Lucia 'The Bonesborough Beast' Clawthorne was already regretting her decision to do this. It wasn't really the fact that she got woken up at the crack of dawn to train with Willow before school. Honestly nobody could push Lucia to her limit physically the way her bestie could, and she loved it. It wasn't the thought of finally joining Hexside, and taking her first steps into publicly being the werewolf she wanted to be because that felt amazing in her opinion too. It wasn't even the fact that she had unfortunately run into the Golden Gallstone the night before because putting that over inflated excuse for a guard in his place, usually by going through a few walls, always made for a good night.

No, it was the fact that despite having her own tower to herself now (a bonus birthday gift from her Mom as a way to get used to living alone). Lucia still felt off, and having the closest thing to a father figure drill her on her magic all… night… long when she just wanted to get some real rest was just the straw that broke the snorses back. Lucia loved her family and her friends, but sometimes she just wanted to wolf out, and rip off all of their faces with her claws.

After combing out the tangled mess that was her burgundy/plum hair that now hung almost mid-back on her when not braided, and cleaning herself up. Lucia made sure that everything she could need was safely stored in her hair (best twelfth birthday present ever) in case of an emergency. With a loud yawn Lucia shifted into her wolf form, now about five feet at the shoulder and nearly eight feet long, and started running to the spot Willow and her always train at. When she found her bestie already waiting for her she had a thought. Maybe it was petty, but Lucia circled around, and made sure to sneak up on her. It wasn't until Willow could have practically felt Lucia's breath on her neck did Lucia make a noise. All it took was the quietest of growls and Willow whipped around to stare directly into her best friend's large teeth and chocolate eyes, making her jump.

As Willow proceeded to calm down from the minor heart attack Lucia had just given her, she growled back, "Titan dammit Clawthorne. This right here is why I swore off Bean brew. Good job sneaking up, but so help me next time I'm punching you in the nose. Finally see if you can grow back your teeth… hew. Ok. Are you ready to start now?"

Lucia just shifted back into her basic witch form that only topped at five foot ten, and smiled down at her friend, "Ya, I guess I've had my fun. Beat me up bud. I'm ready."

For the next two hours Willow pushed Lucia to her breaking point, and probably a few feet beyond using weights, sprints, and finally full contact sparring to do exactly that. As always Lucia was positively exhausted, and bruised all over by the time they finished. Once more Lucia was thankful for how fast her body healed. It would take a few hours, and a good amount of magic, but by the time they actually had to head for Hexside Lucia should be fully recovered. Once Lucia had caught her breath she shifted into her wolf form and laid down so Willow could climb on as usual. When she was ready Lucia stood up, and made for home where she could get a hot shower, and hopefully one of the Slitherbeast steaks she prepared specifically for the occasion.

Forty-five minutes later Lucia was feeling great, and perfectly relaxed as she cooked a hearty breakfast of griffen eggs and quilboar bacon for everyone, along with one and a half of her precious steaks for herself and Willow. Best of all Willow had agreed to braid her hair while she sat, and cooked in exchange for half a steak. Willow may not have fully understood why Lucia was so desperate to look extra great today, but if her friend wanted to make some girls swoon then Titan dammit she was going to make sure everybody who saw her today would have to struggle to stand in her presence. It was her duty as her best friend.

Once the girls finished their rare steaks, the fact that Willow enjoyed hers the same way Lucia did was still a point of worry for Eda, they started their walk toward Hexside with Willow in her green uniform, and Lucia in a sleeveless gold hoodie (specifically to show off her arms and the scar near her left shoulder) with black ripped cargo pants, black boots, her favorite red beenie, and a matched set of spiked black bracelets and her collar. Her braided hair flowing over her right shoulder. Along the way they ran into Gus, and after assessing Lucia's look he pulled out a silver necklace with an emerald owl pendant on it and held it out to her.

"Can't have the Owl Ladies daughter showing up without a bit of representation can we?" laughed Gus. "You know the rules. If you're going to go big, go all the way, and this is about as big as you can go without bearing fang and claw, I think. Also sorry it took so long. I meant to give this to ya at your party, but it took a bit longer to make then I was quoted. Hope you like it Luz."

Lucia couldn't help but pull the diminutive boy into a spine crushing hug, and tear up a bit as she cries, "Like it? I love it. Thank you Gus. You have no idea how much this means to me, but I shouldn't be surprised. Nobody knows how to put on a show the way you do. Titan I love you guys." It took her a couple minutes to collect herself, and put on the pendent, but when she was done Gus gave her a thumbs up, and they got going again.

To nobody's surprise the nearly six foot amazon covered in spikes, and wearing a combo of ripped punk clothes and a very obvious owl pendant was not subtle. Where Lucia walked a path cleared, and the sounds of a few fainting girls did not go unheard and neither did the whispers. Without acknowledging any of it, Lucia just kept walking into Hexside until she reached Principle Bumps office. After a respectful knock, and hearing an invitation Lucia walked in and took a seat.

Bump's first impression of his new student was complicated. From a purely cosmetic point of view Lucia screamed Eda Jr. without an ounce of regret. If it wasn't for the tanned skin and dark hair Bump might have thought he was seeing a ghost, but then he noticed the small details. She had been polite at the door, was sitting comfortably sure, but not disrespectfully, and looking into her eyes Bump couldn't help but shudder. Lucia had the same fiery chaotic energy in her eyes, but it seemed focused, attentive, and hungry in the same way Liliths had when they first met. In that moment Bump knew the student before him would either raise his school to yet unseen heights, or raze it to the bones it's built on, and by the Titan she would do it loudly.

Apparently Bumps assessment took longer than he thought because he heard Lucia clear her throat as politely as possible to get the conversation started before stating, "I know I'm wildly out of dress code, but this will be the last time I get to truly express myself here so I hope you can forgive it just this once, sir."

Bump was once again thrown by the juxtaposition between the teen's image and manor. How could she sit there looking like a delinquent, and then act like a top student? It was like trying to talk to Lilith in Eda's skin, but he finally said, "I suppose it is fine this once, but I will expect you to dress properly going forward."

"As you wish, sir," said the teen flatly. "Unless there is something I can help you with, I would very much appreciate my schedule and lanyard, sir. I am unfamiliar with the school's setup so some friends are helping point me in the right direction, and I would hate to make them late on my account, sir." Bump reached into his desk and grabbed the requested items, and handed them over. With a small bow Lucia started to head out, but before she left her whole posture shifted into a familiar stance and smirk as she said, "By the way, my Mom told me to say hi to her favorite educator. So the Owl Lady says hi, Princy B. Have a nice day." And before he could recover Lucia was gone.

Bump sat in his office for a moment with a sense of impending doom all around him as he thought, "What have I done? Oh Titan, what have I released onto my poor school?"

Out in the hallway Lucia was congratulating herself on a job well done. Bump had been so off balance he couldn't even think to ask any questions. Now all she had to do was make it through the rest of the day. No problem. With Gus's help Lucia found her first class, abominations, and as luck would have it there was a curiously vacant seat next to a very cute green haired witch with visible brown roots. With all of the stealth of a predatory beast Lucia claimed said seat, and before Amity could respond Professor Hermonculus came striding into the room carried by his personal abomination. Already sounding annoyed he began the lecture with all of his usual smarm and condescension until he reached a point where he needed a visual aid. Spotting Lucia he decided to test her.

"You there in the gaudy clothes. Ms. Clawthorne, I believe. Why don't you come up and demonstrate for the class proper summoning form, and control… if you can," smirked Hermonculus.

Having expected this possibility, Lucia stood and approached the front before reaching into her hair. While finding the item she was looking for she said, "Apologies Professor, but I didn't get the chance to mix up a full cauldron before this morning." Attempting to dive into a lector about proper preparation Hermonculus cleared his throat, but before he could Lucia pulled out a bottle the size of a hip flask and set it down between them much to his surprise. With a smirk Lucia said, "This will have to suffice." With perfect form and control Lucia called a positively massive abomination from out of the flask who stood intimidatingly over the tiny professor before groaning out, "Will… this… suffice… or… must… I… fight." As it spoke the abomination changed its arms into vicious claws that looked ready to rend at a moment's notice.

Hermonculus paled, but managed to squeak out a small, "No, that is quite enough. Well done, Ms. Clawthorne." And with that the abomination dove back into the flask without a drop left, and Lucia retook her seat much to the awe of all present. Only Amity seemed to notice the smirk hidden in the tall girl's eyes.

For the rest of class Hermonculus seemed deflated slightly, and when his eyes would meet Lucia's he would quickly look away, but surprisingly he proved very competent at his craft, and now that every comment wasn't dripping in sarcasm the class was actually quite enlightening. When the bell screamed, the whole class seemed to quickly exit so as not to get into Lucia's way, but unbeknownst to any of them there was still one last thing Lucia wanted to do before leaving. After pulling a small letter from her hair Lucia left it sitting on Amity's books, but before Amity could yell or retort Lucia simply grinned at her, and said, "See ya later my Azura." And walked away leaving the girl stunned, and confused.

Lucia got to the bard homeroom ten minutes before class would start, so she thought she would relax for a bit until then. Unfortunately she wasn't that lucky. Right when she was just about to fall asleep with her feet up, and beanie covering her face she was rudely awoken by a darker skinned girl with light mauve hair who was trying to move her foot with little success. In her drowsy, slightly annoyed state Lucia just let out a low growl of warning that caused the other girl to jump back, fall, and accidentally knock over a few instruments causing a loud racket.

With her nap truly ruined, Lucia readjusted her beanie, and looked at the scared girl before reaching out her hand to help her up. "Sorry about that, but they do say 'let sleeping demons lie' for a reason. Names Lucia Clawthorne, and you are?"

The girl looked up into Lucia's chocolate eyes, and blushed slightly as she took her hand, "I-I'm Skara Sharp, top bard, and um you really shouldn't put your feet up like that. If a teacher catches you they will probably get all cranky about it."

Lucia seems to be contemplating something as she mumbles, "Sharp… Sharp…Sharp…" Before finally smiling wickedly, "I remember that name now. Your parents make premium instruments for the bard coven, and your Amity Blight's best friend, am I right?"

Skara looked confused for a moment before saying, "Yes to the first one. Sharp Sounds is a very well known brand I suppose, but the second one… maybe? What makes you think so?"

Lucia grinned, and uncovered her wolf ears, "You would be surprised what I hear, little melody. For instance, I heard that you have a rare talent… You can tell what instruments someone knows just by looking at them, right?"

Skara beamed with a bit of pride, "I've never failed to do so before."

Lucia let out a small low laugh, "How's about a game then? There is about five minutes before class. Let's see if you can work your magic before then. Winner gets a small favor. Nothing big, dangerous, or questionable of course, and I'll give you two hints to make it fair since you don't have a lot of time." Skara nodded, and started looking over Lucia as she continued, "There are two, and they are both in the room. Don't worry I'll prove it once class starts so you know I'm not lying." Lucia laughed again as Skara rushed over to the strings section. After a careful look Skara grabbed a guitar off the wall, and brought it over to set in front of Lucia making her nod. "That's one, and the easy one, but can you tell the other?"

Skara pondered for a moment before saying, "Show me your hands." Lucia held them out, and allowed Skara to take a closer look. While checking for signs of calluses, cuts, and other tell tale signs she couldn't help noticing how rough, large, and surprisingly soft Lucia's hands are. Skara couldn't help but blush as she felt how warm they were, and the thought of holding them, but Skara quickly shook those thoughts away. Looking at the various instruments in the room, Skara just couldn't see any other instruments fitting the tall girl. But then she smirked, "You sing don't you?"

Lucia snickered, "Sometimes, but nobody would enjoy that. Try again, little siren. What's my secret instrument? Tick-tock, Sharpie. You only have a minute left." Skara looked around frantically, but she just couldn't… dozens of instruments, but not one made sense, and then she heard the bell scream followed by Lucia's quiet laugh. "Looks like I won. Don't feel bad though. I cheated slightly."

Skara tilted her head as she asked, "What do you mean? How did you cheat?"

Lucia smirked, "You'll see."

As the class got started Professor Baratara started her lecture on notable past Coven heads and their contributions Skara couldn't help feeling frustrated. She never failed to suss out a pairing before, and could usually do so under much more pressure. Also there was the fact she said she cheated, but how? She never even moved. About a half hour before the end of class Baratara announced that everyone could practice for the remainder of the period. Turning to Lucia, Skara asked, "Do you need to borrow a pick?" The tall girl snorted as she started laughing again, and shook her head causing Skara to cross her arms expectantly.

As Skara watched Lucia picked up the guitar and flexed her right hand causing claws to form as she began to use them like picks. After making sure it was properly tuned, and getting comfortable Lucia said, "As a special treat I'll play something I heard in the Human realm grabbing stuff for my Mom. I might be a bit rusty, but here goes." Lucia proceeds to cause the room to go silent as they hear something new. (Cue up The Devil Went Down to Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band.) The whole time Lucia smirked and stared at Skara even as the instrument glowed, and phantom players in the form of imps played with her as she performed it as she remembers hearing it played in that small bar. When she finished the room exploded into applause, but Lucia held up a hand. "But I suppose I promised you a showing of both instruments didn't I?" The room waited patiently as Lucia stood up, and walked around for a moment acting like she was going to pick up this or that until she stopped in front of Skara and asked sweetly, "May I borrow your harp, sweet melody?"

Skara blanched before getting annoyed, "That's what you meant, and technically because I always carry it with me it's technically 'in the room'."

Lucia smirked, "Yup, but realistically, does it matter? Would you have ever guessed it anyway?"

Skara wanted to be mad or have a snappy retort, but Lucia was right, making Skara summon her harp and state coldly, "Prove it."

Lucia took the harp chuckling to herself as she did a small bow, and sat down comfortably again. "So this next one is a personal favorite for… reasons. Once more from the Human realm, but this one is from a kids story, and it's actually the namesake for the story." Returning her hand to normal Lucia began to play 'Beauty and the Beast', but this time when the phantoms appeared they began to dance instead of play. While everyone else seemed too relaxed or distracted by the sound, Skara noticed something odd. It was hard to tell, but she could have sworn both phantoms appeared female, and one looked familiar. Although it was very hard to tell since the horned one seemed hard to discern, and the other's face was particularly blurred. As Lucia finished Skara heard her whisper, "Rest in peace Ms. Lansbury," as everyone applauded again, and Lucia handed back the harp.

Skara looked at Lucia with an odd look, "I've seen one of those phantoms before? Who were they?"

Lucia's confident mask cracked for the first time, and Skara saw fear in the tall girl's eyes for a moment before Lucia looked away and answered, "Now that wouldn't be any fun. Why don't you try to figure it out for yourself, and this time I'll give you as long as you need. Just please don't tell her when you do." Lucia chuckled, "Tricked me into using my favor already Sharpie. Well done."

With that Lucia packed up her stuff, put back the guitar, and started for the door reaching it just as the bell screamed. Leaving Skara no longer annoyed, but very confused as she wondered, "Just who is Lucia Clawthorne?"

Following the distinct smell of beasts, Lucia made quick time getting to her next class. Unsure of how perceptive her classmates might be Lucia made sure her tail, claws, and ears were either hidden or reverted away before entering, but as soon as she entered all plans at hiding herself went out the door as she saw an older teen witch with a spiked hair tie and fish hook earring pinned beneath a snarling Sabercat. On instinct Lucia shifted to her full six and a quarter foot height as she took on her full hybrid form. With claws out and fangs bared Lucia rushed the Sabercat, and managed to knock it away. As Lucia stared down the cat that stood roughly the same size as her wolf form, but bore serrated claws and a pair of wicked foot and a half fangs Lucia could only attempt to guard the other girl as best as she could as she growled out a low, "Are you ok?"

As the other girl recovered herself she said, "Ya, I'll be fine. Sid just snuck up on me. Who are…" The brown haired girl finally took a look at her savor and gaped, "Is that a full body transformation? That's so cool." Before catching herself and turning, "Not the time, Viney. Ok, think you can force him back into his enclosure? It should be about ten foot back and on the right."

Lucia groaned, "Ya, I can do that." Slowly Lucia growled and meanced the cat back, and once she was close enough she made a lung at it to force it to dodge right, and right into its enclosure. With a small circle Viney locked it, and let herself fall back.

From the floor Viney said, "Ok introductions. I'm Viney Wilderson, and despite what you just saw I'm actually the top student in Beast keeping. Kinda sad, I know."

Lucia chuckled, and shifted back, "Na, it happens to the best of us. Lucia Clawthorne, and if we could keep what you saw to ourselves at least for now that would be great."

Viney looked confused, but then she gasped, "Not a spell… OMT you're a werewolf? That's awesome, but wait if you're a werewolf how are you in complete control? Lycanthropy is supposed to be a curse?"

Lucia looked around before answering, "Common misconception. Only a turned werewolf is cursed and uncontrolled. With the exception of one very very rare event I can shift without ever worrying about losing it. Also, yes I do know how to turn someone, and no I will never do it. I met a turned once… I would never do that to anyone."

Viney seemed enthralled, "And that one event is?"

"Blood moon, and specifically only in this realm. Last one I had to spend three days in a cabin in the Human Realm… could have been worse, but thankfully they only happen every ten years so we're good. You might not see me around the Blue moon either though. I don't go feral during those, but… well they can get… awkward."

Viney sat up, and put out her hand, "That's actually really interesting, and your secret is safe with me. Not really interested in the whole 'were' thing beyond academically." Viney used a spell circle to give herself claws. "Beast magic is close enough for me. Anyway, stick with me Lu. I'll show ya around." Ironically the actual Beast Keeping class seemed fairly tame after that, and Lucia actually found the whole experience relaxing, especially with Viney next to her to help direct and fill her in on some concepts that she hadn't heard before. When the bell finally screamed Viney was even nice enough to show her where her next class was.

Construction's class was odd, and she really didn't understand why some students got all crabby, while Professor Ibexcov and the rest just seemed impressed or awed. It was almost like they had never seen someone lift a pair of quarter ton slabs unassisted before, and when some demon boy demanded to know who gave her a power glyph. Lucia had to admit she didn't even know that glyph. Which led to more stares, and frankly it was just getting embarrassing.

Finally after the annoying guy proved far too obsessed with where she was hiding it Lucia finally roared, and stripped her hoodie to prove she wasn't hiding any glyphs. This shut him up, and surprisingly made three girls faint at seeing her in nothing, but her cargo pants and a sports bra. Deciding to prove a point Lucia left her hoodie off as she grabbed a half ton stack of stones that had just finished setting up, and lifted it over her head as she carried it over to the students who needed them to finish their projects. With her point made Lucia accepted the other teens thanks for the delivery, and made it over to Ibexcov who was chuckling to himself as he pulled out a sticker and said, "For the record this is a power glyph. They use construction magic to bolster your strength or magic temporarily in order to help with heavy lifting or large spells."

Lucia scoffed, "Sounds like an excuse not to work hard, and build the muscle necessary to me. Seriously if I used one of those to out lift Willow what would even be the point. It wouldn't prove anything besides the fact that I was willing to cheat to win. No thanks, if I'm going to finally beat her it will be all natural."

Ibexcov just laughed harder, "I see your point, but what if you needed to lift a two ton wall to save a trapped person. You're strong, but not that strong."

"I know what you're getting at, but that was a bad example cuz Will and I did that once. We were both sore for the next week, and it's been a few years, but ya. Maybe if it was ten tons I could see it," Lucia pondered.

"Who is this Willow you keep mentioning?" asked Ibexcov as the bear armed demon man just looked at her in confusion. "With strength like that, why isn't she here?"

"Willow Park. She's kinda my best friend, and last I checked she is top of the plant track. You might know her dad Gilbert. I think he's in the Construction Coven, but ya Will's the only person I've seen out lift me, but I'm getting there," stated Lucia with a bit of pride, and not just in herself.

Ibexcov snorted with a smile, "Noted. I'll make sure to not pick a fight with any flower girls."

Lucia snorted, "Go ahead. If she doesn't beat ya her wolf will."

"Ya, the Owl Lady's pet Luz. Best not to tempt fate there," laughed Ibexcov. As they both laughed the bell screamed. So after exchanging a firm handshake that Ibexcov regretted (he tried to squeeze, Lucia won), Lucia made her way toward the healing homeroom.

Healing was fun, and Professor Hypox was a treat once Lucia showed her what she already knew. Lucia's mom might not be the best healer or be very confident in using healing magic, but it was one of the subjects that Lucia loved both from a passive and active standpoint. A comment that made Hypox pause, and ask Lucia what she meant. "Well studying healing magic has a lot of fringe benefits beyond the obvious uses such as actual healing. Take for instance the fact that understanding the exact anatomy of an opponent gives you an advantage in a fight such as knowing the exact place where their floating ribs begin, and how hard to hit in order to take away their breath, but not cause unnecessary pain or trauma. There's also the fact that with the barest amount of beast keeping knowledge you can basically hunt any beast for food regardless of venom or other hazards in an emergency, and even if you mess up I remember a couple different spells to remove or neutralize a few of the more 'interesting' poisons."

Hypox seemed both impressed and bewildered by that assessment, but admitted that Lucia had a point, and after a couple hours of both hands on and off work the bell screamed to release everyone to lunch. Unbeknownst to Lucia the teachers were about to get together as well for their own lunch, and a few were very interested in discussing the odd new Clawthorne girl.

Completely skipping the line with Willow, they both sat down at Willow's usual table to wait for Gus. Lucia quickly fished around in her hair until she pulled out four sealed boxes. As she opened them the smell of spiced jerky, a dozen hard boiled griffin eggs, a tasteful razorbeak salad, and a half pound of assorted fried organs (heart, liver, and gizzard mostly) filled the air to mixed responses, and much to Willow's joy Lucia brought enough to share. As Willow enjoyed a few pieces of jerky and a heart or two, Lucia made quick work of the salad, and by the time Gus joined what a few passing students had dubbed 'the horror show' they were both laughing, and Willow was complementing Lucia on her choice of spices, making the tall girl beam.

"Honestly Will, there is just something different about the flavor when you hunt and prepare the meat yourself. I don't know how to describe it," gushed Lucia as she chewed a couple gizzards.

"Still don't understand what's more disturbing, the fact that you both eat that stuff or the fact that you hunt it yourself," stated Gus flatly.

"Gus, I've explained it before. Not eating all that you can of a kill is super wasteful and disrespectful…" groaned Lucia.

"Also some are very healthy. Like liver is great for detoxing your blood and contains a lot of vitamins," added Willow as she ate a piece of one.

"And heart?" pressed Gus.

Lucia laughed, "Similar benefits, but also the looks on other peoples faces is… priceless." As she says this the tall girl grabbed one, and bit into it making a few people back up.

Across the room, the 'popular kids' were completely bewildered. Amity and Skara looked both intrigued and confused as Amity sipped her blood bag, and Skara enjoyed some sushi. Being a vegetarian Ameila tried to keep her back to the whole situation, and Cat stayed quiet as she quietly wondered if it would be any good. Boscha just looked irritated, "Ugh and I thought Skara's sushi smelled bad. Like seriously eggs, and organ meat, that's just rude, right Captain?" Receiving no answer, Boscha poked Amity with her fork, "Isles to Amity. Are you even listening?'

Amity jumped at the poke, "What? Sorry Bosh, I just can't figure out that Lucia girl."

Boscha scoffed, "What's to get? She hangs out with Weedy Willow, and apparently has no respect for proper meal etiquette. As a matter of fact I'm going to fix this right now." Boscha stood up and started stomping her way toward Lucia's table.

Cat sighed, "Taking bets on who throws the first spell Boscha or Willow? Whose in?"

"I got five snails on Bosh. Girl looks stressed," comments Amilia.

"I'm sticking to my consistent answer, ten on Willow. She never disappoints," laughs Cat.

Amity sighs, "There won't be a fight." Making both girls whine. "Just watch, ya bunch of addicts."

As they did, Boscha finally reached Lucia's table, and loudly cleared her throat, but was ignored. When she reached out to shake Willow's shoulder she felt a strong hand grab her wrist as she saw its owner towering over her. In a deep low voice Boscha heard Lucia growl, "If you want to keep that hand I'd suggest not doing that."

Boscha scoffed, "What are you going to try to eat it next?"

Lucia laughed, "I probably could, but there's not much meat there, and… frankly bitch tastes disgusting."

Willow and Gus couldn't help a snort, and Boscha felt both pissed and oddly offended. With a loud groan Boscha asked, "Can you at least stick to less pungent meat, some of us find it uncomfortable."

Lucia sighed, "I can, but are you serious? You sit next to a siren and a vampire, quite literally blood and raw fish, and my cooked and spiced meats are what bothers you? From across the room no less. You have odd sensitivities Bosh, but I'll work on it if it really bothers you that much."

Appearing behind Boscha, Amity grabs her shoulder, "That's enough. Leave them be Bosh." As Boscha stammers, Amity turns to Lucia, "Sorry about that. I guess I'll need a better leash." Taking a closer look Amity notices a particular piece of liver, and sporting her look Lucia nods as Amity grabs it on her way away. Once both girls had returned to their tale Amity tears off a piece, and hands it to Cat, much to her enjoyment, while devouring the rest. After a surprised noise Amity comments, "Not bad actually. Girl can cook. Normally I like it a bit rawer, but count me surprised."

"OMT Amity this is good, and wow this tastes super fresh too. Wonder where she gets it?" gushes Cat. "Ilia, can you ask for me in plants? Please? I'll give you lotsa kisses." begged Cat to her girlfriend.

Amila groans, "Fine, but no kisses. You have liver breath, eww. Titan,why did I fall for a cat-girl?"

"Cuz I'm cute, cuddly, and the only girl that will take care of you after you get hurt in class," smirked Cat as she kisses Amilia's cheek making her blush. The rest of that lunch period was surprisingly quiet. Nobody had the courage to approach Lucia after she stood up to Boscha, and despite the interruption the three friends were soon back to laughing. They even convinced Gus to try some jerky, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Soon the bell screamed, and after packing up her things except for the box that contained the organs, which she carried, Gus led Lucia to the illusions homeroom.

As soon as they walked in Lucia found herself grabbed by a familiar pair of twins. "Looky here Em. We managed to snag a living mystery, the illusive Owlet of the Owl Lady," said the male twin.

"And she's kinda cute. What cha got there tall, dark, and muscly?" asked Emira.

"Ed, Em, if you get off me I'll give you a present," smirked Lucia.

"Well now I'm intrigued Ed," cooed Emira as she pulled her brother off of the tall girl. "Ok cutie, what's in the box?"

Lucia smirked, "I had a piece of liver left from lunch. Since your sister seemed to like it I thought you two might as well."

After giving each other a look the two hungrily devoured the piece, and practically melted before glomping back on, and sighing, "I think I'm in love."

Lucia growled, "If you don't back off it will be the last time you ever get to try it cuz I'll cut you off."

Both twins jumped back, "No please. It's so good. See we backed off. We just found flavor heaven, don't cut us off already."

Lucia groaned, "See me at lunch monday. I'll see what I can do." Both twins cheered and ran over to their seats making Lucia let out another sigh, but when a random thought crossed her mind she snorted, and thought, "They're annoying, but she's worth it." The rest of Lucia's illusions class passed without much fanfare. It was mostly lecturing on the importance of the fine details when casting an illusion such as shadows, smells, and in the case of more advanced illusions displacement such as leaves crunching under foot or wind as something moves past. It was all very interesting for the young wolf, but after being tutored by Gus the last few years they weren't foreign concepts. When the bell screamed Lucia couldn't help but shudder, but Gus was kind enough to help her find her next class. Gus was a sweet guy like that.

Lucia was having a hard time hiding her worry about this class. Oracle magic was always kind of a scattershot for her, and her mom wasn't the biggest fan of it either, although for a different reason. For some reason spector's and Lucia just didn't mesh well, but as a result the more dangerous side of oracle magic was slightly mitigated. Lucia could remember the time her mom had tried to show her a spell to set up a temporary telepathic link, and seeing the surprise on her face when the more wild part of her mind actively snapped at her like an angry dog. That had ended any further attempts at the mind aspects of that magic, and any attempts at anything involving spectors didn't end up much better because they were always too quick to try to finish her requests as soon as possible even to the detriment of the task. Something about her scared them as if she would suddenly devour them at any moment.

There were a few types of oracle magic that Lucia actually enjoyed, and excelled at though. Star reading and discerning aura's was fun, and Lucia even found that her nose helped with the second one as sometimes she could use it to separate two very similar aura's using subtle differences in smell. When she arrived to Mr. Murray's class though she was in for another surprise as she found herself getting stared at by a dog demon that was helping him prepare for the next class. When Professor Bill, he insisted every call him by his first name, spotted her he gave Lucia a wide smile as he said, "Well if it isn't Ms. Clawthorne. I've been looking forward to meeting you. Come join us. This is my top student Barcus. Don't worry if you can't understand him right away. He's kind of used to it."

Barcus cocked his head as he looked at Lucia before holding out a paw, and barking, "Welcome to Oracles. Your aura is very unique. I don't usually have a hard time seeing them. Maybe you can let me take a closer look later to help figure out why that is."

Lucia sighed, "I'm sorry Barcus I'd really prefer you didn't. I know why it's obscured, and… it's probably better it stays that way." Looking at Professor Bill, Lucia asked, "Why would you be interested in me though. I've never even met you before, right?"

Professor Bill let out a small laugh, "No we haven't met before, but my friend Ibexcov said you were interesting, and I trust his eye. Now how's about you two go take a seat. Since you don't seem to have any issues understanding Barcus, he can help bring you up to speed on the necessary concepts for this class." With a nod both students left to sit on some cushions they had set up for Barcus since desks where uncomfortable for him.

Once they were truly far enough away not to be overheard, Barcus quietly whined, "You can relax, I'll make sure you're safe while you're here."

Lucia looked at Barcus confused, "What do you mean Barcus?"

Barcus snorted, and gave her a rye grin as he looked at her over his glasses, "Lucia, you can trust me. Viney is one of my best friends, and she asked me to look out for her new friend while you're here. It's good that she warned me though. You're quite talented to obscure yourself as you have, but…" Barcus chuckled, "Nothing escapes my eyes. I can see why she found you interesting though. You are a rare species after all."

Lucia made sure to lean and and switch to growls as she said, "What do you mean 'rare species'?"

Barcus smiled, "I might not be as versed in beast keeping as Viney, but as a hound demon I have something she doesn't… context. You're not the normal type of lycan, but whether you are simply a demon wolf or hell hound I can't say, yet."

Lucia looked at Barcus with a look of surprise, but also excitement, "What's the difference, and how can we tell which I am?"

Barcus put a paw on her shoulder, "Let me test something." Grabbing a crystal ball, Barcus called to his spector, and while it seemed uncomfortable in Lucia's presence it didn't shy away as much as they usually did around her. Seeing its reaction Barcus let out a small laugh as he asked, "Spector, by our bond I beseech. Answer true and to your rest you may return. Does the girl before us carry the mark of our progenitor?"

With a groan the spector replied, "She bears a mark this is true, but not of the Devourer do I see." The spector looked increasingly uncomfortable as it croaked, "A second coming perhaps, but beyond I dare not speak. A hellhound's wrath I do not seek." With its job complete the spector returned to the spirit realm leaving Barcus with an inquisitive look.

After a minute Lucia asked, "So what does that mean?"

Barcus sighed, "Well, you're a hellhound that much is clear, but now we have a new question. How is it that you don't bear the Mark of Fenris, and what mark do you bear instead? You prove more interesting by the moment, cousin. That much is for sure. For now let me chase this down on my end." Summoning his scroll Barcus said, "I'll shoot ya a request on penstagram, but in the meantime we should probably get down to business, and actually get you ready for class."

Despite the new questions swirling through her mind Lucia actually really enjoyed her time in the oracles class. Barcus, true to his word, helped her avoid some awkward situations by either interjecting to force a topic change or supporting her when she had to try specific spells that she just couldn't do on her own. Lucia even managed to make another friend when another demon girl that had a single eye and moon shaped head named Celine asked for some help with a star reading, and Lucia was happy to help. When the bell screamed Lucia thanked Barcus for his help, and promised to reach out later for some more explanations.

The plant homeroom was actually one of the few Lucia already knew since she had more than once snuck in to hang out with Willow between classes in her wolf form, but experiencing it in her witch form felt different, less primal and more official. Lucia loved nature. More than once she fell asleep in one of the caves around the Bat Queens forest, no matter how much it irked her mom when she did it. Something about running wild and free through the trees just made her heart sing, and her 'Aunt' Ivana loved the company and security having her around provided. Between the threat of Lucia's teeth and Ivana 'the Bat Queens' reputation almost none of Ivana's charges even disappeared, and with the scarcity of palistum their tiny grove and charges were in ever increasing danger.

Thanks to tutoring sessions from both Willow and Ivana Lucia knew that nobody short of that lich, Snapdragon, could compete in a duel of plants, and that only made her extra proud of Willow and herself. It was one of her Aunts favorite jokes that in the event that Belos finally made a play for her grove, he had better hope that both girls aren't there or every beast and blade of grass would make him bleed for every inch. So purely out of habit Lucia managed to sneak up on Willow and knock her over while she was distracted watering a plant.

With a faux irritated groan, but a small smile Willow said, "Come on Lu, do you always have to do that."

Lucia just looked around before lying in her lap like she would as a wolf, and saying, "Don't be such a nice pillow and I won't need to." As Willow blushed, Lucia just yawned, "Who knew this place was so exhausting? I think I'll just take a nap right here."

Willow pushed her friend off her, receiving an irritated whine in the process, and said, "Nope. Not in that form, and not in public. Lucia you're my best friend, but people are going to think we are together if they see you acting like that, and… I know you don't feel that way about me… so please don't give me hope." By the end Willow just looked defeated.

Lucia sighed and gave her friend a hug, "I'm sorry Will. I know this is hard on you, but I do love you. It's just as a sister, and not a partner. Being with you would be easy, but you deserve someone who loves you unconditionally, and that just isn't me. One day you will find your partner, and I will have to learn to share you, but until then being your best friend will have to be enough."

Willow sighed back and returned the hug, "Speaking of partners, when are you going to tell me your crush? It's been almost a year and a half, and you still won't even tell me their gender, much less a name."

Lucia blushed, "She's a girl, and hopefully I'll be able to tell you soon. Now that I can be 'me' I can finally start making my move. Just please, keep an open mind, ok?"

Willow snorted, "Sure, but if they break your heart I'm breaking their neck." Lucia just laughed with her best friend until they heard a yell, and thrashing vines. When they went to check on the problem they found a sadly familiar sight. "Accident prone" Amilia once more half eaten by one of the larger carnivorous plants. With a sigh and a little effort the pair managed to free her, and calm the carnivorous plant.

After Amilia managed to recover they heard her groan, "And that's why I'm a vegetarian. Turnabout is fair play." When she saw her saviors Amilia brightened, "Thanks Willow. I don't know why they always try to eat me, and speaking of eating… Um Lucia. Cat wanted me to ask you where you get your meat from. She said she's never tasted fresher before."

Willow and Lucia shared a look before they started to laugh, making the other girl feel embarrassed, but seeing that Lucia said, "No no, don't take it like that. It's just ironic, and please thank her for me." When Amilia just looked confused Lucia admitted, "I don't buy my meat or really much of anything I eat. Almost everything I make I either grow or hunt myself, and I prepare most of it myself too. Sure I might go out to lunch from time to time, but as you saw earlier my diet tends to cause a bit of a scene. If she really likes it that much though I'm not against sharing every once in a while, but not all the time. I love it, but it gets to be a bit much if I start trying to fill too many mouths."

"Make sure she understands the one rule though. Lucia doesn't care who eats it, but never throw away anything she gives you, and I do mean anything. If it's got left over bones or scales, use it as fertilizer. If it's not something ya like, give it to someone else who does, and let us know so we can avoid giving it in the future where possible. Trust me, Lucia doesn't play when it comes to food," states Willow with a thousand yard stare that unnerved Amilia.

Lucia shoved Willow and they both laughed as Lucia said, "She's laying it on a bit thick, but you have to understand hunting and cooking can take hours, and seeing it casually thrown away is just super insulting. How would you feel if you spent a week painstakingly making something for hours at a time just to watch it get tossed aside like nothing? That would be maddening, am I right?"

Amilia nodded, "Ya I get it. I'll make sure Cat knows."

Lucia chuckles, "I do salads too so don't be surprised if I have something for you to try from time to time." Amilia smiles, and soon after the class began. To the awe of the rest of the class Lucia showed exactly why if Willow is the 'Queen of Green', then Lucia is her right hand as they effortlessly flowed around each other as they demonstrated their skills. It was almost a dance as they weaved around the attacks of some of the more temperamental plants to care for others. Willow's skills had never been questioned, but with Lucia beside her she just seemed untouchable, untamed, and wild as the deep forests. It was inspiring and terrifying. If they had been trying to avoid making people think they were together then they failed miserably. By the time that class ended everyone was sure they would be seeing a lot more of Lucia around the greenhouse.

Ending with potions just felt poetic. Sure her plan had changed after the first couple classes, but if there was a subject that she simply knew inside and out it was potions. Her mom had made sure of that. So when Lucia stepped inside the potions lab, and took in a deep breath she knew something was very wrong. Looking around and sniffing she could smell a particular type of poison in the air, and her fears were confirmed when she saw a recipe on the board. It said it was a fertilizer potion, but Lucia knew better. After quietly approaching Professor Flaskly, she had him check his master copy, and together they noticed that his book had been hexed. With the recipe corrected they proceeded to act as if nothing happened, and went on with class. Luckily only three other classes that day had made the poison, and Flaskly would be able to recoup the lost materials by selling the poison, and still have time to create enough of the correct potion for the schools needs.

Boscha knew about none of this so when she saw Flaskly practically hugging Lucia in thanks it immediately rubbed her the wrong way. When the potions were done, and Lucia's score was higher than hers, the top students, she was livid. She was Boscha Triplet of Triple Shots Potions, and nobody out did Boscha in her own track. Before her new nemesis could leave Boscha caught up with her, and declared, "I'm sick and tired of your shit Clawthorne. I challenge you to a witches duel."

Lucia just laughed, "Really Bosh. I guess this had to happen eventually, but lets do this tomorrow at noon on the Grudgeby field. Less teachers around to get in the way, and you can be fully refreshed when I tear you apart. That work for you?"

Boscha smirked and drew a spell circle, "Sure, but I can't have you griffening out so let's bind this with an oath."

Lucia laughed even harder, and they shook on it. "See ya tomorrow Bosh, and remember… You challenged me." Without another word Lucia made her way to Bumps office to finalize her attendance for the following Monday.

When Lucia entered Bumps office she saw him smirking, and she couldn't help but groan. Taking a seat in-front of him Lucia immediately started saying what she needed to say, "I'm sorry about how I acted this morning. Frankly you were right to distrust me. I had every intention to cause some mischief today like spiking potions, starting a food fight, rehiding Ms. Jankenmire's teeth, but I was having so much fun I kinda forgot the plan completely. I expected this place to be a front for the Emperor's lies, and stuffed to bursting with stuck up morons, but I made friends. I might even like some of the teachers as terrible as that makes me feel." Letting out another sigh she continued, "I'm not going to say I'll be the best student, but I won't actively try to mess with you again Principle Bump. I like it here, so please. Let me stay."

Bump sat forward and his smirk grew, "You Ms. Clawthorne were quite the mystery for me. That act this morning threw me, I'm not too proud to admit that, but I got reports all day about your exploits." Lucia shrank. "You scared Hermonculus bad, and frankly good job. He needed to get his ego beat a bit. Hopefully he will be a more respectful teacher going forward. I think half of your teachers asked me to recommend them to you during this meeting so it's fair to say they want you in their track, and nobody had a negative thing to say after your abominations class. Heck Flaskly wants you commended for saving his butt from what could have been a tragedy. I do have one question for you though before we discuss your placement."

"And that is?" askes Lucia unsure about how to feel at that moment.

"Well it's really a question, and a request. Why didn't you tell me about your condition, and in the interest of safety I want to see it. If you're ok with that of course," states Bump flatly. "I knew of course. Edalyn is chaotic, but she loves you so she already warned me about what to expect. Seeing is believing though." Standing up Lucia shifted into her wolf making Bump snort, "I knew it. Luz the Wolf was always a bit too smart for a simple beast demon."

Lucia let out a low growl, "Not done." She then shifted into her normal appearance. Her witch form with her ears and claws out, but only a bit in the case of her claws. Once he took it in she let herself fully change into her true hybrid form with her ebony/plum fur, canine face, tail, and full claws. Standing at her full six and a quarter feet, and her full muscular build on display she could smell the slightest spike of fear in the room, but after a minute Lucia shrank back to normal and sat back down. Looking at him firmly she stated, "I'm actually proud of what I am, but I know what people will think. It's not a curse, because I have complete control. I don't apologize for what I am any more than Ibexcov would for being a demon. I didn't say anything because I wanted people to meet me, before they let prejudice blind them. I'm not hiding it sir. I just don't see the point in flaunting it until I have too."

Bump nodded, "Good to know. So which teacher should I warn about this? I was warned that you have a slight temper, but you seem very controlled to me so it's only due diligence on my part."

Lucia scratched her head, "I knew coming in it would be either healing, plants, or beast keeping, and that hasn't changed. In a perfect world I'd take all three, but since that's not possible I'll choose beast. It's my best track, and it gives me the most wiggle room in terms of who I let in. I've been told that advanced beast magic is identical to my shifting after all."

Bump spun a circle and made it official. With an extended hand Bump said, "Good luck Ms. Clawthorne. Do your best, because I believe you have more than you give yourself credit for." With that Lucia left Bumps office feeling refreshed. Lucia met up with her friends outside, and they started walking home until they made it clear of any prying eyes. After that Lucia let them ride on her back as she stretched her wolfy legs.

Just before dusk Amity Blight stood in a clearing just inside the forest while she waited on Lucia to finally appear, but when she saw her friend Luz the Wolf walk up she couldn't help smiling, "Of course she'd griffin out and send you bud. I can't say I'm surprised, but I am happy to see you." As she watched the wolf just continued to approach before it suddenly pounced, and pinned her stomach and chest under one of its paws forcefully, but not painfully. "What the Tartarous Luz? What are you doing?"

The wolf just leaned down its head and whispered in a voice Amity immediately recognized, "I'm sorry Amity. You deserve so much better than what everyone has forced you to be. It has been my pleasure to listen the last few years, and be there for you. I can keep being your friend Luz if that is what you want, but I thought it was time I tell you the truth. I will always be there for you, my sweet Azura, but I would be lying if I said I didn't want to be your Hecate. Think on it, and when your ready… call me as you always have, and I will come in the form you call." Lucia put her nose to Amity's forehead to mimic a kiss. "Until then I will wait, but regardless of anything else. I will forever be your Luz." With that she turned and started to run, but as Amity watched her Luz shifted into a tall girl just before she was out of sight.

Once she was alone Amity just laid there as she tried to process what she just learned, and wondered if this meant her dream really did come true? Did her hero finally come to save her from her terrible existence? Amity felt so conflicted. She loved her silent, tender friend Luz, but she didn't even know the first thing about Lucia Clathorne… or were they the same? She needed to talk to someone, but her first pick couldn't help, that was Luz. With a sigh Amity called Skara, and asked if they could meet her in the Sharps garden in twenty minutes. Amity needed to talk.

Author notes: Damn I haven't done one day turnarounds in a while. This is rough, but I'm chugging along. This was kind of a soft entry into this world before we truly get to see Lucia cut loss in the next chapter. Will Boscha survive her encounter ith the big bad wolf… you'll see.

For those that want to throw shade at my food choices. One, Rude. Secondly I actually based her diet on what an uncle and I lived on one glorious summer, and I still enjoy when I can (being broke sucks). Three, organ meat is super tasty, and if your steak doesn't bleed you're doing it wrong. You can't convince me otherwise. I pity those that can't enjoy them that way due to health issues, but I get it.

I decided to flip their perspectives on Azura and Hecate because in this Au Amity thinks shes the hero preparing to join the covens to protect others, and Lucia knows she's a wild witch which everyone sees as the bad guys. Lucia is willing to play the part of the bad guy to make Amity happy even though she knows it's the opposite. As for all the blushing, this Luz is a beast and I'm not talking about her wolf. She has some strong animal magnetism going, but she only has eyes for one.

Since this starts off one semester earlier than canon the detention trio haven't really started experimenting yet, and I kinda needed Viney and Barcus to play these roles. So ftr cannon Luz is maybe 80 lbs and thin. This Luz is about 150-180 lbs of muscle depending on form, and the girl is cut.

I love the idea that Willow is a straight carnivore, and just doesn't eat plants due to her magic. Also watching someone eat a heart like an apple is just a satisfying image (I'm weird). Ok Shine on beautiful readers, Shine on.