Chapter 68:

Dawn of the Final Day

The Day of Unity has finally arrived. Though daylight, the moon which was making it's way to the sun as all the residents with branded sigils made there way to the skull for the new world Belos had promised them, free of wild magic. There was a huge circular area with sections for the different coven brands. In the center was high platform. Though not all were all in on this. The students and teachers of Hexside were hiding at the school after finding out what the ceremony really was. We also see Temperor and Monsieur Bolst at their hideout watching the whole event on a crystal ball and lastly we Thomas also making his way to the skull looking quite eager.

Thomas: ( sighs) It's been a rough year. I got rejected and beat up by my ex girlfriend, I lost to a nerd, humiliated by the Legion of Five as well as human and some...some dog thing making a fool out of me. But no more. Things are going to change for Thomas Harmony.

The scene shifts inside the Titan Skull where we see Belos viewing the sight with Christa with her body halfway turned to stone and Keizer behind the two.

Emperor Belos: Look at this Euphemia. You are about to witness my greatest achievement as a witch hunter.

Keizer: That maybe, but do not forget what this day is really about Belos.

Emperor Belos: I know Master. I fulfilled my end of the bargain now it's time for yours.

Keizer: Soon Belos. Very soon. I can't do much without my power. Once I regain my body I will remove your curse and you are permitted to go home.

Belos gave an annoyed look.

Keizer: Be patient Belos. I've been patient without a body for centuries and it's finally about to pay off. Good things come to those who are patient. I will be in my quarters.

Keizer disappeared leaving the two alone.

Christa: Are you really proud of all this? With mass genocide?

Emperor Belos: It's not what I would have planned. If it was up to me I would have had them all killed but the Master has it's own plans with them and from what he told me I think it's a fate worse than death.

Christa: You're a monster.

Emperor Belos: I'm not the monster here, you are! You and the rest of those witches have terrorized my kind and destroyed my family.

Christa: I know about your parents but you know as well as I do that we did nothing to your brother.

Emperor Belos ( slaps her across the face) You made him into a traitor! He's dead because of you! ( sighs) I don't have time for this right now. I have a spell to finish. I'll be back to deal with you later.

Belos raises his staff and melts into goo to make his way down as Christa just stared at the ground looking defeated and helpless.

We now cut to the CATS base as we see everyone up and preparing for the plan when suddenly Luz, Eda and King ran in the main room looking frantic.

Luz: Guys! Christa's gone!

Hunter: Gone? What do you mean gone?

Hipporit: What's this about?

Eda: Christa snuck out while we were sleeping.

King: She left a note.

Hunter took the note and read it to himself as the other Hexsquad members gathered.

Hunter: I know what I'm doing is against what we planned but this is personal?

Amity: She went to face Belos.

Willow: All by herself?

Gus: Says if she's not back by morning to proceed with the plan.

Alex: It's morning now. Where is she?

Then they heard the sound of a barking, growling sound coming in the base. They turned around and saw Howl enter.

Luz: Howl? Where's Christa?

Howl tried to speak with Luz through his whimpers and growls. Although she couldn't understand him, but could tell it was not good. Flapjack flew to Howl as the two exchanged a brief conversation through their chirps and growls. Flapjack flew onto Hunter's shoulder and spoke to him with his chirps.

Hunter: He has her? Flap says she was fighting Belos until she lost. He's keeping her alive until the draining spell is over. Howl escaped before he could get caught and came back here to get help.

Eda: So she's alive? Let's go get her out.

Raine: Eda wait, we still need you for the draining spell.

Hipporit: Raine is right. We have to proceed with the plan.

Luz: Then I'm going for her.

Eda: Luz.

King: So am I.

Eda: King.

Hipporit: Unacceptable. Your talking about going in to face Belos.

Luz: I know. I did it once I can do it again.

Hipporit: Still I can't allow you to go. Atleast not alone. I will assist you.

Luz looked up to him with a small smile.

Lilith: Sir you sure.

Hipporit: You remember my time as Head Witch. I leave no witch behind, I still don't.

Lilith: Then I'm coming with. That's my niece he has and I won't let Belos harm anymore of my family

Seraphina: Then I'm going with you too.

Hooty: And me! I'll save you CC!

Amity: Then you can count me in too.

Willow: And me.

Gus: Were in it together.

Alex: Yeah! Let's show that prehistoric bastard how we do things in town!

Luz: Guys thanks. Hunter?

Hunter: I'm going.

Luz: You sure? Maybe you should stay. Belos still wants you.

Hunter: I know. I'm scared about what he wants to do with me, but I'm more scared for Christa. She needs me. She needs us.

Luz places her hand on his shoulder and gives him a nod.

Mr. Hirata: I will come as well. I was supposed to take you all to Hexside but I can't without all of you.

Raine: I guess it's settled. We'll proceed with the plan while...

Matti: Wait! I'm going with them.

Raine: Matti?!

Matti: I don't feel right letting these kids go alone and Christa is in danger. I need to go to ensure their safety.

Raine: This is will be a dangerous rescue mission. You should stay at the base.

Matti: I can't Raine. I have to go.

Raine: No, I can't let you to go.

Matti: Please. You know I'd do the same if it was you in trouble. I'll be alright.

Matti gives Raine a hug as well as a kiss on their cheek.

Raine: ( sighs and hugs her) Just be careful.

Matti: I will, you just look after Eda.

Hipporit: Very well. Everyone ready yourselves and meet me at my airship.

As Hipporit leaves to his ship we see some of the group members saying their goodbyes. First with Luz and King with Eda.

Luz: Eda I know you want us to be safe and going to Belos is the last thing you'd want to think about. But I can't leave Christa.

King: She's our family.

Eda: I know and I know I can't talk you out of it. Even if I forced you to stay you'd sneak out anyway. You'd save her like you did for me.

Luz: Because us weirdos have to stick together.

Eda: Ha yeah. I wish I could come. You know I would.

King: We know, but you're needed elsewhere.

Luz: Eda in case things go bad, I just want to say you've been the coolest person I know and well you taught me so much and this past summer with you and King have been the best of my life.

King: Stop acting like this is goodbye. I command you!

Eda: Hey, hey easy come here.

Eda hugs both Luz and King.

Eda: I lived a wild and free life. Had my ups and downs, but you entering my life was the best thing ever for me. I can't imagine it without any of you.

Luz: We love you Eda.

Eda: I love you too. ( kisses Luz and King's head) We will see each other again after the Day of Unity. Just do me a favor and stay together and bring Chrissy home.

Luz: We will.

Lilith: They'll be with us Edalyn. Don't worry.

Eda goes up to Lilith as the latter forms a worried look on her face.

Lilith: I feel like it should be taking your spot instead.

Eda: I got this Lily. With this spell declared, I promise to be back.

Lilith: ( chuckles) That's not a spell. It doesn't even rhyme.

Eda and Lilith hug each other and the former places a kiss on Hooty's head.

Archimedes: Eda. We gotta go.

Eda: Coming Archy. We will win this. We'll make it.

Luz: ( small smile) Yeah we will.

Luz goes over to Archimedes and hugs him.

Archimedes: You be careful out there Luz and be safe.

Luz: I will and promise me you won't let anything happen to Eda.

Archimedes: I-I promise.

We then cut to Amity talking to her aunt and dad.

Alice: Amity I'm not exactly comfortable of what your doing. You should go into hiding.

Amity: I know and I wanted to go and check on Ed and Em. But I can't leave Luz on her own and I have to help Christa. They need me.

Alice: But Amity...

Alador places his hand on his sister's shoulder.

Alador: I don't like it as much as you do, but we've seen how much her friends mean to her. We all want to be together after this day. Besides, Mittens is a strong girl. You know that.

Alice: ( sighs) I know.

Amity: Thanks Dad.

Alador: You show them what a Blight can do.

Amity hugs them both as the two also give her a goodbye kiss on her head. She also feels a nudge from Stranix who gives her a sad look and whimpering sound.

Amity: ( hugs him) Aw Stranix. I'll be back.

We then cut to Hunter and Darius, although the two didn't really know what to say to one another as they just stared at each other and looked away akwardly.

Darius: So uh...your heading out then huh.

Hunter: Yeah uh...I have to.

Darius: But you do know your a target.

Hunter: I can't let anything happen to Red. If that was Alice would you stay away and hide.

Darius: ( sighs) I would have fought every man in my way to save her. Just...( places his hand on his head) come back safe okay.

Hunter: Yeah sure.

We now cut to Luz and her group on Hipporit's airship as he flew them to their destination.

Hooty: Oh wow, this is a really fancy airship. Can I drive?

Hipporit: No! No, no! No touchy. This is a really expensive airship.

Lilith: Forgive Hootsifer sir, he doesn't get out too often.

Hipporit: Yes I can see.

Luz and King looked out and saw other airships flying by and down below everyone gathering to the skull.

King: Look at them. The whole isles is here.

Luz: They don't know what they're getting themselves into. I still don't know how Belos managed to trick them all like that.

Mr. Hirata: Sometimes Luz people are persuaded by the confidence of their leader or consumer.

Luz looked down at Howl who was next to her and looking worried.

Luz: ( pets him) Don't worry Howl. We'll get her back.

Hunter: Where we going? The castle is back South.

Hipporit: We're not heading for the castle.

Luz: But isn't that where Christa is being held?

Hipporit: I don't think so. If Belos left her back there it'd be easy for us to get in.

Matti: You call breaking into a castle easy?

Hipporit: I heard how Luz broke in to save Eda, taking on scouts, fought Warden Wrath twice and even encountered Belos.

Luz: Yeah it was pretty heroic.

Hipporit: Don't get overconfident Luz. The only reason you made it out before was because Belos hardly saw you a threat. He merely toyed with you. After what you've done of lately, he will kill you this time if he gets the chance.

Amity: She won't face Belos alone this time. ( takes her hand) We're here for her.

Hipporit: Ah, we're here.

They looked out and saw they getting near the skull.

Luz: The Titan skull.

Hipporit: Yes, the portal was moved to inside the skull. If it's there, Belos is there too.

Hunter: So then Christa is there too?

Hipporit: I'm sure of it.

Willow: It's incredible. I've never been this close to it before.

Gus: Look down there. Everyone's down there.

They looked down and saw a huge spiral stage and sections all around with different covens.

Alex: Wow, everyone looks like ants from up here.

Luz: So that's where Eda is going to be at huh?

King: We'll see her again.

Luz: I know. Gotta stay strong.

Mr. Hirata: It's not everyday one gets to go inside the skull. In fact it's forbidden.

Luz: Forbidden?

Seraphina: Going inside the Titan's skull is considered sacrilege.

King: Well, I'm sure my dad will excuse us.

Hipporit: Gus can you put an illusion around the ship? We don't want anyone to see us going in?

Gus: Piece of pie.

Luz: Cake.

Gus: Piece of cake.

Gus makes and illusion around the ship making it invisible as we now cut to Alice and Alador almost done with the satellite dish. She was setting the dish at the right position as Alador was further tinkering with the controls.

Alice: Is it done yet Alador?

Alador: Just adding the finishing touches.

Alice: I hope the others will be okay.

Alador: They'll be alright. I know it. Are you worried for Darius?

Alice: Of course I am.

Alador: So then you two are back together?

Alice: Well, are you okay with it?

Alador: Never mind me, it's about you.

Alice: We're trying to make things work between us again. Actually before we left he asked me if things go well if he can take me to dinner. To catch up properly.

Alador: Well you should. You two did a lot together. ( focuses back) Almost done.

Alice: Will this really shut down all the Abomitons.

Alador: It should within the range the dish is at. But there's so much to fix. Had I known Belos would have used our products for evil I would never have allowed it. ( frowns) Then of course Odalia would have said otherwise.

Alice: ( places hand on his shoulder) You deserved better.

Alador: I know. We should proceed.

We now cut to Eda on the airship with Archimedes, Raine, their team and Steve.

Archimedes: ( hands her elixir) Here. You want to keep your curse at bay as much as possible.

Eda: ( drinks it) Bleh, no matter how much I drink this I can never get used to the taste. Thanks though.

Archimedes: Are you nervous?

Eda: Pfft nah. You know me. I'm a fearless bad girl remember.

Archimedes: But are you really willing to get a sigil? Even if your curse heals you may never be able to practice wild magic again.

Eda: Eh, my curse isn't going anywhere and if we get Chrissy back she'll remove it like she did for you. I mean we came this far Archy. Can't turn back now. ( takes his hand) But I'm glad you're hear with me.

Archimedes: Told you I was never going to leave you out of my sight.

Raine: You doing okay Eda?

Eda: Yeah Rainstorm, just prepping myself.

Raine: Though I'm glad you were able to cooperate, I'm still worried. I swear if there was another way of doing this we would have but...

Eda: It's fine. I got this. Really guys just chill.

Steve: We're almost there. Eda this is your cloaking stone. It'll disguise you with an illusion. But it won't change your voice so try not to say much.

Eda takes the cloaking stone, puts it and in a flash she is disguised as Raine.

Raine: Whoa, it's like looking at myself in a mirror.

Archimedes: It works a little too well if you ask me.

Eda ( as Raine): I wonder...( detaches her head) Ha! It works.

Raine: Ha, weird.

Steve: Alright now for the sigil.

Steve puts on a sigil branding glove.

Steve: Are you ready?

Eda looks at both Archimedes and Raine.

Eda: Ready as I'll ever be.

We cut back to Luz and the others as the entered they skull through one of the eye holes as Hipporit lands and everyone gets off.

Alex: This is the inside of the skull? I expected this to just be one big hollow area

Hipporit: Oh no. The years of build up of decay changed the inside.

Luz: Come on we have to find Christa.

The group began their search. It wasn't too long until they were further away from the light of the eye hole.

Hipporit: Oh no.

Luz: What? Oh.

The group came across a major issue. In there path was crossroad tunnel

Seraphina: Which way do we go?

Mr. Hirata: I'm not sure. These could lead anywhere.

Hunter: So then we should split up.

Lilith: But the whole point was to stick together on this rescue mission.

Hunter: If we choose wrong Red will die.

Luz: I think is Hunter is right. It maybe better if we split up.

Hipporit: Very well. We'll split up. Lilith and Seraphina your with me.

Hooty: Ahem.

Hipporit: And Hooty. The rest of you take the other route and here.

Hipporit hands Mr. Hirata and Luz a small device with a few buttons and a screen.

Hipporit: One for you and you in case of emergency. If you do find Belos do not engage him on your own. If either of us find him click here to contact and track the other group and we'll meet up.

Luz: Will you be okay on your own?

Hipporit: ( motions) As long as I have my trusted lieutenant by my side again, I'll be fine.

Lilith: Thank you sir. Luz, King be careful out there.

Seraphina: Just give us a call if you need back up. You know I'll come.

Luz: We will and same with you.

The two groups split up as they continue their search.

Meanwhile.

We cut back to the Day of Unity gathering as Belos with Selene standing by him ( looking normal) as he projects a holographic illusion of himself to make his announcement.

Emperor Belos: Children of the Isles! For too long, our world has been home to an insidious pox. A corruption that defiles the Titan's blessings. But today, that changes. United with the Titan, and the power of the eclipse, we shall wipe out wild magic forever. Paradise awaits!

The crowd cheers as we see the coven heads including Darius and Eberwolf making their way to the higher platform, but we also see Eda, Raine, Archimedes hiding in a secluded area with Steve and the others dressed as Coven Scouts to guard the area. Eda looked at her wrist now having a bard sigil on her as Raine went over plan with her once more.

Raine: Okay pay attention. The other Coven Heads think they're gonna be royalty after today. And they'll do anything to make that happen. The cloaking stone won't cover your voice, so make sure not to speak. Also—

Eda: ( grabs Raine by the shoulders) The curse will do its thing. I got this, Rainstorm. Don't worry.

Raine: Don't tell me not to worry.

Archimedes: Easy Raine. I'm just as worried as you are, but we have to have faith in Eda. She knows what she's doing. I had to understand that with her.

Eda hugs both Raine and Archimedes.

Raine: Just be careful up there.

Eda: Will do Rainstorm and I'll be back Archy. Promise you that.

Eda puts on the cloaking stone and now looks like Raine. She goes up to the platform with the other Coven Heads. Belos was there too alongside Selene. She made her way to be near Darius and Eberwolf but is then stopped by Belos.

Emperor Belos: Oh! I almost forgot, I decided to switch up the arrangement.

This surprised the trio as Darius and Eberwolf were forced to switch spots and Eda was now standing in between Plant Coven Head Terra Snapdragon and Illusionist Coven Head Adrian Gray.

Terra: Hello Sprouts.

Eda just replied with a gulp but didn't say anything. As the Coven Heads stood in there spots Belos raises his arms, then draws a large glyph-like shape into the ground below himself and the Coven Heads with his staff. He raises his staff into the air and activates it.

Emperor Belos: (Low voice) Goodbye, Boiling Isles.

He slams his staff into the ground and activates the glyph, sending large pillars of light into the air. All of the audience's Coven Sigils start glowing as Belos makes his leave. The moon was getting close to the sun. The darkest hour was near, but as the sigils began to glow Eda's however was acting up as her arm was reacting to the curse which as planned seemed to be weakening the spell. That was until she felt a hand on her shoulder from behind.

Selene: And what do we have here? Gray if you may.

Adrian Gray: Gladly. I love a good twist.

Gray uses his illusion magic and cancles the cloaking stone adn exposing Eda.

Eda: Hey.

Selene: Hello Eda, long time no see.

Upon seeing this, Eberwolf immediately summons his beast form and lunges at Terra, however it is blocked by Mason, the Construction Coven head, and his hammer. Eberwolf simply clings onto his hammer and summons flesh-eating insects which begin to crawl around him. Mason drops his hammer in shock and begins screaming and waving the bugs away, to no avail, as Eberwolf summons more of them that cover his head.

Darius: Oh, for Titan's sake.

Darius then transforms into a large abomination and begins fighting the other Coven Heads as well. Eberwolf is suddenly restrained by Osran, the Oracle Coven head, as Vitimir, the Potions Coven head, attacks Darius, but he slices off their hat.

Selene: Enough.

Selen slams her staff to the ground as she formed snakes from the ground ground and constricting Darius and Eberwolf.

Selene: As much as it amuses me to watch you fight among yourselves we have a schedule to keep up.

Terra: Darius you too? I'm very disappointed in you.

Darius: You don't know what your getting yourselves into! None of you do! It's a set up, Belos is...

Selene however has another snake wrap around his mouth gagging him.

Selene: Let's just put you two back and bring in the real Raine.

We see two Abomitons walk up the platform one with Raine and the other with Archimedes while the others are arrested by coven scouts.

Terra: Are you really doing this again Sprouts? I thought I got through to you.

Selene: Well you clearly failed Terra. Never have an old lady watch a rebel.

Terra: Watch your tone Selene. Didn't your mother ever tell you to respect your elders.

Selene: ( annoyed) My mother is dead.

Terra: ( smirks) I know.

Selene: Just get back to your spot. ( to Raine) That was nice try Raine. You had it all planned out perfectly and it would have worked. But no matter how well you act, you can never escape my eyes.

Eda: Oh you are making a big mistake.

Eda was about to transform into her harpy form, until another Abomiton came at her from behind and grabbed hold of her.

Selene: No Eda, I know exactly what I'm doing. ( in low voice) I know exactly what's going on.

Eda is removed from the spot as Raine is placed on their rightful spot, that is until Selene noticed something off about their wrist.

Selene: This is strange. Gray again.

Adrian Gray uses his magic to break any illusion that was on Raine but nothing happened.

Adrian Gray: Nothing. It's no illusion.

Terra: That's impossible? How did you remove your sigil Sprouts.

Selene: We'll figure this out later. It's no problem.

Selene raises her hand as a scout puts a coven branding glove on her.

Selene: We'll just fix that up.

Selene pulls Raine's wrist despite their resistance but is given another bard sigil. She pushes them back as she formed more snakes from the ground to keep them at the spot.

Selene: Problem solved. Now what to do with you Eda?

Archimedes: Don't you dare touch her.

Selene gives and evil grin motioning towards Archimedes.

Selene: Drop him.

The Abomiton lets go of Archimedes as he summons his scythe staff.

Selene: You want to save her, go ahead. Do it! Be the hero and save the damsel in distress.

Eda: Archimedes wait!

Archimedes glared at Selene and tried to strike her with the scythe. She dodged the attack as Archimedes kept trying to slash her as she dodged effortlessly. He spun his scythe around and fired multiple magic projectiles at her. She simply deflected the attacks with her staff and then reached out her arm forming into her snake arm. Archimedes cut the head of the snake arm off as Selene held her now severed hand as she fell back and dropped her staff. She laid on the ground with Archimedes poiting his scythe at her neck. The other Coven Heads were about to intervene until she raised her other hand up to keep them at bay.

Selene: You do know what your doing officially makes you a criminal.

Archimedes: I've been one since I met that woman.

Eda: Archy.

Selene: Oh how sweet.

But then Archimedes felt a bite at his ankle. He didn't notice when Selene fell she dropped her staff and Kaa and snuck up on him and bit him, injecting him with venom. Archimedes let out a raspy groan as he fell to the ground.

Eda: Archy!

Selene got back up as her served hand regenerated.

Selene: That's better.

Eda: What have you done?

Selene: What better way to kill you by having your last moments watch as your lover dies a painful death. Leave the two be. He'll die any minute and her curse will destroy her with the spell.

Kaa slithers back to her and forms into her staff.

Selene: I must go now.

Terra: You're not going to stay and witness paradise?

Selene: I have some important buisness to attend to. But nevermind me. ( forms evil smirk) Enjoy it.

Selene leaves the platform as the Coven Heads stood there ready. The plan had failed as Raine, Darius and Eberwolf couldn't move or do anything and Eda tried desperatly to break free wanting to go save Archimedes as he kept winching and yelling from the pain from his infected leg as it was turning purple.

Eda: Archy.

Archimedes: E.

The moon was getting closer and was only a couple feet away from the sun as a vision of Keizer's eye appeared on the moon.

Keizer: Hahahaha! It is time!

To be continued...

Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. These next few might be a bit tough since mulitple events are to happen so it might require going back and forth on which scenes should play. That's what I faced here but I think the next might be easy. I'll try to get it out as soon as possible. I want to thank Lady Shadow92 for help on this chapter. If you liked this chapter be sure to follow, favorite and review. As always thank you and until next time.