Eda and Luz sat awkwardly at the dinner table as Eda gently examined Luz's right arm, and carefully ran a finger over the slightly warm soft scales. "D-d-does it hurt?"
Luz shook her head. "Not really. They're a bit tender, but if they're anything like snake skin it's more because they weren't completely ready yet." Luz flashed a small smirk, "I was kinda worried at first, but I actually think it's cool now. My guess, from the amount of tenderness, and how soft they are is that they should be finished hardening in a few days. Until then I just want to keep them wrapped so that dust and dirt don't irritate them." Luz rewrapped her arm, and gave Eda a concerned look, "I think that about covers my physical changes for now. It's your turn Mom. What was that, and why were you a beast?"
Eda groaned, "When I was about your age someone cursed me. I still don't know who did it, but what you saw is half of its result. The other is my magic. Owlet, I'm only about half as strong as I should be magically. A fact that should make old antler head scared, because even at half strength I can match most of his coven heads in a one on one. The curse eats away at my power and stamina though, so if I push myself too far or for too long without my elixir… the Owl Beast is the result. I'm sorry kiddo, but…"
"Are you dying?" Luz cried, looking utterly devastated.
Eda scoffed, and pulled Luz into a hug, "No, I'm not dying. In a way it's worse. Eventually I'll turn into that beast, and never come back. Luz, the elixir's are becoming less and less effective with time, and I need more and more to keep it at bay, but that's not important. I made peace with my condition a long time ago, and now that you're here… my last concerns are being washed away. King and Hooty won't be left alone. When I go, all of my possessions will go to you, including this house and my door. Even if you don't live here full time, you will always have a safe place to rest your head, and a place where you will be loved and understood. The Owl Lady might disappear, but Eda Clawthorne's children will go on. My greatest contribution to the Isles will live on, and Belos will quack in his gold plated mask before you kiddo. In the meantime I just want to enjoy what time I have left with my kids, and make sure that I pass on as much of my knowledge and experience on to you so that you can be as strong as you can possibly be." Eda hears Luz mumbling something into her shoulder. "It's ok Owlet… Mama's here."
That only seemed to make Luz cry harder as she stammered and shuddered in Eda's arms, "No… no not again. Dear Titan, no."
Eda looked at her daughter in concern, "Again? What are you talking about Luz?"
Luz continued to quake as she looked into Eda's eyes, "When I was four my Papi got sick. I spent my fifth, sixth, and seventh birthdays in hospitals watching him waste away as his disease ate away at him from the inside out. Papi was a soldier, and when he came home he didn't stop fighting. He just traded one uniform for another, and became a firefighter. We still don't know where he caught his disease, but it doesn't matter cuz just before my eighth birthday… he finally lost his fight. Mami said my heart was his greatest gift to the world. His fighting spirit, his last gift to me, along with my first Azura book… Eda, I can't watch another parent die." With a resolute look in her eyes, Luz declared, "And I won't. Mom, I swear to you. I'll find a way to save you. This curse will not end your story, and we will not be separated so easily. I won't let it happen again. I am not a powerless child this time. I don't know what I am, but I will save you, and together we will save everyone else. I am Luzura Noceda-Clawthorne, warrior of peace, and luz en la oscuridad (light in the darkness). This I swear."
Eda couldn't help staring in awe at the powerful girl before her. Luz's eyes were slightly glowing like they were full of purple fire, and Eda couldn't help feeling warm as she basked in her daughter's glow. If anyone could perform the miracle Luz was describing, Eda knew it was her. With a small chuckle Eda ruffled Luz's hair, "Ok kiddo, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's see about this magic of yours."
For the next couple hours, the duo made breakfast, ate, and exchanged theories, and observations as they made potions for the next delivery. While their current batch of potions were simmering Luz decided to try to answer one of the more technical questions her Owl Mom had, so with paper to help visualize Luz stated, "So the difference between Runes and Glyphs is simple. All the glyphs I've seen have been things I saw when you were casting, and they only work if they are drawn within a circle or circles in the case of the shield spell. My Rune is different. If I try to put it inside a circle it just fizzles or explodes depending on the size I draw the rune and circle. Thankfully my mind seems to compensate when I cast using a circle so neither happens. I think they might work like two separate languages like English/Witch Tongue and Spanish. Similar, but each follows slightly different rules. I also get the feeling that my Rune isn't the only one, because I can't use it to cast any fire or construct based spells. If I try to make a fireball I end up with a light orb instead." Eda nodded, and made a mental note of the new information.
Over the next two days, Luz was proven right as her scales hardened, and no longer felt tender, but she also shed skin in other places. She now had scales on her neck, legs, back, and arms along with most of her stomach and chest. Also her nails which she hadn't noticed before started getting thicker, and darker, like claws. At first Luz was worried that the changes would be hard to hide, but Eda assured her that as long as she stayed on the Isles nobody would even notice, and a concealment stone could be used to hide all of it if she went to the Human realm. More annoying was the dull headaches, toothache, and backaches that flared up from time to time. Despite her reassurance, Luz still decided to wear gloves, and wrap her arms and legs when she set out for her second delivery experience with King and Owlbert beside her. Everything was going well until Luz heard a voice that made her heart race for multiple reasons, her new crush, Amity Blight.
"Luz? Is that you," asked Amity, with a bit of worry.
Luz jumped slightly, before smiling, "Hey Amity. It's good to see ya. I'm just doing some deliveries for Mom. How have you been, hermosa?"
Amity blushed, "I'm fine. Just running some errands. I'm actually almost done so… would it be ok if we hung out for a bit? I'm sorry I haven't come to visit yet. It's almost the end of semester, so lots of studying and tests."
Luz beamed, "I'd love that." Amity tries to take Luz's hand, but Luz flinches away for a second before mentally slapping herself, and taking Amity's tiny hand and holding it gently. Amity sees this, but any worries are quickly washed away as she revels in how warm and tender Luz is. For the next hour they just talked, and learned more about each other like who the Blight's were, Amity's siblings, Luz's Mami, and some of the reasons Luz got bullied. Amity was disgusted and quietly giddy when Luz revealed that one of the more common reasons was her orientation. The thought of someone hating Luz just because she found girls attractive was disgusting to Amity especially since Amity liked girls too. A fact Amity stated proudly making both girls blush. While they walked Amity surprised Luz with a gift, a new scroll, with a small smile as she told Luz it was all hers as long as Amity was her first friend on Penstagram. The two girls spent the next ten minutes setting it up, and when Luz's deliveries were done she sent Eda a message.
(Luzura) Hi Owl Mom. I ran into Amity while doing deliveries, and she gave me this cool scroll. Now we can talk anytime we want.
(BADGIRLCOVEN) That's great Owlet. She going to join us for dinner?"
(Luzura) Na, but we are going to go hang out for a bit if thats ok? I'll send King and our profits home on Owlbert for safe keeping.
(BADGIRLCOVEN) Sounds like a plan. Just don't stay out all night with your girlfriend ;P
(Luzura) Not my girlfriend. Love you Mom.
(BADGIRLCOVEN) Love you too Luz.
Amity saw Luz blush as she sent messages back and forth with Ms. Eda. As Luz separated off to get a couple things Amity asked the twins to cover for her much to her annoyance.
(WitchChick182) Em I need a favor. Distract mom and dad for me. I'm hanging out with a friend, and I don't want them asking questions.
(Em_ira) Mittens has a date??? Deal, but we want all the details later.
(WitchChick182) Not a date. Luz is just a friend.
(Em_ira) Luz huh
(Em_ira) Wait isn't that the name of the girl who saved you?!
(Em_ira) Now we really need the details. Regardless your secret is safe, give her a kiss for us 3
Amity just let out a groan, but then she saw her crush coming back with a small basket, and none of her siblings' antics seemed to matter anymore. Once more hand in hand Amity led Luz into the woods. It took a few minutes for them to reach the little pond side location, but Amity felt like it was worth the wait when she saw Luz's face light up at the picturesque place. With a small bow, Luz began setting out a blanket for them to sit on as they enjoyed a small picnic of various meats, and cheese. Amity noticed how much Luz enjoyed the cheeses, and decided to ask about it. Luz just laughed, "I don't know if it's only the cheese from the Isles, but this is the first time I've been able to enjoy it. I am, or at least I was, lactose intolerant so milkshakes, cheese, and really anything milk related used to cause a lot of pain for me, but ever since… the accident… I've been able to do a lot of things I was never able to do before."
Amity looked visibly uncomfortable, "I'm sorry Luz. You never should have had to go through that, and I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for you getting hurt."
Luz just gave Amity a small smile as she cupped her friend's cheek, and whispered, "I forgive you. Amity, you have done nothing, but help me since we met, and I don't regret a moment of the time we've spent together. I don't feel odd or different when I'm around you. You never make fun of me, or make me feel embarrassed to be me. Everything just feels… right when you're by my side. Is that weird?"
Amity blushed as she released a little giggled, "No, I feel the same way. Luz would you be my…"
Luz stopped Amity with a single finger to her lips, "Please… not yet. If you finish that question I won't be strong enough to say no. Amity, I'm not the same girl you met in the library anymore. Whatever that healer did to save me… I'm changing, and I don't know if you can accept me as I am now."
Amity looked confused and worried, but chose to focus on the fact that Luz admitted that she wanted to be with her as she took Luz's hand and said, "Tell me. Let me decide for myself if whatever is going on is too much. I can't imagine how anything could make me love you less."
Luz turned scarlet as she heard Amity say she loved her, and after a moment she let out a sigh, and said quietly, "It's easier to just show you… close your eyes, hermosa." Amity did so, and Luz stipped down to her sleeveless undershirt, and removed her shoes and leggings. Lastly she unwrapped her arms, and in a small voice she whispered, "Keep your eyes closed, and tell me what you feel."
Luz took Amity's hand and brought it over to her arm. When Amity felt the scales she seemed confused, but said, "It's warm, and smooth… I've never felt anything like this. What is it?"
"It's me, hermosa. I don't think I'm truly human anymore." Luz laughed, "I want to say that only my outsides have changed, and my heart remains the same, but that's literally the problem. My new heart is changing me on the inside too. Who I am doesn't feel different, but at the same time I know I'm not the old me anymore." After steadying herself for rejection Luz said, "Ok, you can open your eyes now", but Amity shook her head.
"Before I see the new you… can I get a kiss from the old one. This might be my last chance to ever get one. Once I open my eyes, Luz Noceda might disappear forever, and I don't think I could forgive myself if I never got to give my savior her reward," Amity whispered sweetly, making Luz blush.
"If that is what you want… my love," Luz leaned in and despite her fear, Luz gave Amity a kiss, and it was everything she hoped for, and more. When they finally separated Luz let out a small "Crikey" and Amity answered with a breathy "Wow".
With a small giggle Amity opened her eyes, and saw Luz in all her glory. She marveled over how the sun played off of Luz's violet scales, and gingerly she observed Luz's claws. For a moment Amity's face was unreadable for Luz, and fear began to overtake her. She debated running away as fast as she could, but then she heard Amity whisper, "You're beautiful." Of all the things Amity could have said that was the the one thing Luz was the least prepared for, and she just looked into her warm golden eyes, as she sat unable to comprehend what was going on. So it shocked Luz even more when Amity smiled, and said, "Luzura Noceda-Clawthorne, will you be my girlfriend?"
Luz wrapped Amity in a tight hug as she cried, "Yes. Oh Titan, yes. Nothing would make me happier, but are you sure? What if I change even more?"
Amity gave Luz a small peck on the cheek, "Then I will be right next to you, and holding these beautiful scaled hands as we face it together. No one has ever treated me the way you do, and I never want to stop feeling the way you make me feel." Still held in each other's arms they ate their picnic until the sun set.
With a mischievous smile Lus said, "I have one last surprise for you, mi amor. Are you ready?" Amity giggled and nodded. With precise control Luz began spinning circle after circle as dozens of multicolored orbs of light came into existence, and began to drift over the water at different heights. Amity sat there in amazement until she saw Luz wink, and fire a small light beam into one mote that then refracted it into another. Soon the whole pond seemed crisscrossed by a beautiful web of rainbow colored orbs, and thin golden chains of light that seemed to make them wiggle as the beam continued to ricochet at ever increasing speeds until the whole thing started to pop in stunning bursts like fireworks. Amity had never seen anyone use such a simple spell to create such a complicated display before, and Amity felt warm knowing that her girlfriend would someday become every bit the witch she dreamed to be.
Amity lovingly helped Luz rewrap her arms after she explained how self conscious she was about them, and after they finished packing up Luz started walking Amity home. Amity was captivated by how confidently Luz walked through the woods. She was going to ask about it, but Luz's head suddenly snapped to the side as she pulled Amity into a protective hug. From out of the tree's came a wolf-sized feline beast with large hungry eyes, and serrated claws. The beast rushed them, but before it took three steps it was knocked away by a fist sized light blast. Not waiting to see if they were being followed, Luz scooped up Amity, and started to run. Amity wanted to protest, but then she saw the lumenous slit-like eyes of her girlfriend flick and scan the darkness around them on constant guard for more attackers, and simply cuddled closer into her warm embrace as she hid her blush.
Luz wasn't bothered by the dark since the moon was nearly full, and provided more than enough light for her eyes. As she ran she took heavy breaths as she alternated between her mouth and nose. Ever since discovering her sharper senses during the Boiling Rainstorm, Luz discovered she could get a better idea of her surroundings if she combined her senses of smell and taste. Luz didn't have a snake's full capacity for 'tasting' smells, but by combining her senses she could get surprisingly close, and that's how she knew that a half-dozen of the Bushclaw's were chasing them. Thinking on her feet, Luz tested a theory. She started casting light blasts, but only released them as she pushed off with one of her feet, and focused the magic out of that foot. It was awkward at first, but soon she was nearly flying as each stride became more than a foot long. It wasn't subtle and it was exhausting, but for Amity, Luz would make it work.
Amity marveled as she saw Luz's feet release a flash of purple light with every step, and she felt like she was flying. She had never seen anyone get this much out of the most basic of spells, and for a second Amity felt afraid. What if when Luz learned more complicated spells she became so strong she started to be a burden on her? But Amity's worries burned away as she heard her girlfriend quietly and unconsciously repeating, "I must protect my Amity," as she focused on performing her 'light jumps', and Amity knew that her Luz would never abandon her. When they got closer Amity guided Luz toward her house, and as they approached it Amity saw Luz spin a much bigger circle, as they jumped over the gates of Blight manor. Safely on the other side, Luz fell onto her back with Amity on top of her, still holding her tenderly in her arms as she panted from over exerting her magic.
Amity looked into Luz's tired face, and kissed her nose, "Thanks for the ride, but maybe next time we should do this outside your house. It would certainly be a shorter run."
"For you hermosa, I would run to the moon and back, and never regret a moment of it," smiled Luz, without a hint of doubt.
"Luz, what does that word mean? Hermosa?" asked Amity.
Luz smiled, "It's one of the only words I can think of to describe you. Brillante, hermosa, and mágica, or in other words brilliant, beautiful, and magical. I could live a thousand lifetimes, and never find another Amity Blight… te amo Amity. I love you." Amity blushed to her ears, and they began to bounce making a fwip fwip sound. Luz laughed, "And you just keep finding ways to get more adorable. Now my love, you should get inside. I'll rest here for another minute, and wait for Owlbert to come pick me up. I hope you'll have sweet dreams, because I know I will. After all, all of my dreams seem to have you in them these days." Amity leaned down, and gave Luz another kiss. After that she got up, and dashed into her manor. With a groan, Luz summoned her scroll, and began to type.
(Luzura) Hey Mom. Could you send Owlbert to pick me up? I'm kinda exhausted.
(Luzura) Btw I'm by the gates of Blight Manor.
(BADGIRLCOVEN) What did your girlfriend wear you out?
(Luzura) Actually, we got chased by some Bushclaws on our way back to Blight Manor. I never got hit, but I figured out a cool new trick I can do with my light blasts… also I HAVE A GIRLFRIEND. I love tonight.
(Luzura) Mom?
(BADGIRLCOVEN) Omw. Don't know what makes me prouder: new magic or girlfriend? But I'm proud of you Owlet.
With that Luz banished her scroll, and just laid there with a goofy grin all over her face. Inside Blight manor Amity was being grabbed, and dragged into her siblings room. After casting a silence spell on the room, they looked at Amity and gushed, "Details… Now! We saw you out the window after that bright flash. Tell… us… everything!"
Amity just got a happy grin, which immediately unnerved the twins, "Luz is so amazing, and kind. She took me out for a picnic by the pond, and we just talked. I've never seen anyone so inventive in my life. Those flashes you saw were something she just came up with to escape a Bushclaw. I didn't get to ask exactly what it was, but it looked like she used light blasts to run faster… I love my Luz so much." Amity's whole face was flushed, and she had a doopy grin, but for once she didn't care. She had her Luz, and that was enough. The twin's didn't know what to say. They had never seen Amity like this before. They tried to ask questions, but Amity just shook her head still grinning like a fool, "Nope. No secrets. You'll just have to meet her. She should be enrolling in Hexside next semester. Until then, Goodnight. I love you." Amity left the room in silence as the twins just gaped at her. It was official, they had to meet this girl.
Over the next day, Luz dementrated her new 'light jump's to Eda, and even got a few pointers on how to better control and use them without exhausting herself. When Luz wasn't helping or training she was on her scroll with Amity, and Eda thought she could feel her teeth rotting just being in the same room from all the sweetness. It didn't stop when the sun went down either. Both girls ended up talking late into the night about nothing, and sending little loving comments to each other that made both of them want to melt from the other's cuteness.
Luz was rudely woken up early the next morning by Eda, and in a half-asleep stumble she got dressed, and followed her Mom. Luz didn't really wake up until she felt sand under her feet… and a Titan awful smell. Luz had smelled death before, it was one of the downsides of helping her Mami at work, but this smelt wetter and it burned. When Eda saw Luz's reaction she cackled, and wiped something under Luz's nose. Suddenly the smell was gone. "What was that Mom, and why didn't you apply it sooner?" asked Luz, still trying to clear the burning feeling.
"You needed the wake up kiddo, and nothing wakes someone up quicker than Trash slug slime. It's one of the main ingredients in stink potions, a couple antifungal potions, and our version of Smell salts. Neat right?" Eda smirked, while giving Luz a warm look.
Luz begrudgingly admitted, "Ya, that is kinda cool, but why are we here? Are we just collecting ingredients like we did the other day in the forest?"
"Yes and no. Yes, we are going to collect some ingredients while we work, but mainly we're here to scavenge. Trash slugs collect all kinds of random stuff as they travel, and while their stomach acid can break down meat and fur, anything plastic, metal, or really the majority of the stuff humans use these days it just can't. Which leads to the situation before us. When a sudden tide shift happens they get shot full of salt, and wash up here. A good percent of the stuff I resell comes from scavenging these things, and with you here to help clean and educate me on what things are, we can make a bucket of snails. Just follow my lead, and try to avoid splattering anything. I'm still working on getting your cat hoodie fixed, and I'd rather not have to fix acid holes too."
Luz nodded, and got to work. A part of her was still cranky that her favorite hoodie got wrecked, but it was for Amity… "Worth it." Since then Luz had been making due with her new closet of options. It had taken a day to put together from the piles of clothes Eda had collected over the years, but Luz liked her new look. A dark green hoodie that was only slightly to large, a half dozen shorts and ripped jeans in various colors, a back up pair of shoes in the form of some sturdy black work boots, two dozen sleeveless tank tops for when she got more comfortable with her scaled appearance, and her favorite find, a pair of red fingerless gloves with small spikes around the wrists that made her feel like a bad girl. At the moment Luz was rocking the hoodie, a purple sleeveless as an undershirt, a pair of black shorts, and her white vanes. She had her gloves on her, but still had her arms and legs wrapped.
It took a while, but between Luz's knowledge of general anatomy, a subject she picked up randomly and just stuck with, and Eda's tips, they managed to gather up a surprising amount of stuff. Luz even found something cool that after checking with her Mom she quickly pocketed it. When they were getting ready to head out Eda suddenly got a mischievous grin as she turned to Luz and suggested, "Why not go exploring on your own for a few hours? You've really been working and studying hard lately, so why not go have fun? I have some errands to run after I give this stuff a quick deodorizing, so it will be a while before we can do anything with them anyway." Luz nearly did a little happy dance as she ran over, and gave Eda a strong warm hug.
Luz might have been a nerd, but she also loved exploring the wilds. There was just always a primal power in them that drew Luz to them, even in the Human realm. Running with wolves, climbing with squirrels, and observing nature in quiet peace had always made her smile. As she walked she heard voices, and one she recognized. With a cheshire grin Luz snuck toward the voices intending on surprising her girlfriend, but what she saw made her face drop as she felt betrayed. Amity was mocking and degrading a shorter green/black haired stout girl, and after only a few seconds Luz came stomping out. "AMITY DOLORA BLIGHT. Leave that girl alone," yelled Luz, getting the stout girl's attention, and making Amity pale. "As a matter of fact just… get to school. I'm so disappointed right now. After everything I told you, you choose to act like this… I-I can't even look at you right now. We will discuss this later when I've calmed down."
Amity looked like she was about to cry as she tried to stammer out an explanation, and her pendent began to start glowing, "B-b-but Luz you don't understand. I wasn't… I would never…" but Luz was having none of it. With tears on the edge of her eyes she just pointed down the road, and sullenly Amity started trudging away.
The stout girl just looked at Luz in awe until Luz let out a sigh, and put on a smile, "I'm sorry about that. Amity is usually such a sweetheart… I just don't get why she was acting like that. My name's Luz Noceda, what's yours?" Luz asked as she held out a hand.
The other girl looked baffled by Luz's words, but shook her hand, taking notice of the wrappings that completely hide her skin. "I'm Willow, Willow Park, and I have to disagree. Amity, Boscha, and their crew have been like that for at least the last six years. Ice Queen Amity Blight is a lot of things, but a sweetheart isn't one of them, but maybe I'm wrong. I've never seen her pale like that before. Who or what are you Luz?"
Luz's eyes flashed purple and Willow thought she saw them flicker into slits for a second, but before she could be sure they were normal again. When Luz heard Amity had been bullying Willow for years she looked devastated, which actually made Willow feel bad for Luz, but she didn't know why. After collecting herself, Luz said, "Willow I might not really know you yet, but… nobody deserves to be treated like that. If it's ok with you, I'd like to walk with you to school. I might not look like much, but I promise nobody is going to hassle you with me around, and judging by your uniform you go to Hexside. I'm actually intending to enroll this next semester, and after what just happened, I don't know if I can trust what Amity told me anymore. I would love it if we could talk a bit while we walk, and maybe I'll talk to… Bump… I think his name was Bump, about letting me take a look around for myself."
Willow got a faint blush from Luz's kind words, and smiled as she started walking with Luz toward Hexside. On the way, they talked and joked until Luz opened up about why she had been so mad at Amity, but Luz kept their relationship a secret like Amity asked. Luz might have been mad, but she still loved her new girlfriend, and more than anything she just wanted to understand. Luz did reveal that she was from the human realm though, and showed off her ears, but when Willow asked if she was human… Luz dodged the question, not really knowing how to answer that question anymore. By the time Luz could see the imposing structure of Hexside with its white walls, teal roof, and spying eye tower, Willow and her had gotten to be friends, and had already traded contact info.
Luz was awestruck by it all. The clean well maintained environment that reminded her of Human realm colleges, the combination of normal and magical elements that seemed to mesh seamlessly in a way that made Luz feel unusually at ease, and lastly the variety in students. Luz had walked around Bonesborough a few times, but it hadn't sunk in until that moment that Eda was right. Nobody would give her any odd glances from her scaled appearance. As a matter of fact, she probably would have gotten more looks before she'd started to change. Fur, fangs, wings, tentacles, and more were all the norm here. If anything her ears would cause more issues than anything else, and something told Luz that wouldn't be an issue. If nothing else her hair could hide them.
Willow was kind enough to show Luz where Principle Bump's office was before she had to run to class. With a bit of trepidation, Luz knocked on the door, and waited. After a minute she heard an older but kind voice say to come in. Steeling her nerves, Luz walked into the unusually familiar room. Besides feeling much more warm and inviting then she was used to, Bump's office could have passed for any of the other principal's offices she was familiar with. Bump himself sat comfortably at his desk in his professional yoke and academic gown with the only unusual feature being the red imp palisman that Eda had told her helped him see. Luz's first impression of him wasn't that of a tired or uncaring authoritarian, but more of a kind and patient grandfather or uncle, and that confused Luz more than anything else.
Bump noticed Luz's mixed feelings, but instead of getting frustrated or impatient he just smiled slightly as he said, "Good morning miss… I'm sorry, but I don't recognize you. Since you're not in uniform, I have to assume you're not one of my students, but before we get to why you're here I have to ask. Are you ok? I see that your arms and legs are heavily bandaged. If you require a healer I can call Professor Hypox, our Healing professor, to take a look. I promise it will only take a minute."
Luz smiled, and shook her head. It had only been seconds, and Bump had already shown more care for her than any teacher or principal had before. With slightly misty eyes, Luz answered, "My name is Luz Noceda. No, I'm fine. I'm just kind of self conscious about my skin. I was in an accident a couple weeks ago, and as a result I've been going through some changes. I can show you if it would help put your mind at ease though." Bump was about to shake his head, but Luz had already begun unwrapping her right arm, and as soon as Bump caught sight of her beautiful violet scales he couldn't deny he was intrigued.
After a moment, Luz finished, and even created a small light orb to help Bump get a better view. Bump gestured for Luz to sit down, and hold out her arm for him so he could see better. Luz chuckled and allowed Bump to get a closer look, and under Luz's light he observed how her scales shimmered, and her slightly clawed fingers. After a moment Bump smiled, and asked, "I'm guessing you have some serpent demon in you, and what kind of accident? You don't have to tell me, but just in case something happens while you're here, I would like to know so I can inform a healer if it becomes necessary."
Luz looked embarrassed as she stammered, "A-a very dear friend was attacked. I shielded them from the blast… with my body, but as a result…" Luz absent-mindedly rubbed the spot over her heart. "He blew a hole clean through me. A kind healer saved my life, but we don't fully understand how, or what he did. All we know for sure is, I have a new heart, and we think it's changing me. As part of the deal, we had to make an everlasting oath not to look for him after he was gone, and we couldn't ask any questions."
Bump looked worried, but gestured for Luz to continue. Bump didn't miss the stammer in her voice, or the slight tremble in her body as Luz spoke. Watching this child struggle hurt Bump in a way he hadn't experienced in a very long time. As a principle, Bump prided himself on how he tried to protect, and guide his charges to be all they could be, but for the first time in nearly thirty years he wanted to do more, go further. He saw boundless potential in Luz, but also deep pain. Someone broke her, and Bump wanted to help put her back together.
Luz looked nervous, but then continued confidently, "Principle Bump… sir… I trust you, and I don't want there to be any secrets." Luz paused to steady herself. "Before the accident I was human. I don't know what I am now, but I think I want to enroll here next semester if everyone is as kind as you. As part of the deal to heal me my then mentor had to claim me. I said my name was Luz Noceda, and it is, in the Human realm, but here… my name is Luzura Clawthorne, and I am the daughter of the one and only Owl Lady, Edalyn Clawthorne. If that changes anything I'll understand, but Mom and my friends told me that you are a great person… that if there was anyone I could trust beyond a shadow of a doubt, it's you. I don't have the best track record with teachers, and principles, but you seem different. I promise, I'll try to be good… I'll try not to disappoint you. Just please, give me a chance." By the end, Luz was quietly crying, but that wasn't what broke Bump, it was the desperation in her eyes.
Bump reached out, and took Luz's hand, squeezing it gently. With a warm smile, Bump said soothingly, "I appreciate your trust. It clearly isn't something I should squander. Luz, I'm going to be honest with you since you have been with me. What you are, where you came from, and whom your related to mean almost nothing to me. I'm not a particularly religious man, but I have to believe that you have been blessed by the Titan. Not only can you perform magic, but Edalyn is an amazing person, even if she chooses to hide it under a layer of snark and foolishness. For now though, keep using your old name until people get to know you. Hexside is a neutral place, where all are welcome, but playing it safe never hurts. I would happily welcome you to my school, but I have some requirements. Most are fairly normal, but I would appreciate it if you would indulge me while I make you jump through a few extra hoops for my own peace of mind."
Luz looked concerned, but nodded as she squeeked, "Like what sir?"
Bump sat back, and steepled his hands as he thought before answering, "For now I think I'll give you a pass to have a 'Zero day'. It's a special day where you would spend time in each track to help you figure out where you would like to end up. I'm guessing your knowledge on such things is rudimentary at best since you've only had magic for a few weeks by the sounds of it. Going forward, Eda will need to come fill out the necessary forms for enrollment, but I do have some special requests, if you would be so kind. I want Professor Hypox to give you a full examination before you're cleared for full attendance. This can be done before class, or at a later date if you would prefer, but the fact that you don't fully understand what was done to you makes me uneasy. I take my students' well-being very seriously, and I'd lke you to feel safe. Beyond that, I think I only have one other request, and it's a selfish one. You seem like a nice, dedicated girl to me, so I would like you to tell me what happened at your other schools. Normally, I would just check your records, but I doubt that will be possible in this case. I promise nothing you tell me will leave this room, or be held against you, but if there is a pattern I would like to make adjustments so you can focus on your studies."
Luz sighed, and looked away feeling a bit of shame before she whispered, "Ok. I-I'll tell you." For the next ten minutes, Luz went over the list of incidents that occurred including why, who, and how it was handled. Bump just sat there with his elbows on the desk and his hands interlocked by his face as he hunched forward to listen and observe. While Bump's face remained stoney and unreadable Luz felt the room get increasingly thicker and more saturated with his magic, a sign that Luz had come to attach to moments when witches feel intense emotions like anger. Soon the pressure was so intense Luz was physically shrinking down and away from the clearly enraged principal, but as soon as he noticed, he held up a hand. After a calming breath to center himself and clear the room, Bump allowed Luz to finish.
Once she had, Bump stood up for the first time since Luz came in, and knelt before her. With a kind smile and reassuring eyes Bump spoke evenly, "Ms. Clawthorne, I first want to assure you that I'm not angry with you. Yes, you made some mistakes, but never willfully, or with an attempt to cause harm. I'm sorry if I scared you, but the way you were handled by those… I refuse to call them educators… anyway, the way they treated you is deplorable, and frankly unforgivable. It's clear to me they either didn't care, or chose not too when it came to your care." Bump sighed, "Nobody is perfect, most of all me, but I promise you. As long as you walk these halls, my door will remain open to you. I can't promise to always be able to fix your problems, but I will always be here to listen, and try to help in any way I can. What you went through was not your fault, and it will not be tolerated here. All I ask is that you try your best, so that when you graduate you shine like the star I see in you. Do you think you can do that?"
Luz, face still wet with tears, nodded her head, and then caught Bump by surprise as she gave him a warm hug. "I promise… I won't disappoint you sir." Bump knew he shouldn't, but just this once he allowed himself to hug her back.
After Bump freed himself he returned to his chair, and summoned a lanyard, but before he handed it over he said, "I hope you understand that in the future such acts of 'intimacy' will not be allowed from me or my staff. It sets a bad example." Luz blushed, but nodded she understood. "Furthermore, keep this lanyard and schedule with you so that everyone knows who you are, and for your own protection. Beyond that…" Bump smiled, "Go have fun, learn all you can, and please… try not to blow anything up like your Mom did." As Bump held out the items, Luz laughed, and Bump wished her luck as she rushed out of the room with a note for her first instructor to explain her tardiness. After she left, Bump felt hopeful about his new potential student, but then he heard a slight tapping at his window, and sighed as he said, "Always a pleasure Edalyn. I think I know why you're here."
Author Notes: Happy Thanksgiving, all. Did not plan this chapter to come out today, but… happy accidents and all that. Hope you enjoyed the set up for Luz's first trip to Hexside, and Lumity's first fight. In a way, I think it actually makes their relationship more healthy, because misunderstandings are normal, and a couple who never fight never stay together IMO. Also, no Amity is not a 'damsel in distress'. Yes, Luz has saved her a number of times, but Amity's time will come, there are situations and reasons she hasn't 'stepped up' yet. Amity's middle name, Dolora, means pain, so like Luz her name has meaning. If read in reverse it's 'corrupted painful friendship'. A bit on the nose, but I'm a sucker for stuff like that. Till next week, Shine on beautiful readers, Shine on.