Chapter Text
Two kisses
That's all the teen remembered when she awoke. Two kisses on her temple. It was a strange, fading feeling, but it happened almost every time she was about to wake. She rubbed her eyes and turned over to look at her phone and check the time. 11am. With a breath, she sat up and ran her fingers through her curls, pushing them out of her face. Her gaze settled on herself in her mirror.
Edith Pierce had never hated how she looked, really. Not recently, anyway. short dark curls framed her face, and eyes the color of the ocean stared back at her from their reflection. She was fair skinned. She'd tanned a bit over the summer, but that was slowly disappearing, and you couldn't really tell the difference anymore. She rubbed her eyes again, rubbing the sleep out of them, when her phone buzzed on her nightstand. That was odd. Maybe it was one of her dads? They always called to check up when they worked weekends. She grabbed it and unplugged it, looking at who was calling. Eddie's boyfriend. Edith hummed softly, before answering the call.
“Edith! I'm outside your house. I need you to help me with something.” Edith heard on the other end as soon as she put the phone to her ear. This kid didn't even leave room for a 'hello'. Edith let out a soft, quiet breath, looking outside her bedroom window, and seeing the other teen wave at her. She gave a tired smile, waving back as she leaned on her windowsill.
“Okay, give me, like, ten or fifteen minutes to change and get ready for the day. You're buying breakfast. Preferably something that won't make us sick.” Edith spoke. “Deal.” Edith ended the call, and tossed her phone onto her bed. She moved and changed, throwing on ripped jeans and a band t-shirt, along with her dad's old AC/DC zip up jacket. Her dad gave her this jacket when she was ten. She loved it, even if it was oversized on her. She pulled on her boots and headed downstairs with her phone. She grabbed her house key from the hanger, and headed out, locking the door behind her. She walked over to the car parked across the street from her house, and climbed into the passenger seat. ”Where are we going?“ She questioned. That should have really been her first question when he called, but she was too tired to argue semantics. ”Stakeout.“ Edith looked over, raising her eyebrow.
”Stakeout? On who?“ She questioned. ”Okay, so remember how I was researching Agatha Harkness, right? She lives in Westview under some kind of spell. So, we're gonna see what this spell is all about, and figure out a way to break it so she'll take us on The Road.” Edith smiled a bit, nodding. “Okay. Give me your book.” She held out her hand. He pulled it out with a confused expression, handing it to her. Edith looked it over. She had helped him write some of these spells. Edith pulled the pen out of the glove box, looking over the spells in the process. “We could use this one. It just needs an object of importance.” She glanced at her friend, who furrowed his eyebrows. “Significance. Something important to the subject. In this case, Agatha.“
”Well, what do we think is important to her?“ Edith shrugged. ”I don't know. You did the most digging out of the two of us. Not to say that I didn't do any digging, because I did, but let’s face it, you did do most of the work and freaked Eddie out in the process with it. Oh, shit. I should probably let at least one of my dads know that I'll be out today. Maybe I can tell them I'm at Tara's.“ Edith moved to pull out her phone. ”Are you and Tara a thing now?“ Edith looked over. She let out a soft laugh, shrugging. ”I don't know. I'm not ready for anything too fast. So, she did promise we'd take everything at my pace, and take it as slow as I wanted, so maybe? I don't really know.“ She looked back down at the spell book as she spoke. ”You should go for it. I mean, you want it, right? And it seems like Tara does too.“
Edith smiled a bit more, texting her dad in the process. ”Yeah, maybe I will. Thanks.“ She flipped to a new page in the spell book, moving to write. ”What are you writing?“ She glanced over. ”Runes. I mean, it's analog magic, you're able to cast them wherever, but I'm writing them out for you so you know which are what. You don't have a single rune in here.” Edith spoke. She pulled out her wallet, handing over twenty bucks. “To help pay for breakfast.” That earned her a smile. “I thought you said I was buying?” Edith looked up and over towards her friend. “I can take the money back if you-” She raised her eyebrows. “No, no. This is great, thanks.” Edith let out a hum as she nodded with a smile. “That's what I thought.”
Soon enough, the sun was beginning to descend. The two teens sat in the car, watching Agatha's house as they had been for the past few hours. Edith took her friend's arm, using the pen and sketching out a protection rune on his arm. “What's this for?” He questioned. “Well, she might have magic when she's freed. This is to keep you safe.“ Edith stated. ”Don't you need one too?“ Edith shook her head. ”Unfortunately, you're the weak link. I'm much faster than you are.“ She was given a look. ”Alright, well, rude.“ Edith let out a soft snort-like laugh.
Once the sun was low enough, the two teens climbed out of the car. They looked into one of the living room windows. Edith furrowed her eyebrows, before looking towards her friend. The two moved around back, and Edith boosted her friend up onto the roof to access the second story. He helped pull her up, and they got the window open. Edith climbed in after her friend. They glanced around, before he picked up a small broach. He turned and showed it to Edith, who nodded in agreement that it was their object. They turned to leave and he knocked down a lamp in the process. “Shit.” Edith whispered. “Hey!“ Both teens turned as Agatha yelled at them from the doorway. Edith was closest and moved out the window first. ”Hey! What are you doing?“ Edith held out her hand and helped the other Teen out of the window.
”What did you take?“ Edith slid slightly on the roof as the two moved. Edith was still holding onto the other Teen. ”Stop!“ Edith let out a small noise as Teen slipped and tugged on her hand. Edith looked down at the lattice below them. ”Drop down.“ She spoke, letting go and grabbing the top of the lattice, dropping onto the back porch. ”Oh my god what am I doing!“ Edith held out her hands to catch her friend if he fell, which he did. They both tumbled down the stairs. ”Ow.“ Edith breathed out. Agatha fell too. Both teens got up to move, but stopped to turn and make sure Agatha was okay. “Are you okay?” Teen questioned.
“Stop! Police!” Edith started to back away. “Please don't call the police. I can't have a criminal record.” They bolted for the fence, climbing over it as Agatha moved to chase them. They bolted down the alley, with Teen apologizing to trash cans he knocked over. Teen smacked into a car door, Edith grabbing his arms to pull him back. "Hooligans.” Edith turned as Agatha caught up with them.
They were soon both sitting back in Agatha's house. “Miss Harkness, I didn't mean for that to be so chaotic. We both panicked, so we ran, but I'm very glad we can have this opportunity to fully explain ourselves to you.” Teen spoke. Edith glanced towards him. “So I'm curious. What compelled the two of you to break into the home of a decorated detective?” Agatha questioned. “Detective? Ah, that's not what I was expecting but I can totally see that for you.” Teen hummed. “Don't piss her off.” Edith spoke softly. “What were you looking for in my home?” Agatha questioned. “Yeah, so, we came here with a somewhat unorthodox plan to release you from the spell you're weirdly committed to, but...could I just trouble you for a glass of water, or..”
Agatha came over and kicked Billy in the arm. Edith covered her mouth with her hand to hide the smile that crept onto her face. That was pretty amusing. Edith glanced around the room as Teen tried to reason with Agatha. Agatha placed down pictures. ”Tell me about this.” She stated. “Those are daisies.” Edith spoke up. “Tell me who she is.” Agatha spoke. “Who?” Teen questioned. “Tell me what happened to her!” Agatha yelled. “What are you talking about? These are just flowers!“ Edith responded. Agatha looked confused, looking down at the flowers. Edith and Teen shared a look. ”Wait, did you just hear what I said?“ Edith questioned. Agatha picked up the photos.
“They're just...pictures of someone's front yard or something.” Teen spoke, his voice softening. He moved to pull out his spell book. “See? Lots of flowers.” Edith hummed out. She watched Agatha look at the painting. “And that's a painting. Nice painting.“ Edith looked to her friend. ”Read it.“ She spoke softly. Teen started chanting, and it ended up with both teenagers being taped up in a closet. Edith looked over towards teen, raising her eyebrow . This was just great. “Sorry.” Teen spoke behind the tape. Edith shrugged. “Not the worst position I've been in.” Edith responded.
Both teens slept only a little bit. Edith woke up first. The feeling of two kisses against her temple slowly faded as she opened her eyes. She blinked a few times, before remembering where she was. She nudged Teen's shoulder, trying to wake him up. He woke up after a few nudges, and then Edith thumped around in the closet. She was pissed. Teen shook his head, and she stopped, but a few minutes later the closet door opened. Both teens looked over, seeing Agatha holding a spoon as a weapon. ”Oh. So that arrest was maybe more of a kidnapping.“ Agatha shrugged. ”But if you're real and not a figment of my imprisoned mind, then that means-“
The front door busted off its hinges. Both teens shared a look, before Edith looked around for something to cut herself loose. ”What are you doing?“ Teen spoke behind the tape. ”Helping.“ Edith responded. She caught the tape on something in the closet, and moved to begin cutting through it. ”I've missed you.“ Edith faltered. She knew that voice. ”I hate you.“ Agatha responded. Edith moved faster. ”How long's it been, Agatha?“ Edith heard. ”Not sure.“ Agatha rebutled. ”Since you acquired the Darkhold, you hid behind all that dark magic, but then you lost it. And now...“ Edith heard a small sound of pain from Agatha. A wince. ”Touch.“ Rio hummed. ”You're vulnerable.“ Rio's voice wavered as she spoke. “Only physically.”
Edith cut the tape on her arms as she heard a slam into the wall. She moved and ripped the tape at her ankles. Agatha flew across the kitchen as she did. She looked over watching the two women fight for a moment. Rio pulled her knife out of the wall, and threw it towards Agatha. It bounced off a cookie sheet, and both women grabbed for it. “Do you remember pain? It kinda tickles, doesn't it?” Rio taunted Agatha. Agatha let go of the knife and smacked Rio hard enough to knock her back. “Coochie coochie coo.” She growled out. Rio sliced towards Agatha, who tackled her to the ground. Rio seemed to notice Edith then. Edith was staring at her, a look of wariness on her features.
Rio headbutted Agatha, knocking her back. Then, Rio rose to her feet in the creepiest way ever. She turned towards Edith, scrunching her nose with a sly smile. ”Te veo, cuervo." Edith's eyes widened, a feeling of fear coursing through her body as Rio turned back to Agatha, knocking her into the china cabinet with her magic. ”Maybe I can't kill you, but I can make you wish you were dead.“ Rio stated. ”Stop.” Edith spoke, her voice having a small waver to it. She'd taken the tape off her own mouth at this point. Rio turned to look towards Edith for a moment, tilting her head slightly. “This isn't what you want. Me without power.” Agatha spoke, causing Rio to turn back towards the other witch. “This is undignified. Don't you want me at my best? Admit it. You prefer me...”
“Horizontal? In a grave?” Rio taunted. “Formidable.” Agatha corrected. “So take my power.” Rio hummed. ”That's cute. But you know that would kill me. Just let me get my purple back. And then come find me.“ Agatha tried to reason. ”I am not the only one that wants to see you dead. Wants to see you burn. Or hang or drown.“ Rio hummed. ”There are no new options?“ Agatha questioned. ”I could just sit back and watch.“ Rio spoke aloud to herself. ”Okay, Agatha. But I'll be sure to tell them where to find you.“ Rio spoke as the two witches got mere inches apart from each other. ”Who, specifically?“ Agatha questioned. ”Mmm! The worst of them. The Salem Seven. I expect you'll see them at sundown. After all these centuries, Agatha Harkness will finally meet her end. Ugh! It really warms the heart.“
”You don't have a heart.“ Agatha stated. ”Yes, I do. It's black, and it beats for you.“ Rio licked Agatha's hand and moved to leave. She turned back to the teens in the closet, smirking as her eyes landed on Edith. ”Hasta pronto, cuervito. Te veo.” Rio stepped out of the house. Edith watched her leave, a glare on her features. Agatha turned back to the two teens before walking off to go change. Edith moved to free Teen from his bindings, getting the tape off his mouth carefully before undoing his wrists and ankles. Edie, are you okay? You're shaking.” Teen spoke softly. Edith noticed the subtle shake in her hands. She nodded. “Yeah, I'm fine.” She responded, voice equally as soft. “We need her to get to the Witches Road, right?”
Teen nodded. Edith helped him up and they moved into the doorway of the kitchen. “The house is yours, random children. Be sure to tell the vengeance-seekers I said hi.” Agatha stated. “Take us to the Witches' Road!” Teen exclaimed. Agatha stopped and turned towards the two. She walked over towards them. ”Come again?“ She questioned. ”The Witches Road. We want you to take us there.“ Edith stated. Agatha stared at the two of them for a moment. ”The Witches' Road doesn't exist.“ Agatha spoke. ”You're lying.“ Teen exclaimed. ”Am I?“ Agatha countered. ”That's just what real witches say to keep the amateurs out.“ Teen stated.
“The Road will give you the thing you want the most. If you make it to the end. And we can.“ Edith spoke up. Agatha looked them over for a moment. There was almost something...familiar that sparked in Agatha's eyes as she fully registered Edith now. “The Road is no place for a couple of kids.” Agatha spoke as she turned and walked off. “I'm sixteen!” Teen exclaimed. “I'm seventeen.” Edith added. “Oh, sorry. Teens. I don't know where you heard about The Road-”
“Books, the Ballad, legend, lore..” Teen interrupted. “But it will kill you.” Agatha stated. “Didn't kill you.“ Edith spoke up. ”Well, I'm exceptional.“ Agatha stated. ”That's my point. Okay, so, confession. I know an egregious amount about you. I've been obsessed since I first read up on your Salem days. One of my favorite 'you' eras.“ Teen spoke. ”That's a good one.“ Agatha mumbled. ”That's why we came here last night. That's why he saved you from the spell you were under.“ Edith stated. Agatha made a face. ”No, it was my pleasure.“ Teen hummed bashfully. ”Hmm. Well...if you've got the goods to break a spell cast by the Scarlet Witch,“ Agatha let out a gasp as she sat, motioning for them to sit, ”why do you need The Road?“
”We've studied, don't get me wrong, but that can only take you so far. I wanna blast, to shield, to levitate.” Teen spoke. “So you want shortcuts?” Agatha questioned. “The Road promises that what's missing awaits you at its end. Power is what we're missing. Sounds like it's what you're missing too.“ Teen stated. Agatha smiled at the two for a moment. ”Nope. Too risky. No time.“ Agatha stood and walked towards the door. “If you wanna run, fine. But the Salem Seven are dangerous and serious about ripping your head off. You really think you can outrun them with no magic at all?” Edith questioned as both teens stood and moved after her. Edith watched her pick something up. Then, she turned back towards them. “Who are you?“ Agatha questioned.
”That's Edith Pierce, and I'm-“ Edith looked over as the sigil appeared once more on teen's mouth. She'd seen it so often. Agatha walked closer. ”Say again.“ She ordered. ”She's Edith Pierce, and I'm-“ The sigil appeared again. ”Interesting.“ Agatha hummed. ”What?“ Teen questioned. ”I'm driving.“ She walked over to an area of her house, and Edith raised her eyebrows, looking at Teen. ”Ah, you're driving.“ Agatha walked out of the house. Edith shrugged and followed after her. ”What do you know about covens?“ Agatha questioned as Teen caught up to the two. ”They're drawn together by mysterious forces of fate, and they're the truest form of sisterhood.“ Edith spoke up. ”Are you taking us to meet your coven?“ Teen questioned excitedly.
”No. Those harpies are dust. But we do need a coven to access The Road.“ Agatha stopped. ”Right, of course, that makes sense. It is the Witches', plural possessive, Road.“ Edith looked over at the foundation of a house that Agatha was staring at. Wanda Maximoff's house. Agatha turned and looked at the two. ”I'm over here.“ Teen spoke. ”Oh, are you?“ Teen walked off towards his car. Edith followed suit, climbing into the back. Agatha climbed in and they drove out of Westview.
Edith looked over as Eddie called Teen's phone. ”Sorry. He worries.“ Teen spoke softly. ”So, where do we just find a coven?” Edith questioned from the back. “Wherever you are, a coven there shall be.” Agatha muttered. “That's beautiful.” Teen spoke. “No, it's definitely not. But it is the Covenstead Rule. Within any three-mile radius, there will be a collection of witchy-enough people to form a coven.” Agatha spoke. “Can you actually jot that down for me? There's a pen in the glove compartment.” Teen pulled out his spell book. “Oh. Okay. Of course.” Agatha mumbled, pulling out one of the pens. She then tossed it out the window. Edith leaned forward and snatched the spell book before Agatha could toss that too. ”I'll hold onto this.“ Edith spoke, pulling a pen out from the back seat. She stashed them everywhere in this car.
They parked across from a 'Madam Calderu's Psychic Readings' shop. ”You think there's a real witch in there?“ Teen questioned. ”We'll see if she knows the secret handshake.“ Agatha mumbled. ”That means no.“ Edith clarified. “Yeah, I know from your sarcasm.” Teen responded. Edith smiled a bit. “I feel really optimistic about this.” Teen added as they climbed out of the car. Edith made a face, as did Agatha, before they headed into the shop. Edith glanced around once they did, taking in the vibe. “Welcome to the curious.” A voice came from behind some hanging beads. “Good day madam.” Edith and Teen shared a look before looking at Agatha.
“Oh, thank you so much for seein' us. We are hopin' for a miracle today. This is my boy, Beauford, and my sweet girl Bella. They don't talk much, they got social anxiety. Their daddy recently passed and we miss 'im somethin' awful. And we surely would love to commune with him today. But to be quite frank with you, what is top of mind is the location of some gold bars he may or may not have buried in our backyard.” Okay, so, she was good. Edith had to commend her on that. “Please.” The older woman spoke, motioning for the trio to sit. “Thank you, you're a doll!“ Agatha exclaimed. ”How will you be paying?“ Madam Calderu questioned. ”He's got it.“ Agatha tapped Teen's arm. ”Debit works.“ Madam Calderu stated. ”They both always take care of Mama.“
Edith focused her gaze on this Madam Calderu as she spoke to Agatha. That smile was fake. Edith could see it a mile away. She winced slightly as Lilia vocalized. ”Brother.“ Agatha and Edith mumbled in unison. ”You'll find the gold bars in an old bowling bag at the back of his closet.“ Madam Calderu spoke. ”Yes, that's it. Thank you. Thank the lady, would you please, kids.“ Agatha moved to stand. ”There's something else.“ Madam Calderu spoke. ”What is it?“ Edith and Teen spoke in unison. ”You've been under the influence of another. Someone you hurt. They took your agency. For three years. It's not the first time your witch kin betrayed you. But you survive. In a way few do. In fact, that's why you're here.“ The older witch stood, and Edith grabbed Teen's arm. ”And I am not interested.“
”Wait, what?“ Teen looked between the two witches. ”Thank you for your purchase. Your bank statement will say 'Lilia's Leggings', but that's just my side hustle.“ Lilia walked into the back of the shop. Edith let go of teen, urging him to follow Agatha into the back with Lilia as she stayed back to look around. She stepped around the shop, looking at small items on shelves. She picked up a few items, looking them over. Edith pocketed a few items, glancing back towards the back of the shop as she did. Then, the lights started flickering. Edith rushed into the back of the shop. ”Whoa..” She spoke up. “Witchcraft.” She came over to Agatha and Teen, watching Lilia. The lights went out, and Lilia handed Agatha a list of names for a coven. “There, a list of four names. Looks like you've got your coven. Leave me out of it.”
“You're on here.” Edith stated. “What?” Lilia questioned as she turned around. “Can't say no to you.” Teen hummed out. He pulled out a piece of paper. “Agatha's address.” He stated. “Be there at five. Plenty of street parking.” The trio turned and left the shop. “That was amazing. And we got a team roster out of the deal too. So, who's next?” Edith looked up to the sound of cawing. She stared at the bird, and Agatha followed her gaze. “Agatha?” Teen spoke up. “What?” Agatha turned back. “Who's next on the list?“
They parked near another shop. Edith wrinkled her nose to all the different smells as they walked inside, cracking the door open briefly so she didn't go into a sneezing fit as her nostrils burned. ”Hey! Where do you keep your jade eggs? I'm fresh out of marbles and my pelvic floor is all over the place.“ Edith looked towards Teen. ”Oh, this'll be fun.“ She mumbled. ”Actually, you gals wanna go splitsies on one? Hmm? Anyone? Anyone? Sisterhood of the traveling Kegels? No? No?“ Edith watched the girls leave. “Told you.” she mumbled towards Teen, who shook his head with a small smile. “Hi, Jen!” Agatha chirped. “God, Agatha! I haven't seen you since I made a really pointed effort to never run into you again. How are you? Awful?“
”I'm assembling a coven. I need a Potions guy. We're gonna walk The Road.“ Jen scoffed, before leaning forward. ”You're serious? It's a dead end. Literally.” Jen moved towards the other end of the counter. “Oh, come on, Jen. I'm offering you the chance to finally lift the binding spell that has kept you magicless for the last, what, century?” Teen leaned over. ”You look amazing.“ He spoke up. ”I know. What do you care about my magic?“ Jen questioned. Then, she looked down at Agatha's hands. ”Oh! You lost the Darkhold, and now you're powerless and exposed. How far you've fallen, witch killer.“ Jen stated. ”At least I'm still a witch.“ Agatha retorted. ”Like I care about that dusty, warty, snaggle-toothed community.“ Jen stated. ”Oh, you don't fool me. You'd chew off your own acrylics to get back into the club. Ugh, I'm not gonna waste my breath illuminating the obvious. Have fun healing the healthy.“
Edith looked to Teen, and they shared a look. ”Hi. We love your insta page, by the way. You totally minimized the size of our pores.“ Teen started. ”Who are they?“ Jen questioned Agatha, who turned to look over. ”Another child sacrifice?“ Edith pulled out her phone. ”I'm really sorry about your recent legal troubles.“ She hummed, turning her phone around. ”Yes, I'm aware.“ Jen spoke. ”Fraudulent misrepresentation resulting in consumer injury.“ Agatha read over Edith's shoulder. ”I personally would not consider superficial burns 'injury', but apparently, some people needed skin grafts.“ Teen spoke. Agatha gasped. ”Oh, Jen!“ She teased. ”I haven't been convicted of anything.” Jen stated.
“Yet. Historically, we as a group don't do well in courtrooms.” Agatha hummed. “The charge has a surprisingly lenient penalty.” Teen spoke up. “Payouts, maybe five years in prison. But eight-hundred counts of it.” Edith added. “Starts to get a little life-y!” Teen chirped. “Wait, so you're magically bound, and now you're about to get literally bound.” Agatha let out a soft gasp and laughed. “None of this pedestrian drama would be an issue for a powered up witch.” Jen looked astonished. “You think I haven't tried everything to unbind, you freaky little miscreant?” She hissed. “Hey!” Agatha hummed. “You've tried everything but The Road.” Edith spoke, putting her phone away. “If you value your freedom, join us here. Tonight.” Teen handed Jen the address before turning and walking to the door. “Oh! Gonna take a jade egg to go. You'll know where to find it.”
Edith stepped out last, stretching and cracking her back in the process. “Two down, two to go.” Teen spoke. “Uh, just one actually.” Agatha spoke. Edith raised an eyebrow. She moved towards the car as the other two spoke to each other. Agatha ate the list of names, which was weird, and wanted actual food now, so they headed to the mall. They got food, well, Edith and Agatha did. Corndogs. ”Do you see her? Do you know what she looks like?“ Teen questioned. ”She's a blood witch.“ Agatha stated. ”A blood witch is..“ Teen trailed off. ”Child of a witch.“ Edith responded. ”Yeah. In this case, her mom was a witch and also a famous goddess of rock.“
”Lorna Wu? As in Lorna Wu and the Coral Shore?“ Teen questioned. ”Take it easy.“ Agatha spoke. ”She wrote the most famous version of the Ballad. Our parents all went together to see her last tour right before she died. RIP. I bid on a limited edition signed LP of the Ballad, but it cost more than I make in a whole summer at the Hokey Pokey Bowl.“ Teen explained. ”I don't wanna ever hear those words paired together again.“ Agatha suddenly put down her half eaten corndog. ”Ugh. Let's go.“ Edith grabbed all the trash and tossed it as they moved. They headed into Hot Topic. Teen was rambling as Agatha looked over at who Edith assumed was Alice. ”I know Edie and I have an aesthetic, but, what are we doing here?“ Teen questioned. ”Run.“ Agatha spoke softly. ”Run?“ Teen questioned. "Run!“
The security guard took him down so quickly. Edith and Agatha ran over. ”Alice Wu Gulliver? I'm Agatha Harkness, this is my familiar, Toto. We need a Protection Witch to join us on the Witches' Road. What do you say?” Agatha hummed. “What?” Alice questioned. “Gulliver!” Another guard yelled. Edith looked up. “Sir! This woman just assaulted my brother!” Edith spoke up. “Did you just tackle a teenager?” The guard questioned. “Yeah, I saw them lift something.” Alice responded. “No, he didn't touch anything! Check his pockets. He didn't do anything, sir.“ Edith spoke up as Alice searched Teen's pockets. Alice got fired, and the trio followed her out. ”What divine intervention is this? You're out of a job, and we're setting off for The Road today.“ Agatha chirped.
“People like you are dangerous.” Alice spoke. “Agreed. But The Road?“ Agatha questioned. ”The Road isn't real. You groupies don't get it. It's just a stupid song.“ Alice stated. ”Um, forty million copies worldwide beg to differ.” Teen spoke. “The Road is real. Agatha's been there.“ Edith spoke. ”And back.“ Agatha added. ”The Road is a myth. It's a con. A cult.“ Alice spoke. They got in front of her. ”Yeah, but what if it isn't? What if you could finally answer the question that has been haunting you for most of your life? What happened to Mommy? “ Alice pushed past them towards the exits. ”I didn't even get to give her your address.“ Teen spoke. ”We don't need her. Come on.“
Edith sat in the back of the car once more as they drove back to Agatha's. She didn't really pay much attention to Teen and Agatha up front. She was looking over the spells in Teen's book. She had a pen in hand, drawing in runes on some of the pages to help him further. They soon got back to Agatha's. Agatha went upstairs to change while Teen set up everything downstairs. Edith was on her phone. ”You okay?“ Teen questioned. ”Yeah. My dad texted me and told me to have fun at Tara's. I texted Tara to tell her to cover for me if one of my dads calls over there.“ Edith spoke. ”And you think it feels wrong.“ Teen didn't form it as a question. ”I've never had to ask her to lie for me before. You and Eddie, sure, but not her.“
Agatha came back in, and Edith looked up. ”Don't be nervous. They'll show. I know it.“ Teen hummed. ”Does this look centered?“ Edith smiled a bit, gaze going back to her phone. ”Let me see.“ Agatha spoke. She walked over, and ripped the banner down. ”No, leave it up. It really elevates the space.“ Jen spoke up. She looked around. ”Oh god. Am I the first to arrive?“ Jen grumbled. ”The rest will be here soon. Please, come in. Right, Agatha?“ Teen questioned. ”I don't care. Yeah, whatever she would like.“ Agatha mumbled. Edith shook her head. Alice and Lilia soon arrived. ”Well, the gangs all here. Let's hit The Road.“ Agatha chirped. ”Wait, where's our Green Witch?“ Jen questioned. ”Oh, do we really need one of those?“ Agatha questioned. ”Of course we do.“ Lilia responded. ”Says who?“ Agatha questioned. ”The Ballad. Wake thy power, earthly and divine .“ Jen spoke. ”Earth magic is arguably the most important skill set for an attempt at The Road.“
Agatha left to go get the missing 'witch'. Edith took in a soft breath and shook her head. She turned off her phone, setting it on the table. She shoved her hands into her jacket pockets, glancing at the other witches. They all headed into the cellar once Agatha was back. “Should I go get the car? Some people might need to squeeze in the back.“ Teen questioned. ”You don't drive to The Road, Teen. The Road is conjured.“ Agatha responded. ”So, um, are we doing laundry together?“ Mrs. Hart questioned. ”Why don't you two head upstairs and let us just do our thing, okay?“ Agatha moved the two towards the stairs. ”Close some windows while you're at it, 'cause it feels a little drafty.“ She added. ”But you'll let us know-“ Teen started. ”Yep. Yeah. Scoot. Scoot.“ Edith and Teen shared a look, before heading up the stairs.
Edith looked back towards Teen as they walked into the living room. She watched him pick up the rabbit that roamed the room. ”Hey, I got you.“ He spoke softly. ”It's okay, buddy.“ Edith smiled and came over to peer at the rabbit. She turned, hearing a whispering noise. Teen heard it too. Both of them slowly moved towards the front door. They both peered out, seeing a cloaked figure down the street. Teen walked out first, and Edith followed, grabbing his arm to keep close to him. One of Agatha's neighbors turned towards the two teens. ”Are you seeing this?“ Edith looked over. ”Get inside.“ She called out. Both teens jumped when one cloaked figure became seven, and the neighbor bolted into his house.
”In. In, in, in!“ Edith hissed, pulling Teen back into the house as the figures moved for the house. ”Maiden, Mother, Crone.“ Edith spoke as she grabbed salt and sprinkled it in front of the door. ”That's for ghosts!“ Teen expressed. ”It's for negative energy!“ Edith hissed. “ That is negative energy, dude!” Teen let out a groan. Edith pulled out one of the jars in her pocket from Lilia’s shop. Rosemary. She moved and sprinkled that in front of the door too. “Help me move this!” Edith closed the bottle and shoved it into her jacket pocket before she ran over and grabbed the couch with him, pulling it in front of the door and putting it in an upright position to block the doorway. They ran and closed windows and curtains. Edith's heart was racing. Teen sat down in a chair, and Edith stood nearby, watching in front of them. ”Agatha Harkness...” The whisper made Edith shudder. She grabbed a book from the side table to use as a weapon.
Then, glass busted. “Oh my god! Oh my god!” Teen yelled as the witch in the window grabbed for him. Edith swung, smacking the witch back with the book. “Move! Move!” Edith yelled. She grabbed his hand, pulling him away from the window. Everything was shaking and rattling and the screeches were overwhelming Edith to the point she faltered and stared at one of the witches as they broke in. Teen pulled her behind him. ”Agatha!“ He yelled as they ran. Edith dropped the book, blinking a few times as she realized he pulled her away from the witch she was staring at. They bolted for the basement. ”Agatha!“ Teen cried out like a toddler crying for their mom as they ran down the stairs. ”Is this it? Is this The Road? Because we should really , really go, like, right now.“ Teen released Edith's hand as he ran down the steps. Jen, Lilia, Alice, and Sharon followed suit.
Edith's gaze shifted to Agatha, before she quickly moved down the stairs. Agatha followed, moving to shut the doors. Edith grabbed hold of one door, helping up it down. She spotted the witch crawling down the basement stairs. “Agatha-” Edith called out, panic noticeable in her voice. They got the doors closed. Edith flinched at the banging, and Agatha moved to shield her almost immediately. Then, it stopped. Both of them looked up, seeing the door was gone. Edith took a moment to regain her composure, swallowing a lump in her throat before moving to head down the stairs. Agatha followed suit. Edith was quiet, fingers running along the glowing blue roots.
They soon exited the staircase. ”Edie-“ Teen spoke quickly. Edith bolted for Teen. He wrapped his arms around her, and she held onto him. They let go of each other after a moment and Edith took in the look of The Road. ”Whoa.“ She spoke softly. She watched Agatha move to slide off her shoes. The others followed suit. Edith unlaced her boots and slipped out of them carefully, tucking her socks inside them. She felt the leaves against her feet and furrowed her eyebrows. Agatha let out a soft breath, staring forward towards The Road. “I never doubted us for a second.” She stated, before beginning to walk. Edith and Teen shared an almost excited expression, before quickly following after her.