Debts and Deals

It didn't take long for Luz, Willow and King to locate Principal Bump and Eda, Willow was a great guide and Eda was one of the loudest people Luz had ever met in her life. It was easy to hear her howling laughter and pure attitude. From the waiting room just outside of Principal Bumps office, the trio could hear the older witch was laying out some firm demands, why they couldn't fathom. "-No limit, you said it yourself, the Emperors coven has been shifty, and these students can use all the education possible. So either, no limit, or no deal" There was an audible sigh from inside the room in reply to Eda's demand. The pause was calculated, and the trio were now subconsciously leaning themselves closer to the door to better hear, "Alright Edalyn, no limit on mixed magic..." The answer sounded like it came from between gritted teeth, and the tone alone conveyed just how much he hadn't wanted to concede. Before anymore was said, the door was flung open, shocking the group as they realized just how close to the door they had gotten to have a better listen. The expression on the older witches face was one of amused approval, "Eavesdropping now?"

Luz put her hands up, palms forward, in defense "I didn't want to intrude...?" She offered her answer, although posing it more like a question as she smiled sheepishly at her mentor. She could see that Eda was hardly bothered by them listening, however, the look on Principal Bumps face was much harder and sterner, which from his tone, she should have expected. "Sooo..." It sounds like I can multi-track! Can someone just say it, please?

Before the human apprentice could continue, Principal Bump cut her off with a small clearing of his throat, getting everyone's attention. "All the details are in this letter... As discussed, room assignments are posted in the dorm lounge now that the registration is complete, tomorrow is the regulated move in date and classes begin the day after." The answer was practiced, short and void of most emotion. "Edalyn, I expect to see you first thing tomorrow morning to further discuss placement. Until then." It was clear he was making an effort to dismiss them without being impolite, they had intruded on a conversation that was much more meaningful to him than any of the others present. "Oh and the first Chimeras game is this coming Friday, a season opener." With that final piece, he didn't give anyone a chance to reply before twirling his finger and using his abomination magic to scoot them all outside of his door and shut it with a shaking thud.

Luz picked King up at his request and then the trio again began to stare at Eda, their eyes full of questions and expectations, which caused visible discomfort in the wild witch. "Woah there kiddos, lets get out of here before I go answering any questions." Her face knotted into a slight cringe at the eager faces of those around her, the news she had just got from her old teacher was heartening in some ways and yet concerning in others. He had pulled her into his office with a 'long considered offer', one she would have turned down immediately just a few months ago, and now, she had not only considered it but agreed to it. He had propositioned a teaching position, nothing full time or permanent, but due to raised concerns around the Emperor Coven and magical beasts, he wanted someone on staff who was powerful and well equipped to teach defensive education. So many better options, you know, non-fugitive options. The offer also came with the mandatory change of multi-track, there would be downsides for those who decided to do it, as your credits were halved as multi-track wouldn't go beyond Hexsides walls. However, for someone like Luz, it was perfect and that's all Eda had really been considering. This also meant that she wouldn't be on the hook for any of the school-related costs, which would really be a saving grace, as she had less and less time for her market stand.

Despite Eda making the trio wait for their answers, their eagerness hadn't diminished in the slightest by the time they were outside, they still looked at her expectantly, waiting for the right moment. Finally, when Eda had either been unnerved by them or found it was an appropriate moment, she whipped around to them and scowled. "Alright, ask away! I can feel your questions burning into the back of my skull" There was instant regret as she had to explain and give a full account of Principal Bumps request.

"I knew it!" Luz cheered, pleased with her deduction and that she would not only see Eda at school, but had the opportunity to further learn from her and complete multiple classes. Yep, today is a good day... the brown-haired girl was the happiest she had felt in a long while, she had a dream that came true today and better news sprinkled on top of it. "Let's take a look at these room assignments, and then head back?" she knew that just from the look on Eda's face that the older witch wanted to go home right then and there, but conceded to Luz's last request and allowed the two new students to preview their living arrangements part time for me but still... It was only a moments' walk from the main entrance to the dorms lounge, once inside Luz followed Willow closely to the students gathered around the enchanted announcement board. As if alive, the board would detect a gaze and adjust information to suit the mental inquiry. Once it detected the two young woman, the board twisted slightly, befuddled by the human contact but quickly latched onto Willow and displayed the 4th floors room assignments. The green-haired witch would be at the end of the hall in a single, while Luz had been placed across the hall in what seemed to be a double, with no one else yet assigned. To their surprise the Blight twins seemed to have a larger than average dorm room at the opposite end of the 4th floor hallway, the floor was typically for freshmen's and not seniors, however, Willow had made the guess that the room was one of the largest and therefore they decided to stay.

The two walked out of the lounge to meet with Eda who was hovering on Owlbert, seemingly lost in thought as she waited for the pair to get their room assignments. "Finally," The gray-haired witch snapped herself from her trance like thought, and shook her head, pulling herself into the present. "I'll explain while I get flowers over here home" She pointed with her thumb to the empty space behind her, As Willow and Luz boarded the staff with Eda and King, Eda went into the details of her interaction with Principal Bump, adding her typical embellishments as they went along. The wild witch had her own reservations on the arrangement with Bump, using too much magic at once would potentially cause an Owl-burst, as King had come to call it. Damn Kid, making me feel mushy things... dragging me into school, pshh if I told my younger self I'd be a fill in teacher I would have dunked on myself...

Odalia

First that HUMAN bests Aladors abomination, passing the exam, and then Amity has the adacity to not make Captain. Is she trying to embarrass the family? Odalia was glowering as she strode away from the field towards the waiting Chauffer flyers, Alador trailing behind her as usual, with a spaced look on his face. Before she could reach her destination, she noticed from the corner of her eye that Boscha's parents were attempting to flag her down. The mothers were pertinent investors with Blight industries and on numerous occasions made large donations. "Oh dear, I hardly noticed you" Her tone came out like thick honey, poised to be polite and yet somehow incredibly condescending. When she paused to speak with the two women, she waved her hand for Alador to go on ahead, which as usual, he didn't question.

"Always a pleasure Odalia" The light pink haired woman replied in a soft voice, although she looked the most like Boscha, sharing a third eye, body type and eye colour, her demeanor was vastly different. This woman was a go getter, but subdued, never saying more than necessary and often letting her looks do most of the talking. "We were hoping to speak with you regarding Boschas... Condition" The shorter red headed woman spoke now; her voice was much more commanding and forceful than her partners. "I think there is the potential we dialed too far back, she doesn't seem as... Enthusiastic or passionate, and considering she is the captain we feel she should have much force." Despite the red headed woman being shorter and of a thicker build, her attitude was much more arrogant and akin to her daughters. "What we are trying to say, is can you reissue, we are more than happy to fund that next demo of yours... In a few weeks I believe?" The pink haired woman raised her eyebrows, silently gauging Odalias reaction.

"Well of course!" Odalia considered the offer for only a moment before responding, it was easy enough for her at this point to adjust and based on dialing back the controls put on Boscha this may work out in her favour. "Now, dialing back will... have other side effects, you are aware? Strong personalities, such as the ones that run in your family-" Before the green-haired witch can continue her question, the red-haired woman put a hand up, cutting her off abruptly, and dismissing the potential side effects. "I see... Well consider it done, I look forward to seeing you both at the demonstration." Who does she think she is, cutting me off! Especially after making such a request of ME. Odalia was nearly fuming, she could hardly tolerate being treated as such on a good day, let alone with the day shes had. This is the perfect opportunity, no time for that human to distract our dear Amity if Boscha has It taken care of. A hum of satisfaction rang through her, she loved when things worked out in her favour, and things, always ended up working in her favour. After a fake polite goodbye, the women went their separate ways, leaving Odalia to join Alador for their flight home, giving her time to consider her next steps.

Amity

Amity was sitting in the now empty locker room, all her team members, new and old had now left to get ready for school or moving. Boscha had offered for her to come over and help her move into the dorms, however, the green-haired witch declined, barely able to come up with a reasonable excuse for her evasion. Although Boscha was smart, when she had something on her mind, it was easy to get certain things by her without much fuss. I can't keep doing this... She was sitting on the bench, in front of her locker, her exam clothes back on, plain black pants and her quarter-sleeve shirt, even her hair was back up in a bun. She sat staring at her amulet, she had taken it off for her shower, and although she was used to the pain, the intrusion, there was something profoundly freeing about not wearing it. Though she had noticed recently, even without it on, she felt that odd leaching ever-present. Probably just in my head... The co-captain gave a small sigh, and let her head fall into her hands, she was exhausted, there was no joy to be felt, despite this being something she used to do to blow off steam and feel something, feel herself . "I'll be alright..." She whispered into her hands, unable to cry or yell like she wanted to.

It took all her strength to get herself back up from the bench, with hesitation she grabbed the amulet and dawned it, instinctively tucking it into her shirt. If she didn't get moving soon there would just be more hell to pay when she got home, plus she had to get herself situated for school, she might not be moving into the dorms like Em and Ed but there is still a lot to prepare. Especially if she wanted to make her usual impression and get ahead, she could still put herself back in the good books by excelling at school. Not wanting Boscha to think she was being a poor sport she summoned her scroll and thumbed out a quick message to her.

Amity: Sorry I didn't have the chance to help you pack up and move, maybe I can help you sort your stuff tomorrow? And congratulations, you deserve the position.

Despite her best efforts, that was the only message she could muster up. For a moment she watched the three little dots appear and disappear on the screen before finally receiving a big thumbs-up emoji from her, which knowing Boscha meant she had some other things to say and ultimately decided against it. Which was probably for the best with how fragile Amity felt, there was a sense of dread that poured into her as she scooped her bag up and exited the locker room. To buy herself some more time to think she was going to walk home, she felt it would be best for everyone, to give everyone a chance to consider the situation from all angles. To her surprise when she exited there was one of her mother's selected drivers waiting for her, just floating on her broom, dressed in all black with dark shades on. Before the driver could even register that the youngest Blight was there, Amity spoke up, visibly jolting the woman on the broom. "I know my mother sent you, and I appreciate you … Having waited here. However, I need to decline the ride, I need time to myself. I assure you; this is for the best." Despite the dark shades the woman wore Amity could see discomfort and mild agitation creep into her demeanor and posture. Is she just going to … stare? her eyebrows raised, waiting for some kind of response after the awkwardly long pause. Just before she was about to walk away from the situation, the driver cleared their road and said in a tone that was – almost – as controlled and posh as her mother's "As you wish Ms. Blight"

Amity cringed inwardly at the sound of the voice and watched her take off, despite having seen that woman before there was a peculiar thing about her, she seemed off in a way she wasn't able to place. Just another weird thing to add … The green haired witch couldn't help but roll her eyes at the idea before starting to make her way around the grudgby field, she subconsciously avoided gazing at it, not as completely over the failure as she was portraying. The walk would give her a good almost two hours and she was confident that she would need it, when she got her, her mother was bound to have something to say, at the very least, something to say.

Odalia

The ride home was as smooth and uneventful as usual, she had the drivers drop both herself and Alador off at the warehouse. Once they were dismounted, she wasted no time with a goodbye or even a second glance at them. They had their uses and knew by now it wasn't disrespect but simple business, and her business with them was done. Alador followed her a few paces behind, typical for him, and as soon as she had passed his laboratory he was gone without another word. All just a routine... there was an edge to the thought, but she quickly dismissed it and doubled her stride to arrive at the dark hallway. Time to get to work There wasn't enough time to retrieve, Boscha not without raising questions, the girl was packing and moving into her dorm room – disgusting – which meant too much potential for being discovered. However, Odalia wasn't exactly the most practiced at long distance adjustments But this will need to do There was a strong hum as she entered the room, all Boschas records were strewn about the desk from school records to physical exams from her doctor, there was a large chalkboard that was covered in ancient witchcraft, incantations, suggestions, and plenty of scribbled changes of her own with the dates they were made. Finally, circled and written with great care, was Boschas commands, changes, alterations, and all suggestions made by her mothers. Many were incredibly minor and probably best for the athlete, however others were strange, and incredibly intrusive into her personality, way of thinking, and even in part her beliefs.

It didn't take long for the Blight Matriarch to scrawl out her thoughts, the requested changes, and new suggestions. However, it took far longer than she anticipated to create the magical incantation and necessary potion to ensure the changes take hold. She wished she had taken comfort into consideration, but it was cheaper to keep this part of the building how it had always been, why spend needless money on a place they would seldomly venture. Seldomly she thought with intense sarcasm, once her preparations were complete, she wasted no time, kneeling before a hastily created alter she offered Boschas hair, old jersey pieces and even a small vile of blood. She hadn't questioned Boschas mothers when they provided it to her, she only held it with disgust at the time. Yet if she didn't have it now, she would have been forced to find other methods. Taking the offered items, she dissolved them in her prepared potion and spent minutes chanting in a low voice, her oracle demon occasionally chanting back, passing the depth of the spell onto Boscha through a connection that was thought impossible until Odalia had found the ancient text. Could you imagine the spells, the magic in general I could control had that thief from the Emperors coven not been so nosey... As the spell finished and the power was at it peek she couldn't help but glower at the idea she had all this power and more in her hands and she let it slip. After a few moments of suspense, a connection was made directly to Boscha, the feeling was much like when she took over her daughters' thoughts, and actively spoke to her except there was less resistance here. The words she said here would only truly take hold when she fell asleep, and the demon latched to her could do its work.

Glancing through the eyes of her prey- patient!- she could see Boscha was home, now stuck kneeling in her closet, right in the middle of packing up. Perfect... She won't remember a thing. With the connection made, and Boscha being alone in her closet, Odalia didn't need to rush as she had so often with others, she could take her time and truly influence all she intended. She could hardly remember the words she said after they fell from her lips, the tweaks, adjustments, commands and suggestions were hefty. Counteracting, reactivating, more rules, less rules, more drive, passion, patience, less perception, less anger, less consideration. The list felt endless, she wished she had found ways to cancel other commands rather than counter them or adjust. "You will locate Luz Noceda, Human." At the end it was her turn, her payment for doing such work and tolerating such uselessness. "You will not allow her to interact with Amity Blight, close friend, you will be aggravated by her existence, dislike her tone, her attitude. The more you see her and interact with her, the more aggressive you will get. No one will stand in your way, the dust on the ground is better than her." Before she could continue, there was a small rumble, a signal that Boscha was being aware, her spell was wearing down. Unable to tell how long she had been at it, she released the spell and allowed her oracle demon to sever the connection with the Pink-Haired Witch. "Longer than I wanted..." She muttered and pushed a stray strand of hair back into place. Her parents will notice the difference soon enough and that humans will experience a whole new version, Hexside is a much less welcoming place. She smoothed her clothes out and glanced around the room, ensuring she knew how everything was placed and had made all the correct notes of her changes. She hadn't written the request down, but that was for her, no need to record for personal means. As she left the room she was met with a mild ache in the side of her head, it was a small nudge and yet the suddenness of it made her flinch and touch her temple. Annoyed by her day she decided to find Alador in his lab so they could return to the manor, it wouldn't be long before the cooks would be serving the selected dinner for the night. Amity better be home, with some explanations for her performance.

Amity had been home for almost an hour, surprised and mildly delighted by the few additional moments she had to herself. As much as she wanted to continue her studies and as much as she felt compelled by the force that is her mother's amulet, she decided to unlock the small compartment under her desk and read her favourite comfort series. Azura, The Good Witch. The time she took couldn't, however, prepare her for the changes that were going to continue to cascade her way. Plenty would happen in the days to come, by fate or design wouldn't be known for some time.