When Eda landed at the Owl House, she carefully lifted Lucille with magic so she could help the young queen inside without disturbing her. Hooty the house demon prepared to happily greet them, but an icy glare from Eda managed to convince him to wait till another time. With utmost care Eda attempted to lay Lucille on her back on the aged couch, but the girl whimpered silently and shifted onto her side. King, in an unusual display curled up by Lucille's chest to rest and guard her. Eda didn't ask, and just moved to the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of hard Apple Blood before sitting in her comfy chair to drink and think. A couple minutes later, Vee came slithering down from her room on the second floor, and smiled faintly, "How did it go, Ms. Eda?"

Eda sighed, "She really is Queen Mal. I don't know what happened in there since I was knee deep in kicked scout asses for most of it, but… she sent Wrath flying and crashing to the ground with a severely burned chest. Victoria, she's stronger now, and I can feel her power slowly rising even now."

Vee pulled her large cushion out from under the couch where she stores it since her body isn't 'chair friendly' in its natural form, and Eda was insistent that Vee learn to accept herself. Eda refused to let Vee hide what she was when they were home, and one of her only rules was to not be afraid of who you were. It was hypocritical given her curse, but Vee didn't point that out because under all the snark, Vee knew it was just her way of showing Vee that she accepted her. Vee curled up and looked at the sleeping duo, "King has really taken a shine to her, hasn't he?"

Eda smirked, "Ya. Vee… we might be in trouble. Don't get me wrong, I am fully prepared to stand by the oath the Clawthorne matriarch swore all those years ago, but… I'm not sure what I can actually do. My magic is fading faster than hers is growing, and that's saying something. We don't have money, a castle, or an army to offer. I spent years dreaming of meeting and helping her, but now that the day came… I have nothing to offer. I'm a terrible servant."

Eda felt Vee take her hand, "I offered her my service when we met, but she said she didn't want a servant. She accepted my help, but then she gave me some magic and called me a friend. Ms. Eda, I think we just need to stand with her and help when we can. Lucille isn't like anyone I've ever met, and completely different from the dominating 'Empress of Evil' she is depicted as. When I consume magic… I get a snapshot of who the person is." Vee snickered, "That's why I stuck with you, but… Eda, even if she was a fake, I'd follow her anywhere… even into the Emperor's castle. I was afraid when you left, but the alone time gave me time to think, and I trust her. She won't abandon us this time. Maleficent ran to lick her wounds, but Lucille will stand and fight with us. I'm sure of it."

Eda chuckled quietly and ruffled the basilisk's hair, "Looks like King's not the only one to take a shine to her. I guess for now, all we can do is wait and play damage control in the morning." Eda leaned back and started to drift to sleep, with Vee doing the same as she sank into a cozy coil. Just before Eda drifted off completely, she whispered, "Good night you insufferable serpent."

Vee yawned back, "Good night… Mama." And they both fell asleep.

Eda awoke the next morning to the spicy sizzle of pan fried quilboar bacon and ham, and the smell of griffen eggs. Getting up and stretching out the stiffness and aches from sleeping in her chair on top of her usual issues, Eda stumbled into the kitchen to see Vee and King eating a full breakfast including ripe Marrow melon, and mashed Ash tubers fried in quilboar fat until they were small cakes. Most surprising was seeing Lucille happily cooking away at the stove without a care. The fact that none of the spices and ingredients present were in her home the night before only dawning on Eda after a full minute of staring. Sitting at the table, Eda saw a shadowy hand place a plate of food before her, and a mug of bitter bean brew with a hint of Apple blood. Lucille never turned or acknowledged her in any way as she continued to quietly sing in a language Eda didn't know as she continued to cook. After a few swigs of her brew, Eda finally asked, "Not that I'm complaining, but… what is this?"

Lucille chuckled as she ate a bit of ham and bacon directly from the pan, "Breakfast. Had to hunt most of it this morning, but that adorable tube worm that acts as your house demon was kind enough to help. Hooty, I think. Fun guy, and he knows a good place to dig up fungi, so it worked out." Lucille finally turned with a large mixing bowl full of bits of everything along with fresh Boiling seaweed, and smiled, "Sorry I didn't share any of my greens, but first and second rules of cooking."

Eda snorted, "And those are?"

Lucille smiled and looked into the distance, "Rule two, when in doubt return hospitality with food, and rule one, the chief gets first dibs. My mami ran a tight kitchen, and I only managed to find enough seaweed for myself, but free breakfast. Can't beat that."

King cheered, "Please never leave. King demands more bacon."

Lucille rolled her eyes, "What did I say little prince?"

King pouted, "Luz, may I please have more bacon?"

Lucille smiled and floated a few more strips over to King, "See, just because your royal doesn't give you the right to be rude."

Vee snickered at the exchange and Eda blinked owlishly, "How? When?"

Lucille laughed, "I'm a miracle worker… also I threatened to blast him a few miles out to sea if he didn't listen. Only had to do it once to get my point across, and don't worry Eda I'd never hurt him by using fire, when shadows are safer."

Eda froze and looked at Lucille to see if she was joking, but only saw King shudder making her clear her throat, "Please don't send my son flying without my permission, my lady."

Lucille shrugged, "Meh, I'll think of something else than. Don't see why it's an issue though, I'd never let him hit the water. Anyway, Eda, I need an update on what happened while I was away. I'm kind of shocked Cherny hasn't sensed me and come running yet. Sure I might feel a bit different, but… I hope he didn't move onto someone else."

Lucille suddenly looked incredibly sad at that thought, and the others froze. Vee asked nervously, "You mean… Lord Chernabog, right?"

Lucille nodded, and Eda sighed, "I really didn't wait to tell you about this yet, but… no. Lord Cherabog didn't find someone else." Lucille looked hopeful and confused for a moment before seeing how depressed the others were. "I'm sorry, Mistress… but he's dead."

Lucille's whole world went cold and she fell off her chair as she started to tremble, "No, nonono, that's not possible. He can't be gone. We are eternal. We've lived dozens of lifetimes, and even when one of us chose to be reborn we knew where each other was. I thought it was weird I couldn't feel his magic, but I just assumed Philip locked him away in a cage that blocked me." Lucille suddenly stopped trembling on the floor, and looked at Eda with rage and desperation, "How? How was he killed?"

Eda sighed and summoned her scroll, "He was tried by the remaining court, and sentenced to petrification. After that his body was shattered and scattered around the Isles, and turned into monuments to 'prove we never had to fear him returning again'. I'm sorry my Queen, but he's gone. I've only ever heard of one person returning from petrification, and it required their body to be completely intact." Eda pulled up a picture of the Bonesborough monument, a pair of large stone demonic legs with a small plaque beneath it that Lucille didn't bother to read.

Lucille started to cry, but managed to ask, "You said remaining court. Who did this? Who killed my king… my love?"

Eda handed Vee her scroll, and moved down to the floor before wrapping Lucille in a hug that she didn't fight, "My clan refused to follow the betrayer, so we were stiped of our title, but the Blight's, Sharp's, Triplet's, and Snapdragon's bent the knee. The Blight's and Snapdragon's went so far as to even help Belos capture our sleeping Lord, but of them… only Belos and Terra remain, and the rest of the Snapdragon clan was so disgusted, they exiled Terra from the clan. Not that it did much good, old horn head declared them traitors so all of their titles and power ended up with her. My clan tried to help them, but most just disappeared. The shame of what Terra did… it was too much to bear. If any remain, they aren't using that name anymore, so good luck finding them."

Vee suddenly let out a gasp, "Woo, that's quite a speech you gave, my lady. Unfortunately it's being declared a hoax, but at least your flames hid your face. You should be able to still move about freely for the time being."

Lucille snorted, and lowered her head, "It doesn't matter. My whole plan was centered around reuniting with Cherny, and him buying time while I recharged if my powers didn't fully return immediately. Phillip no doubt found a way to empower himself while I was gone, and it will take roughly a hundred years before I'm back to my old power at the current rate. All this planning, waiting, and time… it was a complete waste. Philip will never give me the time I need."

Vee tilted her head, "Well you did something while you were gone. Your magic is a lot stronger than it was before you left to save King."

Lucille sighed, "I found Diablo, my bisabuela's familiar, and he gave me the power she gave him back, but it killed him. I know it was what he wanted, but I refuse to do that again with one of my friends. I'd rather die, and join Cherny."

Lucille was devastated, and for the first time since accepting the truth, Eda really saw Luz the teenage girl and not Maleficent, Mistress of Evil, and Fey Queen of the Demon Realm, and a thought occurred to her. Eda might not be able to help Maleficent, but she could help the young girl before her. Reaching out, Eda gave her a soft smile, "The plan has to change, so what? We haven't lost yet. That traitor's stooges have never managed to get inside this house before, so we have time. We'll make a new plan, and find a way to return you to your throne. Isn't that right guys?" Vee and King cheered their agreement, and it made Lucille regain a small smile.

Lucille sniffled, before taking a breath, "In that case we need allies. I have one, and more on them later, but do any of you know any more we could reach out too?"

King shook his head, but Vee looked sheepish, "The other Basilisk's hate Belos, but that might be easier said than done. They don't know you, and they're distrustful of even each other. Not to mention they're in hiding. Sadly… I'm not much better, and only really trust the people in this room. I'm sorry."

Lucille just smiled, "It's ok Vee. This is actually a good thing, remember the mission I told you about? Well this makes things easier, but I need to ask something potentially awkward… Can I borrow your face?" Vee took a step back in fear, but Lucille rolled her eyes, "Good instincts, but I'm not being literal this time. Your skin is safe in this case. No, I'm talking about your disguise as Eda's apprentice. It's not time for the Isles to see my true face yet, but they are aware of you. While you bring my friend, I offer a trade. My appearance to use until you return, and yours for the same period. Is that acceptable?"

Vee blinked and bowed, "It would be an honor to wear your face. Can you give me more details though? Who is this friend?"

Lucille smirked, "All in good time, mon cher."

Sadly Eda's potential allies were… problematic. Raine, Eda's ex, was a 50/50 situation. They had once been a devout follower, but she hadn't seen them in years, and last she heard they had joined the Bard Coven. If they were still devout they could be immensely helpful, but if not… they worked for Belos and it could be a trap. The other… was her sister Lilith. When they had been kids Lily was even more devout than Eda, to the point she even carved her palisman as a white raven, but as they got older Lilith's views started to change. She became obsessed with regaining her family's former glory… and Eda ended up cursed because of it. Eda wasn't comfortable explaining right now, but after that… Lilith joined the betrayer and became one of his most trusted stooges. If they could bring her back to her senses, Lilith could be valuable, but that was an uphill battle.

They all discussed the situation for another half hour, and Lucille told Vee about Masha, her warlock, and best friend. Lucille gave Vee the important mission to go through the portal and bring them back. In theory all she would need to do is find Masha and recharge their magic. After that, they should wake up fairly soon, and they can return to the isles. Vee would need to be careful though, Lucille's face will prevent suspicion, but it won't necessarily make the job easier, and Vee can't interact with Camila, Lucille's mami. For some reason, the woman is completely immune to Lucille's magic, and will be able to tell Vee isn't her. With her mission clear, Lucille gave Vee more than enough magic, and Vee left to get it done.

With Vee gone, Eda snickered, "Well, since your Vee right now… you have chores." Lucille narrowed her eyes and Eda sighed, "I'm half joking. Today is delivery day for our potion business, and people will get suspicious if Vee doesn't show up… plus they'll want a refund." Eda looked nauseous at the thought.

Lucille waved a hand over her face, and her form wavered like shadows until a facsimile of Vee had taken her place, "Ok, Eda. What do I need to do?"

Eda spun a small circle, and a large bag drifted over, "So here's the stuff. King will come with to guide you around since things might have changed a bit, and I'll give you a list of who, what, where, and if they owe anything. Just double check everything before you give or take, and you'll be fine." With King on one shoulder and the bag on the other, Lucille went to work.

Elsewhere, Wrath was sitting in a chair eating scones with a large octopus-like demon, "And that's the situation. Normally I'd go through the covens, but the Emperor has forbidden anyone to do anything for the time being. He doesn't want to cause chaos among the morons who might be tricked into believing this hoax is legitimate."

Adagast chuckled, "I see. Don't worry warden, I'll deal with your con artist, but once I do… the remains are mine."

Wrath shrugged, "Ya ya, whatever. Just force the little monster to show her true face first." Adagast laughed and started collecting potions.

Lucille was shocked at the condition of Bonesborough. In her time it had been smaller, but cleaner and sturdier. It had been full of laughter and kind people who would smile and give good tidings to each other as they passed by. It was far from perfect, but it was warm and inviting, and the backbone of the local communities. She had even had a home here once, but now it was colder, dirtier, and her people kept their heads down. It was heartbreaking. This fact was not helped when she saw it for herself… the monument to 'freedom'. The petrified legs of her love put on display like a macabre trophy. King quietly guided her away from it, but it didn't change how broken it made her feel. In a way, Chernabog seemed the lucky one. At least he couldn't feel the pain, and from the looks of it he was in fewer pieces than her heart.

Lucille went about making the deliveries, and to no surprise a few tried to cheat her, but Lucille was not in the mood. The real Vee might not be able to cast spells, a situation Lucille may correct when she brings back Masha, but Lucille could. Once they realized that the Owl Lady's 'apprentice' was no longer just one in name, they were quick to pay what they owed and a bit more. King was happy to collect the extra snails, and when they made their way through the markets again, they stopped for lunch.

Lucille had never tried a not-dog before, but she really liked them. As they sat and ate, Lucille couldn't help noticing how busy the market had become. When they heard a commotion that King said wasn't normal, the duo went to investigate. What they found was a large wagon with space for an enclosed lab, and standing at an attached counter in front was a man handing out pink and amber potions that the barker proudly declared would energize and refuel even the most tired soul. Lucille knew this scam well, and it brought a small smirk to her face. After a while, Lucille drew close enough for the barker to hand her one as well, and after a quick check to make sure it wasn't poisoned or laced, she'd never make that mistake again, she tipped it back to give it a try.

The flavor was sweet and slightly bitter like a human realm grapefruit. Not her favorite, but not bad, and it did fill her with a bit of energy, so clearly this scam artist had some skill, but… why did it taste familiar? Suddenly King hurriedly started trying to get her attention, and whispered, "Luz! You look like you!" Lucille blinked for a moment and it finally dawned on her, Glamourot fruit. Glamourot was a unique orange-like fruit with lime skin and pink meat, but it had a special quality that gave it its name… its juice was a natural anti-illusion potion. It stripped away lies and masks, but it was harmless in itself. A fun prank… unless you were a basilisk. Then it would cause intense cramping and debilitating pain as if forced their bodies into their natural form. It didn't prevent new illusions from being cast, though they would be more fragile and exhausting to maintain for a few hours after, but the pain could prevent the focus necessary for shapeshifting.

Thankfully most basilisks could identify its smell and kept away from the stuff on instinct, because otherwise something like this would be cruel in Lucille's opinion. All in all an inconvenience, but most didn't even seem to notice the change, so Lucille just tried to slip away to wait out the juice's effects. Unfortunately, that wasn't going to happen. As soon as she was out of sight, a figure in a white cloak and wearing a bird mask tried to stop her, "By order of the Emperor, you are under arrest for suspected treason. Surrender now and the Titan may take pity on you."

Lucille just tilted her head, "Treason? What have I done to make you suspect that my friend? I'm just a teenage girl escorting an adorable imp home to his mother. I'm very sorry if there's been a misunderstanding." Lucille gave the Scout a respectful bow, "Please, can't we just talk about this? I'm sure we can clear this up without the need for violence."

The Scout scoffed and raised their spear, "Silence, snake. My boss told me to keep an eye out for your kind. I don't know why it didn't fully strip you of your disguise, but I was there. You can't trick me, Deceiver. The Dark Lady is dead. Her monster has been petrified and quartered. You are nothing but a delusional traitor to our savior, the Magnanimous Emperor Belos. Now, submit or I will make you."

Lucille stood straight and leveled a hatful glare, "You are entitled to your opinion, but this will be your only chance… are you calling me a liar?"

The Scout started to laugh making a vein start to pulse in Lucille's forehead and her lip to twitch in disdain, but after a moment the Scout stopped, "Truly a master liar. How else could you delude even yourself. Now surender or- *squeak*"

Lucille raised a hand and snapped her fingers before nearly passing out. In the Scout's place was a small Muddlebat that squeaked impotently at her before flying off. King looked at Lucille as she sat and seemed to pant in equal parts awe and fear before he came over and nuzzled her hand, "Are you ok? That was really cool, but it seemed to really take it out of you."

Lucille scoffed but gave him a smile as she tenderly pet his head, "It did. Thankfully, curses like that are much easier to cast when the victim has broken the rules. Remember, I warned you not to imply I ever lie. Not only is it rude, but I don't lie. Doing so is immensely painful, and should I be caught… I could be enslaved for it." Lucille stood up on shaky legs, but continued the lesson, "The same way names can give someone power, catching a fey in a lie can do the same, and for one like myself that could be devastating. But that's enough doom and gloom for now. Let's finish the deliveries. Maybe we'll grab some candy on the way back. Sound good?" Lucille retook her Vee disguise and King happily returned to his perch as they begin to move again.

The two continued their deliveries and slowly Lucille returned to her non cranky self. All things considered, Lucille enjoyed spending time with King. He was adorable and mischievous, but never malicious… kind of like her. In a way, she kind of hoped that there were more deliveries to be made, but sadly they only had one left. Walking toward the address, King admitted he didn't actually know anything about this guy since he was a new customer, but as soon as Lucille saw the castle he lived in she grew very irate. After all, whomever this Degast guy was… he was squatting in HER home. On a closer look Lucille scoffed and whispered to King, "Stay close little buddy. This place has illusions a foot thick on it."

King made a nervous whimper, "We'll be ok though right? Aren't illusions one of your better magics? Why can't you see through this?"

Lucille smiled, "I appreciate the confidence in my powers, but it's not that simple. No doubt, I'm definitely stronger than whomever is casting this, but even thin paper can block sight if you layer it enough. This clearly took years to set up, but at the same time I could tear it down in seconds if I really wanted to. That would be incredibly rude though. Just stay by me little Prince, and you'll be as safe as can be." King nodded and they stepped onto the property.

As they walked, Lucille only got less impressed. Mind fog, blinding mist, a number of hearts desire lilies growing just out of sight of the path, whoever this guy was he was well educated in how to bolster illusions, but to require this much of a boost he must be truly awful at the craft or a nasty freak. The last time she heard of anyone trying this hard to trick their guests it was the candy house crone, and she was a certified child eating freak. All the same, Lucille used a shadow tendril to tie King to her shoulder out of sight. Nobody was going to hurt him and live to regret it.

Knocking on the door, it opened on its own, causing torches to light down the hallway and a fake kindly old man voice to beckon them inside. With another eye roll, Lucille did as she was asked and wandered inside. Upon reaching a central room, Lucille found the form of a stereotypical wizard sitting at a table with tea and scones already present. The wizard waved her over to sit and enjoy, so Lucille continued to play along, though it was getting old fast and she was reaching her limit.

The wizard gave her a warm smile, "I'm sorry about the hassle, but you've caught me during tea time. Why not sit a while and rest before you dash off again." Lucille sat and after inspecting the scones for a moment handed a few to King to munch on, and he cooed in delight.

Lucille just sipped some tea before sitting back with a sigh, "I'm sorry Mr. Degast, but is all of this really necessary?" The wizard looked at her confused, but Lucille was done playing, "The illusions, the proxy, why not just show yourself already. The trick is over, and while I give you credit for including real puppets in to help sell the con, I am not a patient lady. Come on out here and pay for your potions, or I'm leaving."

The wizard sputtered and acted insulted, before he just slumped and floated away into a darkened hall and the real Adagast groaned, "What gave me away? You seemed to believe the trick before."

Lucille tilted her head, "That sir, is called acting. I saw through your smoke and mirrors before even stepping on the property. You do realize whom this place belongs to though, right?"

Adagast scoffed, "This property is mine! I bought it some time ago to function as my center of power, not that it matters. You're a fool to walk in here. I've already been told who you really are, and sadly your life has a bounty on it. I don't see a reason to fight, so surrender and I'll make your final moments quick."

Lucille shifted and changed how her legs were crossed, "Well since you're being a 'pleasant' host, I must ask… who do you think I am? Because I think you've been misinformed."

Adagast scoffed, "And you have the gall to call out my masterful illusions as tricks. Cut the crap, you're the Owl Lady's apprentice and the fraud Maleficent, a basilisk. As one demon to another, that was dumb. Now, the Cockatrice venom I added to your tea should be hitting you at any time. It was nice chatting, but please die."

Lucille observed her tea and took another long sip while staring Adagast in the eye, "Ugh, that does explain the slight hint of copper and roast game. I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed Mr. Degast. Haven't you wondered why none of your attempts at stripping my form have worked? I'm not Victoria. My name is Lucille, and this property is owned by the true Empress of the isles until such time as she relinquishes her claim, or meets a true death. I have done neither so kindly…" Lucille's eyes begin to burn, "Get off my property!"

The room begins to tremble as the illusions around the room are shredded by Lucille just flexing her magic, and Adagast charges at her, "STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY! THESE ILLUSIONS TOOK YEARS TO PUT IN PLACE!" Adagast fires a blast of sickly yellow magic at Lucille, but without an effort she catches the blast and returns it now cloaked in black smoke. Upon striking Adagast with the blast, he curled in on himself and turned into bubbles that rose to the ceiling before popping, leaving nothing behind.

Lucille dusted off her hands, "Well he was rude. I can accept a lot of things, but being a poor host is not one." Walking about, the illusions started falling apart and revealing the ruin underneath. As much as it hurt her to see what was once a fairly nice home rendered a decrepit dirty wreck, Lucille let her instincts guide her. Reaching a small room, Lucille waved her hand and revealed a hidden compartment in the floor. Inside were a few small keepsakes and a few loose pages. Securing them all in a bag, Lucille sighed, "I wish you could have seen this place when it was beautiful, King, but I suppose its time has passed. Let's go home." King nodded, and together they made their way back to the Owl House.

A few hours earlier, Vee was slinking through the bushes of the forest that the portal door opened too and attempting to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Vee had a love/hate relationship with the human realm because as much as she enjoyed the novelty of it and the comparative safety it promised… it couldn't be her home. The thought of separating from Eda was just too much to bear for her, and without magic she knew she'd eventually be caught. It might take years, but her internal stores would eventually run dry and without them… she'd be exposed. This place represented an impossible promise for her. A sweet dream that hid the poison of facts as it taunted her with a life she could never have.

Following the instructions she had been given by Lucille, Vee became invisible and made her way to the hospital where her goal rested. The plan was simple. Slip in unseen, change forms in the restroom, and use Lucille's known connection to them in order to slip into their room. Simple and clean was the goal tonight, she just had to let it all go and follow the plan.

Slipping in wasn't too difficult. If anyone questioned why the automatic doors opened they just wrote it off as a rock triggering the sensor or maybe it simply getting old and acting up. Vee felt very nervous about taking Lucille's appearance, and for a moment she thought the nerves would make her pass out, but then she looked in the mirror and it was done. It didn't feel any different to change into, but as soon as her eyes locked with her reflections she shuddered… the reflection had its eyes narrowed and its eyes burned with contained fury. Even with Lucille's permission, she was playing a dangerous game and the reflection in the mirror was adamant to remind her of that fact.

Vee lowered her gaze, and made to apologize, but the being in the mirror growled at her, "Raise your head worm! You wear a queen's countenance and you will not shame her by being meek and pathetic. Stand straight and walk proud, little changeling! You have been given a great honor. Don't squander it! Now go before I lose my patience!"

Vee nodded, "Of course, Ma'am." Vee took a breath and walked out of the restroom, and toward the front desk, "Hi there. I'm looking for Masha's room?"

The lady at the desk looked up and sighed, "Hello Lucille. I'm sorry, but Masha's parents have requested you not be allowed in. If you want to wait, they're upstairs with Deputy Cooper right now. You could ask them to allow you to see them when they come down though."

Vee nodded, "I suppose I don't have any other choice. Thank you for trying." The receptionist smiled and directed her to sit. With eyes now on her, Vee had to sit and wait for fifteen minutes before a nurse asked the receptionist a question and she could slip away again. Vee grumbled to herself, "This is no good. If I meet their parents they'll definitely know I'm not the mistress. Damn it. Ok. I can make this work. I just have to become invisible again and search for them. The kind lady at the desk implied Masha was upstairs, so I'll look for them there. If they're in a coma, they must be in a long term care section. That should help narrow it down. I just need to be careful. Being invisible eats up a lot of magic and I have to make sure I have enough to wake them up."

Vee moved over to the directory near the elevators and looked for some kind of hint of where Masha could be. Not finding a 'long term care' area she changed tactics and eliminated floors they wouldn't be on. This eliminated the ER, neonatal, and surgical floors, but left Vee with two whole floors to explore. With a sigh, Vee decided to go to the higher floor and work down. That way she'd know were the stairs were on both floors and be prepared to run if they needed to.

With a stroke of luck, Vee found two adults talking to a man with a badge outside a particular room on the first floor she checked and she listened in. A shorter black haired lady was crying, "... Thank you Cooper for understanding. Our son has been put through enough and with this coma… I just want that monster Noceda kept as far away as possible."

A stiff suited man held the woman close, "You understand. She twisted his mind with all her satanic witchcraft ridiculousness, convinced him that he's something called 'non-binary', and forced him to change his name! We've tried to be understanding, but she's dangerous. We just want our son back, safe and happy."

The officer nodded, "Of course. This isn't the first time someone has made a report about that girl. I'll see what I can do about that court order, but in the meantime… just stay with him. Well get this all figured out." With that the officer turned and started walking away, but Vee followed the other two into Masha's room.

Once the door was closed, Vee was horrified to see how the duo changed. There were no more tears or looks of concern, only revulsion as they looked at the teen in the bed. The woman scoffed, "Thank god that's over. Playing the 'weeping mother' is so exhausting."

The man chuckled, "I know dear, but it will be over soon. Pastor Smith will be here in the morning to pick up the little bastard, and fix what that delusional bitch did to him."

The woman smiled wide, "It will be so nice to have him back on the straight and narrow again without any of these diseased ideas in his tender head. I didn't carry that ingrate for nine months just to have my hard work wasted. He'll become our sweet boy again, and then off to law school so he can support us through our twilight years in style!"

Vee saw both adults laugh and share a kiss before the man pulled his wife close, "Let's go get some dinner, my pet. There's an Italian place around the corner and they have that wine I brought you the other night."

The woman giggled, "Oh yes, let's. This little bastard isn't going anywhere after all." They both laughed as they left, leaving Vee feeling sick and disturbed.

Vee waited for a moment to make sure the coast was clear, and then moved over to Masha. Vee couldn't help blushing when she saw the sleeping enby in the bed, but the growing warmth in her chest was cast aside as Vee became even more sure that she had to do this right. Not for Lucille, but for Masha. How such disgusting individuals could create such a beautiful individual she would never know, but Vee knew she had to save them. She wasn't sure what some of the things they had said ment, but they didn't sound good, and Mama Eda always said to trust her gut. Leaning forward, Vee brought her lips close to Masha's and let the vapors of Lucille's magic drift toward Masha's sleeping form and be absorbed as she allowed some to leak out.

The process took nearly thirty minutes, and required most of the magic Vee had left, but then their eyes opened and they smiled, "Good morning Mistress." Vee pulled away and blushed, making Masha's face twist in rage, "You're not her! How dare you wear her face! For the honor of my Mistress I'll-"

"Toutes mes excuses pour la tromperie, mais la Maîtresse m'a ordonné de le faire. Nous devons partir! Elle m'a demandé de vous ramener avec elle par le portail! (A thousand apologies for the deception, but the Mistress bid me do it. We must go! She requested I bring you too her back through the portal!)", begged Vee on bended knee.

Masha sat back and gave Vee a skeptical look, "How do I know I can trust you?"

Vee held up a hand and attempted to create a tiny flickering green flame in her hand like Lucille could, but she didn't have enough magic. This caused her form to ripple for a moment and reveal her true features for a split second, not that she noticed. With a sigh, Vee lowered her head, "I've wasted too much magic. Please, just trust me this one time! I-I don't want to fail her. Lucille has been nothing but kind and I-"

Vee was cut off by Masha's scoff and mesmerized by their smile, "I understand. What's your name?"

Vee bowed, "Victoria Clawthorne, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Masha stood up and returned the bow, "Masha Ebony, high warlock of the Maleficent one, and the pleasure is all mine." Masha snapped and her hospital gown was replaced with a dark green hoodie and black skirt. Masha let out a content sigh, "That's better. Now, let's go. I have an apology to give to my mistress."

Together they attempted to slip out unseen, but just as they were about to open the door to the stairs they heard three angry voices and saw the Deputy and Masha's birthers coming running from the elevator. Masha shoved Vee into the stairway and slammed the door behind them. With a wave of their hand, Masha locked the door, but they knew it wouldn't slow down their pursuers long. Without thinking about it Masha grabbed Vee's hand as they ran down the stairs as fast as they could, the whole time Vee felt her heart race and a smile never left her face.

They managed to beat the trio of adults to the lobby, but found themselves stopped by an officer by the door. Masha shot Vee a wink though, and made a pulling motion at a red box on a nearby wall. Suddenly alarms went off and everyone crowded as they attempted to get outside, allowing the teens to blend in and escape. Once they were clear, they continued to run until they reached the woods, and Masha laughed, "The old fire alarm escape, works every time."

Masha finally released Vee's hand with a blush, but Vee didn't. Instead she looked away, "I-I think I'll keep ahold a little longer. Wouldn't want you getting lost on the way back to the portal, right?"

Masha smiled, "Sure thing, but can I see what my savior really looks like?"

Vee shook her head, "Not until we're back on the other side. I don't know if I'll have enough magic to shift again, and I'd rather not end up in a cage again." That response made Masha's smile fade and they returned to holding Vee's hand, if a bit more tenderly.

Together they carefully made their way through the woods following Vee's nose for magic the entire way. To break the ice while they walked, Masha asked Vee questions, and Vee did the same. It started simple like things they liked or didn't, but then Masha asked a question that caught Vee off guard, "So Victoria… do you want to make a pact with Lucille too?"

Vee froze and thought about it before answering, "I don't know. For beings like me… it's not so simple. If I made a pact… I wouldn't be a warlock like you. I'd probably become a lesser fey, and as much as I hate what I am… I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of change."

Masha scoffed and looked away, "Ya, I understand the feeling. I hated who I was too." Masha cleared their throat, "So… as you know, to forge a pact you have to sacrifice something. Usually a name, first born, or a life of service, but I didn't do any of that, though I'd happily serve Lucille forever. No, she helped me discover who I really am, and in the process I figured out that I was non-binary. When I offered to serve her, Lucille made a joke about accepting my gender in trade, but it actually worked. I'm not just non-binary in name… I don't have a gender anymore. Lucille taught me magic to temporarily become whatever I want, but it will never stick. I don't know what part of who you are you hate, but… you don't have to be that." Masha smiled at Vee, "I like what I've seen so far, so count me in if you ever need help, and I know Lucille would say the same."

Vee sighed, "You say that now, but… Let's just go home. Today has been exhausting." Breaking the treeline, Vee pulled out a handbell and shook it like she was making it ring, but no sound occured. A moment later, a glowing door opened up and Masha looked at it in awe. Vee reached out a hand, "Come on, it's time we finally make it to the place we belong." Masha smiled and took Vee's hand as they walked into the golden light.