"My Empress!" Bria cried as soon as she saw her goddess return. The Head Priestess looked like she had been panicking. "Where have you been?"
"I took a walk. Needed some fresh air," Empress Oscura informed her Head Priestess, holding her bundle protectively.
"My Empress, you really mustn't leave the castle without an escort," Bria advised. "What if something had happened to you?"
"Do you think I can't take care of myself, Bria?" The Dark Empress challenged, her gaze hardening.
"N-no!" Bria backtracked, realising she had just insulted her Empress. "Forgive me. I did not mean to underestimate your power."
"Good." The Dark Empress' expression softened. "Now, I'm tired and I need to rest. Good night."
Bria watched the Dark Empress head to her bedchamber and clenched her fists. Her beloved goddess would be spending the night with Blight again. While the Head Priestess had accepted that her Empress had chosen Blight, Bria still did not believe the assassin was worthy of Oscura's affection.
Bria hated Blight for trying to assassinate her beloved Empress in the past. But if Oscura had chosen to forgive the woman and taken her as her bride, then who was she to object? Perhaps Amity Blight had finally been enlightened. After spending four years together in the Human Realm, Oscura had time to guide Amity. However, if she were to be honest, she should have been the one chosen by the Dark Empress to be her bride. After all, she was the most devoted of her followers. Did she not deserve a reward?
Yet, she would respect her Dark Empress' choice, even if she did not like it.
"So where did you go yesterday?" Amity asked. It was the morning after and while she felt sore between her legs, she was satisfied as well. Luz really fucked her brains out last night. "You said you went to see your 'grandfather'."
"It was Eda's dad," Luz answered, surprising Amity.
"Eda's dad?" Amity repeated. "You went to see him?"
"No, at least not on purpose. I went out for some fresh air and he was just there. We got to know each other, and he even taught me to make this." Luz unwrapped the bundle in her lap. Amity's eyes widened when she saw what it was.
"Luz, is that...?"
"A Palisman."
"But why an egg though?"
"I want to give them a chance to decide what they want to be," Luz smiled. "And when that happens, I know it will be amazing."
"If it's your Palisman, then it will be," Amity agreed, hugging her fiancée.
"Oh, and I also found a new glyph," Luz added happily. Now she had all four glyphs, just like her other self.
It had been hours since Terra took the potion, and she was still wrapped up in her cocoon. Adrian had not slept, keeping a silent vigil as he waited for her to emerge. He did not need to wait any longer as something started to happen to Terra's cocoon.
First, it seemed to grow, becoming larger and larger, until it stood a couple of feet taller than Adrian. Then, the vines began to unravel, revealing a gigantic green and purple flower bud of alien origin. The flower bloomed, revealing something inside that was neither a witch nor a Jyamato, but something in-between.
The newly revealed creature stumbled out of the flower, wobbling back and forth on its feet as it tried to get its balance. The creature continued to stumble about until it reached the full-length mirror on the wall, leaning against it with one hand. After taking a moment to compose itself, the creature raised its head and stared at its reflection.
"Is…Is that me…?" the creature asked in Terra's voice.
The creature was, for lack of a better word, naked. Its body was a pale green colour and smooth with nary a blemish to be seen. Just like the Jyamato in the room, its 'skin' was not really 'skin' as it had the same consistency and elasticity as plant matter. Her eyes were now a solid pale violet with a slight glow. Her hair wasn't much different from how it was before when she was a witch, except the leaves that comprised it were more lush and vibrant. Terra continued to examine her new body, completely awestruck at how impossibly smooth and unwrinkled she was.
"Oh my…this is something else now isn't it? Although…I wish it hadn't torn through my dress. I can't very well rule the Boiling Isles in my birthday suit now can I? I'll need something more elegant– whoa!"
Almost as soon as she thought of it, her body began to morph. Within seconds, Terra's new Jyamato body had grown an entire Victorian-style gown. Her lower half was covered by a wide skirt that was composed of leaves. Two larger leaves, that seemed to be covered in 'teeth', grew from her waist to layer over her skirt. The leaves were a dark green colour, while the ones with teeth were coloured violet. A bodice was wrapped around her upper body, with twin vines running across the opening to keep it secure. Terra's impressive new bust was covered by a pair of violet leaves with red veins running across their surface. The collar of her outfit had petals blooming outwards, with something akin to an eye fixed just below her neck. The puffy shoulder pads were also decorated with violet petals, and her tight dark green sleeves ended in cuffs that resembled bouquets.
Besides her clothing, Terra's appearance had changed as well. Her hair was shorter and resembled vines. She also had vines growing out from her left eye, which curled at the tips, making it look like she was wearing a Masquerade mask. She had also formed an elegant dark purple hat with a pair of leaves on it that resembled the jaws of a Venus flytrap. The ornament looked like it could lunge forth and take a bite out of anything unfortunate enough to get too close.
"Oh my! Now this is truly elegant!" Terra did a twirl, admiring her beauty. A human may find her frightening, but witches and demons would find her irresistible. "B-but…how is this possible? I mean, I had an idea of what I wanted to wear and then…" That was when it struck her like a thunderbolt from heaven. "Does this mean…my body is more malleable than I thought? If that's the case, then…it should be possible, right?"
Terra decided to take a chance and focused on a clear image in her mind. The area around her heart glowed, and vines swiftly enveloped her body. When the vines unravelled, Terra was changed once again, only not into some kind of plant creature. Instead, she looked like a flesh and blood witch. She was completely nude, by choice this time so she could examine the extent of her transformation.
She was pleased with the results as she saw that it was herself, but not the old wrinkled version of her. No, she now looked the way she was back in her prime - back when she was a youthful and beautiful witch from years ago. She looked to be twenty years old; and her leaf-like hair was lush and luxurious, running down to the middle of her back. The vines that grew from the sides of her head also had lovely flowers growing from them, making them look almost like feathered wings. Her skin was smooth and flawless, without a single wrinkle. Even her assets were back to their bountiful and perky selves.
"Oh, hello, gorgeous!" Terra gazed into the face staring back at her from the mirror and admired its beauty. It was like seeing an old friend after so long. Not only had her body returned to its prime, but her voice also matched her restored youth. "Wow, I haven't felt this good in ages! Mmm, and I look absolutely stunning! I do believe I'll need to take this new body out for a test run. But first some clothes."
Terra was about to manifest an outfit for herself but paused as an idea struck her.
"Wait, I have this new, gorgeous, youthful body. This is a perfect chance to try on all those clothes I saw in the shops! But…I will have to put on something first." Terra concentrated yet again and formed a simple green dress that would allow her to walk out in public without being called a deviant. The dress was sleeveless, with a V-neck collar that revealed her cleavage and a skirt that came down to mid-thigh. She also had on thigh-high green boots and a belt with a rose-shaped buckle. Terra posed once again and smirked. "Although, I don't think I'd be opposed to being called a deviant if it would allow some witches to catch a glimpse of true beauty."
Luz had called Sasha and Marcy to her bedroom to have an emergency meeting.
"OK, how do we stop a coup?" Luz asked, pacing in the bedroom as her friends sat on her bed. "Any ideas?"
"These cultists sound dedicated to their cause. Do you think it's possible?" Marcy questioned.
"Possible or not, we gotta do something," Amity urged. She refused to let her home be caught in another war.
Sasha crossed her arms, thinking deeply. These cultists were a huge fan of Oscura, their devotion reaching the levels of religious fanaticism. That meant that they would do anything for her and do whatever she told them to. She looked at Amity and then Luz, her eyes moving on to the engagement rings on their fingers. That was when an idea lit up in her head.
"We'll just make a distraction," Sasha proposed. "And I think I know how: we'll throw a party."
"A party?" Amity questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Think about it, guys. A party would be a great distraction, and I bet these wackos would be happy to throw one for Luz since they will do anything she wants."
"You just want an excuse to party, don't you?" Amity deadpanned.
"Yeah," Sasha shrugged, unashamed. She was a party girl after all.
"Can we really just throw a party out of the blue?" Luz asked doubtfully.
"Sure, we can," Sasha smirked confidently. "You just have to tell them that you want to have an engagement party."
"Wait, what?" the engaged couple questioned in unison.
"Yeah, an engagement party! These guys made a big deal when you came back, so they'll make an even bigger deal to celebrate your engagement," Marcy agreed. "Sasha, you are a genius!"
"Oh, I know. Since Luz and Amity are practically royalty, they'll have to make it big. It'll buy us time to think of how to stop this coup before it even begins."
After breakfast, Luz summoned Bria and had her call a meeting with the cult's council members.
"Now, let's get down to business," she began talking, sitting at the head of the table with Bria sitting on her right. Geo, Marina, Tuvar, Badriah and Vuvu were also in their seats. None of them wasted time when they heard that this meeting was called by the Empress herself. "I know we just had a meeting yesterday, but I feel that there's an important matter you've all overlooked."
"What do you mean, My Empress?" Bria asked worriedly. What had they overlooked? Was their Empress unsatisfied with the plan? Did they need to revise it?
Luz steepled her fingers in front of her, her gaze hardening.
"I do recall mentioning my engagement to Amity Blight the other day, did I not?" Luz questioned evenly.
"Y-yes, y-you did, My Empress," Bria answered, her voice shaking with trepidation.
"Good, then my question to you all is this…" Luz slammed her palms against the table, causing everyone in the room to jump out of fear. She stood up and glared at the assembled witches and demons. "WHY HAVE YOU NOT IMMEDIATELY BEGUN PREPARATIONS TO CELEBRATE OUR ENGAGEMENT?!"
The high council felt a chill run up their spine as they feared incurring their Empress' wrath. After her display of power yesterday, none of them wished to upset her.
'Stupid! Stupid! Of course, she would want to celebrate her engagement after she came back!' Bria mentally berated herself. How could she have overlooked such an obvious thing?! Her Empress just announced to her followers that she was engaged. She should have known the Empress expected them to celebrate her engagement and yet, none of them even thought about throwing a party!
"Please forgive me, My Empress!" Bria swiftly apologised, begging for Luz's forgiveness as she bowed her head. "We were all just so happy for your return, that such a thing slipped our minds! Please, let me take responsibility for this! You may punish me as you see fit!"
Luz turned her gaze to Bria, who braced herself to receive her punishment. After all, she had made her Empress unhappy and deserved whatever happened to her.
"Your punishment, Bria, is to work alongside my concubine, Sasha Waybright to organise my engagement party," Luz commanded. Bria looked up at her.
"You wish for me to help organise your party with your concubine, My Empress?" Bria asked, taken aback.
"Did I stutter?" Luz's gaze hardened again.
"Yes, I understand! I will organise the party immediately!"
"Good, and make sure you listen to whatever Sasha tells you. When it comes to parties, she's an expert," Luz instructed.
"My Empress, if you would permit me, I would like to play music at your party," Vuvu offered. "You see, I specialise in Bard magic."
"Really?" Luz asked him, intrigued. "You were in the Bard Track?"
"Yes, I was, and that was before I Multi-tracked into Plant, Potions and Healing," Vuvu confessed as he conjured a flute and began to play.
"That sounds good," Luz praised.
"Thank you, My Empress," Vuvu smiled, pleased by her praise. "You weren't bad either. When you fought Armstrong yesterday, I enjoyed the way you played on your instrument."
"I liked it too," Marina agreed with Vuvu.
"Oh, it was just something I made up," Luz shrugged modestly.
"Excuse me, but is an engagement party really the best use of our time right now?" Geo asked. The Empress, Bria and the rest of the council looked at him as if he had committed a taboo.
"How dare you question the Empress' command!?" Bria snapped as she stood up. "Our place is not to question her, but to do as told!"
"I know that, but don't we have a coup to start?" Geo reminded them. "We've got everything in place and now that we have Empress Oscura back, it's the best time to take the Isles before the United Covens make their move. Now is the time to strike!"
"I understand how eager you are, Brother Geo," Luz said calmly, trying to steer the meeting away from talks of coups and assassinations. "But if I am to retake the Isles, I wish for it to be with my bride at my side. Before that, I want everyone to recognise our engagement."
"But, My Empress-!"
"BUT NOTHING!" Luz snapped, causing everyone at the table to jump in their seats again. "I have given my orders, and I expect them to be obeyed! If you are going to question me again, Geo, then how about you and I meet in the ring so we can hash out our issues?"
Geo turned his gaze away, embarrassed that he was chastised by the Empress. He then turned to face Luz and bowed his head.
"My apologies, My Empress. I forgot my place," Geo apologised.
"Good," Luz smiled. "Now, shall we continue our discussion about my engagement party?"
'Good job,' her inner demon praised. Luz grimaced when she heard the praise. 'You haven't lost your touch. Once an evil overlord, always an evil overlord.'
'Fuck you.'
'Ooh. You really want to fuck yourself? Kinky. Hey, how about we add Amity into the mix? Wouldn't that be fun?'
Luz mentally facepalmed, wishing she could silence the dark voice in her head.
After adjourning the meeting, Luz left to fetch Sasha. Meanwhile, Bria took charge of the meeting, glaring at the council, especially at Geo.
"What the heck was that about, Geo!?" Bria snapped again, her formal tone replaced by a casual one.
"C'mon, Bria! We've been planning this coup for years! Can you blame me for asking if now's the right time for an engagement party?" Geo argued.
"I'd like a party." Badriah raised her hand.
"Well, your job is not to question her but to do as she says, Geo!" Bria retorted. "And if she wants an engagement party, then she's getting a Titandamned engagement party!"
Geo huffed, but he had nothing else to say.
"We've waited four years, I'm sure we can wait a bit longer," Vuvu said reasonably. "And the others would no doubt be happy to throw an engagement party for the Empress."
"And what if the United Covens make a move to stop us?" Geo questioned.
"Then we'll deal with them," Vuvu answered. "With Empress Oscura leading us, there's no force on the Isles that can stop us. Remember, she single-handedly took over the Isles before and she can do it again."
"Wasn't she defeated by a couple of Riders from another world?" Geo reminded them. "What's to stop that from happening again?"
"Because we'll kill anyone who tries to stop her this time," Bria stated confidently. "Now, how about we get started?" There was a knock at the door, and Bria went to answer it. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Sasha Waybright, Empress Oscura's, ugh, concubine," Sasha answered from the other side. Immediately, Bria opened the door for her, putting on a smile.
"Lady Waybright, welcome!" Bria greeted. "I was told to assist you in organising the engagement party for Our Empress."
Sasha stepped inside and scanned the room to look at the assembled demons and witches. She looked at Vuvu for a second, surprised.
'Wow, he looks like one of those aliens from Dragon Claw Z. And does that one have two heads? Hm, sexy fish lady. Shit, focus, Waybright!'
"Yeah, she really wants this party to be a good one for her and Blight," Sasha affirmed. "And since I've organised my fair share of parties back home, she thought I'd be the best to help you guys prep it."
"Then we are in your hands." Bria bowed her head. She loathed to bow her head to a lowly human concubine, but this was someone her Empress had chosen personally. She would just have to endure it.
"Alright, people!" Sasha clapped her hands, taking charge. "We're here to prepare for Oscura's engagement party! That means food, entertainment and invitations! So I want one team on food and beverages, another on the music selection, and a third team to work on getting invitations sent out!"
"Um, about the invitations," Tuvar spoke up. "Does that include the Empress' family in the Human Realm?"
"Oh, right," Sasha grimaced. Luz's family would want to attend, but they had no way of bringing them to the Demon Realm. Actually, they did, but the GM would not allow it. "But Oscura does have family here in the Boiling Isles."
"She does?" Badriah asked, puzzled.
"Edalyn Clawthorne-Whispers, the Owl Lady, was considered Oscura's surrogate mother here," Sasha informed them. "So, you have to invite her."
"Wait, Clawthorne-Whispers, like the UC councilmembers Raine Clawthrone-Whispers and Lilith Clawthorne?" Marina asked. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Are you sure it's a good idea to piss Oscura off by not inviting the woman she considers a second mom to her?" Sasha challenged. "And don't forget her friends, Gus Porter and Willow Park. Oh, and the Blights too. They need invitations as well."
"I can't believe we're inviting outsiders," Geo grumbled.
"Well, then it's a good thing this isn't your party then," Sasha shot back. "So get to it. End. Of. Discussion."
The entire castle was getting ready for the big night. The engagement party, meant to celebrate the engagement of their Empress and Amity Blight, would be the biggest event they had ever put on. The only celebration that would overshadow this, would be the one they would have once they put their Empress back on the throne.
When Luz, Amity and Marcy stepped into the banquet hall, they found the cultists already hard at work in setting up the engagement party. They also spotted Sasha barking orders to the cultists, with Garam at her side. He was, after all, being made to serve her as punishment for his serious disrespect.
There was a long table set up with an extravagant tablecloth draped over it. It was an immaculate white, with golden accents that were weaved together in fanciful patterns. There were even fancier plates, forks, knives, and spoons, and there were even candelabras placed on the long table. The rest of the room was decorated with black and white cloth banners, and there was a stage set up with various instruments being brought in for the band.
'Let's be real here, this is the kind of party that Amity deserves. I could never afford something like this, even if my book took off,' thought Luz.
'Hmm, well, if you decided to actually lead these people, we could have lavish parties for our blushing bride on a whim. All we would have to do is say the word and a literal army of followers will make it happen,' Oscura pitched.
'Hmm, tempting, but nah. Nice try though.'
"Wow, they're actually doing it," Amity observed, unable to believe her eyes. It looked like the cult really wanted to make their Empress happy.
"Yeah, Sasha knows how to get people to do what she wants," Marcy said, a bit of a frown on her face. She remembered back when her girlfriend used to be so controlling and manipulative. All of her issues stemmed from her parents' divorce, something she had no control over. Due to that, Sasha wanted to maintain control over everything in her life, including her friendship with Marcy and Anne. She thought that she could keep them safe by being in control. However, this controlling behaviour would become quite toxic as Sasha would fail to consider her friends' feelings. Thankfully, Sasha had started to loosen up and was not as controlling as before. It just came at the horrible cost of losing Anne.
"My Empress!" Bria greeted when she finally saw her arrival, and immediately went to give her a bow. "Are you pleased with the preparations?"
"Yes, I'm very pleased," Luz smiled approvingly. "You did well, Bria."
"Oh, I can't take all the credit," Bria answered humbly, fighting the urge to scowl. "We're simply following Lady Waybright's lead, just as you ordered."
As Luz looked about the decorations, her eyes were drawn to one of the cultists. They were pretty short compared to the other cult members, and she could have mistaken them for a child due to their small stature. The cultist in question was a demon that looked to be just a head, with tiny arms and legs, a large nose, and ruffled orange-red hair. Currently, the demon was trying to hang a disco ball on top of a tall ladder. Given her diminutive size, that was quite a task.
"Wait, I think I recognize that person," Amity thought aloud.
"You do?" Marcy blinked.
"Oh, yeah!" Amity snapped her fingers. "Now I remember. She went by 'Tiny Nose' on Penstagram! What was her real name? Right! Tinella Nosa."
"Oh, wait, I think I remember too," Luz recalled. "I rescued her from the Conformatorium on the day I first came to the Boiling Isles. Huh, all this time and I never even knew her name."
"Should she really be up on that ladder?" Marcy questioned out of concern for the tiny demon. Her fears were realised when another cultist suddenly bumped into the ladder. The tall ladder began to sway back and forth, and the motion made Tiny Nose lose her grip on the disco ball. It fell to the floor below and shattered into a hundred sharp pieces. Tinella was not far behind as she tried to regain her balance, but her foot slipped and she fell off the ladder.
"Watch out!" Luz yelled, taking out a sheet of paper which flashed green. Thick vines shot out of her outstretched hand, catching Tiny Nose and cushioning her fall. Luz quickly ran over to check on her. "Whoa, are you okay?!"
Tiny Nose looked up and noticed the Empress looking at her. Immediately, she scrambled out of the bed of vines and bowed apologetically.
"Pwease, fowgive me, My Empwess! I-I didn't mean to show such weakwess in front of you! I-I will compwete my tasks!" she promised.
"This is the second time I've saved you. Just be more careful, and don't make this a habit," Luz ordered. "I want this party to go well, but I'd rather not see anyone hurt."
"Thank you, My Empwess! I will be more caweful!" the cultist nodded gratefully before getting back to work.
"Can someone please clean this mess?" Luz ordered, pointing at the broken disco ball.
"Was that a new glyph?" Marcy asked as Luz walked over to her friends.
"Yeah," Luz admitted, smiling. "I found it just a while ago."
There was a knock on the Owl House's door before horrified screaming followed. A moment later, Eda opened the door to see the commotion.
"OK, what do you yahoos want?" Eda demanded when she saw an Oscura cultist being restrained by Hooty, who had wrapped his tube-like body tightly around the intruder.
"Please, Mrs. Clawthorne-Whispers, I am only here to deliver an invitation," the cultist pleaded.
"I don't wanna join your stupid cult! Now, get off my property!" Eda prepared to cast a spell when Raine walked up behind her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Let's hear him out, first. There's no harm in it," Raine said reasonably. Eda calmed down.
"Fine, let's hear what this freak wants to say," Eda conceded. "So, out with it."
"Mx. and Mrs. Clawthorne-Whispers, you have been cordially invited to the betrothal party of Empress Oscura and Mistress Amity Blight," the cultist said as he presented an envelope to them. "The details are in this invitation."
Eda used her magic to snatch the envelope from the cultist, and then she tore it open to find an invitation card:
To Mrs. Edalyn Clawthorne-Whispers
You and your family have been cordially invited to the betrothal party of Empress Oscura and Mistress Amity Blight.
Eda continued to read the rest of the invitation. The party was scheduled for tomorrow night, at Glandus High. Pretty short notice, but that was not Eda's main concern.
'Wait, didn't Goops and Willow say that Luz should be back in the Human Realm by now? That's why we can still remember her! Luz hasn't left the Demon Realm! Wait…she hasn't left the Demon Realm…and is with the Oscura cult…'
Eda managed to keep her poker face, despite the mixed company. There was a whirlwind of emotions swirling about in her. She was happy to learn that Luz was still on the Boiling Isles as it meant she still had the chance to say a proper goodbye to her former apprentice before she inevitably had to go back home. However, she was also very worried as her surrogate daughter was currently amongst the Oscura-worshipping fanatics. If that was the case, she feared that Luz was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Either Luz had become the former tyrant again or was pretending to keep herself safe.
Another reason Eda was worried was because the UC was searching for Luz and her friends. If they caught her, then Luz would be punished for violating the terms of her banishment; and Eda didn't want to imagine what the UC would do to her adopted daughter.
'Either way, this might be Luz's way of asking for my help. I doubt she had this freak come out all the way here on a whim. She must be planning something. Well, whatever it is, I'm not going to let her do it alone,' Eda thought.
"Hooty, you can let him go now," Eda ordered her house demon.
"Okay!" Hooty released the cultist from his long serpentine body.
"Tell your Empress we'll be coming to the party," Eda told the cultist.
"Thank you, Mrs. Clawthorne-Whisper," the cultist bowed. "My Empress will be happy to hear the news."
"Just get out of here before I change my mind and have Hooty gobble you up," Eda threatened.
The cultist bowed again and immediately got on his Palisman to fly back to Glandus.
"So, Raine, what do you think I should wear?" Eda asked her spouse.
"Eda, you're not seriously going to go, are you?" Raine questioned warily. "This could be a trap."
"Maybe, but the last time I ignored what was happening to Luz, she ended up turning into a monster," Eda recounted regretfully. "I'm not going to turn my back on her again." Never again.
At the Blight Manor, a cultist was held by an Abomaton while the invitation he was sent to deliver was being read by Edric.
"Hey, Em! We're going to an engagement party!" Edric called to his sister.
"An engagement party?" Emira asked curiously as she stepped out of the house. She saw the cultist, who was being held by their Abomaton.
"Yeah, and you're not going to believe whose party it is," Edric replied as he handed the invitation to his sister. She read it and her eyes widened.
"Mittens!?" Emira gasped. "But she's supposed to be back in the Human Realm!"
"Yeah, I was surprised too."
Emira marched up to the cultist and glared at him.
"OK, explain. Why is my sister's name on this invitation?" she demanded. "And don't you lie to me."
"It's a party to celebrate Mistress Blight's engagement to our great Empress," the cultist explained.
"Luz..." Emira muttered. "OK, fine. We'll go. You can tell Empress Oscura we'll be coming."
"You can let him go now," Edric said to the Abomaton, who released the cultist. The cultist bowed before taking his leave.
"We better tell Dad about this," Emira suggested.
"And make sure he has a clean suit," Edric added.
Willow was staring at the invitation she had received from one of the cultists. They had appeared before her during her daily workout. They just approached her and handed her the invitation before flying away.
She now knew what had happened and why the DGP had not been able to perform their reset: Luz had been taken by the Oscura cult instead of going back to the Human Realm at the end of the last DGP mission. That was why the reset had yet to take place. She was happy that Luz was still in the Demon Realm, but she was now worried about her. The cult could be trying to brainwash her and turn her back into Empress Oscura.
Willow's scroll rang, and she went to answer it. The current model of scrolls included a call function, something the previous models lacked. It was more convenient. While crow phones were still in use, the teenagers preferred to use scrolls since they were more stylish.
"Hello, Gus," Willow answered as she accepted the video call. Gus' face was on the screen, and he looked panicked.
{Willow, did you get this!?} he cried, waving the invitation in his hand. {One of those cultists came to my house and hand-delivered it to me!}
"Yeah, I got one too," Willow confirmed, holding up a similar invitation.
{Do you think it's true that Luz is with the cult?}
"It would explain why we still have our memories."
{Then we have to go! They could have drugged her with potions! Or brainwashed her! Or-!}
"Gus," Willow interrupted, cutting him off. "I'm worried about Luz too, but we can't help her if we start panicking."
{But what do we do!?}
"We're going to get ready to go to a party."
{Will you be taking a date or two?}
Emira went to the clinic that her girlfriend was working at. She was skilled in both Healing and Beast Keeping magic, one of the first few early practitioners of the multi-track system. With her abilities, she often split her time between being a demon beast caretaker and a healer.
After Empress Oscura abolished the Coven System, and made it legal for both witches and demons to practice all forms of magic, some of the first ones to embrace the new rule was Viney, along with her friends Jerbo and Barkus. Emira was a little worried when it all happened, believing that Viney and other kids like her might actually start worshipping and praising Oscura's name. But Viney, and others at Hexside and some of the other schools, didn't do that. While they were grateful to finally be freed from the constraints of the old system, neither did they feel any admiration towards Oscura. Having a lot of people killed in order to bring about such a change took some of the joy out of it.
It was during a tragic time in her life that Viney and Emira became friends and eventually a couple. After Oscura murdered Emira's mother, Amity vanished from the house, leaving only her, her younger twin brother, and their father behind. Emira felt like she had to be strong for the family, as her father had to officially become more attentive as a parent. It wasn't as if he was neglectful, rather their mother just delegated his parental duties. She took on managing the house, the children themselves and the business, freeing up time for Alador to create all the inventions that would bring their family wealth. But now that the dynamic had shifted, Emira felt that she needed to step up. And one of those ways was for her to learn another type of magic: Healing magic.
It was while she was in this class that she met Viney, the best healer of the class and the top student in both Healing and Beast Keeping Tracks. She learned a lot from her, slowly becoming friends, and eventually confiding in Viney on how she felt about her mother and how conflicted she was over the wicked mom's death. A part of her was sad that she was dead, but another part was just happy to be free from her. When they were in the WATTs, Viney and Emira used their skills to help heal the wounded alongside others.
After Oscura was defeated and banished, their relationship only grew stronger to the point that Emira and Viney officially became girlfriends. She was even considering asking Viney to marry her. However, after receiving an invitation to her little sister's 'betrothal party', she was a little reluctant to ask her girlfriend to come to a den of chimaeras. But, hey, it shouldn't be that hard, right?
Emira headed to the beast demon stables where Viney was working today. When she went to the back, she found Viney caring for her companion - Puddles the gryphon. She always admired how Viney looked. Viney had bulked up some over the years but never lost that feminine allure. And more than once, Emira had the pleasure of being sandwiched between the mattress and those strong muscles.
Emira shook her head.
'Focus, Em! Focus!'
"Viney," Emira greeted as she waved.
"Em, babe, what's up? Did we have a lunch date or something?" Viney asked.
"No, no, I just wanted to stop by because I had something to ask you…uh…h-how's Puddles doing?!" Emira blurted out.
Puddles raised her brow, sensing something was up with Emira.
"Oh, well, she's doing good. Was that all?" Viney asked again.
"No… it isn't." Emira rubbed the back of her head as she gathered the courage to tell her girlfriend that not only had her little sister returned to the Demon Realm, but also she came back with the girl who was once called 'Oscura' and was now engaged to the former tyrant. "So, um, question: have you heard the rumours that Oscura might be back?"
"Yeah, I heard," Viney answered with a scowl. "I've seen the videos on Penstagram. I really hope that's not the case. The last thing I want is to go back to all that chaos."
"Yeah, it was kind of bad," Emira admitted.
"I love using my magic to heal people. Back then, we were healing people constantly and it was all touch and go. Some days, I thought they were going to die a day later, in some cases they did. And for the ones we did save, some were never going to be whole again. Like I said, let's just hope that all of this is just someone's idea of a sick prank and pray that I don't find them, or Puddles is going to have a new chew toy to play with," Viney threatened.
Puddles emphasised Viney's point by showing off her sharp teeth and flexing her equally sharp talons, all of which made Emira gulp.
"So, um, Viney, we've been together for a while now, right? Like…going on four years now," Emira mentioned.
"Sure have, and I've been loving it."
"So, um, there's this engagement party my family was invited to, and we're allowed to bring dates, so I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?"
Viney stopped brushing Puddles' feathers, and rushed to her girlfriend as she picked her up by the waist and began twirling her around.
"Of course, I will! Who's getting hitched?"
"A family member," Emira answered hesitantly.
"Oh, anyone I know?"
"...Amweme," she mumbled.
"Huh?"
"Amiawe…"
"Babe, I can't understand you, who is it?"
"It's Amity! Amity's engaged and the whole family's been invited!" Emira exclaimed.
Viney, still holding onto Emira up, paused as the gears turned in her head.
"Wait…Amity…your little sister…the one who you said banished herself along with…" The witch's eyes widened as she looked up at Emira with shock. "SHE'S REALLY BACK?!"
"Yes…" Emira confessed. "It's not a rumour, sweetie. Amity's back, and…she didn't come back alone…"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait! If…if Oscura is back then who is Amity getting engaged to?!" Viney looked closely at Emira, at her nervous expression, and the pieces to the puzzle started to fall into place. "Oh…my…Titan…no."
"Viney, it's not exactly what you think it is– whoa!" Emira yelped as Viney dropped her, letting the eldest Blight sibling fall onto her rear before her girlfriend.
"Oscura is back! And you're telling me she's going to marry your sister?! Em, did you forget everything that bitch did to you and your family?! What she did to our home?!" Viney shouted in complete outrage.
"Viney, listen for a second. There's a lot that you don't know, a lot that I didn't know. I met the real girl behind Oscura. She's not the person we've all thought she was, actually. I think you two would've hit off, and you probably would've been good friends with Luz," Emira confessed.
"'Luz'? Who the heck is 'Luz'?" Viney asked in confusion.
"That's who Oscura is, who she always was. Look, Vi, Luz isn't evil. Yes, she has some power back, but she's not here to conquer the Demon Realm again," Emira explained. "And…Amity looks so happy. Happier than I've ever seen her before. She's in love, Vi, just like we are. I've always wanted her to be happy, and now she finally is. She has someone that she loves, someone who would do anything for her."
Viney crossed her arms as she furrowed her brow at her girlfriend.
"You want me to just forgive her? After everything that happened? After she killed your mom and almost wiped us all out?"
"At the party, talk to her. You'll see that Luz isn't that monster anymore. If anything, she was a girl who was hurt, and desperate, and she ended up with a power she was never ready to have. The monster we all feared died four years ago. I promise you, Vi. Please come with me. I really want to introduce you to my little sister."
Viney thought hard about this. She didn't want to forgive Oscura for all the sins that the tyrant had committed. However, from what Emira was saying, Oscura may not have been in complete control of herself. Something had to be going on if Emira was advocating for the monster.
"Fine, I'll go," Viney relented. "But if anything shady happens, I'm using my medical knowledge to put Oscura down right on the spot, got it?"
"Got it," Emira nodded.
"Alright…so…where is this party gonna be? I can't imagine it's anywhere public with all the heat that's on Oscura right now," said Viney.
"Uh…well…you remember Glandus High, right?" Emira sheepishly asked.
"You mean that cult of Oscura-worshipping wackos masquerading as a school? Yeah, what about… OH, HELL NO!" Viney yelled. "HELL NO! NUH-UH! You are not about to tell me that this party is being thrown by those nut jobs!"
"Eh…k-kind of, yes…"
Viney pinched the bridge of her nose as she took a deep breath and exhaled it sharply.
"So, let me get this straight: your sister has returned to the Demon Realm after four years. When she does come back, she brings Oscura with her. Not only that, but she's also engaged to her and apparently, she's managed to join up with that asinine cult and somehow has them throw a party for them! Did I miss anything, babe?!"
"N-N-No," Emira stammered, sweating. "You pretty much covered the highlights, Vi…"
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just go straight to the Council right now and tell them where she is?" Viney threatened.
Emira sat up and clasped her hands around Viney's hands.
"Because I'm asking you not to, Vi. I'm asking you to trust me. I'm asking you to trust my little sister. And because I love you."
Viney grumbled as she tried to not be swayed, but she knew that Emira wouldn't be asking something this big of her if she wasn't sure.
"Fine. But I still reserve the right to magically shut down all of Oscura's vital organs if I even suspect she's about to do something evil empress-y!"
"I'll take it–!" Emira went for a hug but was stopped when Viney raised her hand.
"However, in exchange for this, we're going to do that the next time we're in bed together. No complaints, no takebacks."
"W-W-W-WHAT?!" Emira stammered again, blushing bright red. "Vi, c-c'mon, baby, w-w-we don't need to make that a condition…do we…?"
"I'm about to attend the engagement party of your little sister to one of the most feared people in the Demon Realm while walking into a whole den of Oscura-worshipping fanatics in their home base. Yeah, I think it's a necessary condition," Viney insisted.
Emira, still red as a goremato, groaned as she relented, "This is totally extortion… Fine, I'll do it!"
Viney smiled and kissed Emira on the cheek.
"Love ya, babe. So, is there a dress code or something?"
Willow debated on either asking Skara or Hunter to be her date. While she had known Skara in Hexside, it was not until she joined the resistance that she met Hunter. He had been Belos' Golden Guard; but after learning the truth about the man he had called his uncle, the blond teen had been trying to find a purpose. Fortunately, Darius had taken him under his wing after convincing him to join the resistance.
After the end of the war with Oscura, Darius had adopted the former Golden Guard who now went by 'Hunter Deamonne'. He was enrolled in Hexside after the school was rebuilt. However, making friends was not Hunter's forte as he was socially awkward thanks to his upbringing under Belos. Luckily, Willow and Gus both offered to befriend him, knowing what it was like to feel like an outcast. It was something Luz would do.
Hunter was grateful to be accepted, despite his past as Belos' lackey.
{Captain?} Hunter asked as he picked up Willow's call.
"So, Hunter, are you busy tomorrow night?" Willow wondered.
{Sorry, Captain, but Darius needs my help with something tomorrow night,} Hunter apologised. {I would go out with you if I could, but this is really important.}
"Oh, no, it's fine. You should spend time with Darius. I know it makes him happy," Willow insisted.
{Sorry again, Captain. I swear, next time, no interruptions. Whatever you want, I'm there!} Hunter stated. Willow could see him salute her, causing the Plant witch to giggle.
"No, worries. Have fun." Willow shut her scroll, ending the call with Hunter, and then sighed. "Well, I guess the decision is made for me."
Willow headed to Skara's house, flying on her staff as she touched down just outside the main gate. Compared to the Blight's manor, the Grimamore manor wasn't as big, but it was still nice. Willow walked up the stone steps and knocked on the door, waiting for someone to let her in.
She heard someone call out, "I'll get it!", before watching the door open. When it was fully opened, Willow blinked. Skara was now standing in front of her, wearing a half-opened robe that showed off a lot more cleavage than she probably would've wanted. There was a drowsy expression on her face, and some bags under her eyes as well.
"S-Skara?" Willow stuttered.
The Bard witch yawned and replied, "Hey…Willow…" Skara blinked. "Willow?" Skara looked down at herself, then back at Willow, and her face went red. "EEEEEEEP!"
Willow felt a rush of air as the door slammed in her face. The Plant witch felt her own face heat up as well. She was well aware of Skara's figure and assets, locker room privileges and all. But for some reason, seeing her in that relaxed state was exciting. That was then followed up by a feeling of guilt as if she was betraying her own feelings.
A minute later, the door opened again, and Skara was now dressed in more casual clothes instead of a robe.
"Cap! So nice to see you, what brings you to my house at such an unexpected time?" Skara asked, face still red from embarrassment.
"I know I should've called first, but I was in the area and I was wondering if you were doing anything tomorrow night."
"..."
"Uh, Skara?"
'OMT! IS WILLOW ASKING ME OUT ON A DATE?! AAAAAAAH! Okay, okay, calm down, Skara! We prepared for this! We were hoping for this to happen someday! Wait, what if it's just a casual hangout thing? No, I can still use it to my advantage either way!'
"...Skara?" Willow's sweet voice snapped the Bard witch out of her internal monologue.
"Oh, sorry, spaced out there for a sec," Skara responded. "Anyway, I don't have any plans. Why do you ask?"
"Well…" Willow rubbed the back of her head, trying to figure out the best way to explain this to Skara. "Do you think we could talk in your room? I kinda want this to be private."
"Sure, I–" Skara paused as she remembered the state of her room right now. "Hold on a sec." The door slammed in Willow's face again. Seconds later, some frantic noises could be heard coming from inside the manor. This went on for a couple of minutes before Skara reappeared to open the front door. "Sorry about that. I forgot something. Anyway, yeah, let's head up!"
Willow playfully rolled her eyes and followed Skara inside. The Bard witch led them to her tidy bedroom. Although, Willow noticed that the closet door seemed to be bending outwards and creaking a little. Deciding to ignore it, for Skara's sake, Willow sat down on her friend's desk chair while Skara herself sat at the edge of her bed.
"Oookay, sooo…um…I was invited to a party, an engagement party to be exact," Willow clarified.
Skara squealed in delight when she heard the kind of party they were going to. "Willow, that sounds great!" Skara turned her head to the side and whispered, "And it's the perfect place for me to finally make my move!" The Bard witch quickly returned her attention to her friend/crush. "So, who's getting married? A relative of yours?"
"No, no… It's actually someone we both know. You could say they're old friends."
Skara's left eyebrow rose as she tried to think. As far as she knew, none of their current friends were engaged. She knew Viney and Emira were in a serious relationship, and the former had spoken to her that she was contemplating popping the question to the latter at some point. But as far as she knew, that hadn't happened, yet. Gus wasn't really with anyone, so far as he had told them. And she was definitely sure Hunter wasn't seeing anyone because his eyes were locked on Willow, just like herself.
And Titan helped her, she knew it wasn't Boscha. That witch would be bragging about it by now if she was. But then again, she was so obsessed with Amity that Skara doubted Boscha would ever…
Wait…
There was one other mutual friend that Willow and Skara shared, one that neither had seen in the Demon Realm for at least four years. But there was no way that Willow was talking about her, there was just no way.
"Uh…Willow…I'm just going to take a random shot in the dark here… B-but one of the 'old friends' you're talking about. It wouldn't happen to be…Amity Blight, right?" Skara dared to ask.
Willow simply nodded in the affirmative.
"WHAT?! Amity found a way to get back to the Demon Realm?! B-But how?! When?!" Skara rapidly fired off questions as she sprang to her feet.
"Shh! Shh!" Willow hissed.
"Oh, right." Skara drew a spell circle, casting a spell that created a layer of red light over the entire room before disappearing. "There, soundproofing spell. No one can hear us from the outside."
Willow sighed in relief. "Okay, so, yes. Amity is back in the Demon Realm. As to the 'how'...that's complicated in many ways. And as for the 'when', it was about two or three days ago."
Skara wracked her brain as she tried to figure out when that was. She summoned her scroll and looked and opened the calendar app. When she went back at least three days, she realised that the date fell on The Day of Liberation - the day that celebrated Oscura's defeat and the Boiling Isles' liberation from tyranny. It just so happened to also be the day that the rumours of Empress Oscura's return started to kick up.
"Willow, I'm going to just ask you directly. Amity came back because Oscura did too, right? Because they were both banished to the Human Realm, and the only way for Amity to get back would be if…if Oscura got her powers back and opened a way from her side. Is that what happened?" Skara questioned.
Willow sighed heavily. Unfortunately, the answer wasn't as simple as that. It was far more complicated, to be honest. But Willow wasn't sure if Skara would understand all of it. Heck, she lived through the Desire Grand Prix and even she was still grasping the whole idea of an 'interdimensional reality TV show/gladiator-fight-to-the-death' competition.
"Skara, I need you to trust me. Luz and Amity had no control over their return here," Willow pleaded.
"Oh, like they 'accidentally' came back," Skara snarked.
"Pretty much. There are some literal 'otherworldly forces' at play here. But trust me, if they had their way, they wouldn't have come back. You know how everyone feels about Oscura, and the last thing Luz would want is to cause another panic with her return," Willow explained.
Skara sat down on the bed again, taking a moment to absorb this knowledge.
"I remember you telling us about Luz and how she became Oscura. You and Gus blamed yourselves for not doing more to stop her before she crossed too many lines."
"Honestly, we still do. It's not exactly a guilt that vanishes that easily," Willow admitted.
"Believe me, the team can tell. But I'm still confused. You invited me to an engagement party, and I'm guessing you meant it was for Amity. So who did she meet this quickly to want to marry? As far as I remember, before the whole 'Empress Oscura takeover' thing, the only two people that were 'supposed to marry' her were me and Boscha." Skara shuddered for a moment. "Oh, hell, don't tell me that Amity actually had a thing for Boscha…"
Willow's eyes suddenly glowed bright green as the entire house began to shake.
"Not even in the deepest, darkest, recess of that bitch's mind would she even come close to that reality!" Willow furiously declared.
Skara, once again, sprang to her feet and held her hands up in a placating manner.
"Okay! Okay! It's not Boscha! Just calm down, Cap!"
Willow took a few deep breaths as the glow left her eyes, and the ground stopped its rumbling.
"Sorry, she just pisses me off."
"Okay, very much not Boscha. So, who's she getting hitched to?" Skara asked.
"It's Luz."
"Luz?"
"Yeah."
"The girl who became Oscura."
"Yeah."
"The girl who killed the Emperor, took over our home and blew up Amity's mom."
"Yeah."
"How!? Why!?"
"A lot can happen in four years."
"I mean, anyone is better than Boscha. But Oscura? I don't know if I should freak out or pat Amity on the back for winning her heart."
"More the latter, I guess," Willow shrugged.
"If Oscura – I mean Luz – is back, then the UC are gonna be after her. If we go to her engagement party, we could be accused of treason."
"I know, but I owe Luz."
Skara was hesitant. She understood that Luz was a dear friend to Willow, a friend whom she felt she let down when the human girl needed her the most. But at the same time, going to the engagement party of the most feared and hated person in the Demon Realm was just screaming bad news to Skara. And the last thing she wanted was for Willow to get hurt.
However, a part of Skara was still afraid of Oscura. After they learned she had been disguised as 'Morgan', Skara wondered why none of them realised it. Then again, Oscura played her part well, acting like a quirky yet powerful young witch who was friendly and fun to be around. None of them could have imagined the new girl they had befriended was Empress Oscura.
According to Willow and Gus, Morgan reminded them of Luz. Perhaps, under all that darkness, there really was someone Skara could have called a friend.
Then, all of a sudden, Oscura went mad. She went and destroyed Hexside. Boscha had tried to flee with her and Amelia when Oscura confronted her.
Boscha, Amelia, and Skara ran out of the school in a state of panic. Their beloved Hexside was currently being besieged by the self-appointed Empress of the Boiling Isles, Oscura. No one understood why this was happening. It wasn't too long ago that Oscura appeared in the form of Morgan. She had disguised herself as a Hexside student in order to eliminate Grom, so that no student, present or future, would have to face that nightmare monster ever again. It was a confusing act that slightly clashed with their image of the evil empress. What was more confusing was why she didn't just stroll into the school and demand to just be shown where Grom was so she could eliminate him.
Nothing made sense with Oscura. She came to the school as a 'saviour' of sorts, and now she had returned as its destroyer. It wasn't just this school, with the exception of Glandus – for obvious reasons –, the others were razed to the ground, and Oscura began ruling with a heavy-handed iron fist.
"I don't get it! I thought she was going to make things better or something?!" Amelia shouted.
"Yeah, why is she destroying the school?! It doesn't make sense!" Skara yelled.
"Who cares! I stopped trying to figure out that damn human months ago! 'Is she good? Is she bad?' Who gives a crap?! She's insane!" Boscha exclaimed. "I swear to Titan, I should've put that human in her place a long time ago!"
"Oh, is that right?"
All three girls stopped dead in their tracks when they heard the echoing voice of Empress Oscura. A magic circle appeared a few feet ahead of them, and from it arose the Dark Empress herself. Her eyes were filled with a kind of maniacal glee as she looked upon the three fleeing students.
"You wanted to put me in my place? You think so highly of yourself, Boscha. Never once believing that there was someone stronger than you, someone who can squash you like a bug," Oscura mocked. "I thoroughly enjoyed making you my little lap dog while I was here. Maybe I'll do that again. But this time, you'll be my footstool in the palace. I'll have to think up cute, if not embarrassing, outfits for you to wear whenever you're out in public. What do you think, Bosch?"
All three of Boscha's eyes widened as her mind flashed with all the possible scenarios of things Oscura could make her do, or would do to her. And out of sheer panic and rage, Boscha drew a spell circle and conjured the biggest fireball she could muster.
"I WON'T BE YOUR DAMN ANYTHING, YOU STUPID HUMAN!" Boscha shouted as she launched the fireball.
Oscura raised her left hand as the Darkness Ring shined. When the fireball reached her, the flaming sphere was instantly snuffed out. Only small embers remained wafting in the air for a second before disappearing.
Boscha's legs turned to jelly as she fell onto her rear, trembling in fear at how easily Empress Oscura dispelled her attack. She knew it was a futile effort, but her pride and self-respect wouldn't allow herself to be used by this monster again.
"I hope that was worth it, Boscha. Now, it's my turn." Oscura's right hand flashed with red light, and when it faded, the Wrathful Destruction ring was now on her finger. Oscura slowly moved her hand towards her DesWizarDriver to scan the ring, but then Skara jumped out in front of Boscha and Amelia.
"Morgan, please," Skara begged. "We were friends, right? We had fun. You remember when we hung out together, don't you? Maybe you were just playing us, but I think a part of you really thinks of us as friends."
Oscura paused, stopping her hand from completing the scan.
"Is that what you think, Skara?"
"Yeah. Remember when we played that song together?"
Oscura's hand started to move away from her Driver and now rested at her side.
"That was fun. I never did get to do any kind of karaoke back in my world. Although, Boscha sang off-key a lot."
"Y-yeah, Boscha can't really carry a tune to save her life," Skara chuckled, despite the situation the girls were in.
"How about I make you a deal, Skara? You and Amelia, you can leave right now and I won't come after you. But you'll leave Boscha behind. Honestly, I think it's a good deal. She may be your Grudgby Captain, but has she really been that good a friend to you?" Oscura offered.
Skara looked back at the still cowering Boscha. The triclops looked up at the Bard witch and for a moment, Boscha believed that Skara would take the deal.
"I have to admit, you're not wrong. Boscha can be…mean. She's a bully, even I can tell. She's barely done anything to show that she values our friendship. And more often than not, we get ordered around even off the playing field," Skara listed.
Amelia couldn't really deny any of that.
"So, just walk away," Oscura offered. "And she won't be your problem anymore."
"But…even though she is all that. She's…She's still my friend. Not a good one, but I'm not about to abandon her like that!" Skara held out her arms in a protective manner as she stared down the Dark Empress. "I won't let you hurt her!"
Amelia was shocked to see Skara's courage and determination. Even Boscha didn't see Skara willingly defending her. Emboldened by Skara's actions, Amelia stood next to Skara and mimicked her stance.
"S-Same! We won't let you hurt her!" Amelia shakily declared. She was scared out of her mind, but seeing Skara standing up to Oscura filled her with courage as well.
Oscura glanced between Boscha, Amelia, and Skara.
"...These are better friends than you deserve, Boscha." The ring on Oscura's right hand disappeared, only to be replaced by another. "I was going to kill you, Boscha. But after seeing how these two are willing to put themselves in harm's way for someone as undeserving as you, I've reconsidered."
"Y-You have?" Boscha asked in a mix of shock and relief.
"Yes…because I think it would be more painful for you to live and watch them suffer than to simply die on the spot."
[GLUTTONOUS DEVOURING, NOW!]
Oscura raised her right hand and made a fist, pointing her ring at them. A black hole formed out in front of her as a powerful suction force was created from the black hole. Amelia and Skara stood their ground, trying not to get sucked into the void. But that wasn't what they should've been concerned with. The two witches started to feel themselves getting drastically weaker and weaker as the spell continued. Their legs started to lose strength as Skara and Amelia collapsed to their hands and knees.
"STOP IT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO THEM?!" Boscha yelled.
Oscura didn't answer. She just continued her work until the strength left Skara and Amelia's legs, letting them collapse to the ground. Only then did Oscura cease her spell. Boscha rushed to Skara and Amelia's sides, desperately checking on them.
"SKARA! AMELIA! SAY SOMETHING!" Boscha begged.
"I…I feel so…weak," Skara strained.
"What did you do to them!?" Boscha demanded.
"Remember when that basilisk attacked the school? Same thing, only this time it's permanent," Oscura casually answered.
Boscha looked down at her two friends. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Skara and Amelia, both of them, lost all their magic. Oscura took it all away from them.
"Doesn't feel good, does it? Losing your magic. Losing something that made you feel special and complete, only to have it ripped away from you so unfairly. It feels terrible, doesn't it? Hehehahahahahaha! I'd love to make everyone feel this way, but then that wouldn't be much fun, would it? And Boscha, there's a price to be paid for defiance. Remember this moment because they lost their magic because of you. Next time, they'll lose their lives. Consider this my only act of mercy towards you."
Empress Oscura's magic circle appeared beneath her, and in an instant, she vanished, leaving Boscha alone with her magicless friends. Her two friends had risked their lives to protect her and lost something precious to them as a result. The three-eyed girl screamed in rage, punching the ground furiously.
"She...she took my magic," Skara shivered as she recalled that day. The WATTs (who were known as the CATTs at the time) had gone to rescue as many students as possible. When Skara and Amelia were checked, they discovered that they had lost their magic. "I felt empty inside, like the part of me that made me a witch was gone."
Fortunately, losing her magic had not affected her musical skills. She could still play on her harp, but that was all she could do. After she got her magic back thanks to Kamen Rider Witch, she never took it for granted again.
It was almost ironic. Hearing how Skara felt when she lost her magic, was like how Luz felt when she lost the ability to use the glyphs.
"Skara, I am so sorry that happened to you," Willow apologised. Of course, Skara would still be traumatised by what happened before. "I shouldn't have asked."
"I got over it," Skara shrugged. "Therapy helps, but I don't know if I'd be able to look at her without having a panic attack."
"Then I guess I'll just be going with Gus," Willow decided.
"Are you sure you should be going? I know she's your friend, but I don't think Luz would want you to ruin your life or put yourself in danger for her sake," Skara retorted.
"Maybe if I had been braver, I could've stopped what happened a lot sooner," Willow bitterly uttered. "Besides…there's another reason why I need to go."
"What is it?" Skara pressed on as she placed her hands on her hips.
"...I need to move on from my feelings for her," Willow admitted.
Skara's eyes widened. "Wait…hold on. Willow, do you…were you in love with Oscu– Luz?!"
"No," Willow denied with a shake of her head. "I'm still in love with Luz. Before I met her, Gus was my only friend. But meeting her changed my life. Thanks to her, I was put on the right Track and I got stronger and more confident. I wasn't 'half-a-witch' Willow anymore."
Skara couldn't exactly deny that fact. When she thought about it, Willow didn't start to become the witch she was now until the human girl, Luz, appeared in their world. It was uncanny how one person could do so much good and, in the next moment, become the source of so much pain and suffering.
"I owe who I am now to Luz. We were just friends at first and I admired her for her strength. When she lost the ability to do magic, I saw how much she was suffering. I thought it was my turn to do for her what she did for me. Along the way, my feelings for her changed. I don't know, but part of me thought that if I had just worked up the nerve to tell her, then things could've been different. Despite everything she did as Oscura, I was still in love with her. I didn't realise it until I got to talk with the other Luz, and those feelings that I tried to bury came back to the surface," Willow confessed.
Skara felt her heart break a little as she watched some tears flow down Willow's face.
"I know I should feel happy for them…" Willow continued. "But at the same time…I feel like shouting, 'It should've been me!', and I hate that I feel that way!" Willow hit the desk next with her fist as the tears kept coming. "They deserve to be happy. After everything that happened, after everything Luz was put through, she deserves to be happy! She deserves someone who loves her! And yet… And yet…!"
"You wanted it to be you who made her happy," Skara finished for her.
"I wish I went with her to the Human Realm, but I couldn't just leave my dads." Willow removed her glasses as she pressed her free hand against her forehead. "Titan, I'm so messed up… Even now I'm contemplating trying to find a way to go back with her, to steal her from Amity… Maybe I never deserved her as a friend if I can't even be happy for the person I love…"
Skara walked closer to Willow and got down on one knee in front of the Plant witch. "You need closure, that's what you need, right?"
"I think if I see it, it'll make it real. And maybe I can finally move on, but…I'm not sure if I can stop from making a complete ass of myself if I find a moment alone with Luz," Willow sadly spoke with doubt.
Skara furrowed her brow and took Willow's hands into her own.
"Then I'll go."
"Skara, you really don't have–"
"Shut up! I'm going!" Skara insisted, resolutely. "Believe me, I get it. I know how you feel, and…" The Bard witch looked away for a moment. "I'm not the only one who does."
Willow sighed again and gave Skara's hands a squeeze.
"You and Hunter have crushes on me," Willow stated.
Skara fixed her gaze back on Willow, shocked.
"How?!"
"I'm sorry, I've known for a long time, but…I haven't moved on. I know it's not right to keep your hopes up. Even more reason why I shouldn't–"
"Stop! Don't say it," Skara interrupted. "I can't speak for Hunter – even though I'm sure he'd agree anyway – but we're willing to wait. Because you're someone worth waiting for. And if going to this party is what you need to help you move on, then I'll go. The heck with the UC."
A fresh wave of tears came out as Willow reached out and hugged Skara. The Bard witch hugged Willow back as they remained in each other's embrace for a couple of minutes.
"Thank you, Skara."
"Not a problem. Does this mean I can't interest you in a little private time to show you what I can offer?" Skara flirted.
"We're having a moment, don't ruin it."
"Got it. By the way, where is this party being held?"
"Oh, at Glandus High– ACK!"
"THOSE OSCURA-LOVING FANATICS ARE HOSTING IT?!" Skara yelled as she hugged Willow tighter out of reflex.
"ACK – CAN'T BREATHE – SKARA!"
Terra made her way to the market, strutting her stuff as she walked down the road. Even in a simple green dress, she was turning heads as every witch and demon - both male and female - stopped what they were doing to stare at her. This did not end so well for those who had partners as they were immediately slapped, punched, had their foot stepped on, or in some cases, were launched into the forest.
It felt good to be the centre of attention again.
The newly rejuvenated Jyamato and witch hybrid eventually made it to a clothing store. She walked in and went up to the counter to ring the bell. After a couple of seconds, a young female demon came to greet Terra.
"Welcome! How may I…help…you?" the demon girl squeaked.
"Oh yes, dear– I mean – ahem – I was just looking for a new outfit, something that'll catch a few eyes, if you know what I mean," Terra requested.
"Oh…uh…y-yeah, I-I think I do." The demon girl cleared her throat and shook her head as she stepped from behind the counter. "I'd be happy to show you what we have!"
"Thank you, and please..." Terra leaned forward and whispered, "Don't be afraid to share your personal opinion."
The demon girl nearly melted from hearing Terra's voice but managed to maintain her composure as she went to select a few articles of clothing for her customer. Terra took the clothes and tried them on, taking her time to admire her figure in them. While she could make her own clothing, it felt nice to go shopping like a young girl again. The demon girl did not seem to mind as she watched Terra step out of the changing room in different outfits.
Terra stepped out of the shop, with incredible confidence as she let the demons and witches gaze upon her. She was now dressed in a dark green, see-through, long-sleeved sheer jacket with a black tube top that was tight against her bust. Around her waist, she wore a short green skirt with a black belt looped around it. Finally, her slender legs were wrapped in black thigh-high boots with high heels.
To say that the witches and demons froze in their tracks would be an understatement, as they all stopped to gawk at her. This caused a domino effect as people walked into each other, knocking themselves to the ground.
'That's right, everyone. Look at me. I know you like what you see. You can't keep your eyes off me, and I don't want you to stop,' Terra thought narcissistically.
The attention was addicting. Ever since she grew into an elderly woman, she was no longer the object of attention or affection from others. While she was said to have 'aged gracefully', it didn't mean she was the 'hottie' she was back in the day.
At the time, she had been enjoying her seat at the table as the Head of the Plant Coven, wielding power over the many witches in her Coven. However, her time ended with her death after Oscura drained her of her magic. It was the only thing keeping her alive and she died not long after. After her miraculous revival, she just became another old lady, no different from any other.
Now, things were different. Now, she was someone to look at, someone to lust over, and someone they would soon revere and fear. A smile began to form on Terra's face, a wicked little smile that spoke of her wicked intentions.
Unseen by everyone, Terra's body began to emit a fragrant aroma. Those within the vicinity quickly found themselves inexplicably drawn to her. The hybrid began to walk through the market, purposefully moving between the crowd as her scent wafted in the air, carried by the breeze until it reached the nostrils of every witch and demon present. They were like flies being drawn into a trap, but it would be more accurate to say that they were now her thralls. Carnivorous plants would use sweet scents to attract prey, but she was not looking to consume. No, she wanted followers.
'Just you wait, little girl. I'll show you why it is unwise to go against your betters. Heh heh, personally, I don't know what would be better. Having that girl as my little slave or just outright torturing her to death? Or maybe I could do both? Ah, well, I'm sure I'll figure it out in due time. For now, let's just enjoy having an entire town worship me.'
She should pick something up for Adrian too. He must be bored waiting for her at home, all by his little lonesome.