The sun was just rising when Eda, Luz, and Kim headed out. Since it was Kim and Luz's first time scavenging the woods they stuck to the ones nearby the house. Before they headed out though Eda made sure to give each girl a few protons, a couple blue and a couple pink.

"Ok girls this is very important, blue is for beasts and pick is for plants. They are for if you spook anything and it gets hostile. Aim for the face or chest on beasts and the roots for plants. Don't worry about hurting what you're throwing at. The potions only cause drowsiness and lightheadedness, and are specifically your chance to run. If you get in trouble, shoot off some of your light beams and we will come running. You got it?" Eda said firmly and the twins nodded they understood.

For the next three hours Eda went around showing her students all the little things they could find and potentially use in the future. She even explained what each thing could do. Sleeping needles, shed rainicorn antler, quilboar spines, green arachnie web, and so many more. When a particular item caught their eye Eda would help show them how to safely collect and handle them and by the end of the three hours both girls had a plethora of new and odd things to play with for there next potions class. It was then that Eda caught them both off guard.

"So that's going to conclude our lesson for now. I need to go head off into a more dangerous part of the woods to finish my shopping list. What I want you two to do in the meantime is explore anything that catches your eye and have fun getting used to the wilds. You can learn a lot once you let yourself see everything that's around you," said Eda with a knowing smile.

"You're not going to explain what you mean by that are you?" sighed Luz. Eda just laughed as she dashed off into the brush.

'

"I'm actually feeling good about this Lu. We haven't needed to use any of the potions she gave us yet and all things considered this place isn't so bad. Now I think I see some Stranglevine though those trees. If I remember correctly Eda said it makes a good binding agent. Lets go get some," said Kim with an excited smile.

For the next twenty minutes the pair explored like Eda instructed and found a dozen more interesting seeds and mosses, and then they heard a voice. "You can do it. I can do it. We can do this. Even if you get a bad grade, it's not a reflection of you as a witch. And my parents are right. There are better opportunities on this track. Now, get to school and wow them with what you got!" she said, trying to psych herself up. Following her voice the twins found a dark haired girl in a uniform with pink sleeves and leggings. She had a kind face even if it was currently twisted in worry, and she was slightly plump in that way where it was clear she wasn't overweight. She just hadn't lost all of the softness that young kids sometimes carry before becoming adults. They were just getting ready to introduce themselves when a second girl arrived.

The new girl had mint green hair and the same uniform, and was athletically thin and Luz couldn't help herself from whispering, "She's kinda cute."

"Good morning Willow. I would have thought you would already be at school trying to get any help you can. We can't have a repeat of last time can we," the girl said in a sickeningly sweet tone. With one quick jump she moved from on top of her own cart onto Willow's and removed the lid of her large pot. After looking inside she just gave her a condescending look and continued, "Oh Willow. This won't do at all, but as top student I have to tell you to keep at it. You can do it Superstar."

In the bushes Kim whispered to Luz, "Still think she's cute?"

Luz just gave a sad sigh, "Why must every rose but a secret nightshade. Pretty to look at but secretly bitter and toxic."

"Please Amity. Can you just go? It was nice seeing you, but you wouldn't want to be late on my account," Willow said dejectedly. With a condescending laugh Amity did just that as she summoned a purple goo golem to pull her cart away.

After Amity was gone Willow just stood there looking down and shaking slightly before her eyes glowed green and the plants around her lashed out. The trees rattled, and from the ground shot out vines that wrapped around Kim and Luz, making them yell out in fear. At the sound of their screams, Willow seemed to snap out of whatever was happening to her.

"Oh my Titan. Are you two ok? Who are you? I don't remember seeing you around before," frantically asked Willow a little embarrassed.

Kim hid behind her sister as she squeezed, "I think we are ok."

"Ya, watch were you pointing those vines next time, but no harm done. I'm Luz and this is my sister Kim. We aren't from around here. We just arrived a little less then a week ago," answered Luz.

"Well ok, but shouldn't you be getting to school soon? What school do you go to? I attend Hexside," Willow said, starting to brighten up.

"We don't go to school right now. We are appenticing right now until we can find a way home," said Kim poking out from behind Luz.

"Lucky," Willow sighed. "At least you don't have to worry about the abominations practical test today… I'm going to fail," Willow said, looking dejected again.

Seeing Willow's sad expression the twins shared a look and made a decision. "Maybe I can help. I might not know much about abominations, but we have been studying a fair bit of potions since we arrived," said Kim as she crawled up into Willow's cart and removed the lid. After a minute of studying the goo and even using her finger to test its consistency Kim called down, "Do you have a recipe list. I think I see the problem, but I want to make sure." Willow quickly pulled it out and handed it to Luz. Whom took it with a smile and joined her sister.

"So what's the prognosis Professor K?" asked Luz in a serious tone.

After looking through the list Kim said, "It's as I thought. Your proportions are a little off. See here it's still runny around the edges and too thin to be able to hold a solid form." As she pointed out things to Willow the girl just got more depressed. At noticing her face slowly sinking, Luz laughed, "None of that Willow. If we can see the problem, then we can fix the problem. Right Kim?"

"Exactly Luz," smiled Kim, reassuring Willow. "Actually if you don't mind, I think I have what you need right here in my satchel… Yup here. Try these," said Luz as she pulled out a jar of Elderbow sap and a few handfuls of Scratch moss.

"Calm down Luz. We want to thicken it, not turn it into a brick," admonished Kim. "Only use a single handful of the Scratch moss," said Kim as Luz looked away embarrassed.

At Kim's confident smile Willow chose to follow her suggestion and after a few stirs she was shocked at the result. Her goo looked a lot better. It still wasn't great but it should definitely be enough to pass. Willow couldn't help herself. She pulled both girls into a surprisingly strong hug and started to cry her profound thanks, but after a minute she pulled away with a look of fear. "Oh no. Since you guys helped me out, did I just cheat? Oh no, oh nononono," Willow spiraled in fear.

"Don't worry about it Willow. At worst we gave you some tips, maybe a gentle nudge," asserted Luz.

"Right. It was tutoring if anything. We just gave you the tools. You still did all the work," conferred Kim.

"Ok, thanks guys," Willow said, eyes full of hope until she saw her watch. "Oh, no. I gotta get going or I'm going to be late. It would really suck to waste all our efforts only to lose points for being tardy. Why don't you two come with me? I'm sure we could talk to Principal Bump and get you both a day pass to check out the school. If you two are half as good at potions as you are with fixing abominations, he'd be thrilled to enroll you anytime you want."

Kim gave Luz a hopeful look and Luz laughed, "Ok, no puppy dog eyes sis. I'm going to pass for now. I have some more exploring to do, but Kim why don't you go with Willow and check it out. You can catch me up later."

"Are you sure Luz? I don't want to make Eda think her lessons aren't enough," worried Kim.

"Kim, K-cup, Special K, settle down. She told us to explore anything that caught our eye, and we both know that this has caught yours. You're fine. Go have fun," said Luz as she gave her twin a squeeze on the shoulders. "Just bring her back in one piece. Ok Willow?" Luz said, shooting her a serious look. Willow gave a salute and the two girls headed off to Hexside.

"I'm hoping I'm doing the right thing," Luz sighed after they were gone. "Hey what's that?" she asked as she noticed something in the upturned plant life. "Score."

As they walked Kim and Willow chatted for a while until Willow started asking questions.

"So where are you and your sister from?" asked Willow.

"Oh umm… can I trust you Willow? Our situation is kinda odd, and I don't want to get you in trouble," said Kim sheepishly.

"Kim, you and Luz really helped me out back there. You seem a little shy, but I can tell you're super smart and a really cool person. I promise, whatever your situation, I won't judge," smiled Willow.

After a breath to steel her resolve Kim started, "Well up until me and my sister came to Bonesbourough, we had been living in what you all call the human realm. We didn't even know we could do magic till we got here." Kim made a little light orb and started playing with it to help distract herself. "We thought we were human, and now we have pointed ears and Eda says we're witches… I don't… sometimes I just can't believe what's happened. None of it makes sense to me and I miss our mom. She'd have answers but with the doors busted and we can't even see her. Luz has always been the strong one, but I'm just so afraid and worried…" Kim said as she started to hyperventilate and tear up, but more importantly her eyes started to glow in a kaleidoscope of colors as time and space started to warble around her until through it she heard Willow's voice, "Kim you need to calm down. Breathe in for four seconds and then release it slowly for four seconds. Repeat it as many times as you need to until you calm down."

After what felt like hours to Kim she calmed down letting out a long breath and said, "Thanks Willow. What was that? I've never felt anything like that before."

"I think it was bile overload, but I've never seen or heard of magic like that before. Try to remember that breathing technique for if it happens again. It's always helped me," Willow said, giving her a one armed hug. Kim just tried to hide her confusion. She would have to ask Eda about this later.

Thankfully that was about the time they arrived at Hexside. It was a massive pewter structure that reminded Kim of the major universities back home. If it hadn't been for the colossal eye in the main tower that looked down on all the students and teachers as they milled around she could almost have forgotten she was in the demon realm, if only for a moment.

The pair hurried forward and at Bump's office, Willow gave Kim a hug goodbye and a quick, "Good Luck," as she hurried off to her first class. After knocking on the door Kim heard a tired but stern voice call out, "It's open. Come in." Kim tentatively entered the room and closed the door behind her.

Sitting in a high backed chair at assumable his desk sat Principle Bump. He was a square built older man in a black traditional academic dress consisting of a long black gown with a gold yoke, a black cape, gold trim at the sleeves and cape hem, plus a blue stole draped over his shoulders. On his head was either some sort of mask or small creature, Kim didn't know, but it didn't seem to bother him so she chose to ignore it. Upon seeing a new face in his office Bump stood up and extended a hand, "Good Morning Miss. I'm sorry but I don't recognize you as one of my students and you're not in uniform so I have to ask. Who are you and what can I do for you?" Bump asked warmly but seriously.

"Good morning to you as well sir. Umm. My name is Kimberly Nocada… Kim please… Me and my sister only came to the area a little while ago and I ran into one of your students this morning… Willow sir… and she invited me to come check out her school… if that's ok with you sir," Kim stuttered.

At Kim's obvious discomfort, Bump came around his desk and kneeled before her and put a calming hand on her shoulder, "Relax Kim. My name is Hieronymus Bump. I don't bite, and as principal of the most prestigious center for learning on the Isles I can assure you, you are safe here. We would be thrilled to allow you to spend the day checking out our school and seeing if it's a good fit for you. I have to ask though, you mentioned a sister. Is she with you? It's not a big deal, but if she is she will need one of these as well so the teachers know she is a guest," Bump says a bit more warmly as he makes a lanyard saying 'Guest' appear in his other hand.

Looking a little more at ease Kim says, "No Principle Bump sir, Luz didn't come with me. She's busy doing something for our mentor right now. So I came alone."

"Oh you two have a mentor. That's interesting. I guess I'll need to meet them if you want to apply or maybe I already do. Who is it?" asked Bump with a chuckle.

"Sir… I don't know if it matters, but up until a week ago my sister and I lived in the human realm. It was an accident that we are here at all, and I've heard that our mentor isn't exactly liked around here. But you seem like a nice, understanding person sir… So I'll tell you. We have been staying with Eda the Owl Lady. She has been nothing but kind to us, but I'd understand if you don't want us here anymore," Kim said, dejected and obviously afraid again.

For Bump's credit he managed to stifle any gasp or noise from escaping him in his surprise, and after a moment he spoke up, "That is interesting to say the least, but not a deal breaker." Bump sat back at his desk and thought for a moment. "Naturally you will have to keep your affiliation with her secret as best you can until we decide your track and I can have a serious discussion with its teacher. At the end of the day everyone deserves a proper education, so I adamantly refuse to turn either of you away, and I will do everything in my power to protect you if you decide to attend. Unfortunately my influence only goes so far. So while I can guarantee no harm will come to you while you're on our grounds, I can't say the same outside them."

Bump's words seemed to cascade over Kim like warm refreshing rain but she had to ask, "I'm not trying to be rude or question you sir, but I don't understand. Eda told us about how everyone views wild witches around here, and it would be so easy to turn us away. So why? Why do this for us?"

Bump looked away, somehow unable to meet her slightly moist amber eyes as he said, "No doubt she told you that she attended this school herself in her youth. What you might not realize is that she was one of my first students when I took over as principal here. I will admit there has always been a part of me that blames myself for her current predicament. Maybe if I had known what I know now… Maybe I could have helped her. Even now I take great pride in the reputation she has garnered herself with her potions. I always knew she had a real talent." Bump let out a long sigh before he turned back to the young witchling and finished, "To answer your question Ms. Nocada. You're right it would be easy to turn you away, but I promised myself that I would never allow another Edalyne Clawthorne to happen under my watch, if I could avoid it. I will not allow another rising star to fall because I was too weak to stand up and help them shine. So here's a schedule for you to use today. You'd better hurry though. You don't want to be late for the first day of what could be the rest of your tenure here."

Bump and Kim shared one last warm smile before Kim rushed off to her first class. After she left, Bump just sat at his desk running over the whole conversation in his head. Some small piece just didn't seem to line up for him, but then he had a crazy thought. It would make everything about the odd witchling make sense, but it was ridiculous, preposterous even. He would need to keep a special eye on this, Kim Noceda. There was no way he was right, but he couldn't ignore the familiar warmth he had felt in his chest when speaking with her. It was so much like her's.

It seemed that Kim was in for at least one more surprise today. To her great joy her first class was abominations where upon entering the room Willow quickly wavered her over to sit with her. Willow wasn't the only one eyeing Kim as she walked by. Amity saw her as she nervously approached the dark haired teen, and how Kim's eyes never stopped moving constantly looking out for an attack that never came. Amity immediately knew her type and believed Kim didn't matter to her because there was no way this quivering spineless girl could ever be a threat to her.

Professor Hermonculus arrived to class in the arms of his personal abomination only a minute after Kim did. At first he seemed confused by the unfamiliar face, but upon seeing her lanyard it seemed to click for him. "Ah yes, Ms. Noceda I remember Principal Bump mentioning to me that you would be sitting in on our class today. Unfortunately most of our class time will be dedicated to checking on the results of our practical examination, but hopefully this will be enough to show you what you can expect if you choose to join us in the future," the imp of a teacher said flatly. "All right everyone else, I hope you did well. It would be a shame if you made all of us look bad in front of a potential student," he declared, a threat barely hidden. To his dismay, the examination did not go well. With each student that came forward to show their work Herrmonculus's mood only grew more and more sour as he gave out failing mark after failing mark. According to him they were all unacceptable. Some had too many toe nails in odd places, others too many limbs, but the final straw was when one abomination came out nearly perfect only to explode into chunks moments later. "If the next one of you to come up here doesn't manage to show at least a basic understanding of good abominations work, the whole class will be getting double homework for the next month," he roared out.

"I'm ready whenever professor," said Amity in a sickly sweet voice while her abomination lifted the lid on its pot to show it was perfectly formed.

"No Amity. You know I like leaving the best for last," he cooed back. Before whispering, "Titan knows I need the reminder that I'm not completely wasting my time here." Then he looked around before making his choice. "Willow Park. Come up and show us what you've got." Suddenly the class took on a melancholy air and a few students could even be heard bemoaning that 'half-a-witch' Willow was guaranteed to get them the double homework. Willow made her way to the front of the class and for a second she couldn't think past the fear that was welling up in her chest, but then she saw Kim, grinning and giving her a thumbs up, and she proceeded to show her abomination to the class. To everyone's shock it was stable and competently formed, and more than that it was able to follow any directions the professor told Willow to have it perform. He even asked Willow if it could speak, and before Willow could tell him otherwise, Kim and Willow's eyes met and a single word croaked out of the abomination's gooey throat, "Friend." Suffice it to say everyone was shocked at the display they had just received, knowone more so than Amity.

"No. I saw your project on the way here and there is no way that you were able to fix it this much in only the ten to fifteen minutes you had before getting to school. You had to have cheated," roared Amity indignantly.

"You're not completely wrong Amity, but this is the same project. I will admit though Kim and her sister did give me a few hints as to how to salvage it, but this is wholly my own work," said Willow with a sigh.

"Give me your ingredient list and tell me their hints. I will make my judgment afterwards," the professor stated flatly.

So Willow did so. She even showed the professor some of the Scratch moss she still had. After pondering for a moment or two he turned to Kim and smiled, "Well, well, well. I have to admit I'm impressed. If you and your sister can manage to turn this no-talent student of mine around in only a handful of minutes, then I am positively giddy to see what you can do on your own." After that he turned back to Willow, "I will have to dock a few points for getting outside help, but all in all you still pass. Well done Ms. Park."

The rest of that class went on without any other surprises. Obviously Amity scored highest, but no one seemed very impressed with that and it was not nearly as much of a landslide as it usually was with Willow managing a respectable second place. As the bell rang the two friends didn't seem to be able to hold in their excitement any longer and did a hoping/squealing little dance of joy as they left. After that Kim went to her bard class where apparently people were already talking about her much to her embarrassment. Since Kim had never really learned any instruments before, she proceeded to try a few at the teacher's insistence. None of them really seemed to fit her, until in her embarrassment and frustration she started to hum one of the songs her Mom had used to sing to her sister and her growing up. According to the bard teacher her voice might just be the perfect instrument for her. With some practice she could show some real talent, and she assured Kim that her shyness wouldn't be a problem, because apparently the deputy coven head of the Bard coven had a similar problem, and they did a fantastic job despite it. This pattern continued in her Beast Keeping class. While not being uncomfortable around most animals, the oddness of the beasts that lived on the Isles at first made her tentative, but by the end of class all but the most moody of beasts was happily eating out of her hand and following her kind requests. Construction's class proved a mixed bag. While her general lack of muscle got in the way of most of the physical aspects of the class, her grasps of chemistry and potions helped out when she made a suggestion on how to speed up the process of brick production and her team made up for the lost time and more. It wasn't until Healing class that Kim felt truly at home. Between years of helping out her mom at her veterinary job, her sharp eye for detail, and her warmth and empathy with patients she quickly became a favorite for top student if she chose that path.

When Kim got out of Healing, Willow was waiting for her and they went off to lunch together. Once they sat down Willow introduced Kim to her friend Augustus.

"Ok Kim this is my best friend Augustus. He is in the illusions track, and he's super smart. He skipped two whole grades, and this is Kim, my new friend. She helped me salvage my project this morning and I even managed to get my first passing grade. Also she was raised in the human realm, so she might be the only person more informed about human stuff around here then you Augustus," smiled Willow as she introduced her friends to each other.

"Two grades? That's really cool, Gus. I got offered to skip a grade back home, but we decided against it. Mom didn't want to push me too hard and end up burning me out," said Kim in awe.

Gus's eyes lit up at the nicknames, "Gus. A human nickname. Today is amazing." It didn't take long for the tree to start sharing stories and asking questions about the human realm, their days so far, and a hundred other things. They even shared lunches since Kim really didn't have much since this whole visit had been kind of spur of the moment.

While across the room another conversation was taking place. Boscha, Amity, Skara, Cat, Amelia, and Bo were sitting together.

"Where did she even come from?" asked Amity in frustration. "She just shows up this morning and manages to fix Willow's sloop like it's nothing, ridiculous."

"She did ok in Bard class too," interjected Skara.

"You don't need to worry Amity. After the display she showed in Healing there's no way that's not where she's ending up," sighed Cat, any hope of rising to the top already gone.

"Who said I was worried," Amity growled. "I just find her suspicious."

"Ya suspiciously cute," Skara whispered, but no one seemed to hear her.

"This is dumb. There's no way she's as talented as everyones saying. She still has Illusions, Oracle, Plant, and Potions to make her way through. Amelia keep an eye on her in Plant, I'll deal with Potions, and I'll convince someone in Oracle to see what they can dig up while she's there. That covers everything except Illusion and who cares if she's good at that," stated Boscha confidently. "She can't be good at everything. If nothing else, nobody beats me at potions. So I'll put her in her place there. Nobody messes with the pecking order around here but us, and I will not have some shaky upstart from out of nowhere change that."

At about that time the bells screamed for the end of lunch, and Gus took Kim over to the Illusions classroom. Where a surprise was waiting for them. Waiting just inside was an older set of twins with green hair.

"So I'm guessing you must be the Kim everyones been talking about today," asked the male twin.

"Yup she matches the descriptions I've heard Ed, and look at that she's shy," said the female twin. To the surprise of no one who really knew her, as soon as the older twins appeared, Kim tried to hide as best she could behind Gus.

Gus, though at the teasing, stood as tall as he could and told Kim, "It's ok Kim. This is just Emira and Edric Blight. They may be pranksters, but they are mostly harmless. I know you didn't have the best experience with Amity, but they are cool. For the most part."

The older twins just sighed at what Gus said. "Great, what did Mittens do this time?" asked Emira.

"She's not giving you a hard time already is she. It's your first day, and no matter how much you showed her up in abominations this morning, that's just lame to start this early," said Edric.

After a minute to take in Emira and Edric's new attitudes Kim spoke up, "No it's nothing like that, and I wouldn't say we showed her up this morning. My sister and I just saw her picking on Willow this morning. It wasn't a great first impression."

"Oh… that makes sense. Sorry you had to see that. We've told her to lay off before, but it doesn't do much good. If it helps she doesn't like us much either," apologized Edric.

"So you have a sister, cutie. What's she like?" said Emira with a little lilt of seduction.

"Oh Luz. She's great. We are actually twins just like you two, but ya. She ended up with all the courage between us and I wish I had half of her imagination. Maybe if today keeps going well I'll introduce you," said Kim with a light blush.

"Sounds like fun, Kim. Just don't keep us waiting too long," said Edic, attempting to be flirty but not receiving the same reaction as they walked away.

"Ok Gus. Let's find some seats. Preferably away from them so I can concentrate," said Kim with a small forced laugh.

Kim had to admit Illusions wasn't so bad after that. She could not produce a believable illusion to save her soul, but at the same time no one, not even the instructor, could manage to produce one that fooled her either. So with an impressed sigh the Illusions professor had to admit she had real skill even if it was only as a natural anti-illusionist. Oracle's class on the other hand was just odd. She didn't seem to have any problems getting the supposedly often willful spirits to do or answer anything, but whenever a question involving Kim came up the ghosts got quiet and scarce. The only time Kim had any problems commanding a spirit was when she asked it to show her her mom. If a ghost could get paler it did. Kim didn't have any problem when she asked to check on Luz though, so Kim just laughed it off as her mom being so intimidating that even ghosts know better than to mess with her. Plant class was fun, but not really her thing. It seemed like an adventure in extreme gardening. Something Luz or Willow would certainly enjoy, but Kim was more of a study at a safe distance kind of girl. After Eda's classes on the uses of certain plants, and the dangers of others, Kim managed to make it out with all of her fingers intact.

Finally it was the last class of the day and Kim went into it unsure. On the one hand she knew she should give every track a chance, but at the same time she was already studying under arguably the most talented potion maker around. What did she really expect to get out of this? All the same, Kim entered the potions class as she did every other class that day. With the exception of unlike those classes, where she didn't know what to expect, she walked in this one with a bit of confidence in her step this time. Unfortunately for someone, she ended up sitting next to Boscha. The project for the day turned out to be a middle weight sleeping draft. More importantly it was one of the potions Kim had made a couple dozen of by that point. So while everyone else was fumbling with finding there recipes Kim just got started, as a matter of fact Kim never even pulled her copy of the recipe out. A fact that seemed to tickle Boscha positively pink, after all there is no way that anyone could have memorized the complicated ingredients list much less the long list of instructions for how to brew it. By the end of class almost everyone had made their own shade of light blue potion, except Kim hers was as clear as water. One by one the professor checked each concoction. Some they sampled and let out a small yawn before swigging another potion from their hip flask. While others they just sighed at and told the students to clean up and try again another day. The last two potions to be tested were Boscha and Kim's. Boscha's was first and while the professor got wozzy for a second the potion failed to knock them out. A passing grade. Before trying Kim's potion the professor looked at it mildly confused, but shot it back and waited for it to take effect. Then they were on the floor feeling better than they had all week, and with a room full of students surrounding them in concern along with the nurse.

"See I told all of you they're fine," said the nurse, as they stomped away. "I keep telling 'em it's not wise to test potions on yourself, but do they listen. Oh course not."

"By the Titian young Kim, that might be the most perfect sleeping draft I've ever tried. I don't even remember falling asleep, and I don't ache like I fell. How did you do that?" asked the Professor in awe.

So Kim got her supplies out again, and walked everyone through a rough version of what she had done while explaining, "My sister and I have actually been experimenting with an improved version of the sleeping draft. We found that the standard one didn't account for the drinker's tolerance to drafts in general and it was causing some people to immediately fall asleep and hurt themselves as they literally fell, asleep. Our solution to both problems was Firebee comb and Sugerglider fur. By adding both we found that the potion was quickly metabolized by the drinker regardless of tolerance and they would safely drift down wherever they drank it. We also found that the effects were slightly improved, as you no doubt noticed Professor. After waking up the drinker feels more well rested and due to the warming effect of Firebee materials they even feel less sore. While I'm not exactly proud of this part, it was pointed out to us that since it works so fast and so effectively while now being completely colorless and scentless it has other potential applications as well. It's half the reason why I memorized it instead of writing it down. We both agreed that general sale of said potion could be problematic, but I couldn't help myself. I had to show off a bit for you Professor just in case either of us decided to join your track. Also you looked a bit tired. I know teaching can be a tough job, so I hope you enjoyed the nap," said Kim with a smile.

When she was done everyone just looked at her wide eyed, before the professor spoke up, "So didn't you just break said agreement you had with your sister?"

"Not really. Without the precise measurements for ingredients and the actual instructions list it would take an unreasonable amount of time to replicate, especially without a sample to test from. As you no doubt noticed I didn't make extra, and I never went into detail about its creation process," Kim smiled with a knowing smile.

After a moment to absorb everything the Professor started to belly laugh. "I'll admit whoever taught you potions was surely the best. Secret recipes, and giving the customer not only what they want but what they need. By the Titans, I desperately want to mark you down for cheek if nothing else, but so help me I can't. Amazing work. I'll admit, after that showing I desperately want you in my track. If for no other reason then to keep your talents for myself. I still want everyone to work on improving your own drafts, but as an incentive for all of you to do as young Kim here has everyone passes today. Call it a special gift to all of you from her just in case we don't see each other again."

With that everyone finished cleaning up and left for home, but some students, mostly the ones who would have failed otherwise, stopped to shake her hand and say 'goodbye' before they left. Kim found Willow and Gus waiting outside her class when we went to leave. They thought they could walk at least some of the way home together.

That calm walk home wasn't going to happen though as the trio cleared the stairs outside Hexside by about three steps a flaming ball the size of Kim's head slammed into the ground in front of them. Narilly missing them, and creating a small crater.

From behind them they heard Boscha scream out, "You think you can upstage ME in MY track!? You are NOTHING. You come from NOTHING, and I will not have my carefully crafted hierarchy upended by a PATHETIC UPSTART LIKE YOU." Another of the flaming head-sized balls appeared above each of her hands, and as she cocked back to throw none of the trio needed to say anything. They just ran as fast as they could toward the tree line. They only made it two or three yards into the foliage before they saw the impact as each of the balls collided with a tree on each side of the path; felling the trees and blocking their way. Fortunately for the trio Boscha had apparently run out of the big balls because she swapped to faster palm sized balls of pure flame. They dodged all right for a minute but it couldn't last. Soon they all had a number of small minor burns.

It wasn't until Gus caught a particularly bad shot to the side and Kim took one to her forehead that Willow finally snapped. Willows's eyes lit up it vibrant green and from all around them vines and roots shot out toward Boscha, slowly pressing her back. It wasn't until Boscha had fully cleared the treeline again, back toward the school, that Amity, Skara, Amelia, and Cat caught up to their friend. To them it seemed that an incensed Willow was attacking Boscha with plant magic, and had gone completely out of control. Suffice it to say when Boscha yelled out to, "Help her put down the pathetic half-a-witch already," they did not think much of it, and jumped in to help her.

Willow was strong, but under the combined assault of all five teens there wasn't much she could do. Soon Willow was exhausted and about to pass out. Boscha prepared one more firewall as she stood over them before a beam of light came shooting out of the tree tops making the five teens back up and cover their eyes.

When they could see again they saw a new teen standing where the beam had struck that looked a lot like Kim, only confident, pissed, and with shorter hair. "Does anyone want to explain why my sister is covered in burns, and passed out a few yards down the way. No? Ok, how about why, when I investigate some neary fighting, I find five girls ganging up on one, and one of you curiously seems very attached to fire magic? Another no? Man, we are really having a hell of a time figuring out what's going on right now. How's about this you brujas are going to turn around and head into the school, and I'll join you once I've collected these three and we will let the adults figure it out… Change of plan looks like some are coming now."

From the school and closing fast was Bump, the Healing professor, and the nurse. Before he could speak though, Luz looked to Bump with rage still in her eyes, "You look like your in charge around here. WHAT THE HELL. I let my little sister visit your school for one day, and I find her burned and unconscious in the woods. Great job. If this is how you run your school, I don't think either of us will be back because clearly Eda was right and you really can't be trusted."

Bump took a calming breath, "I take it your Luz. Kim mentioned you earlier. Firstly let us collect and see what we can do for your sister. Hellana why don't you…"

"She's not alone, there is another student with her, a shorter boy. They're about two yards behind me near some knocked down trees. Might need more than one medic boss," interrupted Luz with a more deadpan tone that dripped venom.

Bump looked at her seriously before sending the other two adult forward to where Luz indicated, before continuing, "It appears that a serious discussion needs to be had. Why don't all of you follow me so we can figure this out."

"Sure boss, but I'll grab Willow and I'm not moving until your crew comes back with my sister. One more thing," Luz said as she raised her hand and shot out three light beams of red, purple, and gold into the sky above her. "I don't trust you. So I'm calling someone I do trust to attend our conversation. Don't like it, too bad."

Bump sighed loudly and led everyone inside once the other two teens had been collected. As they walked everyone heard Willow as she was helped by Luz, with one arm around Luz's neck, as she cried, "I'm so sorry Luz. I tried but I wasn't strong enough. Kim and Gus are my friends and I failed them.."

Luz soothed the poor girl sweetly, "It's ok. I know you tried your best. When this is over you and Gus can come visit if you want. I know it would mean the world to Kim. In the meantime let me take care of things. You had her back, so I'll have yours." Luz gave Willow a warm smile before the exhausted girl finally passed out, and Luz's angry face came back.

When Kim woke up she was in an unfamiliar room, and she was stiff. After a bit of effort she managed to sit up and found Willow and Gus in similar beds on each side of her. "Hello. Can someone tell me what's going on?" she asked the open air. At the noise though the nurse noticed she was awake and within moments nine people joined her in what she determined must be the nurses office. As soon as they entered Luz immediately went to Kim's side and held her hand, and Eda leaned up against the far wall where she could keep an eye on everything and everyone in the room. An act that made everyone else that wasn't a Noceda very nervous.

"Ms. Noceda. I'd like to ask you a few questions, and get a general idea of what happened. We should probably wait for your friends to wake up though. So in the meantime…" Bump started.

But Eda interrupted, "Some of us don't exactly have the time to wait. It's better if some of us clear out before anyone starts nosing around. Luz, expresso."

"Ok Eda. Shot or vaper?" asked Luz flatly.

"Vaper will do," answered Eda.

Without missing a beat Luz opened up her bag and took out a silvery-brown potion, and before anyone could stop her she wafted it under Willow and Gus's noses. To everyone's surprise they shot right up into a sitting position and looked around confused.

"Edalyn what was that?" asked Bump concerned.

"A special potion Luz came up with. She calls it espresso. A waft will wake anyone up from anything less than a heavy sleeping spell, and a shot… Well, we haven't figured out how long it will keep you up yet, but I can confirm it's been four days and the test mice still haven't slowed down," laughed Eda.

"Please refrain from testing any more potions in my school," said Bump, giving a side eye to Kim who blushed. "Regardless, since everyone is awake. Why don't you three fill us in on what happened," sighed Bump.

Kim, Willow, and Gus each took turns telling the room what they remembered and filled in gaps in each other's stories where needed. Kim started with the events of her last class. Which made Eda laugh and Luz look at her sister frustrated. After that they moved on to the events out front of Hexside, which Kim tried to down play, but her friends wouldn't let her. Afterwards, Amity, Skara, Amelia, and Cat shared their side, but all of them insisted that they had no idea that Boscha had started it. Lastly, Luz added her two cents, with what she saw and said. Once again making Eda laugh. During the whole story Amity and Skara gave Boscha an increasingly angry glare, and Boscha remained completely silent, refusing to take part at all.

After everyone was done Bump looked at all of the kids before him and said, "I guess I should start from the bottom and work up. Mr. Porter I am very sorry you had to go through all this and obviously you are not in trouble. Noceda twins you are also not in trouble because you are not yet students, but if you do choose to attend, I beg you. No more unapproved experiments, and Luz, I understand your anger, but please try to not antagonize my staff or students." Which made Luz salut in understanding, much to Bump's annoyance. "The rest of you excluding Ms. Sible will spend the next few days after class cleaning up the damage to the school grounds as punishment for being involved in the fight. I understand none of you were knowingly in the wrong, but rules are rules." With one last deep sigh Bump finished, "Ms. Boscha Sible what in the world am I going to do with you? Firstly, you are stripped of all of your titles and special privileges. You may remain on the Grudgby team, but you are no longer captain and regardless of grades you will gain none of the top student benefits for the rest of the semester. Second, I will talk with your professor about finding extra tasks they could use help with. Lastly, I don't care who you or your parents are, if anything like this happens again I will expel you on the spot. Am I understood Ms. Sible?" Boscha just looked at Bump definitely, but nodded. "All right then. To address the Slitherbeast in the room. Can I assume that everyone can agree for the good of the school and everyone here, Edalyn was never here right?"

Everyone nodded, except for Eda who looked at Bump annoyed, "Did you just call me a Slitherbeast?"

"With the exceptions of Ms. Park, Mr. Porter, and the Noceda's, everyone else please go home safely. Today has been stressful enough already," said Bump. At his words everyone except Boscha apologized to Kim. Amity and Skara even gave an apology to Willow for their part in all this. Before vacating the room. Bump and Eda went out into the hall as well, to have another conversation apparently, leaving Luz alone with the rest of the trio still in bed.

Willow gave the Noceda's a sheepish look, "So when you said your mentor was Eda, you meant Eda the Owl Lady… What's that like?"

Luz and Kim shared another of their looks, and Luz answered, "Honestly, she's kinda amazing. We have to help her by doing most of the shopping and handling most of the street level potions business, but she gives us our fair cut of the snails and she's even teaching us some magic. I don't know about Kim, but even if we weren't stuck here at the moment, I might stay anyway. Even with all the hate yall have for wild witches, this world is hundreds of times better than anything I had going on back home… except mom. I really wish she could see how we are fluishing here."

Kim gave her sister a hug as she finished. "I'm really sorry you two got wrapped up in my issues. Today was probably the best day I've ever had at school and its all thanks to you guys, but I'll understand if you want nothing more to do with us. We are used to it. Weird follows us everywhere we go," groaned Kim.

It was Gus and Willow's turn to share a look before Gus spoke up, "You aren't getting rid of us that easy. We are your friends Kim, and after how you looked out for us earlier I think we have an opening in our friend circle for you to Luz. What do you say?"

Luz laughed, "I'd love that. I could always use a couple more eyes to keep Professor K here out of trouble."

"Ya right. Like I'm the one always getting in trouble Ms. Disaster," huffed Kim.

"Whose in the hospital bed right now, pray tell?" winked Luz.

"Ha ha. Very funny," said Kim, acting grumpier then she actually was.

"So Willow. Why aren't you in the plant track? You clearly have a bunch of talent at that," asked Luz.

"It's complicated Luz, but…" Willow tried to say before Bump stuck his head inside the room.

"By the way Ms. Park, starting tomorrow you are being moved to the Plant track. Call it part of your punishment if you must, but it's clear to me your talents are being wasted where you are currently and I refuse to continue indulging you on the matter," Bump said before removing his head from the room again. Willow blushed.

Ignoring Willow and letting her process that new information, Gus looked at Luz and asked, "Ok, so after today we understand that Kim has a lot of schools of magic she is at least good at, if not great. What do you know?"

Luz gave Kim a 'you are so showing me later look before surprising her new friends by pulling out a notepad and pen before answering, "Well I'm arguably as good as Kim at potions even if about an eighth of mine don't come out right. One in four of mine even come out stronger than hers or with extra beneficial effects. You heard about my skills with light. We also discovered this." Luz started showing off her light glyphs. "And I'm getting pretty good at manipulating them into useful constructs like swords, shields, and beams." Luz then gave Kim a sly smile, "Kim wasn't the only one learning something new today. After you both left this morning I found a new glyph to play with," Luz said as she showed off her new plant glyph. "I haven't mastered it yet, but I've been practicing with it all day and I'm really excited at its potential. Basically you can think of it this way, and it should be obvious after hanging out with her all day. Kim is the master of all things orderly. If it has to do with a book, scroll, or recipe it's probably right up her alley. If you want chaos, experimentation, imagination, or anything that screams wild and free that would be me." Luz gave a showman's bow as a light show went off around her much to Gus's glee and Kim's frustration.

"Wow sis. Great job making me sound boring," huffed Kim.

"Kim you know that's not what I meant. You know I'm too dumb to appreciate order, and you're too smart to enjoy chaos. I love you just the way you are Professor," Luz said, pulling her twin into a hug.

"Lu I told you. You're not dumb, and I hate it when you say that. Your mind just works differently than mine. It's probably why you are artistic, courageous, and yes chaotic. I might be able to replicate something flawlessly, but I can't turn it into something new. What is the point of knowing a thousand and one facts if you can't apply it?" smiled Kim. "We are twins. Two halves of a whole, that are more than the sum of our parts when we work together. And I'm not devoid of a sense of chaos completely, sis. I noticed we could make a killing if we marketed the expresso potion to students and teachers."

"And I'm not devoid of a sense of order. No, Kimmy. We still don't know how close it is to its namesake from back home. Heart aches are not a joke," replied Luz as Bump and Eda finally came back.

"Ok kiddos. Here is the situation. Me and Bumpykins have discussed it and you can attend Hexside if you want. I won't take it personally. Even I have to admit my own limits, but you are banned from the potions track for what I would like to call obvious reasons. At this point we can make due with selling only after school and weekends," said Eda with a sly smile.

"For now I think I'll sit on it. I'm not really a one track kind of girl and I really like learning from you Eda. The wild track is the only one for me," said Luz with a smile.

"I think I'll go to Hexside, and join the Healing track if that's ok with you sir. I have to admit that I also think the single track thing is needlessly constrictive and quite counterintuitive to any and all tracks getting stronger, but I think we can make due. After all, it's not like we can't study on our own. With Eda being a master at Potions, Gus a prodigy of Illusions, Willow a Plant juggernaut, and me studying Healing that's almost half the tracks covered already. With a few more cross track friends we could actually have the perfect little think tank of excellence with mastering them all, and as long as we cover it up as an attempt to join the Emperor's coven no one should think too much of it," stated Kim.

Bump just looked at Kim dumbfounded, "I'll just enroll you in Healing and act like I didn't hear any of the rest of that. Best of luck, and see you tomorrow."

"Thank you sir," said the three Hexside students.

Eda just looked at Kim with a tear in her eye, "You are going to make for the Wildest of witches and I'm just so proud."

Another chapter done. Time to make some Mistakes. Wink wink. Anyway this chapter almost ended up very differently. Lesson learned: do not write when sick. Medication can do weird things to an unhinged mind. I hope you all enjoyed Kim's day zero as a Hexside student. Don't worry Luz will join eventually, maybe. In the meantime Hexside will just have to enjoy Kim's brand of ordered chaos till the real chaos can arrive. Also not really a spoiler, but Boscha is still a b*. Maybe I'll throw her some development 'shrug'. Suffice it to say Amity is done with her and as a bonus Skara is going with her. Maybe they can be less toxic together. Who knows, I'm just the crazy god of their existences and a prisoner of the story. Lol. Anyway, more fun to come can't wait to share. Till next time, let your star burn bright.