Chapter 53: Labyrinth Runners
Featuring Assassin Choju, Witch Killer
Meanwhile during the events of " Edge of the World."
Hunter was left all alone in the mansion. Alice had left for work and Amity and her siblings had just left for school. Hunter was in the kitchen trying to make himself some breakfast. But the stove caught on fire as he panicked and took out a glyph combo and dropped snow on the stove putting out the fire.
Hunter: Aw man. I'll clean it up later.
Hunter then puts the burnt food on a plate as he gazed at it.
Hunter: ( groans) I need both a sewing and a cooking lesson. Flapjack, time to eat! Flapjack?
Hunter left the dining room and went to look for Flapjack. He looked around and soon found him in the living room getting something from the couch cushion.
Hunter: Hey buddy, what are you doing?
Flapjack flew up and in his beak looked like an bracelet.
Hunter: Wait, this Red's bracelet. She must have dropped it last time she was here. I should give it to her.
Hunter runs to the rack to get his cloak. Flapjack follows him and chirps.
Hunter: I know I'm supposed to hide but I just want to give this to her and it'll be quick. If I hurry I can catch her on her way to school.
Flapjack replies with a chirp.
Hunter: I mean I could wait, but can't I say hi to her. I mean it sucks I don't go to school with her.
Flapjack replies with a chirp.
Hunter: ( blushes) What?! No, it's not like that between us! We're just good friends.
Flapjack squints his eyes and replies with a chirp.
Hunter: You don't know what your saying.
Hunter leaves the mansion and flies off hoping to come across Christa. But as he was flying he saw something in the distance. It didn't look like Luz or Christa nor any witch riding a staff.
Hunter: An airship!
Hunter flew down and hid among the trees. But then the airship began to decend.
Hunter: Did they see me?
Flapjack chirps.
Hunter: Shh, it's alright.
Hunter hides Flapjack in his shirt. He took out a few glyphs and readied himself. He peaked behind one of the trees and it was an Emperor's Coven airship, but standing around it was Legion of Five member Satarakura ( looking like he was talking to someone on a scroll) and group of coven scouts and dorodoros.
Hunter: Satarakura?
Selene: ( through the scroll) What do you mean you're having technical difficulties?
Satarakura: The engines acting up. Captain is checking it right now.
Selene: ( groans) This has to happen now?
Satarakura: No, no don't worry Selene. This is just a minor hiccup. I'll get it fixed and I'll get the job done at Hexside.
Hunter: Hexside?
Selene: That's Head Witch Selene, fix it now. Emperor Belos wants as many witches possible set with a coven for the Day of Unity.
Hunter's eyes widened realizing what he was doing.
Selene: You bettter not make me look bad Satarakura. I've finally gotten the job I worked for my entire life. Though I got it more of technicality, I want to prove to our Emperor that I was always fit to be head witch. I'm trying to fix the damage that Lilith and the Golden Guard left before they both betrayed us. I will not let Belos down.
Satarakura: Of course, of course Sele...I mean Head Witch Selene. I'll get this fixed and everything will go according to plan.
Selene: It better and no goofing off.
Satarakura: What? I would never.
Selene replies with a groan, rolls her eyes and hangs up.
Satarakura: Oh she has been so uptight lately. Captain?
Scout Captain: Sir, we're having trouble with the engines. But I just contacted Witch AAA and they'll be here soon.
Satarakura: Good and where's my latte?
Coven Scout: Here you are sir.
Satarakura: Ah yes, thank you.
Satarakura takes a sip but spits it out.
Satarakura: This is cold! It's not even lukewarm, it's cold.
Coven Scout: I'm sorry sir, but there was traffic on the way here.
Satarakura: Then go get me another one and make sure it's hot. And more heat, less foam.
Hunter just watched and tried to think. He couldn't go up and stop them as that would be suicide. But they seem to be stuck for now, so if he hurries he could warn everyone of Satarakura's plan. Flapjack peeked out of his shirt and chirped.
Hunter: We have to warn the others. This bad.
Hunter tried to run away from the site, but then he heard something from the bushes. He looked but didn't see anything. Then he heard something climb up the trees. Flapjack formed into his staff as he looked around. Hunter looked up in the trees but couldn't see anything, only the sounds of tree leaves and branches rustle but also a growl that sounded like a clicking sound. Hunter couldn't see but he was being watched by someone or something. The clicking sound continued and then began to slow down. He was on edge when suddenly a clawed hand reached up to his face and was knocked out.
Hunter began to regain consciousness, but was tied up with a rope. Looking down at him was the scout captain, Satarakura and with him was choju, but unlike the others this was more humanoid. It had an athletic build with a red body. It had bronze armor on it's chest shaped like an X from his shoulders to legs, as well as armor covering his thighs, knees and had pointed feet. It had shoulder guards with a spike sticking out as well as arm guards and metallic gloves, however the right hand was abnormally large, twice the size of his normal left hand and the claws were even sharper. The head was also bronze and was shaped like a star. He lacked a mouth, only glowing green eyes. He was making the familiar growling clicking sound ( stock Predator growl) that he heard indicating it was this choju that ambushed him.
Satarakura: Well, well, well. Looky who we have here. It's our old Golden Guard.
Hunter: Satarakura.
Satarakura: Where've you been Goldy? We've been looking all over for you. I mean I really wanted to see you and just... wow look at you now. How could you, the Golden Guard of all people, being Emperor Belos's right hand man, his nephew getting all the special treatment and even becoming the de facto leader of our coven ever since Lily betrayed us has been reduced to this? Emperor Belos is really disappointed in you while the rest of us were glad your out so we can finally get some payback for always making us look bad and bossing us around. And lucky me I'm the first to get it. Well done Witch Killer.
The choju Witch Killer replies with it's clicking growl.
Hunter: Flapjack? What have you done to Flapjack!?
Satarakura: Flapjack? Oh you mean this?
Satarakura shows him Flapjack trapped in a bird cage.
Hunter: Flapjack!
Satarakura: Is this your palisman? When did you get a palisman? ( gasps) Have you been keeping secrets from us, from mwah? You know rules, all palisman are to be turned in for our Emperor to feed on. Except for Selene's palisman of course but only because Kaa has been a useful spy. She is so lucky.
Hunter: No, you don't understand. Belos is using you. He's a witch...
Hunter is then gagged by one of the dorodoros.
Satarakura: Thank you. His annoying voice was really starting to get on my nerves. As soon as we're done with our job, I'll hand this little guy over to Belos and you, I can't wait to see what punishment Belos has planned for you? I'm going to enjoy this. Bahahahaha!
The airship continues to fly as they head over to Hexside.
Meanwhile at Hexside.
Outside the principal's office, Mattholomule walks out, having joined the illusion track and walks off proudly. The Blight twins also come out, Edric having joined the beast keeping and potions tracks and Emira the healing track. Edric proudly presents his new colors to Emira as they hi-five each other and walk away.
We cut inside Principle Bump's office with Bump looking through folders in his drawer with Mr. Hirata in the office.
Mr. Hirata: It's nice to see the kids embracing multi tracks. They get to experience and learn more than what they are now.
Principle Bump: As I recall, you once had access to all kinds of magic during your time at the Emperor's Coven.
Mr. Hirata: ( sighs) Yes, but as I said things just didn't work out for me there. I'm better off in the history coven and teaching here.
Principle Bump: To be honest, I thought this would be more trouble than it's worth. But I haven't seen students this enthusiastic, ever.
Satarakura: Actually, trouble might be closer than you think.
Satarakura enters the office.
Satarakura: Akihiko, long time no see.
Mr. Hirata: Satarakura?
Principle Bump: The Legion of Five? What are you doing here?
Satarakura: We don't have much time. Something terrible is happening.
We then cut to Amity, Willow, Gus and Alex in the hallway.
Gus: Wait so where's Luz and Christa again?
Amity: I got a text from Luz this morning. She said that she and Christa might have found a clue about King and the Unknown Isles and wouldn't be here today.
Alex: Wait, what do those hearts mean?
Amity: Oh ( chuckles) that's just for me.
Just then, Bump's voice rings out from the speakers.
Principal Bump: (From speakers) Students, please join me in the gym for an important announcement.
Willow: Wonder what's that all about?
Gus: Well we better go see.
We then cut to all the students in the gym, talking amongst themselves confused on what was going on. Then above the stage they see Principle Bump.
Principal Bump: Uh, students, teachers, let me introduce the esteemed-
Satarakura: Please Principle Bump, I deserve no accolades.
Then Satarakura himself enters the stage.
Alex: Hey that's that creepy clown guy that arrested us a while back.
Willow: ( gasps) He's part of the Legion of Five.
Amity: And he's the one who pushed me into a pit.
Gus: What is he doing here?
Satarakura: Greetings students of Hexside. I am Satarakura of Legion of Five. Unfortunately I have some bad news. The Emperor's coven has plans to stop multi-track studies, by inducting every Hexside student into a coven, before the Day of Unity.
Everyone gasps in shock.
Mattholomule: ( ripping his sleeves) Mother Titan!
Satarakura: Now hold on! I know it sounds bad but I don't agree with this. I've come here to help.
Amity: He's here to help. I don't buy it.
Gus: Something's not right here. He's up to something I know it.
Alex: Come on we know what this guy is like. Let's get him!
Willow: ( holds him back) Alex we'll get into trouble.
Satarakura: Listen, coven scouts will be coming soon but before they do, I'm going to make illusions of sigils on your wrists. They'll be temporary and harmless. Alright so who wants to go first.
None of the students volunteered as they look a bit hesitant.
Satarakura: Please I need your cooperation. Okay I'll choose. Uh, you there oldest Blight kid.
Edric hesitantly goes up the stage.
Amity: Ed no.
Edric: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait, wait, I just started the other tracks. Are you sure this is safe?
Satarakura: Don't worry, once a scout sees the fake sigil, they'll move on, and you can continue your studies in peace.
Edric, still hesitant, rolls up his sleeve and shows his wrist.
Satarakura: Now hold still.
Satarakura draws a spell circle in the air and aims it towards Edric's wrist. Gus gets suspicious of this, but then he sees illusion magic brandishing Satarakura' hand. Gus realizes this is a trap.
Gus: (gasps) Stop!
Everyone turns to Gus.
Gus: Don't trust him! He's hiding behind an illusion!
Gus draws a huge spell circle, and aims it towards the stage. The illusion dispels and Satarakura is revealed to be the Scout Captain in disguise. Edric fearfully shields his wrist as Hirata and Bump step forward and protect him.
Satarakura: Cut!
Suddenly the real Satarakura appears sitting on a directors chair.
Satarakura: Just cut. ( groans) Okay some notes. Captain while you did a fine job with my image, but your take on me ehhh...no. Just no. I mean that entrance right there. I mean come on, " Greetings?" When in the name of Titan have I ever said greetings? When I make an entrance, I want to make one in style! Also your last line was a little...mm( gestures)
Scout Captain: I don't know what that means sir.
Satarakura: You'll figure it out.( sighs) You know what screw it.
Satarakura snaps his fingers and then suddenly around the bleachers, coven scouts and dorodoros were appearing as the students panicked.
Principle Bump: What's the meaning of all this!?
Starakura: Uh I was going to do this the easy yet boring way for you guys, by the book. But realize that's not going to do it so now I'm going to do it my way, the fun way.
Mr. Hirata: We won't let you!
Principle Bump and Mr. Hirata were about to fight him until some dorodoros came at them from behind and grabbed their arms holding them back.
Satarakura: Yeah sorry teach, but this is my ground now. Also where's my latte.
Coven Scout: Here you are sir.
Satarakura: Thank you.
Satarakura takes a sip of his latte but then spits it out and drops it. He then grabs the scout by his shirt and shakes him vigorusly.
Satarakura: What did you put in my latte?
Coven Scout: N-Nothing, just some spider milk and sugar.
Satarakura: ( shaking him) Spider milk? SPIDER MILK!? I can't have spider milk! I'm lactose intolerance! Are you trying to kill me!
Coven Scout: No sir. Never!
Satarakura: ( throws him off the stage) Then get back out there and get me another latte. And if you put spider milk in it again so help me Titan you can forget about that Christmas bonus!
Satarakura began breathing heavily in frustration.
Scout Captain: Uh sir.
Satarakura: I'm good. I'm cool! I'm cool just...the morons I have to work with. Am I right?
Scout: Yes sir.
Satarakura: Now where was I? Oh yeah, hey you! You kid!
Satarakura was pointing at Gus. Alex, Willow and Amity stepped up to guard him.
Satarakura: Yeah, I'm talking to you. Get over here!
Willow: What if he doesn't want to?
But then from behind Gus was grabbed by Witch Killer.
Willow: Gus!
Willow and Amity were about to help them but then were grabbed by some dorodoros.
Alex: Hey get your hands off my pals!
Alex was about to beat them up but then was being held back by two coven scouts. Witch Killer took Gus to the stage up to Satarakura.
Satarakura: Wait a minute I remember you. You're one of those kids that crashed me in the airship.
Mr. Hirata: Satarakura stop! He's just a boy.
Satarakura: This is none of your concern Akihiko. ( to Gus)You just ruined your chance to make this easy for you.
Gus: You were going to trick us into getting sigils!
Satarakura: Well duh, I work for Belos. It's kinda my job. I mean what did you all expect that I just come here and hand out some candy? Actually I was. No really, I have a jar of candy right there and I was going to give you all a sucker for being such little good girls and boys, but now no one gets any. All for me now. And as for you...
Scout Captain places coven branding glove on his hand.
Alex: Goops!
Alex stomps on the foot on one scout, making him let go. With his free hand he punches the other in the face. Alex is free and runs over to the stage to save Gus. We then cut to Satarakura about to place an abomination sigil on Gus's wrist.
Satarakura: I'll make sure you never use your illusion tricks again.
Gus: No, no, stay back! I said, stay.. back!
The word "back" echoes, and his eyes began to glow blue. He projects wide illusion that covered a majority of the school as it kept shifting locations of places he's been to. This was confusing everyone as they start running in different directions. Satarakura looks at Gus, astonished.
Satarakura: How are you doing this?
Just then Alex punched Satarakura across the face.
Satarakura: Oh my face!
Alex: Hang on Goops!
Alex was about to punch Witch Killer next, but then he caught his fist. He brought Alex's arm down as it was hurting him.
Gus: Alex!
Witch Killer growled as his eyes began to glow, about to attack him. Just then Witch Killer was hit by a fiery blast on his back, he let out a roar ( stock Predator roar) in agony and let's go of Gus. Witch Killer was then pushed aside, revealing to be Hunter.
Satarakura: Goldie?
Hunter grabs hold of Gus and Alex and teleports out the area. Satarakura then takes out what looks like a tiny mirror. He draws a spell circle with it and steadies the illusion.
Scout Captain: Sir are you okay?
Satarakura: Did I just see the Golden Guard or was that part of the illusion too?
Scout Captain: No sir, that was him.
Satarakura: Did you assign someone to guard him?
Scout Captain: I did sir. But I just got word he escaped.
Satarakura: And exactly who did you leave guarding him?
Scout Captain: Huh, uh... ( mumbles) Severine sir.
Satarakura: What was that?
Scout Captain: I left him with Severine sir.
Satarakura: Severine!? You left Severine with him?!
Scout Captain: I thought she could handle it.
Satarakura: Severine couldn't handle a shot of Raspberry Shnapps much less the Golden Guard! Great now we have to recapture him because of your...uh.
It wasn't until now Satarakura realized what the area had become, it was an illusion of the Looking Glass Ruins that Gus had previously visited.
Satarakura: The Looking Glass Ruins? I heard about this place. I've been looking for it ever since I was a little boy. Did he find this?
Satarakura went up to one of the statues and placed his hand on it as it went through and a huge grin formed onto his face.
Scout Captain: Uh sir?
Satarakura: Oh hohohoho! Now that's impressive. Captain send word to our troops, continue finding all the students and brand them. Recapture the Golden Guard and this time break his legs so he can never walk again. And lastly find me the kid that did this. Don't hurt and no branding. I'd like to have a little chat.
Scout Captain: Uh sir, this is a complicated spell. If we could have some direction.
Satarakura: ( groans) Am I the only one who knows how to do their job. Just figure it out! Uh, the people I have to work with.
We cut to Amity and Willow who have been separated from the guys. The illusion around them settled down and the area was carnival.
Amity: Whoa, what? How did we get here?
The two start to look around as Amity summons her scroll. Willow walks towards a nearby wall and touches it.
Willow: I think it's an illusion.
Amity: I just got a text from Ed. He, Bump and a bunch of others are in the Healing Homeroom. We should find our way over.
Willow: I'm worried about the others. Especially Gus.
Amity: Me too. Alex is with him and should keep him safe. Bu hopefully we find them soon.
A Coven Scout suddenly looms behind Willow.
Amity: Willow, watch out!
She attempts to draw a spell circle in the air, but the Coven Scout is suddenly trapped in vines, having been summoned by Willow.
Willow: ( chuckles) I got it.
Amity: Lucky shot, Willow. Come on, let's go.
Amity walks off as Willow stares at he concerned.
Coven Scout: Hey, don't listen to her. You totally got me.
We then cut to Hunter who just teleported Gus and Alex away from Satarakura. The illusion they were in looked like the streets of Bonesborough Gus was on the floor as Alex checked on him.
Alex: Goops! Hey Goops you okay?
Hunter: Is he alright?
Alex: I don't know, turn him over and-hey, hey, hey! Twig Boy!?
Hunter: Oh uh, hey Alex.
Alex: ( angry) Twig boy!
Hunter: Oh sugar honey iced tea.
Alex lunges at Hunter pins him to the wall with his fist clenched.
Alex: YOU! What did you do?!
Hunter: I didn't do anything.
Alex: You attacked our school!
Hunter: No, I didn't.
Alex: You lead that clown freak here!
Hunter: Hey I had nothing to do with this. I just saved your life.
Alex: Oh yeah, this again. Just like last time huh. You trying to play mind games on us just to pretend to be our friend, arrest us and act nice. You're playing that again?
Hunter: No, listen I'm not sure if you know about this but I'm don't work for Belos anymore.
Alex: Oh yeah Luz told me that and I don't buy it. But now that I finally have you.
Alex forms his fist into a stone fist.
Alex: It's payback time Twig Boy!
Hunter: No stop! I already made peace with Amity and Willow and you next on my...
Alex: ( lowers fist) What? W-Willow has being seeing you?
Hunter: Yes she and I are friends and I am now with Amity after saving her aunt.
Alex: But, but...but she told me the reason she couldn't come to our last work out session was because she was helping her dads.
Then they heard Gus groan as he got up. Alex lets Hunter go as the two check up on Gus.
Hunter: Gus are you alright?
Gus: Hunter? What are you doing here?
But the two noticed something about Gus. One of his eyes is glowing blue.
Gus: What?
Alex: Goops your eye. Are you okay?
Gus rubs his eyes in confusion and looks again. It cut's to Gus's perspective; the blue eye can see through his illusions while the other can't.
Hunter: Did you do all this?
Gus: Yeah, it's my spell. It's still active.
Alex: This is insane. I mean you did this?
Gus: Unintentionally.
Alex: Can't you turn it off?
Gus: No, I-I don't know how. I've never made one this big before.
Alex: Oh boy. This is going to be tough one.
Hunter: Well if we're still in Hexside we should find a teacher. Maybe they'll know how to help.
Alex: Yeah help us. Us two. Me and Gus. Oh and of course the girls.
Gus: Wait where are the girls?
The three of them looked around and just realized they weren't with them.
Alex: Willow! Amity?!
Gus: I think they got scattered like everyone else.
Hunter: Just them? Where's Luz and Red?
Gus: They didn't show up today for their own reasons.
Alex: They're lucky to skip school today. Wonder what they're doing now?
Meanwhile.
We cut to Titan Trapper island as Luz and Christa were going up the stairs to see Bill. But it was so long they were getting tired.
Christa: ( panting) What's with these stairs?
Luz: ( panting) We should have asked if there was an elevator.
Christa: Yeah, hey do you find weird when the main characters are not in a chapter?
Luz: ( shrugs) Eh, you won't miss them.
Sorry back to the story.
Hunter: Okay let's just find a way out of here.
Gus: Hunter, you still haven't answered why you were here?
Hunter: I was going to see Red before she left, but then I saw Satarakura and heard what he was doing. I got caught and they going to turn me in after this. Luckily I broke out and hurried to you guys.
Alex: Yeah you came right at the moment he tried to brand us.
Gus: And why did you save us? Why did you save me from getting a sigil?
Alex: Yeah, when we first met you pretended to be our friend, you tried to trick us into joining your coven. Then you saved us, you brought your friends here and save us again. What are you playing at!
Hunter: I'm not playing anything! ( sighs) Okay yes, when we first met I tried to recruit you guys as scouts. I've done things before that I'm not proud of. Did Luz tell you about what happened with me, with Belos and who he's working for.
Gus: She told us.
Alex: And this Keizer.
Hunter: Then you would know that I don't work for Belos anymore.
Alex: That doesn't mean all is forgiven.
Hunter: I know it's not. Look, I know I betrayed all of you before, but I want to make amends with you. Willow was willing to forgive and I just earned Amity's trust. You guys are next.
Alex: I'd rather die than be friends with a Twig Boy like you!
Hunter: Okay I'm sensing some hostility and anger that your projecting on me.
Alex: Mister I have not begun to project my anger onto you.
But then they heard a clicking sound.
Gus: What was that?
Hunter: Oh Titan it's here.
Alex: What? What's here?
They heard the clicking sound continue.
Hunter: Witch Killer. Guys be on your guard. This thing is tough.
Suddenly a green projectile shot down from above. Hunter deflected the attack with his staff. Witch Killer jumped down as he opend up his large clawed hand and growled at the trio as four dorodoros and three scouts accompanied him.
Scout: There he is! Get him!
Witch Killer roared as he and his troops charged at the trio. Alex stepped up and slammed his fists to the ground as large stone pillars, knocking away one of the scouts and two dorodors. Witch Killer burst through one of the pillars and about to claw Alex. He got out of the way and punched Witch Killer across the face. Witch Killer growled as his eyes began to glow and fired it's eye beams at him. Alex poofed as it turned out to be an illusion made by Gus. Witch Killer turned to Gus and Alex and fired it's eye beams at the two as they poofed again revealing to be illusions. Witch Killer looked around and saw duplicates of of Gus and Alex. Witch Killer stretched large hand out to claw all the illusions around the area.
Hunter had taken out the other scouts and dorodoros with a plant glyph to hold them down. He set his attention to Witch Killer. Witch Killer was having trouble trying to find Gus and Alex, so then he reached his hand out and finger projectiles all around the illusions. Eventually he found the real Gus and Alex. The two fell to the ground as Witch Killer was about to get them, but then he felt a vine wrap around his claw hand. He looked over and another vine wrapped his other. Hunter appeared from behind and placed a fire glyph on his back. It ignited as Witch Killer roared and fell to the ground.
Hunter: Let's go!
The three of them ran from Witch Killer. He quickly got back up and broke free. He roared and chased after the trio. They ran into a tangible wall to hide away from him. Witch Killer passed by but looked confused as he continued looking for the boys. The scene then cuts to the three what looks like an illusion of Gus's room as Hunter began to breakdown.
Hunter: ( panting) Oh Titan. I'm trapped. I don't know where I am and I'm trapped.
Alex: Stop that.
Hunter: They're going to take me back to Belos and I'm done for!
Alex: Stop. Stop freaking out. You're going to blow our cover.
Hunter: I shouldn't have left the mansion. I'm dead! I'm so dead!
Alex: Get a hold of yourself!
Alex was about to punch Hunter until Gus stopped him.
Gus: Wait hold on.
Gus approaches Hunter. He places his hand on his shoulder as Hunter looks at him.
Gus: Hey. Try to breathe. Like this.
Gus shows Hunter a breathing technique. Something that Willow showed him. He starts inhaling, counting from 1 to 4 with his fingers. Then he exhales and counts his fingers back to 1. Alex recognized this. It was the same thing she showed him after his failed reunion with his birth mom. Hunter follows the technique and starts to calm down.
Gus: You alright.
Hunter: Yeah, thanks.
Alex: You know the breathing technique too?
Gus: Yeah, Willow showed me the first day we met.
Alex: She showed me that a while back when I was uh...um dealing with something a while back.
Hunter: Well, she is someone who you can look up too.
Gus: So she's been seeing you lately.
Hunter: I mean, she wanted to see me. Said she wanted to make sure I was doing okay. I don't know why after what I did.
Alex: Yeah, I don't see it either.
Then they heard the growling clicking sound again.
Hunter: He's getting close.
Gus: Quick this way.
The three went through a fake wall and continued running.
We cut back Willow and Amity, fighting a group of dorodoros. These ones however were able to perform magic. One of them summons a rock version of itself from the ground and lunges it towards the girls.
Willow: ( draws spell circle ) I got this!
Amity: ( draws spell circle) No, I got this!
Willow's magic summons vines and Amity's magic summons an abomination, but the vines end up impaling the abomination. The rock dorodoro nearly hits the girls, who dodge the attack as the rock dorodoro slides through the wall.
Willow: ( frustrated) What are you doing?
Amity: I just got you back as a friend. Let me protect you!
A bookshelf appears above Amity. It nearly topples on her before it's caught by Willow. She summons vines to both keep the bookshelf from crushing her and at the dorodoros knocking them down.
Willow: ( grunts) I don't want your protection! I want you to see who I really am!
She pushes the bookshelf aside. Just then part of the illusion began to open up and they saw Mr. Hirata, Edric and Emira.
Mr. Hirata: Quick get in.
The two of them made it out and were in a unaffected of the school.
Mr. Hirata: Are you two alright?
Amity: We're okay.
Willow: Yeah we're fine.
Willow however was holding her arm in pain.
Mr. Hirata: Glad you're okay. But come, we'll heal your wounds.
Mr. Hirata leads them to the healing room as Willow follows. Amity looked at her with a concerned look.
Emira: Are you really okay sis?
Edric: You're not hurt are you?
Amity: I'm fine. It's Willow I'm worried about.
Amity caught up with Willow.
Amity: Willow.
Willow: It's just a scratch. I'm fine.
Amity: It's not just that. I'm sorry back there.
Willow: It's fine.
Amity: No it's not. Time and time again I kept making you feel like you were the weak link or you have to be protected. I didn't mean to make you feel that way it's just, breaking ties with you before was my biggest regret and when we started talking and hanging out again I promised myself I would be a better friend and look out for you. But you've changed so much. You've become so strong and I haven't seen that yet. ( frowns) I guess I still don't know you.
Willow saw the sorry look on her face and held her hand.
Willow: I know your intentions were good, but please don't push me aside anymore. Let's fight together and lets take the time to know each other better.
Willow offered her a small smile as Amity nods and smiles back to her.
Meanwhile
We cut to boys running from Witch Killer. They running through different illusions of rooms or areas Gus has been too. It was hard to tell where they were at or if they were getting farther away, but all they could here was Witch Killer's clicking growl. They stopped in an illusion of what looked like the inside of the owl house.
Alex: Where do we go? Where do we go!?
Hunter: Over here.
Alex: Then I'm going that way.
Hunter: What?
Alex: I'm not falling for your trap Twig Boy.
Hunter: I'm not leading you into anything and stop calling me that.
Gus: Guys stop. This way!
They ran through another wall as they now ended up in an illusion outside of Blight Industries.
Hunter: What's your problem?
Alex: My problem is you. I'm not following your directions. You're not fooling me twice!
Hunter: I'm not trying to fool you.
Alex: Lies! LIES! All of it. That's what you people do! Lie and cheat!
Gus: Alex calm down.
Alex: No Goops! Not this time! Is that choju after us or just you? What if we just handed him over? He'll stop chasing us.
Hunter: No please don't do that.
Gus: Alex they want give us sigils.
Alex: We can deal with a few scouts and dorodoros. Let's hand him over.
Alex grabs Hunter as he tried to push him off and the two began to fight.
Hunter: Let go of me!
Alex: Hold still Twig Boy!
Gus: Guys stop it! Stop!
Their fighting was giving away their location and coming in was Witch Killer. Hunter saw him from behind and gasped.
Hunter: Alex wait!
Alex didn't listen and punched him across the face, knocking Hunter down.
Hunter: Alex wait! Witch Killer.
Alex: Save your lies Twig Boy. I've had enough of you.
Gus: Behind you!
Alex turned around and saw Witch Killer shoot a long rope with a spear blade on it from the palm of his hand. Alex had no time to react as it was coming straight at him, about to pierce him through the chest. Hunter got up and pushed Alex down and fell on the ground. As they did and ice glyph fell out of Hunter's pocket. Gus took it and used it on Witch Killer, freezing him.
Gus: This isn't going to hold him long. Follow me.
The three of them ran out of the illusion and ended up in another area, this time looking like Willow's bedroom.
Alex: Phew, that was close. Twig Boy you just...
Alex stopped talking when he saw Hunter sitting on the ground holding his arm. He got cut from the spear and blood was dripping down.
Gus: You're hurt.
Hunter: It's just a scratch. I'll live.
Alex: You...you tried to warn me back there. I could have died but you just took a bullet for me. Why?
Hunter: Because, you're Gus's friend and still haven't got your chance with Willow have you?
Alex: Uh, well...hold on.
Alex ripped off a sleeve of his uniform and wrapped it around Hunter's arm.
Alex: Here use this until we find a healer.
Hunter: Thanks.
Alex: No thank you and... I'm sorry.
Hunter: Look, you have every right reason to mad at me. All of you do. Some of you tried to help and get to know me but I kept ruining things for all of you. Everything I did, I did it because...because I wanted to prove to someone I looked up to all my life. I wanted to show him that I can be useful, that he can trust and rely on me. I helped him with everything with his plans and what do I get? I find out he saw nothing in me but a expendable pawn. I'm lucky to even make up with some of you. You guys may not forgive me and I understand that. But I want you to know that I really did have fun playing flyer derby that day.
Gus placed his hand on his shoulder as Alex was calming down and sat next to him.
Alex: I had fun playing flyer derby with you also. I actually wanted to get to know you more afterwards but then when you turned out to be a spy, arrested us and hurting Willow's feelings I felt so betrayed. I was reminded of my times at Glandis. I knew how a lot of students tried to upserd the other to be the best. I knew how they think and so I shut them out and scared them off and got into fights. You reminded me of that and that how I can't trust most of you here.
Gus: I know how you're feeling.
Alex: R-Really?
Gus: It's not just your old school. Not too long ago, when I showed a little talent and started taking more advanced classes, it always felt like anyone who wanted to be my friend had an ulterior motive.
Alex: Goops I... I had no idea.
Gus: Yeah, but then I met Willow. And, eventually Luz, Christa, and some others. So yeah, not everybody's great, but not everybody's bad either, y'know? You just got to be with the right people and sometimes even if they mess up and if they're really trying, then you just have to let them in.
Gus motioned to Hunter, the latter replying with a small smile.
Alex: It's just hard for me. You know I had no intention of making any friends here but then Willow came to me. She was just so nice and she understood me, she helped me open up more. She introduced me to you guys and you know I've never been happy coming to school before. And you guys are pretty tough too. I mean Goops you made this. You may not have control but the fact you somehow pulled this off is impressive.
Gus: Well thanks, but I still want to turn this off.
Alex: We better get moving. Come on Twig Boy. On your feet.
Alex helped Hunter up as the three exited out of the illusion area. They now ended up in the school hallway.
Hunter: Is this real?
Gus touches a water fountain and gets gum stuck on his hand; he groans in disgust.
Alex: Gum on the water fountain? Yup, this is real.
Gus: Yes! We made it through the illusion! High five!
Alex laughed as he high fived Gus and they tried to give Hunter confusingly raises his hand to Gus, which he slaps, causing him to grunt. But then they see Willow who is seen walking through the halls and stops as she notices the boys.
Alex: ( smiles big) Sprouts!
Gus: Willow! You're okay!
Willow: Augustus, Alexander! I've been looking everywhere for you guys!
But then she notices Hunter and something didn't seem right. She appeared to be scared seeing him.
Willow: Whoa, what is he doing here?
Gus: Oh don't worry it's cool. He's with us. He helped us escape from the Choju.
Alex: Yeah he's okay. I'm really glad to see you Willow.
Willow: Interesting. Anyway let's find the others before these illusions get any more...( squeals).
Hunter however noticed something off. Willow was acting out of character. She seemed scared seeing him. But she's seen him lately and she was comfortable being around him. He summoned his staff and teleports in front of Alex and Gus, guarding them from this imposter.
Gus: What are you doing?!
Alex: I don't believe you! You're...
Hunter: That's not the captain.
Alex: What?
Willow: You're scaring me Hunter.
Hunter: Have you seen her play flyer derby. She wouldn't be this scared nor would she be scared seeing me.
Alex: You're right. Who are you?
The fake Willow poofed as it turned out to be the Scout Captain.
Scout Captain: Very clever.
Two more scouts entered the room joining him.
Alex: We can take him!
Alex formed his stone fists about to fight. He ran at the captain but suddenly Witch Killer appeared in front of him and kicked him across the head, knocking him out.
Gus and Hunter: Alex!
Witch Killer punched Hunter in the stomach and hits him on the back of his neck as Hunter fell to the ground.
Gus: Hunter!
The Scout Captain formed a spell circle and plant vines wrapped up Gus. Witch Killer grabbed hold of him and carried him with one hand. Hunter watched but couldn't get up due to how weak he was.
Hunter: ( groans) Gus...no.
Scout Captain: Take him to Satarakura. ( to the scouts) You two, ( motions to Alex) brand him and ( motions to Hunter) break his legs. Satarakura wants to make sure he doesn't escape when we take him back to Belos.
Hunter couldn't get up as his vision was getting darker as the two scouts approached him and then everything went black.
Later.
Hunter wakes up and he first see's Flapjack looking down at him.
Hunter: Fla-Flapjack?
Skara: He's waking up!
Hunter looks over and see's Skara and Viney next to him, the latter healing him
Hunter: Skara, Viney? Where am I?
Skara: You're in the Healing Homeroom.
Viney: Easy, try not to get up so fast.
Hunter slowly gets up and looks around seeing most of the students. They all looked hurt with some injuries as the teachers and students with healing abilities tended to one another.
Hunter: Wait how did I get here?
Viney: Skara and I saw you and Alex being taken away by a couple scouts. We hurried and saved the two of you.
Hunter: Alex? Where's Alex?
Viney: Right here.
Hunter saw Alex unconscious on the bed next to him.
Skara: Poor guy took a nasty blow to the head.
Viney: But he's still breathing. He should be okay.
Willow: Hunter?
Hunter turned around and saw Willow and Amity approaching him.
Hunter: Guys, oh thank Titan your here.
Willow: We're surprised to see you here.
Amity: Hunter what are you doing here? You're supposed to be hiding at the mansion.
Hunter: I know, but I was going to see Red before school or so I thought she was going but ended up coming across Satarakura and heard his plan. I tried to hurry to warn you guys but he caught me before I could.
Willow: Where's Gus?
Viney: Alex is waking up.
They saw Alex groan as the others surrounded.
Viney: You okay big guy?
Alex:( groans) Grandma, is it cookie time?
Skara: Yeah he's fine.
Alex sat up and rubbed his head.
Alex: Oh my head.
Willow: Oh Alex.
Alex: Sprouts! I...wait a second I just saw this scenario. How do I know you're the real Willow?
Willow: Alex it's me.
Alex: Oh yeah prove it. What are two things I like to do.
Willow: Kicking butt and making doll houses.
Alex: Exactly! It is you Sprouts!
Alex jumped up and hugged Willow tight.
Alex: I'm so glad you're okay.
Willow: ( hugs him back) So am I. But where's Gus?
Alex: Gus...Goops? Goops!
Amity: He wasn't with you?
Alex: He was until... until we were ambushed. Twig Boy, what happened back there?
Principal Bump: Well, Mr. Golden Guard.
Principal Bump approaches him with a distrustful look on his face.
Hunter: It's Hunter.
Principal Bump: Right, well as you know the flyer derby team was determined to save you. But I am not yet convinced of your innocence. Where have your scouts taken Augustus?
Mr. Hirata: ( his mind) The Golden Guard, what is he doing here?
Hunter: The last thing I saw, they took him back to Satarakura.
Principal Bump: And what does one of the Legion of Five members want with him?
Hunter: I'm not entirely sure but it might just be about his power. But I can help you get him out.
Principal Bump: And why should we trust you? You brought Satarakura and his troops here.
Hunter: No. I'm not with them.
Amity: Principal Bump he's telling the truth. He's been hiding with me this past week.
Willow: You can trust him.
Principal Bump: You're taking a big risk defending him.
Hunter: You have to believe me. I was with Gus and Alex the whole time. I was trying to get them here.
Principal Bump: Until you lost one of them.
Hunter: If we work together we can get him back.
Principal Bump: How do we even know he wants Augustus? What if we traded you for Augustus. I'm sure the Emperor would want you back.
Hunter flinches at the idea until Alex steps in.
Alex: Principal B wait. I was with him the whole time. You can trust him.
Principal Bump: And why should we Alexander?
Alex: Because...because I too thought he was a good for nothing, low life, traitorous, dishonest Twig Boy. Oh yes I mean just looking at his face and listening to that annoying voice, you just want to punch him in the face.
Hunter: That's really not helping Alex.
Alex: Shush! I;m trying to save your butt. As I was saying that's what I thought of him. Or at least I did until he saved me. A while ago Gus told me something about uh...something about letting people in or giving the misguided a second chance. I didn't believe that but then I found out Willow has been seeing him in secret.
Willow: I was meaning to tell you soon. I just...
Alex: It's fine and you know what I never understood what Luz and Christa saw in him. He's done messed up things, but you know I too was once a jerk before coming here. Yet I still made met some great people here. Perhaps he needs what I needed as well. A second chance and to start over. He's the only one who knows the enemy so we should listen to what he has to say.
Hunter smiled at him for standing up for him. Alex felt someone hold his hand and looked over and saw Willow smiling at him and holding his hand.
Principal Bump: Very compelling speech Alexander but I don't know.
Mr. Hirata: Bump wait. We should listen to our students. Maybe we should listen to him.
Principal Bump: Akihiko please. This is someone who's from the Emperor's Coven.
Mr. Hirata: As was I.
Principal Bump: That's different. You're a former member and never brought harm to us.
Mr. Hirata: No... I have once.
Principal Bump looked at him confused.
Mr. Hirata: A while back when...when that basilisk attacked the school. I was responsible for it.
Principal Bump: What do you mean?
Bump as well as most of the students looked at him confused.
Mr. Hirata: During my time at the Emperor's Coven, I was involved in a series of experiments of genetic cloning of the basilisk that went extinct. I helped a mad man recreate them for Belos's dark use.
Hunter: Wait, you worked for the doc?
Mr. Hirata: He was my former partner.
Willow: You helped him recreate the basilisk.
Mr. Hirata: But I saw how some were tormented and were not mindless monsters I felt sorry for them. I helped them escape and not long after I resigned the coven, rejoined the history coven and came back here. I never saw those basilisk again, until recently. I was horrified seeing it in such monstrous state. I...I panicked seeing it and...
Mr. Hirata fell to his knees and covered his eyes.
Mr. Hirata: I froze and couldn't do anything to help. I'm so ashamed of what I did. I'm so sorry Bump. I'm sorry all of you. I never intended to hurt anyone.
Principal Bump kneeled down and placed his hand on his shoulder.
Principal Bump: Akihiko, you were forced to help him with his work. Sometimes good people make mistakes, but I'm glad you told me. You'll always have a place here with us.
Bump offers him a hand with a smile on his face. Mr. Hirata takes his hand as he helps him up.
Principal Bump: If you all really think we should trust him, then I guess I'm all in for it.
Hunter: Okay, so they took him to the gym. But it'll be guarded.
Amity: That won't be a problem. Willow can burst through anything.
Willow smiles now knowing Amity trusts her fully.
Willow: Yeah, but I'll need help.
Mattholomule: Say no more, I'm on it.
Alex: You? Everyone knows I'm the toughest guy in this school Sissy Boy.
Mattholomule: I keep telling you that's not my name.
Alex: Right uh...I'm sorry what was your name again.
Mattholomule: Are you kidding me? We went to Glandis together and have the same classes! How do you still not remember me.
Alex: I really don't know.
Principal Bump: ( sighs) Let's just come up with a plan.
Skara: Yay! This is my favorite part!
Meanwhile.
We cut Witch Killer bringing Gus into the gym, with Satarakura waiting there.
Satarakura: Ah there you are.
Gus: No stop! Get him away from me.
Satarakura: Great job Witch Killer.
Witch Killer places Gus down as Satarakura approaches him.
Satarakura: Hello again kid.
Gus: Step back! You're not going to place a sigil on m.
Satarakura: Whoa, whoa easy kid. I didn't bring you here to brand you.
Gus: Then what do you want?
Satarakura: To talk of course. Please take a seat.
Witch Killer placed Gus on a chair to sit down, still tied up.
Satarakura: Witch Killer go stand over there, you're making him nervous.
Witch Killer nods and stands aside.
Satarakura: There, comfortable?
Gus: No. What do you want?
Satarakura: Listen, Gus was it? I brought you here to talk to you. Did you really do all this?
Gus: ( turns away guilty) Yeah. It's all my fault.
Satarakura: Well I wouldn't say fault. I bit out of control sure but look at this. You made a large portion of this school an illusion labrynth. This is pretty impressive for a boy your age.
Gus: What's the point if I can't even use it right. I mean I can't even tell Willow apart from the fake one.
Satarakura: Well, yeah that is a rookie mistake that you couldn't tell which was your real friend and which was fake, but doesn't mean you can't do anything right.
Gus: Oh what do you know?
Satarakura: Oh I know a lot. Tell me what are you feeling? Guilt, hopelessness, depressed. Feeling your a failure. Is that what you're feeling.
Gus: Stop.
Satarakura: Did people try to be friends with you but really used you for their own personal gain. To do people look down at you thinking your a loser, a failure and geek?
Gus: You don't know a thing about me.
Satarakura: Oh I do. I know what you are and you know how I know this?
Gus: Shut up!
Satarakura: Because I was you!
Gus's anger softened with a confused look.
Satarakura: I know those things because that what I was once. A loser like you. As a kid I was always fascinated with illusions. I felt I could make anything with them even if they weren't real. But many people didn't see it that way. My own father, thought I was a loser for studying it. He thought I was throwing my life away with a useless skill. He beat me to change my ways but I didn't let him stop me from doing what I like. At school I had no friends or some only pretended to be my friend just for their own motives and needs.
Gus's eyes widened seeing how this was in a way reflecting himself, not as dark but still.
Satarakura: That's the thing that really pisses me off. We illusionists are always viewed as the losers. The weak links. Clowns. That's what they always see us as and I'm sick of it.
Satarakura then took hold of his helmet and removed it, showing he had black hair that went down to his shoulder. He then removed his eye mask revealing his pink eyes and tossed both mask and helmet aside. His face was now revealed for the world to see.
Satarakura: But I showed them. I showed them all. I trained myself with my own fighting style. Throwing knives and my toys. Hehehe. But that's not all. I experimented with my magic. Even came up with a new trick watch this.
Satarakura put his hands together and reached his hands out looking like was trying to feel a wall.
Satarakura: Yo! Witch Killer! Hit me!
Witch Killer's eyes began to glow and fired it's eye beam at Satarakura, but when he did something odd began to happen Satarakura began to crack, like glass. Suddenly he shattered into glass like pieces.
Gus: What the?
Satarakura: Impressive isn't it.
Gus turned around and Satarakura was behind him.
Satarakura: I was able to create a mirror. Easily fools your opponents and you can't tell until you break it. You see, these skills is what won me over to the Emperor's Coven. Emperor Belos saw potential in me. Look where I am. I went from being a loser to one of the top witches to serve the Emperor.
Gus: You serve a tyrant.
Satarakura: Eh that's debatable but look where I am. I'm a somebody and all the scouts have to do exactly what I say and can't complain about. Watch this. I'm still waiting for my latte!
Scout with a latte enters.
Scout: Here you are sir.
Satarakura: It's about time.
Satarakura takes a sip and tastes.
Satarakura: Ah that's it. Piping hot, less foam and no spider milk. Just right.
Satarakura sighs and takes another sip. He looks down at it for a moment and all of the sudden he throws the latte into the scout's face.
Scout: AAAAAAAH! It burns! ( runs away)AAAAHAAAAAAA!
Gus: You said it was just right.
Satarakura: Yes and I want it more right than that. But don't you see. I just proved everything that everyone ever said is wrong. Especially to my old man on his death bed. My point is we can do anything. But I know how your affiliated with the human, Owl Lady and that girl. I should squash you like a bug right now. But I'm offering you a choice. Join me.
Gus: What? Why would I do that?
Satarakura: Join me and become my apprentice. I'm not lying to you. I'm offering you a chance of a lifetime. I truly see great potential in you. I'll talk to the Emperor to have you work under my wing. I'll train you. Help you have better control of your magic. You'll be working with the best of the best. No one will ever look down on you again. You can have anything you want. I can make you better than Head Witch Adrian Graye! Together we can powerful! But you gotta do one thing for me first.
Satarakura looks back at the illusion statues.
Satarakura: I can tell you've been to the Looking Glass Ruins. I've been trying to search that for years and these galder stones would make great gifts for the Emperor. Show me where it is and we got ourselves a deal.
Gus: I would never join you. Not after everything you did. I don't care if you can offer me the best education and position, I would never betray my friends nor would I expose the location of the ruins.
Satarakura: ( sighs) Okay fine. I tried. I really, really tried but I'm really disappointed. You don't have to tell me. I'll just get the info myself.
Satarakura takes out the small mirror.
Satarakura: See this mirror? It's a handy little magic amplifier. ( draws spell circle) It'll help me sort through those little memories of yours.
He then aims the spell circle towards Gus using the mirror-shaped earring. Gus starts writhing in pain.
Gus: ( groans) Ah, stop! Wait, this hurts!
Satarakura: Look kid, this hurts me a lot more than it does...wait no this hurts you a lot more actually. Bahahahahaha!
The illusion all around the school dispels through a large orb, startling the coven scouts, the aptain and dorodoros outside guarding. Back inside the gym, Satarakura looks around as the illusion was all gone.
Satarakura: Hmm. Well, that's one less thing to worry about. Now, where were we? Huh?
Upon turning around, however, he discovers Gus's eyes are now both blue. He starts creating an orb that grows rapidly.
Satarakura: What are you doing? Hey come on stop. Come on you're not that mad at me are ya? Stop. Stop! AAAAAAH!
Back outside the gym we see the Scout Captain still guarding the the door. He looks to his left and see's Principal Bump and Mr. Hirata walking towards him.
Scout Captain: Gym is off limits. Satarakura's orders.
Principal Bump: Satarakura maybe part of the Legion of Five, but I'm still principal.
Mr. Hirata: It'd be wise to let us through.
Scout Captain: ( chuckles) Oh yeah?
Principla Bump's palisman Ferwin comes off his head forms into his staff. Mr Hirata also forms what looks like a samurai sword.
Principal Bump: Yeah.
Behind him and illusion dispels showing the Hexside students, a few abominations and Viney's griffin Puddles standing with him ready to fight. The captain whistles and the rest of the scouts and dorodoros join him.
Scout Captain: Get 'em!
Both sides began to fight. A Coven Scout attacks first, but Bump blocks him with magic. Two scouts and three dorodoros come at Mr. Hirata, he gives them a stern look and at high speed slashed them with his sword. Another scout and dorodoro appears and attempts to attack Hunter, but he simply teleports behind them and he shoves the scout off and hits the dorodoro across the face with his staff. An abomination attempts to attack another coven scout, but he slashes it. Suddenly, Puddles lands on top of him, with Viney and Skara riding him.
She attacks and incoming dorodoro beside her, but a vine suddenly wraps Puddles's leg, causing both Skara and Viney to get thrown away. Emira immediately runs over and starts to heal Skara. Another dorodoro attempts to attack them, but he is suddenly countered by an abomination summoned by Amity who smiles at them and reply with a smile back. She runs off, controlling the abomination. Behind her, Edric and Barcus carry a handful of potions which they throw at the scouts and dorodoros. Jerbo is shown chasing after some of them with his own abomination. Mattholomule is seen defending himself summoning small walls which hit the incoming dorodoros. But then one scout was coming at him from behind until he was punched in the face by Alex.
Alex: Don't worry Mathilda. I got you.
Mattholumule: ( groans) I can't tell if he's that stupid or he's trolling me.
Scout Captain: Enough! I will not be cowed by a group of students!
A mix of abomination goo and vines suddenly hit his face; he is then trapped in a wall. Willow and Amity step forward as they call off their summons and pose together
Willow: Then how about just two of us?
Amity: Nice one.
As the others dealt with the remaining scouts, Hunter, Alex, Amity and Willow enter the gym to face Satarakura and save Gus. But upon entering they see in the center of the room where Gus should be a large glowing orb surrounding him and Satarakura was on the ground in pain.
Satarakura: Make it stop. Please! I don't like these memories. No! NO! Daddy stop! No more I didn't mean it! Forgive me!
Satakura just laid there with a scared look in his face as the others can barely see Gus inside the orb all curled up.
Amity: What's going on?
Willow: Gus is trapped in his head! And it looks like he's being affected by it too.
Witch Killer heard the the two and turned around seeing the four and roared.
Willow: We'll hold him off. You save Gus?
Hunter: But how?
Alex: Just talk to him! Hurry Twig Boy!
Hunter goes to Gus as Amity, Willow and Alex joined together to face against Witch Killer. Alex stepped up first.
Alex: Don't worry Willow. I'll protect you.
Witch Killer acted first as he stretched his clawed arm about to slash him until Willow pulled him back with a vine and formed more to hit Witch Killer against the wall.
Willow: ( to Alex) No, I'll protect you.
Alex had a surprised look on his face and blushed seeing how strong she was. Witch Killer got back up and roared. His eyes began to glow and fired his eye beams at the them. The attack was caught in a ball of abomination goo made by Amity. Remembering her lessons with Luz she formed some abomination goo into a light glyph and flashed it at Witch Killer. It blinded him for a moment but he stretched his arm at hit Amity to the ground. He regained vision and approached her, but then he stepped on something. He looked down and it was some more abomination goo.
Amity: Gotcha.
It turned out a large fire glyph made of abomination goo. It activated as it bursts into flames. Witch Killer was flown into the bleachers all singed. He got up and growled at her. His eye beams fired at her but she dodged the attack. He fired at her again as still dodged. He then stretched his claw arm at her. She dodged at it instead came at Alex, who caught his arm. He began to twirl Witch Killer around. He then tossed him to the ground and lets go. Witch Killer roared at Alex but then a vine rose out of the ground and wrapped around Witch Killer's neck. He used his clawed hand and cut the vine only for more to come from behind him and again wrapping his neck, arms and waist. Witch Killer is pulled down underground. A large piranha plant flower emerges from the ground, with Willow sitting on top of him. The piranah plant mouth scrunched up in disgust and spits Witch Killer out.
Willow: No good Petey?
Petey nods.
Willow: Sorry, I'll get you something better later.
Witch Killer roars at Willow and raised his claw hand up at her, but then it was covered with abominatin goo. He looked over at Amity who shot his eye beam at her. It was however blocked off by a stone wall. Alex using his stone fists launched it at Witch Killer. Witch Killer tried to get back up, but seem to be weakening. Willow appeared behind him with large number of vines and swat him up in the air. Amity form some abomination goo into a spear and shot it at Witch Killer's chest, impaling him.
Alex: Whoa, nice shot.
Witch Killer fell to the ground. He slowly got up with the spear still in the chest, but then electricity formed around his body as he let out a dying roar. He fell to the ground and bursts into flames.
Willow: Great job.
Amity: Thanks.
The two girls high five.
Alex: Ahem.
Willow: Oh, you too Alex. Couldn't have beaten him without you.
The two high five Alex as he nods with appreciation.
We now cut to Hunter in front of the orb Gus was in. The moment he touches the orb he began seeing flashbacks of his memories inside of Belos' mindscape. Though he struggled to fight it at first, he eventually got through it and found Gus. However when he touches his shoulder, the background immediately changes and shifts through various locations again. He then finds himself inside the forest, but turns around and spots Gus, inside the detention room, looking guilty.
Gus: What's wrong with me? Why can't I learn?
Hunter: Gus!
He approaches him only for the background to change into white. He turns around again, and finds illusions of Bria, Gavin and Angmar circling around Gus.
Gus: I let myself get tricked... again.
The whole illusion vanishes as the background changes into white once more. Hunter turns around again to find Gus staring to himself in three mirrors.
Gus: Everyone thinks I'm the smart one. So why do I keep acting so dumb?
Hunter: Gus, can you hear me?
The illusion fades again. Hunter, seemingly lost, looks around and steps back. The background now changes to show Gus's room. The real Gus appears, burying his face in his knees.
Gus: I can't even trust myself anymore.
Hunter sits beside him.
Hunter: It's... hard, when you can't trust yourself. I spent my whole life believing I was doing something good for someone good... but it was a lie. And some part of me still wants to.. believe in that lie, just like you wanna believe you're dumb, or, whatever. But it's not true.
An anguished Gus raises his head and looks at him.
Hunter: You're going through a tough time and I know what that's like but you're not dumb. I don't think you are and I'm sure the others think the same.
The two then see and illusion of Christa smiling at the two, as Gus was remembering when she was with him during his time at the Looking Glass ruins and she said something similar.
Hunter: I promise. I wouldn't mess with you. Uh, now, uh, how did that breathing thing go again?
Hunter starts inhaling deeply and whistling, which makes Gus laugh. Gus's blue eyes return back to normal, and the illusion finally fades completely. Hunter and Gus stand up and look around and see the others just beating Witch Killer.
Willow: Gus!
Willow runs up and hugs Gus.
Amity: Are you alright Gus?
Gus: Yeah, I am. I'm good now.
Alex places his hand on his shoulder and gives him a smile.
Alex: Glad you're okay Gus.
Gus: I knew it! You do know my name.
Alex: I don't know what you're talking about Goops! Come here.
The three of them hug Gus.
Willow: Come her Hunter.
Hunter: Oh no, no I'm good.
Amity: Come on, you're part of the group so you have be in our group hug.
Hunter: No really I'm not that big of a hugger and...
Alex: You're going to join this group hug AND YOU'RE GOING TO LIKE IT!
Hunter: Okay alright! Geez.
Hunter sheepishly joins their group hug as the scene the motions to Satarakura still on the ground with a fixed horrified look on his face.
We then cut outside seeing the scouts carry Satarakura into the airship.
Scout Captain: When Emperor Belos catches wind of this...
Principal Bump: ( proudly) I'm sure he'll be thrilled to learn one of his captains was defeated by a couple of teenagers.
The scout captain groans and enters the airship.
Scout Captain: Selene is not going to be happy with this.
With that the scouts enter the ship and finally leaves.
Amity: ( to Gus) I can't believe you actually took down one of the Legion of Five.
Gus: Yean and I almost went down with him.
Hunter: Not that I care for him but is Satarakura gonna be alright.
Gus: Uh...( shrugs) probably?
The two boys laugh.
Alex: Hey.
Alex approaches Hunter and turned his face to the side.
Alex: Hit me.
Hunter: What?
Alex: I punched you in the face a while back so now it's your turn.
Hunter: Oh no that's not necessary.
Alex: It is. Now punch me in the face.
Willow: Alex.
Alex: This is a settlement between men. I do the same for Goops if I punched him.
Gus: I wouldn't even survive your punches.
Alex: Haha, that's a good one Goops. Now punch me.
Hunter: I'm not going to punch you.
Alex: Look this is how my family settle things after a fight. Just punch me already.
Hunter: Uh, okay?
Hunter gives him a light punch.
Alex: What the heck was that? You punch like a girl.
Amity: That is not true. I punch way harder than he does.
Hunter: It's true, she's punched me twice.
Alex: You see? Now come on, punch like a real man!
Hunter clenches his fist and does so. Alex stepped back a little bit from the force as he rubbed his cheek.
Willow: Alex are you okay?
Hunter: I didn't mean it that hard.
Alex: No it's fine. You punch good.
Hunter: So are we good now?
Alex: Yeah we are. And thanks again Twi-I mean Hunter.
Hunter smiled and nodded to him.
Skara: Hunter!
The five of them turn around to the the students approaching him.
Skara: What's going on at the castle?
Viney: Did you actually leave the Emperor's Coven?
Hunter looks over at the others.
Willow: I think they should know.
Hunter: Should they?
Amity: We're running out of time.
Hunter: ( inhales and turns to the students) Listen. Emperor Belos has been lying to everyone. The Day of Unity isn't about wild magic or the Titan. Or not ours. It's something much scarier.
Everyone has worried expressions on their faces upon hearing this.
Hunter: Sorry, there's a lot to explain.
Mr. Hirata then approaches him.
Mr. Hirata: Please, tell us everything you know. Everything you saw in his mind.
Meanwhile.
We cut to the castle where the Scout Captain and the scouts were reporting to a very disappointed looking Selene.
Selene: You failed the assignment?
Scout Captain: It went completely out of control ma'am. Let me bring more reinforcements. I'm sure we can...
Selene: I'm sorry, I just can't get over the fact that you, ALL OF YOU...lost to a bunch of students. Aren't you all supposed to be part of the Emperor's Coven? The highest ranking coven in the system? When you look bad, it makes me look bad in front of our Emperor. You're supposed to be experienced witches yet you were all defeated by mere children!
Scout Captain: But Head Witch...
Selene: Silence! You're all a disgrace to the Emperor's Coven. I should have you all executed right now.
The scouts all looked scared of her.
Scout Captain: Head Witch please. The mission failed because of me. I wasn't with Satarakura when he fell. I take full responsibility for the missions failure. I beg of you for forgiveness.
Selene just gave him a cold stare for a moment.
Selene: I understand.
Scout Captain: R-Really? ARGH!
The Scout Captain felt a horrific pain on his leg. He looked down and saw Kaa slithering between his legs and bite mark on his ankle. Kaa slithered his way to Selene and rested on her shoulders. The Scout Captain's body began to shake as he fell to the ground and began to spazz out and grunts.
Selene: It appears there's been a mistake and you're not worthy of being a captain so it's sad to say but you're fired.
The Scout Captain continued to spazz out and made a gasping sound, until finally he stopped as he lied there dead.
Selene: Oh and apology accepted.
Selene then looked at the other scouts all looking horrified.
Selene: Let this be a lesson to all of you. Fail me again and you can join your captain. Do I make myself clear?
Scouts: Yes Head Witch Selene!
Selene: Now get out of my sight before I reconsider sparing you all.
The scouts quickly got out of the room as Kikimora, Mikela, Voffa and Shadam entered.
Kikimora: You do know that was our last captain right?
Selene: Who cares Kiki. He was not worthy of the job. Have the runner up take his place.
Shadam: Was that really necessary Selene?
Selene: You don't get it. When Lilith and the Golden Guard ran things they didn't know how to do their job and look how lackluster how scouts are. I'm here to fix what they messed up. I'm here to make great witches greater, not mediocre witches more mediocre. In order to do that I must purge through weak links and make way for the strong and competent.
Mikela: Yeah, but isn't Emperor Belos going to be upset?
Selene: He won't care. He knows that as well.
Voffa: Yes but what about Satarakura? Where is he?
Then they heard the squeaking sound of a wheel chair coming. They saw Dr. Cushing pushing Satarkura, head wrapped in bandages and was in a catatonic state.
Dr. Cushing: I'm sorry but there is nothing I can do. His brain is completely destroyed.
Mikela: So a Hexside studen did this to him?
Voffa: Was it that human or the girl?
Kikimora: Reports say it was just some illusionist ametuer.
Shadam: No ametuer could do this. He had to have been acceptionally powerful. Is there really nothing else you can do for him Cushing?
Dr. Cushing: ( nods) No, I barely managed to get him to calm down. When I tried to operate on him he kept screaming and lashing out. His mind is not there any more.
Selene: Alas poor Satarakura. I knew him well.
Mikela: What?
Kaa formed into Selene's staff and pointed it at him.
Voffa: Whoa, whoa, whoa! What are you doing?
Selene: I am merely putting him out of his misery.
Mikela: But he's our commrade. Sure he can be annoying but do we really have to kill him.
Selene: Look at him. He can't do anything now and as I said I have no use for the weak.
Shadam: She's right you know. There's nothing we can do for him now.
Terra: I wouldn't do that just yet.
They then saw Plant Head Witch, Terra Snapdragon enter.
Selene: Terra.
Terra: I don't think killing Satarakura here is necessary.
Selene: I think it is Terra. Now stay out of my buisness.
Terra: Is that anyway to treat your elders?
Selene: What are you trying to say?
Terra: I'm just saying maybe Mikela is right. We don't have to kill him.
Selene: I'm sorry but look at him. He's done. Unless you have something in mind.
Terra: Oh I do.
Dr. Cushing: Head Witch if I may. But I couldn't fix his brain. He may never recover.
Terra: Oh Peter, I know you've done your best and what I have won't exactly fix him but will make him into a more...shall we say functional state. If you give me a chance that is.
Selene: ( groans) Fine, If I don't see results before the Day of Unity, he's done.
Terra: Fair enough. You there, take him with me.
A dorodoro enters and takes the wheel chair and follows Terra out of the room.
Voffa: What is she planning?
Mikela: Can she really help him?
Selene: I don't even know. But I'd love to see her try.
We then cut Terra and Satarakura as he is being pushed out of the room as the door closes. The loud shutting however triggered him as he began to scream and coven scouts were running in trying to restrain him.
Satarakura: ( screams) Forgive me!
Scout: Restrain him.
Satarakura: ( echoes) FORGIVE ME!
To be continued..
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. Sorry this took so long. I've just been stuck here and there with the chapter, work has been crazy this month and I've just been doing other things that I've been wanting to do. I've been getting a lot of requests for this episode, I didn't think everyone loved it that much. A lot of you kept asking me to have Luz and Christa in the chapter and though I considered it, I decided not to ( aside from that cameo) because, they're just not there. There was a reason Luz wasn't in the episode and it worked fine.
But anyway I also want to address a few things. One is that this here is ( most likely) my last retelling chapter because the rest of the story differs from the show. Although I will bring some plot elements from later episodes including season 3.
Another thing I want to address is that, I really want to thank you guys for liking this story and supporting it. I even hear some of you say this is better thant he show. While I'm flattered, I want to say I don't really consider this better than the show because I'm not trying to surpass it. I love the show the way it is and how it's being told. I mean sure there's a few things I would have addressed or fix here and there which is what I did here but I still love it. It just had such huge impact on me that I always thought of what if scenarios, characters and monsters that I eventually decided to just make it into a story and add my style to it. But still I appreciate the love and support
I want to thank Lady Shadow92 for help on this chapter. If you liked this chapter be sure to follow, favorite and review. I do not own The Owl House. The Owl House and all it's characters are all owned by Dana Terrace and Disney. Please support the official release. As always thank you and until next time.