Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It all started so innocently, which, to Vee, should have been a sign of things to come.

She was watching nature documentaries with Masha (read: snuggled up to her partner as a zoologist enthusiastically discussed Bolivian tree frogs) when she smelled the most wonderful, delectable smell of her life.

That was the only warning she got before the front door flew open and Luz- because it was quite obviously Luz, despite the fact she now had gold eyes, dark fur, thick, fluffy hair, horns, bony claws and other such protrusions, a staff, a witch hat and an arc reactor-esque symbol on her chest- burst in, with a mighty cry of “Guess who’s back?!”

Vee and Masha awkwardly stared at her. Luz stared back.

“...I should’ve checked to make sure you were the only one home, right?” Said Luz calmly.

“Yes, yes you should’ve.” Said Vee, struggling not to drool. Why the heck did her sister smell so good?! The sheer amount of magic emanating from her was downright intoxicating, and far more pure (and sweet) than Belos’s magic.

She wasn’t even trying to feed, and yet she felt fuller than she ever had in weeks. And she still wanted more.

“Luz, mija, was that really necessary?” Asked an exhausted-looking Camila, stepping in behind her daughter, while Vee mentally kicked herself for not noticing her beloved mami sooner.

“Yes.” Said Luz. “So, uh… Masha, if I said that this was just an elaborate costume, would you believe me?”

“Luz, your sister has her tail wrapped around my legs. I think that ship has sailed.” Said Masha. “Also, what the hell happened to you?! You look hot!”

“Hey!” Exclaimed Vee.

“Don’t worry, honey, I still prefer scales to fur.” Promised Masha before kissing Vee, making her entire body go red.

“You better, ‘cause Luz’s mine!” Amity, who Vee had also never noticed, shouted, while having a death grip on Luz’s arm.

“So, Vee, when did this happen?” Asked an excited Luz, gesturing to Masha.

“I asked them out while you and the others were in the Isles.” Answered Vee, puffing her chest with pride.

“You stared at me dead silent for several seconds, threw a flower bouquet at my face, then ran out of the Historical Society building screaming.” Reminded Masha, causing Vee to slightly deflate and Luz to start laughing. 

“The next time we met, I asked you if you wanted to go out, you screamed ‘Crispy Critters!’, passed out, then immediately said yes when you woke up.”

“Oh, you are most definitely a Noceda.” Snickered Luz.

“Still not as bad as the first time I asked out Manny.” Said Camila fondly. “I’m so proud of you, Vee! You and Masha make a very lovely couple!”

Vee blushed as Masha hugged her. “Th-Thanks, mami. So, Luz, when did all… this happen?!”

“Oh, I died.” Started Luz nonchalantly.

“ YOU DIED?! ” Exclaimed Vee and Masha in horror.

“Yeah, but it wasn’t really a big deal…” Luz began, only to pause midway. “Actually, that’s a lie, it was a very big deal, and it hurt like hell, and it was super scary and I don’t want to go through something like that ever again, but hey, I had to protect The Collector.”

“Hold on, I thought The Collector was a bad guy?” Interrupted Vee.

“We thought that too, but it turns out they’re just a lonely and misguided kid. One with unlimited cosmic power who didn’t understand how fragile people without said cosmic power are, but still. He’s actually very sweet once you get to know him.” Explained Luz. “Anyways, the cancer turned into a kaiju-”

“The cancer?”

“Luz won’t refer to Belos as anything but ‘The cancer.’ It’s actually starting to stick with the others.” Amity helpfully explained.

“Why though?” Questioned Vee.

“Because that’s what it was.” Answered Luz.

Vee considered it for a moment before realizing, yeah, her sister was right. Belos had been the living embodiment of rot and decay, so cancer was a good label for him.

Or rather ‘It’, considering how often Belos- sorry, the cancer - had referred to her and the other basilisks as “it” back then.

“Anyway,” Luz continued. “The cancer turned into a kaiju, and The Collector channeled his inner Steven Universe and tried to befriend it-”

“What?! Why on earth would they try to do that?!” Exclaimed Vee.

“Well, to be fair, we did kinda do the same to him. Anywho, it didn’t take, the cancer tried to blast them, I blocked the shot and… well, died.” Said Luz, becoming uncomfortable for a moment alongside Amity and Camila. 

“But! On the bright side, I went to the afterlife and met the Titan- oh, by the way, the afterlife exists, meaning we no longer have to fear death-”

“Hold on, you met the Titan?!” Shrieked Vee, though a small part of her was questioning why she should be surprised by this anymore.

“Yeah, pretty decent guy,” Nodded Luz. “really rocked the dad bod.”

“Luz, in the future, please don’t refer to the Titan as having a ‘dad bod’” Said Amity as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Well he did!” Defended Luz. “And a worm was sticking out of his missing eye that resembled a mini-Hooty which, A: gross, B: carries a lot of uncomfortable implications-”

“Wait, what’s a Hooty?” Masha interrupted.

“We ask that question all the time.” Said Camila, a haunted look in her eyes.

“And yet the world may never know.” Added Amity morbidly.

“So you basically met God, Luz?!” Questioned an enraptured Masha.

“No, I met the Titan. Which I guess is basically the same thing.” Admitted Luz. “Anyways, he set me straight on a lot of things, gave me his powers, and this rockin’ bod!”

“Which I will forever thank him for.” Whimpered a gleeful Amity.

“Then I reunited with King and Eda- oh, by the way,this is King, we forgot to mention him.” Said Luz, lifting her right leg, where an adorable furry black creature with a skull for a head was clinging on.

“He hasn’t let go of me since we passed through the portal.”

“That’s because the last time that happened, I didn’t see you for months!” The little creature cried in indignation. “It was incredibly traumatizing!”

“ Hermano , all of us were traumatized.” Luz reminded him cheerfully. “By the way, Vee, King’s our little brother.”

The last bit was said with such nonchalance that Vee instantly accepted it without question. “Hey, little guy! Welcome to the family! I’m Vee, you’re big sister!”

“Hi.” King said, somewhat shyly.

“I want one so badly.” Said Masha.

“Well, tough luck, I’m the second-to-last of my kind!” Boasted King, before his face fell. “Aw, dang it, I made myself sad.”

“Wait, second to last?” Asked Masha.

“King was the last Titan, but then his dad did this to me, so I’m a Titan too.” Luz explained. “And now that I think about it, I guess that makes him my dad too!”

“I’m not really sure how to feel about that.” Said Camila.

“Oh.”

“Lucky,” Muttered Vee. “As far as I know, I’m the last basilisk.”

“Actually, as I speak, a special group of witches are scouring every inch of the Isles to find any and all basilisks who may have escaped alongside you.” Said Camila.

“Really?!” Exclaimed Vee in excitement.

“You mean there’s more of you?!” Said Masha hopefully, eyes gleaming.

“Anyways, I reunited with Eda and King-” Started Luz.

“And we kicked the cancer’s ass!” Shouted King.

“Yeah,it was a total anime moment.” Continued Luz. “And now it’s permanently dead.”

“Are you sure? ‘Cause you thought that before,and it turned out it was possessing Hunter before it tried to kill all of us, and actually succeeded in murdering Flapjack.” Pointed out a concerned Vee. 

“ Speaking of which, where is my brother? ” Thought Vee after a moment. “ He’s ok, right? ”

“No, it’s legitimately dead this time. We made sure.” Said Luz firmly. “It’s body was already falling apart, and I conjured up some boiling rain to melt it down and finish the job.”

“Then mom, nobi and I stomped on what was left of it just to be sure!” Said King.

“Oh yeah, you have a second mom and nobi now.” Added Luz.

“Okay,” Said Vee, accepting it without question. She then frowned. “Man, now I kinda wish I didn’t stay behind. It sounds like I missed a lot!”

“Yeah, you did.” Agreed Luz. “For one thing, I finally got my Palisman! Meet Stringbean!”

Her staff vanished in a puff of magic, and in its place was the most adorable critter Vee had ever laid her eyes on. It was a precious, fuzzy little purple snake with a white face, pearls for a rattle, shining, happy eyes and a tiny little forked tongue that flicked in and out of its mouth.

“ I’ve only just met Stringbean, but if anything ever happened to them, I’d kill everybody in the room and then myself. ” Thought Vee. And judging by the happy nonsense Masha was saying, she wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

“She’s a snakeshifter!” Luz explained as she tickled Stringbean’s chin, causing her to squeak and shift between a bat and a cat before going back to a snake. “Isn’t she just the greatest?”

“Ghost certainly thinks so.” Agreed Amity as her cat Palisman Ghost climbed onto her shoulder and stared at Stringbean in adoration, mirroring the way her owner would stare at Luz.

“Oh yeah. Totes ship them.” Said Masha in a low voice.

“So she’s a shapeshifting snake, just like me!” Vee squealed in delight. “Were you thinking of me when you hatched her?”

“...Yes.” Said Luz, eyes shifting around.

“I can’t believe I missed her hatching, I was so looking forward to it!” Exclaimed Vee. “Maybe I should’ve gone with you guys.”

“If you did, we wouldn’t have gotten together.” Said Masha, gently holding Vee’s hand. “Also, everyone would freak about your entire family disappearing out of the blue, but still.”

“True, true.” Conceded Vee. “By the way, mami, you forgot to give me the car keys, so I had to hotwire it to get home.”

“How the heck did you learn how to hotwire a car?!” Exclaimed Camila.

“Internet.”

“Noice.” Luz approved. “You are most definitely a member of the Bad Girl Coven.”

Vee simply smiled at that.

“So, let me get this straight: You died, met God, or the equivalent thereof, came back to life as an insanely badass and drop-dead gorgeous demon sorceress, and beat the crap out of a centuries-old genocidal colonizer before melting it and stomping it to death.” Said Masha, awestruck. “Does this make you witch Jesus?”

“What’s a Jesus?” King asked innocently.

“That’s a very long, difficult subject I’m not even sure how to begin to explain.” Answered Camila.

“Wha-Of course not, Masha.” Luz scoffed, only to stop and rethink her answer. “Hang on. Mami, am I actually witch Jesus? Would that be heretical to say?”

“Luz, sweetie, everything I thought I knew about the universe has been thrown out the window these past few months.” Said Camila tiredly. 

“I don’t even know if our God exists anymore, if a demonstrably real one brought you back from the dead. You might as well be a magical messiah.”

“Oh.” Said Luz. “Well, I guess that’s ok, then, just so long as nobody starts worshipping me or forms a religion around me or something.”

“Oh, they’re definitely gonna form a religion.” Said King with the same amount of subtlety as a 2x4.

“Absolutely.” Agreed Vee.

“Aw crud. And we just toppled one corrupt theocracy…” Groaned Luz. “Welp, gonna have to nip this one in the bud when the time comes.”

“Y’know, Vee, I’m starting to wonder if I fell for the wrong sister…” Said Masha, still staring at Luz.

“Ayo?!” Exclaimed Vee.

“Just kidding!” Replied Masha. “...Y’know, mostly.”

“WHAT?!”

King looked between Luz and Vee in confusion. “Uh, Luz, I know not all twins look as creepily alike like Ed and Em, but…”

“Well, we look nothing alike, and we’re siblings.” Retorted Luz.

King simply gestured to her horns, fur, bones and glowing eyes.

“I-I didn’t always have these!” Said Luz defensively.

“Wait, where are the others? Are they ok?” Questioned Vee.

“Everyone’s fine.” Assured Camila. “Nobody died. Well, except for Luz.” She then stared off into the distance. “Still haven’t fully processed that.”

“Willow and Gus are showing their dads around town, and will be back later.” Explained Luz.

“Um, is that wise?” Asked Vee.

“I dunno!” Luz admitted cheerfully. “And as for Hunter…”

“Right here.” Said Hunter, leaning against the doorframe in a (failed) attempt at looking cool.

“Hunter!” Vee squeaked happily as she ran over and hugged her brother. He tensed briefly, before relaxing at the familiar contact. “I was so worried about you, dude! I mean, I knew Luz would be fine, but you… you’re the one I was most worried about.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that?!” Exclaimed an annoyed Hunter.

“Well, I mean, you are kinda hopeless…” Pointed out Amity.

“I’ve battled monsters and demons unlike anything you’ve ever seen! I’ve trained as a soldier under the harshest conditions possible! I survived-” Hunter faltered for a moment. “I survived living with the cancer my entire life!”

“Hey, didn’t you cry like a baby when watching Wolfwalkers ?” Reminded Luz.

“ WE ALL DID! ”

“There there, it’s ok,” Cooed Vee, gently patting Hunter on the head. “You’re big sister Vee is here to take care of you again..”

“Still not sure I’m younger than you…” Grumbled Hunter.

“Didn’t those notes Steve found indicate that the basilisks were made while your predecessor was still-” Started Luz

“That evidence is circumstantial at best !” Cried Hunter, his face reddening.

Camila sighed happily. “I’m so glad to see all my children together again.”

“Including me!” Chimed in King. “I’m the baby, gotta love me!”

“Yes, we do, now please never say that again.” Agreed Luz. “Also, I think Hunter might be the baby…”

“Am not!”

Vee then gave Hunter a concerned look. “So, I heard the cancer turned into a kaiju? And it’s… really dead this time?”

“It is.” Confirmed Hunter, and the last shred of doubt Vee had left her.

“I know Luz got to fight him, but did you at least get a few knocks in?” Questioned Vee.

Hunter shook his head. “No, and I’m fine with that. I told the cancer that I never want to see him again, and thanks to Luz, I never have to. It’s over. It’s finally over.”

“...I’m glad.”

Suddenly, Luz enfolded them both in her furry arms.

“Sibling hug!” Luz exclaimed. “Man, I love family reunions! Which is why, Vee, I also want to introduce you to the rest of ours!”

Vee cocked an eyebrow. “The rest?”

Hunter paled. “Run.”

But it was too late. “First up: our second mother Eda, and our nobi Raine!” Announced Luz.

“Heya kids!” Exclaimed Eda as she barged into the room. “It’s great to finally see you! Now, where do you keep your silverware and Human Realm Apple Blood?”

“Eda, no.” Muttered an exasperated Raine. “Also, Luz, while I genuinely appreciate the thought, I’m not your nobi. Eda and I…I mean… we aren’t… that is to say I’d like to, but…”

“ Oh ? What would you like to, Rainestorm?” Said Eda, an eyebrow raised and a smug look on her face. Raine couldn’t help but blush at that.

Masha gasped, eyes sparkling. “A non-binary witch? Cool! Please, if you can, teach me everything you know!”

Raine looked at Masha weirdly and adjusted their glasses. “What? Well, I already have three students, but I suppose I can make room for a fourth… Can you play an instrument?”

“No, but I’d like to!” Said Masha eagerly.

“Mmm… I’ll think about it.”

“And these are their kids- which makes them our future step-siblings- Derwin, Katya and Amber!” Luz announced as the three young witches entered the house.

“Luz, I already told you, they’re my students, not my children.” Said Raine.

“Yes they are.” Said Eda.

“Yeah we are.” Agreed the trio.

Raine blushed harder.

“And this is Cool Aunt Lilith!” Continued Luz

“Eda, the banisters in this realm look near-identical to the ones in ours! But why?” Said Lilith as she poked her head into the room. “Is it convergent design evolution? A potential cross-realm idea exchange? I have to learn more!”

“Huh, she really is a cool aunt.” Mused Masha to themselves.

“And Abuela Gwen and Abuelo Dell!”

“Oh my goodness, I have a basilisk for a granddaughter!” Said Gwendolyn, pinching Vee’s cheeks. “And two Titans as my other grandchildren, who saved the world to boot! That’ll definitely shut up that snobby harlot Deboroth, going on and on about how her children are ‘high up in the covens’, especially since those are as dead as the cancer!”

“And I have a grandson who will be my apprentice, and help continue the family business of carving Palisman.” Said Dell as he patted Hunter on the shoulder. “That’s more than good enough for me.”

“Thank you, Mr. Clawthorne. You have no idea how much this means to me.” Whispered Hunter, tearing up.

“And here’s Hunter’s dad and his platonic life partner, Darius and Eberwolf!” Said Luz.

“Wait, the Coven Heads?!” Exclaimed Vee.

“ Former Coven Heads. So, this is the Human Realm I’ve heard so much about?” Said Darius as he and Eberwolf entered the room. “I have to say, so far, I’m not impressed.”

Camila gave Darius a dirty look, before snapping her attention to Eberwolf. “Hey! Not on the houseplants! Either do it outside,or in the bathroom!”

Eberwolf rolled their eyes and lowered their hind leg.

“And these are your future cousins and uncle-in-law, Edric, Emira and Alador Blight!”

“Heya, cuties!” Chirped Emira, winking to Vee and Masha.

“More new family!” Exclaimed Edric, still in the body cast. “I’d hug you, but apparently I’m not supposed to break my arms again.”

“Wait, where’s dad?” Asked a concerned Amity.

“Oh, he’s taking apart that weird machine outside.” Said Emira.

“...My car!” Exclaimed Camila before rushing outside.

“You also have an aunt-in-law, but we didn’t bring her along because she’s terrible and everybody hates her guts.” Said Luz.

“And also because she’s going to prison.” Added Amity. “Y’know, once they actually build the prison.”

“I will not visit her there!” Finished Edric happily.

“Now, normally, I’m opposed to prisons out of pure principle, but considering who we’re talking about, it’s for the best they lock her up and throw away the key.” Agreed Eda. “In fact, I can think of a few other people I’d like to see in there with her…”

“Also, there’s Hooty, Eda’s house demon who basically defies any sort of description and is currently outside… flirting with our house.” Grimaced Luz.

“Say good lookin’, when was the last time you had your gutters cleaned?” Came probably the most horrific voice Vee and Masha had ever heard from outside. “That’s some niiiiice siding you got there… and I love me a house with thick, sturdy foundations!”

“Hooty, cut that out!” Yelled Camila from outside as well. “And Mr. Blight stop dismantling my engine block this instant!”

“Don’t worry, Miss Noceda, I know what I’m doing.” Said the tired voice of Alador Blight. Suddenly, there was the sound of an explosion.

“Or, maybe I don’t.”

Camila started swearing at him in Spanish.

“And this is Steve and his little brother Mattholomule!” Finished Luz, gesturing to an incredibly cool-looking horned witch wearing a leather jacket, and his dorky-looking brother. “They’re not necessarily a part of the family, but Matt’s best friends with Gus, and Steve’s immensely popular for some inexplicable reason, so we brought them along anyway.”

“Hey.” Said Steve as Mattholomule gave Luz a dirty look.

“And that’s everyone! Right?” Said Luz, to which the others made various noises of agreement. “Yep, that’s everyone in our extended family!”

Vee couldn’t help but tear up in joy. Before, she used to be a lost soul, who had only ever experienced pain and torture at the hands of the cancer and his lackeys. But now? She was living her best life, with an awesome partner, a loving mother, two amazing siblings, and plenty of wonderful friends, and that was before she met the rest of Luz’s friends and family at this very moment!

“Gosh, Vee, your family sure is insane…” Whispered Masha in adoration.

“Tell me about it…” Replied Vee.

“And I’m so looking forward to being a part of it.” Continued Masha, gently grabbing hold of Vee’s hand.

Vee was about to respond to Masha, but a question that had been nagging in the back of her mind beat it to the punch. “Wait, why did you bring everyone here instead of bringing me and Masha to The Boiling Isles?”

“Well, you know how most of the people on our street moved out seemingly out of nowhere?” Said Luz sheepishly. Vee nodded. “Well, with all the damage caused by both The Collector and the cancer when he possessed the Titan, everybody here’s moving to the Human Realm until the Demon Realm fully heals.”

“Wait, they’re wha-.”

Chapter Text

The next day, as the adults worked on the housing paperwork, Luz and the rest of the Hexsquad were showing the other kids around Gravesfield, and were currently hanging out at the mall, more specifically, its bookstore. But as Luz and Vee were browsing the manga section (with Luz wearing a special Concealment Stone to hide her Titan appearance from the public), Vee smelled something… peculiar .

“What is it, Vee?” Asked Luz when she noticed Vee sniffing the air. “What do you smell?”

“I’m not sure.” Answered Vee. “It smells like magic, but not, like, your Titan magic or the others' magic. This smells like magic mixed with… a forest or something.”

“LUZ! LUZ! Look!” Exclaimed Hunter excitedly as he ran up to his sisters, before holding up a graphic novel. “They made a new Cosmic Frontier series!”

“ Cosmic Frontier: The New Frontier: Vol.1 .” Real Luz aloud, looking at the cover. “Hey, that’s great, Hunter!”

“I know!” Replied Hunter. “I hope this series has O’Bailey finally attempt to showcase his blossoming feelings for hydroponics head Wynonna Powers.”

“You think he’s gonna end up with Wynonna?”

The trio turned to see who was talking, and in front of them was a tall, skinny girl with dark-brown hair, a light-and-dark gray striped shirt, gray jeans, a burgundy hoodie and a camo-green jacket.

“I mean, yeah, it’s obvious they’re gonna hook up, but I’ve always been partial towards O’Bailey ending up with Emily Bronte.” Said the mystery girl. “Or, if you’re my sister, he winds up with Edwin Bronte.”

“Uh, I’m sorry, who exactly are you?” Asked Luz.

“Oh right, where are my manners?” Said the girl before holding out her hand. “I’m Jo. Jo McBride.”

“Luz Noceda.” Said Luz, shaking Jo’s hand. “And these are my siblings, Hunter and Vee.”

“Siblings?” Said Jo, raising an eyebrow. “Luz, I’ve seen you and your mom in public from time to time, and I work as a part-time teaching assistant at Gravesfield Junior High, and I never knew you had siblings.”

“Oh, they’re from Boston!” Said Luz, coming up with a lie on the fly. “But they moved here a few days ago!”

“... Riiight .” Said Jo, not entirely convinced. “Well, I gotta run. Hope to see you again soon, Luz!” And with that, she was off.

“That was weird.” Said Hunter as he, Luz and Vee watched Jo walk away.

“You’re right, Hunter.” Replied Luz, storing her chin, before noticing the look on Vee’s face. “What’s up, Vee?”

“It was her.” Said Vee. “The smell from earlier. It came from her.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that day, as Luz was showing everyone around downtown Gravesfield, she once again ran into Jo, this time in front of Scoops Ahoy. Only this time, Jo wasn’t alone.

“Hey Luz!” Waved Jo. “Are those your friends?”

“Yep! Hunter and Vee you’ve already met, but this is my girlfriend Amity,” Started Luz, giving Amity a kiss on the forehead afterwards. “Her siblings Ed and Em, my best friend’s Willow and Gus, and Gus’s best friend Matt. I take it these are your friends?”

“You betcha! This is my sister Molly,” Startid Jo, gesturing to a tall, blonde-haired girl in a green shirt who was wearing glasses and a raccoon skin hat.

“That’s her girlfriend Mal Yoo,” Jo continued, gesturing to a girl with an undercut hairstyle and a denim jacket overtop a flannel shirt, before gesturing towards a young girl with blue streaks in her hair, and a slightly older girl with orange hair and huge pupils. “This is my next door neighbor Ripley Rodriguez-O’Shannasy, and that’s my BFF April Armstrong.”

Mattholomule gave Molly an intense lookover. “What do you mean Molly’s your sister, Jo? She looks nothing like you.”

“Ok, first of all, rude.” Said Molly. “And second, I wasn’t even born into Jo’s family. She was the first person I went to after I got kicked out of my house.”

“How’d you get kicked out?” Asked Gus, genuinely curious.

“...Let’s just say, my mom’s not a very good person.” Sighed Molly dejectedly.

“I know how that feels. My mom’s like that as well.” Confided Amity.

“Actually, Amity, Mal overheard bits and pieces about your mom whenever you talked about her last time you were here, and we’ve come to the general consensus that Molly’s-” Said Ripley, before being nudged in the side by April.

Luz was confused. “Wait, we just met you guys today. How were you able to overhear Amity’s discussions about Odalia back then?” She asked, eyebrow raised.

Jo and the rest of her friends stared at Luz and the rest of the witches with widened eyes. They knew the jig was up, but how could they reveal the truth without driving away their new friends?

“Look, Luz, why don’t you bring your friends out to the forest later tonight?” Said Jo after a moment. “We’ve got something to show y’all.”

“O…k?” Replied Luz, still not sure what was going on. “Well, uh, see you later.” And with that, luz and the others walked away.

“Ripley, what the junk?!” Yelled Mal as soon as Luz and her friends were out of earshot.

“Sorry, Mal, it just slipped out!” Exclaimed Ripley.

“Well that little slip-up’s gonna cost us our new friends.” Retorted April.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Apes.” Said Jo, placing a hand on April’s shoulder. “I ran into Luz and her brother and sister earlier at the mall, and they had a magic scent very similar to ours.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ok, so, remind me again why you’re here?”

“I wanna meet your new friends, Luz!” Exclaimed King, poking his head out of Luz’s hair. “I know you’re probably worried about how they’ll react to me, but who cares?! I’ll just use my cuteness to win them over!”

“Um, I was actually talking to Steve, King.” Said Luz, pointing to said witch as she and the rest of the Hexsquad (plus Mattholomule) walked through the forest.

“Eda and Raine want to have a nice, quiet evening together, and Eda put me in charge of you goobs so that she isn’t the one who has to save your hides when your shenanigans inevitably backfire.” Retorted Steve.

“ Whaaat? My kind of shenanigans have never backfired!” Falsely claimed Luz, a phony smile on her face.

“You’re absolutely right, Luz. Except for the Moonlight Conjuring,” Willow sarcastically started.

“Replacing me as Grom Queen,” Added Amity.

“Challenging Boscha to that Grudgby match,” Continued Gus.

“And trying to steal Hettie Cuttburn’s Healing Hat!” Finished Steve, only to immediately regret it when he saw the pained looks on Luz,King, Amity, Willow and Gus’s faces. “Uh, shouldn’tve said that.”

“Ok Luz, this is getting ridiculous, where’s that girl we met at the mall and her friends? She said that they’d-” Started Hunter, only to stop when he spotted a gray-furred wolf on the horizon.

“Dude, don’t. move. a muscle.” Whispered Luz, going into her Titan form as the wolf growled and began advancing towards Hunter. The gang were about to defend themselves, only to discover that the wolf had brought backup, in the form of a red fox, a golden eagle and two raccoons, one gray and one brown. And just when it looked like things were going to devolve into animal-on-witch violence, a winged figure descended from the treetops, one that had blue streaks in it’s-

Blue streaks?

“Ripley?” Said Luz, after a moment of realization.

“Alright, guys, better let ‘em off the- HOLY REBECCA ROSE, YOU’RE SO FLUFFY!” Said Ripley before flying over and wrapping Luz in a bone-crushing hug. And before Luz and the other’s very eyes, in a flash of bright light, the animals turned into Jo, April, Mal and Molly, respectively (except for the brown raccoon, who instead climbed up on top of Molly’s head, and revealed itself to be her hat from earlier).

“Uh…” Said Luz, still not understanding what was going on.

“Look, we know that y’all are probably confused, but trust us, there’s a logical explanation for all this.” Said Jo. “Just, uh… can we talk about it somewhere else? I don’t wanna stick around here, in case The Warlock saw our little light show earlier.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So, you kids weren’t cursed to become these animals, you were chosen.” Said Eda, trying to piece everything together.

“Yes.” Replied Jo, who was with the others at Eda’s new house (otherwise known as The New Owl House).

“By Zeus.”

“Yep.” Said Mal.

“Because he gifted his power to this little spitfire here,” Continued Eda, pinching Ripley’s cheek. “to prevent Apollo from conquering the world, starting with your summer camp.”

“Pretty much.” Said Molly.

“...Do your folks know about this?”

“Yeah, but they’re cool with it,” Said April nonchalantly. “Since they’ve known about the paranormal world ever since camp’s parent’s day last summer.”

“Last summer?” Asked Luz. “What happened last summer?”

“Oh boy, where to begin?” Said Jo. “Well, I guess the best place to start would be when me and my friends went out after dark to look for a bearwoman April saw…”

Chapter Text

“Do you wanna go to the school bazaar with me tonight?”

Vee was caught off-guard. She had been working in the backyard garden Willow had made the first time she was here when Masha had called her and asked her out.

“Um, I’m sorry, but, what exactly is a school bazaar?” Asked Vee.

“ Riiight , you haven’t been a student at Gravesfield Junior High that long.” Said Masha in realization. “Well, think of it as like a little carnival the students and teachers set up.”

“Ooh, that sounds fun!” Said Vee. “Sure, I’d love to go with you!”

“Hey, that’s great!” Replied Masha. “I’ll meet you over by the school later tonight. See ya then!”

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the sun was setting, Vee was sprinting towards the school. She would’ve showed up earlier, but Luz needed help combing her fur, and now she was running late and hoping that Masha didn’t think that she bailed on them and left. In fact, Vee was so caught up in her thoughts that she ran right into somebody!

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” Said Vee frantically, picking herself up.

“Are you alright, mister?” Asked Masha (who happened to be nearby) as she helped the person up. Now getting a good look, Vee saw that the person was a boy who looked like an older version of Gus, only taller and with longer hair.

“I’m fine.” Said the boy, dusting himself off. “Just, uh, be more mindful of your surroundings, ok, kid?”

Vee nodded,and she and her joyfriend hurried off to enjoy the bazaar, unaware that the boy was staring intensely at Vee, an eyebrow raised.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hey look, they got one of those basketball games here!” Exclaimed Vee, turning towards Masha to point out the nearby Shoot-A-Shot game, only to notice Masha staring in shock at her face. “What?”

“Um, Vee, your face…” Said Masha, pointing at their girlfriend’s face.

“What about it?” Asked Vee. Masha then pulled out their phone,put it on selfie mode, and held it up to Vee’s face, revealing white freckles. “Oh frick, the magic’s starting to wear off!” Said Vee, starting to panic. “If it runs out completely, I’m hosed!”

“Hey, hey, don’t panic.” Said Masha, placing a gentle hand on Vee’s shoulder. “You probably used some of it sprinting here, and panicking is just gonna make it drain faster. So just relax and try to keep your mind off it. Do you need me to walk you through Willow’s breathing techniques?”

“No, I’m good.” Said Vee. “Hey, how ‘bout I try winning you something? That’ll get my mind off-”

“If you're gonna try to play the Shoot-A-Shot game, don’t bother.” Said the bored teen working the game. “Ages ago, some crazy old lady tampered with the machine, and now, no matter how many quarters you put in it, it never works. I don’t even know why we bring out this hunk of junk every bazaar.”

It didn’t take Vee long to figure out that Eda had more than likely messed with the machine during one of her excursions to the Human Realm. Reaching into her pocket, Vee pulled out a snail, plunked it into the machine, and, just as she thought, the game fired up.

“...How did you do that?” Asked the now-shocked teen.

“Um, magic touch?” Answered Vee, not really sure what to say.

The teen suddenly became very smug. “Alright, Ms. ‘magic touch’, if you can score 10,000 points on this game, you can pick any prize on the top shelf.”

As Vee steeled herself, ready to shoot some hoops, Masha noticed that the boy Vee knocked down earlier was staring at the both of them amongst the crowd.

Vee lightly threw the ball, and it bounced off the hoop. “ Ooh, that’s too bad! ” Went the machine.

Vee tried again. Another miss. “ You suck! ”

Yet another miss. “ A toddler’s a better shot than you! ”

Vee was starting to become more enraged as she missed for the fourth time. “ You throw worse than my grandma, and she’s been dead for ages! ”

And another miss. “ If you were on my team, I’d quit being the coach! ”

“Vee, c’mon, I don’t think this is worth it.” Said Masha warily.

“Yes. It. Is.” Replied Vee through gritted teeth. She threw the basketball, and once again missed. “ Hey pal, you just blow in from Loserville?! ”

“SHUT UP!” Screamed Vee as she used all her remaining might to throw the last ball straight through the machine. It then proceeded to bug out, before displaying that Vee had somehow earned 1,000,000 points.

“ Congratulations! You’re Winner! ” Warbled the machine through its busted speakers.

“Hey kid, since I’m probably gonna get in deep trouble for this, I’ll give you one extra prize on the house.” Said the teen.

“Yeah, thanks.” Mumbled Vee as she grabbed an amethyst gem ring and a pink-purple alpaca plushie, before turning to Masha. “We gotta get out of here, Mash. I think I just used up the last of my magic!”

Masha was a bit taken aback, but one look at Vee’s re-emerging tail was enough for them to get the picture, and the two of them proceeded to flee the scene in search of a place for Vee to go full basilisk away from prying eyes.

They were so focused on their search, in fact, that neither of them noticed that not only was the boy from earlier now running deeper into the crowd, but that a familiar thorn in Vee’s side had spotted the basilisk go by.

“Now I got you, demon …” Said Jacob Hopkins, a devilish smile creeping onto his face.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Masha and Vee had made it to a nearby alleyway just as Vee went full basilisk. “Masha, I-I’m sorry.” Said Vee, tears starting to form.

“Hey now, don’t cry.” Soothed Masha, wiping away the tears. “Look, I don’t have any Hexas Hold ‘em cards on me, since I figured we wouldn’t need them, so why don’t we just get out of here and get you-”

Masha stopped when both they and Vee heard something behind them, and they turned around to see Gravesfield’s local superhero, The Warlock, in front of them, and despite wearing a mask and having his hoodie up, Vee and Masha could see his widened eyes behind the goggles.

“What the-?!” Exclaimed The Warlock. His reaction proved to be the final straw for Vee, who quickly slithered away to who knows where.

“Hey, wait!” Shouted The Warlock as he chased after Vee, though after a few moments, he wound up losing her. “Dangit, lost her…” He muttered before being tackled to the ground by a very angry Masha.

“Hey, what the- get off of me!”

“WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?!” Yelled Masha.

“I said get OFF!” Shouted The Warlock, before pushing off Masha, getting to his feet, and  taking off his mask, revealing himself to be the boy from earlier. “And to answer your question, I was just caught off-guard by that creature’s appearance. Though now that I think about it, I guess my reaction can be taken the wrong way…”

“Ya think?” Said Masha sarcastically before walking off.

“Hey, where ya goin’?”

“I’m getting my moped, and then looking for my girlfriend, Warlock.” Replied Masha.

“...Let me come with you.” Said The Warlock after a moment. “Not only will it make up for my screw-up earlier, but I think, if I concentrate enough, I can track her via her magic.”

“Wait, how can you do that?” Said Masha, raising an eyebrow.

“ Welp, mom’s probably gonna kill me, but who cares? ” Thought The Warlock.

“My name is Aster Vanissen, and I am a witch.”

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vee was gazing into a lake somewhere in the forest, trying not to cry.

“Guhh, this SUCKS!” Exclaimed Vee, splashing at her reflection in frustration after her mind made her see her human form. “Every time I think I have a handle on my life, something like this happens. Guess I’d better head home and apologize to Masha-”

Vee’s train of thought was cut short when she suddenly felt a knife press up against her throat.

“You’re worth more to me alive,” Whispered Jacob menacingly. “So unless you don’t value your well-being, I suggest you do exactly as I say…”

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So, let me get this straight: Your girlfriend is a shapeshifting basilisk from another dimension, who was brought back from extinction by this town’s centuries-old witch-hunting founder in order to harness their power and exterminate all of the realm’s witches and demons, several of whom are currently residing in this realm.”

“Pretty much, Vanissen.” Answered Masha as they hopped onto their moped and put on their helmet.

“Huh.” Said Aster. “While that’s not the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard by, like, a long shot, it’s definitely the most…”

“...What’s wrong?”

“That white truck.” Said Aster, pointing to said truck as it drove down the street. “I can sense Vee’s magic in it.”

“Oh my god.” Said Masha. “We gotta go get her, hop on!”

“No need!” Said Aster. “You follow the truck with your scooter, I’ll keep up on foot.”

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Wait’ll the government gets a load of you, demon! They’ll be sure to take me seriously after this!” Said Jacob. “Ooh, perhaps I should tell the mayor about all this.” Then, irresponsibly, he pulled out his phone and called up the mayor.

“Hello?” Mumbled Mayor Terrace, having been roused from her sleep by her phone.

“Dana, it’s Jacob!”

“ Cripes, not this loon again .” Thought Mayor Terrace, pinching the bridge of her nose. “What do you want, Hopkins, I’m trying to sleep. Also, don’t call me Dana.”

“Yes, I understand that,” Said Jacob eagerly. “But let me assure you, I called for a very good reason!”

“Let me guess,” Said Mayor Terrace. “You’ve made another ‘revolutionary’ discovery-”

“I have made another revolutionary discovery!”

“ Saw that one coming. ” Thought Mayor Terrace, rolling her eyes.

“And trust me,” Continued Jacob. “This one’ll completely blow your mind!”

“Y’know, the last time we interacted with one another, you tried to convince me the moon landing was faked.” Said Mayor Terrace, raising her voice. “So how exactly am I supposed to believe you this time?!”

“This time is different, trust me! Also, the moon landing really was fake.”

Mayor Terrace simply facepalmed.

“This time I have solid proof!” Said Jacob. “I actually captured a demon!”

Mayor Terrace was surprised. “Um… you wanna run that by me again?”

“You heard right! Remember that shapeshifter I’ve told you about from time to time?” Said Jacob. “Well, I’m driving it to your house right now!”

“Right now?” Said Mayor Terrace, looking over at her clock. “ Well, I guess I have time to call up my aides .

Ok, I’ll bite. But if you come up to my house and you don’t have the shapeshifter, oooh buddy, you’re in for it.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever, Dana. You won’t be disappointed.” Said Jacob, not really paying attention. “I’ll be there in a few minutes. Byeeee! ”

“AND STOP CALLING ME-!”

“Yes! Everything’s comin’ up Jacob!” Said Jacob as he hung up and flicked on the radio. “Oh heck yeah, I love this song!”

Jacob began singing along off-key, unaware that Aster had just jumped onto the back of the truck. “Masha, grab my hand!” Exclaimed Aster, holding out his hand.

Masha attempted to grab ahold, but she kept missing. “Can’t… Reach… It…” Masha then swerved their moped closer to Aster, grabbed his hand, and hoisted themselves onto the truck, while their moped skidded across the asphalt.

“Huh, I guess it didn’t get too-” Started Aster, only for a semi-truck to run over the moped. “...I’ll buy you a new one.”

“Bow-Chika-Bow-Wow, That’s What My Baby Says, Mow-Mow-Mow, And My Heart Starts Pumpin’...” Sang Jacob, still not noticing the two kids.

“ Great, It’s that creepy museum guy .” Thought Masha, disgusted.

“ ...That song’s still popular? ” Thought Aster, confused.

Aster put aside his thoughts and tested the truck’s back door,which opened with ease. “Rookie mistake, Jacob.” He mused as he and Masha entered the truck, where they saw Vee locked up in a cage.

“Masha, what are you doing here?” Asked Vee. “And why are you with that guy?”

“We’re rescuing you, ya big goof!” Said Masha.

“Think of this as my… apology for how I reacted to you earlier.” Added Aster. “Now, let’s try and make this quick, since last I saw, we’re getting close to the mayor’s house.”

“THE MAYOR?!” Exclaimed Vee.

Masha took off their helmet and began striking the cage’s lock, but it wouldn’t break. “Please, Masha, let me handle this.” Said Aster as he grabbed the lock.

“What’re you gonna do?” Questioned Masha.

“I’m gonna melt off the lock.”

“That’s a great idea,” Started Vee sarcastically. “EXCEPT YOU NEED A HEAT SOURCE FOR THAT, YOU-”

Suddenly, Aster’s hand went red-hot, and the lock melted instantly.

“...Or, maybe you don’t.”

Aster then opened the cage door, and the trio headed back to the back of the truck, which was currently heading up the wooded driveway of the mayor’s house. “Ok, this is it, we gotta jump now!” Exclaimed Aster.

“JUMP?! Are you kidding me?!” Yelled Vee.

“On the count of three, aim for the grass! One. Two. Three, jump!”

The trio jumped off the truck (with Aster making sure to close the back door), tumbling onto the grass.

“...Awesome.” Panted Aster as he helped up Vee and Masha.

“You wanna go see Jacob’s reveal blow up in his face?” Asked Masha, pointing their thumb in the direction of the mayor’s house.

“I’ve already been captured once, I don’t wanna risk it happening again if Jacob or the mayor spot us.” Stated Vee. “Let’s go home.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jacob pulled up to the mayor’s mansion, completely unaware of what transpired in the back of the truck, and approached Mayor Terrace, who was flanked by her two aides, Rebecca and Elijah.

“I can’t believe I’m going through with this…” Grumbled Mayor Terrace as she watched Jacob exit the truck.

“What’s with the two ladies?” Asked Jacob. “I thought we weren’t gonna have an audience, Dana.”

“First of all, don’t call me Dana, and secondly, since we’re dealing with something supernatural, my aides should be on standby.” Said Mayor Terrace pleasantly. “So, where is this creature of yours?”

“It’s in the back!” Said Jacob. “But first, I’d like to make a proposition for you.”

“...Go on?”

“If I’m going to hand over this demon to you, then I want to be hired by the U.S. government!” Said Jacob. “You do have enough power to make it happen, do you not?”

“Well, even though you’re clearly deranged,” Considered Mayor Terrace. “And I don’t have the exact power to get you hired by the government, I could get you a good job with The Helsing Institute or The Avalon Corporation.”

“Eh, close enough.” Said Jacob. “So I get the job?!”

“Now, hold your horses, Hopkins.” Said Mayor Terrace, holding up her hands. “I’m gonna have to see this creature before I make my decision.”

“Of course, of course. Follow me!”

Jacob then led the mayor and her aides to the truck. “The demon is right inside here!” Said Jacob proudly. “Though, fair warning, this reveal may literally blow your socks off!”

“Come on, come on, show us already!” Said Elijah eagerly.

“Feast your eyes, everyone!” Boasted Jacob.”May I present to you… The Shapeshifter! ”

Jacob then rolled up the door and confidently stood facing away from the interior.

“...Is this some kind of joke?” Said Rebecca, unamused. “There’s nothing in there.”

“What?!” Exclaimed Jacob, turning around to see the load of nothing in the truck. “But-But that’s impossible! How did it escape the cell?”

Jacob then looked under the truck, only to find nothing there as well. “ No! This can’t be happening! ” Thought Jacob as he began to sweat.

“Hopkins, what exactly are we looking at?” Asked an exasperated Mayor Terrace.

“Don’t worry, Dana, I can still fix this!” Said Jacob nervously as he began to stand up. “The culprit or culprits may have escaped with the demon, but rest assured, I can still find them!”

“Escaped?!” Said Mayor Terrace. “You promised me that I wasn’t going to be disappointed, and now you’re telling me you don’t have the demon with you?!”

“I-I did have it,” Stuttered Jacob. “B-But it somehow managed to break free and escape. Just p-please, give me another chance.”

Mayor Terrace thought for a moment before making her decision. “This is your last chance, Hopkins. And if you claim to have this demon only to come up empty-handed again, I’ll personally throw you out of Gravesfield a broken, bloody man with my own bare hands. Got it? ”

“Y-Yes, Dana.” Said a terrified Jacob.

“ And don’t call me Dana. ” Growled Mayor Terrace. “Now get off my property.”

“O-Of course ma’am.” Said Jacob before scurrying into his truck and speeding away from Mayor Terrace’s mansion.

“Are you sure giving him another chance is a good idea?” Questioned Rebecca.

“Kind of?” Answered Mayor Terrace. “I only gave him a second chance just to see the look on his face when he fails again.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So the reason why a good portion of the neighborhood moved out was so that the families of your friends could move in?”

“Pretty much.” Said Vee as she and Aster walked towards her house. “Luz had to use a special spell to get the selected people to move to the houses Steve and Mattholomule built out in the countryside.”

“Well, I’m thankful she didn’t pick my family to move.” Said Aster. Outside of his family and the Nocedas, the only other families that still lived on Maple Drive were the Rentiers, the Stevensons, the Fryes, the Heartfields, the Wus, the Yoos, and, unfortunately, the Sweetwaters. “Well, looks like this is your stop.”

“Oh crud!” Said Vee in realization. “I promised Mami that I wouldn’t use too much magic while I was out, so she wouldn’t worry if I’m seen like this, but I used it all and I can’t shift back! Can I… absorb some of yours, Aster?”

“Uhh, sure, I guess.” Said Aster as he stuck his hand out, where Vee noticed some slight scarring on the top. Vee then leaned in and sucked up some of his magic, much to his surprise.

“Huh,” Said Aster, looking at his hand. “That didn’t hurt like last time.”

“What do you mean ‘last ti’-” Said Vee, turning around, only to see Aster halfway across the road.

“Sorry. I tried to do the whole ‘Batman’ thing. Y’know, disappearing when someone has their back turned. I guess it’s kinda hard to do that when you live right across the street. Anyways, I hope to see you again sometime soon, Vee!”

A small smile crossed Vee’s face as she watched Aster enter his house. She definitely couldn’t wait to introduce the others to him. Vee then entered her house, where Camila was waiting in the living room.

“So, how was your date with Masha?” Asked Camila.

“It was great!” Answered Vee. “We actually made a new friend…”