Here's the next chapter of Mysterious Magic. yeah, yeah, sue me it's been a while since I updated this story and many of you have been hounding on me wondering when I'll ever update it again.
Ok, I get it, you all love and enjoy reading this story, but quit bugging and posting reviews on when it'll be updated! That's super annoying! I will do what I can whenever I can so quit it! You think I'm being in reasonable and an ass, well a few of you take a look in mirrors yourselves.
*clearing throat* I do apologize for the outburst that just needed to come out so with that being said for those that have been patient and long waited for this chapter and update for this story since last December in 2022 I hope you all enjoy this.
Chapter 24
Anguish of the Raven
Our attention was currently at the Blight Mansion. The sound of heavy coughing is heard. Inside of the twin's room we see Edric and Emira both heavily red, heavily breathing and shivering. Right now, Edric had a thermometer in his mouth while at the same time a quenching noise was heard. It was Amity, wearing gloves and a mask covering her mouth. She'd just finished squeezing out a cold rag gently placing it on Emira's forehead. She then turned over to her brother taking it out.
"180...Your temperatures still rising...That isn't good." She quickly rushes over to the bucket she had on the floor taking out another rag and quenching. "I know it's rough, but it'll be alright." Amity said to reassure her sick siblings as she placed the rag on Edric's head before exiting out. She sighed passing the mask and gloves to an abomination that sucked it up like a living garbage can.
Although her older siblings were annoying and crossed a few lines like the time at the library she still loved them and so did they. Whenever she got sick, they'd do their best to help out and now she was doing the same. However, things weren't going so good, they've been like this for almost three days and their fevers showed no signs of settling down yet.
Slowly she approached one door in particular prepared to grab the handle only to stop upon hearing a familiar voice.
"This whole sickness, just doesn't make any sense." She paused it was the voice of her father Alastor. Hearing this and curious the green haired witch put her head against the door to listen to the conversation that was going on now hearing the voice of her mother Odalia.
"What did the head of the Healing Coven say?"
"Only that he's gonna bring in help from the Potions Covens." Her father replied on the other side. "He's never seen anything like this before."
"How is he at a loss? We've paid a lot of money to get him down here and he can't give us answer!?"
"I know it's frustrating, but we have to be patient."
"How much more patient can we get!?" Hearing enough Amity silently snuck her way out of the hallway and used one of the 'special secret routes' that her older siblings had made to sneak out of the house. Once she was out Amity rushed onward before stopping and looked back to her home.
"Emira, Edric, don't worry I'll make sure you both get better somehow." With that vow made she continued running. "And I think I know someone who can help."
After a bit running and the occasional stopping to catch her breath Amity finally made it to Gloomuck Swamp.
Luckily, along the way she found one of Wilhelms boats using the oar that came with it to bring her to Sauls home.
"Ok, I'm here...Now gotta find Wilhelm." She rushes up to the door and knocks on it. She didn't get a response so she knocked again, and then a third time. "Wilhelm!? Are you here!?"
"Why are you yelling!?" Amity looked up above and saw Wilhelm sitting in a hammock holding a book. "I'm up here"
"What are you doing up there?" The witch questioned in confusion the red head shrugged in response. "Enjoying peace of mind and catching up on some reading. What about you?"
Amity quickly regained focus on her objective. "Um, Wilhelm can we talk? It's sort of an emergency."
Wilhelm hummed at her request pausing at his reading glancing down putting both hands together. "Define emergency. The light kind or heavy kind?"
With a groan Amity gave her answer. "Heavy!"
"Oh dear." With a hand motion he descended from his spot landing in front of her bearing a dull expression. "What'd you do this time?"
She was a bit appalled to hear that. "Wha-? Nothing."
"You sure about that?" He raised an eyebrow while she knew what he was referring to the incident with Willow burning her mind on accident.
Amity groaned rolling her eyes. "Yes. I swear."
"Ok." Wilhelm took her answer and opened up the door motioning her inside. "Let's talk." They head to the living room where he sat down across from her while she did the same with him. The red head cleared his throat. "Alright Amity, clearly something's going on. And not to try and sound to be rude, but what the is it?"
This was it, no turning back now. Amity composer herself for a moment calming down before answering. "It's Edric and Emira...there sick."
"Sick?" Wilhelm tilted his head in confusion this caught the warlock's attention. "How sick exactly? Because, no offense Amity, but your family has many connections that can address that. Why come directly to me?"
"Because the head of the healing coven came in today and I heard from my parent's office say that she's at a lost."
Now this got his attention starting to get more serious sitting up straight. "Really? Hettie Cuttburn at a loss? That's extremely rare to hear. But if it's this serious to where she doesn't know what to do, then this can't be taken lightly at all."
"I know it is, and that's why I came here Wilhelm. I-I didn't know who else to turn to."
"And a good thing you did bringing this to my attention." He sat up from his seat. "We better console this with Saul."
"Is he here?" Amity questioned as they got up.
"Yeah he's here, but currently in the middle of something."
We now cut to see Saul in a room where he was doing a check up to one of his many patients. It was an elderly warlock with his granddaughter.
He'd just finished up asking questions and examined his medical history.
Now since Saul was strong he had to be gentle whenever he was doing a physical and that fact that his hands were larger than others.
First he feels the old mans forehead and inspects his eyes growing curious. "Ok, open your mouth." The orc instructed and peered inside noticing a single tooth with a black spot on it. "There's the problem."
Saul takes a dab and taps the tooth getting a reaction out of the old man. "Alright, heres the deal. Your not gonna like this, but you have an infection through your tooth. If it's not pulled out it'll only get worse."
"What? No! No!"
"Sir, it'll only get worse if it's not taken care of."
"It's the not pain he's worried about." The witch said fidgeted as the elder covered his mouth. "It's his only tooth, he worries how he'll look."
"Sir, trust me when I say I've seen he firecist orcs die from poor hiegin." Saul kept trying to persuade the elder warlock but he wasn't budging before noticing Wilhelm and Amity standing there.
"Wilhelm good timing, hand me my tooth pliers."
""No! No!" Saul pushed his patient down onto the bed with his large as he began to spout out insults that the orc drowned out turning to the woman who was with him.
"Mam, I'm gonna need you to hold your father down." Nodding she held down his right arm as Wilhelm passed him the tooth pliers. "Wilhelm his left arm." The red head nodded as he held the elder down refusing to open his mouth who began crying not wanting the tooth pulled out. With a sigh he turned over to the mint head.
"Amity, would you kindly pinch his nose?"
"Ok..." Even though she was really squeamish about doing this, the mint head complied with the request thinking this would be a good way to get on the orc's good side. She watched as Saul did his thing wincing from how painful this was going to be.
"Right there..." Saul slowly moved his tool towards the infected tooth grasping it and continued to ignore the pleads of the warlock he was on top on before yanking it out making the old man painfully wail out.
"There we go." He nodded getting off the warlock placing the tooth into a jar disinfecting his hands as the elder cried. "I hate to ask you this, but can you pay me for this today?"
"Fuck you!" The older warlock spat out while Saul rolled his eyes as his patient exited out continuing to curse out the orc who sighed already being used to getting those kind of reactions from patients while his granddaughter walked up to him giving him the amount of snails that was owed
"I'm sorry about my grandfather. Thank you very much sir."
"My pleasure mam." He proceeds to pass her a glass vial. "Here, on the house."
She smiled bowing her head before leaving. The first thing Saul did was walk over to a journal cataloguing today's patient jolting down a few side notes in the process. "I know it was very sudden when you walked in but I appreciate the help, you two."
"Don't worry about it." Wilhelm replied glancing over to Amity with a pleading look. "Also, Saul I think we have a situation."
"Hmm?" Saul peered over his shoulder continuing to write. "What happened?"
"It's my brother and sister they've fallen ill."
"Give me a description of there symptoms." Saul stopped writing taking out a large book.
"How long ago did they acquire these symptoms?"
"Just two days prior. They were just fine about a week ago but they started to get a little weak."
"Do they have fatigue and loss of taste?"
"Yes. They also have fevers."
"Was there anything else unusual?"
"Um..." Amity started to recount what she had seen. "There tongues, were purple? No they were blue."
Saul paused continuing to ask questions. "Hard coughing as well? Like really hard?"
"Yes."
Saul turned around kneeling down looking Amity in the eye. "Was there anything going on there last week? Anything you could possibly remember?"
"There...there was a fog..."
Amity began to recall the memory of last week while she was reading outside a fog came out of nowhere land from her window she noticed her siblings rushing back inside.
"But that was it...nothing else...happened." Amity was hit with the realization growing silent as the orc stood up a worried expression plastered onto his face.
"Then what you're dealing with is no ordinary illness, your siblings have been struck with a virus."
"A virus?" Amity was shocked to hear this as they watched the Orc go through his books using magic to flip through the pages trying to search for something.
"This was deliberate. Someone else inflicted this onto your siblings. It wouldn't be much of a surprise your family has made enemies and this is there way of getting payback."
Her heart dropped at this grim news. "Someone...did this to them...on purpose?" She paced over to the window absorbing all this information. She knew that her mother crossed a lot of people on the isle's but get payback, they would actually go after her children? Those who had and actually really wanted nothing to do with her business? This was a hard pill to swallow, and her fear was growing worse by each second before turning around. "Will you help me? Please?"
With a kind smile the orc placed one of his large hands on her shoulder. "Of course." Making a spell circle he made the book float back over to him. "I've seen this before. It can be treated, but we there's only one place I know where we can find the ingredient to help make a remedy for this. It a special root that grows within the Rotten Valley." Saul stood up and whistled on que his frog pallisman hopped over to him before becoming a staff.
"We need to move now. Sooner the better. Once we return, I can procure something." Wilhelm nodded before whistling right on cue Cole was heard rustling outside. As they exited out, Wilhelm grabbed his saddle.
We now change to see the three flying through the air, Saul was staff.
Right by him Wilhelm mounted Cole, the flaming scourge flying without hardly any problems even as he was reading the same book he had earlier on the hammock.
"Are you seriously reading at a time like this? While flying at the same time?" Amity asked sitting behind the red head.
"Because I'm almost done with it. And I don't have to worry much, Cole is smarter than he lets on." The said reptile snorted at that comment. "You know that's a compliment."
"So...what's the Rotten Valley exactly?"
"A very poisonous and hazardous island. Its entire ecosystem revolves around decomposition." Wilhelm explained while Amity was having a hard time absorbing what he said.
"What?"
"You'll know it when you see it." Saul answered. "Right about, now."
Up ahead the clouds cleared up and we see a large island, and all around it you could make out large skeletal bodies, ranging from ribcages, spinal cords, and large, colossal reptilian skulls, not as big as the Titan that made up their home but more like half the size.
Amity couldn't but be at awe at the sight of it. "Whoa..."
"Also, mind the smell." Before the witch could question Wilhelm, she gagged and coughed. The foulest stench hit her nostrils like a brick wall. She'd never smelled something so bad in her life! "What*coughx3* is that?! Smells like something died!"
"You're not too far off with that answer." Wilhelm commented as they landed. The red head got off and helped her off before whistling making a movement, and Cole flew off to somewhere.
Due to how bad the smell was Amity was having a hard time adjusting so quickly Wilhelm grabbed one of the packs and passed it to her. "(Continuing to cough) What's this?"
"Just put it on." Wilhelm replied as he took out something that resembled a beekeeper and a hazmat suit, only the head piece resembled more of a gas mask if anything. Not arguing Amity did as she was told.
"It's not too tight, is it?" Wilhelm questioned as he tightens his mask into place. "I didn't know what size you were and that's all we could spare."
"No, this'll work." Amity replied as she finally got her suit on. "Wilhelm why do we have to have this on?"
"Because the Rotten Vale is full of harmful material that can damage and poison the body. Especially as you get deeper inside. You'd be an idiot not wearing one of these." He walked up to her and did a small inspection. "Uh-Huh. Ok, alright your good to go. Saul? How do you want to go about with this?"
The orc had just finished tightening the gloves onto his suit. "Probably be best that we split up to cover more ground. I know a few spots where the root grows. Wilhelm you remember some of the other spots are right?"
"It's been a while since I've been back here, but I think I can manage."
Saul nodded. "Good luck you two." Win that said he rushed off into another direction while Wilhelm went to the other. Not wanting to be left behind in a very unfamiliar environment Amity quickly caught up with the red head. Glancing around in curiosity, she was also looking for any tree's but all she was seeing, was piles and piles of skeletons and rotting flesh that covered the very grounds of the area.
"Why are there so many corpses here?"
"Because it's a massive graveyard, where many creatures in the underworld comes to die." They each jump off from a ledge landing in some bones that crunched loudly upon impact. Amity winched a bit from how it sounded continuing to follow her friend.
"They come here to die?" Amity was perplexed by what he just told her raising an eyebrow in confusion. "Why?"
"Honestly that's a good question." Wilhelm stopped and pointed forward to a rotting tree that had no leaves but a lot of branches. "Hey, over here. Come on." The two approached the tree. He kneeled down starting to dig.
"Wait, plants can grow here?"
"Yeah. Most don't think it, but yeah certain kinds of plants can." Wilhelm confirmed as he stopped digging. "Nature can be always full of surprises. And disappointments, no roots here. Let's continue moving."
The duo continued on to follow the tracks and as they trekked up higher, they began to notice something the puddle of blood were getting bigger. "Were getting closer to where it got hurt. Blood is a dead giveaway." They stopped, the reason being was that there was a ledge, not to high but not too low where it was gonna be impossible.
Wilhelm hummed a bit and gained an idea. He kneeled down and held both hands together. "I'll give you a boost."
"Ok." Amity stepped back a few steps before sprinting forward as the warlock boosted her up onto the ledge. Once up there she held out her hand allowing Wilhelm to grab it, helping him up. "Phew, how much do you weigh?"
"Oh, don't be like that." Wilhelm jabbed back with a smirk. "I hardly weigh that much. Besides, you could lose a few pounds yourself."
He walked past her ignoring her angry face. "I'm kidding, relax yourself. You gonna pop if you keep making that face."
"Har-har." Amity rolled her eyes continuing to follow him until the two got into a clearing and it was there, they noticed that the area was a mess. There were fragments of bones, chunks of flesh, all kicked up in one direction. "Did something just happen here?"
"No, whatever fight here transpired happened yesterday." Wilhelm answered like it was no big deal and continued on.
"How do you know this exactly?"
"Just by looking at the ground and the area, it hasn't been disturbed." Amity blinked in surprise; he could know all that with just a few looks!? At this rate, she was starting to become hardly surprised on his knowledge of wildlife and nature skills. Hell, he has to practically know more than any book she'd read from the library or even possibly the isle's version of the internet!
Wilhelm paused stopping in front of some old membrane making a spell circle shooting a fireball that incinerated the blockage. "C'mon, one of those tree's should be coming...Aha!" He rushed over to another rotting tree like before digging around the bottom before sighing. "Nope, another empty spot." He motioned her to continue following him going down a path before noticing that there was a ledge and path.
The warlock hummed at this. "I got an idea. Amity, hop onto my back?"
"Huh?" The witch glanced over to him being sure if she heard right.
"Just me try ok?"
"Fine." Amity jumped wrapping her legs and arms around his chest and winced a little in pain. "Ow! Ow! Easy, easy around the ribs!"
"Well sorry! You asked for this." She retorted back.
"True." Wilhelm replied as he casually made a hook swinging the rope a couple of times before throwing it into the side of the ledge embedding itself into the bone. "Could always be worse."
"Wait..." Her eyes widened gaining a bad feeling as he was back up. "What are you...No-No-No-N-Whooooa!" She was now screaming because Wilhelm was running forward and jumped off the ledge! Her scream grew louder as they swung sideways over a 50 foot drop clamming her eyes shut. When Wilhelm got to the other sight she was still screaming and he rolled his eyes.
"Amity...Amity!" She was still screaming sighing and rolling his eyes he dropped her on the ground. Naturally she panicked opening her eyes and calmed down seeing she was on flat solid ground. "Were fine."
She growled in irritation getting up and was slamming both fists onto him while he raised up his arm in defense. "That wasn't funny!" Wilhelm allowed her to continue and vent out her rage onto him.
"Understandable, I had the same reaction too." He said before dispelling the hook. "Ok, let's continue."
"Don't you think you coudl've given me a warning or something else?"
"And let's say if I did, would you do it, or chicken out?" Amity growled in irritation as she
...
"So...does anything live here?"
"Many creatures actually." Wilhelm said as he made a spell circle making a small fire ball shoot out taking out membrane blocking there path. He stopped her pointing forward quickly motioning her to squat down. "There's one right now."
Out front they saw a red scaled reptilian with an almost canine like body and glowing blue eyes. It was hauling a dragon corpse by the neck making use of its powerful jaws in the process.
"Razor Fiend." Wilhelm whispered its name. "Hey might not be able to fly, but they're tough in their own right. It's front paws have extendable claws that can pierce through the toughest armor to cause bleeding."
"So basically, it's something you don't want to piss off." Amity summarized as the Beast was finally out of view.
"Yeah." Wilhelm replied making a motion. "Alright let's move."
"In terms of the food chain, is it pretty much free pickings for everything here?"
"Most of the time." Wilhelm began to crawl underneath a rock and Amity followed him. She did get stuck, but he helped her out of there.
"How many times have you been here?"
"I've lost track." Wilhelm replied before he stopped. The reason why because a low gurgling noise was heard. He immediately became alert tackling Amity down dragging her behind a large skull. Before she could say anything, Wilhelm put a finger in front of his lips as a way telling her to be quiet. She did as told and saw something walk into view and the young witch did her absolute best not to scream at the rather grotesque sight before her.
It was a dragon with a long, slender body that had several unique physical features. Its body is covered in silver scales, which are obscured by the fleshy red veil that covers most of its body. It possesses a striking double lower jaw, each with a row of extremely long, sharp fangs similar to those of a fish. It has two bright yellow spots at the sides of its head and two small red eyes. Its toes and wingtips are adorned with sickle-shaped claws.
The beast before them seemed to browsing the area itself sniffing for anything unusual before giving off a wailing roar before it continued forward. The red head peaked over to see if the gory dragon was gone it wasn't. Until it dived down into a hole. Seeing this he sighed in relief. "All clear."
Amity was still in a state of shock from what she saw. "What...was that?"
"Wandering Death. They're the top predator of the Vales food chain here." He shook his head sighing a bit. "That was to close for comfort." He then noticed a green smug in one of the dragons' footprints.
Wilhelm rushed to the track eyeing the green ooze in the middle. Not wasting the chance, he grabbed a vial and took out a knife and started scooping up all that he could inside of the container.
"What are you doing? Don't you have enough poison as it is?" Amity questioned referring to the said poison cabinet that he has.
"Not from Wandering Death. It's extremely difficult acquiring their venom. They're the most lethal and hazardous of all dragons. Creating anti venom is next to almost impossible." Wilhelm finished gathering what he needed holding up to show his companion. "This can save a lot of lives if anything were to happen."
"Like what?"
"Wandering Death are very solitude creatures. They only gather during mating season, and males like to have territory to themselves. If a challenger comes, they fight to see who owns this place. And that comes with the possibility of one of them coming to the island. Given how things are, it won't be pretty if that day comes and were forced to put one down." He stuffed it into his suit raising an eyebrow. "But something's off, I've never seen it...so...agitated."
"Is there another one around here somewhere?"
Wilhelm shook his head. "No, we'd know if there was a turf war. Something else." Wilhelm kneeled down and examined the track pattern. "Odd."
"What?" Curious Amity squatted down next to him as he pointed to the tracks. It was then she noticed that the right foot was a few meters away longer than the left. "Is it hurt?"
"I would say so." Wilhelm confirmed. "It's hiding a limp." He turned his head over to the direction of where the dragon came from. "Something's up, Amity I know were still looking for that root, but could we head over in that direction? I want to take a look at something."
"Ok." The duo started to treck up the hill where Wandering Death emerged all they had to was follow the tracks the gory dragon had left behind. "What are you looking for?"
Wilhelm paused pointing down to a black blood trail. "It's just a feeling, but if it got hurt by something, we would see the signs of what happened. The blood trail can tell a lot." They continued following the tracks along the way they paused noticing a dead looking tree. "And speaking of which..." The red head walked over to it, took a shovel and started digging a hole. "This should be one of those tree's where that root if located."
She was really starting to get anxious. "Anything?"
He turned his head shaking his head. "No." She groaned a little bit pulling her hair. "Amity calm down, I know where this stuff grows, and so does Saul. If we don't anything, I'm sure he will."
"And if he doesn't?" Willhelm stood up glanced over to her. "All the more reason we try remain hopeful. Doubting ourselves right now won't help." He said in a matter-of-fact tone as they continued following the trail and traces of blood of the dragon, they'd only saw just mere moments ago. While doing so, the red head noticed something. The patches of blood were a bit more faded indicating that where blood dropped earlier was drying. It told him that they were getting closer to where the beast got hurt
Then out of the corner of his eye, he saw something shine, reflecting from the sun. Blocking out the reflected light noticed that there was snapped chain nearby. Grabbing it, he glanced over to the side and spotted the cause of what hurt the dragon. "Bingo." Rushing towards the object he picked it up and held it up to show Amity a very bent out of shape bear like trap. On the edges of teeth was coated in the Wandering Death's blood.
"That's what hurt it..." Amity exclaimed as they walked up close to one another as the red head let the trap drop down.
"This is high grade too." Wilhelm noted as he examined it closely. "This kind of brand is illegal. Beast Keepers made that law five years ago."
"And yet there using it?"
"Not them." He pointed to a familiar symbol, belonging to the emperor's coven. "Others are though." Wilhelm proceeds to lift up the trap. Looks around and spots a nearby pool of lime green liquid. "Amity, help me bring it over there."
"Ok." She proceeds to help him and immediately felt the weight as they dragged it across the ground. "Oh crap, this thing is heavy!"
"Relax yourself almost there." The red head noted as they got near the pool. Once there they heaved it in there and watched as it melted away sinking inside. "Ok, so let's continue on with our search."
A couple of hours later we see black, and then something pierced through it, and a first point of view showing Wilhelm digging up the hole. From behind Amity watched in anticipation and nervousness. Wilhelm peaked in for a closer look and his face erupted in a wide smile. Reaching down into the hole he grabbed something and turned around to show the witch.
It was a blackish gray root with red glowing dots, this was the root they were looking for! "Yes!" Amity jumped in the air happily all excited wrapping her arms around him. "Yes! Yes! Wilhelm thank you!"
"Yeah, don't mention it..." He replied still staying completely still not even moving not returning the hug back. Seeing this she stopped and stepped back tilting her head sideways in confusion.
"You, ok?"
"I think so..."
"Are you..." Wilhelm fell down sideways. "...Sure?"
"No..."
She knelt down over him. "Are you hurt?"
"No..."
"Then what!?" She was starting to worry.
"..." He didn't respond as a very loud growling noise was heard, with him blushing in embarrassment. This made her raise an eyebrow. "Wait, that's it? Your just hungry?"
"I haven't had much to eat all day ok...Don't judge me..." Wilhelms stomach continued to growl loudly. "Help me up please..." Amity made a spell circle making a few abomination hands emerge lifting up the warlock setting him up against a nearby piece of bone. "Thanks."
"No worries." She watched as he took out what appeared to be a small dilater noticing that the needle was hitting a green bar. "Wilhelm?" He took off his helmet much to her surprise. "Hey-Hey! What are you doing!? Didn't you say this place was toxic!?"
"And it is...But, there's some parts of the island where it's not. Were ok right now. Let's catch our breath."
"You sure?"
"We'll be fine." Wilhelm gave her a thumbs up motioning her to sit by him as she removed her helmet. "Reach into my pack, I got something in there." The witch does as was asked reaching inside to pull out something that was wrapped up in a large weird looking leaf.
She raised an eyebrow at whatever the item was. "This it?"
Wilhelm nodded his head. "Yep, that's it." He motioned for her to hand it to him and she watched him unwrap the leaf to reveal some sort of bread? When Wilhelm did he used the leaf wrapping to break off a piece making a spell circle in the process creating a fork. He went to town with it eating it in one bite moaning as he enjoyed the flavors with his eyes closed. "Mmmmm~ So good~"
"What is that?"
"Special bread my mentor used to make all the time." He replied with a mouthful swallowing it. "Excuse me. She never said what it was, just only that you only needed to eat a little bit, and in a few minutes your full."
"Does it?"
"Oh yes. Want some?"
Amity thought for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. "Eh, why not?" She made a fork of her own cutting off a piece and ate a bit of her own. "Wow...this is really good. I taste...a lot of crunch and a lot...sweetness? Not too bad. You sure this doesn't have a name?"
Wilhelm tilted his head to the side trying to think. "No, I just always dubbed as just simply survival bread."
"Well, I think it could use a different name." Amity argued as she glanced up at the sky sighing a bit. "You know, aside from this place being dangerous and all, this is actually kind of nice."
"It is isn't it?"
"Yeah...Reminds me when me and my family went on trips."
"Camping trips?" Wilhelm cut himself off another tiny piece while she hummed in response smiling a bit.
"Back when I was...almost ten I think...There was a big lake. Me, Edric and Emira had a blast." Her smile dwindled down. "But our mom, not so much. When I was around twelve, she insisted we stop acting like children and start acting our ages."
"Acting your ages? You still had or rather do still have a bit of ways before major responsibilities fall on your shoulders."
"I know, but mom was really insistent that we do. That was when she told me to start dying my hair to match her color."
Wilhelm glanced over to her. "Doesn't your father really intervene much?"
"No, he just well...rolls along with whatever mom says...Most of the time...I mean, they don't even know that I'm friends with you, Willow, Luz or even your cousin. I mean, no offence, but most of your family is..."
The red head chuckled a bit understanding where she was coming from. "None taken. That's quite alright."
"What about you?"
"Hmm?"
"Your family?"
"There's..." Wilhelm hesitated to answer but didn't want to try and be rude since she was willing to share secrets with him. So it only seemed like the proper thing to do. "N-Not really much else to say. I love my family, but there's just a bit a strain..."
"Strain? Like you don't get along with your parents?"
"No, just my mother."
"What about your father?"
"There was no father." Wilhelm replied looking back at the sky. "If there was, doubt either he's around, or something. I don't know."
"What can you tell me about her?"
"She's kind, brave, interesting yet odd, and very loving. But even despite all that, she had a lot of flaws."
"Well yeah, every parent has flaws, no one's perfect."
"But it was because of that, we parted on bitter terms." Amity turned over to Wilhelm wondering what he meant by that. Then again whenever the subject of his 'parents' came up he always did his best to avoid it, even try and change the subject. The red head never really wanted to talk about it, at all, did they abuse him? Did they not love him? No, he said he loved his mother, but they still left on bitter terms? Just what happened to them that left him like this?
"Hey you two!" Both teens looked over from above to the side to see Saul waving over to them. "There you are, it feels like I've been searching forever." He jumped down over to them causing the ground to shake a little from the force and weight of the orc.
"Saul..." Wilhelm got up using his magic to rewrap the leaf around the bread. "I take it your search went well?"
"Indeed, I found some roots, and what about you?"
"We have one." The red head confirmed showing the said root to Saul getting a nod of approval.
"Perfect, we now have what we need." The orc put a hand on Amity's shoulder. "Once we return back to the island, I'll get started immediately with the remedy." The witch smiled at this starting to feel relieved and reassured that her siblings would alright.
Clearing his throat Saul had George hop off his shoulder materializing the orcs staff with him getting onto it preparing to take off.
But before they could leave and Wilhelm could call his Cole, suddenly a loud wailing roar was heard in the distance. The trio turned to where it was coming from as the same noise sounded off again.
"What was that?" Wilhelm narrowed his eyes and sprinted in that direction and Saul followed suit. Amity groaned questioning how come whenever something dangerous was heard they go towards it rather than go the other way? The trio was closing in on a clearing up ahead and the sounds of roaring, and fighting. One thing was for sure whatever was happening, sounded to be a hell of a tussle. Not to mention they were also hearing shouting and yelling?
When they got to the clearing, they got behind some cover watching at Wandering Death attempted to take off into the air, but from bellow multiple ropes wrapped around its wings with a few getting around it's legs beginning to drag it down. Poking their heads around they saw the ones responsible, beast keeping coven members, specifically the strong ones pulling the ropes while other members joined in on the effort and some using some shock blasts to weaken it.
However, this dragon was strong, and it refused to go willingly or down without a fight as it turned around and leaned its head back. "Move! Move!" Spewing out from it's mouth was black smoke like substance that glittered multiple colors hitting the ground but exploded upon impact sending a few coven members flying. But then out of nowhere someone had sent a large worm like creature towards the dragon who used its own body to bring the alpha predator down to the ground slamming it.
When it was down, the worm disappeared, and beast keepers seized the moment gathering together to make one large spell circle. What emerged was a heavy chain link net that descended upon Wandering Death. Naturally it was trapped, and the large metal balls attached to the ends of the net was preventing it from moving, but not squirming in desperation trying to escape.
"NOW!" One of the members cried out and then from the sides multiple small cans were tossed in front of Wander Death, a gas began to spew out from them. To quicken the effects some of the beast keepers used wind to blow it right into the dragon's face who slowly but surely began to grow sluggish struggling to stay awake until it finally succumbed to the effects of the knockout gas.
When it went down, the beast keepers all cheered in victory for their success. "Alright, let's get it out of here!" The trio watched as this mighty beast was starting to get moved onto a small transport. Saul and Amity were confused by this while Wilhelm glared, he had to find what was going on and put a stop to whatever it maybe.
By now the sun was setting in the distance and After much tracking and making sure to stay hidden and not getting spotted they followed the coven to what appeared to be there base camp. From a hilltop that was a part of an old dorsal fin Wilhelm, Amity and Saul watched as Beast Coven and Emperor Coven grunts were moving creatures they had been encaged.
It was a very large set up, there were tents all over, and there were dozens of Beast Keeper Coven Members including Emperors Coven. All of which were aiding out any way they could be it trying to get beasts into cages and moved the trapped creatures around all while avoiding either getting clawed, skewered or burned alive curtesy of an angry dragon.
"They've been here for a while." Wilhelm noted looking through a pair of binoculars passing it to Amity who peered through. "This is why Wandering Death was agitated."
"How can you tell?" The witch questioned.
"Just from how well organized and equipped they are." Wilhelm replied as she spotted a few coven members receiving treatment and some going in and out of a medical tent. "This wasn't a whole day foot, this took weeks to set up."
Saul took he binoculars and started looking through the camp. "Not to mention all that those fancy toys too. One thing for sure, there well organized." Saul noted as he peered through the camp. "I'd say it's a safe bet that half of the Beast Keeping Coven has to be here." The orc then hummed. "And there lies he main hosts of the show." Saul passes the binoculars over to Wilhelm and spotted what the orc was talking about.
He saw Lilith talking with a much a smaller warlock. It was a child-sized bestial humanoid. He had a wild mane of auburn hair tied in a big, fluffy ponytail using a yellow, frayed band. His body is covered with orange fur, with some unkempt spots on his cheeks and elbows. His eyes have yellow sclerae with magenta irises and slit pupils, and he has two pointed ears similar in shape to a cat's. Wilhelm recognized the smaller warlock, as Eberwolf The Huntsman, the head of the Beast Keeping Coven.
"Lilith and Eberwolf. If they're here, then whatever the covens are doing can't be good and only spell trouble."
"So, they captured all these dragons for what exactly?" Amity questioned as they eyed the movement. "Are they going to try and set up like post here or something?"
"No, attempting to settle in Rotten Vale is impossible. There gonna try and bring these animals back to the mainland." The red head replied as Saul passed him the spy glass. "Not a smart thing to do. And if my hunch is correct, they're going to try and take another attempt capture Wandering Death too."
"Are they out of their minds? That dragon is too hazardous for the environment of the Boiling Isles itself." Saul couldn't believe what he was hearing. "If one accident transpires, hundreds will get ill and worse."
"I know but given how the Wild Witch's and warlocks have been. It seems there going to take essive lengths to quell there numbers." Wilhelm passed the spy glass over to Amity. "These dragons cannot leave this island."
"Sounds simple enough, how do you want do this?" Saul questioned as Wilhelm had his focus on the heads continuing to converse with one another, or rahter one in specific.
"I might have a possible idea, but we need to know more before plotting our next move."
"Well, count me in then." Wilhelm glanced over to his friend a bit confused.
"Amity?" She looked back at him. "Lilith humiliated me at the Convention making me look like a cheater. So, I want payback."
Wilhelm nodded taking the answer. "Alright."
As of the moment we see Eberwolf monitoring his coven members when all the sudden his right ear twitched. He shook it off like it was nothing. However the second time, this caught his attention humming curiously before rushing off to find out where the source of the noise was coming from.
"Eberwolf." A sudden voice spoke up taking him by surprise growling a bit preparing his magic telling the person who was hiding to come out. Wilhelm emerged from a bush. Seeing who it was the small warlock narrowed his eyes, he knew exactly who this individual was and what he could do. "Easy, I'm not trying to pick a fight..."
Holding up his hands Wilhelm slowly approached the warlock kneeling down so he could talk to him eye level trying his best to show no harmful intentions. "I just want to talk." He made a spell circle at first Eberwolf tensed up, but instead relaxed upon seeing that he calmed down and was given two things. A pen and a write pad. "So, may we talk? Beast Keeper to Beast Keeper. I know you respected Hilda's work."
Eberwolf put a hand underneath his chin humming in thought for a moment before nodding in approval taking the pen and pad. "Alright." Wilhelm got straight to the questions. "Why are you here?"
"We were given orders to come this island."
Wilhelm raised an eyebrow at this. "Capturing these dragons is a violation of your coven, there protected species. Including Wandering Death."
The small beast like warlock continuing writing. "I know, I was confused too." Eberwolf turns the pad around, erases it and writes something else. "But were not trying to kill them or anything."
"Than what exactly is the purpose of this?"
"It's specifically for medical and research purposes."
"So your gonna take them back to mainland? Eberwolf that's too dangerous, especially with Wandering Death, it's to toxic for the environment there."
"I said the same thing too." Eberwolf erased the words and wrote: "If anything went wrong the wildlife would pay the price including other witches and warlocks."
"So give me a window of opportunity, they can't leave the Rotten Vale."
Eberwolf shook his head. "I can't we need Wandering Deaths venom. That's one main reason was here."
"I see, listen if you want to extract it's venom, you'll need extract it's salvia and keep it in cold water. Once every few hours you'll need boil it. If you only need a certain amount of venom, then gather as much as you can. But under no circumstances should that beast set foot off this island."
"Eberwolf sir!" They heard one of the beast keeping coven members calling out for their head honcho. Quickly he got to writing. "Ships will arrive at night fall. Whatever you intend to do, do it!"
"Thank you." Wilhelm nodded in appreciation and watched as Eberwolf rushed back to the camp. Now having the information he needed, the red head rushed back to his group.
"What did he say?" Saul questioned as Wilhelm hopped over a rock. "Eberwolf said that these dragons are getting transported back to the mainland."
"They seriously want to take them off the island?" The orc shook his head sighing a bit. "That's not gonna end well in so many ways."
"Did they say when?" Amity questioned.
"Tonight, ships are coming in from the mainland, we need to come up with a plan asap."
Night had now fallen
When the guards were gone Wilhelm and Amity emerged out of there hiding places.
They heard metal creaking followed by a low groan peering inside they saw the beast inside
Without hesitation they removed the lock
Inside of a tent we see the head of the emperor's coven speaking to kikimora through one of the coven's communication pendants. "Lilith, I take it that the necessary specimens are all accounted for?"
"Yes, Kiki, every dragon that was requested to be captured are accounted for." The witch confirmed as her white raven palisman Branwin perched itself onto her shoulder cawing away. "Despite the injuries many of the coven members have sustained, we are more than prepared for transport."
"Very good, and what of the alpha predator of the vale?"
"Yes, including the Wandering Death. Wasn't easy, but we succeeded in capturing it."
"And no other
Wilhelm had just knocked out a few guards and rushed over to unlock more of the cages while Amity was doing the same but doing the babies so since she didn't feel comfortable with letting the really big ones loose.
Wilhelm paused for a moment to catch his breath as did Amity since they've been rushing and doing their best not to get spotted. They were just purely going on adrenaline at this point. "That's almost all of them right?"
"Yes, that's quite right. There should only be a few left." Wilhelm then grabbed her shoulder. "Listen, I'll finish up, you go and find Saul."
"What about you?"
"I got to make sure, there aren't any others here. I'll meet you both at where we agreed to meet. If I'm not there, have Cole track me."
"Ok, good luck." Amity rushed off back out of the camp jumping into some bushes to avoid getting spotted.
Now that Wilhelm was alone, he continued his work, but not before pausing noticing one cage in a tent close by. Curious he entered, as Wilhelm approached the cage and inside was a beast standing on two legs, it had black oily skin and it's body was covered in bones. Not like a small amount, it was a very large amount. Some that resembled spikes, and other parts of its body almost resembled armor on its lower jawline, sides and tail. Wilhelm knew what this was, another flightless dragon. He knew this species as, the Bone Roller. This large monster proceeded to admit a loud snort much like a bull, where you could see its breath.
Taking out a pair of cutters the red head got to work getting it free.
"We've nearly already completed construction on the holding cells for these dragons." Kikimora's talk with Lilith continued on, both of them were unaware of whatever was probably gonna happen. "The research we can learn and obtain will greatly benefit our efforts. Something that the isles can very well use."
"I agree."
"Lilith I advise that you do complete your task." The small demon said in a teasing tone enjoying ruffling her feathers. "Because with the number of failures you've had especially with your 'wayward' family, it's not going to look good on your part. Especially to our emperor."
"Don't worry they'll be delivered back to the mainland on schedule." Just as Lilith said that a loud rumbling noise was heard and something came crashing through the tent emitting a loud gurgling nose causing those inside of the tent to flee as it knocked over a wagon. The culprit was none other than the bone crusher curling up into a ball and began to roll through trampling anything that got into its path.
Lilith quickly stood up having her staff ready to fight, gazing at the chaos that was all around watching dragons fly away and others chasing some of her subordinates.
"There free!"
"How the hell did they get out!?"
"Who care's man! Bolt for it!"
"Wait what!?" Lilith was perplexed by the situation stuttering like crazy and her right eye was twitching as well. "W-Wha-Who-WHO's responsible for this!?" Her line of thought was interrupted because nearby she turned around and much to her shock almost making her lose and jaw could've dropped to the ground Wandering Death was flying off! In anger she clenched her teeth, face turning red showing just how pissed off she was. Lilith took the skies with her staff and scanned the area from up above, trying to see if she could spot anything.
It just so happened that the older witch did find suspicious movement! Someone was running off in the distance!. Narrowing her eyes and growling in frustration she used her magic to speed over to the culprit who jumped sliding down a spinal cord not seeming to care if Lilith was hot on their tail landing right in the middle of a large hole.
As the suspect was going to make a break for it Lilith fired off an attack stopping whoever ruined their operation from going any further. "Hold it right there!" The individual didn't move at all despite the situation they were in. "Whomever you are, rest assured you will face punishment for your actions on interfering with coven affairs."
"You know that would be the case, but what you're doing is pretty illegal, tracking and entrapping protective species." Lilith's eyes widening recognizing who the voice belonged too before frowning. "Wilhelm..."
The figure turned around confirming so as the red head glared at her. "Fancy to see you here Lilith."
She groaned face palming herself. "What are you doing? Evading the law is one thing, but interfering and sabotaging coven activity has never been your thing."
"It's not, only to a certain degree. What the hell are you doing?" Wilhelm returned the question. "Do you not how dangerous Wandering Death is? It earned its name for a reason."
"Nothing, we were only going to try and study it. That was all. It's beneficial for the island."
Wilhelm scoffed at her answer. "No, the only ones getting benefits are you and our damn emperor's selfish ambitions."
"You're only seeing it from one side, I'm telling you the truth."
"Well tell it to someone else because as long as I'm around you will not do anything to Dragons."
As he was about to walk another blast of energy exploded from in front of him. He turned his head over to see Lilith holding out her staff. "So, you're really gonna try and do it...aren't you?"
"I meant by what I said." Lilith replied recalling the words of their last encounter when they teamed up to defeat the Night Feeder. "Surrender now Wilhelm...This whole charade has gone on long enough. Your place is with me and where you truly belong."
He glared at her in response, turning around, stepping forward and stood his ground. "No."
"I said stand down." She raised her voice.
"I've already found where I belong!"
"STAND DOWN!"
"NO!"
Lilith frowned composing herself for what had to be done. "So this how it's gonna be." She said closing her eyes.
"That is how it must be." Wilhelm replied getting into a stance knowing full well this inevitable fight had to happen, and it was now.
Lilith's eyes snapped open as she proceeded to make a spell circle, but Wilhelm quickly made a smaller one taking in a deep exhale and from the spell circle a powerful burst of flames erupted going towards Lilith who in turn made a wall that blocked the flames. However, she was unaware that a wave of water came bursting through, jumping up she made another spell circle causing the water to turn into solid ice using it to slide towards Wilhelm with her staff while he made a staff of light using it to block the first direct attack.
When they made contact Wilhelm suddenly disappeared dispersing into small birds. Lilith frowned as she heard a spell circle being made and turned around to see that Wilhelm had made multiple spell circles emerging from those circles were the heads of multiple dragons, each using their breath attacks, such as fire, lightning and even ice.
Naturally Lilith dragged the tip of her staff tracing it on the ground around her and shot up into the air avoiding the attacks landing on a nearby rock.
"You've gotten stronger Wilhelm." In response Wilhelm conjured up a fireball that sped towards the witch that she knocked away with her staff allowing it to explode off to the side.
"Just because of your title, it means very little to me. I haven't slacked off; in fact, I've been honing my magic every chance I get. I've grown strong to match even you."
"That arrogance won't get you hardly anywhere." Lilith retorted back before rushing forward in response Wilhelm did a backflip and while in midair, he conjured a spell circle causing a sudden force of air to blow Lilith back a couple of feet who twirled her staff sending a burst of blue flames at Wilhelm who merely made two spell circles at once summoning a wave of water and a surge of electricity intercepting the attack creating an explosion.
When the smoke cleared Wilhelm dusted himself off while Lilith hummed a bit. "And you say I'm arrogant? You're a bit overconfident yourself." The red head pointed out as he cracked his neck tilting it to the right.
"Hardly, you on the other hand still have much to learn."
"Hench always room for improvement." Wilhelm retorted back.
"True..." Lilith couldn't help but chuckle back those words were very familiar to her. "I don't see why we have to have this squabble Wilhelm. You have so much potential, and you waste it."
"Waste it?" Wilhelm repeated those last words that was said. "I'm wasting my time? I'm making sure the natural life of the isle's continues to thrive. And you on the other hand you're just forcing your opinions on others, oppressing the way we choose to live our lives."
"It's for our own protection Wilhelm." She continued trying to reason with him. "You know that magic is dangerous in the wrong hands."
"Wrong hands maybe, but a bit hypocritical when the ones who are supposed to protect us are worse than the criminals you shove into the conformatorium."
Lilith made a spell circle using it to speed herself towards Wilhelm who merely made two spell circles causing two large puffs of black smoke which quickly proceeded to turn purple.
Seeing the smoke change color Lilith quickly retracted the direction she was going just in the nick of time making a spell circle to disperse the smoke but didn't have proper timing to block a series of vines snaring both arms.
"You used the smoke and merged it with venom, making your spell lethal and used it to distract me. Very impressive, I didn't know that a Dragons poison could be used in such a manner."
"Thought it up myself." Wilhelm replied as he made a large spell circle launching a large fireball towards Lilith who dragged her feet in the ground to make a spell circle that made her shoot up into the air avoiding the attack that made another explosion.
Smoke was created and without much time to react Wilhelm rushed right through it thrusting the light staff forward which Lilith blocked. Not stopping there, Wilhelm kicked her away and used a nearby tree to spring towards her again only this time he got right above her and made a rock shot out hitting the witch landing on the ground.
"First hits mine." Wilhelm called out as he landed. "Or it could be that age is catching up to you."
She scoffed at that remark before disappearing and reappeared behind him just as he blocked it before they began to exchange blows with their respective staffs back and forth neither one not missing their mark but were blocked.
"You might've grown stronger but your more overconfident."
"Look at it how will then." Wilhelm scoffed as he jumped delivering a double kick using it help give himself some distance. Lilith in return made a few spell circles shooting out a few bolts of electricity, Wilhelm meanwhile constructed a square energy shield and used his other hand to shoot off a series of fireballs that she avoided coming up from behind. As she was going for an attack, Wilhelm got onto both hands using them to hold himself up and swung his right leg kicking her in the face!
He then followed it up by making two spell circles that came together making a burst of magical energy at up close range, however she was quick on her feet too making an energy barrier causing the witch to skid across the ground but decimating the around in front. Wilhelm used the opportunity run like hell and Lilith wasn't so keen on letting that happen going after him.
Looking behind, Wilhelm scoffed making spell circle from above creating a stone wall. Lilith easily took it out shooting forward with blue flames. Wilhelm in response turned around and jumped backwards making a spell circle of his own creating a powerful gust of wind that he used not only to push the flames back but also propel himself forward. Lilith's eyes widened as she skidded to a halt rushing to another path.
By now we see Wilhelm emerging out, but little did he know that he was plummeting down! Nearby Lilith came flying by him and grabbed him. Both were grunting one side trying to subdue while the other was trying to escape. Naturally Wilhelm choose the drastic measure and bit her arm making Lilith let go of him as he continued going down.
While he did, the red head threw more fireballs despite each missing their mark he didn't relent, and she started returning the favor. As they were both almost landing the witch and the young warlock were gathering power for their next attacks.
Once both landed back down to the ground they did just that. "I never wanted to do this Wilhelm! But you leave me choice!" Lilith fired off blue energy while Wilhelm fires off orange flames. Both of them unleashed their attacks and when they made contact a struggle began as one side continuously tried to overpower the other.
Wilhelm struggled as he continued putting everything he had in the spell. "In the end, you put your family last!"
"What did you say!?" Hearing this got Lilith really fired up as magic surged around her. "Who do you think you are lecturing me about family?!"
"I'm not the one who's faith is misplaced!" Wilhelm grunted as thier struggle continued. "I already know the truth, and the truth is, you don't care about the isles at all. You're only in the Emperor's Coven because it benefits you."
"No, you're wrong, I've yearned to get where I am. I have my reasons!"
"But when it's all said and done, when you have no more use, you don't think your gonna be tossed to the side!?" He and Lilith dispelled their attacks and lunged towards one another, him creating a light staff while she focused plenty to her own both of them hitting and making contact with each other. The force of each respective attack sent them both flying away.
Both witch and younger warlock were panting showing that the fight was taking a toll on both of them, each side trying to catch their breath quickly as possible.
Lilith used her staff as support looking over to the red head who was glaring daggers at her. "I never meant to hurt you Wilhelm...That's the honest truth."
"But you did..." Wilhelm shot back. "You did more than hurt me...You turned your back...on those that loved you..."
Her eyes started to water watching as Wilhelm raised up both his arms. Then without warning Cole came flying in scooping him with his talons all while Lilith watched him disappear in the distance until he could be seen no more.
Lilith's legs gave out and soon enough she buried her face into her hands crying her heart out.
The entire way back to the mainland was to say the least quiet. Very quiet
Once they landed in front of there home, Wilhelm sent his faithful companion to his living quarters. Not even bothering to look or say anything, not to Saul and not to Amity who was concerned with her friend even when she tried calling out to him.
"Wilhelm?" He continued to ignore her and marched inside. As she was gonna follow Saul put a hand stopping her shaking his head.
"I wouldn't...just leave him be for now."
Is he alright?"
"He just needs a bit to settle down. Come." Saul encouraged her to follow which she did.
Inside of his shop Amity watched as the orc was working on the remedy.
"Once this is finished, it'd probably best to go home."
She nodded understanding where he was going at with that. However given everything that happened she just had to know. "Saul?"
"Hmm?"
"What is Wilhelms history with Lilith?" The orc looked hesitant for a moment to answer. "When I first met him, he had a lot of things to say about her and the whole coven system. But now...now I think I'm starting to piece it together.
"And conclusion have you come too?" Saul questioned as she now looked very hesitant herself to answer.
"He told me that she once had an apprentice, before me at one point...I tried looking for anything that would shed some light onto that, but time I did, always come up empty." Amity looked directly into the orc's eyes. "Wilhelm was Lilith's apprentice, wasn't he?"
Saul sighed as he shook his head pausing at his work before continuing. "You are right, however...he was more then just her apprentice."
Everything faded away and we now see what appeared to be a blizzard in full effect and all around there were buildings covered in fire and treading through the snow
"Everyone doesn't always have a good beginning...and it just so happened, Wilhelm was one of those most unfortunate..."
Out of corner of her eyes she saw a witch curled up in the snow. Rushing over she checked her vitals much to her dismay the poor woman was dead, either from the cold or the raiders, she didn't know. But Lilith soon noticed the witch was holding a blanket. Curious she took it out actually having to pry it out of the deceased witch's arms.
"However, he was spared form that cruel fate...Lilith found him, as an infant. He was only a week old and already lost his mother."
We now see Lilith proceeding to spoon feed the infant Wilhelm. The witch couldn't help but giggle wiping his mouth with a bib.
"And so for an unknown reason even that I still don't know why, Lilith raised him as her own."
We cut to see a younger Wilhelm curiously watching emperor coven members practice magic. He was amazed and fascinated by what he saw. So he tried to mimic what they were doing and he did. Only he created a huge fire ball shooting it at a wall making it explode.
He was super excited happily jumping up and down and right on que Lilith came up to him both surprised and in awe for what this young warlock had just did. She smiled as he ran up to her legs hugging them while she lightly rubbed the top of his head.
"When the young child showed promise in magic Lilith trained him."
Lilith was now tutoring Wilhelm who flawlessly was following every step without a single mistake made. She showed him nearly almost every spell she knew trying to test him out. However as the weeks passed by Wilhelm seemed to growing bored and this had Lilith concerned.
"Yet despite his potential, Lilith knew that in order to help prefect his magic, he needed a drive, motivation that would inspire him to keep improving. So, she took him to the one person who she knew who'd help."
Riding on her staff with Wilhelm in tow she landed waving over to someone in the distance. The one she waved to was another fellow witch.
She was about the same age as Lilith was, this was Hilda Soulebane, only much older than we've seen her before. Her purple hair was now more wavy hanging out reaching down to her back in full display. She was now wearing pretty well, bold clothing. She was now wearing a two-piece, orange-colored crop top and shorts, dark brown furry stockings with boots to match. All in all she had a very wild free-spirited aura.
This woman waved over to Lilith who motioned to Wilhelm who shyly hid behind his adoptive mothers right leg. Naturally Hilda knelt down to greet the little red head absolutely finding him to be adorable.
"Hilda."
"Hilda. As from what he's told you, she was a revered far and wide for not only her tenacity and knowledge on wild life but taming the most fiercest creatures in the underworld itself, including dragons."
We see the said witch showing him the many beasts that were under her care. Many of which he stared on in awe and wonder.
The witch even guided his hand to a Dragons snout, marking the first time he ever touched one of these amazing yet dangerous reptiles.
"She showed him he beauty of the lands he called home, and so Hilda took Wilhelm under her wing. Teaching him everything she had learned."
From clouds we see Hilda riding on a dragon allowing the younger warlock to see the isles from a higher outstanding point of view. He saw wild life roaming the land, the skies and even the very boiling seas itself. He was just having such a blast.
"Tracking. Trapping. Survival. Everything that was a necessity to have."
We now see brief clips showing younger Wilhelm following signs left by the beast he was searching for. Another showing him luring one into a pit trap and raising up a fist happy that it worked and even one showing him cooking meat above a fire eating it and gave a little sliver to a little beast that was hungry as well.
"Learning about the very creatures that shared this world with us and even teaching him some of her personal secrets."
We now see Wilhelm riding on Cole holding out his arms enjoying the wind in his face allowing his hair to blow with it and nearby Hilda was doing the same thing on her dragon as well.
"Wilhelm had found what he was missing, he found his drive. Motivation, he wanted to help make the island better not just for warlocks and witches but for all life that inhabited it. Total and peaceful coexistence. But afterwards the days would turn sour and watchful nights would close in."
We now see Hilda in Emperpr's castle standing before the emperor himself, his face couldn't be seen, but you could tell that Hilda wasn't pleased as she had her arms crossed.
"One day, Belos sought an audience with Hilda. Rather than punish her, for not only refusing to join any of the covens and being a wild witch, he offered her a position. To work with them so they'd have a better understanding with the wild life of the underworld itself. However, Hilda saw only greed and ambition in his heart and she refused."
She shook her head no, Belos made a hand motion, and she was taken by surprise. While outside through the door Wilhelm watched on in horror as a green light reflected from his.
"Naturally it didn't end well, and it turned out. They didn't need Hilda, they already had someone that had all her knowledge. Wilhelm himself."
Lilith opened the door to his room and when she did, she gasped in shock because for the first time in her life. Wilhelm wasn't giving her one of his signature loving smiles. Instead, it was replaced with shock, horror, and he was crying profusely. She walked towards him and each time the witch did he walked backwards trying to stay away from her.
"He'd realized it, this whole time, Wilhelm was being used for someone's own motive. The worst of it was, that Lilith, the one he once called his 'mother' knew about it all along."
She tried to reach for him but instead Wilhelm rushed over to the window opening it up and jumped out. Naturally by instinct she rushed over and saw him fly off on Cole's back, the dragon had something in its talons. The whole time Wilhelm never diverted the look of betrayl that still had tears flowing through. This image alone would make her have countless restless nights.
By right now we see Saul finishing up the remedy pouring it into a vial. From her spot, Amity just couldn't believe this. Neglection was one thing, but using your own kid for your own personal gain? This was messed up, and Amity knew all to well of what that was like, she and her siblings knew that feeling. She just couldn't even possibly imagine all that pain he went through.
It was no wonder he was like this, one part he despised her, with every fiber of his being. However, the other just couldn't...Could she blame him? Lilith was his mother, while not related by blood, but still she raised him and loved him, and she ended hurting him.
The orc passed the vial to the young witch who slowly accepted it, gazing her own reflection through the glass. "So? Now that you know the truth, what are your thoughts?"
The witch thought for a long moment before answering looking directly at him. "Right now...I don't care...Where is he?"
Saul smiled hearing those words. "Young lady, though you might be of your mother's blood, you are nothing like her." He used one of his large fingers pointing one of them at her chest. "You got a good heart, don't let anyone else make you think or tell you otherwise."
She blinked in surprise not expecting that, smiling, feeling good inside. "He's over at the edge of the swamp most likely right now. You'll find him there."
Following Sauls directions and making sure to watch her step Amity made her way to the edge of the swamp itself. When she arrived, there was nothing but the edge of a cliff that led to the boiling sea down below. However, there was one chunk of land sticking outwards to the right side near a large multi color leaved tree.
(OST playing in the background: Ephemeral Memory. Chrono Cross)
Near the edge of a hilltop Amity saw Wilhelm on his knees, hesitantly she walked up the hill and stopped the reason why was because there was a statue right before her. In fact her friend was lighting a few candles, this explained what he was doing.
However, her heart dropped upon putting the pieces together. The statue was actually in fact a poor soul who was petrified, on her knees with both hands together in praying manner with her eyes closed. It didn't take much for her to realize that this was his mentor. This was the very same witch who he admired greatly. The very same kind and loving witch who helped him become who he is now.
Inhaling a quick breath, she walked over to where he was getting a much closer look at the witch who had met an unfortunate fate. A fate that many feared, those who defied their emperor's rule.
Amity had seen petrified witches and warlocks before, but not this up close. Sympathy was written all over her face, not just for this example of a brave witch, but someone who this individual made a big impact in his life.
Not saying a word she took a seat right next to him. He glanced over and despite the tears that were being shed he smiled. She returned the favor only for it grow sad seeing him wailing his heart out sobbing uncontrollably.
Sighing Amity wrapped her arm around him leaning his head into her shoulder. She didn't know why, but maybe it had to do with trying to do the right thing. Her friendship with Willow had to end because of her mother. She took something good away from her life, and in doing so they both suffered greatly at the end results. While there friendship might slowly be regaining what they had, Amity didn't want to let down the only other who wanted to just that, a friend. A true friend, and that's exactly what she was doing, allowing him a shoulder to cry on showing that she cared.
(Ost end.)
Meanwhile back at Lilith's office she'd just finished getting chewed out by not only Kikimora but also the emperor himself. But luckily, thanks to Eberwolf's efforts it wasn't a total bust at all. Now she was stuck doing paperwork, however she couldn't do it, her mind dwindled to something else.
Her mind was all over the very warlock she'd just fought hours ago. The same one who ruined the whole operation and to make matters worse, the award for his bounty had just increased and it was proposed that rather instead of being captured he'd ought to be killed on sight. However Emperor Belos pointed out that the young warlocks knowledge was to invaluable and they still needed him alive one way or another.
She was relieved to hear that, but he made it perfectly clear that should he encounter him again, he must be captured. If not than, she might've had to ultimately do the unthinkable. Lilith did have an obligation to uphold, not only as the head of the emperor's coven, but also to the very residents who called the island home.
Deep down, another part of her fought all of them relentlessly, the maternal instincts of a mother.
(Flashback)
We see Lilith emerging out of the bathroom wearing a set of pajama's her usual dyed blue hair had returned back to it's natural orange color. She sighed in relief from the feeling of the warm water, especially after a long day of working. She was looking forward to sleeping, however, something else caught her attention. It was a notable high pitched gurgling sound.
"Huh?" She turned around and saw the source of the noise. It was Wilhelm as an infant wearing little red pajama's. His hair hadn't grown full yet, so there was only a little bit of red hair there, allowing his yellow eyes to be on full display.
"Wight hewe." The infant managed to speak patting his hand down onto the floor.
"Oh, Wilhelm your awake." Lilith didn't expect to see her newly adopted child up and awake at this early time at the morning. "Are you hungr-"
"Wight hewe!" He said doing it again taking Lilith by surprise especially since she thought babies wouldn't be speaking like this so soon. Then again, he was now almost seven months old, and although his vocal cords weren't properly developed, she had been giving him medicine to help him speak. It was to help ensure, that he'd be able to talk as he got older. Evidently it was working or maybe he was trying imitate what he'd seen his mother do to some of her subordinates. It had to been that latter.
"Um...ok? You want me right here?" The infant than smirked? "Oh, my goodness, you are just too adorable..." She breathed and watched as he poured out some small, shaped playing pieces. She watched as he built a small little tower.
She blinked in confusion looking to the child who looked right back at her almost as if he was expecting something in return. Suddenly it hit her and she gave him a light applause. "Oh, wow, good job. Yes, very impressive." He smirked once again making her chuckle, wondering if perhaps this was going to be a normal thing.
The infant warlock picked up a round piece and held it up for her. "Oh? Is that for me? Thank you." She reached out for it and unintentionally toppled off the top piece of his tower. Baby Wilhelm looked at his creation all devastated and was on the verge breaking into tears. Lilith panicked, as she knew firsthand multiple times it always took a while to settle him when he cried.
So thinking quickly thinking on her feet, she refixed the tower having the lower support have the round piece she was given while the other two pieces balanced perfectly. The infant could only look to her in amazement and awe. She gave him a loving smile petting his little head.
"See? Don't worry, it's fine. Plus it looks much more amazing than it ever did Wilhelm. Your just so smart." He imitated her clapping happy with how it went before presenting her another piece. "Oh you want me to do it again? I'm not sure what I can do, but it doesn't mean we can't try." She got to work again.
...
A little bit later after playing with the infant we see Lilith laying on her back and snuggling up on her stomach was Wilhelm was sound asleep snoozing away without a care in the world. She smiled at the small bundle, that not only filled in a hole in her heart, but also made her world much better. Something that gave her a reason to do better and correct her mistakes.
Reaching forward she gently rubbed his head again with a tearful smile. "Beautiful Wilhelm..."
(Flashback End)
Those two words echoed through her mind as she once again began to cry out her heart placing her head onto her desk.
To be continued
Now replying back to reviewers
silverstudent: Thank you.
Devinsands: Much appreciated.
avengersendgame426: Eh, I'm not much of a Marvel fan, so I wouldn't know what your talking about, I've just seen it done differently in movies and games and such. As for Evan and Luz, yeah that's exactly the idea, taking things slow one bit at a time. Surprised you noticed that part of that good old anime. As for Evan and King oh yes, the bond is there. As for Wilhelms past, I believe this should now answer your question, hell at least all of them.
As for Grom, don't worry I got something in mind. As for Alastor, that is and sounds tempting, I'll most likely think of something fun to do. Other than that, see you next. Really can't wait for the next update for Chris and Kipo because the story's almost near its final chapters.
Guest#1: Private Messaging P.M, you can literally do it through your account. It's that easy.
OMAC001: Hmhm~
TheFranninator: I liked to think so o.
ManyFacedMage: Nah, I doubt Amphibia would happen.
Guest#2: Well save it for the then.
Guest#3: No I don't want to.
Marbled-Gold: Oh come on man your tripping with the tear part, heheheh. Really?
Guest#4: Good
Guest#5: I ain't giving no spoilers!
Guest#6: Nope
miguel: No that's a bit much
Guest#7: Well that's his thing I'm doing things much differently,
Guest#8: Hah, on the hooty bit
Guest#9: Yeah they are too young
kamenrider50q: Meh,
Guest#9: No.
Guest#10: Maybe quit putting so many up at the same time
Guest#11: Well I think it's better that you mind your peas and ques, on what you say or perhaps not at all
Guest#12:...
Guest#13: ...
Guest#14: Well that's pretty obvious there my friend.
Guest#15: ...
Guest#16: All you need to know, when that time comes it's going to be a mental challenge.
Guest#17: Nah...
Guest#18: We'll see.
Guest#19: Nope
Guest#20: Eh...
Guest#21: No...
Guest#22: No.
tbfiremon771: I am, quit being so impatient like everyone else.
Guest#23: Tempting, even though I never really liked the episode.
Guest#24:...
Guest#25: No.
Guest#26: No thank you
Guest#27:...
austinhodge379: Tempting as it is, nah, I'll pass on that.
Guest#28: Hmhm~
Guest#29: If your referring to what I think your thinking, then you'll have to be patient and find out like everyone else.
Guest#30: I know I enjoy writing those moments
Miguel: Oh Grom won't go as you think (Evil smirk)
: Well at least it's good to hear your excited