A/N: Sorry for the wait folks, but now we're back in action! Look forward to more updates, it may be a bit slow going for now, but I am rolling them out!
It was a beautiful morning on Cagile Island, the sun rose over the horizon, making the Boiling Sea glitter and sparkle as the rays reflected off the water's surface. Some strands of sunlight managed to find gaps in the curtains on the windows, allowing the rays to fall on Luz's face. The Latina groaned a little as she turned around to keep the light from hitting her face. When she did, Luz cracked a single eye open, and the sight before her made her open both eyes and smile. There, lying on her side, was Amity Blight, her awesome girlfriend. She looked so happy and content right now, sleeping peacefully. Luz moved her arm out from under the blanket and gently brushed some hair away from her lover's face.
Luz knew she was probably thinking way too far into the future right now, but as she lay there next to Amity, the thought of waking up to this sight every day was very enticing. Again, she was getting way ahead of herself. They were just girlfriends right now, and this was Luz's first relationship, and it was Amity's too. Luz had heard a lot of different stories about high school romances, some rarely continued after high school, and others broke up part way through high school. The thought of either of those two scenarios happening weren't particularly well liked by Luz, she hoped that their relationship would last for as long as possible, maybe even far past high school.
C'mon, Luz, don't start thinking about something like "marriage". Although…I don't think I'll ever meet anyone as awesome as Amity. Let's just see how this goes. And, who knows, maybe Amity feels the same way?
Luz watched as Amity unconsciously leaned into her hand, sensing her lover's presence and wanting to be closer to it.
But better to keep that to myself for now. I don't want to scare her.
The human girl watched as her witch girlfriend's eyes slowly began to open. After blinking a couple of times, Amity's groggy expression changed to a grinning groggy expression.
"Morning, batata," said Luz.
"Morning…Have you've been up long?" Amity asked.
Luz shook her head.
"Nah, just a minute or so. Although, I wouldn't mind watching you sleep a little longer."
Amity giggled.
"Well, unfortunately, today's the last day. So, we should get up and make the best of it before we have to leave."
Luz sighed forlornly; she really enjoyed her time here. Barring Boscha's interference, overall, it was a fun first date.
"I almost don't want to go back to the mainland," said Luz.
"Well, we can come back again someday. Just you and me, but maybe without the whole married couple treatment," Amity suggested.
"Hmm, I don't know. I kinda like being called Mrs. Noceda-Blight, and all the couple themed activities."
Amity's face went red.
"But a normal, non-marriage, themed vacation is okay, too."
"Heh, well, even though it wasn't my intention, it was still fun either way."
*Ping!*
*Ping!*
Luz looked around when she heard the pinging noise, she then turned to Amity and asked, "Did you hear something?"
Amity sat up and stretched as she answered, "Sounded like a Penstagram alert."
The lavender haired witch drew a spell circle and had her own Scroll appear before her, but when she checked it, she had no messages.
"Huh? Guess it's yours then," said Amity.
"Mine? Oh, duh," Luz facepalmed herself. "Sorry, sometimes I forget I have that now."
"Too used to your magic box thing, huh?"
"Kind of, yeah. Let's see, oh right." Luz reached into the drawer where she had put her phone and Scroll. After rummaging through it for a few seconds, she managed to find it and opened it up. "Okay, so, let's see who messaged me."
Luz opened the scroll and saw that she had two messages, one from Gus and one from Willow.
"Oh, it's from Gus and Willow," said Luz.
"Probably checking up on us." A playful grin appeared on Amity's face as she said, "Tell them Amity Blight has thoroughly corrupted their friend."
"Oh no, Titan help me!" Luz moaned dramatically.
The two girls broke out into a small fit of laughter before Amity got out of the bed and started drawing spell circles to get their things together. Meanwhile, Luz opened the messages. Amity glanced over her shoulder and grew a little concerned as she watched her girlfriend's face morph from a happy expression to one of confusion, and possibly, worry.
"Luz, what's wrong?" she asked.
"Uh, these messages," said Luz.
Amity stopped her work and walked over to Luz's side of the bed and looked down at the Scroll.
Willow: [Hey, you two! Just checking in! You know, you two should probably stay an extra day! Just really enjoy your time there!]
Gus: [Yeah, there isn't anything happening here! I mean, it's so boring, I almost wish a Phantom would attack! LOL! But, seriously, just stay another day. You got nothing to worry about over here.]
Amity and Luz glanced at each other.
"That was…" Amity began.
"Suspicious?" Luz ended.
"Yeah, I'm going to check something."
Amity pulled out her Scroll and hurriedly checked through Penstagram's news alerts, she had silenced it for the duration of their trip, but now that she checked it, there were several alerts, all of them with the heading of "Kamen Rider Witch: Not What We Thought!"
"WHAT?!" Amity exclaimed.
The sudden yell made Luz jump back a little before getting up on her knees and asking, "What?! What's wrong?!"
Amity had her Scroll float in the air as she flipped it around to so that both of them could see it. Once she tapped on the video, they watched on in silence.
{Many citizens of the Boiling Isles have praised the heroism of Kamen Rider Witch and her partner, Kamen Rider Heka. Ever since the arrival of the Phantoms, it has been these two, along with the new addition of the Golden Guard, Kamen Rider Crusader, who have dealt with them and kept us safe.
But there have been some who have speculated as to the suspicious coincidence of the arrival of both at nearly the same time. While most of these have been just conspiracy theories and speculations, we may have some evidence that might support those theories.}
"Excuse me, what?!" Luz exclaimed.
{Let me first say that we have not been able to independently verify the source of this footage, nor if its contents are real or that Illusion magic has been used to create these images. But it has been making its rounds through Penstagram, and we are going to show you this footage in that so we may discuss it against the facts that we do know.}
The image of the anchor was then replaced by the supposed "footage". The footage showed a few large vats filled with Coven Phantoms. Some of which Luz and Amity recognized from their fight during the Coven Day Parade, and some that were originally Super Phantoms before they merged with someone to become Hybrid Phantoms. It was hard to make out where this place was located, but it looked to be an underground laboratory of some sort. That's when Luz and Amity spotted themselves, in their default forms as Riders. Which was impossible. The fake Witch was standing next to the fake Heka, who was holding a clipboard and writing some notes.
{So, how are the specimens developing?} fake Witch asked.
{They're coming along better than we had expected. Defeating Echidna and snatching up some of her Pseudo-Phantoms was the right call. We can easily mold these things into what we want, instead of relying on unpredictable normal Phantoms,} fake Heka answered.
{Trial and error, Heka. Sure, cleaning up those Phantoms was a pain, but if it makes these gullible Boiling Isles people see us as heroes, then all the better. Makes it easier for us to do what we need to do.}
{True, but Belos creating his own Rider wasn't exactly part of the plan.}
{Pffft, please. Do you really think that a fledgling Rider like him can beat us?}
{No, just thought it was funny that Belos thought he could counter us with that.}
Both the fake Witch and Heka broke out into mocking laughter, but then a noise made them stop.
{What was that?} fake Witch asked.
{I think it came from over there,} said fake Heka.
Whoever or whatever was recording the footage stumbled and began running for their life before the footage was cut off then and there.
{Again, ladies and gentlemen, we have not verified either the source or the validity of this footage. But if it is true, then, what does this mean for all of us? Stay tuned as we continue our coverage on this development.}
"WHAAAAT?!" Luz yelled.
"Shrewd. I wondered how long it would take before Belos would attempt something like this," said La Lechuza.
"You think the Emperor's behind this?" Amit asked.
"I wouldn't put it past him! Sore loser!" Luz grumbled.
"Well, this is going to get interesting. That mortal is trying to box you two into a corner," said Bast. "I guess he thinks that engaging in this smear campaign will make you two less likely to interfere with whatever plans he may have. Clearly he underestimates our partners."
"…No, he knows what he's doing. He knows that Luz and Amity, despite this, won't ignore a Phantom attack, and will go to eliminate it. Only now, the people will be suspicious of their motives."
Luz sighed heavily as she said, "Lala's right. Even after seeing that, we can't exactly just ignore a Phantom attack. The people might not think we're doing it for the right reasons, but it's better than letting that Phantom run wild and hurt people."
"This is unbelievable, but you're right. We can't ignore Phantom attacks just because of this," said Amity. "Guess the vacation's really over now."
"Yeah, let's get back to the mainland, something tells me that Belos is going to be trying something soon."
Hunter was watching the video footage of Witch and Heka, while Flapjack was perched on his right shoulder. The cardinal Palisman had his doubts about what he was seeing, but unfortunately, it seemed that Hunter had a different mindset.
"I can't believe this…they were really deceiving us this whole time?"
*Chirp*
(If it's real.)
"What do you mean, 'if it's real'?"
*Chirp, Chirp*
(Just saying, it's a little convenient that "someone" saw this.)
"Okay…you may have a point, but still, considering that the Phantoms were supposedly all defeated, and now we have these new Phantoms that somehow possess magic related to the nine Covens? Who else benefits from this besides those two?" Hunter questioned.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door. Flapjack quickly hid himself as Hunter got up and put on his mask before answering the door. Behind the door was a Coven Scout who was saluting him.
"Golden Guard, Sir, the Emperor wants to see you," said the Scout.
"Thanks, you're dismissed," said Hunter.
Hunter raised his hood and left his room. The young leader of the Emperor's Coven walked through the different hallways and corridors, having lived in the palace for so long had allowed him to memorize the way to different areas of the castle just by memory alone. Hunter eventually found himself at the doors to the throne room, upon which he pushed open, granting him entry. As usual, the heart above the throne, which belonged to the Titan himself, was beating, and ever-present symbol that the gigantic being they all lived upon was still alive, well, alive in a different sense. And below that was the throne itself, where his uncle sat. Currently he was looking at a floating crystal ball which showed the same footage he was watching not too long ago.
"I usually do not put much stock in these little things. However…"
"So, you saw it too, Uncle?" Hunter asked as he approached the throne.
"Indeed, I have, and it is a little troubling to see," said Belos.
"I figured it would be, still…"
Belos looked directly at Hunter and asked, "Do you feel that this is faked in some way?"
Hunter hesitated to give his honest opinion.
"Hunter, please speak your mind. You are the Kamen Rider of the Boiling Isles; I'd like to know your opinion on this matter as well. Considering you've fought side by side with these two, I'd like to know if you believe this is something they'd do?"
The young Head of the Emperor's Coven released a sigh before looking directly at his uncle.
"My Emperor, I…I'm not sure if this footage is real or fake at the moment. To be honest, it conflicts with how I've seen those two fight and act. But at the same time, if this has all been an act, and they are just testing out these Coven Phantoms on the public, then it warrants some kind of investigation," said Hunter.
Belos nodded his head in agreement.
"You are right. Luckily, we do know the identity of Witch, and of the one who calls herself Heka. If we truly need to hit them directly, then we will. But if you feel you wish to investigate this, then feel free to do so. We've allowed Witch and Heka to operate in our mists for months now, believing that they are heroes and wanting to protect us. I will not allow them to harm our people or continue to deceive us if this is the case."
Hunter bowed before his uncle and replied, "I will look into it, Uncle! I promise I won't let you down!"
Belos nodded and waved his hand to dismiss his nephew. The Emperor remained silent as he watched his nephew leave the throne room and shut the doors behind him. Once Hunter was gone, Belos glanced to his right.
"Reveal yourself," Belos ordered.
The air between the far right wall and the throne, which was devoid of anything, started to become distorted. After a couple of seconds, a figure appeared. It was two Super Coven Phantoms. This one had sparkling azure fur, around its neck was an ethereal mane that undulated, creating wispy tendrils that snaked around its legs and stretched outwards to its left and right. Its tail was made of the same ethereal substance, but instead of one tail, it had nine. Its head, unlike its previous form, was not canine in appearance, but now was more foxlike. Its face had a bone mask upon it, with half its face covered by it, and where its left eye should be was the gnarled symbol of the Illusionist Coven, glowing bright blue in contrast to its yellow glowing sharp eye.
The one next to it was violet in color, it appeared more wolfish, but was ghostly. Its paws and long tail were wrapped in lavender flames that released small embers that faded out of existence after a few seconds. There were eight glowing orbs that hovered in an orbit around its neck, and the right side of its head was covered in white bone mask that had a gnarled version of the Oracle Coven's sigil engraved where the right eye would be. While its left eye was made of the same lavender flames as its tail and paws.
"Flawless work, my pet," said Belos.
The Super Illusion Phantom bowed its head.
"Now, show me her whereabouts."
The Super Oracle Phantom detached one of its floating orbs of violet light and had it hover before the Emperor. Within seconds the orb displayed Cagile Island, and Belos smiled.
"Ah, I see. On a little vacation are we?" Belos reached into the pocket of his cape and pulled out a ring. "Now with this development, how will you handle this?"
[Driver, Now.]
Belos's Arcane Driver appeared around his waist in a flash of red light. Once it had appeared, he switched out his ring to the other and scanned it.
[Alpha \A/ Creation, Now.]
Belos held out his right hand and created a red portal at the foot of his throne. Once the portal opened, a creature began to rise from it. This new creature was, in all honesty, ugly.
It was a sickly yellow color, as if it had jaundice. It also seemed to be a mixture of organic and mechanical parts, as it had two huge vats grafted onto its back which were filled with liquids that were a mixture of multiple colors, and attached to those vats were hoses that connected to its lower arms and upper arms. The forearm sections were mechanical pumps, ready to shoot out the mixtures in both vats, while the middle lower arms' forearms looked like cannons with a rotating barrel underneath and were loaded with special flasks that had hoses connected to the vats. The upper middle arms were still biological, with long claws at the tip of each finger. The top of its head was still covered in a bone white mask, with the gnarled, glowing Potions Coven symbol carved into the middle of it. Its mouth was open, showing rows of sharp teeth, and it drooled the same multicolored liquid from its mouth.
"Go and cause a little mayhem there, my pet. And if you find someone useful to you, don't hesitate to use them," Belos ordered.
The Super Potion Phantom released a guttural growl of acknowledgement. Once it had, Belos waved his hand, and made the portal change so that it teleported the Super Potion Phantom to its new location, that of Cagile Island.
"Now, how will you respond, Little False Witch?"
Luz and Amity had finished packing up, even though they wouldn't leave until early the next morning, they thought that this little incident with the false footage of the two of them couldn't go unanswered.
"Kinda wish we didn't have to cut this short," said Luz.
"Me neither, but like you said, we can't just let this stand. We have to get back to the mainland and find out how that was made," Amity replied.
"We'll talk to Gus, if it is illusion magic, then he'll definitely be able to tell if it is or not."
"Let's hope so."
Luz chuckled as she added, "Ten snails says he's already looking into it right now."
No sooner had Luz said that did both girls receive a ping to their Scrolls. Amity and Luz opened their Scrolls and chuckled when the read the message from Gus.
Gus: [Oh, this will not stand! I'm gonna get to the bottom of this! So, just enjoy the rest of your vacation, and I'll have an answer for you by the time you two get back.]
The witch and human glanced at each other for a moment.
"Should we?" Luz asked.
Amity scratched the back of her head as she thought about it. There wasn't really much they could do, neither one of them were experts when it came to Illusion magic. And if there was anyone who could discern if the footage was faked using Illusion magic, which it definitely had to be since they were the real Witch and Heka, then it was going to be Gus.
"I guess? I mean, it's not like our presence there is going to accelerate the investigation. Plus, I'm sure Edric and Emira will help out, they're good at Illusion magic too, so if they work together, they might be able to find something. Oh, wait, maybe I can text them and see if Dad can lend them a hand with one of his inventions!" Amity thought aloud.
"Batata, that's great!" Luz exclaimed as she hugged her girlfriend. "We'll definitely expose this hoax!"
Amity giggled as she replied, "Well, it's still kinda early. Wanna hit the beach?"
"Sounds good to me!"
"And you'll wear the other swimsuit?" Amity asked teasingly.
Luz blushed hard as she quickly spluttered a response, "A-Amity y-you want to see m-me in that?!"
"Just kidding, Luz, don't worry."
The Latina's heartrate slowed down, no longer fearing that she was going to be out in that swimsuit, but she did puff out her cheeks and furrowed her brow a little.
"No fair with the teasing, Amity," Luz groaned.
"Aww, but you're cute when I tease you," said Amity.
"Oh, just you wait, I'll get you back for that." Luz headed to the bathroom and paused at the door as she said, "I'll wash up first and get changed into my swimsuit first, is that okay?"
"Sure, go ahead."
As Luz entered the bathroom and closed the door, Amity couldn't help but realize that this felt like they were a real married couple right now. Deciding who uses the bathroom first to freshen up, waking up to each other's sleeping faces. The lavender haired witch shook her head as she felt her face quickly grow warm as the thoughts persisted.
Calm down, Amity, don't start getting ahead of yourself! It's fun thinking about it, but you don't want to scare off Luz by throwing out there that you'd want to get married to her later on!
"I don't see the issue with it. You two match each other perfectly well. Better to snatch her up before anyone else, don't you think?"
B-Bast, you don't just blurt out "Hey, Luz, let's get married!" and not expect someone to freak out a little. I'm her first girlfriend, and she's mine. I've read enough books and heard enough stories from school about how relationships just end because someone said they wanted to marry their partner when they get older. That's a lot, Bast, and it's a lifelong commitment.
"Oooh, that means I get to tease and have fun with Laly for foreseeable future! Let's do it!"
I'm seriously wondering if it's a good idea to make a ring to let you out.
"You know you love me."
Amity rolled her eyes. She didn't need to answer that, because she did, but she didn't want to give Bast the satisfaction of hearing it, but she also knew that her Inner Phantom knew it as well.
*Knock!*
*Knock!*
Luz poked her head out of the bathroom and looked at the front door at the other end, and then turned her gaze to Amity.
"Did Muwara say he was going to come around this time?" Luz asked.
"I don't recall. But I'll take care of it, you go ahead and finish up," said Amity.
"'Kay!"
After Luz closed the bathroom door, Amity walked to the front door of their room and casually opened it.
"Hey, Muwara, sorry could you give us a few – Boscha!"
The triclops girl was standing there, her head tilted down a little as she rubbed her left arm, and a look that was hard to discern.
"H-Hey, Amity," Boscha greeted.
The lavender haired witch scowled as she crossed her arms and asked, "What in Titan's name are you doing here? I thought I told you not to bother me and Luz while we're here! In fact, give me a reason why I shouldn't throw you off the rails of this room's balcony!"
"Amity, please, let me explain myself! I'm begging you, please?" Boscha pleaded.
"Bet you wish you had that ring to let me out now, huh? Just throw her off the balcony, she irks me to no end."
Amity's first instinct was to slam the door in her former friend's face. But then she remembered the words that Luz said to her about how Boscha was probably hurting more inside than she was letting on. Considering the girl that Boscha apparently had a crush on practically said she wanted nothing more to do with her and given what she remembered from her former friend's past breakups, her words towards the triclops more than likely cut deeper. Call it sympathy, charity, or just a favor to their past "friendship", but Amity stood aside.
"Get in," Amity ordered.
Boscha managed a small smile as she entered the room. Amity glanced towards the bathroom, she wanted to get this over with quickly before Luz came out. And since Luz didn't make any signs that she heard them, she was probably too busy to hear them.
"You have one minute."
"Amity, I know what I did was wrong…"
"Very wrong," Amity interjected.
"…Yes, but, c'mon, I-I had to do something! Amity, I really like you, and I'm sorry I didn't know you better or…or try to, but I-I can change that!" Bosch pleaded.
Amity sighed internally.
Boscha, stop it.
Boscha took a step forward, but Amity took one back, causing the triclops witch to stop. That seemed to hurt her a little, seeing how Amity retreated from her.
"Amity, please, just give me a chance. I promise I can make you happier than…her. We-We can use this as a chance to start over!" Boscha stated, hopeful. "I can learn more about you, learn what you like and maybe like it too! That's all I'm asking for, Amity, just a chance! You can…ugh…you can still be her girlfriend, but if you find out you like it with me more, then you can trade up! Just a trial basis, please?!"
Amity pinched the bridge of her nose as she said, "You want me to cheat on Luz, and date you, just to see if I like you more than her?"
"It's not cheating, per se. More like side dating," Boscha corrected.
"Tch, okay, 'side date'. You want me to 'side date' you, just to see if I'll like being with you more than Luz? You want to use this as a chance to start over?" Amity sighed again, Boscha was starting to become frustrating to deal with. "Why are you so desperate to have me as your girlfriend?! I get that you have a crush on me, but now you're really starting to make me think that there's something wrong with you. I swear, at this point, I wouldn't be surprised if my Mom put you up to this."
Boscha froze up, her eyes widening for a moment.
Amity paused as she saw that reaction from Boscha.
"Wait…don't tell me…"
*BOOOM!*
Just then, an explosion drew their attention. Amity rushed past Boscha and headed straight for the balcony. She scanned area, but it didn't take her long to see the destruction going on down below. Many of the resort goers were running in fear and panic as the Super Potion Phantom used its hose arms to blast out to different colored streams of liquid. Once the two liquids splashed against something, they caused a chain reaction that made them explode violently against whatever surface they happened to land on. The upper lower arms produced flasks, and with the upper arms it poured a mixture of liquids into them, corked them, shook them, and then tossed them in random directions. When the flask hit something, they shattered, but instead of exploding, the liquid inside began to eat at the surface of whatever it hit, showing that it was some kind of acidic mixture.
"W-What the hell is that?! Another Phantom?!"
Amity glanced over her shoulder and saw that Boscha was looking down at what she was seeing.
"What's a Phantom doing all the way out here?!" Boscha asked, panicked.
This can't be a coincidence, can it? Not long after that footage makes the rounds, and now we have a Phantom attack way out here on Cagile Island? No, something is definitely up, thought Amity. But I can't deal with that Phantom while Boscha's here, and no doubt Luz has heard that explosion already.
With little in the way of options, Amity grabbed Boscha by the wrist and dragged her back into the room.
"BOSCHA! WE'RE GOING TO LEAVE! THERE'S A PHANTOM ATTACKING THE RESORT!" Amity yelled loudly. "BOSCHA, YOU AND I ARE GOING TO SAFETY!"
"W-What?! Yeah, okay!"
Didn't even ask where Luz was, thought Amity.
As swiftly as she could, Amity pulled Boscha out of the room. A few seconds after hearing the door slam shut, Luz exited the bathroom, having already put on her swimsuit by the time she Boscha's voice coming from inside the room.
"Boscha really doesn't want to give up on Amity, huh," said Luz.
"While I commend her tenacity, her pursuance of a relationship with Amity is annoying. I'll be damned if that little witch breaks this apart."
"Aww, Laly, you really care about mine and Amity's relationship."
"Of course, if you break up, Bast and I lose our entertainment."
"Ha-ha. Anyway, let's get to work," said Luz as she slipped on her magic ring.
[Driver On, Please.]
[Shabadoobi touch to henshin!
Shabadoobi touch to henshin!]
"Henshin!"
[LIGHT OWL.]
[KAGA~YA~KUUUUU~!]
From outside the balcony, a bright flash of yellow light could be seen emanating from the room for a few seconds before Witch ran out and jumped off the edge of the balcony. Going into freefall, Witch quickly switched out her rings and scanned the new one.
[Ride, Please.]
The Witch Speeder materialized from a magic circle that formed below her, allowing Witch to mount it, rev the engine, and take off in the direction of the destruction that was going on. Witch brought the Speeder to a hover as she saw the Super Potion Phantom, which made her grimace at the sight of the monster. Yet another of Belos's Phantom experiments, oh how she wished she could link him to this monster's creation, despite knowing full well that he was behind it.
"Either way, this thing needs to go!"
The Hero of Hope revved the engine of her Speeder and flew in, aiming the nose of the Speeder at the monster. She pulled on the triggers on the handlebars and began firing powerful light mana energy blasts at the Super Potion Phantom. The creature looked up just in time to get pelted by multiple blasts of magical energy, exploding around it, and against its body as sparks flew from it. The monster turned its attention to the incoming Speeder and began shooting the liquid mixtures at Witch. Instead of streams, it fired high pressure shots in rapid fire succession.
Witch quickly evaded the shots, letting them fly past her as the shots of liquid exploded a moment later. The Rider of light quickly turned the bike around, and returned fire, but the Super Potion Phantom jumped straight into the air and landed on a nearby rooftop as the mana bolts hit the street below. Despite its size and form, it was surprisingly nimble. Witch quickly aimed her Speeder straight towards the monster as she switched up her rings.
[Rubber, Please.]
Witch jumped straight up off the Speeder, and flipped once in the air as she willed her right leg to extend straight up into the air, stretching at least thirty feet into the air and causing the Super Potion Phantom to follow it. The Hero of Hope brought her foot down and smashed it into the monster's head, causing it to smash through several floors of the building before finally stopping at the bottom. Witch landed on the roof and looked down at the hole as she giggled a little.
"I always wanted to do that," she commented.
The Super Potion Phantom suddenly blasted a geyser of mixed liquids through the hole in an attempt to hit Witch. But the hero managed to jump back and out of the way of the geyser. However, the stream started to rain down around the area. Witch didn't know what type of concoction it was, but she had to make sure it didn't hurt the people down below.
[Abomination, Please.]
Witch summoned forth a large blob of Abomination goo, making it spread out like an umbrella. She made the goo harden, and kept it suspended in the air as the concoction splashed onto the goo. The moment the liquid hit it began to sizzle, which indicated that it had some acidic properties that could've seriously injured or killed the people in the streets.
Dang it, Belos! These things are going to kill your people! Don't you care at all?! Witch thought, both in annoyance and anger that Belos would show such disregard for his subjects.
The acidic potion burned a bigger hole through the building, allowing the Super Potion Phantom to come flying up out of it, using the nozzles on its arms as a pair of rocket thrusters to propel it into the air. Once above Witch, the Super Potion Phantom used those same nozzles to propel itself towards Witch, and in no time tackled the Rider. The two of them tumbled through the air as Witch struggled against the strong grasp of the Super Potion Phantom. The creature screeched and hissed at her, its mouth opening unnaturally wide as its multicolored slobber sprinkled onto Witch's helmet and armor, which also started to hiss a little. Witch and the Super Potion Phantom crashed through one hotel building and ended up on the street. The Hero of Hope managed to throw the Super Potion Phantom off her body, allowing her to get back on her feet as she got ready to fight it again.
"Eww, it slobbered all over me! That's it!" Witch exclaimed.
The Rider of light summoned the Abomination goo back to her, and had it wrap around her hands, creating two construct fists with spiked knuckles.
"Hope Amity doesn't mind me copying her Abomi-Fists. Now…"
Witch quickly switched out her Light Owl Style ring and scanned her new one.
[PLANT OWL.]
[SODATSU! SODATSU! SODATSU!]
A green construct of La Lechuza rose from the ground as a tornado of green, construct energy leaves swirled around Witch before dispersing and revealing Kamen Rider Witch: Plant Owl Style. With the added strength boost from Plant Owl, Witch went into her next attack.
"HEY, UGLY!"
The Super Potion Phantom looked up.
Witch drew back her right fist, and then punched forward. Still under the effects of the Rubber spell, her right arm stretched all the way until its gauntlet covered fist smashed into the Super Potion Phantom's face. But that wasn't the end of it. Witch drew back her right fist, and then launched the left, striking the Super Potion Phantom in its gut. After that came the right again, and then the left, and then the right. Witch continued to launch punches at the monster, her fists becoming a blur as she used the rebound effect of her rubber arms to quickly throw her punches. The Super Potion Phantom was barraged by punches, with each one creating a low "boom!" sound upon impact. Witch recalled her left fist, and drew back her right arm, throwing it over her shoulder as it continued to stretch further and further back. The Super Potion Phantom, at this point, was disoriented from the barrage, which left it wide open for Witch's next attack.
Witch took one step forward, snapping her right arm forward as her Abomi-Fist flew straight for the monster. The goo gauntlet fist crashed into the Super Potion Phantom's face, burying its spiked knuckles into the side of its head before creating a powerful shockwave. The Super Potion Phantom, after the impact, was launched far into the distance, turning head over heel as it spun about in the air.
"Oh, great," Witch complained.
"Well, what did you think would happen after punching it square in the face with that much momentum behind it?"
"I was having an anime moment, Laly! Sue me!"
Witch looked up, summoning the Speeder from its hovering spot in the air. Once it reached her, she mounted her hover bike and took off in the direction of the Super Potion Phantom. Once she found where it landed, Witch jumped off the Speeder and landed on the ground a few feet away from it. The Super Potion Phantom had crashed into the street, stopping about ten feet from the hotel she and Amity were staying in. The stone and dirt were pushed into a large mound behind it, which was created from the long groove the Super Potion Phantom plowed into the earth as it came to a stop.
"Hey, Laly, do you think I should capture this thing instead of destroying it? Witch thought.
"Hmm, you mean in order to ascertain how it was created? But neither you nor I have the means to properly conduct such testing," said La Lechuza.
No, we don't, but Amity's dad might. He's a scientist, he might be able to figure out how Belos made the Super Coven Phantoms, and he might be able to find a lead back to Belos!
"Aaah, brilliant Niña! Starting to use your head more I see."
Why do you make it sound like I haven't?
Let's see, do you wish to have that list read back to you chronologically or alphabetically?
Witch rolled her eyes, but nonetheless, got her Bind ring ready so that she could capture this Phantom and with any luck expose Belos to the rest of the Boiling Isles. However, before she could cast her spell, the Super Potion Phantom's lower arm hoses aimed at Witch and fired one shot at her. The liquid struck Witch right in the face, covering her helmet and visor. She panicked a little, thinking that this substance was going to eat through her helmet and dissolve her head. However, she didn't hear any hissing sound that would indicate that was this liquid's purpose. In fact, the liquid wasn't dripping at all. Witch went to rub it off, but for some reason, it was sticky. Really sticky. The pinkish substance clung to Witch's right hand, she kept trying to wipe it off, but it just kept gumming up her hand and wouldn't come off her visor.
"Oh, c'mon! A sticky blindfold attack?!"
The Super Potion Phantom managed to rise out of the groove it had cut in the ground, and looked at Witch, ready to attack. But the moment before it did, the creature paused. Its head turned and looked up at the hotel, its nonexistent eyes seemed to be fixated on the hotel building, or rather, someone beyond the building.
Amity had managed to get them to a safe area, but the battle had damaged the elevators that led to the bottom floor, thankfully both witches had their Palismans with them, so they could easily fly down through the center of the hotel and into the lobby.
"Hey, where's Noceda at?" Boscha asked as they got to a spot where they could take off with their Palismans.
Oh, now she asks after all this time, Amity thought.
"She left earlier before you got here. I'm going to go look for her, so you get to safety."
"Are you serious?! You're going to look for her while that Phantom is rampaging out there?!"
Amity furrowed her brow at Boscha and remarked, "Yeah, I am. Luz is my girlfriend, and even though I know she can handle herself; I'm still going to go out there and find her."
"Ugh! This is exactly what I meant earlier! You're putting yourself in danger for that fragile human! You shouldn't have to!" Boscha argued.
Amity paused in her summoning of Ghost and glared at Boscha.
"I don't have to, I choose to! Because I care about Luz, and she would do the same for me if the roles were reversed," Amity retorted.
Boscha seemed to have had enough as she tossed her Palisman, Maya, to the floor while she was in staff form. The triclops quickly grabbed Amity by the shoulders and gripped Amity hard.
"Amity, please reconsider going out with me! I won't drag you down like that human does! I'll be the most loyal girlfriend you could ever ask for! I'll do anything for you!" Boscha begged.
"Boscha! Let! Me! GO!" Amity pushed Boscha off her, causing the triclops to stumble backwards until she fell onto her rear. The lavender haired witch continued to glare at her former friend as she stated, "Boscha, let me be clear, right here, right now! Luz is my girlfriend! I am going out with Luz Noceda, the human! I will not betray her trust, nor will I ever hurt her by seeing another witch! Whatever chance you and I had in the past, it was gone a long time ago! I'm sorry, but that's just how it is, Boscha!"
Boscha's eyes started to tear up, at first she had an expression of deep sorrow, but it was slowly morphing into one of rage and contempt. However, Amity could tell that this rage and contempt was not directed at her, but someone else, and Amity had a very good idea who that someone was. The triclops wiped her eyes, but the tears kept flowing as she stood up.
"That stupid Luzzer! She's ruined everything! She's changed you; she's changed everything! Everything was perfect until she arrived!" Boscha ranted.
"Boscha, calm down," said Amity.
"NO! I'm through with her! I can't stand her! That goody-two-shoes act of hers! That's all it is, an act! The only thing she's done is cause chaos! She's made you turn your back on your real friends! Made you change your hair color – which I do like by the way I'm just angry that it happened because of her – and she's even driven my friends away!"
That caught Amity off guard.
"Wait, what are you talking about?" Amity questioned.
"Skara's now dating that stupid Half-a-Witch! Amelia won't hang out with me anymore! Kat and Bo are gone too! We still practice for Grudgby games, and we still play! But outside of the playing field, NOTHING!" Boscha shrieked. "And all of this – ALL OF IT – started when that freakin' human stole you away from me! Everything's gone downhill since then!"
Boscha tightened her knuckles until they were turning white, and her face started to turn a slight shade of red as her anger continued to boil over.
"Sometimes…I wish…THAT LUZ NOCEDA WOULD JUST DI–!"
*CRASH!*
The wall behind Boscha suddenly exploded. Amity looked on in shock as she saw the same Super Potion Phantom from earlier now standing behind Boscha. The triclops was frozen, her anger having evaporated and turned to fear as she saw the shadow looming over her and noticed the expression on Amity's face. She didn't need to turn around to know that the monster, the Phantom, was standing right behind her. Without warning, the Super Potion Phantom grabbed Boscha and flipped her around so that she was now staring up right at the creature. The Super Potion Phantom's mouth slowly curled into an unnaturally wide smile before it released a shriek.
"BOSCHA, RUN AWAY NOW!" Amity cried out as she prepared to draw a spell circle.
Unfortunately, it was too late. The Super Potion Phantom transformed into pure yellow light before swiftly diving straight into Boscha's chest. Once the entire being of the Super Potion Phantom vanished, Boscha dropped to her knees and clutched at her chest.
Amity canceled her spell circle and dropped down to one knee next to Boscha as she said, "Listen to me, Boscha! You need to fight it! That thing is trying to turn you into a monster! It did the same thing to Skara, and then to Viney's parents! It's feeding off your negative emotions! I know it's asking a lot right now, but you have to fight it! You have to try and hang onto yourself!"
Despite Amity's instructions, Boscha couldn't hear them. No, all she could hear were the whisperings of the Super Potion Phantom inside of her. Slowly taking over her Underworld, and telling her what it can give her, what she could obtain. And that it would give her the power to take what was hers.
Amity…
Boscha's eyes opened wide, now three black pools with three yellow glowing irises. The moment after this occurred, Boscha threw her head back and opened her mouth wide as a stream of neon yellow liquid came spraying out of her mouth. Amity cried out in horror as she backed away from Boscha, watching helplessly as the neon liquid kept flowing and flowing, it seemed almost endless as the liquid started to completely overtake her body. At the same time, the neon yellow liquid grew bigger and bigger, and then in a flash of light, the liquid exploded out and as the droplets dissolved before hitting Amity.
What stood in Boscha's place was a new Hybrid Phantom. This one stood over seven feet tall and wore a black leather coat that hovered just a few inches from the ground. The Hybrid Phantom's skin was the same yellow tone as it was in its previous form, its eyes were still black as tar, with yellow glowing circles for irises and a black slit in the middle for pupils, except this one had three eyes just like its host. The Hybrid Phantom also retained Boscha's maroon colored hair, which had glowing neon highlights in it that seemed to pulsate. Upon her chest was a violet colored, metallic bodice, and sticking out from the back of her coat were six large vials, each one filled with a different colored liquid that was attached to some mechanical device that led directly to the Phantom's back. Around her waist was a black leather belt that had multiple test tubes lined up as if it was an ammo belt. Her legs had black, leather high-heeled boots that stopped around the Phantom's thighs. The monster's hands were bare, with nails that extended into black claws at each fingertip and at the center of each palm, was a thin membrane-like film that – if you looked closely – could see something like liquid floating within them.
"B-Boscha…?" Amity gasped.
The Hybrid Potion Phantom turned her head towards Amity, her black lipstick lips curled into a smile as she looked directly at the young witch girl.
"You are going to be mine, Amity, no one else can have you," said the Hybrid Potion Phantom, speaking in a distorted version of Boscha's voice.
"Boscha, please, listen to me! Whatever shred of you that still remains, you need to fight this! Witch will be here soon, and she can help you!" Amity stated.
"I don't want to be helped. Everything I need is right here. And I will make this island a paradise for only us!" The Hybrid Potion Phantom proclaimed.
"…I'm sorry, Boscha, but I can't let you do that!"
Amity was about to draw a spell circle, but the Hybrid Potion Phantom was faster. The monster thrusted out both of its hands as two of the huge vials on its back emptied their liquid contents. The veins of the Hybrid Potion Phantom started to turn bright purple as the membrane at the center of each palm glowed with that same color before shooting out two strands of that same liquid at Amity. The violet liquid wrapped around Amity's arms, strangely enough, the liquid didn't drip or splash when it touched Amity. The young witch teen readied her fingers to draw a circle, but as soon as those liquid tentacles touched her skin her arms went numb. The tentacles retracted back into the palms of the Hybrid Potion Phantom, and a moment after, the vials on its back were refilled. The teen witch now found her arms hanging limply at her sides as panic started to rise in her chest.
"W-W-WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY ARMS?! WHY CAN'T I FEEL THEM?!" Amity cried out.
"Shh, don't worry. It's only temporary, just long enough for me to do what I need to," said the Hybrid Potion Phantom.
"DO WHAT?!"
The monster swiftly stood before Amity, dropping down to one knee in front of her as it grabbed her by the shoulder, and squeezed tightly. Amity looked up into those monstrous eyes and could tell that whatever it was going to do, it was going to be worse than what it just did to her.
"To make you mine."
The Hybrid Potion Phantom opened its mouth, and showed her fangs, which were now longer and sharper than normal witch fangs. In one swift motion, the Hybrid Potion Phantom brought those fangs down, biting Amity in the neck and causing the lavender haired witch to scream in pain as she felt them puncture her skin. Three of the vials on the Hybrid Potion Phantom's back emptied as the veins of its body glowed with a liquid that transitioned between pink, green, and black.
Amity's screaming ceased as her eyes widened, feeling something spread through her body at a rapid pace. The whites of Amity's eyes started to change, shifting from white to black with each passing second. The normal golden hue of Amity's irises also started to change, becoming a neon pink color. But what was worse, Amity felt her mind leaving her, slowly she was starting to forget things. She tried to hold onto those memories, tried to hold onto at least the image of Luz's face, and the fact that she loved her. But the substance in her body was starting to overtake her brain. Amity could hear another voice echoing in her mind, a female voice she was starting to forget…
I think I know her name…too hard to remember…
"AMITY LISTEN TO ME…! TRY TO FIGHT IT…!"
I…I think…no…too hard to think too…I love someone…what was her name…?
"…AMITYY!…"
Yeah…her name…is…