In the hideout, we see Leon finishing up his latest brew and bottling them up. Leon places the potions on a nearby holder.

Leon takes a step back to admire his work, when his eyes are suddenly covered by someone.

???: Guess who?

Leon: *smirks* Hmm, charming and lovely voice with a hint of confidence and arrogance. I'm gonna say that it's my lovely Prankster, Emira.

Emira: *giggles* You know me so well.

The two laugh while Emira uncovers his eyes and wraps her arms around his waist and leans on his back. Leon reaches around and cups her cheek as the two smile. The two suddenly hear someone at the door and look to see Luz.

Luz: Aww, you two are so adorable.

Leon: Thanks Luz.

Emira: *lets go of Leon* So, how do you like the hideout?

Luz: This is amazing! Never in my life did I think I'd be in a hideout with friends. It's like that movie with the group of friends sitting on furniture in the middle of a grassy field.

Leon: *confused* Why would they do that?

Luz: I don't know, didn't make much sense to me either. But that's what makes it so fun. I especially love the tree in the middle of this place. Was that always there?

Emira: We don't think so.

Leon: My theory is that it grew in overtime or that a plant coven witch must have had an accident, or was in a fight, or-

Emira: *covers his mouth* Babe, let's not worry about that.

Leon: *chuckles* Alright. By the way, where's Crystal?

Luz: She and Eda went out to do something. Eda said not to ask questions so I don't know what they're doing.

Leon: I see. Well I hope they're doing alright.

Luz: I'm sure they're fine. Anyway, you said you wanted to talk to us about something?

Emira: Oh right, you did say that.

Leon: Meet me in the living room with everyone else and I'll tell you.

With that, they all head to the living room to meet with everyone else. Meanwhile with Crystal and Eda, they were wandering the forest looking for something. Crystal steps out of a bush, staying aware of her surroundings while Eda steps out while looking at a map. Eda approaches a statue and rips the vines off.

Eda: Okay, from the Minitaur, we head due north, and with luck, we'll get to the Bloom of Eternal Youth before Lilith! *laughs, snorts* Who's frail now, emperor dorks?

Crystal: Mom, you still never told me what this flower does. Also, how have I not heard about this flower?

Eda: According to the merchant, it blooms once a millennia and grants youth to the wielder.

Crystal: I see, so Aunt Lilith wants to bring it to the emperor and we're gonna stop her.

Eda: Precisely.

Suddenly, they here a branch snap.

Eda: *gasps* Someone's following us.

Crystal: Quick, hide.

The two of them duck behind the statue and get ready to strike. With Eda readying a fire ball and Crystal with some vines from the ground. The jump out ready to attack, only to see that it was Lilith.

Eda: Lilly?

Crystal: Aunt Lilith?

Lilith: Edalyn? Crystal?

Eda and Crystal lower their spells and approach.

Lilith: *sighs* And of course you would be here just to be a nuisance. Why don't you go home and rest, Edalyn? Wouldn't want you breaking a hip.

Eda: Sorry, sister, I'm stronger than you think. We're here to save the Bloom of Eternal Youth from the likes of you. *runs; sing-songy* And I'm gonna get there before you!

Lilith: Aah! No you won't!

Crystal: Okay, calm down you two. You're acting like a couple of kids.

Lilith runs after Eda with Crystal following the two.

Crystal: *to Lilith* Has, Mom always been this childish?

Lilith: You have no idea. You should have seen the pranks she pulled in Hexside.

Crystal: I've seen first hand what she pulled. I'm still getting ectoplasm out of my hair from the ghosts in the changing rooms.

Lilith: Really?

Crystal: Yeah, I helped her with cleaning up her work from her past.

Lilith: *giggles* Now I wish I was there to see that. It must have been hilarious.

Crystal: Trust me, it was.

Lilith and Crystal laugh as they continue to follow Eda. Cut back to Leon and the gang who are walking through town. On their way to Leon's parents home.

Luz: So, your parents wanted to know how you're adjusting to the neighborhood?

Willow: So you decided the best course of action was to introduce us to them?

Leon: Yep, I hope you guys are okay with it.

Gus: Of course, it's gonna be nice meeting them.

Amity: I'm sure they're nice.

Leon: They're two of the nicest people you could meet.

Emira: I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to meet your parents this quickly.

Leon: *blushes and scratches his head* Well, since they're meeting my friends, I thought why not introduce my girlfriend while I'm at it. I'm sure they'll love you.

Edric: So, what are they like?

Leon: *chuckles* You'll see. And here we are.

The gang look up at a decent sized house with a decent sized yard. The mailbox reads Grey on the side, Leon's family name. The gang walk up to the door and Leon hits the doorbell. After a couple seconds, the door opens to reveal a tall woman with long silver hair, eyes with violet pupils and yellow sclera, light greyish skin, and talon like feet. She's wearing a casual black dress with long sleeves and a skirt that reaches down to her ankles and a headband that holds her hair back. Her eyes light up at the sight of Leon and immediately hugs him who also hugs her back.

Leon: Hey, Mom.

Sylvia: Welcome home, sweetie. I see you brought some friends.

Leon: I hope it's okay. I thought it would give you more insight to my time here. Plus you can meet some friendly faces.

Sylvia: Of course, please come in everyone.

Leon heads inside along with everyone else who greet Sylvia on their way in. Once inside, they looked around the place and how roomy it was.

Amity: Your parents seem pretty well off to afford a place like this.

Sylvia: Well, my husband performs for many people using his musical talents in bard magic. I on the other, use my healing magic in my work as a doctor. But I also work part time as a tailor, making and fixing cloaks for other witches.

Luz: Witch cloaks? Amazing!

Sylvia: *giggles* You seem to like these things.

Leon: Yeah, she has an interest in anything involving witches.

Sylvia: Oh, you must be his human friend then.

Luz: Yep, I'm Luz Noceda. Witches apprentice straight from the human realm. I plan on becoming the first human witch.

Sylvia: That's a nice dream to have. How's it coming along?

Luz: *pulls out and activates a light glyph* It's slow, but I'm getting there.

???: That's a neat trick, Luz. It would make a nice stage effect.

Everyone looks to see a man with neck length black hair, caucasian skin, blue eyes, and a full beard. He was wearing a blue tunic with white tights, brown boots, and a fang necklace. He walks up to Sylvia and hugs her from behind before they share a kiss.

Leon: Hey, Dad.

Albert: Hey there, kiddo. I see you brought some friends. *to Sylvia* Honey, you didn't tell me we were having a party.

Sylvia: *giggles* It wasn't my idea, darling.

Leon: I thought they could help bring some insight to my time here.

Albert: I see, well allow me to introduce myself. *bows to everyone* My name is Albert Grey, musical extraordinaire. And you already met my lovely and talented wife, Sylvia.

Sylvia: Darling, I love you, But are the theatrics necessary for introductions? *smiles*

Albert: Why of course, my dear. After all, the world is a stage. And the stage, is a world of entertainment.

Leon: *chuckles* Dad, always the showman.

Gus: A fellow showman I see, Nice.

Albert: *to Gus* I assume you have a flair for the dramatic as well?

Gus: Of course, I am an illusionist after all.

Gus disappears, revealed to be an illusion. The real Gus taps Albert's shoulder to show where he was.

Gus: *bows* My name is Augustus Porter. But you can just call me Gus.

Albert: I like you already, little dude.

Albert pats his back as the two chuckle. Sylvia and Leon smile at the interaction, glad to see Gus getting along with Albert. The two notice Willow looking over some dying plants and approach.

Willow: Aww, you poor fellas.

Sylvia: Yeah, they've been dying on us. We don't get it. I've watered them, fertilized them, gave them plenty of sunlight, Albert even tried some of his bard magic.

Willow: Maybe they just need a bit of plant magic.

Willow uses her magic on the plants which causes them to slowly revert to a healthy state.

Sylvia: Aw, thank you young lady. What was your name?

Willow: *smiles at Sylvia* Willow Park. I like gardening and bonding with others.

Sylvia: Well, aren't you just a kind soul. *ruffles Willow's head who laughs in response*

Leon: She and Gus were two of the first friends I made here. We ended up bonding from the fact that we were all considered outcasts in our school. Willow was constantly called "Half-a-Witch", Gus had an interest in the human world, and then there's my whole no magic thing.

Amity: I guess you could say, your "flaws" are what drew you together.

Leon, Willow, and Sylvia were surprised by Amity showing up.

Leon: How long have you been listening?

Amity: Since the part were you chimed in.

Leon: Okay, just give me a warning next time.

Sylvia: And who is this?

Amity: Amity Blight, and you can consider me the latest of this group.

Sylvia: Oh that's nice, how did you two meet?

Amity: *looks down in guilt* Well, we didn't exactly have the friendliest of starts. I was actually a massive jerk. It took him and Luz to take me down a few notches before I became more friendly.

Leon: The important thing is that you're trying to get better. *pats Amity's shoulder*

Amity: *smiles* Thanks, Brewer.

Sylvia: Brewer?

Leon: It's a little nickname she refers to me by.

Sylvia: Oh, I see. *giggles* Well, I'm glad you're trying to mend the bond.

They suddenly hear laughter from the living room and head back. They see the gang cracking up from a story that Edric was telling.

Albert: Honey, can you believe this guy? Edric here was talking about this one time where he and his sister pranked their school's Grudgby team.

Leon: *chuckles* That, was a funny story.

Amity: *laughs* And I never let them hear the end of it from me.

Sylvia: I guess you were pretty strict with them?

Amity: Plenty strict, which is funny when you consider that I'm the younger sibling.

Albert: So you were the adult to the green headed twins?

Edric: You could say that. *to Sylvia* I'm Edric by the way.

Sylvia: It's nice to meet you, Edric. And your sister?

Emira: I'm Emira. His twin sibling and the second of the older siblings.

Albert: *grins with slight strictness* Oh, so you're the one our son fell for.

Emira: *looks at Leon* You told them about us?

Leon: What? I don't hide anything from them.

Sylvia: *sits with Albert* Still, Leon had told us some good things about you. Sounds like you really bring a lot of joy to him when you're around.

Leon: She really does. *wraps an arm around Emira* I love pulling pranks with her and Edric and she and I just ended up clicking.

Emira: *cuddles with Leon* I don't know what it is about him, but he makes me happy. He's kind, smart, athletic, not to mention dashingly handsome.

Leon: Aww thank you, my prankster.

Leon kisses Emira's cheek who giggles in response. As Leon's parents listened, their expressions started to soften from hearing how the two praise and love each other. The two smile while Albert wraps his arm around Sylvia who cuddles in response.

Sylvia: Aww, they seem so sweet together.

Albert: Reminds me of how you and I were when we first met.

Sylvia: *giggles* We haven't changed one bit.

Albert: No we haven't, It's part of why I love you darling.

Sylvia: I love you to.

The two share a kiss and everyone awe's in response, especially Luz. They all start spending some time talking about themselves and having a few laughs. Meanwhile with the Clawthorne's, the three of them were running with a shadow following them.

Crystal: *panting* How do we always get into these situations?

Eda: I don't know, but it's kind of fun. Doesn't this remind you of how we used to race to the kitchen, Lilly? Lilly?

The two look back to see Lilith, wrapped up, being held by a crab-like monster. The monster growls as Lilith tries to free herself.

Eda: Lilly!

Crystal: Aunt Lilith!

Eda shot a a fireball while Crystal used her plant bracelets to whip the creature. The creature dropped Lilith who quickly backed up from the creature. Eda was about to continue but was stopped by Crystal.

Eda: Why'd you stop me.

Crystal: Look, it's scared.

Eda looks to see the creature whimpering from the pain. Eda had a look of sympathy while Crystal approached it.

Lilith: What's she doing?

Eda: Don't worry, she's got this.

The sisters watched Crystal a she began to calm the creature with her singing. The creature was a little tense at first but started to calm down. As Crystal continued singing, she used her healing magic to help the creature and sooth it's wounds.

Crystal: We're sorry for hurting you. We were just protecting a member of our family.

Creature: *growls in slight anger*

Crystal: Again, we're sorry. We were feeling threatened. *finishes healing* Are you feeling better?

Creature: *happy growls*

Crystal: I'm glad I could help, we didn't mean any trouble.

The creature nods and walks away while Lilith watches in amazement.

Lilith: Crystal, that was amazing. How did you do that?

Crystal: I've got a way with animals. And I got better since studying some beast keeping skills.

Lilith: Your grandmother would be so proud. She's a beast keeping coven witch herself.

Crystal: Nice, I hope to meet her one day.

Eda: Don't count on it young lady. by the way, where'd those bracelets come from? *points to the flower and vine bracelets*

Crystal: Oh, I made them myself. I wanted something so I could utilize my plant magic whenever. Plus they look nice with my outfit.

Eda: They do. Smart move, kiddo. *ruffles her head*

The three continued walking to find the Bloom of Eternal Youth. As they walked, Crystal decided to talk to Lilith.

Crystal: So, Aunt Lilith, what was your life like before joining the emperors coven? Were you and mom close?

Lilith: *sighs sadly* Very close, we were practically inseparable. She loved causing mischief and I was the voice of reason who played it safe. That all changed when we were offered the chance to join the Emperors Coven. I joined while Eda backed out. Since then as the years went by, I rose in the ranks while Eda became a wanted criminal. I desperately want her to join a coven so I don't have to arrest her, but she just won't listen.

Crystal: I guess that makes sense. But I understand why she doesn't. Being a wild witch means you can use all your magic to it's full strength. With one coven, you're limited in options.

Lilith: I see your point, though I wouldn't know the answer. I hate that you became a wanted criminal at such a young age. Eda was really a bad influence on you.

Crystal: You may think that, but she's the only person who brought me in when I needed it most.

Lilith: *concerned* really?

Crystal: I lived on the streets for most of my life. I was around ten when it happened. One night, the boiling rain was starting to fall and I desperately was looking for a place to take cover from it. Eventually I did when when I found the Owl House. I stood under the doorway as best as I could.

Lilith: Oh, you poor child.

Eda: Yeah, I felt sympathy for her. I came home from shopping when I saw her there. I asked why she was there and she told me her story about growing up alone. So I decided to take her inside to protect her from the storm.

Crystal: She was the nicest person I met at that point. She brought me in, fed me, and warmed me up. I was in tears from all the affection. For the first time ever, I felt happy. When the storm had cleared, I knew it was time for me to go. But before I left, I used my plant magic to create a flower crown as a thank you gift for her.

Eda: I was impressed by her magic, especially at her age. Plus, her gift actually made me feel happy for how I treated her. So, I decided to let her stay with me to protect her from the coven heads possibly exploiting her skills. Eventually she started calling "mom" and I decided to make it official. I adopted her as my own and we've been together ever since.

Lilith: Edalyn, that's really sweet of you. Crystal, what was growing up with her like?

Crystal: Well, we had our rocky moments. But hey, what family doesn't? I met with the rest of her little family. King was like a wannabe tyrant, but I like hanging out with the little guy. Plus, he's really cute. As for Hooty, I'm not sure what to say. He's just there doing his own thing. I do like talking to him when I need to vent about my problems.

Lilith: I'm glad that you've found happiness with them. And I think I can say that Eda had raised you well. I'm surprised you helped me though.

Crystal: You're still part of my family. It makes me all the more happy that we got to know each other.

Eda: Yeah, we might fight, but you're still my sister. And besides, if someone's gonna be putting you down, it's gonna be me. Ha! *slaps Lilith's back*

Lilith: *Chuckles; looks to the side, gasps* Is that?

Eda presses her face to Lilith's. Through the trees, a glowing pink flower looms.

Eda: The Bloom of Eternal Youth! *Pushes Lilith* Alright back off, that baby's mine.

Lilith: *growls* Why are you always like this?

Eda: Because Lilith, you think I'm just some tired old biddy. Ah, but I'm more than that. *magically cuts the flower* And with the Bloom of Eternal Youth's power, I'll show you!

Suddenly, the flower disappears from Eda's hand.

Crystal: What the—

The merchant that gave Eda and Lilith directions to the flower shows up and laughs maniacally. His shadow falls over Eda as he stands atop the stone behind the flower. Lilith and Crystal walk up next to Eda. We cut back to the Grey, house hold where everyone is laughing from a story that Leon's parents were telling.

Luz: *laughing* That really happened to Leon?

Albert: Yeah, he always loved experimenting with potions even at a young age when he couldn't use magic.

Sylvia: Many harmless explosions occurred. He was always quite the alchemist.

Leon: Yeah, but it lead me to becoming an ace chemist.

Amity: Indeed. Now, while it's fun hearing you embarrass your son, I'm actually a little curious of you two.

Willow: Yeah, how did you two meet?

Sylvia: Oh, where do we begin. It was a couple decades ago, when we were still students at our old school.

Albert: Sylvia was always quiet while I was the energetic fun loving student, always looking to entertain people with a good laugh or my music. That's actually what lead me to talking to Sylvia. I noticed how quiet and reserved she was, so I decided to help her slowly come out of her shell.

Sylvia: Overtime, I became more of a social pixie and talked to more people and became more social. But, none of them compared to my dear Albert. *leans on Albert's shoulder*

Albert: Overtime we started to fall for each other until one day, I decided to confess my feelings for her. It was night time and she was in her bedroom.

Sylvia: I was just studying for a test when a pebble knocked on my window. I opened it to see Albert with his lute in hand. He started singing about his feelings and how he was in love with me, which lead to me joining in. *giggles*

Albert: We've been together ever since. Eventually we got married and then Leon came into our lives. He was the best thing to happen to us.

Sylvia: We cherish every memory we shared with our little alchemist.

Leon: *smiles warmly* Thanks mom, I cherish all the time I spent with the two of you as well. Since you brought it up, Dad. Can we hear you sing for us?

Albert: Hmm, I don't see why not. Sit back and relax, kids. It's show time.

Everyone cheers as Albert magically calls his lute towards him. He begins to strum it and starts singing.

https://youtu.be/g-qF3GuAozw

As Albert sings, he looks to his wife and son, remembering the good times they've spent as a family. Sylvia and Leon listened intently and had warm smiles on their faces. Eventually, they joined in and started to sing with him and soon everyone else did as well. Back with the Clawthorne's, they were confronting the merchant whom informed them of the flower.

Merchant: I know you must be confused. The Bloom of Eternal Youth, dead? What if I told you the Bloom never existed at all! And now that I have led you to my nest, I'll suck all the life out of you to satisfy my unending hunger!

Lilith: He scammed us. Can you believe he scammed us?

Crystal: Strangely, I'm not surprised.

Eda: I thought there was a fifty fifty chance going in. Hard not to admire the tenacity though.

Lilith: Good entrance, but that outfit? Ha!

Eda: Look at his little shoes! *Laughs*

Crystal: *grins* He could do for a wardrobe change.

Lilith: *Laughing* Stop it.

Merchant: Well, maybe you've never been led into a lethal trap before, but the response should be, "Aa! No! Spare us!"

The Clawthorne's share a look.

Eda: Ah, sure. Spare us.

Lilith: Woe to us whose fates are sealed.

Crystal: What ever shall we do?

The three start to approach the merchant in a threatening manner. Eda cracks her knuckles, Lilith summons her staff, and Crystal's eyes glow green as vines sprout from her bracelets.

Merchant: Tha-That's right, witches! Cower! Cower? *gulps*

After a few minutes, the merchant is seen beaten up.

Eda: Well, we wrecked this chump. But I guess the Bloom of Eternal Youth isn't real. *sighs*

Crystal: Sorry, Mom. We tried our best. *pats her back*

Lilith: Well, if it makes any difference, I don't consider you to be a tired old bitty.

Eda: Really?

Lilith: If you were, you'd be much easier to catch.

Crystal: *worried* You're not gonna arrest us, are you?

Lilith: Not now. Because I want to give you two a chance to join on your own! Join me in the Emperor's Coven, Edalyn. He could even heal your curse. And Crystal, you can really show your skills and put your magic to good use. You can work with me, your aunt. I'm sure we'd make a great team.

Eda and Crystal have a look as though they were actually considering the offer. Eventually the two look to each other before looking back at Lilith and shaking their heads.

Eda: No, I'll heal it on my own terms. I don't wanna owe him anything.

Crystal: While the offer is tempting, I don't want to be limited on what I can do. If I'm gonna help people, I'm gonna do it my way. Sorry, Aunt Lilith.

Lilith: *smiles warmly and chuckles* You really are like your mother. Yet, I can't help but admire your love for your family. I'm glad I have a niece like you.

Crystal sheds a few tears of joy before suddenly hugging Lilith. Lilith was shocked but smiles and eases into it and hugs back.

Crystal: Thank you, Aunt Lilith. You're a cool aunt.

Lilith: and you're a wonderful niece.

Eda smiles at the two before summoning her staff. Eda and Crystal hop on and wave to Lilith.

Eda: We'll see you around.

Crystal: Bye, Aunt Lilith.

Lilith smiles and waves back. Back with the Grey household, Everyone is getting ready to leave and saying their goodbye's to Leon's parents.

Luz: Thanks for bringing us, Leon. *to Sylvia and Albert* It was really nice meeting you two.

Albert: Of course, you and your friends are always welcome.

Sylvia: Don't give up on your dreams, Luz.

Luz nods and walks out.

Sylvia: Willow, you're a great witch. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Willow: Thank you, Sylvia.

Albert: Get on that stage of life and give them the performance of a lifetime.

Willow hugs the two and walks out with Gus following while snapping and pointing at Albert.

Gus: Catch you later, showman.

Albert: *winks and points back* Not if I see you first.

Amity: It was really nice meeting you two.

Sylvia: Of course, Amity. And listen, I know you can fix your social image. Don't let the past define you. What matters is that you look to the future and carve your own path.

Amity: Thanks, Sylvia. I'll remember your words.

Amity leaves with the twins about to follow.

Albert: Edric, keep up the good work.

Sylvia: While I'm all for a good laugh, try not to go too far with your pranks.

Edric: Understood, see you later.

Edric leaves with Emira about to follow. But Emira is quickly hugged by Sylvia.

Sylvia: You're a wonderful person, Emira. Thank you for bringing so much joy to our son.

Emira: Thanks, Sylvia. I should be thanking him. *hugs back*

Albert: You better not break his heart.

Emira: I wouldn't dream of it.

Emira is released from the hug and quickly hugs Leon and kisses his cheek.

Emira: I'll see you in school.

Leon: Not if I see you first. I love you, Emira.

Emira: And I love you to.

Emira leaves while blowing a kiss at Leon who smiles. Once they're gone, Sylvia grins.

Sylvia: So, when are we invited to the wedding?

Leon: Mom!

Sylvia and Albert laugh from his reaction.

Leon: Yeah yeah, laugh it up. So, what do you think?

Sylvia: Your friends are wonderful, sweetie.

Albert: They certainly are a lively bunch.

Leon: Yeah, they're part of why I love living here. I always look forward to what we're gonna do next. Well, I'm gonna head to bed.

Leon starts to walk off, but is stopped by Sylvia gently grabbing his shoulder with a serious look.

Sylvia: Hold on, there's someone else coming.

Leon: Who? Why?

Albert: Your mother thought that it was time to reveal a truth to you.

They hear a knock at the door. Albert opens it up to reveal Vitimir.

Vitimir: *shyly* Hey, Scout.

Leon: *confused* Vitimir? What are you doing here?

Vitimir and Sylvia share a look before nodding.

Vitimir: There's something we need to talk about. You better sit down for this one.

A few minutes later, The four are seen sitting with some tea. Albert and Sylvia look between Leon and Vitimir with nervous looks. Leon looks as though he's processing what he learned.

Vitimir: I know this is a lot for you.

Leon: Yeah, it is a lot to take in. So, you're really my uncle?

Vitimir: *nods*

Leon: How come neither you or my parents said anything?

Vitimir: We agreed that it was for the best.

Albert: We don't fully trust the Emperor.

Sylvia: So, your uncle kept it secret that we were his family in case anything were to happen to him.

Vitimir: You need to understand, it was for your own protection.

Leon: Honestly, after protecting a few palismen from the emperor's forces, I can understand where you're coming from. But, I'm glad to know that I have an uncle. *smiles*

Vitimir: Syl and I were happy to finally tell you. You have no idea how long we've been holding that in. *stands up* Well, I need to go. It was nice seeing you guys.

Sylvia: *hugs Vitimir* Of course, Vinny.

Albert: You're always welcome to drop by.

Vitimir: Thanks, Al.

Leon: *hugs Vitimir* Thanks for visiting, Uncle Vitimir.

Vitimir: *hugs back* No worries, Scout.

With that, Vitimir waves and departs from his family. That night, Leon slept calmly with a smile on his face. Happy and content, feeling a bond with his family that was stronger then ever before.

AN: And there it is. I'm sorry this chapter took longer, I was pretty busy with some stuff this week. But I hope it was worth the wait. special thanks to Trixie090306 for helping with the chapter. I hope you enjoyed, and I'll see you next chapter!!!