Dedicated to @Deltasd234. Your comment made my day and motivated me!
ðLumity...?ð
*****
A place she was all too familiar with. The library. Luz stared at the grand doors, dreading her tutoring session with Amity.
"I bet Little Miss Perfect is already in there. Straight A', and her straight hair, and her straight..... WHATEVER!" Luz says to herself, in a mocking tone. Luz was so used to everyone liking her and respecting her, she didn't know how to act towards Amity. Does she just ignore her, or brag how she's basically the emperor's daughter.
Luz sighs and finally pushes the doors open to reveal the Boiling Isles Library. Even though she's not particularly happy to be there at the moment, Luz loved reading.
Steve would always come with her and read cool facts about the Isles, humans, demons, curses, etc. However, Belos gave Steve strict orders not to let Luz ever read fiction. As the emperor's daughter, Luz's mind couldn't be 'clouded' by all the nonsense. So Luz always headed straight for the non-fiction section. Because of Belos, she never had an interest in reading fiction anyway.
As Luz is walking around looking for the green-haired witch, she sees two older-looking witches, twins to be exact, with green hair. They seem to be holding a cat lunch box wandering around. Luz takes notice of the similar green hair and walks over to the twins.
"Excuse me, hi," Luz says quietly, "you wouldn't happen to be related to an Amity, would you?"
"Ha! Sure are! What gave it away." The girl asks, smirking at Luz.
"Come on Em. Obviously, the good looks run in the family." The boy states, moving his hand through his hair, smiling.
Luz stands there confused as to why these two seemingly normal and nice, while their younger sister is... well not the best at first impressions. "Great! I'm Luz. Your sister Amity is supposed to be tutoring me and I don't know where to find her. Can you help me out?"
Amity's sister smiles towards Luz "Of course cutie! I'm Emira and this is Edric. We're Amity's older siblings and we're on our way to her as we speak."
Edric interrupts "Yeah! We're here to give Mitten's her lunch. Follow us." As he swings the lunch box in the direction they're headed.
Luz smiles at how cool and laid back they are. The twins remind her a little bit of Steve, which comforts her.
As the three journey through the library, Luz notices that the twins are leading her towards the fiction section. Confused, Luz speaks up "Are you sure we're headed the right way? We're headed straight for the fiction section."
"Oh, we're sure. Mittens basically live here. Especially in her little hideaway." Ed and Em both laugh continue walking.
"Hmm if Amity is always here how come I've never bumped into her? And Mittens? What kind of nickname is that! I also wonder what they mean by hideaway?" Luz thinks as she follows the twins.
The three come to a stop at a table with Amity sitting alone, waiting for the human to arrive.
"Ohhhh Mittens!!!!" Em sings out loud, producing a shhhhh from the librarian.
Ed soon follows "Mom says stop forgetting your lunch."
Amity's face scrunches up and radiates heat. Luz laughs at the siblings' encounter and stays quiet, not wanting Amity to pass out of embarrassment or anger.
"Ok, you two, leave. I have to tutor this human, who's late by the way." Amity scolds Luz, then turns back to her brother and sister, "You know, responsibility. I know it's a big word for you two to grasp. So please, just leave."
"Ouch Mittens. We get when we're not wanted." Ed says pretending he's really hurt.
"Yeah we'll leave, but be nice to Luz. She seems pretty cool. Probably too cool for you, but everyone needs to do community service at some point in their life. And she's a real hero for putting up with you." Em says in an innocent tone, batting her eyes.
Luz is doing her best to hold back her laughter. She and Steve always have encounters like this, but it's never one-sided. Luz is also holding back as best she could due to the redness of Amity's face. "Who knew that shade of red was possible. It's kind of cute." Luz says in the back of her mind.
Ed and Em finally say their goodbyes to the two girls. Amity, a lot less red, sits down first with crossed arms. Luz follows to the seat next to her.
Luz and Amity sit in silence for a moment when Luz finally decides to say something, "Hey, don't let them get to you. They're just messing with you. Steve and I do it all the time towards each other. It just means they love you." Luz finished with her hand on Amity's shoulder.
Amity quickly swipes Luz's hand off her shoulder "Yeah well I bet, Steve, whoever that is, doesn't get away with everything, while you are constantly trying to work your way to the top!" Amity stops for a moment and collects herself, "I'm sorry. That was aggressive."
Luz looks at her with disbelief "huh, I guess she does have feelings" "don't worry about it. I'm constantly trying to live up to expectations too"
Luz looks down, showing a little weakness as Belos would put it.
Amity's eyes open wide "I know not to judge a book by its cover. I never took into consideration what it might be like for you. You know, because you can't magic the traditional way. My parents are.... let's just say strict. What about yours?"
Luz looks up trying to figure out how to respond. "Let's just say the same thing for my dad. I have a mother... like figure who's also very strict." The two girls let out a quiet but genuine laugh.
"Maybe this human... Luz isn't going to be so bad to tutor after all." Amity thinks while she admires Luz's smile. "Well then. Let's begin with our schedule. We'll meet here, at this table, three days a week. If you need more sessions just ask and I'll see if I'm available. For the first week, I'll catch you up on everything that we've learned up till now. The other sessions will be studying for projects and tests. We could also do homework if you'd like."
"Sounds good to me. Mittens..." Luz tries to hold a serious face but keeps smirking, failing miserably.
Amity looks at her with no emotion "don't call me that, or I will destroy you."
Luz laughs "I'm kidding. Jeez. Sorry. I just have one question." Amity looks confused as if she missed something. "Why study in the fiction section. Isn't it all nonsense?"
Amity looks at Luz as if she grew three heads on the spot. "Are you kidding? Fiction is the best thing to ever be created! Why read books on history and a dull world, when they're supposed to be an escape. When I read fiction, I forget all of my responsibilities and live through the characters in the book."
As Amity babbles on about books, Luz is mesmerized by how her eyes sparkle when she talks about something she passionate about. The way her whole perfect act disappears when she's talking about living through the characters is just breathtaking to Luz.
Amity notices Luz staring and stops "why are you staring at me like that?"
Luz finds a quick remark to try and cover her awkward staring, "I just don't get it. It's nonsense that just clouds your judgment."
Amity quickly responds "Not at all. It teaches life lessons and Redemption arcs. Here I can lend you my favorite book. 'The Good Witch Azura'. It's a 5 part series but I only have 4. If you don't like it then I won't ever bother you again. BUT if you do like it, then...." Amity stops for a moment, trying to think of something, "then... you have to read the whole series and say I'm the most talented witch on the Boiling Isles whenever I see fit." She finishes with a confident smile.
Luz looks at her like she's about to prank one of the new recruits for the emperor's coven
"Ok... I agree. BUT if I don't like the book then you have to take me to Grom. I've always heard about it and I need insurance since I'm a human and probably no one would want to go with me." Luz says with all confidence.
Amity scoffs Luz's terms and holds out her hand "Human, I hope you're used to losing. You're going to love fiction."
Luz then grabs her hand and looks her in the eyes "Ha! In your dreams Blight."
The two girls write down their bet on paper so they can't back out. They both sign and Amity gets the 1st book out of her book bag.
Luz takes it and looks at the cover and laughs "This is the book you think I'll love so much? Really? Come on? Who wears that ridiculous outfit? And purple and white? It's stupid."
"Trust me. You'll be complementing me next time we meet." Amity says turning back to all of her abomination papers. "Now, enough distracting me! Let's catch you up on abominations."
For the next 2 hours, Amity talked about the basics of abominations. Luz listened like it was Kikimora teaching a history lesson. The two girls worked together fairly easily. There would be times where Luz cracks a sarcastic comment and Amity just rolls her eyes, trying not to show Luz she actually finds them hilarious. Sure they started off on the wrong foot, but after they got to know each other better, they got along just fine.
All was going smoothly when suddenly a hand grabs Luz's shoulder. Luz jumps out of her chair with her fists in a fighting position "Steve? What are you doing here?" Luz asks as the adrenaline is still pumping, but slowing down.
"Luz! You never called or texted me after school and I got worried something happened to you. And... well... you know who wanted to know why you weren't home yet." Steve said nervously as if Belos were right behind him.
"STEVE! You know who said he would trust me to get home on my own. If this is what his definition of trust is, I'm going to throw a dictionary at him." Luz calmly but aggressively explains to Steve.
While Luz is scolding Steve, Amity stands up and introduces herself to Steve, "Hello. I'm Amity Blight, Luz's abomination tutor."
Steve then takes his eyes off annoyed Luz to the girl next to her, "Sorry. Where are my manners? I'm Steve, Luz's older brother. Blight... I've heard your name come up somewhere. I just can't remember."
"You're probably referring to my parents, Odalia and Aldor." An uncomfortable smile appears on Amity's face at the mention of her parents.
"Hm... I don't know... maybe. Anyway" Steve snaps his attention back to Luz "He wants you home for dinner within the hour and I'm here to make that possible. So let's go or I'll never hear the end of it."
Amity is confused at the moment. "Is Steve talking about their dad? But why is he saying it in such a weird manner? Whatever, I should know better than anyone that not all parents are all hugs and kisses."
Luz then sighs and turns to Amity "Sorry I didn't realize the time. I'll see you at school tomorrow and we could pick up where we left off our next tutoring session?"
"You mean the session where you'll lose the bet and admit I'm amazing." Amity says batting her eyelashes just like her sister did when they were teasing her.
"Ha! Keep on dreaming Blight." Luz says smiling
Steve witnesses the whole encounter and feels so guilty for breaking this... whatever it is they're doing up "ok! I would love to watch your adorable banter all day but WE GOT TO GOOO!" Steve then grabs Luz's arm and drags her away.
Luz then waves goodbye to Amity and leaves the building. Amity's cheeks get a little red. She sits still for a moment, smiling at the door then snaps out of her trance and starts to gather her belongings.
The staff ride to the castle was silent. Steve felt guilty for dragging Luz away, but he did it for her own good. As the two land, Steve finally cuts through the tension "Luz I know you're mad but I had to come and get you. You have to let me know when you're going to be out all day. When Belos agreed to give you the freedom to come home by yourself, he meant to come home by yourself, straight after school."
"I'm not mad. I just want a little freedom. I'm tired of being constantly watched every second of my life. I know you always do what's best for me and I would like to thank you for that. But I'm not that same two-year-old you found. If I have plans again after school I'll text you right away. I'm sorry I made you worry." Luz then gave Steve an 'I'm sorry' smile.
"Never apologize Kiddo. But I have to prepare you. Emperor Belos is waiting for you right now, I don't think he's too happy. Just... Be ready and don't react. I don't know if you can tell, he was a little on edge today." Steve said as the two walk to the dining room. He knows how Belos can be sometimes with Luz and just wants to see her happy.
As they near the dining room, Steve tries to cheer up Luz "Hey how about after dinner, we can eat vanilla scream cream, and talk about your first day. I would love to hear all about your tutor Amity Blight, and the friends you made."
Luz smiles at the mention of Amity and her new friends "I would like that a lot." Luz forces a smile because she knows what's about to come, at this particular dinner.
The guards see her approach and open the dining room doors, to a not-so-happy ruler. Luz walks in slowly as Steve salutes Belos and walks away. The doors close, and Steve loses sight of the girl he calls his sister. "Oh, Titan please help her."
*****
Happy chapter!
The next chapter not soooo much... Sorryð¬