Chapter 9: Helping The Enemy Within

Finn found himself once again in the void, locked in a tense encounter with The Lich.

"I WILL END YOU! YOU MISERABLE EXCUSE FOR A CORPSE!" he roared, hurling fireballs aimed at disintegrating The Lich. Finn was furious—the creature had almost killed Amity. Though he despised her for what she'd done and said, he would never resort to killing her over it.

The Lich sidestepped Finn's attacks effortlessly, unfazed by his anger and threats. "Calm yourself, boy. Attacking recklessly only reveals your ignorance." His voice was cold and mocking. "She betrayed you, and traitors deserve only death. If you won't take care of it, I will. Be grateful I'm willing to clean up your messes."

"I WOULD NEVER KILL ANYONE! NO! NEVER—I AM NOT A MONSTER!" Finn's body grew larger, and he exhaled a stream of black smoke toward The Lich, attempting to drain the life from him.

Dispelling the smoke with ease, The Lich questioned Finn's defiance. "Oh really?" With a wave, he transformed the void into the arena at the covention, where a possessed Finn was commanding the abomination Amity had summoned, ordering it to squeeze the life from her. Finn's eyes widened in horror as he watched himself in that monstrous form, while The Lich chuckled, clearly amused. "It appears you're right. You're not a monster. You're something more… something powerful—or at least, you will be very soon."

"Why… why are you doing this?" Finn's voice trembled, his fear now evident.

"To sever all your ties to the mortal plane," The Lich replied coolly. "Your friends are still useful for now, but one day, they'll become your greatest weakness. I can't allow them to interfere with my plans."

"They will stop you! I WILL stop you!" Finn shouted.

The Lich chuckled darkly. "It seems we're at an impasse. My lessons are sharpening your skills, but your mind is still too weak to make the hard choices. Still, that's progress in its own way."

Finn launched another volley of fireballs. "This is my body! You're nothing but a parasite!"

The Lich held up a hand. "I grow weary of this. CEASE." With that single command, Finn froze, immobilized. "It seems I'll need to speed up the process. Even if I were to take over, your body is still too weak to handle my full power. A pity… all this time, and you're still a scared little boy screaming in the dark. But rejoice, boy. A full moon rises over the Boiling Isles tonight, offering me an opportunity. You already have access to all the ingredients I need. Tonight will mark the beginning of the end."

The Lich placed a hand over Finn's face. "So until then, rest. Regain your strength, and… AWAKEN."

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Finn's eyes snapped open. "AHHHHH!" He woke up in a cold sweat, looking around to find himself in the Owl House's living room. He heard footsteps approaching.

Luz entered the room, relief and excitement on her face. "Eda! Finn's awake!" she shouted up the stairs. She came over to the couch to check on him. "Finn, are you okay? You've been asleep for two days now."

Finn was breathing heavily. "I… uh…" He was interrupted by his stomach growling. "I think I just need something to eat." Luz smiled at that.

"Oh good, you're up." Eda entered the room, sporting a few feathers on her arms. "And if you want something to eat, you can grab something at the day market. I'm out of elixirs, so I need to restock."

"Market!" Luz exclaimed excitedly.

"I'm gonna steal everything that's not nailed down!" King cheered.

Finn stood up but stumbled, nearly falling before Lady, in her scarf form, wrapped around his waist to steady him. "Thanks, Lady," he said, regaining his balance. "Sorry you had to see that." He then walked outside to join the others. "Okay, let's fly."

Eda, Luz, and King exchanged a look. "You know what, kid," Eda said, "since you're still not 100%, maybe we'll walk there."

"Yeah, we could use the time to bond more as witch apprentices," Luz added.

"And I can tell you all the helpful things Luz did for you while you were unconscious!" King chimed in.

Luz immediately blushed. "Uh, King, I don't think he needs to know about—"

"Why are you so embarrassed?" Eda asked, looking puzzled. "All you did was clean him up after the fight." She turned to Finn. "You should be thanking her, you know. That abomination goo was everywhere—your hair, your face, even your clothes. We had to toss the whole lot, but luckily, Luz had some loose clothes that fit you."

Finn glanced down, realizing he was indeed wearing different clothes. He patted himself down, suddenly aware of something important. "Wait… I'm not wearing any underwear, am I?" He looked up at them, receiving a nod from all three.

"Luz, since you were the one cleaning me up, did you see my—"

"Ahhhhh! You don't need to finish that sentence!" Luz interrupted, her face turning bright red. "For the record, I wore a blindfold and gloves when I was, uh, washing those areas. I promise I didn't see anything!"

"Yeah, she really did!" King added. "Took her forever to clean you, though she totally freaked out when she touched your—"

"King!" Luz shouted, silencing him.

Eda raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you? I thought you'd be okay with it, especially after I caught you two in bed that time. Oh, and I must say, my advice must've worked—you haven't woken me up with any moaning since then," she teased, grinning at Luz.

Luz's jaw dropped, her face even redder as she struggled to come up with a response.

"Well, thanks, Luz," Finn said, trying to move past the awkwardness. "I owe you one. Maybe I could return the favor someday." He glanced at her playfully. "I could, uh, give you a bath tonight if you want. Don't worry—I'll wear a blindfold the whole time."

"Alright, enough of that!" Eda interjected, steering the conversation back. "I'm growing feathers in places you don't even want to know about. Now keep moving, everyone."

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Eda stood in front of a shop with a sign over the window reading Mr. Elixir. She knocked on the shutters. "Hey, open up, Morton!"

"Uh… just a minute," a voice replied from inside.

Meanwhile, Finn, Luz, and King were resting on a wooden bench, watching people pass by. Finn was munching on several barbecued skewers.

"What are you eating?" Luz asked, curious.

"Barbecued griffon. Tastes even better with a sprinkle of ground pixie wings," he replied, taking another bite.

"All my childhood bedtime stories have seriously lied to me," Luz deadpanned.

"Hand me one, minion! For I, the King of Demons, require sustenance!" King demanded.

Finn handed him one of the skewers. "Really?" King looked at him, surprised.

"What?" Finn replied, confused.

"You usually just punch me before handing me food," King said, taking the skewer. "You must really be out of it if you're not even acting like yourself anymore."

"Aww, I bet he's just a big softy under all that anger," Luz teased, giving Finn a playful punch on the arm. Then she noticed a group of armed witches transporting a large, restrained creature on a cart. "Whoa, that's one ominous parade," she said to Eda, pointing at the group.

"That's no parade; those are demon hunters," Eda replied. "They're dangerous nomads who capture and sell the most powerful beasts." The creature on the cart struggled against its restraints, only to be subdued when the leader—a witch with an eyepatch—cast a spell that shocked it back to sleep.

"Whoa," Luz said with a mix of fear and awe.

"And I'll be joining them if you don't open up right now, Morton!" Eda shouted, pounding on the shutters again.

Finally, Morton raised the shutters, looking queasy. "Sorry, Eda. I was up all night poison tasting, and I… don't feel so great." He clutched his stomach.

Finn walked up, finishing his last skewer. "Hey, do you have any fire bee honey? I need it for an elixir I'm brewing."

"Hold on, kid. I'm all out of my juice here." Eda handed Morton an empty elixir bottle.

"Oh, great. Let me see what I can find," Morton grumbled, turning to check his stock.

Meanwhile, Luz spotted her friends Willow and Gus across the market. She immediately ran over. "Hey, guys!" she greeted them, then noticed their downcast expressions. "Wait, what's wrong? Who hurt my babies?"

Willow pointed across the market at Amity, Skara, and Boscha. "Amity's hosting a moonlight conjuring party and invited everyone… except me."

Gus held up his scroll, showing a picture Amity had posted on Penstagram, captioned, It's conjuring night—no dorks allowed! "She keeps posting about it," he added glumly.

"What a jerk," Luz muttered. "What's a moonlight conjuring?"

"It's when you spend the night at someone's house, telling stories, playing games," Willow explained.

"Like a slumber party!" Luz's face lit up.

"Then you bring something to life with moon magic!" Willow added excitedly, showing Luz a book open to the spell.

"A slumber party… with magic?"

"Gus and I have never been to one. You need at least three people," Willow said.

Luz beamed. "Well, we've got four—me, you, Gus, and Finn! We're way better than they are."

Boscha overheard her and laughed mockingly. "Sorry you couldn't get an invite, Willow. Only real witches allowed."

Amity scoffed. "Ugh, leave her alone. It's not her fault she was born without talent." With that, her group walked away.

Willow, clearly furious, started summoning vines, but Luz quickly slapped them away. "Whoa! Don't waste your time getting thorny over them. We're going to have our own moonlight conjuring!" she said, putting an arm around Willow.

"Are you serious? This has been on my bucket list!" Gus pulled out a list and checked off Attend a moonlight conjuring right under Own a real human bucket.

"That's… an unusual list item, but I love your enthusiasm. I'll go tell Eda."

As this unfolded, Finn noticed Amity nearby and decided to approach her. "Amity," he called, catching her attention. She turned to him, looking surprised—and slightly fearful. "I… just wanted to apolo—"

"Save it," Amity cut him off, holding up a hand. "I don't need a psycho's apology. Just stay away from me, freak." She stormed off, with Boscha following.

Skara lingered behind, glancing at Finn sympathetically. "Hey, Finn," she said softly. "I heard what happened… about your magic going out of control." She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "If you ever need to talk—"

"Skara, let's go!" Amity called.

"Sorry. We can talk later, okay?"

Finn watched them leave, saying nothing. In the back of his mind, The Lich's voice whispered ominously. "Don't trouble yourself over the words of insignificant ants. Soon, all will know your power."

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"Alright, since Finn is still technically out of commission…" Eda glanced at the boy in question, resting peacefully on the couch. "Luz, you're in charge while I'm out. Make sure Hooty doesn't get into any trouble."

"Hoot, hoot! I don't need a babysitter! I'm a big boy house!" Hooty protested.

Luz gave Eda a determined look. "You can count on me! I would never betray your hard-earned trust," she said, forcing an innocent smile.

Eda eyed her suspiciously. "You're acting weird… are you doing that thing where you hide in your hoodie?"

Luz had pulled her hoodie up so high only her eyes were visible. "Me? Uh, no. Meow!" She tried to act nonchalant. "Uh-oh… where's King?"

"He's right here," Eda replied, opening her cloak to reveal King nestled in a baby harness. "His little body just conks out when he's weightless. Look at this." She rocked him gently, making his arms and legs dangle in the air.

"Aww, he's so dangly!" Luz giggled, playing with his tiny legs.

"Alright, really going now. And Luz," Eda fixed her with a serious look, "if you mess up the house… I will never trust you again. No pressure. Byyyyeee!" She flew off on Owlbert, leaving Luz alone with the task.

While Luz was busy bending the rules and Eda's trust, Finn was fast asleep on the couch, lost in a world of his own battles. In his mind, he was hurling fireballs at The Lich, who effortlessly evaded each one. Finn's strength was waning as he pushed himself beyond his limits.

"Why… can't I… kill you?" he gasped, exhaustion clear in his voice.

The Lich raised an eyebrow, summoning a mystical well between them. "You assume I can be killed at all," he replied coolly. He gestured toward the well, and an image of the full moon appeared in its depths. "I need you to do something for me, boy. Using certain items you can gather from your friends, you'll put together a specific concoction."

Finn snarled. "Why would I ever help you with anything?"

"Because your friends are casting a spell to help me take control of your body. Temporarily, of course… but long enough for me to achieve my goal."

"What?" Finn's eyes widened as he began to hear faint chanting.

"Moonlight, we call this in, moonlight, we take this chance…" The voices of Luz, Willow, and Gus echoed in his mind, weaving the spell together.

"No, no, no, no! Guys, stop! You don't know wh—"

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Luz, Willow, and Gus stared in disappointment as their conjuring spell failed to animate the doll. "Don't worry, guys! Maybe we just need to try again," Luz started, but a flash of blue light from Finn interrupted her. "Uh… Willow, can a conjuring spell work on people?"

"No, it shouldn't… I think," Willow said uncertainly. "This is my first conjuring, too."

Finn slowly rose from the couch, his eyes glowing an unnatural blue. He turned to the group with a sinister smile. Luz felt a chill. "I… don't really like the look of this," she admitted.

"Hello there, friends," Finn greeted them in a surprisingly cheerful voice, wearing the friendliest smile they'd ever seen on him. "If I may be so bold, could I ask for your assistance in a personal endeavor?"

All three of them stared wide-eyed. Luz was the first to speak up. "Uh, Finn? What is happening right now?"

"Why, nothing strange at all," Finn replied, his voice calm and collected. "I simply need your help to complete a particular elixir I'm making." He still sounded as though he were in some kind of trance.

"Okay, he's scaring me a little," Gus whispered, hiding behind Willow.

"Yeah, me too," Willow agreed, inching back. "I've known Finn a long time, and he's more likely to twist your arm to get you to help—not politely ask."

"Oh, come on, guys!" Luz said, trying to stay positive. "Maybe that moon spell awakened Finn's nicer side." She walked over to him. "If you need our help, then you can count on us, 'Moon Finn!'" She smiled encouragingly.

Finn beamed. "Excellent. Then please, follow me. I promise it will be a night you'll never forget." He stretched his arms out wide. "HOOTY, RISE!"

Hooty straightened, revealing two giant owl legs underneath the house, lifting it off the ground. "Please, take us to the locations I designate," Finn instructed, "and be careful; we wouldn't want anyone to be harmed."

Outside, Luz stared in amazement at the house moving on massive owl legs. "Oh, guys, check this out! Hooty has legs!"

"Okay, this is kind of cool," Willow said, her fear subsiding a bit. "Maybe Luz was right, and we did just bring out Finn's nicer side."

"Yeah, and it's too bad it'll only last until the moon goes away," Gus sighed.

Finn pulled them all into a warm group hug. "Oh, Gus, trust me… if everything goes as planned, I'll stay like this forever." He smiled warmly. "Ah, it seems we're here. Hooty, stop here, please. I need to go in person to collect the first ingredient." With a wave of his hand, he summoned an array of food and drinks. "Please, enjoy these refreshments while I'm gone. I'll try not to be too long." Then, he floated away into the night.

Luz bit into a sandwich, delighted. "This is actually tasty! And I don't even feel like throwing up for once. Moon Finn rocks!"

"You should try the drinks," Gus said, sipping enthusiastically. "It's like drinking an entire fruit basket! I agree, Moon Finn is awesome!"

Willow watched Finn's figure disappearing into the distance, a slight frown on her face. "Guys… do you think maybe we're going too far by liking this version of Finn instead of his usual self?"

Luz and Gus exchanged looks. "I mean, it is still Finn—just happier, I guess," Luz said, taking another bite. "Besides, no one who can make food this good could ever be evil, right?"

"Yeah, plus he's been super nice," Gus agreed, raising his glass. "He even calls me by my real name now. No complaints from me."

Willow finally gave in, taking a bite of fruit and smiling at the sweetness. "Well, as long as he's not doing anything wrong. And he's done way worse even in a good mood." She shrugged, deciding to enjoy Moon Finn's kindness, suspicions fading away.

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Finn glided silently through the night toward Blight Manor, his target clear: Skara. Landing softly on the grounds, he stayed in the shadows, slipping past the patrolling abominations with ease. Using his oracle spell, he quickly located her in Amity's room, where she sat with the other guests, all of them engrossed in updating their Penstagram feeds for the night's conjuring. The atmosphere changed as a soft tap sounded from the balcony glass, drawing everyone's attention. Finn stepped into view, wearing the warmest, most charming smile any of them had ever seen.

"Hello there, ladies," he greeted smoothly, his voice a low, soothing murmur that made a few hearts skip a beat.

Amity blinked in shock. "Finn! What are you doing here?" Her face flushed with irritation and surprise as she realized where he'd come from. "Just leave—I don't want you here!" she insisted, trying to shoo him away.

With an uncharacteristic grace, Finn gave her a slight bow. "First, allow me to offer a genuine apology for the unpleasant misunderstanding the other day," he said, his voice soft and sincere. "I truly beg for your forgiveness and throw myself at your mercy." Amity was taken aback, her anger momentarily forgotten as Finn leaned closer, his intense gaze holding hers.

"But tonight," he continued with a smirk, "I'm not here for you." He gently took her hands, his fingers warm against hers, and gazed deeply into her eyes. "Though, if you'd like, I could be convinced to come back another night. Just imagine… you, me, under the moonlight, the world around us fading away." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I know a few spells that might change your entire view of the world."

Before Amity could react, Finn brushed his lips against her forehead in a feather-light kiss. She flushed furiously, her mind racing with all the things he'd hinted at, and the others around her were too busy snapping photos and recording the unexpected moment.

Skara stood watching in shock, mouth slightly open. "Skara," a teasing voice said beside her, snapping her out of her daze. "Looks like you might want to keep an eye on your boyfriend, or he might not be yours for much longer," Boscha quipped.

With a sly grin, Finn turned to Skara, extending his hand. "Skara, would you care to join me out on the balcony?" He held one arm over his chest, the other extended toward her in a graceful invitation.

Amity, Boscha, Cat, and Amelia all watched, holding their breath as Skara, cheeks burning, rose from her spot. She crossed the room, ignoring her friends' excited murmurs and the cameras on her, and shut the balcony doors behind her, wanting this moment to be just for them. Turning back, she found Finn bathed in moonlight, his eyes gentle but intense. It felt like he was a different person entirely.

"So… what did you want to talk about?" she asked, her voice catching slightly as she hoped her suspicions were right.

Finn stepped close to her, studying her face as if memorizing every detail. Slowly, he reached out and, without a word, pulled the ribbon from her hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders. Skara gasped slightly, her hand instinctively reaching up to touch her loose hair.

He tilted his head, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You know… you're even lovelier with your hair down," he murmured.

Skara's blush deepened, and she found herself at a loss for words, feeling the night settle warmly around them. But before either could say anything more, the balcony doors burst open as Amity and the others tumbled through, having leaned in too close. Startled, Finn stepped back, giving them all a playful look. "It seems our moment will have to wait for another time," he said with a smile. "Until then…"

With that, he leaped backward over the balcony rail, disappearing into the night, leaving Skara breathless as she watched him vanish. Clutching the ribbon he'd pocketed, Finn whispered to himself, "Now, only the well remains."

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As Finn arrived back at the Owl House, he announced with a confident tone, "Now that we have this ingredient, it's time to make our way to the well."

Luz, curious and eager, asked, "A well? What do you need a well for?"

"It's not just any well—it's a magical well that can only be used during a full moon," Finn explained. "It's essential that we get there as quickly as possible." Turning to Hooty, he commanded, "HOOTY, RUN!" The house lurched forward as the quirky demon sped along.

"While we're on our way, I'll need your help preparing some other ingredients. Are you all willing to assist me?" Finn asked, looking over his friends.

"A magical well that can only be accessed during a full moon? Of course I'll help!" Luz replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Just tell me what I need to do," Willow said with a determined smile.

"And summon a few more snacks, and I'm all in," Gus added with a playful grin.

"Excellent," Finn said warmly. "I appreciate your cooperation. First—"

He was cut off by a loud crash as Hooty barreled through a stall in the night market. Peering out the window, Finn called out, "My apologies! I'll reimburse you for the damages." He caught a glimpse of Eda and King in the distance but brushed it aside. Time was ticking, and the elixir was the priority.

"So, what do you need us to do?" Luz asked, ready for her task.

"Luz, your part is simple," Finn said, holding out a wooden board. "I need you to carve a light glyph on this board."

"Oh, easy! Let me just—"

"But," Finn interjected, "you'll need to use a drop of your blood to activate it."

"Uh… excuse me?" Luz blinked, hesitating slightly.

"Don't worry," Finn reassured her with a calm smile. "Just one drop of blood, mixed with this special paint." He handed her a small container of paint and a sewing needle.

"A little less excited about the blood part, but I'm still in!" Luz agreed, taking the supplies.

"Now, Willow," Finn turned to her with a serious expression.

"Yes, Finn?" she replied, eager.

"I need you to use your plant magic to grow a phoenix orchid," he said, handing her a pot of soil and a single seed. "The orchid needs to be fireproof, and this is the only seed I could get."

Willow's eyes lit up at the challenge. "A rare flower that's fireproof? I'm in!"

"Finally, Gus," Finn said, handing him a polished obsidian mirror. "All you need to do is look into your reflection while casting illusion magic."

"Got it!" Gus replied with a salute, quickly conjuring a variety of illusionary versions of himself: some dancing, some boxing, and some juggling.

But suddenly, Hooty stopped abruptly, sending everyone tumbling.

"What happened?" Luz asked, getting back to her feet.

Finn peered out the window and saw a group of demon hunters restraining Hooty. "It appears Hooty has been… detained by the demon hunters," he said calmly. "But don't worry—I'll go out there and clear things up. Please stay inside until I return."

"Huh, resolving things with words instead of fists. I'm proud of 'moon' Finn," Luz said with admiration.

"He does seem more… peaceful than usual," Willow agreed.

"And hey, if this potion can keep him like this all the time, I say let's make it permanent!" Gus added enthusiastically.

A few moments later, Finn returned through the front door, brushing off his sleeves. "Everything's sorted. They've agreed to release Hooty, and we should be on our way shortly."

"YEAH!" Everyone cheered, feeling the Owl House shake back to life. Luz ran to the window, waving at the demon hunters. "Thanks for understanding!" she called out, noticing that a few had strangely blank expressions before she shrugged it off.

With the journey underway again, each friend focused on their task. Willow grew the phoenix orchid, its fiery petals glowing brilliantly in the dim light. "It's beautiful… such a shame it'll be used up in the elixir," she murmured, a bit sad to part with her creation.

"Okay, I think I've exhausted every spell I know in front of this mirror," Gus said, slightly dizzy from all the illusions.

Finn nodded approvingly. "Great work, everyone."

As Hooty came to a final halt, Finn turned to his friends with a smile. "Now, let's make this elixir."

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As they reached the well's location, Luz, Willow, and Gus were stunned by the sight before them: a serene lake with a small island at its center, where the well glistened beneath the moonlight.

"Whoa…" Luz breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the star-filled reflection on the lake's surface.

"This place is incredible. How did you even find out about it?" Willow asked, amazed.

Finn merely nodded toward the island, saying, "All of that can be explained later. For now, follow me." With a wave of his hand, he conjured an arched doorway on the shore and another on the island, creating a portal between them. "Step through, and we'll be there instantly."

"Magic doorway! Here I come!" Luz said, leaping through eagerly.

"Eda must've taught you some impressive spells," Willow noted, clearly impressed.

As they stepped through and joined him on the island, the group saw the moon's reflection aligning perfectly over the well. Finn took charge, giving each of them instructions.

"Now, we add the ingredients," he said. "Gus, the mirror, please."

Gus dropped the mirror into the well as Finn explained, "A mirror that's seen both truth and illusion." He then gestured for Willow's ingredient. "A flower, reborn from a phoenix's ashes." Next, Finn walked up with his own item. "An object once held by someone with a pure soul." Finally, Luz dropped the glyph board. "And magic made from the blood of a curious mind."

With the last ingredient, the well glowed an eerie green, casting an unsettling light over them. Finn chuckled, his laugh growing louder until it became an unsettling, manic cackle. Suddenly, black vines shot up, ensnaring them.

"Finn? What's going on?" Luz asked, confused and alarmed.

"Let us go! This isn't funny, Finn!" Willow pleaded.

Gus, growing wary, said, "I'm starting to think 'moon Finn' isn't nice at all…"

Finn's voice transformed, becoming deep, gravelly, and darkly sinister. "The illusionist speaks truth. I am an ancient evil that predates this world. I am the Lich." A green flame encircled him as his eyes glowed with malice.

"The who?" Luz asked, unfamiliar with the name.

"THE WHAT!?" Gus and Willow gasped in unison, trembling with fear.

Willow shook her head. "No way! The Lich is just a myth, something parents use to scare their kids into behaving."

The Lich laughed, an unsettling grin twisting Finn's face. "I am very real. Thanks to your help, my well of power is restored. Once I absorb its magic, I will return to full strength, and nothing will stop me from exterminating all life across the multiverse."

The Lich looked down at Luz, sneering. "How ironic, child—you'll watch yet another friend fall because of your reckless curiosity. All of this could have been avoided if you'd only obeyed your teachers."

Luz's heart pounded as she processed his words. "Wait… another friend?"

The Lich's grin widened. "This isn't our first encounter." He summoned an illusion of a memory, showing Luz a young boy with blond hair and blue eyes, standing next to a towering figure with glowing eyes. "Seven years ago, a boy came to me, saying, 'I'll do anything to protect my friend Luz.' He gave everything to keep you safe."

Luz's eyes widened, recognizing the boy. "Jack… What did you do to him?"

The Lich's grin grew crueler. "He's gone. But his final thoughts were of protecting you from me."

Just then, the ground beneath him shifted, sending him tumbling away from the well. Standing there, staff in hand, was Eda, her expression fierce.

"Alright, kiddos, I'd be a lousy teacher if I let you get yourselves killed," Eda said, her usual sass tempered by relief. "But don't think you're off the hook—this stunt's gonna cost you a month of chores."

"Eda!" Luz cried, overjoyed. "Thank you! I promise I'll never do something like this again!"

"Yeah, thanks for the save," Willow said, catching her breath.

"Me too! Though I might need a healer…" Gus muttered, wincing.

"Hold the gratitude, kids," Eda said, setting a barrier around them. "Right now, we've got a very cranky ancient evil to deal with. Care to explain what's going on?"

Luz quickly recapped the situation, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Finn is possessed by something called the Lich, and we need to stop him from reaching the well, or he'll end all life in the multiverse."

Eda nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Alright. We just need to knock him out and keep him away from that well. Here's the plan: Gus, distract him with as many illusions as you can. Willow, use your plants to restrain him. Luz, draw as many glyphs as you can to keep him blinded. Ready?"

Just as she finished, Finn, now fully transformed, broke through the rock barrier.

"Owl Lady!" he bellowed, his voice a menacing roar. "You dare to interfere with my ritual?"

"Oh, I dare," Eda smirked. She conjured two massive stone Hooty figures to charge at him.

The Lich smashed them apart with his bare hands, sneering. "I've decided… I'll make your death as painful as possible."

But before he could strike, Gus created a swarm of illusionary Edas surrounding him.

"Hey, over here!" one called, only for another to taunt, "Nope, over here!"

The Lich's face twisted in rage, his body expanding as twisted horns sprouted from his head. He let out a roar that shook the earth, and Luz shivered. "That would be so cool if it wasn't about to kill us," she whispered, momentarily distracted.

"Plant girl! I could use those restraints now!" Eda called out.

Vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around the Lich, holding him in place.

"Sorry it took so long," Willow panted. "This is strangle weed—it should keep him—"

"Less botany, more battling!" Eda snapped.

But before they could celebrate, flames burst from the Lich, incinerating the vines. He lunged forward, grabbing Eda by the collar and lifting her. "Any last words, witch?"

Eda smirked, glancing up. "Just four: your time is up." She pointed, and everyone looked—the first rays of sunlight were breaking over the horizon. The well began to dim.

"No! My well of power!" The Lich released Eda and sprinted toward the well as its light faded.

"Guess your luck ran out," Eda said with a victorious smirk.

"We did it!" Luz cheered, hugging Willow.

Willow beamed, returning the hug. "I can't believe we actually did."

Gus was trembling. "This is going to haunt me forever."

"Eh, kid, a little apple blood and you'll forget all about it," Eda said with a wink.

A dark chuckle interrupted them. "You think this is the end? There are countless other rituals, other artifacts. You may have won today, but your doom is only delayed." With that, a black mist seeped from Finn, leaving him unconscious as the Lich's presence dissipated.

Eda shook her head. "The kid had issues, but I didn't know they were this serious."

Luz looked at him, her heart heavy. "Can we help him?"

Eda sighed. "I don't know. But for now, let's get him back to the Owl House. Hooty, head home!" She rubbed her temples, already feeling the headache this long night had brought.

==========================================================================================

As Hooty settled back in, Eda took stock of the mess around the Owl House and turned to Luz, Willow, and Gus. "Alright, since the three of you trashed the place, you're going to clean it from top to bottom. Starting now." With a wave of her hand, she summoned brooms, mops, and buckets filled with soapy water.

"Yes, ma'am," the trio replied, picking up the supplies with a mix of guilt and resignation.

Meanwhile, King wandered over to Finn, who was still unconscious. "So… what do we do about him? His episodes seem to be getting worse."

Eda sighed, crossing her arms. "I don't know, King. Maybe there's a way to help him, but until then, it's best to just let him rest. From what I heard, he's been through a lot tonight." King nodded and curled up nearby, already drifting off to sleep.

As Luz scrubbed the floors, her thoughts drifted back to the Lich's taunting words about Jack. "Another friend lost because of your carelessness…" The accusation echoed in her mind, and it felt like a weight pressing down on her. The Lich had given her a sliver of information about Jack's disappearance—a mystery that had haunted her for years. She clenched the rag in her hand, determined. She finally had a clue, and no matter what it took, she was ready to uncover the truth.