It was Friday, and Millie was playing the part of a paranoid mother, fussing endlessly over her foster son.
"Now, sweetie, remember to call me if anything happens." She said, handing Eli her hatchet. Eli stared at the weapon in confusion.
Moxxie placed a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. "Mills, hon, he'll be fine. Eli's with the royals, anyway." He said before turning to his foster son and handing him a small bag alongside his revolver. "Just in case some unfortunate accident happens."
"I'm gonna be gone for, like, two hours." Eli said dryly. He appreciated their concern, but this was definitely over the top.
"The kid's right. Besides, that rich feathered prick is too powerful to let anything happen to him." Blitzo called out from inside the van, his expression as tired as his tone.
Moxxie chuckled, patting Eli on the shoulder before climbing into the van. Millie lingered, reluctant to leave, but eventually followed her husband.
As Eli turned toward the Goetia mansion, he felt Millie's arms wrap around his waist. "Last hug." She said. He sighed but smiled, hugging her back.
"Bye, sugar!" Millie called, sticking her head out the van window as it pulled away.
Eli waved until the van disappeared from sight, then turned to the mansion where Stolas was waiting.
"Right on time," Stolas said, leading Eli into his study.
The lesson began with an hour and a half of Stolas lecturing on the dangers, consequences, and sacrifices of using magic. Eli listened attentively; the last thing he wanted was to become a liability during missions.
Satisfied with Eli's focus, Stolas gestured to the grimoire. "Now, I'll teach you an intermediate spell—temporary transformation into a demon. Don't worry, the effect isn't permanent."
Eli nodded, flipping through the pages until he found the spell. "Why can't I focus my transformation on my Ma and Pops for this?" He asked, referring to Moxxie and Millie.
Stolas smiled mischievously. "Because I want to see how you'd look as someone like me." He lied. The truth was, the spell couldn't replicate the forms of royal demons for lower-class demons or humans.
Eli shrugged, unconcerned, and began chanting:
"By feathers dark and wisdom's might,
Grant me form to rule the night.
Talons sharp and wings so grand,
Guide me to where stars command.
Echoes of the forest deep,
Ancient secrets I now keep.
Eyes that pierce the shadow's veil,
A hunter born, I shall prevail.
By Stolas' grace, his power bestowed,
Shape my soul in owl's abode!"
As the final words left his mouth, Eli felt the transformation begin.
His eyes turned almond-shaped, glowing yellow. Feathers sprouted across his body, dark and glossy, forming intricate patterns of browns, grays, and whites. His hands twisted into razor-sharp talons, his face reshaped into an obsidian beak, and two prominent feathered horns rose from his head. His limbs shifted, his posture becoming an elegant fusion of human grace and bird-like agility. A glowing sigil flared briefly in the air before settling onto his chest. Eli now stood as an anthropomorphic great horned owl, emanating an aura of primal ferocity and celestial majesty.
Stolas stared in astonishment, momentarily speechless, while Eli shook his head, trying to dispel the disorientation.
"Well, that was trippy," Eli groaned.
Stolas snapped out of his daze, masking his intrigue. Something was clearly unusual about Eli, and Stolas was determined to investigate further. "Congratulations, Eli. You look... fantastic!" He said smoothly, though excitement tinged his voice.
"Hey, Dad, can I—" Octavia's voice interrupted as she entered the room, only to stop short at the sight of another owl demon standing beside her father. "Who... is that?"
"Eli Clark." The owl answered dryly.
Octavia looked between him and her father in disbelief. "What the hell?!"
"I'm teaching him transformation magic." Stolas said with a cheerful hoot.
"I see... Damn. Is the lesson over?" she asked, recalling that Eli had mentioned coming to learn from her father.
"Yes, it is." Stolas replied, glancing at the clock.
"Cool. Hey, Eli, wanna hang out?" Octavia asked. She'd been meaning to thank him for comforting her during the theme park debacle. By going to Stylish Occult. Besides, Eli needed the wardrobe change.
"Sure, just let me change back." Eli said, reaching for the grimoire.
Stolas quickly snatched it away. "No, no, no. If you use the spell again so soon, you'll faint. You need to let the effect wear off naturally."
"But how am I supposed to go out looking like this?" Eli gestured to his enlarged hoodie and ripped jeans.
"Look on the bright side—you won't need to hide your face in public," Octavia teased, slinging an arm over his shoulder.
"True..." Eli admitted thoughtfully.
Stolas chuckled, preparing to leave the two to their plans.
"Wait, Stolas," Eli called, stopping him. Stolas turned, curiosity piqued.
"During the theme park incident, I saw—"
The door slammed open before Eli could finish.
A white avian demon entered, her presence commanding. Her hair-like feathers, tipped in gray, framed a face set with red sclera and piercing pupils. Dressed regally in a white gown with black accents and a crown atop her head, her sharp gaze swept the room.
Her eyes landed on Octavia, her arm still around Eli. "What is the meaning of this?" she demanded.
"Fuck, it's mom..." Octavia muttered.
"It's none of your business, Stella," Stolas said curtly, glaring at her.
Stella snarled, her expression darkening.
A/N: Lessons spells and drama... I think. I'm not really a fan of drama.
To Edward Sapphire you're theory is interesting, but it's incorrect. Eli is a full blooded human and did not make any deals with demons. His magic will be more related to the woman from the theme park, that's all I can say. Can't spoil to much :)
The transformation was already planned from the start.
Fun fact: I actually gave my OC a little sister that is inspired by Lucy Loud. Like Lucy she's a goth, unlike Lucy she's bright, cheery and has a sophisticated tone. I think I created her two years ago.