In our last adventure, Aysha learned the basics of witchery, like how humans are unable to perform magic, unless they used a Palisman. Aysha didn’t have a Palisman, though. There was also some random quest thing? I don’t know. It was a weird adventure.
The sun shined brightly, and we pan down to show Aysha, Eda, and King (Note: The trash slug King’s son side-plot is getting removed for this episode since there’s nothing to really change).
Eda: Well, Aysha! *She elbows her* Did you ever in your life think you’d see something as breathtaking as this?
Eda gestures to the giant corpse a Trash Slug that towers over them. It’s surrounded by trash, and Astro digs around, trying to see if he can find anything that doesn’t stink. He didn’t have much luck, because he backed up and jumped on Aysha’s shoulder, and covered his nose.
Aysha: I agree with ya, buddy. I don’t like this. *She plugs her nose*
Eda: *Walks up to the Trash Slug* Yes, it doesn’t get much more inspiring than the Trash Slug. It makes a home, a life from what others have thrown by the wayside.*She pulls a rubber chicken from the slug’s mouth* Until, blam, it gets blasted by a wave one day and croaks from all the salt. And then we get to sell the stuff it ate. *She pulls a pickaxe out of the Trash Slug’s mouth*
Aysha: Please don’t make me.
Astro barks.
Aysha: I mean us. Please don’t make us do this.
King: *Walking away* Come on, Aysha. *Unfurls a towel* It’s not everyday you get to go to the dump and pick apart a garbage carcass.
Eda: Ah, nuts to you both. *She swings the pickaxe at the Trash Slug*
Aysha: So, Eda…
Glass shatters.
Aysha: What if we tried some new lessons for my apprenticeship? Like…
Something crashes
Aysha: Read ancient scrolls or mix potions together, or-
Eda: *Tossing things from the Trash Slug’s mouth* Ugh. That sounds like a bunch of Magic School stuff.
Aysha: *Aysha’s face lights up* Wait. There’s a magic school? Like, winding towers, cute uniforms, dark plots that threaten your life kind of magic school?
Eda: Mm-hmm. What’s worse is that they force you to learn magic the “proper” way. But magic isn’t proper. It’s wild, and unpredictable. And that’s why it’s so beautiful. I didn’t finish school, and look at me! Who wouldn’t envy where I am right now?
Flies are buzzing around the pile of trash Eda is currently standing in, and Aysha’s expression falls.
Eda: Uh… Hey, here’s a lesson. *She drops her pickaxe* A great witch is resourceful, *She sticks Aysha’s hand into a puddle of Trash Slug bile* like this.
Aysha is grossed out beyond words as Eda drags the young human’s hand back and forth in the trash before letting go. Aysha continues digging until she pulls something out.
Aysha: Oh, hey. Greasy slime ball.
Eda: *closes Aysha’s hand around the slime ball.* Use your slime ball wisely, young witch. *She steps back and heads back over to the Trash Slug* Back at it! We’ll hit the stink nodes first.
Aysha: Actually, if it’s okay, *Starts backing away slowly* I think I’ll head home and look at pictures of animals that are still… alive. Love you, King. *She pets his belly, making him giggle*
Aysha: You little beach peach *She walks into the woods*
*Later…*
Aysha: Ugh! If magic’s all about digging for slime balls, maybe I don’t have the stomach for it. *She pockets the slime ball*
???: *Offscreen* You can do it! You can!
Aysha: *Looks around* Mysterious voice of encouragement? *She looks through the nearby bushes and gasps* No! Little witch girl!
???: *Starts to pace around* You can do it. Even if you get a bad grade, it’s not a reflection of your strength as a witch. And, my dads are right. *Stops pacing* There are better opportunities on this track! And, Evie won’t bother you in every class! Now, to get to school! *She walks forward, holding a pot. But she gets sad when she realizes she stepped on a flower* Oh, no! Oh, little friend! I’m sorry!
She kneels down and repeatedly traces a spell circle. The flower perks back up and fully blooms. Aysha gasps. The strange witch girl’s ears wiggle as she hears something rumbling off screen. She turns and sees a wagon being moved by magic roll to a stop in front of her, carrying a large pot and a long-purple-haired girl reading a book.
Evie: *Looks away from book* Clover! Wow. *Hops off the pot* Sorry about that. You’re so small that I nearly rolled into ya. *She chuckles*
Clover: Hi, Evie.
Evie: How’s it going being in the Plant track? Feeling more related to flowers?
Clover: What do you mean?
Evie: Because flowers are so small and fragile. Just like you!
Aysha wasn’t sure about what was going on, but she felt bad for whoever Clover was. But, she was compelled to jump out of her hiding spot.
Aysha: I don’t know who you are, but you’re not very nice.
Evie and Clover stared at Aysha, confused. Clover was the first to speak up.
Clover: Your ears… they’re so… round.
Aysha: *Covers her ears with her hood and squeaks* Uh, um.
Evie: Abomination, rise!
Aysha turns around, and hears the pot’s lid rattle. A giant purple and pinkish goop monster thing rises up out of it.
Aysha: *Screaming* What is that?!
Evie: *Snickering* It’s called an Abomination. You’re somewhat of an Abomination yourself, whatever you are.
Aysha: I am Aysha. And this, *She holds up Astro* is Astro.
Astro quickly runs down Aysha’s arm, and jumps into her bag, scared of the Abomination. The Abomination pokes Clover’s forehead, leaving behind a star-shape with its goo.
Abomination: You’re a… star.
Evie: Aw, it’s mine. *She readjusts a star-shaped badge that reads “Top Student”* But more fitting for you. Smaller and meaningless!
Aysha could feel her face heating up. She didn’t like this witch, no matter how pretty she was.
Evie: See you in school, Superstar. I bet Bump would love to see your weird creation. *She leaves*
Clover wiped the goop star off her forehead.
Clover: “See you in school, Superstar”. *She mocked* Ugh, I hate it when she does that! I hate getting bad grades! I can’t stand this anymore! *Her eyes glowed green*
Aysha gasped. The flower that Clover healed earlier got lost amongst the mess of thorny roots that bursted from the ground. The roots surround Clover, glowing and writhing angrily. One snakes over to Aysha’s ankle, and picks her up. Aysha screamed, and Astro fell out of her bag. Astro runs over to hide behind the flower pot Clover had with her.
Aysha: Clover! Put me down!
One of the roots smashes down onto the ground, shattering Clover’s flower pot and the plant inside.
Aysha: ASTRO!
Clover’s eyes stop glowing, and she drops Aysha.
Clover: Oh, I’m so sorry! Are you ok? *She makes the roots still wrapped around Aysha’s leg retreat*
Aysha: Yeah, it’s ok. The thorns only went through a few layers of skin… Wait. Astro?
Aysha looks around, and doesn’t see her little arctic wolf friend.
Aysha: Astro! Where are you?
Aysha looks at the dirt that was in the flower pot, and falls to her knees.
Clover: I- I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to-
Clover was cut off as Astro pops his head out of the large pile of dirt.
Aysha: Astro! You gave me a scare…
Astro hops on Aysha’s leg, and then to her shoulder, and then sits on his friend’s head, and Aysha chuckles, scratching the little wolf’s head.
Clover: *Takes a closer look at Aysha* Hey, you’re human! This is astounding! A human on the Boiling Isles! How’d you get here? Why are you here?
School bells ring in the distance.
Clover: *Flinches and lets go of Aysha’s arm* Uh, I’m sorry. I can’t stay. I have to go disappoint my teacher. It was nice meeting you, human. *She walks away, half-waving*
Aysha: W-wait! I’m Aysha, and you’re Clover, right? I mean, technically we already were introduced to each other, but whatever. What you did with that flower and those roots, it was… amazing.
Clover: *Beaming* Really? You think so? I mean, I switched to the Plants track at school because- wait. I shouldn’t be talking to you. I have to get to school!
Aysha: *Squeals and grabs Clover’s arm* Like, magic school?
Clover: *Nodding* Yes.
Aysha: That’s so cool! *She lets go of Clover’s arm* I’m so jealous. I have a teacher, but her lessons are a bit… untraditional. I bet she wouldn’t even let me enroll at your school. But I wish I could spend one day there.
Clover: I wish I could help you, but I need to get this flower to-
Clover cuts herself off when she notices the smashed pot and pile of dirt.
Clover: Oh, Titan… Now I’ll have to make a new flower.
Aysha got an idea.
Aysha: What if you wrap me in plants and pretend I’M a plant?
Clover: *Stares blankly* That’d never work.
Aysha: *Stares at the ground* Yeah… but, maybe I could help you? I know I can’t do magic, but I want to help! And, maybe also come with you. I can pretend to be your personal helper! You know, help you if you’re having trouble. And you can pretend that your parents created me to help you!
Clover: That could work… Fine. I’ll get you into my school, and you can help me.
Aysha silently cheered, and followed Clover. Astro could tell this wasn’t going to go well…
*Cut to the exterior of a school*
Clover: Welcome to Hexside. School of Magic and Demonics. Remember to not draw attention to yourself.
Aysha: *Pulls her hood over her ears, and quickly decorates her face to look like a cat, even clipping a fake tail to her shorts* You got it, mistress Clover *She winks*
Clover giggles, and it cuts to the interior of Hexside. Clover and Aysha stop at a locker, and Clover tickles it so it opens its mouth and gives her her books. A shorter witch reading a magazine bumps into her.
Boy: Clover, can you believe humans?
Clover: *Nervous talking* Humans? Psh. I haven’t seen any. What?
Boy: *Shows her the magazine* Did you know that humans nailed barbed wire to their kids’ teeth? But why? Maybe to make them magnetic.
Aysha: *Grabs the magazine* Actually, it’s to straighten them.
The boy looks at Aysha, confused.
Clover: Okay, Zeddicus. I’m gonna tell you something, but you have to be cool.
Zeddicus: I can spool. *Stammers* I mean, cool.
Clover: Okay. Aysha?
Aysha: *Pulls down her hood* Ta-da! I’m her helper!
Zeddicus: *Drops his magazine* No. No, it- *Plays with his ears while staring at Aysha* it couldn’t be.
Clover: He’s the president of the Human Appreciation Society. Most witches wouldn’t be able to recognize a human right away. But Zeddicus is an expert.
Zeddicus: Where are your gills?!
Aysha: I knew a Zeddicus back in the human world. We called him Zed.
Zeddicus (Zed): Zed? Nickname? Human nickname? Zed? Call me it. Wow. Zed. This is the best day of my life.
The school bell screams.
Zed: I’ve gotta get to spelling class. *Grabs his magazine and a wand before running off* See you guys at lunch!
Aysha puts her hood back on, and follows Clover.
Cut back to the Owl House, where King is giving a baby trash slug a dog treat (Where’d he get that trash slug? Or that dog treat? We may never know…).
King: Aw, who’s a good Prince, Jr.? Who’s a good guy?
Eda: *Sitting in a lounge chair drinking out of a coffee mug* Hey, Mr. Wiggles.You’re not gonna teach it anything doing that.
King: It’s called positive reinforcement, Eda. And it works wonders.
Prince Jr. eats the treat King was dangling in front of it and doubles in size.
King: Ha ha! See? Now watch this. Prince Jr! Attack Eda! Knock over her drink!Mess up her hair!
Eda: *Deadpan* Oh, no. Please stop.
King: Well, I haven’t seen your student in forever. For all we know, she’s not even loyal to you anymore.
Eda: Ha-ha-ha, you wish. But, yeah. Where is she?
Cut back to Clover and Aysha. Aysha follows Clover into a room, which was really humid. Kind of like a greenhouse. Clover and Aysha stopped in front of who Aysha assumed was the teacher.
Clover: Professor, this is Aysha. My parents created her to be my Personal Helper. *Thinking* There’s no way this is going to work.
Plant Track Professor: *Eyeing Aysha up and down* Hmm. Alright. I hope she works correctly. Otherwise, we’ll be forced to ask her to leave.
The Professor walks away, and both Aysha, and Clover look at each other.
Aysha: *Whispering* That shouldn’t have worked. In the human world, if you needed a Personal Helper, you’d have to give the teacher a note.
Clover: *Whispering back* Can you grab a large flower pot and some soil?
Cut to the front door of the Owl House, which is slammed open by Eda.
Hooty: Ow!
Eda: Have you seen Aysha?
Hooty: I heard her tiny mouse feet walking close. Or that might’ve been some mice. Anyway, someone started moving in that direction. *Slightly gesturing with his head* Hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo.
Eda: Are you trying to point or-?
Hooty: Look at the weather vane!
Eda: *Looks at the weather vane* But the only thing that way is the… *Gasps* No. *Runs off* No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!
Eda reaches Hexisde and looks into various windows, the first being a kindergarten classroom.
Teacher 1: Okay, everyone. Recite your runes.
Kids: Krom, Zix, Elgrim, Zenomide–
Eda: No. Blind obedience!
The next classroom has several older students writing at desks while a snake-like teacher speaks.
Teacher 2: Heximal system time! Let’s get memorizin’!
Eda: No! Pointless busywork!
Aysha, still in her disguise, is helping Clover make sure that the flower pot has enough dirt and soil.
Eda: No! Why! School!
Cut to the cafeteria, where Aysha is hiding under the table, and Zed is on the other side of the table, parallel to Clover.
Zed: Hey. Do humans eat PB&J’s?
Aysha: Oh my gosh, I haven’t eaten anything in so long, please give me some.
Zed breaks the PB&J in half, and gives it to Aysha, who grabs it with her mouth, going back to hide under the table.
Clover: I don’t know, Zed. If anyone saw that…
Evie suddenly jumps onto the table, and hops onto the floor.
Evie: I saw that! I can tell that thing was created using Abomination goo! Abominations don’t eat! *She grabs Aysha from out under the table* What are you? Who are you? I want answers! *She violently shakes Aysha*
Plant Track Professor: Evie Blight! (Yes, I’m using the canon last names, but that’s only because it’s easier than trying to make up new ones.) I know you don’t like Clover, but I never expected you to go this far!
Evie: W-what? No! Look at it!
Aysha: *Robotic voice* I was created to be a Personal Helper for Clover Park.
Plant Track Professor: Report to Principal Bump’s office.
Evie: But–
Plant Track Professor: Now!
Evie drops Aysha and runs off. The Plant Track Professor leaves, and Aysha shares a concerned look with Clover.
Cut to a classroom, where Zed, Clover, and Aysha are standing.
Aysha: This disguise is a little uncomfortable. But now we don’t have to worry about Evie. High five!
Clover and Zed stare at Aysha’s hand, confused. Zed shrugs.
Aysha: *Demonstrating* Slap my hand. It’s a human thing.
Zed hesitantly gives her a high five, and then does it several more times with increasing confidence.
Zed: Oh. Oh, my. Oh, man, what a rush!
The classroom door opens, revealing Evie. She smirks and steps aside, allowing Principal Bump to enter the room.
Principal Bump: Good afternoon, students.
Clover: *Whispering to Aysha* Principal Bump.
Aysha freezes, pretending to be an Abomination. Principal Bump steps closer to her. Clover and Zed back off, and Principal Bump observes Aysha.
Principal Bump: Abomination, lie.
Aysha: Uh, viral fame is a worthy pursuit. Your cat would never eat you if it got the chance. Chemtrails are real–
Principal Bump: Oh, no, Abomination. How strange of you to get the command wrong. I mean lie down.
Clover: It’s uh, experimental. It doesn’t-
Principal Bump puts a hand up to stop Clover from talking, and Aysha whimpers as she lies down on the floor, her fake tail somehow swishing around in nervousness.
Principal Bump: So very lifelike. When Miss Blight told me about your “Personal Assistant”, I had to come by, see what she’s made of.
Clover: I can ask my parents.
Principal Bump: No. We were hoping for a more… *Pulls a dagger out of his sleeve* closer look. Clover, I’ll allow you to take the first cut.
Clover takes the offered dagger and smiles at the Principal nervously.
Clover: *Quietly* You can’t just cut open a human, can you?
Aysha shakes her head.
Zed: Wait, Principal Bump! Uh, high five!
Zed holds up his hand, and draws a spell circle, creating an illusion of a giant Abomination.
Zed: Run!
Clover and Aysha flee, leaving the classroom.
Evie: They’re getting away!
Principal Bump: No, the intruder won’t get far.
Principal Bump approaches a wall and traces a large spell circle, then slams the wall in the center of it. Red light forms patterns on the walls and floor, spreading from the spell circle. Cut to Clover and Aysha running through the halls, both panting from exhaustion as they stop at a corner.
Aysha: I’m sorry, Clover. This is my fault. I just wanted to see what a real magic school was like.
Clover: Well, how did you like it?
Aysha: It was lovely, actually.
Both of them giggle, and Astro pops out of Aysha’s bag to see what’s going on (Astro has barely been in this episode I gotta sneak him in somehow).
Clover: Okay, we should get out of here before–
The red light patterns converge on the walls. When they reach a doorway, a red shield blocks it off. Several more doorways are blocked off, the patterns taking over the school.
Clover: …Before Bump seals us in.
Clover and Aysha reach the central atrium, but doorways are still being sealed off. Shadows fall over them. They turn around and gasp, seeing Principal Bump directing Abominations towards them. They run for a bit and hide behind a pillar.
Clover: Oh, this is awful. Evie is right. I’m just a Half-a-Witch.
Aysha didn’t quite understand what Clover was talking about, but felt the need to inspire her new witch friend.
Aysha: You’re Full-Witch, Clover. And you’re great. And someone once told me great witches are resourceful. *She searches the contents of her pockets*
Clover: That’s it! *Grabs the slime ball*
Aysha: That greasy slimeball? What use will that be?
Clover: Aysha, it’s a seed! Thank goodness you had it on you.
Aysha: Yeah. Thank goodness someone told me to hold on to it.
Clover puts the seed in her lap, and traces a spell circle over it, trying to get it to grow.
Thorny vines grow from the seed, reaching to the ceiling. They stab through Abominations and eventually target Principal Bump, sending him to the ceiling and pinning him there. Principal Bup gasps. Vines now cover the entire atrium, curled around pillars and reaching from the bottom most floor to the absolute ceiling. Pink petals fall from above, and several of the vines have flowers on them.
Principal Bump: Remarkable.
The lights sealing off the hallways fades.
Aysha: There’s the exit!
Clover puts the seed on the floor and follows Aysha to the exit.
Evie: *Blocking the way* Not so fast. I’m not letting you get away so easily. Abominations, seize!
An Abomination comes from behind them. Aysha grabs Clover’s wrist, and punches the Abomination’s chest, just barely managing to get through the hole in the Abomination, both of the girls running away. Evie reforms the Abomination and sends it after them again. Aysha and Clover seem to have a clear path to freedom, but another abomination forms in front of them, and Clover screams.
Aysha: Whoa!
The Abomination staggers forward. Clover draws a large spell circle, causing vines to trap the Abomination.
Clover: Get out of here!
Aysha: No! I’m not leaving you!
Clover: I may get detention, but you’ll get dissected!
The Abominations from before melt through the vines, reforming and staggering towards the two girls.
Clover: So go!
Clover waves a hand, summoning two vines to carry Aysha over the Abomination and out the door. The door slams as the vines retreat.
Aysha: Clover! *She sighs* I can’t save you right now. But I know someone who can! *She runs off*
Cut back to Eda and King fighting Prince Jr. It spits lava at Eda, which she easily dodges. She smacks it in the face twice with her staff. It backs towards the front door. Meanwhile, King is pushing a barrel on the roof.
Eda: Pour the salt, now!
King: Baby boy!
Prince Jr. looks up at King, whimpering. And then roars at him.
King: I have no son. Eat salt!
He shoves the entire barrel full of salt into Prince Jr.’s mouth. It shivers, and makes noises of protest, before shrinking back to its original size. It whimpers as it runs off.
King: *Dances* Yes, I did it! I’m amazing! Ahh! *Falls off the roof*
Eda catches him.
King: *Giggles* You helped too. You are a good teacher.
Eda: I wish Aysha thought that too.
Aysha: *Running towards them* Eda!
Eda: Hey, hey, hey, hey! What is this? *Aysha hugs her and King* Ugh! I never understand when you do this.
Aysha: Your lesson worked! Keeping junk in my pocket saved my life! *Gasps* But wait. My new friends. They’re in danger.
Clover: Aysha!
Clover and Zed hug Aysha, who happily returns it.
Eda: Seriously, what is that?
Clover: Aysha, you wouldn’t believe it. Everything is perfect now!
Aysha: You’re right. I don’t believe it.
Clover: Principal Bump was so impressed with my plant magic work, that he’s decided to not expel me!
Aysha: *Hugs Clover again* Yes!
Clover giggles.
Aysha: Oh. What about Evie?
Zed: Last we saw her, she was asking Bump if today could count as extra credit.
Aysha: Well, I can’t wait to see you in action next time I sneak in.
Zed: Uh, about that. You’re kinda, sorta… banned.
Zed pulls out and unrolls a poster reading “BANNED” with a picture of Aysha in her disguise. Astro could also be seen at the bottom, peeking out of Aysha’s bag.
Aysha: How did they even get that picture?
Eda: That’s my girl!
Clover: But we could come here and teach you what we learned.
Aysha: Aw. That would be nice. But… I have a pretty great teacher already.
Eda: Yeah that’s right. Aysha is my student. *Snatches the poster* Back off, academy twerps!
Everyone laughs.
Eda: Ah, baby’s first wanted poster. Good job, kid. *She pats Aysha on the head* Looks like I taught you something after all.
Gus: Uh, you’re supposed to high five with your hands. Not your head.
Eda just stares at him, confused.
