A/N: Since this series now features characters from Amphibia and Owl House, I shall be renaming this series 'Tales From Avalar and Beyond'.
I own none of the characters presented here. They all belong to their respective owners. Radiana belongs to Pyrus Dragonoid.
Favours and Questions
Cynder was again sitting alone in the Temple library, reading about the nature of dark magic and how to counter it. There was talk of using talismans, amulets and certain incantations; all of which were designed to protect oneself from mild to moderate spells. Perhaps if Cynder employed them in tandem, her protection would strengthen.
'But this is just countering dark magic,' Cynder thought. 'I wonder where... I might find... actual instructions on how to use it. I mean... how fitting it would be to have Gaul and Sirorrialth and all the rest of them suffer in the hands of their own dark power! It's the perfect means of revenge and-!'
Cynder shook her head vigorously. "There it is again," she mumbled aloud. "I won't... I won't do it."
'But think about it, Cynder. Poisoning them and watching them suffer... subjecting those evil-doers to their worst fears and see how they like it... choking these harbingers of villainy and destruction with Shadow... using vengeful spirits to drag them to their doom!'
"If I do that, I might as well still be the Dark Master's puppet," Cynder replied.
'Well, what else can you be, dear Cynder? Your whole life has been in shadow. Why deny it?'
"Oh, just go away," Cynder muttered.
The voice, which had sounded more and more like Cynder's when she'd been the Terror of the Skies, fell silent. But it would be back again. It never truly left. It constantly resounded in Cynder's mind; when she walked the corridors of the Temple, when she ate at the dinner table, while washing herself, and, most egregiously of all, while she slept.
Of course, Cynder could have asked Aureole to help with her sleep. Her chanting was said to work wonders. But... Cynder didn't want to dredge up unpleasant memories for her mother.
With a sigh, Cynder closed the book and rested her muzzle in her paws. Her thoughts again turned to Spyro, and a familiar mix of gratitude and guilt swept through her. Spyro had saved her from Malefor's control, but at the cost of his Elemental powers.
Then she thought of something. Perhaps she could help Spyro regain his powers somehow.
"Maybe I could help Spyro regain his powers as maybe some training could reawaken his powers."
Cynder nodded to herself to affirm her own decision. With that, she pulled up her hood and made to leave Just as she approached the door, it opened and Sergeant Byrd limped in with a crutch.
"Oh, Cynder! Erm, please excuse me, I didn't know you were here."
"Sergeant Byrd? What brings you here?"
"Oh, well, I was, err, bored and fancied a good read," the veteran Penguin replied, and this was true. However, now that he'd run into Cynder, perhaps he could go through with his questioning.
The Penguin took a breath. He had to do this in a way that didn't, well, ruffle any feathers.
"Well, don't let me keep you, Sergeant," Cynder said, a little awkwardly, pulling her hood up a little more as she made to leave.
"Well, actually, Miss," Byrd proffered, "I… fancy a little talk with you."
"Oh, like what about?" Cynder asked, a little warily. "If it's about me clawing you in Cloud Spires, then I'm sorry. I really am."
"No, no, no, nothing like that," Byrd affirmed, though he winced and ran a flipper over his bandages as he spoke. "No, I wish to know you better, is all; the real you."
Cynder hesitated.
"It won't be long," Byrd promised. "If you have somewhere to be, I'll not keep you preoccupied needlessly. Just maybe five minutes will suffice."
"Okay then," conceded Cynder. "I guess it could work out for both of us."
"Jolly good! Ahem, anyway, what were you studying just now?"
Cynder reckoned she might as well be honest. "I have been reading up on how dark magic works and how one can protect against it, but nothing more than that." She sighed. "I'm not really sure if I want to learn about my powers."
"I see. I bet the dark magic must've been trouble for you."
"Believe me, it's like a curse..."
"And... do you know who cursed you with such powers?" Byrd inquired carefully. "I mean, I'll understand if you can't remember much, or don't want to... but they should pay for what they did to you. And as a Sergeant, it's my duty to ensure justice is done." The Penguin paused. "Does the name 'Gaul' ring any bells?"
Cynder looked round. "Yeah, it's him. He was the guy who orchestrated Malefor's possession of me!"
"Ah, yes, that makes sense," Byrd agreed. "The Apes have long since had a strong alliance with the Dark Master. Quite a brute, Gaul is."
"And he wasn't alone," Cynder went on. "No doubt you know of his fellow Generals Red, Ripto, Deina... and Sirorrialth..." Cynder's voice trailed off.
Byrd was tempted to press the subject on Sirorrialth, to see if Cynder knew the full story. But an image of Terrador's grim face flashed through his mind, and he thought better of it. Instead, he said, "Yes, we know quite a bit about Red, Sirorrialth and Ripto, but do you know much of the Sorceress, Deina? Our information on her is limited."
Cynder pondered for a moment. "Not really. I remember her attending meetings with the other Generals, but... she was rather secretive. Lives in a place called the... Forgotten Realms, I think. She has an apprentice as well: a Rabbit named Bianca."
"Forgotten Realms; right," Byrd noted. "Do you know where that is and how to get there?"
Cynder shook her head. "Sorry, Sergeant. I don't know. All that mattered to me back then was subduing the Guardians and freeing Malefor. Gaul said something about a 'Night of Eternal Darkness' or something."
Byrd's eyes widened with intrigue. That last piece of info could be most valuable to them.
"Ahem, I see," he concluded. "Well, I won't keep you any longer, Cynder."
"Okay, then. Do you know where I can find Spyro?"
Temple Shrine
"A Human?" Ignitus repeated, as Spyro finished recounting his story in Wartwood Swamp.
"Yes, Dad," Spyro confirmed. "She said she was from another world."
"And she reckons that three other Humans might have come with her as well," Elora added.
"Sorta like a mini-invasion," Sparx jibed.
Ignitus didn't immediately answer. The Fire Guardian turned to share glances with his fellows. Terrador and Aureole leaned towards each other to whisper quietly. Volteer and Cyril shared curious glances. Cordelia looked at the three children.
"Did... Anna, I think you said it was, say the name of her world at any point?"
"No, Cordelia," Elora replied. "We never asked. Is it relevant?"
"Yes, my dear," Ignitus confirmed. "Because legends say that the Witches who inhabit our world might be descended from settlers who came from another world."
"Okay, first off, what are Witches?" inquired Sparx, before Spyro or Elora could comment.
"Bipedal sophonts," Volteer replied at once, "similar to Apes in physiology and even sharing a substantial amount of genetics. They are distinguished by the absence of fur, less cartilage in their pointed ears and the bile sacs that allows them to cast magic."
"An impressive trait, to be sure," Cyril added aloofly, "but nowhere near as potent as ours."
"Okay," Sparx said slowly.
"How come we've never seen any of them in Avalar?" Elora wondered.
"They used to come here," Cordelia explained, "and some fought with us against the Dark Armies. But after..." She glanced at Aureole briefly. "...you know who joined the fight, most had to flee back to their side to defend their rulers from harm."
"So you reckon Anne might be connected to the Witches in some way?" Spyro asked. "I think one of the Apes did mistake her for a Witch."
"Possibly," Ignitus conceded. "But as to how she and her friends came to this world... I do not know. No Portal we know of can bridge between entire worlds."
"Well, in any case," Elora interjected, "we should find them. With Malefor's goons still out there, they could be in great danger."
"What if the other Humans aren't very friendly?" Sparx fretted.
"Come on, Sparx! You really think Anne could call them her friends if they were dangerous?" Spyro countered.
"That Anne was a wildcard herself, you know," Sparx noted.
"Regardless of whether they are friendly or hostile, we should put out word for them," Terrador declared. "Ignitus, inform King Andrias as soon as you can."
"Understood."
"King Andrias?" Spyro repeated. "Who's he?"
"He's the ruler of Amphiwicca, the realm to which Wartwood belongs," Terrador answered. "He's a good friend..."
"...but not much of a people person," Aureole added.
Before Spyro could ask any more questions, they heard waddling footsteps. Byrd had entered the room.
"Excuse me, chaps," he said politely, "but Miss Cynder here was looking for Spyro."
"Me? Is she okay?" Spyro asked.
"She is, but she wanted to see you."
"All right then. At least she's opening up now." Spyro smiled a little. "Is she here with you, Byrd?"
Byrd shook his head. "No, she's gone to the Temple Dojo. She's waiting for you there."
Spyro nodded. "Alright. I'll go see her." He glanced at the others. "Do what you can for Anne and her friends. And keep me informed. There's something about Anne that seems familiar, but I don't know what..."
With that, Spyro made his way towards the Dojo. Now the Purple Dragon came to think about it, he hadn't used it since his recovery from Convexity, wanting to regain a good level of strength. before trying his hand at fighting again. Perhaps now was the time to do it.
As he entered the Dojo, Spyro gazed in awe at the immense statue of Comet that dominated the room. He again wondered to himself how a great hero could've fallen so very far.
"Hi, Spyro."
Spyro looked round. Cynder was waiting for him, still wearing her cloak and hood.
"Hey Cynder! You seem to be a bit better," Spyro noted with a smile.
Cynder smiled a little. "Well, I figured you should do a little exercise to regain your strength before your next adventure."
"Next adventure? I guess... always helps to be ready." Spyro thought for a moment. "Maybe you could join me on that, Cynder."
Cynder seemed surprised by the offer. She was about to say no, but thought it might sound rude. "I'll... think about it. For now, let's see about you." She sighed. "I owe you this much for saving me, Spyro. Since my actions cost you your powers, it's only right I help restore them."
Before Spyro could tell Cynder it wasn't her fault, the black Dragoness pressed on. "You remember how this Dojo works, right? You think of something to fight and it appears?"
Spyro nodded. "I remember." As he spoke, a few training dummies in the shape of Apes appeared.
"Well, been a while since I beat up some dirty apes!" he declared, crouching ready for a fight. As the dummies advanced on him, Spyro tried to unleash a burst of Fire. But all that came from his mouth was smoke, followed by a cough.
The dummies leapt at Spyro. He darted sideways to avoid them, and then whipped them hard with his tail.
"Wow, you're fast!" Cynder complimented.
"Thanks. At least I know I can still fight with my body." Spyro huffed. "No luck with my Elemental powers, though."
"Just keep trying," Cynder encouraged.
As another dummy bore down on Spyro, the Purple Dragon spread his legs, opened his mouth and blew hard.
Nothing happened.
Spyro dodged the dummy's swipe and whipped it with his tail. He tried again to breathe fire. This time, a few sparks sprayed from his lips, but no fire.
'Come on, flames! Bring it out!' he thought desperately. His thoughts were disrupted by a smack from one of the dummies. Spyro was sent rolling across the dojo for a few metres before he managed to regain his footing.
Snorting in frustration, Spyro charged at the dummies with his head bowed. A few dummies were gored on his horns before being sent flying into the rest.
"Not bad, on your first test," Cynder praised.
"Well I can manage but it seems my powers won't reactivate until I fully recover."
Cynder's smile faltered a little. "Any idea how long that will be?"
Spyro shrugged. "I don't know. I've tried taking crystals to replenish my energy, but while they've helped me from exhausting myself simply by walking, my Elemental powers don't seem to want to reawaken. Even Cyril and Volteer are flummoxed."
Cynder sighed. "I'm sorry, Spyro. I really thought some fighting might help."
"Hey, it's alright, Cynder. Honestly, I was in need of some practise regardless. Thank you."
Cynder stared at Spyro for a moment. Then she looked away, pulling her hood up a little further. "You're welcome. Fancy continuing?"
Spyro nodded. A few more dummies appeared, and Spyro resumed his practise.
A short distance outside the Temple, Bianca was spying on the two Dragons from afar. The dojo, you see, had a doorway that led directly outside, allowing Bianca to watch Spyro and Cynder.
Deina was also watching via their Gem link. "It seems little Spyro is still having a little trouble reawakening his powers."
"Shall I make my move now, Mistress? He's vulnerable."
Deina thought. "Yes, I think this will do just nicely. I suggest you find a way to lure Spyro and Cynder out of the Temple. That way, you're less likely to face the Guardians. I trust that won't be a problem, Bianca."
Bianca bowed. "No, Mistress. It won't be a problem at all."
"Good! But I remind you, my dear! Failure isn't an option!"
Bianca winced as the image of Deina faded away. The Lapine apprentice looked in her spellbook for a good magic trick to lure the Dragons outside.
"Ah-ha, maybe this will work."
The Rabbit raised her wand and waved it. With a flash of light, two glowing butterflies were conjured into existence. They flew into the temple and flapped about for a few moments, catching Spyro & Cynder's attention.
"Oh, what is this, Cynder? A new trial?" Spyro wondered.
"Uh, no, it's not me," Cynder replied. "Cute little butterflies, though."
The butterflies then turned and flew outside again.
"I wonder where they're going," Cynder wondered.
"Guess we'll just have to find out," Spyro reasoned.
The two Dragons made their way outside after the butterflies. As they did so, Sparx flew into the Dojo. He had been wondering what his brother was up to. But the moment his eyes saw the large butterflies, his hunger was awakened.
"Mmmmm, those look delicious!" he cried and hurried after Spyro and Cynder.
Outside, Bianca saw the dragons approaching. She raised her wand, ready to trap the two dragons in crystal, so as to deliver them to Deina without fear of attack.
The two dragons were almost in position, when Sparx flew past them at the butterflies
"FOOOOODDDD!" Sparx snatched the butterflies and stuffed them into his mouth. Spyro and Cynder were surprised. Bianca was speechless.
"Sparx!" Spyro & Cynder shouted in annoyance.
"What? They were glowing and I assume they're a sweet score," Sparx mumbled with his mouth full.
As the two Dragons began reprimanding Sparx for his lack of manners, Bianca realised that her plan had still essentially worked. The Dragonfly was no real threat; once she'd crystallised Spyro and Cynder, she could swat him easily.
The Doe raised her spell to cast the spell.
But as Cynder was just calling Sparx a 'careless glutton', she suddenly scented danger before it happened. Perhaps it was her own familiarity with magic, but something told her a potentially harmful spell was imminent.
"MOVE!" she shrieked, shoving Spyro out of the way, just as Bianca cast her spell.
The blast narrowly missed them, though it did leave Cynder's tail encased in crystal.
"Cynder! Are you alright?" cried Spyro.
"Alright, but my tail feels as it's doubled or even tripled in weight," Cynder grumbled.
Sparx looked around fretfully. "Not good, not good! Are the Apes back?"
Bianca cursed under her breath, and proceeded to try again with her spell.
"It came from over there!" Cynder pointed at the spot where Bianca was hiding.
Bianca's sense of panic rose as Spyro began running towards her. Her fear of being captured overriding her loyalty to her mistress, the Rabbit turned tail and ran.
Sparx flew up to get a better view and saw Bianca stumbling frantically through the undergrowth.
"Ah-ha! Spyro, over there by the east! He's retreating into the woods!"
"Whoever it is, they won't be far!" Spyro spread his wings and took to the air after Bianca.
As a Rabbit, Bianca naturally had quite a spring in her step. But even a Rabbit can't outrun a flying Dragon.
Spyro dived towards Bianca and caught her in the small of the back. Bianca was sent flying forwards, dropping her wand in the process. Spyro caught her ankle in his maw, and lifted her into the air.
"Hey!" Bianca cried as her hood slipped to reveal her face. "Let me go, you overgrown Iguana!"
"Oh, it's you," Spyro realized, his voice slightly muffled.
At that moment, Sparx and Cynder arrived, the latter dragging her tail with some difficulty.
"Bianca?! What are you going here?!" Cynder wondered.
"None of your business!" Bianca told them, trying to kick at Spyro to make him release her.
"Wait, did your mistress send you to capture us?" Cynder deduced.
Bianca was both amazed and unnerved by Cynder's brilliant guess. She didn't want to confirm the Dragoness' words, but the unspoken rule about remaining silent when someone guesses something correctly is that it tells the questioner that they are most likely right.
"Well, too bad, 'cause we're not invited!" Sparx taunted.
"I'm afraid the 'invitation' is mandatory!" Bianca retorted. "I mean... it's not like Cynder is any real place here, does she?" she blustered.
"What?!" Cynder demanded.
"Well, given everything you've done, do you really think you for all Dragons can find her place here?! Where else could you possibly belong?!"
Bianca was only trying to distract Spyro and Cynder while she tried to summon her wand back to her hand. She was desperate to ensure she didn't fail her mistress. But she hadn't reckoned on how sensitive Cynder was on the subject. The black Dragoness's green eyes narrowed to slits. Her teeth were bared.
Spyro, for his part, looked incensed at Bianca's words, even if they didn't sound taunting. Sparx, who was still unsure on his views regarding Cynder, looked away. Before either could say anything regarding the Rabbit's words, however, Cynder let loose a burst of red energy with a deafening, bloodcurdling shriek.
The energy hit Bianca full in the face. All at once, Bianca was overwhelmed by terrible thoughts; failing her mistress and being tortured mercilessly to death, or else being made to do something truly terrible. What little bravado she'd had evaporated, and she was simply terrified.
Spyro, caught unawares by Cynder's cry, instinctively let go of Bianca's ankle as fear swept through him as well. The Rabbit dropped the ground, and she immediately took to her heels, shrieking hysterically.
"And don't come back!" Cynder screamed after her. The Dragoness' hood had fallen back to reveal her face, which was twisted in anger, her eyes now glowing red.
Spyro shook himself to dispel the red mist that had descended over him. He was alarmed at how feral Cynder suddenly looked.
"Cynder? Cynder!" he called to her, hurrying over and shaking her.
Cynder blinked. Her eyes returned to normal. "Spyro?"
"Whoa, what was that?!" Sparx shouted in surprise.
"I... I don't..." Cynder swayed slightly where she stood. "What did I do?"
"You nearly deafened us, and hit Miss Rabbit Witch back there with some wave of red!" Sparx rambled. "She took all frightened; so did I, honestly."
"And me," Spyro admitted.
"But what did-?" Cynder's eyes suddenly widened in realisation. "Fear..."
Cynder was horrified at what she had just done. Moreover, part of her had enjoyed seeing Bianca in terror.
"I'm... I'm sorry... I didn't meant..."
"Did you mean to do that?" Spyro asked.
Cynder was too frightened to answer. Instead, she pulled her hood back up and ran away, somehow only slightly hampered by her crystallised tail.
"What's eating her?" Sparx wondered.
Spyro didn't know what to say. He just gazed anxiously after Cynder.
"Deina's apprentice was here?" Ignitus repeated.
"She was. It seems she was going after me and Cynder," Spyro confirmed. "I don't get it. Why m?"
"Well maybe because you could be a big threat for her plans or something." Sparx told his brother.
Ignitus sighed. "Or... maybe Deina just wants you, Spyro." He paused. "That dinosaur Sorceress has always been a mystery to me. The few times I've seen her, something has struck me as... strangely familiar, but I don't know why."
"Well, it doesn't matter," Sparx scoffed. "That Dino will get Spyro alright; and his Elemental blasts to boot!"
"Sure," Spyro agreed, rather absently. He was more concerned for Cynder right now. Although Ignitus' comment on Deina's mysterious nature did also remind him of how amiable she'd been when she first met him at Dino Mines.
"I'm going to see how Cynder is doing," he proclaimed.
"Okay, just don't make her angry," Sparx warned, as Spyro walked off.
"Hmm, as if I'd want to," Spyro muttered. After all, he remembered all too well what had happened when he'd got angry...
"You failed to capture the Dragons?!" Deina yelled.
Bianca cowered before the magical window through which she and her Mistress were communicating
"I-I hadn't c-counted on Cynder's F-Fear abilities," the Rabbit stammered.
Deina's expression softened a little with interest. "Fear? So, I was right. She's still connected to the powers of darkness. Perhaps there's another way we can reel her in. Bianca, keep close to the Temple, but don't go too close for the time being. They're likely be on their guard after your failure." She scowled. "Surely illusion spells won't be too hard for you..."
"N-n-n-no, Mistress," Bianca stuttered. "I-I-I shall... I will..."
"Oh, pull yourself together, girl!" Deina snapped.
Bianca shook herself vigorously. "Yes, Mistress."
Witches Before All Others
The Owl House, outskirts of Bonesborough, Amphiwicca, two days before...
The Owl House, resident of wild witch Edalyn Clawthorne, the Owl Lady, was a large cottage built of white bricks with a sloping roof of blue tiles. The most noticeable feature was the circular stained glass over the front door that looked like a large demonic eye.
Inside the front room, two girls sat side-by-side on one of the couches. One was a 14-year-old Human girl, similar to Anne in that her skin, eyes and hair was shades of brown. However, Luz Noceda's skin was tan, her eyes golden-brown and her pixie-cut hair dark brown. She wore a lavender and white shirt with a cat-eared hood, high-waist jean shorts atop dark navy grey capri leggings, and white loafers.
The other girl was serpentine, with a long fish-like tail for her lower body. Her scales were mostly a pale swamp-green, though her head, rounded cat-like muzzle, tail and underbelly had cream-coloured spots. A patch of navy-blue hair adorned her head, back and large ears, and her eyes were golden irises surrounded by aqua sclera. Her name was Vee and she was a Basilisk.
Luz was showing Vee a video on her phone. The video was of Luz's latest school project, which involved a few live Mobini Snakes and a home-built rocket.
"So, those are Snakes from your world?" Vee observed.
"Yep, they were part of a school project I have done!" Luz told the Basilisk. "And don't worry, they were non-venomous." Her smile sagged a little. "Although... they did still get loose. That's ultimately why I was sent to Reality Camp." She rallied quickly. "Still, I ended up here, so... silver lining?"
Vee frowned, but didn't press the subject. "So do you think your friends are here as well?"
Luz paused. "I think so. But I don't know how I know. It was just a feeling that came to me when I came through the portal after Owlbert. But then, how can they be here? They couldn't have come through the portal with me."
Vee shrugged. "I'm just confused as you. But can you at least promise me that they're nice people?"
"Of course, they are!" Luz assured. "Well... Anne and Marcy, definitely; Sasha... not so much... not that she's harmful, mind, just very bossy."
From the kitchen, Radiana and Eda watched the two girls talking.
"Hmm... that Luz is a sweet girl," the Light Dragoness observed. "If you had to take in one Human, at least it was her."
Radiana chuckled as she remembered how Luz had reacted upon seeing her.
"I suppose so," Eda acknowledged. "And she's helpful too. Willing to help get King's crown from Wrath, she was." She then frowned. "Though I do wonder why the portal stopped working after she came through. Probably didn't think Luz tasted very nice!" The Owl Lady, as they called her, snorted with laughter.
Radiana smiled. She'd always loved Eda's sass. Even so, there was concern in her voice when she next spoke. "Does Luz's mother know about her being here?"
"Heh, no, Luz decided to tell her she's at camp for now; they can still communicate via that... mechanical scroll she uses. Hopefully, the Portal will be working by the time camp is over."
Radiana considered this for a few moments. She wasn't sure Luz was making the right choice. But it was ultimately her decision.
The Dragoness' golden eyes then rested on Vee.
"I'll be sure to look out for the other Basilisks Vee mentioned," she said. "Whatever Wrath was cloning them for, based on what Vee described, it can't be good."
"Yeah, I always knew that creep was sick, but not like that!" Eda shook her head. "Why would Big King Newt and Ol' Belos let him do these things?"
"I'm not sure if they knew of this," Radiana noted. "I'll look into it. You just take care of these two now. That shouldn't be too hard, right?"
At that moment, a small canine-like creature appeared behind Luz and Vee. He had purple-grey and mauve fur, bone-like fingers and toe, yellow and orchid eyes and a horned skull for a head. He seemed interested in Luz's video.
"Those Snakes look formidable," he noted, in an attempt at bold drama that was undermined by his young voice. "Luz, tell me where you found them, so I can tame them for my grand army of conquest!"
"Oh King, tierno, you can have all the Snakes you want!" Luz cooed, grabbing the small creature and hugging him tightly.
"Argh, stop doing this!" King cried.
"Luz, I agree," Vee mumbled. "The King of Demons deserves more respect."
"Thank you!" cried King.
"Even if he is indeed kinda cute," Vee added.
"Oh no, not you as well!"
Eda sighed. "It'll be a handful, but, eh, that's my lot in life."
"Heh, indeed. Just make sure your feathery friend doesn't get them," Radiana advised slyly.
"I do wish you'd stop calling it that," Eda deadpanned. She then looked back at the two girls and little creature. "But, yeah, I will. I'll also need to provide Vee with sufficient sustenance, so she doesn't need to gobble up my magic."
"Meanwhile, I'll be sure to look out for Luz's friends," Radiana added as she made her way towards the door. "Take care, Eda."
"See ya, Diane."
Now...
"You know, Vee, I was hoping to learn actual magic from Eda," Luz huffed, "not dig through a garbage slug and its contents." She scowled at the slime ball Eda had made her keep.
"Well, at least some of the stuff she finds gives me sustenance," Vee noted, consuming the magic of an old wand. She had taken a form similar to Luz, except with different clothing and smoothed back hair. The idea was that she would pass herself off as Luz's twin sister.
"I suppose that sorta makes it worthwhile," Luz conceded, "especially when I have an adorable sight like this." She gave Vee a pat on the shoulder. However, this made the Basilisk cringe in terror.
"Oh, lo siento," Luz giggled awkwardly. "Guess I still have some bits to teach you about Human gestures of affection. Probably more worthwhile than Eda's way of learning magic..."
"Come on, you got this," came a slightly scratchy female voice.
Luz looked around. "A mysterious voice of encouragement?"
Vee started. "Are we being watched?" she whispered, drawing closer to Luz.
Luz, one arm comforting the Basilisk, pushed aside a nearby bush. To her pleasant surprise, she saw two other girls standing next to a wheelbarrow with some kind of cauldron on top.
One was a Witch, like Eda; she had fair skin, neat navy-blue hair and olive green eyes under round, gold-framed glasses. She wore a grey tunic with a dark grey cowl held together with a gold pin, orchid sleeves and leggings, and grey shoes.
The other was a Frog, slightly younger, with light blue skin and pastel pink hair with dark patches. Tied into a knot at the top, it fell around her head like the cap of a mushroom, covering her right eye. Her visible left eye was yellow with a vertical pupil, rather like a reptile. She wore the same outfit as the Witch girl, except the sleeves and leggings were stil de grain yellow.
"Two little Witch girls," Luz breathed. "And... one of them is a creepy, yet somehow cute, little Frog."
"Yeah, you're right, Maddie," the Witch girl commented, getting to her feet and pacing back and forth. "Sure, I might get a bad grade, but it's not a reflection of me as a Witch."
"That's not exactly what I meant," the Frog, Maddie, noted. "But anyways, let's get to school and-"
The Witch had accidentally stomped on a flower. "Oh no!" she cried. "Oh, little friend! I'm so sorry! H-here, I'll heal you!"
Maddie rolled her eyes in mingled exasperation and affection as the Witch drew a green circle of magic in the air above the crushed flower. Next moment, green energy sprinkled down onto the flower. The flower sprang back to life, more beautiful than it had been before.
Luz was astounded. That Witch girl was clearly great with plants.
"Okay, Willow," Maddie urged, "let's get to school before-"
She was cut off as another wheelbarrow, well, wheeled into sight, seemingly by itself. But it was glowing with green energy, no doubt conjured by the Witch sitting atop the cauldron. She too had fair skin, with her hair in two shades of green (possibly dyed, given the patch of brown on her fringe), golden eyes and a rather aloof expression on her face. Like the first girl - Willow, Luz remembered - she was garbed in a uniform with orchid sleeves and leggings and was reading a book titled Magic 101.
"Oh, it's you again," Maddie muttered.
The green-haired Witch looked down, closing her book.
"Ah, Willow; and your little Froggy friend too," she greeted, leaping down. "You two are so unnoticeable, I almost rolled into you."
"Hey, Amity..." Willow replied dully, but with a hint of annoyance.
"What do you want?" Maddie demanded.
"I don't think it's any of your business, Frog," Amity responded, not even looking at Maddie. "Be quiet and let the proper Witches talk."
Maddie fumed.
"That girl is horrible," Vee whispered.
"Yeah, but it's good Witch drama," Luz noted. Vee shook her head.
"Anyway, Willow," Amity continued, "shouldn't you get to class early to prep your-?"
Willow's cauldron shook and then tipped over, spilling some kind of dark purple goo over the ground. A groaning sound seemed to be coming from it. Willow looked abashed.
"Oh, that's right," Amity sniffed. "You don't have anything to show, do you?"
"I can show you a good Potion curse if you don't push off, Mint-head!" Maddie threatened.
"That's supposed to scare me?" inquired Amity nonchalantly. "Try it, and I know someone who'd like to say hello."
As if on cue (which it may have been), Amity's own cauldron trembled.
"Abomination, rise!"
From Amity's own cauldron rose another mass of purple goo that quickly formed into a bipedal form with three eyes. It leaned down towards Willow and, oddly, painted a star on her forehead.
"You're... a... star," it groaned.
"Aw. It's like mine." Amity readjusted a star-shaped badge that read 'Top Student' on her cowl. "But much smaller and meaningless. As top student, it's my duty to tell you to keep at it. Even you could get a passing grade someday, and you won't have to be called 'Half-a-Witch'." She then glanced at Maddie. "As for you... well, perhaps it's better if you just hop back to your little swamp. You don't belong here; you're out of your league. Abomination, cower."
The abomination returned to Amity's cauldron, and Amity replaced the lid. As she began to push the wheelbarrow away, she added to Willow, "See you in class, superstar."
Luz and Vee glared after Amity as she went. Luz stuck her tongue after the girl. Vee pulled a face.
'What is that chica's problem?' Luz wondered to herself. ' Putting others down like that! Honestly, I thought Sasha could be rude and condescending, but at least she could also be friendly to us... except to Tommy.'
Maddie was glaring holes after Amity too. "One of these days, Amity, one of these days!" She pulled out a small bag and threw it in a random direction. It exploded against a tree in a puff of smoke. Part of the tree trunk melted into slop. "Right in the nose hole!"
"You know, I'm seriously tempted to let you do that to her, Maddie," Willow agreed, wiping the goo star off her forehead. "I hate it when she does that! Argh, I hate making Abominations! I hate getting bad grades!" As Willow ranted, leaves started swirling around her. Luz, Vee and even Maddie were surprised. "ARGH, I CAN'T STAND THIS ANYMORE!" All of a sudden, Willow's eyes turned completely green, as did her skin.
Luz and Vee gasped.
"Erm, Willow," said Maddie nervously.
Suddenly, from the spot where the dead flower lay, there rose several large, prickly green vines. They shot out in all directions. One coiled around Maddie and lifted her off her feet. Another shot towards the place where Luz and Vee were hiding. Next moment, Luz and Vee were hoisted into the air as well, screaming.
"Willow, WILLOW!" shrieked Maddie. "STOP!"
"Erm, yeah, what she's saying!" added Vee.
Willow suddenly realised what she was doing. Her eyes and skin returned to normal and the vines died down. Luz, Vee and Maddie were still lowered back to the ground, still somewhat tangled in the vines.
"Oh, no, no, no, no, no! I'm so sorry!" Willow cried. She moved her hand and the vines retracted from their captives.
Luz rubbed her leg. It was a little sore, but nothing she couldn't handle. "It's okay. The thorns only went through a few layers of skin."
"Easy for you to say," Vee complained. "What if they were poisonous?!"
"Oh no, they weren't," Maddie assured calmly, brushing herself off.
Luz suddenly found herself almost nose-to-nose with Willow as the girl leaned towards her. She was looking at Luz's ears. "So... circle-y..." She then looked at Vee. "Are you two... Humans?"
Luz panicked and covered her ears. Vee did the same for good measure.
At that moment, Maddie noticed too. "Humans? I thought they were just a legend."
"Well, we're very much real!" Luz confirmed. "I'm Luz, Luz Noceda. This is my... sister, Vee." She indicated the disguised Basilisk, who waved timidly.
Willow moved in on Vee next. "Two Humans on the Boiling Isles? Amazing!"
Vee cringed at Willow's enthusiasm.
"Err, please be careful with my sister; she's very shy," Luz advised. "So... your name is Willow, right?"
"Yes," the girl confirmed. "Willow Park. And this is my friend, Maddie Flour."
"Hello there," Maddie greeted, her voice now low and suddenly a little ominous. She gazed unblinkingly at Luz and Vee with unnerving intrigue. Vee shuddered.
Fortunately, the sound of a bell ringing in the distance broke Maddie's stare.
"I'm sorry," Willow apologized. "I can't stay. I have to go disappoint my teacher. It was nice to meet you two."
She turned and began to walk away.
"Wait!" Luz cried. "I just want to say; what you did with that flower and those plants - it was... wow!" She turned to Maddie. "And that thing you threw; how it melted that tree! Again, wow!"
Maddie smiled. "Well, that makes three of you. Everyone else at school just scoffs at my talents."
"Why would they scoff at you?" wondered Luz.
"Because I'm a Frog!" Maddie huffed, gathering up her schoolbag.
"Why does being a Frog make a difference?"
"Don't know, ask them," sighed Maddie. "Anyway, we must get to school now."
It was then that the word 'school' fully registered with Luz. She let out a fangirlish squeal of delight and grabbed both Willow and Maddie.
"School? As in magic school?!" she demanded eagerly.
"Luz!" Vee whispered nervously. "Personal space!"
Luz ignored her, only intent on Willow and Maddie nodding, the former doing so awkwardly. The latter, however, seemed to be taking an interest in Luz.
"That's so cool! I'm so jealous! I have a teacher, but her lessons are a bit..." Luz thought for a moment. "...un-traditional. Hmph, bet she wouldn't even let me enrol, given her anti-school attitude." The Soumercan sighed. "I wish I could spend just one day there."
Willow inclined her head sympathetically. "I wish I could get a passing grade for once. Then, people would stop calling me 'Half-a-Witch Willow'." She kicked at the eyeball lying in the Abomination goo. A soft groan issued from the puddle.
"And I wish people would stop judging me for being a Frog," Maddie added.
Then, Luz had an idea that could be seen as either brilliant, crazy, or even both.
"Hey, wait. I know how we can both get what we want, Willow." She picked up abomination goo in both hands and splashed it over her hoodie. "Make me your abomination. I'll get you a good grade, and you can get me into magic school. It's fiendishly clever."
The girls stared in surprise at Luz's idea.
"What?"
"I saw that girl's thing. It's just chunks of stuff that talks weird. I'm chunks of stuff, and I talk weird!" She clapped her cheeks, splatting more goo onto herself.
"You're acting weird too," Vee muttered. "This'll never work. They'll probably see right through it."
Maddie and Willow, however, were thinking.
"Abominations have been shown to take... unusual forms," Maddie noted. "Perhaps you can say you took an unorthodox method, Willow." She smirked. "That'll stick it to Amity, good and proper!"
"I... am not sure on that front," Willow admitted, "but... at least I'll get a good grade." She turned to Luz. "Okay, it's a deal, Luz."
She held out a hand and Luz shook it.
"This is a great plan!" the Soumercan mused as they parted; or rather, they tried to. But the goo on Luz's hand had stuck them together.
"Oops, Abomination goo," Willow apologised.
"Hold on, hold on," Maddie intervened, drawing a knife. "Allow me." And she cut the goo with one swipe.
"I still don't think this is a good idea," Vee objected.
"Come on, Vee!" Luz replied. "It will show that mean girl who is boss! Plus it will help our new friends with a passing grade and I can see the new school!"
Vee sighed. "This will not end well, I'm sure of it. But do I have to be an abomination too?"
"Actually, that'd be kinda cool," Luz noted. "Maybe you can come with us."
"Erm, no thanks," Vee refused. "I... I think I'll pass. I don't want to run the risk of, um, overindulging myself. Have fun, Luz." And the disguised Basilisk walked away without another word.
"What did she mean by 'overindulging herself'?" Maddie wondered.
"Oh, she means getting so excited, she might hurt someone by mistake," Luz replied. It was truthful enough. Though she liked these two girls already, Luz didn't think it right to tell them right away that Vee was someone who could potentially drain their magic.
"Fair enough, let's get going!" Maddie said.
As a fan of both Cynthia Coven and The Good Witch Azura, Luz had often wondered what an actual magic school would look like. And she was not disappointed.
Hexside School for Magic and Demonics looked very much like a mix between a cathedral and a temple, with three looming towers, a dome in the middle and four columns flanking the entrance at the top of a flight of steps. Cyan banners hung between the columns, and gold trimmings interspersed the ivory brickwork.
Witches, Demons and what seemed to be a few Newts were making their way inside, all wearing the same cowl and tunic, but sporting variously coloured sleeves and pants, ranging the entire rainbow.
Luz couldn't hold back a squeal of delight. This was going to be so great! If only Marcy were here to see this…
"Yeah, that was my reaction when I first saw this place," Maddie mused.
Once inside, the group met up with Willow's only other friend at school. He was Augustus Porter, a boy with dark skin, black hair and brown eyes. He was highly enthusiastic about Humans, eagerly reading a magazine about them and commenting about braces, or barbed wire as he called it. As such, Willow and Maddie trusted him with the truth that Luz was actually Humans, and he gained the nickname 'Gus' as a result, much to his delight.
Despite initial concerns, both from Willow and her classmates, Luz proved a highly convincing Abomination, with the teacher, Mr Hermonculus, giving Willow an A+ and even making her top student. Unsurprisingly, Amity was not happy; and she was very suspicious.
So, she confronted Willow, somehow walking over to her in the blink of an eye when Willow wasn't looking, as if Amity had essentially teleported.
"Hey! Last time I saw you, your abomination was mush. What did you do?!"
Willow thought for a split second. "I, uh, took your pep talk to heart, Amity."
Maddie smirked. "Aww, jealous, are we? Maybe that'll teach you not to underestimate others, Mint-Head!"
Amity continued to glare suspiciously. "We'll see, Froggie. I've got my eyes on you, Half-a-Witch. That badge is mine."
To emphasise her point, Amity walked away backward, keeping her eyes on Willow until she had disappeared around a corner. She wasn't even stopped by bumping into another student.
Willow gulped. "Uh-oh. I think Amity is onto us."
Luz wanted to say something comforting, but thought it might give her away.
"Since Little Miss Perfect isn't 'Top Witch' anymore, maybe a good curse will teach her a lesson," Maddie offered.
"No, Maddie," Willow discouraged. "You could be expelled and I don't want you throwing away your dream for me."
Later, at lunch, Gus offered Luz half his sandwich, which immediately drew Amity's ire.
"I saw that!" she cried. "Abominations don't eat!"
"Maybe this one is pretending to be like a Witch!" Maddie challenged. "What makes you think you know everything about Abominations, Mint-Head?! You're just jealous!"
"Maddie, please!" Willow discouraged.
"I know you're in there!" Amity yelled, grabbing Luz out of the cauldron by the shirt. "You can't hide from me. What are you? Who are you? I want answers!"
"Amity Blight!"
Everyone turned to see Professor Hermonculus looking very cross. Amity stopped shaking Luz.
"I suspected a twinge of jealousy, but this... this is just sad."
"What?! No!" Amity protested. "I mean, look at it! It's not even an Abomination!"
Luz just groaned, her head lolling back.
Professor Hermonculus gestured towards the door. "Report to Principal Bump's office."
"But-"
"Now!"
Going slightly red, Amity almost threw Luz back into the cauldron and stomped out of the canteen. As Professor Hermonculus left, Maddie stuck her tongue out after Amity. Willow and Luz, however, shared a look of concern.
They were right to be so. After lunch, while Luz was introducing her new friends to high-fives ("Oh, oh my! Oh man, what a rush!" Gus rhapsodised), Amity returned, this time with Principal Bump. He was an old man with light beige skin, long claw-like fingernails, a black academic dress with gold trimming and a blue stole draped over his shoulders, and a face that looked as if it was being half-consumed by some kind of imp creature.
"Good afternoon students."
Willow gasped. "Principal Bump."
He walked over to the cauldron where Luz was sitting.
"Hmmm, Abomination, rise."
Luz did so nervously. Bump gestured at the table.
"Abomination, lie."
"Uh, viral fame is a worthy pursuit. Your cat would never eat you if it got the chance. Chemtrails are real..." Luz rambled.
Bump cut her off. "Oh, no, Abomination. How strange for it to get the command wrong. I mean, lie down." He gestured again to the desk. Finally understanding his meaning, Luz walked over to the desk and lay down on it, gulping quietly.
Bumpy studied Luz up close.
"So very lifelike," he observed. "When Miss Blight told me about your abomination, I had to come by, see what she's made of."
Willow fumbled nervously. "Oh, I have a full list of ingredients right here."
"Oh no," Bump countered. "We were hoping..." He drew a jagged dagger from his sleeve. "...for a closer look. Willow, I'll let you make the first cut."
Willow took the dagger with a forced smile, her nerves becoming more taut by the second. She leaned close to Luz.
"Um, you can't just cut open a Human, can you?" she asked Luz under her breath.
"Uh-uh."
Willow's heart plummeted sickeningly. They were truly trapped.
"Willow, go ahead," urged Bump, rather ominously. "Make the first incision."
Maddie noted Amity's triumphant smirk. Her anger at the Witch reached a new level. She itched to throw a curse at Amity, but then realised she could do something else to help her friends.
She sneaked a curse out of her pocket and dropped it on the floor. There was a loud POOF, and smoke promptly filled the room.
"What?" Bump cried.
To add to the confusion, Gus quickly pushed some cauldrons over, sending Abomination goo streaming across the floor.
"Come on, guys, run!" Maddie urged Willow and Luz. They needed no further encouragement. All three girls belted.
Luz, Willow and Maddie ran through the hallways as fast as they could. They stopped at a corner to catch their breath.
"Oh boy, it seems that Amity's very mad!" Luz panted.
"Heh, not surprised!" Maddie huffed.
"You, erm, like the school, Luz?" Willow wondered.
Luz smiled. "It's lovely, actually."
They all shared a giggle.
"Okay," Maddie affirmed, "let's get out of here before-"
Patterns of red light suddenly surged along the walls. Shields of red appeared to block all doorways.
"...before we get sealed in," Willow finished.
Sloppy footsteps sounded behind them. The three looked round to see Bump directing Abominations towards them. The girls ran onward, continuing to be cut off from escaping by shields. Eventually, they had to duck for cover behind a pillar in the atrium.
Willow thumped the pillar in frustration and despair. "This is awful!" she cried as she slid to the floor. "We'll never get out of this! I really am just Half-a-Witch Willow!"
Luz inward cursed Amity for such horrible words. She wouldn't allow her new friend to put her down so harshly.
"You're Full-Witch Willow!" she asserted. "You're great! And someone told me great Witches are resourceful!"
"Indeed!" Maddie agreed. "I have some potions handy. Luz, what have you got?"
Luz turned out her pockets. One of the items she showed her friends was the slime ball Eda gave her.
Willow's eyes lit up. "That's it!" And she grabbed the slime ball.
"That greasy slime ball?" Luz wondered, perplexed.
"That 'slime ball is a seed!" Maddie corrected. "Willow, you know what to do."
Willow looked up to see the Abominations closing in fast. She nodded. The girl placed the seed in her lap and drew a circle above it.
"Please grow!"
Next moment, vines similar to those Willow had produced earlier shot out of the seed. They spread across the ceiling in all directions. Some impaled the Abominations, either beheading them or trapping them in place. They then coiled around Principal Bump, lifted him from the ground and pinned him to the ceiling. He was astounded.
"Remarkable…"
With vines covering the hall, the red barrier blocking the exit vanished.
"There's the exit!" cried Maddie. "Go, go, go, go!"
But they'd barely taken a few steps when Amity suddenly appeared in front of them. She was livid!
"Not so fast! I'm not letting you get away so easily! I. Want. My. Badge!"
Casting a vine aside, Amity drew a circle. It flew above her and swept down her body. Her skin turned light blue, and her eyes become pure white. Her uniform became a sleeveless black dress with a large collar, shoulder pads and gauntlets with dark grey lining. A black headdress with hornlike sections now adorned her head. Despite the imposing look, Luz couldn't help but be amazed.
"You'll be sorry you crossed Hex! Abominations, seize!"
The Abominations freed themselves from the vines and advanced on the girls. Luz punched at a few, but not really dealing real damage. Willow directed her vines towards the monsters. As she did so, her own skin began to turn green again. Luz was astounded.
Amity, or Hex as she'd just called herself, raised her hands and pointed them at Willow, apparently to cast a spell. But she hesitated for a moment. Taking advantage of this opening, Maddie pulled out a potion and threw it at Amity. It hit her right in the face.
"I hope that hurt, Mint-Head!" she crowed.
"Luz, go!" Willow urged.
"What? No!" Luz objected. "You're in this situation because of me! I'm not leaving you girls."
"Better we get detention than you get dissected!" Willow asserted. Before Luz could protest further, one of Willow's vines lifted into the air and flung her outside. The doors slammed shut behind her.
"Willow! Maddie!" cried Luz. "I may not be able to help you, but I know someone who can!"
Luz ran back to the Owl House as fast as her weak nerd legs could carry her. When she got back, she found Eda, King and Vee having just dealt with a newly-matured trash slug.
"Luz! You're back!" Vee greeted.
"Eda!" Luz gasped. She ran and hugged the Owl Lady, much to the latter's confusion. "You were right about a Witch being resourceful! It saved my life! But right now, I need your help! My new friends are in trouble!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Easy! What you mean your new friends?" Eda asked.
"Well I went to Hexside and met two girls, but they're in trouble now! And I have to help them!"
"I don't think there's any need for that, Human girl."
Everyone looked round. Willow, Maddie and Gus were hurrying towards them
"Willow! Maddie!"
Luz ran to hug her new friends in relief.
"Okay, seriously, what is that vertical arm thing?" Eda demanded.
"I don't know," Vee muttered. "But... it's actually kinda... comforting."
"Willow, Maddie!" Luz cried. "You're okay!"
"Well, of course," Willow replied. "Everything's perfect. Can you believe it?"
Luz stared. "I don't believe it. How?"
"Principal Bump was so impressed by my plant magic, he moved me to the Plant Track! Look!" Willow snapped her fingers and performed a graceful pirouette. Her sleeves and leggings changed from orchid to plant green.
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Luz praised. "But wait; what about Amity?"
Maddie snorted. "That jealous Hexer got it good in the face with one of my potions. Unfortunately, it did no real harm to her."
"You mean fortunately," Willow corrected. "You'd have been expelled if it had been anything serious."
Maddie shrugged. "Totally worth it."
"Anyway, she was asking Bump if today counted as extra credit," Gus explained.
Luz giggled. "Can't wait to see you all in action next time I sneak in."
Gus frowned. "Yeah, about that..." He withdrew a rolled up poster and unfurled it to reveal Luz's face under the words 'BANNED'. "You're kinda... sorta... banned."
As if by magic (which it most likely was), Eda appeared right behind Gus. "That's my girl!" she cheered.
Luz's face fell. Willow and Maddie were quick to cheer her up.
"We can come and teach you what we learn," Maddie suggested.
Luz smiled. "Thanks." She turned to Eda. "But I have a great teacher already."
Eda's surprise was promptly smothered by pride. "That's right! Luz is my student! So back off, academy twerps!" She swiped Luz's banned poster and gazed at it fondly. "Ah, baby's first wanted poster. Good job, kid. Looks like I taught you something after all."
Luz beamed widely at Eda's praise.
It was then that Willow, Gus and Maddie noticed Vee for the first time.
"Hi there," she greeted shyly, with a wave.
"Wow, another Human! is she a friend of yours Luz?" Gus wondered.
"She's my twin sister," Luz replied. "This is Vee."
At once, Gus advanced on Vee. "Tell me your Human secrets!"
Maddie pulled him back. "Gus, personal space, remember!"
"Vee is very shy," Luz added. "So please if you have any questions, direct them at me, please, Gustopher?"
Gus gasped. "Another Human nickname? Yay!"
Luz suddenly had a thought. "You guys should know; Vee and I might not be the only Humans here."
Willow, Maddie and Gus stared. "What?"
"There might be three others here too." Luz got out her phone and showed them a picture of herself with her five friends.
"These are my friends, Anne, Sasha and Marcy," Luz explained, gesturing to each girl in turn as she named them. "I... don't know how or why I know, but I think they may have come to Amphiwicca as well."
"Three more Humans?!" cried Gus. "This just keeps getting better and better!"
"Oh, I can't wait to meet them!" Willow mused.
"Heh, thanks..." Luz turned her gaze towards the sky. "I just hope they're alright... they're three of the best friends I've ever had."
"Can we be your friends in the meantime?" Gus offered.
"Oh, sure," Luz smiled.
"Don't worry kiddo," Eda assured. "We'll keep an eye out for them, as will Diane. If they're anything like you, they'll find their way."
"Yeah," Luz mused. "Hopefully..."
Building of Bridges
Plantar Residence, Wartwood
"So," Sprig mused, turning to Anne, "you must be so excited to be trapped in another world. Very jealous."
Anne, who had just woken up in the basement of the Plantars' home, shook her head. "It's not all that. I miss my home and my stuff, and especially..." She turned to look at the photo she'd taped to the world beside her bed. "...my friends. Especially since two of them might not even be here. Tommy and Bea weren't with us when..." She hesitated for a beat. "...whatever it was that brought us here did so. Then again, neither was Luz, and somehow, I reckon she still came here somehow." Anne shook her head. "I feel kinda lost without my friends, you know?"
"Well at least you have friends. I rarely have any," Sprig lamented. "I've tried to make some but they think I'm too wild and reckless."
"Heh, you seem normal to me," Anne smirked. Sprig was flattered, and this gave him an idea.
"Hey, maybe I could be your friend until we find your own!"
"Really?" Anne looked between her photo and Sprig a couple of times. She shrugged. "Guess it won't hurt. Plus you, and Spyro too, were nice to me when we met!"
"Yes!" Sprig hopped up and down with joy.
To cheer Anne up, Sprig offered to take Anne out for a swim at a nearby lake. However, Hopediah, or 'Hop-Pop' as Sprig and Polly called him, wouldn't let them, concerned that the townsfolk's paranoia about her might boil over.
Sprig was content to obey and play with pain peppers. When he licked one, the Frog boy ran about screaming in pain. He threw water down his throat before collapsing to the floor. "Someone just kill me, please!" he begged, before apparently dropping dead. Then, he sat up again, recovering quickly. "Your turn, Anne."
But Anne wouldn't be deterred by adults and curfews.
"Sprig," she said, "you wanna know the best thing about friendship? When you got your friends by your side, anything is possible. Whatever you want, a real friend will help you get. And you know what I want?"
Sprig grinned. "The lake."
Anne grinned right back. "Then let's go rob an old man!" She paused. "Wait, that came out wrong."
Luckily for them, Hop-Pop had fallen asleep while reading (with his eyes wide-open, I might add - how does that work?). So it was easy for Anne to swipe the front door key, so she and Sprig could sneak out of the house.
When they reached the lake, Anne was excited.
"Oh yeah! I can't wait to swim and feel the water! Whoo-hoo!"
Sprig was excited too - until he noticed a sign by the lake that said "Don't swim or else!"
"Uh, Anne. It says that we can't swim!"
"Huh, well it seems that some jerk wanted the lake for themselves."
"I don't know," Sprig countered, "whoever wrote this clearly did so in a hurry."
Anne scowled. "Ugh, I thought you offered to be my friend, but you're just being a buzzkill." She huffed. "You're just like Tommy and Bea!"
Sprig frowned. "What's wrong with those two? Aren't they your friends too?"
"Oh, they're nice Cats," Anne recalled, "but man, were they spoilsports sometimes."
Sprig pouted. "I'm not a spoilsport," he moaned.
"Well, remember what I said? Friends help each other get what they want. If a friend likes a pencil case, you buy it for them. If your friend likes your new shoes, you give them to her." A distant look passed over her face. "And if a friend wants you to steal a crazy music box from a thrift store… even if you don't really want to… you do it, okay? Otherwise, you might not want to be your friend anymore."
Sprig was at a loss for words.
"So would it hurt to just go in the lake?" Anne urged.
"Well... I guess nobody is around, guess we can go in."
Anne then smiled. "Finally!"
With that, she leapt in, doing a cannonball. Sprig was quick to join her in the water. The two friends swam about, splashed each other, and did some fun underwater antics.
Later on, Anne decided to take a photo with Sprig with her phone. But when she took the photo, Anne spotted something rather odd. There was a large snake behind Sprig in the photo. When she looked up, Anne saw why the sign had been set up as well.
"Swim for it!" she cried. She and Sprig swam as fast as they could, while the Water Snake gave chase. But Sprig, being Amphibian, was naturally a better swimmer than Anne.
"Ugh, stupid non-webbed hands!" Anne grumbled. "Sprig, buddy, I'm only slowing you down! And this is my fault; I should've listened to you. Get out of here while you can!"
Sprig gaped at Anne for a moment, and then punched on the shoulder.
"Ow!"
"Not gonna happen! No way I'm letting my first friend get eaten! We're in this together!"
At that moment, the Water Snake coiled its long body around them both. This gave Sprig an idea. Before Anne could protest, he leapt up onto her head and then hopped into the air. To Anne's horror, the Water Snake opened its mouth wide and swallowed Sprig whole!
"Sprig! NOOOOO!" Anne shouted. She couldn't believe it! Her first new friend in Amphiwicca and she'd gotten him eaten!
Angry at both the Snake and herself, Anne darted forward and started punching the Snake. Normally, a Snake that size wouldn't have been fazed by Anne's punches. But surprisingly, her punches actually seemed to hurt the creature.
"Vengeance! You spit him right now!" Anne shrieked, her eyes flashing blue for a second.
The Snake hissed angrily at Anne. But before it could attack her, smoke started pouring from its mouth. Next moment, it gave a hissing shriek and spat Sprig out.
"Sprig!" cried Anne in relief, as the Snake writhed about, spewing flames from its throat. "You're alive! But how?"
"Ha ha ha!" Sprig held up a pepper. "Pain Peppers - so hot, they'd make you beg for death!"
Anne was amazed. "You little genius, you!"
The two friends shared a laugh. But when the Snake roared, they gathered up their things and split.
As soon as they were home, Anne and Sprig locked the door behind them and went into the basement to play a board game. When Hop-Pop woke up, he was none the wiser, much to the pair's relief.
Anne sighed. "Sorry I almost got us killed today, Sprig."
"You kidding?" Sprig replied. "That was the most exciting day I've ever had. My heart was beating faster than a dragonfly on a sugar rush! Besides, I'm no stranger to danger anyway!" He winked. "Told ya I wouldn't leave ya behind."
"You sure are a good friend," Anne smiled.
"Well, I look forward to when we meet your friends later on," Sprig added. "But right now, I'm feeling a little... sleepy." And he promptly conked out.
"Yeah." Anne got out her photo of her friends. She regarded Sprig as he croaked in his sleep.
Anne glanced out of the window, lost in thought and concern. She remembered Spyro, Elora and Sparx's promise to help find her friends. And although Anne felt she could trust them, Amphiwicca seemed like a big place. Her friends could be anywhere.
"Sasha... Marcy... Luz... I hope you guys are okay like I am," Anne whispered.
South Tower
The cell was dark and dank. Water dripped from the ceiling. Moss grew over the walls. A few bugs skittered here and there.
Outside the cell, a large, burly toad held up a yellow shoe.
"Take a look at this, please, Sasha," he requested. "It was found not far from here, in the South Forest. Now we know that you've been lying to us. Now we know that there are more of you."
Inside the cell, the Human girl with fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes just scowled, not saying a word as she sat in the dark. These Toads hadn't gotten anything out of her yet, and they wouldn't now.
She just hoped Anne, Marcy and Luz would be alright.
Newtopia
"And so, that's why I called," Ignitus concluded. "With the Dark Master's forces still running rampart, these 'Humans' could be in great danger."
"Indeed," agreed the Newt with whom Ignitus was speaking via crystal ball. Even compared to Terrador, this Newt was a giant. Standing at nearly twenty feet tall, he had blue skin, yellow eyes, long white hair and beard and wore a golden crown atop his brow. He was garbed in a royal robe. and sitting in a throne made of coral.
"In the meantime, you'll help keep an eye on this... Anne, won't you?" continued King Andrias. "If she's gotten on the wrong side of the Apes, that means she could be in great danger. And I'm not sure how reliable the local Toads will be."
"I will look into possibly assigning Guards to watch over her," Ignitus acknowledged. "Though I'm sure Anne is safe with the Plantars, since she's staying with them right now."
"I see. Well, if and when we find more humans, I'll be sure to let you know," Andrias replied. "In the meanwhile, probably best to keep this information out of the public eye. We don't want to draw too much attention to these Humans."
Ignitus inclined his head. "Very well, your Majesty, I mean, Andrias. I'll be in touch soon." And with that, the Fire Guardian ended the connection.
Andrias nodded. He then tapped the ball in a few places. The image changed to show a Human girl with olive skin, black hair and brown eyes. She was currently being shown around the palace by two of Andrias' main assistants, a Demon with red skin and hair that looked like hands and a Newt with long dark blue hair and garbed in an elegant dress. The girl was limping due to her left leg being in a cast.
The rustle of a cloak reached his ears. Andrias didn't need to look round to see who it was.
"You reckon it was wise for me to not mention we already have a Human here?" Andrias asked the newcomer.
The figure was garbed in a long white and brown cape with gold trimming that hung down to his feet and covered most of his body. A golden mask with two upward horns and black, empty-looking sockets covered his face.
"Yes, Andrias," he replied. "These Humans could be helpful to us in the long run, especially if the means by which they came here is what I suspect."
Andrias nodded. He closed his eyes, seemingly in thought for a few moments. Something flashed across his crown for a heartbeat.
"Very well, Belos," he conceded. "We've waited centuries for our chance. We can wait a little longer, what with Malefor out there..."