Author's Note ~
We are so close to finishing this book, it probably would have been finished by now if we stopped posting just one, but I have been struggling mentally. We tried to at least have one done for you all, even if the reactions are crap but I think I am finally doing better and the team has been a big help for my healing with my mental health.
Sorry if this chapter is a little bland, but we were late last time and we'd rather have a chapter for you guys than leave you all wondering.
We really hope you enjoy
Race To Trollmarket
The Taco Truck raced down the road, speeding through Arcadia recklessly, nearly crashing into a car that was driving the opposite way. Tires squealed as the car spun out of the way, crashing into a light pole. Inside, Krel and Aja struggled to keep their parents from moving around, Luug barking as the frantic moment continued.
"Okay, whoa," Mary started, holding up her hands. "I know things happened, and I mean a lot, but this, this is way too chaotic to start off with."
"I'm glad we had quick thinking," Aja mentioned, seeing her parents still encased but okay. She couldn't handle the fact that Morando was taking everything away from her, losing her parents would be the loss of everything.
"Check the AIT connectors. Photon levels in the blue," Krel said before he was nearly thrown to the side because of the reckless driving. "Whoa!"
"It'll be okay," Aja said as the ride was rather bumpy.
"Sorry!" Stuart cried out.
"Everything will be okay," Aja spoke again.
"Stuart, what's our ETA?" Krel yelled, and Varvatos was in his human form out front, using his hand to press against the window to keep himself balanced.
"Not long now! Nearly at my humble abode."
"Not near enough! Step on it, Durian!" Varvatos hissed and Stuart did just that, speeding through and weaving from oncoming traffic that blew their horn in anger. Krel and Aja still struggled to remain on their feet, holding onto the capsules.
"Energy levels normalizing," Krel stated.
"Mama, Papa, if you can hear me, we're on Earth. Remember that old mudball?" Aja asked, her mother still unconscious.
"It's not much, but, uh, I've come to like it," Krel answered, as Stuart called out to them.
Krel was a little shocked to hear that, after all, he was always the one to say how much he hated the Earth, how he wanted to go back home. He wasn't going to lie, he still wasn't much of a Earth person, but there was a small part of him that was changing.
"Here we are!" Stuart hit the brakes, sending Varvatos into the windshield, Krel popping out from the curtain.
"Let's move!"
From the frantic scene, it changed to a much calmer one, a camera recording Chompsky in front of his house as he danced with his wife. It was only a few moments of the sweet scene because Chompsky had jumped at the camera, causing Toby to yelp out.
Toby paused the computer, reviewing the footage and looking at his Gnome friend. "Chompsky, you broke character in every take." Chompsky chittered in reply, blowing a raspberry before walking into his dressing room with a star on it, made from a pizza box. "Don't tell me it was an artistic choice."
"Dude, he has a dressing room?" Jim asked, turning to face Toby with a grin.
Toby sighed, facepalming. "I already seeing this being a bad idea."
"Hurry, here!" Aja's voice echoed, Toby turned to see her and her brother rushing in the two pods, pressing them against the wall.
"Hook them up to the daxial array," Krel commanded.
"Oh, my gosh! Are these your parents? They gonna be okay? Do they need anything? I have a Nougat Nummy if they want one." Stuart and Varvatos unloaded the machinery and claws they had taken from their ship.
Darci chuckled, "I like how you are worried if they want a nougat nummy while they rush to keep their parents alive."
"I'm not sure how I should react in this situation but mine seems pretty valid."
Toby moved to help Varvatos set it up while Krel spoke and readyed it. "Recalibrate the power gauge to one-seven-eight."
"Checking diagnostics, Daxial array powering up," Aja stated as she leaned down, pressing a few buttons to activate the daxial array while Krel stared at a hologram screen, typing away.
"Ha, Mama and Papa's cores are stabilizing."
Aja sighed as she heard the news, only to turn her focus to Toby. "Toby, what are you doing?"
"Eh. While I was holding down the fort, I thought I'd finish my director's cut. But then Chompsky started acting out." Speaking of the Gnome, he came out from his dressing room, wearing a pair of shades as he chattered. "No, I can't make you taller in post! Ugh! He thinks he's a star." Toby grumbled and walked away toward Krel. "Does this mean you're going home soon, back to Akiridion-5?"
"Of course, that was always the plan."
"What? But you can't, not yet. I've got good news. Great news! Captain Kleb is going to premiere before Gun Robot 7 at the local drive-in!" Toby ran toward his computer, showing Krel some of the footage, and the news made the Akiridion boy, smile.
"That's amazing! All our friends are going to be there."
"We'll be local celebrities. Maybe they'll finally name a street after me. Domzalski Drive!"
"Your moving picture party will be the perfect way to celebrate after we stop Morando," Aja scolded. "He's already on his way to Gaylen's core."
"Gaylen's core?" Stuart said, appearing from behind. "O-M-Gorbon! Are you... Are you trying to tell me that Gaylen's core is real?"
"Yep, pretty much," Aja and Krel replied in unison.
"What? What's a Gaylen's core?" Toby asked.
"Well, uh, according to legend, as recounted in A Brief Recapitulation of Akiridion Lore…" Stuart started, opening a book.
Jim's eyes widened as Blinky let out a chuckle. The Trollhunting team was surprised to hear the same title that dealt with Troll Lore, while the extraterrestrials were confused.
"Blinky tried making me read the A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore, he was disappointed so many times."
"You should have studied more, Master Jim! But, you did turn out to be a fantastic Trollhunter."
"You have a book like that too?" Aja asked, smiling. "Lively."
"What? You guys have one of these, too?" Toby said in surprise.
"Gaylen ruled as a being of immense power… until he was defeated in the battle that shook the universe. And Gaylen perished, sadly, but some Akiridions believe that his core remained and contained the latent powers of a god. Whoever uses his core has the power to create and destroy entire planets. And I have always wanted one. Not to destroy a planet, of course. I'm not a lunatic, but it'd just be nice to shed some weight," Stuart laughed nervously, patting his stomach.
"Uh, I don't think weight loss is Morando's plan," Toby replied.
"Fortunately, when we were in Mama and Papa's memories, they showed us where Gaylen's core is, or at least who's protecting it," Krel stated.
"We need to talk to Jim about a Troll named Can-in-jars," Aja added.
"Do you mean Kanjigar?"
"I guess so. Is there a way to contact your Jimbo?" Krel asked.
'Hmm. Let me check if I have my best friend in the whole world's phone number," Toby said, already having his phone out and the contact up. "Yep, totally do!" On the television, the static hissed before Blinky answered, appearing on the screen.
The crowd gasped, not expecting both Blinky and Jim to appear so quickly, but it was nice to see some familiar faces.
"Look, it's Blinky! I missed him panicking!"
"Excuse me?"
"Your timing could not be worse. Master Jim and I are below Hoboken, New Jersey, mid-confrontation with a mysterious armored foe-oh!"
Blinky was cut off as Jim was thrown at him, knocking him down and dropping the phone, revealing their foe. The enemy was wearing white armor, their face shielded away behind a mask. "What was that? He looked scary," Toby freaked. The view coming back but the foe is no longer seen. "I don't wanna interrupt, but it's kinda super important. Long story short, but remember Aja and Krel?"
Merlin stared at the screen, not many people had caught the figure unless they were quiet with their questions, but Merlin knew the nameless figure would be a problem.
"Hi," Aja said as she and her brother waved.
"How's it going?" Jim asked, coming into view, smiling at them before readying himself for a battle as Blinky came into the screen.
"Perhaps we can save the introductions for a more opportune time? This foe requires our undivided attention!"
"I like how Jim greets them while Blinky is panicking so much," Mary joked.
"That enemy did look scary though," Eli stated, rubbing his arms. Would they have to face that soon?
"If they harm Arcadia, then we will kick their ugly butts!" Steve said, punching his fist.
"You know anything about something called Gaylen's core? As in where Kanjigar stored it for safekeeping to protect the universe?" Toby asked as his friends battled.
"Kanjigar kept many secrets. Begone!"
"Our parents gave Gaylen's core to Kanjigar and another Troll named Vendor," Aja started.
"Vendel," Krel corrected.
"In that case, I would recommend... Ah! Back, you foul beasts! I would recommend you consult the Soothscryer!" Blinky yelled, struggling in the battle before the connection was cut off.
"Good luck with the scary armored guy, Jimbo! You know I worry!" Toby yelled.
"What is a suit-cryer?" Krel asked.
"More importantly, where can we find it?"
Toby turned around, excited. "In the most incredible place ever. You, my friends, are about to be the first Akiridions inside Trollmarket!"
The scene changed, viewing purple crystals that grew jagged out of the ground, Kubritz walked up to it, inspecting the strange object as she spoke. "Based on what you learned in the Totality, we suspect that Gaylen's core is being kept here. My predecessor called it "the underneath," a land inhabited by strange creatures. Those creatures avoided the human world until recently."
She showed Morando the clip of the Eternal Night wreaking havoc on the canal and firing in the sky. "I am certain we will find Gaylen's core there," She continued.
"You've done well, Colonel. I have a reward for you." He stepped up to a hologram, the image appearing as Kubritz gasped in wonder. "Constructed from advanced Akiridion technology, this mechanical armor will enable you to vanquish any invaders of your feeble planet." A view of the massive armor came into sight. "When I return, it will be with Gaylen's core."
"OH FOR THE LOVE OF— I hate her."
Under the canals, Toby was dressed in his armor, accompanied by Varvatos, Aaarrrgghh, Krel, and Aja. "I'll see your guys' super-out-of-this-world serrators and raise you...the Horngazel!" He held up the key, drawing the famous semi-circle but struggled to reach the top, jumping and making a wiggled line.
Varvatos sighed as Toby completed the circle, Aaarrrgghh being the one to press his hand against the stone and open the entrance.
"Pretty cool, right?"
"Lively!" Aja breathed out, but the moment was ruined when Omens appeared behind them.
"Tell me, how on Earth did he get there so fast? Are we ever getting a break from this dude!"
"Nothing happens to us that's good, I'm not surprised."
"Oh, no!"
"Morando's here already!" Krel yelled in disbelief.
"Kill them all!" Morando ordered.
"Inside!" Toby yelped as the group ran into the entrance, an Omen's arm flying toward them, only to clatter against the wall. Angered, Morando yelled out again, pointing at the sealed entrance.
"Open fire! Break through that wall!" The blasts rocked the canal, shaking the bridge as it lit up beneath, however, when Morando's team was seen again, his Omens lay on the ground in heaps while Morando pushed himself from the floor.
Morando growled, moving toward the side where the ground had opened during the Eternal night, something he remembered seeing during the explanation from Kubrtiz. "We can enter here." He stated, hand on the ground as his Omens came to him, shooting beams at the ground.
Inside Trollmarket, the crystal staircase was dull and lifeless as the group ran down, Aja speaking. "We have to get to Gaylen's core."
"Will that entrance hold?" Krel asked.
"Don't worry, there's no way they can get in. At least I think they can't," Toby answered as they reached the end of the crystal staircase. Toby held up his hands and excitedly showed them the world beneath their feet. "Welcome to Heartstone Trollmarket!"
Or what was left of it, their faces went from smiling to sadness and Toby gasped, staring at the darkened world around them, destroyed, no longer full of life. It was as if a city had truly become a ghost town.
Blinky knew that Trollmarket would not be the gorgeous living place it has always been, but he didn't expect such a saddened sight. He turned to look at the group of kids he had come to care about, seeing them look grim at the screen while Aaarrrgghh moaned in sadness.
"It is a good thing that we found a new home to start in," Blinky spoke, trying to comfort his friends.
"I don't think I wanted to see Trollmarket like this," Claire answered as Jim nodded.
"This is the most incredible place ever?" Krel asked.
"It was before the Eternal Night," Toby reminded.
"Damp and creepy," Aaarrrgghh spoke.
"With an aura of death and decay. I like it," Varvatos said, at least enjoying the sight.
As the group made it through Trollmarket, Toby noticed a familiar shop, looking at its destruction. "Ah, wait, wasn't this Bagdwella's place? I thought the gnomes did some damage."
"Mmm," Aaarrrgghh groaned, dragging his tongue against the ground as Toby gagged. "They pooped everywhere."
"Do you have to do that?" Toby groaned, voice cracking.
"Come on, let's get to the Suit-cryer," Krel mentioned as they continued to walk.
"Sad," Aaarrrgghh moaned out.
"We know what it's like to lose one's home," Aja stated, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"But your friends, Jim, Blinky, and the Trolls are safe, and that's what matters the most," Krel reminded, looking at Toby who seemed a little grim. However, their moment was ruined when the area shook, rocks falling from the ceiling. "But we might not be."
The group smiled at the comfort that Krel and Aja tried to give, and Krel wasn't wrong, the group was safe at the loss of their home, which was better than keeping a home but numerous deaths on their hands.
"Okay, let's pick up the pace," Toby reminded. A nearby rumble alerted the group, dead Gumm-Gumms laying off to the side as one opened their eyes. "What was that?" Toby asked, unaware of the danger nearby. "We have to move."
The group began to move quickly, not seeing the being move behind them, growling. As they made their way, Varvatos spoke, a dead Gumm-Gumm following them. "Morando and his forces are drawing closer!"
"Lively!" Aja breathed as they made it to the Hero's Forge, no longer lit, but still breathtaking.
"Come on!" Krel reminded.
"Where is this Tooth-scraper?" Aja asked as they ran down the pathway, the world around them, shaking.
"I like how you finally got the daxial array right, but you made a new name for other things that were introduced to you," Mary said.
Aja laughed nervously, rubbing her neck, "Some words are confusing."
"It's up there!" Toby answered the platforms all at different heights.
"Come on!" Krel pushed. They climbed the rough terrain, Toby groaning as he struggled a little more.
"Okay, maybe the armor was a mistake. But I look so good." As they reached the top, Krel looked around, curious.
"So, where is the Suit-cryer?" He asked, Aaarrrgghh answering by moving rocks that had crumbled onto the platform.
"Step here," He stated, which Krel did, the feet lighting up beneath his. It chimed, lighting up the carvings on the ground, the Soothscryer appeared, still intact, lighting up as the mouth whirred. "Very foreboding. How does it work?"
"Stick your hand in and it'll tell you if you're a Trollhunter, or where Gaylen's core is, or maybe bite your arm off. Honestly, I'm not sure, but you have four of 'em anyway."
"Toby!"
"And I would like to keep them all…" Krel laughed nervously, hiding his hands. "Thank you."
"Come on, Krel," Aja stated.
Toby ran toward the front of the machine, sitting on all fours, "Here, let me give you a boost. Not my first rodeo." The two climbed up, staring at the rattling machine, the numerous teeth moving around rapidly. They shared the same look Jim had done, Krel deciding to speak up.
"Together?" They stuck their hands toward the machine, once their hands were inside, the machine stopped, confusing the two as they had squeezed their eyes shut in preparation.
"Uh…"
"Well, that was underwhelming," Krel stated right before the machine lit up brightly, seeming to roar. The sibling jumped down, looking at the smaller boy.
Jim stared in disbelief, crossing his arms with a small pout while Claire laughed, the group looking at him curiously.
"How did it work for you?" Krel asked.
"It slammed down on my arm, my very human, easily breakable arm!"
"He kicked Toby in the face like twenty times, it was hilarious," Steve commented. Krel looked disturbed by the sight, glad that did not occur to him.
"Toby, what is happening?"
"No idea, but that definitely never happened for Jimbo." The bright light sucked back into the mouth of the Soothscryer, only to shoot out a blue orb.
"Fascinating. What is it?" Krel asked as the orb pushed him forward.
"Whatever it is, it must be your answer."
"I think it wants us to follow it," Aja stated, chasing after the orb as her friends followed behind.
"Come on, it's getting away! Keep up!"
It was only when they reached the edge of the bridge, Krel cried out as his sister made a hard stop, "No, no, no, no! Whoa-ho-ho!"
"That looks... deep," Varvatos added, watching the orb disappear down below.
"How do we get down there?" Aja asked.
"We don't! That's The Deep. If you go down there, you face your deepest fear," Toby answered, puzzling Krel.
"Why would anyone want to do that?"
"No one wants to, if you are doing it, it was probably force," Claire said bitterly, remembering the time she had to watch her loved one go deep down due to Usurna.
"Ou, Claire bear is mad!" Mary said, covering her lips as she smiled. "You defend your lover boy!"
"Long story. But Jim made it out alive. Unfortunately, he's the only one who has." Toby said, watching as the orb came back up, trying to get them to follow as it dove back down.
"We don't have much choice," Aja started. "We have to find Gaylen's core before Morando."
"I'll go. You and Varvatos need to fight whatever's coming," Krel said as Aja handed her brother the small chip that held their flotation device.
"Go. Take my hoverboard."
"If I'm not back in five mekrons, all of you come after…" Krel's words were cut off when Varvatos gave him a shove, the boy falling a lot safer on the hoverboard as the orb led the way. Everyone looked at Varvatos with shock, Aaarrrgghh's mouth hanging open.
"Just giving some incentive."
Zadra glared at Varvatos who only chuckled in response. "I am glad you find the situation funny."
"Would you rather him take time, or Varvatos rushing to find the core?"
"And if he died?" Zadra hissed.
However, their moment was ruined when a snarl echoed near them, the figure of a Gumm-Gumm being outlined in the shadows. "Uh, I got a bad feeling about this," Toby commented as everyone pulled out their weapons.
Down in the deep, Krel was chasing the orb, trying his best to stay close, "Come on, Krel. Keep up with that light, keep up with that light. No, no, no, no!" Yet, he didn't see the massive rock pillar that appeared out of the darkness, smacking into it and hitting the ground.
Up above, there seemed to be more snarling as a few sets of eyes laid on the group, Aja's voice full of worry. "What's that?"
"It does not sound like Morando or his Omens," Varvatos added as the Gumm-Gumms stepped out of the shadows, limping and not as agile.
"Gumm-Gumms," Aaarrrgghh answered.
"They survived?" Claire asked in shock as Blinky winced.
"I never knew it could be possible, how do I explain…"
"Aw, man! I never thought I'd see these guys again, let alone in zombie form!"
"Yes, zombie form as Tobias nicely called," Blinky answered.
"Of course, that's possible," Toby groaned as Jim looked disturbed.
"Friends of yours?" Vex asked.
"Not anymore," Aaarrrgghh replied, moving to grab a broken blade. He plucked it off the ground, swinging the blade and letting it knock the four that were slowly advancing.
"How the heck did they survive?" Toby asked, swinging his hammer and smashing one to pieces.
"On dead Heartstone," Aaarrrgghh answered as a Gumm-Gumm stalked up to Toby, the boy holding it back with his hammer just as the troll's breath covered Toby's face, causing him to gag.
"Yeah, that is definitely zombie Troll breath." As Toby knocked his away, Aja was doing the same, cornered by the edge of the Deep.
"They smell worse than Stuart!" She miscalculated, slipping and screaming as she fell, thankfully, Varvatos was close, catching her. "It's been five mekrons. Where's Krel?"
Stuart looked offended as Aja chuckled, "It is true, sorry."
"We must trust the king-in-waiting. In the meantime, enjoy the resplendent combat!" Varvatos said as they worked to rid of the zombie trolls. Speaking of Krel, the boy was in his human form, standing in the sunlight in the middle of town. He panted as things seemed to start moving, hearing people talk to others while Krel was found, sitting on a park bench.
"DJ Krel is in the house!" A voice yelled, and Varvatos friends nearby waved to him.
"Hey, Krel!"
Near the museum, Shannon and Miss. Janeth waved to him as well. "Hey, how's your summer?"
"This is your greatest fear?" Aja asked.
"I am confused as well," Krel shrugged.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Tarron."
The Taco Truck area was no better, Stuart waved as he served Coach, "Hey, Krel! Ha, your order's ready."
"Hey, Tarron!"
"What's happening?" Krel breathed out.
"Hey, Krel, over here," Eli said, walking passed and waving as Steve followed.
"What up, buttsnack?"
"Hey. Eli, Steve," Krel mumbled before smiling, "Stuart, save a burrito for me."
"Son," The father's voice called out, causing Krel to turn and gasp, seeing his parents awake and smiling.
"Papa? Mama?" Krel exhaled, hugging his parents. "What are you doing here?"
"Why wouldn't we be here? This is our home now, Krel." His mother stated, smiling.
"Home?"
"Yes."
"Home," Krel repeated, seeming happy.
"See? All your friends are here." However, their moment was spoiled when Morando's ship appeared, more appearing as rockets fired from the ships.
"No! No, no, no! No! Run! You need to run!" He turned to his parents, frantic, only to see them slain by Morando. He fell back, watching his enemy smile victoriously.
"There's nowhere to run."
"No! Papa! Mama!"
"I will destroy everything you love," Morando said with a laugh, stalking up to him as the world around them turned dark, explosions ripping through Arcadia. Lasers fired at the people he had just spoken with, everything in flames as his friends were murdered.
"No! No! No! No! No, no, no, no, no! No! No. No, no, no, no, no!" The town was left in shambles as Krel panicked, right before he was tossed to the side by Morando.
"Arcadia burns and House Tarron has ceased to exist while you cower," Morando pointed his gun, aiming.
"No. Please, no."
"You couldn't stop me before. You can't stop me now."
Krel sniffled, "No. Please. My friends. My family. This is my home. This is my home. I won't let you do this. Earth is my home. This is my home! I won't let you do this!" As Krel gained his confidence, he pushed himself to a stand, changing his form and protecting himself with a shield.
The crowd was quiet, Krel genuinely enjoyed the new world he was in, making friends and finding reasons to enjoy the place, that's what made his greatest fear a little unexpected. They had no clue they meant this much to him and to see his fear being Morando lighting the world on fire.
"Krel, you like it here," Aja stated.
"I guess I do," He mumbled. Has he been denying it this entire time, trying to keep the same mindset of returning home when he called Earth his home? He couldn't lie, he was enjoying it, but how long was he lying to himself that he hated this place?
"Then... you die!"
"You'll never take my family away again!" As Morando fired, Krel grew more confident, putting away his shield and opening his blade. He and Morando met, Krel pulling out moves that he wasn't sure he was capable of. He swung and swung, cornering Morando. "I won't let this happen again. Never again! I am not afraid!" His blade met Morando's stomach, the enemy grunting as he looked in disbelief.
The world around them disappeared, all pixelated, returning Krel to the deep. The boy stood, watching the orb light a path to the door, and Krel let out a breath, dropping to his knees for a minute. "I did it. I did it!" He pushed himself up, walking toward the door while his friends still struggled with the Trolls.
"Are these guys ever gonna stop?" Toby asked, groaning as he took one down, Aja taking down the other. "I mean, seriously! Yeah-heh-heh!" He cheered as Aja continued to defeat them.
"Varvatos Vex has rarely seen this level of persistence from his enemies," The Guardian said, tossing his enemies to the side as one breathed, causing him to gag. "Or bad breath." Up above, Morando and his team had finally made it down below, the Omens dropping down first and taking out the zombie trolls.
"Yeah, that's Trolls for you, isn't it just exciting?" Claire teased, crossing her arms.
"Trust me, I know about the bad breath," Toby said, turning to face Blinky with a glare. "Remember the dentist and you breathed in my face?"
"Indeed, it was rather pleasing," Blinky laughed.
"Kleb!" Aja breathed, moving through the remains.
Toby panting, following Aja as Morando appeared. "Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh…"
"Varvatos Vex, you cannot keep me from Gaylen's core."
"So, that's Morando, huh?" Toby asked, completely ignoring the slow zombies.
"The overgrown one and I shall hold them off."
"We're not leaving you!" Aja cried as Aaarrrgghh grabbed a nearby troll, tossing it toward where Morando was, smacking the ceiling and rocks fell in front of the enemy.
"We must keep Gaylen's core out of Morando's hands. Get to your brother." He plucked Toby and Aja from the ground, throwing them down the Deep, thankfully Toby's hammer slowing their fall. "More incentive!"
Aja groaned, crossing her arms as Varvatos had to duck from Zadra's hand that had come flying toward him.
"How many times has he thrown you off a cliff?" Toby asked.
"More often than I'd like." Up above, lazers appeared through the cracks of the rocks, opening the path for Morando as they exploded.
"There's nowhere to run, Varvatos. I shall make this your tomb."
"If Varvatos is to die this day, rest assured he will not do so alone," He said, pulling out his shield as Aaarrrgghh growled.
"I know. I'll kill your pet, too!" Morando charged weapon raised as Varvatos yelled out just as the scene changed.
"Glorious!"
Below, Krel stared at the door, trying to figure out how to open it just as his sister and Toby landed. "Krel!"
Krel turned as Aja wrapped him in a hug, "Aja? Toby!"
"Why isn't The Deep doing its thing?" Toby asked.
"I don't know. Maybe The Deep's defenses were made to protect this. And I made it through by confronting my worst fear."
"I'm glad I didn't have to confront mine: dieting. Ugh."
"Are you okay? What did you see, little brother?"
"Morando. He was destroying everything in Arcadia. That's what he'll do if he gets Gaylen's core." Up above, Aaarrrgghh was running off, his actions unsure.
"Aaarrrgghh! You coward!" Varvatos cried as he shielded himself from the blasts.
"Sorry."
"Your pet was clearly not bred for battle. Now I begin to wonder if you weren't either," Morando hissed, both him and Varvatos trying to keep each other's weapons at bay.
Toby snorted, "if only he knew, but Wingman is not a pet, him and Gunmar, sheesh!"
"I fight with honor!" Varvatos' serrator was knocked from his hands as Morando pointed at Varvatos, corning the guardian.
"You call yourself honorable? You betrayed your old king. Now you stand against your new one." Nearby, Aaarrrgghh roared, taking down some of the Gumm-Gumms before pressing his finger into the machine's button, activating the gears and platforms. "The penalty for treason is death."
"You will never be my king," Varvatos said as he stopped Morando's foot, which was about to press into his chest. Reacting quickly, Vex tossed Morando off the platform and onto the gears, causing the enemy to struggle to stand.
The Omens fired at Varvatos, but he picked up his weapon and shielded himself while a swinging axe that was still intact had taken out a couple of Omens. "Have to jump!" Aaarrrgghh said, rejoining his side.
"Varvatos only jumps into battle, not into deep, deep darkness."
"Hmm, you need incentive," Aaarrrgghh said, remembering what Vex said before tossing the Akiridion off. Varvatos screamed, Aaarrrgghh following after him.
Zadra laughed, a little louder than she liked, but as long as Varvatos heard it, she didn't care. "Oh, laugh, how kind of you," Varvatos hissed.
"I like the big one, he is now my favorite."
Down below, Krel asked, "Where are Varvatos and Aaarrrgghh?" His question was answered when the two were still shouting as they fell. The kids gasped, moving out of the way as the two larger men hit the ground.
Varvatos coughed, standing up, seemingly mad. "This one pushed me!"
"Oops," Aaarrrgghh groaned out as Toby ran to his side.
"Wingman! You're okay!"
"We stalled Morando, but he is not far behind. Quick, open the door!"
"I've been trying, but nothing works," Krel said as the door lit up, revealing words scribbled on the side.
"Krel, look," Aja breathed.
"Mama and Papa really did hide the core here."
"It looks like there's a password. The end of the inscription is in Akiridion, but I've never seen the other language before."
"Mm, Trollish," Aaarrrgghh added.
"Well, by all means, my stone-faced friend, enlighten us," Varvatos said.
"With valiance and justice..." Aaarrrgghh started.
"Long may..." Krel added.
"House Tarron reign," Aja finished, the door shining brighter, shocking the group.
"Glorious," Varvatos said.
"Lively!" Toby said, a little shocked.
"Awesomesauce," Aja quoted. A blast of red echoed behind them, Toby being the first one to panic.
"I don't like that you switched, but this is cool!"
"Open up, open up, open up! Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my…" The door opened, revealing a blackened room. "Or we could stay. Let's stay. Aah!" Blasts of red nearly took the group down as the Omens fired.
"Go! Go, go, go!" Aja rushed.
"Take cover!" Vex yelled. As the group ran inside, only one Omen tried to keep the door open, but Aja reacted quickly, using her foot to kick the bot away and seal the door shut.
"Uh... so, now what?" Toby asked. His question was answered when the same blue orb lit up, being lifted by a hologram arm as more images appeared.
"Pretty," Aaarrrgghh breathed.
"Is that…"
"Seklos and Gaylen!" Varvatos cried.
"The legend of Gaylen's core," Aja said in shock.
"Aw, man! Wish I brought my film camera," Toby groaned, pulling out his phone and recording.
"From the stars, Gaylen created Akiridion-5. But his power grew too fearsome," Aja spoke as the images created what she spoke.
"Only Seklos found the power to stop Gaylen. Channeling her own life energy, she sacrificed herself to pierce his core." As Seklos fired at Gaylen, a bright light blinded the group, causing them to shout in surprise.
When it cleared, from the blue orb had grown Kanjigar. "But the legend did not end there."
"Kanjigar! You led us here?" Toby asked and Kanjigar chuckled.
Blinky was surprised to see Kanjigar in his appearance, smiling as he knew that they still lived on safely. Blinky's eyes went to Jim, already knowing that the boy was thinking of Draal and if he had joined him in the afterlife.
"Of course. I built this place to guard Gaylen's core for when House Tarron would one day return." Kanjigar bowed, leading Aaarrrgghh to do the same. Varvatos followed after, having to clear his throat at Toby and point to the floor.
"Fine, but you're helping me up," Toby stated, kneeling and straining. "This thing weighs, like, a million pounds."
"Sir Can-in-jars, we are Aja and Krel Tarron, daughter and son of King Fialkov and Queen Coranda. It is our honor to meet you," Aja spoke, moving closer to the ghostly figure.
"The honor is mine. And Gaylen's core is yours, House Tarron, as it always has been." He gestured to the side where crystals stacked upon each other until they reached a tall tower, a large crystal appearing at the top.
"This is truly a sacred place," Varvatos spoke.
"It is now yours to protect," Kanjigar mentioned.
"We did it, Krel," Aja said, hugging her brother.
"Come on, for Mama and Papa." The pair hopped on a hoverboard, moving up toward the diamond, feeling the victory in their veins, but it didn't last long as a long burst of red shot the two out of the sky. They screamed as they tumbled down the crystals, Aja managing to catch herself but Krel passed with a scream. "Aja!"
She caught her brother, nearly slipping as Morando's voice was heard, Varavatos turning to face the enemy group closing in. "Here ends the House of Tarron. Gaylen's core is mine."
"WHY DOES HE KEEP SHOWING UP?"
"I don't know, but I think we should just turn this off, I'm tired of looking at his face!"
"Varvatos Vex says nay," The guardian mentioned, pulling out his serrator.
"Let's light him up!" Toby cried, his hammer now out as Aaarrrgghh readied himself.
"Omens, attack!" The Omens did so, a fist hitting Varvatos and throwing him against the crystals.
"We have to get the core, Aja!" Krel reminded as his sister began her climb. The group below charged at the opposing team, Morando growling when he spotted the siblings getting closer to his target. He ran through the battle, completely unnoticed before making his climb up the crystals.
Aaarrrgghh roared as he tried to take down an Omen, the bot punching him but doing no damage. Varvatos was quick to aid, throwing the Omen across the room before Aaarrrgghh pounced, crushing it.
"Boom, boom, shake the room," Aaarrrgghh repeated, giving Varvatos a fist bump.
"The Trollish symbol of victory. Most impress…" Varvatos was cut off when a blast had whacked him, throwing him to the floor. More Omens closed in, firing rapidly at the pair as Varvatos shielded him and Aaarrrgghh. "Aaarrrgghh!"
Aja continued to climb the crystals, the battle still taking place underneath her feet. However, Krel looked at Morando who was quickly making his way up, "We have to hurry! I'll stall him."
When Krel let go, Aja reached for him, "Krel!" Krel jumped, moving around the crystal with his weapon out and kicking Morando further down.
"Stay away from my sister!" His fight didn't last long as he went to land a blow on Morando but the enemy managed to grab his weapon and throw him against the wall of the crystal.
"Out of my way!" He lifted Krel, holding him over the side as the boy panicked.
"No! No, no, no!" Morando ignored him, dropping him over the side and Krel rolled off the crystals, crashing onto a lower part of it. Morando made his way to Aja, pulling her off her crystal. She tried to fight back, only Morando was quick and kicked her farther down, using a crystal to push her off.
Krel winced, maybe after facing his fear, he thought it would be much easier, but seeing him taken out, completely helpless, and leaving his sister, he was beginning to think he had bit more off than he could chew.
Down below, Toby was jumping in the air, slamming his hammer down on an Omen, "Ah! See ya, rust bucket!" Only for it to rebuild behind him. "Oh, hello again, rust bucket." Toby dropped to the ground, trying to back away from the charging lasers, "Aah! Need a little help here! Oh, no!"
"Wingman!" Aaarrrgghh cried, charging at the bot and crushing it into the crystal. Aja struggled to pull herself up, but when she did, she saw how close Morando made it.
"Finally. With this, I shall remake the universe." Aja leaped up, hopping onto Morando's shoulders and pulling at his face as Toby looked up, finding Krel unconscious while Aja struggled.
"Oh, no, Krel's down! Hammer time!" Toby cried, using his hammer to lift him toward Aja who struggled, being pinned against the crystal.
"Gaylen's core belongs to House Tarron."
"True, but the rule of House of Tarron is about to end." Behind, Toby was floating upwards, unnoticed by Morando but Aja had seen him.
"Toby floating up in the background," Mary chuckled.
"Dude, he just threatened their bloodline and you're laughing at me?"
"Yeah, Aja and Krel are strong, I got faith."
"Morando, heads up!" Toby cried and Morando looked up toward him, only to be whacked in the face by a hammer. Morando seemed unbothered, walking to the side, but it was clear the hit had done some damage as he looked blurred.
The enemy toppled off the side, barely hanging on as Toby landed. "Ha! Nice one, Tobes!"
"Feel the wrath of the Hammer!" Toby was going to take the finishing hit when Morando regained himself, grabbing onto the hammer and throwing Toby. The boy spun in the air, hitting the top of the crystal formation, and knocking everything down, including Gaylen's Core.
"How is he always one step ahead, catching every weapon?" Krel cried out, slamming himself back into his chair. "This is cheating."
"No, look out! No, no, no!" Aja cried as she fell with the crystals. Krel began to fall as well. However, the crystals had picked themselves up, regaining the structure.
"Krel!" Varvatos yelled, running to catch the falling boy. Toby screamed as he fell, Varvatos slid to catch Toby while Aaarrrgghh safely caught Krel. "I've got you!"
"Whoo! Should've brought extra underwear with me," Toby mentioned, breathing out.
The crowd groaned in disgust as Toby chuckled.
Up above, Morando was angered, growling. "You're just a girl!"
"And you're just a jerk!" They both glanced at the core before making their way up, both having their hands on the crystal.
"Omens, fire!" Morando commanded, to which the bots listened to. The core shook as the light died from it, clattering against the ground/
"No!" Aja yelled.
"Uh-oh!" Aaarrrgghh breathed as the crystals began to collapse, Morando laughing and falling expertly down while Aja struggled with her balance, screaming as she fell not as gracefully. Morando continued to chuckle as he avoided all the falling crystals, his Omens picking up the core and exiting.
The Akiridions sat in shock, not believing that Morando had won, taking the one thing that could destroy everything. The fear in their stomachs built until it made them sick, staring at nothing in particular.
"I fear we are going through another battle," Zadra mumbled.
"I think Arcadia is going to be in the heat once more," Eli added.
"Oh, come on! Not again!" Steve yelled.
"Jim, get your butt back and help us fight! Bring the trolls!"
"I don't know how we are going to do this," Aja breathed, holding her head as Krel rubbed her back, unsure what to say.
Aja screamed as she and her group were stuck in the falling stones, Varvatos crying out as he reached for Aja, catching her. "No! No!" He used his shield to protect the group, the crystals towering on the shield.
"Whoa!" Toby yelped, as the weight began to cave onto them, the shield disintegrating.
"Morando!" Aja yelled, but there was something that was more concerning to Varvatos, voicing it.
"Rocks!"
The screen went black, the thunderous booms were no longer heard only just Toby, Aaarrrgghh, and Vex calling for them.
"Aja!"
"Krel!"
"My lieges!" The rocks were cleared, causing light to enter Aja's vision as her ears rang, Toby and Aaarrrgghh were in view, but blurry.
"Are you okay? Are you okay?" Toby said, voice muffled. Aja sat up, holding her head as everything slowly cleared. "Take it slow, it'll be okay."
"Morando? Where is he?"
"Varvatos regrets to inform you that he got away."
"With the core?" She said before dropping to her knees, her brother running to her.
"Aja? It's okay. At least we're all safe."
"Yeah, but now the universe isn't," Toby reminded, shocking Krel.
"Can we agree that this all SUCKS!"