Chapter 9: take back the crown
Hey everybody! I'm back with a new chapter. This one took me a while to write because I had to split the first episode of The Owl House into two parts. So basically, this is the second part. I hope you guys enjoy it. Relax, review, and enjoy!
That night, they stood in front of a super scary building as thunder echoed.
"I think we have different views on what's fun," Luz cringed.
"Yeah, did you really need to grab a crown?" Jake asked.
"Jake's a scaredy cat," Stitch said.
"No, I'm not," Jake retorted.
"Then do it, Jake," Stitch challenged.
"Fine, fine," Jake conceded.
"The Conformatorium, a place for those considered unsuitable for society," Eda said as they noticed their wanted posters everywhere.
"They didn't even get my nose right," Finn said, looking at his wanted poster.
"Hey, at least you have something. They just got my staff," Asher said.
"Wow, these guys really have the hots for you," Luz said.
"Oh, come on. They don't have a chance with Aunt Eda," Finn said.
"Yeah, the only person who ever did is—" Asher started before Eda covered his mouth.
"Don't talk about them, remember?" Eda said, making him nod his head.
"Alright, listen. The four of us will sneak to the top of the tower where they are holding my crown," King pointed.
"And me and the kids are gonna make sure the warden is distracted," Eda said.
"Yep, we're good at distracting things," Finn said.
"Just like that one time we were trying to steal that guitar," Asher said.
"How did that go?" Jake asked.
"It didn't go so well," Finn said, embarrassed.
"Will I need a disguise?" Luz gasped excitedly.
"Uh," Eda began as Luz put her hoodie up to reveal cat ears.
"I've been waiting to use this. Meow meow," Luz said.
"Please, Luz, this is a disguise," Jake said as Stitch handed him a capsule.
"Thanks, Stitch," Jake said before pressing down on the capsule and throwing it on the ground.
In a puff of smoke, clothes appeared: a black cloak with blue pants and a black and yellow shirt.
Jake quickly put them on.
"How about you, Stitch?" Jake asked.
"Stitch doesn't need a disguise," Stitch said.
"Alright then," Jake said.
"It's hideous," King said.
"You two will fit right in," Eda said, slamming her staff down. A ring appeared under them. "Hang on tight!"
Climbing in, Jake, Stitch, Luz, and King looked around to see cells all over the place.
"You two probably should go with them," Eda said to Asher and Finn.
"Who's going to watch your back?" Asher said.
"I'll be fine, okay? Just go with them," Eda insisted.
"Fine, fine. Don't get yourself killed," Finn said as they shapeshifted into owls and flew off.
"Hey, catgirl, black boy, blue koala thing. How did you get out of your cells?" a girl asked.
"Oh, I'm not a cat," Luz said, taking off her hood.
"I'm just going to ignore that, assuming you guys don't have racism here," Jake said.
"Stitch no koala. Stitch," Stitch said, crossing his arms.
"Neither are we. The stupid warden likes to lock people up who don't fit in. Like, I write fanfics of food falling in love. I like food, I like love... just let me write about it," she said.
"I'm here because I like eating my own eyes," another prisoner said.
"We are agents of fwee expwession! They will never silence us!" a small white creature said.
"Yeah, she's into conspiracy theories," the fanfic prisoner said.
"The world is a simuwation! We are but pwaythings for a higher being!" the conspiracy prisoner said.
"Okay, that was creepy," Jake said.
"Le je impordement," Stitch said.
"I know, Stitch, they're captured," Jake said.
"You guys are just weird like us," Luz said, when they heard thudding footsteps.
"It's Warden Wrath! Hide!" the fanfic prisoner said.
Looking around, Luz and Jake grabbed King and Stitch, then ran into a cell as a large figure with a glowing mask and a large beak walked in. This was Warden Wrath.
As they huddled in the cell, trying to stay out of sight, they watched Warden Wrath pace through the hall. His heavy footsteps echoed ominously.
"Attention, prisoners!" Warden Wrath's voice boomed. "There will be no escaping this time. Anyone caught trying to leave will face severe consequences."
Luz whispered, "We need to find a way to the top of the tower without getting caught."
Jake nodded. "Yeah, but how? This place is crawling with guards."
"I have an idea," King said quietly. "There's a ventilation shaft over there. If we can get inside, we can crawl our way to the top."
"That's actually a good idea," Luz said. "Let's go."
They carefully made their way to the ventilation shaft, avoiding the Warden's gaze. Stitch effortlessly pried open the grate, and they climbed inside one by one.
As they crawled through the narrow vent, Luz whispered, "I can't believe we're doing this. It feels like we're in a spy movie or something."
Jake chuckled softly. "Yeah, it does. Just hope we don't get caught."
Stitch led the way, his keen senses guiding them through the labyrinthine vents. After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached an opening that looked out onto a large chamber near the top of the tower.
"Look, there it is," King pointed out. "That's where they're keeping the crown."
As they prepared to exit the vent, they heard voices below.
"We have to be careful," Jake said. "Let's wait until it's clear."
Peeking through the grate, they saw two guards conversing. "Once the Warden gives the signal, we're to move the prisoners to the lower levels," one of the guards said.
"Understood," the other guard replied. "I'll keep watch here."
As soon as the guards left, Jake signaled for them to move. They quietly dropped down from the vent and made their way to the pedestal holding the crown.
"There it is," Luz said, reaching for the crown.
"Not so fast," a voice snarled.
They turned to see Warden Wrath standing in the doorway, blocking their escape.
"You thought you could outsmart me?" Warden Wrath sneered. "Foolish children."
Jake stepped forward, trying to think of a plan. "Luz, grab the crown. Stitch, be ready."
Luz nodded and quickly snatched the crown from the pedestal. Stitch growled, preparing to defend them.
"Let's go!" Jake shouted.
In a flurry of movement, they bolted for the door, Stitch leading the charge. Warden Wrath lunged at them, but Stitch's agility allowed him to dodge the attack. They sprinted down the corridor, Warden Wrath hot on their heels.
"We need to find an exit!" Luz yelled.
"This way!" King shouted, guiding them through a series of winding passages.
Finally, they burst through a door that led to a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Eda, Asher, and Finn were waiting below with a makeshift escape plan.
"Jump!" Eda called out.
Without hesitation, they leaped from the balcony, landing safely in a pile of hay. Eda's magic created a barrier, slowing Warden Wrath's pursuit.
"Nice timing," Jake said, catching his breath.
"Let's get out of here," Eda said, leading them away from the Conformatorium. "We've got what we came for."
As they made their escape, Luz looked at the crown in her hands. "We did it. We actually did it."
Jake grinned. "Yeah, we did. Now let's get back home before anything else goes wrong."
"Wait, we can't just leave them in there. They're weirdos just like us," Luz said, talking about the prisoners.
"No one gets left behind," Stitch said.
"Alright then, let's go," Jake said as they turned around and headed back to the prison.
Returning to the prison, Jake, Luz, and Stitch hid behind a wall, staying quiet.
"I can hear you," Warden Wrath said, scaring them. "Just what are you whispering about?"
"Fight against the oppressor! We will resist! We will conquer! We will never be afraid of you, you old creep!" the conspiracy prisoner shouted before Warden Wrath opened its cell. "Hooray, I'm free!" But before it could escape, the warden grabbed the little creature and started to choke it.
Stitch was getting mad seeing the big bully and growled.
"Stitch, hold on," Jake said.
"Stitch, no," Luz said, stopping him.
"Let this be a lesson to all of you. There's no place in society for you if you can't fit in," Wrath said, walking out.
Moving from the Wall , Jake, Stitch, and Luz looked at the other prisoners.
"Hang on, I'll get you out!" Luz tried to lift the levers but couldn't.
"Just get outta here, you three. Enjoy freedom for us," the fanfic prisoner sighed.
As King led them down the hall to a door labeled Contraband, Eda, Finn, and Asher flew in.
"I just checked. The warden is distracted, tormenting some tiny creature. He won't be coming around here anytime soon," Eda said.
"we really need to get out of here," Asher said.
"Yeah, that's true," Finn agreed.
"Now let's get outta here before the warden finds out and loses his head," Eda said, not noticing Warden Wrath behind her.
"Too late," the Warden said, turning his hand into a scythe and chopping Eda's head off, which landed in Luz's hands, causing them both to scream in horror.
"What the actual f*?" Jake yelled.
"Icky," Stitch said in disgust.
"Ow! Oh, I hate it when that happens," Eda said, still alive, freaking them out even more.
"Eda, are you okay?" Luz asked.
"Yeah, she's fine. This happens a lot lately," Asher said.
"Yep, she told us. We'll learn about it when we get older," Finn added.
"How are you two not freaking out about this?" Jake asked.
"We're used to it," Finn said with a deadpan look.
"Finally, I have you cornered, Eda the Owl Lady, and your little owls," Warden Wrath said.
"Okay, one, don't call us that. It's so creepy," Asher said.
"Yeah, you make me feel so uncomfortable," Finn added.
"What do you want? I never actually broke any of your rules. In front of you," Eda said.
"I want you…to go out with me," Warden Wrath said, pulling out a bouquet.
"What?" Finn said, disgusted.
"The—?" Asher said, confused.
"Hell," Jake said, shocked.
"Gaba," Stitch said, cringing.
"What?" Luz said, equally confused.
"Go, boss!" one guard said while a second gave him a thumbs up.
"You always eluded our capture. Always the one who got away. I found that alluring," Warden Wrath said.
"I hate everything you're saying right now," Luz said.
"You stay out of this!" Warden Wrath snapped, throwing the bouquet away and thrusting his arm forward, grabbing Luz.
"Luz!" Jake gasped, running to her rescue only for Warden Wrath to swat him away.
"Jake!" Stitch quickly caught him.
"Thanks, buddy," Jake said.
"So how about it, Owl Lady? The most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles and the feared Warden Wrath. We'd be the Ultimate Power Couple. I mean, it's not like you can say no. Plus, I'll be a good uncle to your nephews," Warden Wrath said.
"Hell no, that is not happening," Finn said.
"For once, I agree with you," Asher said.
As Jake slowly got up from Stitch, he saw Warden Wrath holding Eda in his other hand and the guards holding King down and Eda's body.
Jake growled, running towards him. "Hey, Warden!"
Turning around, everyone saw Jake glaring at him. "You want these guys, you're gonna have to go through me."
Hearing this, Warden Wrath and his guards burst into laughter.
"You think you can stop me? You're not even a witch. You're just some pathetic freak. I bet you don't even know magic!" he mocked.
"Oh, you really think that?" Jake said as his body started to glow with shooting stars around him.
"No way!" King gasped.
"What is he?!" Eda gasped as Jake charged forward.
"Is he going to do that star blade thing again?" Finn asked.
"I don't think so," Asher said.
"Astral Convergence Magic: Meteor Gauntlets," Jake yelled as gloves appeared, channeling the power of meteors.
"That's the spell we were working on," Luz said.
"Heegata no feebee," Stitch said.
"Meteor Shower!" Jake said, slamming his meteor gauntlets into the warden's chest, forcing him to let go of Eda and Luz before he was sent flying.
"Anyone else?" Jake glared at the guards, who immediately ran away in fear.
A guard started to charge at Jake, but before he could do anything, Stitch stepped forward, his eyes narrowing with determination. Asher and Finn joined him, summoning their owl staffs and activating their thunder and wind magic.
"You want a piece of him? You'll have to go through us first," Asher said, his staff crackling with electricity.
The guard hesitated for a moment, then lunged at them, but Finn was faster. He raised his staff, conjuring a powerful gust of wind that sent the guard stumbling back.
Stitch followed up with a swift, powerful strike, knocking the guard to the ground. "No one messes with Ohana," Stitch growled.
Jake, now standing tall and confident, nodded in appreciation. "Thanks, guys."
"We've got your back," Asher said, his eyes still on the remaining guards, who looked unsure of themselves now.
Seeing their comrade down, the other guards hesitated, then started to retreat. Warden Wrath, still recovering from Jake's attack, growled in frustration. "You think this is over? I will not be defeated by a bunch of misfits!"
Eda, now back on her feet, smirked. "Looks like you already have been, Wrath. Now, get out of our way."
Warden Wrath stood up, his eyes blazing with anger. "This isn't the end. I will have my revenge."
"Yeah, yeah, we've heard it all before," Finn said, rolling his eyes. "Come on, guys, let's get out of here."
The group hurriedly made their way out of the prison, their hearts pounding with adrenaline. Once outside, they paused to catch their breath.
"That was intense," Luz said, looking around at her friends. "But we did it."
Jake nodded. "Yeah, and we couldn't have done it without each other."
Eda smiled at the group, her eyes filled with pride. "You all did great. Now let's get back and figure out our next move."
As they walked away from the prison, the sky began to clear, the storm dissipating. The journey ahead was uncertain, but they knew they could face anything together.
"Hey, Jake," Luz said, falling into step beside him. "That spell you used back there was amazing. Think you could teach me sometime?"
Jake grinned. "Sure thing, Luz. We'll make a great team."
Stitch bounded ahead, his excitement evident. "New adventures await!"
Back at the Owl House, Eda walked into the living room with a large object wrapped in a cloth.
"Well, kids, a deal is a deal. This is for you," Eda said, handing the clothed item to Jake.
Jake eagerly unwrapped the cloth, revealing a beautifully crafted spellbook bound in dark leather with intricate silver runes etched into the cover.
"Wow, Eda, this is amazing!" Jake exclaimed, flipping through the pages filled with arcane diagrams and spells. "Is this really for me?"
Eda chuckled. "Of course, kiddo. You've earned it with your bravery back there. Consider it a gift from one witch to another."
Luz leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Can I see? Maybe we can find some cool new spells to try together."
"Sure thing!" Jake said, passing the spellbook to Luz, who eagerly began scanning the pages.
Meanwhile, Stitch hopped around excitedly, inspecting the book from various angles. "New book! Stitch want to read too!"
Eda grinned at the group's enthusiasm. "Take good care of it, Jake. And remember, magic is a powerful tool. Use it wisely."
Jake nodded earnestly, feeling a surge of determination. "I will, Eda. Thank you."
"Well, time to send you three home." Eda snapped her fingers, and the key flew out of Luz's bag into her hand. Clicking the button in the middle, the door opened in front of them.
As Luz, Jake, and Stitch looked at the door, they turned to Eda, King, Finn, and Asher, who had sad looks on their faces.
"Actually, there's something I need to tell you guys. I've had dreams about this place. I saw Stitch fighting other experiments like him. I saw you, Luz, using magic. And I thought I saw you, too, fighting Eli," Jake said, something serious in his tone as he pulled out the Owl Stone.
"You've had the stone this whole time? That's why Eli was after us!" Asher exclaimed.
"We've been trying to find that for months. It's the only way to break Aunt Eda's curse," Finn added.
"I... I kind of already used it. That's how I got my magical powers," Jake admitted, shocking the four of them.
"Once you make a wish on it, you can't use it again," Eda explained solemnly.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I was trapped on a spaceship and trying to help my family. I needed the power to save my ohana," Jake apologized.
"Stitch sorry too. Stitch stole from lady's pocket. Stitch loves shiny," Stitch added, looking remorseful.
Eda sighed deeply, her expression softening. "Well, Jake, you did what you thought was right. Sometimes, we make tough choices to protect the ones we care about."
Finn and Asher exchanged glances, processing the revelation. Finn spoke up, his voice reflective. "So, the magic... it came from the Owl Stone?"
Jake nodded. "Yeah, it was like the stone granted me this power. But now that it's used up, I guess that's it."
King tilted his head, curious. "Wait, so what happens next? How do we break the curse now?"
Eda stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Jake's shoulder. "We'll figure it out together. The important thing is we have the stone now. It gives us a fighting chance."
Luz, who had been listening quietly, spoke up with determination. "Jake, you did what you had to do. Now, we're here to help you with whatever comes next."
Stitch, sensing the gravity of the situation, chimed in, "Stitch helps too! Stitch is ohana."
Asher nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Alright, so we regroup and figure out our next move. We've faced tough challenges before. We'll find a way."
Finn added, "Yeah, we stick together. That's how we'll get through this."
Eda smiled warmly at them all. "Exactly. We're a team now. And teams find solutions."
Later that night, Luz opened the creaking door to a storage room. She unrolled a sleeping bag and, now wearing pajamas, threw herself on it. Turning over, she took a picture of her and her mom out of her messenger bag. She rubbed her thumb over the glass before placing the frame right next to her pillow.
"Okay, so I guess this is the adventure that Jake was talking about," Luz said to herself. Her phone vibrated, and she grabbed it, flipping it over to read a message from her mom.
"Where are you?" Luz's expression fell, and she moved her phone away from her face just as King walked into the room. He cleared his throat and stepped into view, holding Francois.
"Your sleep cocoon looks fluffy," King remarked.
Luz sat up and patted the sleeping bag. King curled up at the bottom, below her feet, and fell asleep. Luz smiled at him before replying to her mom: "I'm with Jake everything's okay ." Smiling, she put her phone down, turned to the side, and fell asleep.
In the other room, Jake was reading his new spell book while Stitch looked at it. Finn and Asher walked in.
"Finn, Asher," Jake greeted them. "What's up?"
"We were just thinking," Finn started, "about what we're going to do next. Now that the immediate threat is over, we still have to find a way to break the curse on our aunt."
Asher nodded. "And we could use all the help we can get."
Jake closed the spell book. "Count us in. We owe you for helping us out back there."
Stitch nodded enthusiastically. "Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind."
"Exactly," Jake said with a determined look. "We're in this together."
Finn smiled. "Thanks, guys. Let's figure this out."
In the human realm, at Jake's house, Jumba was finishing up some experiments.
"You guys are going to be perfect, alright. Even an evil genius needs rest," Jumba said before heading to bed.
In the darkness, a dark owl appeared, swirling around. It was Eli.
"So these are the experiments, huh? Jake Evans, you have yours, and I have mine," Eli said, taking out a box labeled "Elemental Experiments." He pressed a key, opened a portal door, and walked through it.
