Lucia's first week on the Isles had been a mix of ups and downs, but Lucia was loving every second of it. On the upside, Lucia now had the whole tower behind the Owl House mostly to herself, and in some ways it felt like she got to experience having an apartment early. Eda had started teaching her magic, and Lucia's potion making skills were advancing quickly. On top of that, summoning and wielding the Keyblade was now nearly effortless for her, and sparring against Eda was starting to get intense as Eda couldn't relax anymore if she wanted to win.
On the downside, cleaning out the tower had been exhausting, and it got lonely sometimes. Her furniture was old and tattered, and she would have to pay, scavenge, or learn to make any replacements. Lucia was frustrated with her magic, apparently witch magic was different then Keyblade magic, and trying to use one to learn the other wasn't getting her anywhere. While sparring with Eda was fun, it was getting repetitive, and they couldn't do it everyday cuz it exhausted Eda after more than two days in a row.
Then there were her dreams. Lucia was getting increasingly irritated at how often she ended up there these days. The pillars themselves were fine, but it felt like the door was taunting her, and the shadow beast never got easier to beat. After a few times, Lucia noticed it was learning and getting stronger as well. Along with occasionally throwing in new moves like buffets of wind from it flapping its wings, or the night it summoned smaller shadows to fight and distract her, and its older attacks got harder to dodge. The only upside to that situation was that Lucia didn't have to hold back when fighting it. It never seemed to tire, and always came back for more.
At the moment, Lucia was lying on the roof of the Owl House and looking at the stars. Despite being in a completely different realm the stars didn't seem to change, even if their names did. Noticing an odd symbol among them, Lucia drew it with her finger, and to her surprise she felt a tingle at their tips. Doing so again with the Keyblade led to a discovery, a light spell. After falling off the roof in surprise, and not getting hurt thanks to Hooty catching her, Lucia rushed into the house to show Eda and King. While King marveled at Lucia's light orbs, Eda began to think, and after slipping back outside they practiced using and manipulating her light into different forms. After a couple hours, Lucia found that she didn't have to trace the glyph itself every time, but if she focused hard enough on visualizing it the Keyblade would do the rest. Late into the night, Lucia continued to practice with a beaming smile despite the pair of napping form sat against the house.
The next morning Eda woke up to King still curled up in her lap and a kink in her back. Carefully she stood up, and proceeded to enter the kitchen to make breakfast, but smelled some already made which made Eda smile. Lucia was still learning, but Eda found it all cute. Those feelings vanished when she saw her charge sitting at the table muttering, jittery, and drinking a silvery brown drink. Suddenly one of Camila's warnings played back in her head, and it made her palm her face in disappointment with herself. Camila had been adamant that Lucia not be allowed anywhere near coffee. She wasn't allergic or anything like that, but putting it simply, Lucia couldn't be trusted near it, and that had just made Eda laugh. With assurances that the Demon realm didn't have coffee beans in the first place it had been forgotten for other warnings.
Eda had forgotten about Booster potions though, and the many effects they could have depending on how you made them. One of which was a stimulant similar to espresso. While Lucia continued to twitch in her own world Eda snuck a sip of her drink, and… Holy Titan. Eda was horrified, proud, and intimidated. Her Owlet had taken all of her lessons to heart, and created a custom 'super booster' for herself. It was stronger than the normal variety, gave a boost to magical recovery, and tasted sweet instead of the usual bitter. Finishing the cup herself, Eda walked over and got to work cobbling together something to help 'bring her back down' safely. It took nearly five minutes for Lucia to notice Eda was there, a bad sign, and Eda was careful to not surprise or excite her charge further, fearing her heart might give out under the added stress.
It took a while, but soon Lucia was 'out of danger' in Eda's opinion and had finally stopped twitching. She would have some deep eyebags for the next few days, and a killer migraine later, but Eda could finally find out what she was thinking. Lucia let out a sleepy chuckle as she explained, "I started getting sleepy, and I wanted to keep practicing for a little longer so I made a small booster… then another, and after that things started to get hazy. I remember thinking that I had to stay awake, had to master my first real spell, and… I'm sorry Eda. I forgot rule two of brewing, 'Never brew alone'. I promise this won't happen again." With a loud yawn, Lucia started to drift off to sleep as she absentmindedly cuddled into Eda's side and whispered, "I'll do better… next time. I'll be better. I love you… Mom." And with that she was out.
When Lucia 'awoke' in her dream she was sitting with her back against the door, and to her amazement the top symbol now glowed with a warm light. The others remained hazy, but this was a definite step forward. Unfortunately her body felt heavy like all of her exhaustion was still present from her practicing the night before. When the shadow beast arose it seemed somehow smaller, but thicker and more tangible… condensed. With that change came an increase in speed as it punched, slashed, and blasted Lucia with more power than it ever had before, and Lucia was losing. Her reactions were just too slow, her body too heavy, and her mind too tired to get the upper hand. Soon she felt cuts and bruises form all over her body as she was slowly toyed with until the Keyblade shattered in her hand, and Lucia felt terrified at what would happen next, but before the shadow beast could finish her an armored being appeared to block its way. For a moment the two just stared each other down, but then the beast roared and slunk away, not beaten but driven off for the time being, and as the armored figure looked at her all Lucia felt was… disappointment.
When Lucia woke up it was to Eda shouting, and for some reason one of her eyes was swollen shut… and Lucia was sore all over. Unlike all the other times Lucia had gone to that place in her dreams, this time she returned with her injuries from her fight, and Eda was understandably freaking out. Eda was far from the best healer, but she did her best, and Lucia, despite the pain, felt warm from the experience. Lucia spent the rest of that day being 'guarded' by King and explaining to the best of her ability's her dreams and what she saw in them. Eda was frustrated by the fact that she had no idea how to help her… student, but she could at least make a few guesses.
"Ok, Luz that shadow beast you mentioned sounds like a Heartless. I remember your Dad mentioning them a few times when he passed through, but I've never seen one myself. As for the armored figure… I have no idea kiddo, but I think your condition remains the same when you travel back and forth. If you go to sleep 'compromised' then you wake up there in the same or a similar state, and apparently the reverse is true now too. We need to be extra careful going forward, ok? You can't take chances like you did last night again." After a long pause Eda's eyes got misty, "I don't want to find out what will happen if you die there."
Lucia gave Eda a reassuring smile, "Don't worry Aunt Eda. I'm getting stronger everyday, and I have the Keyblade so…" Lucia tried to summon it, but it didn't appear, "Well… guano."
For the rest of that day Lucia rested as best she could, and by the time she got ready to actually sleep most of her injuries were healed, and she was feeling a lot better. The potions Eda gave her were nasty, but that was ok because Eda never seemed to judge her for her mistakes and she made her feel safe. As she drifted off Lucia wasn't afraid despite knowing what was coming, and she was right. Once more she was on a column, but this one was different. Usually she appeared on the red and green column that had her Mami and Papi on it or the purple one with the door, but this time the column was red and gold, and had images of her Papi and Eda. Instead of the stairs appearing, the armored figure did, and words popped into her head without any being heard.
You have healed well, little light, but you do not yet have the strength to return to battle. Enjoy this reprieve. It will be your one and only, and remember well the lesson it has taught you.
For the first time Lucia got a good look at the figure's armor since it was not glowing, and she wasn't too beaten to focus. The armor looked heavy, but it didn't seem to restrict their movements. It was made of various shades of red with some sections being almost black or blood-like and others being almost orange or autumn colored. The dark seemed like the base, while the autumn acted as accents and broke up the dark blocks. As Lucia watched the figure dropped to a knee and before him appeared a Keyblade with a copper blade and four sets of silver teeth at its head in an '+' shape and a red colored hand guard in a shape similar to the one she used. Something about the figure's posture told her it was resting, so Lucia did the same, and allowed it to perform its silent vigil.
The next day was overcast and dreary, so nobody felt particularly energetic. King spent the morning teaching Lucia about demons and just spending time with the girl that was quickly becoming someone important to him… a big sister. As it approached mid-day it started to rain, and Lucia found out that weather in the Boiling Isles was just like everything else there. It was weird, beautiful, and dangerous. While Eda put up a shield spell King decided to give Lucia a Boiling Isles makeover. Lucia would be making her debut to the Isles soon and attending Hexside, so King was adamant that she look every bit the powerful warrior his 'knight' could be, and Lucia found his antics so cute that she couldn't bring herself to argue.
To Lucia's surprise King was very talented when it came to tailoring. A fact made all the stranger by the fact he never wore clothes if he could avoid it. By the time they were done Lucia felt like a new person. Sturdy black boots, her normal legging/shorts combo for pants, a purple short sleeved and hooded shirt with a maroon leather jacket over it, her Papi's Keychain unwrapped from her wrist and hanging around her neck like a proper necklace, and on her hands a pair of spiked fingerless gloves and wrist guards that King insisted brought the whole look together. Taking it one step further Lucia combed out her wild hair and tied it back into a ponytail with only a pair of bangs to outline her face. Through the whole process King was there giving suggestions or comments, but before King could get too invested in the concept of 'war paint'. The lights went out and Hooty screamed.
King immediately jumped into Lucia's hood, its second purpose after just looking cool, and they dashed off to investigate making Lucia wish for the thousandth time that the Keyblade would just reappear already. When they arrived they found the couch flipped, Hooty out cold, and a trio of black creatures inching closer to Hooty's door. On instinct, Lucia grabbed Owlberts staff, Owlbert not on it and hiding apparently, and used it to attack the creatures and knock them away into the rain. Sadly the rain didn't seem to affect them, but they did seem to retreat for now. Hearing King's scared and worried whimpers, Lucia reached up and hugged him.
"Lu, what were those things? They didn't look like any kind of demon I know of," stammered King.
"King… I think those were Heartless. They weren't anywhere near as scary looking as the ones from my dreams, but they do look similar. Ugh, what an amazing time for the Keyblade to not come when I call. Great. King, I need you to stay close to me. If they are going after people that can't defend themselves then Eda could be in danger. We have to find her," stated Lucia firmly, her calm helping King settle down as well.
"We should start in her room. If she's not here then that's the next most likely spot," suggested King, and Lucia nodded. As they walked down the hall to Eda's room they say yellow eyes watching them, but the heartless didn't attack. They seemed to be waiting for something. Quietly moving into Eda's room Lucia got her first look at the space, and it really screamed Eda. The place was a mess and her bed was a literal nest. Finding no sign of their Mom, the duo started searching around until they found a trio of gold elixirs that Lucia remembered seeing Eda drink periodically. Suddenly a huge winged beast smashed through the eye-shaped window in the room. As it slammed into the floor, Lucia noticed two things. One, it was covered in tiny Heartless that seemed to be trying to beat it up, and second, it had Eda's face.
Deciding to deal with the beast later, Lucia worked on trying to rid it of its Heartless tagalongs while King hid and protected the elixirs they found, after all if they were here they had to be important. Unfortunately no matter how hard they tried the Heartless just kept multiplying like shadows, and Lucia was afraid. She felt weak, and she couldn't lose Eda… she had to protect her. All of a sudden time seemed to slow, and Lucia heard her Papi's voice, "Lucia. Let your power well up inside you. All the anger, love, and hope. Force it out, and tell it what you want. Tell them who you are."
Much like she had in her dream once before, Lucia channeled all of her emotions into her hand, and with a mighty roar she screamed, "LUZ." And the room was bathed in bright violet light. The shadows burned away like mist, freeing the owl beast who seemed to turn to Lucia to fight her next, but as their eyes met the beast relaxed, and just nuzzled her face. It took some coaxing, but eventually they got the beast to drink all three elixirs, and as they watched her form reverted to Eda's exhausted frame before passing out. Together King and Lucia managed to get Eda uncomfortably into her nest, and King proceeded to cuddle her until he too fell asleep. Lucia knew she still had to do something though.
Quietly, Lucia made her way down to the kitchen, and took off her Keychain necklace, placing it before her. After a sigh, she began to speak, "Ok, so I'm not sure if you can hear me, but this needs to end. I know I'm still learning, and I'm not even half the wielder my father probably is, but I need your help to protect the people I love. I'm sorry I tried to push myself too hard. It was dumb, but I've never had friends before… I've never felt needed before. I let it go to my head, and I'm sorry. Please help me. Help me protect my new family so I don't lose them like I did my last one." Reaching out, Lucia grasped the Keychain, and she smiled as the Keyblade responded to her. With a tear in her eye Lucia whispered, "Thank you."
The conversation that followed the next day was rough for Eda, but Lucia's new ability to use magic and the return of the Keyblade proved enough of a distraction to get them through it. Apparently Eda and Manny had tried for years to remove her curse, but they ended up having to settle for her elixirs as a stop gap. All of that led to an even harder conversation. "Lucia, your father and I came up with a plan years ago, and I think it's time I update it."
"Come on Eda, don't get so morose. You know I'll be here for you no matter what," smiled Lucia, nervously.
Eda got very serious, "No kiddo, hear me out. This is important. We made it so that in the event that something happens to me everything I own would transfer to him like my door, Hooty, and everything else, but that was before King. Luz, I want it to be you. My curse is getting worse, and my magic is getting less reliable. Just getting out of my nest is getting exhausting. With your father gone to who knows where… I don't have anyone else I trust. If something happens, I trust you to look after my son because he loves you… and so do I."
Lucia felt overwhelmed, but smiled, "Eda you old buzzard. Like I'd say no. I love you guys too. Of course I'll look after King, but you're not allowed to go anywhere yet. We still need you. Eda… I don't know how to say this, so I'll just give it to ya straight. My relationship with Mami is… strained. She never understood me and losing Papi just made it worse. Eda, when I think of my role model… my mother… its your smirking face I see. You never judge me. You support me. You understand me. This place is my home and that's thanks to you. Even if I have to spend the rest of my life with only King beside me… I won't have any regrets because I had Edalyn Clawthorne for a mentor and more importantly as a Mom."
Eda couldn't speak so she just hugged her kids, and prayed to the Titan that they would give her just a little more time… her children still need her. With a heavy weight finally off of her shoulders Eda steeled her resolve. If she was going out, she would make sure that her kids were as ready as they could be.
Admitting that she didn't have all the answers was hard, but when Lucia admitted she wished she knew more about the Keyblade and the Heartless Eda had to give in. The library hadn't been her first choice of places to go for their first family trip, but if that's what Lucia needed then they would make it work… even if the librarians would try to bleed her of her every snail in book fees.
While Eda and King argued with a very tired and irate assistant librarian, Lucia started her search. Lucia loved library's, they had their own special magic, but the Bonesborough Library had that and more. Figuring she should get a mental map of where everything was first, Lucia proceeded to wander until she heard a cute voice reading aloud. It shouldn't have surprised Lucia that they would have a 'Kid's Corner' here, but it did, and leading it was the cutest girl Lucia had ever seen. A mane of wild minty green hair, a bit of her brown roots poking through, creamy pale skin that positively glowed against her black top, and a luminus smile that reminded Lucia of gentle moonlit nights. She seemed so kind and sweet as she read to the kids. If love at first sight existed, this was it.
Lucia found herself staying close by, and occasionally sneaking peeks at the cute girl until she finished reading and the kids started to disperse. It wasn't until that moment that Lucia noticed a little red demon kid that looked a lot like Wrath. As Lucia watched, she heard his incredibly deep voice as he said, "Thank you Ms. Amity. Ok Mama, I'm ready to go." As he left he gave Amity a hug before taking the hand of a small imp-like demon woman who had a hand for hair.
After all the kids left, Lucia casually walked into the 'Kids Corner' and started looking around while occasionally putting this or that away. Amity didn't miss the odd girl or what she was doing, but she didn't recognize her, so she faked a smile and walked over, "Hello. Is there something I can help you with?"
Lucia blushed and tried not to look at the cute girl just in case she noticed, but then she saw something she recognized, "Wait! You have the Good Witch Azura?! I love these." After taking a closer look at the shelf she sighed, "Bumer, looks like five is checked out. That's the best one so far except for one of course."
Amity suddenly gasped, "You've read book five?! But that isn't supposed to be out yet? How have you read it?"
Lucia chucked, "It came out a few months ago where I used to live. Um, I have a copy back at the house if you want to borrow it Ms…?"
Amity paled, "Amity Blight, it's nice to meet you, and… if it's not too much trouble."
"Lo que sea por una chica bonita. My names Lucia by the way."
Amity blushed, "Did you just call me pretty?"
Lucia was stunned, as she stammered, "You speak Spanish… Guano, I'm so sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I should go. Maldita Lucía, ahora lo has estropeado todo. Ahora sólo pensará que eres rara y se burlará de ti. Por eso no puedes tener amigos. ¿Por qué no puedes ser normal de una vez? (Dammit Lucia now you've ruined everything. Now she'll just think you're weird, and make fun of you. This is why you can't have friends. Why can't you just be normal one time?)"
Lucia started to walk away in embarrassment, but Amity stopped her, "Ok, so I only got some of that, I haven't practiced in almost ten years, but please don't go. Honestly you only caught me off guard. It's… it's been a long time since anyone said anything like that to me."
Lucia looked irritated at that, "Then people must be blind. You're like the cutest girl I've ever seen… Guano, me and my big mouth." Lucia's face turned scarlet in embarrassment again.
Amity laughed, despite her own blush, "So… I'm feeling torn. On one hand I really want to get your scroll number so we can get together, and I can borrow that book, but on the other hand I'm kinda supposed to be working right now… maybe I can help you find something while we get to know each other? I've never seen you around before. Are you new?"
Lucia sighed, "I wish I could give you my number, but I haven't got a scroll yet. I've been saving up, but hopefully soon." Lucia smiled, happily, "I'd love to get to know you though? You're right I am new to the area. I'm staying with my Godmother right now, and I'm supposed to be enrolling in Hexside this upcoming semester, but… it's not important. I'm looking for anything you might have on creatures called the Heartless or an object called a Keyblade." Hearing the word Keyblade, Amity stopped and took a closer look at Lucia's face, making the latina blush again. "Something on my face?"
Amity squinted, "Now that I look closer at you… you do look kinda familiar." After leaning in close, in kissing distance if you asked Lucia, Amity suddenly gasped, "You kinda look like Ford, but nobodies heard from him in years… Lucia… What's your last name?"
"... Noceda?" Lucia said in a slight daze as she recovered from all of her blood rushing to her face. Something that wasn't helped when Amity grabbed Lucia's hand.
"Where is he? Is he ok? Please, tell me Uncle Ford is ok," begged Amity frantically.
Seeing the panic in the greenette's eyes Lucia did the first thing she could think of… she wrapped Amity in a hug as she quietly tried to sooth the witch girl by carefully stroking her back and hair. At first Amity froze in shock, before she seemed to melt into Lucia's embrace. It had been a long time since anyone had done anything like this for her, and it felt… amazing. Once Amity had calmed down, Lucia pulled away enough to look Amity in the eye, "I wish I could give you good news, but nobody I've talked to has seen my Papi in six years." This seemed to sadden Amity, but Lucia caught Amity's chin in her hand, and she gently made her look at her again, "But I haven't given up hope. I'm looking for him, and you're more than welcome to join me, hermosa."
Amity nodded, "Come with me I'll help you look up those books." As they walked away Lucia noticed Amity was holding her hand, and that just seemed to short circuit her mind, so she just allowed Amity to drag her along. Lucia would go anywhere as long as it was with Amity.
For the next fifteen minutes, Amity tried every trick she knew to find anything on Heartless or the Keyblade, but she only found one lead… and it was in the Forbidden Stacks. As they searched though Amity asked Lucia questions, and since Amity was still holding her hand Lucia answered them in a bit of a daze. Luckily Lucia didn't say anything incriminating, but a few awkward statements did leak out, like how Lucia grew up in the human realm, and how she knew she was at least half human, but the more she learned about her Papi the more she wondered if he had been more than human. Eventually, Amity led Lucia to the romance section, a fact that made Lucia begin to sweat, and once the coast was clear Amity pulled a book, and Lucia found herself dragged into a secret room. The door closing behind them.
Amity let out a frustrated groan as she threw herself onto what looked like a beanbag chair, finally letting go of Lucia's hand, and ending her 'spell' over Lucia's mind, "How is it that there are only three books in the whole library that have anything to do with Keyblades or Heartless, and all three are locked away were we can't reach them? This library is the second largest and most complete on the whole Isles, with only the Emperor's personal library being larger, and that's all hearsay since nobody has actually seen it."
Amity continued to grumble and pout making Lucia grin, "Ya know, you kinda remind me of a cat when you get all grumpy, hermosa. It's really adorable."
Amity let out a pained sigh, "I'm sorry I can't help you Luz, so you can stop acting like I'm pretty. I know I'm not… and I never will be."
Lucia looked confused, and a little hurt, "Sure it sucks that you can't use your 'librarian magic' to help me, but that doesn't really matter to me. I'll find answers somewhere. I'm not giving up." Looking away a little awkward, Lucia continued, "And gatita… I'm not acting. I really do think you're beautiful."
With tears in her eyes Amity ripped a ring off her finger and rounded on Lucia, and after a small puff of smoke cleared Amity screamed, "How about now? Still think I'm pretty? No, I didn't think so."
Before Amity could turn around and completely fall apart, Lucia caught her hand and pulled Amity so that she could see better. With a gentle slightly trembling hand Lucia traced the crescent scar that ran over her right eye and hooked down ending just past her lower lip, "Oh Amity, I'm so sorry. D-does it hurt?" Amity shook her head. "Will you tell me who did this to you?" Amity seemed torn, but just continued to shake her head as she looked down, but then she froze as she felt something warm and soft touch her scar. When she looked up she saw that Lucia had kissed her eye right where the scar was, leaving Amity speechless. With a sweet tender smile, Lucia cupped Amity's cheek as she rested her forehead against Amity's and whispered, "I know you probably won't believe me, but your scar doesn't make you any less beautiful to me. When I look at you, all I see is a sweet, radiant, and stunning woman with a lot of hidden furiosity and an inner strength that leaves me breathless."
Before she could think about it, Amity leaned forward and caught Lucia's lips with her own, and to both of their surprise neither pulled away. Time seemed to freeze for them as they both leaned further into the kiss enjoying the flavor of each other's lips, until finally they had to break away to catch their breaths, and they both found themselves blushing messes. After a second Amity managed to look at Lucia again and prepared to apologize, but instead she just felt Lucia pull her into another breathtaking passionate kiss that left them both panting for air when it too ended. When they looked at each other, and their breathless states, they both started to crack up until Amity let out a happy sigh, "Maybe Em was right. I was missing out. Not bad for a first kiss."
Lucia nodded, with a goofy grin, "Ya, but I think that might have more to do with who I was kissing. I'm happy that I got to have my first one with you Amity." Hesitantly Lucia asked, "So, where do we go from here? Apparently neither of us has any experience with this kinda thing, and I've only known you for a few hours, but do you… do you want to see where this goes?" Lucia looked away and scratched the back of her head feeling awkward and a little scared, "If not I get it. You could probably do a lot better than a Luz-er like me."
Amity took Lucia's hand, "Luz, ya this is kinda unexpected, but I don't want this to be a once in a lifetime thing. You're right I don't really know you, and that worries me." Lucia let out a defeated sighed, but then she felt Amity's lips on her forehead, "I don't care about any of that though. Lucia Noceda, would you be my girlfriend? I know kissing usually happens after you say yes, but…" Amity was cut off by Lucia giving her another kiss as Amity slowly melted into the surprising buff embrace of her new girlfriend.
When they separated, Lucia smiled, "I think that answers your question, but just in case. Yes, Amity Blight, I would like to be your girlfriend." Lucia got a small mischievous smirk, "I hope this isn't too forward, but… Would you like to meet my Godmother? I could hang out until your shift ends and then you could come back to my place to pick up that book. I do have to warn you though, I do have my own tower. Where I live all by myself, so Titan only knows what might happen…"
Amity blushed hard and let out a breathy sigh, "You know what? Why not? And I'll take my chances with coming by your tower… I'm feeling… adventurous." Lucia's face was scarlet but she only nodded with a goofy grin, her brain having melted by this point. "But before we do that, there is one more thing I can try, but you can't tell anyone I did it, ok?" Lucia, feeling the shift in the room came back to her senses, and nodded that she wouldn't say a word. Amity took a moment to collect herself before she began to quietly sing a little song captivating Lucia with its beauty. Soon a skull headed mouse came scampering from a small hole in the wall, and sat cautiously on Amity's desk, eyeing Lucia nervously. Amity though, just reached into her bag, and pulled out a few seeds that she offered to the little creature, "Ratagon, I need you to do me a favor. Can you go back to the others and see if they've eaten anything about Keyblades, or Heartless? If so I'd really appreciate it if they would be ok with helping us out for a bit. I'm sure we could make it worth their while."
Lucia watched the small creature as it seemed to debate for a moment before nodding and running off, leaving her confused. "Um, what was that, and what are you up to, mi amor?"
Amity smirked, and sashayed over until she was sitting in Lucia's lap, making Lucia blush, but Lucia made no move to stop her, so Amity continued, "That my love was an Echo mouse. They used to be quite a nuisance, but I managed to reach an understanding with them, not that anybody else can know that. I let them eat some of the duplicate books that can't be salvaged, and they allow me to get a peek at something restricted from time to time. I have to know what I'm looking for though, and they can always say no." Amity blushed, "So, we probably have a few minutes while Ratagon checks with the rest of his mischief… you have any idea's for how we can pass the time?" They both smiled as they leaned in for another kiss.
When Ratagon came back a half hour later, he and his two companions found Amity and Lucia cuddling where he left them. After making a few annoyed squeaks, Ratagon let his eyes light up like a movie projector, and an image of an angry teacher played. The girls jumped when they heard a disapproving voice say, "What are you doing." Looking at the desk they finally noticed Ratagon's return along with two other Echo mice that looked like they were regretting this already. Taking turns they each repeated what Ratagon did, but instead they only played one word each, Rena and Don. Assuming that was the two's names, Amity stood up and offered each a small bit of seeds like she had before to Ratagon.
Watching the two mice, Lucia got an idea, "So, I'm guessing you two would prefer if nobody saw you so I have an offer for you. Rena, Don, I have some candy left over from earlier, and I have fairly deep pockets in my jacket. If you want, I can leave each of you some, and you can munch on it while Amity and walk to my tower. Once you're inside, you shouldn't have to worry since Hooty isn't allowed inside anymore." Lucia pulled out a bit of taffy, and gave each a little piece. Lucia made sure to give some to Ratagon as well, for the help. After trying some of the taffy all three mice did a little happy dance, and Rena and Don each jumped into one of her pockets, making Amity giggle.
"Looks like they liked it. So, I guess it's time to face the music. I'm kinda nervous. What if she doesn't like me?" smiled Amity, before her smile dropped in worry.
Lucia just held Amity close, as they walked back out to the library proper, Amity making sure her concealment stone ring was comfortably in place before they left. As they approached the front of the library Amity saw the back of a wild mane of gray hair, but the woman didn't turn around until they were almost right next to her. Clearing her voice, Lucia said, "Hey Aunt Eda. Couldn't get much luck finding any books, but I might have found a lead. In other news, um… I met this beauty, and I invited her back to my tower to do some research… also we might have decided to give dating a try. Wow, this is every bit as awkward as I thought it might be, so I wanted to introduce you too…"
"Hello again, Bossy Boots. Finally decide to ditch prissy Lily and have some fun?" asked Eda flatly, much to Lucia's surprise.
Amity groaned, "Why am I not surprised? Of course I fall for the Owl Lady's ward. I'm really starting to think the Titan hates me." Matching Eda's tone, Amity stated, "No, Ms. Eda. As far as I know Ms. Lilith has no idea I even work here…" A thought occurred to Amity, and she smiled, "And frankly I don't care. I've allowed her and my mother to dominate my life for long enough. Screw'em, Luz makes me happy, and that's enough for me."
Lucia beamed, and Eda just looked on in shock until she began to chuckle, "Dang kiddo. I don't know what you did, but… flipping a Blight is a big deal. Let's go, and for the record I'm proud of both of you. Just promise me I won't wake up to one of you carrying, ok?"
Lucia turned scarlet, but Amity huffed, "Not funny, Ms. Eda. You know that performing that ritual is dangerous if done before your body fully matures. I would never take that risk with my Luz. I finally found someone who actually cares about me, I refuse to lose her now."
"Wow, ok. Did not expect that response. You and I are going to talk about that later, Boots, but until then let's just go get something to eat." Eda then noticed Lucia's neck and smirked, "Well looks like some of us have been 'snacking' while we were separated."
Lucia covered her neck, and the hickeys, with her hands with a slight blush, but Amity just smiled, "It's not my fault your sweet, my love."
But while Amity was distracted thinking she won, Lucia snuck a kiss of her own. Amity reached up to feel her own now moist neck, and she saw Lucia smile and lick her lips with a wink, "Yum, my favorite flavor… mint."
Eda snickered, making the girls decide that they would wait till they were alone to keep up their game. Together the small group walked down the street enjoying the warm twilight air, and each other's company, much to Amity's surprise, as all three women shared stories with each other of their time with Manford. Lucia knew him as the loving doting father, Amity the fun and protective uncle, but Eda knew him best. They had meet shortly before Eda got cursed, and Lucia was thrilled to learn more about who her father was when he didn't have responsibilities tying him down.
Lucia got so enraptured that she didn't notice when Amity disappeared for a couple minutes or when she returned with a smile, and Amity returned the favor for Eda with a particular story of her Uncle Ford, namely when he snuck into her room and 'kidnapped' her for a whole day to play and have fun on her sixth birthday. When they arrived at a tiny hole in the wall restaurant that Amity hadn't even known was there, Eda proceeded to order them all a small banquet of tasty treats that both girls loved. Towards the end of their meal the owner and head chief, a short rat-like demon man named Remy, came by to chat with Eda, and when he learned who Lucia was he smiled and shook her hand with a smile. Remy even comped their meal, apparently Ford had helped him with some issues he'd had when Remy first opened, and he had never forgotten his friend.
After thanking Remy, and Eda sneaking a small bag of snails to him anyway, despite his kind offer, the trio started to get ready to head to the Owl House, but before they left Eda and Amity gave Lucia the presents that they had picked up when she was distracted. Amity got Lucia a scroll, partially so they could keep in contact, and Eda pulled a new purple beanie and an aged red satchel from her hair that had belonged to Manny. He had left the satchel with Eda to get it repaired.
To Lucia and Amity's surprise it was an 'infinite bag'. Basically a pocket space like Eda's hair that could be used to store her books, potions, or anything else Lucia decided she needed to carry around, and Amity marveled at it while telling 'her Luz' that they were rare and very expensive to make. Eda scoffed at that, and revealed she had made that one as a teen for one of Manny's birthdays. On a whim, Lucia reached inside the bag to check if her Papi had left anything, making Eda snort and assure her he hadn't, only to pull out an old photo of Lucia when she was only a few weeks old with her Mami beside her and her Papi rocking her gently.
When they arrived at the Owl House, Eda separated off to handle Hooty, tuck King in, and grab some snacks for later while Lucia led Amity to her tower, feeling a little self conscious. Lucia loved her tower, and appreciated everything in it, but Amity was well off, pretty, and… Lucia felt a tinge of worry that when she saw Lucia's worn and basic furniture that she might judge her or think less of her. To Lucia's joy, that couldn't have been further from the truth. Amity marveled at everything, even the most basic of things, and Lucia decided that it was official… she was in love. The fact that all of the things around her were Lucia's, not Eda's or shared property, seemed to fill Amity with a wonder that caught Lucia off guard at first, but it was quickly shoved aside by Lucia's mind as she was distracted by just how adorable her girlfriend was.
When Eda returned and they all moved to the second floor, Lucia's study and relaxing space, the girls introduced her to Rena and Don, and after a few bribes in the form of small treats the trio got to work reviewing some of what the Echo mice could show them. It wasn't much: a few snippets of a legend about a Keyblade War, a few depictions of basic Heartless like the Shadow (the ones Lucia saw during the Boiling Rains), Soldier (small lightly armored heartless), and a few others, and a few lines about things called Nobodies, but that was about it for now. Regardless, Amity took methodical notes during the whole thing, and Lucia surprised them when she showed them her contribution… incredibly detailed sketches. Seeing the awe on their faces, Lucia took it one step further as she grabbed a notebook from the shelves behind them and showed off her sketchbook. In it they saw depictions of the shadow beast (Lucia decided it needed a better name since Shadows were something different), the Armored figure, and the door.
Feeling extra bold, Lucia decided to show Amity one more thing… the Keyblade she had. Amity was fascinated by it, and asked to get a closer look. Knowing what would happen, Lucia handed it over, but to Eda and Lucia's shock the Keyblade remained in Amity's hands as she gave it a few test swings, and looked it over more closely. Noticing the other two's surprise, Amity inquired what was wrong, but instead of explaining Lucia tried to hand the Keyblade to Eda, only for it to disappear after a few seconds to reappear in Lucia's hand, making Amity jump. With their study session done Eda sat forward a bit and got very serious as she said, "Ok Boots, you don't have to if you don't want to, but what you said earlier has me worried. I knew your parents well when we were in Hexside together, so I have to ask… are you ok? I have to admit you seem completely different from the times I saw you at Lily's side, and…" Eda sighed, "Dammit, you seem like a good kid, so why the cold demeanor and toxic mask?"
Amity trembled slightly, but Lucia never left her side, and just held her hand, so Amity removed her ring for the second time in over a year/since she'd received it. Eda gasped at Amity's scar, but Amity didn't see any judgment in Eda's eyes, only sadness, empathy, and a bit of rage, making Amity's chest feel warm.
Spurred on by the feeling in her chest and Lucia's reassuring touch, Amity let it all out, "No, Eda. I'm not ok. With the exception of the few times Uncle Manny 'kidnapped' me to hang out or have some fun, I've spent every second of my life with my mother, Odalia's, heel on my throat, sometimes literally. Every minute of the last fifteen years with her have been one form of torture or another. She dictates who I'm allowed to socialize with, what I can eat, what I say and do… Titan, the only reason I feel comfortable being anywhere near either of you right now is because my parents are off on a business trip to Palm Stings, and she can't use her oracle stone to spy on me since she's too far away." Amity started to cry, but she pushed forward not wanting to lose her nerve, "Ms. Lilith has always been more of a mother to me than Odalia ever has. Despite her usual cold demeanor… she never hits me or tries to starve me as a punishment, and because of that I guess I started to emulate her a bit. People couldn't hurt me if I kept them at arm's reach, and their judgment got easier to take since they didn't know the real me."
Amity felt Lucia let go of her hand, and Amity felt an immediate ache in her heart, but it was quickly driven away as Lucia adjusted, and scooped Amity up so she was now sitting in Lucia's lap with her arms wrapped around Amity in a tender embrace that made Amity feel safe… Lucia would protect her. Her light loved her, and she loved Lucia. They had only known each other for a day, but everything about her felt so familiar… like an old friend and a shield against the coldness of the world around them. It had been so long since Amity felt any warmth at all, but now, as she basked in Lucia's glow. She felt like her skin was on fire and she embraced it with her whole being. Even if it burned her away, Amity would do it with a smile, because it felt… so… good.
Eda reached out and put her hand on Amity's knee with a serious look. After taking a breath, Eda said something that surprised her, "Amity, I want you to listen to me. If she ever hurts you again, or you need a place to hide… Call me. I don't care what's going on or what happens, you will be safe here. No child should ever have to go through what you did, and I'm so sorry. If I had known… no. 'What ifs' and 'should haves' don't matter right now. What matters is you and your happiness, and never let anyone tell you differently."
Amity felt that warm feeling grow, and she stammered out, "Really? But you don't even know me, and up until this morning I would have helped Ms. Lilith capture you if I could. I-I don't deserve your kindness. I don't deserve any of this. I'm not worth it."
Eda got a fierce look as she gave Amity's knee a squeeze, "Bat guano. Everyone deserves to feel happy and safe, and your family. I might not always see eye to eye with my sister, but you are her apprentice. The only one she's taken since she's become Coven Head, and more importantly, even I can see the bond you have with Luz, but even if it doesn't last, which I doubt cuz wow you two are too cute, my offer will always stay the same. You're one of us now whether you like it or not, and I protect my people."
For a while Amity just let all of the emotions she kept locked away flood out of her as Lucia held her close, and Eda watched on like a silent guardian. Once she was all cried out, Amity continued to tell her new family about what she had gone through. How Alador never seemed to have time for her, instead choosing to tinker in his lab. How her older siblings, Edric and Emira, constantly picked on her and pulled pranks. Thankfully that had lessened after they stole her diary and spread it all over the school the previous year. It had hurt, but now they just seemed distant, like they couldn't stand being near her, but at least she could focus now. Lastly, Amity gently stroked her scar as she admitted that Ms. Lilith had gotten busy a while ago, and they had to take a break from her lesions until she could get it settled. Odalia had taken this as a failure on Amity's part, and had gotten so angry she 'accidently' scared Amity with one of her spirits, and had failed to get her to a healer fast enough to remove it.
Eda had expected it to be something like that, but hearing it confirmed… Eda almost lost control of her curse, and she thought she heard a voice in her head. Protect Owlet's mate… rip the Egg Breaker apart… make her suffer as Owlet's mate has suffered. It took every ounce of her self control not to do it too because Eda couldn't lie… she wanted to do it. After everything Odalia had done, seeing her beg for mercy and finally removing her taint from the Isles would bring Eda no small amount of joy, but Eda reminded herself that Odie wasn't what mattered. Amity was.
Suddenly Lucia spoke up, "I'm sorry Amity, but I think I can understand." Lucia let out a long breath to steel her nerves before she got up, "I trust you two, so I think it's time I come clean. Just give me a second, and I'll explain." Lucia ran upstairs to her room for a moment and when she came back she had on a pair of super short black gym shorts and a tiny black sleeveless nightshirt that showed off all of her arms, shoulders, and most of her upper back and waist. The sight would have made Amity overheat into a gay puddle if not for the determined and fearful look in her girlfriends eyes.
Gently, Lucia took Amity's hand and guided it up into her hair where Amity was surprised to find something awaiting her. With a pained quiet voice Lucia began, "I told my Mami I fell practicing some parkour, but a bully and his friends jumped me after school one day, and one had a pipe." Lucia moved Amity's hand down to her ribs, where she could feel old breaks through her skin, "Different bully, but they thought it would be funny to kick me until I stopped squirming. I told Mami it was an accident at Boxing practice." Moving to Lucia's back, Amity found it slightly rough to the touch, "I don't know why, but some guy tried to run me over… he dragged me for four blocks before I managed to roll free. Biking accident." Next Lucia's inner thighs, "I asked out the wrong girl. So her friends pulled me into a bathroom and used a knife to teach me a lesson." Lucia let out a sad chuckle, "I didn't actually have to lie about these. Due to where they are they're hidden from view most of the time by my leggings, and I was able to stitch them up myself, but they scared pretty bad as a result. Mami never needed to know anything happened." Finally Lucia had Amity feel her right elbow and left knee, "I got picked to join the baseball team over some senior, so he threw me down a flight of stairs, and when I tried to get up he stomped on them, and shattered my elbow and kneecap. By that point Mami didn't even question me when I said I fell down the stairs." After a pause to let it all sink in, Lucia asked, "Am I still pretty, hermosa? Do you still want me? Do you… understand?"
Amity didn't answer right away, but with gentle touches Amity guided Lucia down until she was kneeling, and staring her girlfriend in the eyes. Cupping Lucia's face, and causing a small flinch of fear, Amity pulled Lucia into a tender kiss. When they separated, Amity and Lucia just smiled at each other until Amity whispered, "Yes, you're still pretty, and I've never wanted to be with anyone more than I do you, mi preciosa novia. Mi caballera fuerte. (My precious girlfriend. My strong knight)."
Lucia snickered, "Did you just call me a strong horse? Cuz I don't think we're ready for any talk of 'riding'.
Amity blushed scarlet and sighed, "No, I'm trying to be serious here, amor."
Lucia gave Amity a small peek on the nose, "I'm sorry Ami. Go ahead."
Amity smiled as she looked into Lucia's beautiful loving eyes, "We understand each other, and now that I've found you, I never want to be without you again, because you're just like me. Lucia, you're warm and bright like the sun."
Lucia smiled, "And you are as gentle and beautiful as the moon."
"Together, I guess we complete each other," they said as one, and as odd as it was, it felt right. As the two settled in to cuddle until they fell asleep, Eda just smiled at the whole thing. It appeared that they had forgotten she was even there at some point, so she just quietly slipped away feeling like, despite everything they had to go through, they would be ok now because they had each other.
Author Notes: I want to say first, majorly disappointed with the reception 'Key to Calamity' has gotten, but this side seems to be getting views so I'm still hopeful that yall will give it a chance once we get a bit deeper into the story since they are companion pieces, and they are written to be read with both in mind. Ok well that's enough moping from me on to my thoughts.
For the record I did use Terra's armor from BBS for inspiration for 'the armored figure', but I altered its colors a bit, and its Keyblade is unique to it. I might include some world specific chains eventually, but for now everyone's base chain is wholly my own. Also, surprise. Lucia's 'dives' aren't as safe as one might assume on first impression, and one of the most important aspects of someone's 'Stations' (a concept that will be explained in story eventually) is that they are true depictions of who someone is. There are no lies there, and as a result if you have a station that specifically pertains to your parents, like Lucia, if you start seeing someone as a parent more than someone else the station will show it.
So after her makeover you can imagine Lucia as being in an in-between place between show Luz and beta Lucia with a smattering of light armor around her hands since they are an obvious target. Can't weld a blade without hands… also I found an image of what I imagine the gauntlets to look like. (if anyone wants to see, I can put a link or something in later). Also yes King would think makeup is war paint, and no Lucia is still too much of a tomboy to wear much without a good reason.
So Eda's cure is at a different point in this story, for both good and bad. On the good side it's less instinct and can somewhat recognize people they like. On the bad, though, it's progressed to the point where Eda's gem is basically always dark, not black, but it takes more than one elixir to drive the beast back to sleep. As a result Eda is kind of desperate to make a plan to protect her little family.
To explain the basics of how Lucia's magic works, it's kinda like a hybrid of the KH and KH2 systems. Her spells cost 'blocks' of magic (which she does have a lot of right now) if she casts them without any help or with the Keyblade, and as long as she is in a magic rich environment it will recharge over time. It would still recharge regardless, but without the ambient magic to absorb it's painfully slow. Paper glyphs work as normal though she doesn't really invest in that since it requires more time, resources, and prep, and it's better to 'train her magic muscles' if she wants to get stronger.
I'm convinced if Luz met Amity in a better way than she does in the show she would have fallen faster, like she already thought she was cute. Seeing the real Amity first changes a few things. If she didn't have to see Amity's 'mean girl mask' (don't worry you'll see it soon) this is probably what could have happened, if a bit slower. There are a lot of reasons why they fall for each other so fast, and only some are obvious right now. Fun fact: Braxis's parents are divorced in this Au, though they both love him dearly.
For clarification Manford Noceda will be addressed in one of three ways by people who know him. If they are aware of him, but have no real connection he's Manford, Ford if they weren't close, or had a business relationship, and Manny is for close friends and family. Amity is one of the only characters who bounce between Manny and 'Uncle' Ford, but that's because they have an odd relationship that will be gotten into when I get to the Blight's as a whole. As a side note, I don't like doing what I did to Amity, but it was important for the narrative so se la vie. Also I apparently felt like scaring characters recently IDK, but I didn't realize it until after this chapter was finished… wonder if they have something in common?
If anyone gets the Ratagon or Remy references, you're awesome and deserve a cookie. Also I love the fact that a group of mice is a mischief, it just works so well for what Amity has them doing. Also also, for the record nothing too spicy has happened in Amity's secret room… yet. Just a lot of kissing and cuddling, so don't get too excited, and a half hour of cuddling isn't actually as long as it sounds. They are almost sixteen though, so things getting 'spicy' eventually isn't off the table, but I don't intend to make anything 'lemony' in this story. I might imply though… decisions for later.
For the record Eda was only worried about Amity's response because she made it sound like 'health risks' were the only reason to avoid a birthing ritual. They discuss it off screen, but since Lucia wasn't present I chose to not show it and I intend to have the girlfriends discuss the ritual later in a 'should I be worried' situation.
Sometimes bonding through shared pain can be cathartic, and having this trio open up and 'understand' each other felt like an important scene as rough as it was to write. Despite Lucia's stories, Camila still isn't irredeemable, just busy. She works sixteen hours most days and volunteers on her off days so that she can be near Lucia. Yes, not putting together the signs of abuse in her own daughter as a nurse is… really bad… but it's not because she doesn't care. She's doing the best she can… it's just not enough in this case, and Lucia keeping secrets isn't helping.
So kind of like how novia can mean girlfriend, fiancé, and wife, caballera can mean either knight or horse according to my translator. Sometimes I love learning new things, they are a goldmine of fun things to use. With that though, it's time for my exit. Shine on beautiful readers. Shine on.