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 Seventeen
Since the incident on the Knee, Danielle and Luz went into overtime. Trying different collaborations and butting heads. The day of the exam is finally here and the two had finally decided on what to do. After having dealt with the practical exams, it was now time for the magical portion… and their collaboration.
"Oh, a little nervous here," said Danielle, peering from behind the curtain. "Calming breaths here, calming breaths."
"I-I'm not ready for this Eda," said Luz, looking at Eda. "Maybe we should go back."
"I didn't just do that collaboration with you just to back out," said Danielle, grabbing Luz's hood. "You're doing this."
"You two got this," said Eda, staring at Danielle and Luz. "Just do what you two practiced. Just no fart flowers."
"… Sorry," said Danielle, slightly blushing while looking away. "Hehe."
"But what if... What if I mess something up? Or what if I do something wrong?" asked Luz, nervous. "What if I die?"
"Take some calming breaths. Like this," said Danielle, taking some calming breaths. "In and out, in and out. Raz dwa trzy. Better?"
"Kinda," replied Luz, following Danielle's example and taking some calming breaths. "Where were you doing my first kindergarten play?"
"In Gravesfield," said Danielle, slightly chuckling alongside Luz.
"Now, get pumped," said Eda, looking at Danielle and Luz.
"Pumped!" said Danielle and Luz, getting excited.
"Get ready," said Eda, getting the girls more excited.
"Ready!" said Danielle and Luz, grabbing some oversized glyphs.
"Now, go!" said Eda, ushering the girls out.
"I… uh… did not expect a crowd," said Danielle, seeing more people in the Paranoratorium besides Principal Bump.
"Don't chicken out," said Luz, whispering to Danielle.
"I'm not," said Danielle, looking at Luz. "It was just… unexpected."
In the rows of seats besides Principal Bump were their friends. Willow and Gus. Amity and the twins. Oddly, Mattholomule and Skara. Even the Head of the Oracle Coven Osran was there. King was also sitting… in the front to best view the performance.
"Okay, just like planned," said Danielle, holding an oversized glyph.
"From the humblest of beginnings, heroes will rise," said Luz, jumping on stage. "We have traveled from another realm and trained with a powerful witch to master dark and forbidden magic. We are... Luz Noceda and Danielle Hopkins!"
"I had to relent on some things," said Danielle, looking at Principal Bump while sighing. "We believe what we discovered could be what witches used in the far past. Glyphs from the Titan."
"Fascinating," said Principal Bump, staring at Danielle and Luz. "Show me this collaboration I've asked of you two."
"Ready?" said Danielle, looking at Luz.
"Ready," said Luz, looking at Danielle.
Placing an oversized Plant Glyph down and activating it, green grass and various flowers cover the Paranoratorium floors and seats. Vines trail up the armrests and around the stage itself as flowers bloom. Danielle sets off a Light Glyph causing little wisps to float out of the grass and flowers. Luz at the same time, sets off a Water Glyph causing floating streams of water and droplets of water to hang in the air. Seeing it going alright, Danielle and Luz lay down an oversized Light Glyph and activating it. Various woodland animals of varying sizes emerge forth before frolicking around the Paranoratorium. Danielle sets off one final Light Glyph, as streams of light whirled around before forming shimmering fairy wings on her's and Luz's back.
"I had to relent as well," said Luz, seeing the shimmer take on a rainbow hue.
"Excellent," said Principal Bump, as a Light Deer nuzzled the palm of his hand. "Just what I wanted to see. Welcome, you two, to Hexside School of Magic and Demonics!"
"Oh my gosh!" said Danielle and Luz, excited and hopping about while holding hands. "We did it!"
"You two did a fine job with this," said Principal Bump, looking at Danielle and Luz. "However, who is gonna clean this up?"
"Oh, everyone in the Plant Track would love to harvest the plants," said Willow, staring at Principal Bump. "Even transplant to see if they will grow in our realm."
"Nice idea Willow," said Principal Bump, looking at Willow. "I'd get to it then. The faster it's done, the faster the Paranoratorium is clean."
"Great work, you two," said Eda, ruffling the girls hair.
"We have an awesome teacher," said Luz, looking at Eda.
"Agreed," said Danielle, smiling. "All that's left is choosing our tracks."
Days have gone by after the placement exam, as Eda flies Danielle and Luz on the first day to Hexside on her staff. Danielle and Luz are donning the Hexside uniform for unplaced track students. Excitement filled Danielle while nervousness filled Luz.
"Mmm, we gotta go back. This was a mistake!" said Luz, nervous. "I'm gonna mess things up again and everyone will see, and…"
"Right, you gotta calm down. What are you nervous about?" asked Eda, looking at Luz. "You've been to school before."
"I may be a little nervous here myself but I'll get over it," said Danielle, looking at Luz. "I don't know the full deets back in our school but it's different here. I think you'll be just fine."
"Thanks Danielle," said Luz, before taking a deep breath in. "Right, this is a chance to be seen as something other than a screw-up."
"Hey, don't worry about what everyone thinks," said Eda, looking at Danielle and Luz. "If you want my advice, walk into class and punch the first kid you see. To establish dominance."
"Aw, I won't be doing that," said Luz, as they landed. "But thanks."
"Nor will I," said Danielle, dismounting the staff. "Also, King, I know you're in Luz's bag."
"Weh!" said King, popping his head out of Luz's bag. "How'd you know?"
"Gee, I wonder…" said Danielle, knowing full well King being clingy with Luz since that day. "Come on, you're going back with Eda."
"No way," said King, jumping out of the bag and into a trash can. "Luz is a free ride to the best buffet in town! Nyah! The trash cans here are filled with half-eaten gold!"
"Don't eat that," said Danielle, taking King out of the trash can and tossing the half-eaten doughnut back in the trash.
"Aw man," said King, sulking in Danielle's arms.
"Last chance to back out, and earn a new Bad Girl Coven patch," said Eda, holding up a patch. "Quitting: It's like trying, but easier."
"Nah, I'll just earn it when I quit showering," said Luz, before running off. "Bye!"
"As long as you're sleeping in my futon, you're showering!" said Danielle, running after Luz. "Later Eda."
"Hold up!" said Eda, tossing her hand on top of Danielle's head. "Just try not to be too much of a goody Luz shoes and goody two shoes. You two got this."
"Thanks, Eda. In fact," said Luz, putting on some hand sock puppets. "I have written a…"
"Nope, not doing that," said Danielle, taking the sock puppets off Luz's hands.
"Aaw," said Luz, as Danielle put the sock puppets away.
"See you after school!" said Eda, flying away on her staff. "Byeee!"
"Let's get going," said Danielle, putting a hand on Luz's shoulder as they walk towards the front doors of Hexside.
"Hey, Luz! Hey, Danielle! Congrats on getting in," said Amity, walking over to Danielle and Luz. "And not being in the baby class."
"Hey Amity," said Danielle, gripping her bag strap. "Thanks."
"Thanks, Amity! Up top!" said Luz, as Amity high fived back before walking towards into Hexside. "Wow, my first day at Hexside. A chance to discover my true magical potential. And maybe meet a hot yet vulnerable upperclassman."
"You just did," said Danielle, leaning against a post. "Minus the vulnerable part. Lu… mi… ty."
"Stop it," said Luz, embarrassing blushing as they walked to the entrance.
"Danielle! Luz!" said Willow and Gus, gaining the girls attention.
"Hi Willow, hi Gus," said Danielle, walking over.
"Hello, fellow Hexoleos!" said Luz, looking at Willow and Gus.
"Hello, classmates!" said Willow, winking.
"You did it, you two!" said Gus, conjuring letters that read "Congratulations!".
"Thanks Gus," said Danielle and Luz, staring at the display.
"So, do you know who those witches are?" asked Willow, gesturing to the nine banners.
"They're the current heads of the Main Nine," replied Danielle, pointing to each one. "Each one either attended Hexside, Glandus or St. Epiderm. St. Epiderm's Scooter Crane for Bard. Glandus's Eberwolf for Beast Keeping. Vitimir for Potions, won't disclose what school he attended. Terra Snapdragon for Plant, who also won't disclose what school she went to. St. Epiderm's Adrian Graye Vernworth for Illusions. Glandus's Hettie Cutburn for Healing. Hexside's Darius Deamonne for Abomination. Osran for Oracle but was self-taught as there was no schools yet, making him the oldest Coven Head. Glandus's Mason for Construction."
"I can't believe you remember all their names," said Luz, looking at Danielle.
"I have a feeling Scooter will be stepping down soon," said Danielle, looking at Luz. "He's the second oldest of the Coven Heads. As for who will take his place…. Hmmm."
"Are you prepared to enter these hallowed halls?" asked Willow, looking at Danielle and Luz.
"Hmm, that's what I'm gonna figure out right now," said Luz, linking arms with Danielle and heading in. "See you on the other side, friends."
"See you later, Danielle! See you later, Luz!" said Gus, conjuring letters that read "Good Luck!"
Walking down the hallway, Danielle knocks on the principal's office door before Luz just walks in casually. Seeing Principal Bump watching the news on a crystal ball, Danielle patiently waits only for Luz to speak up.
"Hiya, Princy-B!" said Luz, standing before Principal Bump. "Can I call you that?"
"Absolutely not," replied Principal Bump, looking at Luz. "Now we have a routine inspection today from the Emperor's Coven. You'll need to join a coven track before they arrive."
"Actually, Principal Bump, I've made my own schedule," said Luz, unfurling a scroll.
"I've already narrowed it down," said Danielle, looking at Principal Bump.
"I'm stopping you two right there," said Principal Bump, holding his hand up. "Now I know you two want to study multiple tracks…"
"Yup," said Danielle and Luz, looking at Principal Bump.
"But until the inspector is done," said Principal Bump, before muttering to himself. "And the basilisk…"
"What you say Principal Bump?" asked Danielle, quirking her eyebrow.
"Nothing to concern you," replied Principal Bump, looking at Danielle. "Just for today, you'll study under one track."
"That's fine with me," said Danielle, looking at Principal Bump.
"I guess…" said Luz, before sighing. "All right, just for today."
"Good," said Principal Bump, changing the color of the girls uniform. "Abominations for Danielle and Beast Keeping for Luz."
"Heke?" squeaked Danielle, looking at the orchid color of her uniform. "Perché?"
"Off you go now," said Principal Bump, using his magic to float the girls out of his office. "Now how to handle the basilisk without those two getting involved."
"Later Danielle," said Luz, heading off to class.
"I wanted to see some cute furries," said Danielle, sighing before heading to class.
Heading down a few halls, Danielle comes upon the Abomination Homeroom. Knocking and slightly opening the door, Danielle sees that class hasn't begun yet with only a few students not even there yet.
"Hi," said Danielle, facing the teacher. "I'm your new student for the day."
"Ah, right. One of the humans," said the Abomination Teacher, holding a slip of paper and handing it to Danielle. "Didn't think I'd being getting one of you two in my class. Here, the ingredients are listed. Grab a cauldron and cart and start making your abomination."
"'Kay," said Danielle, looking at the ingredients on the slip of paper. "I've already mesmerized it from Willow that day but a refresher is okay."
"What are you waiting for?" asked the Abomination Teacher, staring at Danielle. "I'm not going to hold your hand for this assignment. Go out there and procure the ingredients to make your abomination. Show me what you can do human."
"Yes, Professor Hermonculus," said Danielle, as she checked out the nearby cauldrons and carts.
Finally deciding on the cauldron and cart, Danielle heads outside to gather the ingredients. What was odd was the fact that Principal Bump's palisman Frewin was waiting and staring at her as she got outside. Taking on staff form, Frewin ushered Danielle to mount. Giggling, Danielle took Frewin up on its offer and took off. Flying here and there, Danielle procured the ingredients from areas that weren't normally where they were found. Heading back to Hexside, Danielle starts adding the ingredients at different intervals and tweaking it a bit.
"Hoo boy, that's over. Now to just let it settle and everything," said Danielle, before scratching under Frewin's chin. "Thanks, little impadimp. Why don'tcha head back to Principal Bump?"
Giving a slight chirp, Frewin heads back inside Hexside. Every now and then, Danielle would give her project a little stir. After a bit, Danielle sees it at the right time to see two glowing yellow eyes staring back at her. Pooling up, the Abomination crawls out and stares at Danielle. Dark green sludge with blue strips blending in. Its lower jaw being yellow and magenta. Crystallized toxins forming shards protruding from its mouth and fingers, giving the impression of claws and fangs.
"Alola," said Danielle, waving to her Abomination with a smile.
"Uuuuk," said the Abomination, smiling.
"All right, we're going back inside. You need to go back into the cauldron for a bit," said Danielle, seeing her Abomination cringe away. "It's only for a little bit. If it helps, I'll leave the lid off. How's that?"
"Uuk," said the Abomination, crawling back into the cauldron.
"That's a good boy, er… good girl…" said Danielle, pushing the cauldron. "Eh, whatever."
Pushing the cart and cauldron down the halls back to Homeroom, Danielle stops outside. Opening the door, Danielle wheels her cauldron into class as Professor Hermonculus stops grading the other students.
"You're back. Didn't expect you to actually find all the ingredients," said Professor Hermonculus, as his Abomination carried him over. "Let's see what you got."
"Right," said Danielle, lightly knocking on the cauldron. "Abomination, you can come out now."
"Uuk," said the Abomination, peeking out only to hide back in. "Uk."
"It's a little shy," said Danielle, before bending over the cauldron. "It's okay. I'm here. No one is gonna hurt ya. Come on. That's it."
"Uuk," said the Abomination, crawling out of the cauldron.
"This is your abomination?" said Professor Hermonculus, eyeing the Abomination.
"Uuk!" said the Abomination, trying to hide behind Danielle.
"The color is way off. There's no legs. It's severely short," said Professor Hermonculus, still eyeing the Abomination. "There's jagged rocks pointing out. The smell is more earthy. Are you making a mockery of Abominations?"
"No Professor Hermonculus," replied Danielle, looking at Professor Hermonculus. "I used every ingredient on the list you provided me. See."
"Hmmm," said Professor Hermonculus, eyeing the list.
"I did everything to the t with a few tweaks here and there," said Danielle, looking at Professor Hermonculus.
"Tweaks?" said Professor Hermonculus, quirking his eyebrow.
"I didn't procure the ingredients out in the nearby forest," said Danielle, looking at Professor Hermonculus. "I gathered the ingredients from various areas of the isles if not from an area of the market where they were selling goods that were not native to the isles."
"How were you able to…" said Professor Hermonculus, eyeing Danielle and her Abomination.
"Principal Bump's palisman Frewin wouldn't take no for an answer," said Danielle, lightly scratching her cheek. "Took me to where I needed."
"I see," said Professor Hermonculus, squinting his eyes.
"I like to think of this along the line of a variant. Ingredients from the Swampy Toes, from the desert of Palm Stings," said Danielle, gesturing to her Abomination. "Ingredients from various areas of the Boiling Isles where the environment has a different effect on the ingredients. Adapted to the unique environment of a particular region, resulting in change in abilities, appearance and behaviors. This is how my Abomination formed."
"Hmmm," said Professor Hermonculus, eyeing the Abomination. "And these rocks?"
"Crystallized toxins," replied Danielle, looking at Professor Hermonculus.
"I have to admit, this is unexpected. Never would have thought of such a thing," said Professor Hermonculus, staring at the Abomination than Danielle. "You've discovered… no, ventured into an area never before explored in Abomination making."
"Uk!" said the Abomination, hiding behind Danielle more as Professor Hermonculus got too close for comfort.
"A plus," said Professor Hermonculus, jotting the grade down. "I look forward to seeing more from you."
"Sadly…" thought Danielle, sweat dropping. "It's only for today. I'm out of here by tomorrow."
"Uuuk," said the Abomination, seeing a fellow Abomination about to explode and trying to warn Danielle. "Uk uk, uuuk!"
"What is it?" asked Danielle, seeing where her Abomination was pointing before everyone was splattered by the Abomination that exploded. "Blech. Professor Hermonculus, may I be excused momentarily… to clean up?"
"You may," replied Professor Hermonculus, wiping some goo off.
Leaving the classroom, Danielle heads to the restroom to clean up the goo that splattered on her. As that was going on, back with Luz after entering the Beast Keeping Homeroom was hit by a myriad of smells.
"Wow, that's pungent," said Luz, holding her nose.
"Ah, you must be the human, Luz Noceda," said the Beast Keeping Teacher, staring at Luz. "Come in. We'll be dealing with jackalopes for the time being."
"Ooo, rabbits with antlers," said Luz, sitting down and spotting the furry creatures. "Aaw."
"Today, class, we'll be helping the jackalopes with their antlers," said the Beast Keeping Teacher, gesturing to the nearby jackalopes. "As you can see, its antlers are a prime ingredient in medicines. We'll be harvesting them. For the ones that need the extra help, we'll be shedding them."
"Much like a snake," thought Luz, remembering finding shed skin from snakes when younger.
"Now, everyone, choose a jackalope to help," said the Beast Keeping Teacher, looking at the class. "But remember, the young ones tend to like to headbutt. So be careful the antlers don't poke your eyes."
"Come here, little buddy," said Luz, spotting a certain young jackalope before it headbutted her. "Aah."
"I did say to be careful," said the Beast Keeping Teacher, grabbing the jackalope by the scruff and handing it to Luz. "Just had to pick the wild one of the bunch, didn't you."
"Right," said Luz, rubbing the spot on her forehead before seeing a thin layer on the antler peeling away. "Oh, is that bothering you. Here, let me help."
Gently stroking the jackalope, Luz was able to calm it down within a few minutes. Once it was calmed down enough, Luz slowly and gentle started to peel the thin layer off the antler. It was very much like helping a snake shed its skin. Coming upon a little bump where its antler was about to branch, Luz was able to gently nudge the skin off and continue peeling without breaking the skin or antler.
"Now for the ones that need help with shedding," said the Beast Keeping Teacher, walking around the classroom. "After getting the skin off, don't touch the antlers. They are soft and very irritable at the moment. With taking the skin off, it allows the antler to breath and grow even stronger."
"So, it's kinda like a tree in a way as well," thought Luz, looking at the skin she peeled off. "Wouldn't it be too heavy for the jackalope at one point."
"You seem to be confused Ms. Noceda," said the Beast Keeping Teacher, before showing the inside of a shorn antler. "Much like a tree and some plants, we can see how old the jackalope is."
"Oh, wow," said Luz, staring at the rings. "So, that means this one was… maybe five, I think."
"Nice guess Ms. Noceda," said the Beast Keeping Teacher, only to see the jackalope jump off Luz's lap and out into the hallways. "Might want to chase your little friend. It's almost time to learn about their diet."
"Right," said Luz, standing up and leaving the classroom.
Chasing after the young jackalope, Luz tries to grab it. However, the jackalope was being playful and headbutting Luz at every turn. Rubbing her head, Luz remembers the teacher mentioning that the jackalope's diet was coming up and decided to hightail it back to the classroom. Explaining to the teacher that she wanted to use some of the food for bait, Luz was handed a bag of berries and nuts. Apparently, some gourdbeast egg seeds were added as this young jackalope loved them. Heading back out, Luz set up a little of the food. Watching from the corner, Luz waited patiently until the young jackalope started sniffing nearby.
"That's it," said Luz, watching the young jackalope inch closer to the food. "Get some tasty numnums."
"Oh, why hello there," said Danielle, spotting the young jackalope as she headed towards the bathroom.
"What?" said Luz, seeing Danielle bending down to eye level with the young jackalope. "No. Shoo. You're going to ruin it."
"Come here," said Danielle, coaxing the young jackalope towards her. "Yes, that's a sweet… Ow!"
"Saw that coming," thought Luz, seeing Danielle being headbutted by the young jackalope, while giggling.
"Got'cha," said Danielle, grabbing the jackalope by the scruff in mid jump. "All right, let's get you back."
"Haha, I'll actually be taking the jackalope back," said Luz, giggling as she walked over.
"Okay… just a… moment…" said Danielle, hesitating a little as she wanted to cuddle it for a little longer before being headbutted again. "Ow! Okay. Playful little fella."
"Dang," said Luz, hearing the school bell and classes letting out. "Let's get you back before you get startled."
"Huh…" said Danielle, seeing a crystal ball roll their way. "Someone must have dropped it without noticing.
"I'll put it back," said Luz, picking up the crystal ball as the spirit residing in it appeared.
"You're going to be in trouble real soon," said the Spirit, pointing at Luz.
"What?" said Luz, confused.
"Principal Bump," said Danielle, seeing Principal Bump approach. "Look, it's not what it seems."
"Looks like some things won't change," thought Principal Bump, deeply sighing before gesturing the girls to follow him. "Follow me."
"But Principal Bump…" said Luz, catching up with Principal Bump. "I didn't…"
"Luz was just going to put the crystal ball…." said Danielle, catching up as well.
"Enough," said Principal Bump, opening a certain door. "You two will be here for the time being."
"Uh…" said Danielle, seeing a mostly empty room with only three students and a teacher.
"What is this place?" asked Luz, looking at Principal Bump.
"The detention track," replied Principal Bump, changing the colors of Danielle's and Luz's uniform to dark gray.
"What we do to yield us here?" asked Danielle, looking at Principal Bump.
"I am keeping all troublemakers far away from the eyes of the inspector," replied Principal Bump, lightly pushing the girls in the room.
"Troublemakers?!" said Danielle, looking at Principal Bump. "We didn't do anything wrong. Luz was planning on putting that crystal ball away."
"And the jackalope?" said Principal Bump, pointing at the young jackalope in Danielle's arms.
"Escaped the homeroom," said Luz, looking at Principal Bump. "Danielle was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was trying to catch it and take it back."
"Why is it in Danielle's arms then?" asked Principal Bump, staring at Luz.
"I was planning on taking it back," said Danielle, before twiddling her index fingers. "After I got a couple cuddles in."
"Danielle," said Luz, slightly smiling.
"Be that as it may," said Principal Bump, taking the young jackalope out of Danielle's arms.
"Aw," said Danielle, wanting to still hold the young jackalope.
"It's detention for you two," said Principal Bump, before thinking. "And farther away from the basilisk."
"If we behave ourselves here, will you give us a second chance?" asked Danielle, looking at Principal Bump.
"Yes," said Principal Bump, as he closed the door. "In more ways than one."
"Fine mess we got ourselves in," said Danielle, walking over to a desk and sitting down. "I've never even been in detention before."
"Hello, fellow detentioners. Room for one more?" asked Luz, looking at the other students. "I like the little spikeys in your hair."
"Hey! You all better be quiet," said the Detention Teacher, pointing at the girls and the other three students. "Unless you want to scrub the classroom again."
"Sorry sir," said Danielle, straightening up.
"Hey, don't blame any of them," said Luz, standing up. "I'm the one that started talking."
"Oh, hurray. A hero," said the Detention Teacher, magicking a bucket and mop in Luz's hands.
"Here, I'll help," said Danielle, grabbing the mop.
"Thanks Danielle," said Luz, grabbing a cloth from the bucket.
Viney looks their way and smiles. With both Danielle and Luz cleaning the classroom, the cleaning went slightly faster. Luz, though, was slightly grumbling as she polished the bars of the windows. Willow and Gus run over as they spot the two cleaning when they were searching for them.
"Luz! Danielle!" shouted Willow, running over with Gus.
"Hey guys," said Danielle, staring at Willow and Gus. "How's your day going?"
"Oh, my gosh! I missed you so much," said Luz, reaching through the bars and squeezing Willow's face. "Let me squeeze your faces."
"Luz, let go of Willow's face," said Danielle, putting a hand on Luz's arm.
"What's going on?" asked Gus, staring at Danielle and Luz. "We didn't see you in any classes."
"Principal Bump may have thought we were mixing magic," said Danielle, leaning the mop against the wall. "But I feel like there is something more."
"We're in the detention track till then," said Luz, sighing.
"The detention track?" said Willow, looking at Danielle and Luz. "You can't do anything in there."
"You'll learn less than you did before," said Gus, staring at Danielle and Luz.
"No, I'm better than this," said Luz, whining. "Please, you gotta help us break out."
"Break out?!" said Danielle, shocked. "Luz, if we do that, we'll be in even worse trouble. Let's just power through, okay."
"Don't worry. We'll get you out, dead or alive!" said Gus, only for Willow to shake her head "No". "Okay. Alive."
"What? Wait," said Danielle, as Willow and Gus run to prepare to bust her and Luz out.
"It's the teacher," said Luz, hearing a chair squeak before seeing Viney close to her. "It's you!"
"Uh… hi," said Danielle, staring at Viney.
"Shh," said Viney, hushing Danielle and Luz.
Viney points to the snoring Detention Teacher, then gestures for Danielle and Luz to follow her. Viney draws a square on the chalkboard with a keyhole in the center, then turns the chalk in the hole like a key. The square glows and swings open, revealing a passageway.
"Whoa," said Luz, as Viney offered her hand and helped her climb through.
"What the…" said Danielle, in a low voice before taking Viney's offered hand and climbing in the hole. "This is amazing. This place is…"
"This is the last room you'll ever see alive," said Viney, glaring at Danielle and Luz before smiling. "Nah, just messing with ya. I'm Viney."
"I'm terrified!" said Luz, before giggling as Danielle leaned her head into her shoulder and gripped her arm. "I'm Luz."
"Ya had me scared there," said Danielle, releasing a breath. "Danielle Hopkins, nice to mee'cha."
"Thanks for standing up for us back there. Not many people would do that. Follow me! I wanna show you something," said Viney, gesturing to follow her while opening a door. "You're one of us troublemakers now, so you'll get special access to the Secret Room of Shortcuts!"
"Whoa," said Luz, staring around in amazement.
"Whoa," said Danielle, looking around the room before looking at Viney. "Are you sure?"
"Uh, yeah," replied Viney, before speaking up. "Hey, Jerbo! Barcus! You can stop hiding now!"
"How do we know they're cool, man? How do we know they won't turn us in?" asked Jerbo, opening a door before looking at Barcus. "What do you think? Barcus says your aura is strong and silly, like a baby's laughter and yours strong and bright, like a star. Welcome!"
"Aah! I love secret rooms!" said Luz, checking out the doors before opening one and seeing Amity. "Where do the doors go?"
"So, you two go to the same school now, that doesn't change anything," said Amity, sighing before hearing a door close. "Huh?"
"That should not have been seen," said Danielle, closing the door.
"This place connects the different parts of the school. We found it after being thrown in the detention track. The witch who made it is known as..." said Viney, gesturing to a defaced portrait. "Lord Calamity."
"Ah, the good ol' days."
"Eda?" thought Danielle, staring at the defaced portrait. "Then again… it's not that hard to imagine."
"They started this troublemaker wall and we added our names in their honor," said Jerbo, walking over with Barcus.
"This place is amazing," said Luz, staring at Viney. "I bet you guys can get into so much trouble in here."
"Luz," said Danielle, quirking her eyebrow. "Really? I can think of other things."
"Sure, we can, but we can also do so much more," said Viney, pointing to Barcus listening in on an Oracle class.
"Remember, seeing the end of a life is the beginning of reading a fortune. We have to work backwards from it to see the truth," said the Oracle Teacher, making a fortune teller.
"We aren't allowed to study any kind of magic, so we study every kind of magic in secret," said Viney, looking at Danielle and Luz.
"You actually like school?" said Luz, smiling at Viney.
"What's wrong with that?" asked Danielle, staring at Luz. "It's nice to find others that like going to school."
"Yeah, we might have liked it too much," said Viney, slightly smiling.
"I tried mixing plant magic with abominations," said Jerbo, recounting a certain memory. "Bump was not thrilled. Barcus makes potions with oracle magic."
"I think you'll like to see my abomination," said Danielle, looking at Jerbo. "Professor Hermonculus was impressed."
"Really?" said Jerbo, staring at Danielle.
"Mixing healing and beast keeping was slightly unconventional," said Viney, recounting a memory as well. "But Puddles was a great assistant, dang it! We all want to be in more than one coven track! But Bump just says we need to focus."
"Sounds like Bump's priorities are out of whack," said Luz, looking at Viney.
"They're about to change."
"I'm in agreement," said Danielle, looking at everyone. "But it's not gonna last that much longer."
"Huh?" said Viney, confused.
"A certain voice told me," said Danielle, lightly scratching her cheek and looking away.
"Oh, you're an oracle," said Viney, staring at Danielle. "How much longer?"
"Don't know," replied Danielle, looking at Viney. "Also, not an oracle."
"Well, I'm glad you two are one of us. You've made a great first impression," said Viney, taking out a marker. "Would you like to add your name to the troublemaker wall?"
"Aw!" said Luz, reaching for the marker.
"Thanks," said Danielle, pushing the marker back to Viney. "But I'm not much of a troublemaker."
"Don't you remember what Eda said that day," said Luz, looking at Danielle. "It applies to troublemakers too."
"Danielle! Luz!" said Willow, gaining Danielle's and Luz's attention. "We're here to get you two out of this horrible class."
"Eh, they're probably looking for some other Luz and Danielle," said Luz, seeing Viney stand up and peek through the secret entrance.
"Maybe they already booked it," said Gus, looking around. "They are better than this place."
"We're not dogs Willow," thought Danielle, hearing Willow whistle for her and Luz in such a manner.
"Oh. You think you're better than us?" asked Viney, staring at Danielle and Luz.
"No, no, it's not like that," said Luz, walking over to Viney. "I just didn't think I deserved… mean, none of us deserve…"
"Wait a minute," said Danielle, looking at Viney. "I think you misinterpreted it."
"J'accuse!" said Jerbo, pointing at Danielle and Luz. "I should've known you'd look down on us. Everyone else does."
"We're not," said Danielle, looking at all three of them.
"It's fine, I just... I thought someone finally understood us," said Viney, before pointing at the door. "But, maybe you two should just leave."
"I understand," said Luz, walking towards the secret entrance.
"Same here," said Danielle, walking towards the door and opening it. "Hey Willow, hey Gus."
"Hey, guys," said Luz, slumping to the floor.
"Thank you, walls!" said Willow, before helping Danielle and Luz out. "We found a way to get you out to talk to Principal Bump."
"We have an expert disguise!" said Gus, grabbing two trashcans. "Hop in! It's got holes for your gangly teenage legs… well, one of you that is."
"Yeah," said Luz, seeing Viney close the entrance. "That's right where I belong."
"No, it's not," said Danielle, stopping Luz from climbing into the trashcan. "We are not getting in those trashcans."
"But this way the inspector won't…" said Gus, looking at Danielle.
"We are not getting in those trashcans," said Danielle, glaring at Gus with glowing eyes, scaring him to climbing into the trashcan himself. "Get out. You don't belong in there either."
"Her eyes are scary when they do that," thought Gus, climbing out of the trashcan.
As that was going on, Principal Bump was preparing to deal with the basilisk. Remembering certain glyphs, Principal Bump grips the ones he prepared as he spots the disguised basilisk. Ushering the disguised basilisk in and towards the Paranoratorium, Principal Bump bides his time. Amity was there to represent the Abomination track, putting on quite a performance.
"And that concludes the presentation from the Abomination track," said Amity, being lowered down by her abomination.
"Excellent work Amity," said Principal Bump, silently pulling out a Plant Glyph.
"Yes, this is... good!" said the Basilisk, standing up and walking over to the stage. "But let's see if your student can put up more of a fight!"
"Not so long as I'm around," said Principal Bump, activating the Plant Glyph and ensnaring the basilisk in mid transformation.
"What?" said the Basilisk, staring at the vines than Principal Bump.
"Did you honestly think I wouldn't see this coming?" asked Principal Bump, glaring at the Basilisk. "I may be getting up there in age but I can still fight. Students, evacuate now! Do not use your magic against the Basilisk!"
"All my morsels," said the Basilisk, seeing every student evacuate before glaring at Principal Bump. "You will regret that!"
"I regret not seeing this the first two times," said Principal Bump, as the Basilisk finished its transformation and tearing the vines apart in the process. "I will protect this school and its students!"
Roaring, the Basilisk jumps Principal Bump, only for Principal Bump to use his abomination goo to sink into the floor and reappear behind the basilisk. Grabbing and activating a Lightning Glyph, Principal Bump sends an electric net to ensnare the Basilisk. The basilisk gobbles the electric net up only to wither in pain.
"It burns! It burns!" screamed the Basilisk, clawing at its throat. "Why does it burn?"
"I want answers," said Principal Bump, activating a Plant Glyph again and ensnaring the Basilisk with vines. "What is the purpose of you being here? What does Emperor Belos have planned to send a magic devouring beast like yourself here?"
"…" said the Basilisk, staring at Principal Bump. "You… how do you…"
"Do you take me for a fool!" said Principal Bump, glaring at the Basilisk. "You have answers and I'll get them… one way… or another."
"I… I…" said the Basilisk, nervous before giving off a loud roar, forcing Principal Bump to cover his ears. "I won't lose this freedom!"
Grabbing Principal Bump and slamming him into the closest wall, the Basilisk drains Principal Bump of his magic. Dropping Principal Bump to the floor, the Basilisk rushes out of the Paranoratorium and starts feeding on the staff and students. Both King and Danielle's abomination, peek out of the rooms they're were in and spot the basilisk gorging on the magic of a teacher nearby. King and Danielle's abomination, scared and worried, silently follows the basilisk. As for Danielle and Luz, they're walking beside Willow and Gus as they head towards Principal Bump's office.
"Don't worry, you two!" said Willow, trying to cheer Danielle and Luz up. "Once we talk to Bump, we'll get everything sorted out."
"I know, but what's the point if people get hurt on the way?" asked Luz, staring at Willow.
"People are getting hurt right now. There's a Greater Basilisk in the school!"
"Whoa, wait, what?!" said Danielle, scared and startling everyone. "As in giant snake who causes death to those who look into its eyes!?"
"Danielle?" said Luz, staring at Danielle. "What are you…"
"Luz, I have a phobia of snakes," said Danielle, grabbing Luz by her arms. "And there is a giant one somewhere in this school right now."
"What the heck is that?!" shouted Gus, pointing at the basilisk nearby.
"Use the glyphs! Use the glyphs!"
"More cute morsels!" said the Basilisk, slithering their way.
"Heck to the no!" said Danielle, clinging to Luz.
"We may be cute…" said Willow, only for King to jump over her.
"WEH!" shouted King, sending crackling bursts of magic in the Basilisk's ears.
"Aah!" screamed the Basilisk, holding their ears.
"King?" said Danielle and Luz, seeing King like he was that day against Piniet.
"You're not gonna…" said King, only for Luz to run forth and grab him. "Luz!"
"Eat this, you walking snake skin purse," shouted Danielle, activating some glyphs in a small notepad and tossing it at the Basilisk.
"It burns, it burns!" shouted the Basilisk, writhing in pain after swallowing the activated glyphs. "Just like those ones."
"Chodźmy!" said Danielle, grabbing Willow's and Gus's hands and ushering Luz and King to run down the hall as well. "Nienawidzę węży!"
"Hold on, I can cast an illusion," said Gus, casting an illusionary wall to slow down the basilisk.
"Gus, wait!" shouted Danielle, seeing the illusionary wall being absorbed.
"I feel... so weak," said Gus, trying to draw another spell circle.
"Ah, refreshing cool," said the Basilisk, stroking their throat.
"Gus!" shouted Willow, only for a bunch of vines to pass her and block the Basilisk. "Danielle."
"Grab Gus," said Danielle, setting off another plant glyph to tangle the Basilisk before running alongside Willow, Luz and King.
"Now what?" asked Luz, staring at Danielle.
"Here," said Danielle, opening a door and ushering everyone in.
"Oh. You're back," said Viney, seeing Danielle and Luz enter their secret room before seeing Willow place Gus down. "What happened to him?"
"I'm sorry for hurting your feelings, but please listen!" said Luz, staring at Viney.
"Big problem! Really big problem!" said Danielle, opening the door slightly for Viney to see.
"Don't let it see us!" said Viney, recognizing the Basilisk before closing the door. "I think that's a greater basilisk. I heard about them in a class. My cousin at St. Epiderm said she saw one, but those things should be extinct."
"Bazyliszek!" said Danielle, shocked. "Jak to możliwe, że jeszcze nie umarłem?"
"What?" asked Viney, staring at Danielle, confused.
"Danielle gets like this whenever trying to solve such a problem," said Luz, seeing Danielle pace around.
"Okay, basilisks are basically serpents. Serpents are warm blooded, they can't stand…" said Danielle, coming to a stop in the center of the room. "Lód!"
"I didn't get that last part," said Viney, looking at Danielle.
"Want to add another type of magic to your arsenal?" asked Danielle, showing her notebook of glyphs. "It can absorb your guy's magic but when it ingested these, it was writhing in pain."
"It looked like it didn't like my magic that much either," said King, looking at Danielle.
"I'm not placing you out there by yourself," said Danielle, staring at King. "Not happening."
"But if Bump catches us mixing magic again…" said Jerbo, looking at Danielle.
"He'd kick us outta school," said Viney, looking towards the floor.
"Screw Principal Bump right now. Sometimes you have to break the rules to do the right thing," said Danielle, looking at Viney and the others. "And our school needs us right now. Oh my gosh, I can't believe I said that about an authority figure."
"Whoa-ho-ho!" said Luz, staring at Danielle. "Never thought the day would come where I see you being so rebellious. Nice."
"You are right, about the basilisk that is," said Viney, putting her hand on Danielle's shoulder. "They're warm blooded but… I didn't catch what you said at the end."
"Ice," said Danielle, holding out the glyph. "We can freeze that walking snake-skin purse."
Explaining each glyph and how to get the results they wanted, everyone ends up hearing a bang from a door at the top of the room. The door crashes open and the Greater Basilisk falls through, and landing on the open door in the floor. What looks to be a large mushroom falling down, crashes into the Basilisk before twirling and revealing a lady kicking the Basilisk the rest of the way through.
"Professor Asparilla!" said Viney, recognizing the person. "Let's go."
"On it," said Danielle and Luz, setting off a Plant Glyph to lower everyone down to the Paranoratorium.
"You kids, okay?" asked Professor Asparilla, looking at everyone.
"How did…" said Luz, staring at the professor.
Professor Asparilla was a tall lady. Long knee length silver hair, light skin, and purple eyes. On her head was a large bruised color mushroom with white dots. A pinkish white petal was basically her shirt with the sleeves looking much like her hat, while her skirt was a deep emerald and leaf like. Her shoes were petal like and the same color as her shirt with round mushrooms at the top.
"Isn't your magic…" said Danielle, staring at Professor Asparilla.
"I don't need my magic to wrangle this beast," said Professor Asparilla, vines coming off her being.
"Whoa," said Danielle and Luz, amazed by Professor Asparilla.
"One day, I'm going to marry her," said Jerbo, staring at Professor Asparilla with love struck eyes.
"Already married," said Professor Asparilla, having the flowers on her vines spray a certain pollen.
"Wha-what is th-this?" asked the Basilisk, getting weak and regurgitating the magic they stole. "Ho-How…"
"My kind knows how to deal with a variety of extinct creatures," said Professor Asparilla, glaring at the Basilisk.
"Wonderful work Asparilla," said Principal Bump, feeling better after getting his magic back and walking over. "How is everyone?"
"Everyone looks fine," replied Professor Asparilla, staring at everyone.
"Principal Bump," said Danielle, nervously staring at Principal Bump. "I…"
"No need for apologizes and such," said Principal Bump, changing everyone's uniforms to their desired tracks. "I'm foreseeing a lot of things to come… and I'm not even an oracle."
"That explains how you knew which tracks we wanted," said Danielle, staring at her uniform before her abomination came crashing into her. "He-hey there. Were you scared without me?"
"Uuuuk," replied the Abomination, hugging Danielle.
"I'll take that as a yes," said Danielle, smiling. "I'm gonna need a shower after all this."
"Now then," said Principal Bump, staring back at the Basilisk. "Those answers."
"I can't… I won't…" said the Basilisk, fearfully as they feel their life dwindling. "My life is already forfeit."
"What are you saying?" asked Professor Asparilla, glaring at the Basilisk.
"Failsafe…" replied the Basilisk, their eyes going dull. "Five… I'm… sorry…"
"They're dying. Tell them, Number Five is safe and sound."
"Okay," said Danielle, slowly walking over. "Eee."
"Danielle?" said Luz, stopping Danielle. "What are you…"
"Number Five is safe and sound Ms. Basilisk," said Danielle, staring at the Basilisk.
"An oracle…" said the Basilisk, before taking their last breath. "Thank… you…"
"She's… gone," said Danielle, backing away and clinging to Luz. "I don't like this feeling. Never have."
"You and me both," thought Luz, seeing Danielle tear up.
"So close to getting those answers," said Principal Bump, sighing before staring at Danielle and Luz. "Asparilla, these two are your new students. I know you'll teach them fairly."
"I look forward to seeing you two in my Potions class," said Professor Asparilla, smiling at the girls.
"Wait!" shouted Yellow Fang, running into the Paranoratorium and to the stage. "I'd like… I'd like to take up Bard and Beast Keeping."
"Yellow Fang?" said Viney, staring at her big brother.
"What? I can't multitrack?" said Yellow Fang, staring at Viney. "Puh-lease, I've been wanting to take those two tracks as well."
"Great," said Viney, happily smiling at her big brother.
"It's been a long day… and school is barely over," said Principal Bump, deeply sighing. "School is out for the remainder of the day. Everyone can go home."
"YES!" said everyone, cheering.
"Hold up," said Yellow Fang, before tossing a potion at Danielle and Luz, it exploding into a thick fog. "Got'cha, you stinkin' humans."
"Yellow Fang!" shouted Viney, glaring at her big brother. "What did you do?"
"Heke?" said Danielle, as the thick fog rolled away.
As the thick fog rolled away, everyone sees what the potion did to Danielle and Luz. Sitting on the floor and staring around, a four year old Danielle and four year old Luz, wonder where they are.
"Mamá?" said Luz, looking around. "Papá?"
"Mom? Dad?" said Danielle, scooting close to Luz. "Gdzie jest moja mama i tata?"
"Oh dear," said Principal Bump, staring at the young Danielle and young Luz.
Translations
Raz Dwa Trzy- Polish for One Two Three
Perché- Italian for Why
Gdzie jest moja mama I tata?- Polish for Where are my mom and dad?
Allusions
Pokémon- Danielle's abomination is based off a cross between the alolan variants of grimer and muk, also when Danielle says alola to it