Light is Key

by DarkPhoenixKing

Lucia Noceda has been having these weird dreams, and when a tiny owl steals something precious to her she strikes out on an adventure to discover who she really is and hopefully find her Dad. Come along on a journey of love, hope, and sparkle tears as this little light discovers the key to being who she's meant to be.

3. Hexside Hijinx

For Amity and Lucia, that first night they spent together had been the best sleep either had experienced in a long time, and early the next morning Lucia surprised Amity with the best breakfast she had ever had. Amity's head said that it was fairly standard: griffin eggs, toast with firebee honey, and some quilboar bacon, but her heart seemed to sing with every mouthful knowing that Lucia made it just for her, and it really did taste amazing. Sadly it couldn't last, Amity had to go home to get ready for class, and Eda had something she needed Lucia's help with, so they eventually had to separate, but they made sure to savor one last kiss before they embraced, and Amity headed out.

Not long after, Lucia was staring down a giant putrid slug corpse, and wondering if maybe she had made a mistake coming to the Isles, but then she thought about getting to see Amity later, and all of her other thoughts melted away. Honestly it wasn't that bad… ok it was absolutely terrible, but Lucia managed to find a few interesting things, and since she found them they were hers to do with as she pleased. Most of it was trash that Lucia could clean up to get a nice pile of snails, but a couple she would keep, or more specifically, gift to her cute minty Titaness. With their task complete Eda waved Lucia over, "Ok, Owlet. Between last night's fun and picking this carcass apart I'm spent, but I think it's time I trust you to explore a bit. Just keep your eyes open and your scroll close, ok? There were a bunch of disappearances of kids about this time last year, and… just be safe."

"Will do Owl Mom. See ya later," Lucia yelled as she ran off, not seeing the blush Eda had at hearing Lucia call her that.

For the next ten minutes Lucia just ran free, and stretched her parkour muscles a bit. It felt amazing to be out again. Running through the woods had always been one of Lucia's favorite things to do in the Human realm, but then she heard a scream, and Lucia rushed towards it to help. What she found was an odd sight, a heavier set girl with round glasses and dark green almost black hair was using vines and roots to fend off a small army of Heartless, mostly Shadows, but a small squad of Soldiers were present as well. Without a second thought, Lucia summoned the Keyblade and started tearing into the fiends like tissue paper. Where possible Lucia thrusted out her hand to fire bursts of purple light at any Heartless that got too close to the other girl, and after a couple minutes they had all been poofed or had retreated, so Lucia sent the Keyblade away again, and proceeded to check on the girl.

"Sorry about that. Are you ok Ms…" Lucia let her question hang in the air.

The girl laughed once she caught her breath, "Park. My name is Willow Park. Thanks for the help. No matter what I did, they just seemed to keep coming." Taking a closer look at her savior, Willow tilted her head, "Sorry, but I don't think I've seen you around before. Who are you?"

Lucia smiled, "Names Lucia Noceda, but people that matter call me Luz. What brings a pretty flower like you out here of all places?"

Willow blushed, "I-I was on my way to school… Wait, why aren't you in uniform?"

Lucia snorted, but took note of Willow's uniform and its lilac sleeves, just like Amity's, "Not enrolled yet. Since it's so close to the new semester my Aunt decided to wait, so I don't have to cram for end of term exams. Hope I'm not being too personal, but from your colors I can tell you're in the Abominations track. With plant magic like yours I'd think you were in that track, what gives?"

Willow sighed, "Ya, I don't get it either, but Papa insists I take the Abominations track, and… I just want to make him proud."

Lucia looked at Willow sadly, "Willow… I get it, but you need to do what's best for you. It might hurt him at first, but once she sees how strong you've become she'll have to be proud of you."

Willow looked confused, "She?"

Lucia's eyes widened, "I meant he… because we're talking about you and your dad… and no one else." Lucia let out an awkward fake laugh, but Willow saw right through her.

Willow just turned, "Well I should probably get going. I have teachers to disappoint. It was nice meeting you Luz."

But before she got very far she heard Lucia shout out to her, "Wait! Why don't I come with you? I've been meaning to check out Hexside, and I can make sure the Heartless don't come back to harass you again."

Willow noticed how nervous Lucia was, so she smiled, "Sure. Why not?" Willow wasn't so sure about this, but Lucia was nice and who was she to stop her. As they walked, they talked a bit, and Willow started to laugh when Lucia said she used to live in the human realm. Apparently Willow's best friend was a 'human expert', and would love to meet her if she was telling the truth. When Lucia asked what made Willow believe that she wasn't telling the truth, she only smirked and said flatly, "Because humans can't do magic."

This made Lucia scoff and retort that she might be only half human, she wasn't sure, and then she pointed out that her magic didn't require circles, so it was a different kind of magic from Willow's. Willow had to admit that she had a point there. After that they did a lot of laughing as they opened up more to each other. Lucia never judges Willow for feeling less, and to Willow's surprise Lucia tried to encourage her. Unlike others it never felt condescending or like Lucia was trying to be anything but helpful, and Willow enjoyed Lucia's company. Nobody since Augustus had made her feel heard or appreciated, and Lucia did it by just being herself.

When Lucia admitted she knew what it felt like to be bullied, Willow felt an anger well up that usually only burned when Augustus was in trouble. Lucia didn't get into details, only saying that she wasn't comfortable sharing them yet, but Willow saw how she began to rub a particular spot on her head, and that told her enough not to press. Already picking up on Lucia's love of the dramatic, Willow channeled as much 'Augustus energy' as she could as they broke the tree line and Willow gave a flourish, "Welcome to Hexside School of Magic and Demonics, were we hex with the best of them." Lucia just looked around in awe.

Hexside looked fairly standard for any old university in Lucia's opinion, but its magical accents more than made up for it. It was a white stone building with occasional splashes of azure and a few gold accents, but the large all seeing eye in its highest tower just screamed magic. As did the crowds of students milling about in one of nine colored uniforms, but while the uniforms were the same no two students were. Horns, claws, fur, scales, and odd or nonsensical anatomies were everywhere, and Lucia had never felt more comfortable. With this much diversity there was no way that she would stick out, and it felt like a weight she didn't know she was carrying was finally released. Nobody seemed to acknowledge them as they walked forward and into the school proper, and it felt… nice.

Following Willow's guide they made their way toward Principal Bump's office, and once there Willow surprised Lucia with a bone crushing hug that made Lucia chuckle. Promising to talk more later, Willow headed to class, and Lucia knocked on the door. After a few moments a tired older voice told her to come in so she did. Bump's office was orderly and generic in Lucia's opinion. She had seen a few principal offices by now, but the energy was different. It didn't feel cold or uninviting, and that threw Lucia a bit. Maybe this time would be different. Bump seemed confused by her as well, but he still smiled and directed her to sit.

"You're not in uniform and I don't recognize you, so I have to ask. Why are you here, and what can I do for you Ms…" Bump asked warmly, but cautiously.

Lucia chuckled, and something about her smile seemed to make Bump shudder, but he tried to hide it, "I'm Lucia, but people that matter call me Luz. As for why I'm here, a new friend of mine got attacked by creatures on the way here, so I walked her the rest of the way to make sure she got here safe, and while I was here I thought I might look around. My Aunt was supposed to contact you about me enrolling next semester, but knowing her she 'forgot'." Lucia smirked thinking about her Owl Mom, and Bump paled.

Clearing his throat to hide his rising fear, Bump asked, "Sadly the name doesn't scream a bell. Maybe if you tell me your Aunt's name that might help?"

Lucia blushed in embarrassment, "Ya that's my bad, but I've been told dropping the Owl Lady's name…"

Bump jumped, "Edalyn is your Aunt!?"

Lucia finished flatly, "...Gets that reaction." Lucia sighed, "Ya, Eda is my Aunt. I guess technically she's my Godmother, but she's more of a cool Aunt or Mother figure at this point." Lucia shrugged, "My Papi had good taste in friends. What can I say?"

Bump tried to reclaim his professional position, but his worry was only getting worse, "And your 'Papi' would be?" Bump's voice had a faint stammer, but Lucia ignored it to be respectful.

"Manford Noceda, sir," Lucia chirped happily, and Bump sank into his seat.

Lucia barely heard the old witch whisper, "Well at least she's not Calamity's kid, but Cataclysm isn't much better…" He paused when he heard Lucia giggle. With a sigh. Bump asked, "You heard me didn't you?" Lucia shrugged playfully, making Bump half-grin, "In my defense, they were at the center of a lot of issues in their day. I'm sorry, I've allowed myself to become less than professional. As an apology, I'll let you tour the school like you wanted while I contact Edalyn, but I need you to be on your best behavior, and try not to break anything." Lucia smiled sweetly and nodded again, and Bump felt oddly reassured by her. After giving her a schedule and lanyard, he wished her luck, and he watched as she headed away.

To Lucia's surprise, she had Abominations first, and she wondered if she would get to see one of her favorite people already. When she entered the room she saw both of them, and Lucia knew what she wanted to do. While Willow saw her enter, they exchanged a smile and a wave, Amity was too focused on taking notes off the board to notice anything. To Willow's surprise and horror, Lucia didn't approach her though. Instead she was making her way toward the front with a smirk that screamed she was up to no good. Her terror magnified as she saw whom Lucia was heading for, and she began to sweat. The situation was not helped by the fact that other people were starting to notice and pale, but everyone was too stunned to do anything but watch, and wait for her to be killed.

Silently Lucia snuck up and wrapped her arms around Amity making her squeak in surprise, but before Amity could do anything else she felt warm breath on her ear, and she heard an unexpected voice whisper, "Good morning, mi amor. Surprise seeing you here."

The whole room went silent at Amity's squeak, and people started to back away in fear of getting covered in meaty chunks when 'The Queen of Mean' invariably tore the new girl apart, but that never happened. Instead, they all watched in abject horror as Amity spun around with a sweet smile and kissed her in front of everyone, and started to chirp happily, "Luz, oh my Titan, what are you doing here? I didn't think I'd get to see you until after classes. You didn't come here just to see me did you?"

Lucia beamed, and swept her into another passionate kiss. This one on Amity's neck leaving the mean girl a giggling mess, and the whole room unable to process what they were seeing. Lucia gave her a loving look, "Sadly no, my love. I finished my Aunts job early so I started to explore. Ran into some Heartless, saved a student, made a friend, and came to check things out. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing you, but I didn't want to come off as a clingy girlfriend, and I know how much you take your studies seriously. I just saw you sitting here all adorable, and I couldn't help myself, mi hermosa novia."

Amity continued to be a giggly mess, but she was starting to notice the looks they were getting… and the whispers. Normally these things would bother her, but not this time. Unfortunately, a point had to be made, so she replaced her proverbial mask of dominance as she growled out a roar, "Anybody got something to say? No. Then shut it, and turn around."

Lucia couldn't help a small purr, "Well, kitten has a feisty side. I always did like some sweet and spicy." Lucia nuzzled Amity's neck, inadvertently half-ruining Amity's attempt at intimidation as Amity released a small breathy gasp, but it was still enough for everyone but Willow to stop staring. "I should go, and sit with my new friend. As much as I would love to spend the rest of class showering you in affection, neither of us will focus that way, and I don't want to be the reason your grades drop, but don't worry… I'll make sure to save it all up for you later, mi gatita lindo." Amity was visibly torn, but after one last kiss they separated, and Amity's look of bliss dropped into horror as Lucia sat next to a flabbergasted Willow.

Thankfully that was when Professor Hermonculus chose to arrive, and class began. Lucia found the class interesting, but the Professor was everything Lucia despised: preferential, snide, and utterly dismissive. Lucia watched as student after student came up to present their abominations, and got demeaned for their efforts. All of her anger came to a boil though when he verbally eviscerated Willow like she was incompetent in front of the whole class. Having had enough Lucia stood up, "So I'm kinda new here, but even I can see the one thing all of the failing students share. Hate to break it to you, but if a teacher has this many 'failures' in a single class, they obviously must not be the problem. Why not try actually teaching them instead of just tearing them down you third rate gremlin looking hack."

The room went silent, and everyone just looked between them waiting for the professor to retort, but he just sneered, "And what would a mongrel know about magic. Why Bump even allowed this farce is beyond me, but I will not be spoken to in such a way. If you insist on disrupting my class, how's about a challenge. I'll stand right here, and if you can move me even a centimeter with magic, I'll pass every single one of these disappointments for the assignment. Come now Human, show us what you've got."

Lucia knew he was baiting her, but she couldn't take his attitude even a moment longer. With a smirk Lucia nodded, "Sure thing troll doll. Just take a step back first, I wouldn't want to hurt any actually competent witches." With a growl, Hermonculus took the step back, and crossed his arms expectantly. With a small hiss of 'Light', Lucia released a small ray of light from her finger tip directly into his Abominations knee causing it to buckle, and drop the tiny professor. The rest of the class looked on in shock before cheering as Lucia blew her slightly smoking finger.

The professor sputtered, and seethed as his Abomination recovered and lifted him up, "That's assault on a teacher. I will have you expelled and caged by the end of the hour you wretched cur."

Amity just smiled a malicious smile, "Actually sir, it's not, and you can't. You put forward the challenge, and Luz performed exactly as you requested. Not to mention you can't expel her because she hasn't enrolled yet. As the top student of the Abominations track, I have to inform you that no retaliation is permitted from an official challenge, and since you did so in front of the whole class you have no other choice, but to do as you promised. That is… unless you wish to get Principal Bump involved, but I do not suggest that course of action since any attempt at retaliation is a fireable offense, sir."

Hermonculus looked at Amity in horror as despite her air of neutrality, nobody missed the insinuated threat she just weaved in. His whole demeanor seemed to sag slightly as he realized that he was trapped, and he was only saved from further embarrassment by the bell screaming. With a superior smirk Lucia made her way toward Amity and hand in hand they walked out to thunderous applause.

Once Amity determined that bard was Lucia's next class, she started to lead her there without another word, but as they walked past a bathroom Amity pulled them both inside. Thankfully it was empty so Amity locked it behind them. Lucia gave Amity a coy look until she saw the anger and worry in her love's eyes as she growled, "Don't ever do anything like that again! You're just lucky Hermon is a moron, but none of the other teachers are, and I can't protect you in other tracks Lu."

Despite her anger, Lucia saw honest fear in Amity's eyes, so without a word Lucia embraced her in a hug allowing Amity to let it all out. Once Amity was soothed, Lucia whispered into her ear, "I'm sorry. I let my anger make me do something stupid, but I'll be better, I promise." With a sigh, Lucia admitted, "That guy's attitude just reminded me so much of all the teachers back in the human realm that I just snapped. Te amo Amity."

Amity sniffed and gave Lucia a flirty wink, "Te amo mi luz. It wasn't all bad though. Watching you put him in his place was hot, and I'm sure you've bought the loyalty of my track with that little stunt." Amity giggled before a thought occurred to her and her face darkened. Suddenly Amity pulled away much to Lucia's confusion. "H-has Willow told you anything about her getting bullied yet?"

Lucia scoffed, "She didn't name any names, but ya a bit. Can't wait to meet them though. I'm not letting anyone pick on my friends now that I have some, but I'll try to be discreet. No need to get blood everywhere."

Amity paled, and let out a sigh, "Well congratulations. I'm right here." Lucia looked at her confused, but that only made Amity feel worse. With a sad whimper, Amity hugged herself as she admitted, "Willow's bullies… that would be me and Boscha mostly. I don't know why Boscha targets her so much, but… ya I'm the monster you need to rip apart. Sure our other friends watch, but it's almost always Boscha, with me on occasion. I'm sorry Lucia, but… ya. I could try to make excuses, but they don't matter. I've treated her vilely, and I hate it, but I don't have a choice. If my Mother gets wind of any kind of mercy on my part toward her again… she'll do something even worse."

Lucia seemed unable to comprehend what she was hearing so she latched on to the only lifeline she found, "What do you mean again? And if you regret it so much, why not let me help you? I'm sure if I try, I can convince Willow to forgive you."

This seemed to only make Amity look scared, "You can't do that! I don't have time to explain, but Willow has to hate me, or she might end up dead, and… I don't deserve her forgiveness for what I've done to her. I-I just wanted you to hear it from me first. I really do love you, but if this is too much I'll understand."

Lucia looked at Amity, and she wanted to be angry. She wanted to tell her off, but then she remembered Amity's scar, and… she had never seen anyone look so scared before. With a loud sigh, Lucia walked up to Amity, and reared back making the secret brunette shut her eyes in fear, but then she felt Lucia wrap her in a loving embrace, and it somehow hurt more then if Lucia had struck her, and what she said next only made it all so much worse. "I accept you, mi amor. I don't like it, but I know you're only doing what you have to. I love the beautiful witch I see in you, and if you have to be wicked from time to time… I'll try to soften the blow. Just… as soon as we find a better way, I expect you to make this right. Am I understood? And if I see it getting out of hand I'm going to step in."

Amity nodded through her tears before she whispered, "I don't deserve you, and I never will. I'll try, but…"

Lucia cut her off with a kiss, "That's all I ask. Now, I have a bard class to get to. Let's go." Amity smiled as she took Lucia's hand again, and they got going.

When they arrived at Lucia's bard class, Lucia could tell that Amity was still feeling nasty about their conversation, and she wouldn't stand for that. In one smooth motion, Lucia dipped Amity, and started peppering her with kisses, making her start to struggle and giggle, but Lucia was adamant as she stated, "I'm not going to stop until you wipe that sour look off your pretty face. Tu eres mi gatita peleona no un gatito amargado (Your my feisty kitten not a sour puss)."

Eventually Amity surrendered, and Lucia let her go after one more long kiss that made Amity's toes curl. Still ignoring everybody else, Amity chuckled, "Wow, maybe I should be sad more often. Thanks, Luz… for everything. I have to get going, but… see you at lunch?"

Lucia gave her a wink, "Like you could keep me away. Until then my love… I'll try not to miss you, but it's going to be sooo hard." Amity giggled one more time before almost seeming to float away as she headed to her next class. With a sigh, Lucia went inside her next class already feeling like something was missing.

Bard class was interesting, and Lucia could see the appeal, but if Lucia had to pick one track. Bard wouldn't be it, and that decision was only strengthened by the fact that one of the other girls kept staring at her. The girl was cute, but nothing compared to her Amity, with mauve hair in a high ponytail and a black undercut, dark brown skin, and gray eyes. Eventually the Professor, whose name she had missed, told them to break off into groups to practice with their chosen instruments, and unfortunately Skara, as she heard the teacher call her, was told to help Lucia find her medium. Following the bubbly girl into a large side room, Lucia tried to look for something she had any idea of how to play, but as soon as they were alone Skara seemed to almost steamroll her with questions.

"I saw you and Amity before class, are you really dating? For how long? How did you meet? Where did you come from? Why are your ears round? What kinda music do you like? Has she mentioned me?" The girl just kept firing questions like a gatling gun, and Lucia had to physically grab her to get her to take a breath.

Once she did, Lucia gave her a stern, but kind look, "No. I know it's hard, but you need to slow down, and breathe or you're going to pass out. Before I answer anything, I need you to answer one of mine, and I need you to be completely honest with me, ok?" Skara nodded rapidly. "Ok. Why should I tell you anything about Amity and I? I don't know you, and I will not help some nosey gossip hurt her." With a bit more anger than she intended, Lucia seethed, "I've seen enough people hurt, and I refuse to help hurt anyone that doesn't truly deserve it. I'm just so Titan damn tired of all the needless hate."

Skara seemed to deflate, "So, I'm guessing she's never mentioned me? That sucks. I'm not a nosey gossip, I promise. Well, I am, but I would never hurt Amity. She's one of my best friends, or I thought she was…" Seeing the sad look on Skara's face, Lucia sighed. Why did it feel like she was kicking an energetic puppy?

Deciding to give the girl something, Lucia groaned, "In her defense, we've only been together for one day, so she might just not have had time to tell me about you yet. Honestly, she's only mentioned one of her friends by name, and I already dislike her. If you have to know, I don't like bullies, and whomever this Boscha witch is… well I've heard about how she treats Willow, and I'm not pleased. My Amity is a sweetheart at her core, and while I won't make her choose between me and the rest of you. I will not allow anyone to get bullied in my presence."

A lot of emotions washed over Skara's face, mostly shame, fear, and jealousy, but after a moment Skara found her voice again, "You really love her don't you?"

Lucia snorted, "Of course. I love her inside and out… scars and all."

Skara's eyes turned into saucers as she stammered, "She showed you?! For real? Wow. I thought she would never show anybody her real face. I only know by accident, and none of our other friends know anything about it." After a minute, Skara spoke again, "Show me your hands."

"What?" Lucia questioned, taking a step away.

Skara rolled her eyes, "Show. Me. Your. Hands. I'm the top bard student for a reason. I can help narrow down what instrument might work for you, but I need to see your hands." Lucia shrugged and allowed Skara to look. "Ok, so you've got strong hands, so nothing too delicate, and I can tell you play sports, so something too simple will only bore you. You're very active so you probably have strong lungs." Skara hummed and debated for a moment before walking away to return with a guitar that looked worn, but from age and not mistreatment. "Give this a try. If not, maybe a horn or trumpet would work, but something tells me this will be a better fit for you." As Lucia takes the guitar it begins to faintly glow, and they both smile.

Moving to go sit off to the side, Lucia suddenly speaks up, "I'm sorry. It wasn't right of me to get angry with you. It's just… *sigh* I'm frustrated. I left the human realm to get away from all the bullying, and cruelty. I met my Mom-ter, my Mom/mentor. I fell in love with the smartest and most beautiful girl I've ever met, who really seems to understand and accept me, but now I learn that the sweet loving girl I thought I knew… she was hurting people just like the bullies from back there. How am I supposed to handle that? I want to be angry with her, but I can't. I love her too much. Every time I think about her, I can't help but want to smile, and shower her in affection, but does that make me as bad as all the people I hated? Am I just as bad? Just as selfish for letting my own happiness prevent me from doing what I know is right?" Lucia buried her face in her hands, but then she felt a hand on her shoulder, and she saw Skara smile at her.

While Skara tunes the guitar she absentmindedly said, "I don't know about all that. I'll admit, I can't really get a good read on you, but I can tell this much… you're a good person. *sigh* I understand your frustration because I am too. I don't like bullying either, but… there's nothing I can do about it. Boscha and I have been besties since we were five, and she's always been there to protect me, and thanks to being friends with Amity and Boscha, nobody would even think of hurting me. After all we're the three richest kids around and they're the Captain and vice-captain of the Grudgeby team. As long as I just go along… I don't ever have to be afraid." Skara lets out a pained scoff, "I'm a coward. I guess that's all there is to it, and at the end of the day I'm just as bad as the others because I just allow them to hurt others so that I can feel safe." Skara turns to Lucia with misty eyes, "Lucia, I think it's fine for you to be a little selfish, because unlike me you have the courage to help others and fight to make things better. Nobodies perfect, but at least you have the courage to try."

Lucia smiled, and gave Skara a side hug, "Call me Luz, and I'll tell you a secret… It's a lot easier to be courageous when you have someone to help watch your back. Skar, I think you're a good person too, and you're only a coward as long as you allow yourself to be. I think you should talk to Boscha and the others about how you feel, and if it helps… I'll be right there beside you. I'll have your back, and I'm sure Amity will too. Now, I think we've had about enough mush for now. Why don't you show me how to play, O' master bard."

Skara let out a small giggle, and began to teach Lucia the basics. To Lucia's surprise, the guitar felt right in her hands, and with Skara's help she was soon channeling her magic in a whole new way. It didn't feel as seamless or fluid as using the Keyblade, but it still felt good, and much to Skara's glee, Lucia played some snippets of some human songs she knew. After a few minutes, Skara had a few rock songs to add to her song book, and Lucia didn't miss how brightly she seemed to glow while she recorded it. Skara was cool, and it was nice to make another friend.

To their surprise, the bell suddenly screamed, and Lucia had to get going to her next class, but Skara volunteered to show her the way as long as Lucia promised not to try to kiss her for it like she had Amity. Lucia just winked, "Oh Skara… you couldn't handle all the things I could do to you. Think about it, if I can rock Amity's world… I could easily bring you to your knees." Skara turned positively scarlet, but Lucia only laughed, "I'm joking, Skar. I'm a one woman girl, and Amity is all I'll ever need, but because I like you. I won't tell her you tried to flirt with me. Now, on to Beast keeping." Skara knew Lucia was joking, but… the thought of Amity thinking that Skara was flirting with her girlfriend terrified her more than anything else.

Walking into the Beast keeping homeroom was like walking into a zoo if it was run by sentient animals. Some beasts ran free, while others seemed to have to be caged for safety, theirs or the students wasn't consistent either as some of the students looked more feral then the beasts. It was perfect, and Lucia couldn't be happier as she walked around. People watched as Lucia seemed to have no fear as she matched each beast's energy like a pro. The birds flocked to her outstretched hand when she approached, and received small gentle affectionate touches before flying away again. Usually skittish beasts seemed to ignore her presence like she wasn't a threat, and the more territorial beasts such as the large Stranglefang serpent that usually only hissed aggressively for the first week seemed to stare her down before coming closer and submitting to her.

It baffled some, and made others snicker as they made jokes like, "Well that explains Amity", but as soon as the first disparaging comment was pointed toward Amity the whole room seemed to cool as every beast shifted their attention, and a threatening aura was felt. Lucia hadn't seemed to do anything, but the threatening grin she sported was loud enough. After that Lucia earned herself a wide berth from every other student but one. The Alpha of the beast track, Viney Wilderson. She alone had the nerve to approach Lucia, and Lucia found herself impressed by the older girl's spiked hair band and fish hook earring. Viney was built tough and neither her kind face or controlled appearance distracted Lucia from seeing the look in Viney's eye. They were kindred spirits, so they spent all class chatting and learning from each other. Viney was an expert on the wilds of the Isles, and when Lucia mentioned working and volunteering at a vet clinic Viney was enraptured. Lucia just liked finding someone who appreciated her enjoyment of misunderstood beasts, and Viney had this 'big sister' energy that made Lucia feel comfortable around her.

When the bell screamed Viney agreed to walk Lucia to her Illusions class so they could talk a bit more, but on the way they found a younger witch boy with dark skin and dark blue eyes being bullied, and currently being held up off the ground by his shirt with his back on the lockers. As soon as Lucia saw the situation, Viney could feel the anger radiating off her, and she heard Lucia shout, "Hey morons, leave that kid alone!" Which made the large green reptilian demon in construction colors turn her head along with his two small cronies.

The reptile girl seemed to take Lucia in for a moment before she started to release a hissing laugh, "Move along punk. Little Augy here owes us some snails, and I'm here to collect." Turning her attention back to 'Augy' she proceeded to slam his back against the lockers making him let out a pained grunt. Lucia seemed to move like she had done this a thousand times. She started to rush the trio, but while the cronies looked at her in surprise Lucia let out a light flash to stun and disorient them. As soon as she was close enough Lucia called the Keyblade for a single swing before allowing it to fade away again. In that single swing, Lucia managed to bash the reptile's wrist enough to make her release her grip, and Lucia kept moving past without stopping as she carried the smaller boy away. When she reached the other side, Lucia put the boy down behind her, and spun on her heel to defend him from any counter-attack, finding Viney next to her in a similar stance only a few seconds later. The reptile girl gave Lucia a hateful look, but with Viney Wilderson clearly at her side, she decided to just retreat for now.

Once they were safe, Lucia turned to check on the younger boy and Viney surprisingly started casting healing spells on him. The boy just looked back at the two suspiciously for a moment before giving them a warm smile, "Thanks for the help. I don't think we've met bef-" He spots Lucia's ears and starts to stammer, "Hu-hu-human… You're human! Oh my Titan that's incredible. Why are you here? How are you here?" Then a thought occurs to him and he tilts his head, "Wait, you did magic. Humans can't do magic, but you did… I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!"

Lucia started to chuckle at seeing the boy turn into an excited mess. It reminded her of how she used to be before…Lucia shook her head and smiled at the boy, "Well before anything else. My name's Lucia Noceda, and I am at least partially human. People that matter call me Luz, and I'm here to check out the school before I enroll for next semester. You look like you're from the Illusions track. Well that's where I was going. Maybe you can guide me so my friend Viney can get back to her Alpha duties?"

Viney gave Lucia a nervous look, "You sure, Luz? It's not a big deal."

Lucia just waved her off, "Viney, your pack needs you to lead them. I'll be fine. Go be awesome." With a smirk and a nod Viney headed back to the beast track's territory, but not before giving the boy a threatening look that screamed, "Nothing bad had better happen to her," and the boy paled slightly under her glare.

As Lucia walked with the boy he tried to start a conversation with her, "So I'm Augustus Porter by the way, and… I'm sorry you had to see that. It's rough being younger than everyone else. The fact that I only know illusions doesn't help either. It sucks sometimes that my magic is nothing but smoke and mirrors, but I love the feeling of being able to put on a show, and Matt likes them so, that's enough for me."

Lucia gives him a playful smirk, "Matt huh? So is he just a friend or what? Come on. I'm a sucker for romance."

Gus blushed and smiled, "Ya, he can be kinda prickly and a jerk, but deep down… I know he cares, and he lives for drama, so being with the top illusionist and the president of the Human Appreciation Society gives him all he could need."

"Wait… you're the top illusionist? Gus, that's amazing, and a club president. Good for you my dude," Lucia cooed happily making Gus blush even more.

"Wait, Gus?! Human nickname… awesome! Thanks Luz. You seem great. I can't wait for you to enroll. It would be nice to have another friend around here," Gus gave Lucia a hopeful look.

Lucia chuckled, and bowed, "I would be honored, Mr. President, and who knows maybe I'll stop by the HAS to check it out. I'm sure they would appreciate meeting a real human."

They both smiled and walked into class where Gus was surprised to see the Blight twins present, and as he watched they seemed to spot Lucia and immediately rush over. Hoping to avoid any issues, Gus tried to shield Lucia as best he could as he stated flatly, "As nice as it is to see you two actually attend class, I'm not letting you prank my new friend, Luz. She's cool, and she protected me from Slashly, so…"

But Gus found himself pushed aside and ignored, as Emira gave Lucia a giddy look, "Ya ya, no pranks. Got it. No, we want to know how you did it."

Lucia looked confused since she hadn't figured out who the twins were. Noticing her confusion, Edric gave a bow, "Edric and Emira Blight, and we want to know how you tamed Mittens."

"Mittens?" Lucia still looked confused, but things were starting to fall into place for her.

Emira groaned, "Amity, cutie. How did you tame our terror of a sister?"

Gus looked completely lost by what was going on, but Lucia started to scowl, "Ah, I see. Firstly, I didn't 'tame' her. I just didn't treat her like she was disposable, like some people." Lucia's sudden shift from cheerful to angry caught all three witches off guard, and the twins took a step back, but Lucia followed as her anger grew, "Maybe if you bothered to be there for her, you'd see the beautiful sweet girl that I have, but no. Amity told me all about you two. You bully, tease, and humiliate her constantly. You seem to always be around to give her a hard time, but when she could actually need you… you're gone… like fracking cowards. All that ends now. I swear if I hear that you two tried anything like the 'diary incident' again… I WILL MAKE BURNING ALIVE IN THE BOILING SEA LOOK PLEASANT. Am I understood?"

By this point the older duo were almost cowering with their backs to some desks as Lucia seemed to almost tower over them. Em tried to squeak out a retort, "W-who are you to question what we do? We're her family. You don't…"

Em was cut off by Lucia's intense glare, as she snarled, "Family? You don't deserve that honor. Family supports each other. They build you up. They are there for you when nobody else is. When was the last time either of you did any of that for her?" The twins looked ashamed, and flinched when Lucia leaned forward, and whispered in their ears so nobody else would hear, "Where were you when Amity got scared?" The Twins' eyes bugged out of their heads at the revelation that Lucia knew about Amity's scar. With a growl Lucia declared, "My name is Lucia Noceda, and I have every right to call you and the rest of your spit family out for how you've treated MY AMITY. I am proud to be her girlfriend, and I swear to the Titan and any other being out there that I will do what you're too cowardly to do… I'm going to protect the girl I love, and I don't care if I die trying. Amity deserves so much better than any of you scum sucking parasites." With that Lucia turned on her heel, and took a breath before finding an empty desk and sitting down, everyone just staring at her in fear or admiration.

Gus heard it all, but he was just as shocked as everyone else by what he saw and heard. He knew Lucia was tough, but she had seemed so kind. Now, hearing about how she was dating Amity Blight, and seeing the rage she had released onto the Twin's, Gus had to wonder, "Who was Lucia Noceda?"

The rest of the illusions class went by without any other issues. In fact the professor seemed genuinely surprised when the Twins didn't pull anything like they usually did. No pranks, jokes, or cockiness, only dour sadness and perfect illusions. It seemed to the professor like something had finally broken the wild duo, and they weren't sure if they liked it. Lucia spent all class in wrapped attention, and that helped to make the professor feel a bit better, but only barely. A few times Lucia caught Gus looking at her, and she knew the look on his face well. He was afraid of her. It hurt, but she was used to it, so when the bell screamed she proceeded to head off to her next class without a word.

Hoping for a better experience in healing, Lucia was excited to see Professor Hypox the Healing teacher already sitting in her room that doubled as the nurse office. Since they had a few minutes, Lucia started a conversation with her, and in exchange for Lucia giving her a verbal primer on human medicine, Hypox taught her a basic healing spell, but only after Lucia failed to cast a few others. With her new 'cure' spell at her disposal Lucia started to help out until after her second cast she got dizzy, and Hypox had to catch her. After that, the professor just talked to her instead of asking for help, and by the time class started, Lucia was only a little winded. After that, Lucia really enjoyed healing. It felt familiar, and to her surprise they were doing group healing so Lucia got to work with a pair of witches named Cat and Bo. They seemed kinda nervous around Lucia at first, but more than that they seemed depressed about something.

Finally getting tired of the awkwardness, Lucia whispered, "Ok. I know we don't really 'know' each other, but you two seem like you're having an issue, and… *sigh* If I'm overstepping I'm sorry, but why don't you tell me what it is. Maybe an outside perspective could help."

Cat and Bo shared a look before they started to blush. Bo spoke up first, "Maybe you're right. Ok, so Cat and I have been together for a few years, and it's been great, but something has always felt like it was missing." Bo gives Cat a loving smile that Cat returns with a wink, "But recently we've both discovered that we have feelings for another of our friends."

Cat spoke next, "We discussed it of course, as awkward as that was, and we still love each other, but we love her too. After really thinking about it… we want to invite her in, and see if the three of us can… I don't know 'complete' each other. Ugh, talking about this feels almost as awkward."

Bo spoke up again, "We've been trying to think of how to approach her, but… we always griffin out. We know this is what we want, so why does this have to be so hard?"

Lucia waited to see if they were done before nodding, and seeming to think about it before she smirked, "Have you tried just not thinking about it." The duo looked shocked and mildly irritated, but Lucia continued, "Seriously, if you keep getting tripped up by getting in your own heads, just don't think about it. Do what feels right. Let your hearts lead you, and if it's meant to be, it'll work out. Polyamory might not be my thing, but shouldn't love be all that matters. As long as you're coming from a place of love, and being honest with each other. I really wish you the best."

The duo seemed to think about what Lucia said for a bit before they both smiled, and Bo said, "Thanks. We weren't really sure what to expect when we heard you were Amity's girlfriend, but…"

"She's really lucky to have you. We aren't exactly super close, but… we've seen her sometimes when she thinks nobody's watching, and we know the signs," sighed Cat.

"We don't know who's hurting her, but… we always wished we could help. Unfortunately, we know better than most just how proud she can be. If she knew that we knew, she would double her efforts to hide it and pull further away, so the best we have been able to do is a few subtle healing spells when she's distracted," Bo said, looking ashamed.

Cat sniffed, "Please, Luz. Protect her, and if you can… please help her see that we want to be there for her."

Lucia chuckled, "Awww, you two are so sweet. Don't worry, I'll always be there for Amity. Even if 'us' doesn't work out… I'll never let anyone hurt her again. I love her too much to let that happen." After that the trio spent the rest of class laughing and chatting about cute places they could go and things they could do to make their partners feel appreciated, or as a fun surprise, and they loved every minute of it.

When the bell screamed for lunch, the trio got up to leave until Cat and Bo paled. When Lucia looked to see what was freaking them out, she saw Amity's feisty face, and immediately she ran over and scooped her up. As Lucia twirled her, she slowly brought her down into a tender kiss, and nothing else seemed to matter. Lucia was overcome with bliss, and she saw it reflected in Amity's eyes for a moment until her girlfriend's grumpiness returned. Once she was back on the ground, Amity pulled Lucia into the hall and pulled out her scroll revealing a video someone had taken of Lucia seething at Amity's siblings, and Amity seemed annoyed, but she only spoke one word, "Why?"

Lucia's whole posture slumped, "I'm sorry, mi amor. I know I messed up, but they got in my face wanting to know how I 'tamed' you, and I snapped." Lucia seemed to want to start crying, but she held it in. "I just got so angry, and I wanted them to understand how much they hurt you. Don't worry… I know what comes next. I promised I'd do better, and I made you look bad. I embarrassed you, so you have every right to walk away. I get it… I never deserved to be with you anyway." Lucia hid her face, but she was surprised when she heard a scoff, and felt Amity's tender touch guiding her chin up.

"I get it, and I don't blame you, mi luz. If I got the chance to confront some of the morons that hurt you… I might have done worse, but Luz… you need to do better." Amity gave her a sweet smile, "Just between us… watching you tear into them was kinda hot, but did you really have to call my family 'parasites'? Thankfully, you didn't call anyone else out by name, but spinning that will be hard, and I'm guessing Odalia will want to 'invite' you to dinner when they get back from their trip, so we have a little while to make a plan."

Lucia sniffed, "Y-your not leaving me?"

Amity huffed, and kissed her forehead, "Nope. You're stuck with me, but I think you owe me dinner tonight for the hassle. Deal?"

Lucia immediately brightened up, "Tonight, tomorrow, Ami I'll cook for you anytime you want." Then Lucia smirked and gave a seductive wink, "Maybe this time we can cuddle on my bed though. The couch can't be comfy for you."

Amity turned gormato red, and she seemed to get dizzy for a moment as a wide smile formed on her face, "Ya… ok."

Suddenly they smelled smoke, and heard somebody running toward them. As they watched, Skara came sliding around the corner followed by a trio of new heartless. They looked like tiny shadows dressed like stereotypical witches and riding what looked like brooms backward. As they watched they saw the trio create and throw tiny motes of flame like firecrackers, or small shards or ice the size of erasers, but despite how nonthreatening they seemed Skara still seemed terrified.

Almost absentmindedly, Lucia fired off two small light beams, and Amity threw a pink fireball at the remaining 'witch shadows'. With them gone Skara slid to a stop, and desperately grabbed at Amity, "Captain! You gotta help them. They attacked the cafeteria, and they are doing something to everyone. Please, Captain! They need help."

Lucia turned Skara so that she was looking her in the eye, "Skar, I need you to focus. How many are there? We need details."

Skara seemed almost in a trance as she stammered, "Dozens of little ones like the ones that were chasing me, but they are being led by four bigger ones, and a puppeteer demon. Boscha managed to help me escape, but I don't know anything else. Please, you have to go warn Bump while Amity holds them off. I'm sorry Luz, but these things are no joke."

Lucia sighed, "You're right, and that's why both of you are going to do exactly what I tell you to."

In the Cafeteria, Adagast, a pink octopus looking demon called a puppeteer, was smirking at the foolish triclops, dog, and beast brat that were currently standing between him and his mission. The job was easy. Go to Hexside, make some more heartless, and watch out for some brat with an oversized key. He hadn't even been told to avoid the brat, if he got the chance Adagast was supposed to make sure he turned her in fact, but then this trio of inconveniences started getting uppity, and now he had to prove a point. With a wave of his tentacles, Adagast directed his four elite heartless, a squad of wizard looking heartless dressed in purple and blue robes and bearing odd staves, to attack the offending trio and their accomplice who was shielding everyone else with a vine dome from the little witch heartless.

Everyone was so distracted that nobody noticed the duo creep quietly into the room until a pair of large spells slammed into Adagast's oversized head from behind. As Adagast turned to see who dared strike him, he heard a voice, "I don't know who you are or why you're here, but this place is ours to protect. Take your heartless and get out of our school." What Adagast saw was a green hair witch with pink glowing eyes, a trio of flaming abominations that seemed to burn or melt anything they touched, and the speaker, a very angry looking teen with a braid of brown hair and an aura of purple energy.

Once Adagast got over his surprise he began to laugh, and used his tentacles, that now seemed to leave black smoky trails as they moved, to seemingly order and direct the swarm of tiny heartless while his squad of wizards continued to fire burst of fire, ice, and lightning at Boscha, the dog-like demon, and Viney. The other students watched on in terror as the cloud of little creatures swarmed their grudgby captain, and her apparent girlfriend, forming a bubble that prevented anyone from seeing through using their tiny bodies as they moved and fired small spells at the duo. After a moment, Adagast began to turn away believing them surly beaten, but then the room got warm, and as everyone watched the bubble burst and was burned way by a combination of pink and purple burning light causing dozens of hearts to appear momentarily before disappearing again, and Adagast saw his prize. The brown haired one was the key bearer.

Immediately, Adagast clicked his tongue, and the wizards broke off their assault to return to him. With a wide smile Adagast chuckled, "Isn't this a surprise? I expected the key bearer to be a teacher, not a brat. I'll make you a deal. If you surrender yourself, I'll leave the rest alone. I've hit my quota after all, so I can always come back another time."

At that Amity roared, "Not happening slimeball, but I am curious. How did a moron like you get this many Heartless?"

Adagast snorted, "I am Adagast the Mighty, and these are my children. After my master gave me this amazing power last year… I began to collect them. First the unwanted and lost, those that would not be missed, but then I started to collect more powerful targets. From them I created my four assistants, but I thought it was time to expand. Most of the whelps behind me will only make more shadow witches, but I sense a few might make something truly powerful once I turn them into heartless." Adagast laughed insanely, while all of the students in the dome paled.

Lucia looked at Adagast through narrowed eyes before everyone heard her laugh at him, "Adagast was it? So you had a whole year to create an army, and it took all of five seconds for my girlfriend and I to purge almost all of them? Ady, you really are dense." Looking away from him Lucia looked to Viney, "Hey Vines, could you help take command over there while my gatita and I teach this cabron a lesson? Also, great job protecting everyone Will. I knew you could do it."

Everyone saw Amity's frown crack, "Bosh, I expect you to help Viney out, and continue to keep everyone safe. I'll be over in a minute to join you, understand?" Boscha scoffed, but everyone saw the relieved smile on her face as she nodded.

Adagast on the other hand roared in frustration at being belittled and ignored, "GET THEM."

With a wink, and a cheeky cheek kiss, Lucia rushed forward and started putting the Keyblade to work bating away fireballs as she avoided bolts of lightning and spears of ice. While Lucia took care of the wizard heartless, Amity directed her Abominations to rush Adagast. Amity's squad of flaming goo didn't last long, but that wasn't their purpose. As Adagast swung his tentacles and splattered them he also spread the goo around and over himself. With a focused look that all of the students recognized, Amity rushed forward with a blade made of Abomination matter in hand. As Adagast attempted to defend himself he found himself almost completely bound in abomination chains that shot up from the various poodles around him, and what was worse wherever the goo touched him he felt his skin burn and smoke like it was acidic.

As Amity and Adagast did their best to swipe and tear each other apart, Lucia started to get herself accustomed to the flow between each wizard's casts since she noticed that there was only a few seconds when she could hit them before each spell. If she tried mid-cast or post they simply blinked a few feet in a random direction, and out of danger, but if she tried as the spells were starting being cast an elemental shield would block her strikes. She had to wait for the exact moment to strike, and a window opened whenever they blinked to a new position. Luckily the wizards didn't seem very bright, and after allowing herself to take a fireball to the back to get in position, Lucia got her chance. With an overhead chop the first wizard fizzled into black vaper, and then a rapid spin caught two more unaware, freeing three more hearts.

Over with Adagast, Amity was slowly managing to cut through his tentacles, and after observing a few starting to grow back Amity took it up a notch. Her abomi-sword burst into pink flames, and that put an end to Adagast's attempts at regeneration, but Amity couldn't relax because with each passing moment Adagast began to leak more and more shadowy vapor until finally it hit critical mass. With a roar, Adagast caused the shadows to detonate, and send Amity flying back, slightly smoking into Lucia who caught her, it pushed them both back. Seemingly enraged beyond rational thought, Adagast screamed, "ENOUGH. I WILL NOT BE BEATEN BY A PAIR OF DETESTABLE TEENAGE BIT- AAAAAAAAAA." Everyone watched as he suddenly screamed out in pain, the last remaining wizard was sucked toward him, and a black sphere, like a solid void in space, seemed to snap into existence.

As everyone watched on in fear of what would happen next, Lucia felt a tug in her chest that snapped her out of her daze, and noticing Amity's injuries she cast a quick pair of cure spells on them both which earned her a smile and another tender kiss from her girlfriend. After a few minutes, Bump came in just in time to see the sphere begin to crack and shatter releasing something new. It looked similar to the wizard heartless, only bigger, and with a different style and staff. This one had blue and white robes, a top hat, and its staff was vaguely sun shaped with a blue gem at its core.

With a wave of its staff, a wall of transparent force rose up around itself and the two young women, preventing escape or interruption. On instinct the duo dove away from each other just in time for a pillar of fire to rise up from where they just were. Sharing a nod the girlfriends took up positions on opposite sides of this new 'High Wizard', but the heartless didn't seem to care. It just raised its staff toward the ceiling, and began to summon dark clouds that began to spread throughout the room until they hit the protective walls. Once that was done, it lowered its staff and sent a wave of magic toward the floor, and in seconds it was turned into a sheet of ice.

Noticing a trend, and not wanting to give it any more time to set up whatever it was doing, Amity drew a large circle and tried to blast fire at the High Wizard's back, but her large pink blast seemed to warp around her target. As she watched in horror her fire began to pick up bits of darkness and grow until it coalesced around the wizards staff, and was then fired at Lucia in a more focused stream that made the floor melt and bubble behind her as she dodged. Shifting gears Amity tried abominations, only to see her golems freeze as they tried to form in contact with the floor, but she noticed it didn't affect her or her blade. As Amity tried to find a way to attack the heartless without getting too close and risking another trap, Lucia began firing light beams at the wizard, and to her surprise the monster either dodged or used its staff as a shield.

They both watched as the wizard drifted closer to the ground until it finally slammed the butt of its staff into the ground causing spikes of ice and earth to begin to shot up out of the floor around them, and if that wasn't enough the orb on the staff twinkled and lightning began to fall around them. Suddenly Amity and Lucia found themselves under attack from all sides, and even as agile as they were they couldn't avoid everything. By the time the room got quiet again, both young women were covered in bruises, scorch marks, and small cuts, but worse than that they were once more forced to the same side.

Noticing a particularly nasty gash of Amity's arm, Lucia tried to cast a cure spell on it, but seconds after she cast it, the spell fizzled and the wizard flashed momentarily green making Amity scream, "Come the fracking hells on. It blocks healing too. This is bat guano."

With a groan Lucia looked at Amity, "I have an idea on how to take this thing down. Do you trust me, mi amor?"

Amity smiled, "With my life. What do you need me to do?" Lucia smiled and whispered in her ear after which Amity nodded and they separated. Calling on as much magic as she could, Amity tried to form a goo cage around the heartless, but it only succeeded in creating a wall of ice around it that the wizard was quick to fire a fire blast through forming a small hole, and causing a nasty burn to Amity's shoulder.

On cue though, Lucia shoved the end of the Keyblade into the hole, and screamed, "Let there be light, pendejo." Releasing every bit of magic left in her Lucia fired off a light beam that ricocheted around the ice prison, punching holes through the heartless wherever it was stuck. Everyone got to see the final monster evaporate into shadowy mist and a large heart being freed. What they also saw was both combatants pass out as the walls dropped and the lingering magics started to fade.

When Lucia woke up, she found Willow and Gus sitting in chairs to her right, and apparently having a conversation with someone from the sounds coming from their scrolls. Looking around, Lucia saw Amity in the next bed over, close enough to reach out to once they both woke up, and Eda sitting against the wall directly between and opposite them, so that she could keep an eye on both of them. Most shocking was the fact that Ed and Em were on Amity's other side, and given the puffiness of their eyes they had been crying. Lucia noticed they were holding Amity's hand tenderly.

As expected, Eda noticed Lucia was awake first. With a smirk and a bit of dampness in her eyes Eda rushed over, and gave Lucia a hug, "Dammit Owlet, I know you're all cool and spit, but could you not have messaged me a bit sooner. I would have helped you fight those heartless."

Lucia chuckled, "Na, if I did that there wouldn't have been any left for me and Amity, and I gotta represent if I want to remind people that my Aunt Eda is the best." The rest of the room stared at them at that comment, and Lucia sighed, "Yes, everyone. May I introduce you to Edalyn Clawthorn, Owl Lady, Wild Witch, and my Godmother. Please save all autographs until after I can move on my own again."

Willow, Gus, and Eda snorted at Lucia's declaration, but the Blight twins paled. Sharing a look, Edric asked, "Does Mittens know… Is she aware that you're…?"

An irritated scoff came from the other bed as Amity pulled her hand away from them, and reached out to take Lucia's. When they did, Amity proudly stated, "I do, and I don't care. Lucia loves me, and I love her. At this point, if you or anyone else don't like it they can get over it. I've found the person that completes me, and I refuse to let anything come between us. That includes my friends, you two, those a**holes that spawned us, the heartless, or the whole coven system. I know where I belong, and it's with my light."

"Oh gatita, mi amor, I love you too, and I promise to never let anything come between us too. Are you ok though? I'm not very good at it yet, but I could cast a few more cure spells on you if you want," cooed Lucia, as she tenderly held Amity's hand.

"No mi guerrera de luz. I'm fine. Save your magic for yourself," Amity said with a sweet smile, and with a faint blush Amity continued, "A kiss would be nice though. I didn't expect heartless to hit that hard."

With a groan Emira asked, "Ok, I need some answers. What in the name of Tartarus was that monster, and why was it so interested in Lucia? Also, who the heck are you? You appear out of nowhere and suddenly people are turning into shadowy creatures and attacking Hexside. Spill. We know we haven't been the best, but this is ridiculous. There's no way we're letting our baby sister fight monsters just for a crush. No way. Not happening. I'm putting my foot down."

To everyone's surprise, Amity laughed at Em, but there was no mirth in it. It took everything she had, but Amity got up and joined Lucia on her bed. Once she did, and Lucia had her in a warm protective embrace she positively screamed at her siblings, "YOU DON'T GET A VOTE. I THOUGHT I MADE THAT CLEAR." Taking a breath Amity continued in a scathing tone, "I've made a decision, and if they'll have me, I'm going to move in with Lucia. There's only another four months until I turn sixteen, and I can make it official, but I refuse to have anything more to do with the Blight name. Odalia has tainted it, and I don't want it."

The whole room went quiet, but Amity saw Eda give her a nod and felt Lucia give her a reassuring kiss. After a few moments Emira growled, "No… I-I refuse. You can't go. We'll be better. We recognize that we failed you, but we won't anymore. You're our baby sister Mittens and I promise we'll protect you-"

Suddenly something flew past her ear, and as everyone looked at where it came from they saw Amity… and her scar. "Protect me? You've never protected me. Where were you when I was crying myself to sleep because Odalia refused to let me eat after getting a 'B'? Where were you when she pushed me until I physically collapsed from exhaustion? When she sent one of her spirits after me, and almost blinded me, Where. Were. You? And worst of all, where were you when our birthers came to me on my eighth birthday, and told me to cut Willow out of my life, or Odalia would?" This caught everyone except the Owl house residents by surprise, but Amity wasn't done yet, "You know as well as I do that she wouldn't have stopped until Willow and her dads were either dead or dying. I have spent every moment of the last seven years tormenting the only person who ever cared about me until I met my Luz, and now you want to tear us apart just like she did. WELL F*CK YOU. I REFUSE." After another breath, Amity declared, "Get out. Lucia was right, you're nothing but scum sucking parasites, just like them. Get out, so that I can be with my real family without my air being tainted by your corruption."

With tears in their eyes Edric and Emira ran out of the room. For a while, the room was silent except for the sound of Amity's crying into Lucia's chest. With tender touches and a reassuring voice Lucia cuddled Amity, "Ami, I'm here for you. I'll always be here to support you until I stop breathing, and after that feel free to make me your oracle spirit if you want, because I'm never going to leave you."

That thought made Amity stop crying and look at Lucia in horror, "No. I would never do that. Lucia, that's not something to joke about. Oracle spirits are prevented from ever naturally moving on. They don't get a happily ever after, just chains and eternal suffering. The only way for them to move on is to be exercised, and that doesn't free them… it destroys them. The only reason oracle magic is viewed as acceptable is because an oracle can help ease their pain and give them purpose so they don't go and turn into wraiths. I'm guessing you didn't know any of that or you would never say something like that."

Lucia only smiled, "But I did." Those three little words caused gasps throughout the room. "In preparation for today I looked into all nine common branches, looking for where I belonged, but I found it the moment I met you. Amity, I love you, and I never want to leave you. I've spent all of my life looking for the person who completes me too, and now that I've found you… Amity, I don't view it as much of a choice. I don't expect to live forever, and Titan willing, you will live a lot longer than I will. Don't get me wrong, I have no intention of going anytime soon, but if I have to sacrifice my happily ever after to make sure that you never have to feel alone again… then I'll do it with a smile. Amity, you deserve to be loved, and I refuse to let anyone or anything get in the way of you feeling loved again." Amity didn't know what to say, so she just hugged Lucia close to her.

After that Principle Bump came in, and after checking that they were alright told them that classes for the rest of the day were canceled, and that they should all head home for today. He also assured them that they would discuss the events of today another time, and he just wished them a good day and personally thanked Amity and Lucia for their bravery in helping to protect everyone. After that, Gus and Willow left, but before they did, they each gave Lucia a hug. Unsurprisingly, Amity and Lucia decided to postpone their romantic dinner, and just snuggle in Lucia's bed. It had been a long day.

Author Notes: Sorry if I ended it abruptly, but no fears I'll pick it up from almost this exact spot next chapter. There is still a lot that needs to be taken care of, but this chapter is 12k+ already, and I needed to push them to the next chapter. No fear though, I'm chugging along.

So it took a while for me to decide on Calamity (Eda) and Cataclysm (Manford) being their nicknames, but in the end I think it fits. Eda invites calamity wherever she goes and actively causes problems, but Manford doesn't actively try to cause Cataclysm's, he's just always present for them and he's always at their center (mostly because he tries to help people like Luz). He's a natural disaster, and she's chaos incarnate.

In regards to the 'I accept you' conversation Lucia is not saying that she is ok with what Amity is doing, but she can accept that there are things she doesn't know/understand about the situation, and she is willing to table it for now and trust Amity's judgment. She is not giving her a pass, and have no doubt… Lucia would absolutely fight Amity if she had to in order to 'protect' both Willow and Amity. Worse case scenario, she knows she can take getting beat if she has too. Also every time I read, "Hey morons, leave that kid alone" I hear the music cue from 'The Wall' aka "Hey teachers, leave them kids alone", and I really hope that I'm not the only one cuz it makes me smile every time it happens.

So I'll be the first to admit… I did the twins dirty, but in this Au they kind of deserve it. Without Luz to stop them, they ended up going too far, and there are consequences to that. Don't worry the events of this chapter were a wake up call for them, so they're primed to start getting better, but it's going to be an uphill struggle, and no, they haven't figured out who Lucia is yet in regards to 'Uncle Ford'. Also 'family' is a soft spot for this Lucia, and it's not something she plays around with. Amity was angry at the end, but that conversation isn't over.

So I really liked using Adagast for this role, and being a kidnapping slimeball really fit's his character. I know the fight might feel a bit rushed, but between having him being consumed by his own darkness, and this being Lucia's first real boss fight I thought it came out alright. I tried to use the 'Dark Thorn' fight from KH2 for inspiration. Yall will have to tell me how I did.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, writing Amity 'liberating' herself feels amazing. Not to mention that scene works as a great 'line in the sand' for her, and Willow gets her first chance to see that her friend wasn't hurting her by choice. Also I just want to point out that no oracle magic isn't innately evil. Creating an oracle spirit intentionally is, but they also occur naturally from witches and demons who couldn't move on. In a way, an oracle can actually do a lot of good by binding them, and helping them not lose themselves to madness or pain. They can't take care of themselves and require magic to remain stable, so a partnership is actually a good thing for them. Anyway, shine on beautiful readers. Shine on.