The cultists moved cautiously, tension thick in the air.
Their vision of Oscura had been shattered.
What would they do now?
And where did they stand on Luz?
As the cultists parted, Luz and Amity's view cleared, revealing Bria and her Elite Four. The de facto leader of the Children of Oscura stepped forward, the Elite Four at her side. Then, without a word, they all sat down, and the rest of the cultists followed.
"There's no chance the Empress is returning, is there?" Bria asked.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Luz deadpanned.
"My Empress — uh, Luz — why did you pretend to be her if you hated it? Why let us believe you were still the Empress?" Marina asked.
Luz sighed.
"Honestly, I wanted to help you. It was my fault you started worshipping Oscura in the first place. You believed in me — someone broken, someone who wasn't worth following. I shouldn't have encouraged it, but I did, and because of that, you saw my actions as something to be praised, even revered. I got a second chance to change my life, to heal. I wanted that for you, too. Until recently, you hadn't hurt anyone or forced them to join you. I hoped I could steer you toward a better path, to use your abilities to help the Boiling Isles. But I also knew that if I told you the truth, you'd try to force me into being someone I wasn't."
The others couldn't exactly deny that. After all, that was exactly what they had tried to do when they fought the Jyamatos.
"For the last four years, you've worked to bring me back, to put me back on the throne. But that was never what I truly wanted. I took power to try and undo all the damage Philip — Belos — caused. I wasn't in my right mind. I was ready to wipe out an entire world in my madness. But you? You're strong, powerful, capable witches and demons. No government is perfect, but instead of tearing it down, why not use your talents to help make it better?" Luz suggested. "I made a choice — a very bad one — and it cost me dearly. We all have the power to choose our path. I can't choose yours, Bria. Not for you or anyone else. What you do with your lives, whether good or bad… that's up to you."
Bria, Geo, the twins, Vuvu, and Marina exchanged thoughtful looks.
"Wise words from someone who has made many difficult choices," Vuvu said with a nod. The demon stood and removed his robe, letting it fall to the ground. "I will take this time to reflect on my choices…and see if I can find a new path forward."
Inspired by Vuvu's decision, Marina rose to her feet, removed her robe as well, and placed it on the ground before her.
"I will, too. I thought I had the stomach for fighting, that I was ready to do whatever it took to put the Empress back where she belonged. But these past few days have shown me I'm not the demon I thought I was. I'll take time to figure out what I truly want…and how I can help others." She flashed Luz a wink. "Thank you, Luz."
Luz blushed. Amity growled under her breath.
"Tch. Figures you all didn't have what it takes to see this revolution through," Geo sneered. "You say we have a choice, human? Fine. Then I choose to change this government my own way. The Children of Oscura can still be a force to be reckoned with — Oscura or not."
"Enough, Geo," Bria snapped.
"What? Bria, you can't be serious—!"
"Shut up!" she ordered. "I was a naïve girl, swept up in the power and majesty of someone who stood above everyone else. Glandus taught us that might makes right, that the strong rule the weak. But I see now that way of thinking led us down a path that could've destroyed countless lives… All because I followed someone who was broken inside, just because she had power."
Bria stood, yanked off her robe, and threw them to the ground.
"As of this moment, I renounce my position as High Priestess of the Children of Oscura. And as my final order, I dissolve this group." She turned to the gathered cultists, her voice steady. "From this point forward, your choices are your own. If you still wish to fight, ask yourselves: for what? And why? Then look around and decide: are you fighting for the good of the Boiling Isles, or just for yourselves?"
The remaining cultists exchanged uneasy glances, murmuring as they processed her words.
"YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!?" Geo shouted, springing to his feet. He whirled toward the others, his face twisted with fury. "This is our chance to take control, the moment we've been waiting for! Are you really going to throw it all away because of this false Empress?!"
"Hey, I'd watch what you say there, dude," Sasha warned, crossing her arms. "You do realise everyone here could kick your ass, right? Wouldn't even take five minutes."
"Honestly, fighting a bunch of crazy cultists sounds like a great cooldown after that last battle," Willow added with a smirk.
The cultists hesitated, uncertainty prevalent in their eyes as they gazed at the ruins of the town. So much destruction, all thanks to Terra. If they kept fighting, there would only be more. After four long years, peace had finally returned. Were they going to throw it all away for a doomed revolution?
Right there, they made their decision.
One after another, the Children of Oscura removed their robes and tossed them to the ground, renouncing their ties to the cult.
"I'll never get my orgy…" Kevin lamented as he tossed his robe away.
Geo's expression darkened as he watched his comrades abandon their cause, his fists trembling with rage.
"I can't believe this! You're all a bunch of weaklings! Fine! If that's how it is, I'll start this revolution myself! I'll remember this when—"
"Hey, Geo!"
He barely had time to turn before Luz's fist slammed into his face. She put everything she had into that punch, sending him flying backwards. He crashed onto the ground with a heavy thud, dazed.
But before he could recover, Abomination slime surged up from the ground, wrapping tightly around him until only his head was left exposed.
Luz winced as she shook out her hand.
"Damn, I think I might've broken something."
Geo's head was harder than she expected.
"Allow me to heal you," Marina offered, sauntering over to Luz.
"Marina, even I can tell you're just trying to get into her pants. Let it go," Bria deadpanned.
"Hi, pot. I'm kettle. Have we met?" Marina shot back.
Bria opened her mouth to respond. Then she stopped, realising she couldn't deny it.
"Touché."
"Seriously, Noceda. Bria, this demon fish girl, Park, Blight… Are you trying to start a harem?" Sasha teased.
"Why? You wanna join, Waybright?" Luz shot back with a smirk.
"Ahem."
Everyone turned as the Council of the United Covens approached, led by Darius, Lilith, and the other council members. A battalion of Abomaton soldiers flanked them, their armoured forms moving in perfect unison.
The group halted before the Riders. Darius's sharp gaze swept over the former cultists, then the DGP Riders, before finally settling on Luz.
"Can I help you?" Luz asked, polite yet wary.
"I know you've been through quite the ordeal, we all have. But… there is still the matter of your trial," Darius reminded her.
Amity immediately stepped in front of Luz, glaring at Darius.
"Are you kidding me right now?! After everything that's happened — after she saved the entire Demon Realm — you still want to go through with her trial?! Hasn't she been through enough?! Isn't saving an entire realm worth anything?! The whole Boiling Isles saw what happened! They heard her story! They saw her sacrifice! You're not about to stand there and tell me you're still going through with this!"
"As much as you may not like it, we have yet to give our verdict. If we leave the trial unresolved, the people will feel as if justice was denied yet again," Hettie argued.
"If you think for one damn second I'm going to let you take her away after I almost lost her, then you—"
"It's fine."
The former cultists and DGP Riders turned to Luz, shocked.
"Luz, you can't be serious," Masha said incredulously. "Look, I don't know what's going on, but even I can tell this is BS! You just saved the world, and they still want to put you on trial?!"
"It's a long story, Mash. Amity and the others can fill you in. But this needs to happen," Luz insisted. "I only ask that you let me keep Stringbean."
"Stringbean?" Darius repeated.
The snakeshifter raised her head and hissed a greeting at the Council member.
"Is that your…Palisman?" he asked.
"Yes. And since she's just been born, I don't want her to get anxious from being separated from me so soon. I promise, I won't resist or try to escape. Honestly? I'm completely exhausted after all that," Luz admitted.
Darius exchanged a glance with the other Council members before they nodded in agreement.
"I think we can allow that."
Luz nodded and held out her wrists, offering herself to be cuffed.
"Are you going to come with us peacefully?" Darius questioned.
"Yes," Luz nodded.
"Then there's no need for that. Come along. We'll take you to a guard precinct for holding until we can read our verdict."
It was agreed that the verdict would be read the following day, giving the Boiling Isles time to decompress from the chaos that had unfolded. Luz was taken to a guard precinct, though her accommodations were far more comfortable than the holding cells in the House of Justice. She had a soft bed, a privacy screen for the toilet, and — most notably — a door instead of prison bars.
The Scouts who delivered her meals remained wary, yet there was an undeniable shift in their demeanour. They seemed to hold a newfound admiration for Luz after her defeat of Terra.
Despite protocol, she was allowed visitors, and soon enough, nearly everyone had gathered to discuss the battle. They bombarded her with questions, particularly about how she had come back to life after dying. Luz promised to reveal that secret later, but only in private. Too many ears could be listening. The truth — that the Titan had resurrected her, and that King was the last living Titan — would send shockwaves throughout the Boiling Isles. For now, she wanted only her closest friends and family to know. When that revelation eventually came, it would be up to Eda and King to decide how to share it.
Masha, Marco, and Molly were quickly brought up to speed on the events leading to Luz's trial. Masha, already familiar with Luz's past in the Demon Realm, wasn't entirely surprised, figuring something like this was inevitable. Marco and Molly, however, were stunned by the depth of Luz's history. Yet, in hindsight, it made sense. The way she and Amity carried themselves during the Desire Grand Prix, their battle instincts, their resilience — it was clear now that fighting monsters was nothing new to them.
"That…" Marco started, shaking his head. "Wow. That story's wild. I knew you were strong. I just didn't know how you got that strong."
"And so sad," Molly sniffled. "You need a hug! Come here, you!" She lunged forward, wrapping Luz in a tight embrace. "That shouldn't have happened to you!"
Luz smiled weakly, accepting the hug.
"Thanks, Molly. I wasn't sure how you'd take it, but I thought you deserved to know."
"You think I'd hate you?" Molly asked in disbelief, pulling back. "Luz, you weren't a bad person. You were just in a bad situation."
"Doesn't change the fact that I nearly destroyed a world I claimed to love," Luz sighed. "Along with the people in it."
"That wasn't you," Marco said firmly. "What I saw in the DGP, that's the real you. And you fought to make up for what you did. Kinda makes my wish seem cheap by comparison."
"No, nobody's wish is cheap," Luz countered. "We all have a reason to fight. Something that drives us."
Marco exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Still…this all feels wrong. I get that you were banished, and I get that you were brought back here against your will. But you just saved the world. So, why are they still putting you on trial?"
"The people want justice," Luz said, her voice steady. "And I need to face the consequences of my actions."
"What are the chances they demand your release?" Masha asked. "You saved their collective asses while their own leaders couldn't do jackshit."
"Legal thinks this might work in my favour," Luz stated, recalling her lawyer's words. "The whole Boiling Isles saw everything."
"Well, that's good then!" Marcy said brightly. "That means they saw you fighting Terra. They saw your sacrifice. They saw you come back and save everyone!"
"They also saw me wielding a power that could threaten them all," Luz pointed out.
"A temporary power," Eda reminded her. "You can't use that anymore, right?"
"The Titan only gave me enough to stop Terra. After that, it was gone."
"Wait, couldn't we use that?" Willow suggested. "The fact that the Titan himself chose you to protect us?"
"Only if they believe me. Without proof, I'd be labelled a fraud, just like Belos."
Gus drew a spell circle, summoning glyphs into the air.
"The proof is in the glyphs, isn't it? He showed them to you, starting with the light glyph four years ago. Even back then, he chose you. As far as I know, no witch or demon has ever noticed or seen these glyphs before. Only you have."
"You're forgetting one," Luz reminded Gus.
"Belos…" Gus groaned, facepalming.
"He was a human who came here centuries ago," Amity explained. "The Titan didn't show him the glyphs, but he discovered them on his own."
"I still think that makes a strong case for you, Noceda," Sasha added. "That Belos guy had to search for them, and it took him years. But you? You found the first glyph not long after arriving. Then the other three, in a short amount of time. The Titan obviously likes you."
"Still, it's… What's the word?" Luz hesitated.
"Anecdotal?" Marcy offered.
"Yeah. Anecdotal evidence at best," Luz sighed. "Belos found the glyphs eventually, but I just found them faster. Someone could argue I just have a better eye for that kind of thing. Unless the Titan decides to make an appearance, that argument won't hold much weight."
Technically, she knew the Titan was watching them. He could see them through the in-between world. But she doubted he could make his presence known on this side of the dimensional divide.
Masha crossed their arms.
"So, that just brings us back to where we started. We wait for a bunch of uppity bigwigs to read their verdict. Great." Their eyes narrowed. "Just so you know, Luz, if I hear the words 'death sentence,' I don't care. I'm going Rider and busting you the hell outta there."
A Coven Scout, posted at the door, shot Masha with a suspicious look. Masha, fully aware, returned the glare.
"Yeah, you heard me. Do something about it."
"I don't think it'll go that far. Hopefully. Maybe," Luz sighed. "If they don't sentence me to death, the worst they can give me is life in prison. And I doubt the Game Master would like me rotting in a cell for the duration of the game. Wouldn't make for great entertainment."
"As messed up as that sounds, we might have to bank on that," Amity muttered.
The Scout at the door finally spoke up.
"Alright. Visiting hours are over. The trial resumes tomorrow."
Everyone sighed and said their goodbyes. Once they had left, Luz was alone with Stringbean.
Well, not completely alone.
On the other side of the wall, her neighbour spoke up.
"Nervous, human?" Boscha asked. At least she wasn't calling her Oscura anymore.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," Luz admitted.
"Look, human. As much as I hate you, I'm still glad you beat Terra," Boscha said honestly. "So, I'm gonna tell you something I learned right before I got booted from the DGP."
"Okay…?"
"It's about that Butler guy. The truth is, he's a Kamen Rider, too."
"Wait, what?"
"Yeah, but not like us. He's got a different belt, and he beat me without breaking a sweat."
"...I see."
"Well? What are you gonna do about it?"
"Nothing, really," Luz answered. "I mean, he's part of the DGP, right? Maybe they give their staff Rider powers to keep the players in line."
"Still would've been nice if they told us there was someone like that watching us."
"I doubt it. The DGP isn't exactly big on transparency. They only tell us what they think we need to know."
Boscha was quiet for a moment.
"Look, don't read into this, but when you died…I thought I'd be happy," she admitted. "After everything you did, your death was what I wanted. But then I saw what it did to Amity. She was willing to die just to avenge you."
"Yeah…the Titan showed me a glimpse of what was happening here before he brought me back."
"We may never be friends, Noceda, but I can admit when I've lost. And…I'm sorry. Just…take care of Amity for me, okay?"
"I will. If there's anything you can trust me on, let it be that."
"Could you also…pass my apology on to Sasha? Gotta be honest, she was really cool to hang out with, even when we were plotting against you."
Luz rubbed the back of her head.
"I can, but I'm not sure she'll accept it."
"It's fine," Boscha sighed. "I just wanted her to know."
Luz turned and placed her hand on the wall, as if symbolically reaching out to Boscha.
"What I told the cultists, it applies to you too. You have a chance to change. To make up for your mistakes. You might not be able to do that with Amity, but you can at least start with Willow and Gus. And with your friends here in the Demon Realm."
Boscha let out a dry chuckle.
"Heh. You're not about to say you forgive me for molesting your wife-to-be, are you?"
Luz's jaw tightened.
"...Honestly, I still feel like punching you in the face for that."
"Good. I'd lose respect for you if you let me get away with it."
Unbeknownst to Luz, Boscha had turned toward the wall too, her hand pressed against it.
"I realise how messed up my obsession with Amity is. It hit me when I saw her nearly kill herself trying to avenge you. There's nothing I could do or say to change her mind. To make her mine." She let out a bitter laugh. "Actually, no. It was never going to happen. Even if you never showed up, even if I married her, it would've been a hollow marriage. I might love her, but she wouldn't have felt the same. She would've been miserable with me. The only time I've seen her genuinely happy is when she's with you. Hell, even back when you were Oscura, she was willing to die the moment she killed you. There was no chance at all." She exhaled. "I'm messed up. I know that. Pretty sure my moms are gonna get me some help for it."
"You know…" Luz smiled slightly. "If things had gone differently, I think we could've all been friends, Boscha."
Boscha closed her three eyes. For a moment, she let herself imagine it...
She saw them all together: Willow, Gus, Skara, Amelia, Cat, Amity, herself, and Luz. A world where she had taken a different path, like Amity had. Where she had let go of her toxic behaviour, and grown into someone better.
She could see them hanging out, having fun. Maybe even getting into a playful love triangle over Amity.
But in the end, they would still be friends. Even when Amity chose Luz.
"Another time, another place, Noceda," Boscha murmured. "You said there are other universes out there. Maybe in one of them…we're not as fucked up as we are right now."
Luz nodded.
"I'm sure there is."
With Mason leading a team of witches skilled in Construction magic, the House of Justice was fully restored overnight. By morning, it was as if Terra's attack had never happened.
Luz was called back to court to receive her verdict. Her friends were in their seats, quietly supporting her.
"Don't worry, Ms. Noceda," Legal said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I have a feeling things will turn out alright."
"I hope you're right," Luz replied with a weak smile, trusting her lawyer's words.
She felt Amity step beside her, taking her hands and squeezing them gently.
"Whatever happens, we're here for you," Amity assured her.
At the front of the courtroom, Darius stood, holding a sheet of paper. He cleared his throat before reading the verdict.
"During this trial, we have learned a great many things about Luz Noceda and the circumstances that led her down a dark path. While none of it excuses her actions, it does provide a clearer picture. Our decision was made yesterday, and her recent actions have only solidified it," Darius announced. "For the charge of violating her previous sentence: innocent."
A cheer erupted from Luz's side of the room, Gus even conjuring an illusion of a giant banner that read: 'LUZ IS FREE!'
"Order in the court!" Darius called, silencing the celebration. "We still cannot ignore what she did as Empress Oscura. However, as she was also responsible for reviving those who perished under her rule, any punishment for those actions is rendered null and void."
"WHAT!?" Bradward shouted, rising to his feet. "Councilman Deamonne! The people she killed—"
"—are alive because of her," Darius interrupted.
"But what about Adrian Graye and Terra Snapdragon? She and her friends killed them, too!" Bradward argued.
"Graye and Snapdragon attempted to seize control of our world. If left unchecked, they would have wiped us all out," Darius retorted. "Luz Noceda and her allies stopped them. Would you rather we put her to death?"
"Isn't that what this trial was for in the first place? The people deserve justice for their pain and suffering! Revived or not, the scars of four years ago still linger! Do you wish to deny them the justice they deserve?!"
Darius's gaze flickered to Luz. Even she couldn't deny that Bradward had something of a point. Saving the world didn't erase the trauma she had caused. And if anyone understood the weight of lingering trauma, it was her.
Darius exhaled sharply.
"Fine then." He raised his gavel and struck it once. "Oscura is to be sentenced to death."
"WHAT?!" A shocked uproar swept through the courtroom.
Darius remained calm, waiting for the voices to die down before he finished.
"A sentence…that has already been carried out as of yesterday."
"Huh?" The room collectively murmured.
"Councilman, what are you talking about?" Bradward demanded.
Raine, catching on, stood up to clarify.
"I believe Councilman Deamonne is referring to the fact that 'Oscura' did die yesterday," Raine explained. "As gruesome as it was, we all saw it happen."
Darius nodded.
"And since she was, in effect, executed yesterday, I cannot very well execute the same person twice for their crimes."
A heavy silence filled the room.
"As those who were once condemned and granted new life, we must be willing to revive ourselves as well," Darius continued. "The sins of the past will always remain in our minds and hearts. But we should not let them define us. Luz Noceda's actions, both past and present, stand as a reminder that even the kindest souls can be consumed by darkness. But they also remind us that redemption is possible. And that's a sincere desire to atone should not be ignored. With that said, our verdict is final. What say you all?"
One by one, the other council members gave their agreement.
"Agreed," said Mason, Hettie, Vitimir, Lilith, Osran, and Raine.
Eberwolf, sitting cross-legged on the bench, simply nodded.
"So, it is agreed," Darius declared, striking the gavel one last time. "Luz Noceda, you are free to go."
For a single, stunning moment, the words seemed to hang in the air, as if the entire chamber was struggling to process them.
"HAVE YOU ALL LOST YOUR MINDS?!"
The voice rang out like a gunshot, cutting through the silence with sheer indignation.
Bradward had surged to his feet, his face red with fury, hands slamming down against the polished surface of the council table. His eyes burned as he glared at the council members, his voice thick with barely contained rage.
"Did you all forget that her cult just stormed in here and held us all hostage in Oscura's name yesterday?!"
A ripple of unease passed through the gathered spectators, some exchanging glances, others shifting uncomfortably in their seats. The council members, however, remained silent, their gazes unreadable.
But Bradward was just getting started.
"If it wasn't for Terra Snapdragon stepping in, that cult could've plunged the entire Boiling Isles into a civil war!" His voice rose with every word, his frustration spilling over into outright disbelief. He turned, sweeping his arm across the chamber, his gaze bouncing between the council members and the watching crowd. "And now you're just going to pardon Oscura and her cult for that?!"
A few spectators muttered among themselves, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. Even some of the council members stiffened, the weight of his words forcing them to glance toward Darius.
But if Darius was bothered, he did not show it.
The Head of the United Covens let out a slow, controlled breath through his nose, then fixed Bradward with a levelled stare. When he spoke, his voice was calm but firm, carrying an authority that silenced the murmurs in an instant.
"Your frustration is noted, Mr. Buzzard." Darius adjusted his stance, placing both hands on the podium before continuing. His voice did not waver, did not rise. It remained measured, deliberate. "But you seem to be forgetting one crucial detail."
The weight of his words pressed against the room, demanding attention.
Darius slowly gestured toward the back of the chamber, where the former members of the Children of Oscura stood together, their faces solemn. The robes they once proudly wore were now discarded, like remnants of an old life they had chosen to leave behind.
"That 'cult' did not storm in here to seize power," Darius stated plainly, his gaze never leaving Bradward's. "They came here because they were misled. Because they truly believed they were doing what was right. And when they finally saw the truth…"
He let his words linger, letting them sink in before delivering the final blow.
"They laid down their arms."
A silence settled over the courtroom.
Bradward's fingers curled into tight fists, his shoulders heaving slightly as he seethed.
Darius, unbothered by the man's rising frustration, narrowed his eyes slightly. His voice took on a sharper edge as he delivered his next words, each syllable laced with pointed clarity.
"And unlike Terra Snapdragon, they did not attempt to slaughter their own people just to prove a point."
The impact of the statement was immediate.
The chamber shifted as some gasped, while others turned to one another in hushed conversation.
Bradward flinched, but quickly masked it with another scowl. His beak parted as if he wanted to argue, to fight back, but the words never came.
Because he knew.
He knew that if Terra had won yesterday, if she had succeeded in taking over the Boiling Isles by force, the people would have suffered for it.
Darius's eyes bored into him, unyielding.
"So, tell me, Bradward: if Terra had won, if she had taken the Boiling Isles by force, would the people truly be better off?"
The room held its breath.
Bradward's jaw tightened. His hands clenched at his sides. His face twisted in frustration, but he did not — could not — answer.
Because even he knew the truth.
Darius took his silence as confirmation.
"I thought so." Without another word, Darius lifted the gavel and brought it down one final time. "This discussion is over."
The gavel's echo rang out like a closing door, one that Bradward no longer had the power to open.
A moment of quiet tension settled over the courtroom before the silence was broken by the sound of cheering.
It wasn't just Luz's side that was celebrating. Even among the general audience, there were those who clapped, some relieved, others genuinely moved. Not everyone was fully at peace with the verdict, but many understood it now. It was only natural. The past week had been overwhelming. It would take time for many to fully come to terms with it all.
Darius sighed and turned to the council, his usual cool demeanour returning.
"With that matter resolved…let us move forward."
Luz exhaled deeply, her fingers loosening as the tension in her body slowly melted away. She turned toward Amity, who was already looking at her with nothing but love in her eyes.
She was finally free.
And for the first time in four years, Luz truly believed it.
After the verdict, Legal approached Bradward with a small smile.
"Come to gloat?" Bradward spat.
"No," Legal denied, extending a hand. "Just offering my respect. You were a worthy opponent."
Bradward glared at the outstretched hand before scoffing. He turned sharply on his heel and stormed toward the exit, the doors slamming shut behind him.
"Sore loser," Sasha muttered.
Luz barely had time to react before Amity pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her deeply. The tension, the fear, the weight of everything, they poured it all into that moment.
The others quickly joined in, wrapping Luz and Amity in a massive group hug. Cheers rang out as Molly and Marcy shouted the loudest of all.
Sasha, watching from the side, caught a glimpse of Masha's hand gripping the Fantasy Buckle.
"Almost jumped the gun there, huh?" Sasha asked.
"You're one to talk, Waybright," Masha snorted. They nodded toward Sasha's right hand, which was gripping her Rising Phoenix Raise Buckle.
Sasha smirked.
"Like I was gonna let my rival get executed."
Masha chuckled.
"You've come a long way since the last time we met."
"Getting mind controlled, and realising how much of a bitch I was really helped put things into perspective," Sasha admitted.
"At least now you can see why Luz is a good friend to have."
Sasha turned her gaze toward the group, watching as they surrounded Luz, cheering for her victory. A rare, genuine smile crossed her lips.
"Yeah. I can."
Masha's trademark grin widened.
"You wanna bang her too, don't ya?"
Sasha didn't even flinch.
"I swear I will dropkick you," she warned playfully, still smiling. "Wait, what do you mean 'too'?"
Masha wiggled their eyebrows.
"Let's just say…my next birthday's gonna be hella fun."
After the end of the trial, everyone gathered at the Owl House for a well-earned celebration. The Blights were there, along with Skara and Viney. The place was alive with music, food, drinks, and plenty of entertainment. Gus, as always, was throwing around illusions for fun.
Hooty, overcome with joy, wrapped his entire body around Luz in a bone-crushing hug, sobbing loudly.
"HOOT! I'M SO HAPPY YOU'RE ALIVE!"
During the party, Viney and Skara approached Luz and asked if they could speak with her privately. The three of them stepped outside.
"Luz, we… We just wanted to say we're sorry," Viney began.
"Sorry?" Luz repeated, tilting her head.
"We judged you based on what Oscura did…without really knowing you," Skara admitted.
Luz raised her hands in a stopping motion.
"Guys, it's okay. You don't have to apologise. I understand." She noticed Skara's hand trembling slightly. "You're still a little scared of me, huh?"
Skara blinked, just now noticing the subtle shake in her fingers. She quickly balled her hand into a fist.
"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I know I don't have to be afraid of you anymore. I know you're a good person, that you were in a bad place back then. But still…"
"Don't be," Luz reassured her. "I hurt you. You have every right to feel that way. But it means a lot that you're at least willing to talk to me like this." She paused, offering Skara a small smile. "And Skara…back when I was Morgan, when we were hanging out, I really did have fun. That was me. The real me, for even just a short time. I cherished that time we spent together, all of us having fun, even with Boscha as my gofer."
Skara's lips twitched into a small smile. She nodded.
"I'm going to hold onto those good memories…and the ones I make with you now." She hesitated, then lifted her right hand and pointed at Luz challengingly. "A-And—!"
"And?" Luz prompted.
Skara's face turned red, but she held her ground.
"I-I won't let you win! I know you liked Willow in the past, and some part of her might still like you! But I'm going to work hard, and make sure I don't lose to you!"
Luz smirked, crossing her arms.
"Heh. You better. Or the next time I get whisked back here, I'll just snatch up Willow and make a harem with her and Amity."
Skara gasped, flustered.
"Not if I marry her first!"
Viney blinked, then grinned.
"Whoo, go Skara. You really want Cap that badly, huh?"
Skara, suddenly realising the words that had just left her mouth, turned bright red. The sight reminded Luz a little too much of Amity.
Without another word, Skara robotically spun on her heel and marched back into the house.
Luz and Viney burst into laughter. But beneath their amusement, they were both glad to see Skara taking the initiative to get what she wanted.
"Looks like we're on track to be in-laws soon," Viney mused, nudging Luz. "Considering you're marrying Em's little sister."
"Oh, yeah, I guess that would make us sisters-in-law," Luz realised.
Viney smirked.
"I don't mind having a former Empress and saviour of the Demon Realm as an in-law. But for the record…" She stepped closer, voice lowering slightly. "You better treat Amity right. Em's family is gonna be my family soon. And I don't take kindly to people who hurt my family. Got it?"
Luz didn't hesitate.
"If that ever happens, I won't even run or resist. You're free to do whatever you want."
Viney studied her for a moment and then grinned, raising her left hand and smacking Luz hard on the back.
"Now that's the answer I wanted to hear."
After her talk with Viney and Skara, Luz decided to do the same with Amity, Sasha, and Marcy. She pulled them aside, away from the others, for a more private discussion.
Once they were alone, Luz recounted her conversation with Boscha. As expected, none of them were pleased to hear that the person who had once hated Luz the most had been her neighbour in the precinct.
"I honestly think she's sincere about wanting to change," Luz vouched. "But beyond that, it's up to her and everyone else."
"I don't trust that bitch as far as I can throw her," Sasha scoffed. "And you know how far I could yeet her."
"Same," Amity muttered, arms crossed. "Are you really going to forgive her?"
"Not right away," Luz admitted. "This isn't like what happened with Zoey. Unlike Boscha, Zoey never put her hands on my girlfriend, or went full yandere." Her expression darkened slightly. "Trust me, if I was ever alone in a room with Boscha, I'd probably be the first one to knock her on her ass."
The other three nodded, fully believing that.
"But at the same time…I know she can be better," Luz continued, her expression softening slightly. "Call it a gut feeling. She's done bad things, but I think she can change. And honestly? It'd be hypocritical of me to think otherwise, considering everything I did."
Amity let out a long sigh.
"Fine. If she's willing to put in the effort. Unlike someone else, who didn't and ended up losing her second chance."
"You mean your mom?" Marcy guessed.
Amity nodded.
"Maybe that's part of it," Sasha mused. "Odalia couldn't let go of the past, and wasted her second chance. And despite all the times people have come back from the dead, we only get one life. So, maybe Boscha realised it was now or never. Either she changes, or she ends up dead or worse, staying the same."
Luz took a breath before adding, "By the way, Boscha wanted me to tell you she's sorry for what she did to you, Sasha. She doesn't expect you to forgive her. She just wanted you to know that she thought you were cool to hang out with."
Sasha flipped her hair.
"Naturally." Then, without missing a beat, she added, "And it'll be at least a century before I even consider accepting that apology."
Marcy patted Sasha on the shoulder.
"I'm with Luz on this one. I do hope she can change… But if I ever see her out on the street, I'm dropkicking that bitch," she said in such an innocent, sweet tone that Luz, Amity, and Sasha all burst out laughing. "W-What?" Marcy blushed as her friends giggled around her.
"Mar-Mar, you're just too cute," Sasha teased.
"Seriously, even when you're threatening someone, it's adorable," Luz chuckled.
"Yeah, ridiculously adorable," Amity added.
Marcy huffed, crossing her arms.
"Well, excuse me for not having an intimidating presence."
Sasha smirked, then reached out and pulled Marcy into a one-armed hug, pressing their bodies together as she nuzzled Marcy's face.
"We know how badass you are," Sasha murmured. "We just like the cute Mar-Mar."
"Hmmm…"
As the celebration continued, Luz managed to pull Eda and Raine away from the crowd. There was something big she needed to tell them before she told King. He deserved to hear it too, but she figured it would be better if she had backup to help him process it.
Not that she had fully processed it yet.
King was a Titan. A god in the making.
Even after everything, the idea still felt too massive to wrap her head around.
Once she made sure no one was watching, she led Eda and Raine to their room. Sparing a glance up and down the hallway, she shut the door behind them.
"Alright, kid. What's so important that you had to pull us away?" Eda asked, arms crossed.
"First…can either of you put up a spell to make sure no one can hear us?" Luz requested.
Eda glanced at Raine, who nodded. With a graceful movement, they drew a spell circle, knelt, and pressed their right hand to the floor. A wave of golden light rippled outward, washing over the walls, floor, and ceiling before fading from sight.
"That'll keep anyone from listening in," Raine explained. "But we'll still hear if someone approaches."
"Thanks. Sorry for all the caution, but what I have to tell you is huge," Luz apologized.
"Oh, dang. Are you pregnant?!" Eda blurted out.
"WHAT?!" Luz yelped.
"I figured you and Bossy Boots were getting busy, but damn, you don't waste any time," Eda teased with a grin. "To be honest, I kinda saw you being the one to knock her up, but I guess the one time you let her top—"
"EDA!" Luz's face turned scarlet. "I AM NOT PREGNANT! Geez, it's like Mamá all over again! Is this a mom thing?!"
Eda and Raine exchanged shrugs.
"Anyway, that's not what I wanted to talk about," Luz exhaled. "When I…you know…died."
Eda winced, the image of Luz being killed still burned in her memory.
"Yeah…?"
"I told you the Titan resurrected me, and that I spoke with him, right?" Luz reminded.
"Still trying to wrap my head around that," Raine admitted. "Belos preached for years that he could 'speak' to the Titan. But nobody, at least back then, could say for sure if that was true. Then, when you exposed him, it turned out to be a lie. But now? After seeing you come back to life, I don't doubt that you did." They narrowed their eyes. "Why bring that up?"
Luz crossed her arms, bracing herself for the bombshell.
"Because when I spoke to him, he told me something shocking: there's still a living, breathing Titan in the Demon Realm."
"WHAT?!" Eda and Raine yelled, their voices practically shaking the walls.
"Luz, this is... This is monumental news!" Raine gasped breathlessly.
"Kid, there hasn't been a living Titan in centuries! And you're telling me this one is the Boiling Isles' Titan's son?!" Eda exclaimed, pacing wildly.
Raine moved closer, gripping Luz's shoulders.
"Did the Titan tell you where his son is? Is he safe?"
"Yeah," Luz nodded. "And he's closer than you think…"
"Where?" Eda demanded.
"He's playing with Lil' Luz right now," Luz smiled.
The room fell silent.
Several long seconds passed as Eda and Raine processed those words.
"KING IS A TITAN?!" they yelled in unison.
Luz nodded.
Eda, still reeling, started recalling all the times she'd teased King. All the little bets she'd won. All the embarrassing things she'd made him do.
And now…it turned out her adopted son was a future god.
Raine, regaining their composure, spoke first.
"We have to keep this a secret, especially from the Council, at least for now. If word gets out that King is the last Titan, people will try to exploit him. There's no shortage of power-hungry witches out there."
Eda's face darkened.
"Right…Titan's Blood alone is powerful enough to rip open portals to other worlds. If people knew King was a Titan…it'd turn the entire Boiling Isles into a power struggle."
Luz nodded.
"That's why I told you two first. Only you two. Not even Amity knows yet. Not because I don't trust her, but…I'd rather tell her once we're not here anymore."
"Does he need to know?" Eda questioned, frowning.
"Eda…why wouldn't we tell him?" Luz asked.
Eda sighed, rubbing her temples.
"Because, kid…how do you think he's gonna take it? Knowing he's the last of his kind? That his dad is dead, and he's been living on his corpse?"
Luz's throat tightened. She had thought about that.
"I know. It's going to be a lot for him to take in." She placed a hand on Eda's shoulder. "But he deserves to know. And…the Titan is watching over him. FYI, he says he's a huge fan of yours, Eda."
Eda exhaled heavily, but after a moment, she smiled.
"Heh. Well, at least he's got good taste."
Raine placed a hand on Eda's other shoulder.
"No matter what happens, King is still our son. That was true before we knew, and it's still true now. As long as we're there for him, he'll never be alone."
Eda wiped a stray tear from her eye and sighed.
"Alright. Let's go tell 'im."
Luz found King playing with Lil' Luz, and asked Amity to look after her for a bit. She led King upstairs and into the room, where Eda and Raine were sitting on the nest.
"What's up?" King asked. "Luz said you had something important to tell me."
"We do."
Luz sat down, getting eye level with him.
"You might wanna sit, too."
King shrugged and plopped down. Then, Luz told him everything. King listened, his expression shifting from confusion…to realisation…to shock.
"So…I'm…a Titan?" His voice was small. "Like…island-sized, someday Titan?"
"I know it's a lot to take in," Raine said gently. "But we're here for you. And being a Titan doesn't change anything between us."
"You're still our son, and we love you, King," Eda reassured.
King was quiet for a long moment. Then, he turned to Luz.
"Did… Did my dad say anything about me? Like…is he disappointed that I'm not doing 'Titanny' things?"
"No, King," Luz smiled warmly, reassuringly. "He's watching over you right now. He'll always be by your side. And he just wants you to live your life. But he did want me to pass on a message to you." She gestured for him to come closer. He did.
Leaning in, she whispered into his ear.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—
"Heh—hahahaha! 'I loaf you'!" King burst into laughter. "Bread puns! He is watching over me!"
Luz, Eda, and Raine burst into laughter, the room filled with the warm, familiar sound of shared joy. Eda wiped a tear from her eye, shaking her head as she reminisced. She could still remember those nights when Luz and King would have their 'comedy hours', exchanging pun after pun, most of them about bread. They had always found the silliest things hilarious, and somehow, those moments had felt sacred in their own way.
Now, more than ever, she understood why.
The Titan — King's father — had truly been watching over his son this whole time. Not just as the land beneath their feet, but as something real, something that cared.
Luz was right.
King wasn't alone.
His parents had been with him all along, and always would be.
Still chuckling, King wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and looked up at them.
"So…does this mean I have to become, like, the new emperor or something?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine curiosity, though a hint of uncertainty crept in.
Raine hummed, arms crossed.
"For now, we keep this between us. I'm sure there'll come a time when we can't hide it any longer, but until then, we'll just get ready for the day we do."
King tilted his head, considering that.
"But that'll be on your time, King," Eda smirked, patting his head. "No one's rushing you to fill your dad's big, big shoes." She softened slightly, her smirk fading into something gentler. "The day might come when you need to step up as a Titan. But for now? Until that time arrives? You just keep being you, kiddo."
"And you look after your little sis," Luz grinned, placing a hand on King's head and giving him a playful pat.
"Our little sis," King huffed dramatically, puffing out his tiny chest.
"Right," Luz chuckled. "Our little sis."
A moment of comfortable silence settled between them, warm and full of understanding. Then, as if sensing the weight in the air, Eda clapped her hands together.
"Okay! After all that heavy stuff, I think we need a healthy distraction!"
"Like what?" Raine asked, raising an eyebrow.
That was when Luz noticed the look in Eda's eye. That mischievous, wild grin. The kind of grin that always meant trouble.
Luz felt her stomach drop.
"Edaaaa…what are you thinking?" she asked suspiciously.
The Owl Lady stretched, cracking her knuckles.
"We don't know how much longer you'll be able to stay, right?"
"That's right," Luz nodded hesitantly.
"Well, in that case…" Eda's grin widened. "Before you get yanked back to that little game of yours..." She dramatically threw her arms into the air. "We're gonna have ourselves a wedding!"
Luz's heart skipped a beat.
"…Wait. We're really doing this? Like, right now?"
Eda shrugged.
"Why not? We talked about it, remember?" Her tone turned just a little softer, though the excitement still sparkled in her eyes. "I know it won't be 'official' back in the Human Realm, but let's face it, none of us will be able to go to your wedding there. Unless we somehow figure out how to make another Portal Door after you leave…" She let the thought hang for a moment before continuing. "You should have one here, where Boots' family can at least see her get married to the person she loves." Her voice lowered slightly, her smile turning warm. "And so I can see my daughter get hitched, too."
Luz's chest tightened.
She had proposed to Amity back in the Human Realm, but they had never really planned the wedding. They were still young, still figuring things out.
But now…
Here, in the Boiling Isles, where they had both grown, fought, and healed together, the idea of marrying Amity felt right.
More right than anything.
Luz swallowed.
"I… I mean…"
"Pleaaaaaaaassssseee? Do it for your Momma Eda?" the Owl Lady pleaded, pouting, her lower lip jutting out in a comically exaggerated way.
"Oh, Titan," Luz groaned, pressing her hand against her face. "You're pulling the 'Mom Card' on me?"
"Damn right, I am." Eda batted her lashes dramatically, making Raine snicker behind their hand.
"…Okay, fine," Luz sighed. "I guess it'd be okay if—"
"Perfect!" Before Luz could even finish her sentence, Eda sprang to her feet, grabbing her staff and twirling it above her head. "Let's go spread the good news!"
"Eda, wait!"
But it was too late.
Eda slammed the butt of her staff against the ground, and in an instant, a sphere of golden light swallowed them whole. Luz barely had time to register Raine's exasperated sigh, her own shouted protest, or the way King yelped in surprise before the world flashed white.
And they were gone.
Amity sat on the couch, telling stories to Lil' Luz while the party buzzed around them. Marco and Molly fired off endless questions about the Demon Realm, their curiosity rivalling Marcy's when she had first arrived. Meanwhile, Masha, unsurprisingly, looked like they fit right in with the Isles' aesthetic.
"Ms. Amity, where's Big Sis?" Lil' Luz asked, looking up at her with wide eyes.
"She went to talk with your parents and brother," Amity explained. "I'm sure they'll be back any—"
But before she could finish, a flash of golden light burst in the middle of the living room, making everyone jump back. When the glow faded, it revealed Eda, Raine, King, and Luz all plopped onto their rears.
Eda sprang up, grinning wildly.
"Attention, everyone!" she announced. "Considering we just went through something wild, and since we might be on borrowed time, we're gonna have ourselves a wedding for Luz Noceda and Amity Blight!"
The room fell silent for a beat.
"Oh! My! Corn! A wedding!" Molly squealed, hands on her cheeks. "Can I help with the wedding prep? Please, please, please?!" She practically bounced with excitement.
"So, you and Blight are tying the knot, huh?" Masha grinned. "Nice."
"Isn't this kinda…sudden?" Marco asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Eda just wants us to have the wedding now because she might never get to see us get married in the Human Realm," Luz explained.
"Alright then! What are we waiting for?" Emira was already on her scroll, making calls. "Let's get these two hitched!" She turned to Molly with a smirk. "Molly, right?"
"Yes?"
"You're with me! We're gonna make this the best wedding ever for my little sister!"
"YES!" Molly shouted, pumping a fist before excitedly following Emira outside.
"Déjà vu," Sasha smirked. "This all started with an engagement party, and now it's ending with an actual wedding."
"Jealous, Sashy?" Marcy teased.
Sasha grunted noncommittally.
"Hmm…" Masha hummed, deep in thought.
"What's wrong?" Marco, noticing this, frowned.
"I'm wondering if I can talk them into making this a double wedding, get all four of us hitched at the same time," Masha smirked. "Oh, and then there's the honeymoon…"
Marco took a few steps away.
Something about the way Masha was scheming reminded him far too much of a certain girl back home.
And it was terrifying.
"I can handle flower arrangements," Willow offered.
"I've got entertainment covered," Gus added, conjuring a few dazzling illusions.
"And music," Skara chimed in with a small bow.
"I could probably get some phoenixes released for the occasion," Viney suggested.
"Wedding!" Lil' Luz shouted, hopping excitedly. "I wanna be part of the wedding!"
Eda scooped her up, grinning.
"Oh, you are, my little witchlet."
"Yay!"
Meanwhile, deep within the Desire Temple, Mr. Butler and Tsumuri observed the unfolding events through a massive holographic screen.
Tsumuri hesitated before speaking.
"Um, sir…?"
Mr. Butler didn't look away from the display. Instead, his sharp eyes scanned the soaring ratings and the overwhelming flood of audience comments.
"Let them have their wedding," he decided. "The audience is eating it up."
Tsumuri blinked.
"R-Really?"
"The games aren't over yet," Mr. Butler said smoothly. "And some of our viewers enjoy this sort of thing. You have my permission to attend. I'm sure they'd want you there."
Tsumuri straightened in surprise.
"Oh, um… T-thank you, sir."
Dr. Exposition: Next chapter, the wedding and the end of this story before we return to the main storyline.