The flight on the staff was... an experience. Luz was screaming with a mix of terror and joy, clutching Eda's waist, while I stood on the back of the staff, balancing myself with small pulses of mana in my feet to stay locked on.
Eda" Not bad, kid! Most humans barf the first time they fly. You've got balance."
Leo" I've been practicing my 'stabilities' for a long time, Eda. But where are we going?"
The staff dives toward a crumbling stone tower.
Eda" Home. The Owl House."
We landed in front of a rustic, somewhat creepy house. A wooden owl face was carved into the door. Luz got surprised Hooty" Hoot! Hoot! Password, please!"
Eda pokes the owl in the eyes.
Eda" We don't have time for this, Hooty! Let us in!"
Hooty" Ow! Fine, hoot! No need to be a jerk!"
We stepped inside, and the interior was filled with even more magical junk. That's when we met him. A small, furry creature with a skull for a head and a broken horn stepped into the light, sounding like a very grumpy, very cute demon.
King" Who dares intrude upon the domain of the King of Demons?!"
Luz" Gasps Oh my gosh! He's so cute!"
Luz tackles King in a hug.
King" No! Stop! I am the night! I am terror!"
Leo" Chuckles He's definitely something. So, Eda, you didn't bring us here just to show off your pet. What's the catch?"
Eda" Straight to the point. I like that. I need a favor. A warden named Wrath stole King's Crown of Power. It's behind a barrier that only a human can pass through.
Since there are two of you now, my odds just doubled."
[leo] [The Crown of Power... which is actually just a Burger Queen paper hat. But if I help, it cements our place here.] - thinking
Leo" I'll do it. But on one condition. You teach Luz magic. Real magic."
Eda" Kid, humans can't do"
I hold up my hand. A sphere of violet mana rotates rapidly, humming with power.
Leo "I'm not a normal human. And I can help her, but she needs a guide who knows this world. Deal?"
Eda" Smirks Deal. Now, let's go break into prison."
The Conformatorium
The Conformatorium loomed over us like a giant, stone middle finger to the sky. Eda used her staff to fly us up to a high window.
Eda" I'll distract the guards. You two get the crown. It's in the Contraband Room."
Eda takes off, leaving us on the ledge.
Luz" Leo, are you sure about this? We're actually breaking into a magical jail!"
Leo" Don't worry, Luz. Just stay behind me. Remember what I told you back home? Focus on your surroundings."
We sneak through the hallways. The air is damp and smells like old socks and despair.
We pass a row of cells.
Tiny Nose" I'm here because I believe the world is a simulation!"
Katya" I'm here because I write fanfiction about food!"
Luz "leo this world is definitely weird, but these people don't deserve to be locked up."
Leo" We'll be back for you guys. Hang tight."
We reach a massive door labeled 'CONTRABAND'. I place my hand on the handle. It's locked with a powerful magic seal.
Luz" It's locked! What do we do?"
Leo" Time to test the Grimoire. Book, give me something for locks."
The book at my hip glows. The pages flip rapidly to a section marked Harry Potter .
Leo" Alohomora"
My hand glows with a concentrated purple spark. I touch the lock, and the magical frequency of the seal begins to vibrate until it simply shatters like glass.
Luz" Whoa... Leo, you've been holding out on me! That was awesome!"
Leo" Let's just get the hat, Luz."
Inside, the room was piled high with "junk." At the very top of a mountain of items sat the crown. Luz scrambled up and grabbed it.
Luz" Got it! King is gonna be so happy!"
Warden Wrath" Voice booming from the shadows I bet he will be."
A massive man with a plague doctor mask and shifting, blade-like arms steps out. He traps us in the room.
Warden Wrath" Eda the Owl Lady... I knew she'd send someone. But humans? This is a new low, even for her."
Leo" Luz, get behind the pile. Now."
Luz" But Leo—"
Leo" Go!"
Warden Wrath turns his hand into a giant morning star and swings it at me. I leap into the air, doing a backflip, and land on the wall, sticking to it with mana.
Warden Wrath" A human who can use magic? Impossible!"
Leo" You'd be surprised what a Noceda can do. Chain Bind!"
I throw my hands forward. Bolts of violet energy shoot out like glowing ropes, wrapping around the Warden's arms.
He roars, pulling against them with his monstrous strength.
[leo] [He's stronger than he looks in the show. I can't hold him forever.]
Leo" Eda! A little help here!"
Eda crashes through the roof on her staff, grabbing Luz and me.
Eda" Nice work, kid! You actually held him off! Now let's move!"
We fly out of the hole in the roof. The Warden yells in frustration, his mask slipping slightly.
Back at the Owl House
We landed back at the house as the sun (or whatever the Boiling Isles has) began to set.
King was jumping up and down.
King" My crown! Give it to me!"
Luz places the paper hat on his head. King strikes a pose.
King" Yes! I can feel my power returning! Soon, the world shall tremble!"
Luz" Giggles He's so cute when he's delusional."
Eda" Alright, a deal's a deal. You two stayed alive, and you got the 'crown.' I'll let you stay here. I'll teach the kid what I can, and Leo... you and I are going to have a long talk about where you learned those tricks."
Leo" I'm looking forward to it, Eda."
Luz walked over to the edge of the balcony, looking out at the glowing veins of the Titan.
Luz" Leo? Do you think Mom will be okay? At home?"
I walk over and put an arm around her shoulder.
Leo" Mom's tough. And we're together. I'm not letting anything happen to you here, Luz. This is going to be the best summer ever."
Leo [And I'm going to make sure we're ready for Belos. Because I have a feeling the 'All-Spells' book has a few things he's never seen before.]