𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 [𝐣𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐱 𝐨𝐜]

Chapter 7 | Don't Think. Become!

The following day at school, Liz arrives at the auditorium. Rows of chairs were set in front of the open stage with Ms. Janeth and a few students milling about. Claire waves Liz to her from backstage. Noticing her friend, Liz heads backstage to greet her. "Good morning, Claire. I got your text last night."

Claire smiles brightly. "Morning, Liz. I'm so excited! So, did you read the script I texted you? Have you decided to audition?"

"Maybe..." Liz replied. Claire's chocolate brown eyes widen along with her smile as Liz continues. "Maybe not. Who knows?"

Claire groans as Liz chuckles. "Come on, Liz. I know you have it in you."

Liz merely shrugs, but with a carefree smile on her face. Before Claire could say anything more, Ms. Janeth called out from the waiting audience. "Next, auditionee."

Grabbing Claire's hands, Liz offers an encouraging smile with a playful wink. "Break a leg."

Nodding, Claire heads to the open stage. Liz listens as Claire begins reciting her favorite line from Romeo and Juliet until she senses two presences behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she takes notice of Jim and Toby but instantly gasps in shock, seeing Jim adorned in his Trollhunter armor, the sword stowed on his back. The two boys smile sheepishly.

Brows creasing and hands on her hips, Liz scolds in whispers. "Have you both lost your minds?! Jim, why are you wearing the armor? You could expose us all! Did anyone see you transform? I swear—"

Before Jim could speak, Toby quickly explained the situation. "The amulet started glowing for no reason, and we had to hide. Then Jim unwillingly transformed, and he couldn't revert. Then Mr. Strickler comes in and sees him, but don't worry. We explained to him that it was a costume he made for the audition for the school play. And because of that, we're here."

Liz pinches the crease between her brow, trying to calm herself. "The armor must have reacted to Jim's emotions and manifested itself as an automatic safety precaution."

She sighed, looking at Jim with worry. "How are you feeling, Jim?"

"Fine. Just been thinking about last night, but I'm okay." Jim reassures Liz, but she does not buy it. She clasps her hands on Jim's shoulders, and upon her touch, the engravings of the armor pulse with blue light. Toby's eyes widened at the armor's reaction, but it was unnoticed by Liz and Jim. "I understand your worries and frustration regarding last night, but remember, you won't be facing it alone. Blinky, AAARRRGGHH, your friend Toby, and I will help you. Together."

Jim's sky blue eyes widen at her response, and he nods, smiling softly in gratitude. Sounds of clapping from the audience grab their attention as Liz releases her hold on him, to Jim's dismay, as the glowing engravings of the armor fade. Claire walks towards them with hands clasped to her elbows, smiling at Liz. Liz smiled back. "You did amazing, Claire."

"Thanks, Liz," Claire replies before setting her sights on those behind her. "John?"

"Um, Jim." Jim gestures to himself shyly.

"And here, I thought you didn't like Shakespeare," Claire stated.

Jim interjected. "Oh, no, he's my favorite. I totally love him."

Claire looks over at the armor, impressed. "That costume is incredible. Did you make it?"

"No. He found a magical amulet that makes it." Toby mentions it, but his response is met with fierce glares from Liz and Jim. Thankfully, Claire merely chuckles, thinking it to be a joke. "You're funny."

Jim chuckled half-heartedly, turning to his friend with his back toward Claire, his eyes scolding. "Yeah, you're a real comedian, aren't you?"

"Next!" Ms. Janeth calls.