Grim, Speak the Shadows

Part 17

Willow was aware of Hunter peeking over her shoulder at the group chat, so she waited until they were walking to the market to pull her scroll back out and go to the secret second chat that started when Willow first started to worry about Hunter's sudden disappearance from Penstagram. She knew he wouldn't like them talking about him, so it was kinda important that they had a second team chat, minus Hunter, to voice their concerns.

SECRET Entrails Group Chat

Hello_Willow: Guys!! Before you join us, there's something you need to know

Hello_Willow: I can't give the details, but Hunter's having a rough time right now, so PLEASE don't ask him any personal questions today!! He just needs a good distraction

Hello_Willow: Also...It's probably best if we all call him 'Caleb' while we're in public

Hello_Willow: And DON'T mention him being the Golden Guard

Hello_Willow: weird request, i know, but please go along with it!!! For Hunter's--Caleb's sake!!

Hello_Willow: Just...think of it like he's undercover

BardQueen15: I have SO many questions but ok! My lips are sealed

Puddles_time: got it, but is he okay?? Like he's not hurt or anything is he?

Hello_Willow: No :/

Hello_Willow: Its...complicated...

HUMAN.GUS: don't worry we'll just act like he's a normal person, right guys?

Puddles_time: Yep! Just a group of friends hanging out, that's all itll be!

BardQueen15: don't worry Wil, we got this!

Willow sighed with relief and put her scroll back away, turning to Hunter as they walked along the streets. He kept glancing every which way, his eyes darting at every person they passed. She frowned at him. "You...doing okay there, buddy?"

"Perfectly fine." Hunter tilted his head away from her, as if he were purposely trying to hide his expression from her. She wouldn't have been able to see his face anyway, with his hood obscuring it, so she couldn't tell whether he was being truthful or not. He didn't sound okay though, and he was acting pretty jittery. He jolted a little bit anytime someone walked past them. Flapjack stayed close to the boy, flying right next to him as they walked.

"Are you su--" Willow started to ask, her brows furrowed in concern.

"I said I'm fine." His tone was surprisingly harsh. Willow hadn't seen Hunter's angry or grumpy sides yet, but she'd heard plenty about it from both Luz and Amity. It seemed like he was in one of those moods now, and so she deemed it best to not bug him anymore until they met up with the others. She could hardly blame him for being upset, even if his tone startled her a bit. He had a lot to be angry about.

After a few short minutes passed, they arrived. It was a little after noon right now, and it was the weekend, so the market place was extra busy right now, which was perfect. Willow had been counting on it being busy, otherwise she wouldn't have suggested that they come here today. They would easily be able to blend in with the crowds of people all around them.

Because it was busy though, it took Willow a minute to spot the others, who were waiting over by The Book Nook. "Caleb, they're over here!" she said, taping his shoulder, then grabbing him by the wrist and leading him over there. "Hey guys!" she said, waving to them.

"Oh Willow! Caleb! You're here!"

"Hey! Nice seeing you again, Caleb!"

Hunter leaned in closer to Willow and raised an eyebrow. "You told them to call me Caleb, didn't you?"