The Emperor Strikes Back

by benderjam

Belos is gone dead and things are starting to return to normal on the Boiling Isles. But all is not as peaceful as it seems. Odalia comes up with a plan to try and regain her former glory as well as lead the Boiling Isles to a new future. Luz will soon face her greatest challenge yet and she will need all the help she can get. Please read and review.

18. Asking For Help

The Emperor Strikes Back

Spoiler: We're getting close to the end, so the next chapter will be the climax. This will focus on Luz and the others getting ready for their final battle. We will also see some twists and revelations about some things. Enjoy.

Asking For Help

It was morning at the Owl House when Luz, Vee, and Hunter woke up and went down to the kitchen where Eda, Lilith, and Raine had already made breakfast.

Eda looked at the kids as she said, "Hey, you kids doing okay?"

Luz briefly smiled before showing anxiety as she said, "Feeling a little better considering tomorrow Belos and Zul put their plan into action."

Raine smiled as they moved their hand to refer to the food as they said, "Go on, eat up. You'll need all your strength."

They agreed as they sat down and ate their breakfast, then Kikimora walked in with a tired and depressed expression while her stomach growled.

Luz smiled as she generously said, "Come on Kikimora, you can eat with us if you want."

Kikimora looked at the food before looking at Raine, Eda, and Lilith who did not object to Luz's offer as they looked down at her. She then climbed onto a stool and indulged herself in both food and apple blood as she wallowed in hopelessness.

Vee then broke the silence as she said, "So what now?"

Luz looked at the others as she urgently said, "We need to come up with a plan to stop Belos' Amplifying Spell."

Kikimora was depressed as she said, "It's hopeless."

They all looked at her in shock as Eda said, "What?"

Kikimora rested her head in her hand with her elbow on the table as she pessimistically said, "There's no way to stop him. He's the most powerful witch ever, he knows more about magic than anyone, and he has an army at his command."

Raine put their fists on their sides as they confidently said, "He doesn't have as many followers as he used to."

Kikimora was still hopeless as she sulked, "He still has many followers and powerful witches serving him, including those three Coven Heads and that clone of the human."

Luz looked nervous and Hunter honestly said, "Kikimora's got a point. Belos may not have as many subjects as before but he's still a serious threat. And there's still so much we don't know about his Amplifying Spell. Where they're doing it, why they need King, how to stop it, we've got a serious problem."

Just then they heard a loud roar outside the Owl House and all turned to the backdoor, which Gwendolyn and Del came through with the Stonsleeper resting outside.

They had bruises and scratches all over them as Gwendolyn urgently said, "Edaylyn, we have a problem!"

Everyone was discouraged as Eda said, "And the hits just keep on coming."

Gwendolyn and Del told them how Zul and Flora came to their house and stole their family's Galdorstone shard, and Eda and the others told them about the Amplifying Spell.

Luz was concerned as she said, "So Zul and Flora stole your Galdorstone shard?"

Del nodded with a worried expression as he said, "Yes, we tried to stop them but they were too much for us."

Luz looked at Vee and Hunter as she urgently said, "They must be trying to make another Portal Door. Once Belos finishes off everyone in the demon realm he'll go back to the human realm and take Zul with him."

Gwendolyn folded her arms with hatred as she said, "Well now we know why those lackeys broke into our house!"

Luz put her two fingertips together as she worriedly said, "Okay, we NEED to stop Belos. We should get some help to fight him."

Suddenly Hooty stretched in and smiled, "Hoot hoot! We have company!"

Amity, Willow, and Gus came running in and Luz smiled as she said, "Amity!"

Hunter smiled as he said, "Willow!"

Vee smiled in delight as she said, "Gus!"

Willow smiled and waved to them as she happily said, "Hey guys."

Amity smiled proudly as she proclaimed, "We're here to help stop the Eve of Escalation."

Luz smiled with joy as she happily exclaimed, "You guys are awesome!"

Kikimora held her head in her hands as she moped, "It's useless, there's no one powerful enough to stop the Amplifying Spell."

Lilith also expressed doubt as she admitted, "She's right. Willow, Gus, and Amity are each very skilled students, but to even come close to evening the odds we'd need someone much more powerful."

Luz's face lit up with a smile as she said, "I think I know someone who might be!"

She ran off and the others looked at each other with confused expressions as Hunter and Vee shrugged to the adults. They heard some crashing and stuff before Luz came down with a purple horn that had a picture of a moon and a star on the sides of it. The others had no idea what it was as they stared at the horn with clueless expressions and looked at Luz.

Eda then asked, "A horn?"

Luz smiled with hope as she explained, "It's a special horn. King told me about it when they held us prisoner in the Archives. Watch!"

She hurried outside and then blew the horn as it made a strange yet funny sound, like a really loud noise maker. Luz looked up at the sky with a smile while everyone else showed confused expressions until they saw a bright blue light in the sky. They saw what looked like a star come and then the blue star came down toward them and floated above the ground with the Collector riding on it.

The Collector happily waved at them as he said, "Hiiii."

Kikimora gasped in shock while Willow said, "The Collector?"

Luz smiled as she turned to everyone else and held up the horn as she explained, "The Collector gave King this horn so he could summon if he ever needed or wanted him to come back."

The Collector smiled as he happily said, "It's good to be back."

Vee pointed at the Collector with a stunned expression as she said, "That's the Collector."

The Collector stared at her in wonder as he flew in front of her on his star and said, "A basilisk?! Wow! I haven't seen one in a long time!"

Vee smiled at him but immediately became interested as she said, "I'm Vee. Wait, you knew basilisks?"

The Collector glanced around in thought as he said, "I knew some basilisks before King's dad trapped me."

Vee was amazed as she said, "Really?"

The Collector smiled as he sat on his floating star and said, "Yeah, they were buddies with the Titans. They got rid of bad bugs they didn't like and the Titans gave them magic to feed on."

Lilith was amazed as she said, "So it's true. The Titans and basilisks had a symbiotic relationship."

Luz smiled at Vee as she said, "No wonder you and King get along so great."

Vee smiled and the Collector glanced around before he curiously asked, "Where is King?"

Remembering why she called him, Luz immediately looked at him and urgently said, "He's in trouble!"

The Collector's eyes widened in shock as he said, "What?! What happened?!"

Everyone showed worried expressions as Luz explained, "It's a long story. First Odalia brought Belos' ghost back and then he brought himself back to life!"

The Collector was horrified as he said, "What?!"

Luz showed a stressed expression as she said, "Then he made an evil Grimwalker of me! She's a real pain the butt! And then they took King and they're planning to use him to perform an Amplifying Spell tomorrow night!"

The Collector immediately expressed worry as he said, "We gotta save him!"

Luz showed a sincere expression as she said, "I know, and we need your help."

The Collector nodded and Eda happily exclaimed, "Yeah, now we're cooking! Belos and his army are going down!"

Kikimora rained on her parade as she said, "It still won't work. The Amplifying Spell uses the power of a Titan, and the Collector's power doesn't stop Titan magic."

The Collector nodded with a sad expression as he said, "She's right, my powers also don't work on ghosts either, so I can't stop Belos either."

Luz did not give up as she turned from the Collector to the others as she said, "You can still help. We can't just stand by and do nothing! I've got magic and I'll use it if I have to!"

The Collector smiled as he pointed at Luz and said, "Yeah! You've got Titan power!"

The others looked at him in surprise and confusion as Luz said, "Huh?"

The Collector stood up on his star as he pointed at Luz and said, "The Titan gave you his power to stop Belos right?"

Luz was still baffled as she replied, "Yeah, but I lost it when the Titan finally died."

The Collector smiled as he pointed at Luz's chest then looked at Vee while he said, "Not all of it. You still have an itty-bitty piece of it. Can't you smell it Vee?"

Vee then slithered over to Luz and sniffed her before her eyes widened in wonder as she said, "Now that you mention it, I do smell magic on Luz. It smells like King's, but stronger."

The Collector smiled as he held his arms out to his sides and said, "Yeah, he gave you a present. You don't need a bile sac to do magic. You can do any kind."

Everyone stared at Luz in amazement while she held her heart and said, "All this time I've had magic inside me and I didn't even know it."

Eda came and put her arm around Luz as she smiled at the others and said, "Then that could be what we need to turn the tables on Belos. Kids, we need to teach Luz everything we know about magic to make her more powerful!"

The others agreed as Willow, Gus, Amity, and Vee happily exclaimed, "Yeah!"

Amity smiled as she proudly said, "I can teach her everything I know about Abomination Magic. And Darius taught me a new trick that's pretty cool."

Raine smiled as they raised their left finger and said, "I'd be happy to teach her about Bard Magic."

Gwendolyn stepped forward with a generous grin as she said, "And I can teach her about Beast Keeping."

Luz was touched by all their kindness as she said, "Thanks everyone. You're all great."

Lilith smiled as Haven flew to her and changed to her staff form as Lilith held her and said, "Good, and while you all train I'll go find Flora."

Eda looked at her with surprise as she said, "You sure Lilly?"

Lilith smiled fiercely as she clinched her fist and said, "Oh yes! I'll make her pay for messing with our parents! And I'll force her to reveal anything she knows about the Eve of Escalation!"

Hunter showed a serious expression as he walked to her and said, "I'll go with you. Flora's tough and smart, and I know you have issues with her. I'll make sure you don't get in trouble."

Lilith smiled at him before looking at Kikimora as she said, "Thank you Hunter. Kiki, would you care to join us?"

Kikimora glared daggers as she said, "If I get to stick it to Belos, yes!"

Hunter and Kikimora got on Lilith's staff with her before they flew away while the others watched and waved at them.

Eda smiled eagerly at Luz as she said, "Come on kid! Let's get started!"

Luz nodded enthusiastically as they all went back into the Owl House while the Collector happily followed them.

Meanwhile at the Archive House

Belos was sitting on his throne at the top of the staircase with Zul standing to his left as they looked down at everyone.

Belos smiled as he looked at everyone and said, "Thank you everyone for your dedication and service. Tomorrow all your loyalty and hard work will be rewarded. Tomorrow we will assemble at where my castle once stood, in the chest of the Titan, and when the moon centers in the sky we will begin the Amplifying Spell and rule a new world."

The crowd happily cheered then Zul smiled happily as she said, "Okay, thank you all for coming. Now let's get ready for the big day!"

They all started walking around as they got to work to prepare for the Eve of Escalation while Belos got up from his throne.

He looked at Zul with a serious expression as he said, "Come Zul, we have three weak links to deal with."

Zul nodded as she followed Belos as they walked down the staircase and made their way through the crowd. They walked over and saw Bria, Gavin, and Angmar talking with Bria having her back to Belos and Zul as they walked toward them.

Bria smiled excitedly at them as she exclaimed, "Isn't this great?! Just one more day and we'll be powerful enough to do whatever we want!"

Gavin and Angmar stared behind her with their eyes widened in shock and fear as Angmar pointed and said, "Uh… Bria…"

Bria was confused by their behavior until Belos said, "Hello children."

She became worried as she turned to him and Zul and smiled nervously as she said, "Zul! Emperor Belos! Great speech!"

Belos looked down at the three of them with a grim expression as he said, "We need to talk about what happened yesterday."

Zul glared at them as she pointed her right finger and said, "Yeah, you guys led Luz and her friends right to us."

Bria backed up against Gavin and Angmar as she kept smiling nervously as she said, "Yeah, our bad, but it was an honest mistake."

Belos glared at them as he coldly said, "One that almost compromised our mission. I'm afraid this cannot go unpunished."

Bria and Gavin both fearfully stepped away from Angmar as Bria pointed at him and fearfully said, "But Angmar was the one who let himself get caught!"

Zul kept glaring at them as she said, "Yeah, but you two let Vee trick you and you lead her and the others to us and almost cost us King."

The three teens cowered in fear as Angmar asked, "What are you gonna do?"

Belos turned to his right as he asked, "Faust?"

They nervously turned to see Faust staring at them with hostility as he answered, "Expulsion from existence!"

He then made balls of fire in his hands and Bria screamed, "Run!"

She quickly made a wall of rock between them and Faust before making a dash for the front door while Belos and Zul chased them. They swerved and ducked to avoid Coven Scouts and Guards who tried to grab them and managed to avoid being grabbed by Abomatons. They panted as they managed to make it out the door and jumped for it while Angmar used plant magic to make roots rise out of the ground and catch them. He then made the roots drag him, Bria, and Gavin underground as they escaped without revealing where they were going. Belos and Zul watched them escape as they stood in the doorway, but they both smiled evilly as they were not upset.

Belos smiled at Zul as he said, "Well done Zul. All of the pieces are in play. They'll tell Luz and the others everything and tomorrow she'll bring us the final ingredient."

Zul smiled slyly as she pointed at him and said, "And then we'll knock em bread."

Belos showed an amused smile at her bread pun and they both stared out at the Boiling Isles and focused on the location of the Owl House.

Suddenly Flora came with a concerned expression as she said, "Belos, Zul, I think we have a problem. Lilith knows about what we did at her parents house and she's been trying to catch me. I would've dealt with her myself but she's got Kikimora and the old Golden Guard helping her and they're a bit more than I can handle."

Zul curiously looked at Belos as she said, "Dad, should we send some Abomatons or guards to take them out."

Belos smiled deviously as he looked down at Zul and said, "No, we'll see to this ourselves. This is the perfect chance to get rid of our three greatest traitors in one fell swoop."

Zul smiled evilly as she liked where this was going as she turned from him to Flora and said, "In that case, Flora, let them follow you. We'll set a trap for the three of them."

Flora smiled deviously as she caressed her chin and said, "I wish Lilith was more like you when I was teaching her."

She then used her whip to lasso a griffin and flew away on it while Zul and Belos smiled at each other evilly before Belos made them both disappear.

Back at the Owl House

Eda and the others were working on training Luz in the different kinds of magic while Vee and the Collector sat by the front door and watched with Hooty.

Eda had her hand on her hip as she said, "Okay, so what can you do so far?"

Luz showed uncertainty as she honestly answered, "I don't know. I'm not sure how I did that stuff. I was just focused on helping my friends."

Eda smiled as she got an idea and said, "Concentration, that's what you need to do magic, just like when you had all the powers the Titan gave you before. So let's focus on what you know how to do already."

Luz smiled as she said, "Well, since the glyphs stopped working I've been studying potion magic and I've learned a few recipes."

Eda smiled as she put her wrist on her hip again and said, "Good, anything else."

Luz pulled out Odalia's amulet and the magic amplifier as she explained, "I've still got Odalia's amulet and the magic amplifier. I'm pretty sure these helped me do Oracle and Illusion magic."

Eda was pleased as she placed her finger on her chin and looked at the others while she said, "Okay, I think we can work with this. Everyone, let's get to work."

They all nodded and immediately got to work; Amity gave Luz a bottle of Abomination goo and taught her about Abominations. Luz was amazed as she successfully managed to make an Abomination rise and it obeyed her commands before melting. Amity congratulated her with a kiss on the cheek and then Willow taught her about plant magic as she gave her a seed. She told Luz what she knew about plant magic and then Luz managed to make the seed sprout four roots that grabbed Willow, making her smile in delight. Gus taught Luz some Illusion magic and she used the magic amplifier to help her as she managed to successfully make two illusions of herself. They both smiled back at her and then Gus happily made two illusions of himself and they all shook each other's hands. Raine taught Luz about Bard Magic as Eda gave her the cittern and then Luz played it and smiled in delight as she made bright lights float around her. Gwendolyn taught Luz about Beast Keeping as she summoned a unicorn and told Luz about taming magical creatures. Luz managed to befriend the unicorn and then her eyes glowed orange as it let her ride it as it galloped around the Owl House. It stopped and Luz was thrilled before sending the unicorn back into the forest as she smiled with both joy and pride. Amity and Gus both taught Luz what they knew about Oracle Magic as Luz used Odalia's amulet to make two giant purple arms of energy. Then she successfully managed to summon a friendly ghost who Luz made friends with before sending him away.

Luz turned to everyone with joy as she said, "I never knew I could do such amazing things! This is the greatest day of my life!"

Eda showed a serious expression as she pointed her finger as she said, "Well don't get too excited. This is a great start but you've still got a lot to learn if you're going to stand a chance of beating Belos."

Luz understood as she nodded and they all kept teaching her more about the different kinds of magic while Vee, Hooty, and the Collector watched.

Hooty smiled as he happily said, "Hoot hoot, that Luz is becoming such a great witch."

Vee smiled as she watched and agreed, "Yeah, wait until Camila finds out about this!"

The Collector smiled as he turned to Vee and said, "Vee, you remind me a lot of the basilisks I knew a long time ago."

Vee looked at him as she curiously said, "Really?"

The Collector smiled as he waved his hand and made a crude illusion showing himself with basilisks as he said, "Yeah, they were so friendly and fun. They'd turn into such pretty things and they played with me and the little Titans all the time. Until the Archivists started getting rid of the Titans and they took their side and helped King's dad trap me. And then they were all gone."

Vee was shocked as she looked at the Collector and asked, "Collector, do you know how the basilisks went extinct?"

The Collector held his knees with a guilty expression as he confessed, "Yeah, it was my fault."

Hooty gasped in shock as he angrily asked, "What did you do?!"

Vee calmed him down before looking at the Collector as she said, "Hooty, take it easy. What happened Collector?"

The Collector stared into space with regret as he said, "It was the Titan Trappers. I wanted them to find the Titan's egg so he could free me and I could have fun with him, but the Titan Trappers went crazy and thought I wanted them to kill him. The basilisks fought the Titan Trappers and made sure they'd never find the egg. The Trappers wiped out the basilisks but never found the egg."

Hooty showed a sad expression as he said, "They protected the egg with their lives."

Vee showed sympathy as she said, "The basilisks were wiped out because you wanted to find King."

The Collector sadly looked down with guilt as he said, "Yeah, I missed the basilisks. That's why I told Belos how to bring them back."

Vee was surprised as she said, "What?"

The Collector stared forward as he said, "When Belos said he wanted to erase magic I told him about how basilisks drained magic. He wanted to know more about them so I told him how to bring them back."

Vee was amazed as she pointed at the Collector and said, "So, I exist because of you?"

The Collector glanced at her as he admitted, "Yeah."

Vee suddenly hugged the Collector, to his shock as he got a happy look in his eyes, then she pulled away from him with a smile on her face.

She smiled gratefully as she said, "Thank you."

The Collector curiously asked, "For what?"

Vee kept smiling as she said, "For giving my kind a second chance."

The Collector was shocked but then showed guilt as he said, "But it's my fault they went extinct in the first place."

Vee shook her head as she sincerely said, "No it's not. It's the Titan Trappers' fault. You never meant for any of that to happen. You were just sad and lonely."

Hooty stretched his body out of the door and curved around the Collector for comfort as he said, "I know what that feels like."

Vee placed her hand on her chest as she sincerely said, "I know how it feels to be feared and feel like you don't belong anywhere. But then I made new friends and even family and now I have a good life with people who love me, and it's because of you. You may have made mistakes in the past but you've done some good things and you're making up for it now. You're a great boy."

The Collector smiled up at her with a flattered expression when suddenly Luz came over and said, "Collector, I want to ask something. You taught Belos magic right?"

The Collector looked up at Luz as he said, "Yeah, he wanted me to teach him magic more powerful than any witch."

Luz smiled politely as she asked, "Do you think you could teach me some of that magic?"

The Collector smiled as he said, "Sure, I can teach you a few spells."

Luz smiled excitedly as she said, "Great, let's get started!"

The Collector then happily followed her as Vee and Hooty watched them with loving expressions as they showed pride.

Meanwhile in the forest

Lilith was flying on her staff with Hunter riding in front of her and Kikimora riding at the end of the staff as they searched for Flora. They went to her house earlier but she saw them coming and managed to evade them but they had been tracking her since then.

Kikimora looked bored and tired as she said, "I don't see her anywhere. I think we lost her."

Hunter looked back at Lilith as he honestly said, "I think she's right Lilith. Maybe we should turn around and head back."

Lilith thought for a moment until they heard a griffin screech and they saw Flora riding the griffin toward them. She almost crashed into them as they cried in fear as they swerved to avoid her and then she flew next to them as she smiled mockingly.

She kept riding the griffin as she snidely said, "Well if it isn't the Emperor's three biggest mistakes."

They glared at her as Lilith angrily said, "It looks like we've found Belos' errand girl."

Flora smiled mockingly as she said, "There's no need to be rude dear. If you took more from my tutelage you could have a brighter future like the rest of us."

Lilith kept glaring daggers at Flora as she fiercely said, "I'm no one's lapdog anymore!"

Hunter agreed as he pointed at Flora and said, "Yeah, and none of you will have a bright future after we stop the Eve of Escalation!"

Flora pointed at them as she smiled tauntingly and said, "You has-beens? Ha! That's a laugh! You've all fallen so much since leaving the Emperor's Coven. You're ghost of your former selves, and not in the good way."

Kikimora angrily pointed at Flora as she said, "Silence you toenail clipping! You're coming with us and you're going to tell us everything we want to know!"

Flora smiled snidely as she whipped the griffin and said, "Well then… Catch me if you can!"

She flew away on her griffin and Kikimora turned to Lilith and Hunter while pointing as she yelled, "After her!"

They all held on tight as Lilith leaned forward and they chased Flora through the air and she smiled deviously as she rode her griffin to a clearing in the forest. After a moment they watched the griffin fly away by itself with Flora off of it as the griffin shrieked loudly.

Kikimora pointed at the griffin as she said, "There she goes!"

Hunter had his eyes narrowed as he seriously said, "No it's a trick! She's not on it! The griffin is a decoy!"

Lilith knew well that Hunter was right as she seriously said, "Hunter's right, Flora is trying to throw us off her trail. She's moving on foot."

Lilith flew to the clearing and landed as she, Hunter, and Kikimora got off of it and glanced around at the forest. Kikimora spotted Flora leaning against a tree with a sly smile on her face while Hunter and Lilith also spotted her.

Kikimora prepared to attack as she said, "There she is! Capture her before she escapes again!"

Lilith stopped her as she held her staff and stared seriously as she said, "Not so fast Kiki. Something's not right. She's up to something."

Flora smiled snidely as she pinched her fingers together and said, "Nice to see you're still as smart as you were under my teaching."

Hunter noticed something and yelled, "Look out!"

He teleported in a yellow flash as he grabbed Lilith and Kikimora and moved them out of the way when a red blast of magical energy was shot.

Flora smiled as she pulled her whip out and said, "Have fun bookworm."

She used her whip to lasso a tree branch and swung away while Hunter, Lilith, and Kikimora turned to where the blast came from. They saw Zul standing between two trees as she held her staff out with the end of it glowing red while she smiled evilly.

Hunter glared at her as he said, "Zul!"

Her staff stopped glowing as she held it straight with the bottom on the ground as she smiled and said, "Hey guys. See you got our invitation."

The three of them glared at her but their eyes widened in shock and fear as they heard Belos' voice say, "We've been waiting for you."

They turned around to see Belos staring at them with an evil grin as they simultaneously exclaimed, "Belos!"

Belos showed a mildly impressed expression before smiling sadistically as he said, "I have to say I never thought I'd see the day when the three of you would be working together. Though it does make it more convenient for me. Now I can dispose of all three of you in one fell swoop."

His arm became green and slimy as he stretched it out toward them and they screamed in terror before scattering to avoid him.

He pulled his arm back and returned it to its regular shape while he looked at Zul and said, "Zul, would you please lend me a hand."

She smiled eagerly as she said, "You got it dad!"

She ran at Kikimora and swung her staff at her and knocked her down before swinging it at Hunter, only for him to dodge it as he teleported back in a yellow flash. He then fired a blast of magic at her but she blocked it as she whirled her staff around like a shield and then she fired a red blast of magic at him and knocked him down.

She pinned him to the ground with the bottom of her staff and gloated, "I'm more formidable than you think."

Suddenly she was hit by a purple blast of magic and knocked away from Hunter, who sat up and saw Kikimora holding her finger out with an angry expression.

Hunter joined her and gratefully said, "Thanks."

They both looked at Zul as she glared at them and started fighting them while Lilith held her staff close as she nervously prepared to face Belos.

Belos smiled sadistically as he said, "I knew you would betray me at the Petrification Ceremony, but I did not expect you to share your curse with the Owl Lady. Giving up your own magic made things much easier for me."

Lilith glared at him before yelling in fury as she ran at him and tried to swing her staff at him, but he did not even move. He only waved his finger as he encased her in a red aura and telekinetically hurled her at a tree as she let out a cry of pain.

Lilith got back on her feet as glared at Belos and hatefully said, "I was blind before but now I see you for what you really are! A deceitful, backstabbing, witch hunter!"

She ran at him in fury and his body glowed red as he melted into the ground and then rose up behind her and hit her with a magical blast from his hand.

Lilith cried in terror as she narrowly dodged it and fell on her back, he smiled sadistically and said, "It did feel good to have you serve me so easily after that punch in the face you gave me when we first met."

She glared at him as she spitefully said, "One of the proudest moments of my life."

Lilith got back up and jumped at him but he only waved his finger and telekinetically threw her back into a tree. He then made spikes of stone rise out of the ground and try to stab Lilith but she dodged them as she stumbled on the ground.

She regained her footing and glared at him as she said, "I wasted my life serving you and it cost me everything! My family, my friends, and my honor! All my loyalty would get me was a front row seat to everyone's death on the Day of Unity!"

Belos walked toward her as he coldly said, "I may have lied, but it's not my fault you cursed your sister."

She glared at him as she spitefully said, "At least I didn't kill my own brother."

Belos became enraged as he transformed his right arm into a large green one as his hand became a sickle blade. He slashed it at Lilith as she screamed in terror, and he cut her head off as it and her body fell to the ground, but she was still alive.

Hunter stared in fear as he yelled, "Lilith!"

Zul smiled sadistically as she joked, "Dad sure knows how to make heads roll."

She kept fighting him and Kikimora while Lilith's body crawled around trying to find her head, but Belos picked up Liliths head and held her in his right hand.

She frowned in despair while he smiled sadistically and said, "At least when you served me you were still useful. Now you have lost all your power, you pose no threat, and there is nothing you can do to save yourself or your friends."

Lilith looked away in despair as she felt useless while Haven changed to her natural form and tried to help her.

Belos grabbed the Palisman in his other hand and Lilith fearfully cried, "Haven!"

Belos stared at Haven before looking at Lilith as he coldly said, "You know, the reason I let you keep your Palisman was because I didn't want to risk altering the space time continuum, but since that's no longer an issue I suppose it's time to feed."

Lilith watched in terror as he prepared to drain the life from her Palisman, meanwhile Kikimora clinched her fists and raised all the fingers on her head covering her right eye. From the claws on all of those fingers she shot purple blasts if magic at Zul and successfully knocked her down. Kikimora and Hunter both ran to help Lilith as Hunter teleported to and from Belos in two yellow flashes while he took Haven and Lilith's head from Belos. He stopped far in front of Belos and held Lilith and Haven protectively as he nervously stared at Belos coming toward them.

Kikimora suddenly ran in front of them and angrily said, "I am no one's puppet!"

She then opened her hand-bun on her head and pointed the fingers at Belos as she fired a powerful purple blast of magic at him. He easily dodged it and telekinetically lifted her up and slammed her to the ground as she groaned in pain.

Belos walked to her and condescendingly said, "You always proved yourself incompetent when trying even simple tasks, I only kept you around because you were so easy to trick. You proved your gullibility on Coven Day when you chose your 'promotion' over your family, despite Luz's attempts to help you. I admit you made the correct choice, though all you did bide your time until your end on the Day of Unity."

Kikimora looked up at Belos with a distraught expression, then he waved his finger and telekinetically threw her aside before walking to Hunter. He nervously held Lilith's head and Haven as the three of them stared at Belos in fear as he came closer to them.

Belos looked down at Hunter as he said, "I'm disappointed in you Hunter. I really expected you to last longer than the other Grimwalkers. But like the rest of them you chose the wrong side and stabbed me in the back."

Hunter glared at Belos as he angrily said, "I stabbed you in the back?! You lied to me my whole life! You created me to help you wipeout magic-kind and then tried to kill me, just like all the others!"

Belos glared as he cruelly said, "I tried to make you better than all the others. I tried to mold you into something perfect, but you chose to follow in Caleb's footsteps. You let that vile Palisman corrupt you and went down the path to ruin."

Hunter became angrier as he glared at Belos and said, "Flapjack saved me from you! I didn't suffer the same fate as the other clones, thanks to him, Luz, and all of my friends! They made me better than what I was when I served you!"

Belos looked down at him condescendingly again as he said, "You are just another Grimwalker, nothing more nothing less."

Lilith then glared at Belos as she angrily yelled, "He is a Clawthorne!"

Belos was shocked as he said, "What?!"

Kikimora looked at them in shock as she said, "What?!"

Zul got up and stared at them in shock as she said, "What?!"

Belos was almost speechless as he asked, "How did you find out?!"

Lilith and Hunter were surprised by his reaction as Hunter asked, "Wait, you knew?"

Belso then glared at them as he denied nothing and then Hunter angrily accused, "You knew! You knew all along!"

Belos kept glaring at them as he shamelessly admitted, "I've always known about Eda and Lilith's heritage. I was reluctant to let Lilith join my Coven but knew I had to, to make sure that history would repeat itself. But having Evelyn's descendant in my ranks made me bitter, especially when she was around you. I knew she would be a bad influence on you just like Evelyn was on Caleb, that's why I wanted you to give her your morning shifts."

Hunter and Lilith both glared at Belos as Hunter said, "Luz was right, you did want us to hate each other."

Belos glared at them as he said, "As much as I hated their disgusting bond. Now I'm going to do what I should've done before!"

He then changed into his monstrous form and roared ferociously, facing the sky, while Hunter and Lilith stared in fear. Lilith glanced around and then noticed how distracted Zul was as she watched them, and Lilith smiled slyly as she got an idea. Lilith's body then snuck up behind Zul and hit her before taking her staff and firing a red blast of magic at Belos.

The green slimy monster roared in pain as he was knocked away from them and Hunter asked, "What happened?!"

Lilith smiled proudly as she bragged, "I used my head."

Her body then walked over to them and took her head from Hunter before reattaching it; Lilith smiled as she was back in one piece. Kikimora joined them while Haven changed back to her staff form as Lilith held her and then they all watched as Zul hurried over to Belos.

She tended to him while he got back up and growled as he stared at them and Lilith said, "It's time to go!"

She, Hunter, and Kikimora got on her staff and they flew away while Belos stretched his arm out and tried to grab them. Hunter used his power to teleport them further away in a yellow flash, getting out of reach of Belos before flying off.

Belos arm returned to his usual shape as Zul curiously asked, "Should we go after them."

Belos stared in the direction they fled as he vexedly said, "No, they're not worth our time."

He then changed to his natural form while Zul held her staff in her hands and said, "So… Caleb and Evelyn are Eda and Lilly's ancestors? Did NOT see that coming."

Belos kept staring in the direction they fled as he hatefully said, "Evelyn and her family have been a thorn in my side my entire life. Their very existence is a constant reminder of how Evelyn took everything from me."

Zul looked up at Belos with an angry expression as she said, "Everything that happened to you was because of her."

Belos smiled as he looked down at Zul and said, "But all of that is about to finally end. Come Zul, we must prepare for tomorrow."

Zul smiled as she and Belos walked off into the forest as they started heading ack to the Archive House to prepare for the Eve of Escalation.

Later at the Owl House

The Collector had just finished teach Luz another simple spell as she moved her hand and made rocks rise out of the ground.

The Collector smiled at her as he said, "I haven't seen an itty-bitty spider do that since I taught Philip."

Luz was thrilled as she happily said, "Thanks Collector! I'm already getting ideas about how I can use this magic with other magic! I've also got some ideas to combine the other kinds of magic!"

Willow smiled proudly as she said, "That's why you wanted to study every track."

Raine smiled as they turned to Eda and said, "Just like another great wild witch I know."

Eda blushed with a flattered expression, then Luz then walked over to her as she said, "So Eda, do you think I have a chance against Belos now?"

Eda smiled as she tilted her hand side to side and honestly replied, "I think it's about fifty-fifty. You're definitely gonna wipe the floor with that Grimwalker he made of you."

Luz smiled as she raised her fists in the air and happily cheered, "Yeah! I'm gonna stop Belos and save the Boiling Isles again!"

Willow, Amity, and Gus threw their arms in the air as they happily cheered until they heard Kikimora say, "I doubt that."

They all looked up as Lilith, Hunter, and Kikimora flew by on Lilith's staff and landed with discouraged expressions.

The others noticed some scratches on them as Eda curiously asked, "What the heck happened to you three?"

Lilith, Hunter, and Kikimora all showed exhausted expressions as they simultaneously said, "Belos."

The others immediately became concerned as Willow went to Hunter and asked, "Did he hurt you? Are you okay?"

Hunter blushed slightly as he gently pushed her away and said, "We're fine Willow, but Zul and Belos are more dangerous than we thought."

Lilith agreed as she looked at the others and said, "Hunter's right. We went after Flora and she led us into a trap, where Zul and Belos tried to destroy us."

Gwendolyn and Del went to comfort Lilith, while Luz tensely said, "We need to save King!"

Hooty stretched out of the door as he stared at the forest ahead and said, "I hear some footsteps coming toward us."

They all turned in the direction Hooty was staring and they saw Bria, Gavin, and Angmar run out of the forest before stopping and catching their breath.

Hunter pointed his finger at them with hostility as he yelled, "The Glandus squad!"

Everyone prepared to fight as Luz held her staff and the others used magic while glaring at Bria, Gavin, and Angmar.

They all immediately raised their hands as Bria fearfully said, "No wait! We surrender!"

Gavin agreed as he frantically said, "Yeah! We're done fighting!"

Angmar held his hands up as he desperately begged, "We'll do whatever you want just help us!"

The others lowered their things before looking at each other with uncertainty, then Gus suspiciously asked, "What are you doing here?"

Bria held her arms out as she urgently explained, "After you guys tricked us and infiltrated the Archives Belos decided we failed, so he and the Golden Guard tried to end us!"

Hooty showed sympathy as he said, "Yeah, I know how that feels."

Eda was still suspicious as she said, "Don't pity them yet Hooty. They could just be trying to trick us to get back on Belos' good side."

Gavin shook his head while waving his hands as he said, "No! It's true! They tried to kill us so we ran away! We just want a safe place to hide!"

The others looked at each other reluctantly before Luz walked to them and suspiciously asked, "Okay, say we believe you, answer some questions for us. Like where's King?"

Angmar held his right palm up as he answered, "He's in the Archive House. Terra, Roselle, and Dotty are watching him and he's under heavy guard until the Amplifying Spell tomorrow."

Hunter joined Luz as he glared at the three teens and seriously said, "Where's the Amplifying Spell taking place?"

Bria pointed her right finger as she replied, "In the chest of the Titan, where the old castle used to be."

Luz eyes widened in curiosity as she said, "But the Titan's heart is gone. Why there?"

Gavin shrugged as he honestly said, "We don't know."

Gus had his eyes narrowed as he asked, "Well what do you guys know?"

Bria showed concern as she said, "We know that tomorrow night they'll use King's power to activate the Amplifying Spell. It uses the nine types of magic and the boost of the Galdorstones to amplify everyone's power hugely! They'll activate it when the moon is right overhead."

Everyone looked at each other before Eda looked down at the kids and said, "Okay freckles, we believe you. You twerps can stay if you help us stop Belos."

Bria, Gavin, and Angmar all cheered in joy before Bria smiled gratefully and said, "Thank you! We'll do anything to help! What's your plan?"

Luz smiled sheepishly as she said, "We don't have one."

Bria's arms hung limply at her sides while she, Gavin, and Angmar were tense and Bria said, "We're doomed!"

Luz smiled as she made a small flame appear in her left palm as she said, "No we're not. I've got magic and I'm getting good at it. Look."

Bria, Gavin, and Angmar were somewhat impressed but still tense as Bria said, "That's cool but that won't be enough! All of the loyalists are going to be at the chest for the Amplifying Spell tomorrow night!"

Luz looked nervous before smiling optimistically as she said, "Don't worry. We can still stop them if we work together."

Kikimora frowned up at her as she pessimistically said, "Unlikely. Even with magic Belos is still too powerful, and he has much more than just the witches you saw at the Archives yesterday."

Bria nodded in agreement as she said, "She's right. Belos and Zul have like half the Boiling Isles on their side."

Luz then turned away from them to all her friends as they looked discouraged and she became nervous again. Later they all went inside the living room and sat around, sulking at the odds that were against them and they didn't know what to do. Gus, Amity, Vee, Willow, and the Collector were the only ones not sulking as they stood at the side of the room and looked at the others.

Hunter was sitting by himself when Gwendolyn and Del went to him and he said, "Hey Del. Hey Gwendolyn."

Del sympathetically looked down at him as he said, "Hey kid."

Gwendolyn spoke sincerely as she said, "Luz and Willow told us about Caleb and Evelyn."

Hunter looked up at them as he reluctantly said, "So, I guess that means we're related."

Del spoke kindly as he said, "You know, being family means more than just being related."

Gwendolyn agreed as she pointed her finger and solemnly said, "He's right. Family is determined by the bond its members share. You've done so much for our daughters and our grandson. You helped us all stand against Belos and his loyalists. We consider you family whether you're related to us or not."

Hunter was surprised as he looked at them and said, "Thanks."

Hunter looked at the others as Willow, Gus, Amity, and Vee went over to Luz as she sat on the couch with Eda and Raine.

Amity put her hand on Luz's shoulder as she kindly said, "Luz, you need to snap out of this. You can't just sit here and sulk while Belos plots his victory."

Luz looked up at her friends as she sadly said, "But how can we stop him. He has us outnumbered and I'm not powerful enough to beat his whole army of jerks!"

Vee smiled supportively as she said, "That's never stopped you before."

Willow smiled proudly as she commended, "Vee's right Luz. The odds have been against you before but you always pull through. You always get yourself into trouble, but you also get yourself out of trouble and help people."

Gus smiled as pointed his left finger at Luz and happily said, "That's one of the reasons why we love hanging out with you. You always liven up a day."

Luz was surprised as she looked up at them and asked, "You guys really think I can stop him?"

Amity smiled with faith as she said, "Luz, look at the amazing things you've done before. You stopped Belos with the power of the Titan, you saved Eda, King, and Lilith from the Petrification Ceremony, you helped Hunter find out who he really is, and you held a conjuring and made the entire Owl House walk through Bonesborough!"

Vee was shocked as she said, "She did?!"

Hunter walked over to them as he curiously asked, "She what?"

Luz, Willow, and Gus looked at Amity in shock as Willow asked, "How did you know about that?"

Amity smiled as she magically made her Penstagram scroll appeared and showed them old images while saying, "It was all over Penstagram, Boscha and I saw them at them at my house."

She showed them the pictures while the Collector joined them and floated behind them as he looked at the Penstagram. Amity showed them all old pictures taken of Luz, Willow, and Gus controlling the Owl House as it walked during the conjuring.

Vee was in awe while Hunter went "whoa" and the Collector happily said, "Ooh, that looks fun."

Hooty smiled as he tilted his face from side to side as he happily said, "Yep, they took me for a joyride across the Boiling Isles and I got to finally get out."

Luz smiled bashfully at Amity as she admitted, "Yeah, we were kind of trying to show you up."

Amity smiled as she understood and said, "It's okay, I get it. And you succeeded because I was so jealous when I saw that."

Gus smiled as he clinched his fists and excitedly said, "If Luz, Willow, and I could do that together imagine what we could do with you, Hunter, and Vee!"

Vee smiled at Gus as she happily said, "We could probably do something really amazing."

Amity smiled as she sat with Luz and sincerely said, "You see Luz? You're not alone. We'll stand by you no matter what."

Luz was touched but their moment was ruined when Kikimora pessimistically said, "Touching, but pointless. As talented as you are you're all still just children. Belos has far more allies than we do, we'd need an army to match his."

Luz's eyes widened as she got an idea and stood up as she looked at Raine and said, "She's right. We need help. Raine, can you get me on TV, I need to send a message."

Raine smiled as they stood up and enthusiastically said, "I'll call Darius."

Gus smiled as he raised his right finger and said, "I'll tell my dad."

Luz smiled happily as she said, "Great! Everyone spread the word and reach out to anyone you know. We need all the help we can get."

Eda smiled as she placed her finger on her chin and said, "I think I know someone who'd help us."

Lilith smiled optimistically as she said, "I have a few friends who would help us."

Everyone got up and started walking around to do different things while Luz left holding hands with Amity. Later that night, everyone was gathered in front of the Owl House as they prepared to broadcast Luz's message. Darius was with them as he already made the arrangements and Gus' father was there as he had a camera set up and pointing at Luz. Alador, Edric, Emira, and Willow's dads were also with them as they gathered around and gave Luz space she needed as she stood in front of the door and Hooty.

Hooty smiled excitedly as he said, "Finally I'm gonna be on TV! Finally everyone can see me for who I really am!"

Eda smiled as she pointed at Hooty and said, "Don't get too excited Hooty. Remember, this is Luz's screentime."

Luz looked a little nervous but then saw Amity, Willow, Gus, Vee, and Hunter all standing by the camera as they showed expressions of encouragement. She smiled while Amity made her Penstagram scroll appear and started recording a live video of Luz.

While she did this Gus' dad looked at Luz as he stood by the camera and said, "We're live in 5, 4, 3, 2…"

He mouthed one as he pointed at Luz and the camera started rolling while Luz humbly said, "People of the Boiling Isles, it's me Luz, the human. I have something important and scary to tell all of you. Belos is back."

In towns and homes across the Boiling Isles Luz's announcement was viewed on crystal balls, Penstagram, and big illusions shown to crowds. When Luz revealed that Belos had returned everyone watching gasped in horror as the broadcast kept playing.

Luz kept talking as she spoke sincerely and said, "I know it's hard to believe but it's true. Belos has returned and he's created a Grimwalker of me. They've put together an army and they're planning to cast an Amplifying Spell in the Titan's chest tomorrow night. If they succeed they will takeover the demon realm and Belos will be more powerful than ever."

All of Belos' loyalists were watching the message in the Archive House on Penstagram scrolls and crystal balls. Odalia watched the message on her Penstagram scroll with hatred with Terra, Dotty, and Rosell watching over her shoulders Belos and Zul were in the prison cell with King as they all watched Luz on a crystal ball; Belos and Zul were vexed while King looked emotional.

As Luz kept talking she showed a serious expression before softening as she humbly said, "I'm not going to let that happen! I promise that I'll do everything I can to stop Belos and save the Boiling Isles all over again! But I can't do it alone, so I'm asking for your help. I know I'm asking a lot, I know it will be dangerous, but the only way we can stop this is together. I can't make you help us, only you can decide your own destiny. This is your moment to decide who you want to be. So the question is, will you choose yourself?"

Zul glared at the crystal ball with hatred before turning it off; Luz's message ended as illusions and videos across the Boiling Isles stopped. Eda smiled proudly as she stared at Luz lovingly while Amity, Willow, Gus, and Vee joined her and commended her.

Vee smiled as she happily said, "That was a great speech Luz!"

Gus smiled as he pointed both his fingers at Luz and said, "Yeah girl! You're awesome!"

Luz smiled at them before looking insecure as she said, "Thanks guys. I just hope some people are brave enough to help us."

Eda turned and spotted something as she said, "See for yourself."

They all looked and were amazed as they saw many witches and demons approaching the Owl House, many were friends and allies they already knew. Principle Bump flew down in front of them on his staff with a smile and was joined by many students from Hexside. They were then joined by the BATs and some other witches and demons they recognized, including Steve, Tibbles, and Tinella Nosa. The crowd was also joined by Tarak and his Titan Protectors, who expressed their support and devotion with respectful expressions. Then, to the front of the crowd came Mason, Osran, and Hettie Cutburn, the heads of the Construction, Oracle, and Healing Covens.

Tarak humbly bent over as he said, "We have come to help in your time of need."

Luz was thrilled as she held her cheeks and said, "Thank you all! This means so much to me!"

Eda smiled with a sly expression as she pulled out a special whistle and said, "Okay, this is a good start but I think we need a little more, and I think I know just who."

She blew the whistle and then the Bat Queen flew and landed with the crowd as Luz happily said, "BQ!"

She bowed slightly with her wings out as she graciously said, "It is my pleasure to help you in your time of need."

Darius was pleased before smiling at the others as he said, "Okay, this is good but I think we could use a little more help. Fortunately I told Eberwolf to make a trip for me."

Right on cue, Eberwolf joined the party as he jumped and landed on all fours as all of the basilisks came behind him and joined them.

Vee put her hands together with sheer joy as she said, "You're here!"

They were joined by Warden Wrath, who solemnly said, "Yes, we agreed to set them free if they would help our cause, and I am here to help too."

Luz was delighted as she put her fists together and glanced around at their army of magical friends and allies.

She was so emotional as she said, "I can't believe you all came! Thank you! Thank you so much! I'm so happy right now!"

Hunter smiled as he curiously asked, "Great, so what do we call our army?"

Raine smiled as the others before holding their hands up with their fingers curled as they said, "I have the perfect name! We are the Rebels Against the Throne, also known as the RATs!"

Darius groaned in annoyance as he rolled his eyes and said, "Oh for the love of Titans!"

Hooty stretched out of the door as he happily exclaimed, "I love that name! I love rats! They taste great!"

Everyone ignored him while Luz happily said, "Yes! We're the RATs and we're going to free the Boiling Isles from Belos' evil!"

Kikimora stared at the army with a stunned expression as she almost speechlessly said, "Amazing. What now?"

Luz then showed a serious expression as she said, "Now we get ready to fight. Everyone start training and making plans. We all leave for the chest tomorrow morning!"

Everyone nodded before they started getting to work; Lilith went to Hooty and said, "Hootsifer, I've decided I want you to help me."

Hooty smiled excitedly as he said, "You want my help?! Finally!"

Lilith spoke urgently as she said, "I need to get stronger. I want you to do to me what you did to Eda when you helped her unlock her harpy form."

Hooty then opened the door and stretched himself into house while he said, "I'll get baking!"

Eda came and put her hand on Lilith's shoulder as she said, "Just a heads-up Lilly, it won't be fun."

Lilith understood as she said, "I'll do what I must to do my part in this battle."

Eda smiled before going over to Luz and handing her her cape as she said, "Hey kid, since we're going to war tomorrow, I got a little surprise for you."

Luz smiled as she happily took the cape and said, "My witch's wool cape!"

Eda smiled as she said, "Raine got it fixed up and cleaned for you."

Luz smiled at her before turning to her friends as she happily said, "Thanks Eda, this is just what I need! You guys get ready, I'm gonna keep practicing my magic. Plus there's something I want to do for the occasion."

She ran into the Owl House and Eda smiled as she shook her head fondly before she and the others separated.

Vee went to the Collector and pulled out two vials of Titan blood as she said, "Hey Collector, you want to come see the human realm."

The Collector smiled excitedly as he said, "Ooh, that sounds good."

He then made a blue star and Vee got on it as he flew away with her while the others watched before going to their families.

Hunter went over to Dell and Gwendolyn and pulled the Palistrum wood as he said, "Dell, I'm ready. I want to learn how to carve Palismen."

Gwendolyn and Del smiled as he put his hand on Hunter's shoulder and said, "About time. Come on, let's get started."

He and Gwendolyn started leading Hunter to a certain spot as he started teaching him how to carve a Palisman.

Meanwhile at the Archive House

Zul was with Belos in King's cell as she told him, "Some of the scouts reported a big army gathering at the Owl House."

Belos looked annoyed as he said, "A minor annoyance."

King heard them as he pointed at them and confidently said, "Ha! You're in trouble now! Luz and Eda will come at you with everything they've got!"

Belos and Zul both smiled evilly at King as Zul said, "That's the plan."

King looked nervous as he said, "What is?"

Belos had a sinister grin as he said, "Bah, bah, bah, that would spoil the surprise."

He and Zul walked out while King watched them and Abomatons entered to guard him as he looked nervous.

As they walked through the hall Belos looked at Zul and said, "Mobilize our forces. We leave for the chest immediately."

Later at the Owl House

The RATs were preparing for their big battle as they practiced different kinds of magic, suited up, and gathered weapons. Amity trained with her dad while Edric mixed a few potions together and Emira practiced her healing magic. Boscha and the Grudgby team suited up as they threw flaming Grudgby balls at training dummies and destroyed them. Skara stood in front of a whiteboard with plays on it as she discussed strategy with Jerbo, Viney, Barcus, and a few other Hexside students. Bria, Gavin, and Angmar as they eagerly practiced their magic and Angmar briefly stopped to look at butterflies. Matt Tholomule practiced his construction magic before Steve came and affectionately gave him a noogie while chuckling. Kikimora used her whistle to summon her pet hand dragon and gently caressed its face while it purred and nuzzled her. Eberwolf trained with the basilisks as he snarled and they did the same thing and demonstrated their shapeshifting powers.

Raine and Darius smiled proudly as they watched everyone practice and Darius said, "This is going better than I thought."

Eda then walked out of the Owl House and joined them as Raine curiously asked, "How's Lilith?"

Eda smiled with an amused expression as she said, "She's out like a light and she's definitely ready."

Darius was pleased as he said, "Good, I'm eager to see how she does in battle."

Meanwhile Amity went to Willow and curiously asked, "Hey Willow, how are you doing?"

Willow smiled confidently as she said, "Really good! I'm ready to kick butt!"

Amity showed an ambitious expression as she pounded her fist and said, "And I'm ready to give my mom more than a piece of my mind!"

Gus came and happily pointed at Amity as he said, "Now that's something I'd love to see!"

Hunter joined them as he smiled and said, "This is gonna be cool. I feel like I'm the Golden Guard again, but this time I'm actually fighting on the right side."

Willow smiled sweetly at him as she said, "Like with the Emerald Entrails."

Hunter smiled sheepishly as he looked away from Willow while blushing and she kept smiling at him lovingly.

Vee and the Collector suddenly returned as they came over and Vee said, "Hey guys. The RATs look really good."

Gus smiled as he pointed both fingers at Vee and said, "Yeah, we're ready to kill Belos all over again!"

Willow then curiously asked, "Where were you Vee?"

The Collector smiled as he pointed his thumb behind him and said, "We had to get something from the human realm."

Camila walked over and joined them with a smile as Amity happily said, "Camila!"

She smiled as she waved to them before looking urgent as she said, "Hola everyone. Good to see you. Vee told me everything. I'll do whatever I can to help save King and stop Belos."

They all smiled at her as Willow appreciatingly said, "Glad to hear it."

Camila glanced around and curiously asked, "Where's Luz?"

Suddenly Stringbean flew by with a smile as she hissed at them before flying to the front door, which Hooty opened for Luz. She stepped out of the shadows and into the light to reveal her new outfit as she smiled proudly while Stringbean landed on her shoulder. She wore the black dress she thought about wearing to Grom, with the yellow crescent moon on the front and the yellow stripe around the waist. Under the dress she wore part of her Hexside Uniform, with the sleeves and pantlegs visible but without the rest of her uniform. She wore her Azura boots, she had Odalia's amulet around her neck, and she wore the magic amplifier on her right ear. She also had a bottle strapped to her hip and she had a red satchel hanging over her right shoulder and resting against her left hip. Lastly she was wearing her witch's wool cape with her hood over her head while Stringbean flew next to her and changed to her staff form as Luz held her with a smile.

She smiled as she looked at everyone and said, "What do you think?"

The others were amazed as they stared at her while Amity was speechless as she blushed bright red, unable to look away from Luz.

Vee smiled she said, "Luz! You look great!"

Camila agreed as she happily said, "Mija! You look magical!"

Luz smiled as she walked toward them and said, "Gracias mama. I'm a witch with a dark side."

Eda joined them and smiled proudly as she pointed and said, "That's my girl!"

Camila ignored Eda's comment as she kept smiling and Amity smiled and said, "That's a great look for you Luz."

Luz smiled at Amity before pointing at her objects before reaching into her satchel while she said, "Thanks hermousa. I'm ready to face Belos. I've come up with some cool moves by combining different magic. I've got the magic amplifier, Odalia's amulet, Abomination goo, and this magic satchel Eda gave me. It's bigger on the inside than on the outside. I filled it with tons of different potions, seeds, eggs, and even Eda's cittern!"

Amity smiled proudly as she pointed at Luz and said, "You're ready to battle!"

Gus smiled as he showed everyone a purple crystal medallion hanging from his neck and said, "So am I! Check this out! It's an Oracle Medallion! My dad gave it to me. He said he was planning to give it to me for my birthday but he thinks now was a better time for it."

Luz smiled excitedly as she said, "Ooh just think of what you can do if you combine it with Illusion Magic!"

Gus smiled cockily as he bragged, "I've been studying Oracle Magic for months and I've already got some ideas of how to use both."

Hunter smiled at them before reaching behind his back and pulling out something while he said, "That's awesome guys! Now that you're all here, I have something I want to show you all. Meet my new Palisman."

He held a blue jay in his palm as it smiled and chirped at them as they all gasped in shock and delight while staring at it.

Willow was thrilled as she said, "You carved your own Palisman?!"

Hunter smiled humbly as he held his Palisman and said, "Yeah, with a little help from Del. Her name is Waffle."

Everyone stared at her adoringly as she chirped and Camila happily exclaimed, "She's beautiful!"

Hunter smiled as he said, "Thanks Camila."

Waffle changed to her staff form as Hunter held her in his hands, Darius joined them and smiled as he said, "So you finally made a new one."

Hunter smiled as he looked at Waffle and said, "Yeah, I carved her in memory of Flapjack and she'll help me avenge him and all the Golden Guards before me."

Darius affectionally rubbed Hunter's head as he said, "I'm sure you'll make Caleb proud."

Hunter smiled at him but then Amity showed troubled expression as she said, "Sun will come up soon. We should get ready to leave."

Willow nodded as she said, "Good idea."

Luz spoke sincerely as she glanced around at everyone and said, "Before we go, I just want to thank all of you for all that you've done. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for you, and if King were here I'd say the same to him. So thanks everyone, thanks for everything."

Eda smiled as she gently rubbed Luz with her elbow and said, "No problem kid, if it weren't for you none of us would be here either. Now let's go save him."

Luz nodded as they all got to work and started preparing, while Luz stared at the beautiful night sky with an optimistic smile on her face.

Author's note: Well that sets up the next chapter pretty nicely. There army is assembled and they're getting ready for the final battle. Belos and Zul have something up their sleeve but Luz is ready for whatever they throw at her. Please review.