When Owlbert came back alone, King didn't think much of it, but when Eda didn't come back by the next morning King started to worry, and it only grew worse as the days stretched on. King knew he'd be fine. He had plenty of snacks, and Hooty wouldn't let anyone in, but he still worried about his general.

On the fifth night, Eda finally made her grand return. King noticed she seemed nervous about something, but he ignored it because his mo- general had finally returned. After cuddling into her hair, and giving her a small hug while he was at it, he finally asked in a faux irritated tone, "What took so long? I was starting to think I needed to appoint a new general."

To King's surprise, Eda reached up and removed him from her hair before placing him on the couch and kneeling so they were eye to eye, "King, I'm sorry."

King crawled back away in shock as he yelled, "Fake. Deceiver. You're not Eda. Eda never apologizes."

That made Eda reach out and give him a light knock on the skull, "I can apologize if I need to. I just make mistakes so rarely, I don't usually need to do so." Eda said it in a haughty tone, but King knew she felt embarrassed. Eda sighed, "But I did this time. I left you all alone for days without warning. I'm sorry."

King booped her nose, "Don't sweat it, Eda. We're both fine now, and that's what matters. Now, report. What took you?"

Eda smiled as she filled in King whose eyes turned into saucers at the possibility of this random girl being at least something similar to him, and she had magic, so that meant he might get his own soon too. Finishing with an awkward tone Eda asked, "Since I'm going to have to go through the process of 'adopting' Luz I was wondering… Do you want me to adopt you too?"

King tilted his head as he thought about it, "I guess you could if you wanted too, but I'm cool either way. It won't change the fact that we're partners, but it would be nice if people stopped calling me a pet. I am the King of Demon's for Titan's sake."

Eda chuckled, "OK than King Clawthorn, do you feel like helping me get some stuff together so you can meet your sister?"

King's little tail started to rapidly wag, but he said haughtily, "I guess I can help. If I have too." After that King dashed about grabbing this or that, and soon they were ready. After a short talk with Hooty so he knew not to let anyone in, the duo started to fly away on Owlbert to visit their new third.

Hypox was… less than overjoyed at the thought of having Eda and her kids stay with her for the time being, but… she had to do it. She liked Luz, Eda was her friend (and her supplier of the good juice), and as annoying as King could be with his habit of eating literal trash if left alone, he was still just a little kid. It appeared that Eda wasn't the only one feeling 'maternal', and Hypox hated it. Sure her students were kinda like her kids, but she always kept herself detached. She was their teacher, not their caregiver, but Luz just seemed to draw those long suppressed feelings out, and she hated it… at least that's what she told herself.

When she heard a knock at the door, Hypox knew who it would be, so she didn't even bother checking. This unfortunately meant that King got the chance to immediately dash in and away from the adults. He had started feeling a pull as they got closer to Healer Hypox's home. By now it was an overwhelming feeling, a gravitational pull that he couldn't fight even if he wanted it, and frankly a part of him didn't want to even try. The women got immediately worried though. Luz was a sweet kid, but she had serious touch sensitivities, and King wasn't the most mindful child. If he surprised or pushed her wrong or too hard she might hurt him unintentionally, and that would hurt both of them severely. Without a word the duo rushed after him, but King was a quick little guy, so they didn't catch him in time before he slipped through, and into Luz's temporary room.

Luz had felt the pull as well, but she still couldn't stand on her own, and the other end seemed to be coming to her, so she sat ready for whatever it was with her mask on. Unlike before though, this time it fully took effect like it had at the Conformitorium. It stopped being a mask, and she began to change, so when King entered the room he only saw someone like him. She had clawed fingers, even if she had five to his three, thinner fur, but a skull cap was present just like his, if slightly different in shape. For a moment they just looked at each other, and just before the older duo could stop him, King tackled Luz in a loving hug.

The witches felt terror for a moment, but that was soon replaced with confused awe. Luz didn't flinch, and in fact seemed to immediately return the embrace. The kids didn't see it, but for a moment they were each outlined with a glowing aura, gold for King and purple for Luz. The glow quickly faded, only to be replaced by a contented purring rumble from both kids that neither adult had ever heard before. They were familiar with the fact that a number of witches and demons could 'purr' when feeling content or happy, but this seemed slightly different. It made them happy to hear it though, even if they couldn't fully understand why.

It didn't last though, as Luz suddenly flinched in pain, and King backed up in fear. Through the pain, Luz managed to remove her mask, but it seemed to fight her, and as they watched not all of her new features reverted. The bony segments mostly faded, but her fingers, hands, and feet stayed the same. While most of the fur disappeared, her hair had gained a few extra inches in length. Luz looked pale, but she seemed to force it all down as she looked at King's worried expression and smiled, "Sorry about that. I guess I'm still not completely healed. Your King, right? I'm Luz, and I'd like to be your older sister if you'll let me."

King took a moment and looked into Luz's amber orbs before he gave Luz another tender hug, "I think I'd like that… sis. Together we'll conquer the world and rule it like the royalty we are."

Luz just chuckled, "Sure thing little bro." Luz gave him a tender kiss on top of his skull cap, and they just enjoyed the feeling of increased completeness that had taken the pulls place. It didn't completely diminish, but instead of a pull, it felt like a link, a thread tying them together so they would always know where the other was. After another minute, Luz spun King around so he could sit in her lap comfortably as she wrapped her arms around him like a large plushy, and addressed the witches in the room, "Welcome back Mama."

Eda just snorted, "So you have no problem with King touching you?"

Luz tilted her head, "Why would I? He's my little brother, and a total cutie. I don't think he could hurt me if he tried." Suddenly Owlbert flew over and nuzzled Luz's cheek making her coo, "Owlbert, I was wondering when I'd see you again. I'm still kinda peeved that you shoved me into the portal, but I forgive you. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have met my new family, so thanks, and no hard feelings." Owlbert hooted happily, making Luz giggle. Returning her attention to the adults, Luz clarified, "Only people or things that could hurt me trigger my anxiety. Cute animals, little kids, or people I trust are fine. Unfortunately the last group is literally only the people in this room, but maybe in time it won't have to be that way. This isn't a new problem for me, and there are exceptions." Luz's smile faded, "Little kids with sticks or rocks are one of them. They weren't very nice."

King looked up at Luz with a determined look, "Don't worry sis, I'll protect you from any nasty usurpers. I might not have magic yet, but I promise I won't let anyone hurt you again."

Luz giggled and gave King a hug, "I promise to do the same, mi Hermanito." Luz gave him a mischievous wink, "I don't know how to do much, but… do you want to see some magic?" King's eyes bulged and he nodded enthusiastically, earning another chuckle. The older duo watched on as well, but were surprised when Luz didn't draw a circle. Instead, Luz just extended her hand with her palm up as a dozen small light orbs sprang to life in various colors and dispersed throughout the room like twinkling stars. Luz saw the awe on everyone's faces, not fear or revulsion like every other time she'd shown someone this trick, and it made her eyes get a little misty. She finally found where she belonged.

After a few moments the elder witches started to poke and examine a couple orbs, and Hypox even whispered, "Remarkable", as she did, but slowly they made their way toward the chairs they kept on each side of the bed Luz was laying in. Once they were all settled, Hypox asked, "How did you do this?"

Luz looked confused, "It's magic, isn't it? I willed them to appear, and they did. Isn't that how magic works?"

Eda chuckled, "Kinda, but… let me show you." Eda spun a little circle and a new light orb appeared. Gingerly, Eda caught one of Luz's and got them to float side by side. "Normally, a witch has to spin a circle to cast a spell. It's not impossible to do without it, but it takes a lot more focus and magic to do, so most witches don't or can't pull it off. Also as you can see, your orbs are brighter and almost 'purer' than any I've ever seen before. Luz, I don't know how, but this just proves you're special." Eda smiled, "I better watch myself, or you could take my 'most powerful' title in no time."

Luz gave a sad smile as she looked away, "So you're saying that even here I'm a freak?"

Luz felt Eda gently take her chin and force her to look Eda in the eye, "Luzara Clawthorn, you are not a freak. You're a weirdo, but that's perfect, because King and I are weirdo's too, and us weirdo's have to stick together. It doesn't matter if the whole world or all the world's reject us because we have each other, and that's all we will ever need. You understand me kiddo?"

Luz sniffled and smiled as she pulled Eda and King into a hug, "Ya, I understand Mom... I love you. I love you both."

That caught Eda off guard, and as much as she wanted to say it back… she just wasn't ready, and looking into Luz's smiling face, she knew that Luz understood, and wouldn't force her to say it until she was ready. All the same, knowing that Luz meant what she said made Eda happier than she had been in years, and she knew that it meant something. Eda just needed some more time to accept it.

For a while Hypox let the little family just enjoy each other's company, but after about half an hour she had to interject, "Luzara, I need to check on how your healing. Since these growth spurts seem to come in waves I need to make sure you haven't developed any complications." Luz nodded, and she let King jump from his comfy place in her lap and into Eda's before laying back so Hypox could work. It only took a couple minutes, but Hypox was noticeably paler when she was done which worried everyone else.

In a serious tone Hypox stated, "It's as I feared. I initially intended to handle fixing your old injuries in stages, but I'm afraid that won't be possible. Your already denser bones are getting moreso, and I'm afraid that if we don't start immediately… that little moment of pain earlier might be only the tip of the murderberg."

Luz didn't like the sound of that, but she had to ask, "What's a murderberg?"

Eda snorted, "In the human realm you have things called icebergs since the water in your realm is fairly cool, but here we have murderbergs. A combination of silt and other minerals in the Boiling Sea slowly collect and form them with pockets of trapped gasses inside that allow them to drift about. To put it simply, their giant crystalline rocks that float about and often crash into ships or wash up on shore. Sometimes they have unique or foreign minerals trapped inside which have to be mined, but for the most part they're just sharp, jagged, death rocks."

Luz felt both fear and awe, but turned to Hypox, "Do whatever you have to do. I-I trust you, Ms. Hypox. I know this is going to hurt, but…" Luz looked at King and Eda, "I have a family to protect, and I can't do that if I don't get better."

Eda squoze Luz's hand, "Are you sure? This isn't going to be a fun experience, and… I don't want to see you hurt more than you already have been."

Luz smiled, "It's OK Mom. I'm tough, and if she's right… I'd rather get it done all at once anyway. That way I don't have to actually know how bad it will be before it's too late to change my mind." Luz said it like a joke, but Eda saw the very real terror in Luz's eyes, but also that spark of determination that Eda was learning to love. Luz looked down at King sheepishly, "I'm sorry little bro, but I can't have you around while they do it though." King looked like he was about to give an angry retort, but Luz cut him off, "I don't know how bad it's going to be, but… I don't want you to see me that way or in that much pain." Luz held out her pinky, "I'll make you a promise though. As soon as it's over, I'll let you come back, and I'll give you lots of cuddles. This way I've got something to look forward to."

King looked conflicted but interlocked his pinky claw with Luz's, "I don't like this, but I'll do it." King choked up for a moment as he looked Luz in the eyes, "You better be OK though. I finally found you Sis, I'm not ready to say goodbye." Luz pulled him into a hug, and both women saw a few tears escape the kids' eyes, but nobody mentioned them.

After dinner they told King they would start the process in the morning, but once he was asleep on Hypox's couch they got to work. Luz had Eda put up a dome of silence around King, so no matter if or how much she screamed he wouldn't hear it. Unlike King, Eda refused to leave the room, and once Hypox insisted that it wouldn't cause any issues, she insisted on not only being in the room, but she would hold Luz's hand through it all… no matter what. Luz got very pale when she learned the worst part though… she would have to be conscious through the whole thing. They had ways of numbing most of the pain, but they needed her awake so they knew if there was a problem. The thought of performing any surgery on someone who couldn't give any feedback terrified and unnerved the healer. How else was she supposed to know if there was a problem?

With that in mind they gave Luz a few minutes for the numbing potion to take effect, and then they got started. Hypox began with Luz's limbs since they were the most in danger of complications if another wave occurred, and it was terrible for all involved. Hypox had to nearly shatter Luz's left knee before putting it back into the shape it was supposed to have. Fixing the spiral fractures in Luz's right femur and forearm took more time than Hypox would have liked, but it was the comminuted fractures that dotted her ribs, and the impact fractures to Luz's scapula and skull that seemed to take the largest toll. Luz tried to hold it in as much as possible, but Eda would never forget the screams Luz released while Hypox moved the multiple bone pieces that hadn't healed correctly in her chest, or smoothed out the deformations and poorly healed fractures in her head. By the time she was done, all three women were pale and shaking from exhaustion, and Luz was finally allowed to sleep.

As much as both older women wanted to do the same, they knew sleep wouldn't come easily for either of them, and much to Hypox's dismay it was almost dawn. With Luz now out of any danger, they moved to Hypox's kitchen, and Eda pulled out a bottle of the strongest human liquor she had. Pouring two glasses both women just took a moment to come to terms with the last eight hours, and put all of the emotions involved out of mind. Eda knew it was for the best, and a part of her wanted to thank her friend for helping her daughter, but she couldn't. After sitting through that, how could she thank her. Neither woman was squeamish, and they had plenty of experience with pain and broken bones, but this had been different. Reversing six years of abuse, and a few childhood fractures had been exhausting both physically and mentally, but now that it was over they both could take solace in the fact that Luz wouldn't need to bear the physical pain related to them ever again.

With a sigh Eda asked, "Is it always like that?"

Hypox took a long sip of her drink before answering, "Thankfully not. That was perhaps one of the top three worst things I've ever had to be a part of, and I refuse to give those three a hard ranking."

That got Eda curious, "What were the other two, if you don't mind me asking?"

Hypox let out a long breath, "I can't name names thanks to my oaths, but… I was once part of a team that handled a case where someone survived a Slitherbeast attack. It took them a week to be found, and finding all of their pieces took even more time. Let's just say, they needed more than just bone mending." Hypox debated for a moment while Eda took that information in before she gave Eda an angry look, "Eda, did you know I was top student in healing once upon a time? I even outscored Hettie on a regular basis." That was news to Eda, but before she could answer Hypox continued, "Thing is, during our last year at Epiderm, Hettie… She went too far. I don't even know how she accomplished it, but she managed to fully dismember one of the long term prisoners of Belos's private cells… without killing them. I was ordered to try to match her performance by Belos himself, and… I failed."

Eda looked horrified, "I know that they're all rapists and serial killers, but nobody should ever be taken apart like that, and… Dear Titan, I'm sorry you had to be involved with something that heinous. How could that be allowed? Even I know the primary oath of healers is 'do no undue harm'."

Hypox chuckled, "According to Belos, 'they aren't people anymore', and that's his exact words. Eda, I probably could have been Healing Head, or at least number two, but after that… I refused to ever answer to Belos again. That's why I teach healing under Heironimus. He's the only other person I've ever told about that incident, but after what we just went through… I figure if there's anyone I can trust it's you E."

For a while they just drank in silence for a while before Eda chuckled, "What a crazy week. I went from humble junk dealer to mother of two, and had a front row seat to some really traumatizing shit. Like Titan's crack, this has been the most stressful week of my life, and that's saying something." Eda snickered, "Even more unbelievable, I'd do it all again if it meant I could keep those loveable goofs in my life." Eda shook her head before giving Hypox a coy smile, "At this point, I think you can consider yourself Aunt Clawdia, if you like, because I can't think of anyone else who would have gone through as much guano as you have for that girl."

Hypox blushed, "Thanks E, but I only did what I believed was right. Just… don't squander this opportunity. That girl is extraordinary, and I can't wait to see what kind of witch she'll become."

Eda clinked their glasses, "I promise Clawdia, and for what it's worth… I agree. That girl is going to light up so many lives, and who knows, maybe she'll change everything for the better. A mother can dream."

For the next few hours they drank, cried, and laughed, but eventually the party had to end. Hypox had an elixir to prevent the hangover she was bound to get, and Eda made sure to wave her off before she left to do her actual job at Hexside. King was understandably pissed when he woke up, but since it was over now he took the opportunity to cuddle up next to Luz protectively, and Eda didn't miss the small smile that appeared on Luz's face in her sleep. With King watching Luz, Eda took the opportunity to grab a few elixirs for herself, and a few things to bribe her kids into excusing the trauma they had just gone through in the form of more Carrion cakes, some Boulder moss eye scream, and finally an assortment of snacks for Luz to try, so they could figure out what she liked.

Over the next week, Luz got stronger, and started putting on some weight, but not girth as her body adjusted to actually receiving the calories and nutrients it needed. Most of it came in the form of muscle and Luz's new fully hardened skeleton, but surprisingly there hadn't been any more visible waves. Sure her blood was now a dark, nearly purple color, something they learned when Luz accidentally cut herself while trying to help cook, but for the most part the exterior changes seemed to settle. Since Luz was no longer in need of constant supervision, and Eda could handle the remaining two or three weeks of various potions Luz would need to take, the Owl family was getting ready to head home and out of 'Aunt' Clawdia's hair. Much to her dismay the title stuck, but despite herself Hypox enjoyed it whenever she heard it.

As they were getting ready to leave, Luz caught Hypox by surprise by giving her a hug, but after a second to realize that Luz was actually hugging her Hypox took it as a sign, and gently started running her fingers through Luz's surprisingly soft and silky hair. Luz seemed to melt a bit at the contact, and it made Hypox smile when she noticed that the girl didn't flinch at all at her touch. She was making progress, and Hypox was proud of her for that.

As they flew to the Owl House, Eda and King pointed out a number of places of note and a few that they warned her to avoid for her own safety. At one point though, Eda started to fly higher and higher until she suddenly stopped in midair, and smiled, "This is one of the most beautiful views on the whole Isles. From here you can see the full majesty of the Titan, may he rest in peace. As I've told you before, he is the one we owe our lives too. It was our lord and master who gave us life, bile sacks so that we could perform magic, and even in death he provided us with his final gift, a home. I'm not the most religious of birds, but even I hold reverence for him. He gave us the tools we needed, but never forced his will on us, and I can respect that." Eda suddenly scowled, "It's one of the numerous reasons I can't stand Belos. My go-... The Titan always spoke of free will and being your best self, so I know the antler head must be a liar."

Seeing the pained look on their mom's face, King and Luz gave her a hug, and Luz smiled, "I might not know much about the Titan yet, and it feels odd to say this since I was an atheist in the Human realm, but I think you're right about him. I think Belos might be a false prophet who is taking advantage of everyone's faith to do whatever he wants." Luz snorts, "He wouldn't be the first. Father Carmichal was the same. He'd preach of love and understanding, but when he thought he was alone, he was hateful and…"

Luz got a hollow look and Eda immediately held her close, "It's ok, Owlet. He can't hurt you now. I'll protect you, I promise."

Luz forced a smile, but Eda saw the sadness in her eyes, "I know mom, but I don't know if the nightmares of my 'exorcism' will ever go away."

Eda gave Luz a reassuring grin, "I know, but even if they don't, King and I will be there when you wake up to hold you and remind you that it was only a dream. You are safe. You are loved."

"Ya. Eda and I won't let anyone hurt you again. You're my big sister now, so the whole realm will grovel at your feet. If anyone wants to hurt you, they'll have to get through me," declared King, just as haughty as his name implied.

Luz hugged them both, "I don't know why, but I feel a connection to the Titan that I never felt to the 'god' I was told about in the human realm. Maybe Aunt Hypox is right and I'm not really human, but does that mean that I was simply praying to the wrong god all these years, and that's why they never helped me. Was I blaming them and crying myself to sleep begging someone for help who couldn't even hear me? I just don't know, and frankly I don't think I ever will, but what I do know… whether it was by the will of the Titan or not doesn't matter. I found where I belong, and a family who loves and accepts me. I'm not going to let this opportunity slip away. I'm going to get stronger, and master my magic. After that I'll make my dream come true. Before my mami and papi passed, I wanted to be a witch, so that I could help people. Since then I've seen just how important that dream is, so I'm going to make it a reality, and protect others from ever having to go through what I did."

Eda smiled, "It's a good dream kiddo."

Luz laughed, "I know I can do it too. Papi helped people through his art, Mami was a nurse, and… you, Eda, saved me. You reminded me that even a stranger can make a change in someone's life. I'll make all three of you proud. I'll take the creativity I learned from papi, the drive my mami gave me, and the strength you've given me, and I won't stop until I've made everyone feel as safe as you've made me feel."

Eda was caught off guard, and didn't know what to say, so she just held Luz close as they looked at the macabre grandeur of the world around them, and each just basked in the warmth of each other.

After that they continued their trip to Luz's new home, but Eda stopped at the treeline insead of flying closer to the house. In a nervous tone that she tried to hide behind a mask of confidence Eda looked to Luz, "So, you remember all the things I warned you about, right? Hooty doesn't mean any harm, but he can be… alot, so we'll do this as gently as possible."

Luz gave Eda a smirk, "I remember the plan Mom, and I'm prepared. He can't extend into the treeline, so as long as I don't get too close he can't harm me. We'll talk, get comfortable with each other, and be best friends in no time. I'm ready."

With a nod Eda knocked on a specific tree, and in seconds an owl faced worm tube came shooting out of the ground with a happy hoot, "Your back, hoot-hoot. I've been so lonely, and I realllly wanted to meet my new frei- '' Hooty suddenly stopped, and his expression dropped. He brought his face down so that he was looking Luz directly in the eye before a different voice came from his beak in a language that nobody else recognized, and the words seemed to slip from their memories seconds after they were heard.

Welcome Daughter of Magic. It has been a long time since last I interacted with one like you. The child is still too young, and unable to handle his role, but you… In you I see the beginnings of a new pantheon just as I saw it in your father. Fear not Light-Bringer, I will remain neutral as I always have in regards to our politics, but I will do for you as I have done for Wisdom and he who shall be King of King's. Fear not the Devourer, the Chaos made Flesh, Madness made Real, for I shall shelter you until you are ready to claim your birthright. In the end, I can't fight your battles for you… Chaos shall remain… eternal.

As if in a trance, Luz stepped forward and cupped Hooty's cheek as she was transfixed by thousands of shards of chaos and lost souls she saw contained within the empty eyes of the creature before her. They were dark and endless, but not cruel. This being was beyond such small concepts as kindness or cruelty. It was older than them, and would remain long after they lost their meaning. Suddenly the connection snapped and faded like it never existed, but Luz still felt the need to bow her head before Hooty who suddenly was smiling again, "So do you want to be friends?"

Luz giggled like nothing happened, "Sure. I think I'd like that." On impulse, Luz took another step forward and kissed Hooty's forehead which he seemed to enjoy, and he retreated back into the ground. Luz just started walking toward the house, leaving the others behind, and confused by the whole interaction that no matter how hard they tried they couldn't seem to remember the details of. With a shrug, they wrote it off as more 'Hooty weirdness', and proceeded to run to catch up with Luz.

Once inside, Luz received a tour, and was given a small room and sleeping bag to use until they could find something more permanent for her, but Luz didn't mind. Compared to what she had before coming to the Demon realm, this was five star accommodations. Once she was settled, King showed off his 'army of darkness', and Luz cooed at just how many plush minions he had at his disposal. After that Luz helped Eda make potions to sell, and later dinner for the three of them. It was nice, and Luz couldn't remember the last time she felt so happy.

Not everything was perfect though, even with her cuddle buddy close by Luz still had nightly nightmares. After a few more nights, Eda had a great idea, so early the next morning Eda took Luz outside, and they began to train. They started with training staves and swords, but after a near accident Luz manifested a new way of using her light… hard light constructs. They started off weak, but soon Luz became proficient enough to never feel powerless again. Luz knew no matter where she was or what happened from now on, she would be able to defend herself and the people she cared about. With that in mind the nightmares started to become less frequent even if they refused to completely go away.

Unfortunately they had to suspend their training after a few days since it looked like it might rain, and Eda told Luz about the Boiling Rains. With that in mind, Eda went to apply a shield charm on the house while King continued teaching Luz everything he knew about demons like them. Luz found King's lessons fun, but sometimes Luz wondered where he got some of his information. On the other hand, Hooty existed so who was she to question whether there really was a monster that ate boiled tourists when it rained.

When she came back in, Eda looked exhausted, so being the good daughter Luz was trying to be, she helped her mom to her room, and was surprised when she saw a literal nest inside. Deciding to ask about it later, Luz waited until Eda got comfortable in her nest before taking an old ratty blanket and covering Eda up. Eda fell asleep in seconds, so Luz quietly left, not noticing the feathers that had started sprouting from Eda's sleeping form.

Eda was once more in the dark place where the floor rippled like water, but wasn't. She knew she was dreaming, but this felt different, and she heard distant whispers which was unusual. Eda began to walk while constantly on the lookout for the monster that always seemed to roam her nightmares. As she walked she noticed that the whispers became clearer, so with nothing else to do Eda tried to follow them. Sister, I know it has been far too long, but I couldn't take the chance. The voice seemed ancient and powerful, but also sad and regretful. As she grew closer she heard a familiar hooting screech and Eda felt a chill run up her back. No, my strength is finite in this state. I can't take chances again.

Eda saw the beast, but it seemed to be shrinking… it's form shifting into a more witch-like one. Liar, I feel the girl's strength growing. What is your game brother? If you found the energy to create a new heir… you could have freed me. Why do you leave me to rot? Standing before Eda was an eight foot feminine figure in a coat of beautiful feathers of gray, red, brown, and black. Eda couldn't see her face, but she seemed powerful and regal in a way Belos wished he could be.

Then Eda's eyes traveled up as she heard the other voice again. A shard, a sliver… that is your answer… much like the one that binds you in your cage. It was flung into that other realm, and I could do nothing but watch. Do you truly believe so little of me, dear sister? I would shake the ground and rend the sky if I were able, or I thought it would free you, but I have neither the power, nor the knowledge. The voice snickered. That was your domain after all. The voice seemed to be coming from a horned shadow with one glowing golden eye, but the most surprising part was that the shadow was fifteen feet tall.

The woman's posture slumped slightly. Do not make jokes. I need hope. The girl's light helps, but I… I am afraid. I can feel my mind slipping away with my power. My host is dying. Her form was not created with divinity in mind, and mine is fading even now. Say it straight, and no more games… Can my niece free me, or am I doomed to disappear like so many others? Eda felt… pity for this woman. She wasn't the beast she knew, only a desperate soul desperately holding on with all the strength she had.

No, I'm afraid even if I were at my peak I could not separate you now. The binding is too complete. The divisions between you are far too gray and faded to ever know where one begins and the other ends, but you are not without hope my Lechuza. You may never fly free again, but with your help it might be possible to prevent you from fading.

Eda heard desperate tears. What must I do my king and dearest brother?

The shadow sighed. Protect my children. You always enjoyed playing with the younglings. Hold tightly to this hope for my Light thrives on hope and her presence empowers it. Sadly, I must go. I feel my own power slipping as we speak.

Please, it has been so long… if you must leave me to wallow once more… Can you say my name? I have not heard it in so long, and I fear I may have forgotten it.

Eda saw the shadow seem to crouch and whisper, though it still came as a roar to her. Athenyx, that is your name. Let it remind you that you are still loved my dearest sister. Eda watched as the shadow began to dissipate, and the woman cried, but as she wept her form began to twist and warp back into the familiar beast. Before Eda could go to her or comfort her, she felt herself being bragged backward and it all faded to black.

A few hours earlier, Luz was sitting with King as he explained the three B's of demons: Beast, Bug, and Biped. King seemed sure that they must be some unique hybrid of beast and biped since they didn't have bile sacks, but Luz could still use magic. This discovery seemed to give the little guy some measure of peace, so Luz avoided reminding him that, according to his own books, that was impossible since the presence of a bile sack was the main dividing point between those two categories along with sentience.

Luz was happy though. King was in her lap, and animatedly explaining about some large bat, while she tried to control the path of a trio of light orbs as they drifted about with only her will. Her mom had said it was good training for her control, but Luz wasn't sure. In the end it was kind of fun, so she'd keep at it.

Luz smiled as she listened to the sound of rain outside. Even if it was closer to boiling acid then cool water, it still sounded so calming to Luz… and her mind began to drift… until there was a crack of lightning and King 'weh'ed in surprise. Luz had jumped a bit too, but she had also unconsciously spun to use her body to shield King from a perceived attack. It might have been sweet… if King wasn't currently being crushed under Luz's impressive bulk. Luz was still very thin, but between her heavier bones and the muscle that was slowly building on her frame, the only way Luz was light was her name.

What's more, when King looked up it was into a pair of purple glowing eyes that searched for danger in every shadow. King reached up and laid his clawed paw against his big sister's cheek, "Lu, I think it was just the storm. We're safe." King sighed, "I think I need a nap, but… could you stay? Just in case."

The glow faded, and Luz shifted so they could both comfortably lay on the couch to rest with King curled up in Luz's arms. Eda always got a kick out of all the different positions she found her kids in, but they didn't care. As long as they were together, they knew they were safe… That is until the front door suddenly exploded into the room, and a massive bear-like figure screeched out a challenge.

King watched as Luz roared back before tearing at the air in front of her face and summoning her mask. King heard bones pop as Luz's form changed into something much closer to his own except Luz had a more mature figure. Where he was short, Luz was tall. Where he was stubby, Luz was lean. The most awe inspiring part though was that where he had no magic, Luz had a palpable aura. If King could be considered a cub or youngling (a word supplied by his subconscious), Luz was an adolescent… a whelp. King watched Luz pounce toward the larger beast like one of those big cats Luz showed him in a human realm book, and as the lightning flashed King saw its face and paled, "Mom?"

By the flash of lightning, King watched Luz fight Eda, and at first King was terrified and afraid, but then he noticed Luz wasn't drawing blood or really doing damage. It looked… odd. Finally the Eda beast pinned Luz under one of her claws, and screeched in her face before sniffing and tilting its head. Taking a longer sniff, the Eda beast brought its head down to tap their foreheads together before quickly releasing Luz and flipping her in the process. King then watched as the beast picked up Luz by her hood and flew off with her, still held in her maw, up toward the window in her room. King turned around and ran up the stairs to find the beast settling into Eda's nest with an exhausted Luz cuddled against her feathered/furry chest. King just stared for a moment before he quietly scampered off to get some supplies.

It was almost dawn when Luz and Eda started to stir. Sleeping in a nest was a new experience for Luz, but it wasn't uncomfortable, and she'd be lying if she said it didn't have mostly to do with being held by her mom… it had been so long and she'd never take it for granted again. Eda on the other hand thought she was cuddling King for a moment, King didn't like thunder so it happened when it stormed, but then she noticed how large her cuddle partner was, and she finally opened her eyes to see… Luz. A moment of worry shot through her, but then Luz nuzzled in closer, and Eda chuckled to herself, "I love you too Luz."

"Ya, she's incredible. Isn't she, Mom?" Came King's voice from the side, and Eda turned to see him completely unharmed, but with a new book by his side.

Eda looked around in worry, "What happened King?" Eda froze, "Titan dammit, I changed didn't I?"

King chuckled, "Into a beast? Yup, that was terrifying, but Luz turned into some kind of beast demon too." King's face fell, "I thought one of you might kill the other, but I think Luz recognized you even in both of your states, and after a while you did too… After that you brought her to your nest and just slept. You both turned back a couple minutes ago. I've been recording everything I saw for us while you slept. Maybe something I saw can help you or us figure out more about ourselves." King shrugged and smirked, "All I know is both of you are scarier than the Snaggleback, so that makes us the strongest demon family around."

Eda chuckled, "Well? Aren't you going to come over? I'm still tired, and it just doesn't feel right without you." King scampered over, and made himself comfortable in the cuddle pile as Eda thought, "Athenyx… why does that name sound familiar?" And inside her the beast stirred with new hope.

Breakdown: So a friend, you know who you are, managed to get me thinking about a new story idea, and it ended up consuming my focus. I'm still chipping away at the sports festival for Twilight heroine, but it's not done yet, so here's part two of my divine story. Hope you enjoyed it.

You know it occurs to me we don't usually see Eda's and King's dynamic pre-Luz, so it was kind of fun to show the way they interact a bit. Yup, and here we have an interesting factor with Luz's sensitivities. If she perceives something as unable to hurt her, they don't trigger, until proven wrong, and King for multiple reasons doesn't register as a threat. Yes, it is important that Luz says she loves them so quickly, and it's a testament to just how strong she is. To be hurt like she was and still be able to love so easily is amazing.

I think I got the idea from 'Entanglement' by Mr. Sova for Boiling Isles surgeries having to be done this way, but I don't remember for sure. All the same… that's terrifying. The after surgery scene is incredibly accurate. When I volunteered at a local hospital I heard stories of veteran doctor's being confident and unwavering during, only to be found crying later and needing a moment to just let it all out.

The human realm equivalent of Boulder moss eye-scream is fudge mint just for the record.

So in most stories we don't really get to see how prevalent Titan worship is on the isles, but since this story revolves around faith in a way, I wanted to show how it affects different characters. Eda for instance isn't openly devout, but she was raised to be, and she still sees herself as faithful. Also yes, the unknowingly divine girl was an atheist. Is it original, no. Is it hilariously ironic, ya.

Yup, Hooty is a primordial being of chaos, and it's avatar on the isles. I don't know if him having a deep bottomless voice or his usual is scarier, but imagine it however makes it more unsettling. So why didn't Hyperion reach out to Athenyx earlier? Well the in-between is nearly infinite and constantly shifting. Finding her requires power and luck, something he didn't wish to push until he had to. Eda has no idea what she's seeing in her dream, or its significance, but she's not ignoring it either. So yes, Athenyx is a fusion of the goddess of wisdom Athena and the one of the night, Nyx. She is also what happens when a goddess absorbs a primordial. They become incredibly powerful, but it comes with downsides… like a beast form if they become too weak.

So yes, as soon as Luz got close enough the feral part of her brain recognized Eda, it still saw her as a threat, but she subconsciously held back from hurting her. It took Eda longer, but she does recognize Luz, and as a result the fight kind of just stops without a winner. Also yes, King gave Eda an elixir at some point during the night, but being close to Luz actually had a similar effect… only slower. Well, until next time… Shine on beautiful readers. Shine on.