(A/N: Disclaimer: I don't know if I ever mention this, but Aaron Dimension is based off the actual me in personality, health issues and mannerisms.[though I'm not sarcastic most of the time, nor am I hated...besides being bullied in elementary and middle school for my speech issues. Never had that problem in high school, fortunately.] I just thought to mention that just to explain the writing process for Aaron Dimension. Anyways, thanks for reading this and your patience as I write these. And hope you enjoy.)
Mary and Jake's P.O.V.-Sunday Night, Dimension's Sitting Room
"I would say it's a surprise Aaron's been asleep for the past day, but then again, we had been waking him up at four in the morning everyday last week." Mary said as she closed the sitting room door. Despite the fact she had just checked up on Aaron, something she and Jake had been doing during the day since Saturday night, she knows Aaron's Saiyan hearing would pick up on their discussion from the sitting room via open doors, hence her closing the doors.
"Yeah. And that had been a bad idea." Jake said as Mary sat on one of the chairs, opposite of the other chair Jake was on. The discussion had begun.
"What do we do, Jake? Enchantra's evaluation coming up, Quigley's jumping down our throats, and Aaron's paying the consequences for not being able to control his magic six years ago, causing all those people to hate him! Even when we convince Hilda and Zelda to erase everyone memories of him doing magic, and him becoming a Great Ape, they still a vague feeling of him doing something they don't like and they continue to hate him for it!" Mary exclaimed, standing up and pacing around the room.
"I know, Mary." Jake said calmly, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Not to mention he barely remembers what happened at that Halloween party. The signs of possession. And there's also, her, wanting him as part of that deal we made when we were stupid, younger and desperate to hide from our pasts." Mary continued.
"Mary, calm down for a moment. Despite we made this sound-proof, the neighbors might hear. And the last thing Aaron needs is taunts about how we're insane and he inherited that." Jake said, guiding Mary back to the chairs.
"That's the whole problem, Jake! I know you and I can handle all these taunts, we heard them all before! But Aaron's just a kid, and they're hating him for something he can't control! And Enchantra's making it worst by dropping this evaluation on us December 11th!" Mary shouted, trying hard to not go into hysterics.
"Mary! I get it! But as we both know, there's nothing we can do. Greendale is full of idiots, except for Sabrina and Chloe. And maybe that Pi kid. Plus, you forgotten Zelda as well." Jake said, pulling Mary's hand from her hair.
"I know, but that much people aren't enough to break through the amount of hatred a town has! I get it if it was just kids his age or older, Jake. Those, he could deal with! But we're talking about everyone: teachers, parents, younger kids who barely knows him, even store clerks! The only other people who likes Aaron are the librarians and the people down by the bookstore, but you heard the news about them, right?" Mary asked.
"What about them?" Jake asked, curious. "They claimed they were leaving their jobs because they wanted to broaden their horizons. I talked to them and got the truth. They were threatened by the mayor and Filthy Frank, to either hate Aaron or leave Greendale and never return. They choose the second option, because they will never hate Aaron." Mary said.
"God." Jake muttered. "Don't you see? No matter what, this town will continue hating Aaron just for existing. I wonder if there any reason why we should continue living here, if Aaron's gonna be miserable." Mary wondered.
"Because if we move, if we quit, they win. I know it sounds like a dick move, forcing Aaron to stay here. But you forgotten he has Sabrina and Chloe by his side. As long as they're still his friends, he'll never be truly miserable here. Which brings us back to how we're gonna approach Enchantra's evaluation." Jake said.
"I know. She never seen his style of magic before! The magic that came from your home! She'll fail him for sure because of that!" Mary exclaimed.
"No, she won't." Jake said. "Jake, you forgot who she is, after what she's done to Hilda and Zelda eight years ago. Not to mention she forced Diane and Edward to divorce and not raise their daughter at all." Mary said.
"Yes, but you forgot one thing we have over her." Jake said. "What's that?" Mary asked. Jake checked to make sure no one was listening before whispering in Mary's ear his secret weapon.
"You mean?" Mary asked, wide-eyed. "Yep. And she can't break it either. Not without risking their wraths. Mostly...his." Jake said, referring to the figure he saw during the blackout.
"Okay, we have that. But what about that ghost?! She's still a issue. Not to mention our son been possessed! And there's also Quigley calling our son a bad influence!" Mary cried out.
"First of all, Quigley won't be a issue. You knows he's all talk, but no action. And even if he were to spread rumors, he'll regret it. But I'm sure he's terrified of what we could do. After all, we did told Hilda, Zelda, Edward, Diane and Salem our past. And one of them told Quigley." Jake reminded Mary.
"I know. But what about-" She began. "And as for that demonic ghost...as long as Aaron's at Warlock Academy, she can't touch him. No ghost can ever touch him. Alex has the best protection." Jake said. "And what if he accidentally tells Aaron the truth? About how old you really are?" Mary hinted.
"I had been keeping in contact Alex after Aaron's birth...after his death. He'll keep up the pretense, even going as far as to claim I had been his student during 1426. He even made a fake gold wand to keep it up." Jake said.
"Okay. As long as we can trust your friend to keep up the lies we made, until Aaron's fourteen." Mary said, still not agreeing with waiting one year and nine months to reveal the truth.
"Yes. Once then, and only then, he'll be able to handle the truth. He may be upset with us for lying to him, and he's right, since we expect him to be honest with us and we're not doing the same. But give him some time, and he'll realize why we did so. And, the deal is we'll hand him over to her unless he knows the truth about us. Then the deal is cancelled." Jake said.
"Exactly. Well, if that's all to talk about, we should be heading up." Mary said, looking at the clock. "Not yet." Jake said, remembering one last thing as Mary sat down.
"Yes?" She asked, wondering what else is there to talk about. "Aaron is twelve, so he should be most kids his age." Jake said. "He does." Mary said, barely containing her fury at Jake's words. "Mary, we know he does, to other kids. But what kind of child wakes up in the morning to train with weapons, or magic and have to hide their injuries?" Jake asked.
"Kids from my time. And from where you came from." Mary pointed out. "Exactly. And where are we, and when?" Jake asked. "Greendale, USA. 2011, even though the technology here are from the late 1990s." Mary said with a smirk, only to realize Jake's words.
"Oh." She said, her smirk falling. "I'm not saying we shouldn't train him. Just alternate. At least, until we take that road trip to New York in the next two weeks. After that, we'll decide to continue alternating or come up with something new." Jake told Mary. "Okay." Mary said as she and Jake left the sitting room, not noticing a certain 'Devil' listening from the windows before vanishing.
Aaron's P.O.V.-Monday Morning-NetherWorld Mall
Sabrina, Hilda and I were in the Neither World, shopping at the mall. A lot of monsters were walking around, doing their businesses. "Don't you like shopping at the Netherworld Mall, Sabrina and Aaron?" Hilda asked us.
As part of their punishment for leaving Sabrina on Halloween(which I barely remembered, other than talking to Sabrina about getting in character and being disgusted by a blue ghoul an hour later. The rest is a hazy blur.), Hilda and Zelda have to do chores. They decided to drag Sabrina and me to the NetherWorld Mall for some 'learning experience' but we all know the reason why.
"Sabrina? Aaron?" Hilda asked us, as Sabrina and I struggled with the bags. Yep, Hilda and Zelda found a way to get us to carry the stuff, as payback for them doing chores. They claimed it's so our muscles would developed, but I know paybacks when I see one.
"Can we please go home now? Pleaseee?" Sabrina asked. "Pretty please with cherries on top?" I added straining with the amount of bags.
"Home?!" Hilda asked, like we were asking for credit cards. "Seriously, Sabrina and Aaron, shopping at the NetherWorld Mall is an important rite of passage for a young witch and warlock." Zelda told us as Sabrina and I struggled to keep the pile of bags balanced.
"But I have plans with Harvey." Sabrina said. "And I'm suppose to have the day off." I said as Sabrina and I put the bags on a floating bench. The reason why we're not at school today was because the teachers were having a meeting, giving all students, even me surprising, a day off. Especially since they would keep me at school just so they could have a meeting with my parents just to rant about how I'm the problem.
"Instead we get dragged here with my aunties. And besides, this place give me the creeps." Sabrina said. "Not to mention pain." I said, rubbing my arms, which were aching from the amount of bags carried.
"Creeps? What's creepy about it? Exposure to the NetherWorld way of life is necessary for a young witch. And a young warlock, along with the pain." Hilda said, glancing at me. "All part of the training. And as your guardians, we're here to make sure you experience it all." Zelda told Sabrina.
"And me? You forgot about me." I said, not a question, but a statement. "Well, um..." Hilda said, trying to come up with a reason. "You're Sabrina's friend. And that makes you part of the family too." Zelda said, a bit cheesy but alright.
"Okay, I'll take it." I said with a shrug. "Like it or not, you've gotta listen to us, Sabrina and Aaron." Hilda said. "And I retract that statement." I said. "Sorry, too late." Hilda said with a smirk as she snapped her finger, zapping the bags back into Sabrina and my hands, this time with more.
"*Sighs* Great. So much for being in control of my own life. I always have to do what everyone else wants." Sabrina grumbled as we walked. "I know the feeling. Except when it comes to the whole town frowning down upon me." I muttered, though Sabrina heard it.
"Aaron, I didn't mean-" She began. "Sabrina, don't apologize. It's those two that should apologized for dragging us here." I said, glancing at Hilda and Zelda.
I noticed that whatever I say has been setting Sabrina on edge ever since I got back from...whatever that place was supposed to be. One thing to note, it wasn't anywhere near Hawaii, I'll say that. But it fits well into what Chloe and I noticed: whatever happened to Sabrina while I was gone clearly did something to her. And she's not fessing up.
Which is why I'm trying to be careful with my own words and feelings around her. I don't want to set her on edge anymore than she is. Maybe it's because of evaluation happening at the beginning of December, maybe it's something Quigley did.
And if you're wondering why I'm not reading her mind, I can't. It's not because I have feelings for her, I already moved on since that day. It's cause we made a pact that unless she gives me verbal permission, I won't read her mind. That student of the year thing was an exception, because she gave me permission with body language.
Later, we walked past a crowd chanting someone's name. "Appearing today, Grimadonna. Oh my gosh, is Grimma really gonna be here?" Hilda asked. "I love her show. Trudy the Mortal Slayer." Zelda said. "It's the smash hit of the NetherWorld Network!" Hilda exclaimed.
"Last year, it was Dawson's Croaks. Go figure." Sabrina said with a shrug. "And are you forgetting that Sabrina and I are half mortals, and Sabrina's mother and my mother is mortal? Or is this still about you two being punished?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Aaron, it's not about that." Zelda claimed. "Really? Then why aren't you two helping carry the bags, which is your stuff, not Sabrina's or mines?" I asked, as Zelda looked down at floor, guilty. However, Hilda decided to test my patience, and my anger. "Because we're older and we know more than you. So you get to do what we say." Hilda claimed.
"No. No, you do not know more than me or Sabrina. Experience is how you obtain knowledge. Age is just a number and a excuse." I said with unkempt anger, causing Hilda to be dumbfounded, Zelda to be silent and guilt-stricken, and Sabrina to be shocked. However, we turned our attention to the stage when someone, a bone person, began speaking.
"Hauntings and bad nightmares, kids. Yes, it's the one and only," the bone person said, as a door appeared out of nowhere and a bat flew out of it, transforming under a cover of purple smoke as people were chanting Grimma Donna's name. "Look! There she is!" Hilda exclaimed, quickly getting over what I just told her.
"Grimadonna!" The bone person finished as the smoke disappeared, showing said person being introduced on stage. Grimma took a bow as the spotlight turned off.
"Grima, perhaps you like to say a few words to your fans." The bone person suggested. "Of course, Bones. Hello, people and thank you for adoring me. Because of you, I have a hit T.V. show, three homes in the Haunted Hills and no one to tell me what to do. Not even my parents because I made more money than them. Ha! I am a star and I love you all." Grimma said as the crowd cheered, clapped and took pictures.
"Wow. That's the life." Sabrina commented. "Yeah. When you want to be rich, arrogant, and have tons of rumors that can destroy your life on printed media, it's all good." I said while rolling my eyes, only to wince in pain as Sabrina dropped her pile of bags on my foot.
"I bet nobody ever forces Grimma Donna to go the the NetherWorld Mall." Sabrina said. "Except for her manager, her schedule, and the fact she literally right here!" I told Sabrina, who started to realize the last part.
Well, yeah. I know she's right here. But that doesn't mean she was told to be here." Sabrina said, as she grabbed the bags.
Before I could argue more, Hilda decided to put her two cents into this argument. "Maybe not. But her job requires her to do a lot of things she'd rather not do." She said, smirking at Sabrina and me.
"Oh, come on. A star like her?" Sabrina asked, indicating Grima. She was posing while getting her pictures taken.
"Hil, look." Zelda said, putting her hand on Hilda's shoulder and pointing to what she wanted Hilda to see. "Broomies having a one day sale. Hurry! Before the place gets picked over by nasty little gnomes!" Zelda said, running into said store.
"Wait for us here, Sabrina and Aaron." Hilda told us as she walked into the store, while the crowd dispersed. "Sure. Why not?" Sabrina asked. "This is definitely about them sharing your punishment." I told Sabrina as Grimadonna left the stage. "I have no life anyway." Sabrina said, crossing her arm and agreeing with me.
Earlier, when I went to Sabrina's house(before we came here.), Sabrina told me what happened while I was out cold. Apparently, Quigley went to my house to get pissy with my parents over his stupid model, which Cindy broke but Sabrina took the blame(i.e. Quigley cares more about his stupid model than he does for Sabrina!) and me sleeping in his flowerbed.(courtesy of Cindy throwing me out of a window.) Two hours later, Quigley came back, a bit pale. He didn't said anything for a hour and when he did, he told Hilda and Zelda they were sharing Sabrina's punishment of doing chores around the house and fixing his stupid model.
So of course, Hilda and Zelda bringing us here is less of 'learning experience' or whatever they're claiming and more of getting payback. Me, I could get. It's nothing new. Sabrina, though, I don't get why. She didn't told them they were sharing her punishment.
"So, your parents stop waking you up a 4:00 in the morning?" Sabrina asked, lowering her voice so I'm the only one who's hearing. "Yeah. In fact, they're changing the whole training schedule. And they're planning a family road trip to New York in two weeks." I whispered.
"A family road trip? But you guys haven't had one since..." Sabrina began. "Since I was three. One year before I met you." I said, vaguely remembering that trip. The only details I know was that it was out of country. I wander away from my parents. And a brief feeling of gaining something, as if a transfer of...something occured and I received something.
Other than that, my memories are a bit fuzzy. It was the only family trip I remembered, but my parents said it was the last one I went on with them, that I went on other trips before that one. Given they always done trips just by themselves, I guess it was the truth.
"That's nice. Twice in the same year, you get to go out of state. Hope you have fun...again." Sabrina said, as I wince slightly. I haven't told her about what really happened back during those three weeks I was gone. But then again, how can I explain it to her without sounding crazy? Maybe I'll tell her when we're fourteen. Yeah, by then, it'll be something I can look back on and laugh.
"Yeah. Well, if you want, I can ask my parents if you can come." I suggested. I really want Sabrina to be truly happy to be friends with me, not the facade she's been putting up for the past weeks. Chloe and even Pi noticed it too, but we don't bring it up, just in case if Sabrina gets too defensive.
"No. No. I'm sorry if I'm sounding bitter all of a sudden. It's just, you're going places and I haven't. I don't even have parents to do this with." Sabrina said, and I know where she's getting at.
"Well, at least the evaluation will have Enchantra realize that halflings aren't bad. And then she'll have to allow your parents to be back together." I said. "Yeah. There's that hope." Sabrina said, and I noticed she wiped tears from her eyes.
Later, Sabrina and I were at a Slime on A Stick stand. Sabrina held up one finger while I pulled a granola bar and a Sprite from my pockets. Good thing too, because if Sabrina's look of disgust is to go by anything, the purple slime on a stick is so slimy, my gagging reflex will turn into the vomit reflex. Sabrina and I sat on another bench, next to the bags of stuff.
"Ugh. I hate slime on a stick." Sabrina complained. I pulled out another granola bar and handed it to her. "Thanks." Sabrina said gratefully, tossing the slime on a stick away while eating the granola bar and eating it wolfishly.
"Sure wish Aunt Hilda and Zelda would hurry up so we could go home." Sabrina said after eating the granola bar. "Exactly." I said, gulping down some Sprite.
"I get the feeling we're being watched." Sabrina said, before seeing a bat camera flying in front of us, filming, causing Sabrina to scream, back up, hitting the bench, and causing me to fall hard on the floor. I nearly spit out the Sprite, but gulped it, painfully. Whoever owned that camera would be justified in forcing me to coughing up money, especially since I don't have NetherWorld money.
As I was coughing from the soda, Sabrina patted my back while the bat camera filmed us. "Oh. That was so, like, great. You two got this look like Donna, Win Dego and Bikaback Girls From Beyond The Graves" A blue-skinned blonde male in a skintight suit told us as Sabrina and I crawled backwards, due to him being a spider.
A ghost zapped himself behind the camera, grabbing it to film us. "Did you get that shot?" The suited male asked the camera man. "I got it, Mr. Tarantulino." The camera man said. "Your reactions were so like...so reactive. So real!" Mr. Tarantulino said.
"It was. You scared me and nearly cause Aaron to choke on his Sprite from being startled." Sabrina said as she and I stood up and took a couple steps away from Mr. Tarntulino. I was still coughing a bit, so I didn't add anything in the conversation, besides coughing, of course.
"Of course I did. Sometimes I scare myself! I'm that fantastic! I am, of course, Clint Tarantulino, director extraordinaire!" Clint introduced. "My name's Wannabe, camera spooks extraordinaire. Charmed, I'm sure." The ghostly cameraman introduced himself with a bow and a smile, before glancing at the bat camera.
"Oh, yeah, yeah. They meet all the network requirements." Wannabe said as he started filming us at different angles. "Huh?" Sabrina said in confusion as I buried my face in my hat, trying to hide from the cameras. Hey, I may had not botched up everything when I became Student of the Year(realizing now, I think the only reason everyone voted for me was to see me fail on international television, only for their wishes to not come true...besides my issues speaking to a large crowd, of course.)
"Young, young and young." Mr. Talarnulino said, making a camera gesture with his hands. "Mind telling us what this is about? Aaron doesn't like cameras." Sabrina said, her hands on her hips.
"Sure thing. See, I'm directing this hot new show for the Netherworld Network. And I've been scouting for just the right witch, and warlock, to star in my production. And you two are perfect!" Mr. Taranulino said.
"Us?!" Sabrina asked, for the both of us, while my face turned a darker shade of red from embarrassment. "So, just sign here, here and here, and we'll be in business." Mr. Taranulino said, holding out a contract.
"Ooh, Clint. We won't even need a filter. The camera loves their faces." Wannabe said as Sabrina and I examine the contract.
"Wait a minute. What kind of show is this?" Sabrina asked, blocking the camera with her palms. "And how are we sure this won't come back to bite us in the rear ends?" I asked.
"A documentary called That Witch and Warlock. Following the day-to-day life of a real sorceress and sorcerer." Mr. Taranulino told us. "You'll be viewed by millions in the Netherworld. They love watching shows about their own kind. You two will be stars." Wannabe added.
"Like Grimadonna?" Sabrina asked, while I groaned at where this is going. "Grima who? Honey, you and your boyfriend are gonna be big!" Tar-Clint, I decided to stick with from now on, said.
"We're not dating!" Sabrina and I exclaimed. "Okay, okay. We'll stick with the best friends angle. We'll market you in television, movies, books, music. With 30% of the net profit going to me, but hey! You two will hardly notice it missing." Clint said, taking photos of us as Sabrina made poses.
"Sabrina Spellman and Aaron Dimension, celebrities." Sabrina said. "Oh yeah." Clint encouraged. "Sabrina Spellman and Aaron Dimension, taking orders from nobody. Calling our own shots. In charge of our own lives!" Sabrina continued.
"So sign already. And I'll follow you two back to the mortal realm and videotape your every moves." Clint said, holding the contract and a pen.
"Before we sign, I think Sabrina and I need to talk this through. Make sure we're making the right call." I said, as I gently dragged Sabrina to a corner where Clint and Wannabe can't hear us.
"Aaron, what are you-" Sabrina began. "Sabreeny, I know you want to do this. And...I won't stop you if you want to become famous. But I'm not being a part of this." I told Sabrina.
"Why?! Is it because you don't trust Mr. Taranulino or you don't trust me?!" Sabrina demanded. I put my hands on her shoulders to calm her down.
"Neither. Sabreeny, I know you think I don't trust your judgement, especially after the Fabio incident. But I do trust you, and your judgements. Even if you think you can't tell me and Chloe what's bothering you, we're here if you want to talk." I said, just as Sabrina looked at me with relief, yet sadness.
"But, the reason why I don't want to be a part of this show is because I'm shy and nervous around new people. I don't like having a camera in my face. And if anyone from Greendale see a camera following me, they'll feed these people a lot of lies about me. And that'll come back to bite you in the butt, since this will make people realize your secret." I explained.
"So, you're doing this, so I could be famous?" Sabrina asked. "Yes. Sabreeny, you need this. I have been, in a way, stealing your chances to shine or getting mad at you for trying. This time, I'm not going to interfere. And these people apparently think, no, knows you're camera ready. So show these Netherworld crowd how proud you are to be a halfling!" I told Sabrina.
"I will." She said, hugging me. "Thanks." She said. "You're welcome. Now, let's get back before they sick the bat on us." I said, which caused Sabrina to laugh.
"Alright, I'll sign. After I get permission first." Sabrina told Clint, shocking him as she ran towards Broomies, where Hilda and Zelda were still at. "Be right back." She told him.
"And you?" Clint asked me, hopefully. "I'm not doing the show. Camera shy. You might want to change it to That Witch." I said as I ran after Sabrina, towards Broomies.
Later, at the Spellman's Kitchen
"Can I? Can I, can I? It'll be so cool!" Sabrina said, trying to get permission. "I don't think it's a good idea, Sabrina." Quigley said, slapping away Hilda's hand from the pot.
"Told you he wouldn't go for it." Hilda said as she and Zelda zapped their asparagus into ice creams. "Better luck next time." Zelda said, before glancing at me with a sad expression. However, I noticed it and gave her the cold shoulder while Salem ate a veggie from the bowl.
"I mean, it all sounds fishy to me. Besides, what do we know about this Clint Tarantulino fella?" Quigley asked. "He's the final word in terror. He directed Gulp Fiction, and revived the career of that zombie T.V. star, Joe Revolta. You know, from Welcome Back Slaughter." Sabrina explained.
"Never heard of him." Quigley said. "Neither had I." I pointed out. Not only was that statement true, I never did bother to figure out the NetherWorld news and stuff like that. I wanted, no, needed to prove to Quigley that his statement about how I'm a bad influence on Sabrina wasn't true.
"Of course not, Quigley. You're a mortal. And Aaron, you should keep up with the news from time to time. But that besides the point. Everybody else has. Please, please." Sabrina pleaded.
"Meet Sabrina Spellman, fully poseable with life-like why nomadic action." Salem snarked. Sabrina glared, before smirking as she zapped Salem, causing him to be stuck in between the salad bowl and boiling water.
"Sabreeny, I may not like Salem. But even I'm not that cruel. Don't worry, Salem! I'll save you!" I said as I ran to free Salem while Sabrina was laughing behind her hand.
Sabrina's P.O.V.
"You have no idea what's involved with all this." Quigley said. "Oh my god, gagging reflex!" Aaron exclaimed in the background before they heard gagged, followed by Salem saying something that was muffled. And then Aaron screamed like a girl.
"Fame, money, perks? I think I've got a pretty good idea." Sabrina said. "That's the upside, Sabrina. You're forgetting the hard work, the long hours!" Quigley said as Salem and Aaron came back into the kitchen, the former grumbling while brushing the salad off him, the latter was green in the face as he sat at the table.
"Grimadonna seems to be handling stardom just fine." Sabrina countered. "Oh. And exactly when did you talk to Ms. Grimadonna?" Quigley asked.
"Well, I didn't, exactly. But she sure looked happy." Sabrina said. "Her job is to look happy. Trust me, Sabrina. You're fooling yourself if you think being a star means you won't have to listen to anyone telling you what to do. You-You may wind up with even more demands on you than ever before." Quigley said.
"*Spits* Yeah, but maybe she'll be rich enough to hire someone who can cook decent food." Salem said. Sabrina laughed while Quigley glared at Salem.
"Please, Great-Uncle Quigley. I want to do this. And I know I'd be really, really good. And I promise nothing will change around here." Sabrina said.
"Oh, I am such a pushover. Especially after that Saturday night." Quigley said. "Thank you, Great-Uncle Quigley." Sabrina said as she hugged him. She zapped a feather pen into her hand, walked over to a counter where the contract rest upon, and signed her name.
"There, just what I was waiting for." Clint said, appearing out of nowhere. "Congratulations, Sabrina. You're about to become a star. And so is your friend." Clint continued, causing Aaron to raise his head from the table, horrified.
"But I said..." Aaron began. "Yeah, you did. But see, Sabrina here had the contract that was for That Witch and Warlock, not for simply That Witch. So, expect cameras soon. They'll help you go from camera shy to camera ready." Clint said, dropping from the ceiling as two cameras came, one filming Sabrina, the other filming Aaron trying to hide under his hat, and failing.
"Ah! I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Tarantulino." Sabrina said in a accent as Salem tried to photobomb the shot. Sabrina even ignored what Clint said, about the contract and Aaeon. All she cared right now was the perks of fame. She didn't noticed that Aaron ran all the way back to his house, for she was enjoying the fact someone wanted to film her life.
Next morning
Sabrina woke up to see the camera in her face. "Oh yeah! Give me that! You love it!" Clint said as Sabrina screamed and jumped out of her bed, falling on her back.
"Didn't realize we were staring so early." Sabrina said, rubbing her head. "Rise and shine, honey bunny. You're on." Wannabe said as Clint walked towards Sabrina.
"Now, let's see a little mumbo jumbo. Come on, whammy the bed or something." Clint suggested, rubbing his hands together.
"Umm, I don't normally use magic to make my bed." Sabrina explained. "The show's called That Witch and Warlock, not Those Boring Mortal Kids Who Does Everything By Hand. It gets low ratings. Make with the mumbo jumbo, kid, or we're history before we even air! We're already having issues with the other kid as it is." Clint said.
Sabrina gave them a deadpan look before zapping her bed, causing her blankets and pillows to be neat on said bed. "Yes! Oh, sweet merciful Enchantra! That was beautiful! And you even listened, unlike that other kid. You got that, Wannabe?" Clint asked. "Affirmative, Mr. T." Wannabe replied, flashing a thumbs up.
"T.V. people are whacked." Sabrina said. She then wondered who the other kid is. After all, since the show is still called That Witch and Warlock, they had to replaced Aaron since he given his reasons for not doing this. So who is this other kid? Is he also half-mortal? Must be, since Clint said Those Boring Mortal Kids Who Does Everything By Hand. So, who is it?
Meanwhile-Aaron's P.O.V.-Dimension Household
I was sitting in the shower, resting my head on my knees, knowing the cameras were waiting for me outside the door. That, and to drown out the sounds of their laughter, and my epic fail. The instant I turn off the water, they'll come in, whether I want them to or not. All just to catch my embarrassment. My parents tried to kick them out, but they used the contract against my parents.
My parents wanted to force Sabrina to rip the contract, but I convince them not to. I meant what I said to Sabrina, she really deserve her chance to shine. And hanging out with me, someone who hated by the entire town of Greendale, excluding my parents, Sabrina, Chloe and Pi, of course, will bring her down. I'm guessing the librarian and those friendly people down by the bookstore knew too, which is why they ditched town.
Early this morning, they wanted to film me using magic to make my bed. Since I don't do well in front of cameras(to me, being caught on cameras and being on stage lead to the same things for me: stage fright!), and don't like taking orders from anyone who use anything except kindness towards me, I made my bed like a normal person, as I usually do, getting them upset.
What happened afterwards is the reason why I'm sitting in this shower, both to clean myself and to use the sound of the water to mask the sounds of my sorrows. As I was grabbing my regular clothes(my usual vest, hat, and fingerless gloves, a pair of black long-sleeved shirt, a pair of green pants, and the usual socks and shoes.), towels and a bathrobe, I know one of the people in charge of my side of That Witch and Warlock decided to get even for the bed thing.
So, they put a bar of soap and drop a bucket of water across the floor going from behind me all the way to the stairway. As soon as I took one step, well, you can guess what happened when someone slips and slides across the floor. The worst part is the fact that I could've been seriously injured or something, and they didn't care! Determined not to cry in front of them, for I don't want them to use that against me, I grab my stuff, stormed to the restroom, and locked it for good measure. I even use every magic countermeasures, though I'm sure they have a way to get in once the water's off.
I heard a knock by the window, pulling me from my thoughts and sorrow. Getting frustrated by the fact these freaks will never respect my privacy, I left the water running, wrapped a towel around me, and opened the window. "I don't care if this is a documentary or what, I want my priv-" I was cut off mid rant by Zelda shushing me, climbing in the window, and closing it quietly.
"So, rough morning, huh?" She asked, taking in my red eyes from the past twenty minutes of crying. "Why do you want to know? So it'll be easy to get revenge?" I asked coldly while putting a bathrobe on. I know I hurting her, but she started it all because of equal punishment.
"No. Aaron, I know I've broken your trust, and possibly Sabrina's. I know you two may not forgive me easily, or even at all. But please, know that I am really sorry for what happened yesterday. And I know I have no excuse for what happened, because as you said, age is just a number and a excuse. But you are willing, can you please give me a second chance? I even brought ice cream." Zelda said, holding up a still frozen tub of rocky road that she made.
"Does it have extra marshmallows and chocolate chunks?" I asked, finally glancing at her after a moment. "Yes." She said simply. "I forgive you. Only because of this." I said, taking the ice cream.
"If only I believe that as much as you do, which is not at all." Zelda said, and I know she's right. "Fine. I do forgive you. But don't do that again." I told her. "I promise." Zelda said. "Pinkie promise?" I asked. "Pinkie promise." Zelda accepted, as we shook on that using our pinkies.
"So, um, can you please leave through the window? So I can put on some clothes?" I asked, as Zelda realized the only thing keeping me from being completely nude was a thin layer of bath robe.
"Oh, um, sure." Zelda stuttered while her face turned red. She opened the window and crawled out while I closed it behind her. I started putting on my regular outfit for the cold season while wondering how Sabrina's dealing with the perks of fame.
Sabrina and Clint Taranulino's P.O.V.-Twenty Minutes Later, Spellman's House, Porch
Sabrina walked out the front door, in her normal clothes and her book bag on her back. "You think our audience wanna see a walking witch? Fly, baby, fly!" Clint told Sabrina. "But-" Sabrina began.
"It'll make for great ratings." Clint said, as Sabrina frowned. "Right!" She agreed begrudgingly as she whistled, calling her broomstick.
"Oh yeah! That is so...hot! Baby!" Clint exclaimed as Sabrina climbed on her broomstick and ride it to school.
"Uh, Clint? The other crew lost that Dimension warlock ten minutes ago." Wannabe said. "What?! How?!" Clint demanded. "Well, he tricked them to wait in the basement. They went up five minutes later to discover he left." Wannabe explained.
"No matter. Tell them to head to the school. It's the only school here, so that means both of our stars attend the same school. And no matter what, as long as we still have that contract, he won't be able to escape us or the fame." Clint said, rubbing his hands together.
Aaron's P.O.V.-Greendale Middle School, Aaron's Locker
I was sorting through my school stuff, grabbing a textbook for the next class when Sabrina arrived, opening her locker, which was to the right of my locker. "Hey, Aaron, how are you? Um, what's up with your eyes?" Sabrina asked.
"Reason why I'm looking for my back-up tinted glasses I keep in here. Ugh, if only that blasted camera crew from that documentary show could stop following me around, I wouldn't left it behind...or need it in the first place." I muttered as I dig through, looking for the glasses case.
"You mean this?" Sabrina asked, holding it in her hands. "Yeah, where was it?" I asked as she handed it to me. "You told me to hold onto it, since you don't trust the school to not throw it away." Sabrina said, before something clicked in her brain.
"Wait. You said the crew from the documentary show? It wouldn't happen to be-" She began. "That Witch and Warlock? Yeah, it is." I said, putting on the tinted glasses.
"But why? I thought you said-" Sabrina began. "I know what I said. But when you grab the contract, it was still for That Witch and Warlock, not for That Witch." I told her.
"So, in a way." Sabrina began to realize. "I'm part of the show. However, between you and me, I think they're regretting their decisions since I'm not doing what they want." I whispered. Before Sabrina can talk more, Harvey walked up to us, and talked mostly to Sabrina.
"Hey, Sabrina. Want to come over later and play my new video game? Brain Destroyer." Harvey said, holding two finger apart by a inch.
"Brain Destroyer? That's my favorite, Harvey. I'd love to go. See you tonight." Gem told Harvey, shutting her locker door and walked up to Harvey.
Okay, I may had fibbed about the entire town of Greendale hating me. While Gem doesn't hate me, she doesn't truly love me. She just wants me to be part of her collection, especially since that...holiday disaster when we were six. However, even if she was the last person on the planet, I'll never go out with her...ever!
"Uh, okay. I-I guess." Harvey stuttered. He turned to Sabrina, and you know what he did? He shrugged and then walked off, without an answer from Sabrina! Sabrina didn't even get to answer Harvey! Gem just butt in and he completely accept to let Gem come over instead of Sabrina! With friends like him, who needs enemies?!
"You snooze, you lose, Smellman." Gem taunted. Gem walked off, waving at me as she did so, while I hid my face deep in the locker.
"You want the audience to think you're a wimpy witch and warlock? Turn that snotty little mortal and that other idiotic one into frogs." Clint told us, hanging from the ceiling. Wannabe was floating, taping us. I guess the crew in charge of filming me were waiting elsewhere, possibly in class.
Also, if you're wondering how did Harvey and Gem not notice Clint and Wannabe? I don't know! Does it look like I'm the expert in NetherWorld business?!(I never even been to the NetherWorld for an extended period of time until going to Warlock Academy, and even then, I still don't know anything about it!)
"What are you two waiting for?" Clint asked us. "I don't usually take care of my problems that way." Sabrina said. "Also, we're trying to keep our magic side a secret. Otherwise, we'll either be hunted like the Salem Witch Trials, or experimented on by the government." I added.
"You two want to be stars or not?" Clint asked us. "Maybe one quick zap. Just to teach her a lesson." Sabrina said. "While you do that, I'm leaving." I said.
"I thought you want to be a star too, young warlock?" Clint asked slyly. "I don't! You're the one forcing me to be in this!" I snapped, as my left eye glowed red before turning back to normal. As that happened, Sabrina turned towards Gem's retreating back.
(Again, don't ask me how Gem, nor Harvey, didn't notice this! I don't know, nor do I care at this point.)
"Just for an hour, here's what you'll do. Turn into a creature that resembles you." Sabrina recited as she zapped Gem, who now noticed something, mainly Sabrina's words.
"What are you babbling about, Spellman?" Gem asked, before her whole body started shaking. She got turned into a mouse. "Well, that's worse than a frog...oh, I get it. It's payback for what she said about our Chester science project." I commented as Wannabe filmed Gem scampering off before turning the camera back to us.
"Ha ha! Wait till those Network Trolls get a load of this!" Clint said happily, rubbing his hands together. I think that's a habit of his. "Yeah. I still want no part of this. So, bye." I said as I walk to class, the long way. Hopefully they'll be too bored waiting for me, they'll leave before class began.
Meanwhile-Network Troll's P.O.V.-NetherWorld, Network Troll's Meeting
The seven Network Trolls watched Sabrina turning Gem into a mouse, followed by Aaron's comment as Gem scampered off. The screen turned off after that moment. The head of the meeting turned around to face the other six trolls.
"I smell a hit!" The head troll stated. "Actually, sir, I think that's the zombie you're smelling." One troll said, pointing out said zombie, who walked in with a tray and who actually did stink, causing a venus fly trap to die and the trolls to cover their noses.
(A/N: We are not endorsing this message! Sorry to all zombies who are offended by this comment from this chapter and the episode it was based off. We think you actually are decent, besides the whole killing us bit.)
"Oh yeah. Oh well, I still thought the rat was funny." The head troll said. "Wait a minute. Aren't those two the ones Enchantra gonna evaluate next month?" Another troll asked, pointing turning on the screen again and rewinding it to where Aaron and Sabrina were in the same scene. Then he paused it so the others can see.
"Yeah, they are. This makes it much more of a hit than we originally thought." The head troll said, ideas already forming.
Later-Throughout the entire NetherWorld Network
A television turns on playing an upbeat music. A title card for a show appeared on screen. It reads That Witch and Warlock. It goes on to show clips of Sabrina and Aaron, doing their normal things, the latter awkward and nervous.
"She's a young girl,
"A young, young girl
"Who's also a witch,
"A young, young witch
"And he's a young boy
"A young, young boy
"Who's also a warlock
"A young, young warlock
"They're a demographic dream come true
"Advertise lovers and Enchantra's evaluations, too
"Cause they're magically young
"They're Sabrina and Aaron
"And they're living in a mortal world right now
"So please stay tuned,
"We need a smash
"Cause the network's run a little short of cash
"They're Sabrina and Aaron
"Sabrina, that witch
"And Aaron, that warlock
"They're Sabrina and Aaron
"Sabrina, that witch
"And Aaron, that warlock"
Grimadonna, who was working out, threw her remote at the huge television screen. Although it connected, the television didn't break. It just created a spark of magic before the title card show once again.
Aaron's P.O.V.-Sabrina's Living Room, after school
"The network switch boards are going crazy! The ratings are in! That Witch and Warlock is a hit!" Clint exclaimed, showing us the contract. I had my headphones on with music playing, blocking out most of his volume, since I don't handle loud noises that much. Bothers my hearing, which affects my speech.
"But they've only shown the theme song." Sabrina pointed out, as we were sitting on her couch. We exchanged stories about our day.
While Sabrina's was good, my day was...more suckish than usual. On top of trying to avoid the camera crew, I get taunts, Harvey is being a Class-A dingus, and Chloe and Pi are sick for the day. Oh, and did I forget to mention how I'm stuck in this stupid contract?! The only highlight is Zelda and I are friends again, and Gem is still avoiding me(I barely remember what happened, besides the suing part, but whatever I did, it was great!) and no matter how many contracts these people made, I'm still not doing what they say because I don't want to be a part of this.
"Hey, a network T.V.! That's more than enough. We're gonna be in full production around here. Congratulations, Sabrina and Aaron. You two are the new 'it' kids of the NetherWorld Network." Clint said.
"I'm a star! No, wait. We're stars! No more taking people orders! Now, we'll get to call our own shots!" Sabrina stated, standing up and looking at me, while my fist were clenched tight on my legs, and my face was drained of all colors. Sabrina's face changed from being happy to being sympathetic once remembering my reasons for not doing this.
"B-You can't d-I mea-" I try to say something, anything, to get out of this. For once, my mouth had failed me at all. Haven't today prove that I'm not the perfect person for this show?
"See you bright and early, you bright stars." Clint said as he left. I stood up briefly, before my legs started trembling. I fell down onto my knees, on the living room rug.
"Aaron, are you alright?" Sabrina asked, worried and concerned. I wanted to tell her the truth. Oh, how I wanted to do so right then and now. But then, I will be forcing her to pull the plug on her dreams, the very thing I encouraged her to go after. And if I asked her to call off this deal, she'll think I don't trust her.
So, no. I had to keep my head duck low and push through. "Yeah, I'm alright." I lied in a hollow voice. "Aaron, are you sure? Maybe we can convince-" Sabrina began. "No, no. I'm fine. Really. Just thought something diff-I'm fine." I continue to lie, forcing myself to not cry. Not just yet.
"Aaron..." Sabrina trailed off. "I think I need to think this over." I said, rushing to the door just to make sure that no one intercepts me. "Aaron. Just let me know if this gets too much. I'll ask Clint to stop this, find someone to replace you. Okay?" Sabrina asked.
I was silent for a moment, trying to wrestle the emotions back under. Once I done so, I reply. "Y-Yeah. Okay." I said in a trembling voice, before opening the door, walking out, closing it behind me calmly, and stood on the porch for a second.
Soon, I was running across Greendale, heading towards my house. I had my hat turned down to cover my eyes, since I put my regular glasses back on during lunch(due to my eyes no longer being red.) and the top part of my shirt covering my mouth, making sure the bitter cold winds doesn't force the tears to surface early. Once I made it to my empty house, since my parents are downtown doing errands, I ran to my room and locked my door.
I slid down the door, my whole body trembling as I did so. The events of today caught up to me, along with what Clint stated. There is no way he's gonna replace me, no matter what Sabrina tries to convince him! No matter what I do to convince him!
And worst of all, Sabrina is willing to give it all up, for me. In the end, I'm holding Sabrina back. Those were my thoughts as I broke down into tears. Tears of sorrow, regret and bitterness.
Sorrow about everything wrong with my life, and the lost chance at a normal life. Regret about how I'm holding Sabrina back. Bitterness towards people who will hate me for no reason than just existing and Harvey for acting like a jerk now of all times. I literally cried myself to sleep.
Sabrina's P.O.V.-Wednesday morning(School's out for the day. Again. Guess why.)
Sabrina was sleeping until a shadow of a figure walked by her, waking her up. "Huh?" She wondered, turning on her bedside lamp.
"It's 4 A.M.! Time to get rolling, babe! Don't worry, we're also getting Aaron awake too!" Clint exclaimed.
"You can't! Aaron has issues waking up early! He can't handle a day doing that, much less a week!" Sabrina yelled, remembering how tired Aaron was last week.
"Of course we can! It's part of the show. And to make up for lost time yesterday. After all, this is That Witch and Warlock, not That Witch." Clint said.
"Speaking about that, do you think we can replace Aaron? He really doesn't like being on camera." Sabrina said hopefully.
"Hmm. No." Clint said simply. "But why?! You know how much this hurts Aaron! And there must be some other warlock child wanting to take Aaron's place!" Sabrina claimed.
"You two are the most popular in the NetherWorld. Not only because of this show, but you two are the first halflings in centuries to get an evaluation from Enchantra. So, no, I think I'll keep Aaron as part of this show." Clint told Sabrina, who was shocked and horrified, yet knows she can't do anything to stop him right now.
Soon, she was brushing her teeth. "Cut! Cut!" Clint exclaimed, causing Sabrina to swallow the toothpaste in her mouth.
"What now?" She asked, a bit muffled from the toothpaste. "These are your teeth you're trying to clean, for Enchantra's sake! Let's do it with a little more conviction! Okay, take number 57!" Clint said as Sabrina gave a sigh. "I wonder how Aaron's doing?" Sabrina questioned, already knowing the answer.
She was soon writing in her schoolbook, as a microphone was above her. "Lower. Lower. How's the sound?" Clint asked as the microphone was in Sabrina's face.
"I'm trying to study here." Sabrina snapped, irritated. "Can you study some other subject now? We've got enough of you and the history book." Clint said through clenched teeth. Sabrina was pissed, she snapped her pencil in half.
Shortly afterwards, Sabrina went up to her attic, seeing that it was empty. Happy, Sabrina closed the door, walked over to a chest, and sat on it. "Dear diary,..." Sabrina began, only to notice a camera in her pen.
"Argh!" Sabrina groaned, closing her diary. Only to see a sign that read 'Property of That Witch and Warlock', which caused her to be more pissed off. "Can't. I. Have. Any. Privacy?!" Sabrina demanded, throwing her diary at some junk, making a mess.
"Oh, ye-ee-es! Rhyme motion. But. can you throw the diary again? A little more to the left this time." Clint suggested.
"Look, I need a little break from filming, Clint. And so does Aaron." Sabrina explained. "Sure thing. Perfect time for a special mall appearance. We'll get Wannabe to grab Aaron and go." Clint said. "Oh no. Aaron, I'm sorry. I wonder if you're okay." Sabrina said, knowing that Aaron was lying the day before. But why is he?
Aaron's P.O.V.-Dimension Household, two hours ago
I woke up to see that I was tucked in bed, somehow in sleepwear. Strange, I remember passing out from crying last night, though I forgot why. I could still feel the trail of the tears on my cheeks.
I got out of bed to realize something...my parents would never let me sleep in on a school day. Unless...oh yeah. Gem was turned into a mouse. Suddenly, the events of yesterday all came rushing up to me, and I nearly fell backwards from the force of it all.
I was making a sound between a sob and a gasp when my mother burst into the room, slamming the door behind her and locking it. She even threw salt at it, for good measure. Which means Wannabe is in charge of filming me today.
"Aaron, are you okay? And don't lie to me. Your father and I unlocked your door to find you out cold, tears streaming down your face." My mother said. I was about to say something, possibly a joke, maybe something stupid.
However, instead of speaking, I burst into tears again while falling into her open arms, sobbing all the emotions I had been keeping in me for the past couple of days...no, my entire life so far. As I admitted everything to her, she listened while encouraging me to take deep breaths at times.
"So, why don't you just tell her that it's too much? Even Sabrina knows it, or she wouldn't ask you to promise her to tell." My mother said, taking my hands into hers.
"Because I want her to do something she wants to do. Without me holding her back, getting mad at her for doing, or even stealing the spotlight from, like I've done in the past two months. I even told her I wouldn't interfere, and asking her to end this contract counts as interfering." I admitted.
"I swear, you get your persistence mainly from your father's side of the family." My mother muttered. "What do you mean?" I asked. "You and your father are stubborn. It's the reason I love him, and you. And the reason you manage to handle everything in your life so far. But it's also bad for you. Sometimes...sometimes it's not bad to accept that things are hards, and it's okay to give up once in a while." She said.
"No! I mean, no, not yet. I know I'm miserable now. But these are show people. Soon, they'll be bored of me and find someone else. Please, I don't want to ruin this for Sabrina." I pleaded.
"*Sighs* Fine. But your father and I will wait till the end of the week. If anything isn't done, then we're ending this contract, understood?" My mother asked firmly. "Yes." I accepted, because I knew she have a point right now.
Soon, there was knocking on the door. "Hey, Clint wants Aaron to meet up with him and Sabrina at the NetherWorld Mall. In twenty minutes." Wannabe said through the door.
"You can tell the spider who's sucking my son's happiness to chill! Or else!" My mother threatened. From behind the door, you can hear the sounds of crashing, followed by them rushing downstairs.
"Thanks, mom." I said. "No problem. I think those people needs to lessons in peer pressure." My mom said, returning back to normal.
"Okay. I'm just gonna get ready." I told her. "Okay. Just, let me know if you wanna talk some more." She said as she began to leave the room.
"I will." I said. And that time, I meant it. My mom turned around, looking like she wanted to say something. However, she shook her head, smile and replied, "I know you will," before leaving.
Later-NetherWorld Mall, NetherWorld
A sign appear opposite stage, showing Sabrina and my faces on it. The sign were announcing Sabrina and my guest appearance at the mall. It read' Now appearing, Sabrina and Aaron. Stars of That Witch and Warlock'. The crowd were chanting our names, as Sabrina and I were pushed onstage by Clint, me being frightened by the amount of people attending.
Sabrina fiddled around with the mic while I was standing there, sweating, stiff as a board and so nervous, I was sure I was either speechless or be able to say something so stupid, I'll never be able to live it down. "Will you two sign my tongue?" A monster asked us, sticking out his tongue as he asked us.
"Ew." Sabrina said for the both of us, as she signed his tongue. Noticing I was unable to do anything, Sabrina also forced my arms, with some difficulty, to sign as well. Though the crowd thought it was a comedy routine we came up with, so they thought nothing of it.
Long story short, Sabrina ended up answering all the questions, since I still wasn't able to say or do anything, until we were back in Greendale. Once back, I ran to Sabrina's restroom, locked the door and threw up. I really hope they do find someone to replace me, because I can't handle all this stress.
Meanwhile-Sabrina's P.O.V.-Sabrina's House
Sabrina was concerned for Aaron. She could hear the sound of him vomiting in the downstairs restroom. She wish Aaron just tells her that this was getting too much, but then she remembered their discussion before she signed the contract, especially the part where Aaron says he trusted Sabrina and her decisions, and how he wants her to follow her dreams.
She was pulled from her thoughts when she heard a knock on the door. She walked over to it and open it. Harvey was standing on the porch, his hands in his pockets.
"Hey, Sabrina." Harvey greeted. "Boy, am I glad to see you." Sabrina said happily. "Haven't seen you around much lately. Wanna catch a flick?" Harvey asked. "That would be so great, Harvey. Let me see if I could get a-" Sabrina began, only for Clint to interrupt with a cough.
"Get rid of the mortal. Five minutes till shooting time!" Clint told Sabrina, before going into a different room.
"Uh, I'm pretty busy right now, Harvey. Rain check?" Sabrina asked sadly. "Sure. I get it. You're hanging out with Aaron instead of your real friends. See you, Sabrina, when you realize who your true pals are." Harvey said as he left.
"Harvey, Aaron's not the problem!" Sabrina called out, though she's not sure if Harvey heard or not. She closed the door shortly afterwards, sad that her fame isn't going the way it is, and mad about how unfair the life is for her friends both involved and not.
"I want you to meet your new home tutor." Clint said. "Tutor?! But, what about school? My friends?" Sabrina asked.
"You're a star now. No time for school or friends. Allow me to introduce Freddy." Clint said, pointing to a giant person, who almost touch the ceiling of the room. "Pleasure." Freddy said with a thumbs up. Sabrina let out a scream of shock and frustration. "Sabrina, baby. What's wrong?" Clint asked, acting like he has no idea what he's doing to Sabrina. To Aaron.
"What's wrong? What's wrong?! I wanted to be in control of my life! For Aaron and me to be in control of our lives if we did this together, willingly! Instead, we're being bossed around by the production crew from Hades! Aaron's being driven to tears, vomit and stress because you won't let him quit! And worst of all, this is ruining our lives! Enough is enough! Aaron and I quit!" Sabrina snapped.
"Sorry, but you signed a contract. And according to the very fine print, a 17th century contract." Clint claimed. "Let me see that!" Sabrina said, taking the contract from Clint's hand. She examined it very closely.
"I've been duped by a gremlin?! Okay, if I had to do the show, I'll do it. But I refuse to use magic. Nothing in this contract says I have to. And it never says anything about Aaron being a part of this either." Sabrina said coldly.
"What? But we need you to be proactive. And we need him, what other kid gets to have an evaluation from Enchantra besides you two? No one, that's who! That's why we kept him, because that evaluation boost the ratings more for us! Edge in your faces. Without magic and warlock, there is no show. Ratings will plummet, Network Trolls will go crazy! I'll lose my job!" Clint pleaded.
"Sorry. Tough toenails." Sabrina said, not caring. All she cared was telling Aaron and his parents that he was free from the show.
"Not as sorry as you will be, missy T.V. Star." Clint threatened, confusing Sabrina. "Huh?" She asked, as Clint and Freddy were zapped away in dust, causing Sabrina to cough.
Just at that moment, Aaron walked out of the restroom. "Sabrina, I think it's time I come clean. I can't do this show anymore! I know this is your dream, b-" Aaron began before Sabrina stopped him.
"Aaron, you don't need to say anything. Turns out, you didn't have to do the show at all." Sabrina said. "W-W-What?" Aaron asked, shocked. "Yeah. Clint lied because you and me are getting evaluations from Enchantra, so he decided to lie about you being a part of this show." Sabrina said.
Aaron was silent for a moment, worrying Sabrina. "Um, Aaron?" Sabrina asked, waving her hands in front of his face. Aaron soon fainted, falling backwards as Sabrina let out an exclaim of shock and worry. "Aunt Zelda, call Aaron's parents! Hurry!" Sabrina said, as she try shaking Aaron awake.
Clint's P.O.V.-NetherWorld Prison
"What are we doing here, Clint?" Wannabe asked, floating besides Clint. He was called away from the Dimension household, shortly after Jake and Mary ran out of the house due to urgent matters.
"She doesn't want to use magic and he doesn't want to be part of the show? Well, I'm gonna find a way to force our little witch and warlock to do what we want." Clint ranted.
"How are you gonna do that?" Wannabe asked, curious. "Can't have a great hero and heroine without a great villain. Last I heard, he was locked in a dimensional prison." Clint said, as he and Wannabe turned the corner and ended up in front of cell 13. A familiar laugh echoed off the wall, showing this was the right cell.
"Tim the Witch-Smeller? Have you gone 'round the bend? That puppy's dangerous! He could wipe out all the witch-dom!" Wannabe stated. "Yeah? And?" Clint asked, rubbing his hands together.
"The Witch-Smeller is an immortal menace that hunt witches and warlocks for sport. If the Witches' Council finds out you release him, well, they'd rip you to shreds." Wannabe warned.
"The Witches' Council will never find out. With the Witch-Smeller on the show, hunting down our little stars, we're guaranteed a 30 share." Clint said, rubbing his hands more.
"But what about the consequences?" Wannabe asked. "Hansaquences, schmancerquences. This is art." Clint said, using his web to make a key for the cell door, unlocking it.
"Are you the one they call Tim the Witch-Smeller? I have five words for you. Sabrina Spellman and Aaron Dimension." Clint said darkly, walking into the cell.
"The halflings who trapped me in this prison?! Free me, and I'll destroy the little brats, once and for all." Tim promised. Even Elton the aardvark agrees with Tim's plans. "Kid, I'm gonna make you a star." Clint promised, as he, Tim and Elton started laughing evilly.
(A/N: Disclaimer: Duh, they're villains. What did you expect, they go out for ice cream and leave our heroes alone? Nah! Clint's the only one with a moral compass. Ghost are chill people. Besides Madi, but ignore her for now. Madi: Hey!)
Aaron's P.O.V.-Sabrina's Attic
When i woke up, I heard a hushed discussion. "*Groans* My head." I said, rubbing it gingerly. "Aaron!" My parents exclaimed, rushing over to hug me. I realized that we were in Sabrina's attic, with me being on one of the furnitures up there.
"What happened?" I asked, noticing that Sabrina, Salem, Hilda and Zelda were in the attic too. "Aaron, you fainted. Do you remember what happened beforehand?" Sabrina asked.
"Um, you told me Clint lied about me being a part of the show, therefore forcing me to suffer the past two days." I said, remembering that part. Everything else was blank.
"Aaron, you fainted afterwards! It was really scary! I thought you were having a seizure, or were dead! All of this was due to stress! Why didn't you just ask me to end the contract?!" Sabrina asked, causing me to look down. "Because I didn't want to hold you back." I told Sabrina. "No you're not, Aar-" Sabrina began.
"Yes I am! Face it, Sabrina! Harvey's being a complete jerk to both of us just because he's jealous of me for some stupid reason! The entire town hates me, except for you, Zelda, Salem, sorta, Pi, Chloe, and my parents! I'm not sure about Hilda, and we already know about Harvey! And I stolen your thunder or gotten mad at you when you did instead of having your side. Face it, I'm a burden to you." I ranted, turning away from everyone.
"Aaron, you're not a burden to me. You're my friend. And I should've check the contract sooner. We would've avoided this whole mess earlier. But If you're a burden, explain why Chloe, Pi and I are still willing to be friends with you. Explain why Salem still exchange snarky words with you. Explain why Zelda hangs out with you. Explain why your parents still keep you around and loves you." Sabrina said, and I know she's right. Again.
"The easy answer is because you're not a burden." Sabrina said. "Aaron, we love you, no matter what." My mother said, hugging me from behind. "Exactly. So, please, don't think of yourself as a burden." My father said, adding to the hug. Soon, everyone in the attic joined in the group hug. Yes, even Salem and Hilda. Shocking, I know.
"Thanks, everyone. I mean it." I said, wiping some tears that were threatening to spill from my eyes. Soon, we ended the group hug.
"Since Quigley won't be back for awhile, how about we throw a party? To celebrate Sabrina outsmarting business sharks?" My father asked. "Yeah. And I'll make the cake." My mother said, as she and my father went down to the kitchen.
"Let's go to the living room, so we can relax." Zelda said. "Yeah. I think we need that." I said as we left the attic and headed to the living room.
"I'm just glad everything's back to normal around here." Sabrina said, as we walked in. Only for a familiar laugh we haven't heard in months to be heard. It was...
"Tim the Witch-Smeller?" Sabrina asked, as we all screamed, me screaming like a girl to go with Sabrina's natural girly scream.(Good thing she's not here, or she'll slap me on the arm, denying it.)
"We meet again, ladies and boy. My new witch/warlock trap bubble shield. Never leave home without it." Tim the Aardvark-Cuddler said as he threw the red ball into the air.
"He trapped us inside the house!" Zelda exclaimed as we looked outside to see a magic forcefield around the house. Seriously, where does he get these things?!
"Now, prepare to be eradicated on the NetherWorld Network, ladies and boy!" Tim told us. "Looks like you're gonna have to use your magic, Sabrina! And your friend is gonna have to be a part of this too! If you wanna stop the Witch-Smeller." Clint told us.
"Clint! You did this!" Sabrina stated. "You'll never prove it, sweet thing." Clint said. "You just admitted it on camera. Your voice is recorded, even if you're not on camera." I pointed out.
"Have a taste of my magical scrambler, ladies and boy. One blast will render you powerless, forever!" Tim said with his stupid laugh as he raised his blaster.
"Hold it!" Clint shouted, causing Tim's blast to miss us by a couple of inches. "Cut! Cut!" Clint exclaimed. "Huh?" Tim asked.
"Ran out of film. Need to reload." Wannabe said like one talking about the weather. A bit convenient that the camera ran out of film right at this moment. "Ohh. Please, hurry. Your timing is deucedly inconvenient." Tim said, a bit annoyed.
"Let's get out of here, girls and Aaron!" Zelda said as she, Sabrina and Hilda ran, just as Salem walked in. "What's with you guys? Finally see your reflections?" Salem asked with a chuckle, before seeing Tim and Elton. I grabbed Salem and ran after the Spellman females, back up the attic.
Zelda and Hilda shut the door behind us, and blocked it. "Okay. Anyone got ideas?" Sabrina asked. Zelda and Hilda started babbling incoherently.
"Sorry. We're not fluent in terrified babbles. Salem?" Sabrina asked. "Why do I always have to save the day?" Salem asked us.
"Because you still owe us for Chester and the fact that Sabrina and Chloe nearly shrunk into nonexistence?" I asked. "Oh, yeah." Salem said, a bit annoyed I still remembered as Sabrina noticed what Salem was using to hide in.
"Salem, you're a genius!" Sabrina exclaimed, walking over to him. "He is?" I asked, confused. "Hey!" Salem retorted, as Sabrina pulled the cloth from under him, knocking Salem flat on his back. "Find your own stuff to hide under!" Salem told Sabrina.
"No! Check it out! Grandma Matilda's magical teleportation blanket! Wrap it around something and it'll magically transport it anywhere!" Sabrina explained.
"Like, back to the prison dimension?" Salem asked. "You've read my mind. But that's only half the plan." Sabrina said. "Ooh, I love it when you get that sneaky look on your face. You remind me of...me actually." Salem said.
"Wait, what's the plan?" I asked Sabrina. "Aaron, do you trust me?" She asked. "Yes, of course I do." I told her. "We're the ones to do it." Sabrina said. "Drats." I complained.
Soon, Sabrina and I went downstairs, to see Tim talking to Elton. "It's hunting time, Elton. Which witch will it be? Though I don't mind if it's that pesky warlock brat." Tim said, before kissing his magical scrambler.
"Start with the witch behind you." Sabrina said. "Along with that pesky warlock brat." I added, as Tim turned around to see Sabrina and me leaning against the doorframe.
"You're getting all of this, Wannabe?" Clint asked. "Getting it, boss." Wannabe said with some hesitance.
"Don't know what trickery you're up to, little ones. But you're magic days are over!" Tim declared, pointing the magical scrambler at us.
"Fine, but before we go, just answer this question." Sabrina said, putting her hands on her hips. "And we want the truth. Nothing but the truth." I added, crossing my arms.
"Who lets you out of your dimensional prison? Who allowed you to once again become a threat to witches and warlocks throughout the galaxies?" Sabrina asked.
"Cut! Any of that go out?!" Clint demanded. "Nah, we're on five-second delay." Wannabe claimed. "We use it for shooting mermaids. They cuss like sailors." He added.
"So, you two thought you were going to get him to rat me out on camera and get me busted by the Witches' Council?" Clint asked. "Guess you were too smart for us, Clint. So why did you release the Witch-Smeller?" Sabrina asked, as another camera began rolling, not Wannabe's.
"Ratings, Sabrina and Aaron. Big ratings. The only thing that truly matters in life. Because it's what they want to see. The audience. The fans sitting out there in the NetherWorld T.V. land, hungering to see something spectacular. Something real. Something alive. And if I have to free a dangerous menace and sacrifice a few witches and warlocks to do that, well, isn't it worth it?" Clint asked us.
"Goodness. And I thought I was nasty." Tim said. "Did you get all that, Salem?" Sabrina asked, as Salem walked from behind the couch. "Affirmative." Salem said. "Oh my god! You admitted it! You admitted you're a terrible person and a hypocrite!" I exclaimed, pointing at Tim, who was shocked that he admitted it.
"Smile, suckers! We jacked into your line. Your confession went up live to the entire NetherWorld." Salem said, as Clint covered his mouth while Wannabe looked down in guilt and shame.
"Wh-What?!" Clint asked. "They turned the tables on you, bub." Salem said. "And I didn't have to use magic to do it." Sabrina said. "Or be a part of the show." I added.
"I'm finished. I'll be booted out of Hollyweird. Roasted by nine gazillion witches and warlocks! I'm gotta get out of here before they find me!" Clint exclaimed as he zapped himself away.
"Wannabe, I know you might think you should go into hiding with Clint. But you don't. Just own up to the punishments, and you'll be able to film stuff again." I told the ghostly cameraman.
"Yeah. I think I will. Sorry for causing you misery, Aaron. You're a great kid." Wannabe said as he zapped away, possibly to turn himself in.
"You two might've tricked them, but you still have me and Elton to contend with, halflings." Tim said, pointing the magical scrambler at us. Elton agreed with him.
Sabrina and I gave off fake yawns while smirking. Okay, fine. Mines was real, but who cares?! It's Tim, he's not the tough without his fancy gear or backup.
"Guys, it's time to drop the curtain on this production." Sabrina said. "Calling for curtain call." I added, as Hilda and Zelda used magic to drop the teleportation magic on Tim. "NOOOO!" Tim cried out, for some reason not moving. Villains really make their downfalls so much easier.
"Blanket wrapped around the Witch-Smeller, take him back to his prison cellar!" Sabrina recited as she zapped the blanket, which did nothing at first. "I'll get you for this, Sabrina and Aaron!" Tim declared as he and Elton disappeared, which Sabrina and I gave a sigh of relief to.
Sabrina's P.O.V.-That evening
It had been three hours since the party, which they also added the second thwarting of Tim the Witch-Smeller as a reason to celebrate. Shortly after the party, Aaron and his parents left. What makes Sabrina happy is how Aaron is happy, for the first time in months.
Maybe the reason he's been down in the dumps, the reason his eye been glowing red, the reason he's angry at times was because he believes he's a burden. And she'll talk to Harvey about backing off on Aaron. Even Sabrina could see Harvey's being a jerk, and it has nothing to do with Taco Bells. But why? Is it really out of jealousy reasons, or is it something else?
"Sabrina! Time to go to the NetherWorld Museum!" Zelda called out. Sabrina skidded into the room. "Ready to go, aunties! Can't wait to get there! Any other places you wanna take me?" Sabrina asked.
"No fight? No fuss? No 'I have no life'? Even if we did wanted payback?" Zelda asked, glancing at Hilda.
"What are you talking about? I have the greatest life!" Sabrina stated. "Even with all our terrible demands on you?" Hilda asked, sorta apologizing...in her way.
"Yeah, well, guess I kinda exaggerated things a bit. And hey, even stars have to listen to other people and handle responsibilities like other people." Sabrina said.
"Well, seems like your brief brush with stardom did you wonders. In fact, this calls for a family road trip out of state two weeks from now. Maybe, New York." Quigley said. "Yeah, and it was thanks to Aaron, even though he suffer badly. I'm just glad things are back to normal. And the people who are telling me what to do are the people who loves me." Sabrina said, hugging Quigley.
"I'm sorry, Marie. I need a catnip tree in my trailer or I don't do the picture. Yeah, that's hardball, but this is hardball business. Nope! Gotta call you back, I still got Scorsese people on the other line. Love ya. Sure." Salem said, walking into the room and talking to people on two phones. He looked up to see the everyone looking down at him, frowning. "What?" He asked.
Aaron's P.O.V.
I was in the bath, with scented candles and music playing from my iPod next to the tub. For the past four years, I worried about being a burden on Sabrina and everyone. Especially since that was the first time since I was six when I had to use magic in front of people, even though it was Harvey and Chloe at the time, before they knew the secret.
I wonder if I could try that way again. I raise my left hand. I curl my hand up in a fist except for a single finger, the pointer finger. Steeling myself, I attempted to draw a circle in the air, only for a knock on the bathroom door to interrupt me, causing me to stop.
"Yeah?" I asked. "Dinner will be ready in five." My father said. "Um, okay. I'll be out soon." I said. "Okay, bud. Enjoy your relaxation." My father said before leaving. I laid back in the tub, feeling ridiculous.
Of course there was no way I actually used spells drawing circles in the air. It was possibly how I remembered it. Maybe I just snapped my fingers and used a spell never known before.
No matter. At least we don't have to worry about Tim the Aardvark-Whisperer or that stupid documentary. I'm not a burden, and I'll never be one. And Sabrina's happy to get the chance to know who truly cares for her and who doesn't.
