16. Chapter 54: Socket to Me

Connecticut, 17th century

The human merchant whistled to himself as he led his cart down the dirt road. He hadn't done that well in the last town he had passed through, so he hoped that he would have better luck in the next town. Then to surprise he saw someone step onto the road up ahead, waving at the merchant in order to get his attention.

"Looks like we have a new potential customer," the Merchant told his horse as they approached the man in the road. "Greetings, stranger, what can I do for you?"

The man was quiet for a moment, staring at the Merchant and his round ears as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Finally the man found his words. "Uh, yes," the man said. "I was hoping that you could point me in the direction of the nearest town."

"Of course," the Merchant said with a smile. "That would be Gravesville, which is where I was already heading." The Merchant pointed down the road. "Though are you hoping to find anything specific?"

"Uh, mainly people," the man answered.

The Merchant chuckled. "Then you should be in luck. As for me, I am hoping to find good business. I specialize in giving people what they need or helping them figure out what they need. And I am stocked with items from all over the world."

This got the man's attention. "All over this realm?" he asked.

The Merchant nodded. "Perhaps I have something you might need, Mr…"

"Philip," the man answered, raising his hand. "Philip Clawthorne. And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

The Merchant shook Philip's hand. "A Traveler to some, a Collector to others… but you can just call me a Merchant." He gave a long, hard look. "You have come a long way, haven't you?"

Philip smiled, as if he found what the Merchant suggested funny. "You could say that."

The Merchant went to the back of his cart. "Then I know just what you need, something to bring home to the friends and family that you have back home!" He pulled a small box out. "Have you ever played chess, Philip Clawthorne?"

Philip shook his head. "I am afraid that I haven't," he admitted.

The Merchant offered a reassuring smile. "That won't be a problem, since I can teach you easily enough."

"But, um, there is an actual problem," Philip told the Merchant. "I don't exactly have any money on me."

"You don't have to worry about that at all," the Merchant informed Philip. "For you, free of charge. I only ask that you remember my generosity so that should the occasion arise in the future, you return the favor. I am always open to doing good business."

Philip nodded with a smile. "I'll keep that in mind, friend."

Sometime later, the Merchant was drinking away at a tavern in Gravesville as somebody walked up to him.

"Room for one more?" a voice asked.

The Merchant looked up and recognized a hooded Philip. He smiled. "Of course! Come, sit with me!" He watched as Philip sat down at his table. "How are you?"

"Good," Philip answered. "But I am not just here to exchange pleasantries. I wish to return the favor that I owe you."

The Merchant raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"I have an offer to make you," Philip explained, keeping his voice low. "I have been looking for some fellow men to accompany me on a unique business venture unlike any other and I think our earlier meeting might have been destiny."

"And where, might I ask, is this business venture to?" the Merchant asked.

Philip Clawthorne just smiled.

Sometime later, the Merchant was running through the wilds of the Boiling Isles at night. He was breathing hard, constantly looking over his shoulder in a panic.

Unfortunately, during one of the times he was looking over his shoulder the Merchant tripped over something and fell forward onto the ground. As he tried to get up, he saw his pursuers: pale skinned vampires who were now hovering over him. "Please… we can talk about this…"

The vampires lunged at the Merchant and he began to scream.

In the present day, Luz had returned to the Owl House after another day at Hexside. "I'm back!"

"Hola, Luz," Camila greeted while folding clothes with King. "I hope you don't mind me cleaning up around here, you and Eda aren't exactly the tidiest."

"Don't worry, I told her not to mess with the elixirs we have stashed everywhere," King clarified.

"So how was school, mija?" Camila asked as she gave her daughter a hug.

"Swell. Today in Beast-Keeping we went over the ways of dealing with a Slitherbeast, which should be useful since we have one living in the woods nearby. And in Bard we went over 'Scary Symphonies' by famous Bard composer Carl Winterfang Starling," Luz answered while sitting down on the couch. "So overall, a pretty low-key day."

"And where is Amity?" Camila asked.

"She has her after-school job helping out Levi and his dad," Luz explained.

"I wish she would actually bring back some fish," King complained

"You know, I don't think you've ever told me how the two of you met," Camila brought up.

"Oh, well…" Luz said, a little bit embarrassed. "Well, when I was nine years old me and King conned her out of her allowance…"

"…What?" Camila asked, slightly concerned.

"I'm not proud of it," Luz quickly explained. "But yeah, me and Amity didn't get along at first. We were both… not nice to each other." She sighed and leaned back on the couch. "However, that started to change when she was assigned to tutor me…"

Meanwhile, Gus, Matt, and Bo were standing outside of Eileen's house. Bo rang the doorbell and it was answered by a woman with an eyeball head, Eileen's mom.

"Hey, Mrs. Cornealius, we were wondering if Eileen's home," Bo told her. "She hasn't been to school for a few days and we haven't heard from her, so we were worried."

Since the woman had no mouth, her answer was muffled.

"Um, is that a yes or a no?" Matt asked.

Eileen's mom led them to her daughter's bedroom, where they found Eileen sitting on her bed hugging her knees. When she saw the H.A.S. trio, she reached for her marker board.

'Hey guys,' Eileen wrote down.

"Hey Eileen, how are you holding up?" Gus asked her. "We didn't see you at the last club meeting and Barcus said that he didn't see you in Potions."

'I was too scared to go to school, since I didn't feel safe,' Eileen wrote down.

"What do you mean?" Gus asked, concerned.

'I was almost taken.'

This shocked the group.

"Were you hurt?" Gus asked.

'No. I was grabbed while getting ingredients for my Potions homework,' Eileen wrote down. 'They got the jump on me, but I managed to scream which caused their eyes and ears to bleed, giving me the chance to run. I haven't left my room since. This didn't even happen in a bad part of town, I was supposed to feel safe!'

"Your scream managed to hurt them?" Matt asked in confusion.

'It's a thing my family can do. We call it a scream even though we have no mouth but it happens when we are in panic mode,' Eileen wrote down. 'But thank Titan that I was lucky.'

"Yeah, thank Titan indeed," Bo commented, patting Eileen's shoulder in reassurance. "We're glad that you're safe."

"Yeah, and don't feel bad about missing the meeting," Gus added with Matt nodding in agreement. "This is more important."

'Thanks guys,' Eileen replied on her marker board.

"…and so, we decided that life was too short and we wanted each other back, so we started dating again," Luz explained, having told the full story of her relationship with Amity to Camila. "I hope that doesn't change your opinion on Amity-"

"No, really it's fine," Camila assured Luz. "You two have made a lot of mistakes, but you've learned from them. Though I should give Lilith a talk about using Amity to spy on her own family."

"You should've seen Eda punch her sister for that," King mentioned.

"But I am glad that you two were able to mature and grow past that," Camila added. "And I'm sure you've been on some good dates after getting back together."

"Yeah, good dates…." Luz was thinking it over. "Um, I don't think we've actually been on a date since we've gotten back together."

"Well what about the dates before your break up?" Camila asked her.

"Uuhhhh…" Luz thought it over.

She flashed back to her and Amity's earlier dates which included a car chase to save Robbie, the carnival with the mirror incident, fighting Grom, running from a demotic cyclops that caused the sky to start raining blood…

"...I don't think me and Amity have had a trauma-free date…" Luz realized.

Later on, Luz was on her way to pick up Amity with Lilith.

"I'm worried, Aunt Lily," Luz admitted. "Me and Amity haven't had a proper drama-free date that doesn't end with one of us traumatized for life! I mean, have you ever had any dates like me and Ams?"

"You… would be surprised," Lilith answered, though she didn't want to elaborate. "But might I suggest something like a walk on the beach or a trip to the movies…"

"I don't know, I don't want to jinx it," Luz stated. "But just once I would like to take her on a date without any life threatening danger or trauma."

"Trauma?" asked an old witch man dressed as a conductor and riding on a small cart. "Would you like a ride on the trauma train?"

Luz and Lilith look confused at the old man's sudden offer. "Um, no thanks."

"Okay then… All aboard!" the conductor witch said as he started the small train, with other kids riding on it while cheering.

"I… I literally don't know what to make of that," Luz said while returning to the subject. "But where would the perfect place to have a date with Amity be?"

"I'm sure you'll think of something," Lilith said before noticing where they were at. "Ah, I wanted to stop here on the way to pick up Amity. I promise that I won't take long."

Luz realized the name of the store they were in front of: Vanz's Dealership.

"Wait, isn't this the mysterious store with that weird vampire guy?" Luz asked as Katya came out.

"Thanks for covering for me, Summer!" Katya shouted before turning and spotting the two. "Hey, you're the Owl Lady's kid, ain't ya?"

"And you're that food fic writer," Luz recognized.

"Yeah, it's been a while since we last properly met," Katya said.

"Is Mr. Ator in there?" Lilith asked.

"My dad? Yeah, he's at the counter," Katya said while turning to Luz. "Oh hey, would you like to meet my friends? They're just dying to meet you."

"Uh, that's nice and all but I don't know…" Luz replied hesitantly. "I'm supposed to pick up my girlfriend from her job-"

"It won't take too long," Katya promised. "Plus my friends would like to meet Amity too. And besides, you are one of us now." She winked at Luz, which made her curious.

"You should go, Luz," Lilith encouraged. "Besides, I don't need you to stick around for this."

"Well, I guess if I have the time… alright, I can go meet your friends," Luz told Katya.

"Great!" Katya said before leading Luz away. Once they were gone, Lilith entered Vanz's shop. She passed by a red headed teenage witch girl who was taking inventory while the owner of the shop was standing before the front counter.

Vanz noticed her arrival and smiled. "Well, if it isn't Lilith Clawthorne. How long has it been? Fourteen years? Honestly, I expected to see you here sooner. What kept you? Afraid that it would mean explaining yourself to your family?"

"I am here for the scissors," Lilith said in an unamused tone, cutting right to the chase. "My niece needs them."

"But she doesn't know about them, does she?" Vanz asked. "Or about how you used them?" Lilith didn't answer. "Well, you still don't need to worry about telling her just yet, since unfortunately I no longer have the scissors."

"What!?" Lilith asked.

"Yes, someone stole them without paying five years ago," Vanz explained. "But I do intend to make her pay for my stolen merchandise eventually."

"Dammit," Lilith muttered, before she heard movement behind some of the shelves.

Trying not to be seen was Hunter, who was mentally panicking. 'Why did she have to be here right now!?' he thought, remembering what he had done to her as the Golden Guard. 'And what are these scissors that she is asking about?'

"Looking for something?" asked Summer who was carrying some boxes.

"Oh um…" Hunter stammered nervously. "I was just looking for something to give to my cool boyfriend but it seems like I found nothing…"

"What's going on here?" Lilith asked as she came behind the shelf and spotted Hunter. "Oh, I remember you."

"You do?" Hunter asked, trying not to look too suspicious.

"Yes, you're one of Luz's friends," Lilith answered. "Hunter, right?"

"Yeah," Hunter admitted as he readjusted himself. "Hi, Ms. Clawthorne. What are you doing here?"

"I was running an errand but I couldn't find what I was looking for," Lilith answered with a sigh. "It's nice to see you again, but I have to be on my way."

Hunter saw Lilith about to head out of the shop. He knew that he should just let her go, but there was something on his mind. "Wait!" She stopped and turned to him. "Um… I just… I'm wondering if… we could talk?"

Lilith raised her eyebrow. "Talk about what?"

"Well, you are the former Head of the Emperor's Coven," Hunter explained. "You were this big deal and I was just wondering… what it was like and what made you leave? Y-you don't have to answer if you don't want-"

"No, it's fine, let's go somewhere we can talk," Lilith said before escorting him out of the shop so that they were walking alongside each other. "So you're curious about the Emperor's Coven, Hunter?"

Hunter couldn't believe he was doing this. He tried not to look at her stomach… at the spot where he had shot her. "I mean, aren't all witchlings? It is supposed to be the dream of every witchling to one day be good enough to join the Emperor's Coven and serve Emperor Belos himself? Not that I have any hopes of joining, since you know…"

Lilith nodded. "Yes, I remember. You were born without magic." She put her hand on Hunter's shoulder. "But you don't need to be born with magic to be a good witch. I have been learning this myself and I was wrong for once doubting that my niece could be a witch." She sighed. "However, my doubts didn't stop her and your doubts shouldn't stop you either."

This took Hunter by surprise. "Wow… thanks," he said, though he was unable to look Lilith in the eyes. "But what was it like? Not just being part of the Emperor's Coven, but being the head witch of it?"

Lilith looked down. "It is… not all it is cracked up to be," she admitted. "Competition is fierce, the price of failure is a heavy one, and chances are earned instead of given. I once thought like you did. I once believed that it was everything that I wanted… but it isn't. There is no room for weakness in the Emperor's Coven, which means following orders without questioning them and doing what you are told needs to be done even if it means losing yourself in the process. I am not proud of the things I did in the service of Belos, the things I did to get to the top. And Belos is a liar, a liar that I looked up to for years… it was only after losing my position and my magic that I learn that… I didn't need to be in the Emperor's Coven to be happy or feel like I have worth, that I didn't need to prove my worth to Belos and sacrifice everything that I love for him in return for his approval. That's why I'm rediscovering myself with my actual family. And I would do anything for them, not because they demand it of me but because… I love them."

Hunter was silent for a moment. "Do you miss… anything about the Coven at all?"

"Well, I miss the rec room," Lilith confessed. "And the health benefits, along with the good pay. And… Steve. He was my only real friend during my time with the Coven." She stopped when she noticed one of the posters hanging on a wall.

"But I don't miss him," she hissed angrily, glaring at the poster of the Golden Guard. She didn't notice Hunter gulping nervously. "That brat is nothing like his predecessor…"

This got Hunter's attention. "Wait, you knew the previous Golden Guard? What was he like?"

"Unlike the current Golden Guard, he commanded authority and respect," Lilith recounted. "And he carried himself with dignity…"

Thirty years ago.

Lilith was watching her sister, who had just transformed into the Owl Beast, running away from the booing crowd as they pelted her with rocks.

"Edalyn!" Lilith cried out. She tried to chase after her sister, but the referee pulled her away and held her hand up.

"And the winner of the duel is Lilith Clawthorne!" he declared. "After graduation she will become the newest member of the Emperor's Coven!"

The crowd cheered for Lilith's victory, which the younger Lilith accepted despite her guilt…

And then suddenly the crowd fell dead silent, much to Lilith's confusion. She felt the referee let go of her and Lilith realized that everyone around her was… kneeling and bowing. But they were not doing it for her. They were doing it for him.

Lilith slowly turned around and gasped, quickly kneeling and bowing like the others.

The ivory-hooded cloak. The pointed two-faceted mask. The golden chest armor.

Everyone present knew who he was and to show their respect.

The Golden Guard walked toward the lowered Lilith, who felt herself trembling.

"So you're Lilith Clawthorne," the Golden Guard said and Lilith managed to nod. "The Emperor told me of his encounter with you. He has high hopes for you, though it is a shame that you weren't able to truly show that you are Emperor Coven's material. However, there will be more opportunities for you in the future to prove that we made the right call."

The Golden Guard reached into his cloak and pulled something out. He offered it to Lilith and she recognized it as a badge with the emblem of the Emperor's Coven on it. Lilith was completely speechless.

"For now, take this," the Golden Guard told her and Lilith did as she was told. "I look forward to seeing more of you, Lilith. Welcome to our family."

Katya had led Luz to the outskirts of Bonesborough and an old abandoned factory.

"You know, I don't think I've gotten the chance to say this yet but thanks for breaking me out of the Conformatorium," Katya told her.

"Don't mention it," Luz responded. "I was just trying to get that little crown thing for King, but it put me in the perfect position to free you and the other prisoners that Wrath wrongfully locked up." She and Katya stopped in front of a door.

"Still, let me show you my appreciation by introducing you to my friends," Katya said as she smacked the door like bongos.

Opening the door was a short, mauve-skinned witch-demon hybrid with long gray hair, freckles, and round silver eyes along with bat-like ears and black bat wings on her back. She wore a black tank top, baggy gray pants, a purple jacket over her waist and black boots. "You made it, Katya! And who's… wait, isn't she the kid?"

"Yeah, the kid, Amber," Katya responded.

"Wow! I can't believe she's here!" Amber said excitedly as she got a good look at Luz. "Oh I love what you did with your hair!"

"Um, thanks," Luz replied as she and Katya were invited in.

"Come in, Boris is just finishing up Derwin's tats," Amber said as Luz entered the base of the Bards Against the Throne. She spotted a dark-brown skinned young man with dark brown shaggy hair, small gold spectacles, and a black turtleneck with red pants and black boots. He was sitting on a chair while his arm sleeve was rolled up so it could get a tattoo on it

"Alright, Derwin, there's your tat," said a pinkish-skinned witch young man with short hair, three eyes, platinum short hair in a ponytail, three eyes and a gray tank top that showed off his tattoos on his muscular arms and parts of his chest and neck. He also wore cargo pants and yellow shoes.

"Finally, now I look extra beat," Derwin replied as he looked at the tattoo of a bat playing bongos on his arm. He then noticed Katya. "Hey Kat, looks like you're back and with a guest."

"Not just any guest, Eda's kid," Katya pointed out. "Luz, meet Amber, Derwin, and Boris. And together we are the Bards Against the Throne, also known as…"

"The BATTs!" all four said together.

"BATTs… wait a second…" Luz thought back to the ceremony. "Do you mean you guys are…!?"

"The same group that saved you and your fam from getting stoned," Boris confirmed.

"And you're practically one of us fellow rebels," Amber told Luz. "We are huge fans of how you broke Katya out of jail and of when you gave that speech where you declared you were going to kick Belo's ass! And you're a bard just like us too!"

"Wow, I didn't realize that I'm like an icon for you guys," Luz replied.

"Well, you and Mama Eda have gained a little cult following for those who disagree with Belo's reign," Amber explained.

"Mama Eda?" Luz asked.

"It's what Amber calls your mom since she tends to stop by and watch us and Raine rehearse," Katya explained.

"Wait, you all know Raine?" Luz asked.

"Yeah, they're our leader of this merry band of misfit bards," Derwin stated.

"Without Raine, we wouldn't have been able to get organized," Boris added as he stood up and walked over to Luz, offering her a handshake. "Membership is also open if you want to join the BATTs."

Luz smirked and shook Boris's hand. "Well if it means knocking the Emperor down a peg, consider me an honorary member. But first I got some serious business to take care of," Luz said with a serious look. "I… really need to pick up my girlfriend so that we can figure out where to go on a proper date. But you can come along if you want, I'm sure that Amity would love to meet you all."

"Sure, leave everything to your big sis!" Amber said in determination.

Katya nodded as well before turning to the two boys. "What about you two?"

"Don't worry, we're coming," Derwin replied.

"Yeah, anything for the youngest of the BATT family," Boris added.

Luz smiled and pulled out her scroll, texting Lilith so that she knew that Luz was picking up Amity with some new friends…

In the Hieron household, Boscha went up to the attic to check up on Tom. "Hey, how are you holding up?" she asked him.

"I'm fine," Tom replied, sitting next to a cauldron pot and a box full of records. "I was just going through some of the stuff that your moms keep hidden away here." He pulled out one of the records. "The Boars, huh?"

When Boscha saw the box he was looking at, she froze. "That's… Boris's stuff."

"Boris?" Tom asked her. "You called me that when we first met. Who's Boris?"

"He's… my brother," Boscha answered, looking at the stuff. "I thought mom had thrown all of this out after he left…"

"Oh… um, sorry," Tom said, setting the record down.

"It's okay, you didn't know," Boscha told him while sitting next to him. "He left after a big fight with my mom, Nicole. He grabbed some of his stuff, went out the front door, and never came back…"

Tom could tell that this was a sensitive topic for Boscha. "Well… have you tried to get in touch with him?" he asked.

"No," Boscha muttered. "Mom forbade me from seeing him again. And besides, I don't think he would want anything to do with me after I grew up to be just as bad as mom…"

"Boscha…" Tom said, reaching out to her.

"My brother left because he knew being a Hieron was poison," Boscha told Tom. "But he didn't just leave my moms. He left me and honestly I am still angry at him for that, because maybe if he had stayed… things would be better."

Tom put his arm around Boscha and pulled her closer to him. "It isn't too late…"

At the harbor, Goonla's crew were enjoying themselves in a tavern after another successful mission and fishing trip. Amity and Levi were both enjoying age appropriate drinks.

"Drinks are on me, my crew!" Goonla declared, holding up his drink. "And I'd like to especially thank Ms. Goodfellow for pulling her own weight!"

"To Ms. Goodfellow!" Levi and the rest of the crew cheered with their drinks up.

"It's no big," Amity replied, feeling flattered. She saw Luz and the BATTs coming in. "Luz! You made it!"

"Hey," Luz said as she walked up to join her girlfriend. "Levi, man it's been a while since I've seen you, hasn't it?"

Levi nodded. "Good to see you again, Luz," he told you. "I hear that you're taking Bard and Beast now. Congrats."

"Thanks, just taking it one step at a time," Luz said to the former bard student.

"Well, if it isn't the you-know-who's," Goonla said as he shook Katya's hand. "How's Raine doing?"

"They're doing well, me and the gang are just here with Luz to pick up Amity," Katya replied.

"Luz, eh?" Goonla noted as he turned to Luz. "I have heard a lot about you, Clawthorne! And I heard your speech! Way to stick up against the Emperor like that! I cannot wait to see you kick that scaliwag to the curb!"

"Wow, thanks captain," Luz responded.

"Hey, hey!" Amity announced, standing up with her cup raised. "Let's give a toast to our so-called Emperor who rules the Isles with an iron fist, spreading his bullcrap, ensnaring innocent witches who don't want to join his covens. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be doing such good work!"

"Yeah, cause the Emperor's stupid!" one of the crewmen cheered.

"A fool!"

"A fake king!" Boris declared.

"Looks like we're really surrounded by rebels," Luz commented.

"No kidding," Levi responded. "Everyone here can't stand the coven system."

"That's right, my boy," Goonla replied and music played as he started to sing. "The Titan has been around before Belos, when witches and demons were at peace. He's a despot, that Belos, his reach has increased. There's no witch in here that admires him, he's a blowharded guy, every witch is fooled by him, and it's not very hard to see why…"

Derwin was playing the piano, while Levi played his accordion. "Because he's…"

"From the heart of the Titan he lies in his castle, making his guards and subjects to gravel," Katya sang.

"His restrictions of magic can be so tragic, he's just as fake as a disgruntled mandrake," Amber sang along.

"But the most foul part, he'll sniff you out," Boris sang. "If you're caught doing wild magic, he'll silence your shout!"

"He makes the rules, which we don't find cool," Derwin sang. "Isn't it totally lame?"

"Yes, I agree, that Belos is a flea!" Luz sang along with the BATTs. "He's a beast that needs to be tamed."

"He's a codfish!" the crew sang. "A con man! He won't hesitate to bury you dead!"

"Oh Belos! Oh Belos! He's the worst emperor around!"

"You guys thought Belos is that bad? Let us tell you how truly bad he is," Amity said as she and Luz got on top of a table to sing. "When I was a Blight, I thought he was alright. He used sweet words that I thought were deep. But if you asked me? He's just a creep, he'll use you then leave you to weep."

"When he captured me to make his offer, I said 'don't bother, cause I'm not yours to keep!'" Luz sang, "He won't hesitate to strike you down, or see that you have no place in town. Belos thinks he knows what's best, but really he's nothing but a pest."

"Oh Belos! Oh Belos! He's a crook who hides from the mass!"

"Dear Belos! Dear Belos! He's nothing but a jack-"

The door to the tavern suddenly flew open. Everyone stopped seeing when they saw a biped blue eagle demon in an Emperor's Coven uniform. He stepped forward and spoke. "I am here to speak to Captain Goonla."

Goonla glared at the biped bird. "I'm here, Sham."

"It's Shawm Eaglesnitch, minister of treasury, trade, and negotiations," Shawm corrected. "I am here to-"

"Try to buy out my Fishing Coven and merge it with Beast-Keeping, I've heard it all before," Goonla told him. "And the answer is that I'm still not interested in merging. We all have our own covens and we prefer it to not be part of the main ones."

"Well that is sad to hear, because the Emperor was willing to reward you all generously for being part of the Emperor's Coven fishing trade. That way you'd all still earn your keep and not have to worry about the competition," Shawm explained.

"I say we're not interested in yer offer!" Goonla declared.

"Yeah, tell the Emperor to look for someone else to harass!" one crewman said while the rest of the crew and the BATTs roared in agreement.

"You would prefer this over a life of luxury serving the Emperor's Coven?" a confused Shawm asked as Amity ran up to him.

"You don't understand, Sham. We stand with our captain and what he says goes," Amity declared with her arms crossed.

"Plus we have our principles!" spoke another crewman.

"Hmm, well, I can't argue with principles," Shawm stated before he got a good look at Amity. "And you… what is your name, child? I am surprised to see someone so young with this… unruly crew."

"They call me Amity Goodfellow," she answered.

"Amity… Goodfellow…" Shawm repeated. "I don't think I've heard a name like that before." He turned away from her. "Well then, I can respect that you're all standing by your principles, but I will return!" Before he walked out of the door, he looked back at them all one last time. "And let me just say… you are all weirdos."

After he left, the crewmen and the BATTs all cheered and laughed.

"So proud of my girl right here!" Luz said as she gave Amity a hug and kiss.

"Oh Belos!" they resumed singing. "Oh Belos!"

"He's the nastiest cad in town!" a sailor sang.

"Dear Belos! Say Belos!" Derwin and Boris clashed their mugs together.

"He's fearsome but also a clown!" Katya and Amber sang.

"Oh Belos! That Belos!" Luz, Amity and Levi sang along with Goonla.

"He's the biggest, cowardly, nasty, silver-tonged emperor of the Isles!" they all finished singing, before laughing and drinking in celebration.

"Haha, looks like your girlfriend's got an A-game, Luz," Katya commented.

"Thanks, isn't she great?" Luz asked while hanging her arm around her. "Amity, these are Katya, Amber, Derwin, and-"

"Boris?" Amity interrupted, recognizing the triclops witch.

"Hey there, Mittens," Boris said, rustling Amity's hair. "I almost didn't recognize you with your new look. You've grown up since the last time I saw you."

"You know him, Ams?" Luz asked her in surprise.

"Yeah, he's Boscha's brother," Amity said, which shocked Luz.

"Boscha's got a brother?!" Luz asked, looking up to him. "But no offense, but he's like… nice!"

"Consider me the black sheep of the family," Boris said with a chuckle. "Though I hear that Mitty here was in the same boat I was, being nameless and all."

"Whoa… you're nameless too?" Amity asked.

"Yeah, I just refused to be like my folks," Boris explained. "Renouncing the Hieron name was pretty much the best thing that has happened to me. And then later I was inspired by my aunt who… was killed a long time ago… her name was Delara Saltstar, and she had always wanted to make the Isles a better place, and so I joined the BATTs in her name."

"Saltstar… you mean, she was Simon's mom?" Luz asked and Boris nodded. "Damn, I never knew his mom died."

"The Isles has lost a lot of good people because of Belos, kid," Katya said while leaning her elbow onto Boris's shoulder. "And we all have reasons to go up against the throne. Derwin here's a beatnik whose poetry could never meet Bard Coven standards."

"No one could ever understand my haikus about how it's a tragedy that cereal always ends up soggy or about the feelings of a mailbox!" Derwin said with a determined tone.

"And Amber here just doesn't like authority," Katya said, pointing to Amber.

"I just don't like it when they tell me that I can't play my recorder in public," Amber huffed.

"And we all believe that nobody should be punished just for being themselves when it does no actual harm," Boris added. "That's why we've made it our mission to escort wild witches out of the Emperor's reach, even leading some to Goonla's ship. But none of this would be possible without Raine, who will soon have even more influence as Head of the Bard Coven."

Amity smiled. "So how are you doing, Boris? It's been years and… I remember you used to babysit me and my siblings."

"I have been doing well, I actually run a tattoo shop downtown," Boris responded. "If you want, I can give you girls tattoos, free of charge."

"I'll have to decline, I am pretty sure that both of my moms will kill me if I get a tattoo," Luz said.

"And if I were still living with my parents, they wouldn't allow me to even think of getting one," Amity said before smiling. "But hey, I'm emancipated. I'm free to make some bad choices in my life."

Back at the Owl House, Eda was watching the crystal ball with King when he noticed Hooty letting Gus in.

"Heya Gus, what's happening?" Eda greeted.

"Hey Eda, hey King, is Luz here?" Gus asked.

"Nah, she went out to run an errand with Lilith and pick up Amity," King answered.

"What did you want to see her for?" Eda asked.

"Well, I was just gonna tell Luz about the news about Eileen, one of my friends," Gus said. "She was almost kidnapped."

This worried Eda and she went over to Gus, kneeling down to his level. "Really? Is your friend alright?"

"She's shaken, but other than that she is okay," Gus responded.

"Well she's lucky," Eda said, sounding relieved. "There's been a lot of folks disappearing lately and your friend may have narrowly avoided the same fate. Which is why I would feel a lot better if I gave you a ride home."

"Don't worry about me, Eda, I-"

"I'm serious, kid," Eda told him with a serious tone. "I can't have my daughter's best friend end up on a silk carton," she said as Camila walked into the room.

"Hey Eda, I've been trying to understand your mother's recipe book. How much blood is needed to make blood wings?" Camila asked before noticing the awestruck Gus. "Oh, I remember you. You're one of Luz's friends. Gus, right?"

"No way…" Gus said. "Willow told me about what happened, but I can't believe that I am actually seeing you in the flesh, oh my Titan now there's more humans here!" he said excitingly

"I think you've broken Gus," King told Camila.

"Alright kid, calm down." Eda shook Gus out of his excitement. "So you have been told how she is alive, right?"

"Yeah, Luz explained to me that it was the work of the Baron, who I've been trying to research in my spare time," Gus replied. "You've never met him before, right?"

"Unlikely, though I have seen humans dress up as him whenever Halloween or Mardi Gras comes up," Eda stated. "All I know is that he's a deal maker in certain circles."

Gus nodded and turned to Camila. "But man, it's nice to see you again, but in the flesh! As president of the Humans Appreciation Society, I've got tons of questions I want to ask you!" Gus brought out his notebook and pen, but then stopped himself. "I mean, only if that is okay with you."

Camila just smiled warmly. "If it means spending more time with one of my daughter's friends, I am more than happy to answer any of your questions," she said as she led Gus into another room.

Eda smiled as she watched them, but then frowned to herself as she thought about what Gus had told her…

Elsewhere, Matt was walking Bo home.

"I appreciate this, but you don't have to be so worried about me, Matt," Bo told him.

"I know but… this is just a safety measure," Matt responded while looking around. "Call me paranoid, but I want to be cautious if Glandus decides to retaliate."

"Was it really that bad?" Bo asks him, sounding worried.

"Yeah," he replied solemnly. "Back when I was a student there, it had a social structure, quite similar to the Coven Heads. There was someone who was only known as 'the Boss', that only the top students answered to. I never met or knew the Boss, but what I do know is that bad things happen to those who cross them. What's bad enough, we had our own top alpha student who was linked with the Boss, along with the Principal. Those three ruled Glandus."

"That sounds awful," Bo responded as they stopped in front of her house. "Hey, why don't you come inside and meet my parents?"

Matt was surprised. "Y-Your parents? I-I don't know…"

"Don't worry, they won't bite," Bo said as she pulled out her keys and unlocked the front door. "Mom, dads, I'm home!"

"Welcome back, sweetie!" greeted Bo's mom, a brunette witch woman in a blue witch gown with a blue ribbon tied to her ponytail. "You're just in time for dinner, and who's your friend?"

"This is Mattholomule, or Matt for short," Bo introduced. "He is one of the club members I've told you about. Matt, this is my mom Suzy, she works at the Healing Coven, like I want to do."

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Row," Matt said politely.

"Nice to finally meet you too," Suzy responded as two men came from upstairs.

"Bo, you're back!" spoke a brawny man with horns, red skin, a beard, and a gray tunic with brown baggy pants. He went to hug his daughter "How's my little Bo-Peep doing at school?" he asked, rustling his beard against her.

"Haha, I'm fine, daddy!" Bo replied while looking at a witch man with glasses, freckles, a red tunic, blue pants and black boots. "Dad, tell him to stop!"

"Let her go, Jason, you'll suffocate our girl," spoke Bo's second dad before noticing Matt. "Oh, I didn't know you were going to bring a boyfriend over."

Both teens blushed, though Bo was quick to deny this suggestion. "Nono, it's not like that. Me and Matt are just clubmates at school-"

"A-and it's nice to meet you, Bo's dads!" Matt added.

"Please leave him alone, Mark," Suzy said. "Bo's got a guest and I expect you two to be on your best behavior, okay? He seems like a nice boy."

"Yes hun/sorry hun," the two dads promised.

"Great, now let's get the table set," Suzy said as she went to get dinner ready for not just her family, but for Matt as well.

"Sorry, they can be like that sometimes," Bo apologized to Matt.

"Hey, it's fine. My mom can be the same way," Matt said as he followed her to the dining room.

But as they passed by a window, someone was watching them from an alley, having earlier seen Mattholomule entering the Row residence…

While Luz was showing off her glyphs to the impressed BATTs, Boris had finished giving Amity her tattoo in his parlor.

"So what do you think?" Boris asked.

She looked at her tattoo of a pink butterfly with a dagger in the middle. It was located on her right shoulder. "I love it, Boris," she commented. "Thank you so much."

"Anytime," Boris nodded as Luz came up to admire the tattoo.

"Hey uh Ams, now that we're done with the tavern sing-along and catching up with old family friends, I was wondering if you'd like to go on a trauma-free date with me?" Luz asked her.

"Trauma-free date?" Amity asked.

"You know, a date where it doesn't end with the trauma-drama that we keep getting involved with over the summer?" Luz pointed out.

"Oh, you know that's true," Amity responded. "I don't think I can recall us having a nice and quiet, normal date. We should go somewhere nice together."

"Yeah, like it has to be something we will remember for a long time…" Luz said.

"Why not the Socket?" Katya suggested. "Raine's gonna be there to play along with the orchestra conducted by Scooter Crane for his retirement performance. Raine has extra tickets and we could give them to you if you want."

"An orchestra… what do you think, Luz? Sounds like something you're interested in?" Amity asked.

"It sounds perfect," Luz replied with a nod. "Wait, is it located in the Titan's eye socket? Mom said that place is sacred ground."

"No, it's just located at the shoulder in a big dome," Amber explained. "But before you girls go, there is a dress code…"

Later, Luz and Amity were being let into the Socket, a large dome that was located on the Titan's right shoulder marrow, after showing their tickets. Luz was dressed in a black suit with a purple snake tie, purple button shirt, black trousers and black boots. "It was nice of Amber to give us these outfits."

"Yeah," Amity agreed as she wore a white dress with pink circular patterns, along with white arm gloves and white boots and a pink flowery headband. "Though I do question why she gave us these kinds of outfits in particular."

"Yeah, it kinda looks like we're a…" Luz realized just now what Amity looked like and she quickly blushed.

"A what?" Amity asked, noticing Luz's blush.

"Well, I mean… you do look good in white," Luz said as she grabbed Amity's hand. "Come on, let's find our private box before we attract too much attention."

"Yeah," Amity agreed while following Luz. "Last thing we need is an encounter with someone from the Emperor's-"

"Damn restrooms," said Darius as he came out of the restroom. "Those stalls were not up to code. Ugh, I hope that Eberwolf saved our-" He stopped when he noticed Luz and Amity, who had both fallen silent. He just stared at them for a second, while the two looked nervous. He sighed. "I didn't see you," he said as he quickly walked past them.

"...That was the Head of Abominations, right?" Luz asked her girlfriend.

"Darius? Yeah, that was him," Amity replied. "I think that since this is Crane's retirement, the other Heads are obliged to attend."

"I'm just glad that he decided to ignore us," Luz admitted. "I do not want this to just become another one of our-"

"Trauma train?" asked the conductor who appeared again. "Would you two like to ride on the-"

"No!" Luz told him, while running off with Amity to find their private booth.

"Who was that?" Amity asked in confusion.

"I don't know, I don't even know how he got in here," Luz answered.

Soon, the two were seated in their private booth as they waited for the orchestra to begin. Looking down, the girls could see that the front row seats were occupied by each of the eight Coven Heads.

"I wonder what kind of performance we should expect?" Luz asked while Amity read the pamphlet.

"From what I've heard, this music forms a story that you can see by listening and closing your eyes," Amity explained.

"What kind of story?" Luz asked.

"I think it depends on the audience's perspective," Amity replied as the lights dimmed down. "Oh, it's starting."

"And now, conducting his retirement orchestra, Coven Head of the Bards, it's Scooter Crane!"

Coming up on stage is a man was a black vest with a red collar, white tunic and black trousers with red boots. He appeared to be a hefty witch man with pale skin, horns, circular glasses and a white mustache. The audience clapped and cheered until he held his hand up to silence them. He summoned his instrumental composer wand, and then appearing on stage was his orchestra. Up front was Raine Whispers, who was holding their violin.

"There's Raine, hope they're not too nervous about tonight," Luz whispered.

Raine gulped as they watched their soon to be predecessor, waiting for Scooter to begin.

Once Scooter began, the whole dome was brightened by a glowing light that was a mixture of red, purple, yellow, blue, and orange. Luz and Amity felt the feeling of the light as the music being played flowed throughout the audience. As everyone in the audience closed their eyes, they could feel their auras transcending, with Luz's being blue and Amity's being pink. Their auras started to form, and Luz and Amity opened their eyes to see their story being played out.

The blue aura formed into a humanoid with bat wings for arms, while the pink aura formed into a girl in a robe who was creating a sculpture. The sculptor was shown to be busy until the bat goddess played a trick on her and caused her to spin around.

The sculptor was furious, while the bad goddess just laughed at her.

This was a routine for them. The sculptor would always go back to her studies, researching for her next sculpture. All the while, the bat goddess would find ways to prank her. From water balloons to spilling paint, to even drop fruit on her.

The sculptor would shout at the bat goddess that she had enough of her pranks and why can't she leave her at peace. The bat goddess would reply that if she wishes for her to stop, then she must give her something in return. When the sculptor would ask what she wants, the bat goddess would say… she doesn't know.

The sculptor decided that the bat goddess was not worth her time, so she ran off. Things seemed fine at first, but then the sculptor was pursued by the green. The green cornered the sculptor, who tried to fight back but was overpowered.

The sculptor was left hurt, having lost her ability to make more sculptors. She never told anyone about her attack, but the only one who noticed her troubles was the bat goddess. When the bat goddess came to her, she asked if she was alright. The sculptor replied that she was fine, but the bat goddess knew that she wasn't. She could tell that she had gone through a traumatic experience. The bat goddess decided to stop pranking the sculptor from then on.

Rather than pranking her, the bat goddess took the sculptor to her home, where she lived with others like her. Those that were… outcasts from society. The sculptor girl felt the bat goddess's generosity and asked why she was going through all of this to make her feel better. The bat goddess responded that she knew what it was like when the world goes against her and she thought that the sculptor was feeling like that as well.

Eventually, over time, the sculptor and the bat goddess grew closer together. As they surrounded themselves with outcasts, they developed a strong bond. A bond that caused the sculptor to create new arms for the bat goddess. The bat goddess was surprised, having never realized that what she needed were new arms so she could hold onto things rather than just fly around.

And so, the bat goddess wore her new arms, while her wings were placed on her back. She thanked the sculptor and the sculptor in turn thanked the bat goddess for helping her and for showing her kindness and generosity. The story ended with the bat goddess holding the sculptor with her new arms.

As the story and music played out, Luz and Amity teared up. This was something they would remember for a very long time.

Meanwhile, Boris was closing up shop and turning off the lights when he heard someone knocking on the door. Startled, he grabbed something and held it behind his back as he went to see who it was. When he looked out the window, he was both relieved and shocked as he put down his weapon.

Boris then opened the door so that he could greet… his little sister. "Chaka?"

"H-Hey, Boris." Boscha looked down, trying to find her words. "I… I just… I'm here because… Titan, why is this hard?" she muttered to herself, her emotions battling it out inside of her. "I have so much I want to say to you…" When she managed to look up to him, any anger she had vanished in a moment. Instead, she started to cry. Breaking down as she embraced her big brother.

Boris hugged his little sister back, "I'm here, Chaka," he whispered to her, rubbing her back gently. "I'm here. It's going to be alright." He then brought her into the store.

Back at the Socket, the performance had ended after going very well. Raine stepped into a hallway, smiling proudly down at the Bard sigil that had been handed to them by Scooter.

"Hey, Rainestorm!"

Raine looked up, smiling when they saw Luz and Amity. "Katya told me that you two would come. How did you like the show?"

"It was great, Raine," Amity answered.

"It was terrific!" Luz declared. "It's like I'm seeing both a movie and a light show but you feel the emotions of the story it's telling!"

Raine chuckled. "Glad you like it, Scooter can be quite the perfectionist, but he is a genius."

Luz had thought of something and she turned to Amity. "Hey Ams, you don't mind if I talk to Raine in private a little, do you?"

"Not at all," Amity nodded, "I'll go get us some drinks anyway, be right back."

"You two look cute together," Raine said once Amity had left. "Like a married-"

"Hey, it was Amber's idea when she gave us these outfits to wear," Luz interrupted.

"So what is it you wish to talk to me about?" Raine asked her.

"Well… it's a bit personal and you don't have to answer," Luz said with a sigh. "It's just… I'm pretty much struggling to figure things out and I need a perspective. Like, I'm trying to answer the question of who I am and what makes me Luz Clawthorne. I thought I knew, but recently I learned that I am neither a human or a witch. I am something else entirely and it has been… difficult for me to accept that."

Raine nodded, understanding where Luz was coming from. "It sounds similar to when I decided on what makes me, well me. I have been in your shoes before Luz, but in the end I knew who I am and I'm proud of who I am, and I have a lot of friends and family that support who I am on the inside as well. Because I'm always going to be the same stage-fright, anti-social Raine Whispers that they know and love."

"I guess I understand…" Luz felt Raine pat her shoulder.

"I'm sure that you'll figure things out," Raine told her. "Probably not in the same way I did, but I do think you will learn to be happy with yourself. You're just like your mother, following your own path and being who you want to be. And it looks like you already have a strong support system who will help you every step of the way."

Luz smiled, feeling inspired. "Thanks, Rainestorm," she said before seeing Amity with the drinks. "Well, I have to go be with my girl, thanks for the performance, Superstar," she told them with a wave while walking back to Amity.

"Yeah, right back at you, lil' Clawthorne…" Raine waved back as they watched the girls leave and went to find the other Coven Heads.

"Congrats on being the new Head Bard, Raine," said a voice, catching Raine by surprise.

Raine turned to see the Head of the Plant Coven. She was an elderly woman with wrinkled, ivory skin, long green hair resembling plant vines, and pale violet eyes. She wore a purple dress that was banded by yellow-green vines, along with two green thorny bracelets on her wrists, a red-and-yellow lily crown on her head, and boots that resembled vines. She donned a white cape with a Plant sigil around her neck.

"Oh, thank you, Terra," Raine responded.

"Who were those girls just now?" Terra Snapdragon asked.

"Oh, they're just a friend's kids that came to see me play tonight," Raine answered

"Well, I hope they enjoyed the show," Terra said. "And don't forget to drink your tea. I will help with the nerves…"

Raine nodded and got out their tea. "Of course," they said, taking a sip…

"And that's what happened." Boscha finished, having calmed down and brought her brother up to speed on recent events. "All of this made me realize that petty revenge wasn't worth it and… I don't want to end up like mom…" She looked up at him. "But the damage is already done…"

"Oh Bosch," Boris reassured her, wiping away her tears. "It's not your fault, Nicole's influence just brought out the worst in you."

"But it was still my choice," Boscha said regretfully. "And I really thought you would think less of me because of it…"

Boris sighed. "Think less of my baby sister? Never." He gently touched her scar. "And for the record, I think your scar makes you look fierce. If they ever let you on the grudgby field again, I know that you will terrify the competition."

"Really?" Boscha asked and then she noticed that on the walls of the shop were articles about the Banshees and their wins.

"Yeah, I'm proud of you," Boris said as he hugged his sister. "And feel free to come by anytime. My door will always be open."

Boscha smiled and leaned on to her brother, feeling better about everything.

John De Plume, once a celebrated Boiling Isles author, was now a nobody. His writing career had never recovered after he had been freed from his publisher, who he learned had bit the dust. And now he had just failed another job interview, forcing him back onto the streets.

"Great," John De Plume muttered. "If I don't find a job soon, I'll be no better than a wild-hmm!" He was suddenly jumped, a bag going over his head. His abductors dragged the struggling witch over to their vehicle, throwing him in the back.

"Is that John De Plume, the famous writer?" one of the traffickers asked.

"More like the formerly famous author, but he should still fetch a good price!" another replied.

"Hopefully this will get the Boss to forgive us for the screw-up with that eyeball girl."

"Yeah, my ears are still bleeding."

At Vanz's shop, Summer was checking out for the night, Vanz watching her leave. "Be careful now, Ms. Smith. I would hate for something to happen to you," he told her.

"Relax, Mr. Ator, my grandpa cast an armor spell that will automatically turn any muggers into mince meat," Summer reassured her employer. "Good night!"

"Good night, Ms. Smith," Vanz said before taking some stuff into the back.

"Vanz…"

He paused, the female voice sending a chill up his spine. He turned to look at where it was coming from: the tarp-covered Magic Mirror that he had not used in years for a very good reason. He stared at the Mirror, frowning.

"Hey, dad."

Vanz nearly jumped as he turned to face his daughter. "Katya, I didn't hear you come in…"

"Oh, sorry for startling you," Katya told him. "I just made it home… are you alright?"

Vanz nodded. "Yes, yes I am. Welcome back home, Katya. I hope you had fun with your friends." He embraced her and Katya hugged him back.

"I did," Katya replied as he let go of her. She started to head upstairs. "I'll be turning in for the night. See you tomorrow, dad."

Vanz watched her go upstairs, then looked back at the Mirror again for a long moment before he shook his head and continued to close up the shop for the night.

Once he was known as the Merchant, but now he was known as Vanz Ator, a vampire salesman who traveled the Boiling Isles. Currently he was approaching a cottage on the outskirts of Bonesborough. After knocking on the door, he was greeted by a witch couple.

"Greetings, I am Vanz Ator, since it is plague season I would like you to offer my cure-all potion that will be able to protect you and your family from all kinds of plagues."

"Oh, thank you for the offer, kind sir," the woman spoke. "But I don't think we need it…"

"I insist," Vanz said, pulling out a potion bottle. "This should give you the strength to negate any disease and plague. And trust me, I have a gift for knowing what people need and you will need that strength. I just passed through Latissa and plague season has hit that town hard. Bodies filled the streets. Eventually it will pass through here. Do you have anything in your home to keep out from the plague?"

"Um… we don't…" the man answered.

"Well you're in luck! Because for a fair price, this can be all the protection you need!" Vanz told them. "It can prevent were-fever, zombification, blue knees, and yellow tongue fever! Better safe than sorry, right? Isn't the lives of your loved ones worth the price to protect them?"

"Maybe we should get it, just in case," the woman told her husband, who was more hesitant.

"It can also help with strep throat," Vanz added.

"Well my throat does feel a little strep… come on in, we'll get our snails ready."

Vanz smiled as he entered the home and sat on a couch as he waited for the couple. Then suddenly, a little witch girl popped up, noticing the vampire while holding a carrot and radish.

"I didn't know we had a guest," she said.

"I'm here to ensure the health and safety of your family," Vanz told the girl. "Though you seem to be doing a good job already in keeping healthy with that diet, young one."

"Actually, Carry here is just confessing to Rad," she said, holding her vegetables up as she made them kiss each other. "They're in love!"

"They are?" Vanz asked with a chuckle, finding the girl's antics cute. "Well they do make quite the lovely couple."

"Katya, what have we said about you playing with your food?" the mother came back, looking annoyed. "We're so sorry, our daughter's got a weird imagination."

"Oh it's no big deal," Vanz said while standing up. "Now, do we have a deal?"

Vanz had really made a killing. That family alone was willing to buy five of his so-called miracle elixirs.

"Hehe, once again Vanz, you know how to land a sale," he declared, reflecting upon it now that he was far from the cottage. "It's too bad for them, though. If they are lucky they should still be able to survive this plague season…" His mind went back to the little girl, Katya. He shook his head. "Nah, what am I thinking? That girl may be charismatic, but I can't start second-guessing these things…"

But eventually his conscience got the better of him and he decided to return to the cottage to give the family back their snails. Unfortunately, by the time that he got back to the cottage he found the door already hanging open. And the moment he entered the cottage… he realized he was too late when he found two bodies laying on the floor.

"No…" he muttered before he heard a coughing sound. "Katya?"

He rushed to find Katya in the other room, still alive. He sighed in relief, but this girl needed help. She looked up to him, grabbing his cape. "Please… help my mom and dad…"

Vanz carefully scooped up the witch girl, realizing what he had to do. "I am afraid it is too late for them, Katya… but do not worry, I'm here." He used his fingernail to cut the palm of his hand, causing blood to drip into Katya's mouth.

"You are going to be alright," Vanz promised as he cradled the girl and walked out of the cottage with her. He knew that by turning her, she would survive… but she would be alone now unless someone chose to take care of her.

And Vanz knew exactly what she needed: a father.

After the Socket, Luz flew to the top of a building with Amity in her arms. The two looked up at the night sky together.

"That was… an amazing date," Amity said.

"Yeah, I really really enjoyed it," Luz agreed.. "This is probably the most normal date we've ever had."

"Yeah…" Amity said while looking down, "I mean, compared with all the near-death situations and getting to beat up bad guys, this date actually felt kinda…"

"Boring?" Luz asked her.

"Right!" Amity agreed. "Like, the show was good, but I am just so used to the thrill of your heart racing while in some kind of danger is what really makes these dates worthwhile."

"Yeah, I guess it does," Luz understood. "I think we may have jinxed ourselves. I agreed to take you to the Socket cause I was hoping to take a break from all the drama going around."

"Maybe we just need to find a balance between excitement and normal," Amity said, while holding Luz's hand. "You know, just as long as I'm having fun with you, Luz."

Luz nodded. "I feel the same way, beautiful." Luz leaned in to kiss Amity, who kissed her back. After the kiss, Luz took notice of the Trauma Train strolling around Bonesborough. "There's that Trauma Train again… want to go ride it and see where it goes?"

"I don't see why not," Amity responded. "Besides, it's kind of cute that this small train is called a-"

"AAAAAAH!" Luz and Amity screamed while going through some kind of portal filled with nightmares, while the conductor laughed maniacally.

"Hehe! This Trauma Train takes you through the Nightmare Planes at high speed!" he declared.

"THIS WAS A BIG MISTAKE!" Luz cried out while she and Amity hugged each other in terror.