Demon Hero's

by DarkPhoenixKing

When an amnesiac Eda Clawthorne ends up in a version of the human realm she's never seen before, it sets off a chain of events that will change two worlds forever. A story of love, pain, and reality shattering change is about to begin. The only question... are you ready?

2. Boiling Beginnings

Over the next three months, the Clawthorne's grew even closer, and Eda started seeing the smaller things her late loves had talked about in their letter. Some of the questions Luz asked didn't make sense to Eda at first, but over time she started to understand how her daughter thought, and the girl was very devious sometimes. Eda was so proud. Izuku was much more straightforward, but he had a charisma about what he said and did. Even when he lied, he did so like he was not only telling the truth, but that it was obvious and had always been that way. Eda loved her duo of trouble makers.

All good things had to come to an end though. At the end of the kids' third month, Lilith showed up to 'rescue some kidnapped witchlings', and looked at Eda's home with disgust as she arrived. Hooty had warned Eda of someone approaching, so she was ready, but seeing the disgust on Lilith's face confused her, "Morning Lily. What brings you to my humble home today? Please tell me you're not going to try to convince me to join Emperor Bonehead's showcase of sheep again, because I've had quite enough of that."

Lilith seethed, "I can't believe what I'm seeing. I didn't want to believe the rumors, Edalyn, but now there's no mistaking it. How could you kidnap children? And to siphon away their lives and magic, just to get back some youth? You really are lost. The Emperor was right. I should have dragged you away years ago, but I wanted to think my sister was still in there somewhere, but I can clearly see… only the curse is left."

Eda was caught so off guard by the accusation that she just froze, until she started to laugh a mirthless laugh, making Lilith's grip on her staff tighten. After Eda pulled herself together she sighed, "For someone so smart, you continuously surprise me with how dumb you can be. I didn't kidnap anyone, and yes they did give me magic, but only after your scout's tried to hurt us. I didn't teach them that spell, and I already told them to never cast it again, but what's done is done."

Lilith scoffed, "Pathetic! You expect me to believe that you just found two demon kids willing and able to sacrifice like that? Why would they do that?"

That's when Izuku came gliding down from the window. Izuku stood between the two and flared his wings to shield Eda as much as possible as he growled with glowing gold eyes, "GO AWAY! YOU CAN'T HAVE HER! WE COULDN'T PROTECT MAMI OR MAMA, BUT WE'LL PROTECT OUR MOM. SHE'S ALL WE HAVE LEFT, SO YOU… CAN'T… HAVE… HER!" The shadows lengthened, and shot out at Lilith like vines. The ground began to crack as spurts of black and green flames tried to burn her. Lilith was forced back a step, and was impressed by how powerful the child was, but he was still only a child, so she quickly countered his magic by creating small lights to keep back the shadows and forcing closed the rifts to cut off the fire. It took more effort than she expected, but in the end Izuku was exhausted as his overload ended and the cost of trying to struggle against Lilith became clear.

Lilith saw Eda move to protect the horned boy, and she scowled, "Surrender Sister. The boy can't help you now!" Lilith fired a blast of icy blue magic at Eda trying to subdue her, but from out of nowhere a shield of hard light blocked her blast. A purple furry girl had come running from around the corner with her eyes shining golden pools.

The girl stood strong before the others looking scared, but resolute even as she cried, "Mom, Zuzu, are you ok? I'm sorry I didn't jump in right away. I froze up again, but never again. I'm going to be strong, like Izuku. I'm not losing anyone… EVER… AGAIN!"

The girl released a few dozen light orbs all around the area making it look like they were surrounded by fireflies until Luz shoved her hands forward and they became streaks of light that attacked Lilith like a swarm of hornets. Lilith managed to block most of them, but not all and ended up with a few small stinging welts for her trouble, and even blocked lights exploded, blinding her momentarily. When Lilith could see again, she saw massive arms made of mud and Titan bone about to slam into her, but Lilith had enough of these distractions. Creating a dome shield, Lilith held out until Luz ran out of steam and passed out like a child throwing a tantrum. Once that was done, Lilith started to strut forward, and was surprised when Eda once more moved to shield the children.

Lilith grumbled, "Enough of this farce, Edalyn! Tell these children the truth! You're not their mother! You can't be their mother! The nature of your curse consumes magic! Any child of yours would die before they could ever even be born! Stop lying to them!"

Eda straightened her back, "Eight years ago, I ended up in a world without magic, and for four years… I was curse free."

Lilith's eyes widened, "How is that possible?"

Eda sighed, "I don't know, but as soon as I came back into contact with magic… my curse returned. Lily, I… I fell in love. I was happy… for four years, I was with the women that I intended to spend the rest of my life with, but it wasn't safe for me to stay. I couldn't make my elixir there, and getting enough to last a year would be impossible even for me. So I came back here, but not without leaving my loves a gift, a birthing potion. I wanted to give them a chance at a family… even if I couldn't be a part of it. I thought they'd just use their own essence, but…" Eda held her children protectively, "I must have left something behind because they used it as a poly-potion. Lilith, these are your niece and nephew."

Lilith froze and got a thousand yard stare, "But your curse? Oh Titan! Are they cursed too?"

Eda shook her head, "Not the way I am. The curse is different in them. They don't lose control, they aren't hurting, and their's isn't consuming their magic. You saw how powerful they are. Please Lily, don't hurt my children. They've done nothing to anyone. Hunt me if you must, but leave them alone."

Lilith sighed, "I'll be back tomorrow, and then you're going to tell me everything. If you're telling the truth… I want to meet them. Not as the Coveness, but as Lilith Clawthorne… their Aunt." Lilith teared up, "If you're lying to me, Edalyn, so help me I'll petrify you myself. Am I clear?"

Eda nodded, and smirked, "Thank you… Sister. They've lost so much. I think it would be nice if they had more than just me to talk to, and Titan only knows how long I have left before my curse takes over fully. They should be taken care of by family, ya know."

Lilith nodded solemnly and walked away, leaving Eda alone with her exhausted sleeping children. That night Eda explained about who the woman from earlier that day had been, and about her curse. Unsurprisingly, it was Luz who asked if her mom's curse was why their quirks were transformations when neither Inko nor Camila had anything similar, but Eda just shrugged. She admitted it was possible, but the two couldn't be more different. Eda's curse was wild, painful, and uncontrollable. While their quirks were none of those things, and seemed to actually boost their magic instead of draining it. Luz didn't like the situation her mom was in, but Izuku and Eda managed to convince her that everything would be ok, even if Eda could tell Izuku was just as bothered.

The next morning, Lilith arrived with the dawn, and Eda sighed as she let her sleeping owlets keep dreaming for a little longer in her nest. With a groan, Eda let her sister in, and Lilith followed her to the kitchen to talk. Once Eda finished making some tea, much to Lilith's surprise, Eda walked to the cabinet and pulled out an odd bottle full of amber liquid. Lilith watched as Eda poured a bit into her tea, and smiled. Lilith grimaced at the strong smell, "Edalyn, I think your elixir has expired."

Eda laughed, and smiled as she sipped the tea, "Nope, different kind of elixir Lily. It might look like the stuff for my curse, but this is a potion of much greater value. This one is safe for anyone."

Lilith shrugged and tapped her cup, making Eda smirk as she added a shot to Lilith's tea as well. Lilith wrinkled her nose, and took a sip before coughing, "EDALYN, THIS IS ALCOHOL!"

Eda shrugged, "Tequila actually, and keep it down. The kids are still sleeping. Figured you'd want to interrogate me first before harassing my kids."

Lilith coughed, "You're not wrong." Once Lilith had regained her composure she asked, "Where did you even get that foul concoction?"

Eda sighed, and sat back a bit, "It's from the human realm. More specifically, it's a cultural icon for one of my loves." Eda smiled and looked wistfully into the distance, "My Dove, Camila, was a strong woman with an even stronger sense of family and justice. My Starling, Inko, was much the same, but she was more soft spoken. They were real heroes, and in a fight… They were dazzling to watch. I loved them dearly."

Lilith was shocked to see Eda positively glow for a moment before looking momentarily heartbroken. Lilith actually reached out and held Eda's hand until she pulled away. Lilith gave Eda a small smile, "They meant a lot to you, I see. What happened? Are they safe?"

Eda shook her head, "They are with the Titan now." Eda sniffed and looked away, while Lilith just looked sad. After that Eda told Lilith about her time with them, and most of what happened, but kept her door and the fact it only worked to get there on the full moon to herself. Eda loved her sister, but Belos could not be trusted.

When they reached the point where Eda returned, both women heard the sounds of groggy steps. After another minute, Luz appeared looking only half awake, while she guided her still very asleep brother along, but that's not what caught Lilith's attention. Both kids slowly made their way to Eda so they could sit in her lap, their human appearances on full display. Spinning a circle, Eda made an apple float over with a knife, and Eda proceeded to cut it into slices for the kids while they woke up. Lilith watched it all with a sense of bewilderment. Edalyn Clawthorne, wild witch and number one criminal… was acting like a mother hen. If Lilith wasn't watching it with her own eyes she'd never believe it.

Once the kids were fully awake, they changed into their demon forms and watched Lilith closely as Eda started cooking breakfast. The whole time the twins held onto Eda's pajamas as they shot Lilith glares. Lilith didn't seem bothered though. With a small smile, Lilith asked, "So what are your names, Sweetfleas?"

Izuku scoffed, "It's rude to ask someone's name without introducing yourself. Are you going to offer us candy next? We aren't going to be fooled. Isn't that right mom?" Eda snickered, but said nothing, and Lilith blushed.

Luz sighed, "Don't be like that Zuzu. Just because she's a big meanie, that doesn't mean you can be rude. What would Mami say, if she heard you?"

Izuku looked away, but Lilith sighed, "No, he's right, little one. I'm Lilith Clawthorne, your Aunt. It's nice to meet you both."

Luz smiled, "I'm Luz Junsuina Noceda, and the grump is my twin brother, Izuku Kurai Midoriya. It's nice to meet you, Aunt Lily."

Izuku growled, "Be careful, sis. She attacked mom just yesterday. I still don't trust her."

While some quilboar bacon fried, Eda leaned down and ruffled Izuku's hair, "Be nice kiddo. She might be a coven stooge, but she's still family."

Izuku sighed, "Ok Mom." Izuku bowed his head, "I'm sorry Aunt Lily."

Lilith smiled, "It's ok, Izuku. I understand. If anyone tried to hurt your grandmother I'd probably do the same." That got the kids attention, and Lilith proceeded to tell them about their grandparents, Dellinor and Gwendolyn.

For the rest of the day, Lilith and the twins talked, but the kids managed to follow the only rule their mom had pressed them to stick to… no details about the other world. When the kids didn't know how to answer a question they looked to Eda, and she took over. It frustrated Lilith a bit, but then Luz asked if she wanted to see some magic. The older witch told them to go ahead, not expecting much despite the power they showed just the day before. Much to her surprise, the kids displayed an understanding of the basics of all of the nine tracks. Some were a bit rougher than others, like Luz only being able to create palm size Abominations, but they were very detailed. When the twins displayed their combined spells, Lilith was left speechless. The fact that a pair of five year olds could perform magic on the level of beginner Scouts… it simply overwhelmed her senses.

When the day was beginning to fade into night, Lilith finally left, but much to her surprise, she received a pair of hugs just as she was beginning to leave. Sure it was still a bit apprehensive on Izuku's part, but it felt nice, and Eda even gave her a smile as she left. It had been a good day.

The next time Eda went into town, she was in for a surprise. Her wanted posters had changed. She was still wanted, but an addendum was added stating that any injury to her children would result in severe punishment, and after interrogating a scout Eda was shocked to find out they were told that any scout that goes after Luz or Izuku would not only face punishment, but so would their whole unit. For the first time in years, Eda felt like her sister was still in there somewhere, and it made her happy.

All the same, Eda continued like she always had… mixing potions, and scamming suckers, but now at least one of the twins was always close by if not both. Over time the twins started picking up small things like Luz took to cooking and experimentation, and Izuku became an expert at navigating the woods looking for potion ingredients. What's more, their portfolios of spells exploded. On rare occasions Lilith came by to check in or visit, but it wasn't often. She did teach a few spells to the twins, but mostly they learned on their own or through small hints and corrections from Eda. Magic just came easily to them, and it didn't matter the source, they consumed it and took it a step beyond. A fireball wasn't just a fireball, it was the first step in creating flaming weapons or balls of cold fire. Suffice it to say Eda was ecstatic and endlessly proud of them.

Not everything was perfect though. Eventually the twins started to wander. Eda knew they'd be fine, but she still didn't want them doing it. Sure, Izuku could fly high enough to never really get lost, and Luz was good about making sure to get Owlbert to come with her most of the time, but she couldn't help worrying. It was the only time Eda hated how smart they both were. No counter measure worked long or more than once, sometimes, and it stressed her out all the time.

It was on one of these wandering sessions, that Luz came across a little girl about her age with a stouter frame, little round glasses, and dark blue hair. Luz found her crying and lost in the woods, her tears making it hard to see where she was going. Luz being Luz, she couldn't help herself. She made her way over to the girl in her dirty green dress, and gave her a hug. The girl froze at the contract before seeming to surrender, and simply accepted the hug as she cried into Luz's furry shoulder. For the next few minutes, Luz did what her Mom usually did for her when she had a nightmare… reassurance and rubbing small circles on the girl's back until she cried it all out. When she finally seemed to be calming down, Luz introduced herself, "Hi. My name's Luz. Sorry about just appearing, but I heard you crying, and that's no fun. You looked like you needed a hug." Luz finished with a small smile.

The girl sniffled, and wiped her eyes, "Willow. I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. I'll just go away." Willow looked ready to start crying again, "It's not like anybody would miss me. I'm nothing… a weakling. Nobody likes me, and…" Willow started to cry again, "The one witch who was nice to me… who tried to help me, and she just told me she never wants to see me again. I'm nothing, I'm powerless, and I'll never-"

Luz wrapped Willow in another hug, "Willow! Please don't talk like that! You're not nothing! If you need a friend, I'll take the job. I've never had a friend before, except my brother, but I don't know if he counts. Here-" Luz extended her pinky, "I'll make you a promise. No matter what happens, no matter where we are, I promise to be your friend. I'll never forget you, and if everybody else turns you away… find me, and I'll be there."

Willow blushed, but extended her pinky and as they interlocked, a soft purple and green glow radiated from the contact. Both girls were completely awestruck by how pretty it was, but then it ended. Willow looked around, and noticed how late it was, but she still didn't know how to get home, so Luz started escorting Willow to the Owl House. As they walked they talked, and Luz got an idea. Luz used a spell circle to make a few bulbs bloom into a rainbow of colors, and Willow gasped at their beauty. Luz looked around for a second before dashing away and returning with an Emerald Tigerlily, and she smiled as she thread it into Willow's hair. The lily's emerald petals making the lavender stripes clear even under the light of the moon and stars.

Willow looked away with her face flushed, but Luz wasn't done yet. Gently, Luz guided Willow's hand into making a spell circle and whispered, "Willow, I need you to trust me. Imagine the flowers blooming, and close your eyes." Willow did as her new friend asked, and she felt a slight tightness in her chest finally release, making her gasp. Luz chuckled, "Willow, you're not powerless. You just never tried the right magic. Will, you're amazing. Open your eyes, and see what you are capable of."

Willow opened her eyes, and saw that the whole clearing was filled with flowers. Luz's spell had created a splash of color, but Willow's had created an ocean. All around was beauty, and Willow could feel that she had been responsible for it. For the first time ever… Willow felt powerful. Without thinking, Willow wrapped Luz into a tight hug as she cried again, but this time they were tears of joy, and all Willow could do was hold Luz close as she repeated, "Thank you," over and over again.

Luz just returned the hug, and smiled as she managed to spin Willow around, but only for a second making both of them laugh. Luz's smile never faded as she states, "I knew you could do it. This just proves it, you're not weak. You're amazing Willow. My amazing friend."

Willow giggled, "Best friend. Luz, you're my best friend. Thank you. My dads are going to be so happy. Maybe today wasn't so bad. I lost one friend, but gained a better one. Thank you, Luz. I couldn't have done this without you."

Luz scoffed, "Bat guano, you don't need me to be powerful. The strength was always inside you. You just needed someone to believe in you, and I'm really happy that it gotta be me. Now follow me Ms. Plant Queen. It's getting late, and my mom is probably worried."

The duo continued their walk until Hooty suddenly popped out of the ground, spooking Willow, "Hoot-hoot. Where did you wander off to Luzy? Eda and Zuku were getting worried."

Luz smiled, "Hi, buddy. I was just exploring looking for friends, bugs, and fun, and look… I found a new friend. Can you go get Mom and Zuzu, please? Willow needs help finding her way home."

Hooty hooted happily and disappeared back underground making Willow shudder, "Luz? What was that?"

Luz shrugged, "Nobody really knows for sure what Hooty is, but he acts as my Mom's house demon, so I guess that. Don't worry, he's actually really nice."

Suddenly a black winged figure slammed into Luz and Willow prepared to run away, but then she saw green curls, and heard the figure growl, "Why are you like this?! I told you to stop wandering off without me, but you never want to wait. Do you like scaring me? Don't you know how sad I'd be if you got hurt? WHAT IF YOU DIED TOO?!"

Willow saw Luz hug the figure, and in the process he shifted his wings enough to let Willow see his face, and that he looked terrified. After a moment, Luz sighed, "I'm sorry Zuzu. I don't mean to scare you. I just… everything is so pretty, and I can't help it. I want to see it all." Luz rested her forehead against Izuku's carefully so their horns wouldn't get tangled. "Good news though… I made a new friend. This is Willow, she's super nice."

The boy turned and looked over Willow with a suspicious look, "I'm Izuku… Luz's older brother. You better not be trying to take advantage of her."

Willow cringed under Izuku's stare, but Luz shoved him, "Stop being mean Zuzu, and I'm older than you hermanito. Willow is my friend!" Willow saw Luz pout.

That's when Eda came from behind a bush, "I don't know what you're arguing about, but it's over. We have a much bigger problem to deal with."

Willow paled and slowly started backing away in terror. Luz didn't seem to notice though as she declared, "Willow, this is my mom, Eda Clawthorne. Mom, this is my new friend Willow. She was having a really bad time earlier, and got lost while crying in the woods. Can we help her get home, please?"

Eda sighed, "I don't think she wants my help Furball, but you and Izuku can fly her home if you want. Mind helping them out, Owlbert?"

The tiny owl hooted and became a staff in Luz's hand, but the girl was still looking at her mom confused, "Mom? Why wouldn't she want your help?"

Eda groaned, "Luz honey, she's terrified of me, and after all the stories they tell about me… I'm not surprised. Remember kiddo, I'm a wild witch. Everyone's probably convinced her I eat witchlings or something else just as bad. Don't worry about me. I'm used to it, but Glasses here should get home soon. I know her parents must be losing their minds with worry, because I do every time you wander off."

Luz got a guilty expression, before dashing forward and hugging Eda. Eda of course was used to her tackle hugs by now, but the warmth and tenderness Eda showed when she caught Luz and held her with, as they embraced made Willow stop retreating. Seeing this Izuku scowled, "Mom, none of that is fair though! You're really nice and smart. Sure you drink that stinky juice a lot, but you try your best. Mami and Mama always said you were beautiful and powerful, but… you're amazing too. Even when you get frustrated you never yell at us, or push us away. We love you mom, and I hate that other people are so mean to you." Izuku walked over and joined his sister and mom, seemingly effortlessly joining the embrace like completing a puzzle.

Willow couldn't help noticing how similar their embrace was to how she hugged her Dad and Papa, and Willow took a small step closer as she squeaked, "I-I'm sorry, Ms. Clawthorne. I shouldn't judge you before meeting you, and Luz is really nice, so you can't be as bad as people say. My papa says we should stick up for our friends, so I'll try not to listen to all the meanies."

Eda let go of her kids and walked over to kneel in front of Willow. Willow stiffened a bit, but Eda saw conviction in her little olive green eyes, and it made Eda chuckle. Reaching out Eda tussled her hair, "Thanks for trying. You don't have to force yourself if you don't want to. All I ask is you help keep an eye on this furry adventurer for me when you can. She's a one of a kind girl. Can you do that for me, sweetflea? Also, it's just Eda. I'm not a big fan of all that 'politeness' stuff. I prefer it when people are honest, ya know."

Willow got a faint smile as she nodded and stated, "Luz is my new best friend. I'd be a bad friend if I didn't. Don't worry Ms. Eda, I'll do my best."

After that Eda turned to Izuku, "Ok, Green bean, I'm puttin you in charge. Keep an eye out for your sister and her friend, and make sure she gets inside safely. After that, I want both of you to come straight home. Dinner will be ready soon, and I expect you both back before it gets cold. Understood, little hero?"

Izuku straightened his back and gave a salute with a confident smile, "Don't worry Mom, I won't let anything go wrong, like a real hero." Turning to face Luz and Willow, Izuku nodded with a smile, "Let's get moving then. Luz already handled 'rescue', so now it's time to escort you home. Everything will be fine now, because I am here."

Willow seemed confused, but Luz just snickered and got Willow safely onto her mom's staff. After a moment, Izuku shot a bit of fire from his hands, and took off flying with the girls following behind. Now that they were above the trees Willow could see Bonesborough in the distance, and knew where to go. As Izuku kept an eye out for danger, Willow asked, "What was that just before we left? Your brother seemed to really lighten up when your mom mentioned heroes, and then he started saying weird things. I don't want to be rude but-"

Luz just laughed and gave Willow a small hug, "You're fine Willow. Can you keep a secret?" Willow nodded, and Luz giggled, "Where we used to live there are a lot of heroes around. Both of our other moms were really strong and capable heroes, and Izuku's dream is to become one too. He really idolized them, but more than anyone… he looks up to a hero named All Might. He's the strongest hero, and he always smiles. That 'weird thing' he said is something All Might says all the time. Izuku can be a bit suspicious sometimes, but he's my twin brother and I wouldn't change him… except when he refuses to help me reach the cookie jar. Mom hid it on top of the fridge, and he has WINGS. It wouldn't even be a big deal for him to fly up and grab a few, right?" Willow returned the giggle and the hug.

It didn't take long for them to reach Willow's house, and both twins were careful to make sure Willow got inside safe, but before they separated Willow gave Luz one last hug, and caught Izuku off guard as she gave him one too. Willow knocked on the door and a buff heavy set man with a large beard and nearly balding brown hair answered. It took all of a second for the man to scoop up Willow and hold her close with tears in his purple eyes. Willow smiled with tears in her own eyes as she hugged him back, but before they could go inside, Willow made sure to wave to the twins, and the man after a moment of surprise waved too. After that, Luz and Izuku flew off to go home.

Inside the Park house, Willow was being carried inside by her Papa, and a moment later they were joined by her dad, Gilbert. Gilbert was a lighter skinned man with hair similar to Willow's and dark blue eyes. He wasn't as heavy set as his partner, but neither was he particularly thin. As soon as Gilbert saw her, Willow found herself sandwiched between her dads, and thankful that they were never mean like some of the other parents she'd met.

Once both adults were done crying and hugging her, they put her down on the couch, and Harvey scolded her lightly on how worried they were when they heard Willow ran away from Amity's party. Willow was very quiet until she remembered her new friend Luz, and what she had told her about being honest with her dads. With a sigh, Willow explained how Amity had been so happy to see her, but then her parents asked to speak with her, and how Amity had suddenly told her she didn't want to be friends anymore because she was weak.

This ended up making Willow start crying again, so she didn't see how her dads shared an angry knowing look before they started comforting her. After she had calmed back down, Willow brightened up as she told them about Luz, and how nice she had been to her. Willow even giggled and made a small spell circle, as her dads looked on in surprise, and all the flowers in the room doubled in size. They were overjoyed to see Willow finally find her type of magic, and rewarded her with numerous kisses as they held her between them again in a loving embrace. Willow only giggled harder at all the love and support she was getting, but that warmth didn't last.

Willow continued her story, including how Luz had been the one to tell her to be honest with them, so she told them about meeting Izuku and Eda, and the adults' expressions darkened. Seeing this, Willow actually pulled away with a pout and a tiny stomp of her foot as she asked one simple question, "Have you even met her before, or are you judging her without ever giving her a chance?"

The adults shared a complicated look, but tried to make Willow understand it wasn't that simple. The Owl Lady was a criminal, and that made her dangerous. They admitted it was entirely possible that she was nice and maybe even a good mother, but that didn't change anything. As long as she continued to break the law there wasn't a lot they could do. They didn't say it, but Willow put the pieces together. Her dads wouldn't allow her to see Luz, and while they could maybe talk over the crow or keep in contact with hexts on the scroll… it wouldn't be the same, and Willow was devastated. Her only friend, and her dads were going to tear them apart because of something stupid. Willow ran away to her room in tears, and both men felt like monsters.

While the two adults sat and discussed what to do, Willow started packing a bag with her favorite things. Willow didn't want to lose another friend. She wouldn't lose another friend. Willow knew where the Owl House was now, and Luz would help her prove to her dads that they didn't need to worry. Eda was strong enough to make even the Emperor take notice of her. As long as she was around, nobody would hurt her, but then she grabbed a picture she had of her dads and her laughing while having a picnic, and Willow started to cry again.

She couldn't run away. Her dads loved her, and she loved them. She couldn't hurt them like that. Willow didn't know what to do. Why couldn't everyone just get alone? Willow didn't want to scare her dads, she didn't want to stop being friends with Luz, and… she missed Amity. Even after all the hurtful things she said, Willow still cared about her. Amity had been her first friend ever, and she didn't want to say goodbye. Now that Luz had helped her figure out her magic, she wasn't weak anymore… Maybe they could be friends again now. Ms. Blight might not be very nice, but Amity was usually so sweet. Willow still didn't understand why Amity had said those things, but Willow decided she didn't care. She'd forgive Amity, and maybe they could all be friends after. That thought made Willow really happy.

There was a knock on Willow's door, and her dads asked if they could come in. Willow was still a little mad at them, but she said they could. They saw Willow sitting on her bed with a pout and a half filled backpack. The bag seemed to be the final push they needed, and to Willow's surprise… her Papa apologized, "Oh, Willow bark. I'm sorry we reacted like that. You were right, it's not fair for us to judge Ms. Clawthorne without meeting her."

Gilbert sighed, "We're still really nervous about you being anywhere near her, but we talked about it, and it's not fair to punish you or Luz just because her mom has made mistakes."

Harvey smiled, "We've agreed that we want to meet them. That way we can get to know them, and give them a chance. If Luz is really as nice as you say, it would be really mean for us to separate you, but before that… we need to deal with the Blight's. Feel like joining us on a little visit in the morning. At the very least, Amity owes you an apology. Even if you don't want to be friends anymore, it doesn't give her the right to treat you like that." Willow wrapped her dads in a hug as she teared up. Maybe everything would work out after all.

Three days later, the Isles were rocked when Scouts went to investigate why Willow wasn't at school, and her dads hadn't shown up for work. What they found were the bodies of the Park men. They appeared to have been killed in some kind of abomination accident. It was quickly determined that Willow must have had another accident with her magic, and ended up killing her dads in the backlash. Willow was nowhere to be found, and a partially packed bag was found in her room. In the end it was declared an accident, and Willow was wanted for questioning. Luz was devastated at first, but then she started to laugh, "Willow didn't do it, and I can prove it."

Eda gave her a skeptical look, "How?"

Luz giggled, "Easy. Willow can't do abomination magic. She's a plant witch, so it wouldn't make any sense for her to try to use abomination magic, especially when she just learned that plant is a ton easier for her."

Eda could see the logic, but that didn't answer the most important question, "Then where's Willow? If you're right she would want to get help, and she knows where we are. Why wouldn't she come to us?" Eda nodded, "Something stinks here, but until we learn more I don't think there's anything we can do. I'm sorry Luz." Luz nodded along in understanding, but all the same she wanted to cry. Her only friend was nowhere to be found, and Luz was so scared she was gone too… like her Mami and Mama.

In a whole other realm, Willow was crying in the alley of an unfamiliar place. She was terrified, and devastated. She had been forced to watch that evil lich murder her dads, before throwing her through a glowing hole that had fizzed and popped shut seconds after she was through. Willow was hungry, dirty, and scared. She had no idea where she was, or what to do, and all she wanted was her dads. As Willow cried, a little girl with short green vine-like hair guided a man in religious vestments to where she heard the crying, and begged, "Papa, I heard it this way. Somebody needs help."

The man smiled, "Don't worry, Ibara. The lord says it is our responsibility to help those in need, and that is what we will do. Whatever's happened, we'll do everything in our power to help."

Breakdown: Chapter two complete, and just in time. This chapter gave me a lot more trouble than expected, but I'm incredibly happy with how it turned out. This month is almost over, but I'm not ending this without a big finale, so I have a special pair of chapters ready just for a Halloween release. They are from another new story, but they follow the theme, and I can't wait to share. Until then, shine on beautiful readers. Shine on.