Chapter 15; New Dangers

Ever since the ghosts of dead Trollhunters told Jim his mission and it's been giving Jim nightmares about Gunmar. At school, everyone was in the auditorium and Jim woke up from another nightmare. "Another nightmare?"

"Yeah."

"Well what did you expect? The Trollhunters of the past told you that in order to save Claire's brother you need to kill Gunmar, a very deadly Troll." Seth said before Noah said to Toby. "Toby, what's your opinion?" Toby didn't respond and then Seth said to Toby. "Toby, what's wrong?"

"Who is that masked mole? You ever wondered?" Toby said looking at the school's mascot, a mole man wearing a blue gym uniform, a staff, glasses, and a crown. Jim then said to Toby. "You didn't hear a word we just said, did you?"

"Sure, I did. You had no problem sneaking into the Darklands when it was to save Claire's brother, but now that Kanjigar says you've got to face Gunmar, you've been having nightmares about him and are freaking out that you're way out of your league." Toby said before Noah said. "I'm impressed."

"I can multitask, guys." Toby said before Seth said. "Ok, but why are you drawn to the mole? It's just Bill Aronstein."

"Bill moved to Wisconsin. This is someone else's artistry. Someone with feminine wiles." Toby said before Jim said. "What? What feminine wiles? How do you even know that it's a girl under there?"

"Yeah, it could be a guy under there." Noah said before Toby said. "Uh, trust me, dudes. I know women, and that is all women under there."

"Ok, you are starting to weird me out, and we hang out with Trolls." Seth said before Noah said to Jim. "Back on topic. Jim, we'll just need to train up, get stronger, smarter, and faster, so we can face Gunmar and his whole army."

"Yeah, with the play over. You can focus on your training full time. Learn some cool new moves, master some deadly arts." Toby said before Seth said. "Yeah, we can even make new combination attacks with the Amulet and the Soul Jewels."

"You're right, I mean there isn't anything else I need to do for school, besides homework." Jim said before Coach Lawrence said some words to everyone. "Before we begin, I have a few announcements. Principal Levit has taken ill with the flu. He asked me to handle announcing the students the faculty nominated for the year-end Spring Fling King and Queen. The nominees for the girls are: Shannon Longhannon! I'll pronounce it soon, Shannon." Shannon was a female student with big classes. As Shannon was happy to revive the nomination, Mary said to Claire. "It's gonna be you."

"No, it's not."

"It is every year."

"And, every year, I don't care." Claire said as Darci Scott joined them. "Darci Scott!" Coach Lawrence said and Darci was surprised. Then Coach Lawrence said. "The third and final nominee is… Mary Wang!"

"Me? Not you?" Mary said to Claire before laughing in excitement. Claire then said to Mary. "You? I mean, that's so awesome."

"And now for the boys… Steve Palchuck!" Coach Lawrence said before Steve said to everyone after he got up. "That's right, plebes! Obvious!"

"Noah Himitsu!" Coach Lawrence said and Noah was surprised. Seth then said to Noah. "How did you get that nomination?"

"I have no idea." Noah said before Coach Lawrence said. "And finally, Jim Lake Junior!"

"That's you!" Toby said excited way more than Jim. Steve wasn't happy to face Jim and Noah for the crown, and then Coach Lawrence said to everyone. "Our nominees will compete in a series of challenges to win your vote. And for the first challenge, each nominee will propose a theme for the dance. I like disco! I've got to boogie! That is all."

"Well there goes the total focus of the training," Seth said as everyone was leaving the auditorium and Jim said. "How am I gonna find time to–?"

"That's not what's important, Jimbo! Here's what is: You and Noah got a chance to be king of this school!" Toby said before Noah said. "And why does that make you excited?"

"That would make us all duke. Jim Lake and Noah Himitsu for Spring King!" Toby said before Seth sighed. After school, in Trollmarket Hero's Forge, Jim was sparring with the ghost of past Trollhunters. But it wasn't one on one, it was Jim facing all of them. "Blinkous and my son have trained you well in the art of single combat, but rarely will your enemies do the courtesy of striking one at a time." Kanjigar said to Jim before he knocked Jim down. Jim then said to Kanjigar. "All right, enough!"

"So, you yield?" A female Trollhunter said and then Jim said. "Yes, yeah, I yield. This stopped being fun for me a little while ago.

"You must be prepared to face Gunmar." Kanjigar said to Jim before helping him up. After Jim was up, Jim said to Kanjigar. "Well… I think you guys just made your point that I'm not. I'm not strong enough to kill Gunmar, even with my friends."

"We needed to be hard on you because you weren't gonna listen to us. You had to see for yourself." Kanjigar said before a female Trollhunter voice said. "Besides, there's no way to kill Gunmar."

"What does she mean?" Jim said to Kanjigar and Kanjigar said to Jim. "That sword of yours has fought him, but was never able to kill him. Your weapon and armor were crafted with a singular purpose in mind… to protect both our worlds. Don't forsake that solemn mission to save one human child and lose your life in the process." Jim was then teleported back to the normal Hero's Forge. "Jim, did you see my father?" Draal said to Jim. Jim then said to Draal, as he removed the armor. "I did."

"Did he speak of me?"

"Yeah. He wished the Soothscryer could let you in, but, you know, the rules are the rules."

"It's all right, Trollhunter. You don't have to lie to protect my feelings."

"He said we can't kill Gunmar. I would only be leading my friends to their death."

"Too bad. I was looking forward to proving him wrong."

"So was I." Jim said before Noah appeared and said. "Jim, we have a problem."

"What's wrong Noah?"

"Blinky's gone mad." Noah said and then they both ran to Blinky's study. Inside the study, Blinky was mumbling to himself, Clare and Seth were reading books, and Toby and Aaarrrgghh were cleaning the mess Blinky was making. As Jim and Noah entered the study, Jim said to Noah. "How long has he been like this?"

"Since you said we have to kill Gunmar to save Enrique." Noah said before Seth said to Jim. "I hope you're happy. You drove Blinky to madness."

"I did not." Jim said before Blinky said to everyone. "According to legend, only one scholar, the Dishonorable Bodus, uncovered a method of wounding Gunmar."

"The Trollhunters just told me there wasn't any way." Jim said before Seth said. "They probably didn't know, or more likely, they did and didn't want you to find the method, and then open the Darklands and free Gunmar."

"Still I'm curious. What's the method?" Noah said to Blinky and then Blinky said. "No one knows. Gunmar had Bodus and his students hunted down and dispatched in a most unpleasant manner. But here, this book, The Final Testament of Bodus. This is the last surviving copy of his work! This is the key! And I'm going to burn it." Then everyone gasped and Seth said to Jim. "You were saying?" Blinky then in a flash poured flammable liquid on the book and used two stones to create a spark. That causes the book to be instantly set ablaze. As everyone was looking around for something to put out the fire, Jim said to Blinky. "Blinky, no! What are you doing? That book might tell us the—"

"Bodus was being hunted! He knew he had to keep it a secret!" Blinky said before Noah, Seth, and Claire used blankets to put out the fire. After removing the blankets, they saw that the book was now nothing but ash. Toby then said to everyone as they walked over the ash. "Did Blinky just destroy our only chance at getting Gunmar?"

"Or my baby brother!" Claire said and then Blinky said. "You don't understand. Bodus hid the secret within the book. Watch." Blinky then blew away the ash, revealing a hidden message, shaped like a troll's head. Seth then said to Blinky. "How did you know that it was going to work?"

"Oh, I didn't. But I am so glad that worked." Blinky said and everyone looked at Blinky. Jim then said to everyone, trying to return their attention to the message. "What does it say?"

"In darkest tide, when Daylight darest wane, the Myrddin Wylt obscured a Shadow's bane." Blinky said and then Toby said. "What's a "Myrddin Wench"?"

"It's an ancient name for Merlin." Claire said before she pulled out her Bat Phone, which was dark purple, and took a picture of the message. Noah then said to Seth. "Is that all?"

"No, it said, "Three forces elemental thou must seek. In marshland. Caverns deep, and mountain's peak. Where worthy perish, ye will prevail in night and eclipse all who quarry with thy might." Seth said and then Toby said to everyone. "Anyone else freaked out a little bit by this evil perish poem?"

"No. It said we can prevail! We can win! He hid a Shadow's bane." Jim said before Aaarrrgghh said. "Gunmar's bane?"

"Yeah, but where did Merlin hide this eclipse blade?" Noah said before Blinky said looking around for other books. "If I have to guess, this weapon is formed by three forces unhallowed… Of course! It must be the Triumbric Stones!"

"Triumbric Stones?" Seth said before Blinky said. "Three shards of legend tied to Gunmar's lifeblood, lost to the ages. If we seek out these stones–"

"We can kill Gunmar! Blinky, you madman, you did it!" Jim said before Toby said. "We make the weapon and wham! Gunmar is done-mar!"

"Hey, I am excited too, but I don't think it will be an easy fine, or safe." Noah said before Blinky said. "Indeed! The Triumbric Stones have been hidden for centuries, but if I can decipher this text, Master Jim, then you shall–"

"Eclipse all who quarry with thy might." Claire said to Jim, who was happy that they had a way to kill Gunmar now.

Back on the surface, which was night time, Strickler had arrived back in Arcadia with Angor Rot. "This is what the world has become, Angor Rot." Strickler said as they were on a cliff overlooking the whole town. Angor Rot looked at the city and said. "This village…"

"It's called "Arcadia Oaks."

"It's on fire?"

"No. Those are called light. Something known as electricity. You'll come to enjoy it, along with indoor plumbing. So many advances since you've been away."

"The bridge to Gunmar is under this… Arcadia?"

"The bridge will be spoken of no longer. Gunmar had his chance to rule. Now, it's my turn."

"Your turn for what?"

"Revenge and insurance. In this town, there is a boy and this boy fancies a girl, a girl whose brother is being held in the Darklands. If the boy saves the child from the changeling nursery, he'll want to save them all. And it's my job to watch over my half-breed brethren and not let that happen."

"But how could a fleshbag even contemplate such a feat?"

"This boy is the Trollhunter, and is friends with a Kamen Rider." Strickler said and then surprised Angor Rot. Strickler then continued to speak. "It's a long story. The moral of which is not to underestimate them. They already managed to kill the son of Gunmar. Obviously, I could deal with them myself, but a man of my esteemed stature in this community can't do anything without arousing unwanted suspicion."

"You're afraid of the fleshbag children."

"I am not. I merely–"

"They beasted Bular and you are afraid. That is why you require Angor Rot."

"Just remember who's in charge here. I bear the ring. You answer to me. When the children are finished, you will have your freedom."

"A human Trollhunter… And a Kamen Rider… I've never hunted such game. I will kill them, but I will do it on my own terms." Angor Rot said before jumping off the cliff. Strickler smirked and left to do the new phase of his plan.

At the same time, everyone returned home, minus Jim. He was helping Blinky look for books about the Triumbric Stones. At Claire's house, Teika was crying. "Mom, could you–?" Claire said but stopped when her mom said. "Claire, could you change your baby brother's diaper, please?"

"He's not a baby and he's not my brother." Claire said to herself. After she entered her brother's room, Teika turned into his troll form and said to Claire. "Finally, the help shows up."

"If you think for a second I'm changing your diaper–"

"Please, I'm more than capable of using the loo like a civilized troll. I need you to pick me up a nice, thick, greasy cheeseburger, with a side of jo-jo potatoes."

"What do I look like? Your servant?" Claire said and then after Teika cleared his throat, cried loudly. Claire covered his mouth and said. "All right, enough! You're a monster. You know that?"

"Uh, not monster. Changeling." Teika said as Claire checked to see if they were coming. They weren't and as Claire shut the door, Claire saw a picture of Enrique on the wall. Claire took it off the wall and said. "This isn't fair."

"It's no day at the beach for me either, love bug."

"I can't believe I have to pretend you're my brother. It's… It's cruel." Claire said before she started to cry. Teika then said to Claire. "What's this? Don't… Don't do that, seriously. Please don't cry. Forget the jo-jos. Just a plain burger." That didn't stop Claire from crying, and then Teika said to Claire. "I get it. You miss your brother, but I assure you, he's perfectly fine."

"He's trapped in the Darklands. How can that be fine?"

"I'll show you." Teika said before jumping out of the crip and went over to the mirror. Then hit spit on the mirror with an aqua colored liquid. As the liquid started to glow, Teika said to Claire. "Your brother is what's known as my familiar. Changelings share a certain bond with them. It's good for this little trick." The mirror then showed Enrique in the Darklands, safe and sound. Claire put down the picture and touched the mirror, happy to see her brother in such a long time. Teika then said to Claire. "I suppose this arrangement has been rather hard on you."

"I'm going to get you back. I'm going to find you and I'll bring you home." Claire said to Enrique before the spell was over. "Sorry. It's "for a limited time only" kinda situation." Teika said to Claire. Claire then started to leave, and Teika said to her. "You don't have to leave."

"How do you like your burger?" Claire said to Teika, careful that he show her how her brother was doing. Teika was also happy and excited for that burger.

Meanwhile, Strickler had reached Principal Levit house with an Antramonstrum shell. When Levit opened the door, he said to Strickler. "Ah, Mr, Strickler." Levit then sneezed. "You're back"

"Gesundheit. Principal Levit. My apologies if my absence caused you any turmoil, but I brought you a gift."

"Oh, come in. What is it? Some sort of rock?"

"Of a sort. I hear Coach Lawrence was having a tizzy of a time teaching my class."

"Your class? Look, you can't just drop off the face of the Earth and expect your job back."

"Actually, it's not my job I'm here for." Strickler said before touching Principal Levit with the Antramonstrum shell. Then a bright purple light came out of the Antramonstrum and pulled Principal Levit inside.

As for Anger Rot, he was on Toby's roof, carving a doll of some kind, and watching Jim's house. Angor Rot was studying Noah and Seth, when Jim returned. Because Jim returned home much later than Noah and Seth, Barbara and Jim got into another fight. After the fight, Jim returned to his room, and both he and Barbara felt bad after having another fight. Both of them wanted to say sorry, but they couldn't find the right words to say. So they didn't apologize to one another, and as for Noah and Seth. They had no idea what to do, because the only way to stop this fight was for Jim to tell Barbara the truth, and that was Jim's call. Anger Rot smiled, because he had learned much about the Trollhunter and the Kamen Rider. He then finished his doll and left, because tomorrow he would see how strong they were.

The following day at school, everyone was going to the auditorium for another assembly. "Jim, Noah, this is what you're wearing?" Toby said to Jim and Noah, wearing their normal clothes. Seth said to Toby. "Why do you care what they are wearing? Are you into fashion now?"

"No! But they should be wearing their costumes!" Toby said before taking a deep breath. Toby then said to them. "In a few minutes, you two are telling everyone your theme for the school dance."

"Tobes, look, I'd love to be Spring King. Who wouldn't? But I'm just a little preoccupied right now with not getting killed." Jim said to Toby and then Noah said to Toby. "And we should focus on the Triumbric Stones, because in my opinion making sure we don't die is a higher priority than a school dance."

"There are fates worse than death, Jimbo." Toby said before Seth said. "What can be worse than death?"

"Well for high school, anyway. This is our chance to get the school to finally recognize how cool we are." Toby said before Seth said. "What's with the "we" part?"

"If Jim or Noah becomes Spring King, it'll open up a whole new bracket of women. I'm talking cheerleaders, senior cheerleaders. Dare I dream? Community college dropouts."

"So you want us to be king, so girls will find you cooler." Noah said before Toby said. "And I've always felt like I was destined to be a duke."

"Fine. I'll try to throw some kind of costume together, okay? Jim said and Noah said. "And I'll do it too, but stop talking about picking girls, ok?"

"Thank you both. And put some effort into it." Toby said as Jim and Noah left the auditorium. Outside on the soccer field, Anger Rot used his staff to make a path to the center of the soccer field. Anger Rot then planted his doll inside the ground and returned to the shade. In the school, Jim and Noah entered a classroom that overlooked the soccer field. "Ugh! The things I do for Toby. Where am I supposed to find a costume?" Jim said before Noah said. "We could use our armor."

"Yeah, that…" Jim said, but stopped when he saw Angor Rot under the trees. "What is that?" Jim said, looking at Angor Rot. "What's what, Jim?" Noah said, walking over to the window. They both saw Angor Rot leaving, and chose to investigate the soccer field. On the soccer field, they saw the spot Angor Rot put his doll. They didn't think anything was wrong and turned around. That was a mistake. Because the moment they turned around a giant mud monster appeared out of the ground and started to attack them. Jim and Noah dodged out of the way and Jim said to Noah as he pulled out his amulet. "What is that?"

"No idea, but I don't think it's friendly." Noah said before pulling out his Driver. Back at the auditorium, Claire found Toby and Seth and said. "Hey, guys, where's Jim and Noah?"

"Oh, they are just throwing together a last-minute costume and theme. No big deal." Toby said before Claire said. "What are they thinking? These things take time. You don't just win Spring Fling by throwing something together."

"I didn't know you cared so much?" Seth said before Claire said. "I don't. Uh! Why do I care about this some much?"

"Because it matters, Claire, Seth! This is the kind of event that can propel us through high school and send us off to college as winners!" Toby said before the Twin-Soul Driver appeared around Seth wasted. Seth looked at the Driver and said. "Oh, that's not good."

"And now, for the boys!" Coach Lawrence said as the girls' themes were over. "Ok, I'm going to get Noah. Guys, watch my body." Seth said before grabbing and placing the Efreet Soul Jewel inside the Driver. After Seth fainted and Toby caught him, Claire said to Toby. "Let's get over there, in case we need to stall."

"What about Seth's body?" Toby said and then Claire picked Seth's body and hid it under the bleachers. "He'll be fine there." Claire said before she and Toby got closer to the front.

"For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command!" Jim said before equipping his armor. After the Efreet Soul Jewel entered the Driver and Noah placed the Fighter Soul Jewel in his Driver, Noah said. "Henshin!"

"Efreet Fighter!" The Driver said and Noah turned into Soul. As they dodge the mud monster attacks, Seth said to them. "Jim, Noah, you need… What is that?!"

"We don't know."

"Ok, and while we should deal with this thing. I have to tell you both that the girls are done, and the boys are going to give their themes soon." Seth said and then Jim said. "We can't leave this thing alone?"

"And we won't." Noah said before pulling out the Sylph and Archer Soul Jewels. "Sylph Archer!" The Driver said and Soul turned into his Sylph Archer form. Then after dodging another attack from the mud monster, Noah said to Jim. "Jim! Catch!" Soul threw his bow at Jim. Jim caught it and it turned into a crossbow. Noah then said to Jim. "We'll try to stall them. Jim, you got this?"

"Yeah." Jim said before fire arrows at the mud monster. Once the arrows hit the mud monster, they caused small explosions. And after that Soul left for the auditorium.

"For the first candidate Steve Palchuck!" Coach Lawrence said as the girl had just finished with their themes. Steve walked up to the microform and was wearing a Hawaiian outfit. Steve then said to everyone after he grabbed the microform. "Arcadia Oaks High, I have two words for you. Luau! Luau! Luau!" Then the students started to chant luau. "Yeah! Pineapples! Leis! Coconuts?" Steve said before Coach Lawrence said. "Alright, Palchuck, that's enough. And now, Noah Himitsu." Then Soul burst through the doors and surprised everyone, more so when he jumped to the microform. Noah picked it up and said to everyone. "Hello students of Arcadia Oaks High! It's time to let out your inner hero or villain."

"Boo! Go back to the luau guy!" Steve said and after Soul looked at him, he started to stall for time with his theme of a Super People Dance.

Back with the battle, Jim was using the crossbow to shoot the mud monster to distract it and his sword to try to cut it down, but it wasn't working. The monster was healing from all of the damage Jim was causing. Strickler was walking by and saw the battle. He then saw Anger Rot and said to him. "I resurrected you to kill the Trollhunter and Kamen Rider, not outsource the job to a golem."

"They bested the son of Gunmar. Human or not, these hunters are not to be trifled with. The hunt is a game, and when I'm prepared to strike, he will know." Anger Rot said and back at the battle, Jim cut open the chest of the golem and saw the doll inside. Jim then saw the monster cover the doll, and then stopped when the wound was healed. That told Jim that the doll inside was its weak spot. However the monsters used that moment to hit Jim away, causing him to lose his sword and Souls crossbow. As the mud monster charged at Jim. Jim summoned his sword and threw it at the mud monster. The sword went through it and hit the doll. Without that doll, the mud monster fell. Jim then picked up the doll and ripped it into two.

As Jim unequipped his armor and received Souls crossbow. Both Anger Rot and Strickler left before Jim saw them and to do what they needed to do next. As for Jim, after falling into mud, he ran back to the auditorium. He did hide Soul's bow before entering the auditorium, which caused everyone to gasp. "What's going on here?" Coach Lawrence said to Jim as he walked to the microphone. But before Jim could say anything, Steve said, looking at Jim. "Looks like you've been digging in the dirt, Lake. What the heck are you supposed to be?"

"He's uh… A mole." Claire said pointing at Jim and then everyone started chatting "mole". Jim was going to tell everyone that he wasn't a mole, but Toby took the microphone and said. "Jim Lake Junior… here to present his theme… Mole Mania!" Everyone cheered for Jim's theme, telling everyone that he won. Steve wasn't happy about Jim's victory. So the theme would be Mole Mania, and Jim would give more information about the dance theme to the teachers later. And before everyone left the auditorium, Coach Lawrence stopped everyone by saying. "At any rate, there has been a sudden departure. I have heard word that Principal Levit has taken an indefinite leave of absence. We wish him well. But he sent an email recommending an interim replacement, which we all support. Please welcome Principal Strickler!"

"Wait, what!?" Soul said as they turned around and saw Strickler walking to the microphone. He walked past the Kamen Hunters and Jim said to everyone. "What is he doing here?"

"I thought you said he would be a fool to ever come back." Toby said before Noah said, thinking about that brief moment he saw Angor Rot. "I don't think he returned alone." Strickler then took the microphone from Coach Lawrence and said to the students. "I'm very glad to be back and excited to get started. But let it be known, with me in charge, things are going to change." As the Kamen Hunter and students were so focused on Strickler, they didn't see Angor Rot make a small portal close to Seth's body. Anger Rot quickly cast a spell and made a V and what looked like a monster face on the left side Seth's head. The lines would be gone by the time Seth woke up, but Anger Rot laughed as the first part of his plan was complete.