The Two Hunters

To Catch A Changeling

Y/n POV:

My hand rubbed across W/n's fur as I watched Jim and Toby practice "sword fighting." "Alright. Do your worst." Jim told Toby, holding his sword like a baseball bat. Toby threw the melon at him, and Jim sliced it in half. A mystical blue glow surrounded both halves before the fruit popped, leaving no remains behind. The two celebrated, and I couldn't help but smile at their excitement. "That was amazing!" Toby exclaimed, heading towards the taco bag on the ground. "Alright, what else you got for me?" Jim asked, assuming his fighting stance once more. I gestured for Toby to toss me the bag before he and Jim started whatever they were doing back up.

He handed me the bag before turning his attention back to Jim. I stuffed a taco into my mouth as Toby picked a stack of magazines up off the grass. "Mmm. You know, we should probably recycle these. On the other hand, shredding them is more fun! It's less environmentally conscious but more fun!" Toby rationalized, using all his strength to launch the stack. Jim easily sliced through the paper, shredding it instantly. "Oh! Home run! Whoo!" The raven-haired cheered and laughed with Toby at the paper bits floating around. I found myself joining in on their laughter, but the sound of heavy footsteps made me pause.

The back door creaked open, and Draal stomped outside. "What is this mockery?" The troll's eyes landed on the junk scattered on the grass and the sword in Jim's hand. "Oh, hey, Draal. Just working on some sword fighting skills." Jim swiped his sword with an awkward smile on his face. "The Sword of Daylight is not a toy to be played with. It is a hallowed obligation I have spent my entire life training to be worthy of." Draal scolded. Jim eyed the sword in his hand, contemplating before meeting Draal's eyes again. "You want to take it for a spin?" The boy offered.

Draal snorted, not believing the boy was serious until he noticed the look on Jim's face. Despite his hesitation, the troll took the sword and held it high. It took less than a minute for the weapon to glow blue, evaporate, and return to Jim's hand. "Sorry. I forgot. He apologized with a hint of remorse in his tone. "If my destiny is to not hold the sword, perhaps it is to teach you how to properly wield it." Draal responded, his eye catching a floor lamp that was just sitting in the yard. He went to pick it up and threw off the lampshade. But I was actually impressed when he began skillfully swinging the object like it was an actual weapon.

After that display Draal kicked off Jim's new training as Toby and I sat on the patio watching.

*Timeskip*
(Museum)

After Jim's training we made our way to the museum to meet up with Blinky and AAARRRGGHH. "C'mon." I held my hands out for Toby to grab as he tried to fit through the small frame. "Mmm good, Blinky left the window open. I hope he took care of the cameras." Jim spoke up while I pulled our friend into the building. "They try to rehabilitate us, but the big house only made us better criminals." Toby mentioned, following us deeper into the museum. I walked ahead, checking our surroundings. "The goblins are gone." Jim whispered.  "Good, I hate those things." I rubbed my shoulder, grumbling at the thought of those irritating creatures.

We soon entered the room Blinky, AAARRRGGHH, and Vendel were waiting in, although we were definitely late. Upon noticing us, Blinky approached our trio with a frown on his face. "You're late." He said, staring us down. "Sorry. Draal was training Jim." Toby revealed much to the displeasure of Jim, who elbowed him soon after. "Draal?" AAARRRGGHH turned. "Training?" Blinky finished, his stone eyebrow muscle raising. "Yeah, he sorta made a home in my basement to look out for the place." Jim explained, clearly hoping the two wouldn't mind. "Of course. When a troll is defeated in combat, it's completely natural for them to take refuge in the victor's domicile." Blinky informed. "So you understand?" Jim asked. "I understand such an arrangement could only end in disaster. Utter disaster!" The troll exclaimed, making the three of us shrink back. While I understood Blinky's frustration, I was also glad Draal was taking over Jim's training because it would benefit him to learn different fighting styles.