Luz and Cruz opened their eyes as they were floating in a pool of dark water. As they stood up, they noticed that they were in the In Between Realm.
"Huh?" Luz looked around in confusion
"We're here again?" Cruz said as they looked up. From above them, the twins see a figure running towards them before they stop to catch their breath before running again and waving to them.
Suddenly, the twins were grabbed as they were dragged through the water. Amity and Skara both had their hands in the portal as they dragged Luz and Cruz out of it as they all fell onto the ground.
"Luz!" Amity called out in concern. The twins looked up to see everyone looking at them with concern. "You two were in there for so long, w-we thought you got stuck behind! Are you… hurt anywhere?"
"We're… we're fine," Luz said as Amity helped her up
"That dimension is trippy. I swear it's like a messed up funhouse," Cruz said as Skara helped him up.
"We… saw something or… someone. But it was probably just in my head. Any sign of… him?" Luz asked
"Oh, come on!" Hunter exclaimed. "It's not like a swarm of ghosts will inexplicably appear if you say his name! ...I think. Anyway, if Belos was here, he's long gone now."
"Well, he better stay out of our way. This mama's hungry for vengeance!" Camila said as she squinted angrily while holding her bat.
"Now that is a fight I'd watch!" Gus said happily
"He's probably still licking his wound from the shot I gave him," Cruz said as Camila looked at Cruz with concern. "What's wrong, mamá?"
"I'm still concerned of why you decided to make a weapon. You've never been the type to want to make something like that."
"I'm sorry. I just thought it would be necessary. And besides, it doesn't shoot bullets. It shoots pellets with glyphs carved on them," Cruz explained as they all headed to see what became of the Boiling Isles.
As they all walked down a path, they all looked around to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
Willow popped her head out from behind a tree. "Okay, everyone, coast is clear. Hmm?" Willow looked down and noticed a bit of red grass near her. "Oh, hello, red grass! I've missed you! I can't talk for long, we're on a mission to save the Boiling Isles," Willow said in a whisper.
From behind Willow, Gus created a spell circle as he used an illusion to make two red grass fairies appear beside her.
"Willow's back, hooray!" The fairies said happily as they hugged Willow, causing her to laugh in excitement.
Hunter smiled at this before he flinched when he heard a chirp that sounded identical to Flapjack. He looked up and saw a red bird up in the trees before it flew off. Hunter became irritated as he groaned.
"We don't have time for red grass or… i-illusion!" Hunter said in frustration as he began to stride forward. "Belos had a head start, so we should keep moving until we find him!"
Willow and Gus looked dejected as Gus canceled the illusion. "Don't worry!" Willow said. "I bet we'll all feel better when we punch Belos right through the face. And yes, I mean through the face."
Gus laughed. "Thanks, Willow. You're always looking out for us, aren't ya?"
Willow smiled at Gus' laugh. "Well someone has to! And it looks like my job here is done."
Willow summoned multiple vines as she rode on them. Camila looked at Willow in amazement. "Oh-ho-ho-ho, wow! You kids were really holding back in the Human Realm, huh?"
"Maybe a little," Amity said before she noticed some abomination goo on the floor. "Ah! Hello you gorgeous slime!" Amity summoned the goo to form hands around her before unwrapping the hands and playing with the goo.
Luz looked at Amity with a blush as she smiled at her girlfriend before her smile disappeared. Camila noticed Luz's change in expression.
"Mija, you never told me how pretty this place was! I can see why your brother wants to stay here. The trees, the sky, qué belleza…ah!" Camila suddenly screamed as they all looked ahead of themselves.
The Boiling Isles had been turned into a child-like fantasy world. There were oddly shaped trees, stars, sparkles and bright colors. The Collector's castle could be seen at the top of the Titan's skull in the shape of a tiara. Part of the skull was missing.
"Kids, stand back!" Camila said as she stood in front of everyone defensively. "Who knows if that monster is alive or not?"
"Actually, the... Titan skull is normal. Everything else is... wrong," Amity said
"Archivist magic," Cruz said with a growl. Skara looked at Cruz with concern as she held his hand to calm him down.
"Guys? What's on top of the skull?" Willow asked as they looked at the Collector's castle.
"I don't know, but... maybe we can get some answers in Bonesborough," Luz said as they all began to walk down the slope and head towards Bonesborough.
"Wow! Skulls, bones... I can really see this place helping you with your taxidermy hobby," Camila said trying to sound excited.
Luz walked up to her and placed a hand on Camila's arm. "Mamá, you're pretending to like this place, aren't you?"
Camila smiled weakly. "No-oo! I love that you and your brother have been on a giant… carcass," Camila said as she gave Luz an awkward smile.
"It's sweet of you, really. But I haven't changed my mind," Luz said as Camila looked at her with worry. "After we rescue Eda and King, I'm staying in the Human Realm. Permanently. It's for the best."
"Wait. Let's talk first!" Camila called out as she sighed before following Luz down the slope.
Cruz looked back as he heard the interaction between his sister and mom. He walked over to Camila. "I tried to make her understand that it wasn't her fault. But it looks like I couldn't get through to her," Cruz said
"It's okay, mijo," Camila said with a smile. "I'm just worried that she's doing this to punish herself. She's going to make herself miserable."
"I know. I couldn't get through to her, but maybe you can. She really needs you, mamá."
"You're right, mijo. I'll make sure that Luz doesn't make any rash decisions."
After walking for a while, Luz gasped when she saw a familiar sight. In front of her was the Owl House. It looked worn down as it had graffiti all over its walls.
"Still looks the same as before the Day of Unity," Cruz said
"What is this place?" Camila asked
Luz stood in front of the door as she held the handle. "Welcome…" Luz opened up the door to the abandoned home, "…to the Owl House." Luz and Cruz looked at the house that had been their home for months with melancholy.
As they all explored the house, Camila opened up a cabinet and found a partially eaten apple and a dead rat. Camila looked at the rat with disgust.
Outside, Hunter was pacing back and forth as all the Palismen besides Amity's were following closely behind him. Willow, Gus, Cruz and Skara looked at him with worry.
"So… this is the… Owl House I heard so much about?" Camila said as she held the dead rat.
"Yeah… but don't worry, the food's usually not that spoiled," Willow said as she gestured to the rat in Camila's hand.
"Food?" Camila looked down at the rat before putting it down with a nervous chuckle.
"Pretty sure that's Hooty's snack," Cruz said
"I hope it is," Skara said
"I need some advice," Camila said
"Well first you have to pluck out all the dire rat's extra heads," Gus said. "The tiny ones that line the digestive tract might still be bitey, so—"
"I-" Camila let out an exasperated sigh. "No. I need advice on Luz." Camila picked up a chair and sat on it. "See, she's planning to... make a very bad decision for herself. She's so determined to make herself sad, and..." Camila let out a sad sigh. "I don't know what to do."
Willow, Gus and Skara all looked at Camila with concern. "That... reminds me of when I failed my first school project. I thought I deserved to be grounded so... I ran off to live in a cave in the most dramaticway possible! Of course, reliable ol' Willow finds me and says..."
Willow cleared her throat. "'Augustus, it's okay to fail. Look at me! I fail all the time!'"
"'Oh, yeah?' I said, 'Like when?' Suddenly, there's this big slimy explosion in the distance!"
Willow giggled. "'Like tonight! I forgot to chain up my abomination homework.'"
Willow and Gus laughed as Skara and Cruz smiled at the duo. Camila smiled nervously. "They have to chain up their homework… ?" Camila said to herself
"Maybe Luz is going through something like that. My dad didn't care if I failed that project, but... I didn't want to fail him. And…" Gus began to sniffle. "Oh, man. I-I hope he's okay."
Willow moved forward as she hugged Gus to comfort him. "Don't worry, we'll get him back. I'll make sure of it," Willow said
"We'll make sure of it," Cruz said as Willow and Gus looked over at him. "It's not just you, Willow. You've got a War Titan here to help out. I'll make sure to put an end to all of this."
Willow and Gus looked over at Cruz with a smile while Camila and Skara looked at him with worry. He'd been talking constantly as if all of the world's problems were now his.
"Stop!" Hunter yelled from outside as they all turned to look at him. "Stop following me! Belos could be anywhere by now, and we're just- SITTING HERE!"
A twig snapped in the distance and Hunter reacted immediately as he put his hand in a gripping position to summon out his staff out of habit. He then realized that it wouldn't work anymore and groaned in frustration. He then started to pace again.
"…We should make sure he doesn't pace himself into the boiling sea," Willow said
Gus wiped away a tear. "Good call. Besides, you and Cruz are probably the only ones strong enough to drag him back out."
"That's a good point," Cruz said as he, Skara and Gus all walked out. As Willow was about to follow them, Camila called out to her.
"Willow? Hold on. How are you feeling?"
"Don't worry about me! You heard what Gus said, I-I'm the reliable one!"
"It's okay to be scared too. It's not good if you try to hold it all in. Like Cruz said, you can rely on others as well."
Willow looked at Camila in surprise before giving her a smile that didn't seem to reach her eyes. "I'm fine, really! And I think you'll be fine too. You and Luz are a lot alike."
As Willow walked out to follow the others, Camila noticed a trail of plants coming out of the ground from where Willow had walked. She looked over towards Willow with concern.
In the corridor outside of Eda's room, Amity and Ghost rounded the corner as they walked down the corridor. They looked around the room melancholically. Amity suddenly stopped when she stepped on something.
She looked down and saw it was a picture frame. When she picked it up, Amity smiled when she saw the photo before walking into Eda's room.
The room was filled with light glyphs. Amity walked up to Eda's nest before looking down and seeing Luz lying there with her Palismen egg.
"Hey," Amity said as Luz looked up to her.
"Hey," Luz said weakly
"Did... you think sitting in a nest was... gonna help your palisman hatch?"
"Maybe," Luz said dejectedly. "But nothing's happening."
"Remember what the Bat Queen said. To connect with the palisman, you need to express your deepest wish."
Luz sat up as she looked at Amity. "I never asked, how did you connect with your palisman?"
"Well, after being handed the staff, I said 'I wanna be a great witch! Or... uh, I don't know, I... wanna be an author like Mildred Featherwhyle!' But… she wouldn't move, until I admitted that… I don't know what I'm gonna be when I grow up, but... I wanna choose the path myself. And that was enough."
Amity scratched Ghost's head much to her delight as the Palisman rubbed her head against Amity's face.
Luz looked at her egg before sliding down feeling bummed out. "I wanna be a witch, and help my friends. But doing one always seems to mess up the other. Why did this get so complicated?"
Amity rubbed her hand against Luz's head, causing her to look up. "You just gotta be patient." Amity gave Luz a kiss on the top of her head. Luz looked away as she stared down gloomily. "And this isn't the... only reason you're in here. Is it?"
Amity handed Luz the picture frame. The photo was a family photo of the twins along with Eda and King. They are all wearing matching sweaters. Luz is holding a very annoyed King while Hooty is wearing glasses and a matching bow tie. Hooty looks translucent while acting like the background.
Luz sat up as she looked around the room. "I'll find Eda and King," Luz said with determination. "No matter how long it takes."
"It's Eda and King!" Hunter yelled from outside. Luz and Amity looked at each other with surprise before they ran outside to join the others.
When they ran outside, they saw everyone looking up. A shooting star flew past them as it headed towards Bonesborough.
"They were on that shooting star," Hunter said
"How are we supposed to follow them?" Camila wondered.
"Don't worry," Amity said as Camila turned to look at her. Amity had Ghost on her shoulder before she booped her nose turning her into a staff. Willow, Gus, Skara and Cruz all did the same with their own Palismen.
"I'm a safe flier."
"Flier?" Camila asked in shock. Cruz smirked wondering how his mom would react.
The group flew over Bonesborough as Hunter rode on Willow staff, Luz rode on Gus' and Camila rode with Amity. Camila was terrified as she had her eyes closed with small tears falling out.
The group landed in Bonesborough as they all got off their staffs and looked around.
"Whoo! Those things need seatbelts," Camila said as she got off Amity's staff. "Hello, sweet earth." Camila sighed in relief as she leaned on a lamppost. She suddenly heard growling as she looked down and realized that she was sitting on top of a creature with a large eye.
The creature blinks as it stares at Camila. Camila screamed in terror as she jumped up and readied her bat for a fight when she noticed that everyone was staring at her.
"I-I mean, hello, good sir?" Camila said cautiously with a bow. The creature became happy at her politeness.
The group all began to walk around Bonesborough as they saw the building looking desolated and covered in graffiti.
"Where are Eda and King?" Willow asked
"Where is… anyone?" Gus wondered
"I don't like how quiet everything is," Cruz said
Hunter peeked around an abandoned stall before turning to face everyone else. "Something's coming," he said
"Witches?" Gus asked
"Demons?" Willow added
"No it-it's…" Hunter squinted as he turned to look at them in confusion. "Sparkles?"
Hunter then heard the sound of sparkles coming towards them. He looks back at it and runs as a wave of magic goes towards them. Everyone gasps as they all run and hide in an alley way as the wave of sparkles passes in front of them.
As the wave passes, they all look and see that Bonesborough has been transformed into a colorful place. The sky was colorful with rainbows and new stands were set up. The stand where Belos' statue stood was replaced with a statue of Francois.
Multiple citizens appeared suddenly and they looked as if they were made out of wood. Amity looked over and saw one of the Grudgby team members, Amelia. She looked at her feeling disturbed.
"Dad?" Willow looked over and saw the puppet version of her dad, Gilbert standing there. Suddenly, Gilbert's eyes flash yellow. A jingle starts to play as he and the rest of the puppets begin to run around and scream in terror.
Willow runs out as she begins to chase after Gilbert. "Stop, it-it's me! Have you seen Papa? Wait!"
Hunter rushed out after Willow as he held her back. Suddenly, a wall explodes as Hunter drags Willow back into the alley.
As the smoke clears, the Owl Beast is standing there as it growls.
"Eda?" Luz looked at her in confusion
"Did she run out of elixirs?" Cruz wondered
The Owl Beast begins to chase around puppets before cornering Gilbert. Willow was getting ready to save her dad when suddenly, a bright beam shot down on the square as they turned to look at it.
"Stop right there, beast!" The Collector said as he landed on a star with King next to him. King was wearing clothes that resembled the Collector's as they both stared at the Owl Beast judgingly.
"Fear not citizens of Bonesborough!" The Collector said as they jumped off the platform. "I'm here to stop this beast's mad rampage!"
King gave the Collector a thumbs up. "I believe in you, Collector!"
"Thanks, best friend!" The Collector gave two thumbs up to King along with a wink. Luz and Cruz looked at them in shock.
"Light Glyph, go!" The Collector waved his hand as a flash of light appeared and the Owl Beast fell over. The puppets all began to cheer.
Suddenly, Terra emerged from the Owl Beast as she was dressed up to look like Eda.
"Oh, hooray. I'm back to normal," Terra said unenthusiastically.
"What?" Luz questioned incredulously. She and Amity looked at her with disbelief while Cruz facepalmed at Terra being there.
"Who's got a pint of Apple Blood? Hoot-hoot."
The Collector groaned. "Time out, everyone! Time out!" All of the puppets stopped moving as they became limp. The Collector approached Terra with frustration.
"Terra, for the last time, Eda doesn't sound like that!" The Collector reprimanded. "She's got more of a-like a-a cool aunt vibe who pretends to be all cold-hearted but actually cares a lot!"
"Ugh, you're a real thorn in my side, you know that?" Terra said as she pointed at the Collector. "I've had it with you and your stupid little dog!"
The Collector looked shocked at what Terra called King as he looked at him before looking back angrily at Terra.
"Ugh, whatever. All I have to do is play Eda the Owl Lady and I don't get turned into one of those things, right?" Terra dismissed. "Then let's just continue. Oooh! I like musicians!"
"You're not being very nice right now," the Collector said angrily as his eyes were glowing while holding up a crescent moon.
"Wait!" Terra yelled out in fear as the Collector threw the moon at her and it landed on her forehead. When the moon touched her, Terra turned into a puppet.
The Collector then turned and walked back to the shooting star. Everyone stared at what happened with shocked expressions.
As he sits on the star, it begins to spin as King approached it. "Collector, buddy, you gotta stop doing that," King said as he stopped the platform. "Think about what you're doing to these people!"
"You are so BO-RING!" The Collector said as he looked back at King. "I'm just playing pretend."
"Even playing pretend has consequences." King looked down sadly. "A cranky old witch taught me that."
"You mean Eda, right? That's what we need!" The Collector said in excitement. "The real thing! A cranky, know-it-all, mentor figure. No substitutes allowed! Maybe if I ask real nice, I wouldn't have to turn her into a puppet!"
King climbed up onto the platform. "N-no! Her curse is still… um… in effect."
The Collector became sad as they hugged their legs and turned away. King put his hand on their shoulder.
"But I can check if she's feeling better," King said
"You promise?" The Collector asked cheering up a bit
"You can trust me, Collector." King held up his pinky finger as the Collector matched him and made a pinky promise.
Camila approached Luz as she looked towards the two. "Is that the little King guy you were telling me about?" Camila asked
"Mm-hmm." Luz nodded as she smiled
"¡Ay, qué lindo!(oh, how cute!)" Camila said as she blushed the same way Luz did when she first saw King.
"Come on, King. Let's go back to the Archive House," the Collector said as they slammed their hand on the platform activating it.
"Wait, no. Not yet!" Luz yelled as she ran towards them but they were already in the air and heading to the Archive House.
The puppets all began to disappear in puffs of smoke as the illusion over the town disappeared.
"King…" Luz looked out towards them feeling helpless
"Still couldn't do anything," Cruz said with frustration.
Camila, Amity, Gus and Skara all come out from the alley as they stand behind the twins.
"O-okay. Okay. The eyeballs on the ground are normal… but the little space Cherub is the danger?" Camila asked as Willow and Hunter ran up to them.
"We should follow them. Belos is probably trying to get back to the Collector!"
"I-it looked like they were playing some sort of game," Gus said
"Yeah with some kind of… messed up version of my and Cruz's life! King must of told them about our adventures."
"He's probably been playing this whole time we've been gone," Cruz said
"Do you think everyone who was turned into a puppet gets locked in the Archives?"
Luz climbed up the platform where Belos' statue stood as she looked up. She saw the star platform carrying King and the Collector.
"If they do, then that's where we have to go," Luz said with determination
"You'll never make it," Mattholomule said as they all turned to look up. Up on the roof of a building, they saw Mattholomule along with Barcus and Cat.
"'Cause you guys are LO-SERS!" Mattholomule said with a smirk.
"Imma smack him," Cruz said
"Please don't," Gus said
During the Day of Unity, Bump rolled out multiple sleeping bags in the gymnasium at Hexside as kids ran around laughing. One of them, threw themselves on the sleeping bag as the spider teacher kneeled down to them. Bump smiled when he saw this.
Behind Bump, multiple teachers stood at the ready as they looked worried. Boscha and her team is putting on their Grudgby uniforms as other students are resting.
"Since the Golden Guard told us about the Emperor's plan for the Day of Unity, Principal Bump let students and teachers camp out in Hexside," Cat explained
Mattholomule was holding a makeshift mace with multiple knives tapped to it. "We thought we could handle whatever the Emperor threw at us. But when the Draining Spell hit… we realized things wouldn't be so simple."
As the Draining Spell was activated, all the students turned to look outside to see the sky blood red with magic going towards it. They then see Principal Bump and other teachers collapsing as their magic was being drained.
Bo and Viney rush over to Bump to try and help him as he rolls up his sleeve as they're shocked by the lines forming on his arm from his abomination Sigil.
Suddenly, the moon is shifted as the Draining Spell is stopped. All of the teachers start to stand with the help of the students.
"After the adults recovered… that's when the Collector's spies showed up," Mattholomule explained.
The one eyed goat student from the H.A.S. and an illusion student with orange hair looked out the window as a robotic looking star flew past. Multiple stars are surrounding Hexside. Boscha, Cat and Amelia kick open the door as they held flaming Grudgby balls.
"The Grudgby team snuck out and tried to hold them back, but…" Cat began to say as she remembered how she and the other two members launched their balls at the spies but they dodged them.
As a spy appeared behind Boscha, Cat knocked her down as Amelia stood in front of the two and took the hit. Puppet Amelia landed on the ground in front of the two before disappearing in a puff.
Before another moon could hit the girls, Bump grabbed the star using his abomination goo as a few more students helped them inside.
"It didn't work," Mattholomule said. "Bump and the adults were turned into toys and taken away!" All of the teachers and Bump were hit with crescent moons as they were all turned into puppets. "We've been hiding here ever since."
Mattholomule, Cat and Barcus led the group through the woods. "And somewhere along the way, I went from being Mattholomule... to Mantholomule." Mattholomule puckered his lips as he scratched his chin, smudging the drawn on facial hair.
Everyone looked disturbed and annoyed while Camila snickered. Cat quickly shushed the group as she looked up.
They all looked up and saw one of the Collector's spies flying above them. As it flew past them, Cat, Mattholomule and Barcus let out a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, the spy stopped in front of them as they all reeled back in shock. A crescent moon appeared on the spy's forehead as it locked eyes with Cat before shooting out a moon at her.
Cruz quickly dashed in front of her as the moon hit him. Everyone gasped when the moon hit Cruz. The crescent moon stayed on Cruz's forehead for a second before peeling off and falling onto the ground.
Cruz looked down at the moon as it disappeared before looking up at the spy and smiling. "Is that all you've got?"
The spy backed up slightly as Cruz dashed in front of it. Cruz grabbed onto the spy using his hands as his fingers began to dig into the spy. Cracks appeared all over the star before it shattered and turned to dust.
"Guess that's what happens when you break Archivist magic," Cruz said as he held some dust before letting it go.
He turned back and looked at everyone's bewildered faces.
"What?" Cruz asked
"You just took a hit from one of the Collector's spies," Mattholomule said
"Yeah… and?"
"How are you not a puppet right now?"
Cruz realized that no one besides the people that were in the Human Realm knew that he was a Titan. "I'll explain that later. But shouldn't we head to Hexside?"
"He's got a point, Matt," Cat said as she turned to look at Cruz. "And thanks for saving me. I really appreciate it."
"Not a problem," Cruz said with a smile as the Hexside survivors led them to the school.
As they approached the school, Cat dragged a crate to the side as Mattholomule moved a piece of a board that was blocking the door.
"Over the last few months we did a bit of redecorating," Cat said. "So let me welcome you to…" Cat opened up the door as the group walked into Hexside. "…New Hexside!"
The school inside of chaotic as students are running around as glass breaks and one student swings on light before knocking two over.
The abomination student, Mary, uses an abomination to rise up as a kindergartener hisses at her and shoos her away.
"This does not smell great," Gus said
"Heads up," Mary said as a fireball flew past the group. Luz looked back at where the fireball hit with a nervous expression.
The group was led into the cafeteria which was turned into the New Hexside Market. Students are selling candy, shirts and weapons.
"T-shirts! Get your T-shirts!"
"Bootleg candy! Now that your mama's a puppet, it's time to eat that candy!"
Inside of a classroom, Braxus and other kindergarten students are hanging around as Braxus is wearing a costume that looks like Wrath's uniform.
"I'll save you, father!" Braxus said as he threw a paper shuriken at a teddy bear with a Collector spy drawn on the face. The other kids jump at the bear as they begin to tear it apart. "Let the blood of your enemies give you strength!"
Camila looked at the scene and shuddered a bit. Mattholomule, Cat and Barcus stop in front of a statue. "This, is a statue of Principal Bump, who risked his life for ours," Mattholomule said as he and the others salute the statue.
"It's so nice to see teachers getting the respect they deserve..." Camila said as they looked up and saw the statue of Bump riding on a skate board wearing shades with the words, "IN MEMORY OF THE COOLEST PRINCIPAL EVER" "PRINCIPAL BUMP AKA 'PRINCY B'"
"…I think."
The students all around them notice them as they begin to gather.
"Do you see who's back?"
"Look who it is."
"Oh my gosh, it's Amity."
"Hey, where've you guys been? Who's tall Luz?"
Willow and Gus looked around and smiled at all of the students.
"Willow!" Viney said as she ran up to the plant witch. "I'm so glad you're back! Your orchids have become sentient and have started a war with a roving gang of kindergartners. Please help!"
Eileen approached Gus with a paper clip in her hand as she mumbled something to him.
"No! Human paper clips are not a good meat substitute!" Gus said in alarm. "Have people been eating those?" Eileen glanced backwards nervously as she immediately ran off.
"Mittens?!" Emira said as Amity turned to look at her sister.
"Em!" Emira pulled Amity into a hug as she spun her around as they both smile happily.
"Heya, sis!" Edric called out as Emira and Amity's eyes widened when they looked over to him. Edric was hobbling towards her in a full body cast as Bo tried to hold him back but falls behind as the bandage rips. "Amity!"
"Oh. My. Titan!" Amity said in disbelief. Edric tried to hug her but just fell forward instead as he's stopped by Amity.
"Ed, you're gonna hurt yourself!" Emira said in concern.
"I don't care, I wanna hug my sister!" Edric said as he began to yell before breaking the cast on his arms and wrapping his arms around Amity the best he could. "Siblings!"
"What happened?" Amity asked
"After you and dad left the factory, I bravely set off to find you," Edric said. "Then I was tragically cornered by one of the Collector's spies!"
"When he was running away, he fell into an empty well," Emira said
"Not empty! There were rocks at the bottom."
Amity teared up as she smiled. "Come here you weirdos!"
Willow felt disturbed as she saw a student riding on an abomination down the hall as he stepped on other sleeping students. "No offense but this seems kinda…"
"Disgusting," Camila finished
"Yeah, but… we're just… doing the best we can while following orders. That and the attacks" Viney said
"Orders from who?" Luz asked
"What attacks?" Cruz wondered
Suddenly, the P.A system started up. Boscha cleared her throat. "Attention! Would captain Tholomule escort his guests to the Council Chamber? And do it now!"
"Captain who?" Willow wondered
"Wait," Gus slowly turned his head towards Mattholomule. "Has Tholomule been your last name this whole time?!"
Matt simply shrugged.
"We've been calling you by your full name and you never once thought to tell us anything?" Cruz asked as he facepalmed
"That's such a waste of time," Skara said
Out in the forest, Belos was struggling to move forward with one of his arms missing from the shot that Cruz had given him. His other arm was slowly breaking apart. Belos knew he only had limited time and needed a new body.
He was heading towards his lab as he stood in front of a stone wall before he drew a glyph combination and slammed his hand on it. The stone door opened up as he hobbled inside. He walked past multiple skulls, skeletons and broken Golden Guard masks.
As he crawled forward, he grew more and more tired as he began to run out of breath. He then noticed the apparition of his brother Caleb along with all of the Golden Guards that he'd killed over the years.
"Oh, shut up…" Belos wheezed as he crawled forward to his lab where he had made all of his Golden Guards. "There has to be one left…. I need to replace my missing arm."
Belos then noticed an arm sticking out from a pile of dirt. He screeched as he pounced towards the hand and swallowed it up with his goo. After a bit, the hand began to twitch.
Back at Hexside, the group was led into the gymnasium as students stand at the side with wearing the masks of the trouble demons. A banner that says, "NEW HEXSIDE IS THE FUTURE!" is hanging from above.
Boscha is sitting on a throne surrounded by trophies. Jerbo was standing in front of her holding up a clip board.
"Uh... so if we got a group to organize supplies, we can keep track of perishables, and that way, we won't have to fight over food anymore," Jerbo suggested as Boscha began to think about it.
"Hmmm… alright. As President, I approve of this plan," Boscha said
"President?!" Luz said in surprise
"What did we miss?" Skara asked
"Democracy apparently," Cruz said
Jerbo turned around and gasped when he saw the group. "Oh, my gosh. It's you guys!"
"Looks like food won't be a problem pretty soon," Mattholomule said
"Yeah at least we won't have to worry about the kindergarteners anymore. And she even approved your greenhouse plan. So glad you guys are alive!" Jerbo called out to them as he walked away
"Uh, Boscha, we found…"
Boscha cleared her throat as Matt groaned. "Allow me to introduce Student Body President Boscha!" Matt said with annoyance
"Welcome to New Hexside! Home to the future of the isles and… stuff," Boscha said as she twirled a Grudgby ball.
"What the heck is going on here?" Luz questioned
"Yeah, Hexside doesn't even have a student council!" Amity protested. "I would know, I kept trying to organize one, but Bump thought I was too obsessed and—"
"Alright girl, take a deep breath," Willow said as she placed a hand on Amity's shoulder. Amity took a deep breath as she let out a long sigh.
"What's been going on since we've been gone?" Cruz asked
"How'd you establish something like this?" Skara asked
Boscha looked at them all as if contemplating something. "It hasn't been easy. At first, the Day of Unity left us all shaken up. Especially when all of the adults got caught. But we had some help. A member from the Emperor's Coven came and helped us out."
"An Emperor's Coven member helped you guys out?" Cruz asked
"Yeah," Matt said. "She was one of the scouts that was here with Graye. She helped us out a lot. When the attacks started up a month ago, she helped to protect all of the students."
"Viney mentioned that earlier. Who's been attacking you guys?" Skara asked
"It's a group of witches that are helping the Collector. We've managed to stop most of them with the help of Cruz's J-Units. But lately they haven't been able to help. I think they went over the time limit or something with their orders," Boscha explained
"They stopped working?" Cruz asked before he took out J.J. from his bag. J.J. woke up as it looked up towards Cruz. "Send a message to all the units, they have to protect all of the students of Hexside and any citizens of the Boiling Isles. It's a priority mission starting now until I give the word otherwise."
J.J. nodded as it began to shake sending out Cruz's orders. "Now what happened to that member or the Emperor's Coven that was helping you guys out?"
Boscha let out a sigh of relief now that the J-Units were going to be around to help out. "Her name is Severine. She's… a friend of mine. She was helping us out but last week she was captured during an attack. Luckily, we captured one of the witches. We're trying to work out a deal to get her back."
"You're keeping a prisoner here at school?" Camila asked
"Okay, I've been wondering. Who's the tall Luz?" Boscha asked
"Oh right we almost forgot to introduce her," Luz said. "This is me and Cruz's mamá, Camila."
"And honorary Hexolio, Hunter," Gus said as Hunter blushed and glared at him in embarrassment.
"Long story short, we're here to help. We're gonna rescue everyone from the Archives and save the Boiling Isles!" Luz said with enthusiasm
Boscha simply stared at her as one of the guards coughed. "…Not the reaction I was expecting."
"We're too busy with trying to stop those witches. There's no way we can move multiple people. And besides, I have to make sure the students are all safe before anything else," Boscha said
"But…" Luz began
"No! I'm not putting people at risk!" Boscha said. "Matt, take them to get settled in. If they want to go after that, then that's their decision."
"Alright," Mattholomule said
"Hold up," Cruz said. "You said these witches were helping the Collector. I want to talk to your prisoner."
Boscha thought for a second before nodding. "That's fine."
"Luz, go with Mattholomule and the others and see if you can find the photo classroom. Maybe we can use the teleportation glyph to get close to the Archives," Cruz suggested
"Good idea. We can teleport directly into the skull," Luz said as everyone else looked surprised.
"Alright, Boscha. Take me to the prisoner," Cruz said. He had a feeling he knew what kind of witch was helping the Collector.
"I'm coming with you," Skara said. "There's no way I'm letting you do this alone."
Cruz smiled at her. "Thanks, Skara. I appreciate it."
"Wait, mijo," Camila called out as Cruz turned to look at her with a smile
"Don't worry, mamá. This isn't something I can't handle. I'll be fine," Cruz said
"Come on, you guys. Let's head to the photo classroom," Mattholomule said as he and the others left the gymnasium. Camila looked back at Cruz with slight worry as he smiled at her.
"Come on, you two. Let's go see the prisoner," Boscha said as she led Cruz and Skara out of the gym.
"We ended up turning one of the old classrooms into a prison cell. I've got a couple of guards keeping an eye on him constantly," Boscha said as she led Cruz and Skara to the old classroom.
"I can understand that. If you kept them in a place where they could get to something useful, then they might be a danger," Cruz said
"Exactly."
"It looks like you've managed to keep this place running pretty well for the last couple of months," Skara said
Suddenly, Boscha stopped dead in her tracks as the two looked at her in confusion.
"This is honestly the best I can do," Boscha said. "The last couple of months have been some of the hardest that anyone here has ever been through. Keeping people's morales going hasn't been easy. Especially when some people don't trust me to be a good leader."
Cruz and Skara looked at her in surprise. They didn't realize that Boscha was under so much pressure. She seemed to be under control when everyone was present but now she seemed so small.
"I had to power through when Amelia was collected. Cat is counting on me too and honestly… so is everyone else… even if they don't want to admit it."
"I didn't think you would admit that to us," Cruz said. "You seemed like you were completely in control back in front of everyone else."
"He's right," Skara said. "I don't think I've ever seen you admit something like this before."
Boscha wiped away a small tear. "Well… I consider you two my friends. I know that you didn't want to be around me anymore to be your own person, Skara. But I still consider you my oldest friend." Boscha turned to look at Cruz. "And honestly, I might not have liked you at the beginning but now, I'm glad you're around. You seem to always be able to help out."
Cruz and Skara smiled at her. "I'm glad you feel that way, Boscha," Cruz said. "I can honestly say I consider you a friend too. Leave the attacking witches to me. I'll make sure that they don't ever attack Hexside again."
Boscha smiled at Cruz as she calmed herself down. "Alright. The prisoner is right here," Boscha said as she stopped in front of a classroom with a pair of students acting as guards.
"How's the prisoner been?" Boscha asked
"No changes. He's been really getting on our nerves with the way he talks," the guard said. He was one of the students from the construction track that Cruz had delivered potions to.
"Maybe he can get something out of him. And maybe we can even trade him for Severine," Boscha said as the guards nodded and opened up the door to the classroom.
In the classroom, being held in a stone cage was Tarak still wearing the Titan skull mask that he had back on his island.
Cruz felt his blood boil when he saw him. "It's you," Cruz said with venom in his voice.
"I don't think we've met before," Tarak said. "But do you also serve the beast?"
"Are you talking about King? You dare call him a beast when you and your leader were going to kill achild?!" Cruz asked as his eyes shone with a low hue.
"We've met before haven't we?"
"I guess you don't recognize me as a human," Cruz said as he took off his concealment stone. "How about now?"
Tarak's eyes widened a bit as he saw Cruz's hybrid form. "You're the hybrid! Hark—"
"Shut up," Cruz said as the temperature in the room dropped to an icy chill. "Speak normally. I know you can."
"Fine. What do you want with me?" Tarak asked
"I want to know why you're here. The last time we talked, I warned you along with the rest of the Trappers what would happen if you ever went after my family again. So I want to know, what about my warning wasn't clear?"
"Bill said that coming here would be our best opportunity. After you left, he realized that our best chance would be to get to the Grand Huntsman and have their help to hunt down the Titans."
"Hold on," Boscha said. "There aren't any more Titans. They're extinct."
"No," Tarak said. "There are two left. One is with the Grand Huntsman and the other… the other is a hybrid."
Boscha looked over at Cruz in surprise. "Wait, is he saying that the Owl Lady's little pet is… a Titan?"
"That doesn't leave this room, Boscha," Cruz said. "I'll explain it to you later. For now, the most important thing is getting Severine back from the Trappers."
"You're right. Tell us, Tarak. What did your leader do to Severine?" Boscha asked
"Normally, we would just give her to one of the Archivists to collect. But Bill's assistant gave him another idea," Tarak said
"Bill has an assistant?" Cruz asked. "I didn't think he'd listen to anyone else on your island."
"He wouldn't," Tarak said. "But this little demon is from the Boiling Isles. She's been giving Bill advice on how to proceed."
"Little demon?" Skara asked. "What kind of little demon?"
"She's a small hand demon, her name is Kikimora."
Cruz and Skara let out a groan. "Why do we have to deal with that little imp," Cruz said in annoyance.
"Seriously!" Skara said. "What's she even doing with them?"
"So what did Kikimora say to Bill?" Boscha asked
"He told him that we could trade Severine for me and get a much larger group for the Archivists to catch. That way the Grand Huntsman will be pleased."
"You can stop calling him that, he calls himself the Collector. Might as well call him that," Cruz said
"But to us he's the Grand Huntsman," Tarak argued
"He might not even be the same person. As far as I know, there were multiple people like the Collector. He was just the youngest out of them," Cruz said before turning to Boscha. "When are you trading him for Severine?"
"In about an hour. We've made preparation in case it's a trap, and from what he's said, it's going to be a trap."
"I'll go with you, too. That way at least you'll have someone that can shatter the Collector's spies."
"I'm coming too," Skara said. "I told you that I was going to stick with you. There's no way you're leaving me behind."
Cruz smiled at her. "Wouldn't have it any other way. I'll make sure that this ends here and now," Cruz said as he left the room.
As Boscha and Skara left the room, Boscha watched Cruz walk away with slight worry. Skara noticed the look in Boscha's eyes.
"What's wrong?" Skara asked
"Nothing, just… does it seem like Cruz is too worked up?"
Skara paused for a moment before speaking, "You're right. He's been under a lot of pressure lately. Mostly from himself. He feels like it was his job to finish Belos off back during the Day of Unity. And when we were in the Human Realm, he felt like he had to get us back. He's been holding in far too much."
"I swear. What's with him and his sister thinking that they have to do everything alone?" Boscha asked as she rubbed the back of her head.
"It's not just them," Skara said. "Willow has been the same way for a bit. She's trying to hold everyone together and keeps bottling up her worries."
As if summoned by their talks, Willow passed by a hall in front of the girls. "Leave that to me. It's time she and I had a little talk," Boscha said with a smile.
Back in his lab, the hand in the dirt begins to twitch as tubes begin to flash blue. Belos emerges from the ground possessing a new Grimwalker. As Belos stepped out of the dirt, he felt himself limp as the bone and skin began to fall off the right leg.
"No. It's not ready," Belos said as he abandoned the new body taking with him the arm as a replacement. Belos let out a screech as he ran out of his lab on all fours. He began to climb up the Titan's horn as he headed towards the Archives. He climbed in through a window as he looked down and spotted Odalia ordering puppet Raine to carry other puppets.
"Put that one over there. No, no, no, over there!" Odalia ordered in frustration as puppet Raine carried puppet Amelia. Odalia let out a sigh of frustration. "Making a deal with that child was a waste of time! I wish someone would see my potential."
"Oh yes, I think you'll prove to be quite useful," Belos said as he rose up behind Odalia.
Odalia turned her head nervously. "Me?" Odalia asked with fear as she pointed at herself
"No." Belos let out a screech as he launched himself forward. "You!" Belos turned to sludge as he headed towards puppet Raine as he plunged himself into puppet Raine. As he took control over Raine, Belos lifted their head as their eyes begin to glow blue.
Back at Hexside, Willow was walking down the hall as she felt the walls close in on her. Everything had gone wrong. She had found the photo with the teleportation glyph, but as they were about to move out, she wanted to make Hunter feel better about losing Flapjack. But in the end, all she did was make everything worse.
"Trouble in paradise, Captain?" Boscha asked
"I'm not in the mood, Boscha," Willow said
"Really? Seems like right now is a good time to talk. You're going through something I know too well. Having to lead your team while being the reliable one. Not being able to show any kind of weakness, because if you do then everyone else might just fall apart. Maybe some advice might do you some good."
"Advice? From you?" Willow asked skeptically. "You have been nothing but petty and mean to me since I met you! What, you want me to give up? You want me to admit how stressed I am? What advice could you possibly give me?!" Willow's eyes began to glow green as vines started to sprout up from the ground.
Boscha looked at her in shock before her expression turned into a smile. "There you go. Doesn't that feel better?" Boscha asked confusing Willow. "You can't keep bottling up everything. It's going to end up breaking you. No one can handle all the pressure like that and not crack."
"It's been months since you and the others have been here in the Boiling Isles. All this time you've been stuck in the Human Realm worrying about your families and you've been trying to be strong for everyone." Boscha looked at Willow with a serious expression.
"You have to let it all out. You have a ton of friends to support you. You can be strong for them if you want, but you have to learn how to rely on them when it becomes too much for you too. I'm sure your friends are worried about you. Isn't that right, blondie!"
Willow looked back and saw Hunter flinch back when she saw him. "Hunter?"
"Sorry for eavesdropping, Captain. But I was worried about you," Hunter said
Boscha smiled at this. "If you'll excuse me, I've got to prepare for a prisoner exchange and probably a trap," Boscha said as she walked away.
"Boscha!" Willow called out. "Thank you… for what you said."
Boscha waved her off as she continued walking. "You don't have to thank me. No one can hold it together forever. Not even a powerful plant witch like you, Willow."
"Captain…" Hunter began to say as he stood next to Willow. "I'm sorry."
Willow looked at him in surprise. "What are you apologizing for? I'm the one that messed up. I know you're still processing Flapjack's death but I went and showed you a photo of him."
"That's not your fault! To tell you the truth… I'm still upset about Flapjack. I feel like I failed him. If I could've fought back against Belos then he would be alright."
"It's not your fault, Hunter! You had no way of knowing that Belos was alive or that he could do that to you. No one did."
"Thanks, Willow. I really appreciate you being here," Hunter said as Willow felt a bit of heat rise up to her face. "When I saw the photo of Flapjack, I didn't know how to react. He was my first real friend and now… he's gone."
Willow looked down sadly. "But I have all of you guys now," Hunter said as Willow looked up at him. "He wouldn't want me to be stuck like I was before. So just know, you didn't do anything wrong at all. You didn't make anything worse either. All this time, you've been holding in a lot, haven't you?"
Willow felt tears start to form on her eyes as she tried to shake them off. "You don't have to hold it in anymore. You can let it all out. Please, Willow. Let me be here to support you. You and everyone else mean the world to me."
With that, Willow finally let everything out. All the pain and fear she was feeling was let out as the dam broke. "I miss my dads!" As Willow begins to bawl her eyes out, Hunter hesitates for a second before wrapping his arms around her.
As the two hug, Willow feels something warm coming from Hunter's chest. "Hunter. Something's there," Willow said as the two part from the hug.
"What do you mean?" Hunter asked
Willow looked down and noticed that there was a slight golden glow coming from Hunter's chest.
"What is that?" Willow asked
"I'm not sure," Hunter said. "But it feels warm… and familiar."
Willow then had a moment of realization. "Try to dash."
"What?"
"Just… try and dash like when you had your staff."
Hunter was reluctant but nodded in agreement. Hunter stood up and looked down the hall before feeling the familiar pull. Suddenly, Hunter was enveloped in the same light as usual before dashing down the hall a bit.
Hunter looked back at Willow in surprise as she had a big smile on her face. "Guess I was right. Before he was gone, Flapjack gave his magic to you. That way he could still be with you."
Hunter clutched his chest as he smiled. "Guess you're right. Thanks, Flap."
Hunter then felt Willow's hand intertwined with his own. He looked over at her in surprise. "Thanks for what you said, Hunter. You mean a lot to me too," Willow said with a slight blush as Hunter blushed as well.
Back in the Collector's castle, Belos was walking down the hall as a bit of his sludge began to fall off of Raine's eye. Belos quickly flicks it off. Belos stopped at the entrance to the Collector's bedroom before opening the door.
Belos floats down to where the Collector is sleeping before hovering his palm over them. As goo begins to float down to the Collector, they quickly open their eyes as they fling their blanket to Belos wrapping him up.
"You're not supposed to move on your own! How did you break your spell?" The Collector questioned
"The spell isn't broken," Belos said in Raine's voice. He lifted Raine's hair to show the crescent moon on their forehead. "See? You take such good care of us Coven Heads, Collector, keeping us safe in the Archives. It was the uh... power of your kindness that brought me to life, so I could tell you—"
"What is it?!"
"You're in danger, Collector." The Collector's expression changed from anger to confusion at Belos' words.
Back at Hexside, Hunter and Willow walked back into the photo classroom and saw Cruz talking with Camila and Luz about something.
"I still don't think it's a good idea," Luz said
"It's the best chance we've got to end this," Cruz argued
"Your sister is right, mijo," Camila said. "I don't want you fighting people who specially trained to fight you."
"They have no idea what I'm capable of. I can beat them back easily."
"Are you ready?" Boscha asked as she walked in and everyone turned to look at her.
"Yeah, I'm good to go," Cruz said as he turned to the others. "I'll be right back. If I'm not back in twenty minutes, head to the Archives without me."
"There's no way we're going without you," Luz said
"And there's no way you're going without us," Willow said as they all turned to look at her and Hunter.
"I'm not winning this argument. Am I?" Cruz wondered
"Nope!" They all answered unanimously
Cruz let out a defeated sigh. "Alright! Let's go stop a war!"
Back in the Collector's room, the Collector stared at Belos for a moment before bursting out in laughter as they do a back flip.
"Me? I'm in danger?" The Collector questions. "Ah. Good one."
"It's true," Belos said. "Someone very close to you is planning their betrayal, right now." Belos unwrapped the blanket and handed it back to the Collector.
"You don't mean King, right? I don't know if you've noticed, but... he's my best friend."
"And… where is he now?" The Collector looked over to Francois with hesitation.
The Collector used their magic to find King. He was sitting in a secret hideout along side Eda and Lilith, who had both been turned back to normal by the Collector. Lilith had short orange hair and Eda had cut her hair much shorter resembling a bush.
They sit around a small fire as they looked at a scroll depicting a Titan using their sonic roar to kill an Archivist.
Lilith read from a book as she held puppet Hooty in her arms. "Alright, King. According to these uh... borrowed books, titan magic can actually cancel out the Collector's. And that's why his predecessors... Well, uh..."
"Wiped out all the Titans?" King asked solemnly as the Collector's eyes looked solemly.
"The important thing is that there is hope to defeat him. Maybe even trap him again," Lilith said
"No! We can't do that!" King protested
The Collector smiled as they lifted their hood back in their room. "Hear that? He's looking out for me," the Collector said as Belos stared at them.
"Why not?" Eda asked
"'Cause it didn't work," King said as the Collector pulled down their hat again and spied on King. "If we want things to go back to normal, the Collector needs to be stopped for good! And I think I know a more permanent solution."
"That didn't sound… very friendly," the Collector said sadly
"You know, the human and hybrid are here too," Belos said surprising the Collector
"Luz? Cruz? Why are they back?" The Collector asked angrily
"Obviously, to help King put an end to you," Belos said as he began to walk away. "And your little games."
"No!" The Collector said furiously as they stood up. "No, no, no! You're fibbing, you're definitely fibbing!" The Collector looked up feeling uncertain. "…right?" Belos looked back slightly as he smirked.
Back in their hideout, King was explaining to the Clawthorne sisters his plan. "The Collector is just a little kid. A scary, powerful one, but... also... sad, and alone. I don't know, this whole time, I was scared of making him mad, but... I think I can relate to him."
Eda smiled at King as he walked towards her. "Let me talk to him. Immortal being to semi-immortal being. It's worth a try if no more people get hurt. Right?"
Eda pulled King in closer for a hug. "Oh, you're growing up too fast for me, kiddo," Eda said as she kissed King's forehead.
Back at Hexside, a small group consisting of the Human Realm survivors, the Hexside survivors of Boscha, Mattholomule, and Cat walked outside as they made sure none of the spies were around.
"So what are we waiting for?" Luz asked
"The Trappers," Boscha said. "We'll let them get close so we can trade Tarak for Severine."
"What about the others in the school?" Gus asked. "How are we sure they won't attack when we're talking?"
"That's up to me," Cruz said as he pointed at the trees. From behind all the trees and in the branches, an army of J-Units were watching Hexside like hawks as they prepared to fight off anyone trying to harm the students.
"Haven't see them in a while," Luz said. "Is Jean-Luc there too?"
"Should be somewhere nearby," Cruz said before he noticed a group approaching. "Looks like they're here."
A group of ten Titan Trappers approached Hexside as Bill led them while sitting on a rat worm.
"Well, don't you look ridiculous," Cruz said with a chuckle as Bill looked surprised. "What's the matter, Bill? You don't look too happy to see me."
"It's you! You're alive!" Bill exclaimed
"That's right. Now I remember the last time we met, I warned you never to go near my family again. What part of my warning did you not understand?"
"We don't take the words of a Titan seriously!" Bill said as Mattholomule and Cat looked at Cruz in surprise.
"Where's Severine?!" Boscha said as Bill looked at her
"Who?"
"The demon you captured," Boscha said angrily. "We have Tarak! So where's Severine!"
Bill looked at her with a snide. "Who cares about that right now?"
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck down behind the Trappers as they all turned to looked it.
"I suggest you answer her question very carefully. If Severine has been hurt or collected then you won't get Tarak. More to that, you won't be leaving the Boiling Isles alive," Cruz said as his eyes were shining.
The trappers all backed up in fear as Camila looked at Cruz in surprise. "Good. Now you understand the situation. Tell me, where is Severine?"
Bill signaled for the Trappers behind him as they brought up a biped demon with tan horns on her neck and head.
"And where's Tarak?" Bill asked
Cruz turned to Gus as he nodded. Gus quickly spun a spell circle as Tarak appeared behind the group.
"I'm fine Bill!" Tarak called out to the leader as Bill rolled his eyes
"Alright! We'll make the exchange now!" Bill said as Tarak began to walk forward. Cruz's hand shot out as he stopped Tarak from moving forward as they all turned to look at him.
"What's wrong?" Boscha asked. "Let's just give them the prisoner so they can give us Severine."
"Gus! Do it!"
Gus nodded as he created a giant spell circle before shooting it forward and enveloping the Trappers. Suddenly, a group of more than twenty Titan Trappers appeared behind Bill. Next to him was an all too familiar demon. Sitting in her Abomatron was Kikimora as she glared at the group.
"I've got to admit," Kikimora said. "You're a lot more clever than I gave you credit for."
"You're not too smart so the bar wasn't that high!" Cruz said with a smirk.
Kikimora growled at Cruz as she aimed her Abomatron at him.
"Nope!" Cruz took out his blaster as he shot it at her feet. Spikes of ice shot up as an ice glyph bullet hit the ground and knocked her back. "You're not a threat to me, Kiki." Cruz looked over at Luz. "You wanna deal with her? I've gotta take care of the Trappers."
Luz nodded at Cruz as she looked over at Camila. "Come on, mamá. We can handle Kikimora easily!"
Camila still looked stunned at seeing Cruz act so differently from how he was back in the Human Realm. "Oh… uh, right. Let's take care of the little red kitten," Camila said as Luz sent a fireball at Kikimora as she looked over at her in anger.
"I can still take care of you!" Kikimora said as she began to chase after Luz and Camila.
"Wait! What about the plan?!" Bill called out as Kikimora left.
"Not much of an assistant is she?" Cruz asked as he began to walk forward. "Now then, I think it's about time you gave us back our friend."
Cruz dashed forward as he landed between all of the Trappers before Gizmo turned into a staff and created a large white spell circle.
Cruz slammed his staff down as he blew away the Trappers using wind. Boscha rushes forward as she holds up a potion to break Severine out of her restraints.
"There you go, Severine!" Boscha said happily as the two hug.
"I'm so glad to see you again, Boscha," Severine said
"Me too! I'm just glad they didn't hurt you."
"Are you kidding? No way they could do anything to me," Severine said as they laughed.
"Boscha! Get Severine and take her back to Hexside!" Amity said as she punched a Trapper using her abomination.
"You've got it!" Boscha said. "I'll be right back!" Boscha took Severine and ran into the school.
"Stop them!" Bill called out. Three J-Units dropped down in front of the Trappers as they knocked them away.
"I think you're done, Bill," Cruz said. "I've got an army to protect Hexside and no one of your side can do anything to them. Leave the Boiling Isles for good. And this time stay away forever. If not, I'll make sure that you and the rest of your clan are extinct."
Bill looked at Cruz in fear as his words registered. He then noticed a Trapper sneaking closer to Cruz as he hadn't noticed yet. Bill smirked under his mask.
"You really think we'll surrender to a beast like you! We're Titan Trappers! No… we're Titan Slayers!" Bill said as the Trapper created a spell circle and shot off a bolt of magic at Cruz's back.
"Cruz! Look out!" Skara yelled as she jumped in between Cruz and the Trapper.
Cruz turned around in time to see Skara get hit with the magic bolt as she landed on the ground with a thud.
Cruz's eyes widened in fear as he saw Skara lying on the ground motionless. "Skara!" Cruz yelled out as he rushed over to her.
Cruz turned Skara over as he examined her. The blast had left a mark above her right eye as smoke began to come from it.
"Cruz! Leave this to me," Cat said as she ran over to Cruz and Skara. She then noticed that Cruz had a far off look. "Cruz!"
Cruz snapped out of it as he heard Cat yell as he turned to look at her. "I'm counting on you," Cruz said as he pulled out multiple healing glyphs. "You can use all of these if you need to. But please, heal Skara. I'm begging you."
Cat looked at Cruz and smiled. "Don't worry. I'll heal her up in no time."
As Cruz stood up, he heard Skara speak. "Cruz…"
Cruz turned around and saw her looking at him. "Skara! Don't worry, Cat is going to fix you right up. So just stay still and recover."
Skara smiled at him. "Thanks. I'm just glad… you didn't get hurt," Skara said. "Now go and… kick their butts."
Cruz smiled at her before nodding. "Don't worry. This shouldn't take long."
Cruz turned around and faced the Trapper that had hurt Skara. "You've made a big mistake," Cruz said as his eyes were glowing. "You hurt someone who is very important to me. You are going to regret that."
The Trapper backed up as Bill pushed them forward. "What are you doing, you coward? He's right there! Kill him!"
The Trapper backed up as Cruz walked forward. "They're smarter than you, Bill. They're afraid because they know they messed up. But it's too late now. I'm angry. Angrier than I have been in a long time." As Cruz spoke the temperature around them seemed to drop. The isles seemed to darken as a thunderstorm began to roll in.
"You've been on my island for far too long. You are to leave now and never return. If you don't, I will kill every single one of you. I will turn each and every single one of you into stone and shatter you into pieces!" Gizmo and Cruz's eyes began to glow as he twirled his staff before slamming it on the ground.
A barrier appeared around the Hexside students as violent winds began to pick up all of the Trappers before knocking them down onto the ground. Everyone stared with wide eyes as Cruz walked towards the Trappers.
Cruz clicked his tongue when he noticed a spy heading towards Hexside. "Looks like we've got an uninvited guest."
The Hexside students looked up as the spy began to head towards them along with two others.
"We have to get back inside!" Mattholomule called out as the spies got closer.
"Gus! Cover everyone in an illusion and head back!" Cruz said as a sudden purple explosion caught everyone's attention. "I'm betting money that had something to do with Luz."
"We have to go help her," Amity said
"You and the others go to Luz. I'll be there soon," Cruz said as Amity, Gus, Willow, and Hunter ran off to where the purple explosion was.
Cruz then turned towards the Trappers before noticing a necklace hanging around Bill's neck. It was circular in the same shape of the Collector's face that was in the snow globe that Hooty had taken.
"Well look at that. I was wondering why they didn't target you," Cruz said as he kneeled down to Bill. "It looks like this is the only thing protecting you from being collected."
Bill's eyes widened in fear as he realized what Cruz was saying. "You wouldn't!"
"Now tell me… why wouldn't I?" Cruz asked with a smirk. "You wanted the Collector back. Now you can be his puppets."
Cruz ripped off the necklace from Bill as the spies turned to look at the Trappers.
"You'll be collected too!" Bill argued
"Not me," Cruz said as he stood and began to walk back to the Hexside students. "Didn't you know? Titans are immune to Archivist magic."
The Trappers looked up in fear as they were surrounded by the Collector's spies before they began to shoot down crescent moons at them, collecting them one by one.
As the Archivists finished collecting the Trappers, they turned to face Cruz. "Now what?" Boscha called out.
Cruz dashed forward as he used his claws to slash the Archivists on the front as they shattered and turned to dust. "Now we're done with them," Cruz said as he walked over to them.
Cruz held up the necklace. "This was protecting the Trappers. It'll tell the Collector's spies that you're not supposed to be collected. At least that way you'll be safe from them. I'm going to meet up with Luz and the others to finish this once and for all."
"Hold on," Skara said as Cruz looked over to her. "You're not leaving me behind."
Cruz dashed forward as he stopped in front of her. "Are you okay?!" Cruz asked with clear worry.
"I'm fine, Cruz," Skara said with a smile. "Cat fixed me up real quick. I don't even feel it anymore."
"Those healing glyphs you gave me worked so well," Cat said. "It's thanks to them and the healing magic that I was able to fix her up so quickly."
Cruz smiled as he looked back at Skara. "Are you sure you're up for this? I'm not sure what we'll be dealing with."
"I'm ready for anything," Skara said. "We'll deal with anything that comes our way together."
Cruz smiled as he nodded at her. "Alright, then. Let's go meet up with the others."
"Hey, Cruz!" Boscha called out as he and Skara looked over at her. "Good luck with the Collector. I know you and your sister can handle anything."
"Thanks, Boscha. We'll make sure that the isles are back to normal soon enough," Cruz said as he and Skara climbed onto their staffs before flying off to where Luz and the others were.
From up in the sky, Cruz and Skara looked down and saw that Luz was making a large glyph as Willow, Hunter and Amity fought off Kikimora.
"Looks like they need some help!" Skara said
"Then let's get down there!" Cruz said as the two began to descend. As they landed, Amity used an abomination to knock the Abomatron over as Willow wrapped it up using her vines.
Hunter quickly dashed up as he used a fire glyph to hit the dome of the Abomatron.
"What did we miss?" Skara asked
"Apparently we missed Hunter getting magic!" Cruz said in surprise. He then looked over to see Luz being lifted into the air by a Palisman that resembled a purple orb. "And Luz's Palisman hatched! What the heck! We missed a lot!"
Kikimora turned to look at Cruz as she ripped apart the vines. "Looks like those idiots couldn't handle you. But don't worry, I'll deal with you right now. You'll be the first step to making my new empire!"
"Yeah I'm really not in the mood to deal with you," Cruz said as he looked over at the others. "Stand back you guys! I'm ending this right now." The three all nodded as they headed over to Luz.
Cruz took out his blaster as he aimed it at Kikimora. Cruz shot off three bullets as ice began to form at the Abomatron's feet before Cruz took out the bottom of the blaster and replaced it with a green colored magazine. He shot off three more bullets as vines began to wrap around the Abomatron as they began to squeeze it.
"Like I already told you, Kiki. You're not a threat. Not to me and not to anyone else here. I suggest you run as fast as your tiny legs can carry you. Because if you don't, I will hunt you down and turn you into my lawn ornament."
Kikimora gulped as she climbed out of the Abomatron and began to run into the woods. "Well that's that, is the spell ready?" Cruz asked as he and Skara walked over to the others.
"Yep! Just waiting on you!" Luz said happily. Cruz looked at her in surprise before smiling at seeing his sister being the same happy self she was when she first discovered magic.
"Then let's do this!" Cruz said happily as he and Luz both slammed their hands on the glyph combo. A bright flash of light enveloped them.
As the light dissipated, Hunter and Camila both opened their eyes as they looked around and saw that the Archives were hanging above them.
"We made it!" Gus said happily as Camila approached him and Hunter.
"Looks like she really beamed us up, eh, O'Bailey?" Camila said playfully as she elbowed Hunter.
Gus and Hunter both gasped when Camila mentioned a reference to Cosmic Frontier. "Beam us up! Beam us up! Beam us up!"
"Mom's a secret nerd!" Cruz said happily as he and Skara laughed playfully.
Luz looked over at her staff as the mist around her Palisman began to dissipate. "Guys?" Luz said as they all turned to look at her with expectation. "Come meet my Palisman."
"What kind of magical creature will it be? A dragon?" Camila asked with excitement.
"A bird?" Hunter suggested
"Oh, an otter!" Amity said
"A spooky bat?" Willow said
"A tarantula?" Cruz asked
"A turtle?" Skara asked
"A… snake?" Gus wondered
"You're close," Luz said as the mist disappeared. A serpent like creature flew into the air as it turned into a bat before shifting to a scorpion, then a dragon before finally turning back into a cat-snake like creature.
"She's a snake shifter! Her name is Stringbean, and she's perfect!" Luz said happily as Stringbean nuzzled up to Luz's face as Luz caressed her.
Stringbean then flew over to the others as they all looked at the Palisman happily as their own Palismen jumped off their staffs and joined the newly hatched Palisman.
Camila then walked over to the Palismen as she began to coo. "¡Pero mira que preciosos mis bebés! ¡Ven, ven!(Oh look at all of mama's precious babies. Come here, come here!)"
Stringbean flew back to Luz as Amity took her hand and Luz turned Stringbean back into a staff. "Can't wait to show Eda and King," Luz said happily.
"They'll love her," Amity said. "Although Hooty might eat her."
"King might too," Luz said
"Eda might three."
Amity and Luz stare at each other before bursting out in laughter. What no one noticed was that above them, the Collector and Belos were looking down at the group.
"What did I tell you?" Belos said. "Luz and Cruz have come to help King get rid of you for good. What will you do, Collector?"
The Collector becomes angry as their eyes begin to glow as they begin to float before stopping. "I think I wanna play a new game," the Collector said as they snapped their fingers. The final game had begun.