Stormy Winter

Chapter 1: Newfound Hope

Warning, some spoilers in this book.

Hunter Pov

Things eventually normalized to some extent after Belos was finally defeated. Luz and Amity have been doing all they can for the rebuild of the Boiling Isles, and Willow, well she's been one of the few students selected to be a leader for Hexside's new council. Something that was Amity's idea that finally came to light. Everyone has a purpose here, yet all I can really see is that...I'm in the way here, a reminder of what has just happened. Much less someone who played a role in causing this disaster.
I made my decision, I'd be leaving the academy tonight. I'm not even half-a-witch anymore, not without Flapjack.

Willow Pov

Ever since the Day of Unity has passed everyone is doing their best to restore the Boiling Isles to their former glory and then some. Everyone expect Hunter. He seems to be more distant lately, and also pretty down. "Hey Willow, we need you to catch all the rouge kindergarteners." Amity said. "You're the only one with the kind of magic in order to subdue them." She added.
"Coming." I said.
Maybe I should talk to him, see what's wrong with him.
While I was about to get the last one I got launched off of my palisman staff. I screamed.

Hunter Pov

I saw Willow was having to do another thing that the rest of them wouldn't do. Crap she fell.
I used my power I got from Flapjack to quickly catch Willow.
"Gotcha Willow." I said when I caught her. I blushed as I realized I'm holding her.
"Um...Hey Hunter, nice catch." She said blushing. "Um...Can you set me down please?" She asked.
"O-Of course." I said. I then set her down.
"Give me a second, I want to talk with you." She said.
"Ok." I said.

Willow Pov

I walked back over to the council. "Hey, I'm going to take a quick break ok?" I said.
"Ok fine, just hurry please. We're already behind schedule." Amity said.
I walked back over to Hunter.
Admittedly I had a little soft side for him. He's the only one I think would understand me at all.
"What seems to be bothering you?" I asked.
"Oh, it's nothing." He said. "What about you?" He asked.
"A lot is riding on me and can be overbearing." I said.
"Everyone's doing their best, just seems like I'm in the way of everyone." He said.
"Hey if you're having trouble you can always come talk to me you know." I said.
"That's the thing, I can't do anything but cause trouble." He said. "I'm a part of why the Day of Unity even happened." He added.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, you-" I started.
"I mean I'm freaking a grimwalker for titans sake. Flapjack is dead, many others died because of me." He added.
"Hunter, I'm alive." I said. "And it's because of you that both Gus and I are alive." I added.

Hunter Pov

Willow, you're the last person I'd want to hurt. You've been the person who's been nothing but nice to me, the person I admire the most, and the person I fell in love with. I want you to be happy and with people who will appreciate you, and you can only have that without me there.
"I guess that's true." I said.
"Yeah, just remember if you're too overburdened you can talk to me about it whenever you need to." She said.
"Hey Willow, we need your help again." Amity said. "The kindergarteners got out again." She added.
"Looks like my break's over." Willow said. "I'll see you later." She said. She then headed to do her tasks.
I headed to my resting area and began to pack. Not like I had much to pack to begin with. I'll try to sneak out once everyone is passed out, it'll be easier if I just disappear without a trace.
I waited for nightfall and gathered my things.

Time: 0000

Looks like everyone is asleep. Time for me to go. Good bye everyone, thank you for everything.

Willow Pov

I can't sleep, I can't stop thinking about how Hunter is doing.
I looked out the window and saw Hunter outside. I decided to go and talk with him.
I walked down and caught up with him. "Hey Hunter." I said. He turned around and looked at me with a small blush. "Where are you going at this time of night?" I asked.
"I'm sorry, but I'm leaving." He said.
"What?! Why?!" I exclaimed.
"I don't belong here Willow, all of you have a purpose and belonging to this school, and I...I'm just in the way here." He said.
"Hunter, please don't leave." I said. "You're important to the school, how else could we win the flyer derby competition without my star player?" I said.
"That's nice of you to say." He said. "But-" He started.
"But nothing, come on." I said. "I'll show you my secret area I go to escape from everything." I added.
"Ok." He said.
I then grabbed his hand and guided him to a room near the back of the school. It was where I kept some of my plants.
"Look if you're trying to convince me not to go it's not going to work. I've made up my mind, you don't need a grimwalker at the new Hexside." He said.
"What are you talking about?" I said. "You are you." I added. "Besides, who could ever replace you on my Flyer Derby team." I said.
"What good am I to you guys?" He asked. "I barely have any magic, much less any that can be useful to you guys." He said.
"Come on Hunter, just stay." I said. "For me? Please." I added.