Dell Whispers stared out the window, lost in his thoughts. Augustus hosted his Human Appreciation Society after-school club for him, Eileen, Tomas, and Bo. A few days have passed since Dell's encounter with Lobo and the shocking revelation of his identity as Kal-El from Krypton shortly after. He often wondered who his birth parents were and why they abandoned him. He also wondered why it seemed like Mom and Baba would dodge the question whenever he asked them. They didn't know either. Expecting their son to be an alien probably never crossed their minds.
"Now, here is another wonder of the Human Realm." Augustus said enthusiastically, bringing Dell's attention back as he picked up an item labeled "pay-per-clorp" and displayed it to everyone. "This little fella's considered one of their most valued objects. It aids in compiling printed wisdom, scratching gunk from under your nails, and my favorite..." The illusionist prodigy twanged it. "It even mimics the sounds of the human ocean. So beautiful."
Augustus put it back on the desk with the other labeled human items he showed off today: "nail clippers," a "whoopie cushion," a "food bowl," and a "weapon?" Dell knew all of these were, without doubt, bought from Mom's stand. He sometimes went with Owlbert and Fiddlesticks to the Human Realm to retrieve these "treasures" from trashcans. He could get in and out without anyone noticing, a perk that came with being faster than a speeding fireball. But that didn't change the fact that it made his pal happy. One man's trash is another man's treasure, as humans say.
The bell suddenly screamed, startling the only other members, particularly Bo and Eileen, who were having a whispered conversation. Usually, they would talk about Dell and how they had crushes on him, something that was no secret to him with his super-hearing. Not that he'd intentionally eavesdrop on them, but their giggles and blushing faces were hard to miss. But today, like everyone else at the school, they were discussing the possible identity of the Mysterious Blur. Or his new name given by the media, The Superboy.
"I guess we'll pick this up next time," Augustus said as the H.A.S. members quickly gathered their things and left.
"See you next time, Dell," Bo said, the freckled girl flashing a charming smile at him. Eileen mumbled something like "Later" before giggling with her friend down the hall.
Dell noticed Augustus sigh after he gathered his human treasures and headed out into the hall. Walking beside him to their neighboring lockers. "What's wrong, Augustus?" He asked.
"Oh, it's nothing," Augustus replied, tickling his locker and prompting the storage demon to open its maw for him. "Just feeling a little... I don't know that H.A.S. was just a waste of time."
"Why would you think that?"
Augustus shrugged, grabbing his backpack and other school supplies from his locker. "No one was paying attention to my presentation. Tomas fell asleep after showing the "food bowl." Bo and Eileen were chatting and giggling about you again. And you were spacing out almost the whole time."
Dell rubbed the back of his head, feeling bad that he disheartened his friend like that. "I'm sorry about that. I wasn't trying to be rude."
"I guess I was wrong to think other people would be interested in this stuff." Augustus sighed.
"Don't say that," Dell interjected, trying to offer some encouragement. "You just gotta work on your presentation skills for the next meeting. You're an illusionist—the best I've ever seen. Everyone will be blown away once they see what you can do."
Augustus nodded to his taller friend, a glimmer of hope returning to his eyes. "You think so?"
Dell smiled reassuringly. "Absolutely. Trust me, with a little practice and some tweaks to your approach, you'll have everyone on the edge of their seats. And I'm sorry for not paying attention. Honestly, I've been dealing with some… issues lately."
"What kind of issues?" Augustus knew Dell well enough that he had everything together most of the time, so any mention of "issues" was unusual.
Dell's gaze shifted away. "It's... the complicated kind."
"Hey, Dell. Hey, Augustus." The boys turned around to see a smiling Willow approaching them; abomination sludge stained her face and uniform.
Dell and Augustus returned the smile, greeting her with a "Hey, Willow." And Augustus added, "What happened to you?"
"I was practicing summoning an abomination. It didn't go as planned," she wiped some sludge off her face. "But hey, at least I learned what not to do next time."
"Willow, if you're still struggling in class, perhaps you should talk with Principal Bump about taking another track," Dell suggested. "I mean, Augustus, and I know you're a prodigy regarding plant magic."
"Dell's right, you should focus on your strengths," Augustus said. "There's no shame in exploring different paths."
"But I'd have to talk to my dads about that," Willow said. "And they are dead-set on me staying on the Abomination Track. I don't know if I can convince them to let me switch."
"Hey, here comes Bump right now," Augustus said, pointing down the hall. Dell and Willow followed his finger until they spotted Principal Hieronymus Bump walking through the halls of his school, greeting the departing staff and students as he went.
Then he stopped by the trio. "Hello, Ms. Park, Mr. Whispers, and Mr. Porter."
Dell, Augustus, and Willow greeted back, "Hello, Principal Bump."
"Staying out of trouble, I hope." Bump chuckled lightly.
Dell nodded to Bump. "Just doing our best as always, sir."
"Good to hear." Bump nodded and began to walk away.
"Wait, Principal Bump," Dell called out. "Willow wanted to talk to you about something important."
"Dell, what are you doing?" Willow asked him.
Dell turned to Willow with a reassuring smile. "I just thought it would be a good opportunity for you to talk to Principal Bump about your concerns. You've been wanting to discuss it for a while now."
"And what concerns are those, Ms. Park?" Bump inquired, curious to hear what Willow had to say. Dell looked at Willow, giving her a supportive nod and encouraging her to speak up.
"I... I..." Willow hesitated. "I have to use the bathroom!" Willow ran away from the conversation, feeling embarrassed.
Bump exchanged puzzled glances with Dell and Augustus. "I am sorry, but I have places to be." He said. "Whatever is bothering Ms. Park, tell her my office will be open to her if she needs to discuss it further." Bump excused himself and left.
"Come on, we should check on her," Dell said, quickly following Willow with Augustus, wanting to apologize for putting her on the spot like that.
Loisse sat on a cozy chair with Viney across from her, a notepad and pen in hand. Principal Bump allowed the cousins to use the teacher's lounge so that Loisse could practice her "reporter talk" with the Banshees before and after the game. It was only fair since Cat Grant, the head of Hexside's school paper, would be interviewing the Gargoyles. Viney volunteered to play the role of the team's captain, a certain obnoxious tri-clops.
"So, Ms. Hieron," Loisse began. "What can you tell us about the strategy you pulled off for tonight's game against the Gargoyles?"
Viney, fully embodying the character role of Boscha, leaned back in his chair and smirked. "My team has been working tirelessly on perfecting defensive maneuvers to counter the Gargoyles' aggressive offense. It is not as though I have anything to improve upon, given how much better I am than everyone else."
"Viney." Loisse interrupted her with a firm tone.
"What? I'm just acting like Boscha would."
"I know, but I need to get this right."
"Hey, you're gonna do fine," Viney smiled reassuringly. "Just remember not to let them get to you, especially a Lil' Miss Perfect we all know and loathe."
"You're talking about Amity Blight, right?"
"Bingo. She's always trying to bring everyone down and make herself look superior, especially towards Willow. I don't understand why she feels the need to belittle others constantly... No, scratch that; I do. She thrives on making people feel inferior. A real Blight, as her name says."
"I think we lost track of the conversation." Loisse pointed out as she glanced around the room.
"Sorry, Cous." Viney apologized.
"Let's take a break. I need a moment to get my thoughts together," suggested Loisse. "Put on a pot of coffee, and we can reconvene in ten minutes."
"You don't want the teacher's lounge coffee; I know Bump keeps the good stuff in his office and how to get it," Viney smirked as she stood up. "I'll get you some—in and out before anyone notices."
Loisse raised an eyebrow at Viney's suggestion, then looked away momentarily, hesitant about taking the risk. However, she couldn't deny her craving for a good cup of coffee to clear her mind. "All right, but—" Then, the next thing she knew, her cousin was gone. "Viney?" Loisse quickly scanned the room, but there was no sign of Viney. Did she disappear through a secret passage? No, that's a ridiculous thought.
"I'm so sorry, Willow." Dell's voice, filled with genuine remorse, from outside the room caught Loisse's attention. Something told her to investigate what Dell was apologizing for, and she did just that. Dell was with his friend Augustus, standing near the girl's restroom with Willow. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable earlier."
"It's all right," Willow replied, her voice wavering slightly. "I know you were trying to help, but you don't have to always come to everyone's rescue. I need to figure this out on my own."
Dell nodded. "I understand, Willow. I'll let you handle it."
"Just know that we're here for you if you ever need someone to talk to or lend a hand," Augustus added.
Willow smiled gratefully, appreciating her friends. "Thank you both." Then, there was a "ping" sound from her scroll, and she checked on it to see a message. "Oh, I have to go. My dads are wondering where I am. I'll catch up with you later." She quickly gathered her things and rushed off.
"Yeah, my dad's probably wondering, too," Augustus said. "I'll see you guys later at the game tonight, right?" Willow nodded and waved goodbye before disappearing down the hall. "Go, Banshees!" echoed through the corridor as Augustus hurried to catch up with Willow.
Dell was the only one left, and Loisse's reporter instincts told her she needed to talk to him. Something was on his mind. Loisse approached Dell, noticing the slight furrow in his brow, and asked, "Hey, Dell, is everything okay?"
"Oh, Loisse?" Dell looked up, startled. "I didn't know you were still here."
Loisse smiled and shrugged. "Viney was just helping me practice an interview, but she went to get some coffee. So, is there something bothering you? You seem a bit... preoccupied."
Dell hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Yeah, it's something... complicated."
"You might feel better if you tell me. Don't worry, I'm not looking for a scoop or anything," Loisse reassured. "I'm just here as a friend... Well, a friend of a friend."
Dell seemed to relax and take a deep breath. Loisse hoped she made him comfortable before he began to open up. "I met my dad." He answered.
"Your dad?" Loisse blinked in surprise, her curiosity piqued.
"I'm adopted," Dell continued. "I've always known that, but I never really thought... no, that's a lie... I have thought about who my parents were. But I didn't need to find them; I already had a family I wouldn't trade for the world. I only recently found out who my dad was."
"Past tense," Loisse noticed, leaning in closer to Dell. "Wait? Did you meet his ghost? I didn't know you could do Oracle magic. Are you multi-tracking?"
Dell seemed nervous about Loisse's questions, fidgeting with his hands. "Um… Well… I…"
"Hey, your secret's safe with me. My cousin practices Beast Keeping even though she's studying Healing." Loisse gave him a thumbs up and a reassuring smile.
"Oh… thanks." Dell's nervousness eased up.
"So, what was your dad like?"
"Well… from what I learned about him, he seemed like a good man. He tried to do what was right." Dell paused for a moment. "He even… gave me up because it was best for me. But a part of me still wishes he could be here. I still have so many questions I think only he could answer."
"Well, it's cool you got to meet your dad. Not everyone gets that opportunity." Loisse empathized, looking down for a moment. "I'm sure you can still find answers, too. You have to know where to look."
Dell nodded, a small smile forming on his face. "Yeah, you're right. I guess I'll have to start searching for those answers myself. If reporting doesn't work out, you might make a good therapist someday."
Loisse chuckled. "Well, Viney has been showing me some healing techniques. I don't know if they can be applied to emotional wounds."
"But it's worth a shot, right?"
Loisse looked at the clock. "Man, Viney's taking a while getting that coffee. I better check on her."
"And I gotta get home, too. Mom and Baba are probably wondering where I am."
Loisse nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's getting late. You should probably head out soon."
Dell was about to leave but stopped to say, "And thanks, Loisse."
"No problem. I'll see you at the game tonight." Loisse smiled and waved as Dell disappeared down the hall. As she watched him leave, she couldn't help but feel something beginning to form between them. This may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
"Hey, Cous," Viney announced as she emerged from a door behind the wall. She was far messier now than when she went to get the coffee. "Sorry, I'm late. Bump placed a security system in his office. I think he knows someone's stealing his coffee." She chuckled, "So many traps. Shall we get back to interview practice?"
Loisse nodded, her mind still lingering on Dell's departure. "Yes, let's get back to it." She pushed aside her thoughts about the budding connection between her and Dell. She couldn't help but wonder if Dell felt the same way she did. Only time will tell.
The aroma of spices filled the Owl House. The kitchen was bustling as Raine multitasked, chopping vegetables and talking on the crow phone. "Mr. Crane, once again, I appreciate the offer, but I believe I was clear when I told you I have no interest in joining the Bard Coven," Raine told the Coven Head.
As Raine continued chopping vegetables, they couldn't help but feel annoyed at Mr. Crane's persistent invitations. The Bard Coven had been trying to recruit them for years, but they had no desire to join their ranks. Doing so would put their wife and sons in the emperor's crosshairs.
"Yes, I know that you know that I was a prodigy back at Hexside," Raine sighed, their knife momentarily pausing mid-chop. "But I'm sure there are hundreds of other viable candidates to take over as leader eventually. At the risk of sounding rude, I kindly request that you stop pestering me with these invitations. I have made my stance clear, and it will not change. Good day." Raine closed the crow phone's beak, and the bird flew off, carrying their message.
"King, would you mind getting the boiling pot for me?" Raine asked their youngest son.
"Right away," King replied, opening the kitchen cabinet full of pots and pans and retrieving the largest one.
"Huh, it usually takes some coaxing to get you to cooperate." Raine pointed out with a playful smile and a hint of surprise in their voice.
As King handed the pot to Raine, he couldn't help but ask, "Why do they keep bothering you with those invitations, anyway?"
Raine sighed, pouring water into the pot and placing it on the stove. "It's because of my talent. The other Coven Heads see me as a potential leader, and Coven Head Snapdragon probably recommended me." Raine shivered at the thought of having to work with that vile woman again. "But I have no interest in leading. I still have stage fright. How am I supposed to lead an entire group of people?"
"Well, if I were offered a position of power, I would jump at the opportunity to subjugate others to my whim," King responded in his usual manner—the kind that made Raine question if they should've been more responsible with what entertainment he watched.
Raine turned the flame knob, but nothing happened. They tried again, and still nothing. "Great, now the stove isn't working either," Raine muttered under their breath, frustrated. "Just another thing to deal with today."
"Dell's home! Hoot! Hoot!" Hooty shouted from the living room.
"Mom? Baba?" Dell called out to his parents.
Raine's frustration momentarily dissipated. "In here, Dell!" Raine called out as their son entered the kitchen, taking off his concealment stone. "Perfect timing; I was about to boil some vegetables for dinner, but the stove died. Could you give me a hand? You know, with your—"
"Oh, yeah, I have heat vision now," Dell remembered his newly discovered power. "Okay, I can do this." Dell closed one eye and focused his gaze on the pot of water. A faint red glow emanated from his sight, instantly boiling the water.
Raine watched in amazement as they pushed the vegetables off the cutting board and into the pot. "Incredible as always."
"Maybe we can sell the stove for some snails if Dell can cook for us." King jokingly suggested.
"Ugh…" Dell held his forehead after using his power.
"You okay?" Raine asked with concern.
"Yeah, I'm still not used to doing that yet." Dell rubbed his temples. "Controlling super strength, speed, flight, and hearing was tough enough."
"It'll take practice, like usual." Raine nodded understandingly. "You've come a long way, Dell. When you first discovered your powers, it was quite a shock."
Dell smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, I never thought I could do all this."
"I still remember when you threw temper tantrums as a toddler and could put holes in the Owl House with little effort." Raine chuckled lightly at the dreadful memory.
"Ah, those were the days! Hoot!" Hooty stretched into the kitchen and joined the conversation. "I still have the emotional scars! Hoot! Hoot!"
"Anyway, where's Mom?" Dell asked, hoping to change the conversation to a less embarrassing topic.
Raine glanced at the clock and replied, "She's running late. She went to pick up something from Prim."
"The seamstress?" Dell asked, raising an eyebrow.
Raine nodded and continued, "Yeah, your mother says she's been working with her to make something."
"Is there a special occasion I don't know about? My birthday and graduation are months away."
"Oh, is it my birthday?" King asked excitedly.
Raine shook their head. "No, King, it's not your birthday."
"Is it my birthday? Hoot! Hoot!" Hooty asked just as excitedly.
"No, Hooty, it's not your birthday either." Raine chuckled. "All I know is that I've been married to that woman for seventeen years, and even I don't know what she's up to half the time. I forgot to ask, how was school?"
"School was all right; nothing too exciting. Just the usual classes and assignments," Dell replied with a shrug. An awkward silence hung in the air for a bit. "Say, Baba, when did you realize you loved Mom?"
Raine paused for a moment, reminiscing. "Well, it's hard to pinpoint an exact moment. It was more of a gradual realization, you know? Why?"
Dell tilted his head, curiosity evident in his eyes. "I don't know; I guess I was just wondering."
"Oh, it sounds like he has a crush." King teased his brother.
"No, I'm just curious, is all."
"Sure, sure."
"Well, I think it's beautiful! Hoot! Hoot!" Hooty interrupted enthusiastically.
"It's Viney, isn't it?" King asked. "Oh, or is it Amber? She's had a crush on you since you were ten."
"No! Viney's just a friend. And Amber's like a little sister." Dell blushed slightly, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Forget I said anything."
"Well, whoever they are, they'd be lucky to have you," Raine said with a warm smile. "Oh, that reminds me. I have another tutoring session with Amber tonight; she's been struggling with her Bard magic classes. I won't be home until late."
"We can manage," Dell reassured them.
"Thanks; I'll keep preparing dinner while you wash up," Raine suggested, gesturing towards the bathroom. "And the same goes for you, King."
"The King of Demons does not need to practice hygiene!" King exclaimed.
"He will if he wants dessert." Raine folded their arms.
King hmphed, "Cheater."
"I'll make sure everything is ready by the time you're done," Raine told Dell, who nodded and carried King towards the bathroom.
Loisse stood in line with her cousin before her, patiently waiting for Hexside's flying ship to allow them to board with the other students. The wind had also picked up, and dark clouds loomed overhead. The weather oracles had assured Isles that it was just a passing storm and would be nothing to worry about.
Loisse looked to see if Dell was nearby, but she didn't see him. "I hope he didn't forget," Loisse said to herself.
"He'll show up," Viney assured her. "He'll just have to make it on foot. He's surprisingly fast, so I'm sure he'll catch up in no time."
Loisse just nodded. She reached into her shirt and pulled out her focus, a pendant with a small crystal ball hanging from it. All practitioners of oracle magic kept a focus on them to aid in divination and spell casting. She was tempted to use it now and look into the future to see when… or if Dell would get here. However, Loisse resisted the temptation and decided to trust him.
"All right, everyone, time to board," Principal Bump announced as he gestured towards the waiting ship. Loisse followed the line of students as they boarded the flying boat one at a time, stepping onto the deck. Viney sat on a bench with Jerbo and Barcus, and Loisse took the one in front, sitting next to Willow and Augustus.
"We're about to set sail," Bump announced, checking the final preparations. "Everyone, remain in your seats. We don't want anyone to get hurt during takeoff. Hexside can't afford the lawsuit." He chuckled darkly while his eyes avoided the students. "Especially after what happened last time."
"Do I even want to ask?" Loisse whispered to Willow, but she just shrugged.
The ship began to rumble beneath them as the magically charged vessel began to lift off the ground, filling the air with a low hum that slowly died down as the ship soared higher into the sky. As the vessel ascended, the wind whipped through the students' hair as they peered over the edges in awe, watching as the familiar landscape below grew smaller and smaller. Hexside's building vanished from sight.
The air grew colder as they ascended higher into the sky, causing some students to shiver and wrap their jackets tighter around themselves. After the initial excitement died, the students settled into their seats. They began to treat it like any other trip. Despite the ship's ascent, Loisse noticed the clouds were still dark and ominous. A storm was likely brewing in the distance if she didn't know better. But weather oracles are always right, so she decided not to worry.
"Hey, kids! Mama's home!" Eda dramatically announced as she stepped into the living room, holding a wrapped package with a bow.
"Eda's home!" King exclaimed, jumping up from the couch and running towards the front door. He tripped on a stray toy but quickly recovered and jumped up and down.
Eda chuckled. "Settle down, King; I have something for you."
"Really?" King's tail wagged excitedly.
"Yes. But first, where's your brother? I've got something for him too."
"Hey, Mom," Dell said as he exited the kitchen, quickly drying his hands with a rag. "I just finished washing the dishes. At normal speed." The last time Dell tried doing dishes with his powers, he broke all the plates.
"Well, that's good to hear; the last thing I need is to replace all the plates again." Eda noticed that her lover and partner in life were nowhere to be found. "I'm guessing Raine's gone out; they'd usually greet me at the door. After Hooty, that is."
"Oh, they went out to tutor Amber. I thought they told you."
"Eh, must've forgotten. Anywho, I got gifts for my two favorite boys." She walked over to the coffee table and placed the package on it.
"What about me?" Hooty asked, slinking into the conversation. "Aren't I a favorite boy? Hoot! Hoot!"
"Of course, Hooty! You're my favorite bird tube, no doubt about it. How could I forget you?" Eda chuckled. "I…" She looked around the living room, spotted a beetle crawling on the carpet, and pointed at it. "I got you that bug over there!"
Hooty's eyes widened with excitement as he stretched over and devoured the poor insect in one gulp. "Oh, thank you, Eda! You always know how to make me happy! Hoot!" He slinked away, leaving Eda and the others to continue their conversation.
"Now…" Eda rummaged through her hair and said, "For you, King." She pulled out a cardboard crown with the words' Burger Queen' printed on it. "A crown fit for you."
King's face lit up with excitement. "My very own crown. Gimme! Gimme!" He eagerly jumped up and down to get his paws on the gift.
"Here you go." Eda placed the oversized piece of stiff paper on her son's head. It instantly flopped down over his eyes, but he readjusted it and proudly paraded around the room.
"Yes! Yes! I can feel the power coursing through my veins! All will tremble before me! I am the ruler of this world!" King let out a squeal of victory as he ran to his room to assemble his army of toys in preparation for conquest.
Eda chuckled and cooed at her son's display. "He's so cute when he's hungry for power."
"Yeah," Dell said, smiling at how imaginative his little brother could be. He looked over at the package on the table. "I'm guessing you got that from Prim?"
"Raine told you where I was?"
Dell nodded. "Yeah."
"Yeah, I asked her to help me make something; she charged an arm and a leg for it, but I think you'll like it."
Dell raised an eyebrow. "An arm and a leg?"
"Yeah, she had the saw and everything ready. But I had enough snails."
"What did you ask her to make?"
"Before I answer that, I wanna talk to you about something." Eda paused, her expression growing more serious. "Mother to son."
Dell's curiosity was piqued as they sat down on the couch. He leaned in closer, ready to listen attentively. "Alright, Mom. What's on your mind?"
"I've been thinking about the future, Dell. I know that, recently, things have been crazy. Your dad's ghost showed up out of the blue to info-dump your origin story on us. I can't help but think about what lies ahead. Have you ever thought about what you wanna do after Hexside?"
Dell's eyes widened, and then he took a deep breath before responding, "Honestly, Mom, with everything that's been happening, I haven't had much time to think about my future. But now that you mention it, I guess it's worth considering. Graduation is nearly around the corner."
Dell paused for a moment, his brows furrowing in deep thought. "I suppose I want to continue to use my abilities to help people. All these powers are part of me, and I feel it would be a waste not to use them for something meaningful. I want to make a difference on the Isles; leave a positive impact wherever I go."
"I thought that would be your answer. I'm your mother, so I'm worried whenever you put yourself in danger. I know I can't stop you from using your powers. But I also want you to be safe." Eda picked up the package and handed it to Dell. "Open it."
Curiosity sparked in Dell's eyes as he took the package from his mom's hands and carefully tore open the wrapping. His anticipation grew with each layer peeled away, knowing that whatever was inside would symbolize his mother's love and support. His eyes widened in awe at seeing the red and blue uniform.
Its design was based on a bard's attire, similar to what Raine wore, but with a few modifications that made it fit Dell. The breast was left open to expose a blue undershirt with a large red "S"—the House of El's symbol of hope. Attached to the back was a red cape.
Dell's hand brushed against the smooth fabric, feeling an aura of protection and power emanating. "Is this Witch's Wool?" Dell asked his mom.
"Yep. The finest I could afford. I wanted you to have something special for your journey that would keep you safe."
Dell touched the cape but noticed that the material felt different. It felt familiar to him. "What about the cape?"
"That was the blanket you were wrapped in when your Baba and I found you. The same blanket your mom and dad wrapped you in. Something to remind you of your origins and the love that brought you into our lives."
Dell's eyes welled up with tears as he realized the sentimental value behind the cape and hugged his mom tightly. "Thank you."
Everyone chatted and laughed about the newest trend on Penstagram; some flipped through their textbooks and discussed upcoming assignments; others were, unsurprisingly, talking about the Superboy.
"Ugh, why are they talking about this guy?" Boscha groaned. "Today's supposed to be about us, the Banshees, after all." And by that, she probably meant herself being the center of attention.
"If you ask me, he's a bit overrated." Amity Blight commented. "I mean, sure, he's got strong magic and all, but there's no way he does what he does because he's nice or anything. He probably wants the attention."
"I don't know; he seems genuine," Skara responded. "He saved my cat out of a tree once. I was putting up posters to find her when I felt a sudden gust of wind, and the next thing I knew, she was in my arms. Maybe he just genuinely wants to help people."
Amity looked at Skara. "Then why doesn't he join the Emperor's Coven and work within the law?"
Loisse rolled her eyes at overhearing the conversation and muttered, "Some people just want to see the worst in others."
Figuring it would be a while before they arrived at St. Epiderm, Loisse decided to take an opportunity to get to know some of her cousin's classmates better. Starting with the ones sitting next to her.
Augustus was shaking in his seat with excitement. "I can't wait to get there and show off my flag-waving skills," the young illusionist exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "St. Epiderm is going down!" He then remembered that Loisse was sitting next to him. "Eh, no offense, Loisse."
"None taken," Loisse replied with a smile. "Honestly, I didn't think you guys would want to support the Banshees, considering their captain bullies you and is a total alpha… jerk." She had to remember how young Augustus was compared to the others here and didn't want to use the other word she had in mind.
Willow chuckled, appreciating Loisse's consideration. "Yeah, Boscha can be a real…" she coughed, "… jerk. But the game's not just about her. It's about representing our school and proving what Hexside is made of."
"That's… a pretty mature answer," Loisse nods.
"Thanks," Willow replied, her voice tinged with pride.
"So, do you think Dell might be waiting for us at the game?"
"He said he wouldn't miss it," Augustus said. "And he always finds a way to make it to important events."
"Viney told me that he was fast. Are you sure he's not a player?"
"He's not. But there was this one time when I was sure he was going to be late for school, and then the next thing I knew, he was there literally one second before the bell screamed. He's like a super-witch when it comes to being punctual."
"Maybe he's the Superboy," Willow joked, causing everyone to laugh.
"Are you certain?" The agitated voice of Principal Bump caught Loisse's attention as he was speaking with a concerned Oracle Track teacher.
Loisse turned to Willow and Augustus, concern etched on their faces. "Do you think something's wrong?" Augustus whispered, his voice filled with worry.
"I'm not sure, but it doesn't sound good," Loisse replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"I'm sorry, everyone," Bump addressed the students. "But the game has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances."
"Oh, what?" "Are you serious?" "Boo!" The disappointed students groaned in response.
"I know you're all disappointed, but we must turn back for everyone's safety. We will make it up to everyone who—" A deafening roar that grew louder and more violent by the second gradually drowned out Bump's voice.
"What is that?" Loisse shouted over the roar as the winds blew faster. She noticed something in the distance, many miles away, but it was rapidly approaching. She left her seat and walked to the ship's edge to look closer. As she peered into the distance, her eyes widened in horror.
It was not just swirling blood-red winds but a mass of grotesque creatures that seemed alive. Their twisted forms were writhing and intertwining with each other, groaning and growling as they were fused with the storm, creating a horrifying spectacle of nature's wrath. It was a nightmare come to life, tearing through the landscape and leaving destruction in its wake. And it was heading straight for them.
"GORENADO!" Loisse screamed at the top of her lungs.
Panic spread like wildfire among the fear-filled students, causing a frenzy as some stumbled backward, tripping over their feet to retreat from the approaching horror. "Everyone stay calm and make your way to the lower deck." Principal Bump instructed, trying to maintain order. "We're turning this ship around."
Students and teachers rushed towards the lower deck, desperately seeking shelter from the impending disaster. As they descended, the deafening sound of the gorenado grew louder, meaning it was getting closer, rattling the ship as the chaotic winds intensified. The boat was being tossed and turned, causing panic among everyone. Students clung to railings and grabbed onto anything stable. The teachers struggled to maintain their composure as the ship rocked violently, making it difficult for them to navigate.
"Everyone, remain calm!" Principal Bump said, his voice barely audible over the roaring wind and crashing waves. "We're going to make it through this. We need to—" Suddenly, a powerful gust of red wind hit the ship, causing it to tilt dangerously to one side.
Principal Bump, unable to maintain his balance, lost his footing and fell hard onto the deck. "Principal Bump!" The Oracle Track teacher rushed forward to help him, fearing the worst. The teacher from the Healing Track also hurried over to provide any necessary medical assistance. "Is he all right?"
"He's knocked out cold," replied the healing instructor. The ship swayed violently, throwing everyone off balance and adding to the chaos. The students, clinging to whatever they could find for support, struggled to stay on their feet. Some started to panic, while others tried to reassure their classmates—especially the younger ones.
"How could the weather oracles miss this?" Loisse wondered aloud. "They should've picked up the conditions for a gorenado before it was too late!" Teachers and older students scrambled to secure loose objects and provide stability amidst the relentless storm.
"Why aren't we moving?" One of the older students asked a teacher.
"We're getting pulled into the eye of the storm! Everyone, brace yourselves!"
As the students braced themselves, the deafening roar of the gorenado grew louder, causing some to cover their ears in a futile attempt to block out the sound. An object shot right through the hull of the ship, and the students screamed in horror. The swirling, crimson winds were intensifying. They began to pick up debris from the ground, sending it flying through the air with dangerous force.
"Someone, help!" Loisse screamed, desperately hoping that someone would come to their aid. But she doubted anyone could hear her cries over the deafening roar of the storm. But maybe… someone could. Maybe, just maybe, there was still hope for him to come to their rescue. She took a deep breath and screamed, "SUPERBOY!"
"SUPERBOY!" Dell broke from the hug as he heard the cry for help and looked towards the sound.
"Dell? What's wrong?" Mom asked.
Dell's eyes widened as his hearing picked up the familiarity within the voice and recognized it as Loisse. But it was not just her; he heard Willow, Augustus, Viney, Boscha… It was a group of Hexside students calling for help.
"I have to go."
Mom nodded, understanding. "Let me know how the new suit feels when you return."
Dell sprinted toward the voices at super speed, his heart pounding. "And be careful." He heard Mom say as he ran. He changed into his new suit and took off into the air with a burst of energy, like a red and blue blur. The wind rushed past him, exhilarating and freeing him as he soared through the sky.
He felt the wind fight against him as he gained altitude, but Dell pushed through, determined to reach the source of the distress. The towns below became smaller and smaller as he ascended, his focus solely on finding those in need. Then he saw it in the distance—a gorenado, a swirling vortex of destruction. The gorenado was tearing through the landscape, leaving a path of devastation in its wake, and was heading towards Bonesborough.
"Someone help us!" "Help!" "Please!"
The cries for help grew louder and more desperate as the gorenado approached, and Dell realized the truth. "They're inside the gorenado!" Dell exclaimed, fueling his determination to rescue his friends and peers before it was too late.
Dell flew towards the gorenado, maneuvering through the turbulent, bloody winds with skill and precision. As he got closer, he could see the trapped ship within the swirling vortex. It was a miracle that it wasn't torn apart. He had to stop the storm first before attempting any rescue. Dell concentrated on dispersing the gorenado. He flew in the opposite direction of the winds to counteract the storm's force.
The gorenado fought against him, like he expected, but Dell persisted, determined to save his friends. With every ounce of strength and willpower, he pushed through the resistance, inching closer to his goal of breaking it apart.
The storm raged on, the wind howled, and blood and gore pelted against the ship, groaning under the strain, creaking, and swaying dangerously. The teachers desperately fought to keep control, even as the situation escalated.
Students huddled together, their faces filled with fear and uncertainty as the storm unleashed its fury. Loisse, gripping a railing for dear life, could feel her heart pounding in her chest. The tension grew unbearable with each passing moment as if the air was charged with electrical magic.
As Loisse held on for her dear life, she saw something fly past the hole made in the ship. It was a red and blue blur of some kind. Loisse strained her eyes to get a better look, barely able to see past the red winds that surrounded her. As the blur approached, she realized it was him, and relief flooded her.
Whatever Superboy was doing to break apart the gorenado, it was working. She could feel the ship's shaking weakening and the deafening roar of the gorenado slowly subsiding. Before she knew it, the gorenado had dissipated completely. The one thing in her sight was the figure of Superboy behind the calm blue sky, flying triumphantly, and she felt a sense of safety.
Then panic surged through her body as she, as well as many of the staff and students, were flung against the ceiling of the lower deck. "Ah!" The sudden jolt caught her off guard, and she realized that the ship was plummeting to the ground at an alarming speed.
The gorenado kept them airborne after thrashing them around, and without it, they were now in free fall. The gravity-defying force made it difficult for her to breathe, and she desperately clung to anything within reach.
"Loisse, hang on!" Viney shouted from a few feet behind her. Loisse could hear the fear in her cousin's voice, but she couldn't respond.
As the ship rapidly descended, she desperately searched for something to hold onto, her heart pounding. Screams and unsecured objects flew through the air. Loisse's mind raced as she assessed the situation, her instincts kicking in. Spotting a sturdy metal railing, she lunged towards it and gripped it tightly, praying to the Titan that it would hold. She squeezed her eyes shut, praying for the nightmare to end as the ship continued its terrifying descent.
"I got you, Augustus!" Willow shouted, holding him tight as they braced themselves against the chaotic turbulence. Augustus clung onto Willow's arm with all his strength, his knuckles turning white.
"I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die!" Skara cried out from the corner of the lower deck, holding onto a seat for dear life. The ship shook violently, causing Skara's grip to slip momentarily before she desperately clung onto the bench again.
The rest of the staff and students clung to any semblance of stability, their hearts pounding. Fear and panic consumed them all as they struggled to maintain their grip, knowing that one wrong move could be the end for them. Loisse could feel her grip on the railing slipping, but she did her best to hold on.
"No, no, no," Dell said to himself, and he flew after the ship in a desperate attempt to catch it. The wind whipped against his face as he maneuvered, his heart pounding. He could see the vessel spiraling towards the unsuspecting Bonesborough, its trajectory becoming increasingly unstable.
With every ounce of strength and determination, he pushed himself harder. "Come on. Come on." He was determined to reach the ship but controlled his speed to avoid crashing into it.
Despite the wind against his face and his pounding heart, Dell focused all his super senses on the task at hand—catching up to the spiraling ship and saving everyone. He urged himself forward with every ounce of strength and determination, careful not to collide with the unstable vessel.
The adrenaline surged through his veins as he calculated the perfect angle to intercept the ship. He adjusted his path accordingly on the fly. The distance between them seemed to shrink with each passing second, further fueling Dell's determination.
His super-hearing picked up the panicked shouts of the crew members echoing through the air.
"Loisse, hang on!" Viney shouted.
"I got you, Augustus!" Willow shouted.
"I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die!" Skara cried out.
The ship's mast broke off with a loud snap, sending large splinters flying in all directions. Though the debris wouldn't hurt him, it would slow him down. And Dell could not afford that. Dell swiftly maneuvered through the flying debris, dodging each piece with precision. Dell continued to push forward toward the ship.
Each piece of splintered wood seemed to be aimed directly at him, but he skillfully dodged each one with precision, refusing to let anything slow him down. As he maneuvered through the flying debris and flew past the broken mast, his heart pounded even harder in his chest. He closed in on the ship's trajectory; timing was crucial—one wrong move and all his efforts would be in vain.
With one final burst of energy, he extended his arms, desperately reaching out to grab anything that could save them. He was at last close enough to grab hold of the back. "I've got it!" His fingers dug into the rough surface of the ship's back end.
As he clung to the back, he could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, knowing that their lives depended on his actions. Adrenaline surged through his veins, fueling his determination to save them all, refusing to let go for even a moment. Dell tried slowing the ship's descent with a powerful but controlled pull. This was hardly a strain on him, but he knew that if he applied too much force, he risked ripping the ship in two and hurting everyone inside. Or worse. "Easy. Easy." Dell whispered to himself, trying to maintain his composure.
CRACK!
The wood snapped under the pressure, causing Dell to lose his grip as he went tumbling back into the open air.
He flailed his arms, desperately trying to regain his center of gravity. He knew he had to regain control. With sheer willpower, he quickly flipped himself around mid-air, using his adrenaline-fueled strength to catch hold of himself.
He eventually straightened himself out. But the ship is still plummeting towards the town at an alarming speed. "Nice going, Dell," Dell muttered, then propelled himself towards the freefalling boat again. Sweat dripped down his forehead, and his heart raced faster with each passing second. He wasn't going to let them down.
Dell increased his speed, pushing himself harder to catch up to the ship. If trying to stop the boat from behind made it worse, he decided he needed to get in front of it and focused all his energy on reaching the ship's trajectory. If he could get in front of the vessel, he could push against its momentum and potentially slow it down.
He couldn't afford to waste a single second. He had to find a way to regain control before it was too late.
Dell managed to get in front of the ship and position himself to push against its momentum. With all his strength, he braced himself and went against the boat, feeling the strain in his muscles. The ship's speed gradually decreased, but it was still moving too fast for Dell to stop it. "Come on! Come on!" Dell grunted, exerting every ounce of strength to slow down the ship.
CRACK!
A hole was ripped open in the back of the ship. The rush of wind filled Loisse's ears as she desperately held onto something and tried not to get sucked out. The sudden loss of stability sent the ship into a chaotic spin, and panic spread among the students.
"Everyone, hold on tight!" A teacher shouted. The students clung to anything they could find, their panicked cries echoing in the chaos. Loisse could feel the panic rise within her as the ship spun out of control. She feared the vessel would rip itself apart with each rotation, and they would all be doomed. She clung on tightly, hoping that Superboy would save them.
"I can't hold on!" Skara cried out, her voice barely audible over the loud noise. As the noise intensified, her cries for help barely reached Loisse's ears. "I'm slipping!" And Skara lost her grip.
But at the last moment, Loisse sprang into action, summoning her Oracle Spirit. The ethereal entity stretched out its hand and managed to snatch Skara's, pulling her back to safety. Loisse's quick reflexes may have saved Skara, but now she had to keep one hand on her focus to keep the spirit active.
She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to ignore that they were still spinning wildly out of control, focusing instead on saving herself and Skara.
"That hole's got to get sealed!" A teacher shouted, their voice strained with urgency. Frantically, staff and students scanned for anything that could be used to patch up the hole.
"I got it!" Amity exclaimed, using her free hand to trace a spell circle and manifest an abomination from randomly scattered materials. The abomination quickly used its body to fill the hole, sealing it shut.
Students all gave Amity praise for her quick thinking and magical talent. "Thank the Titan!" "You're a lifesaver, Blight!" "Go, Amity!"
Even though one crisis had been averted, the ship spun out of control. And suppose the strain that the abomination was going through was any indication.
"That abomination's going to give out eventually!" An older student shouted, their voice filled with concern.
Loisse and the other students felt the ship shake violently. "What the heck!" Augustus called out as he stumbled to keep his balance. The sudden jolt caused panic among the students as they desperately held onto anything they could find for support.
Loisse didn't know how to describe it, but she felt they were slowing down. She whispered to herself, "There's something outside pushing us."
Dell grunted as he made one final push to stop the ship from reaching Bonesborough. Sweat dripped down his face as he struggled but wouldn't give up.
"Oh, my Titan!" He heard a civilian scream from the town. The witches and demons that had gone about their day carefree as if it were just another one had looked up and saw what was approaching them. Dell could hear the panic spreading through the streets as people scrambled to find shelter.
"Come on, Dell, you can do this!" Dell grunted as he put every ounce of his strength into pushing the ship.
"We'we aww gonna die!" Someone screamed in a high-pitched voice.
He even heard a mother pick up her child and run, the child crying over a stuffed toy they had dropped in the panic. With every carefully measured ounce of strength Dell could put into it, he managed to slow the descending vessel to a crawl. He pushed against the front, cracking it open slightly but not too severely. Then, finally, it came to a complete stop.
Dell breathed a sigh of relief as he looked up at the now-motionless ship. "I did it…" He whispered before setting it down gently on the ground, careful not to cause further damage.
The silence that followed was the closest to absolute silence as the townspeople gathered around, all in awe at what they had just witnessed. They stared at Dell with wide eyes, their mouths agape in disbelief. Then, some murmured words of praise for Dell's incredible feat. Later, a few of them applauded and cheered, thanking him for his heroic efforts. Dell smiled and nodded at them, exhausted in every sense of the word but physically.
Dell floated down to the ship's emergency hatch on its side and pried it open with little effort. Well, maybe he used too much strength, as the students and teachers inside jumped back in surprise. He didn't want to startle them further, given what they just went through. "Is everyone all right?" He asked with genuine concern in his voice. The students and teachers nodded, still clearly in awe of what happened.
"Is that him?" "It can't be." "Superboy is real?" Several students muttered amongst themselves.
Dell looked around and felt a wave of relief wash over him upon seeing that Augustus, Willow, Viney, and Loisse were safe and unharmed.
"Principal Bump is hurt." One of the Healing Track teachers explained, still by the unconscious older man's side.
Dell rushed over to Principal Bump's side. "What happened to him?"
The teacher looked at Dell and explained, "He took a blow to the head. We need to get him medical attention."
"Secure the area! Get civilians back!" Dell heard an authoritative voice dish out orders. The Emperor's Coven was here to help.
"Don't worry, help's here," Dell assured everyone. "I say we get everyone off the ship. They probably don't want to be here any longer."
"Agreed." Another teacher spoke up. "Everyone, disembark, one at a time, calmly and orderly. Please remain calm and follow the instructions of the staff members guiding you." Dell flew out of the ship first to meet the Emperor's Coven scouts, who'd arrived to assess the situation and ensure everything was under control. This was followed by students and teachers filing off the ship.
"Superboy." The familiar voice of Commander Turpin called out as the scout approached him. "I take it you were the one to stop the crash?"
"Yes, sir," Dell replied with a respectful nod. "I managed to land the ship and prevent any major damage. It was a close call, but everyone was alive. But some need medical attention."
Commander Turpin nodded and then looked at a pair of scouts with the Healing Coven crest on their uniforms. "You heard him; get to work and tend to the injured." The scouts quickly sprang into action, assessing the medical needs of the survivors and providing immediate care.
Meanwhile, Commander Turpin turned his attention back to Dell. "Now, as a member of the Emperor's Coven, I still cannot condone you acting outside the law. But I don't think even we would've been able to handle this situation as well as you did. So, well done." He extended a hand to Dell.
"Thank you, sir." Dell shook the commander's hand firmly. "I'm just glad it all worked out."
"Yeah, go, Superboy!" A civilian cheered from the crowd.
"He's a hewo!" A small white creature with red hair and a prominent nose squeaked excitedly, jumping up and down.
Soon, the crowd cheered for Dell, chanting Superboy and celebrating his heroic actions. Dell couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as he basked in the crowd's adoration. It was a moment he would never forget. Dell told Turpin, "I'll let the Emperor's Coven handle it from here." He stepped aside to let the commander do his job.
Squeak!
Dell looked down and realized he had stepped on a stuffed dragon toy. It must've been the one that fell from the child's hands during the commotion. Out in the crowd, Dell spotted a little boy in his mother's arms, reaching out longingly for his lost toy. Dell picked it up and carried it back to him. "Here you go," Dell said warmly, returning the toy to the boy.
The child's face lit up with joy as he hugged his beloved dragon tightly. "Thank you, young man." The mother said gratefully, then looked at her boy. "Now, what do you say to the kind gentleman?"
The boy looked up at Dell, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Mister," he said shyly.
Dell nodded. "You're welcome, buddy. Take good care of your dragon."
"I will. I also like your costume."
"Thanks, my mom made it for me," Dell said before taking off to return home and rest.
Loisse, like the rest of the crowd, watched in awe as Superboy soared higher and higher, disappearing into the clouds. The scout medics were examining her, as well as many other members of the staff and students. Principal Bump was taken to a proper healer for further evaluation due to his injuries.
"Some scratches and bruises, but nothing too serious," the medic told Loisse. "Do you have any family we can contact?"
"My uncle," Loisse replied, writing down their scroll numbers on a piece of parchment. "Let him know that I'm okay." The scout nodded and sent Loisse on her way.
Viney caught up with her cousin and hugged her. "This was all…" she began, trying to find the right word to sum up the experience.
"Overwhelming," Loisse finished for her, tears welling up in her eyes. "I never want to go through something like that again." Viney squeezed her hand reassuringly, understanding the mixed emotions that Loisse was feeling. The cousins joined up with Willow and Augustus, who were still shaken by the events.
Willow looked at Loisse with concern. "Are you alright?" she asked gently.
Loisse nodded. "I'll be okay."
Augustus chimed in, his voice filled with gratitude. "We're lucky to have made it out."
"Where's my son?" A voice shouted. The teens looked in the direction and spotted Augustus's dad, with other parents rushing towards them to find their kids. The relief on their faces was evident as they embraced their children tightly, grateful for their safety.
Mr. Porter hugged his son tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay." He said. "I left the station as soon as the scouts called me. I was terrified when I heard—"
"I'm alright, Dad, honest," Augustus reassured his father.
"We nearly had a heart attack when the scouts called us." One of Willow's dads told his daughter as he hugged her tightly.
"We were so worried about you." The other dad smiled and joined in on the hug.
"It was scary," Willow admitted to them.
"Girls!" Loise and Viney looked at the sky to see a mighty high griffon. The beast's size would make a fully grown griffon, like Puddles, look tiny. A giant of man was riding it. It was Uncle Bjorn, Viney's father, and his griffon Helios. He dismounted and ran over to give the cousins a massive bear hug. "Thank the Titan; you're both alright."
The cousins smiled and returned the bear hug, feeling a sense of relief wash over them. Uncle Bjorn's presence always brought comforting reassurance. "We're alright, Dad," Viney said.
"We're safe," Loisse said. She looked up at the sky in the direction Superboy had flown to. It was because of him. "We're all safe." Her uncle would learn about his involvement in stopping the crash later tonight on the news, so there was no need to worry him with the details now. Not to mention, this had ignited a spark within her—a spark of knowledge and curiosity. Loisse wanted to find out more about the Boiling Isles' hero.
Lilith had been summoned to Emperor Belos' throne room. The Coven Head went through the almost labyrinthine corridors adorned with intricate tapestries that told stories of the Emperor's war against Wild Magic. Her steps echoed against the marble floors, resonating with purpose.
She approached the massive double doors guarded by two imposing guards clad in bronze armor. Or they should be. They were slacking off, with one guard sharing something on their scroll with the other. "Ahem." Lilith cleared her throat, catching the attention of the guards.
They quickly straightened up, their expressions turning severe. "Our apologies, Coven Head; we didn't expect you so soon," one of the guards stammered.
Lilith raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between the two guards. "Your lack of vigilance is concerning," she said sternly. "I trust this won't happen again." Her tone left no room for argument.
The guards nodded in unison. "It won't happen again, Coven Head."
Satisfied with their response, Lilith nodded and gestured for them to open the doors. The guards pushed open the doors, revealing the grandeur of Emperor Belos' throne room. Emperor Belos sat on his majestic throne at the far end of the room, his piercing gaze fixed upon her.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
Behind his throne, the still-beating heart of the Titan emitted a powerful, rhythmic sound that echoed throughout the room. Seeing it sent a shiver down Lilith's spine, reminding her of the immense power Belos possessed as the Titan's chosen. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.
She noticed that the Golden Guard wasn't present in the throne room, which was unusual. She may have disliked the brat, but it was unlike the Emperor to not have him by his side, especially during meetings. But Lilith knew better than to voice her concerns in front of Belos.
"Ah, Lilith," Belos said with an air of authority as he motioned for her to approach.
Lilith's heart quickened as she took measured steps toward her ruler until she reached a respectful distance from the throne, then kneeled. "My Emperor," she greeted, her voice steady despite the nerves bubbling within her.
"Calm yourself, Lilith. I have called you here to discuss an important matter. One I think you will quite enjoy." Lilith's curiosity piqued as she raised her head slightly, maintaining her kneeling position. She wondered what could be so significant that her Emperor would personally summon her and believe she would enjoy it. "I have decided to re-open Project: Sky Fall."
Did Lilith hear that right? Her heart skipped a beat as she processed the words. Project Sky Fall was a highly classified and ambitious endeavor to learn about the technology that fell from the sky almost sixteen years ago. On the outside, she kept her serious face, but on the inside, she was giddy. This was her chance to unravel once again the mystery that has captivated her and perhaps even make groundbreaking discoveries.
"My Emperor, I am honored and grateful for this opportunity," Lilith replied, her voice steady despite the excitement. "I will dedicate myself fully to the project's success and ensure that every resource is utilized to its fullest potential."
"I do expect great things from you, Lilith," the Emperor said, his voice filled with confidence. "You have proven yourself time and time again, and I do not doubt that you will excel in this endeavor. Remember, the fate of the empire rests on all your shoulders."
Lilith nodded, her determination shining through her eyes. "I will not let you down, Your—" She paused. "Wait…" Lilith's brow furrowed with curiosity. "Do you mean that there are others involved?"
"Indeed. I would like you to meet your partners in this endeavor." Belos snapped his gauntleted fingers, and two figures emerged from the shadows on cue. Lilith's eyes widened as she recognized them.
"Ah, Lily. It's been far too long." Said Odalia Blight, accompanied by her husband, Alador.
Lilith's heart sank as she realized that she would be working with Odalia and Alador, of all people. Well, Alador was tolerable. Odalia, on the other hand, was going to turn a dream come true into an absolute nightmare. As the shock settled in, Lilith mustered a polite smile as she returned to Belos.
"My Emperor, not to question your wisdom, but may I ask why I must work with the Blights?" she inquired, her voice betraying a hint of concern.
Belos chuckled softly. "I figured you would ask. I'm sure you're aware that Alador possesses great skills and knowledge when it comes to engineering." Meanwhile, as Belos spoke, Alador was distracted by the intricate machinery unique to Belos' throne room, his eyes gleaming with child-like curiosity. He had a genuine passion for his craft. "But his brilliance can lead him astray. Odalia knows how to keep him on the right path."
"Anything for you, my Emperor," Odalia replied with a slight bow, her voice filled with loyalty. "And I assure you, Blight Industries will produce everything you need to deal with him."
"What are you talking about?" Lilith asked her.
"Oh, Lily, are you so out of touch these days? I'm talking about the Superboy who's been making the news lately," Odalia replied with a sly smile. "He's been causing quite a stir with his abilities, and there's suspicion that he may not be native to this realm."
"I don't understand."
"For someone so bright, you are quite clueless, Lily. Superboy came with the crashed technology; his powers aren't magic-based. His strength, speed, and invulnerability are all genetic."
"She is right," Belos said. "Superboy's abilities are a result of his unique genetic makeup, which sets him apart from the inhabitants of the Boiling Isles. His powers could not be suppressed through a brand, so I ask you to aid Blight Industries in developing... a means of defending ourselves."
"You mean weapons?"
"Yes, weapons."
"But he doesn't mean harm to us. From what I understand, he has been helpful and protective to the Isles people."
"For now. But tell me, what would happen if he decided he didn't want to be helpful any longer? What if Superboy decided that he wanted to rule over us? Who would be able to stop him? We cannot solely rely on his goodwill forever."
Lilith paused, her expression thoughtful. "I understand your concerns. I just—"
"Enough of this. I've made my orders clear." Belos rose from his throne, the eyes hidden behind his mask glowing a menacing blue, causing Lilith to back up out of fear. Even Odalia did the same. The tension in the room grew palpable. "You will work with Blight Industries in researching and developing advanced weaponry without question. Failure to comply will result in severe consequences."
Lilith gulped, her voice barely a whisper as she begrudgingly answered, "Yes, my Emperor."
Belos stared at Lilith, his gaze unwavering. "I expect your loyalty and dedication to this cause, Lilith. Blight Industries has proven its expertise in this field, and we cannot afford to fall behind our enemies. All of you are dismissed."
As the room emptied, Lilith couldn't shake off the unease in her stomach. She knew that working with Blight Industries meant delving into dangerous territory. Still, the consequences of defiance seemed even more daunting. "Oh, cheer up, Lily," Odalia said, her arm around Alador's shoulder. "Being a sourpuss is bad for morale."
Chapter 4 is finally here. Thank you so much for patiently waiting. If you enjoyed it, please favorite, follow, and leave a review; feedback is appreciated.