"Did you ever want a child?" Camila asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and sadness.
Eda shifted her gaze from the bustling scenery around them to the woman sitting next to her on the bench just outside of the hospital. She had rushed to pick up Camila after receiving the devastating news. Camila had chosen not to have Manny accompany her, as she wasn't ready to tell him the heartbreaking news just yet. Instead, she had turned to Eda, the only person she felt comfortable confiding in.
"It's not something I've considered," Eda responded, her tone laced with a hint of regret.
Camila's eyes drifted downward, her expression marred by a frown. Eda knew she had shared a half-truth with Camila, carefully omitting the magical aspects of her own life. She had opened up about her strained relationship with her family, leaving Camila to fill in the gaps based on her own assumptions. Although Eda was aware of Camila's genuine nature. The woman was too nice to assume anything about anyone, always believing in the best.
Silence hung between them, leaving Eda at a loss for words. She knew she had misspoke in that vulnerable moment. Searching for a way to ease the tension, Eda tentatively asked, "What would you name your future child?" hoping it wasn't an intrusive question.
A glimmer of wistfulness flickered across Camila's face as she mustered a small, sad smile. "I've always loved the name Luz. If I had a baby girl, I'd name her that."
Eda's own smile softened at the choice of name. "Luz... it means 'light,' right?"
Camila nodded, her eyes brimming with emotion. "Your Spanish is improving," she teased with a small laugh.
Eda chuckled, grateful for the momentary respite she had provided. "I try," she replied, appreciating the brief exchange of levity.
But Camila's smile faded, replaced once again by the weight of her sorrow. "How am I going to tell Manny that I've lost yet another pregnancy?" she whispered, her voice heavy with anguish.
Eda reached out to grasp Camila's hand, offering her a reassuring squeeze. "We'll figure it out together. You don't have to face this alone," she reassured her friend, determined to be a pillar of support in Camila's time of need.
***
"Eda?" Luz waved her hand in front of Eda's face, concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?"
That name.
Luz.
That was the name that Camila always wanted to name a daughter if she had one. That was the name that I am almost certain that she would have picked for my-
Eda's mind had been momentarily transported back to a time she had tried so hard to forget. The name Luz had triggered memories of Camila, the woman who had always dreamed of naming a daughter Luz.
Eda stopped herself there. That child wasn't hers. She had given up that right when she dropped the baby off on Camila's doorstep with zero explanation and left like a fucking coward. She had decided never to go check on her child (Camila and Manny's child, Eda corrected herself). It was no longer her right to see the half-human, half-witch girl after what she had done.
"Eda?" Luz asked louder that time.
Snapping out of her trance, Eda blinked and refocused her attention on Luz, the human who had unwittingly brought back those forgotten memories. She couldn't let Luz see her vulnerability; she had to push those thoughts aside and put on a brave face.
"Yeah, I'm fine!" Eda forced a smile, masking her inner turmoil. There was a slight tremor in her voice, but she hoped Luz wouldn't notice.
With a feigned enthusiasm, Eda added, "Let's go!" Hoping to distract herself, she urged them to continue their journey towards the Conformatorium.
As the trio soared through the sky, Eda observed that Luz had improved significantly in handling the staff. She was relieved that Luz no longer faced the risk of plummeting to her demise, as she had during their earlier attempt.
Eda couldn't help but be amazed at how quickly Luz adapted to the world of magic and danger. While aware that Luz didn't belong in this realm, Eda couldn't deny the human's keen interest in her surroundings. Luz would eagerly point out things she had read about in books, displaying surprising accuracy. And if she encountered something unfamiliar, she would ask questions with genuine curiosity and enthusiasm.
Eda couldn't help but notice the striking similarities in personality between Luz and Camila.
"I knew griffins had spider breath!" Luz cheered happily as they flew alongside a flock of wild griffins, their majestic forms gliding through the clouds.
Amused, Eda raised an eyebrow at Luz's innocent curiosity.
"Yeah, some of the lore from your world is influenced by bits of our world leaking through. What humans know about witches, demons, vampires, pixies, werewolves, giraffes-"
"Giraffes?" Luz interrupted, her curiosity piqued.
Eda smirked, recalling the stories her mother used to share about the tall and lanky creatures with long necks and spots. They had once roamed the grasslands of the Boiling Isles until they caused too much trouble.
"Oh, yeah. We banished those guys a long time ago. They're a bunch of freaks," Eda replied, rolling her eyes.
As they approached their destination, Eda pointed out the looming structure of the Conformatorium. A massive building constructed from metal and stone, surrounded by towering walls and barbed wire. It served as the Emperor's Coven's stronghold, where rebels and outcasts were confined.
Eda maneuvered her staff downward, guiding them to a concealed landing spot to avoid the guards patrolling the perimeter. With a gentle touchdown on a patch of dirt, Eda helped Luz and King dismount from her staff.
"Alright, you two will be entering through that window up there," Eda pointed to a small, distant window perched high above.
Luz followed Eda's gaze, her eyes widening at the seemingly inaccessible window. Unless one could fly on a staff or had wings like a demon, it appeared impossible to reach.
Eda continued, "I'll enter one floor above to ensure the area is clear. Your task is to climb through the window and follow the hallway straight down. Usually, that area isn't guarded unless there's a lot of noise, so remember to keep quiet."
Luz nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable. "Do I need a disguise?" she asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Eda glanced at King, who shrugged in response.
"Well, I've always wanted to use this!" Luz exclaimed, pulling up her hood and flicking her ears up. "Meow, meow!" she said in a high-pitched voice, attempting to mimic a cat.
Eda chuckled, raising an amused eyebrow at Luz's eccentricity. "Oh, you'll fit right in," she remarked, playfully acknowledging Luz's unique charm.
Drawing a spell circle in the air, Eda summoned a glowing circle beneath Luz and King's feet. In an instant, they were propelled into the air, soaring towards the tower. However, Eda's spell released a split second too early, causing a moment of panic as Luz and King reached out, grabbing the ledge just in time. Eda exhaled with relief, grateful that the human apparently had quick reflexes.
"I'll see you up at the top of the tower!" She called, waving them off as she gracefully hopped onto her staff and soared up towards the pinnacle.
Eda moved swiftly and silently through the dimly lit corridors of the Conformatorium, her figure blending seamlessly with the shadows. She expertly evaded a couple of guards, their footsteps echoing in the distance. Utilizing her stealth-like abilities, she deftly swiped a map from one of the guards' pockets, her fingers tracing the intricate pathways etched on its surface. With a quick but thorough glance, she deciphered the map, pinpointing the exact location where the contraband was kept.
A pang of guilt tugged at Eda's conscience as she reminisced about her deception regarding King's true origins. She had an ulterior motive - to blackmail the human into procuring King's crown for her. But to her surprise, the human had readily agreed, devoid of any resistance or reluctance.
Curiosity gnawed at Eda's thoughts. Why was the human so trusting? Was she genuinely naive, or was there something else? Having spent considerable time on Earth, Eda was well aware of humans' apprehension towards the unusual and the supernatural. Yet, there were exceptions, individuals who embraced the bizarre just like the human girl.
A smirk crept upon Eda's lips as she recalled her escapades in Las Vegas. Memories of a certain Stan Pines flooded her mind. In a whirlwind week, she had married and swiftly divorced him, all part of an elaborate con. It was a fair game - Stan Pines was a con man himself.
Those were moments she cherished, a time when she found solace in the companionship of a fellow oddball. Stan was a peculiar individual who seemed to accept the strange occurrences that life threw his way.
But those days were long gone, a distant memory that resurfaced amidst thoughts of her messed up past with Raine. Seeking solace, Eda had sought refuge in the human realm, where she had encountered Camila standing alone in the rain. Coincidentally, Camila's sister had backed out of their planned trip to Vegas, prompting her to invite Eda along for a much-needed girls' getaway. Both women had recently emerged from relationships, their spirits craving liberation.
Vegas had been a whirlwind of excitement, as they reveled in the thrill of gambling, indulged in libations, danced the night away, and shared laughter that echoed through the vibrant city.
Shaking herself from the nostalgic reverie, Eda refocused her attention on the task at hand. Now was not the time for a stroll down memory lane. She pressed forward, her steps cautious and measured, until she found herself standing in front of a descending staircase. The contraband lay just one floor below her, while Luz and King had to ascend an identical set of stairs.
Taking a deep breath, Eda descended the stairwell, her senses on high alert.
Her eyes widened as she caught sight of Warden Wrath, his towering figure clutching a small, defenseless creature in his iron grip. At first glance, Wrath was a formidable sight to behold. His violet skin rippled with taut muscles, and his imposing frame loomed over others. Concealing his face behind a haunting plague mask adorned with button-like lenses, he exuded an aura of malevolence.
But Eda knew that his true form was even more fearsome. Beneath the mask lay a gaping maw filled with razor-sharp teeth, and his limbs possessed a grotesque elasticity, able to extend to unimaginable lengths. Nevertheless, Eda had faced off against him before, and while challenging, she knew his weaknesses if it came to that.
She continued to make her way down the dimly lit stone stairs, each step echoing in the silence of the underground passage. As she descended, she couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease. The air grew colder, and the atmosphere seemed to thicken with a sense of foreboding.
To her surprise, as she reached the bottom of the stairs, she bumped into Luz and King, who had been waiting there.
"Great, you made it!" Eda exclaimed, relief evident in her voice. "I saw the Warden on his way to torture a defenceless creature. Come on, while we've still got time." She urged them to follow her down the left hallway, her footsteps echoing in the distance.
King, always eager and impulsive, dashed ahead, his tiny arms fluttering in excitement. He made a beeline for the massive doors that loomed before them, their imposing presence sending a shiver down Luz's spine.
Luz, however, trailed behind, her steps heavy and her sighs filled with a mixture of sorrow and guilt. The faces of the prisoners they had encountered on their way here haunted her thoughts. They were creatures of all shapes and sizes, captured and locked up by the so called "Emperor's Coven" for simply being different or rebellious. The sight of their scared, hopeless, and miserable expressions tugged at her heartstrings.
"What's eating you, human?" Eda asked, her voice laced with a faint note of concern. She had grown strangely fond of the human girl who had stumbled into her life mere hours ago. She admired Luz's curiosity and courage, but she also worried about her naivety and idealism.
Luz looked more dejected than when Eda had last seen her, the weight of the magical world appearing to have finally sunk in. "It's not fair," she said, her voice trailing off. "We saw some of the prisoners on our way here. They're not dangerous, they're just misunderstood..."
Eda gazed down at Luz with a sympathetic look, understanding the toll that reality was taking on the young girl. Yep, reality had certainly hit her hard. Eda assumed that Luz had taken the opportunity to talk to those imprisoned, to hear their stories. After all, they were all just a bunch of weirdos and freaks who didn't fit into society's narrow mold.
She wondered what Luz was thinking, what thoughts were swirling in that head of hers if she did talk to them... After all, the human did seem to be a bit of a weirdo herself.
Eda's attention was drawn ahead as they approached the towering doors. King, having managed to squeeze through a hole in the wall, was now attempting to pry them open with his tiny claws. Eda chuckled, her amusement breaking the heavy atmosphere. "Come on, let's go before he hurts himself," she said, quickening her pace.
Just as they reached the doors, King succeeded in activating the mechanism that opened them, causing the ancient wood to groan and creak. Luz and Eda stepped through the gaping entrance, only to be met with a blinding barrier of bright, shimmering energy that spanned across the room. It was the reason they needed a human, as it prevented anyone with magic from passing through.
King ran ahead in his eagerness to have his crown returned to him. He slammed right into the barrier, it throwing him back with ease.
"Easy there, King," Eda said, bending down to put a hand on his shoulder. "We have a human, remember?" She looked up at Luz, who took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.
Eda watched Luz closely. She had explained to Luz that only humans could enter the vault, as they possessed no trace of magic. The barrier had been designed to detect and repel any magical presence with a powerful force.
Luz, with determination in her eyes, raised a hand and closed her eyes as she reached out to touch the barrier. Just as her hand went through, a sharp pain seared through her chest, as if an iron grip was squeezing her heart.
She stepped away from the barrier as she gasped in shock and pain, her hand instinctively clutching at her chest.
What was that?
The barrier had emitted a sudden surge of energy, causing her heart to ache as if it were being squeezed tightly. While she was used to chest pains at random times, this was different. The pain was unlike anything she had experienced before, and it sent a jolt of electricity through her entire body.
Eda, witnessing Luz's distress, immediately placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Concern laced her voice as she asked, "Are you alright, kid?"
Luz forced herself to push the pain aside, determined not to worry Eda or King. She didn't know why, but she felt as if she needed to prove herself, to show them that she could handle any challenges that came her way. With a strained voice, she replied, "Yeah, I'm fine." But her words couldn't hide the lingering discomfort she felt.
Ignoring the throbbing ache in her chest, Luz mustered her resolve. She brought her hand back up and pressed it against the invisible wall, her heart still pulsating with residual pain. Each step forward felt like a battle against the searing fire in her chest.
As she opened her eyes, the pain intensified, causing her to clutch her chest even tighter. She surveyed the vast collection of confiscated objects that filled the vault, a mixture of valuable, dangerous, mundane, and silly items amassed by the Emperor's Coven over the years. Her eyes zeroed in on a crown perched atop the towering heap. This was the crown that King always claimed as his own, a relic from his time as the ruler of demons.
A glimmer of anticipation sparked within her, but as Luz got closer to it she questioned aloud, "Wait, is that...?"
Determined to put an end to the pain and complete her mission, Luz rolled her eyes at her at what she saw and quickly began climbing the pile. With each movement, her chest protested, the fire within intensifying. But Luz pressed on, her eyes fixed on the coveted crown. She knew deep down that it held no real power, but she had come this far, and she refused to back down now.
Finally reaching the top, she reached out and seized the crown, feeling the material against her fingertips. Relief washed over her as she began her descent, sliding down the pile with haste.
As Luz emerged from the barrier, the pain has lessened to a dull ache, she noticed that the barrier had vanished. Confusion furrowed her brow as she pondered its sudden disappearance. Perhaps it required a reset each time someone exited its confines? She shrugged off the thought, realizing that she had other pressing matters to attend to.
"My crown!" King called out joyfully, snatching it from Luz's hands.
He triumphantly raised it in the air. "Yes! I can feel my power returning!" King's gaze then shifted to a tattered stuffed bunny lying on the ground. It had one button eye missing and showed signs of wear. "You there! I command you to be my trusted second in command! From now on, you shall be known as Francois the Brave!"
Luz watched King's antics with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. As she observed him strutting around with the crown, she couldn't help but wonder about it.
Why?
It was a King Burger crown.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Luz turned to Eda and stated, "That crown doesn't actually give him any powers."
Eda responded with a deadpan expression, "Nope."
Luz's disappointment was evident, but Eda placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Listen, kid. King and I don't have much in this world. We've been through a lot together, but we have each other. So if that crown means something to him, it means something to me too."
A warm smile formed on Eda's face as she ruffled Luz's hair. "Besides, us weirdos have to stick together."
Luz looked up at Eda, her heart swelling with newfound hope. She realized that despite their oddities and quirks, Eda and King cared for each other deeply. It made her yearn for a friendship like that.
Determined, Luz made a decision. She didn't know why, but she felt more at home in this strange realm than she ever did back on Earth. The thought of being sent off to a summer camp because she didn't fit in suddenly seemed trivial compared to the weirdness and acceptance she had found here.
As they prepared to leave, Luz gathered the courage to speak up. "Hey, Eda?"
"Yeah, kid?" Eda turned back to face her, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Luz hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting to a flash of purple behind Eda. Something wasn't right. "Eda, look out!" she screamed, her voice laced with urgency.
Before Eda had a chance to react, the warden she had seen earlier materialized out of thin air. Cloaked in black with a metal mask concealing his face, his hand transformed into a deadly axe. With a swift and brutal swing, he aimed for Eda's neck.
Luz's scream pierced through the air as Eda's head went flying, landing shockingly in Luz's trembling arms.
"Ow! I hate when that happens," Eda's detached head groaned, blinking her eyes in annoyance.
Luz stared at Eda's severed head in disbelief. "Does this happen often?"
"It's a side effect of getting older," Eda's head shrugged nonchalantly. "Don't worry, I'll reattach it."
"Is it?" Luz blinked rapidly, trying to process the absurdity of the situation. She was abruptly jolted back into reality when she sensed a rush of air behind her. Instinctively, she ducked just in time to evade a second axe strike that crashed onto the ground where she had been moments ago.
Looking up, Luz locked eyes with the vengeful warden. His determination was unwavering, and it was clear he wouldn't give up easily. Swinging his axe once more, he aimed for Luz's legs, his intent to harm her unmistakable.
Luz's heart raced as she leaped over the warden's blade, her body moving with the grace of a trained warrior. With a swift and well-aimed kick, she struck him square in the chest, causing him to stagger back momentarily. However, his resilience was evident as he quickly regained his composure and lunged at her with a menacing snarl, his eyes burning with an eerie red glow behind his mask.
Determined to protect Eda, Luz evaded the warden's attack and sprinted towards her motionless body lying on the cold, unforgiving floor. Desperation fueled her every step, as she hoped against hope that Eda could somehow reattach her detached head and join the fight. But before she could reach out to Eda's lifeless hand, the warden's cruel grasp snatched her by the hair, lifting her effortlessly off the ground.
Pain shot through Luz's scalp as the warden's grip tightened, but she refused to give in.
"Let me go!" With a defiant shout, she struggled fiercely, desperately trying to free herself from his clutches.
The warden only laughed maniacally, relishing in his power over her.
"You're not going anywhere," Hhis chilling voice reverberated through the dark, echoing ominously in the hall. In a sinister move, he turned to one of his guards, thrusting Luz into the waiting arms of his henchman.
Luz's eyes widened in horror as she watched the warden approach Eda's severed head, which lay discarded on the ground. Her gaze darted around, only to find King also captured and held upside down by one of the guards, his attempts to break free were futile. The situation seemed increasingly dire, and Luz's heart sank as she realized the gravity of their predicament.
"Eda the Owl Lady! I finally have you in my clutches." His voice was dripping with triumph, the warden addressed Eda, clutching her head by her hair as if it were a trophy.
Luz's stomach churned in disgust at the sight. This place, the warden, the guards - everything was a twisted nightmare beyond her comprehension.
Eda, never one to back down, responded to the warden's taunting with a sarcastic retort. Her eyes narrowed, filled with defiance. "What are you going to do? Arrest me? I've never broken any of your stupid laws..." Her voice trailed off momentarily before she added, "... in front of you."
Luz couldn't help but roll her eyes at Eda's audacity. She admired the witch's courage, but in a dire situation, she wished Eda would choose to keep her mouth shut!
In a sudden change of tone, the warden's voice lowered to a sinister whisper. "Eda, you don't understand. You're the one who always got away from me. The one who always eluded my grasp. I always found that alluring," he confessed, his words dripping with a sick fascination.
The guards, twisted and warped as they were, cheered on their warden, reveling in the twisted scene unfolding before them. Luz's disgust deepened, her thoughts consumed by the sickening nature of their captors.
"I hate everything that's coming out of your mouth right now," Luz gagged, her voice laced with revulsion.
The warden's sudden rage was palpable as he snapped his head towards her, his eyes blazing with fury. "Shut it!"
Meanwhile, the guard holding Luz tightened his grip, squeezing her ribs, making it harder for her to breathe. Panic surged through her, but in that moment, something within her ignited. It felt as if a surge of power coursed through her veins, a warmth that amplified her strength. Summoning every ounce of determination, Luz pushed against the guard, breaking free from his suffocating hold. With a swift motion, she snatched Eda's staff from the floor.
Without a second thought, Luz swung the staff with all her might, delivering a powerful blow to the warden's head. The impact was bone-crushing, and the warden crumpled to the ground. Unconsciousness claimed him, at least for the moment.
Luz stood there, panting heavily, her eyes fixed on the fallen warden. How had she summoned such strength in that moment of desperation? The question lingered briefly in her mind, but there was no time to ponder it.
"Alright, time to go!" Luz exclaimed, hastily picking up Eda's severed head from the floor. The bizarre nature of the situation didn't leave her with much time to process. Her sole focus was on escaping.
To her surprise, she noticed that Eda's body had somehow managed to free King from the guard's grasp. The guard lay unconscious on the floor, incapacitated by a powerful punch from Eda's detached hand.
King clung onto the crown tightly, refusing to let go despite the fact that it had been crumpled during the scuffle. Luz handed Eda's head to her reattached body and swiftly climbed onto the staff.
Eda, now with her head back in place, wasted no time and grabbed King. "Alright, how does this thing work?! Magicus escapicus! Expecto flying... Staff, please fly!" she pleaded, hoping for a miraculous response from the enchanted staff.
Luz's heart pounded in her chest as she held on tight to the staff as it took off, her knuckles turning white. The wind rushed past her, tousling her hair, as she desperately tried to navigate through the narrow halls of the conformatorium with no prior knowledge of how to fly. The staff's owl wings flapped furiously, propelling them forward, but it seemed to mock her attempts at controlling it with its hooting sounds.
The alarm blared throughout the prison, its piercing sound echoing off the cold, stone walls. Red lights flashed, casting an eerie glow in the dimly lit corridors. Guards, alerted by the commotion, poured out of their posts, joining the chase. Their heavy boots thudded against the floor, their eyes filled with determination to capture the escapees.
"Ah, nuts! Kid, we have to get out of here and fast!" Eda's voice rang out, laced with urgency. She clutched her reattached head tightly, feeling the curse's effects intensifying. Dizziness and weakness threatened to overwhelm her, but she fought against it, her eyes burning with determination.
Luz's eyes darted around, searching for a way to outsmart their pursuers. As they neared the prison cells, she noticed the creatures she had encountered earlier, locked up and devoid of hope. An idea sparked in her mind, and she called out to Eda.
"Eda! I need a hand!"
Without hesitation, Eda's hand positioned itself behind Luz's, ready to assist her. With a swift flick of their combined strength, they sent the metal bars of the cages flying upward, freeing the miserable prisoners. The creatures, stunned by their sudden freedom, hesitated for a moment before scurrying away, grateful for the chance to escape their torment.
Luz seized the opportunity and angled the staff towards the open window, their only chance at salvation. The window loomed closer, but just as hope began to blossom within her, the warden burst from behind them. His face, covered in blood and his mask shattered, revealed a crazed look in his eyes.
The group of three flew through the window, only to be knocked down with a swift motion, the warden's arm transformed into a net, ensnaring them and the staff. Luz's grip on the staff tightened as it wavered in the air, losing altitude rapidly. The staff crashed to the ground with a resounding thud, leaving them vulnerable and at the mercy of the warden's wrath.
Luz's heart sank as she realized their predicament. She turned to Eda, her eyes filled with determination and loyalty.
"I'm not leaving you, Eda. We're in this together," she declared, her voice steady despite the fear that threatened to consume her.
Eda's eyes softened, her heart swelling with affection for the young girl who had become an unexpected ally. She took a deep breath, her resolve unwavering.
"This isn't your world, kid, nor is it your fight," Eda said, her voice tinged with regret. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this. Now go!"
With a swift movement, Eda thrust a key into Luz's hand, her touch warm and reassuring. She propelled Luz onto the staff and, with a burst of magic, sent her soaring into the air.
Eda, feeling the curse clawing at the back of her mind, faced Warden Wrath with a defiant smirk. She knew she had bought Luz the precious time she needed to escape. The warden cracked his knuckles, his elongated limbs ready for battle.
"Prepare to meet your fate, Eda," he snarled, a venomous gleam in his eyes.
Eda's laughter echoed, a fearless defiance that sent shivers down the warden's spine. She might be trapped for now, but she was far from defeated. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she prepared to face the warden head-on, ready to unleash her own brand of chaos upon him.
Eda smirked as she got into a fighting stance, winking at him.
She knew this was going to be a tough fight, but she wasn't going to back down. She had faced worse enemies than him. Heck, she had worse breakups than this! She was ready for fight. She also knew that she had to be fast if she wanted to win this fight. She couldn't afford to use too much magic or risk turning into the Owl Beast. If she had an elixir with her it wouldn't be so bad, but she didn't have any with her at the moment.
Without warning, Warden Wrath sprang forward, his long, twisted limbs reaching out to grab her. He moved with surprising speed and agility, despite his bulky frame. Eda reacted quickly, dodging his attacks with agile movements.
But Warden Wrath was not so easily defeated. His limbs were able to bend and stretch in ways that seemed almost unnatural, and his attacks grew stronger and more vicious with each passing moment. He was determined to capture Eda and make her pay for all the times she had escaped him. Eda fought back fiercely, ducking and dodging his blows while trying to gather all of the magic she could.
The makeshift battle area was filled with flashes of light and loud clashes that echoed far and wide as the two battled fiercely. They destroyed everything in their path, leaving a trail of debris and dust behind them. Each made incredible use of their unique strengths and abilities, and for a while it seemed as though the match would never end.
Eda swiftly drew a complex spell circle in front of her, channeling her magic to summon the formidable Hydra Hootys. The gigantic snake-like creatures emerged, each head bearing Hooty's comical face. Hissing and hooting menacingly, they lunged at the warden with razor-sharp beaks.
The warden fought desperately, his limbs distorting and contorting as he struggled to free himself. Swinging his axe with great force, he managed to sever some of the Hydra Hootys in half. They shrieked in pain, but to his astonishment, they quickly regenerated, ready to strike again.
As the warden writhed and shrank through his collapsing body, Eda felt a surge of power coursing through her veins.
With a menacing grin, Warden Wrath unleashed a torrent of flames aimed directly at Eda. Reacting swiftly, she conjured a miniature portal in front of her, redirecting the fiery assault through the portal. In one fluid motion, she spun around and created another spell circle, sending the redirected flames hurtling back towards the warden.
The warden was caught off guard, engulfed by his own attack. He crashed to the ground, screaming in agony as his flesh burned. However, as the warden suffered, Eda felt an overwhelming drain on her magic. She looked down at the amulet hanging from her neck, its surface covered in ominous black ink. It was a grim reminder that her curse was taking its toll, weakening her from within.
A sharp pain pierced her chest, and a cold sweat formed on her forehead. Despite her own struggles, Eda's focus remained on the fallen warden. To her surprise, she watched him slowly rise, his body battered and broken, but still fueled by hate and fury. His glare bore into Eda's very soul.
Realizing the dire situation, Eda shifted into a defensive stance. She knew that if she had consumed her potion, victory would be within her grasp. But alas, that option was not available. She had to rely solely on her wit to overcome this knucklehead.
Just as the warden lunged forward, Eda's eyes widened in shock and awe as Luz descended from above on her trusty staff. The unexpected arrival of the human child brought was a surprising, but not unwelcome sight.
"Pwison wiot!" shouted a tiny biped demon, rallying the rest of the prisoners to join the fray. They charged at Warden Wrath with reckless abandon, casting spells and throwing punches. Horned, winged, and tailed, they formed a diverse and chaotic group united against their common enemy.
Roaring with fury, the warden unleashed his extended limbs, pushing back the swarm of prisoners. Amidst the chaos, Luz managed to evade the warden's strike, displaying a newfound confidence and determination.
"Luz?! What in the titan's name are you still doing here?!" Eda exclaimed, a mixture of anger, surprise and relief washing over her.
"Sorry, Eda, but as everyone says about me, I am terrible at listening!" Luz proudly declared, fueled by an inner spark she had never experienced before.
"You! You did this! I swear I will capture you and torture-" Wrath started to say, pointing an accusing finger at Luz. He blamed her for freeing the prisoners and ruining his meticulously planned operation.
Luz stood her ground, her eyes blazing with determination. She knew she had to think fast and find a way to turn the tables on Wrath. Her heart pounded in her chest as she rummaged through her bag, searching for something that could help her in this dire situation.
Her trembling hands finally found what she was looking for – a bundle of fireworks she had bought from a shady vendor in the human realm. Originally intended to impress her classmates with a grand display, Luz now saw a better use for them – a diversion that would go out with a bang!
"I wouldn't recommend underestimating me, Warden Wrath," Luz said, her voice laced with confidence. She took a deep breath and summoned the courage of her fictional hero, Azura, from her beloved book series.
"For I am Luz the Human! Warrior of peace!" she proclaimed, channeling the fearless spirit of Azura even further. In that moment, Luz felt a surge of power flowing through her veins, as if she had tapped into an ancient magic.
"Now eat this, sucker!" Luz exclaimed, flicking her wrist and launching the fireworks high into the air. With the grace of a seasoned athlete, she swung Eda's staff like a baseball bat, sending it hurtling towards the warden.
The fireworks soared through the night sky, streaking towards their unsuspecting target. In a burst of dazzling lights and thunderous booms, they exploded, engulfing Wrath in a mesmerizing display of chaos and confusion.
Eda watched the spectacle unfold, her eyes widening in awe. She had never witnessed anything quite like it before – a mesmerizing blend of beauty and danger. Her admiration for Luz grew tenfold as she realized that the kid wasn't as naive as she originally thought, she saw the true extent of the young girl's resourcefulness and confidence (whether it was misplaced or not was still to be determined).
"Great job, kid," Eda complimented, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Luz beamed up at her, her face flushed with a mixture of exhilaration and relief. She had managed to outwit Wrath, even if only for a moment.
King, always the comic relief, sidled up beside them, a mischievous grin on his face. "Believe it or not, that was actually one of her better breakups," he quipped, referring to the fireworks display.
Eda shot King a glare, her tone laced with annoyance. "Stop telling everyone he was my boyfriend!" she defended.
Eda, sensing the need to redirect the conversation. "Anyway, we should get out of here," she said, her voice tinged with urgency.
With a swift motion, Eda reclaimed her staff from Luz, hoisting King up onto it behind her. King, looking slightly disheveled and crestfallen without his crown, clung onto the staff for dear life.
Luz wasted no time and climbed onto the staff in front of Eda. As they soared through the night sky, leaving the conformatorium behind, Luz couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. She had stepped into a world of adventure and danger! And she was loving it!
Eda led the group back to the Owl House, a sense of relief washing over them as they approached the familiar dwelling. Hooty, perched in the doorway, his large eyes shining with excitement.
"Welcome back, friends!" Hooty chimed, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. "How was your day? Any thrilling adventures?"
As Eda swung open the creaky door, they hurriedly stepped inside, the heavy wooden barrier shutting behind them with a resounding thud. The oblivious demon continued to chatter away in the background, unaware of being left out.
Eda couldn't help but tease Luz, her mischievous smile lighting up her face. "That was some impressive work back there, considering you're just a human." She emphasized the last words playfully.
Luz blushed, her eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and embarrassment. She sheepishly handed the key back to Eda, aware of its significance.
"Well, I suppose you'll want to return home after that thrilling adventure," Eda said, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. She pressed the button on the key, causing it to emit a soft glow and projecting a shimmering doorway in front of them.
As the door swung open, a swirling vortex of brown and green energy appeared before their eyes. Luz peered through the portal, her heart fluttering with anticipation. As the brown and green energy subsided, it revealed her beloved forest, a gateway back to her own world.
Before bidding farewell, Eda handed Luz her cherished book, the very object that she had risked her life for. There was a mix of concern and playfulness in her voice as she spoke, her words carrying a hidden message.
"You nearly got yourself killed over this book. It must hold great importance to you, so keep a close eye on it. And maybe, just maybe, avoid tossing it in the garbage next time." Eda's tone was half-joking, half-serious, her eyes twinkling with a hint of playfulness.
Luz cradled the book in her hands, feeling its worn cover beneath her fingertips. Her thumb traced over the burnt portion, she was reminded of the day her father had given her this precious gift. The memories flooded back, the warmth of her father's love enveloping her.
***
Luz had been eleven at the time when Manny had started to feel ill. He had been suffering from headaches, fatigue, and nausea for a while, but he had ignored the symptoms. He and Camila were struggling to make ends meet, and they didn't have the money or the insurance to afford a hospital visit. They had prayed and hoped that it would pass.
It didn't. He grew worse and worse as the days went by. He first lost his appetite, then he quickly started to lose weight. He had trouble breathing and sleeping.
It frightened Luz.
She loved her father more than anything. He was her hero and her role model. He was smart, kind, and funny. She aspired to be like him.
She would sit with her father in front of the TV where they would watch movies together. And when he was having a good day, he would read stories to Luz. He would try his best to make Luz feel better by sharing stories of their time together, such as how he taught her how to ride a bike, play chess, and draw comics. He used those stories to make promises of all of the fun times they would have when he started to feel better.
For their daughter's sake, Manny and Camila finally agreed to go to the hospital. They borrowed some money from their friends, and took a cab to the nearest clinic.
It was there that they received the devastating news. Manny had cancer, and it was too late to do anything about it. It had spread throughout his body, and there was no hope for a cure. The doctors told him they could do things to prolong his life, but they just couldn't afford it.
The spirit within Luz diminished as her father's did.
She watched helplessly as her father wasted away in his bed.
Luz tried her best to cheer him up. She would often visit his bedside after school and on weekends. She always had new jokes, drawings, and stories to share with him, but nothing seemed to work.
She tried her best to be brave and strong, just like he had taught her. But she couldn't hide her tears.
When Manny knew he didn't have long left, he called Luz to his side. He held her hand and smiled weakly.
"Luz, my sweet girl," he said softly, gazing into her eyes.
Luz smiled sadly at him. She could see the pain in his eyes.
"I love you so much. You are the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Te quiero, papa," Luz said, choking back a sob.
"I want you to have something," he said, reaching for his bedside table. He pulled out a book and handed it to her. "It was meant for your birthday, but I thought you may want it now."
Luz ran her hands over the book her gave her. It was a book called The Good Witch Azura.
Luz looked at the book with a mix of joy and sadness. She hugged it to her chest. She threw her arms around her father and thanked him.
Manny chuckled softly, using all of his strength to wrap his arms around his daughter for what would be the very last time.
Shortly after Luz and her mother left the hospital for the night, he had passed away.
After Manny's funeral, Luz locked herself away in her room. She threw the book to the side out of anger. She hated that book. She hated that it reminded her of what she had lost. She didn't want that book, she wanted her father!
She was young, but she wasn't stupid. She had seen the gradual decline in her father's health. She had seen how he suffered and how he tried to hide it from her. She didn't understand why they waited so long to see a doctor. If they had gone earlier, maybe they could have caught the cancer and treated it. Maybe they could have saved him or at least prolonged his life.
But she was too young... She was too young to understand why her parents waited for so long. She eventually learned the truth. They didn't have the money or the insurance to pay for the hospital bills. They didn't want to burden their daughter with their problems. They wanted to protect her from the harsh reality of their situation.
They wanted to give her hope. It was why Manny had spent the little bit of savings he had on that book for her.
It wasn't until a few weeks later that Luz was pulled out of the slump she was in. She wandered over to her closet one morning to change for school. It was supposed to be her first day back after...
She shook those thoughts from her head.
She opened her closet door and there sat the book her father had gotten for her.
She grabbed the book and sat down on her bed.
Her mom had let her skip school for this long, what was one more day?
She opened the book and started reading.
She felt a spark of curiosity and wonder as she followed Azura's adventures in the magical world.
She felt a connection with Azura, who was brave and smart and kind.
As she started to read it, she imagined her father's voice reading it to her like he used to read to her when she was younger.
She felt a tear on her cheek as she wished he was here with her.
She felt a love for him that would never fade.
She felt a hope for the future that he had given her.
***
Luz stepped back from the portal, her gaze fixed on Eda and King. The sight of the doorway to her world had stirred conflicting emotions within her, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that her place was here, in the magical realm of the Boiling Isles. She knew that seemed crazy. She felt crazy for even thinking that, but she couldn't brush off a certain feeling that was calling out to he in the furtherest and deepest parts of her mind. It was telling her stay here. And she wanted to know why.
As Eda sensed Luz's hesitation, she met her gaze and crouched down to her level. The curiosity and uncertainty in Luz's eyes were evident, and Eda knew there was something important on her mind.
"Oh right, you had a question earlier. Ask away," Eda prompted, her voice holding a mix of curiosity and concern.
Luz nodded, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. "I wanted to ask... if I could stay in this world with you?" she finally voiced her desire, her voice filled with hope and vulnerability.
Confusion flickered across Eda's face as she processed Luz's request. "This world isn't going to be anything like what you know from that book of yours. And it certainly isn't summer camp," Eda replied, gesturing towards the window where the dark and twisted landscape of the Boiling Isles stretched out before them. It was a place where magic and monsters coexisted, where danger lurked at every turn.
Luz couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. Summer camp was exactly what she was trying avoid (she had her reason for wanting to stay, but hey, skipping out on a reform camp was a definite added bonus). "I know you had your head chopped off and I started some kind of prison riot but honestly, this is the most fun I've ever had in my entire life," she confessed, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and determination.
She paused, her voice growing softer. "I don't belong in my own world. My mom tried to send me away, to make me 'normal.' But those people locked away in the conformatorium... I could relate to them. I may not have been physically imprisoned, but I was rejected," Luz explained, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
Looking up at Eda with hopeful eyes, Luz continued, "So, I guess what I'm asking is... Can I stay with you? You don't fit in here, and I don't fit in on Earth. Maybe we could not fit in together?" She shrugged, a nervous smile playing on her lips.
King, always eager to voice his opinion, tugged on the end of Eda's dress and whispered, "Let her stay. She can make us snacks."
Eda couldn't help but smile at King's suggestion. She picked him up and held him close. "Well, I suppose having some help in keeping this little furball in line wouldn't hurt," she playfully agreed.
Looking back at Luz, Eda's expression softened. She felt a deep connection with the young girl, seeing a reflection of herself in Luz's curious, clever, and destructive nature from when she was younger. After a brief moment of contemplation, Eda made up her mind.
"Alright, kid. You can stay," Eda declared, her voice filled with a mixture of warmth and determination.
Luz's face lit up with pure joy as she jumped up and down with excitement. "Yay!"
But Luz wasn't done yet. She held up her hands, excitement shining in her eyes. "Could you teach me to use magic?" she asked, her voice full of wonder and longing.
Eda hesitated, not wanting to dampen Luz's dreams. "Humans can't do magic," she replied, her tone tinged with a hint of regret.
Undeterred, Luz pressed on. "Well, it's not like humans have tried. I could be the first!" she exclaimed, her determination shining through.
Luz firmly believed that there was a way for humans to harness magic if they only gave it a chance. She was determined to prove Eda wrong and unlock her own magical potential. Plus, even if she couldn't do magic, spending a summer surrounded by the wonders and mysteries of a magic realm was far better than being stuck at camp!
Eda rolled her eyes but couldn't help but be amused by Luz's optimism. "I like your optimism, kid," she remarked with a smirk. "Fine. But! I have one condition. Before you start learning magic, you have to work for me. Help out around the house, run errands, and prove yourself capable in this world. Only then will I agree, alright?"
Eda wanted to ensure that Luz fully understood the challenges and dangers of the Boiling Isles. This world was not an easy or safe place for anyone, especially a human.
Luz's excitement reached new heights as she squealed with joy, rushing forward to engulf Eda in a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
Eda, feeling slightly awkward, patted Luz's back gently. "Uh... what is this?"
***
Eda lay awake in her nest that night, her eyes fixed on the twinkling stars outside her open window. Thoughts of her daughter consumed her mind, stirring up a storm of guilt and longing within her.
Fourteen years ago, Eda had made the gut-wrenching decision to give up her child. The demon realm was a treacherous place, especially for a half-witch-half-human like her daughter. As a wanted criminal plagued by a curse, Eda knew she couldn't provide the safety and stability her child deserved.
And yet, here she was, taking on a human as her apprentice.
She couldn't stop thinking about what Luz had said to her. She felt like a stranger in her own world. It seemed her own mother didn't understand her or accept her. What kind of life did that child have that made her want to stay in a whole other world in less than a day?
Is that why she agreed to let this Luz stay with her?
She had to admit, Luz did seem to fit in perfectly in this world. Despite her over-eagerness and misplaced confidence that is. Eda would have to make sure to show her the reality and dangers of this place.
Although, Luz did handle herself remarkably well for someone with no magic. She had shown courage and creativity in the face of danger. She had also shown kindness and compassion to the prisoners.
Guilt flooded Eda's mind once again. She wondered how her daughter was doing? She knew that she had bound her magic when she was born. She had done it to protect her... right?
But she couldn't help but wonder, did her child feel the same way? Did she feel lost in a world that wasn't her own?
The thought haunted Eda, her mind swirling with questions and doubts. Was taking Luz under her wing a way to make amends for leaving her daughter behind? Or was it a way to experience a fleeting semblance of what motherhood could have been like?
Eda shook those thoughts from her head.
No, of course not. It was ridiculous to even think that. Eda had left her daughter with Camila and Manny. Those two were all about being themselves and standing out.
Eda remembered those comic conventions that the two would drag her to. They had forced her to dress up as a character from their favorite novel: Cosmic Frontier. She had played along with them. She found it weird, but secretly loved every second of it.
Eda took solace in the knowledge that her daughter, though unaware of her true origins, would have the freedom to grow into her authentic self with Camila and Manny. She would never have to go through the pain of feeling like an outsider. Eda clung to this belief, her heart filled with hope and determination.
As exhaustion finally washed over her, Eda closed her eyes, seeking solace in sleep. She sent silent wishes into the universe, hoping her daughter was happy and safe wherever she may be. And as for Luz, Eda hoped that by embracing the demon realm, the young human would discover a part of herself she never knew existed. That she would find herself before inevitably having to go home in a few months.