Whatever it takes

Chapter 1 - Too much like me

*Author's note: Before I begin the story I would like to mention that I am an aspiring writer who seeks to make a career out of this interest. I am trying "The Owl House" fanfic for some practice and as such I would appreciate constructive and positive criticism. Thanks for understanding! :) Now, let's start the story!*

"Let. Her. Go!" Luz demanded, tossing a fire glyph at Emperor Belos, who dodged it with ease just before it exploded harmlessly against the wall. Eda could only watch on, battered and bruised, helpless in a cage without her powers as the Emperor telekinetically lifted Eda's kid off the ground. The Emperor's towering presence stood victoriously over the grave of dead bodies strewn across the floor. All of Eda's friends bore bloody scars that slithered down the lengths of their bodies.

"Foolish human," Belos cackled maniacally, "did you truly think that you could defeat me?" Luz tried to wriggle free from her invisible bonds, but to no avail. "All wild witches must be dealt with, it is the will of the Titan." He gestured with his sharp metalic glove towards the terrifying contraption that focused its large laser at Eda. "The Owl Lady's fate is sealed. As is yours."

A blood-red beam projected from the Emperor's staff, immediately consuming Luz's feet via a ravenous red energy. "Goodbye, human." The energy crept its way up Luz's body, digesting her bit-by-bit-by-bit until her agonizing screams suddenly ceased. Her ashes fell to the floor in a glowing, smoldering pile.

"No! Not again!" Eda wailed from her cage, tears falling down her face, gripping the bars of her cage.

Emperor Belos stepped menacingly toward the cage in which Eda was held, casting a large, ominous shadow over the once powerful witch. "Now, let us begin," he cackled with villainous glee before Eda's entire field of vision was enveloped by a brilliant green flash of light.

Eda shot up from her nest with an ear-splitting shriek. She put her hand to her heart, which clapped with the force of a thunderstorm. Wide-eyed and breathing heavily, Eda took a few quick glances around her environment to find herself in the safety of her soft, warm nest. She was alright. Her family were alright. She breathed a sigh of grateful relief.

Wait, where was her sister? Where was Lily? When Eda went to bed last night, Lilith was sleeping on a matress to the side of Eda's nest, but was nowhere to be found this morning.

"Is something the matter, sister?" A familiar voice sounded from the door opening. Eda spun around to see Lilith standing in a borrowed grey night shirt and yellow slippers. Her blue hair was a mottled mess from sleeping on the matress, which indicated that at least she had had a good night's sleep.

Looking outside her window, Eda asked "Why are you up so early?"

Lilith tucked her hair behind her ear. Her blanket had been neatly folded and the many empty bottles of elixir were placed into a relatively neat pile in one corner of the room. "I just thought I'd get a headstart on the day, clean up, get breakfast ready for when you, Luz and King awoke and make sure that the fog from last night didn't bring with it something dangerous. It's the least I could do for the hospitality you have shown me despite...everything." she paused for a moment, then presented a topic she had been concerned about for some time: "Edalyn, you haven't been sleeping well lately. You've been acting...differently since our confrontation with the Emperor's coven, and I think it may be affecting Luz."

Eda perked her head up, "What are you talking about?" She questioned, sounding more concerned than intended.

"Well, I haven't noticed anything too distressing, but she has certainly become less lively than I've become used to. I feel it may have something to do with how you've been acting lately."

A million thoughts ran a marathon through Eda's mind: "affecting Luz"? What did that mean? Was she okay? What..?

"Edalyn," Lilith said, staring directly into Eda's eyes, "if we're going to live together and be in each other's lives again, we must be honest with each other. Lies have only served to drive us apart...and that's the last thing I want. So, if anything troubles you, you know you can talk to me." She smiled at her little sister.