Chapter 24: Raymond Goes to Hexside
[Days after defeating Watts and saving the captured Witches, the gang decides to take a breather while our young witches go to Hexside]
Luz: So much has happened lately. I can't even keep track of what's going on right now.
Gus: I mean besides you almost turning into a "robot"? And Amity, Eda, and Lilith getting their Spirit Power. I wouldn't say much else has happened.
Willow: Well at least we finally get to have a break. Going through all that training really puts strain on the muscles.
Gus: Then why are you still wearing those weighted braces?
Willow: I don't know, I've gotten used to them.
Gus: Doesn't that count as training?
Willow: Gus it's fine.
Gus: Okay just checking.
[While the usual trio discuss the events that have happened, Amity walks beside them and remembers the promise she made to Yama and Beta]
Yama: (If your beloved dies, you must commit suicide within three days, or your soul shall be mine.)
[After awakening her Spirit Power, she knew that she would have to protect Luz no matter what. She would do this for her even if it meant her death, but deep down, she and Luz being together in the afterlife wouldn't be so bad either]
Luz: Hey Amity?
[Amity snaps out of her mindset]
Amity: Oh hey Luz.
Luz: Look I know things were hard for you all this time, and I just want to say that I'm sorry.
Amity: What? What are you apologizing for?
Luz: Well if I didn't get you guys wrapped up in this, you wouldn't have had to take the Beta. And now you guys almost got killed again. If you don't want to do this anymore, then that's fine by me.
Amity: No Luz, it's not like that. It's me who should apologize, I was jealous.
Luz: Jealous?
[Luz and Amity continue walking behind Gus and Willow]
Amity: Ever since you met Arthur, Kotoha and everyone else. It's just I've felt like I didn't know you anymore. You would want to spend more time with them and it seemed we were drifting apart. And because of that I ended up almost killing your friends. I almost killed you.
[Luz looks at Amity with guilt. But she couldn't let her feel that way as well]
Luz: Look Amity, I don't know what's going to happen to us or Meta, or everything. But I can promise as your friend, I'll make sure to help you if you need it. I mean that's what friends do right?
[The word "friend" hurt Amity, even after all the things she did for Luz, Luz would still see her as a friend, but if Luz cared about her, then that's all that matters]
Amity: Of course.
[But deep down, Amity wanted to protect Luz, but in truth, she didn't know who to protect her from, Arthur was hiding secrets, Ronin tried to separate her from Luz. She didn't know who to trust. She would put everything into getting the truth from everyone. No matter the cost, but right now, all they needed to focus on was school.]
Raymond: Yup, that's what friends do alright.
[Everyone was shocked to see Raymond arriving with them at Hexside. Not only him, but Kotoha was with them as well]
Luz: Raymond? What are you doing here?
Raymond: Oh right, remember those runes I got back at the Conformitorium.
Luz: Yes?
Raymond: Turns out I might find some translations for it here.
Willow: Wait, how are you even going to get in?
Raymond: Why do you think Kotoha is here? She is going to use her cloaking technique on us to sneak in. Also A.X.E.L. and Coco are here, but I have no idea where they are.
Gus: Hi Kotoha.
Kotoha: Sup.
Luz: Wait, are you sure you're good to go? From what I've heard, you aren't in a good mental condition.
Kotoha: Don't worry, I'm fine. Nothing that powerful could be here. So everything is fine.
Raymond: That's not the only reason why she is here.
[Raymond whispers in Luz's ear]
Raymond: *whisper* she actually wanted to check up on you. So she volunteered to come with me.
Luz: *blush* oh okay.
[Amity overhears what Raymond told Luz and decides to confront Kotoha]
Amity: Just so you know, I'm the one keeping a close eye on Luz, plus I've known her longer than you have.
Kotoha: Please, you've only received your Spirit Power a few days ago, so in my case. I believe someone with more experience should keep a close eye on her.
Amity: Is that so?
Kotoha: You got a problem with that?
[The two girls spark lightning between them marking their rivalry]
Raymond: Now, ladies, it's not time for a cat fight. We still need to enter the school.
Kotoha and Amity: Fine!
[Amity and Kotoha turn away from each other]
Kotoha: I'll see you guys at Lunch.
[Kotoha creates symbols with her hands and both Shatter Squad members disappear]
Gus: Are they going to be okay?
Luz: I'm pretty sure it's fine. I'm more worried about Kotoha.
[Everyone agrees with Luz]
Willow: After what you told us about her, she has her reasons. Plus they did say Coco was here. Shouldn't we also be worried about that?
Luz: Guys, relax I'm pretty sure they won't attract any attention whatsoever.
Amity: I agree, I wouldn't be too worried.
[Meanwhile, Kotoha and Raymond walk to where no student could be found, Kotoha undos the cloaking.]
Raymond: Alright, you can drop me off here. And I should be fine.
Kotoha: Are you sure you can handle yourself?
Raymond: Come on Kotoha, I've handled worse, besides if there is anything I'm good at besides being a great scientist/mechanic, it's snooping around.
Kotoha: *sigh* just don't get caught. I heard about Luz's first time here and she almost got dissected.
Raymond: I'll be fine. Just go and keep an eye on things. And keep your hearing piece so we can stay in contact.
Kotoha: Got it.
Raymond: And remember to rendezvous at the cafeteria. See ya later.
Kotoha: Roger that.
[Kotoha smoke bombs away, while Raymond takes a good look around]
Raymond: *whistle* So this is Hexside. Weird but interesting. Now all I have to do is find the library and not get caught.
[Raymond starts to walk in one direction and immediately bumps into someone.]
Raymond: Oof. Crap!
Skara: Hey, watch where you're going?!
[Raymond looks up to see Skara from the Bard track]
Raymond: Uh, (crap I got caught!)
[Skara picks up her books and immediately looks at Raymond]
Skara: Listen, if you are going to get lost, try not to...
[There is a brief pause]
Raymond: Uh you alright?
[You're probably wondering what's going through Skara's mind right now, let's dial it back a bit to the moment just before Skara was walking this way, before this happened, Skara was just doing her normal shenanigans with Boscha, Cat and Amelia]
Amelia: Did you guys hear the news at Lake Lacuna?
Skara: What happened?
Amelia: From what I saw on the Crystal Ball it was completely destroyed, one day it was in perfect condition, and the next day, boom! Nothing left but rubble.
Cat: That's not the only thing that happened yesterday, there have been some cases of missing witches lately. And on that same night they were found. And they were told that they were trapped in a Cave being held hostage by some bald guy.
Skara: Did they catch who did it?
Amelia: Not exactly, but they theorise that these are the same people who destroyed the conformitorium and the day market.
Skara: Oh my Titan! Who'd be powerful enough to cause that much damage?!
Cat: No one knows, but from those hostages, they said that these people may have been human, but something more than that. From what I've heard, these people can perform magic. Without the use of spell circles.
Skara: But that's impossible! Humans can't do magic.
Cat: I mean come on, it's just a rumour.
Amelia: You think Luz has something to do with this?
Cat: Luz?
Skara: I don't know, she doesn't seem like the type who would destroy everything.
Amelia: What do you think, Boscha?
[Boscha watches from a window, seeing the human's group of nerds chatting like nothing is happening.]
Boscha: I know you're up to something. You can't hide it from me!
[Amelia calls for Boscha's attention]
Amelia: Uh Boscha?
Boscha: *angry* WHAT!
Cat: Boscha, you've been watching them for the past few days.
Boscha: Why can't I, ever since that little incident at the Market. The human has been looking tired every morning, half a witch wears those stupid bracelets, the little guy has been reading some book in a words I can't understand, and Amity she's been all over the human a little too much. Something is up!
[The trio all look at each other]
Skara: Boscha I speak for all of us when I say. I think you're getting a little...
Boscha: A LITTLE WHAT?!
Skara: *nervous* uhm, paranoid?
Boscha: *annoyed* Paranoid?! Me?! the star player of the Grudgby team, no way!
Skara: Well you've been focusing on them ever since the Grudgby match, and we're all starting to worry about you.
Boscha: For Titan's sake if I think something is up with that little group of weirdos. Then I think something is up! And I'm finding it out once and for all! So don't even think about getting in my way!
[Boscha stomps angrily out of the room]
Amelia: Hey if those humans were to come here. Should we tell someone about it?
Cat: Probably?
Skara: What about Boscha?
Amelia: *nervous* Maybe we should let her cool off for a few minutes. And if I were you guys, stay alert, because more people have been going missing lately.
[Amelia, Cat and Skara walk out of the room to their respective homerooms, Skara walks to her locker to grab a few books]
Skara: *sigh* So many things are happening. I don't even know what to think about. Maybe if the Titan actually shows me one of those humans I'd be shocked.
[She bumps into a boy]
Skara: Ow!
Raymond: Oof! Crap!
Skara: Hey, watch where you're going?!
[She picks up her books and turns to the boy she bumped into]
Skara: Listen, if you are going to get lost, try not to...
[The moment she laid eyes upon the boy, she immediately paused. In front of her she sees a round cheeked boy that's at least two inches taller than her, whitish gray hair just like hers, brownish tan skin, a strange pair of glasses on his head, a bluish white coat, green shorts, orange shoes, and a round body, not like fat kind of round, but just built up. To her eyes, this wasn't someone she would see normally, this was probably the handsomest guy she has ever seen. That's why she paused]
Raymond: Hey are you okay?
[Skara snaps out of it]
Skara: Huh what?
Raymond: You were staring into space? Is something going on?
Skara: What's space?
Raymond: Nevermind. I'll just go this way.
[Raymond turns around slowly, until Skara grabs his hand]
Skara: Wait!
Raymond: Eep!
[Raymond tries not to look back but immediately notices Skara's serious expression]
Raymond: *terrified* (Oh crap she's mad! What should I do?!)
[In Skara's head]
Skara: *terrified* (Crap I grabbed his hand and he's scared. Damnit Skara! Wait this is nothing to worry about you just have to reel him back in and everything will be alright.) *ahem* Are you doing anything right now?!
Raymond: *terrified* (GAH SHE'S ASKING WHAT I'M DOING! SHE'S GOT ME CAUGHT!) Uh, I'm really busy as of now so I need to go.
[Raymond attempts to get out of Skara's grasps, but the first time he moved, Skara tightened her grip]
Skara: WAIT DON'T GO!
Raymond: Huh?!
Skara: You must be new here right? You must be new?! (Yes got it)
Raymond: I mean I guess you can say that?
Skara: Perfect, I'll show you around the school.
[Skara holds onto Raymond as she forces him to follow her]
Raymond: (Aw shit, this is not what I need right now)
Skara: Oh by the way. I'm Skara, Skara Delano O'hara. And you are?
[Raymond looks at Skara curiously, but seeing how friendly she is, she can be trusted with just his name]
Raymond: Raymond Dex.
Skara: Well Raymond, I'll let you know that you're going to have a blast at Hexside.
Raymond: Uh actually I need to.
Skara: Just relax. And trust me.
[Raymond sighs in defeat, and just goes along with whatever this is, while Skara squeals on the inside with the guy she just met. On their way the first spot on his tour is the grudgby field]
Skara: This is where we play the sport.
Raymond: What do you guys play football?
Skara: What's football?
Raymond: You've never heard of football?
Skara: I don't know what that is, but here we play Grudgby.]
[a student attempts to grab the ball but is captured by a griffon]
Student: I hate this game!
Raymond: *SHOCKED* HOLY CRAP, WHO PUTS A GRYPHON IN THE FIELD?!
[Skara chuckles]
Skara: I mean come on it's normal here.
Raymond: Normal?! (Are you serious?!)
[The Gryphon drops the student in the hoop, and the alarm blares]
Raymond: Well this has been fun, but I really have to go.
Skara: Oh come on we are only just getting started!
Raymond: But-
Skara: no buts!
[Skara once more drags him away]
Raymond: Uhm, is there a library here by any chance?
Skara: Of course every school has a library.
Raymond: Oh great, let's go there next.
Skara: Come on don't be a nerd, there is way more fun stuff than the library.
Raymond: But-
Skara: *cheerfully* Come on!
Raymond: *sigh* fine.
Skara: That's the Spirit!
[Skara drags him all over the school, showing him the different classrooms, until they stop at the bathroom]
Skara: Wait here, I'll just use the bathroom.
Raymond: *sigh* Yes ma'am.
[Skara enters the girls bathroom, and after a few seconds, Luz sees Raymond]
Luz: Raymond?!
Raymond: Luz?! Oh thank God! You gotta help me!
[Luz walks up to her friend wondering what his situation is]
Luz: Well sure what's up buddy?
Raymond: Some girl named Skara, won't let me leave. And every time I try to do my work, she distracts me. You gotta get me out of this!
Luz: Skara? Hmm. Alright, I'll help you. I know the perfect place to hide. You can lay low there until lunch.
Raymond: *wheeze* Thank you!
Luz: But we gotta hurry. Let's go!
[Raymond and Luz quickly run away, to the only hiding spot where no one else can find them, the secret room of shortcuts]
Raymond: YOU'RE TELLING ME THERE IS A SECRET ROOM OF SHORTCUTS IN THIS SCHOOL?!
Luz: On my first day here I was shocked too, but gladly I made some good friends while I was here.
[Luz and Raymond reach the end of the tunnel]
Luz: Viney? Jerbo? Barcus? You guys here?!
Viney: Oh Luz?! Haven't seen you in a while?
[Viney jumps from the second top floor to the bottom]
Viney: Who is this with you?
Luz: Viney, allow me to introduce Raymond Dex. He's a scientist on a team I'm working with.
Viney: Oh cool. Just one question though..what's a scientist?
Raymond: Seriously?
Luz: I'll explain it to you later.
[A loud voice booms from behind them]
A.X.E.L.: Can you kids can it?! I'm trying to work here?!
L and R: A.X.E.L.?!
Raymond: How the hell did you get here?
Viney: Hey?! What did I say about acting up?!
Luz: Wait, you know him?
Viney: No, but I let him use this room!
Jerbo: Viney, this guy is annoying! Can you get him out of here?!
Barcus: *bark*
Jerbo: Barcus agrees to.
Viney: Come on Jerbo, it's not that bad!
Jerbo: That guy keeps calling me scrawny!
Luz: Isn't that kind of true though?!
Jerbo: You're not helping!
Luz: Look anyway, can these two stay here for the time being?
[Viney looks down, and nods her head]
Viney: Sure, as long as they don't cause any trouble.
[Luz sighs with relief]
Luz: Thank you.
Jerbo: So what's their deal? I mean they have your ears, but they seem...off?
[Luz chuckles in nervousness]
Luz: That's a long story. But I would be happy to tell you.
Viney: But first things first, you said you would explain what a scientist is?
Raymond: Allow me to explain.
[Raymond briefly interrupts]
Raymond: A scientist is a person who is studying or has expert knowledge of one or more of the natural or physical sciences. They can perform various experiments, whether it be on plants, creating medicine, working with elements, and so on. They each strive to understand the world around them, that way they can create inventions and theories that would benefit mankind. Is that a good enough explanation?
[Viney, Jerbo and Barcus, intrigued by those words]
Viney: Wait so there are people who can mix up works, and get well known for it?
Raymond: Yup.
Jerbo: And they don't get in trouble for it?
Raymond: Nope.
Viney: That's interesting? Can you tell us more?!
Raymond: I wish I could, but I have work to do.
Jerbo: Well in that case, we can help.
Raymond: Really?
Viney: Sure, if it's experimenting on something, I'm interested. I take Healing and Beast Keeping.
Jerbo: And I take Plants and Abominations. Barcus here takes Potions and Oracle Magic.
Raymond: I don't think any of that is useful.
Barcus: *bark*
Raymond: What?
Jerbo: He says you'll need us.
Raymond: You know what, just to show you what you're working with, I have just the thing.
[Raymond removes his backpack, and searches through it.]
Luz: What are you doing?
Raymond: Give me a minute.
[Raymond finds what he is looking for and immediately pulls it out]
Raymond: Bingo, my translator. With this device we will be able to understand this dog thing.
Viney: His name is Barcus.
Raymond: Exactly. Come here buddy.
[Barcus walks to him and let's Raymond wrap the translator around his neck. He makes a few adjustments, and activates it]
Raymond: Alright that should do it. Go ahead and say something buddy.
[Barcus looks around him with his eyebrow raised and just shrugs it off]
Barcus: Hola. (Hi)
Luz: WHOA he's speaking Spanish!
Viney: WHOA! I DIDN'T THINK SOMETHING LIKE THIS WAS POSSIBLE.
JERBO: AMAZING!
[Raymond chuckles for a bit]
Raymond: That is an example of science.
Barcus: espera, ¿por qué hablo español? (Wait why am I speaking this language)
Jerbo: Did anyone get any of that?
Viney: Uh, no.
Raymond: Nope.
Luz: He asked why he is speaking Spanish?
Raymond: I figured I could work with bilingual stuff, but I just got bored and put it in my bag.
Luz: Well take it off.
Raymond: I don't think I can.
Barcus: ¿QUÉ?!(WHAT?!)
Raymond: once it's stuck to you, you can't take it off.
Luz: Why?
Raymond: I just remembered this collar in particular had a few kinks.
Viney: So I guess Barcus is speaking Spanish from now on.
Raymond: Yeah pretty much.
[Barcus drops his Jaw and starts ranting in Spanish]
Barcus: ¡Espera un segundo! ¡No puedes dejarme así ! ¡¿Cómo me entenderá la gente ?! (Hold on a second! You can't just leave me like this! How will people understand me?!)
[Barcus continues to rant, Raymond hands over a spanish dictionary]
Raymond: I'd hold onto this if I were you.
[Viney looks at the dictionary with an eyebrow raised]
Viney: So what's your problem exactly?
Raymond: Well I'm looking for these runes, and had a hunch I could find them here.
[Raymond turns on his gauntlet and projects a screen at the trio, which amazed them]
Viney: WHOA!
Jerbo: Color me impressed.
Raymond: Do you think you can take me to the library so I can find the meaning to these Runes?
Viney: I don't think you'll find anything there.
Luz: Why?
Viney: It's stuff like this that's hard to find in the library. But I've seen something like this somewhere.
[Barcus taps her shoulder getting her attention, he raises his paw and points to a particular door]
Viney: Oh now I remember.
Raymond: What's up there?
Viney: That's Principal Bump's office. I saw runes like that in there when I was called by him one time.
Raymond: That's perfect. All I have to do is just sneak into that room and get them right. Let's do this!
[Suddenly a familiar feminine voice calls out to him]
Skara: Raymond? Are you here?
Raymond: Uh oh.
[Skara reaches the end of the tunnel to find him]
Skara: There you are. I've been looking all over for you.
Raymond: How did you even find me?!
Skara: heheh I won't tell. Let's just go and finish our tour.
Raymond: Well I don't know if I can do that.
Skara: Nonsense, it's fine. I'll just borrow him for a few minutes.
[saying it with a light blush on her face, Luz notices what's going on]
Raymond: Luz help me?!
Luz: Oh don't worry Raymond Skara is really nice. Just be careful.
Skara: Do you two know each other, you know what? not important, let's go!
[Raymond nervously follows her]
Viney: Is he going to be alright?
A.X.E.L.: Eh don't worry about him.
[Viney turns her attention to the big man]
Luz: yeah Raymond can handle her, it's Coco I'm worried about.
Viney: Alright then. Who's Coco?
Luz: She's a doctor. You know, like a healer kind of thing.
Viney: Oh.
[Skara drags Raymond to the last part of their tour]
Raymond: *annoyed* Where are we going?
Skara: Relax, this is the last part of the tour.
Raymond: Alright, is it another classroom?
Skara: My favorite classroom.
[Skara opens the door to her Bard Track Homeroom]
Skara: Welcome to the Bard Classroom!
Raymond: Oh wow, it's a music room. Haven't seen one of these in a while actually.
Skara: Really?
[Raymond changes the subject]
Raymond: Uhm, what do you play here?
Skara: Oh I play the harp in most cases.
[Skara walks over to her instrument, and plays a little song she wrote, which reminds Raymond of the time he spent with his mother. Raymond's mother was a music fanatic, rock, country, broadway, classic, etc. Listening to the tune reminded him of the times he would listen to his mom play the various instruments she would keep in her music room. Knowing his mom's love for music, he decided to take up instruments as well. Which impressed his mom very quickly because he was a fast learner at most. The older he got, he was devoted to learning everything there is about the world and beyond. He would perform recitals, present advanced projects at multiple universities. Even created a great ship like the Mother of Fortitude. All before he turned 13. But one day, his research got the best of him causing an accident, turning his hair completely white, but in that accident, he unlocked the Spirit of Einstein. To his mom it was a blessing and she was proud of him. But to Raymond, it was a curse. His head contained the knowledge of everything there was about space and time. It was too much. So he hid from the world for a couple of months. But by the time he was fourteen, he was recruited to be on a special team called Shatter Squad. His mom signed him up for it because she was worried he didn't have a proper childhood, so she thought giving them friends that could understand him should help him. Which it did, he found this family. Met Arthur, Kotoha, and Luz. And for the most part, he was happy. And as soon as she was done playing. Raymond, snapped out of it when Skara noticed he was staring off into space]
Skara: Hey are you okay?
Raymond: Uh yeah, I just haven't heard anyone play music in a while. Actually reminded me of my mom.
Skara: Oh. uhm, can you play?
Raymond: Hmm? Oh yeah, but I'm a little rusty. Do you have a keyboard?
Skara: Keyboard?
[Raymond takes a good look at the instruments around him, until he spots what he was looking for, and walks away from Skara, in which she follows him to the piano]
Raymond: Ah, perfect.
Skara: The piano?
Raymond: Have you ever heard of "River Flows in You"?
Skara: I'm not familiar.
Raymond: Have a taste of some earth music.
[Raymond begins to play the song he chose, with his back straight and eyes on the tiles, he continues to play with grace, letting the music flow through the ears of everyone in the school, the music begins to attract many students from across the school. They all wanted to see what the commotion was about until they saw Raymond. Listening to the tone of the piano and timing of each note, Skara and the students of the Bard tracks were impressed. While Raymond was playing, Skara scooches next to him and out of nowhere leans on his shoulder. Raymond doesn't seem to notice because he was distracted by him playing, until Skara asks him a question]
Skara: It's really nice. Where is it from?
Raymond: Let's just say a well known musician where I'm from.
Skara: I have a question for you, is it okay to ask.
Raymond: Fire away.
Skara: Your hair, is it natural?
Raymond: No, I was thirteen when this happened. Had trouble with one of my science experiments. Then poof this happened.
Skara: Science?
Raymond: It's a study of dealing with facts about truths and theories.
Skara: Oh. Another question, would it be cool if you teach me how to play the piano?
Raymond: If you can handle it.
[Skara had one more question she wanted to ask, one that would jeopardize Raymond and the others]
Skara: Last question, what do you know about Lake Lacuna and the Conformitorium?
[After hearing the question, Raymond immediately stops playing, leaving the students disappointed after hearing such a beautiful song.]
Raymond: *Wait what?!* I don't know what you are talking about.
Skara: Rumours have it that there were other humans destroying them. And since you are human, I wondered if you had anything to do with it.
[Raymond immediately shots up away from Skara]
Raymond: What do you want to know?
Skara: No, don't be alarmed! I'm just curious!
Raymond: *sigh* Well I don't know you! You dragged me around for a tour! And try to soften me up, just to ask what happened?! Why do you even need to know?!
Skara: I know you are not the type of guy who would destroy things. And Luz wouldn't either, but ever since the incident at the Market, I've been worried. And if someone is killing people it would be better to turn them over!
Raymond: Well I'll have you know that I'm not one of those people! And if I could ask a question! Why did you drag me around the school?!
Skara: It's...well...because...uhm.
[Skara didn't know how to put it into words, for most of the time, she was always shoved around by Boscha, dumped by her Grom date, and had a lot of expectations put on her. She just thought that having a new student not knowing her past could help her leave a good first impression. She was viewed as a bully when with Boscha. And after seeing Boscha almost kill Luz. She wanted to leave but didn't have the strength to. So she thought Raymond could help if he was one of those powerful humans everyone was talking about.]
Skara: Look, I just thought if I could soften you up. You could help me.
Raymond: With?
Skara: Uhm…
[Suddenly an explosion is heard from the Grudgby field]
Skara: What was that?!
Raymond: Must have come from outside!
[Skara and Raymond make their way outside of the school to see Kotoha flying in the sky]
Raymond: Kotoha?! She only does that while fighting!
Skara: Wait, you know her?!
Raymond: Who is she fighting though?!
[he then notices a pink girl, trying to get back up, as she watches the immense power brimming from the kunoichi]
Skara: *shocked* BOSCHA?!
Raymond: KOTOHA WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
[The Chapter ends with Lightning appearing coming down from the sky]