The Day Of Grom has finally arrived. AHHHH!! The Grom dance is the next chapter though... Sorry I got carried away with Luz going back to school. *shrug*
IT'S GOING TO BE WORTH IT THOUGH!
ALSO #1 Ranking in #LuzNoceda!!!!
ENJOY!!!!!
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Today is the day. Grom day has finally arrived and Amity couldn't contain her excitement. "Ok Blight, the plan is to go to school, enjoy the day, and finally dance with Luz. And who knows, maybe ask her out in the process?" Amity threw her covers off her bed and basically jumped out. The young witch danced around in her room getting ready for the school day and the dance to follow.
This girl was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even notice her older sister at the doorway just smiling at her "Wow Mittens, I didn't know you could smile so much. Did Ed fall down the stairs again?"
Amity doesn't care for her sisters' sarcastic comments. In fact, she just smiles and walks out of her room past Emira, and turns to her "Well every time you and Ed are around, you guys make it your mission to antagonize me every chance you get. Well, not today! Today is a good day!"
Emira laughs "Well, if you're happy, then I'm happy. Just don't let your ego get the best of you tonight or Ed and I will have to plan something to bring you back to reality." Emira smirks and walks down the stairs past Amity. Edric comes running past the two girls only to trip and fall down the stairs. Emira and Amity share a glance and both break into laughter. Emira walks down the stairs and steps over her twin "That's four days in a row Ed. Going for a new record?"
Edric looks up in pain but still smiles "Na. I don't think it's possible to beat my current record. I've just been excited all week!"
Amity makes her way down and helps her older brother up and laughs along "We're all excited, but that doesn't mean we forget how to walk."
The three laugh and walk together into the kitchen to get bitter bean blood to start off their day. The Blight parents are at the kitchen table enjoying the daily news report. Aldor looks up and sees the kids getting unusually along. "Children. Why so hyper this morning. You know your mother doesn't like commotion in the morning. Settle down please."
Odalia scolds her husband and looks to her three color-coordinated kids "Good children don't laugh in the morning. They get ready in silence for a successful day. Amity, you've never had an issue with this, is there something on your mind today?"
Amity looks down at her feet trying not to show any emotion towards her mother. But before Amity can apologize Ed and Em step up and smile at their mother "Don't you remember mother?" Edric says smugly. Emira looks at her brother and back at her mother "Yeah! tonight is Grom and Amity is excited for her date tonight."
Odalia and Aldor both look up from the crystal ball to their youngest. Odalia's eyes widen at the realization "Wait. The everlasting oath with the empress?" Odalia quickly looks at her husband who also widens his eyes at the memory. They both stand up and turn to their youngest "Young lady is that tonight!!! Oh my Titan we have to prepare! Will she pick you up or vice-versa? Doesn't matter we need to prepare! How do we even prepare for that?"
Aldor puts his hand on his wife's shoulder to try and calm her down "Amity, why didn't you remind us? This is an incredible honor and a big deal! We can't have a repeat of the last time the human was here. I'll contact Lilith and make sure to bring an escort and do a perimeter check before the Empress comes tonight!" The two run out of the room in a hurry to get everything ready for their daughters' date.
The three Blight just stare at their panicked parents in amusement. Edric and Emira laugh under their breath while Amity just stares in complete shock. "How could they be ok with me going to Grom with... a girl..." The young witch is brought out of her trance when her older siblings drag her out of the manor and to Hexside. Amity just walks to school closely behind the twins lost in thought. "Well, that went better than I thought it would. Does this mean I'm out? I am very confused."
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Meanwhile, Luz wakes up well-rested. She stretches as she sits up from her bed and looks at her screamlarm. It takes the human a moment to realize but when she does "OH SHOOT!! I'M GOING TO BE LATE FOR SCHOOL!!!" Luz races to her closet and throws her school uniform on and notices the covered outfit hung up next to it. Then Luz's eyes widen even further "OH CRAMITY!! TODAY IS GROM DAY!"
Luz races out of her room with her book bag tightened to her back, only to be chased by a guard "Empress!!! Is everything alright! Is there danger!!"
Luz stops in her tracks and turns to the guard, out of breath "What no! I'm going to be late for school. Where is Lilith?"
The guard takes a deep breath out of relief and answers the human "Whew. I thought we were in danger for a moment. Anyway, the coven leader is waiting for you in the dining hall. Your breakfast is waiting for you."
"Thank you." Luz then quickly turns from the guard and runs off again towards the dining hall to meet Lilith. The guard turns back and goes back to his post. After about a minute of sprinting down the castle halls, the human reaches the filled table with different foods and a waiting witch. "Lilith we have got to hurry!"
Lilith turns to the frantic human and crosses her arms "Well we wouldn't have to hurry if you didn't sleep in. I know you have been having trouble sleeping so I didn't want to wake you."
Luz goes to the table and stuffs her face with all kinds of pastries and grabs a hot cup of leaf sweat in a to-go cup. Luz chews and speaks through the layers "Well that just doesn't make sense." Luz swallows the lump of food in her mouth and continues "If you didn't want to rush, just wake me up."
Lilith rolls her eyes as she observes the rushing human "Well you are now the empress of the Boiling Isles. Is it bold of me to assume that you can set your own screamlarm?"
"Fair. Now let's go!" Luz stuffs a slice of apple into her mouth and runs out of the room. Lilith closely follows and just smiles at the excitement Luz is radiating today. Luz chugs the whole cup of steaming leaf sweat and burns her mouth. She screams and grabs the attention of seven guards who made their way to the empress. Lilith waves them off, laughing at the humans' clumsiness. "HOT OH MY- MY THROAT IS ON FIRE!!"
Lilith is still laughing "Well that's what you get." She walks past Luz and continues on to the entrance of the castle "This is a valuable lesson Luz. Don't drink something when there's steam coming out of it."
Luz laughs through the pain "Hm. Is that sarcasm I hear? You've been spending too much time around Eda."
The two finally reach the gates to be greeted by Kikimora. Lilith nods her head but Kiki pays no mind to the Clawthorne. Instead, she just looks at the disheveled empress "My liege. Are you sure going to school is the best idea? You are the ruler of the Boiling Isles. You don't need to be bothered by useless tests and homework."
Luz groans and looks towards the petite creature "Kikiiiiii. We've already had this conversation. I'm going and that's the end of the discussion. If there's ever an emergency, send some guards to the campus to retrieve me."
"I still think it is a mistake not to take any protection. You still don't know how to use your magic. At least let one of the guards shadow you." Kiki says while motioning towards one of the guards.
Luz raises her hand "No." Kiki turns back to the human and bows her head "Kiki, I'll be fine. I don't want any guards within one hundred feet of the campus while I am attending classes. Do I make myself clear?"
Kikimora still looking down "Yes my liege. Very well. But you are not going to your school event without an escort."
Luz rolls her eyes and hops onto Liliths' staff "Fine whatever. See you later Kiks!!" And with that, Lilith takes off into the sky onward to Hexside.
Luz is suddenly washed over with instant regret when she realized she'd forgotten to visit two certain graves this particular morning. She bites her nails, contemplating whether she should tell Lilith to turn around. "I'll just visit after school before Grom." Luz couldn't shake the thought of forgetting though. She quickly shakes her head and forces herself to smile. "Today will be a good day, and you'll just tell Steve and dad about it later." Luz takes a deep breath and goes back to the journey to school.
Luz recognizes a familiar clearing in the woods and orders Lilith to land there. Lilith complies and safely lands. "Why here? We're a little way from the campus. I can't just take you there."
Luz remembered that she doesn't need to hide her identity anymore, considering that everyone knows she's the empress now. But it just didn't sit right with the human "No. This is where Steve would drop me off for school. And this is where you'll drop me off from now on." Luz smiles at the memory and turns away from the witch.
Lilith waves goodbye and flies away, smiling at the mention of her departed companion.
Luz however stands still. She stares off into the direction she should be walking towards but is frozen. All she can picture is Steve watching her as she skips off to her first day of school. How excited she was to meet new people.
The human begins to shake in her place and her eyes glow a dim red. Luz grabs her head and yells to herself "Luz! Not again!" Luz wasn't sad but was filled with rage. How could she just let herself be controlled so easily by the Titan? How could she be so weak to let the Titan take the two most important people from her? Her eyes were now a bright red and items like leaves, and sticks began to levitate all around her.
Luz was completely lost at the moment, and if the moment couldn't get worse... it did. "Yes, Luz! Use all that anger! Use it to your advantage! All that raw power! Can you feel it? Embrace it!"
Luz is snapped back into reality and stops all of her actions. Her eyes go back to their chestnut brown and struggles to catch her breath. Luz is completely dumbfounded with what she just accomplished. She then closes her eyes for a moment to regain her composure and breaths deeply through her nose, and calmly out of her mouth. "Relax. You're fine." Luz slowly opens her eyes and musters up all of her strength to take her first step towards school.
The sight of Hexside finally appears in front of Luz. For obvious reasons, Luz was just as nervous as the first day. In a way, it was her first day at school. Today was the day she didn't have to lie about her life. Today was going to be great, and tonight was going to be even better.
Luz pushes through the doors of Hexside, only to catch the attention of Every. Single. Student. The halls went dead silent. All eyes were on the human who just nervously smiled. The only sound that could be heard were the steps taken by Luz herself, walking alone in silence. Luz at least expected to hear some whispers, but to no avail. It was so quiet, the only sound Luz could hear was her own heartbeat. This was the only time Luz wished the Titan was making a witty remark, so he could get her mind off of all the stares.
Luz began to look around frantically for any sign of Willow, Gus, or any of the Blights for that matter. The tension is cut in half when the bell screams, signaling for all of the witches to head to their first period. Luz sighs in relief and heads to her homeroom, where she hopes to be greeted by a certain green-haired witch.
Before Luz can reach for the doorknob, a familiar voice appears behind the human "Miss Luz."
Luz turns around to only be greeted by principal Bump. "I have been informed that you will be studying every track here at Hexside?"
"Yes." Luz straightens her posture to act the part of an empress. "Will that be a problem?"
Bump is taken back as if he offended her. "No! Not at all! You will need a new schedule though." He tries to recollect himself as he realizes he's talking to the most powerful being "Um, well since you're technically more powerful than every witch here, is it really necessary for you to attend here? I don't mean any disrespect."
Luz sighs, realizing her fears are becoming a reality "Principle Bump. Yes, I am empress now, and yes I am extremely powerful. But, I don't want any of that to get in the way of my education. I want to be treated like every other student here."
Bump agrees "Very well. I will conduct a new schedule for you after the weekend. It's also a great honor for you to attend here at my school." Bump bows and walks away.
Luz mentality face palms and turns back around to enter her homeroom. As the human enters the class goes silent. Luz groans walk walks into the classroom annoyed.
The whole class stands and bows to Luz, while Amity stays seated and just laughs at the whole situation. Luz takes notice of her friends' amusement and smiles. Luz then breaks the silence "Um you don't have to bow. When I'm in the school uniform, I'm just a student like you guys." The whole class just stares at Luz while Amity continues to laugh under her breath. Luz blinks three times and sighs in defeat "Sit down already."
The class complies and Luz goes to take her seat next to Amity. The human lets her head fall to the desk as Amity just watches the mess in front of her "Excited to be back, empress?" Amity says in a sarcastic tone.
Luz picks her head up with a knowing grin and just rolls her eyes "Shut it you."
The two laugh for a moment when they were cut off by the morning announcements. The teacher seemed to be on edge, shaking her leg up and down rapidly. Luz took notice of this and once again tucked her head into her arms on the desk.
The whole day went like this. Every class Luz would step in, everyone would stand and bow to the tired human. Including all of her teachers. Amity has just been laughing at Luz all day, and honestly, it's the only reason Luz is enjoying her return. Willow and Gus are also a big help.
The five friends have one whole class together, and it's the most boring one. History 101. Just what Luz needs, learning about her deceased father who she technically killed. Just what she wants to be learning.
Lunchtime was the worst. As if the stares couldn't get any worse. Luz sat down next to Willow and Gus like that did before. Luz actually enjoyed how they were invisible before. Luz told Amity to go sit with her other friends to avoid any more tension. However, the strangest thing happened.
As Luz was eating, a couple of witches sat next to Luz, Willow, and Gus. Luz turned in confusion "Boscha? Skara? Amelia? Amity? What are you guys doing?"
Boscha groans like a four-year-old being forced to apologize. "Listen. Luz. I know we might have gotten off on the wrong foot." Amity nods like a mother who just forced her four-year-old to apologize.
Luz cuts Boscha off right away "You mean how you always bully my friends and me? Or how you would always spy on me because you didn't trust, or like me. Or that one time-"
Boscha snaps and forces a smile "Yes! That foot. Well now that my BFF Amity and you are besties as well. Why not just build a new bridge where we can all be friends." The witch puts her hands together, trying to visually show the group that she's trying.
Willow crosses her arms and scolds the three-eyed witch "Wow Boscha. I wonder, why the sudden change of heart." Willow turns to Luz "Any ideas Luz?" Luz laughs at Willow's comment and turns back to Boscha.
Boscha gets red in anger only to be cut off by Amity "Listen you guys, Boscha is trying to be nice here. Maybe this could be the start of something fun?"
Luz interjects "Maybe. But why don't they talk?" Luz points to Skara and Amelia who just smile and wave. Luz raises an eyebrow and turns towards Amity.
Amity laughs and Boscha just scoffs "They're nobodies. They can be easily replaced." Boscha says. Amity shoots the witch a glare and Boscha fixes herself "Sorry that was rude. What I meant was..." she ponders on what to say next "They are my emotional support system. Wherever I go, they go."
The two witches nod and Luz shows no emotion at the comment. In fact, she looks at Amity with you really expect me to believe that glare. Amity nervously shrugs. Luz finally sighs and turns to the pink-haired witch "How about this. I'll give you a chance. BUT, if you hurt Willow or Gus in any way, well let's just say I'm going to need a training dummy for my newfound infinite power."
Boscha forces a terrified smile and gulps. She only can nod at the humans' comment. Willow laughs at the witches' reaction while Gus just stares at another human booklet, which read 'Teen Vouge' on the cover.
Lunch finally concluded and all of the witches parted to their separate classes, except two. Amity and Luz both had a free period and just spent it together at the grudgby field. While the two enjoyed each other's company, Amity could sense Luz was stressed today "Snail for your thoughts?"
Luz looked up from her abomination textbook and smiled at the witch's comment "Is it that obvious?"
"A little." Amity shrugs and lets out a smile trying her best to comfort Luz "I know a lot has changed, and the student body isn't helping at all, but maybe just give them time and they'll warm up to you. Once they realize you're a fun, amazing person, they might just treat you like it."
Luz sits down on the bleachers in defeat "Maybe. Probably not though. You don't think coming back was a mistake do you?"
Amity is taken back. "What?! No of course not! Listen, who cares what other witches' think! Everyone has their opinions about me, but that doesn't stop me. I only really care what my close friends think of me because they know the real me." Luz smiles at Amity ranting "Luz, if people don't like you, then they have terrible taste! You are the most amazing person I've ever met. And if you don't want to go to school because of the other students, then just come for me, Willow, and Gus."
"You got a point there Blight. Besides, tonight is going to be a good night!" Luz perks up her head to notice Amity blushing. Amity tries to hide it, but knowing Luz, she really doesn't know what 'love' and 'blushing' really are.
The two sit shoulder to shoulder on the bleachers, watching the view of the peaceful field. Luz leans her head on Amity's shoulder and just takes in the moment. Amity turns a bright red and stiffens up, trying not to ruin this perfect moment. The girls stay like this until the bell screams, signalling for them to leave for their last class of the day.
Amity and Luz are on their way to their last class when an announcement comes on the loudspeaker "Attention Hexside students, this is your principal speaking" Bump sounds excited while all of the students stop with worried expressions all over their faces "This year, I have the privilege to announce to bestow our highest Grom honor to Empress Luz. Our Grom queen."
Everyone gasps and once more all eyes are on the human. Luz doesn't know what being Grom queen means so she just groans out loud "Great! Just what I need! More titles!" Luz laughs and turns to a worried Amity "Mittens? You good there?"
"Luz, do you know what being Grom queen means?" Amity deep down already knew the answer but just wanted confirmation.
Luz gave the witch a puzzling look "Um... No?"
Amity sighs and walks with Luz to their final class of the day "Luz Grom isn't just some dance party. Grom is short for Grometheus, the fear bringer. It's a monster that lives under the school." Amity draws a circle in the air, showing Luz a visual "Every year it tries to break out, and a student has to defeat it before it invades the town. Ever the optimist, Bumps holds a party and calls it a tradition. The worst thing is that Grom can read minds and shape-shift into your worst fear."
Luz shrugs and just continues walking along "Well good thing I already faced my greatest fear. I beat the Titan. I'm not really worried."
"Luz, you can't control your magic yet. And your fears are probably ten times worse than anyone here. I don't think it's a good idea. Maybe I could switch with you. I-" Amity is cut off by the human who is amused by the concern she is showing.
"Ams relax. It'll be fine. I'll just bring my staff tonight and beat Grom. What's the worst that could happen." Luz finally reaches her final class. But before Amity could add on to her concerns Luz stops her "Listen, tonight is going to be fun. I've faced way deadlier forces than Grom. Let's just forget about it for now and just look at the positives of tonight. Ok?"
Amity nods reluctantly. Of course, Luz had to be Grom queen. Why wouldn't she be? Amity did her best to hide her worries. She secretly texted Ed and Em to see what they thought. Emira showed concern like her sister while Edric just sends random gifs of a demon setting fire to a cake. Emira came up with the idea of telling Eda and Lilith about Luz's queen situation after school. Amity agrees and continues to listen to her last lecture of the day. She steals a couple of worried glances towards Luz but makes sure the human doesn't notice. If there was one thing Amity was sure of, nothing was going to ruin this enchanting Grom night.
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So I quoted an owl house quote in this chapter. And if you didn't catch where then can you really call yourself a fan?
I'm kidding... mostly...
Anywho... Can anyone guess what Luz's fear will be? I want to hear your guesses.
And did you enjoy the chapter? I want feedback!!!!!!!!!!!!!