CHAPTER 1: A Lying Witch, A Warden, And A Keyblade Wielder
WORLD: THE KEYBLADE GRAVEYARD
At long last, Xehanort and the Organization have finally been defeated. Sora, along with his friends, Riku, King Mickey, Donald Duck, Goofy, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Roxas, Axel, and Xion, standing in awe of the pleasant golden sky. King Mickey sighed in relief.
King Mickey: It's finally over.
Almost everyone smiled and nodded in agreement. However, Sora lowered his head.
Sora: ...No.
Riku looked at Sora and told him something in assurance.
Riku: We'll find Kairi. Let's head back to Master Yen Sid. We can figure it out.
Sora: No, I know what to do.
Mickey's eyes widened.
King Mickey: Sora...
He turned to his friends and gave them a small smile as he shares his thoughts.
Sora: My whole journey began the day I lost her.
He placed a hand over his heart.
Sora: And every time I find her... she slips away again. I thought we'd finally be together. But she's out there, alone. Not for one more second.
Donald and Goofy jumped in.
Donald: We'll go too!
Goofy: That's right!
Sora smiled at them.
Sora: Thank you, Donald, Goofy. But this time, I have to go it alone.
King Mickey realizes how Sora plans to recuse Kairi and warns him with an explanation of his idea.
King Mickey: Sora, listen. The power of waking isn't to go chase hearts around! Even if you do manage to locate Kairi, you might never come back home to us again!
Sora smiled with determination.
Sora: I will. And we'll both be back before you know it.
King Mickey: Please...
Riku walked over and knelt to the King.
Riku: Let him go, Mickey.
King Mickey turned to him.
King Mickey: Riku...
Riku: His heart and his mind are made up. Now, believe in him.
Mickey frowned, knowing Riku was right.
King Mickey: Yeah...
He then gave Sora a small smile.
King Mickey: Safe journey, Sora.
Sora: Thank you.
Sora nodded before turning away. He then summoned his Kingdom Key keyblade and aimed the blade towards the sky; magic swirled around the keyblade and fired a beam of light toward the sky. Sora activated the power of waking, and his search for Kairi had begun again. Sora bid farewell and assured his plan to succeed. After ascending towards the portal he summoned, Sora was zooming through what seemed like a swirling vortex comprised of a black stream with gold-colored auras. Sora kept his composure and braced himself for what he's about to face. Suddenly a bright white light appeared, and Sora went through it.
[Silence]
WORLD: ?
Sora was lying on the floor. He awoke and groaned as he opened his eyes.
Sora: Ugh, What a ride that was... where am I?
As Sora pulled himself off the ground, he took a look around. He ends up in a town, but much to his surprised, the town is filled with creatures. Sora then ends up in some kind of marketplace. He seemed to be intrigued with what the merchants are selling until he hears a commotion nearby. Sora heads towards the said commotion and is surprised at what he sees. A girl, a HUMAN girl, to be exact, but he was a bit disappointed when he realized that she wasn't the human girl he was looking for but relieved to see another human. He then sees an older unique-looking woman boasting on her stand.
Older Woman: I'm Eda the Owl Lady, the most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles!
Human Girl: A Witch?
Sora: A Witch?
Eda: I am a respected, feared‐‐
Suddenly a masked man shows up.
Masked Man: Busted!
He smashes a TV with his fist, causing the people that were surrounding Eda's stand to run away screaming. Sora jumped back to keep his distance enough to hear what was going on. Eda then hops down from the table. The Masked Man then holds up a wanted poster with Eda on it.
Masked Man: Eda the Owl Lady, you are wanted for misuse of magic and demonic misdemeanors.
The Human Girl was peeking over the edge of the table.
Human Girl: Whoa! Witch criminal!
Sora: Witch criminal?
Sora took a closer look at Eda to see if there was any hint of her being what she was being accused of, but there was nothing. At least, only a tiny hinge of darkness inside Eda's heart. Sora was a bit confused about that and wondered in his mind.
Sora *thinking*: If there's very little darkness in Eda's heart, why would this guy act like she's one of the worst people alive?
The Masked Man proceeds to grab Eda's arm.
Masked Man: You are hereby ordered to come with me to the Conformatorium!
Eda breaks free from the Masked Man's grip.
Eda: Would you guys quit following me around?! I haven't done squat.
Masked Man then turns to the Human Girl and picks her up by her hood.
Luz: Aah!
Masked Man: And you're coming too, for fraternizing with a criminal!
Luz: Wh‐What?! That's not cool!
Sora then turned to the Masked Man and noticed darkness surrounding the Masked Man's heart, much larger than Eda's, indicating bad news for him. On top of that, he did not want to see the Human Girl get hurt by him. Eda was about to interject when Sora suddenly jumps in.
Sora: Hey! Let her go!
Eda, the Human Girl, and the Masked Man turned to Sora, confused and wondering who he was. The Masked Man began questioning Sora in a stern tone.
Masked Man: Who the heck are you, kid? Are you also involved with these two?
Sora paused for a bit but then answered his questions.
Sora: So what if I am?
Masked Man: Good enough for me, you're coming too, for interfering with official guard duty!
The Masked Man, revealed to be a guard of sorts, tried to grab Sora with his free hand, but he manages to avoid it by jumping backward. Sora then summons his Keyblade, preparing to attack.
Sora: Back off!
Sora quickly swings his Keyblade across, causing the guard to fall onto the ground with a grunt. The Human Girl and Eda were impressed with what they had seen.
Eda: Woah, nice work there, kid.
Human Girl: Yeah, no kidding.
Sora turns to Eda.
Sora: Thanks.
Before the three exchanged more words, the guard was starting to get up. Eda notices and spins her staff, taps the bottom of it on the table, making all her stuff float in midair.
Eda: Whoops. I can't forget this.
Eda reaches into her hair and pulls out the key, pressing the eye to summon the portal door. She closes her hand into a fist, making the tablecloth wrap itself around all of her stuff. She sticks her staff through the bundle and starts running.
Eda: Follow me, you two!
Sora and the Human girl looked at each other for a bit then proceeded to follow Eda.
Human Girl: This is crazy. If I die here, my mom's gonna kill me!
Eda: Ha! I won't let 'em hurt you. A human like you is much more valuable to me alive than dead.
Eda looks back at Sora.
Eda: In fact, both of you might be.
Human Girl: Wait. What's that supposed to‐‐
Eda jumps, pulling herself and the Human Girl onto her staff. They take off into the sky as the guard runs into the frame.
Eda: Whoo‐hoo!
Sora continues running after them on foot.
Guard: You won't get away with this, Owl Lady!
[Silence]
[Cut to Eda and the Human girl crying, flying on Eda's staff above the Isles]
Eda: You can open your eyes now, human.
The Human girl does so, yells, and nearly falls off the staff when she sees the ground below them.
Human girl: Flying staffs, crazy monsters, you're a witch! What is this place?! Wait. Where's the guy that was following us?
Sora: You mean me?
The Human girl turns her head to where Sora called out to her and was surprised to see Sora flying next to them. She was about to say something, but lost her balance and Eda picks her up and rights her.
Eda: This is the Boiling Isles. Every myth you humans have is caused by a little of our world leaking into yours.
Sora was surprised to hear what Eda just said and wondered if she knew about the other worlds. But then decided to stay silent for now. The three lands in a small forest; while settling down, Eda's hand remained on the staff, which surprised the other two.
Sora/Human Girl: Aaah!
Eda: Oops. That happens sometimes.
Eda screws her hand back on and gestures them to follow her.
Eda: Ah, now, come along, you two.
The Human Girl and Sora turned their heads to where Eda was walking when they see something catching their attention.
Human Girl/Sora Whoa!
What they see is a tower, on top of which is an owl with an uncanny human face that cackles, zooming out as it flies down to reveals an interesting-looking house. The two followed Eda and were looking over her shoulder until the Human Girl spoke.
Human Girl: Aren't you worried about those guards finding us?
Eda: Nope. My house has a state‐of‐the‐art defense system.
Door: Hoot‐hoot! Password, please!
Sora was somewhat surprised to see a talking door. But then he remembered that he once met a talking door back in Wonder Land. Eda pokes the talking door's eyes.
Door: Aah!
Eda: We got no time for this, Hooty. Let us in.
Hooty: All right, all right! Geez! You never want to have any fun! Ow! Hoot!
Hooty opens his mouth wide enough to open the door completely. Sora was put off by that a bit. The three stepped through, though Eda's bag stays outside. Hooty then closes his mouth with a burp. The three walked into a dark room where Eda snapped her fingers.
Eda: Welcome to... the Owl House!
Candles ignite. A fire in the fireplace starts, a cauldron starts stirring itself, and a broom starts sweeping the floor. Overhead, a depiction of an owl beast of some kind begins to glow with a great screeching noise. Sora and the Human Girl look at all of this in awe.
Eda: Where I hide away from the pressures of modern life. Also, the cops. Mm, also ex‐boyfriends *chuckle*.
Luz puts down her book on a coffee table.
Luz: This place is beautiful! Do you live here all alone?
Eda: Actually, I have a roommate.
Eda then turns to the two.
Eda: Now then, I believe introductions are in order from our spiky-haired friend here.
The Human Girl also turned to Sora. Upon closer look, seeing Sora's face, causes her to blush a bit. Sora slightly tilts his head and the Human Girl snaps out of it.
Human Girl: Oh Yeah! We never got your name.
Sora: Oh yeah, I'm Sora.
Human Girl: Hi Sora, I'm Luz. Luz Noceda.
Sora then turns to Eda.
Sora: And your name's Eda, right? Nice to meet you both.
Eda: Charmed, I'm sure~. Now, we gotta talk.
The humans turn to Eda.
Eda: For starters, Sora, you sorta look like Luz. I'm guessing you're human as well?
Luz turns to Sora, and Sora nods.
Sora: Yeah, I am.
Luz: Wow. I thought I was the only human when I first came here.
Luz then remembered something and turned to Eda.
Luz: Well, I've had enough adventure for today. This is clearly not the PG fantasy world I always dreamed about. So, can you help me get back home?
That question piqued Sora. He was about to say something, but Eda spoke first.
Eda: But only if you help me first. Hmm, I think I'll need both of you to help me.
Sora looked a bit confused about what Eda had said.
But suddenly, thudding footsteps shake the house, shocking the humans.
Sora/Luz: What is that?!
Eda: That would be my roommate.
? *deep voice*: Who dares intrude upon I, *normal voice* the King of Demons?
The little demon squeaks his rubber duck. To which Luz and Sora gasped in awe. Then Luz ran towards the demon and scooped him up for a hug.
Luz: ¡Ay, que lindo! Eda, he's so cute! Who's a widdle guy? Who's a widdle guy? Is it you? Is it you?
The demon was struggling to free himself.
Demon: No! I don't know who your little guy is!
The demon then sees Sora standing close to him with a smile.
Sora: Aw, hi there, little guy.
Demon: No! There are two of them! Eda, who are these monsters?!
Eda drags Luz away from the demon.
Eda: Oh, this is Luz, the human. The other one is Sora, also a human.
Eda puts Luz down on the floor.
Eda: They're here to help us with our little... situation.
Demon: Oh! Hooray!
Luz: Wait, wait, wait. I don't like the sound of this "situation".
Sora: And what exactly is your "situation"?
Eda: Let me explain...
Eda draws a spell circle that darkens and effectively turns into a storybook. Eda begins to narrate.
Eda: King was once a mighty King of Demons, until his Crown of Power was stolen, and he became-
[Cut to Luz hugging King again while Sora smiling with folded hands behind his head]
Eda: -this.
Luz: You mean this little bundle of joy?
Eda *narrating*: The crown is being held by the evil Warden Wrath and locked away behind a magical force field that only a human can break through.
The storybook circle fades, return to Luz hugging King.
Eda: And since they're two of you. It should be easy to help us retrieve the crown, and then we'll send you back to your realm. So whaddya say? Plus-
Eda picks up King by his face and shakes him gently.
Eda: -who could say no to this cute face?
King: No! Please don't encourage her!
King gets dropped.
King: Nyeh!
Eda: I mean, we're kinda your only way home.
Luz: So I don't really have a choice, do I?
Eda: Nope.
Eda picks Luz up and tosses her over her shoulder as she heads for the door.
Eda: Now, we've got no time to lose.
King picks up his rubber duck.
King: Soon, Mr. Ducky, we shall drink the fear of those who mocked us.
He then follows Eda.
But everyone was stopped by Sora.
Sora: Woah, Woah, Woah. Hang on a sec.
Everyone else turned to Sora.
Sora: I understand you guys need help with King's crown. But I should make it clear that I'm here for a whole different reason.
Eda: Really? You're not in the same boat as this one here?
Sora shook his head.
Eda: Then... why are you here?
Sora: I came here to find a lost friend of mine. I plan to bring her back to our home.
Eda, Luz, and King looked at Sora for a bit, then at each other, then at him again.
Eda: Actually, you might be in luck, kid.
Sora: Huh?
Eda: Where King's crown is located, your friend might be there as well.
Sora: Really?!
Eda: Probably. But, it's a good place to start your search.
Sora thought about it for a bit. And just like Luz, he doesn't have any other choice. For now, he'll have to go along with them and agree to help them out.
Sora: Ok, I'm in.
Eda swings her arm in enthusiasm.
Eda: That's the spirit! Now, let's go!
All started to go together, heading for the door.
Luz: Where are we going?
Eda: Somewhere super fun.
[Cut to the group looking at a building in the distance, where thunder claps]
Eda: The Conformatorium, a place for those considered unsuitable for society.
Luz notices Eda's wanted poster on the wall they're hiding behind.
Eda: Whoa. These guys really have the hots for you.
Eda: Yep. But we were never caught because we're too slippery.
King: Try to catch me when I'm covered in grease. I'm a squirmy little fella.
King falls off of Luz's head.
Eda: I'm gonna make sure the warden's distracted so they don't catch us.
Eda then looks at Sora.
Eda: Sora.
Sora: Huh?
Eda: You know how earlier I said you might be able to find your friend?
Sora nods.
Eda: As I've said just now, The Conformatorium holds people here for being unsuitable for society. And I'm assuming that this friend of yours is also human?
Luz turns to Sora in surprise.
Sora: Yeah.
Eda: Then your friend will most likely be here. Since humans don't exist in this world, she'll stick out like a sore thumb.
Sora: Oh, I see. Now I get what you meant by this is the best place to start my search.
Eda: Mm-hm.
King then cuts in.
King: Alright, listen up. You two and I will sneak up to the top of the tower, where they're holding my crown.
The humans nod in agreement.
Luz gasps with an idea.
Luz: Will I need a disguise?
Eda: Uh...
Luz: I've been waiting to use this.
Luz pulls her hood on and flicks up cat ears.
Luz: Meow, meow.
The three pause and looks at her with different reactions.
King: It's hideous.
Eda: Oh, you'll fit right in.
Sora chuckles, thinking it's a bit funny.
Eda taps the bottom of her staff against the ground, creating a round glowing platform. Luz, Sora, and King stood on it.
Eda: Hang on tight.
Luz: Whoa!
The platform rises, floating up to a window in the tower. It disappears suddenly, forcing Luz to grab the edge of the window sill with King clinging onto her while Sora summons a blue aura around him, performing a swift rushing movement to latch onto the wall.
Eda, meanwhile, tosses her staff and casually sits down on it as it rises.
Eda: Meet you guys at the top of the tower.
Sora, still latched to the wall, swiftly enters through the window, while King grunts as he climbs up Luz and into the window, while Luz struggles to pull herself up to get in. Sora then extends his hand out to Luz to give her a hand entering through the window. Luz sees Sora with small smile on his face.
Sora: Need a hand?
Luz smiles and lightly giggled. She takes his hand enters through the window safely.
Luz: Thanks.
Sora: You're welcome.
The three of them marvel at the number of prison cells before them, all of them occupied by shadowy beasts of varying shapes and sizes, though all of their eyes glow in the light. Sora, in his mind, hopes that with the number of cells here, Kairi, his missing friend, could be in here somewhere. Suddenly, someone spoke to them.
?: Hey, you three.
The humans and King turned to them.
Female prisoner: Yeah, you. Cat lady, the little furry guy, and spike hair. How'd you get out of your cells?
Luz: Oh, no, no, no. I'm not a cat. Also, we're not criminals.
Luz pulls her hood down.
King: Not yet, you're not.
Female Prisoner: Neither are we. The stupid warden likes to lock people up who don't fit in. Like, I write fanfics of food falling in love.
She pulls out a book of said fanfiction.
Fanfic Prisoner: I like food, I like love... Just let me write about it!
Male Demon Prisoner: I'm here because I like eating my own eyes.
He was about to demonstrate, but Sora stopped him.
Sora: I'm sorry, but can you please not do that?
Another prisoner speaks up.
Third Prisoner: We are agents of fwee expwession! They will never siwence us!
Fanfic Prisoner: Yeah, she's really big into conspiracy theories.
Conspiracy Prisoner: The world is a simulation! We are but playthings for a higher being!
Luz began pacing around.
Luz: Wait. These aren't crimes. None of you actually did anything wrong.
She pulls out Eda's wanted poster.
Luz: You're all just a bunch of weirdos... like me.
Sora, slightly confused, thought about what Luz said and agreed with her.
Sora *thinking*: This world is starting to sound oppressive.
Suddenly, thudding footsteps caught their attention.
Fanfic Prisoner: It's Warden Wrath! Hide!
The humans and King panicked a bit and ran into an open cell, pulling the door down as they enter.
Footsteps continue until a door is pushed open, revealing a huge shadowy figure.
Warden Wrath: I can hear you.
Luz whimpers while Sora tries to calm her down.
Warden Wrath stomps forward.
Warden Wrath: Just what are you fools whispering about?
He looks down at Eda's wanted poster that Luz had dropped.
Warden Wrath: Ah. The Owl Lady.
He picks up the poster and crumples it, turning his fist into a hammer and slamming it into the door of the group's cell.
Warden Wrath: I'll get my hands on her soon enough.
Warden Wrath looks into the cell, where the group huddled in the corner.
Conspiracy Prisoner: Fight against the oppwessor! We will wesist! We will conquer! We will never be afwaid of you, you old cweep!
Warden Wrath walks over to her cell and opens it. She stares at the opening door.
Conspiracy Prisoner: Hooway! I'm fwee! Eep!
Warden Wrath grabs the prisoner, his fist fitting around her entire body. He holds her up and points at the other two prisoners.
Warden Wrath: Let this be a lesson to all of you. There's no place in society for you if you can't fit in.
He tightens his grip, making the prisoner squeak again. Warden Wrath stomps away, crushing the crumpled-up wanted poster on his way out. A door slams, and the group opens their cell, running to that of the Fanfic Prisoner.
Luz: Don't worry. I can get you out.
Luz tries to pull up the lever but can't lift it.
Luz: No! My weak nerd arms!
Fanfic Prisoner: Just get out of here while you still can, kid. Enjoy freedom for us.
The Fanfic Prisoner walks deeper into her cell, but Sora stops her.
Sora: Wait.
The Fanfic Prisoner and Luz turn to Sora.
Sora: Let me give it a shot.
Luz/Fanfic Prisoner: You can open the cages?
Sora nods and turns to Luz.
Sora: Luz, you and King can go on ahead. I'll take care of things here and catch up with you guys.
Luz: Are you sure?
Sora: Yeah.
Luz was reluctant about walking away but then sees Sora nodding at her with a small smile and remembers HIS reason for coming here. Luz nods back and turns around.
Luz: Come on, King. Let's find your crown.
The two began walking away as Sora turns to the prisoners.
Sora: Ok, guys. Ready to get out of here?
The prisoners said yeah in excitement.
Sora: Hang on a sec.
Sora extends his right arm out and immediately summons his keyblade. He then points it towards the lever switches and shoots a beam light at each one, unlocking the mechanisms inside and opening the cages. The prisoners expressed their gratitude towards Sora and began to leave. But the Fanfic Prisoner was stopped by Sora.
Sora: Wait.
Fanfic Prisoner: What's up?
Sora: Quick question before you go.
Fanfic Prisoner: Shoot.
Sora: Have you seen a girl locked up here with red hair, blue eyes, wearing a pink and black dress with black ruffles on one side of her skirt and plaid on the other, and thick belted boots?
The Fanfic Prisoner responds with an apologetic tone.
Fanfic Prisoner: Sorry, I haven't seen anyone like that. But, with all the cells here and others on the above floor. Maybe she's around.
Sora: Ok, thanks anyway.
The Fanfic Prisoner puts her hand on his shoulder, wishing him good luck in finding the girl he's looking for. She then leaves. Sora stood there for a bit and looked up at all the cells. He thinks about Kairi, wondering if she's even here at all and if she's ok. Sora clenches his right hand into a fist.
Sora: *thinking* Ok, Time to look around. Kairi, I hope you're here and that you're safe.
[Cut to a hallway, where Eda flies up to the others]
Eda: Hey, I just checked.
Eda hops off her staff.
Eda: The warden is distracted, tormenting some tiny creature. He won't be coming around here anytime soon.
Eda then notices one human short.
Eda: Hey, where's spikey hair?
Luz: He's helping the false prisoners escape and is searching for his friend.
Eda: False prisoners?
Luz: Yeah, it's not fair that they're all in here. They just want to be themselves. Why does everyone think that being a weirdo is so bad?
They reach a towering door reading "CONTRABAND".
King: My crown! It's close! I can sense its power!
King runs up to the door and fiddles with the doorknob that's as big as he is.
Eda: Aw, he gets so cute when he's thirsty for power.
King struggles for a bit until the doorknob comes off and throws it onto the ground with a clink. King pushes open the door, cackling, and runs through the doorway.
Eda: Come on, before he hurts himself.
ZAP
King: Ow!
Luz and Eda follow King inside the room, empty save a giant glowing pillar in the center. King rubs his skull before charging at the pillar headfirst, succeeding only in launching himself backward.
Eda: We have a human, remember?
King: Oh, yeah.
Luz takes a breath. She puts a hand against the pillar before walking through it. Inside are piles of what can only be described as junk: everything from books to skulls to a dead fish in a tank. Atop the central one is a glowing crown. Luz began climbing the pile to reach for the crown until she notices something strange. It looked like a pink charm of sorts. Intrigued by it, she grabs it and puts it in her pocket for safekeeping and continued to the top until she comes close to the crown.
Luz: Wait a second. Is that a...
[Cut find Luz standing with the Eda King holding a Burger Queen paper crown, looking frustrated]
King: My crown!
King jumps in place before taking the crown from Luz and placing it on his head.
King: Yes. Yes! I can feel my powers returning! You, there. Nightmare critter.
King points to a stuffed rabbit with one button eye falling out of a box.
King: I shall call you Francois, and you shall be a minion in my army of darkness. Ha‐ha!
He picks up the rabbit.
Luz: That crown doesn't give him any powers, does it?
Eda: Uh, no.
Luz glares at Eda.
Eda: Oh, look at us, Luz. King and I don't have much in this world. We only have each other. So if that dumb crown is important to him, it's important to me. And besides, us weirdos have to stick together, you know?
Luz grins and blushes.
Eda: Well, we owe you one. Now, let's go find spikey hair and get out of here before the warden finds us and loses his head.
Warden Wrath: Too late.
Warden Wrath's hand turns into a blade, and with an easy swing, he decapitates Eda. Luz catches her head. Luz screams, seeing Eda sticking her tongue out like a fake corpse.
Eda: Ow! Oh, I hate it when that happens.
Luz then screams louder and longer.
[Cut to Sora, glowing with a blue aura, jumping around the walls upwards, checking all cells but one. Sora lands on the very top floor and in front of the last one. He sees it's empty and yells in frustration]
Sora: *thinking* I've checked all the cells, AND ALL OF THEM ARE EMPTY!
Sora slams his fist on the wall. Sora starts to tear a bit while having flashbacks of all his and Kairi's experiences together.
Sora: *thinking* Kairi.
Suddenly, Sora hears a commotion outside. Sora runs towards a balcony and sees Eda battling Warden Wrath and Luz in the sky, riding Eda's staff. Luz notices Sora and flies towards him, and lands on the balcony.
Luz: Sora! Did you find your friend?
Sora, with a sad face, shook his head slowly.
Luz could see the sadness on Sora's face and sympathize with him.
Luz: I'm sorry, Sora.
Sora remained silent as Luz looked down and saw Eda redirecting Warden Wrath's fire attack against him and starting to struggle against him. Luz then turn to Sora.
Luz: Sora! You have help Eda beat Warden Wrath!
Sora remained silent.
Luz: Sora?
Sora: I'm sorry, Luz. I...
Luz: Sora, please. I know you're sad that you couldn't find your friend, but we can't let Eda and King get captured or hurt.
Sora slightly lowers his head and notices something sticking out of Luz's pocket. Something that looks familiar to him. Sora points at the object.
Sora: Luz, what's that?
Luz looks towards what Sora was pointing at and takes it out of her pocket. She shows it to Sora in its entirety.
Luz: Oh, this? I don't know; it looks like a charm. But, Sora-
Sora's eyes widen.
Sora: Luz! Please give it to me!
Luz: Huh?
Sora: That charm belongs to my friend!
Luz: Really?!
Luz then hands it over to Sora, and he examines it closely.
Sora starts tearing a bit as he held the charm to his chest and asks Luz:
Sora: Where?
Luz: I found it in a pile of other stuff when I was looking for King's crown.
Sora looks at the charm again.
Luz: Wait, this has to be some good news. If that's her charm, and it was here, then that means-
Sora: Kairi was here.
Luz: Kairi?
Sora then realizes that he never said her name to the others.
Sora: Oh, I guess I never told you her name.
Sora wipes his tears away and shows a happier face.
Sora: Thank you, Luz. Thank you so much.
Luz also shows a happier face.
Luz: You're very welcome.
The humans heard a scream and looked down. They see Eda thrown against the ground and King being thrown into her arms a second later. Warden Wrath looms over them. They then turn to each other and thought the same thing—time to help Eda quickly.
Luz: Ready?
Sora: You bet!
Sora hopped on the staff, and the two flew down towards Eda and King.
Warden Wrath: No more running away, Owl Lady. Today, I capture you once and for all!
Eda glares at Warden Wrath while King whimpers and hides his face in Eda's chest. As Warden Wrath was about to attack, he got tackled by the humans. The humans then land in front of Eda and King.
Eda: Luz? Sora?
Warden Wrath picks himself up and angrily turns to the group.
Warden Wrath: You runts!
Sora then turns to Luz.
Sora: Luz, stay back with Eda and King.
[Play Death Battle: Hearts of Light (From the Rooster Teeth Series)]
Luz: Huh?
Eda: Hold it, Sora. No offense, but you don't like the kind of kid to get into scraps. I know you took care of that one guard, but he was puny compared to this guy.
Sora just stands with his back turned and turns his head to look at Eda.
Sora: Trust me, I got this.
Sora turns to Warden Wrath, extending his right arm, and immediately summons his keyblade and gets into a fighting stance with a smirk on his face.
Luz and Eda were surprised to see Sora summon his keyblade again.
Warden Wrath: What? Do you think a giant key will save you from me?!
Sora: I know it will.
Warden Wrath then changes his hands turned to blades, charging at Sora. Sora, in return, charges at Warden Wrath with his keyblade, and the two began to battle. While Warden Wrath was tough, Sora was tougher and faster. He summons his blue aura to move circles around the warden while landing multiple blows in him. Warden Wrath then aims his fire breath at Sora, while Sora dodges it and summons his fire attack on the warden. Warden Wrath has had enough and expands his fists in size and slams them down onto Sora in hopes of crushing him. But Sora dodges it at the last moment and begins to tap into his focus power by putting his hand over his heart.
Sora: It's time to end this, Warden Wrath!
Sora formchanges into his Second Form, and aims his Keyblade directly at the warden, and unleashes one of his strongest attacks. A maxed-out shotlock.
Sora: Ragnarok!
Sora then fires streams of brilliant light that fly at the warden, sending him flying fast and hitting through the wall, knocking him out. Finally, Sora returns to his base form and stands there victorious. He turns around and sees Luz, Eda, and King staring with their jaws dropped. Sora chuckles a bit.
[End Death Battle: Hearts of Light (From the Rooster Teeth Series)]
Sora: I told you I got this.
The three ran to Sora, praising his victory and complimenting his prowess during the battle.
Eda: Amazing work, Sora!
Luz: That was incredible! YOU were incredible!
King: I respect your power, mighty Sora!
Sora feels a bit embarrassed, but he does appreciate the praise.
Sora: Thanks, guys.
Eda: Anyway, let's bounce before any more monsters fall in love with me.
Sora: Wait, what?
Eda: Oh yeah, you weren't there; we'll talk on the way back.
The four fly off to return to the Owl House.
[Cut to the living room of the Owl House, where Eda leans her staff against the couch]
Eda: Well, a deal's a deal. Let's get you home, Luz.
Eda snaps her fingers, and her key flies out of Luz's bag and into Eda's hand. She presses the eye, and the portal door unfolds itself in front of the fireplace. Luz walks up to it, then hugs herself and turns back to look at Eda and King. King looks at the ground, visibly sad. Luz reaches into her bag.
Luz: Before I go...
She holds out the head of her Azura doll and gives it to King.
Luz: I know it's not the same, but... a king shouldn't be without a crown.
King accepts the crown and places it on his head.
King: This shall suffice. You there, plant! You are now under my command!
He points to something and walks off-screen. Eda grabs the Azura book off the table and hands it to Luz.
Eda: Oh, and don't forget this.
Luz takes it and the pamphlet for Reality Check Summer Camp that's on top of it and walks toward the portal. She stares at the pamphlet before putting it under the Azura book. She pauses in front of the door, looking at it. She looks back down at her book, then up, at a mirror above the fireplace. Luz gasps as she holds up the book, on the cover of which is Azura in the foreground, with an older witch looking at a dog/cat creature in the background. She lowers the book to reveal the mirror showing a very similar image, King and Eda in the same positions as the creature and the older witch, and herself in the foreground between them. She also looks at Sora and brightens while turning around to face Eda.
Luz: Ok. I know you got your head cut off, and we started some kind of prison riot, but this was the most fun I've ever had.
Eda blinks owlishly in surprise.
Luz: I don't fit in at home. You don't fit in here. If I stay, we could not fit in together.
She looks at the pamphlet for Reality Check one last time, then crumples it.
Luz: I'm not going back to summer camp.
Eda chuckles.
Eda: What's summer camp? What are we talking about here?
Luz: I want to stay and become a witch. Like you.
Luz holds her book up to Eda.
Luz: And Azura.
Eda beings to laugh.
Eda: What? All right, that's crazy.
Eda pushes Luz's book down.
Eda: Humans can't become witches.
Luz: Maybe that's because they haven't tried. If you teach me to become a witch, I'll do anything you want.
King starts tugging at Eda's dress.
King: Let her stay! *whispering* She can make us snacks.
Eda smiles and picks King up.
Eda: Well, I could use a hand keeping this goofball out of the cupboards. All right. I'll teach you how to be a witch. But you have to work for me before you learn any spells. Deal?
Eda holds out her hand. Luz looks at it before grinning and crushing the two in a hug.
Eda: Gah! What's going on?
King: Too tight! Too tight!
Luz lets go as everyone turns to Sora while he looks at them. Eda walks over to him.
Eda: So, you didn't find your friend?
Sora shook his head. Eda sighs seeing his response.
Eda: Sorry, kid.
Sora: It's ok. I have this.
He shows everyone the charm that Luz found.
Eda: What's that?
Sora: It's my friend's lucky charm. Luz found it when she got King's old crown. The fact that it was there means that she was also there.
Luz chimed in.
Luz: Kairi is her name.
Eda: Kairi?
Sora then realizes that he never said her name to Eda as well.
Sora: Oh, I guess I never told you her name either.
Eda: Well, I never asked.
Sora: In any case, I know Kairi is in this world somewhere. And I won't go back to my home until I find her.
Luz: You must care about her a lot.
Sora: I do.
Eda chuckles.
Eda: Sorry, but that mushy stuff sounds cheesy. Alright, since you helped us out a lot back there, and I won't lie, your skills can come in handy if we end up in a tight spot like that again.
Sora looks up at Eda.
Eda: Until you find this Kairi girl, you're welcome to crash here with us as well.
Sora: Really?
Eda: Of course, like Luz, you'll have to help us out from time to time. Deal?
Eda holds out her hand.
Sora: Sounds fair. Deal.
Sora shakes Eda's hand.
Eda: Ok, everything's settled. Come on, lemme show you the rooms upstairs—time to hit the hay.
[Cut to Luz opening the creaking door to a storage room]
She unrolls her sleeping bag and throws herself onto it. She then turns over and takes a picture of her and her mom out of her messenger bag. She rubs her thumb over the glass before placing the frame right next to her pillow. Her phone vibrates, and she grabs it and turns it on. A message from "Mom❤️" reads: How's summer camp? Luz's expression falls, and she moves her phone away from her face.
Luz heard a light knock from her door. It was Sora. Luz got up and walked towards him.
Luz: Hey, what's up?
Sora pulls out Kairi's lucky charm.
Sora: I wanted to say thanks again for finding Kairi's charm. It means so much to her and me.
Luz has a smile on her face.
Luz: You're welcome. And thank you for saving us from Warden Wrath.
Sora chuckles.
Sora: You're welcome.
There was a slight pause between them, and Luz suddenly hugs Sora, which surprises him.
Luz: Hey, I know you'll find her someday.
Sora: I know.
Luz: And don't think you're alone on this either. While one friend is out there somewhere, you've got another one right here, willing to help you. Ok?
Sora hugs back.
Sora: Ok.
The two let go of each other.
Sora: Good night, Luz.
Luz: Good night, Sora.
Sora heads back to his room, and Luz flops back to her sleeping bag. Until Luz heard another noise, it was King clearing his throat while stepping into view while holding Francois.
King: Your sleep cocoon looks fluffy.
Luz sits up and pats the sleeping bag. King curls up at the bottom below her feet and falls asleep. Luz smiles at him before replying to her mom: "I think I'm gonna like it here." Smiling, she puts her phone down, turns to the side, and falls asleep.
[Cut to show Sora in his room also in a sleeping bag looking at Kairi charm one last before falling asleep]
Sora: I'll find you soon, Kairi. I promise. And I have a friend to help me.
Sora then falls asleep.
[Zoom out to the exterior of the Owl House while the giant stained glass eye above the door blinks]
WORLD: THE BOILING ISLES
