Chapter 34: Any Sport in the Storm
Featuring Bat Choju, Battra and Shooting Star Choju, Grimstar
Notice: Be sure to stay at the end for my thoughts on season 2. Thank you and enjoy the story.
At Emperor Belos's Castle.
Hunter was sitting on an operating table in Dr Cushing's lab.
Dr. Cushing: So you're saying suffering from chest pains lately and recently you started coughing blood.
Hunter: Do I have to make any more clearer Doc?
Dr. Cushing: Please do not call me that. And does anyone else know about this?
Hunter: No.
Dr. Cushing: Not even your Uncle?
Hunter: He can't know about this. I may of gave him the key, but I'm still standing on thin ice with my career. He finds out that I'm in bad health, I could be replaced and lose my purpose here. Then what's next huh?!
Dr. Cushing: Alright, settle down.
Hunter: Look, can you heal me?
Dr. Cushing: I still don't know what this is?
Dr. Cushing takes out a syringe and pokes into Hunter's arm to extract some blood.
Dr. Cushing: Allow me to do a blood test so I can know what we're dealing with. Meanwhile, I suggest you take this.
Dr. Cushing goes into a cabinet and takes a bottle of pills.
Dr. Cushing: Take one of these whenever you're in pain. It should reduce the pain temporarly and keep you from coughing up more blood until I can figure out what this.
Hunter: Alright. Thank you doctor.
Dr. Cushing: Oh and the Emperor wanted me to give you this.
Dr. Cushing hands Hunter a letter from Emperor Belos.
Hunter: ( reading) I'm making contact with an old memember and it's keeping me busy. I'm entrusting you to lead the Coven Heads today. Consider this a test.
Hunter smiled thinking this could be big for him. He makes his way to the throne room, but once entering the only ones there were Darius and Eberwolf.
Darius: Oh look who it is, the Little Prince.
Hunter: Darius, Eberwolf, where is everyone else?
Darius: Didn't you get the memo, the meeting has been re-scheduled.
Hunter: What? Who told you that?
Mikela: That would be us.
Hunter turned around and saw Mikela and Satarakura enter.
Mikela: Since Emperor Belos is very busy today, there's no point for a meeting.
Satarakura: Right, I mean we shouldn't waste the Coven Heads time with you, so we told them to come back another day.
Hunter: I was entrusted to fill in.
Mikela: You? Ha, you couldn't even lead Dorodoros to a picnic.
Hunter: That's not true.
Suddenly Satarakura appeared behind Hunter.
Satarakura: Whoa, what is this?
Satarakura takes his cloak.
Hunter: Wow, this is some shoddy sewing here. It's like you did it yourself.
Then Darius takes it to see.
Darius: Pffft, wow this is impressivly bad. Wait, is this the old Golden Guard sigil?
Hunter: Of course it is! And this is no way to treat the Emperor's...
Darius: Nephew? I knew your predecessor. He was my mentor. One of the strongest witches I know. But you...eh...
Hunter: Belos says I don't need magic to serve the coven.
Darius: And I say, you don't deserve to wear this patch.
Hunter: Then, what do you want me to do? How can I earn it?
Darius: Uh, sweet mother of Titans, I don't know. Find more recruits for the Emperor's Coven? The best and the brightest witches in all the land. Then maybe, you get this back.
Hunter: I'll do it.
Darius: Of course you will. You're very good at doing exactly what you're told.
With that Darius and Eberwolf leaves.
Hunter: I'll show him. I am so worthy of that patch. You two going to help.
Mikela: Us? This was more your mission than ours. I have a new painting to work on.
Satarakura: Good luck Goldy. You're going to need it. BAHAHAHAHA!
Meanwhile at Hexside.
It was the club fair at Hexside as students looked around for clubs to join in. Christa was looking around at the booths as she was on her way inside the school, that's when she came across Willow's booth with Gus and Alex there also.
Willow: Christa! Hey!
Christa: Willow! Wow, nice booth. The Flyer Derby club?
Willow: Yeah, ever since I started playing Grudgby I've been practicing Flyer Derby at home. It's an old sport, but I decided to bring it back.
Alex: I'm her first sign up. Anything with Willow is an instant go. I mean as in to support her I mean.
Gus: Hey you want join? We still need a few more members.
Christa: Oh, shoot. I would. I really would. It sounds cool, but I'm helping Luz and Amity with our new Azura Book Club. We're trying to get more members in ours. Sorry, I would join but...
Willow: It's okay. Go have fun with your club.
Christa: Well okay. You have fun with yours and I hope you get more members. I'll see you guys later.
As this happens we see Alice dropping Amity, Edric and Emira off at school.
Amity: You didn't have to take us to school Aunt Alice.
Alice: It's fine. I'm on my way to work anway and might as well drop you off. You excited for your book club.
Amity: Yes, but I need to tell Luz and Christa about the Azura author autograph signing.
Alice: Edric, Emira what clubs will you be joining?
Emira: I'm joining arts and witchcrafts club.
Edric: And I'm going for casket weaving.
Emira: Since when were you into casket weaving?
Edric: Since always.
Soon they made it and landed.
Alice: You three have a good day and have fun.
Amity: Bye Alice. (petting Stranix) And thank you Stranix.
Stranix gives her soft growl and licks her face making her laugh. As this was happening, Hunter was emerging out from the side of the building wearing a Hexside school uniform.
Hunter: Look at all those potential recruits. This will be perfect, right Flapjack my one and only best palisman.
Flapjack replied with a chirp.
Hunter: Okay now where do I start with? Hmmm, maybe that guy would want to...( gasps) quick hide!
Hunter hid behind a tree when he saw Christa coming out of the building holding some books. Hunter peeked out as she came.
Hunter: ( whispers) Red? I didn't know she came here. I can't let her see me. Not after what happened.
Flapjack chirps at him.
Hunter: Apologize? I did what I had to that day. I know she's upset but she knew my situation. I want to talk to her but it's not a good time.
Hunter looked and saw Flapjack flying towards Christa.
Hunter: ( whispers) Flapjack no.
Flapjack chirps at Christa from behind which catches her attention. But right before she turned around, Hunter quickly ran up and grabbed Flapjack and hid behind the tree.
Christa: Huh? That sounded familiar. ( eyes squinting) Wait a minute...
Christa was approaching the tree as Hunter just stood their looking nervous holding Flapjack. Then she looked behind the tree and he was gone, but really he just moved to the other side of it.
Christa: Was it just my imagination?
But Christa looked at other side, but again Hunter quickly moved the other side of the tree. She looked again as he moved again. They kept doing this a couple more times until she looked behined her, but Hunter saw it coming and moved to the other side hiding from her.
Christa: Guess I was imagining things. Because if it was a certain boy who's name I won't say because I hate him was here. ( eyes and emerald glows as her well as her hair flies up and speaks in a demonic voice) I WILL DESTROY HIM!
Finally she calmed down and turned back to normal and left as Hunter peeked to make sure she left and breathed heavily.
Hunter: ( panting) You see? This is why I shouldn't see her. She's still mad.
Flapjack chirps at him.
Hunter: It's not a good time. But we'll talk about her later. Right now let's look for recruits.
But once he moved out he accidentally stepped on the tail of Viney's pet griffin Puddles, provoking it as Viney held it back.
Viney: It's okay Puddles, he didn't mean it. No, no no. Puddles stop. Puddles.
Hunter: Ah geez.
Meanwhile
Luz and Christa were at their stand trying to get students to come to their club.
Luz: Journey with us to a world of magic unlike any other! Well, uh, a bit like this world, except toned down for ages 6 to 11.
Christa: And follow this quest full of wonder, adventure and danger!
But they weren't getting any attention.
Christa: Why is no one interested?
Then Boscha appears holding one of the books and showing the cover.
Boscha: The art doesn't do it any favors.
Luz: Not judging a book by its cover is a baby rule even babies know. Plus, you don't read Azura for the art! There's so much magic in the words.
Boscha flips open the book and reads a passage from it.
Boscha: "Twice have I tarried at Tanabrack. Yet e'er have I kept my troth to thee, Azura."
Luz: Okay, the prose can be... ornate. But it- it's also the crackling emotions. The convoluted magic system! The smell of the pages.
Luz buries her face into the pages and inhales deeply.
Christa: Yeah you wouldn't understand it.
Then they see Amity running to them.
Amity: Luz! Christa! I heard that- (pants)
Luz: Spill it, hermosa!
Christa: What is it?
Amity: The author of Azura is having a signing this afternoon at the Book Nook!
Christa: Whoa really?!
Luz: ( confused look) Huh?
Amity: You are much less excited than I imagined.
Christa: Yeah Luz I thought you'd scream.
Boscha: Uh, excuse me, I'm still here.
Luz: I'm just confused. The author is human.
Amity: No, she's not. She's from the Demon Realm. How do you think I got my books?
Luz: How do you think I got mine? Look!
Luz takes a book and shows Amity the author's picture on the back, accidentally pushing Boscha backwards.
Boscha: Hey!
Luz: See? (points at the author's ear) Human.
Christa: Wait no look. The ears are different.
They notice that the author has different ears when comparing the pictures behind Luz's book and Amity's book side by side.
Luz: Yeah your right. What's up with that?
Christa: I don't know unless...maybe...
Amity: Can the author of Azura...
Luz: Travel between realms?!
Boscha pushes the three of them off of her.
Boscha: Get off me!
Christa: We got to check this out now.
Luz: Agreed. Let's go Ami.
Amity: Of course Batata.
Amity takes Luz's hand and run off as Christa followed them.
Boscha: You guys aren't cute. I still have more friends than you!
Christa: ( the distance) Nobody cares!
Meanwhile
Willow was still trying to get students to join her club with Gus and Alex standing with her.
Willow: Let out your inner flying freak! Join the Flyer Derby club, full of drama, flare, and face paint.
Alice: Well, you've grown so much Willow.
Willow turned and saw Alice.
Willow: Alice.
Alice: It's been a while Willow. I heard you and my niece are friends again.
Willow: Yeah, we're finally making up and talking again.
Alice: I'm glad. I just saw you and noticed your booth. You're trying to bring back Flyer Derby? I used to play this back when I was young.
Willow: Yeah, my dads played this as well and I want to bring it back. Once the Flyer Derby club is approved, we'll travel all across the Isles in rocking outfits and working as a team!
Professor Hermonculus: Good luck with that.
They turned and saw the abomintation teacher, Professor Hermonculus enter.
Willow: Professor Hermonculus?
Professor Hermonculus: I'm overseeing club approvals this year, and I just don't think Flyer Derby is worth investing in.
Willow: Just because it's not as well-known as Grudgby doesn't mean-
Professor Hermonculus: You misunderstand me. I'm shutting it down unless YOU step down as captain. I just don't think quitters make good leaders.
Gus: You're just mad that she dropped your class. Give her a chance!
Alex: Yeah Willow's the best!
Alice: ( steps up to him) You're really going to discourage this girl's dreams just because she dropped your class and discovered her talent in plant magic professor? That's not really professional of you and maybe it's something I would have to report to Principle Bump.
Professor Hermonculus: Alright, alright. Put together a team for a friendly game of Flyer Derby after school. If you can lead your team to victory, maybe I'll approve your club.
Professor Hermonculus leaves as the others glare. Alex got out from his bag a slingshot and a small red ball and aimed it at him.
Alex: Want me to hit this into his abomination. It's blow up and he'll be a mess.
Willow: ( sigh) No Alex, we'll get into trouble and this will defintly be over.
Alex: As you wish. But don't listen to that jerkwad. He's just jealous because your better than he is.
Gus: Yeah don't let him beat you down. You can do it.
Alex: Hey, hey don't worry Willow. You got me.
Then his palisman approached him, which was a small black bear and turned into his staff.
Alex: And with Phil by my side, I'll win it for you.
Willow: The three of us aren't enough Alex. We need three more people but Luz, Amity and Christa are busy and I don't know where to find enough decent players this fast.
Alice: Don't worry. I'm sure there are other students who'd like to join. You just have to keep looking.
Hunter: Calm down, flea-magnet!
The four of them hears someone shouting and looks upwards. Up above, Hunter is riding on his staff, trying to escape from Puddles chasing after him. Puddles bites on one of Hunter's shoe and tears it off.
Hunter: HEY!
Hunter notices Puddles coming straight at him. He makes a nosedive towards her and snatches his shoe from Puddles' beak, then makes a few spins and whizzes past Willow. Willow looks at Hunter in astonishment. She ties up Puddles with vines, then calls out to Hunter.
Willow: (points) Hey, you!
Hunter notices Willow calling out for him. He then sees Willow's vines coming towards him and tries to escape on his staff, but Willow promptly ties him up and brings him back to her.
Hunter: AH! Geez! What is with you?!
But then Hunter looks at her with a terrified expression as she approaches him and stares down at him.
Willow: (holds up a pamphlet) Wanna join my Flyer Derby team?
Hunter: Uh...what?
Willow releases him.
Willow: Sorry I should introduce ourselves first. These are my friends Gus Porter and Alex Stonefist and I'm Willow Park, future captain of Hexside's first Flyer Derby team.
While talking, Willow grabs Hunter's hand and shakes it vigorously.
Hunter: NICE- TO- UH- MEET- YOU!
Willow: Your flying was... amazing. You're a new student, right?
Gus: (looks at Hunter suspiciously) Yeah, weird we've never seen you around.
Alex: ( also looking suspiciously) Yeah, who the heck are you?
Hunter: I'm uh...uh...
Flapjack lands on Hunter's shoulder and chirps at him.
Hunter: Caleb? Uh, Caleb! Uh, Jasper... Bloodwilliams. I just transferred from... uh... the... Toes? But! I'm not here to play Fly Dooby or... whatever that is.
Willow: (dejected) Okay... At least take a pamphlet?
Willow offers Hunter a pamphlet. He snatches it off her hand and walks away again. He then reads the cover of the pamphlet which says: "FLYER DEBRY - A SPORT FOR THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST!", and immediately turns around.
Hunter: Wait! Do you really think your club will attract the best and the brightest?
Willow: Absolutely! Flyer Derby's not for the faint witch.
Hunter: Then... maybe I'll give it a try.
Willow: Really?
Hunter: But- Okay. How do we evaluate others? A Witch's Duel? A maze full of traps? Oh! Leave everyone at the top of the mountain and see who makes it back to the bottom alive! (laughs) Classic.
Alex: Whoa, whoa easy man. We want recruit others not kill them.
Willow: Um... we... might not have time for all that. But... you can help by attracting people with your sick sky skills.
Hunter: Hmm. (touches his forehead) I don't... feel sick.
Alice: You see, you're already getting somewhere.
Alice hears a raven phone coming to her as she answers.
Alice: Hello. What? I thought we agreed to have that meeting next week. No, no don't call it off, I'll be right there. ( hangs up) I have to go, work needs me. But I wish you luck on your club and hope it goes well.
Willow: Thanks Alice.
Alice runs off to Stranix and flies off.
Willow: Hold on, I'll be right back.
As Willow runs off, Alex and Gus approaches Hunter.
Gus: Hey, I don't know what kinda mission you're on, but it's been a tough year for Willow.
Alex: And she's really looking forward to making this team a thing. Whatever is important for Willow is important to me too.
The two leave, as Hunter looks confused.
Alex: I'm watching you Caleb. Always watching.
Hunter: Um okay. ( whispers) What's up with him?
We then cut to Bonesborough of Luz, Christa and Amity heading towards the Book Nook.
Luz: I can't believe we never uncovered this mystery before or even considered it. I always thought Mildred Featherwhyle sounded too delightful to be a real name.
Amity: Do you think she has her own portal? (gasps) Do you think she's related to that human guy? Philip?
Luz: What if... the author is Eda? She's been keeping it a secret this whole time because she's embarrassed by all the spelling errors!
Amity: ...Okay, these theories are a little unrealistic. It's obviously your mother as a teenager sent forward in time to train you in the ways of witchcraft!
Christa: Wait, if the author can travel between realms and if she's the one who can make portals? ( gasps) What if she's a Kamerian witch from the Unknown Isles. She might know where it is.
Luz: Whatever it is, we're gonna find out soon.
Christa: Or not soon enough.
Amity: What are you talking...oh.
Luz: What? What are you guys...oh what the?
They notice that they have arrived at their destination. However, on the promotional poster, it says that the event has been cancelled. Luz falls to the ground on her knees crying ( a bit dramatically).
Meanwhile
Willow, Gus and Alex were at the entrance of the school, attacting students.
Willow: Students of Hexside! Got a palisman? Got a need for thrills, chills and theatrics? Well, this could be you!
Hunter emerges from behind Willow and whizzes above everyone's head, causing the audience to cry out in amazement. He then proceeds to fly upwards, jump off his staff, then lands back on it and keeps on flying. The audience start clapping and cheering.
Willow: Man, this Caleb guy is great. With him, I think we can really get our Derby team approved.
Alex: Eh, I've seen better. I bet he can't break a boulder with your head without hurting yourself.
Gus: You sure you're not just jealous that he's gaining Willow's attention.
Alex: What? That's not true. Are you implying that I have a thing for Sprouts. Which I don't and even I did... shut up Goops!
Gus: ( whispers) Yup, he's jealous.
Willow: Guys come on, start handing out pamphlets.
The three of them start handing out pamphlets as Hunter watched from above.
Hunter: This girl will be a perfect candidate for the Emperor's Coven. Okay and maybe that big guy too, for the heavy duty stuff. If there are more witches like her, we're set!
Willow: Hey! Come on down!
Hunter lands and meets up with her and Alex.
Willow: So other than us three, allow me to introduce you to... the best, and the brightest of Hexside.
Three new members have joined the team. They are: Gus, Skara, and Viney. Hunter didn't look too impressed as he saw Viney holding back her griffin again.
Viney: Look, Puddles, it's the friend you made before! (tries to hold Puddles back) No, no, no! Do not claw Mommy's face!
Skara is lying on the staircase lazily while scrolling on her scroll. She promptly slides down with her head hitting the ground. Gus on the other hand is mounting his staff.
Gus: Let's try this one more time!
Gus flies off, but he appears inexperienced at controlling his staff and eventually crashes into a wall.
Alex: How do you feel Sprouts?
Willow: Pretty excited. It's weird just a few months ago, I was considered the weak link on any team.
Alex: You the weak link? I don't believe that. I've seen you, you're pretty strong.
Willow: Well you should have seen me back then Alex. I was like a loser or misfit, often made fun of or bullied. But ever since I found how skillful I was in plant magic and with the new friends I was making it helped me get passed that and build my confidence.
Alex: Well, I wished I knew you before. I bet I would have helped also.
Willlow: I'm sure you would have, but you're helping me now. I really appreciate you sticking up for me, supporting my club and being my first member.
Alex: ( takes her hand) Of course Willow. Whatever you need, I'm here to back you up. Alwahs
Willow blushed a little when Alex took her hand Alex realized what he was doing. He lets go of her hand and looks away his face turing even redder. That was until Willow looked over and saw Hunter leaving.
Willow: Caleb?
Willow runs up to catch up with Hunter.
Alex: Hey yo where you going. The fields that way.
Hunter: (frustrated) You said you'd find the best witches for this team. But them? They're pathetic.
Alex: Okay, so they look a bit unorthodox sure, ( to Willow) please don't tell Goops I said that.
Willow: You just met them! Give them a chance!
Hunter: Well, where I come from, even chances have to be earned. Especially if you're considered half-a-witch like me. Sorry Captain, good luck with your match.
Hunter leaves as Willow just watches. Alex then runs up to him.
Alex: Hey, hey, hey Caleb. Come on don't do this. We need you if we want this club approved.
Hunter: That's not my problem.
Alex: Come on, a real man never leaves a man behind. Well I mean half of them are girls but you get what I mean.
Hunter: I already told you I'm out.
Alex: What's your deal? Because they don't look half as manly as us? You shouldn't judge them like that.
Hunter: Yeah give me one good reason I shouldn't.
Alex: Because people judged me a lot and I judged them too!
Hunter stopped and looked at him.
Alex: From where I came from, from Glandus things aren't like here. Only the strong were deemed the best while the weak were nothing. I was probably the strong and most feared. People always saw me as this scary, bad kid who always got into fights. I judged or looked down on people who looked weak or insulted my work. When I got transferred I didn't want have to do with anyone. But that I was until I met her.
Alex motioned to Willow.
Alex: Willow is the first person to actually show me kindness and saved me despite I made fun of her project. She tried to get to know the actual me. She introduced me her friends but I didn't want have to with any of them. I thought they were weridos but she convinced me to give them a chance and now her friends are my friends too.
Hunter: Judging how you're talking, you really like her don't you.
Alex: Uh, well yeah. I mean...( looks at her) have you ever met someone so beautiful, strong and kind at the same time.
Hunter: I did actually.
Alex: Oh so you got a girlfriend?
Hunter: Well...actually we had a fall out a while back. We haven't spoken again since.
Alex: Oh...oh sorry. You considered trying to talk to her.
Hunter: As much as I want to, I don't think she'd want to see me.
Alex: Well, I guess the only thing I can suggest is give her some space.
Hunter: It's all I can do for now.
Alex: Anyway so how about, will you join our team?
Hunter: Heck no. This conversation isn't going to change my mind. I'm outta here.
Alex: Alright fine. I tried the nice way, now I'm going to do it...the HARD WAY!
Hunter: What are you...ah! What the?
Hunter felt the dirt forming on his foot and dragging him into the ground.
Hunter: Hey what are you...
Alex: Oh you might want to hold your breathe. You don't want to get dirt in your mouth.
Hunter: What?
Hunter is pulled into the ground and moments later he's in the sports field, spitting out dirt.
Hunter: Argh! What the heck man!
Then Skara approaches him and helps him up.
Skara: Sorry I was distracted earlier. Been playing Grudgby for so long, I needed to catch up on the latest Flyer Derby strats.
Skara shows Hunter posts on Penstagram with pictures showing strategies of playing Flyer Derby.
Hunter: Those look... complicated.
Skara: They are.
Then he hears Viney speaking and looks towards her.
Viney: Whew! Okay, finally. Got Puddles down for her nap.
Viney draws a spell circle above her head and drags it down to her feet, healing her physical scars.
Viney: Now I'm only scarred emotionally.
Someone whizzes behind Hunter. He looks up and sees Gus sky surfing on his staff. He then lands in front of Hunter.
Hunter: I thought you couldn't fly?
Gus: So I can't fly like everyone else, but my way's more fun.
Hunter: Oh. That's uh, [murmurs] cool, I guess.
Gus: Oh, what was that?
Hunter: I SAID IT WAS COOL!
Then coming from the horizon was a large boulder. It landed and shattered and standing in it's place was Alex. He cracked his knuckles and turned his neck to the side cracking that as well.
Hunter: Oh, wow that sounds good. Now I gotta try it.
Hunter turns to crack his neck, but he did it wrong and hurted himself.
Hunter: Ah ow, my neck!
Willow pops out next to Hunter from the ground.
Willow: Gus is a natural speed demon, Skara's a strategic wizard, Viney's the best healer in school and Alex is the brawn. And at one point or another, we've all been misjudged.
Alex: So, still think we're pathetic?
Hunter: Uh...no?
Willow: Good. Let's get our game faces on.
Hunter: Uh can Viney heal my neck first?
Meanwhile.
Luz, Amity and Christa were sitting on the ground in front of the Book Nook, bummed out.
Christa: Well this stinks.
Luz: (sighs) Tell me about it. What do we do now Amity?
Amity: I- I don't know. I've never found another store that sold these books.
Luz: ( buries her face) We were so close!
Christa: Hey who's that?
Amity looked to where Christa was looking at and saw a small hooded figure.
Amity: I think that's her. ( shakes Luz) Luz I think that's the author!
Luz: Mildred Featherwhyle?!
The hooded figure realizes she had been noticed and immediately starts running.
Christa: Wait come back!
Luz: Follow her!
Meanwhile.
We cut to Darius at the castle, relaxing and being pampered.
Darius: Ah, finally some me time. Where's my drink?
A Dorodoro arrives with a tray and hands him his drink.
Darius: Ah yes a blood martini. Shaken not stirred.
He was about to drink it until a raven phone flew through his window startling him and spilling drink on his shirt.
Darius: AAAH! No! This was my favorite relaxing shirt!
The raven opened his mouth and heard Hunter's voice.
Hunter: Darius it's me!
Darius: What the? How did you get this number?
Hunter: Satarkura told me.
Darius: Ugh, that idiot! I told him to never to share it with anyone.
Hunter: Yeah you can't really trust him with secrets but anyway, I found some incredible recruits from Hexside. I'm earning my place like you told me!
Darius: You did? I mean you did! Excellent, good job. ( murmurs) Ugh I just said that so you'd leave me alone.
Hunter: What was that?
Darius: Uh nothing!
Willow: Caleb! We're waiting on you buddy.
Hunter: Uh be right there. ( to Darius) Gotta go, but you'll meet them soon.
Hunter hangs up and meets back with the team. They were wearing green sports uniforms with face painting. Alex specifcally wore a sleeveless green shirt and his face was completely painted in a military green camoflauge.
The two teams got into their posistions, but Viney noticed someone familiar on the other team.
Jerbo: Thanks for asking me to join, guys! I think we're gonna have a- (gasps)
Viney: (shocked) Jerbo? (makes a cut throat gesture])Traitor.
Jerbo: ...fun... afternoon. (sheds a tear)
Willow and her team ride on their staff and line up, getting ready to start.
Willow: All you got to do is fly high and snag some flags.
On the other side, Professor Hermonculus and his team is ready too.
Professor Hermonculus: Let's see what you can do, Captain.
Professor Hermonculus' abomination acts as the referee and blows the whistle. Professor Hermonculus shoots some abomination goo at Willow, but Alex blocks it with a stone shield. All players proceed to rush at each other. Hunter teleports himself close to the kid player on enemy team and snatches off her flag, then passes it on to Gus. Gus flies towards the pole and hangs the flag there, scoring one point.
Hunter: Gus, that was amazing!
Alex: Excellent Goops!
The game continues. the abomination student Mary fires some abomination goo at Gus, but he manages to evade it. The goo explodes and hits Skara instead, causing her to crash into a wall. The abomination referee blows the whistle. Enemy team hangs a flag on their pole, scoring one point.
The game continues. Viney rushes towards Jerbo and he rushes towards her. Both crash into each other and fall off their staffs. Alex took advantage of this and snagged his flag and as he dodged other attacks coming at him, he managed to score a point for the team.
Willow and Gus rush towards the enemy team. Mary and the spike-headed student try to hit them with abomination goo but all missed.
Professor Hermonculus: (frustrated) She's right there! Can't you see?
Hunter teleports himself next to the professor.
Hunter: Boo.
Hunter grabs the professor's flag and flies off. Meanwhile, Willow summons some vines and aims it at the enemy team players. Mary gasps and covers her face. Willow successfully grabs 2 flags from the enemy players, but an abomination goo suddenly hits her staff from below, causing her to fall off. Hunter and Alex looks at this with a shocked expression.
Alex: Willow!
Scene cuts to Professor Hermonculus on the ground using a spell circle.
Professor Hermonculus: Oops. My hand slipped.
Players from both teams glance towards him angrily. As she falls, she hands the flags to Hunter and she summons a flower which successfully cushions her fall. Hunter looks down at Willow while remaining still. Gus gives him a hard push from behind.
Gus: Go, go, go!
Professor Hermonculus: What, no!
But then he was hit on the head from a rock fist that was flying at him, knocking him out and we cut to see it was caused by Alex.
Alex: ( smirks) Oops, my hand slipped too.
Hunter: Ha, nice!
Alex: Don't stop, keep going!
Hunter kept flying at high speed. After avoiding the other team's attacks. He finally made it to the goal as his team won. Hunter lands as Viney and Skara dump a red sports drink all over from behind as the team cheered for their victory and Alex going up to Hunter, picks him up and holds him on his right shoulder.
Willow: We won!
Gus: We actually won!
Skara: Ah yeah, that's how we rule!
Viney: Beat that Jerbo!
Jerbo: ( distance) No! Don't say that.
Alex: Alright! You did it Willow!
Willow: We did it Alex!
Willow hugs Alex who was caught off guard of her hug and his face turns red but still happily hugs her back.
Alex: You did Caleb! You won by a landslide!
Hunter: I-I can't believe it. This feels great.
Professor Hermonculus begrudgingly walks up to Willow.
Professor Hermonculus: May I please have your team name?
Willow: Shoot. We never thought of a name.
Hunter: The... Emerald Entrails!
The other team members looks at Hunter.
Hunter: You know, because... we're green, and there's... more to us... than you think. (smiles awkwardly)
Other team members remain silent. Then they all start chanting enthusiastically.
Viney, Skara, Willow, Alex and Gus: Entrails! Entrails! Entrails! Entrails!
Willow: Entrails team photo! We're number one!
Alex: Booyah!
Willow uses her scroll to take a group selfie. Everyone looks happy including Hunter, who is also smiling.
Later
The field was empty with the exception of the team who were about to leave.
Hunter: I can't believe I almost bailed on you guys. Today was amazing! Thanks for giving me another shot.
Viney: Always nice making a new friend. I had an opening for one.
Viney glances towards Jerbo angrily. Jerbo gasps and clutches his chest.
Willow: We wouldn't have gotten here without you.
Gus: Yeah, I shouldn't have been so suspicious.
Alex: Yeah, you did good Caleb. You're alright.
Hunter: Well just wait till we play next time... as a part of the Emperor's Coven!
All team members give Hunter a strange look. But then Alex starts laughing.
Alex: Haha! Ah good one Caleb! Hahahaha! Joining the Emperor's Coven. Ha, whoo that's a doozy.
But then Alex stopped laughing when he saw Hunter still with the same enthusiastic and serious face.
Alex: Wait you serious?
Gus: What?
Hunter: My name isn't Caleb. It's Hunter! And I'm the Emperor's right-hand man. The Golden Guard!
Willow: (giggles nervously)..Y-Y-Y-You can't be serious? You're not the one Luz and Christa... told us about, right?
Alex: Wait, wait you don't mean...you're the Twig boy that trapped us in the Cave of Terrania!
Hunter: Yes, I am! Okay well that last part wasn't me, that was Mikela but that's beside the point.
Hunter nods at Flapjack. He flies upwards and transforms into a staff. Hunter grabs it and waves, transforming his outfit into the Golden Guard outfit. He then puts on his mask.
Hunter: Yeah, this would usually look cooler with the cloak, but... I don't have it at the moment. Long story.
But then they heard a roar from above. They looked up and saw Battra in the sky circling around the group as suddenly scouts and Dorodoros appeared surrounding the group. Three that approached Hunter were Steve, Carl and Earl.
Hunter: Whoa there, scouts. I didn't give you orders to come here.
Steve: Darius sent us to collect your recruits.
Hunter: Ah, okay. Very good. Then there won't be any delay in branding you with coven sigils and taking you away from your friends and family forever. Hooray!
The group looks at him angrily as Skara cries.
Later that night.
At the Police Precinct 128 in Bonesborough. The team members are locked up in a cell. Hunter takes away their staff and leans them on a wall outside the cell.
Hunter: Okay look, I'm sorry for the whole cell thing, but Skara did you really have to punch Steve and bite Earl?
We cut to the corner of Steven with his helmet dented with an ice pack and Carl trying to bandage Earl's arm who was also crying.
Earl: ( sobbing) She bit me Carl. It hurts! It hurts so bad.
Carl: Shh, shh it's okay. You'll be alright.
Earl: I don't know why, I was just doing my job.
Carl: I know, don't worry. It's okay.
Steve: I get it. Emotions are running high. (gives thumbs up) Ice pack for Steve.
Hunter: Well, I don't get it. You're joining the best coven there is. You can keep all your magic, you get free room and board, you can even play Flyer Derby on your day off! Well, this year's day has already passed, but next year's only 52 weeks away!
Skara: We don't care! None of us want this!
Viney: Yeah, let us out.
Hunter: You will eventually. Trust me, I'm your friend now.
Gus: Friends? Friends don't stab each other in the back.
Hunter: Sure they do. The Legion of Five do it all the time back at the castle.
Alex: You better open up this cell Twig boy or else.
Hunter: Now Alex, I can see your projecting anger onto me and I don't appreciate it.
Alex: Mister, I have not begun to project my anger onto you.
Hunter (looks towards Willow) Captain, you're on my side, right?
Hunter and Alex motion to Willow who was looking away at a wall.
Wilow: (mutters) I... thought I... could be good at this.
Hunter's smile vanished. Alex looked over at Willow with a sad look.
Willow: But we're here because... I made a bad call. (on the verge of crying) I'm just... half-a-witch Willow.
Alex placed a hand on her shoulder. Then he glanced back at Hunter and went up to his face from the cell.
Alex: Listen, Twig boy! We let you in on our group. Worked together to make this team and told you what's what and what?
Hunter: What?
Alex: What, "what?"
Hunter: What, "what" nothing. You said what first.
Alex: I didn't say what I asked you what.
Hunter: No, no. You said "And then, what?" And then I said "What?"
Alex: No, I said " what, what," like what, what!
Hunter looks at him with a confused and akward face as the conversation paused for a second.
Hunter: You said " what" first.
Alex: Oh now you're making fun of me?
Hunter: No, no...
Alex: You saying I'm stupid?!
Hunter: Okay I did not say that.
Hunter than backed away when Alex reached his arms out of the cell.
Alex: Come here Twig boy! I'll strangle that neck of yours!
But then he was hit by a magic projectile which sent him hitting the wall.
Willow: Alex!
Willow and the others checked on him and saw entering the room was Mikela and Satarakura.
Mikela: I wouldn't do that if I were you. You don't want to make things bad for your first day.
Satarakura: So these are the new recruits you bragged about Goldy. Hmmm. A little young don't you think?
Hunter: Oh trust me, they look young and maybe unorthodox. But are very skilled.
Mikela: Hmm, I see. Alright.
Mikela snaps his fingers as a group of Dorodoros enter.
Mikela: Take them to the airship and don't forget the palisman. Oh and Darius is waiting for you.
Hunter: He is?
Each Dorodoro took one student and forced them out of the cell and into the airship, a bit rough though as one of them took the palisman and put them in a cage. They made it outside and saw an airship and Darius waiting.
Darius: Put them in.
The Dorodoros nodded and forced the group on the airship as Mikela and Satarakura followed.
Hunter: Darius I did it! I found recruits.
Darius: Yup and you're making me work on my day off. Take this and quit bugging me.
Darius hands Hunter his cloak back
Hunter: So, I can wear this properly now right?
Darius: I don't know. Can you?
Hunter looks at him with an unsure look.
Darius: Well, see you at the castle Golden Guard.
Darius enters the airship and takes. As they were leaving, Steve, Carl and Earl exited the building and met up with Hunter.
Steve: I do not envy those kids man.
Carl: Yeah, I almost feel sorry for them.
Hunter: Eh, they just got to go through basic training before becoming scouts. It's not too bad.
Steve: Dude, do you even remember we had to go through? Like the witch duels?
Carl: The mazes with the death traps?
Earl: Oh and don't forget the time we were left alone on that mountain and had to find our way back. I heard rumor Rusty Shackleford ate his best friend to survive.
Hunter: Oh, those were the times.
Steve: Of course don't forget Belos collects everyones palisman.
But when Steve mentioned that, Hunter than frowned remembering what Belos does to palisman. The thought of his team losing their palisman would destroy them, the same would be for him if Belos knew about Flapjack.
Earl: Everyone except Selene. She's lucky to be allowed to keep hers.
Steve: Yeah. ( sighs) Steve is beginning to regret his choices.
Carl: Yeah, I'm gonna go home and... rethink my life.
Earl: Me too.
The three of them leave as Hunter looks at the airship in the distance.
Hunter: I think Hunter is too. But I can't get them out alone.
Then he hears a roar. He looked over and saw Alice approaching Stranix.
Alice: Ugh, this guy wasn't easy to convince, but atleast he accepted the deal.
Hunter: Wait, I saw her from earlier.
Hunter ran up to Alice.
Hunter: Hey, hello! Miss Alice!
Alice looked over and saw Hunter.
Alice: Oh, Caleb was it? Did you and Willow play and what are you wearing?
Hunter: Listen, I messed up. The others are being taken and...
Alice: Hold on. Breathe slowly. What's going on?
Meanwhile
Luz, Amity and Christa were still chasing the hooded figure. Luz tries to stop her with vines from Plant Glyph, but she rolls over it and keeps on running. Amity summons an abomination and tries to block her, but shoots fire with her hand and burns a hole in the abomination, then jumps through it and keeps on running.
Luz: Maybe it's Kikimora. And the only way for her to express herelf is through fiction.
Amity: Maybe it's another shape-shifting Basilisk trying to write their story through metaphor!
Christa: Or maybe it's someone who knows about Temperor. If that's the case...
Christa placed her hands on the ground and ice was forming and coming towards the figure. She was slipping on the ice and finally fell, revealing to be Tiny Nose.
Tiny Nose: Aw, wats!
Amity: Tinella Nosa?
Luz: She's had a name this whole time?!
Christa: Who doesn't?
We then cut to Tiny Nose leading the three inside the cave.
Tiny Nose: Sorry boss. The jig is up.
Sitting atop some books on a rock, Tibbles puts down his book and stares down at the trio.
Luz: Tibbles?!
Tibble: Ugh, not you again.
Tibbles closes up his book and throws it aside. Then Thomas comes out carrying a pile of books.
Thomas: Edited a few more of those author photos, boss. (sets the books down) Some of my finest work.
Then he gasps when he saw Luz and Christa.
Luz: ( squints angrily) Thomas.
Thomas: AH! Eda's kids. Sorry I don't remember your names, but I don't either.
Tibbles: Oh, calm down. Human garbage is constantly leaking into our water. And about a year ago I found this box of books washed up on the shore. (jumps down from his throne) I've been trying to make a snail off it ever since. (angrily) But no one's buying!
Thomas: Wait. I'm still getting paid for this, right?
Tibbles: Not now, Thomas.
Tibbles shoos Thomas away.
Tibbles: According to the owner of the Book Nook, he's only ever had ONE customer purchase from this series.
Luz and Christa glances towards Amity.
Amity: I-I didn't know. I swear!
Tibbles: This is the ( kicks a pile of books angrily) WORST SCAM I've ever run.
Luz: (disappointed) So the author is human after all.
Christa: Another dead end.
Tibbles: Oh-ho-ho. Were you expecting some dramatic discovery? (chuckles)
Amity summons an abomination fist and hits Tibbles from below, sending him flying upwards. Luz sighs and leans onto Amity's shoulder, while she wraps her arm around Luz's shoulder.
Thomas: Whoa, whoa hey! Who's gonna pay me now?
Christa formed vines from the ground and wraps Thomas up.
Thomas: Whoa, hey what the heck? I didn't even do anything this time.
Christa: Oh we know. ( forms her hand into a stone fist) We just don't like you.
Thomas: Not in the face. Not in the face!
Meanwhile
We cut to the airship with Willow and the group sitting down at a corner with the Dorodoros watching them, one flying the ship as Mikela, Satarakura and Darius were sitting, the latter looking through his penstagram. That's when he came across an a post from Alice. He looked a bit uncomfortable and scrolled away.
Mikela: Hey Darius, is it true that you and that witch used to date?
Darius: I don't want to talk about it.
Satarakura: Oh, you had a girlfriend? Tell me about her. Is she hot?
Darius: I said it's none of your concern!
Satarakura backed away when he saw Willow trying to get the palisman from the cage, she pushed the two of the Dorodoros away and ran to the cage, only for Satarakura to suddenly appear and push her back.
Satarakura: Na ha. No touchy. I know you might miss your palisman, but trust me you'll forget them in time.
The group looked at him angrily.
Satarakura: Hey come on, the Emperor Coven isn't so bad. You get to keep your magic, there's good food and a place to stay, you'll be working along side the most powerful witches to serve the Emperor like yours truly, you stick with me, I'll teach you all how to make it to the top. But the best part is that the coven comes with a dental plan. You gotta have white sparkling teeth when working for the Emperor.
Satarakura smiled showing his white shiny teeth. Suddenly Hunter appeared.
Hunter: Darius! We're under attack.
Darius: What?
Suddenly Stranix flew up from below, close to the ship, pushing it back and causing some of the Dorodoros to fall off. The others looked up and saw Stranix flying, but couldn't see Alice on his back.
Alice: I think that got their attention.
Mikela: What is that?
Willow: Now!
All team members jump off the ship. Darius, Hunter, Mikela and Satarakura rush over and look down, only to see the team members disappear in a puff of smoke.
Darius: An illusion.
Satarakura: We've been suckered!
Willow: Land the ship!
The team members jump down from the ship frame's beam. Viney lands on the Dorodoro pilot, knocking him down and takes control of the ship.
Darius: Wait!
Mikela: Stop you fools!
Viney pulls down a lever and crashes the ship into the sea, destroying it. The team members then jump off the ship with their staffs and try to watched from above.
Alice: They seem to be safe. I better go check on them.
But before she flew down a laser came at her from behind. It missed her body, but did cut her cheek. Alice held the cut on her cheek as blood dripped from it. She heard a roare and turned and saw Battra flying at her. Battra roared again and shot another laser at her.
Alice: Stranix, get down.
Stranix flew down as Battra chased after them.
We then cut to Darius, Mikela and Satarakura, emerging out of the wreckage of the airship.
Darius: Ugh, those kids are crazy. Just look at my cloak. They ruined it!
Satarakura: You're cloak? What about us?!
Mikela: ( angrily) How dare they!? Do they know who they're dealing with?! Perhaps they need to be taught a lesson. Choju Grimstar get them!
Darius: NO!
But Mikela doesn't listen as he raises his staff as it glows and shoots out a fire ball in the sky. It then bursts as the choju Grimstar appeared. As the name implies, his body is star shaped, his skin were leaf green scales with a red diamond like pattern on the abdomen. His hands had hooks and had a thin tail. The head resembled a falcon but had a red visor eye and a horn on his head. His roar was more of a high pitched, distorted squawk ( stock Gezora roar) and flew off to find the group.
We then cut to Willow and the others making it as far away from the airship as possible and stopping to catch their breathe.
Willow: ( panting) I...I think we...we lost them.
Gus: Can't believe... we...we just did that.
Skara: Viney you really need to learn your flying skills.
Viney: Sorry I kinda panicked right there.
Alex: At least we're all safe with our palisman.
Then Hunter appears to check on them.
Hunter: Guys are you okay?
But then he is punched across the face by Alex. Hunter falls onto his back rubbing his face as Alex grabbed him by his shirt collar and pulled him up to his face.
Hunter: Whoa, hey what are you doing?
Alex: What game are you playing at now?
Willow: Alex wait.
Alex: This traitor, must pay for his actions!
Hunter: Hey I just busted you guys out.
Alex: And who arrested us in the first place? Christa told me alot about you how you're a backstabber and a manipulator.
Gus: I mean he's not wrong.
Hunter: Hey I wouldn't call myself a manipulator. I'd say more desperate but...
Alex: Enough talk.
Alex forms his hand into a rock fist.
Willow: Alex no!
Alex: Give me one good reason I should pulverize this Twig boy.
Skara: Wait, something's coming towards us.
That was until they heard the squawks from Grimstar. They looked up and saw Grimstar flying towards them. Something until landing, flapping his arms and squawking ready to fight.
Viney: What is that, a demon?
Willow: No, it's a choju.
Alex: ( to Hunter) I'll deal with you later.
Alex throws Hunter to the ground as he joined with the others about to fight it.
Viney: Wait, maybe I can calm it down.
Hunter: Wait don't!
Viney slowly approached Grimstar as he squawked and turned his head side to side. She slowly raised her hands as they glowed and her eyes glowing also attempting to communicate with it.
Viney: It's okay, there's no need to be mad. Just calm down.
However Grimstar squawked and fired a red beam from his eye at Viney. She gasped as the attack was coming right at her, but Skara jumped in pushed her away as the two barely dodged the attack.
Skara: You okay?
Viney: Yeah thanks, but I couldn't get through to him.
Hunter: You can't communicate with a choju, they're not normal demons and they only follow Mikela.
Willow: Guess we'll have to take it down.
Gus: Us against that thing?
Willow: Just stay together guys and work like at team.
Alex: ( motions to Hunter) Even with him?
Willow: For now.
Alex reluctantly agrees as Grimstar continues squawking and approaches the group.
Meanwhile
Alice and Stranix were still flying around in the sky fighting Battra. Stranix shot a fireball at Battra which the choju dodged. Alice formed an abomintation shield to defend from his laser, but when Battra shot his laser, it went through as it nearly hit Alice, missing but cutting a few strands of her hair.
Alice: This thing's laser is really sharp. My shield should be just as strong as any other but he keeps cutting through. Stranix land!
Stranix flew down and landed as Alice got off.
Alice: Go stand aside.
Stranix roared at her.
Alice: Trust me, I know what I'm doing.
Stranix did as she said, Battra landed also as he flapped his wings roaring at her.
Alice: Didn't think I'd have to use this.
Alice closed her eyes and formed a large spell circle around her body. He eyes glowed purple as her body transformed into an abomination body, much like what Darius could do. Her skin and clothes were now abomination goo with green eyes all around her body, she was taller now, now as big as Battra and her hair was flowing up. Her eyes were now abomination green and formed her arm into a scythe.
Alice: Now I'll show you how a real witch fights.
Alice came at Battra with her scythe hand. Battra roared and fired his beam at her arm, though it got cut off, she didn't flinch and regenerated it instantly. He kept firing all over her body and while it pierced through she didn't appear to be hurt and simply regenerated. Once she got close she slashed across his body as he jumped back. Battra roared in pain as he looked down and saw the cut across his chest roaring at her in response. Alice then enlarged her fist with spikes on the knuckles and stretched her arm to punch him. Battra again shot his laser at her fist, cutting it in half but regenerating. Battra is punched and sent falling onto his back.
Seeing how he was no match Alice, Battra attempted to escape. But then he felt a pain in his foot, something piercing through it. It was Alice who stretched her scythe hand that hooked his foot. She was holding him down, not letting him escape. Blood was oozing out of his foot as Battra roared in pain and in struggle to escape. He looked down at Alice and fired his beam at her head, a blow at the head is what could kill a witch in an abomination transformation state. Though he missed her a couple times, he almost had her with his next shot, but she shifted her head to the side barely missing. Unable to take the pain anymore Battra fired the beam at his foot, servering it from his leg. With that Battra flies away as Alice looked at the foot attached to her scythe hand melt into paint. She took a deep breathe and turned back to normal. She fell to her knees panting as Stranix approached her.
Alice: I'm fine. Just haven't done this in a while and that technique really takes it out of you. Still, come we have to check the kids.
Meanwhile
We cut to Willow and the others fighting Grimstar. Alex punched the ground as a a seismic wave was coming at Grimstar. Grimstar flew up and was about to fire his eye beam at him, that was until Hunter appeared from behind and fired a magic projectile from his staff. Grimstar is hit on the back and falls to the ground. He squawked and looked up at Hunter. He fired his eye beam at him, but teleported away. That's when he felt a few magic projectile attacks hit his back. He turned and saw it was caused by Viney and Skara. Grimstar squawked and this time his abdomen started to glow and fired a large beam from his chest, but when he hit the two they vanished, revealing to be just illusions made by Gus. Grimstar squawked and ran towards Gus when suddenly vines from the ground constricted it made by Willow. Grimstar squawked as he was being constricted but fired his eye beam at her. Alex stepped in and shielded her with his rock wall and then puched the ground as a rock pillar hit Grimstar sending him flying up. Willow formed more vines and had them grab Grimstar in the air and hurled him to the ground hard. He tried getting up, but looked weak and fell to the ground, appearently dying.
Gus: Well that finally got him.
Alex: Yeah he wasn't that hard.
Hunter: Something's not right here.
Hunter slowly approached him with his staff glowing and about to fire at his head.
Hunter: Just to make sure.
But then Grimstar's eye opened swiped the side of his hook had across Hunter's leg, knocking him down and dropping his staff. He was about to pick it up but Grimstar kicked it away and started kicked Hunter around.
Willow: Hunter!
Willow sent more vines at Grimstar. His abdomen glowed again and fired another beam at the vines, disintegrating them instantly and at the group as they barely dodged. Grimstart continued squawking, kicking and stomping on Hunter as he grunted from each hit. Hunter was tiring out and Grimstar squawked again and raised his hook hand about to finish him off, but that was until someone came in fast and swiped across Grimstar's neck. His arms dropped and his head rolled off his body. Grimstar's head fell next to Hunter as his whole headless body was about to fall on him, but he rolled away. Everyone looked and saw Alice standing above the body with her scythe hand turning back to normal and Grimstar's body and head started to melt back into paint. She went over to Hunter and helped him up.
Alice: Easy now. Are you okay?
Hunter: Y-Yeah, thanks.
Alice: Is everyone else okay?
Willow: We're okay Alice.
Mikela: I heard it here.
Darius: I swear if I see dead kids, you're going to...Alice?!
Alice: Darius?
Hunter: Wait, you two know each other?
Darius and Alice just looked at each other for a moment.
Darius: My, it's been years Alice. You're looking...
Alice: Save it Darius! What the hell were you thinking kidnapping these children and then sending a monster to attack them!?
Darius: If you just let me explain...
Alice: Are you insane!? Had this young man not told me about this, they would have...
Darius: Just a sec. ( to Hunter) You were in on this?
Hunter: I was wrong. These five aren't fit for the Emperor's Coven. (looks down) And I'm unfit to wear the sigil of the Golden Guard.
Hunter takes off his cloak and drops it to the ground. He then turns towards Willow.
Hunter: You can go. Please Captain.
Alice: You and your friends go Willow. I'll take it from here.
Alex: No way, we can take em!
Willow: No Alex, let's just go. We'll need to find a replacement. After all, it'll be 52 weeks until Hunter is free again.
Hunter looks at her a bit surprised as Willow and the others left.
Alice: Now then, you want to tell me...
Darius: Just a second. ( to Hunter) So you befriended them? You staged an attack, crashed our ship and protected them?!
Hunter looked scared of what Darius was going to do as Alice glared at him not letting him hurt him. As this happend Mikela and Satarakura looked excited.
Satarakura: Ooh, he's in trouble.
Mikela: This is going to be fun.
But instead, Darius pats Hunter on the head.
Darius: I'm impressed. Seems I've misjudged you.
Hunter: What?
Mikela and Satarakura: Wait what!?
Darius: You're like what 16? It's about time you made some connection outside the castle with kids around your age.
Hunter: You mean you're not mad?
Darius: Of course not.
Alice: I'm still here you know. How could you kidnap children and force them into joining the Emperor's Coven.
Darius: Easy now Alice. I was never going to force them to join. I was just going to drop them off at Hexside. We have more than enough recruits.
Satarakura: You didn't tell us that?
Darius: I'm a Coven head. I don't have to tell you anything.
Mikela: But what did we do all this for?! We nearly died back there, I just wasted a choju and...
Alice: Wait, it was you who sent that thing to attack?!
Mikela: Uh...um...
Alice: You really sent that thing to kill a group of kids?!
Mikela: Well...to be fair they crashed our ship and...
Alice formed her arm into an abomination spear and pointed it at Mikela's throat.
Alice: I should kill you where you stand right where you stand. You're commrade here was about to get killed by your monster.
Satarakura: ( murmurs) Well it could mean a promotion for us.
Then Alice formed her other arm and formed a spear at Satarakura's throat. That was until Darius placed his hands on her arms.
Darius: Easy now Alice. I'll take it from here.
Alice just looked at him but did as he said and lowered her arms down.
Darius: Mikela if I recall I never gave you an approval to send out a choju. We rushed here because do you have any idea how much trouble I could get into for this? My image? And if Hunter was killed, what would the Emperor think of him getting killed by your choju.
Mikela just looks at him with an upset look and looks away.
Darius: Exactly. Now unless you want me to report about your reckless behavior, I suggest you clean up the mess from the wreckage. Now.
Mikela just growls at him as he and Satarakura leaves. It was just him, Alice and Hunter now as Darius looked at Alice.
Darius: So, you haven't changed a bit. Still fiesty as ever.
Alice: ( smirks) I can say the same for you.
Darius: You look good though. Still lovely as ever Black Rose.
Alice: Flattery isn't getting you anywhere Pretty boy and I thought I told you not to call me that anymore.
Darius: So, you're the new CEO of Blight Industries now huh? Congrats.
Alice: Wasn't really an achievement, but took it back after an intense fall out from my brother and sister in law.
Darius: Right, so where's Alador now?
Alice: I don't know. I haven't spoken to him since I cut him off. But what do you care. You never liked him. Especially since the Abomiking incident.
Darius: I'd rather not talk about that day. So uh...you know it's been years since we last saw each other. But if your not busy maybe we can catch up, get dinner and...
Alice: Sorry but my schedule is pretty busy now. But hey, it's nice to see you thinking for someone other than yourself. I better get going. Need to make sure they're okay. See you around Pretty boy.
Darius looked away and blushed. Alice took out her whistle and blew it to call Stranix. Before she got on, she looked over at Hunter and placed her hand on his head.
Alice: Thanks for telling me about this Hunter. You be a good kid.
Hunter: Oh, uh yes ma'me
Alice got onto Stranix and flew off, leaving the two behind.
Hunter: Darius, who was that witch.
Darius: ( sighs) The one who got away...away from me. Oh and here you can have this back. Magic or not, you'll make your predecessor's proud.
Darius hands Hunter his cloak back, but this time the Golden Guard sigil was sewn more clean.
Darius: But you could use a sewing lesson.
Meanwhile
We cut to Luz, Amity and Christa walking on the beach.
Amity: Hey are you okay Batata?
Luz: I'm all Ami. Really.
Christa: I'm sorry this lead to nothing regarding making a new portal.
Luz: It's fine. Azura's author may be a human, but I'm human too. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded that you don't need to be a powerful ancient witch to make something special.
Amity: Well, I had fun coming up with those theories. They were like... our own stories.
Christa: (gasps) What if the Azura Book Club was also a writing club?
Amity: What would be our first writing prompt?
Luz: Hmm. How about the mystery of...
Luz gasps and points at the members of Emerald Entrails walking nearby.
Luz: What they were up to all night?
The members of the Emerald Entrails notice that Hunter had just created a Penstagram account as Willow followed him.
Viney: Did he just make an account?
Willow: Wow. He is a slow typer.
Gus: He's worse than my dad.
Alex: Are you guys seriously following him? After what he did?
Skara: He did help us out at the end.
Willow: Alex he wasn't so bad.
Alex: Trust me Willow, I know people like him. You can't trust him.
Then Willow got a private message from Hunter. She looked at it and it said, " If you see Red, can you tell her I said hi and I hope we can talk again soon?" Then Luz and the others approached her.
Luz: Hey guys! Whoa I am digging the new outfits.
Christa: So, how did Flyer Derby go?
Willow: We just had our first team win as the Emerald Entrails.
Christa: Great! Glad it went well.
Gus: Well we had a couple other issues, but made it.
Willow: Oh we have the photo to show you.
Luz: Ooh! Let me see! Let me see!
Willow shows the team picture to the three, but are startled to see Hunter in it.
Trio: (gasps) WHAT!?
Amity: Is that...
Luz: Hunter?
Christa: What is he doing in this? Are you alright? Did he hurt you!?
Willow: We're fine. He was our team mate.
Gus: Well he did kinda get us arrested.
Willow: Yeah he kinda did.
Christa: Where is he?! I will destroy him!
Alex: Oh he's not far. If you act now you get him.
Willow: Alex! Christa wait, granted he did lie about being a new student and got us locked up, but he helped us escape and fight off a choju. He still saved us.
Christa: He did?
Willow: He's not that bad.
Christa: I don't know. I thought the same thing until he backstabbed Amity and me.
Gus: Amity and I. Grammar Christa.
Christa: Right. My point is be careful around him. He's a wild card. But did he say anything about me?
Willow: Well, he did want me to tell you that he's hoping to see you again. I think he wants to make things right with you.
Christa: ( sighs) I...as much as I appreciate him saving you guys, I don't know if I still want to see him. I can't even tell if he's changing or if he's playing us again. ( her mind) Seriously, what is he playing at?
Meanwhile
We cut to Emperor Belos's castle. On the top of the castle was Battra, roaring and standing on his one foot. He kept roaring as he felt the regeneration of his foot, slowly growing back. Once it was fully healed he flapped his wings again and roared as lightning strucked in the background.
Inside.
Hunter and Darius were walking through the halls.
Hunter: So, are you goint to tell Belos about this?
Darius: Are you going to tell him about your secret palisman?
That's when Flapjack peeked out from Hunter's cloak chirping.
Hunter: No Flapjack, stay hidden.
Darius: Don't worry, he doesn't have to know and I'm making sure Mikela and Satarakura stay quiet as well.
Then Kikimora approached the two.
Kikimora: There you are Golden Guard. The Emperor seeks your presence.
Hunter looks at Darius.
Darius: You better get going. It could be important.
Hunter nods and follows Kikimora to the throne room. They two enter and see the Legion of Five and Dr. Cushing there as well with Belos on his throne.
Emperor Belos: Glad to see you all here.
Hunter: Is something wrong Uncle?
Emperor Belos: Nothing at all. But called you all here because I have someone to introduce to you. An old member actually. Selen I'm sure you know who I mean.
Selene looked at him confused. That's when they heard the doors open. Everyone looked back and saw the figure approaching them with surprised looks.
Hunter: Wait, it can't be. I've read so much about him but I never thought I'd really...
Emperor Belos: That's right Hunter. I'd like you to meet the former head of the Emperor's Coven before Lilith. Hipporit Vorst.
Hipporit approached Belos and bowed down to him.
Hipporit: I recieved your message Emperor Belos. I am here to serve you once again.
To be continued...
Author's Note: ( spoilers ahead) That's it for this chapter. Glad I got to do this and though I originally planned for Christa to play a bigger role to be in Willow's club and an attempt to have her meet Viney and Skara, but I realized it wouldn't have worked since she knew who Hunter was and now is not a good time for the two to meet. I should also mention we have reason to believe that Phillip's brother's name is actually Caleb since that's who Hunter is based on. I may of given him a different name in some early chapters, but I went back and removed that.
Anyway, so as you all know, season 2 has just ended and what a season that was ( and of course Amphibia is over and that show was amazing). Really expaned more of the story, it was darker than season 1, especially the second half and it was great, probably the best season. Episodes I loved the most were Hunting Palisman, Eda's Requium, Knock, Knock Knockin on Hooty's Door, Eclipse Lake, Follies at the Coven Day Parade, Elsewhere and Elsewhen, Any Sport in the Storm, Them's the Breaks kid, Hollow Mind ( which by the way, I can't wait to get to) and King's Tide. But we got many great things here, Lumity is now canon, love Eda's harpy form, Raine and more of the Coven heads, Hunter while not my favorite character ( that honor goes to Amity) is really interesting and I can really work with him, there many twists, the Collector was pretty cool and Emperor Belos I have to say now is one of my favorite animated tv villains, up there with Bill Cipher, King Andrias and the Core, Megatron ( Tf Prime version), Slade, Shredder ( TMNT 2012), Firelord Ozai and Azula, Joker ( DCAU), Cell and Frieza and Naraku. Also, I remember hearing theories about Luz being possessed by the Collector and everyone wanted to see this. To be honest, I couldn't see this happening and glad it didn't. Not just because I didn't want to see Luz suffer from possession ( like Marcy) but also it didn't make sense. Think about it, why would the Collector want Luz, he or they don't even know her, if anything I expected them to possess King and get a new Bill. Was there anything I didn't like on season 2? Well, nothing I disliked but somethings weren't exactly fleshed out or made sense like one thing was that if Belos is the one who orginally made the portal, how'd he lose it to begin with? How much Titan blood was in the key since Eda found it as a kid and been using it multiple times? If King is the son of Boiling Isles Titan, why does he look different and how long has King been an egg before hatching? Also I wished we got another expansion with Hunter and Amity since they didn't really interact since he officially joined the group and she seem to be cool with him. I'm not sure if the idea is that if Willow trusts him, she's willing to trust him now or maybe this will be addressed in season 3. The same goes for a little more backstory with Phillip and Caleb.
But it seems now we're on hiatus, but this will keep on going. We got one season left, or one short one. That's the only thing, Disney cutting the show short and now Dana and the crew have to cram everything and wrap it up. I just find so unfair and stupid that why this show got cut, yet Amphibia gets away with stabbing a child on screen, getting possessed by an evil force, one character losing an arm and spoiler alert, a character practically dies. I feel like it's not just the dark tone but I also think it's LGBTQ representation and knowing Disney, they're homophobes.
Without these restrictions it makes me wonder what Dana's original vision of the show would have been like. Would Hunter have been redeemed later, would Belos's true motives been shown later. Would season 3 play like Amphibia season 3 where the characters now must adapt to the human world for the first half and then make it back to their world in the later half to save it ( then again the finale gave me some True Colors vibes). All the twists and Luz and Amity's first kiss would that have been later? I really don't know, but that's why I made this. This story is my answer to the lack of a full treatment to the show and consider this my season three or season 2 and 3 combined.
Now that I got the info I needed, I can proceed with how to tell my story with some plot elements from the show. I have a lot to tell here, not just with the lore, but with each of the characters. Don't worry I have plans for other characters, I have something planned for Raine, a little more for Darius and even Alador. The only character I'm struggling to utilize is Terra, the plant coven head. I don't want to discard her completely, but I'm having trouble trying to use her. Okay well not completely, I think I have something, I think, but It's still a far way to go. And what about the Collector some of you have been asking, well... I wanted to talk about here, but I don't think it's a good time. Wait till we get to Hollow Mind.
Anyway, I'm taking too much time here. I want to thank Lady Shadow92 for help on this and if you liked this chapter be sure to follow, favorite and review. Once again I do not own The Owl House. The Owl House and all it's characters are all owned by Dana Terrace and Disney. Please support the official release. Thank you and until next time.