Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hunter was on his bed, cross legged as he continued sewing a pattern onto his cape.

His red cardinal Palisman, Flapjack, flew into view as he held up his cloak with the old Golden Guard sigil sewn onto the back.

He held up the needle, pushing it through another piece of fabric.

He winced.

Of course he'd accidently push it into his finger. 

Perfect!

He was doing the last finishing touches as he tied it off.

“Yeah, it does look good as new!”

The bird chirped.

Hunter cringed.

“... and I have no idea what I’m doing,” the sigil was half falling off and patchy.

To Hunter's credit though, this was the first time he’d ever sewn anything.

Well... sewn anything this big of a project.

He'd managed to get a lot of cuts in his cloak during his... adventures at Eclipse Lake.

That was not his proudest moment.

Hunter was cut off by the obnoxious amount of knocks coming from his door.

He stood up, his boots making a small sound as they hit the ground. His uniform itched his skin, the pants looked ridiculous anyways, he didn't have a clue why they were uniform.

He shook he head, reaching for the door handle, clicking it open.

As it swung open, Hunter almost took a step back. There was two coven guards standing at his door. He really didn't mind most of them, but these ones looked nearly double his height.

Hunter flinched slightly when one of them stuck out their hand, revealing an envelope.

He took it from their hand, shutting the door as he turned on his heal.

Why was he getting letters now?

He quickly shook his head, clearing the thoughts as he tore the top open, and pulled out the bit of parchment.

“Dear Hunter, as I’m unable to attend a meeting with your fellow colleagues. I entrust you to lead this meeting. Consider this a test,” Hunter read the letter aloud as he walked back to his bed and smirked in approval.

To easy.

The amount of scout meeting's he'd lead... it was muscle memory by this point.

But was his change to prove himself to his uncle. To prove that he’s not always worthless.

Chapter Text

Hunter was stalking towards the meeting room, his golden mask covering his features and his pearly cape hanging over his face, meeting just below his feet.

This meeting could go either ways; he does really well and redeems himself of his actions at Eclipse Lake, or he makes a massive fool of himself and gets teased. More than he already does. 

As Hunter was reaching closer towards the large doors, he saw a strange sight, all the Coven Heads were… leaving?

Where in the Titan are they all going?

He kind of just looked at them in disbelief. 

“Where… Where are you all going?” He was technically their superior, as he was the Golden Guard, and the Emperor's Coven Head, but none of them even gave him the time of day as they kept walking in the opposite direction.

Well, none except Head Witch Whispers, but Terra pulled him along with her.

Hunter didn't know what was going on with him, Raine used to be so friendly, but now he was just... no he wasn't anything. He hasn't actually talked to him in weeks.

Hunter sighed, a headache starting to form as he walked into the meeting room, only to see a different Darius, a different Coven Head.

“Darius,” Hunter nodded towards him, showing as much respect as he got from the rest of them. “Where is everyone going?”

Darius didn't even turn his back as he just kept sorting out a pile of papers.

Hunter didn't have time for this! Belos trusted in him to do this.

“I rescheduled it,” the purple haired witch told him.

Wow.

Excuse him, but can he at least be told what's happening?

Does no one have the decency to tell everyone they cancelled something they didn't plan, once everyone got there?

This was so stupid.

“Since when do you have the authority to do that? Last I checked I was leading this meeting,” Hunter said, taking off his mask, there was no use keeping it on anyways, Darius was one of the only people who knew what he actually looked like, Belos was careful like that, so he can still go undercover without being recognised. Anyways most of the guards wouldn’t take to kindly that their superior was a sixteen year old.

Hunter let out a groan the moment Darius started talking again. Maybe it was rude, but no where near as bad as the stunt Darius just pulled. “Since it is my one day off this year, you would get it, little prince.”

God Hunter hated that nickname, and the way he said it like such an insult.

Even if his stupid little argument was right, Coven Heads only got one day off a year.  He thinks?

He doesn't really talk to them so maybe that's just him.

“Now why don’t you go and do some arts and crafts? Or whatever you kids do these days,” Darius paused, turning to look at him.

“Hmmm... It seems like you’ve already started,” Darius smirked and with a twirl of his finger Hunter's freshly sewn cape appeared in front of him.

“This is impressively bad,” Darius chuckled, holding up the cloak.

Hunter stuttered, “H-hey! Stop that! That’s no way to treat the Emperor’s-”

But Darius cut him off, “Nephew?”

Hunter shrank. A scowl came to his face.

How did he eve-

“I knew your predecessor, he was the strongest witch I’ve ever known. You’re definitely-,” Darius paused and gestured towards him. “-lacking.”

Hunter’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. T

here was no use saying anything.

He just wanted out.

Hunter reached for his cloak-

“Nope. You don’t deserve this,” Darius made his way to the grand doors to leave before Hunter intervened.

What is the Titan?

You know what? He didn't even care about his dignity at this point in time, so he just asked the question he knew Darius was waiting for.

“How do I- How do I earn it?” Hunter felt so weak in the way his voice came out, barely a whisper.

“I don’t know? Maybe actually do your job and get some new recruits for the Emperor? The Best and the brightest in all the land. Then maybe you can get this back.”

Hunter didn't actually know what to say.

He was just told by someone, what. He was sixteen, so probably like four times his age, just told him he wasn't doing his job?

He was not going to let that slide.

“I-I’ll do it!” Hunter stumbled.

Of course he did.

“Of course you will. You’re very good at doing exactly what you’re told.”

That’s when Darius stepped out and slammed the door, leaving Hunter feeling helpless as he dropped to his knees and slammed his helmet into the ground.

He didn't even know the point anymore.

Chapter Text

Hunter arrived at the local school of magic or whatever it was called, he’d never gone to an actual school since he had no magic of his own, other than his palismen, Flapjack.

Speaking of which, was snuggled up in his dirty blonde hair, cooing softly.

He'd always loved that bird.

Okay maybe that wasn't true, Hunter did push he away with his shoe....

Nevermind that!

He'd walked through the empty halls of the school until he found a bathroom.

Hunter knew that there was different uniform colours corresponding to the type of magic that the witch studied, but Hunter didn’t know any of them, well he knew some of them, because he worked with the heads, but they never really made an effort to talk to him. But back to the uniforms, he figured that since the 'Golden Guard' uniform was gold, he would just go with the closest uniform colour, yellow.

Hunter held the staff version of Flapjack in his hands.

Okay buddy, just a simple yellow uniform.

Hunter swished the staff.

He looked down to see an almost identical yellow uniform to some of the other students. The only noticeable issue was that the belt was a different make. Though he heard of loads of students altering their uniforms, so his shouldn't be any different.

He fiddled the uniform between his fingers, the soft fabric smothering over his gloves.

They made his fingers ache, but who was he to talk? There was no way he was taking them off. He doesn't even do it in front of Belos.

Hunter watched as Flapjack turned back into his usual self, fluttering around.

He couldn't do anything to ruin this, not this chance, he can't let down Belos.

Not again.

>-<

Flapjack continued to stay on his head as Hunter walked through what seemed to be a club picking thing (he heard about it from Luz, at the Palismen incident).

He saw some promising witches, but when he tried (and when he says tried he means he tried, it’s not his fault if he’s never talked to kids his age) they all kind of made an excuse to be else where.

If only they knew who he actually wa-

Hunter was cut off by an ear splitting screech. He turned, looking at the creator, it was a demon. He accidentally stepped on a fucking demon-bird hybrid's tail and it was not happy.

“Oh Titan,” He mumbled to himself.

Flapjack (his little angel) turned into a staff and Hunter wasted no time getting on as that beast followed into the sky.

Hunter yelled back at the thing. "Calm down, flea-magnet!"

It was trying, and failing to bit one of his legs off as they soared through the sky, though that damn thing stole his boot, revealing his socks.

And he was just about t-

"Hey you!"

HE WAS BEING DRAGGED DOWN BY A GIANT PLANT THING? Of course this is how his day is going, just perfect.

As he was being dragged down to ground, he saw a girl in front of the plant, in a green uniform, probably the plant track (he knows, he’s a mastermind) glaring down at him, probably the one who called out.

Flapjack transformed back into his palismen self and sat on Hunter’s shoulder, leaning into him, cueing softly.

Hunter looked back to her and shuttered under her gaze, she was looking damn well ready to hit him.

But to Hunters surprise, she pulled out a... pamphlet?

Huh?

“Want to join my flyer derby team?” she said cheerfully.

Hunter looked confused and reached to feel his face.

“This is Gus Porter," She guestered to the person next to her, about a foot shorter. "And I'm Willow Park, future captain of Hexside's first Flyer Derby team.”

She stuck out her hand.

Hunter look at it, confused. Though he reached out and clasped it.

"Nice- to uh- meet- you!" Hunter tried to make out the words as she shook his hand.

Once he regripped his footing, the girl- no, uh, Willow opened her mouth.

"Your flying was... amazing. You're a new student, right?"

Hunter was about to nod when the shorter one started talking.

"Yeah, weird we've never seen you around. What's your name?"

“uhhhhh…” Rascal tweeted something into his ear “Caleb! Uhh Jasper... umm.. Bloodwilliams. I just transferred from.... Uhhhh... The Toes?”

He could tell that she meaned well. She was actually kinda pr-

“That sounds fun, I’ve never heard of there. Anyways, want to join?” 

“I'm not here to play Fly Dooby or... whatever that is,” Hunter paused. “ I have my own mission.”

Willow looked disappointed.

“At least take a pamphlet?” Her voice sounded small, Hunter felt a tinge of guilt.

He reached out and grabbed the damn paper and started to stalk away, until some certain words caught his eye; Flyer Derby: Sport for the best and the brightest.

That gave Hunter an idea.

He whipped his head around, “Wait! Do you really think your club will attract the best and the brightest?”

“Definitely! Flyer Derby is not for the faint witch!” She said, excitement hinting in her voice.

“Then maybe I will give it a try!” 

Hunter could feel the excitement radiating off of her. Not that he cared... his was just joining to help Belos!

"Really?"

Hunter was about to agree, but he had some serious questions to ask. "But- Okay. How do we evaluate others? A Witch's Duel? A maze full of traps? Oh! Leave everyone at the top of the mountain and see who makes it back to the bottom alive!" Hunter chuckles at the thought. "Classic."

"Um... we... might not have time for all that. But... you can help by attracting people with your sick sky skills!"

Hunter watched as the girl started to skip away, staff in hand.

He mumbled out a sentence. "Huh. I don't... feel sick?"

The short one- Gus started to speak. "Hey, I don't know what kinda mission you're on, but it's been a tough year for Willow. And she's really looking forward to making this team a thing," He didn't know what else to do other than watch as he walked away. "Don't mess this up for her."

Well that was... rough.

He didn't think he said anything that wrong. Did he?

Flapjack just nudged his neck.

Chapter Text

Hunter was on flapjack, shooting through the sky, twirling around, the wind moving through his hair, the sensation making him let a smile creep across his face.

This was probably the first time in weeks that he felt a hint of happiness and enjoyment.

“Caleb! Come on down!” Oh right, he forgot about that part. He aimed the staff downwards, towards Willow, handing out pamphlets to the large crowd that's formed.

Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad afterwards.

>-<

Willow came up to him excitedly, “Presenting... the future Hexide Flyer Derby Team!”

Hunter looked at the stairs, a girl struggling with that beast, another girl on a Penstigram, though she slipped and bonked her head on the ground and finally Gus, struggling to fly on his Palisman.

Hunter cringed, what kind of group is this?

This is not suitable for the Emperor's Coven.

This is not the best and brightest.

While Willow started to talk about- he doesn’t even know what- and took the chance to start walking, there’s still half the day left, maybe he could find some other recruits.

Why did he even fall for this again?

He needs to grow up, work isn't meant to be fun.

“Caleb! Caleb! Hey, the field’s this way?” Willow said, pointing in the opposite direction.

“You said that you would have the best and brightest for this team, but them? They’re pathetic!” Hunter said, half yelling.

“You just met them! Give them a chance!” Willow started, matching his tone.

“Well, where I come from, even chances have to be earned. Especially if you're considered half-a-witch like me,” Hunter turned back to look at her.

Willow gave him a look, he couldn’t tell what it was though, he was never good at reading faces, but whatever it was, it was making him feel guilty, “Sorry, Captain. Good luck with your match.”

Hunter starts to walks away again, but he didn't hear the Captain follow. It was for the best.

Hunter is suddenly stopped by something. What the fuck is that?

Hunter frantically looks down. There was some type of plant twine around his legs? What in the Titan?

Hunter tried to grab onto anything as the plant began to pull him down.

His screams left muffled, never to be heard by the light of day, until, he pops up onto a field?

This was so weird.

He looks around preparing to fight but finds it empty.

This was so weird.

The Penstigram girl, out of nowhere, walks up to him?

“Sorry I was distracted earlier. Been playing Grudgby for so long, I needed to catch up on the latest Flyer Derby strats,” She pulls out her Penstigram, once again, and shows him some random diagram.

Hunter squinted at them. If that's what it actually was he was going to fail so hard.

“That look’s... complicated.”

“It is.”

Hunter hears the other girl come up behind him as she starts speaking.

Seriously. What is going on?

“Whew! Okay, finally. Got Puddles down for her nap.”

She draws a spell circle above her head and drags it down to her feet, healing her physical scars and scratches, now that is a useful trait for the coven!

“Now I'm only scarred emotionally,” She winked.

Before Hunter could even process anything, someone was whizzing up behind him. He turned around, jumping slightly when he saw Gus, standing on his palisman staff through the air.

“I thought you couldn’t fly?” Hunter asked questionly.

“So, I can’t fly like everyone else? But my ways more fun!” Gus replied, suspiciously cheerful.

“Oh, er, that’s cool, I guess,” Hunter murmured.

“What was that?” Gus asked smuggly.

“I said it was cool!” He shouted.

Hunter felt his cheeks heat up with embarrassment.

And he was on his ass, Willow popped up next to him, out of the ground?

“Gus is a natural speed demon, Skara's a strategic wizard, and Viney's the best healer in school. And at one point or another, we've all been misjudged. So, still think we're pathetic?”

Hunter shakes his head ashamedly.

“Good! Let's get our game faces on!”

>-<

Willow led Hunter to a change room next to the field.
“There’s some clothes for you in there!”

And with that he was alone. Like always.

Hunter slumped against the wall, now it was the hard part. Of course he wanted to prove himself to Darius, but this girl, Willow had been the first person he has talked to his age and the only person who has ever shown him and sort of kindness (though he was sure that if she knew who he actually was, she would throw him aside).

His breathing hitched. He doesn’t like decisions like these to disappoint his only family member left or betray his first, dare he say, friend?

His head makes its way between his knees as the cardinal came and poked at his face.
“Not now flap,” but the bird kept chirping until Hunter looked.

“WHAT DO- oh… a letter?” Hunter took it from the bird’s beak and tore it open.

‘Hey Caleb! We saw your flying and we know what we’ll win! We are running late so we have run off to the field (btw it’s just outside the change rooms), meet us there!
From Willow, Gus, Vinny and Skara'

So, they did care to some extent.

Strange.

He only really had Belos before.

That made Hunter tear up.

No one had ever written him a letter, well other than for duties. This just made his decision harder, but, ‘blood runs thicker than water’ right?

Hunter picked up his Crow Phone and clicked on Darius’ contact, listening to each ring.

“Darius! It’s me!”

“What the- How did you get this number?”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ve found some excellent recruits at Hexide. I’m earning my place! Just like you told me too!”

Darius sighed. “Of course you are. I just wanted you to leave me alone...”

“Huh? What was that?”

“Nothing, I’ve gotta go.”

“You’ll meet them soon, you’re ‘gonna’ love them!”

Hunter put the phone away, proud filling is heart. But Darius’ comment keeps rattling through his head. “You’re very good at doing exactly what you’re told.”

Maybe he shouldn’t have told Darius about these kids, but it's his job, it’s out of his control, right?

Right.

Chapter Text

“All we got to do is fly high and grab some flags!” Willow squealed, excitement lighting up her face.

Hunter gulped. Fly high and grab some flags. Right. Easy for someone who didn’t grow up in a tower surrounded by guards and expectations. He’d never been around this many people his age before, let alone playing some weird, high-flying team sport. His heart pounded like it was trying to break free of his chest, and his head spun as he climbed onto Flapjack.

The rest of the team was lining up like this was normal—like this was fun. Don’t mess this up. Please don’t mess this up. His hands tightened around the staff. He could still feel the echo of that morning's tension humming through his body. Why did he even agree to this?

Then that smug little professor, Hermonculus, stepped up and said, “Let’s see what you can do, Captain.”

Captain? The word was a slap. Not a title—an accusation. Was that sarcasm? Of course it was sarcasm. Hunter’s blood simmered. He thinks he's going to fail. Maybe he will.

Still, he raised his staff with shaky resolve, trying to look more confident than he felt. He set his jaw and stared down the field. He couldn’t let them see him waver.

Hermonculus’ abomination referee—wearing a black and white striped shirt of all things (why did that seem shady?)—blew the whistle.

Hunter launched forward, wind rushing in his ears. He tried to clear his mind. Focus. Focus. He's fast. He's trained. You can do this. Don’t think. Just move.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hermonculus fire goo straight at Willow’s head.

His heart skipped a beat. No, no, no—

Before he could react, Viney blocked it with a perfectly-timed shield. He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Thank the Titan.

The game exploded into chaos—shouts, spells, wind, movement.

Hunter darted across the sky and spotted a target. With a flick of his wrist, he teleported beside a girl from the opposing team and snatched her flag. She screamed as she lost balance and fell—but he couldn’t look back. Don’t look. You’ll lose focus. She’ll be fine. Probably.

He passed the flag to Gus, who grinned and flew toward the pole. When he scored, a cheer erupted—but it barely registered in Hunter’s ears. Next play. Stay sharp.

Then he saw it—more goo, this time headed straight for Gus.

“Watch out!” he shouted instinctively, relief crashing through him when Gus dodged it.

But the goo hit Skara instead, sending her crashing into the wall.

No— Hunter winced. The whistle blew. The other team scored.

He groaned, frustration bubbling in his gut. We’re slipping. Can’t let this spiral.

Viney and Jerbo collided mid-air in a tangle of limbs and flags, crashing to the ground. Willow and Gus pushed forward, and Hunter found himself the target of more goo. Two enemy players aimed for him, but he slipped through with a quick teleport, his body moving before his mind caught up.

Then came Hermonculus’s voice, shouting to his team: “He’s right there! Are you blind?”

Hunter smirked as he snuck up behind the professor, already holding his flag.

“Boo.”

And just like that, he vanished again, magic flowing through his veins like wildfire. This. This was something he understood—movement, precision, instinct. Not people. Not feelings. But this... this was safe.

Willow struck back, vines flying as she tore two flags from their opponents. Hunter felt a flicker of pride—until goo blasted her staff, and she fell. His stomach dropped.

“Willow!”

She summoned a flower just in time, cushioning her fall. Hunter hovered, breath caught in his throat, watching her with wide eyes. Is she okay? Did she see me watching? Should I say something?

Before he could move, Gus slammed into him from behind. “Go, go, go!”

Hunter snapped back to reality. He clutched the three purple-tinted flags and flew faster than ever before, weaving through the air like a thread through fabric.

He reached the poles, heart hammering in his chest, and placed the flags with practiced grace.

He landed to cheers—real cheers—and smiled without thinking.

But then—something cold and wet poured over his head.

He froze.

Red liquid.

Blood? No—paint? Is this part of the game? Did he mess up? Did he offend someone again? His gut twisted. He always ruin it. Somehow, he always ruin it...

The cheering quieted. The doubt rushed in like a wave.

They're going to yell at me. Tell me he got in the way. He should’ve stayed quiet. Should’ve let someone else—

Then, the cheering started again.

“May I have your team name?” Hermonculus asked, tone clipped.

“Shoot, we never thought of a name,” Willow said.

Hunter hesitated, trying to push past the static in his head. “How about the... Emerald Entrails?”

Silence.

His stomach dropped. Stupid. Why would you say that? What does that even mean? You’re such an idiot—

“You know... ‘cause we’re green... and there’s more to us than people think?” He winced. Stop talking. You’re making it worse.

But then, Willow grinned. “Entrails, Entrails, Entrails!”

The others joined in, voices rising into a chant.

“Entrails team photo! We’re number one!”

Willow held out her scroll, snapping a group selfie.

Everyone looked so happy.

Hunter looked around at their smiles, felt the energy radiating from their bodies.

They’re smiling because of you. You helped. You didn’t ruin it.

For a moment, just a moment, he let himself believe it.

Maybe... maybe he do belong here.

But the thought still lingered.

No, no he doesn't.

Chapter Text

Hunter didn't know what do to. After the game he rushed off. He couldn't stand to see their happy and grinning faces when he knows what's coming. 

He's currently slumped against one of the change room stalls walls, waiting for a call from Darius.

He knew this was wrong, so, so twisted and wrong on so many levels.

But he didn't know what else to do now. He'd already changed back into his uniform, minus the cloak, but something didn't sit righ-

He got the call.

The call from Darius.

Hunter stood up and unlocked the door.

>-<

The witch whistled and Caleb came walking out of the change rooms in these clothes, kind of like the Emperor's Coven Guards uniform, but instead of the silver attire, it gold.

“Caleb?” Willow whispered.

The boy nodded. “Yes and no, yes I’m the same person, but my name’s not Caleb.”
He replied in such a tone that made Willow’s blood boil.

What was he doing?

“You tricked us," She made sure it sounded accusing.

“That’s sort of my job.”

He- He didn't sound like Caleb. He sounded, almost broken.

*Change of perspectives*

The purple haired witch butted in. “Thanks, Golden Guard, but I’ll take it from here.”

And with a flick of his wrist, Darius, the scouts and the other four were nowhere to be seen, their screams cut short.

Hunter looked at the ground as Rascal came out of his cloak. And suddenly Hunter felt a tinge of guilt.

What have I done?...

Chapter Text

Hunter walked into the room; the cold, dark room, behind a wall where he could see the team. Well, Hunter guesses it’s not his team anymore. 

Guilt is pounding at his heart,  

‘Maybe he shouldn’t have done what he did’ 

‘Maybe he should have done what he did’ 

‘Maybe he’s a terrible witch’ 

‘Maybe he’s doing what he’s meant to’ 

‘Maybe he’s a terrible person’ 

‘Maybe he’s helping people’ 

Hunter sunk to his knees.

‘Maybe he made some friends’ 

‘Maybe he lost some friends’ 

‘Maybe he’s helping the Emperor’ 

‘Maybe he’s going against the Emperor’ 

Tears came rolling down his face 

‘Maybe he should help these kids’ 

‘Maybe he should leave these kids'

He dug his fingernails into his head, the pain not registering. 

‘Maybe he’s not good enough’ 

Maybe he’s not good enough 

maybe he’s not good enough 

maybe he’s not good enough 

maybe he's not good enough

maybe he's not good enough

maybe he's not good enough

maybe he's not good enough

maybe he's not good enough

"he's not good enough"

not good enough

"he's not good enough"

he's not enough

"he's not good enough"

not enough

he '  s

   n    o     t

      g       o       o        d

          e         n          o           u            g             h

hunter's not good enough.

Chapter Text

“What was-”

“Steve, I’m fine,” Hunter cut him off. He stood up, brushing off his cloak and pulling off his mask.

Hunter walked to the other side of the wall, where he just became visible to the Entrails. His heart raced and his fingers intertwined as he fiddled with them.

This was stupid.

He pushed his hands to his sides, and he picked up the four Palisman before walking over the bars of the cell.

“Okay, listen, I'm sorry about this whole cell thing, but did you really have to punch Steve, Skara?”

Hunter gestured over to Steve, who was currently holding up an ice pack up to his head.

“I get it. Emotions are running high. Ice pack for Steve,”

Hunter slapped his forehead, frustration high on his features.

“Well, I don't get it. You're joining the best coven there is. You can keep all your magic, you get free room and board, you can even play Flyer Derby on your day off!" He paused. "Well, this year's day has already passed, but next year's only 52 weeks away!”

Hunter couldn’t see why they just don’t get it. You get everything you could ever want and get a day off!

Skara lifted her head “We don't care! None of us want this!”

“You will eventually. Trust me, I'm your friend now.” Hunter tells them. When they join the coven, he’ll finally have people he’s allowed to talk to!

“Friends don't stab each other in the back,” Gus said, sounding... disgusted?

“Sure they do. The Coven Heads do it all the time back at the castle!” Hunter looks towards Willow for help. “Captain, you're on my side, right?”

She was sitting with her back turned, facing the wall.

“I... thought I... could be good at this.” She mumbled.

Hunter could feel his smile vanish.

“But we're here because... I made a bad call,” She paused, looking at him “I'm just... half-a-witch Willow.”

Hunter’s insides dropped. Surely, she didn’t think of herself like that?

Not like he thought of himself.

He’s sure.

he's sure?

-

Abomination goo appears out of nowhere, what the fuck? It wraps the team members up and they all vanish? Their palismen too? Without a trace? What the fuck? Hunter stomps to the door way, trying to find any source of where the went. He flings the door open to see Darius at a ship? What the fuck?

Hunter shook his head, this was none of his business.

"Darius, I did it! I found recruits!" 

Darius looked at him, not happy, "Yep, and you're making me work on my day off. Take this and quit bugging me," He twirled his finger and Hunter's cloak appeared in his hand.

Hunter held it up, admiring it "I can... wear this proudly now," He looks at Darius, "right?"

"Can you?" Hunter looked at Darius, uncertainly, "I'll meet you at the castle Golden Guard."

Darius picks up his things, steps on the ship, and flies away.

Well, that was abrupt. Hunter held up the cloak once more before turning on his foot when a coven guar- Steve, walked outside.

"I do not envy those kids, man."

"They just have to go through basic training before becoming scouts. It's not too bad."

"Dude, do you even remember what we had to do? The duels. The mazes with the traps. That time we were left alone on a mountain?"

Hunter laughs, a bit hysterical, "Classic." 

"And of course Belos likes to collect everyone's palismen."

Hunter did not like to be reminded about that part. Flapjack flashed in his mind, he wouldn't know what he would he would do if Belos got his hands on flapjack; maybe he would run, maybe he would just die, maybe he would do nothing. Only time will tell.

Steve grunts. "Steve is beginning to regret his choice," Steve starts to walk away.

He lowers his voice, "I think Hunter is, too."

Chapter Text

Regret and wind rushed over Hunter as he flew; flew and flew and flew. 

He was closing in the gap between him and the ship, as he was about ten meters away he teleported up to it, just seeing the heads of everyone, though their voices were muted. 

Hunter squeezed his eyes shut, grasping Flapjack as he teleported next to Darius. 

“Darius!” 

Darius jumped. 

Willow took the change and lead the group of the ship, plummeting down. Hunter went to the edge, leaning over it, Darius not far behind. 

The members disappear into... a puff of smoke? 

“An illusion.” 

“Land the ship!” Willow orders as they jump down from the scaffolding of the ship. Viney slams her fist into an abomination's head and grabs the wheel, Hunter felt his heart shutter. 

“Wait!” Darius shrieks, sounding terrifying as Hunter shrunk. 

Viney takes a glance at Willow who nods, and pulls a lever, pulling down the ship, into the sea. 

The Entrails jump off and start to run. 

Hunter stays lingering behind Darius, trying to disappear.  

But not for a certain reason . H-He just rather not getting in trouble? 

“Did you really think you could get away with endangering a Coven Head? Do you have any idea what I'm capable of?!” Darius sounded manic. That scared Hunter. 

Darius transforms his right arm into a scythe, the goo covering his arm. Willow tries to attack him with vines, a rather petty defense, but he slices them off easily. She then tries to form a shield with vines, making a dome around the four, their faces filled with horror, but Darius slices it open easily too, a grin sliding over his face. Darius raises his scythe arm, preparing to attack Willow, fear rushed over Hunter. Willow braces herself for the attack while shielding other team members behind her.  

Hunter suddenly rushes forwards and puts himself between Darius and the team members. This was not going to be fun, but this was his fault anyways. Might as well get them out of trouble whiles he’s already in it. 

“WAIT!” 

Darius’ look was cold as ice. “Out of my way, little prince.” 

“No! I was mistaken. These four are insolent agitators who aren't fit for the Emperor's Coven,” Hunter looks down and swipes off his cloak. “And I'm unfit to wear the sigil of the Golden Guard,” The fear filled his voice, though Hunter tried desperately to hide it. 

Hunter turned to Willow, not looking her in the eye. “You can go.” 

Willow raises her palisman-staff, whatever it’s called, as her eyes seemed to deny. 

“Please Captain.” 

She lowers her staff and looks down, facing her team. “Let's move, team. "We need to find a replacement,” Willow turns back at him and winks. “After all, it'll be 52 weeks before Caleb's next day off.” 

The Emerald Entrails walked away, Willow stealing one last glance from him. 

Hunter looks to Darius, who is looking furious. “You... befriended them? And then you disobeyed me to protect them?!” 

Flapjack flew onto Hunter shoulder as Darius raises his scythe arm. Hunter feels fear creep its way into his head, though Hunter avoided recoiling, that only made it worse, Belos taught him that. 

Hunter braced for impact as a hand tapped his head. Hunter felt so confused, his eyes opened, disbelief in his eyes as he kept his head down. 

“I'm impressed. I had you all wrong.” 

“Huh?” 

“You're what? Sixteen? It's about time you made connections outside the castle.” 

Okay, this concerned Hunter. 

Darius summons a scroll and drops it into Hunter's hands. Okay this was... weird? He opens it and sees the sign-up page of Penstagram.  

Was this a joke? 

“I was just gonna drop them off at Hexside. We have more than enough recruits, in my opinion,” Darius said, shrugging. 

“Are you... gonna tell Belos about this?” Hunter suddenly felt nauseous. 

Darius smiled, like he tried to be comforting, but came off as unsetting. “Are you going to tell him about your secret palisman?” 

Hunter put his hand over to cover Flapjack. This was the one thing he tried to avoid. How did he stuff this up? 

“Magic or not, I think you'll make your predecessors proud,” Darius picked up Hunter’s cloak that he dropped earlier, swirling he’s fingers around it, fixing the stitching. “Though you could still use a sewing lesson.” 

Chapter Text

Hello_Willow: Hey Hunter 

RULERSREACHF4N: hIcaPTin

Hello_Willow: ru ok?

RULERSREACHF4N: yEs.w hYwou.Ldn'T I?

Hello_Willow: Idk the head witch seemed pretty angry

RULERSREACHF4N: WHwt.dOes iDK mEan?

Hello_Willow: it means 'i don't know', silly 

RULERSREACHF4N: oHh o.KAy . i diDnt geT.in tO mUch trOUble.    aNd im nOT siLy.im sEriO.us

Hello_Willow: hunter i know, im just joking. also what do you mean by not much trouble?

RULERSREACHF4N: idOnT' liKE yOu'RE jOkeS. aLso zIt wAsnT nUch , jUsTA tAljInG tOat mOst

Hello_Willow: i'm an amazing joker 😜! also i dont want to know what you mean by not much.

RULERSREACHF4N: hOe dO iDo tHst !

Hello_Willow: you go to the bottom of your penstigram and press the face picture.

RULERSREACHF4N: 😘

Hello_Willow: ummm hunter?

RULERSREACHF4N: iSoRY I dIDNT mRAn Too;          hOw dOI DelEte!

Hello_Willow: hunter you cant

RULERSREACHF4N DELETED A MESSAGE 

Hello_Willow: um hunter how did you do that

RULERSREACHF4N: iSmArTer tHanI lO0k

Hello_Willow: hunter...

RULERSREACHF4N: fiNe FLapjAck dID iT

Hello_Willow: omt! send a pic!

RULERSREACHF4N: i dOnTkNow hOW

Hello_Willow: its ok. goodnight hunter. stay safe.

RULERSREACHF4N: tHanKYoU. hAVe swEeT   drEAMscApTin. 

*RULERSREACHF4N is typing*

*RULERSREACHF4N stopped typing*