Buckle up...
The tension in this chapter is just...
Looooonnnngggg Chapter btw.
So long, I'm too lazy to proof read it. So if it has a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes, deal with it:)
Enjoy<3
*****
*Knock*Knock*Knock*Knock*Knock*
The five witches stood up straight when the butler went to open the door. Steve and Lilith discretely held hands, hiding behind the twins, while Amity held her breath while the butler opens the door.
The door opens revealing Odalia and Aldor in their coven uniforms, and four guards behind them. "Children, Lilith." Aldor nods greeting the group situated inside the manor "We have the honor of hosting the emperors' daughter tonight." A bead of sweat formed on Aldor's forehead.
Odalia noticed, and wiped it away almost immediately. She then looks back at the five witches "Yes. We will be on our best behavior. And Lilith, if you don't mind introducing Amity to her. I'm sure they will have much to talk about." Lilith nods in response "Now. Let's us now converse in the dining room, and formally introduce our future empress."
Odalia and Aldor lead the guards and the figure in the middle to the dining room. There were four guards behind the Blight parents and four guards behind the figure. Eight guards in total, Lilith made a mental note.
They all made it to the dinner table and Luz emerges from the eight guards surrounding her. Amity wants to run to her and engulf her in a hug, but what she is witnessing, she just wants to cry in her siblings' arms.
Luz's face is blank, with no muscle movement whatsoever. She's in her empress gown (Cover of Story) and has... a staff!!!! Luz sits down at the head of the table, signaling for everyone to sit as well. She has neither spoken a word nor showed an ounce of humanity. Luz clicks a button and her staff folds up and she stashes it away.
(So you can picture how the table looks)
Odalia and Aldor sit at the other end of the table, where Aldor sits at the end. The eight guards are all standing around the room. Lilith sits next to Luz's left, and Amity to Luz's right. Steve is in between Lilith and Odalia, and the twins are in between Aldor and Amity.
The table is silent, the only sound that can be heard is the delicate breaths of everyone sitting. Odalia breaks the silence "So my liege, welcome to our manor, I hope everything is to your liking?" Luz just stares at Odalia and nods, not breaking a sweat. Odalia swallows the ball in her throat and looks towards her husband, signaling him to say something.
Aldor looks at his wife and takes the hint "S-so empress, do you attend Hexside or are you homeschooled?"
Luz turns her head to Aldor and looks directly into his eyes, not faltering "Yes. I attended Hexside for a bit. In fact, Amity tutored me in abominations. But the emperor has decided to take me out because I need more of an advanced education." Luz is nothing but a shell.
Odalia's eyes widen at the mention of Amity's name "Oh? So you've met our daughter? And would you say you two get along well?" Amity is trying her best not to show her curiosity, but she wants to know what the emperor did to her. The guests wait for a response and all look at Luz.
"I would say we're acquaintances." Luz turns to Amity, with bland eyes "We only talked to each other in school and at the library. Nothing more." Luz turns back to the Blight parents.
Aldor answers "Well, as time goes on, maybe you two may spend more time together, and become friends." Aldor motions towards Amity looking at the human across from him.
Steve and Lilith both look at Luz with glossy eyes. As far as they could tell, there was no trace of Luz sitting in front of them.
"Maybe." Luz answers, then turns to Steve "Steve. Surprised to see you here. You're dumber than I originally thought."Â The first emotion on Luz's face was disgust towards her former protector. Steve doesn't respond, he just looks at his plate. "Look at me when I talk to you."
The whole table stares in fear at Luz's comment. Steve looks at Luz like he's looking a Belos himself "I'm sorry, Luz."
Luz cuts him off and uses a threatening tone, but does not raise her voice "You lost the privilege of calling me by my name. You will address me like you address the emperor. In fact, if I remember correctly, you have been demoted so you may not sit at this table. You may leave and finish your transfer."
Everyone's eyes widen in fear. Aldor and Odalia both sit up straight and put on a professional face. The twins shift in their seats, not daring to look at the human they can barely recognize. Lilith looks at Steve with a sorry glance, telling him she can't do anything about his situation. Amity just stares at Luz, heartbroken.
Steve gets up slowly and salutes Luz "My apologize... empress. It has been an honor getting to serve you personally." Steve leaves the room, but as he passes through the door, he looks back at his human, determined to get her back. Steve leaves the manor, only to head towards the owl house to warn Eda.
Back to the dinner, Lilith decides to speak for the first time. "Umm Luz. Maybe you can get to know the Blight children after dinner? You know make some." Lilith thinks very carefully of the wording she's about to use "make some allies..."
Luz looks at Lilith with a side-eye, not moving her head. Luz then turns her head to stare at the three Blight kids. She spends a second more on Amity like she's trying to remember something, but then quickly snaps out of it. Amity and Lilith share a glance, showing they both noticed this slip-up. Luz then looks at Lilith "I see that as a fit idea. Amity..." Luz turns her attention back to the young witch "If I remember correctly, you want to join the emperors' coven?"
The Blight parents both let out a small smirk and turn to their youngest. Amity sees this and looks at Luz "Yes." That's all she could muster up and say.
"Hmm. Maybe we could get to know each other more. It's always good to have a high-ranking member of the coven, that you know and trust." Luz finishes only to be answered by Odalia.
"Yes. She would be honored my liege." Amity and Odalia share glances.
The awkward banter is put on hold as the dinner is served. Everyone starts to eat and stares at their own plate. Nobody dares to stare at Luz, in fear she might react the same way she reacted to Steve's presence.
As soon as dinner was concluded, the Blights, Lilith, and the empress were all waiting for dessert.
A question weighed on Amity like a thousand pounds and she just had to know the answer "Luz." The whole table came to a halt and the youngest Blight called Luz by her name. Luz did not correct her but nodded in response. Amity continues as the table stares "We May or may not have had this conversation, but what's your opinion on fictional books. You know because you spent so much time in the library before we met."
Lilith and the twins look at Amity with knowing eyes, catching on to what she's doing. Luz looks at Amity blankly "No. You have never asked me that before, but allow me to share my fathers wisdom." Amity frowns, knowing exactly what she's about to say "Fiction is a bunch of nonsense. Why waste time on senseless adventures, that just fuels an imagination. There is no room for an imagination when you're ruling."
Odalia answers Luz "I never looked at it that way. That is very wise empress."
Odalia was cut off by Amity "I disagree." Aldor and Odalia look at Amity, signaling for her to shut her mouth, but Amity brushes off the stares and looks at Luz "I think fiction is a great learning tool. It may be all fake, but it teaches great valuable lessons. And imagination is good for ruling. I see a great ruler has a great imagination for his or her empire to prosper." Amity does not break a sweat and challenges Luz with her eyes.
Luz for the first time looks amused. "That's an interesting perspective. But I have to disagree." Luz is now slightly smirking, but it's only noticeable by Amity.
Amity stands her ground "How do you know it's utter nonsense if you've never actually read it."
Amity is cut off by her mother "Amity! Watch your tongue. You ar-"
Luz raises her hand to silence Odalia, and she obeys "It's quite alright Mrs. Blight." Odalia sits back and looks shocked. Luz then turns her attention back to Amity "And what makes you so sure I would even enjoy fiction?"
Amity gives a knowing smirk "How about a bet?"
Luz leans in "I'm listening."
Ed and Em smile, knowing all about Amity and Luz's previous bet. The bet that made their bond stronger. Amity sets the bet "how about if you like it, you have to be my date to Grom. Grom is only a week away." Aldor and Odalia both sit in shock and stare at the human to see her reaction.
Luz thinks to herself like she's lived through this before. She quickly waves off the silly thought and sets her bet "Deal, but if I win, and I dislike fiction...." Luz thinks for a moment "then you have to discontinue your studies at Hexside immediately, and come work for the emperors' coven." Luz's face is dead serious. Not a smile or smirk was found on the human's face. She held out her covered hand, awaiting for the Blight girl to agree.
Amity thinks for a moment "I'll win this time like I did last time. We'll have normal Luz before this whole thing is over anyway" Amity goes to shake the human's hand.
Just as Amity grabs the human's hand, Luz whips out her staff and casts a spell. "The everlasting oath is sealed."
All the witches stare in shock. Lilith comments on the event that just occurred "Ummm... Empress... I see you now have the same staff as your father... how convenient." Lilith is now rethinking the whole plan. The plan didn't account for Luz having magical capabilities. She gives Amity a worried stare.
Ed and Em turn to their parents "Hey why don't we test this bet now?" "Yeah. What do you say Mitt- Amity. Let me, you, Ed, and Luz go up to your room and see who wins."
Odalia and Aldor glance at each other, trying to decide whether that's a good idea or not. Aldor speaks for both of them "your mother and I don't mind. It's up to the empress and Lilith."
Lilith nods and turns to Luz "It's fine by me. As long as two guards accompany you."
"I don't need the guards. They can guard the entrances and exits while I'm occupied with the Blight children." Luz stands up and folds her staff away once again. Everyone stands up out of respect, and Luz turns to Amity "Lead the way... Mittens..."
The twins' eyes grow in hope, as they think the same thing "She's remembering!!!"
The three make their way upstairs while the Blight parents and Lilith converse about events happening in the coven. Lilith grows anxious, preparing herself about the plan, and Eda's entrance.
Amity led everyone into her room. Luz stood, looking around, while Ed and Em closed the door and stood by it.
"So. This is my room." Amity is slightly blushing at the fact that Luz is in her room. Obviously, she would like it to be in different circumstances, but still.
Ed and Em notice Amity's color change in the face and let out a small chuckle. The young witch shoots both of her siblings a death glare.
Luz doesn't take notice of this, so she just stays in the middle of the room, curious about what a normal witch's room is like. She still shows no emotion in her face, but Amity swears that she sees something in her eyes.
"You're room is cozy. I like the emperors' coven posters. It's well decorated." Luz speaks trying to make conversation.
Emira suddenly realizes a flaw in the plan "The staff!" Emira whispers in Edric's ear and they share a nod. Edric steps away from the door towards Luz "Say, Luz. That's a pretty neat staff you got there. Do you mind if we take a look?"
Luz instantly shuts Edric down "I do mind." She turns to Amity "Now where's this fiction book. I want to get this over with."
Before Amity can get the book, Emira steps next to her brother "Oh come on Luz. Remember when we met you in the library? You know you can trust us."
Luz squints her eyes and turns towards the twins "Drop... It... Now I won't ask again, where is this book." Luz is growing impatient.
Emira pushes a little further "I bet Amity would love to see what a staff looks like. You know since you two will one day rule the Boiling Isles together." Emira winks at Amity.
Amity grows red in embarrassment scolding her sister, then back at Luz to see her reaction. Luz was now visibly aggravated "You want to see it. Fine." Luz pulls out her staff and holds it up, casting a spell on Ed and Em. They're engulfed in a purple aura, frozen. Luz holds the staff and walks up to the frozen twins "Here is my staff. Do you still want me to show it to you longer, or should I put it away?"
Amity stares in fear at the event happening before her eyes. She walks up to Luz slowly "Luz? They're just being difficult. Umm.. please release them. They meant no disrespect." Amity's voice is shaking.
Luz side-eyed Amity and stashed the staff away, releasing the twins. They fall and look up and laugh. Luz raises her eyebrow in question as to why they are laughing.
"Wow Luz. Really showing authority." Edric has a plan and Emira catches on. Amity, however, is growing more anxious by the second.
Emira plays along "Yeah. You really know how to take the fun out of it. Next time turn us into frogs or something."
Edric continues "Yeah! Or even better, newts. I read somewhere they're smarter."
The twins share a laugh and Luz shows visible anger. Amity is finally catching on the plan. "If they aggravate Luz, she'll pull out her staff, and I will have to take it. First to signal Eda."
Amity signals Eda with a light spell at her window.
Luz finally snaps her Perfect image "That's it! You wanna test me. Well, guess what, your wish is my command!" Luz once again raises her staff but goes to slam it on the ground, when she's stopped by an abomination. The abomination takes her staff and pushes her into the twins, who cast a spell to tie Luz up. The abomination hands the staff to Amity, who holds it with extreme care.
Now Eda comes to the window and jumps into the room. Immediately Luz lets out an evil smile. "Eda! The infamous owl lady! We were hoping you'd show. In fact, you're right on time." As if on cue the guards are banging on the door, trying to force their way into the room.
The three Blights all look to Eda who frowns at the human in front of her "How dare you! I'm never on time! SLEEP SPELL!" Eda casts a sleep spell and Luz falls asleep. "Ok, they knew we were coming! Now I'm going to cast the spell on you two so it looks like I kidnapped her and greenie here!" Eda points to Luz and Amity.
The twins nod and Eda puts a sleep spell on them. Eda throws Luz's limp body on Owlbert and holds onto Amity like she's holding a hostage. Eda whispers in the witch's ear "Just play along kid and we'll be alright." Amity nods.
The door bursts open and Lilith walks through with the guards and the Blight parents behind. "Edalyn Clawthorne. You are hereby under arrest, by order of the emperor. Let the empress and the Blight child go." Lilith and Eda lock eyes, knowing they really have to sell this to make it believable.
"Lilly! Good to see ya! You've looked better! I've always wondered what it's like to kidnap children. I'll let you how I feel about it once I'm done." Eda puts on her 'better than everyone act'.
Lilith rolls her eyes and signals the guards to enter the room slowly "Edalyn. This is your first and only warning. Release the emperors daughter at once! This is no longer a game!"
Aldor buds in "And our daughter! The empress and our daughter!"
"Yes and the Blight child." Lilith continues.
Eda smiles and grabs Amity to pull her in the staff "Naa! Trust me I'm saving the Blight from her mother. She's always had a broomstick up her a-"
"ENOUGH GAMES! You leave me no choice. Guards seize her!" Lilith discreetly winks at Eda.
Suddenly Steve jumps through the window with King and casts a barrier spell, separating them from Lilith and the guards.
Lilith looks at Steve and Eda, with proud eye, but continues her act, and becomes frantic "Eda, Steve! You don't know what you're doing. The Emperor will show no mercy. Please don't do this."
Eda hops on her staff with the two kids, followed by Steve jumping on his staff with King as his co-staff captain. "See ya never Lilly! Have fun kissing BelosBreath's butt for the rest of your life!" They fly out of the window, disappearing from the Blight manor.
Aldor and Odalia run to their unconscious twins, making sure they're alright. Lilith orders the guards to go grab a team of guards, and to look for Luz immediately. Except, they will be looking in all the wrong places.
The journey was a fast, but anxious one. No one said a word the whole flight. Amity made sure to grip Luz, to make sure she didn't fall or anything. King was on the staff with Steve, but didn't take his eyes off the human who got his crown back for him.
Steve didn't have a staff with a palisman, so Eda attached a magical lead that mimics what her staff does. In this case, his staff is mimicking her staff flying.
Eda and the gang all arrived at the knee. Eda brought snow gear so no one would freeze. Luz had her gown, which was warm enough for the weather.
Amity held Luz the whole journey. As they landed she didn't let go. In fact, Steve offered to carry her to the ruins, but Amity said she could handle it. She picked sleeping Luz up and carried her to the center of the ruins, where Eda previously set up a sleeping bag for the empress.
Eda finally spoke "Ok, the first part of our plan is done! Now for the second part. You ready greenie?" Eda and Amity smiled at each other and got ready.
But before Eda cast the spell, Luz's eyes opened. Instead of her chestnut brown eyes, pinkish-purple eyes appeared. Amity recognizes this immediately and remembers Luz's dream.
Eda and Steve get in a battle position but Amity just stares. Luz gets up and raises her hands like she's surrendering. "Easy Edalyn Clawthorne and Steve Swampflyer. I am just a passerby. I am not the human."
Eda and Steve hold up their staffs' confused. Eda questions the human "You expect us to fall for that. You've been brainwashed kid. We're only trying to help."
Amity steps forward "Eda. She's telling the truth. It's not Luz. It's her body, but not her." She turns her attention to Luz "You're the same creature who trapped her in her mind."
"Ah! Amity Blight! As sharp as ever! You are correct my dear, I am not Luz. Even if I wasn't possessing this poor girl, it still wouldn't be her. Roman made sure if that." Possessed Luz looks around in awe.
Steve, still in battle position, yells to the human "who's Roman? And why are you so interested in Luz?"
Possessed Luz looks at Steve and analyzes him. As she does so, her eyes glow brighter for a slight moment as if she's scanning him "Hm. Steve, Luz's closest friend. She considers you to be a brother, and yet, you were the one to hurt her most."
Steve lowers his staff, ashamed of himself. But as Steve lowers his guard, Eda gets ready to strike "Hey! Enough mind games. We won't ask you again. Who are you and what do you want with the human!"
Luz laughs "Being dead for so many years, I've forgotten my manners. Edalyn, King, Steve, Amity, I am Belos. But you would know me as the Titan. This Island is my corpse."
Eda breaks into laughter "Hahaha! You expect me to believe that! Listen, pal, you can't con a con artist. Try again."
The Titan just stays silent and meets her eyes with the Blight girl. Amity stares at the pinkish-purple glow. The more she stares the more answers she gets "Eda... She's telling the truth. I just know it. I've seen this in Luz's mind."
The Titan continues "You know. I really miss being alive. It feels so good, breathing, and... well I guess that's all I'm doing right now isn't it." She laughs.
"So how do we help Luz. I assume you already know what Emperor Belos has done." Amity questions while fidgeting with Luz's new staff.
"Blight! Always on top of it." The Titan goes up to Amity and grabs the staff. "First off, Luz didn't lose her memories, their all just locked away. And second, do you guys really need her this second, I mean really! I missed being alive! Let me enjoy this for a bit."
Eda grows impatient "Enough! I don't care who you are. How do we get the human back!?"
"Jeez ok. I know when I'm not wanted! You have to let me handle it." The Titan stands still
Amity puts both hands on her head in frustration "Let. You. Handle. It... what does that mean."
"Well the emperor did a number on this poor kid, so while I possess her, I will be fixing her mind personally. Easy! Don't worry kiddo, she'll be back to normal in time for Grom." The Titan winks at Amity, causing the girl to turn bright red.
"No! You can't use Luz as a meat puppet. Fix her Now." Steve slams his staff on the ground with the intention of intimidating the Titan.
The Titan smiles devilishly and turns to Steve. He slams the staff in his hands and levitates Steve and Eda to show dominance "Listen, guys! I mean no harm really! But you got to trust me here. I've already had a chat with Luz and we have a plan. All will be revealed soon. But if you piss me off, I won't hesitate to retaliate. Remember you're Luz's friend, not mine..." the Titan discontinues the spell, and Steve and Eda fall to the ground. The Titan goes back to his fun happy attitude "Ok! Where to now?"
*****
Can we just take a moment to enjoy the chaos in this chapter? Oh my lord!
Anyway I hope you enjoyed!
I know I did writing it.