It had been a month since Luz was placed in an orphanage. She wasn't alone, there were many other children her age and younger that were placed in one. Those unlucky enough to have no relatives to care for them, or even family friends to take them in. Luz thought she could count on Eda to come and save her, to come and take her in, but she never arrived. The young teen didn't know if Eda was even alive, but she wanted to. She wanted to believe that Eda the Owl Lady, the most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles, wouldn't fall to some Khaotic. But with each passing day, Luz began to believe that less and less.
She had visitors, mostly Gus and Willow, and some of her old Detention track friends, like Viney, Barkus, and Jerbo. She was very happy to see that all of them were alive, and that their families were in one piece. Luz would get messages from her friends, mostly from Gus and Willow, constantly reassuring her that they're working on their parents to see if either one of them could adopt her. She sighed when she remembered the conversations they had had when they were here.
"Dad, Papa, please, can't we take in Luz?" Willow begged.
"…Willow…We'd like to, truly, we would," said Gilbert.
"But with how everything is right now, and the damage to the house, and our jobs…we wouldn't be able to support her, you, or the four of us," said Harvey.
"I'll use plants for clothes, whatever I need to! This isn't fair to Luz, she doesn't deserve to be here," Willow begged again.
Luz had placed her hand on Willow's shoulder and said, "Willow, it's okay. I can't expect your dads to just take in another kid after all this. I'll be fine here."
Gilbert got down on one knee and looked Luz in the eyes, with Harvey following suit.
"We promise, Luz, once we're more stable, we'll come and get you out of here," Gilbert promised.
"You just have to hang on until then, okay?" Havey asked.
Luz smiled and nodded to the two men.
"I understand. I'll be fine." Luz glanced at Willow and added, "I will."
Then there was Gus.
"Dad, please? Can't we take in Luz? It's just the two of us, we can help her out, right?" Gus pleaded.
Gus's father, Perry Porter, sighed as he looked at Luz and then his son.
"We can try, kiddo, but the legal paperwork to adopt a human child is expensive when it's done by a witch or demon."
"Wait, it is? Why?" Luz asked.
"There's a lot of legal hoops to jump through. Proving that you are financially stable and are able to care for one or more children is standard, but they also want to make sure that you can fulfill the needs of taking care of a child that's of a different species than you. Witches, demons, and humans have different needs, and the orphanage is legally bound to ensure that you can do that," Perry explained.
"Wow…that's…wow," Luz gasped.
"I didn't know you had to go through all that just to adopt," said Gus.
"Well, that and you need to hire a lawyer to get it all setup, it's quite expensive."
"Oh…" Luz and Gus moaned.
"But don't give up hope, Luz. Me and the Parks will work together. If we pull our resources together, we might be able to get you out of here sooner," Perry assured. "I know you want to leave here, but…"
"I understand, Mr. Porter. I can wait. If it means being able to live with you or Willow's family, I can wait for as long as it takes," said Luz.
And here we are, a month later, and Luz was no closer to leaving this place. The orphanage didn't allow the children to go out unless they were being escorted. Unfortunately, there was no shortage of creeps and predators out there who were just itching to snatch up an unsuspecting orphan. Using the chaos of the recovery to hide their tracks and whisk their captive away to God Titan knows where. And the last thing Luz needed was to be kidnapped by some creeps. It was because of this that Luz had Willow and Gus checked on her house, and as she feared, it was demolished during the attack.
Thankfully, they managed to find some of Luz's belongings, some clothes and little mementos of her parents that somehow survived. There was also a family photo of them that they gave Luz. At night she would break down into tears, left alone with her thoughts, she was reminded that they were gone, and that she was alone. Her only salvation at this point was hopefully getting taken in by one of her friends' families. As it stood, she couldn't even go back to Hexside. She received some remedial education in the orphanage, but it was a far cry from the magical instruction she was getting in Hexside.
It was now the first day of the new month, and the latest update from Willow and Gus was another, "no luck" message. She wanted to tell them that it was probably better to just give up on the idea, but at the same time, Luz didn't want to. She didn't want to give up hope that she might be taken in. In a strange way, her prayers were answered.
A knock came at her bedroom door, and Luz got up to see who it was. Once she opened it, she saw that it was the matron of the orphanage.
"Yes?"
"Luz Noceda, you're a very lucky girl."
"What do you mean?"
"Someone has agreed to take you in," said the matron.
"You mean, someone wants to adopt me?" Luz asked, her eyes sparkling a little with hope.
"Well…I wouldn't use the word 'adopt'. I'll let them explain."
The matron stood aside, and now someone else stood in her doorway. Luz recognized this person immediately, it was Odalia Blight, Amity's mother, but why was she here?
"Thank you, please give us a minute. I'd like to speak with her in private," Odalia ordered.
"Of course."
The matron bowed and left.
Odalia took a step forward, which made Luz step back. She continued this until the matriarch of the Blight family was now inside Luz's room. Odalia closed the door behind her and then looked directly at Luz.
"Sit down, please," said Odalia.
It sounded less like a request, and more like an order. But really, Luz wasn't in any position to refuse her. Luz sat on the edge of her bed and waited for Odalia to say something. The older woman walked around the small room, grimacing with disgust. Luz wasn't sure if it was due to how it looked or if it was because she was in the room to begin with.
Probably both.
Odalia stopped her little inspection and stood in the center of the room, keeping her eyes on Luz.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I am here."
"The matron said you wanted to adopt me…right?"
Odalia shook her head slowly.
"No dear, not adopt. I'm here to acquire you," Odalia corrected.
Luz was confused, and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"I'm sure you're aware of the Slavery Laws, correct?"
Luz shook her head; they weren't exactly a topic that came up often. Odalia just shrugged, she didn't suspect that Luz did.
"They are a set of laws that allow for the acquisition of demons, witches, and even humans as legally owned servants. And that's why I'm here, Luz Noceda. I am here to bring you to my home, where you will become a servant of the Blight family."
Luz's eyes widened with shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Amity's mother was going to essentially buy her and make her into a slave for their family.
"N-N-No! Why would I ever say yes to that?!" Luz exclaimed.
"Because, my dear, you really don't have much of a choice in the matter."
"Excuse me?!"
"Legally speaking, I am within my rights to do so. You are an orphaned child. You have no living relatives who are able to take you in, and no appointed guardians."
Luz got onto her feet as she retorted, "The Porters and Parks are trying to adopt me! It may take some time, but they will adopt me!"
Odalia smirked as she rested her right hand under her chin.
"Ah, yes, the Parks. Amity's former little 'friend'. By the time that either of those families are able to pull together the resources needed to adopt you, you might just age out of the system. And think about this, dear." Odalia leaned down a little. "Let's say they do manage to adopt you. How long do you think they can keep you?"
Luz paused and asked, "What do you mean, 'how long can they keep me'?"
"Caring for one child is already financially taxing unless you have a well-paying job. But two children? Mmm, that can be difficult. And then sending them both to Hexside, the tuition is not cheap," Odalia explained. "Whereas myself and my husband are incredibly wealthy and can afford to send all three of our children there and provide them with all the resources they will need."
Odalia's smirk broadened.
"Resources that I can also use to make sure you can keep going to Hexside as well."
Now Luz was completely confused, something that Odalia noted.
"Here's what I'm offering you, Luz Noceda. You will become a servant of the Blight family. In exchange, you will be given food, clothing, shelter, and you can keep attending Hexside. You will serve my family in any manner we deem suitable and within reason, but your main duty will be to attend to my youngest daughter, Amity. You will assist her with whatever she needs, both at home, at school, and outside of school. And per the law, you will be given an allowance," Odalia explained.
"An allowance? You're going to pay me? But doesn't that defeat the purpose of making me your servant?" Luz questioned.
Odalia rolled her eyes and said, "Yes, it does. But the law states that all indentured servants are given a chance to buy their freedom. As such, masters of the servants are required by law to give their servants a reasonable amount of snails so that they can buy their freedom."
"How much do I need to save to buy my freedom?"
"About half a million snails."
"HALF A MILLION?!" Luz yelled.
Odalia grinned with a slightly sadistic expression.
"And the minimum amount of snails that a master is to pay is ten snails a week. So, roughly, it would take you at least eleven and a half years to buy your freedom. And with that money, you can start your life. Provided you didn't use it to buy anything frivolous, mind you."
Luz did some mental math, it would take roughly twelve years for her to be able to by her freedom from the Blight family, she would be twenty-six by that time, an adult. And with five-hundred-thousand snails, she could start a new life. But was it worth it? Being the servant of the Blight family for twelve whole years, on the surface, it sounded like a good deal. However, if she did become a servant, they would own her. And Odalia said that she was to serve their family in whatever way they deemed appropriate. Although Odalia said she would mostly be serving Amity, that was still of little comfort. Aside from that time when they were in the shelter together and bonded a little, they were rivals most of the time, enemies the other half. Although most of that was attributed to Boscha starting some altercation, Amity was there all the same.
Having her rival, her enemy, become her servant. It sounded just like something that Amity might do, now that she thought about it, perhaps Amity planned this the moment she left the shelter a month ago.
"I don't have a choice either way, do I?" Luz asked.
"No, you don't. The ink is already dry, the paperwork has been filed, and money has already exchanged hands. This is more of a formality at this point dear girl. Whether you like it or not, you're coming home with me. You will be our servant, and you will make yourself useful to my daughter. It's not as if you're not getting anything out of this, girl. You'll be well taken care of, you'll still be able to go to school, and you can continue learning magic. And you'll have a job and earn some money. All in all, it's better than anything you can hope for," Odalia stated.
As much as Luz didn't want to admit it, Odalia was right. She didn't have a choice, and it was probably the best situation she could hope for given her current situation. Eda was probably dead, her parents were dead, and she had no other relatives. The Porter and Park families were trying to get the resources together to adopt Luz, but how long would that take? By the time that happened, Luz might just age out of the system and be left to fend for herself, and then she'd be homeless unless she had a job.
"Do…Do you promise to let me go once I earn the half million snails?" Luz asked.
"It's the law, my dear. And you have my word. A Blight always upholds their end of a deal. You become our servant, we take care of you, and you serve us. So long as you do as you are told and do nothing to embarrass my family, then you have nothing to worry about," said Odalia as she held out her hand for a shake. "Deal?"
Luz looked at the offered hand, this was more a formality than anything, since, as Odalia said, everything was already said and done. It was just symbolic of their "deal".
Mom…Dad…Eda…I'm sorry, I…I just don't know what else to do right now…
With reluctance, Luz reached out with her right hand and shook Odalia's hand.
"Very good, my dear. Now, come along. Your new life awaits you."
Luz had never seen Amity's home before, but it wasn't hard to spot. It was a large mansion that sat atop a hill. A wrought iron gate completely wrapped around the perimeter of the house, with a stone pathway that led up to the stone steps of the front door. They arrived by carriage, with the Abomination butler opening the door, allowing Odalia to step out first, followed by Luz. The young teen gaped at how big the mansion was, realizing that this was the first time she had ever seen a mansion up close.
"Come, human! Don't start dallying now," Odalia warned.
"S-Sorry!" Luz apologized as she rushed to catch up with her new…master.
Once at her side, Odalia smirked and said, "Well, I can hardly blame you for being in awe. This is probably the first time you've been to a home of such wealth and prestige."
The front doors opened as an Abomination golem stepped aside and bowed as the two of them entered. The inside was just as extravagant as the outside, with expensive-looking furniture, paintings, ornaments, and small sculptures. In the living room, Luz could see a family portrait hanging on one of the walls. She immediately recognized Amity, along with her older brother and sister, the twins Edric and Emira Blight. They were among the cool kids in their grade, known for their high grades, attractiveness, and their penchant for causing a little mayhem here and there. The other person in the portrait, aside from Odalia, was a man with brown hair and gold-colored eyes. His outfit looked stained with what appeared to be Abomination slime. He also had some stubble and had some bags under his eyes.
He looks tired, thought Luz.
The teen's attention was drawn away from the portrait when she heard some clapping sounds. She looked towards Odalia and saw that it had come from her. The clapping was apparently to call for an Abomination golem. They really had a lot of them here. She knew Amity was in the Abomination track, but Odalia didn't seem to be in that Coven, the crystal ball necklace denoted the Oracle Coven. And the twins were in the Illusionists track at Hexside. So that must've meant that her husband, Amity's father, was the one who made them.
"Um…you guys sure do have a lot of Abominations walking around," Luz mentioned. "Am I really needed?"
"Well, yes, they are useful for more simple tasks. But don't think that you can rely on them or think that they'll be doing everything. There are some tasks that not even Abominations can do, and if need be, you will do those tasks. Understand?"
"Yes, Ma'am," said Luz.
"Good girl." The Abomination golem that Odalia called over had something in its large right hand. It looked like clothes. "Here we go."
Odalia took the clothes from the Abomination and presented them to Luz.
The young teen looked at them and felt more uneasy about this arrangement. It was a servant's uniform. There was nothing suggestive about it, in fact, it looked okay considering what Odalia could've had her wear. It looked akin to a butler's uniform. It consisted of a white buttoned shirt, with a purple vest that had an embroidered cursive "B" over the left side of the chest, and a pair of black dress pants.
"You and my daughter look roughly the same, proportions wise, but we'll have you measured and properly fitted for your uniforms. For now, put this on so we can know what we're working with," Odalia ordered.
Without any protest, Luz nodded her confirmation and took the suit from Odalia. She was then pointed to a nearby bathroom, and it was there that she went to change. The clothes she had on were the last clothes she wore before the Catastrophe happened. With a sigh, Luz reached into her pocket and fished out the photo and her scroll. Thankfully the service hadn't been cut on it, yet. She would have to talk to Mrs. Blight to see if she would switch her service to theirs.
Would she even do it? Probably. I couldn't be at their beck and call without some means for them to call me, thought Luz.
After a couple of minutes, Luz emerged from the bathroom, dressed in the uniform that Odalia Blight had given her. However, just as she exited the bathroom, she heard the front door open.
"Edric, Emira, would you stop," said Amity with annoyance.
"What? We just love our baby sister," said Emira as she rested her head atop Amity's.
"And we're just trying to spend some bonding time with you," Edric added as he pinched Amity's cheeks.
"UGH!" Amity shook her siblings off as she stomped into the house. "Ugh, you two are annoying lately! Why can't you – LUZ?!"
Luz wrapped her right hand around her left arm, having Amity and her older brother and sister see her in the uniform, made her feel embarrassed and kind of humiliated.
"Ah, Mittens, perfect timing. Meet your new servant," said Odalia as she waved her hand towards Luz.
"Wait, you mean, you were able to do it?" Amity asked.
"Indeed, I was. Now you'll have your own personal attendant starting from today onwards, or for the next twelve years or so."
"Wait, twelve years?" Amity inquired.
"I'll fill you in on the details later, but for now, have a look. I had my doubts, but she does look rather dapper in that uniform. By the way, how does it fit?" Odalia asked.
"O-O-Oh, uh, the pants are good. But…uh…" Luz hesitated to finish her answer.
Odalia looked annoyed and said, "Well, what? Spit it out, I don't have all day!"
Luz flinched at the harsh tone and answered, "I-I-It's a little tight in…in the chest area…"
Odalia blinked, Edric and Emir blinked, Amity blinked and for some reason blushed.
"Huh, I see. Well, for the time being, put your old clothes back on. We'll have a tailor brought here tomorrow to get more accurate measurements."
Luz nodded and headed back to the bathroom to change.
"Luz…Luz is really going to be our servant?" Amity asked.
Odalia nodded and said, "Yes, she will. As I said, she will mostly attend to you, but she is a servant of the Blight family. Do enjoy, Mittens."
Amity watched as Odalia walked off to go back to her business. When she did, Edric and Emira moved closer to Amity.
"What did you tell, Mom?" Edric asked.
"What I needed to," said Amity.
"Did you seriously convince her to make Luz our servant? Didn't you tell us she lost her whole family?" Emira questioned.
"I did ask Mom if she could make it happen. And she did. This isn't a bad thing. Luz has no family, and at least this way, she'll have a roof over her head and decent meals. Being here is better than a shelter, or an orphanage," Amity stated.
Well, Edric and Emira weren't going to deny that fact. Living in their mansion was a serious upgrade from an orphanage. But still, they weren't sure how to feel about this. They knew that Amity and Luz had a rivalry going on, and that the two of them had butted heads on more than one occasion. The twins have even hung out with Luz a couple of times, just because they knew it would annoy Amity, and also because they did enjoy Luz's company.
"Look, Mittens, just because Mom tells you have to do these kinds of things, doesn't mean you have to do them all the time," said Emira.
"Plus, Luz has been through a lot. The last thing she probably needs is to be bossed around," said Edric.
Amity sighed and replied, "Thank you for your input, but I know what I'm doing."
Just then the door to the bathroom opened again, and Luz came out wearing her normal clothes. Edric and Emira immediately walked over to Luz and flashed her a mirrored smile.
"Hey, Luz, if you ever need to talk, you can always come to me," said Emira.
"And if Mittens gives you a hard time, just tell us." Edric crouched down a little and winked at her as he added, "We know how to get under her skin."
"AHEM!" Amity cleared her throat loudly. "Thank you, Ed, Em. But given that Luz will be my attendant from here on out, I need to bring her up to speed about what I'll need from her. That being said, Luz, come with me to my room so we can talk. Privately."
Edric and Emira rolled their eyes.
"Okay – uh – I mean, of course – Miss Blight," Luz responded.
"Just call me by my first name, it'll be easier," said Amity.
The green haired witch headed towards the stairs, with Luz following behind her. Before going up, Luz spared the twins one last glance. The two of them were giving her encouraging smiles. If nothing else, Luz could at least count on Edric and Emira for help if she needed it. But she hoped she wouldn't. Deep down she didn't want to think that Amity was a cruel person. But then she remembered that Amity was the one who convinced Odalia to use their money and resources to essentially buy Luz from the orphanage so that she could become their slave. Some fear welled up inside of her, she had never spent any real time alone with Amity. They never interacted outside of classes, and competitions at school. And of course, the run ins they had with her and Boscha as a group. So many possibilities were running through Luz's mind about what Amity would have her do, they ranged from the benign to…well…let's just say that it wouldn't be "age appropriate" to explain them.
After a couple of minutes, both Luz and Amity arrived at the door to the latter's bedroom. Amity opened the door and ushered Luz in first. Luz took a few cautious steps into her new master's room. There was a bed against the far wall, a rug, some bookcases with various books on magic, history, and some Azura books. There was a poster of "The Good Witch Azura" on the wall that faced the bed, and to her, Luz saw Amity's vanity mirror, along with a poster for the Emperor's Coven.
Luz jumped when she heard the door close behind her, making the teen whirl around.
"Finally, we're alone."
"A-A-Amity, wait, please don't do anything to me! I-I promise I'll serve you and your family, but please don't do anything to me!" Luz blurted out in a panic.
Amity paused and looked at Luz with shock.
"Wait, what are you saying?"
"You brought me to your room to do…well…I don't know what, but I know being someone's slave and being alone in room don't equate to anything good happening!" Luz stated.
"Luz, I'm not going to hurt you," Amity assured.
"Then why did you do this?! Willow and Gus were trying to get their parents to adopt me! But then I find out you convinced your mom to practically buy me! Why?! I know we haven't exactly liked each other, but I never thought you'd be so petty as to make me your slave!" Luz accused.
Amity raised her left hand but paused when she saw Luz flinch and take a few steps back. The green haired witch looked at her hand, sighed, and let it drop to her side.
"I'm sorry, Luz. It…It was the only way I could think of to help you," Amity admitted.
"What do you mean? You bought me to help me?"
Amity gripped the hem of her blouse tight as she confessed.
"It was so unfair. You lost your mom and dad, you lost everything. I know I haven't been the best witch I could be, not the friendliest either. But I've watched you, Luz. I know how hard you work, and I've seen how much you care about your friends and others. So, when you told me what happened to your mother, and then when we heard about what happened to your father…I just thought, 'How is it fair that someone that good, someone that kind, determined, and compassionate, has so much bad happen to her?'"
Luz waited to hear the punchline, waited to see Amity switch from this to a more domineering persona. The kind that she usually displayed when she walked around Hexside. But there was no sign that she was about to do that.
"And…to be honest, Luz…before all this…I was jealous of you."
Now that threw Luz for a loop. Amity Blight, the most popular girl in their grade. The top student, was jealous of a human? And that human was Luz?
"W-Why? I mean…look at this," Luz held out her arms, indicating the entirety of the mansion.
"Have you met my mother?"
"Oh…"
"My Mom…she expects a lot from me. She's always pushing me to be better, always pushing me to go further. Everything I've done is to keep earning her approval, even joining the Emperor's Coven, my 'goal', honestly, it's not my goal. It's something that my Mom wants me to do. To become part of the Emperor's Coven, and eventually become the Head of the Emperor's Coven," Amity confessed.
"Then…what do you want to do?" Luz asked.
Amity started walking. She walked past Luz and sat down on the edge of her bed as she clasped her hands together and sighed heavily.
"Honestly…I don't know. But…I wish I had the ability to choose for myself. To express how I feel, to be who I am without being afraid. You do that every day, Luz. You're not afraid to chase your dreams, no matter what others say. Even when I would put you down, you never lost that spark. I was jealous of that, and at the same time, I admired that about you."
Luz blushed, she never thought Amity Blight would also say she admired her.
"I mean, heck, when I was putting myself down after getting rescued. You were the one who reminded me that I did something incredible and heroic. That I saved lives. Despite the tragedy you had endured, you still did that for me when all we've done is argue or compete with each other," said Amity. "You're…You're incredible, Luz Noceda."
Luz walked to the bed and sat next to Amity, smiling a little.
"You are, too, Amity. You're cool and classy, and great at magic."
"Heh…I'm not as cool as you think," said Amity.
"I guess I'll find that out now that I'm living here."
Luz flinched a little and looked down. She saw Amity's right hand now wrapped around her left.
"Luz, I promise you, I won't hurt you. I'll do whatever I can to make sure that Mom doesn't make you do something dangerous or degrading. I'll help you study, and you help me. We'll help each other grow stronger."
"…Okay, but I also need you to promise me something as well."
"Anything."
"When we're out there, back at school, in town, or just anywhere else outside of this room. You need to treat me like a servant. That means calling me 'Noceda' or 'human'. You also need to treat me like someone who got their enemy under their heel."
Amity immediately turned her head to look at Luz and said, "What?! Luz, I just said I wasn't going to do that to you! I did this help you!"
"I know, Amity. And I'm so grateful that you did. I thought my life was going to get a lot harder from here on out, but after what you just said, I know that's not the case. But I also know that if your mom thinks you're treating me more like a friend and less a servant, then she might just let me go, or she might punish you," said Luz. "Am I wrong?"
Unfortunately, Amity knew Luz was right. If her mother knew that she did all this to save Luz from being in that orphanage, from being alone for the rest of her life, she would be punished for wasting both their money and resources on a "charity case".
"No…you aren't."
Luz squeezed Amity's hand.
"Then, you have to. At least now I know the real Amity Blight. I can bear it if I know that," Luz assured.
"Heh. You really are something, Luz Noceda," Amity chuckled. "I'll still try and do my best to protect you, regardless."
"Only if it doesn't give you away but thank you anyway."
Luz leaned to her left and bumped Amity's shoulder.
"Does this make us friends?" Amity asked.
"I'd say it does, in a weird sorta way," said Luz.
Amity blushed, aside from Willow, this was the first time she could call someone a friend. She was friends with Boscha, Skara, and the others, but this felt different. It is different. Because Luz wasn't like them. She wouldn't judge her; she wouldn't look down on her. Luz would accept her the way she was, one of the rare few people Amity could show her true self to, even if it would only be behind closed doors.
Why does thinking about that make my heart race? Amity thought.
Luz had her doubts about this whole thing the moment Odalia showed up at the orphanage. But after this, she wasn't as scared anymore.
Being friends with Amity, getting to know the real her. It sounds like a lot of fun, despite how this all came about. Mom, Dad, please watch over me, and Amity. I don't know what the future holds for either of us. But, for the first time since the Catastrophe, I feel hopeful and excited to see what's in store.
(3 Weeks Later…)
"Noceda, it's starting," Amity barked.
"Y-Yes! Coming Miss Amity!" Luz replied.
Luz, now dressed in her tailored servant's uniform, quickly entered the living room of the Blight manor. Inside the living room, sitting on the couch, was Amity, and on her left was Emira, while sitting on her right was Edric. Odalia sat in an armchair, while her husband, Alador Blight, was sitting in a loveseat while tinkering with a device. The family was centered around the coffee table, where a crystal ball was set up, for today there was an even that was announced that all Gaians should watch. Luz managed to enter the living room, stumbling a little as she stood at attention with her arms behind her back.
"Finally, what was taking you so long?" Amity asked.
"S-Sorry, Miss Amity, I was getting–!"
"I don't want to hear your excuses. Just mind the time, and be quicker," Amity stated, cutting Luz off.
"Yes, Miss Amity, sorry Miss Amity."
Emira and Edric gave their little sister a disapproving glance.
"Hey, Mittens, c'mon, lighten up a little," said Edric.
"She was busy with another task, so give her a break," Emira added.
"Edric, Emira, Luz is my attendant first and foremost. So, please, do not tell me how I should treat my servant," Amity retorted.
Odalia smiled and said, "Your sister is right, you two. While the human may be ordered by any one us, her first duty is to follow Amity's orders. And a little verbal discipline is needed, how else is she to learn? Right, Alador? Alador?"
Alador finally looked up from his work and glanced between his children and then his wife.
"Um, yes, what your mother said."
Edric, Emira, and even Amity rolled their eyes at their father's response.
"Anyway, Luz, turn on the crystal ball, and set it for full screen so that we can all see it."
"Yes, right away!"
Luz walked up to the coffee table and turned on the crystal ball. After fiddling with it for a couple of seconds, she managed to turn on the crystal ball's full screen projection function, which cast a large screen out in front of it. Once it was on, Luz took her place behind the couch. She spared Amity a glance, seeing the witch girl's neutral expression. However, Amity's eyes briefly shifted in her direction, her lips, which were a thin line, curved into a smile for a second before she returned to that same expression.
This was how it was for them. As they had agreed, Amity would maintain a superior attitude towards Luz, commanding her just like any other servant. But when they were alone, Luz and Amity would talk more openly, and Amity was much friendlier. And of course, Amity would apologize repeatedly for her behavior towards her, for every harsh word she spoke, and every laborious task she had the human teen do. In true Luz fashion, she would forgive Amity, because it was all part of the act. And as the old saying goes, to deceive your enemies, you must also deceive your friends.
Which was why Luz didn't tell Willow or Gus about what Amity was really like when no one was watching. Understandably, both of them were furious when they found out that Amity's family bought Luz and made her a servant under the Slave Laws of the Boiling Isles. Willow in particular was very angry at Amity, still carrying the emotional scars of when Amity burned the bridge that was their friendship. Thankfully, Luz managed to quell the fury of her two friends, stating that she was still able to go to school, and that she could still hang out with them at school, but that their time together outside of school would not be her own anymore.
Luz did ask her friends to go to the Owl House to see if Eda was there at all. But when they reported back, they said that there was no one there, and that the Owl House didn't seem damaged in anyway, nor were there signs of struggle. Stranger still, Hooty, the house demon, the creature that greeted you at the front door of the house because, well, he was embedded in the front door, was no longer there. Where Hooty's face should be, there was only a hole.
The human teen wasn't sure what to make of this. It either meant that Hooty dislodged himself from the house and was now running wild around the island, or that Eda transferred him to the Porta-Hooty backpack and abandoned the house. Luz shivered at the memory of when she first saw the house demon dislodge himself from the house, it was horrifying. That aside, it did give Luz some hope that perhaps Eda was still alive.
But if she is…why hasn't she contacted me? Why hasn't she tried to come and get me? Did…Did she just…
Luz shook her head. She didn't want to think of the worst, she didn't want to believe that her Aunt Eda, her mentor, her mother's best friend, abandoned her. That was just as painful to think about as her parents dying, well, in all honesty, that being a possibility stung a little more. Because it meant that Eda didn't care about her, and probably never did. However, even now, she wanted to keep believing in Eda, even if all signs currently pointed to the contrary.
"It's starting," said Amity.
Luz turned her attention to the screen projection. The emblem of the Boiling Isles Empire appeared on the screen for a few seconds before shifting to the image of the Emperor's throne room. On his right was a teen in a white hooded cloak, his face obscured by a golden mask. This was the Emperor's righthand man, the one known as the Golden Guard. To his left was someone that Luz knew well. She too wore a white hooded cloak but kept the hood off. Her face was pale white, with turquoise-colored eyes, long, straight raven hair, and a black dress. This person's name was Lilith Clawthorne, the older sister of Eda Clawthorne, and the Head of the Emperor's Coven. To the left of Lilith was a short demon woman, her hair was a dark, blue-green claw appendage that mimicked hair, her skin was dark red, and her uniform was a gold and white coat, with the collar raised high to obscure everything but the left eye, while her "hair" covered the right. Her name was Kikimora, the second-in-command of the Emperor's Coven.
And standing between them, sitting upon his throne, was the ruler of the Boiling Isles Empire himself, Emperor Belos. He wore a gold, bird-like mask, with two horns that curved upwards coming from the mask. The Emperor also had a cowl behind the mask, as if taking great strides to hide his identity. Around his body was a white cloak, with a clasp that bore the insignia of their nation. Leaning against the right armrest of his throne was the Ohger Calibur, the weapon of the king, and a symbol of Royal Authority. Emperor Belos slowly rose from the throne and looked directly at the recording the device. Or at least, it was assumed he was, as the eyes of his mask were just empty pools of darkness, which made it hard to tell where his eyes were directly looking.
{Citizens of Gaea, I am Emperor Belos. Three weeks ago, we suffered a great tragedy, one that will forever be written in the annals of history as the "Catastrophe". This event marked the return of a long-feared evil that was thought to have been sealed away more than a thousand years ago, but sadly, that is no longer the case. The Khaotic have returned, and their wrath was swift, merciless, and destructive.
Sadly, during this simultaneous attack on all four nations, we lost many of our fellow Gaians. We've lost lovers, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. And to make matters worse, the nations of Scientia, Amphibia, and Tír na nÓg, lost their leaders on that fateful day. It was only by the good grace of the Shugods that I was spared the same fate, but at the same time, my heart aches that I could not do more to aid our fellow nations…Please, join me in a moment of silence for the lives lost in the Catastrophe.}
Amity, Luz, Edric, Emira, even Odalia, lowered their heads in respect for the dead. Alador was still tinkering.
{Now, citizens of Gaea, is not the time to lose faith. We know not when the next attack from the Khaotic will come, but we WILL be ready for them. Which is why, today, I am honored to bring you the coronations of the three nations' new leaders.}
The screen shifted into four parts. One showed the Emperor's throne room, while another showed the throne room of Amphibia, Tír na nÓg, and the Ministry of Science in Scientia.
(The Kingdom of Amphibia)
Newts, toads, frogs, and humans lined either side of the throne room. Along with them were many soldiers consisting of all four races. There were many more outside, as the soldiers were determined to ensure that their new Woman King would not be harmed by anything or anyone. General Yunan, a tall pink newt with spikey blonde hair, and Captain Grime, stood at the foot of the throne, dressed in their finest military uniforms.
Lady Olivia stood in front of the coral throne; hands clasped over one another. To her right was Marcy Wu, adorned in a formal green dress, and holding the crown that was to be placed on Anne. Marcy was formally accepted, per Anne's request, to become an advisor to the future king by Olivia. Which was understandable, as Anne most likely wanted people she could trust at her side. To Marcy's right was Sasha Waybright. The blonde was dressed in a military cadet uniform, having Grime accelerate her acceptance into the Royal Guard so that Sasha could stand at Anne's side as her personal protector. Sasha was also holding the Ohger Calibur, the weapon that was to be presented to her friend once she was crowned king. The doors to the throne slowly opened, and once they did, everyone brought their attention to that direction.
In the doorway was Anne, dressed in a beautiful blue dress, a Siwalai as they called it. It was azure blue, with golden accents. Anne's hair was put into a ponytail, tied together with blue flowers. Her face had a neutral expression, but that was only a mask to hide how incredibly terrified she was. All these people, and the ones beyond the castle walls who were looking to her to lead their nation, to be the leader they needed her to be. Anne's fears and anxieties were starting to creep up again, threatening to make her turn around and run as fast and as far as she could, to be anywhere but right here. But one look up ahead made her stay.
Anne locked eyes with Sasha and Marcy, her two best friends (and crushes) giving her encouraging looks. The young princess remembered their pact, she would not be doing this all on her own, she wouldn't be technically ruling at all. Sasha and Marcy promised that they would do it for her, that they would take on the burden for her until she was ready. Remembering that pact, Anne walked down the red velvet carpet, past the various newts, frogs, toads, and humans who smiled at her. Anne flashed a little smile of her own, feigning courage, but right now, she felt like such a sham of a princess. None of them knew of the secret pact that the three of them made. And if they did, they'd surely toss her off the throne, and imprison her best friends.
If I don't go through with this, I'll only endanger Sasha and Marcy. I'll disgrace them, and Mom and Dad's name…just keep walking, Boonchuy. Just keep walking.
(The Kingdom of Tír na nÓg)
The polished stone of Castle Amhrán glistened and reverberated as members of the Druid Order sang their hymns. Many lined the yellow carpet that lead directly to the throne of Tír na nÓg, both faye and human. At the head of the room stood a mighty white oak tree, its leaves were gold in color, and cascaded throughout the room, glimmering as the rays of the sun shined off them. The throne itself was made from the tree, well, that's inaccurate. The throne was molded from the tree through the use of magic, asking the tree to form a throne for those who would protect and rule over this land. The tree gladly did so, and for centuries this tree has seen the rising and passing of various kings and queens of Tír na nÓg, and today it was seeing the rise of a new queen.
Fairies danced in the air to the tune of the Druids' songs, their voices carried high by the wind, as the sylphs used their mastery of the wind to carry that song out through the windows and to the outside, allowing everyone to hear it.
Among the gathered crowd was Libby and her mother, two of the four honored guests who were allowed to be in the front row closest to the throne. The third was Scratch, who was standing beside Darryl. The young prince was also dressed in his royal clothes, and in his hands, he held onto the Ohger Calibur, his father's sword. The poor boy was still coming to grips with the fact that both their parents were dead, and Scratch wished he could give the young prince some comfort, but despite his search, he still couldn't find their spirits in the Ghost Realm.
The fourth was Andrea Davenport, she was in an expensive and fancy dress, it wasn't exactly matching with the other attire of the Tír na nÓg residents, considering it was Scientia fashion. While she was a citizen of Scientia, and probably should be in her homeland attending the promotion of their new Scientist Supreme, Andrea felt that her presence was required here, at the side of her best friend on the most important day of her life. Although, a small pit had formed in her stomach as she thought about a conversation, she had with her father a few days before coming to Tír na nÓg.
"Dad, please, I need to be there for Molly! She's going to be crowned queen, and she needs her friends now more than ever!"
"Yes, I am aware, but she's not the only one getting coronated, as it were. Lunella Lafayette is going to be promoted to Scientist Supreme, and as a Scientian citizen, you should be here for that."
"Wouldn't it look better if a citizen of Scientia was there as well? Promoting friendship between our nations?"
"…Hmm, friendship between nations?"
"Daddy?"
"How close would you say you are with Princess Molly?"
"Uh, I'd say very close. Why?"
"Would you say that Princess Molly…how should I put this? Um, 'swings that way'?"
"You mean, does Molly like girls?"
"Yes."
"Uh…ha…w-well, the subject hasn't come up. I mean, I'm pretty sure she likes boys, but…she's never said anything to me or Libby on whether she likes girls too. As stupid as it sounds, I'm kind of hoping she does…"
"Mmm, perhaps you should probe further into this?"
"What do you mean?"
"Andrea, I'll be frank. I want you to get closer to Princess Molly, well, soon-to-be Queen Molly. Having a queen as a close friend is well and good, but having her as potential suitor is even better."
"DAD! You can't be serious! You want me to try and woo Molly for…for what?!"
"Recognition, clout? There's a number of perks that come from being the girlfriend of a queen, and even more from being her consort. Something to think about, Andrea."
"I did, and I'm not doing that to Molly. She lost her parents, the last thing she needs to worry about is her best friend hitting on her."
"Andrea, I've indulged your social media business, because it promotes our brand. And I've also indulged in your frequent trips to Tír na nÓg to promote that princess. But now it's time for some payoff here. I need you to try, at least. Plus, from what you said, it's not as if you wouldn't get anything out of this either, right? You do at least have some feelings for her, correct?"
Andrea wished she hadn't admitted that so openly, now her father was expecting her to try and woo her best friend. And she did have to admit, a part of her did want to try and woo Molly, after all, she did harbor some romantic feelings for the soon-to-be queen. But she wished she didn't have her father's expectations looming over her head.
The singing changed up, which announced the arrival of Princess Molly. The young mixed-blooded princess walked slowly down the path laid for her, with two fairies holding her cape up as she held her head high and kept a smile on her face. Molly peered around the room, noting just how happy everyone looked in spite of the reason why this coronation happened.
Molly had yet to truly mourn her parents' passing, but right now she couldn't allow herself to feel sorrow. Not when so many people needed her, not when her brother needed his big sister.
I can't afford to stop smiling. So long as I can keep smiling, then the people can smile without worry. For their sake, I will enhappify their lives! I…I have to.
(The Principality of Scientia)
The entirety of Lunamaria was gathered before the Ministry of Science. It had been announced that Lunella would become the next Scientist Supreme, and in the three weeks leading up to this promotion, she had been challenged by multiple people, both young and old. Each one of them was vying for the right to become the Scientist Supreme, believing that Lunella just strode in and took the position. Which, they weren't wrong, she did. But as was the tradition of their country, she would meet any challenge. And each challenger was swiftly trounced, only serving to further hammer the point home that Lunella was without a doubt the most qualified individual to sit in the chair at the head of the table.
At the front of the stairs that led to the podium from where Lunella would be promoted, was her family. Thankfully, her mother, father, and grandfather were spared in the Catastrophe. Still, the loss of Miriam Lafayette was something that everyone was taking hard, she was a good leader, and a kind woman. She was like everyone's Mimi, and she would be missed. The Council Members were gathered on either side of the podium, with the right Council Member closest to the podium holding onto the Ohger Calibur.
Casey, along with her two fathers, were standing alongside the Lafayette family. The young influencer was happy for her best friend, this was what she always wanted, but at the same time, she knew Lunella didn't like that she had gotten to this position in this way. She wanted to beat her grandmother fair and square, to show Scientia that Lunella Lafayette was indeed worthy of this position.
Casey had been keeping an eye on the social media sites, while there were those who accepted Lunella's promotion, there were just as many who didn't. Some even threatened to challenge her for her title. Of course, Lunella accepted every challenge, at least anyone who had the spine to come and do so. Many of them were just talking smack, barely a handful of them actually marched their butts up to the Ministry of Science and challenged Lunella directly. Casey knew that her friend had a long road ahead of her, every day was going to have Lunella constantly showing their country why she was the best for this job, and she hoped that Lunella wouldn't grow bitter towards her people for it.
Just then, a rhythmic rumbling could be heard and felt. The audience turned towards the street as they watched God Tyranno appear. With a flash of white light, Lunella appeared on the ground before God Tyranno, sporting a white and black trench coat. It was customary for the Scientist Supreme to wear a garment that would symbolize their leadership, some have been capes, an outfit, accessories, but in Lunella's case, it was a black and white coat. The young genius walked confidently, and with purpose, down the path and towards the steps. Along the way, she glanced about the crowd, a mixture of uncertainty, excitement, and annoyance.
Lunella just smirked.
That's fine if you guys don't like me, either way, I'm going to make sure Scientia is protected. Mimi…please watch over me.
(The Boiling Isles Empire.)
The Blights and Luz watched as the three young teens walked and stopped before their thrones, or in Scientia's case, the podium.
{People of Gaea, we are all gathered here today under extenuating circumstances. The leaders of Amphibia, Scientia, and Tír na nÓg, have been taken from our world much too soon,} spoke the newt woman.
{But it is in the face of such adversity that we find our new beacons of hope,} said the head Druid.
{And it is today that we anoint those beacons with the positions that they were thrust into, but for which we are surely grateful for them to take up,} the female Council Member finished.
At that time, all three future rulers stepped forward. Princess Anne knelt before the newt woman, Princess Molly did the same for the head Druid, and Lunella stood proudly before the Council Members.
{Princess Anne Savisa Boonchuy, do you swear before God Kaeru, and the people of this nation, that you will defend its people? And uphold the values of Strength, Heart, and Knowledge?}
{Do you, Princess Molly McGee of House McGee, swear before God Coinín to lead our people with kindness and wisdom? To keep the peace between man and faye, and be a queen to all in Tír na nÓg?}
{Lunella Lafayette. Leading up to his promotion, many of challenged you, and none have managed to defeat you. Although the promotion to Scientist Supreme does not negate that you will keep being challenged, do you swear before God Tyranno to lead Scientia wisely? To use your knowledge and intellect for the good of the people?}
Luz watched as all three future rulers said at the same time, {I will!}
Princess Anne was then crowned by a girl in a green dress, while Princess Molly was crowned by the head Druid. Lunella was given a pin by the senior Council Member, attaching it to the lapel of Lunella's coat. Once each was crowned, the next phase began.
King Anne was given her Ohger Calibur by a blonde girl. Queen Molly was given hers by her little brother, the prince. Lastly, Lunella was handed her Ohger Calibur from one of the Council Members.
{Citizens of Amphibia, it is my great honor to introduce to you…King Anne Savisa Boonchuy!}
{Subjects of Tír na nÓg, sing with joy upon the crowning of Queen Molly McGee!}
{People of Scientia, meet your knew Scientist Supreme! Lunella Lafayette!}
The Blights and Luz could hear the people of each nation yelling loudly, celebrating the coronations of their leaders. Coupled with this were roaring applause, and even fireworks could be heard going off in the background. They also witnessed Emperor Belos clapping, along with the Golden Guard, Lilith, and Kikimora. Once the cheers began to die down, Emperor Belos once again stood up, but this time with his Ohger Calibur in hand.
{Citizens of Gaea, behold the three newest rulers of three of the four great nations. King Anne, Queen Molly, and Scientist Supreme Lunella. Today I would like to reaffirm the Boiling Isles Empire's pledge to the Four Nation Alliance.}
The household of five watched as Emperor Belos raised his Ohger Calibur.
{Though you are young, I know you are capable. Should you ever require aid, know that the Boiling Isles, and myself, are here to support your rule. Let us all work together to bring down the Khaotic and forge a new future for Gaea and all its citizens!}
King Anne, Queen Molly, and Scientist Supreme Lunella raised their swords into the air, mimicking Emperor Belos. Showing their solidarity and gratefulness for his aid now and in the future.
"Things are going to change now, aren't they," said Luz.
"Yes, this is going to be our new normal from now on," Amity responded.
Luz looked back at the screens, her gaze shifting between the three new young rulers. She couldn't help but feel that they were in the same boat. They had family members taken from them, and now were placed in situations that weren't ideal. But if those three, who had to take on the burden of ruling a nation, could persevere through such hardships, then Luz figured she could as well.
Plus, it wasn't as if this situation was all bad. Amity wasn't the girl she thought she was. Luz had seen how kind and caring she was, and how much she wanted to help her. Even though she was a legal servant of Amity's family, she knew Amity was her friend.
Luz looked down, and at the same time, Amity glanced over her shoulder and up at Luz. The witch girl flashed her a kind smile, and Luz flashed her one as well. Strangely enough, the two of them blushed the longer they held each other's gaze. Which prompted them to avert said gazes.
"Ahem, I hope you're ready for whatever the future might bring, Noceda."
"I think I will be…Amity."
"…Good."
Far in the distance, in the Bonesborough town square, where God Dragon's petrified body stood, not a soul was around. Which was a pity, because if someone had been around, they would've noticed something odd about the statue. Despite the mayhem that occurred during the Catastrophe, God Dragon's stone body did not crack, nor did it break.
However, if one looked closely enough, you could clearly see a crack forming over the left eye. And if you listened closely enough, you could ever so slightly hear what sounded like a low growl…
Four young girls had their lives turned upside down in one day.
Not a single one of them would know, or even fathom, what the future had in store for them.
Because these four girls would go on to become so much more.
Their names will one day be etched into the pages of history as legends.
But when will that happen?
And how will it happen?
Well, that is story yet to be told.