Chapter 12: Through the Looking Glass Ruins
Author's Note: Please read the end for a notice. Thank you and enjoy the story.
Morning came and Christa woke up. She rubbed her eyes but to her shock she wasn't in the Owl House. She was in the room she dreamt last time.
Christa: This place again?
She got up and looked around. She looked through the window and saw outside there was a gate around the house she was in and further away was a city. But it didn't look like Bonesborough. It looked too...advanced.
Christa: Wha...Where am I?
Christa went out of the room and through the halls. She made to the main entrance room and went down the stairs. The giant portrait behind her was there, but it wasn't exactly blank this time. This time there was a background, which was the front of the mansion she was in and standing the center was her and the woman she saw last time behind her on her left.
Christa: Is that mom?
But she didn't stay there long and exited the house, but once she did she wasn't outside. Suddenly she was in some kind of temple. There were candles lit all around, pillars, and on an upper platform she went up to, there were walls with wall paintings all around but in the middle were two giant statues together, one looked like it had a beard and the other didn't, but they had actual emeralds on their forheads. They had their hands reaching up together as if they were holding something. When she made up the small stairs. She saw the woman, possibley her mom standing before her.
Christa: Mom?
The woman gazed at her with a frown and reached out to her.
Christa's mom: Come to me my daughter.
Christa eye's widened and took her hand. Her mom pulled her into a hug and held her close. Christa held onto her tight.
Christa: Mom...where are you?
Christa's mom: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry but...this is for your own good.
Christa: What?
But then the doors to the temple bursted open and fire was forming all around temple. Christa covered her face from the intense heat.
Christa: What's happening? Mom?
But when Christ turned, her mom was gone.
Christa: Mom? Mom come back don't leave me alone again!
Then coming from the firey doors was a mysterious figure. The figure was seen more as a silouhette so she couldn't tell who he was as he approached her.
Christa: Who...who are you?
But the only response she got from the figure was his eyes glowing blue and stretched his arm which suddenly enlarged looking like black goop and grabbed Christa, covering her up as she struggled to get out.
Christa: No! Let me go! AAAH!
Christa woke up sitting up. She was back in the Owl House and it was morning. She was breathing heavily having another dream like memory, she looked around and saw Luz and King were not in the room. She was bit scared of what happened at the end but was more confused now. Was that her home she was in? What was the city? It didn't look like Bonesborough, it looked to advanced. What was that temple and why was her mom there? But the biggest question she had was the dark figure that attacked her. Who was he, or her? Finally Luz came back to the room.
Luz: Morning Christa, I wanted to let you sleep so...
Luz noticed the startled look on Christa's face. She looked concerned and kneeled down to her.
Luz: Hey you okay?
Christa: It happened again Luz.
Luz: What, the dream about your mom?
Christa nods in response.
Luz: What happened this time?
Christa: Well, it started the same I woke up in this strange house, I made my way outside but suddenly ended up in some, I think a temple or something? But then I saw my mom and then all of the sudden another person showed up and attacked us.
Luz: What did this other person look like?
Christa: I don't know. He was just a dark figure who creepily came to me and had glowing blue eyes.
Luz: ( whispers) Glowing blue eyes? ( outloud) Are you okay right now?
Christa: I'm fine, little scary but I'm not gonna cry this time. I'm a tough girl.
Luz: ( laughs) What about that bug that crept into your shoe once? You were screaming.
Christa: I was...I was singing. I was singing my scream song.
Luz: Okay...you can put that way. Come on an get ready. We have to go see Archimedes.
Later.
Luz and Christa made it to Archimedes's house. Luz rang the doorbell and moments later, Archimedes opens the door.
Archimedes: Oh Luz, Christa greetings.
Luz: Hey Archimedes, I really need some help with something.
Archimedes: Sure, come in.
Archimedes lead the two inside his home. They made their way to his large study room.
Archimedes: The first human?
Luz: Yeah Eda's mom told me there was another human who once lived in Boiling Isles. I was hoping you might know more.
Archimedes: Let me see.
Archimedes using his magic, levitated the books from his shelves and brought them to him as he went through them.
Archimedes: Let's see where is it, where is it? Ah here it is.
Archimedes took out a book involving special events occuring in Boiling Isles. He flipped through the pages to find the right chapter. Once he found it he placed it on his desk as Luz and Christa stood by him to read it.
Archimedes: Here it is, the human who once lived in Bonesborough, Phillip Whittebane.
Luz: Phillip?
Archimedes: According to this, centuries ago a human mysteriously appeared in our realm. Was said to be found uncouncious in the woods until taken in. He claimed withces from his realm sent him to ours.
Christa: There were withes in the human realm as well?
Luz: Well not exactly, but I remember reading mythst about them.
Archimedes: Back then witches were able to travel through realms with the use of titans blood, but nowadays it's rare to come by and that's why they don't exist in the human realm anymore. Anyway Phillip was known as an exploror of the Boiling Isles, discovering areas we hadn't found at the time but was also on a quest of his own, to find a way back to his world and to find his brother who he said was certain was with him, but lost him when they got transferred here.
Luz: Does it say if he ever got back to his world?
Archimedes: No, that last time anyone has seen him was when he took a boat and set sailed into the sea. However, he never returned.
Luz: Never returned?
Archimedes: He just vanished. Was never heard or seen again.
Luz: ( frowns) So...there's nothing here about finding a way home?
Archimedes: Not in this book, but look at this right here. Before his last departure, rumor has it that he donated his journal to the Bonesborough library. It said the journal is supposed to keep logs of his adventures and life.
Luz: That's it. The journal has to have more information and I have a friend who can help us. She works at the library.
Christa: Then that's where we go next.
Archimedes: If you don't mind I'd like to come. If this rumors are true, I want to know as well. As a historian it's my duty to learn more about history.
Luz: Okay sure. Oh but first I need to get my library card.
Minutes later.
The three arrived at Gus's house.
Archimedes: Wait I thought we were going to go get your library card.
Luz: We are. Well actually I need to borrow Gus's card.
Archimedes: You don't have your own?
Luz: They won't let me. Not ever since that prank I pulled on one of the staff with Amity's siblings backfired horribly. So whenever I need to go, I usually ask Gus.
Luz was about to knock on the door when suddenly Gus opened it and Luz accidentally hits his face.
Gus: AH, my face!
Luz: Oh Gus! I'm so sorry. Are you alright?
Gus: No, I'm not.
Luz: I'm sorry I didn't mean to hit you like that.
Gus: It's not that. It's my spirit.
Christa: Wha...oh is this about the pixie incedent?
Gus: What else? I thought I could help Willow with her pixie problem. I thought " Oh, I'll just lure them away with an illusion." But then...
Luz: It angered the pixies and they attacked Willow. Gus it was an accident.
Christa: And she's gonna fine.
Gus: Yeah but, this was such an amatuer mistake of me. I moved up two grades. What's the point of being good at something if I can't do anything good with it?
Luz: Gus it's going to be fine. It was a mistake anyone could make.
Christa: Take it from me. I'm the Queen of Mistakes. I almost burnt the whole house down when I was trying to control my fire magic, then I tried to stop it with ice and froze the entire house.
Luz: Yup, it was literally an ice age in there. ( chuckles) Were you about to head somewhere Gus?
Gus: Just thought I'd get some fresh air in hopes it would help. Let me guess, you came here to borrow my card to see Amity.
Luz: ( blushes) What? No, no what makes you think that?
Gus: Because that's what you always use it for.
Archimedes: Amity as in the youngest daughter of the Blight family? Isn't she from what I heard a bit...hardcore?
Luz: Nah, she's cool. Okay she was when I first met her, but deep down she's a really sweet person. And cool and so pretty...awesome! Yup, pretty awesome hehehe. Anyway you want to come Gus?
Gus: Got nothing better to do.
The four of them made their way to the library. Gus was behind the three, still looking upset.
Christa: Gus, you're gonna get lost if you keep slowing down.
Gus: That's where I'm meant to be now, in last.
Archimedes: Okay this is starting to look depressing.
Luz: Come on Gus, lighten up.
Gus: It's just, I've been thinking. What if it's time for me to explore different kinds of magic?
Luz: I'm all for trying new things but, what's wrong with illusions.
Gus: Illusions are just so...you know...I guess lame.
Christa: Gus, your illusion magic isn't lame. You were so proud of it.
Gus: I was until now.
Archimedes: I get what your feeling. You're losing confidence in the skills you have. You shouldn't be ashamed of it. I'm part of the History coven and often times hear witches say that's worse than illusions since it really minimizes our magic. That's why we get special staffs.
Luz: I always wondered why your staff looked diffferent from everyone elses.
Archimedes: Do you know how often I was teased for studying to be a historian as a kid? A lot. I was ashamed of it too, but a certain someone...
Luz: Eda.
Archimedes: Yes Eda, encourged me to not to think that.
Gus: That's easier said then done.
Christa: Gus, you just gotta believe and...
Then they heard a roar. They looked down from the bridge and saw the slitherbeast breaking loose from some bounty hunters.
Archimedes: A slitherbeast? Here?
They watched as the slitherbeast ran and was heading towards Warden Wrath's son Braxxus who was playing.
Braxxus: Yay! Huh?
Christa: Oh no it's heading towards that kid!
Christa wanted to save the kid, but then two other older kids arrived. One of them with chocolate skin and black hair used obomination magic and formed the abomination on the floor wich caused the slitherbeast to slip. The other kid was a cat like demon with blonde hair used plant magic and created a wall of vines causing the slitherbeast to bounce back. Finally one more showed up, this one a girl with blue hair, jumped over it from behind and with the use of her construction magic, she trapped the slitherbeast inside a tomb of dirt.
Bria: Good work guys!
The crowd cheered for them.
Archimedes: Oh...they're goood.
Luz: Very. Gus did you...Gus?
Gus just looked at them so amazed and how cool they were. As he looked amazed, Warden Wrath went to go check on his son.
Warden Wrath: Are you okay son?
Braxxas: Yes daddy. Thank you mysterious heroes.
Bria: Stay safe out there.
As the trio were about to leave, Gus approached them
Gus: Wow! Just wow! Plants. Abomination. Construction. You guys took down that slitherbeast like it was nothing.
Bria: Nah, it wasn't that easy.
Gavin: ( to Bria) Yeah, looked like you had a real hard time out there.
Gus: You're Glandus students, right? I go to Hexside. Name's Gus.
Bria: Nice to meet ya. This is Angmar. Gavin.
Gavin: Yo what's up?
Bria: And I'm-
Mattholomule: Bria!
Then coming from behind Gus was his rival Mattholomule, running towards them.
Mattholomule: ( panting) I would have helped but here was this uh...other baby in danger. You probably didn't see.
Gus: Mattholomule?
Mattholomule: Agustus? Back off twerp. This operation is for Glandus kids only.
Bria: Hey Matty it's all cool. Did you get the map?
Mattholomule: ( showing her map) Yes and I only had to endure 35 noogies from my older brother.
Bria: Nice work.
Gus: Well I can see you guys are really busy, so...
Bria: Wait. Have you ever heard of the Galdorstones?
Gavin: They're powerful relics. Many witches and demons have sought them.
Angmar: But they've all returned empty-handed, haunted by its guardian. Until us!
Bria: We heard some coven scouts talking about them, but it'll be rough going. You said you are a Hexside student, right? We could use the extra strength.
Gus: That sounds awesome, but I can't. I promised a friend I'd help her with something today.
Suddenly Luz and Christa appeared in between them after losing breath from the invisibility spell, startling everyone.
Christa: ( panting) Oh man. Couldn't hold...breathe...much longer.
Luz: Gus we happened to over hear and I think you should go.
Mattholomule: Well he can't. Gus is just an illusionist. He'll just hold us back.
Luz and Christa glared at him for calling him out like that.
Luz: Ha, shows what you know. Gus here is a regular super witch.
Gus: Uh Luz?
Christa: Yeah, Gus is like the most powerful witch I know. I've seen him uh...um... do all sorts of spells. And there's rumor he can turn the pages of a book.
Mattholomule: ( sarcastically) Oh wow, he can read, that's so amazing.
Christa: With his mind!
Gus: Christa.
Gus pulls the two away.
Gus: Guys I know what you're trying to do, but I don't know any other spells besides illusions.
Luz: No problem.
Luz hands him a stack of glyphs for him.
Gus: I...I don't know.
Luz: Come on man. You know I'm all about proving jerks wrong.
Gus: ( sighs) Yeah you are. Alright.
Luz: Oh and Christa, why don't you go with him?
Christa: You won't need me for your research?
Luz: Nah, I have Archimedes and Amity might be there too and it might be a it boring compared to this. Besides someones gotta be Gus's motivator and who's a better motivator than you.
Christa: Uh you?
Luz: Well okay yeah, but you're great at it too. Just be there for Gus and support him.
Christa: ( nods) Alright then.
Christa takes Gus's hand.
Christa: Come on Gus, it's you and me on this one. The two of us. Show that Mat...whatever his name was who's boss.
Gus: Yup, the two of us.
Gus and Christa approaches back to Bria.
Gus: Alright I'm in. Where do we find these galderstones.
Bria: We're journying to...
Scene cuts to them now standing on a hilltop.
Bria: The Looking Glass Ruins in forearm forest.
Mattolomule: What's wrong Augustus? Scared.
Bria: We all are. Who knows what awaits us there? ( to Gus) But we all go each others backs right?
Bria winks at Gus making him blush.
Gus: Yeah. Ahem I mean yeah let's go!
The five of them cheered as they ran down with Mattolomule unamused and following them from behind.
Meanwhile at the library, Luz and Archimedes made it there and entered. They looked around to find Amity.
Archimedes: Hmm, haven't been here in a while. Mainly my library has just as much as here, maybe a bit more.
Luz: I don't see Amity anywhere. I really hope she's here.
Archimedes: ( smirking) Oh I see your bit anxious to see her.
Luz: ( blushing) I mean just because we really need her help. Yeah and she is my bestie here.
Archimedes: I see.
The two kept looking but couldn't find her.
Luz: Maybe she's not here today.
But then she saw a young witch putting books on the shelves. She only saw her from behind and she had lavender hair. Luz approached her.
Luz: Uh excuse me. Is Amity Blight here?
The girl turns around who is actually Amity.
Amity: Oh I'm her can I help you with...Luz.
Luz: Amity?
Amity: ( blushing) Luz, hey so uh...how you been?
Luz: ( blushing) Uh fine. Your hair it's, different.
Amity: Oh yeah, I uh was trying something different. Got tired of the green hair since mom preffered it that way and she really had it at me for changing it. Do you not like it?
Luz: No, no I love it! You look so b-beautif...I mean p-p-pretty...I mean good. Yup you really look good. Pretty good, hehehe.
Luz looked away blushing. She really loved Amity's new hair dye. She looked cuter with it. It was like cotton candy. Archimedes saw how the two were acting around each other. He could tell they really liked each other, but never told one another how they feel. He knows. He's been there.
Luz: Anyway, Amity this is Archimedes. Eda's boyfriend.
Archimedes: It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Blight.
Amity: Hi, but no need to call me that. I didn't even know Eda had a boyfriend.
Archimedes: Well we just started dating. Anyway Luz you want to tell her.
Luz: Right. Amity I need you help with something.
Amity: Yes I can help! With what exactly?
Luz showed Amity the book Archimedes showed her earlier.
Luz: Hundreds of years ago there was a human named Phillip Whittebane living in Bonesborough and it's said that he donated his journal to this library.
Amity: And this might tell you how to travel between realms right?
Luz: Yes. My mom probably thinks I'm missing right now. I have to get back to her as soon as I can.
Archimedes: But is something that old still here?
Amity: Something this old would have to be kept in, the forbidden stacks.
Amity pointed out to a large door creepy looking door.
Luz: This?
Amity: Yes, only Malfas the master librarian is allowed here. I can try and sneak you in. It could result in me losing my job but I want to help.
Luz: Whoa wait, I don't want to get you in trouble Amity. Like my mom always says, there's always another way.
Archimedes: Wait, who did you say was the Master Librarian?
Amity: Malfas?
Archimedes: Malfas eh. ( smirks) Perfect.
Archimedes walks away.
Luz: Wait where you going?
Archimedes: Don't worry, we're getting in there.
Meanhwile with Gus.
Gus and Christa were with the group, making their way through the thick forest.
Bria: This will be a breeze once we get the galderstones.
Gus: What can the galderstones actually do?
Mattholomule: If you're holding one, any spell you cast will get a big power boost.
Christa: Whoa really?
Angmar: I can grow an entire forest and make my own butterfly sanctuary.
Gavin: I can create the biggest abomination ever. I bet dad would pay attention to that.
Gus: Whoa.
Mattholomule: Sorry, doesn't do squat for illusions. You can't enhance what's not actually there.
Christa couldn't stand the way Mattholomule was treating Gus. As they walked she manipulated a tree root from the ground to come up a bit, making Mattholomule trip and fall.
Christa: That'll teach him.
Bria: Hold up guys. We've just come to our first challenge.
Blocking their path was a large patch of thorny vines.
Mattholomule: Well show us what you got Augustus. What did that human call you? A super witch?
Bria: Oh, that's a great idea. Go on Gus. I know you can do it.
Gus approaches the thorny vines looking nervous.
Christa: Just relax Gus, just use the glyphs Luz gave you. Show them off.
Gus nodded as she stepped back. Gus took out the fire glyph and got it ready.
Gus: Fire ball!
Gus formed a spell circle but then he tapped on the fire glyph and shot through the circle to make it look like he made a fire spell. The fire ball burnt through the thorned vines, clearing a path for them as the Glandus kids cheered for him and made their way in.
Bria: Awesome, I knew bringing you was a good idea.
Christa approached him from behind and patted his shoulder.
Christa: Nice one Gus.
Gus: Thanks.
Mattholomule: I don't know what's going on. But I got my eyes on you.
Mattholomule caught up with the others as did Gus and Christa.
Meanwhile back in the library.
Malfas: You want what now?
Archimedes: I'm requesting you give the three of us permission to look inside the forbidden stacks.
Malfas: No way, I can't let you do that Archimedes. That area is like, off limits you know. It's like called the forbidden stacks for a reason you know. For-bid-den.
Archimedes: Yes, but remember several years back during the coven convention when you were chosen to have the honor to give the speech for the History Coven, but then you threw out your voice after laughing so hard from that show, The Office, the demon realm edition of course. So I helped you out by hiding with another microphone and said the speech as you lip synced it. You said you owed me big for that.
Malfas: ( sighs) Yes you did help me with that. Okay fine, the three of you can enter. Just please don't like break anything and if you get hurt, I'm like totally not responsible okay?
Archimedes: We'll be fine, thank you Malfas.
Archimedes turns back to Luz and Amity.
Archimedes: Shall we then?
Amity: I didn't know you and Malfas know each other.
Archimedes: We had the same class back in scool.
Luz: Alright way to go Archy.
Amity lead them to the door to the Forbidden stacks. Amity opened it up with her card as the three entered. The place was all dark and creepy looking. There were statues all around and old shelves with books.
Luz: Is this it?
Amity: No it's further up. Here.
The three made it the main area of the forbidden stacks. It was lower level area in large pit. Books were floating around and ghostly hands were emerging taking books and placing them back.
Luz: So this is it huh? Alright let's get looking.
The three went down the stairs. Luz was the last one coming down but when she was getting close to the ground, the edge of the stone stair crumbled, causing her to fall down.
Luz: AAAH!
Amity: Luz!
Amity caught Luz from falling face down. Luz was on her chest holding her. The two quickly let go blushing.
Amity: Um, you okay.
Luz: Yeah uh, you guys might need some refurbishments around here.
Archimedes: It's incredible, I've about this section but never been in here and you say neither have you Amity.
Amity: No, only Malfas. He's usually very nice and he gave me my own study room. If we hadn't gotten permission, he would definitly feed us to the book worms.
Luz: I know here that probably means unholy blood sucking snake monster but in my world it's just a cute name for nerds.
Amity: Ha, the human world sounds odd.
Luz: Maybe it'd be less odd if I showed you.
Amity's eye's widened of the idea Luz showing her around the human world. If she was to go, she would want to go with the person she cared about.
Luz: I mean theirs so much I can show you, things to do and food you would probably find only there and...
Amity take's Luz's hand.
Amity: We're finding you that journal!
Amity pulled her away as Archimedes watched.
Archimedes: Yup, she's definitly into her. How cute.
They looked through certain sections of the area.
Archimedes: Wait I think it's this one right here. Donations: Deadwardian era 1600s. Lets look here.
The three of them looked around the area. Archimedes had one side while Luz and Amity had the other. They looked for a bit, but nothing, some books even crumbled to dust hoping none of those was the journal.
Archimedes: It could be anywhere. Any luck Luz? Luz?
Archimedes turned and Luz just staring at Amity. She was just gazing at her of how beautiful she was. Especially with her new hair. It was like cotton candy.
Archimedes: Earth to Luz. Hello?
Luz: AH! I'm awake what?
Archimedes: You okay.
Luz: Oh yeah I'm just looking for the journal.
Archimedes: By looking at her.
Luz: No, I mean...
Archimedes: ( smirks) Oh I see what's going on. You like her don't you?
Luz: ( blush) What? No I don't.
Archimedes: Oh yeah than why is your face red?
Luz: Uh...because it's hot in here? Okay, maybe a little. She's just so...amazing.
Archimedes: Does she know how you feel?
Luz: No, but I don't know how to tell her?
Archimedes: You want me to put a magic spell on her so you can tell.
Luz: Wha no. Are...are you teasing me?
Archimedes: Just a little. Now you know how I felt when you tried to get me with Eda.
Luz: Hmm, very funny Archy.
Archimedes: But with all seriousness, I think she'd want to know.
Luz: She would want know? Nah, I mean I'm glad to be her friend, but I don't think she'd want to actually go out with someone like me.
Archimedes: What about me and Eda.
Luz: You guys knew each other for years, I just met her a few months ago and...( gasps) wait.
Luz found a book on a shelf and takes it out. She blew the dust off the cover and on it had the initials of Phillip Whittebane.
Luz: I think I found it!
Amity: You found it! Good job Luz.
Archimedes: Great, lets see it.
Luz opened the journal but when she did all that was there wsa a mouse with a skull head that ate through the pages.
Luz: ( gasps) You little rat!
The mouse jumps off the book and runs off.
Archimedes: Wait Luz, get that mouse!
Luz: What?
Archimedes: Get it! Quick, quick!
The three of them tried to chase after it, but then the mouse ran inside it's mouse hole. Archimedes got down to the floor and looked inside the hole.
Archimedes: Wait no come back!
Luz: ( frowns) Forget it Archimedes. There's no point in hunting it down.
Archimedes: No,no,no. We can still get the info.
Luz: By cutting it open?
Amity: It's an echomouse Luz. It consumes knowlege from writing and can play back anything it eats.
Archimedes: That's right we still got a chance. If he could just come out.
Archimedes puts his arm inside the hole.
Amity: Um Archimedes I don't think that's such a...
Archimedes: Come on. You're around there somewhere. OW!
Archimedes pulled his arm out and held his hand.
Archimedes: He bit me.
Amity: I tried to warn you.
Luz: Maybe if we had some cheese we could lure him out.
Amity: I got this.
Amity walked towards the hole and kneeled down. She reached into her pocket and took out a snack bar resembling a granola bar and broke it into pieces. She placed one piece near the entrance.
Amity: Come on out. It's okay.
The echomouse peeked out and saw the gronola piece and ate it. Amity put a few more on the floor, making a trail to her hand.
Amity: That's right, come here. It's okay no ones going to hurt you.
The echomouse ate the trail until finally it got the last piece on Amity's hand. She held the echomouse and met back with the others.
Amity: That's how you get an echomouse to come to you.
Luz: So cool.
Archimedes: I knew that I was just a bit anxious.
Meanwhile back with Gus.
The group were still making their way the ruins.
Mattholomule: According to the map we should be getting close.
As Mattholomule was leading the group to show off, he is suddenly picked up by big snake like creature, holding him from his leg as he paniced.
Gus: Don't worry Matty, I got you.
Mattholomule: Hey only Bria can call me that!
Gus secretly pulls out a plant glyhp as a large vine rises from the ground as it merely pokes the snake, dropping Matholomule as Gavin and Angmar help him up.
Gavin: Come on dude.
Angmar: I'm not surprised you couldn't handle Glandus.
Gus: What do they mean by, couldn't handle Glandus?
Bria: Things well, worked differenlty at Glandis. Weak students are often pushed around by the strong.
Christa: That's kinda messed up don't you think?
Bria: Yeah, but if I had a galdorstone, I might be able to change things for the better.
Mattholomule: Hey! Over here.
Gus, Christa and Bria caught up with Mattholomule and to their surprise, they made it the entrance of the Looking Glass ruins.
Christa: Is this it? It look so...ancient.
Mattholomule: Yeah, it's called the Looking Glass ruins for a reason.
Bria: We're finally here. Okay Angmar your on look out duty.
Bria turns to Angmar who was distracted chasing a butterfly.
Bria: Angmar...
Angmar stopped on his tracks looking nervous.
Bria: I said you're on look out duty. And if I see you playing with anymore bugs, I'll make you eat them okay?
Angmar stood their on look out after Bria's threat.
Bria: Okay I believe in you!
Christa: ( whispers) That was kinda threatning a cheerful way?
Gus: ( whispers) Kinda.
They entered the ruins and they find a circle of tall hooded statues in the area.
Christa: Man, it's even more ancient in the inside.
Gus: I hear you Christa.
Bria climbed up one of the statues to where the hands were. She removed some leaves and found a crystal like orb on the hand.
Bria: It's here.
She took the galdorstone off the hand and met back down with the others.
Bria: At last. The power of the galdorstones is ours.
Bria tested it's power and formed a large pillar from the ground, so high like a tower. Once seeing what it did, the others went around to get the rest. Everyone except Gus and Christa.
Christa: They do seem powerful. But, I don't think I need one. I'm trying to control my powers not enhace it. So does it really not work for you Gus? Gus?
Christa turned and saw Gus approach one of the statues. He kneeled down and uncovered a plaque at the bottom also covered in leaves.
Gus: Christa look at this.
Christa: What is it?
Gus: Look right here. Mari the Phantom Bringer.
They went to go look at another statue.
Gus: Aleth the Vision Creator?
Then looked at another one?
Gus: Khari the Mirage Maker? But these titles are for...( gasps) Oh no.
Christa: What? What does this mean?
Gus: Christa these aren't ruins. It's an illusionist graveyard.
Christa: What?!
Gus: We have to stop this.
Gus and Christa went to Bria and the others.
Gus: Guys wait, this is actually an illusionist graveyard.
Bria: Oh Gus, you're saying as if it's a bad thing?
Gus: What? These stones are their's we shouldn't take them.
Christa: You're grave robbing this place.
Bria: Even if these witches were alive what would illusionists use galderstones for. High def party tricks? Come on Gus, don't you want to power up those cool spells of yours?
Gus: No, this isn't right. I won't let you steal these.
Bria: ( glaring) I don't think you know what you're saying Gus.
Christa stepped up to her glaring back.
Christa: Watch it Bria.
But before any fight could occur, Angmar runs in freaking out.
Angmar: It's real! It's real! The guardian is real and it's coming this way!
They saw a cloudy mist entering inside the ruins as everyone hid. The guardian reveals itself as a levitating blue whale like monster with fire around.
Angmar: I heard it has the power to control weather.
Gavin: And summon ghosts.
Bria: Well, I wonder if it can control a little fire.
Bria pushes Gus outside.
Christa: Gus! What are you doing?
Bria: Distracting it with bait.
The guardian see's Gus and was about to attack. He tried to look into his pockets for anymore glyphs, but had none.
Gus: I'm all out of glyphs.
Christa: Gus!
Christa ran out to help him. She got in front as the emerald on her head began to glow as she formed a fire ball at the Guardian. Then she formed vines from her hands and it tied up the guardian.
Christa: Let's go come on!
Christa grabbed Gus's arm as the two tried to run out. But the Guardian broke free and tried to attack by ramming into them. Christa formed a wave of water and pushed it to the ground as the two hid.
Christa: That thing is tough. I don't think I can beat it.
Gus: Maybe not, but maybe I can scare him away.
Gus went out and made an illusion of the guardian. But when he did, suddenly the main guardian started to flicker. Gus saw this and lost concentration on his illusion.
Christa: Gus watch out!
Gus: Wait look.
The two watched as the guardian poofed away and standing in his place was an old man.
Keeper: I-I don't believe it. Are, are you an illusionist?
Gus: Um yes?
Keeper: Ho,ho yes. It's been a long time since I've had a visitor and better yet another illusionist.
Christa: Who are you?
Keeper: Who am I? Why I'm the keeper of the Looking Glass Graveyard. I didn't mean to scare you two, but I was only doing my duty in protecting this place. As an illusionist we gain no power from the galdorstones so it's likely we can't use them for evil. I think.
Christa: Well we're trying to stop the others from stealing the galdorstones.
Gus: Yeah, you gotta help us.
But then they heard Bria's voice and turned.
Bria: So, the big bad guardian was just another useless illusionist. ( giggles) Today just keeps getting better and better.
Gavin and Angmar trap the three together. Gavin gathered them with his abomination while Angmar tied their bodies with roots.
Gus: We're trapped.
Keeper: Oh, looks like we're in a real pickle.
Christa: You'll never take us alive!
Gus: They just did take us alive Christa.
Christa: Oh, right. I can't... I can't use my arms. I can't use any magic to break us free.
As Bria and the others kept collecting the galdorstones, Mattholomule picked one up, only to get it snatched away by Angmar.
Mattholomule: Hey that was mine.
Bria: Oh Matty we're playing by Glandus rules. You can have anything you want, if you're strong enough to take it that is.
Mattholomule had it with the way he was being treated approached Gus, Christa and the Keeper.
Mattholmule: Hey.
Gus: What, you hear to rub it in?
Mattholomule: No, look I didn't know she was going to do this. This is exactly how it was at Glandus. Always Bria's stooge.
Gus: Better a stooge than a clown. Bria was right, illusions are nothing but high def party tricks.
Christa: No she isn't! Gus illusion powers are not useless.
Gus: You don't know that Christa! You're don't know what it's like studying to be an illusionist or knowing how to use the powers yet failing to make good out of it or know there are probaby better covens out there!
Gus looked over at Christa, who wasn't looking at him, but could tell he upset her.
Gus: Christa, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...
Christa: You're right. I'm not illusionist and I don't know if I have any powers on it, but I'm struggling with my powers too you know. Yeah I have fire, plant, ice and water spells, but sometimes I have trouble keeping them at bay or they lash out when I want to use a different spell. I even know I have an earth spell.
Mattholomule: Um construction magic.
Christa: I have construction magic, yet I don't even know how to access it yet. It's frustrating that I haven't mastered it and I mess up a lot. Like a lot, but I try to keep on going. I know you messed up with Willow, but you shouldn't let that hold you back. I've seen what you could do with your magic and even this old man.
Keeper: Actually my name is...
Christa: And...well I hate to say this but even that Legion of Five guy Satara...Satty..Santa...sorry his name was so confusing but he was not easy to fight. If that's so, than I know there's more to illusions that just party tricks. I always thought your magic was cool Gus. I always thought you were cool. You always amazed me.
Gus gave her a small smile for her speech.
Mattholomule: You know, she's gotta point.
Mattolomule used his magic and made a saw out of the ground and started cutting the bottom of the root.
Mattholomule: I thought illusions were for losers. But then I met some dork who used his powers to save me from a man eating detention pit even though I got him in trouble.
He cut through the roots and three were finally free.
Mattholomule: All I'm saying is that if some dumb illusion can save a jerk like me, maybe it's not as useless as you think.
Gus smiled at Mattholomule
Gus: Thanks Mattholomule and thank you Christa.
Christa smiled and ruffled his hair.
Gus: Alright, it's time to teach those jerks a lesson.
Keeper: I agree. Summon the hounds.
The three of them looked at the Keeper with horrified looks.
Mattholomule: Whoa.
Christa: We want to teach them a lesson, not have them eaten alive.
Keeper: Yeah I thought it was a bit much also. I thought kids these days were into edgy or intense things you know. Or wait do kids still like edgy things? Sorry I've been here for who knows how long now.
Gus: With all due respect sire. I like to use something a bit more creative.
We cut then cut to Bria, Gavin and Angmar getting the last of the galdorstones. As this is happening Angmar saw another butterfly ( a suspicious looking one) fly past him.
Gavin: I think we got them all.
Bria: You know, we should sell the small ones to the Emperor's Coven and keep the rest for ourselves. Angmar sort the big and small stones. Angmar?
Bria saw Angmar following the strange butterfly.
Bria: Angmar! Get back here.
But he didn't listen as he followed the butterfly into the fog.
Bria: Eh whatever. Didn't really like him anyway. Alright Gav lets...
Gavin: D-Dad?
Appearing from the fog, Gavin saw his dad, which is literally just a duplicate of himself but with a mustache.
Gavin's dad: Gavin, I just want you to know that I'm proud of you. Now how about we grab some ice cream son.
Gavin approached him with glee.
Gavin: Sounds great pop. Wait, why do you look like me but with a mustache?
Gavin's dad: Hey! You sassing you're old man?
Gavin: No, no. Sorry pop.
Gavin walked away into the fog with his dad, leaving Bria all alone.
Bria: Come out illusionist. I'm not dumb enough to fall for these tricks.
Suddenly the whole area turned into a black void. Bria stood there a bit concerned as she could sense someone near her.
Bria: You can't scare me.
Bria using her magic punches the ground, forming a rock pillar and breaking the illusion as the area returned to normal.
Bria: Ha! Who's strong now? I never needed those losers anyway.
Bria picks up the bag of galdorstones as she walks out of the graveyard.
Bria: More for me.
But then the fog appeared again. She looked up as the statues began to move. They turned their heads to her as they moaned, eyes glowed and blood dripped from the eyes and mouth. Then bursting from the stone walls were two rock like humanoids. They too had glowing eyes and blood dripping from the eyes and mouth. One of them slowly approached her limping while the other fell to the ground upon emergence and crawled itself to her. But Bria still didn't look scared.
Bria: Ha, cute.
Bria tried to use her magic, but couldn't. The moment she formed a spell circle it faded.
Bria: Why isn't my magic working?
Then her hands began to turn grey and crumble to dust as she freaks out.
Bria: What's going on. No, no calm down. It's just an illusion. It can't hurt me. Ha,ha it can't even touch me.
But then the crawling stone humanoind grabbed her leg. Bria looked down in fear as the stone humanoid showed it's face, reavealing to be hers. Bria fell back and ran out screaming.
Bria: AAAH. Cursed. This place is cursed!
Once Bria was gone, the environment returned to normal revealing it to all be an illusion mixed with some construction magic from Mattholomule for some puppeteering. The stone figure standing up was Christa and while the one crawling was Gus.
Keeper: Are they gone?
Gus: Yeah...they are.
Christa: Woo, that was fun. Gus that was so incredible.
Christa went and helped Gus up, who looked a bit tired.
Gus: Yeah that...that took a lot of concentration.
Keeper: Ha,ha my boy that was magnifcent. Playing an illusion over the whole graveyard to make it as if the stones aren't working? Very clever. Keep owning your powers of observation child and there is no limits of what you can do
Gus: Well, there are some limits. I wish I could repair the damage they did.
He motioned towards the graveyard which was a mess now and the statues looked all broken.
Mattholomule: Um, maybe I can help.
A little while later.
The graveyard was fixed up now, though a bit poorly done as the statue pieces were mis matched or facing the wrong way.
Keeper: Thank you three for defending the Looking Glass Graveyard. But I'm getting too old for this. Maybe it's time I'd leave this place for good.
Gus: But there's so much history here.
Christa: And won't others attempt to steal the galdorstones too?
Mattholomule: What if we came back here during weekends to help build your defenses?
Keeper: Hmm, you know I'd like that. You three are welcome here anytime. Til then, byyyeeee!
The Keeper's body vanishes.
Mattholomule: Okay he's definitly a ghost.
Gus: Listen Mattholomule...
Mattholomule: If you're about to say you love me, I swear to titan I...
Gus: Actually I was going to say you were the biggest jerk I know.
Mattholomule: Oh...
Gus: But at the same time, you're a good friend.
Mattholomule: Oh...thanks man.
Gus: And Christa. I'm so sorry for lashing out on you. You were just trying to help, I was just frustrated and..
Christa: It's okay Gus. I'm actually proud of you. You showed what an illusionist can really do.
Gus: Yeah I did. But I couldn't have done it without some encouragement from a certain someone. Thanks for having my back today.
Christa: Of course Gus, come here.
Christa opened her arms to him for a hug, which he quickly gave her.
Mattholomule: Um...can I have one of those?
Christa: ( rolling eyes) Eh what the heck. Come here Matty.
Mattholomule joins their hug.
Meanhwile.
We cut back to Luz, Amity and Archimedes outside the library. Luz held the echomouse in her hands.
Luz: Okay so you said this little guy can still show us the joiurnal. But how?
Amity: Well you gotta make him feel comfortable. They only show what they eat depending on how they feel.
Archimedes: Allow me.
Archimedes took some of Amity's snack and offered it to the echomouse.
Archimedes: Alright little guy, have a little snack.
The echomouse sniffed the snack, but ends up biting Archimedes's finger.
Archimedes: OW! Why does he keep biting me?
Luz: I don't know, I guess he just doesn't like you.
Amity: Let me try.
Amity took the echomouse and scratched it's head. Suddenly it's eyes began to glow and started to project journal like a movie as they heard Phillip's voice.
Phillip: My journy in the demon realm is far from over. But today, I humbly donate my journal to the ages.
Archimedes: It's working. It's working!
Luz and Amity: Shh.
Phillip: Entry 1, May 21st. My name is Phillip Whittebane and I found myself in a world so horrid yet fantastic. Few minds could have dreamt it. If only those at home could see what I have. But perhaps they will. The more I know about this realm the more I am certain I can harnass it's strange powers to return home, but at the same time, I want to find my brother. I know he was with me when we came, but somehow we were separated. But I won't leave him here. I will find him and as I do so, will be recording my journy to make a portal back to the human realm.
The journal entry ends as the projection fades away.
Luz: Wow.
Amity: Yeah wow.
Luz: Well then, looks like we'll be getting the information I need. Slowly but it's there.
Archimedes: Also maybe it's best you keep the echomouse with you.
Luz: You sure Archy.
Archimedes: Yeah I mean he doesn't like me and I guess it's useless to have me keep him. Plus you need it more to find out how to get back to your world.
Luz: Thanks, but I promise to note down whatever I see and give it to you.
Archimedes: Really appreciate that.
Luz: Amity, thanks for helping.
Amity: Of course Luz. I promise I'll do everything I can to help you get home.
Luz: That's so sweet of you and thank you little mouse. I hope you and I can become good friends.
Amity: Don't worry. You always have a way of sneaking into people's hearts.
Without thinking, Amity kissed Luz on the cheek. Luz after being kissed looked at Amity, eyes sparkling.
Archimedes: Bold move, Blight.
Amity realizing what she did her face turned red.
Amity: Uh well okay it was nice seeing you but I really got to get back to work. Farewell forever.
Amity quickly turned around and went back inside the library.
Amity: Oh why did I do that? Why did I do that? Why did I do that?
Luz just watched Amity leave. She had no words for what just happened. Amity kissed her. So many emotions collided into her, she didn't know how to react.
Archimedes: You uh...alright?
Luz: Yeah. Yeah I am. Um, well, I should really check back with Christa and Gus.
Christa: Hey Luz!
Luz and Archimedes turned and saw Christa and Gus approaching them.
Luz: Oh guys you're back. So you feeling okay Gus?
Gus: Yeah, I'm cool. Somethings happened but everything worked out.
Luz: Well that's good.
Christa: Did you find Phillip's journal?
Luz: Well sort of.
Luz showed them the echomouse.
Gus: Uh a mouse?
Luz: It's a long story, I'll explain it later. Thanks again for helping us on this Archimedes
Archimedes: It's my pleasure. Oh wait, Christa I'm glad you're here. I forgot to tell you all something earlier. It's about the pod.
Christa: R-Really?
Luz: What did you find out?
Arcimedes: Well I'm still not sure where it came from but I did find a symbol on it, the same symbol when you visited the tower King came from.
Luz: What?
Christa: So, are you saying whoever made the pod, might also have some connection to King's origin.
Archimedes: Maybe I'm still searching into that. But one thing I did find out for sure. The pod you were in. It's a suspension pod.
Christa: Suspension? What does that mean?
Archimedes: It means it was to keep you in suspended animation. To put you in a deep sleep for years but preventing you from aging.
Luz: Hold on, years? How long was she in there?
Archimedes: I don't know. The mechanisms on it were broken and had no access to the history usage.
Luz looked at Christa, who's eyes were widened. She found out the pod was a suspension pod. The only thing she could think of was why was she put in the pod and mainly, how long was she in there?
To be continued...
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. I wasn't sure whether to have Gus's segment or not here because I wasn't sure if it was necessary to the plot and the episode did feel like two A stories merged into one rather than an A story and B story. I will be adding some of my own lore into Phillip's journal entries to build the plot. Also one important thing I should mention, I re-edited chapter 7 my retelling of " Escaping Expulsion." More specifically, the scene of Shadam and Selene's conversation. As I was rewatching " Through the Looking Glass Ruins" I realized witches can manipulate the earth if they are part of the construction coven. I forgot what powers exactly construction had but I had it that earth powers were not possible. Can you blame me, the only ones I'm familiar that I see are plant, obomination, illusions, bard and maybe potions. Every other coven power we rarely saw. I forgot Eda's mom was part of the beast keeping coven when I retold the last chapter and thought she was part of the healers. I apologize this is bit of a turn for the story and for not doing my homework. I promise it's nothing too big, but this won't happen again and will do better next time. Oh but I'm excited for the next chapter, this one I've been dying to do. I'd like to thank Lady Shadow92 for help on this one. Oh and of course some of you may of asked if you could help or had some ideas to share. If you have any suggestions, just PM me or just leave it in the reviews. If you liked this chapter be sure to follow favorite and review. As always thank you and until next time.