The Owl House: Son of Edalyn (Owlphibia AU)

Months had passed since Olivier Clawthorne's disappearance.

By now, all of the Boiling Isles believed the half-witch to be dead.

With even Lilith having erected a memorial at the Olive Tree where Eda had found him.

Eda, however...NEVER gave up hope.

Despite every lead becoming a dead end, and being forced to stop searching

when her resources started to dry up, Eda held onto the hope that her son would return.

He had to still be alive...he was HER son, afterall.

She had taught him everything she knew on how to survive.

Still though...she was a mother. a Mother plagued by the unknowing.

And she endured many sleepless nights wondering where Olivier was, and if he was okay.

Fortunately, though. she was distracted by her worries when a human girl

found her way into the Demon Realm not long after Olivier first vanished.

Her name was Luz Noceda...and she was fascinated with Magic.

Though Eda tried to hide it, she enjoyed Luz' bubbly personality

that reminded her of how her son once was when he was much younger.

...before the incident so long ago that changed him forever.

It was one main reason why Eda was reluctant to allow Luz to attend the Hexside School of Witchcraft.

She had once allowed Olivier to attend, and it only led to eventual tragedy befalling the boy.

But, Luz had a weird affect on Eda...One that prevented her saying 'No' to her request

to go to school, make friends and learn more about Magic so she could realize her goal of being a Witch.

Reluctantly, Eda let Luz attend school (though she made sure to have Owlbert keep an eye on Luz.)

Things had gone well for them...Until the day when everything came crashing down.

Lilith had finally taken the gloves off, and stepped up at being EMperor Belos' enforcer.

Even going as far as taking Luz hostage to coerce Eda into joining the Emperor's Coven with her.

Eda refused to lose another child that she loved, and she too 'took the kid gloves off'

and fought her sister in a real, serious duel for the first time in a vey long time.

And in the ensuing battle...Lilith let slip one awful truth: SHE had been the one who cursed her.

There were no words to do justice the anger Eda felt for her so-called sister in that moment.

Of all the people Eda had suspected of cursing her, she never ONCE considered it was her own sister.

Everything had been her fault.

Their father's injuries that cost him everything, her ruined childhood,

All of her relationships that failed BECAUSE of her curse!

and, worst of all...Olivier.

The whole reason Olivier was gone was because he was trying to lift her curse.

a curse that LILITH had placed on her to begin with! Olivier's disappearance WAS ALL HER FAULT!

Eda felt absolutely livid the more she thought about it.

...which was one of her last thoughts when the curse finally took over her completely.

That would've been the end for her...but Luz proved to be just as relentless as Eda was,

as against all odds, the human girl (along with King, and a repentant Lilith) managed to save her.

But victory...came with a cost.

Belos now had Eda's portal door (which Luz TRIED to destroy, but had salvaged enough of it.)

And in an effort to make up for her mistake, Lilith shared Eda's curse. Severely weakening BOTH their magic power.

Now, Luz was trying to find a way to recreate Eda's portal to the Human Realm.

Not only so Luz could return to her own world, BUT as a means to escape 'until the heat cooled down', as they say.

Lilith was also hiding out with them now...and Arrangement that Eda still had reservations about

(But Luz insisted on giving her another chance, and AGAIN: Eda couldn't say 'no' to her.)

But, Eda had no intention on making things EASY for Lilith.

If she wanted forgiveness, then By the Titan: She would have to EARN it.

It was nearly noontime when Lilith awoke from her 'bed' on the couch.

She sat up, exhaling sharply as she survey the interior of The Owl House.

Even after all this time, it STILL felt strange to awaken in this place.

At that moment, Lilith spotted Eda walking past without saying a word.

As the Owl Lady approached the door, Lilith finally spoke up: "Edalyn...where are you going?"

"Out." answered Eda, bluntly. "Luz has a new spell to show me.

Says it might help us with the creation of a new portal back to the Human Realm."

"Can I hel-"

"NO." said Eda, bluntly. "We got this."

As Eda began to open the door to leave, Lilith quickly got up and approached.

"Edalyn, WAIT."

Eda paused and glanced back to her 'sister.'

"I realize you are still angry with me...and I don't blame you. What I did to you was...unforgiveable. but I-"

"no." said Eda, interrupting Lilith.

"Cursing me as a kid wasn't unforgiveable. Afterall, YOU were a kid back then too.

How can I be angry over you doing something only a stupid kid would do."

Eda then turned, and faced Lilith. "I could forgive that...I could even forgive how you ruined my life,

since it helped me become a stronger, better person. One who was self-reliant...and FREE."

Eda then glared angrily. "But what I don't think I CAN forgive...is what happened to my son.

The only reason he disappeared was because he was trying to help me, to lift my curse that YOU placed on me."

Lilith stepped back, feeling very small as her younger sister loomed over her.

"I don't know if he is alive, or dead." continued Eda. "but whatever HAS happened to him...THAT is on you, Lil."

Eda then turned her back to Lilith.

"and if my son HAS perished wherever he is...I don't think I can EVER forgive you for that."

Lilith looked down, feeling shame and regret that was beyond words.

And once Eda finally did leave...Lilith whispered to herself: "...i'm sorry."

[Later, Elsewhere.]

In the woods near the Owl House, Luz has placed a myriad of magical objects,

and paces while reading Philip's journal, trying to open a portal to Earth.

Eda "supervises", which means drinking a lot of apple blood.

"Okay. Attempt number twenty-three." spoke Luz. "Thanks again for agreeing to help, Eda."

"Ah, don't mention it, Kiddo." spoke Eda. "But I wish you had asked me two apple bloods ago."

Luz puts a hand on Eda's shoulder, eyes shining with adoration. "Your very presence is help enough."

But she stares for a little too long for Eda's liking.

"Cute, but creepy...kinda like Olivier was when-"

Eda then froze, her expressing changing ("damn, why did I have to-")

"Olivier?" spoke Luz, puzzled. "Who's Oliv-"

"So, what do we got here?!" spoke Eda (desperate to change the subject.)

Luz shrugged as she let go of the prior topic.

"A spell that has a very slim chance of working." explained Luz.

"But, if it does, it might get me back to the Human Realm."

"Well, hot Titan toes! What're we waiting for?!" exclaimed Eda. "Pull the trigger!"

"We have to be very careful." warned Luz. "This spell is unstable and—Eda!"

Eda has already activated the spell. "Again, probably should have mentioned something two apple bloods ago."

As the Spell surges with energy, Luz panics. "OH, SHI-"

Kablooey! A rift between time and space. Before a dazed Eda and Luz swirls a shining portal to...

Eda and Luz step through the glowing portal and gaze around at what looks like a Swamp.

"Luz, it worked!" exclaimed Eda. "We're in the Human Realm."

Luz wasn't convinced. "either we got sent to Louisiana by accident. or, that spell sent us to the WRONG Place."

Just then, a large creature that looked like a cross between a Grub and a Pig skittered by.

"M'lady." said Eda, bowing to the 'Grubhog.'

"Sometimes I worry about what you think you know about humans." said Luz.

"And I am fairly certain this ISN'T the Human Realm, afterall."

Eda shrugged. "Well, we might as well head to the nearest town

and see if they have any S&P approved bug equivalent to liquor."

"Hold on, Eda..." spoke Luz. "...do you hear that?"

Eda and Luz hear rustling in the foliage. Suddenly, a group of four come tearing out of the woods.

One was a girl who resembled Luz, who stumbled into her, and they both fall over.

Luz and the other girl look at each other...and scream: (("Aaaah!"))

"Whoa! Who are you people!?" said a clearly non-human creature

"I don't believe it! Another Anne?!" spoke another one of the creatures.

"And she's better dressed too." said a smaller creature.

"Woah!, giant frog-people!" exclaimed Eda, actually surprised.

"either that, or this is the best apple blood I've ever had (*looks to Luz*) Kid, are you seeing this too?!"

The other girl (who was clearly human like Luz) helps Luz up.

The two then regard one another with awe.

"Another human?, I don't believe this!" said the other girl.

"Me neither. I'm Luz Noceda, and I am very impressed that you're walking around with one shoe."

"Eh, it took some getting used to. I'm Anne, by the way, Anne Boonchuy."

"Why do I get the feeling we have a lot in common?!" said Luz, smiling.

"I dunno, but I can already tell we're gonna be besties!" exclaimed Anne, also smiling.

"OH!, and these are the Plantars. Hop Pop, My best bud Sprig!, and Polly."

Luz' eyes sparkled as she looked down at the Frog People. "Awww...SO CUTE!"

"watch it, Not-Anne." said Polly, unamused.

Just then, Eda leans over. "Uh, sorry to interrupt, but...(*shouting*) WE'VE GOT COMPANY!"

Suddenly, a giant creature that looked like a cross between a Badger and a Beetle burst into the clearing, roaring with rage.

Hop Pop attaches himself to Eda's leg. "Save us, foxy lady!"

"Get off of me!" exclaimed Eda, trying to shake the old frog off.

Luz then steps forward, pulling out some paper glyphs out of her pocket. "Leave this one to me, guys."

Luz slams a glyph down on the ground, growing vines which shoot out and ensnare the beast.

"Woah, cool!" exclaimed Anne, Sprig and Polly in unison.

"Anne, Polly, let's help too!" exclaimed Sprig.

"Good thinking, bud!" said Anne.

With the 'Badgeetle' tied up in magic vine, Anne, Sprig, and Polly all rush forward.

Anne draws her trusty tennis racket, and hits the Badgeetle in the leg. "Taaake this!"

The Badgeetle growls in response.

Sprig then loads Polly into his slingshot, and fires her at the Badgeetle. "Little sister cannon, fire!"

"Here comes the pain!" exclaimed Polly.

Pow! Polly hits the Badgeetle right in the eye. It whimpers and limps off into the woods, defeated.

All the kids (Luz, Anne, Polly, and Sprig) stand tall, and look like total bosses.

Eda and Hop Pop exchange a glance.

"Uh...I was about to help." said Eda.

"Ditto." said Hop Pop, fake coughing.

Anne sheaths her racket and rushes up to Luz.

"Wow!, that was incredible!" spoke Anne. "You're like a magician, or something."

"I'm a witch. well, kind of a witch-in-training." corrected Luz. "But, I come from the human world originally."

"A witch?" spoke Sprig. "I know a certain curse wielding frog girl who would love to meet you."

"So, what're you doing here, better-dressed-Anne?" asked Polly.

"Polly. rude much?" scolded Hop Pop

"Oh! I love the chaotic energy coming from the tiny one." said Eda. "Up top, you absolute beast."

Eda and Polly high-five.

"wait...Witch?!" spoke Anne, looking stunned."

"Yeah!" said Luz. "But, don't worry. Me and Eda are GOOD witches, JUST LIKE AZUR-"

"YOU'RE Eda?!" said Anne, looking at the silver hair woman with wide eyes.

"The One, and Only..." said Eda, proudly. "You heard of me?"

Anne grimaced. "kind of...Does the name: Oliver Clawthorne sound familiar to you?"

Eda's attitude instantly changed upon hearing that name. "how do you know that name?" spoke Eda, her tone stern.

Anne drew out a smartphone, and brought up an image from her photo gallery.

She then show Eda and Luz the picture...and Eda gasped, snatching the phone from Anne's hands.

"EDA!" exclaimed Luz. "That isn't yours-"

Luz stopped upon seeing tears flowing down Eda's cheeks.

Eda stared in shock at an image of Anne...with an auburn haired boy wearing a Hexside uniform.

"you're her, aren't you?" spoke Anne, approaching. "You're Oliver's mom."

Luz did a double take at her mentor. "MOM!?"

Eda looked at Anne. "you...you know my son?!"

Anne nodded. "he's...He's my boyfriend."

Eda nearly choked upon hearing that: Her son was not only ALIVE...and, he found himself someone special.

"Ollie told me so much about you." continued Anne. "How you were the most Powerful Witch in the Boiling Isles."

"yeah...I was." spoke Eda, looking away. "but something...happened. and, now my magic is weaker."

Anne nodded sadly. "yeah...he told me how you were cursed."

Eda looked at Anne again. "where is he?, Where is my little boy?!"

"He's in the Wartwood Village. Like ME, he's been living there." explained Anne.

"We both got stranded in this world, and are trying to return to our own worlds."

"So am I." said Luz. "Eda HAD a portal, but...it was taken from us.

I tried to create a new one back to the Human Realm, but it sent me and Eda HERE instead."

"If Olivier is here, then I am right where I need to be." said Eda.

"I can take you to him." said Anne. "Wartwood is a long hike away, but we know the way back."

"Yes, PLEASE." said Eda. "Take me-US, take us to him."

Anne smiled. "follow me, then."

As Anne and the Plantars walked off, Eda and Luz followed them close behind.

*I...I didn't know you had a son.* whispered Luz to Eda.

Eda fought back her tears and breathed out. *It wasn't easy to talk about him. not after he disappeared months ago.*

Luz frowned, feeling guilty over how she apparently left her own mother behind in her own world. *I'm sorry.*

*it's fine...I know know he is okay. AND, I'm finally going to see him again!*

Luz smiled, feeling glad for her mentor. *I can't wait to meet him...he sounds COOL.*

Eda smiled as well, feeling joy for the first time in forever.

...but, little did she and Luz know: Time was NOT in their side.

[End of Part Eight]