The Two Hunters

Win, Lose, or Draal

Y/n POV
(Arcadia Police Department):

I stepped in front of the lined wall, the small black plaque in my hand. "Pose." The policeman across from me instructed. I held the sign up, standing stiff with an irritated look on my face. The camera flashed a few times before I was allowed to walk outside, where I waited for Jim and the others.

The woman and two boys soon exited the building heading to the car when my teacher, Mr. Strickler, stopped Jim's mom. 'When did he get here?' I thought to myself, following Jim and Toby to the car while the two adults spoke outside. I was in the back seat with Toby, and Jim sat in the passenger seat, leaning against his hand. I looked down at the bandage on my thigh, hoping my cut would heal soon. "How's your leg, Y/n?" Jim asked from in front of me. "Fine. Luckily the cut wasn't that deep, so I should be alright." I reassured them both. "But onto the next topic." Toby said. Jim and I looked at him curiously. "Who else do you think is hiding an evil troll face? Coach Lawrence? Steve?" Toby asked before letting out a gasp.

"What if Strickler's one of them?" I looked at him wide-eyed at the suggestion of our teacher. "Strickler's been teaching history at Arcadia Oaks High since the dawn of history. If he's one, I'm one." Jim defended the man, and I couldn't help but agree. "Anyway, Toby, can I see that picture you took?" I asked, holding my hand out for his phone. He pulled out his phone, swiping for a second before handing me the device.

I stared at the blurry image, wondering where I'd seen that bridge. "Jim, do you recognize this?" I asked, turning the screen towards him. "I know where I've seen this bridge. It's the same one that Blinky was talking about." He informed. "What? The Killa-thingy Bridge? That's, like, ancient history, right?" Toby questioned. "If magic is involved, then anything could happen." I said, letting them know there was a possibility of it being rebuilt. "They're trying to break Gunmar out. This is bad. Like, "Goodbye, Arcadia" bad. As soon as we get home, we're going to Blinky." Jim chimed in.

I did agree we needed to inform Blinky ASAP, but I doubt we're going to be able to go tonight, especially since they were definitely grounded. The car door opened before his mom got in. I turned to look out the window and avoid her glare, but all I heard was her and Mr. Strickler flirting. When he left, I could feel the confusion and slight disgust radiating off of Jim. "Did you actually just ask my teacher out on a date?" He asked the woman. "Don't you make this about me. You guys broke into a museum! And for this? You are grounded until you apologize to that woman." Dr. Lake raised her voice at us. She exhaled loudly before starting the car and driving home.

*Timeskip*
(Outside Trollmarket)

"Where are they?" I thought aloud, looking up at the sky. I had gotten a text from Jim about 15 minutes ago telling me he and Toby were on the way, but the two boys had yet to show themselves. I laid back on W/n's stomach, staring at the tiny dots scattered across the darkness. "Y/n?" I heard a familiar voice. I turned my head to see Jim walking up to me. "Hey Jim." I greeted, looking back up at the sky. "How did you get here so fast?" He asked. His shoes scraping against concrete as he took a seat next to me. "I live in the woods." I wasn't paying attention to him, but I could tell his eyes widened. "You're joking, right?" I shook my head, indicating I was serious.

"So that house my mom dropped you off at was..." "A random house that I chose so it wouldn't look suspicious." I finished his sentence unfazed. "What about your parents?"

"Nonexistent."

I could tell he wanted to say something but kept quiet. "So where's Toby?" I decided to break the silence. "I don't know; we left around the same time." He explained checking his phone to make sure he hadn't missed a text from the redhead. "Are you ready for your fight with Draal tomorrow?" I questioned, finally sitting up to look at him. "To be honest, not really." He answered, but I was more focused on something else. Normally I didn't pay much attention to his facial features, but the darkness made his eyes stand out a lot more. My observation was cut short when I noticed a dark figure approaching behind him. I slid my hand to the dagger on my side, and I noticed Jim's eyes follow my movements. Out of my periphery I could see he was confused, but I kept my eyes on the person approaching.