"Alright," Sasha murmured, glancing at her watch with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She stood outside the room she shared with Marcy, her heart pounding as the seconds ticked by. The party was imminent, and soon, the guests would arrive, filling the hall with laughter and music.
Marcy was still getting ready, leaving Sasha's mind buzzing with curiosity and excitement. She hoped Marcy would choose something sexy yet tasteful, something that would make her heart skip a beat.
They were well aware that this party was a ruse, a calculated distraction to thwart the cult's sinister plans of staging a coup. The night might buy them some time, but it wouldn't be enough to stop the impending threat. Hopefully, Luz could reason with the cult to prevent them from going through with their plans.
"OK, I'm ready," Marcy's voice broke through Sasha's thoughts. She turned as the door opened, her breath catching at the sight of her date. Marcy stepped out, radiant in a green halter-style dress adorned with shimmering sequins. Her dark hair was elegantly styled into a bun, and sparkling earrings framed her face.
"Wow, Marcy," Sasha breathed, her eyes widening in admiration. "You look absolutely stunning."
"Oh, this?" Marcy blushed, glancing down at her dress. "Just something I threw on."
"Well, you look great in it," Sasha praised, her heart swelling with affection and pride.
"And you look beautiful too," Marcy returned as she admired her girlfriend's appearance. Sasha was a vision of beauty in her red sleeveless evening gown. The fabric clung to her form, the spaghetti straps delicate against her fair skin. The skirt, which fell gracefully to her knees, featured a daring slit that hinted at her toned legs encased in sheer black stockings. Her high heels added an air of elegance and confidence. Her blonde hair, meticulously braided, draped over her shoulder like a golden waterfall. Around her neck sparkled a delicate necklace, the final touch to her stunning ensemble.
"Shall we?" Sasha asked, extending her arm.
Marcy looped her arm through Sasha's, her eyes twinkling.
"Let's do this," she affirmed, her voice steady despite the gravity of their mission.
Together, they walked towards the banquet hall, ready to face whatever the night would bring.
Willow, Skara and Gus arrived on their Palisman staves before landing in front of Glandus High.
'I can do this. I can do this. I. Can. Do this!' Skara mentally motivated herself, her heart pounding like a war drum in her chest. She clenched her fists, trying to ignore the tremor in her hands. Against her better judgment, she accepted Willow's invitation to enter the manticore's den, even if it meant facing Oscura again. Since this was a formal event, she wore a red tuxedo with a white dress suit underneath and a black bowtie.
Skara's only comfort was that she would not be doing this alone as she looked at her teammates. Gus was dressed nicely in a grey blazer, matching vest and pants over a pixie blue dress shirt. A black tie hung from his collar, which he seemed to adjust every few seconds.
As for her date, Willow looked great in the green dress she picked out. It was a spaghetti-strap dress that came down to her knees, revealing her strong shoulders and muscular arms. Around her neck, she wore a choker with a flower ornament hanging from it.
Willow watched her friend and teammate with a mixture of sympathy and determination. She knew Skara was terrified, but this was necessary. She had to see that Oscura, Luz, was not the same person from four years ago. She wasn't even truly Luz back then.
The trio - Willow, Gus, and Skara - approached the looming figure of Glandus High, its intimidating visage casting long shadows over them. The statue of Scyn Oscura towered above, a grim reminder of what they were up against.
"Do they have to keep that giant thing there?" Skara asked, her voice wavering. The sight of Scyn Oscura, even as a statue, brought back memories of the final battle against Empress Oscura, when their world would have been lost if it weren't for the intervention of Kamen Rider Witch and Kamen Rider Amp.
"Believe me, I wish they wouldn't. Titan, I'd rather have that old statue they had before rather than this ugly thing," Gus replied, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide his discomfort.
"WATCH HOW YOU SPEAK ABOUT THE EMPRESS!" a cult member snarled, stepping forward with a menacing glare.
Gus stood his ground, his eyes narrowing.
"Luz is my friend. I have a right to say what I think about that statue."
"Why you insolent–!"
Skara shrank back, her heart thudding louder, while Willow positioned herself to intervene with her magic. Tension crackled in the air like static.
"Hey!" Another cult member shouted as he approached. "What in the Empress' name are you doing?!"
"This insolent cur dared to speak ill of Our Empress' grand visage!" the first cult member spat. "He needs to be taught a lesson!"
"As regrettable as that may be, did you forget that these people were invited as Our Empress' guests?!" the second cult member hissed. "What do you think she would do if she found out her guests were harmed?!"
The first cult member faltered, realizing the gravity of his near mistake. If he dared to harm the Empress' guests, then she would bring her wrath down upon him. Despite her showing mercy against Garam and Armstrong for their insult before, he did not dare risk incurring her wrath.
"My apologies. Please, move along," the second cult member gritted out, his voice tight with suppressed anger.
"...Thank you," Willow said, steering Skara forward. "Gus, c'mon."
"Humph," Gus grunted, casting a final glare at the first cult member.
"You'd best watch your tongue in there!" the first cult member warned, shouting after them.
Gus turned, walking backwards, and stuck out his tongue defiantly before turning back around.
The trio made their way through the large doors of Glandus High, the air heavy with tension. Cult members lined the path, their eyes cold and vigilant, ready for any threat. Willow and Gus exchanged wary glances, hoping Luz had a plan and praying tonight wouldn't end in disaster.
Entering the grand banquet hall, they were immediately confronted by a familiar face. Bria stood at the entrance, a clipboard in hand, her expression unreadable as she welcomed them.
"Bria," Gus said, his voice laced with bitterness.
"Augustus," Bria replied coolly, turning her attention to Willow, who came with Skara. "Ah, Ms. Park. I see you've brought a plus one."
"Yes, I have," Willow replied curtly.
"Skara…Skara Grimamore," Skara introduced herself, her voice barely a whisper.
Bria noted the name with a smirk.
"I see your affections for our Empress have withered over the years, Willow," Bria observed. "Quite the shame."
"Excuse me?" Willow hissed, a dangerous edge in her voice as her eyes narrowed.
"Although you were in the WATTs fighting against Our Empress, I seem to recall that you still had feelings for her," Bria chuckled, a mocking tone in her voice. "Can't blame you, though. She is a vision of beauty and power." She leaned forward, her gaze boring into Skara, who gulped audibly. "So, don't feel too bad if Ms. Park finds herself enchanted by Our Empress all over again. Few can resist her allure."
"Sounds like you're already trying, huh, Bria? I guess that's why we're here celebrating your engagement party to Luz. Oh, wait. We're not. It's Luz and Amity's engagement party. That's why you're the doorman," Gus retorted with a sneer.
"I've missed your wit, Augustus," Bria retorted, unamused. "You always knew how to make me laugh, just like your pathetic attempts at flirting."
"Yeah, minutes of my life I'll never get back," Gus responded, rolling his eyes. "But at least I'm not bitter and jealous of Amity."
Bria's facade cracked, her clipboard shaking in her hand.
"Please...enjoy the party," she forced out. As much as she wanted to hurt Gus for that insult, she feared what Oscura would do to her if any harm came to her guests.
"Oh, we will. It was great catching up, Bria," Gus said as they moved past her. "Good luck with your unrequited love."
Behind them, they heard an audible snap. Willow shot Gus a disapproving glance.
"Was that really necessary?" she asked her friend.
"Yeah, what if she tries to kill us or something?!" Skara questioned, her voice tinged with panic.
"After what she pulled, it's the least she deserves," Gus replied. "And you don't need to worry, Skara. She knows she can't touch us without pissing Luz off."
"For our sake, I hope you're right about that," Skara muttered.
"Trust me," Willow assured. "If Bria tries anything, she'll regret it."
Meanwhile, Bria struggled to steady herself as the next group arrived. Lumina, Amara, and Oliver approached, drawing her attention.
Lumina wore a shimmering green strapless gown that gracefully exposed her shoulders, neck, and arms. A triangular cutout near the navel hinted at her midriff, adding a touch of daring to her look. Around her neck, she wore a choker adorned with a topaz-embedded medallion. Flowing from the medallion, long strands of fabric draped over her shoulders, converging halfway down her back like an elegant makeshift shawl.
Amara, ever the bold and rebellious spirit, chose a daring turquoise halter top that revealed a generous amount of cleavage, leaving her midriff and arms bare. She paired it with a flowing skirt that brushed just above her ankles, with a daring slit on the left side that reached just below her hip. A choker adorned with amber stones accentuated her neck, adding a striking contrast to her outfit.
Both women wore high heels, their hair styled meticulously for the occasion.
"Names, please?" Bria asked, her voice strained.
"Lumina and Amara," Lumina introduced, her arm linked with Amara's.
"Call me Oliver," the newt added.
Bria noted their names, her eyes lingering on Lumina.
"What's your relation to my Empress and her... betrothed?" she questioned.
"Can't you tell?" Amara smirked. "I'm a Blight, Amara Blight, from the future. Amity is my several-times-great-aunt."
Bria's eye twitched as she turned to Lumina.
"Oscura, or rather Luz Noceda, is my several-times-great-aunt," Lumina added, giggling.
"And you?" Bria asked Oliver.
"I'm not related, though I think of Marcy Wu as a daughter to me," Oliver answered.
"Well, aren't you the proud papa," Amara teased.
Oliver blushed, clearing his throat.
'Why would she invite such crazy people?' Bria thought, but her place was not to question the Empress. "...Very well, you may enter. Enjoy the party."
"Oh, we plan to," Lumina smirked, offering Amara her hand. "Shall we?"
"Let's shall," Amara agreed as she took her girlfriend's hand.
"Ms. Blight, Ms. Clawthorne-Whispers, please try to keep your consumption of hard apple blood to a minimum," Oliver pleaded. "You don't want to make a scene."
Amara and Lumina looked affronted.
"Oh, come on, Ollie. It was one time, and you think we're drunks who'd get on a table and dance topless?" Amara asked.
"That was...oddly specific," Oliver noted.
"Okay, maybe it happened once...or twice," Amara admitted.
"I'll have to keep an eye on you two, won't I?" Oliver sighed, glancing at Lumina.
"Well, someone has to be the responsible adult," Lumina grinned.
"Olms have mercy..." Oliver muttered, following them inside.
Eda and Raine soared through the night sky on their staves, the menacing silhouette of Glandus High growing larger with each passing moment. They landed behind the Scyn Oscura statue, carefully avoiding its oppressive gaze—not out of fear but for the sake of their passengers.
They had brought Lil' Luz and King along for the journey. Lil' Luz had been overjoyed about her big sister's engagement party, pleading with her parents to let her attend. Despite their concerns about potential dangers, she wielded the most potent weapon in the Boiling Isles: the Puppy Dog Eyes.
Eda's resolve quickly crumbled under those pleading eyes, and Raine was equally defenceless. Though they had tried to resist, Lil' Luz had inherited the trick from her mother and knew precisely how to use it.
"Remember, no matter what happens, you stay close to me and Raine. No wandering off, and definitely no talking to anyone in robes, okay?" Eda instructed their daughter firmly. Eda wore a stunning red dress with a V-shaped neckline, her hair styled in a braid.
Raine nodded in agreement. "Listen to your mother, Luz. This is very important. We don't want you getting lost, especially not here." For the evening, they were dressed in a green jacket over a light green dress shirt, paired with red pants and brown boots.
"Yes, Momma. Yes, Poppa!" Lil' Luz chirped, her face glowing with excitement as she looked up at her parents, dressed in an adorable yellow party dress.
Puffing out his chest, King declared, "The Princess of Demons is safe as long as the King of Demons is around." In contrast to his usual attire—or lack thereof—he was dressed in a sharp black tuxedo.
With their instructions clear, the family entered the school, following the red carpet toward the grand banquet hall. As they approached the entrance, the sight of Bria made Eda's stomach twist with unease.
"Welcome, honoured Mother of the Empress!" Bria greeted, her smile unnervingly wide. "It's so nice of you to come."
"It's my kid's engagement party. Wouldn't miss it," Eda stated, forcing a smile. "Tell me, is the booze any good?"
"We serve only the best," Bria assured, her eyes twinkling with a hidden edge. "And we have non-alcoholic options for the little ones." Bria crouched to smile at Lil' Luz. "You know, you're named after a very important person."
"My Big Sis!" Lil' Luz exclaimed proudly.
"Yes, and your big sister will someday rule this land, making you a princess," Bria said.
Lil' Luz's eyes widened, and she looked up at her parents.
"Big Sis is going to make me a princess?"
"You're already our little princess," Raine said, trying to keep the cult's influence at bay.
"Let's focus on the party, alright?" Eda's requested, glaring icily at Bria.
"Of course," Bria chuckled, rising to her feet. "Please, enjoy yourselves." As they walked past, Bria whispered, "Such a title is only temporary until My Empress sires a true heir, not a pretender."
Eda's steps faltered, fury blazing in her eyes, but she held her tongue and kept moving.
"Eda, you okay?" Raine asked, concern lacing their voice.
"I need a drink," Eda muttered through gritted teeth.
The Blight family arrived with Viney, all of them riding on a private airship that was piloted by an Abomination. The twins told their father that it was Amity and Luz's engagement party. Knowing that their dad was not so good at parties, they had to make sure he cleaned up. Luckily, they found a clean suit he had stashed away in his closet, and Emira even combed his hair. He did not want to come to his daughter's betrothal party looking unkempt.
"I know I said you owe me for this, Em, but now that we're here, you really owe me," Viney said, her voice tinged with nervous tension. As for Emira's date, she wore a green dress matching her girlfriend's hair.
"I know, Viney. I know," Emira replied, her tone equally strained as they stood before the daunting archway of Glandus High. She was in a bright yellow dress that matched her eyes.
"Uh, what exactly did you promise Viney for her to come with us?" Edric asked, glancing between them. Like his dad, he also wore a suit and shaved his stubble.
"Oh, you wanna know, Ed?" Viney teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"You will not tell my little brother about that, especially with my dad here!" Emira shouted, her face turning crimson.
"You know what…I'm probably better off not knowing," Edric declined.
"Fair enough," Viney shrugged. "Just know it involves a lot of demon beast stuff."
"VINEY!" Emira shouted, mortified.
"What? I didn't get into any specifics," Viney retorted with a smirk.
"Ugh." Emira slapped her forehead, grimacing.
"What are you both talking about?" Alador asked. He had been examining Scyn Oscura's statue when he overheard the conversation.
"It's nothing, Dad. Just something between me and Viney. Anyway, you got the present, Ed?"
"Got it right here," Edric confirmed, holding the gift tightly.
"So, what's in it?" Viney asked, eyeing the box curiously. "Something to help out Amity for the honeymoon?"
"Your head is really in the gutter tonight, Viney," Emira stated, trying to keep a straight face.
"Can you blame me?" Viney sighed, rubbing her temples. "We're walking into a den of Oscura worshipers! I'm scared shitless and trying to mask it with humour!"
Emira squeezed Viney's hand; her touch was a lifeline of comfort.
"I get it. But I've met Luz, the real Luz. She's not who we thought she was. If you give her a chance, you'll see it too."
Viney's eyes softened, her resolve wavering.
"Okay, okay. I'll give her a chance. For you."
"I just hope Mittens is doing alright," Alador said, his eyes seeing all the robed cultists. This place was full of Oscura worshippers who were both ready to die and kill in her name, so he became worried once he learned that Amity was in such a place. If they dared to hurt his daughter, well, they would see the fury of a father.
"Don't worry, Dad. As long as Luz is around, these guys wouldn't dare harm a hair on her. If what she did to that Jyamato thing was any hint, then these guys would be in for a world of hurt," Edric assured.
"Hmm, yes, you're right. Luz Noceda did fervently protect Amity during that battle," Alador agreed.
Viney blinked as she listened to the conversation.
"Okay, I'm confused. What 'battle'? And what the heck is a 'Jyamato'?" she questioned.
Emira rubbed the back of her head. Honestly, she was still trying to wrap her head around the whole thing that was the Desire Grand Prix.
"That's what we call those monsters that appeared at the Day of Liberation festival, the ones that fought Oscura and those other Riders," Emira explained. "If you want to know more, it would be better if Amity and Luz explained it to you. I can only say that they have something to do with why a lot of people who died came back to life."
Now Viney was even more confused and just as curious as to what Emira meant.
Entering the castle, their group approached the entrance of the banquet hall, where Bria waited. Her gaze was sharp and calculating.
"Ah, the Blight family and Viney Arwin. I remember you from the WATTs," Bria greeted, her tone condescending.
"I always knew there was something off about you," Viney growled, her fists clenched. "Should've trusted my gut."
"Instincts can be misleading," Bria smirked condescendingly. "And all that effort was for nothing as Our Empress has returned to reclaim her throne."
"Wanna bet, traitor?" Viney stepped forward, eyes blazing.
"Hey, let's not discuss politics," Emira interjected, pulling Viney back. "We're here to celebrate my sister's engagement."
"Indeed." Bria glanced at Alador Blight, scanning him with her eyes. "Can I hope that you didn't bring any of your toy soldiers to this party, Mr. Blight? No Abomatons on standby?"
"I came here to celebrate my daughter's engagement," Alador stated as he straightened himself up and looked the young woman in the eyes. "Why would I purposefully bring an army to endanger her life?"
"Such a smart and protective father you are, Mr. Blight. And you made the right choice, I assure you. My Empress could easily dispatch your fancy toys with a flick of her wrist. At best, you'd only annoy her. But if you did annoy her, then you should pray you do not suffer the same fate as your foolish wife," Bria informed him with a lilting, mocking chuckle.
Viney looked ready to unleash whatever beast she had inside of her onto Bria, but Emira's grip on her shoulder managed to keep her date from doing so.
After having a laugh at the Blight family's expense, Bria's gaze shifted to the gift in Edric's arms, and her expression changed from amused to suspicious.
"What's that?" she asked suspiciously.
"It's a present for Luz and Amity," Edric replied, annoyed at Bria's suspicion.
"Leave it here," she demanded.
"Oh no, we want to give it to them personally," Emira insisted.
"I must insist," Bria urged, her smile turning icy. "I'm sure you can understand that My Empress has no shortage of enemies who would seek to take her life. Granted, some of the 'honoured guests' here tonight qualify among those who would."
"Then I hardly see the problem in allowing a single gift through," Alador retorted. "As you stated, there are some here, counting myself, who have fought against Oscura. So, a present seems like a minor thing to worry about."
Bria scoffed in response to that.
"While I have every confidence that My Empress is able to thwart whatever scheme—if any—you can conjure, it is always the unseen, minor threats that often bring about misfortune. It is my duty to ensure Empress Oscura is defended from such threats so that she may focus her power and attention on the threats that matter. Understand?"
"I see your point," Emira agreed as her voice dropped to a deadly calm tone. "And you do have a duty, Bria. However, this present is something that will make Amity very happy. Your Empress will be unhappy if our little sister doesn't get her present. That certainly wouldn't be good. An unhappy bride-to-be on the night of her engagement party? A night that was supposed to be grand and filled with happiness for them both? Surely, such misfortune would upset Empress Oscura. And you wouldn't want that now, would you?"
"Tch," Bria tsked. "Damn your logic. Very well. But if it's a weapon of some kind, I will hunt you down and ensure you beg for death!" The four gulped, their defiance momentarily shaken. "Enjoy the festivities." Bria stepped aside. "The Empress and her betrothed will join us shortly."
As they walked past, they felt Bria's eyes burning into their backs.
"She's still glaring at us, isn't she?" Emira whispered.
"Yeah, but I'm not about to look back," Edric replied.
"Just keep walking, eyes forward," Alador stated.
Viney, trying to lighten the mood, muttered, "Seriously, Em. When we get back, you're not leaving the bedroom. Never ever."
"I know…I know…" Emira's blush deepened.
Luz and Amity were expected to be fashionably late for their own party, showing up after their guests arrived. As they prepared in their bedchamber, the weight of the evening bore down on them. A cultist entered to report on their guests' arrival.
"So, they're here," Luz sighed, looking at her reflection. For a brief second, her eyes narrowed, and her lips curled into a smirk before her expression softened. Relief mingled with anxiety as she thought about her loved ones risking their safety to attend. While she and Amity had objected to inviting them, Sasha insisted it was necessary for appearances. Luz grudgingly admitted she had a point. It would be suspicious if she didn't invite any of their friends, family or loved ones to her own engagement party.
"Are you okay?" Amity asked, wrapping her arms around Luz in a comforting hug.
"Not...really," Luz confessed, feeling the butterflies in her stomach flutter intensely. "I feel like I might throw up at any moment."
"Look, the plan is going to work," Amity assured her. "We'll use this night to delay the coup, and maybe, just maybe, you can tell everyone that you don't want to go through with it, that you don't want to rule the world and just want to leave everything in peace."
"Are you sure they'll listen?" Luz asked, her voice trembling. She had tried to project confidence, but doubt gnawed at her. The cultists had spent years planning this. If they saw her as an imposter, they might proceed without her and punish her loved ones.
"Yes, they will, but you need to convince them to change their minds. Don't worry about having to do it alone. I'll be right there beside you."
The guests mingled briefly before settling at their tables. The cultists, clustered together, awaited the arrival of the Empress and her bride-to-be. Bria stood ready to announce them.
Vuvu and his band played a beautiful melody on the stage, but it did nothing to alleviate the tension in the air. The guests avoided the cultists, and Raine and Eda kept Lil' Luz close, ensuring she didn't wander off. King stood guard, vigilant and protective. They cautiously grabbed food from the buffet, Eda making sure it wasn't spiked with any potions. Trusting the cultists was not an option.
Skara sat with Willow and Gus, her hands trembling. Just being here was triggering a panic attack. Willow's comforting hand on hers brought a small measure of peace. Skara managed a weak smile, grateful for her friend's support.
Edric sat with Emira and Viney, with the box clutched tightly in his hands. They needed to meet with Amity to give her their gift. The cultists' glares were unnerving, a silent threat to any perceived misstep. Bria had likely ordered them to keep a close watch on them for any funny business.
Oliver sat with Lumina and Amara. He glanced at Lumina, whose eyes were wide with excitement. Her gaze was fixed on her ancestors as she looked at the Clawthorne-Whispers family table.
"It's like we're part of history," Lumina whispered to Amara. But Amara was lost in thought, her eyes on Edric and Emira.
"It's strange seeing them so young," Amara confessed. This was different from seeing them in the old family videos and pictures. "I just wish I could talk to them."
"Then why don't you?" Lumina suggested.
"What? And tell them I'm their descendant from the future?" Amara scoffed. "They'd think I was crazy."
"Magic has advanced, so we can just tell them we used a time travel spell," Lumina retorted. "Plus, your resemblance to Amity is uncanny."
"I know," Amara admitted.
"Hey, that woman has been looking at us," Emira whispered to her brother, eyeing Amara, Lumina and Oliver's table.
"...Does she look like Mittens to you?" Edric asked.
"Yeah," Emira confirmed. "The resemblance is so uncanny, it's freaking me out."
"Think we should talk to her?" Edric asked again.
"Maybe later, after we give Amity her gift."
Scanning the venue like a hawk, Bria kept her eyes on the guests distrustfully. They had all been members of the resistance, and she had infiltrated their ranks to sabotage their efforts. She knew they despised her for the deaths her actions had caused, but she was indifferent. Those members had been revived, and it was all water under the bridge to her.
A cultist approached Bria, informing her that Empress Oscura and Amity Blight were ready. A gleeful look crossed her face.
"Rejoice, honoured guests and Children of Oscura, I present to you Empress Oscura and her betrothed Amity Blight!" Bria called out.
A spotlight illuminated the couple as they entered the grand banquet hall, arm in arm. Amity's hair was elegantly styled in an intricate updo, adorned with a shimmering tiara that signified her elevated status. Her dress, a stunning shade of Abomination purple, flowed gracefully and accentuated her figure with delicate embroidery and elegant lines.
Empress Oscura cut a striking figure in a deep violet tuxedo, perfectly tailored to exude power and poise. She wore a crisp white dress shirt beneath the jacket, complemented by a regal purple bowtie and a flowing black cape that added an air of majesty. Her hands were gloved in pristine white, her hair neatly combed, and atop her head, she wore her crown, a symbol of her dominion and authority.
The cultists dropped to their knees, bowing their heads in reverence. The tension in the room was palpable, a mix of awe and fear. The guests, though uneasy, couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of Luz and Amity.
Eda tightened her grip on Raine's hand, a silent vow to protect their family. Lil' Luz's eyes sparkled with admiration, oblivious to the undercurrents of danger. Skara's anxiety spiked, but Willow's reassuring presence kept her grounded.
Edric, Emira, and Viney exchanged tense glances, their plan to speak with Amity fraught with risk. Oliver, Lumina, and Amara watched with bated breath, feeling the weight of their heritage and the importance of this moment.
As Luz and Amity made their way to the centre of the hall, the room held its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.
"Please rise, everyone!" Luz ordered, and the cultists rose to their feet, their eyes transfixed on her and her betrothed. The guests also rose to their feet, not wanting to cause a scene by refusing. Luz's eyes scanned the banquet hall, her gaze briefly falling on her friends as well as Eda and her family. She kept her expression neutral as she addressed everyone, "Tonight is a special night, a night where we celebrate my engagement to Amity Blight. As you all know, our history has been rocky, but in the last four years, we have grown closer, and I am proud to say that she has my heart just as much as I have hers. So, I want you all to have a good time tonight. It's a party, so have fun."
Bria escorted Amity and Luz to their table, where they sat down and were served their meal for the evening. It looked delicious, and Luz knew the cultists had made it edible for her. Amity was a bit hesitant, afraid that the food might be drugged, but Luz assured her the cultists would not dare provoke her wrath by doing something like that.
Sasha and Marcy were also at their own table. Besides the cultists, there were not many guests. They spotted Willow and Gus sitting with a dark-skinned witch girl with two-toned hair, the Blight twins with their father and another girl sitting with them.
Taking out her phone, Marcy began recording.
"What are you doing?" Sasha asked as she began to dig into her food.
"Just recording this for Luz's mom," Marcy answered.
Meanwhile, Skara and Viney's gazes were locked on Luz. Just the sight of her brought back many unpleasant memories.
For Viney, while she was happy that Hexside had adopted a Multitrack curriculum following Oscura's ascension to the throne, she hated how it came at the cost of so many lives.
As for Skara, she remembered all the times Oscura spent time with her and her friends while disguised as Morgan, pretending to be their friend. She had found it odd when Boscha practically turned over leadership to the new girl, but the triclops claimed that she had lost a bet and had to do whatever Morgan asked her to do.
Skara remembered the pain of losing her magic. She was proud of her bardic abilities, and it was horrible to lose them. She could still play music back then, but without her magic, it felt incomplete. After she got her magic back, thanks to the other Luz, she swore never to take it for granted again.
"I'm gonna go talk to Eda. You should go say hi to your family," Luz suggested, standing up with a tight smile that didn't seem to reach her eyes.
"Alright," Amity nodded, mirroring Luz's unease as she stood up. She kissed Luz on the cheek, her touch lingering. "For luck."
"I don't need luck when I got you, mi amor," Luz smiled warmly before they parted ways.
Amity headed to her family's table, her heart pounding with each step.
"Guys, you came," Amity greeted, hugging her dad tightly before embracing her siblings.
"Like we'd miss your engagement party, Mittens," Emira smiled, but her eyes held a hint of worry as she hugged her little sister tight.
"Before we got the invitation, we thought you were gone," Alador said, his voice tinged with concern. "What happened?"
"Luz got kidnapped by the cult," Amity answered, glancing around nervously. The Blights nodded, understanding the weight of her words. She then turned to Viney. "So, you're Viney, right? My sister told me she was seeing someone."
"That's right," Viney confirmed, crossing her arms and eyeing Amity with suspicion. "And I heard about you, Amity Blight. You're the girl responsible for creating Oscura."
"Viney..." Emira whispered, shooting her a warning look.
"No, she's right," Amity sighed, feeling the guilt tightening around her chest. "But I'm not the only one at fault here. Lilith cheated, and Mom was in my head, but I still could have stopped it before it happened."
"At least you acknowledge that," Viney accepted, her tone sharp. "Still can't believe you're engaged to her after all that happened."
"A lot happened in the Human Realm," Amity said, her voice faltering as she weighed whether to reveal the truth to Viney. "It's a long story."
"Like how you're both somehow back in the Boiling Isles after you were banished," Viney pointed out, her scepticism evident. The last known portal owned by Eda had been destroyed to ensure Luz never returned.
"How about we discuss that later?" Alador suggested, trying to defuse the tension.
"Fine, I can wait," Viney relented, but she was not giving up. Her girlfriend and her family knew something, and she needed to know what it was.
"Hey, we actually got you a gift, Mittens," Emira said as Edric presented a box to their little sister. It was wrapped in abomination purple paper with a green bow on top.
"Oh, you shouldn't have, guys," Amity smiled, her heart softening as she accepted the gift. When she opened it, a familiar white cat popped out. "Ghost!"
Ghost purred as she nuzzled her owner's face. Amity felt a pang of nostalgia and comfort wash over her. She had carved this Palisman before she decided to assassinate Oscura. She was her only companion while on her mission, keeping her company during many lonely nights.
"We went to the Bat Queen to ask for Ghost, and she said it would be up to her if she wanted to go back to you," Edric said.
"She didn't even hesitate," Emira added. "She must really miss you."
"Yeah, and I miss her too," Amity smiled, hugging Ghost. Whenever she saw a white cat in the Human Realm, she was reminded of her Palisman. Sadly, she knew after all this was over, she'd have to return to the Human Realm and leave Ghost behind. But maybe she could ask the Game Master if she could bring the white cat back with her.
Luz navigated through the crowd, her mind racing with the secrets she was keeping. As she approached Gus and Willow's table, she paused, taking a deep breath before greeting them.
"Hey, guys," Luz greeted, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Hey, Luz," Gus smiled, though his eyes darted nervously around the room. "Great party."
"You don't have to lie, Gus. I know this is the last place you'd want to be," Luz countered, her tone more serious than intended.
"You're right," Gus admitted, glancing at the gathered cultists. He could feel their eyes on them. "It's the last place I want to be, but I'm here for you."
"Me too," Willow added, her voice soft but firm. "I was surprised when I got the invitation, but I'm glad you haven't left, Luz."
"Morgan," Skara said with a stern tone, her eyes narrowing unhappily. Luz understood why Skara was upset with her. It wasn't just that she took over the Boiling Isles; it was that she took her and Amelia's magic when she went to destroy Hexside.
"I'm so sorry I hurt you, Skara," Luz sincerely apologized, her voice trembling.
"You stole my magic," Skara said with a scowl, her anger palpable.
"I know," Luz acknowledged, the weight of her actions heavy on her shoulders. "I did it to hurt Boscha, but I'm so sorry."
"Was any of it real?" Skara demanded, her voice breaking. "When you were Morgan, were you just pretending to be our friend?"
"At first," Luz admitted, her heart aching. "It felt nice to be with the popular crowd instead of being the outcast for once. The days we spent hanging out were fun. It was the school life that I never had."
"You saved us from Grom, from the Greater Basilisk, but then you turned around and destroyed our school," Skara listed, her voice rising. "What happened to you, Luz?"
"After the Witch's Duel, I lost my ability to use magic," Luz confessed, her eyes glistening with tears. "I got so desperate that I did things that turned me into Oscura. Even after that, I still wanted to make the Boiling Isles a better place."
"But you didn't. Sure, things were good at first, even with your Phantoms watching us," Skara argued, her voice cracking with emotion. "But then you just went nuts and wanted to destroy us all. Willow told me that the ring you wore messed with your head and twisted you. I want to believe that, but you've hurt too many people."
Luz sighed, the weight of her guilt almost unbearable. She understood that Skara could never forgive her, and she accepted that.
"I'm glad Willow has a friend like you," Luz smiled weakly. "Please, enjoy your evening."
She left and headed to Eda's table, her heart heavy. She smiled when she spotted Lil' Luz and King.
"Hey, guys," she greeted, then offered a greeting to Raine. "You're Raine, right?"
"Yes, and you're Eda's other kid," Raine smiled, though their eyes held a hint of sadness. They really wished they could have met Luz before her corruption and exile to the Human Realm. From what Eda had told them, she was a good kid. It was just that her Philosopher's Stone corrupted her and turned her into a monster.
"I'm glad that Eda found someone," Luz smiled, her voice tinged with melancholy. "You must make her happy."
"Oh, they do," Eda grinned, her tone teasing. "Every night."
"Eda..." Raine blushed, their discomfort evident. Eda just knew how to embarrass them.
"Big Sis, you look great," Lil' Luz praised, her eyes wide with admiration.
"And you look real cute, Luz," Luz replied, though her mind was elsewhere.
"Is it true that when you become empress again, I'll be a princess?"
"...What?"
"Your Head Priestess told her that when she met us at the door," Eda explained, her expression serious.
"I'll go talk to her about putting strange ideas in impressionable minds," Luz said, a hint of anger in her voice. "Eda, could we talk someplace private? There's something I need to tell you."
"Sure," Eda smiled, though her eyes were filled with concern. "I need to powder my nose anyway. Excuse me."
Eda followed Luz as they left the banquet hall and entered the ladies' room. Locking the door, Luz made sure to check that all the cubicles were empty. Eda drew a spell circle, ensuring nobody could eavesdrop on them from outside.
"OK, nobody here to eavesdrop," Luz said, relieved.
"So, what happened?" Eda asked, her voice low. "I thought after your last mission, you went back to the Human Realm."
"We were about to be transported back when the cult kidnapped me mid-teleportation," Luz explained, her voice shaking. "And since then, I've been pretending to be the Empress so these guys wouldn't suspect a thing."
"So, you're not turning evil again. You're pulling a con on these wackos," Eda summarized, looking proud.
"Yeah, it's a con that I hope can save lives. These cultists aren't really evil, just misguided. Some of them can be jerks, but they're all like this because they're hooked on an image of me from four years ago. I'm trying to change that."
"Well, if that's your plan, count me in," Eda offered. No way was she going to let Luz do this by herself.
"Good, because I need all the help I can get to stop a coup."
"Stop what now?" Eda blinked.
"Oh, right. I forgot to mention that these guys plan to either assassinate or drug the council so they can put me back on the throne," Luz explained.
Eda's eyes widened, her expression turning serious.
"OK, kid. From the top, tell me everything you know."
"I was brought to a meeting where they told me they've been planning this for years since I was banished from the Boiling Isles. They planted agents in the United Covens, ready to receive orders. I don't know how many of them there are, but if this has been going on for years, you need to assume that there are many of them," Luz informed her.
"Dammit," Eda cursed when she learned this. If the council knew that the cult was planning to stage a coup, they would instantly blame Luz since this was her cult. "We thought these guys were harmless little nutjobs for worshipping Oscura. We never thought they were an actual threat."
"It's because I came back," Luz said regretfully. "If I never returned, then none of this would ever happen."
"Kid, don't blame yourself for other people's stupid choices," Eda advised, her voice firm. "You didn't start any of this, and you didn't even plan this either. But now you can stop them."
"That's what I'm trying to do. I'm afraid of something going wrong, like the last time I tried to do the right thing." She thought that by dethroning and killing Belos, she would free the Boiling Isles. Even telling them the truth about Belos should have made her a hero. However, without proof, she was instead called a monster, and even her loved ones turned their backs on her.
"Luz, back then, you were impulsive and tried to do everything alone. But you're not alone anymore. You've got me, Goops, Willow, King, your fiancée, and your DGP friends. Together, we can deal with this crazy cult and save the Boiling Isles."
"Eda..." Luz smiled, relieved, glad that everyone had her back. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "Shit!" She turned to face it, praying it was not one of the cultists. "Um...who is it?"
"It's me," Amity answered from the other side. "Can I come in?"
Eda and Luz shared a look before they opened the bathroom door. Once Amity came in, they locked the door again.
"What are you doing here?" Luz questioned, her heart racing.
"I saw you sneak out with Eda," Amity answered. She then turned to the Owl Lady. "So, what did you guys talk about?"
"Oh, that this cult is planning to stage a coup, and you're both working to stop it," Eda summarized, her eyes on Luz.
"Oh, so nothing else?" Amity questioned, her tone sharp.
"Is there more?" Eda responded, sensing the underlying tension.
"Eda, there's something important Luz needs to tell you," Amity began.
"Yeah, but now is not a good time, Amity," Luz countered, her voice rising.
"If not now, then when?" Amity questioned, frustration evident in her voice.
"After the party?" Luz suggested, her desperation evident.
"You can't put this off any longer, Luz," Amity argued. "I know you want to help these people change their ways, but you need to help yourself first."
"OK, what are you kids talking about?" Eda asked, her patience wearing thin.
"Amity, no!" Luz interjected.
"Luz has been hearing Empress Oscura's voice in her head," Amity revealed, her words hanging in the air like a dark cloud.
For a moment, Eda was still processing everything she just heard.
"...What!?" she yelled, her eyes locking onto Luz. "Is this true?"
Luz was silent and reluctant to confirm any of this. However, Eda's gaze bore into her soul, and she knew she could not lie to her about this.
"...Yes," Luz confessed, averting her eyes. Now that the cat was out of the bag.
"How long?" Eda questioned. Luz went silent, not sure she wanted to divulge the length of time she had been hearing the dark inner voice. "Luz, tell me, how long?"
"...Almost the last four years now, and it's grown louder since I joined the DGP. Before that, it was like a whisper in my head. Her voice would pop up every once in a while to mess with me or to remind me of my failures. I just thought it was my head being messed up from all the things that happened to me. But recently…"
'Watch yourself, Luz,' Oscura warned. 'You could risk losing her again.'
"Recently, it just feels like she's less of a voice and…more like another entity inside me," Luz confessed.
"Could it be Oscura's presence still lingering inside her?" Amity asked, her voice trembling.
Eda recalled four years ago when they witnessed the miracle of Witch and Amp separating Luz from Oscura, saving the human girl, and ending the monster. She thought that was it, that the nightmare for Luz was over. But it seemed as if the nightmare was hiding, lingering.
"I thought it was over that day. The other Luz and Anne told us they managed to reach you, kid. You rejected Oscura, and they pulled you out of that darkness. But that kind of magic, both theirs and the one you possessed, was unlike anything we've ever seen before. So, who knows if what they did really erased her or just took away her ability to do anything until now," Eda theorized.
Amity clicked her tongue in frustration.
"We should've been more thorough. I checked your mind to make sure all traces of her were gone," Amity added. "We all just assumed everything was over after that fight. This is our fault...again."
"No! You guys, it's not!" Luz waved her hands and dismissively shook her head. "Everything's fine, I swear! Yes, her voice is annoying as fuck. Yes, she's a real pain in my ass to deal with. And yes, she's constantly trying to push me into the dark side. But I can deal with her. She's only gotten louder because we're in the DGP, and I'm using her powers again. It may not be exactly the same OP levels it was back then, but couple that with the DGP granting the wish to the winner, of course, she's going to act up and tell me to wish for total dual world domination."
The two witches looked at Luz worriedly as she continued.
"But I'm not listening to her. That's the biggest takeaway here. I won't ever listen to her. Regardless of who wins, we all get what we want: Anne's revival. Sasha, Marcy, Amity, and I all have the same wish. So, it doesn't even really matter that I win. Just one of us has to win. After that, she'll stay quiet. Because after this season of the DGP, that's it, I have no intention of fighting again. And if Amity, Sasha, or Marcy win, our memories get erased, and we live on like this never happened, and she goes quiet again. Either way, the temptation is gone."
"Kid," Eda said seriously. "The last time we left things alone, that power corrupted you and turned you into a monster. Now, you have her voice inside your head, trying to get you back on the dark side. We need to fix this; the only way we can do that is by going in your head."
'Ooh, I'd advise against that, chica,' the voice of Oscura taunted. 'Do you really want them poking around and seeing your dirty little thoughts? I live rent-free up here, and if you have them running around in your head… Oh-ho-ho, actually, do let them in. I've been dying to have some fun with Amity and spend some quality time with Mama Eda.'
"YOU ARE NOT LAYING A FINGER ON AMITY! AND STAY AWAY FROM EDA!" Luz shouted.
Eda and Amity were startled by the sudden outburst until they realized why Luz reacted that way.
"...She's talking to you right now, isn't she?" Eda asked, her eyes narrowing. What did she say?"
"Just…I don't think it's a good idea for you two to go in there. I don't know if I can protect you. Out here, she can't do anything to you two, but in my head, who knows what she could do!" Luz warned.
"Luz, I think she can already influence you," Amity said. "And not just your emotions. One time, I woke up and saw you holding my ID Core. You were acting strange."
"I...I don't remember that," Luz confessed, and her eyes widened in panic. "What did I do? What did I say?"
"You were talking like you wanted to take me out of the game," Amity answered. "Then you went out for coffee."
'Was that you!?' Luz mentally demanded. 'Did you take control of me!?' Oscura did not answer, but Luz took that as a confirmation.
"And then there was that moment after you fought that guy who challenged you here, and Bria came up to you. You were…I know you have to play up your part, but…there was just something not right about the way you talked to her. Almost like…you meant it," Amity admitted.
Luz had a pensive expression on her face when she recalled that moment. She was indeed acting as part of the cult's figure of worship. Now that she remembered that interaction, she couldn't deny that she felt something compel her to say those things to Bria and act that way towards her.
Eda grumbled in frustration.
"She might be acting as an Alter Inner Being," Eda theorized.
"What?" Luz questioned. "What's that?"
"Everyone has an 'Inner Being', a kind of personification of your mind at its most basic, like your subconscious. The Inner Being is the Keeper of Emotions and Memory, and normally, we could ask that Inner Being - or in your case, Inner Luz - and have her take us to where Oscura is. But if Oscura can manipulate your mental mindscape, then we would be at her mercy there," Eda explained. "And if she has that much control, it would explain those little instances you mentioned."
"Then we need to do something. If this continues, Luz won't have any peace," Amity insisted.
If anyone could help Luz, it was Eda. This inner Oscura problem sounded very much like her old Owl Beast curse, and if anyone were experienced enough to know how to deal with a foreign entity sharing a body with her, it would be the Owl Lady. However, this was no simple curse, and Eda doubted they could suppress the voice with an elixir.
"Luz, after the party, meet us back at the Owl House," Eda instructed. "We can deal with it there without these whack jobs breathing down your neck."
"Master Marcy," Oliver greeted when he approached Sasha and Marcy's table.
"Oliver," Marcy smiled when she saw the newt. "So, you did come."
"Well, I did call ahead to make sure I was on the list," Oliver smiled back, his gaze turning to Sasha. "Thanks, by the way."
"I did it as a favour to Marcy," Sasha retorted, crossing her arms. She was still upset at the newt for dragging them into the DGP in the first place. While she still blamed herself a little for not being able to save Anne, she would not have been in that position if this newt had not selected them for the DGP in the first place.
"Anyway, Master Marcy, I actually came here to give you something," Oliver informed her. "Something that should give you an advantage going forward."
Bria stepped out of the banquet hall in search of her Empress. She had been gone for a while now, and the performances were due to begin soon. As she headed towards the bathrooms, she bumped into Geo.
"What are you doing out here?" Bria asked. "You should be at the party with the rest of us."
"I don't want to waste my time," Geo scoffed.
"How dare you!? This is Empress Oscura's celebration!"
"Oh, please, Bria! You may be loyal to Empress Oscura, but we all know you're not happy about this party. In fact, you wish you were standing by her side instead of Amity Blight."
Bria's face twisted as she clenched her fists in anger. She had to keep her feelings in check and keep them bottled up in service of Her Empress. After all, she was in no way worthy of such a divine being. And yet, her heart ached whenever she saw Oscura and Blight together.
"Yeah, you're right! I wish it were me! I've been loyal, yet she chose that witch to be her fiancée! The same witch that tried to kill her!" Bria screamed, frustrated at how unfair it was. "It should be me! I deserve her love!"
"And yet you'd rather kiss Empress Oscura's boots than claim what's rightfully yours. And what about our plan? We've got everything set up to stage our coup. We've got Empress Oscura, so what more do we need?"
"She doesn't want us to kill anyone or drug them with mind control potions," Bria reminded. "And she's not as powerful as before."
"She seems powerful enough to me," Geo countered, sneering. "You know what I think? All that time in the Human Realm has made her soft."
"Bite your tongue!" Bria snapped. "She's Our Empress!"
"Yes, and since she's Our Empress, is it not our duty to guide her?" Geo shot back. "We want her back on the throne. That's what we've been working towards all these years. And I hate to think it's all gone to waste just because she suddenly decided to go soft."
Bria grimaced. It was true that Empress Oscura was not as ruthless as she used to be. Besides her appearance on Penstagram, she had yet to officially make her presence known throughout the Boiling Isles, with the majority believing it to be some hoax. However, the United Covens would know and must be getting ready to bring Oscura down.
Bria would not allow that to happen. This she swore.