Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

luz head shot up from her desk as her Tuter cleared her throat looking at her with concern and annoyance. "Sorry I didn't get much sleep," Luz said bluntly. Her Tuter gave her a pointed look before saying. "I suppose you can go early, on the condition you do all your homework, and have it turned in on time." Luz practically jumped out of her seat heading to the door, before stopping and turning to her teacher giving the woman a kind smile. "Thank you." was all she said already turning around leaving the room with impressive speed for a girl wearing a plane wight dress and a light purple cape with her long slightly curly hair flowing behind her as she ran.

Luz barreled down the hallway of the palace decorated with white tapestries bearing the royal crest of a tree growing in a titan's palm. The Knights wearing adjusted coven scout attire with only a half mask over their mouths jumped out of her way as she ran. Luz got to the throne room doors stopping to catch her breath before opening grand the door slightly slipping inside. There were a few glances her way from the guards and some nobility before looking back to Kikimora before the four thrones with her father waring elegant wight robes with a half mask covering the right side of his face sitting in-between her mom who wore a simple purple dress and ornate circlet with a ruby in the middle and sister Vee with her shiny gray scales, red fin like hair and brown eyes with golden sclera. Luz made her way around the edge of the room to her seat listening to Kikimora speak. "My Emperor, the scattered Coven was spotted by the right foot near the town Skeith, I would suggest sending out a detachment of solders to find these fanatics who could be hiding in the town." 

"By what harassing all the well-meaning citizens, we should send out guards for their protection." Camila said glaring down at Kikimora as Luz sat down next to her. Kikimora was about to reply before Vitimir the Lord of Potion magic stepped forward interrupting her saying in a sickly voice, "I believe what Kikimora was trying to imply was that if we search the town we can also check if your loyal subjects are safe and haven't been kidnaped or experimented upon." Vitimir bowed slightly having finished now letting the words sink in, Luz looked to Vee seeing her sister going pale and rigid at the mention of experiments. "Then we'll send some knights to check on the occupants of every house and have check the abandoned ones as well." Manny said his tone leaving no room for augment before continuing on, "I also believe it's getting rather late and I'm sure you all want to get home, so I declare this meeting adjourned." Everyone having heard Emperor Nocedas tone started shuffling out with the exception of the Lord of Bard magic Rain, who approached the royal family.

"Ah, Lord Raine is there something you need?" Camila asked smiling warmly at Raine. Raine smiled back solemnly before saying, "I just wanted to make sure Princess Vee isn't troubled over Vitimir's questionable remarks I'm sure he meant nothing ill, but I'll make sure to remined him to be more careful with certain subjects." Vee hugged her arms close to her smiling shyly before replying, "I'm fine, really thank you." Nobody in the room looked like they believed her, so luz got up walking passed her mom and dad pulling her sister into a one-armed hug out of her throne. Manny pulled off his silver mask revealing two large black horizontal scars over and under his right eye as he stood up from his throne and going to place a hand on Raines shoulder and saying his voice that of addressing a friend. "Thanks for your concern my friend, and don't worry I'll discuses Lord Vitimirs comments with him soon." Raine nodded before turning to go as someone else entered the throne room. It was Lilith who nodded to Raine as they passed each other. As the door closed Lilith bowed before them, Manny smiled and said, "You may rise lady Lilith."

"Your majesty I have received news on The Owl Lady and her strange partner." Lilith said having stood up with Manny giving her a nod to continue. "My sister as you know makes her move and sows' chaos in her wake and her movements are random appearing in multiple different markets thought the day. If we can post more knights around the markets she frequents, we may be able to catch her at a moment of weakness." Luz listened intently to Lilith as she talked about the owl lady, thinking about if she could be an ideal mentor to learn any magic, after all from what she heard The Owl Lady was powerful and only really took part in small time crime with her only major offence being her refusal to have her fabled curse monitored by her dad and some obscure incident she's only heard whispers about. Luz's thoughts were pulled back to reality when her father replied. "I trust the conformatory guards are well equipped to handle it they have gotten close before, but we could send out a few extra knights to aid them." Lilith nodded taking her leave leaving the family to themselves for the first time in hours.

Everyone let out a sigh as the grand doors shut letting them all relax. Camila immediately went to Luz pulling her into a quick embrace before exclaiming. "Thank titan now were alone, I don't know if I could have lasted much longer, I hope your classes were better Mija." Luz smiled sheepishly before answering. "Well, I didn't get the best sleep So, my teacher may have let me go early." Her mom raised an eyebrow before she said voice filling with concern. "Luz, you need to remember to sleep and not stay up late reading the Good Witch Azera, I don't care if your father found out it came from the human realm from that con man. Your sleep is more important." Luz looked to the ground after Camilas small lecture before muttering gently. "Sorry Mama I'll try getting to sleep early next time." Camila smiled warmly at her daughter giving her a kiss on the forehead before turning to her husband, who smiled back before saying "Shall we. I Think I've finally mastered using the spell to transport us all, instead of just me." Luz started jumping excitedly as her father said this while her mother already started protesting. "Honey, I love you, but I would be a fool to let you teleport us halfway across the Empire!"

Manny on the other hand was already summoning his palisman named Tedak, which as far as Luz knew was once carved to look like a regular lizard. Now though Tedak had slowly warped from her father's curse, becoming what now had four humanoid shaped scaly arms attached by the shoulders, and his head had lost all features now looking like a wooden mask with indents for eyes. With a long serpent tale coiled around the staff with its hands grasping four branches that had grown from the cane completing Tedaks look with the end result being a creature that became infamous with terrorizing the dreams of unlucky children who had glimpsed it. Luz on the other had found the creature to be the sweetest and cuddliest thing out there, having quickly discovered Tedaks sweet tooth. "We'll be fine," was all Manny said and not wasting a moment for Camila to reponed raised his staff and slammed it down on the floor. Red light covered their vision and a sound like ocean waves filled their ears.
Once the aura of Manny's magic dissipated, they found themselves in the family room proving the spell a success. Camila breathing a sigh of relief slapped her husband's shoulder not pleased with the needless risk. With Luz and Vee beginning to laugh until Luz saw her dad's brown colored eyes had begun to get consumed with red light. Luz panicked barely managing to say. "DAD. CURSE. VEE!" Vee clearly shocked started eating the unstable red magic that had just started sparking around him. As Vee ate the last of the overflowing magic her mom culched Manny's shoulder to keep him from falling as her dad started to heavily cough. Luz looking back at Vee who looked like she was about to vomit, luz made a move to comfort the basilisk before Vee held up her hand to stop her saying in ragged breaths. "I'm fine... Luz. It's just... the taste... How's Dad?" Luz turned back to her parents; her father now stood on his own his eyes having gone back to brown with a hint of red that always stays reminding them that the curse is always there waiting to go crazy.

"I feel Like it's happening more often honey you need to take it easy with magic maybe get some elixirs to weaken your magic at least." Camila said placing a hand on his cheek, Manny smiled back at her before responding sounding slightly tired, "It's not getting more frequent Mi Diosa, the days are just flying by quicker right now. My recovery has even improved after the excess has been drained." Camila huffed and turned to Vee walking passed Luz placing hand on her daughter's cheek giving her a kiss on the forehead. "Vee why don't you and Luz go to your rooms while I make diner," There Mom said gently. Vee nodded in response and started slithering to the staircase in the corner of the room followed closely by Luz. As Luz closed the door to their shared room, she turned to find Vee already flopping onto her bed and groaning in annoyance. Luz stifled a laugh and made her way to Vee's side of the room and sat next to her on the blue blankets decorated with stars, before asking, "So, how was your day?" 

"We'll let's see, first I went to my classes while dad and mom were in their study doing paperwork. Then lunch which you know, you were there obviously. And finally, did about sixty percent of my homework then I attended court with dad, which was like usual, boring." Vee said moving her head from facing the pillow to look at her sister. Luz sighed grabbing the exhausted basilisk by the shoulders pulling her up to a sitting position and saying. "Vee just take a break, I know for a fact you already are three weeks ahead on school. Just ask dad for a weak to relax." Vee looked determined after hearing Luz out before protesting. "If I do that, I'll be just a leach to them if I won't do the only thing I'm good for, I live everyday grateful for the fact I am the only Basilisk who can eat the warped and twisted cursed magic dad wealds. Luz, I know for a fact if you could help you would be on the brink of death before taking a break, so I won't." Vee's response caused tears to begin to roll down Luz's cheeks before she pulled her sister into a hug and practically started yelling her next words with her last words coming out as sob. "What are you even talking about, Dad would easily go back to corrupting galdorstons to absorb his curse! For Titan's sake you became my sister at the age of four they didn't even know you could eat dad's magic! All you have ever need to do... Is just be my sister, you're not just something useful." 
Vee sat in silence fighting back her own tears as her sister cried into her shoulder, before finally letting tears fall down her face returning Luz's hug. "Fine I'll take a break, only if you tell me why you weren't in our room last night." Vee finally said breaking the silence as she pulled away from Luz. Luz sighed as she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes and then said looking dejected, "Why can't you just accept that your one of the best parts of the family, but nooo you had to add on a condition." Vee crossed her arms and holding back a laugh said sarcastically, "Stop deflecting and answer the question." Luz huffed lowering her head in defeat said. "I just want a way out of the castle to find a mentor to teach me magic, and I finally found it." Vee uncrossed her arms hearing this placing a hand on Luz's shoulder looking concerned as she said, "Luz you know why dad doesn't want you to learn magic. Remember how dad described Belos, the tyrant himself becoming? I once saw a memory photo of him, and it still keeps me up at night." Luz shrugged of the basilisk's hand off her shoulder saying defensively, "I know, and do you think I would really learn the kind of magic that turns me into a molded slime creature. Also, wasn't that to do with a curse from his brother's wife, I mean it was like this whole thing on the isle when they dug up the monster's past." Vee just shrugged and said, "Curse or not he knew many types of magics and he used none of them for good things." Luz sighed knowing Vee had a point before responding sounding slightly defeated, "You have a point but I'm not going to anything like his magic I'll just find something on my own that I'm good at, and if you are going to ask about my safety next don't, I'm bringing one of those magic knight tracing beacons in case there's something I can't handle." Vee looked pointedly at Luz before saying, "Knowing you, you'll probably get lucky enough to escape from anything and before you ask, I'll cover for you only once." Luz smiled hugging her sister practically yelling her next word. "Thank you, thank you so much we have a few days before I get the opportunity to leave for the day!" Vee smiled back quickly covering her sister's mouth to quite her down resulting in them soon collapsing in a fit of giggles. Soon they herd their mom call from downstairs, "Girl's foods ready, so get down her unless you want it cold." Luz and Vee quickly glanced at each other before booking it to the door running quickly down the stairs laughing as they went.

Three days had passed since Luz told Vee what she was planning, getting up Luz went over to her sister who was still slumbering peacefully in her blanket cocoon. Vee being a very light sleeper quickly opened her eyes as Luz got to her, Vee groaned and reluctantly sitting up asked, "You're doing it today aren't you?" Luz shocked at the basilisks acerate guess said, "How could you even know that?" Vee looked Luz in the eyes raising what would probably be a basilisk's equivalent of an eyebrow as if the evidence was obvious. "Well dad and mom's schedules are packed for the day; the guards are also unevenly positions in certain areas, and let's not forget i'm taking one of my rest days which you so kindly forced me into, along with you having about nothing scheduled. Then the most damming bit of evidence is the mere fact you got out of bed on your own." Vee finally answered all the while rolling back over into her covers. Luz mouth dropped open at her sister's detective work and shaking of the shame of being so predictable decided to give the sleepy snake the rundown of her plan.  

"Since you got that covered onto the plan, all you need to do is take my form about three times or so today luckily the guards already think I'm scarce and I have nothing on my schedule, so you don't worry about impersonating me." Luz said as the basilisk finally gave up on sleep and left the bed to get ready for the day giving her sister a mumbled reply. "You're really skimping on the details Hermana, any reason why you don't trust your local basilisk?" Vee asked having already gotten halfway through polishing her scales. Luz raised an eyebrow before saying, "Vee, I'm giving you plausible deniability here. I know how you get when you lie." The basilisk passed now halfway through brushing her pointed teeth before mumbling, "Or you don't want me to chicken out at the last moment and tell mom and dad." Luz gave her a sly grin before replying, "Why can't it be both?" Vee rolled her eyes before slithering to the door having finished getting ready before giving one last look to her sister saying, "Well which ever it is get ready for the day unless you want to face the isle in an otter onesie." As Vee left Luz looked down at the purple onesie before saying with a sigh, "Well, I would at least be the best-looking otter her, he Hehe with a dark side." Luz continued laughing as she went to get ready for the day herself. 

Luz having piked out a simple light pink dress walked down the stairs reaching the bottom and greeted by the sight of her family devouring griffin egg pancakes. Luz already knowing the drill quickly grabbed a plate and began doing the same, before she saw that Vee was in fact taking the time to actually taste her food. Luz almost facepalmed remembering it was there day to relax from their duties, with her mom and dad not being so lucky. Her parents after finishing their food gave their daughters a quick hug as they walked to the door. "Ok, Mijas me and your father have a tight schedule today, so we'll see you later at diner and tell the cooks if you need anything to eat and Luz make sure Vee actually relaxes today or we might just have to lock her in a spa." Camila said giving them a teasing smile having looked back at them before shutting the door.  Vee sighed before saying sarcastically, "Well I guess I'm off to are pool and spa then, and don't worry I'll make sure you're seen in there as well."  Luz smiled at her sister who was now slithering to the door. 

"Thank you so much, I promise tomorrow wheel have a real day of fun," Luz said giving her sister friendly smile as Vee simply nodded in return before replying. "I'll hold you to that," Vee then gave Luz a cheeky grin before shutting the door. Luz sighed already guessing that tomorrows bonding with Vee was most likely going to be a sparring match, but she quickly pushed that out of her mind before waiting about thirty long minuets to actually leave the room herself making sure the cost was clear. Closing the door gently before making her way down the palace halls slowly making sure to be scarce around the royal knights before eventually arriving at one of the lower towers. Letting out a breath Luz looked around the cramped room that looked more like a storage closet. Luz having prepared for month grabbed one of the crates that littered the room pulling out her disguise quickly changing into it. Luz now warring a purple and white short sleeved hoody with cat ears and a matching face mask covering her lower face, leather armor as pants, with leather arm braces. Luz then grabbed a knight's sword she had smuggled from sparing practice along with a magic knight ring. Letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding; Luz pushed a crate away from the wall and left through the tunnel and slowly made her way alone into the boiling isle for the first time in her life. 

Chapter Text

The forest was swaying in the wind with birds chirping in the lush green trees of the human realm. With the footsteps of a black-haired girl running deeper into it as she tried to hold tears from her eyes as she went. Masha having ran for what felt like hours finally stopped leaning against a tree letting her lungs breath after having pushed to their limit. Soon however her breathing devolved into sobs as Masha went to the ground hugging her knees as she sobbed into her legs with her thoughts now screaming at her, "Stupid, why did you tell them, how'd you think that would go?"

Not being able to bare them Masha looked up to the forest trying to distract herself by focusing on leaving this goddess forsaken town, until her mind managed to succeed at finding a distraction different from what she had been trying for. A small owl was currently dragging a bag about ten times its size across a small clearing toward a clearly abandoned house which she had apparently missed in her grief. Already curious about the owl and its seemingly impossible strength made a mad dash after it towards the house already praying it led to some adventure and away from her own nightmare, and as she passed the threshold the door quickly slammed behind her and vanished.

Luz had finally found her after about five wasted hours searching different markets the Owl Lady had reportedly visited regularly and after a well-placed bribe to a certain elixir shop keeper along with a sob story about a magicless witchlet wanting to learn from the best, (Not that it was too far from the truth). Taking one last deep breath though her purple facemask and preparing to negotiate for her apprenticeship, before stepping forward toward the owl lady's stall as she rummaged through a bag her palisman had just brought her. "Now let's see what we got here, garbage, garbage, garbage, (gasp) now this will make me rich." Luz suppressing a snort at what the witch thought to be expensive having realized when she was younger that few people in the boiling isles know anything about humans, Luz however was sparred this fate do to two human parents and the occasional black market human newspaper that gets coincidently confiscated from the vary lady she was now approaching. Luz shuddered at the memory of when they found a human history book in the wake of one of the Owl lady's escapes, that had been a very boring weekend. 

Luz however was pulled from this train of thought when the owl lady grabbed another object from the pile while saying, "and this... Uh, this'll make good kindling." Luz realizing what it was immediately rushed forward grabbing the book before it caught fire and quickly stammered out, "Wait I'll buy it, how much?"

Eda paused blinking for a moment apparently processing before she smiled the saleswoman in her turning on, "forty snails."

Luz immediately realizing what was happening and went with it countering, "I'll give you twelve."

With Eda quakily adding back "thirty-five." Luz barley even paused before getting an idea and saying while trying to hold back a grin, "Twenty and I'll help you sell something else from this stall."

The owl lady seemed immediately amused at the idea smiled cheekily before saying, "Ok, let's see what you can do." Luz immediately started to look about the stall for anything her parents might have told her about, before settling on what Luz hoped would be a tv. Looking it over and picking it up she quickly found a spot for batteries. Slightly relived that it didn't need to be plugged in Luz began her search for the fabled cylinders as Eda began to talk, "Ah... the box that reflects only sadness, one hard sell I'll give you that. Now all you need is a chump to buy it..." Eda however trailed off the sound of the distressed chirps of an owl coming from the tent pulling both of their attention, peeking as they heard the protest of a young teen as she was dragged from the tent by said owl. "Hay no, wait I..." 

Luz quickly began looking over the girl, black hair, slightly pale skin and round ears. 'Wait ROUND EARS!!!' Her thoughts screamed in absolute shock as she did double, triple, even quadruple takes. Eda however barley seemed to shrug before giving her best con woman smile as she said, "Looks like we got our first human stowaway, Owlbert what did I say about not attracting local attention."

The owl only gave her an impassive hoot in response before flying over to her turning to a staff midair and landing in the older witch's hands. The human in question having seen this looked dumfounded before shaking her head beginning to look around apparently trying to get a lay of her surroundings. "Well, I'm ether dead, hallucinating or somewhere people would have nightmares over," The girl finally said after laying eyes on one of the demon bugs vomiting up a passenger, before turning back to Eda who looked a little impressed.

"Wow not even going for the denial, good for you, well anyway I'll deal with you in a minute but first this one over here is trying to con a chump for a book," Eda said while gesturing back to luz. Luz taking this as her que started her search back up when she got an idea. "Hay Um, do you think you can help me find batteries in this mess?" She asked with Eda giving a quick hay at Luz's comment about the mess before the black-haired girl nodded beginning to looking around for them, eventually finding the batteries in a bowl labeled human candy. 

Luz giving her a friendly smile grabbed the batteries saying, "thanks," and quickly shoved them into the tv which soon began to play a workout routine, a crowd form almost immediately as a result starting to bid for the item. "Not bad kid, what did you say your name was?" Eda asked while taking bids casing Luz to almost begin panicking before remembering she had prepared for this. "I'm Lucia." Luz had somewhat already expected Eda's reaction to what now was a common name since Luz was born, but her thoughts were proven dead wrong Eda not even giving a slight frown instead giving Luz a quick glance filled with pity before saying sarcastically, "oh, well sorry your parents are suck ups to their Majesties, but hay could be worse."

Even with the slight against her parents Luz couldn't help but feel relived that she didn't seem to be mad before she turned her attention to the other girl before quickly asking still not quite believing what she was seeing, "are you really a human? Like from where the trees are green and the sky is blue?" The girl nodded before immediately looking confused, "Wait what do you mean by human aren't you two also human?"

Luz only cringed slightly having almost said yes on instinct as Eda turned back to them with a smug smile and said, "Oh, dear child we're not like you, I'm Eda the Owl Lady the most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles, I am respected, feared..."

"Busted," Came a shout over the crowed around them. A local guard appearing out of now where smashing the tv causing the demons and witches to scatter. The guard however didn't even react to the panicking crowed before starting to read off the charges, "Eda the owl lady, you are wanted for an uncountable number of demonic misdemeanors and being a threat to public safety, assault and harassment on the highest offices."

"You are hereby ordered to come with me to the Conformatorium," the guard continued saying as luz heard the black-haired girl gasp in surprise. Eda however was already shouting back, "Would you guys quit following me around? I haven't done squat." The guard apparently did not liking the back talk turning on Luz and the other girl and shouted while grabbing them both by the arms, "And you two are coming with me, for fraternizing with a criminal."

Luz having been too distracted by the fact a guard was trying to apprehend Eda knowing the procedure called for them to leave her be if encountered leaving her for the knights to handle and even they were encouraged to not engage in unless they had the number to do so, or were being led by Lilith. Still Luz had been so distracted by lack of procedure she hadn't had time to dodge getting caught in his hold before immediately starting shout while trying to get out of the vise grip knowing this definitely wasn't aloud under the law, "We were just standing here, you have no right!"

Luz looked back to Eda hoping she would help as the guard replied, "Don't care." Only to feel her stomach drop for a moment when the Owl Lady replied, "Oh, all right, all right, you win. Just let me get my stuff." Eda said before to Luz's relief pulling out her staff from below the table and knocking the guard onto his back with a metal clang before taping her staff on the ground and magickly packing up her things. Eda then clicked a key in her right hand and a brief case with an eye came out of the tent and gathered with the rest of her stuff before she folded it all into a sack and placed it onto her staff and already booking it shouted back, "Follow me children." Luz shared a quick glance to the black-haired girl before they both took off after her, with the black-haired girl quickly stammering out, "This is crazy how are we going to outrun that guy?"

"Ha, don't worry this guys nothing, plus you're far more useful to me alive," Eda said making a slight ominous feeling settle in Luz's gut, but whatever she meant Luz didn't have time to dwell on Eda grabbing them both  by their shirts throwing them onto her staff before taking off soring over the town in mere seconds. The girl realizing this was a good time to ask questions started speaking, "So, I have millions of questions, like what is this place, is this actually real, and none of you asked but my name is Masha." Eda smiled glancing back before proudly answering as they got a good view of the right arm of the titan, "Well Masha, this is the boiling Isles, every myth you humans have is caused by a little of our world leaking into yours."  Masha looked on in amazement as a griffin passed by and started breathing spiders.

"So, griffins are real and came from here, also that's disgusting." Masha said trying not to throw up as the griffin flew away. Eda just shrugged as she brushed a spider off her shoulder and said, "yep, griffins, vampires, giraffes..."

"Wait, giraffes?" Masha interrupted looking even more confused with Eda quickly replying as they made their final decent to land, "Oh, yeah. we banished those guys. Bunch of freaks." Eda then getting off the staff with luz and Masha still clutching it before hearing bone cracking sounds come from behind them. Looking back both of the girls jumped of the staff trying to back away from the decapitated hand of the owl lady. 

"Oops, that happens sometimes." Eda said casually as she reattached her hand as if it was no big deal. Masha probably having the image scared into her mind asked. "Thats normal?!" to which luz quickly shook her head answering, "no. Defiantly not normal." Eda snorted at seeing the two girls' expressions before saying, "Well anyway I trust Lucia here can find her way home, but you human come I have a job for you." Eda already began walking off before a hesitant Masha took a step to fallow, when Luz realized she needed to talk now, "Wait Miss. Clawthorn I um... Need your help." Those words stopped Eda in her tracks before she turned to luz looking as if she was about to study her soul before seeming to relent saying, "well then come along, though I make no promises and I expect you have something to offer me." Luz nodded before fallowing close behind with Masha gasping when the fabled owl house came into view. As they approached the door Luz heard a cackling bird fly overhead before Masha asked, "Shouldn't we be worried about those guards finding this place?" "Nope, my house has a state-of-the-art defense system," Eda said with a voice came from the door as if in response, "hoot, hoot. Password, please." Eda however poked the owl face imbedded door before replying clearly not in the mood to play around, "We got no time for this, Hooty. Let us in."

"All right, all right. Geez, you never want to have any fun, Ow! Hoot," hooty said before opening his mouth becoming a doorway while Masha held back a snicker with Luz trying to act calm at Eda's disregard of Hooty, quickly thinking back to all the horror stories the knights tell of when her father tried to have the Owl Lady captured in her home. Stepping inside Masha and Luz found the Owl Lady weighting for them before speaking and snaping her fingers halfway through talking, "Welcome to the owl house." The room came to life the candles and fireplace lit up; a caldron began stirring itself and the celling art began to glow. The two girls gasped in unison as Eda continued to speak before laughing. "Where I hide away from the pressures of modern life. Also, the cops. Also, ex-boyfriends." Luz and Masha began to look around with Luz pulling down her face mask saying voice filled with awe, "This place is beautiful." With Masha quickly chiming in asking, "Do you live here all alone?" The room began to shake before Eda replied, "Actually, I have a roommate." A Menacing voice came from down a hallway before it slowly began to sound adorable, "Who dares intrude upon I, the King of Demons?" The demon in question was wrapped in a ducky towel and holding a rubber duck. Luz had of course herd of the strange creature assonated with the Owl Lady, however any resolve she had to not scoop up the little guy quickly diapered with Luz instead gasping and saying already making a grab for him. "Ay QUE LINDO, Eda he is so cute. Who's a widdle guy Who's a widdle guy? Is it you? Is it you?"

"No, I don't know who your little guy is. Eda, who is this monster?" King said desperately trying to get away from Luz's crushing hug. Masha began laughing when Eda replied pulling Luz off of King, "Oh, this is Lucia, her to ask for help and that's Masha the human she's here to help us with our little situation." King then raised his tinny claws in celebration saying, "Oh, hooray." Until Masha interrupted clearly concerned, "Wait, wait, wait. I don't like the sound of this situation." Eda quickly put her hands up in a calming motion before saying while making an illusion to tell a story, "Just let me explain, King was once a mighty king of demons until his crown of power was stolen, and he became this." Eda ended gesturing to king who was already back in Luz's arms, who said, "You mean this little bundle of joy?" before Eda contained. "The crown is being held by the evil Warden Wrath, and locked away behind a magical force field that only a human can break through. A human like Masha over her. If you retrieve his crown, we'll send you back to your realm. So, what do you say? Plus, who could say no to this cute face?" Eda ended holding king seeming to try and pray on the hope Masha had Luz's taste in adorable creatures, before king started to squirm yelling. "No. Please don't encourage them." to which Eda promptly dropped him to the ground.

"I mean, we're kinda your only way home." Eda said seemingly not affected by kings fall. Masha staired for a moment before giving an emotionless reply, "No." "What!" Luz, King and Eda all said in unison before Masha began to clarify giving off a timid smile, "I mean I'll help, but only if you let me stay, I also promise not to be a dead weight." Eda seemed to be stunned while Luz's mouth continued to hang open. "Well, um ok that is not what I expected but hay who am I to judge." Eda said after apparently finding her voice, "we'll talk about that more later, now however what dose Lucia here want." Luz took a second to shake off the thoughts Masha's reply gave her about the human realm before replying, "Well, um... I actually wanted to become your apprentice, seeing as you are one of the most successful witches on the isles and I've had no luck getting to use magic on my own sooo." Luz finished speaking having grown vary quite as she was talking. Eda however began to laugh apparently to the point where she had to hold her sides for support, which did not help Luz's self-esteem before she calmed down enough to say, "Fine kid, as long as you help me from time to time and don't also move in you got yourself a deal." Luz was very surprised at how quickly she had agreed but apparently didn't have time to think about it before Eda was pulling them both out the door hearing King who was apparently addressing a duck. "Soon, mister ducky we shall drink the fear of those who mocked us."

"So where are we going?" Masha asked as they all squeezed onto Owlbert with Eda sitting in the back with King in the front answering sounding far too optimistic for someone clearly going to break into a prison in Luz's opinion, "somewhere super fun." They then launched into the air heading towards the lower ribs of the titan. Luz noticed ominous clouds had settled over the titan's chest, Masha apparently more focused on not looking down asked, "So, this warden guy is he like one of the higher ups in the government." The question seemed to get Eda's attention and laughter when she replied, "Him! Ha, if he was in charge, it would be a breeze to wreak havoc. No, that honor goes to their majesties the Nocedas, and their lords. Warden Wrath is just the organizer of each town local guard." Masha seemed very curious at the new information and counited to ask not noticing the cold sweet start running down Luz's face, "So, the Nocedas run the show with what I can only guess is an army of corrupt guards?" Luz was about to protest when thankfully Eda replied first, "Well it's... complicated, but the run down is old evil witch hunter ruler was overthrown by two love birds who were then crowned Emperor and soon after Empress, who then did away with the coven system, replacing it with the option of becoming a knight that would serve under their respective lord, and of course we can't forget the royal knights as much as I would like to. So, in short, the knights actually do have a small if not microscopic sense of duty, while guards under are dear friend Wrath manage to keep any complaint about them from reaching the emperor's ears."

To say the least Luz was surprised at Eda's defense of the knights while Masha having even more questions asked, "So, how many lords are there?" Eda was about to answer when luz beat her to it, "there are nine lords each with their own army of knights and that's not including the Royal army, which sums up the military force of the Boiling Isles run by m... our human emperor and empress." They had now descended to one of the more secluded alleys around the Conformatorium with thunder echoing overhead, which to Luz's surprise Masha wasn't entirely focused on which became apparent with her almost yelling her next question before getting shushed and continuing quieter. "The rulers are!" "Shhhhh." "The rulers are human when... what even happened, how do they even keep control, we don't have any magic?" Eda apparently tired of explaining things said, "King would probably love to tell you all about this later you know, after the heist." Masha seemed to understand and seemed to be content to ask later before turning to see one of Eda's wanted posters. "Just one last question, did you earn the wanted poster or was that just the guards being corrupt?" Eda nearly burst out laughing but managed to keep it as a snicker before answering handing Masha a wanted poster, "You think they would give me a trillion-snail bounty because a few guards can hide stuff from his majesty, there good but even they have to tell him the truth about me."

"Ok, we get it you earned it Eda," King said apparently growing inpatient, "You two and I will sneak up to the top of the tower, where they're holding my crown." "And I'm going to make sure the warden's distracted." Eda said backing up to stand next to King. Luz nodded as she put up her face mask, while Masha seemed slightly concerned before nodding. Eda then slammed her staff down creating a platform of light lifting Luz, Masha, and King to one of the higher windows with them barley able to grab onto it before the platform vanished. Eda then passed by ridding Owlbert saying as they scrabbled over the windowsill, "Meet you guys at the top of the tower." Climbing in Luz landed on her feet with Masha falling nearly flat on her face causing King to chuckle luz quickly adjusted her cat hoody making sure it was covering her ears before turning to Masha helping the girl to her feet. "Whoa," Masha said seeing the size of the room of nearly full cells looping around what seemed to be the entire towers height. Hey, cat lady, how'd you get out of your cell?" A female prisoner asked casing them all to turn except king who was now perched on Luz's shoulder to see a black-haired, and pale caramel skin with green eyes. "Um, I'm not a cat and..." Luz began before getting cut off by Masha, "were not exactly criminals." "Not yet there not." King said seemingly proud of the fact, but the girl seemed to be preoccupied looking at Masha like she was something of a myth. Masha seeming unconfutable at this said, "If that's all we'll..." "What no sorry it's just I didn't wake up expecting to see a human today, Uh wow, anyway where not criminals either. Stupid warden likes to lock people up who don't fit in. Like, I write fan fics of food falling in love. I like food, I like love. Just let me write about it."

"I'm here because I like eating my own eyes." Another prisoner chimed in before eating his own eye before it quickly regrew fallowed by a small bipedal demon with red hair speaking up, we are agents of free expression. They will never silence us." With the first girl speaking again, "Yeah, she's really big into conspiracy theories." With the small demon continuing as if she wasn't interrupted, "the world is a simulation. We are but playthings for a higher being." Luz had to suppress a flinch at the last one remembering stories her mom used to tell her about a celestial child imprisoned in a mirror Belos had escaped with before saying, "What in titan's name is Warden Wrath even doing these are quirks, not crimes. You all just don't fit in with what's expected. Like me." Luz finished trying to resist the metaphorical mirroring as well as suppressing a shiver of fear, thinking she could have perfectly well ended up where they are now. All her thoughts were interrupted by thunderous footsteps were heard from a nearby door. "It's Warden Wrath. Hide," the green-eyed prisoner said Luz quickly pulled Masha into a nearby unlocked cell closing the gate but not far enough to lock it. The door swung open revealing a tall demon wearing a plage mask and a doctor suit, Warden Wrath said his voice edged with threats, I can hear you. just what are you fools whispering about? Oh, the owl lady." Wrath grunted as he picked up the poster Masha had dropped crushing it in his hand before morphing his arm into a hammer and slamming it against the cell door, they were hiding in causing Masha to squeak slightly. "I'll get my hands on her soon enough," he continued turning to look in the cell causing Luz to pray to titan that he would see them as prisoners. Thankfully the conspiracy theorist began shouting distracting the warden, "fight against the oppressor. We will resist. We will conquer. We will never be afraid of you, you old creep." Wrath was silent for a moment before pulling down the lever opening her cage.

"Hooray! I'm free." the prisoner said before getting grabbed violently and letting out a squeak, the warden said while pointing at the other prisoners with the same hand he held the small demon in, "Let this be a lesson to all of you. there's no place in society for you if you can't fit in." He finished speaking giving a squeeze to the prisoner casing her to yelp. He then walked of slamming the door behind him, Luz fallowed Masha waited a few second before sliding the door to the cell up and walked out with her turning to the other cells before saying, "we should free them, they haven't done anything." Masha said giving Luz a small smile, "did you think we weren't," before reaching for the lever trying to pull it down but failing. Luz stepped forward to help when the woman spoke up, "Just get out of here while you two still can. Enjoy freedom for us." Luz paused for a moment before King pulled on her shoulder saying, "Come on we can free them when we have my crown and Eda would love a prison break." Masha looked deadpan at the small shoulder demon before saying, "We better." before they all began walking up the rest of the tower in silence with king hoping off Luz's shoulder when they reached what looked like the last hallway decorated with the royal crest making Luz even more depressed knowing this was happening under her father. Eda had apparently caught up jumping of her staff saying, "hay I just checked the warden is distracted, tormenting some tiny creature. He won't be coming around here anytime soon." Luz and Masha just nodded as they continued on reaching the door labeled contraband with King running up to the door practically giddy as he said, "My crown. It's close. I can sense its power." He then jumped up on the doorknob attempting to open it.

"Aww, he gets so cute when he's thirsty for power." Eda said letting the motherly side for King slip passed her selfish facade. Luz however didn't think to mention it instead saying, "It's not fair that they're all in here. They just want to be themselves. Why does everyone think that being a weirdo is so bad?" A clang was heard when Luz finished speaking causing the group to, we King had successfully unlocked the door by pulling of its handle, King extremely happy about this proceeded to slowly push the door while laughing. "Come on, before he hurts himself." Eda said releasing a sigh as they began to walk into the room where they could now hear sparks and King saying ow. The room was massive with the royal crest on massive banners hanging on the walls surrounding a giant pillar of light at the center. King was already standing next to the light rubbing his head before running ant attempting to head but the pillar before it apparently shocked him sending him back. Eda reached down putting a hand on his back and said, "We have a human, remember?" "Oh, yeah," was all the absent-minded demon said before turning to Masha. Masha let out a breath before stepping forward passing though the light with no resistance allowing Luz to sit down on the floor and wait. 

"You know for a witch who lives on the isles you seem pretty ok with giving a demon overlord his powers back," Eda said seeming to have guessed that Luz most likely figured out what they were really doing. "It's funny because I don't quite remember any resent demon kings, though I think it's sweet you would go through all the trouble for him," Luz replied giving Eda a warm smile with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Eda sighed sitting down next to her before they turned to watch the little demon taping his paws together as he watched the light pillar in anticipation. Luz smiled at this before turning back to Eda who was still looking at King, Luz weighing her options decided to ask. "Earlier I thought I would have to prove myself to you, that I could be a good apprentice, but you just agreed like it was nothing, why did you?" Eda turned back to Luz giving her a smug expression before answering, "Three things about lying to a con woman, keep the mask up at all times if you don't intend to pull the hood down it shows that you're hiding something more recognizable than just your face. " Luz was about to ask why she was bringing that up before Eda continued, "two make sure said con woman hasn't met your parents when they were trying to dethrone the government." Luz paled as Eda talked realizing that she had known who she was. "And three, make sure to play dump with stuff that no one else knows about, I charge those who are interested in the royal family's species, and I laugh my but of at their gullibility you think I don't know what a tv is, but the chumps here don't. The fact that you knew what you were looking for but not what it looked like told me you were raised close to people who did." 

"That's what gave me away, you knew the hole time!" Luz practically shouted in surprise before covering her mouth. Eda smiled placing a hand on Luz's shoulder before saying, apparently trying to make her feal better, "hay, kid I suspected at the market, I was sure the second you took your mask off, spitting image of your parents, and as if you hadn't convinced me enough you went and tackled King the same way your mom did. Saying almost the same thing too, I think." Luz was speechless but before she could find her voice and say anything else Masha had apparently found what they were looking for popping her head through the shield. "Uh, I can't find the crown all I found was this toy," Masha said stepping out of the shield and holding up a paper crown which was promptly snatched from her hands by King who shouted while jumping up and down, "My crown. Yes. Yes. I can feel my powers returning. You there. Nightmare critter. I shall call you Francois, and you shall be a minion in my army of darkness. Ha, Ha!" King finished having picked up a stuffed bunny that had fallen from behind the shield, while Masha looked on in what Luz thought to be disappointment. "He's just a kid, he's not a demon king, he's just playing," Masha said looking to Eda and Luz with Eda looking fondly at the little demon as he played. "Yep, he is, Oh, sorry Masha. King and I don't have much in this world. We only have each other. So, if that dumb crown is important to him, it's important to me. And besides, us weirdos have to stick together, right Lucia." Luz took a second to register that Eda was still using her fake name before smiling and saying, "I couldn't agree more." "Wait you Knew?" Masha asked turning to Luz who just shrugged in response which Masha seemed to accept as an answer before Eda continued, "Well we owe you one Masha. Now let's get out of here before the warden finds us and loses his head."

"To late." The warden said having appeared right behind the Owl Lady and morphing his hand into a blade and slicing of her head before anyone could react. Luz unfortunately caught the head as they began screaming which were even more surprisingly interrupted by said head, "Ow! Oh, I hate it when that happens." Causing Luz to scream tossing Eda's head to Masha who seemed impressed at the sight. "Eda, are you okay?" Luz asked having collected her thoughts enough to ask. "Yeah. This just happens when you get older." the decapitated head said soon followed by Masha saying, "Cool." And interrupting the moment came Wraths gravelly voice, "Finally, I have you cornered, Eda the Owl Lady." He then picked up King's crown with King jumping up after it, "My guard could never get you, but I knew if I took, you're pets toy, you'd come running." The warden then crushed the paper crown causing King to kneel down in distress as he called out, "No! My power!" Eda apparently pissed at this shouted, "What do you want with me? I've never actually broken any of your stupid self-imposed laws, in front of you." The Warden approached ominously causing Luz to place her left hand on the hilt of her sword ready to fight as Wrath said, "I want you, to go out with me." The Warden then kneeled down now holding a bouquet of demon realm flowers, causing Luz, Masha, and Eda to all say, "What?" With Eda sounding surprised while Masha and luz sounded more disgusted. 

"Go, boss." A guard shouted from behind giving their boss a thumbs up with him returning it before turning back to the group. "You've always eluded our capture. You've always been the one who got away. I found that alluring." The warden said with Luz quickly finding her voice, "I hate everything you're saying right now." which was quickly met with a mad warden shouting, "you stay out of this," before throwing away the bouquet and shot a morphing hand out at Luz who on reflex from all the training her parents had her do with Vee, pulled her sword out of its sheath and sliced at the approaching limb  cutting a bit of it off causing Wrath to yelp pulling his hand back before shouting to the guards, "get that pathetic worm and stop her." The guards then quickly approached her as the warden grabbed Masha lifting her up with what Luz hoped was a sore hand with Eda falling to the floor before getting picked up by wrath. Luz managed to doge a few swings from the guards before using her knights ring to project a purple shield blocking some of the attacks before parrying some more while she could heir Masha struggle agents Warden Wrath as he talked to Eda, "So how about it, Owl Lady? The most powerful witch of the Boiling Isles and the feared Warden Wrath. We'd be the strongest power couple ever. I mean, it's not like you can say no right now." 

There was a moment of silence which Luz thought was Eda taking in the idiot's speech with the only noise heard was Luz's sword slicing through a weak magic shield conjured by one of the guards before knocking said guard out with the pommel of her blade. "All right, Warden. You win. I'd just like to say something first." came Eda's reply sounding defeated causing Luz to glance at her newly acquired mentor in concern as she pulled on the remaining guards mask before letting go snaping painfully back onto his face via the string. "Come closer. No. just a little bit closer. Just... Yeah, that's good." Eda counited as Luz kept gaining the advantage having kicked the guard in the shin and disarming him as Eda blew a Rasbery in the warden's face causing Luz to giggle as she roundhouse kicked the guard in the chest causing him to keel over in pain. Masha dropped to the ground with a thud as the warden wiped his mask off as Eda chuckled before the warden said clearly mad, "Impudent wench. Don't you know how many germs are in your mouth? Yuck." "Get over it. You had your guards stalk me and then you cut off my head. I am not going out with you!" Eda shouted back apparently done with his delusions. 

"If you don't accept, then I have no choice but to..." Wrath said before Mahsa raised Eda's cane over her head and slamming it down on the warden's skull with a clang. "Nice," Eda said proudly before luz scooped up her head up and Masha started guiding Eda's wandering body who was now holding King with Luz quickly saying, "ok were going now." The group quickly climbed onto Owlbert as the warden quickly getting up as Masha shouted, "I think we should have left the ground already!" "Gun it, magic stick." Eda said in response as Owlbert took off. "You won't get away from me again Owl Lady!" Wraths threat echoed after them with Masha glancing back seeing the Warden swinging after them having morphed his limbs into tentacles. Luz looked passed the cells they were passing at high speeds glimpsing the door that Luz hoped lead to the warden's office getting an idea Luz said, "Eda, Masha keep him busy for a few minutes and loop around and get me." "Why!!!" was Masha's response with Eda saying, "You better know what you're doing kid."  Luz jumped of the staff stumbling to the floor with the warden quickly passing over her apparently not having noticed her. Luz thankful for Wraths obliviousness quickly ran back up the spiraling path two the door the Warden had taken the tinny demon. Entering she found a small office with chains along the walls and a desk that looked like it'd give you a splinter just by looking at it, as well as a few filing cabinets behind it. Luz quickly began rummaging through the desk drawers hopping that she wouldn't have to go through the file cabinet. In the bottom right drawers, she found a thick notebook titled in jagged handwriting, True Crimes of the Boiling Isles, Luz grabbed it flipping too the middle and giving it a quick glance over. The page was going over a prisoner who apparently liked to eat ice cream cone first and was apparently in here for life. Luz quickly tucked the book away in her satchel.

Luz almost sprinted out of the office before noticing a lever like the ones outside the cells but with a plaque reading, in cause of building collapse, or set eternally ablaze evacuate prisoners. With vary little hesitation Luz pulled the lever and dashed out of the office Luz was about to call out to Eda before she heard her call out first, "Lucia you better be ready." Her words barely registered in her head before Masha and Eda came flying up passing her before diving back towards her. Luz barely had time to jump as the staff nearly flew passed her, Masha ground in pain as Luz inadvertently slammed into her with her back. as they flew passed the now open cells Luz saw some were starting to riot while others seemed to have given up at wanting to escape seeming to hide in their open cells. They burst out of the main doors flying out into the unnaturally flat terrain knocking out two guards as they went, they were halfway to the outer wall when they felt Owlbert get hit out of the sky casing the group to tumble to the ground somehow only receiving only minor scrapes and bruises. Pulling herself up Luz found Eda was the first on her feet, putting her head back on while King grumbled about his bones, "Lucia take Masha back to the owl house she'll be safe there." 

"What about you guys?" Luz asked picking up Eda's staff as King went after Eda saying, "If you think this guy is bad you should have seen her last boyfriend." "Not my boyfriend." Eda corrected him as she pulled the oblivious demon away from the warden's blade hands. "GO, go." Eda said using magic to shove both Luz and Masha onto Eda's staff as Luz tried to protest, "But we..." Eda however didn't pay attention instead slapping the bottom of the staff causing it to hoot and take off soring quickly into the air. Luz managed to stabilize them and slow down the palisman and look back down at the fight seeing Eda redirecting a blast of fire back at a maskless warden slamming him into the Conformatorium wall smashing a hole into it. Luz and Masha exchanged a glance before Masha said, "Were totally helping them right?" Luz smiled and said, "As if there was any chance, we wouldn't. Wait what are they doing." Luz now seeing the prisoner group from before peering out of the hole Wrath had made, descended down to talk to them. "Why are you guys just standing there? This is your chance to escape." Luz asked as Masha and her dismounted Owlbert.

"The warden will catch us. He always does." The many eyed demon said fallowed by the gray eyed witch and the tiny demon now with a black eye, "We belong here." "Self-doubt is a prison you can never escape from." Luz looked concerned before saying, "So you have a different way of doing things, a different way of seeing things. that might be something people don't expect but it also makes you awesome." Masha grinning at Luz's speech add, "And this escape will be so grand the warden won't have a chance at covering this up." The woman looked uncertain before asking speaking over the sound of Eda and wrath fighting, "Why are you two helping us?" "Because us weirdos have to stick together, and nobody should be punished for who they are." Luz said drawing her sword raising it above her head as she tossed Masha the staff who quickly mounted it and hovered near by. The group began to cheer as Masha looked back to Eda and King in concern before turning back to Luz who said voice full of determination, "Now let's go get them!" The group charged forward seeing the Owl Lady get thrown to the ground catching King before he hit, the Warden approached slowly apparently not undamaged before saying his voice having grown even hoarser after breathing fire, "No more running away, Owl Lady. today I capture you once and for all."

King tried to hide himself in Eda's arms before the group with Luz shouting, "Go, go, go!" Charged forward pinning the warden down prompting king out of his poor attempt of a hiding space. In the confusion of prisoners shouting their own quirks Wrath found himself tied up with his own arms chest pined against the ground facing Luz, "You. Who do you think you are?" The wardens question caused Luz to smile already getting an idea on how to reply, "Do not underestimate me, Warden Wrath, for I am Lucia, warrior of peace." Luz then gave a dramatic pause before shouting pulling a smoke bomb out of her satchel and tossing it into the warden's mouth, "Now eat this sucker!" The bomb exploded as he began to use his fire breath casing foul smelling smoke to spew from his mouth as he managed to get up and run in the opposite direction. The group cheered as Luz and Masha smiled to themselves and Eda approached Luz placing a hand on her back as King said, "That was actually one of her better breakups." "Not a breakup. Anyway, let's bounce before any more monsters fall in love with me." Eda said trying to correct King as Masha somewhat clumsily lowered Owlbert to the ground allowing Eda, King and Luz to climb on.

They started to ascend going over the outer wall when blue fire balls started coming from the top, Luz looked up in panic seeing the familiar white uniform of the royal knights and purple abomination knight uniform. "Ah, crud hold on everyone this is going to be rough!" Eda yelled already barrel rolling to avoid a shot while also picking up speed. Luz seeing an opportunity to get evidence to her father about the warden quickly pulled out Wraths extreme punishments book. "Here throw this!" Luz held out the book to Eda who grabbed it with little to no hesitation yelling, "Spicy toss," as she through it hitting a knight right between the eyes as they barely managed to pass over the wall. Masha let out a breath she apparently had been holding before stammering out, "That... what, how are we even... Alive!" Eda let out a laugh as they flew passed the titans ribs heading towards the right hand of the titan. "Because you're with the best kid," Eda said while looking vary prod of herself. Masha smiled back at Eda as she seemed to be calming down before saying now looking as if she was worthless, "I'm sorry I wasn't much help back there, I'll do better next time I promise." Luz was about to basically scold her into a good mood before Eda apparently beating her to it.

"Don't even go their human you did fine considering it's your first day and you'll get better soon, but don't think I'm going to help you much remember you work for me, if you still want to stay that is" Eda said as they reached the Owl house getting of Owlbert and standing just outside the door. Masha stood slightly taller before saying, "Yes Ma'am I'll stay." "Good, now king here will show you to a storge closet that will be your room for your stay." Eda said as hooty opened for Masha as King jumped on her shoulder and pointing inside shouting, "Onward to a stingy grime filled room." Masha seemed to roll her eyes at his antics before walking inside and walking up the stairs leaving Eda and Luz outside. Eda shut the door revealing hooty who was apparently listening to music on headphones oblivious to them. "So, now about your apprenticeship your highness," Eda said giving Luz a smug look causing Luz to fidget feeling nerves before saying. "Well, I have a good number of snails..." Eda quickly put a stop to Luz's offer saying, "Nope don't need them I have my own business for snails, what I want to know is how many pranks you can help me pull on your fathers knights." Luz immediately burst out laughing trying to collect herself to respond. "You... didn't even need to ask." 

Eda began laughing along with Luz as she placed an arm on her shoulder before saying, "You're a good kid Luz, now, we should probably get you back to your ivory tower before your dad finds you're missing." Luz immediately stopped laughing her eyes widened before shouting, "Luz Tu Tonta! Oh, my titan I need to get back, they would have put themselves on the highest alert after what we did." "Hay relax kid breath, I'll send you back on Owlbert, just tell him where to drop you." Eda said awkwardly giving Luz comforting pats on the back. Eda let Owlbert go and her started hovering three feet above the ground. Luz approached the palisman running her hand along its staff before looking back to Eda and saying, "I won't be able to come around often." Eda just grinned and said humorously, "Believe me I know how hard it is to get into that castle, no pressure on getting out too quickly just don't get caught. I don't want to give your parents another reason to bother me." Luz nodded before mounting Owlbert and giving Eda one last look with her giving a nod, Luz then preparing for the fact she was sneaking back into a heavily guarded castle she called a home took off from the ground heading for the center of the isles.

Luz had Owlbert set her down in a clearing near the hidden tunnel before making her way inside and changing back into her dress and taking her hair out of the ponytail letting it fall over her shoulders. She quickly made her way out of the room and made a dash down the different halls to the throne room. Around halfway there a tall female knight stopped her, bending down on one knee before saying, "Your highness your father sent me to find you, your expected in the throne room. There was a major incident at the Conformatorium." Luz nodded thankful they apparently were clueless about her leaving, she nearly left for the throne room before remembering to dismiss the knight. "Thank you I was headed there now to find out what has everyone panicking. you are dismissed." The Knight got up from her bow before stepping to the side allowing Luz to pass. She continued down the hall at a slightly slow pace before finally reaching the throne room doors, the knights standing guard pulled them open for her to enter greeted by the sight of the entire court filling the room. Barly anyone however even glanced back at the door, there full attention was apparently on whoever was at the center of the room talking blocked from Luz's view by the sheer number of people.

Luz started going around the center where the people were the most condensed and weaving in between those on the outer layer of onlookers. Getting passed the worst of it she managed to find her way close to the thrones seeing her mother, Vee, and her father with the lords standing in a row on opposite sides of the thrones all looking at Warden wrath who was knelt before the throne speaking. Luz trying really hard not to freak out started to make her way close to the wall towards her throne as she began to listen. "I thank you again my emperor if it were not for your knights, I would have failed my duty in keeping these criminals away from the good citizens of the boiling isles. Thanks to you we managed to secure most with few slipping thew the cracks, but I will not rest until there found." Luz held back her discussed at Wraths lies as she managed to get to her seat next to her dad seeing Vee sparing her a glance with a questioning look. Her dad got up at the end of the warden's explanation and said, "As happy as I am to know of my people's safety, I would very much like to know how this happened in the first place?" The Warden seaming to have expected this replying, "The Owl lady broke in apparently after are collection of dangerous contraband and in her success let free the other prisoners."

"How did she breach the shield? Came lord Daires' concerned voice from the crowed as he approached to stand closer to the thrones. The warden stilled for a moment before answering, "I asked the same thing to one of the prisoners seen speaking with the owl lady's accomplices and... It appears she has gotten hold of a human child. I had not noticed it in are fight." The gasp the court released and the silence that fallowed was deafening, Luz saw her dad tense and clench his fists with her mother clutching the armrests of her throne as she glanced over to Luz to make sure she was here. Her dad after recovering from the shock said, "Bring the prisoner here, I would like to question them myself." The warden nodded before standing up letting out a low-pitched whistle with the throne room doors opening a second later. The crowd parted to reveal the black-haired witch she had seen earlier now with a black eye and bandage around her head being escorted by the conformatorium guards luz had fought, the sight almost made Luz sick. The prisoner was apparently shaking when she was forced into a kneeling position before Manny, who seemed to still even more at the sight before asking his voice tense and quiet, "So, you were the one to see the human, were they at all harmed or frightened?" 

"No... She seemed friendly and fine with her companions." Came the witches meek reply, before the warden interjected, "It is possible the human was charmed in order to not have to deal with her struggling." Luz spotted Lilith in the crowd tense up at the accusation as Luz's dad turned to the warden for a moment then turning back to the prisoner as if asking for her opinion but before she could reply the doors burst open drawing everyone's attention as the court parted ways revealing a Knight with a bandage on the bridge of his nose. Luz realizing that it was the same knight that had the book had to resist the urge to celebrate as he started making his way towards her father book in hand seeming to hold it tighter as he passed the warden. The knight clearly flustered at seeing the entire court knelt before the emperor and said as he extended the book out as he said, "Forgive me your majesty for the intrusion, but this was thrown at me by the Owl Lady and once I realized what it was, I rushed here immediately." Manny reached out taking the book before slowly inspecting the cover after dismissing the knight to the infirmary before even more slowly reading its contents seeming to grow stiff, he then looked up to the prisoner and asked, "May I have your name please?" The prisoner shocked at this stuttered out, "It's... Katya Delfina." Luzs dad turned back to the book skimming the many pages before stopping after a minute.

"What crime were you convicted of Katya?" He asked looking back to the girl, Luz then stole a quick glance at the warden seeing he had tensed up and was now looking in Katy's direction as if threatening her to stay quiet. The girl seemed to tense as well letting her eyes steal a peak at Wrath before looking back at the emperor. Having seen the hesitation Manny quickly added, "Please tell me what you believe yourself to be imprisoned for, no matter how ridicules it seems." The warden cut in beginning to protest when Luz's dad raised his hand letting off a red sparks showing his hidden frustration which silenced the warden. Katya seeming off put by the spark of magic the emperor displayed quickly stammered out, "Warden Wrath imprisoned me... because I wright fanfiction about food falling in love." Her answer got a few groups in the crowed to giggle with Luz feeling sorry she had to say it out loud, but before anything else happened however Manny said, "Quiet, please everyone..." Everyone seemed to shut up before Manny continued sounding vary unnerved, "This book, says the same and is written in what could only be warden wraths handwriting that I have received many reports in!" The throne room burst into uproar at the accusation, with the warden shouting over everybody. "Your majesty certainly you don't believe her!" The emperor turned to him before saying sounding cold and disgusted, "I don't, I believe your own words, I hereby sentence you to an imprisonment of ten years for every year those in this book spent imprisoned under you! Your guards shall be held for questioning and your titles and privileges revoked!" 

No sooner had he said this the Warden lunged forward aiming for his throat before Manny raised a hand, fingers outstretched before spinning it in the air creating a jagged red circle. Letting the spell lose red energy wrapped around Wrath like roots of a tree pulling him to the ground as it seemed to burn the skin it held underneath. Everyone took a step back from the sight before knights came forward to drag the now incapacitated monster to the dungeons as well as restrain the other conformatorium guards. The emperor then turned around taking a seat releasing a breath of frustration before turning to Kikimora and saying, "Kikimora would you please bring this to my study the Lords and I will have to go over these cases," Kikimora came forward bowed and took the book before saying, "Of course your majesty, I'll also will start looking over it immediately and comparing it to are records to see if there are any legitimate prisoners." Manny nodded before Camila spoke, "We should take this time to declare royal law, due to the clear corruption under wrath I ask that all knights cancel their days off for the time being in order to cover the areas the Conformatorium guards would be stationed and patrolling." This declaration was met with a small groan and murmurs in the crowed but a general acceptance that it was the right cores of action. 

Manny then turned back to Katya and said, "release her and I will be sending relief to those who Wrath has falsely imprisoned." Katya was apparently holding back tears as she quietly said, "Thank you, your majesty." Manny smiled back at her but before anything else could be said lord Adrian Gray stepped forward and said, "Emperor Noceda as much as we should give to these people Wrath so carelessly captured, we simply don't have the funds to do so." Manny seemed to judge Adrians soul before turning back to his family and other lords and asked, " is there any founds we can pull to help?" Vee was about to answer until Luz blurted out, "the Owl Lady," which was met with confused looks from the nobles until she continued, "I mean, since she was the one to bring this to light so it would only be fair to pull some of the money off her bounty to help." The idea was met with mixed reactions with Manny turning to his wife giving her a concerned look before she nodded as if to say it was fine. Luz however didn't have time to dwell on it with her father already responding, "as good as an option that is, we can't ignore the fact she broke in intending to steal from the contraband vault and brought in a human girl to do so." Luz barely stopped herself from interjecting again trying to think of a way to prove her innocence without implicating herself. 

"If I may your... Majesty I heard some of what the group was after and... I believe they were only after one thing." Katya said sounding vary nerves that she had interjected, Manny however just nodded for her to continue. "They seemed to be after a crown that belonged to the little demon, and the younger witch and human wanted to free us before getting it if I may add." Manny seemed surprised and was about to ask something before the sound of someone laughing interrupting. Luz turned in the direction of the laughing to fined Lilith chuckling holding her sides for support. Once everyone had eyes on her she realized she was casing a scene and said apologetically quieting her laughter, "I'm sorry it's just... If what she said is correct that crown is just a toy I've seen last time I confronted her... it's paper the only value it has is to my little sister's ki... roommate, King." Manny looked even more confused as Lilith calmed down, before turning back to Katya and asking, "What do you mean by younger witch?" Katya now standing answered shyly, "There was a witch with the Owl lady, and her demon along with the human. She was wearing a cat hoody and had a knight's sword, she looked like she was fourteen around the same age of the human." Luz started to nervously tug at the end of her hair while silently praying to the titan for Katya to not notice her. 

"Thank you, Katya we'll find you a room to put you up in until you can get back on your feet," Luz's mom cut in standing up and approaching to stand next to her husband, Katya's knees however nearly buckled before saying sounding shocked, "I... thank you your majesty you can't imagine... how much that means to me." Luz's mom simply nodded kindly in response before a court hand having guessed that was their que came up to Katya and said warmly, "If you would fallow me Miss. Katya, I'll show you to one of the available rooms." Katya nodded before being led off by the court hand leaving the room, before a moment of silence passed ending with Adrian saying, "Your majesty's I'll begin interrogating the guards to find out more information on what the Owl Lady was after in the conformatorium and if it was indeed the crown as Lady Lilith mentioned." Luz looked over to see her dad nodding in agreement while saying, "Thank you, if it's true it could cover most of the funds." Luz while watching Adrian walk out of the room fallowed by the conformatorium guards who were being restrained by two knights, tried not to hyperventilate at the idea of the Lord of Illusions seeing and recognizing her in their memories.

"We should also send a scout out to confirm if the human girl is still with the Owl Lady." Luz's mom said to another court hand who nodded and left to relay the order, Luz barely noticed her dads gaze settling on her and Vee again before he spoke quietly, "Girls perhaps this would be a good time for you two to head up to the family rooms while we go through the paperwork and coordinate everything." Luz needed to calm down quickly nodded her head before saying, "Thank you father, we'll head up now." Luz then got up and walked up to Vee pulling up the reluctant basilisk out of the chair to fallow her as the lords and other members of the court started to debate with their parents. She could tell Vee wanted to stay and offer what help she could but Luz new she still needed a break, so she continued weaving through the crowd who now found the sense to step out of the way this time leaving the room. They walked down the familiar hallway in silence until Vee finally broke the silence slithering up next to Luz and changing into her human form to walk backwards facing Luz giving her a smug grin, "So, Eda the Owl Lady huh. I'd say I was expecting you to get into trouble, not start a prison riot." Luz raised an eyebrow at her sister who now had Long silver hair that shimmered red every so often with some shorter hair mimicking where her real ears usually were, lightly tan, skin gold iris, and wore a titan steal armer of a knight given the rank of commander.

"I Have no idea what you're talking about," Luz said trying to hold back a chuckle as her sister looked unconvinced and turned back to look where she was walking as she replied. "We'll if you ever want to come clean. I have some notes on your disguise." Luz faked a look of shock giving her sister a playful punch to the arm, careful not to hurt herself on the shapeshifted armor. They continued on smiling in silence until they reached the first room to their interconnected house within the castle. They however continued passed the dinning room that also acted as the pseudo reception room for guests and into the family room before settling in on the couch facing the fireplace with Vee using her stored magic to light it. Luz let out a long sigh pressing herself more into the comfort of the couch as Vee shapeshifted back into her basilisk form to join her. "So, make any new friends while galivanting around the isles?" Vee said clearly amused as Luz slowly turned her head to look at her sister blankly. Luz sat up a little bit before responding, "Well I met King the Owl Ladys roommate, and he is just the most adorable kid, and turns out the owl lady dose have a portal to the human world and Masha, the other human had apparently stumbled into it a minute after I got there." Vee seemed to cercle in on this fact and said sounding vary curious, "So, that's how she got roped into the heist." Luz nodded before adding, "Well Eda originally said that if she wanted to go back to the human realm, she'd have to help her break into the vault." Vee looked concerned before asking, "Ok going to ignore the blackmail and ask, what do you mean originally?" Luz stopped siting up at that moment and relaxing into the cushions even more before replying, "Well Masha apparently wanted to stay in the boiling isles."

Vee jumped up out of the couch yelling, "What!" Luz winced at her sister's volume saying, "Vee are you trying to make me go deaf." Vee looked sorry covering her mouth before saying, "Sorry it's just, why did she want to stay." Luz shrugged before adding, "I didn't ask but now she's staying with the Owl Lady." Luz turned back to her sister as Vee said looking disappointed, "Wow you're a really good storyteller." Luz raised an eyebrow at her sister's obvious sarcasms before saying, "well I had to do espionage today so please forgive my lack of detail." This ended in them both staring blankly at each other before they both burst out laughing. They continued talking and laughing when Luz mentioned the warden asking Eda on a date. This continued for a while, Luz barely noticing herself drifting off to sleep as Vee talked, Vee herself noticed it and placing a blanket over her sister letting her drift off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Masha bolted up in a cold sweat still shacking from a nightmare as her surroundings came into focus. She expected to find herself lost in the middle of the forest, instead she found herself in a small room lined with boxes laying in a makeshift sleeping bag. The memories of yesterday came flooding back to her as she became aware of a small fur demon snuggling agents her foot. Masha got up disturbing Kings sleep before walking to the window opening it to find the sun barley rising over the horizon shining on red leafed trees as a horned tentacle abomination seemed to give her a wave as it sank into the sea. Masha repressed a shiver as she backed away from the window saying, "yep definitely going to avoid the sea today." Masha shaken from the sight tripped over something falling over on her side, followed by the grumblings of a very tired looking King.

"Alright I'm up, no need to kick." Came Kings groggy voice as Masha stood back up feeling sorry for disturbing the tiny demon. King however didn't give her time to apologies already walking out of the room saying, "Well don't just stand there come on, didn't you have like, a million questions yesterday." Masha stood there dumb founded for a moment before fallowing him out of the room. She fallowed the demon down the hall and into the living room where he started setting up a presentation on the floor before turning to her and saying, "Okay, go on ask away." This was all the prompting Masha needed before asking, "How did the Nocedas come to power?" King then turned around pulling out a book glancing back to Masha as he flipped through the pages saying, "You don't start small I give you that, you know I saw the Empress once apparently she needed something that only Eda could get, I didn't get much of the details and Eda still plays dumb about it, but I know it had to do with a human realm book." His rambling left her with even more questions but hearing that he didn't know what happened Masha resigned herself to figure it out latter as King found the page sliding the book over to where Masha sat on the floor. The left page depicted a figure with a golden mask with two horns out stretching his left hand out to depictions of a witch in a caring jester with a dagger held behind his back, while on the right side of the page had two kind looking people dressed in white and silver each holding another witch's hands in each of theirs. 

"Before the Nocedas there was Belos who preached that he and he alone could hear the titan and he was displeased at the mixing of magic, so he created the covens where they blocked witches' abilities to use multiple magics," King said pointing to the next page showing the golden masked figure surrounded by cooler coded symbols she assumed were the covens markings before King turned a few pages with words probably telling the story in more detail. It depicted one of the white figures talking with the golden figure with the other white figure behind him opening a door slightly with skeleton hands prying at the opening to get out.

"Then the Nocedas came to the isles and gained his trust and fond out his lies and the truth, the very reason he trusted them, he was a human from a time when they hated magic and had traveled here to kill his brother who had fallen for a witch," King continued as Masha looked to the second page of a pregnant couple being chanced by a silhouette of who was probably Belos holding a dagger chasing them, Masha immediately remembering a certain legend Graves field before King continued, "And he had gained knowledge of our realm and planned to use the magic here to drain all witches of life." The next picture he flipped to showed Belos holding out his hand like a claw taking in beams of color coming from cracked versions of the coven symbols. "So, the Nocedas exposed him for his lies and led an uprising along with some of the coven heads that would later become lords and the rest of the isles," King said his voice clearly showing his enthrallment in the story as he pointed to the next page showing an army of nameless witches led by the Nocedas charging towards the page of Belos.

"After that it's pretty straight forward, they get married and rule the Isles together have a kid, you know the mushy stuff, but in the chaos of the battle Belos got away were he now lurks in the shadows with what remains of his covens waiting to strike," King said getting dramatic towards the end as she turned to what was probably the last picture of this story taking up two hole pages with the Emperor and empress sitting on golden thrones with human girl clearly there daughter dressed in the same white and silver robes standing next to them, as the next page depicted something horrible huddled over in a cave peering out as if waiting for something. "And that is the rundown of the boiling isles resent events, mines a few of my own escapades of glory," King finished putting a claw to his chest as he started bragging about what Masha now knew was his own little childhood imagination.

Masha looked at the demon giving him a small smile before asking, "So, how do they keep in control? I understand that everybody would be grateful for saving their butts and all, but how the heck can they stay in charge of a place like this for this long."

King refocused his attention on her apparently being pulled from his thoughts before replying, "Wha, oh yeah right, in the fight with Belos, Belos cursed the emperor with a really old curse one of those one time use only things. It would have overpowered any witch, dying under the weight of their own magic but since humans don't really have magic it gave him power beyond any witch fusing into his vary blood."

King finished his claws clenched dramatically in front of him before relaxing and saying remembering something else, "Oh and there's the crown princess's adopted sister no demon in there right mind would cross her..." he quickly grabbed a seconded book quickly flipping through pages before settling on one and handing it too her. Looking down she found it was apparently about humanoid snakes. "A shapeshifting demon known as a basilisk, there are two kinds, lesser basilisks and greater basilisks," King continued pointing to a drawing of a small basilisk before pointing to one that took up half the other page looking vary lethal before King continued, "That is except for the second in line for the throne princess Vee Noceda a demon among demons."

King turned the page to show two detailed drawings of a cool looking Snake girl, looking very different from the first with silver gray scales, red hair seeming to slightly resemble spikes of a dragons mixed with the fins of a fish as it went just lower than her shoulders. Her tail was also half a size longer than the other lesser basilisk, the difference was apparent becoming more so when she looked at the second page, the princess now clearly shown as a greater basilisk was around a 50% bigger than the regular one with her tail curled in front of her while she used her arms to hold herself up as her mouth displaying a row of razor sharp teeth and her hair looking more like a dragons spinel fins then before. The image made Masha gulp realizing that she definitely would be mincemeat facing something that terrifying before she asked, "Why is she both types of basilisks?" King looked blankly at her for a moment before blinking and bursting out with laughter as he explained, "A shapeshift... a shapeshifting demon can make themselves smaller..."

Masha's face fell to a blank expression as she watched King clutch his belly before he fell over still laughing. Eventually Masha having enough rolled her eyes and saying sarcasm clear in her voice, "Yeah yeah, you don't have to rub it in so much, and I don't see how this makes her an exception she'd just looks bigger than the average greater basilisk."

King immediately stopped laughing, almost unconfutable quickly before saying laying fully on the ground holding his paws together over his heart, "Well when they found her, she was a desperate experiment of Belos, he had turned her into what many now call the primordial basilisk rivaling even the snaglbat in power. So, turn the page." Masha was a little caught off guard by his sudden instruction before obliging and immediately felt her heart leap into her throat . The new image took up a whole page depicting Vee coiled around herself twice using her hands to support looming head her spiks having lost all resemblance to hair looking like giant rose thorns in five rows from her head to her neck, before  going to rows of three down the rest of her body giving her a draconic look, her eyes giving a faint eerie glow of gold as she seemed to bare her teeth even sharper then before in a mouth probably able to fit at least six people with the greater basilisk having only managed two without choking with her hands having become claws looking capable to shredding metal and splintering full grown trees. To say the least she was terrified as she stuttered out, "How... did... they even raise her?"

King only shrugged seemingly not interested as he said, "Basilisks feed on magic and it's rumored that even princess Vee can only barley feed on her dads magic before throwing up. That's probably it." Masha paled thinking he must be kidding before finding her voice having realized she definitely needed to know more about the isles less she risk death, "Can, I just barrow these books for a bit?" 

"Knock yourself out," Was Kings only reply as he curled up on the couch apparently taking a nap, so with permission Masha brought the books up to her room for latter. Coming downstairs again she found Eda walking into the other room, she not wanting to be dead weight fallowed her into what apparently was a kitchen. Ignoring the pile of dishes in the sink Masha asked, "Good morning, Miss Eda anything you need." Eda said while poring herself something with an apple on the bottle before saying taking a sip from the mug halfway through talking, "First you can let me have some apple blood, slpppp. And you can stop calling me miss, sllppp, you also don't need to please my every whim for me to let you stay." Masha gave her an embarrassed smile as Eda set down a now empty mug apparently having downed the contents before walking back into the living room with Masha fallowing behind her.

"Now you know I collect and sell human treasure, but that is only on weekends. the rest of the time I'm selling positions which makes you my new delivery human." Eda said as she raised her hand apparently using magic to call something from upstairs hearing stuff breaking as they waited. The object in question was her owl staff so taking it in hand after it hit her in the face grumbling about it being early Eda waved it down with a bag of what was likely positions appearing behind it as it passed the air. Handing the bag to Masha she led her upstairs to a balcony with a town in the distance bye the see with the cliff apparently starting at the towns edge running along getting higher as it curved slightly forming the cliff next to the house.

"Today you'll deliver potions and packages to that town over there, Bones Burrow. You'll have to be very careful; I have rivals everywhere who'd love to take my business down and you along with it. You'll also have to watch for Knights after that stunt Luz-cia pulled, although I doubt any knight would dare hurt a human kid ha." Eda said giving Masha a slap on the back casing her to nearly drop the bag before straitening up replying, "I won't let you down Eda." Eda smiled saying jokingly as she started pushing her downstairs again, "I'm sure you won't sister and remember never befriend a man in sandals and always measure twice, cut once." Masha when she finished was already out the door turning to see Eda standing inside before she glanced at the couch drew a golden circle in the air before King suddenly flew from it and onto Masha's feet letting out a, "Weh, hay what gives Eda I just got comfy."

Eda just smiled kneeling down to his level as he got up saying sarcastically, "Ahh sorry to interrupt your power nap but you have to go with her, you and I both know she's going to get lost or eaten, probably both considering she's new, no offence Masha." Eda said giving a glance up at her however not giving her a chance to respond continuing, "And because you work for me too. unless you want to pay rent." King stomped his feet at the threat before muttering as he climbed up on Masha to perch on her shoulders with Eda saying, "Be back by night fall or risk mortal peril," and closing the door with hooty wishing them a nice trip. So, Masha not giving a reply to the owl door turned to the forest path hoping Eda was kidding about being eaten.

Luz woke up apparently having been moved from the coach and tucked in her bed. She got up to get dressed only stopping to spare a glance out the window seeing the sun was clearly high enough to be already past ten as she rummaged through her cloths in her dresser. She however paused seeing a note placed on her training shirt and pants, 'Dear Luz, you'll need these today. P.S Mercy is not a word in my vocabulary. sincerely love -v.' Luz ground reluctantly putting on the training cloths realizing Vee was probably already at the training ground having beat a few knights by now and probably already apologized a million times for doing so. So, after grabbing an apple to tide herself over she started heading to the training yard. Although Luz didn't think her parents lied, she still couldn't believe the lower forest outside the castle was once a pit of spikes even if one rather large spike still stuck out of the earth, but apparently, they had also used the opportunity to renovate the castle getting rid of the giant smokestack in the middle turning it into a garden and adding onto the sides of the castle building the training yard and a proper mess hall and an actual kitchen. So, after all, said and done the place had turned from a bleak fortress into an actual capital worthy of the boiling isles at least so her teachers clamed.

Luz after entering the sun lit training yard about a football stadium in size 'whatever that was' to see her sister in her greater basilisk form nocking one of her opponent knights into a piler with a wave of her hand. Not wanting to interrupt the 6v1 she made her way to the royal armory the smallest of the three. There was the squire armory, the knight armory, and the one she was in now reserved for her family and there general, as well as lady Lilith who was technically the lord of the Royal army, more of a second just under her dad and mom like an ambassador or regent if they were incapacitated at any point. Luz however grabbed her gear putting it on over her training shirt and pants which happened to be witches' wool. Her official armer unlike the stuff she wore yesterday was made of a metal named titan silver supposedly fused with titans' blood and impossibly light for any metal feeling more like leather, she still remembered the looks on her parents' faces when the builder lord gave it to her on her tenth birthday, with her still being shocked at the price. Putting on the near pure white armer with delicate waved lines etched into the metals knowing the braces alone would cost a house, she released a sigh deciding not to use the helmet today before heading out to be greeted by the sight of Vee helping the clearly bruised knights to their feet before waving to her having spotted Luz. 

Luz waved back as she finished putting on her sheath for her sword which like her armer was a mile above the one she used yesterday, crafted with titan steal and infused with the shed scales of her own sister making a blade that basically bypassed any magic shield making it a black-market item above most others thusly named magics bane. So with all that in mind, the amazing gear bubbled down to her parents trying to keep her safe to an unreasonable level unlike Vee who actually got to go out in disguises with only two knights out of uniform, the most Luz could ask for was to go on a patrol every month and even then, having to ware her full armor. Although yes three times those patrols ran into covenists with Luz diving headfirst into battle which coincidently gave her the popular title warrior princess by the accompanying knights, and it stuck and spread much to her mother's dismay. Luz also may have been also looking for the shattered covens at the time, but she still could have gone without three months of no patrols after each incident as a grounding, 'why even teach me to defend myself sense I could walk if I can't even leave the castle without an eight-knight escort, ugggg.' Luz however swallowed her anger but still clenching the pommel of her sword in a death grip as she went to meet her younger sister as she slithered to the side of the field for her water as she shrank back to her lesser form. Luz got there as Vee finished chugging her water before asking, "Thinking about patrols again?" Luz only blinked once unfazed before saying, "Are you sure you're not into oracle magic?" 

"Eh, only when it comes to my grumpy sister." Vee said with a shrug while elbowing her in the shoulder.  Luz leaning agents a pillar releasing a sigh said, "Well to answer your question Vee, yes I was, I've said it once and I'll say it again it's not fair, why even have me train in the first place."

"And as I've always said when you bring it up, you can beat almost any witch so what if you don't get to put it in practice, and you know the training is for attempts on your life not made by you," Vee replied with Luz giving her a groan before giving her own reply, "and as I'm sure I've said before I need experience in an actual fight not just politics, I can't rule if people don't trust me to fight for them. Also, no assassin ever makes it that far into the castle."

"hmmm dang it can't find a flaw in that logic, but anyway you're wasting your breath telling me and you'll be wasting your breath convincing mom. so wanna instead end this pity party and let me give you some of that experience, even if it is just agents your little sister?" Luz heard Vee making her look up with an eye role before pulling out her sword with a smile saying, "Only if you make it interesting, true form, I think my record was two minutes." Vee looked somewhat insulted as they headed to the center of the field her growing in size apparently honoring her request as she said her voice sounding mostly the same with a metallic echo, "It was one minute, and forty seconds and you know it." "Do I?" Luz asked giving her a smug look before Vee launched her first attack. 

(Luz's armor except the color would be white with purple fabric. Also to excuse the fact she would have grown out of it Let's just say magic or remaking it as she grew, your pick.)

Masha was very thankful King was with her realizing she wouldn't have even made it out to the forest without his help that however didn't seem to be the case with the town. Demons and witches alike seemed to either stare, turn and speed walk the other way, or Masha's least favorite become an incoherent mess when she stopped to ask questions. and after many deliveries to shocked and frankly over apologetic demon about a supposedly vicious doorbell that seemed to be just whimpering, she was now at the last one. Having reached her braking point she pulled King from her shoulder and asked slumping agents a wall, "What the heck why is everybody acting so weird I get that this place isn't earth but isn't this a bit much?" King in what Masha would say is getting repetitive laughed using her knees for support as he said, "You're kidding right... you're human."

"And why is that important?" Masha asked seriously questioning whether he knew what a human was or not. King calmed down enough to say, "You do realize the last three humans to come here held a position of power and the first one nearly wiped us out, heck even the current ruler's kid already helped fight off part of the shattered coven once or twice, and she was eleven at the time." Masha's moth fell open as the realization struck her with King adding, "Ha that's right kid you are considered an apex predator here ha ha."

"Well great, no presser right," Masha said pinching the bridge of her nose as she got up holding the last package under her arm. King climbed back onto her shoulder again with her making her way to the last address as king said, "eh don't worry about it too much, odds are you'll do fine." Masha sighed listening to Kings reassurance before gasping at the sight of a almost castle like mansion. Masha approached cautiously wondering if a lord lived here but with the lack of guards, she doubted it so calming down she rang the doorbell with the massive doors opening in response. "Big houses always belong to big wack jobs lets kick the package inside and get out of hear," King said Trying to convince her to go but Masha not wanting to screw up protested, "We can't just leave without getting paid, I am not screwing up on my first job." Masha then entered saying, "Hello anyone home," fallowed by King protesting with the door shutting behind him suddenly, "Hay wait waaa weh." Masha flinched at the sudden darkness before nervously saying, "I'm delivering a package for the owl Lady. Whoa." The lanterns in the big room came to life reveling a grand library with a staircase leading up to a door with a wizard painting above it. a wizard then came out from the doorway doing the same pose as the painting before making his way down the stairs with King saying, "Yep see weird old man in jimjams."

With Masha silently agreeing as the old man said, "Sorry I wasn't here to greet you I was in my Oscillarium reading the stars. and who might you be, girl of raven hair?" Masha began to introduce herself barley getting through "I'm..." when the man interrupted her saying, "Young lady, dareth I say, your human aren't you." Masha shrugged already not liking the dude before he asked pulling up food and furniture, "Well then won't you join me for tea, I have yet the honor of talking with any human?" Masha had to resist the urge to cringe already getting a bad feeling about him but knowing he needed to pay she nodded with a shrug with king jumping onto her shoulder whispering, "Let's scram. Wizards are just old people with glitter in their pockets. I don't trust him." King said while the man proved his point dusting off glitter from his robe, but Masha trying to be discreet in saying, "I know but we need him to pay and I'm not leaving empty handed. Plus, there's pastries on the table." "Where?" King yelled apparently throwing cation to the wind jumped down from her shoulder to the table.

She quickly fallowed after saying, "Thank you we'll happily accept." Masha grabbed a cup sitting down but neglected to drink not wanting to risk poison before a cart of strange bottles caught her eye. "Sir do you make potions?" Masha asked cautiously remembering what Eda had said about her rivals. The man looked at her with an earnest expression before saying, "Please, call me Adegast. And yes, I run a small business." Masha's suspicions were all but confirmed when King interrupted, "You should run a business of more scones into my mouth. Ha-ha, Yess!" 

"I'm surprised to see you here. It was my understanding that Eda delivered the packages herself," Adegast said leaving no doubt in her mind that he was full of it while responding trying not to let her worry show, "I'm her assistant." King crossed his arms as well clearly having come to the same conclusion as the wizard then went on to say, "Oh, and how are you finding the experience so far?" Masha not wanting to give anything away said while shrugging, "Well everyone has been acting weird." The old man made a somewhat concerned face before saying sounding as if trying to lighten the mood, "Oh, well I suppose that's only natural for anyone seeing a human, If you need something to distract yourself from the pesky admires, I may have just the thing." The wizard pulled out a scroll from his robe before unfurling it saying, "there is a legend of a human girl, who would claim the Celestial staff and help free this world from an ancient evil. Perhaps thou hath cometh here for a reason." Masha shrugged in response saying, "sure could be fun," while Adegast continued talking about cliche quest stuff Masha not caring about any of it fallowed the wizard nodding along wanting to get this charade over with.

"Neat story awesome. Anyway, your food is gone, and we are, too," King said sarcastically as the old man finished his blatant con. Masha seeing a way out of here said faking an apologetic tone, "Yes, we should get back to Eda, Oh, I almost forgot that will be fifteen snails please." The wizard looked surprised before handing her the money with her putting it in her pocket along with the scroll before saying as they walked to the door, "Thank you and I'll check out the quest it should be fun." And with that they made their way out of the mansion and once they were out of sight Masha pulled the scroll out to look it over. "Please tell me you're not actually falling for that," King said climbing back onto her shoulder. Masha let out a laugh before responding, "Don't worry I may be new, but I can put two and two together." King started laughing along with her saying, "Oh good," while Masha continued to look over the paper as she walked before an idea popped into her head and she asked, "King how would Eda feel about getting back at one of her rivals?"

Luz made another doge as Vee slammed a massive fist into the ground where she had just been standing kicking up a mountain of dust in the process. The crater left behind was now one of many now littering the field made within the past few minutes, anyone watching would normally say it's a miracle Luz lasted even thirty seconds those who said that however would have been squires. Luz being a small human girl had two distinct advantages over her sister that no other witch had, one she had no magic that would slowly drain from proximity to her primordial form, and she knew all her sister's weak points. Vee's other hand came from her right in a swiping motion with Luz jumping barley rolling over the massive snake's wrist before running along her arm managing to slash her elbow. Basilisks had one of the thickest hides paring with magic regeneration if they were well feed so Luz's sword could barely get an inch deep. Vee went to elbow her with her dropping into a sideways roll under her arm before jumping back up and moving her left arm in a vertical block with a purple aura coming from her gantlet covering her arm before forming a paladin like shield in time for to block Vee's attack. Vee opened he mouth before releasing red static like energy in waves pushing luz a good ten feet back her boots leaving trenches in the dirt, the attack however was one of Vee's more desperate ploys. Not because it was an exhausting attack, no, instead it was the basilisks equivalent to losing their lunch. 

Luz ignoring the fact her sister basically vomited on her took pride in having pushed her to using the unconfutable attack before charging towards her. Luz quickly jumped up her boots propelling her up with the same magic as earlier with Vee barley managing to start reaching for her mid lunge before Luz landed onto her neck nearly stumbling off. She however barley bothered balancing herself knowing what was about to happen, Luz had gone on this route many times with the same result her sister desperately rolling around knocking her of before she could hit her weakness. She was already feeling her move and not even thinking about how many ways this could go wrong Luz used her foot on one of her sisters back spines to swing herself as if tripping on a root, Luz then brought down the point of her sword onto the side of Vees neck dragging it along as she fell opposite to her turning. She managed to cut only an inch deep but already knowing it was enough smiled before she completed her fall spinning in the air landing on her back feeling the air leaving her lungs from the impact.

 Getting up quickly as the adrenalin ran out luz winced realizing she had definitely broke a rib but powering through it she walked over to the now squirming snake. Her sister was now slightly curled clearly clenching every muscle in her body as she held her hand to her neck red light pulsating from in-between her scales towards her neck. Luz couldn't help but smile knowing her sister was fine her wound not even deep enough to need one of the healers on standby, that however didn't mean Vee would recover anytime soon. Punching a Basilisks neck will give them three hours of constant ear ringing, cut it and an entire day on migraines accompanied by the sound of nails on a chalk board, and Luz finally managed to land a direct hit with her sisters in her strongest form. Luz finally stopping a foot away from her sister who was now wound fully healed rubbing her head now fully on the ground chin pressed to the ground, Luz moved her sword with a shacky hand resting the flat part of the blade on her nose giving her sister a smug grin.

"What was that about mercy not being a word in your vocabulary, Hermana menor?" Luz asked Vee with her opening her eyes golden eyes as wide as pizza giving her the impression of a pout before she released a long breath before continuing to rub her head and closing her eyes. "MMMMM nooooo... Fine you win, now get me a healer to get rid of this migraine you so graciously gave me," Vee replied in a low wine before Luz giving a chuckle but wincing at the pain turned and collapsed to the ground leaning herself against her sister's snake like muzzle, still smiling as she heard a light applause from the other knights and the boots of the healers as they made their way over. Luz barley paid attention to the dark blue dressed knight kneeling down next to her using healing magic to check her wounds, only saying a small thanks to the healing knight or paladin depending on if you went with the nickname. "Well you broke two ribs, pulled a muscle in your hip and that's it a metrical really you don't have a concussion," came the knight's voce through the cloth mask.

Luz nodded as she then went to work going over her body with spell circles the pain quickly leaving her system. "Ok you're all good, although the magic needs to set so no more sparing today," the witch said prompting Luz to stand up and stretch turning to Vee who was in the process of getting healed by two other witches, before another voice called over, "well it took you an uncountable number of attempts, but I knew it was only a matter of time." Luz turned to see a royal knight in his forty's waring steal armor with the royal crest taking up most of his chest plate accompanied by a white cloak hanging over his shoulders connected by a small silver chain. Luz's healer bowed slightly before leaving saying, "If that will be all princes, general," the woman nodded to the blond as she left leaving Luz the opportunity to run up and hug him saying, "Uncle Arawn your back."

"And just in time to see you to beet your sister and get me out of my losing bet with Darius," Arawn said with a laugh returning her hug in full accompanied by her sister saying apparently cured of her head ach, "Hay, do you want me to tell mom and dad you and Darius are betting on us?" 

Vee then slithered up to them rapidly shrinking to her usual form before joining in on the hug with Arawn replying in a teasing tone, "It's not as if we bet, she was stronger than you, plus it's going to be satisfying seeing your godfathers face when I tell him his niece that can take out an entire squad of his knights has an equally challenging sister." Vee rolled her eyes before saying clearly feigning hurt by crossing her arms, "Well if your done betraying my trust in your impartiality as uncles, when did you get back?" 

"Today actually, your parents need every witch on duty after the hole conformitorum fiasco, seriously I only herd three cases so far and it's ludicrous that we haven't heard anything about it sooner. I thought the warden was a little extreme when I met him, but this is a new bizarre, heck according to what Lord gray says he apparently tried asking out the owl lady," Arawn said with a chuckle with Vee quickly fallowing and Luz nearly forgetting to join in not wanting to seem unsurprised by the news added wanting to change the subject, "really that sounds crazy, and um doesn't the knee kind of need you with rebuilding the ruins?" Luz praying, he wouldn't notice how fake her surprise sounded as he raised an eyebrow teasingly saying, "Why sick of me already?"

"No, I was just wondering how the rebuilding's going," Luz said panicked at seeming rude before she heard him let out a little chuckle realizing he was just messing with her. "It's fine Luz, and the bat Queen is actually covering for me, apparently in her words she's reveling in the chance to fix what that monster who hunted her kind broke and filled with lies," Arawn said quickly growing somber at the mention of Belos. Luz winced involuntarily thinking about the memorial located in the titan's skull remembering the first time she laid eyes on it and the question she asked then to her dad felt fresh in her mind once again as her skin crawled, 'why aren't they buried,' and her father's reply quickly fallowed, 'so we understand that it's not just a number on a page of history, at least not until that monster is dust.' Luz quickly wiped away the memory focusing on her uncle again trying not to think about how he had apparently been the one to ask for the memorial to be the way it is. "So, how much paperwork do you have on your plate now," Vee said apparently trying to change the subject and lift the mood.

"Not much if you can believe it, I've been put in charge of directing the knights to the different towns, the capital is to no one's surprise unnecessary to send extra knights to. As well as finding replacements for the conformitorum guards and the warden, we're also finally renaming it to the fortress." Arawn responded his spirits apparently lifting at the change in topic. Luz thought for a moment before asking slightly concerned, "Won't it be a while before anyone wants to join, with all the stuff that happened with the guard's blatant corruption, I wouldn't blame them." 

"You'd think so, but we already have are first recruit," Arawn said with a shrug before gesturing behind him to a night and a familiar witch with a harp sparing. It took luz a second to recognize her fallowed by a second of repressing panic realizing the witch was Katy, swallowing her fear luz tried to look calm as Vee asked, "Is that the girl who testified agents the warden?" Arawn nodded before responding, "Yep apparently she couldn't sit still in her room and wanted to refresh her magic much to the healer's protests. Apparently, she has a knack for fighting with bard magic, and noticing it I mentioned the search for a replacement, she didn't even hesitate. Speaking of healers thought, don't think I didn't hear them say no more sparing for the day Luz and that goes for you as well Vee."

The siblings both released a sigh in unison before saying, "fine," "OK," which was followed by Arawn's response, "Good, now on to better news I am also hear to inform you you're getting to start the semester brake early." Luz immediately raised her arms in victory slightly shouting, "Yes," with Vee apparently looking the gift horse in the mouth and asking, "What why?" With Luz slightly punching her in the arm as if to ask what the heck are you doing. There uncle chuckled saying, "we need all hands available to go through the paperwork from Wrath and there is a lot your tutors happen to be capable of helping. So, you two get an extended break. Also, Luz seems to be onto something you might need a break if you asked me that without celebrating first." This earned a scowl from the basilisk before crossing her arms and muttering, "Maybe I just like being helpful." 

"You already are you've earned the right to be a little selfish now and then Vee," Luz said calmly putting her arm around her sister as she heard her tail slap the dirt in protest to her words, giving both Luz and Arawn a new challenge of not saying aww to the grumpy snake. Luz then turned back to her uncle saying, "Don't worry I'll make sure she relaxes." 

"see that she dose now, I need to get back to work and please actually take the advice and rest," Arawn said patting the tops of their heads as Vee replied losing her defensive poster, "We will hopefully we'll see you soon." Arawn smiled and nodded before walking away leaving the girls alone in silence. Vee however was the first to break the silence saying with a glint in her eye that put Luz on edge, "So do you want to see how the girl from yesterday is doing?" Luz immediately staired daggers at Vee with her giving her a smug grin in return. "If you want her to recognize me then sure go right ahead," Luz said crossing her arms as Vee laughed. Vee after laughing for a few seconds composed herself enough to say, "You wore a disguise didn't you, plus she'll just brush it off as her own imagination." Luz didn't have even a second to process her words before she found herself being dragged along by her hand to where Katy and a night finished sparing. 

Katy was grabbing water on the side of the field after the healer left probably checking if she was still fine. Luz trying to hide behind a calm expression gulped as Vee said getting her attention, "Hi, your names Katy, right?" The witch stiffened slightly before setting down her water bottle saying as she turned to them, "Yeah that's m..." However her words apparently died in her throat as she saw them before franticly bowing saying, "Forgive me I didn't see you coming your highnesses." Luz immediately cringed inwardly at the gesture remembering it was just yesterday she had treated her normally but swallowing that feeling she said with a shy smile, "Please that's not needed right now we were just curious how you are doing." Katy then got up looking nerves before saying between stutters, "Thank you... I'm doing well... thanks to your parents' kindness." Luz smiled at her trying to seem reassuring when Vee spoke up, "It was the least they could do with what Wrath did. We can't apologies enough for his actions to you or the rest of the isles." Katy smiled back seeming to have calmed down replying sounding grateful before getting quitter at the end, "It wasn't your or any of the lord's fault, I'm just lucky the owl lady broke in and they found that book." 

Luz's face fell slightly as she realized Katy's had turned to her halfway through speaking her eyes widening now staring at her in what could only be shock before stuttering out once she realized she had been staring, "You look... sorry I must still be losing it... but... you." Luz releasing a sigh said in a whisper a small bit of hope echoing in her voice, "Please don't tell anyone, especially my parents?" Katy's mouth fell open as she seemed to be processing what was going on before apparently shaking her head and replying, "I... thank you, nothing I can do... could repay what you did, I promise not to tell a soul. Even if I have a few questions myself." Luz released a sigh of relief before saying before turning to Vee with a glare, "Thank you, now Vee what did I say about her recognizing me." Vee looked away into the distance saying quietly, "Sorry how was I supposed to know your disguise was that terrible." "You!" Luz said before punching her sister in the shoulder before turning back to Katy leaving her sister to rub her arm. 

Luz composing herself saw the slightly older witch was now smiling fondly at them with Luz returning it she said, "Sorry about that, now umm what were your questions?" "Oh, well I am curious about what was a princess doing breaking into a prison but I'm guessing you won't tell me that. And don't worry you two actually remind me of a friend of mine and her sister," Katy said giving Luz a shrug as she nervously said the last bit. Luz nodded before answering, "Yeah sorry I can't tell you that, and thanks its actually refreshing to be compared to others who don't have to deal with noble procedure. Oh, and I heard you are applying to take over Wraths position." Katy immediately seemed surprised blushing slightly as she said, "I applied for the guard position, I don't think I could get to be the warden or anything that high anytime soon." 

"Nah you'll do fine from what I saw from the end of your sparing session. I'd spare with you myself in this size if I wasn't ordered to take the rest of the day off by the healers," Vee said urning a chuckle from Katy and a small thank you before Luz slipped back into the conversation. "And speaking of which we should probably get going we don't want to take up too much of her time, sorry for taking up your time and thanks for promising not to tell anyone," Luz said first to Vee then turning to Katy. "It was no trouble at all and thank you for helping free me," Katy nervously replied before Vee said, "We'll spar another time then, bye." Fallowed by Luz saying, "bye," with Katy giving nerves smile and saying, "I look forward to it princes Vee, and thank you again princes Luz, Bye." 

With Luz and Vee waving by they made their way back inside before Vee broke the silence, "So what are you going to do for the rest of the day?" Luz thought for a moment before replying, "Probably reading the new Azura book I managed to get yesterday. And you?" Vee shrugged saying with a hint of a laugh in her voice, "I'll practice my lute maybe raid the kitchen later." They both laughed as they continued walking to the family area.

Masha, Eda and King were laughing as they walked down the street of bones burrow eating something called ice scream that is apparently made with screaming milk. Masha however spared little thought for it, her mind focusing instead on the events of the day. Eda had loved the idea immediately looking over the scroll Adegast gave her before Masha having the idea to expose it to heat like that old invisible ink technique which led to them trying multiple heat sources before finding sunlight did the trick. Then all that was left was embarrassingly easy puzzles a fake puppet character being right out of any girls daydreams that Masha had a hard time ignoring getting to the puppeteer himself a weird squid that turned out to be Adegast, big surprise. One disgusting snack the Owl lady took later they found themselves grabbing ice scream with Masha slightly dwelling on what Adegast said when he was giving his hole villain speech, 'I never thought it would be this easy to trick a human, or perhaps you are just that weak within your own race.' 

Eda apparently reading her like an open book asked as they finished their desert, "Ok, what's bothering you Masha?" Masha waited to answer finishing her food while thinking of something to say before responding, "It's nothing... just thinking about how everyone views humans hear. Heck the vender gave us the ice scream with no charge." Eda laughed replying having finished her snack as Masha talked, "No pressure am I right, ha trust me when I say this when it comes to humans, luck is a big factor. Seriously when I met the rulers I thought it was a miracle they hadn't been caught by Belos when spying on him, man it was fun helping rile people up for the rebellion. That being said you did good today I doubt Lucia would have done better." 

"Yeah, like the bad ass sword wielding witch could have done worse than me. I was basically just standing around the most I did was hit him with a toy sword and even that was a miracle," Masha said apparently venting which was met with a small amount of laughter from Eda still. "Well you just proved my point about humans luck, and your not going to believe me but Lucia would have believed that story about a chosen one," Masha snorted as Eda said that with her continuing sounding wise and solum for a moment before bursting with laughter, "I know that sounds ridicules, but she definitely has the amount of presser on her that would push her to grasp at any straw if it meant proving herself, especially if you consider her book tastes, the good witch Azera ha." Masha however paid more attention to the first comment about Lucia asking, "You sound as if you've met her before yesterday."

"I... I knew her parents, some of the few people I could get along with, and well let's just say I wasn't really going to burn that book and it may have found its way into her dad's hands but it's not like I can let my image be tainted with something so flowery," Eda said growing serious giving her a soft smile as she finished talking. Masha sensing the topic was a sore spot decided not to push further as King jumped into the conversation, "Ok now that you two are done reminiscing about the how the day went or old acquaintances let's get back home, I demand a nap." Eda gave a slight eye roll but still giving him a warm smile said, "Ok grumpy demon, but were taking the scenic route." They all climbed onto Eda's staff before lifting off soring into the sky. A giant skull soon came into view between the massive hills and terrain it was strangely beautiful but was overshadowed by the realization Masha just had, "The land is a giants corps!" Which earned a chuckle from Eda as she said through laughs, "well why do you think we say titan." leaving Masha vary confused on how to feel about the view.

Luz was reading through the good witch Azera on the coach she passed out on yesterday, already nearing the end of the book. Vee was sitting next to her playing a calming tune and going through Penstegram every now and again using a type of enchanted bracelet to summon the scroll which Luz and Vee got as a gift for there thirteenth birthday under the condition that they didn't let their identity show through the account. They however were pulled out of their activities when the door to the room opened as their mother walked in wearing a beautiful teel robe. "Hello girls just checking in on how you're doing oh I also heard you managed to beet Vee's true form Luz, I'm so proud of you, both of you," Camila said trying to hide the tiredness in her voice and failing miserably in doing so with Luz setting down her book and Vee fallowing suit to pull their mom into a comforting hug. Vee was the first to say anything her voice lightly teasing, "need a distraction from work?" Camila releases a sigh before saying, "yes sorry mijas there's just so much to go through."

"It's fine Mom were happy to be an excuse to escape paperwork," Luz said laughing slightly before pulling away out of the hug with Vee doing the same. Their mom smiled back at them before asking, "Well you know how my days going, what have you two been up to?" Luz smiled knowing her mom wanted to think of anything other than work before saying, "Well me and Vee spared, I claimed victory and now I'm reading Azera five." With Vee fallowing with, "Yes we spared, and I however did lose but my next victory will be that much sweeter, and I practiced my lute." Luz quickly shot back smugly, "No victory will ever be as sweet as mine yesterday, after how many times I lost to you rolling over." Camila giggled slightly at the girls' light bickering before jumping in having gotten their attention, "I'm glad you two had an eventful day. Wait Luz don't you only have book four?"

"Well, I just got it but everything that just happened," Luz said trying not to panic as her mom seemed to study her soul before releasing a soft sigh and saying, "sorry about not being able to pay much attention to you girls, once this mess is over with, we'll have a day of fun. Now speaking of that mess, I should get back to that mess." Vee said as their mom moved slightly to the door, "Ok Mom see you later if the paperwork is merciful." "Good luck mom," Luz said smiling before her mom responded before leaving the room, "Thank you love you both." Camila released a sigh composing herself after closing the door, before heading on her way to her and her husband's shared office. 'Those girls really do grow up so fast,' she thought to herself before pushing open the office doors having taken eight minutes to get there, to see Arawn and Manny taking before noticing her with two court hands off to the side bowing slightly. "How were the girls Diosa?" Manny asked giving her a smile before glancing down at paperwork and signing it probably having procrastinated with Arawn there. "Oh, there just getting too big, other than that there fine. You however are on thin ice; you know I love seeing Luz's face whenever you give her a new good witch Azera book," Camila started off sweet before getting very threatening.

Everyone tensed in the room before Manny set down his pen and looked up looking very confused behind his half-masked face before answering, "I didn't get her a new book I've been looking but found nothing." Camila now found herself confused crossing her arms tilting her head slightly as she asked probing if he really didn't or just feared her wrath, "Really, you didn't give her the fifth book?" Manny shook his head looking sincere as he said, "I think I would remember Luz making the eyes full of wonder face, unless... What did my daughter do yesterday?" He looked pail as he turned to the court hands Camila knowing all too well what he was implying, because if they hadn't given her the book, she had got it herself because everyone in their right mind in this castle new just how much they loved handing her the new one, went pail along with him. "She was... seen at the spa... as well as princes Vee," one of the court hands replied giving her some relief before Manny's next question, "At the same time?" 'Dam it, shapeshifting daughter right,' Camila's thoughts screamed as the court hand said, "I am unsure your majesty... I will go check." The court hand turned to the door but before taking a step the doors burst open revealing a slightly disheveled Adrain Grey clutching the side of the door as he caught his breath.

Manny got up from his chair preparing for what had to be bad news as all eyes focused on the illusionist now standing slightly fixing his appearance as the doors slowly closed behind him as they were designed. "Sorry your majesty I hate to interrupt but I believe you would think it was treason to postpone telling you what I found while searching the guard's minds," Adrian said voice still sounding like it needed air while walking to the center of the room a few feet away from Camila who was standing now next to the desk. He then started casting an illusion as he continued nervously getting on one knee bowing, "One of the Owl lady's accomplices looked... well you'll see." The illusion was of a girl around fourteen years old wearing a cloak with its hood up displaying Cat ears and a cloth covering her face below her eyes, a padded shirt along with leather armer on her legs, with a sword in hand. However, the girls face was what everyone was focused on, nobody dared breath as Camila walked to the illusion studying her face finding only the eyes of her daughter looking back at her. Camila breathed in before shattering the silence completely, "Those girls are so grounded."

Chapter Text

Luz could not believe her luck having already found another opportunity to sneak out having only been a week since the Conformitory incident. That week was pretty dull even by court life standards with Luz and Vee to their parents protest even helping compare the files from the Conformitorim and court only being held once instead of the usual three times. Her usual sceduawl would have been a pain to sneak out, with her training four times a week, as well as classes five times not even including her duties as a princess. This all led to Luz finding the opportunity to slip out unnoticed with the servants volunteering to help in going through the files, so Luz happy to take the opportunity found herself walking to the beach close to the owl house thanks to directions from an extremely odd door owl. 

"Please have mercy?" Luz heard Masha's voice as Eda King and Masha came into view as Luz exited the forests brush entering the sandy beach. What however caught her attention the most was the giant rotting slug carcass with King saying as he set up a ducky blanket to lounge on giving Luz an idea of what they were doing, and Luz felt like throwing up, "Oh It'll be fine Masha, it's not every day you get to go to the dump and tear apart a garbage carcass."
"Eh, nuts to you both," Eda said before swinging a pick into the corps tearing it open with Luz gaging slightly. This caught the groups attention Eda pausing mid swing her head turning to Luz as Masha turned with King only glancing over his shoulder Eda being the first to speak, "Oh Lucia your here..."
"Uh, yep you weren't home and hooty a... pointed me in the right direction sorry for interrupting your, work."

Oh, pfff, don't worry about it, I just didn't think you could get here so quickly. I thought it would be another month before you got another chance to slip away." Eda said with a chuckle before continuing to hack at the slug Luz walking the rest of the way to the group resisting another gag as the full smell of the slug hit her. Masha then stepping closer to Luz while still facing Eda before saying, "So is that your way of saying, you don't have anything to teach her yet."

"Hay, I have forgotten more about magic then... uh King knows about demons."

"She probably only knew a little bit more than that," King shot back causing Eda to growl slightly before responding, "Hay do you want to sleep in the shed... and for your information I already got a lesson for her." Luz immediately beamed at hearing she already had something to learn before Eda continued, "Lucia get over here." Luz felt her stomach drop before hesitantly walking closer to the pile of garbage next to Eda. "A great Witch is resourceful she uses what's around her," Eda said before plunging luz's hand into a pool of green slime causing Luz to swallow her breakfast a second time as she pulled as Eda pulled her arm out with a slime ball now in her hand, "Like this."

"Oh, a greasy slime ball."

"Use your slime ball wisely, young witch," Eda said as she closed Luz's hand around the ball before turning around and going back to picking apart the slug while saying, "Well I better get back to this sense Masha's no help. Once we get this thing packed up, we'll continuing your lesson." Masha then put a hand on Luz's shoulder saying to Eda, "Well while you do that Me and Lucia can head back to the house till you're done." 

"Yeah good idea, it doesn't look like Lucia can keep her breakfast, don't worry you'll get used to it."

"Oh, um ok," Luz said feeling embarrassed she couldn't stomach the smell before she saw King as Masha turned her, "Aww King you're a little beach peach." Luz immediately went over and scratching his belly causing him to giggle causing Luz to immediately want to scoop him up but restrained herself not wanting to push her boundaries let him be saying as they left, "Love you, King."

As they began making their way back to the owl house with Luz taking down her mask in order to breath happy for the fresh air, Masha coughed getting her attention before she said, "Hay, so I know you don't really know me but, you do know Eda's a con artist right literally a con woman. She coned a man... Demon-, thing? Anyway, she coned something out of their own wallet yesterday, she won't teach you anything valuable without a literal treasure chest." Luz cracked a smile before she burst out laughing knowing her saved allowance could probably cover that three times over since her parent's had given her and her sister twenty snails a weak since they were five and since they didn't have many opportunities to use it other than the occasional outing with Vee while she replied, "Well her wanted posters are thirty percent from scamming people, plus she's not actually charging me anything. Also, I don't want to be rude asking her to stop her work to teach me."

"Wait she's not charging you... OH, wait is that because you parents she mentioned she knew them, Masha said as the pare continued on however Luz quickly registered her words found her head snap in Masha's direction causing her to run into a tree before she could get more than a word out, "She wha- Ow, I'm fine." Masha looked concerned as Luz quickly got back to her feet asking as they continued walking, "You, okay?" 

"Wha, oh yeah I'm fine. Now what did Eda say about my parents?"

"Well, she only mentioned the fact that she met them, and she actually mentioned well hinted really that she was going to get the book she gave you to your father."

"Oh, awww I wonder if she's done anything else like that, before."

"Now I feel bad for being snarky with her. Although If I said sorry, she'd probably just deny it."

"Well, it's good to know this con woman has a hidden sweet side," Luz said with a giggle Masha smiling along with her. They continued on in a pleasant silents Luz humming ever so slightly before Masha broke the silence, "Although secret sweet side aside, she doesn't seem that organized, you might want to have regular classes at school, wait are their schools in the demon realm?"

"Yes, and there amazing they have duels, cute uniforms, magic sports, AND EVEN DARK PLOTS THAT THRETEN YOUR LIFE! I always wanted to go, but... My parents wanted me to be safe, so I got stuck with tutors."

"Wait, if you have your own privet tutors, why do you need Eda to teach you."

"Uh... I'm a magicless witch I can barely draw a small piece of a spell circle. My parents have looked into the other ways of doing magic but... Well, anything that doesn't involve a staff or wands help, kind of involves me getting an irreversible curse... although the last emperor had discovered spells you could write on paper, but he destroyed the evidence when he fled, so that options not exactly an option." Luz said trying to remember her cover story as she bent the truth slightly trying to pass of her nerves smile as her regular one.

"So, you think the somewhat unhinged tactics of Eda can help you discover a way to cast magic..." Luz shrugged with Masha shrugging back in acceptance of her answer before continuing, "Well, whatever method you find feel free to tell me because unlike you I can't weald a sword... Wait... are you a lord's daughter?!"

"What! uhh, what makes you think that?" *Que the nerves laughter*

Masha raised an eyebrow before saying, "Well you had your own privet tutors, you use a knight's sword and ring from what King tells me. Am I wrong?"

"I'm um... kind of... just... lower nobility," Luz said glancing any ware around the forest to keep herself from making eye contact with Masha as she lied through her teeth. Masha however not picking up on her nervousness said, "There's more nobility, King only mentioned the lords, well Eda did to. Anyway, what does the nobility do?"

"They... handle the paperwork mostly, you know permits, taxes, some are head healers at our bigger hospitals, the knights and then there's the informational network lord Gray oversees. There're the viscounts, the marquess, the barons, and then there's the..." 

"I'm sorry, informational network? As in government agent spies, wouldn't that be the knight's job?" Masha asked interjecting.

"Oh, um, each lord has their knights, but they do have other things to oversee. Like the lord of healing magic, he oversees the hospitals staff and general maintenance with the lord of potion magic helping establish a supply chain of healing potions. Although since Lord Gray's knights are proficient in illusions, they tend to have little discrepancy between them and his network, he also dabbles in making moves in his free time."

"That's... concerning, the lords really have that much say in things? Can they get away with murder too? There basically just raising their own army's."

"Oh... well they used to with Belos but they were coven heads at that time, and some of them where already replaced from then. Plus, they can't even touch the laws all that's handled by my- the emperor. Also, it's not like they run every shop they mostly help with supply chains or well... I guess the construction lord dose have a monopoly on his product but it's kind of in the name."

"So, what you're saying is I shouldn't be concerned about the lords being power hungry which would at least have put them at a stalemate, but instead I have to worry about the emperor who holds complete control of the laws, and happens to be a human, who I'm told has enough magic to level forests."  

"I... can see how that sounds... concerning but... Emperor Noceda actually cares for the isles unlike Belos... he had used the titans name to trick people into walking to their planed genocide, emperor Noceda gave them back their worship of the titan to the people... although they do see him as the titans chosen saint, but he practically refuses to involve himself in anything to do with their practices not wanting to be seen as the titan's voice." Their conversation however came to an abrupt end soon after Luz's response stopping an unconvinced Masha from replying hearing a voice through a patch of bushes.

"You can do it! You can!" The girls hearing the voice approached the bush crouching down to see a girl pacing back and forth next to a wheelbarrow caldron, luz let out a small gasp and said, "Little witch girl." She wore what Luz recognized as primarily abomination track uniform with green cuffs signifying at least one class in plant magic.

"You can do it. Even if you get a bad grade, it's not a reflection of you as a witch. And my parents are right. There are better opportunities with this class." The girl had stopped pacing at this point before continuing taking a step forward onto a flower, "Now to get to school... Oh, no! Little friend, I'm so sorry." The girl got to her knees beginning to heal the flower before a noise catches their attention with the witch girls ears twitching slightly as another wheelbarrow came along seemingly pushing itself with a green haired witch on top reading a book.

The green haired witch looked away from her book as the wheelbarrow came to a stop in front of the girl, the newer witch at seeing the girl still kneeling near the flower started to talk her voice slightly snarky as she hoped of the cart, "Willow! Wow. You're so unnoticeable I almost rolled into ya." The flower wilted slightly before who Luz now Knew was Willow stood back up replying to the apparent mean girl, "Hay Amity."

"Uh, shouldn't you get to class early to prep your..." Amity said sounding cocky before Willows cart toppled over spilling over a purple sludge along with a large eyeball that blinked as it slid on the ground.

"Oh, Willow. You don't have anything to show, do you?" Luz at hearing this gasped quietly saying, "Witch drama!" as the pare continued to watch as Willow pulled up her hood as if to hide in it. "This is why people call you half a witch willow," Amity continued before her caldron lid started to rattle pulling the four girls' attention.

"Oh Looks like someone wants to say something to you, abomination rise," Amity said removing the lid and snaping her fingers with the sludge inside rising up taking the form of a bulky human.

"You're a... staarrr," the goo said its voice far from that of a healthy human as it raised a finger drawing a star onto Willow's forehead. "Aw it's like mine," Amity said readjusting the star on her uniform before continuing, "But much smaller and meaningless. As top student, it's my duty to tell you to keep at it." Amity putting an arm around willow continued, "Even you could get a passing grade someday. Abomination, cower." The abomination then quickly slipped back into the cauldron with Amity slipping the lid back on. "See you in class, superstar," Amity said before rolling the wheelbarrow off with Luz sticking her tough out at the jerk.

"'Oh, see you in class super star,' I hate when she does that." Willow said sarcastically while wiping the star off her face after lowering her hood. The witch stats ranting with Luz taking notice of the leaves seemingly shifting around her without a breeze promptly backs a little bit away, "I hate making abominations. I hate getting bad grades. Ugh! I can't stand this anymore." 

Willows eyes started to glow green the flower from before erupts in thorns angerly thrashing around, Luz at seeing her glowing eyes went to pull Masha hopefully out of range having seen those eyes only in a few people, the lords during their rare training sessions at the castles and her father the one time when she was six they went to bones burrow for a festival and a squad of the broken coven had made an assassination attempt. To say it was a miracle the covenist's where still breathing after being sent though three blocks worth of walls would have been an understatement. That had also been the day they found out Vee could survive eating his magic allowing them to stop using so much galderstones. 

Now however in the present Luz found she had failed in pulling Masha out of the way with a root grabbing hold of her foot. 'Yep, this witch is powerful alright,' Luz found herself thinking as she was pulled through the bush after Masha. The flailing roots tossed them up in the air causing Masha to fall back to the ground chest first while Luz managed to role as she hit the ground ending in a badass landing pose, she may have rehearsed over a dozen times while training with Vee. The enraged witch then turned to the pare her eyes still glowing letting a bad feeling settle in Luz's stomach as Masha started getting up with a groan.

(Eda and Kings story will remain as cannon with the exception that Eda suspects Luz is just there for the experience knowing she defiantly doesn't lack classes at home, but she will still go to the shack to humor King. It would also be more of a future tense when they bicker about teaching Luz.)

Camila had picked a dark blue bouffant style dress that left the upper part of her back exposed aka one of Manny's favorite dresses she wares. She had chosen this dress knowing they were still going through paperwork from Wraths insanity, and not wanting to get to bored she and Manny decided to use the rare time they were alone in the day to distract each other with complements, Manny choosing a red robe that was trimmed with silver on its edges with a white fur pelt hung over his shoulders attached by a silver chain around his neck which Camila found to pull in the regale look all together while also finding it rather dashing. Their day of paperwork and getting the other to blush with complements however was put on hold when the news that Luz had taken the bait and slipped out thinking she'd be unnoticed.

Camila found herself pacing their office for the fifth time since she first heard Luz left the castle now waiting for the illusion knights, Gray had put in charge of tailing her to report back. Manny however seemed to be fine for the most part, only seeming to go slower on reading through the papers on the desk. "She's going to be fine honey. She knows how to hold her own; we've made sure of that." His quill pen froze mid-way through signing his name probably realizing that in his attempt to calm her he had said the one thing he shouldn't have.

"Fine? In our first day we almost died twenty-seven times; her training has only ever been for defending herself when the shattered coven shows up, not running into the most dangerous demons and monsters in the isles, like the warden on her first day, he nearly killed her you saw that yourself when Gray showed us his memories!" Camilia said turning to her husband, leaning against the desk as she scolded him. However, her husband wincing at getting her worked up didn't have time to reply with a knock coming from the door. Stepping away from the desk Camila sighing before saying, "You may enter." 

An illusion knight squire opened the door slipping inside followed by a court hand looking shaky. They kneeled before them before the squire spoke up, "Your majesties, we tracked princes Luz to the upper shoulder before... she managed to lose us. My superiors are still combing the rest of the arm with a portion of the team heading to the owl lady's residents to watch for her there." Camila closed her eyes as she pinched the bridge of her nose before letting out a breath saying, "Remind me, why did we have lord Eber wolf teach her tracking skills or better yet how to avoid being tracked?"

"So, if she got separated from us during a ceremony, parade or a patrol with the royal guards she could hide her trail from the shattered coven," Manny replied as he got up coming around the desk placing a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder before she gave an order to the squire, "Squire, may you retrieve my daughter Vee from the training ground and have her come here before you take your leave of duty for the day." The squire bowed slightly nodding before taking his leave, leaving behind the court hand who glanced up nervously. Manny at seeing this asked, "Yes what is it?"

"The report on the human girl now known as Masha has come back, it appears she's working for the owl lady. She has been seen doing odd jobs for her around the town of bones burrow we are also suspecting the owl lady is responsible for the disappearance of one of her rival potion sellers, weather the human Masha was involved with it we can't say. We also have failed in slowing down the rumors of her presence on the isles," the hand stated only growing more worried seeing Manny grimace at hearing the rest of the isles was aware of the girl, proving only a matter of time before Belos found out.

"Okay thank you please have the knights full report brought to my desk later. Although I suspect Vee might know a little bit more than us. You may go," Manny said a confused look coming over the hands face before he composed himself as he bowed and left. A moment of silence passed before the couple started talking again with Manny breaking the silence, "It's not her first time in the isles, she's grown up here and it's not as if she's unarmed we found her stash and going through it we found a knights ring capable of warning magic, it looks like she would be ready to call us for help if she needed it."

"Manny! Even if that's the case the boiling isles are dangerous period. Heck just looking at the schools alone, the fact grom is still their priority and not the knights... I know we put in reforms to have knights on standby incase a child loses the fight, but the fact there is a child has to fight that creature in the first place! The Isles is not a safe space for a teenage girl. How can you not be worried?"

"Your wrong I am far too worried, I feel my insides turn any time I think about the fact one of my girls is out in the isles alone, I would have preferred her to have at the barest of minimums five under cover knights with her... but Luz as stubborn as she is obviously doesn't, and you know as well as I that the kids on the isles are ten times as tough and cunning as the human realms because of that danger, it's the only reason I felt I had no right to put in reforms, and Luz is as strong and as dedicated as any squire or knight," Manny had said with a sigh before pulling his wife close as he cupped her cheek with Camila seeming to relax slightly.

"But why is she leaving the castle we... are we to distant, does she think she shouldn't bother us with what's on her mind," Camila said pulling away again as she crossed her arm in a concerned way over her belly.

"I... Hope not... I don't think we're that big of failures as parents," Manny said causing the two to fall into silence again Camila hanging her head slightly as their eyes filled with a little bit of defeat. This time however before either of them could break the silence another knock came from the door followed by a young basilisk peeking through the door as she slowly opened it asking, "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Vee come in," Manny said finding himself putting up a calm yet serious expression as his wife gave a small smile to her daughter as she slithered into the room coming to rest in front of them her tail twitching nervously. Camila was the one to speak first saying softly, "Sweaty, we know you helped Luz leave the castle last week." The Basilisk immediately shrank in her posture as her tail curled around herself as guilt filled her face as she began stammering out an explanation, "Mom... I-."

"We know, you're not going to be in trouble for helping your sister... but can you... at least tell us why she's leaving to meet up with the owl lady," Manny said trying to reassure his daughter.

"She... kind of thought... the Owl lady might be able help her find her own way to do magic."

Camila seemed to do a double take before saying sounding concerned, "She what. why she already knows fighting styles to counter most magical attack habits on top of that it can be dangerous for a human to get it... you two have seen how Manny can barely stand after he... overuses his magic and that's even after your help. We could have let her make her staff or gotten her a better wand then the usual. She shouldn't try it herself, Belos- that monster became as twisted on the outside as he was on the inside because of it." 

"Wasn't his... appearance because of a curse?" Vee asked seeming to deflate slightly.

"He had... glyphs over his body, whether it was holding back something worse or turning a deadly curse into the abominable form we saw him take... or to use some of his attacks we saw, I wish I could say, but Luz should be careful even around glyphs on paper," Manny said interjecting putting a hand on his daughter's shoulder causing Vee to look up meeting his concerned filled eyes. Camilla however made her way to the large window behind Manny's desk that overlooked the valley the castle now sat in, and with her back to the two she released a sigh before saying, "At least Eda won't let her do anything that dangerous if Luz figured out glyph magic." 

Manny stiffened pulling away from his daughter to look towards his wife as he replied taking a few steps toward her, "I feel that is probably the part about her sneaking off that I find the most concerning. If she had gone to make friends who were oblivious about her statis I could understand, but the owl lady is..."

"It wasn't Eda's fault, and you'd feel better knowing your daughter is out in the world without at least someone to watch her back who isn't a child?" Camila replied pointedly already walking back around the desk to meet her husband

"The owl beast is dangerous you know what happens when-."

"And I already forgave her! You need to except that. She shouldn't have to live with that same bounty from Belos for an accident," Camila yelled as she stopped barely a foot from her husband glaring daggers as she met his gaze. Manny stood there stunned for a moment before hanging his head slightly unable to take her gaze before responding, "We... Are not having this discussion now, not in front of Vee... Vee, can you please tell us what Luz has been up to with the owl lady and... has she mentioned the other human girl or maybe a friend named Masha?"

Vee looked startled at seeing her parents almost argue before speaking her voice quiet, "Well she told me they were after kings' toy, so Lilith was right, and a... and apparently the human... yeah I think her name was Masha actually agreed to help the Owl lady if she got to stay in the demon realm... with her."

"Why did she want to stay in the demon realm," Camila asked her previous anger having dissipated replaced with confusion and concern. Vee however only seemed to manage a small shrug as she said in replied, "Luz didn't know... please don't tell Luz I told you... she... I think she wanted to do this on her own."

"Of course, sweaty. We found out from Gray and it's not like it's a secret that Luz loves magic so I think we could omit any little details you give us, and I don't think either of us have it in us to ground her for this. Although were definitely discussing as a family the fact your sister is sneaking out of the castle in the first place because I think... *sigh* there's more to that decision than just going to learn magic." 

Manny seeing his wife clearly trying to mask the worry in her eyes with a small smile towards their daughter, Vee only nodding a solemn expression masking her own worry on her snake like face. Manny quickly began searching for a way to cheer the two up when he settled on the perfect one a smile greeting his face despite the tense atmosphere of the room, "Diosa, how about you join Vee for her sparing today I can continue with the paperwork for today." 

"Are you sure Manny, there's still a lot to go through?" 

"It's not as if it'll be done today but I can at least lighten the load for tomorrow," Manny said earning a hesitant look from his wife before she said, "If you're sure, you up for it Vee?"

"Sure, if you're not to rusty," Vee said cracking a teasing smile her solemn expression dissipating. Earning a mock look of indignation from Camila as she replied, "We'll see who's rusty young lady. Thank you, Manny, I'll try to be back before three to help you wrap up." The two then made their way to the door with Camila putting an arm around Vee's shoulder pulling her close as Manny wished the girl's luck. His eyes focusing on the upper part of Camila's back uncovered from her dress, catching sight of the top of the three jagged scares that covered Camila's back forcing the memory of her receiving them to the top of his mind as the two out of three most important girls in his life closed the door behind them leaving Manny with his thoughts and regrets, 'I excepted that Diosa, but to forgive her myself is something else entirely, at least until she excepts our help.'

Thorned roots continued to grow and flail about the vines growing over their legs Luz trying to kick them away as they managed to grab a full hold of Masha's legs keeping her on her hands and knees. The witch responsible for the vines turned to them as they struggled her eyes still glowing green. "Oh, no, no, no, no! I'm so sorry!" Willow said coming over to the pare her eyes fading from glowing green as she helped remove the roots from their legs. Luz and Masha checked their legs over before Luz standing up said a light laugh in her voice, "It's okay. The thorns only went through a few layers of skin."

Willow however seemed to be focused on Masha getting a little close in her personal space apparently noticing her ears. "So circly," the witch said getting Masha to realize she noticed her ears.

"Uh Yeah... my ears tend to be."

"Your human- a new human- on the boiling Isles. This- this is astounding," Willow said helping Masha up before circling her excitedly as she continued excitedly, "How did you get here?! What are you doing here? *gasp* Are you here to help stop Belos?!" Masha or Luz however couldn't get a word in before a bell rang stopping Willow in her tracs her exited nature instantly deflating. "Oh crap, I'm sorry. I can't stay. I have to go disappoint my teacher. It was nice to meet you, two," Willow said glancing back to Luz and Masha before starting to gather up her toppled over cart and its contents.

Luz immediately feeling bad for the girl and seeing her skills with a plant magic rushed after her, "Wait! I'm uh... Lucia and that's Masha, your names Willow, right? Anyway, what you did with that flower was amazing you didn't even use a spell circle. You're really good with plant magic, amazingly so." 

"Thanks, but... I am an abomination major my plant magic is just a hobby. My parents thought there would be more jobs waiting for me if I focused on abominations in school," Willow replied.

"What?!? with your skills It wouldn't matter, and are you talking about Hexside, as in one of the leading magic schools, with duels almost every weak and dark plots that threaten your life, and that's not even mentioning grom!" Luz said almost forgetting to breath in her excitement grabbing willow by the shoulders as the witch nodded plainly.  Luz then letting her go before continuing, "EEEEEE, I always wanted to make friends there... but my parents said it was a bit um... rowdy. Ugh I'm so jellies."

"Are you sure you only want to go for the social groups and not the learning I feel like you'd be better off learning there then from Eda. Actually, since I'm not her student I wonder if she'd let me enroll," Masha said coming up to the pair and leaning against the caldron.  

"You should I hear it's so much fun. Also, Eda will be an amazing teacher and I already have regular classes I need outside of the box thinking... so what if Eda's a little unorganized. I'm happy to wait," Luz responded crossing her arms as she smiled.

Willow then added with a sigh kicking the remaining abomination goo on the ground, "I'd be happy to have a passing grade for once. Then people would stop calling me Half-a-Witch-Willow."

Luz looking down at the goo felt something click in her mind quickly smiling exclaiming, "Hey, wait. I know how we can both get what we want." Luz then pulled some of the goo of the ground splashing it onto herself as she continued, "Make me your abomination. I'll get you a good grade, and you can get me into magic school. It's fiendishly clever."

"What?" Willow said followed by Masha, "I'm sorry what?"

"Abominations are just chunks of stuff that sounds weird. I'm chunks of stuff, and I talk weird!" Luz said getting exited.

Masha looking unconvinced saying, "Um are you sure that would work? That thing was pretty big and oozing."

"I'll be fine, they come in all shapes and sizes my uncle dairrrr... my uncle shown me thin ones once and they were about my size," Luz said nearly saying Darius's name out loud before catching herself. 

Willow giggled before saying, "Luz does have a point, and it's a deal. Luz." Willow extends a hand Luz quickly taking it shaking saying, "This is a great plan." They then trying to pull their hands apart finding them stuck together from abomination goo Willow saying, "Oh no abomination goo." Luz using her foot to get unstuck from the witch falling on her back landing in more goo roughly before saying, "Great plan." Masha however seeing this stifled a laugh before asking, "Is there a way I can look around the school without getting covered in slime?"

"Well usually you'd need to get your parents to set up a tour... but I don't think there's a school out there that wouldn't let a human enroll no questions asked. Principle Bump is probably going to flip when he sees you," Willow said with a shrug while smiling.  Luz smiled remembering the few times she met principal Bump at balls and festivals, thanks to him being one of the more influential nobles in charge of education, he had even helped pick out her tutors, he had seemed to be a kind man who genuinely cared for kids' education.  Luz knowing however that he could possibly recognize her quickly raised her mask before covering her outfit in the abomination goo saying optimistically to willow as she tossed her sheathed sword in the pot before jumping into the caldron herself, "Well there's no time to waist, time to make this witch an abomination."

Bump was busy going through paperwork when there was a knock at the office door. Looking up he from the paperwork he said, "Yes, come in." The door slowly opened revealing his assistant looking stunned before saying, "Sir there's a girl here who wishes to tour the school with another student, as a sit in." 

"Does she have the paperwork signed by her parent's?" Bump asked feeling confused at having this brought up so suddenly especially with the bind on paperwork in the empire with many of the substitute teachers having been sent to help. The assistant's clearly nervousness not helping his confusion as she replied stepping away from the door, "Well this is a... unique situation." An abomination track student then followed in after her along with a girl not wearing the school uniform. Realizing this was the girl in question he looked her over, she wore a black knee length skirt with pants and a very simple tunic (human shirt) before reading her face finding her looking nervous as most students tend to be at being somewhere knew.

He however found himself doing a double take, his quill pen falling from his hand onto the desk.  Her ears were round to Bump’s disbelief, the girl before him was undoubtably human.  Quickly recovering from the shock, he practically shot up from his desk coming around it exclaiming as he walked, “you must be who Mis Claires is referring to. I am principal Bump head overseer of Hexside school of magic and demonics. It is a pleaser to meet you.” 

Masha hesitantly took the extended hand aware of his long clawlike nails as he brought his hands together shaking hers with both of his before letting go. Masha had thought the principle odd, his demon hat that seemed to replace his eyes only adding to this impression. The principle wore a simple black robe with what seemed to be mini blue banners the royal crest of a titan's hand with a tree growing from the palm etched into the fabric at the ends as it was draped over the older man's shoulders finding it fitting attire for what she pictured a noble to look like having been surprised by that little fact thanks to Willow as she had entered the school which did nothing good for her nerves. Masha quickly remembered to reply pulling herself from her thoughts, "It's nice to meet you, I'm Masha. Sorry if... your busy I didn't mean to be an inconvenience."

"Your no inconvenience at all Masha. In fact, I insist I show you around the school myself," Bump reassured the girl, only for him to notice her sparing a nervous glance to the abomination major student who he believed to be one of the underperformers in the class named Willow Park.  Making a guess Bump also added, "Oh of course you also want to sit in on classes I can bring you back to Mis. Park at lunch for your sit in with the rest of her classes."

Masha felt herself relax slightly having been nervus about the fact a principle was actually going to personally show her around. 'I get that being a human hear is a big deal, but they could treat me normally,' Masha thought to herself before Bump continued, "Now how about we get started." Bump then made his way to the door standing next to it before gesturing out for Masha to go first.  Masha walked through the doorway the principle turning to follow close behind her already talking about the benefits of the school unaware that the abomination cart outside the office next to the wall had two golden brown eyes peering out between the lid and pot.

Luz stifled a giggle as she watched from within the cauldron as Willow came out with the assistant with Willow saying awkwardly, "well I um better get to class, my abomination won't present itself." The Mis. Claires simply smiled warmly nodding her head before heading to her own office next to Bump's, Luz after seeing her leave propped up the lid more the weight only slightly heavy against her skull as she said through a goo covered mask smiling, "You know I could technically present myself." Willow rolled her eyes slightly while smiling before replaying, "yeah but the teachers don't." 

Luz rolled her own eyes playfully before lowering back into the caldron content to slosh around with the goo as the cart was moved stifling a lot of snickering in the process.  She next peeked out as the cart came to a stop finding Willow at her demon locker, Luz having always wanted to have a school locker watched as Willow seemed to tickle it to retrieve her books.  Another short student wearing illusionist sleeves and pants bumped into Willow while reading a magazine catching the witches attention turning to the boy, "Hmmm?"

"Willow, you wouldn't believe humans," The shorter boy said earning a nervous laugh from Willow.

"Um you might be surprised," Willow said apparently referencing Masha.

The illusion student didn't seem to realize her hidden meaning instead continuing holding up his magazine, "Did you know that humans nail barbed wire to their kids' teeth? But why? Maybe to make them magnetic."

Luz realizing he was talking about braces said having heard from her mom about the dental torture devise couldn't help but say thankful magic translated well for dental hygiene, "Actually it's for storying treats... Or so, I heard."

The boy looked confused at the caldron before Willow sighed saying, "Okay, Augustus. I'm gonna tell you something. But you have to be cool."

"I can be spool. I mean cool," Augustus stammered.

"Ok, abomination rise."

Luz taking the cue jumped out of the pot saying, "Ta-da! I'm an abomination."

"Lucia abominations don't act like that."

"I know, just giving my own little flare," Luz replied, Augusts however look between the two saying, "Willow are... are you cheating?"

"I... just want to get one passing grade, and Lucia's parents won't let her come to school. Please Augustus," Willow pleaded.

Luz really wanting not to get caught she tried making a good impression, "Please, I just want to check it out the school. I'm Lucia It's nice to meet you."

Agustus didn't seem convinced, Willow seeing his hesitant expression said trying to relive the tension, "This is Agustus, He's the illusion honor student and he's also the President of the human appreciation society." Luz felt herself perk up at this remembering her mom talking about friends she had made in the human realm and thinking of a few nicknames said, "Oh I actually know a human and a nickname they use for an Agustus, Mind if I call you Gus." 

The boy at hearing this said dropping his magazine nearly hyperventilating as he continued to talk, "Gus? Nickname? Human nickname? Gus? Call me it. Wow. Gus! This is the best day of my life! No wait that's not important, you're kidding are the rumors actually true and there's another new human on the isles?!?!"  Luz felt surprised realizing Masha was already a topic on the isles even if it was kinda expected in hindsight.  Luz however was happier that he had brought her up because it gave her an idea for the best explanation possible for her otherwise terrible record of believable excuses.

"Well... I am going to be the Owl Ladys apprentice and Masha- the human is staying with her," Gus seemed to practically bounce in place after Luz told him what might have been the boys equivalent of Christmas before Willow added, "Bumps actually giving her a tour, she should be back with us at lunch." 

"awesome! the rest of the club will freak I-," Gus said before a bell seemed to scream interrupting the excited witch before he continued, "Oh yeah I have to get to spelling class, I'll see you guys at lunch." The boy then pulling out a wand and realizing he had dropped the magazine picked it of before running off.  "He was spool," Luz said as she smiled at Willow.

"Yep, Gus is a good friend," Willow replied smiling back before turning to Luz saying, "Alright into the darkness you go." Luz gave a playful hiss as she lowered back into the pot as willow closed the lid on her.  Luz felt Willow roll her around from outside before finally coming to a stop in what was probably a classroom Luz listening to the students talking apparently waiting for the teacher Luz hearing some students whisper the words half a witch as Luz peaked out of the caldron. Before however she could offer Willow positive encouragement, she heard two witches get into an argument a table over.

"What are you talking about princess Luz is an absolute dream, sure Vee's absolutely the hottest but I hear princess Luz has the fangs between the two," A girl with three small horns in her blond hair said to the girl with black hair and four eyes literally. 

The other witch replied rolling her eyes, "Not that princess Luz is weak... but there's no way she took down Vee, Vee probably just wanted to make her sister look good."

"What are you saying, my uncle said she took her sister down last week he said it was close, if she wanted to make her look good, they'd want it to be a little bit better of a victory then barley winning, and she goes on coven hunting patrols," the horned witch replied Luz noting the noble family emblem replacing the button of her school cowl. 

"Yeah, surrounded by eighteen of the most well-trained knights on the isles, look she's probably a good swordmen not having magic to work on and everything but there's no way she's actually good enough to beat Vee."

"She was raised with her she'd know how t-" The blonds retort getting cut of the teacher's voice pulling the students attention to the front of the class leaving Luz with the complex emotions as he began going over their exams. Luz felt both flustered from the one girl calling her a dream while also feeling depressed at her friend's apparent critiques on her strengths, soon feeling a little bit angry realizing they had just called her little sister hot, and they both seemed to agree on it! Before she however let herself fall into an emotional spiral, she pulled herself back to the moment not wanting to disappoint her new friend and also partially wanting to distract herself focusing on the teacher's instructions.

She felt the second witch's words nagging at her mind as she watched the first few students present. They well, they didn't do great with the teacher's assessment of the latest student a girl with ram horns presenting, "Hmm. Too many toenails in unexpected places. Fail. Pathetic!" The student currently at the front of the class seems to deflate along with her abomination. The student wheeling it off the platform while the professor continued, "The biggest abominations are all of you! If the next abomination is a failure, everyone gets extra homework for a month!" The class let out a groan with the students muttering there worries, "Not again..."

"And the next one to come up is..." the professor said clearing his throat when Amity interrupted him raising her hand.

"Excuse me, professor Hermonculus, but I am ready to present my abomination. Rise!" Amity's command forced the goo out of her caldron before posing.

Professor Hermonculus let out a chuckle before saying, "I've always saved the best for last, Amity. You'll have to wait your turn. How about... Willow." 

As the students groaned Luz heard having ducked down inside the pot again a few negative comments, "Not Half-a-Witch," "Great. Homework for a month."

"Don't listen to them, Willow. We can do this," Luz reassured Willow who was hiding in her hood while Luz masked her own emotions as she peeked over the top of the pot. Willow returns her smile rolling the cart up to the front of the class nervously. Setting the cart down Willow says, "Um... Abomination, rise." Luz immediately punches the lid off the pot before jumping out posing Infront of the cart the class gasping in surprise before Willow continued, "abomination, bow."

Luz did as instruct making a blah sound, the professor seemingly impressed said, "Very impressive. But does it speak?" Luz only panicked for a moment before coming up with something she could picture an abomination saying, "Uh, I may be your abomination, but you're my a-mom-ination." Luz had leaned into Willow slightly holding hands the rest of the glass going aww the professor laughing as he exclaimed, ""A-mom-ination!" Splendid wordplay. A plus!" The students all cheered although Amity seemed to grumble before the teacher told them to settle down before wrapping up the last of the presentation's amity getting an A the bell soon screaming and coughing as the class ended.  Willow had pushed the cart outside the classroom before the professor caught her before she left, Luz panicking realizing they could have been caught before relaxing realizing it was praise, "Wonderful work today, Willow. Looks like we have a new top student."

Amity who had been leaving the classroom froze dropping her books in what was probably shocked at hearing Hermonculus words. Hermonculus then grabbed the badge from Amity fester then she could react growling as she reached after the badge exclaiming, "But..." The professor pinned the meddle onto willows cowl Willow saying shocked, "Um- thank you professor Hermonculus." The abomination that held him carried him away soon after but barley a moment passed when Willow turning to leave finds Amity already standing behind her before she said clearly peeved, "Hey."

Willow stepped back in surprise as she gasped before Amity said, "Last time I saw you, your abomination was mush. What did you do?"

"I, uh, took your pep talk to heart, Amity." Willow nervously replied.

"I bet you did. I've got my eyes on you, Half-a-Witch. That badge is mine." Amity said as she started walking backwards, not breaking eye contact with Willow even after bumping into another student only losing sight of her when she turned the corner. Willow after seeing she was out of sight said sounding worried, "Oh no I was only supposed to get a passing grade, Amity is going to be onto us now." Luz peeking out of the pot lid offered some comfort, "We'll make it to the end of the day before she can figure it out, trust me." Willow still looked skeptical but gave a soft smile as she picked up the cart anyway heading for her next class Luz wondering how Masha was doing.

Masha found the place to be amazing with Principal Bump even mentioning how the school had been built upon a rival school they had concurred. The history alone was cool enough for Masha to attend even if the lockers seemed to want to eat you half the time. What however bothered Masha the most was all the attention; she wasn't usually afraid to stand out but here it was more as if fireworks hovered over her head. Every student and faculty for that matter did a double take upon seeing her, often running into a wall or tripping because of it one student even walked into the mouth of a vacant locker. The principle seeing the uneasiness this gave her seemed to attempt to reassure her saying, "hm, I see, forgive me you aren't probably used to the Isles quite yet. I know probably a little bit more about humans than then the average witch but that's still very little, but I do know that like most kids you probably aren't used to all the attention having lived among other humans before coming here. The other students shock should lower eventually if you do decide to attend school here their awe however I'd encourage to keep up, school can be treacheries. I can imagine that entering a world where you are already a celebrity for just being human is rather jarring, so the most I can say is relax and take it in strides."

Masha found comfort in his words responding surprised at how understanding the older witch was, "Yeah it has been a little strange. Everyone thinks I'm either intimidating or asked if I'm here to help the royal family. Eda's actually been the only one to treat me normally since I got here, well her and Lucia- her apprentice." Bump seemed to stop mid step before continuing on with him saying, "I see, I had heard a human was staying with the owl lady I should've guessed." 

Masha felt herself tense up seeing the clear indifference in regards to Eda before saying as she silently regrated mentioning Lucia, "Um, yeah I am- staying with her... I just help with odd jobs here and there; I know she's not exactly popular so I can understand if that's a problem regarding my enrolment." 

Bump however to her surprise chuckled slightly before saying slightly sarcastically, "Well her popularity is one thing, her warrants however don't ban her from any facility leaving the knights and guards to deal with her, so I have no right to bar her in this instance. In other words, your housing with her shouldn't be too much of an issue." 

"Really, isn't her bounty like a trillion snails or something, how is she not bared from legally doing anything let alone walking into town," Masha asked surprised Eda wasn't banned from every store and town in the isles while also feeling there was a 'but' supposed to be in his statement.

Principle Bump seemed to grow solum for a moment before answering, "Her crimes... were well unfortunate in nature. The Empress felt it shouldn't bar her from regular life, other than their attempts to capture her she can go about her life as normal. Although if you wish to enroll, I would like to have a talk with her since she is technically housing you that makes her your Defacto guardian in the isles, even with you being a human I suspect I should add a few requirements for her as she had caused quite a few disruptions in her attendance hear. Now however we shouldn't dwell on that, we can deal with enrolment when you actually make your decision." Masha felt even more confused on Eda's past coupled with what King had mentioned about seeing the Emperess once, Masha had first dismissed it as King being well, a typical toddler. With however the fact the Empress was the one who gave her the ability to go about her life unhindered led her to believe there was some truth to it. Although she felt some relief knowing that 'but' was about Eda's school record.

"I wish you luck hopefully I can get her to come she doesn't seem like the type to usually jump through hoops, and Eda may be a little bit chaotic but who really likes to be bored. Although I could do without her spreading false rumors on humans," Masha said smiling slightly trying to ignore the older witch's slight grimes as he let out a breath.

"I can imagine that can be difficult... actually how about I introduce you to someone who might know a bit more about humans then the rest of us although he might have a few things off his information is the same as the isles after all but he should be accurate enough," Bump said seeming to want to change the topic himself gesturing to a classroom they had been walking past after Masha nodded. Masha thinking he was probably refiring to a teacher for what was probably something called human study's she smiled wondering what his reaction would be.  Precibal Bump opened the door a class clearly going on inside and asked as the teacher a multi eyed purple skinned witch became quite at the door opening, "Professor Slignailis, can I borrow Agustus for a moment?" Masha felt confused as the teacher responded, "Of course principal Bump, Agustus Your needed elsewhere." Masha waited after the teacher called out through the seated students till one walked into her line of sight as he approached the door before Bump closed the door behind him. Masha looked over the dark-skinned boy about three years younger than her wearing light blue sleaved uniform wondering why he was who Bump asked for.

The boy had looked nervous at being called by the principle but upon seeing her let his mouth drop stammering out flopping his own ears, "It can't be, you're human an actual human, they weren't messing with me."  Bump turned back to Masha introducing the boy, "This is Agustus Porter he is the president of the human appreciation society. He is also a friend of Willow's as I see you haven't met quite yet."

"Where are your gills?" Augustus asked Masha's eye's widening surprise trying not to laugh at the boy's inaccurate information of humans adding onto the many humorous ideas the Isles had on humans Masha was aware of thanks probably to Eda having seen her marketing strategy. So not wanting to embarrass the boy in front of the principle she didn't correct him.  Bump however gave him a look you'd get for asking a possibly insensitive question. "Augustes while I can understand your curiosity you may find time later to ask her questions as long as she agrees," The principle kindly suggested. Augustus shrank in on himself slightly but still stayed ecstatic before saying, "Sorry, I just can't believe I'm talking to an actual human. You can call me Gus that's a human nick name, right? Luci- uh Willow told me about it, but I don't know if they were making it up." 

"Well, I've heard it, not that I met anyone named Augustus. And I'm actual curios to see what information you have about humans, we could trade questions," Masha said smiling realizing he had met Lucia with his slip as to why she knew an apparent human nickname she didn't know. So hoping bump didn't question his slip of the tongue Masha asked "So, how big is the human appreciation society exactly?"

"Well, I heard there used to be a few members before the great shattering, but we got to twelve on average now. We would be more popular if we didn't just cover human artifacts and studied the royal family but then anyone who just wanted to look good for the emperor would join and we'd be overflowing," Gus said still grinning as if he was a boy at Christmas.

"So, basically there are a dozen students dedicated to studying and learning about my species existence," Masha summarized, Gus nodding in agreement before she continued jokingly, "Wow I don't know if I should be concerned or flattered."

Bump seemed to laugh for a moment before clearing his throat saying suddenly serious again, "Well I can assure you the most they can do is pester you and I know Agustus will help keep them in line as the clubs president. Now Augustus I believe I should let you get back to your studies." Gus seemed to look sullen slightly before nodding saying, "Okay principal Bump, nice meeting you Masha, talk to you later." Masha gave him a short wave as he entered the classroom before bump continued, "Now is there anything else you wish to know about before lunch?" 

"Hmmm, actually yes, do you have a library, and do the books bite," Masha asked really hoping the later was a joke. Bump seemed to smile slightly as she asked about the library before he responded, "Of course and you only have to worry about the gnawing section." Masha gave a nervous laugh as he turned to lead her to what was probably a very interesting library.

Luz had managed to get to lunch with not getting caught having had a lot of fun talking to Willow in-between classes and maybe slightly whispering to her during. Willow had set the pot down at the end of the table having went to grab lunch coming back with Gus yammering on having apparently met Masha already. Luz said hello with no one else at the table or watching them before the tables seemed to go dead quiet. Luz looked from inside the caldron finding Masha having entered the cafeteria from the kitchen holding a cafeteria tray Willow and Gus turning to see her. Masha seemed to release a breath before seeing their lone group making her way to them as every eye seemed to be glued to her, Luz sure if the students hadn't been in shock they would be climbing over each other to invite the raven-haired girl to sit with them.

The dead silence however broke as they noticed her heading to their table whispers breaking out, "is that..." "It's a human..." "What is she doing with half a witch..." "Holy titan..." Luz uncomfortably pulled at her goo covered hood making sure to cover her ears not wanting to picture their reactions if they found out she was royalty. Masha sat down with a sigh as the whispers continued before saying, "that was probably the tensest walks of my life. I see the presentation went well." 

Masha had pointed to the top student badge Willow wore causing willow to fidget with it slightly. Masha then glanced around the other tables watching her seemingly oblivious to anyone else at the table, the other witches glanced away as she met their eyes. "Are... are any of them noble children?" Masha asked after a moment turning back to the group. Luz nearly yelped quickly making sure her mask was still up realizing that little detail had slipped her mind.  Gus was the first to answer as Luz slightly panicked, "uh, yeah, there over there we don't have as many as titan's ridge but since we had a few lords graduate from here gets Hexside a good bit of notice from their parents." Gesturing to the one table seemingly in the center of the cafeteria the kids had little difference in clothing with the only difference being there cowls button being in the shape of a shield with their family crests imprinted on them. 

"They usually don't really talk to anyone outside their friend groups unless there really popular or on the grugby team, some do have other friends though, not that you would have a problem with talking to any noble being a human and all," Willow added gesturing to other tables a few noble kids could be seen in the mix.

Masha giving a slight double take at the mention of grugby before shaking her head turned to Luz who was now peaking over the pot as she asked, "Do nobles get their parents titles?" Luz met her gaze realizing Masha had asked her because she thought she was a regular noble. Luz looked out of the pot a little bit more before saying, "Well... they tend to change lords and ranks from their parents and many of them do become squires for the knights, some do take their parents jobs, but they still have to be qualified for it."

Masha blinked before asking the group, "Are they... snobby jerks or just anti-social? No offence Lucia." Willow had added Willow and Gus's eye's nearly leaving her their heads as they turned to her there mouths slightly agape. The two witches exclaimed quietly, "You're a noble?"

Luz felt a nervous smile form under her mask before saying, "Sorry I didn't mention that earlier guys, I never really liked people already having their own view of me before I even get to know them." 

Willow and Gus seemed to smile slightly recovering from the shock before Willow said, "Well we definitely know your fun and kind, after all you got me an A after just meeting me." Luz felt herself beam at the praise as Gus nodded in agreement before Luz turned to Masha who had cringed realizing her slip up exposing Lucia. Luz tried to figure out a way to answer her question, she had met tons of other noble children at calibrations the yearly balls for the defeat of Belos her and Vee's birthdays and titan's solstice. That however offered her little help having always been distant with them because well everyone was too afraid to disagree with her or too shy to even talk. Vee had been better at getting to know them here and there when she would go out in disguise and according to her many of the kids were stressed when it came to keeping up the family name with only a few kids being jerks with their parents either to be too busy with work or were just greedy, although Luz didn't know how they acted outside of formal events. 

"Well, my mom says there's always going to be jerks in a group, but in my experience, they are just under a lot of pressure to look good for their families," Luz offered the human that was still unaware she was talking to another human.  

"So, I'm guessing parties are rather tense," Masha said partially jokingly, Luz only able to smile below her mask knowing how true that was. "Well anyway I'm good on questions for now, let's digg innn... What the he- heck is that?" Masha stuttered out looking down at her food tray as one of the foods moved.  Luz immediately understood the feeling having tried many of the boiling isle's foods each attempt with varying success, most commonly ending with a vary, vary pained bathroom break. However, Luz's parents had gone through an extensive list of what could resemble human food or made into it for themselves and Luz, and Vee despite her being a demon still found human food to be the best. 

Gus saw this took out a sandwich saying, "I'll trade you. Humans eat pb&Js right."

Masha zeroed in on the food instantly saying, "Yes pleas I haven't had anything that doesn't make my stomach turn in days." Masha slid the tray of food over to Gus as he handed her the sandwich. Masha was about to dig in when she noticed Luz eyeing the pb&j. "You didn't grab breakfast before meeting Eda, did you?" Masha asked lowering the pb&j away from her mouth. 

Luz felt embraced realizing she was hungry giving her a soft nod before Masha split the sandwich in half handing part of it to Gus.  Willow seeing this said as he went to shove the sandwich in Luz's mouth having lowered her mask to quickly eat, "Wait what if somebody sees." 

"I think everyone is to surprised about Masha they won't notice," Gus said as Luz bit down on the sandwich before descending back into the caldron.

"I don't know Gus if Amity saw that..." Willow replied before Luz heard a thump interrupting her, Amity had jumped on the table looking vary mad.

"I saw that! Abominations don't eat!" Amity shouted kneeling on the table Willow baking up slightly on the bench as to not get head butted as Amity got closer. Luz had quickly finished the pb&j before putting her mask up when Amity leaned over the caldron continuing to shout, "I know you're in there! You can't hide from me! What are you? Who are you? I want answers!" It was at this point Luz felt the girl's hands plunge into the goo grabbing her by her shoulders before pulling her out. Luz only able to go limp as the apparently strong witch shook her despite her weight. The other tables only able to stair in confusion and slight concern as the events unfolded.

The shaking however came to a stop when another voice came from Luz's right, "Amity blight." 

"Huh?" Amity turned to find the abomination professor getting carried to the table by his pink abomination. "I suspected a twinge of jealousy, but this, this is just sad," Hermonculus continued earning what looked to be disbelief on Amity's face.

"But I... No! Look at it." The green haired girl protested as she pulled Luz closer as the imposter abomination took the que tilting her head back more as she let out a groan. 

The professor apparently falling for Luz's act again simply stated, "Report to principal Bumps office."

"But..."

"Now!" Hermonculus gave one last command before Amity stormed of grumbling followed by the professor. As they left Luz stood to watch them leave before glancing to Willow both feeling slightly guilty as they turned back to continue watching the girl leave.

"Woo. I'm a sweaty little abomination," Luz said climbing out of the caldron in the vacant classroom thanks to the free period. "But now we don't have to worry about amity finding out," Luz continued raising her hand, "High five."

Masha quickly gave her a high five only for Willow and Gus to look confused looking at each other before Gus shrugged. "Slap my hand. It's a human thing," Luz said realizing she had never really had the opportunity to give anyone else other than her sister and parents or their close friends.  Followed by regretting telling them realizing Masha might wonder how she knew a human gesture but deciding to silently pray as Luz watched Gus approach her before slapping her hand seemingly afraid of the action before he turned back from flinching away and repeating the motion.  He repeated the high fives as he spoke, "Oh, oh my, Oh man, what a rush!"

However anymore conversation was cut short the door opening suddenly.  Luz only bothered to register it was Amity after falling to the floor in a limp kneeling position.  Only to feel herself tense up as she stepped aside revealing principal Bump entering after her saying his voice cheerful opposing the worry in Luz's chest, "Good afternoon students, and Masha."

"Priceable Bump," Willow nervously said as he and Willow stepped to the side to the right of Luz as Bump raised a hand to get them to part Masha staying to the left. He then knelt down examining Luz who was happy she hadn't moved her mask down. He grabbed her by the chin turning her head to the left with his hand that was large enough to take up her entire face, before turning her head to the right her neck cracking slightly as she forced herself to be jelly in his grip. While Willow and Gus watched Luz Masha watched Bump seeing him squint as he inspected Luz, Masha quickly realized he knew, although something in her gut told her he wasn't going to call them out just yet. Masha found no comfort in the feeling as Bump stood back up and ordered gesturing with his hand, "Abomination, rise."

Luz slowly rose looking very nervous beneath her mask before Bump gave another order, "Abomination, Lie." 

"Um... viral fame is a worthy pursuit. Your cat would never eat you if it got the chance. Chemtrails are real..." Luz stammered out, Masha having to hold herself back from facepalming knowing there definitely doomed. 

"Oh, No abomination. How strange of it to get the command wrong. I mean lie down." Bump said pointing to the desk.  Luz slowly went to the desk before lying down Masha realizing he was seeing how far they would go with the lie which didn't bod well.  Bump then continued as he walked closer to the desk putting a hand on Willows shoulder bringing her with him as he stood a foot away from the table, "So very lifelike. When miss Blight told me about your abomination, I had to come by, see what she's made of." 

Masha just found the list of evidence that he knew grow even more with the fact he said she and not it considering the usual goo creature probably didn't have a gender from what Masha perceived of the mindless creatures. Willow and the others seemed to not catch on as Amity continued to look smug. Willow then said pulling out a piece of paper, "Oh I have her list of ingredients right here."

Bump however raised a hand in protest as he said, "No. We were hoping," Principal bump then pulled a jagged dagger from his sleeve Masha nearly spilling the beans immediately as he continued, "for a closer look." Gus looked terrified as Amity continued to look irritatingly smug in Masha's opinion.  Before anyone could say anything, Bump said handing the blade to Willow, "Willow, I'll allow you the first cut." 

Willow took the knife and smiling through the shear amount of worry on her face as she walked over to the equally worried Luz whispering barley addible to even Luz as for no one else to hear, "you aren't related to a regenerative Demon by any chance..." Luz's only reply was a near imperceptive shake of the head.  Bump then placed his hand on Willow's shoulder again before giving her instruction, "Willow, go ahead and make the first incision." 

There was a second where no one said a thing before Gus spoke up having apparently moved to the abomination carts while no one had been paying attention, "Wait principal Bump!" The group all turned to Gus even Luz on the table before he continued, "Uh... High five." The next events went by in a flash Gus knocked the Caldrons down Abominations rising from the spilled goo Luz's sword spilling out with it sliding across the floor stopping next to Willow. Gus then shouted, Run!" Willow quickly pulled Luz by the hand helping her up before they ran out of the room Luz barley having enough time to scoop up her sword. Amity however not as distracted about the spilled abominations shouted, "They're getting away." 

"Bump turned away from the mass of goo saying approaching the wall, "No, the intruder won't get far." The fact he didn't even show a sign of confusion as he drew a large spell circle onto the wall told Masha he really had known before the sight of bright green lighting pulling off the circle gaining her whole attention. Red lines then started to spread over every surface creating weird shapes and symbols, before Bump rushed out after them his hands glowing green as the abominations seemed to receive an order to follow. Masha and Gus unable to do anything else followed behind with Amity who looked smug enough to punch in Masha's opinion.

Luz and Willow ran through the now deserted halls the other student's probably either in the library studying or enjoying their free period in some corner of the school. Willow and Luz finally stopped near a corner of two perpendicular hallways to catch their breath Luz having managed to fumble her sword back onto her belt while they had ran. "This is all my fault, Willow. I just wanted to see what a real school was like," Luz said slightly dejected.

"Well how do you like it?" Willow asked seeming to want to brighten the mood.

Luz only felt surprised for a moment saying nearly instantly, "It's lovely actually." The two them let out soft giggles having cheered up. Willow then added as she stopped laughing but still seemed happy, "Ok, we should really get out of here before..." Her sentence however was cut off the walls suddenly glowing red with symbols in varying patterns before many of the halls that would have led a clear path to an exit were cut off. "Bump seals us in," Willow said now filled with worry.

Luz and Willow immediately started booking it down the hall again before finding themselves in the circular balcony area before the hall they had been running to closed off trapping them in.  The pair quickly turned finding the principal across the divide out stretching his glowing hand seeming to send out abominations while holding the spell sealing them in Gus and Masha behind him looking very worried. Luz remembered just how powerful the priceable was having been told how he had the strength to protect the students he was charged with. Willow and Luz could only book it to a pillar to hide, Willow after their backs were pressed against the surface of the pillar said sliding down to the floor, "Oh no this is awful. I don't know what to do. Amity's right. I'm just Half-a-Witch Willow." 

"Your full witch Willow. and your great," Luz said immediately wanting to stomp out her new friend's sadness. Luz had put a comforting hand on Willows should lightly pumping her free hand in the air. Luz then continued reaching into her pocket, "And someone once told me great witches are resourceful." Luz having knelt down next to Willow pulled out a band aid hair clip two golden snails, and finally the slim ball Eda gave her. 

"That's it," Willow exclaimed grabbing the ball.

"You mean that greasy slim ball?" Luz asked confused.

"Lucia, it's a seed! Thank goodness you had it on you," Willow explained.

Luz could only smile thinking of Eda as she replied, "Yeah. Thank goodness someone told me to hold onto it." Luz however pulled herself back into the moment leaning in on her hands to watch Willow cast a spell. Willow then after drawing a small spell circle before leaning down whispering before springing away saying, "Please Grow!" Luz jumped back slightly shocked as massive, thorned roots and branches sprung from the seed some even bigger than Luz's head the roots quickly covering the room taking out the approaching abominations. The balconies where now completely overgrown Luz managing to watch as the roots took Bump by complete surprise slamming him to the ceiling Luz's jaw slightly dropping thinking, 'She'd give lady Terra a run for her money."

Bump himself looked down gasping in shock seeing the room below him now looking as if the entire school's plant major students had a riot. Bump however knowing only one student had done this and that student hadn't so far gained many remarkable grades could only say, "Remarkable." The magic seals over the halls dispelled the path to the main entrance now open Luz barley wasting any time shouting, "There's the exit." Willow only taking time to gently set the seed now the center of the garden to the side before running after her. 

As their escape came into reach however Amity suddenly stepped into view shouting causing the two to stop, "Not so fast! Luz could tell she was peeved as the emerald haired girl continued pulling some roots off her uniform apparently having fought off some from Willows attack, "I'm not letting you get away so easily. I, Want, My, Badge! Abominations, seize!" (Not relevant but as I typed that I thought it be funny if the Abominations took that as an order to have a seizure... not that seizures are funny. Luz would have probably mistakenly done so earlier) The abominations from earlier seemed to reform torn off peace's of roots now inside some. Luz immediately punched the one closest behind them before pulling willow along. 

The two got a fair bit away from Amity stumbling over what roots laid across the floor before another abomination blocked their path.  Luz went to grab her sword before Willow beet her to the punch drawing a large spell circle the roots around them coming to life grabbing hold of the living goo as it tried to slip through the bramble, Willow's eyes glowing green as she seemed to strain apparently exhausting her magic slightly. "Get out of here!" Willow said her voice as strained as she looked.

"No, I'm not leaving you," Luz replied putting her left hand on her friend's shoulder.

Willow however continued, "I may get detention, but you'll get dissected." More abominations formed from there splattered goo either impaled or disemboweled against the lockers and walls. Luz pulled her sword from the sheath ready to fight but before she could even take a step to fight Willow said almost gasping at the strain as she called more roots, "So go!" Luz was then lifted by the feet nearly dropping her sword as the plant brought her over the abomination setting her roughly outside. Luz immediately got up to rush back in shouting, "Willow!" put her plant closed the massive double doors on her. 

Luz unable to think of anything she could do to get inside said knowing it was her only option, "I can't help you now, but Eda might." Luz then rushed back in the direction of the owl house hoping Eda was done with the trash slug.

Willow after the doors closed let her spell circle dissipate quickly becoming dizzy but managed to not fall over. The abominations getting free of the now limp plants still surging forward at her but Willow flinching away notice them stop just before grabbing her. Turning she found Amity looking confused a quick, "What..." escaping her lips before she turned noticing Bump approaching behind her having gotten free of Willow's roots. As Bump dusted of a few spare thrones he passed Amity saying, "Thank you Miss Blight I can take it from here." Amity only gave a nod still looking annoyed however she stayed put jugging Willow. 

Willow gulped hanging her head the weight of the situation crashing down on her, 'Oh titan I attacked the pinchable forget detention I'll be expelled.' Bump seemed almost emotionless wow barley noticing Masha and Gus behind him looking very concerned before Bump commanded her full attention, his voice calm and collected betraying still no emotion, "Why are you in abomination centralized classes." Willow looked up slightly confused forgetting her worry for a moment before replying, "It- it has more job opportunities... That- that's what my dads' say." 

Bump only blinked before replying, "I think I shall have a talk with them then." Willow could only deflate more before Bump continued shocking everyone, "You are by far the strongest plant magic witch I have ever witnessed in this school at your age. You are to be placed in plant magic classes primarily and I may recommend entirely." 

"What!!!" Everyone shouted at once. Gus seemed to suddenly beam Masha however remained shocked only smiling lightly. Amity on the other hand remained mad protesting, "Principle Bump she cheated and destroy-."

"I am aware Miss Blight, and while I do not condone cheating her skills are obviously far superior in Plant magic to the point her other magical abilities can't keep up. I could hardly blame her for being desperate with the clear disregard for her skills. Now as to your concern on the school and I suspect your grades I think it's time I talk with your abomination professor about his clear favoritism with this whole top student Idea clearly not helping those who are struggling with his class. And since it was his inability to recognize the intruder as anything but an abomination, I am starting to question his qualifications, but for now he shall make up for that buy cleaning up this mess himself."

Amity seemed to go quiet, nodding apparently calming down. Bump having finished turned back to Willow, Gus and Masha having walked to her right as he had been talking to Amity. The witch nodded before saying, "Willow you and Agustus may go there will be no detention. Now Masha, why do I get the feeling that girl was the owl lady's apprentice you mentioned earlier."

Gus and Willow could only smile glancing at each other before calming back down so Masha can speak. Masha feeling slightly nervous replied, "yeah, that was Lucia. Sorry for the trouble she just wanted to see what the school was like, she... was home schooled so..." 

As Masha trailed off Bump released a sigh before saying pinching the brige of his nose over the demon mask, "I honestly wouldn't expect less of Eda's apprentice, please inform her that she is band until further notice, or her mentor makes a case for her. You may go as well; I suspect she is quite worried out there." Bump then summoned a scroll handing it to Masha, Masha opened to find an image of Lucia in her cat cloak and mask covered in purple goo the large red letters at the bottom reading banned the school seal at the top. Ok, thank you Principal Bump." Masha replied nodding.

"Thank you, Principal Bump," Willow and Gus echoed nodding excitedly before Bump turned away amity already trying to talk to him again. The three however didn't care turning to the exit as they heard Amity ask about extra credit causing the three to laugh.

Eda had caught King as he fell from the roof after celebrating his defeat of the slug. The tiny demon let out a slight embarrassed chuckle before saying scratching the back of his skull, "You helped to, your right you're going to be a good teacher." Eda smiled saying in reply, "yeah, now we just got to give Luz a lesson to nock her socks of. She probably done with... whatever she was doing."

King looked confused before asking, "Wait Luz..." Their conversation and the immediate face palming regret Eda felt about the slip however was interrupted when Eda heard Luz calling her name. Luz would probably have thought the moment of Eda holding King adorable if she wasn't preoccupied her eyes nearly closed as she called Eda's name before pulling the two into a hug. "Hay, hay, hay, hay, what is this. I never understand when you do this." 

Luz barley acknowledged it continuing both exited and worried, "Your lesson worked! Keeping junk in my pocket saved my life. But wait, my new friends. They're in danger." However, before anyone could say anything someone called out from the main path to the owl house, "Lucia." Turning Luz saw Gus and Willow running towards them nearly tackling her in a hug Eda asking confused as if she hadn't been hugging King earlier, "Seriously, what... what is that?"

The two then pulled away Willow however still holding Luz's shoulders saying excitedly, "You won't believe it, everything is perfect now!"

"It's true. I don't believe it," Luz replied only able to be exited that her friends where fine even if she was confused.

"Principal Bump was so impressed with my plant magic he put me in the plant classes! Look." Willow then backed away before casting a snaping her uniform glowing slightly before she twirled turning the sleeves completely green. Luz squealed an excited, "Yeessss!" tackling her friend in a hug having to spin her around to not fall over before Willow set Luz back down. The whole group could only smile stupidly as Luz cheered. Masha appeared approaching the house the group turning to her as she panted from running as she said between breaths, "Man... you guys... can run." Masha used her knees for support as she caught her breath as the groups smiled at her before Luz asked remembering, "Oh... what about Amity?"

"Last we saw, she was asking Bump if today could count as extra credit," Gus answered.

Luz smiled giggling slightly before saying, "Well I can't wait to see you in action the next time I sneak in." Willow and Gus however cringed slightly, Masha realizing why said approaching Luz saying as she handed her the poster, "I'm sorry but, Bump sort of banned you." Luz kind of just staired blankly at the photo before Eda broke the silence shouting raising her fists in the air in calibration, "That's my girl." 

But we can come here and hang out," Willow said putting a hand on Luz's shoulder.

"Aw, that would be nice, we can even compare our lessons," Luz said turning to smile at Eda who seemed surprised before smiling saying, "Yeah and she'll knock your socks off with my lessons. You have no chance academy twerps." Eda pulled the poster from Masha's hands the older witch standing next to Luz as her anticks earned a warm chuckle from the teens. "Baby's first wanted poster. Good job kid," Eda said approaching the rest of the way before patting Luz on the head, "Looks like I've taught you something after all."

Luz could only smile before Gus added ending the kind moment, "Um... your supposed to high five with your hands, not your head." Luz opened her eyes suddenly before after a moment of processing she burst out laughing Masha quickly joining in. Eda however looked still confused before shrugging it off as Willow also slightly smiled at the comment Gus continuing to look confused at the apparent joke. "It was nice meeting you guess I probably need to head home now," Luz sheepishly said after the group calmed down. Eda realizing she was right said as she tossed owlbert to Luz, "Oh yeah right, and send me a picture of your parents faces if the see your banned poster!" 

Luz lightly blushed praying they wouldn't replied as she got onto the staff ready to leave, "Edaaa!" 

Eda only smiled before about to wave bye when she paused her face falling slightly quickly saying, "Hay wait a minute, I'm not having these two coming over every day to see if your here."

Luz paused before giving another sheepish smile saying turning to her new friends, "right, um do you guys have pinsta?"

Manny released a sigh setting down his quill having managed to finish another group of paperwork.  Looking to the clock he found it was nearly three causing him to smile thinking to himself, 'I could probably catch the end of them sparing, it could help to stretch my legs.' Manny went to get up when a nock came at the office door causing him to settle back in their chair saying, "Uh, yes." The door opened a court hand entering leaving the door open as he bowed saying, "Your majesty." 

"Rise," Manny said waiving his hand on instinct having gotten used to the bowing long ago. The hand raised his head before saying, "Your highness, viscount Bump is here to seek an audience with you." 

Manny only raised an eyebrow slightly before saying, "Send him in."

The Hand bowed again before leaving only a second later Bump entered the room before deeply bowing as the door closed behind him. "Emperor Noceda, thank you for agreeing to meet with me," The man said only glancing up with what Manny knew to be his palismans eyes. 

Manny gave a friendly smile before saying gesturing with his hand for Bump to rise, "Please, who am I to turn away a friend, I don't trust you on my daughter's tutors for no reason now do I. Now what is it I can do for you."

Bump smiled as he got up before seeming to make a slight joke, "You're the emperor my friend, and I am glad you held my opinion on their tutors so high."

"Well taking down Faust when he refused to listen about Belos certainty didn't hurt my opinion of you," Manny replied.

Bump only nodded before seeming to get serious signaling personal conversations were going to take a back seat, "There was an incident today at hexside."

Manny felt himself grow stiff before asking, "How severe." 

"Nothing a heavy cleaning won't fix but I have however found one of the student's involved to be an eventual, replacement..." Bump reassured.

Manny's eyes widened in surprise realizing what he was saying, Manny almost stumbling over his own words asking, "You really found a replacement for lady terra?"

Bump nodded replying, "Yes, her name is Willow Park she had been in the abomination classes for their job opportunities but had... less then desirable grades. I should have caught it sooner really, but after she had somebody pose as an abomination, I ran into her talents in plant magic when trying to confront her."

Manny was both pleasantly surprised and slightly concerned before voicing his opinion, "Are you sure she wouldn't be as desperate as Terra then, if she had been willing to cheat..." As Manny trailed of Bump let out a slight breath before responding, "While I know it is no point in her favor, I have come to realize the abomination professor had biases that remain unclear as to why, against struggling student's and her low grads probably aided in her decision. Although I suspect this particular decision was inspired by the girl posing as an abomination. and yes, the professor was fooled with a student actually having to bring it to my attention."

Manny stiffened a laugh before trying to remain professional decided to skip the professor topic for now asking instead, "and why do you suspect the girl?"

Bump simply replied smiling slightly, "I would suspect the Owl lady's apprentice to be quite chaotic, wouldn't you your majesty?"

Manny would have done a double take if he wasn't already looking at Bump before he stuttered out, "Was- cough* was this... apprentice wearing a cloak with feline ears on the hood and happen to have dark skin with a mask?" 

Bump looked confused but nodded, Manny didn't know if he wanted to laugh or sigh before out stretching his hand a red spark coming off his pointer finger conjuring a small image of Luz from the guards' memories in her 'rouge outfit,' as Manny started to call it onto the desk. Bump looked it over before looking back up to Manny saying, "There is less abomination goo, but I believe that's her." Manny could only release a long breath before snaping his fingers the image of Luz in her usual noble cloths replacing her rugged one. Bump looked it over before Manny could see the realization in his eyes nearly widening out of the palismans head before he let out a low laugh saying between laughs, "Forgive me, your majesty, but it looks, as though Willow might be a far better, replacement then we thought having Princess Luz's approval, and if I may say it looks like you'll soon get a rather detailed lesson on dealing with teens."

Manny let out a heavy sigh before responding with a light smile, "That, seems all to likely."

Chapter Text