Bria slipped quietly into her room at Glandus, the door closing with a soft, final click. In the dim candlelight, her eyes fell upon the small shrine she had carefully built in honour of Her Empress — candles flickering faintly, casting shadows that danced across the symbols of devotion she had collected over the years. She knelt before the altar, fingers grazing over a worn emblem of Oscura's insignia, the only light in her darkened space was the faint, steady glow of her candles.
Geo's words still echoed in her mind, gnawing at her resolve. Kill Amity Blight. Remove the one weakness Oscura still clung to, the one tether keeping her from reclaiming the power she had once wielded. Bria's jaw tightened as she remembered the look in Geo's eyes, the cold determination she'd seen there. Yes, she longed to take Blight's place in Oscura's heart — had long dreamed of being the one by her side, sharing in her victories. But to do it through deceit? Through blood? Love born from such violence will always carry the weight of its origin. It would never be true, and it would never be earned.
Killing Amity Blight — Her Empress' betrothed — would be beneath her. Small-minded and petty. The thought clawed at her mind, but she couldn't shake the image of Oscura's face, softened in those rare moments of peace the Empress shared with Blight. Geo was wrong. The Human Realm and its comforts hadn't dulled Oscura's edge — they had given her something she had never had before: a solace, a reprieve.
She stared into the flickering flames, feeling the turmoil in her chest settle slightly. Oscura had been tempered by Amity's presence, shaped into something beyond the tyrant Bria had once idolized. No, it was the witch who had held her hand through those long, painful years, who had shared in her burdens and helped to bear her scars. It was the witch who had helped her Empress heal.
To take that from her now, to sever that bond for her own selfish longing…would be monstrous.
She closed her eyes, feeling the weight of her own desire clash against the loyalty she owed. If she tried to return Oscura to her former self through betrayal, through blood, what would it accomplish? Even if she succeeded in driving Blight out from Oscura's heart, would the emptiness left behind make Oscura's edge any sharper, her will any stronger? Or would it only twist her harder, making her colder, unreachable?
And then what?
Bria's eyes opened, fierce with newfound resolve. No. Oscura deserved more than loyalty tainted by jealousy, more than love born from lies. She had served the Empress through her darkest days, and she would continue to serve her faithfully, even if it meant letting go of her own desires.
She watched the candles flicker, murmuring a quiet vow under her breath.
"For you, I will remain true."
Mr. Butler lounged comfortably in his office, a crystal glass in hand as he idly scrolled through the latest ratings on his tablet. The season's viewership was soaring beyond expectations — each day of the trial feeding the frenzy as fans placed bets on the verdict. Oscura's supporters were banking on a 'not guilty' ruling, while her detractors clamoured for 'guilty.' The stakes had never been higher, the drama perfectly crafted.
"Good, very good," he muttered to himself, a self-satisfied smile creeping across his face. This season was unlike anything they'd ever produced. There was undeniable risk in exposing the Desire Grand Prix to the Demon Realm's audiences, but with the reset looming, he had no reason to worry. The temporary attention would be a deliciously profitable spectacle.
The only minor annoyance was Tsumuri's sudden act of rebellion. She'd likely gone to the Boiling Isles to meddle in Luz Noceda's trial — an amusing breach of protocol, if ultimately meaningless. Navigators were meant to remain impartial, yet if Tsumuri wanted to stretch the rules, so be it. He would tolerate her involvement as long as it served his purpose.
The lounge phone rang, breaking his thoughts. Setting down his glass, Butler answered it, his voice smooth and controlled. "Hello?"
{Butler.}
"Ah, Mr. Niram." Butler's tone was genial, barely concealing his amusement. "Enjoying the show?"
{This isn't our usual Desire Grand Prix, Butler. Viewers expect players to fight for their wishes.}
"I understand, sir. But have you seen the numbers? The trial's packed with drama and suspense — exactly what the audience craves. And didn't you always say reality makes the best entertainment?" he chuckled, relishing the spike in ratings.
{True,} Niram replied, though his voice held an edge. {But some are growing restless. They want combat. Blood. They won't wait much longer.}
Butler sighed, allowing a flicker of disdain to cross his face.
"Yes, them," he muttered, barely concealing an eye roll. There was a segment of their audience — despite claiming to be highly advanced — that seemed to crave only primitive thrills. They wanted blood, sweat, death, and all the visceral struggle of a gladiatorial arena. Honestly, why couldn't they just sit back and enjoy the layered drama of a trial?
{Please make sure the game resumes. We need to conclude this round as soon as possible.}
Butler masked his irritation, his voice slipping into its usual silky compliance.
"Very well, sir. I'll get right on it." He waited until Niram disconnected before hanging up himself.
In an otherworldly garden shrouded in shadows, Archimedel guided his two new 'children' through rows of twisted trees and creeping vines. Terra and Adrian followed close behind, their eyes flitting over the decaying structures around them. Crumbling walls loomed on either side, suffocated by dark, thorny vines, their roots twisting around broken stone like skeletal hands grasping for escape.
"I'm not exactly a fan of the aesthetics," Adrian remarked, casting a disdainful glance at the tangled growth that choked the garden. His gaze lingered on a statue, half-buried and eroded beyond recognition, its stone face blank and hollow.
Terra remained silent, her senses reaching out into the garden with a quiet magic. She could feel them — the strange creatures lurking just beyond sight, slithering between shadows and twisted roots, their presence a faint hum at the edge of perception. It felt as if the whole garden was breathing, exhaling secrets it refused to share.
"Oh, I didn't pick this place," Archimedel said, his tone light and dismissive. "But one must make do with what one has." He turned, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Ah, here we are."
They stopped at the base of a massive, ancient tree — its gnarled branches stretching out like dark fingers. Strange, fleshy fruit hung heavily from the limbs, their skins mottled and pulsing with a faint, otherworldly glow. Terra's eyes widened as she took in the details: the fruit looked disturbingly like miniature versions of the creature she'd dissected, their small forms barely stirring as they hung, suspended in eerie dormancy.
Archimedel picked up a bucket nearby, half filled with cracked ID Cores. Scooping up a handful, he began scattering them all over the soil at the base of the tree, each ID Core gleaming faintly before vanishing among the roots.
"What are those?" Terra curiously asked, her gaze narrowing at the strange, glinting pieces as they scattered across the soil.
"Oh, just a little fertilizer," Archimedel replied, his tone almost casual. "Very potent."
"Yes, but what are they exactly?" Terra pressed, her voice laced with suspicion.
"Hopes, dreams, desires, and memories," he answered cryptically, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling pride. "They help my children grow big and strong." He extended his hand toward Terra and Adrian, offering them some of the cracked Cores. "Here, take one. You'll see what I mean."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, giving the Cores in Archimedel's hand a long, wary look but made no move to take one. Terra, however, reached out and selected a pink Core etched with the image of a bird. Without hesitation, she placed it in her mouth and began to chew, savouring the crunch as it broke apart on her tongue.
A sudden surge of energy flooded her senses, potent and raw. It was unlike anything she'd tasted before — intense, bitter, and laced with the ache of broken dreams. For a moment, she glimpsed fragments of the person's life — their desperate wish to fix a shattered family, every ounce of their hope distilled into that single Core.
"How does it taste?" Adrian asked his housemate, his voice tinged with morbid curiosity.
"Like unfulfilled dreams," Terra replied, a twisted smile curling at her lips. She closed her eyes briefly, savouring the lingering flavour, each bite steeped in fragments of someone's deepest longing.
Archimedel nodded approvingly, his eyes glinting as he watched her.
"Yes, precisely. ID Cores make the strongest fertilizer. I once relied on fresh meat, but when I discovered how much raw desire these held… Let's just say I never looked back." He bent down, absently picking up a discarded boot tangled in the roots and tossed it onto a growing pile of rubbish nearby. "Much more effective."
Adrian finally spoke, his gaze flickering over the strange fruit hanging from the branches.
"And what exactly grows here?"
"Children," Archimedel answered softly, his voice a low murmur. "Each one nurtured until they're strong enough to stand on their own." He gestured toward the garden around them, his eyes alight with an eerie fondness. "With time, they'll be ready to fight."
Terra felt a shiver of excitement run through her, her gaze lingering on the fruit. She could already sense the possibilities, the raw power waiting to be harvested from this place. And as the garden's hidden creatures continued their silent watch, she felt a kinship with them: a shared hunger for something greater, something far beyond the ruins that surrounded them.
Archimedel glanced between his two 'children', a pleased smile on his lips.
"Come now, children. There's so much more to show you."
"I want to be a lawyer."
Luz froze midstep, her toothbrush hovering in the air, toothpaste foam clinging to her lips. She blinked, half-convinced she'd misheard. She slowly turned to the mirror, where her own reflection had been replaced by Empress Oscura's sharp, calculating gaze.
"Excuse me?"
"A lawyer," Oscura repeated, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Just imagine it: my words alone deciding someone's fate, their life balanced in the palm of my hand. Now that's true power."
Luz snorted, rolling her eyes as she resumed brushing.
"Control. Of course, that's what you'd like most about it."
"Obviously." Oscura's chuckle was low, almost amused. "Did you see Eagle and Buzzard go at it in court? If I'd known there were demons with that kind of fire, I'd have hired them ages ago."
Luz spat into the sink, glancing back at Oscura's smug expression.
"I'm not becoming a lawyer just because you like the idea."
"Oh, right, because you're thriving on… What, a handful of online commissions?" Oscura's mocking tone grew sharper, each word a barb. "And that book you've been working on. Tell me," her voice dropped to a dark whisper. "Has anyone called back yet?"
Luz's face hardened, and she quickly turned away, brushing with renewed determination.
"…No."
Oscura leaned in, her voice a velvet hiss.
"Face it, chica. Money and control. That's where the real power is."
Luz looked up, meeting Oscura's gaze in the mirror with a steely defiance.
"And yet, somehow, I think I'll stick to my own plans, thanks."
For a moment, Oscura's expression faltered, but the sneer quickly returned. She chuckled in a low tone, the sound lingering as it echoed even as her image faded, her eyes gleaming with a reminder of her influence.
Luz straightened up, forcing the dark thoughts aside as her own reflection came back into view. She took a steadying breath, tuning out Oscura's haunting laugh as she prepared herself for another day in court.
By the third day of the trial, the steps of the House of Justice remained crowded with protesters. Though their numbers had thinned somewhat after news spread of Luz's wish — the Great Return, reviving the very lives taken during her dark reign — many still cried out for justice. For some, this revelation softened their calls for punishment, seeing it as an attempt at redemption. But there were still plenty who wanted retribution for the suffering Oscura had caused.
On the other side, Luz's supporters — mostly her followers from Oscura's cult — chanted her name, demanding her release. Tensions flared between the two groups, only held in check by the Coven Scouts stationed at every corner of the square to keep them in order.
Inside the courtroom, Luz sat flanked by her friends and family, her heart pounding beneath the calm she tried to project. Today could be the day the Council made their final decision. The Council of the United Covens filed in, their robes flowing as they took their seats with an air of solemnity that only heightened Luz's anxiety.
"Your Honours," Legal began, rising to address the Council, his voice clear and commanding. "Yesterday, we introduced evidence of a tournament known as the Desire Grand Prix, in which players compete for a single wish — one powerful enough to change reality itself. My client, Luz Noceda, competed for two seasons, and at the end of her first season, she claimed her prize. She used her wish not to empower herself, but to restore the lives lost during Oscura's reign." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Today, the defence calls a special witness — someone who plays a key role in the Desire Grand Prix."
The heavy courtroom doors creaked open, and a small, lithe figure stepped through. Tsumuri entered, her gaze steady as she walked with purpose to the witness stand. Her appearance caused a murmur to ripple through the audience.
"Tsumuri?!" Luz gasped, wide-eyed with disbelief. She had never expected the DGP's elusive navigator to appear to testify for her.
"Surprise!" Sasha whispered with a grin.
"But…I thought she wasn't allowed to interfere!" Luz's voice trembled, still unable to believe what she was seeing.
"She didn't like how things were going," Marcy explained, leaning in. "So, she offered to testify."
Tsumuri took her seat at the witness stand, folding her hands in her lap, her expression as composed as ever as Legal approached her.
"For the record, please state your name," he instructed, his voice calm.
"Tsumuri," she stated, her voice soft but unflinching.
"And what is your role in the Desire Grand Prix?" Legal continued.
"I am the player navigator, a role I've held for many years, long enough to witness the full spectrum of human desire — everything from selfless acts of kindness to the darkest, most unspeakable wishes." Her words lingered, casting a hush over the room.
Legal gave a small nod, acknowledging the gravity of her statement.
"A wish that can be granted without limitation, no matter how impossible, is a powerful motivator. Many would fight to the death for such a prize. But when Luz Noceda — whom many here know as 'Oscura' — entered the DGP, she had only one wish: to bring back every life she had taken, whether by her own hand or by the Phantoms under her command. Ms. Tsumuri, can you verify that this was indeed my client's wish? There are many here who remain sceptical of Ms. Noceda's true intentions in the Desire Grand Prix."
Tsumuri nodded, her gaze turning to the Council.
"If it would please the court, I can verify this."
"Objection!" Bradward's voice cut through the air as he shot to his feet. "The prosecution was not informed of this evidence beforehand!"
"This evidence was only made available through Ms. Tsumuri's cooperation," Legal responded smoothly. "As she is under no obligation to present such records and is beyond our jurisdiction, her willingness to provide it now is all we could obtain."
The Council members exchanged murmurs, discussing the matter among themselves. After a moment, Darius raised his gavel.
"Overruled. The witness may proceed with the evidence."
Legal nodded to Tsumuri, who produced a sleek tablet, tapping in a few commands. A faint hum filled the air as blue pixels shimmered to life in the centre of the courtroom, coalescing into Luz's Desire Card — the original wish she had written when she first entered the DGP. The image glowed, and Legal plucked it from the air, holding it aloft.
"This card is issued to all participants upon entering the Desire Grand Prix, correct?" Legal asked.
"Yes," Tsumuri confirmed, her voice clear. "Participants are instructed to write down their wishes upon entry. When they achieve victory, the wish on their Desire Card is granted exactly as written."
"Objection!" Bradward interrupted, his tone sharp. "How do we know this is the defendant's card? For all we know, it could belong to another player."
"I considered that," Legal said calmly. He traced a spell circle in the air, and the Desire Card glowed, enveloped in a shimmering bubble of light. Returning to his table, Legal pulled out a blank sheet of paper and a pen, placing them in front of Luz. "Ms. Noceda, without looking at the card, please rewrite the exact words of your original wish."
Luz hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing down on her, but with a deep breath, she took up the pen and wrote. Legal took the paper, placed it beside the Desire Card and conjured a holographic screen, projecting both documents for all to see.
"As you can see..." Legal gestured. "...the handwriting on both documents is identical." He turned back to the Council. "Any objections?"
Bradward's jaw tightened, but he shook his head.
"None."
"Then I submit this as evidence for the defence," Legal concluded, glancing at the Council.
"The evidence will be submitted for the record," Darius accepted. The Desire Card floated to a bailiff, who promptly secured it in the evidence room.
Legal turned back to Tsumuri.
"Ms. Tsumuri, was the Desire Grand Prix aware of Ms. Noceda's past?"
"Yes," Tsumuri replied, her gaze unwavering. "That was precisely why she was selected. A former Dark Rider would boost ratings, promising drama and intense competition."
"Were you surprised by the nature of her wish?" Legal questioned.
Tsumuri's lips curved into a slight, thoughtful smile.
"In my years as a navigator, I've seen a wide range of wishes — some selfless and others...best left unmentioned. But I'll say this: very few with truly selfless wishes make it to the finals. Luz Noceda defied the odds, and her wish was granted."
"Did Ms. Noceda have any guarantee her wish would be granted, especially given the scope?" Legal inquired, leaning in.
"No," Tsumuri admitted. "But she fought with the hope that her wish would be granted and to make things right." She took a small breath, hesitating before speaking again. "May I say something further, Mr. Eagle?"
Legal nodded.
"Of course."
Tsumuri straightened, her hands resting firmly on the railing.
"I know Luz Noceda's story well. Many former rulers or tyrants wish only to regain the power they lost. You'd expect her to do the same — to reclaim her former empire. But she didn't." Her voice softened, filled with conviction. "Instead of conquest, she chose atonement, knowing that those she revived would never know the sacrifice she made for them. And she was content with that."
A hushed silence fell over the room as Tsumuri's words resonated with the audience. Luz felt her heart tighten, warmth flooding her chest as she listened.
"Yes, she's competing again," Tsumuri continued. "And her wish is to bring back a player who lost her life in our last season — a loss that deeply affected both Sasha Waybright and Marcy Wu. Every battle she engages in now is another step toward making amends. Her journey to redemption…it's something I have rarely seen."
Tsumuri's eyes softened as she looked toward Luz, sincerity brightening her gaze.
"One more thing, if I may. The DGP's wish-granting powers extend over time, space, reality — and even life itself. If she had wanted, she could have wished to return to her past, armed with the memories of her future, and undone every mistake. But she didn't. She has stayed true to her convictions and to the love she holds for her family and fiancée."
Legal turned to the Council, his voice steady as he drove the point home.
"So, to be clear, Ms. Noceda could have wished to become Empress Oscura again. She could have rewritten reality itself so that none of us would even know the difference. We would accept her rule as fact. Is that correct?"
"Exactly," Tsumuri affirmed. "If she had wished to be Empress Oscura, everyone — every single person in this room, in the entire realm — would accept it to be the absolute truth. Without question."
"And yet that's not what happened," Legal said as he gestured toward Luz. "Now, Ms. Tsumuri, would Luz Noceda be summoned to the Desire Grand Prix again if she were to win this season?"
"That would be her choice to make," Tsumuri admitted. "But I can tell you this: Ms. Noceda has made it clear that this is her final season. The choice to return is always up to the victor. If she is called again, she alone has the power to refuse."
"Thank you, Ms. Tsumuri," Legal gratefully said, stepping back. "The defence has no further questions, Your Honours."
Darius nodded.
"You may step down, Ms. Tsumuri."
Tsumuri rose, offering a respectful nod to the Council before turning to Legal and then to Luz. As she passed by Luz's table, she paused, giving Luz a small but encouraging smile — a silent show of support. Luz felt a flicker of relief in her chest, yet the weight of the trial still bore down heavily on her.
But at that moment, with Tsumuri's words echoing in her mind, she felt a sense of hope — a reminder that even her darkest past could be met with understanding and perhaps even redemption.
The brief respite in the trial didn't last long.
"Prosecution, you may proceed," Darius intoned, his voice carrying across the silent room as he turned his attention back to the floor.
Bradward Buzzard rose with a self-assured air. "The prosecution calls Steve Tholomule to the stand."
Steve walked to the witness stand, removing his Coven Scout mask as he sat down. He nodded to the crowd, acting casual despite the intensity of the setting.
"Mr. Tholomule," Bradward began briskly. "You were a member of the Emperor's Coven during Belos' reign, correct?"
"Yeah, that's right," Steve confirmed. "At first, I thought it was the best thing ever. But after I joined, I had to give up my Palisman, go through brutal training, and follow all their rules. Belos claimed the Titan didn't want us mixing magic, yet the Emperor's Coven was allowed to do just that. Didn't make much sense to me."
Bradward nodded, his tone steady.
"And after Belos fell, you joined the resistance, the Covens Against the Throne?"
"Yeah, but we later changed the name to 'Witches Against the Throne', coz there were no more covens."
"And now, you're once again serving as a Scout, this time for the United Covens. Can you tell the court about your most recent assignment?"
"I was sent to infiltrate the Children of Oscura," Steve replied, his voice growing serious.
Bradward leaned forward, his gaze intense.
"So, you were acting as a spy."
"Right," Steve confirmed. "The United Covens wanted someone to keep tabs on them. At first, they just looked like a harmless cult. At worst, they were just a nuisance, worshipping Oscura and going around trying to recruit new members. I played along, attended their meetings, and listened to their 'sermons'."
"And what did they discuss in these meetings?" Bradward questioned.
"Mostly about Oscura's 'return', like it was some kind of prophecy," Steve answered, his expression darkening.
Bradward's eyes narrowed, sensing the audience's attention sharpened.
"And what was supposed to happen once she returned?"
Steve hesitated before answering, "They believed she'd lead them into a new age by taking over the Boiling Isles. I even found evidence they were planning a coup, but I didn't know the full details."
Luz's heart clenched, her stomach dropping. The coup. She had known this would surface, had even anticipated it, yet the words hit harder than she'd expected.
Bradward pounced on Steve's last remark.
"A coup, Mr. Tholomule? In your opinion, is Oscura aware of these plans?"
Steve nodded, his gaze steady.
"I think so. I saw Bria bring her to a meeting with the cult's other higher-ups."
Bradward's expression was triumphant as he turned back to the Council.
"Thank you, Mr. Tholomule. No further questions."
After Steve stepped down from the stand, Legal immediately rose, his voice calm but purposeful.
"The defence calls Amity Blight to the stand."
Darius gave a curt nod.
"Ms. Blight, please take the stand."
Amity took a deep breath, steeling herself. She knew this moment would come, and she felt Luz's reassuring hand squeeze hers. Luz pressed her forehead gently to Amity's, her eyes filled with silent encouragement. Amity offered a small smile before she rose, crossing the room to face the Council.
"Ms. Blight," Legal began, his tone respectful. "Could you describe your first meeting with the defendant?"
"It was at Hexside, during an Abomination class presentation," Amity described, her voice steady but soft. "Luz helped Willow with her project by pretending to be her Abomination."
"And what happened next?" Legal asked.
"Willow won the gold star for her presentation," Amity said, her voice faltering. "I couldn't handle it. I thought she'd cheated, so I followed her around, convinced she was lying. I saw her 'Abomination' eating. Obviously, Abominations don't eat. I got Principal Bump involved, and nearly got Luz dissected." She paused, regret colouring her expression. "I tried to catch her...but I didn't realize what I was dealing with."
Legal nodded thoughtfully.
"So, you admit you disliked the defendant when you first met her?"
Amity glanced down, feeling the weight of her early animosity.
"Yes."
Bradward seized the opportunity, interjecting smoothly.
"Some might say that after your duel at the Covention, you were pleased when she lost. After all, she cheated, didn't she? Pretending to be a witch when she was just a human?"
Amity's fists clenched as she met Bradward's gaze.
"I was angry, yes. I thought it would be an honest duel, and that I deserved to win. I won't lie: there was a small part of me that took pride in it." Her gaze drifted to the Council, locking onto Lilith Clawthorne, who looked visibly uncomfortable. Amity's voice hardened. "But that duel was far from honest, and not because of Luz."
Legal stepped in, his tone encouraging.
"Would you care to elaborate, Ms. Blight?"
Amity took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening.
"My victory wasn't earned. The duel was rigged because I had a power glyph put on me." Her hand slammed down on the railing, startling the court before pointing at the Council. "And the one responsible for that was my former mentor, Councilwoman Lilith Clawthorne! If you want to talk about cheating, look at her!"
A stunned silence filled the courtroom. Bradward's face twitched, his composure faltering as camera shutters clicked around him, capturing every tense second.
"ORDER! ORDER IN THE COURT!" Mason bellowed, slamming his gavel to quiet the restless room.
Bradward recovered, standing with forced composure.
"Objection, Your Honours! Ms. Blight is accusing a respected Council member of misconduct without any shred of evidence! Clearly, this is an attempt to deflect blame for her own actions!"
Amity's expression was fierce.
"It's not an accusation, it's the truth."
Legal turned back to her, his voice firm.
"Ms. Blight, did you witness Councilwoman Clawthorne place this glyph on you?"
Amity's resolve wavered, but she held her ground.
"No, but only because she got rid of it before anyone else could see it."
Bradward seized on this opportunity.
"So, you didn't see her do it. How can you be sure it was her?"
Amity's gaze darkened as she crossed her arms defiantly.
"Because I heard it from Luz."
"Ah, so the defendant claims Councilwoman Clawthorne cheated."
"No, not the one who's on trial," she rebutted, gesturing towards the defendant.
"What are you saying?" Bradward spat. "Are you saying there's another Oscura?"
"No," Amity denied. "Four years ago, two Riders named Kamen Rider Amp and Kamen Rider Witch were brought here from another universe and defeated Oscura, saving Luz in the process. Only the Coven Heads and members of the WATTs are aware of their true identities. Kamen Rider Amp was another Anne Boonchuy. And the one known as Kamen Rider Witch was another version of Luz."
"That's preposterous!" Bradward protested. "Your Honours-!"
"This is true," Darius confirmed, nodding alongside the other Council Members. "The true identity of Kamen Rider Witch is indeed another Luz Noceda, one who came from a different universe."
Bradward was speechless, but he attempted to compose himself.
"Ms. Blight, please continue," Legal instructed.
"The other Luz told me everything," Amity continued. "But unlike what happened in our world, Lilith's cheating was exposed, therefore invalidating the duel. After that, the me from her world dissolved the Everlasting Oath."
Bradward shook his head, visibly struggling to regain control.
"This is absurd—"
"Is it?" Amity countered, cutting him off. "Do you honestly believe there are only two realms?" The room held its collective breath, all eyes on Amity as she turned her gaze back to Lilith. "In the other Luz's world, everything was different because of that single moment. But here, because of one lie, our Luz became Oscura. It was Lilith's actions that created a monster." Her voice softened, carrying the weight of the grief and anger she had held for so long. "So, yes, Mr. Buzzard, things could have been different. Luz didn't have to suffer. None of us did. And it all started with one person's selfish decision to cheat and my own stubborn pride."
The courtroom erupted, reporters shouting over each other, camera flashes lighting up the room. All eyes turned to Lilith, who sat pale and frozen under the weight of Amity's revelation.
"ORDER! ORDER IN THE COURT!" Mason's voice rang out, his gavel slamming as the room spun into chaos.
"ENOUGH!" Lilith's voice cut through the clamour as she rose, her sudden movement silencing the crowd. She took a steadying breath, her face ashen. When she finally spoke, her voice was laden with remorse. "…What Amity says is true."
A murmur swept through the room, but Lilith continued, her gaze distant.
"Four years ago, during the defendant and Amity's witch's duel at the Covention, I...cheated. I just did not want to lose to my sister. So, before the duel, I placed a power glyph on the back of Amity's neck, hidden by her hood. After the match stopped because of Edalyn's cheating, I got rid of the evidence."
"Lily…" Eda's voice was a pained whisper.
Lilith glanced at her sister, guilt etched into every line of her expression. She turned back to the Council, her voice steady yet hollow.
"I cheated only because I believed Edalyn would cheat. But that's no excuse — it was my choice, and it was wrong." Lilith's voice wavered, but she steadied herself, looking directly at the Council. "What Amity says is true. The other Luz Noceda — Kamen Rider Witch — is living proof that, in another world, my deception was revealed. But here... Here, my lie gave birth to something far darker. Oscura exists because of my mistake, and it is a mistake that has affected the lives of everyone in the Boiling Isles."
Her gaze drifted to Luz, the girl she had betrayed four years ago, setting her down a path that would haunt them all. Lilith swallowed hard, her voice softer but resonant with guilt.
"Luz Noceda, I apologize for every wrong I inflicted upon you. I don't know if my words mean anything now, but I am truly sorry. I am sorry for using you and Amity in my petty feud with my sister. I am sorry for nearly killing Edalyn. And most of all, I am sorry for pushing you down a path that ultimately led you to become Oscura."
Lilith took a shuddering breath, her eyes filled with remorse as she turned to face the crowd.
"To the people of the Boiling Isles, I also apologize. For every life affected, every loss and fear that has come of my actions — I am deeply, truly sorry."
For a moment, the room stood in stunned silence. Then, all at once, the courtroom exploded in fury, shouts and accusations directed at the Council, the fragile trust of the people shattered.
"THEY'RE ALL LIARS!"
"THEY HID THE TRUTH FROM US!"
"WE TRUSTED YOU!"
"TRAITORS!"
"DOWN WITH THE COUNCIL!"
The outrage of the crowd surged, disbelief and betrayal flashing across every face. The weight of Lilith's confession had cracked the court's authority like an egg, and the consequences were unravelling fast.
"ORDER! ORDER IN THE COURT!" Darius bellowed, his gavel striking with a desperate force. "THE COURT WILL TAKE A TEN-MINUTE RECESS!"
Bailiffs sprang into action, escorting the Council members from the courtroom. Luz and her allies were hurriedly led to their private room, insulated from the storm of fury now spreading through the Boiling Isles like wildfire.
The outcry all over the Boiling Isles was explosive. Televised across the Isles, everyone had witnessed Lilith's confession: her role in setting Luz on her path to darkness. While Luz had been the one to decide to forge the Philosopher's Stone, it was Lilith's deception that had pushed her to take such drastic steps to break free of the Everlasting Oath.
For witches and demons, losing their magic was a nightmare. Even if Luz was human, they could understand the horror of losing access to the very thing that defined them.
Among the cultists, confusion rippled through the ranks. They had always viewed the Council as their enemy, yet now it was Lilith Clawthorne herself who had played a key role in the rise of their Empress.
"I... I don't know how to feel about this," Marina confessed, her voice shaky.
"The Empress wouldn't be the Empress without Lilith Clawthorne's actions," Vuvu pointed out. "And yet, she's also part of why the Empress fell."
"But this is good, right?" Badriah hopefully asked, her brow furrowed in thought. "It proves we were right all along about Oscura being the rightful ruler!"
"Exactly," Tuvar agreed, excitement creeping into his voice. "And now, the whole Boiling Isles knows the Council's dirty little secret! The trial will be dismissed, and the Empress will walk free. Once the truth spreads, the people will demand her return and our numbers will grow!"
But Geo slammed his fist on the table, the loud thud silencing the others.
"How can you all be this naive? Do you really think it will be that simple?"
The group turned to him, startled.
"What do you mean, Geo?" Vuvu asked, confused.
Geo's expression darkened.
"You honestly think the Council will allow Oscura to go free? The Boiling Isles are in an uproar, yes. Sympathy for Our Empress has never been higher. But the Council won't let it get that far. If she declared herself the rightful Empress tomorrow, there wouldn't be much resistance from the people. And that's exactly why."
"Why what?" Marina asked, eyes wide with concern.
"They won't let it happen," Bria cut in, her voice grim. "You really think they'll let one of their own go down for this? If anything, the danger to Our Empress has never been greater. The only way for the Council to resolve this now is to kill her."
A heavy silence fell over the room as Vuvu, Marina, Tuvar and Badriah exchanged uneasy glances.
"You're nuts, Bria," Marina gaped, her voice shaking. "After everything Amity Blight revealed, they wouldn't dare execute Our Empress! It would only spark more outrage and drive people to our cause."
"And the Council knows how dangerous that would be for them," Vuvu agreed, nodding.
Geo clicked his tongue, his frustration boiling over.
"That is unless they force her hand. Make her commit some heinous act before the trial ends. This 'trial' has been a sham from the start, but they weren't prepared for Amity's testimony or Lilith's confession. Now, they'll be scrambling, trying to salvage their plan. And the only way they can justify executing Oscura without causing a public backlash—"
"—is by making her look like the villain," Bria finished. She stood from the table, her gaze steely as she looked each of them in the eye. "They won't wait. They'll act soon, and if we sit on our hands, we'll lose her forever. If we want to save Our Empress, we must strike first."
"But Oscura wanted to explore non-lethal options to bring down the Council," Tuvar reminded, his voice uncertain.
"A mercy they will not grant her," Bria countered sharply. "Yes, the Empress might get angry at us for taking this step without her order. But in the end, she will rule the Isles again. I will gladly give my life for disobeying her if it means she survives." Her eyes blazed with determination. "When this is over, you tell her it was my decision. She has shown us her terrible wrath and her great mercy. She will spare you if my life is the price."
"Bria..." Geo whispered with awe in his voice.
Bria's gaze hardened.
"Spread the word. When the trial resumes, we will strike. For the Empress. For the future of the Boiling Isles."
"For the Empress. For the future of the Boiling Isles," the others echoed.
"Well, that was… Wow," Sasha remarked, still processing the revelation.
"Yeah," Marcy added, glancing at the commotion outside. "Amity's testimony, plus Lilith's confession? I think we might've just started a riot."
"Unfortunately," Legal noted. "But not necessarily a bad thing. In the court of public opinion, we may have just won. At the very least, people no longer see you as a monster, Ms. Noceda. They see you as a victim of a series of unfortunate events."
Luz sat quietly, twiddling her thumbs, her gaze fixed on the floor. Amity, sitting beside her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, giving her an encouraging smile. Luz leaned into her fiancée's touch, taking solace in her presence.
"What happens now?" Luz asked, her voice soft.
"Amity was my final witness," Legal said. "Next, we'll move to closing arguments. And after that, the Council will render their verdict."
"If they find Luz guilty after that performance from Lily, people are gonna go nuts," Eda said, crossing her arms.
"You don't sound happy about that," Amity observed, glancing at Eda.
Eda sighed.
"I'm still ticked at what Lilith did, believe me. But she's still my sister. And…if she hadn't intervened after the final battle, Luz would've been executed on the spot." She paused, her expression hardening. "Not that they could've pulled it off with two Kamen Riders and all of us standing guard."
Amity nodded.
"Gus, Willow, and I would've fought to protect her. And the other Luz and Anne would no doubt have stepped in too. After saving the entire Demon Realm and defeating Oscura, the Council back then wouldn't have stood a chance."
"I wish they were here now, though..." Luz desired. The presence of her alternate self and the other Anne could tip the scales in their favour.
Amity squeezed her shoulder gently.
"It'll be fine. The truth's out now. If the Council still calls for your execution, it'd only prove how cruel they are. Not you."
Luz wanted to believe that. Part of her did. But another part couldn't help but think that Sasha, Marcy, Eda, and even Amity had backup plans ready if things went south. She wouldn't put it past them to break her out if the verdict went against her favour.
It was strange. Four years ago, when she was at her lowest, Luz probably would've accepted her fate and allowed them to execute her. Back then, the weight of guilt and despair had been crushing. But now… Now she had Amity, the girl she wanted to marry. She had friends and a little sister — people who brought light into her life. There was so much to live for now. So much hope.
"Legal," Luz called softly, glancing at her lawyer. "I have a request."
The Council reconvened in the courtroom, the weight of the recent revelations hanging heavy in the air. Murmurs buzzed through the audience, a low hum of tension as they took their seats. Everyone was wondering what the Council would do, now that one of their own had been implicated in Oscura's rise to power.
Technically, it wasn't just Lilith's confession that had stirred this fire bee's nest, but the entirety of the trial. So much information had come to light, things that no one knew four years ago. And while opinions were divided on how this should change their views of Oscura, there was a shared sense of outrage: they had never been given the full story of how Luz became Oscura. Still, they all waited, eager to see how things would unfold.
"Demons, witches, and humans," Darius began, his voice firm as he addressed the room and the Isles beyond. "We are aware of the unrest outside, but this trial will continue, Councilwoman Clawthorne's confession notwithstanding." He glanced at the defence table. "Mr. Eagle, do you have any more witnesses or evidence to present?"
"Honourable Council," Legal began, standing up. "Before we proceed to closing arguments, my client would like to say a few words." He turned to Luz and gave a subtle nod.
Luz stood slowly, casting a brief glance at her friends and family seated behind her. They had come to support her, and their presence was a comfort, even though she felt the full weight of the courtroom's gaze on her. She took a breath, straightened her back, and stepped forward to face the Council.
"Honourable Council, esteemed members of the United Covens," she began, her voice steady but thick with emotion. "I stand before you not to excuse my actions, but to offer insight into the darkness that once consumed me."
She hesitated, letting the room's silence settle before continuing.
"I was a kid when I came to the Boiling Isles, thrown into a world of magic and mystery that was beyond my imagination. At first, I was filled with wonder. But as time went on, that wonder turned to fear — fear of being rejected, fear of never finding a place where I belonged. And in that desperation...I made choices I deeply regret."
Luz's voice faltered slightly, but she pressed on, her eyes scanning the faces of the Council members.
"I lost my way," she shamefully admitted. "I let fear and insecurity drive me, and in trying to prove myself, I became something I never wanted to be."
She paused, allowing the gravity of her words to linger.
"But that was not the end of my story. I have fought to reclaim myself from the darkness and to make up for the harm I caused. And I stand before you now, not as a monster, but as someone trying to make amends for her sins."
Luz's voice grew stronger, filled with a raw, unwavering sincerity.
"I do not ask for forgiveness, but I still ask that you see me not as the villain I once was, but as someone who has learned from her mistakes and wishes to atone for them."
Her final words echoed in the stillness of the room. Luz bowed her head slightly, then returned to her seat, awaiting the trial's end with a steady resolve.
"With that, Your Honours, the defence rests," Legal concluded, returning to his table.
"Very well," Darius accepted, his tone formal. "At this time, we will hear closing arguments. Mr. Bradward, if you are ready, you may begin."
Bradward rose smoothly, adjusting his suit as he made his way to the centre of the courtroom. His demeanour was cool, professional, and unyielding.
"Your Honours," he began, his voice sharp as a blade. "We have heard a great deal these past few days. Some testimonies were...interesting, to say the least. And the recent disclosures, well, they were shocking. But we must not lose sight of the real issue at hand: Luz Noceda — or as she was once known, Oscura."
Bradward turned to face the Council, his expression stern.
"She may look like a normal human girl, but do not be deceived. Beneath that facade lies a monster capable of unspeakable destruction. Four years ago, Oscura nearly tore our world apart. She claimed to want a place here, but she never belonged. Her presence, her very existence in the Demon Realm, has always been a threat."
He pointed an accusing finger at Luz, his voice growing more forceful.
"She could have returned to the Human Realm after her duel with Amity Blight. But instead, she stayed, indulging in a fantasy that cost us all dearly. Her decisions set into motion the chaos that followed. If she had simply left, none of this would have happened."
Bradward let his words hang, then began pacing slowly.
"And now, we find ourselves here again. Do not be fooled by her claims of redemption. Oscura's cult still exists, biding its time, waiting to put her back on the throne. They plotted a coup, and now she's back. Can we really trust her not to seek power once more? If you acquit her today, you risk everything. The next time she rises, there may be no stopping her."
He stopped, turning to face the Council once more.
"The people of the Isles demand justice. Do not let them down. Luz Noceda must be found guilty. Thank you."
As Bradward returned to his seat, the room seemed to hold its breath.
"Harsh," Sasha muttered under her breath.
"He's trying to stir up fear," Gus added quietly.
Amity's face was tight with tension.
"If the Council agrees with him, this could go very badly."
Marcy's voice trembled slightly.
"Do we have a plan if... If things don't go our way?"
Sasha leaned in, her voice low but firm.
"We'll get her out. Tsumuri can teleport us out of here. No one can stop us."
The whispered conversation was cut short as Darius spoke.
"Mr. Eagle, your closing statement."
Legal stood, his face calm, but his eyes intense. He took his place at the centre of the room.
"Esteemed members of the Council," he started, his voice steady. "You have heard the testimonies. You have seen the evidence. My opponent would have you believe that my client is irredeemable, a danger to us all. But the facts speak differently."
He paced slowly, addressing both the Council and the audience.
"Luz Noceda was a child who ventured into a strange world, driven by the need for acceptance. Yes, she made mistakes. Grave mistakes. But when given the chance for revenge, did she take it? No. She used her wish not to reclaim power, but to bring back those we had lost. This is not the act of a monster."
He gestured towards Luz.
"Since her return, what has she done? She has fought for us, protected our people, and saved lives. She could have fled, yet she chose to stay and face judgment."
Legal's voice rose with conviction.
"If we punish Luz Noceda for crimes she has already atoned for, we are no better than the tyrant we seek to punish."
He paused, meeting the eyes of each Council member.
"I ask you to show mercy. Let her continue on this path of redemption. Thank you."
Darius stood, the other Council members following.
"We will now deliberate. Please remain patient as we reach our verdict."
The room fell into tense silence as the Council exited, leaving Luz's fate hanging in the balance.
Thirty minutes had passed since the Council retired to deliberate. The courtroom was thick with tension, every whispered word or shifting footstep amplifying the growing anxiety. Luz sat at the defence table, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. Amity, noticing this, gently placed her hand over Luz's, her thumb tracing circles on her skin soothingly.
"Whatever happens, I won't let you face it alone," Amity whispered, her voice firm despite the unease in her eyes.
Luz glanced at her, managing a small, grateful smile.
"Thanks, mi amor."
Despite her calm demeanour, fear gnawed at her insides. The Council was taking their time, and that could only mean they were weighing something heavy. What if they decided death was the only fitting punishment? A part of her — a dark, guilty part — believed she might deserve it.
"And if they think they can just execute Noceda, well…" Sasha leaned in, her voice low but hard. "They'll have to answer to me."
"Sasha, no." Luz shook her head. "You all… I know you want to help me, to save me. But if this goes bad, please promise me: don't do anything rash."
Willow's eyes flashed with determination.
"We're not letting you down again, Luz. Not this time."
"I'm with her on this one," Eda added, her voice uncharacteristically serious. "We'll get you out, even if we have to fight our way out."
Luz's heart squeezed, but she forced herself to speak.
"Eda, you have Lil' Luz to think about. Willow, you have your parents and your teammates. Same for you, Gus. If you guys do anything to try and save me, you'll be throwing your lives away. I can't ask you to do that, even for me."
A silence fell between them. Luz could see the resistance in their faces, but also the truth. If they acted recklessly, they couldn't run. Amity, Sasha, and Marcy might have a slim chance to escape through the Desire Temple, but Eda and the others would be left to face the consequences — consequences Luz herself had earned.
"Let's just see where this goes," Amity suggested softly, her grip tightening on Luz's hand. "Hope for the best…and prepare for the worst."
Luz nodded, though her heart was pounding in her chest.
'In this case, I sense the worst coming,' Oscura's voice echoed in her mind, dripping with anticipation. Luz responded by mentally giving Oscura the finger.
An hour and a half later, the heavy wooden doors creaked open. The Council re-entered, their expressions grim. Darius led the way, his face a mask of cool authority. The crowd fell silent as the Council members took their seats. Luz's heart was hammering now, each second stretching out painfully as they prepared to deliver the verdict.
Darius stood, his eyes scanning the room before finally resting on Luz. His voice was steady, but there was a heaviness in it that made Luz's stomach churn.
"After much deliberation, it is this Council's decision that Luz Noceda, formerly known as Empress Oscura, is declared…"
The words hung in the air, the entire room holding its breath.
Suddenly, there was a deafening boom as the courtroom doors exploded inward. The sound of shattering wood and metal echoed through the chamber, and the startled shouts of Coven Scouts filled the room as they were thrown across the floor.
The Abomatons quickly moved to protect the courtroom and Council as per their programming, ready to engage the enemy when a sudden wave of magic instantly incapacitated them. Their bodies went rigid, the slime making up their bodies drying and hardening, becoming so brittle that they crumbled into piles of dust, leaving behind pieces of their armour as they clattered to the floor.
Panic erupted. The spectators leapt from their seats, gasping and scrambling away as a flood of robed figures — The Children of Oscura — stormed into the room, their eyes alight with fanatical devotion. Even more alarming, the Scouts assigned to protect the Council dropped their disguises, revealing themselves as more cultists, spell circles already forming in their hands.
"Shit!" Sasha sprang to her feet, her fists clenched and eyes scanning for any chance to strike. The others were just as tense, ready to fight, but there were too many. Spell circles flared to life, aimed at the Council, the audience, and anyone who dared to move.
"This trial is a farce!" Bria's voice rang out as she marched into the chaos, her dark eyes blazing with righteous fury. Behind her were the other key members of the cult — Geo, Badriah, Tuvar, Vuvu, and Marina — all of them poised like predators ready to pounce.
Bria pointed an accusatory finger at the Council.
"This sham of a government, these weaklings who dared to steal Our Empress from us, now seek to silence her yet again! It was Oscura who freed the Isles from the tyranny of Belos! It was Oscura who abolished the Coven System, who allowed us to wield all magic freely! She is a beacon of freedom and power!"
"Bria!" Luz's voice cracked, panic rising in her chest. "What the hell are you doing!? I told you not to interfere!"
Bria, her expression one of fervent devotion, bowed her head slightly toward Luz.
"My Empress," she spoke, her voice soft but resolute. "We act only in your name. If these fools refuse to recognize you as the true ruler of the Boiling Isles, they will be made to."
Luz's heart dropped. She could feel the room shifting, the whispers of fear and suspicion turning into a storm of doubt and anger. Everything she had said, every inch of ground she'd fought for in this trial, was crumbling before her eyes.
'Hell yeah! Go, Bria!' Oscura's voice rang gleefully in her mind.
'Shut. Up.' Luz squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the rising despair within her.
Dr. Exposition: And that's the end of the trial, and Bria has made her move. She believes she is acting in Luz's name. On the other hand, Luz thinks this is the worst thing that could happen. Oh, she does not know that Terra's in the shadows.