Lucia 'Luz' Noceda was having another bad day. She had worked hard to create the best book report she could. This time was supposed to be different, but once again it hadn't worked out, and her Mami just seemed so… tired and disappointed. Camila was a nurse and volunteer vet assistant. Helping others was her passion, and that was something both shared. As a matter of fact that's how Camila began to volunteer. Lucia had gotten a part-time job at the clinic, and when one of the vets got sick Camila offered to help out. For Lucia it seemed like it was the only time they ever agreed anymore. Things had gotten rough after her Papi, Manford, disappeared. Lucia had been eight, and it devastated both women. They had been so close back then, but that had been seven years ago, and they had drifted apart since.

Lucia's Quinceanera had been the final straw. Lucia had been adamant that they not even celebrate, but Camila had gone forward with it anyway, and… nobody came. Camila's parents hadn't responded to any of their attempts to reach out in years, but when Lucia had refused to have any part in the celebration Camila tried to handle everything herself. A number of teens had agreed to show up, but they never had, and despite expecting it… Lucia was still crushed. The whole thing had ended up being so humiliating for her that Lucia had simply locked herself away in the attic for the rest of the night with only her first Azura book and the silver chain bookmark that had both been the last gifts her Papi gave her.

It had been almost a year, and they hadn't really spoken since. That is until today, when the report fiasco had happened, and even then it wasn't much. Lucia was being sent away to another re-education camp, and Camila knew they had no say in the matter unless they wanted to move the four hours they would need to in order to attend the next closest school. Everywhere closer was either too expensive or incorporated with her current school so they weren't options. Due to the distance that had grown between them, Camila didn't explain that though. With all that weighing on her, Lucia tried to drift off to sleep.

Once more she was on top of a glittering column in an otherwise dark space. As always the column had images of her Papi and Mami along with depictions of star's and the sun. It used to be comforting, but now it just hurt to look at. Appearing like magic a set of spiraling pearlescent stairs led up to another column that, like always, appeared out of nowhere. As always Lucia walked forward and up the stairs until she saw a similar set of images, but the windows that held her parents were now vacant and empty, and in the center stood a white door. This time was different though… this time the door had a symbol on it. One she knew. As she reached out to it, she suddenly felt a pull, and she shot awake.

Lucia had fallen asleep clutching her book, and as she looked around she saw a small owl looking at her from the windowsill with her silver chain in its talons. The starburst charm at its end glittering in the morning light. Grabbing only her beanie, since it was on the desk, Lucia rushed toward the tiny creature to get back her chain, but she missed, and ended up in the bushes outside. It hadn't been the first time she had taken a trip out her window, but the landing still sucked. After shaking off her dizziness, Lucia saw the owl put her chain in a large bag, and begin to hop away with the bag in claw, looking ridiculous. Unfortunately the beast was quick though, Lucia could barely keep up with it as they both approached the old abandoned cabin in the woods. Suddenly the door glowed and opened for the tiny thief, and Lucia followed it, refusing to lose one of the only things she had left of her dad.

Lucia was suddenly blinded by intense light, and her headache got worse. When she opened her eyes, the door was gone and she was in an unfamiliar tent filled with the most random selection of stuff Lucia had ever seen. As she looked for any sign of the little thief, Lucia heard an older woman's voice, "Trash, trash, trash… wow Owlbert you're having an off day." Approaching the sound of the woman's voice Lucia saw her target on the shoulder of a woman with a gray lion's mane of hair, a gold fang, and a red torn dress. As she watched, the woman's eyes got wide as she pulled out the chain, "Owlbert! Where did you find this? It looks like…"

Lucia stepped out with anger in her eyes, "He stole it from me. I don't know what your game is, lady, but I want my Dads chain back. NOW!"

The lady looked from the chain to Lucia, and Lucia saw the gears turning behind her eyes. Reaching forward the lady held out her other hand, "Names Eda Clawthorne. You got one kiddo?"

"Lucia Noceda. People that matter call me Luz. Now, return my chain before I have to get nasty," threatened Lucia.

Eda snorted, followed by a laugh, "Sure kiddo, but first I want to ask you about someone."

Before she could continue a bird masked individual in a white cloak interrupted them, "Eda, the Owl Lady, you are under arrest for magical misdemeanors and running a stand with a permit. Surrender or I will be forced to- ouf."

Losing her patience Lucia punched the new figure in the jaw, and laid him out much to Eda's surprise. "Wait your turn, cabron. You can have her when we're done."

Eda cackled, and Lucia watched as the stand packed itself into a bundle. With a spin of a staff Eda hadn't been holding before, Owlbert turned into a topper, and the staff began to float in the air. "Best we continue this conversation elsewhere unless you want to get swarmed by more of these morons." Grabbing Lucia's wrist Eda pulled her onto her staff and they started flying away. After watching the stand magically fold itself up and an owl turn to wood Lucia was too stunned to fight back until she was in the sky looking out on a whole new world of macabre wonders. Seeing her wonder Eda snorted, "Welcome to the Boiling isles, Luz. Home of almost every myths you can imagine from the Human realm." Eda stopped talking, noticing that Lucia wasn't listening.

Soon they were landing outside a multi-store cottage near the edge of a cliff with a tower behind it. As they got off her staff, Lucia spotted Eda's hand still attached to the staff. Thinking fast, Lucia grabbed it making Eda sigh, but Lucia smirked, "What? You give me my chain and I'll give you your hand back." Eda scoffed, and her detached hand began to squirm making Lucia drop it. The hand crawled its way back to Eda, but only after it flipped her off. Lucia groaned, "Fine, you win. Obviously I can't trick or intimidate you, and you don't look like ya have a glass jaw like that moron earlier. So what do ya want?"

Eda just started walking toward the door, and to Lucia's surprise the owl face decoration came to life, but before it could speak Eda palmed it's face, "No Hooty. I'm tired, and we don't have time to play right now. Just open up." After a few sad hoots the door opened and they went inside. Awkwardly, Eda directed Lucia to sit, and with a bit of nervousness she held up the chain letting the starburst dangle, "Luz. Does the name Manford mean anything to you?"

Lucia was stunned, "How… why… what?" Lucia took a moment to calm down, "You know my Papi. When was the last time you saw him?" Lucia's tone was calm, but her eyes were frantic.

Eda sighed, and reached into her hair pulling out an old picture of a pair of older teens. A girl with alabaster skin and orange hair, and a boy with caramel skin and hazel eyes. "It's been six or eight years since I last saw my friend, Manny." Eda smiled, "It's nice to finally get to meet my Goddaughter though. How's your old man doing?"

Lucia looked overwhelmed, as she stammered, "H-he disappeared seven years ago without a trace."

Eda looked sad, "I'm so sorry kiddo."

Lucia was shaking, and tearing up, "Wait, wait, wait… you're my godmother? Does Mami know?"

Eda looked uncomfortable, "I know of Camila, but no… we've never met. Luz your dad was a stringent believer that the worlds and realms should stay separate. Natural leaks were fine, but he hated the fact that I sell human stuff, and he made me promise to not go through my door myself. That's why I have Owlbert collect my treasures. On that note here." Eda handed Lucia back her chain, "This place can be rough so you shouldn't be without your blade."

Lucia looked at Eda confused, "Blade? This is a bookmark. If it wasn't for the fact it's one of the only things I have left of him, I'd let you have it."

Eda scoffed, "So you don't actually know what that is then? Interesting." Eda put on her best showmans voice, "This young Lucia, is a Keychain. For those lucky few with true strength of heart, these allow them to change the properties of their Keyblade, or that's what your dad told me. All I know is I tried to steal his a couple times, and it always came back to him. On a side note I'm guessing you can't do magic then either? Well spit. I was hoping you could help us."

"Us?" Asked Lucia.

Sudden stomping could be heard from above as a cute black furred and skull headed kid came down the stairs, "Who dares disturb the King of Demons? Flee now or face my wr-WEH."

Like a flash Lucia had King in a tender hug, "Ay que lindo. Aren't you just the most adorable little tyrant I've ever seen? Yes you are."

"Help, Mom, I'm under attack. Save your King. I beg you," squeaked King, until Lucia scratched a place at the back of his head, where he can't usually reach, making him melt in pleasure. "On second thought, leave her be. Oh ya, more of that." Both women only laughed as Lucia proceeded to scratch King behind the skull.

"So ya, the tiny tyrant is my son King. I took him in about nine years ago. Anyway, I was hoping we could borrow your Key to reclaim King's crown, but…" Eda stated before ending with a sigh.

"Why would you need a Keyblade specifically?" asked Lucia.

"Well a Keyblade can open any lock, and after the last few times we "reacquired" our stuff they added a field that can only be passed if you have one of the Emperor's brands or no magic. Guess we'll have to go back to the drawing board," groaned Eda.

Lucia snorted, "Well, I might not have a Keyblade, but I'm human, so no magic. I guess I could be convinced to help my Godmother and brother out of a jam. We are family after all, but afterwards I want a favor." Lucia finished with a smirk.

King immediately turned around and started hugging her, "Ya, ya. Whatever you want godsis. Just please, help me get my crown back." Eda looked worried, but nodded.

With that settled the trio got going on their quest. On the way they got to know each other a bit. Mostly the story of how Eda found King, what they do for fun, and a bit about the Isles. After a while Lucia got her first look at the Conformatorium, a white stone tower surrounded by a courtyard enclosed within an open topped bowl of stone. With only a single path and spikes all around, Lucia was impressed. It was suitably intimidating for a prison, but nothing she couldn't handle. She had to do this if she wanted any chance of convincing Eda. Quietly they flew over to the edge of the bowl, and Eda created a platform to take the duo to a window a few floors up past the security checkpoint.

As King guided Lucia to their destination they passed cell after cell, and Lucia got to see just how bad things could be here, but she also met a few nice prisoners like Katya and her siblings, Amber and Derwin. Katya was imprisoned for writing about food falling in love, and her siblings were picked up for trying to stop the Scouts from taking her. Also Otto, the Eye Eater, who only ate his own eyes (he insisted it didn't hurt, and they grew back), and Tinela who constantly spouted conspiracy theories. None of them were actual criminals, only odd balls, and Lucia promised them she would release them on her way back so they could escape together. When they reached the Contraband room they found Eda waiting for them with the door unlocked.

As they entered they found a large room with a bowed center that contained an orange pillar of light, the aforementioned anti-theft field. Noticing nobody else around, Lucia slid down to get closer. To her surprise, her hand wouldn't go through, but she felt her pocket begin to heat up. Pulling out the Keychain, Lucia felt a push, and found herself slamming the charm into the field. Suddenly a small hole tore through, and she fell in. Carefully Lucia made her way up the pile of random stuff, only stopping to grab a few random things she found on her way up until she found the only crown around. With a disbelieving snort, Lucia grabbed it and started to make her way down. Thankfully the field was designed to keep things out, not in, so Lucia had no problem slipping back out, and returning to her Godmother and brother.

Bowing before King, Lucia presented him with his two cent Burger Queen crown, and watched as he happily skipped and danced around, making both older women smile. Suddenly a shadowed figure came rushing toward Eda's back with what looked like an ax, and Lucia jumped to protect her and take the blow herself. A flash of light went off, and Lucia found herself holding an odd blade, a Keyblade. It was a long two handed blade with a red shaft that looked like a baseball bat, and ended with four teeth like spikes pointing out to one side. It had a green handguard that looked like a pair of chancla that encircled the leather wrapped handle, and her dad's Keychain swung from its base. While she strained to hold the large figure back, Lucia yelled, "Eda, King, I've got him. Just run."

With a roar the figure threw her back into Eda's waiting arms. Glaring at Lucia, he growled, "You ain't got nothing punk. I'm Warden Wrath, and all of you just earned yourself a cell in my prison. Unless…" Then he seemed to smirk under his mask, "I could be convinced to let you all go, but Eda, the Owl Lady would have to agree… to go on a date with me."

All three of them just looked at Wrath for a second with looks of shock and revoltion until Lucia spoke up, "Let me get this straight. You threaten us, attempt to cut off Eda's head, and now you want to ask her out on a date?"

Wrath got down on a knee before Eda, "Yup, all these years of trying to capture you, and you always slipping away… I found that… alluring."

Eda cringed, and King roared, "Stay away from my Mom you creep."

Wrath stood up, "Well if that's how you feel than the cells it is." Wrath whistles and a dozen Scouts rush into the room. Eda spun her staff and they got to work knocking out Scouts and trying to fight themselves free so they could escape. Wielding the Keyblade felt natural to Lucia, and she had to wonder if this was why Papi had insisted that they try all of those sports. Boxing, baseball… In retrospect trying to teach a seven year old parkour had been odd, but when he had disappeared Lucia had kept using those skills and training, even if in secret, and they had helped her not feel so alone all the time.

Wrath let out a roar as he turned his other arm into a club to complement his ax arm. Before he could swing either though, Lucia caught him in a three hit combo as she struck to the back of his right knee, left side ribs, and then made a small loop before slashing upward directly into his chin, lifting him a couple inches up and off the ground. A few Scouts noticed their leader getting knocked onto his butt, and rushed to help, causing an opening for them to escape. Eda scooped up King and started to fly off toward the exit. As she passed she locked arms with Lucia, and she allowed herself to be pulled up and onto Eda's staff. As they flew down the center of the tower Lucia felt another push, and indicated for Eda to stop. Once she did, Lucia used the tip of the Keyblade to draw a circle before stabbing its center and twisting. All around them the sound of hundreds of cells being released at once played like a heavy drum beat. Finding themselves free the prisoners began to escape like a great flood, and riding the wave was Eda, Lucia, and King on Owlbert. Any Scout that didn't move was run over, and soon the sweet spicy air of the Demon realm night air filled all of their lungs.

Once they were clear, the trio started to laugh, and they didn't stop until they made it back to the Owl House. Slipping in through the back door so as not to disturb Hooty as much, they all sat down around the table as Eda made them all hot chocosmilk to celebrate their success. As soon as Lucia took the time to really look at the Keyblade, King wanted to try to swing it. Deciding this was the perfect time for her surprise, Lucia pulled a stuffed rabbit she found while looking for his crown out of her pocket, and presented it to him as an alternate prize. Lucia promised King that if he promised not to touch the Keyblade he could keep the rabbit. With the newly named Francois in his paws, King happily celebrated his newest minion in his army of darkness.

Eda watched it all, and once all three cups were done she sat down. With a smirk Eda huffed, "Well kiddo, you made good on our deal, and you even keep Wrath from removing my head, so I guess you've earned your reward. What's this 'favor' you want so badly that you were willing to go through all that for?"

Lucia held up the Keyblade, and it dissolved into sparkles leaving her dads Keychain wrapped around her wrist like a bracelet. With a deep breath Lucia looked Eda in the eye, "I want to stay, and learn magic. I have a Keyblade now, so it's possible, and I want to try and find my Dad." Eda looked stunned, uncomfortable, confused, and… overjoyed all at once, but before she could answer Lucia continued, "There's nothing waiting for me in the Human realm. I have no friends, and nobody will miss me. Everyone in town and school hates and mocks me. My Mami wants me gone… why else would she agree to send me away. Eda… you have been nicer and more inviting than anyone has ever been to me. If you don't want me… I'll go somewhere else, but please…" Lucia started to tear up as she forced out the words, "Please don't send me back."

Eda just reached out and hugged Lucia close, "Oh Luz, if you want to stay then we can make that happen, and I swear, you will always be welcome here, but… I-I don't know about this. After everything Camila has been through, are you really ready to just run away? If I'm being honest kiddo, I'd love to have you here, and since your Dad's not here to do it, the responsibility to teach you does fall to me, but this feels like I'm kidnapping you, and that feels like a betrayal of Manny's trust. For tonight, we can just sleep on it, and tomorrow we can figure out our plans going forward. Ok, kiddo?"

Lucia looked sad, but agreed, "Ok Eda. I'm sorry to put you in this position. You're right, I shouldn't ask you to betray your relationship with Papi on my account. You don't even really know me. I get it." Noticing King napping in his chair, Lucia smiled faintly and gently scooped him up, "I'll just go tuck this cutie in and get some sleep. Thank you for the best day I've had in… a very long time. Good night, Aunt Eda."

Eda smiled, "Kiddo… even if you decide to go home… my door will still be open. I promise, no matter what, I'll still be your mentor, and teach you magic. If you ever need a safe place to hide… well the Owl House is made to be a refuge. I'm not going away. Now that we've met, you'll always be my Owlet. So, please, just trust me on this, ok. Good night, little light." With that Lucia smiled, and nodded before heading to bed. Once Lucia was gone Eda let out a long sigh, and poured herself some hard Apple Blood as she prepared to write a letter. Once she was done, Eda looked it over, and prayed to the Titan Lucia would forgive her.

Finding an old bed upstairs, Lucia laid down, and tried to go to sleep, but her fears wouldn't let her drift off. Should she run away? She could escape into the forest tonight, and just disappear, but she couldn't do that to Eda. Eda was… Lucia didn't know, but she trusted her, and Eda trusted Lucia. Lucia couldn't betray that trust, not now after Eda had been so kind… so inviting and so understanding. She was trapped, and she knew it. Suddenly she felt something on the bed with her, and when she looked she saw it was King. Without a word he snuggled up to her and fell asleep, Francois still held lovingly in his paw. Feeling him there gave her comfort, and Lucia surrendered. This place felt like home, so she would give her new (god)mother time to figure out a solution. With her mind at ease, at least for now, Lucia faded into sleep.

Once more she was on the column surrounded by images of the sun, stars, and her parents, but this time the Keyblade was there giving gentle reassurance to her, and whispering to her of happy memories. For the first time in years this place didn't hurt, and she felt loved… like her Papi was there wrapping her in his warm embrace. When the stairs appeared, Luz walked up them with confidence and contentment. On the second column Luz spotted a larger change. Some of the windows that used to be empty now showed King and Eda's smiling faces. There were still empty spaces, but seeing at least a few not being empty filled her with so much joy that she felt like crying. The door remained in its silent vigil though, and despite everything else seeming to be warmer and more inviting this time… the door seemed unaffected and unchanged.

As she walked towards it the starburst on the door flashed with golden light and faded away into golden dust, and a click like a lock being released surrounded her. When she looked back at the door she noticed the starburst had been replaced by a set of five glyphs, one at each cardinal direction with a fifth at its center. Only the center was clear to her, it looked like a crown with a pair of winged snakes on each side that formed a heart around the crown. The others remained blurry and out of focus. Lucia didn't have time to think about them too much though as she noticed the shadow she cast when the door flashed hadn't shrank when the light faded, and as she watched it began to waver, pulling itself off the floor. Lucia was awed and terrified by the monumental figure that stood before her, and through its long wild hair it stared down with purple burning eyes. As she watched the figure grew curved horns and great tattered bat wings. Wicked claws and rippling muscle became clear to her as the shadow beast finished taking shape, and a hollow heart shaped hole appeared in its chest.

Without warning the beast roared, and orbs of darkness started to rain down around Lucia, but that only made her excited. As she batted away any orb that got too close, Lucia felt a warmth begin to grow within her, as if awakening from a long slumber. With another roar the beast tried to use its claws to rend her, but Lucia dodged them, and slammed the Keyblade down on its wrists making it recoil in pain. Forcing as much of the power welling up inside her into the Keyblade that she could, Lucia saw it start to glow, and jabbing it forward she released it all in a single purple beam that struck the shadow beast in the head. As she watched the beast seemed to disintegrate, only to cover the floor as dozens of clawed shadowy hands tried to drag her down into the depths below… and then she woke up.

Late the night before, Camila was sitting on the floor crying as she reflected on the day her worst fears became reality. She had woken up early to make Lucia breakfast, and try to clear the wall that had formed between them, but instead she found her bed empty and the window open. Lucia, her precious little light, had run away, that was the only answer she could come up with. After the disaster that was Lucia's fifteenth birthday, Camila knew she had no friends to call, and her co-workers at the clinic would have called if she came to them. For the next couple hours, Camila just sat with her back to the wall as she cried. First the love of her life left her without a word, and now her daughter had run away. Camila was overwhelmed, and couldn't handle it. When her job called to check on her, she apologized, and burned one of her sick days. Camila had no other choice, she couldn't move, she couldn't think, and the walls just seemed to keep closing in on her.

Once she ran out of tears, the terror set in. "Was her luz alright? Was she hurt? Was it Camila's fault that Lucia ran away? Was she a bad mother? Had she driven Manny away too without noticing? Was this whole situation her fault?" These and a thousand other thoughts ran and circled her mind as morning turned to afternoon, and afternoon gave way to night. As the moon rose, Camila was still sitting paralyzed and shaking on the floor of Lucia's empty room, and as she watched it, Camila found a moment's peace as she remembered how her Lucia had always been fascinated by the moon. Memories of lying in the yard with her husband and young daughter played through her mind, and Camila hoped Lucia was looking up at it too. Suddenly a tiny owl flew in through the window Camila hadn't had the strength to close, and in its talons was a letter. After a few seconds of the tiny owls' insistent nudges and hoots, she reached down and began to read.

Hey Cammy, I know you're probably devastated if what Manny told me is true, so let me start by giving you some good news. Lucia is fine, and sleeping peacefully in my home. Now that I have your attention, introductions, my name is Edalyn Clawthorne, and the tiny buzzard is Owlbert. I don't know how much Manny told you about me, or if/how he convinced you to allow me to be Lucia's godmother, but I assure you she is safe with me. Due to a misunderstanding, Lucia managed to end up at my home. There are a lot of things I think we should discuss. Foremost among them is the fact that Lucia has begged me to let her stay, and as her godmother I don't want to turn her away if for no other reason than I'm afraid she might actually run away next time. I might have only known her for a single day, but I'm already jealous of you for having such an amazing kid. None of us is in the proper headspace for the conversation we need to have, especially Lucia, so for now I ask you to be patient. At eight a.m. tomorrow come to the old cabin in the woods with Owlbert. He will lead you to where we can talk face to face. I'm sorry Camila, but I'm already betraying Luz's trust just by sending you this letter, and setting up this meeting. Until then I urge you to think about what you're willing to do if it makes Luz happy. I want to help you both, but at the end of the day I made Manny a promise that I would always look out for his little light, and Titan forgive me, I would die trying. Until tomorrow, may the Titan watch over you.

Camila sat and read the note a dozen times before she looked away and gave the tiny owl a sad smile, "Your Owlbert then, right?" The owl hooted and nodded as it hopped onto her knee. With a shaky hand, Camila reached out and tenderly started to pet and scratch the tiny bird making him nuzzle into her hand affectionately. Noticing how he reacted to her precious question, Camila decided to ask another, "Owlbert, do you understand me?" Owlbert nodded and hooted happily. "This isn't a dream or a delusion, right?" Owlbert shook her head. Camila snorted, "I guess that answers that. Can I trust you to be honest with me?" Owlbert seemed to think for a moment before sighing and nodding slowly, clearly regretting it already. That made Camila chuckle a bit at Owlbert's reluctance. Camila found it cute, and it reminded her of Lucia when she had been in trouble before Manny disappeared. Tentatively Camila asked, "Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about Edalyn?" Owlbert seemed to groan, but before he answered he flew over to the discarded plate of breakfast that Camila had originally made for Lucia and pushed it over to her, as if telling her to eat before returning to her knee, and nodding to her question. For the rest of the night Camila nibbled at the cold food, and they 'talked'.

At some point Camila nodded off, and was awoken at around six thirty to the sound of things falling and scared hooting. When Camila looked around she found her new little friend buried under a pile of Lucia's clothes that had apparently shifted when he hadn't expected it. Feeling worry for the little guy, Camila rushed over to help free him, and found that he had made an impressive pile of things in the middle of the room. Once he was free Owlbert let out a grateful hoot before flying up and nuzzling her cheek affectionately, making her laugh before asking, "Owlbert, what are you doing?" Owlbert didn't answer, obviously, but flew under the bed and pulled out a large black duffle bag, and pulled it over to the pile. He grabbed a few items, and dropped them in before looking back at Camila expectantly. Camila looked at him curiously, "You want me to put the stuff from the pile into the bag?" Owlbert nodded, and did a little dance in place, making Camila laugh again. For the next hour Camila worked on putting the pile in the bag, and Owlbert flew around and added to the pile as he spotted or thought of it.

Just before eight, Camila found herself standing outside the old cabin feeling nervous, and foolish, but Owlbert hadn't led her astray yet, that she knew of, so she just stood there and waited. A couple of minutes after eight, Camila looked at the tiny owl and asked, "So what are we waiting for?" Owlbert seemed to groan in frustration, before using his wing to hide his face in apparent embarrassment, but then the doorway began to glow, and he let out a trill of satisfaction. Without another word Owlbert flew off of Camila's shoulder and landed on the top step as he beckoned her to follow. As she did, Camila marveled at the door as it opened to reveal a glowing portal. Whispering a silent prayer, Camila stepped through into a new room, much bigger than could ever fit in the tiny cabin. As she looked around she saw an old threadbear couch and well loved table with a beaten up lazy chair beside them. On the ceiling was a large owl-like beast fresco, and on the wall was a large framed wanted poster of a woman with a gray mane and red dress along with a small horned creature.

Owlbert got Camila's attention, and led her to the comfy chair before nudging her to sit down. Once she did, Owlbert flew off, and a new voice could be heard, "Spit, why did I say eight and not ten? Ugh, remember Owl Lady this is for Luz. You can do this. You're only meeting Manny's wife. Spawn of a Lich, I can't do this." What followed was a chorus of groans and whimpers followed by angry hoots and grunts of pain, "Stop that Owlbert, I know it's too late to griffon out, but cut me a break you insufferable little ball of feathers. I never thought I'd have to do this, and now I do, and I'm terrified. King is one thing, but I don't know anything about being a good guardian or teacher. We both know I've been winging it this far." Camila couldn't help chuckling at the very real fear she heard in the woman's voice. It reminded her of herself the week after Lucia came home from the hospital. After a few more minutes of arguing and hooting, an older woman that Camila assumed was Edalyn walked out in a torn red dress, Owlbert on her shoulder, and a pot of tea in hand.

For the first minute after Eda sat down on the couch the two just sat awkwardly waiting for each other to start talking, and Owlbert was getting frustrated. With one of his wings he batted Eda in the face, making her grab her nose in response, and making Camila chuckle at the little bird's antics. As Eda recovered from Owlbert's version of a 'helpful nudge', Camila spoke up, "So, I'm guessing your Edalyn. Did you happen to grab any cups for the tea?"

Eda let out an embarrassed groan, and started spinning up a circle to summon some cups much to Camila's shock. When she noticed Camila's response Eda swore, "Spit. Ok, so open mind time Cammy. I'm a witch, and currently you're on the Boiling Isles in the Demon Realm. Before you start freaking out, it's not as bad as it sounds. Frankly, at some point in the last few centuries someone decided to 'demonize' the word demon, but as I said in my letter both of you are fine. Honestly, I'll take wild beasts over racists and guns any day. At least with the beasts you know what you're in for, and can be prepared. This realm might not be perfect, but there is no racism, sexism, or disdain for what your realm would consider the LGBTQ community. We might be a bit odd, but by comparison our realm is more honest about when you're in danger."

Camila sighed, "I know you're trying to sell me something, but I'm only here to get my daughter back. I don't really care about this realm. It's probably nice, but I'm not here for a vacation. I just want to retrieve my daughter, and go home where we belong. It's what's best for both of us."

Eda looked at Camila sadly, "But what if it isn't what's best for Lucia." Camila started to get ready to argue, but Eda cut her off, "Cammy, how many friends does she have back there? How do people treat her in the human realm, honestly? Cammy, when was the last time you saw her actually smile?" Camila instantly deflated at Eda's questions, hating that she had a point. "Camila, do you know what Luz told me last night?" Camila shook her head. "She said hanging out with my son and I was the best time she's had in a long time. She smiled and we laughed together. When was the last time you two did that together?" Camila looked ashamed, and unwilling to answer because she didn't know, but it had been a long time. Eda sighed, "Here's my proposal. From what I hear you were going to send her away for the summer anyway. She missed going to that camp, so just let her stay here for the next couple months. Unlike the schools in your realm, ours go almost year round. I'll enroll her in classes and we can see how it goes. I can open the portal anytime I like, so if it gets to be too much she can come home to you without any delay. Cammy, give her a chance to try out my realm. If it doesn't work out at least you tried."

Camila looked hesitant, "I don't know. Will she be safe here?"

Eda thought about it, "Safe is a nebulous concept. Nobody is ever truly safe, but what I can guarantee you is that I would sooner die than let anything happen to that girl. On that, I think we can agree. I can teach her to use her natural talents to get stronger than she's ever been, and I can guarantee she will learn and become her best self here. What that will look like is up to her though."

Camila thought about it for a couple minutes, and Eda waited patiently as she sipped her tea. Finally Camila threw her hands up in surrender, "Fine. We can give it a try, but I want updates at least every other day. I would prefer in person, but video's calls can be discussed if this seems to be working, and I might stop in from time to time randomly. Is that understood?" Camila sighed, "I hate every part of this. It makes me feel like a complete failure as a mother, but you were right. At the end of the day, what Lucia needs has to come first, but can you work with me a bit here. You're a complete stranger to me, and I'm supposed to trust you with the most important person in my life? Do you understand how terrifying that is?"

Eda reached out and rested her hand on Camila's shoulder, "I do understand, but at least this way you will know exactly where Lucia is at all times, and be able to reach her whenever. As for your requests…" Eda turned and looked at the stairs, "That work for you kiddo?"

"Ya, I should be able to handle that," came Lucia's voice. As Camila watched Lucia came down the stairs holding a furry creature with a horned skull cap. "Hi, Mami. It's nice to see you." Camila just teared up and wrapped her baby girl in a hug.

For the next few hours, the trio of women ironed out the details of Lucia's stay, and got to know each other a bit. Camila had been heartbroken to find out Manny hadn't been seen here in years, but it also gave her hope. If he had journeyed to one realm, then he probably visited others, and that meant he could still be out there, trying to get home.

Elsewhere, a tired heavily bearded man was lying in his cell thinking about his loved ones, and dreaming of seeing them again soon. He had felt a pull on his connection to one of his Keychains the night before, and that gave him hope. He would see them again. He was sure of it.

Author Notes: So, I hope you enjoyed what I consider side A of my newest project. I'm doing something new for how this story will be told. This story and the one I'll be releasing next week (hopefully) will act as sides A and B to a much larger story that will come about later when the two fully cross into a third book. I would just release them under their conjoined name but that wouldn't be honest because at the moment they are two separate stories with only a few elements to tie them together, but by the end of each that will change. As always comments and suggestions are welcome.

As a side note, my plan was to give some attention to an older story, but I'm still stuck on that one so instead of bashing my head and getting frustrated I'm just letting the creativity flow where it may. I hate how scattered my mind is, but at least it allows me to stay fairly consistent on my weekly schedule, even if what I release is random.

So here's my thoughts on this chapter specifically- So this story starts with an interesting idea, Luz went to summer camp when she was 14, but didn't end up making friends because she was too depressed to actually open up to Masha or anyone else, and it didn't end up doing anything but straining her relationship more with her mother. To put it in perspective, if you visualize relationships as chains. Show Camila and Luz at the start would be a wallet chain, not easily broken, but not hard to break if you wanted to… in this story it's closer to paper clips. It's weak, and even the slightest pressure could sever it completely. In all honesty, this Lucia would have left as soon as she was able. Not in anger, but she would have just… drifted away completely.

Neither of these characters are bad people, but their relationship has festered to this point. Yes I realize that there is a huge difference between a nurse and a vet, but nothing says that there aren't a few translatable skills such as assisting a doctor to perform certain tasks. Camila can be a RN and a lay volunteer, I've seen weirder situations.

Did Camila consider paying people to come to Lucia's Quinceanera… yes and no. Would she have been willing to go that far, yes, but she didn't think it would be needed, so no, and OMT that would have severed their bond if she did, and the fact that Camila never tried to reach out to Manny's family should be obvious they aren't on her world, and no, Camila doesn't know that, and still doesn't because it hasn't occurred to her. Which leads to an important distinction, and it's not a spoiler in my opinion. Lucia is 100% human, just not 100% the same kind of human. She's half earth human and half otherworldly human. Kind of like how Sora would be considered human and Leon would be considered human, but they are two different types of human, and yes, Lucia is a young woman since she had her Quinceanera, but which category she falls into is contextual. When it's just her and Eda they are women, but among the Hexsquad she would be one of the girls. That kind of thing.

For the record, Lucia is almost 16 and most of the witches would be just behind her in age except for Skara who is slightly older, but not yet 16. There will be a few birthdays upcoming in this part of the story though, and that will be… interesting.

Making Eda Lucia's Godmother has a few points, some that are present here, but some we won't see until later. As for the 'pulls' Lucia feels, if you look at the first few worlds in Kingdom Hearts the Keyblade almost seemed to force Sora to do a few things like sealing his first keyhole. This is similar, but instead of a physical push, Lucia receives a mental one.

There is actually a reason why Camila doesn't immediately run to report Lucia 'ran away', and not just crippling sadness. As a nurse, a part of her also knows that they will brush her off until it's been at least a day given Lucia's age. (Not that they would have helped anyway. The town really hated her that much. Something that will come up later.)

The letter section was a lot of fun for me. I got to make an unintentional Harry Potter reference, but more than that it shows the very different person this Eda is while addressing one of the few mistakes show Eda made. Yes Luz chose to stay, but she's a child… Eda kidnapped her. Luz's willingness doesn't change that. Also Eda never lies to Camila during their chat. She isn't completely honest, but she never lies to her.

So that's it for now, shine on beautiful readers. Shine on.