So hi. Third chapter! I made this key so it is easier to read my character's names. So here it is. 

KEY

  Carya: (CARE-YE-A)

Solis: (Soul-lis)

Igétis: (In-yet-tees)

Hermoil: (Her-Moi-Lil)

Giatrós: (Hear-ret-tos)

Ílios; (ILI-LOS)

Right...sorry about all the Greek names...I like Greek names..they give a sort of power. 

Thanks! Hope you enjoy.

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Finally, after nine years of being down here, it was time. I knelt in front of the council of guardians as they looked down at me, all six of them. One was Igétis his skin was blue with star designs and constellations carved across his arms and legs symbolizing that he was the star reader, but his orange, blue, green and crystal formation (kind of like a crown) showed he was also the leader. The one that was next to him was called Ílios. Ílios was red with designs of explosions and magma. Symbolizing that she was the chief elemental of fire and the volcanos. On Igétis' left was the weapons specialist and sword instructor Polemistís. His face was set in a permanent scowl, and everywhere he had at least one weapon. Currently, he had a large copper sword. He was rust color rather like his sword.  Roshan sat to the right of Polemistís. Roshan was nervous most of the time and an expert in trolls species. His stone skin was blueish green and he had markings of crosses and diamonds. To his right sat his brother Rakdos witch was the complete opposite of the modest and  nice Roshan. He was bulkier and boasted rather a lot on his strength. He was the trainer on wrestling and other younger trolls that could one day be the understudy of Polemistís. And finally the last, youngest, and newest member Thrunda. Thrunda was the chief element of wind and sky. She was one of the most powerful trolls next to Igétis, Polemistís, and Ílios.  Kind enough, but was a stickler for rules. 

Then Igétis spoke. "Carya we are giving you the chance to call yourself one of the elementals. Do you swear to protect the secret of the troll Elemental power."

"I do," I answered without looking up.

" Will you risk your life for the trolls of troll cavern?"

"I will risk my life for any troll here."

"Are you ready to take responsibility of an Elemental?"

"Yes."

"Then rise Carya guardian of the crystal of Alorahcon, Elemental of fire."

I rose and stood proudly. Solis was standing respectfully in one corner, but I could tell he was beaming. "I will make you proud," I said with my head up high.

Igétis muttered, but I swore he said: "I know you will." Or maybe he said," Chickens are good." Hopefully the first one. Anyway, He then said out loud " Council dismissed."

I started to walk towards the exit on the far side of the room when Igétis called me back. "Carya can I speak to you?" I turned and nodded walking back to where he stood. "Walk with me." He walked out a different exit to the left of the then the usual one people exit through. Curiously I followed him. He has never taken me this way. "I understand that you are interested in going back to the surface?" My heart jumped at the thought. The surface. That is what the elementals call it anyways. I have not been allowed up there for some time. Say nine years.

"Y-Yes Igétis." I managed to stammer hoping with all my mind that this meant what I thought it meant.

He raised one of his blue eyebrows. "Well, we have decided that after all this time we should allow you to go up there. You, after all, are not a troll and I daresay that you are eager. You need the sun. And we can not keep you forever."

I start to smile eagerly, but an unease thought made me frown. "Y-you are kicking me out? Did I do something?"

He briefly looks surprised but covered his emotion with a small shake of his head. "No, but you do not belong here. You belong up there." He pointed to the cavern roof. Then he smiled. A rare sight for the leader. "You are always welcome back here. When you want to come back."

A grin stretched across my face, and I hugged the leader. I felt him stiffen in my grasp, but then he relaxed and patted my back awkwardly. I pulled away still smiling. "I guess I have some explaining to do."

He nodded. "Yes, Giatrós, Solis, and Hermoil will want to hear the news from you. Not me."

I gave a quick nod and bow(as was custom) and turned to go to the healers quarters. The healers quarters was a big domed shaped building with colorful crystals decorating the sides and roof. When I entered, I recognized the familiar shelves full of more crystals, bandages and, spices. The place smelled of rosemary and cinnamon. That was my doing since I bought in most of the spices. Sure enough, Giatrós was in there.

He looked up as I entered the room and smiled. "Ah, if it isn't Carya. My training assistant." And looked down again.

"Yeah, about that I am kind of, ummmmm." I looked nervously at him. Twiddling my hands. Not knowing how he would react. Finally, I forced out the last word. "Leaving."

He didn't even look up."I know."

I blinked. "You do?"

"Yes." He looked up again and smiled faintly. " And I agree with Igétis. You belong up there. We can't keep you down here forever."

I gave him a relieved smiled. He did understand. "Thanks. You don't know how much that means to me."

"Now go and tell the others. Hermoil is waiting outside."

One last smile. One last nod and I went outside. Just outside the door, I found Hermoil. Now, something about Hermoil, he is the only pure white troll that I have seen. Unlike other trolls, he had little almost no markings. His tail right now was tucked in between his legs rather like a dog. His unique style of clothing was yellow boots and a kind of short yellow skirt. His chest was covered by a fur shirt that was fiery orange, yellow and red. Horns curled at the edge of his face that was also white. His face had a sad expression that made me want to hug him. His hair looks reddish, orangeish, and yellowish kind of like his chest except slightly redder. In the middle of his face instead of a nose, he had a crystal. A purple one. He was almost as tall as me. Only a few inches shorter. His eyes were white with orange irises. "Hi, Hermoil," I said trying to smile.

"Is..i-is it t-true..y-your...leaving?" Hermoil sniffed sadly looking up at me with tears in his eyes.

Even though he looked tall, he was clearly a little kid. I hugged him and held him close. He was like a little brother to me. "I know it will be hard for you, but I have to leave. Not forever. I will come back. I promise. But I have something I need to do." I pulled away and smiled down at him.

He tried to put on a brave smile. "Don't worry about me." He wiped away tears. "I-I will be strong. Like you would have wanted me to." I hugged him once more then turned away.

"Thanks for understanding," I said happily. "You don't know how much that helps." He only gave a small nod and smile.

After Hermoil I headed to the Forge of Victory. I need to talk to him; he has given me a lot of good advice. Drall. We had found him at the bottom of a cave full of crystals. He was turned to stone but not smashed. Since some of the trolls had the same thing that happened to them, spells gone wrong, an experiment went wrong, etc., it was easy to help him, quite a simple spell. Anyways when he was awake, he was confused and scared and angry. I was there when it happened, I remember it so distinctly; the unknown blue troll stood up and shook his head. One of his arms was missing waiting to be replaced by a golden metal one. "Where am I?" He asked, (I knew he was a male because of his voice), and violently shook his head. No one spoke, they just looked at him. This was their way of testing him. To be silent and making him make the choice of attacking or waiting. But this was not working for this troll. By staying silent, we were clearly scaring him. He was huffing and turning to each face asking the same question. It was freaking him out. I only realized how critical his fear was when he looked at me. Our eyes locked and inside them, I saw anxiety, anger, and uncertainty. The troll was torn between attacking or not.

Though it was our job to wait, we could also stand up and offer to stand for them. That is what I did. Shakily I stood up and approached the troll. Every eye was on me as I crept slowly nearer. He backed up fast and growled but I just calmly looked at him. His growling stopped to be replaced by confusion. I reached out a hand, and he looked uncertaintly at it.

"Hello," I said quietly as to not scare him. "I'm Carya. What is your name." He did not answer just looked at me. So I continued. "You do not need to fear us. It is fine."

"Drall." said the bigger troll

"What?" I asked confused.

"My name is Drall." He answered

I smiled. "Then hello Drall. Welcome to Crystal Cavern."

The troll looked around as if finally really taking in where he was. I heard him mutter something about a 'void,' but I did not completely understand, so I overlooked it. "Where do you come from?" I asked Drall

"I come from the troll market." He answered.

Troll market. I had never heard of that place. I looked at him confused. Whatever must be just a different cavern, I thought and continued to smile.

I snapped out of my flashback as I arrived at the forge. Sure enough, Drall was there practicing. He had earned his place a lot quicker than me in this place. Perhaps because I was human. I was not jealous of him. He was a great fighter and teacher, plus he told amazing stories. "Hey, Drall," I called making him pause in training.

"Hello, Carya." He said gruffly

"What are you doing?" I asked

"Training." He muttered still in the same tone.

"Cool." I sat down to watch. He looked at me strangely be continued to train.

Finally, he could not take me staring at him anymore. He paused and walked over to me"What is really on your mind fleshbag? He sighed and stopped to kneel by me.

I sighed deeply and looked down. "I am going away."

"And that bothers you?" He asked. "Why?"

"I am going to the surface, and I haven't been to the there in ages."

"Again why does that bother you?"

"I just didn't know if you would understand."

"Understand what?"

"Why I have to go."

"Fleshbag it is your choice. Not mine."

I looked up at and smiled. "Thank you." I got up and turned to go, but something made me turn back. "Don't let them treat you too badly."

It was his turn to grin. "I've earned my place here. And I will continue to have a home. They won't kick me out the seconded that you leave."

I waved and left to head to the library to see Solis. The library was a small building tucked in the corner of the cavern. The cavern was a big place and like other buildings had crystals on top and some of its walls were made of it. It was smaller than the formal library. But Solis has been collecting books here and there for years. So it had a vast selection. Publications ranging from history to healing to sword techniques. It was kind of his place to relax and where he spent most of his time. I walked in and saw him in the corner and sure enough reading a book. I stood in the doorway and watched him for a few minutes before I knocked loudly. He jumped and looked wildly around. Spotting me, he put down his book and smiled at me. "Carya! What are you doing here? I thought you would be at the surface by now." He looked sad.

"Not yet. I need to pack and say my goodbyes." I looked at him more closely and noticed he was staring for the smile. "Are you okay?"

"Oh yeah. I umm was just reading." He held up his book to strain the point. But I couldn't help notice how his smile was fake still.

"I know you too well. You are not okay." I sat down next to him. "What's up?"

He sighed and hung his head knowing there was no way of getting out of this. "Your leaving." He said miserably.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "I thought the great, brave, and smart son of Igétis was not afraid of anything."

His head snapped up. "I'm not afraid," he said defensively. "I'm just..after nine years, it will be strange not to have you around." He sighed. "I mean isn't it too dangerous to go to the surface? No troll has ever come back."

I thought for a moment then answered, ''Sure it will be dangerous. But I am not like you and the other trolls. I am human and no matter how many times you say that they are no different, they are, I am. I belong up there, my family is up there. Plus I want to complete a promise I said I would."

He nodded solemnly. He was there after all. Soils is the only one other than me that knows of the promise. "Oh fine, I guess if you are careful and come to visit. I guess I understand." He finally said glumly. "Just come back soon."

I punched him gently on his arm. "You know I will." I grinned broadly.

Solis is like a brother to me. He let me in and helped me get accepted by everyone. He told them I was a hero with the necklace of Alorahcon. He got me into training and showed me and the others how I can be useful. I own him on that. Then again I did save him from the void of darkness once. The vision is still fresh in my mind. First diving into never-ending darkness to grab his flailing hand. Voices sounded in my head almost making me black out. Some I understand like the voices of my father "Carya Run!." but others were more confusing like a little kids voice in my mind "Mommy? Is that you?"

I just kept on going. My wings stretched out on either side of my body as I made a desperate nose dive into the darkness that was closing on either side of me. He was three feet in front of me. I stretched out one hand and grabbed him and pulled close to me in a hug. My wings shielding us both. As the darkness created a funnel cloud of itself. I clung to him tighter and thought of one thing. "Leave darkness and never return" I shouted. But it wasn't English, it wasn't even trollish. It was different. But it sure did the trick. The dark funnel retreated with a definite hiss. I looked up and let go of Solis. "W-what happened?" He said timidly.

"I don't know," I answered. "But I intend to find out.

That was six years ago. But I think he still remembers it.

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Everything was in order. My bags were packed. Yes even when you are underground, you can find suitcases. I was at the entrance saying one last goodbye. "Don't worry I will be back. I promise." Then I was gone. A new beginning for me. A goodbye for them. Before I could feel so bad, I walked into the sunlight. When I turned for one last look, the entrance was already vanishing in white light. I turned and started to walk out from between two enormous roots of the tree that guarded this underground lair. I hiked up the side and started towards the woods.

I found a lake, and I stopped to take a bath. I had packed some, and I took it out. Then I stripped off my clothes and entered. The water was cool on my skin. I swam and washed. After that, I got out, changed into my spare set of clothes. A green T-shirt and white shorts. Brushed and put my hair into a high ponytail with a blue ribbon. My ends of bangs outlined my checks. I then washed and dried the clothes that I had been wearing. Eventually, I got out my toothbrush and brushed my teeth. After my clothes had dried, I had stuffed them in my backpack that was a blue-gray.

I then stood up to walk out of the clearing. Walking uptown I felt the sun on my face, and I smile slightly. The sun felt so good after so long. I stopped at what looked like the upper part of town. The sunlight on what looked like a soccer field. A few people were playing on it that looked my age. One was a young man with brown hair and hazel eyes wearing a blue T-shirt and jean shorts. And black sneakers with a single white stripe. His skin was pale. The girl that was standing next to him was a female with long red hair that was tied back in a ponytail braid. Her eyes were greenish blue, and she wore jean shorts and a pink tank top. Under one arm was a black and white soccer ball. Around her neck was a black chain and on the chain, there was colorful skull charm. Her shoes were purple Nike sneakers. Her skin was also pale, but she was slightly tanner. They were talking and laughing in a corner. I just stood in the shadow and watched until the guy spotted me. He smiled and motioned for me to come over. I hesitated then walked over to them. "Umm. hello." I said shyly. Wait was I shy? That was not me. I held up my head a little taller and said I little louder. "Hello. I'm Carya who are you?"

The guy smiled. "I'm Rex, and this is." He motioned to the girl beside him. "Trixy." The girl gave a wave and a small smile that I returned.

"You any good at soccer?" She asked before Rex could go on.

"I am kinda good. I guess. I mean I played it when I was younger." I shrugged

"Come on." She threw me the ball she had been holding. "Let's see what you are made of."

I caught the ball and dropped it so I could dribble it. I kicked the ball the ran up and down the field with it. With the wind in my hair, I felt Trixy run behind to try to keep up with me. I grinned. This was like a game I had played when I was a child. I turned sharply and started to run right to her. She began to slow to a stop, but I slid right past her and kept running down to the opposite side. I shot it directly into the goal from at least ten feet away. Skidding to a stop, I turned to grin at Trixy. She stood there dumbfounded for a second and then her face tow split into a grin. "And here I was thinking you did not know how to play!" She said her grin widening across her face. She punched me lightly on the arm. "Ready for a little one on one game?" She asked

"Ready as I'll ever be," I said confidently.

"I love this kid!" She laughed "Okay let's go! Your goal is on that side. I'll have this side be mine."

I nodded and walked to the other end of the field. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rex sit down on Trixy's side and saw him give a small wave to me that I returned. I turned once I got to the end, and I was standing in front of the goal. I saw Trixy get the ball from her goal and she dribbled it a little, so she was also right in front of her goal. She called to me. "Whoever gets to five points first wins, deal?"

Sure." I called back. And crouched ready to run.

She started to dribble the ball really slowly towards me. I just stood where I was. She had a strange look on her face and began to run a little faster. I still did not move. Her face looked confused as she observed me. I kept my face blank intel she was practically on top of me. I suddenly ran stealing the ball from right under her. It was so fast she had to skid to a stop and turn sharply. I had to admit she was fast. But I was just a little fast. All that practice with Drall and Polemistís really paid off. I raced down the field with Trixy just a few feet behind me. I gave one last kick, and it entered the goal. Strait in the center. I slid to a stop and bent over to catch my breath. From the sidelines, Rex yelled. "Carya one. Trix Zero."

Trixy looked me in the eye and said. "You were lucky. Now you won't be. I will bring out my real game." She was not angry just more determined.

I just grinned and jogged to the other end again. The same thing happened, but this time Trixy was ready. She swiveled to the right. I made a sharp turn and dragged the ball just out of her feet. She turned almost as sharply, but her feet weren't as well planted. She almost slipped and was unbalanced for a split second as I turned. She took off running after me. I looked forward again and ran. Tearing down the field. Bits of grass tearing up in clouds behind me. One last slam to the ball and it went flying the rest of the way down the field. Strait into the net. Or that is at least what should have happened, but it hit the post and headed straight towards me. I did the natural thing and ducked. It shot across the field and stopped midfield. We looked at each other and ran for it. But Trixy was a few feet in front of me, and she got to the ball first. She ran the rest of the way and slammed her foot into the ball and sent it spiraling into the gaol. I ground slightly but kept smiling. "That was a nice play there." I complimented her.

She like me bent over to catch her breath. "Thanks." She breathed, and she smiled at me. "Not so bad yourself."

It was my turn to get the ball and start the play. The same thing happened two more times. But now I tried to do something do something different. I did the game fast and quick. She was there to meet me in the middle. She decided to do the same trick I had to get the ball the play before. But I was ready. I countered it and went around her. I heard her footsteps quicken as we raced down the field. It hit the ball again but this time at an angle. It soured across the area and into the net. Trixy jogged down the net and got the ball out of the net. She did the same thing that I had done. But I unlike her waited for her to get nearer almost on top of me. Like the very first play. Then I used the same move that Trixy had been attempting on me earlier. Successfully getting the ball from out from underneath her. I lightly dribbled trying to make it look like I was tired. It worked. She ran up to me grinning broadly but not going the fastest she could go. I suddenly broke into a heavy run. She did not expect it, so she was a bit slower to react. By the time she was running heavily, I already was way down the court. I put on one last burst of speed and slammed the ball into the net. "Two Carya, Three Trixy." Yelled Rex from the sidelines.

The game resumed, and I got two more goals. Now it was really intents. The one who got the next goal would win the game. This moment I had the ball, but it was torn from right under me. I tripped and almost fell. I turned sharply to see Trixy racing to my goal. I tore after her. It looked helpless; I was nearly half a field away. I was five feet away. Now two. Three. Only two feet away. I was level. My breath heavy I pulled up right beside her. The same trick had always worked but. I tried something different. Before I dragged it away, I kicked it a little to the left. It worked. I kicked it just enough so that it was on her left. I then went to her other side, and it was easier to drag the ball without her expecting it. I got under my feet and turned and ran down the field in the opposite direction. Then I kicked it one last time. This time it went in. I flopped down on the grass panting. Trixy came over and sat down next to me. She was grinning.

"That was so cool! Who taught you to play like that?"

I smiled back. "My dad, Polemistís and Drall."

"Who?" She asked just as I realized what I had done.

"Oh, they are just some of my uncle's friends." I laughed a little nervously.

She looked at me a little strangely but did not press the subject. Rex came jogging forward. "That." He grinned at me. "Was awesome! Where did you learn to play like that?"

"Some of my uncle's friends," I answered not looking at Trixy.

Rex shrugged, lightly punched me, and sat down next to me. "Doesn't matter where you learned that. You were brilliant."

"Indeed she was." Said a new voice.

We turned to see a man with tan skin. He wore a dark blue soccer cap and black shorts with a contrasting orange T-shirt. His eyes were blue like his cap. He was smiling in a slightly unnerving way as he looked me up and down. When his eyes found my necklace, they lingered there for a fraction of a second longer than the rest. My head seemed to yell GET OUT!! But I shrugged off the feeling and smiled back at him. "That was spectacular." He said and smiled. No more like beaming.

I blushed deeply. I have never really been flattered before, and it really felt good. "How would you like to join the team?" He held out his hand.

I looked up into his eyes and saw pride, trust and something else. Was that hunger? Must be my imagination. I shook my head. "Thank you but I can't I don't go here."

His face fell."Where do you go?"

"Nowhere. I just came here, but I don't go to college." I answered my heart dropping. I looked at my feet embarrassed. I did not want them to start asking awkward questions.

"I'm sure I can speak to the headmaster about that." He said

My head shot back up "Really?" I asked eagerly. "B-but I can't pay for any of it."

"That's alright." He told me his eyes bright with interest and that same strange look. "I'll pay for it."

My eyes widen even more. "W-what?" I spluttered. "Y-you will?"

He laughed at my surprise. His laugh was contagious, and soon we were all rolling around in the grass laughing our heads off. Trixy sat up and wiped her eyes. "OMG Carya. Your face." She said between laughs and then fell back on the grass as a fresh wave of laughter took over.

When I gained control over my laughter I looked back at..well I didn't know his name. "What's your name?" I asked. "I might have missed that part."

"My name is coach." He answered. "Coach Sal."

He stood up and held out his hand to help me up. Taking his hand, I stood. "Thank you."

He smiled. I beamed back. Less than a day and I had already found my place in the human world. How lucky could I have been! Just watch my luck was about to change.

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I had been at college for six months now. My classes were not so bad. Couch had gotten me there just like he said would. He was like a father to me. Helping whenever I needed it explaining everything I needed. Trixy and Rex were my friends now. They helped me too. I was even the best soccer player on the team. My life couldn't have been better. But still, school is school. Classes were boring at times. And not everyone was the kindest. I had to deal with them a lot. Even at crystal cavern before I had earned respect. I just had to do the same thing here. But just a different way.

I was standing in my dorm room looking over the field. Which was located just under my window. Sal had made sure that it was there so when I was frustrated I could look at it and calm down. It had worked so far. Right now however I was not frustrated. I was just thinking of troll cavern. I was thinking of Solis and Hermoil. Sighing very deeply I remembered the last time I saw them. He worried face and Hermoil's little confident smile. I laughed a little at the memory. A voice cleared behind me, and I turned sharply to find Rex and Trixy and Rex standing awkwardly. I smiled at them and just then did I realize I had tears in my eyes. Quickly and slightly awkwardly I brushed them away. "Oh hey, guys I didn't hear you come in."

"Oh yeah," Trixy shuffled a little at seeing me crying. "So are you ready?"

" Yeah." I walked over to show off my outfit. Flashing a big smile. It was as though I have never been crying.

I was wearing a navy blue dress with a white hem. There was a thin black belt around the waist. My pants were tight jeans, and I was wearing black high heels. I put my hair in a cobra braid, so it wrapped around my head in a tiara like way. Though they couldn't see it, I was wearing my green T-shirt under my dress, and the little black bag that was slung over my shoulder had my sneakers. I would not have usually gone to the dance but the school bully. Nosey little mick snogfaceCelsi boasted loudly that anyone who was a person was going to be there. I love a challenge. So sucked it up and decided to go. Somehow I convinced Trixy and Rex to come with me. Trixy took a little more convincing because she is more sporty than pretty. But finally, the idea of her smug face with a triumphant smile changed her mind. She was wearing a tight white and black striped shirt, the caller crossed on her chest creating an x. Long black pants finished off with black jazz shoes. Her long red hair was draped across her shoulders. Wasn't much but that was as close as she was going to get to fancy. Rex is okay with doing anything as long as it did not include us getting hurt or being stupid so he agreed almost at once. He is more agreeable and very loyal. Rex was wearing a white shirt and a red tie. He had a black straight coat over his shirt. He hair was as messy as ever, but it looked fine.

His smiled at both of us and out of the corner of my eye I swore I saw Trixy's face go a little pink. I smiled back at him but also a little to myself.

"Should we get going?" I asked and motioned to the door.

"Yeah. Let's go." Trixy started out the door with us following.

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One car ride later we pulled up to the school that was six minutes away. You could hear music and happy voices that came from inside. Grinning I jumped from the car and lead the way inside. Though this was at least my 5th dance, I always got excited. I loved hanging out with Trixy and Rex there and generally having fun, but this one was different. People were actually asking others to dance. And it was where the boys ask girls and most kids were sitting in the corner looking nervously around. There was a live performance of Fall Out Boys. A crowd of students was cheering them on. Trixy fiddled with her shirt. "Hmf let's just get this over with." She muttered and strode into the crowd.

I ran after her. "You know you could have just refused to come," I told her.

She rolled her eyes "And leave one of my best friends all be herself. You gotta be kidding me."

I grinned mischievously, "I could have forced you to wear a dress." I punched her playfully.

She thumped me in the chest. "Then I would have definitely not have come. Plus I can't wait to see Celsi's face when she realized that we came. She will be furious that nothing affects you." She added smirking.

Rex came up behind us. "What do you want to do?" He asked.

Trixy shrugged. "Hang out like we do every dance."

"You guys go ahead. I want to get a drink." I said waving a hand.

They nodded and disappeared in the crowd. I headed to the refreshments table. Taking some punch, I set out to find my friends. I paused on the bleachers and sat down. Taking a sip, I looked around at the scenery. Boys sitting by themselves or in twos or threes. Girls, on the other hand, would be in groups of a least five, Maybe more. I never quite understood that. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a large shadow that seemed to exit through the door that I had come through. I turned sharply, and my necklace started to glow. Glancing down at it I realized what the shadow must belong to. A troll. I jumped up and ran outside after it. Let me back up. The reason I knew it was a troll was because during my time in Crystal Cavern I had learned that the crystal glows in the presence of trolls. Running out the door I got a few strange looks, but I didn't care. When I was outside, I heard a grunt to my left around the corner. I muttered under my breath. "Crystal of Alorahcon grant me the wings of fire."

The fire wings and cloths sprang into existence on my back and body. In one quick flap, I launched myself into the sky. Skyward I could see the whole school campus. I squinted looking for what I was the troll. I saw two shadows to my left, and I groaned. One I could take easy. Tow I could also fight it would just be more difficult. The shadows stopped in a clearing and started to circle each other. I soured down and landed a few feet away, behind a thick clump of bushes. The things that were circling one another were indeed trolls. And a kid. That bit surprised me a little. The kid was wearing orangey brown armor with a glowing orange hammer that looked much too heavy for a stout kid like him. There was a light in the middle of his head that looked suspiciously like a headlight. He was trying to get around the troll opposite him. He was knocked aside, but a more massive troll caught him as he was pushed into it."Wingman." said the Troll

"Thanks, ARRRGHHH." Painted the kid as he tried to swing at the other troll with his hammer. The one he called ARRRGHHH turned at the opposite troll right after the kid swung his hammer. The troll was quick and dodged both of them. ARRRGHHH was a giant troll that walked on his knuckles kind of like a gorilla. His stone skin looked gray, and he had green hair kind of down his chest and his back. His hair outlined his face which had a large nose in the upper part of his face in between two large green eyes. Horns stuck out on top of his head and his mouth had bottom teeth at the counter that went over his top lip. The one he was fighting was a female with four arms and six eyes. My eyes narrowed, and I felt a burning hatred in the pit of my stomach. I had grown to hate her kind after what happened with my father. She had orange stone skin and a scar over one deep purple eye. In her hands were four swords just like Kereptus. She was slightly stouter, but all the same quick also like Kereptus. She also had horns sticking out of curly brown hair. With one swift movement, she kicked with both legs pushing the troll back. ARRRGHHH slid a few feet making deep trenches in the soft forest floor. She then threw back her head and laughed to the sky. I shivered. She was so close to Kereptus. Too close. I watched the battle continue as she gave blow after blow. I had to admit the others weren't so bad. I guess they were okay. But they were soon tiring. There blows getting waker and their defenses faltering. After one final blow, the more massive troll fell.

"ARRRGHHH! NO." Yelled the kid.

The Female troll put one foot on the troll and held a sword to his throat. "Now my favorite part." The female hissed sweetly and softly as she pulled back her arm. "The kill."

I pounced throwing myself on top of the female pushing her off the other troll. She growled she pushed me away. Glancing at my necklace her eyes became furious. Her voice, however, stayed sweet and deadly. "So you are the guardian of Alorahcon and my father's killer."

My eyes widen as I realized. "Kereptus."

She nodded. "Kind of you to learn his name before slicing his throat. Now." She raised her swords and pointed them at me. "I'm going to have you pay. With your life."

"You are wrong," I said. "My father f for me."

She faltered at his slightest possibility that she got the wrong person. "Then where is your father?"

"He is dead. Your father killed him just before he died." I answered.

She smiled, and it was just as deadly and evil as her fathers. "Good. But still, I do have to kill you to get the crystal.No offense."

"None taken, but then again." I raised my hand, and a fireball appeared. "I am Carya Lake guardian of the Crystal of Alorahcon, Elemental of fire. You are not getting this crystal or this kid and troll."

"Oh, are you an Elemental?" She asked almost mockingly. "Then you have already chosen a side. Pitty I was going to spare you if you just gave up the crystal. But." She sighed. "I'm going have to kill you. After all, you are my kinds, mortal enemies. By the way, before I kill you my name is Gragana. "

"Don't feel too bad. I'm going to have to kill you too." I said as I held out my hand. "Or you could leave us alone and spare us both the trouble of a fight that our ancestors had."

She took my hand and then twisted it judo flipped me over shoulders. I back flipped in midair and landed on my feet. I grabbed her feet and swung her over my shoulders into a tree. She hit it hard and slid down unconscious. For good measure, I hit her with a couple of fireballs. I then grabbed some rope from my bag and tied her up. "I guess not," I mumbled and started to walk away.

"WOW!" A voice said behind me.

I jumped and sharply turned to see the kid and the troll. I had almost forgotten they were there. "Um hello.' I said smiling.

"That was just wow!" He said again jumping up and running towards me."So cool, so cool, so cool!" He yelled

"Oh, thanks," I said and tried to shrink back into the shadows. "Um, you better get back to where you came from. The sun is about to come back up." I pointed to the sky hoping to distract the kid so I could make a quick getaway.

"No, it's almost midnight." He answered. "Plus I have a few questions."

"Oh, uh alright," I said and started to walk away.

"Wait!" The kid ran after me. "Come back!"

"I'm not leaving just walking to a more secure area," I said not looking back. I heard a thump and heavy footsteps which meant the troll was getting up. I walked until I found the clearing that I knew was there. "Here." I sat down on one of the stumps in the middle and motioned for them to do the same.

Once they had found a seat, I asked. "So what did you want to ask me?"

"Well first off are you related to Jimbo?"

My stomach dropped. "Jim who?"

"Jim Lake."

"Jim is here. In Arcadia?" I sat forward eagerly.

"Well, not anymore. He and a bunch of other trolls went to find a new heart stone. They went to New Jersey." He noticed how I slumped back into my seat at those words. "Why are you looking for him?"

"He is my little brother." I sighed and looked away.

"JIM? WHAT? I thought he was an only child." he looked amazed.

"Really and how would you know?" I asked and looked at him skeptically.

"I'm kind of his best friend." He said proudly.

"Oh." I sat back to look at the stars. A question came to my mind. "Why did he leave. How did he get wrapped up in this world of trolls?"

"Uh, that is kind of a long story." It was his turn to sigh. "You see it starts with a glowing, talking, blue, amulet and A LOT of chances of dying."

"Sounds like the story of my life," I mumbled. "Sorry continue."

So he did. The whole dang story right up to the point when Jim defeated Gunmar with the Eclipse sword. The goodbye and him disappearing into the woods. A few things surprised me like a four-armed one was his trainer. And there was a troll called Drall that died, just like the one that is currently living in Crystal Cavern. However, I didn't voice these questions. I kinda trusted him but not completely. Once his story was done, I asked. "What is your name?"

"Oh sorry. Tobias or Toby. What's yours."

"My name is Carya Lake. Didn't you hear?"

"Right sorry." He apologized. "Anyway, that's our story. Jimbo, Claire, and Blinky are leading the way the New Jersey to find a new heart stone and-"

"Wait a minute. Did you say Blinky as in the four armed six-eyed trainer Blinky?" I questioned my heart jumping into my throat.

"Yeah, I guess you could call him that."

My face paled. My brother was heading to his death.

And he didn't even know it.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^🎗^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

YaY! clif hanger! I have been waiting to write this chapter since I started. A special thanks to my followers who helped me with the names in this chapter,

  Trixy 

Roshan

Rakdos

Gragana

Thrunda

Their profiles are @Emily9565 @DominikKampleitner @Starelf555 and last but not least 

   @NerdyPerdyPink

 These people are amazing and really help me out.  See you next month!

                                                        Bye!,

                                                                     Corah😃😊