chapter 9: Meet Camila

The investigations on those two murders were not delayed, in spite of it all. The teenagers quickly arrived at the militia's main headquarters to check on any progress, but they were not welcomed there. The investigating officers could not see the point of a bunch of meddling kids asking for information on the two bodies. Needless to say that the two sides got into a heated arguement, before they got interrupted by the interference of the militia's chief.

- Enough!- the chief shouted in a deep and demanding voice.

She was a tall septarian with violet-colored scales. Her eyes had yellow scleras and slit-shaped pupils. She was dressed in a uniform very similar to those of her officers, but hers had the extra badge attached to it, signifying her status as their superior.

- And you are...- Star demanded for the woman to introduce herself.

- Carlotta Clawthorn!- the chief replied in a calm and professional manner.- Chief!

- Clawthorn?- Star thought that name sounded familiar.- Like Claudius Clawthorn? The previous chief, who retired after he got dementia.

- He's my father.- Carlotta clarified.- This case is something of the militia's concern, regardless of the victims' species. The bodies were found in Septarsis' territory, after all. So, I'll have to ask you all to leave immediately.

- We're on a mission here.- Hunter ignored her order.- We believe we can be of assistance.

- Sorry, lad!- another militsioner spoke.- But we don't need the help of a bunch of refugees.

- "Refugee" refers to someone, who can't protect themselves.- Willow disagreed.- Which we are not.

- We're here on a mission.- Gus added.- To stop Belos. He's a threat to not just our dimension, but yours too.

- We can do it without the help of mewmans.

- We are not mewmans.- Amity spoke.- We are witches.- realizing she needed to clarify a bit more, she added.- Well, some of us are.

Believing it was a time to get formality involved to alleviate the diffculties, Star took out a sheet of paper, titled "Declaration" and presented it to the sceptical militsioners. Despite finding bureaucracy rather boring and useless, Toffee warned her that there would be situations like this one, when the citizens of Septarsis would need some extra conviction.

- It's written here, on black and white.- the blonde girl said smugly.- It says that we are all completely authorized to work on this case alongside the militia. Signed by the king of Septarsis himself. You can talk to him if you don't believe us.

- As I'm planning to do right now!- Carlotta declared, narrowing her eyes rather annoyed, but still preserving her composure.

Carlotta, followed by those nosy teenagers, went to the military base to check on the authenticity of the meddlers' claims. Upon arrival, they all saw Toffee training the soldiers in combat. He was allowing them to attack him to check on their offensive techniques and how effective they should be. It was not very challenging, though, as the general was simply flipping them over his shoulder, like they weighed nothing.

- General, sir!- Carlotta respectfully saluted her superior.

- Chief Clawthorn!- Toffee saluted back.- How may I help you?

- Sir, I was just informed that those kids here- she gestured to the gang.- have the legal right to work on the investigation, concerning the double murder of the two mewman priestesses.- she emphasized by presenting the signed declaration.- Is that true?- she noticed an attacking soldier behind the general, which was a call for her to warn him.- Also, one more.- she pointed at the soldier.

Without even looking back, Toffee quickly grabbed the attacker by the arm and flipped him over like the rest.

- Are you even trying, soldier?- the general addressed the man, who was now lying on the ground like a dummy.

- Sorry, boss!

- To answer your question, chief.- Toffee turned back to Carlotta.- Yes! This is a real signature you see on the document.- he noticed another attacking officer coming towards the chief.- Also, one more.

Similarly to Toffee, Carlotta also flipped her attacker over her shoulder, but she did it more aggressively, pinning the man to the ground. Star and her friends winced upon witnessing that. This looked like it hurt! Unfazed, Toffee continued.

- With a new threat on the horizon, we must be well prepared. So I would like you and the entire militia to collaborate with the foreign volunteers.

- But...- Carlotta was about to protest.

- It's an order!- Toffee said in a stern tone.

Carlotta was doing her best not to say anything about it. If that was the king's wish, then so be it. The woman took a deep breath and counted to 10 to calm herself.

- Yes, Your Majesty!- she bowed and after she stood up, she noticed yet another attacker.- Also, one more.

Toffee grabbed the attacker by the wrist and pushed her aggressively, pinning her to the ground.

- Was that an attack- her asked rhetorically.- or a game of cornball?

- Sorry, general!

- Okay!- Carlotta sighed with exasperation and faced the teenagers.- So, what can you guys do?

- I am a master of illusions.- Gus said proudly and summoned a few magical clones of his to demonstrate.

- I specialize in plant magic.- Willow summoned a small collection of giant roots.

- I can turn slime into fighting machines.- Amity used the some small amount of slime she had with her to create an abomination fighter.

- And I...uh...well- Hunter began sweating nervously.

Being nothing more than a powerless grimwalker did not leave him with many options to choose from. Of course, he had Flapjack as his palisman, but he did not want to put his friend in danger. However, he had to say something to make himself sound useful. The chief was staring at him, waiting for an answer.

The blond child's nervousness could not remain unnoticed by Toffee, who gently put a hand on Hunter's shoulder.

- Actually, Hunter.- the septarian addressed him.- I need you for something else.

Hunter raised an eyebrow, very confused.

Hunter and Toffee found privacy in the castle's library were they could discuss the next part of the plan.

- Here is the thing, Hunter.- Toffee was the first to speak.- Lilith told me you are Belos' nephew, who used to be the last leader of the Emperor's coven, after she left. The Golden guard.- at such a young age, nonetheless. The boy didn's seem any older than Star or Marco, who were both 15 years old each.

Hunter was sitting on a quite a comfortable couch. Toffee poured him a glass of apple juice to calm the nerves. Very much needed, as the boy was sweating like a zebra among lions.

- Y-Yes, sir!- Hunter stuttered.

- I was wondering if you could give some details about Belos. Has he ever showed you something, he's never shown Lilith?- Toffee asked, while giving the glass to Hunter.

The boy took a sip of the juice. The cold beverage was of pretty sweet taste and it's temperature had a refreshing effect on Hunter.

- I don't know much, sir.- Hunter declared.- You already know about the effects of the palisman essence he has been consuming for hundreds of years. This new form he's gained can be pretty unstable, though. I remember his...episodes.- the image of Belos going berserk in his monster form reappeared in the boy's mind.

- Anything else?

- Well...he...he...- Hunter tried to talk, but something was stopping him.

- Hunter. Are you alright?- Toffee asked concerned.

Hunter looked at the monster in the eyes. Should he trust him? When the boy gave it a little thought, Toffee has been nothing but helpful, since day 1. Maybe it was worth the shot. Besides, the pressure of keeping it a secret was killing him.

- Do you promise not to tell anyone?- Hunter asked. After he gained a nod from the septarian he gave his answer.- Belos...he..he created me as a clone of someone else. He said I was a "better version" of that someone and that out of all the grimwalkers, I look the "most like him".

Grimwalkers? That's a new one! Toffee wrote it down. This could come to use later.

- I never knew about that.- the boy continued.- And when I found out, he...- he couldn't finish.

He couldn't do anything, at all. Hunter started breathing heavily, as if a panic attack was afoot. Toffee quickly stood up and gently took the boy's hands.

- Hunter.- the septarian addressed him.- Calm down! Whatever it happened there, it's over.

Hunter tried slowing his breathing down to calm himself. Next thing he knew, he felt the scaly man embracing him and patting his head.

- It's okay!- Toffee whispered.- I won't let it happen again.

That was...odd! What was he doing? Hunter had no idea what was going on.

- W-What are you doing?

- Hunter.- Toffee released the blond grimwalker from his grasp and kneeled with one leg, thus facing the boy.- I brought you here to ask you to be the bait, which will lead Belos into a trap I'm organizing, but you don't need to do it if I'm asking for too much.

- W-Why?

- Because there is a bigger chance than Belos might trust you, than trusting anyone else.

- No.- Hunter shook his head.- I meant, why do you care about me? Why didn't you insist on me going after Belos?

- Do you want to go after him?

That was a good question, the boy couldn't deny. Of course, Hunter wanted to say "yes", but part of him didn't want to. What should he answer?

- I...I... can I...uhm...- the grimwalker cleared his throat.- think about it?

- Of course!- Toffee replied.

- Also, what was that you did earlier? When you put your arms around me?

- You mean the hug?

The blond boy's questions were rather worrisome. Has he never been hugged before? Then again, if he was really raised by Belos, then there was only one answer. In that case, Belos was just getting worse.

Toffee patted Hunter's head.

- You know!- the septarian spoke.- You are free to go now.- after which he stood up.

- What?

- I will not make you do anything, unless if that's what you wish.

Hunter could not believe his ears. Was he losing the opportunity to stop Belos? No! He could not allow it!

- It is what I wish.- Hunter said, sounding more confident this time.- I may not have magic, but I can help. I'll do anything you tell me.

Toffee raised an eyebrow at the boy's statement. Was he certain he wanted that?

- Are you sure?- the black-haired septarian asked.

Hunter nodded in agreement.

- There are a lot of things I don't know. I don't know if I'm a witch or a grimwalker, or anything else, but I know I want to stop Belos. If being a bait is what I can do, even if it means being face to face with him again, I'll do it.

Every single one of those visitors from the Boiling isles were without a doubt really brave. Even that pervert Hooty. He couldn't help but admire those kids. He wasn't that fearless, when he was their age.

One would think that Hunter's determination would make Toffee's plan much easier, but that wasn't the case. After that panic attack, the septarian realized that maybe he should be considering other options. He did not want to put those children in danger.

The day has arrived. The day when Luz had to go back home and search for more clues about Belos. A book, an old article, legends...anything. That wasn't the hardest part of the task, though. The hardest part was facing her own mother.

There she was. Luz Noceda was standing right in front of the door of the Nocedas' residence. She took a very deep breath. Marco was standing right beside her, doing his best to support her. Initially, Luz considered asking Amity to accompany her, but she thought that this whole new dimension would be a little stressful for her girlfriend. Plus, being accompanied by another human like Marco would also make it a little easier to explain in front of Camila.

Luz raised her fist and knocked on the door three times.

- Just a sec!- the voice called from the other side.

The door opened with the house's hostess greeting the guests. Before the teenagers stood a spectacled Latina woman with short brown hair, who looked very similar to Luz.

- Hello! Who is...- she gasped upon witnessing who was standing there.

- Hi, mom!- Luz gave a nervous smile.- I'm home!

Without even waiting for an explanation, the adult woman was quick to embrace her teenage daughter. The two were hugging as tightly as possible.

Camila did her best to welcome Luz's new friend. She poured him a mug of hot chocolate. Vee also joined the scene, curious to see what was going on.

Naturally, both Vee and Camila had a lot of questions to ask. Luz and Marco did their best to tell the two about the reason for their sudden visit. They tried to explain it as simple as possible.

- So, you came here to look for some information about this evil emperor you've just told me about?- Camila summarized out loud, to make sure she understood it all.

- I know it's out of the blue, mom, but I promise it would be the last crazy thing I'll ever do for as long as I live.- Luz was quick to comfort her mother.

Marco placed a hand on Luz's shoulder and smiled to show his support.

- Mrs. Noceda, Luz was only trying to help this whole time.- said Marco.- She didn't mean to abandon anyone.

- It's okay!- Camila responded.- I understand.- she turned to Marco.- And you can call me "Camila".

Camila insisted on meeting the rest of Luz's new friends, which led to her accompanying her daughter on the way back to Mewni. Vee decided to stay home, as she was still too scared of seeing Belos again. The basilisk gave Camila a baseball bat, which she could use as a weapon, just in case. Camila's excitement began from the very moment Marco used his dimensional scissors to open a portal to another dimension. Once the woman stepped into the portal, she found herself in an entirely different place. A very spacious room with walls of black bricks. She could barely tell where the ceiling was, it was just too high.

- Okay!- Camila spoke.- Witches, mewmans and monsters. Those are the kinds of creatures I should be expecting here.

- That's right!- Marco confirmed.- Also, a small bird-like monster named Ludo will be coming here today. He's got an appointment with me and Toffee.

- Toffee?- Camila repeated the familar name.

That was one of the names Luz and Marco told her about. From the way they've described him, the name was not doing the guy any justice. They told her he looked like a monitor lizard with human-like proportions and asked her not to get too scared, when she meets him.

Camila was doing her best to stay calm. She has never been in a different dimension before, so needless to say she was having a lot to process right now. She was thinking of what to say to Toffee, when she meets him. From what she understood, he was the main host, and it was important to make a good first impression.

The spectacled woman's thought process was spontaniously interrupted, once she heard an extra voice joining the scene.

- Welcome back!

The voice was rather deep and it sounded like it belonged to an adult man. Camila turned back to find herself face to face with a tall reptilian being in a formal attire. He was much taller than her and his broad-shouldered physique made him look rather intimidating.

- You must be Camila Noceda.- the reptile addressed Camila and gentlemanly took her hand.- Your daughter told me a lot about you.- he bowed.- Welcome to my domain!

Before Camila had the chance to respond, her entire body collapsed on the floor.

- Mama!- Luz shouted panicked.

Her mother was lying unconscious on the ground. Toffee simply rolled his eyes. If he only had a nickel.

The voices calling for Camila were getting louder and more audible, as she was slowly opening her eyes. She found herself lying on a red couch, surrounded by Luz, Marco and a few other teenagers as well.

- Mama!- Luz smiled.- You're awake!

- Are you okay?- Marco asked concerned.

- Yeah, I'm fine, kids.- Camila replied, still a little dizzy.- Sorry for upsetting you, but it's just I was face to face with that...thing.

- I'm flattered!- the same deep voice called again.

Camila quickly looked behind her and saw the same lizard-like monster from earlier. He was staring at her with a cold glare and his fingertips pressed together and an admittedly professional manner.

Toffee never meant to scare her, he was just trying to be hospitable. Not that he believed it was his fault, to begin with. However, he still found it rather insulting, when the guest referred to him as a "thing".

The monster gave her a glass of water to drink.

- This will help you feel better!- he said.

Camila accepted the glass, feeling rather embarrassed by her behaviour. After all, the guy hasn't done anything wrong. He was just being a gentleman. It was his appearance what startled her, but then again, what kind of a vet she was if she treated other creatures like that.

- Thank you...sir!- she tried to be more polite.- You must be Toffee.

- He is, mom!- Luz confirmed.- He's helping us with Belos.

Camila turned to Toffee again, ready to apologize.

- I'm sorry for everything! It's just, that I am not used to...-she looked for more appopriate words this time.- representatives of your kind.

- I thought so!- Toffee replied in an indifferent tone.- Apology accepted!

- Mom- Luz got her mother's attention.- this is Amity and- she blushed, feeling rather nervous about revealing the nature of her relationship with Amity to her mother.- we are dating.

- Really?- Camila smiled widely.- My little girl has finally found someone.- she hugged Amity.- Welcome to the family, sweetie!

Amity was also blushing heavily, feeling relaxed that Luz's mother accepted her so easily.

- And those are Willow, Gus, Hunter and Star.- Luz continued.- Can't wait to introduce you to Eda, King and the others!

Somebody knocked on the door.

- Come in!- said Marco.

- Marco.- it was Ludo.- Time for the therapy session.

- Of course.- Marco got closer to Camila and whispered to her.- Uhm, if you're feeling better could you please vacate the couch, because I'm gonna need it for the appointment.

Camila obeyed and stood up without hesitation, giving enough space on the couch for the small bird-like creature to sit on.

Ludo frowned as he turned to Toffee.

- Hello, Moebius syndrome!- he "greeted" the septarian.

- Hello, Mold!- Toffee replied, just as snarkily.

This was a sign for everyone else to leave the room and leave Marco to work with his patients.

Lunch time. Everyone, including Ludo and Camila, have gathered around the table to eat. Baby Masaru was sitting on his father's lap and Razzles was sitting right next to them. The human woman could easily sense some tension between Toffee and Ludo, though.

- What exactly is going on?- Camila asked.

Marco was more than glad to answer the question.

- These two have miraculously agreed to visit my therapy sessions, so they can learn how to better control their antagonism for each other. Not to brag- he proudly put a hand on his chest.- but I say it's working.

- Will you finally get off my table?- Toffee said to Ludo.

- Why?- Ludo protested.- I am not stopping you from feeding your baby.

- You're suffocating me with the fumes from your fungus-covered plumage.

Ludo groaned in frustration, while Camila raised an eyebrow, feeling confused.

- See?- Marco commented happily.- They weren't that direct before we began. How about a glass of swamp water, Ludo?- the human boy said as he offered a glass of the said beverage to the kappa.

- Okay!- Ludo accepted it, slightly hesitant.- Is there any ice?

- Good question, Ludo! Why don't you ask Toffee? He's the host, after all.

Ludo winced. He had a bad feeling about this. However, he still tried trusting the human child's advice and turned to the dapper septarian.

- Okay! Toffee, can I have some ice for my drink?

- One or two cubes?- surprisingly, Toffee went along with it.

- Errr...one.- the kappa answered sheepishly.

- Okay!- was Toffee's simple response.

The septarian raised a fist and hit the small kappa on the head. After that he took a small bottle of disinfectant and sprayed it on his hand. Masaru laughed at the whole scene.

Ludo massaged the spot, that received the hit. He had a feeling that if he had asked for two cubes, he would have received two times the hit. That was, indeed, cold. Just like Toffee's heart or whatever the Hell he had instead of it.