Chapter 3
Takoda had accompanied both Johanna and Hilda to the local diner to get some breakfast, Takoda simply ordered some pancakes with bacon, since he didn't want Johanna to spend so much on him. After placing their order Hilda decided to make small talk. "So Takoda how long have you been living in Trolberg?" asked Hilda curious to know about the older boy.
"Well I've been living her for about a week and a half, it's a nice town, though I still get little lost everyone once and a while." said Takoda. Hilda giggled at his answer, "Oh don't worry you'll get the hang of it, took me me awhile to get used to the city" said Hilda. Takoda raised an eyebrow, "you two weren't always city folks?" Takoda asked.
"No we use to live out in the wilderness a couple months ago, but due to some... circumstances we had to move to Trolberg" said Johanna. "Anyway Takoda, why are you looking for a job anyway, shouldn't a young teen like yourself be focusing on school instead of looking for work right now?" asked Johanna. "Uh actually Ms. Ramsey I'm not in school, I'm dirt poor and I can't afford a decent education so I get by working" Takoda lied, he hated lying especially to people as nice as Mrs Ramsey, but he knew that if he told them. the truth, she and her daughter would probably think he's crazy. "Oh am sorry to hear that, Takoda, I didn't mean for that" apologized Johanna,
"Don'y worry about it, Mrs Ramsey" said Takoda. Next Hilda had a question of her own, "Hey Takoda, I've been wondering, how did you get that scar on your cheek. Takoda flinched, the three clawed scar on his face was a very sore subject for him, he knew that sooner or later some curious person was going to ask about the scar. "Hilda!" Johanna scold, "what?" said Hilda.
"You don't just ask someone about how the got their scars, it rude" Johanna scolded her daughter, before Hilda could apologize, Takoda spoke up. "It's okay Mrs Ramsey, she just curious no harm done", he looked at Hilda, "To answer your question Hilda, I was off hiking in the mountains with a group of people one day and I was attacked by a mountain lion, scratched me in the face, hurt a lot, but thankfully the group I was with saved me, before the mountain lion could do any serious damage" said Takoda lying about how he got his scar.
"Wow that must have been scary" said Hilda, "You have no idea" said Takoda. He then turned to look at Johanna, "to answer your question Ms. Ramsey the reason I was desperately looking for a job was because I need money to be able to pay for the room at the paragon motel that am staying at." explained Takoda. "Uh the prices for that motel are outrageous i mean 852,51 krona for a night, that's highway robbery" said Johanna. Takoda agreed with her there. "Well it's the only place I could find." said Takoda. Then Hilda spoke up.
"Mum why don't we let Takoda stay our guest room." Hilda suggested. Both Takoda and Johanna looked at Hilda in surprise, Takoda voiced his opinion, "geez Hilda I don't know about that, I mean you just met me today." said Takoda, but Hilda wasn't deterred, "Come on mum, this way Takoda won't have to spend so much trying to pay for the motel room for one night and Takoda can pay you mum." said Hilda. Johanna wasn't sure what to do, Takoda seemed like a nice young man and Hilda made a great point, but she barely knew him. Takoda was tempted to accept Hilda's offer as he didn't want to keep paying for an expensive motel every night, so decided to try and convince , to let him stay in her guest room.
"Well , Hilda does have a point, this could benefit both of us, I'll have a place to stay that isn't overly expensive, I would pay you rent with the money I earn so I won't be leeching off you." Said Takoda.
"Please mum" Hilda begged her mother. Johanna sighed finally giving in, "alright I'll let Takoda stay in our guest room, as long as he pays rent" said Johanna, both Takoda and Hilda were happy to hear that. After that they enjoyed their breakfast, after Johanna payed the bill, she and Hilda decided to take Takoda to there apartment, to show him where they live and where he would be staying. As soon as they entered the apartment, a small white fox with antlers and hooves came running towards Hilda cuddling her.
"Hey Twig sorry about leaving you alone at home, but the diner doesn't allow animals." said Hilda as she hugged the deer-fox, Takoda was surprised to see the deer-fox, he's seen Ligers before, the offspring of a Male Lion and Female Tiger, but never a deer fox hybrid. Twig notices Takoda and walks up in curiosity, Takoda who is fond of animals, especially the weird ones, began to pet the deer fox's head while avoiding the sharp antlers. Twig rubbed his head on Takoda's hand enjoying being petted.
"Aw Twig already likes" says Hilda smiling. Takoda smiles as well finding Twig very adorable. "What is he anyway? never seen anything like him before"
"He's a Deer-Fox, have never seen one before?" asked Johanna.
"Not really, first time every seeing one actually, though he very cute, aren't you little foxy" said Takoda scratching under Twig's chin. Both mother and daughter couldn't help but smile at the display of affection, if Twig trust Takoda then maybe they can too, Johanna then showed Takoda the room where he would be staying in. It was a small room nothing too fancy, with a single bed and a window with a view of Trolberg.
"I know it's small and may not be to your liking Takoda, but-" said Johanna before Takoda cut her off, "no no it's perfect, a lot better and cleaner than that of the motel" said Takoda. Johanna was relief that Takoda liked it.
"Well make yourself at home Takoda, oh and before I forget, let me tell you how much rent will be 248.71 a month and since you're going to be staying here am also giving you a curfew, you need to be in this apartment by 8pm does that seem fair to you?" she asked. Takoda nodded his head.
"Works for me " said Takoda. Johanna nodded her head, "Good well I'll let you get settled then, welcome to our home Takoda." said Johanna as she left the room. There really wasn't much for Takoda to unpack as he only had his backpack with him with a few of his belongings, Takoda was began to think about his dad and the rest of the tribe, he was sad at the loss his tribe suffered and furious at that hooded bastard who was responsible for the attack, Takoda wanted noting more than to rip that guy apart with his bare hands. He was also wondering how his dad, uncle and grandfather were doing, man how he missed them, he wanted to see them again, but he had no clue on how to get back home. Soon he was snapped out of his thoughts by a knock at his door.
"Takoda are you there?" asked the voice of Hilda, Takoda got up and opened the door to greet the blue haired girl.
"Hey Hilda what's up?" asked Takoda
"Just wanted to ask if you want to see my room, I have some things I like to show you" said Hilda
"Alright then" said Takoda as he followed Hilda to her room, as he walked in he noticed that there was a man made tent in the middle of her room. "You sleep in tent in your room?" asked Takoda.
"Only when I want to experience camping every once in a while, Like mum said back at the diner, we used to live in the wilderness before moving to Trolberg and I used to sleep outside in a tent with Twig." explained Hilda
"Really what made you guys move to Trolberg?" Takoda asked.
"Mum wanted me to interact with people, not just with the creatures, at first I thought the city would be boring, but it became quite enjoyable, it also helps that I have two friends in the city."
"It's always nice to try something new, you never know, you might actually like it" said Takoda. Hilda couldn't help but agree with him.
"Anyway I wanted to show you these sketches that I drew" said Hilda as she got her sketchbook and showed Takoda all her drawings, some were of some normal animals like birds, raccoons, rabbits and skunks, while some were kind of bizarre such as round furry, dog-like creatures. They have big, round eyes, small black noses, and long, fox-like tails.
"What is that thing Hilda" asked Takoda.
"That's a woff" answered Hilda.
"A wolf?" said Takoda with a raised eyebrow, that certainly didn't look like a wolf.
"No not a wolf a wolf, w-o-f-f, woff, they can fly and are very friendly towards people" said Hilda
"Really, well where can you find them?" asked Takoda as he was now curious to see these 'Woffs' for himself.
"They fly in packs in the wilderness, though their flying patterns are unpredictable" explained Hilda as she continued to show him more drawings of creatures, he's never seen before. He was surprised to see that trolls and giants exist here and even more surprised that Hilda actually got close to both of them."
"Geez Hilda I know you're and adventurer, but getting close to those things is kinda dangerous don't you think?" asked Takoda.
"Oh don't worry Takoda trolls are only dangerous if they feel threatened or if you threaten their young also they are just rocks during the day, it's a night when they start moving and hunting and forest giants are herbivores." said Hilda.
"Still Hilda, you need to respect the dangerous of wildlife, just because something doesn't eat meat doesn't make it harmless" said Takoda, Hilda just nodded.
"So Takoda what do like to do?" asked Hilda after she had shown him all of her drawings on her sketchbook.
"Well I like swimming, playing basketball and baseball, working out, fishing, and like you I also like to draw" said Takoda
"Wow, you sound like an active person Takoda, and I can tell that you like to exercise, you're pretty muscular." said Hilda, Takoda chuckled "Yeah well it's good to stay in shape Hilda, you can live a lot longer if you have a healthy body." Takoda said.
"Yeah I guess so, so what have you drawn before Takoda?" Hilda asked.
"Well I mostly draw animals, objects, but my best drawing are of people" said Takoda. Hilda had a delighted look on her face when Takoda said he can draw people.
"Wow really you can draw people, do you think you can draw me?" asked Hilda
"Yeah sure, but not right now, maybe when I come back if it's still early?" suggested Takoda.
"Alright then, but I'll hold you to that promise" said Hilda, "So how strong are Takoda, with those muscles you like someone who shouldn't be trifled with." Takoda couldn't help but chuckle at that.
"Want me to show you?" asked Takoda.
"Sure" answered Hilda.
Takoda then got into a push-up position and told Hilda to get on his back, soon began doing push-ups effortlessly as Hilda sat cross legged on his back. Takoda was able to do thirty push-ups, after he was done Hilda got off his back.
"So what do you think?" asked Takoda
"Wow you really are strong" said Hilda
"Thank you" said Takoda "So Hilda what else do you do besides drawing?"
"Well am a sparrow scout along with my two friends David and Frida, it's a lot of fun, gives me an opportunity to explore outside the city." said Hilda
"A sparrow scout huh, how many badges have you earned?" asked Takoda as he got curious.
"I've earned a few, but thats nothing compared to my friend Frida, she has more badges then me and my other friend David." said Hilda.
"Well am sure you'll have as many badges as her one day if you keep working hard." said Takoda.
After a while of talking hobbies with Hilda, Takoda checked the time and saw that it was 12:35 pm, he remembered that Pete told his that his first shift starts today at 1pm. "Sorry Hilda, but I need to get going, I've got 35 minutes to get to the docks, don't want to be late for my first day on the job." said Takoda
"Alright then, but if you see anything strange out there can you tell me all about it?" asked Hilda.
"Sure thing kiddo" said Takoda as he exited Hilda's room to go get his bag. Just as he was about to head out, Johanna stopped him. "Hang on Takoda, before you leave I prepared lunch for you so you don't go hungry while you're out there." said Johanna as she handed him one small plastic container with some sandwiches, small carrots and celery, three granola bars and a piece of pie wrapped in tin foil.
"Thank you , I really appreciate it" said Takoda expressing his gratitude.
"My pleasure Takoda, now you best be going, don't want to be late" said Johanna.
Takoda nodded and left, making his way towards the docks.
Remembering where the docks where Takoda managed to arrive ten minutes early, there he saw Pete carrying some crates containing supplies into his boat, helping him was a young man with ginger hair and goatee wearing a brown knit-cap and wearing a fisherman uniform, over a blue shirt.
Pete saw Takoda and went to greet him. "Ah Takoda good to see you've made it, and ten minutes early too, I like that, anyway let me introduce you my son Kyle Thomsen" said Pete.
"Nice to meet you Takoda" said Kyle extending his hand out for a handshake, which Takoda took.
"Likewise" said Takoda. Pete then spoke up, "anyway Takoda here are your fishermen clothes, you can change in the bathroom on the boat and put your regular clothes in your bag there." said Pete has he handed Takoda a pair of clothing used for fishing.
"Alright then thanks Pete" said Takoda as he took the clothes and boarded his ship and made his way to the bathroom. After changing into the fisherman clothes, Takoda helped Pete and Kyle with the remaining crates. "What's in this crates anyway?" asked Takoda.
"Just some supplies needed for fishing and lots of canned food" said Kyle
"It's always good to be prepared when you go out to sea, don't know how long you'll be there" said Pete.
"We usually keep all this food on the boat incase we ever have to go fishing much farther where we normally fish, so we just keep it for safe keeping" explained Kyle. Takoda just nodded, understanding what they meant. After getting the last crate on the boat, they sailed away from Trolberg, to find a good fishing spot. Takoda enjoyed the fresh air that came with this job, he'd take good old manual labor any day. About thirty minutes of sailing they finally arrived to their destination.
"Alright Kyle and Takoda now that we have arrived at our destination, we need to set up the trawl net, Kyle and I will set up the trawl net for the fishes, Takoda, since it's your first day, I'll give you an easy task, see those cages over there." said Pete pointing at the cages that were on Takoda's left side. "Those are lobster and crab traps, what I need you to do is is to put some bait in them, tie the ropes to the cages and to the boat and let them sink down to the bottom."
"How will I know if any crab or lobster has fallen in the trap?" asked Takoda.
"Just bring it back up, in 20 minutes, and if it's empty, just throw it back down again" said Pete.
"Alright got it" said Takoda as he did as instructed, everything was going smoothly, while waiting for for the fish and crustaceans, Takoda was making small talk with Kyle, while they both enjoyed some hot chocolate and Takoda was eating his lunch that Johanna prepared for him.
"So Kyle, how long have you been working for your dad?" asked Takoda.
"Since I graduated from school, that was about two years ago" said Kyle, "what about you Takoda, how long have you been living in Trolberg?" he asked.
Takoda knew he had to come up with a convincing lie, he couldn't just tell him that he was from another world, luckily, he came up with a convincing story earlier today. "Well am a traveler, I happen to stumble upon Trolberg while I was traveling from the town of Warcester, am dirt poor so I can't afford to go to school, so i'm home schooled." said Takoda.
"Really, so do travel by yourself?" asked Kyle, wondering why a minor like Takoda would travel alone.
"Well I got permission from my dad to travel as long as I continued my studies, the reason I wanted to travel was because I wanted to see what the world had to offer, you see I come from a very secluded tribe and I wanted to see the world outside of my tribe you know, didn't want to be sheltered all my life." said Takoda telling a very convincing lie.
"Yeah I get what you mean, my dream is to become a marine biologist, I was always fascinated with sea life and hoped that one day I can explore the ocean" said Kyle.
"That's quite a dream Kyle, if sea life is really your passion, then you should go for it, my grandfather once told me that you shouldn't give up on your dreams" said Takoda. After the both finished their lunch break, they went back to work. Takoda went to go check on the cages to see if any crustaceans, fell in the traps.
Takoda lifted the three cages out of the water was surprised to see that the cages where full of big crabs, Takoda whistled at this, they were big, not ridiculously large, but the right size to sell. "Hey Pete we got crabs!" shouted Takoda. Pete walked over to Takoda and saw the crabs in the cages.
"Wow, nice job Takoda, first day on the job and you're already caught some tasty looking crabs, these guys will be worth a lot of money on the market" said Pete as he gave Takoda a pat on the back. The rest of shift went rather well, the trawl net had managed to catch a enormous school of fish, such as tuna, sardines, cods, black cods and red snappers, the boat was filled with them.
"Alright boys I think we've caught more than enough fish for today, lets head back to Trolberg" said Pete as he began to steer the boat back to the harbor. As they were heading back, Takoda saw lots of debris floating in the water. "Hey Kyle come checked this out" Takoda called.
Kyle walked over to Takoda, "What is it?" he asked. Takoda pointed to the floating debris, "That looks like a lot of debris for it to just be litter, don't you think"
"Yeah you're right, it looks like debris from a boat and from the looks of it, it must of burnt down" said Kyle as he noticed the burnt wood floating in the water. As they both continued to stare, Takoda saw something in the corner of his eye, he turned in the direction and his eyes widened when he saw that it was a man, floating on a piece of debris.
"Holy crap, Kyle there's a guy in the water!" shouted Takoda pointing towards the man. Kyle saw where Takoda was pointing and his eyes widened. "DAD STOP THE BOAT THERE'S A MAN IN THE WATER!" screamed Kyle. Pete hearing the screams of his son stopped his ship and came down to the deck. "What are you talking about?" asked Pete.
"Look over there" said Kyle pointing towards the man in the water, Pete looked and was surprised. "Quick Kyle, you and Takoda take the life boat and get that man on this ship" ordered Pete. Both young men nodded and got into the lifeboat on the side of the ship and went to retrieve the man, as they got closer and pulled him into the lifeboat, Kyle suddenly recognized the man.
"Oh my god it's Jason!" said Kyle surprised.
"You know this guy?" asked Takoda
Kyle nodded, "his name is Jason Taylor, let's get him on the ship" said Kyle. After getting Jason on the ship, they checked his pulse and thankfully his was still alive, they took him down to the cabin room of the boat and placed him on one of the beds covering him in blankets. Pete was shocked to see that the man was Jason Taylor. "I can't believe, it's old Jason, I wondered what happened to him." said Pete.
"Who is he anyway?" asked Takoda.
"He's a fisherman who works at the harbor like us, him and his crew went out into the waters yesterday, but they never came back, we just assumed that their captain, Raymond probably made them stay all night trying to catch dozens of fish, very typical of that guy, but I never imagine this, what could have happened last night?" asked Kyle while trying to figure out what happened to his fellow fisherman.
"Did you two see any of his crew mates out there in the water?" Pete asked, hoping that the rest were alive."
Kyle nodded his head sideways, "Unfortunately not dad, only Jason." said Kyle. Takoda was checking Jason to see if he had any injuries on him, and to his horror he had a nasty bite wound on his right shoulder, which was starting to become infected. "Guys I think your friend was attacked last night, along with his crew" said Takoda getting both the father and son's attention.
"What makes you say that?" Kyle asked raising an eyebrow, Takoda pointed to the bite mark on Jason's shoulder. "What ever attacked him took a bite out him and probably his crew as well" said Takoda.
"Damn we need to get old Jason to a doctor quickly" said Pete as he went back to steer his ship back to the harbor. "What do you think attacked him?" said Takoda asking Kyle.
"I have no idea, Trolberg has seen it's fair share of creatures, but I don't have a clue on what could attacked Jason, probably something in the water." said Kyle stumped. The two young men stayed watching over the unconscious Jason. The trio finally made it back to the harbor, where Pete wasted no time in calling some paramedics. "Do think Jason is going to be okay?" Takoda asked Kyle concerned for Jason.
"I sure hopes so, considering that he may have been floating all night in the water in this weather, I think he may have hyperthermia" said Kyle. Takoda prayed to the great spirit that Jason would be okay.
"Hey Pete what time do you want me to come back tomorrow?" Takoda asked his boss.
"come back early in the morning to the harbor, and help us make some sales, let's say around 8am" said Pete. Takoda nodded "Alright then Pete will do, see you guys tomorrow" said Takoda as he headed back to the apartment building.
"Have a nice afternoon Takoda, we'll see you tomorrow" said Kyle waving goodbye.
After entering the building and making his way up stares, he knocked on the door and was greeted by Hilda. "Takoda you're back" said Hilda smiling.
"Yep am back" said Takoda also smiling.
"Felt like you were gone forever" said Hilda. Takoda couldn't help but chuckle at that. "I was only gone for four hours, Hilda it wasn't that long" he said
"Anyway would you tell me about how your job went, did you see anything interesting out there?" she asked. Before Takoda could say anything he was interrupted by Johanna.
"I'm sure Takoda can tell you all about his job later Hilda, but right now he really needs to take a shower, he smells like fish" said Johanna smiling while covering her nose. Hilda sniffed Takoda and covered her nose as well. "P.U. you really do stink Takoda" said Hilda laughing.
"Alright alright I'll go take a shower" said Takoda as he went to the bathroom. After a quick shower, he change back into his regular clothing, specifically the black long sleeve shirt he bought at the clothing store yesterday and his dark blue jeans.
"Ah much better, nothing like a shower, after a day of good old manual labour" said Takoda walking out of the bathroom drying his long hair with a towel. Hilda who had been waiting for Takoda to get out of the shower approached him. "Hey Takoda, remember your promise, you said you would draw a drawing of me if it was still early" said Hilda.
"Don't worry Hilda I haven't forgotten, I'm a man of my word after all, so do you have a sketchbook?" Takoda asked. Hilda nodded and handed him her sketchbook, "alright Hilda where do you want me to draw you?"
"I'd like to go the park, am meeting up with some friends and I would also like to introduce you to them" said Hilda.
"Alright then the park it is, perfect place, lead the way Hilda" Takoda said.
"Mum me and Takoda are going to the park, to meet up Frida and David." said Hilda to her mother.
"Ok Hilda, but make sure you're back before curfew, oh and Takoda can I speak to you for a moment?" Johanna asked Takoda.
"Sure thing " said Takoda,"Hilda can you wait for me downstairs?"
"Alright then, but don't take too long" said Hilda as she and Twig headed downstairs.
Takoda walked over to Johanna, "what's on your mind ?" Takoda asked her.
"I just wanted to say to please look out for Hilda, while you two are out there, as you know, Hilda likes to explore tends to go places where it's not exactly...safe, I never say anything to her because she's always with two friends, but I still can't help but worry for her" explained Johanna.
"Don't worry I'll keep my eye on her, you don't have to worry" said Takoda
"Thank you, Takoda I really appreciate it, now you best run along now, Hilda can be a bit impatient when she has to wait" said Johanna.
"Alright we'll see you in a bit, ." said Takoda as he headed downstairs to meet up with Hilda. Johanna then headed back to her desk to get back to work.
"That Takoda sure is a nice fellow ain't he?" a voice spoke up. Johanna looked and saw a tiny elf on top of her desk. "He sure is Alfur, whoever his parents are must be proud to have raised such a nice young man" said Johanna as she worked.
"Do you think you and Hilda can get him to sign some paperwork so that he can be able to see me?, I would very much like to have a conversation with him." said Alfur
"Maybe you should wait a little longer till Takoda fully makes himself at home here" said Johanna.
"Very well then, I'll keep a low profile and keep quiet while he's around, don't want him to think he's hearing voices huh" said Alfur laughing a bit, Johanna chuckled a little at that as well.
And thats chapter 3 anyway for those of you who have seen Hilda, you probably know that Hilda's home doesn't have a guest room, but for the sake of this story let's just there is. So for the next chapter, Takoda is going to meet David and Frida and he will also have a run in with the siren sisters that attacked my other oc Jason from chapter two and am also trying to figure out a way on how he will meet the Marras if you guys have any ideas on how Takoda should meet the Marras pm me or simply leave your suggestion in the reviews. Anyway I hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it, leave a review letting me know what you guys thought about this chapter and stay tuned for the fourth, See Ya =)
