Children of the Coven - Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Chapter Nine

~The Owl House. Mid Evening~

“Guys, you are scaring the echo mouse, and if he's scared I’ll never find my way into Amity’s heart…I mean.. Portal home, gotta go!” Luz complained before leaving the room a flustered mess after Eda stormed off to her room trying to stay awake. Hooty however was getting ideas of how to ‘help’ in the way only a Hooty could do. “A visitor!” The tube owl worm thing beamed and opened the door, getting in Ethan’s face “Oh goodie, Ethan you're here! Hoot Hoot!” Hooty beamed more then dragged the cursed male witch inside and shut the door firmly. Now the bird tube could enact his plan, a grin spreading over his face.

(Y'all know and love this face, unless you’re our friend Ash and it just freaks you out XD)

“Hooty what the Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu..” Ethan started but was cut off as he was dragged into his home and flung onto the floor. “Gentle, Hooty! Damn!” Ethan exclaimed as he picked himself up off the floor, Ozzie running to find Owlbert and play. “I’m going to go find Luz.” Ethan grumbled, heading up the stairs to find the human. Once he reached his old room, he swung the door open, scaring poor Luz. “What do you know about The Day of Unity?” Ethan demanded. “Ay, Dios Mio! Ethan you scared the Echo mouse! This little guy has ALL the data I need on Philp Wittebane, the only other human to ever be here. He’s my ticket home, darn it.” Luz grumbled and pouted while the Echo mouse cowered in his tube. “That’s great.. About The Day of Unity, Luz.” Ethan repeated, taking a seat. “Don’t you know about it? You live at the palace.” Luz questioned. “The other heirs and I think there’s something fishy going on about The Day of Unity. Do you know literally any information that could be helpful!” Ethan clarified, looking at Luz rather intensely. “All I know is something seems fishy about it, nothing else really.” Luz answered, shrugging her shoulders. “Why? What’s up?” She asked going into nosey mode. “He fixed the portal door and is attempting to make a key. He’s also talking to a celestial being, called The Collector.” Ethan informed. “Well he’s not gonna get far key wise, I still have the original right here.” Luz stated, showing the key and twirled it around her finger in a lazy circle. “And The Collector? Never heard of them.” She added. Damn, figures she doesn’t know anything yet, that was what was running through Ethan’s mind at that moment. “Just keep me informed then.” Ethan sighed before he stood up to leave. “Wait! Before you go Ethan, do you know anything about asking out a cotton candy haired goddess?” Luz asked, making her eyes go big. The young bard looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Excuse me?” He asked, wanting clarification on what he just heard. “I-I wanna ask out Amity but I can’t think of how to do it, she’s so smart and classy. And I don’t wanna be seen as cheesy.” She rambled. “You want to date the youngest Blight? That’s rich.. But uh. I got nothing considering I can’t ask my crush either.” Ethan chuckled, a little embarrassed about admitting that last tidbit. “You have a crush!? What happened with Briar? Did she dump you?” Luz asked, poking Ethan in the arm. “We were never dating! Never crushed on each other either! And I didn’t come to talk to you about my love interest, okay?” Ethan spoke hastily. “Yeah she totally dumped you. But why not chat about love interests? It’ll bring us closer as siblings.” Luz pestered as she smirked. “Never. Dated.” Ethan repeated after taking a deep inhale. “And I’d rather not tell you about Sage- WAIT sh*t!” Ethan slipped, covering his mouth immediately with an ‘oh f*ck’ facial expression after blurting that out. Luz’s face lit up like a christmas tree as she hugged Ethan tightly “You have a crush on Sage?!” She squealed. “Please stop..” Ethan grumbled, an unimpressed look on his face as Luz hugged him. “Oh! You two would be so CUTE together!” Luz beamed. “Stop it.” Ethan interrupted again, furrowing his eyebrows. “I can help you declare your love for her! It’ll be so cute!” Luz squeed, ignoring Ethan’s words. “I hate you right now.” Ethan grumbled. “Aww, you love me and you know it.. Brother.” Luz teased. “I detest everything about this conversation..” Ethan muttered. “Ah lighten up you Grumpy McGrumpypants.” Luz baby talked. “Let go of me.” Ethan growled slightly. “NEVER I’ll never let go brother! I’ll always be there to aid you in the pursuit of love!” Luz declared. “I’d rather you didn’t..” Ethan clarified. ‘I’m going too anyway!” Luz smirked, still holding onto him then booped his nose. “Titan, take me now.” Ethan pleaded flatly to the sky. “Ah come on you drama queen…” Luz started “Sooooooooo when did you figure out you liked Sage~? Is there like a witchy soulmate thing that helps witches and demons find their perfect matches? If so, can you teach me?” She finished. Ethan just blinked with a deadpan stare, hating every second of this right about now. “No.” He replied flatly with a slow blink. "No there’s no soulmate thing or no you won’t teach me?” Luz asked, gripping on his clothes at this point. “Yes.” He answered flatly. “Come on, Ethan. Please?!” She pleaded, lightly shaking him. “There’s nothing to teach, woman! Unhand me!” Ethan demanded, trying to wiggle free now. “Come on there’s gotta be something, At least explain why Elinor is all up Gus’s business and growls/hisses at Willow and I when we go to sit with or talk to him?” Luz whined. “That’s. Because. Her. Species. Imprints!” Ethan answered through shoves on Luz's face that was smooshed into his palm.

“Okay that explains a lot!” Luz spoke, a knock sounded at the door and she let go of Ethan finally and found a note from Hooty “Wait we have a basem*nt?” She asked, tilting her head. “Uh.. Ya! Now begone!” Ethan semi yelled, grabbing the neck of her shirt and belt of her pants then tossing her down the stairs. “We’re gonna come back to you and Sage thing! *crashes* I’m okay!” Luz promised as her voice faded down the stairs, before promptly crashing into stuff. “Damn..” Ethan grumbled, looking down the stairs before walking down the corridor to find his mother, only to see her asleep on the floor. “Well, she’s sleeping well.. Oooh, cookies!” Ethan beamed, taking one of the Hooty shaped cookies and taking a bite. Ethan observed the cookie and saw the sparkles of the sleeping nettles. “Damnit.. Not.. Again..” Ethan’s voice faded before he fell rapidly into sleep.

~Ethan’s Dreamscape~

The young bard woke up in The Owl House, but everything was desaturated of all color. “Oh.. It’s one of these nightmares..” Ethan spoke to himself before he heard the screech of the owl beast from down the hallway. “Let’s get this over with, feathers..” Ethan growled, firmly planting his feet into the rug as the beast came around the corner, growling as it lurked closer, claws dragging on the floorboards. “It’s your fault that my mother is powerless.. That I can’t properly function as a witch.. And more importantly.. Why my family will never be whole.” Ethan hissed, the creature now charging him but instead of a collision, it faded through him, like a ghost. Ethan turned around to approach the beast, but as soon as he took one step forward, his surroundings warped and changed.. He was now in the living room of The Owl House, right in the center of the room. He noticed his body had changed as well in one of the mirrors. “Wait.. Am I nine again?” He muttered, running a hand over the mirror in the empty living room. A loud commotion abruptly began from outside, the sounds of coven scouts and Hooty struggling. Ethan took a few steps back. “Not this..” He pleaded quietly before falling backwards right as the door was rammed open. “OWL LADY! You're under arrest!” The captain of the scouts shouted as Scouts flooded into the home searching for her, When one scout saw Ethan. “What do we do with him? He’s just a kid.” A soft speaking scout asked as a few came down from the upstairs. “Area is clear, The Owl Lady isn’t here, Captain.” A gruffer sounding Scout reported. Though when this really happened, Ethan tried to fight back, but this time.. He just wanted to run and running was what he attempted. “Grab him! He’s The Owl Lady’s spawn!” The captain ordered and the soft spoken scout grabbed him “It’s okay little buddy, don’t be scared.” He spoke trying to actually calm him down. Ethan hastily bit down into the scout’s arm and tried to cast a fireball at one of the others in an attempt to get free as feathers sprouted from numerous places on his body. “OW! Easy little guy, we're not gonna hurt you.” The soft toned scout said then readied a sleeping spell for him. “Maybe this will help you, works for Rita.” The scout spoke and placed it on him. “Come on, Terry, let's go!” another scout shouted as everything faded to black.

Ethan awoke in the Emperor’s Throne Room. Raine was there, speaking to Belos while guards blocked Ethan’s only exit. “Ah he’s awake.. Take a good look at him, Whispers. Doesn’t he look an awful lot like you? It would also seem he’s The Owl Lady’s son as well.” Belos insinuated. “Mom is going to kick your ass when she finds out you took me!” Ethan’s younger voice hissed out, some spittle flying from his mouth as he tried to wiggle out of the artificial magic Belos had encased him in. “The resemblance is undeniable, Emperor..” Raine spoke softly, slowly approaching Ethan. “Stay away! I’m warning you!” Ethan threatened, he didn’t know who anyone was in this room, Eda didn’t talk about Raine when he was a kid. “Oh this is heartbreaking, The boy doesn’t even know of his other parent. Tsk tsk such shame indeed, We’ll have a blood test run on the boy and Raine and we’ll go from there. Best pray he’s truly your own, Whispers.” Belos spoke flatly and soon Head Witch Hettie entered, a Ten-Year-Old Clem behind her as if trying to stay out of attack range of her own mother. Ethan’s eyes darted around at all the new faces and around the room, frightened. “Let me go!” Ethan’s young voice screeched as he desperately kicked out at Hettie, trying to strike her with either foot as she approached with a needle. “Don’t you dare touch me!” Ethan cried out, still kicking out all the while still trying to free his arms from the magical restraints that constricted around him. “Hold still, you little brat!” Hettie ordered, readying the needle “Clementine, restrain him better, he’s still squirming too much!” She barked to the young huldra calf who jumped out of fear and did as her mother ordered, giving Ethan an ‘I’m sorry’ face then made the spell circle. The feathers only got worse around his body as he became more stressed. The blood was drawn and Ethan just screamed in terror, inching away when Clementine released him. Raine looked on with a saddened look, but there was disbelief there too.. Had Eda really gotten pregnant and never told them..? After a bit, Hettie and her calf returned to the throne room, the guards having shooed away the other heirs who tried to see what was going on. “The bloodwork shows that this small child is indeed the spawn of Raine Whispers, they share a blood type.” Hettie declared, giving the report to Belos himself. “I-I’m a Baba..” Raine muttered under their breath, looking at Ethan with wide eyes. “Great.. Can I go home now?” Ethan hissed, glaring at Emperor Belos. “Aup aup, not so fast young man.. Being how difficult your mother is to apprehend it could be next to impossible to get you back, especially if you were to tell her where you’ve been and what happened here today. Now given that your newly found Baba is due to be Head Witch. That would make you an heir, young man, and I need all heirs branded for the Day of Unity. So before we let you go, how about a little parting gift? From me… To you.” Belos smirked behind his mask and summoned the sigil glove, Ethan’s eyes widening in fear. “Bring him forth” He ordered as two scouts grabbed Ethan and brought him forward and held out his right arm. Ethan kicked and screamed, even getting as far as chipping Belos’s mask with the heel of his boot, but escape was just not possible. “You’re lucky I’m a forgiving man, but do that again and it won’t end well for you.” Belos warned, switching the sigil to the bard one. “Hold still now.” He then branded the boy. Ethan cried out in pain and before everyone in the room knew it, he had turned into the owl beast and let out a loud roar/screech before trying to attack Belos. The emperor rolled his eyes and trapped Ethan in an artificial magic net, pinning him to the floor “Hmph, like mother, like son.” Belos scoffed, as if this was a small setback. “Not my problem anymore.. For now. Whispers, you will be delivering him back personally, and give this message to The Owl Lady while you’re at it. On his thirteenth birthday, he is to be brought back here to live at the palace.. Permanently.” Belos ordered and Raine weakly nodded before being escorted out with the small Owl Beast. Present Ethan watched this scene by the entrance with tears in his eyes. “What a bastard..” He muttered, even though they couldn’t hear or see him as the scene once again changed.

When he could see again, he quickly realized he was back at The Owl House. When he walked inside, he saw Eda pacing while his thirteen-year-old self was seated on the couch, both visibly distressed.. Especially Eda.. “I won’t let them take you, Ethan. Not again..” Eda snarled, her eyes filled with grief and rebellion. He watched his younger self stand up, a look of acceptance and grief on the young boy’s face as he approached his mother. “Mom, don’t do anything.. Please..” He pleaded, gently putting a hand on Eda’s back. The Owl Lady looked at Ethan, completely taken back. “B-But you and I both know you don’t want to go live in the palace!” Eda protested, kneeling to be eye level with her son. “There has to be something I can do.. Something to get both of us out of this..” She suggested, placing a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. The kid just shook his head, tears racing each other down his face as he looked at her. “Just promise me that tonight.. You’ll be anywhere but here when they come to get me..” Ethan choked on those words, feathers shooting out of his head and arms. Eda looked at her son and wiped his eyes before going and getting him some elixir. “What about your curse, Kiddo? You need your elixir..” Eda inquired, watching him drink the elixir. “I-I.. Don’t know..” He admitted quietly, his ears drooping while the feathers molted off. “Tell you what, I’ll figure that out.. You have enough on your plate, kiddo.” Eda offered, wiping her own eyes. Ethan sniffled and wiped his nose with the sleeve of his jacket before nodding, staring at the floor. “I promise I’ll be out of sight, out of mind when the time comes, Kiddo. But you have to promise me you’ll never change that rebellious spirit. Give them bluebloods hell every chance you get.” Eda laughed slightly, a small snort coming from her nose. This request made Ethan smile and finally look up at Eda. “I promise.” He said with a fading grin before jumping into The Owl Lady’s embrace, crying into her shoulder and hugging her tightly. The room once again warped and distorted itself around present day Ethan.

When everything came back into a clear image, he was inside the once abandoned greenhouse. “Oh goodie.. The night that Feathers hurt my friends..” Ethan uttered under his breath. He walked around the room as he watched his friends struggle to fight the owl beast, the guilt pouring over the young bard all over again from that night as he watched his friends get injured. This stupid curse was what held him back and he knew it, he clenched his fist and gritted his teeth when the scene changed for the final time. It’d taken him to the shoreline where he noticed a red string around his ankle. When he looked up to where it led, he saw the owl beast and it had shrunk significantly. But the bird had two strings, and Ethan’s gaze followed that string and saw his mother sitting in the sand. “Mom?” Ethan called out softly, walking towards her. Eda turned around and looked at him. “Hey, Kiddo.” Eda greeted timidly, playing with the string in her hand while her son took a seat beside her. “Got into Hooty’s cookies?” The Owl Lady snorted, smiling at her son. “Yeah… Reliving nightmares. You?” Ethan chuckled a little bit as he watched the owl beast struggle to fly away over the ocean. “Yup.” She replied before giving the string a tug that made the creature fall into the ocean. A few seconds later, it had swam to the shoreline and laid in the sand, heavily exhausted and breathing heavily. Ethan approached the beast and patted it on the head. “It’s ok..” He consoled the owl beast while Eda also approached. When they were both before the beast, the ocean started glowing yellow and a bottle of elixir washed up on the shore, bumping into Ethan’s foot. The young bard picked it up and handed it to his mother. “I thought these were a way to fight this thing.. But I think they’re really the reason we can face you.” Eda theorized, softening her voice and looking at the owl beast. “None of us want to be here.. But we are.. And there’s no changing that..” Ethan muttered, looking down at the exhausted creature. Eda took Ethan’s hand and poured some elixir into his palm, then did the same for herself. “If we can’t accept one another, this nightmare will never end. So, truce?” Eda inquired as she cupped her right hand with Ethan’s left hand. Together, mother and son let the owl beast drink from both of their hands at the same time. “It’s like sandpaper.” Eda laughed softly as the creature’s tongue lapped up the elixir, Ethan smiling and petting the owl beast with his free hand. When it had drank the elixir, it curled up into Eda’s lap and went to sleep, allowing Ethan and Eda both to see the sky fill with a beautiful borealis. The scene slowly faded in a flash of white.

~Back Inside The Owl House~

Eda gasped and staggered off the floor. “Ugh! My head!” She groaned, holding her head then looked at her.. Son? “Ethan, wake up!” Eda exclaimed, gently shaking her boy but then saw her own hands. “Damn it! Did I turn?” Eda blurted out then looked in the mirror. Ethan woke up shortly and immediately saw his mother. “Whoa, what happened to you?” He chuckled then caught a glimpse of something to his left. When he looked, he saw a huge wing and it was.. Coming out of his back? “I made it worse..! I made it worse! For both of you!” Hooty sobbed, slithering away and crying. “Hooty no! You actually weirdly help me and Ethan!” Eda called out but looked back at her reflection. “Damn~ This is a hot look.” Eda purred then looked at her son. “For both of us.” She added with a laugh, pushing Ethan in front of the mirror. Ethan's eyes widened when he saw what was looking back, he’d turned into some sort of harpy himself. He was speechless as he stretched out the large wings and admired them. “You think they work?” He asked, looking at Eda with a smirk. “Only one way to find out!” Eda beamed. Ethan laughed and the two raced outside to test their flying abilities.

~Adrian’s Office. Late Morning~

Elinor was drawing on the floor by the fireplace of her father’s office, Adrian was doing some mind numbing paperwork so he couldn’t even answer his daughter with how focused he was to get it done. Elinor finished her drawing and got up to show him “Daddy, look I finished.” The witchlet spoke, holding up the artwork. The Illusion Head yawned and rubbed his eyes “Hmm? Oh, that looks wonderful, Pumpkin.” Adrian spoke in a slightly groggy voice so it sounded deeper than normal. “You need to sleep, Papa.” Elinor teased then giggled as she was picked up and brought into her father’s lap “You think so huh? Guess Daddy hasn’t been sleeping as well as he should.” Adrian admitted then chuckled lowly. “Why aren’t you sleeping, Daddy?” Elinor asked, tilting her head. Adrian yawned as he balanced her in his lap “Just Day of Unity stuff, Pumpkin. It’s causing Daddy a bit of stress.” He answered, looking back to his work that made him groan. “What’s going on with the Day of Unity, Daddy?” Elinor asked, knowing why she was really in here. Adrian eyed his daughter but shrugged it off as she’s asked before “Well sweetie, It’s gonna be this big huge event, kinda like one of Daddy’s productions or the Coven Day Parade and the holidays we celebrate, it’ll be pretty much on par with that. All Heads and heirs will be present for it, well.. Minus Osran, so Rita will be taking her father’s spot.” Adrian started to explain then yawned “Anyway, Emperor Belos is gonna cast this spell and it’s gonna take us all to paradise.” He finished, reaching into his desk and pulled out a scroll and showed Elinor the draining spell. “Oh, could I borrow this scroll for a bit Daddy? I like the colors on it.” Elinor asked. “I don’t think so, Pumpkin. Daddy needs that, for now. I’m gonna nap. Thank you for the drawing.” The Illusion Head thanked his daughter and set her back down before leaving the office to go rest for a while. Once he was gone Elinor looked at the draining spell scroll and took it with the intention of putting it back.. Then calmly walked back to her room, shutting the office door on her way out.

~Day of Unity Construction Site. Mid Afternoon~

Heir Bertram and Head Witch Mason were looking over the blueprints for the platform, Mason looking bone tired from the new baby. “You could go home, Father. I can handle the crew.” Bertram suggested, looking at his dad with a raised eyebrow. Mason stubbornly shook his head no “Nah, I’m fine son. Your sister is just a little loud at night is all..besides the crew gets nervous when I leave you in charge.” Mason spoke his voice gruff before downing another coffee. Bertram shrugged it off and looked at the blueprint. “I think we should have the stairwell here.” Bertram proposed, circling the area with the red marker. Mason looked over the spot and nodded “Good idea, it’ll make a nice spiral design and we can put a split around here so everyone isn’t being funneled through.” Mason agreed, marking his own spot. “That’ll be both efficient and look pleasing to the eye.” Bertram concurred with a nod. As the two men talked Cori came in on Forizzle and flapped her wings to stop her from landing on her face. “Bertram, you got a minute? Oh hello, Head Witch Mason.” Cori spoke, keeping her manners. Bertram turned around and looked at Cori. “Ah, Cori, what a pleasant surprise. Yes, I got a minute.” Bertram answered, putting the pen behind his ear and taking off his work gloves. “What do you need?” He asked, walking up to the young harpy. “We’ve got an issue, and it can’t be solved with a tissue. Is there somewhere we can talk in private? Away from scout ears?” She asked, gesturing her head to the scouts that were watching them. Bertram glared at the scouts and flashed his fangs. “Don’t you lot have an archway to construct? Get on that.” He ordered in a low growl, the scouts reluctantly leaving to do their jobs. “Follow me.” Bertram instructed in a calmer tone to Cori. Cori nodded and followed Bertram over to an old tunnel that was out of commission. “Cool, never really explored these tunnels. But now I’m gonna.. But first, umm so while Boscoe was in his little coma he saw the portal door fixed and the emperor is currently trying to make a key. Also Ethan did see the Collector and so did Boscoe, Briar has a video of it too.” Cori explained. Bertram processed everything thoroughly for a moment before speaking. “Do we have a plan?” Bertram asked, looking down at Cori and propping himself on the wall. “Kinda, Ethan told us all to divide and see what we can find out about the Day of Unity, Minus Briar, she’s gone to look for Clem.” Cori answered. “All I have to offer as of right now is the blueprints for the platform that will be used for The Day of Unity.” Bertram informed calmly. “Think you can get a copy of them? Your dad won’t be mad?” Cori questioned not wanting Bertram to get in trouble. “Who says he has to know?” Bertram smirked mischievously. Cori squawked and blushed a lot. “You-You know the saying, better to ask permission than beg forgiveness.” she stammered. “I prefer when they beg~” He teased with a grin. Cori didn’t speak as her brain was resetting from that comment, her head feathers curling up into a heart shape. “Titan give me strength” She squeaked before lunging at the large witch and kissed him right on the lips. The kiss lasted for about thirty seconds before she pulled away, hella flustered now and quickly left. “Why did I do that? What did I do?” She muttered till her voice faded away. Bertram just smirked with a soft chuckle and went back to work.

~Meanwhile with Briar~

~Clem’s Room~

Briar was looking around the huldra’s room trying to find a clue to where she was, as Clem wasn’t the type to just run off like this. “Where’d you go, Clem?” Briar asked herself looking around while walking toward the dresser. Briar looked at the pictures and smiled seeing all the photos but soon noticed one of the photo’s was missing. The one with seven year old Clem and her dad. “Hmm odd.” The plant heiress muttered, she knew how much Clem loved that picture more than anything. Ruffles came out of Briar’s hair and slithered to the window and tapped it with her tail, causing the window to partly open catching her witch’s attention. “Oh? Well guess you know how she left. Good job, Ruffles. Let’s go pack and we’ll head out after dinner.” Briar told her Palisman as they turned to leave, the furry snake hiding back in Briar’s hair.

~Dining Hall. Evening~

As Dinner time rolled around the heirs arrived first, their parents no doubt not far behind. Briar waited at her seat as she awaited the others. Elinor arrived first and got into her seat as Boscoe, Rita and Bertram came in. “Evening.” Briar greeted warmly. “Evening.” Bertram replied with a head tip before taking his seat. Soon after, Ethan and Cooper came in together, the bard was still partially harpy, having the large wings and black scleras, he couldn’t quite figure it out completely on how to change back all the way. And Cooper had a small burn on his forehead. “Hi guys!” The young beastkeeper greeted with a smile. “Yo.” Ethan added calmly, waving. “So before our families arrive, did anyone discuss anything interesting?” Briar asked, looking at her friends/adoptive siblings as Cori arrived. “Sorry sorry I’m here.” She spoke sitting on her perch. “Well, when Cori told me what was happening. I snuck a copy of the blueprints for the platform.” Bertram informed in a flat tone. “Luz knew f*ck all… Now she’s determined to play cupid.. But they are also looking into The Day of Unity.. And I can turn into a harpy now.” Ethan informed. “Kiki blasted me with magic.” Cooper chimed in, gesturing the small burn. “My poor Coops.” Briar cooed, petting his head. “I took something from my daddy's office and I feel bad about it.” Elinor spoke looking down in shame “Also I found this.” She added holding up a vibrator buttpl*g in a soft shade of lavender, everyone’s eyes widened at the sight of the adult toy. Bertram’s eyes slightly widened as he looked at Els. “Put that down, Els.” He lightly ordered, relaxing his face again. “But it’s so pretty looking. It can happy dance too.” Elinor explained turning the toy on then set it on the table and it buzzed in circles down the table. Everyone just watched in silence then looked at Elinor in unison. “Wash your hands and never touch it again.” Ethan instructed firmly. “Okay.” Elinor obeyed and walked out. “Boscoe or Rita, can one of you deal with that?” Briar asked, gesturing at the still buzzing adult toy. “I got it.” Boscoe chimed in, grabbing the toy and shut it off as the Heads came into the dinning room.

~The Next Morning~

~Training Grounds~

Bertram was preparing the field for the scout training when Boscoe, Ethan, and Cooper arrived. “What do you want?” Bertram asked in a firm and gruff tone, not beating around the bush because he knew damn well they wanted something. “Sooo Bertram, Why don’t you ask Cori out? You two clearly have some chemistry together.” Boscoe asked. The large witch raised an eyebrow at Boscoe. “Because she’s not ready for that.” He replied calmly, going back to moving the practice dummies into place. “We all just find it weird that you flat out flirt with her but nothings going on there. Right E? Coops?” Boscoe insinuated, looking at the other two witches who nodded in unison. “Are you calling me a coward, Deamonne..?” Bertram asked in a low and firm growl, slowly turning around to face the artificial witch with a death glare. “Uh yea. I am. Look at Cooper, he’s a total klutz and shy boy but he asked out and got his witch.” Boscoe pointed out, not feeling the fear one would be in his position unlike Ethan and Cooper at this very moment. Bertram rolled his eyes. “Will you leave me in peace if I prove my answer?” The large witch asked bitterly. “Yes!” Boscoe answered, wiggling his ears. “Fine. I was looking forward to this anyway since yesterday.” He replied, now grinning as he led the way. “Wait? What happened yesterday?” Boscoe asked, tilting his head. The Construction Heir didn’t answer, just kept walking until they found Cori in the corridors.

“Cor, you got a minute?” Bertram called out, not wasting any time. Cori squeaked and held onto the box of elixirs for Ethan as he basically backed her into the wall. “Umm sure, just about to make a delivery, oh hi Ethan.” Cori answered as that box was for him. Bertram came closer and looked down at Cori, the other boys watching intently. “I was hoping to discuss what you did in the abandoned mine yesterday.” He mentioned. “You didn’t give me much time to react, darling~” He pointed out, his voice softening to an almost sultry kind of tone. Cori blushed a bit as her wings folded flatly to her back and tried to back away as her ears wiggled “Well umm I uhh… Bye!” Cori spoke and tried to run, tossing Ethan his box. Bertram quickly pinned her up against the wall with one hand and the other was placed under her chin, keep in mind Bertram is 6’4” and Cori is 5’2”. He made her face him as he leaned his face close to her’s. "Not so fast, darling. Don’t you realize it’s unwise to tease a basilisk~ Now, I have a proposition for you.." He began as the smirk spread across his face, those mint green eyes looking right into her eyes. "If you’re interested in making this official, we can meet in my bed chambers~" He proposed with a deep yet soft purr, sealing the deal with a small bite of his bottom lip. He could feel her rapid and sharp breaths as he moved his mouth just an inch from her lips, smirking. Cori’s eyes went wide as did the boys who had followed him. The poor harpy was trying really hard NOT to lay eggs right now instead she let out a squeak then fainted onto the carpet twitching. Bertram stood upright again after catching Cori and looked at the boys who just HAD to know. “Happy?” He asked calmly.

“Is-Is it wrong that my pants are tight?” Boscoe asked, Cooper having bisexual panic. “And that’s why I haven’t asked her, Boscoe.” Bertram informed, ignoring that question. “Dude you flat out offered her sex! That’s not asking her out.” Boscoe called out Bertram. “You have your methods.. I have mine..” Bertram replied with a small grin. “Your’s is intense, man.” Ethan spoke out. “Better than puss*footing around, Clawthorne.” The large witch stated as he started to take Cori away to the Healing Ward. “I uh.. I think I’d melt if Briar did something like that to me..” Cooper muttered. “Why dude, Briar your Alpha or something?” Boscoe asked. “We don’t really.. Have alphas, Boscoe. I believe what you witches call it is a dominant and submissive.” Cooper suggested shyly. “Sooo, Briar would dominate you, is what you're saying?” The artificial witch asked. “She’s already tried.. Ask Rita about the Healing Ward incident..” Cooper stammered as he began to blush. “B-But yes.. She probably would.” He answered, knowing damn well he was never really the assertive type. “Ha! You're a bottom, maybe soft top at best.” Boscoe laughed. Cooper wasn’t exactly sure how to reply to that one so he just kinda stood there, flustered.

~Meanwhile with Briar. Early Afternoon~

Briar was flying just outside of the small town of Thoralle, located on the waist of the Titan on the left side of the Isle’s. The plant heiress was going off a tip she’d gotten in Diaphallows as to where Clem had up and vanished too. “Answer your scroll, Clem.” Briar lowly growled before getting Ruffles to land and looked around the small town, the inhabitants of Thoralle seemed the skittish and secretive type as they muttered to each other while she walked past. Taking a seat by the small tavern Briar sighed and took out her scroll to check for messages but saw none for the missing Huldra. “Okay, now I’m starting to get concerned.” Briar said to herself and Ruffles nodded, sharing the feeling. Getting up, she pulled up a picture of Clem to try and ask if anyone had seen her. “Come on, Ruffles.” The heiress spoke as the two went to try and get information.

~Two hours later~

Briar was getting ready to uproot this whole town if another witch or demon ran from her again. Taking a breather Briar smoothed out her hair. When a group of cloaked figures caught her attention. “Bingo.” She whispered and followed from a distance. Reaching an old building of sorts Briar listened under a cracked window. “The wild witch hunts are getting worse by the day, We need to strike now! Before we’re either branded or turned to stone!” One of the hooded witches protested slamming their fist onto the crate. “We will do no such thing. Our numbers are too small, besides we are merely scouts for the rest of the group.” An older sounding witch spoke, trying to ease the other witch. “Our brother has a point, but I'd be more worried by the fact that another Heir has come here. And to make it worse it’s the Daughter of Terra Snapdragon.” Third witch stated. “Yes another is here but the last one was peaceful and held the crest. Maybe this one is harmless as well, she also wields a palismen so she could also be an assist to our cause.” The older witch pointed out. “You’re too trusting, Avalon! The Huldra witch is the only one we can trust for she is..” The enraged witch started but soon their talk was cut short by the fourth and final member of the group who came in with Briar bound in a web-like cocoon, Ruffles in a cage. “Found her eavesdropping outside.” She spoke, her tone firm and to the point like Bertram. “Well what do we do now, Avalon?” The smaller witch spat reading a spell circle to fry Briar. “We will not harm her, we will bring her with us to Plantrene.” Avalon answered as they gathered to the center of the abandoned building and soon all were transported via geo travel.

~Plantrene. Early Evening~

~Rebel Base~

Hours after the group had arrived at the base Briar was placed in a room and was able to walk again, but Ruffles was being kept away from her for now. “This is just great, I try to look for Clem and I get captured by this unknown group. Then they take my Palisman and my scroll.” Briar spoke to herself, rubbing her temples. Sitting on the bed, the plant witch sighed and laid down for a bit, at least the bed was soft she’d give them that. A bit later a knock sounded and Avalon walked in. “Greetings, young heiress. Will you please come with me? Our leader wishes to speak with you.” He asked kindly. “Of course. How is Ruffles, my palisman?” She asked, walking with the older witch. “She is safe and unharmed, I promise. Though she seemed more interested in trying to bite Grivus, I can't say I blame her given he was ready to attack you.” Avalon replied as he brought Briar into a large room with maps and plans all over the place. Inside the room was Clem who the plant witch was overjoyed to see. “Oh thank Titan you’re okay, Clem!” Briar exclaimed, getting set back down. “It’s good to see you too, Briar. What are you doing here though?” Clem asked with her hands, tilting her head. “Looking for you, you took off without telling any of us.” Briar answered, playfully punching Clem in the arm.

Before either witch could speak further on the topic a huge witch entered the room “Greetins’, young Briar. Good to see you again.” The large witch greeted in a thick irish accent and lowered his hood, making Briar’s eyes widen. “Mister Tune?! You’re alive?!” She exclaimed. Angus let out a deep bellow of a laugh “Aye, I am, lass. It takes more than a sabotaged caravan wagon to kill me.. Sadly, my troupe wasn't so lucky.” The Bison minotaur explained as he hung up his cloak, his arms bearing scars from some nasty injuries he’d gotten over the years. Man was looking like a straight up DILF, and had the dad bod too.

“So this is where you’ve been this whole time?” Briar inquired, looking at the large bull. “After my crash, yes. Kills me that I couldn’t return to teh palace to get Clem. Though I get teh feelin’ Hettie wouldn't o’ liked that. Wrathful woman. No offense, me wee lass.” Angus replied, looking at his nearly full grown calf. “No it’s okay … She beats me.” Clem signed with her hands before lightly shuttereding a bit. Briar frowned a bit and patted Clem’s shoulder gently. “What have you been doing all that time away?” Briar asked. Angus frowned and lowered his ears “Hidin’ for the first few years. Not me proudest moment, I’ll be honest. I met up with Avalon and Grivus after travelin’ for a while then this little rebellion group was formed. At first we just took in the one lucky ones that avoided capture, now it’s just every wild and branded witch that wants Belos’s head on a pike. Sorry, some aren’t the biggest fans of your heirs.” Angus answered, side glaring to Grivus a bit as the lizard demon rolled his eyes, Ruffles hissing at him in her cage. “Yeah, we found that out the hard way.. On multiple occasions..” Briar mumbled. After a bit of conversation Briar got her Palismen back and everyone soon headed deeper into base and saw a huge mass of makeshift homes. Witches and Demons alike going about. Most were women and children..or just the kids with no parent(s) in sight. “Not a pretty sight, I know.. But these are the lucky ones , everyone sorta looks out for each other here.” Avalon explained as they walked on. Briar looked around to take in everything.. All of this is because of Belos and the coven system? “HEY! SNAPDRAGON!” a small witchlet about the age of Elinor called out making Briar halt. The anger in that child's eyes was not what a twelve-year-old should have. “Because of you my parents got taken away!” he spat, making Briar’s eyes widen slightly as the boy went to throw a spiky rock at Briar when the child was interrupted by a familiar face gently taking his hand. “Logan, sweetie. We’ve been over this.. It’s not nice to throw things at people…” Sage’s soft voice lightly scolded as she took the rock, her eyes soon looking up to face Briar. “But it’s witches like her that my family is broken! She started it.” Logan growled, caught fist trembling in rage. “Sage?!” Briar exclaimed in surprise while Clem came over looking bamboozled. “One second, girls.. Logan, you started it. I saw you, love. And you and I both know this lady had nothing to do with it directly.” She replied, squatting down to be eye level with the bitter child. “What are you doing here, Sage?” The plant heiress asked, still very much shocked while Sage politely held up her finger for Briar to wait a second. “Now apologize and run along, Logan.” Sage softly ordered. Logan hissed and skittered off to the other kids, who were also glaring at the two heirs. “Logan- Oh, forget it..” Sage sighed deeply then faced the girls. “Yes, my friends. I’ve known these people since I was a little girl. My parents were good friends with Mr. Angus and proud members of WADA.” Sage politely spoke with a timid smile, holding her hands together in front of her like a little lady and slowly swishing her vine-like tail while Angus nodded in agreement. “The what now?” Clem asked via hand signing. “Witches and Demon Anonymous.” Sage clarified with a soft chuckle. “I see.. Why didn’t you tell us?” Briar asked. “To be fair.. I didn’t know if I could trust you guys with that kind of information. And I took an oath.” Sage explained calmly, using small hand gestures as she explained. “Fair enough.” Briar replied. “I apologize for not telling you about your dad, Clementine. I didn’t even know he was your dad.” Sage added, looking remorsefully at Clem as she drooped her ears slightly “It’s okay, everyone was told he was dead. But I always thought it was fishy given his body was never found.” Clem signed then patted Sage on the shoulder. “Besides finding your papa, why are you guys here?” Sage asked, tilting her head in genuine curiosity. “I came here to find Clem after she disappeared without telling anyone.” Briar answered, looking to the Huldra who was drawing circles in the dirt with her hoof. “And I came here for answers.” The Huldra replied showing the map and jeweled amplifier. “Then follow me, lassies. We have much to catch you up on.” Angus chimed in before walking off. The three witches followed him and ended up in a tavern as the time reached dusk. “Order whatever you like, lassies.” Angus beamed as they all sat down. The girls each picked what they wanted and handed the menus back to the waiter and after some time the food was delivered as well as drinks.

“Angus, before we cover everything with the girls. I do have a tip.” Sage informed after taking a sip of her soda pop. “Aye, what is it, lass?” Angus asked, giving the plant satyr his full attention. “I overheard some scouts in Bonesborough talking about Eclipse Lake.. Belos is after Titan’s Blood, so he’s sending a team to Eclipse Lake in hopes of retrieving some.” Sage notified the bison minotaur then looked at Briar. “Do either of you know anything more… In depth?” She inquired, co*cking one of her ears. “Any bit o’ info helps.” Angus added, his face turning to a more focused expression as he faced the heiresses. Briar slowly shook her head no, clem doing the same “Sadly, we don’t know anything about The Emperor needing Titan’s blood. Isn’t that stuff all dried up and gone?” Briar answered before asking, having been told the blood was long gone. “Only Fool’s Blood from what I understand.” Sage answered. “Obviously he wants the blood for the portal door.. But what still confuses me is why he’s so obsessed with going to the human realm.” She pondered. “Maybe he's getting bored or wants to plan an invasion.” Briar commented, lazily playing with some of her hair. “Maybe..?” The satyr muttered inquisitively. “Or we’re missin’ somethin’ crucial..” Angus chimed in. “There has to be a reason..” He theorized in a low tone. “While I refuse to go back to The Knee anytime soon, we can check and see if one of the other heirs can tag along and tell us what they see/find.” Briar spoke, shivering at the thought of returning to that freezing place again, her ferns tangling together making the heiress welp slightly. “Gah! Sage help they’ve tangled.” She added trying to untangle the ferns. Sage traced a small spell circle that gently untangled the ferns then smiled. “I’ll be there as well as a third pair of eyes and ears.” Sage suggested, the plant satyr really wanted to help. “I should be safe from the naked eye. Camouflage myself among vegetation.. But that’ll only limit my hearing to outside of Eclipse Lake.” She added, having to think of a way around that if it was possible. “Every bit is helpful, I can check in the library of the palace.” Clem signed. “And I can plant some little whisper flowers in some official’s offices and write down what I can.” Briar offered. “Every tout counts, lassies.” Angus smiled, taking a swig from the large mug.

~Eclipse Lake~

Boscoe’s ears twitched as he stopped at the entrance, right on time to see Hunter flop face first in the dirt and shoo away Flapjack with a groan of defeat. Amity approached and kneeled beside him, forgetting to tuck away the key with the Titan’s Blood. “We do have a lot in common. I grew up thinking everything was an opportunity to justify existing, but there are people out there that won’t make you feel worthless. You just have to let yourself meet them.” Amity comforted, trying to offer Hunter a hand, but when he looked up his eyes got big as he spotted the key peeking out of her coat. “That’s rich coming from you, Blight.” Boscoe interrupted bitterly. Amity and Hunter’s head whirled around and looked at Boscoe who was only grinning in a condescending manner. “What is your problem with me?!” Amity shouted, standing up and holding her staff out, ready to fight. “Every. Tiny. Detail. Since. The. Beginning.” Boscoe hissed aggressively with every step down, his skin beginning to bubble with the black tar-like matter. “Look if this is about what happened at the covention… I’m really sorry. I was difficult, yes, but I’m trying to better myself and take control of my life rather than have my parents plan it for me.” Amity explained, still keeping a tight hold on her staff, ready to use it. Boscoe scoffed out of amusem*nt. “You just don’t get it.. This is about more than just that stupid Covention.. Sis.” He sneered as his eyes began to darken. Hunter’s jaw dropped a bit as if he was watching a soap opera “Wait, wait! You're related!?” He squeaked out his question. There was no verbal answer from Boscoe as his form changed into the large tar panther, Calypso having fled to avoid the conflict, was now hiding behind some of the Titan veins. There was a deep gargled growl sounding from the monster as he stalked closer. Amity backed up till her back hit the wall, King running toward Boscoe and tried to “Weh” but just got slammed out of the way and landed horns first into a vein. “There-There’s no way a monster like you is related to me!” Amity barked out and casted a few spell circles, creating some spears out of the goo and launched them at Boscoe. Those spears only were absorbed into the black tar as he charged forward with mouth gaped open and dripping. He was slightly larger after absorbing the abomination matter and tackled Amity to the ground, a loud roar being sounded right into her face as tar fell. His large claw cut the key free of her neck and she grabbed it swiftly, breaking the key in her glove as the large cat tugged it out of her grasp. The key was thrown to the side as Boscoe picked her up with his large teeth and slung her to the side like a ragdoll. Hunter dashed towards the key and grabbed it “Kay thanks, Boscoe, byeeeeee” Hunter said quickly and fled on Flapjack, Amity groaned trying to get up and made more abomination objects to throw at Boscoe. “Get-Get away!” She cried out as Cori limped into the area with a just as roughed up Eda. “No no no no..” Cori muttered grabbing her scroll as Eda helped hold her up as she texted the heirs, begging for any of them to come help. Unaware they were all away branding wild witches at the Conformitorium. Boscoe had only continued to absorb the abomination matter thrown at him, swishing his tail and snarling as he circled Amity like a vulture, her eyes watching him the entire time.

“Can we just talk about this?!” Amity began trying to bargain but Boscoe wasn’t having any of it and instead lunged at her and scratched her all the way down her arm, some scratches even being left behind on her staff. Amity clung to her bleeding arm and looked at Boscoe with pleading eyes then faced Cori and Eda for help. A panicked Sage came in, she’d been watching this unfold but couldn’t stand it anymore. “Sage!?” Cori squeaked in confusion and relief. “I was trying to stay out of it. I’m here on Briar and Clem’s behalf to gather intel but this..” She looked at Boscoe from over Cori’s shoulder. “We can’t let him kill her. She’s on our side!” Sage exclaimed and squeezed past Eda and Cori, wasting no time in tracing a spell circle in an attempt to encase him in a bubble long enough for Eda to get Amity and King out of here. “I would like an explanation.” Cori then threw a tiny fire potion at Boscoe’s butt to gain his attention. “After we handle Boscoe!” Sage replied, trying again and this time succeeding in catching the large cat in the protective bubble on the ground. She traced another spell circle after Eda got Amity and King out of there and fled. This spell circle grew sleeping nettles inside the bubble that released the toxin to put him to sleep. It took a while because he fought against sleep, cracking the bubble before collapsing. “Go to sleep, Boscoe. Nap time, big guy.” Cori whispered to him as the tar melted away slowly. The bubble disappeared around him as well as the nettles and Calypso came out of hiding to nudge Boscoe’s cheek with her nose. “Who’s palisman is that?” Sage inquired, tilting her head. “A stray Boscoe found out here, her owner passed away and he was gonna take care of her till he could find her a new home or take her to the Bat Queen.” Cori answered. Sage nodded understandingly. “You should probably get him home..” Sage suggested softly, pulling up her coat to hide her face so she could leave. “I better go before those scouts see me..” The plant satyr added, tracing a final spell circle the grew vines up from underneath herself and lifting her up to the Daylight Hole in the ceiling on the cave, Calypso hiding in the hood of Boscoe’s coat again. After she’d left, a highly miffed Kikimora came in with the scouts and looked around the dried up lake. “Wh-Where’s the Titan’s Blood!?” Kikimora screamed out, grabbing her hand hair and tugging it “All dried up..” Cori answered, sitting on the ground now to rest her ankle, before getting picked up by scouts as well as Boscoe. “Hunter has the key.. With blood..” Boscoe grumbled quietly, extremely groggy. “What did he say?” Kikimora asked, slightly glaring. “Nothing, we’d like to go home now captain.” Cori spoke and the two heirs were quickly taken to the waiting airship outside, a pissed off Kiki following behind.

~Back at the Palace. Late evening~

As everyone got off the airship, Boscoe caught up to Cori and tapped her on the shoulder, looking like a guilty puppy. “Hey, Cori.. I, uh, wanted to apologize for my behavior today… I didn’t mean any of that.. I kinda lost my temper and said things I didn’t mean..” He spoke softly, his face looking sincere. Cori flinched a little but could tell Boscoe meant what he said, shifting weight off her ankle the harpy faced the short artificial witch “It’s okay, Boscoe.. Just, please don’t do that again.” Cori stammered her plea. “I’ll try my best to manage my temper better..” Boscoe promised with a nod, shortly after, he went inside..Scroll in hand as he opened his messages.

~Briar’s DMs~

Lovesick_Baby_Boy69❣️🍆: Where y’all at? Still at the Conformitorium?

Posion_Rose☠️🥀: We’re walking back right now, Rita broke a heel so she may need you later. What’s up? How was the Eclipse Lake mission?

Lovesick_Baby_Boy69❣️🍆: Messy to say the least..

Posion_Rose☠️🥀: What happened? No blood?

Lovesick_Baby_Boy69❣️🍆: No, there was blood.. Amity’s blood…

Posion_Rose☠️🥀: Oh, sweet Titan! Did-Did you kill her?!

Lovesick_Baby_Boy69❣️🍆: No, just wounded her.. Sage stopped me before I could.. But I feel like sh*t for scaring Cori.

Posion_Rose☠️🥀: Yikes, we’ll all meet up at the wall before dinner, Clem and I have things to explain.

Lovesick_Baby_Boy69❣️🍆: Sounds good to me.

~End~

Boscoe closed that chat and put his scroll away, immediately heading to the wall. Calypso trying to peek out as he walked past guards made Boscoe panic slightly and push her back down then pulled the hood up. “You can’t be seen here, Calypso.. It wouldn’t be good if Belos caught wind of you..” Boscoe whispered discreetly, walking faster to get past the scouts.

~The Wall~

When Boscoe got to their safe place, he let Calypso out of his hood and sat on the ground with her. The small panther looked at him for a moment then pounced into his lap and curled up there. “Places like this and my room are safer places to wander. Understand?” He spoke softly, petting the palisman that looked up at him, blinked, and chuffed at him before laying her head back down on his knee. After a while the other heirs were climbing up the stairs, Clem being first her face covered in dread and guilt from today, On her arm was the limping Cori, Dewdrop her palismen trying to comfort her with nuzzles. Bertram was next, a shoeless Rita piggyback riding on his back. “Ugh, today was awful!” Rita exclaimed as she got off Bertram’s back and sat on the bench close to Boscoe as Elinor and Cooper were coming up now “I don’t wanna go back there…. KITTY!!” Elinor started but stopped then beamed seeing Calypso. The palisman hissed and tried to flee but it was too late, Elinor scooped her up and hugged her, Calypso looking super annoyed but didn’t bother biting since Elinor was a child. Instead, the cat tried to wiggle out, pushing her paws against Elinor’s face to get free. “Be careful Els. She’s not exactly a cuddler.” Boscoe warned, looking at the bitten finger. “Put Ozzie down, El- Oh! That’s not Ozzie.” Ethan chimed in as he reached the top of the stairs, Briar behind him. “Boscoe has a new friend!” Elinor beamed with joy as she squeezed the poor wild cat who was still hissing and trying to get free by now attempting to bap Elinor with her paws, tail swishing like crazy in annoyance. “Where’d you find her, Boscoe?” Cooper inquired, taking a seat on the ground beside the artificial witch, Kerfuffle on his shoulder, sniffing the air and flicking her tail. “She was all alone on The Knee with her old owner’s frozen corpse.” Boscoe explained, taking out the ripped photo Calypso had dug out of that worn satchel and handing it to Cooper. The pup examined both sides and looked at Boscoe. “So is she your palisman now?” Cooper asked, tilting his head and handing the picture back. “Well, she hasn’t done the staff thing so I’m assuming no. But I intend to find her a home regardless.. And if it doesn’t work out.. I will take her to BQ.” Boscoe stated, putting the picture back in his coat pocket. “She’s gorgeous.” Briar complimented kneeling down “Elinor, Sweetie you need to let go of her now, she is starting to unsheath her claws.” The plant heiress added, Calypso was in fact unsheathing those claws of her’s, hissing again as a final warning. “Aww, okay. We’ll play later, kitty.” Elinor pouted, not seeing the claws then set the cat down. The tiny panther ran back to Boscoe and perched herself on top of his head to get away from the other palismen. “She’s definitely a spitfire filled with attitude.” Ethan laughed, leaning on the stone wall. “Just like Rita.” Clem signed with her hands. “Rude… But not wrong, Sug.” Rita chimed in. Salem came out of dormant mode and strutted over to Boscoe, trying to impress Calypso with his footwork as he danced. She pinned her ears and glared from on top of Boscoe’s head. Ozzie also made an attempt as well, puffing his chest out proudly to which Calypso just hissed and dived into Boscoe’s hood to hide. Salem hissed at Ozzie, pretty much blaming the other feline for upsetting Calypso, then arched up his back, Ozzie arching his back in return. “Oh, for Titan’s sake, you two.” Ethan groaned, grabbing Ozzie to de-escalate them. Rita brought Salem back to her via magic and petted his head but his eyes were on Ozzie… till he relaxed and fell asleep. “Seems the new girl’s got some gentlemen callers~.” Rita purred, thinking it was cute. “It’s kind of amusing.” Cooper chuckled, playing with his unifox palisman, Kerfuffle. “Palisman get horny too!” Boscoe laughed. A few snickers were had before Briar cleared her throat “Adorable palisman antics aside, Clem and I need to explain something serious with all of you. But what we’re about to say doesn’t leave this spot. We all understand?” Briar asked, looking at each heir with a look showing just how serious this was. Everyone nodded in agreement, giving the two heiresses the floor.

Clem and Briar stood by each other and the Huldra started first. “So, I know I disappeared from everyone and I’m sorry about that.” She began with an apology then resumed signing. “I went off after following a clue from my father, who I did manage to find and he’s alive and doing rather well. Anyway, it turns out he's leading an underground rebellion… That our friend, Sage, is a member of. She’s helping us gather info to try and stop the Day of Unity.” She finished. “Sweeeeeet.” Ethan replied, thinking he’d hit the jackpot, Sage was a rebel, and for him.. That just made her 10x cuter. Everyone slowly turned and looked at Ethan, Clem just staring at him while Briar was smirking.. Boscoe was too. “sh*t. I said that out loud..” He added under his breath as it dawned on him. “Yeah.. Ya did.” Cori spoke up. “In my defense. You can’t tell me that a shy, good girl who's a secret rebel isn’t enti.. I-Intriguing!” Ethan defended with a blush. “Back to the matter at hand.. Ethan, we'll tease you about this later.” Briar stated as she made a mental pin on this topic while the bard looked at her with a pout. “So what did you gals find out about the Day of Unity?” Cooper asked, halting his play with Kerfuffle and tilting his head at them like a curious puppy. Kerfuffle pounced upon the young beastkeeper’s shoulder and tilted her head as well with a blink, slowly swishing her tufted tail. “Not much really, just theories really. Nothing really concrete.” Briar answered as Ruffles slithered up her leg before reaching a hand to coil around. Elinor wiggled her ears at hearing this talk and started to dig through her backpack while Bertram removed a blueprint from his pocket and unrolled it. “I got a copy of the blueprint. As promised, birdie~” Bertram notified, laying the parchment on the ground for everyone to see. Cori blushed hard and tried to hide in her wings but due to their smallish size she just dove head first into Cooper’s fur, not seeing the eye twitch from Briar. While everyone studied the blueprints Elinor got the Day of Unity ritual paper out of her backpack. “I-I took this from my Daddy's desk, please be careful with it. I still need to make a copy and put this back before he notices it’s gone.” Elinor chimed in looking guilty then placed it on top of the blueprint.

“A draining spell?” Bertram muttered, reading the paper. “That… Doesn’t sound good..” Cooper added, eyes slowly widening. “I think Elinor found our answer. We’re spiders to slaughter.” Ethan shuddered. “Oh sweet Titan we’re f*cked. And NOT in a good way!” Boscoe stated as color drained from his face, eyes widening as well. Clem’s jaw dropped and the large Huldra started to tremble. “This-This is bad. Like really bad.” Briar commented, petting Ruffles. Rita covered her mouth and her three eyes widened in terror, Cori poked her head out and looked scared as well. The silence made Elinor uneasy and dug out Mister Lion from her backpack and hug the toy and wrapped her tail herself.

“Now we know what we’re dealing with.. Now the question is how are we gonna deal with it..?” Cooper asked, staring at his sigil in absolute terror. “I don’t-I don’t know. Burn our sigils off? Runaway?” Cori stammered about to lose her sh*t with how worked up she was getting. “Is that even possible?” Ethan inquired. “No idea, Maybe there’s a way to remove them safely.” Briar chimed in looking at her sigil with lowered ears “And to think I once looked at this with pride…” She added. “Cor..? You good?” Bertram checked in one the harpy, raising an eyebrow. Cori didn’t answer as she was hyperventilating pretty hard, Elinor whimpered more then hid behind Bertram’s leg as Cori was kinda scaring her. “WE’RE GONNA DIE!!!” The harpy screeched out and sped off in a panicked run. “I’ll go calm her down.” Bertram offered, leaving the blueprint and walking down the overgrown stairs, Elinor in tow on his leg, she weighs like nothing to him. “I’ll go to the library again, see what I can find.” Rita volunteered and had Salem go back to dormant mode and hid him in her cleavage and took her leave. “And Belos has the Portal Door Key now…” Boscoe informed shakily. Cooper looked at him and gulped. “S-So we have only so much time left to either stop this… Or d-die?” Cooper stammered, tucking his tail under himself. “Maybe Cori had a point. Maybe we should run, try to get our families to flee too.. Well those that will listen anyway.” Briar spoke nervously tugging on her hair, Ruffles giving her little snake kisses. “Would that work? Seems the sigils seal our fate regardless… But why would Belos do this to the witches in covens..?” Cooper asked, he was overwhelmed with questions with no answers.. Only theories. “No idea man, not like we can really ask Belos why, as that’ll give us away.” Boscoe answered, itching his head. “Looking into safe places far from the Isle’s might not be a bad idea.” Clem signed, trying to make sense of what they just learned. “If we’re runnin’ instead of fighting back then you may as well check off those bucket lists.” Ethan chimed in, cleaning up the blueprints and other parchment. “Oh I’m not runnin E, I’m gonna stay and fight. Getting Elinor and whomever else far away from here is a side point.” Briar commanded, now looking determined as she glared at her sigil. “That’s more like it.” Ethan chuckled then looked at the other heirs that were still there. “f*ck yeah I’m in, E!” Boscoe exclaimed, Cooper and Clem nodding along with him. “So where do we start? We have the blueprints and the ritual paper. What else can we cover?” Clem asked via hand signing. “We can start by getting this one copied so Els can return the original.” Ethan replied, showing the parchment with The Draining Spell. “I better get a letter to my dad and tell him about this.” Clem signed and left to go to her room to get writing. “Good call, Clem. I’m gonna print a copy of this death spell.” Ethan added, leaving Boscoe, Briar, and Cooper on The Wall together.

Cooper patted his knees rhythmically and whistled to break the small pause of silence. “So.. How can I help?” He asked with a smile. “Just keep your eyes and ears peeled, Coops~” Briar cooed, suddenly feeling flirty while Boscoe just observed the tension with great interest, pyramid fingers and everything. “I can do that easily, Bri Bri!” Cooper beamed, not catching onto the flirting right away because he’s innocent and aloof. “Course you can Coop-Coop~” Briar purred, giving him chin scratches with her index finger. Cooper’s hairs stood up on the back of his neck as a flustered smile spread across his face along with his blush, tail wagging when he made shy eye contact with Briar.

As the three started to leave the wall Cooper was ahead of Briar and Boscoe, Briar staring at Cooper’s ass, his tail swaying side to side with each step. “Hey, Briar?” Boscoe tapped her shoulder. “Yeah?” She asked, looking over at the artificial witch. “You got a minute to talk about Cooper?” Boscoe inquired at a whisper as the two came to a halt, letting the young beastkeeper get out of sight before continuing. “Y’all have some crazy sexual tension. It’s hard not to notice.” The artificial witch added. Briar blushed hard and twirled some of her hair, her ferns curling too “That obvious?” She asked, shifting her eyes around. Boscoe shifted his weight onto one leg and crossed his arms, nodding. “You have no idea how obvious it is.. Elinor could probably even feel that tension.” He chuckled. Briar blushed harder and hid behind her hair, Ruffles stopping her. “Gah! Ruffles!” She yelped, nearly falling over as the snake tugged on her arm. “What’s holding lover boy back? Do you know?” Boscoe asked after helping Briar her footing back and folding his arms. “Lemme guess… His morals? The good boy persona?” Boscoe chuckled. “*sighs* Yeah, I just want a taste of that primal animal he keeps caged away. Then I can die a happy witch if our plans fail.” Briar replied, her eyes fully dilated, wolf tail out and wagging at hyper speed. Boscoe watched her with a smirk. “Girl, you need something done to you.. BAD. Want me to talk to him?” Boscoe suggested, holding that cheeky smirk. “Please do.” Briar requested nearly humping the air. “Say no more! I’ll handle this situation and give you both what you oh so desperately need and deserve. Get them hormones tamed on both ends.. He obviously wants that too.” He laughed, already cooking up the scheme in that little head of his. “Maybe you can help Ethan with his lack of asking out Sage without being a little chicken bitch.” The plant heiress commented as her hormones made her a bit sassy and petty. “I’ll do that too~” He purred with a mischievous grin. “Don’t you worry your pretty little redhead, Briar. I’ll handle them both first thing tomorrow.” Boscoe informed confidently, he knew they couldn’t repress themselves forever, especially Cooper, that sh*t just isn’t possible no matter how much self control you have. “In the meantime~ Why don’t you get some tips and tricks from Rita. She’ll help you get that pup screaming ‘PRAISE TITAN, HALLELUJAH’. She’ll teach your virgin ass to f*ck like a pro~” Boscoe declared proudly. “Why didn’t I think of that? Thank you Boscoe.” Briar spoke and patted the shorter witch on the head, then made her way to the library. Boscoe waved goodbye as she left, the cheeky smirk plastered across his spotted face. “I do love a game of cupid~” He muttered to himself then went to plot in his bed chambers.

~Night~

It’s roughly 11:30 pm, the night was peaceful with its silent bliss. The only noise to be heard was Cooper who was humming softly to himself as he walked the dark and lonely corridors in the direction of his bed chambers. The young beastkeeper had stayed up late like he did every night, nothing out of his norm. His nocturnal tendencies didn’t make him much of a morning person.. Like at all.. But it was still fine amongst the palace residents. When he’d reached the door of his room, he opened it and stepped inside, continuing to hum in his gentle tone, swishing his tail along to the slow rhythm. Once he shut the door, Kerfuffle flew out of his shirt and nuzzled Cooper’s cheek before floating around the room excitedly. He let out an amused exhale when watching the unifox’s silent joy and proceeded to pick up his Pajamas and made his way to the bathroom attached to his room.

After spending some time in there, it would take him longer since he was covered in fur to dry after a shower, warm or cold. Cooper rustled his hair with the towel to finish drying himself in his boxers before he slipped into his bone print pajama pants. After tossing the damp towel into the hamper, he left the bathroom after seeing the clock read past midnight. Now sliding into his baggy red V-Neck, the humming returned once again to break the silence. Though he couldn’t help but think.. How were they going to stop the Day of Unity.. They were all only teens at the end of the day after all.. Could it even be stopped..? He wasn’t sure.. When Cooper’s humming faded after a long sigh through his nose, he opened the doors to the balcony and went out onto it. Leaning on the railing, his eyes scanned what landscape he could see from his perch.

Kerfuffle brought Cooper a small plush Grudgby Ball out on the balcony and flicked her tails around eagerly, wanting the young beastkeeper to throw the toy. “Bored, are we, Fuffs?” Cooper chuckled softly, taking the toy gently from her tiny mouth. He wound up his arm and threw the toy as hard as he could, Kerfuffle flying after it swiftly, catching it before it hit the ground and returning the toy to her companion. Cooper smiled as he took it from Kerfuffle again before he paused for thought. “I wonder how the others are coping with the information now… How Briar is coping..” He pondered, throwing the toy again for Kerfuffle, the unifox once again successfully catching it and bringing it back to Cooper. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. We have to be, yeah?” The young beastkeeper kept on, his palisman looking at him inquisitively, tilting her head and blinking her bright and heterochromic eyes at him with the toy still in her mouth. He leaned on the railing again and rested his chin in the palm of his hand, his tail swishing slowly with the gentle breeze. He once again tossed the ball for Kerfuffle with his free hand, deep in his thoughts when he began humming his soft melody again, soothing himself with the old lullaby his mother used to sing to him as he continued to play with Kerfuffle.

“Can’t sleep, handsome?” Briar asked, sitting on the railing, as Ruffles exited staff form and slithered after Kerfuffle to play. Cooper jumped with a small yelp, snapping out of his thoughts and back into reality. “Oh! Briar, you startled me.. I was just lost in my thoughts.” He explained taking his chin off the palm of his hand and resting both arms on the railing. “But yeah, I can’t sleep. So Kerfuffle and I were playing a bit of catch. You?” He added, looking at her with a smile. “Yeah, I can’t sleep either. Pretty sure I hear little Mia crying so Head Witch Mason isn’t getting sleep either, or poor Cookie.” The plant heiress spoke. “Now that you mention it, I hear the little angel too.” Cooper replied with a chuckle before the smile faded, showing a little worry. “This Day of Unity stuff is getting pretty intense, yeah?” The young beastkeeper asked, facing his girlfriend again. “Yep. No idea what we’re gonna do..or even what we can do to stop this day.” Briar replied. “Wish I knew. Unfortunately, I’m proving incompetent in that too.” He confessed with a heavy sigh, reminding himself of his conflicting morals at that point. “Hopefully the others can find something.” Briar spoke looking at the sky, playing with Cooper’s messy hair as well. He leaned his head into her side and looked out over the area for a few moments of pause. “C-Can I be honest with you about something, Bri Bri?” Cooper stammered lightly. “Hmm? Sure thing, Coops.” She answered, looking at him. “You know how you’ve been trying to.. Y’know.. With me and I get all weird and flustered?” He inquired, looking up at her. “You mean when I try to ride you like a wild snorse? Yes I do.” Briar answered. Cooper blushed and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Well.. As you know I have zero experience in that department.. So I get worried about giving you a disappointing experience.. But I also fear I’d hurt you.. Being part literal animal doesn’t exactly give me full control in certain situations. Like the concert for example and when we were ambushed by those assassins.” Cooper confessed, feeling better having gotten that information off his chest. “Coops, you know you could never disappoint me right?” Briar asked then gave him some ear scratches. “I hope that remains true when I can brave an encounter like that.. But I promise, I won’t - can’t deny you forever.” He smiled sincerely at her “That’s what I’m counting on” Briar whispered to herself, Cooper perking an ear. “Did you say something?” Cooper asked, looking a little confused. “No.” She answered with a smile, her ferns wiggling. He smiled back and gave her a gentle pat on her thigh. “Maybe that can be your 18th birthday present from me? I’m only two weeks older than you after all.” Cooper suggested timidly. “You’ve piqued my interest, Huntsmen. Promise?” She spoke, smirking. “I tell you what, I’ll ‘Everlasting Oath’ promise you that for your 18th birthday. Anything your heart desires. Anything.” Cooper suggested, tracing the spell circle in advance. “Annnnnnnnnnything~?” Briar sang with wide eyes looking like a Star Stag. Cooper looked at her for a moment, eyes slightly wide as a nervous smile spread across his face. “Y-Yes.. A-Anything..” He clarified, stammering and blushing hard and wondering to himself if this was a good idea. “Deal.” Briar spoke quickly and sealed the oath, shaking his hand rapidly. “N-Now it’s bound..” He stuttered and cleared his throat, trying to calm his wagging tail. Briar pulled Cooper closer by the hand and whispered into his ear. “Less than a year and half to go, then you're mine, Pet~” She purred before letting go. Cooper’s face got super red and he laughed nervously. “..F-Fun..” He wheezed in his flustered panic. “Welp I better try to sleep. Ruffles, come on, let’s go back.” Briar called to her palismen. “I-If you’d like, you could spend the night. Maybe cuddle? Been a while.” Cooper offered with a shy smile, still recovering from that statement Briar made. “Only if you trust me to be in the same bed as you.” Briar replied with a giggle. “I always trust you, Honeysuckle.” Cooper smiled at the plant heiress, making his way to the french doors. Briar shuddered in bliss and followed after him.

(FYI, they did JUST cuddle. Briar may have sneaked a cheeky grab or two but that’s it XD) (Ya horny nasties. So are we though…)

~The Next Day~

“YOU MOTHERf*ckERS BETTER GET BACK HERE!” Boscoe shouted, chasing Cooper and Ethan down the corridor. “Why is he chasing us, Ethan?!” Cooper screamed, looking over his shoulder at the witch hot on their tails. “I don’t f*cking know! But he’s got that look in his eyes!” A panicked Ethan replied as they rounded the corner, coming up on the Artifact Room’s open doors. Ethan quickly shoved the young beastkeeper in the room and shut the door behind them. The two were panting and somewhat out of breath. “Maybe he won’t find us here..” Ethan wheezed. Their relief was however short lived when Boscoe burst through the doors and glued Ethan to the wall with Abomination matter while Cooper fell backwards, now trying to crawl away all while Boscoe approached. “W-What did we do?!” Cooper asked in sheer panic, scooting back further until he bumped into one of the pedestals. Boscoe stood over Cooper while Ethan tried to get out of the goo that glued him to the wall. “Relax, boys. I just wanna talk on behalf of a couple of lovely ladies.” Boscoe answered with a grin that made both the bard and beastkeeper’s eyes widen. “Starting with you, Cooper!” Boscoe exclaimed, poking Cooper’s chest with his index finger while bent over him. “I-I-I-I don’t know what you're referring to, Boscoe!” Cooper stammered, honestly having no clue why he was in trouble. Ethan was still struggling in the abomination matter when Boscoe whipped his head around and glared daggers at his partner in crime who abruptly stopped and nervously smiled at the artificial witch. “Hiiiiiii…” Ethan whimpered. “I’ll get to you in a minute, bard boy.” Boscoe hissed, doing the ‘I’m watching you’ gesture with his index and middle finger before turning back to Cooper who looked like a scared little puppy.

“Now, Cooper.. Tell me why you are denying Briar snu snu!!” Boscoe demanded, getting all up in Cooper’s business. “B-B-Because I want to be a good boy and r-r-respect her as a woman.” Cooper stuttered, hoping the answer was satisfactory.. Boy, how wrong he was.. “Bro, f*ck your good boy mentality. That girl wants to be ravaged by that animal you’re repressing!” Boscoe yelled, squinting his eyes at Cooper. “You’ve waited.. How long to make her your’s, Huntsmen?!” He questioned. Cooper shakily counted the numbers on his fingers for a moment and looked at Boscoe again. “S-S-Since we were seven years old… So nine years?” He replied nervously. Boscoe blinked with a straight face, he honestly wasn’t expecting that high of a number but quickly went back to business. “ALMOST TEN YEARS ARE YOU AIN’T HIT THAT YET?!” Boscoe screamed, his voice cracking in the middle of that sentence. “I-In his defense, Boscoe.. H-Have you ever known him to-” Ethan began in a subtly shaky tone before being cut off abruptly. “QUIET, DADDY’S TALKING! I’ll handle you momentarily, boi!” Boscoe ordered with a little boom in his voice at the beginning of that statement, Ethan quickly zipped the lip.

“Right now, I’m dealing with youuuuu, Cooper.” Boscoe growled. “Both of you have sexual tension that even Elinor.. ELINOR of all witches, could notice!” The artificial witch pointed out aggressively. “W-We actually talked about that last n-night. I-I made an everlasting oath with her that it could be anything her heart desired on her 18th birthday.” Cooper explained with a nervous smile, but Boscoe clearly thought that answer wasn’t good enough. “And what about that time in between.. Even your ass can’t maintain self control that long.” Boscoe inquired sternly, folding his arms and shifting his weight to one side like a diva. “We’re teenagers with raging hormones, Cooper!” He added, rolling his eyes and staring at the beastkeeper. Cooper blinked with a moment of pause, Boscoe waiting patiently for his words to set in. “I-I guess I didn’t think that far into it..” Cooper admitted under his breath, looking at the floor to his right. “Of course you didn’t, dipsh*t!” Boscoe groaned and grabbed Cooper by his shoulders. “March your fluffy ass to wherever she is and figure something out. Hands. Oral. I don’t care. Fix. It, bitch.” Boscoe whispered threateningly in Cooper’s ear. “W-Well I am supposed to be helping her in the greenhouse today..” Cooper whimpered shakily. “Alone?” Boscoe asked quickly. “Probably?” Cooper replied, his voice having gone up an octave or two. “Well what are you doing sitting here talking to me?!” Boscoe demanded as of he wasn’t the cause as he yanked Cooper off the floor and dusted his shoulders. “GO GO GO!” He shouted, slapping Cooper’s ass hard with his normal hand and making the poor pup yelp as he ran out of the room. Leaving Ethan alone with Boscoe..

“NOW! Yourrrr turn..” Boscoe growled, slowly turning to face Ethan’s wide-eyed expression. “What do you mean, B?” Ethan asked, trying to play dumb to which Boscoe just squinted his eyes and glared at the sweaty and anxious bard. “Don’t play dumb with me, Clawthorne. I’ve known you long enough to not fall for your sh*t.” Boscoe groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance. “Riiiight.. Heh.” Ethan answered with a crooked smile as Boscoe glared on, a soft growl in his throat. “Ok ok, fine.. What do you want from me?” Ethan asked with a groan. “Oh, but that’s the catch, E~ It’s not what I want.. It’s what that cute little plant satyr wants.. And that’s a date with the rebel bard himself.. You.” Boscoe clarified, checking his nails while the bard lightly blushed. “Don’t play with me like that, Boscoe. She made it clear ages ago that it wouldn’t surpass friendzone.. Remember?” Ethan recalled in a soft tone, drooping his ears a little as he recalled that interaction. Boscoe rolled his eyes and looked at Ethan. “You seriously didn’t notice how she’d look at you at the beach that day we all went? Feelings change, dumbass.” Boscoe pointed out, sounding like his father Darius in the process. “She what?” Ethan blinked, having that deer in the headlights look plastered on his face. “She’s. Into. You. BITCH.” Boscoe repeated, repressing from pimp slapping his friend. “You’re lucky you got a pretty face, E. No hom*o, because I know you don’t swing that way. OTHERWISE, I’d slap you.” Boscoe admitted in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone. “This.. Is a lot to process.” Ethan confessed, Boscoe tapping his foot on the floor with crossed arms. “You can figure it out on the way to Sage’s treehouse. Because you are gonna ask her to go out tonight. Elinor and Gus also have one set up. So! You’ll be doubling with them!” Boscoe informed gleefully. “W-WAIT, N-NOW?!” Ethan panicked with wide eyes, trying to get out of the goo again. “YEP!” Boscoe cheered as he snapped his fingers, goo-traveling the pair out of there.

~Briar’s Greenhouse. Midday~

(Don’t worry. No p*rn. Just soft smut. Not the actual act)

Cooper approached the greenhouse, rubbing his sore ass from that slap Boscoe landed. He was trying to figure out how to go about this. He opened the door and walked inside, eyes scanning the room for Briar. The witch in question was bent over a flower bed as she was watering it and had a tricky one in back. ‘Don’t stare.. Don’t stare.. Don’t stare.. And I’m staring..’ Cooper repeated in his thoughts, trying his best but ultimately failing. “H-Hey, Bri Bri!” Cooper lightly stammered, nervously holding his arm. “Oh hey, Coops. Glad you could make it. One minute I’m watering this tricky little guy, I may need to re-pot him.” Briar greeted, shifting back to standing up position. Her outfit was a set of dark green skinny jeans, black ballerina flats and mint green crop top with spaghetti straps and ruffles. “W-What would you like me to do while I wait?” Cooper asked with a smile, closing the door behind him and approaching the potting table in the middle of the room. “There’s some rough ivy growing over the windows and blocking sunlight for my newest sprouts. Can you help me by cutting it down to a more manageable level?” The plant heiress asked as a strap fell down, exposing her shoulder. “Yep!” Cooper replied hastily before picking up the clippers and walking over to the overgrown wall of ivy. He stretched his body upwards to the very top, flashing a bit of tummy while he clipped the vines. Briar was watching out of the corner of her eye and biting her lip. ‘Titan, he’s adorable!’ She thought and forced herself back to work. Once Cooper had trimmed those up high, he squatted down and got the lower ivy as well, figuring he’d just take care of all of it while he was there, his tail sweeping from side to side on the floor as he focused on his task. The tiny dust bunnies that were on the floor made little squeaks and chased his tail in a little game. “Aww, I’ve got dust bunnies it seems.” Briar cooed, watching them chase Cooper’s tail back and forth. Cooper looked under his arm at them and chuckled, smiling at the little cuties. He stood up and carefully removed the ones clinging to his tail, placing them in a makeshift pouch in the front of his shirt. “I’ll take them outside and come right back.” Cooper spoke kindly, picking up the remainder of dust buns. “Nah, they can stay. They can be my little weeders.” Briar stated, wanting to keep the little buns. “Oh, ok!” Cooper replied, looking down at the buns. With a smile, he went to a corner of the room and removed the shirt he was wearing, making the tiny creatures a little nest. “Now they’ll be extra comfy.” He said, continuing to smile while looking over his shoulder at Briar with a slow tail wag, proud of himself. Briar’s eyes were the size of dinner plates with how dilated they were, her own tail now out and wagging quickly. “Ye-Yeah I’m sure they’ll be very comfy, I’ll add some vines and leaves for them later.” She spoke just staring at Cooper’s exposed abs. “I’m sure they’d love that, Honeysuckle.” Cooper chuckled, picking up the clippers off the floor and resting them on his shoulder while he looked for any spots he missed on the ivy wall. “I think the ivy is done. What’s next?” Cooper inquired, placing the sheers on the potting table where he’d found them. “Weeds.” Was all Briar could say as she was still staring at his abs. “Weeds it is!” Cooper beamed, walking towards the flowerbed in question while slipping the gardening gloves over his hands and got down on his hands and knees, now working with the weeds. Briar was trying to look away from Cooper but couldn’t because damn that boy had a cute little ass! After a bit Briar turned back to see the fire fern she’d been now over watering was nearly put out completely. “Oh sh*t! Sorry, plant.” Briar apologized and quickly took the plant to the potting table and swapped the plant into a new pot. “Nah, homie. I get it. I’m looking too.. Respectfully.” The plant replied nonchalantly. Cooper finished picking the weeds out after a bit and stood up with a fistful of the little buggers, wiping his forehead with his forearm in the process. He walked near the potting table and tossed the weeds into the bin and smiled at Briar. “Weeds are no more, Bri Bri!” He beamed, slowly taking off the gloves and placing them on the table before picking up a bag of fertilizer. “I’ll even take care of the fertilizing for ya, love. What’s next when I finish that?” He added sweetly, doing just that while completely unaware of what he was doing to the poor plant heiress the entire time he’s been there.

“A-Ah, can you re-pot that little sprout I was watering when you came in? I wanna make sure he’s getting enough sunlight.” Briar asked, picking up the fire fern and heading for the door to the greenhouse. “Of course!” Cooper replied enthusiastically after finishing up with the fertilizer and tossing the empty bag. Cooper made his way to the planting table in the middle of the room to complete the task the plant heiress had requested, completely unaware of the storm brewing behind him. With delicate hands, he carefully moved the fire fern from one pot to the next. Then, he dug up some of the soil on the table and slowly covered the roots of the plant. Briar lowly growled out of arousal and locked the door of the greenhouse, stopping Cooper from leaving…unless he chose to jump through the glass walls. “I really appreciate your help today Cooper.. Such a helpful and good boy.. Now how about a treat~” She purred, getting ready to pounce. “A treat?” Cooper repeated, turning to face her with a wagging tail, only then did it dawn on him what was happening. A surprised ‘oof’ left his lips when Briar shoved him onto the potting table. Briar climbed onto Cooper, the straps of her tops fully falling down and showing her shoulders. “You’ve been driving me nuts today, Coops. Buuut you still earned your treat~” Briar purred, wagging her tail and slowly grinding on him. Cooper softly squeaked, very flustered but his tail snitched out how he was feeling at the moment. “W-What kind of treat d-did you have in mind?” He gulped, slowly fixing the straps of her top for her. “Oh one I know you're gonna love.” Briar answered full of confidence given the advice she’d gotten from Rita on pushing a man’s ‘happy’ buttons. Nuzzling noses, her hips kept grinding. Cooper bit the corner of his lip and smiled nervously at Briar, blushing hard. He wasn’t exactly sure what she had planned, but he trusted her.. He couldn’t exactly say no to her intoxicating gaze either.. “W-What about your mother?” He stammered, words barely being able to leave him because of the eye contact, his chest among other places feeling a little tight. “Oh she’s out doing something for the coven day parade, so it’s just me… And you.” She answered, booping his nose. “I-I-” Cooper began but Briar gently placed two fingers over his lips, shushing the blushing pup. “Shh just relax and the rest will follow through.” Briar shushed with a smirk, Cooper shyly nodding in compliance.

~Meanwhile at Sage’s Treehouse. Midday~

“Boscoe, it’s not that I don’t trust your judgment.. But are you sure this is a good idea? What if she says no?” Ethan asked his friend as they approached the home. “Positive, now come on, stop dragging your feet.” Boscoe ordered, giving Ethan a not so gentle shove towards Sage’s door. The bard still looked very nervous and quite frankly unsure while Boscoe pushed the bard towards the door. “Now knock.” Boscoe spoke, raising up Ethan’s arm, the bard responding with rapid head shaking and wide eyes, the only sound leaving him was a ‘Uh uh’ of reluctance. Boscoe blinked slowly before groaning, already fed up with this and ‘WHAM’, slammed Ethan into the door. “See? Was that so hard?” The artificial witch pettily asked while Ethan rubbed his now sore nose. “Bit over the top, yeah?” He groaned lightly. “If anything, that was me holding back, man.” Boscoe replied, hearing shuffling feet inside and after a few seconds of waiting, Sage opened the door. Ethan’s eyes only got wider and his face got redder, the plant satyr was in her robe, having just gotten out of the shower given her damp hair. “Oh hi, boys! I wasn’t expecting company today! What did you need?” Sage smiled warmly, clenching the robe with her barked hand. “Afternoon, Sage. Lovely robe, by the way super adorbs. Ethan here has an important question for you. Don’t you buddy?” Boscoe complemented holding onto the waistband of Ethan’s pants to stop him from fleeing. All that could leave Ethan was incoherent babbling from how f*cking flustered he was, his body chosing the freeze response in the process. “Oh, this little chicken sh*t bitch” Boscoe whispered to himself, then cleared his throat “Seem’s the cats got his tongue, so I’ll ask you for him.” He added, Ethan slapping a hand over Boscoe’s mouth, looking at Sage with a toothy grin and nervous chuckle. Boscoe rolled his eyes then smirked to himself and licked Ethan’s hand then bit down on it. “OW!” Ethan exclaimed in pain, pushing Boscoe away with his throbbing hand. “Ask her or I bite harder.” Boscoe growled at the bard. “Ask me what, boys?” Sage finally spoke up, having gotten a giggle from watching them bicker. “U-Uh… U-Ummm..” Ethan tried, but still struggled to get the words out. He took a deep breath after accepting it was now or never and looked the curious plant satyr in the eyes, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. “Would you.. Like to.. H-Hang out tonight..?” Ethan asked at last, a little at a time but it was better than nothing. “Are you asking me on a date, Ethan?” Sage smiled at the bard. “I-I-It won’t just be the two of us.. Els and Gus are tagging along.. S-So you don’t have to call it that.” Ethan added quickly, timidly smiling back. “But.. Yes..” He confirmed shakily, expecting rejection. “I’d love to, Ethan.” Sage giggled, Ethan sighing heavily in relief after. She absolutely adored this odd behavior, believing it was just the cutest thing. “Wonderful, he’ll come get you at 8pm, dress up as it’s a play and dinner.” Boscoe explained “Now I gotta get this romeo ready, byyyyyyyyyye~” he added then disappeared with Ethan back to the palace. Once they’d gone, Sage softly squeed giddily and went inside to prepare, high on serotonin.

~Ethan’s Bed Chambers~

“Remind me again why you guys felt the need to discuss what Briar and Cooper did in my room..?” Ethan groaned, trying to sift through his wardrobe while Boscoe, Rita, and Briar chatted away behind him on his bed. “Because I need to help your sorry ass get ready for tonight, and I don’t wanna miss any of Briar’s juicy deets.” Boscoe answered, setting down some shopping bags. Ethan slung a shirt over his bare shoulder as he approached the bedside and looked through the bags. “Some of this is a little.. Risque.. Don’t you think?” Ethan asked, taking out a halter crop top for men that was very.. Form fitting and transparent. “No!” Boscoe and Rita answered together while Briar was holding in a laugh. “Gonna be a manwhor* tonight, Ethan?” Briar asked in a teasing matter. “That is the opposite of what I’m going for.. Because in case you guys haven’t noticed: I actually like this girl and don’t want to f*ck it up.” Ethan stated calmly, putting the top back in the bag with a sigh. “Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? Both of your parents are f*cking hot, dude. Where’s that rebel confidence, E?!” Boscoe reassured with a laugh. “Yeah, come on, Sugga. You got it so flaunt it, You’ve always had this air of confidence about you.. But now your timid little school boy. Kinda hot though, some girls like shy boys.” Rita commented, smirking. Ethan opened his mouth like he was going to speak but he dismissed it instead. “No comment.” He mumbled, rolling his shoulders and returning to his wardrobe after taking a pair of skinny jeans from one of the shopping bags and tossing it on his shoulder. “I might have a couple decent options here.. Just gotta find them..” Ethan muttered to himself, pushing hangers to the side on the rack. Both horndogs turned to Briar and sat on either side of her, sandwiching her in between them “Spill it” they both spoke. “Well it was satisfying to say the least.” Briar started smirking. “Go on, Sugga~” Rita encouraged. The plant heiress blushed but continued speaking “I don’t know who enjoyed it more, me or him. Also I umm.. I swallowed it.” She finished earning a happy squee from Rita and was soon buried in the oracle witch's cleavage. “I KNEW you weren’t a quitter!” Rita beamed with pride as she hugged Briar tightly, Boscoe giving a nod of approval. “Sounds to me like that tension will calm down now.” Ethan chimed in, shifting his weight to one side as he pondered between two different shirts. “Maybe that’ll get him comfortable when the real deal happens, Briar. Easing him into it.” Boscoe chuckled proudly. “Maybe.” Briar replied, getting free of Rita “Now we just gotta worry about ETHAN.” Rita commented. “One thing at a time, please..” He grumbled, turning around and holding up the two shirts to the trio. “Now, if I have your attention, you horndogs. I’d like an opinion.” Ethan implied, slightly swaying the shirts. One shirt was a breathable V-Neck with a lovely pale carmine color, the other was a charcoal black sleeveless tank top that was more form fitting.

Boscoe, Rita, and Briar all shifted their eyes from one shirt to the other. Before all pointing at the tank top one “That one.” Rita said, “Yeah, add a jacket to it and it’ll be perfect.” Briar chimed in. “What sort of jacket? Flannel? Leather? Polyester?” Ethan asked, putting away the losing shirt. “I’d say a nice Flannel, given the fall chills in the air, so embrace the season Sug.” Rita explained “Annd Leaf’s fall palette~” Briar added smirking. “Titan’s sake, Briar.” Ethan groaned, pinching his nose before sighing. “But ok, flannel jacket it is. I just hope birdbrain doesn’t rear his head.” Ethan muttered, playing with the gem on his bare chest before walking into the bathroom to get changed. When he came back out, he was in dark blue skinny jeans, the black sleeveless tank that won the vote, a beige flannel jacket, complete with a necklace around his neck that had a sterling feather as the centerpiece. “Final consensus?” Ethan inquired, giving them a spin for good measure. All three gave him a thumbs up “Not bad E, almost a little too casual for a play but you still work it homie.” Boscoe stated. “I prefer casual in all honesty.. I’m not a Zarbie Doll.” He laughed. “Besides, maybe we’ll find other things to do after the play. NOT. THAT!” Ethan added, immediately putting any dirty activities on shutdown. “You're no fun, Sug.” Rita spoke as she pouted. “Patience, my queen, we’ll get him.” Boscoe stated rubbing her back. Briar snickered and got up to head out, when Elinor burst into the room “Hello.” The tiny witch greeted before going to find Ozzie. “Hi, Els.” The four heirs greeted in unison. “I need Ozzie for a wedding” Elinor stated, picking up said cat then waltzing out of the room the same way she’d come in. “Aw, that’s cute she’s playing wedding.” Briar awed. “Please don’t use glitter on him this time!” Ethan called out. “Aaaaand she’s gone…” He digressed with a pout. “Wonder who the bride is.” Rita pondered. “Probably Mr. Lion again.. I should go check on Calypso though.” Boscoe pointed out, standing up and leaving the room. “Good luck, E!” Boscoe sang on his way out. “We should get going too, have fun tonight, Ethan.” Briar said as she and Rita took their leave. “Think I’ll go check on Cooper, See how he's doing.” She added, smirking. “YEAH! You go check on that boy after that nukejob you gave him.” Rita praised then went back to her office to get back to work. Boo. “Coulda went my entire life without witnessing that conversation..” Ethan muttered to himself, scrolling through his scroll phone. “But good for Cooper.” He added under his breath, while taking a seat on his bed, praying to the Titan that this date goes well in his mind.

~Cori’s Bed chambers~

Cori was hidden under her pile of blankets as it was her safe place, in her nest. Her panic attack wasn’t so bad today but she was pretty freaked out. Bertram knocked lightly. “Cor, are you doing better today?” He asked from the other side of the door, respecting the Harpy’s privacy. “Not really no.” She answered, poking her head out. “Anything I can do to help, love?” Bertram asked softly, wanting to help in any way. “Can-Can I get a hug?” Cori asked not wanting to be alone right now. “Absolutely.” He replied with a gentle tone, carefully pulling her into his embrace. Cori just buried her head into the tall witch’s abs, shivering with how scared she was. Few feathers fell off her arms due to stress. “Hey now. It’ll be ok, Cor.” Bertram comforted, petting the back of her head. “I don’t wanna die, Bertram. I just discovered who I am and I just got my mom back, I don’t wanna die!” She sniffled as tears started to fall now. The large witch exhaled through his nose and knelt so that he’d be closer to her level. “You won’t, I’ll make sure of it.” Bertram promised, picking up the harpy bridal style and taking her to her nest, half laying down with her in his arms and swaddling her in a blanket. “How are we gonna stop the Day of Unity? Belos is one crafty son of a bitch.” She asked, looking up at Bertram in her cozy cocoon. Bertram hummed a flat tone, pondering that question carefully. “I could always make an attempt on his life.” Bertram suggested, deepening his tone. “Maybe, sometimes I question who really rules the roost, you or him.” Cori chattered, lightly huffing, she was pretty upset. “Is that so?” He chuckled gruffly, amused at the thought of him being Emperor. “Yeah.” Cori replied slowly falling asleep, Bertram’s muscles were comfy, she was even fluffing his bicep then nuzzled into it. “Would that make you my Empress~?” He teased with a small chuckle. “Sleep well, Cor.” He added with a small grin. The two were completely unaware that everyone’s favorite snitch was outside the door.. Eavesdropping. “Hehehe, Emperor Belos will love to hear this. Time to put those brats in their places.” The gremlin chuckled to herself and hurried to the throne room to report heir Stonehearth, Vapors too just for fun.

~Some Time Later. Bonesborough~

The play had just ended and the heirs plus Sage and Gus left the theater. “That was delightful!” Sage beamed, clapping her hands gleefully. “It was alright.” Ethan shrugged with a chuckle. “So many sequins, why were there so many sequins?” Gus questioned having nearly been blinded a few times during the show. “Hehe! That was my idea, didn’t think Daddy would actually do it.” Elinor replied, having enjoyed herself. “It’s good that you’re having fun, Els. Isn’t that right, Gus?” Bertram asked dryly, side eyeing Gus coldly. Gus gulped and nodded his head quickly, holding onto Elinor’s hand like she was a lifeline. “I suppose I should take them to the next place, Ethan. You and Sage have a good time tonight.” Bertram advised before leaving with Gus and Elinor. “Oh, what fun! What do you wanna do next, Ethan?” Sage inquired enthusiastically. “Would you wanna get something to eat?” The young bard suggested, thumbing over his shoulder with a grin. “Sure!” The plant satyr smiled. “Would it be ok if I held your arm?” She asked, baby-stepping closer, her hands in front of her with a cute pleading face to match. “O-Oh, sure!” He answered with mild blush, she was just too f*cking adorable and wholesome! She happily took his arm and on they pressed to find a place to eat.

Ethan was pretty happy with how smoothly it was going but really didn’t want to jinx it so kept that mouth of his shut about it. “What about Darcy’s Diner, Ethan?” Sage suggested, pointing at the establishment while hugging his arm with her free hand. He looked at it, definitely looked safer than Grimgrub’s Pub and that’s how he wanted to keep it. Safe. “I don’t see why not.” He replied before they veered off the path and inside. “Hello, table for two?” The hostess asked, getting two menus in her hand. “Yes, please.” Ethan replied calmly. They were led to a booth with a window view. Once seated, the hostess passed out the menus to the pair with a smile. “What would you like to drink?” The woman asked, facing Sage. “Just water is fine.” Sage smiled. “What about you, Ethan?” She asked, looking at her date from across. “Cola will be good.” Ethan answered with a small grin. The hostess nodded and left the two to their own devices while she got the beverages.

“Any idea what you're gonna get, Sage?” Ethan asked, looking through the menu while the plant satyr was doing the same. “I’ll probably just get the fish n’ chips.” She replied while Ethan nodded in agreement, thinking he might just get the same. “You look very nice, by the way.” Sage complimented shyly, putting her menu down and smiling at the bard sitting across from her. “Not too bad yourself~” Ethan replied without a second thought, he just said what he was thinking and didn’t quite realize how he said it, this made Sage blush and hide behind her menu. “..T-T-Thank you..” She squeaked timidly, making Ethan look up from his menu, somewhat confused. “Are you ok, Sage?” He asked, a blushing satyr peeking over the menu and nodding bashfully right as the hostess returned with the drinks. “Here are your drinks! Are you ready to order?” The bipedal demon asked, taking out her notepad. “We’ll both be having the Fish n’ Chips.” Ethan spoke up confidently. “Ah, excellent choice! We’ll have that right out for you!” The woman cheered, writing it down and collecting the menus, Sage now having nothing to hide behind, so she just began playing with her hair timidly. Ethan caught on rather quickly then that his date was nervous and gave Sage a comforting smile. “Your garden seems to be thriving from what I saw. When I picked you up that is.” He acknowledged, resting his elbow on the table and propping his chin in the palm of his hand. “Y-Yes actually..!” She stammered, sitting up some and looking at him. She went on enthusiastically about every detail regarding what she loved, gardening. Ethan listened to her admirably as she discussed conversations she’d have with the plants around her home, including the tree she lived in. Listing their personalities and talking about them like they were old friends she’d known forever, and Ethan relished in every detail happily.

He enjoyed every moment until something behind Sage caught his eye..

‘Is that Boscoe..?’ Was what he was thinking as his eyes gradually widened, seeing that it was in fact his partner in crime observing his outing with Sage. “Oh no..” Ethan whispered to himself, Boscoe waving at him like a lunatic. “Excuse me a moment, Sage.. I need to use the bathroom.” He spoke to her calmly, looking at her with a nervous smile. “Okie dokie!” The plant satyr replied, feeling a lot more comfortable again thanks to Ethan getting her started on plants.

The young bard stood up and walked over to Boscoe’s table that was three booths down from where he and Sage were. “What are you doing here, B?” He demanded quietly. “Making sure you don’t f*ck up, E!” Boscoe answered proudly, Ethan pinching his nose and groaning softly. “I don’t need you backseat driving this for me, I’m older than you!” Ethan defended, still keeping his voice low. “So it’s going well then~?” Boscoe purred with a smirk. Ethan rolled his eyes at the artificial witch he called brother. “Yes.” He admitted with a nod. “Happy?” Ethan asked, somewhat glaring at Boscoe. “I’ll take it. Now get back over there!” Boscoe ordered, Ethan reluctantly nodding and walking back over to his booth. “Sorry about that. I see our food arrived while I was away.” He pointed out, looking at his plate. “Yep! I waited for you to come back before I ate though!” Sage beamed, smiling, Ethan returning the smile. “I was just thinking we could maybe walk around town for a little while before I went home. What do you think?” Sage suggested with enthusiasm. “Absolutely.” He confirmed, the two went on to eat their dinners, chatting and laughing, overall enjoying each other’s company until the plates were empty and their bellies full. Ethan paid for the food since he was the one that invited her, not the other way around. When they stepped outside, it was clearly dark now which somewhat worried Ethan because he knew that was when the not so nice inhabitants were out and about. “I hope you’re having a nice time, Sage..” Ethan confessed, rubbing the back of his head while they walked the streets. “Of course I am! Why wouldn’t I? I am on a date with a coven heir after all, one of the most eligible bachelors on The Boiling Isles!” Sage teased with a giggle, him joining in with laughter of his own. “I don’t know about all that..! But, it's good that you’re enjoying yourself.” He chuckled, his eyes casually scanning the residents around them, being careful to avoid the ones that particularly didn’t like him very much. “You seem tense.. Is everything ok..?” Sage asked, looking somewhat worried after catching on to his behavior after having left the diner. He looked at her, confused at first. “Oh! Y-Yeah, I’m fine.” He lied, the truth is, he was nervous about running into some unfriendly faces which unfortunately became reality instead of fears.

“HEY! Clawthorne!” A large and quite muscular demon shouted, a somewhat smaller and more gruff-looking demon beside him that was missing an eye. “We’ve got a bone to pick with you, ya little sh*t!” The smaller one screeched, flexing his claws, eager to gut the bard like a fish. “Heyyy… Bruiser..! Killian..! Long time no see, fellas..! Haven’t seen you since..” Ethan chuckled, immediately standing upright in front of Sage, hoping they hadn’t seen her as they stormed over. “Since you cheated me out of every snail I had?!” The large demon barked angrily. “Ethan..? W-What’s happening..?” Sage whispered, cowering behind him, he unfortunately didn’t have time to answer. “You still owe me when you did that with those loaded dice, bastard!” Bruiser’s voice boomed with a light lisp through his tusks as he prodded Ethan’s chest gem with his large fingers. “Still mad about that, huh big guy?” Ethan grinned, trying to keep it cool and calm, he usually is but Sage was potentially in danger during this particular encounter. Ethan checked over his shoulder, trying to be subtle in making sure Sage was still there. Unfortunately for him, the smaller demon, Killian, noticed this and went around Ethan. He pulled Sage out from behind the bard and threw her to the ground in front of Bruiser, the large ogre looking demon staring down with an evil smirk. “And who’s this delicate little blossom~?” Bruiser asked, eyeing Sage. “She has nothing to do with that, leave her out of it!” Ethan growled, trying to help her up but was stopped by the smaller demon. “Then. Pay. Up.” The larger demon spoke in a deep growl, grinding his teeth. “Otherwise.. We’ll take her as payment instead.” Killian added with a snicker. Sage looked terrified of these two rough looking demons and stared at Ethan with fearful eyes. “Gentlemen, gentlemen. It’s me you want not her.” Ethan played it off with nonchalance. “So how about I just…” He began before summoning his staff and whacking Bruiser in the face before they could realize what he was plotting, causing the large demon to topple over right on top of his smaller companion. “Set up a meeting for another day! Byeeeee~!” Ethan exclaimed, scooping up a flustered yet scared Sage into his arms and rounding the corner with her. “CLAWTHORNE, YOU RAT! GET BACK HERE!” Bruiser roared, slamming a fist on the ground hard enough to shatter the pavement. “Sorry, fellas! Maybe in another life~!” Ethan called out tauntingly, a mischievous chuckle following his statement.

“W-What do we do, Ethan?!” Sage asked shakily, hanging on for dear life while Ethan changed back out of harpy mode. “Gimme a sec..! Uhhhh…” Ethan replied, eyes frantically darting around for an out when he noticed an alleyway. He gunned it into the dark alley and set her down and pinned her against it while checking over his shoulder, watching for the two brutes to pass. Meanwhile poor Sage was blushing like crazy because her hands had delicately landed on his toned chest and her top half was pressed up against him, and in that silky fitted shirt he was wearing no less. She was mostly out of sight since his jacket cocooned around her when he rested his arms on the wall, you could really only see her legs. “B-Briar told me you liked me but I-I-I didn’t think you were this k-keen..” Sage muttered weakly, shyly laughing after saying that, her face still red as a beet. “Shh, I think I hear them..” He whispered, cupping a hand over her mouth while he watched from over his shoulder, waiting patiently for the angry brutes to run past the alley they were hiding in, the poor plant satyr just wanting to melt away right then from how nervously flustered she was. Once they had passed, he removed his hand and took a couple steps back, facing Sage with a sigh of relief. “Are you ok? They didn’t hurt you too badly, did they?” Ethan asked, very concerned for her while he dusted her off. “Y-Yeah, I uh.. I’m fine.” The plant satyr replied timidly. “J-Just shaken up, t-t-that’s all..” She stammered, looking him in the eyes. “I think we’ve had enough excitement for one night, wouldn’t you agree?” Ethan suggested, taking his jacket off and putting it around her since she was noticeably shivering. She just blushed, smiled, and slowly nodded before he walked her home, arm around her shoulder.

~Sage’s Treehouse. Night~

“I’d like to offer my sincere apologies for those guys… I don’t exactly have a lot of friends on the streets, y’know..?” He chuckled weakly but his face was riddled with guilt, drooping his ears as his eyes looked at her. “D-Don’t sweat it, Ethan! R-Really.. It’s ok..!” Sage consoled, patting him on the back while they approached her front door. Her gentle voice comforted him and he calmed right back down. She went to take off his jacket and return it but was just as quickly stopped by the bard heir. “Keep it.” Ethan insisted with a warm smile, Sage looking down at the jacket with an adorable little grin. Ethan blinked and faded his smile before he leaned down, about to kiss her cheek when he saw her smile leave and eyes looking in his direction, ultimately making him backpedal with a blush appearing while he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. Sage looked at him and lazily smiled with a light exhale leaving her nostrils. “It’ll remind me of this night forever, thank you..” She said softly, getting on her tippy toes and kissing his cheek which surprised him immensely, as expressed from the look on his face. “Now you have something to remember it as well, Mr. Clawthorne~!” She giggled lightly, a faint grin on Ethan’s face as he placed a hand on his cheek. “Goodnight!” The plant satyr beamed, going inside her house for the night, thus ending their date. “Definitely won’t be forgetting it anytime soon..” He muttered to himself, putting his hands in his pockets and walking home with a grin plastered on his face.

~Meanwhile at the Palace~

“Did you have fun tonight, Els?” Bertram quizzed, side-eyeing downward at the small child, walking across the bridge with her in his arms, she was worn out from all the walking and demanded uppies before they got there. “I think Gus had a rather delightful time he won’t soon forget.” The large witch added with a hearty chuckle. “Yeah it was fun, Hope Gus and I get to go on another date soon.” Elinor answered before summoning Mister Lion into her arms and snuggled the doll. “I’m sure you will, Els.” Bertram stated, softening his tone, seeing Elinor yawn. He looked up to see Kikimora waiting at the entrance with a couple scouts on both sides of her, making him grit his teeth and a low throaty groan left him as a response. The little hand gremlin had a sh*teating grin big enough to barely see behind her mask. “Good Evening, Heir Stonehearth. The Emperor would like to see you in the throne room. Now. One these scouts will take young Heiress Vernworth to her room in your stead.” Kikimora explained as a scout stepped forward, no weapon in hand to take Elinor. “I see..” Bertram answered with a scoff. “I’m on my way now.” He added flatly, walking inside.

~Throne Room~

The Titan’s heart beat slowly as Bertram was brought into the room, which seemed to have more scouts in it then normal. Belos sat on the throne while Kikimora skittered to the left side, Hunter was standing on the right. “Kikimora reported you wanted to see me?” Bertram recalled, looking at Belos. “Yes I did.” The Emperor answered flatly as he glared at the oldest male heir. “The little germin told me some rather… upsetting news. Something about you being in charge rather than myself.” he added, blue eyes burning into Bertram with great anger. “You sound threatened, your majesty.” Bertram mumbled with a smirk, finding it mildly amusing. Belos snapped his fingers and the scouts all stood ready for his command. “Bring the Head Witches and other heirs in here. I need to set an example.” Belos ordered, to which the extra scouts left to carry out the order.

Within minutes the Coven Heads and their offspring had entered the room, Most were either in PJ’s or still in clothes from today. The Head Witches bowed and knelt, some with a bit more hesitation than the loyal. The heirs were about to follow suit when the eerie red glow of Belos’s artificial magic encased all eight of them then brought them up to where Bertram stood. “Now that everyone is here, I must say I’m devastated in you, Mason. Raising a child whom thinks he's above me. I’d have thought it would be the Owl Lady’s boy who’d be the example I set tonight. Given he was raised among wild magic.” Belos began looking at the Head Witch in question before drifting back to Bertram and the trapped heirs. “Face your friends and Kneel, Heir Stonehearth.” Belos commanded coldly as he rose from his throne, staff at the ready. Bertram grinded his teeth, glaring but reluctantly turned around and began to kneel before his friends, each looking at him with fear and worry. Unfortunately this wasn’t fast enough for the Emperor, because midway through Bertram kneeling, the red glow pulled him downwards by his long hair and forcefully bending his knees, making him hit the ground rather aggressively. Seeing this, Mason glared and was about to march up and stop this, but Hettie’s strong grip stopped him “Ah ah ah~” She sang lowly, keeping the smaller male in place.

*Gore Warning*

“Let what is about to happen be a lesson to all of you.” Belos threatened as one of his arms morphed into a sharp spear-like shape. “For next time I will not be so merciful.” The Emperor’s voice echoed around the room, the Titan’s heart seeming to amplify his words as the spear blade was brought down and nearly took Bertram’s head off as it sliced through his flesh making a very bloody mess on both the floor and the other eight heirs standing before him as the large male witch slumped to the floor into the pool of his own blood, weakly gasping for air, while also trying not to choke on his own blood. “Survive that..” Belos spoke dryly, returning his arm to normal. “BUBBA!!!” Elinor screamed out, trying to get to him but was tightly held in place. Massive tears poured out of her like an overflowing sink. Cori stood there frozen at the scene she’d just witnessed, a storm of immense rage building up inside her, but for now she was in a state of shock. “Dismissed.” The Emperor’s voice sounded, snapping everyone out of the shock or amusem*nt they’d been in. “Now, someone remove him before he bleeds out on the carpet. Hunter, assist in his removal.” He added, freeing the blood-soaked heirs as scouts, The Golden Guard and Clementine carefully lifted up Bertram’s body then carried him out. “Not so invincible now, is he? If he dies.. Oh well! Guess we’ll see just how strong he really is.” Kikimora spoke out loud, grinning behind her collar. Elinor tried to follow after Bertram, but Adrian scooped up the balling witchlet. Slowly the throne room emptied out and the Palace fell into an unnatural silence.

*Gore Warning Over. Temporarily…*

~Healing Ward~

The room was chaotic while Clem frantically went around, getting everything she needed to quickly get Bertram’s wound shut while the other healers got him in a bed. The only one not doing much was Head Witch Hettie who only rolled her eyes about what she believed to be theatrical. “In my opinion, it was about time someone like him was humbled.” Hettie commented, her voice laced with a distinct lack of empathy. The other healers just kept busy trying to save the oldest heir, Clem stomped her hoof and whipped her head around to stare at her mother. “Mother, this is a critical situation. No one asked your option so if you're not going to be helpful then. Get. Out!” Clem signed to her mother, then returned to Bertram whose breathing was silent and coming from both his nose and gaping neck. Hettie glared at her daughter with a low growl then rolled her eyes and left. “You’re helping a lost cause. Little can be done with failed beheadings.” Hettie added bitterly, glaring over her shoulder.

Outside the ward Cori was trying to peek into the room, then was smacked by the door as Hettie left. Mason was restraining a frantic Cookie who was trying to get to her baby boy, while little Mia was in her stroller. “Mason let go of me! He needs me!” Cookie pleaded as she struggled in her husband's grip, poor little mouse demon was sleep deprived but was now in hyper mom mode, so only her babies mattered right now. “Dearest, please calm down, Mia needs you right now.”
Mason spoke sorrowfully, trying not to cry. “I can’t believe Emperor Belos did that..” Cooper muttered, still trying to process his shock to which Ethan and Boscoe nodded in agreement. “Because he’s a monster, Cooper.” Ethan growled. “Monster is putting it lightly.” Boscoe growled as he was slightly bubbling black tar from his hair. Briar and Rita were leaning on the wall as what they wanted to say wasn’t wise, given Kiki could be anywhere and they weren’t sure where Mason and Cookie stood. “E’s right, that man is a heartless monster.” Cori spat quietly so as not to wake Mia. “Easy Cori, nothing rash now.” Briar spoke, ears slightly lowered. “I need air.” Cori growled then started to storm off, only to screech at Briar and Rita who tried to stop her and let the half harpy go. “Poor thing.” Rita spoke, frowning as Cori stormed away.

~Throne Room~

*Trigger Warning: Abuse and Slight Gore*

Kikimora was scrubbing Bertram’s blood out of the carpet, normally she’d complain but not this time. The mood of the room was interrupted by a pissed off Cori. “YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!” The half harpy screeched, flaring her wings out as she marched into the room. Kikimora jumped at the noise, then just glared in annoyance. “Have you come to apologize on Stoneharth’s behalf?” The little hand gremlin asked, before being swiftly kicked in the face by Cori’s taloned foot and launching the little sh*t. Looking down from launching Kiki, Cori glared at the Emperor who’d been sitting there like nothing was wrong. “Such an unnecessary outburst, Miss Vapors. Kindly leave my mother out of that potty mouth of yours if you don’t mind.” Belos tutted looking unamused. “Oh shut it you son of a whor*.” The half harpy hissed, puffing out her feathers. “What you did to Bertram was heartless and tyrannical. He wasn’t ever the one that said he was in charge or above you, I did, I said it.” she added as the tears of rage/sadness ran down her face. “But he agreed, did he not? According to Kikimora he did. And that is counted as treason, dear Cori. Can’t have that brewing in my own palace, you know the place I’ve graciously opened to all of you heirs to call your own.” The Emperor explained, slightly glaring at the harpy now. “I’ve housed the lot of you, fed you, gave you the best teachings on the Isle’s, and made sure you all were clothed.” He listed as if he were a saint, all the while staring Cori down as if she were an annoying little bug. “You only keep us here because it gives you power over us, Only reason we got to go to Hexside was to spy on the human! Everything we do is for you! And this is how you treat us! Pawns! Slaves! Puppets!” Cori snapped and before Belos could speak Cori continued “You’re no emperor, you are nothing but a fraud who hides behind a mask, showing no remorse for whoever gets in your way of power! Let’s see how you like having your throat sliced open!” She screeched. Leaping into the air then got ready to attack.

Belos stood from his throne, without another word he grabbed Cori with the artificial magic, bringing her toward him. “You will speak to me with respect, you feathered abomination, I spared you the first time but I will make another example out of you.. Just. Like. Him.” Belos hissed lowly, then threw poor Cori into the floor, right where Bertram had fallen. The harpy tried to get up, the smell of iron in her nose, a foot on her back forced her back down into stained carpet. “Such a disappointment you turned out to be, Miss Vapors.” Belos spoke coldly, then began to cut off her beautiful wings slowly with his crooked knife. Cori screamed in agony as she was permanently clipped beyond repair. Belos had carved off her wings till only two barely feathered nubs remained on her backside. “Due to your treason, you will be spending the night in the Conformatorium. To think about what you’ve done. You’re lucky the Titan has big plans for you all.” He commented then snapped his fingers summoning the guards who picked up Cori and took her away in cuffs.

*Warning Over*

Children of the Coven - Chapter 9 - Irishrose92 (2024)

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