Chapter 29: Family and Competition
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Oh man when I saw the new Season 3 episode I was blown away. I'm gonna have my work cut out for me when I reach that point. I can't wait to see what they'll do next in the meantime I hope I can keep things entertaining until then. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
It was late at night as we find ourselves at the Conformatorium. Making his way down a dark hallway, we see Belos approach Miguel's cell as he was laying on his bed.
"Wake up." Belos orders banging his staff against the rails.
Opening his eyes, Miguel looks up to see Belos in front of his cell.
"And here I was beginning to think you forgot about little old me." Miguel said sitting up. "Heard you and my son got into a little fight. Made you his punching bag in front of everyone."
"He surprised me nothing more." Belos said before examining him. "Son of a witch father and a human mother. Look at you. I was ready to make you a Coven head and you gave it all up for that?"
"You didn't come all the way here and wake me up in the middle of the night just to lecture me on my life choices. What do you want Belos?" Miguel asks letting out a yawn.
"When the hybrid and I fought I noticed 7 seals on his body. But they weren't like the seals I used. What are they?" Belos asks.
"And what makes you think I know?" Miguel stretches but Belos just glares at him. "Alright, let me rephrase that. What makes you think I'll tell you? You're the reason I'm in here." Miguel asks.
"Don't forget the reason you're still alive." Belo said as his staff glowed and pointed it at him. "You're powerless as long as you're in my cell and it'll be like shooting a fish in a barrel."
Narrowing his eyes, Miguel reaches out and moves the staff out of the way.
"Oh I don't think so. You forget you need me? I'm the only person here who can help you navigate the human world." Miguel reminds.
"I can find someone else." Belos threatens.
"You can but if you try to take me out you'll never see your plans come to fruition." Miguel said getting his attention.
"What are you talking about?" Belos asks.
"I put a failsafe on those seals that respond to my heartbeat. The only thing keeping Minato from turning your castle into ground zero is me. If you take me out, he'll take you out." Miguel said.
"You're bluffing. You really think I can't take him?" Belos asks.
"He just kicked your ass with the first 3, you really want to find out what it's like when he's got all 7 coming at you?" Miguel warns.
Under his mask, Belos narrows his eyes. As much as he hated to admit it Miguel might be his only leverage in case Minato ever came back for Round 3.
"This isn't over." Belos said before leaving.
"Sure seems like it to me." Miguel calls out. Once he closed the hatch, Miguel breathed in relief.
'Can't believe he actually bought that.' Miguel smirks before going back to bed.
The next day, we find ourselves at a large house as Minato stood there with Edwin and Alistair.
"So you really think the Soulwing in this house can help me?" Minato asks.
"Ehh 50-50. He's very important in the family. If we can get him on your side it'll be a big step, plus he hates Elias with a passion so that helps." Edwin said.
"So who is he?" Minato asks.
"My father and Elias' brother." Alistair declares surprising Minato.
"Brother?" Minato said in disbelief.
"Younger brother to be specific. Robin Soulwing, however many years ago he was in a dangerous accident and damaged both his legs beyond healing. He'll never walk again." Edwin said.
"That's terrible." Minato said.
"Edwin and I drop in and check on him a few times." Alistair said.
"So uh what should I do?" Minato asks.
"Just go in there and talk to him and try to comfort him." Edwin suggests.
"Sounds simple enough." Minato shrugs.
Making his way inside, Minato sees an elderly man with red hair and white patches laying in bed reading a book. This was Robin Soulwing.
"Uh hi." Minato said getting his attention.
"I've heard of you." He said.
"Yeah uh my name's Minato and I guess you're my great Uncle sorta." Minato said.
"Is this some kind of joke my stupid brother set up?" Robin asks putting his book down.
"No. No. Not a joke trust me I am not a fan of my grandpa either. No I'm just here to see you. Maybe we can talk for a while, hang out, I can make you something tasty." Minato offers.
"Come closer." Robin said.
As Minato leans in closer, Robin grabs him by the shirt and yanks him in.
"Listen you little hybrid brat! I don't know what your game is but if you really think you can suck up to me at my lowest you got another thing coming! Now get the hell out of here because you're not doing squat!" Robin said before shoving him back sending him crashing into the guest chair.
From outside Alistair and Edwin cringe as they heard a crashing noise and Minato came scrambling out.
"Oh yeah I forgot to mention. Various members of the family have tried being nice to him in hopes of inheriting his various valuables when he dies." Edwin cringed.
"Information that would have been good to have 5 minutes ago." Minato said in a huff.
"The sad part is aside from me my old man doesn't know who else he can trust. At this point he's literally just waiting to die." Alistair said.
"This is gonna be tricky." Minato pauses.
"Uh sirs I feel I must remind you Minato you're needed at Hexside for Anthony's entrance Exam and Alistair you have to prepare for your game tonight." Edwin said making them both gasp.
"Oh man you're right. Uh after the ceremony bring your friends and meet me at the arena." Alistair said.
"Right." Minato said as they both ran out.
Seeing that they were both gone, Edwin sighs before grabbing a tray.
Walking to the door, Edwin knocks on it.
"Go away!" Robin yells.
"It's me Sir." Edwin calls out before opening it. "Thought you might want some tea sir."
"Edwin." Robin leans back. "What game are you playing? Sending that Hybrid towards me. Don't I have enough members pulling that stupid card?"
"Maybe you've seen that card played so often you can't tell when someone is actually being sincere." Edwin suggests handing him a cup.
"Edwin at this point the only company I can trust are you, Alistair and Naomi." Robin said.
"Well it never hurts to try. You might like Minato. He really grows on you." Edwin said.
"And why would I even try?" Robin asks.
"Well for one it'll piss off your brother." Edwin said making him smirk.
"That's always the cherry on top." Edwin said as Edwin fluffed his pillow and put it back. "Look at me Edwin, I'm useless. At this point, I might as well just lay in this bed until it's curtains."
"I don't know sir life tends to mess with our original plans. Sometimes the unexpected happens." Edwin smiles before leaving the old man alone with his thoughts.
At Hexside we see Naomi nervously pacing back and forth with Eda and Hector nearby.
"Maybe this was a mistake. What if he gets nervous? What if Bump scares him?" Naomi asks.
"Sweetie calm down you're overthinking it." Hector assures.
"Yeah if my kids could get in with their limited knowledge so can he." Eda said.
"Was that an insult or a compliment?" Naomi asks.
"Ehh." Eda said tilting her hand back and forth.
In the auditorium, Bump was sitting in the front as Anthony was about to apply to make it into the kid courses.
But needless to say the little kid was had a nervous look on his face.
"Hey why so nervous?" Minato asks walking in but Anthony didn't answer. "You have nothing to worry about. We've been preparing for this all week. You're gonna go up there, you're gonna show Bump what you got and then you're gonna be the smartest kindergartener in Hexside"
"But what if it doesn't work?" Anthony asks.
"Well in that case we'll try again next semester. And I'll have all this Hexside fun without you." Minato smirks making him smile.
"You really think I'll pass?" Anthony asks.
"You just need to do one potion. That's all it takes." Minato said.
"Mr. Soulwing are you ready?" Bump calls out.
"That's your cue." Minato said.
As Anthony slowly made his way out, he sees the door open revealing Eda, his parents, Luz, Tiger Lily, King, Lilith and Blanca causing him to get nervous.
Not sure what to do Anthony looks to Minato.
"I-I can't." Minato whispers.
"I need you." Anthony said.
Seeing that his little cousin was in a jam, Minato suddenly got an idea.
"Here I'm gonna loan you something. A good luck charm." Bending down Minato took off his goggles and put them around Anthony's neck surprising him. "You got this. I know you do and so do they. Now blow them all away."
Smiling Anthony steps back out.
"Wait a second." Luz said noticing the goggles around his neck.
"Minato." Naomi smiles softly.
"You ready young man?" Bump asks.
"Yes." Anthony nods.
Making his way to a table of ingredients Anthony took a deep breath.
Reaching out he grabbed two beakers and poured them into a small cauldron. Mixing them up Anthony took a small jar and dumps it in causing the cauldron to bubble.
Seconds later mini fireworks shot out into the air and spelled out HEXSIDE above the stage.
"Whoo!" Luz said as everyone applauded him.
"Well now that's impressive." Bump said writing this down.
Smiling widely Anthony turns to Minato and sees his cousin give him a thumbs up.
"Welcome to Hexside." Bump declares causing everyone to cheer.
That night, we find ourselves at the Powerball arena.
Walking in, Eda, Lilith, King, Luz, Dez. Tiger Lily and Blanca were wearing Azure pit crew jackets with 99 written on the backs and wearing dark blue hats with headsets and a crystal ball.
"Okay I'm liking this." Luz said.
"Why am I in this?" Lilith asks.
"Because Lulu we need your strategy and coven knowledge to help win this." Blanca said.
"Aw thanks Bebe." Lilith smiles flattered.
"Plus no helping no free food." Eda adds.
"Hey where's Minato and Katara?" Alistair asks.
"In the back getting changed. Minato had to get his goggles back from Anthony." Luz said.
"Oh yeah he tried out for Hexside's Kindergarten class." Alistair recalls.
"And thanks to Minato's help he got in." Blanca smiles.
"Now if only my dad could open up to him as easily." Alistair said as the door opened revealing Minato and Katara wearing their Powerball gear and holding their skates in their hands.
"There's our racers." Dez smiles.
"Hey guys love the uniforms." Minato smiles.
"So how do we look?" Katara asks.
"Very intimidating." Lilith said.
"Awesome." Tiger Lily smiles.
"Good you two are here. I want to tell you both something important before you get into this." Alistair said getting their attention.
As the two of them sat down, Alistair walked in front of them.
"Alright listen up. I want you two to forget everything you think you know about this game. The preliminaries were all about some corrupted players trying to kill you to make some easy snails. Now we're dealing with players who live and breathe this game. They won't try and kill you but you can believe that they'll focus on winning." Alistair warns.
"So what does that mean for us?" Luz asks.
"It means you need to know your competition and how to play the game. I know these people and they've been doing this for years. You two are tough no arguments there but so are they." Alistair said.
"So who is our competition?" Eda asks.
Looking at Lilith she turns on the Crystal ball and several images of teams appeared.
"Now including you guys there are 24 teams in the pro circuit. But I'm gonna tell you there are only 5 you need to watch out for. First up Team 26. Mordred."
Appearing in front of them was a large demon man with an Oracle Witch as his support.
"Whoa he looks tough." Luz said.
"He is. I've seen a few of his matches. He's only ever lost to Lucian." Blanca said.
"Exactly. Mordred was one of the first players to join my game and he's hold very well. With his Oracle on support, he has the moves and intuition to keep things going." Alistair said changing it out. "Next up Team 17."
Appearing in front of them was a man with dark skin, a shaved head, and a tattoo on his neck and elemental sleeves, and another man also in Elemental Colors.
"Raze, Lucian's right-hand man and best friend. The two of them entered at the same time. Basically, wherever Lucian goes Raze is there too. Giving support as well as competition." Alistair explains.
"It's also good to have your best friend backing you up." Minato smiles looking at Luz.
"Always have, always will." Luz said proudly.
"So what if he's in the same category does he help Lucian win?" Dez asks.
"No. Raze plays to win and Lucian is no exception." Alistair said.
"I can respect that. The best way to help a friend is to come at them with everything they have." Lilith said.
"So what's his magic?" Eda asks.
"Aura based. Now it might not seem as fancy but Raze uses his aura powers to magnify his already crazy strong physical qualities. When he comes after you he'll make it hurt. So don't let him hit you." Alistair warns making them cringe.
"Noted." Minato gulps as the next team showed up revealing two demons one with goggles, horns, and red skin, the other had webbed fingers and fangs both were in Construction Coven colors but unlike the others, these two were average looking.
"Next up. Team 62. Willis and Dina. Not fighters but they're brilliant. Really creative. They won their first championship by sending 6 teams flying off the course at once." Alistair said.
Cringing Minato and Katara weren't liking where this was going.
To their surprise, a set of older students in Glandus robes appeared as the next team. One was a boy with blonde hair and had Abomination colors and the other was a girl with short blue hair and had Beast Keeping colors.
"Wait Glandus is in on this? Oh man wait until Hexside sees this." Tiger Lily said.
"Team 50. Finnegan and Daphne. Glandus students who are set to graduate this year and commit full-time to this sport. They won their qualifiers at 13 just beating you two out for the youngest team to ever do so. Very strong and extremely humble." Alistair said.
"You're kidding?" Katara said doubtful.
"Yes of course I am. They love the spotlight and the fans love'em, but they're some of Glandus' best, top students, and their very skilled in combat especially when they get their creatures alongside them." Alistair warns.
"The Hexside and Glandus rivalry lives on." Eda smirks.
"You two can take them." Lilith said.
"Whoo! School spirit!" Luz said as everyone from Hexside currently and formally cheered wanting them to go down.
"And last but not least Team number 7." Alistair said as an image of Lucian and a beautiful woman with long black hair appeared.
"Lucian." Minato said seeing the only player he recognized.
"Lucian and Sonja. The Champions of the sport. The best player in the Pro Leagues. He's the Head of the Elemental Coven and he shows it. When he steps onto the course he's a beast and his support Sonja is no different. Don't let the pretty face fool you her blue fire attacks are fierce both from her platform and on the course. No one gets to Lucian without getting through her." Alistair explains.
"Blue Fire?" Katara said lifting her head up. Instantly memories of an old enemy with the same skill came back to her.
"So which teams am we racing tonight?" Minato asks.
"You got Team 49, Team 12, 28 and…the 5 I just listed." Alistair declares making everyone freeze.
"You got Minato going up against a coven head?!" King said grabbing Alistair by the collar and shaking him violently. "He's one of Belos' goons!"
"They wouldn't let me put him in a lower bracket. Every racer in this league wants to take you on." Alistair said catching his breath. "Besides Lucian worked for me before he worked for Belos he'd never do anything to jeopardize this game."
"Are you sure you're not trying to kill me?" Minato asks nervously.
"These guys are many things but they're not killers, they live for the game and rule number 1 is no killing." Alistair said.
"That is not as reassuring as you think it sounds." Katara gulps.
"Not even a little." Tiger Lily said.
"Lilith you were a coven head, give it to us straight is Lucian strong?" Blanca asks.
"Incredibly." Lilith nods.
As everyone started to mutter nervously Eda growled having enough of this.
"Alright, that's it! Everyone line up!" Eda said as everyone formed a line.
Yanking her left arm off, Eda ran down the line and smacked everyone in the face with it.
"Ow!" They all winced covering their cheeks.
"Now listen up I don't wanna hear any more whining. We've dealt with worse odds than this and you're all just going to throw in the towel because a coven head is our opponent? Come on its a freaking race not running from the law. We just need to focus on the game. Minato you've proven how tough you are time and again are you really about to run away from this game now that you're this far?" Eda asks.
"No way." Minato said determined.
"What about you Katara? Scared of a little fire? Maybe we should find that Boscha girl so she can walk all over you." Eda mocks.
"No way." Katara said equally determined.
"And you cowards." Eda said turning to the others. "You're gonna try and talk them out of this? After all the stupid and crazy stuff we've been through? We've taken on things worse than a few pro athletes. Are you just gonna give up and run back home with our staffs between our legs?"
"No way." Luz, King, Lilith, Blanca, Tiger Lily, and Dez shouted.
"So get pumped!" Eda snaps.
"We're pumped!" They all said.
"Get angry!" Eda snaps.
"We're angry!" They snapped.
"Now let's get out there and show these people how the Owl House kicks butt!" Eda snaps as all of them cheer in determination.
"To battle!" King declares as they all went to prepare.
"Those guys are something else." Alistair said impressed and amused.
Just outside the arena, we see Skara with Amity, Willow, Gus and Ezra.
"Man I haven't been to a Powerball game in a while." Amity said looking at the crowd.
"Skara how did you get tickets?" Willow asks.
"My dad cut a deal with the owner. And since Boscha and the Grudgy team were busy I thought I'd invite you guys." Skara said.
"No strings attached?" Gus asks.
"Well if you see any moves or strategies in the game I might ask you to jot some notes for future games." Skara said.
"Tough but fair." Amity chuckles. "Honestly after the week I've had, I could use this."
"It's a shame Luz and the others couldn't come." Gus said.
"I went to the Owl House but Hooty said they all went out." Willow said
"Man I wish we could have found them." Amity said as Ezra looks at the matches.
"Found them." Ezra said getting their attention.
"Where?" Willow asks as they all looked around.
"There." Ezra points and when they saw Minato's Team 99 all of them paused for a few seconds.
"You boys get the snacks we'll get the seats?" Skara offers.
"On it!" Everyone said before running off.
While everyone was preparing their pit area, Minato and Katara made their way into the waiting rooms.
Making their way in all the pros were looking for their waiting room to wait until their match.
"See any open ones?" Katara asks.
Looking around Katara noticed Willis and Dina in one waiting room mumbling.
"Alright if we factor in the angle of the rim with the size of the gap." Willis said looking at the map.
"Then factor in the speed of the other racers." Dina adds. "And a little brute force."
"Is always helpful." Willis chuckles before noticing Katara.
"Uh sorry didn't mean to overhear." Katara said as both narrowed their eyes. "Uh I'll just go."
In another room, Minato spotted, Finnegan and Daphne getting themselves pumped up before spotting an open room.
"Ooh there's an open one." Minato points.
As they made their way over, Mordred came in and they met in the middle.
"Hey that's my waiting room. Newbie." Mordred said.
"What? What are you looking at?" Mordred glares.
"Whoa." Minato said remembering him from Alistair's warning. "You're Mordred."
"Yeah so what?" Mordred asks.
"Uh sorry I didn't mean to stare." Minato said. "I'll just go over here."
"What so now you don't want to be anywhere near me?" Mordred asks.
"Look I don't know what's going on here. We're just trying to wait for our match. If you want the room, it's yours." Minato said.
Popping their heads out the other teams saw Minato and Mordred and thought something was about to go down.
"Don't think because you won the preliminaries you'll keep winning." Mordred warns.
"Why? Think I can't take you?" Minato said.
Mordred was about to move in when a figure stepped into the room.
"That's enough!" A loud voice echoes.
Turning to the door they saw Lucian enter in his Powerball armor and instantly the room went silent.
"You are all acting like a pack of wild dogs!" Lucian yells making them all calm down. "And that my fellow athletes is pathetic. You want to hurt each other do it on the course. Until then go back to your corners and behave."
Grumbling the other teams walked away as Lucian approached Minato and Katara.
"Come on let's go." Lucian said leading them to an empty room. "You alright? Any bruises? Anything broken?"
"Uh no I'm fine." Minato said confused by all this.
"You'll have to forgive my colleagues, before the race they tend to forget they have manners. Speaking of which where are mine? Forgive me." He chuckles. "I'm Lucian."
"Uh hi I'm Katara and this Minato." She introduced.
"Oh I know who you are. I saw that battle at the Conformatorium. You're part of the reason everyone's on edge." Lucian said.
"Oh you saw that huh?" Minato gulps.
"Yes I have and let me tell you after seeing you at the qualifiers and after that I am very eager to test my skills against someone like you." Lucian grins.
"Wait you don't mean?" Katara gulps.
"Our match is the second one of the night. Get ready because I've always wanted to see how I measure up to Miguel Soulwing and you're the closest I'll ever get at the moment. And after seeing you and your big friend I am very interested in seeing how well you do." Lucian said standing up to leave.
"Well…he's not what I expected a coven head to be like." Minato said confused.
"Does he like us or want to hurt us? I couldn't tell." Katara asks equally confused.
As the first match came to an end, we find ourselves in the pits as everyone took position.
"Alright guys, this is how we're gonna make money so let's try to get high up on that scoreboard." Eda said.
"Why do you get to be the crew chief?" King whines.
"Because all you want to do is yell at people and tell them what to do." Eda smirks.
"So?" King glares.
"Come on King, you're with me and Blanca on the Crystal ball." Luz said picking him up.
"Dez you and Tiger Lily on the course. Lilith we got the players." Eda said as they went to their areas.
As Luz sat down a crow landed above her.
"Luz is that you?" Gus's voice said coming from it making her gasp. "We're up in the stands. Look around for us."
As the bird took off Luz looks around and spotted their friends waving at her.
"Hey guys!" Luz said waving back.
"Oh man this is so cool." Willow said.
"I wish we had a banner." Ezra said as Gus made an illusion of one.
"Close enough." Skara giggles
"Players to the starting line!" The announcer said as the teams took the arena.
"There's Minato!" Gus said as Amity looks out.
"Whoa." Amity said admiring him in his Powerball uniform. 'He wears it well.' Amity thought with a soft blush.
As pillars of flames shot out around the course, Minato took his position alongside Lucian, Raze, Mordred, Finnegan, Dina and Team 49, 12 and 28's racers.
Making her way to the support platform, Katara found herself across from Sonja who was looking right at her with a predatory-like look on her face.
Pausing Katara for a brief second thought she saw Azula in her place.
Shaking her head Katara turned to the field.
'Pull yourself together, that's not Azula. And Minato needs you to be there for him.' Katara thought.
"Players take your positions!" The announcer said as Lucian looked at Minato.
"Try to keep up." Lucian said.
Narrowing his eyes, Minato looked ahead as the countdown began.
As the light turns green and the orb shot out all the racers raced to be the first to grab it.
Using reinforcement magic, Minato tried to get an early lead like last time.
But before he could widen the gap, Finnegan creates a whip of abomination goo and it latches onto Minato's back.
"Oh no you don't!" Finnegan said yanking Minato making him stumble back.
"What in the?" Minato said as Mordred shoves past him.
"You're in the big leagues now kid!" Mordred said as the other racers pass him.
"This is what Powerball is normally like?" Tiger Lily asks.
"Unfortunately, not only do we have to watch out for Minato and the orb but we also have to watch for the other teams too." Blanca said.
"You're telling us this now?" Dez said.
"It's not my fault you never watched sports." Blanca said.
Racing in Raze scoops up the orb and races ahead.
"And the first to get the orb is Raze!" The announcer said as Team 49's racer tried to grab it from him.
Using Plant Magic, the racer hurled multiple vines at him.
Tossing the orb up, Raze grabs the vines and yanks the racer in before nailing him in the gut sending him tumbling back.
As the ball was about to drop down Finnegan used this chance to steal it.
"And Finnegan comes in with the steal gaining first points of the race." The announcer.
"We got to get Minato back up there!" Luz said.
"There's a ramp up ahead. We can use that." King said.
"Katara get Minato an opening." Lilith instructs.
As Katara created multiple water attacks she fired them down but the pros were able to avoid them.
"Come on." Katara said as Dina used her construction magic to make a course panel fly in front of her like a shield.
Moving in Sonja fires a blast of blue flames hitting the course in front of Finnegan causing him to pull back and resulting in her hitting Team 28's racer causing her to smack face-first into the wall.
"Katara keep fire girl away from Minato. You got the water use it." Dez said.
As Lucian tried to get the orb, Mordred swooped in just as they neared the ramp.
Racing up it, Mordred jumps to the other side with ease and the other racers right behind him.
Using his wind magic, Minato launches himself allowing him to soar out of last past and catch up with the leaders.
"Oh no you don't." Using his construction magic, Willis made a panel appear right where Minato was about to land.
Acting quickly Katara used the water whip to grab Minato's arm and yank him back avoiding the trap.
"And a quick save by Team 99's support allows their racer to avoid a possibly dangerous trap." The announcer said.
"That was too close." Skara said as Gus and Willow were wolfing down popcorn eagerly.
"Oh man Minato needs my flags of support. If only I could have brought them." Gus said in a dramatic tone.
"I don't think he can see them from here Gus." Ezra said.
"Amity what do you think?" Willow asks but Amity was leaning against the rail not taking her eyes off Minato for a second.
"You're coming up on obstacles and Raze will be on your right." Mordred's support said.
Hearing this Mordred was able to avoid the obstacles.
Coming up from behind, Raze rams into Mordred but he bounces back and whacks him with the orb making him skid back.
As Team 49's racer moved in to try and slow Raze down Raze coated his fist with Aura and nailed him in the gut sending the racer flying backwards and crashing to the ground.
"Ooh that's gotta hurt. Team 49 has been KOd!" The announcer said as the racer was unable to get up.
"Alistair wasn't kidding. You do not want to be on the receiving end of that." Blanca said.
Moving in Daphne uses her beast magic and calls a griffin.
Swooping in the beast swipes the orb out of Mordred's grip and drops it into Finnegan's.
However, before he could get far with it a lightning bolt flew in and zapped him.
"What in the?" Before he could react Minato rams into Finnegan and swipes the orb.
"And Team 99 finally gets the orb!" The announcer said as Minato raced ahead.
"Yes!" Luz cheers.
"Minato get to those checkpoints! We need points on the board!" Lilith orders.
"You got it." Minato grins using Reinforcement magic to race ahead.
"Daphne let's shut him down!" Finnegan said.
Jumping off her support the team from Glandus raced towards Minato.
"Come on Minato fight them off!" Willow calls out.
"Show those Glandus losers they got nothing on us!" Skara calls out.
"Hexside will always be better!" Ezra yells.
Using a magic circle Finnegan summons an Abomination alongside Daphne's griffin as both charged in.
Bobbing and weaving, Minato dodges the attacks before noticing several spinning balls on chains coming up.
Racing ahead, Minato used them as cover as the Griffin pulls back.
However, that left him open to being chased by a new pursuer.
"Hello Minato." Gasping Minato looks to see Lucian gaining on him.
"Incoming Coven Head!" Luz panics.
As shadows surrounded Lucian's fist he swings his arm to deliver a powerful strike.
Raising the orb, Minato uses it like a shield and the resulting impact sent him skidding backward.
"Come on show me what you got. Show me the strength of my predecessor." Lucian taunts.
Shaking it off, Minato looks to see Lucian coming in for another one.
Slamming the orb down like a brake, Minato skids behind him.
"Eat Water Gun!" Taking a deep breath, Minato breathes a stream of water hitting Lucian in the chest blasting him a good distance back.
Shaking it off, Lucian sees Minato race in. Coating his arm in Reinforcement Magic, Minato nails him with a left hook.
"Ooh and it looks like the newbies are trying their luck against the champ!" The announcer said.
Racing past him, Minato ran through the gate getting the points.
"Guys I need something that can give me a bigger lead." Minato said.
"Don't worry we got something." Blanca said noticing a big jump up ahead.
"Katara now!" Dez said.
Jumping off the support platform, Katara races alongside Minato as they neared the jump.
Once they leaped over, Katara used her powers to create a giant ice wall in front of the other teams.
"Uh oh looks like Team 99 is trying to widen their gap! The other teams better find a way through it or their game will be on ice." The announcer said.
Using her construction magic, Dina made several panels shoot toward the ice and move upwards. Seeing what she was doing Willis created a ramp for his partner to race up and jump over.
Narrowing his eyes, Lucian looks to Sonja and instantly she nodded.
Jumping off the platform a giant blue fireball formed in her hand.
Hurling it at full speed it smashed into Katara's ice wall creating an explosion.
"What in the?" Turning around Katara and Minato see Sonja and Lucian leap out the steam cloud and race towards them. "Minato keep going!"
"What about you?" Minato asks.
"I'm gonna try and buy you some more time." Katara said.
"Good luck." Minato said racing ahead.
Turning around, Katara waves her arms causing a torrent of water to appear.
While Teams like Raze and Mordred powered through it, Dina and Finnegan relied on their support to get them through the attack. But teams like number 12 got washed away and off the course.
As Lucian and Sonja gained on them Katara created a water whip and hurls at Lucian.
Holding out her arm, Sonja deflects it protecting Lucian.
"Get him." Sonja orders making Lucian smile.
"With pleasure." Lucian said adding more magic to his skates allowing him to race forward.
Katara tries to cut him off, but Sonja unleashes blue flames canceling it out.
"You want him you have to go through me." Sonja declares racing after her.
"Looks like we got ourselves a classic Fire vs Water showdown folks, but which one will win?" The announcer asks.
Raising her arms, Katara made water appear alongside her feet. Thrusting her palm forward a wave came rushing towards Sonja.
Firing flames behind her Sonja shot forward avoiding the attack.
Landing in front of her, Sonja jumps back and hurls fireballs at her.
Sidestepping from left to right, Katara narrowly dodges them.
Flicking water, Katara slashes a fireball in half but Sonja dodges and races in.
Swinging her foot, to deliver a powerful kick Katara sending Katara tumbling back.
Groaning in pain Katara looks to see Sonja unleash a powerful blast of blue flames.
Creating a water wall, Katara deflects the attack as they cancel each other out.
"Amazing! These two supports are going at each other like racers!" The announcer said.
From the steam cloud, several other teams raced past Katara and Sonja to catch up with Minato and Lucian.
"Is that the best you got?" Sonja asks.
'She's definitely fierce like Azula. I need something that can trip her up.' Katara thought before remembering something that always worked back home.
Turning her water to ice, she flings multiple blades of ice at her but as Sonja melts them one curved chunk of ice flew past her.
"It takes more than a little ice blade to surprise me." Sonja said as the ice bent changing shape.
"Who said that was a blade?" Katara smirks.
Confused everyone looked to see what Katara threw wasn't an ice blade…it was an ice boomerang!
Flying back the boomerang hit Sonja knocking her off her concentration.
Using this opening Katara blasts her with a large hit of water knocking Sonja across the course.
"Oh yeah! That's how a Water Tribe girl does it!" Luz cheers standing up.
"Where did she get the idea for one of those?" Skara asks.
"Her brother." Gus said remembering her show.
"You want me best you got it." Katara taunts as Sonja raced after her.
"Oh I am gonna enjoy this." Sonja said as flames surrounded her fists.
As water wrapped around Katara's arm the two ladies charged in.
However just as the two of them were about to clash the timer went off on them causing everyone in the audience to groan being robbed of an epic clash.
"You got lucky." Sonja said as the two were forced to return to the support platforms.
"That…was way too close." Amity said.
"Oh man I was shaking." Ezra said.
"I'm gonna be straight with you guys. I didn't know if Katara was gonna win that clash." Gus said.
As Katara returned the platform, she shook off her injuries.
"Hey you alright?" Eda asks.
"Sorry guys I couldn't shake her." Katara said.
"You held out for as long as you could. Just focus on helping Minato." Lilith said.
Nodding Katara goes back to being support.
Farther into the course, the racers finished half the course and things were getting intense as Lucian, Mordred and Finnegan were trying to steal the Orb from Minato.
"Chidori Stream!" As lighting emitted around him, Minato pushed back Mordred before whacking him in the face with the orb.
"That was for back in the locker room!" Minato snaps.
Using his other arm, Minato swings at Lucian to deliver another strike but to his surprise Lucian caught in his hand surprising him.
"Where'd the grin go?" Lucian asks before kicking Minato in the gut and sending the orb into the air and into Lucian's arms.
"Thank you." Lucian grins before racing off.
Groaning Minato picks himself up to see the fights were getting epic.
"Alright that's it. You guys want to play hardball well so can I." Minato said slamming his hand down. "Rise! Red Eyes Abomination Dragon!" Minato roars summoning his dragon who roared before taking flight.
"And there it is! It's the creation that won Minato the Preliminaries! How will our more seasoned players deal with this?!" The announcer said.
"Holy." Daphne said.
"Now that's impressive." Willis said checking out Minato's creation.
Turning around the other racers see Red Eyes flying in at full speed with Minato racing below him.
"Oh no you don't!" Using his abomination magic, Finnegan tries to stop him with his own creation.
"Hang on!" Summoning her griffin, Daphne jumps down to help.
"Out of my way!" Minato roars as Red Eyes responds to his emotions.
Roaring Red Eyes used his breath attack destroying Finnegan's abomination and sending Daphne's griffin flying backward crashing into them and sending Finnegan off the track.
"And Team 50 is out!" The announcer said causing everyone from Hexside to cheer with joy.
Using his illusion magic, Gus made a huge banner that said GO TEAM 99!
From the resulting shockwave Mordred, Raze and Dina stumble allowing Minato to shoot past them like a rocket.
"Where did that come from?" Dina asks.
"Lucian." Raze gasps seeing where he was going.
Coming in at full speed, Minato gains on Lucian.
Holding out his arm, a bright ball of burning light appeared.
Lucian throws it at him but Minato counters with a Rasengan destroying it.
"Not gonna work!" Minato said ramming into Lucian and knocking the orb out of his hands.
As Minato swipes it, Red Eyes swings his wing knocking Lucian back and against the course wall.
However, instead of being frustrated, Lucian started to chuckle.
"Finally, someone who knows how to have a little fun." Lucian grins pouring magic into his skates and shooting after Minato.
As he races after Minato, shadows began to form next to him and with a mixture of light and energy, it began to take shape.
"Lilith you're the coven expert what is that?" Tiger Lily asks.
"They don't give the rank of Coven head to just anyone. Lucian commands the power of darkness and shadows, but he also knows how to harness light magic. Normally the two are too different but Lucian found a way to connect the two and from it, he's able to create devastating spells. Including his personal favorite, the Lycan Sieger." Lilith declares.
"The what now?" Tiger Lily asks as the shadows took the shape of a werewolf whose howl echoed through the arena.
"A Werewolf?!" Luz said surprised.
"Looks like we got some competition buddy." Minato said looking at Red Eyes.
Gaining speed Lucian and his lycan pulled up alongside Minato and his dragon.
"It's been a long time since someone's forced me to use this." Lucian said before his Lycan rams into Red Eyes and he clashes with Minato.
Feeling Lucian's hit Minato wobbles to try and keep hold of the Orb when Lucian grabs one side and tries to yank it out of his hands.
"You want to play like that huh?" Growling Minato rams back along with his dragon but Lucian still held onto the orb.
"Let's see who wants this more." Lucian grins.
As both rider and monster raced along the tracks, they rammed into each other again and again trying to overpower the other.
"This is amazing! Both Lucian and Minato refuse to back down as they clash back-to-back both while keeping an iron grip on the orb! The only question is who's gonna break first?!" The announcer said.
"Katara can you give Minato any help?" King asks.
"They're too close together. I might hit Minato." Katara said not sure if she could land a hit on Lucian.
With wind and lightning magic coating his arm, Minato punches Lucian but he takes the attack and punches back with a darkness-coated fist.
Racing down the course, Minato noticed several obstacles in the way.
Swerving around he pushes against Lucian making his back slam against one causing him to cringe.
Not backing down, Lucian pushes back causing Minato to slam against one.
As Lycan Sieger leaped out and latched onto Red Eyes the two beasts grappled biting and clawing at each other.
"Come on Minato!" Willow said standing up.
"You just gotta knock him loose!" Gus said standing up.
"One good hit that's all you need!" Ezra said.
"Hit'em! Hit'em!" Skara yells.
"You can do it!" Amity cheers.
"Minato! Minato!" All his friends in the pits yell.
Looking down Katara had a big hopeful grin on her face.
Above them, Lucian's Lycan rips off one of Red Eyes' wings causing it to plummet down.
Grabbing it with his claws, Red Eyes pushes Lycan Sieger downwards so he would crash first.
Upon impact, the Lycan exploded into shadows, but Minato's abomination sprayed goo all over and as a result, it ended up landing in front of Minato forcing him to swerve to avoid.
Eyes sharpening, Sonja launches a blue fireball causing hitting Minato in the side causing him to cringe.
Using this opening Lucian nails Minato with a right hook causing him to let go and fall.
"Ooh!" Everyone winced as Lucian took the orb and raced across the finish line.
"And after such a close call the winner of the match is…Lucian!" The announcer said as the crowd cheered.
"Oh man." Eda frowned.
"He lost." Dez said as Minato punches the ground in frustration.
With the points he got from the grapple, Minato managed to land in the top 3 with Lucian and Mordred.
"Well he did pretty well for his pro league debut." Alistair sighs.
Slowly trying to get up, Minato made his way to the back when he noticed Mordred waiting in front of him.
"What do you want now Mordred? Come to make fun of me?" Minato mocks.
"Come on." Mordred said bringing him to the back.
"Oh no not again." Katara tries to catch up only for Sonja to grab her. "Can't this night end." She groans.
Bringing them to the back rooms, Minato and Katara turned around to see the other pros glaring at them.
"What? You guys want round 2?" Minato asks taking a stance.
"Don't mess with us." Katara threatens.
But instead, everyone just smiled and chuckles.
"Easy kiddoes easy the match is over." Raze said confusing them.
"Huh?" Both of them said confused.
"You two were amazing out there. Not bad for first timers." Finnegan said.
"Wait you guys aren't going to hurt us?" Katara asks but they all laughed.
"No that's only before the games or when we're on the course. We're actually really nice guys when you get to know us." Raze smiles.
"Yeah…Sorry about earlier. I really get on edge before these matches." Mordred said rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry if I sounded like a jerk."
"Wait so what you said earlier?" Minato said looking at Lucian walks in with a smirk.
"Told ya." Lucian said.
"This is a dangerous game and if we always hated each other, we'd never make it out of the locker rooms." Dina said.
"But if we leave it all out on the course the fans get an amazing game, we get paid and no one walks out of here with any enemies." Sonja said.
"Wow that's really smart." Katara said.
"So none of you guys are gonna try and kill me?" Minato asks nervously.
"Kill you? Are you kidding? We want to keep you around as long as possible." Willis said.
"We're always looking for strong competition and if you're tough enough to tie with the Emperor himself then you're more than welcome here kid." Raze smiles.
"You're one of us now." Lucian smiles.
"Just don't think for a second we'll ever go easy on you newbies." Mordred smirks.
Hearing this Minato couldn't help but smile.
As Katara felt herself at ease, she noticed Sonja walk over.
"Hey uh sorry I was all weird around you. It's just your magic reminded me of a not-so-friendly face I used to know." Katara apologizes.
"Hopefully I'm not as bad as her." Sonja said.
"Well not off the course at least." Katara said.
"Why didn't you try to attack them earlier?" Sonja asks.
"I didn't want to hit Minato. But you didn't seem to mind taking that risk, what if you had hit Lucian?" Katara asks.
"He trusts me. I knew that if we were to were I had to have a strong enough resolve to take that risk. And as you can see it paid off." Sonja said.
"You're really protective of him." Katara said.
"Well what kind of girl wouldn't be protective of her fiancé?" Sonja smirks surprising her.
"Wait you and Lucian?" Katara asks.
"Nothing shows a man how much you care for him than protecting him in this sport." Sonja said.
"Wow I never thought of it that way." Katara said.
"Really? You never think you and your partner might be more than just this?" Sonja asks.
"Me and Minato?" Katara pauses.
"I'm just saying he could have picked anyone to be his support, but he picked you. When Lucian asked me to be his support he didn't even hesitate. He wanted me and only me by his side." Sonja smiles looking at her partner laughing with the other players.
Pausing Katara couldn't help but wonder, when Minato asked her to be his partner she remembered why he liked her so much.
Slowly a soft blush appeared on her face. 'Wait does Minato really see me that way?'
That night at the Owl House, everyone raised their glasses.
"To Team 99 and placing in the top 3 on our debut!" Eda declares.
"To Team 99!" Everyone smiled clinking their drinks.
"I'll admit for a sports stadium they have some pretty tasty treats." Lilith said as they dug in.
"Soulwings Lilith, they always have the best stuff." Eda said.
"Sorry we couldn't win guys." Katara said.
"Hey it was your first pro race. You two did good." Dez said.
"We did have help from a somewhat decent pit crew." Minato smirks making them smile.
"Still I can't believe the Powerball guys were so nice to you both." Tiger Lily said.
"Not gonna lie I totally thought they were gonna kill you." King said.
"Give us some credit King. We would have made it out." Katara said.
"It just shows you kid, that even the people who look tough can be nice under the right circumstances." Eda said when Minato realized something.
"You're right Eda. Hey Luz remember when we used to volunteer at the Old Folk's Home?" Minato reminds looking at her.
"Yeah but didn't we stop after that one old man thought he died and freaked out?" Luz asks.
"I have an idea and I need your help." Minato said confusing everyone.
The next day in Robin's room he lay in his bed not realizing 2 figures sneaking in.
Slowly opening his eyes, he is surprised to see Luz and Minato like angels.
"Preview of what's to come." Luz declares.
"You again? And who's this your girlfriend?" Robin groans. "Look I don't care what you have to say no one is getting out of me. Now let me just stay in here until I die."
"Still want to die huh? Let's have a look at that." Minato said as he and Luz took out books. "Death. To die. To expire. To pass on. To perish."
"To push up daisies. To peg out. Curtains. To become extinct." Luz adds.
"Paying a debt to nature. The big sleep." Minato said looking at him. "If you want to die already that's fine, but I want you to know I don't want anything you own. You can bury all this junk with you for all I care."
Sitting up, Robin was about to let them have it but when he noticed the serious look on his face he saw it. He didn't care about what he had. He really just wanted to spend time with him.
"To check out." Robin getting their attention.
"To head for the happy hunting ground." Minato said as they moved closer.
"To kick the bucket." Luz said.
"Worm buffet." Robin said.
"Buy the farm." Minato said.
"Take the cab." Robin said.
"Cash in your chips." Luz said.
"To give up the ghost." Robin said.
"And if we bury ass up, we have a place to park my skates." Minato said making Robin burst into laughter.
"Are you sure you're related Elias?" Robin asks.
"Unfortunately." Minato said taking off the halo. "Look I know what you're thinking. All people see is a rich old man that they can rob from once you die. But not everyone around you thinks that."
"Yeah your son loves you and so do quite a few other people." Luz said.
"Maybe you have a point." Robin said.
"Look you've been cooped up in this room too long. Let's get you out of here and get some fresh air. See the city." Minato said.
"Kid as much as I would love that, there's not much I can do except sit in a chair." Robin said.
"Well that all depends on the chair." Minato hints getting his attention.
An hour later, Minato and Luz were in their normal clothes leading Robin down the streets while he was in a wheelchair with wheels that looked the same ones as Powerball skates.
"Whoo come on slowpokes!" Luz said running ahead.
"Alright just remember focus your magic into the wheels and go, go, go." Minato instructs.
Doing what he said Robin's wheelchair suddenly began to glow and the two of them were racing after her.
"Whoo! I'm mobile again!" Robin cheers.
Grinning Minato hops onto the back and the two of them chase after Luz.
The two of them were taking this old man out for the first time in a long time and he couldn't be happier.