When Skara, Kim, Ed, and Em returned to camp it was to an unusual sight. Amity's sparring ring had changed. All of the snow had been completely removed, and there were now a number of wooded additions within it, but more than that they saw the new couple training within it as well.

Despite the cold, both girls were now dressed as if they were at the gym, and Luz was coaching Amity through a number of exercises to build up strength and power. They seemed completely oblivious to anything going on outside their own little world so the others decided to leave them be while they trained in strengthening their magic. For the next few hours the two groups worked independent of each other. Amity worked on getting physically stronger and her endurance under Luz's direction, and occasionally they would swap roles as Amity taught Luz proper sword form in order to maximize each swing. With Kim's help Ed and Em learned to incorporate traps into their illusions like small fire bombs, or flashes of light to disorient an attacker when an illusion was dispersed. Skara learned to better control the elements through her music, and by the time they reached their lunch break she could create waves or whirls of fire (Ballad of Inferno) on top of encouraging plants to form shields (Woodland Sonata), and her symphony of storms.

With hunger quickly slowing their progress everyone decided to finally take a break. Although it was very begrudgingly on Luz and Amity's side, and it didn't last long for Kim or Emria after they saw the multitude of bruises and in Luz's case a small rib fracture that the duo had obtained. A part of Kim was happy to teach Emira some basic healing magic, despite the couple's jokes on the matter. "After so many years of always holding in and burying my emotions, just letting them all surge out… Dear Titan it's cathartic," smiled Amity, as she leaned into Luz. "Is this what it's like for you all the time, Luz? I'm sweaty, bruised, and exhausted, but I've never felt better."

Luz laughed, "To an extent, but getting sweaty with you might be my favorite part." Luz gave Amity a little wink that made Amity giggle.

"Stop it. Don't get me excited. We agreed that 'that' should be something special when we are both ready, and not a second before. Until then we are just going to have to enjoy what eye candy we can, and you my love are a whole candy shop," Amity winked back.

Hearing them talk made Skara start to blush, and Kim sigh, but Emira just looked at Amity aghast, "Mittens what's gotten into you? You were never like this before. Is it a side effect of the mark?"

Amity let out a content snicker, "Em, I've always been like this. I just never let it out. Until now my entire existence has been living in Odalia's cage. Suppressing my emotions, hiding my thoughts, and constantly looking over my shoulder in fear of punishment, but…" Amity gave Luz a peek on the cheek. "Now I'm free, or at least as free as I can be right now. I'm not going to hide anymore, and I'm not afraid. I'm madly in love with Luz, and I'm going to make good on my side of our promise."

Ed looked intrigued, "What promise?"

Luz grinned, "We weren't just training this whole time. We were talking, and deciding how we wanted to handle 'us'." Luz sighed, but her face didn't darken. "The basics were easy. We don't hide anything from each other, and that includes our fears. I've said it before, but I'm a wild witch and that's not going to change. I love Amity, but we agreed that trying to change who we are inside is wrong, and she loves me for who I am. It might cause problems in the future, but we have time to figure it out. In the meantime we are going to support each other in every way we can. I know Amity is strong enough to fight her own battles, and while it might kill me, I'm going to let her fight them." Luz's eyes suddenly started to glow and the air got visibly warmer as she stated flatly, "But, so help me, if Odalia touches a hair on Amity's head again it will be the last mistake she ever makes. I don't care who she thinks she is."

Amity started to blush slightly as she pulled Luz close, "Calm down love. It's ok." Looking back at the others, Amity said, "I'm not going to hold back anymore. I'm going to be out and proud about who I am. That means I'm going to say how I feel, dress how I like, and not apologize for it. No more hair dye, and if I want to make raunchy comments to flirt with my beautiful, sexy, girlfriend then Titan dammit that's what I'm going to do. I am Luz Noceda's girlfriend, and I'm going to proudly show off our love for all to see because I'm with the fiercest, sexiest, most loving being in this realm or any other and anyone who doesn't like it can feel free to step up. It would be my pleasure to give my lady a show while I tear them apart."

Luz shudders, "Oh Titan si no dejas de hablar así voy a perder la cabeza. (Oh Titan if you don't stop talking like that I'm going to lose it.) I love this side of you, but I'm going to overheat if you keep this up." Luz looked to everyone else with a resolute smile, "So seeing as we are basically one big family now. I guess it's only fair that we be open with each other. Feel free to ask anything you want to know. I'm ready."

"So what was all that about Lilith getting off easy?" asked Ed, making Skara and Amity pale.

Luz just laughed, "Ok so she's Eda's sister, and shocker she cursed her to win her seat in the Emperor's coven. The specifics of Eda's curse are not mine to share, but suffice it to say it's bad. So during the Covention she ran into us, and… I kinda lost my cool."

"Wait, that was you? You tried to fight a Coven head, the Emperor's coven head, and you're still here?" stammered Emira.

Amity smiled, "No. She didn't fight her…" The Blight twins let out a sigh of relief. "She devastated her. Luz tossed her around like a toy, and beat her down like it was nothing. It wasn't a fight because Ms. Lilith couldn't touch her… it was kinda hot."

Kim sighed, "Great. I was hoping you might be able to help me keep Luz's mind out of the gutter, but lucky me. I'm stuck with horny pervert in surround sound now. Back on point though, that incident was weird. Luz's used magic that we still don't know how to replicate."

Skara looked shocked, "What do you mean?"

"Most of the spells I used when I lost it… I don't know how I did them. I don't have a lightning glyph or wind, and I don't know any spells of those elements. I didn't gain the fire glyph until later, and I haven't been able to replicate what I used then with it yet. I'm not hiding spells. Sure I haven't had a chance to show off my fire constructs yet, but that's it. We've been experimenting with glyphs, but it feels like we are still missing a piece," groaned Luz. "So I know this is going to be a rough ask, but I need to understand. Exactly how bad are the Sharps, and your parents? I would never forgive myself if my novia, mi cunada, or mi grandes hermanos ever got hurt when I could have done something to prevent it."

"Ok what were any of those words? Luz if you're going to keep using terms like that you or Kim are going to have to translate for us. It's really frustrating," groaned Amity.

Skara added, "Don't get us wrong, we already planned on trying to learn your language, but until then please. It's killing us that we can't understand you."

Luz looked embarrassed, and Kim relented, "We'll try to hold back on the Spanish, and I think we can agree that we appreciate you trying to learn it. I can't promise that we won't occasionally slip into it for private conversation. It's always been our safe way of expressing ourselves when we feel overwhelmed or afraid, and it just became a habit." Kim looked away awkwardly, "So crash course. Hermosa means gorgeous, mi amor is my love, carino is darling, estrella is star, cunada would be sister in law, grandes hermanos translates roughly to big siblings, and novia… can be girlfriend, fiance, or bride depending on context."

That revelation caused a moment of silence as everyone absorbed the new context to past conversations. Amity reached over to make Luz look her in the eyes before she asked tentatively, "So when you call me your novia, you mean…"

Luz chuckled awkwardly, "I guess you could say that no matter how long we stay together you will always be my novia, Amity. Mi corazon y mi amor sólo te pertenecen a ti. My heart and my love belong only to you." Luz smiled before kissing Amity on the cheek. "If you really want to learn Spanish I'll teach Skara, and Kim can teach you." Luz chuckled, "You two might get distracted otherwise. But back to my question. I need to know."

Skara sighed, "Well as I said the Sharps aren't too bad. They understand that I'm their 'daughter', and they try to fulfill the expected things. I have a safe place to sleep, food to eat, clothes to wear, but never love. They aren't cruel, or cold, just indifferent. I'm just someone that lives in their house, and in exchange for making them look better in public I can basically do whatever I want within reason. I get snails or rewards when I do well like any other employee. It's not really a big deal." Skara started to tear up towards the end causing Kim to wrap her in a warm hug.

"As for us… well Alador our dad isn't so bad. Odalia keeps him basically locked in his lab working on one project or another, and he just seems to repeat whatever she says. When we do see him, he is always about to pass out from exhaustion, but I can't hate him. I get the feeling that he loves us, but she never lets us near him for long. It wouldn't surprise me if she has him hexed to keep him isolated and working without sleep," stated Em.

"Odalia on the other hand is a detestable, torturous lich. She knows all too well that bruises and fractures lead to questions after a while so she almost never gets physical, but why would she need to when she can use her magic to make you feel like your burning alive, make you experience your greatest fear for hours without possible escape, or cause headaches so severe that you bleed from your eyes, nose, and ears." Amity grabs her pendant as she begins to tear up. "I don't wear this because I want to. She gave it to me when I was little, and only she can remove it without breaking it. It's an oracle stone, a collar hidden in plain sight. It gives her the ability to spy on me whenever she wants. She can telepathically talk to me, or dig through my mind anytime she likes, except when I'm near one or both of you. Whatever it is about you two that causes oracle magic to act up interferes with her link. I don't know if you can fathom how terrible it is to not be able to trust your own mind. To have your most intimate thoughts be read by someone else." Amity shuddered as Luz moved to sit behind her and wrap her girlfriend in her comforting embrace. "It took me years to carve out a hidden space in my mind that's buried so deep she can't reach it without effort. I played my part partially so that she wouldn't be inclined to try. She has controlled and manipulated every aspect of my life until you two showed up. The day she made me cut ties with Willow she threatened to ruin her life if I don't, and the thought that she could have ended up killing her and her parents through starvation or accident still keeps me up at night sometimes."

Kim looked at Skara, "Would she really go that far over something as petty as Amity having a friend she doesn't agree with?" Skara's silence was all the answer Kim needed.

Amity tried to get up, but Luz just held her tighter, "No. Stay right here… with me. I need you to remember this feeling… my arms around you… for anytime I'm not there. I want you to remember that there is a place where you are safe. Where nobody can hurt you. Where you will always be loved. When you feel like you have nowhere to run or hide I want you to remember that my arms will always be open to you just like my heart." Amity wiggled until she was looking into Luz's eyes, and found them dark and glowing. They were full of rage, and disgust, but also a boundless sea of love. Seeing Amity look lovingly into her eyes Luz smiled, "Mi amor. I need you to keep me anchored right now. I don't trust myself to not run off and tear her apart for hurting you for so long. I'm sorry you had to go through all that, but it's over now. Even if one day you decide that you don't want me anymore, I promise that you will always find safety in my arms."

Amity smiled at Luz before nuzzling closer whispering, "This is my home now. This is where I live, where I belong."

Once everyone finished recovering and eating their lunch they got back to training, and much to everyone's surprise they saw first hand Luz's odd magical situation. As long as she used her glyphs Luz could keep up and stand on equal footing, but when Skara tried to teach her to channel lightning they saw her crumble. Luz managed to learn the spell, but after only two medium size bolts she was nearly spent. It baffled everyone except Kim how Luz could manage to cast heavy weight spells, but seemed to have no stamina. It was a well established fact that physical fitness and endurance were key to expanding your magical stamina, but despite Luz's absurd level of both she still had virtually none. They couldn't explain it, and when they learned that this was actually a lot of growth for her they became mystified, but they couldn't find any explanation so Luz stuck to finding new ways to use her glyphs while everyone else trained until it started getting dark.

"I'll be back everybody. I had an idea. See ya in twenty to thirty minutes. This girls going shoppin," smirked Luz as she disappeared into the woods.

"Should we be worried?" asked Ed.

Kim debated before answering while flipping her wrist back and forth, "I'd say sixty, forty. It should be fine, but… 'sigh' We'll have to wait and see." Amity just let out a quiet laugh

When Luz came back she was smiling, but quickly got to work making a small fire and bringing her thought to life. After finishing up each of their training sessions the other five came over to investigate what Luz was up to only to find her giggling to herself as she stirred a cauldron. Amity snuck up and gave Luz a hug, "What are you making over here my love?"

Luz smiled back at everyone, "Dinner. Hey Kim, I think you have the bowls and utensils. Give em out, and I'll serve this masterpiece." Kim gave a cheerful snort, but did as she was asked.

Once everyone was served, everyone but Kim looked at their food with the same thought, but Amity immediately dug in and Skara did as well after a nod from Kim while Emira asked, "So Luz what is this?"

"It's a new version of one of my favorites from back home," Luz beamed. "I call it 'Kitchen sink Stew'. The premise is that you take either the random leftover bits of any meats or veggies you have left or whatever ingredients you have available, and you stew them together. It's random and deliciously unique because you can never make it the same way twice. In this case I used some plant glyphs for potatoes, some wild veggies I found earlier during our game, and wild Jackalope and Razorbeak meat." As Luz spoke Amity and Skara were making giddy little noises as they ate while Kim laughed to herself quietly. Shrugging the older Blights dug in, and soon they found themselves practically begging for more, which Luz was happy to help with.

As everyone ate Luz just took a moment to appreciate her situation. Luz's life was so wildly different then it had been before she stumbled onto the Isles with Kim. She had a mentor and role model that she loved, an adorable little brother in the form of King, Kim had not only found her confidence but someone who genuinely seemed to love her, and now she had Amity. Luz was truly happy for the first time since her Papi had passed, and a part of her didn't know how to feel. Luz's new life couldn't be perfect until her Mami was in it again, but would it last? Was this just the set up for the cruelest punchline life could throw at her? Would it all crumble around her again? As Luz's face slowly dropped and darkened one person noticed, and with a tender touch Amity pulled Luz from her thoughts. "I know that look, Luz. Want to tell me what's wrong?" she whispered sweetly, her hand in Luz's.

Luz sighed, "I'm happier than I've been in a very long time."

Amity looked confused, "And that's a problem?"

"Maybe… I don't know… Ugh… Amity I don't think I know how to be happy anymore. I've been faking it for so long, but now that I finally feel loved and have almost everything I've ever wanted… I can't help waiting for the other shoe to drop. It feels like I'm holding my breath waiting for it all to fall apart, and I hate it. I'm literally surrounded by people that are willing to accept me, and care about me, but all I can think about is how this is the point in the story where the heroine would get stabbed in the back, or some great tragedy would occur to push the story forward." Luz looked at Amity with pleading eyes. "What's wrong with me? Am I really broken beyond repair?"

Amity gave Luz's hand a squeeze, "Well you're right about a couple things. You are surrounded by people who love you, and if this was a book then that's exactly what would happen, but this isn't The Good Witch Azura. Luz, we have gone through a lot, and we've each been hurt in ways that leave horrible scars, but that's ok, because together we can start to heal. It might not be overnight, but we will get better. For now, let's just focus on right here and right now, and all I want right now is to sit with the girl that I love and enjoy the delicious meal that she made for us." Amity smiled at Luz as she snuggled closer.

Luz adjusted so that Amity could comfortably lay against her while they ate, and marveled at her. "How do you do that? That's the second time today that I've begun to spiral, and you've pulled me back. Not even Kim or Mami can do that, and you do it so effortlessly. What are you?"

Amity giggled, "I'm nothing special. I'm just Amity. An abused, traumatized teen with a bit of magic, and the hope bleed out of her, but that's not who I'm going to be anymore. I'm going to be strong, kind, and utterly devoted to the girl who changed my life. I'm going to rise above my past, and help make this a better world." Amity blushed, but didn't look away, "I'm probably going to get fat eating all of the amazing treats you cook up, but maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll be Amity Noceda one day, and that's a dream too beautiful to lose."

Luz smiled, and let out a little chuckle, "Don't worry about that mi amor. I'm kind of a health nut. You're more likely to develop rippling muscle than fat, but you're right that's a beautiful dream. I think I'll fight for that too." Luz looked hesitant, but asked in a small voice, "Amity, I want my… I've never…" Amity smiled, and gave her a kiss with every drop of her love for the girl… they shared each other's first kiss, and when they finally separated Luz let out a husky gasp, "Crickey," but Amity didn't laugh or make fun of her. She just curled up closer to her luz.

Across the way Kim and Skara watched the display from beginning to end, and when it was over Kim whispered, "I had my doubts, but they really are perfect for each other."

"Yah, they are," Skara smiled. "They are going to do amazing things together, and we are going to get front row seats. I'm not going to lie, I almost feel bad for Odalia," Skara laughed. "Almost, but I guess she was right about one thing." Kim looked confused so Skara explained with a giggle, "Odalia insisted that Amity would be a princess one day, and she was right, but not in any way she will like." With a hint of pomp Skara gestured to the duo, "It is my honor to introduce the future Queens of Chaos, and Wild Witches Amity and Luz Noceda."

Kim couldn't contain herself as she let out a laugh before pulling Skara in for a kiss, "Don't be jealous, mi amor. If that's true then that makes you my Queen of Order, and I couldn't ask for a better partner." Kim gave Skara a wink before starting to ask, "Do you think we would hyphen-…"

Skara cut her off with a passionate kiss, "Just Noceda. Now I think it's time we took care of something important."

Skara winked at Kim and after a moment Kim's face turned completely scarlet, "Are you sure?" In response Skara led Kim away toward Skara's tent for some privacy.

In the middle of the night Luz and Amity were awoken from their new favorite thing, as they cuddled in Amity's tent, by a scream, Emira's scream. Within a minute they had their jackets back on, but they both stopped dead at the sight before them.

Under the light of the moon they could see four pale hairless, and bent humanoids with long claws, multi-fanged maws, and a palpable smell of decay. Holding leashes made of magic were two pairs of black armored individuals that covered every inch of their bodies. While one of each held the leash, the other had their captives held over their shoulders. One held Ed and Em, while the other carried Skara and Kim. As Luz and Amity prepared to attack to save their families the snow swirled before them to reveal a pale woman dressed in shades of icey blue and pearlescent white, and with hair the color of freshly spilt blood. As the duo looked at her they were overcome with a mournful sadness. With a sad gesture the woman sent the rest away in another swirl of ice and snow before she addressed Amity and Luz, "I beg you. Leave this place. My master has exacted his toil, but if he learns you still remain I will be forced to return for you." With a tear that froze and turned to dust seconds after leaving her eye she continued, "I feel the heat of your bond. Keep it strong, and healthy. Live long happy lives together, and never return. Please, do not make me snuff another warm heart," as the two stood in shock the women dissipated into fresh snow once more like she had never been there.

Luz watched as Amity fell to her knees, and began to tremble as she cried. Without a second thought Luz scooped up her girlfriend and carried her to the embers of their previous campfire. With practiced ease Luz drew a fire glyph in the ash and half burned wood, and within seconds the fire was roaring once more. With one problem dealt with, Luz kneeled in front of Amity, and held her hands. In a gentle voice Luz asked, "Babe, what were those things, and why do you look so scared?"

Amity continued to tremble as she explained, "I don't know what the armored knight looking things were, but those creatures… dear Titan… I think those were ghouls, but that doesn't make any sense. Ghouls can only be created through necromantic magic, and all records of how to perform that were destroyed over a hundred years ago along with blood magic." Amity looked terrified, but as she spoke next it was tinged with sadness, "I think that woman was an elemental spector, a Yuki-onna. Elemental spectors can only be called using advanced Oracle magic, or so I was told. Odalia called one once to prove a point, a Hai-onna." Amity cringed, "I don't think I will ever forget her. She was beautiful, but so angry, and she burned so fiercely I thought that she would turn me to ash as well." Amity looked at Luz with a pleading look, "I don't know what to do. I feel like my nightmares are coming to life around me, and…" Amity started to openly weep. "They took our siblings, and I couldn't stop them. Now I wouldn't even know where to start looking for them. Oh Titan Luz, what are we going to do?"

Luz gently brushed away Amity's tears as she gave her a warm smile, "That's easy my love. I take them back. You might not know where they were taken, but as long as they are still together I can find them."

Amity looked at Luz with eyes full of hope, "But how?"

Luz laughed, "Kim and I always know where each other are, at least in terms of general direction, and I promise they're safe. We can… I guess the right term would be 'sense'... Doesn't matter. When one of us is in danger the other knows it. It's how I just seemed to appear the day we met, and I bet Kim used it to lead you all to me earlier. Mom said it's a twin thing, but you'd have to ask Ed and Em about that. In the meantime, what do I need to know? I've heard a few stories from the human realm, but I don't know if they're acurite. Do I just need to burn them, or is there some other weakness I need to know about?"

Amity thought about it for a minute before answering, "If we make sure to cremate the ghouls they shouldn't be an issue, but their claws and teeth are supposed to be powerfully paralytic so we will have to avoid them. I have no idea what the knights were. So Titan only knows what to expect there, but the Yuki-onna is a problem. Unless you can summon up the power you used at the Covention, I doubt you can touch her. Her form is insubstantial so physical attacks will just phase through, and only the strongest of fire spells can affect her through her ice magic. No, since your anti-oracle thing doesn't seem to affect her I'm the only chance we have to hold her at bay. I might not be a powerful oracle, but I should be able to hold her off for at least a few seconds." Taking a breath and using Luz's presence to steady herself Amity stated, "Lead the way love. We got heads to bust."

Luz gave Amity a small kiss on the head, "There's my sexy goddess. Let's go save our family."

An hour later the duo stood before a decrepit ruin that Amity identified as one of the old prisons that used to exist across the Isles, but fell into disuse when the Isles were consolidated making the Conformatormium the primary prison.

As they snuck around they found remains in various cells that ran the gambit between days and hundreds of years old. While it was difficult to tell with the older bodies, the newer ones told a clear story. Some had scratches or bites, but not one showed any evidence of them bleeding out. As a matter of fact there was a distinct lack of copper smell in the air according to Luz.

Thinking that since most of the beings they saw were nocturnal or at least light sensitive, they choose to start at the bottom, and work there way up, but to their surprise the bodies got less fresh as they descended until they found an odd circular room with cells surrounding it. At its center was the largest ritual/runic pattern they had ever seen. Thousands of intricate markings wove and adorned the floor and ceiling to create it, but most surprising/horrifying was its occupant. A little boy no older than eight sat calmly inside with chains that appeared to be fused to the ground at one end while the others were run through and around his limbs or connected to a collar around his throat.

With a quiet voice that sounded much too old for the being speaking they heard the boy say, "What brings you to my humble abode? I must apologize, I would give a warmer greeting, but…" He shook his limbs slightly giving a better view of how the chains ran around his upper arms/thighs, and between the bones of his forearms and legs along with the ending bits that went through the tops of his hands and feet and flared out against the skin of his palms and feet. More sickening than the display was the tired smile the boy wore that showed no pain or discomfort, as if this wasn't a new position, he was used to them.

Amity wanted to vomit at the sight of a child restrained in such a way, so Luz spoke for them, her eyes already beginning to glow softly. "We're sorry for disturbing you, but we came to save some people that were taken from us. Have you seen four teenages get locked up tonight? Maybe if you help us, we can help you."

The boy let out a sad laugh, but seeing the slight glow of Luz's eyes he took a closer look before he seemed to crawl forward slightly with a new look of awe on his face, "Two of the ones you seek are in the cell behind me." He paused as if choosing his next words carefully and bowed his head before saying, "My name is Fenris, my lady's, and despite my appearance I am a part of a being of great power. If you and your… sister behind me will free me. I swear on my existence to stand by my oath, and aid you in any way I can. My powers may be weak at the moment, but once I am freed I can aid you in reclaiming what is yours. I stand ready to serve once more."

Luz noticed that Fenris's eyes didn't leave her once during his offer, and somehow she felt that he was being honest with his offer. With a nod to him, Luz led Amity around the room to the cell in question to find Skara holding a still unconscious Kim in the corner.

Not having the patience to fiddle with the lock, Luz created a flame sword using one of her glyphs and simply removed the door. As they approached it didn't escape Amity that Skara now bore a similar mark to her own, and she couldn't help feeling a bit of joy for her best friend. After wafting some 'expresso' under Kim's nose the four came together for a tearful group hug.

Once they separated Amity asked what they remembered, but neither remembered much. Something had snuck into their tent, and paralyzed them before they could even fully wake up. Then it was just darkness until they woke up in the cell. Using their sisters for support, the four exited the cell where Skara and Kim got their first good look at Fenris. Much like their sisters before them the duo shared a similar reaction of Skara going pale, and Kim's rage beginning to well up causing her eyes to start to glow as well. Seeing all four girls mostly unharmed seemed to give Fenris a sense of ease, but then he sighed, and looked away until he heard Luz say, "Fenris. I don't know who or what you are, but… knowone should be imprisoned like this. How do we free you?"

Fenris smiled, "I appreciate it, but it's not necessary. I'm sorry I mentioned it, my lady. I forgot myself for a moment, and if your aim is to save your other friends without being noticed I must remain. If you free me not only will my warden know, but so will his master, and I can not endanger your lives. You are too important to what is to come."

Kim freed herself from Luz's grip, and stated flatly, "No. Unlike my sister I know exactly how much those bindings must hurt, and I don't care who you are, kid. My sister is right so we're freeing you, so I can heal those wounds if nothing else. So how do we do it?"

Fenris sighed, but they saw a tear of thankful joy escape his eye, "Simply repeat after me, and then slam your hands against the outermost ring." The sisters nodded and did so.

By my right and by my power, I free you in this dire hour

Fulfill your vow written in bone, so that we may again regain our throne

By our blood we do release, this his first piece

Now noble Fenris rise once more, and let our will be done RELEASE

As the sisters spoke their bodies began to glow and give off waves of shimmering magic that rose with every word until with a thunderous release the circle evaporated into particles along with the chains, and as Skara and Amity watched the boys form began to twist until a large lupine form had taken its place. With a howl that sent shivers up their spines they saw thousands of specters and wisps appear from around them, and slowly be consumed by the beast, healing and seeming to fill it with new vitality.

With its meal complete the beast slowly walked over to the twins, and bowed his head once more as it spoke, "As promised, I await your command, my Lady's." As Skara and Amity approached he seemed to sniff the air before looking at them, and bowing to them as well. "I see my mistresses have already chosen partners. I apologize for not showing you the proper respect before, but in my previous state my powers were far from adequate. In light of this, allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Fenris, body of my name sake, and vassal of the Titan. By his decree I serve the true Royal line of their Isles. If I may ask, by what names may I address you?"

While the twins continued to recover from the drain of whatever they had just done, Amity and Skara introduced everyone, "I am Amity Blight… And she is Skara Sharp. The twins are Luz and Kim Noceda, and we are still confused. Are you saying that they're the lost princesses? Are you sure?"

Fenris made a chuckling sound, but before he could answer a pack of ghouls came rushing down the hall towards them. As the girls prepared themselves to fight Fenris's eyes began to glow red as he loudly decreed, "Befouled dead, you have my pity, but as the Guardian of the Dead it is my duty to give you your earned rest. Drag them to their peace my warriors." As the girls watched smaller lupine beasts made of and springing forth from the shadows came at his call with burning eyes. Before their eyes the girls saw the two forces crash against each other, but the beasts quickly overwhelmed them as they tore and ripped their way through the pack of ghouls. With each strike the hounds seemed to drag their prey further into the shadows until both sides were simply gone without a trace. Once that was done Fenris seemed to stagger momentarily from a wave of exhaustion, but said nothing about it. He only lay down, and said, "Come. We must make haste. I will carry you to your friends."

Once they were all aboard, Fenris began to run, and as he did the girls couldn't help noticing more burning eyes looking out at them from the shadows until Amity finally asked, "What are those things?"

Fenris answered, "Those Lady Amity, are my personal brand of oracle spirits. Friends, allies, and others who made a vow that they would aid me forever more after death, and given form through a combination of shadow and oracle magic. Fear not, my Hellhounds serve only me, and they do so willingly. I do not bind or press the unwilling into service. Together we tear down those who would mistreat the dead, and guard their sacred rest."

Luz's face lit up, "You mean like Anubus, or Cerberus from human myths?"

Fenris smiled, "It is good to know I haven't been forgotten, but you missed the most obvious of my other names, Fenrir the Devourer." As they ran they saw the occasional armored figure, but Fenris never stopped his run, and the figures never got close. Soon they found themselves before a grand pair of double doors, but instead of stopping Fenris dropped his head, slamming through it, and only once they were inside did Fenris stop while panting slightly. As the girls looked around they spotted Ed and Em in a heap looking pale before a raven haired woman that looked to be in her early thirties, but appeared slightly gaunt and her eyes betrayed the ravenous hunger she held at bay for the time being. She was sitting in an old ornate chair wearing scaled leather that would accentuate her figure if her eyes and fangs did not ruin the illusion. As they took in the rest of their surroundings they noticed a small army of armored figures around the room standing like statues.

As she saw them enter, the woman sat forward slightly and gave them a small applause before speaking with a voice like worn silk, "Tonight has proven full of surprises. First, I find a group of tasty morsels intruding in my territory, and now I find myself face to face with a relic of the past. So I must ask, mangy mutt, how did you escape your cage? We both know that my master was not responsible, and with yours playing the coward somewhere beyond our sight I doubt she did it."

Fenris growled, but responded, "It's over Warden Ebonclaw. How I was freed is irrelevant. Soon you and your pretender will be dust in the wind. We both know that now that you can no longer leach my magic both your and the fool Osran's powers will begin to wither. Leave this place, or die you bloated tick."

Ebonclaw hissed and with a wave of his hand the armored figures began to rouse. As they did Fenris howled and coalescing around the room arose shadowy humanoid Hellhounds or to Luz's glee Werewolf Hellhounds, but this action proved too much as Fenris slumped to the stone floor. With an exhausted groan Fenris sighed, "I apologize my Lady's. It appears that this is my limit for the time being. I am afraid that I will have to leave Ebonclaw to you. I can hold her minions at bay, but you must drive her away quickly. She fears the burning light. Use it." After that he seemed to pass out, but luckily his hounds remained.

Ebonclaw laughed cruelly, "What's wrong mutt? Feeling drained? You always were a fool. I will enjoy wringing every last drop of blood from these fools. Tonight I feast like a Queen." Rising from her seat she began carving blood red spell circles into to air causing fleshy arms to reach out of the floor to claw and tear at the foursome of girls, but they proved nothing before the combined might of Luz and Amity as they called forth their blades of light and goo respectively. Together the pair rushed forward until they were stopped by a pair of horrifying abominations made of corpses instead of the usual goo. As one attempted to backhand Amity away it found itself stopped by Luz as she stood protectively before her love, and began to give off a faint starry purple glow that seemed to slowly wrap around Amity making her usual pink eye glow take on a darker glow. With a mighty roar Amity rushed the undead abominations and began to slice and tear through them as her blade began to burn with a pink-purple flame that seemed to prevent the creatures from reforming or regenerating as abominations usually did.

Behind them Skara began to play her Ballad causing the reaching arms to catch fire and burn like scattered candles while Kim alternated between using blasts of fire and light to give them space, and unbeknownst to either of them Kim began to glow in a rainbow of colors that, much like Amity, wrapped around Skara protectively. What Skara did notice was an overwhelming feeling of power welling up within her that she channeled into her ballad causing the heat to intensify and begin to turn Ebonclaws creations to ash.

With Ebonclaws creations and guards taken care of, Luz rushed the warden herself. With quick powerful strikes Luz pushed the older being back until she did something that instantly unnerved the latina. Ebonclaw used her own clawed fingers to rip open her sides causing half coagulated blood to ooze from the wounds, and with a sadistic glee she used another pair of circles to draw out more and form it into a pair of sinister blades.

With mad laughter Ebonclaw attempted to push Luz back while stating, "I am Lord Lauren Ebonclaw, last of the great vampire clans. I serve the throne of the Boiling Isles as did all those who came before me, and I will not be driven back by a bunch of simpering teenage weaklings with no idea of the game they have stumbled into. Surrender now and I promise to make your final moments pleasurable as I drain you of the sweet elixir that pumps through you." With a smirk she added, "If you are an obedient little treat I may even allow you to watch as I drink your little friend dry."

The world seemed to go quiet around Luz as she only heard her rising heartbeat in her ears. The air in the room shifted as Luz's power began to rise and cascade through it. As everyone watched Luz's form began to change as once more bone claws began to take shape along with a pair of horns, and purple-black fur. With a mighty roar she screamed with a dual voice that had a foreign voice within it, "Nadie tocará a mi Amity, mi hermana, o su amor. Morirás, perra impía. Por garra o por colmillo, esto lo prometo. (None will touch my Amity, my sister, or her love. You will die you unholy bitch. By claw or by fang, this I promise.) Your end draws near."

As everyone watched Luz's sword seemed to fuse with her new claws and they began to burn with a radiant luminous flame that caused Ebonclaw's skin to blister as Luz shattered her blades and began to tear her apart, but before Luz could finish her Ebonclaw used her final trick as she formed her cloak into bat wings and buffeted Luz back enough to allow her to burst through the wall behind them and escape into the pre-dawn shadows.

Despite Ebonclaws escape, and her minions being destroyed, Luz's power did not diminish. To the horror of all those in attendance it only seemed to build while Luz continued to roar into the morning air until Amity walked up to her without any fear, and pulled her into a tender embrace. "Calm down my love. She's gone for now, but I promise we will track her down, and make her pay. For now though I need you to come back to us." Amity gave her a kiss, "Please my love, my novia. Come back to us."

Luz looked into Amity's eyes, and her power began to recede. With a smile Luz took Amity's hand, and together they went to check on Em and Ed with Kim and Skara.

Author's Notes: Ok so I made the decision to have all of Skara's spells have 'musical' names like ballads, sonata's, and consharto's. I might also throw in particular 'movements' after a while to show her growing understanding of 'human music', but more on that later.

A big part of this Luz and Amity's relationship is going to be them helping balance themselves with their partners' help. Amity becoming more wild and unrestrained, and Luz learning to take back control and calm herself. Lumity as a couple is wild and in your face, while Kara is more subdued, but they will have their own moments sprinkled through they just won't be as center stage about it ironically. Kara is very on the same page a lot so they say more in 'how' they say something or how they handle something. Lots of talking between the lines or not at all. While Lumity is higher expressive and constantly talking, because they NEED to hear things spoken aloud or they will miss or misconstrue things.

Small point, Ebonclaw's pronouns are odd, but intentional. They use both. We will learn why later, but it's not a mistake on my part.

That ends this part. The next one might take a minute to write. Covering the aftermath of the fight, Luz's first day at Hexside, and the events that come up… lets just say I've been excitedly dreading this next chapter, but I'll get it done. At worst it might just take me a bit longer. I don't know yet at this point. Regardless, shine of beautiful readers. Shine on.