Chapter 21: Enchanting Grom Night
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Now a big shoutout goes to my buddy kival737101 for helping me figure out some key moments in this chapter as well as a few new surprises and twists I came up. I hope you all like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves at the Nakamura Dojo. There an elderly Akira was teaching a class with Hana working in the front.
As the class was doing a series of punches and kicks the door opens revealing Momo and a 9-year-old Minato who had a nasty bruise on his cheek.
"Konnichiwa Kasan." Momo said.
"Konnichwa Obasan." Minato said as Hana looked up.
"There's my favorite daughter and grandson." She smiles before noticing they bruise. "Oh my goodness what happened?"
"Nothing happened." Minato said but Momo glares at him making him sigh. "I got in a fight at school."
"Again. This time the staff said he was using fighting moves. Moves taught at this dojo." Momo hints.
"Oh no." Hana said pinching her nose.
"Minato this is not what this dojo teaches. I wanted you to learn so you can learn valuable life lessons not beat up people." Momo said.
"He started it!" Minato snaps.
"Urusai!" Momo snaps startling him. "I don't want to hear any more excuses. Violence is never the answer to your problems."
Frowning Minato hung his head. "Sorry mom."
"Just go see your Ojichan and have him patch you up." Momo said gesturing to the class being dismissed.
As Minato walks away Momo sighs as Hana led her into the office.
"Nice to see you haven't gotten soft becoming a newly single mom." Hana said as they sat down.
"I don't know what's going on. Ever since his father left he's been getting into fights with every kid who says something mean to him or someone else. Why can't he just look the other way?" Momo asks.
"I don't know. I remember a certain hothead young lady who picked her fair share of fights." Hana smirks.
"Sure I bet you have a million students like that." Momo said annoyed and totally oblivious.
"I'm just saying you could be a little more understanding." Hana said.
"I try he just doesn't listen. He's so stubborn." Momo said.
"Gee I wonder why." Hana rolls her eyes. "He's young. He's just going through a phase. You just need to be patient with him."
"I wish Miguel was here. He always was better at this." Momo sighs.
"You'll figure it out." Hana said narrowing her eyes. "Uh has Minato shown any signs of…you know it?"
"No and let's keep it that way." Mom said with a hint of worry and fear in her voice. "The longer he goes without knowing the better."
"Momo are you sure that's the right idea?" Hana asks concerned.
"Believe me, it is." Momo said but her mother wasn't as sure.
In the back, Minato was being looked at by Akira.
"The other kid better look worse." Akira said putting a bandage on him.
"Of course he is. Like a bully could beat me after years of taking all your lessons." Minato said.
"So what did this one say?" Akira asks.
"He said my dad ran away because he couldn't stand having a freak like me for a son." Minato frowns.
"Kids can be cruel Minato, don't let them get to you." Akira said.
"What happened to him grandpa? He said he'd be back in a few weeks, that was over a year ago." Minato asks.
"I wish I had the answer Minato, but I don't." Akira sighs taking the goggles off his head. "I see you're still holding onto these."
"He said to give it back to him when he comes back. I plan on keeping that promise." Minato said.
"Well I know one thing for sure. I doubt he would leave because of you. He and your mother love you very much." Akira said.
"Dad maybe, mom I'm not so sure. All she ever does now is yell at me or lecture me." Minato frowns.
"Minato, my daughter does not hate you. She loves you more than anything else in the world. She just worries about you. She doesn't want you to get hurt…or worse." Akira said.
"I can take care of myself." Minato said.
"Sure you can, but that doesn't mean your mom should stop caring about you." Akira rolls his eyes. "Listen no matter what those kids or what anyone else might say you have people who love you. Your mother, your grandmother and me too. Because you're my grandson and I love you." Akira smiles ruffling his hair.
"Love you too Ojichan." Minato smiles as Momo and Hana walked out.
"Don't worry sweetie I patched him up." Akira said.
"Thanks dad. Say goodbye to your grandparents Minato." Momo said.
"Bye." Minato said as both bowed leaving the dojo.
"How about you and I make a tasty dinner tonight?" Momo offers.
"Sounds great…hey Mom, how do you feel about magic?" Minato asks.
"Mahou?" Momo said briefly startled before shaking it off. "Hmm it's a waste of time. Why do you ask?"
"Uh well…" Minato pauses looking at his hands.
"If this is another anime, don't try and copy the characters again. Magic isn't that worthwhile." Momo assumes.
"Uh yeah…just another anime thing Mom." Minato frowns too scared admit the truth. 'She'd never understand.'
Flashback End:
Years later, we find ourselves at the Owl House as Luz, Minato, Tiger Lily and Katara were doing some studying to improve their magic while King was sitting with Dez and Blanca on the couch watching something on Luz and Minato's phones as chargers ran through the portal.
"Come on baby. I got a water, and an air spirit, I need a good one for land." Tiger Lily said taking a stance.
Taking a deep breath, she pushes her hands forward and as her thumbs touched a purple glow enveloped her and a spirit cheetah appeared at her side.
Snarling at her, Lily grins.
"Yes, another new spirit summon." Lily smiles.
Nearby, Minato who was sitting with Katara with half a dozen glasses of water in between them.
"Okay now try and lift the water out of the glass." Katara instructs.
Narrowing his eyes, Minato held out his hand and concentrated.
Growling one of the glasses began to shake before the water shout out like a geyser soaking him.
Not being to hold it back Katara burst into laughter.
"It's not funny." Minato said.
"Well look at it this way. You got the water out of the glass." Katara giggles.
"You make this look easy." Minato said as she handed him a towel to dry off.
"Hey at least you can use water. Now we just need to work on you controlling it." Katara said.
"Well let's see if you've learned anything." Minato points.
Looking to the other glasses, Katara held out her hand and the water in one glass began to boil rapidly, one froze into ice, one turned into steam and the last two flew out of their cups and became streams of water that scooped the glasses up and put them in the sink.
"Yeah I think I'm getting the hang of this." She smirks.
"Show off." Minato said.
Finally in the living room, Luz was looking at a plant through a magnifying glass to see a glyph was in the bulb.
"Come on, work this time." Luz said drawing it and when she touched it a flower bloomed. "Yes! Hey guys check this out!" Luz calls out as everyone looked over. "My glyph skills are blossoming." Luz smirks.
"You think that's cool? I can do water magic now." Minato said.
"Hmm let's not get ahead of ourselves. You're not anywhere near my level or even Aang's." Katara said.
"Well I just made a new animal spirit." Lily brags when Blanca shushes them.
"You guys mind, I need to see if they conquer the Power Tower." Blanca said.
"Power Tower?" Looking over they saw Blanca was watching American Ninja Warrior.
"Come on! Move it!" Blanca said.
"I see we're getting enough WIFI through the portal for Youtube." Luz said.
"You think that's impressive? Check this out!" Dez calls out.
"Two warriors battling to the death!" King said as they looked at their phone to show they were watching cat videos.
"And cat videos apparently." Minato said.
"Senseless violence. Yes, attack! DEATH IS YOUR GOD!" King declares.
"Maybe it was a mistake teaching you guys about the internet." Luz cringed.
"Oh come on what's so bad about the internet? Also did you know the Earth is Flat?" Dez asks.
"Nope that's not right." Luz said as she and Minato took their phones back.
Suddenly both vibrated meaning they got texts.
Looking at them both teens panicked seeing they were texts from their mothers asking how camp was.
"Uh…" Doing the only thing they could think of they sent a thumbs up emoji or just said ok.
"What's that all about?" Katara asks.
"What are we supposed to say? Hi Mom, Mrs. Nakamura not at camp actually. We're in the demon realm learning to be witches also did you demons and magic are real?" Luz starts.
"Oh also Mom I found out about dad being from here and I've been hiding the fact I know magic since he disappeared." Minato adds as a loud record scratch went off.
Turning around they saw Dez had his hand over one.
"Sorry his reaction surprised me." Dez said.
"You never told your mother about your magic?!" Luz said as everyone turned to him.
"You're kidding." Lily gasps.
"How did you even get away with hiding it for so long?" Katara asks.
"Very carefully." Minato said.
"Minato, this is something you were born with. Why wouldn't you tell your mom about this?" Luz asks.
"Well when I first learned about my powers I acted like you Luz. Believing I was chosen for something big and awesome like in Azura, but when I kept messing up and training, I realized more and more I wasn't that special. I kept trying to bring it up to her but my mom hates magic. She thinks the whole genre and idea is ridiculous." Minato said.
"Well did you ever try talking to her?" Katara asks.
"I tried; she just doesn't listen. She's so stubborn." Minato said crossing his arms.
"Nah, she'd be freaked out by our world anyway. So actually, by keeping the truth from her, you're doing her a favor." King said.
"Huh the demon on my shoulder makes a good point." Luz pauses.
"You might be right King." Minato said.
"You know how I know you're both wrong? You both said King is right." Katara said.
"King is never right about this stuff." Lily said.
"Yeah that's nuts and this is coming from me." Dez agrees taking the phones back.
"Hoot-Hoot guys! Time to fill up that little head of yours with—" Retching Hooty barfed up their school books. "Delicious knowledge."
Popping their heads in, Willow, Gus and Ezra had horrified looks on their face.
"Please hurry." Gus begs.
"The more I look at him, the more uncomfortable I get." Willow cringed.
"Hoot hoot!" Hooty said.
"Please before he does something else." Ezra begs.
"Bye guys." Minato said handing Blanca his phone and Luz gave King back hers.
"Don't spend all day online." Luz said giving King a kiss.
"Keep an eye on everyone Dez." Katara said as they ran out.
"I forge my own path!" King declares.
"Something's not right." Dez said.
"Yeah they said King was right." Blanca points out.
"No not that. It was what Minato said about his mom. Miguel used to tell me about his family after all our sparring matches when I was at full power. This doesn't match the woman he kept telling me about." Dez said.
"Are you sure he wasn't talking about someone else?" Blanca asks.
"No way. He'd never stop talking about her. These stories don't add up and I think Mommy is the source of all of it." Dez said stroking his chin.
At Hexside the halls were decorated with balloons and other decorations when Luz, Minato, Katara, Tiger Lily, Gus, Willow and Ezra enter.
"Whoa what's all this?" Tiger Lily asks.
"Something's different today. Did everyone get haircuts?" Luz assumes.
"No Luz I think Hexside is throwing a party." Katara assumes.
"Oh yeah! I forgot you've never been here for the social event of the season." Willow said.
"Welcome to your first—" Before Gus could finish two masked workers on a stretcher ran past them.
"Outta way!" They said running to a beast keeping student and loaded him onto the stretcher.
"Come with us immediately! Your disease it's advancing!" One said.
"Is there a cure?" He asks weakly.
"Only one…finding the perfect date for Grom!" The worker declared.
"If that's the cure then…Skara will you go to Grom with me?" Holding out a beating heart with the word GROM written in ink he presented it to Skara.
"Of course I will! Or whatever!" Skara squeals hugging him making the workers and other students cheer.
"What was that?" Katara asks a little creeped out.
"That was Gromposal. Definitely one of the better ones we've seen." Ezra said.
"That was sweet and disturbing all at once." Lily cringed.
"You guys have a version of Prom on the Boiling Isles? Minato and I were kicked out of our last dance for cosplaying." Luz said.
"Cosplaying?" Katara asks.
"It's where you dress up as your favorite characters from movies, books, or tv shows. It was awesome." Minato asks.
"But apparently our props were not a good idea." Luz cringed.
Flashback:
Luz and Minato were dressed like Men in Black with matching tuxes and shades.
"You said it was black tie." Minato said.
"And we're technically wearing them." Luz said gesturing to their outfits. "We're Agent L and Agent M."
"You can't just wear costumes to a dance." The chaperone said.
"Come on we even made our own props." Minato said as Luz took out what looked like a memory neutralizer.
"No weapons on school property." He said quickly.
"It doesn't work it's just a flashlight." Luz said turning it on but the light hit him right in the face.
"My eyes!" He screams falling backward crashing into the food table and spilling punch on some other kids.
Cringing both Minato and Luz took off their shades.
"Uh see this is what happens when you don't go to the doctor every year for your checkups. Your eyes can get so sensitive even a flashlight can hurt you." Luz said.
"So uh have a nice dance and remember uh…see your doctor yearly." Minato said before both ran out as fast as they could.
Flashback End:
"To be fair though maybe you two should have pointed it away from the chaperone." Katara said.
"Yeah we know that now but maybe this year we could be the Grom King or Queen." Luz smiles.
"That's, uh, not something people usually sign up for." Willow said nervously.
"What happened to just walking up and asking people out?" Katara asks.
"Yeah that seems a lot simpler." Lily agrees.
"Well guys keep in mind neither of you exactly had situations in your original worlds where fancy elaborate proposals were a thing." Minato said when Amity turned a corner and bumped into him causing her books and a folded-up note to fall.
"Hey watch it, nitwit! Oh Minato…and co. Sorry about that." Amity apologized.
"It's alright. Here let me help." Minato said handing her the books and grabbed the note. "Hmm what's this?"
Before he could react Amity swipes it out of his hand.
"Whoa good reflexes." Luz said.
"It's just…it's private." Amity said when the speaker demon screamed.
"Attention Hexside students. This is your principal speaking." Bump said over the intercom.
"Oh, man, this is it!" Willow said.
"He's announcing who'll be this year's Grom royalty." Gus said.
"I wonder who it'll be this year?" Ezra asks.
"This year, I have the privilege to bestow our highest Grom honor to…Minato Nakamura!" Bump declares.
"What?!" The group of friends said.
"Our next Grom King!" Bump said.
"The hybrid?"
"He can't be serious."
"This is gonna be ugly."
As every student mumbled Amity rubbed her shoulder nervously.
"Whoo! You did it Minato! You're Grom King!" Luz cheers.
"Dang it. Bump's still playing favorites with me. I'll be right back guys. I need to have a word with him." Minato said walking away.
"Minato wait up!" Luz said following him.
"So uh why are the students being all…weird?" Lily asks.
"Grom is a very tough time. Especially for whoever is chosen." Willow cringed.
"Speaking of, any of you planning on asking anyone to the dance?" Gus asks.
"Aside from you guys I don't really know many people." Katara said.
"I don't." Willow frowns.
"Well Willow if-if you don't mind would like to go to Grom with me?" Ezra asks nervously. "You know as friends?"
"Thanks Ezra I appreciate it." Willow giggles.
"Why don't we all go together? We do like a group thing?" Gus suggests.
"That sounds good to me." Lily said.
"I don't mind." Katara nods.
"I guess that works." Ezra pauses.
Ever since that incident with Willow and she kissed him, Ezra was trying to figure out to work up the nerve to talk to her. But it was not easy.
In the gymnasium Bump was supervising all the decorations as the Snaggleback was being lowered down on a rope and spinning.
"Very good. Lower the streamers, fill the punch bowl, and how's my disco ball?" Bump asks.
"Nauseous." It said.
"Great. Just keep it up for 36 more hours." Bump chuckles.
"Bump!" Turning around Bump saw Minato and Luz entering the room.
"Ah there's my Grom King." Bump said.
"You said you were gonna stop giving me special treatment!" Minato snaps pointing at him.
"I did, you weren't even my first choice. I had another student lined up for Grom but they backed out, but to my surprise, you were recommended in their place." Bump smiles.
"So uh quick question who's the Grom Queen? Is that also elected or is it whoever Minato goes with?" Luz asks curious.
"Doesn't matter Luz. Take me off the ballot." Minato orders.
"I can't do that. Unless you can find someone to replace you, you're stuck with it." Bump said.
"Come on give me break. You got tons of students here can't you just pick another?" Minato whines.
"Not in this case Minato. Grom requires only the best." Bump said.
Holding up his hands Minato wanted to strangle him until Luz nudged him as Bump walked out.
"Come on it's not that bad. Back home we would have killed to be nominated." Luz said.
"I know Luz but I don't like that I'm getting all this special treatment." Minato said.
"Come on, you know you'll love it the second they put that crown on you." Luz nudges.
"Well it would be nice to actually have fun at the dance." Minato admits.
"There's that smile." Luz teases when they noticed a big red button. "Ooh big red button. This has Grom King written all over it."
"Don't mind if we do." Minato smiles pressing it but when he did the floor opened up revealing an underground battlefield connected by a ramp and several weapons appeared next to them.
"So is Medieval torture this year's theme?" Luz asks.
"A little weird but who are we to judge?" Minato shrugs.
"They're not for decoration." Amity said walking in. "This is arena is for when the Grom King or Queen makes their debut."
"So what I have to have the first dance down there?" Minato asks when they saw a creepy black goo move startling them.
"What was that?" Luz panics.
"That's Grom. Short for Grometheus, the Fear-Bringer. It's a monster that lives under the school. Every year it tries to break out, and a student had to defeat it before it invades the town. Ever the optimist, Bump holds a party and calls it tradition. The worst thing is that Grom can read minds and shape-shift into your worst fear." Amity explains.
"It's like the Boogeyman." Luz gasps.
"The what?" Amity asks.
"Doesn't matter. I gotta hunt down Bump's first choice and tell them to take back the position." Minato said.
"Well that's the thing…I was Bump's first choice." Amity admits surprising them.
"Wait what?" Both said confused.
"I'm sorry Minato, Bump came to me first to have me be Grom Queen but I backed out and recommended you in my place." Amity confesses.
"But why?" Minato asks.
"My worst fear is…really embarrassing." Amity cringed.
"Well Amity as much I don't like this why didn't you just ask me directly? I would have said yes to taking your place." Minato asks.
"Well it's hard to keep track of you and me. I mean would you consider us, you know friends?" Amity asks nervously with a blush on her face.
"I'd like to think so." Minato said.
"Me too." Amity smiles.
"So uh how are we gonna prepare Minato for this?" Luz asks.
"I'll help with that. You guys just head back to the Owl House and get ready." Amity said walking out.
"You know I really like this nice Amity. Hope she's here to stay." Minato chuckles.
"Better than her always hating us." Luz nods.
"PUT DOWN A TARP, I'M GONNA PUKE!" Snaggleback screams.
Cringing both teens ran out as fast as they could.
At the front of the school, Hachi ran out just as the last bell rang and took his usual spot.
Passing by a few students spotted him.
"Hey look it's back again."
"Right on time." One said looking at their watch.
As the door opens Hachi sees Minato walking out to greet him.
"Hachi." Minato smiles.
Barking happily Hachi ran over and Minato picked him up.
"Every day this little guy shows up to walk you home." Luz said as she, Katara and Tiger Lily walkout.
"It's really sweet if you ask me." Lily said.
"Yeah it really is." Lily said when Blanca emerges from the gate.
"Minato, Luz, Lily." Blanca said walking over.
"Blanca? What are you doing here?" Minato asks.
"I'm the Owl House bodyguard so I've taken it upon myself to be your official escorts to and from school when your friends aren't here to do so." Blanca declares.
Narrowing her eyes Katara was still keeping an eye on her.
"Well I'll see you guys later. Dez is gonna help make me a dress for Grom." Katara said.
"See you back here Katara." Minato said.
"Hey remember! After Minato kicks Grom's butt we're getting a group picture together!" Luz calls out.
"I'll be there!" Katara waves goodbye.
"So you're really doing this?" Lily asks as they walked home.
"Yep, sadly no one's willing to replace me." Minato said.
"Well if you really don't want to do it I could always be your champion and step up?" Luz offers.
"Thanks Luz that means a lot, but you've got some pretty weird fears." Minato said.
"Oh yeah like what?" Blanca asks.
"Jerks online who wanna debate, Human souls trapped in cat bodies…" Luz lists.
"Don't forget milk." Minato said.
"Milk?" Lily raised an eyebrow.
"I'm lactose intolerant alright!" Luz snaps making everyone chuckle.
"I could step in." Blanca offers. "I mean I am your bodyguard and I owe you for giving me this new life. I'll fight for you Minato." Blanca said taking his hand.
"Oh uh wow. That's really sweet Blanca." Minato blushes.
As her eye twitched again, Luz moved in.
"Uh slight problem with that. You need to be a student to fight Grom. And you're not a Hexside student Blanca." Luz points out.
"Oh yeah sorry Blanca students only." Minato realized.
"That's unfortunate, but I don't suppose you need a date?" Blanca asks.
Holding up her hands Luz growled wanting to strangle her but Hachi nudges her stopping the thought.
"I think we're doing a group thing with everyone." Minato said.
"I don't suppose I can join the little group?" Blanca asks.
"Of course." Minato nods.
Arriving at the Owl House, Minato gave Hachi one more pet before the little Palisman ran off.
"We're home." Lily calls out.
"Ow!" Eda calls out.
Entering her room, they see Eda in a brown tux as King helped patch it up.
"Careful with those pins." Eda said.
"Why am I doing this? I don't even wear clothes!" King points out.
"Hey nice duds Owl Lady." Luz said as they walked in.
"Everyone is present and accounted for." Blanca said.
"I can see that." Eda said.
"So why the tux?" Minato asks.
"Dez and I are chaperoning Grom tonight. So I need to look sharp." Eda smiles.
"And Gus asked me to co-emcee the fight." King said showing a poster of him and Gus on it. "We're going to turn this blood-bath into a fun-bath!"
"So what poor sucker is gonna be facing Grom tonight?" Eda asks.
"Uh…he's the sucker." Lily said pointing to Minato.
"Oh come on!" Eda whines.
"Really?" King whines.
"I have no choice. Amity backed out and we can't find a good enough replacement for me." Minato said.
"So make her go back. This was her position first of all." Eda insists.
"Eda I finally got her as a friend I don't want to go back to being enemies." Minato said.
"You kids always do this. You get in trouble and I have to bail you out. ow, what's the fun in watching a kid get eaten by a monster if it's one of my kids?" Eda crosses her arms.
"Look Eda since he's stuck in this situation he might as well just embrace it." Luz said.
"Besides we've been fighting these Demons off for a while. He can handle this one." Lily said.
"Ugh fine. Just go do whatever you're gonna do." Eda said shooing them away.
"Thanks for the confidence Eda. Really supportive." Minato said as they left.
"Maybe you were a little tough. I mean all three of them are pretty tough. I bet even Luz could take on Grom if she wanted to." King points out.
Turning around, Eda looks at herself in the mirror.
"Facing Grom means facing your worst fear King and I don't think any of them fully realize what that means." Eda said.
"Boy I wonder what the sucker at your Grom was like? I bet you Bump went right for Miguel." King assumes.
"Meh he tried but his timing was horrible…and for the record so was mine." Eda snickers.
Flashback:
We find ourselves at Hexside as a young Eda was at her locker.
'Hmm where is he?' Eda thought when they heard the door open.
"Miguel you're late again." Bump said.
Walking in we see a young Miguel Soulwing walk in with burn marks on his Hexside robes and his goggles over his eyes.
"Sorry Bump I had a bad run in with a Manticore on my way in. By the way hope you're hungry." Reaching into his pocket Miguel pulls out its still-beating heart.
"Ooh that'll go nicely with my lunch." Bump smiles licking his lips. "So about Grom? Would you be interested in being Grom King? I mean with it could be just the push to get that new Coven track proposal of yours approved." Bump said.
"I do enough fighting outside of school. Give someone else a chance to be the hero. I'm that everyday here." Miguel chuckles.
"Heroic and humble. I'm telling you Miguel you have a future." Bump laughs walking away.
As he walked away Miguel went to his locker and started fixing himself up.
Taking off his goggles we see a tired look in his eyes.
"I better call Edwin and tell him to have these patched up." Miguel said noticing all the damages.
Seeing this was her chance, Eda walked after him, but unfortunately, a young Lilith also walked out from another hallway.
"Hello Edalyn." Lilith said walking next to her.
"Lilith. To what do I owe the pleasure." Eda said not taking her eyes off the target.
"For once I have a matter that doesn't involve you." Lilith said taking out a note.
"Hmm that wouldn't happen to involve asking a certain someone to Grom?" Eda narrows her eyes.
"Hmm yes." Using her magic, Lilith traps Eda's feet to the floor. "Better luck next time." Lilith laughs running to ask Miguel out.
"Oh no you don't!" Breaking out of the spell, Eda runs after her.
"This is gonna be perfect." Lilith smiles
"Out of the way Lily!" Eda said running past her.
"Hey! Get back here!" Lilith said as they neared his locker.
"Miguel would you like to—" Before both girls could finish Miguel let out a big yawn confusing them.
"Huh? Oh hey Eda hey Lilith what's up?" Miguel asks turning around.
Cringing both girls saw Miguel was a mess. He looked tired, hungry and completely worn out.
"Whoa what's with you?" Eda cringed.
"S-Sorry I'm just so tired. Between being a hero, getting my new coven off the ground and not to mention all the lessons my father is making me to take for when I take over the family business. I'm just so worn out." Miguel yawns.
Frowning both sisters walked over. They wanted to ask him to Grom more than anything but no way they could ask him to do that when he looked like he could barely stand.
"Hey why don't you come over to our place tonight? Just some tasty food, fun and relaxation." Eda offers.
"What about Grom? Don't you two want to go?" Miguel asks.
"So what? Grom comes every year. We'll go another time. Besides you need this." Lilith smiles.
"You two are the best." Miguel smiles.
Flashback End:
"Not gonna lie I would have loved to go, but he needed a break." Eda said looking at her face. "Do you think I could pull off red eyeshadow?"
"Girl, you can pull off anything! Up top." King said as they high five. "We're style geniuses!"
In Minato's room, he was looking at what he should wear to Grom.
"Hmm I don't think Agent M should make a public appearance just yet." Minato said taking out his shades.
Rummaging around he pulls out a cool anime costume.
"Ooh I wonder I could pull off slaying Grom in this?" Minato said.
"Oh Minato! You have a guest!" Hooty said getting in his face.
"Hooty we talked about this! No getting in people's faces!" Minato said pushing him away.
Walking in we see Amity was also a victim of Hooty's face greetings. "If that bird-tube ever talks to me again, I'm going to destroy it." Amity said picking feathers out of her hair.
"Hooty's annoying but he's harmless to friends." Minato said.
"You ready to train?" Amity asks.
"I guess, I'm still trying to wrap my head on what Grom might turn into. Also what do you think? Formal or wild?" Minato asks showing the costume.
"Get your head in the game Minato. If you can't defeat Grom, everyone on the island will have to live out their worst nightmare." Amity warns.
"You wanna know my worst nightmare?" Hooty asks getting right in Amity's face.
Seconds later, we hear multiple crashing noises.
"Hooty-hoot! Hoot, hoot!" Hooty screams in pain.
"Stop! Amity! No! No! Not the Monado! Amity stop!" Minato screams.
A few minutes later we see Minato outside with Luz, Tiger Lily, Blanca, Amity, Emira and Edric.
Looking at Hooty they saw he had multiple bandages and an eyepatch on him.
"Oof remind me not to get on her bad side." Luz whispers.
"Seriously, girl has issues." Lily agrees.
"Grom will transform into your darkest fears. What are you afraid of, Minato?" Amity asks.
Pausing to think, Minato had to be sure he got it right.
"Wanna know our greatest fears? On three. One, two…three. Being alone forever." Edric said.
"Being stuck with you forever." Emira said as the same time.
Pausing everyone looked to Amity's older siblings.
"Well…they're interesting." Blanca said.
"Just scratching the surface." Lily assures.
"Well I do have one." Leaning towards Edric and Emira he whispers it to them.
Smirking they used their powers and 3 mimes appeared around him making him yelp.
"Mimes!" Minato said holding up his hands in defense.
"What are those creepy things?" Blanca cringed.
"Mimes and they are weird." Luz said.
"It's not enough." Amity said as the illusions vanish. "The reason I can't face Grom goes much deeper than things that just gross me out. What is your real fear Minato?" Amity said.
"It's uh kind of a new one, but if I tell you this you have to swear you won't tell anyone." Minato said.
"It's the Soulwings isn't it?" Amity assumes startling him.
"How do you know about that?" Minato whispers pulling her in.
"I might have overheard you guys when Edwin showed up." Amity explains.
"Amity please do not tell anyone. I am begging you." Minato said.
"I haven't told anyone." Amity said.
"You haven't?" Minato said surprised.
"No, look I get this is a big deal for you and I promise your secret is safe with me." Amity vows.
"Wow, Amity thank you I-I don't know what to say." Minato smiles.
"Well I kinda owe you. You're stepping up to fight Grom for me. And you told me yourself friends help each other." Amity said rubbing the back of her head.
"Thank you." Minato said before turning to her siblings.
"So what's your big fear?" Edric asks.
"My fear is my grandfather and the rest of the Soulwings never thinking I'm good enough for them." Minato admits.
Hearing this Edric and Emria made an illusion of a giant Elias looking down on him with a menacing look.
"You're not worthy!" Elias declares.
"Still as menacing as I remember." Blanca cringed while Luz and Lily just gulped nervously.
"You'll be worth anything to this family. You're just a disgusting, worthless little hybrid." Elias said.
"Shut up!" Minato yells blasting him with a torrent of water making a giant hole in his chest before disappearing.
"Well Minato, your chances are slim but we are literally out of time." Amity said walking up to him.
"You need to work on your pep talks." Minato said.
That night we find ourselves at Grom as all the students were wearing formal wear.
"Arms so tired." The Snaggleback said still acting as the disco ball.
"I've never worn these kinds of clothes before." Walking in we see Tiger Lily wearing a brown and orange dress.
"You look great." Katara said walking in wearing a long blue dress with light blue highlights.
"We all do." Blanca said as she and Luz walked in.
Blanca was wearing a very formal and nice black dress while Luz had a funner version of that dress with a pink and white tutu around her waist.
"Well that's easy for you to say I bet you wore dresses all the time." Lily said fumbling on her feet. "Who invented these?" She asks looking at her heels.
"Come on Lily it's fine. Just take it one step at a time." Luz said helping her.
"Besides its dance let's go have some fun." Katara said.
"And then afterward we'll cheer Minato on." Blanca said.
"Let's go Girls." Luz said leading them inside.
In the auditorium, Ezra was wearing a green tux as he was using his magic to have the school band demons rock out.
"Oh yeah nailing it." Ezra said when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
Turning around he saw Willow was wearing a dark green dress.
"Hey Ezra." Willow said.
"Wow Willow uh what do you think?" Ezra asks gesturing to the band.
"Really fun. Your Big Time Rush music is really getting everyone up and moving." Willow said.
"Well Luz and Minato showed me an episode where they made their own dance. The theme for this was Move my butt because I had to get it done fast." Ezra said making her giggle.
"Well you're missing one thing." Using her magic, Willow made a corsage appear on his suit.
"Thanks Willow." Ezra smiles.
"Anytime." Willow said.
Nearby Eda and King leaning against the wall when Despairo floated out wearing a formal black suit and top hat.
"Well nice to see you decided to dress up." Dez smirks.
"You always look like that." Eda points out.
"Because I have style. What's with you?" Despairo asks.
"Yeah why so twitchy witchy?" King asks.
"What do you expect? I'm gonna have to say Minato from a nightmare. So much for my fun night out." Eda said crossing her arms.
"Good thing I came prepared." Dez said gesturing to his raiper.
"Ladies, gentlemen, and assorted demons!" Once the song ended Gus stepped on stage. "It's almost time for our main Grom event. Please, please, take a seat, and be aware that the first three rows are designated splash zones."
Looking to one area we see one demon in a poncho with an umbrella.
"Something tells me Gus isn't talking about water." Luz said.
"Wow, Gus is really good at this. They're hanging on his every word." King said impressed.
"I see we've got Principal Bump in the house! Now, sir, I hope you won't throw us in detention because, uh, we're going to raise the roof." Gus said as the spotlight moved to Bump who nervously did the raise the roof gesture.
"Oof I hope my material is up to snuff. What do you think will go better with the youths, close-up magic or impressions?" King asks.
"Seriously? That's the best you got?" Dez smirks. "Oh you're doomed."
"Oh, King. Teenagers are brutal. They'll boo anyone, and that kind of public humiliation can stick with you for life." Eda warns scaring him.
Walking out, Amity was wearing a nice pink dress with a black top.
Looking at her note, she pondered something when Minato walked in wearing a nice tux with his goggles hanging down instead of a tie and holding the Monado.
"Oh man this is it. My big debut. Oh I am freaking out." Minato said nervously.
"Wow you look good." Amity said walking up to him. "Hey Minato, I wanna say thank you. Even after everything we've been through you didn't even hesitate to step up for me and I'm really grateful."
"Hmph are you really same Amity Blight who I fought back at the Covention center?" Minato smirks.
"Afraid so hybrid." Amity smirks. "But seriously I'm amazed how kind and fearless you're being. You've done and dealt with things I could never do. Thank you."
"Now folks time to introduce our Grom King. You know him, you love him…or at least know his predecessor. Minato Nakamura!" Gus declares as Minato walks in.
"Well wish me luck." Minato said.
"Luck." Amity frowns letting him walk away.
Pressing the red button the pedestal of weapons appeared along with the ramp.
"I think I'll stick with the weapon I brought." Minato said seeing Luz by the ramp. "Any last words of encouragement?" Minato asks.
"You're gonna do fine. Now go get him." Luz said.
Smiling Minato took off his goggles and handed them to her. "Hold onto these for me. I don't want to get Grom all over them."
Smirking Luz nods taking them and walks away.
"Let's do this." Minato said making his way down the ramp.
Once he did Grom moves around him.
"So you're Grom. Bring it on." Minato said as Grom turned into 4 Mimes who did their invisible gags.
Cringing Minato activated the Mondao making it turn into a spear mode.
Rushing forward, Minato creates an air scooter allowing him to race in and impale all the mimes like shish kabobs.
"And there he goes folks! Using his odd form of Wind Magic mixed with the powerful weapon that is the Monado to keep Grom at bay!" Gus said as everyone cheered.
"That's my best friend down there!" Luz cheers.
"Keep it up Minato!" Lily cheers.
"And now, to hand things over to my co-emcee: King!" Gus declares as King made his way on stage.
"Hell Hexside! So uh…" Dropping his cards, King tugs his collar nervously. "Wow those are some bright lights. Uh look at Minato go down there. He's uh…fighting well?"
Almost immediately the crowd started booing him.
"Bring back the funny kid!" A student yells.
"You will clap for me! Please?" King said before running off stage crying.
"King!" Gus gasps running after him.
Down below, Minato saw Grom change shape to mimic Elias.
"Hybrid." Grom-Elias growls.
"Not gonna work!" Using his magic, Minato created a water whip whacking Grom back.
"Yes! That's my move! I taught him that!" Katara cheers.
"Well the kid is doing pretty good." Eda smirks impressed.
Changing the Monado into a Buster Sword mode, Minato slams it down on Elias.
"If only this was the real one." Lily said.
"Minato is keeping Grom on his toes, but what form will it take now?" Bump asks.
"Take your best shot Grom. I stopped believing in the Boogeyman years ago." Minato said as Grom fired a line of sludge hitting Minato in the forehead.
For a few seconds, Grom's eyes glowed finding something big.
Changing forms, a bright light engulfs him forcing Minato to cover his eyes.
When the light dies down Minato opens his eyes to see his father in worn out and ragged clothes.
"Minato? Is that you?" Grom-Miguel asks.
Eyes widening Minato was speechless.
"D-Dad? Y-You're here? Like here here?" Minato said in disbelief.
"It's been so long. I almost didn't recognize you." Grom-Miguel said walking towards.
"6 Years. I thought I would never see you again." Minato said lowering his guard.
"Funny…that's what I had hoped for." Grom-Miguel grins.
"Huh?" Using this opening Grom-Miguel swings his arm knocking Minato to the ground.
"6 years. I can't believe you were so stupid to actually come looking for me." Grom-Miguel chuckles. "Don't you get it? I left all those years ago because I couldn't stand having a freak like you for a son."
Stuttering in horror, Minato drops the Monado.
"Uh Eda what's going on?" Dez asks.
"I think Grom dug deep into Minato's mind and pulled out an old fear. A really scary old fear." Eda cringed.
"But you told me you'd come back. You gave me your goggles." Minato stutters.
"To shut you up. Did you actually I think I cared about you? You are an embarrassment. There is nothing about you worth being proud of. You're nothing but a mistake and I know quite a few people who would agree with me." Grom-Miguel said touching the ground and multiple figures emerged taking the shape of his friends.
"You humiliated me time and again." One said taking the shape of Amity. "I didn't recommend Grom because I was scared. I recommended you because I wanted to humiliate you like you humiliated me."
You took us from our homes." Two took the shape of Tiger Lily and Katara. "You ruined our lives!" Grom-Katara said.
"And now we're gonna ruin yours!" Grom-Tiger Lily said.
Whining softly, Minato tried to grab the Monado only for a Grom-Eda to appear.
"I never should have given this to you." Grom-Eda glares.
"Is that supposed to be me? Dang I look great." Eda said.
"Focus Eda!" Luz panics.
As all the Grom versions of his friends bashed him Minato was beginning to break.
"No! Shut up! Shut up!" Minato screams covering his ears. "I'm sorry!"
Using this opening, they turned back into Grom-Miguel who hurls his monster arm at Minato knocking him to the ground.
"This isn't real. You're not real." Minato said in a scared tone.
"You wanna know what they did to me when they found out about you?" Grom-Miguel reached for his head and pulled right off his body much to everyone's horror. "They killed me, all because you were born. You pathetic worthless freak!" Grom-Miguel laughs manically as his body changed shape so Miguel's lower body was a giant black sludge monster with multiple legs.
As Minato crawled backward afraid all his friends looked down in fear.
"Hang on Minato! Back up is on the way!" Luz said about to run down.
"Luz no!" Willow said stopping her. "You can't go down there!"
"Minato needs my help!" Luz said trying to break free when Blanca stops her.
"You go down there and Grom will turn into your worst fear. Look at him. Grom is turning into something that is literally eating away at Minato." Blanca warns.
Hating this Luz stopped fighting.
In the hallway, King was sitting down against the lockers.
"What's going on, little dude?" Gus asks walking out.
"Nothing! Leave me be!" King said as Gus sat next to him.
"The thing is, you're sitting in my personal chit-chat zone, which means you gotta talk." Gus said.
"Well if that's the rule...Oh, how can this be? I get stage fright! ME! The king of demons!" King whines.
"Well sometimes you just have to—" Gus starts.
"I know, I know. Imagine everyone in their underwear." King assumes.
"Gross! Why would you do that?!" Gus snaps.
"I dunno. I always do that. I'm a bit of a weirdo." King chuckles.
"No, King, sometimes you just have to face your fear, like Minato is doing right now." Gus said when they heard Minato's scream from the gym.
"Get away from me!" Minato screams.
Not liking this both ran in to see Minato frozen in fear as Grom-Miguel circled him.
"Miguel?" King gasps.
"This is not what I had expected when I wanted him to be Grom King." Bump said.
"King now's your chance." Gus said pointing to it the mic in Bump's hand.
Walking over King grabs the mic.
"Uh wow look at that folks, Minato is frozen in fear." King said as everyone looked at him. "Like uh…like our rival sports team when they face us."
Instantly everyone cheered loving the commentary.
"You're not my dad! You can't be." Minato said.
"Oh believe me I wish I wasn't. It's something I've wished for since the moment you were born! When I first laid eyes on you I wanted to crush you under my foot." Grom-Miguel said making Minato whimper.
As tears ran down Minato's eyes Grom-Miguel grabbed his leg and threw him across the arena making him land at the base of the ramp.
"You will never be worth anything Minato. You ruined my life, you ruin the lives of everyone you contact with, just face it. You're better off dead than alive. Always have been and always will be." Grom-Miguel declares.
It was at that moment something snapped in Minato. Grom needed to be stopped.
Dropping to his knees, Minato hangs his head in shame and defeat.
Little did anyone know in a dark, hidden part of the Boiling Isles, a strange glow began to shine followed by a harmonious chanting.
From inside, 3 mysterious figures lifted their heads.
"It can't be." One said.
"He's found his way here." A second voice said.
"This power. We need to move." A third figure said as they raced to who knows where.
Back at Hexside, Minato remained motionless as Grom-Miguel approached him.
"Someone get him out of here!" Luz panics.
"Minato move!" Amity yells.
"Uh oh this isn't good folks! Minato is a sitting duck." Gus said.
"Come on Minato, run! Run like it's finals week!" King said.
Picking up the Monado, Grom-Miguel raised it up high.
"It's time to do what I should have done 15 years ago." Grom-Miguel declares bringing the sword down on him.
As time slowed down, Minato slowly moved in and grabs the Monado by the handle stopping Grom.
"What? You still want to fight me?" Grom-Miguel hisses as Minato slowly stood up.
While the spectators were too high up to see this Grom-Miguel saw a faint glow emanating from under his sleeves and his chest area.
"What is that?" Grom-Miguel asks Minato swings his arm nailing Grom in the face knocking him across the arena.
Turning in his direction, Minato held out his right arm and raised it towards the sky.
Reacting to it a wild powerful hurricane appeared throughout the gym surprising everyone.
Bracing themselves everyone struggled to fight through it.
"Aw man this is totally gonna mess up my hair!" Boscha said.
"Where is this coming from?!" Katara asks.
"Edalyn! Despairo! Interference is not allowed!" Bump assumes.
"That's not me! I'm not doing this!" Eda said.
"Me neither!" Dez said.
"But if it's not you then…" As the hurricane descended down into the arena over Minato's hand.
"Minato?" Luz said softly.
Moving his hand down, Minato brought the storm down on top of them making the wind blow fiercely throwing Grom against the wall not letting up for even a second.
"You can't do this! You hear me! I am your father and I say you are worthless! You don't scare me in the slightest!" Grom-Miguel yells.
"You're not my father." Minato said in a scary tone that sent chills down Grom-Miguel's spine. "You really are the Boogeyman, Grom. Scaring people while hiding in the dark, you act big and scary Grom but the truth is you're just a bully…and I hate bullies."
Opening his eyes Grom-Miguel gasps to see they were glowing blue like the azure sky.
"Your nightmare days are over." Minato declares as the hurricane changed shape.
Shrinking in size it takes the shape of what looks like a Rasengan with 4 sharp edges spinning around it rapidly.
"No way!" Amity gasps.
"He can do that move?!" Luz gasps.
"Luz what move is that?" Katara asks.
"It's the Rasengan at its most dangerous. The Rasenshuriken." Luz declares.
"Amazing! Minato has created a new type of spell! It looks like a Rasengan but it's not! King what is that?!" Gus asks.
"I'll tell you what it is! It's a finishing move! Minato wants to end this now!" King declares.
Throwing it with all his might, the Rasenshuriken hit Grom-Miguel dead center causing a powerful wind vortex to surround Grom and at attack him from every angle.
As the fierce wind blew throughout the entire gym the only sound was Grom's screams as the attack was destroying its body and ripping it to shreds.
"Uh oh! Hit the deck people! It's gonna blow!" King yells as the attack exploded sending a small sludge of Grom splattering against the wall behind them.
On Minato's head a faint light shined as a Grom crown appeared on his head.
"Never again." Minato said as his eyes returned to normal and he collapsed to the ground with the crown rolling off his head.
As the hurricane died down everyone looked to see Minato unconscious and all that was left of Grom was that one small stain.
"I don't believe. G-Grom he's gone." Amity said speechless.
"What an upset! Your Grom King has defeated Grom!" King declares.
"Minato!" Running down Lily and Blanca helped him.
"Is he okay?" Lily asks as Blanca checked his pulse.
"He's alright, he's breathing." Blanca said relieved as Dez flew down.
"Come on let's get him out of there." Dez said creating a stretcher.
Looking to the side, Blanca grabbed the Monado.
"He might need healing." Katara said following after them.
"Edalyn…did you know he could do that?" Bump asks.
"No I'm just as surprised as you are." Eda said.
"No one's ever destroyed Grom I don't think even Miguel could have." Bump said.
"You know I think you should really cut the kid a break. He's not his dad you gotta accept that." Eda said.
"Believe me Edalyn after seeing that. I don't think he's his father anymore. The boy has his own ground to stand on now." Bump said.
"Now that's one thing you and I can agree on." Eda said.
Down below Luz picks up Minato's crown with a look of worry on her face.
Meanwhile in an unknown location, the 3 Shadowy figures were looking at Minato through a pool of water.
"There he is." A concerned female voice with glowing green eyes said.
"Did one of them break during the conflict?" A male voice with glowing white eyes asks.
"No, it's cracked but not released. They're holding up longer than we thought." A female voice with glowing red eyes said.
"What should we do?" The Green eyes asks.
"We wait." The red eyes said. "We can't be too careful with this. In the meantime, we have to be ready."
Nodding the 3 mysterious figures knew it was the right choice.
Back at Hexside, we find ourselves in a small room.
Slowly Minato began to open his eyes.
"Hey he's waking up." Lily said as Minato saw her, Katara, King, Blanca, Eda and Dez.
"Good I got him healed up in time." Katara said.
"That's my girl." Dez smiles.
"Minato you're awake." Blanca smiles.
"Welcome back kid." Eda smiles.
"Yaay! You're not dead!" King cheers as Minato sat up.
"Ugh what happened?" Minato asks.
"You passed out after your battle with Grom." Tiger Lily said.
"Grom? Oh no what happened?" Minato asks only recalling when Grom turned into his dad. "I lost didn't I? How badly did everyone make fun of me?"
"Uh what?" Eda asks confused.
"Uh Minato…you won." King said confusing him.
"I did?" Minato asks.
"Wait do you not know what happened?" Dez asks.
"It's hard to recall. When my dad—I mean Grom brought my worst fear to life. It was like something inside me just…snapped. I wanted to take Grom down no matter what but after that I kinda blacked out." Minato said.
"I'll tell you what happened. You freaking destroyed him Minato. That's all that's left of Grom." Eda said pointing to one small stain on the other side of the door.
"Where's the rest of him?" Minato asks.
"Gone, like wiped out of existence gone." Dez said while King made an explosion-like noise.
"I did all that?" Minato said in disbelief.
"Got barely anything left. If old Grom brings one more nightmare to life that'll be his last." Eda said.
"You want to come down with us to the dance? Everyone's waiting for you?" Katara asks.
"Uh you guys go on ahead. I just need to be by myself for a little bit." Minato said.
"Uh okay." Lily said as they headed out.
"Hey." Dez floated over and patted Minato on the shoulder. "You did good kid."
Smiling softly, Minato waited until they left before choking.
Slowly popping her head in Luz and Amity saw Minato with a sad look on his face.
"There he is, the man of the hour. That last move. Was amazing. No way I could have done something like that." Amity said trying to make him feel better.
"That was quite a fear you had." Luz said getting his attention. "I mean I never even met your dad but I'm telling you I was scared out of my mind. I don't think anyone would blame you for shutting down back there."
Sighing Minato didn't even respond.
"Nothing he said was true. I mean I bet he's still alive out there right Amity?" Luz asks.
"Uh yeah I bet he's just lost or something." Amity shrugs.
"Don't you get it?!" Minato snaps getting up and walking over to them. "I screwed up! I mean for 2 minutes I thought maybe I could be a hero instead of a freak to these people but I'm not! I thought if I could pull this off that maybe—maybe people would stop assuming I'm the reason my dad disappeared."
"What?" Luz said as Minato tears ran down Minato's eyes.
"Everything Grom said down was true. Ever since I got here I've made one stupid mistake after another and everyone thinks the same thing. They take one look at me and think that freak is the son of Miguel Soulwing? A human/witch hybrid? No wonder he disappeared. I'm so tired people always looking at me and just seeing a mini version of my dad or a freak! I hate it! Tonight, was supposed to be my chance to prove it and the whole school saw me break down and cry like the loser I am! It's all my fault." Minato sobs.
"No Minato…it's mine." Amity said walking to the pile of Grom on the wall. "I put you through all this because I was too scared to fight my own battle."
Touching the grom pile Luz and Minato watched as the pile took the shape of a humanoid upper body with messy hair.
Groaning the part of Grom grabbed the pink note from Amity's pocket and ripped it in half before disappearing into nothingness.
Bending down Amity picked up one half while the other landed near Minato.
"Will you go to Grom with me?" Minato read aloud.
"You were afraid of getting rejected." Luz realized.
"Yeah…pretty pathetic now that you know huh?" Amity asks.
"Well Amity whoever you were gonna give that note to. He would have missed out. You're a great witch and a really great friend." Minato said wiping the tears from his eyes. "I doubt it makes any difference but I would have gone to Grom with you."
"Really?" Amity said surprised.
"Yeah…assuming you don't mind." Minato said.
"Thank you." Amity smiles.
"So uh just out of curiosity who were you going to ask?" Minato asks.
"Oh no one special. I-I'll meet you down at the party." Amity blushes walking away.
As she turns a corner she tossed the top half into the garbage but when it unrolled we see it read Minato.
With her gone, Luz and Minato were all alone.
"Luz I don't know why I keep doing this." Minato said.
"Doing what?" Luz asks.
"All this? I mean look at me chasing after my dad. Acting like he's right around the corner. I don't know you guys put up with me." Minato frowns.
"Don't say that!" Luz said grabbing his shoulders. "Your dad is out there. I know it. Don't let this place break you down. Find your dad, bring him home, give him these?" Luz said pulling out his goggles and his grom crown.
"But how do I know I'm not just chasing a dead end?" Minato asks.
"You don't but you don't have to do it alone. You have Eda, King, our friends, and you have me. Minato no matter what happens I will always be there for you." Luz said pulling him into hug. "Please, don't let the Boiling Isles take away who you are."
Not being able to hold it in, Minato hugs Luz close.
"I miss him so much!" Minato sobs.
"I know you do. And I'm gonna make sure you find him." Luz said.
"So we figured out one parent, but what the others?" Minato asks.
"I know one thing for sure if you could stand up to your dad I hope I can find the courage to talk to my mama." Luz said.
"Me too, but in the meantime. We have friends waiting for us in the gym." Minato hints.
Smiling the two of them headed over.
Down the hall, the dance was back on and as the first song played music filled the school.
(Play Could it Be by Christy Carlson Romano)
Hearing the song both teens felt themselves lost in it, separating Luz put his goggles around his neck and was about to put his crown on his head when Minato stops her.
"You ready to go down?" Luz asks.
"I am but first…" Minato slowly put the crown on her head making it change to a tiara. "Can my Grom Queen and I have the first dance?"
Blushing Luz happily held out her hand.
I Know we've been friends forever
But now I think I'm feeling something new
And after all this time I opened up my eyes
Now I see you were always with me
Could it be you & I
Never imagined
Could it be suddenly I'm fallin' for you
Could it be you were right here beside me and I never knew
Could it be that its true
Its you and its you
As the two of them danced in the hallway together nothing else seemed to matter.
Looking at Minato, Luz couldn't help but think about all the times he encouraged her with her training, been there for her when she needed a friend and by her side through everything.
As Minato looked at her, he couldn't help but recall all their struggles together: figuring out things back home, their adventures here and getting through the times good and bad.
They had always been best friends, but now…now they couldn't help but wonder if they were more.
Could it be you & I
Never imagined
Could it be suddenly I'm fallin' for you
Could it be you were right here beside me and I never knew
Could it be that its true
Its you and its you
Caught up in the moment, both leaned in and their lips touched in the middle.
(Song End)
Right when the song ended, both their eyes widen in shock as they separated.
Blushing both were too nervous to answer.
"W-Whoa." Minato said.
"Yeah whoa." Luz said rubbing the back of her head. "So uh…that was some song."
"Yeah…it really was." Minato said.
"I uh really caught up in the moment." Luz said nervously.
"Me too." Minato cringed.
Pausing both were so nervous that neither knew what to say.
"Minato, listen…I don't think you're a mistake. You were my best friend before I knew about your magic and we're still friends to this day. So at least you have one person who doesn't think you're worthless." Luz said.
"Luz." Minato smiles.
"And it's not just me. Those guys too." Luz said gesturing to their friends who were in the gym.
"Hey guys!" Looking to the door they saw their friends waving at them.
"Come on! We still have to get our picture!" Lily calls out.
"Alright we're coming!" Minato said looking to Luz who smiles back.
"So, still think you're worthless?" Luz asks.
"Not as much." Minato said.
As they headed inside, they knew they would figure this out, but they had some time. Right now it was time to party.
Later that night at the Owl House, everyone was relaxing after a long night of Grom.
While King, Tiger Lily, Blanca and Eda were fast asleep Luz was in her room when she got another text from her mom.
"How was your day? Love Mama and Miss you Mija." It read.
"Love you too mama." Luz smiles texting back. "Someday I'll tell you all about this."
A few seconds later, Luz got another text that read. "PS love receiving your letters."
"Aw what a cute way of saying text." Luz smiles.
In his room, Minato was looking out the window.
"What was that power? It was exhilarating but familiar?" Minato asks confused.
As a small gust of wind blew in and made his goggles drop over his eyes.
"What the? Where does that wind keep coming from?" Minato asks fixing them.
Suddenly his phone beeped meaning he got a text from his mom.
"You doing alright?" It read.
"Yeah mom I'm doing well…I miss you." Minato responds.
A few seconds later she replied. "Me too, thank you for writing so much."
"Writing? Oh mom it's texting." Minato rolls his eyes. "I wonder how she would react if I told her everything?"
Little did both teens know that wasn't what they meant.
In the human world, Camila Noceda put her phone down and went to bed.
On her bedside table were several letters from camp labeled by her daughter Luz.
At Minato's home, Momoyo Nakamura had several letters on the counter saying they were from Minato.
Looking at them, Momo sighs.
"6 years and I never saw a single trace of magic from him." Momo said to herself putting the letters down. "It's for the best. If he never learns he never has to worry."
Turning off the lights Momo goes to bed.