Author's Note:

Alright, time for a FILL IN ON OUR DISAPPEARANCE.

I, The Wonderland, are now in a committed relationship for 2 years after being single for a while. Do not want to screw this up so I am trying my best to make him a priority as well. Granted that is no excuse but I am an overthinker, I am afraid to lose the one person I actually have feelings for. So, apologies on that.

The team and I received the news in October about a loss and we continue to see loved ones getting close to kicking the bucket so we are grieving and doing our best to put those loved ones first, we have another older loved one saying that they are ready and we are heartbroken to hear it.

We also are beginning the planning and writing stage for 3 Below with such busy lives, we do not have an exact date on when the book will be published but we are getting close to that time. So, we have decided on hoping to get an early start with script writing but it is tiring.

Our jobs are short-staffed still due to the effects of Covid so there is also that. No one wants to work but they are willing to go out with large parties and it gets exhausting.

We are sorry for the long period of absence and we cannot make any promises that it won't happen again but we are still doing this for you guys!

Side Notes:

Usually, with our busy lives, we don't know when the next chapter comes out, sorry about that. Yet, we are working faster so hopefully less of a wait.

We put hints in this chapter! If you can figure it out and what it is directed towards, then boom! You have the answer which you have probably been waiting for!

Please, Enjoy!

The Reckless Club

As the night in Arcadia was still and quiet, the streets empty, a familiar white truck barreled through the neighborhood, speeding from the driveways while the tires squealed as they rubbed harshly against the road.

Another car had followed in pursuit, Blinky sticking his head from the window, the situation clear that it was a creature's doing. The car paced the truck which was filled with Gnomes who had worked the brakes and gas pedal, others steering the truck sloppily.

"I know the allure of operating one of these noble machines, but stop this instant!" Blinky yelled to the small creatures. The truck swerved and smacked the car beside it, throwing Blinky back in the car as it skeeted onto the sidewalk.

The Gnomes chuckled, the one perched at the top of the steering wheel chuckled, chattering to the Gnome below who stood on a brick, pushing the gas with all their might. The truck's engine roared as the vehicle sped up, Jim and Claire not far behind.

"Got them?" Jim yelled to Claire who pulled out her staff, aiming and ready to open a portal.

Toby grinned, "the lovebirds are in action!" He teased, which still made poor Jim blush. It was amusing how Jim reacted to different things, especially when he still blushed at the thought of him and Claire.

"Got them." Right in front of the truck, the portal opened, the Gnome acting quickly to tell his fellow steering buddies to swerve. The force had sent a few flying, one Gnome even crashing into the window. They made it past the portal, Jim still on their tail as the portal closed. "Uh, don't got them."

Aaarrrgghh appeared from an alleyway, Toby perched on his back. "Then leave it to the professionals!" Aaarrrgghh readied himself, hands outstretched and ready to catch the truck. The Gnome chattered, nervous as they couldn't avoid it in time.

Aaarrrgghh easily gripped the truck, lifting the front of it from the ground as the tires spun. "Yeah, look at us!" Toby cried excitedly as Jim and Claire had run up to the finally still truck.

Jim moved to the door, instantly pulling it open. "Freeze, you pint-sized punks." The Gnomes raised their hands, cornered on the seat. "You two take the Gnomes back to Trollmarket and we'll get Senor Uhl's truck back before anyone notices that-" Jim was cut off by the sounds of sirens, Blinky and Aaarrrgghh quickly fleeing the area with the Gnomes in the sack.

Senor Uhl raised an eyebrow. Gnomes have stolen his truck. However, his heart was pounding at the thought of a large troll nearly throwing the precious vehicle and damaging it. He couldn't find a valid reason to chuckle with the students. While they found the moment funny, he wanted to run-up to the screen and save his own truck.

"Oh no," Jim mumbled, the three still around Uhl's truck as the cop car stopped in the road, Senor Uhl in the passenger seat.

"Hands where I can see them." Instantly the Trollhunters held their hands up high, the cop stepping out. "Looks like your little prank is gonna get ya' serving a little time. You want to press charges?" The cop asked, Senor Uhl, stepped out from the car, a wicked grin on his face.

Barbara rolled her eyes, "jail again, Jim?" She had a teasing tone in her voice, making Jim laugh lightly.

"No, the Gnomes are going. Just wait till I tell the cops."

"Hm, no. I have something far worse planned for them. Saturday detention." At that, the three deflated in defeat, and from the miserable night, the scene changed to a monologue, happy music, and different camera angles of the empty school a little more amusing than it was.

A car pulled up, Claire's mother perched in the driver seat. "You never got detention before you met this boy."

"Jim had nothing to do with this, I can screw up on my own, you know," Claire stated. Ophelia looked into her rearview mirror, finding Jim in the passenger seat, causing her to scoff and give a slight eye roll.

Students hissed at Ophelia's hatred towards Jim. Speaking of the mother, she grinned knowing well that this had something to do with Jim. Granted, her personality towards the boy changed, but it was amusing when Claire stuck up for him.

"We'll talk about this later." She added while Claire wore a glare that was directed toward her mother. She opened the door, mimicking her mother's scoff and slamming it shut before facing the car where her friends were.

"I don't get it, pulling a prank to impress that girl Claire?" Toby appeared from behind.

"Uh, I don't think Senor Uhl's truck would impress anyone, Doctor L."

"YES, IT WOULD!" Senor Uhl yelled, the students all turning to stare at him in shock at the outburst.

"No, it wouldn't. It looks like an ordinary truck." Senor Uhl frowned, crossing his arms while Strickler snorted.

"Shut your stone mouth."

"You know, girls don't always fall for the bad boys, Jim. Sometimes they appreciate chivalry." While Toby smiled at her, Jim seemed more annoyed which was rather amusing.

"Uh, thanks for the dating advice, mom."

With a grin, Barbara just had to tease. "Oh, but try not to burglar any cars on your way there." Jim let out a little laugh as Toby closed the door, yelling to his second mother.

The crowd cheered, laughing and clapping at Barbara's sass. She smiled, relaxing in her chair like she had won a long, exhausting fight. Jim simply rolled his eyes before he turned in shock to see Claire laughing.

"Hey, you're supposed to be on my side! Especially since you were with me." Claire just smiled, covering her mouth, trying not to laugh.

"Catch you on the flip side Dr. L!" As they stepped away, Shannon and Eli were both distracted as they stepped up to the school, bumping into each other as Eli yelped, fumbling with his phone.

"Whoa, whoa. Eli has detention!? HOW'D HE GET DETENTION!?"

"Listen, the world is changing, most likely coming to an end. This is no longer a shock. Next thing you know, Eli is taller than us."

"No, shut your filthy mouth! What is wrong with you!? He is a small child who does not get detention!"

Shannon smiled at Eli but the boy hadn't returned it, only ducking his head and stepping away, making Shannon frown lightly. Up at the doors, Claire had been leaning against the pole, waiting for Jim and Toby who finally stepped up beside her.

"Hey, ready to get this over with?" She asked but Jim was smiling.

"Are you joking?" Jim started, smiling clear as day, not even upset with their predicament. "We're spending an entire Saturday without the slightest possibility of almost getting killed! This is a vacation."

The trio's attention was quick to fall on Steve yelling into a truck. "I told you I don't need a ride."

"Yeah, love you too, pal." Coach hissed before Steve slammed the truck door, letting him drive off without another word.

"Is that Coach dropping off Steve?" Toby asked in disbelief as the three teens turned and headed for the entrance.

Steve groaned, the embarrassment flaring up once again. How many times will Steve be shown around the coach doing family-like things? He didn't know if he could take the idea anymore, especially when the whole school sat behind him, watching.

While Steve groaned and hid his face, Coach was actually excited about the situation, even though he already knew Steve's mother. So, it was a win even though Steve was constantly against him and the idea.

"Great, vacation canceled," Jim stated while he and Claire shared an eye roll at the thought of sharing a room with Steve for hours. Once everyone had made it into the classroom for detention under Senor Uhl's care, their phones were now being placed in a small box, the teacher speaking with fierceness.

"There are no cellphones allowed, you can survive without your texts and your apps, and your beepy boops-" he started, standing in front of Mary who was too busy taking numerous selfies. "-your facey spacey and your tweety flaps."

She was too busy giggling at her phone to see Senor Uhl staring down at her. Thinking quickly, he got a strong grip on the phone, trying to pull it from her hands and breaking into a small game of Tug-A-War.

Unfortunately, for Mary, she had lost quickly to the teacher, Senor Uhl grunting and yanking it from her.

"Oh my, her body was flying all over the place, they both really fought over that phone."

"You know, Senor Uhl reminds me of Gordon Ramsey, which is scary."

Blinky sucked in a light breath, "so this is Senor Uhl the Unforgiving at his finest. I see how he could be so-."

"Harsh, mean, sarcastic." Jim started naming off while the said teacher nodded in approval. Was it strange to be happy over knowing you were the mean teacher?

"For your transgressions, you are to do homework the entire duration." Senor Uhl said, stepping to the front and leaving a scowling Mary. Eli was quick to raise his hand, being the good kid that he is, he asked a question.

"What if I already did my homework?"

"You will sit and stare at the wall." He replied back, Eli instantly losing his smile. "You will not leave this room. If I find one of you has left without permission, then you will all be punished. Do you understand?"

"Yes," the small group of kids replied while Toby stared lovingly at a large burrito he had pulled from his backpack, Senor Uhl noticing.

"What is that, Mr. Domzalski?" Toby quickly froze, mouth agape ready to devour the burrito.

"Oh, this? Uh, a Diablo Maximus Breakfast Burrito." Senor Uhl smiled, sniffing the air.

"Ah, Diablo Maximus Breakfast Burrito, sounds delicious."

"It's my favorite!" Toby said with a big smile.

"TOBY! NO, IT'S A TRAP!"

"Oh, your favorite you say. You steal my favorite truck," Toby whimpered, putting it closer to him. "I steal your favorite Burrito." Toby never spoke, only reaching out for his food with a cry. "As they say, fair play is a turnabout. Detention will start now."

The clock ticked as Senor Uhl skimmed through a page of a book, subconsciously moving towards the burrito with a sniff. Toby had been slouched in his desk, stomach growling.

"I usually eat when I'm worried and now I can't even do that. Curse you, Senor Uhl." Speaking of the teacher, he was waving the burrito, smiling wickedly.

"You must be worried a l- OUCH!" Steve cried, holding his stomach after Darci whacked him.

"Let's see you live their lives!"

"Yeah, go Darci!" Toby cheered while Steve held his stomach, each word coming out breathlessly.

"Sorry."

"Diablo Maximus Breakfast Burrito," he licked his lips as Toby watched with a defeated posture.

"I feel guilty sitting here when there's a chance that Gunmar's out," Claire spoke, Jim raising his hand to hopefully calm her nerves.

"Look, Blinky and Aaarrrgghh are already looking into it, without proof that Gunmar really escaped, there's no point in causing a panic in Trollmarket." As Jim spoke, he noticed how focused and wide-eyed Eli was when Jim spoke. His eyes moved to the side, seeing Eli's full attention was on him.

Caught, Eli whimpered and quickly started digging through the books and papers littered on his desk. That was until he grunted loudly, waking Steve up as his glasses flew from his face. The cause was a balled-up piece of paper.

"Well, damn. How hard did you throw that piece of paper?! That seemed like it was personal, personal."

"This is all a dream, Steve and Eli are really in on it now! And what's even worse is that it's so cliche! The bully teams up with his biggest victim to uncover secrets on what his other victim does and the victim is secretly a hero!"

Eli looked to see the trio lightly glaring at him, Toby aiming another piece of paper. "Mind your own business," he scolded, tossing the ball but Steve quickly leaned in to grab it, saving Eli from another shot.

"Mind your own face, Buttsnack." Steve quipped, Eli, fixing his glasses with a smile as the bully threw the piece of paperback in the direction it came from, hitting Jim in the face. The boy simply groaned and rolled his eyes.

"Since when are you and Dumbledork such besties?" Mary spoke with a judging tone, Steve looking away nervously.

"Uh, what, no. We're not besties, ew, that guy? No!" He said no emotion in his voice, clear that he no longer felt disgusted by Eli's presence. He raised his fist and knocked the boy from his seat, Eli yelping as he fell.

"AW! YOU LITTLE FAKER YOU! LYING!"

It was clear the interactions were not noticed by Senor Uhl as he was still staring at the large burrito. "It can't be that spicy." He prepared to take a bite, Toby instantly freaking out.

"It is that spicy, it took me three years to build up the tolerance for a single bite and he's harfing it down in one go!" Toby cried as he looked back at his teacher who had taken a large bite and was humming in delight as he licked his finger.

"Ah, that's good." Senor Uhl stated before he shriveled as his stomach growled intensely, face distorting in pain. He let out a burp and lightly pounded his chest. "Ah, got a bit of a kick, yeah."

Finally, Eli arose back in his seat, rubbing his sore arm. "Good hit, Steve. Way to protect our cover. I'm starting to think Jim and the others aren't here on official business." From Steve's smug smile, the boy instantly grew upset, hearing the news.

"Wait, are you saying we gave ourselves detention for nothing!" The camera panned to the back of the class, the groups all in a deep conversation and making Mary upset.

Jim looked at his team in shock, the others sharing the same reaction. "They are really trying to uncover the secret aren't they?"

"I feel like they know but they don't!" Toby said, holding his head. "We are being spied on. Sorry, Vendel." The said troll just sighed, knowing it was not their fault as a Goblin had appeared in the blonde's basement, but thankfully it was kids that weren't mouthing it all over.

Jim then looked to Steve who shrugged, not sure how to answer anything that was going through the Trollhunter's mind.

"You have got to be kidding me," Jim laughed out, holding his head and turning back around.

"Why is everyone gossiping and not gossiping with me? Oh my gosh! Are they gossiping about me!?"

"Wait, where the hell did she get the phone from?!" Mary just grinned, she wasn't going to tell anyone.

"I'll gossip with you, Mary." Shannon offered.

"Shut up, Shannon."

"Well, that's harsh." Shannon looked down at her lap at the kid's comment. She was doing well, luckily people were actually talking to her and agreeing with her on her decisions. Maybe it was because the school finally understood other people's problems. Maybe seeing Jim, Toby, and Claire risk their lives for them, finally changed their point of view and behavior.

She was proud but it also made her sad that it could all go back to normal and that people wouldn't care anymore. Jim had the decision of whether they kept these moments or went back to live the life they had. She hoped they'd remember and continue to be the people they are since she couldn't imagine being told this in the future.

"Chill, Mar," Claire said lightly, turning to her friend who was texting.

"What, tell that to future me."

"Stop squabbling. From now on, not another word." Senor Uhl yelled until his body had disagreed, gurgling and bubbling. The teacher held his stomach, crying out as he ran to the door, hunched to ease whatever ruckus was in his body.

As he ran out in panic, Toby looked to Jim with a smile, knowing exactly what was going to happen. From the happy moment of victory, it was quickly ruined when the Janus Order was shown, Gunmar perched on his throne with Otto standing in front, Dictatious bowing to the large troll.

"My Underlord, the Pale Lady has blessed me with another vision. The surface on fire, a war. When the flames die out, darkness! Only you remain!" Gunmar tapped his fingers on the chair.

"Well, they are right about one thing, a war. Cause Jim gonna kick your butt Gunmar!"

"And the flesh child?"

"He has many friends who protect him. Before the Trollhunter succumbs, you must lay waste to his guards."

"He has even more now, good luck touching him now that the school knows, jerkface!" Jim didn't seem as rattled at the death threats, however, knowing he soon had to face Gunmar and that there was a war possibly at hand, knowing that people now would be fighting with him to keep him safe, the whole school even. That scared him, they shouldn't have to fight something he caused.

He hoped he did the right thing now knowing the risks. Things are going to be different now.

"That was exactly the plan that I have set out!" Otto cried, clearly upset by the words Dicatious spoke. "This is not prophecy, it is plagiarism." Dicatious stalked up to him, grabbing the man by his shirt.

"How dare you besmirch the Pale Lady's wisdom." He threw Otto back, the man quickly fixing his tie and changing the conversation.

"Sir, you must be hungry. We have prepared a feast of siamese-"

"Cats! All you have to offer is cats and empty words." Gunmar stalked up to Otto, pale staff in hand as the man quickly fumbled.

"Wait, my Lord. You mustn't leave!" Gunmar let out a groan, attitude strong.

"You may advise me, but I take orders from no one!" As Gunmar pointed his finger at Otto who seemed extremely tense and nervous from the encounter and making Gunmar upset, Dicatious had stood there, arms folded and a knowing glare directed at Otto as the door shut, sealing the two from Gunmar.

Back in Trollmarket, Aaarrrgghh held a stack of books out to Draal who took only one before Aaarrrgghh had devoured the rest, letting Draal sit there with a confused look. That was until Vendel stepped in, having something to say.

Claire smiled, "Draal's face is clear that he doesn't know what to do in that situation since Aaarrrgghh likes to eat everything." Blinky shook his head, upset and hurt because those precious books had become snacks.

"Blinky. Are you- are you upset?" Jim asked, turning every attention on him.

"Despite pointless words, those are my books, Master Jim."

"Didn't you burn books and throw them out?" Steve asked, "how is this different?"

"Because of my traitorous brother! That is different. They are created by different authors, therefore, pointless or not, we keep those."

Draal was about to enjoy Aaarrrgghh's interesting snack right before Vendel had stepped through, wacking it none too kindly from his hands.

The crowd leaned back in their chairs when Vendel had violently swung his staff at the book. Some students found it amusing, Vendel was mean but it was more hilarious than hurtful.

"Queen Usurna demands to see the Trollhunter." The Elder started classic pose with one hand behind his back.

"She ain't gonna get nowhere with me! The girl walks into Trollmarket like it's hers and demands the protector and Vendel around!? NO!"

"Alright, I know I would have to face trolls, but can I smack her. Why does she gotta be so mean!? Like what did they do to her!?"

"She reminds me of that evil stepmother in every family. Quick Jim, do something that puts her in her place!"

"And I demand a pair of reading glasses, but has anyone dared to craft those? Ha! Hardly." His commentary was short-lived as Vendel once again, violently smacked the book from his many hands.

The students laughed, Jim and Toby, finding it amusing as once again another book had gone flying out of someone's hands for no reason.

"Vendel is on something today."

"Duh," Mary started, flipping her hair. "Queen Usurna, she's obviously irritating him and you know what we have to do with people who are annoying, especially me."

"Mary, I'm not sure if we should let you handle Queen Usurna. You're feisty but not enough for a troll." She scoffed at Eli, holding a hand up.

"Please, that's nothing."

"It has come to her attention that Blood Goblins and Gruesomes have been sighted in Arcadia."

"What?" Blinky started. "Why would you tell her, Vendel?"

"I didn't. I wasn't even aware of these developments." He turned to look at the nervous brute trolls. "She also knows that the bridge was left unguarded during your rescue mission."

"HOW DOES SHE KNOW?! NO ONE TELLS THIS WENCH ANYTHING!"

"Wait, what did you call her?" Jim asked but was ignored.

"She is probably spying on them because no one wants to talk to her about anything serious. She wants to be a part of Trollmarkets issues when she is not invited."

"An eavesdropper! Not cool Usurna," Toby said, shaking his head.

"Again, an evil Stepmother that makes life an absolute hell!"

"Am I the only one that cares about what someone just called her?" Jim asked, not being answered once again.

"She knows a lot," Aaarrrgghh stated.

"So, it is true." Vendel hissed, tapping his staff on the ground, the two trolls looking down in shame, however, Aaarrrgghh slowly stepped from the side, leaving Draal in the heat.

"I love when they do that awkward sidestep away when things get weird and intense. You guys have a crazy sense of humor. Listen, trolls needed to be on the surface, things would actually be fun."

"Whoever is telling Usurna these things isn't important," during his rant, he had gotten his new, terrible staff stuck on his horns, creating a battle with it to get it off. "What matters is that she's making a case to prove a conspiracy. Before this blows up I suggest you retrieve the Trollhunter and while you're at it, find my staff."

Draal let out a defeated sigh as Vendel stopped to give him a look before fully stepping out, leaving the team to process everything they heard.

"I shall return to the forest for any evidence of Gunmar, I may find."

"How I wonder, after all of this, I have become part of a conspiracy." Blinky shoulders dropped and Aaarrrgghh placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. While the trolls dealt with the news, the Trollhunters sat in a quiet classroom, seeming bored with no clue what raved in Trollmarket.

"Wait, is he really worried about that?" Eli asked, looking at the team who all nodded at once.

"Come on, it's Blinky. What else would he be worried about?"

"Being part of a conspiracy is a terrible thing!" Blinky cried in the background, "rumors and frightening answers!"

Vendel snorted, "now you know how we feel."

While people shared awkward looks, Steve sat straight up, listening in on Toby who spoke to Jim.

"He hasn't been back in a while, you think something happened to him?" That intrigued Steve to speak up, face twisted in many emotions, hoping to get something out of them.

"Like what, exactly? You know something we don't?" With no answer, Steve watched as Jim slid from his desk, not a word was spoken.

"Where are you going?" Claire asked.

"Just to see where he went," Jim replied as if nothing was wrong, stepping up to the door casually.

"But we're not supposed to leave," Eli said, clear worry in his tone that someone was breaking the rules.

"I'm just peaking my head out," like said, Jim turned his head to the bathrooms nearby, hearing the cries and gas from Senor Uhl as Claire joined him, cringing at the noise.

"It's like a broken yogurt machine," she mentioned, Mary poking her head out too, the rest of the class soon joining.

"Uuuh, sounds like lasagna getting shot out a t-shirt cannon."

Senor Uhl couldn't help but turn red, the embarrassment shot through him instantly as now the whole school saw his unfortunate issues after he tried so hard to be the tough and bad teacher. This is something he would never be able to forget again.

"Yeah, that burrito had three ghost peppers in it," Toby replied, knowing exactly what was in that vast burrito. "Too much spice for his delicate Austrian stomach."

"He could be in there all day," Claire said, making the rest of the team smile at that.

"All day!?" Mary repeated. While Senor Uhl continued to destroy the unfortunate toilet, the teens took the time to finally have some fun. Fun, exciting music began to play as Eli was the first to rollerskate in the hallway, leading Toby, Claire, and Jim who raced on bikes behind him.

"Wait, what is this?! What's going on! OH NO!"

"Dude, this makes me want to have detention and know I know how to get out of it. AWESOME!"

A young girl named Rio smiled, "I want that at my school. Solution? Bring a big spicy burrito to school."

"Wait, you don't go to our school?" Steve asked, turning to face her.

"I didn't say that…"

They laughed and enjoyed the moment while Mary spent the time with her phone, taking Mirror selfies. Each photo has an interesting pose. Shannon laid in a pile of books, Claire crashing into her gently with laughs, the two girls sharing a happy moment.

Mary still posed, having the occasional photo bombing from Toby, which Mary quickly accepted. Steve was relaxing in a pile of trophies and balls, inspecting them like he had been perched on a throne.

He was about to sip from one of the trophies before Jim had popped out in a Mole mask, scaring Steve and causing the water to pour down his shirt. Jim quickly fled as an angered Steve followed with a growl.

Soon, the teens had found the yearbook, laughing at their teachers as scribbles and doodles were made around every picture. They cackled while Mary took photos, making sure to remember every teacher she saw.

Then, Eli's face was shown on a phone screen, a video being taken as the camera landed on Claire who pulled a quirky dance move. Steve, Shannon, and Jim had used the desks in their classroom, stacking them as high up as possible before cheering.

"EVERYONE IS GETTING ALONG AND THIS IS SUCH A HAPPY MOMENT." The student went quiet, "that means something bad is going to happen because it does this EVERY TIME!"

Eli soon began to show some funky dance moves on camera, a spotlight on him making a better visual effect.

Shannon, Toby, and Mary were found dressing up in costumes, pretending to be in a band. Steve had held up the boombox while Jim threw confetti at them, any hate or any ideas anyone had were forgotten, only carefree fun was shown.

The teens ended up getting together at a table, having a feast from the cafeteria, and Jim showed a trick while swallowing a noodle and pulling it from his nose, making the girls laugh.

People groaned, "are you serious Jim, that is one of your talents!"

"Sick."

Steve had thrown a piece of food into Toby's mouth, the boy easily catching it and burping after, the teens sharing another laugh. Then as they were riding through the hallways on bikes, they recorded the moment.

The scene began to split into three, funky dance moves, falling exercises, and all-around fun were shown at once, even Shannon got a makeover, Mary and Claire sharing a high five at their work.

Jim was then shown placing the mole head on his own head and grabbing a broom, riding a bike down the hallway at Steve who sported a bucket, both of which fell from their bikes once they hit.

Instead of anger, it was laughter as they removed what was over their heads, the musical number soon ending with a picture being taken with everyone fitting onto three total bikes.

During that time, Draal had made it to the woods, sniffing and inspecting until he came across trollish prints made into the ground. "So, it is true." He mumbled before he grew tense, inspecting the scene around him.

He came upon a tree, looking up to see the hazards of a car going off. Find the doors open as it hangs upside down from a branch. He growled and sniffed a discarded purse before his attention moved to Gunmar who had come from behind.

"What happened here? I don't have a good feeling about this."

The Underlord wiped his face as if he had finished a nice snack as Draal spoke, tense but ready for anything.

"Guys… he was disappointed with Otto's feast! He literally killed some innocent woman. He took her life. Just imagine going home and her last moments were in fear."

"And knowing Gunmar, he is pleased by seeing his prey in fear…" The theater grew quiet, Jim leaned forward, covering his face with his hands, knowing well enough that it was true. He felt like he had to blame himself. It could have been anyone, even a kid. He was selfish and went in alone, the world now had to pay.

Claire put her hand on his back, "Jim. Hey, this wasn't your fault, he could have found a way even without us. Please don't blame yourself for this."

"I have to, Claire. Usurna is catching on, I put the world at risk, even Draal could be at risk."

"I HOPE HE DIES!" A kid cried, "sorry for ruining your moment but I am so pissed right now!"

"So, you are out."

Gunmar smiled, "and you are a long way from Trollmarket. He let out a growl before Draal charged. Gunmar blocked the rolling move from Draal, stopping it with a punch, throwing Draal against the grass. The Dark Underlord leaped high into the air but luckily Draal had rolled from the fists which landed in the dirt where he had just laid.

The dust cleared, Gunmar charging once again, only to receive punches from Draal, who did his best despite losing the upper hand once Gunmar had gotten a hold on his face. Ruthlessly, Gunmar pulled Draal's mechanical arm from his limb and threw the troll into a tree.

However, the fall didn't stop Draal, his ears had caught the car still beeping as it hung. Using the right time as Gunmar lunged, Draal slammed his fist into the tree, the car leaving its suspension and crushing Gunmar.

Before Draal could fully stand, Gunmar had already risen from beneath the car, lifting it into the air and tossing it at Draal who fortunately dodged the oncoming blow. The fight continued until Draal was pinned to a nearby rock with Gunmar's horns.

"You should have run," Gunmar taunted while Draal struggled.

"I do not run. I am Draal, Protector of James Lake, the Bular Slayer!"

Jim's face dropped, he was glad to hear Draal say that, especially the bad start they had, however, Draal was in trouble and no one was there to aid him. While the students were awed at Draal's words, talking about how much the troll cared, Jim found more guilt than anything, ready to run out of the theater and hoped the moment would end.

"Protector of Jim," Gunmar repeated, sucking in a breath with a wicked smile. He donned his sword and laughed, Draal screaming in panic as it began to suck his consciousness. As his eyes turned blue, he let out a loud scream, birds fleeing from the woods at the disturbance.

The theater was silent, even Vendel resting his forehead into his hands. Gunmar had taken Draal from them. Speaking of Draal, he was silent, face emotionless and blinking at the screen. Vendel wondered how he was managing to keep quiet after disturbing news, but he knew that the troll would soon break.

"Not Draal," Toby started, the team sighing in despair.

"Man, this sucks. I hate this, can we go home? I can't watch this crap anymore."

Jim fiddled with his fingers, standing up and all eyes appeared on him. "Give me two minutes, please." As the boy ran off, armor appearing right as he exited the room, the students listened to the deafening silence until things began to crash, sounds of the sword piercing any object echoed through the theater, everyone sitting in awkwardness.

Draal stayed quiet, mind pounding with thoughts. He was supposed to protect the boy, now he could be used as a weapon, he could hurt the boy and that hurt at the thought of it. It sucked since the boy was already hurting at the two losses he acquired.

Standing up, Draal went after Jim, the theater listening to the yelling of Jim but Draal's calm voice. Ten minutes passed and out came the two, Jim back in his regular clothes, trying his best to smile after Draal had given him a speech about everything was going to be okay.

As Jim sat beside his comforting friends, he thought about the few words Draal had spoken to him, over and over again.

Do not blame yourself, for I would do anything to come back to you. To protect you. For you are family, and family always comes back, one way or another. We will see each other again, I will be back and I will speak to you again. Just like my father did.

From the sad moment, the scene changed back to Trollmarket, a Gnome being used as a dart as it's pointed tip impaled a wooden target. Blinky, Aaarrrgghh, and NotEnrique sat in the Troll pub, Blinky still disturbed by Vendel's news.

"Who else could have told Queen Usurna of our recent escape." NotErique chugged whatever was in the cup before speaking.

"Listen More Eyes than Brains. I ain't no snitch."

"NotEnrigue is a great teacher on how to be funny and insulting at the same time. Which seems to be a thing for trolls. Man, I'm hanging out with the trolls."

"If it wasn't you, then how does Usurna have such intimate knowledge of our undoings?!"

"Whoa, es nay on the Queen aye," NotEnriqure said, noticing the guards who stalked up to the trio, all turning to face them to see the said Queen.

"Ah, Queen Usurna," Blinky started. "What do we owe the exquisite pleasure?"

"I demand the Trollhunter, you cannot hide the human forever."

"Um, excuse me. We don't want you anywhere near him, you bring trouble wherever you go!"

"Master Jim had academic matters of the utmost importance to attend." It was clear Usurna did not like that answer.

"Trollhunter has until sundown to surrender himself to the tribunal, or we'll have no choice to issue a warrant for his arrest." She left without another word, leaving Blinky and Aaarrrgghh to take in whatever they heard.

"Great, just great! More bad news! YOU JUST HAD TO SAY SOMETHING!" A student yelled at the kid who said something bad would happen.

"Come on, this happens every time! There is no happy moment! This is a big roller coaster and I've already thrown up and there's more to go!"

"Guys, not like the first time I've been arrested," Jim lightly said, the two students staring at him.

"This is no time for jokes, Jim."

"Wow, what cat peed in her corn flakes?" NotEnrique asked as a breathless Gnome appeared from the cup, the scene going from more disturbing news to the school where the teens took refuge in the gym, Steve playing basketball by himself.

"Ew. That's nasty."

"Ten seconds, clock is ticking," as Steve announced while he dribbled the ball in place, the clock was shown, feeling as if it was moving incredibly slow. "Take left, take right. Palchuk for the win!"

Sadly, Steve had missed the shot, the ball bouncing off the rim but he quickly announced, "Oh! Jim fouls him. Boo, Jim, boo!" The bully chases after the ball, living in his own little world while the rest of the detention kids sit on the bleachers, gossiping.

"So is it true?" Mary asked excitedly, eating popcorn while Eli sat beside her with a bowl of chips. "Did you guys really steal Senor Uhl's truck?!" Eli turned to gasp at them.

"Well technically we didn't steal it, we were just...uh.." Toby's words died quickly trying to come up with an excuse, Claire trying to help but failing as well.

"Yeah, uh, we were"

However, Jim was quick to save it, confidently speaking. "Guys, this town is a snooze fest. Nothing ever happens here, what else do they expect us to do? Read a book?" They laughed in response. "I mean, come on."

"What about you, Mar?" Claire asked, her friend replied in a dreamy state, playing with the popcorn as she thought about what got her here.

"My only crime was love. Miss. Janeth caught me making out under the bleachers with Tight Jean Hank."

"Mary, do you mind?"

"No, not at all. Obviously, you do." She snarked back, the crowd 'oohing' and her reply.

Behind her, Steve was swinging on a rope, chanting his name with the ball in hand. Despite the height difference, he still missed, his body colliding with the hoop instead and he dropped, landing on the floor, the ball still missing despite hitting the rim and landing on Steve's pain-stricken body.

The students laughed at Steve in the background, enjoying the sight of him nearly taking out his whole spine.

"Why did you make out with someone from our rival school?!" Eli cried out.

"He's forbidden fruit, you wouldn't understand."

"Mary, you are a sick little dirty-minded freak."

"Ha!" Steve laughed, dribbling the ball, "Is there anyone you haven't kissed?"

"Jealous?" Mary sneered before Claire spoke up.

"What freshmen did you beat up to wind up here?" She asked with a slight grin.

"What?! What makes you think I beat someone up? Huh? Ever consider, maybe I'm not just a bully, that maybe I could be a good guy."

"Says the student currently serving detention," Jim said, with a brow raised, everyone laughing.

"Burn!" Toby said, pointing. However, the funny moment was ruined by Shannon's nice speech.

"I don't know why we have to be so mean to each other? You know everyone goes through stuff so we act out. Only reason we're here is because we weren't smart enough to get away with it. We should be nicer. I mean, who are we kidding, none of us are perfect. The least we can do is be honest for once, maybe then we can help each other out, ya know? Make this world tolerable."

"I mean, Shannon, you are a sweet girl, and this changes a lot for some people. However, if you said that in front of different people or at a different school, you'd be laughed at."

"Yeah, I know, just nice to get out sometimes."

"Poor Jim, Toby, and Claire are sweating right now. Knowing if they tell, they are done for."

"Dude, why do we have to have this kind of moment?" Steve asked, sighing.

"This is something you'd see on Disney Channel. 'Ya know what, Tara. I'm sick of your games, you can bully me all you want but I don't care anymore. Cause why should I care about what you think when I know I'm awesome. Your words can't hurt me anymore.' Then the cheer track starts playing and she thinks she did something."

"Stop it," Claire started. "Shannon means it, and it is true."

"Yeah, but that Disney Channel thing, that was so true." Toby said, "I've seen it."

"What are you in here for?" Claire asked Shannon.

"Embezzlement. Apparently, there are limits to my powers as student body treasurer." Without looking, Steve threw the ball, actually landing in the hoop this time.

"And the game is over! Jim's booed out of the stadium. He'll never feel happiness again! Boohoo hoo hoo! Oh no, my life is terrible." Jim sighed lightly at that before Mary had noticed the clock.

"Welp, there ya go, Shannon."

"It's almost three, we better head back to class before Uhl returns." As the class leaves, Steve is still mocking Jim. The said boy was quickly alerted to a whistle, turning to see his two troll mentors standing in the gap of the bleachers.

"Master Jim," Blinky whispered, the boy calling out to his peers.

"Uh, I'll catch up with you guys, just gotta tie my shoes." Jim bent down as everyone left, quickly heading to the trolls after easily catching the ball Steve had thrown at him. "What are you doing here?"

"Usurna plans to interrogate you about the inconsistencies in her stories. Don't worry I have a foul proof plan. We will lie like the wind."

"No Blood Goblins," Aaarrrgghh added, still chewing on the basketball.

"Exactly, we'll say that the Blood Goblins were a local variety and the Gruesome was a lost-"

"Tourist," Aaarrrgghh said, the ball popping.

"Yes! And as for Draal leaving his post" Blinky started but that information shocked Jim. The boy quickly said it.

"She knows Draal left his post?! No, I should just be honest for once. I need to tell Queen Usurna everything. I'd rather she hear it from me."

"Jim," Mary started, sucking in a breath. "You lie all the time. This is the one time it will really help. Just do it."

"I can't now knowing that everyone is at risk. Hopefully, I can get more help to fight."

"Jim. No."

"No! We were the ones who plotted this rescue mission," Blinky added, but Jim didn't hesitate, fighting back.

"Which only you had to do because I chose to go into the Darklands alone. Any consequences should fall on me."

"You will be admitting to treason against Trollmarket," Blinky stated, not liking the fact that Jim would be taking the honest route.

"I'm still the Trollhunter, I stand by my actions even if the Tribunal doesn't understand them." From Jim's courageous words, the screen went black, instantly going to the students who snuck through the hallways to the bathroom where Senor Uhl was last seen.

As the students opened the door and bent to the floor, looking under the stalls only to see them empty. "Where'd he go?" Eli asked, growing nervous.

"Quick back to class!" Mary said, knowing that their teacher could very well be on his way back. They snuck through the hallway, Steve skitting to a stop and holding up a fist for everyone else, only for Eli to smack into it and slam into the ground.

Everyone laughed at the scene. Only this group had moments like these every single episode, and it caught you off guard. It was amazing. Leave it to the Trollhunters and Creepslayerz to turn any moment hysterical.

In front of them, Senor Uhl was on his knees in front of an air duct, chugging milk as if it would be gone tomorrow. He gasped and shuttered, voice shaking as he spoke.

"I can't feel my lips!" His head turned in the directions of the students, only to find the hallway vacant. He raised an eyebrow while the huffing students were pressed against lockers, yet Mary didn't seem to care.

"How are we supposed to get to the classroom now?" Shannon asked.

"We can go through the cafeteria," Toby mentioned before stepping off, only to be dragged back by Mary.

"Wait, where's Jim?!" She asked but Claire quickly jumped in.

"Jim's probably already there, come on!" Steve made a gesture, telling them to head in that direction. The team took off but Steve stayed behind, pulling Eli back.

"Jim's already there? Ha, yeah right."

"Time for some CreepSlayerz Recon!" Eli said excitedly.

"I'll hunt down Jim, you keep the plebes in the dark." As Steve ran off in one direction, Eli followed his classmates. Speaking of Jim, he was leading his troll friends out of the school.

"Then it's set, when I get out of here, I'll go straight to Trollmarket to tell Usurna everything." Aaarrrgghh gasped, looking down the hallway to see an angered Draal, one arm and standing in the dark as if it was a paranormal movie.

"Draal? You scared the Great Morkus out of us!" Blinky said, not realizing that something was wrong.

Draal couldn't watch. The harm he would soon inflict on his friends was too much. The troll turned away from the screen, eyes closed as he knew he broke his oath.

"What's Draal doing here?" Jim asked lightly. Draal huffed and charged at them, confusion growing over Aaarrrgghh and Jim's face while Blinky was more worried.

"Why is he charging at us!?" Draal roared, stomping towards them before Aaarrrgghh answered.

"Not Draal anymore," the brute troll jumped in front of his two smaller friends, blocking any harm that Draal could cause.

"He has been touched by the Decimar blade!"

"The Decimar blade?" Jim started before standing. "Then Gunmar is out." Jim was quick to speak the incantation, yet not donning his sword, only preparing himself.

The teens continued to move throughout the school, Toby quickly calling them to get down as Senor Uhl stumbled through the dark cafe, holding his mouth and whimpering.

"Milk! Milk! Where do they keep the milk?!" After chugging it, he turned to the direction of where the kids hid, only to be distracted by a thunderous bang. "Agh! They left the room!" The door opened showing the students in an awkward pile.

"That was too close," Toby muttered.

"Wait, now where's Steve?" Mary asked.

"Ah, probably back in the room with Jim, come on, no time to waste." While Senor Uhl tried to follow the excessive banging, the source of the noise was shown. Jim had his shield out, blocking every blow that Draal tried to land on him.

Toby nodded with a grin, they were finally learning the ways of lying to get through the day. He was proud.

"Draal, you are being controlled!" He cried, hoping to get to him but Blinky broke the news, standing off to the side.

"He cannot hear you, Master Jim!" Before Draal could do damage, Aaarrrgghh had pulled him off from the tiny human.

"Magic too strong," Aaarrrgghh said, trying to keep him detained but struggling. Draal threw Aaarrrgghh off him, slamming the larger troll into Blinky. However, they were alerted to Senor Uhl who called out to them, stalking down the hallway.

"Steve is that you!?"

"Uhl, the unforgiving!" Blinky cried before the doors that were left open instantly closed in Senor Uhl's face as he then called Eli's name.

The class chuckled, glad that Blinky was in on it too, calling Senor Uhl unforgiving as well.

"Who's behind here? Do I hear fighting? Open this door!" As the teacher pounded on the door, the two trolls tried to keep it closed, struggling as they were being pushed towards the light that snuck in.

"Look out!" Blinky yelled, trying to keep in the minimum space they had while their master tried his best to fight through it without hurting Draal.

"I refuse to fight you! FIght it Draal, fight it!" Jim ducked the many oncoming blows, moving swiftly. Senor Uhl continued to pound on the door, Blinky using all his force now.

"Hurry! We cannot hold these doors for long!" They watched as blue smoke poured from the shield when Draal hit it, taking a few more blows and causing Jim to tumble down the hallway, grunting as he rolled.

The Trollhunter stopped, blinking as his head moved to see a figure standing in the mole mask, watching him. Jim rolled to the side, now knowing that someone saw. Distracted, he was nearly pounded into the ground but luckily rolled out of the way.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait. Steve said he was going to look for Jim, you don't think-"

"Steve saw it once again but this time, Jim noticed. Oh no." Everyone looked at Vendel, curious on what the troll thought.

"Well, things are already failing, I cannot argue with this one."

"OH SH-!"

"PG13 DANG IT!"

Finally, his sword appeared, face was stricken with seriousness while Senor Uhl still pounded his fist against the door.

"Open this door! Fine, I'll find another way." The teacher began to stomp off, this time, Blinky was pressed against Aaarrrgghh and the ceiling trying to avoid the growing sunlight.

"Not another step," Jim said while Draal stood tall, lumbering over the boy. "I don't want to have to do this." As Draal did take another step, wearing a wicked grin, Jim's hands tightened on the handle before he deflated. "Come on, please. I'm not going to fight my friend."

Despite not watching, Draal had heard Jim's voice as he spoke, the heartbreak and denial had pierced Draal. The boy cared for him as much as he did and that hurt because Draal knew what he had to say.

"You are trying to save my life, Trollhunter. I have no words to express how much that means to me, however. If it has to be done, you must do it, to save yourself and the others. Don't worry about me, I will be fine in the end."

"I can't do that to you Draal, we are supposed to have a happy ending, do this together. I can't do this without you." Jim said, his eyes nearly knocking the breath out of Draal with how much emotion they held.

"JEEZUS! YOU TWO ARE GOING TO KILL ME! MY HEART HURTS!"

The sword disappeared as Draal stepped over him hauntingly, "I can't fight my friend." Draal's stance instantly changed, the blue waves of magic shot through his mouth as the lights began to flicker.

But it wasn't a moment of happiness, instead, Gunmar spoke, taunting Jim. "Your friend is gone." Gunmar grabbed Jim, slamming the boy into the locker. Jim grunted and squirmed as the doors behind him caved in.

"You'll fight everyone else, even your tribunal is against you."

"What?" Jim said breathlessly.

"I am Gunmar, these aren't my only eyes."

"We will save him, and we will stop you, Gunmar."

"You can't even kill this broken husk that threatens your life, kill this one-armed trash, or else it will be used against you again."

"What do you want from me!?" Jim yelled, "if you want to fight someone, fight me!"

"I'd rather kill you with my own hands," Gunmar spoke, using Draal to give a wicked, scary grin. He laughed, letting the boy drop before stomping off, leaving nothing but a mess of doors and papers scattered around the hallway and Jim crying out in anger at Gunmar.

"Fight me! Fight me! Not Draal!" The anger and the armor dissipated, leaving Jim dropping to his knees in defeat as he mumbled, "not Draal."

Blinky sighed sadly, Master Jim's heart was big and pure. The boy willingly submitted to the fight to not hurt Draal and it saddened Blinky. Their human was suffering through the stress, he knew that things were going to change and all he wished was that nothing bad happened, that Jim and the team would be okay.

The crowd grew sad, hating the sight of someone being so defeated after being through so much. "I hope Draal will be okay, he deserves it." Toby mentioned holding Darci's hand for comfort.

"I don't think I can handle this much anymore."

"Are you injured?" Blinky asked, he and Aaarrrgghh running up beside the fallen boy.

"No, I'm fine. What do we do?"

"Another Saturday detention will do you no good. I suggest you collect yourself and get back to class. The hallway was emptied quickly once Senor Uhl made it in, only to find the destroyed lockers as he looked in disbelief.

Jim snuck through the hallways, running and looking everywhere for Senor Uhl. His ears quickly picked up the sound of footsteps, the boy quickly sliding and running in a different direction. Senor Uhl is right behind but missing Jim completely.

"Who's that, who's over there?" Senor Uhl continued forward, Jim racing in the same direction down the opposite hallway, Senor Uhl missing him every corner. The race was on, the screen splitting into two as they ran in opposite directions, Senor Uhl busting through the door.

"Where's Lake?" He demanded, seeing all the students sitting around.

"Right here Senor Uhl," Jim replied, kicking the door closed as he stood over the trash can, pencil in hand. "Just needed to sharpen my pencil." He laughed lightly before sliding in his seat, Claire and Toby watching.

"Can we mention how Jim just received tons of bad news and fought recently but is now trying to make it back to class?"

"This looks like fun but heart racing at the same time."

"Jim, you worry about how well you can do this and act fine."

"I heard screaming and fighting," Mary rolled her eyes while Steve's eyes moved to Jim with a narrowed look. "Which one of you left the room?"

"We didn't hear anything," Shannon spoke up.

"You told us to stay here," Toby mentioned as the teacher gazed over the classroom, stepping up to the desks

"If no one is going to come forward, then all of you will have detention next week. Ah, Mr. Pepperjack you are a smart young boy with a promising future, possibly no detention next week. Who left the room?"

While Eli nervously bit his fingers, tapping his leg, Toby, Claire, and Jim watched him in worry. "Nobody, you said we weren't supposed to get out of our seats." While the class silently celebrated, Senor Uhl grew angry.

The crowd cheered despite the sadness that grew, Eli finally lied, finally did something no one that he had in him.

"Yeah, Eli! You are becoming a man!" People clapped as Eli smiled, liking the feeling.

"Don't tell him that, he's supposed to be innocent, dang it! I can't handle any more changes!"

"So, you kids think you can take me for a foul, well you know what, I have proof. Come with me, now!" The students slowly got up, following the teacher. They all stood in front of the damaged lockers, now coated with orange spray paint. "Who did this?!"

"Looks to me like a prank from our school rivals, I hate Arcadia Oaks Academy," Steve said, pounding his fist into his hand.

"Aw, you are sticking up for me, thank you, Steve. You do have a heart." Jim teased, making Steve turn a little red, the boy trying to play it off.

"Pfft, of course. Only for me though. Can't have people know that I'm a Creepslayerz."

"Probably Tight Jeans Hank, he was pretty P.O'd when I called it off." When Senor Uhl looked at the Trollhunters, they just smiled and shrugged. Senor Uhl sighed, looking off.

"Very well then, you may leave." The teacher seemed angry, staring at the damage, before a fart noise was made, the students laughing.

"Who did that?! I will find out if it's the last thing I do!" The teacher clutched his stomach when it growled, the scene changing to Trollmarket as the trio stepped down the crystal staircase.

"So Draal is-?" Claire asked.

"No! He's not. We can save him, right Jimbo?"

"You tell me," Jim mentioned, "you saw him, you were in the hall. That wasn't you in the Mole mascot costume?"

The crowd was shocked, he believed that Toby was in the costume. Toby licked his lips, knowing that things were starting to change and that the secret was coming to an end. So, what did that mean for them?

"What?" Toby asked.

"Then who?"

Claire gasped, "Steve, he disappeared from class."

"Steve saw Jim?!" Toby asked while Jim was shocked at the news, "are-are you telling me that, Steve knows?!"

"Now you guys know that Steve knows, but does he know that you know that he knows?"

"Damn it, Strickler and Jim reference, stop it!"

"This is moving way too quickly, I think I need a break."

Before the question was answered, Krubera trolls stepped up to the entrance, Jim instantly donning the armor while the others prepared themselves, only for Usurna to step up once they were cornered and weapons were drawn.

"Under the authority of Trollmarket, James Lake Jr. You are under arrest for the release of Gunmar." The guards instantly seized Jim's arms, lifting him from the ground. "Breaking your sacred oath and treason against Trollkind." They dragged the Trollhunter off, leaving a concerned Claire and Toby, ending it.

"Um. We better end this because I'm about to say things that cannot be heard by anyone else. But WHAT THE -"

"LANGUAGE!"

"SCREW YOU!"

"AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I HATE THIS BUT THIS EPISODE WAS SO GOOD!"

"DAMN IT!"