Chapter Text
Dear Diary,
I really need to start saying no to Luz. It’s just when she looks at me with those brown eyes, my words lose all meaning. Here’s what happened today...
It started out innocent enough. Luz and her friends were enjoying lunch when Viney had approached their table. She was put in charge of the griffin stables after school and wanted a few extra hands for help. Luz jumped at the chance, quite literally on top of her bench. Her enthusiasm was contagious as always, and soon the whole table was agreeing.
“Great! Meet me outside the school after the final bell. We’ll head over together.” Viney gave the group a two-fingered salute and wink.
They were heading towards the stables with Viney when Amity finally decided to speak up.
“Is this really a good idea? We don’t know anything about griffins.”
“Griffins are simple creatures. Just remain calm and treat them with respect and you’ll be fine.” Viney assured. “Also, don’t look them directly in the eye. Doing so is a challenge of dominance.”
Amity squeaked. “Yeah, I’m out.”
She went to turn but was stopped by Luz’s hand on her shoulder. “Come on, Amity! We already promised-”
“Correction, you promised.”
“Details, details. It’ll be fun! Don’t forget, I’m also studying beast-keeping. We can do this!”
Amity took one look at Luz’s face and knew she already lost. Her eyes scanned over to Gus and Willow. The illusionist had both thumbs up and Willow gave her an encouraging smile.
“Ugh, fine.”
“Run-away-run-away-run-away!” Luz screeched as her and Amity avoided the juvenile griffin.
Puddles squawked and went to snap at the dead rats hung around Luz’s neck. Amity glared at the upperclassman.
“Why are we doing this again?!”
Viney dodged another griffin just as its beak clamped down where she was standing. “It helps the little ones learn how to hunt!” She expertly avoided another jab with an impressive cartwheel.
Amity stared open-mouthed at the multi-track student. Her gaze switched over to Willow and Gus. The two seemed to have everything under control, all things considered. Gus made duplicate copies of himself and Willow, all running away from their own baby griffin.
“Incoming!”
Amity had less than a millisecond to process the fact Luz was charging directly towards her. She hit the ground with an audible grunt and felt the wind knock out of her. Luz groaned on top of her before inhaling deeply.
“Amity! Are you okay? I’m so sorry!”
The witch opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by a screech. Puddles came barreling towards the two. Luz tried to right herself, but her legs got tangled up in Amity’s. As the two tried to unscramble their limbs, Viney put herself in between them and the griffin with her arms out wide.
“Whoa Puddles! That’s enough!”
Puddles immediately stopped. She cocked her head as she cooed in confusion. Viney removed one of the rats from around her neck and tossed it in the air. Puddles snatched it with her beak and swallowed it whole. She lowered her head and nuzzled against Viney affectionately.
“You guys okay?” Viney asked as she gave the griffin another rat.
Amity and Luz finally managed to untangle themselves. Amity stood up and brushed herself off while trying to maintain what little dignity remained. Her cheeks burned.
“F-Fine.” Was all she could manage as she tried to subdue her blush.
Luz sat up and remained on the ground. She groaned while rubbing her head. “I’m good.”
Amity held out her hand to help Luz up. They exchanged soft glances before Willow and Gus came running over, both of their necks empty.
“That was so much fun!” Gus exclaimed. “Can we do that again tomorrow?”
“Sure!”
“No!"