I don't own Disney's The Owl House. I do, however own the OC known as Danielle Hopkins. Hope you all enjoy my story on this lovely show.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brand new day, brand new glyph going wrong. Apparently, Luz and Danielle tried to figure out a new glyph combo only to result in them opening the front door and letting an odorous smoke out. And King was back to his normal fuzzy self watching cat videos on Luz's cell phone.
"That was a bad mistake," said Danielle, coughing.
"At least it didn't go through the Portal Door," said Luz, coughing as well. "My mom would surely have seen that."
"And my dad," said Danielle, waving the smoke away from her face. "I am so not ready to go back."
"Same here," said Luz, looking at Danielle.
"That ruined snack time," said King, before seeing a cat video on Luz's cell phone. "Hey, check this out! Two warriors battling to the death!"
"Aw, I love cat videos," said Danielle, looking at the video.
"Ah," said Luz, looking at the Portal Door. "I see we're getting enough Wi-Fi through the portal for cat videos."
"Senseless violence," said King, still watching the video. "Yes, attack! Death is your god!"
"I regret teaching you about the Internet," said Luz, looking at King.
"And we should make sure you don't watch things you shouldn't yet," said Danielle, plopping on the couch.
"Hah! What possible regrets could come from the Internet?" asked King, before seeing an article. "Oh! Did you know that the Earth is actually flat?"
"Oh gosh, not that ridiculous article," said Danielle, cuddling a pillow. "Bad enough my dad believes it, I don't need you believing it as well."
"Yep, that's not right," said Luz, grabbing her cell phone which vibrates before seeing a text from her mom. "Good enough."
"Ah, a severed hand!" said King, seeing Luz's response. "Perfect response."
"Ugh! What am I supposed to say?" said Luz, sitting up. ""Hey, Mom, not at camp actually! I'm in the demon realm learning to be a witch! Also, did you know demons and magic are real?" She. Will. End me."
"Nah, she'd be freaked out by our world anyway," said King, looking at Luz. "So actually, by keeping the truth from her, you're doing her a favor!"
"Not a favor."
"Hm. The demon on my shoulder makes a good point," said Luz, staring at her cell phone.
"Always trust a shoulder demon!" said King, looking at Luz.
"At least you're getting texts," said Danielle, looking at her cell phone. "I haven't really gotten any from dad."
"Have you tried sending any yourself?" asked Luz, looking at Danielle.
"… … no," replied Danielle, before sighing. "We didn't end on a good note… that… day…"
"Hoot hoot, Danielle! Luz! Time to fill up those darling little heads of yours with..." said Hooty, opening the front door and regurgitating a stack of books on the ground. "Mm-hmm. Delicious knowledge!"
"Hooty, how did you…" said Danielle, staring at Hooty and her books. "Never mind, I'll clean my books later."
"Please hurry!" said Gus, peering in through the front door.
"The more I look at him, the more uncomfortable I get," said Willow, peering in as well.
"Hoot hoot!" said Hooty, excitedly.
"Coming," said Danielle, standing up before kissing King's forehead. "Be good King. Don't watch Mewtube all day, give your eyes a break every now and then."
"Hehe," said Luz, doing finger guns before kissing King's forehead. "Don't spend all day watching MewTube, 'kay?"
"I forge my own path!" said King, only for Danielle to glare at him before looking back at a cat video. "Okay okay, I'll take a break every now and then. What a dum-dum. Ugh. Who has the energy?"
Heading towards Hexside, Danielle and Luz notice decorations strewn about all over the school. Everyone was getting into the spirit for the upcoming event.
"Something's different today," said Luz, looking around. "Did everyone get a haircut?"
"Looks like a school event is going on," said Danielle, looking around at the hallways.
"Oh yeah!" said Willow, looking at Danielle and Luz. "I forgot you've never been here for the social event of the season."
"Welcome to your first…" said Gus, only for a stretcher and medics to rush pass him.
"Outta the way!" said a Medic, rushing over to a Bat-eared Student. "Come with us immediately! Your disease… it's advancing!"
"Luz…" said Danielle, seeing how uneasy Luz became. "Are you okay?"
"I'm… fine…" replied Luz, only to see that it was a stunt to asking out Skara. "Oh… what a relief."
"Luz…" thought Danielle, concerned for Luz.
"You guys have a weird version of prom on the Boiling Isles? I was kicked out of my last school dance for dressing like an otter," said Luz, before striking a pose. "But maybe here, I could be your Grom Queen!"
"I'm not much for dances," said Danielle, lightly poking a balloon.
"Can't dance?" asked Luz, staring at Danielle with a grin.
"I don't really see the point," replied Danielle, looking at Luz. "So… no, not really."
"Yes, I'm so…" said Luz, only to be bumped into by Amity.
"Watch it, nitwit!" said Amity, only to recognize Luz. "Oh. Hi, Luz... and co. Sorry about that."
"No problem, let me help you! Here, your note," said Luz, helping Amity pick up her books. "Man, you got some quick grabbers."
"It's just, it's... private," said Amity, holding a pink note close.
"Lumity," thought Danielle, seeing a slight blush on Amity's face.
"Attention Hexside students," said Principal Bump, over the intercom. "This is your principal speaking."
"Oh, man, this is it!" said Gus, anxious.
"He's announcing who'll be this year's Grom royalty," said Willow, anxious as well.
"This year, I have the privilege to bestow our highest Grom honor to... well, this is interesting… Luz Noceda and Danielle Hopkins!" said Principal Bump, announcing the candidate. "Our Grom Queens!"
"What?!" said Danielle and Luz, surprised by the outcome.
"Can that happen?" asked Gus, looking at Willow and Amity. "Two Grom Queens?"
"It's a first," replied Amity, before looking at Danielle and Luz. "That's for sure."
"Maybe we should let them know what it means," said Willow, grabbing Danielle's and Luz's hands. "Come on."
Heading straight towards the school gym, it was being prepared as the main dance hall. Seeing Principal Bump overseeing the preparations, the girls see that Snaggleback is being used as a disco ball.
"Very good," said Principal Bump, overseeing the preparations for Grom. "Lower the streamers, fill the punch bowl, and… how's my disco ball?"
"Nauseous," replied Snaggleback, hanging from the ceiling upside down.
"Great," said Principal Bump, before walking away. "Just keep it up for 36 more hours."
"Looks like a normal setup for a dance… what's this button for?" asked Danielle, slightly pressing the button only for a wall of weapons and the gym floor to open.
"Woah!" said Luz, looking at the assortment of weapons. "Medieval torture seems like a strange theme for Grom, but hey…"
"They're not for decoration," said Amity, looking at Luz.
"This arena's where you'll make your debuts as Grom Queens," said Willow, looking at Danielle and Luz.
"You guys don't seem excited," said Danielle, looking at Amity, Willow and Gus.
"Because this isn't just some dance party," said Amity, grabbing a sword.
"That's Grom. Short for Grometheus, the Fear-Bringer. It's a monster that lives under the school," said Gus, casting a spell showing Grom's backstory. "Every year it tries to break out, and a student had to defeat it before it invades the town. Ever the optimist, Bump holds a party and calls it tradition. The worst thing is that Grom can read minds and shape-shift into your worst fear."
"Our fears…" said Danielle, paling a bit.
"Me and Danielle got this," said Luz, linking arms with Danielle. "We'll save the isles from their worst fears by taking on our own."
"Wait…" said Yellow Fang, approaching Danielle with a bouquet of flowers. "Will you go to Grom with me?"
"You're kidding," said Luz, seeing Danielle look at the flower bouquet. "You've been on our case since before joining Hexside. Danielle, say no."
"I have to agree with Luz," said Danielle, looking at Yellow Fang. "Whose to say you won't stand me up?"
"I've changed," said Yellow Fang, looking at Danielle. "Unlike others who go overboard with their approach, I prefer the more simple approach."
"That's… very… thoughtful," said Danielle, fingering the flowers. "I guess… I could say yes."
"Danielle," said Luz, looking at Danielle.
"So… it's a yes," said Yellow Fang, with a slight smile.
"Yeah…" said Danielle, accepting the flower bouquet. "I guess it is."
"Yes! She said yes!" said Yellow Fang, running down the halls before gaining a mischievous grin.
Pulling Danielle along into a run, Luz and Danielle head back to the Owl House to prepare. Hearing shuffling around on the third floor, Danielle and Luz head up towards Eda's room.
"We're home!" said Luz, opening the door to Eda's room.
"Eda, King, you there?" asked Danielle, seeing the two in the room.
"Careful with those pins," said Eda, donning a brown tuxedo.
"Why am I doing this?" asked King, staring at Eda. "I don't even wear clothes!"
"I'm assuming from the clothes, you'll be at Grom," said Danielle, walking over to Eda and King.
"Hey, sweet duds, Owl Lady!" said Luz, sitting on Eda's nest.
"I'm chaperoning Grom tonight," said Eda, looking at Danielle and Luz. "So I have to look sharp."
"And Gus asked me to co-emcee the fight!" said King, holding up a poster of him and Gus. "We're going to turn this blood-bath into a fun-bath!"
"Ooh! Have they announced the victim yet?" asked Eda, looking at Danielle and Luz.
"Yeah… it's…" replied Danielle, looking at Eda.
"Us!" said Luz, looking at Eda. "Both of us were nominated for Grom…"
"What?!" shouted Eda, looking at Danielle and Luz. "I have a few words for Bump."
"What for?" asked Luz, looking at Eda.
"You two are human and half human," said Eda, looking at Danielle and Luz. "You're… fragile."
"We have been learning a lot since we came here from you, King, and the students and teachers from Hexside," said Danielle, feeling offended. "We're not as fragile as you think we are."
"I have to agree with Danielle here," said Luz, looking at Eda. "We can totally handle this."
"There's a horrifying spider in your hair," said Eda, noticing a big spider in Luz's hair.
"Nope. I'm not as fragile as you think, Eda," said Luz, turning around to leave as Danielle silently squeaks. "And I can't be so easily fooled, either."
"Uh, Luz…" said Danielle, about to warn Luz only for Eda to cover her mouth.
"Let her figure it out," said Eda, looking at Danielle. "As for you…"
"I'll be in my room," said Danielle, walking out of the room and heading upstairs. "Okay, there were quite a few weapons. Which should I choose?"
After hanging up her outfit for Grom, Danielle was going over her choices of weapons. It didn't take long for Luz to return and scrounge around in the chest for an outfit to wear.
"Hmmm..." said Luz, looking at a dress before looking at an otter suit. "Hmm!"
"The black one looks nice," said Danielle, seeing Luz look at a text on her cell phone.
"Maybe," said Luz, before Hooty came in the room from the window.
"Oh, Danielle! Luz!" said Hooty, entering the girl's room. "You have a guest!"
"Really?" said Danielle and Luz, seeing Amity enter their room. "Amity?"
"If that bird-tube ever talks to me again, I'm going to destroy it," said Amity, plucking feathers out of her hair.
"What are you doing here?" asked Danielle, looking at Amity.
"Me and the twins came over to help," replied Amity, looking at Danielle and Luz.
"Which should I wear to Grom?" asked Luz, holding up her choice of clothes. "This one says, "witch with a dark side." But this one says, "I'm an otter... with a dark side.""
"Luzurott," said Danielle, stuffing a book away.
"Help me get her in this," said Luz, gesturing to the otter suit. "We probably won't get a chance like this again."
"I will burn that suit if you attempt it," said Danielle, looking at Luz.
"Luz, you need to take this seriously," said Amity, looking at Luz. "If you can't defeat Grom, everyone on the island will have to live out their worst nightmare."
"You wanna hear my worst nightmare?" asked Hooty, getting into Amity's face only for her to retaliate. "Hooty-hoot! Hoot, hoot!"
Lots of Spanish and Polish was heard as Danielle and Luz tried to separate Amity from Hooty. By the time Danielle and Luz separated them, Amity was outside with her siblings while Danielle and Luz patched up Hooty.
"Grom will transform into your darkest fears," said Amity, staring at Danielle and Luz. "What are you afraid of, you two?"
"Um…" said Danielle, rubbing her arm nervously.
"Wanna say our greatest fears? On three…" said Edric, looking at Emira. "One, two... being alone forever!"
"Being stuck with you forever," said Emira, making Edric groan.
"In preparation, I've made a list!" said Luz, taking out a long list.
"It's not surface fears but the deeper fears I'm more worried about," said Danielle, before deeply sighing then looking at Amity and the twins. "It would have to be coming here and not finding my mom would be in vain, that all of this would have been for nothing and I would be forever lost. I still need her."
"Danielle…" said Luz, looking at Danielle, concerned.
"Whoa, that is deep," said Edric, looking at Danielle. "This is a tricky one."
"I got this," said Emira, conjuring the illusion.
"Huh?" said Danielle, seeing nothing but darkness around her and a silhouette of her mom far away before running forwards only for it to keep getting further away. "Mom… Mom! No no no-no-no, wait… don't… come back!"
"I didn't know how bad that was," said Luz, helping Danielle up before looking at her list. "Maybe these aren't as bad as they could be."
"Maybe go with something different," said Emira, looking at Danielle than Luz. "What about you?"
"Well…" said Luz, handing the list over before Emira and Edric conjured the fears forth. "Jerks online who wanna debate! AH!"
"Luz, help me! Help!" said some human faced cats, walking over to Luz.
"I can't unsee that," said Danielle, cringing at the sight of the human faced cats.
"Human souls trapped in cat bodies! No! I'm lactose intolerant!" said Luz, as a cup of milk appeared in her hands. "Yeah… this isn't as bad as Danielle's."
"Not enough," said Amity, walking over to Luz. "Danielle's fear was far worse. What's your real fear, Luz?"
"My real fear... is that Eda thinks I'm too fragile to do this!" replied Luz, looking at Amity. "And if she's right, I'll never be a real witch!"
"Whoa," said Danielle, as Emira and Edric conjured a giant Eda.
"You're inadequate," said the Giant Eda, conjuring forth a baby bib on Luz in a high chair.
"Pfft," said Danielle, controlling her laugh and hiding her head behind Edric.
"Is that supposed to be me? Dang, I look great," said Eda, walking over. "You two are training to be Grom Queen, aren't you?"
"We were nominated," said Danielle, looking at Eda. "Did you just come from Hexside?"
"Yes, tried to persuade Bump to choose someone else," replied Eda, looking at the girls. "Sadly, it was a no go. You two are Grom Queens."
"So what if we are?" said Luz, falling over as the illusions dissipate.
"You think training will help against Grom?" said Eda, staring at Danielle and Luz. "You both always go overboard. Now, what's the fun in watching a kid get eaten by a monster if it's my kids?"
"Your kids?" said Danielle, looking at Eda.
"I… uh… that is… ugh," said Eda, rubbing her forehead. "You've become family to me and King here kid. Especially to King."
"I didn't know you thought of us like that," said Luz, staring at Eda.
"Oh… um…" said Danielle, fidgeting slightly while looking at Eda. "I-I-I don't know if I can call you…"
"I know I'm not a replacement for your mom or yours either," said Eda, ruffling Danielle's and Luz's hair. "But maybe a cool aunt will suffice."
"I guess…" said Danielle, not entirely sure of it.
"Oh, yeah, definitely," said Luz, looking at Eda.
"Luz, Danielle, I don't think you two are ready, but we're literally out of time," said Amity, placing a hand on Danielle's and Luz's shoulder.
"Right," said Danielle, before taking a deep breath. "We'll meet you there. We still have to get dressed. Shouldn't take too long."
After Amity and her siblings had left, Danielle and Luz head back inside with Eda. Unfortunately, after trying on the black dress that Danielle suggested, Luz changed into something that felt more her. Looking at themselves in the mirror, the girls smile at each other.
"My baby girl is growing up."
"So… pretty."
"Aaw, is someone gaining their first crush?"
"What?! No!"
Going downstairs, Danielle and Luz spot Eda and King waiting for them. Hooty as well since he instantly took a quick photo of them. Danielle pulled Hooty into one of the shots while Eda levitated the camera. After those quick photos, it was off to Hexside. While Eda and King went into the main dance hall, Danielle and Luz wait out in the hallway till they called upon to face Grom.
"Mmm, butterflies in stomach," said Danielle, looking into the gym. "I can do this. Just like mom and dad said, I'm strong, I'm brave."
"I'm not sure if it's nerves or if I accidentally drank some milk, but something's making my stomach squirm," said Luz, holding her belly.
"Uh, you look nice. Strange, but... nice," said Amity, putting her hands on Luz's shoulders. "Same with you Danielle. You look nice."
"Thanks Amity," said Danielle, with a slight blush.
"And, thank you, Luz," said Amity, looking at Luz. "Honestly, I'm kind of amazed with how fearless you are. The both of you. You've done things I could never do."
"Hah! Yeah right!" said Luz, lightly elbowing Amity. "You goin' soft on me, Blight?"
"In your dreams," said Amity, lightly laughing.
"Have you seen Yellow Fang?" asked Danielle, looking at Amity. "He asked me to Grom and I haven't seen him yet."
"Oh, he's in there," replied Amity, pointing in the gym. "Probably doesn't want to mess with you since you're facing Grom alongside Luz. Though I didn't know he asked you to Grom."
"Yeah, he did," said Danielle, staring into the gym. "Let's just hope I didn't make a mistake here."
"Now, introducing our Grom Queens. You know them, you love them... you've at least heard of them," said Gus, before gesturing to the gym doors. "Luz and Danielle the humans!"
"Wish us luck out there," said Danielle, walking into the gym alongside Luz.
"Wish us luck!" said Luz, looking at Amity.
"Luck," said Amity, quietly.
"Okay then," said Danielle, grabbing the scythe among the various weapons before walking down into the arena, setting a fire glyph and activating it on the blade of the scythe. "Alright Grom, time for you to meet the reaper known as Grim."
"Yikes Danielle," said Luz, grabbing a flail and placing an ice glyph on it. "There you are, Gromarama. Not too scary."
"Luz, help me. I'm a man," said some human faced cats, walking towards the girls. "Make me human again."
"Gross, the tail is a snake," said Danielle, eyeing the cats. "I think it's combining our fears.
"That is disturbing," said Luz, as one of the snakes tried to lash at her.
Swinging her flail, Luz slams it into the ground. A pillar of ice sends the human faced cats flying. A simple fiery slash from Danielle has it to where Grom falls to the ground. Afterwards, Grom had taken on the form flying cell phones with online jerks. Luz was able to use ice glyphs again to skewer them. Danielle though was weaving through them like she was dancing, slashing them down with ease.
"Deadly dance," said Danielle, striking a pose.
"I thought you said you couldn't dance," said Luz, going back-to-back with Danielle.
"I don't," said Danielle, seeing Grom cover the whole floor making it look like looking down from Tokyo Tower. "Geesh Louis."
"Danielle, you're a little… heavy," said Luz, as Danielle lightly jumped into her arms.
"Watch it Noceda," said Danielle, eyeing Luz.
Not noticing a tendril of Grom creeping up, Danielle and Luz see that the tendrils had touched their leg. Grom shifts into the Portal Door before two people come out. One man and one woman that Danielle and Luz recognize.
"Dad!" said Danielle, staring wide eyed at the form Grom assumed, shocked. "Crude, the other fear came forth instead."
"Odd," thought Eda, staring intently at Grom-Jacob. "Danielle's dad looks oddly familiar but from where?"
"Mija?" said Grom-Camila, looking at Luz.
"Sweet pea," said Grom-Jacob, looking at Danielle. "You're here of all places."
"Mom! What are you doing here?" asked Luz, staring at Grom-Camila.
"Oh, this is not good."
"Luz, were you really afraid of me learning about this?"
"Luz, what is this terrible place? Espérate un momento, this isn't camp. Have you been here, all these weeks?" asked Grom-Camila, looking around before looking at Luz. "And is that a weapon?"
"Please don't, please don't, please don't," thought Danielle, seeing Grom-Jacob look around the gym.
"So many demons… and are those witches as well?" asked Grom-Jacob, staring back at Danielle. "Fantastic! You found living proof that they exist. Actual living proof."
"What's going on?" asked Student #1, looking at Grom-Jacob.
"Why would he be excited to see us?" asked Student #2, looking as well as other students, confused.
"You do know what that means," said Grom-Jacob, looking at Danielle. "We can finally expose them."
"Wait, what?" said Luz, looking at Danielle.
"I can explain," said Danielle, looking at Luz, pale.
"What!" said Student #3, glaring at Danielle.
"No no no," said Danielle, gripping the scythe.
"Is he a witch hunter?" asked Student #4, glaring at Danielle. "Is she one as well?"
"Wait…" said Danielle, staring up at the students and teachers. "No…"
"Maybe that's why she's here," said Student #5, glaring at Danielle.
"I thought witch hunters went extinct ages ago," said Student #2, looking at a friend.
"That's not…" said Danielle, gripping the scythe harder.
"Is this how you got here?" asked Grom-Jacob, looking at the Portal Door. "I bet if we could mass produce them…"
"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" shouted Danielle, staring at Grom-Jacob. "They are no different from us. Sure, they may look different, but they have feelings, they have fears, they go through the same things we go though in life. They're no different!"
"We can explain," said Luz, dropping her flail.
"Danielle, sweet pea, are you defending the enemy?" asked Grom-Jacob, twisting and joining with Grom-Camila with the lower half being Grom itself as it towers over Danielle and Luz. "You should be pointing that scythe at them, not me!"
"Mija, have you been lying to me?!" asked Grom-Camila, as her voice joins with Grom-Jacob.
"Wha-aah!" screamed Danielle and Luz, holding each other as they stare at Grom-Jacami. "So wrong in so many ways."
Running up the ramp and down the halls, Danielle and Luz run out of Hexside and straight into the forest. Grom-Jacami follows after them. Coming upon a cliff, Danielle wipes her eyes before turning around with Luz to see Grom-Jacami not far behind.
"I was afraid of this," said Danielle, looking at Grom-Jacami.
"Why can't you face me, Luz/Danielle?" asked Grom-Jacami, staring at the girls. "Why can't you face your own mother/father?"
"You're not really my mom/dad!" said Danielle and Luz, holding each other.
"How could you say that, cariño/sweet pea?!" asked Grom-Jacami, approaching the girls. "You're breaking my heart!"
"Spicy toss!" shouted Eda, flying by and tossing a fireball at Grom-Jacami. "Hands off my humans, you misshapen excuse for a monster!"
"Eda!" said Danielle, looking at Eda.
"Eda! You're right!" said Luz, looking at Eda. "We're not ready!"
"That's okay, I got this one," said Eda, before hearing a noise and Amity jumping forth before Danielle and Luz. "Huh?"
"Stay away from them!" shouted Amity, glaring at Grom before looking at Danielle and Luz. "Luz! Danielle! Are you…"
"Amity!" shouted Danielle and Luz, as Grom picked up Amity and read her fears.
"Who is that?" asked Luz, as Grom took on a humanoid body.
"The note from earlier," said Danielle, as Grom tore up the note.
"You were afraid of getting rejected. Amity, it's okay," said Luz, extending her hand to Amity. "What if I went to Grom with you instead?"
"Really?" asked Amity, looking at Luz's hand.
"That's what friends do," said Luz, smiling at Amity.
"Well, then, if that's settled, may I have this dance?" asked Amity, as she extends her hand to Luz.
"I'll back you two up," said Danielle, as her hair slowly starts to change to a silvery white and her eyes to glow.
The moon was high in the sky, casting long shadows over the Boiling Isles. It was Grom Night, a night of fear, courage, and unexpected alliances. Danielle stood on the sidelines, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched as Luz and Amity prepared, their hands clasped tightly together.
Danielle felt a surge of magic course through her. She wasn't just a bystander; she was a part of this. She stepped forward, her magic pulsing in time with the rhythm of Luz and Amity's dance. As Luz spun Amity around, Danielle cast a protective spell, a shimmering barrier forming around them. She could feel the power of the spell, the raw energy that coursed through her veins.
Amity formed a giant abomination below them, and they rose up on it. Danielle followed suit, slightly levitating herself to keep pace. Luz fanned out her plant glyphs, and Danielle readied her own magic. Her eyes never left the pair, her focus unwavering.
As Amity dipped Luz, she slapped a glyph onto the abomination. They jumped off, and Danielle swooped in, her magic flaring as she helped guide the abomination into Grom's mouth. The green light moved within it, and then plants started to bloom through it. Danielle landed gracefully, her eyes wide as Luz caught Amity, spinning her around several times before putting her on her feet.
As they finished, holding hands, looking at each other, Grom exploded behind them. A giant tree was in its place. The last remnants of Grom slinked off. Luz and Amity looked up as a tiara appeared on both of their heads. They smiled at each other, and Danielle couldn't help but smile too.
Suddenly, she felt a weight on her own head. Reaching up, she touched a tiara, identical to the ones Luz and Amity were wearing. She hadn't taken the spotlight, but she had been there, supporting them every step of the way. And now, she had a tiara of her own, a symbol of her bravery and contribution. Danielle looked at Luz and Amity, their smiles shining brighter than any tiara. She knew then that she had made the right choice. She was a part of this, a part of their story. And she wouldn't have it any other way.
"So... who did you wanna ask out?" asked Luz, staring at Amity.
"Oh, it's... it's not important," replied Amity, crumbling the note and tossing it.
"Looks like that is over with, "said Danielle, after secretly picking up the tossed half of the note before feeling a rock impact against her forehead. "Aah!"
"Danielle!" said Luz, only to feel rocks hit up against her as well.
"Luz! Danielle!" said Amity, only to see more rocks thrown at Danielle and Luz. "What the…"
"Go back to the Human Realm!" shouted Student #5, holding a rock in his hand.
"Yeah!" said Student #1, glaring at Danielle. "And take your witch hunting ways with you."
"I'm not a witch hunter," said Danielle, looking at the everyone from Grom. "And neither is Luz. I came here searching for my mom."
Lies!" shouted Student #6, throwing some rocks at Danielle. "She's obviously tricking us. "Oh, my mom is here." What a bunch of baloney."
"She may not be a witch hunter but she's obviously aiding you," shouted Student #3, throwing a bigger rock at Danielle's forehead yielding a bleeding cut.
"Ow!" screamed Danielle, slumping to the ground while holding her forehead.
"Danielle!" said Luz, pulling out a napkin to dampen the flow of blood on Danielle's forehead.
"I'm not lying," said Danielle, only to flinch when more rocks were thrown her way only to not feel them. "Huh… Eda."
"Alright, that's enough," said Eda, standing in front of Danielle and Luz, as well as King, Amity, Gus, Willow, Skara, Mattholomule and the Twins, defending them. "Hey, Bumpikins, do something."
"That is enough out of all of you!" shouted Principal Bump, getting between the student body and the Owl Gang. "Danielle and Luz are under Eda Clawthorne's protection while here on the isles and I assured her that her students are safe in Hexside. I expect none of you to raise Eda's ire while they're still here. Do I make myself clear?"
"You got to be kidding me Hieronymus," said a Potion Teacher, walking forward. "Those humans shouldn't even be here. Send them to Emperor Belos. He ought to know what to do with them."
"Don't worry," said Eda, as Danielle and Luz hid behind her slightly whimpering. "I won't allow it."
"This is the reason I didn't have them put in your class. I already knew you were bias against humans," said Principal Bump, before staring at the Owl Gang. "Why not take them back to the Owl House to patch up those wounds."
"Let's go you two," said Eda, gesturing to the girls to hop on her staff.
"But… the dance," said Danielle, staring at Eda. "If I don't go back, Yellow Fang will think I stood him up."
"Okay," said Eda, looking at Danielle. "Long enough for you to talk to Yellow Fang."
"Thanks Eda," said Danielle, before sighing.
Heading back to Hexside but separate from the rest of the student body, Danielle looks around for Yellow Fang. Luz and Amity were able to get a couple of dances in. And Willow was dancing with someone wearing an owl-like masquerade mask but was tripping over their own feet. Seeing Yellow Fang nowhere in sight, Danielle opted to take pictures with her friends. It was during the last photo that Danielle spotted Yellow Fang leaving the gym. Following after him, Danielle catches up with Yellow Fang.
"Yellow Fang, wait up," said Danielle, catching up with Yellow Fang. "Where were you? I'm been looking for you."
"Oh… uh… that…" said Yellow Fang, backing up slightly. "I was in the bathroom for a while."
"Look I'm sorry," said Danielle, holding her arms close. "I'm gonna have to cut this dance short… aah!"
A weird substance lands on Danielle. The feel of it was much like abomination goo but it was odorous to boot. Yellow Fang was laughing at Danielle as she was breathing heavy and slightly in tears. Voices were going off in her head but was completely ignored. Luz and the others heard and were running down the hall in Danielle's direction.
"Hahaha, you were really think I wanted to go to Grom with you," said Yellow Fang, laughing. "Think again. It was all a setup and after hearing what was said outside, it's a good thing I did, you filthy witch hunter!"
"Wishful thinking… that I thought you would push it aside for just one night," said Danielle, angrily staring at Yellow Fang with glowing tear-filled eyes.
Markings were flashing all over Danielle's body. Her hair went completely silvery white and her eyes a glowing light purplish pink. Her finger tips were changing to looking like the night sky, a midnight blue with it looking like a changing starscape. A sky-blue glow surrounded her hand as a pulse of magic slams Yellow Fang into the wall repeatedly. Luz and the gang appear just in time to see what transpired before Danielle tries sending devilish like hands pinning him against the wall.
"Danielle! Stop!" shouted Luz, running forth and grabbing Danielle's hand.
"He deserves this," said Danielle, still focusing on Yellow Fang. "Every… ounce… of… it! He deserves it!"
"Kid, that's enough," said Eda, grabbing hold of Danielle as blood leaks from her mouth. "He's had enough."
"I am tired of having to deal with bullies like him," shouted Danielle, before teetering and passing out in Eda's arms.
"Eda, I think it's time to head back," said Luz, staring at Eda.
"Agreed," said Eda, picking Danielle up as Owlbert went into staff mode.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow or maybe the day after," said Luz, mounting the staff alongside Eda and King. "Bye."
Leaving Hexside, Eda, the girls and King head back to the Owl House. Hooty watches concerned as Eda carries Danielle up to her room. Luz and King help Eda patch up Danielle's wounds and her own wounds which were less than Danielle's. King had to turn around at one point as Eda and Luz undressed Danielle to put her in pajamas. Placing her tiara on King, Luz smiles as he proclaims he is both king and queen. Sighing, Eda leaves the room as Luz sits on the windowsill staring at the night sky.
"In the end, we couldn't face our mom and dad. Maybe we are fragile," said Luz, before getting a text than responding back. "I won't lie. Today was kinda hard. And I don't always feel like I'm supposed to be here. But when things get tough, my friends help me out. I think you'd like them. Te extraño también, Mami. One day, I'll tell you all about this."
Translations
Espérate un momento- Spanish for Wait a moment
Te extraño también- Spanish for I miss you too
Cariño Spanish for my dear, darling, or sweetheart
Allusions
Pokémon- when Danielle calls Luz Luzurott, she's combining Luz's name with Hisuian Samurott when Luz mentions an otter with a dark side/ when Aster mentions Spica saying he's not running properly is much like Jessebelle telling James the same thing
Hazbin Hotel- in owl pellet #41, it's the song Poison from the series
Owl Pellet #40
"Okay, okay," said Eda, looking at Aster. "I was just teasing you."
"Well, don't," said Aster, huffing. "Besides, I already went through my first cush and it was awful."
"Right," said Aria, thinking back to those times. "If I remember correctly, it was Spica you liked for a time."
"I shouldn't have fallen for her," said Aster, arms crossed over his chest. "If I hear her one more time saying I'm not running properly, I'm gonna scream!"
"Yeah, but…" said King, looking at Aster. "You did have a slight blush there when you saw Danielle there in her Grom dress."
"Aaw, he's going through his second crush," said Luz, lightly poking Aster's cheek. "A cute little puppy crush."
"I am not!" said Aster, flying away into Danny's room and seeing a music video being played. "What'cha watching?"
Owl Pellet #41
"And Action
I'm not above a love to cash in
Another lover underneath those flashin' lights
Another one of those ruthless nights
Yeah, yeah, yeah"
"What are they doing to that character?" asked Aster, watching the music video.
"Aah!" said Danny, trying to change the video only for Aster to grab the remote.
"I shoulda' guessed that this would happen
I shoulda' known it when I looked in your red-hot eyes
Spewin' all your red-hot lies
Yeah, yeah, yeah"
"Aster, give the remote back," said Danny, trying to get the remote back.
"What's the worst part of this hell?
I can only blame myself
'Cause I know you're poison
You're feedin' me poison
Addicted to this feelin', I can't help but swallow
Up your poison
I made my choice, and
Every night I'm livin' like there's no tomorrow"
"What was that white stuff that character sucked up?" asked Aster, dodging Danny at every attempt.
"You shouldn't be watching this," said Danny, gaining certain others attentions.
"Oh-oh, oh-oh
Any way you want me, baby
That's the way you got me, I'll be yours
My story's gonna end with me dead from your poison"
"That one looked like a bully," said Aster, staying close to the ceiling.
"Aster!" said Danny, before climbing on her full-size bed. "I'm gonna be in so much trouble."
"I got so good at bein' untrue
I got so good at tellin' you what you wanna hear"
"Belos," thought Aster, listening to the lyrics.
"Almost," said Danny, only for Aster to fly out of reach. "Dangit!"
"I disassociate, disappear
Yeah, yeah, yeah
So far beyond difficult to resist another gulp"
"Why'd they tie that character up in those weird ropes?" asked Aster, looking at Danny.
"You shouldn't be watching this," said Danny, looking at Aster. "Please give the remote back so I can put it on something more appropriate for you."
"Yeah, I know it's poison
You're feedin' me poison
I'm chokin' from the taste and I can't help but swallow
Up your poison"
"That was an interesting dance," said Aster, watching that scene intently. "I wonder if I can do that."
"I made my choice, and"
"They slapped that character," said Aster, gripping the remote. "They're being bullies."
"Every night I'm wasted like there's no tomorrow
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Any way you want me, baby
That's the way you got me, I'll be yours
My story's gonna end with me dead from your poison"
"Danny, what kind of song is this?" asked Aster, looking at Danny. "Why make it so that character…"
"Poison, I'm drownin' in poison
I'm fillin' up my glass but it's always hollow
Full of poison, I'm sick of the poison
Wish I had something to live for tomorrow…"
"That character looked sad and hurt at the end. Danny, why watch…" said Aster, only to see Aria, Camila, Lilith and Eda behind Danny. "… …"
"… … … …" said Danny, turning around in fright. "… … hi…"
"What was that?" asked Aria, staring at Danny.
"Whoa, kid," said Eda, looking at Danny. "Didn't think you'd watch such a thing. Even I'm a little hot from that."
"Hehe, remember… I-I-I'm an adult… my-myself… so-so…" said Danny, seeing Aria and Camila glaring at her. "Meep!"
Owl Pellet #42
After being chewed out by Aria, Lilith and Camila, Danny lays in her bed, staring at the ceiling. Aster was getting a talk by Aria as well in a different area of the house.
"I did not like that," said Danny, covering her face with a pillow. "Next time, I'll lock the door."
"Heard what happened," said Luz, coming into the room.
"Hey, Luz," said Danny, not moving.
"It was pretty catchy," said Luz, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"I agree," said Danny, placing the pillow down and looking at Luz. "Despite my beliefs, it was a good show."
"I heard what you said to my mom, Aria and Lilith," said Luz, looking at Danny. "About the show, that is. Belos is one that doesn't deserve it."
"I agree," said Danny, leaning up. "After all that he has done, he doesn't deserve redemption. All he'll see is fire and brimstone when he passes."
"Hey," said Eda, peeking into the room. "Think you can play that show?"
"Eda," said Danny, looking at Eda. "You're gonna get…"
"Don't worry," said Eda, plopping on the side of the bed. "I happen to be an adult."
"But Luz isn't," said Danny, looking at Eda. "I'll get in trouble with Mrs. Camila."
"I'll just wait till it airs in my world on tv," said Luz, looking at Danny. "When did it come out?"
"2024," replied Danny, looking at Luz. "And I watched it on my laptop. I don't think it aired on tv."
"Well," said Luz, looking at Danny. "I'll just have to be a little sneaky."
"Luz Noceda!" said Camila, slamming the door open.
"Mamá!" said Luz, looking at her mom. "I… uh…"
"You are not watching that show," said Camila, walking towards Luz. "Not without me watching it first. If it's not as bad as it seems, I'll let you watch it."
"Yes," said Luz, jumping for joy.
"When it comes out in two years," said Camila, turning around to leave. "If it airs in our world."
"Yes Mamá," said Luz, watching her mom leave the room before looking at Danny. "What are the chances it will air in my world?"
"I really don't know," replied Danny, shrugging.
Owl Pellet #43
"I can't believe I did that," said Hunter, tossing his masquerade mask on his bed. "I hope uncle doesn't find out about this but… I did have fun… I enjoyed myself for once."