The next few days proved aggravating for Amity. Lucia seemed distracted, and much to Willow annoyance, was skipping training. Although it did prove an opportunity for Viney, Boscha, and Willow to bond which was nice, and by allowing both of them to tag team her Willow could still spar, if at a slightly lower intensity. What bothered Amity more was how distant Lucia was. When they were together Lucia seemed to have her mind elsewhere, and whenever Amity tried to get ready to address Lucia's magic she seemed to make an excuse, and disappear. Dreading having to do what she was about to do, Amity called Willow to ask her for her help.

An hour later both girls were standing at the border of the Owl Houses yard, and more importantly just outside Hooty's range. Having adjusted to the odd owl tubes quarks long ago Willow knocked on a specific tree, and seconds later Hooty shot out of the ground with a happy hoot. Before he could start babbling Willow got his attention, and told him, "Hey Hooty. We need to talk to Eda. Can you let her know we're coming, and open up for us?"

Hooty seemed to debate with himself for a moment before nodding and saying, "Ok. Both bosses have made it clear that you have an open invite, but the new friend behind you is your responsibility. Hoot, hoot. Come on in." Hooty shot back into the ground leaving no evidence he had ever been there.

Amity shuddered, making Willow smile, "Ya, he can be a lot, but once you get to know him he grows on you… like moss. Anyay, are you sure about this? Eda's not the biggest fan of your family, and there's a limit to how much I can help you, without you telling me what this is about. Just… I hope you know what you're doing."

Amity nodded, and straightened her posture, "I'm doing this for Lucia. I just hope she'll understand."

When they reached the door they found an annoyed Owl Lady leaning against the frame waiting, and only looking at Willow. "Really pushing that open invite bringing her here, Specs. There had better be a dang good reason, or this is as far as you get."

Willow looks to Amity, and with her best attempt at confidence Amity stated, "I need to talk to you about Lucia. I care about her a great deal, and I want to help her, but she keeps shutting me out. I might not know you well, but I know for a fact that if there is anyone who can help me it's you."

Eda smirked, but continued to not look at Amity, "And what makes you think I'll help you, Bossy Boots?"

Amity snorts, "Because you and King are the only other people alive who loves Lucia as much as I do."

Eda seems to try to look at Amity, but just ends up closing her eyes as she sighs, "Come in. Sit down, and give me a minute. I'm not nearly drunk enough for this guano right now." It took a couple minutes, but when Eda came back she had a pitcher of some kind of sweet purple juice, and a large bottle of Hard Apple Blood. Eda made herself comfortable and rested her head against the back of the couch looking up as she gestured and said, "Get on with it Minty, what's got you worried about my daughter?"

Amity centered herself as best she could, and got started. "It's her magic ma'am. I know it terrifies her, and after the last few day's I want to think I know why, but… she won't even let me try to help her. It's HER magic. It's a fundamental part of who she is. There is no reason why she should keep holding herself back like this, and now she's actively avoiding everyone. I think her magic is starting to act on its own to help her, like an unconscious impulse, and if she doesn't get over her fear I'm afraid of what might happen. She's powerful beyond my wildest dreams, but if she has another panic attack, and there are people around, her magic might lash out to protect her. She might hurt someone, and that would crush her. Please, I need your help. I'm begging you." Much to everyone's shock Amity actually got on her knees to beg.

This seemed to have the opposite effect Amity was going for as Eda jumped up, and roughly forced Amity back into her chair. In a stern, angry tone Eda spat and pointed her finger, "Don't you ever do that again. Belos might encourage such distasteful displays, but I don't, and certainly not from you. You dishonor those that came before you." For the first time Eda was staring at Amity, but they could see old pain in her eyes.

Amity paled, "You're right, my mother would be…"

"Fuck Odalia. I've never cared what that wreathed lich thought, and I never will, but I will not sit here idly while you demean yourself with her face. Your family might have forgotten her, but I never will," yelled Eda.

Amity just looked confused, and bewildered, so Willow stepped in, "Who are you talking about, Eda?"

Eda took a long breath to calm herself before she said, "Allison Blight, Alador's sister. Your family might try to act like she never existed, but she was my friend, and if things had worked out differently she might have been my sister. Maybe together we could have saved Lily from becoming a brain washed stooge, but that's all that's left of her now, could haves and should haves." Eda's eyes get misty, but her anger prevents her tears from falling. "And then there's you. Amity Blight, a constant reminder with my friend's face. If it wasn't for that half decent dye job you'd be the spitting image of Allison. How Lily can look at the face of the only woman she ever loved, and act like it's fine is beyond me, but she happily serves her murderers so what do I know."

Amity was taken aback, how had nobody told her before? Was this why nobody ever acknowledged her middle name? Amity had so many questions, but only one request. "Please Ms. Eda, tell me about her. I have a right to know."

Eda scowled, "And why is that? You want to know where she went wrong so you can be better? None of you Blight's could ever dream of being better than her. What to know who she was so you can drag her name through the mud one last time? Over my dead carcass. What gives you the right?"

Amity sighed, and stood up, and gave Eda a defiant look, "Allison was not as forgotten as you might think. I can promise you that, though they may never talk about her. They still found a way to keep her memory alive. I know it because my name is Amity Allison Blight, and I have a right to know who's shadow I live in. I have a right to try to make everyone remember my name, if not for me than for her. I refuse to be less than someone I don't even know, so Eda… tell me my Aunts story. Tell me, so that I can honor her the way she deserves, and the way you wish someone would."

Eda looked stunned, but then she started to smile, and a cackle escaped her lips, "There you go kid. There's the look I missed so much. Maybe a spark of Ally's fire still exists in that rotting corpse you call a family. Fine, story time first, and then we have an intervention, but are you ready for this, there's a lot of baggage in this closet?" Amity nodded resolutely before sitting down, and preparing for the story,

Elsewhere Lucia was trying to hunt. She had always loved hunting in her wolf form. She never did it in her hybrid form, it took all the fun out of it. The long silences, and serenity of nature gave her time to think or let her mind empty. The freedom of letting her instincts take over for a few moments when she found prey usually brought her peace, a primal release, but none of that was happening for her at the moment. Thinking led to panic, and emptying her mind just made her more aware of the thrumming power running through her veins. She wanted to let her instincts take over, but with her magic acting up, could she trust herself enough to let down her mental walls, and then there was Amity… her precious sweet Amity. She wanted to help so badly, but Lucia could never allow that. It was bad enough when she hurt her Mom, but not Amity… never Amity.

Despite her anxiety Lucia had a successful hunt, and with the knowledge that her stores would soon be full again, at least for this week she made her way home. When she got close she thought she heard yelling, and once again her magic asserted itself without her trying to use it. She couldn't tell what was being said, but she knew those voices. With recognition came a new wave of fear, Amity and her Mom were arguing. Why? Was it her fault? Lucia didn't know what to do. Two of the most important people in her life were fighting, and she felt paralyzed. Her instincts screamed to protect her mate, but her mind said to support the woman who took her in, and cared for her her entire life. It wasn't until she heard her Mom start to cackle did her mind register that the fight had apparently ended. Pushing open the door, since Hooty was apparently napping, Lucia was faced with an odd scene. Willow, Amity, and her Mom were sitting in a half circle, and there was a tension in the air. Finally Lucia broke the silence, "So what did I miss?"

Amity and Willow looked nervous, but her ever unflappable Mom just laughed, "Glasses and Boots are about to get a story. Why not sit down, pup, I know how you like a good backstory, and hers deserves to be told." Her Mom had a point: Lucia did love a good backstory, but to Eda's surprise Lucia didn't finish the circle or sit next to her on the couch. She plopped down in front of Amity, and even more telling she shifted into her normal form, not her witch disguise. Within seconds Amity was running her fingers through Lucia's mane of hair, and rubbing her ears absentmindedly, something Eda knew Lucia usually despised, but instead she heard her daughter rumble slightly, a rare treat these days. Willow seemed to agree because as soon as she heard the rumbling her eyes went wide at the new sound.

After clearing her throat Eda began, "So here is the story of the coolest witch I ever knew, Allison Blight. I didn't really meet Ally until I started Hexside. Sure I'd heard of her since she was basically Lily's only friend, and later they started dating, but she never came by our manor. Fun fact kiddo's we Clawthorne's are one of only three families that can track our line all the way back to Crystal, along with the Blights, and the Gardeners, but back to the story. Anyay Ally was amazing, and over time she kind of became my role model. I always practiced multiple kinds of magic, but she was the one who encouraged me to go further, and delve deeper. A lot of people counted her out since Alador was the 'teen prodigy of Abomination's', but that was all an act. Ally didn't like the spotlight so she hid her potential, but when we were alone she gave the most incredible demonstrations. Ally was a master of walking the fine line of expectations, until the incident." Eda sighed, "Boots, you ever wonder why your Mom was never Top Student? It's because Ally kicked her witchy butt on a near daily basis."

"Wait, are you saying that my Mom was…?" gaped Amity.

Eda chuckles, "A second rate oracle, less than perfect, what's got you surprised?"

"She was a witch? She always acted as if she was born a vampire. Next you're going to say we look nothing alike." whispered Amity.

Eda snorted, "Honestly kid, that's true too. Ody wishes she had half of what you got. No, besides the sinister green bottle job you could pass as Ally's second coming in terms of looks. Back to the story or we'll never get done. Back then Osran was the oracles professor for Hexside, and during her final year Ally had a vision. People have been trying to get a glimpse of Belos's 'Day of Unity' for decades, but Ally actually saw something. Since I wasn't great at oracles I didn't get to see what she saw, but I heard her prophecy."

"Two Queens of purple and pink,

Together shall they rise,

With fang and claw,

they alone shall discide,

Whether all shall be raised or razed,

On the Day marked by Unity.

Eda sighed, "I was one of only four people present when she had it, and I'm still not sure who told Belos specifically, but I have my suspicions since Osran was named Coven Head soon after, and Odalia got her wish… Alador's Kiss. What I can say for sure is that Belos 'detained' Ally, and a week later she was petrified. Worse, she was shattered, and the ones responsible were never found. Even back then there were scholars looking for a way to reverse petrification, and there is still a debate on whether the victims are truely dead or not, but that's why shattering is viewed as the greatest crime possible. If they were alive, they aren't after that." After that Eda relayed some of her fondest memories, and stories of Allison, but knowing what became of her just colored them all with a slightly sad edge.

After a while Eda and Willow left to get dinner started, moreso Eda because even Eda isn't crazy enough to let Willow 'cook' again. Instead Willow sat, and tried not to listen to Amity and Lucia's conversation, but a part of her couldn't help it. She was worried about her best and past-best friends. Much like the incident in the cave one of them had the other wrapped in their arms, and was just being there for their partner, but this time Amity was sitting in Lucia's lap, and holding her as Amity came to terms with all the new information she was being given. While the two couldn't be more different in terms of personality, or so she thought, Amity couldn't help feeling a bond with her deceased Aunt. Amity wasn't the first Blight to want to rebel? What did this mean though, and why did they look so similar? Amity had so many questions, but the only people she could ask, her parents, would never agree to answer them.

Trying to help her girlfriend, Lucia whispered, "I know hearing about her was a lot, but now you know enough to decide how you want to honor her." Lucia laughed, "I think she would be kinda cranky though… you know with you selling her 'Coolest Blight' crown. It's a shame though. Maybe if she had been around everything would be different. Lily might not be a butt, Mom might have a Wild Witch friend to watch her back, maybe she could have protected you better then I did,... I just don't know. I'm sorry Amity… I'd do anything to help you right now."

Amity's eyes sparkled, "Anything? Lu, I think I know how you can, but you have to promise to see it through."

Lucia smiled faintly, "Ami, I would promise you the world if it was mine to give. I promise, I'm here for you, whatever it is I'm in."

Amity chucked, knowing what she had to do. Amity threw her arms around Lucia's neck so she couldn't get away before she said, "Let me help you. I know you're scared, but I love you just as much as you love me, and I made a promise to your Papa that I would help you through this. Stop pushing me away. Being together doesn't just mean you get to protect me, it means I get to protect you too, and right now I need to protect you from yourself. Let me help you before your fears become real, and I have to see my worst fear come true too, seeing you hurt in a way I can't heal or help with."

Lucia's eyes went wide as fear flooded her mind at what Amity was asking, slowly but surely though it was burned away as she looked into her Amity's pleading eyes, and the love within. Finally Lucia's shoulders slumped, and she rested her forehead against Amity's as she breathed and struggled, her words tasting thick and acidic on her tongue, "Fine. I'll give you one shot, but if anything goes wrong I'm shutting this down, and we will never even discuss this again. I would rather cast myself into the Boiling Sea than ever hurt you, no matter how much. You are the Queen that rules my heart, and it's hard for me. I haven't felt this weak… this out of control before, but Papa was right, and I need to trust you with all of me, not just the reliable strong parts. So what's the plan, love? How do you want to do this?"

Amity hugged Lucia, "After dinner, mutt. For now, just let me hold you." And that's what they did. They let everything else fall away, and just cuddled their partner, safe and secure in their own little world.

Willow though was very confused as she asked, "So Lucia agreed to let us try to help with her magic, but Eda, did you get married, and not tell anyone?"

Eda snorted, "No! As if there's anyone capable of handling all this." Eda clicked her tongue, and winked, "Why? Did you hear someone was interested?"

Willow sighed, "No, I just heard Lucia say something about her 'Papa', and Amity said something about making them a promise? Any clue who they're talking about?"

Eda stopped dead, "I have no idea Spects. I haven't heard Lucia mention that title in years. When she was little she used to insist that a figure that looked like an adult King would visit her, and teach her things, but she was an imaginative pup so I just thought she made him up, and she never mentioned him again after she met you so I thought she was just lonely." Eda paled, "But if Amity met him… Oh Titan, that's a scary thought. Does that mean there's been a stranger sneaking in, and talking to her all these years. No, that's impossible. Hooty or I would have seen something." Eda looked terrified though, and unconvinced by her own words.

Dinner was a quiet affair, but Amity enjoyed what Eda made. Sure it wasn't as good as what Lucia usually made, but she could see where Lucia learned from. About half way through Lucia sighed, and looked at Eda, "Mom… I need to tell you something, and I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you, but…"

"You and baby Blight are together. Ya, sorry Lu, but I'm kinda disappointed." Lucia sagged, and Amity was preparing to make a snide remark, but she saw Eda flash a cheeky wink. "I mean come on pup, I taught you better. I caught you sneaking her into your tower the day after your party. Disgraceful. You're the Daughter of a master thief, If you're going to sneak at least do it well, and I swear to Titan I better not be a grandmother for at least a few more years. Isn't that right 'Aunty' Spects?"

Willow coughed hard, and desperately tried to hold back her laughter as Lucia and Amity blushed crimson all over. Once recovered Willow asked, "Heck ya Coolest Aunt Willow, I like the sound of that. Vampire werewolves, why does that sound awesome, and cliche at the same time?" Willow smirked, "I can't remember Lu. Didn't you say wolves usually have liters of four to seven, and Amity's family has that whole twin's problem… I hope you two know what you're doing." If the couple could blush harder they were.

Finally Lucia recovered enough to say, "But you're not mad Mom? I know how much you despise her family, and you didn't seem very happy when I told you I had a crush…"

Eda sighed, "Pup… Lucia. I love you, and if she makes you happy then I'm happy for you. Yes, I have issues with her family, but after meeting her… Bossy Boots might be ok." Eda winked, "Heck if we can draw out even a sliver of her Aunt's chaotic energy out of her then she will be more than welcome here." The rest of dinner proved a wildly different affair after that. Amity found herself being carried away as the other three told stories of past adventures, wild heists, and happy memories. Amity loved her family, but this was new… this is what family should feel like. No impossible expectation, or walking on eggshells. Just friendly competition, and love filled teasing, it made her miss her siblings.

Finally Eda looked at Amity and Willow, and sighed, "Since you are going to try and help Lucia with her magic it's only fair I let you know why Lucia's scared." Eda shifted her collar to the side to show an old scar that ran between her shoulder and sternum, and looked to be about the size of her palm in diameter on the right side. With a sad expression Eda said, "Lucia's magic appeared when she was about seven. It was adorable. I started training her almost right away, and dear Titan, my girl made me look like a talentless weakling. She just grew so fast, and she consumed my lessons. I've never seen a more natural protegee, but a few months after we met you Willow… We were sparring, and I don't know what happened."

The room got cold as Lucia stated, "I screwed up. My magic had a habit of occasionally spiking when I got too focused, and an ice spell got away from me." Lucia fought the instinct to run, or throw up as she admitted, "I put an ice spike through Mom's shoulder… if it had been on her other side… I. Could. Have. Killed. Her. That was the last time I used MY magic during a spar. I used my glyphs after that for everything that was more complicated than a light spell around others until the other day when we ran into Lilith."

"You ran into Lily? Did she hurt you?" panicked Eda.

Lucia laughed with crazed tears in her eyes, "We went back and forth for a bit, nothing major, but then she knocked Amity into a tree, and… I just snapped. She didn't touch me after that… I sent her running after three spells. According to Amity, I broke all the ribs on her left side, and deflated her lung with one of them. I'm a monster. A Titan damned monster. What's next, am I going to barbeque King, strangle Amity with vines, crush Willow under rocks… this was a terrible idea. I never should have agreed to this." Lucia started to panic, and Amity pulled her girlfriend's head down into her lap as she started to calmingly run her fingers through Lucia's hair, and quietly reassure her.

Once Lucia was calm again, Eda sighed, "Well, now you understand the risks. Do either of you want out?" Both girls shock their heads. "Ok then. I think I know where to start. Everyone, follow me." A bit confused, all three girls followed Eda outside, and to the edge of the cliffs behind the Owl House. With a little help from Willow they all lowered themselves down on vines to the beach below. Throwing her arms wide Eda said, "Tada. Ok pup, I want you to focus on casting an ice spell to try, and freeze as much water as you can. This will give us an idea of exactly how much power we're dealing with, and it should help take the edge off since you're probably a bit backed up. Nothing but miles of open sea as well so you can cut loose without any worries."

Lucia looked hesitant, but Amity gave her a smile, and a small kiss. Lucia took a deep breath, and shifted into her Hybrid form, if she was doing this she was going all the way, and everyone watched as she stabbed the air. As she spun her wrist the other three got pushed back a bit from the pressure the spell gave off as black lightning arced off of her purple spell scar. There was a flash of light, and a burst of cold when Lucia released her spell. When they could see again The Boiling Sea was gone, replaced by a solid chunk of ice that extended into the horizon, and for a hundred feet to each side. When they checked the ice ran to the sea floor, and ended up extending for over five miles.

Eda's eyes lit up with pride as she chided, "Damn pup, I know we said full blast, but you couldn't hold back a bit?"

Lucia panted, "That's the thing Mom… I did hold back. That was only a palm sized blast remember. I-I couldn't allow myself to go bigger, but I hope that is enough of a bench mark." Lucia rested her paw on the ice, and flexed her hand. For a moment Amity saw a glyph appear in Lucia's eyes, and in a burst of steam the ice was gone. "Couldn't take the chance someone might beach themselves on that, and who knows how long it would have taken it to melt naturally." Making one more spell scar, Lucia used interlocking vines to make a net, and collect all of the fish she flash froze for later, gaining a chuckle from her Mom and Willow. Lucia pulled a small bag from her pocket, and proceeded to stuff the couple tons of fish inside while grumbling about having to eat nothing but fish for the next week or throw another party. Lucia let out a sigh as she sat back, her task complete.

"So, can you do small, or is that as small as they get?" asked Willow half-joking.

Lucia poked the air with one of her claws making a tiny puncture of purple magic, and an ice cube formed in Willow's hand. "Answer your question," Lucia sighed. "At least my magic feels stable now, but the fact that I can simply use magic without the circle for physical effects still scares me. Like what if I get too cold, and burn Amity's hand, or too hot, and freeze her solid. How am I supposed to live like this?"

Amity looked pensive before stating, "Lu, I need to test something. Draw your light glyph in the sand. Then I need you to hold out your hand, and try to make an orb of light without closing your eyes while looking at us." Lucia did as she was asked, and the other three watched in amazement as the glyph appeared in her eyes. It was only for a moment, but it was there. Amity laughed, and hugged Lucia joyously, "Babe your magic isn't out of control! You're using glyphs without having to draw circles. This is amazing. This must be a side effect of what your Papa gave you. This must be your unlocked potential. Praise be to him."

Lucia paled when she heard Amity say that for multiple reasons, but then she saw Willow and Eda looking at them expectantly, and her nervousness only grew. "So I'm guessing you have questions?" Willow and Eda shared a look and nodded. "Sadly, I can't tell you much. Papa isn't a threat, and for all our safety's that's all I can tell you. Let's just say he's really powerful, and because of that we have to keep everything else about him a secret, especially from King."

Willow wanted to argue, but Eda stopped her, "If it's for King's safety Lucia will never budge, trust me I've tried, and I can except this for now, but you better not be keeping anymore secrets from us."

Lucia chuckled awkwardly, "So… there might be one more thing."

Eda let out a frustrated groan, "And that is?"

"I might have two siblings out there that I need to find, and I only learned they existed, like a week ago," Lucia said awkwardly. "I don't know much about them, but Amity and I have a plan, and we know they are on the Isles somewhere," Lucia grinned sheepishly.

Eda groaned, "Nope. Not dealing with this right now. I'm going to go get drunk in my nest. Good night."

The other three sighed, "Well now what?"

Author Notes: Kind of a weak finish, but this is as far as I can go right now. The next part is looking like a big expo dump, and I really want to make sure I have it exactly right. Sadly this chapter isn't nearly as good as I was hoping it would be, but a bunch of really important stuff was brought up, and no Lucia isn't instantly ok with her magic. This was just the first step, but now she can somewhat trust herself to train, and do normal stuff again. Happy Holloween beautiful readers, Shine on.