Trollhunters: Never Alone

Wingmen Part II

        "Long ago, in the Old Wars, Gunmar raided the Krubera caverns. Gumm-Gumms kidnapped their young to enlist them for their army." Blinky explained.

        "If the Krubera are so sensitive to light, how come Aaarrrgghh isn't?" Toby questioned.

        "Aaarrrgghh was forced to adapt in many ways. Hardened to survive." Blinky answered. We wondered why he didn't speak as eloquently as they did and Blinky answered once more, "Being ripped from your homeland from your home at such a tender age, has a way of stunning one's potential."

        "That's the saddest thing I ever heard." Toby said. Then, we heard a different noise and Jim had finished cutting through the Kill Stone. We all peered over at it. It was so small and fragile that one would almost not even want to touch for fear that it would break. Of course, Toby tried to reach for it, but Jim said, "Toby, get back. This is a delicate and sacred ritual and you're drooling all over it."

        "Look at that faceting." I commented.

        "Two stones done and one more to go... until we can give Gunmar the payback he deserves. The amulet lifted into the air and back into Jim's hand. We went to the Hero's Forge to watch the game.

        Once we reached the Hero's Forge, we saw Draal and I waved towards him. I went towards Draal and said, "It has been a while since we last spoke, Draal, and it has been far too long since we last trained together."

        "It has indeed. It seems that time has got the better of us. We can reconvene later this evening if you wish." Draal said.

        "I shall see you then." I promised. We entered the arena together as Jim was asking about how to play the game. The opponents had grabbed large orb looking ball and were running around and showing off. Draal placed his hand on Jim's shoulder and said, "The object is simple. You and Aaarrrgghh need to get the Gorb past the other team and into the Soothscryer."

        "So, it's like a game of basketball, but deadlier. Good luck, bro." I said patting Jim on the back for what I hope would not be the last time. We wondered where Aaarrrgghh was and Blinky thought he was with Toby.

        "Blinkus, where is Aaarrrgghh?" Vendel questioned. When Blinky wouldn't come up with a good excuse, Vendel said, "It is imperative that he play. You! The big-headed one. He likes you. Go find him." Toby left and Vendel turned to Draal, "Draal, you're in."

        "It would be my honor to compete in the forge once again." Draal said.

        "Not compete. Win!" Vendel proclaimed.

        "We don't need to be so competitive. It is only a game." I said trying to reason with him.

        "This isn't a game." Vendel stated pointing accusingly at me. Why was so determined to win? Isn't it important to just have fun?

        "Okay, Vendel, can I have my amulet back now?" Jim wondered.

        "You didn't tell the boy?" Vendel questioned turning to Draal. Tell him what? Draal stepped forward and said, "In PyroBligst, combatants must earn their weapons including your amulet. You take the small one. I'll handle the big guy." Draal said as Jim mumbled great and the two marched out into the field. I looked at their opponents and I wondered which one was the smaller the one. The game started and Draal tackled the one of the trolls. Jim went to grab the Gorb, but the other Krubera grabbed Jim and threw out of the arena. Jim barely managed to grab hold of the ledge. I was about to go out and help him along with Claire, but Blinky held us back.

        "How was that hit legal?" Claire wondered.

        "It nearly killed him." I pointed out.

        "Unfortunately, killing is fair play in PyroBligst." Blinky informed us. My face dead panned and I felt like I was beginning to panic. If any of those Krubera killed Jim. First off, I would never be able to live with myself for standing on the side lines and second, those Krubera will feel my fury. Draal and Jim met up and they seemed to have a meeting, then split up. Draal grabbed his weapon and fended off the two Krubera on his own while Jim went to grab his amulet. One of the Krubera escaped Draal and charged towards Jim.

        "Jim!" I exclaimed trying to warn him. Jim got the message. Jim dodged the Krubera and used him the Krubera as a boost to grab his amulet. He shouted, "For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command!" His armor appeared and I sighed in relief. Now, they have a better chance of winning this competition. The two Krubera rolled towards Jim, but Jim jumped up on one of the metal spikes and used it towards his advantage. Draal threw the Gorb towards Jim, Jim grabbed it, and threw it into the Soothscryer. I cheered and saw that it was now three to one. They could have a shot at winning this.

        As Jim grabbed the Gorb, one of the opponents came up behind him and smacked him aside with his mace. I gasped and heard a low horn sound. I looked towards Blinky as Draal was helping Jim up and asked, "Now what?"

        "'Tis the Scolding Hour. In your terms, it would be like half-time." Blinky explained. That means... I ran into the arena and quickly embraced Jim. I don't have to stand on the side lines anymore.

        "Easy there, Mo." Jim groaned in pain as I hugged him tightly. If you ignored how deadly the game can be, it was kind of entertaining to watch.

        "Well done, Master Jim. And by "well done", I mean at least you haven't completely embarrassed yourself, or died." Blinky said.

        "The not dying part is what I am most thankful for. Could you imagine that conversation with Mom, Jim?" I asked shuddering at the thought.

        "Thanks, Mo. Thanks, Blink." Jim said.

        "Aaarrrgghh still isn't here?" Vendel questioned.

        "I've tried Toby. No answer. Aaarrrgghh might not make it back" Claire said.

        "We must win." Vendel insisted. Why was he so determined for us to win?

        "I know, for the glory of Troll market." Blinky said.

        "Fools play for glory. We are playing for Aaarrrgghh." Vendel said. We wondered what he meant and Vendel continued, "If they win, they are taking Aaarrrgghh away forever." Vendel explained.

        "They can do that!" I exclaimed

        "Why?" Jim wondered.

        "What! Why! Where! It doesn't matter. Just win the match." Vendel demanded.

        "We're not going to win." Jim said.

        "We may be down, but we're not out! This is the Forge where heroes are born." Draal stated. We pointed out that we were down 4-1. To this Draal responded, "And we're going to be down one more if we give up on Aaarrrgghh. My father watches us from above. Let us make the Trollhunters of the past proud. Let us make Troll market proud. Let us show our guests the humbling they deserve!" Draal proclaimed.

        "Fools play for glory. But, we play for Aaarrrgghh!" Blinky exclaimed. Jim looked back at us and stated,

        "For Aaarrrgghh!"