Luz regretted ever being a part of this. Luz was familiar with a lot of horrible sights like injured animals who needed help, broken bones and injuries, or the cruelty of her peers, but nothing prepared her for this. "Kim can you stop making kissy faces at your scroll for five seconds and help me with these orders," groaned Luz.
Kim let out a giggle, "Sorry Lu. I've just never felt this way before. I have a girlfriend, like a real flesh and blood girlfriend, and she invited me out on Friday to watch the Wailing star together. It's going to be awesome. Everything is awesome."
"Yah I get it. You're on cloud nine. Just don't lose focus. We have a lot of people depending on us to get them their orders on time, and if I'm going to start going to Hexside with you next week we need to start making some of them ahead of time or we will start losing business, or do you want to have to ask your new rich girlfriend for money already cuz you can't afford your scroll." At Kim's horrified face Luz scoffed in victory, "That's what I thought. Now focus up Professor, and stop making me be the responsible one. It feels… wrong."
The next few hours passed without anymore significant distractions until Hooty popped out of the wall to tell them that they had visitors, and Luz opened a jar she had by her bed full of various bugs from her 'shopping trip' earlier and threw some that Hooty snapped up happily before slinking away with a satisfied smile. A minute later they heard a pair of feet walking down the stairs, and saw a very pale Skara and snickering Willow walk in.
"Oh mi esperanza, are you ok? Why are you so pale?" asked Kim as she rushed over to check on her girlfriend.
Willow started to laugh, "She's fine Kim. She just insisted on 'facing her fear' and she tried to have a conversation with Hooty."
Luz gave Willow a disappointed look, "And you let her. Come on Willow, you know better than to let anyone do that. Only a truly twisted individual can handle direct conversations with Hooty for more than a few seconds at a time. Even Kim can't do that, and she lives here."
"You don't seem to have any issues," smirked Willow.
Luz pointed to herself, "Ya sick, twisted individuals are an exception." Luz sighed, "Anyway. You always have an open invite to visit, but I thought you had things to do tonight. What's up? You need something?"
Willow sighed, "I heard Skara say she was going to stop by so I thought I should come with since Odalia keeps kidnapping Amity to make her do things for her." Willow perked up as she asked, "Oh by the way, did you get a chance to mix up that accelerator potion we discussed? I kinda wanted to see if I could get a Moon orchid to grow."
Luz reached into her bag and drew out an oily looking potion that had swirls of crimson running through it, "Ya here ya go Will, but it's really potent and volatile. Be careful not to shake it too hard until you're ready to use it, or it will finish mixing, and you'll only have about ten minutes after that to apply it before it… well if it's still bottled it will probably explode as pressure builds inside it." Luz gave Willow a curious look, "I still don't know why you needed this. I know you said these orchids are finicky, but I've seen you grow rough stuff before like it was nothing. What makes these any different?"
Willow groaned, "I tried to explain it to you before, but you fell asleep on me. Suffice it to say the Moon orchid isn't just finicky it's down right impossible to grow under normal circumstances, but that's where you come in. This little tonic will be the perfect fertilizer to get the roots to grow before they can wither on me. What do I owe ya?"
Luz smiled and waved her off, "Nope friends and family discount. This one's on the house. Just remember this the next time I need your help growing a rare ingredient, ok?"
Willow laughed and gave Luz a hug, "Sure thing bestie." Then she let out a groan, "Sorry ladies, but I gotta go. Papa says that dad is getting the urge to start 'renovating' the house again, and he needs help to talk him out of it."
"Well let your Dad know that if he needs any help, I'd love to come pick his brain," said Luz with a wink.
Willow stopped dead, "Wait… Luz, did you decide to join the construction track?"
Luz laughed, "Yep. I sent Bump a message an hour ago. I'll be building, and bulking up starting Monday. Besides Matt needs me in there to look out for him. Just between us I think he just feels more comfortable playing lieutenant to someone else, and personally it's probably safer for everyone if I take up the role of his 'boss'. Titan knows how someone else could take advantage of him, and as much as I wish he'd lighten up and just be friendly, if this is what he needs right now, then I'm willing to play my part." Luz gave Willow a knowing look, "More than anyone I know, I think you can understand where I'm coming from. You play shrink, and 'team mom' so often it's kinda amazing, but don't forget Will you don't need to do any of that around me. I see you for who you are, and you can always come to me if you need to relax. Now get going before your dad starts knocking down walls again." Willow winked back as she ran back up the stairs and toward her house leaving Kim, Luz, and Skara alone.
As Kim and Skara ended their embrace, Scarlet coiled up Kim's arm and squeaked into Kim's ear, before flapping her wings once and shifting into her western dragon form and landing on Skara's shoulder to begin nuzzling her cheek. When Skara managed to take her eyes off the adorable dragon, and return them to Kim, Skara noticed she was blushing hard. "Something wrong Kimmy? I think we'll just sit down and let you keep working," asked Skara before she moved over to sit on the end of Kim's bed and pet Scarlet lovingly.
Kim just watched them for a moment before saying, "No I'm fine, Scarlet just surprised me… She referred to you as 'other mom' and… I don't know. It just made me feel… warm? Ugh, I'm probably just being weird again. I'm sorry amor." Kim returned to her potions looking slightly embarrassed.
Skara smiled faintly as she watched Kim slowly get lost in her work again, and appreciating the small things about Kim that everyone else seemed to overlook. The way Kim's smile seems to become so gentle as she slowly coxes out a new creation. The adorable way you could see the gears slowly turn in her eyes as she worked. The look of certainty and confidence she got only in these small moments where the world fell away and it was just Kim and whatever problem she was conquering. These were the things that Skara loved to see in these quiet moments of calm normalcy. As she watched, Skara said absentmindedly, "Ya. The connection between palisman and wielder is a deep, almost spiritual, one, and although it can sometimes come out child-like they are almost always honest about it… I think I feel the same way about you." Skara said the last part in a slight whisper.
Luz and Kim worked in silence for the next half hour, but when Luz finished the last potion she needed to make that day she got up and moved over to her own bed, guitar in hand. "So as the future greatest bard on the Islands, I have to ask, I heard that bard magic is versatile enough to mimic other types of magic, right?"
Kim smiled sadly, "Ya. It's really sad that it doesn't get the respect it deserves, just because not everyone has the talent to make it work."
Luz looked at Kim with a sinister smile as she said, "You know I've been working on a new song, and I thought I'd run it by you to get some feedback…"
"Really! That's awesome. What's it called? I'd love to hear it," beamed Skara.
Luz smirked, "I call it 'Memory Lane'." Kim's head shot into their direction, but before Kim could say anything Luz closed her eyes, and began to play.
At first there didn't seem to be anything to worry about. The song was actually quite good apparently, as the distressed look on Kim's face slowly faded and was replaced by one of calm contentment, and Skara began to further relax and begin to sway in time. Slowly though the room began to change as what is began to fade, and what was took shape. Before them appeared a table where two six year old versions of Kim and Luz happily giggling and hugging as a beautiful chocolate cake covered in red and purple stars and six candles was slowly lowered down in front of them. They saw younger versions of the twins' parents standing nearby watching as the kids blew out the candles and continued to celebrate. For a split second Skara thought she saw a tear start to form in Camila's eye, but it was gone before she could know for sure. Then the world shifted to an auditorium where a slightly older Kim and another child, a boy about her age, were standing alone and going back and forth spelling ever more complex words until the boy made a mistake, and Kim didn't causing the room to fill with remembered cheers. The world shifted again to show the twins at about five years old as they rode bikes together outside their house, until Kim fell, skinning her knee, but in a flash Luz was there giving her a reassuring kiss on the side of her knee, and struggling slightly, Luz scooped her sister up and took her inside to their mom to get some help. Another change in location as now they all found themselves in a large gymnasium. A maybe nine year old Luz was sitting in the stands, without either of their parents around, watching Kim perform very agile gymnastic choreography in a red leotard to the applause of the crowd. Just before the scene could start to shift again, Skara saw Luz receive a call, and immediately started to rush toward Kim.
That's when everything shifted, not just the scene, but the energy in the room and song as well. What had been a warm pleasant walk through memories filled with scenes of love, and tenderness, suddenly grew colder and sharper like walking through snow and a biting wind. When Skara felt the change she immediately looked over to Luz who was still playing like nothing had changed, but the magic around her guitar started to occasionally fluctuate and show spikes of purple. Before Skara could do anything, she realized she was standing in a small room. A very weak and thin Manny Noceda was laying in a bed connected to various tubs, and machines. She saw ten year old versions of the twins on their knees beside each side of the bed, each one holding one of their dads hands as he slept, and they wept. Then finally a cold headstone took his place, and Skara heard Luz scream in anguish.
When Skara came to, she was sore and still laying on Kim's bed. Nearby she saw Luz with her knees tightly held to her chest with Kim kneeling in front of her and wrapping her in a calming embrace as they both cried. Skara sat up slowly and asked tentatively, "What was that? I know that bard magic channels emotions, but I've never felt anything that cold or painfully real before. Are you both ok?"
"I think we'll be fine. Ironically it didn't hurt as much this time to have to watch him die," said Kim, her voice cracking slightly, but she seemed to be holding herself together.
Luz just kept crying and holding herself as she trembled, and whispered, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry… It was supposed to be a joke. A little harmless fun. Embarrass Kim by showing her new girlfriend some cute 'baby pictures', and have a few laughs at her expense, but I ruined it. Me acerqué demasiado a 'esos' sentimientos y cometí un desliz. Les permití liberarse y correr salvajemente. ¿Por qué tengo que arruinar todo? ¿Por qué tengo que doler todo el tiempo?" (I got too close to 'those' feelings, and I slipped up. I allowed them to burst free and run wild. Why do I have to ruin everything? Why do I have to hurt all the time?)
After a few minutes Luz had calmed down enough for Kim to pull Skara aside, "I'm sorry carino, but I think you should head home for today. It might not happen often, but when this happens I need to look after my sister. I know what to do, and you shouldn't have to see her like this. If you could keep this a secret I know she would really appreciate it." Kim smiled slightly, leaned in, and gave Skara a light kiss on the cheek, "Te amo Skara. I'll see you tomorrow." With one final hug and a worried expression on Skara's face she left, and started walking home alone.
Later that night Skara got a message from Amity on her scroll.
(WITCHCHICK128) Sorry about flaking on you earlier Skar. Mom's getting extra needy of late, and I need to keep her as distracted as possible. Did you get any alone time with Kim?
(FLATSHARP) It's ok ami. I get it. No, and it's probably better that you weren't there.
(WITCHCHICK128) Why? What happened?
(WITCHCHICK128) Skara?
(FLATSHARP) I promised I wouldn't say. Everyone's fine I think. Amity, you're my best friend. I'm closer to you then anyone else in the world, but I can't tell you this time.
(FLATSHARP) Do you remember when I promised you that you could always come to me about anything, and even when it was about your mom I never judged you or told anyone. Its something like that, but I'm afraid it might be worse. Hopefully she'll open up to you soon, but until then this is all I can tell you. I'm sorry.
(WITCHCHICK128) ok Skara I'll trust you on this, but if at any time you think someone could get hurt I expect you to tell me. I love you like a sister too, and I can't lose you.
(FLATSHARP) oh on lighter news, I was thinking about asking Gus if he has any books to help teach me Spanish. I thought it might help me wow Kim's mom, also I kinda want to understand what they're saying when they start whispering back and forth, and sometimes they say things and I can tell it's something important, but I just don't understand. It's frustrating.
(WITCHCHICK128) I can agree with that. Sounds fun, count me in. I get the feeling Luz is making fun of me or something sometimes. She'll say something and I'll see Kim blush out of the corner of my eye, but she refuses to translate for me. Maybe you could help since your her girlfriend now. Please?
(FLATSHARP) nope. Not getting in between my girls. I love ya ami but 'project wedding bells' can't have any issues this time.
(WITCHCHICK128) Skar we came up with that plan when we were 6. You can't be serious.
(WITCHCHICK128) also wasn't that originally made to try to get me and boscha together? Eww
(FLATSHARP) never be afraid to recycle a good plan. Think on the bright side. If it works we really will be family. With our own Noceda twin all to ourselves as a bonus.
(FLATSHARP) ami
(FLATSHARP) AMITY
(WITCHCHICK128) lol mittens blushed herself unconscious. Hey skara, it's emria.
(WITCHCHICK128) so mittens has a thing for the wild one. Would have sworn kim was more her speed. Guess she's still up for grabs. I might have to fix that.
(FLATSHARP) NO. STAY AWAY FROM HER
(WITCHCHICK128) calm down sharpie. Its not like
(WITCHCHICK128) OMT ARE YOU AFTER KIM
(FLATSHARP) no
(FLATSHARP) We started dating last night, but don't say anything we haven't made it official yet. We haven't even gone on our first real date yet
(WITCHCHICK128) I have so many questions. Whens your first date? When are you 2 coming out? What do you mean real? Who else knows? Who
(WITCHCHICK128) I'm back. Em is such a pain, sorry
(FLATSHARP) no she's fine. Are you though? I was starting to wonder if I had to send Luz over there to wake you up.
(WITCHCHICK128) not funny skara
(FLATSHARP) i meant her espresso potion, perv
(FLATSHARP) did you pass out again?
(WITCHCHICK128) I gotta go. Ed and Em are harassing me for details now about you and kim. See you tomorrow.
(FLATSHARP) ok night ami.
The next morning in the Owl House was perfectly normal for its abnormal occupants. It was the twins turn to make breakfast, and Luz was happily humming as she experimented with making Griffon egg omelets with eyeball filling while Kim cooked some fresh Quilboar bacon. King was playing with her 'minions', and Eda was seeming to savor her morning mug of Apple Blood, but Kim couldn't help feeling her eyes on her every once in a while. Kim could never catch her staring, but after living together for so long she knew the feeling well. When Kim started to make her way back toward her room to get ready for school, Eda stopped her, "No need to get changed for school today Kimberly. I got a message from Bump this morning. Pixie infestations are notoriously rough to deal with, but Bump said they should have it handled before Monday."
Kim looked at Eda a bit unnerved, "I guess that's fine, but since when do you use my full first name Aunt Eda?"
Kim almost missed Eda, slightly flinching when she heard Kim call her 'Aunt', but Eda covered it with a laugh, "Thought I'd try it out. Felt weird to me too."
"Not surprising since it's only really used when someones mad," laughed Luz. "So we got all the orders for tomorrow done yesterday, stocked up on more of your 'juice' while we were at it, I managed to have a conversation with Hooty so we only have to give him a bath every other week instead of every week, and… I think that's it. Is there anything else you need done Aunt Eda? Cuz otherwise I might go exploring today. I heard that a murder of Shadowdancer Ravens was spotted roosting near BQ's sanctuary, and I heard that their feathers could be used in potions. Also they are really pretty so I thought I might get some sketches. What about you Kim? Got any plans before your date tonight?" needled Luz.
Eda paled, "Um… what's this I hear about a date? I didn't know there was anyone who caught your eye?"
Kim blushed which made Luz laugh again as she mocked, "Yep our little nerd is growing up, but at least Skara seems trustworthy. Not like that last pendejo who only wanted her to make his ex jealous… I wonder if he kept the crutches. Regardless, there's nothing to worry about this time, I think. Skara seems to treat her like the princess she is." As Eda only paled further Luz let out a sigh, "Sorry Eda I forgot how rough anything 'royal' related is for you. It was only a human analogy. It basically means to treat her with love, respect, and maybe a bit of pampering, that's it, and Skara's rich and capable on her own so it's not like she can actually get anything questionable out of this… unless Kimmy decides to stop being a prude and have some fun." Luz gave Kim a suggestive wink which only made Kim blush harder.
"Knock it off Lu. I'm nervous enough about this without you putting those kinds of thoughts in my head," whined Kim.
Luz got a sly smile at that, "But you are thinking them through. My evil schemes are working then. Your corruption is nigh little Kimmy." Luz let out an evil laugh.
Kim just looked at Luz with an unimpressed glare, "Insead of 'corrupting' me shouldn't you be focusing on finding a way to woo Amity. If you don't hurry up someone like Boscha's going to snap her up."
"THAT PERRA BETTER STAY AWAY FROM MY AMITY," growled Luz before she realized what she said, and started to blush herself.
"Oh so no she's 'your Amity'. When did that happen?" said Kim with a slight smile.
Luz just sputtered before looking away morosely, and collapsed into a chair while hiding her face in her hands, "It didn't. It won't. I don't know why I said that, cuz it'll never happen. Amity might have a few small faults, but she's still way too good for someone like me. She's rich, smart, funny, fierce,.. Beautiful… and I'm nothing but a common thug." Luz got quiet after that, and Kim noticed that Luz was crying slightly. Kim tried to comfort her, but Luz waved her off, and let out a pained mocking laugh, "Oh Titan, even Boscha would be a better partner for her. She's a parasite, but at least she can take care of her, give her a life. What can I offer her, a cabin in the woods? A life constantly looking over her shoulder, and slowly waiting for the day that one or both of us get petrified?" Luz looked directly into Kim's eyes, "I'm not like you Kim. I will never not be a wild witch, it's who I am down to my bones and soul. Amity has the opportunity to be someone, even a coven head. I can't stand in her way. I don't deserve to be near her. I'm broken, and I always will be."
At some point the twins seemed to forget Eda was even in the room, and she heard Luz's every word. She couldn't help noticing how familiar they were, and then to her horror she knew why. These were the same things Eda always said to herself when she thought about Raine. In that moment Eda saw every interaction she had shared with the girl in a new light, and they brought a mixture of emotions she had kept locked away for so long. She loved these girls. She couldn't lie to herself anymore about it, but Luz was special. Luz wasn't just some girl she had grown fond of, especially not anymore. Luz was the daughter she had never had. They had the same spirit, the same minds, and apparently the same flaws. Eda felt overwhelmed by a sense of maternal love that had been slowly growing inside her for these girls since they arrived, but now exploded within her at this revelation. At the same time though Eda was filled with a sense of soul crushing despair. If Luz really was just like her, was it her fault that Luz felt and thought that way? Had she unknowing doomed her 'daughter' to the same fate as her? If she did, was there even a way for Eda to help her? Eda didn't know how to even try to begin to do so, but as Eda spiraled further and further into fear and despair she suddenly heard a voice.
"Dammit Lu. Why is it that you can see the value of everyone around you, but never see your own? You want me to be completely honest with you? Fine. When you are like this, you are completely insufferable, and it tears me up inside. I hate to see you like this, because it's all such utter bat guano, and worst of all there is nothing I can say or do to make you understand that. If I try to remind you that you're beautiful, you'll just make a joke about me being vain because we're twins. If I try to remind you that you're smart, you'll just focus on me being 'smarter'. If I try to say your kind, you'll only make a snarky comment about how many people you've hurt. The list goes on and on, and we go round and round. Nothing ever changes. I think and pray they do, but we always end up right back here, and I'm sick of it…" yelled Kim, and once more Eda is standing on a hill years ago as she hears a similar tirade from Raine before they walk away. It had been at that moment that Eda decided Raine was right, and Eda had to stop expecting them to hold them together. It wasn't fair, but then everything changed.
"But none of that matters. I am your twin sister. We are two halves that make a greater whole. I could never abandon you, just like you could never abandon me. Titan dammit, if it is my fate to do this dance with you for the rest of our lives then get on your dancing shoes because I'm here to stay. I wish I knew how to make you see yourself the way I do, but I don't. This is all so ridiculous because if the roles were reversed there is no way you would ever let me get away with saying half the things you lie to yourself about. Now stand up, put that eternal smirk on your face that annoys me so much, and go do something to put all those dark thoughts back in the box you always shove them into until they spill out again or by some miracle I finally find a way to make them disappear forever. Everyone deserves to feel loved. You are Luz Isabella Noceda, breaker of morons, defender of the defenseless, good witch, and my awesome sister, and don't you ever forget that, but if you do I will always be standing here waiting to remind you. Ahora cálmate y sé la perra mala que ambos sabemos que eres, o así ayúdame encontraré la chancla de mamá y te golpearé con ella hasta que lo hagas. ¿Entiendo?" (Now pull yourself together and be the bad bitch we both know you are, or so help me I will find Mom's chancla and beat you with it until you do. Got it?)
Kim gave Luz a light shove, and Luz actually laughed before saying, "Thanks Kimmy. I think I needed to hear that. Te amo, mi media naranja." (I love you, my better half.) With that Luz slowly went to get dressed to go exploring.
Kim watched her go, and then felt a hand on her shoulder. When she looked up, it was into Eda's smiling face. "Ya know Kim, Luz might be tough, but without you I don't think she would be half as strong. I have to admit, I believed your lie when we first met. You know "Luz is the muscle, I am the brain'. It was a convincing one too, but you two are so much more than that, and… I don't know if I say it enough, but I'm proud of you. I see so much of myself in Luz, but today was the first time I was jealous of her, because she has you. I had a sister, friends, and family, but no one like you kiddo. Luz is really lucky to have you."
Kim gave the older woman's hard a gentle squeeze, "You have both of us now Aunt Eda, and it wasn't really a lie when we said it. You're the reason it isn't true anymore. You say you've never had anyone like me, but that goes both ways. We have never had someone like you either. Don't get me wrong, we love our Mami, but she never seemed to really have the time to 'see' us. She did her best, loved us with all her heart, and protected us, but she never 'saw' us. She never had the time to really listen to us, or she couldn't understand us. I don't know. I don't know what she was like when you knew her, and I know you can't tell me anything, but… well we said it before and I'll say it again. If we had to get lost in a foreign world and potentially face death everyday so we could meet you, it's a trade we would make every time."
Eda laughed and snorted, "You give the Isles too much credit. My girls are too tough, too smart, and too wild to ever be in any real danger."
As Luz walked through the room toward the front door she sighed, "Tell that to my aching back. Those demon hunters the other night were a real pain, but at least Vee is alright."
Eda stopped and turned her head to give Kim a hard look since Luz had already left the room, "What's this about Demon hunters, and who's Vee? Have you two been keeping things from me again?" When Kim let out an awkward laugh and started scratching the back of her head Eda just started tapping her foot with arms crossed. "Spill it Kim."
Kim sighed, "It's not like we were intentionally keeping it a secret. At first we just got distracted, and forgot to give you all the details, and after that… well we had the situation handled so we didn't really see a point bothering you with it." When Eda didn't react or change her posture Kim continued, "Fine, but only because she said she'd like to meet you eventually. Vee is a basilisk, and BQ's… ward, foster daughter, assistant… whatever. Vee is the friend we mentioned on our birthday, and she's really cool, a total cinnamon roll when you get to know her. So we found some Demon hunters kidnapping palismen from BQ's forest, and she was in a cage too so we decided to 'liberate' them." Eda got a small smirk at that despite herself. "We hid our faces the whole fight. Turns out they were only a small scouting group, but after we took care of them, and saved Vee we ran and ended up meeting the Bat Queen… Unfortunately the hunters came back in force two nights ago, and we had to go help with the rest of our new crew. It all worked out though. No one got seriously hurt, and I even got together with Skara after so I'd say it was a great success all things considered."
Eda sighed, "How many?"
Kim sputtered, "What?"
"How many hunters, and did they have official orders or were they on their own?" asked Eda.
"Um.. thirty to forty… the exact number got kinda muddled since some went down before we got there and then the fight got chaotic… sorry. I think the guy in charge said something about an official order from the Emperor, but that could have just been an attempt to scare us… oh there were two hunters on big cats with whip tails too if that helps," Kim awkwardly stated.
Eda pondered this for a second before saying, "Ok kid. I'm not mad, and from the sounds of it you did a hell of a job, but… ugh we will discuss this later. I need more Apple blood."
That's when Luz came back into the room with a basket, "BQ's got another favor. According to her note, She and Vee had something they needed to take care of so BQ would like us to look after her baby for the day. She said she'd reward us, but I think that was more for you Eda than me. Kinda sucks though with them gone I probably shouldn't go exploring, and she kinda asked specifically Eda and I to watch her little one."
"I wonder why she only asked you and Eda?" asked Kim.
"Probably the same reason I'm kicking you out for the day. You have a date tonight. Go get something to make your girl drool," smirked Luz.
"Ugh really Luz. We're back to this already… fine, but I'm returning Eda's library books while I'm out. There's something I want to look up," sighed Kim, but with a small smile at seeing her sister back to 'normal'.
"I'd make a joke about Skara's skirt, but that seems a little crass in front of the baby," smiled Luz. When Kim's face blushed, Luz just laughed, "Get going, before all the blood rushes to your face and… Have fun Kimmy. I'm really happy for you."
With Eda's books safely in Kim's satchel, Kim started walking toward town before Scarlet cocked her head and asked why they weren't flying there. That thought caught Kim by surprise. She hadn't thought of that. Why not? So tentatively Kim sat on her staff and slowly started to fly. For some reason Kim felt… comfortable riding her staff. That's not to say riding on Owlbert had been uncomfortable, but Scarlet just felt familiar. After a few moments Kim realized that riding on her reminded her of straddling the pommel horse back when she needed a break between routines. It gave her an idea, and since there was no one around to see her, Kim decided to test a theory. After warning Scarlet of her intentions, Kim stood up and got into her old position treating the staff like it was just a balance beam. After a moment to calm and steady herself Kim performed a few of her favorite feats, and to her surprise they felt perfectly natural. Kim soon found herself with her eyes closed, she trusted Scarlet to fly safely for now, as she performed one move after another with only the slightest bit of rust. When Kim realized she had worked up a sweat, and Scarlet warned her they were almost to Bonesbough, she did one last movement that left her sitting comfortably back where she had started, grinning ear to ear. Luz would love to see this later.
Kim thought about checking to see if she could find anything cute for her date, but that proved too embarrassing so she decided to handle the library first. When she walked inside Kim was overwhelmed by the familiar smell of dust, ink, and old paper. After returning Eda's stack of overdue books to a tired uncaring librarian's assistant, Kim took the opportunity to begin exploring Bonesbough Library for the first time. Everything around her felt so new, but at the same time familiar. Orbs replacing computers, and some of the books seemed to have minds of their own, but the feeling was the same. As Kim looked around she felt overwhelmed by all the new and interesting concepts and theories surrounding her. For a couple minutes Kim just soaked it all in, but then a thought came to her. Maybe she could find some information on the Emperor's history. Anything could help solve the mystery of who they could be, but it was a fairly large library to search on her own. Maybe Skara could…? But when Kim thought about Skara she remembered their date later, and she began to sweat. Were witch customs the same as human ones? Probably not, but how would they differ? Kim started getting increasingly flustered, but she was in her safe place. If there was an answer the library had never failed to help her find it before, and it would help her again, she hoped. With rushed steps and a heavy blush as thoughts of 'expectations' filled her head, Kim went hurrying through the stacks and rows until she was pulled out of her thoughts by a familiar voice.
"We're your friends and we wanna help, said the Tin Boy with a yelp. Otabin smiled and paced the floor. I've never had real friends before."
Kim snuck over to where the voice was coming from to see a smiling Amity surrounded by little witchlings and demons held in rapt attention as she read to them from a book.
"Then we'll be your first, the Chicken Witch clucked. Otabin couldn't believe his luck. So, Bookmaker Otabin surrounded by friends, bound a book of friendship and that's the end," Kim heard Amity finish, and watched as the children let out a cheer as they got their stuff packed up to leave. Some of the kids even gave Amity small hugs as they left including a very familiar little red demon kid with an oddly deep voice. Kim watched it all from the side, not really hiding, but not being immediately visible either.
Once all the kids were gone, and Amity was almost done cleaning up the kids corner Kim spoke up, "I just don't get you, Amity. You were a bully, but you read to kids. You act cold and detached most of the time, but as soon as Luz comes around you become a jealous puddle. I know one is obviously a mask, but which one? Are you the Ice Queen, or the loving person? I desperately want to understand you, but I can't separate the real you from the fake. I'm not even sure if you know which is which anymore?"
Amity jumped in surprise at the sound of Kim's voice, and then looks away saying, "You've forgotten option three. I'm both, and neither." Then Amity sighed, "Kim, I'm sorry, but if there isn't anything you need I have to get back to work. If you could keep me reading to the kids a secret though I would appreciate it. Odalia doesn't know, and she probably wouldn't let me keep doing it if she did."
Kim let out a frustrated sigh, "If that's the way you want it Blight, but… Ugh I'm going to go find a book to distract myself. Bye." Amity didn't respond, but as Kim turned around she found Ed and Em looking at her expectantly. "Um hey there? What can I do for you?" Kim asked awkwardly.
The older twins gave each other a look and then stared down at Kim with a look of irritation before Ed said. "Well, I have to be honest with ya Kimmy we are disappointed and a bit miffed." Kim looked away feeling intimidated, and uncomfortable.
Em continued, "We understand that you don't really know how all this works, but Amity and Skara are basically sisters. Which makes her our sister, and you didn't even ask us if it was ok for you to ask her out." Kim looked confused, but started to shrink back from the pair.
"Sadly there is only one way to resolve this issue…" said Ed as he began to grin.
Em started grinning as well as she said, "Tell us all the details. If you do, we might forgive you for trying to slip past us to get to our precious little Songbird."
Kim just looked at the two in shock, "What are you two talking about? IF I wanted to ask out Skara wouldn't it be her parents I would have to talk to, not you guys? I know it's something that used to be a thing, and if not wouldn't that be up to Skara…"
Ed scoffed, "The Sharps are a lot of things, parents isn't one of them. So as the closest thing to family that she's got we demand you spill it, little Kimmy. We like you, but we have to make sure you won't hurt her."
"I would never hurt Skara," yelled Kim, actually making the older twins back up a step. "And if half the things I've heard about your family are true then I think she's safer with me then she is anywhere near your mother." Kims eyes began to start glowing faintly.
The older twins put their hands up in surrender as Em said, "Ok this has clearly backfired. We aren't actually mad. We just thought that maybe we could finally get some answers if we tried the 'shovel talk' approach, but clearly you are a lot less meek when it comes to Skara… good job by the way. Fierce girlfriend looks good on you, but we weren't lying. Skara means a lot to all of us, especially Amity, so please. We want to know what's going on." Then she whispered, "We can't worry about both of them at the same time."
Kim looked at the pair for a moment before she sighed, "Fine, but no jokes, and I might need your help. I've never dated before, much less a beautiful witch like Skara… I don't want to mess this up." So Kim, after finding a quiet abandoned corner of the library, told the Blight twins about what's been going on, minus Raines theory, Vee's species, Amity's plan to distract Odalia, or the sanctuary. By the end Ed wasn't paying much attention as Scarlet proved too large a distraction for his short attention span, but Em positively beamed.
"Ok so, I'm not going to give you the hippogryphs and the firebees talk, but things you should probably know. I don't know if it's just a witch thing, but don't touch her ears without permission. They are sensitive and very private. I highly doubt it will come up, but no marking…" said Em until she saw Kim's confused look. "Oh Titan, help me. Ok so witches have fangs, and there's an old custom called 'marking'. Basically a witch will bite their partner, breaking the skin, and in the process a little bit of their magic gets sealed in the mark. The mark serves a couple of actual purposes, like if one goes missing the other can use the connection to help find them or sense if their in trouble, but more than that it shows that the bitten is claimed until it is 'healed' magically or marriage when a much more complex and full spell takes its place, usually woven into the wedding bands. Beyond that… Generally exchanging deeply personal items is seen as a proposal, usually jewelry, so don't do that if you aren't ready… I think that's it from a customs standpoint."
Kim just blushed at the whole conversation, but squeaked out a weak, "Thanks." Before she went to explore the library, and think about what she just learned. Kim had to admit there were some similarities to what she's seen in movies, but just colored by the existence of magic. Maybe she didn't have to worry so much, they didn't seem so different.
Before Kim got too far though Em ran up and got her attention again, "So as an apology for earlier, maybe we could take you out to pick up a cute outfit for later. No pressure, but I know how uncomfortable it can be to shop alone when you're stressed. Let us know, ok cutie?" And before Kim could answer Ed and Em ran off. Leaving Kim alone again. Putting the Blights out of mind as quickly as possible, Kim chose to start searching for family records for the Clawthorne's and Belos families. After over forty-five minutes Kim found nothing, and finally decided to ask someone only to get laughed at and told that if those books exist they are in the Forbidden Stacks, and as you can guess they are off limits. Kim would have been irritated at being laughed at, but after all the pranks she saw occurring in the library that day, Kim cut the librarian some slack. They were probably just frustrated.
With her plans to get some kind of lead on the mystery that hung over her and her sister's head having gone up in smoke, Kim thought about just leaving to get ready for her date, but as soon as she thought about her date again Kim started to feel warm and nervous again, and as she made her way back to the entrance Kim stumbled upon the 'romance' section of the library and she felt pulled toward it. Kim gave the unfamiliar tomes a quick glance, but had no idea where to begin so she just grabbed one that looked promising called 'The Witch and The Secret Room' which to Kim's surprise opened up an actual secret room. After looking around to make sure no one was watching Kim went inside, the door closing behind her as silently as it had opened. It was a nice little hidden hideaway, and Kim felt like maybe she could use it in the future to do her own studies. It even had its own bookcase full of an eclectic collection of books… including four of the five Azura books, and an odd fifth book with a hand drawn cover. After a short pause Kim reached out to the odd book, and read the first page.
Dear diary, Em got me you for my birthday. She said I need a safe space to record my thoughts. I don't understand why, but I think we are going to be great friends. Since I can't talk to Willow anymore, I guess you can be my new best friend. I look forward to filling you up with so many happy memories. I can't wait.
Kim flipped further into the diary.
Dear diary, for the first time ever I received a nearly perfect score. I don't know who told her, but she sent me a message as soon as class ended to come straight home. I knew what to expect, but I never imagined Mother's magic would hurt so bad. I tried to explain that no one else in class even passed, but she wouldn't hear it. I'm sorry diary, but my head is still aching. She demands perfection. I have to be perfect.
Kim flipped a few more pages.
Dear Diary, I have great news. Ms. Lilith has decided to take me as one of her students. I have to work hard to prove myself. I will be the best. I will be perfect. I will rise to the top. Maybe then Mother will love me. No, I will earn her love. I can do this. I know I can.
The next entry she read had some odd old brown stains that looked like tear marks on it.
Dear diary, I'm back from the yearly Hudrik party, and it was so much worse than usual. Their oldest son Durn wouldn't leave me alone again. I know I should have seen it coming, but he was so much more insufferable than normal. I tried to get away from him without causing a scene, but he wouldn't take a hint, and then he had the audacity to try to ask me out. Eww. He's fifteen. Why would he even ask me out? We don't even have anything in common, and i'll say it again he's three years older than me, and a boy. Yuck. Apparently I should have been flattered according to mom. I'm sorry for staining you with blood. I thought the aftereffects of mothers punishment were over, but it looks like my eyes are still dripping a bit. I'll do better next time.
Kim hurriedly shut the book, and returned it to its place. Kim could feel her eyes stinging from holding back tears. She had wanted to understand Amity, but not like this.
Shame. Kim felt cold creeping shame start to crawl over her skin like some hellish combination of bugs and icicles. Without another thought Kim ran out of the room, swearing to herself that she would never go there again. Kim didn't stop when she escaped the library, or once Bonesbough was far enough away that she couldn't hear it anymore. She ran until she reached one of the caves that Luz had told her about and just let all her emotions go.
Kim had a hard time remembering those twenty minutes later, but when she came back to herself she felt drained, but somehow better. The cave around her had changed. The floor was now as smooth and shiny as glass, and the ceiling was now a vivid shade of obsidian with numerous small cracks that let pinpricks of light through making it look like a starry night. Kim noticed a few changes in herself as well. Once more Kim and Luz matched since they both had fangs like other witches, and her hair was longer then Luz's again, even though Luz now kept hers in a small ponytail,Kim's reached down between her shoulder blades. Kim looked at herself in the reflective floor and got an idea, but she would need help to pull it off. Before Kim left the cave though she noticed a message from Ed inviting her to meet them at the library after her date so she could tell them all about it. At first Kim was going to refuse, but for some reason she decided why not, and said she would try to stop by later. Kim then rushed off to get ready.
When Skara received a message from Kim that included 'directions' she was confused, but Skara decided to play along. While Skara had debated wearing something 'fancy', the instructions had hinted at wearing something comfortable so she decided on a silky crimson blouse, a pair of gold jean style shorts, and allowed her hair to lay unbound and waterfall down. Just before nightfall Skara found herself walking the now familiar path toward the Owl House until suddenly Scarlet glided down from a tree and started nuzzling Skara's neek.
After a few loving pets, Scarlet hopped off of Skara, and started to lead her through the tree's for the next ten minutes. When Skara finally exited the tree's she found herself in a small glade filled with thousands of flowers in a rainbow of colors with Kim standing at their center slowly maniplutation a large leaf into shape. As Skara drew closer she saw Kim in a slightly faded t-shirt with a stylized witch on it and the word 'Azura' prominently on it. Skara also noticed that Kim was wearing a pair of similar shorts to her own, but to her surprise Kim had found a way to make her hair grow an extra foot or so, and it was now beautifully dutch braided making Skara's chest tighten.
When Skara got close enough to reach out and touch Kim, and get her attention she heard her say, "Ok. You can do this. Everything is prepared. Now I just have to wait for Scarlet to get here with Skara… the most beautiful, talented, and classy girl you ever meet… and you invited her to a boring picnic in the woods. Oh Titan I'm not ready. I'm going to mess this up, and then she'll never want anything to do with me again." Kim started making distressed noises like she was going to be sick, but Skara just smiled.
Skara reached out and wrapped her arms around Kim's neck, and pulled her into a hug as she whispered, "I think you're doing great so far. Don't worry Kim, I already knew you were a dufus, but you're my dufus now, and I like you just the way you are."
Kim shivered as she felt Skara's breath on her ear, but managed to squeak out, "Oh, um. Hi Skara. Um, so how long have you been there?"
"Don't worry Kim. I just got here, and how did you find this place?" asked Skara without letting go of Kim.
"Well Luz and I found it a while ago, but all the flower's are new." Kim pulled herself free so she could see Skara, but upon seeing her all she could say was, "Tan bonito. No puedo merecer a esta diosa." (So pretty. I can't deserve this goddess.)
Skara laughed, "I'm going to assume that was a compliment, so thanks. It seems like you put a lot of work into this. So what's the plan?"
With a smile Kim reached out her hand, and after Skara took it Kim led her onto the large leaf. Without letting go of Skara, Kim reached down and activated a couple plant glyphs that caused the leaf to rise up just over the tree tops and its edges to curl ever so slightly to prevent anyone or anything from rolling off accidentally. Once Kim was done she reached into her bag and started pulling out some things; a large blanket, four containers of varying sizes, and then a small box tied with a bow. Once everything was grabbed and placed Kim looked back at Skara with a nervous grin, and said," I was thinking we could have a little picnic beneath the stars while we wait for the main event. Maybe we could talk a bit too. I really like you Skara, but there's so much I still don't know about you… and I… I want to know all that I can."
Skara gave her girlfriend a small smile, "I think that sounds amazing, and I feel the same. So what's on the menu?"
Kim gestured for Skara to sit down next to her as she started grabbing containers. "I wanted to do something really special so I managed to make up some of my favorites from the human realm to share with you." Slowly Kim revealed Sancocho Dominicano a la Islands (Roc and Forest Bull meat, corn, cassava, and auyama stew), Cassava dumplings (mashed cassava filled with soft cheese), Quilboar tamale's, and Maduros (sweet fried plantains).
With each new item Skara's eyes grew wider and wider before she started to tear up, and said, "You made all of this… just for me. I can't believe this. How? I thought you said that the door didn't work. I've never seen half of the ingredients in these."
Kim looked away a little awkward, "Ya the doors still busted, but thankfully if you know what you want to grow, plant magic can help you grow it, and Luz helped me cook them. It was kind of exhausting, but… Well you're worth the effort." Kim's words earned her another hug from her favorite bard, and after pulling out a couple bowls, spoons, and some Apple Blood Light bottles the duo dug in. Throughout their meal Kim couldn't take her eyes off of Skara as her eyes lit up at the new and unique flavors she was getting to enjoy.
Once they had finished their meal the two girls just laid back and stared at the stars together. Quietly Skara moved her arm so that her hand laid half way between them, palm up, and with trembling fingers Kim reached out and intertwined her fingers with Skara's. For the next few minutes they just laid there listening to the sounds of nature around them and each others breathing, hand in hand. With a slight stutter Kim asked, "So, I know you like music and Grudgeby, but do you have any other hobbies?"
Skara let out a small chuckle, "Actually I don't really like Grudgeby, but when Amity and Boscha joined the team, I did too. Don't get me wrong, it's a great way to keep in shape, and I really enjoyed spending time with my friends, but that's really all I got out of it. If there was any other option I'd probably be doing that. As for other hobbies, I don't really know. I like watching plays, performances, and really anything that combines music with storytelling. I generally like watching sports, but maybe that's just another type of performance. I used to people watch, and come up with little stories for their lives. A lovers quarrel, a confession of love, you know a little harmless dramatic fun to help get through the boring day to day, but then I saw you on your zero day, and… I don't know… I just couldn't get you out of my head." Skara blushed realizing she might have said too much so she quickly asked, "What about you?"
Kim let out a rye sigh, "Well I'm not nearly as fun or cool as you are. I read, and write mostly. Ever since coming here though, my whole world has changed. Experimenting with Luz and Eda on new and better potions, exploring new and fascinating places, learning and growing my magic, it's all so new and fantastic." Kim then leaned up and gave Skara a warm smile, "Did we ever show you the book we are working on? It's going to include all of the amazing plants and beasts we've come across on the Isles. I'm writing it, and Luz is handling the illustrations. It's going to be so cool." After a short pause Kim laid back down with a smile, "I experimented with flying earlier, and… I might start training again."
It was Skara's turn to lean up as she asked, "What kind of training?"
Kim blushed and let out a little laugh, "Oh, um, gymnastics. I stopped practicing for… a while, but I might start up again. With how dangerous the Isles can be, a little extra flexibility could save my life."
Skara's eyes lit up at Kim's statement, "Oh I remember that from Luz's song yesterday… Um do you think you could show me anything? I'll understand if you don't want to…"
Kim interrupted Skara with a loud laugh, "Well if mi carino wants a demonstration, then what kind of girlfriend would I be if I refused her." Still laughing Kim let go of Skara's hand as she got up and stuffed the bottom of her shirt into her shorts before stretching her knees, and without warning back flipping off the leaf and into the darkness.
Skara immediately shot to a standing position, and started searching around by the light of the stars, but didn't see Kim anywhere until she heard more laughter. Kim was standing on her staff as it flew toward the nearest edge of the forest, and as she flew she released dozens of light orbs and sent them around to light up her chosen area. With a smirk and a bow Kim started her improvised routine. After a few short steps Kim did a small aerial cartwheel before springing off her staff with a fluid front handspring toward the waiting branches of the trees around her. With practiced ease Kim caught the first branch and used her momentum to transition from branch to branch while incorporating multiple flips and flyaways to keep herself moving with little interruption. A few times Skara watched as branches cracked and broke away, but it never completely broke until after she finished transferring to the next branch. Once Kim found a usably thick branch she did another aerial twist and landed into a beautiful handstand followed by a stunning cartwheel, and back handspring back onto her staff to return to their leaf stand. Unable to contain herself Kim did one more flip before she landed with a solid dismount, and bowed to her amazed girlfriend, leaving Skara staring at Kim's surprising athleticism.
After a moment Skara began to clap and gush over Kim's amazing performance until she heard Kim sigh a little frustrated, "I'm sorry Skara. I wish I wasn't so rusty. That was so sloppy. Ugh." As Skara watched, Kim began to tip and fall into Skara's arms. After shaking off the bout of dizziness Kim blushed and apologized again, "Sorry about that. I guess I was rustier than I thought."
Skara just slowly lowered them both down and with reassuring touches got Kim to lay down with her head in Skara's lap, "Don't worry about any of that Kimmy. Just relax for a while, ok?" With a warm smile Skara carefully stroked Kim's forehead, "You know, I've really enjoyed myself so far, but you didn't have to try so hard for me."
Kim let out a little laugh, "I still have one more surprise for you." With a slight tremor Kim reached over to the small box with its pink bow and handed it to Skara. "I decided I wanted to get you a gift, but I ran into Emira earlier, and she warned me not to give you jewelry." Kim let out a small chuckle, "I really like you, but a proposal on the first date seemed a bit fast. So I found something else."
With excited hands Skara carefully opened the box to find an odd cylindrical object she had never seen before. "I'm sorry Kim, but what is it?"
Still grinning Kim pulled out her phone, and after a moment sounds began to play from the object. Music like Skara had never heard before washed over her. "It's a speaker from the human realm, and after tinkering with it a bit I should be able to connect it with my phone even if we aren't in the same room." Tears began to form in Skara's eyes, and Kim felt all of her barely contained fears wash over her. "Oh Titan no. It was too much. I screwed it up,"
But Skara interrupted her with a passionate kiss and said through her tears, "No Kim. This is amazing. You're amazing. Oh my Titan, I must be the luckiest girl on the Isles. I… I don't know what to say. You've done so much to make tonight unbelievable, but I have nothing to give back. Please, I want to do something, anything. Just say the word, and I'll do it. I want to make you feel the way you've made me feel."
After seeing the love in Skara's eyes and hearing her words, Kim sat up with her back to Skara. With a voice tinged in fear and uncertainty Kim asked, "Anything? Anything I want, no matter how impossible or ridiculous it sounds?"
Skara felt the shift in mood, and grew worried answering, "Yes Kim, anything. If I have the power to give it, it's yours."
Kim left out a soft chuckle, and Skara could hear the edge of tears in her voice, "The only thing I want is the easiest thing to give, and the hardest thing to keep. I want you to promise me something. I will do anything for you. I will give you everything that I am. Everyday for the rest of our lives can be like tonight if that is what you want…but you have to promise me that you won't leave me. That you won't abandon me once I run out of songs, or new foods, or new ways to amaze you. I've never felt the way you make me feel before, and I don't know if I can handle you walking away like…"
Skara immediately rushed over and wrapped Kim into a reassuring hug as she said, "I promise, I don't ever want to leave you alone again, but please I don't understand. Why do you think I would ever want to leave you?"
Kim just whispers quietly though tears, "Because everyone always does in one way or another." When Skara just continues to hold her, her warmth washing over Kim like a spring shower, Kim continued, "Everytime I thought I made a friend, I later found out they just wanted something from me; help bringing up their grades, making an ex jealous, to play some sick joke on the weird girl no one likes… no one will stay in the end. Heck mi papi abandoned me, and Titan only knows what will happen when I see Mami again." With the most pained laugh Skara has ever heard Kim admits, "I've only ever had Luz, and deep done I know it won't last. One way or another she'll leave too. One of these days she'll either die protecting me, or she will finally decide that I'm not worth the trouble and walk away, and I will have no one left." With a sigh and trembling breath Kim pulled herself from Skara's embrace as she stood up and walked to the edge of their leaf platform. "Maybe this was a mistake. Clearly, I'm too broken to ever be really loved. I'm sorry for wasting your time Skara. I don't know why I ever thought I had a chance with someone as beautiful and perfect as you."
With confident steps Skara walked over to Kim and pulled her away from the edge, spinning her so that Kim had to look her in the eyes, "Kimmy… my beautiful, brilliant, loving Kimmy… What did they do to you? How could anyone hurt you this badly? How could anyone ever not want to bask in your glow? I won't and can't promise you that we will stay together forever, but I can promise you that I love you. In this moment, in this place, together with you, I am more happy and feel more loved than I ever have before. I know what that crippling loneliness feels like because I spent years in it before I met Amity, Ed, Emira, and even Boscha for a while. The reason I never leave Amity's side is the same one for why you stick with Luz. She might not be my twin, but she is my sister in everything but blood. I'm not going to say I experienced anything like what you did in your human school, but we both know what it's like to feel isolated. You had your Mom and Luz, and I had Amity and her siblings." Skara leaned in and gave Kim a kiss on her cheek, "I want to be with you. I want to hold you close when you feel down, and bask in your glow when you shine in joy. Do you think we can do that?"
With a sniff and a half grin Kim whispered, "Ya. We can do that, cuz that's what I want too." As the two girls looked into each other's eyes the sky lit up as stars shot across it, but neither of them noticed. They both thought they had already found the most beautiful thing around, the love in each other's eyes.
The next few hours were filled with laughing, and the occasional stolen peck of affection as the young couple opened up to each other in a way they had never done with anyone else. Hopes, fears, dreams, and stories were shared until they finally noticed how late it had gotten, but neither girl wanted the night to end. With a mischievous smile that would have made her twin proud Kim suggested, "I know it's late, but do you want to join me for one last adventure?"
Skara gave her cute girlfriend's hand a squeeze, "Sure what were you thinking?"
"Well Ed and Em invited me to meet up at the library after our date." Kim let out a nervous laugh, "I think your 'siblings' wanted to make sure I treated you right."
Skara laughed before pulling Kim into another loving embrace and kissing her head, "I should have seen that coming, but don't worry about it. I'll go with you so they don't give you too rough of a time." Hand in hand they boarded Scarlet and started their flight toward the Bonesbough library.
At the library Ed and Em were looking around nervously, before Ed finally let out an exasperated sigh, "Ugh I hate this. Kim's late. I'm not even having fun at this point. When did pranks stop being fun? Ugh, this is ridiculous. Why am I so worried?"
"Because our sisters are changing, and we don't know if it's for the better, dingus. Like we should be happy for Skara, but how do we know Kim will treat her right, and then there's Mittens. It looked like she was finally opening up again, but now she's spending more time with mom than ever, and we both know that can't be a good sign." Em matched and surpassed Ed's sigh with an audible groan, "Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why can't they just talk to us like they used to? We're all each other's got, or did that change too?"
"Really? That's what this whole mess is about? You two are 'worried' about us? I call bat guano," said Amity as she appeared from behind a pillar. "I stopped being able to trust either of you years ago when you decided to drop all of mom's expectations on me. You left me all alone to bear that pain on my own just because you two wanted to go goof off." Amity reached down and grabbed her stone pendant, "She collared me, and made sure that even my own mind wasn't completely safe." Amity let out a frustrated scoff, "I finally start taking back control of my life, and now you want to start caring. Now you want to start worrying about how I'm doing. Where were you when mom was 'punishing' me? Where were you when I was drowning under her expectations? Where were you when she nearly broke me, and made me her 'perfect daughter'? Surprise, surprise, you were off having fun, or pulling some asinine prank that I would get yelled at for, or throwing my torment in my face with one of your jokes. You can't seriously be this blind?"
Ed and Em flinched with every word. They knew Amity was right. They knew the distance between them was their fault. With hunched shoulders and loud sighs the Blight twins sat down on the stairs outside the library, their backs to Amity. With palpable regret in their voices they said, "You're right. We failed you. We weren't there for you when you needed us. Somehow we became just as bad as mom and dad, and it's all our fault. Just because we can't remember what being 'collared' felt like doesn't mean that we should have abandoned you like that…"
"Wait, what do you mean you can't remember?" asked Amity in confusion.
"Well we know that we wore pendants like yours for years, but a lot of the memories from that time are fuzzy, and when we would try to remember anything specific we'd get these awful headaches so we just stopped trying after a while. It doesn't matter. It doesn't excuse what we did, how we treated you," muttered Ed.
Amity looked at them with a pale expression, "Actually it might, but would mom really go that far to control me?"
Ed and Em turned at hearing Amity's fearful tone, "What are talking about Mittens? What do you think she did?"
Amity let out a long steadying breath before saying, "There is only one way to know for sure, and it's going to hurt most likely, but if I'm right… oh Titan I hope I'm not."
After a shared look Ed and Em gave Amity a confident trusting smile, "Whatever you have to do, do it. We trust you Mittens, and we never stopped caring about you." Amity nodded, but couldn't hide her fear as she walked close enough to touch the twins before drawing a pair of pink spell circles in the air. With slightly trembling hands Amity reached through the circles causing both of her hands to be covered in a pink energy, and placed a hand on each of her siblings heads. In a rush of memory, pain, and terror all three Blights let out an ear piercing scream.
Author Notes: Yup an update for Exile isn't it grand. I finally finished the original version of this chapter, and I realized OMT 20K words is way too long for a single chapter of this story. So after a lot of debate I split it almost down the middle. Upside that means that I could upload this half immediately, downside you're going to have to wait for part 2 while I edit and clean it up, but it's mostly done so it won't be too long. I really hope that I'm not making a huge mistake splitting this, but it's done, and over with now. Next chapter might be a bit awkward for some people, but different couples have different love languages, and sometimes a gesture can do what words can't.