Chapter 35: To the Other Side

Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I'd like to thank Superherotimefan and Chris Ketchum for giving me a good suggestions for this chapter. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.

We find ourselves at the Soulwing manor, and Elias is met with frustration.

"What do you mean no?" Elias asks looking at 5 of the best bounty hunters on the Boiling Isles standing in his office.

"I mean there is no way I am going after this kid." One said showing a wanted poster for Minato.

"If it's money you want I'll pay double what that bounty is." Elias offers.

"What good is money to me if I'm dead with the fairies gnawing at my skin?" Another said.

"Even we're not crazy enough to go up against the hybrid that tied with Emperor Belos. No way am I going after that." A third bounty hunter agrees.

"I can't believe this kid. A few weeks ago, I could pay any lowlife to go after him and now suddenly he's got you shaking in your boots?" Elias said standing up.

"Look sir it's nothing personal but—" The 4th said when Elias noticed something off.

"What…is…that?" Elias asks grabbing him by the arm revealing the Bounty Hunter had a Powerball Team 99 bracelet on his arm.

"Uh, I don't know. I just thought it looked kinda cool." The little bounty hunter said nervously enraging Elias.

"I've been working for years to keep my family at the pinnacle of society and I am trying to remove my family of the one thing that could make all my efforts go up in smoke and you are wearing HIS MERCHANDISE?!" Elias snapped enraged.

Whimpering the bounty hunter hid behind the 5th who also had a Team 99 canteen around his neck.

"Uh…thirsty?" He gulps holding out.

"GET OUT!" Elias roared as all the bounty hunters sprinted out of the room.

"Have a good day gentleman," Edwin smirks holding out the door for them before walking in to see Elias.

"Well that went well," Carla said sitting at a nearby balcony with a book.

"Madame, maybe this is a sign. If we can't get rid of him maybe you should consider an alternate route to dealing with him." Edwin said.

"I don't think he's in a negotiating mood," Carla said gesturing to Elias' office across the hall.

"He's not, but what about you?" Edwin asks as Carla closes her book.

"Me negotiate with my wanted criminal of a grandson? You don't need to be fluent in Oracle Magic to see how that would turn out." Carla said.

"Maybe, but I find life amusing when it's full of surprises," Edwin said when they heard a knock at the door.

"You gonna answer that?" Carla points.

"On it," Edwin said excusing himself leaving Carla to her thoughts.

As Edwin answers the door, he looks in surprise to see a bipedal demon man with green-grayish skin, long wavy white hair under a tall black hat, a pointy nose, yellow eyes, and wearing black robes with a yellow mask covering his mouth, and a large brown backpack like box strapped to his back. This was Vitimir, Head of the Potions Coven.

"I believe I have an appointment with the Head of the Family," Vitimir said in a grim-like tone.

"Y-Yes. Come on in." Edwin said letting him in when Vitimir noticed a wanted poster for Minato on the floor.

Bending down he examines it curiously. "Hmmm." He narrows his eyes.

As Elias rubs his head in frustration, Vitimir enters the room.

"Well if it isn't one of my best clients. To what do I owe the pleasure, Vitimir?" Elias asks trying to regain his composure.

"I'm going on an expedition to gather some rare ingredients for my coven. I'm looking to hire my usual trio." Vitimir said dropping a big sack of snails in front of him.

"I'm sure I can persuade him to spare his children for a few days. They live for this stuff." Elias assures.

"Excellent. So I couldn't help but notice this on my way in." Vitimir said taking out the wanted poster and instantly Elias's expression changed.

"This family has no link to him whatsoever," Elias assures.

"Then you, my business partner are in luck. You see I'm curious about this hybrid." Vitimir said looking at his picture. "He's caused quite a bit of trouble with the Emperor. Tell me, say I was interested in…gathering samples. Would you have any objections if I went after him to get them?"

Hearing this, a grin formed on Elias' face.

"I think we can work out a deal should that ever happen," Elias said.

"Assuming you understand the price is high depending on his condition," Vitimir said.

"Money is no object. The less alive he is, the better." Elias assures.

"Then we are in business," Vitimir said as they shook on it.


The next day, we find ourselves in another part of the Boiling Isles. In a medium-sized house, we see Ezra wake up while Vivo who was sleeping in a hammock nearby woke up alongside him.

"Ezra, time to get ready for school!" His mother calls out.

"Coming Mom!" Sitting up, Ezra looks around his room to see various papers with musical notes scattered on his desk, and three guitars hanging on the walls.

Examining each one, Ezra strums it before finding the one he wanted.

Changing into his Hexside robes, Ezra and Vivo made their way down to see his mother Nagini a witch with black hair, pale white skin, black eyes, fangs sticking out his mouth, and a scaley tail wrapped around his waist. This was Asmodeus Basil, Ezra's father.

"Morning Mom, morning Dad," Ezra said walking by them.

"Morning son." Nagini hisses.

"You were practicing your music a little late last night." Asmodeus points out.

"Sorry Dad, I was trying to get the right notes." Ezra apologizes.

"Still, this is why we have a curfew for when you can practice. If you do it too late at night it upsets the neighbors." Asmodeus said.

"But the big Bard Recital is coming up soon. Today I'm supposed to get my partner for the final preparations." Ezra said.

Hearing this both his parents looked at each other with uneasy looks on their faces.

"Ezra, maybe you should try using another type of music," Nagini suggests.

"Why? I'm good at the music I make." Ezra asks.

"I know that, and so does your father but…not many seem to like it," Nagini said.

"Maybe try some classical notes," Asmodeus suggests.

"But I like my music. And you guys have always told me to do what I love." Ezra said.

"We just don't want to see you get booed off stage," Asmodeus said putting his hand on his son's shoulder. "Just…think about it okay?"

"Okay." Ezra sighs.


After breakfast, Ezra was in the halls of Hexside with Minato, Luz, Tiger Lily, Willow, and Gus as he explained the situation.

"My parents suggested that I switch music genres so my partner and I can get a decent grade." Ezra finished.

"What? But your music is great." Luz said.

"Yeah we all love listening to you," Willow said.

"You guys do, but I can't seem to get anyone else to listen." Ezra sighs leaning against his locker demon. "Bards are supposed to enchant people with their music. What kind of Bard am I if no one wants to hear my music?"

Little did they know, down the hall, we saw Skara peeking her head out from around the corner. Frowning she didn't like seeing Ezra down like that.

'I like your music.' Skara thought remembering when she first heard his music.

Flashback:

We find ourselves at Hexside, but this was back on Grom Night, as the whole school was abuzz about Minato finishing off Grom we notice Ezra sitting with Willow and talking.

"So, Willow listen I've been wanting to say this but you remember Luz and Minato were putting your memories back together? Well…you kinda got a little clingy." Ezra said making her blush embarrassed.

"Oh, my titan. Ezra is that why you've been so weird around me?" Willow asks.

"Yeah, I didn't really know what to make of those feelings," Ezra admits rubbing the back of his head.

"Ezra, I'm sorry if I led you on but that was not me. You're a really great friend and while I'm flattered you considered me that way I just don't know if that's us. I'm sorry if I disappointed you." Willow apologizes.

"Nah it's okay. I'll admit it's nice to get it all out. I was scared to ask but then seeing Minato do all that with Grom I realized I needed to step up even if I was scared." Ezra said gesturing to the pit.

"Don't worry, you'll find someone much suited for you," Willow assures.

"Thanks, Willow," Ezra said getting up. "I'm gonna go get some punch."

"I'll check on Luz, hopefully, Minato wakes up soon," Willow said.

As Ezra made his way down the bleachers he leaned against the wall.

"Just my luck." Ezra sighs when he hears a noise.

"Seriously? After all that? I thought you were serious with your Gromposoal!" Turning his head Ezra saw Skara storm over and lean against the wall next to him.

"Something tells me Grom wasn't the only nightmare you dealt with." Ezra assumes.

"Let's just say my date wasn't what I thought he was." Skara groans.

"Well the plus side about being in the Bard Track, is we can take this pain in the neck night and make some A-plus level songs about them," Ezra said making her giggle.

"A Bad Boyfriend song, yeah that'll do it." Skara smiles. "It's uh…Ezra right?"

"You know my name?" Ezra said not expecting that.

"Yeah. I mean we are in the same class; it is kinda sad if I didn't know it. You're the guy who's doing that loud music with the guitar." Skara said.

"I'm working on my sound. It's not a harp solo that's for sure." Ezra said.

"Well keep at it. You'll get it." Skara said.

"Hard to believe someone as nice as you are friends with Boscha," Ezra said.

"Boscha's tough I'll admit. It's hard to find someone I can talk to about this stuff." Skara admits.

"I'm listening aren't I?" Ezra points out getting her attention. "And I got a pretty good group of friends who listen to problems too."

"Flattered but I'm not sure just yet," Skara said.

"Your call, but I think you'd fit in pretty well. And don't worry about your dating life troubles. There's always people to lift you up when you're weak."

"Thanks." Skara smiles before walking away.

"Hey, that's not a bad one." Ezra pauses. Summoning his guitar, Ezra strums it creating an uplifting melody that Skara caught just as she was about to leave.

You lift me up when I am weak

Your arms wrap around me

Your love catches me so I'm letting go

You lift me up when I can't see

Your heart's all that I need

Your love carries me so I'm letting go

"Whoa." Skara blushes. She had heard a lot of love songs but never anything like that.

Flashback End:

Since then, Skara has become a secret fan of Ezra's music as well as something else.

"So you guys want to hang out after school?" Gus asks.

"Can't. We're meeting King at Morton's to get a new batch of elixirs for Eda and Lilith." Minato said.

"But don't worry, we'll be cheering for you as loud as we can when the recital comes by," Luz assures.

"Thanks, guys," Ezra said when the bell demon screamed letting them know it was time for class.

As the day went by, we find ourselves in Bard Class as Ezra, Skara, and the other students took their seats.

"Alright class, quiet down." The bard teacher calls out. "Now I'm sure all of you are excited about the big recital. And I hope you all have been practicing, but now comes the part when you must choose a partner to perform with you. This will require both of you to figure out the perfect song, note, and performance. Now then." Playing a flute two jars full of numbers floated above the students. "Each of you reach in and pull out a number. Your partner will be whoever has the same number as you."

Reaching out to all of them, the students each grabbed a number. Opening his hand, Ezra saw he was number 4.

"Hey who got number 4?" Ezra calls out.

"Number 4?" A familiar voice calls out. Turning around Ezra saw Skara had drawn the same number. "I believe that's me."

Pausing Ezra did not expect this. He and Skara would be performing together for the recital.


After school, we see Minato, Luz, King, and Tiger Lily flying in on Tiger Lily's staff.

"Lily slow down! Slow down!" King said as they swerved left before landing down on the opposite side of the street.

"Eda makes this look so easy." Tiger Lily pants as they climb off.

"You're learning fast for someone who just got her staff," Minato assures making her feel better.

Walking up to the counter, they ring the bell so Morton could answer.

"Alright, usual, please. And throw in some extras for safety," Minato said handing him a big sack of snails.

"Sorry guys, I don't have any in stock right now," Morton said much to their confusion.

"But you always restock today," Luz said.

"Sorry, but my shipment is late. If you want you can try next week." Morton suggests.

"We don't have til next week. Eda and Lilith need those elixirs ASAP." King said climbing onto the counter. "Now get in that lab and brew us some elixirs right now!" King orders.

"Look you guys are some of my best customers. If I could make you the elixirs I would but I'm missing the key ingredient." Morton explains.

"Well, what is it? I'm in the Potions Track so maybe I can brew it." Minato offers.

"This isn't an ingredient you can get at any store," Morton said showing them a book. "It's an extremely rare and powerful flower."

Opening it, they peek inside to see a yellow and orange flower.

"Native to the deepest part of the Bloodhill forest, the Titan's Teeth is an essential ingredient to several powerful potions. Including the Healer's Elixir." Tiger Lily read aloud.

"So Morton, if we can get you some of the Titan's Teeth would you help us make more elixirs?" Minato asks.

"Find me even one and I'll give you half off." Morton offers.

Taking out her phone, Luz snapped a picture of it.

"You got a deal, Morton. Get everything else ready and we'll get the herb." Luz said.


Back at Hexside, we see Skara talking to Amity over the crystal ball.

"So you coming to the recital? We haven't heard from you in a while?" Skara asks.

"Sorry Skara, I'm kinda busy. It's gonna take a while to get my Mom off my back." Amity frowns.

"Well, hopefully, she lets up soon. You missed Palismen Adoption Day." Skara points out.

"Oh, no need to worry about that. I actually got one of my own." Amity smiles making Skara gasp surprised.

"Why am I just hearing about this now? Dish girl. I want all the details like yesterday." Skara squeals excitedly.

"Well a few days ago I went to see the Bat Queen to find my Palismen and she asked me what my deepest desire was." Amity starts.

"Ooh let me guess, to be a great witch and join the Emperor's Coven," Skara recalls making Amity chuckle.

"You know me well, but to my surprise, not a single palismen moved. I tried other things like being an author, be stronger, but nothing. I actually had to really think on this." Amity explains.

"Amity Blight being stumped on her goal. Amazing." Skara said never expecting this. "So, what made one move?"

"That's the thing…I don't know. I'm still uncertain what my path is but when I said I would decide it for myself and one came to me." Amity finishes.

"Wow, that's quite the story. I hope I can see this Palismen of yours someday." Skara said intrigued.

"You bet." Amity pauses before leaning in. "So uh…how are Luz and Minato doing? What did they get?"

"They didn't get one. They don't know their dreams yet." Skara shrugs surprising Amity.

"Wow…hard to believe those two got stumped," Amity said.

"Tell me about it. Anyway, hope to see you back soon." Skara said.

"Thanks, Skara. Good luck with your recital." Amity said.

"She's gonna need it with Snake Boy as her partner." Boscha mocks walking by.

Narrowing her eyes, Skara hung up.

"Hey Ezra's a great Bard," Skara said following her.

"Sure, that must be why everyone boos him off the stage every time he performs," Boscha said.

"Look the teacher paired us together. So that's it. End of story." Skara said.

"Then demand that the teacher switch you with someone else. Easy fix." Boscha suggests walking ahead. "Think about it Skara. If you don't do something you'll fail this and do you really want your dad to find out about it?"

Pausing Skara hated to admit it but she could not disappoint her parents. She had to get a good grade on this.

Using her magic, Skara summons a harp, and when she strums it a beautiful classical melody resonates. Almost the exact opposite of Ezra's loud rock music.

"How are we going to make this work?" Skara asks herself before walking away to meet her partner.


An hour later, in the Bloodhill forest, we see Minato, Luz, King, and Tiger Lily trekking down the path with cloaks and weapons in hand.

"Alright according to the map Morton gave us, the Titan's Teeth should be close." Tiger Lily said looking at the map.

"How come we didn't think of doing this a long time ago? We could have saved so much money just making our own elixirs." Luz points out.

"Ehh I'm not sure. I mean I'm still learning Potions and I don't know if I could make one as complicated as this." Minato said.

"Well, it wouldn't be the first time you've exceeded expectations." Tiger Lily giggles making Luz snicker.

"She's got you there." Luz agrees as Minato's cheeks turn as red as his hair.

"Girls." Minato blushes before shaking it off. "Wait a second. I just realized something. Did we miss something?"

"What do you mean?" Tiger Lily asks.

"I mean hear me out. This is a primo ingredient did Morton say any particular reason why it was so hard to get?" Minato asks making them pause.

He was right. Nothing in the Boiling Isles was as easy as it seemed. Taking out her phone, Luz checked the picture she had taken.

"Uh wait here's something. It says Beware of Roots." Luz read aloud.

"Roots? What does that mean?" King raised an eyebrow.

"It means we made the right call stopping to get our weapons," Minato said gripping the Monado.

Little did they know on an upper trail, Vitimir was looking down at them.

"Well, isn't this interesting?" Vitimir said before turning around. "Hurry it up you three. It appears we have company to steal our supply run."

Entering a small valley near a rocky hill area, they see several yellow flowers sticking out of the ground.

"The Titan's Teeth." Minato grins.

"Alright the more we grab, the more elixirs we can make so grab a decent amount," King said.

"Wait, I'm not seeing any roots." Tiger Lily noticed.

"I guess it's when we pull them out." Luz assumes.

Walking over they were about to pick some when a potion dropped down and exploded creating a cloud of smoke.

"Well hello there, hybrid." A creepy voice echoes from the smoke.

Standing across from them, they saw Vitimir atop a tree looking down at them.

"Born of a human and a witch. Such a combo has never touched the Boiling Isles until now. I've been wanting to meet you for a long time." Vitimir said.

"Uh thanks…who are you?" Minato asks.

"How silly of me. I was so focused on you, I forgot. I am Vitimir, Leader of the Potions Coven. And you children seem to think you can poach my ingredients." He said pointing to the Titan's Teeth.

"Hey, we found these fair and square. Go get your own." King said getting his attention.

"Hmm, you're an interesting specimen. I wonder what you look like under that skull?" Vitimir asks making King yelp and cling to Minato.

"What do you want?" Tiger Lily glares defensively.

"I told you. I'm here for ingredients, but I'm curious about some new ingredients. Hybrid Blood." Vitimir declares and instantly Minato drew the Monado, Luz slapped her magic glove on, and Tiger Lily loaded arrows into her bow.

"You want him, you're gonna have to go through me!" Tiger Lily declares.

"That goes double for me." Luz glares.

"Listen scarecrow, we don't care if you're a Coven Head or not. There's no way you can take on all of us by yourself." King threatens.

"What makes you think I'm alone? I have my own hired help." Vitimir declares before snapping his fingers and three figures drop down.

Emerging from behind him, the group looked in disbelief. One was a beautiful teenage girl with long braided red hair, one was a tall teenage boy with an above-average muscular build, with curly red hair, and the final one was a teenage girl with an athletic build and short red hair. All three were wearing clothes made for exploring. These were Isabel, Argus, and Sabrina Soulwing.

"You've got to be kidding me." Minato cringed not expecting a new family reunion.

"So you're the Hybrid that we've heard about." Isabel glares.

"Uh yeah. Hey, I'm your cousin. Nice to meet you all." Minato gulps waving his hand.

"Listen I don't suppose you'd let us just take the Titan's Teeth and go?" Luz asks.

"What do you think, human?" Isabel asks.

"We have a bone to pick with you," Argus said.

"What did I do?" Minato asks.

"You came into our lives. And now you're gonna regret it." Isabel glares.

Looking down Tiger Lily saw the 3 of them were standing right next to the Titan's Teeth. Knowing it was a gamble, Tiger Lily bent down and ripped a flower right out of the ground causing a high-pitched screech to echo.

"What was that?" Luz asks as the ground under them begins to move revealing a large monster with roots for limbs and a giant mouth rose up with the flowers right atop its head.

"Oh, this is what they meant." Luz realized the meaning behind the warning.

"You might be able to take us but can you take this?" Tiger Lily taunts.

Seeing what she was doing Minato, Luz, and King each grabbed a flower and ripped it out of the creature pissing it off even more.

Jumping off, the creature, they ran into the forest for cover.

"Get them!" Vitimir orders as the three Soulwings chase after them.

He was about to follow when the Titan's Teeth monster turned to him and roared stalling his pursuit.

"You do not want to get in the way of my research." Vitimir glares adjusting his hat.

Running up the hill, Luz held the flower close when something blasted a rock near her.

"What the?!" Turning around she saw Sabrina chasing after her.

"Give me that flower or else," Sabrina warns.

"If I had a snail for every time I heard that one," Luz said before pausing. "Well…I guess I could buy some candy."

Holding out her hand, Sabrina created a glowing bow of purple magic. As she pulls the string back, she makes glowing arrows. "Get back here human!" She yells firing the arrow.

Using her glove, Luz slaps an ice glyph on it to make a wall of ice to deflect the attack. Upon contact, the arrow explodes creating an explosion.

As the smoke cleared, Sabrina looked around for any sign of Luz when suddenly fireballs shot through the smoke forcing Sabrina to dodge.

Peeking her head out from behind some rocks, Luz gripped her flower close.

'Hang on Eda. I'm not giving this up without a fight.' Luz thought.

Down below in the forest, we see Tiger Lily hiding in the treetops panting heavily.

Slowly peeking out she heard footsteps coming her way, but didn't see anyone.

"What the?" Lily paused when suddenly a vine wrapped around her leg and yanked her to the ground.

"You can run, but you can't hide." Looking up, Lily saw Isabel using plant magic.

"You got eyes, you'd make a good hunter," Lily said.

"This isn't my first expedition. End of the line. Hand over the flower." Isabel orders.

Using her magic, Lily summons her cheetah spirit who immediately slashes the vines tying Lily up.

"Why don't you make me?" Lily glares as her spirit beast stands alongside her.

"With pleasure," Isabel said making magic circles and two large vines appeared around her arms.

Flinging them at Lily, she and her spirit beast dodged the attacks leaping around from branch to branch with Isabel on their tail.

Finally, we see Minato and King in a small clearing with Argus across from them.

"So much buzz, so much trouble, all for you," Argus said.

"Listen, buddy, just because your rich family is a hot mess doesn't mean you can blame it all on Minato," King said.

"Then give me the Titan's Teeth," Argus said.

"Sorry but no, we really need these flowers. We can't go back without any." Minato said giving his to King.

"Neither can we," Argus said.

"Well then, seems someone's gonna be disappointed," King said putting the flowers in his collar for safekeeping.

"That someone is gonna be you two!" Argus said making a magic circle and uses Construction Magic to make a giant rock fist.

"Whoa!" Firing a gust of wind, Minato jumps over it. "Sky Dragon's Roar!" Breathing a powerful gust of wind, it smashes into Argus sending him crashing against a tree.

As he recovered, he looked to see King jump on his face and grab his hair.

"Hey! Get off me!" Argus snaps trying to rip King off but once King leaps up he sees Minato swinging the Monado at him.

Raising his arms, Argus constructed a shield to deflect the attack but Minato changed the form to two blades, allowing him to deliver a side strike knocking him back.

"Clever trick," Argus growls.

"Ready to give up?" Minato asks.

"Not a chance." Reaching into his pocket, Argus slaps a power glyph on the back of his hands causing a brown aura to surround him. "Oh yeah! Now we're talking!"

Slamming his hands into the ground he created a powerful earth wave that knocked into Minato and King sending them flying back across the clearing.

Shaking it off, Minato looks up to see Argus lift a decent-sized rock in one hand.

"You're the not first obstacle me and my siblings have run into on these stupid errands, but every time one got in our way." Argus crushes the rock in his hand. "We flattened them."

Between these three and Vitimir, getting these Titan's Teeth for elixirs might be harder than they thought.


Back at Hexside, we see Skara hard at work in one of the Bard practice rooms writing down notes.

"Hmm, maybe this one. Ooh yeah, that's good." Skara said before strumming a note on her harp.

Behind her, the door opens revealing Ezra.

"Hey Skara, sorry I'm late. Had to take care of a few things." Ezra said summoning his guitar.

"No worries. Was just working on some song options for our performance." Skara said handing him the notes. "Here have a look at this."

Sitting down, Ezra scans the notes. "Hmm, a classical melody." Ezra noticed.

"Yeah, what do you think?" Skara asks eager for some feedback.

"Well…" Pausing Ezra wasn't sure how his music would do with this. "Uh, I guess it's alright. I mean you'll sound good."

"Well, it's just a start. I'm trying to figure out how to add your music but it's a little difficult since your music is so…" Skara starts trying to find the right words.

"Terrible?" Ezra guesses.

"Loud. I was going to say loud." Skara quickly points out.

"You don't have to sugarcoat it. My parents gave me the talk this morning." Ezra grumbles sitting in his chair. "Seems like nobody wants to hear my music."

"I like your music," Skara said scooting closer.

"You do?" Ezra said not expecting that.

"Yeah, it's not terrible. It's catchy, not to mention you can make lyrics out of anything." Skara points out. "To be honest I wish I had the guts to do something different like you."

"Seriously? But everyone loves your music." Ezra said turning to face her.

"Yeah, but they all want the same thing. I like my music but I guess I just can't be flexible because if I mess up…well let's just say I'm comfortable doing what I'm doing." Skara said.

"Hmph. Comfort, the enemy of progress." Ezra rolls his eyes. "Is that why you still hang out with Boscha from time to time?"

"Look I've known Boscha and Amity since I was a kid, you don't just walk out on people like that. Besides our parents do business together. I don't want to ruin it for them." Skara said.

"Oh come on. No number of snails could be worth more than your own interests. You hang out with me and my friends, don't you? Why don't you just join us like Amity did?" Ezra asks picking up his guitar.

Shaking her head, Skara picks up her harp. "You have to understand that just keeping my association with you guys could risk my reputation and possibly my inheritance?" Skara points out.

Seeing the look on her face, Ezra couldn't help but wonder when he joined the group. He was unsure but he eventually realized that it was the best choice he ever made. And Skara still needed that push.

"Oh please. Hanging out with Luz and Minato? With friends like them you'll risk everything, but on the other hand. You just might find yourself a free witch." Making a magic circle Ezra's guitar began playing itself.

(Play The Other Side from Greatest Showman)

Ezra:

Right here, right now, I put the offer out

I don't wanna chase you down but I know you see it

You run with me and I can cut you free

Out of the drudgery and walls you keep in

So trade that typical for somethin' colorful

And if it's crazy, live a little crazy

You can play it sensible, a king of conventional

Or you can risk it all and see

Standing up, Ezra spins around Skara's chair before stopping in front of her so she could look him in the eyes before he jumps back onto the desk and dances in a wild, fun, and unpredictable manner.

Don't you wanna get away

From the same old part you gotta play

'Cause I got what you need so come with me and take the ride

It'll take you to the other side

'Cause you can do like you do or you can do like me

Stay in the cage or you'll finally take the key

Oh, damn, suddenly you're free to fly

It'll take you to the other side

Jumping down, Ezra put his hand on Skara's shoulder. In response, she used her magic and her harp began to play to counter his magic before taking his arm off her shoulder.

Skara:

Okay, my friend, you want to cut me in

Well, I hate to tell you but it just won't happen

So thanks, but no, I think I'm good to go

'Cause I quite enjoy the life you say I'm trapped in

Now I admire you and that whole show you do

You're onto somethin', really, it's somethin'

But I live among the swells and we don't pick up peanut shells

I'll have to leave that up to you

Jumping up on the desk she turns to face him, doing her series of dance moves, but unlike Ezra's her moves were more elegant and refined.

Don't you know that I'm okay

With this uptown part I get to play

'Cause I got what I need and I don't wanna take the ride

I don't need to see the other side

So go and do like you do, I'm good to do like me

Ain't in a cage so I don't need to take the key

Oh, damn, can't you see I'm doin' fine?

I don't need to see the other side

Dropping down Skara sat down in her chair until Ezra slid in next to her.

Ezra:

Now is this really how you like to spend your days?

Apple blood and misery, and parties and plays

Skara:

If I were mixed up with you, I'd be the talk of the town

Disgraced and disowned, another one of the clowns

Getting up, Skara was about to grab her bag and walk away.

Ezra:

But you would finally live a little, finally laugh a little

Just let me give you the freedom to dream

And it'll wake you up and cure your achin'

Take your walls and start 'em breakin'

Now that's a deal that seems worth takin'

But I guess I'll leave that up to you

Hearing his offer, Skara took a second. While she enjoyed her friendships with Ezra, Tiger Lily, Luz, Minato, and her friends was she ready to embrace it? She was beginning to spend more time with them than with her old friends.

Remembering her dance club time with Tiger Lily, playing Grudgby against Luz, Minato, and Amity, and Ezra lifting her spirits at Grom after her breakup. Deep down, Skara knew what she wanted to do.

Reaching out, Skara took his hand and their music combined to create an excellent combination.

Ezra and Skara:

Don't you wanna get away

To a whole new part you're gonna play?

'Cause I got what you need so come with me and take the ride

To the other side

So we can do like I do, so if you do like me

Forget the cage 'cause we know how to make the key

Oh, damn, suddenly we're free to fly

We're goin' to the other side

So if you do like I do (To the other side)

So if you do like me (We're goin' to the other side)

'Cause if we do, we're goin' to the other side

We're goin' to the other side

(Song End)

When the music stopped both Ezra and Skara panted heavily with smiles on their faces.

"That's it. Ezra that's the kind of performance we need for the recital." Skara realized.

"What are you thinking?" Ezra asks interested.

"Your music can grab people's attention while music can keep them in their seats. If we can combine your melody with my rhythm…" Skara starts.

"Then we could create a performance that will blow everyone away." Ezra finishes.

"Bingo!" Skara grins.

"Let's get to work, partner." Ezra grins as both bard students prepare their new song for the recital.


At the Bloodhill Forest, the fights were getting intense.

As the Titan's Tooth Monster attacked Vitimir, he dodged the attack with ease and threw an exploding potion into its mouth which exploded making the creature stumble back.

"You're lucky I need you to stay alive creature. Without you, my Titan's Tooth supply goes down, but you need to learn a lesson about not getting in my way." Vitimir said.

The monster was about to attack when Vitimir yanks down his scarf revealing a large mouth with sharp jagged fangs. Taking a deep breath, Vitimir released a green toxic breath that surrounded the monster making it cough and gag.

"I often use the toxins in my own breath to create my best poisons. Don't worry it won't kill you but you won't fighting back anytime soon." Vitimir said putting his scarf back over his mouth.

Making a magic circle, Vitimir's compartment opened up again but this time various ingredients were mixed into two empty vials before boiling water poured into the beaker and created a new potion right there.

"Now. Get out of my way." Throwing the potion at the creature it was electrocuted making it scream in agony before it collapsed to the ground. Pocketing the last one, he was gonna save that for one he dealt with Minato.

A decent distance away, the sounds of smashing echoed as Minato was dodging giant rock fists flown at him.

Turning the Monado into Buster mode, Minato slices one in half.

Growling Argus hated to see how skilled he was with that weapon.

"Eat this!" Slamming the Monado down, Minato creates a wind blade that smashes into Argus sending him tumbling back.

"Ha! Take him down Minato! This guy has nothing on you!" King cheers from nearby.

"Shut up!" Argus yells hurling an entire tree at him.

Panicking King braced himself when Minato rushed in on his air scooter and scooped him up.

"Maybe you should save the insults until after I win," Minato suggests.

"Good call," King said as they stopped across from Argus.

"You're strong. I'll give you that." Minato said.

"Why don't you come closer and I'll show you how strong I really am!" Argus slams his foot down and the ground under Minato and King begins to shake.

Using his wind magic, Minato launches them both into the air.

'It's time like this I really wish I knew how to fly.' Minato thought before holding out his hand creating a sphere of water. "Water Pulse!"

Hurling it downwards, Argus made a rock wall to deflect the attack causing it to explode in a torrent of water soaking his feet.

Diving down, Minato slams his hand into the ground. "Chidori Stream!" As lightning traveled along the water, it zapped Argus electrocuting him and making him cringe in pain.

Across from them, we see Isabel creating a magic circle, and a barrage of glowing seeds shot toward Tiger Lily.

"Whoa!" Flinging her whip, she swings out of the way while her spirit Cheetah runs out of the way.

"You can't outrun me forever," Isabel warns.

"Maybe not like this." Gripping her staff tightly, Lily's cheetah leaped at her and the two merged.

As a yellow aura surrounded Lily we saw spots appear over her clothes, as Lepoard tribal marks appeared on her face, her eyes turned green, a tail appeared around her waist and glowing magical orange claws appeared over her fists.

Letting out a Cheetah growl, Lily leaped at her with incredible speed.

Acting quickly Isabel hurls a large vine at her but at the last second, her Palisman opens up her wings allowing Lily to pull back and land atop the vine.

Sliding down, Lily swings her staff hitting Isabel in the chest and sending her tumbling into a tree.

Shaking it off, Isabel looks up to see Tiger Lily dive in, but at the last second Isabel flings her arm whacking Lily in the chest with a whip made of vines.

"Only right that you use a whip to keep a beast at bay," Isabel said.

"I tame beasts, I don't get tamed." Tiger Lily growls switching out her staff for her whip.

Flinging their whips that smacked into each other setting off a storm of petals and explosions both eager to bring the other down.

Up on the hill, Sabrina had her magic arrows aimed in front of her as she slowly trekked around looking for Luz.

"Where are you, human?" Sabrina asks slowly approaching a formation of rocks.

As she leaped behind it she saw it was empty. Narrowing her eyes, Sabrina suddenly heard the sound of rocks moving nearby.

"Gotcha!" Turning around she fires an arrow splitting a tree in half along with several rocks but to her confusion, there is no Luz. "What in the?"

Before she could react, Luz appeared behind her revealing she was invisible.

Slamming a plant glyph down, vines shot out and grabbed Sabrina by the arms.

"You were saying?!" Yanking her upwards, Luz slides across the ground and kicks Sabrina in the face making her tumble downwards.

"How did you?" Sabrina groans as Luz caught her breath.

"Phew. It was a struggle holding my breath for that long." Luz said adjusting herself.

Firing another arrow Luz yelped dodging it.

"You're good. Too bad you're on the wrong side." Sabrina mocks firing two more only for fireballs to shoot out canceling them out.

"Funny, I was about to say the same thing to you," Luz said as a cloud of smoke surrounded them, but before it covered Luz she took out some ice glyphs. 'Hope this works.'

Taking a stance, Sabrina readied herself. The second she saw Luz she would fire.

Suddenly something raced through the smoke and Sabrina fired but to her surprise, it bounced off.

"What in the?!" Racing out of the smoke we see Luz was in a giant ice ball that was rolling down the hill at an incredible speed.

"Guess your arrows can't break through this as easily!" Luz said running as fast as she could gaining speed.

"Stay back!" Sabrina fired multiple arrows but they just barely damaged the ice ball before ultimately Luz rammed into her but because she was going so fast Luz and Sabrina were still going down the hill and into the forest.

"Stop this thing!" Sabrina yells but when Luz tries she slips and ends up tumbling around inside the ball while Sabrina is stuck to the ball.

"I…did…not…think…this…through!" Luz yells.

In the fight with Tiger Lily and Isabel, both girls were in a tug of war as Lily's whip wrapped around Isabel's vine.

Growling both girls refused to budge when Luz's ice ball rolled in between them yanking the girls with them.

"Whoa!" Both yelled as they held on tight.

"What is going on?!" Tiger Lily panics trying to see through all the leaves and branches hitting them in the face.

"I'm sorry!" Luz yells before they shoot out into the clearing.

Looking up, Minato, King, and Argus saw the giant ice ball and girls about to drop down on them.

Freezing up, the three boy's eyes widen in horror.

"Oh…" King starts.

"Dear…" Argus continues.

"God." Minato finishes as the ice ball comes down on them exploding into a bed of snow.

In the distance, Vitimir saw the explosion and immediately knew where his target was.

Struggling we see King pop his head out of the snow.

"Where are they? Where are they?" Looking around King saw the Titan's Tooth flowers nearby.

Scurrying through the snow, King scoops them up.

"Phew, that could have been messy," King said when suddenly Tiger Lily and Minato popped out of the snow next. "Guys! I got the herbs!"

"We're okay too, King." Minato groans shaking the snow out of his head.

"What was that?" Tiger Lily asks when Luz pops her head out next.

"Sorry guys. Got a little crazy with my finishing move." Luz said as the four of them climbed out of the snow.

"Wait where are the cousins?" Minato pauses missing a few heads.

Before they could respond the ground under them shook violently knocking them off balance before vines wrapped around all of them.

Emerging from the snow, we see Argus, Isabel, and Sabrina with dirt and snow-stained clothes glaring daggers at them.

"I don't suppose you guys want to just hug it out at this point?" Minato chuckles nervously.

"Hug? Hug?! Have you lost your mind?! Look at us!" Isabel snaps.

"Yeah, we really gave you guys a run for your money, huh?" Minato said as Luz and Tiger Lily giggled amused.

"Which is a lot considering the Soulwing wealth." Luz jokes.

"Will you just shut up?!" Sabrina snaps.

"Everything was perfect until you showed up! Everyone was happy and then you ruined everything!" Argus said as they got in his face.

Growling Minato had enough of their little blame game.

"What do you want me to say?! I'm sorry alright! I'm sorry that my being here is so bad for you all and that I wield the Monado. I bet that must eat away at you spoiled brats! Doesn't it?!" Minato mocks but that pissed them off more.

"Spoiled?! You don't even know us!" Argus snaps.

"Same to you!" Minato counters.

"Oh please, hybrid. We've been stuck being the perfect children our whole entire lives!" Isabel snaps.

"You have no idea how hard we've worked and the only thing you seem to do is mess everything up!" Sabrina snaps.

"Nothing is messed up! If you want, we'll give you half our flowers so you can keep your job with that Potions weirdo." Minato said.

"We never wanted to do this! We hate working for that freak!" Sabrina said.

"We do it because Elias makes us!" Isabel declares surprising them.

"Wait what?" King asks.

"Do you have any idea what Elias does to our family? He makes our parents auction off our abilities to the highest bidder for these odd jobs. And if it's not us he's constantly making our mom and dad the image of this "perfect family" to the point it's driving them crazy. Then you come along and suddenly we can't do anything unless Elias says so." Argus explains.

"We've barely even seen our Mom and Dad since that incident at the Conformatorium." Isabel frowns.

Minato couldn't believe what he was hearing. In order to project that the Soulwings were perfect he was forcing his entire agenda on an entire family. Even the ones who just wanted to help.

"You guys work yourselves to the bone because you have to. Because if you don't, then you feel like you're letting your family down." Luz realized.

Frowning the three Soulwing siblings nod confirming Luz's answer.

"We could handle things before, but when you showed up suddenly a lot more was demanded of us. If you're out of the way, we can finally catch a break from all this." Sabrina said.

"I'm sorry, I really am, but you have to understand I'm not the one you should be angry. I wasn't the one who forced you all to be Soulwings for hire, I'm not the one who makes being around your family a struggle, Elias is the one who treats you badly. Not me." Minato said.

"What if Minato helped you?" Lily suggests getting an idea.

"What do you mean?" Argus raised an eyebrow.

"Listen, I know he doesn't always make the best first impression but let me tell you, he can make it instantly go away. Minato is the most loyal, caring, supportive family member you could ever ask for. Give him a chance to prove it." Tiger Lily said and Minato smiled happy for the support. "Trust, me I know."

"You would honestly do that for us? After all this?" Sabrina asks.

"Believe me, I've dealt with worse, but if you guys want to quit having to work for Vitimir, I'm your best bet. Please. Give me a chance to help you." Minato said.

Eyes widening the three Soulwing Siblings had to admit, that a chance to finally be rid of Vitimir was an offer too good to be true.

However before they could respond a yellow potion was thrown down and when it exploded Minato, Luz, Tiger Lily, and King got electrocuted making them scream in pain.

"What in the?!" Turning around they saw Vitimir had caught up with them.

"Well, well, well. You three actually did a good job." Vitimir said approaching the tied-up kids. "You are going to make me a fortune when I tell Elias of your fate."

"His fate?" Argus pauses.

"Wait, what are you going to do to him?" Sabrina asks.

"Nothing that concerns you. This hybrid won't be a bother to you, the Emperor, or anyone ever again by the time I'm through with him. His blood, his ears, I'm gonna enjoy dissecting you." Vitimir declares horrifying the three of them.

Growling King bit down on the vines to try and free them but the vines were thick.

Reaching into his bag, Vitimir pulled out a large syringe and approached Minato.

"Now do me a favor and hold still, make this easier on everyone," Vitimir said.

Having enough of this, Isabel slowly undoes her spell loosening the vines. Just as Vitimir was about to collect a blood sample three hands grabbed his arm.

Gasping he sees Luz, Tiger Lily, and Minato glaring daggers at him.

"What?! How did you—" Before he could finish Luz punches him in the face with an ice-coated fist shattering his syringe and knocking him back.

Jumping atop his head, King pushes Vitimir's oversized hat over his eyes.

As he struggled to pull it off, Tiger Lily delivered a series of strikes to his gut knocking him towards the edge of the clearing.

When he finally pulls the hat over his head, he sees Minato with a large Rasengan forming in his hands.

"Storm Dragon: Tempest Rasengan!" Slamming Vitimir with a powerful attack the Potions Coven Leader was sent flying back smashing into several trees before crashing to the ground unconscious.

Groaning, Vitimir was slow to get up.

As Minato turns around to see his cousins glaring at them.

Slowly soft smiles formed on their faces.

"Aaah! No! Don't hurt us!" Isabel calls out in a fake scared tone.

"Please have mercy!" Sabrina winks.

"Just take the herbs and leave us alone!" Argus said before smiling. "You guys better get outta here before he recovers."

Hearing this Minato couldn't help but smile.

"Thanks and hey I mean it. Next chance I get, I'll help you guys with your parents." Minato said.

"Thanks, Hybr—I mean thanks, cousin," Argus said correcting himself

Looking to King, Minato takes one of the Titan's Tooth flowers and tosses it to them before they make their escape.

"Elias is gonna be mad at us when he finds out," Isabel said.

"You mean IF he finds out." Argus points out giving his siblings an idea.

"If. If is good." Sabrina smirks as they are already formulating what to tell Vitimir when he wakes up.


Bringing the herbs to Morton, they were thrilled to not only get the elixirs but also get them on the cheap.

"King and I are going to take this batch to Lilith. You guys bring that one to Eda." Luz said grabbing one bag.

"See you back home," King said as they headed out.

"Thank goodness this is over." Tiger Lily sighed as Minato took their bag.

"Hey uh, Lily. I just wanted to say thanks for earlier." Minato said getting her attention. "I mean how you told my cousins to give me a chance."

"I speak from experience. I mean you've been helping me so much. Felt like you needed an extra opinion." Tiger Lily smiles.

"Well it means a lot to me, thank you," Minato said as Lily looked at him and smiled.

"You know Minato, if people would just take the time to actually know you, they'd realize there's nothing about you to fear," Lily said making him blush. "I mean unless they piss you off. Then they're in trouble."

Bursting into laughter Minato felt a lot better.

"So true." Minato smiled as they walked home.

Glancing at Lily, Minato noticed her right hand grazing against his left. And part of him wondered if he should take it.


A few days later, we find ourselves at the Hexside Bard Recital. As each team did their performance, we saw all of Ezra's friends sitting together with his parents nearby.

Peeking behind the curtain, Ezra took several deep breaths.

"You okay?" Turning around Ezra saw Skara approach him.

"Sorry just…just nervous," Ezra said.

"Hey don't worry about the audience, don't worry about your parents, let's just go out there and show them what we can do." Skara assures calming him down.

"And now, our final performance. Please welcome the musical duet of Skara and Ezra." The Bard teacher said as both students stepped.

As Ezra summoned his guitar, everyone looked to see Skara grab the mic.

"Hmph knew it," Boscha smirks thinking Skara took control of this.

"First off, I just want to thank all of you for coming out. My partner and I have worked hard on this and wanted to give you all a song that would inspire all of you. So enjoy." Skara said before taking a deep breath.

(Play To the End by Divide Music)

As she held up her harp, Skara strummed the beginning notes.

Skara:

I was counting stars

Everyone I saw

Always just in reach

Yet so far

What I always wanted

Even needed

I could see it from the start

Stepping forward, Ezra grabbed the mic and the music began to become more intense.

Ezra:

I've been waiting for the right time

Running, I've been running

Leave them behind

I don't wanna, I don't wanna leave my

Chances out in the cold

'Cause I feel the weight of the world

I see it

Skara: I'll reach it

Ezra and Skara: To the summit that I've never known

Ezra: I need it

Skara: I'll reach it

Ezra and Skara: Every step takes me farther from home

I'll see it to the end

I'll see it to the end

Needless to say, the crowd was amazed. The combination of Ezra's rock music and Skara's classical was creating an intense, emotional, and uplifting song that they couldn't get enough of.

Ezra: I walk among the giants

Stand before the ones

I must overcome

These stars shine above me

And I'll let them guide me

I know that I still have so far to go

Skara: No more waiting for the right time

Running, I've been running

Leave them behind

I don't wanna, I don't wanna leave my

Chances out in the cold

'Cause I feel the weight of the world

I see it

Ezra: I'll reach it

Ezra and Skara: To the summit that I've never known

I need it

I'll reach it

Every step takes me farther from home

I see it

I'll reach it

I need it

I'll reach it

Every step takes me farther from home

I need it

I'll keep it

In the end I will call it my own

I've reached it

I'll keep it

But this isn't the end of the road

I see it

I'll reach it

I see it

I'll reach it

(Song End)

When the song ended the whole audience stood up in applause.

"Whoo! That was amazing!" Minato cheers.

"The best song I've heard all night!" Luz applauds.

Looking in disbelief, Ezra had never experienced this kind of response from the audience. He got a few fans but never the entire crowd.

"Well, what are you waiting for? It's time to take our bow." Skara hints.

Smiling softly, Ezra and Skara stood together and bowed.

"That's our friend!" Gus cheers.

As Ezra looked out at the crowd, his eyes zoomed in to see his parents cheering with proud looks on their faces.

When the recital ended, Ezra immediately went to his parents.

"So what did you think?" Ezra asks.

"You were amazing. I never thought your music could even sound like that." Naginig admits.

"This isn't easy for me to say but, we owe you an apology son," Asmodeus said.

"We're sorry we tried making you change your music. We were just worried about you. We know how much you love your music but we didn't want to see you keep getting crushed." Nagini apologizes.

"It's okay. I know you did it just because you loved me." Ezra smiles.

"But boy were we wrong. You had everyone cheering. That was amazing." Asmodeus smiles.

"Well I had a little help," Ezra said before gesturing for Skara to come over. "Mom, Dad, meet Skara."

"It's nice to meet you." Skara waves.

"Well Skara, thanks for helping our son with his music." Nagini smiles.

"I like to think Ezra helped me too." Skara blushes softly.

"Hey, Ezra! We're going to celebrate!" Gus calls out getting his attention.

"Can I go?" Ezra asks and both his parents nod. "Come on Skara."

Grabbing her hand, Skara was pulled with him as she officially became a member of the group and she also a little closer to Ezra.