Two figures heaved with heavy breaths as they exercised around the front yard using the equipment that they could make use of. They moved energetically among the makeshift exercise equipment scattered about—a jumble of household items repurposed into training tools.

"HOOT HOOT! I'm being helpful!" A wooden owl tube shouted enthusiastically as it wiggled, its body, imitating the movements of a jump rope. Its wooden frame creaked with each exaggerated twist and turn.

"-and one hundred!" Luz exclaimed and halted jumping on the strange owl worm with a sigh of relief. "Phew! That was a very good improvement."

"We broke our record by ten jumps!" King exclaimed happily, bouncing in excitement.

"The grand race is half and a week away," Luz said as she wiped her sweat. 

A few weeks ago, upon learning of Hexsides grand race against St. Epiderm and Glandus High, Luz and King made a clever plan of winning the said race tp send a message to his dad worldwide. And thus, the reason for their eagerness to shape up their bodies.

"I-I still haven't told Eda," King admitted, his voice tinged with worry as he stared down at his clawed feet.

Luz knelt down to King's level, her smile warm and reassuring. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll have the time," she said, patting King's shoulder gently. "You can always tell her when she's free."

Just then, the door of the owl house creaked open, revealing the rare sight of Eda's puffy hair neatly tied up in a ponytail. She wore her dress neatly for a change along with a dark purple cloak was draped over her shoulders. She held a few scrolls in her hand as she stepped outside of the house with a smile was brighter than usual.

"Speaking of the devil," Luz mused. "Where are you going Eda?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by Eda's unusual attire and behavior.

"Oh, you know, just somewhere around town," Eda replied with a nonchalant wave of her hand, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Can I come? Hoot!" Hooty exclaimed, wiggling weirdly as if trying to break free from his wooden confines.

"I'm sorry, Hooty, you can sit this one out," Eda said with a light laugh.

"I have something to tell you Eda!" King exclaimed and grabbed his pocket but was abruptly stopped by Eda's hand.

"Let's leave the surprise when you and Luz win that race," Eda smiled softly yet her hands trembled unnoticeably. "Anyway, I gotta go. See you kids later!" She turned away and waved her hand. 

"Bye!" Luz called after her, watching Eda's retreating figure. "Gee, Eda has been going out a lot more frequently these days."

"Hoot! I smell... secret lover!" Hooty shouted gleefully, wiggling crazily with excitement. "She's been up all night writing! It's probably a secret love letter!"

"Oh my god, are we gonna have a dad?" Luz squealed, clutching her cheeks with both hands as she realized that Hooty's statement might actually be true.

"Ugh, all this love talk is making me sick," King gagged, his face scrunching up in disgust.

Luz laughed. "Let's try running one more lap."

A cloaked figure discretely made her way through the alleys in Bonesborough, silently turning here and there, expertly navigating deeply through the connected alleys. After a series of sharp turns and narrow passages, Eda finally arrived at her destination.

She stood in front of an inconspicuous bar, hidden deeply within the deepest alleys of Bonesborough. The structure was tucked away within the deepest, most deserted part of the town. Its façade was so inconspicuous that it seemed improbable anyone would have ever built it there.

"Weird," Eda muttered and frowned. "It feels awfully quiet around here."

She raised her vigilance and slowly made her way through the entrance with caution. Slowly, she pushed the creaky door open and peered inside. It was empty.

Eda had been here once or twice ever since joining the resistance, specifically, the BAT's. Normally, the place would be filled with the lively banter of three particular kids.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

From the far end of the room, a cloaked figure sat with a sinister smile, their feet casually propped up on the meeting table. The figure's eyes glinted with malicious amusement. "So, it is true that the Owl Lady has indeed joined the resistance," you mused, tone dripping with mockery.

"You," Eda scowled and pointed her hand accusingly at you upon realizing who you were. "You're that brat! What are you doing here?"

You laughed heartily like a villain, genuinely amused of her actions. "I merely harbor naught but an aversion to the very notion of clandestine societies," you grinned conceitedly as you snapped your fingers with flourish.

Thump. "Eda!" Amber cried out in plea as she was kicked down by a tall, cloaked witch. "Help!" she screamed as she tried to wiggle free from the magical restraints that she was bound to.

Woah. Amber is really good at this. You almost pitied her for a second.

"Let her go!" Eda shouted as her eyes darted worriedly down to Amber who was crying on the floor. 

"Or else what?" You giggled and fixed your position, sitting upright and leaning forward. You put your elbow on the table and rested your chin on your hand, gazing at the owl lady with an amused face. "You're going to fight me? Nah, you can't do that being powerless now can you?"

"What do you want?" Eda glowered with a cold voice. Not once in a lifetime would she expect the insufferable kid that she had encountered once or twice to be such an evil witch. 

"Raine Whispers," you said casually. You didn't miss the change of her expression as her eyes glinted coldly, her gaze penetrating your being. "I heard you know a lot about them."

With another snap of your fingers, the cloaked witch brought in two unconscious figures—Derwin and Katya. "I'm a big fan of theirs," you continued, "and I want some information about their past."

Eda scoffed. "I won't give you what yo want."

"I figured as much," you grinned deviously and waved your hand, gesturing for the cloaked witch to act.

With a resigned sigh, the cloaked witch drew a blade from his pockets and advanced on the three kids. "Get away!" Amber cried, shielding her unconscious friends.

"Wait!" Eda cried out. "Leave them alone!"

Your smile widened.

The figure's smile widened. Eda's gaze flickered anxiously between Amber and the other kids. "You said you needed information, right?" she said, her voice heavy with resignation. She dropped her scrolls to the floor. "Let them go and I'll tell you what you want."

"Hilarious!" You stood, your shoulders shaking with laughter. "The Owl Lady, sacrificing herself! AHAHAHA—"

Eda scowled, her hand slowly making its way to the explosives on her back. But before she could do anything...

Bang. The door burst open, revealing a furious mint green-haired witch. "(NAME)!"

"Oops," you halted your actions and grinned guiltily upon being caught. 

"You are in big trouble young bard!" Raine exclaimed angrily as they headed towards you with heavy steps. 

Raine had woken up that morning to find the tavern infested with pixies. After painfully dealing with the pests, they found a note in written in a familiar messy handwriting: 'Having a nice peaceful talk with the Owl Lady:)'. They instantly rushed here to stop whatever chaos you were causing with Eda.

"I told you we needed more pixies!" you exclaimed as you ran away, circling the large meeting table with Raine chasing behind you. 

"Get back here!" Raine exclaimed as you continued to run away.

"That was already too much!" Katya, who had been unconscious, retorted as she sat up.

"You are so going to be punished for this!" Raine shouted and tried to grab you, only to be met with the empty air as you swerved away.

"Why are you here so soon anyway? We didn't even get to the torture part!" you whined and ducked Raine's attempt to grab you.

"There was torture?!" Amber cried out. "That wasn't part of the act!"

"The what now?" Eda asked as she stood in stupor, trying to comprehend what was happening and why you were getting chased down by Raine.

"(Name) and the kids wanted to interrogate you about your past with the head bard, so they put on this ridiculous act," Gilbert explained, his voice weary. "Nice to meet you, by the way. I'm Gilbert."

"Wait a minute, so this was all an act?!" Eda blurted out. Then she turned towards you with a furious face, feeling embarrassed of playing along with your act.

Feeling tired of watching you running away from Raine, Derwin outstretched his foot just as you made your way to his direction. With a loud thus, you fell face first on the wooden floor.

"Ow," you clutched your nose.

"(Name)..." Raine crossed their arms angrily and glanced down at you sorry figure. "I can't belive the four of you would play along with this absurd plan!" Raine scanned the other figures angrily.

They avoided eye contact and muttered excuses. 

"They threatened me with pranks..."

"They pressured me into joining..."

"They said they'd set me on fire..."

"They bribed me with alcohol." Everyone turned their attention to Gilbert. "What?" he asked, feeling the gazes on him.

"We're sorry," the three kids looked down.

Raine shook their head and then turned their attention back to you with an angry face. "(Name)..."

Poof. You disappeared from the ground, leaving the circle written through the layer of dust on the floor.

Raine sighed frustrated. "You can't run away from being grounded (Name)!" They cried out.

"Watch me!" you shouted back from a little farther away.

"You still haven't apologized!" Raine shouted.

"I'm sorry!" Your voice was very distant, deep in the bar.

Raine turned back to Eda with a sigh. "I'm really sorry, I didn't expect this," they said apologetically, kneeling to pick up Eda's scrolls.

Eda blushed lightly and knelt to help. "Kids these days," she muttered.

"Yeah," Raine laughed. As they stood, they unrolled a scroll to reveal a map. "Is this...?"

"Yup, every nook and cranny of Bonesborough," Eda said proudly, spreading out the detailed maps on the table.

"Wow," Amber breathed, peering at the maps.

"That's really cool," Derwin added, examining them closely.

"This is amazing," Katya added.

"This is amazing," Raine smiled, looking at Eda with admiration. "Thank you."

Eda scratched the back of her head, embarrassed. "It's nothing much, really."

"Why do you need this? Haven't I made a map before?" You suddenly appeared beside the two old witches with a poof, scrutinizing the map on the table with a scratch of your chin.

"Yeah, the map that led us into a garbage pit," Katya rolled her eyes remembering the time they had escaped into one of your escape vents written in your hand made map. The garbage pit was not the best place to land. They had to take baths a few times just to remove the stinky smell of the contaminated and toxic garbage pit.

Eda snorted, ridiculing you. You scoffed and crossed your arms with squinted eyes gazing directly at her. 

"So, you're a member of the BAT's?" Eda arched an eyebrow.

"Oh please, I'm the one who named it," you heaved your chest proudly, as if trying to show off.

"No wonder," Eda rolled her eyes.

"What do you mean by that, owl lady?" you asked threateningly.

"The two of you know each other?" Raine asked curiously. They all watched you exchange remarks with the owl lady.

"Yes, we've met once or twice," Eda waved her hand with a smile, then gazed at you, her eyes glinting coldly. "All of which ended horribly."

"Hah!" You scoffed and turned away. 

Ignoring your bicker, Katya turned towards Raine, "So, are we going out on a mission?"

"Yes," Raine nodded. "We've had a tip about the emperor's forces taking out wild witches." 

"That's weird, you usually wouldn't go out to missions with us," you arched a brow and gazed at Raine. 

Raine looked away and scratched the back of their head. "T-the emperor's forces has been more active in capturing wild witches. We need all help we can get."

"Uh huh," you narrowed your eyes, remaining unconvinced. 

Then they cleared their throat. "The raid's are taking place here, here, and here. All at the same time," Raine said, pointing at three different places on the map.

"I'm calling dibs on this one!" you excitedly put your finger at the plaza, where it was more populated than the rest. You grinned mischievously upon thinking of all the flashy things you could do with your glitters and theatrical façade.

"No," all of them said in unison except Eda. Your face immediately twists to disbelief. Why does everyone always says no to you.

"You'll be following me and the owl lady so I could keep an eye on you," Raine narrowed their eyes at you. 

"Gilbert and Amber will be the one's dealing at this point," Raine pointed at the place nearest to the walls. 

"Katya and Derwin will be dealing this point," Raine pointed at the alleys filled with dense houses.

"And the two of us will deal with the plaza, it will most likely be the one where the coven guards would assemble for back up. Edalyn will then be the one to lead the captured witches outside the city while we distract the attention of the emperor's forces," Raine said as they thoughtfully nodded of their own plan. 

It was only a brief overview of what to do.

"So the plan is this..."

You quietly waited at the top of a building, carefully scrutinizing the crowded plaza for any signs of movement from the emperor's forces. 

The plaza was a sprawling expanse, bustling with life despite the ever-present tension. Stalls selling everything from enchanted trinkets to exotic foods lined the edges, while performers entertained clusters of onlookers. 

A grand fountain stood at the center, its crystal-clear water sparkling under the midday sun, providing a brief respite from the heavy atmosphere.

Adjusting your hood and clutching the concealment stone in your hand, you felt a familiar sense of anticipation. From the corner, you could faintly make out the figure of a cloaked witch. 

It had been quite a long time since you went on a mission with Raine.

Ever since they started to climb the ranks to become a coven official, they've been so busy handling political affairs that they have stopped going out on missions. In the end, it was you and the trio who usually went out for missions.

Tweet. Your hummingbird palisman warned as your eye caught a glimpse of a prison wagon making its way through the crowd. 

The prison wagon was heavily fortified, with bars enchanted to suppress magic, and guarded by a squad of coven guards in gleaming uniforms. The bypassing crowd whispered to one another upon seeing the sight of wild witches being captured once more.

Raine quickly moved to their position, blending seamlessly into the shadows cast by the tall, ornate buildings surrounding the plaza.

Tweet! Your palisman signaled again.

You nodded and cracked your neck as you stood up. With a malicious grin, you whispered, "Let the show begin."

The unknowing coven guards continued to tread through the streets, remaining laid back. After all, no one had ever dared to attack the emperor's forces. That was what they thought until...

They heard a very alluring tune from a flute being played. It was catchy, beautiful even. The notes danced through the air, creating a spell that ensnared the guards. They didn't even have time to react as they were sent falling down on the ground, sleeping.

"Ugh, this is too easy," you grumbled. Mind manipulation magic was one of your strongest points, though, you rarely used it. You loved the thrill of the fight and not just sending your enemies down with a tune.

Raine nodded in approval for your actions and moved towards the prison wagon, destroying the incanted lock with just a pluck of their violin. The sound resonated with such precision that the metal shattered like glass, freeing the wild witches inside.

"The wild witches are being freed!" An eyewitness cried out as the crowd immediately turned their attention towards the commotion. 

You jumped from the rooftop, landing gracefully atop the prison wagon with a smile. "Fear not citizens!" You cried out, drawing the attention from the wild witches escaping towards you. "We are merely liberating the innocent. Being a wild witch does not mark them as wicked souls."

"It is the will of the Titan!" An onlooker shouted, his face twisted with fear and anger. You really wanted to smack that witch and ask if the Titan really did say that.

"The will of the Titan is to protect its people and unite them!" you spat. "Discriminating against your fellow witches denies all that you claim of!"

"BLASPHEMY!" A coven official shouted, flanked by more guards in elaborate armor. "Get them!"

The coven guards drew circles in the air glowing ominously as they prepared to unleash their spells. Raine furrowed their brows, readying to cast their own spell. But before they could do anything, you played your flute, creating a large gust of wind and sending the guards sprawling with a grunt.

Raine dodged an incoming attack and glided their bow on their violin, creating a powerful soundwave. The sonic blast hit the guards with immense force, making them clutch their chests in agony as they fell to their knees.

With a mischievous smile, you played your flute, nimbly evading magical bolts in the air. As you finished the tune, the ground rumbled and many vines arose, capturing the coven guards and binding them useless.

Raine grinned proudly, seeing your wide range of spells. "You've grown stronger."

"I'm just that good," you giggled.

"Get the escapees out of here," Raine said, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any more threats. "I'll handle the rest."

"Roger that," you winked and turned towards the witches who were still bound with restraints. "Follow me."

"What took you so long?" Eda said as you arrived towards your meeting point. "And here I thought I was the elderly one."

"Can you cut the insults later when we finish the job," you scoffed. Most of the escapees were wounded and was struggling to leave. You surmised that they may have fought a tough battle before eventually getting caught.

"W-who are you witches?" A wild witch asked.

You grinned proudly, twirling as you started to introduce the organization's name, "We're the Bards Against the Throne! AKA..."

"There they are!" A coven guard shouted. 

"Ugh, now what?" Eda complained as she readied her stance. 

Both of you were surrounded. There were about more than ten coven guards around you. They are really quick to call for back up.

"We fight of course!" you said with a mischievous smile and held your flute. "I'll hold them up, get them out of here."

"And who made you the boss?" Eda crossed her arms.

"I've always been the boss." you rolled your eyes then turned to the coven guards surrounding you. "It's showtime baby."

With swift movements, you took the glitter bombs on your waist and threw them up in the sky. You played a note, sending a strong gust of wind and exploding them. 

The area was instantly covered in pink smoke, hiding your figures. The coven guards coughed and tried to blink their eyes rapidly, only to see that your figures were gone.

"Hi," you mused as you sat atop of the wall, cross legged. You jumped off, skating on your palisman as you played your flute.

"Positions!" The coven official shouted, the coven guards instantly moved to a line, making circles wo cast their spells.

Too bad you've never learned from Raine how to disrupt spells being cast. You didn't need it anyway.

The sound of your flute permeated the place as the air gathered and started to create a large whirlwind. You dodged the spells being cast on you at an incredible speed. 

Woah, you couldn't believe how you were doing that. Your eyes were quick to see any attacks, and your body would instinctually move out of the way. Almost as if you were used to such attacks.

You grinned. Perhaps messing with Darius and Hunter had its benefits.

The whirlwind grew stronger with every note you played, sucking everything and throwing them up into the air. All the lightweight materials around you started to gather in the whirlwind, creating a dangerous and messy tornado.

"AHHHH!" Some of the coven guards shouted as they were pulled up in the air. You laughed and threw your glitter potion at the tornado mess, causing it to turn hilariously pink.

Then, your eye caught a glimpse of coven guards going under the manhole. You cursed under your breath as you jumped off your staff, your hummingbird transforming back and ran towards the manhole.

"This way!" Eda shouted, her voice echoing off the damp, moss-covered walls of the underground sewers. She led the wild witches through the tunnels, her footsteps sure and swift despite the darkness and the slick, uneven ground.

"We found them!" a coven guard's shout rang out.

"Curse it," Eda muttered under her breath. She shot a quick glance over her shoulder at the advancing coven guards, who were already forming ranks, spells at the ready. Turning back to the wild witches, she ordered, "Keep going that way, and you'll find the exit."

"No, we are fighting with you," a wild witch declared, her eyes blazing with determination. She stepped forward with her fists clenched.

"Some of you are injured and need help immediately," Eda countered, her gaze flicking to the wounded witches, their breaths coming in labored gasps. "I'll deal with this." She turned to face the coven guards with a resolute expression.

The wild witch hesitated, glancing between the coven guards and the other wild witches. She knew Eda was right; they were in no condition to fight. 

"Stay safe, owl lady. We owe you for this." With a respectful nod, she began helping the injured witches towards the exit.

"Stop them!" the coven official commanded, his voice cutting through the din as he pointed an accusing finger at the retreating witches.

"Not before going through me," Eda declared, setting her feet firmly and squaring her shoulders.

"What are you going to do, powerless witch?" a guard sneered, tracing a spell circle in the air.

Eda grunted, the taunt stinging more than she cared to admit. It seemed like only yesterday that these same guards would cower at her approach. Now, they dared to insult her to her face.

"Come at me," she challenged, her voice steady.

The guards hurled fireballs at her, which she deftly dodged with a roll to the side. In one fluid motion, she grabbed a yellow potion from her waist. She smiled confidently.

"Eat this, sucker!" Eda shouted, her voice ringing with defiance as she threw the potion. It exploded on impact, the blast shaking the tunnel walls and sending the guards sprawling on the damp ground.

Eda smirked, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. She might have lost her magic, but her skills with potions were as sharp as ever.

"Agh!" the coven official cried out, his body hurled backward by the explosion. 

With a grimace, he drew another spell circle, summoning a massive fireball. There was no room to dodge.

Eda gasped, crossing her arms to shield herself. Just as she braced for the impact, a high-pitched whistle sliced through the air, dispersing the fireball in a burst of energy.

You gasped for breath, your heart pounding from the close call. "Let me just," you panted, "catch my breath."

Eda stood in stunned silence, then muttered, "Thanks..."

"I'd like to save that for later and record it in my hex scroll, please," you teased, a grin spreading across your face.

"You witches will suffer for this! No one can defy the will of the Titan!" the coven official roared, his voice trembling with rage.

You approached him slowly, deliberately. "You know, I'm really getting tired of all this Titan will bullshit." Grabbing his collar, you smiled sweetly, but your eyes were cold.

Before you could strike, Eda's put a hand on your shoulder to stop you. 

"Let me do it," she said, her grin a mix of amusement and determination. She seized the coven official by the collar. Then, she delivered a powerful punch that echoed through the tunnel. The official crumpled, unconscious.

You silently winced upon seeing the coven official's head turn into a weird angle. Despite being old, the owl lady could really pack a punch.

"Did he break his neck?" you asked, a note of concern in your voice. You knew Raine wouldn't be happy if you'd killed a coven official.

"Doesn't matter," Eda replied, brushing off her hands. "Now, let's leave before—"

"Freeze!" More coven guards poured into the tunnel, their numbers overwhelming.

"I thought you were gonna deal with them," Eda said, looking down at you with a raised eyebrow. You shrugged nonchalantly. It wasn't your fault they were quick with reinforcements.

"Well," you said, cracking your knuckles with a devilish grin, "this may be a good source of stress relief." Electricity crackled around your wrist as you prepared for the fight.

Eda assumed her karate stance, her smile matching yours. "I guess a little workout would be good once in a while."

"Be careful not to break your bones,"

"Shut up,"

"They will be fine, Raine," Amber said soothingly, patting the frantic Raine on the back. Her touch was gentle, trying to calm the waves of anxiety visibly coursing through Raine.

"Yeah, (Name) can literally muscle a full-grown griffin. I doubt they would get caught," Gilbert added confidently, trying to inject some optimism into the tense atmosphere.

They were all gathered back at the bar, but you and Eda were conspicuously absent. Raine's worry had transformed into panic, fear gnawing at their insides with every passing second.

"No, if something happens to them, I will never forgive myself. Maybe I should—" Raine began, their voice cracking with desperation as they stood up, intent on rushing out.

But before they could take a step, the three kids pushed Raine back into their seat.

"Have more faith in them, Raine," Derwin said, giving Raine's back a reassuring pat.

BLAG.

"We are ba—!" The door was kicked down. Literally. The screws were broken as the door pitifully landed loudly on the wooden floor, splintering on impact.

You and the owl lady looked down at the wooden door that you have simultaneously kicked. 

"It was them,"

"It was her,"

You both said in unison as you pointed towards one another. After doing so, you looked eye to eye and squinted your eyes.

"(Name)! Eda!" Raine exclaimed, rushing towards you, relief flooding their face. They reached out, touching your arms to reassure themselves that you were both really there. "I am so glad the two of you are safe. Wai—are you both okay?" they asked, their voice tinged with worry as they took in your disheveled appearances.

Your hair and Eda's were singed and reeking of smoke, the acrid scent filling the room. Both your cloaks were charred, riddled with burn holes. 

"Yeah, remind me never to let the owl lady use her explosive potions on my glitter bombs next time," you said and gazed accusingly at the owl lady.

"It's not my fault that your glitters were made of dusted fire bee cores!" she exclaimed. 

Turns out, your glitter bombs are very very flammable. After you had thrown your glitter bomb, one of the variants which had these flashy smokes, Eda threw her explosive. And guess how that turned out? The entire tunnel instantly was covered in flames, not sparing anyone in its path.

"I'm just glad I made it out of there," you sighed, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over you. You dragged yourself to the sofa near the meeting table and slumped down with a frustrated groan.

"I'm just glad the both of you returned," Raine said, placing a hand over their heart as if to calm the racing beats.

"Raine had been worried sick about you two," Amber giggled, the tension in the room easing slightly.

Eda blushed lightly, a faint pink coloring her cheeks. Raine, noticing, turned a similar shade of red, and they both awkwardly looked away from each other, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions.

"I have the feeling that something here is becoming pretty obvious," Gilbert observed with narrowed eyes, munching on a bag of chips, clearly amused by the interaction.

"I wanna sleep," you groaned, burying your face into the couch cushions, craving the oblivion of rest after the harrowing ordeal.

The room filled with a mixture of laughter and relief. Despite the chaos and close calls, you were all together, and for now, that was enough.

In sewers deep, or skies above, 

What drives us on is faith and love. 

Through trials fierce and battles fought, 

Together, stronger than we thought.

Author: Okay, I really can't comprehend how I can spend a whole day working on something just to call it trash in the end. Honestly, this chapter didn't turn out the way I wanted so, I'll cut it short and put my idea to another bonus chapter instead.

Fun fact: I detest using Y/N because of the ridiculous amount of self deprecating and pick me depressed trope of readers in a fanfic (I'm talking about those horribly written depressed Y/N's with trauma from abuse and stuff). It feels like an insult to my work if I use the term Y/N.

Also, I will not fully be following the original plot of toh. I have a really big surprise for the climax of the story:)