The Owl House
The situation inside was a bit… tense to say the least.
Everyone stared at the Hellspawn sitting in the corner of the living room. In spite of him doing nothing, the tension in the room was so thick, one would cut it with a knife.
Al denied a tour of the house that was held by Luz, saying that he'll figure it out on his own. He also denied the offerings of food and a beverage from her, saying he wasn't hungry nor thirsty. He just wanted a nice little corner for himself where he won't be a bother.
Eda scoffed at that last part.
King was busy setting up a half-circle of stuffed animals around him. He told Al they were 'his strongest soldiers' and would have no problem taking him down.
He resisted the urge to laugh.
"One wrong move and they'll tear you limb from limb!" the self-proclaimed King of Demons said to the unamused Hellspawn.
Al rolled his head, "I'm soooo scared," he said, sarcasm leaking from his words.
"You should be!" King responded, oblivious to his tone, "they are the best of the best! And they will conquer the world for me!"
Spawn moved his hand from under his cape and nonchalantly flicked one of the plushies, forcing it down on its back.
"MAN DOWN! MAN DOWN!' King cried as he picked it up and ran away to his room, much to the Hellspawn's amusement.
"Your dog is funny." He said to both himself and the forms of Luz and Eda standing over him. He looked up towards the two, "I think I'll like it here."
Eda grimaced while Luz rocked her body back and forth on her tippy toes and heels, "soooo," she trailed, "now that you're here, we might have to make some adjustments to our lifestyle. But that's ok."
The teenager then looked at Eda, who just stared at Spawn with angry eyes, "what's one more mouth to feed, right?"
"No need to worry about that," Al said, getting Luz's attention back, "I don't need to eat food, sleep, or drink."
She tilted her head, "really?"
Al nodded, "I'm classified as an undead, none of that shit matters to me anymore." He noted Luz flinching at his casual curse, but continued, "That being said, I do find myself getting a beer every now and then just for the hell of it. But don't expect me to get anything from you, I don't want to feel like a burden."
Luz nodded while Eda just tsked and rolled her eyes. The former continued, "right… Well, that's nice to hear, Al." She then thinned her lips, "and not to ask for too much, but can you tone down your cursing a bit?"
The Hellspawn raised a brow, "you're a teenager. You've heard and seen worse."
"Yeah, but…" she slightly furrowed her brow, "it's kind of rude."
Al huffed before crossing his arms, "alright, I'll watch my language." He said, slightly annoyed.
"Thank you."
"Hmm." Spawn grumbled, "but speaking of sleep, I'm going to get some if you don't mind. It's been a long night for me…" He said, his green eyes closing completely.
Luz just nodded, wondering if Al was getting some sleep "for the hell of it" or because he was so tired even an undead like him needed some rest. Regardless, she left the room and went upstairs, failing to realize Eda didn't follow her.
The witch stood there, watching his body slowly rise up and down with each breath with crossed arms and angry eyes. A beast like him… In her own home! With her kids around! Most saw a sleeping man, but she saw a dangerous beast lying in wait. Patiently sitting still until its next strike…
Spawn spoke without opening his eyes. "Is it not considered weird to watch someone sleep around these parts?"
Eda slightly recoiled from him knowing she was still there, she saw that he only just opened his eyes after saying that. She furrowed a brow, "normally, it is, but they do say that keeping your eyes on your enemy is a smart tactic…" she retorted.
Al grimaced, "Lady, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but can you at least pretend you'll work with me?"
"Believe me, I am trying my best," Eda responded with barely contained frustration.
The Hellspawn grimaced some more before closing his eyes again, "watch me all you want, then." He said, before falling fast asleep, as if on command.
And Eda watched… Watched and waited. She sat down on the couch, her Palisman staff in hand, ready for anything…
Blight Manor
For Odalia Blight, tea time was the best time.
It served as a respite from all the stresses of the day. Financial situations, manufacturing complications, her ungrateful daughter never giving her the proper amount of love, and the lack of attention her husband gave her.
She huffed slightly, frustrated at the very concepts as she stirred the sugar in the tea, the metal spoon clinking against the ceramic cup like an instrument. She took a sip of the hot tea and instantly, every little grievance of the day simply melted away into nothing.
A ringing of the doorbell interrupted the peace of it all.
She stopped her sip midway and moved her eyes to the direction of the noise. Another ring, then accompanied by the sounds of the door opening. Her Abomination servants have gotten it for her. Saved her the trouble, at least.
But alas, she had to put the teacup down, because now she had to greet this unexpected guest.
'If this is Amity's human girlfriend…' she thought to herself as she rose up and went to the hallway. She stopped when she saw who it was. He wore a suit and his black hair was nicely combed, but what truly made him stand out were his black goggles that he refused to take off, even while indoors.
"Mrs. Blight," Griffin said, with a small smile and monotonous tone, "I apologize for the unexpected visit."
"Griffin!" she exclaimed, before a smile crept upon her lips, "to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"Oh, I simply came to visit an old friend," the scientist intoned, "where is he, if I may ask?"
"You mean Alador?" Odalia asked, her face slightly lowering at the mention of her husband's name, "he's in the basement, as usual."
"Excellent. May I see him?"
"Of course, of course!" she responded, escorting him. A smirk formed on her lips as he stopped him, "but… you did forget to properly greet me."
She held out her hand. Griffin knew what she meant by this gesture. He decided to amuse her, gently grabbing her hand and leaning forward, kissing her ring finger, in spite of a lack of any wedding ring present…. Strange.
"Oh, you gentleman, you," Odalia giggled with a smile, breaking him out of his thoughts before she led him to the basement.
It was converted into a lab, nowhere near as big as Griffin's of course, but still contained some impressive stuff nonetheless. A witch with scraggly brown hair was busy fiddling with abomination goop on a table. Odalia cleared her throat, getting his attention.
He turned his head, removed his purple tinted goggles and narrowed his eyes at Griffin.
"What is he doing here?" Alador said, pure venom dripping from his voice.
Odalia spoke for Griffin, "Alador!" she snapped, "he is our guest, and that is no way to speak to him."
Griffin raised a hand, "no need to defend me, Mrs. Blight," he intoned, ever emotionlessly, "last we met, we parted on… less than favorable terms. I came here to make up for that."
Alador thinned his lips at his words as his wife simply nodded. "Very well," the mint-haired woman responded, "I'll leave you two alone."
She went up the stairs, leaving them to stare at each other. It was not long before one would break the silence.
"It's been a while, my old friend," Griffin said, hints of a smirk crawling upon his emotionless visage, "how have you been?"
Alador remained stone-faced, "cut the false pleasantries, Griffin," he uttered his name with utter contempt, "why are you here?"
Griffin's smirk fully formed, amused at his old comrade's bluntness, "I am in need of… assistance."
Alador raised a brow, "assistance?" He repeated, "do I hear you right? The oh-so high and mighty Griffin needs assistance from me?"
The fellow scientist nodded, not keen on repeating himself.
Alador dismissed him with a wave, "you can take whatever request you have and shove it." He then turned around and went back to his work, "I will not be a part of whatever horrid experiment you're concocting again."
Griffin feigned sadness, "oh, you wound me, Alador," he was not even trying to hide the sarcasm, "but please lend me the courtesy of at least hearing what I have to say."
Alador rolled his eyes, he wanted to tell him to sod off and be done with him, but a small part wanted to hear him out. After all, if Griffin didn't want to make amends, why would he even bother himself traveling all the way here, especially with the high chance that he would be dismissed?
That small part of him won the rest. He sighed, "very well," his voice not even bothering to hide his annoyance, "lay it out."
"I wish to accomplish a favor for a friend-"
"Hard to believe you have friends," Alador interrupted, which Griffin ignored.
"But in order to do so, I require your experimental limb prosthetics that Blight Industries unveiled roughly a year ago."
Alador stopped his work and finally turned, "the Aboma-Prosthesis?" he asked, with a raised brow, "development on those things have been put in the back burner ever since the Emperor's Coven seized our weapons division and forced us to mass produce Abomatrons."
"Yes, very unfortunate news," Griffin said, uncaring, "the bulk of your industry taken by our oh, so wise ruler. Surely this will cripple you in terms of profits in the long run?"
Alador scoffed, "we'll survive. Our products, after all, are top of the line that buyers will still invest in us" before pointing a wrench at him, "unlike Griffin Tech, who just steal our ideas and half-ass them. Seriously, "mecha golems?" Those are just Abomination servants but worse."
"They're certainly easier to clean up after," Griffin remarked, not caring about the potshot towards his company, "but regardless, I need your insight into the development of this technology."
Griffin spread his arms to emphasize his words, "think of the good it'll do to these Isles, Alador. Griffin tech specialization in medicine and health after all and combined with the engineering genius of you, we could do some wonders for the Isles."
Of course, Griffin didn't care about the good it would do for the people, but Alador didn't need to know that…
Alador, meanwhile, actually couldn't believe he was giving this some thought. The bigger picture alone was unwelcoming. A joint venture between rival companies is ludicrous on its own, but working with Griffin again? He shouldn't even be giving this a second thought…
He settled on the right words to say, "I'll think about it."
Griffin let out a small smirk, "that's great to hear, my old friend." He said, to Alador's disgust.
"Don't push it."
With that, Griffin left the basement, Alador personally escorting him out, something he seemed to be rather proud of doing. They passed by Odalia, who seemed a bit surprised to see their guest leaving so soon.
"Oh, Griffin, you won't be staying for lunch?" She asked, her voice filled with disappointment.
"Sorry, my dear, but I'm a very busy man," the scientist replied as he took his steps on the front stairs, "but I do hope your husband thinks about my offer?"
"I will," Alador said in the most monotonous tone he could muster, before slamming the door on Griffin. He turned around, dusted his hands, and went back to the basement.
Odalia was a bit puzzled at such behavior from her husband, "what was that about, Alador?"
"Nothing." he responded, flatly.
The green-haired woman's face hardened, "don't 'nothing' me, Mister," her tone like a scolding parent rather than a married woman, "what did you two discuss?"
Alador conceded, "alright," he sighed, "he wanted to run a joint venture in the development of artificial limbs."
Odalia placed a hand on her chin, "you mean that project we put on hold?"
"Yes, that one." Alador then shuffled through some cabinets to find the blueprints for the prosthesis limbs, "he believed that it could revolutionize medical development, all that."
"Sounds like quite the noble cause," his wife responded, "and what are your thoughts on it?"
Alador paused his search, "I don't like it."
Odalia tilted her head as he continued, "I know Griffin. He wouldn't approach me with this if he didn't have something to gain for himself. Whether it's more money, recognition, more ideas for him to steal, or those… ghoulish things he does."
"What ghoulish things?" Odalia asked.
Alador shuddered, "it's best you don't know." He coldly replied, "I know you may see Griffin as a business rival, but believe me, he's so much more than that… He claims to be a scientist, but what he does… Isn't science."
Alador's cold and fearful delivery made Odalia really think about it. While she was aware that the two were once great friends back in Hexside before some falling out happened near graduation, she never thought the man would carry some sort of grudge for over twenty years. Then again, she would do the same, and in that aspect, she commended him.
"Trust me, Odalia," Alador spoke again, "whatever Griffin will offer us, won't be worth it in the long run."
She slightly scowled before thinking about it and settling for an answer.
"Get over it."
Alador slightly recoiled before his wife interrupted any potential retort, "we have an opportunity to do something out of the Emperor's jurisdiction and make a little bit of cash on the side and you are willing to let whatever petty high school rivalry get in the way? If I didn't know any better, I would assume you are attempting to tank this company!"
The man flinched at her words, "but-"
"No buts, Alador," Odalia commanded with an exhale, "tomorrow, we make leave for him. I better see those blueprints and I better not hear a complaint from you. Understood?"
The scientist froze. If there was anything he was afraid of, it was Odalia's cold, unfeeling stare. It was like a predator ready to strike.
"I said, understood?" Odalia repeated and he knew she didn't like repeating herself twice, let alone at all.
He nodded with a gulp.
"Good boy." Odalia responded before turning around and walking away, "I'll be having lunch if you need me."
Alador slightly scowned and cursed himself for being so whipped by her. Sometimes he wondered why he ever married that wretch…
Clawthorne Estate
"Mother, I assure you, I'm fine." Lilith said, moving a wet rag away from her as Gwendolyn attempted to dab it over a light scratch on her forehead.
"Nonsense, Sweet Flea," her mother said, "a road to swift recovery involves constant supervision."
Lilith groaned at being babied over. In the corner of the room, she saw her father, Dell Clawthorne, looking at her with some concern on his face.
"She's just worried, dear," he said, "let her finish her work."
She sighed before yielding her pouty attitude and let her mother take care of her.
Gwendolyn chuckled softly, "if your sister was here, she'd constantly tease and nag you over this, you know."
A ghost of a smile appeared on her daughter's face, "yes, she would."
"Speaking of…" Dell spoke up, "where is Edalyn, anyways? I thought you sent her a message by now?"
Lilith froze a bit before answering, "I didn't, actually."
"Why not?"
"She's already going through so much, father… She's already so worried about Luz and King, not to mention herself and her curse…" she paused before swallowing and carrying on, "I don't want to add to that baggage."
Gwen placed a hand on her shoulder, "I understand what you're saying, but she's family and you need her. You transformed into that horrid beast again, that alone should warrant her concern."
Lilith grimaced but nodded nonetheless, "alright. I'll text her to come over here."
The Owl House
The hours passed, Al was still in the corner, asleep and surrounded by plushies. By now, Luz and King joined Eda in watching over him.
"He's not going to do anything, Eda," Luz attempted to assure her teacher, of which her response showed little success in the attempt.
"That's what he wants you to think…" the witch said with narrowed eyes.
Luz just groaned while King rested his head against his palm, trying very hard not to fall asleep from sheer boredom looking at the sleeping Hellspawn, "I gotta agree with Luz here, Eda," he intoned, "nothing is happening, I think he just wants a little nap."
"Not you, too…"
"Seriously, Eda, this is ridiculous," Luz responded, "just lay off him for a bit, alright? If he tries to do anything, I have him under control."
Eda grimaced before sighing and getting up from the couch, "alright, fine." she pouted before storming to the kitchen to get some Apple Blood.
Luz shook her head at how immature her own teacher was acting right now. Even King was acting more mature than her. She wanted to tell her to knock it off, but frankly, there'd be no point. She knew she could be as stubborn as a brick wall sometimes.
She sighed and went up to the coffee table in the center of the living room, grabbing a notepad and tracing more glyphs on it for extra supplies. King sat down next to her, "you know, she does have a point."
The teen sighed, "I know, King, but what choice do we really have? Are we really gonna take the chance against some crazy mafia?"
"Not really, I guess." King said, tracing a finger on the table.
"I know you don't trust him either, King," Luz continued, "but in the grand scheme of things, he's our best option… maybe our only option."
Both looked at Spawn's sleeping form, wondering if he could hear them in his sleep…
The voice of Eda then broke everyone's thoughts and shook the Hellspawn awake. He certainly heard that…
"Guys, Lilith just texted me!" Eda said, getting everyone's attention, including a now awoken Spawn, "she says she needs me!"
The door slammed open to reveal Hooty, "what!? Then we need to get there ASAP!" The door closed again, squelching and squishing noises were heard from the other side before a fleshy hole in the door showed up, it opened, revealing Hooty in a tiny backpack styled as little wooden house akin to bird houses one would put in their backyard.
Spawn, looked at this sight with utter disgust, "what the fuck…" he muttered, just out of hearing range from Luz.
Eda grabbed her palisman staff and got ready for takeoff, Luz and King, following on instinct, with Hooty hopping up on Luz's back, "Let's go!" he said in his high pitched voice. And the Palisman went off…
Or at least it would have, had not been stopped by a strong force gripping it.
Everyone looked back to see Spawn, fully standing up and grabbing the end of the staff with naught any effort, "don't you people realize what this is?"
"Yeah, you're delaying our flight!" Eda responded, "so let go!"
"Don't you have any suspicions that this is a trap? I tell you about what happened to Lilith and barely over half the day passes and suddenly, you get a little text message from her?"
"Oh, do not tell me that because you're living with us, we suddenly have to conform to some paranoia crap!"
"Guys, stop it…" Luz said to the two.
"Call it paranoia, I call it playing things safe…" Spawn responded to Eda, "but in either case, I'm going with you."
Eda was baffled, "What!? No way! The last thing my sister needs to see is your ugly mug around us!"
"I know how criminal empires work like the back of my hand. They are restless and will send spies and hitmen everywhere. Because of this, I'm going with you, whether you like it or not!"
He then let go of the Palisman, the release of which made it go forward a bit like the sudden braking of a car.
Eda, King, and Hooty gave him a dirty look while Luz furrowed her brow looking to the side. She is trying so, so hard to make this whole thing work.
It wasn't long before Owlbert took off, while Spawn followed by shifting his cape into wings and taking off into the air.
Not long after, an amphiptere took off from the trees and followed all of them…
