"All right, we're all ready to go!" Luz said, and then looked around her. "Hang on, where's Vee?"

"Oh, she had a phone call from Masha," Camila explained. "She'll be back soon…I think."

Luz smirked. She'd longed for a sibling for so long. She was supposed to have one. Camila had been pregnant back when Luz was nine, but she'd lost the baby. Manny had even bought a bunk bed for the two of them. And now that she finally had a sister, she could do things like conduct brilliant schemes to get Vee together with her friend! It was so worth the wait!

"Luz, you are not to conduct any scheme to get Masha and Vee together," Camila said, knowing exactly what was going on in her head.

"But that's what sisters do! I've seen movies!"

Camila sighed. "At the very least, Luz, do not conduct a scheme that relies on the fact Masha thinks it's you who is their friend, all right?" Luz nodded. That was reasonable.

Vee slithered into the room. "Sorry about the wait. Masha's gonna be coming over later so we can do some studying, but they'll call first."

"All right, everyone, please stay out of the way when Masha is here," Camila said. "I don't have a cover story for you all yet, and I don't want awkward questions to be raised."

"Let's get this show on the road!" Luz said eagerly. "Amity, would you care to do the honors?"

[The scene opens inside the Blight Industries factory. The hooded figures gather in front of a stage. Two hooded figures are standing on a stage. A light shines on them.]

Odalia: [Grins.] Welcome, valued investors, to our annual [Takes off the hood.] Blight Industries private sale!

Camila groaned. She was really hoping she'd seen the last of Amity's truly awful parents. Alas not.

[Alador takes off the hood, but trips while doing it.]

Amity sighed. She had some real mixed feelings about seeing Alador once more. On the one hand, she did love him and he'd proven, in her opinion, that he loved her too. He was making a real and genuine effort to change. But this episode would hammer home just how long the path he had to walk was. Alador may have just been following Odalia's lead, but his refusal to do anything to stop her, except when it benefited "the family name," still rankled immensely.

Odalia: If you're interested in reliable home security, we're here to help. [Whispers.] And, if you've got an enemy or two... Well, who are we to judge?

[The investors laugh.]

Camila rolled her eyes. It would seem that rich people were the same everywhere.

[Odalia points at Alador.]

Odalia: This is my husband, Alador Blight, the greatest abomination creator of the era.

Hunter scoffed. "Please. Darius is ten times better than him."

"And one day, you'll be even better than Darius," Luz promised Amity. Amity hoped so. Even though she'd been pretty much forced into the abominations track, she loved abominations. There were so many ways they could be used to help witchkind. But it would be a long while before she was anywhere near her father's level. She may have had mixed feelings about his job as a parent, but there was no doubt that as an abominations witch, he was the best of the best.

My name is Odalia, and as an oracle, I predict you'll love what we've got in store for you tonight.

"Thank God you didn't inherit your sense of humor from her," Luz said.

We are proud to present... the first glimpse of our crowning achievement.

[Odalia and Alador step aside, and up rises Amity with a dry expression on her face, and next to her is a strange abomination-like creature in armor.]

Odalia: The Abomaton Soldier!

[The investors clap. The scene cuts to the Abomaton pouring tea for Amity, doing her hair

Luz couldn't help but cringe. "That's…a pretty bold fashion choice there, batata."

"Just move on," Amity grumbled. It had been so humiliating to be made up to look so ridiculous in front of a crowd of people. She didn't want to dwell on it a second longer than necessary.

and standing ready for a fight.]

Odalia: It will pour your tea! Help you keep up with the latest trends! And best of all, it will defend you against any unwanted visitors!

[Odalia touches her necklace which begins to glow; the jewel in Amity's necklace glows as well as she receives a telepathic message from it.]

Odalia: [Through her necklace.] Mama to Mittens, remember our deal: Make this look good, and we'll forgive your recent lackluster performance in school.

Camila's mouth dropped open. Odalia had just crossed one of the most important boundaries out there, the sanctity of one's mind. She could only imagine how the necklace could be used to inflict emotional abuse on Amity. And what if Odalia was able to change her voice to sound like Amity's? Surely such a thing was possible with magic. She could have implanted ideas inside Amity's mind and made her think they were her own thoughts!

Luz was absolutely horrified. She had absolutely no clue that was what Amity's necklace did! She thought Amity just broke it because it was a family heirloom or something. "Oh, Amity, I can't believe she did that to you."

"I…I don't see why it's a big deal," Amity said defensively. "Your…phone lets you get messages from your mom, doesn't it?"

"Yes, but Luz can choose not to pick it up!" Camila retorted. "I would never send a message straight into her head!"

Amity looked over at Willow and Gus pleadingly. "Well…it's normal for the Demon Realm, isn't it? Your parents do the same, don't they? Well, they would if they could afford one! Right?"

Gus shook his head vigorously. "No way, Amity! My dad's an oracle and he'd never do that to me."

"Does the connection work both ways?" Camila demanded. "Can she read your mind?"

Amity shook her head. If Odalia could have read her mind, she'd be in a lot more trouble. "She tried to use a different necklace to read my mind later on, but I figured it out and gave the necklace to Hooty." Camila shuddered. She wouldn't wish Hooty's depraved thought process on anyone, even Amity's abuser.

Amity: [Sighs.] Yes, Mom.

"It's not fair, you know," Amity said. "It was just a B+ on a quiz! I was sick! It happens!"

"I agree, Amity," Camila said. "We all have our bad days."

Amity suddenly laughed as an idea occurred to her. "You know the really ironic thing? Mom thought we were all going to live like royalty in the 'better world' Belos was supposedly working. It didn't matter what grades I got. In her mind, my future was already assured!"

[The Abomaton tries to pound Amity but misses.]

Amity: [Monotonic.] Wow, it's so fast and strong. Order now.

"Acting is not exactly your thing, is it?" Willow said.

[The investors claps and cheers, Alador yawns. Abomaton grabs Amity.]

Amity: [Monotonic.] Oh no, it's undefeatable. How will I ever escape?

"Spoiler alert: It was not all that undefeatable," Luz said with a wink.

[A picture falls from Amity's sleeve. A closeup reveals it's the one of her, Luz, Willow and Gus from Grom Night.]

"Oh my gosh!" Luz said. "You kept that picture on you! That's so romantic!"

"I'd do so much more than that for you, mi amor," Amity purred.

"And we lost them," Hunter said, and rolled his eyes.

Amity: Huh?

[The Abomaton almost steps on the picture. Amity gasps, then casts spell circle to destroy the Abomaton.]

Luz practically swooned. Amity was willing to defy her parents, not just for the sake of love, but for a mere symbol of that love. That was even more romantic than keeping the picture in the first place!

[The crowd gasps and murmurs.]

Random Investor: That's awful.

[The crowd turns and start leaving.]

"It was their own darn fault for selling a defense abomination that could be destroyed so easily," Camila pointed out. "In the long run, you probably did them a favor – they'd have a lot of dissatisfied customers on their hands."

Odalia: Oh, of course, w-well that was but a beta test. We can't wait to see you all next week when reveal the uh... the finished product in all its glory!

Odalia: [Turns towards Amity angrily.] Amity! You just lost us a lot of money! What's with you lately?!

"I think I have an idea," Luz said and booped Amity on the nose.

[Amity stares longingly at the picture.]

Odalia: I see. Looks like our precious mittens has been getting... distracted. [Angry expression while thinking.]

"Well, this doesn't bode well," Camila muttered.

-THEME SONG-

[Hooty smashes his face into a steel bucket three times.]

Luz: [Speaks while activating glyphs.] Light in the darkness, a glittering bridge of ice, the mightiest tree in the forest! You can make all these, and more, with glyph magic! Welcome to day three of Luz's magic boot camp!

Camila gave a round of applause. "That was a very impressive showing, Luz! I think you have real potential as a teacher one of these days."

Luz could see where she was coming from, but her experiences with the educational system meant that the idea of teaching at a human school wasn't exactly a pleasant one. On the other hand, perhaps if she was teaching glyphs at Hexside one of these days…

"You should have seen the ice statue she made of the two of us dancing," Amity said. "It was absolutely beautiful!"

Luz blushed with embarrassment. Her subconscious mind could be a strange thing sometimes.

[Fire glyphs ignite on the ground. King, sleeping near one, screams and runs away when it goes off.]

"If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen," Luz said.

"But you weren't in a kitchen," Hunter pointed out.

[Scene cuts to Lilith cheering and clapping while Eda is carving something into the desk she's using.]

Luz: Okay, we have covered every glyph I've learned up until now. So today, we'll learn something new.

Lilith: Are we about to encounter a never-before-seen glyph?

Luz: Un... fortunately no. These four either came from nature or another witch's spell. I—I don't know where to find more.

[Lilith and Eda stare at each other.]

Luz: In any case, today we're learning how to alter glyphs to do specific things!

Lilith: Miss teacher, did I do it right? [Holds up a diagram of ice glyphs.]

"She's got some real issues with authority, doesn't she?" Camila noted. Luz just nodded.

Luz: Yeah! That's really good! [Lilith fist pumps.] Let's see how you're doing, Eda.

[Eda has carved the fire and ice glyphs overlapping together on the table.]

Luz: I—I don't think that's such a good—

Eda: Double glyph combo, go!

[Eda slaps on the glyphs, they started flashing, then explode.]

"Well, that was inevitable," Gus said.

Eda: Oh dang, I was hoping more of an ice blast situation.

Luz: I know you're impatient to get your powers back, but try to master the basics before you start experimenting.

Eda: Ugh, you're as boring as Lilith.

"I am a lot more interesting than Lilith!" Luz protested. Lilith was a history nerd. Luz hated learning about history. It was her least favorite class. It was all names and dates and battles that blended together in her head. It was practically impossible for her to focus in history class.

Hooty: Toot toot! The Hexside train is a-coming! Chugga-chugga! [Grabs Luz by her collar.]

Luz: Uh okay, uh, King's in charge while I'm gone. Bye!

[Hooty drags Luz away. Scene cuts to Hexside School of Magic and Demonics exterior.]

Luz: Okay, first day back after the petrification ceremony. Just be chill.

[Luz pushes door open, and is seen by Willow and Gus. They run towards each other screaming happily.]

"So very chill," Hunter said. Luz smacked him lightly on the arm.

Luz: [Tears up.] Oh my gosh!

[The reunited trio hugs.]

"So why weren't you at school until now, Luz?" Camila asked.

"Principal Bump asked me to take some time off while the heat died down," Luz explained. "He didn't want to make Hexside a target."

Gus: [Voice noticeably deeper.] Luz! You're okay!

Luz: [Notices Gus is taller.] Whoa, Gus! Did I uh, miss a birthday or something?

Gus: [Shrugs.] Witch puberty.

Gus shuddered. His abrupt witch puberty had been the second worst experience he'd ever had in his life, right after assimilating Belos's memories.

Luz: I can't thank you guys enough for helping me and Eda at the Conformatorium.

Gus: That's cool, I just hope it helps Eda learn my name. She keeps calling me Goops.

"She knows it," Luz assured him. "She just doesn't care."

"But that's worse!" Gus said.

Unknown Student: Hey, Goops!

Gus: [Dejected.] It's already spreading...

Hunter clenched his fists. First that student had the temerity to have a crush on Willow, and now he was insulting Hunter's best friend! Oh, that kid was going to be taught a lesson when he returned.

Amity: Hey, Luz.

Luz: Amity!

Amity: In celebration of your return, I've brought you a homemade fairy pie.

Amity was so excited. Camila was going to be so impressed with Amity's culinary skills, and this would continue to persuade her that she, and she alone, was the best choice for Luz to have as a girlfriend. Nothing could possibly go wrong!

Luz: Oh, wow! That sounds so—

[Scene cuts to the fairy pie, which is filled with still alive screaming fairies.]

Camila grimaced and Amity's heart sank.

Luz: [Disgusted expression.] ...Good...

Amity let out a gasp. "Oh, no! You hated it!" She put her head in her hands. "Oh, Titan…I'm so dumb…"

"Amity, you're not dumb," Camila said sharply. "It's simply that we, as humans, aren't used to eating cuisine that is still alive. And begging for mercy."

"Yeah, Amity, it's the thought that counts," Luz assured her. Amity wasn't sure she believed her, but she was going to choose to do so for now.

Amity: The ingredients are... very fresh. [Looks away blushing.]

Luz: Thank you. [Takes the pie.] You know, after everything that's happened, I'm just happy to return to some sense of normalcy.

"Wow, you think you'd know better than to say things like that by now," Vee said.

[Sounds coming through school PA system.]

Principal Bump: You can't just barge in here!

Odalia: Yes, we can. We are the Parent Creature Association. Luz Noceda, Willow Park and Augustus Porter, report to Principal Bump's office now! And you too, Amity.

Camila tried her best to keep her fury off her face. As much as she despised Odalia, she would not make the same mistake she had made with Lilith and give into her anger, thereby frightening her guests. She had to remember that Amity and Hunter were both abused children and thus were hypersensitive to Camila's moods. But still…if that horrid woman tried to hurt Luz, she didn't know what she'd do.

Amity: [Surprised.] Mom?!

[Scene cuts to Principal Bump's office. Odalia and Alador flank Principal Bump while the kids are sitting in front of them.]

Odalia: The abomination situation, the destruction of detention, the rampage of Grom.

"She saved the isles from Grom!" Gus snapped.

[Willow and Gus have looks of worry on their faces, Luz looks confused and Amity angrily looks to the side, arms crossed.] These are but a few of the incidents that have endangered Hexside students, including our daughter.

Amity scoffed. Like Odalia gave a damn about what happened to anyone. And she couldn't help but notice Odalia left the twins out of that statement too.

[Amity shoots her a deadly glare.]

Odalia: So, the PCA has decided to... [Notices Alador trying to touch Frewin's moving tail and clears her throat.]

Amity rolled her eyes. Sometimes, she thought Alador cared more about shiny objects than her.

Alador: Oh, right. Um, these three are bad influences and must be executed.

Camila's mouth dropped open in horror. "That's it! Luz, if you return, you are not allowed to attend Hexside since the PCA thinks it's acceptable to kill children! We can see about maybe enrolling you in one of those other schools…"

Luz waved her hands around frantically. "No, no, no, mom! Mr. Blight just got mixed up!"

[Amity, Luz, Willow and Gus gasp.]

"I…really thought they were going to do that for a second," Amity admitted.

Alador: Ahem, I mean expelled.

"You see?" Luz pointed out. Camila just nodded. She still wasn't impressed with Hexside very much, but since Luz's friends and girlfriend went to school there, she was still open to the possibility of her going there. Maybe.

Luz and Gus: What?!

[Amity stares at her mother furiously.]

Odalia: [Through Amity's necklace.] Take this as a lesson, mittens. A Blight always upholds their end of the deal.

"Being a parent isn't about making deals!" Camila shouted. Amity flinched and she immediately decided to moderate her tone. "A mother should be making decisions that are in her daughter's best interests. And expelling friends who have clearly made her happy is hardly in Amity's best interests."

[Amity gasps, then backs down with a dejected look.]

"I'm sorry I didn't come to your defense," Amity said quietly, almost mumbling the words.

"I understand," Willow said. "She's…really scary. And she's your mom. Besides, you made up for it later."

Principal Bump: Sadly, I have no choice in the matter. Luz, Willow, Augustus, effective immediately you are no longer students of Hexside.

Luz: No! But us... Good... Amity, tell them!

[Odalia stares at Amity sternly while Amity looks at her with a defeated expression.]

"You are so good," Amity said. "I should have taken a stand."

"No, Amity," Luz said. "All it would have done is get you in more trouble."

Odalia: Good. Now, you'll be taking double the classes to make up for lost time. Actually, I'm appalled that you're not in class right now. What are you thinking?

"What is she…you're the one who called her in, you demented creature!" Camila said. Every time Odalia opened her mouth, she got worse and worse. Now she was flat out gaslighting Amity. And this was hardly likely to be the first time. "This is not acceptable behavior. No mother should act like this. And I'm sorry, Amity, but your father is hardly impressing me much more. I know you're fond of him…"

"You haven't seen the whole story," Amity pointed out. She didn't say that she had her own doubts about her father even now.

"Well…maybe," Camila allowed. "But remember, Amity, if you don't feel like he's treating you well, I'd be more than happy to look after you."

Amity beamed. She wasn't sure she'd take Camila up on the offer, but the fact she had the offer on the table at all made her extremely happy.

Amity: Right, sorry.

[Odalia snaps her finger. Two Hexside guards barge in and drag Willow, Gus and Luz away.]

Gus: No, please! Wait, wait. wait...!

Luz: No, wait, no! Amity! Amity!

[Odalia puts her hand on Amity's shoulder, while Amity glances back at Luz with a sad expression.]

Amity looked over at Camila with a pleading expression, though she didn't quite understand what she was pleading for her to do. Absolve her of her guilt? Or confirm she deserved to feel guilty? It was so confusing.

"Amity, I understand," she assured her. "My parents weren't the nicest people either. People like that make you feel powerless."

[The door closes. Scene cuts to Hexside School of Magic and Demonics exterior.]

Gus: It finally happened! Our memorable adventures caught up to us. Oh, my dad can't find out about this! [Picks up leaf.] I guess I'll have to start surviving off the land.

[Gus attempts to lick the leaf but couldn't bring himself to do it.]

Gus: Ah! This is impossible! [Runs away, crying.]

Hunter rolled his eyes. Gus wouldn't have lasted five minutes in the Emperor's Coven. Which, granted, was a good thing, but still, he stood behind the thrust of the argument. If he'd known about this, he never would have tried to recruit him.

Willow: [Hugs a tree.] I guess this is goodbye. I'll water you one last time... with my tears!

[Luz groans. She notices Alador and Odalia coming out of school and descending down the steps.]

Luz: Hey!

[Odalia glances back.]

Luz: How dare you mess with my friends' lives! What have we ever done to you?

"You existed," Amity said. "She didn't need another reason."

Odalia: Luz, was it? Please, this isn't personal. I actually appreciate your tenacity. We're just trying to teach our daughter a valuable lesson in business.

"No," Camila said. "You were trying to assert your power over her. Well, Amity is better than you!" Amity gave a huge grin.

Luz: How does this teach anything? We're still gonna be friends with her. I'm calling applesauce on this business baloney!

Odalia: Your human language is hard to understand, but I think I see your point. [Grabs and squeezes the butterfly Alador is chasing and releases it.] If you're interested in talking things through, I'm sure we can come to some sort of an agreement. [Hands Luz a Blight Industry business card.]

"Don't do it, Luz!" Camila said. Luz gave a nervous laugh. "You did it, didn't you?" she added in a resigned tone. Luz didn't even bother nodding. The answer was transparently obvious.

Gus: Gus chomp! [Munches on the card.]

Willow: Come on, Luz. We can figure this out on our own.

Gus: [Spits out the card.] That's right, we'll get back into Hexside or die trying!

Willow: No one's dying.

Gus: Not with that attitude.

"No one did die, right?" Camila asked. Everyone hurriedly shook their heads. That was a relief. She certainly didn't want that – though she probably wouldn't have shed any tears if Odalia had been the one to die.

[Willow and Gus turn and walk away.]

Odalia: [Chuckles.] Yes, well, when that doesn't work, you know where to find us.

[Odalia pushes Alador and they walk away together. Scene cuts back to three posters showing that Willow, Luz and Gus are banned from Hexside.]

Luz: Operation Change Bump's Mind. Let's go!

[Scene cuts to Principal Bump throwing down the cake the trio left for him, hitting the trio on the head. The trio then try to enter by pretending to be Hexside teachers using Gus' illusion magic, but bump into Principal Bump and the teachers outside. Principal Bump breaks their illusion spell and the trio backs off. The trio then try to fly inside using Eda's staff, but backs off when Principal Bump points a crossbow at them. The Hexside guards close the main door.]

"I must admit, I would never have expected you to be so determined to get back into school before all this, Luz," Camila said.

"Hexside is so important to me, mom," Luz said earnestly. "It's the first place where I've felt like I was normal. It's where I met my first friends and the lovely Amity." Amity blushed. "Besides, it wasn't just my future at stake, you know."

Gus: Ah, this is hopeless! Nothing is working!

Luz: Don't worry guys, as long as we stick together we'll think of something!

[A crow phone crows and lands atop Willow's head.]

"This is why we don't tempt fate, Luz," Vee pointed out. "For someone who loves media, you're like the least genre savvy person I know."

"What does genre savvy mean?" Hunter asked.

"Vee, so help me, if you show them TV Tropes, you're grounded!" Camila snapped.

Willow: Oh no.

Harvey: [From the phone.] Willow Park, did you get expelled?!

[Another crow phone lands atop Gus' head.]

Perry: [From the phone.] This is Perry Porter with breaking news. In light of recent events, Augustus Porter will be grounded for no less than a year.

Camila inhaled sharply. She certainly wouldn't have instituted such a harsh punishment, but it was still in the realms of appropriate punishments in her opinion…barely. Besides, with the obvious exception of abusers like Odalia, it was not her place to correct other people's parenting, especially given that the Demon Realm was an entirely different culture.

[Crow phone grabs Gus by his collar and starts flying up.]

Gus: Help, Luz! Let me go! No, please, no!

Harvey: Just one? Willow's grounded for three at least!

"He didn't mean that," Willow said hurriedly. "They never would have done that." Camila believed her.

[The two crow phones grab Willow and Gus and fly away.]

Willow: No, ah! Help, Luz! Help, Luz!

Gus: Luz! Save me!

"They were just being melodramatic," Luz hastened to assure Camila. "There was no real danger. Mr. Porter and Messrs. Park are all really stand up parents."

[Amity passes Luz from behind and accidentally drops her book. Luz hears it and turns back toward the source of sound. Amity notices Luz.]

Amity: I'm uh... I'm sorry, I was a coward in there. But my mom—

Luz: Hey, I get it. You're scared of her, but I'm not, and I need you to take me her. She seemed open to talking things through.

"Oh, Luz," Camila groaned. "Why couldn't you see that Mrs. Blight is bad news?"

"Look, I'm not stupid," Luz snapped. "Of course I could tell she was bad news. But I thought she could be reasoned with. And…she's Amity's mom. Amity and her siblings, they all came across as pretty bad at first, but then I got to know them and they were really decent deep down. I thought that ran in the family."

Amity: No, no, Luz, you don't have to do that.

Luz: Yes, I do. Willow and Gus don't deserve this. [Picks up Amity's book.] So, will you help me, please?

Amity: I... I can't.

[School bell rings.]

Amity: I have to go. [Takes book from Luz, turns around and walks away.]

"It's okay, Amity," Luz assured her before Amity could even open her mouth. "It's all water under the bridge now."

[Luz turns around and walks away sadly, but accidentally steps on the business card thrown on the floor. She picks it up and notices the address written behind the card. Scene cuts to outside Blight Manor. Luz picks some flowers from beside the front door, then walks up and knocks on the door.]

Luz: Hello, Mrs. Blight. I—

[An abomination butler opens the door and grunts.]

Camila rolled her eyes. Of course Odalia thought she was so important she didn't even have to answer her own door.

Luz: Ooh.

[The abomination butler leads Luz into the living room while holding a tray with teacup and teapot on it.]

Luz: Ooh, this place smells a lot better than the Owl House.

[The abomination butler offers Luz some tea, but Luz decides to give his face a makeover instead.]

"You're such a dork," Hunter complained.

"Yeah, but she's my dork," Amity said, and wrapped her arm around Luz's shoulder. Luz grinned. She loved being Amity's dork.

Luz: And...! [Turns the abomination butler's face into a kitty face, but it melts immediately. She laughs.] Well, I tried. [Opens door and walks down the basement.] Hello? Mr. and Mrs. Blight?

[A severed abomination hand is thrown into the wall beside Luz.]

Luz: Eek!

Odalia: Oh, don't mind him, dear. He's getting ready for our big demonstration tonight. [To Alador.] It's looking good, hon!

[Alador grunts and tears something off.]

Amity clenched her fists. If he'd spent half the time he spent on his stupid work on parenting his children…

Luz: I'm here to appeal to your hearts, Blights!

"Bold of you to assume they even had hearts," Amity muttered.

Odalia: That's sweet, but let's get to the deal. We have a rather important presentation tonight showing off some new products.

Luz: Like, abominations?

Odalia: Something like that. Normally Amity helps us with these things, but she's busy catching up on schoolwork.

Luz: I get it. I'll help you show off your weird abomination gunk if you promise to let me and my friends back into school.

Camila narrowed her eyes. There had to be a catch in there somewhere.

Odalia: Don't worry, human. A Blight always upholds their end of the deal.

Camila couldn't help but notice Odalia never actually confirmed Luz's interpretation of the deal was valid. She wondered if there was some fae blood in her, given how tricky she was.

Now, you might want to go get ready, because we have...

[Scene focuses on Luz's face while the surrounding transitions from the basement into the Blight Industry product event.]

Odalia: ... a long night ahead of us folks! Welcome back to Blight Industries!

[Crowd applauds and cheers. Luz chuckles nervously with a worried expression on her face.]

Luz: So, Alador, what would you say is the specialty of Blight Industries?

Alador: We make a variety of abomination-based accessories for home security.

Luz: Oh, that sounds pretty safe!

Alador: But we specialize in weaponry. [Walks away.] You might want to duck.

Luz: Huh? [A lump of clay hits her, pinning her to the wall.] Whoa!

Camila shook her fist at the screen. How dare these people – and she used the term loosely – use her daughter as target practice? Why, they were no better than Boscha! She could definitely see how Odalia and Boscha's moms got along with that in mind.

[Crowd cheers and applauds.]

Odalia: Yes, our sticky launcher can peacefully subdue any foe! And, if peaceful isn't your thing...

[Odalia switches modes on the gun and turns it into a flamethrower. Crowd cheers and applauds. Luz gasps. Scene cuts back to Blight Manor's living room. Amity walks in, removing her cowl.]

Amity: Mom? I'm ready for the show tonight!

[Amity notices a note and takes it down to read it. On the note it says: "We found a replacement! -Mom".]

Amity: We found a replacement? [Turns around and asks the abomination butler.] Did anyone come to the house today?

[Amity notices the butler's disfigured face that somewhat resembles a cat, and growls angrily, knowing it was Luz.]

Luz beamed. She had such a creative, unique artistic style!

[Scene cuts to Willow's room. Willow is sitting and looking down with a sad expression as Harvey, her father, drops a pile of textbooks on her desk. Gilbert, her other father, also stands by the door.]

Harvey: To make sure you're getting a top-notch education, we're quitting our jobs to homeschool you.

"That seems a little…excessive," Camila worried. "Did they have enough money saved up?"

"I…think it was a joke?" Willow said, not at all sure. "They took a leave of absence, I know that much."

Gilbert: And we'll spend all our free time having fun as a family.

Willow sighed. When would she ever spend time with her family again? Would she ever see them again? She had no idea. She didn't even know if her dads were still alive.

Harvey: See you at first light for a test on the uh— [Looks at the book he picked up.] life cycle of a common swamp toad! [Closes door.]

[Willow continues to look down sadly, but an illusion of a tiny Gus appears.]

Gus illusion: Willow! Hey, Willow! [Points at window.]

[Willow gasps, then walks towards the window. Gilbert opens the door, causing Willow to gasp again.]

Gilbert: Hey, Willow, uh—

[Gilbert notices the tiny Gus illusion, then looks at Willow who is heading towards window. He smiles, puts a finger on his mouth, makes a "shhh" sound then closes the door.]

"Your dads are good parents, Willow," Camila said.

Amity nodded in agreement. Many was a time as a small child she wished she could have the Parks as her parents instead of the Blights.

[Willow smiles, then turns around and opens the window. Gus and Amity are standing outside below.]

Amity: Luz needs our help!

Gus: [Annoyed.] Again.

"Hey!" Luz said. "I resent that! I don't deny it, but I do resent it!"

[Scene cuts back to Blight Industries exterior. Crowds can be heard cheering and applauding while Luz's terrified screaming is also heard.]

"Your parents are just the worst, Amity," Camila said, trying desperately to keep her emotions in check. Amity nodded in agreement.

[Gus, Willow and Amity are standing outside thinking how to get in.]

Willow: Okay, I can use the root system underground to tunnel our way in.

Amity: That'll take too long. We should just rush the guards at the door!

Gus: No, no, no. I'll distract them with illusions of beautiful lady guards.

"Hey, you don't know they were into ladies," Luz said. "Be more inclusive in your dumb infiltration plans, Gus!"

Willow: This isn't a cartoon from the '40s, Gus! We need a better plan!

"I have all sorts of clips I showed them on my phone," Luz explained. "I'm not sure what they were doing on my phone, but they were there."

Gus: This could work!

Amity: We should just bust our way through!

Gus: You're stunting my growth as an artist! Just let me try this!

Willow: We are running out of time! We gotta get in now!

Amity: We have to help Luz now!

Edric: Here's an idea.

[Gus, Willow and Amity look toward the sound.]

Edric: Why don't you just walk through the front? [Throws each of them a cloak.]

"It was really nice of them to help you out, Amity," Camila said. "Especially given the risk of your mother finding out."

"I think they had some ulterior motives," Amity admitted. The twins were the most fervent Lumity shippers out there. She strongly suspected Hooty had enlisted them in assisting with kidnapping her.

Amity: Ed! Em! You're helping?

Emira: Of course! Just... don't tell Mom.

[The trio put on their cloak and walk inside. Amity throws back the "Hex Me" signs Edric and Emira had put on their backs.]

Edric: Ahhh! Ugh!

[Amity points two fingers at the twins and walks backwards, growling.]

"Some things never change," Amity said, her voice surprising her with its warmth.

[Scene cuts to inside the factory. The trio runs inside into an excited crowd cheering and clapping while Luz is busy trying to get away from the Abomaton's attack.]

Luz: [Pants.] Ah! [Ducks attack.] Whoa! [Ducks attack again.]

Where was Eda around to eat people when you needed her? Camila wondered. Come to think of it, exactly where was Eda? One would think her knowledge of Odalia, her cunning nature, and her disregard for the rules would have made her a valuable asset in going up against Odalia. Probably Luz had decided she had to do everything alone. Again.

[Luz uses ice glyph magic to block Abomaton's attack, but the arrow breaks the ice block, pushing Luz backwards. An abomination fist punches Luz upwards, Luz screams, and the hand catches her when she falls down. Crowd continues cheering and applauding. The Abomaton points the bow at Luz while Luz grunts and closes her eyes, waiting for the incoming attack.]

Odalia: Thank you, thank you. And they say said we couldn't make crossbows more fun! Next, we're very excited to show you our last product from this line.

Luz: [Sigh of relief.] Oh, my goodness, only one more to go.

Odalia: My husband has been toiling to bring you...

Amity clenched her fists. No doubt he'd been forced to work for days on end without any breaks. It was really horrifying when she learned Alador had been treated just as bad by Odalia as she had been, if not worse. And all this time, she genuinely believed the two of them loved each other.

[Odalia steps aside, the ground opens up and Luz yelps and crawls away. An Abomaton rises up.]

Odalia: The Abomaton 2.0!

"This doesn't bode well," Camila muttered.

[The crowd gasps. So does Amity; she takes off her hood then turns around and starts climbing up a ladder.]

Willow: Amity, wait!

[Gus and Willow take off their hoods, but immediately gets grabbed by security abominations.]

"Well, we tried," Gus said.

Odalia: It's bigger! It's better! The Abomaton 2.0 is the perfect soldier. It won't rest until its enemy is completely eliminated!

[Crowd oohs and a few of them claps.]

Luz: [Laughs nervously.] You're a big boy, aren't ya?

[The Abomaton's hands turns into weapons. Luz makes a scared noise and looks at the Abomaton with a terrified expression. The Abomaton starts attacking Luz, and manages to grab Luz by her foot.]

Camila was shaking with the effort of trying to restrain her anger.

Luz: Okay! It's super strong! I think the crowd gets it!

Alador: She has a point, Odalia.

Odalia: Didn't you hear me? It won't rest until its enemy is completely eliminated!

Camila gave a cheerful, manic grin. "Would you excuse me for a few moments, dears?" she said in a perky voice and quickly ran out of the room. They could hear footsteps, and then muffled screaming coming from elsewhere in the house, followed by a plethora of swearing in Spanish, English, and what Luz was pretty sure was Russian.

"Thank you for waiting," Camila said calmly as she walked back in and sat down.

[The Abomaton lifts Luz up by her foot, Luz screams and is thrown upwards. Luz lands on a beam.]

Luz: Okay, at least you can't get me up here...

[The Abomaton flies up and lands behind Luz.]

Luz: Luz, you fool!

"We need to have a serious talk about your tendency to tempt fate, mija," Camila said, shaking her head in dismay.

[Luz uses an ice glyph to block the Abomaton. The Abomaton breaks it. Luz picks up a piece of shattered ice and use it as a sword to fight off the Abomaton. Amity is seen climbing up a ladder while Luz keeps on fighting the Abomaton.]

Camila squeezed Vee's hand so tightly that Vee couldn't help but let out a grunt.

[She uses plant magic to lift herself up then swings around towards the Abomaton with a fire glyph just as it fires another blast. An explosion happens. The Abomaton falls to the ground, breaking the floor. The crowd runs away. Luz is hanging onto a vine for dear life with her eyes shut. She opens her eyes and notices that she is facing the Abomaton and is close to the ground. The vine breaks.]

Luz: Ah! [Lands.] Hey! I'm alive!

[The Abomaton grabs Luz by her foot again.]

Luz: Oh, no.

[The Abomaton's hand turns into an axe and swings at Luz.]

Camila couldn't stop herself from shrieking in fear.

Luz: I'm dead! [Closes her eyes, waiting for inevitable death, but something stops the Abomaton.] Huh?

[The Abomaton's hands explode.]

Amity: Hey!

[The crowd gasps, Amity is seen standing on a beam.]

Amity: Stay away from my Luz! [Casts spell circles.]

Camila let out a squeal of excitement. So this was what Luz meant by this episode being the next step on the road to Lumity. Amity had heroically come to Luz's rescue, and in so doing, the two of them had realized just what they meant to each other.

Luz let out an identical squeal. "I'm her Luz!" she shouted, and flapped her hands in excitement. She had never come anywhere close to being anyone's Luz before!

"And I'm her Amity," Amity said and gave Luz a very long kiss.

Luz: [Looks at Amity with a surprised expression.] Amity?

[Amity slides down a rope and faces the Abomaton.]

Amity: Huh-uh! [Lands.]

Odalia: [Uses her necklace.] Amity Blight, you are in so much troub—

[Amity takes off and breaks her necklace. Odalia gasps.]

Camila let out a triumphant shout. "Oh, sweetie, I'm so proud of you!" Amity's grin was so wide it was threatening to protrude from her face. "It took real courage to defy your mother like that. But you did the right thing. That…object…was an abomination."

Amity frowned. "No, it was an oracle artifact."

"Uh, no, I meant that metaphorically," Camila said with a sheepish laugh. Amity didn't understand what that meant. Was there another human meaning for abomination than sludge based magic? "What I meant to say was your mother had no right to treat you like that."

"I just…I wish I didn't have to," Amity admitted. "I wish she wasn't like that."

"Oh, honey, I understand," Camila assured her. "I understand better than you know."

Amity: Luz, [Looks back.] are you okay?

Luz: [Looks at Amity with an amazed expression, blushing.] Uh-huh.

"I think that was when I saw you in a romantic light for the first time," Luz said. "You just looked so beautiful…"

"So why did it take you so long to make a move?" Amity asked with frustration in her voice.

"Well…I wasn't really sure it was a real crush," Luz explained. "Or if the adrenaline and the idea of you coming to my rescue was causing me to get some wires crossed." Camila was impressed. That really showed a level of emotional maturity she hadn't heretofore associated with Luz very much. "And…you were one of my first friends. I'd been without friends for so long. The idea of possibly losing one of them was terrifying."

"Luz, even if I didn't like you back, I never would have stopped being your friend because you had a crush on me," Amity promised her.

Luz nodded, but she wasn't so sure. There was a guy in her science class she'd thought she was becoming friends with, only to ruin everything by asking him out and then Justin wouldn't even speak to her again.

[Gasps.] Look out!

[Amity's spell circle disappears, the Abomaton stands up and tries to punch Amity, but Amity holds him back with her spell circles with all her might. The Abomaton's hands start melting.]

"I have such a strong and powerful girlfriend," Luz said in awe. Camila was also impressed. Though, of course, Amity would be well suited for Luz even without prodigious magical talent, it was certainly an added bonus!

Odalia: [Angrily.] Amity! Get away from the human!

Amity: No, you're gonna listen to me for once. Luz, Gus and Willow are my friends! [Pushes the Abomaton backwards.] They're nice to each other, they listen to each other. They make me think about the kind of person I really want to be!

"Yeah!" Camila shouted. "You tell that lich!"

[Amity forces the Abomaton to kneel down. Luz runs towards Amity and they stand together back-to-back. They accidentally glance at each other and immediately look away, both blushing with awkward expressions.]

"Aw, look at the two of you," Camila said. "Dancing around each other just like Manny and I did when we were kids." Honestly, Odalia reminded her a lot of Manny's mother, though while Adriana Noceda had the attitude to match, she did not have the power Odalia did, despite acting as if she did. Camila was never good enough for the crone. Well, whatever. She didn't need to get anyone's approval.

[Odalia looks at the "units ordered" meter angrily as Alador appears to be intrigued by the turn of events.]

Odalia: Ugh! What do you want?!

Amity: Let my friends back into Hexside, or else your precious investors will watch me rip this thing apart bit. By. Bit.

Luz: [Whispers.] Can you actually do that?

"Really not the time, Luz," Hunter pointed out.

Amity: Shhh!

[The crowd boos.]

Random Investor #1: Come on!

Random Investor #2: This is horrible!

Camila felt no sympathy for the investors. They were more than happy to see the Abomatron 2.0 not only beat up Luz, but also kill her. They deserved to have their evenings ruined.

[Odalia looks at the "units ordered" meter in frustration.]

Odalia: [Groans.] Fine! It's a deal! Just stop with the theatrics!

[Luz and Amity glance at each other and smile. Amity stops using her spell circles. The Abomaton's hand changes into a large hammer and brings it down towards the duo. Amity rushes over to protect Luz. The Abomaton's hammer pounds right where the duo are.]

Despite knowing that the two of them survived that, Camila's heart was pounding so heavily she was worried for a few seconds she might have a heart attack.

[The Abomaton lifts up the hammer. The duo is seen pretending to have died. The Abomaton's hammer is revealed to be hollow in the middle and it transforms back to a normal hand. The duo open their eyes, look at each other and smile, then go back to pretend dying. The Abomaton's eyes go dark. The crowd gasps. The Abomaton shuts down. The crowd cheers and applauds.]

"They're applauding because they think you died?!" Camila said indignantly.

"Yeah, rich people are the worst," Luz complained.

"EAT THE RICH!" Vee said, shaking her fist in the air. "Not literally," she hastened to assure them. If Vee ate these people, though, Camila was pretty sure she'd be willing to look the other way.

Willow: Luz!

[Willow and Gus run towards Amity and Luz with worried expressions. The "units ordered" meter goes up so high it explodes. Odalia looks at Amity and Luz angrily.]

Odalia: [Growls.] As if I'd actually let them go back! I will call every authority I know! I'll make sure they can't-

Camila groaned. Naturally that Karen from hell – almost entirely literally, actually – would have tried to renege on her deal.

Alador: Odalia!

[Odalia turns towards Alador, who isn't pleased.]

Alador: You made a deal with your daughter, and a Blight always upholds their end of the deal.

Amity looked over at Camila with a hopeful expression. She really wanted Camila to understand why she was giving Alador a second chance. Unfortunately for her, Camila didn't. She was still not impressed with Alador's inaction, and him deciding to do the bare minimum was hardly going to impress her.

[Scene cuts to Willow helping Luz get up. Willow, Luz, Gus and Amity walk away together. Sound of door of the Owl House being pushed open and hitting something.]

Luz: Hey, guys! [Wipes off abomination gunk of her hair.]

Eda: Hey, Luz! We actually learned something new!

"The four of them started studying glyphs in more detail while I was gone," Luz explained. "They discovered that the glyphs I found were the only ones out there, and that by combining them, they were able to use them to do all other forms of magic."

Hunter raised a hand. "Hey, Luz, would you mind telling me more about glyphs later? It's just, well, wild magic has always been a fascination of mine, and maybe I can use the glyphs myself when I return to the Demon Realm."

"Of course, Hunter! I'd be happy to!"

Luz: Sorry, can it wait 'till morning? [Tired expression.] I need to lie down.

Lilith: Wait, Miss Teacher!

[Lilith turns to her left then turns back holding an ice sculpture. The sculpture is of her kneeling before Luz, who's being depicted as a wise scholar holding a scroll.]

"Yeah…she needs help," Amity said.

Lilith: Do I get extra credit?

Luz: [Amused.] Oh, my gosh!

Eda: [Stares jealously.] I can do it too.

[Eda slaps on a paper with ice glyph drawn on it. The glyph turns into and ice cube and rolls off the table.]

Eda: Hmm. [Looks at Luz and gestures towards the ice cube.]

Luz: [Amazed.] Wow! Yeah! Extra credit for everyone!

"Really, I just wanted to get them out of my hair so I could ruminate on my potential crush in peace," Luz admitted.

[Luz throws two pieces of star-shaped paper to Lilith and Eda then walks away.]

"Ugh, I can't believe those awful people just got away with trying to kill my daughter," Camila complained.

Hunter leaned back in his chair and smirked. "Well…they didn't entirely get away with it." He downloaded a memory onto the mirror.

[Scene cuts back to inside the Blight Industries factory. The abomination servants are sweeping the floor. Odalia walks towards Alador.]

Odalia: Oh, despite the spectacle, this was quite a successful sale! Excellent job on the 2.0, dear.

Golden Guard: Yes! [Walks in with two coven scouts.] Your Abomatons are quite extraordinary. Too bad no one will be receiving them.

[Odalia immediately kneels down, then makes Alador do the same.]

Amity smirked. It was so satisfying watching her parents have to bow to someone else for once. Even more satisfying when she considered that they had to kneel to a child.

Golden Guard: The emperor will be buying every one of your abomatons, and will personally fund research into making them stronger.

Odalia: [Looks up.] Th—That's great news! We are honored to have—

Golden Guard: You should be. Emperor Belos doesn't take kindly to citizens making a... private army.

"The emperor did not share their optimistic appraisal of the situation," Luz intoned, and then held up her hand for a high five. Vee immediately high fived her without even looking.

[The Golden Guard turns and walks away. Alador and Odalia stand up look at each other with worried expressions.]

"Well, that was nice to see," Camila said. Hunter beamed. For once, his horrible past had made Camila happy! Camila turned to face Amity. "Amity, I'm just glad you're away from that horrible woman. It can't have been easy dealing with her for so many years. But now you're safe. If she tries to get her hands on you…well, the outcome won't be good for her."

"Thank you, Camila. Luz is so lucky to have you as a mom."