Luz was floating in some kind of warm viscous fluid. It was quiet and peacefully here. She didn't know how long she laid there, but eventually she heard someone clear their throat. At the noise she opened her eyes. She was back in what looked like the between place she had visited when she tried making her portal door, and a few feet away stood King's dad.
"Well this took longer than I hoped, but at least we can finally talk," he said looking down at her.
As he spoke Luz started getting up. "How did I get back here? What's going on? Do you know anything about what's been happening to me? Also, do you have a name? It's kind of awkward always referring to you as King's dad," Luz asked.
He just laughed, "Always so full of questions and wonder. If it helps you can call me P.T. As for the rest of your questions, maybe we could go somewhere else. I'm sure you can understand, I'm really sick of this place after being stuck here for so long." When she didn't object P.T. waved his hand and the world around them shifted to the Grom tree overlooking the Boiling Sea. Dawn looked like it was just beginning.
"Wooo," Luz gaped.
P.T. just continued to chuckle to himself as he went to sit with his back to the tree. A feeling of true peace seemed to radiate off of him. "Ok partner I'll answer some of your questions, but you have to understand there are things I can't tell you. Some answers I'll admit I just don't have, but others… you're just not ready for yet. I'll do my best to warn you though if one comes up," P.T. said looking at Luz, and then patted the ground next to him.
After considering his words for a minute, then shrugged and sat down waiting for him to explain.
P.T. looked out at the skyline as he began, "Ok first off, this is your mindscape. In this place we can see and re-experience anything we have seen. It's no surprise that when I tried to pull up a place where you would feel safe and secure, this is where we ended up. Honestly of all the places I've seen on the Boiling Isles I think this might be my new favorite, and I have you and Amity to thank for it." He smiled down at Luz. "As for what's been happening to you, yes I do know, and its my fault," he sighed. "Before I tell you though, I have something to admit. As I just showed, I can control this place as well. Not as well as you will be able to in time, but I do have some control. In the last week, after we woke up I've been watching your memories and seeing the world through your eyes. I've seen your memories of growing up, experienced through you your love for your parents, and felt your pain after the loss of your father and your experiences with 'normal' people in the human realm." He almost seemed to spit the word normal like it tasted sour and caustic in his mouth. "It's because of those memories that I have to apologize. While it wasn't my intent, I think I have done you a monument wrong," he looked down in shame. "To understand though I'm going to have to show you something your mind forgot. Are you ready?" he asked Luz gentally, and she nodded back. P.T. gestured again and a window opened up in front of them showing the first time they met, and she heard him say those words all over again, "I would like to make you an offer."
"What kind of offer? I know you say your King's dad and all, but I was also always told not to trust strangers. No disrespect sir, but I don't exactly know you," Luz heard herself say.
"No offense taken. I can't really blame you for being suspicious but I promise you I'm only making an offer. If you're not interested, I won't hold it against you and I'll help send you back to Eda after, either way," P.T. promised appearing sincere.
"Ok big guy, I'll hear you out," Luz smiled.
"Well as I said I've been stuck here for a very long time. I was once supremely powerful and I still am to an extent, but none of that matters. While I'm stuck in here all I can do is watch like some kind of ghost. Maybe every once in a while I can send a sign to those outside but never anything big. More often than not, they go unseen by the world beyond. I have to watch powerlessly while bad things happen to good people, its torture. Although after the things I've done I can't say I don't deserve it to some extent. But that's enough of my ramblings, I'll get to the point. I would like to offer you my power. Not going to lie Luz there will be consequences if you accept though. I'm not even sure what they will all be, but if ever there was someone I thought could handle this. I think it would be you and I trust you. You seem like a good kid," P.T. said with a smile.
"I don't know. Could you give me any details? Like I'm guessing giving me your power will have consequences for you too. Are you going to be ok? How much power are we talking about here? How bad could these consequences be for me?" Luz asked.
"Sadly I can't say much for sure. As far as I know, this has never been tried before. Most likely you will get enough power that, if you can master it, I can guarantee that you will be the most powerful witch the Demon Realm has ever seen. That power will come at a cost. It will change you. How I can't say, but you can stand assured you won't be entirely human anymore… If it helps, should you accept I can guarantee that you will become powerful enough to go anywhere you like anytime you want, even back to the Human realm in time. As for me, most likely I'll pass on. Don't let that affect your decision though. I've made peace with however my story ends, but I'd really like the chance to make right some of my wrongs. To do that though I'll need your help. So what do you say? Will you accept my offer," P.T. states, holding out his clawed hand.
Luz looks into his eye seeming to be searching for something for a minute and then takes his hand. As she does their hands begin to be covered it glyphs and then there is a bright flash of light.
As the flash fades so does the window. Luz just sits there stunned, absorbing all the new information she just received until she looks back up into P.T.'s eye. "So I'm guessing everything that's happened since I came back have been these 'consequences' you warned me about… I made another reckless choice," Luz said, a single tear escaping her eye.
"It's not all bad. It seems that while a small part of me remained in that place, almost all of my power is now yours to command. Also I didn't fade away. While it seems that I've traded one prison for another, at least now I can do some good. I know this is alot and it's going to take time to get used to it, but you won't be doing it alone. I'll be here to do anything I can in here and it seems like you have someone out there who wants to help you too," P.T. says, as he puts a reassuring arm around her shoulder. "Unfortunately it seems we are out of time for right now. You're going to be waking up soon, but in the meantime I'll give you a hint for how to control my powers. Magic comes from the heart, so let your heart guide you." And with those words, Luz's world faded to black and she woke up.
The night before at Blight Manor, Amity was sitting on her bed taking in the events of the day. Until she heard a knock at her door, and her father stuck his head into her room.
"Amity, can we talk? I promise it won't take long," Alador asked uncomfortably.
"Dad… today's kind of been a lot for me. Frankly I have a lot on my mind, but I guess you wouldn't be here if it wasn't important so come sit down. If you want," Amity sighed and moved over on the bed.
At Amity's word Alador looked slightly ashamed, but went to go join his youngest on her bed. "Mittens… I want to apologize," Alador started to say.
Amity quickly looked at her father, shocked at his words but not interrupting.
"I-I haven't been the best father to you three. I've ignored you. I allowed myself to believe that if I could provide for all of you… if I made sure that you had everything you could ever want… it would be enough. It never occurred to me that by doing so I would be depriving both of us of something more important than private tutors and nice clothes. Amity in my desperation to succeed, I ended up failing the people I love most. I know it sounds like I'm just making excuses but… I just don't know what else to do. If Emira hadn't set me straight after you ran off, I don't know if I would have ever even noticed my mistake. I just feel so ashamed of myself," Alador said, unable to meet Amity's eyes.
After a minute to get over her shock, Amity put an arm over her dads shoulder. As she forced him to meet her eyes she said, "Dad it's ok. I understand the feeling of getting so focused on what you think is right, only to look back and realize that you've made a horrible mistake. Someone… someone very special to me showed me that it's not our pasts that define us. It's what we choose to do in the future that's important. It's hard but as long as we get up everyday and do better then we are better, even if it's only by a little bit." Amity gave her dad the first real smile he'd seen from her in a very long time.
Alador just looked at her before tearing up and beginning to laugh, "Where did my little Mittens go? When did you grow up on me? I guess Eda's kid has been a bigger influence than I thought."
At the mention of Luz, Amity looked away blushing. Then Amity remembered everything else that happened that day and got worried again, something her father noticed.
"Amity. I'm here now and I'll try to do better in the future. Please, tell me what's going on. Please let me start being the father you deserve," Alador stated.
"Dad, do you know why I entered the brawl earlier?" Amity asked. When he stayed quiet she continued. "Winning that belt was the last thing you did before you locked yourself in your lab and never came out. I thought… I hoped that if I won my own belt… I might finally get your attention if for only a moment. Maybe you would be proud of me for who I am, and not for who you both wanted me to be. Maybe if I could show you just how strong I've become, you'd finally accept who I want to be, and stop trying to change and control me. I know it's mostly mom, and I know she will never accept who I am now, but I… I thought maybe you might. I'm sorry I went behind your back. I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment," Amity teared up.
It was Alador's turn to look shocked, but he quickly turned and hugged his baby girl, "Amity, I was never and will never be disappointed in you. You didn't need to prove anything to me. I've seen how strong you've become. You tore apart one of our latest Abomitons like it was nothing to protect your friend. You stood up to your mother, something even I can't do all the time. Not that I encourage you to disrespect your mother," he said with a wink. "You found yourself friends that have your back, and while I'm not sure about how to feel about it yet. If Emira is to be believed, you found someone you love with all your heart, and apparently lifts you up and helps you be a better stronger person. Amity, I couldn't be prouder of you if I tried, and I'll try to listen more to what you want."
Amity just hugged her father for a while before looking at Alador again. "Ya dad. I did. I don't know what I did to get her but I think I really might love her. I love you dad. We can do better together and maybe next year we can go to the brawl together," Amity said smiling again.
Alador smiled back. "Actually, I was thinking about that," he said. He drew a spell circle in the air and made his champion belt appear. "Since I kind of ruined your run this year, and let's be honest we both know you would have destroyed Wraith. I thought that you could hold on to this until next year and you can officially get your own. What do you say?" Alador said, holding out the belt.
Amity just hugged him again. She sincerely hoped that this was the beginning of a new start for both of them.
The next day at Hexside Amity, Luz, Gus, and Willow met up. It was the day for the annual Club Fair, and Willow had big plans for today. Initially, Amity and Luz where going to try and make the Azura Book Club a reality but after discussing it between them on the way to school that morning they agreed it could wait till next year. They had something else they decided they had to spend the day doing. As they were getting ready to head out and get started Luz looked to Willow and Gus.
"Ok guys. Amity and I are heading out. After how yesterday got a bit… awkward, we decided we were going to try a redue, and this time we are going to keep it simple. Just me botata and I spending the day together and enjoying each other's company. What do you have planned for today," Luz asked Willow, while trying to hide the truth from her best friends.
"Well after years of thinking I wasn't good enough, I finally found something I can be good at. Something I wanna be good at. Switching to the Plant Track was just the beginning. I'm on my way to becoming the witch I wanna be. Ever since our Grudgby match, I've been playing it at home. Today... I'm starting Hexside's first Flyer Derby team! Are you two sure you don't want to join?" Willow declared.
"Ya, sorry Willow after I quit the Grudgby team it wouldn't feel right. I let myself get too obsessed with winning and I didn't like who it turned me into," apologized Amity.
"You know I've always got your back Willow, but I still don't have my own palisman and without one I can't really join officially. Maybe once I do I can become an alternate, but until then I'm going to have to pass," regretfully answered Luz.
Willow looked at the couple and got a feeling they were hiding something from her, but she trusted her friends. If it was important they'd tell her about it. "No worries. Gus and I are going to put together an awesome team, but you two had better come cheer us on at our first game," Willow laughed and gave them a hug. With that Luz and Amity left and headed out back down the path they took to school earlier. Unbenounced to the Hex squad, Hunter emerged from beside a stand watching the students of Hexside disguised in the uniform of a Potions Track student and Flapjack on his shoulder.
Twenty minutes later Luz and Amity were off in the Forearm Forest and hopefully far enough away from any kind of public area that they wouldn't be found or interrupted.
Luz looked at Amity nervously, "Are you sure about this hermosa? I know I said I didn't want to tell Willow and Gus about my 'situation' yet, but I'm still worried that I might hurt you if this goes wrong."
"Don't worry Luz. If you were going to hurt me, you would have done so on the Knee. In the meantime why don't you tell me about anything else that you notice that was out of place in the last few weeks. Nothing is too small. Anything could help us figure this out," Amity reassured Luz.
Looking embarrassed, Luz started scratching the back of her head. "Actually I think I found out some more about what happened. I'm still trying to process it though… Amity… just please don't get mad, ok?" Luz said, not able to look her girlfriend in the eye.
Amity was shocked, but looking at Luz she knew whatever it was that she had found out it was really bothering her. "Botata, I promised that whatever it is I'll be here for you and 'A Blight never goes back on a deal'," Amity said holding Luz's cheek. "Whatever it is, I promise I'll still love you."
Luz sighed and motioned for Amity to sit down under a nearby tree. "Ok, so last night I kinda ran into King's dad again…" Amity tried to interrupt but was stopped by Luz's hand. "Please Ami, if I'm going to get through this I need you to hold off on asking questions till I'm done." Amity just sat back and rested her back against the truck again, giving Luz the sign to go ahead. "Apparently while I was sleeping last night he pulled me into my mindscape and P.T. showed me what happened after he offered me his offer." At Amity's confused look Luz corrected herself, "P.T. is the name King's dad told me to call him since constantly referring to him as King's dad was felt impersonal and kind of long. Anyway, long story short since he was trapped in that place he offered to… give me his power. Apparently he was an unbelievably powerful demon once and he decided that he wanted to give them to me so I could use them to do some good… he said that with them I'd be guaranteed to eventually become 'the most powerful witch the Demon Realm had ever seen' or something like that. More importantly I could get strong enough to be able to travel back and forth between realms whenever I wanted… I wouldn't need to choose between my mom and all of you. I could have both. He warned me there would be consequences to accepting but he couldn't say what they'd be and frankly I didn't really care at that moment. I just didn't want to lose any of you. I took the deal," Luz yelled as she started crying. "I MADE ANOTHER STUPID DECISION AND NOW EVERYONE ELSE HAS TO DEAL WITH IT."
Amity immediately got up and started hugging Luz. As she did she noticed her eyes had shifted to her new eyes again. "I'm not going to lie. I am kind of mad, but not with you. To me it sounds like this P.T. took advantage of you to escape that place. If he was so powerful, how did he get trapped in that place anyway? Eck. Something isn't right here. Regardless, have you noticed anything else weird?" Amity asked, while rubbing circles into her back.
Luz thought for a bit, "Well I did notice I was able to eat more types of food from around here the other morning and I have been getting weird pains randomly, but I thought my body was finally adjusting to being here… I did have some weird dreams the nights before I changed into this other form. I felt like I was running around different parts of the island… which makes a lot of sense now after I turned into that beast form… OMT… they weren't dreams… lastimé a alguien (did I hurt anyone)?" By the time she finished, Luz was once again in her new form completely.
Amity shushed Luz quietly. "Luz if anyone got hurt, I think we would have heard about it by now. So you don't need to worry about that. Plus side, I think we just figured out what triggers you to turn into this new 'demon form'. To me, it kind of sounds like you got yourself cursed."
Luz stopped crying and looked at Amity in shock again. "I'm cursed? You mean like Eda… oh no… what's Eda going to think?"
"Honestly we might have lucked out on that one. Ms. Eda lived with a curse for years. If there's anyone who might know what to do, it's probably her," stated Amity. "Even if she doesn't know how to remove it, she seems to have found a way to make peace with it and I know she really cares about you, so you know she will help in any way she can."
"Ami I can't tell her about this. You're right she is better now, but I know how scared she was of her curse at first. I can't put her through that again. For now, let's just stick to the original plan and try to figure this out on our own. She's done so much for me already I can't ask her to take this on too," Luz begged.
"Ok botata, if that's what you want. That's what we will do. In the meantime let's see if there was any truth to that magic P.T. promised you," Amity said holding Luz again.
Back at Hexside. Professor Hermonculus had just started giving Willow a hard time. "I'm overseeing club approvals this year, and I just don't think Flyer Derby is worth investing in. As a matter of fact, I'm shutting it down unless YOU step down as captain. I just don't think quitters make good leaders.
"You're just mad that she dropped your class. Give her a chance!" Begged Gus.
"Okay. 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 said, while walking away.
Gus looked back at Willow as he assured his friend, "You can do this, Willow. Don't let him beat you down."
Willow looked back at Gus, starting to freak out, "But Amity and Luz are busy and... I don't know where to find enough decent players this fast." Then Willow notices Hunter trying to escape from Viney's pet griffin, Puddles, on his palismen. "Hey, you!" She called out as she wrapped him up in her vines and pulled him over. "This is Gus Porter, and I'm Willow Park, future captain of Hexside's first Flyer Derby team. Wanna join?"
As Willow grabs Hunter's hand and shakes it vigorously, he tried to say,"Nice to…uh… meet you!"
Willow just kept talking, "Your flying was... amazing. You're a new student, right?"
Gus looked at Hunter suspiciously at that, "Yeah, weird we've never seen you around. What's your name?"
Hunter just looked between them nervously, "Caleb? Uh, Caleb! Uh, Jasper... Bloodwilliams. I just transferred. But! I'm not here to play Fly Dooby or... whatever that is. I have my own mission," and started walking away.
Willow looked after him dejectedly, "Okay... At least take a pamphlet?"
He snatched it out of her hand and started to walk away again, but then he read the cover of the pamphlet which says: "FLYER DERBY - A SPORT FOR THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST!", and immediately turns around. "Wait! Do you really think your club will attract the best and the brightest?" Hunter asked.
Willow started getting excited again. "Absolutely! Flyer Derby's not for the faint witch."
"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! Classic," Hunter wondered aloud.
"Um... we... might not have time for all that. But... you can help by attracting people with your sick flying skills," Willow answered.
A few minutes later Willow shouted out, "Students of Hexside! Got a palisman? Got a need for thrills, chills and theatrics？Well, this could be you!" Hunter then emerged from behind Willow and whizzed above everyone's head, causing the audience to cry out in amazement. After that, he started to fly upwards, jump off his staff, then landed back on it and kept on flying. The audience started clapping and cheering at the show. "Man, this Caleb guy is great. With him, I think we can really get our Derby team approved." After another fifteen minutes she called Hunter back. "Allow me to introduce you to... the best, and the brightest of Hexside." Standing with Gus were Skara, and Viney.
"Look, Puddles, it's the friend you made before! No, no, no! Don't claw Mommy's face!" yelled Viney.
Skara just said "Hmm," as she lazily laid on the stairs scrolling on her scroll.
Gus on the other hand was mounting his staff. "Let's try this one more time!" He flew off, but he appeared inexperienced at controlling his staff and eventually crashed into a wall.
Willow just looked around proudly, "Just a few months ago, I'd be considered the weak link on any team. But now I'm leading one! Ooh! Okay, girl, don't let the power get to your head just yet. Hmm?" She said watching Hunter walking away again. "Caleb? Where are you going? The field is this-a-way."
Hunter looked back frustrated, "You said you'd find the best witches for this team. But them? They're pathetic."
"You just met them! Give them a chance!" Willow declared.
Hunter just continued to stare, "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."
Willow looked after Hunter as he tried to walk away again. Willow smirked and drew a spell circle. Hunter was suddenly stopped by something. Hunter looked down and noticed that his feet had been tied down. He is then dragged into the ground and later pops back up on the playing field. He looks around preparing to fight, but finds the field empty.
Skara walks up to Hunter. "Sorry I was distracted earlier. Been playing Grudgby for so long, I needed to catch up on the latest Flyer Derby strats." Skara showed Hunter posts on Penstagram with pictures showing strategies for playing Flyer Derby.
"Those look... complicated," Hunter admitted.
Skara just shrugged, "They are."
Hunter heard Viney speaking and looked towards her. "Whew! Okay, finally. Got Puddles down for her nap." Viney drew a spell circle above her head and dragged it down to her feet, healing her physical scars. "Now I'm only scared emotionally," Viney laughed sweetly.
Someone whizzed behind Hunter, and he looked up and saw Gus surfing on his staff. "I thought you couldn't fly?" He asked, shocked.
"So I can't fly like everyone else, but my way's more fun," Gus answered.
"Oh. That's uh, cool, I guess," Hunter admitted.
Willow popped out next to Hunter from the ground and gestured to everyone. "Gus is a natural speed demon, Skara's a strategic wizard, and Viney's the best healer in school. And at one point or another, we've all been misjudged. So, still think we're pathetic?" Hunter shakes his head ashamedly. "Good. Let's get our game faces on," said Willow, painting her face with green paint.
Back in the woods. Amity was watching Luz as she used a stick to draw glyphs in the dirt. To the amazement of both girls the glyphs were more potent then they had ever been before. A small fist sized fire glyph summoned a flame pillar as thick as Luz's arm. An ice glyph of the same size created an ice spike that poked out above the trees. After that Luz smiled with a mischievous grin and drew a plant glyph. While before a single wild flower would have been summoned, now a bouquet of purple roses, lilacs, golden carnations, and lavender flowers appeared. With a swift movement Luz used one of her claws to cut the bouquet and then on bent knee she presented them to Amity. "It looks like I can finally give Willow a run for her money, but unfortunately they're still not as pretty as you, hermosa," Luz said blushing. Amity just sat there holding the bouquet having gone full 'tomato mode'.
As they looked into each other's eyes the moment was ruined as a half dozen floating figures came shooting out of the surrounding forest. They were gaunt and their cloaks looked tattered. Worst of all their faces were gastly and their mouths seemed locked in an eternal scream. Purely on instinct, Luz wrapped her arms around Amity to protect her, but when nothing else happened for a few seconds they looked around and marveled. Surrounding the pair was a dome of purple and gold with hundreds of glyphs constantly shifting, merging, and separating again. The pair looked at each other again and began to laugh until Luz clutched her head, and the dome started to flicker and fade. As it did they could clearly see the figures latched onto the dome and apparently sucking at it like magical ticks.
In between the waves of exhaustion and pain running through her head Luz asked, "Ami what are those things? What are they doing to my dome? We need to stop them. I'm starting to… not feel so good."
Amity confidently stood up while holding Luz's hand. "Those are wraiths. They eat magic, kind of like basilisk's and are drawn to powerful works of magic. According to one of my books they are actually natural enemy's, and used to keep each other's populations in check. Individually they are very weak, usually almost any witchling can drive them off. It's not till they form groups do they become a problem. Even then I've never heard more than two or three working together at a time," Amity explained. As she looked around she felt her blood run cold as she saw a dozen more wraiths come flying out of nowhere and begin swirling around their protective dome. "Luz you have to drop the dome. If you don't they're going to drink you dry. Trust me, I know what I'm doing," Amity pleaded, squeezing Luz's hand and beginning to draw a spell circle in the air. Luz nodded at her and the dome fizzled, but as it did Amity felt a warm almost burning sensation shoot through the hand that was holding Luz's hand and up her arm. As Amity watched, her spell circle grew more vibrant and began to thrum with power. The single abomination she intended to create started to form but then from out of it emerged five perfect abomination copies of Eda, Willow, Edric, Emira, and Gus. Each copy was wielding a staff and started to beat back the wraiths. As she watched the first abomination finished taking form and before Amity stood a figure she had never seen before, but somehow she knew it and knew it was here to help. The figure easily stood twelve feet tall with large horns coming out of its head and along the line of its jaw and bat-like wings. It had a powerful build with clawed hands and feet, and small spikes coming out of its shoulders and knees. But as she looked at it she noticed it had two eye sockets but only one glowing golden eye. As the rest of the other Abominations fought the big one stood tall over the girls protectively and ripped apart any wraiths that came into its massive reach. Unfortunately the wraiths just kept coming. As a wraith would be torn apart or shredded apart by the abominations it seemed like two more would come flying out of the trees, and the Abominations were slowly being pushed back to the center. Soon all anyone could see were shifting tatted cloaks that blended into a single unbroken shell by the sickly half light that managed to shine through the dome of the wraith swarm. And then something amazing happened, at a gesture from the big one all the other Abominations placed a hand on it and disintegrated but as they did Amity and Luz could feel the air get heavy and thick until all that pressure was released all at once in a mighty roar. As the massive wave of power escaped the giant abomination and tore through all of the remaining wraith swarm it burned them away like fog exposed to the noon day sun.
At some point during the fight Luz apparently passed out but as Amity checked on her she seemed to be sleeping peacefully, still holding her hand tight. As Amity looked back up and met the abomination's eye, it knelt down before her and seemed to smile at her as it too began to disappear, but before it was completely gone she heard a voice she had never heard before. Well done… Amity Blight…Thank… you…
At the end of the school day, Hunter hung up his raven phone and ran over to the team. Opposite them was another team led by Professor Hermonculus, including Jerbo, and Viney's friend.
Jerbo excitedly called, "Thanks for asking me to join, guys! I think we're gonna have a…"
Viney looked at him shocked. "Jerbo?" She then made a cut throat gesture. "Traitor."
"...fun... afternoon," Jerbo cried.
Willow reassured her team, "All we got to do is fly high and snag some flags."
Professor Hermonculus looked over at Willow and cracked a threatening smile, "Let's see what you can do, Captain." Professor Hermonculus' abomination acted as the referee and blew the whistle. Professor Hermonculus shot some abomination goo at Willow, but Viney blocked it with a shield, and all players proceeded to rush at each other. Hunter teleports himself close to the kid player on the enemy team and snatches off her flag, then passes it on to Gus. Gus flew towards the pole and hung the flag there, scoring one point.
Hunter smiled at Gus, "Gus, that was amazing!" Gus grinned back at Hunter.
The game continued. Mary shot some abomination goo at Gus, but he managed to evade it. The goo exploded and hit Skara instead, causing her to crash into a wall. The abomination referee blew the whistle as the enemy team hung a flag on their pole, scoring one point. Viney rushed towards Jerbo and he rushed towards her. Both crashed into each other and fell off their staves. Willow and Gus rushed towards the enemy team as Mary and the spike-headed student tried to hit them with abomination goo but all missed.
Professor Hermonculus was getting frustrated and called out to his remaining team, "She's right there! Can't you see?"
Hunter teleported himself next to the professor and said, "Boo." While grabbing the professor's flag and flying off.
Meanwhile, Willow summoned some vines and aimed them at the enemy team players. Mary gasped and covered her face. Willow successfully grabbed two flags from the enemy players, but abomination goo suddenly hit her staff from below, causing her to fall off. Hunter looks at this with a shocked expression as Professor Hermonculus was seen on the ground using a spell circle.
Professor Hermonculus just laughed, "Oops. My hand slipped."
Players from both teams glanced towards him angrily, but Willow managed to pass over the flags to Hunter as she continued falling to the ground. Before she hit the ground she summoned a flower which successfully cushioned her fall. Hunter looked down at Willow while remaining still until Gus gave him a hard push from behind.
"Go, go, go!" Yelled Gus.
Mary accidentally crashed into Gus, knocking him off his staff. Hunter flew to the team pole and hung all three enemy flags on it, securing the victory. He landed, and Viney proceeded to pour a bucket of something red over his head. Everyone on Willow's team then started cheering.
Professor Hermonculus begrudgingly walks up to Willow. "May I please have your team name?"
Willow whispered, "Shoot. We never thought of a name."
Hunter seeing Willow struggling suggested awkwardly, "The... Emerald Entrails! You know, because... we're green, and there's... more to us... than you think."
His other team members remain silent. Then they all started chanting enthusiastically, "Entrails! Entrails! Entrails! Entrails!"
Willow pulled out her scroll and said, "Ok Entrails team photo! We're number one!"
In the group selfie everyone looked happy including Hunter, who was also smiling ear to ear.
A while later.
Hunter was still looking around at his new friends saying, "I can't believe I almost bailed on you guys. Today was amazing! Thanks for giving me another shot."
Viney smiled back, "Always nice making a new friend. I had an opening for one…" Viney glanced towards Jerbo angrily, and Jerbo gasped and clutched his chest.
Willow beamed at Hunter, "We wouldn't have gotten here without you."
Gus looked up at Hunter as well apologetically, "Yeah, I shouldn't have been so suspicious."
Hunter beamed at everyone and said, "We can forget all about that when we play next time... as a part of the Emperor's Coven!"
The whole team stopped and gave Hunter a strange look.
"What are you talking about Calab," Gus asked, getting worried again.
Hunter just continued to beam, "Oh I forgot. My name isn't Caleb. It's Hunter! And I'm the Emperor's right-hand man. The Golden Guard!"
Giggling nervously, Willow asked, "Y-Y-Y-You can't be serious? You're not the one Luz and Amity... told us about, right?
Hunter proudly answered, "Yes, I am!" As his new friends watched, Hunter grabbed his staff and waved it, transforming his outfit into the Golden Guard outfit. He then puts on his mask. "Yeah, this would usually look cooler with the cloak, but... I don't have it at the moment. Long story."
The team members suddenly gasped as multiple Coven Scouts appeared and surrounded them.
"Whoa there, scouts. I didn't give you orders to come here," Hunter stated.
Steve responded, "Darius sent us to collect your recruits."
Hunter just looked back at his team, "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!"
Gus, Willow and Viney looked at the Coven Scouts angrily while Skara started bawling.
In Police Precinct 128 in Bonesborough. The team members are locked up in a cell. Hunter took away their staff and leaned them on a wall outside the cell.
Hunter looked apologetically, "Okay, listen, I'm sorry about this whole cell thing, but did you really have to punch Steve, Skara?"
Steve was sitting on a stool, his helmet dented as he pressed an ice pack onto the side of his head. "I get it. Emotions are running high." He gave a thumbs up. "Ice pack for Steve."
Hunter looked confused, "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 looked at Hunter and started to tear up again, "We don't care! None of us want this!"
Hunter tried to reassure them, "You will eventually. Trust me, I'm your friend now."
"Friends don't stab each other in the back," spat Gus.
"Sure they do. The Coven Heads do it all the time back at the castle. Captain, you're on my side, right?" Hunter asked, but his smile started to fade at what he saw.
Willow had her back facing everyone. She was facing a wall with her head lowered muttering and crying, "I... thought I... could be good at this. But we're here because... I made a bad call. I really am just... half-a-witch Willow."
Abomination goo suddenly appeared, and wrapped the team members up and vanished.
Over on Darius' flying ship. The team reappears with their palismen sent up by a Coven Scout in a cage. Hunter flung open the door and ran outside.
Hunter beamed at Darius, "Darius, I did it! I found recruits!"
Darius looked back grumpily, and said, "Yep, and you're making me work on my day off. Take this and quit bugging me." Darius summoned Hunter's cloak and flung it at him. Hunter looked down at his sigil and touched it.
Hunter looked up at Darius, "I can... wear this proudly now. Right?"
"Can you," Darius asked.
Hunter looked at Darius uncertainly.
"See you at the castle, Golden Guard," Darius declared, as he flew off in his ship and Steve came out from the door behind Hunter.
Steve looked on as the ship left, "I do not envy those kids, man."
Hunter said back, without looking at Steve, "They just have to go through basic training before becoming scouts. It's not that bad."
Steve said back sadly, "Dude, do you even remember what we had to do? The duels. The mazes with the traps. That time we were left alone on a mountain?"
Hunter laughed, "Classic."
"And of course Belos likes to collect everyone's palismen," Steve reminded Hunter.
Steve's words reminded Hunter of something. A flashback where Belos snatched a staff out of Hunter's hand, breaking it, and absorbing it's essence into his eyes and nostrils.
Steve grunts, and walks away saying, "Steve is beginning to regret his choices."
"I think Hunter is too," whispered Hunter as he looked at Darius's ship again.
A few minutes later. Hunter was chasing after Darius' flying ship and teleported himself to get close to the ship faster. On the ship, Darius is scrolling on his scroll looking at Penstagram when he comes across Alador's post.
"Ugh. Mute," he groaned.
An abomination is seen controlling the ship. The cage containing the palismen is put beside Darius. Skara tries to reach out to it, but Darius promptly slaps her away with abomination goo.
"Nope," Darius says while not paying much attention.
Willow tries to bring the cage over using a Plant spell.
"Nuh-uh," Darius chides, as he destroys the leaves with an abomination goo hand and slaps Willow's head with it softly. Setting aside his scroll he said, "You're gonna need to be a little more clever than that."
"Darius!" Yells Hunter.
Suddenly a powerful wave of magic collides with the ship making everyone stumble.
Willow yells out, "Now!"
The team members free themselves, and Viney squashes the abomination taking control of the ship. "Land the ship.
"Wait!" Darius yells.
Viney pulls down a lever and crashes the ship into the sea, destroying it. The team members then jump off the ship with their staves and try to escape, but Darius blocks their path with an abomination.
"Did you really think you could get away with endangering a Coven Head? Do you have any idea what I'm capable of?!" Darius yells as he transforms his right arm into a scythe.
Willow tries to attack him with vines, but he slices them off easily, then she tries to form a shield with vines, but Darius slices it open easily too. He then raises his scythe arm, preparing to attack Willow. Willow braces herself for the attack while shielding other team members behind her. Hunter suddenly rushes forwards and puts himself between Darius and the team members.
Hunter yells out, "WAIT!"
Darius sternly glares, "Out of my way, little prince."
Hunter stutters back, "No! I was mistaken. These four are insolent agitators who aren't fit for the Emperor's Coven. 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 dejectedly says, "You can go." After a moment he begs, "Please, captain."
Willow raises her staff on the verge of tears, "Let's move, team. We need to find a replacement." As they walked away she said, "After all, it'll be 52 weeks before Caleb's next day off."
Darius looked on incredulously. "You... befriended them? And then you disobeyed me to protect them?!" Darius raised his scythe arm.
Expecting an attack, Hunter shut his eyes and recoiled in fear. Instead, Darius transforms his hand back and pats his head.
Darius looked at Hunter warmly for the first time, "I'm impressed. I had you all wrong. You're what? Sixteen? It's about time you made connections outside the castle." Darius summoned a scroll and dropped it into Hunter's hands. Hunter opens it up and sees the sign-up page of Penstagram. "I was just gonna drop them off at Hexside. We have more than enough recruits, in my opinion."
Hunter meekly asked, "Are you... gonna tell Belos about this?"
Darius just smiled, "Are you going to tell him about your secret palisman? Magic or not, I think you'll make your predecessors proud."
Darius throws Hunter's cloak back at him and fixes the sewing work using magic saying, "But you could still use a sewing lesson."
In the mindscape of Luz Noceda, she finds herself once more leaning against the Grom tree. Sitting next to her was P.T. although he did seem kind of winded for some reason.
"Welcome back partner. Didn't expect to see you back here again so soon, but if there's one thing you excel at it's surprising people," P.T laughed.
"P.T.? How did I end up back here? Why do you always call me 'partner'? OMT… Amity, is she ok?" Luz begged, eyes dark again.
"Luz don't worry. Amity is fine. You just blacked out. As for why you're here, I'm guessing you have more questions?" He continued to laugh. "As for the 'partner' thing, it's… well… It's the best way I've come up with to describe our relationship. I may be mentoring you on how to use my powers at the moment, but once you've gotten the hang of it hopefully that's what we'll be, partners." He laughed some more. "That is if you don't get sick of me and bury me deep in your subconscious before then," he said looking away terrified like that possibility just occurred to him.
"I wouldn't do that. After all there's plenty of space up here," Luz said, gesturing to her head. "What's one more voice to keep me company," she smiled back sweetly.
"You shouldn't make promises you don't know if you'll be able to keep," P.T. sighed. "But I appreciate you saying it either way. That mom of yours really knows how to pick a fitting name, Luz Noceda." P.T. guestered out to the sun on the horizon. "Here's a little fun fact for you since you probably don't know. The weather in someone's mindscape is a reflection of that person's personality and mood, and while I've seen a few clouds at the edges when you've been worried or scared. Never once has that sun moved or been covered up since I got here. This place has never felt uninviting or cold. Always warmth, wonder, and full of love. Ok enough of the mushy stuff partner. What do you want to know?"
Luz looked at the older demon for a second and realized that he really was King's dad. She had always seen the physical resemblance, but it wasn't till that moment that she really saw him. Their hearts were the same. "Ok P.T., we followed your hint, kinda, and we figured out that I change if I'm scared. But does it have to be fear, and do I always need to go full demon? That seems kinda inconvenient. Also we noticed that my glyphs are empowered while I'm in my demon form, but is there more to it?"
"Nope, any strong emotion works to trigger it. You just need to let it wash over you and let it spread to whatever part of you that you want to use and when you want to change back, think of something calming and let yourself return to a neutral state. In simple terms your emotions function as an on/off switch. So be careful kissing your girlfriend in public till you get full control and can keep yourself from losing it," P.T. laughed again, while Luz blushed. "As for other powers… well for now I do have one I can share with you. Especially given what you intend to do later," he winked at Luz before whispering in her ear.
"Are you serious?" Luz asked in excitement. P.T. just 'winked' and nodded his head.
"Alright partner, it's time you got back. There's no need to freak out Amity any worse than she is already," P.T. said, while Luz's world was fading back to darkness.
Luz woke up with her head on something soft and she felt a hand slowly caressing her head as it played with her hair. As she looked up she realized she had her head resting on Amity's lap and all she could see was her cotton candy haired goddess looking down at her. "So pretty," was all she could say.
"Welcome back. You know we're starting to form a pattern here," Amity laughed.
"As long as it's with you, I don't have any complaints. I love you, hermosa," Luz said without thinking.
Amity blushed at Luz's words. "I love you to, Luz. Are you ok? I've read that wraith attacks can be very draining," Amity asked with concern.
"I do feel a little drained but it's getting late and there's one more thing I want to do before our day has to end," Luz admitted before getting up and taking Amity's hand again.
Just after nightfall on a beach near hexside. Luz directs Amity to sight down, and as she does Luz seems to concentrate for a moment before one of her hands shifts into a claw. Amity looks on in wonder as out of the palm of Luz's claw a ball of white light forms and is released, and as she watches Luz slowly creates a few more balls of varying colors, one red, another blue, and one green. When she was done she gestured at the orbs and they began to slowly dance above them. Sometimes the orbs would merge or separate, forming new colors and shades as they did. After a minute of staring at her show in wonder Luz reached into her bag and took out two pairs of thicker gloves with small stones, one set had an 'L' embroidered on its back with a yellow stone resting in the joint of the letter and the other had an 'A' with a purple stone in the hole at its top.
"Ami. You remember how when you went to get the titan blood you gave up your gloves?" Amity looked at Luz confused, but nodded. "Well, ever since I've been working on these." Luz hands Amity a pair of the gloves, but instead of giving Amity either pair she hands her the 'L' right glove and the 'A' left glove. "I made these 'cuz I know your hands get cold and I thought even when I can't be there to warm them up personally for you, maybe these could do the job for me. I used what snails I could get and bought the leather and a bit of fur for the inside, and if I did the spell right each pair is actually connected so if we are both wearing them you should be able to feel the warmth from my actual hands." Luz blushed and looked away. "I know they're not much, but I hope you…" Luz was cut off as Amity graded her face and kissed her on the lips. As they seperate Luz says "Crikey," with her whole head shifted to her demon form.
"I love them," Amity says blushing and reaching up to feel her horns. "Hah, I didn't expect them to feel so smooth and warm."
Luz quickly looks away and reverts back to her full human appearance before looking back.
"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I should have asked first. It's just, I noticed how warm your fur was in the cave and I've been wondering ever since what your horns felt like," Amity apologized, and looked away.
Luz grabbed her face and made Amity look her in the eyes again, "No, Ami. It's fine. I'm sorry, and I get it. It's just… I've never been embarrassed by my human appearance. I've always been comfortable in my own skin, but I've never really felt beautiful. You know? I always felt like I was just kinda plain looking, and now I've got this whole new look and I don't know how to feel about it. It's new and wild, and that scares me. There's still that little part of me that whispers it's too much to ask you to get used to. I just can't stop thinking that eventually you'll leave me because I'm too weird and I keep getting weirder."
Amity reached up and caressed her cheek before flicking her forehead, "No seas tonta chica. Don't be dumb. At this point you couldn't get rid of me if you tried," Amity laughed. "More importantly, I meant it when I said I loved you. No matter what you look like or how weird you get, I'll be here beside you. Also for the record you're not plain looking. I think you're very pretty. I still can't figure out how anyone with eyes as pretty as yours doesn't have people falling all over themselves to be with you. Their loss though. And wow, I'll admit I had to think about it for a bit but what high class girl doesn't enjoy the feeling of fur every now and again," Amity winked at Luz seductively.
"Just promise you won't pull my tail," Luz winked back. And watched Amity go full 'tomato' again.
After Amity recovered, they leaned there shoulders together and with fingers intertwined they watched the gentle lap of the waves and enjoyed the moon, the stars, and each other's company.
Until they hear voices coming closer down the beach, and they see Willow, Viney, Skara, and Gus coming closer. Luz and Amity just look at each other and decide to wave.
"Hey all. What's up? I figured you'd all be home by now," commented Luz.
As they were walking along, the members of the Emerald Entrails noticed that Hunter had just created a Penstagram account.
"Did he just make an account?" Viney wondered.
"Wow. He is a slow typer," comments Willow.
"He's worse than my dad," joked Gus.
It was at that point Willow notices Luz and Amity nearby.
"Oh. Hey, guys," said Willow as they all came over.
[Luz and Amity come up to them.]
"I am really digging those outfits. So, how was the rest of school? Did we... miss anything?" Asked Luz.
"Just had our first team win as the Emerald Entrails," declared Willow as her team members proceeded to strike their respective cool poses.
"Ooh! Sorry we weren't there. I promise we'll be there next time to cheer you on," cheered Luz.
Willow turns her scroll towards them and shows them the group selfie on her Penstagram account. Both Luz and Amity notice Hunter in the photo and gasp in shock.
Luz and Amity look at each other and scream, "What?!"
After the team filled in Luz and Amity on the events of the day the couple groaned.
"At least none of you got seriously hurt," sighed Amity.
"Well, what about you two? How was your day?" Asked Willow, clearly fishing for some spicy details.
"Not much to really say. We hung out, practiced some magic, got attacked by some wraiths, and then finished out the day here enjoying the starlight," said Luz as she hugged Amity's arm and gave her a peck on the cheek.
"Oh and Luz gave me these cool gloves she made for me. She's the best," Amity said proudly as she looked at Luz.
Taking one of Luz's gloves and examining it before passing it around to the others, Willow said, "Actually this is really well made. Good job Luz… wait a minute what's this about a wraith attack," Willow cooed before getting worried.
"Relax Willow. It was only a few wraiths. We took care of it. It's really not a big deal or did you forget how we crushed Grom? Maybe we should remind them. What do you say, botata, do you want to dance with me," Amity said as she swept Luz up.
"With you hermosa? Anytime," Luz answered as they danced away back into the treeline.
"Aw, they're so cute together," said Viney as Skara agreed.
Willow and Gus looked after their friends but couldn't escape the feeling they were hiding something. Soon though the Entrails went their separate ways to get some rest before school tomorrow.
And as the couple made their way back, they both shared a look. They would have to tell Willow and Gus everything eventually, but didn't know how.
This ended up being a great chapter in my opinion. It took a couple rerwrites because I wasn't going to cover the 'flyer derby' stuff but it just felt like such a betrayal of Hunter's character. Also to address the elephant in the room yes Luz is OP in theory but not really. Eventually I'll do a deep dive into the rules of how her powers work but you'll have to wait. 'EVIL LAUGH'
For clarification in my head I saw there being somewhere between 150-200 wraiths destroyed and only about 5% of Luz's actual potential on display (estimated of course).
I really wish I could shout out where I got the idea for the gloves, but I can't find there origanal creator. They were based on 2 different ideas I found, handmade gloves and eye masks that let each other share dreams. This just felt really on brand for Luz to me.
If anything feels rushed. It's on purpose. In story the DOU is only just over a month away. There is a lot that needs to happen before that, and even if no one else knows P.T. does. All I can say is my guys got a plan and good reasons for what and how he does things.
Let me know your theories and what you thought in the reviews. And don't worry we haven't ever reached to emotional peak yet, 'Hollow minds' is still on its way. It's written and I'm going to do it here and every chapter till it drops but TRIGGER WARNING. It is the only chapter I intend to give or have a need to do so for, but here's you first warning. It's going to be rough and if that boths you please leave now. I totally get it and leave with my full respect. Otherwise tee minus 1 chapter.