Willow sat on her bed with her knees to her chest. It had been only a handful of hours since two of her best friends, their mentors, and King had made their escape. It still surprised her how quickly Amity and herself had fallen back into there old rhythm. After all these years and after seeing the person herself and Gus had christened "New Amity", it just felt right. It had started as a joke, a little jab at her one time friend, but after everything Luz had gone through and how Amity had done everything in her power to stand by her the name had become so much more. She wasn't the bully, the perfect daughter, or the horrible snob anymore. She was truly a new person or at least new to everyone but Willow. Willow remembered this girl. The little girl who had stuck up for her, stood by her, and been her best friend. She was finally back, and finally Willow felt like her heart was whole again, maybe even better then before, but at the moment that was the problem. She finally was whole again, and now she had to face the possibility that she was about to loss it all again and so much more. Willow had held everything together while Luz had told/shown them what she had learned, and it was so much worse then she had ever dreamed. Worst of all they had three weeks to find a solution, or everyone she knew… everyone she loved would most likely die.
So she sat alone… on her bed… paralyzed by fear and doubt. It was all just too much. Like yah, her and her friends were strong. Apparently Luz was nearly god adjacent, but would it be enough? Was she enough? Even after all the time Willow had spent with her friends, all the work she had done, and becoming the captain of the Emerald Entrails, that little voice in the back of her head still remained.
"Half a witch. Weak. Pathetic. Unworthy," that little voice slithered into her ear saying these and a thousand other things. Each one feeling like a shard of ice stabbing into her heart. Every comment wore away at what little confidence she had managed to gain in herself.
So she sat in her bed and cried quietly, alone, and then she heard a commotion in her garden. A new fear grew in her. Did they know she knew? Were the coven scouts coming to get her? Were they going to hurt her dads?... And then a familiar little red cardinal came flying through her window. Together with Clover, her bee palisman, they followed the cardinal out to the garden and found a disheveled and exhausted Hunter wrapped up in vines.
At seeing the boy, Willow laughed as her fear evaporated, "You know. I'm starting to think you like being wrapped in my vines. It's kinda late for a visit, but what can I do for you?"
Looking embarrassed Hunter whispered back, "You could start by getting me out of here." After Willow freed the boy he continued, "Captain I'm sorry to bother you this late at night… I don't know if you've spoken to Luz about… what happened, but for the time being… I have nowhere to go." The look of shame and fear was still all over his face. He was dirty, and if Willow was right, he had been running all day.
He looked awful, like a sick wounded animal, terrified of everything around it and jumping at every shadow. .It didn't surprise her given what Luz had said, but still to see him like this. It broke her heart and she didn't know why. Seeing anyone like this would hurt her, that much she knew, but for whatever reason this felt deeper. Before she could unpack that mystery, she put it aside for now, and told him, "Luz told us everything earlier. I'm sorry Hunter… for all of it. It's not fair you have to go through all this, and… I'll help you however I can. Sadly, I can't let you in. My family is already in too much danger with just me being here… but I do know somewhere you can stay."
"Where?" asked Hunter with the first hopeful look he'd had all day.
"Well at the moment, the Owl House is deserted except for Hooty. If you can make it till after school tomorrow I will take you there and you will be safe. We both know the scouts have never managed to get passed him, even with Ms. Lilith with them, so unless the emperor himself decides to stop by you should be nearly untouchable. Moreover no one will think to look for you there especially if we can sneak you in. I'm sure they know it's abandoned by now and of all places why would you go there? Right." Willow said with a mischievous smile.
"Ok Captain, it sounds like a solid plan… Wait… THE OWL HOUSE IS ABANDONED!! I have so many questions," sighed Hunter before he stiffened in surprise.
"It's late. We can go over everything tomorrow. You can stay in the shed for tonight." yawned Willow. As she walked back into her house after getting Hunter set up she heard him behind her one last time, "Thanks Captain," and she walked away to get some rest with a new goal to help distract her.
The next school day passed without much change. No one seemed to question Luz's absence, but apparently there had been an incident at Blight Industries so the absence of all three Blights didn't seem out of place either. Willow and Gus did notice a stronger scout presence on their way to and from school. Thankfully Eda's paranoia had apparently rubbed off on Luz because the pair found a stack of premade glyphs in her locker. Namely her original invisibility glyphs. Between the glyphs and the pair's familiarity with the forest around Eda's house after months of sneaking over there, getting Hunter there unseen had been a cake walk. What the three had not been ready for was the absolute carnage that awaited them in Eda's front lawn. Whatever had happened had caused dozens of new scorch marks, at least five ancient trees to litter the yard, and there were deep groves dug at random all over.
As the three teens approached the door a clearly on edge Hooty shot out and wrapped them all up. "Who are you? I already told all you rats. They're not home, and after playing with your friends I'm kinda tired," Hooty said tiredly. Until he saw Willow, Gus, and Hunter pop into sight. Hooty gave a happy hoot at seeing them, and quickly brought them all inside before letting them go. "Hoot, hoot. Actual friends, it's so good to see you, and Hunter. Luz told me to let you in if you came by."
Hunter just looked at him stunned, "She did? Why?"
"Her direction's were 'Hunter has gone through enough. Hooty if he comes by he is to be treated like family and protected'. Hoot hoot, and what the partner says is law in this house," happily hooted Hooty.
"The partner?" asked Gus.
Hooty just stared at them for a second before slinking back into the door, "Anyway, make yourself at home. Nap time for Hooty."
"Does he ever get less weird?" asked Hunter.
Sharing a look both friends responded together, "Not really, but he's mostly harmless."
"Great," Hunter sighed. "Can you at least fill me in on what I missed Captain?"
It was Willow's turn to sigh, "Ok but first do you remember Luz's other form?"
For the next half hour Gus and Willow filled in Hunter about what was going on except for any mention of P.T., King's species, and Amity's involvement. They explained Luz's condition as a curse she had been getting used to that had a few unusual quirks. It didn't take much to convince Hunter that they were all safe from her even in her beast form. Apparently being protected and held by it had left quite the impression on him.
"That about covers it," declared Gus.
"Hunter, I'm sorry I have to ask, and you don't need to answer now, but when we have to take down Belos. Are you with us?" Willow asked nervously.
Hunter got up and paced for a minute as if in deep thought. Something that made Gus and Willow increasingly nervous. After a minute he looked Willow in the eye, "Since my… since Belos… betrayed me, I kinda don't have a team right now, but I promise. Where my Captain goes I will follow. If you will let me back on the team that is. I owe you at least that much," Hunter said firmly and clearly.
Willow looked away blushing. "Stupid cute… oh no," Willow thought.
"Are you feeling ok, Captain? You're a little red," worried Hunter.
"... And dense like Luz. Is this how Amity felt?" thought Willow with a groan. "I'm fine Hunter. Gus, we better get out of here before anyone notices we were here. I'll invite you to our chat tonight so we can plan. Bye Hunter," said Willow over her shoulder as she pushed Gus out of the room.
And with that Hunter was alone, again. He decided to take a shower and sleep on the couch. He found himself floating in a misty dark void until he heard a female voice he didn't recognise but felt familiar and warm. It reminded him of Willow for some reason. "Caleb? Hun, where are you? I found some wild mushrooms in the forest. Dinner will be done soon," said the voice.
The void seemed to spin and the fog shifted. This time he could vaguely make out two figures on a rise hand in hand. They must have been a couple because one looked very pregnant. He could hear the female voice again, "Not long now my love. Soon we will be parents to a brand new baby Claw…"
The void spun again, cutting off the woman's voice. When it stopped he heard a voice he would never forget. Philip Wittlebane was hugging a blond man. Hunter still couldn't make out more of his exact features, but they were getting clearer with each spin. Philip said, "Brother, I finally found a way home. Come with me." There was another voice but Hunter couldn't make it out. Whatever it said stunned Philip and behind them the pregnant woman appeared in a nearby doorway. The blond man pulled Philip into the house while saying more things Hunter couldn't make out, before he put his hands on each of Philip's shoulders and looked into his eyes. As quick as a snake Philip stabbed the blond in his side and said sadly, "I'm so sorry Caleb. If I had been just a little faster finding a way home, maybe I could have saved you. But it's too late now. I promise you brother, I will save your soul." With that Philip stepped over Caleb, bloody knife in hand, as he slowly moved toward the woman. Caleb was going to die, it was clear to Hunter, but with what strength he had left he latched onto Philips leg and chokingly screamed, "Eva, run. Save yourself… protect our baby." While trying to free himself from Caleb's grasp Philip knocked over a lantern and soon the house around them began to burn, but Eva escaped in the confusion.
The void spun one last time. He was floating behind Eva as she ran as fast as she could before a familiar red cardinal came flying in and she rode him away into the night.
Hunter awoke with tears in his eyes and he noticed Flapjack sleeping peacefully on his chest. "Hey Bud. I just had the weirdest dream. I'll tell you about it later. I love you little buddy," Hunter yawned before falling back asleep.
Nothing much happened the rest of that week for the rest of the Hexsquad. Hunter wasn't disturbed except for a few minor encounters with scouts, but never more than two or three at a time. Easy work for Hooty, and no one got close enough to discover Hunter. Classes for Willow and Gus went on as normal until they got disturbing news before they left school on Friday. That night Willow sent everyone a message on Penstagram to jump onto Calamity.
(WITCHCHICK128) Ok, roll call.
(HumanFan89) Yup.
(Luzura) yuppes.
(EM_IRA) both here.
(RULERZREACHF4N) This better be good.
(Hello_willow) F4N it's not. Also here.
(WITCHCHICK128) Thats everyone. 89 why don't you let everyone know why we are here.
(HumanFan89) ok 128. Apparently 3 heads are coming to Hexside on Monday. We don't know why yet but thats 3 to many for our liking. I'd say we get as many people to skip but that might be to obvious. Thoughts?
(EM_IRA) We are still MIA. Made another attempt and Waden O almost caught us. 128 and Luzura you need to hurry back. Things are getting dicey and dadcanic/Waden O are getting suspicious. So far only miner slowdowns to. No major damage. No help sorry.
(RULERZREACHF4N) Can provide assistance, but that might be what they want. Will continue standby for now, but I'm ready either way. Team vote.
(WITCHCHICK128) We can come back early, but like F4N. That might be what they want. I don't like it but F4N I vote yes.
(Luzura) Same. I vote ya, but so help me F4N if you get caught I'm going to kick your tail, again.
(RULERZREACHF4N) calm down Luzura. Your starting to sound like OwlMom. I'll be fine.
(HumanFan89) If your sure bro. I vote yes.
(EM_IRA) we abstain. We have no horse in this race and until we know who you are we can't throw you into the grinder.
(Hello_willow) my vote seems moot but I say no. Vote carries. I don't like it though.
(WITCHCHICK128) none of us do will. But we are doing all we can to get ready for the DOU.
(Luzura) WE WILL BE READY
(WITCHCHICK128) if thats everything. Everyone get some rest. We will talk again soon.
Once everyone left the room Willow closed it out and erased any evidence of the conversation. A part of her was really happy about how well Hunter had integrated into their group over the week after the general distrust that had been evident that first night. At the same time that boy drove her nuts. At every opportunity to put himself in danger or prove himself he jumped. "Frankly if he wasn't so titan dang cute… bad Willow, bad. None of that. Now is not the time," she thought. It did feel good though to know all her friends were safe, even the whole process to talk was cumbersome. As she laid back to get to sleep, she tried to distract herself from thinking about her golden crush again by trying to puzzle out which three coven heads would show up.
It took no time at all for all their planning to go sideways that Monday. When Gus and Willow made it to school they found Edric and Emira waiting outside. Apparently Odalia had heard about the coven heads' visit and forced Ed and Em to make an appearance. Worst of all Odalia and Alador were now aware Amity was missing. The four decided to make the best of it and finally take care of some unfinished business before the heads came late that day.
Outside the principal's office, Mattholomule walks out, having joined the illusion track, and walks off proudly. The Blight twins also come out. Edric had joined the beast keeping and potions tracks, and Emira, the healing track. They high-fived each other and walked off to their new classes. Inside his office, Principal Bump was rummaging through folders in a drawer, and the illusion teacher looked back proudly saying, "It's nice to see the kids embracing multitracks. I remember giving up everything for illusions."
Principal Bump looked up at his co-worker with a grin, "To be honest, I thought this whole idea would be more trouble than it's worth. But I haven't seen our students this enthusiastic, ever. I guess a part of me forgot the most important lesson I ever learned in these halls."
"What was that, Hieronymus?" asked the other teacher.
"If we keep an open mind, we teachers can learn as much from the students as they do from us," smiled Bump. "It's almost like Edalyn sent her apprentice here specifically to remind me of our lesson and so I remember the failings of my mentor. Faust. Now I think we have a few more students to attend to before lunch. Let's get to it."
In the cafeteria Willow, Gus, Ed, and Em were celebrating Ed and Em's new track status.
"It just feels so good to finally be myself and let my inner nerd out. I never realized how much I was holding myself back until Ms. Clawthorne gave me the chance to show my other talents," admitted Ed with a contented smile.
"You're right Ed and we need to thank Mittens too. If she hadn't stood up to mom, I don't think I would have had the courage to finally do the same in my own way. Maybe it's time I take another big step, and borrow Mittens' courage one more time," laughed Em as she got up and walked to the other side of the cafeteria.
Willow leaned in to her friends, "I went and checked on our golden friend at the Owl House. Hooty's still handling the Coven Scouts. He even captured one for information, but he didn't get much."
"Speaking of your golden boo, how's that going? Anyone seen him yet today?" asked Ed with a cheshire smile.
Willow squinted suspiciously, "No I haven't seen him, but that's probably for the best. He is one of the most wanted people on the Isles right now." Ed just continued to smile knowingly as Willow began to sweat. Until everyone heard Viney shrek, "Yes," and the bell screamed for the end of lunch.
Just then, Bump's voice rings out from the speakers, "Students, please join me in the gym for an important announcement."
In the gym, all the students were gathering, and Emira and Viney were holding hands. On a stage erected in the middle of the room stood Bump and three hooded figures.
Principal Bump brought the crowd to silence before he began, "Uh, students, teachers, let me introduce the esteemed-"
But the middle hooded figure interrupted him, "Please, Principal Bump, I deserve no accolades." With a flourish the figure stepped forward and took off his hood. "Hello everyone, my name is Adrian Graye, Head Witch of the Illusionist Coven. With me today are Terra Snapdragon, Head Witch of the Plant Coven, and Raine Whispers, Head Witch of the Bard Coven." At everyones worried muttered he continued. "Unfortunately, I'm not here with good news. The Emperor's Coven has plans to stop multi-track studies, by inducting every Hexside student into a coven, before the Day of Unity." Everyone gasps in shock. Especially Viney, Barcus, Jerbo, Ed and Em.
Principal Bump quickly gestured to quiet everyone down, "Don't worry. No one's magic is going to be sealed away. Head Witch Graye has come to help, and with his fellow heads support they came up with a plan.
As Edric was led up to the stage, Adrian started speaking again, "Before any Coven Scouts come by, I'm going to make illusions of sigils on your wrists. They'll be temporary, and harmless."
Edric, looking scared, started sputtering, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait, wait, I just started the other tracks. Are you sure this is safe?"
Adrian grins maliciously, "Don't worry, once a scout sees the fake sigil, they'll move on, and you can continue your studies in peace. Now hold still." Adrian drew a spell circle in the air and aimed it towards Edric's wrist. Gus realized this is a trap as he noticed Adrian's illusion flicker almost imperceptibly.
Gus gasped, "Stop! Don't trust him! He's hiding behind an illusion!"
Gus draws a huge spell circle, and aims it towards the stage. The illusion dispels and Adrian is revealed to be a Scout Captain in disguise. Edric fearfully shields his wrist as Bump steps forward to protect him.
When suddenly, the real Adrian's voice can be heard, "Cut! Just... just cut."
From the bleachers in the gym, Coven Scouts start appearing, to the shock and disturbance of the students. Some Coven Scouts also appear on stage too, a few handling the lights, and a few handling vocals. The real Adrian then appears, in a director's seat, in the middle of the stage. Adrian is holding a cup of coffee and looks like he's about to laugh.
"All right, a couple of notes. Tom, that Adrian illusion was lacking a certain, hmm? You get me? Severine! That was really... poor work. You're on thin ice. Captain, the read of your last line was just a little... mm," said the real Adrian as he went from scout to scout and his fellow heads just looked at him in exasperation.
"Adrian. This is ridiculous. We let you play your little game. Now how about we get down to business. I have more important things to do today than this," sighed Terra.
As the Guard Captain pulled out a trio of Branding Gloves there was an explosion of smoke and everyone started to evacuate and scatter for safety, stomping out a few unlucky scouts as they ran. When the smoke cleared the three heads found themselves in a massive illusion. Each head took a glove, and while Raine ran off alone to move faster and prevent anyone from leaving the campus, or so she said, the other two heads split the remaining scouts between them and started hunting.
In the plant wing Willow, Emira, and Viney are catching their breath.
"I just got a text from Ed. He, Bump and a bunch of others are in the Healing Homeroom. We should find our way over there," declared Emira
As they attempted to make their way, they found themselves cut off by Terra and her Coven Scouts.
"Hello there little sprouts. Why not make this easy for yourselves and just except the brands," cooed Terra.
Willow looked around at the two girls behind her. They were afraid. They needed someone to fight for them… like Luz did for her. In that moment it dawned on her. Terra, her scouts, even Belos were just bullies, and thanks to her friends Luz and Amity she knew how to deal with a bully. Willow straightened her back, planted her feet, and looked Terra in the eye as she calmly and evenly said, "No. Leave now and don't come back, or I will have to throw you out."
For a moment Terra just looked at the girl confused, but then she began to laugh before becoming deadly serious, "Oh, this sprout has fire. I hate to inform you but I am Terra Snapdragon. I am Head Witch of the Plant Coven. There is not a seedling, vine, or tree on these Islands that is not at my beck and call. I have tended to the growth of generations of young witches as they grew into their power, and like them you will know your place." With a subtle flick of her wrist Terra sent a barbed vine shooting toward Willow like a striking snake.
Emeira and Viney yelled out together, "Willow, watch out!" But Willow did not move.
Inches from Willow's face, her eyes lit up in a vibrant green and the vine stopped dead. Everyone simply stood witness to Willow's ascension. Like an arboreal goddess, roots and vines snaked around her like armor and lifted her off the ground. From out of the wild creation of nature's wrath came Willow's voice, strong and uncompromising, "I know who you are. There was even a time I looked up to you, but that was a long time ago. Since you care so much about who we are, I will let you know your replacement is here. I am Willow Park. I was half-a-witch Willow. I allowed others to determine my worth, but not anymore. I am the head of Hexsides plant track. I am the captain of the Emerald Entrails. I stand shoulder to shoulder with the most courageous and powerful witches of my age, and if my friends Luz and Amity have taught me anything. It's how to prune an old…withered… weed like you. So show me what you've got, or run away and accept that you aren't queen around here anymore. That crown is mine."
Truly enraged at the gall of the young upstart standing before her, Terra lashed out with dozens of flytrap-esque growths with acid dripping from their maws like the heads of a hungry hydra. Only to see them shrivel before the young witch or slam themselves into the walls beside her as Willow started slowly moving toward her. Terra tried throwing up a wall of thick vines to stop Willow's approach. Only to see her walk through them like they didn't exist, some even joining with Willow's already impressive armor. As a last resort Terra summoned scores of spore rich flowers and had them dump it all into the air before Willow in an attempt to slow her down, but with a small gesture Willow condensed it all and shot it back at her and her scouts. In one fell swoop all of the scouts passed out and Terra was left feeling fear for the first time in a very long time. With one mighty swing of her arm Willow backhanded Terra into the wall, knocking her out as well, and with no more effort then swatting a bug Willow entombed each of them in vines and left them hanging on the front lawn off of a central stalk.
During the whole exchange Emira and Viney just watched in awe. Each of them remembering the old Willow. For Emira it was the scared little girl her sister had always stood up for before their parents got in the way. For Viney it was the poor girl who had been Boscha's favorite target for years. Both of them knew that girl didn't exist anymore. She had blossomed and woe betide the next bully that tried their luck because this Willow was not one to mess with.
As Willow shed her armor and smiled at the shocked pair she asked, "Too much?"
With a look the two girls smiled and gave a bow, "Not at all your ladyship and Queen of all things Green." At the comment all three broke out into uncontrolled laughter.
Throwing her arm over Willow's right shoulder Emira said, "Luz and Mittens would be proud."
While Viney threw her arm over Willow's left shoulder while continuing to laugh, "Just please take pity on Boscha the next you see her, or you might accidentally kill her."
With smiles and walking as one, the three girls made their way towards the healing homeroom. Unaware that the whole ordeal had been seen by one other person who slicked away to think.
In another place somewhere at the school, Hunter and Gus are also running through the shifting illusion. When it finally steadies they are seen somewhere in the streets of Bonesborough. Suddenly, they bump into a wall, which actually turns out to be one of the lockers, and they fall to the ground.
Hunter groans, "Why are we here? Whoa, Gus. What-- Is your eye okay?"
One of Gus's eyes is revealed to be blue; he rubs his eyes in confusion and looks again. From Gus's perspective; the blue eye can see through his illusions while the other cannot.
Gus looks at Hunter worried, "My spell, it's still active."
Hunter looks back at his new friend, "Can't you I don't know… unspell it."
Gus looks away ashamed, "No, I- I don't know how, I've never made one this big before."
Hunter looked at Gus confidently, "Don't worry. We're still in Hexside, we should find a teacher. Maybe they'll know how to help."
Upon spotting two Coven Scouts in front of them, Hunter immediately summons his staff and attacks one of the scouts, but gets intercepted when abomination goo, summoned by the other scout, takes his staff and traps his body in goo. The other scout attempts to take the staff, but it immediately transforms into Flapjack and flies around him, trying to distract him.
"Hunter!" Gus yells as he tries to run towards Hunter but is restrained by the other scout with vines.
One of the Coven Scouts approaches Hunter but stops upon recognizing him, "Wait, aren't you the Golden Guard?"
The other scout chimed in at his partner's comment, "Seriously? Dude, what the heck? We're on the same side."
"Our deepest apologies, sir. The Emperor sent out a search party for you, he's been worried sick," said the first scout as the call off the abomination goo, freeing Hunter.
At the mention of Belos, Hunter immediately flinches, and tries to hide it.
The other Scout adds, "I'd be honored to escort you back to the castle, sir. I'm sure the Emperor would be thrilled to know you're okay. Say.. why aren't you in uniform?"
As a wave of illusory fire hits the Coven Scouts, making them fall back. Hunter is taken by surprise as the wave passes him without effect.
Gus yells, "Follow me!" And the two run away.
The Coven Scouts chase after them as they run into a tangible wall, confusing the Coven Scouts. The two kids pant behind the door as they find themselves in Gus's room, and Hunter starts panicking once more.
"Oh Titan! He's looking for me! He'll know I'm here. I-I g-gotta run. I-I gotta hide! I g-" Hunter chokes out while breathing heavily.
Gus puts his hand on Hunter's shoulder, which makes Hunter stop hyperventilating and look up at him, "Hey. Try to breathe. Like this." Gus repeats the technique that Willow showed him; he starts inhaling, counting from 1 to 4, and then exhales and counts back to 1. He repeats as Hunter follows along, eventually calming down.
"Where did you learn that?" asked Hunter looking much better.
"Willow taught it to me the day we met. Until Luz came, she was my only real friend," Gus said remembering how he felt before meeting Willow.
Seeing the sadness on Gus's face, Hunter couldn't help but laugh; which earned an angry look from Gus. Hunter stopped him though, "Gus, you really don't see how blessed you are. You are super smart, funny, and an amazing friend. You are literally surrounded by three of the most powerful witches on the Isles, and all three would do anything for you. If half the stories I've heard are true, you might be the most capable illusionist alive today. You have a father who loves you…"
Gus looked at Hunter and gave him a playful shove, "Have to correct you on a few points there bud. We are blessed. We are surrounded by a lot more than three of the most powerful witches around, and we have an amazing family. We may not be blood, but all of us have each other's backs and that includes you now Hunter. Congrats you're stuck with us weirdos now."
As Hunter and Gus finish catching their breath before moving on, Gus heard Hunter whisper, "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
As the two guys continue to make their way looking for everyone else they see Willow walking through the halls and stops as she notices them.
Gus shouts out, "Willow! You're okay!"
"Augustus! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Willow says as she slowly draws closer.
"Oh, don't worry. We're cool," reasurres Gus.
As she draws closer though, Hunter and Gus look at her suspiciously, and Hunter summons his staff and teleports in front of the two.
Hunter growls out, "Who are you? You're not the captain."
Willow just looked on in fear, seeming to beg Gus for help with her eyes.
Gus only laughs at her, "Have you ever seen Willow play Flyer Derby? There's no way she'd be afraid of either of us."
As 'Willow' started backing away, Adrian's voice rang out again, "Oh, again? Cut!"
"Willow" is revealed to be Severine in disguise.
Adrian roars out again, "Severine! You had your chance, and you blew it! Not that I'm surprised."
Severine just squeaked, "But I-I followed all your notes."
Adrian sighed, "Well, they were still able to see through your shoddy performance. So maybe you should've figured out the note inside the note, and you two are making my job very difficult."
Hunter and Gus try to run away from Graye, but are halted in their tracks by Belos.
Hunter wimpers fearfully, "Belos…"
Graye kicks Hunter to the ground and grabs Gus by the arms. He holds Hunter down with his foot. With a snap of his fingers he summoned the two scouts casting Belos as an illusion.
Hunter yells out, "I command you to stop!" Which makes the scouts pause.
Adrian lets out another frustrated yell, "You idiots. Right now he's just a runaway, and our dearest Emperor wants him back. So tie him up."
The last thing either boy remembered was a quiet tone on a flute, and then they both passed out as they were being tied up.
The next thing Gus knew he was waking up in the Healing Homeroom with Flapjack looking down on him, and he was soon accompanied by Skara and Viney.
Skara sighed, "He's finally waking up!"
Gus sits up and rubs his head to clear the dizziness. He looked around the room and was surprised. Barcus was licking a scar on one of his paws, while beside him was Jerbo, his leg being wrapped around with a gauze roll. Bump was dampening a wet cloth onto Mattholomule's arm. Emira was then shown summoning a spell circle and holding it up to a part of Edric's scraped head. After looking calm for a while, Gus startsed to get up, but fell to the floor and groaned. Viney and Skara help him up.
Viney scolded him lightly, "Whoa! It's okay. Try not to stand so fast."
"Gus you're safe. You're in the Healing Homeroom," assured Skara.
"But they got Hunter, we have to save him," cried Gus. Which quickly got Willows attention.
Bump approaches Gus with a distrustful look on his face, "And why should we do that Mr. Porter. We saw you two being dragged around, and the flier derby team was determined to save you both, but they could only get one of you. I ask again, Why should we endanger ourselves for the Golden Guard?"
"He's not with them anymore. He's not even the Golden Guard at this point. I swear! He's my friend and he tried to help me," declared Gus. "Please, you gotta believe me!"
Willow puts a hand on his shoulder.
Willow looked around confidently, "He's telling the truth, and once we save him he can help us drive Head Witch Graye and his scouts out of the school."
"Y-Yes! Um, Graye will probably be in the gym like the primadonna he is. But he will be guarded," asurted Gus.
Em stood up, "That won't be a problem. Willow can bust through anything. She already took down Terra. What can Graye do against our Queen of Green."
Willow blushed, but looked on thankfully, "Yeah. But I'll need help."
Reading the room Principal Bump just sighed, "Let's just come up with a plan first."
Skara started clapping excitedly, "Yes, this is my favorite part!"
Outside the gym, which was still enveloped in an illusion of a forest. Coven Scouts were seen guarding the door.
While inside the gym, it was enveloped inside an illusion of the Looking Glass Ruins. Adrian kept pacing back and forth in front of a captive Hunter, being held by two Coven Scouts.
"At first I thought this whole deal was a waste of my amazing skills, but I realized that a true genius can find the art in everything he does and… Yoo-hoo. Come on. Are you listening? This is my monologue. The least you can do is at least pay attention," Graye fumed.
Hunter just sighed at him, "If your going to turn me in could you at least get on with it. Your whining is giving me a headache."
Adrian gives Hunter an offended look, "Oh. Right. All about you. Now how about telling me how he knows about the Looking Glass Graveyard? I've been looking for the Galdorstones for a while now. They'd make great gifts for the Emperor. Where did your friend say he found them?" At Hunter's refusal to answer, Graye sighed, "Ah. Boring." Adrian then takes off his mirror-shaped earring. "See this mirror? It's a handy little magic amplifier. It'll help me sort through those little memories of yours. Let's see if I can find anything interesting while we wait for Terra and Raine to come back why don't we?"
Hunter started groaning in pain, "Ah, stop!"
Adrian just smiles, "Oh, don't be so dramatic."
The illusion all around the school dispels all at once startling the Coven Scouts outside guarding the gym, and Adrian looked around.
Adrian smiles, "Hmm. Well, that's one less thing to worry about. One of the other heads must have found your friend. Now, where were we?"
Outside the gym, a Guard Captain looks towards his left, and spots Principal Bump walking towards them.
The captain moves to block his path, "Gym is off-limits. Graye's orders."
Principal Bump just speaks down to the guard like a misbehaving child, "Graye may be Head Witch, but I'm still principal. It'd be wise to let me through."
Guard Captain chuckles and aims his spear towards Bump, "Oh, yeah?"
As Frewin comes off Bump's head and he aims it towards the guard captain he smiles, "Yeah." Behind him, an illusion dispels. Gus, Willow, Em and a few other students then appear, with a few abominations and creatures, like Puddles. Upon seeing this, the Guard Captain immediately whistles and a few other Coven Scouts to appear behind the battalion.
Guard Captain sneers, "Get 'em!"
As the fight commences. A Coven Scout attacks first, but Bump blocks him with magic. An abomination attempts to attack another Coven Scout, but he slashes it. Suddenly, Puddles lands on top of him, with Viney and Skara riding him. Skara attacks an incoming Coven Scout beside her, but a vine suddenly wraps Puddles's leg, causing both Skara and Viney to get thrown away. Emira immediately runs over and starts to heal Skara. A Coven Scout attempts to attack them, but he is suddenly countered by an abomination summoned by Jerbo, who smiles at them. Behind him, Edric and Barcus carry a handful of potions which they throw at the Coven Scouts. Mattholomule is then shown defending himself, summoning walls which the incoming Coven Scouts hit. Afterwards, he blows away his spell circle and smirks proudly. Just then, the wall behind him cracks as an incoming Coven Scout attempts to attack him, but he is suddenly trapped and raised by vines, summoned by Willow as she flings them away. A wave of energy summoned by the Guard Captain suddenly hits everyone, ending the battle.
Guard Captain screams out, "Enough! I will NOT be cowed by a group of students!" Vines suddenly hit him in the face and trap him against a wall. Willow steps forward as they call off their summons, "How about just one."
Gus suddenly runs in front of them and out of sight. Unbeknownst to everyone, the guard captain pulls out an Abomaton controller and presses a button on it.
Upon entering the gym Gus confronts Graye, "Let him go Greye, or you'll regret it."
Greye just lets out a laugh, "Really? What are you going to do, cry at me?" But quickly he discovers Gus's eyes are now both blue. He starts creating an orb that grows rapidly. Adrian and the others step back in shock as Gus slowly struts forward.
When Hunter recovers he finds Gus in a glowing orb, Adrian and the two Coven Scouts lying on the floor with glowing eyes and somehow in pain.
Adrian groans and begs, "Make it stop. Make it stop! I don't.. like these memories…"
Willow and Em rush inside.
Emira looks on concerned, "What's going on?"
"Gus trapped them in their own heads," answers Hunter with only the smallest amount of pity.
The four suddenly hear loud thumping and turn around as an Abomatron tearing his way inside the gym. All the other students behind it are now trapped in abomination goo. The Guard Captain enters with the controller.
The Guard Captain laughs, "I needed a reason to play with one of these, so thanks for being such insufferable brats!" The Abomaton advanced on the remaining kids and starts revealing its weapons.
Emira sighed, "I really have to talk to my parents about this."
Gus just released a long sigh, "Don't worry all. I can handle one more." With calm steps Gus walked toward the captain and within seconds his eyes started shining blue as well as he began to curl up and cry.
After everyone was freed and safe Raine appeared with hands up, "Clearly today is our loss. I'll collect our guards and leave in peace. Fair?" When knowone answered or tried to stop them they got to work collecting everyone. After another minute Gus frees everyone from the effects of his spell, but they continue to just lay there and cry.
Outside the school. The Coven Scouts who could still move prepared to leave. Two of them are dragging a traumatized and whimpering Adrian inside the ship along with the still unconscious Guard Captain.
Raine looked at everyone sadly, "When Emperor Belos catches wind of this…"
Principal Bump interrupted proudly, "I'm sure he'll be thrilled to learn two of his heads were defeated by a couple teenagers."
One of the scouts yelled out, "Severine! Get on that ship or you'll be walking back to the castle!" But Severine has finally had enough.
Severine just yells back, "You know what? It has been a rough year, and my self-esteem can only take so much! I quit!" She throws her mask to the floor, revealing her cat-like head and walks away. "I'm going back to the Tiny Cat Coven."
The whole school starts cheering and clapping as the ship finally leaves. Hunter and Gus watch it leave as they are approached by Willow and Emira.
"I still can't believe you each took down a Coven Head," said Emira in shock.
"Yeah, our friends are the best, but is Graye gonna be alright?" Asked Hunter.
Gus just shrugs, "Uh... probably?"
Skara runs up to everyone, "Hunter! What's going on at the castle?"
"Did you actually leave the Emperor's Coven?" Asked Viney.
Barcus barks, saying, "The people crave the truth."
Hunter looks hesitant at first, but then looks at Gus and Willow; they both smile back.
Hunter starts, "Listen. Emperor Belos has been lying to everyone. The Day of Unity isn't about the Titan or magic. It's much scarier than that."
Everyone has worried expressions on their faces upon hearing this.
Hunter apologizes, "Sorry... There's a lot to explain."
Principal Bump calmly approaches Hunter, "Then you'd better get started.
Hunter, Willow, Emira, Edric, and Gus look at him worriedly, but before they can continue another student runs up to them with a letter with a bard symbol on it.
After reading it Willow smiles, "We might not be in as much trouble as we thought. It looks like we might have some allies out there after all."
Oh lord above, I hope you all enjoy this chapter because it almost killed me. I'll admit I can't stand the majority of the canon episode this is based on. So much wasted potential. Trying to turn it into something I could be proud of took an agonizing two weeks to put together. For context, usually once I get started I can knock out a chapter in one maybe two sessions (basically a weekend) if I get inspired too late in the day. This took five, and I'd still be working on it if it didn't dawn on me to make it a showcase for just how strong Gus and Willow are when they've finally had enough. All in all despite the whining, I'm actually very proud of how this ended up.
Congrats all with the end of this chapter we begin the final sprint to The Day of Unity, only two more after this in fact. The last one being the finale of this arc. After that this story will probably become a lot less regular given that I'll have to do a complete rewrite from that point on (stupid Disney killing a great show), and I'll wait to make it official till the finale is posted, but this story will open up into a cross over after that (titan give me strength). Wish me luck and please review. I need the feedback to get better.