dad. Whether I should confront him or not," she admitted. "But after consideration, I've decided that… I have no idea how it would go and I don't know if I would be able to control myself. Maybe I'll just write him a letter and wait to hear from him."
"I promise that we'll find a way to get Alador away form his parents and Belos," Odalia told her. "We will fix this family, even if I am the reason that it is… broken as it is. And Amity… even though you no longer identify yourself as a Blight… you'll always be my daughter."
Amity sighed and nodded in acceptance. "Yeah, I know."
"Okay, so I found the shiny record donuts we can listen to and-" Nina saw Gus walking away. "Where are you going?"
"Oh, um Willow and Skara… needed some privacy for the moment," Gus said.
"Oh…" Nina replied. "Well, I'll just be in my room while those two get busy. See ya at Hexside or whatever." She walked back to her room.
"Yeah… I'll find something else to do," Gus said while walking away from the door to Skara's room.
In her bedroom, Skara and Willow were busy making out with each other. Skara planted more kisses onto Willow who laughed.
"Come on, Skara, that tickles!" Willow said while Skara kept kissing her.
"I just missed you so much, Willow!" Skara replied while Willow held her arms and kissed her back as Skara toppled back onto her bed
After their make out session, the two sat side by side on the bed, keeping each other company.
"So how's things with Nina going along?" Willow asked her.
"Well, there have been some difficulties, she's still getting used to living here," Skara replied. "But we do talk, which is something. She doesn't mind that I hang out with her. I even got to meet her younger siblings."
"Are they cute?" Willow asked as Skara showed her a picture on her scroll, showing Skara with West and Winter, with a deadpan Nina in the background. "Aw, they look adorable!"
"Yeah, we took one before they left," Skara said as she looked at the picture. "Even though she doesn't show it, I think she cares a lot about them."
"Yeah," Willow replied, falling quiet for a moment. "What do you… really think of her?"
Skara noted Willow's tone. She quickly got up and opened the door, checking the hallway to make sure Nina wasn't there. After hearing music coming from Nina's room, Skara closed the door and returned to Willow's side, keeping her voice low. "Well, I honestly don't completely trust her. I want to give her the benefit of doubt, but we should keep an eye on her. Because I feel like she's hiding something from us even though she pretends otherwise."
"That sounds smart," Willow agreed. "Though maybe in time she will open up about what she's hiding."
Skara nodded. "Yeah… so anyway, now that you're here we can talk about our plans together."
"According to an oracle I met, you and I get to start a Flyer Derby team together," Willow revealed.
"That sounds great!" Skara said happily. "Wait, an oracle told you?"
"Long story," Willow said. "Honestly, I would like you to meet my new human friends sometime. But first… I think a second and third date is long overdue."
"Yeah! Like, what do you wish to do? We can go to the kelpie boats, or go to the Socket. I hear that they're doing the Little Cafe of Terror revival," Skara suggested.
"Ooh, I would like that." Willow replied as the two continued to talk about their plans for the future.
After Luz and Amity left the Brooke home, with Willow and Gus planning to head back to Willow's home a bit later, they returned to the Owl House at last.
"We're home!" Luz announced.
"Oh, good," Eda replied. "So how did your visits go?"
"They went great," Amity replied. "Me and Odalia are talking again, which is a step in the right direction. And I got to meet Donna, she's a really nice girl."
"We had a good day in town," Luz finished. "But I'm thinking of going over to visit Gravity Falls to check on Dipper. Can I use the key, mom?"
"Of course," Eda replied, handing Luz over the key. "Just try not to lose it."
"I won't," Luz promised while turning to Amity. "Hey Ams, want to visit as well?"
"Maybe later, right now I need to check up on Kay," Amity said while going to another room.
"Alright, I'll tell you guys all about it after my visit!" Luz replied while opening the portal door and going through.
In Gravity Falls, Luz headed to Soos's home and walked up to knock on the door. "Yo, Soos!" Luz shouted. But the one who answered it was an elderly woman with gray hair, Soos's Abuelita.
"Hola, niña," Abuelita spoke to her.
"Oh, um… hola to you too, Abuelita," Luz replied with a bow. "I've been practicing my Spanish."
"Oh, that's nice, very nice," Abuelita told her.
"Are Dipper and Mabel here? Where is everyone?" Luz asked her.
"Oh, they all left to say goodbye to Mabel," Abuelita revealed, which shocked Luz.
"WHAT?!" she exclaimed.
'I can't be late, I can't be late, I can't be late!' Luz thought while running at full speed to the edge of the town. Up ahead she spotted a gathering that consisted of Dipper, Waddles, Soos, Wendy, Candy, Grenda, Vee, and Pacifica. With them was Mabel and two adults. "WAAAAAAIIIT!" Luz shouted as she stopped herself, sliding to a standstill.
Everyone turned to Luz. Dipper was the first to speak. "Luz? You're here!"
"She must've stopped by my house," Soos revealed.
"Uh, who is she?" asked the man with brown hair, glasses, and a white button shirt with jeans.
"Don't… leave…" Luz said as she took a moment to catch her breath.
"Luz… I didn't think you'd be here…" Mabel said awkwardly.
"Well, I came here to check up on you guys, but apparently Mabel's leaving," Luz said while Mabel's mom spoke up.
"Okay, but who is she?" Mabel's mom asked. She had light-auburn hair and was wearing a red shirt and high-water pants with sandals.
"Um, mom, dad, this is Luz," Mabel introduced. "She's Mason's step-sister and to an extent my step-sister. She's from the… other side of town. Luz, meet my parents… from California."
"Your parents?" Luz asked them. "Mabel, why are you leaving?"
"I'll tell you why," Mabel's mom spoke furiously. "This young lady here has been lying to us all summer, telling us that she was staying with her pen pal! We nearly had a heart attack when those government agents called us! And then we found out what happened to our daughter's hand!" Mabel shifted away, feeling her gloved hand.
"She is not to stay in this dangerous place any longer," Mabel's father added. "After what those agents have told us, we drove all the way up here to pick her up so that she can be grounded for a long time for all the lies she's been telling us for weeks when we get back home!"
"But you can't take her!" Luz told them.
"And what business do you have telling us that we shouldn't?" Mabel's mom asked her.
"Well, you'd be separating from her brother again!" Luz countered, pointing to Dipper. "If you two are going home with her, why not take him along with you? After all, he is YOUR son! Those two have been separated for twelve years, and now they're going to be split up again after not even having a full summer together?!" Mabel's parents looked uneasy. "Do you even care that you're seeing your son again for the first time in twelve years? What kind of fucking Parent Trap-nonsense are you people on?!"
The two Pines parents didn't look at Dipper at all, which only made Dipper look down sadly while Luz glared at them.
"Look, we didn't plan on taking him with us when we came to get Mabel," Mr. Pines said, making an excuse. "We aren't prepared to take him as well."
"And besides, he's already got a guardian to watch over him," Mrs. Pines added, which didn't sit well with Luz.
"You people are shit, you know that?" Luz told them off.
"Luz, you don't-"
"No, Mabel, this is something they need to hear," Luz said as she walked up to them. "I can see why Mabel ran away and lied to your faces, since you two apparently never told her about her twin brother. Did she lie? Yeah, but I can see why she didn't trust you two with the truth!"
"Enough!" Mrs. Pines told her off before turning away. "Come on Mabel, let's go home."
Luz scoffed at them while Mabel patted her hand. "Luz, it's okay. But thanks for standing up for me."
"Are you going to be okay, Mabel?" Luz asked her.
"I'll be fine," Mabel said as she gave Luz a hug. "Good luck dealing with your Emperor, and say goodbye to Amity and Gus for me."
"And good luck with California, sis," Luz responded as she hugged Mabel back before Mabel let go and went to the others.
"I had a really great time with you guys, all of you," Mabel told them all as she hugged Dipper. "I'm gonna miss you, Mason."
"I wish it didn't have to be this way, Mabel," Dipper said while Candy and Grenda joined in on the hug.
"Y-You've been the best friend we could ever ask for!" Candy teared up.
"It's so not fair that you had to leave!" Grenda cried.
"I know, I'm sorry," Mabel said as she turned to Dipper. "They won't let Waddles come with me, so can you watch over him?"
"Of course, he's a part of the family after all," Dipper said with a nod while patting Waddles, who oinked sadly. He tried to go over to Mabel but she stopped him.
"No, no Waddles, you can't come. Even if I want you to," Mabel told him while she turned to Soos, Wendy, and Vee. "Please watch over my brother for me, guys."
"Of course," Vee said after Mabel went to hug her and then Soos.
"Yeah, we'll keep him out of trouble for you, Mabel," Soos said as Wendy hugged Mabel.
"Wendy, think you can relay my message to Dr. Andrews?" Mabel asked her.
"Don't worry, I'll let her know and maybe she will call you," Wendy replied while wiping her own tears. She rustled Mabel's hair. "Good luck with your folks."
Mabel nodded while turning to Pacifica who looked down awkwardly. "I don't want you to leave," she said quietly as Mabel went to hug her.
"I don't wanna leave an awesome girlfriend like you either!" Mabel said as she teared up, which made Pacifica tear up as well. Mabel pulled off her sweater and offered it to Pacifica. "Here, to remember me by."
Pacifica looked at the llama sweater, which made her smile. "I promise to wear it as often as I can. But we can still be in touch, okay?"
Mabel nodded. "I'll be sure to follow you on FacePage."
"Come on, Mabel, let's go!" Mr. Pines ordered, which made Mabel sigh as she looked at everyone one last time.
"I'm going to miss you all," Mabel said, sniffing as she wiped away her tears and went into her parents' car, glancing at Dipper and then Pacifica before her mom shut the door.
"Who did you give your sweater to?" Mrs. Pines asked her daughter.
"That's Pacifica, she's my girlfriend that I made… just two days ago…" Mabel admitted.
"Oh, well that's… nice," her mom said as she began to drive away. "But don't worry, you'll get over her soon."
"She's right," Mr. Pines agreed. "You can make plenty of new friends back home."
This didn't make Mabel feel better. As she looked down on her gloved hand, the car passed the town border and for the first time in a while, she felt alone…
Back with the group, they watched the car with Mabel and her parents until it was out of sight. Once it was gone, Luz turned to Dipper. "How are you feeling, Mason? Do you want to talk about it?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Mason dismissed. But a few seconds later, after trying to stay strong and hold it in for so long… he broke down. His knees hit the ground and tears began to fall down his face, Luz rushing over to hug and comfort him. "Why? First Stan and now Mabel?!"
"Hey, hey, it's going to be okay," Luz said, trying to calm him down. As she held onto Dipper, Luz turned to the others. "Where's Ford?" she asked with an icy tone.
"He didn't show up cause he was... too busy all day doing stuff with those agents," Wendy informed, which didn't sit well with Luz at all.
"Is he getting better?" King asked Camila while looking over the baby squirrel.
"It looks like he is," Camila said as she watched the recovering squirrel. "Just give him a while before he's ready to get back on his feet."
King sighed in relief. "What a brave soldier, aren't you, little guy?" he told the demon squirrel, just as Amity walked up with Kay.
"Aw, he looks so small," Amity said while petting Kay. "Does he have a name?"
"Hmm, I haven't thought of a name," King considered. "How about… Maurice? Yeah, he's little Maurice."
Eda snorted in amusement as she saw everyone looking over the squirrel. "Well, this is a nice moment… just gotta be sure to get Hooty to leave Maurice alone."
It was then that the portal door suddenly appeared in the living room. Everyone turned to Luz coming out.
"Hey guys." Luz said with a sad tone.
Eda and Camila sensed this. "Luz, are you alright?" Eda asked.
"Did something happen back at Gravity Falls?" Camila asked her.
"Mabel… her parents came," Luz told them. "They took her away from Dipper and head back to California."
This shocked everyone. "What…? But… shouldn't they take Dipper as well?" Camila asked.
"They didn't," Luz grumbled. "Those two never even looked him in the eye… and then there is Ford." She paused, her fist shaking. "Damn dumbass Ford was too busy to console his own nephew!"
"Luz, I am so, so sorry," Amity said while going over to calm down Luz, who took a deep breath.
"Poor Mason," Eda said while sitting beside them. "I can't believe what he's going through right now…"
"He just lost Stan, and now he lost Mabel," Luz said as she leaned back, wiping her tears from her face. "Why did this have to happen to him?"
"I don't know, Luz," Eda said, holding her hand. "But I pray to Titan that he's going to be alright. We'll just have to be there for him when he needs us. And thankfully he still has a lot of people that do care about him, both here and in the Human Realm."
"I can't believe Mabel's gone…" King said while looking down, Camila looking just as sad.
Eda looked over everyone, remembering the offer Sham gave her and figuring that it was better to tell Luz about it as soon as possible.
"Luz, there's… something I want to talk to you about," Eda said to her. "About an offer I've been given…"
Outside of a warehouse at the outskirts of town, Edric saw it was about to be sunset.
"Well, I better get going," Edric said. "I don't want to worry my sister and uncle, but I had fun with you guys."
"We have fun with you too, Ed," D-Josh said.
"Yeah, can't wait to play cards with you," Jackson said as he waved to him.
"We'll be seeing you around, maybe tomorrow?" Mel asked him.
"Sure," Edric said as he started to head home. "See ya!"
Once he left, the gang headed back into their hideout. Once they were back in, it was then they revealed their true selves…
"I should get into my lamp," D-Josh said as he walked over to a yellow, curved lamp and turned into a cloud of smoke before going inside. "Night, guys!"
Jackson laid on his own cot while holding up a picture. "Goodnight, my future love," he said while looking at the photo of a particular girl. "Cannot wait to meet you…"
"Blaze, if you're gonna change back, make sure you don't shed this time," Trini told Blazer.
"I'll keep that in mind," Blazer said as his whole body was bathed in flames and his appearance changed from a witch boy to a tall, anthropomorphic Dalmatian dog with yellow eyes with red sclera. His clothes were the same, however, as he revealed himself to be a Hellhound.
"I cannot wait to go to the Underworld," Eustace said while laying on his net bed. "All the treasure…"
"Indeed," Trini said as she changed her appearance. She now had hot-pink skin with red frontal horns on her forehead and a red heart-shaped tail. Her wings grew larger with black claws on the top and she now had hooves. "I so can't wait to meet that Luz Clawthorne you've talked about… I want to show her what a true cambion is supposed to be…"
"I'll tell you what, you sure suckered that boy real good," Serpentina said as she dipped into her small pool, her legs transforming into a mermaid's tail. "So when will you tell him… Melinoe?"
Mel gave a dangerous smirk. "Eventually, but we have plenty of time before that to make Bonesborough our personal playground," she said as she held up a pamphlet. "I hear next week, there's going to be a Brawl… who wishes to crash that?"
Somewhere in a secret lab, Sonya was holding up a crow while looking at some silhouettes of witches in a row of cooling tanks.
"How's your little pet project coming along, Sonya?" asked Terra Snapdragon.
"Going well," Sonya replied while turning her gaze to some files on her desk. "Project Chimera is coming into fruition…"
"Good," Terra said. "Oh, and did you hear the news? Apparently, one of our 'safehouses' has been keeping those missing witchlings all this time and they were found today… do you know anything about this?"
"No," Sonya admitted. "If we did have them, those four would've probably already been strapped to my slab."
"I asked Lupe and he's just as surprised," Terra revealed. "None of us had anything to do with that… I suspect that the Clawthornes are hiding something."
"Hmm, what should be our next course of action?" Sonya asked.
"Lay low, don't do anything yet," Terra informed her. "We'll play Eda's little game… she'll have to slip up somehow… but for now, let them think they have won, that they have outsmarted us and Belos. They will learn soon enough that they are terribly mistaken and that those four little witchlings should have never come home."
Perhaps there would be consequences for trying to frame the Tarot Guild for the disappearances of Amity, Eve, Gus, and Willow. But at least for tonight the residents of the Owl House slept peacefully, even while trouble brewed elsewhere…
Well things went from Full House to a Tyler Perry show to Spectacular Spider-Man real quick…
So most of you have already guessed that Mel's gang are basically based off of Disney's Descendants characters rather than being transplants.
Blazer is based off of Carlos, Cruella's son and if you're wondering, then yes, he's a Helluva Boss's Hellhound, a Dalmatian Hellhond for reference.
D-Josh is a Djinn that's based off of Jafar's son, Jay. He is an actual free Djinn thanks to Mel, who he since then hangs out with her out of loyalty.
Serpentina is an amalgam of three characters: Uma the daughter of Ursula, Cala Maria from The Cuphead Show, and Mermista from She-Ra: The Princesses of Power, while Eustace "Deepbeard" Curry is a parody of She-Ra 2018's Sea-Hawk, Captain Brineybeard from Cuphead, and Harry Hook from Descendants, but unrelated to Captain Hook. To note about the two, they're the only ones in Mel's gang that are from the Demon Realm, as Sea-Witches are quite common and can adapt to the boiling seas.
Trini is a parody of Evie, daughter of the Evil Queen, also unrelated. However, what's interesting about Trini is another Cambion, but a lot different from Luz as a Cambion. To educate: Cambions are a half-breed of humans and succubus and incubus, which is what Trini is, which explains her flirtatious nature…
Jackson Hearts is based off of by appearance Gambit from X-Men, mixed with the personality of Pepe Le Pew, and Gaston. He's actually the only member who's not a Descendants expy… but he wouldn't be that out of place in a Descendants story. He only goes after singles though...
And now we got Mel, who's full name is Melinoe, who in Greek mythology is the bringer of nightmares and madness, which can explain a few things about in certain events…
Now to note about Skara and Willow mentioning how they don't completely trust Nina yet shows that Luz and co don't trust her that well. Remember, Nina did snuck out at night the same time Skara did in "Hexing Out For A Hero".
And now let's talk about on the Gravity Falls side, about the Pines Parents. Now, let me tell you something about them that may have bothered some who have watch the show on reruns. There's some negative implications about Dipper and Mabel's home life when you think about it. Their parents are non-entities. Mabel always sends them mail occasionally, but not once in three months are they shown visiting or calling their children, with it not even looking like they checked who they sent their kids to, especially a legit criminal. Hell, during the events of Mabel Land, the twins' parents aren't present or mentioned at all shown in the flashbacks. It seems like the kids have no friends outside of Gravity Falls, since they never mentioned or call them.
Like, this isn't like in Ed, Edd n Eddy where the parents are purposely never shown by appearance, but are still mentioned and gives you hints at what the home lives of the Eds and the Cul-De-Sac kids' lives are like. In GF, their parents are non-existent. This is just borderline fridge horror ascended as this is just another example of the LCU deconstructing Gravity Falls. Compare to the parents in Owl House and Amphibia, Camila and the Boonchuys were still shown to be important in the lives of the main characters, unlike the Pines parents. The implications of the Pines parents being neglectful is high eminent, or they're not that really close to their children, which does give some more context to some of Mabel's actions in season two, especially in the flashbacks where they're completely absent from their home life.
And you probably wondering now on why the Pine Parents gave up on Dipper to Stan and why they don't want to take Dipper back. Well since they didn't expected nor want twins, they didn't want Dipper. We feel that they don't want to take Dipper back because it will force them to confront the truth that they might have been wrong to give him up… as quote from a Nova Corps Officer: "What a bunch of A-holes."
Although, we did originally have different plans for Stan and Mabel, but we thought it would be interesting to change the status quo by having Stan arrested and Mabel leave, even if that meant sacrificing those plans. It is our way of addressing the plot points in Gravity Falls that the original show ignored, like how Stan really did deserve to go to prison and how the Pines parents were completely kept in the dark. And I know that certain some of you may not like the choices we make about it, but this is for the purpose of storytelling to make it interesting, even if it means putting Dipper in the wringer.
And lastly, about Morty's new Australian voice, it's permanent… that's it. That's all we're gonna say about it.
-"Rotten to the Core" rendition from Descendants.
Now for the reviews:
Crosshot: Well I guess that's a recurring theme to these arcs, showing how Luz and Amity are after a big event they go through. We haven't seen the last of Ghost though.
The Great Fossil King: We never did.
OMAC001: Read back Chapter 86.
Ultimate-drax: Well now you will be worried for their future…
Matteso585: 1) How do you break in a temple that has no windows or entrance or exit? 2) Either is fine. 4) We'll keep that in the back burner for now.
Franco Almiron: Thanks.
Shuffollower: You may be right on the Artemis part.
Next chapter, let's have some fun in the sun, as we'll have something obligatory…
