The Emperor Strikes Back

Phantom Menace

It was a bright and sunny day on the Boiling Isles, Hunter and Luz were at school while Camila was at the Owl House, helping clean up. She was sweeping the floor when she found a dead bug and cringed in disgust as she stared at it.

Hooty then rose his head up next to her and smiled at her as he said, "Are you gonna eat that?"

Camila was startled and awkwardly said, "Uh… No."

Hooty then ate the dead bug and swallowed it while Camila cringed more and backed away and then went into the living room.

She looked at Eda, Lilith, King, and Raine as she honestly said, "Hooty is nice but he still makes me uncomfortable."

Eda understood as she said, "Yeah, he has that effect on everyone."

Raine agreed as they said, "He certainly has that effect on me."

Lilith put her hands together as she smiled and said, "Hootsifer can be a bit confusing at times, but he is a gem."

Hooty then pulled himself into the living room and pressed his cheek against Camila as he said, "It's so nice to have another parent here."

Camila looked very uncomfortable when Eda came up to them and said, "Okay Hooty that's enough. Leave the adults alone."

Hooty then pulled himself back into the door while he said, "Okay."

He closed the front door and Camila sighed with relief as Eda proudly said, "You just gotta put your foot down."

King then climbed on Eda's back as he happily said, "Yeah! Eda knows get things done."

Eda smiled as she grabbed King and cradled him in her arm as she playfully said, "I still don't know how to get you to listen."

Camila smiled with admiration as she said, "Eda, you're such a good mother. King is so lucky to have you."

Eda smiled a bit arrogantly as she bragged, "Yes I am. It's no wonder the Titan was a big fan of me."

Raine smiled proudly while Lilith showed an annoyed expression and said, "Yes, as you keep saying."

Eda then kept carrying King as she walked past Camila and said, "Alright, let's get back to cleaning. I'd like to get this house looking decent before the next boiling rainstorm comes."

Camila looked nervous as she glanced out the window at the sky and then went back to cleaning the Owl House.

Meanwhile at Odalia's shack

She put a big old spell book on her table and immediately started skimming through the section about Oracle Magic. She was looking for a complicated spell as she narrowed her eyes and moved her finger along the columns.

Odalia stopped skimming as she smiled deviously and said, "Ah, here it is. The specter summoning spell. It's time to make a deal with the devil."

Meanwhile at Hexside

It was lunchtime and the students were in the cafeteria eating; Hunter was sitting at a table with Luz and Amity.

Luz and Amity were talking while Hunter ate a sandwich, Amity smiled as she said, "So my dad decided he's going to help Darius and Raine establish the new republic for the Boiling Isles."

Luz smiled as she clinched her fists and said, "Yes! A change in government!"

Hunter looked at them as he honestly said, "Good. Darius won't admit it but I think he needs all the help he can get."

Amity looked at them as she honestly said, "Yeah. The heads of the Healing, Construction, and Oracle Covens agreed to help out, but the heads of the Plant, Illusion, and Potion Covens weren't so willing to change things."

Hunter understood as he said, "Yeah, some witches and demons still believe that things were better when Belos was in charge."

Luz frowned as she said, "I have noticed lately that not everyone on the Boiling Isles sees me as a hero."

Amity showed a blank expression a she deadpanned, "Yeah, my mom is one of them."

Luz kept frowning when Amity held her hand and smiled, then they were joined by Gus and Willow as they sat down on the other side of the table.

Luz smiled as she said, "Hey guys. What's up?"

Willow smiled as she happily said, "Things are starting to go back to normal around here."

Gus smiled at Hunter as he said, "Hey Hunter, I talked to the HAS and they agreed to let you join us too."

Hunter smiled happily as he said, "Gus, that's great! Thanks!"

Willow smiled hopefully as she said, "Yeah, and I managed to get the Emerald Entrails back together and we have a Flyer Derby game next week."

Hunter was surprised as he looked away with a frown and said, "Oh, that's nice."

Willow smiled respectfully at Hunter as she said, "I know you still don't have a new staff yet but we could still use you on our team."

Luz looked at Hunter with a friendly smile as she offered, "I can help you carve a new Palisman if you want. Eda taught me, that's how I made Stringbean."

Stringbean happily slithered on her right shoulder and chirped before Luz affectionately petted her with a smile on her face."

Hunter sulked as he looked down and said, "Thanks guys, but I'm not sure I'm ready for a new Palisman yet. I still miss Flapjack."

Willow looked at Hunter as she sincerely said, "We understand. We miss Flapjack too."

Luz put her right arm around Hunter for comfort and then smiled at Willow as she said, "Well if you need a fifth player I'm happy to help."

Willow smiled gratefully at Luz before sincerely smiling at Hunter while she said, "Thanks Luz. If you ever change your mind Hunter you're welcome to join our team again."

Hunter looked at her with a small smile of appreciation as he said, "Thanks."

Later after school

Luz sat on Stringbean in her staff form while Hunter sat behind her and they both flew in the air over Bones Borough.

They stopped in the air when they heard a familiar voice shout, "Luz! Down here! I could use some help!"

She and Hunter looked down and were surprised to see Tibbles smiling up at them as Luz said, "Tibbles?!"

She flew down and landed in front of him as she held her staff while he happily said, "Good. Thank you for stopping."

Luz curiously asked, "What is it Tibbles?"

Tibbles smiled politely as he said, "Oh I was just hoping the hero who saved the Boiling Isles could help me with a small problem."

Luz showed a flattered smile while Hunter eyed Tibbles suspiciously and said, "What kind of problem?"

Tibbles smiled innocently as he said, "Nothing too big. I just have a pest problem I'm having trouble dealing with."

Luz smiled generously as she said, "Sure. I can handle that. I've been helping Eda rid the Owl House of pests since we moved back in. Hooty eats them after I catch them but you won't have to worry about that."

Tibbles smiled as he started walking and said, "Excellent! Follow me."

Luz was about to follow him until Hunter stopped him and glared at Tibbles suspiciously as he said, "Hold up. How do we know we can trust you?"

Tibbles stopped and smiled innocently as he said, "What? Why wouldn't you trust me?"

Hunter kept staring at Tibbles as he suspiciously said, "You're a known scammer Tibbles. I knew about your reputation when I served in the Emperor's Coven. Plus, Luz and Willow told me about what you did when you invited them to that carnival. You're up to something, I can feel it. If you want our help you'd better tell us the whole truth."

Luz then showed a cautious expression as she listened to Hunter and looked at Tibbles, who started to become nervous.

He then groaned in irritation as he complied and said, "Fine! You remember my Tent of Tiny Terrors? Well the animals got loose during the Collector's reign and they've been raiding my stand looking for food. I want to stop them but I worry if they see me they'll seek revenge for me shrinking them."

Hunter folded his arms as he glared at Tibbles and said, "Sounds fair to me."

Tibbles looked at them with his arms out as he desperately said, "But as long as they keep coming I can't rebuild my livelihood! Please help me!"

Luz looked at Hunter as she said, "Come on Hunter. Tibbles may not be the best guy but I think he deserves a chance to start over."

Hunter turned from her to Tibbles and then groaned as he complied, "Fine! We'll get rid of the animals for you. But that's all!"

Tibbles brought them to a place where the animals kept coming from and they saw the unicorns, manticore, and griffin come at them. Hunter teleported around them to confuse them and then Luz used her staff to imprison the animals in a large force-field. Afterwards, Viney came on Puddles and agreed to help them as she healed the animals' injuries and tamed them. She smiled as she waved at Luz and Hunter and then lead the animals away somewhere they would be taken care of.

When they were done Luz and Hunter stood in front of Tibbles' stand as he gratefully said, "Thank you Luz. Thank you Hunter. Now I can rebuild my stand and resume my business."

Luz smiled happily as she said, "You're welcome Tibbles."

Hunter eyed Tibbles suspiciously and pointed his finger as he said, "Yeah, now stay out of trouble."

Tibbles smiled as he lied, "Trouble? Me?"

He then turned around and started fixing up his stand while Luz and Hunter turned around and started walking away.

Hunter looked at Luz and realistically said, "You realize he's probably gonna go back to scamming people?"

Luz smiled optimistically as she said, "Maybe, but people can change. For many this is the chance to start a new."

They both stopped walking and were startled as they heard a voice say, "The human and the former Golden Guard."

They both looked ahead and saw none other than the former principal of Hexside, Faust, who wore a long black robe.

He walked toward them with an ominous expression as Hunter asked, "Who are you?"

Faust looked at him as he replied, "My name is Faust."

Luz's eyes widened in shock as she pointed at him and said, "You were the principal at Hexside when Eda was a student there."

Faust looked down at her as he bitterly said, "I was, until a certain witchlet cost me my job."

Luz looked nervous while Hunter narrowed his eyes and said, "Well Bump is principal now and I have a feeling he is way better than you ever were!"

Luz acted brave as she agreed, "Yeah!"

Faust glared at Luz and pointed at her as he hatefully said, "Bump is weak! His reign has made Hexside a shadow of its former self! He should have expelled Eda when he had the chance! She was trouble, just like you!"

Luz looked offended as Hunter pointed at Faust and said, "Hey! Luz saved the Boiling Isles!"

Luz glared at Faust as she asserted herself, "Yeah! Belos was a witch hunter who wanted to kill everyone on the Boiling Isles!"

Faust put his hands behind his back as he coldly said, "Perhaps, but at least he maintained order on the Boiling Isles. When the Emperor's Coven was around the Boiling Isles was a time of peace and prosperity, but now our homes are damaged and our future is uncertain. Things may change for the worse and all because of you."

Faust then walked past them as Hunter and Luz watched him walk down the street by himself, while some witches and demons stayed clear of him.

Luz looked sad when Hunter seriously said, "Don't listen to him Luz. You did the Boiling Isles a big favor when you defeated Belos."

Luz nervously looked at Hunter as she asked, "But what if he's right? What if things somehow become worse than when Belos was in charge?"

Hunter smiled confidently as he said, "I doubt that. Things may seem bad now but they'll definitely get better, especially with you helping out. Now come on, let's get back to the Owl House."

Luz smiled as she sat on her staff while Hunter sat behind her and then they flew into the sky again, heading home. As they flew some witches and demons looked up at them and happily waved at them, however others looked at them with ugly looks. Among them were Terra Snapdragon, Adrian Greye Vernworth, and Vitimir the head of the Potion Coven. Luz and Hunter noticed these ugly looks that some witches and demons were giving them and they made Luz feel a bit uncomfortable. Luz and Hunter flew down and landed in front of the Owl House as Stringbean changed into her regular form and sat on Luz's shoulder.

She and Hunter went to the front door as Hooty smiled at them and said, "Looks like our two teen heroes are back home from school."

Luz smiled as she said, "Hi Hooty."

She pushed the door open as she and Hunter entered the Owl House and went looking for Eda and the others. They went into the kitchen and found Eda wiping the counter while Camila was sweeping the floor as Owlbert looked down at them.

Luz smiled as she happily said, "Hola mama. Hey Eda."

They both smiled at them as Camila happily said, "Luz! Hunter!"

King suddenly popped up with his arms out at his sides as he happily said, "You're back!"

Hunter watched as King climbed up Luz and then laid on top of her head with his eyes closed in love and joy.

Luz smiled affectionately as she patted King's head and said, "Aww I'm happy to see you too buddy."

Hunter was a bit confused but smiled as he admitted, "That's weirdly adorable."

Luz smiled at Hunter as she happily said, "That's why we love each other. Us weirdoes have to stick together."

Hooty then stretched into the kitchen and held his head up next to the kids as he happily said, "Yep, four friends staying together no matter what the world throws at us."

Eda put her wrist on her hip as she smiled and coyly said, "Well Hooty, no one is weirder than you."

Hooty happily pulled himself back into the other room while he said, "I'm special! Hoot hoot!"

Hunter then curiously asked, "Where are Raine and Lilith?"

Eda pointed her thumb at the backdoor as she replied, "They went out to see if they could get back our stuff."

Just then, the backdoor opened and Lilith's Palisman, Haven, flew in and she was followed by Lilith and Raine.

Seeing them emptyhanded, Eda frowned as she said, "No luck?"

Raine frowned at her as they said, "Still can't get your stuff back."

Darius then walked in and said, "Bones Borough wasn't built in a night."

Hunter was surprised as he said, "Darius? What are you doing here?"

Darius looked at Hunter then glanced around with disapproval as he said, "I came to see how you were doing. I know I told you to find somewhere else to stay, but you could do better than this."

Raine pointed at Darius as they complained, "Things would be a lot better if Eda had all her stuff back."

Darius glanced to the side then looked at Raine as he explained, "Fair enough, but the Emperor's Coven confiscated a lot of junk. It's hard to sort Eda's things from rest of it."

Eda glared at Darius as she pointed at Luz and said, "Well it doesn't seem like much to ask considering we helped Luz save the Boiling Isles from Belos."

Darius looked at Eda as he held his hands up and said, "Even so, it's not that simple Eda."

Luz understood as she said, "Yeah, I've realized that not everyone is grateful for all that we've done. We met Faust in Bones Borough today and he did NOT treat us nicely."

Eda spoke disrespectfully as she said, "Fausty?! Eh, don't let him get to you kid. He never appreciates anyone."

Lilith agreed as she deadpanned, "It's true. Faust was the worst principal Hexside ever had."

Darius also agreed as he said, "He expelled Eberwolf just for coming to school with fleas in his hair. He managed to keep them from spreading to everyone else but Faust felt he couldn't trust his power. Eda did us all a big favor when she got him fired."

Eda smiled proudly as she looked at Luz and said, "You see kid? You did everyone on the Boiling Isles the biggest favor of their lives. The only ones who don't feel the same are the ungrateful ones who liked it better when Belos was in charge. They just liked things before because they're selfish and miss the power they had."

Luz smiled with appreciation as she said, "Thanks everyone."

Eda smiled optimistically as she said, "Trust me Luz, things are gonna get better. Belos is gone for good and the future is looking bright."

Meanwhile, Odalia wore a dark green hooded cloak as she made her way to the place where the emperor's castle once stood. Now there was mostly rubble everywhere and no one was around for miles, and plants were growing around them. Odalia smiled evilly to herself as she stared at the location, knowing well that soon she would have what she wanted.

Later that night

Boiling rain was pouring down as Camila stared out the kitchen window with everyone else behind her, talking. They had already finished dinner and Darius had gone home hours ago, so now they were enjoying their time together.

Eda glanced out the window with exasperation as she complained, "Ugh, I knew this was coming. I was hoping we could get this place cleaned up before the boiling rain came, but no such luck."

Camila looked at the others with confusion as she said, "I still don't get how all these plants can survive when boiling hot water falls on them."

Lilith smiled as she explained, "Well once the water hits the ground it begins to cool, but it still stays warm, which helps the plants grow strong and healthy."

Eda smiled a bit arrogantly as she said, "Plus, plants in the demon realm are a lot tougher than the ones in your world."

Camila showed a mildly annoyed expression before walking to Luz as she said, "That reminds me, Luz I think it's time we go home. The demon realm has been fun but I think we should get back to Gravesfield."

King then panicked as he hugged Luz and desperately said, "No! Please! Don't leave me again!"

Camila smiled as she sincerely said, "Not forever King. Just for a few days or so. We'll be sure to come back to see you all and help clean up the Owl House."

Hooty then stretched his body in the kitchen and happily said, "Good, because I still have so many places that need swabbing."

Everyone else cringed in disgust, then Camila looked at Luz and said, "Luz, I know you love it here but we still need get home. Plus we can't leave Vee alone to cover for us forever."

Luz agreed as she hung her head and said, "Yeah, you're right."

King then looked at Camila as he held his right arm up and said, "Then, can I come too."

Camila smiled lovingly as she said, "Of course King! You can absolutely come with us!"

Luz smiled as she happily hugged King, as they both shut their eyes in joy, then Eda put her arm around them as she said, "Hold up. If King's going then so am I."

Luz smiled happily as she said, "Sure Eda! Tomorrow we all head back to the human realm!"

Raine looked at them with confusion as they asked, "How?"

Eda then pulled away from Luz and looked at her with curiosity as she said, "Hey yeah, you never said how you got back to the demon realm."

Luz smiled honestly as she said, "Well, like I said it's a long story. While we were in the human realm we found this secret code."

Lilith immediately became interested as she said, "A secret code?"

Hunter then spoke up as he said, "Yeah, Flapjack found it in that old house where the old portal door used to open at. It was a rebus hidden under a floorboard."

They all looked at Luz as she continued, "It was a map that led to a secret stash of Titan Blood. That was when Belos possessed Hunter and used him to attack us."

Hunter looked saddened as he said, "It's also when he attacked Flapjack."

Lilith held him for comfort and then he smiled at her, then Luz continued, "Then Belos used the Titan Blood to open some old secret portal to the demon realm. He must've built it years ago before he made the portal door."

Eda smiled as she placed her finger to her chin and said, "So there is another portal to the human realm."

Luz smiled in agreement as she said, "And all we need to activate it is some Titan Blood."

Camila then held her hands out as she asked, "But where are we going to find that?"

King reluctantly raised his left hand as he volunteered, "I think I know where to get some."

Hooty then excitedly went into the other room as he said, "I know what to do!"

He made some noises in the other room and then came back holding a large needle in his mouth as he smiled at King.

King looked nervous when Camila took the needle from Hooty then looked at King as she said, "Uh Hooty, maybe I should do it. I'm a vet, I have experience. I'll try and be gentle King."

King screamed in pain when the needle poked him and his scream could be heard from outside the Owl House.

King rubbed his butt in pain Camila petted him and said, "Lo siento carino."

Luz held two vials of King's blood in her hands as she said, "Okay, two vials. That's enough for two trips, to get to the human realm and back."

Eda smiled as she said, "Good, then tomorrow we'll go to that old portal and use the blood to open it."

Lilith smiled as she stood next to Raine and said, "And while you all are having fun Raine and I will help clean up Hootsifer for when you all get back."

Eda smiled with appreciation as she said, "Thanks Lilly, Rainstorm."

Raine showed a concerned expression as they said, "Just be careful out there."

Eda smiled confidently as she said, "Don't worry Raine. I may not have magic but I've been to the human realm a bunch of times. We'll be fine."

Luz agreed as she optimistically said, "Yeah. We've got nothing to worry about."

Meanwhile at the remains of the Emperor's castle

It was still raining as Odalia made her way to a certain spot, holding a large red leaf over her head to protect her from the boiling rain. She stopped when she saw the Emperor's throne ahead of her and smiled evilly as she looked down at the ground.

She smiled evilly as she said, "This is it."

She took a long stick and started drawing symbols in the ground and made a giant zodiac in the dirt, despite the boiling rain. She smiled evilly as she threw the stick away and then stood in the center of the zodiac without stepping on any of the drawings.

She closed her eyes and held her amulet as it glowed pinkish purple as she chanted, "Dearly departed return to us. It is not your time to rest. Let your spirit fly. Let your spirit rise. Let your spirit walk among the living. Rejoin us until you find peace. Return to us Emperor Belos."

She stopped chanting and opened her eyes with an evil smile as the zodiac started glowing pinkish purple like her amulet. A bright light shot up from the zodiac around her before it stopped and then it stopped and everything turned dark for a moment. A pinkish purple mist rose from the ground in front of Odalia and took the shape of a person as it was spirit rising from the grave. It took form to reveal that it was the ghost of Emperor Belos, whose glowing pinkish purple form resembled how he looked when he revealed himself to the Boiling Isles on Coven Day. The boiling rain was still falling but the drops harmlessly passed through him since he was already dead and didn't have a body.

Belos opened his eyes with a menacing expression as he said, "I have returned. But how?"

Odalia smiled evilly as she walked to Belos and said, "Hello Belos. So good to see you again."

Belos was surprised as he looked down at her and said, "Odalia? You have brought my spirit back. Why?"

She smiled deviously at him as she answered, "I have a deal for you."

Author's note: Belos is back! It just didn't feel right to do an Owl House epilogue story without having him in it. Now he's a ghost, which will make stopping him a lot harder. Odalia is trying to make a deal with the devil and we all know that won't end well. Luz and the others also have no idea what's going on be we know they're in for something bad. Please review.