Owl House: Mystic Rebirth (Old Version)

by AT-Joker125

(Canceled Next update will announce the newest version)

5. Chapter 4 Fast Times At Hexside

A/N: Here it is at last! The next chapter! Sorry this took me so long! But you'll be glad to know I've set up a sort of deadline for myself! You'll know more about it at the end. In case you noticed, I also cleared up the excess announcement chapters. Felt like they were cluttering up the story, didn't feel like there was any need for them. Anyway, let's get into this! Also, be on the look out for a couple Easter Eggs I planted in this one!

I do not own Owl House or Super Sentai

IKUZO!

---

Chapter 4: Fast Times at Hexside

During his short, but active, tenure as MagiRed, Ash had faced many different types of difficult situations; criminal scum, homicidal maniacs, fearsome monsters, and even natural disasters that made anything in the human realm feel like a day at the beach. But never had he expected to deal with a lovestruck fan that he just so happened to be living with. As he continued his morning reps, he felt his mind wander back to a few days ago, and the conversation he had with Eda and King. All things considered, they were pretty supportive and understanding with Ash's predicament.

---

Flashback

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"!

As the young wizard sat on the couch, the elder witch and little demon were laughing their heads off, thoroughly tickled pink.

"Aw man, you sure dug yourself a pretty deep hole this time, didn't ya kid"? Eda chuckled, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

"I know! Luz is, haha, in love, hahaha, with the mysterious masked wizard MagiRed"! King howled, "And he just happens to be her housemate"!

"Shhh! SHHHH"! Ash hissed, clapping a hand over the area where King's mouth was, "She'll HEAR you"!

"I don't know how you get into situations like this, but it's sure as hell funny to see you squirm while you're in 'em"! Eda chuckled, holding her stomach as she continued laughing.

"This isn't funny, Eda"! Ash insisted as he released his grip on King, "Luz is completely smitten with me! Er, MagiRed! I mean-Oh, you get it already"!

"Yeah, I get it", Eda said, calming down a bit, "But what's the big deal? Is she not your type or something"?

"What? No! I mean, it's not that", Ash said nervously getting up from his place on the couch, "Well, you know how it works! If she discovers my secret identity, there'll be a target on her back! I've made a LOT of enemies during my time as a MagiRanger".

"You've certainly kept busy putting away bad guys", King pointed out, "Some of them have even managed to follow you back here. Which would've been bad if it wasn't for Hooty keeping them out".

"Did someone say Hooty"?! Hooty exclaimed excitedly, stretching in through the window, "Am I the topic of a conversation?! Tell me! I wanna gossip too"!

"Not now, Hooty"! Ash, Eda, and King all said in unison.

"Okay, okay! I get it! Sheesh"! Hooty huffed as he stretched back out of the window.

"Look, I get that you're worried", Eda said, getting back on topic, "But it's not like you'd be unable to keep her safe. Unless all those fancy human world moves you've been practicing are all crap"?

"They're NOT crap! They're Martial Arts, and that's not even the biggest issue that I'm talking about"! Ash protested.

The wizard teen's eyes widened as he had realized he'd suddenly let an important part of his reasoning, which he had originally meant to keep quiet about, suddenly slip.

"And what issue might that be"? Eda asked, crossing her arms.

"Is this about the rest of your family"? King inquired, now equally curious.

"Well, not really", Ash replied scratching the back of his head, "I hardly see any of them at all, anyway".

"Well then what's the problem"? Eda reiterated.

Ash was too nervous to answer at first. However, knowing Eda would press further, he knew he had no other choice except for full disclosure.

"Alright, fine", Ash sighed, walking a few steps away from the couch, "The problem with this is that if she were to find out I was MagiRed, then she'd...she'd be...".

"She'd be WHAT"? Eda and King both asked.

Ash felt a lump form in his throat. He swallowed hard before he spoke.

"She'd...be disappointed", Ash confessed hesitantly.

"What do you mean disappointed"? Eda asked, completely befuddled and rather surprised.

"Dude, why would she be disappointed"? King queried, "You've done a ton of good things for the Isles! You're a hero"!

"No", Ash denied, shaking his head, "MagiRed is a hero. I'm just a member of a failed Coven".

"Oh, Ash", Eda said with a sigh, "...Look, I know I never liked your whole "Secret Superhero" thing to begin with. I mean, busting your hump just for a few pats on the back at best? Heh, I'll pass. That said, given all the work you've put in with this little "charity project" of yours, you gotta at least give yourself some credit".

"No, Eda", Ash said, "It has to be this way. Every good thing that's happened for the people of the Isles was done by MagiRed, not me".

"But you ARE MagiRed"! King pointed out, "If you just explained to Luz, maybe she'd-".

"I already told you, King", Ash insisted, "I'm not going to risk shattering the image of Luz's hero".

And with that, Ash exited the living room, leaving Eda and King confused and concerned. Though that last feeling applied more to Eda.

End of Flashback

---

As the memory ended, Ash couldn't help but feel as though he had a ball of lead in his stomach. This whole situation was almost too much for him. He felt so conflicted and frustrated at the same time. Should he tell Luz he's MagiRed? Will she be disappointed if he did? Can he protect her knowing the danger she'll be put in in revealing his secret identity? All these questions and many others swirled around in his head, but there wasn't an answer in sight.

"Ash"!

He was startled out of his train of thought by a loud voice calling his name. Turning to the doorway, he saw King standing there with a confused look on his face.

"Uhh, what're you doing"? King asked.

"Huh? Oh, uhh, nothing"! Ash said nervously, "Just...taking a little time to reflect on the progress of my training, that's all"!

"Uh-huh", King said skeptically, "Well, if you're finished, could you grab Luz? Eda wants you guys to meet her at the beach. Said she's got something awesome to show her newest student".

"And knowing Eda, it's probably the exact opposite of her claim", Ash muttered, wiping the sweat from his face, "Okay, you go ahead. I'm gonna take a quick shower and we'll meet you guys in twenty minutes".

"Alright, see ya", King said before walking away.

Ash picked out a few sets of clothes from his dresser to look through later, remembering he still had to choose a new outfit after his last one got ruined in the Adegast incident. As he rifled through the drawers, he couldn't help but think about everything he'd been pondering earlier.

"Maybe I'm overthinking this whole thing", Ash said aloud, "I mean, I get a ton of fans with innocent crush's every day. I'm sure Luz no longer sees MagiRed as a love interest now".

---

Deep in the highest part of the sinister black castle's tower, the Good Witch Luzura lay chained to a wooden board, helpless and seemingly without hope. Before her stood a figure wearing dark purple robes with black boots and gloves. He also wore a purple hooded mask with a red pentagram symbol emblazoned on the masks' forehead. A pair of yellow serpentine eyes glowed out of the masks' eyeholes as he sneered at the captured witch before him.

"Pathetic amateur! You thought you could best me?! Atticus Hex, Supreme Sorceror of Chaos and Mayhem"?! The figure, Atticus, roared in outrage, "Well, no longer will you meddle in my plans! It's time I put an end to your interfering"!

"You may defeat me, Atticus", Luzura said, "But there'll ALWAYS be someone to stop evildoers like yourself"!

"Ha! Foolish witch Luzura"! Atticus cackled, "Who do you think can stop me if you, the Isles' greatest up and coming witch, cannot"?!

BOOM!

The evil sorcerer's tirade was interrupted as a loud explosion shook the castle.

"What was that"? Atticus said confused.

BAM!

As if to answer his question, the door to the tower was blown clear off its' hinges. Both the sorcerer and the captured look to see a shadowed figure standing in the doorway. As the figures approaching footsteps echoed throughout the room, the light from the upper windows peeked through, revealing it to be none other than the Ruby Wizard himself.

"Grrr! MagiRed"! Atticus snarled.

Luzura felt her heart leap into her chest. Her savior had arrived at last.

"Release her, Atticus"! MagiRed demanded, "And surrender yourself to the authority of Magitopia"!

"You think you can scare ME into surrendering"?! Atticus exclaimed, "I am the greatest, most powerful dark wizard the Isles' has ever known! I will not surrender to the likes of you"!

Atticus then held out his hand and drew a magic circle. A bright purple ball of light began to form at the tip of his finger. It then took the shape of a bright purple fireball.

"Today, you will die, MagiRed"! Atticus shouted.

"We shall see, villain", MagiRed replied, removing his MagiStick from its' holster.

"DIE, HERO"! Atticus said as he launched the fireball straight at the Ruby Wizard.

"Look out"! Luzura cried.

The large flaming sphere flew at MagiRed at breakneck speed. As soon as it made contact with him, there was a bright flash of light. As Luzura and Atticus both opened their eyes, they saw the Ruby Wizard was nowhere to be seen, seemingly burned to a crisp in that attack. The dark wizard laughed victoriously as Luzura simply looked on in abject horror at the place where MagiRed once stood.

"I did it! I killed MagiRed"! Atticus cheered.

"Think again", hissed a voice.

"Huh"?

SLICE!

To everyone's surprise, MagiRed appeared behind Atticus and, in one clean swipe, decapitated the dark wizard with his MagiStick's Sword Form. The now removed head bounced onto the ground like a rubber ball.

"Aww man"! It exclaimed, "That's the third time this week my heads' been cut off"!

With Atticus now incapacitated, MagiRed ran over to Luzura to free her from her restraints. Converting his MagiStick back to its' primary wand mode, he blasted off the chains on her wrists and ankles.

"I'm sorry I took so long, Luzura", MagiRed apologized as he helped her to stand, "I should've been here sooner".

"It's okay", Luzura said softly with a smile, "Because I knew that no matter what, I could count on you to be there for me".

"You can always count on me", MagiRed taking hold of both her arms.

Luzura felt her heart leap into her chest as she looked into the bird shaped visor of his helmet. A smile crept across her face as she placed both her hands on the side of his helmet.

"I know", she replied as she began to lean in closer, "And maybe that's why...I'm so taken with you".

"Luzura", MagiRed softly as he too began to close the distance between him.

"MagiRed", Luzura said as her eyes began to close.

Their faces were only inches apart now. As the witch grew closer, she felt as though absolutely nothing could ruin this moment. Except maybe a strange voice calling out from somewhere.

"Luz? Luz?! Hey, Luz"!

---

"LUZ"!

"Huh"?!

All of the sudden, Luz snapped out of her fantasy and was back in her room. She looked to see Ash in the doorway with a confused look on his face. There was a brief moment of awkward silence.

"Umm...what're you doing"? Ash asked.

Luz could feel a bead of sweat forming on her forehead as she looked at Ash and then at the Azura Doll and crochet rag doll of MagiRed she had in her hands.

"Uh, nothing! Nothing"! She said nervously, hiding the dolls behind her back, "What're you doing"?

"Uhh, Eda wanted me to come get you", Ash replied hesitantly, "But if you're busy or something, I could just-".

"No! Nope, I'm not busy", Luz said frantically, "Not busy at all"!

The Dominican girl then began to laugh nervously in an attempt to dissuade her wizard friend of any doubt.

"Okay then"? Ash said reluctantly.

The young wizard then noticed the ragdoll in Luz's possession.

"So uhhh, what's with the doll"? Ash asked.

Luz immediately started to blush.

"Well I just figured...", Luz started hesitantly, "...It'd be nice to have something that reminded me of MagiRed. Seeing as how he's my hero and all, y'know"?

Ash couldn't help but smile at that.

"I see", he said, "Well hey, before we go, do you think you could help me with something"?

"Hmm? What is it"? Luz asked.

"I managed to put together some new replacement outfits from some clothes in my closet", Ash explained, "But I'm not exactly the best when it comes to picking out clothes so..."?

Almost immediately, Luz knew what he was trying to get at.

"Ahh, I see, ya need a woman's touch, huh"? Luz deduced with a smile.

"Do you mind"? Ash asked sheepishly.

"Are you KIDDING me?! I've always wanted to do a clothing montage"! Luz said excitedly.

"Wait, montage"? Ash repeated, rather confused.

"Well, let's not waste any more time! On with the montage"! Luz hyped, grabbing Ash and leading him out of the room.

"Wait, what does that even mean"?! Ash said, completely clueless.

What that meant was going through every outfit Ash had put together in a colorfully animated fashion. In Ash's room, Luz sat on his bed while he changed in his closet. Luckily, it was a walk-in closet, so it wasn't as though he didn't have enough elbow room. After a few minutes, he walked out with his first outfit, consisting of a red and white argyle sweater vest over a blue collared shirt, a red necktie, khaki shorts, and brown loafers.

"Too preppy", Luz critqued shaking her head.

Next, was Outfit Number 2, which consisted of a red sequined tailcoat jacket, a black long-sleeved frilled shirt, black pants and ankle boots.

"Hmmm, a little too flashy", Luz said pensively, "I feel like I'm expecting a bunch of doves to fly out from your sleeve.

Outfit Number 3 was made up of a red pinstripe suit with a matching fedora, a black collared shirt and white necktie, a black duster trench coat and dress shoes.

"Very dashing, but a bit too mafia", Luz assessed, "You're gonna want something that doesn't overshadow that natural humble vibe ya got going on".

Outfit four was comprised of a red and yellow pirate style coat with epaulettes and gold buttons, over a white collared shirt with the sleeves sticking out of the jacket sleeves, with a red and black vest with gold buttons beneath the shirt, a black belt, and a pair of black pants and buccaneer lace up boots.

"I really like this one", Ash confessed.

"Me too, but I feel like it's a bit too pirate and less wizard", Luz said sadly.

"You're right", Ash sighed, "And I got a feeling if I stuck with this outfit, I wouldn't be able to help myself from making things...".

Ash paused before striking a pose.

"Extremely showy", he said in a suave tone.

Luz couldn't help but laugh at that.

Outfit five was made up of a black t-shirt, dark gray pants, and black tennis shoes. The biggest eyecatcher that tied it all together was a green lizard hoodie with fake spines down the back and two big yellow eyes on the hood.

"Hmmm, cute but wrong", Luz said honestly.

"Yeah, that's what I thought too, Ash agreed, taking off the hood, "I also feel as though it'd be better if I had blonde hair to complete the outfit".

"I was thinking the same thing"! Luz said in astonishment.

The sixth outfit was made up of a purple cloak over a black and white striped long sleeve shirt, gray pants and black shoes.

"Again, cute but wrong", Luz said once more, "Also, I feel as if the outfit's incomplete without an eyepatch to tie it all together".

"An eyepatch"? Ash asked curiously, "...Hmm, now that I think about it, you just might be right".

Moments later, Ash exited from the walk-in closet wearing the seventh and final outfit. This outfit was made up of a plain grey t-shirt beneath a short sleeve red and black button up shirt, a pair of dark blue pants, and red leather sneakers. To complete the outfit, he put his red jewel necklace back on.

"So...what do you think"? Ash asked nervously.

"I think...we have a WINNER"! Luz cheered clapping her hands.

"Really"? Ash asked.

"Absolutely"! Luz said, "It suits you really well too"!

Ash turned to look at himself in the mirror. Looking over at the goggles he placed on the shelf, he took them and secured them on his side. Feeling as though his ensemble was completed, he took a good look at himself. Luz was right, it DID look good on him.

"Thanks for your help, Luz", Ash said, turning to her.

"Anytime", Luz replied, "So anyway, now that that's taken care of, we can meet up with Eda. What exactly did she want, again"?

"Knowing her, it's got something to do with something gross, "I'm sure", Ash sighed in a knowing tone as he grabbed his shoulder bag.

---

Elsewhere, as the sun shone down on the beach were Eda stood with Luz, King, and Ash, the young wizard held a deadpan expression.

"Well, Luz"! Eda began, nudging the human with her elbow, "Did you ever in your life think you'd see something as breathtaking as this"?

The Owl Lady then gestured to the large corpse of a trash slug that towered over them. It was surrounded by trash, muck, and noisy flies that buzzed around it.

"What'd I tell ya"? Ash muttered to Luz.

"You're right, I don't like this", Luz said, shaking her head and pinching her nose.

"Yes, it doesn't get much more inspiring than the trash slug", Eda said, walking over to the bloated and enormous corpse before pulling a rubber chicken from the trash slug's mouth and tossing it aside, "It makes a home, a life from what others have thrown by the wayside. Until, BLAM! it gets blasted by a wave one day and croaks from all the salt. And then we get to sell the stuff it ate."

Eda then handed a pickaxe to Luz, who looked at her with a horrified expression.

"Please don't make me", she begged in a husky tone.

"Aw, come on, Luz", King said, walking away and unfurling a towel, "It's not every day you get to go to the dump and pick apart a garbage carcass".

"Unless you're like us, and it's every week", Ash pointed out as he crossed his arms.

"Aww come on, Ashy-boy! You used to LOVE doing this stuff"! Eda said.

"Ashy-boy"? Luz repeated, rather amused by this new bit of information.

Ash's eyes widened as he felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him.

"Okay, first of all, I told you I never liked that name", Ash said, "Second, that was when I was eight! It stopped being fun after I turned eleven. Now it's just a chore".

"Even so, it's one of our basic sources for stocking the Human Goods stand", Eda said pointedly, "And since you're still out of a job, the stands' our only source of income. But hey, if you're too good to help out with that-".

"Alright, ALRIGHT"! Ash huffed as he set down his bag and removed his goggles from his side, "Enough with the guilt trip! I never said I wouldn't help".

"Thattaboy"! Eda said as Ash marched over to the corpse.

Ash sighed as he placed the goggles over his eyes.

"Let's get this over with", He seethed.

After tracing a spell circle, a small and focused stream of fire like the flame of a blowtorch rose out from Ash's index and middle fingers. He then slowly began running the flame on his spot on the trash slug's corpse. As gross as it was, Luz couldn't help but be impressed.

"That's a pretty handy spell", Luz complimented.

"Thanks, I find it's a lot more efficient than a worn-out old pickaxe", Ash said while teasing Eda at the same time.

"Ah, nuts to you both", Eda replied as she began swinging the pickaxe at the trash slug.

Luz grimaced as her teacher began aiding in the essential dismemberment of the large corpse.

"So, Eda...", Luz began, having to pause each time the Owl Lady hit the dead slug, "What if we tried some new lessons for my apprenticeship? Like... Read ancient scrolls or mix together potions, or-".

"Ugh! That sounds like a bunch of magic school stuff", Eda said as she started tossing things from the trash slug's mouth.

"Wait! Is there a magic school here"? Luz asked, suddenly becoming interested, "Like, winding towers, cute uniforms, dark plots that threaten your life kind of magic school"?

"Mm-hmm", Eda said as she looked back up from her place among the various items pulled from the trash slug, "What's worse, they force you to learn magic the "proper" way. But magic isn't proper. It's wild and unpredictable. And that's why it's so beautiful. I didn't finish school, and look at me! Who wouldn't envy where I am right now"?

There was a moment of awkward silence. The only sound that could be heard was the flies that droned around the trash slugs' corpse.

"That's a joke, right"? Ash asked, looking up from where he was.

What the young wizard didn't notice was a small stream of slime spring up from where he had cut with his flame. That is, until it burst into a full blast, resembling that of an open fire hydrant, and knocked Ash off his feet, sending him sliding on the ground until he stopped in front of Luz. The young Rugrid boy was now covered from head to toe in green goo. Luz felt a mixture of disgust and concern as she looked down at her slime covered friend. Eda, on the other hand, felt nothing but amusement, and she showed it by doubling over with laughter.

"Well, if it wasn't, THAT certainly was", Eda snorted, rather entertained by that.

"You okay"? Luz said, kneeling down next to Ash.

The boy in question slowly peeled off his goggles, revealing a bemused look in his eyes.

"What do you think"? He muttered.

"Sorry", Luz said backing away.

"And I just took a shower, too", Ash complained as he got to his feet.

After tracing a spell circle above his head with his wand, a small cloud appeared. Snapping his fingers, the cloud let loose a downpour of rainwater, washing away all the slime off Ash. Once he saw that he'd been thoroughly de-slimed after giving himself the onceover, Ash clapped his hands, making the water from the cloud cease. The cloud then let loose a blast of warm air onto Ash like a makeshift hairdryer. After a few seconds, Ash waved his wand, making the cloud vanish.

"You sure got a lot of useful spells on hand", Luz noted, once again impressed.

"It's good for quick cleanups", Ash replied, shrugging his shoulders, "And the best part is that it doesn't use too much magic".

"So hey, does that mean you go to school, Ash"? Luz inquired.

"Oh uhh, n-no, not...not really", Ash answered, rather nervously, "Eda kinda homeschools me".

"Seriously"? Luz said surprised.

"Hey, it's worked so far"! Eda protested.

"Yeah to some degree", Ash thought.

"Don't you WANT to go to school, though"? Luz asked.

"Honestly, I prefer it this way", Ash confessed, "It's bit too personal to talk about. Let's just say, I have my reasons and I'd rather not get into them at the moment".

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to pry", Luz apologized.

"It's okay", Ash assured.

After another brief moment of awkward silence, Eda decided to step in.

"Hey, here's a lesson! Eda said, drops her pickaxe, "A great witch is resourceful like this".

She then proceeded to stick Luz's hand in a puddle of the trash slug bile. Eda then dragged Luz's hand back and forth before letting go. Grimacing as she sifted her hand through the green goo, Luz continued digging until she pulled out..

"Oh, hey. Greasy slime ball", Luz said half-heartedly.

"Use your slime ball wisely, young witch", Eda said in a sagely tone, closing Luz's hands around the slime ball.

"And of course, wash your hands before you eat anything", Ash advised.

"That goes without saying", Luz muttered in agreement.

"And, back at it"! Eda said, getting to her feet as she headed back for the trash slug, "We'll hit the stink nodes first".

"Actually, I think I'll take five", Ash said, still rather incensed by the recent "slime shower" he'd been in.

"And I think I'll head home and look at pictures of animals that are still... alive", Luz said, backing way before stopping over at where King was, "Love you, King! You little beach peach".

King giggled as the human girl petted his belly before walking off into the woods. As Ash watched Luz walk away, he had a feeling she might need someone to talk to. With that, he grabbed his satchel and followed after her.

"More for me, then", Eda said with a shrug.

She then climbed into the trash slug and started pulling out several things one by one, letting them clatter on the ground.

"There we go. Okay", she said as she tossed out a cheese grater, an electric fan, and a tuba, the last of which landed on King's head.

"Ow"! King exclaimed as he struggled to free himself before shouting with elation, "This is awesome"!

---

Later, as Luz walked down the forest path, she couldn't help but glare at the slime ball in her hand. Despite her discouragement, she managed to notice something out of the corner of her eye. Looking down at the ground, she saw that her shadow was waving its' arms trying to get her attention. Needless to say, she was completely surprised and confused.

"Okay, that's a new one", she said, raising a brow.

She then watched as her shadow shook its' head at her, then rubbed its' eyes, acting as if it were crying, before pointing at her and holding its' stomach like it was laughing.

"Oh sure, make fun of me", Luz huffed, "What do you have to be upset over?! You're just a shadow"!

"Alright! That's enough of that", ordered a voice.

Looking over her shoulder, Luz saw Ash coming up behind her.

"Okay you, fun's over", Ash said to the shadow, "You're coming off as annoying more than funny now".

Luz watched as her shadow then stamped its' foot in disappointment and, to her surprise, began to change shape until it resembled that of Ash. The ebony shade then crawled across the ground over to Ash before reattaching itself to his feet.

"Sorry about that", Ash apologized, "Shadows tend to have a mind of their own".

"You have a magic shadow"?! Luz asked, now eagerly invested.

"Well, yes and no", Ash explained, pulling out his wand, "It's a pretty simple spell. Not useful for combat but good for other things. Like gathering information and whatnot".

"Wait, was that how you found me"? Luz asked in realization, thinking back to her encounter with Adegast.

"Uh...yeah, kinda", Ash confessed, nervously scratching the back of his head, "I was afraid something bad might happen to you while I was gone and I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I didn't mean to spy on you or whatever, I swear! I just-"!

"No, no, no! It's okay", Luz assured, "You were right, in the end. And plus, it's kinda sweet you wanted to make sure I was safe".

Ash's eyes widened as he heard the human girl validate him.

"Wait, sweet"? He thought.

"So then, where'd you learn a spell like that"? Luz asked, changing the subject.

"Oh! Uh", Ash stammered as he regained his train of thought, "Eda taught it to me when I was little so I'd have someone to play with. Though in hindsight, I think she taught it to me just so I'd stop bugging her".

"Okay, now THAT'S a spell worth learning"! Luz noted.

Upon saying that, Luz immediately lost her smile as she remembered what had her so down before.

"What's up"? Ash asked.

"It's nothing", Luz quickly denied.

"Luz, come on", Ash urged, "It's obvious something is bothering you".

Knowing that she wouldn't be able to keep it from him for much longer, the young human let out a sigh before speaking.

"It's just", she began, "I've been here for almost a week now and I still haven't learned any spells! I thought I'd have learned something by now, but I haven't".

She then looked back at the slime ball in her hand.

"I mean, if magic's all about digging for slime balls, maybe I don't have the stomach for it", she huffed bitterly as she put the slime ball in her pocket.

"I know how you feel Luz", Ash said sympathetically, "It took me a while to learn magic from Eda, too. After all, she's not the most hands-on kind of teacher when it comes to magic".

"That's for sure", Luz bitterly said in agreement.

"But you gotta remember, the way she taught me and the way she's teaching you is completely different", Ash reminded, "It was easier for me cause I can actually use magic. Trying to teach magic to someone who doesn't have any magic to begin with is a lot more difficult than it sounds".

Luz hated to admit it, but Ash made a very good point.

"I know", Luz sighed, "I just wish I'd be able to make some kind of progress. Any progress would be good"!

"It'll happen, Luz", Ash assured, "For now though, think of it this way; being able to be patient and having faith in a plan that leaves you confused and frustrated takes a lot of courage. And you'll find that, around here, most magic comes from that exact thing".

"What, courage"? Luz said, once again befuddled, "Wait a second, how exactly does magic come from courage"?

"Well, you see...", Ash began.

"You can do it! You can"!

Unfortunately, before he could explain any further, they both heard another voice that neither of them recognized.

"What was that"? Ash asked.

"Mysterious voice of encouragement"? Luz said, just as surprised as she looked around.

With their attention now shifted, Luz and Ash had now begun attempting to locate the source of the voice. As they peeked through some bushes, the Dominican teen and young wizard saw a young stocky witch girl about their age sitting on a rock near a wheelbarrow. She had light skin, short dark blue hair, and had pointed ears like Ash. She wore a pair of round gold-framed glasses and a uniform of some kind which consisted of a gray tunic with pink sleeves and leggings that matched, a dark gray cowl and belt a gold pin and gray-black short-heeled shoes. There was also a satchel and school supplies that lay near her.

"No! Little witch girl", Luz said softly.

"I think she's a student from the local school", Ash noted, "But I wonder what she's doing out here"?

In addition, Ash couldn't help but wonder why she looked so nervous, as well.

"You can do it", she said, as she got up and paced around a bit, "Even if you get a bad grade, it's not a reflection of you as a witch. And my parents are right; there are better opportunities on this track. Now, get to school"!

As the witch girl struck a confident pose, her mood nosedived as she quickly noticed she had stepped on a flower.

"Oh, no! Oh, little friend! I'm sorry"! She said sadly.

The bespectacled teen witch then knelt down next to the crushed flower and repeatedly traced a green spell circle over it. As little orbs of magic floated down from the circle, the flower immediately perked back up, good as new. Luz let out a gasp as she saw this. Ash was rather impressed as well.

"Wow", he said, "I haven't seen plant magic like that since-".

But before he could finish his thought, a rumbling sound suddenly filled the air. The young witch girl, as well as the two teens watching her from the bushes, all turned to see a cauldron toting wagon, being moved by magic, roll to a stop in front of the nervous flower loving girl. Atop the pot rode another witch girl. She had pale skin, bright golden eyes black nail polish, and pointed ears. She also had two-toned, chin-length hair comprised of aquamarine hair with brown roots, which was held up in the front with a ponytail, keeping her hair out of her face. She wore a uniform identical to the blue haired witch girl. The only difference being that her uniform had a gold star sticker on the front that read "Top Student". Her name was Amity Blight, and Ash could tell, from the vibe that she was giving off, she wasn't the kind of person you'd like right off the bat.

Looking up from her book, which was entitled Magic 101, she cast a rather smug look at her fellow witch teen.

"Willow", she greeted, closing her book as she hopped off the cauldron, "Wow, you're so unnoticeable I almost rolled into ya".

She chuckled as the flower that Willow just healed immediately wilted.

"Hi, Amity", Willow greeted in a neutral tone as she stood up.

"Uh, shouldn't you get to class early to prep your..."?

Amity's question was interrupted as a rattling sound caught both their attention. They both turned to see Willows' pot as it toppled over onto the ground, spilling out a purple substance and an eyeball that blinks and groans. Back in the bushes, Ash covered his mouth as his cheeks suddenly bulged as he saw the rather ghastly puddle of ooze. He'd never admit it, but there were still some forms of magic that left him squeamish, and Abomination magic happened to be one of them. Luz looked over at him with worry, but the young wizard flashed a thumbs up sign, indicating he'd be fine.

"Oh, Willow", Amity said in a condescending manner, "You don't have anything to show, do you"?

"Witch drama"! Luz whispered.

"Hmph, she doesn't seem very nice", Ash noted.

Willow pulled up her hood, blushing as Amity continued.

"This is why people call you "Half-a-Witch Willow" ", Amity sighed.

Another rattling sound suddenly came from Amity's pot.

"Oh, looks like someone wants to say something to you", Amity said as she went over to the pot and took off the cover, "Abomination, rise".

Upon snapping her fingers, Amity's abomination rose out of the pot, becoming more solid until it took the shape of a three eyed humanoid.

"Oh, that's so gross", Ash grimaced, "I always hated that kind of magic".

The abomination groaned as it bent out of the pot and poked Willow's forehead, leaving behind abomination goo in the shape of a star.

"You're a... star", it moaned.

"Aw. It's like mine", Amity said sarcastically as she readjusted the star shaped sticker on her uniform, "But much smaller and meaningless".

Ash felt his muscles tighten as Amity continued to insult Willow. As he watched this unfold, the young wizard couldn't help sympathize with Willow as he thought back to when he was younger, when people doubted and belittled him for having no control over his magic. He truly felt a kinship with the poor little witch girl in front of him.

"As top student, it's my duty to tell you to keep at it", Amity continued with false sincerity as she put an arm around Willow, "Even you could get a passing grade someday. Abomination, cower".

The abomination groaned as it melted back into the pot. After replacing the pot lid, Amity took hold of the cart and went on her way.

"See you in class, superstar", she said in a crass and patronizing tone as she walked away with the pot.

As expected, Ash and Luz were less than impressed by Amity's behavior and they showed it as they both stuck their tongues out at her as she walked away. As Willow pulled off her hood, she immediately let out her frustration.

" "Oh, see you in class, superstar!"! Willow mocked as she wiped the star shaped good from her forehead, "I hate when she does that".

Luz and Ash both flinched as bit as they continued to watch. The wind suddenly began to blow, making leaves dance around Willow as she continued.

"I hate making abominations, I hate getting bad grades! Ugh! I can't stand this anymore", She shouted.

As the young witch let out a frustrated growl, her eyes suddenly began to glow green.

"Uh oh", Ash thought knowingly, "I can tell where this is going".

Luz subconsciously gasped as the flower from earlier was soon lost among several giant thorny roots that burst out around it. They surrounded Willow, glowing and writhing as if they were connected to her emotions. One thorny snaked out and grabbed Luz by the ankle.

"Aaah"! Luz screamed as she was suddenly pulled out from behind the bush.

"Luz"! Ash cried out in concern for his friend.

The young wizard quickly followed after her.

"Ash! Help"! Luz yelled in desperation.

However, it would prove to be unnecessary as the root dropped Luz on the ground a bit behind Willow. As Ash went over to his fallen friend, they both looked at the young witch controlling the thorns, who turned and glared at them as her eyes continued to glow.

"Her emotions are causing her magic to run wild"! Ash thought with apprehension, "I don't think she even knows we're here"!

Knowing what to do, Ash whipped out his wand. He then took aim at the vines, which began swaying back and forth like dancing cobras. As one of the vines shot toward him, the teenage wizard shot a fireball from his wand straight at the oncoming vine, causing it to burst into flames upon impact. Unfortunately, several more followed after it in its' wake. Though Ash kept them back with a continuous volley of fireballs, he was anything but relieved.

"I can't keep this up forever"! Ash said aloud.

"Try something else, then! ANYTHING else"! Luz demanded as she lay on the ground.

Glancing over at Luz, Ash could see a couple of the vines were wrapped around her ankles. Biting back a swear, Ash was totally flustered by the situation.

"What can I do?! Think! THINK"! The teen wizard thought, "I have to make it so the vines can't get an angle on us from anywhere and-wait...THAT'S IT"!

Crouching down on one knee, Ash drew a spell circle on the ground. The circle then glowed until it grew into a firey dome shaped barrier that encapsulated him and Luz. The vines all lashed out at the barrier, unable to break it down. Luz watched in awe as the roots smacked themselves against the flaming barrier around them. Now that he'd been given a breather from his offensive, Ash looked over at Willow.

"Hey"! He shouted, trying to get her attention, "I know you're upset and all, but unless you want civilian casualties on your conscience, you NEED to get ahold of yourself"!

Upon hearing his voice, Willow gasped, finally seeming to snap out of it. She then leaned forward worriedly, letting the roots fall as her eyes turned back to normal.

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no"! She said worriedly as she was immediately made aware of what she had unknowingly been doing.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Ash waved his wand, dissipating the barrier as Willow ran over to him and Luz.

"I'm so sorry"! Willow said regretfully as she made the roots that were still wrapped around Luz's legs retreat.

"It's okay, the thorns only went through a few layers of skin", Luz said reassuringly as she rubbed her leg.

"I guess I oughta work on being able to cover every angle", Ash said, kneeling down to closer inspect the scratches on Luz's legs, "I'm sorry. I should've been more alert".

"Really Ash, it's okay, I'm fine", Luz said reassuringly.

"Well either way, I really should fix that", Ash replied.

Without warning, the young Rugrid boy leaned closer to Luz's leg until his face was only inches away from her leg.

"Uhhh, Ash"? Luz said nervously, confused and a little uncomfortable by the boys' close proximity.

"Just trust me", Ash said as he closed his eyes.

As Ash opened his eyes, Luz was surprised as she immediately noticed tears building up in his eyes. As they dripped down onto her leg, the Dominican girl received another surprise as the scratches and cuts on her skin began to vanish, as if they were never there to begin with. Ash repeated the same process for her other leg. Until at last, the human teen's legs were as good as new.

"Whoa, healing tears", Luz said in amazement, inspecting her legs, "Now THAT'S a cool spell"!

"I'll say"! Willow piped up, equally enthralled, "That's really old magic! I've only ever read about it in books! How'd you DO that"?!

"Heh, sorry, trade secret", Ash said with a wink.

"Awww, you're no fun", Luz said as she playfully shoved him, "But still, thanks Ash".

"No problem", Ash said with a nod of his head.

Then, without warning, Willow got very close to Luz, forcing the human girl to lean back a bit.

"So... circly", Willow observed with interest as she looked at Luz's ears.

Luz squealed as she covered her ears.

"You're human"! Willow realized with a gasp.

The witch girl then grabbed Luz by the face to look at her closely.

"This is astounding"! Willow continued excitedly as she helped Luz to her feet and began walking around her, "A human on the Boiling Isles! How'd you get here? What are you doing here"?

"Well, it's actually a funny story...", Ash began to say.

Before Ash could continue, however, a bell began to toll in the distance.

"Uh, I'm sorry. I'd love to hear more, but I can't stay. I have to go disappoint my teacher. It was nice to meet you both", Willow said sadly half-waving as she walked away.

Luz waved back before going after her.

"Wait"! She said, stopping the young witch, "I'm Luz, and this is Ash".

"Hi", Ash greeted with a wave.

"And you're Willow, right? What you did with that flower and those plants, it was... wow", Luz praised.

"Yeah, no kidding", Ash added, "I haven't seen plant magic that good since...".

Ash's voice suddenly trailed off as he felt a mixture of both nostalgia and sadness begin to well up inside him. After a few seconds of silence, he then noticed that both Luz and Willow shared the same curious expression as they waited for him to finish. Ash felt his face heat up, rather embarrassed as he suddenly realized he'd left them hanging.

"Uhh, s-since I was a kid", Ash finished nervously.

"Oh, well uhh, thanks, but... I'm not even supposed to be doing plant magic", Willow said, getting back on topic, "My parents put me in the abomination track at school".

"Bummer, I always hated that type of magic", Ash said, "Making creatures out of slime and other gross stuff? No thanks"!

"Heh, I know, right"? Willow agreed.

Luz then squealed in excitement as she suddenly grabbed Willow by the shoulders.

"Wait back up, you said school, right? Like, magic school"? She asked with anticipation.

Willow simply nodded in reply.

"And lemme guess, Hexside"? Ash added.

Once again, Willow silently nodded her head. Ash looked away nervously as he felt a knot form in his stomach at the very thought of that place.

"That's so cool"! Luz said as she released Willow go, "I'm so jealous. Ash and I have a teacher, but her lessons are a bit...".

"Untraditional"? Ash supplied.

"Yes, thank you, untraditional", Luz finished as she then slouched a bit, "I bet she wouldn't even let me enroll. But I wish I could spend one day there".

"I wish I could get a passing grade for once", Willow said dejectedly, "Then people would stop calling me "Half-a-Witch Willow" ".

She then kicked her spilled abomination, causing it to groan. Ash frowned as he looked over at the bespectacled witch girl. Even though they had just met, he began to feel a kinship between them, seeing as how he, too, knew what it was like to be counted out and not believed in by his peers.

"Hey, wait", Luz spoke up, "I know how we can both get what we want".

"What are you talking about, Luz"? Ash asked curiously.

The human girl in question then proceeded to pick up some of the abomination goo in both hands and splashed it on her hoodie.

"Make me your abomination", Luz explained, turning to Willow, "I'll get you a good grade, and you can get me into magic school. It's fiendishly clever".

"What"?! Willow and Ash said in unison.

"I saw that girl's thing", Luz continued, "It's just chunks of stuff that talks weird. I'm chunks of stuff, and I talk weird"!

"That's true", Willow said with a giggle, "Okay. It's a deal. Luz".

"This is a great plan", Luz said enthusiastically as she and Willow shook hands.

"Whoa whoa whoa, wait a minute"! Ash said getting between them, "I must've missed the memo, but exactly HOW is ANY of this considered a great plan"?!

"Come on Ash, it's for Willow", Luz said.

"Nuh-uh, no, this is a bad idea and I want NO part of it"! Ash denied.

"What? Why not"?! Luz asked, completely surprised, "Don't you wanna help Willow"?

"Look, it's not that I don't wanna help", Ash said, putting up his hands, "I mean, she seems okay, even though she's basically a total stranger and we just met her and everything. No offense".

"None taken", Willow said with a shrug.

"But like I said earlier, I have my own personal reasons for not wanting to go to school, especially Hexside", Ash said firmly, "So, I'm sorry, but you're on your own for this one".

With that, Ash slowly began walking away. Unfortunately for him, Luz wasn't having any part of it. The Dominican girl frowned as she followed after him.

"Willow's going to end up embarrassing herself in front of her whole class if we don't do something", Luz said with a frown before glancing over at Willow, "No offense"!

"None taken", Willow said once more.

"And without our help, mine and yours, she could even end up failing or worse"! Luz continued, "And you're just...gonna act like it's nothing and let that happen?! You good with that, Mr. Wizard"?!

"Yeah", Ash replied indifferently, without turning his head.

Luz stopped where she was as she watched her fellow apprentice continue to walk off into the woods. Without a doubt, she was stunned by her senior apprentice's current apathy.

"I'm sorry, Luz", Willow said, walking up to her.

Luz said nothing. She only sighed as she plopped herself on the ground, pouting as she rested her arms on her knees. Ash, who was only a few feet ahead of them, looked back to see Luz sitting on the ground in a dejected fashion.

"What are you doing"? He sighed tiredly.

"Making you feel guilty...", Luz said dejectedly before glancing up at him, "Is it working"?

"What? No, it, no! Of cour..come on, look at me, does it look like it's working"? Ash stammered, seemingly both frustrated and nervous, "N-no, no, it's not, it's...".

Ash then chuckled knowingly before taking a deep breath. The human and witch girl were then surprised as they saw him scream into the bend of his elbow.

"Aaaaah! No! No! No, no no! Don't do it! Don't let her win! Do NOT let her win"! Ash screamed heatedly.

Luz and Willow both exchanged a curious glance, both unsure of what to make of the wizard boy's behavior. After a few more seconds, Ash let out a frustrated groan.

"Alright fine, you win", he conceded.

"Great"! Luz exclaimed, getting to her feet.

"Thank you", Willow said, smiling as Ash walked back over to them.

"Thank me when this is over", Ash sighed as he walked ahead of them.

The young Rugrid then took off his cloak and draped it over his arm.

"Alright, if I'm doing this, I'm gonna do it right", Ash said as he took out his wand.

"Whoa, you have your own wand"? Willow said in astonishment, "Where'd you get it"?

"Kind of a family heirloom", Ash replied, "Now, normally this kind of spell isn't in my wheelhouse, but hopefully I've improved enough to make it work".

Ash then drew a spell circle over his cloak, making it glow.

"Maagi Magiiro"!

As Ash whipped the cloak around him and put it back on, a brief flash of light surrounded him, causing the girls to cover their eyes. After uncovering them, Luz and Willow were both surprised to see that Ash was now in a Hexside uniform, identical to Willows'.

"Haha! It worked"! Ash said with a smile.

"Wow! Nice transformation spell"! Willow complimented.

"Thanks! It's something I picked up", Ash replied, "Alright now, let's get this show on the road".

"This is awesome! I'm so glad you're helping out with this"! Luz said, thoroughly psyched, "Up top"!

She held her hand up, waiting for Ash to high five her. Rolling his eyes, Ash could help but smile as he accepted the gesture and high fived her, only to grimace as their hands were suddenly linked through a gooey purple ooze.

"Oops. Abomination goo", Willow noted.

"Ugh, I hate this stuff"! Ash whined as he tried to unstick them.

"Don't worry, I can get it", Luz said determined turning them around.

Noticing where they were standing and what was currently behind Ash, the young wizard suddenly became worried.

"Wait a minute, Luz, you gotta be careful you don't-"!

Sadly, Ash's warning fell on deaf ears as Luz pressed her foot against Ash and starting pushing against him so that she could free them. But the force sent Ash splashing into the goo puddle on the ground.

"Sorry", Luz said with a wince.

"Great plan", Ash groaned sardonically as he lay in the purple slime.

---

A little while later, Luz now sat in the cauldron amongst the rest of the Abomination goo as Ash helped Willow push the wheelbarrow. After a long, but brief, trek through the forest, they had finally arrived at their destination. Before them stood a large building with two parapet towers on both sides, making it resemble that of a castle, and a bell tower at the center building with an eyeball in place of a bell.

"Welcome to Hexside School of Magic and Demonics", Willow said as she and Ash pushed the wheelbarrow.

Ash couldn't help but push down a lump that had formed in his throat, unable to shake the growing feeling of fear that'd been welling up inside him.

"Remember to stay hidden, okay"? Willow reminded Luz.

"And don't do anything that'll get us caught, either", Ash added sternly as he put the lid on the cauldron.

Luz, who sat inside Willow's abomination pot, couldn't help but squeal and giggle with excitement as she peeked out through the cauldron. Later, inside the school, Willow stopped at a locker, tickling it to make it open its' mouth and give her her books. A shorter witch reading a magazine bumped into her. He was shorter than Willow, with dark blue eyes, brown skin and dark brown hair with lighter shades. Like Willow, he wore a Hexisde uniform, save for the fact that the sleeves and leggings of his uniform were light blue. His name was Augustus Porter, one of Willows' best and only friends.

"Willow, you would not believe humans", he said as he stared intently at the magazine he was reading.

"Humans? Psh, I haven't seen any", Willow said nervously as she glanced over at the cauldron, " What"?

"Did you know that humans nail barbed wire to their kids' teeth"? Augustus asked as he showed her the magazine, "But why? Maybe to make them magnetic".

"That doesn't sound right", Ash said dubiously.

"Oh hey, are you new student"? Augustus asked, immediately noticing Ash.

"Hmm? Oh! Uhhh, y-yes, I'm uhh...", Ash stammered, "I'm Ash. I'm a new transfer student that just started today".

"Oh! Cool", Augustus said, buying his story, "Welcome to Hexside! Well anyway, what do YOU think of the act of humans having barbed wire on their teeth means"?

"Well, honestly, I always figured it was for combat enhancement", Ash replied earnestly.

"Combat enhancement"? Willow asked, raising a brow.

"Oh, I get it"! Augustus realized, "A mouth full of metal teeth is sure to make biting EXTRA painful"!

"Right"?! Ash said in agreement.

"Actually, it's for storing treats", Luz said from the cauldron.

A panicked look now adorned Willows' face while Ash only frowned with exhaustion.

"Busted", he sighed before looking over at Willow, "Well, you wanna tell 'em or do ya want me to"?

"I'll take this one", Willow replied holding up a hand.

Augustus glanced between the two teens with confusion in his eyes.

"Okay, Augustus. I'm gonna tell you something", Willow began, "But you have to be cool".

"I can be spool! Uh I-I-I mean, cool", Augustus stammered.

"Okay. Abomination, rise", Willow said, motioning over to the cauldron.

"Ta-da! I'm an abomination", Luz said, standing up out of the pot.

"Luz, that's not how abominations act", Willow chided, putting her hands on her hips.

"Ugh, why did I have to be a part of this again"? Ash groaned.

"No. No, it-", Augustus said in disbelief, playing with his ears while staring at Luz's, "It couldn't be".

"Uhh, Willow? Are you sure we can trust this guy"? Ash asked.

"It's okay, he's the president of the Human Appreciation Society", Willow explained, "Most witches wouldn't be able to recognize a human right away. But Augustus is an expert".

"Where are your gills"? Augustus said, confused.

"Expert huh"? Ash thought with doubt.

Puffing up his chest a bit, Ash stepped forward.

"Not to brag or anything but, I'm kind of an expert when it comes to human culture and traditions, myself", Ash pointed out.

"Really"? Augustus asked, intrigued.

"Oh yeah, for one thing...well, I'm living with one right now", Ash said plainly.

"That's me, I'm the one", Luz said holding up her hand, "Not to mention he's got a LOT of different items from the human world".

"That...th-that shouldn't be possible"! Augustus said, still not comprehending any of it.

"Oh but it is", Ash assured him, "Not only that, but I happen to be a professional-".

Ash stopped himself before looking over at Luz, who had a knowing look on her face.

"Ugh, okay, self-taught professional", Ash corrected himself, "Of one of the human world's greatest practices".

Ash then performed a few kicks and punches, immediately impressing Augustus as the young witch watched with rapt attention. Willow only watched with surprise, unsure of what to make of it. Glancing over at Luz, the human girl simply smiled and nodded at the glasses wearing witch as they both looked back over at Ash's demonstration. The young Rugrid then finished things off with a flying kick as he landed next to Augustus, who simply stared with shock and awe at his fellow witch.

"Human world Martial Arts", Ash said looking at his fellow witch.

"No. WAY"! Augustus gasped, "I thought those were just rumors! So the humans really DO have a different method of fighting"?!

"Methods, plural", Ash corrected, "Just as every art has a different outlet for expression, Martial Arts offer all of that, and more".

"...Mind. BLOWN"! Augustus said in pure amazement.

Willow couldn't help but smile as she saw the two bond.

"Hey y'know, I knew an Augustus back in the human world", Luz piped up, "We called him Gus".

"Gus? Nickname? Human nickname? Gus? Call me it", the young witch said excitedly, "Wow. Gus! This is the best day of my life"!

Just then, a bell screamed, indicating it was time for the students to get to their next class period.

"I've gotta get to spelling class", Gus said as he grabbed his magazine and a wand before running off, "See you guys at lunch"!

"He seemed nice", Ash noted, "Alright now, guess it's time to start Operation: Faux-bomination".

"Operation: Faux-bomination"? Willow repeated, confused

"Well yeah, the plan has to have a name, right"? Ash replied.

"Yeah but...you couldn't have come up with a better one"? Willow asked.

"Gimme a break! I didn't think I'd get talked into doing this, so I didn't have time to come up with anything good"! Ash protested.

"I like the name", Luz interjected.

"Thank you, Luz", Ash sighed, "Oh wait! I just remembered something important"!

"What's that"? Willow inquired.

"If I'm gonna pass myself off as a student in your class, I...kinda need an Abomination too", Ash answered nervously.

"What"?! Willow said as it had finally dawned on her.

"Oh man, I can't believe we didn't think of that until now", Luz added nervously.

"Don't worry, I might have something for that", Ash assured as he reached over to his bag.

Willow and Luz then watched with curiosity as Ash proceeded to pull out a few random items from his satchel; a baseball, a hard hat, a coffee mug, and even a cheese grater.

"Aha! Here it is"! He said as he pulled out a medium sized crock pot.

"Um, Ash? Why do you have a crock pot in your bag"? Luz asked.

"...why don't you"? Ash countered.

Not being able to come up with a good response, Luz simply shrugged.

"Good point", she replied.

"Okay now", Ash said, hopping up onto the wheelbarrow and getting into the cauldron until only his lower half was sticking out, "Now just gotta scoop up some of this leftover Abomination goo. Uh, Luz? Could you move your foot for a minute"?

"Oh! Sorry", Luz said, moving away a bit.

"Just a little more and...done"! Ash said, pulling himself out of the pot, "That should be enough".

Ash then hopped back down onto the floor, brushed the stray goo that had collected itself onto his disguise, and pulled out his wand. He then held it over the crock pot in his hand and, after tracing a spell circle, he waved his wand around the inside of the pot. After a few minutes of stirring, he pulled his arm back and placed his wand back into the holster on his side.

"Alright, that should do it", Ash said, placing the lid back on the pot.

"Wait a minute"! Willow said, "I spent ALL night trying to make my own abomination, and you just...made one in a matter of minutes"?!

"Well, it's not really a complete abomination, per se", Ash clarified, "You're right, it DOES take a while for anyone who's not affinitive with Abomination magic. That and we're on a time limit here, so it's pretty much a rush job. At best, I'd say it's got at least two minutes after I summon it until it...well, goes splat".

"Still though, that's...that's amazing", Willow said in astonishment, "You're pretty talented".

"Oh, well, I mean, it's not really that great", Ash said nervously.

"Oh come on, Ash"! Luz said cutting in, "You're WAY talented! You've got all those spells AND you can cook up an Abomination on the fly"!

"Look, let's just...get this over with, okay"?! Ash insisted in a frustrated tone, looking rather uncomfortable.

Willow and Luz were a bit surprised. All that praise and Ash just looked as though he was anything but flattered. As confused as they were, they knew he had a point.

"He's right, Luz", Willow said, "All right. into the darkness you go".

Luz hissed as she sank back down into the pot. As he saw this, despite his apprehension and discomfort, Ash couldn't help but chuckle at that.

---

Later, in a room marked Abominations 101, they ran into a bit of trouble. The teacher of the class, who was a stubby and short humanoid creature with pointed ears, a round beak-like mouth with two fangs on the top row of his teeth, and two claws on each foot. He had green, chin-length hair with a large bald spot on the top of his head, along with inward-facing green eyebrows and a small green beard, narrow slanted eyes, and defined cheekbones as well. He wore a pair of orange tinted circular glasses with no temples a black shirt and pants with an oversized purple coat with a red lining and a light silver bow tie around his neck. To top it all off, he was carried by a mauve-colored abomination with a sad and drooping face and salmon-colored pupils in its black eyes.

His name was Professor Hermonculus, and as of now, he was eyeing the young Rugrid boy with curioisity.

"Who are you"? He asked as he adjusted his glasses, "I don't recall ever having you in my class".

"Oh, he's a new transfer student, Professor", Willow said, "I'm supposed to be showing him around today".

"Hmm, transfer student"? The professor repeated.

"Y-yes", Ash said nervously, "I'm uhh...My name is...uh, N-Nick! Yeah, Nick! Nick uhh...Russell"?

"Hmmm", Prof. Hermonculus hummed, pondering what he'd been told, "And pray tell, Mr. Russell, where did you transfer from"?

"...Glandus"? Ash replied.

Hermonculus' eyes then widened in realization.

"Ahh, well then that would explain it", The professor said, snapping his fingers, "I'd thought there must be a reason why you're shaking like a leaf in the wind. Well, not to worry, my boy. Unlike at Glandus, you'll find that here at Hexside, we're much more lenient towards our students".

"Hmm"? Ash said confused, "Oh! Yeah! Hahaha, right, right".

"Anyway, if you'd just give me your transfer slip", Hermonculus prompted, holding out his hand.

"Transfer slip"? Willow and Ash both repeated nervously.

"Well yes, you have to hand in your transfer slip to the teachers in your class schedule", The professor pointed out.

Ash and Willow looked at each other nervously as sweat began to form on both their brows.

"Oh man! How could we have NOT seen this coming"?! Ash thought, "I can't just make a fake one right here and now because then he'll know something's up! And I can't dodge the request, because he'll know something's up! I can't blow my cover! He already thinks I'm the nervous new student, I can't let him...wait a minute! I'm a nervous new student! That's it! Time to pull out one of the tricks Eda taught me that doesn't require any magic"!

Ash quickly smiled as he straightened himself out.

"Of course, professor", Ash said in compliance, reaching into his bag, "I've got it riiiiight...".

Ash then put on a scared face as he reached around in his bag frantically.

"Here"? Ash squeeked, "Oh no! Oh no, oh no, oh no! Don't tell me"!

Ash then began fidgeting around as he opened his bag to look inside.

"I must've left it on the kitchen counter this morning"! Ash exclaimed holding his hands to his face, "Oh man, how could I have been so careless"!

Both Willow AND the professor were both surprised as the young wizard then looked over at the professor with a look of terror.

"Please, sir! Honest, it was just a mistake! I didn't mean to, I swear"! Ash said, covering his eyes.

"Calm down, lad", Hermonculus assured, waving his hand, "It happens all the time".

"Y-you mean..."? Ash sniffed.

"I'll let the principal know you showed up for class", Hermonculus said in a calm and reassuring tone, "Just make sure to bring it in tomorrow".

"Oh, thank you sir", Ash said gratefully, bowing his head.

"Why don't you take a seat at the desk behind Willow and we can start class", Hermonculus said, "Ms. Willow, if you'd be so kind".

"Y-yes sir", Willow replied with a nod.

As the two went over to the desk, Willow was dumbfounded, and her surprise only grew as she saw Ash flash a smirk.

"Piece of cake", he whispered.

"How did you do that"? Willow hissed.

"That teacher of ours that Luz mentioned? Her lessons, though untraditional, can be handy in a pinch", Ash answered.

"You're not kidding", Willow agreed.

Later, as class progressed, Ash noted how different the experience of being taught in a traditional school was compared to his homeschooling with Eda. The lessons were taught with precise and clear instruction, and any question was answered almost immediately. To someone like him, it almost felt like a gamechanger. Later on, it was time to grade everyone's Abomination's.

Presently, a female student with ram horns stood at the front of the room with an abomination with eight feet sticking out of it in various places. After giving it a thorough onceover, Hermonculus gave his evaluation.

"Too many toenails in unexpected places", he critiqued, "Fail. Pathetic"!

His harsh words caused both abomination and student to deflate. As the blob sank back into it's cauldron, the saddened girl promptly wheeled her abomination off the platform and back to her desk.

"The biggest abominations are all of you"! Hermonculus shouted in exasperation, "If the next abomination is a failure, everyone gets extra homework for a month"!

As one would imagine, this left all the students discouraged. Before continuing, the professor then cleared his throat.

"And the next one to come up is...", he began.

"Excuse me, sir", Amity interrupted as she stood up from her seat, "but I am ready to present my abomination. Rise"!

Upon command, Amity's abomination rose from the pot, groaning as it struck a pose.

"I've always saved the best for last, Amity", Hermonculus stated with a chuckle, "You'll have to wait your turn. How about... Willow".

Upon being singled out, all the other students were quick to cast doubt, causing the poor witch in question to hide herself in her hood like a turtle in its' shell.

"Don't listen to them, Willow", Luz assured flashing a thumbs up sign as she peeked out of the pot, "We can do this".

Willow gave a small smile at her new friends' confidence. She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning her head, she saw it was Ash, who was also giving her a reassuring look.

"Have courage, Willow", Ash said, "Because when you believe in courage, magic will answer your call".

Willow couldn't help but smile at Ash's reassurance. It was then she had a weird sense of déjà vu. Something about what he'd said sounded so familiar. Then, it suddenly clicked.

"That's the same thing that-", She began.

"Miss Willow! We're waiting"! Hermonculus called.

"Sorry"! Willow replied.

The teen witch then wheeled her cauldron to the front of the classroom and set it down nervously. Ash swallowed down a lump that had formed in his throat as he crossed his fingers beneath the table.

"Uh... Abomination, rise", Willow commanded.

Immediately recognizing her cue, Luz punched the lid off and jumped out of the pot.

"Ta-da"! She said, striking a pose.

Everyone gasped, immediately enthralled by the unexpectedly showy intro of Willow's "Abomination".

"So far, so good", Ash thought, glancing around, "Everyone appears to be more surprised than suspicious".

"Abomination, bow", Willow instructed.

"Blah"! Luz grunted as she complied.

"Very impressive", Hermonculus said, "But does it speak"?

Though the question had caught them off-guard, Luz was quick to adapt to the situation.

"Uh, I may be your abomination, but you're my a-mom-ination", Luz said, taking Willow's hands and smiling as they stood there cheek to cheek.

The students were immediately taken by the endearing and heartwarming dialogue of the human in disguise. Save for Amity, who sat there with a shocked look on her face, shifting her gaze from the current display at the front of the room to her fellow classmates. Meanwhile, Ash simply smiled, relieved that things were going without a hitch.

" "A-mom-ination!" Splendid wordplay", Hermonculus said with a laugh, "A plus"!

He then proceeded to write the grade in red ink on Luz's forehead. While Ash and the others cheered for Willow and Luz, Amity simply huffed, crossing her arms as she gave a stern and disapproving frown. As Willow returned to her seat with the cauldron in tow, Hermonculus decided to proceed to the next student; Ash, or rather, Nick.

"And now, for our newest student", Hermonculus said, as Ash walked up onto the platform at the front of the room, "Please welcome, Mr. Nick Russell".

As Ash looked out nervously at the other students, he couldn't help but feel a knot growing in his stomach. In truth, he had not done magic for an event such as this in years. So, of course he felt rather apprehensive. His brow began to sweat as he clutched the pot on his arms, unable to move and feeling as though time was slowing to a crawl. Suddenly, the sound of someone clapping caught his attention. He turned and saw Willow giving him a short applause with a smile that said "You got this!" written on her face. Ash couldn't help but smile himself, touched by the support of his newfound friend.

"Right", Ash said, clearing his throat.

He then sat down the crock pot and lifted the lid.

"Um...Abomination...rise"? Ash said nervously.

From out of the pot, a pair of googly eyes peered out. The abomination then hopped out from the pot so that the students could now see it clearly. It was about the size of a soccer ball and had stubby arms and legs.

"W-wave hello", Ash commanded.

The little abomination obeyed as it waved its' little arm at the students. Frankly, compared to the last display, it was all rather underwhelming for everyone watching. Even Willow couldn't help but frown, rather unsure of what to say.

"Hmm, well", Hermonculus said in a bemused and unimpressed tone, "Is that all or can it do more"?

"Of course, sir", Ash replied.

The young wizard then reached into his bag and pulled out a little top hat and a cane. He set them both down in front of the purple blob.

"Abomination...do your thing", Ash said.

The little blob then looked down at the hat and cane. After it picked up both of them, the students received a shock as it then began to sing and dance.

Hello my baby, hello my honey

Hello my ragtime gal

Send me a kiss by wire

Baby my heart's on fire

If you refuse me

Honey, you'll lose me

Then you'll be left alone

Oh baby, telephone

And tell me I'm your own~!

Once the routine had ended, the Abomination then hopped back in the pot. As you could probably guess, everyone was absolutely stunned at the unorthodox and surprisingly entertaining display that'd just occurred. So much so that even Amity was left aghast.

"So uhh...how'd I do"? Ash asked nervously.

Hermonculus was so surprised by the dexterity and abilities of Ash's abomination that he had forgotten about everything else for a moment.

"Hmm, what? Oh"! The professor said quickly getting back on track, "Yes, well, that was quite...unusual. But in a very unique way"!

The professor then willed his abomination over to Ash, who held up his pot to receive his grade.

"And you even managed to find my love for showtunes! You get an A, my boy", Hermonculus concluded.

All the other kids in the room, except Amity, applauded Ash on a job well done. As he turned the pot to get a close look at the grade he'd been given, Ash couldn't help but feel a strong sense of pride well up in his chest. Luz, who'd peeked out from the cauldron, smiled as she saw a look of satisfaction stretch across Ash's face. She knew that he was gladder than he'd ever let on about receiving an A for the first time in his life, and she was happy for him.

...

The bell then rang, or rather screamed before letting out a series of coughs, and all the students started leaving the room. Ash and Willow followed suite, with the young wizard helping his new friend push the wheelbarrow out of the room.

"Wonderful work today, Willow", Professor Hermonculus said, addressing the young witch, "Looks like we have a new top student".

Amity, who was leaving the room, stopped in her tracks and gasped upon hearing this and dropped her books in the process. If that wasn't shocking enough, she watched as Professor Hermonculus then took her top student badge.

"But-"! Amity protested.

Professor Hermonculus then pinned the badge to Willow's cowl.

"Uh, thank you, sir", Willow said with a smile.

"Hahaha! See, Willow, what'd I tell ya? You believed and magic answered your call", Ash praised, bumping Willow's shoulder.

"Indeed", Hermonculus said in agreement, "And I look forward to the progress that you make, Mr. Russell".

"Thank you, sir", Ash said, bowing his head.

The professor nodded before his abomination carried him away. With one part of their ruse now completed, Ash and Willow turned to leave, but stopped upon seeing Amity standing in front of them.

"Hey"!

Willow gasped in surprise while a nervous look formed on Ash's face.

"Oh crap, don't tell me she's on to us", Ash thought anxiously.

"Last time I saw you, your abomination was mush. What did you do"? Amity asked crossly.

"She IS onto us"! Ash screamed inwardly as sweat began to run down his forehead.

Ash looked at Willow, waiting and hoping for her to come up with a response, seeing as he had become too nervous to come up with one himself.

"I, uh, took your pep talk to heart, Amity", Willow answered hesitantly.

"I bet you did", Amity replied bitterly before turning to Ash, "And you! I don't know who you think you are, Brussell, or whatever your name is...".

"Um, actually it's Russell", Ash corrected, "Nick Russ-".

"I don't care"! Amity snapped, silencing him, "If you think I'm gonna be one-uped by some poorly constructed Abomination with an...admittedly catchy song and surprisingly decent sense of rhythm, you've got another thing coming"!

She then leaned in close to him, which made the young Rugrid boy very nervous.

"I've got my eyes on you", The green haired witch said to him in a serious tone before looking over at Willow, "And that goes double for you, Half-a-Witch. That badge is mine".

She then began walking backwards, refusing to take her gaze off Willow and Ash, not even as she bumped into another student before rounding the corner.

"Hey"!

"Uh-oh. I think Amity is onto us", Willow said fearfully.

"Oh, ya think"?! Ash hissed.

---

Meanwhile, back at the Owl House, Eda and King had engaged in a bet of sorts. King had bet that he'd prove he'd make a better teacher than Eda. The Owl Lady, who was confident in the knowledge that his track record with the bets they made in the past were still currently one-sided, with Eda having won every single bet they ever made, accepted. The terms were that King had to teach a baby trash slug to be his loyal soldier in one day and prove that he was a better teacher than Eda. The prize was having Luz AND Ash as his students instead of hers. The penalty was that, if Eda lost, she was to wear a shame hat, sleep in a shack and never come into the Owl House again. And if Eda won, King would have to change his name from King to "Mr. Wiggles".

Currently though, Eda was in search for her two students. The front door to the Owl House slammed open as she stood in the doorway.

"Ow"! Hooty exclaimed as he felt his face smooshed against the wall.

"Have you seen Luz and Ash"? Eda asked Hooty.

"I heard some tiny mouse feet walking close by. Or that might've been some mice", Hooty replied, "Anyway, someone started moving in that direction. Hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo."

The Owl Houses' Guardian began slightly gesturing with his head.

"Are you trying to point, or-"? Eda said, not getting what he was trying to tell her.

"Look at the weathervane"! Hooty huffed irately.

The elder witch looked up to see the house's weathervane pointing ahead of where she was standing.

"But the only thing that way is the...", Eda began.

She then let out a startled gasp.

"No", she said in shock

Without warning, Eda then began running off in the direction of the weathervane.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no"!

At last, she reached Hexside and started looking into various windows. The first is a kindergarten classroom.

"Okay, everyone. Recite your runes", Said the spider-headed teacher to the little children.

"Krom, Zix, Elgrim, Zenomide-".

"No. Blind obedience", Eda said, completely horrified.

She went to another window which showed a classroom with several older students writing at desks while a snake-like teacher stood at the front of the class.

"Heximal system time! Let's get memorizin' "! He said.

"No! Pointless busywork"! Eda hissed with unease as she went over to another window.

Her feeling of dread increased as she saw Ash and Luz, the latter of whom was still covered in abomination goo, in the last classroom, writing along with the rest of the students.

"No! Why!? School"!? The Owl Lady wailed in anguish.

...

Later that day, lunch time finally rolled around. Many of the students now sat in the cafeteria, eating and socializing as one would do. Luz, who was back in the pot, sat at the end of a table with Willow and Gus. Ash, who sat next to Gus, set his satchel on the table.

"Oh man, I've been waiting for this", the young wizard said, reaching into his satchel to search for his lunchbox, "I'm starving".

He then pulled out a bottle of Goblin's Sweat.

"You drink Goblin's Sweat"? Gus observed.

"Oh uh, yeah", Ash replied, "I tend to work outside a lot, so it's good for staying hydrated. Even when I'm not working, though, it's still my go to drink".

"Mine too"! Gus said with a smile.

"Really"? Ash said, immediately intrigued, "Hey, you remember the commercial they made a few years back"?

"Oh, do I"? Gus said, rhetorically before adopting a comical tough guy tone, "The only kinda sweat I wanna see..."!

"Is the kind that's in a bottle"! Ash finished in a similar tone.

"Start breakin' a sweat, suckah"! The two boys said in unison.

The two of them then laughed. As Willow and Luz both smiled at them, the human girl was particularly warmed at the sight of Ash engaging in some good-natured male bonding with his newfound friend.

"Hey so, whattya got for lunch"? Gus asked as Ash continued fishing around in his satchel.

"Lizard & Onions", Ash replied, "Want half"?

"Sure"! Gus said.

At last, Ash finally pulled out a red plastic lunch box. However, the sight of it made Gus gasp in shock.

"What? What is it"?! Ash asked nervously.

"Is that what I think it is?...a limited edition Magiranger Lunchbox"?! Gus asked in disbelief.

"Uhh, yeah, I've had it for a while now", Ash said sheepishly.

"How much do you want for it"?! Gus said, "I'll sell you my soul! I'm not even kidding right now"!

"Sorry Gus, but it's not for sale", Ash said, as he opened the plastic container.

"Awww", Gus moaned.

"Sorry about that, Ash", Willow piped up, "Gus is kind of a fan of the Magirangers".

"Kind of" a fan"? Gus repeated, "Willow, you and I both know that that's an insult".

The short witch boy then reached down and pulled up a notebook featuring several masked figures in vibrantly colored costumes standing in poses. As Luz saw it, she immediately recognized MagiRed.

"I am the Magirangers #1 Fan"! Gus proclaimed proudly.

"Seriously"? Ash asked completely taken off-guard.

"Heck yeah, man"! Gus said, completely amped, "Those guys are the greatest"!

"Magirangers"? Luz said, "You mean there's more than just MagiRed"?

"Oh you've heard of him?", Willow said in surprise, "Well then, yeah, there's five of them in total".

"Collectively, they're historically known as the Rainbow Wizards", Gus added, showing off his fanboy knowlede, "But the people of the Isles know them by a different, and admittedly more popular, group title...".

The young diminutive witch then stepped away from the table before spinning around.

"Mahou Sentai"! He exclaimed before striking a pose, "Magiranger"!

The disguised humans' eyes widened as she couldn't believe what she'd just heard.

"S-S-Sentai"?! She repeated, "As in SUPER Sentai?! You mean...they're REAL"?!

"Well of course they're real", Willow said.

"I can't believe it"! Luz shouted.

"Shhh! Luz! You're gonna give us away"! Ash scolded, holding a finger up to his mouth.

"Sorry, sorry"! Luz said immediately quieting down, "I just never thought there'd be a real life Sentai team"!

"They don't have those in the human world"? Willow asked.

"Well, not to my knowledge", Luz replied, "But they are popular. They've got their own TV shows, merchandise, you name it".

Luz looked back over at Ash's lunchbox, still unable to believe that there were real life Super Sentai teams out there.

"So, they're all wizards"? Luz asked.

"And witches", Gus said, "But yes, they're a group of masked magic users who protected the Isles and all its' people back in the day"!

"A magic themed Super Sentai team", Luz summarized completely enraptured, "I never thought there'd be a more perfect thing in the world".

The young Dominican girl then noticed the picture of MagiRed. She immediatley felt her heart beginning to race, subconsciously smiling as she gazed at the heroic wizard who, not only saved her, but effectively captured her heart.

"Uhh, Luz? Luz"? Willow said, waving her hand in front of Luz's face.

The human teen then blinked her eyes as she was effectively brought back to reality.

"Huh? What? What is it"? Luz asked.

"You were...kinda spacing out", Willow noted.

"And it looked like you were really into Ash's lunchbox for some reason", Gus noted uncomfortably as Ash handed him half of his Lizard & Onion sandwhich.

"Oh! Well, uhh, I was just...", Luz began, nervously twiddling her fingers.

"Don't mind her", Ash assured, "she's been getting that way ever since she got saved by MagiRed".

"No way"! Gus exclaimed.

"Is that true"?! Willow said, just as intrigued.

"Well, I mean...yeah, kinda", Luz admitted with a grin.

"And now she can't seem to get him out of her mind, if you know what I mean", Ash teased before taking a bite out of his sandwich.

"Oooooh"? Willow and Gus said in unison, exchanging a knowing grin.

They both looked over at Luz with that same knowing look.

"So, you fell for him, huh"? Gus asked.

"What?! No"! Luz denied as her face immediately turned a bright shade of red.

"It's okay, Luz", Willow assured, "Honestly, if you threw a rock right now, you'd end up hitting someone else who had a crush on the famous Ruby Wizard. There's not a single person in here who doesn't love him in one way or another".

Ash was immediately astounded by the spectacled witchs' claim. He knew he was well known and liked around the town, but to be adored and respected by an entire school? That was complete news to him. Meanwhile, Luz's blush only grew brighter.

"C-c-crush? N-no, it's not like that at all"! Luz stammered nervously, "I mean sure, he did save my life more than once, and pretty much gave me the kind of support and belief not many other people ever have, and he spoke to me in such a kind and...reassuring tone that just makes you wanna believe in even the most impossible situations and...".

Luz quickly stopped herself upon realizing she'd just went off track. She looked to see her friends, once again looking at her with knowing expressions.

"...It's really that obvious, isn't it"? Luz conceded with a sigh.

"Really Luz, it's fine", Willow assured, patting her shoulder.

"Totally called it", Ash said proudly.

"Oh hush you", Luz said, now bitter and embaressed at him.

"What? You make it seem like it's some kinda big secret even though it's the exact opposite of that", Ash said defensively, "It's not that big a deal".

"Oh look! Chocolate milk"! Luz said, pointing off in another direction.

"Luz, come on", Ash said, unwilling to take the bait, "I know you're upset for having your big secret revealed, or whatever, but you don't have to-".

As Ash glanced over at where Luz had pointed to, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh! They're really IS Chocolate Milk over there"! He said happily, getting up from the table and going over to acquire some.

Luz shook her head with a smile. As much as she liked him, she still felt a little incensed at him for embarrassing her in front of their new friends. She felt that, hopefully, once he returned with his drink, she'd forgive him.

"Oh hey", Gus said, looking over at Luz as he reached around in his own lunch bag and pulled out his own sandwich, "Do humans eat PB&J's"?

"Oh my gosh, I haven't eaten real food in so long, please give me some", Luz said, immediately enticed by the sandwich.

Gus broke the PB&J in half and gave Luz one. She proceeded to take the whole thing in her mouth and sank back into the pot.

"I don't know, Gus", Willow said doubtfully, "If Amity saw that...".

Unfortunately for Willow, she didn't get to finish her sentence as Amity suddenly jumped onto the table.

"I saw that! Abominations don't eat"! Amity accused, leaning down and getting in Willow's face before looking down into the cauldron, "I know you're in there! You can't hide from me"!

Every other student nearby merely watched as the green haired mean girl reached into the large pot and pulled Luz up by the front of her hoodie. The disguised human in question resumed her act by pretending to be inanimate, which in this case meant "playing possum".

"What are you? Who are you? I want answers"! Amity demanded as she violently shook her.

THUMP!

Amity's tirade immediately stopped as she felt something hit the back of her head. All the students watching gasped, unable to believe what they just saw. Looking down beside her on the table, she spotted the object that hit her; an small unopened carton of chocolate milk. Her left eye twitched a bit as she released her hold on Luz and picked up the small carton.

"Who...did it"?! She growled.

Her answer came in the form of a loud slurping sound. She turned to see Ash, who had just returned to the table, standing there with a nonplussed look on his face and sipping on another small carton of chocolate milk.

"You"! Amity hissed.

Ash gave no reply, choosing instead to take another sip from his chocolate dairy beverage, letting loose another loud slurping sound. The students who were watching were taken aback by Ash's brazen action. Willow and Gus were just as flabbergasted. No one had ever been so bold as to do something like that to Amity, lest they face the Blight girls' wrath. And yet Ash, or rather "Nick", did so without any hesitation or regard to his own safety or wellbeing. It was both surprising and admittingly cool to them.

The two locked eyes with each other, both seemingly brimming with anger, though Amity probably had more than him at the moment. The air was thick with a feeling of tension. For a moment, the students who watched them could've sworn they heard the tune of a popular old western movie from the human world. In fact, they DID hear such a tune. Everyone, including Ash and Amity, both looked around in confusion until they spotted a student playing a harmonica, who abruptly stopped once he noticed everyone was giving him the hairy eyeball.

"Uhh, heh, sorry"! He said putting away his harmonica.

Once that had cleared up, Ash had decided to return to his seat next to Gus. But Amity wasn't about to let what happened go just yet. As she got down from the table, she stomped her way over to Ash and stood behind him.

"Hey, new kid", Amity said in a stern tone, "What's your deal"?

"I don't know what you're talking about", Ash replied without turning his head.

"Where do you get off throwing stuff like this at me"?! Amity fumed, holding up the milk carton he'd thrown at her, "Do you know who I am"?!

"No and I don't care to", Ash retorted, much to Amity's chagrin.

"Look, I get that you're new, but there's something you should be aware of if you're gonna be going to school here", Amity warned, poking him in the back of the head, "Hey! Look at me when I'm talking to you"!

"You can say what you need to say even if I'm not", Ash claimed.

"Listen, you better start showing me some respect, or else I'm going to have to-"!

Amity once again found herself unable to finish her sentence as she felt someone's hand on her shoulder.

"Now what"?! Amity exclaimed irately as she looked over to see who it was.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw another student looking at her with an unimpressed look. He was about 4 inches taller than her and had brown eyes and light chestnut brown hair that was long enough to cover the back of his neck. Unlike the other students, his uniform was a bit different. The sleeves on his arms were yellow but his leggings were dark blue. There was also a bright yellow crystal hanging from a golden necklace chain around his neck.

"I think maybe you should stop now, Amity", He demanded in a firm yet gentle tone.

Ash's eyes widened as he immediately recognized that voice.

"Stay out of this, Ray! This is none of your business"! Amity insisted, lightly removing his hand from her shoulder.

"Ray"? Ash thought inwardly panicking.

"It is my business when one of the people I happen to be tutoring is making an ass of herself", Ray pointed out in an annoyed tone.

Amity felt her face begin to heat up out of embarrassment. As mad as she was, she couldn't help but admit that she was making a spectacle of herself at the moment.

"Uhh, Ray? Maybe you shouldn't-", Willow began.

"It's fine Willow, I've got this", Ray assured.

"Yeah well, I mean, h-he started it"! Amity defended as she pointed at Ash, "He threw a milk carton at my head"!

"And you're really going to get worked up over something as arbitrary as that"? Ray questioned, "I mean, come on, you what they say; No use crying over spilled milk. Or in this case, thrown milk cartons".

"Don't start", Amity warned, clearly not in the mood for anymore smart alec remarks, "Don't even start".

Ray simply raised his hands in a placating fashion in response.

"Besides, I think he and Willow are up to something"! Amity continued, "Just now, I saw her Abomination eat something! There's no way her project is what she says it is! You may not see it, but they're hiding something, I just know it"!

Ash and Willow merely lowered their heads as they exchanged nervous expressions. Both of them feared that the jig was up, but fortunately for them, fate decided to intervene.

"Amity Blight"! Professor Hermonculus said in a stern tone.

The girl in question immediately switched her attention to the teacher who'd just arrived.

"Huh"?

"I suspected a twinge of jealousy, but this, this is just sad", Professor Hermonculus scolded, rather disappointed by her behavior.

"But I—No"! Amity said defensively, "It's not my fault! They're up to something"!

She then walked back over to the cauldron and pulled Luz up by the front of her shirt once more.

"I mean, look at it"! Amity insisted, gesturing to the human incognito.

Luz merely groaned as her head fell back.

"Oh yeah, that just screams suspicious right there, doesn't it"? Ray muttered as he rolled his eyes.

Amity glared at Ray for his lack of support.

"Report to Principal Bump's office"! Professor Hermonculus said sternly

"But-"! Amity protested.

"Now"! Exclaimed the professor.

With no other alternative, the green haired witch growled as she dropped Luz and ran off.

"Sorry about that, Professor", Ray said, turning to the teacher.

"Oh, no need for that, Mr, Rugrid", Hermonculus assured, "You did nothing wrong".

"Wait, did he say Rugrid"?! Luz thought as she silently listened in on the conversation.

As Professor Hermonculus left, Ray then addressed Willow.

"I'm so sorry, Willow", Ray apologized, "I should've stopped her sooner".

"It's fine", Willow said in a reassuring tone, "But thanks anyway".

"No problem", Ray said before turning to Ash, "As for you, I can't say I condone that kind of behavior, but it takes guts to do something like that to Amity of all people".

"Oh, uh, yeah", Ash said nervously in a lowered tone, "I mean, I didn't wanna cause trouble, I just didn't like that she was trying to make Willow look bad".

"I get that", Ray said, completely understanding, "Still though, try not to make a habit of antagonizing her. Well anyway, I'll let you guys get back to enjoying your lunch. Later".

"Bye Ray", Willow said.

"See ya", Gus chimed in.

With a wave of his hand, Ray took his leave. As soon as he was gone, Luz popped back out, sharing a concerned look with Willow.

"That was too close", The glasses wearing witch sighed.

"Hey Willow, who was that just now"? Luz asked.

"Oh, him? That was Rayden Rugrid", Willow replied, "He's our upperclassman, and a year older than me and Gus".

"He's really cool guy, too", Gus added, "He's the Potion Track's star student. Not only that, his family's really famous, too! His mom, dad, and all his siblings went to school here the same as him"!

"Really"? Luz said curiously.

"Mhm! He doesn't have any friends in his grade, but he hangs out with me and Gus every now and then", Willow said warmly, "He may act like a loner sometimes, but he's a really nice guy once you get to know him".

"So wait, if he's a Rugrid too", Luz thought, "Then that means...".

The Owl's Lady's newest apprentice glanced over at Ash who was as pale as a ghost, sipping his chocolate milk in a nervous fashion.

…

After lunch, the three witches, plus Luz, were heading back to the Abominations classroom. On their way there, Willow and Gus couldn't help but notice the change in Ash's demeanor. He seemed a bit more on edge and less spirited than he was earlier. Luz, who had noticed sooner than the other two, looked up from the cauldron at him. Frankly, she was starting to get worried. In the time she'd known him, she'd never seen Ash this unhappy. Looking over at Willow, she motioned over to Ash, indicating that she should say something. The plant loving witch girl nodded her head, understanding what her friend wanted.

"Hey, Ash"? Willow said, getting his attention, "You okay"?

"Hmm", Ash grunted, looking away.

"You sure"? Gus asked, "You've been like this ever since we left the cafeteria".

"I'm just...nervous", Ash replied hesitantly, "I mean, we almost got caught back there".

"Is that why you haven't taken off your hood"? Willow inquired.

Ash stopped in his tracks and noticed that he had neglected to remove his hood off his head.

"Given the circumstances, I'm a little paranoid", Ash fibbed, pulling down the hood a bit further, "Wouldn't you be, too"?

"He has a point", Gus agreed.

The young Rugrid then cleared his throat.

"So uhh...you guys are really friends with Ray Rugrid"? He asked curiously.

"Well, we don't really hang out all that often, but yeah", Willow answered.

"He's also been giving me some tips on my magic", Gus added, "He may be in a different track than us, but he's surprisingly well versed in a lot of different kinds of magic. Which is kinda surprising when you think about it because he's only one year older than us".

"Never pegged Ray as the teacher type", Ash thought.

"Wow really"? Luz asked, popping her head up from the cauldron a bit.

"Oh yeah, out of all the students here, Ray's pretty much considered a genius"! Willow confirmed.

"More like super genius"! Gus said energetically, "Seriously, sometimes it's like he's operating on a different level than us".

"But...", Ash began, getting their attention, "Y'know he's a...a Rugrid. You know what everyone says about him and his family, right"?

"We've heard", Willow said with a nod of her head.

"But it's not like we buy any of it", Gus claimed.

"Really"? Ash asked skeptically.

"Yeah, the Rugrids are good people", Gus said, "They've all been an inspiration to one or two generations. Sure, they might have screwed up, but you can't really forget all the good they've done for the Isles! They're heroes"!

"And that goes for the people who served in their Coven, too", Willow chimed in, "Unlike most of the people here, we believe that the people of Magitopia were true heroes".

Ash was completely stunned by their words. How long had it been since he'd heard anyone sing his families' praises? Honestly, it wasn't easy for him to remember. Ever since his mother died, the entire Boiling Isles denounced him and his family, calling them failures and much worse. To hear Willow and Gus, who were the same age as him, hold his family in such high regards was such a surprise he couldn't believe it. He stopped in his tracks as he noticed something in the corner of his eye. To his right was a glass case that held trophies, medals, and other various awards that were won by Hexsides' alumni, both past and present. His heart skipped as he saw a picture of a young girl, about two years older than him, wearing a Hexside uniform that, unlike the others, had various colors on both the sleeves and leggings. Despite her youthful appearance, Ash recognized her right away.

"Inspiring, isn't she"? Willow asked, walking over to him, "Riza Rugrid was the greatest witch ever to come from Hexside".

"Even now, she's inspired so many of us students to be the best versions of ourselves, even the teachers and staff members hold her in high regard", Gus said with eager anticipation.

Luz popped her head up to see Ash with that longing look on his face. It was like the expression he had back at the Conformatorium when the inmates mentioned his mother, only this time gave off the vibe that he was both happy and sad. The human girl then noticed someone approaching them from the corner of her eye and quickly ducked back into the cauldron.

"Guys! We got company"! She silently hissed.

Hearing her warning, the others looked ahead to see that Ray was walking up to them. Ash immediately turned away in an attempt to not be seen.

"Hey guys", Ray greeted nonchalantly.

"Ray", Willow said in surprise, "W-what brings you by? I thought you'd be off studying like you normally do".

"I just wanted to check on ya one last time", Ray replied with a shrug, "Amity really caused a commotion back there and I just wanted to make sure you weren't still reeling from all that or anything".

"Oh well, that's nice of you", Willow said in a thankful tone.

"Really though, we're uhh..we're all good now, y'know"? Gus said in a slightly nervous tone.

"Alright then", Ray said with a shrug.

He then noticed Ash who was looking away from them.

"Hey, you"! Ray called to Ash, "You're the new kid that made that singing Abomination right"?

"Huh? Oh uhhh, y-yeah", Ash replied in a lowered tone.

"Well I gotta tell ya, it takes a lot of talent to be able to pull something like that off", Ray complimented, "Only other person I know who was able to do that is my older sister".

"Heh, really"? Ash said.

"Oh yeah, in fact I think you'd even-huh"?

Ray's train of thought had been lost as he noticed something in the trophy case. The student's face, which had been obscured for a while now, was now seen clearly in the case's reflective surface.

"No way", he muttered.

The older wizard marched over to Ash and pulled the hood off his head. With a frightened yelp, he slowly turned to face the upperclassman, who looked at him in shock.

"Ash"? Ray said in disbelief.

With his cover now blown, the young Rugrid looked away with a shameful look on his face.

"What're you doing here"? Ray demanded in a stern tone.

"Y-you know him"? Willow asked.

Ray frowned as he looked from Ash to Willow and sighed.

"Yeah, he's my little brother", Ray answered bitterly.

"He's your BROTHER"?! Gus exclaimed.

This came as a total shock to the others. Especially Luz, who peered up out of the cauldron upon hearing the revelation.

"Brother"? Luz thought.

"Wait a minute", Willow spoke up, looking over at Ash, "You mean you're...a Rugrid"?

"In name only", Ray responded coldly.

Ash bit his lip as he heard his own brother denounce him. This was both sad and awkward for those that were watching.

"You shouldn't have come here, Ash", Ray chided firmly, "You know you're not supposed to be here"!

"Wait, what? What do you mean"? Willow asked.

"You mean he didn't tell you"? Ray said confused, "Well then allow me elucidate ya. It just so happens that my little brother nearly burned down the school during his Hexside tryout".

"What"?! Willow and Gus exclaimed.

"It was only the auditorium"! Ash defended, "I was only 7! I didn't have much control back then! Besides, it wasn't that big a fire"!

"They ended up having to evacuate the entire school AND replace the curtains afterward", Ray finished.

The youngest Rugrid could look away guiltily.

"And as I recall, you got banned from campus after that", Ray continued glaring at Ash, "You do realize that if they caught you, you'll get us all in serious trouble. Our family's situation is bad enough as it is and for you to pull a stunt like this is only gonna make us worse off than we already were".

"Well I have just as much of a right to be here as you do"! Ash exclaimed hotly at his brother.

Ray only frowned at his brother in response.

"Look, I'm not gonna be here for much longer, alright"? Ash said, "I only came here to help Willow".

"What"? Ray said in disbelief as he turned to the witch in question, "You mean you were in on this too"?!

"Ray, I-I", Willow began.

"I expected better from you, Willow", Ray said, very displeased with his junior.

Willow lowered her gaze to the floor in shame.

"I won't cause any more trouble, I swear", Ash vowed, regaining Ray's attention, "After today, you'll never see me around here again. Not that you'd want to".

Willow and Gus both looked at Ash in surprise, stunned by the boy's implication.

"Just don't rat us out and I'll leave before they know something's up", Ash pleaded, "I won't ask for anything from you ever again if you just do this one thing! Please"?!

The elder Rugrid rolled his eyes as he huffed in frustration. On the one hand, his brother being here wasn't good for anyone, most of all him. On the other hand, if Willow asked for his help, out of everyone, her situation must've been more undesirable than he'd originally thought. In spite of the current circumstances, he admittedly had a soft spot for the girl. He knew that she was a hardworker when it came to her schoolwork and she was a good person, too. It was against his better judgement, but he knew that he'd probably end up with a bad taste in his mouth if he didn't lend a hand.

"If you end up causing a ruckus, I'm not gonna bail you out, so don't blame me if this blows up in your face", Ray relented warily.

"So, does that mean you won't say anything"? Willow asked hopefully.

"Just don't expect me to do this for you twice", Ray responded, "Especially now that you went and got him involved".

"Ray, I was just-", Willow started to say.

"I don't wanna hear it, Willow", Ray said, brushing her off, "After all the time I've spent keeping those hecklers off your back and covering for you whenever you were late to class, this is how you repay me"?!

"I never meant to-"! Willow began to protest.

"You really let me down today, Willow", Ray said nonplussed, "And that goes for you too, Augustus".

Both students in question guiltily lowered their heads. It was then Ray turned his attention back to his younger brother.

"You'd better be out of here by the time the last bell rings", Ray warned.

"As if I'd stick around the same place as you for more than a day", Ash retorted.

Ray simply glared at his brother in reply before walking off. Once he was gone, Luz looked up from the pot at her friends. Needless to say, she could easily tell that the mood had been brought down drastically but said nothing.

Later, Willow and Ash had finally rolled the wheelbarrow back into the classroom.

"I'm sorry, guys", Ash said finally, "It's my fault that all that happened".

"So I guess that's why you didn't wanna come here, wasn't it"? Willow said in realization.

"What happened to you guys"? Gus asked, "I mean, I get that you probably have your differences but, you're brothers".

"It's a long story", Ash replied, "Let's just say for now that, something happened, a long time ago. And Ray's kind of blamed me for it ever since".

"Well what was it"? Gus asked, "If we knew, we could talk to him for you and help him see that-".

"Gus", Willow spoke up, "I don't think that's a good idea".

"But why not"? Gus asked, surprised at Willow's words, "They're our friends! More than that, they're brothers! Shouldn't we help them"?

"It's not our place", Willow said firmly, "I wanna help them too, but it seems like what they're both going through isn't something that can be worked out as easily as you think".

"Maybe", Gus said concedingly, "I just...I never thought I'd ever see Ray so upset like that".

The Half-A-Witch student nodded in agreement. It was certainly an eye opening experience for them both. During their time at Hexside, Willow and Gus looked up to Ray a lot. He may have always seemed aloof and distance, but he always helped them out whenever he could. More than that, though, with his skills and excellent grades, he was everything that they aspired to be. But now, to see him treat his own brother so poorly, it was like he was a different person.

As Luz slowly reared her head up from the cauldron and looked over at Ash, she felt just as surprised. In the time she'd known him, the human girl had been ever curious about her senior apprentice's family and why he barely talked about them. That said, given how terribly his brother was to him, she finally understood why. Looking over at the tense expressions of her friends, she decided that she should attempt to reinvigorate their moods or at least divert the course of the conversation.

"Whoo! I'm a sweaty little abomination", Luz sighed as she stepped out of the pot, "Well, with Ray covering for us, at least we don't have to worry about Amity. High five"!

Willow and Gus stared at her hand and shared a confused look. With both of them completely unfamiliar with the gesture, Gus merely shrugged.

"Umm, it's a form of human greeting", Ash explained, "You just gotta slap her hand".

"Yeah, like this", Luz said, giving a demonstration, "It's a human thing".

Gus looked over at Ash, who nodded his head with a smile. The shorter witch then walked over to Luz and hesitantly gave her a high five. He then continued to do it several more times with a growing sense of confidence and delight.

"Oh. Oh, my", Gus said, elated as he continued to high five Luz, "Oh, man, what a rush"!

Ash then smiled as he turned to Willow. The stocky witch girl looked at him in surprise as he held up his own hand, offering her a high five. Nonetheless, she smiled as she smacked her hand against his, rather flattered by the gesture. As awkward as things were between him and his older brother from earlier, the young wizard couldn't help but feel his spirits being lifted. Unfortunately, that feeling was not to last. The classroom door suddenly opened to reveal Amity, who smirked at them and stepped aside as someone else entered the room.

He was an older man who wore a traditional academic dress consisting of a long black gown with a gold yoke, a black cape, gold trim at the sleeves and cape hem, with a blue stole draped over his shoulders and black pointed shoes. He also has an orchid abomination coven sigil on the inside of his right wrist. There was also a berry-colored creature shaped mask covering half of his face, giving him the appearance that his head was being consumed. Through the eyeholes, his eyes appeared teal with bright yellow sclera. This was the headmaster of Hexside, Principal Bump.

"Good afternoon, students", he greeted.

"Principal Bump", Willow said in surprise.

"Seriously?! Of all times"?! Ash thought nervously.

Luz dropped, resuming her role as an abomination. Principal Bump then stepped closer to her. Willow and Gus backed off as he knelt down and turned her head. Ash could feel his heart begin to race as he nervously watched the Principal inspect the "Abomination".

"Hmm", Principal Bump said as he turned her head around, making it give off a slight cracking sound, "Abomination, rise".

So Luz did, looking rather nervous as she complied.

"Abomination, lie", Bump commanded.

"Uh, viral fame is a worthy pursuit. Your cat would never eat you if it got the chance. Chemtrails are real-", Luz listed before being cut off.

"Oh, no, abomination", Bump said with a chuckle, "How strange for it to get the command wrong. I mean, lie down".

The principal then pointed over at a desk. Luz whimpered as she went to lie down on the table. Knowing that that slipup, though slight, was enough to provide reasonable doubt, Ash decided to step in.

"Well, uhh, heh, y'know some Abominations are pretty tricky when it comes to voice commands", Ash piped up, "There was this one time, I told my Abomination to take a seat and it just...y'know...picked it up".

Bump looked over at Ash with a raised brow.

"Mmm, yes well, Mr. Russell, wasn't it"? Bump asked, cupping his chin, "Professor Hermonculus informed me of your...situation. Though I was quite surprised".

"Why's that"? Ash asked nervously.

"I don't recall receiving notice that we were getting any transfer students", Bump replied with a doubtful tone.

Amity's expression changed to a curious one as she looked over at Ash. The teen wizard shuddered in realization that the principal was beginning to figure things out.

"What do I do"? Ash thought, "I already used the nervous student card once! What were some of the weaknesses in grown ups that Eda taught me to use in a situation like this?! Marital Problems? No! Financial Problems? NO"!

As Ash racked his brain to come up with a good excuse, he finally received an epiphany. Keeping up his nervous look, he stood up straight as he addressed the Principal.

"W-well", Ash began, "The principal at Glandus was supposed to tell you, but when I asked about it, I was told, "Don't worry, I'll be sure to let Bump know". But, I didn't really trust the way it was said".

As Ash finished his explanation, the principal took a minute to absorb all this newfound information. After about a minute, he let out a frustrated sigh.

"Of course", He said with an eye roll, "Even after 5 years, apparently not even something as important as matters involving my own school is enough to let it go".

"Ha! Eda was right, drudging up old resentment from school days past still works", Ash thought.

"Well then, now that we've cleared that up, let's return to this rather...unique project of yours, Miss Willow", Bump said, regaining his composure.

Luz muffled a gasp as she suddenly remembered what the principal's focus was on before Ash stepped in.

"So very lifelike", He noted as he approached the table with Willow, "When Miss Blight told me about your abomination, I had to come by, see what she's made of".

"Oh, I have her list of ingredients right here", Willow said, digging into her pocket.

"No. We were hoping...for a closer look", Bump elaborated as he pulled a dagger out of his sleeve.

Luz and Ash both grimaced in fear at the sharp knife.

"Willow, I'll allow you the first cut", Bump said, handing her the blade.

Willow then took the offered dagger and smiled at him nervously. She steps closer to Luz, who wore a very distressed expression.

"Uh, you can't just cut open a human, can you"? She quietly asked Luz.

The disguised human teen shook her head in response. Willow then looked over at Ash who subtly made an X with his fingers, silently giving her his own objection to this.

"Willow, go ahead and make the first incision", Bump insisted placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Crap, crap, crap, CRAP"! Ash panicked within his head as he began sweating bullets, "What do we do?! What do we do?! What do we do?! WHAT DO WE DO"?!

As Ash's nervously hovered over his side where his wand was, someone else decided to intervene.

"Wait, Principal Bump"! Gus shouted, getting everyone's attention, "Uh, high five"!

It was then the little witch swiftly knocked over three abomination pots. The goo spilled together and the abominations that began to form out of the large puddle made was made rose up.

"Run"! Gus exclaimed, pointing towards the door.

Now being given an opening, Willow helped Luz off the table and they immediately ran out of the room with Ash trailing behind them.

"They're getting away"! Amity exclaimed, pointing toward the door.

Not wanting to give them a chance to catch up, Ash quickly slammed the door behind them and pulled out his wand. Using his magic, he drew a red spell circle and aimed it at the door handle. Ash then cast a concentrated heatwave on the doorknob which began to glow red. The gears inside the door handle began to fuse in place, which meant that their pursuers' chance at going after them had been significantly delayed.

"Nice one"! Luz complimented.

"That won't hold them back for long"! Ash noted in a wary tone, "We gotta move, now"!

"He's right! Follow me"! Willow instructed.

"They're going to escape"! Amity grunted as she pulled on the newly jammed door before releasing it and shook her hands after getting burned on the hot metal, "Ow! Hot! Hot! Hot"!

"No, the intruder won't get far", Bump assured.

He then approached a wall and traced a large spell circle and then slammed the center of it with both hands. Red glowing patterns formed on the walls and floor, spreading from the spell circle. Meanwhile, Willow, Luz, and Ash ran through the halls, panting as they stopped at a corner.

"It's okay! They're not following us", Ash huffed, "We should be safe for now".

"This is all my fault, guys", Luz said sadly, "I just wanted to see what a real magic school was like".

"Well, how do you like it"? Willow asked.

"It's lovely, actually", Luz replied honestly.

Both of them giggled at that.

"And what about you, Ash"? Willow said, turning to the young wizard.

Ash's eyes widened and paused for a minute to gather his thoughts.

"Honestly...it's great", Ash said, "As much as I've loved learning from Eda, being here with other kids my age, I feel like I'm...apart of something. I haven't felt that way in a long time. If things were different, I'd want nothing more than to go to school here. With you and Gus and Luz, too".

Both girls smiled at him as he said that.

"Okay, we should get out of here before-", Willow began.

Suddenly, the red light patterns that were made by Bump from before spread on the walls around them. When they reached one of the doorways ahead, a red shield blocked it off. Several more doorways were blocked off as the bright patterns started spreading through the school.

"...Bump seals us in", Willow finished fearfully.

Going over to one of the sealed doorways, Ash pulled out his wand and aimed it at the sealed off path. He then unleashed a small beam of light from it which struck the translucent barrier that stood between them and their escape. After about a minute and a half, he canceled the spell and leaned forward, panting as he hunched over.

"It's no use", Ash said tiredly as he put his wand away, "The barrier's too strong".

Ash knew he'd be able to break it down if he transformed. But he couldn't afford to risk revealing his secret identity.

"Without my Magi Suit, I can't draw out my full power without losing control", Ash thought fearfully, "How am I gonna get them out of here without it"?

"I'd have suspected this was your doing", said a voice.

The three friends' heads jerked up in response and saw Ray coming out from the corner ahead of them.

"Ray", Ash muttered softly.

"Hey, perfect timing"! Luz said in an elated tone, "Oh, sorry, I guess I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Luz, a friend of your brothers'! Now that you're here can you help us with the-"?

"Don't bother Luz", Willow interuppted.

"Huh"? Luz said in confusion.

"He's not here to help", Ash added.

"Hmm, guess you're not as dense as you were back then", Ray said snidely, "I figured you'd be the one behind this mess. This makes twice that you've caused trouble while being here".

Ash said nothing as he shamefully looked away.

"It's not his fault"! Willow spoke in Ash's defense, "I'm the one who brought him here, Ray! If you're going to blame someone, blame me"!

"Oh I'll get to you later, you can be sure of that", Ray said, turning to Willow, "But right now, I've got business with Mr. Trespasser here".

Ash said nothing as he subconsciously reached to his side, ready to draw his wand at any moment.

"I'm guessing you're not about to just let us go then, huh"? Ash surmised.

"Right on the money with that one", Ray confirmed, "As much as I'd love to settle things, right now my only concern is keeping the peace".

"Yeah, you're doing a real good job if you're letting bullies like Amity walk away scott free", Ash pointed out smartly.

"Hey! Unlike you, she still follows the rules", Ray defended.

"It's because of her that we're locked in"! Ash retorted, "Besides, if it were up to her, Luz could've gotten seriously hurt"!

"What're you talking about"?! Ray asked.

"Your little student brought the Principal onto us and stood back as he was about to have her slice and dice my friend"! Ash explained, pointing to Luz.

Ray looked at him in surprise before turning to Willow.

"It's true", Willow affirmed.

As bad as that sounded, Ray was not about to let up.

"Okay, I'll grant you, that was wrong", Ray admitted, "But that doesn't change the fact that the two of you broke in here without permission, especially when you know you're not allowed to be here! So let's just cut to the chase...".

Ray then reached over to his side and pulled out his own wand. It was a 14-inch light brown wooden shaft that tapered to a point. The handle had a yellow and black strip of leather. At the pommel was a yellow bird shaped crystal that was similar to the crystal on Ash's wand, except the wings had a more jagged, zig zag design.

"Come quietly and maybe you'll be able to leave with just a slap on the wrist", Ray offered in a warning tone, "If you refuse...well, you'll still be brought in. But with a few shiners here and there".

Ray emphasized his point by emitting a small electric glow from the tip of his wand. Knowing there was no way to avoid this, Ash stepped forward and whipped out his wand.

"You're really gonna take aim at me with that"? Ray asked incredously.

"Why not? You're doing the same exact thing", Ash replied, aiming his wand at his brother.

"Ash! Ray! Please, you don't need to do this"! Willow said, waving her hands in a placating manner.

"He's a wizard, Willow", Ray said, "He knows full well the shit you all have stepped in and is prepared to accept it. It's almost as admirable as it is POINTLESS"!

With that, Ray let loose a streak of bright yellow lightning from his wand. Thinking fast, Ash cast a magic circle with his wand which then made the lockers around them start to glow. Just as the lightning bolt began to get closer to them, it stopped and split off in different directions. Ray watched in disbelief as, instead of Ash, it ended up hitting the lockers instead.

"Whoa"! Luz said in amazement as small sparks of electricity began dancing across the surface of the lockers.

"Tch! Very clever, little brother", Ray growled, "You enhanced the conductibility of the metal in the lockers and turned them into lightning rods that were strong enough to attract and absorb my lightning".

"Magic's easy to counter as long as you know the type you're dealing with", Ash pointed out, "You taught me that".

"I also taught you that that kind of logic can be easily disproved when your opponent is better than you"! Ray exclaimed as he fired off another lightning bolt.

Ash wasted no time in deflecting it with his wand. Willow and Luz kept a safe distance as Ash stood in front of them, determined to not let a single bolt touch them.

"Willow! Take Luz and get out of here, NOW"! Ash said.

"But what about you"?! Willow asked.

"I'll catch up with you guys later! Just let me handle things here"! Ash replied.

"Big talk from the guy who's never beaten me", Ray sneered as he fired off another lightning bolt at his brother.

Luz gasped upon hearing this. Aside from Eda, Ash was the strongest magic user she knew. Hearing that he'd never been able to win against his brother was enough to make her worry.

"Ash, maybe you should-", Luz started to say.

"I'll be fine, Luz", Ash assured.

He looked back at her and gave her a smile.

"Trust me, I've got this", He said reassuringly.

Though there was a bit of doubt lingering in her heart, Luz decided to have faith in her friend.

"Right"! Luz said with a nod, "Willow, let's go! Lead the way"!

"R-right"! Willow said nervously, taking the lead.

Ash smiled as he saw them take their leave. As they rounded the corner, Luz stopped and turned back to Ash.

"Ash"! Luz called to him.

The young wizard looked back to see the human girl give him a warm smile.

"Good luck"! She said with a wave before turning to leave.

Ash felt his cheeks start to warm up, flattered and surprised by his friends' support.

"If you think a little support from your girlfriend is gonna be enough for you to best me, you've got another thing coming"! Ray shouted, getting his brothers' attention.

Ash turned back in time to see another lightning bolt being fired at him. The younger Rugrid rolled out of the way just in time.

"I've gotten a lot stronger since we last fought", Ash claimed before adopting an embarrassed expression, "And wait! She's not my girlfriend"!

"Heh, whatever, not like it matters", Ray said impassively.

With that, the older wizard fired off another bolt of lightning at Ash. Using his wand, Ash conjured up a flame barrier that held back the lightning. Needless to say, Ray was a little impressed by this. His little brother truly did seem to have improved during their time apart. But that wasn't going to be enough stop him.

"I'll admit you've gotten better at handling your magic", Ray acknowledged, "But sneaking into the one place you know you're not welcome only proves you haven't gotten smarter"!

"What can I say? Anything goes when you're a wild wizard", Ash said with a scoff, "And when you're a wild wizard..."!

Ash then aimed his wand straight at his brother and fired a large fireball straight at him. The flaming orb flew at him at breakneck speed. Ray was quick to conjure up a light shield, but he still ended up taking the brunt of it. It hit him with the force of a speeding locomotive, knocking him down on his side.

"You can do whatever you want", Ash finished.

Ray simply scoffed in reply as he got back on his feet.

"Well then, Mr. Wild Wizard", Ray said spitefully, "Whattya say we end this"?

Before he could react, Ray let loose another bolt of lightning at Ash, who responded by firing off a stream of fire. The two opposing forces collided and, as the two brothers stood their ground, the two magic attacks began pushing at each other, fueled by their casters' energy and desire to overpower the other. As the fatigue from the battle began to eat away at his stamina, Ash grunted as he strained to stand up and keep his wand steady, feeling the force from the opposite end beginning to get heavier and heavier. Though it felt as if his body was going to give out at any moment, Ash knew he had to buy more time for Willow and Luz to escape. So with all his strength, Ash stood up straight and sent a wave of energy that made his fire stream push against Ray's lightning. This caught Ray by surprise.

"Hmm, you've certainly gotten stubborn", Ray said with a nod before grinning devilishly, "But in the end, you're still out of your league! Magi Magika"!

Upon uttering the spell, Ray's lightning grew stronger and overpowered Ash's fire. The young wizard could only watch in horror as his firestream was snuffed out and the lightning headed straight toward him. The yellow bolt of pure electricity landed on him before he even knew it. Ash cried out in pain as he felt the lightning surge throughout his body. The young Rugrid landed on his back with a painful groan, dropping his wand in the process.

"You should've known this would happen", Ray said, putting his wand away.

Instead of backing off, however, Ray lifted his hand and, after drawing a spell circle with his fingers, he fired another lightning bolt at Ash who screamed and squirmed as the electricity painfully moved throughout his body.

"For all your boasting of having gotten stronger, you still haven't learned a damn thing"! Ray roared as he then used his lightning to toss Ash against the lockers.

As he slid down to the floor, Ash could only groan in reply as he crossed his arms over his chest, attempting to alleviate the pain inflicted upon him.

"If you think being my brother will save you from getting what you deserve, you're wrong", Ray growled scornfully, "You've had this coming for a long time"!

With a hateful glare, Ray fired another blast of lightning from his hand at his brother, who could only spasm and scream out in agony as Ray continued to pump him full of electricity, one bolt after another. As this was happening, Ash was racking his brain, trying to come up with an idea of how to turn the tables in this fight. Unfortunately, the pain made it hard for him to concentrate.

"What do I do"?! Ash thought, "I gotta think of something or I'm toast! LITERALLY! But what can I do? His lightning is as strong as it ever was, if not stronger! If only I could find an ample source of heat, I could make my fire magic strong enough to overpower-wait! HEAT! THAT'S IT"!

Using what little strength he had, Ash held up a hand and drew a spell circle with his magic.

"Cast whatever spell you want, it won't make a difference", Ray claimed readying another blast of lightning.

"We'll see about that", Ash thought as he glared at his elder brother.

With a shout of conviction, Ray let loose another round of lightning at Ash, but to his surprise, the young wizard did not seem scared. In fact, he was smiling.

"Jiruma Magiiro"! Ash shouted.

As the lightning struck his outstretched hand that held the spell circle, the lightning began to focus on the tip of his finger. Unlike last time however, as the lightning flowed through him, Ash felt no pain. Quite the opposite, in fact; he felt himself beginning to regain energy. Enough energy to get back on his feet as a cloak of flames surrounded him as the lightning flowed into his hand. Ray quickly canceled out his spell as he watched on in shock at his newly reinvigorated opponent. For a second, he was unable to comprehend how this was possible until his eyes widened in realization.

"I see", Ray said in understanding, "You used your transmutation spell to convert the electric heat generated from my lightning into fire, turning my attacks into a power source".

The older Rugrid couldn't help but smile at his younger siblings' ingenuity.

"I'll admit, you really thought outside the box with that one", Ray granted, "But that alone won't be enough to help you. You can't generate any more fire if I cut off your supply".

"Good thing there's still plenty of lightning lying around"! Ash said, holding up his hand.

Ray looked at him in confusion. His confusion turned to disbelief as he watched several amounts of lightning get drawn out from the lockers around them and flow into Ash, making his firey cloak glow brighter with more power.

"My attacks from before"! Ray gasped in realization, "You're drawing in all the lightning I cast from earlier"!

Ash merely smiled in response as he held up two fingers.

"Checkmate", he muttered.

SNAP!

FWOOSH!

The very second Ash snapped his fingers, he channeled every last bit of magic energy into casting a powerful heat wave that knocked Ray off his feet, sending him flying backwards into the lockers. The older Rugrid boy groaned in pain as he slid down the lockers onto the floor. With his opponent now knocked down, Ash pulled off his uniform, which canceled out his transformation spell. He was now back in his regular clothes.

"Heh, still think I'm out of my league...big brother"? Ash said mockingly, adjusting his white cloak, "Alright, now to catch up with the girls".

After retrieving his wand, he then began walking ahead to follow after Luz and Willow, another lightning streak whizzed by his head. He turned to see Ray holding his side, aiming his hand right at him as an enraged expression stretched across his face.

"Oh, COME ON"! Ash shouted irately.

---

Meanwhile, Willow and Luz reached the central atrium, but the doorways were still being sealed off. Shadows then fell over them. They turned and gasped to see Principal Bump standing behind them, using his magic to direct a few abominations toward them. The girls ran a bit and hid behind a pillar once they were a good ways off.

"Oh, this is awful"! Willow wailed as she sank to the ground, "I don't know what to do. Without Ash, we don't stand a chance! Amity's right. I'm just Half-a-Witch Willow".

"You're Full-Witch Willow"! Luz said encouragingly, putting a hand on her friends' shoulder, "And you're great! And someone once told me great witches are resourceful".

The Dominican teen then proceeded to pull out the contents of her pockets. Willow gasped as she spotted something amidst the various items.

"That's it"! She realized, taking the slimeball.

"You mean that greasy slime ball"? Luz said in confusion.

"Luz, it's a seed! Thank goodness you had it on you", Willow explained, relieved that now there was a chance.

"Yeah. Thank goodness someone told me to hold on to it", Luz said with a thoughtful smile.

Willow then put the seed in her lap and traced a spell circle over it. Though she was nervous, she thought back to what Ash said to her in the classroom, how believing in courage would help. Despite her nerves, she knew that Ash was giving it his all by staying behind so that they could escape, and she wasn't about to let his sacrifice be in vain. With a deep breath, she proceeded to cast her magic.

"Please grow"! She pleaded.

Thorny vines immediately started growing from the seed. They grew so much and so fast that they managed to reach the ceiling within seconds. They stabbed through the abominations and eventually set their sights on Principal Bump, sending him to the ceiling and pinning him there. As the Principal slowly opened his eyes, he let out a gasp as he looked at the now covered the entire atrium, curling around pillars and reaching from the bottom most floor to the absolute ceiling. Pink petals fell from above, and several of the vines had flowers on them.

"Remarkable", he marveled.

Meanwhile, Ash and Ray stared at each other, panting as they held themselves up, fighting through the pain so that they might finish things.

"You've certainly improved", Ray sighed, "But not enough to where you can beat-huh"?

The older Rugrid's monologue was cut short as the floor began to rumble. Both of them exchanged a confused look, unable to determine what was causing this. Just then, a swarm of vines flew around the corner towards them. They both let out a startled yelp. On instinct, Ash ducked down to avoid them. Ray was not so lucky and immediately found himself ensnared by the vines. The green plant tendrils then slammed him against the lockers, effectively knocking him out.

Ash looked up in surprise to see his older brother now incapacitated and unconscious. Getting to his feet, he found himself astounded, not knowing what to think. As lucky as it was for him, he had no idea how he was supposed to react to this. Reaching out, he poked his brother's head to check and see if he was still alive. Ray did not move but still let out a pained grown, indicating he was still alive.

"Well that's a relief", Ash thought.

Relieved by the knowledge that his brother had not croaked, Ash slowly turned to take his leave.

"Okay, well...bye", Ash said as he ran off to catch up with Luz and Willow.

Meanwhile, back at the Central Atrium, Willow saw that her gambit had paid off and that the seals on the doorways were now deactivated.

"There's the exit"! Willow said as she put the seed on the floor.

Not wanting to waste a second, she and Luz headed towards the exit but then gasped as a familiar face got in front of them.

"Not so fast"! Amity growled, as she stood in front of the exit, blocking off their escape, "I'm not letting you get away so easily. I want my badge! Abominations, seize"!

An abomination then came up from behind them. Luz punched it through the chest, then took Willow by the wrist and ran. Amity used her magic to reform the abomination and sent it after them again. Luz and Willow panted as they hurried towards the path to the exit, but another abomination forms in front of them. Willow screamed in surprise.

"Whoa"! Luz gasped.

The abomination staggers forward with a loud groan. It looked as though their luck had run out. Luckily...

"Jiruma Magiiro"!

Before anyone knew what was happening, a white ball of light flew towards the Abomination. Upon impact, the Abomination glowed until its' form went from its' natural purple state to a light brown appearance.

"What"?! Amity said in surprise.

FWOOSH!

A fireball then flew through the air, hitting the Abomination before causing it to burst into flames. As it melted into a harmless puddle at their feet, Willow and Luz looked over to see Ash with his wand held out and leaning against one of the vine covered walls.

"Ash"! Willow and Luz said with a smile.

The human girl gasped as she quickly took notice of Ash's appearance. He was battered, bruised, and covered in soot and burn marks, panting as he held his shoulder. He staggered a bit as he quickly went over to Luz and Willow.

"You again"?! Amity said disbelief.

"What happened to you"?! Willow asked, placing her hand on Ash's back.

"Just catching up with my brother, that's all", Ash said jokingly.

"Are you gonna be okay"? Luz asked worriedly, placing her hand on Ash's other shoulder.

"Heh, ask me that when we get out of here", Ash said, turning to face Amity.

"You won't be getting out of here, not on my watch"! Amity claimed.

"Y'know something, Amity"? Ash said in an annoyed tone, "I've had ENOUGH of your crap for today! Just like I've had enough of my brother's crap"!

"Wait, what? Brother"? Amity said in confusion.

"I heard what you said earlier", Ash said, reaching over to Willow and taking her badge, "You want it?! Then TAKE IT"!

He quickly threw it towards the green haired witch and fired a fireball at it with his wand. It then flew like a comet towards Amity, who let out a scared yelp as it whizzed by her. She looked in horror as she saw it land on the ground.

"Oh no! No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO"! Amity said as she knelt down to put it out.

"Not bad, Mr. Wizard", Luz noted.

"Thanks, I-Augh"! Ash started to say before doubling over in pain.

The two girls took him by his arms, helping him stand as he hissed in pain. Getting her second wind, Amity turned to Ash and stared at him with a hateful glare.

"You're going to pay that for that"! She screamed.

She then used her magic to make more abominations. The three friends gasped as the animate constructs made their way closer and closer to them.

"I don't think I have enough left in me to fight them off", Ash said worriedly.

"Then what do we do now"? Luz asked in a frantic tone.

Willow then wordlessly traced out a large spell circle, causing vines to trap the abomination.

"Get outta here"! She said as her eyes glowed.

"No! I'm not leaving you", Luz insisted.

"Luz, Ash is hurt! We can't go on with him like this", Willow noted factually.

"But what about you"?! Luz said.

"I may get detention, but you'll get dissected", Willow pointed out, "And I don't even wanna think about what might happen to Ash"!

The abominations from before melt through the vines, reforming and staggering toward them.

"Guys, they're starting to get loose"! Ash said in a warning tone.

"Now go"! Willow shouted.

With a wave of her hand, the young plant witch summoned two pairs of vines to carry both Luz and Ash over the abominations and out the door. Ash turned his head and looked at Willow sadly as he was carried towards the exit.

"Thanks", he said softly.

Willow simply smiled and nodded her head in reply. As soon as the two were out, the vines retreated as the door slammed behind them.

"Willow"! Luz said reaching towards the door.

"Luz", Ash groaned as he tried to stand up, "There's nothing we can do right now. We have to-Oomph"!

Ash began to stagger as he held his side.

"Whoa! Easy, easy", Luz said as she went over to Ash and placed his arm around her shoulder.

As Luz got a closer look at Ash, she couldn't help but feel guilty about leaving him back there.

"I'm sorry we left you back there", Luz said shamefully, "You got all banged up because of us".

"Don't be that way", Ash sighed, "I chose to stay behind so you two could get away. I couldn't have you guys getting caught up in the middle of that".

"I know", Luz acknowledged, "But...but Willow-"!

"Willow did the same thing for us as I did for you guys", Ash interjected, "And even though we may not be able to do anything right now, that doesn't mean that others can't".

Luz's eyes widened as she quickly realized what Ash was implying.

"You're right", she said, "We can't save her right now, but we know someone who can"!

Now knowing what they had to do, she quickly set off with Ash in tow, being careful not to jostle her injured friend too much.

---

Back at the Owl House, things had taken a rather frightful turn. King had seemingly won the bet, only for his trash slug, Prince Jr, to rebel against him. With no other choice, he went to Eda, who, after giving her permission to call him "Mr. Wiggles", decided to help. Despite the threat that the monstrous slug presented, the Owl Lady had a plan. Currently, she was facing Prince Jr. mano y mano. It spat lava at her, which she easily dodged. She then raced forward and smacked it in the face with her staff twice. It then backed her toward the front door. Meanwhile, King was pushing a barrel on the roof, getting into position so that he could make his move.

"Pour the salt, now"! Eda ordered as she backed away from the giant slug.

"Baby boy"! King said with a hint of guilt in his eyes.

"Prince Jr. looked up at King, whimpering innocently. Before proceeding to let loose a monstrous roar, effectively devaluing the cute innocent display from earlier.

"I have no son", King said coldly, "Eat salt"!

The little demon then pushed the large barrel of salt over the roof, sending it down into the trash slug's mouth. After ingesting the large quantity of salt, it shivered and made noises of protest before shrinking back to its original size. With its' threatening size now gone, it whimpered as it ran off.

"Yes, I did it"! King cheered as he danced around, "I'm amazing! Ahh"!

As he danced, he ended up losing his balance and fell from the roof. Luckily, Eda managed to catch him.

"You helped too", King chuckled as he sat in Eda's arms, "You are a good teacher".

"I wish the kids thought that too", Eda said with a sigh.

"Eda"!

Both King and Eda were surprised to see Luz dashing towards them, looking rather distressed as she grabbed them both in a hug.

"Hey, hey, hey, hey! What is this"? Eda questioned, "Ugh! I never understand when you do this".

"Questions later"! Ash exclaimed as he tiredly hobbled up to them, "We need...your help! Now"!

"Whoa, what the heck happened to you"?! Eda asked as she broke out of Luz's grasp and went over to Ash.

"Long story", Ash said quickly, "We'll tell you later but right now we've got more important things to deal with"!

"He's right"! Luz said in agreement, "Oh, by the way, Your lesson worked! Keeping junk in my pocket saved my life"!

She then gasped as she remembered the reason she and Ash came back to get her.

"But wait! Our new friends! They're in danger"! Luz said fearfully.

"Yeah! We need you to come back and-"!

"Luz! Ash"!

The young wizard was cut off as a familiar voice filled the air. Ash and Luz both turned to see Willow running towards them, no worse for wear, with Gus at her side. They ran up to Luz and wrapped her up in a hug, which Luz immediately reciprocated. Even though Ash was left out due to his injuries, he still smiled, happy to know his newfound friends were safe.

"Seriously, what is that"? Eda asked, referring to the hug.

"It's called hugging, Eda", Ash said with a sigh, "We've been over this a dozen times already".

"You won't believe it, guys. Everything is perfect now"! Willow reported happily as she held Luz by the shoulders.

"It's true! I don't believe it", Luz said in a confused yet happy tone.

"Yeah, how can everything be perfect?! Last time we saw you, the whole place practically looked like a jungle and there were abominations out to get us"! Ash said, just as confused, "What the heck happened back there"?!

"Well, after you both left, Principal Bump was so impressed by my plant work he's switching me to the plant magic track"! Willow explained, "Look"!

She backed away and snapped her fingers. With a glow of green magic and a twirl, her sleeves and leggings went from magenta to green.

"Awesome"! Ash said totally floored by the news.

"Yes"! Luz cheered as she hugged Willow once more, who giggled in response, "Whoo"!

It was then that Luz remembered something else that was important.

"Oh, what about Amity"? She asked as she remembered the witch who'd been pursuing them.

"Last we saw, she was asking Bump if today could count as extra credit", Gus answered.

"Seriously"? Ash said in disbelief.

"Yeah, go figure", Gus replied with a shrug.

"And uhhh...and Ray"? Ash asked, "What happened to him"?

"He's still out cold", Willow answered, a little guilt ridden knowing she'd knocked out one of her only other friends and upperclassmen.

"Wait a minute, you ran into Ray while you were there"? Eda asked, stepping in.

Ash simply nodded in reply to his teacher.

"Well that explains why you look like you just crawled out of an exploding sulfur pit", Eda noted, "So uhhh... how do you feel"?

"Well done, actually", Ash said in a sardonic tone, "And a little numb in some places too. But hey, I've been through worse".

"But, other than that", Willow said, going up to Ash, "Are you gonna be okay"?

"Yeah, like I said, it's no big deal", Ash assured with a shrug, "A little ointment, some healing potions, a good night's rest, and I'll be back to normal".

"No, I mean...about the other thing"? Willow asked, "That stuff that he said and all".

Ash's eyes widened in realization.

"I uhh...I don't know", Ash said doubtfully.

"I'm sorry I dragged you into my problems", Willow said sadly, "I didn't mean for any of that to happen".

"No Willow, I was the one who talked him into it"! Luz interjected, "If anyone's to blame for Ash getting hurt, it's me".

"Girls, girls, please", Ash said, holding up his hand in a placating manner, "It's fine, really".

"How can you say that after everything that happened"? Willow said in disbelief.

"Seriously, that was, like, REALLY bad", Luz added.

"I've been putting off my heart to heart with my brother for a long time now", Ash admitted, "Honestly, I just didn't have the courage to face him until now".

"Do you think you guys will ever work things out"? Gus asked.

"Who can say"? Ash replied before turning to Willow, "But I do know one thing; I would've been toast if Willow hadn't sent those vines in. You really saved my bacon back there. Thank you".

Willow smiled and nervously scratched the back of her head, flattered by the boys' praise.

"Well, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been able to cast that spell with the seed", Willow confessed humbly, "I remembered what you said. I believed in courage and it turned out things worked out for the best after all".

Ash smiled, quite pleased to hear Willow say that.

"See, Luz"? Ash said, turning to the human in question, "That's how magic can come from courage".

Luz's eyes widened in realization, thinking back to their conversation from earlier. As she thought back to what Ash said about courage and to the incredible magic Willow displayed with the seed, it all became clear. Once again, the young wizard managed to impress her with unexpected insight.

"Well, I know I certainly can't wait to see you guys in action next time we sneak in", Luz piped up in a gleeful manner.

Behind her, Willow winced a bit.

"Uh, about that", Gus said nervously, "You're kinda, sorta... banned".

To her surprise, the short witch then pulled out and unfurled a poster with a picture of Luz covered in abomination goo and the word "BANNED" written in red under it.

"That's my girl"! Eda praised.

"Well, guess you're part of the club, now", Ash joked.

"But we could come here and teach you what we learned", Willow offered.

"Both of you", Gus chimed in, being sure to include Ash.

"Aw! That would be nice, but...", Luz began to say as she turned to Eda, "I think we have a pretty great teacher already".

Eda blinked in surprise as Luz said that.

"Wrong"! Ash said to everyone's surprise, "She's not great".

"Ash, what're you-"? Luz started to say.

The young wizard then held up a hand before looking up at Eda with a warm smile on his face.

"She's the best", Ash said happily.

Eda simply smiled at her two apprentices.

"Yeah, that's right! Luz and Ash are my students"! She said with a smile as she took the poster from Gus, "Back off, academy twerps"!

Everyone laughed.

"Ah, baby's first wanted poster", Eda said in a nostalgic tone as she looked at Luz's poster, "Reminds me of when Ash got his".

"Please don't remind me about that", Ash pleaded nervously, "I'm still trying to forget".

"Hahaha, alright fine", Eda chuckled, "But y'know, you've certainly come a long way since the day we met. If you're able to go toe to toe with one of your siblings, I must be doing something right".

Ash sheepishly grinned in response as he scratched the back of his head nervously. The fact that he was able to last as long as he did against Ray today was proof that there was some truth to Eda's words. Just then, Luz stepped up in between them.

"Wait, siblings"? Luz repeated, "As in, there's more than just you and Ray"?!

"Oh yeah! Ash is the youngest of 5", Eda revealed.

"Eda"! Ash hissed.

"What?! She just met Ray so she was bound to find out sooner or later"! Eda replied with a shrug.

"Whoa, that's a pretty big family"! Luz marveled, "Oh my gosh, I have SO many questions! Is Ray your only brother?! Do you have any sisters?! Why don't you all live together?! Is there a family reunion coming up that I can-"?!

"LUZ"! Ash shouted immediately stopping her.

"Sorry", Luz apologized, "It's just...you've barely ever talked about your family. Though, with how you were with Ray today, I can see why".

"Yeah", Ash said with a nod.

"And well, we've been living together all this time now and it feels like there's so much about you that I still don't know", Luz said regretfully, "It's almost like...you don't...trust me"?

Ash couldn't help but frown sadly at that. His human friend had a point. His secret identity as MagiRed aside, there were still so much he hadn't told her, including his family.

"I know", Ash said with a nod, "But I promise you, I'll tell you everything in due time".

Ash then patted Luz's shoulder. They both exchanged a smile.

"Gonna hold ya to that", Luz said jokingly.

"Uhh, you high five with your hands, not your shoulder", Gus said, popping up between them.

Ash and Luz's eyes widened as Gus smiled innocently. Ignoring his short friends' faux pas, the young wizard then turned to his small statured friend.

"Hey Gus, wanna see something even cooler than a high-five"? Ash offered.

"What? What could be even cooler than a high-five"? Gus asked in disbelief.

Ash and Luz then exchanged a knowing smirk. They then proceeded to perform their own handshake, first with a sideways high-five, then a low-five, and then finally they finished things off by grasping each others' hand. Gus simply stared at them, completely blown away by what he'd seen.

"What...was THAT"?! He asked in shock.

"It's a best friend handshake", Ash explained, "Some friends come up with their own to show their close bond. It's like how some people wear matching outfits".

"Can...can I try the handshake, too"? Gus asked eagerly.

"Are you kidding me? Absolutely"! Ash replied.

The diminutive witch then went over to his new friend and smiled as they repeated the same steps seen earlier.

"This is the best day EVER"! Gus exclaimed as he grasped Ash's hand, "Willow! You GOTTA try this"!

"Um, okay"! Willow said, going over to join them.

Luz and Eda both stood off at the side, watching as Ash repeated the steps of the handshake with Willow. As she watched her young ward interact with his newfound friends, the Owl Lady couldn't help but smile.

"Y'know, before you came along, Ash didn't really have any friends his own age", Eda said thoughtfully, "But now, seeing him pal around with you and those other two...kinda puts me at ease".

Luz smiled warmly at those words. A thought suddenly popped into her head and a knowing smirk then stretched across her face.

"Lemme guess, it's because it gives him more excuses to get out of the house, right"? Luz jested.

"Ha! Good one kid", Eda said, patting the top of Luz's head, "Looks like I am teaching you something after all".

The Dominican teen simply smiled as she accepted her teacher's praise.

---

Meanwhile, back at Hexside, Ray lay quietly on one of the cots in the schools' infirmary. He groaned as he slowly came to.

"Ugh, huh? What?" he said groggily, "Where am I"?

"You're in the school's infirmary", said a voice next to him.

He turned his head to see Amity sitting on a stool next to his bed.

"How long was I out"? Ray asked.

"A few minutes or so", Amity replied.

"What happened back there? Last thing I remembered was a bunch of vines grabbing me and pinning me against the lockers", Ray recalled, "After that, it all went black".

"You can thank Half-A-Witch for that", Amity said bitterly.

"So Willow did all that, huh"? Ray said in a surprised tone, "Hmm, I always knew she had it in her".

"You're actually impressed by her"?! Amity said in disbelief.

"Well I mean, come on! Not just anyone in the plant track has made it so the entire school becomes a greenhouse", Ray pointed out.

"Yeah but still! She and that...fake abomination, and that other intruder caused a lot of trouble"! Amity exclaimed, "And you got hurt because of them"!

"What, this"? Ray said, pointing the bandages on his face and wrapped around his forehead, "This is all par for the course when dealing with my little brother".

"Brother"? Amity repeated, very confused.

"That kid that was with Willow? That was Ash, my little brother", Ray explained.

"That was your brother"?! Amity said in disbelief, "Well...I can see why you don't talk about him that much".

Ray sighed in response. Another thought occurred to him.

"Hey wait, so how'd I even get here"? Ray asked.

"I uhh...well", Amity said nervously, "I kind of...carried you here".

"You what"? Ray said in disbelief.

"I carried you here, okay"? Amity huffed, crossing her arms, "What, you got a problem with that"?

"No, no", Ray said, holding up a hand in defense, "I just figured it'd be kinda... embarrassing for you".

"Honestly, I feel like it'd be more embarrassing for me if it was the other way around", Amity elaborated as a light blush formed on her face.

"Fair enough", Ray said with a nod.

"And besides...", Amity started to say.

After taking a good look around to make sure there was nobody else in the room but them, Amity looked at Ray with an honest and gentle expression.

"What kinda girlfriend would I be if I didn't help you out"? She asked in a warm tone.

Ray's cheeks immediately turned red. Even though they had been dating in secret for the past year, there were still moments where she was able to catch him off-guard and make his heart race just a bit. He'd never say it out loud, but he was grateful for moments like this. Especially on days like today, when unexpected problems came out of the woodwork.

"Yeah well", he said, clearing his throat, "I mean, I guess I'd have been in a bit of a jam if it weren't for your help".

"Is that supposed to be a compliment"? Amity remarked with a smirk.

"Look, I'm just trying to say thank you, alright"? Ray huffed irately.

Amity merely chuckled in response before surprising the wizard by reaching out and touching his hand.

"You're welcome, Ray", she said, smiling as she rubbed her thumb across the top of his hand.

Ray did not object to her holding his hand but still said nothing.

Later, after taking some pain reliever, Ray exited the school, now wearing a black track jacket, with a white stripe running down each sleeve, over his school uniform.

"So, you wanna head to the library"? Amity asked, walking up beside him.

"Actually, I've had a bit of a day", Ray sighed, "Can we stop by the diner, first"?

"Pie"? Amity asked knowingly.

"Yes please", Ray pleaded.

"My treat", Amity said.

"You're the best", Ray said thankfully.

"Hmph! You better believe it, Mister", Amity said in a haughty tone.

The two then exchanged a laugh at that. As they began walking away from the school, Amity stared down at Ray's hand. Edging over until they were close enough, the green haired witch slowly reached out with her pinky until it was touching Ray's. Without looking down, Ray simply smiled and wrapped his own pinky around Amity's. To her surprise, Amity looked down to see Ray's hand slowly grasp hers, their fingers interlocking. She looked around to see if anyone was watching. Much to her relief, they were still alone. Letting out a sigh, she smiled as she leaned against Ray's arm, happy and completely content despite recent events. Even though he'd never admit it out loud, Ray felt the same way. As the two secretly romantically involved teenagers walked down the path, they both had one single hope; that this moment would last forever.

---

Spells Used:

Jiruma Magiiro

Magi Magika

Newest Spell:

Maagi Magiiro: Transformation Spell

A/N: And there it is! Ray and Amity are a thing. For those that don't remember, in this AU, I've made it so that Amity is Pan, like her VA, Mae Whitman. You'll see more cutesy moments of them, as well as how their relationship came to be, later in the story. Also, for those curious, Ray's VA choice is the late great Billy Kametz AKA Naofumi Iwatani and Josuke Higashikata.

So, no love lost between Ash and Ray, huh? The theme of this story is family, yes, but it's trope is "Broken Family". As you can see, Ash and Ray have a LOT to work out. Don't worry, things get better between them eventually. After all, no family should stay broken forever, y'know?

I know what some of you are thinking about this chapter. That I'm going against the source material and that Kai and Tsubasa, the characters I've based Ash and Ray off of, never fought like this. Well keep in mind, not only is this MY story, but there's two other important things to consider. For one, while I'm keeping the family theme, this story involves a broken family that starts amending fences. As evident from the Blights, not every family is perfect, IRL or otherwise. The Rugrid's healing process will affect not only their familial relationships, but their team dynamic when more of the Magirangers come into the story.

Two, honestly, I think I subconciously based Ash's and Ray's current relationship off of the relationship I have with my stepbrother. Growing up, he was always the more popular one. Confident, strong in both body and spirit, likeable, had a way with people, as well as the ladies. He was one of the popular jocks, and I was just the dorky, shy brother. Because of my autism, I was considered an outsider almost immediately, and everyone made sure I knew it, including my brother. Ngl, he picked on me a lot. I know it was his only way of interacting with me, and TBH, part of me felt grateful for him giving me some sort of acknowledgement. Things got better as we got older and we parted on good terms after we graduated high school. He never apologized in words, but in actions. He invited me to his wedding where he literally threw the garter at me. I think it was his way of expressing his desire of me finding someone who'd make me happy just like how he found his wife. As of now, our relationship is complicated. But I'd be lying if I said I couldn't help but love the A-hole Lol.

Ash and Ray may not be simpatico at the moment, but as you've seen in their fight, Ray has acknowledged the improvements that Ash has made, both in magic and in spirit. After all, it takes courage to stand up to a seemingly superior opponent, but knowing that Luz and Willow were counting on him to help get them out of there helped Ash light the fire in his heart. This "fire" will be what helps him repair his relationships with his other siblings as well.

Okay, moving on. As you probably have already guessed from this chapter, Ash pretty much has an inferiority complex. That's what happens to those who've gone through life with little praise and plenty of rebuke and chastisement. As a result, he's dissociated his deeds as his alter ego and does not consider them as deeds of his every day self. That's the whole reason why he's so hard on himself and declines any/all praise. Also, his magic repertoire has been kinda crafted as like a "utility belt" method. Without his wand and his MagiRanger suit, he's not able to fully draw out his full magic potential without losing control. To that end, he's had to learn all these spells that don't use up too much magic power, with or without the wand. I'm sure that you've speculated that the trauma from his act of nearly burning has emotionally and mentally hindered his progress in strengthening his magic control, but don't worry! Thanks to the support of Eda, Luz, King, Hooty, and now Willow and Gus, our boy Ash will continue to get stronger. And yes, he will be able to use spells without his wand OR the suit, but that's not until much later in the story.

Onto some lighter stuff now. As you can see, Ash hit it off rather well with Willow and Gus. Both being victims of ostracization, Ash and Willow have kinda found a kindred spirit in one another, so they understand each other. Ash will serve as an inspirator to Willow and, in the future during those moments where the hero is brought low, Willow will be there to return the favor, but that's not until later. As for him and Gus, well, they're pretty much like Blue Beetle and Booster Gold, best bros right off the bat. Also, as you can see, they're both big believers in Magitopia, the Rugrid Family, and the Magirangers. Despite the entire Isles denouncing them all as failures, those two keep the faith. That belief will go on to give Ash much more strength as the story progresses.

Anyway, sorry this took so long! I've been in a slump lately. When I'm physically drained, my drive to write goes down along with my energy. That's what happens when you work in retail. Hopefully it'll get better. Okay so, 2 major changes I want to address;

1. I'm gonna try going by a bi-monthly deadline from now on. So that means every two months, there'll be an upload of one or two chapters. So that means the next update will be in August or September. Don't worry, during that time there'll still be sneak peeks on my DA.

2. I'm going to start making early releases. You'll be able to see the chapters a day before they're uploaded. The early releases will be on my DA page. There's a catch, though. As of now, I'll be putting them under subscription tiers. Tier 1 will give you access to the Sneak Peeks. Tier 2 will give you the addition to getting to read the early releases. Don't worry, they're both moderately priced. For those interested, my DA username is lonewolf82084.

One last thing, then the teaser. The handshake done by Luz and Ash in this chapter is the same one from Metal Gear Solid 2. Always loved that handshake, AND that game. My best friend and I used to do it a lot, actually.

Anyway, it's that time again...Teaser Time!

With the Boiling Rains comes big trouble! While Ash is out patrolling for any stragglers caught in the Boiling Rain, Luz and King are left alone at the house. Unfortunately, there's something there with them. Something BIG! Will Ash make it back in time to help? And just what IS this new monster that threatens the Owl House gang? Find out NEXT time!

On the next Owl House: Mystic Rebirth, The Intruder.

GET EXCITED!