Today was a big day for Hexside. Today, was the big grudgby game against Glandus High. Leon was wandering the halls with Willow and Gus towards the entrance, about to meet up with the other students.

Gus: This is gonna be great. I've been practicing my flag waving. *demonstrates his flag waving*

Leon: *chuckles* You certainly have. I can't wait to see Boscha in action.

Willow: I thought you hated her?

Leon: I do, but I still admire her commitment to the field.

Willow: I guess that makes sense. I hope Luz and Crystal get here in time.

Leon: I'm sure they will, they wouldn't miss something like this.

Gus: Let's hope they get here, we're about to take off.

The trio are outside with everyone else by the dragon bus. Soon enough, Luz and Crystal show up and greet them.

Luz: Happy game day, fellow, uh... Are we Hexidians? Hexies? *Gasps* Hexoleos?

Willow: Actually, most people call us... winners.

Gus: Grudgby games are the best. The players go through these action-packed trials. And the audience gets to wave flags. Look, I practiced. *shows off his flag waving*

Luz: *Looks at her hoodie* Is it weird that I'm not wearing anything Hexside?

Crystal: Shouldn't be. I'm not wearing any either.

Willow: *to Luz* Um, it's weirder that you're wearing Glandus colors.

Student: Get ready to be creamed, Glandus nerd.

Crystal frowns at what they said to Luz and subtly uses her magic to trip the student with a nearby vine.

Luz: Hey! I'm a Hexside nerd. Gotta change out of this shirt. Where can I get a Hexside one?

Gus: I know. There's a lost and found box in the cafeteria.

Luz: Ah! The lost and found. Where mouth guards go to retire. *runs inside*

Leon: What are mouth guards?

Gus: Beats me.

Crystal notices a pendant around Leon's neck. It was a silver heart with the illusion and potion coven symbols crossed with the engraving "L & E" above it. Crystal decided to point it out.

Crystal: Hey Leon, where'd you get that pendant?

Leon: *looks at his pendant* Oh, this? It was a gift from Emira.

Leon opens the pendant to reveal two pictures. The first is of Emira leaning on Leon's shoulder with the two smiling and hugging. And the second shows just Emira smiling while making a heart shape with her hands.

Leon: She gave it to me on one of our dates. She's got one to with a picture of me.

Willow: Aww, you two look so adorable.

Crystal: I couldn't agree more.

Leon: Thanks, I'm lucky to have her by my side. *closes the pendant*

Gus: Um guys!

Gus points out the dragon bus taking off. Luz suddenly arrives in Hexside gear.

Luz: Goooo, Hexside! *does a split and winces as a crack is heard* Well, I never did that before. Uh, where is everyone?

Leon: Yeah, about that. *points to the dragon bus*

Luz: Oh, no! Come back! Why didn't you guys board the bus?

Willow: We weren't going to leave you behind.

Gus: I was.

Willow/Crystal/Leon: Gus!

Luz: Can we walk to Glandus?

Gus: We'd never make it in time. Glandus is all the way out in the middle of the island.

Luz: *scoffs* Typical Glandus.

Willow: And my parents are working, otherwise I'd see if they could give us a ride on their staff.

Luz: A staff... because staffs fly. Of course. I can get us a staff.

Leon/Gus: You can?

Luz: Yes, come on.

Crystal: I don't like where this is going.

Luz gestures them to follow as she leads them back to the Owl House. The gang waits outside, until Luz comes out holding Owlbert in staff form.

Crystal: Luz, what are you doing with Owlbert?

Luz: I was gonna have Owlbert fly us to Glandus High. Don't worry, Eda said I could.

Crystal: *skeptical* Hmm, if you say so.

Luz: Anyway, who's ready to board Air Luz?

They all hop on with Leon and Crystal at the back.

Willow: Feel that power-to-weight ratio.

Gus: *to his flags* Boys, prepare to fly.

Crystal: Better hold on tight.

Leon: *panickily is holding the staff* Way ahead of you!

Luz: Step on it, Owlbert.

Luz slaps the staff which causes Owlbert to squawk and take off. The gang struggled to hang on as they took off. Owlbert does a loop-de-loop before running into some trees. Leon and Crystal struggled to hold on until they lost their grip and fell off, crashing into some bushes. Leon gets out and dust's himself off before helping Crystal up and pulling some twigs off of her.

Leon: You okay?

Crystal: Yeah, I'm okay. So much for holding on to the staff.

Leon: Yeah, we better catch up before they-

Leon looks up as he speaks and see's the others crash some distance away.

Leon: -crash.

Crystal: Well, we better go after them.

Leon nods and they immediately set off after the others. As they walk, they hear some ruffling in some nearby bushes. Leon pulls out a potion to prep himself and Crystal's eyes start to have her signature green glow as she pulls some plants to her sides. The bushes shake for a bit more until out comes . . . Edric and Emira.

Crystal: Ed, Em!

Edric: Crystal, Leon!

Leon: *runs to Emira* My Prankster!

Emira: *runs to Leon* My Chemist!

Leon and Emira reach each other and embrace each other in a passionate hug. Edric and Crystal look at them in confusion when hearing what they called each other.

Edric: Chemist?

Crystal: Prankster?

Leon: Just some names we refer to each other by.

Emira: We thought it would be extra sweet.

Edric: *shrugs* They're alright.

Crystal: They sound sweet.

Leon/Emira: Thanks.

The couple look at each other and chuckle before Leon leans over and kisses her cheek.

Leon: So, what are you two doing here?

Crystal: I thought you'd be at the Grudgby match with Glandus High.

Edric: Nah, we're not really into sports.

Emira: So we snuck off to pass the time. That was until we noticed you guys crash out of the sky.

Leon: Well, thanks for coming to check on us.

Edric: What about the other three?

Crystal: They crashed somewhere that way. *points towards the crash sight.*

They all nod and head towards the crash sight. Once they arrive, they find sings of the crash but no one in sight.

Emira: Well if they were here, they're gone now.

Crystal: Where did they go?

Leon: Look around, they couldn't have gotten far.

They search the area, but find nothing. Leon was about to give up until he noticed something on the ground.

Leon: Hey guys, I found something.

Crystal and the twins crouch next to him. Leon picks up what appears to be wood chips.

Emira: Wood chips? But there aren't any branches near.

Edric: Where did this stuff come from then?

Leon and Crystal thought until their eye's widen in realization.

Leon/Crystal: Owlbert!

Edric/Emira: Who?

Leon and Crystal quickly start running, following the trail of wood chippings with the twins following behind. They eventually stumble across a cave that looked a little ominous. They all exchanged glances before looking to the entrance. Leon and Emira gain determined looks before locking hands and walking in together. Crystal follows them along with Edric by her side. The gang slowly traverse the cave, staying aware of their surroundings. They get a little creeped out when they noticed piles of bones as they went further in.

Leon: Sure, nothing ominous about this.

Crystal: This has all the signs of a bad omen.

Edric: Maybe it's just a griffon?

Emira: I hope so, I don't want to imagine what else it could be.

Leon: *hugs Emira close* Don't worry, I'm sure we'll be able to face it. No matter what it is.

Emira: *smiles* Well aren't you just a knight in shining armor?

The four share a laugh before quickly going quiet and continue forward. They eventually start to hear some noises as they get further. They duck behind some rocks and peek out to see an interesting sight. They see Luz doing what appears to be an assortment of tasks, Willow and Gus were tied up in some webbing, but what caught there attention was that Owlbert was hiding behind . . .

Leon/Crystal/Edric/Emira: *whispering* The Bat Queen?

They duck behind the rocks and continue to talk in a whisper.

Leon: What in the world is going on?

Crystal: I'm more concerned as to why Luz in doing this.

Luckily their answers were given when Gus spoke up.

Gus: Luz, we're here if you need us.

Willow: Yeah. Cut us free. We can get Eda.

Luz: *bathing bat babies* No, I was selfish, and I hurt Owlbert. I need to do this alone so he knows I care about him.

Crystal and Leon understand the situation and smile from Luz trying to fix her mistake.

Edric: Um, could you explain what happened?

Emira: Yeah, we're kind of lost here.

Leon: Basically, we missed the dragon bus to our schools Grudgby game.

Crystal: So Luz was gonna barrow Owlbert so we could fly our way their ourselves.

Emira: But you guys crashed?

Leon: Yeah, Crystal and I lost our grip and fell off some distance from the group which is how we ran into you two.

Crystal: From what I can put together with what we're seeing, Owlbert must have gotten hurt and fled to Bat Queen who is now protecting him.

Edric: Oh, and Luz is trying to win his trust back by doing these tasks.

Leon: Seems that way. Though, why would Owlbert hide with the Bat Queen of all people?

Emira: Hey, what's that?

Emira points out something that the other three look at. They see a small silhouette in the shadows with a pair of glowing eyes, watching them. The creature quickly runs off when it realizes it's been noticed. Leon and the others quickly follow after it into a large area of the cave. The gang stop in their tracks in pure shock of what they see. Along the branches of the many trees are thousands upon thousands of tiny creatures watching them. The gang was confused at first until Leon points out one of the creatures with a unique looking hole. Leon looks at the hole closely and recognizes it as a palisman interlock.

Edric: So, she runs a foster home for tiny creatures?

Emira: Sweet, but kina random.

Leon: No, not just any creatures. *points to the interlock of one creature* They're palismen.

Crystal: *looks sympathetic* Hurt and abandoned by their owners. That's why Owlbert came here.

Emira: Oh, pore little guys.

Leon try's to approach one, but it quickly backs away. The other palismen quickly hide from the others, scared of the strangers.

Leon: Hey hey, it's okay. We're friendly.

Edric: We're not gonna hurt you.

Emira: Don't be afraid, come on out.

The palismen in response just sink further into the sea of tree's completely terrified of them. Leon and the twins look at them with sympathy as they sink in to hiding. Crystal watches with sympathy as well until her eyes light up with an idea. Crystal steps forward and does something surprising. . . She starts singing.

(AN: Song starts at 00:55)

https://youtu.be/yxOcZ9gVLq8

Leon, Emira, and Edric were immediately mesmerized by her voice. Edric most of all, as he could be seen blushing for it was like he was listening to an angel. While Crystal sings, waves of magic start to fly through the air in wonderous display. The palismen start to calm and slowly come out of hiding. They all start to approach and fly around Crystal. They all land around the group as Crystal finishes her song. Needless to say, the group had no words.

Leon: Crystal, that was, wow.

Emira: Who knew you had killer vocals.

Edric: *blushes* That was beautiful.

Crystal: *blushes and giggles* Thanks guys.

Leon: How did you make those magic waves?

Crystal: Bard magic is my best guess. But it seems to have called the palismen.

Crystal sits down and starts interacting with the palismen. Petting, scratching, and playing. Leon and the twins join in as well, having a lot of fun with the little buddies. Eventually one palisman in particular flies up to Crystal. A black feathered phoenix with red eyes.

Crystal holds her arm out and the phoenix perches on her arm.

Crystal: Hello there little guy. How are you?

Phoenix: *happily chirps*

Crystal: *chuckles* Well aren't you just the cutest phoenix. Lovely feathers, as dark as a shadow. *scratches under his beak*

Phoenix: *purrs from Crystal's touch and chirps cheerfully. It also chirps in response to the word shadow.*

Crystal: Oh, is that your name? Shadow?

Shadow: *nods his head*

Crystal: Shadow, that's a cool name.

Edric: Seems like he's taken a liking to you.

Crystal: Seems so. Makes me a excited to get my own palismen one day.

Edric: I can't wait to see that.

Leon and Emira play with some other palismen before Leon and Emira are tackled to the ground and are laughing with joy before locking eyes. The two look at each other in silence before scooting closer and cuddling with each other while the other palismen start to disperse. All apart from one that starts to nudge Leon's arm. Leon sits up and looks to see a literal fiery nine-tailed fox.

Emira: Hey there, pup.

Fox: *barks and leaps into Leon and Emira's laps and cuddling*

Leon: Wow, she's so warm. *pets the fox and scratches her belly*

Fox: *rolls onto her back and paws at Leon's arm*

Emira: Looks like you just made a new friend.

Leon: Hey, this vixen seems to like you to.

Fox: *barks happily at the response of the word vixen*

Leon: Oh, Vixen? Is that your name?

Fox: *shakes her head no*

Leon: No? Um, Vix?

Vix: *nods*

Leon: Well, it's nice to meet you Vix. *scratches Vix's ears*

Vix: *leans into his touch. Jumps onto Leon's shoulder and licks Emira's cheek*

Emira: *giggles* I like you to, Vix.

Leon and Emira stand up and join up with Edric and Crystal, who still has Shadow perched on her arm.

Crystal: Hey Leon, did you meet, Shadow?

Leon: Not yet. *pets Shadow* Pleased to meet you. You're quite the majestic bird.

Shadow: *fly's up and caws in delight while spreading his wings*

Crystal: *gently pets Vix* Hello, girl. What's her name?

Leon: *holds his arms out for Vix to walk along* Her name is Vix. And she's already taken a liking to Emira and I. She's surprisingly quite fiery and warm to the touch.

Edric: Well, that's "hot".

The four laugh in response to Edric's pun. Suddenly, they hear footsteps near the entrance. They head towards the entrance to see an interesting sight. Guards from the Emperor's Coven were seen entering the cave.

Guard 1: Keep an eye out, they should be around here somewhere.

Guard 2: I know, we can't come back empty handed.

Leon: Coven guards? What are they doing here?

Crystal: I don't know, but I don't like it.

Edric: *smirks* You guys thinking what I'm thinking?

Emira: We fight these guys?

Leon: I'll admit, I'd gladly fight these guys. But, these are the best witches on the Isles. My potions and Crystal's plants won't be enough.

Crystal: He's right, we need a boost.

Leon and Crystal feel tugging on their sleeves and see Shadow and Vix.

Leon: You two have an idea?

Shadow caws and Vix barks before transforming into staff form. Leon takes hold of Vix, elegantly perched with her tails wrapped around the base and having a calm and calculating face. Crystal takes hold of Shadow, perched with his wings folded and having a fierce and determined face. Leon and Crystal look at each other in realization of what the palismen are telling them.

Leon: They want to assist us in battle.

Crystal: They're granting us their magic.

Leon: *grins* Let's show them what we can do.

Emira: Wait! We're gonna help you guys.

Edric: Also, we might want to wear these. *hands them all bandana masks*

Leon: What are these for?

Emira: Well, we're taking on the Emperor's guards. So we need to hide our identities.

Crystal: Makes sense. I've already got a criminal record, might as well try to keep it to a minimum.

The four of them put the masks on and get into position to fight. The guards slowly make their way inside before they see two palismen.

Guard 3: Over there!

The guards look and see the two palismen. They run after them until they split up and the guards separate into two groups of four. With the first group, they have the palisman cornered before they try to grab it, only for it to be revealed to be an illusion.

Leon: *deep voice* You fools have fallen into my trap!

The guards quickly turn around and see Leon jumping down from the ceiling and striking a pose. The guards get ready and blast everything they have at Leon who jumps and flips to avoid before spinning Vix and pointing her towards a guard. Vix's tails lift up as a fire ball launches out of her and taking out a guard. Leon smiles from under his mask while Vix's tails lower back to the base of the staff.

Leon: *deep voice* One down, three to go.

The guards continue to attack him while he avoids them. He uses Vix to freeze the ground and trip two guards before hitting them with a sleep gas potion, knocking them out. Leon rushes up to the last guard who falls in fear. Leon picks up the guard by the hood.

Leon: *deep voice* Why are you here!?

Guard: *scarred* We got word that some palismen were spotted here! Emperor Belos sent us to find them and bring them back!

Leon: *deep voice* Why? *slowly raises an explosive potion to scare them*

Guard: I DON'T KNOW!!! He never told us why.

Leon: *deep voice* I'll find out, somehow.

Leon knocks out the guard as Emira approaches him from behind.

Emira: Well, look at my Chemist being a valiant hero. *kisses his cheek*

Leon: Hey, you did a good job with that illusion, my Prankster. Now let's go meet up with Crystal and Edric.

Leon and Emira head off to find Crystal and Edric. Meanwhile with the second group of guards, they were still chasing after the palisman. They slowly approach when the palisman suddenly vanishes by turning into a cloud of smoke that spreads out, blinding the guards. The guards try to make their way through the smoke but quickly get separated. Two guards stood back to back in defensive positions. Suddenly, one guard is pulled to the ceiling while the other is pulled by the leg into the smoke with all that's heard being their screams. Another guard shakily stumbles through the smoke before tripping over a vine. They quickly get back up before multiple vines come out of no where and wrap him up in a cocoon like structure. The last guard panics from the screams he heard but freaks out when he see's some familiar glowing eyes in the smoke. Those glowing green eyes, but this time with a slight tint of blue.

Guard: *panicking* S-s-stay back!!! I know who you are!! You're the Vine Wraith!!

Unknown to the guard, someone snuck up behind them and pulled the cork to release some sleeping gas to knock out the guard. As the guard drifts to sleep, the last thing they see is Crystal approaching and Shadow transforming to fly and perch on her arm. Once the guard is out, Crystal and Edric drop their mask's and laugh.

Edric: Vine Wraith? How did they come up with that name?

Crystal: I have no idea. Thanks for helping with the smoke illusion.

Edric: It's amazing what we could create together.

Crystal: We make a great team.

Just then, Leon and Emira approach them. Leon takes in the tied up guards.

Leon: Wow, You went all out.

Edric: Yeah, she really turned up the fear.

Emira: Leon showed off his athletics with the group we faced.

???: You all, did well.

The four jump and turn to see the Bat Queen approaching them with Luz, Willow, and Gus along with Owlbert.

Leon: Bat Queen! It's not what it looks like.

Bat Queen: Fear not, I heard struggle. You protect palismen, you friends.

Crystal: We were happy to help. Should we be worried about the guards coming back?

Bat Queen: No need for worry. They're safe with me.

Luz: I wish we saw your fight. You sounded awesome.

Leon: Thanks Luz. Shall we head home? I've had plenty of action for one day.

Crystal: Same, besides we need to get Owlbert back to mom.

Luz: Of course, thank you BQ.

Bat Queen: It is I who should be thanking you for protecting palismen.

The gang gets ready to leave, but Leon and Crystal stay behind to give their farewells to Shadow and Vix.

Leon: We'll miss you guys.

Crystal: It was nice to meet you two. Hopefully we can meet again one day.

Shadow caws and rubs against Crystal's head while Vix barks and rubs against Leon's leg. Leon and Crystal run off to join the others. Bat Queen smiles and looks to Vix and Shadow.

Bat Queen: May haps you have found some new friends.

Shadow and Vix caw and bark in response while they and the Bat Queen head back inside as the screen fades to black.

AN: And there it is. I thought for this, it would be a good chance for Leon and Crystal to show off their skills in battle as well as give a sneak peak to their palisman. Please let me know what you think, special thanks to my good friend Trixie090306 for helping with the chapter, and I'll see you next chapter!!!