Stirred Up: Douxie X OC

12- Magic Aura

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chapter Twelve: {TH: Jimhunters}[3B: Truth Be Told]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Douxie and I run from the troll caverns and leave the canal area as fast as we can. We hop on our bikes and get out of there, on our way to Jim's house.

'''

We run up to the front door of Jim's place and Douxie knocks rapidly on the wood. As his mother opens the door, however, we're surprised at her first reaction.

"Jim??" She blurts out, in hopes of us being her son.

"Miss Lake?" I question.

"Oh... Arya, it's only you."

"You seem panicked. Is something the matter?"

Miss Lake looks around outside before pulling Douxie and I inside. I watch as she closes the door behind us and urges us into the living room, where Claire and Toby are-- looking upset. Just as upset as Miss Lake seems.

"Tell me, you two," Miss Lake addresses Douxie and I, "Have you seen my son?"

I exchange glances with Doux, worried. Then, back to Miss Lake.

"You mean he isn't here?" Doux asks.

Claire looks up with Toby and sees us, their expressions filled with confusion.

"Arya? Douxie? What are you two doing here?" Claire asks.

I turn to her and frown, "We have a problem. It's about TrollMark--" I cut myself off realizing that Miss Lake is still in the room.

"It's ok..." Toby says softly, "She knows now."

I nod, "It's about Trollmarket. The place is crawling with Gumm-Gumms. And that's not even the worst part."

Claire arches an eyebrow, frowning,

"What's the worst part?"

I gulp, "Morgana. She's been revived."

Douxie steps forward, "Are you sure, Arya? We were there earlier, but I didn't sense her at all."

"I'm sure."

"Great. She's out."

Miss Lake nods, and I revive the matter of a missing Jim.

"So... Why did Jim leave?" I take the question delicately.

That's when Stricler -- Mr. Stricler from Arcadia Oaks High-- comes into the room.

"He didn't leave. He was here, and then he wasn't."

"Huh?"

"We don't know... what happened to him. He just... vanished." Toby droops.

"Oh..."

Douxie's phone rings and he steps away for a moment to answer it. Claire starts pacing back and forth in the living room and watching her do it makes me... very nervous.

Douxie returns and puts his arm on my shoulder. I meet his gaze and he shakes his head.

"Just got a call from Arch. He said we're needed back at the apartment."

I lower my head, "Right."

I turn to Claire and Toby.

"I am so sorry to have to leave on such terms, but we should go. I'm sure that Jim will turn up. Just keep looking out."