Chapter 2
Luz gave a wave goodbye as she began her day's journey. She had 20 snails in her pocket, curtesy of Eda, her backpack of glyphs (in case of emergencies), and directions to a shop in town. While she would normally just ride with her mentor, considering they are both going into town, the human wanted to walk, and take in everything she missed about the Boiling Isles.
The girl walked through the woods, growing closer and closer to the noisy epicenter of this area. Her maroon beanie hugged her head, bouncing as she moved. A baggy t-shirt with her favorite anime printed on it was tucked into her ripped, high-waisted jeans, held in place with a black belt. Now that she thought about it, her style really changed a lot from the last time she was here. ‘Maybe they won't recognize me,’ she thought, but only for a split second, as she remembered she was the only human here. And that's pretty easy to spot.
Drawing closer, the tops of building peaking out over trees, she went over the directions in her head for the thousandth time. A habit she developed, to combat her horrible memory.
After her mental checklist, she couldn't help but wonder how her friends have changed over the years. They certainly must have a good life though, considering Willow runs her own flower shop in the center of town.
She would also have to find out where Gus worked, since he never brought it up in any letter he sent. It was odd he didn't, but Luz shrugged it off as she finally made it to Boneburrow.
Unlike yesterday, it wasn't all to busy. Many creatures did roam around, but Luz wasn't being shoved around, which was nice. And with a little bit of walking, and thinking on her part, she finally made it to a small building.
It had racks outside, each filled to the brim with potted plants of all varieties. Each of them had a tag that was held onto by the string wrapped around the pot, and when Luz opened one of them, saw it was more information and instructions about the plant.
Some of them also had warning labels above them, which did not surprise Luz in the slightest. She still had not-so-fond memories of a plant almost digesting her, mainly because she bothered it even though Willow had warned her. With a quick shiver going down her spine at the event, she opened the door, hearing a small bell jingle as she did.
The inside had much more to offer than what was on display. Some lose vines hung from handing pots, giant flowers loomed near the back walls, and even a few normal looking ferns in some spots.
"Welcome! You can browse around, I'll be with you in a moment." Said a very familiar voice, which made Luz's eyes widen in excitement. Immediately, she went searching for the girl within the cozy little shop, all the while admiring the dedication it must have took to keep all of these foreign plants sustained and healthy.
And after peering over a rack full of vibrant, green plants, there stood a girl. She was, what looked to be at least, in the process of feeding one of the larger plants. It seemed to snap and growl at her, right before she drew a small spell circle, which seemed to calm it down.
The girl had slightly long hair, it came a little past her shoulders, and puffed out in the ends. It was an almost dark blue. A light brown apron was tied around her waist, covering some overalls with a darker green t-shirt underneath. One glance at her arms, Luz could see how toned they were, that had to have been developed over years of physically training. And as she turned around, the human saw the witch's circular glasses, covering her light green eyes.
"I'm so sorry for—wait a minute, do i know you from somewhere?" Willow asked, crossing her arms as she eyed the girl in front of her.
Luz felt a bit hurt she didn't recognize her, but then she remembered her beanie. ‘Dumbass, your ears are covered!’
"Well," the human said, stretching out the word, "you could say i'm an old friend."
She pulled her beanie out of the way a little to uncover her ears, showing the rounded appendages to Willow, who stood in shock.
"Luz?!" Her excitement was very apparent, her wide eyes staring at Luz as her jaw hung open. All the human could do was smile and nod, not saying anything for the simple fact that if she did, all that would come out was a squeal.
Willow then brought her into a hug, nearly crushing her childhood friend. Luz didn't mind, she was just happy to have her back.
"You're here! Oh my gosh, you're actually here. You've missed so much, we need to catch you up right away. Wait have you seen Gus yet? We have to bring him!" The witch rambled on, only stopping when Luz giggles at her.
"I haven't seen Gus yet, i thought we could find him together. Don't know where he is, actually." Luz answered, slightly embarrassed that she didn't even know where her friend would be.
After a few more minutes, Luz finally
pulled back from the hug. Mainly, to not have her be crushed by this girl. "Oh, he didn't tell you? I guess it is kind of complicated but I'll try to get the gist of it before we go."
"Wait, we're leaving now? What about your shop?"
"Oh i'll just close it early today, it was kind of slow anyway." She once again draws a spell circle and the main lights to the room shut off, only allowing sunlight from the display window to light up the room.
"You want to help me lock up the place? If not, i underst-" Willow said as she untied her apron and put it behind the counter, though she couldn't even finish her sentence before Luz's eyes lit up in excitement.
"Would i?!" the girl exclaimed, grabbing the shopkeeper's shoulders, "Just tell me what to do!"
After that, they got to work. Willow took care of the more dangerous tasks, like putting a cloth over the deadly flowers. Luz guessed that it was because most of them only responded in the light, but she didn't bother asking. She also brought in the plants from outside, careful to not agitate them. Luz, on the other hand, did simple tasks like cleaning off the counters and watering all of the safer plants. Though her curiosity got the better of her, and if it weren't for Willow covering the plant, she would have lost a hand.
Soon after, they finished, walking out for the witch to lock the doors with a magical seal. The walls glowed a faint blue for a moment before returning to their natural, rustic color.
"Now off to find Gus!" Luz nearly yelled, making her voice slightly deeper and mimicked a heroic-type pose. It made Willow laugh, making the girl realize how much she missed the human's antics.
"Alright, alright. Let's get going."
They began walking off into the streets, Luz striking up a conversation. Minutes passed, filled with both the noise of the streets and the voices of the two girls. Willow told her about how the rest of school was, as well as her shop. She seemed really passionate about everything she spoke about, confidence emanating from her. Luz smiled at this.
The human, on the other hand, talked about her life back in the human realm. The new music she listened to, fandoms she was in, and even about her ever growing following on social media for her edits. The two of them talked and laughed for a while until they reached a familiar looking stand.
"Willow, why are we at Eda's stand?" The girl questioned, tilting her head slightly. The witch just giggled, "I told you, we're going to see Gus."
Before she could ask anymore questions, a man appeared behind the counter. He was rather tall, actually, especially compared to the two girls. A simple blue t-shirt coupled with a pair of jeans hugged the man. His hair was shaved on the sides, but the rest was long, tied up in a ponytail that hung from the back of his head.
"Welcome valued custo- oh, hey Willow! Who's your friend?" His voice was decently deep, somewhat startling the human. And after an embarrassing amount of time, she put two and two together. Is that...?
"Gus? Is that you?!" Luz let out. The man flinched at the name, staring at the human with those same wide-eyes he had all those years ago. "Wait wait wait—Luz?"
Without warning, the girl jumped over the counter and wrapped her arms around his neck. Willow let out a chuckle at this while Gus just hugged back. Though Luz could swear she felt something wet fall onto her sleeve. ‘Wait is he..?’
"Aww Gus, it's okay!" The human said frantically as she pulled back, seeing the tears stream down his face. His smile, however, contradicted that, beaming from ear to ear.
"I-I'm just glad you're back Luz, it's been so long!" He exclaimed, voice cracking slightly, wiping away the tears with his sleeve. With that, Luz decided she probably shouldn't be standing on her mentor's counter, so she jumped down to stand next to Willow.
"I didn't know you worked for Eda!" Luz threw her hands in the air.
"Yep! Since i couldn't exactly get a job anywhere without a coven, she let me work the customers on weekdays while she sells potions. And she lets me pick one human artifact to keep!" Gus rambled on, stars in his eyes, making both girls giggle.
"I missed you Gus." Luz said, sighing with content. She was back with her old friends; well, most of them. The thought of Amity lingered in her head, wondering what she's been up to since they last talked. But she shook them away, knowing her plans. First, spend time with Gus and Willow. Then, it was off to the Blight Manor.
But that would have to be a journey for tomorrow, for now, she was just happy to be with her two best friends.
———
The day went by in a flash. The trio spent it catching up, roaming Bonesburrow, and nearly getting killed by a shopkeeper. Thankfully, they avoided their doom by sprinting into the woods, eventually letting the merchant lose sight.
Panting behind a tree, the three of them looked at each other with playful smiles stuck to their faces.
Luz was the first one to burst out laughing, her chuckles echoing in the serene forest. The rest followed suit, filling the trees with the sounds of their laughter.
"I can't believe you did that!" Gus exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air.
"I can. Who just leaves something that breakable out in the open like that? Especially around Luz." Willow remarked, playfully nudging the human she was referring to. In response, she just gasped and put her hand on her chest dramatically.
"Oh come on, i'm not that clumsy!" The girl defended herself, but the two witches just looked at each other, and gave a knowing look to Luz. She sighed, giving a smirk, "Okay, okay, maybe you're right."
They laughed it off, all the while laying next to the tree in the bluish grass-like patches scattered in the dirt. The sun hung low, casting an orange hue onto the isles. And after their laughter died down, only the sounds on the woods they were in filled their ears.
All was clam and quiet, and Luz enjoyed every moment of it. She missed her friends, and spending the whole day together was a dream come true.
She began to reminisce, thinking on all the good times they had when they were younger. Every adventure, drama, and near-death instance was fond to her, having friends like them was something she never thought she'd have.
Even back in the human realm, she didn't have anyone other than her mom. She couldn't seem to make a single friend, even in high school. It worried her mother, but what soothes the both of them during this was the letters a little palisman would deliver every now and again.
But now it wasn't just letters on a page, it was experiencing the day with her friends. And while her mind was filled with happy memories, one thought still stuck.
‘Mami would be proud.’
A sound of pain came from Gus, cutting right through her thoughts. He quickly sat up, poking his "watch" in the eye so it would stop gnawing at his arm.
"Aw man," he sighed, standing up, "Guess I better go close up the shop. Sorry I couldn't stay for too long guys."
"I should be heading back too, my dads are probably worried about me. You wanna meet again tomorrow morning?" Willow added, both girls now standing with Gus.
"I would love to but, I still have to catch up with Amity. I thought we could have a day tomorrow." Luz mumbled the last part, her face dusting a light pink.
The plant-witch only gave a moment before giving Luz a knowing smirk. "Oh i see—have fun on your 'date' tomorrow." Luz's face immediately grew hot, her cheeks and neck burning with the sensation of a blush.
"Willow, it's not like that! I mean she is really cool, smart, cute—" After she realized how much she was gushing, and with the help of Willow's stare, and stopped herself.
All the while, poor Gus just stared in confusing, "I'm so confused..." he muttered to himself before addressing the two of them, "Well i'm off, see ya Luz, see ya Willow!"
"I'm going too, bye Luz!"
"Bye guys, see you!" The human waves them off, before turning around to the woods behind her.
She knew her way home from here, at least she thought she did. But she didn't want to go back just yet, not realizing until earlier how much beauty the Boiling Iles had.
I'm sure a walk in the forest won't hurt anyone, Luz thought, stepping off to see the sights.
And sights they were, the trees stood tall and proud above her, the little glimmers of stars peeking through the canopy, not to mention the sounds that surrounded her. Everything was so foreign, yet so nostalgic at the same time. The days she spent walking through these very woods to get to Hexside made her smile.
She continued walking for what seemed like a few minutes. But when she finally stopped staring at the beauty around her, she realized how late it was. The moon now high in the night sky, stars glimmering with more prominence.
"Oh cramity, Eda's probably worried!" Luz shouted a bit too loud, some of the forests sounds dying down in fear of her voice.
She began to jog home, keeping a steady pace as she rushed past the trees and bushes. The cool night air brushed past her as she went, her breath quickening with every step. ‘Damn my weak nerd legs.’
She kept going, that is, until she felt something tug off of her head, as well as the wind blow through her messy hair.
"Shit my hat!" She whispered under her breath, stopping in her tracks.
Luz looked all around; the ground, low hanging branches, bushes, everything. Yet she couldn't seem to find it.
But she realized that was the least of her problems when she felt a pair of eyes on her. Chills went up her spine as she tried to look around, paranoia scratching at the back of her head. But she pushed it off as just that, her mind getting the best of her.
"Jeez these woods are creepy..." She said to herself in a hushed whisper, hesitantly starting to look for her beanie again. Pushing past a branch that hung low, she looked at the ground only to finally find her maroon beanie, with small patches of dirt on it.
She smiled, happy to grab it and get out of this forest after that scare she had. But before she could reach down and pick it up, the bushes next to her rustled. Before Luz could react, a figure lunged out at her and knocked her over, pinning her to the ground.
Luz struggles with the thing, trying to reach in her backpack for a glyph to protect herself. Unable to do so, the human continued to try and wiggle her way out of their grasp, only to stop for a moment when the figure spoke.
"Who are you? Why are you here?!" They demanded, their voice quite familiar. Though they didn't give Luz time to respond before firing back, "The Blights sent you, didn't they? Answer me or so help me you'll be ash when i'm through with you."
The figure lifted a hand from their grip on Luz's arms, replaced the spot with their leg, and drew a small spell circle. The human stared at the person as a fire started right above their hand, illuminating the surrounding area.
A yelp came from the human as she stared at the purple flames, until she looked down at the black, chipped nail polish on the person's hands. And at a closer look, she could see they were a witch, dawning black jeans with a simple, white t-shirt.
Her hair was a walnut brown, though the ends seemed to be stained with an almost teal color. It was pulled into a ponytail, and underneath lye an undercut.
But what finally made Luz realize who it was came when she looked into the witch's eyes. They were a shimmering gold, filled with determination, and even a hint of fear. The human recognized those eyes, ones she longed to see again since she left.
"Amity?"