Chapter Text
Luz stretched as she got out of bed, her hair was a mess, as per usual, but wearing her iconic beanie helped with that issue. She dressed in a mauve tank top and pair of purple shorts with a star pattern around the left thigh. The Latina could already smell her mother’s cooking, and it made her stomach grumble. As she got up, Luz looked around her room for a moment. There were some clothes on the floor, typical teenage laziness and all that. Underwear and other assorted articles of clothing were piled into a corner of the room, ready for the hamper. There were posters of different anime she watched, My Demon Slayer Academia, Soul Devourer – Luz thought that it was ironic that she liked that one, considering – and a few more that showcased her favorite fictional book character, the Good Witch Azura.
There was a desk set up across from the foot of her bunk bed, right under the window where the sunlight poured through. Luz looked at the clock and decided she had time for a quick entry. Luz sat down in chair and opened her laptop. Once she had, she clicked on the camera and started recording in her diary.
“Another day of being alive,” said Luz. “There are days when I wake up and find myself still in disbelief that this is who and what I am now. So, then, what’s new with me? Nothing much from my last entry. Amity’s still trying to kill me. The other day while I was out patrolling, she attacked me behind with her Zanpakutō in its released form.”
Luz chuckled as she recalled their encounter.
“I think she’s getting better. I mean, I’m no fighting expert, but compared to what Eda has taught me, Amity’s learning to think a little more unconventionally. If only on a marginal level. Willow asked me if liked her…”
The Latina swung back and forth on her swiveling chair in silence for a moment.
“I honestly don’t know how to answer that. I mean, she’s hot, and pretty damn cute when she’s all flustered. But…really, though, that’s not going to happen. Even if I wasn’t what I am, I don’t think a high-class girl like Amity Blight would look at me that way…So I’ll just continue to fluster, and friendship grope her. But seriously, she’s kind of rigid.”
A dour expression appeared on Luz’s visage as he recalled a conversation she had.
“Anyway, that’s all for now. I’ll talk to you again if something interesting happens,” said Luz as she closed the laptop.
After recording her entry, Luz headed downstairs and straight into the kitchen. She saw her mother, Camila Noceda, dressed in her scrubs for the animal hospital, while at the stove with a pan and spatula in hand. Luz swiftly moved to her mother and gave her a passing kiss on the cheek.
“Morning Mamá,” Luz greeted.
“Morning, mija,” Camila replied. “I made chorizo con huevos, there are some tortillas already made.”
“Cool, I’ll set the table.”
Luz got out the plates and silverware and took them to the table. Once everything was set up, Camila brought the pan over and shoveled the dish onto Luz’s plate and then her own. Afterwards, mother and daughter sat down and ate. As they did, Camila looked at her daughter with fondness, prompting Luz to look back and chuckle.
“What is it?” Luz asked.
“Sorry, mija. I don’t know why, but sometimes I find myself just looking at you and being happy you’re alive,” said Camila.
Luz flinched a bit when she heard her mother say that. She gave an uneasy smile as she replied, “I am too, Mom. So, anything special going on today? I could swing by and give you a hand.”
“No, no, you have your own job to worry about.”
“Pfft, Mom, you don’t have to worry about that. Marilyn’s cool, she’ll let me have a day off to help you out,” Luz remarked.
Camila took a bite of her chorizo con huevos and washed it down with some water before responding. “Although I find Ms. Marilyn…odd, it’s not right to take advantage of her understanding like that. I’d rather you do something like that in case of emergencies. Although I pray to God that never becomes necessary.”
“Alright, alright, you win, I’ll go to work,” Luz groaned.
Camilla rolled her eyes playfully. “Speaking of work, I’ve been wondering.”
Oh no, here it comes…
“Have you given any thought as to what college you want to go to?” Camilla asked.
“Mom, we’ve been over this, my grades aren’t exactly…stellar.”
Well, Camilla couldn’t argue with that. “That doesn’t mean you can’t still go to a community college in the meantime. Get your Associates Degree at least?”
“C’mon, Mom, Summer practically just began, let me enjoy it with my friends before I have to fully think about it? And to be honest, worst-case scenario, I can keep working for Marilyn, or become an assistant at the animal hospital. I mean, I’ve learned a lot from just watching you,” said Luz.
Again, something that Camila couldn’t deny. Luz had picked up on a lot of things during the times she would take her to the office. She could easily stitch together a wound on a small animal, a skill that came in handy for her arts and crafts project at school. How she managed to get all those spiders into that taxidermy “griffon” she will never know. Luz could also handle even the meanest of their patients, able to calm them down with little effort. Hmm, maybe I could set up an apprenticeship at the clinic?
“Sorry, Luz, I’m just a bit worried about you is all,” said Camila.
Luz raised an eyebrow at that. “Why? I’m doing great. I have my friends, a cool job, you, what more can I ask for?”
“A girlfriend or boyfriend?”
“PFFFFFFFTTT!” Luz spat out her water and coughed for a few seconds before she was able to speak. “That was out of left field.”
“C’mon, mija, you haven’t had even one of either,” said Camila.
“Uh, in case you haven’t noticed, Mom, I’m not exactly Miss Popular at school,” said Luz. “Or need I remind you how most of the student body finds me…strange, to put to lightly.”
Camilla rubbed the back of her head as she said, “Well…your mother wasn’t exactly Miss Popular either…but even I managed to find someone. Your father.”
Luz smiled sadly upon hearing his name. Her father was a strong man, but a complete dork. She later found out about her mother’s nerdiness, and how it brought them together.
“Plus, I’ve heard about your incidents with some of the boys in your school, and the girls, outside of school,” said Camila.
Luz gulped. “Oh, uh, what have you heard?”
“You and ‘Ruth’ have had a few encounters with some of them.”
“Oh, uh, you know what! I totally forgot to tell you! I DO have a girlfriend!”
“PFFFFFFFFTTT!” Now it was Camila’s turn. “W-W-What?! Since when?!”
“Uh, the start of Summer! Yeah, she’s actually a new girl in town. Marilyn’s niece! She’s super classy, cute, and did I mention cute?!”
“Twice.”
Luz leaned back in her chair as she continued, “Oh, well, that’s just because I can’t get over how cute she is, and hot. She can be a bit testy, but that’s probably ‘cause, well, it’s me.”
Camila tried not to let it show that she didn’t believe a word of what her daughter was saying, decided to call her bluff. “Mija, you should’ve told me! I’m so happy for you!”
Luz chuckled nervously as she replied, “Sorry, I just wanted to make sure this was something before telling you.”
“I’m glad you finally found someone; I really am happy for you.”
Luz watched as her mother went back to her breakfast, allowing her to do the same. Phew, dodged a bullet there. How is it that despite all the Hollows I’ve fought, the only one who manages to make me sweat in fear is my Mom?
The flow of customers at the Owl House was steady, which was good as it appeared Amity was not in much of a talkative mood. The cool thing was, Amity and Willow were talking more ever since that incident at the abandoned hospital, and she did notice an improvement in Amity’s mood. For some reason, that made Luz happy. As Luz was getting some more merchandise to put out, Eda came into the room and leaned against the doorframe.
“So, any luck yet convincing Bossy Boots over there that you’re not out to kill everyone?” Eda asked.
“Nope. She’s convinced I’m just trying to get her guard down so I can, eeek her.” Luz made a slashing gesture with her left hand around her neck. “It’s fine.”
“Is it though? I mean, she’s convinced you’re plotting something. And if she goes back to Soul Society and tells them that an Arrancar is around here, they’ll send other Soul Reapers, and ones far stronger than her,” she warned. “If it comes down to it, you know there’s always…”
“I know. But it won’t come to that. I don’t know if I can totally convince her, but I’m going to try until the last possible second. Gravesfield is safe because of me and my friends and will still be safe with me here. I haven’t hurt a single human being, nor have I eaten the souls of any humans. If anything, I’m chowing down on other Hollows! Heck, even King enjoys the scraps I bring back, and he hasn’t hurt anyone,” said Luz.
“That’s true!” King remarked from his napping spot.
“Point, but maybe change your approach. I don’t know,” said Eda.
The three of them heard the bell for the door ring.
“Welcome to the Owl House, how may I help you?” Amity’s voice rang out.
“Oh, I’m not looking to buy. I was actually here to see my daughter.”
Wait, that voice…OH SHIT!!!
Luz dropped the box she was holding and bolted to the doorway. It was there that she saw her mother, standing at the check out counter with Amity looking confused.
“I haven’t seen any children come in today, not yet anyway. How old is your daughter?” Amity asked. “Do you need help looking for her?”
Camila chuckled at the insinuation. “No, no. My daughter works here.”
Amity’s brow rose further. “Your daughter works here? But the only other person who works here is–”
“¡HOLA MAMÁ!” Luz practically yelled as she, once again, bolted from that spot and stood right behind the counter next to Amity. “W-ha-hat are you doing here? You don’t u-usually come by when I’m working! What’s the occasion?!”
Camila smiled kindly and replied, “Oh, I was just grabbing some lunch. Maurice said we didn’t have any major appointments today, so I wanted to see if you were free to grab some lunch.”
“Oh, yeah, wow, that sounds great! Let’s go right now!”
Amity raised her hand in a stopping motion as she managed to say, “I’m sorry, who are you miss?”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Camila. Camila Noceda. I’m Luz’s mother,” she replied.
Amity stared at Camila, her eyes wide with shock. Mother…she just said she was Luz’s “MOTHER”. T-That’s not possible! Hollows don’t have human mothers! I mean, technically they do since some were once human souls to begin with, but Luz is an Arrancar! W-W-What’s going on here?!
Luz and Camila looked at Amity with concern as it appeared as if the purple haired teen was unconscious while standing. The young Latina waved her hand in front of Amity’s face, and even snapped her fingers to try and get a reaction. There was something else she could do to snap Amity out of this, but not while her mother was present.
“Hello? Yoo-hoo. Earth to Amity,” Luz called out.
“Amity? Marilyn’s niece?” Camila asked.
CRRAAAAAAAAAAAAP!
Luz nervously turned to her mother and tried to say something, but it seemed Amity’s brain decided to work now.
“Uh, y-yes, I am.” Amity regained her earlier composure and greeted Camila. “Amity Blight. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Noceda.”
“Aye, mija. Ella es tan educada y linda. (She’s so polite, and cute),” Camila commented.
“S-Sí, lo es. P-¿Podría darnos un minuto, está bien, gracias (Y-Yeah, she is. C-Could you give us a minute okay thanks)!”
Without warning, Luz grabbed ahold of Amity’s left arm and zipped into the back of the Owl House with her. Camila sighed, she had a feeling something absurd was going to happen soon, and she wondered how long it would take before her daughter decided to tell the truth.
“Oh, hi there Mama Noceda,” Marilyn (Eda) stated as she waltzed up to the counter.
“Hi, Marilyn,” Camila greeted.
“You’re looking quite lovely today, as always,” Marilyn remarked as she winked and clicked her tongue.
Camila blushed.
Amity found herself getting whisked into the living room of the Owl House, and once there, Luz released her. “What are you doing?!”
“Amity, I need your help,” said Luz.
Amity blinked. “Pardon me? You need my help?”
“Yes!” Luz exclaimed.
The Soul Reaper crossed her arms in front of her chest and asked, “Exactly why should I help you? Unless you’ve forgotten. You’re my enemy. A dangerous entity to the world of the living. I have no reason to render aid, or help you in any way, shape, or form.”
Luz brought her hands together into a prayer position as she begged, “Please, Amity! I’ll do anything! I just need your help with this one thing!”
Amity’s brow rose. “Anything?”
Luz nodded.
“Anything at all?”
Luz nodded, again.
A smirk formed on Amity’s lips as she said, “Alright. In exchange for helping you, I want you to tell me everything. I want to know what you’re planning, and why you’re here. Do that, and I’ll help you out. You don’t, and you can deal with whatever issues you got going on back there.”
Luz took a moment to ponder the deal, glancing at Amity every few seconds. After a minute of contemplation, Luz sighed and gave her answer, “Alright, fine. I’ll tell you everything.”
Amity didn’t believe that the Arrancar would keep her word, but Luz didn’t seem like one to go back on her word, at least she hasn’t given the Soul Reaper a reason to think she would. “Okay, so, what do you need me to do?”
“Oh, nothing big……I just need you to go back out there with me and pretend to be my girlfriend so that my Mom doesn’t get suspicious!”
Silence hung in the air between them. Amity looked at Luz as if she were waiting for the punchline of the joke. But there wasn’t one.
“I’m going to give you ten seconds to explain to me why in all creation I would agree to pretend to be your girlfriend and why you need me to convince your ‘mother’.”
“L-Look, she was getting all worried about me and stuff, and I just blurted out that I had a girlfriend, and, well, you were the first person that popped into my head,” she confessed.
Amity didn’t get angry, in fact, her heart strangely thumped when she heard that. She was Luz’s first thought when it came to a lover. Huh. “Why me? You could’ve said Willow was your girlfriend. She definitely would’ve been more cooperative.”
“I panicked, okay! Plus, Mom knows Willow, she’s bi like me, but we haven’t done anything that would make Mom think Willow and I are like that. But you, a girl who’s new in town, and is working at the same place I’m at, it’s perfect,” Luz explained.
Amity pinched the bridge of her nose as she groaned in frustration. “If I do this, there’s going to be rules. No kissing, AT ALL. You don’t touch me unless I either initiate it or allow you to. And no making up wild stories. If you wish to convince her that we are a couple, keep it simple and short.”
Luz happily nodded to these conditions. “Got it. I can do that.”
“Let’s go then.”
Amity and Luz walked back out into the store, and saw Marilyn and Camila talking, the latter still blushing.
“Marilyn, quit hitting on my Mom,” said Luz.
“Oh, c’mon, she’s one hot mamacita. You can’t expect me not to,” said Marilyn.
“Don’t you have inventory to do?” Amity asked.
“Nope.”
A crash came from inside the storage room along with a loud, “WEH!”. Marilyn frowned. “But now I have to clean that up. Catch you later, Cam.”
Luz watched as Marilyn went to the storage room. She turned her attention back to her mother and smirked as she said, “For a woman who said she doesn’t swing that way, you blush an awful lot when Marilyn does that.”
Camila cleared her throat as she said, “I-I’m just not used to being hit on by another woman, Luz. It’s a perfectly natural reaction.”
“Are you sure you’re not bicurious? I gotta admit, you and Marilyn, having you both as my moms would be so cool,” Luz remarked.
Camila really didn’t want to say it out loud, but perhaps she was a little curious about such a relationship. She did do a lot of research on LGBTQ+ stuff when Luz came out to her as bisexual. Camila wanted to be as supportive of her daughter’s orientation as she could, so she delved into every internet article and read every book she could find at the bookstore and public library. And while her daughter had – as of yet – to bring home anyone she favored, Camila had had a few…thoughts here and there. The older Latina shook her head.
“Okay, okay, enough teasing,” said Camila. “I can see you’re busy.”
“Y-Yeah, Marilyn probably needs some help with that mess King made,” said Luz.
“By the way, Amity.”
“Yes, Mrs. Noceda?”
“Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight,” Camila offered.
“Wha?!” Luz gasped. “W-Why so suddenly?”
“I think it’s fine,” said Amity. “We are going out, after all. I mean, it’s not fair that you haven’t brought me over once, yet.”
Amity looked up at Luz with a pouty expression, but Luz could see past that expression to the devious smirk that laid beneath it. She had no idea what Amity was after, but if she didn’t roll with this then her mother would get suspicious.
“Sorry, babe, I was just trying to think of a good time to bring you over,” said Luz.
“Well, tonight sounds like a good time. I’ll leave a little early and get dinner started for the three of us. Anyway, I better go and get lunch since you’re busy. Adiós Luz, Amity. See you tonight,” said Camila as she exited the Owl House.
“¡Adiós, Mamá!” Once her mother had left, Luz turned to Amity with an incredulous gaze. “What was that?!”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said Amity.
“Why did you accept Mom’s invitation to come for dinner?!” Luz asked.
Amity put her hands on her hips as she smirked at Luz. “It would’ve been more suspicious if I didn’t. And even more so if you stubbornly make up excuses for why I shouldn’t.”
Luz spluttered as she tried to come up with an argument against that, but the more she thought about it, the more she knew Amity was – annoyingly – right. If she just made-up excuses her mother would call her out and the whole thing would be over on the spot.
“Ugh, okay. Fine. You have a point. But don’t go rogue like that! You’re the one who said that we need to keep our stories straight,” said Luz.
“I know, I had to improvise at that moment, I have my reasons. Anyway, I suggest we take the time to come up with a believable story to tell your mother. We have the afternoon to at least come up with something bordering on plausible,” Amity stated.
Luz sighed heavily. “Yeah…okay. I better get some pencil and paper; this could get convoluted really quick.”
Amity watched as Luz disappeared into the back living area, and that’s when her smirk fell. “Mother”, yeah, right. You must’ve done something to her to make that human believe you’re her mother. I don’t know what kind of spell you’ve put over that poor woman, but I’ll find out soon enough. And somehow, I feel going to your “house” may reveal more than you want me to see.
Amity Blight had been to numerous functions back in Soul Society. As she was the daughter of the prestigious Blight family, she knew all the ins and outs of dinner parties and social functions. She even knew the proper dress etiquette and etiquette in general. However, her knowledge was failing her at the moment. This wasn’t like the fancy parties her mother would take her to, this was just a dinner between herself, Luz, and the poor woman that Luz no doubt spelled to pretend to be her mother.
Still, what was one to wear when going over for a dinner like this? If this was one of her friends from Soul Society she would wear her formal kimono, complete with earrings and a bracelet. But this wasn’t some high society place she was going to; it was just a house with a homecooked meal. Also, this was just reconnaissance, why did she have to think so hard about what she was wearing anyway?
In the end, Amity settled for a pair of jean pants that weren’t ripped, black slip, and a mauve, long sleeved t-shirt that was a bit wide around the collar and showed off her shoulders and collarbone. Instead of wearing her hair up in a ponytail, she decided to let it down and combed it out, and a pair of smooth leather boots. Even though this was just to gather information, there was no reason for her not to look presentable. “A Blight must always make a statement even in the lowliest places,” as her mother would say.
Luz had headed out earlier to borrow the car from her mother. Normally she would walk, or rather, use her Sonido to traverse the distance in a few seconds, or for appearances sake, take the bus. However, in this case, since they agreed to keep up the appearances, Luz went back home and got the car. And that’s when the Latina arrived at the Owl House store.
“Kid, you’re ride’s here,” Eda called out.
Amity walked down the stairs and headed to the back door. “If I’m not back by morning, assume the worst, and call Soul Society. Update them with what I’ve learned so far.”
“Jeez, you make it sound like you’re about to walk into a lion’s den or something,” said Eda.
“I’m about to enter the domicile of the most powerful types of Hollows ever recorded in Soul Society. This could be my only chance to find out what she’s up to, and if I fail, my comrades in arms need to know what I’ve found out so far. An Arrancar loose in the World of the Living is not good for anyone.”
Eda sighed. “Fine, fine. On that note, have fun. Do everything I would do. And, well, I’d say use protection but that’s not really needed in this case. So have at it!”
Amity raised an eyebrow in confusion. “I do have protection. I’m taking my Gikon dispenser so I can change out quickly.”
“Not the kind of protection was getting at,” Eda deadpanned.
*Honk! Honk!*
“C’mon, Princesa! Get your cute little ass out here so we can go!” Luz called out from the car.
Amity went red with both embarrassment and frustration as she went to the door and yelled, “I’m coming already! Just wait!” The lilac haired Soul Reaper turned back to Eda and said, “Anyway, like I said. Not back by morning, call for backup.”
Eda watched as her tenant left the house, and it was then that King hopped down from a shelf and onto the couch next to Eda.
“Luz is going to mess with her the whole night, isn’t she?” King asked.
“Oh absolutely,” Eda smirked.
Amity stomped her way over to the car, opened the passenger side door, and entered. She put the seatbelt on and then turned to Luz. “And would you please refrain from saying such vulgar things about me!”
Luz blinked as she asked, “What part of that was vulgar? Cute? Ass? If anything, that was a compliment.”
“Just…Just drive the vehicle,” Amity groaned.
Luz smirked and began driving. The streetlights had already kicked on, and the moon had risen. There was a bit of anxiety on Amity’s end, but she did her best to keep it hidden behind a mask of indignation and annoyance. She was a Soul Reaper, the next in line to become Captain Darius’ Lieutenant. She couldn’t let something like this get to her, no matter how dangerous it was. By all accounts, this mission was dangerous, perhaps with all these encounters with Luz she had forgotten that fact.
At any moment during this mission, Amity was at risk of losing her life. This Arrancar sitting next to her had more than enough power to wipe out this entire town, and more than strong enough to kill her without breaking a sweat. Literally snap her like a twig if she so wished it. That was yet another odd thing about Luz. Why didn’t she? It wasn’t as if the Arrancar was lacking in opportunities, she was fast enough to get away with it, and strong enough to do it before Amity even knew what hit her.
But tonight, was different. She was about to go somewhere that was possibly Luz’s lair. On top of that, she needed to think of a way to save the woman that Luz tricked into thinking she was her daughter. That was probably the worst part about all of this, the one thing above all that Amity found despicable. That Luz would stoop so low as to impersonate the daughter of some mother, a daughter who was probably dead. It was not unheard of for Hollows to have the ability to shapeshift into a departed loved one just so they can lower their victim’s guard and devour their soul.
The town soon gave way to the suburbs, and it was here that Luz pulled up to a quaint two-story house. On first blush, it didn’t seem like an evil lair. There were houses on either side, and a forest behind the houses. A single trashcan was left at the curb, but overall, nothing strange about it. Luz pulled the car into the driveway and turned off the car.
“Okay, so, before we get out, we’re clear on what we’re going to tell her, right?” Luz asked.
“Yes, we’ve only started dating recently. I, ugh, ‘developed a crush on you’ after you saved me from those boys,” said Amity.
“Hey, gotta add some truth to it, makes the lie stick better,” Luz added.
“Yes, well, anyway. We’ve been working together for these past few weeks, and – why is it that I worked up the courage to ask you out instead of the other way around?”
“Chica, please, like you couldn’t resist asking this out,” said Luz as she tried to strike a seductive pose. Which was hard for the obvious reason of being in a confined space.
Amity pinched the bridge of her nose. “Okay, fine. I asked you out. And out of respect for my wishes, you kept it secret for me which was why you didn’t say anything until now.”
“Perfect,” said Luz.
“Remember, the rules still apply. No touching unless–”
“Yeah, yeah, no touching unless you initiate it, or say it’s okay. You can relax, I’m not about to do stuff like that in front of my own Mom,” Luz retorted.
“Oh…” Amity blinked.
She was actually surprised to hear that. Now that the ground rules had been established, Luz got out of the car along with Amity.
“Oh, and one more thing,” said Luz.
Amity scoffed, “What?”
“You look nice.”
Once again, Amity was caught off guard. “Um…t-thanks.”
The two of them walked up the porch and to the screen door, after opening it, Luz unlocked the front door and called out, “Mamá, I’m home! And I brought Amity with me!”
“¡Ah, bueno! ¿Podrías echarme una mano en la cocina ahora mismo, mija (Ah, good! Could you give me a hand in the kitchen right quick, mija)?” Camila called out.
“¡Sí, dame un segundo (Yes, give me a second)!” Luz closed the door behind Amity and led her to the living room. “I’m going to give Mom a hand in the kitchen, go ahead and make yourself at home.”
“Thank you,” said Amity.
With that, Amity watched as Luz disappeared into the kitchen. Now alone, Amity walked around the living room, and so far, there was nothing really outlandish or that stood out to her. A couch, a flat screen TV with some game consoles hooked up to it, a few potted plants, some bookshelves filled with animal anatomy books and other things pertaining to something called “LGBTQ+” stuff, as well as a variety of other topics, a flag and some other knickknacks that Amity wasn’t sure of.
Amity could still hear both Luz and the woman, Camila, working on dinner. She didn’t know how much time she would have; this was probably the only chance she would get to explore the house for anything suspicious. Amity moved quickly into the hallway and checked the coat closet. Nothing. There wasn’t much downstairs, so she decided to check upstairs. Amity stealthily made her way up the stairs but paused when her foot landed on one particularly loud creaking step.
The Soul Reaper grit her teeth as her eyes darted towards where the kitchen was, fully expecting Luz to zoom out and grab her by the hair back into the living room. Thankfully, it didn’t seem as if she was heard. Amity took her foot off that step and jumped it for the next one. The rest of the steps were silent as she reached the second floor. Along the walls Amity spotted some framed pictures. She took a moment to look at them, as this could be useful in discerning more information about her quarry.
The pictures seemed like a chronicle of Luz Noceda’s life. There were pictures of herself when she was younger, like very young, about four or five. Some of those pictures had Camila in them, along with a man, presumably Camila’s husband. As Amity looked at more and more of them, she saw him appear a few more times, then she spotted a wedding photo, confirming that the man was indeed Camila’s husband and Luz’s father.
The original Luz Noceda, maybe.
There were some of Luz and Willow playing together, there was even one of Luz with a snake’s shed skin in her hands and showing it off to Willow. The other kids around them seemed to run away, but Willow was the only one who seemed to stay, and even looked fascinated by it. However, there was something else she was noticing, the husband, he was missing in a few others, especially the photos where Luz was older. And she was also noticeably less cheerful.
The pictures seemed to stop after a certain point. About the only thing that she could gleam from these was the fact Luz Noceda and Camila Noceda had lived here for a while, but the husband was gone, did something happen to him?
Don’t go off on a tangent, Amity. You need to find out more about Luz, thought Amity.
Her search brought her to one room, which she immediately realized was Mrs. Noceda’s room. Amity opened another room and found the one she was looking for. It was…normal? At least she guessed it was. Amity didn’t really have a grasp as to what was considered “normal” for human teens to have in their rooms. Her own room was large and spacious, with an equally big bed, silk sheets, and other things that people would consider expensive. There was a bunk bed, a desk where a laptop rested on, some posters of something that Amity had no idea about. And a bookshelf with figurines on top of it.
Amity entered the room, taking great care to ensure she didn’t set off any hidden traps. She opened Luz’s closet, but upon inspection didn’t yield much of anything. So, she moved to the dresser, she opened the bottom two drawers, some socks, assorted items, but nothing. She opened the top drawer next, paused, blushed, then closed it.
Underwear drawer…but…what if that’s exactly where she’d hide something. In a place where any normal person wouldn’t rifle through. Ugh, what does that say about me? Amity opened the drawer again, noticing an assortment of not only panties but also some boxers as well. I am not a degenerate for looking through this drawer. There’s nothing perverted about this, I’m just trying to find any information I can about Luz’s evil plans for this town.
Amity began her search through the underwear drawer, carefully moving one article of clothing at a time as to not mess up its position and alert Luz. She had no idea why this was such an issue for her, she has her own underwear and compared to hers, it wasn’t that much different. After a minute of searching, Amity found nothing, again. The only other option was the bed, so she walked over to it, got on her hands and knees, and looked under the bed.
“Looking for my stash of porno?”
“AAHH!!” Amity exclaimed as she shot up to her feet. “I…I…”
“Sorry, but that’s nestled safely onto the hard drive of my PC. But if you’re looking for ‘toys’, then feel free to look under there,” said Luz.
Amity blinked. “Toys? What toys?”
“Wait, they don’t have–” Luz shook her head. “Anyway, food’s ready, C’mon down.”
Amity, Luz, and Camila were gathered around the table. An assortment of food was prepared for tonight. And all of it smelt so good to Amity, not like anything she’s smelled from the cooks at her home or at the barracks.
“I didn’t know what you might like, Amity, so I made sure to have a variety for you to choose from,” said Camila.
“Thank you, Mrs. Noceda, it all smells delicious,” said Amity.
“Well, dig in Ams, plenty to go around,” said Luz as she began filling her plate.
Amity knew proper table etiquette, however, that didn’t seem to apply here as Luz and Camila seemed to just grab certain portions onto their plate with their forks and knives, or just with their hands in the case of the tacos. The young Soul Reaper decided to try and follow Luz’s example and grabbed a taco shell, filling it with the ground beef, followed some lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. It was a strange looking food, and from what she could tell, Luz just used her hands to hold it. Following her example, Amity grabbed the taco with both hands and bit into it.
The young Reaper’s eyes widened as the flavor hit her tongue, it was so good. Amity took another bite, and another, savoring each one as she hummed with delight. Before she realized it, the taco was gone, and unfortunately, left a bit of a mess on her face. When she felt the mess on her face, Amity blushed and quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe the mess off around her mouth.
“I-I’m sorry!” Amity exclaimed.
Camila blinked and asked, “For what, Amity?”
“I…I should’ve eaten that more carefully, so I didn’t dirty my face,” Amity explained.
Luz and Camila looked at each other and then back to Amity.
“Chica, it’s a taco. No way you can’t make a mess when eating it.” Luz emphasized her point by chomping down on her own taco, and once she was done, she showed off the mess she made. “See, messy. But that’s what napkins are for.”
“O-Oh…uh…sorry, I didn’t know,” said Amity.
Camila turned her head to the side and asked, “Was this your first time having this kind of food?”
Amity nodded. “Honestly, yes, the chiefs at my house don’t make food like this so I’ve never had it before.”
“Chefs?” Luz and Camila questioned.
Amity squeaked a bit, she had just divulged something she wasn’t ready to, or wanted to, reveal.
“Seriously, you’re a rich girl, Ams? Ha! Wow, I’ve called you ‘Princesa’ a few times, but I didn’t really think you were a literal one,” Luz commented.
Camila raised an eyebrow at that, “You didn’t know, Luz? I thought you were going out with her?”
“Well, to be fair, she did say she was kinda wealthy, but I didn’t know she meant, ‘I have my own personal chiefs’ kind of wealthy,” Luz defended.
“I didn’t tell her, Mrs. Noceda. You know, some people find out you have money and suddenly they either want to be your best friend or they want to go out with you. I didn’t want to tell Luz, completely, because I wanted to make sure I could trust her,” said Amity.
Camila looked shocked. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to–!”
“It’s fine, Mom, it’s fine. I don’t care if she’s rich or not.” Luz made the bold move of reaching out with her right hand and taking Amity’s left hand into it, bringing both up to show to her mother. “I asked her out because I like her, not because I thought I was going to get something from her.”
Amity wanted to tell Luz that this as a violation of the rules, but for the sake of her mission, she needed to let this slide. And besides, considering where else Luz could be putting her hand, this wasn’t too terrible of thing. She also wanted to tell that she just went off script about who asked who out, but at this point Amity figured they were just going to have to improvise.
Camila calmed down and sighed as she said, “Good. And I’m glad that’s how you feel, mija. I know I raised you better.”
“Jeez, have a little faith, Mom. I’m not some gold digger. ‘Sides, if I really wanted to get us some money, I’d have found a rich sugar daddy instead,” Luz joked.
“Luz!”
“Kidding! Kidding! Mostly.”
Camila rubbed the side of her head as she said, “Oi, Luz.”
Then the two Latina women began to chuckle and laugh, something that Amity found…odd…for more than one reason.
Time spent at the Blight household was always an event, even a simple dinner. With everyone dressed in their nice clothes, servers bringing in their food prepared by some of the Seireitei’s best and finest chiefs.
Any banter between the family members was relegated to current events, happenings within the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, and of any accolades that Amity and her siblings might’ve obtained recently.
Etiquette had to be followed, especially when they had guests over. Despite being a Soul Reaper, Amity still had to play her role as the obedient and well-behaved daughter of the esteemed Blight family. The food was delicious, there was never any question in regards to its taste.
Amity looked down at her plate, and at the spread before her.
Yet, none of it tasted like this. It’s different. The young Blight girl glanced at Camila. Is this what a meal that was prepared by your own mother tastes like? Is this the “personal touch”?
Luz eventually let go of Amity’s hand and she was able to go back to eating more of Camila’s food.
“It’s really delicious, Mrs. Noceda, and I mean that,” said Amity.
“I’m glad to know I rank up there with your chiefs. And please, dear, call me Camila. Even Willow and Gus call me by my first name,” said Camila.
“I-I wouldn’t want to show disrespect like that,” Amity replied.
“Amity, just call my Mom by her first name, she’s more comfortable that way,” Luz insisted.
“Hmm. You’re so well mannered, Amity. I can’t believe my daughter managed to convince you to date her. You could probably do better, though” Camila joked.
“Oh, ha-ha, so funny I forgot to laugh. Almost as funny as when Marilyn asked me what your three sizes were.”
“PPPPFFFFFFFTTT!” Camila spat. “She what?!”
“Syke!” Luz teased.
Despite herself, Amity couldn’t help but chuckle at the reaction. This was the complete opposite of how her own mother would talk at the dinner table.
“Anyway, Amity, how long have you two been dating? I know you said you were Marilyn’s niece, but I haven’t seen you around,” said Camila.
“It hasn’t been that long, only a few weeks. I’m just here for the summer, visiting. And as far as how long we’ve been together and when we met, well…it was a bit hectic in the beginning.”
Amity went on and told a half-truth, half-lie story about how Chad, the local rich, pretty boy and his crew tried to make a move on Amity, essentially corner and threaten her. But Luz happened to be there at just the right time and threatened to bash their heads in with her baseball bat if they even tried to make a move on Amity.
“Then Amity put Chad’s boys in a vice, and he sang falsetto! It was so badass, she had that pendejo calling him mistress by the time she let him go,” Luz praised.
“Luz! I did NOT make him call me that!” Amity retorted.
“Eh, you might as well have. Ugh, such a missed opportunity,” the Latina lamented.
Amity glanced over at Camila and quickly said, “I swear, Mrs. – uh – Camila, I didn’t make him say that.”
Camila had her arms crossed as she glanced between the two girls. “Language aside. I’m glad you weren’t hurt. No soporto a los chicos así que piensan que están muy por encima de todos y creen que pueden hacer lo que quieran. ¡Lo juro por Dios, si ese cerdo vuelve a intentar eso con alguno de ustedes, le daré la disciplina que sus padres no le dieron! ¡Pa-pow (I can’t stand boys like that who think they’re so far above everyone and think they can do whatever they want. I swear to God, if that pig ever tries that with either of you again, I’ll give him the discipline his parents failed to give him! Pa-pow)!”
Amity blinked before glancing over at Luz to find out what it was Camila just said.
“Basic translation, ‘Don’t mess with my kids or I’ll fuck you up’.”
“Language,” Camila warned.
“Sorry, Mamá,” Luz apologized. “Also, a freak gust of wind blew up Amity’s skirt and she wasn’t wearing any underwear, so I saw everything.”
“PFFFFFFFFFFFTTTT!!!”
“PFFFFFFFFFFFTTTT!!!”
Amity scrambled, to try and salvage what dignity she had left before Camila thought she was some kind of pervert. However, it was Luz who managed to salvage it in the end.
“But it wasn’t her fault. Apparently one of her bags was lost at the airport, and all she had to wear was the one dress, so I helped her out in getting some new clothes. So, yeah, that’s how we met,” said Luz.
“Oh, well, I’m sorry to hear that. Although, I guess it’s not as bad when you consider how I first met your father,” said Camila as she shook her head in embarrassment. “Punched him right in the face…”
Luz couldn’t help but snicker.
“W-Why did you punch him?” Amity asked.
“Ha-heh-heh-ha! Mom thought he was writing something bad on her locker back in high school, and her friend told her to punch whoever messed with her to establish that she wasn’t to be effed with. Unfortunately, she realized too late that he was cleaning it off and got decked by Mom!”
Luz was in stitches as she pounded the table and tried to catch her breath, meanwhile Camila was slowly slumping down in her seat, her face red with embarrassment. Amity couldn’t help but let a small chuckle escape her lips, it was such an absurd thing to have happen to someone. However, Camila’s embarrassment slowly waned as she put on a devious smile.
“Oh, just wait, mija. You’ll get yours after dinner,” Camila threatened.
Luz managed to get her laughter under control and asked, “W-What do you mean?”
“NOOOOOO! Anything but that, Mom!”
“Look at how cute mi bebé was,” Camila cooed.
Camila’s revenge came in the form of bringing the three of them into the living room after dinner and showing off Luz’s old baby photos. There were so many of Luz doing cute, and embarrassing things. And in some twisted way, Amity was enjoying this. In fact, this was the first time she’s seen Luz get embarrassed and cringing so hard. She had a newfound respect for Camila.
“Mom, this is so cliché!” Luz groaned.
“Cliché? Maybe. But how can I not resist the urge to show off my baby girl?” Camila asked in a gushy tone. “Oh, look, this is one of Luz when we potty trained her. Let’s just say, it didn’t go as planned.”
Luz slumped her body over the armrest as she begged in a groaning voice, “Kiiiiillll meeeeeee…”
Amity looked at the photos and was deeply enjoying Luz’s suffering. Out of all the times she couldn’t land a blow on that monster, and after all the times that Luz groped her, peeked in on her, she finally – finally! – got to see her in similar state of distress as she once was. It was beautiful.
“I will literally do anything if you put that away, Mom,” Luz begged.
“Oh, I don’t mind, Luz. I’m getting to see how my girlfriend used to be when she was little,” Amity teased with a Cheshire cat grin.
Luz shot Amity a look that said, “I know you’re enjoying this!” She was, immensely so, and thanks to Luz’s determination to keep up this whole charade of being Camila’s daughter, it ensured that the Arrancar wouldn’t take any action towards her. But these photos were actually informative, as they allowed Amity to see the girl named Luz Noceda. Because deep down, Amity was growing a bit more resentful towards this Hollow. Going to such lengths as to impersonate this nice woman’s child.
“Ugh…I’m going to get something to drink. Anyone want anything – no – okay – good.”
Luz got up and walked out of the room.
“Take out the trash while you’re up, please!” Camila called out.
“Okay, Mom!” Luz replied.
After Camila was sure that Luz was gone, she closed the scrapbook and turned to look at Amity. Her expression shifted just a bit, as if she knew something that she wasn’t telling her.
“Be honest with me, Amity. You’re not really going out with Luz, are you?” Camila asked.
“Oh…uh…”
Is she trying to reach out for help? Amity thought. If so, this might be my chance to help her.
“……You’re right, Camila. This was lie. We’re not dating, we’re not a couple. We’re primarily coworkers, acquaintances at best. But I don’t have those kinds of feelings for Luz,” Amity confessed.
Camila sighed as she said, “I figured as much when she said you were her girlfriend.”
Amity raised an eyebrow as she asked, “How so?”
“Well, I mean, personally, if I were her, I would’ve just said that Willow is my girlfriend instead of some girl who just arrived in town a few weeks ago,” Camila explained.
“Huh, I said the exact same thing,” said Amity.
“I’m just guessing, but I’m sure she just didn’t want me to worry about her.” Camila leaned forward and rested her arms on her thighs as she looked down at the floor. “It’s been hard for us. Luz lost her father when she was nine. We actually moved to Gravesfield because they said that they had the best doctors for his type of cancer. It only bought us a couple of months, but he held on for as long as he could for her. She wasn’t the same after that.”
Amity became intrigued. “How so?”
“She was depressed. I mean, what child wouldn’t be after losing their parent? But then she started to bounce back when she read the book Manny gave her. She was obsessed with the ‘Good Witch Azura’ books, and from there, she kind of took off into other things, comics, anime – which I will never understand – and other things that would be considered ‘geek culture’ as it’s said. Luz was always different, she went her own way, saw the world differently, in a good way. But the kids around her, they didn’t see it that way, and neither did the parents,” said Camila.
Amity could see Camila clench her fists as she continued.
“I was told by the counselor at her school to send her to a camp where they help ‘rein in’ a child’s wild imagination. It was the worst decision I ever made in my life…” Camila lamented. “She was bullied there by the camp counselors, as if they singled her out. After that, a rift began to form between us. She became more…edgy…more rebellious and angrier. The more I tried to talk to her, the worse I made it because I knew she blamed me.”
“I’m…I’m so sorry to hear that happened to her,” said Amity.
“We had a fight one night, and…she ran out of the house and got hit by a car. I thought I lost my child, but like a miracle, she came back to me. After that, things have been different. We smile more, we talk more. She’s just filled with more life than she used to be. Like the accident gave us a chance to hit the reset button, y’know?”
An accident. And she became different after that. Was that the moment that the Hollow assumed her identity? Amity thought.
“I’m sorry. I know Luz probably doesn’t want me to tell you all of this. I don’t even know why I’m saying all of this to you. I guess, I just want you know what she’s been through. Luz may be unconventional, but she also has the biggest heart, and is a wonderful friend to those around her. I just hope you give her chance, at the least,” said Camila.
Amity smiled at Camila and said, “I will. She may annoy living crap out of me, but…at least I know she’s not doing it because she just wants to annoy me.” Although I’m sure that’s exactly why she does it.
“Thank you, Amity. I know you’re only here for the summer, but I want you to know that you can always come by, my door is open to all of Luz’s friends.”
Amity felt a strange warmth in her heart upon hearing Camila’s sincere words.
“Blight’s only associate with those of our class, Amity. Never forget that. Your current friends will always be welcome, but don’t fret. If they somehow become subpar later on, we have some candidates waiting in the wings.”
The tonal difference between Camila and her own mother was staggering. Welcoming warmth compared to judgmental coldness.
“Thank you, Camila. I’ll remember your offer.”
The hour was growing late, and so Amity bid farewell to Camila. Luz was going to drive her back to the Owl House and then return home. Luz was uncharacteristically quiet during the drive; it was kind of unnerving for Amity.
“So, Mom knew the whole thing was a lie, huh?” Luz asked.
Amity glanced at Luz and asked, “You knew she knew?”
“I figured she might’ve. I came up with this whole thing on the fly, so of course she figured out I was lying. Probably knew when we were at the Owl House. Plus, I overheard you two talking.”
Luz sighed, but then smiled.
“I also heard Mom say you were welcome in our house whenever. I stand by that.”
Amity growled as she turned her head towards the Latina and said, “Okay, enough! Just, stop! How long are you going to keep up this lie?!”
Luz raised an eyebrow and asked, “What lie?”
“You’re not Luz Noceda! She told me that her daughter was in an accident, and that she became ‘different’ after that! Just admit it! You took over her identity when she died, right?! How dare you use the memory of that woman’s daughter as a disguise to hide your–!”
Luz slammed the breaks and brought the car to a screeching halt as she pulled off to the shoulder of the road.
“What’s wrong? Did I strike a nerve?” Amity asked.
Luz’s shoulders slumped as she slightly turned her head in the Soul Reaper’s direction. “We had a deal. Right? If you did this, then I’d tell you everything. Well, hope you’re ready.”
Amity became a little anxious as Luz resumed their drive. Instead of heading down the same route she used before, she turned onto a different street. After a few turns and stop lights, Luz brought them to the Gravesfield Cemetery and parked the car at the entrance.
“Why are we here?” she asked.
“You wanted to know the truth.” Luz got out of the car as she said, “Time to learn the truth.”
Amity got out as well and followed Luz, keeping her left hand wrapped tightly around her Gikon dispenser in case she needed to change into her true form. The two teenagers passed by several headstones before stopping before a couple of them. One had the name “Manuel Noceda” and read, “A Beloved Father & Husband”. However, the headstone next to it was…well…Amity thought she saw a headstone, but it kept disappearing. Upon further inspection, Amity could tell that there was something blocking her perception of what was there.
“This is a kidō spell!” Amity exclaimed.
“You’re pretty good at those, I figured you’d be able to notice it.” Luz made a high sign and said, “Reveal.”
The perception blocking spell parted like a curtain, and when it did, Amity gasped. The headstone next to Camila’s husband had the name “Luz Noceda” written on it. Amity immediately jumped back and popped one of the Gikon pills into her mouth, separating her soul self from the fake body.
“I knew it! You are impersonating Luz Noceda!” Amity accused as she drew her sword.
Luz didn’t react to Amity’s drawn sword, instead she sat down at the foot of the grave and looked up at her. “No, I am Luz Noceda. And this is my grave. It’s not empty. My body really is buried under here.”
“Wha-What nonsense are you speaking?!” the Soul Reaper asked.
“I want you to listen, Amity. Because this story involves Eda as well.”
Amity’s sword lowered as she stared at Luz. “You know Marilyn’s real name?”
Luz nodded.
“Wait…Your Gigai…don’t tell me she made it for you?!”
Again, Luz nodded.
Amity facepalmed herself as she growled loudly. “Ugh! I’m such a damn fool! Of course, she’s working for you! Who else has the ability to make a Gigai within a ten-mile radius of this town?! Did you two have fun stringing me along?! Did you get a good laugh out of watching me run around thinking I was getting closer to the truth?! Was this all some sick game?! Huh?! How long has Eda been a double–?!”
“AMITY!” Luz yelled.
Amity went silent.
“Please, sit down.”
Amity wanted to rant more at Luz, but she could tell that the Latina wasn’t playing, she had a sad, but serious expression on her face. The first time she had ever seen such a look on Luz. So, Amity sat down, but she kept her sword drawn just in case.
“I’m going to tell you a story. The story about a girl. A girl who was so angry at her mother, at her life. A girl who lost that life in a fit of rebellious rage. A girl who, by some miracle, was given a second chance at life. This…is the story of my death, afterlife, and rebirth.”