Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Two weeks.

Two weeks since The Day Of Unity. Two weeks since The Collector was freed.

Two weeks since Luz, Amity, Willow, Gus and Hunter became stranded in the Human Realm, with no way to get back to The Boiling Isles. In those two weeks, the kids were able to explain everything that happened to Luz while she was in the Isles to her mom, Camila and her adopted basilisk sister, Vee, to the best of their ability, while also trying (And failing) to figure out a way to get back home. But our loveable young heroes aren’t looking for a way back at the moment…

Right now, they were trying to survive Mr. Cooper’s English class.

“So, to write stories you need a lot of inspiration, and I mean a lot . Your inspiration must be at a high level which will surely inspire you, otherwise, pick another inspiration.” Said Mr. Cooper, as he caught a couple laughing at talking to each other out of the corner of his eye. “Inspiration isn’t only being able to talk to your crush, Mr. Jones!” Mr. Cooper added.

A few students chuckled as the couple pulled apart, embarrassed. The bell then rang.

“Alright, that’s lunch. For your homework, I want you to iron out a plot outline for the story you’ve summarized.” Mr. Cooper explained as the students filed out of his classroom. “Hunter, may I speak with you, please?”

“...Is everything alright, Mr. Cooper?” Asked Hunter.

“Yes, it’s just that I’m afraid that the story summary you handed in to me is in fact the summary of The Hunger Games .”

“O-Oh,” Hunter stammered out. “I didn’t know that. I-I've never read The Hunger Games , sir.”

Mr. Cooper raised an eyebrow. “Really? Huh, I thought a kid your age would be interested in a book like that. Anyways, just come up with a new, original summary and create the plot outline alongside it tonight, and if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend the books and movies. Now go on,” Said Mr. Cooper with a wave of his hand. “Join your friends. Enjoy lunch.”

“Of course, sir.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So, how’d it go with Mr. Cooper, Hunter?” asked Gus.

“Mmrmmp.” Hunter mumbled as he sat down to eat.

“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” Luz said jokingly. “I don’t speak Mumble.”

“I accidentally gave my story the summary of The Hunger Games when I thought it was an original idea.”

A moment passed. Then Amity started laughing her butt off.

“Only you could plagiarize an existing story summary by complete accident!” Said Amity between laughter.

“Yeah, laugh it up, Blight. Because of my screw-up, now I gotta come up with a new, original summary and create a plot outline to go with it by tomorrow!” Hunter exclaimed grumpily.

“Do you have any other ideas for a story?” Inquired Gus.

“Outside of a hypothetical plot for a Ruler’s Reach sequel, no.”

“Wait, you’ve read-”

“Well, why don’t we help you come up with an idea?” Said Willow, interrupting Luz.

“Nonono, you guys don’t have to help, you each have your own work to do.” Said Hunter.

“Well, if you don’t want us to help,” Said Luz. “Then maybe you could just ask someone else for help. Perhaps that new girl who moved here from Los Angeles?”

Hunter turned to catch a glimpse at the girl in question, who was currently sitting alone in the cafeteria, reading a book while eating. She was somewhat recognizable, what with her short, black hair and her unbridled enthusiasm. Though they share a few classes together, Hunter (and the others) swear they’ve seen her before Camila enrolled them into Gravesfield Junior High. But where? Hunter was about to get up and walk over to her when the PA turned on.

“ Amity Bright to the main office please, Amity Bright to the main office. ”

All the color drained out of Amity’s face. The principal?! But she didn’t do anything wrong! Had she?

Luz noticed how panicked Amity looked, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Sweet Potato, you and the others have only just gotten enrolled, and Principal Hal isn’t one to punish kids for no reason. Do you want me to come with you?” Luz added softly after a moment. Amity silently nodded her head. “Ok. Come on, let’s go.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amity was still a little jittery when she and Luz approached the office. While Luz’s statement in the cafeteria helped calm her nerves for the most part (Luz holding her hand the entire walk to the principal’s helped as well), a small part of her was still worried she was in trouble.

“I’ll just be waiting outside. It’ll be alright, Ames.” Luz said before placing a small kiss on Amity’s cheek.

“You’re right.” Said Amity quietly. She then opened the door and poked her head inside. “Y-You wanted to see me, sir?” Asked Amity timidly.

“Indeed. Please, have a seat, Amity.” Said Principal Hal, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk.

Amity did as she was told, and took a seat. An awkward silence soon followed.

“So, the reason why I called you here is-”

“I’m not in trouble, am I?!” Amity asked frantically, a bit too loudly in her opinion.

“Oh, heaven’s no, Miss Bright. In fact, I called you here because I want to give you an offer!”

“You are?” Amity asked, confused.

“Yes.” Said Principal Hal. “As you know, tomorrow is our Homecoming celebration and football game against Founder’s Bluff. And I was thinking that you could perform a song at the pep rally before the big game.”

To say Amity was surprised would be an understatement. “B-But Mr. Hal, I can’t sing!”

“Oh, but you can.” Said Mr. Hal with a chuckle. “See, a few students overheard you secretly singing during free period the other day, and when they told me about it, I realized that having you sing at the rally would be the perfect opportunity for your voice to be heard!”

“Ok, say I do accept singing at the rally. What the heck am I supposed to sing?!” Said Amity.

“You can sing any song you want, as long as it’s appropriate.”

Any song she wanted?  After some brief consideration, Amity figured she can work with this. “Can I sing this song as a surprise tribute to Luz?” Amity asked as she took out the phone Camila gifted to her and the others (thanks, Camila) and pulled up the song she wanted to sing.

“Uh… sure, I can’t see why not!” Said Principal Hal with a shrug. “We all know how much you love Luz, despite her, um… quirkiness . I’ll just have to find an instrumental version of the song, though.”

“Thank you, sir. And it’s a yes, by the way.” Said Amity. “I will sing at the pep rally.”

“That’s great to hear! Now, off you go,” Said Principal Hal, waving towards the door. “It’s almost time for class!”

Amity exited the office a lot more peppier than when she entered, a change that did not go unnoticed by Luz.

“Well, looks like somebody’s feeling a little better!” Said Luz with a smile. “What did Principal Hal want to talk to you about, anyways?”

Amity turned to Luz with a smug look. “It’s a surprise.”

Luz cocked an eyebrow in confusion. A surprise? “What do you mean by surprise?” She asked. The bell then rang signifying that lunch was over.

Amity playfully rolled her eyes. “You’ll find out tomorrow, Luz. Now come on,” She said, before grabbing Luz’s wrist and dragging her through the hall. “We’re gonna be late for Mr. White’s Chemistry class!”

As Luz was being dragged through the halls, only one thing was on her mind. “I’ll find out tomorrow? What’s that supposed to mean?!”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, school spirit was high and steadily increasing as the pep rally went on, with students and faculty from both schools eagerly anticipating the football game between the Gravesfield Phantoms and the Founder’s Bluff Founders. However, Luz wasn’t really feeling the spirit. In fact, she’d spent most of the rally looking for her Cotton Candy-Haired Goddess.

“Hey Hunter,” Said Luz after yet another fruitless search. “Have you seen Amity anywhere recently?”

“Nope.” Said Hunter. “Haven’t seen her since she ran off at the start of the rally.”

“Well, Amity did say there was going to be a surprise during the pep rally,” Inquired Willow. “So maybe she disappeared to help out with it? In any case,Luz, just sit down and enjoy what’s left of the rally! I’m sure Amity will find you afterwards.”

Begrudgingly, Luz took her seat as the Homecoming MC got on the mic.

“ Hello Gravesfield Junior High! ” The MC screamed into the microphone. “Now, before we all go out and watch the game, we have a special song that’s dedicated to the one and only Luz Noceda! Give it up for Little Miss Perfect herself, AMITY BRIGHT!!! ”

Luz’s eyes sparkled with amazement as music started playing and Amity started singing.

“Straight hair, straight A's, straight forward

Straight path, I don't cut corners

I make a point to be on time

Head out the student council

I don't black out at parties

I jam to Paul McCartney

If you ask me how I'm doing, I'll say

Well, hmm

I was adopted when I was two

My parents spoiled me rotten

Often I ask myself, what did I do

To get as far as I've gotten?

A pretty girl walks by my locker

My heart gives a flutter, but I don't dare utter a word

'Cause that would be absurd behavior for Little Miss Perfect

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na, no

I can't risk falling off my throne

La-la-la-la-la-la-la, love

Is something I don't even know

Straight hair, straight A's

Straight forward, straight girl

Little Miss Perfect, that's me”

“She ain’t half bad.” Hunter smiled, lightly nudging Luz with his elbow. Luz paid him no mind, still transfixed on Amity as she continued singing.

“One night, my friend stayed over

We laughed, and drink and ordered

Something about her drew me in

What? It's totally platonic

That night was so exciting

Her smirks were so enticing

Hours speed by like seconds

Then, what happens is iconic

She takes a sip, I bite my lip

She tells a joke, I nearly choke

She braids my hair, I sit there

Blacking out for the first time

Next thing I know, I lose control

I finally kiss her, but, oh, no

I see a face in my window

Then my brain starts to go

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na, no

You can't risk falling off your throne

La-la-la-la-la-la-la, love

Is something I don't even know

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na

You can't risk falling off your throne

La-la-la-la-la-la-la, love

You don't even know

Rewind, induce amnesia

Deny the truth, that's easier

You're just confused, believe her

When she says there's nothing there

It's never worth it

When you're Little Miss Perfect”

As the crowd cheered, Luz ran up and tackle-hugged Amity, peppering her face with dozens of ticklish kisses, while Hunter, Gus and Willow sauntered on over to the two lovebirds.

“Your singing was so good, honey!” Exclaimed Luz proudly.

“Aww, I’m not that good.” Amity replied sheepishly, blushing.

“No, I agree with Luz,” Said Hunter. “You’ve actually got a good singing voice there, Blight.”

“Her singing voice was just ‘good’?!” Said Masha Rentier (Current curator of the Gravesfield Historical Museum, fellow enjoyer of witchery, and currently Vee’s partner), who had shown up out of nowhere. “She could be the lead singer of a band!”

Luz’s eyes widened. “Lead singer of a band…” She muttered. An idea was hatching in her brain. “Yeah…”

Chapter Text

On Saturday, Camila drove the kids up to Eclipse Mall. Not just for the kids to have a fun-filled day of shopping (Though they’ll certainly be doing that later), but also because Luz wanted to discuss an idea she had with them.

“Alright, Mis Hijas y Hijos, do you have your special stones?” Asked Camila.

The kids (Minus Luz) glanced at each other before pulling out the Concealment Stones pendants Gus made for them so that their witchy features are hidden when out in public (Including going to school).

“Gus,” Added Camila with a knowing smile. “Is that your normal Concealment Stone, or the one that makes you look like a Hollywood star?”

Gus sighed before begrudgingly handing the pendant over to Camila and taking out his other pendant. Camila then put the first pendant into her purse before handing Luz a wad of cash.

“Alright Luz, here’s some money for you and your friends, now I gotta head home before your Palisman turn our house into a jungle!” Camila joked. Nobody really laughed as the witches put on their pendants (Causing their pointy witch ears to poof into normal human ears) and everyone exited the car.

“I’ll see you guys later!” Said Camila. “Try not to get into too much trouble while I’m gone!” And with that, Camila drove away, leaving the kids to their own devices.

“Ok, Luz, we’re at the mall. Can you tell us what your idea is?” Inquired Hunter.

“Not yet.” Said Luz. “I’ll tell you guys over lunch once we reach the food court. Allons-y!”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After walking a long distance to the food court, having to wait for their Bueno Nacho orders to be ready, trying to find a good place to sit, and still being left in the dark on what Luz’s idea was, left Hunter feeling rather impatient.

“Ok, we’ve reached the food court, we’ve gotten our food, and we’ve found a place to sit. Now can you please tell us what your big idea is, Luz?!” Said Hunter, more gruffly than he anticipated. “Uh, please?” He quickly tacked on after seeing the dirty look Amity gave him.

“Alright, alright, cool your jets, Hunter.” Said Luz with a chuckle. “What I want to discuss with you guys is simple: I wanna start a band!”

That certainly caught everyone by surprise. “A band?!” Exclaimed Amity. “Why do you want to start a band?!”

“Well, I thought about what Clara said to Hunter after you finished your song at Homecoming, and I realized that forming a band is the perfect way for us to grow closer as a group. Well, closer than we already are, heh.” Said Luz. Nobody could really argue with that logic.

“Ok, so I know for a fact that all of us can sing, since you guys have heard me sing plenty of times, Amity proved herself at Homecoming, and I’ve known how good Hunter, Willow, Gus and Vee can sing ever since we went to that karaoke place a few nights before school started. But I gotta know: what instruments do you guys wanna play? Bard classes made me particularly skilled with a lead guitar.”

“Raine-I mean Coven Head Whispers taught me how to play bass as part of my Golden Guard training.” Said Hunter.

“Skara gave me some secret drum lessons for a couple of days after Luz saved my job at the library and we found the Echo Mouse.” Added Amity.

“Before they became dead set on me being in Abomination classes, my dads taught me a bit on how to play guitar.” Replied Willow.

“My photographic memory allowed me to become a pro at piano and keyboard.” Stated Vee.

“I’ve… never actually played an instrument in my life” Gus said, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

“Don’t you worry, Gus,” Said Vee, putting an arm around his shoulders and pointing at him. “I can teach ya how to play!”

“By the way, Luz, what are you going to call this band, anyway?” Inquired Hunter.

“Well, I was thinking that,” Said Luz. “As a nice little tribute, we call the band Bad Girl Coven? Huh? What do you guys think?”

“I think that’s a great idea, batata .” Said Amity with a small smile.

“Thanks, Amity. So, whaddya guys say? You wanna do this?” Asked Luz, making a grand gesture. The others nodded and murmured various agreements. “Alright, we got ourselves a lineup! Now, the first thing we gotta do is buy the instruments we need. Ooh, but Mami might not be able to afford them.”

The kids all looked at one another, and after a moment, burst out laughing. Back when they first arrived in the Human Realm, Clara’s super-rich father, businessman and mayoral candidate Arthur Rentier (Who had already knew about witches and The Boiling Isles, thanks to Vee explaining everything after revealing her basilisk form to him and his wife Samantha), had personally vowed to provide financial support for anything and everything Camila and her newly-extended family could possibly need, so the kids knew that instrument costs would not be an issue.

“Ok, so what else do we need?” Said Luz after she and the others calmed down.

“You might wanna look into getting a stage manager.”

Luz looked up to see who was talking, and was surprised to see that it was the new girl from school.

“Sorry, it’s just… back in L.A., my friends and I had a garage band, and my mom would say that if we wanted to hit the big time, we would need a stage manager.” The girl said sheepishly.

“Oh, there’s no need to apologize.” Said Luz. After a brief moment, a thought came to her. “Hey, would you like to be our stage manager? Since you’re the only one who’s been in a band?”

“Hmm,” Hummed the girl. “Well, the only real gig we did was a Battle Of The Bands last November… sure, why not! In fact, why don’t you guys come over to my house in a few days, we can use the basement to record your first song. And if you want to learn how to play drums, or just need a refresher on how to play, I’d be more than happy to help.”

“Huh, well that’s lucky for us!” Said Luz as the girl walked off. “Ok, so next, I was thinking of some outfits we could wear when we perform…”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Thursday, right after school, the kids were down in the new girl’s basement, ready to record their first song. Only one question remained, however…

“What song are we going to play first?” Asked Amity.

“I’m glad you asked that, Amity!”  Said Luz before pulling out several pieces of paper and handing them to her friends and girlfriend. “I picked this song to be our debut song because I used to love listening to it when I was little, and I’ve gained newfound love for it nowadays.”

“You guys ready to perform?” Asked the new girl.

“Yep!” Said Luz as she and the others got into position. “This is Bad Girl Coven, performing Ordinary by Train!”

“Alright, we’re recording in 3, 2, 1…”

The new girl then gestured to the kids to start playing, and after Vee got through the opening piano piece without a hitch, the kids started their performance.

“ Whose eyes am I behind?

I don't recognize anything that I see

Whose skin is this design?

I don't want this to be the way that you see me

I don't understand anything anymore

And this web that I'm tied up

Is taking me right up these walls

That I climb up to get to your story

It's anything but ordinary!

And when the world is on its knees

With me, its fine!

And when I come to the rescue,

I get nothing but left behind!

Everybody seems to be getting what they need

Where's mine?

'Cause you're what I need

So very but I'm anything but ordinary!

Can you save me from this world of mine?

Before I get myself arrested with these expectations

You are the one, look what you've done

What have you done?

This is not some kind of joke

You're just a kid

You weren't ready for what you did, no!

And when the world is on its knees

With me, its fine!

And when I come to the rescue,

I do it for you time after time!

Everybody seems to be getting what they need

Where's mine?

'Cause you're what I need

So very but I'm anything but ordinary!”

When it came time for Hunter’s solo (The slower part of the song where Vee’s piano comes back), something unexpected happened. Rather than focus on the new girl’s recording equipment, Hunter instead shifted his focus towards Willow.

“I think I'm trying to save the world for you…

You've been saving me too…

We could just stay and save each other!”

Hunter and Willow both started blushing (Which Gus was quick to catch), but before either of them could acknowledge it, it was time for the song’s big finale.

“I'm anything but ordinary!

I'm anything but ordinary!”

As the final guitar chords faded out, the new girl pressed a button on her laptop and then started fangirling.

“Oh my gosh, you guys were so good! What song do you wanna do next?”

“Maybe we can do that ‘Come And Get Your Love’ song?” Pitched Hunter. “Y’know, from that movie with the talking raccoon and the tree guy?”

“Wait, guys, before we do any more songs,” Said Luz. “I just realized something: we’ve never been properly introduced, new girl! My name is Luz, this is my girlfriend Amity, and these are my friends Willow, Gus and Hunter! What’s your name?”

“I’m Marcy. Marcy Wu.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jacob Hopkins wasn’t crazy. He wasn’t!

Ever since Camila Noceda humiliated him and locked him in the cage he used on that basilisk she claimed was her daughter, Jacob had been relentlessly trying to find a way to expose ‘Vee Noceda’ for what it truly is, and Ms. Noceda for harboring a dangerous monster. And his efforts only increased when Camila gained five other children seemingly overnight.

The first (And so far, only) time he tried exposing Camila’s daughter Luz’s ‘twin sister’ and the ‘children’ Camila took in as demons to the public, it didn’t go so well for him. Some people laughed at him, others chastised him for ‘false accusations’ (Their words, not his), and, in the middle of the night, Arthur Rentier of all people had shown up on his doorstep, roused him from his sleep, and told him to stay the hell away from the Nocedas under the threat of a hefty lawsuit. Not letting something as fickle as a lawsuit deter him from seeking justice, Jacob opted to lie through his teeth in order to get Arthur off his back. Besides, didn’t Arthur’s ancestors hunt witches back in the old west era?

Trying to rally support online didn’t go so well either. People would pointlessly call him out on message boards, falsely proclaiming things like ‘Witches are actually innocent’ and ‘Witch hunters were actually the bad guys’, trolls constantly mocked him and his work on Mewtube, and even his most trusted source for monster tracking, F.R.E.A.K.I.S.H., had threatened to beat him up after he had asked them to investigate Gravesfield.

Jacob knew that he must expose the truth before it’s too late. But how? Perhaps he could schmooze Camila into hooking up with him, and capture the monsters when she isn’t looking? No, that wouldn’t work. While he will admit that Camila Noceda is actually pretty cute, she hates him and he doesn’t want to get hit with a restraining order. Again. Then maybe he can trap the witches in the old shack where he caught the basilisk? That wouldn’t work either. Camila’s stupid daughter Luz had probably told the witches about it the first chance she got.

Luz Noceda. The mere moment that name entered his train of thought, his focus shifted from planning on how to capture the witches to his pure despise of the girl. Jacob became so focused, that when a creepy laugh rang out throughout the Gravesfield Historical Society building, his heart nearly leapt up into his throat.

“I-Is somebody there?” Asked Jacob with a slight quiver in his voice.

“Somebody…” Said the voice.

“Who said that?” Replied Jacob with a gasp.

“Don’t play dumb with me, Hopkins. As a historian, you of all people should know who I am.”

“Where are you?” Asked Jacob as he stepped out into the museum portion of the building.

“Follow the chill that runs down your spine…”

Jacob started frantically glancing around the room, hoping that nothing was going to jump out and scare him.

“I’m right here!”

Jacob whirled around and came face to face with the last person he was expecting.

“P-Phillip Wittbane?”

“In the living flesh.” Said Phillip with a dark chuckle. “But I much prefer my regal name, Emperor Belos.”

“B-But… how are you still alive?” Inquired Jacob. “The last time anyone ever saw you was back in the 16th century, when a witch took you and your brother-”

“To the Demon Realm? Yes.” Said Belos. “While I wanted to go back to the normality of the Human Realm, Caleb turned his back on me and our witch-hunting oath and wished to stay in that realm with the witch he had fallen in love with. Unfortunately, when he was distracted one day, that seductress killed him. 

And in my search for a way to get back at the witches for what they did, I found… an entity, so to speak. And this entity gave me the means of which I could solve my problem and destroy every witch in the realm in one fell swoop. And so, after years of tricking the witches into believing my every word, I finally had them all in one place, and I almost succeeded in killing them all… until Luz the human and her little friends put a stop to it, nearly killing me in the process. 

Luckily, my nephew brought me back to this realm, and as I was recuperating, I learned that you and I are similar in some ways. Like how we both know it’s up to us to protect Gravesfield from the witches, and how we both hate Luz the human.”

“I agree with you on that hating Luz thing. She helped her mom in freeing the basilisk I planned on exposing!” Said Jacob

“Basilisk? So this must be where Number Five ran off to…” Phillip said to himself before turning his attention back to Jacob. “Look, I want the witches and the basilisk, you want the witches and the basilisk, I want Luz, you want Luz. If we team up, none of them will stand a chance. Interested?”

“...Yeah…”

Chapter Text

A few weeks after their first recording session in Marcy’s basement, life had turned upside down for Luz and her friends. Their band had seen major success, with their covers getting tons of hits on Mewtube, loads of people downloading the Bad Witch Coven album on Spotify, and even a steadily increasing amount of live performances (Including one particularly memorable concert that was held in the local Denny’s).

But it wasn’t just band-related stuff that was going on. Weird things were happening around Gravesfield. People’s pets and small woodland creatures (Raccoons, squirrels, etc.) had started disappearing, and almost everybody in town was sporting those special tattoos for the Halloween party Mayor Collins was dead-set on having tomorrow night, which made sense, considering tomorrow was Halloween.

But despite all the weirdness going on, and how happy her friends and girlfriend were making music, Luz was sad. It had been nearly two months since she and the others had gotten stranded in the Human Realm, and they were still stuck at square one when it came to trying to find a way back to The Boiling Isles. Luz hadn't told any of her friends this, but sometimes, during singing practice ( Never during guitar practice), she would sneak off to investigate the shack where the portal was, just to see if anything had changed. 

Sure, it was selfish of her, but Luz knew that it was up to her to fix her mistake and get her friends and girlfriend back home, since it was her fault that the others have been separated from their families while a crazy 10-year old with godly powers was running amok, putting everyone in the Isles in danger. Even still, if she were to find a way to get back to the Demon Realm, her mom would force her to stay and fulfill her promise while the others will go off to fight The Collector.

But Luz wasn’t at the shack today, nor was she at any kind of practice. Today was a free day, and while everyone else was off doing their own thing, Luz found herself standing in front of the statue of the Wittbane brothers, focusing on Phillip.

Phillip Wittbane. The man who she helped become Emperor Belos. The man who she helped in trying to commit genocide on a society of (Mostly) innocent witches. If she hadn’t taught Phillip that stupid light glyph, then everyone in the Isles would still be alive. The only people who knew she’d helped Phillip were Hunter and Vee. If Amity found out, their relationship was toast!

“Hey, are you the lead guitarist for Bad Witch Coven, Luz Noceda?”

Luz snapped out of her spiraling thoughts, and looked up to see that it was one of the transfer students. Yeah, that was another thing that happened. Early in October, two different families moved to Gravesfield from the next town over, and the children were enrolled into school not long after one of the adults (Who had a job as a vice principal in the old town, Luz would later learn) was hired as the new vice principal of Gravesfield Junior High after the old one left to go work at Berrybrook Middle School.

“Yeah.” Said Luz, trying to remember which transfer student she was talking to. “Um, who are you again?”

“Oh! I’m Charlie.” Said the girl. “One of my dads is the vice principal, I play on the girl’s basketball team, and I think you and I share third period gym together at school.”

“Oh yeah, now I recognize you!” Luz said, snapping her fingers. “But why’d you ask if I was the lead guitarist for Bad Witch Coven? Do you want, like, an autograph?”

“Maybe later. See, I’m the lead guitarist of a band myself, and our lead singer wants to meet you and your band in the hopes we can all be buddies.” Said Charlie.

“So we can all be buddies, huh?” Thought Luz. “Do you want me to head home and get the others?”

“No, he wants to meet you first and the others later. But you might as well head home, get some lunch and tell your mom where you’ll be afterwards.” Said Charlie before handing Luz a piece of paper. “This is his address. I’ll hopefully see you there after lunch!”

“I’ll try to! Bye Charlie!”

“See you later, Luz!” Said Charlie, before picking up her (Conveniently placed) bike off of the grass and pedaling home, while Luz opted to walk home, feeling much better than she did earlier.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mayor Henry Collins nervously walked into the Gravesfield Historical Society building. He always dreaded these visits.

As he headed towards the office of Jacob Hopkins, Mayor Collins thought back to all that happened before: how he was initially skeptical of Jacob when he claimed that he was working with, of all people, Phillip Wittbane, his shock upon meeting the 16th century founder of Gravesfield face to face, and his surprise when Phillip told him that throwing a special town-wide Halloween party was the best way to not only rid Gravesfield of it’s Luz Noceda problem, but also to save his mayoral career and hopefully get re-elected.

Mayor Collins didn’t really care about what Phillip had to say about Luz (In all honesty, he had a neutral opinion on the Noceda girl), but the talk of his political career being saved is what made him agree to work with Phillip and Jacob. 

Henry knew his entire career as mayor (And the future of that career) was on the line after his daughter, Brittney Collins, was exposed as a bully after picking on the wrong kid and the parents threatened legal action. He couldn’t let that Rentier oaf take over as mayor, so a Halloween party that would win back the townspeople in his favor was exactly what he wanted to hear.

But as soon as he started working with Phillip and Jacob, several red flags started going up, such as Jacob and Phillip’s severe hatred for Luz Noceda, Phillip’s insistence that everyone in town wear a special tattoo to the party, and how small animal bones kept showing up wherever Phillip was.

Mayor Collins still had the strangest feeling that something was up as he sat down in front of Phillip and Jacob, and the nasty look Phillip was giving him didn’t help.

“Does everyone in town have the tattoos?” Inquired Phillip.

“Y-Yes sir.” Mayor Collins stammered out. “I sent the last batch out this morning.”

“Good, good.”

The silence that followed was deafening.

“Mr. Collins, answer me this: do you love your daughter?” Asked Phillip after an uncomfortably long time.

“W-What?”

“Do you love your daughter?!” Repeated Phillip more aggressively.

“Yes! More than anything in the world!” Answered Henry.

“Well, I happened to find your daughter snooping about earlier, and, unfortunately, I did what must be done.” Said Phillip darkly.

Mayor Collins was confused by what Phillip meant, until he looked to where Jacob was pointing, and what he saw made his blood run cold.

It was a statue of his daughter, cowering in fear.

“W-What did you do to Brittney, Phillip?” Asked Mayor Collins, fearing the answer.

“I had her petrified, Henry. She knew too much.”

“You… You animal!” Yelled Mayor Collins as he got out of his seat, his fear being replaced with rage. “You killed my daughter! Do you have any idea what kind of hell I can-!” Mayor Collins’s spiel was cut short when he realized he could no longer move his mouth. In fact, he couldn’t move any part of his body at all.

“Ah ah ah…” Said Belos, grinning sadistically as the spell circle dissipated. “Is that any way for the mayor to speak to his town’s founder?”

Belos then grabbed Mayor Collins’s wrist and forcefully applied a pumpkin tattoo to it. Then, after making another spell circle, a black aura surrounded Mayor Collins, and he began feeling something in his brain. As his heart rate quickened and his breathing became more panicked, Henry’s brain began screaming at him to scream, to call for help, to run, to do something . And then… pure bliss. As if a mental weight was lifted off his shoulders.

“There, that’s better. Now, go back home, and spend some time with your wife. We’ll see you tomorrow night at the party.” Said Phillip, waving towards the door.

“Yes, my emperor.” Slurred Mayor Collins as he walked towards the door.

The minute the door closed behind the mayor, Phillip keeled over in pain. He had used too much magic, and the Palisman souls were becoming agitated. And if he didn’t get nourishment soon, he’d start transforming, and that would just lead to more problems.

“Mr. Wittbane! Are you alright, sir?!” Asked Jacob.

“I’m fine, Jacob. Just… give me one of the animals.” Said Phillip through gritted teeth, as he felt the Palisman goo streak on his face begin to reemerge.

“Wh-Why do you need-”

“ HAND ME THE CAT, HOPKINS! ” Yelled Phillip, his voice starting to become monstrous.

Not wanting to see what would happen if he didn’t, Jacob quickly grabbed the frightened cat out of its kennel and handed it to Phillip. Phillip then shoved Jacob out of his office, locked the door, and started feasting on the still-living cat as the Palisman souls calmed down and his curse receded.

It may not be Palistrom wood, but Phillip was thankful that there was a suitable alternative on Earth.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After telling her mom where she’ll be, giving Amity and the others a cheerful ‘See you later!’, and taking her time finding the location, Luz finally arrived at the address Charlie had given her. Luz walked up the steps of the large house and knocked on the door, where a tall, beautiful woman with bright orange hair and a face full of freckles opened the door.

“Can I help you?” Asked the woman.

“Yes. A girl named Charlie told me to come to this address. Luz Noceda?” Answered Luz.

“Oh, you must be the lead guitarist of Bad Witch Coven! Please, come on in!” Said the lady, ushering Luz inside. “Charlie came by earlier, and she and the others are waiting for you down in the basement,where they practice their music.”

“Oh, thank you Mrs. … uh…”

“Please, child, call me Holly.” Said Holly with a bright smile on her face.

Luz smiled back and descended into the basement where, in the darkness, she saw three cloaked people, their faces shrouded by their hoods, standing over a candle-lit altar with a record album in the middle… and Charlie.

“Oh good, you’re here!” Said Charlie before clearing her throat. “Introducing, for the first time for you, Luz, the lead singer of The Spellcasters, and my best friend, Aster Vanissen! ”

The figure in the middle removed his hood and revealed himself to be a boy around Luz’s age with light brown skin and chestnut brown hair who’s style reminded Luz of Hunter’s hairstyle.

“Well, it’s about goddamn time!” Said Aster, a big smile on his face.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amity was having a great day.

It started with her, Gus, Willow and Vee watching cartoons while Camila, Hunter and Luz went into town, followed by a nice group lunch, and now, while Hunter, Gus, and Willow were hanging out with Marcy, and Luz was off with her new friend, Amity was busy writing her very first Good Witch Azura fanfiction.

Midway through writing, however, Amity realized that she was still sort of hungry, so she headed off towards the kitchen to hopefully nab a few of those chocolate chip cookies Camila baked a few days ago. And she almost crossed the threshold into the kitchen, but stopped when she walked in on Vee talking with Camila.

“...While I can understand why Luz believes telling Amity about… that will make her upset, I tried to explain that hiding it from her will just make her more upset, but she wouldn’t listen! In fact, she…” Vee trailed off when she noticed Camila staring at something behind her, and turned to see Amity, jaw dropped and eyes watery.

“Uh… hi?”

Amity quickly turned around, ran up the stairs and locked herself in the room she, Luz and Willow shared. And despite Camila following after her to try and console her, Vee knew deep down that, when Amity goes to confront Luz about this, it wasn’t going to end well for her human sister.

Chapter Text

“So, I take it you’re the poster boy for your band as well as the lead singer?” Said Luz, pointing at Aster.

“Eh, pretty much.” Said Aster with a shrug. He then turned his attention to the other two cloaked figures. “Ok, you guys, blow out the candles and move the altar prop away. Charlie, would you mind getting the lights, please?”

“Sure thing, Aster!”

After the lights turned on, Luz saw just how spacious the basement was. She also saw that the other figures had removed their hoods, giving her a better look at their faces.

One was a girl with long, jet-black hair and a pointy nose. The other was a scruffy-looking boy with short orange hair and heterochromatic eyes. He almost looked like a younger, male version of- No, don’t even think about it! , Luz mentally scolded herself.

“Luz, this is my adopted sister Ariel and my brother-cousin Sedge.” Said Aster, patting Luz on the shoulder. “Ariel is our bassist, Sedge plays the drums, and I would introduce you to our stage manager, who’s also my older sister, Juniper… but she’s busy working at the arcade, so you’ll probably meet her some other time. Ari, Sedge, this is Luz, the lead guitarist of Bad Witch Coven.”

“Hi.” Said Ariel, giving the peace sign.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Said Sedge, giving Luz finger guns.

Luz just smiled and waved at the duo. They seemed like cool people. “So, what kind of music does your band do, Aster?”

“Covers, same as yours, Luz.” Replied Aster. “Though The Spellcasters focus more on hard rock and metal, while Bad Witch Coven, from what we’ve listened to, focuses on take it easy rock and pop.”

“Yeah, you got that right on the music. So is there a reason why you invited me over?” Said Luz.

“Look, I’m gonna be real with you for a second, Luz.” Said Aster, solemnly. “Back in my old town, I never really had friends. In fact, Charlie, Sedge, Ariel and Juniper were my only friends. But when our families moved to Gravesfield, and I saw how you and those kids you hang out with radiate pure, undiluted ‘friend’ energy, I figured that, if you and I were to become friends, we could combine both of our friend groups into one mega-group, if that’s ok with you. And the fact that both of us have bands made up of our friend groups doesn’t hurt.”

“Oh, I’m totally ok with combining our friends, Aster!” Said Luz with a smile on her face, “But if you don’t mind me asking, was there any reason you couldn’t make friends? I mean, you seem pretty cool to hang out with.”

“...Wait here a moment.” Said Aster after a moment, before heading upstairs, checking to see if the coast was clear, then heading back down. “Are you good at keeping secrets, Luz?”

“Yes.” Boy, is that an understatement , thought Luz.

Luz had expected Aster to do literally anything after he asked her if she could keep secrets. What she hadn’t expected was for Aster to conjure a flame in the palm in his hand.

“...Are you a-”

“Yes, I’m a witch. Ariel is too.” Said Aster.

“What about Sedge and Charlie?” Asked Luz, still in awe.

“Charlie’s a normal human, and Sedge can transform into a fox, but he doesn’t like using that ability.” Answered Aster.

“Why doesn’t he like using it?”

“Trauma.” Said Sedge nonchalantly.

“Oof, that’s rough, buddy.” Said Luz. “...Hey Aster, did you know that I can do magic as well?” She continued after a moment.

Aster had to raise his eyebrow at that. “Really?”

“Yeah, though I’m not sure that this will work.” Said Luz as she drew a Light Glyph in her sketch pad.

“What on Earth is that?” Asked Ariel, pointing at the Glyph.

“It’s called a Glyph.” Said Luz. “Normally, if you draw it on any eligible surface and tap it, you can do all sorts of spells, but since we’re in the Human Realm, all it’s just gonna do is-”

Luz stopped short when, instead of the Glyph combusting like usual, it actually functioned properly.

“Uh, is it supposed to do that?” Asked Aster, confused.

Luz nodded in shock, and was about to say something when her phone chimed. Luz fished her phone out of her pocket, and saw that it was a text from Amity, which read ‘COME TO THE PARK IMMEDIATELY. WE NEED TO TALK. -A’

“I’m sorry guys,” Said Luz as she pocketed her phone and started heading for the stairs. “But my girlfriend texted me, saying we need to meet in the park, so I gotta cut this short.”

“Oh, ok. Tell your girlfriend we say hi!” Said Aster.

“Will do!” Said Luz as she walked out of the basement, and then the house entirely. A few moments later, Aster felt a chill up his spine, and shivered.

“You alright, dude?” Asked Sedge.

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine, Sedge.” Said Aster. “It’s just… I just got this sinking feeling that something’s going to go wrong…”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It didn’t take Luz too long to find Amity in the park, as her cotton-candy haired goddess was easily identifiable on the river bridge.

“Hiya, batata !” Exclaimed Luz cheerfully as she bounded up to her girlfriend.

“Hello,Luz.” Said Amity with a noticeable frown on her face.

“You alright, Ames?” Asked Luz, concerned. “Are you having a bad day?”

“Well, my day was going great, until I overheard Vee talking with Camila.” Continued Amity, turning to face Luz.

“...What did Vee have to say?” Luz asked timidly, not liking where this conversation was going.

“You know, it’s funny.” Amity laughed mirthlessly. “Back at the Bonesborough Brawl, on the anniversary of your father’s passing, we promised that we wouldn’t keep secrets from each other, but yet you go out of your way to tell some big secret to Vee, but not your own girlfriend!”

“Look, it’s nothing, Amity.” Said Luz, trying to find a way to exit this conversation.

“Oh? And is sneaking out of band practice to check on the portal considered ‘nothing’ to you as well?!”

Luz was shocked that Amity somehow knew that. “B-But that’s different! I check the door in the hopes that we find something that can help us get back to the Isles and save all our loved ones!”

“But you’re one of my loved ones!” Exclaimed Amity, tears filling her eyes. “I love you, Luz, I really do. But I wish I could trust you. And if I can’t trust you… then is it even worth continuing our relationship?”

Luz’s eyes widened in horror at the sheer prospect of losing Amity. “But you can trust me, Amity!”

“Alright,” Said Amity. “Then tell me what you told Vee.”

“...I-I can’t.” Said Luz.

“Why not?!”

“Because it’s complicated!”

“It shouldn’t have to be complicated!” Exclaimed Amity. “The only reason why it’s complicated is because you’re making it complicated!”

“ I HELPED HIM, AMITY! ” Yelled Luz, a lot louder than she anticipated.

Amity was taken aback by Luz’s outburst. “Helped who?”

Well, no sense in turning back now. “Ok, so you know how I said that me and Lilith went on an adventure after we fell into that Time Pool?” Started Luz. Amity nodded her head. “Well, during our adventure, we met Phillip Wittbane. At first, he seemed nice, but after we helped him find an artifact he was looking for, he tried to kill us. And when Hunter and I got trapped in Belos’s mind, I learned that, because the Light Glyph I taught him was the last one he needed, and the artifact he wanted contained The Collector, I helped Phillip Wittbane become Emperor Belos. So basically, almost everything that’s happened to us is all because of me.”

Amity let Luz’s statement sink in for a moment before curtly nodding.

“Thank you for telling me, Luz.” Said Amity in a neutral tone as she began to walk away. “I think… I think the others need to know this as well.”

Luz attempted to reach out to Amity, but she stopped her. “And I wish to do it alone. I have a lot to think about, Luz.”

As Luz watched Amity disappear over the horizon, it began to rain. Which was good for Luz, as the rain helped hide her tears as she began crying.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luz had become thoroughly soaked from the worsening rain by the time she came home, but she didn’t care. She just headed upstairs, dried herself off, changed out of her wet clothes, then headed back down into the kitchen, where Camila and Vee were.

“So, um, Amity said she was going out to speak with you, mija .” Said Camila awkwardly, noticing Luz’s frown. “I assume it didn’t go well?”

“We broke up.” Stated Luz.

“Broke up?” Said Camila, genuinely upset. “But why? You two were-”

“No. Nononono.” Interrupted Luz, glaring daggers at her mother. “Don’t you dare try to use that false comfort on me. I know that you’re actually super happy that Amity dumped me, that Willow, Hunter and Gus are gonna stop being my friend when Amity tells them what I told her, and that The Collector’s most likely killed everyone in The Boiling Isles, because now your daughter has nothing worth going back to and breaking her promise!”

Camila was appalled at what Luz was saying. “Now Luz, why would you think that I would be happy about all that?”

Luz argrily slammed her hands down on the table and stood up, startling Camila and Vee.

“Do you know how much I was going to give up just to fulfill your selfish promise, mami ?! Do you?! Do you?! ” Yelled Luz as she pulled out her phone, pulled something up, then gave it to Camila. “See for yourself!”

Camila and Vee looked down and saw that Luz had pulled up a series of videos on her phone. “W-What’s all this, Luz?” Asked Vee nervously.

“These are videos I recorded while I was in the Demon Realm,” Luz spat venomously.  “And they document everything The Boiling Isles gave me that the Human Realm can’t, including how Eda’s a better mother to me!”

“And how exactly is your witch mentor a better mother than I am?” Asked Camila, offended.

“ BECAUSE SHE CARES ABOUT ME! ”

Everything Camila wanted to say to Luz died in her throat almost instantly.

“That’s right, mom, you never cared about me! And even if you did, you never listen to me! You forced me to make that promise when I was getting dragged out of the In-Between Realm, and now that me, my now-former friends and my currently-ex-girlfriend are stuck here after losing everything, you act like you never even came up with a promise?! SCREW YOU! You’re the worst mom in the world and I HATE YOU! ” Screamed Luz before turning her attention to Vee. “And as for you, Vee, I’ve always wanted a sister, but all I got saddled with is a filthy experiment who wrecks everything!”

Luz stormed upstairs to her room, and came back down with her (Still soaked) Grudgeby jacket, a spare change of clothes and her egg Palisman. Luz threw open the front door and almost went out, but stopped and turned to look at Camila.

“You know, mom,” Said Luz. “Sometimes I wish that you were the one who died instead of Dad. At least he would accept that the Isles is a better home for me.”

As Luz slammed the door behind her and ran off, Camila could feel the exact moment her heart ripped in half.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So, you say your new friend can do magic, Aster?” Asked Holly curiously whilst making dinner.

“Yep!” Said Aster. “Though Luz uses a different magic than us. While our magic works by reciting Runes, all Luz has to do is draw a Glyph on something, tap it, and then the spell performs itself. It’s actually quite fascinating.”

Holly was just about to ask her son about the logistics of the Glyphs when there was a knock on the door.

“I’ll get it!” Said Aster as he bounded towards the door. He threw it open, and his face fell when he saw who it was: a sopping wet, crying Luz. “Luz?!”

“H-Hey Aster.” Said Luz between sobs.  “Can I p-please come in?”

“Of course, of course!” Said Aster as he ushered Luz inside. As soon as Ariel and Sedge saw Luz, their concern instantly piqued as Holly stopped cooking and ran over to give the poor girl a warm, motherly hug.

“What’s wrong, child?” Asked Holly in a soothing tone.

“I-I had a really bad day…” Whimpered Luz.

“Aw, I’m sorry to hear that, honey.” Said Holly. “Why don’t you join us for dinner and tell us what happened?” Luz mulled over it before silently nodding. “Alright, good. Sedge, sweetheart, would you mind setting out another plate for Luz?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Sedge did as he was told, and soon, Aster, Luz, Sedge, Ariel and Holly were all enjoying Holly’s cooking.

“This meatloaf is really good, Mrs.Vanissen.” Said Luz, now feeling a lot better (And a lot drier)

“Well, what can I say, mom’s cooking is, quite simply, magical!” Said Aster with a chuckle. Then his tone got serious. “Do you think you’re ready to tell us what happened?”

Luz nodded. “But in order for me to properly explain what happened today, I’ll have to tell you everything that happened beforehand. Starting at the beginning.” Luz then took a deep breath.

“It all started when I was waiting for the bus to take me to Camp Reality Check…”

Chapter Text

“...And then I told mami that I sometimes wish she was dead, and then I ran all the way here.” Finished Luz, wiping the remainder of her tears away.

After hearing Luz’s story from beginning to end, the Vanissen’s silently stared at her in both shock and horror. Ariel then broke the silence the only way she knew how.

“Jesus Christ, Luz, how’ve you not gone completely insane from all that’s happened to you?!”

“Ariel, watch your mouth!” Chastised Holly. “But she’s somewhat right, Luz. If anyone else had gone through what you went through, they’d have surely lost their mind.”

“I’m just worried this Belos guy’s gonna come back somehow.” Said Sedge.

“Sedge, get real!” Retorted Ariel. “Luz said that she and her friends saw that Collector kid splatter him against a wall. They had to wade through his remains to get to the portal!” After a moment, her face darkened. “So… it’s possible…”

“...That stuff you said to your mom, Luz,” Said Aster after a brief moment in thought. “Did you mean any of it?”

“What?”

“When you told Camila that you wish she was dead, that she’s a terrible mother and you hate her, did you mean it?” Repeated Aster.

“No! I love my mami ! I was just so upset by all that’s happened, I let my anger get the better of me and I lashed out at mom and Vee.” Said Luz.

“Ok. And did Amity explicitly say that she was breaking up with you?” Continued Aster.

“Well, no…” Said Luz. “But she might as well have, considering how she spoke after I told her I helped Belos.”

“I see.” Said Aster. “Alright, let’s finish up dinner, wait for Charlie to finish dinner with her dads, get the band together, and then head over to your house.”

“Why?” Questioned Luz, arching her eyebrow.

“Because we’re gonna fix this.” Answered Aster. “I hope your singing is as good as your guitar skills.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, across town, Juniper Vanissen was driving Amity, Hunter, Willow and Gus home.

“Hey, thanks for giving us a ride home, Ms. Juniper.” Said Hunter.

“I already told you, it’s just Juniper.” Said Juniper. “But still, don’t mention it! Wouldn’t want you kids getting caught out in rain like this.”

“Yeah, even if they deserve to because the way they acted may have made their girlfriend think they’re dumping her!” Said Willow, glaring at Amity.

“Agh, I said I was sorry, Willow!” Said Amity, threading her fingers through her hair in frustration. “But how exactly are you supposed to react when your girlfriend tells you she unknowingly helped a genocidal witch-hunter?!”

“Certainly not the way you did.” Replied Gus sarcastically.

“Guys, stop it!” Said Juniper as she pulled into the Noceda’s driveway. “Look, we’re here, why don’t we all head inside and Amity can apologize to Luz while I call my mom and tell her I’ll probably be spending the night here, ‘cause I don’t think this rain’s gonna let up.”

Everybody headed inside, bun none were prepared for what the saw when they opened the door:

Camila, crying on the couch, as Vee attempted to comfort her

“Mom, I don't think Luz meant what she said..." Said Vee, who,judging by her red eyes and raw voice, had went through a crying session of her own.

“But she did.” Said Camila through her tears. “Luz deserves this Eda lady as a mother, not a fat, selfish, greedy cerda like myself!”

"Ms. Noceda, are you ok?!" Exclaimed Hunter. Camila looked up and saw Luz’s friends and girlfriend (Plus some other kid), her children , staring at her in concern. After a brief moment, Camila broke into more violent, broken tears.

“Are you ok, Ms. Camila? ” Asked Gus softly.

“I’m sorry, mijo ,”  Sobbed Camila. “It’s just that… Luz said some things that made me realize how much of an ugly, mean-spirited, uncaring monsturo  I am for trying to take her away from the things she loves. I’m not a good person like you say I am. I’m just a horrible, undeserving mother.”

“That’s not true, Ms. Noceda!” Yelled Amity. “If you were a horrible mother, you would’ve just taken in Luz and left the rest of us out in the rain the night we first showed up here. And besides, Willow and Hunter have never experienced what having a mom is like until you came along. Titan, Gus’s mom died of Titan’s Sickness when he was a baby!” Amity then began tearing up. “And while I do have a mother, you’re everything Odalia falsely claims she is.”

Amity placed a hand on Camila’s shoulder. “You’re a good person, Camila, and a good mother. You just… made a mistake by making Luz agree to your promise.”

Camila was about to thank Amity for her kind words when they heard music and Luz’s singing coming from outside.

“ I've been lonely, I've been waiting for you

I'm pretending and that's all I can do

The love I'm sendin'

Ain't makin' it through to your heart”

Everybody looked out the front door to see Luz and the members of The Spellcasters doing a live performance on the front lawn, a shield spell protecting their equipment.

“You've been hidin', never letting it show

Always tryin' to keep it under control

You got it down and you're well on your way to the top

But there's somethin' that you forgot

What about love?

Don't you want someone to care about you?

And what about love?

Don't let it slip away

What about love?

I only want to share it with you

You might need it someday

I can't tell you what you're feelin' inside

And I can't sell you what you don't want to buy

Something's missing, you gotta look back on your life

You know something here just ain't right

What about love?

Don't you want someone to care about you?

What about love?

Don't let it slip away!

What about love?

I only want to share it with you

What about love?

Don't you want someone to care about you?

What about love?

Don't let it slip away

But what about love?

I only want to share it with you

Oh no

Ohh ohh, oh what about love?

Yeah

Ooh ooh hoo

What about love?

Love, love, love

What about, what about love?

Ooh hoo hoo hoo…”

As Luz finished up the song, Amity walked up to her, unshed tears in her eyes. “Sorry if you didn’t like the song, Ames, Aster said that it might help us get back togeth-” Luz was cut off when Amity wrapped her in a bone-crushing hug.

“Luz, I am so, so sorry I made you think I was breaking up with you. I was just shocked by what you told me, and I acted without thinking. But I want you to know that I have no intention of breaking up with you. Ever.”

As Luz and Amity continued to hug, Camila approached Aster and the others with a rather simple question. “Would you kids like to stay for some coffee? Or tea, perhaps?”

“Ooh, gee I dunno, do we have the time?” Said Aster, looking over at Charlie, who pulled out her phone, then shot Aster a thumbs-up after a moment.

“We’d love to, Ms. Noceda.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After explaining everything to Juniper (And Luz nearly breaking down in tears when she learned how badly), everyone sat in the living room, enjoying their tea and coffee.

“I still can’t wrap my head around everything that’s happened to these kids!” Said Juniper.

“I know, right?!” Replied Ariel. “Doesn’t it just make you mad?!”

“So, does Marcy know you guys are witches?” Sedge asked Hunter.

“I… don’t think she does.”

“Y’know Luz,” Said Charlie as she sipped her coffee. “Though I wish we could’ve met them under better circumstances, I like your friends and girlfriend. They seem nice.”

Luz didn’t respond, simply staring at the floor. “You alright, Luz?” Asked Charlie, cocking her head.

Luz started shaking like a leaf and began hyperventilating. She was having a panic attack.

“Woah, heyheyheyheyhey, breathe Luz! Breathe!” Exclaimed Charlie as the others noticed what was happening and immediately took action.

“ They'realltrappedherebecauseIhelpedhimthey'realltrappedherebecauseofmeandit'sallmyfault! ” Said Luz all at once, tears cascading down her face as Hunter rubbed her back in comfort.

“Luz, we're here. It's okay.” Said Amity, gently grabbing Luz’s hand.

“IT'S NOT OKAY! STOP SAYING IT'S OKAY, AMITY!” Cried Luz, ripping her hand out of Amity’s grasp.

“Oh, baby, no….” Muttered Camila as she hugged Luz, while Ariel handed Luz a glass of water she nabbed during the commotion.

“Why…. Why aren't you guys mad at me?” Luz choked out, noticeably more calmer after drinking the water. “It’s my fault that Phillip became Belos and everything went completely wrong, so why aren’t any of you upset?”

“Why should we be mad at you, Luz?” Said Willow. “You didn’t know that Phillip would become Belos when you and Lilith met him.”

“Yeah,” Said Ariel. “Any old Joe Schmoe could’ve done what you did and created Belos. Anybody!”

“And besides, Luz,” Said Aster, who had remained silent up until this point. “After everything you guys went through, if there's anyone you can point a finger at, look dead in the eye and say ‘This is your fault’, it’s Hunter.”

“ What?! ” Cried Hunter as he got off the couch and faced Aster.

“Well, think about it, bucko: You’re Belos’s nephew, you helped him gather all the parts he needed for the Day Of Unity, you sentenced possibly hundreds of innocent witches to be petrified or worse , and hell, you’re probably one of the people who tortured Vee and the other basilisks back then!”

“Um, Hunter wasn’t one of the Emperor’s men who was part of the basilisk program, Aster.” Said Vee sheepishly. “I would’ve recognized his… unique voice if he was.”

“Oh, my apologies, Vee.” Said Aster before turning back to Hunter. “But still, you hurt a lot of people as the Golden Guard, and you never listened to Luz’s statements that Belos was the bad guy until the two of you got trapped in his mind. So technically, this is all your fault.” He continued, jabbing a finger into Hunter’s chest.

“Aster, no.” Stated Luz, shocked. “It wasn’t his-”

“Then blame Amity!” Aster interrupted as Amity gave him a dirty look. “She knew her parents were helping Belos by having more of those Play-Doh-infused Cylons be made, but yet she did nothing, so surely this must be her fault.”

“No, Aster, she didn’t-”

“Then Eda and Lilith must be to blame!” Aster continued. “They both knew what Belos was capable of, Lilith probably knew what he was doing, they were older, and doesn’t Eda have that Harpy form? So what was stopping them from raiding the Emperor’s headquarters and Eda biting his head off?”

“They’re not-”

“Then it looks like Willow and Gus are really to blame, then.”

“Why us?!” Questioned an offended Gus.

“You two were able to convince almost everybody in Bonesborough, and possibly other people who were watching Mr.Porter’s broadcast, to rebel against the Emperor the night of Eda’s petrification,” Pressed Aster. “Yet, when the Golden Guard himself revealed the truth about the Day Of Unity, neither you two nor anyone else at the school Hunter was at lifted a fricking finger. All you two had to do was go up to Gus’s dad, tell him that you need to broadcast something to the rest of the Isles urgently, and have Hunter tell the truth to everybody! But you didn’t, and look what happened.”

“Aster, please-” Pleaded Luz, at her wits end.

“Well,” Said Aster. “If Hunter, Amity, the Clawthorne sisters, Willow and Gus aren’t to blame, then the only person left to blame would be your moth-”

“ ASTER, STOP IT! ” Shouted Luz. “It wasn’t any of their faults! Nobody is to blame!”

“Then why do you blame yourself?” Questioned Aster.

Everyone went silent as they realized what kind of mind game Aster was playing.

“Because… because… because…” Luz stammered, unable to give an answer as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Because you want someone to blame.” Stated Aster. “Because it’s easier to blame yourself than admit that everyone was simply powerless.” Aster then sat on the couch and placed a comforting hand on Luz’s shoulder. “Luz, if the combined efforts of the CATTS couldn’t stop Belos, then what could you have done differently to make things better?”

Luz’s brain struggled to come up with an answer, and when she realized that there wasn't an answer, she broke down into heart-wrenching sobs and threw herself into Aster’s arms, burying her face into his shirt.

“Shhh, there there, kiddo,” Soothed Aster as he hugged her back, gently stroking her hair as she continued to cry. “Let it all out.” Aster looked up to see the others standing around awkwardly. “What are you guys standing around for? Join in!”

Everybody obliged, and soon Luz found herself in the center of a warm, comfy group hug.

“Don’t worry, Luz. We’re gonna get you guys back to the Demon Realm, defeat The Collector, and save everybody.” Whispered Aster comfortingly. “We all will. I promise.”

Chapter Text

The next morning, after everyone woke up and separated from each other (Due to them falling asleep while still in the group hug), the Vanissens and Charlie headed back to their homes to put the finishing touches on their Halloween costumes for tonight while the Hexsquad (The group name Luz came up with for her and her friends) got to work finishing up their Halloween costumes while also contacting Marcy and explaining everything to her.

Soon, day turned to night, and the Hexsquad (Plus Marcy, who was busy discussing to everyone what happened to her and her friends in Amphibia) were in their costumes, eagerly waiting for Aster and his friends to show up so they could start celebrating Halloween. And soon enough, Aster rang the doorbell, and Hunter threw open the door to greet his friends.

“Hey guys! Um, who are you supposed to be?” Asked Hunter curiously.

“Well, isn’t it obvious?” Said Aster. “We’re the Ghostbusters!” Indeed, Aster, Ariel, Charlie and Sedge were dressed up as the iconic group, with Aster and Charlie wearing the light beige jumpsuits from the original movie, while Sedge and Ariel wore the dark-gray jumpsuits from Ghostbusters 2 .

“...Who?” Said Hunter, confused.

“ Riight , you’re from another world.” Said Charlie. “Basically, they were a group of people who used to go around New York City and catch ghosts using an array of gadgets, including these special backpacks that Aster and Ariel recreated as props.” She continued, gesturing to her Proton Pack. “These are props, right, Aster?”

“Uhh, yeah… props …” Responded Aster, looking around nervously. “Can we come in, Hunter?”

Hunter nodded, and as the four walked inside, they saw what group the Hexsquad was going as.

“Oh, you guys are going as Mystery Inc.?!” Said Sedge, delighted. “I love Scooby-Doo!”

“So do I!” Agreed Gus enthusiastically.

“Yeah, Luz showed us a couple of episodes, and Gus got hooked almost instantly.” Explained Willow.

“Cool.” Said Ariel. “But do you guys know each of your character’s catchphrases?”

The Hexsquad glanced at each other and nodded before reciting each of their designated catchphrases.

“Ruh-Roh!” Said Gus, who was dressed as Scooby.

“Zoinks!” Said Hunter, who was dressed as Shaggy.

“Jinkies!” Said Willow, who was dressed as Velma.

“Jeepers!” Said Amity, who was dressed as Daphne.

“FU-!” Said Luz, who was dressed as Fred, before Amity covered her mouth.

Everyone else shared a quick chuckle before Aster turned to Marcy. “So, who are you supposed to be, Marcy?”

“I’m Cynthia Coven!” Said Marcy proudly.

“From the book series?” Said Ariel.

“Yeah! Not only is it my most favorite book series of all time, I also figured, since most of my new friends are actual witches, why not go as one of the greatest witches in middle-grade literature?!” Marcy noticed Luz giving her a suspicious look, and she smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, second-greatest.”

“Oh. Pretty nifty, Mar-Mar.” After a moment, Aster turned his attention towards Camila. “I take it you’re not dressing up tonight, Ms. Noceda?”

“Nope.” Said Camila, popping the ‘p’ at the end. “I’m just gonna stay here and hand out candy while also looking after the kid’s Palisman.”

“Palisman? What are those?” Asked Aster.

Camila simply pointed, and when the others looked to where she was pointing, they saw what was most likely some of the cutest animals they’ve ever seen. There was a white cat, a chameleon, a comically-large (By Earth standards) bee, and a one-eyed cardinal, and they were all lounging around a teal-coloured egg.

“Ok, I will admit that these are cute,” Said Ariel, while Marcy held out a finger for Flapjack (The cardinal Palisman) to perch on. “But what’s the deal with the egg?”

“Oh, that’s actually my Palisman.” Said Luz.

“Why am I not surprised?” Said Aster jokingly. “Alright, enough dilly-dallying, gang! Let’s get out there and have the greatest Halloween ever!”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After getting their candy bags and bidding Camila farewell, the gang left the house and started walking towards town, eager to reach the festivities. As they were walking (Strangely enough, without Vee) past the old shack, Luz just happened to look up at the shack and saw someone standing in the doorway. Someone familiar.

“ No, it can’t be… ” Thought Luz. “ Is that…? ”

“Luz, is that you?” Said Eda.

Careful not to alert the others, Luz carefully snuck away from them, and when she figured she was a good distance away, broke into a sprint.

“Eda, you’re ok!” Cried Luz, tears starting to form in her eyes.

“Yes, Luz.” Said Eda while holding out her arms for a hug. “I survived.”

Luz jumped into Eda’s arms to return the hug, only to be caught off-guard when she phased right through her and hit the shack floor. Luz turned around just in time to see the Eda illusion fade away, and before she could do anything, Jacob popped up out of nowhere, grabbed ahold of her, and pressed a chloroform rag to her face.

“Breath deep, Noceda…” Said Jacob sadistically as Luz fell unconscious. “It’ll all be over soon…”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So, what’s the deal with the tattoos?”

“I think they’re to allow partygoers access to some of the more intense haunted attractions and certain trick-or-treat trails, Willow.” Said Aster. “But it’s not like there isn’t anything for us, though! We still got some of the more tamer haunts, most of the trick-or-treat trails, those special Halloween-themed activity booths, the dance party in town square, the all-night horror movie marathon at the matinee, free admission to the arcade Juniper’s working at alongside a complimentary caramel apple from my mom, the haunted hayride that takes you up to Romero Farms, and of course, the baby animal petting zoo!”

“Eh, Aster’s got a point there, Willow.” Said Marcy after a moment.

“Yeah,” Added Hunter. “Like, I haven’t seen Gus this happy since…”  His face fell and he looked over at Gus, who was happily petting a baby goat. “Say, Captain,” Hunter continued after a moment, blushing. “Um… would you like to go over to the pumpkin carving booth and make some jack-o-lanterns with me?”

Willow started blushing as well, as Aster raised an eyebrow in fascination. “I…”

“Hey, have you guys seen Vee anywhere?”

The others looked up to see Masha (Who was dressed as Princess Azula) standing alongside three other kids they didn’t recognize.

“You're Arthur Rentier’s kid, aren’t you?” Said Aster. “I have to say, your father’s a good guy for providing financial support to Camila, Luz and the others.”

“How do you know that?” Questioned Masha.

“Luz told me, my siblings and my best friend everything. I’m Aster by the way!” Answered Aster, sticking out his hand.

“Wait a minute, you’re the lead singer of The Spellcasters! Dude, I love your music!” Said Masha before shaking Aster’s hand.

“Well, it’s nice to meet a fan! I’ll be sure to give you an autograph tomorrow.” Said Aster. “So, who’re your friends?”

“My name is Clara Heartfield!” Said Clara, who was dressed as Rapunzel.

“Brock Frye.” Said Brock, who was dressed as Roland The Soldier.

“I’m Molly Stevenson.” Said Molly, who was dressed up as Nimona.

“We’re friends of Vee.” Said Clara. “Speaking of, have you guys seen her anywhere?”

“We thought she was already with you guys.” Said Hunter.

“No, she said she was gonna meet up with us at the party with you guys.” Said Molly.

As Hunter, Aster and Marcy began pondering as to where Vee could be (While Clara and the members of Cabin 7 got back to partying), Amity came up to them, distressed.

“What’s wrong, Blight?” Asked Ariel.

“I can’t find Luz.”

“What do you mean you can’t find Luz?!” Asked Hunter indigenously.

“That's what I said, I can’t find her! Luz told me that one of the first thing’s we’ll be doing at the party was going on the haunted hayride together, I got worried when she didn’t show up after a few minutes, and I looked everywhere for her, but she’s nowhere to be found!” Said Amity.

Willow and Aster were about to give Amity some words of encouragement when Jacob’s voice rang out from the speakers dotted around town.

“Attention partygoers!”

“Great, it’s that creepy museum guy…” Muttered Aster under his breath.

“We will now be commencing with a very special event. Could every partygoer with a skull tattoo please gather up our very special guests and take them to St. Jacobus Cemetery.” Said Jacob. “And as for the rest of the partygoers… keep on partying!”

The kids didn’t really question what Jacob meant by ‘Very Special Guests’ (Nor did they notice that the tattoos had started glowing) until those with a skull tattoo (Half of which consisted of members of the Gravesfield Police Department who chaperoned the event) came up to them and started carrying them to the graveyard.

“Hey, let us go!” Said Aster as two burly cops started dragging him to the cemetery.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The mind-controlled people did not, in fact, let them go. Not until they approached an altar in the middle of the graveyard. As they were forced to kneel in front of it, they saw that Luz was tied to the altar.

“Luz!” Cried Amity as she attempted to run over and free her sweet potato, only for one of the controlled cops to grab her by the shirt collar and force her back into kneeling.

“I’m sorry, Amity.” Said Luz. “I was tricked into thinking that Eda had reconstructed the portal and had come back for us and… yeah…”

As the mind-controlled masses left the cemetery, Jacob walked up to the altar, facing the kids. “Hello, everybody! And welcome to tonight’s event!” Nobody clapped.

“Now, as you know, Gravesfield was founded on witch-hunting.” Continued Jacob. “Literally. Gravesfield’s founder was also one of the greatest witch hunters in the world! And tonight, after centuries of radio silence, Gravesfield now has a new witch that must face righteous judgment. But I’m not the one who’s going to give it, though. Ladies and gentlemen, behold: the founder of Gravesfield and witch-hunter general, Phillip Wittbane! ”

Phillip walked out of the nearby crypt, dressed in his finest witch-hunting outfit and holding a small dagger. “Well, well, well, what have we here?” Said Phillip with a dark chuckle when he laid eyes on the kids.

“So, you’re Phillip Wittbane, huh?” Snarked Aster. “Town founder and genocidal xenophobe with a perchance for brother-cide?” He gave Phillip a once-over glance. “I thought you’d be taller.”

“Don’t you mock me, witch boy!” Growled Phillip.

“What? I’m not a witch.” Lied Aster.

“Oh, but you are one. I can smell it on you.” Said Phillip.

That certainly caught Aster by surprise. “You can smell it on- what the hell?”

“You’re wasting my time, boy.” Said Phillip to Aster bitterly before addressing the kids in general. “After spending a century residing with the likes of witches, I had good faith that, no matter how long I suffered, my home would remain the same. Unfortunately, instead of snuffing out the evil, the modern world has welcomed it.” Phillip turned towards Luz. “Much like you, Luz, this generation has been baptized into corruption. That is why, once I’m through with you and your little friends, the Earth must have its own Day Of Unity. I’ll destroy the world and rebuild it in my image. And then, I’ll finally be given my title of Supreme Witch Hunter General. No, I’ll become the Witch Hunter King!”

“Neither of those titles exist, moron!” Quipped Ariel. Enraged, Phillip walked over and slapped Ariel in the face. “Is that the best you can do, grandpa?”

“Ariel, please stop talking.” Said Aster. “I don’t want Phil’s crusty-ass bones here to turn to dust before he does any real damage!”

“You won’t get away with this, Phillip!” Shouted Marcy. “People like Mayor Collins will make sure of it!”

“Hmm, you make a good point, Calamity Champion of Wit.” Said Phillip. “Counterpoint:”

Phillip then gestured to his side, and when the kids looked over, they saw the petrified forms of Henry Collins, his daughter Brittney and his wife Francine. A chill ran up their spines.

“Now, I’ve wasted enough time with you children already. Time to let my witch hunt begin anew!” Said Phillip as he brandished the dagger above his head, ignorant to the pleas of the other kids. “Any last words, Noceda?”

“Yeah.” Said Luz as she broke an arm out of its restraint and grabbed Phillip’s wrist, making him drop the dagger. “You’ve got the wrong Noceda.”

Luz then revealed herself to be Vee in disguise,and before Phillip could do anything, Vee began to siphon his magic. She almost drained him completely, until he ripped his wrist out of her grasp, fell to his knees and, with a agonizing roar, exploded into a flash of blue light, it’s shockwave bowling the kids over, shattering the petrified Collins family, and even knocking Jacob into an open grave as it spread all over Gravesfield. After a moment, the kids started getting up one by one.

“You guys ok?” Asked Vee, who was now freed from her bonds.

“Yeah.” Nodded Aster. “I didn’t know you were a Shifter.”

“It’s a basic part of basilisk anatomy, Aster.” Shrugged Vee. “I can turn into pretty much any living being I want, as long as I have enough magic, of course.”

Aster gave Vee a ‘Fair enough’ nod, and was about to ask Sedge if he was ok, when he noticed that his PKE Meter was going crazy. In fact, Sedge, Ariel and Charlie’s PKE Meters were all going crazy as well. And then they saw it: rising from the altar was the tall, goopy, Wendigo-esque monster form of Emperor Belos.

“ WHAT THE FROG IS THAT THING?! ” Marcy screamed in horror.

“That, Marcy, is the cursed form of Emperor Belos!” Said Hunter.

“I didn’t know he could do that !” Cried Sedge.

“Now look what you did, you… you… WITCHES! ” Bellowed Belos as he lumbered towards the kids.

“I ain’t ‘fraid of no ghost…” Said Aster as he equipped the pack’s particle thrower and flicked a switch on it. “And I certainly ain’t afraid of you! ” Aster fired the Neutrona Wand and blasted Belos back into the crypt with a Proton Stream!

“These things actually work, Aster?!” Yelled Charlie after a moment of stunned silence. “I thought you said these were props!”

“Well, uh… I lied.” Said Aster.

“ GUYS! ”

The kids looked over to see Luz, the real Luz, running towards them.

“I thought I saw you out of the corner of my eye!” Said Sedge. “I didn’t say anything, though, just in case Belos caught on. But where were you?”

“Basically, once I realized that the reason the tattoos weirded me out was because they were the Human Realm equivalent of Coven Sigils, I hid up in my room and had Vee pose as me to see what would happen.” Explained Luz. “And once I saw Vee get tricked and taken hostage, I snuck out and followed them up to the graveyard, where you guys were.”

“Luz,” Said Amity. “ Please don’t scare me like that next time, ok, batata? ”

“Aw, I’m sorry, Amity.” Said Luz. As she walked over to hug her sweet potato girlfriend, Luz accidentally tripped and fell on her face. Turning over, she was shocked to see that it wasn’t a root she tripped over, but a rotting zombie crawling out of the grave.

“Guys, I think tonight just got a lot tougher.” Said Aster as loads more zombies began crawling out of their graves.

Chapter Text

Tonight was supposed to be a quiet night. With most of the on-duty officers at the Halloween party, those who remained at the Gravesfield Police Station expected the night to go smoothly.

But after an unexpected phenomenon occurred in the graveyard, the people at the station found themselves answering an ever-increasing number of frantic calls, ranging from concerning, such as officers and civilians alike rioting and the bodies buried at the cemetery now roaming the streets, to downright bizarre, like Halloween decorations coming to life and running amok, jack-o-lanterns gaining sentience and eating children, and even some horror movie villains climbing out of the movie and terrorizing those who were in the theater.

Officer Hirsch and Officer Braly were in their squad car, driving down Maple Avenue in the hopes of quickly reaching town square, when they saw an old lady get flung from the top story window of her home, landing on the sidewalk a bloody, twisted mess.

“Well, guess Gravesfield’s gonna need someone new to replace Miss Bitterman.” Said Officer Hirsch to Officer Braly grimly.

“ OFFICERS! HELP ME, PLEASE! ” Screamed Mr. Wu as he staggered out of his house and up to the car, struggling to remove the candy that was all over him.

“That’s Peter Wu, one of the mayor’s financial advisors.” Said Officer Braly before squinting in confusion. “Why’s he got candy all over him?”

It didn’t take the two long to realize that not only was the candy alive, it was consuming Mr. Wu’s flesh. “Floor it, Matt!” Shouted a horrified Officer Hirsch as he rolled up the windows and flicked on the siren.

Officer Braly peeled out of there like a bat out of Hell, speeding past Rentier Manor (With Arthur Rentier shooting down carnivorous pumpkins with a bolt-action)...

Completely unaware that a small skeleton decoration had crawled under the car and severed the brake line.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After giving out candy to the few trick-or-treaters that came by, Camila decided to busy herself by baking some Halloween treats for her kids, listening to the radio as she worked, while their Palisman watched Creepshow in the other room.

“Hey gang! This is Smilin’ Seth Scranton,” Said the radio DJ as Ghost’s Call Me Little Sunshine wrapped up. “Coming to you with more of our K-GRAVE Halloween Spooktacular! We’ve got another caller on the line, so tell us how you’re enjoying the party?”

“This is Juniper Vanissen.” Camila stopped what she was doing and stared at the radio. Juniper Vanissen? Wasn’t that one of Aster’s sisters? “I’m trapped in the Hinobi arcade with my mom and a bunch of kids. There’s psychos, zombies and monsters everywhere! Please, send help!”

“Now listen here, Juniper,” Said the DJ. “It may be Halloween, but do you really think I’ll buy in to this Stephen King crap-” Suddenly, the sounds of something (Or someone ) breaking in was heard. “Hey, wait! You’re not a Smilin’ Seth fan!”

“ Hi, I’m Chucky! Wanna play?! ”

“No! Y-You’re not supposed to be real!” The sound of the DJ screaming bloody murder and Chucky’s recognizable laugh played out before the radio cut off. Camila stared at the radio in terrified silence until a loud bang from outside nearly made her jump out of her skin.

Camila made her way to the front door, where, illuminated by the porch light, she saw silhouettes of people trying to break down the door and bust open the windows. She also saw the Palisman huddled up to each other, shivering in fear.

Knowing what she had to do, Camila grabbed a backpack, gently put the egg and the other Palisman inside, slung it over her, and grabbed Luz’s old softball bat from her closet. Camila then threw open the front door, only to falter when she saw what was outside.

She was easily able to tell what the zombies looked like, but it was what the ‘psychos’ Juniper brought up looked like that gave Camila pause. One half of their skin was covered in a sickly greenish mold with bright, pure blue eyes dotted around randomly, while the other half was covered in glowing cracks.

“All hail the Emperor…” Moaned one of the psychos.

“Join us…” Said another.

“Not on your life.” Said Camila as she regained composure. Camila then started clobbering zombies and psychos alike, slowly moving across the front lawn. Right as Camila was hitting her stride, two psychos knocked her down and restrained her while a cop psycho reached for his gun. Just before it could draw and fire it, though, a red mini-van ran it and a few other psychos over, and two men hopped out and used their weapons (A crowbar and a shovel) to take care of the psychos on Camila.

“Come with us if you want to live.” Said the skinny man.

“Who are you?” Asked Camila.

“The name’s Samuel Martin.” Said the skinny man. “I’m the vice principal at Gravesfield Junior High, and I think my daughter is friends with yours. This is my husband, Christopher West.”

“Hello there.” Nodded Chris. “Get in the car. We just need to find the children and get the hell out of here. The whole town’s gone crazy!”

“Do you know where you think your children are, Ms. Noceda?” Asked Sam.

“...They’re at the graveyard.” Answered Camila. “My motherly instinct is telling me that they’re there.”

“Wh-The graveyard?! But that’s where-”

“ JUST DRIVE! ” Yelled Camila.

Grimacing, Chris hit the gas and headed towards the cemetery.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite everything going on in town, the kids were having a much smoother time in the cemetery, taking down zombies.

“Y’know, this is… pretty easy!” Said Hunter.

“And fun, too!” Added Ariel.

“ Easy? Fun? ” Thought Aster, confused. “ I wouldn’t really call spending my Halloween in a creepy graveyard incinerating the undead with a positron collider ‘easy’ or ‘fun’ ”

Luz was about to chime in, but stopped when she saw the dirt shift in front of one of the tombstones. A rather familiar tombstone.

Here Lies Manny Noceda

Beloved Husband and Father

1987-2009

“ Nonono, please, not him… ” Luz mentally pleaded. But it was no use. The emancipated, rotted corpse of her father climbed out of the grave and lurched towards the kids, making them freeze in horror when they saw him (Thankfully, there were no other zombies in front of them to fight).

“Luz, who the heck is that?” Asked Marcy cautiously.

“P…Papa…” Whimpered Luz.

Just before Manny could take a bite out of his daughter, the bright headlights of the Martin-West minivan made him and a few other zombies that joined him scurry off as the car pulled up to the gang.

“Get in!” Shouted Chris as Camila opened up the backseat door. “Dads!” Cried Charlie, tears of relief filling her eyes.

“Sorry, it might be a bit of a tight squeeze,” Said Sam as the kids climbed into the car. “But Miss Noceda was adamant on having that backpack full of animals in here.”

Cocking a curious eyebrow, Luz opened up the backpack, and she and the rest of the Hexsquad became ecstatic when they saw their Palisman, safe and sound. So ecstatic, in fact, that they didn’t notice that Chris was driving away from Gravesfield. Aster, however, did notice.

“Woah, wait, Mr. West, where are you going?!” Said Aster.

“Away from Gravesfield, what do you think?” Replied Chris.

“ What?! ” Yelled Aster. “Dude, we have to go back! My mom and sister are still there!”

“Yeah, and so is my girlfriend and my camp friends!” Added Vee.

“Screw that!” Said Chris. “Here’s the plan, we skip town, drive over to Sterling, go to The Winchester, grab a pint and wait for all this to blow over. So, what do you guys think? How’s that for a slice of fried gold?”

Everybody stared at Chris as if he agreed that the world was flat. “That’s a horrible plan, dad!” Said Charlie after a moment.

“Well, do you guys have a better idea?!” Questioned Chris.

“Uh, yeah, maybe we could speed up a little?” Said Sedge, slightly terrified and looking out the back window.

“Why, Sedge? Do you seriously want us to speed up so we can hide out in a bar?” Said Aster.

“No, I want us to speed up because if we don’t, Phillip Wittbane’s gonna catch us!” Said Sedge as he pointed out the window.

“Oh, you gotta be kidding me.” Said Aster as he and the others looked out to see Belos walk out of the graveyard and start to run towards the van.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Town square had become a warzone by the time Officer Hirsch and Officer Braly arrived, with corpses everywhere and monsters of all shapes and sizes running amok.

“This is supposed to be Halloween, Alex, what the hell’s going on?! ” Said Officer Braly before one of the 12-foot tall skeletons that could be found at the hardware store walked out in front of the car, causing him to swerve into the path of a flaming tractor.

“The brakes, Matt!” Yelled Officer Hirsch. “Hit the brakes!”

“I’m trying!” Said Officer Braly, fruitlessly stomping on the brake pedal. “It’s not working!”

Officer Hirsch and Officer Braly could only scream as Braly attempted to swerve out of the way again, only for the car to clip the tractor, flip upside down, and crash right into… a donut shop. Some of the nearby monsters actually stopped what they were doing to laugh at the irony.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So you mean to tell me, Luz, that the founder of Gravesfield is not only a witch hunter, but has lived for over a century by feeding on animal souls, killed his brother for falling in love with a witch, and nearly succeeded in killing everyone in the realm where you met your friends and girlfriend?” Asked Sam as he sped down the road.

“Yep, and right now he’s the giant horned monster with multiple eyes chasing us!” Answered Luz as she gestured to Belos, who was now running on all fours to keep up with the van.

“Speaking of Phillip, keep the car steady, Mr. West, I got an idea!” Said Aster as he opened the sunroof and stood up on his seat.

“ Must go faster… ” Thought Chris as he glanced at the car door mirror, seeing how close Belos was.

“ Oi, Belos! ” Yelled Aster as he re-equipped his Neutrona Wand and aimed it at the former emperor. “Who ya gonna call?!” Aster then fired another Proton Stream, this time at Belos’s head, leaving the monster with no time to react before the blast stream tripped him up and made him ragdoll across the road.

“ Huh, that actually worked! ” Thought Aster as he sat back down with the others. “I think we lost him, guys!”

No sooner did Aster say that, Belos suddenly appeared in front of the car, causing Chris to swerve and hit a tree. Thankfully, everyone had their seatbelts on.

Belos then walked over to the car, ripped off the roof, and as everybody started to come to, grabbed Luz by the throat and hoisted her out of the car. “Thought you could escape me, Luz the human? Well, you thought wrong. And now, your legacy shall end where mine began.” Said Belos before he super-jumped out of there.

“Is everybody alright?” Asked Chris.

“I’m ok,” Said Aster. “I’m just more worried about Luz’s egg Palisman, though.” Aster opened up the backpack and saw that the egg was ok, with Gus’s chameleon Palisman Emmiline giving him a thumbs up.

“Wait, where’s Luz?” Asked Amity nervously, which made Camila start to feel nervous as well.

“Belos took her.” Said Hunter grimly, causing everybody else to gasp. “He said something about ending her legacy where his began, but I didn’t understand what he meant.”

“I think I know what he meant, Hunter!” Said Marcy. “I was doing some research on Gravesfield’s history, and I learned that Phillip and his brother Caleb infamously went missing after chasing a witch to Eclipse Lake, which legends say that the entire area of the lake, except for the lakewater itself, was a hotspot of magic energy!”

“And the Wittbane brothers reappeared in the Eclipse Lake found in The Boiling Isles!” Said Gus, catching on to what Marcy was talking about.

“But they built over the lake years ago!” Said Sam.

“What did they build?” Asked Sedge.

It didn’t take long for the gang to realize where Belos was heading:

“ ECLIPSE MALL! ”

Chapter Text

After a long, harrowing trek through town, the gang finally arrived at Eclipse Mall, where they saw that Belos had already broken down the door to get inside.

“Alright guys, this is it. We’re heading into the heart of darkness itself.” Said Aster. “Now, before we go in, Ari, Sedge, Charlie, I hate to say this, but if we’re going to defeat this guy, we miiight have to cross the streams.”

“Aster, this is exactly why I got pissed at you in the graveyard!” Said a very frustrated Charlie. “I don’t want to be one of the kids who caused a Total Protonic Reversal in a small Connecticut town!”

“You won’t!” Said Aster. “Charlie, the packs are powered by magic, not a nuclear accelerator, like the packs the actual Ghostbusters use. And I made sure that not only is the window of successful survivability increased, but that there’s no chance of Total Protonic Reversal when crossing the streams.”

“But?”

“...But if we fail to survive crossing the streams, then every atom in our bodies will split in a nanosecond.”

“Oh, so you’re telling me that we’re not at risk of Total Protonic Reversal, but Complete Sub-Atomic Combustion?!” Proclaimed Charlie angrily.

“Yes.” Aster bluntly said.

Charlie was about to continue, but stopped and mellowed out when Ariel gently held her hand and smiled at her. “Alright,” Said Charlie with a shrug. “Let’s do this!”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“If it wasn’t for you, Luz, everyone in the Demon Realm would have suffered a quick, easy death, and I would’ve come back to the Human Realm a hero!” Said Belos. “But now, because of you, your loved one’s will die a very painful death, and I’ll have to rebuild my empire here on Earth.”

“ No one will side with a monster like you!” Yelled Luz, who was bound by Belos’s flesh shackles. “That world you glamorized oppressed those who were different. Those that just wanted to live and be accepted by their peers, but instead, they were made the villains. But now, anyone can freely express their true selves without fear of being persecuted and having their own families. You may be strong, but we have one thing in common that you can never understand in that hateful mind of yours: we are a family.”

“Well, congratulations for throwing away your humanity for the fellowship of these heathens.” Muttered Belos. “You may think I have no understanding of ‘family,’ but even someone as ‘evil’ as you claim had one. He was my best friend, my right hand. But he made the same mistake that you had: he chose to become corrupted by an alluring charmer. He even fathered a kid with her. He was no longer my friend. He had betrayed not just me and my family, but our very cause: to bathe the Isles in the blood of Evelyn Clawthorne and the rest of her species. He made that same mistake over and over so I corrected him. Hunter was my-”

Belos was cut off by a proton stream hitting him in the face. “Sorry, Belos!” Said Sedge (with a smug-as-hell grin on his face) as Belos turned to face him and the gang. “I was aiming for that stupid mullet of yours!”

“Why won’t you witch kids just give up?! ” Snarled Belos.

“It’s ‘cause we're not the kind of kids who give up easily.” Said Aster, “But we can all just… walk away from this, Mr. Wittebane. All you gotta do is let Luz go, let us figure out a way to get back to the Demon Realm so that way these guys can reunite with their loved ones and defeat The Collector, and you can go crawlin a hole and die. What say ye?”

“With The Collector freed, those witches will have wished they’d died by the draining spell compared to what he can do to them.” Said Belos. “So no, I will not ‘walk away from this.’ In fact, while you witches and witch-sympathizers bleed out on the floor, I’ll have Luz be turned into a stone decoration for this mall!”

“Eh, it was worth a shot.” Said Aster with a shrug. “ NOW! ”

Aster, Ariel, Sedge and Charlie opened fire with their Proton Packs while Willow, Marcy and Amity provided some assistance (A large, thorn-covered vine, an elemental barrage via a Glyph stack given to her beforehand, and a massive Mega-Abomination respectively) while Gus created a couple of Illusion clones to distract Belos as he freed Luz.

“Thanks, Gus!” Said Luz as the skin chains dissipated. “I did not want to experience the feeling of being petrified a second time!”

“You’re welc- wait, what?! ” Said Gus, his eyes widening as Luz’s words registered with him.

“ NO!!! ” Roared Belos as he converted his arms into blades and attempted to stab Marcy, who actually managed to grab the blade before it pierced her.

"Not this time." Said Marcy before shoving the blade away from her.

“Woah!” Said Vee before turning to Hunter. “I didn’t know Belos had similar powers to Carnage!”

“Who’s Carnage?” Asked a confused Hunter.

“If we live long enough, I’ll have to show ya!” Answered Aster before blasting out another proton stream.

Luz then ran up to Hunter and Vee and handed each of them a stack of Glyphs.

“Why are you handing me these?!” Asked Hunter. “I thought you said Glyphs don’t work in the Human Realm?!”

“Well, they do now, apparently!” Replied Luz.

“How do these work, exactly?” Inquired Vee.

“I gave you guys ones with offensive capabilities, “Stated Luz. “All you just gotta do is tap ‘em, then attack with ‘em!”

Vee gave a ‘Sure, why not?’ shrug, and she and Hunter entered the battle, flinging fireballs and tossing razor-sharp ice shards respectively. Even Flapjack joined in on the fighting, flying up to Belos and pecking at one of his eyes until it popped, making Belos scream in pain.

“That’s it!” Gasped Aster. “ GUYS! Target the eyes! They’re his weak points!”

As everybody began focusing their attacks on the eyes (Including Sam and Chris, who had finally stopped standing around and were now throwing anything they could get their hands on at the eyes), Flapjack attempted to return to Hunter, only to be caught by Belos.

“Now I got you, birdie…” Growled Belos as he attempted to kill Flapjack and eat his lifeforce, before Camila used her bat to knock him to the ground. “So, you must be Luz the human’s mother.” Said Belos. “I think after I kill your children and conquer this realm, I’ll spare you and make you my empress… and you are going to like it. ”

“Ok, that is wrong on so many levels.” Camila deadpanned.

“Hey, Camila!” Camila looked up to see the zombie horde from town shuffling into the mall. “Look who it is!” Said Sedge as he pointed out Manny in the crowd before Chris football-tackled a zombie trying to take a bite out of Sedge.

“MegAbomination, help out Camila and the Martin-West’s with the zombies!” Said Amity as Camila, Sam and Chris got to work on fending off the zombies while the kids fought Belos. But despite having all of his extra eyes popped, Belos simply wouldn’t go down.

“Lord almighty, what is this guy, Michael Myers?” Asked Aster as he and the others retreated to catch their breaths (With Willow recalling her thorn-vine and replacing it with what looked to be a giant three-headed Piranha Plant to distract Belos). “If taking out all his weak points won’t kill him… what will?” Asked Gus, starting to become afraid.

After a moment of silence, Hunter handed Aster a petrification Glyph and started walking towards Belos, but Willow grabbed his hand. “Hunter, what are you doing?!”

“I’m going to face Belos, captain.”

“What do you mean you’re going to face Belos?! We have to stick together!” Said Willow. “Do you know what Belos is going to do to you once he gets his claws on you?! D-Don’t make me have to use my vines on you. Just… please… ”

“Captain… Willow, it’ll be alright.” Said Hunter calmly. “If there’s anybody Belos wants more than Luz, it’s me. I know that. But I can’t rest until he’s well and truly dead, and the rest of you guys are safe. I’ll be back safe and sound, guys. I promise.”

“You better come back alive, Hunter.” Said Luz. “You better come back!”

Hunter gave the rest of the gang a nod, and was barely in Belos’s peripheral vision before he bounded over and lifted up Hunter by his neck. “I only wanted the best from you, Hunter,” Said Belos, whose face had reverted back to his more ‘human’ form. “But you leave me no choice.” 

Belos’s face then changed back to the skull version and began siphoning Hunter’s very soul!

“ I’m sorry, guys, ” Thought Hunter as he felt himself growing weak. “ I had to lie because I knew you wouldn’t let me leave. I will admit, I am terrified, but I know that you guys are here with me, so I had to do this. I won’t let Uncle lay a single hair on all of you. I finally have people that truly love and care for me. I am happy, and I won’t let Belos ruin this for me. For all of us . So if it means having to die to save you guys… then so be it . ”

Everybody (Even the zombies) stared in horror as Hunter went limp and Belos tossed his body like a ragdoll to the kids.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Willow was the first one to reach Hunter’s body, and she vainly attempted to hear his heartbeat as the others surrounded her.

“Is he…” Asked Aster cautiously. Willow nodded and broke down into tears, with the rest of the Hexsquad following suit, and even their Palisman started to cry.

“I tried to tell you, Caleb ,” Said Belos. “But you didn’t listen .” Belos then turned to the zombies. “Well, what are you waiting for, my undead army? Attack them!”

The zombies looked between Belos and the gang, one used what little motor functions they had to simply shake their head, and one by one, the zombies actually left the mall. “Amazing.” Said Sam. “Phillip Wittbane is so evil, not even the living dead are willing to work with him!”

“No matter,” Said Belos. “I’ll just kill them myself!” Belos attempted to walk forward, but found himself restrained by unbreakable vines created by a very angry Aster.

Aster then turned to Vee and handed her the petrification Glyph, a walkie-talkie and a tracking device. “Vee, get Camila, head into the mall’s basement level, find Belos with the tracker and draw that glyph under him.”

“Why should we-”

“Just do it, and do it fast! I’ll radio you when I need you to tap it!” Said Aster as Vee scurried away with Camila, before turning to the Hexsquad, Sam and Chris. “Hexsquad, Mr. and Mr. Martin-West, grab Hunter and get a safe distance away.” Aster then turned to Sedge, Charlie and Ariel. “Guys, let’s cross some streams!”

“Aster, if we get killed because of this,” Said Ariel. “I am so gonna haunt your ass.”

“I love you too, sis.” Said Aster with a smirk.

The four kids then started walking up to Belos. “Get your sticks…” Said Aster.

“Got ‘em!” Said Charlie, Ariel and Sedge in unison.

“Heat ‘em up!”

“Smokin’!”

“Make ‘em hot!”

“ READY! ”

“What is the meaning of this?!” Shouted Belos, thrashing against his bonds.

“Let’s show this puritan hobknocker how we do things around here.” Boasted Aster. “ ROAST HIM! ”

The four kids blasted their proton streams at Belos, who howled in agony, and one by one, they began to cross the streams. Down in the basement, Vee and Camila had found where Belos was on the tracker, and Vee was almost done drawing the Glyph. “GAH!” Yelled Camila as Jacob came in from out of nowhere and shot her in the shoulder.

“I’m not letting you win this time, Noceda.” Said Jacob.

“...where'd you get the gun?” Asked Camila.

“All I wanted was to prove my theories about witches and demons right, but you kept interfering.” Growled Jacob. “Now, by the end of tonight, you’ll just be a fat, ugly tramp, and I will be the GREATEST HERO THIS TOWN HAS EVER -”

“ SHUT UP! ” Screamed Camila as she bashed Jacob in the face with her bat, knocking out a few teeth in the process. Camila then wrapped Jacob up in his cape, and used his sword to pin him to the wall.

“Stick around.” Said Camila. “ Good God, that was cheesy. ” She thought to herself as Vee finished up the Glyph. “ HIT IT! ” radioed Aster.

Vee tapped the Glyph and, due to the combination of the inert magic under the mall and the mega-proton stream hitting him, caused Belos to literally explode, wrecking nearly the entirety of the mall atrium, knocking almost everybody out, and causing the deceased Belos’s molten goo of his monster form to rain down everywhere… including one large downpour going through the hole made in the floor and cascading on top of an unlucky Jacob.

“ I HATE YOU WITCHES!!! ”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One by one, the gang began to regain consciousness. “Everybody ok?” Asked Aster blearily, to which the others responded with various groans of agreement.

As Aster and the others began to see just how much damage the mall had taken, they heard someone take a deep breath and begin coughing, and turned to see Hunter awake, alive and well!

“...Why are you guys staring at me?” Asked Hunter as the others stared at him in shock before Willow ran up and gave him a big bear hug. “You’re alive…” Said Willow, though it was a bit muffled due to her pressing her face into Hunter’s shirt (In order to hide her tears).

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I- HOLY TITAN, I’M ALIVE!” Said Hunter, realizing mid-sentence what just happened.

“Don’t you ever do that again, dude.” Said Marcy. “I very nearly had a heart attack!”

“Wait,” Said Hunter as he looked around. “Where’s Flapjack?”

“Hunter,” Said Sedge solemnly. “Flapjack’s dead.” 

Hunter gasped in horror. “F-Flapjack’s dead?”

“But his last words, when translated, were: ‘Sedge, take care of Hunter, be a friend to him’...” Sedge stopped short when Vee and Camila walked up to him, with Camila holding Flapjack, and all three of them giving Sedge a weird look. “Uh… got him all warmed up for ya, Flapjack!” Said Sedge, attempting to save face.

“ Flapjack! ” Cried Hunter with a huge smile on his face, as Flapjack flew onto Hunter’s finger and nuzzled against his cheek, chirping happily. “Aw, I’m sorry I scared you, little buddy.” Apologized Hunter.

“Uh, children, Ms. Noceda,” Said Sam, looking into the crater where Belos was. “You should come and see this!”

Curious, everybody looked into the crater to see the petrified decrepid form of Phillip Wittbane attempt to climb out, only to crumble to dust.

“Luz, if you and your friends are still here when next Halloween rolls around,” Said Aster, not looking up from the hole. “Let’s just stay at your house and binge old horror movies.”

Luz simply nodded.

Chapter Text

“So you’re not going to tell anyone the truth about what happened here?” Asked Luz.

“Nope, this’ll just be our little secret.” Said Officer Braly.

“Besides,” Added Officer Hirsch. “Everybody who became corrupted by that Phillip guy’s spell died of a fatal brain aneurysm, so it’s not like anybody’s gonna spill the beans anytime soon, heh heh!”

“But how are we going to explain what happened to people outside of town?” Inquired Vee.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered, whatever the heck you are. To the rest of the world, all that happened here was that Mr. Hopkins here went nuts, laced 50% of the Halloween party’s candy with a psychosis-inducing poison, and the other 50% with a normal hallucinogen, and got sent to Shady Oaks Home For The Reality Challenged as a result.” Said Officer Braly as two Sterling police officers escorted Jacob into a police van.

“I would’ve become a pillar in the cryptozoological community and gotten my Mewtube account verified if it wasn’t for you meddling witches and your dumb basilisk! I’ll be back! ” Yelled Jacob as the two cops closed the back doors and the van drove off.

“Plus,” Said Officer Hirsch. “We have friends in high places who can remove all evidence of the sentient Halloween decorations and killer pumpkins.”

“Honestly, officer, all you have to do is tell them that Jacob shot my mom without reason, and he’ll give them every reason to throw him in the nuthouse all by himself.” Said Vee as she glanced over at Camila, who was being treated by an EMT (Also from Sterling) for her gunshot wound while the other kids conversed with one another.

“Marcy, I’m so sorry about your parents.” Said Hunter, who had been distraught when he and the others learned that Marcy’s parents had been devoured by sentient candy during the night.

“It’s ok, Hunter,” Said Marcy sadly. “In all honesty, I think my parents cared more about their jobs than me. Heck, dad finding a new job was probably an excuse for them to separate me from my friends Anne and Sasha because they believed they were ‘Bad influences’ on me.”

Luz perked up when she heard the name ‘Anne’ “Anne’s last name wouldn’t happen to be ‘Boonchuy’, would it?”

“Yeah, why do you ask?” Said Marcy.

“I know Anne Boonchuy!” Answered Luz.

“You do?” Asked Aster, cocking an eyebrow.

“Yeah, me, Eda and King met her and her frog family, the Plantars, a few days before me and Amity found the Echo Mouse, and when she gave me my first kiss.” Said Luz.

“Wait, I know of this Anne person as well!” Said Camila. “I remember that on the night Luz came back with her friends, I was reading an article about Anne, her claims of living in a world of talking amphibians, and her role in that alien attack on Los Angeles. The article said it was a hoax, but considering witches exist, I can assume that everything in the article was real.”

“Yeah.” Said Marcy sheepishly. “Me not wanting to be separated from Anne and Sasha was what led to us being transported to Amphibia, and it’s kinda my fault for the L.A. attack.”

“Hang on,” Said Aster. “Frogvasion was your fault how? ”

“Well, it wasn’t entirely my fault.” Started Marcy. “Basically, from what Anne and Sasha told me, after I was forcibly possessed by a hive mind made up of Amphibia’s greatest minds called The Core, I essentially led King Andrias and his army of Frobots to invade Earth in order to wipe out humanity, strip-mine Earth for resources, and do it all again across the multiverse, with the next dimension we were going to attack being The Boiling Isles.”

As everybody silently stared at Marcy, mentally attempting to absorb all the information, a ratty old pickup truck pulled into the parking lot, catching everybody’s attention. As the truck came to a stop, Clara, Dhalia, Brock, Molly, Juniper and Holly hopped out and walked towards the gang alongside Aster’s father (And the pickup truck’s driver), Tohor Vanissen.

“Dad!” Said Aster as he ran up to Tohor.

“Aster! How’ve ya been, sport?” Said Tohor as he and Aster hugged. Tohor then noticed the other kids. “Aster, who are all these kids?”

“Oh. Uh, dad, these are some new friends I made the other day.” Said Aster “Outside of Marcy, all of them are witches.”

“All of them are witches, eh?” Said Tohor with a chuckle. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

The Hexsquad nodded to each other, and then demonstrated what they could do to Tohor, with Luz summoning a light Glyph, Amity spawning an Abomination, Willow growing a flower crown upon Aster’s head, Gus conjuring some Illusion clones, and Hunter demonstrating how Palisman work (Via Flapjack)

“Huh,” Said a surprised Tohor. “Color me impressed, Aster.” Tohor then stuck out his hand to the kids. “Nice to meet you all! I’m Aster’s dad!”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vanissen.” Said Hunter as he shook Tohor’s hand. “But can I ask you a quick question?”

“Go right ahead, son.”

“Where the heck were you during all this?” Asked Hunter.

“I’m a freelance demon hunter, so I was out of town on a case. I was hoping to come straight home and have a big piece of my wife Holly’s delicious pumpkin pie, but instead I see smashed pumpkins, wrecked decorations, and dead bodies everywhere, and I find my wife, my eldest daughter and a bunch of random kids holed up in the arcade!” Said Tohor. “Speaking of which, what the hell happened here, Aster?”

Aster sighed. “Basically, witch-hunter and Gravesfield town founder Phillip Wittbane, who had been living in the Demon Realm for almost a century, caused all this with some kind of dark magic. But don’t worry, we got him.”

“A 16th century witch hunter who’s been missing for God-knows how long caused all this?” Asked Tohor skeptically.

“It’s a long story.” Said Aster with a shrug. “But we’re gonna do our best to explain.”

As the others began to explain what happened to Tohor (And by extension, Holly, Juniper, Clara, Dahlia, Brock and Molly), Luz turned to Marcy. “So, after your adventures in Amphibia, do you still have whatever took you and your friends there in the first place?”

“...After we saved the people of Amphibia, there was only enough power for the Calamity Box to bring us back to Earth one last time.” Said Marcy sadly. “And, although Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy say he’s a good guy, I’m not certain if Mr. X will be willing to give up the portal he confiscated from Terri and Dr. Jan.”

Luz became sad as she absorbed the information, which Marcy was quick to catch. “But there was this one guy who interviewed me, Anne and Sasha who wasn’t working for Mr. X or the press.” Said Marcy as she pulled out her phone. “Here, he gave me his phone number…”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night was dark.

In a shack out in the woods, a man was working tirelessly at his computer.

Though the media had said that psychosis-inducing toxins and hallucinogens were to blame, he knew better. He knew that there was no type of poison out there that could make people’s skin look like some of the corpses found in town, and he also had the energy readings to prove that a near-Complete Subatomic Combustion had occurred in town. He knew that Gravesfield had now become the most recent location in a long line of paranormal incidents across America.

The phone rang, snapping him out of his thoughts. Whenever the phone rang, it was either a telemarketer, those F.R.E.A.K.I.S.H. kids up in Washington or, on the rare occasion, something worth his time.

Making sure his brother was still asleep, the man picked up the phone.

“This is Ford Pines speaking…”