𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 [𝐣𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐱 𝐨𝐜]

Chapter 46 | Whistling Woe

From all directions in the darkness, with the full moon as their only light source, a haunting melody whistled amongst the trees, their leaves and branches trembling slightly against the cold breeze.

Realizing who it was, Liz watched her surroundings as she spoke, "Jim. Take Claire and run. Get her home, and don't look back."

"What? No way!" Claire said, picking up the stick that had been used to beat down the Goblins and gripping it tightly against her as Jim stared at his partner, stunned. "I'm not leaving you, Liz!"

"That wasn't a request, Trollhunter." Liz declared, bringing her longsword forward as she looked around the area until her sight landed on a particular tree. Nomura crouched on a tree branch like a predator stalking its prey from the high ground. The changeling jumped from the branch, landing in front of the group of teens, Claire's face growing in pure horror as Nomura reached for her dual scimitars, letting out a breathless chuckle. "How cute. And they say chivalry is dead."

The changeling pulled the two orange swords from her back and leaped over to them. Now closer, her slit-pupil green eyes stared unwaveringly at them, and her lips curled in a spine-chilling grin. As Liz got into a fighting stance, Jim shouted over his shoulder at the girl behind them. "Claire, run!"

Without hesitation, Claire took off running to the woods, ducking under the branches, leaving the two behind. Liz, Jim, and Nomura circled one another in the clearing, their flaming, cool-colored swords reflecting against the fiery glow of twin blades within the darkness of the night. The changeling snarled threateningly, then chuckled, raising her swords, ready to attack.

"Let's see how you handle yourselves, lovebirds. Hi-yah!" With a battle cry, Nomura swiped her swords, each blade intensely clashing against the Arcane Sword and the Sword of Daylight, sparking flying upon impact. Grunting, Jim and Liz shoved her back, blocking each striking blow.

Then, the two champions split apart, running in opposite directions. With a growl of irritation, the changeling decided to chase after Jim, her blades nearly detaching his head. Luckily, he bent over from the sharp edges. Running up a nearby tree, Jim used it to flip and land on his feet behind her as Liz quickly threw her sword at Nomura, who turned away in time, the steel edge barely grazing her but knocking on one of her swords and impaling itself on the tree. The changeling stared in shock for a moment, but to their surprise, she grinned. "Impressive. How you've grown. I'll cut you down both to size."

As Jim charged at Nomura, the Arcane sword evaporated from the bark, and another appeared in Liz's hand. Following close behind Jim, Liz joined the battle as they each took a swing at the changeling. Nomura kicked them backward, the two trained teenagers flipping back and landing on their feet. Upon lifting their heads, she was gone, but then a hiss sounded, signaling the fight was far from over.

Jim panted, catching his breath as he held his sword, his gaze searching for Nomura, but his energy was draining fast. After all, he battled Strickler early in the night, ran for a few miles, and fought off a large flock of Goblins. Now, this?

With their minds still connected, Liz heard his thoughts clearly and then felt waves of exhaustion pouring from Jim, his energy depleting rapidly. "Jim, stand back. You're getting tired. Let me take care of this."

"I'm not going anywhere, Liz. I got this. We're in this together."

"Jim –" Liz's thought paused when she spotted Nomura on a branch above Jim, making her shout, "Above you!"

Jim glanced up, yelping as Nomura dropped down from her perch, swinging her sword at him with a snarl. Spinning 360 rapidly, her dual scimitars clashed against Jim's sword as he desperately tried to block each swing, creating sparks.