Chapter Text
”I have to tell you something.” Edith's voice was soft and held a slight waver to it. Teen furrowed his eyebrows. “What's up?” He questioned. Edith took in a soft breath. “I'm, technically, supposed to be dead.” Okay, so maybe that wasn't the best way to start this. Teen sat up a bit more. “I don't understand.” He spoke softly. Edith sighed through her nose. She held out her hand for her jacket, which he gave back to her. She pulled it on, and pulled her hood up. ”Don't freak out.“ She spoke softly. Teen watched as Edith pulled up her hood, and held her hand palm up. Magic created a small amount of light, enough to see the part of her face that was obscured by shadows. Teen's eyes widened. ”You're-“ Edith made the light disappear and pulled down her hood, her face appearing normal again.
“I was created by Death, er- Rio. And, another parent, that's how I have a physical form like this. I'm a normal witch. I think, anyway. I can do small spells, and the skeleton thing only happens when I really focus, so it's not even something worth mentioning again or showing off and please don't freak out because if you freak out, I'll freak out and the others will worry and I really don't want to others worrying and-” Teen set his hands on Edith's arms, causing her to stop rambling. “I should have told you sooner, but I didn't want to think I was crazy or intentionally hid this from you because I don't like you or anything. You're my best friend, and I trust you more than anything.” Edith confessed. Teen faltered. “Edith, you don't even know me. You can't even say my name.” He spoke.
“That’s because you're sigiled. If the sigil was gone, I could say it. I could remember it.” Edith spoke. Teen let go of her. “We're only friends because I needed you to help me learn magick.” Teen said. Edith faltered. She smiled a little bit, before it dropped. “Are you- you're joking. No, we've been best friends since elementary school. I helped you get into a relationship with Eddie. I invited you into the band that me and Tara and Taylor are in.“ She stated. ”That was the old me, Edith.“ Teen stated. Edith flinched back slightly, staring at him. Her smile was gone. her eyes flicked between his. His jaw was clenched, and his expression was unreadable. Edith took in a calculated breath, like the many before it. ”So, what, we're no longer cool?“ She questioned. ”I don't need you anymore.“ Teen spoke. Edith scoffed and nodded, wrinkling her nose as a smile hit her lips. One that didn't reach her eyes. One that was cruel. ”Okay.“ She spoke, getting to her feet. ”Okay.“
Where was she? Edith's body was buzzing. Something was happening. Was it the bodies? No, no it couldn't have been, right? Edith stood in place as she spun around to look for the others. For Rio. She was here. Edith knew she was around. Edith could sense Rio in the same way Rio could sense Edith. Edith took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. It felt like a snake moving under the ground. She focused, and opened her eyes once she found Rio. She was with Agatha. Edith tried to focus in on the surroundings, try to pinpoint, but it was squashed by Rio. Edith wasn't strong enough to get past Rio's magic. She needed help.
Edith turned and ran back to Jen and Billy. She ran down the steps, stopping as she saw them sitting there. She didn't see Lilia. Edith figured she'd stayed behind. “So, Agatha's ex is Death?“ She heard Billy say. ”That also makes sense.“ Billy spotted Edith. ”Speaking of Rio.“ Edith spoke up. ”Agatha might be in a bit of trouble.” Jen and Billy both looked confused as they looked at Edith. “I know, I know. Don't trust Agatha, don't trust Edith, whatever. Right now, none of that matters. We need each other to get off The Road. Which means we also need my mother.” Edith stated. “Your mother?” Jen questioned. “Agatha?” Billy added. “Yes, Agatha. Keep up! Rio's no longer busy with bodies. She's with Agatha, and she's probably going to take her.” Edith stated. “Then let her. One less pest for us to be bothered with.” Jen stated.
Edith's magic flickered between her fingers again. “I swear to the Divine Mother, Jennifer, I will take you out if you do not get it together. Agatha is your sister in the craft. I'm your sister in the craft. I'm asking you to help.” Edith spoke. “How do you know she's in trouble?” Billy questioned quickly before Jen could say anything to piss Edith off more. Edith faltered, wringing her fingers together nervously. ”Rio and I know where each other are at any given moment if we use our magic to find each other. That's how she's kept in touch since she gave me up. It's her way to say te veo without actually being able to.“ Jen raised an eyebrow. ” Te veo ?“ She questioned. ”It's Spanish meaning 'I see you'. She said it when she ambushed Agatha back in Westview at her house. To both Agatha and myself and- Ugh! Why am I explaining this to you? We have to go!”
Billy got to his feet, moving quickly after Edith as she ran back up the stairs. She didn't care if Jen followed at this point. Screw Jen. ”Where are we going?“ Billy questioned as they got to the surface. Edith stopped and held out her hand to stop him. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. Nothing was getting through. Edith let out a frustrated noise. ”Edith, take a breath. Calm your emotions.“ Jen's voice came from behind her. Edith opened her eyes and looked back at Jen. ”Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and focus.“ Edith nodded. She closed her eyes again, taking in a deep breath once more. The feeling of slithering under the ground came back. She felt like a snake. She listened for noise. Voices.
”This way.“ Edith spoke softly as she opened her eyes, moving forward along The Road. ”So, how did Agatha and Rio meet?“ Billy questioned after a few minutes. ”Over corpses, I imagine.“ Jen quipped as they walked. ”More proof that Agatha has feelings.“ Billy stated. Edith glanced back. ”That was your takeaway?“ Jen questioned, before shaking her head. ”I do not understand your loyalty to her.” She stated. “It's not loyalty, it's analysis.” Billy corrected. “Oh, look who grew up.” Jen taunted. Edith stopped as Billy did, turning as Billy got in front of Jen. “I'm fully aware that Agatha Harkness can never be anything but a covenless witch.” Billy stated.
"Ouch.” Agatha's voice came from behind them. Edith turned. “Time to finish The Road.” Agatha stated, turning and walking away. “Nice going, moron.” Edith sighed out, before jogging off to catch up with Agatha. “One trial left until the big score!” Agatha cackled. “Earth magick with no Green Witch. We're back to square one.” Billy stated. “Oh, there's plenty of overlap between Earth and Potions, right Jenny Kale?” Agatha hummed. “Some.” Jen responded. “Please. Your last name is a vegetable. Worst kind. It's like swallowing a doily.” Agatha chuckled. “So we're back to being awful.” Edith mumbled to herself. ”I have to be honest, I'm surprised you survived this long, Kale. My money was on Lilia.“ Okay, even worse. Edith looked up towards Agatha. What got into her? What did Rio say to her?
”What fresh horrors await us! It's the big finish, after all! Get ready for fireworks! Get ready for spectacle! Get ready for-“ Agatha tripped and fell onto The Road. Edith stopped and looked down. ”Our shoes?“ Edith questioned. ”We're back where we started.“ Teen stated. “The Witches' Road is a circle.” They all looked around, Edith moving to help Agatha up. “And this is the finish line?” Jen questioned. “That's it?” Agatha's voice had venom in it. “That's it ?” Her gaze was on Billy. “Well, maybe we passed the trial?” Billy questioned. “Then how exactly do we get off ?” Agatha growled. “Well, maybe we-”
“If you don't know, then keep quiet!” Agatha growled towards Edith, who took a step back. Agatha looked around. “We keep going.” She stated. “What?” Jen hissed. “Mhm. We go again. It'll work the second time.” Agatha stated. “There is absolutely zero chance I'm going to endure that experience again.” Jen stated. “Fine! Stay here!“ Agatha hissed. Edith clenched her jaw. “That's enough !” She yelled. The other three looked taken aback. “I am sick of you constantly belittling everyone and acting like you're some great freaking person when you're not!” She pointed towards Agatha. “And you pretending like you give a shit, and then doing a complete 180 two seconds later.” She pointed to Billy. “And you being a stuck up princess! We are supposed to be working together to finish The Road. I bet the only reason we're still here is because we keep arguing !“
”Edith-“ Jen started, but Edith wasn't listening as she began ranting out loud in Spanish. ”Y'know what? Screw The Road!” Edith hissed, grabbing her shoes. “Edith, what are you doing?” Jen spoke up. “Yeah. Screw The Road!“ Billy echoed, grabbing his shoes. She looked at him. One, Two, Three . She counted in her head. They both slipped on a shoe at the same time.
Darkness. Edith saw darkness. All she heard was her own breathing. She felt around. The material for a bag of some kind? She heard something rustle and unzip. She got her fingers through the hole that was unzipped and pulled, the zipper moving down. She took in a breath as she sat up from inside the bag. ”Edith.“ Billy spoke. Her gaze shifted to him. Then, another drawer opened. Agatha came out of that bag. “What in the-” Agatha looked around. Then, a fourth drawer. “Help! Somebody! What is this?” Jen yelled, struggling in the bag. Billy got up to go help her out. “Don't steal her struggle.” Agatha spoke. Jen got out of her bag with a gasp. Edith swung her legs over the side of the drawer. ”Where are we?“ Jen questioned.
”Uh...Oh. My basement. Give or take.“ Agatha pointed out. Billy held out his hands, helping Edith to her feet. ”We are? There's not much of an Earth vibe in here.“ Billy stated. ”No place like home.“ Edith hummed out. Jen looked around. ”These are grow lights. Are we supposed to grow something here?“ She questioned. ”In a place with no soil or water? It certainly has the irritating sting of a Witches' Road trial.“ Edith noticed a small bag in her bag. ”We have our personal effects.“ She spoke up, picking up the baggy with a skull necklace in it. Not subtle, Road. Billy tossed his spell book back into the drawer. “It's worthless.” He exclaimed. The drawers all closed. “Well, The Road agrees.” Agatha spoke. One of the lights went out. “And now we have our countdown.”
“You seem relaxed. Usually at this point you're either complaining loudly or freaking out loudly.” Agatha spoke towards Jen. “I'm thinking.” Jen retorted. “Oh! About what?” Agatha chirped. “How to save your ass.” Jen quipped back. “Pardon?” Agatha gasped out. “I couldn't save Lilia. I didn't even try to save Alice. I'll be damned if I let you three idiots die.” Jen stated. “Wow. Such purpose. How are you gonna do that without any magick?” Agatha hummed. “She saved my life. She saved you from poisoning. All while bound.” Teen stated. He looked towards Jen. “Maybe you don't need it.” More lights went out. “Well, if that's true, that means I've wasted the last century of my life. That doctor in Boston didn't take anything from me. I gave it up.” Jen spoke. Agatha hummed, which caught Jen's attention as the older witch looked around.
”Agatha?“ Jen questioned. ”Nothing.“ Agatha shrugged. ”What?“ Jen questioned. ”No, I just never knew you ever passed through there. That's all.“ Agatha spoke. Jen seemed to realize something. ”Are you the one who bound me?“ She yelled. ”I don't know!“ Agatha exclaimed. ”What?“ Billy questioned. ”You nonstop sociopath!“ Edith turned away as they started at each other again. She paced in her own little space for a moment. Her fingers were wrapped around the skull pendant that now sat around her neck. Edith glanced over as Jen started doing an unbinding ritual to unbind from Agatha's spell. Edith looked up as the lights continued to go out. Jen let go of Agatha, and Edith watched as pink magic swirled in Jen's hands. Then, Jen disappeared.
”What happened? Where did she go? She was just there. Agatha?“ Billy looked up at Agatha. “The Road gave her what she was missing. And now she's gone.” Agatha stated. She walked up to Billy. “This can end right here, right now. I came here for power. You have power. Juice me up.” Agatha spoke. Edith came walking over as Agatha told Billy to sit down. “Why?” Billy questioned. “We're gonna find your brother.” Agatha moved and sat down. “Why?” Billy questioned. “That's what you want, right?” Edith questioned, sitting down to the left of Agatha. “Tommy isn't waiting out there. Not in a body, anyway. That's what got Rio in such a tizzy. She knows you could do it for him.” Agatha explained.
“Do what?” Billy questioned. “Give him another life! Another spin around the dance floor.” Agatha exclaimed. “You think he can bring his brother back?” Edith questioned, tilting her head slightly and narrowing her eyes. Agatha nodded. “I don't know how I did it.” Billy spoke. “You never do. Time to grow up.” Edith held out her hand to Billy. He took it as he sat down. She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “You got this.” She spoke softly. “Close your eyes.” Agatha instructed. More lights flickered out as Billy closed his eyes. ”Your last moments with Tommy. Tell me.“ Agatha spoke. ”I don't remember anything.“ Billy stated. ”You do. It's there. Try. You were ten. You lived in Westview. You and your brother.“
”I was...about to fall asleep. I realize I'm breathing at the same time as Tommy. He's not snoring, but...it's heavy enough to listen to. It's nice. That feeling when your body knows it's safe.“ Billy spoke. ”Breathe with him.“ Agatha instructed. ”Breathe.“ Agatha spoke again. ”The sound of him. It stops because everything else does.“ Billy spoke. ”It's your mother folding her world. That's okay. It's okay. You keep breathing.” Both witches listen to Billy's breathing for a few seconds. “Even if you can't hear him, you don't have to open your eyes to know how close he is. Breathing together. You breathe for yourself. You breathe for him. You breathe for everything he is. You hold it all inside of you. But it can't stay there. The memories. The feelings. You can't keep them. Keep your eyes closed no matter what.”
Agatha's hands grasped either side of Billy's head. The lights began to spark and flicker. Edith looked around, eyes a bit wider than before. “You can't keep him. So where does he go?“ Billy gripped Edith's hand. ”I don't know!“ He exclaimed. ”Find him a place.“ Agatha instructed. ”It's black. There's nothing.“ Billy exclaimed again. ”He floats. He looks down. What does he see?“ Agatha questioned. ”He's afraid.“ Billy stated. ”Oh, but he has you with him now.“ Agatha retorted. ”I can't find a place.“ Billy spoke. ”Ah, don't give me that. 120 bodies empty out every minute. Find one.“ Billy was hyperventilating at this point. He's gripping Edith's hand so tight, she winced. ”It's underwater! There's a boy. It's a prank. They tricked him. He's gonna drown.“ Billy's words almost sounded like a whimper. ”It's a bad place.“ He stated. ”It usually is.“ Edith spoke up.
“And the people, the family, there's no one to love him! He's got no one! Agatha! Am I killing this boy so my brother can live?“ Billy let out a scream and disappeared, causing a crack in the floor. Edith's hand grew cold from the loss of touch. ”No, Billy. Sometimes...boys die.“ Edith heard her mother say. She looked over towards her. She was tearing up. Edith moved and wrapped her arms around Agatha's shoulders. ”It's okay.“ She whispered. Agatha set a hand against Edith's arm, moving and opening up her broach in the process. Two separate locks of hair sat inside of it. Agatha plucked up Nicky's, and ran it over her nose. She ran it along Edith's cheek and her own chin. Then, she noticed the dandelion.
Edith sat up a bit, seeing it too. The next light went off. Only two more. Edith let go of Agatha, sitting back. “Out of death, life...” Agatha murmured, before looking at the crack in the floor. “We can plant it. Before the time runs out.” Edith spoke softly. “We can try.” Agatha agreed. Agatha used her tears as water for the dandelion, before moving and laying it in the soil in the crack. She covered it up. The lights began to flicker. ”No. No, we need more time!“ Agatha yelled. ”Please. Please.“ Edith whispered. Agatha laid her forehead against the floor, letting out a soft sob. Edith set her hand over Agatha's, feeling tears sting her eyes. Then, the flower grew. ”Hey.“ She spoke softly. ”Look.“ The light stopped flickering. All the lights began to turn on as the two stood up.
Dirt began to spill in the room. ”The stairs, go!“ Agatha yelled. Edith grabbed Agatha's hand. ”Not without you. Come on.“ They ran for the stairs as rubble began to fall. ”Let us out! Let us out!” Edith yelled. “We played by your rules as we passed the last trial. Get us off The Road!” Agatha yelled as they smacked against the doors at the top of the staircase. The doors began to open. Edith and Agatha shared a look, before pushing them open and stepping out onto grass. A yard? The wind was whipping around. But, they were back in their normal clothes. Then, they both heard the sound of Rio, cackling from the roof. They turned. ”Congratulations, my loves!“ Rio cheered, and followed it up with more cackling. “I'm sorry I didn't have a ribbon for you to run through.“
Agatha flicked out her hands. She didn't still have magic. ”Where is it? I want. My. Prize!“ Agatha shouted. ”So do I.“ Lightning flashed, showing the skeletal face of Death herself. Unfortunately, it also showed the skeletal jaw of Edith too. ”I got you the kid out, as agreed!“ Agatha yelled. ”And he's now where? He was supposed to surrender himself. That means you're coming with me.“ Rio stated. ”Edith, get out of here.“ Agatha spoke. "What? No! We stick together.“ She stated. ”Listen to your mother, dear!“ Rio called from the roof. ”She wants me, not you. Go.“ Agatha grabbed Edith's shoulders. Edith stared at Agatha, eyebrows furrowing. Then, she was ripped away from Agatha’s grasp, flung over the fence and into the next yard by Rio.
Edith let out a groan in pain. Lightning flashed again as she slowly got to her feet. “I'm thinking death by a thousand cuts!” She heard Rio yell, then glass shattering. She heard Rio cackling again. Edith's eyes flashed the same pale purple color as the magic that swirled in her hands. She focused on Rio, and she blasted her magic towards the witch as she hopped back over the fence. She heard Agatha chanting in Latin as Rio dodged the blast Edith tried to hit her with. The kid really wasn't wanting to hit Rio, just distract her. “Expel this evil.” Edith mumbled as she moved towards Agatha. She couldn't stand in the circle with her. “I am the natural order of all things, baby. And you love me!” Rio shouted. She blew a kiss and blew away the circle.
”You okay?“ Edith questioned. ”Not really, no. But we can worry about that later, yeah?“ Agatha questioned. Edith nodded. ”You are a coward!“ Rio yelled. ”When she calls you a coward...hit the deck!“ Agatha yelled, dropping to the ground. Edith moved to do the same, but was too late in her movement and got hit with the sink, slamming into the back fence from the force. She let out a cry in pain, laying on her stomach. ”Edith!“ Agatha yelled. ”Why don't you want me?“ Rio questioned Agatha as the other witch stood and moved for Edith. Gods, what a needy witch. A vine came up and snapped at Agatha's achilles heel, dropping her to the ground. ”Mom-“ Edith gripped the grass in front of her, using it to get a grasp on something. She felt something against her forehead. A headpiece. The color of her magic. Her outfit also changed. Her hoodie transformed into a cloak with the hood up, her t-shirt and jeans forming into a dark gray suit with purple and green highlighting aspects of it. Runes decorated the inside of the cloak. She also found a corset with the costume with the skeletal features of a corvid on it. Floral decorations accented her new outfit, which if she were honest, were pretty cute.
Edith's magic formed in her hands again as she heard Agatha chanting in Latin. Rio floated down to the yard. She wrapped Agatha in vines and tied her to a decoration in Agatha's yard, continuing for her as she pulled out her knife. Edith held out her hand, eyes glowing the same color as her magic. She ripped the knife out of Rio's hand as the electricity sparked. Rio stopped and looked around. Then, she was flung to the side. Edith scrambled to her feet, setting her hand against her definitely bruised side as she limped over to Agatha. She took Rio's knife and started cutting the vines. She turned as Billy floated down, shiny magic front and center. He pulled down his hood as he landed.
”We're matching.” Edith spoke up, nodding to his crown. Billy smiled a bit. “I got mine first.” He teased. “You look good.” Agatha spoke up. “You don't.” Billy stated. Edith finished cutting the vines. “Don't take it all.” Billy spoke. Edith looked towards her friend, giving a small look of 'are you sure?' , to which Billy nodded. He blasted Agatha with his magic. She began to absorb it, floating into the air and healing. Edith watched Agatha land in a really witchy and flashy outfit. She cut off the siphoning on Billy's magic, and Edith ran over to him. She set her hand on his shoulder, crouching down next to him. “You okay?” She questioned softly. “Yeah.” Billy spoke softly. “Looks like you three are finally on the same page. So I'll let you decide. One of you stays with me, the other two walk free.“
Edith stood up as magic swirled in her hands. Agatha's magic formed in her hands as well. Rio flicked her wrist, sending Billy and Edith both flying into the greenhouse. The two landed next to each other. Edith heard only her breathing as she took a moment to recover. It was loud in her ears. So was the ringing that was going on in her ears too. She drew in another breath, pain shooting up her sides. She let out a soft groan. “Billy..” She breathed out, grabbing for his wrist. ”I'm right here.“ Billy spoke softly, moving his hand up and grabbing her hand. ”Power looks good on you!“ Edith heard Rio compliment. ”Honey, everything looks good on me.“ Edith slowly sat up, setting her hand on her side. ”I think I have several broken ribs.“ She mumbled. She watched as green and purple lights flash against the greenhouse windows as Billy carefully helped her to her feet. ”What do you need?“ Billy questioned. Edith looked up at him. They were both cut up from the glass.
“To stop my mother from killing my mom.” Edith sighed out. She grabbed Billy's arms. ”Hey. You're my best friend. You know that, right?“ She questioned, to which Billy nodded. ”I'm really sorry for this.“ She used her magic and blasted Billy into the back of the greenhouse, before rushing out into the backyard. Her body screamed at her to stop moving. To rest and take a break. ”¡Llévame!“ Edith yelled in Spanish. Rio and had just slammed Agatha onto the ground with magic. Lightning flashed, exposing the skeletal jaw hidden in Edith's features. Her hood had fallen down after she was flung into the greenhouse. “Take me. I'll go with you. Just stop fighting.“ Edith stated. “Stop hurting her. Hurting each other.“ Rio tilted her head. ”You will?“ She questioned. Edith saw the blood on Agatha's lips. She slowly walked over, Rio watching her like a hawk. Edith crouched down to her mom.
”It should be me.“ Agatha spoke. Edith shook her head. ”No, mom. It shouldn't. You wouldn't be able to face him.“ Edith whispered. Agatha cupped her face. ”You're not bad.“ She whispered. Edith smiled. ”Neither are you.“ She leaned into the touch. ”You're the only one who thinks so.“ Agatha whispered. Rio moved towards the two. Edith stood up and turned towards Rio, the lightning exposing the skeletal jaw on both witches. ”Take me! It's my choice! Me!“ Billy yelled as he moved towards them from the greenhouse. Edith and Rio both turned towards him. Agatha stood up. ”Take him.“ She stated. ”What?“ Edith questioned. ”You heard him. The boy. As promised.“ Rio chuckled and shook her head. ”It's over.“ Agatha began walking away. ”Now, put my yard back. Why don't you plant a few azaleas on your way out?“ Agatha grumbled. ”But-“ Billy started. Agatha turned.
”What can I say? I'm a covenless witch.“ She chuckled and turned to continue walking. ”Mom.“ Edith yelled. Agatha stopped, turning back. Edith had her head tilted slightly, her eyes on the older witch. “You do this and I will hate you forever.” Edith stated. Agatha reeled back slightly. Rio raised her eyebrows. Those were the exact same words Agatha had said to Rio during both pregnancies, when Rio had come to take both Nicky and Edith right before their births. ”Please. Let him live.“ Edith's voice was soft, gentle. Like a child asking their parent to not kill an insect. Agatha softened, giving a small nod.
Edith turned her head towards Rio. “What if I gave you a body? Will you stop all of this?” She questioned. Rio was quiet for a moment, debating it. She was twirling a flower between her fingers. An aster. “I can offer only time.” Rio's voice had softened as she spoke to her daughter. Edith nodded. Time was all she needed. She fully turned towards Rio. ”Hasta pronto, mamá. Te veo.“ She spoke in Spanish. Rio smiled. ”Te veo.“ She turned and walked away, disappearing.
The clouds lightened, and the sun began to peak through. Edith winced at the light, blinding her briefly for a few seconds. Edith then winced as she set her hand back against her ribs. It hurt to breathe. “You were... seriously going to just let her take him?” Edith questioned Agatha. “Wha- no ! I figured you had some brilliant plan to save him, and you did!” Agatha exclaimed. Edith tilted her head as she sighed. “Well, we should probably get home. Our parents are going to kill us.“ Edith spoke. ”I can drive you.“ Billy spoke up. Edith nodded. ”I'll meet you out there.“ Billy nodded, walking off. Edith turned towards Agatha.
”I meant what I said.“ She spoke softly. ”Which part?“ Agatha questioned. ”That you're not bad. Screw what Evanora says. Screw what Wanda Maximoff says. You did what you did to survive.“ Edith spoke. Agatha softened, and cupped Edith's face in her hands. ”Te amo, Edith.“ Agatha spoke softly. ”Te quiero.“ Edith responded, leaning into the touch. ”This outfit looks good on you.“ Agatha hummed softly. Edith smiled a bit. ”Yeah, I think I'll keep it. I'll be seeing you, mom.“ Agatha nodded. She pressed a kiss to Edith's forehead and watched her walk away, pulling her hood up as she walked.
Edith met with Billy out front. The people of Westview were staring. Edith turned her gaze towards Billy, who looked nervous. Edith held out her hand. ”Let me be your guardian this time.“ She spoke softly. Billy looked over, pulling up his hood. He took hold of her hand, and let her guide him. People stared at the two as they walked. Edith kept her chin up, ignoring them. Her mind fell back to third grade, when William Kaplan pushed through a few bullies, grabbed Edith by the hand, and led her right back out with his head held high. She admired him. She vowed to be his best friend that day. And they had been best friends ever since. Edith climbed into the passenger seat of Billy's car, with Billy climbing in and starting it up.
People moved out of the way as Billy drove off towards Eastview. He dropped Edith off at home. Edith's clothes shifted back to normal as she climbed out, her crown disappearing. She waved as he drove off, and turned as the front door opened. “Edith? Edith. Oh my God.” James Pierce rushed down the porch and engulfed his daughter in a hug. “Are you alright? Where have you been?” James questioned. “Is she home?” Derek called from the front door. “Yes, she's home!” James called as he let go of Edith. “Edith.” Derek breathed out. “Why are you bleeding?” James questioned. “I'm fine.” Edith spoke softly. “No, you're not! Look at your face!” James started. “You've been gone 24 hours. What happened?” Derek questioned as they got inside the house.
A few days had passed. Edith parked her car in front of Agatha's house. She sat in the car for a moment, debating on her next move. She could just turn on the engine and leave. She didn't have to be here. But, Agatha was her mom, and Edith wanted to check up. The teen sighed and climbed out of her car. She locked the doors to her car, and shoved her hands onto her jacket pockets as she walked up to the front of the house. Boards sat nailed where the front door was. Edith crouched under them, getting into the house and looking around.
A black cat ran in next to her. Fiyero. Edith clicked her tongue, and the cat jumped up onto her shoulders. “Mom?” She called out. The house was eerily quiet. Her gaze shifted to her phone, still sitting on Agatha's table. She walked over and picked it up, shoving it into her jean pocket. She'd turn it on later. ”Mom?“ Edith called out again, drawing the words out slightly longer as she looked around. Fiyero meowed, and Edith turned to look behind her. Agatha. Edith let out a soft breath. “What are- what are you doing here? I thought you went home to your parents?” Agatha questioned. She was in more normal-ish clothing. Edith tilted her head, a small smile on her features. ”I have another parent I can come home to now.“ Edith spoke. “Oh? And who might this other parent be?“
”You, silly.“ Edith spoke. Agatha smiled, causing Edith to return the smile and wrinkle up her nose in the process. ”I, uh, I have a strange question to ask, actually.“ Edith spoke up. ”Two of them, really.“ Agatha motioned for Edith to sit. Edith did so, crossing one leg over the other. ”What is it?“ Agatha questioned. ”Do you ever...dream about Nicky?“ Agatha stared at the teen for several seconds. ”All the time.“ The older witch mumbled. ”Do you?“ Edith nodded. ”I have these...I don't know how to describe them, but he actually talks to me in my dreams. He knows things about what I've done. Things he couldn't know unless he'd actually been...“ Edith trailed off. ”Watching over you?“ Agatha questioned after a moment. Edith nodded. ”Edith, honey, you are half life and half death. There are things that you will experience that no other witch could.“ Agatha explained.
”So, I guess asking you to help me learn to control my magic is out of the question?“ Edith's voice softened, her gaze shifting up from her hands to her mother. Agatha was staring at her. Studying her. ”I can teach you to cast illusions. To control the feeble mind. To move objects with your will. But I cannot teach you to heal. I cannot teach you to protect or divine. I cannot teach you what you wish to learn.“ Agatha explained. Edith shook her head. ”I want to learn magic. I want to be a witch, like you. I don't care about the special stuff. The stuff that makes me like-“ Edith stopped, looking at her lap. ”Like Rio. I don't care about that. I just want to be a witch.“
Agatha took in a soft breath and released it, moving to stand. She held out her hands. ”You sound like him, you know.“ Agatha spoke softly. ”Who?“ Edith questioned. ”Nicky. He used to say that he 'just wanted to be a witch' too. I tried to teach him before...“ Edith stood up with Agatha's help. ”I'll teach him what you teach me.“ Edith spoke. Agatha furrowed her eyebrows, tilting her head. Ah, that's where Edith got it from. “When I see him in my sleep. I'll be his mentor, like you are mine.” Edith stated. Agatha raised her eyebrows, a smile resting on her features. ”That'll be a hard task.“ She teased. ”Boys are not known to be witches.“
”Billy became one. If he can do it, so can Nicky. Besides, Nicky's life and death, mixed into one. Just like me.“ Agatha wrapped an arm around Edith, pressing a kiss to her head. Edith leaned into the touch. Into the kiss on the head. She smiled a bit more. “I'm glad that I found you. Even if it was by breaking into your house while you were under a spell. I finally get to learn who I am. More than just Death's kid, or the adopted weirdo.” Edith spoke as they walked towards Agatha's backyard. “Adopted weirdo?” Agatha questioned. “Don't worry, those guys got dealt with.” Edith hummed. ”Well, good.“ Agatha responded.
”But the point still stands. I'm glad we found each other.“ Edith stated. Agatha smiled once more. ”Me too, Edie. Me too.”