That next Monday found Levi, Alice, Paul, and Liz all back at school. The news report playing on a television they were passing caught his attention as it was unmistakably from their school. Out of curiosity he stopped for a moment to listen.
'Today is the first day Founders’ doors have opened to students, faculty, and staff since the deadly bombing little more than a week ago. While the terror of the attack cannot be denied, as of yet no terrorist organization has stepped forward to claim the attack as their own, leaving us to wonder who was responsible. Beyond the motive, this attack has left investigators with even more unanswered questions. Sources say they are reportedly still unable to determine what type of explosive was used, as there seems to be no trace of an incendiary device or accelerant. Such a mystery leaves us to wonder if and when this ghost bomber will strike again. Back to you Rich.'
The screen cut back to the news anchor.
‘Thank you Hanna. A chilling mystery and a terrible tragedy over there, but this isn't the only crime we've seen recently. The wave of gang violence which peaked last week seems to have subsided as quickly as it rose...’
The anchor's voice faded as Levi hurried to catch up with the others. He smiled, happy to know that both the bomber and the 'gang violence' were done with.
"Hey Levi, we almost lost you."
"Sorry Paul, just checking out the news. They got a few things wrong."
"They usually do," said Liz, laughing.
"So wait," Levi said, a thought striking him. “How often is the news like, you know, our stuff?"
"More than you'd think, said Liz. “And not always the sort of news you'd think either. Remember that case in Florida, with the alligator eating all those dogs?"
"Hey, yeah I remember reading about that," said Alice. "Didn't it hide out on a game trail and grab them when they came through?"
"Yeah, sort of. There was an alligator, but it wasn’t doing the killing. It probably just hung around to eat the leftovers. The real killer was a panther."
"Dude, Liz," said Paul, "Panthers aren't exactly crazy hunter stuff. I mean, we've got panthers in the zoo."
"Yeah, but not this kind. They're bigger and smarter, and they lure their prey in with a sweet smell that confuses them till it’s too late.”
"So then, back to Levi’s question,” said Paul. “How often do things like that happen? I mean, if it happened that often, wouldn't people have caught on? I mean, enough ogres maulings and someone's going to notice right?"
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Liz thought about it, cocking her head to the side and chewing her lip. "Well, I guess I always figured the hunters cleaned things up, but I dunno, it does seem odd."
"Oh come on guys," said Alice. "How many crimes go unsolved each year? Tons. And what about urban legends? Things like the mothman, gremlins, wendigos, and all that stuff. As long as the hunters keep the worst of it contained I bet everyone just chocks it up to superstition, animal attacks, and crime."
"Yeah, you're probably right," said Liz.
“Hey, Levi,” said Paul. “You ever talk to your folks about all this?”
“You mean monsters and demons? Yeah, sure did. Hey Mom, I almost got eaten by an ogre, then a demon tried to kill me. Don’t worry, they’re both dead and now I’m hunting monsters in my spare time. I don’t think that’d go over well.”
“No, you know, like telling them you were okay. My mom and dad were freaking out when I finally called. They were sure I’d been killed in that bomb blast. They put out a missing persons report on me.”
“Oh, yeah, that. Yeah, they freaked out alright. I told them my cell and laptop were stolen so I couldn’t call or anything.”
“Did that seriously work for you?”
“No, my mom chewed me out for not borrowing a phone or something, but she was just happy I’m alive. I feel bad though, they’re sending me a new laptop and mine’s still perfectly good. But I guess they’ll be happier not knowing what really happened.”
“That’s the truth.”
"You all seem well enough considering." A familiar, dry voice from behind made them turn.
"Connie!" Liz exclaimed, clapping her hands delightedly.
And there the professor stood; one arm bandaged and resting in a sling, the other gripping a cane, which he leaned on heavily. A bandage covered the side of his face.
"Yes, it's me. Don't look at me like you're seeing a ghost."
"Sorry sir," said Levi. "Last we heard you were dead. I mean the Farr lady said it, but no one said differently, and we saw your office so..."
"Huh, so Anna said I was dead. We'll she and her master did do their best. But no, I've lived too long to be caught unaware in my own office. Still," he said, touching his bandaged arm. "It was closer than I would have liked. No, come to my office and I'll tell you all about it. I too would like to hear about your adventures, I hear you all more than lived up to our expectations."
"Sir," said Levi, speaking up again, this time more confidently. He had after all thought over this carefully since the battle with Surtr.
"Yes?"
"I've made up my mind. I'd like to become a hunter."
"Have you now? Well then we really do have a great deal to talk about. I would have thought that last run in would have scared you off."
"No, I mean it almost did, but with everything I've seen I can't know and ignore it. Besides, I’ve got friends that I don’t want to let down."
"I feel the same way," said Alice. "This is the first time I've had a chance to be a part of something that really mattered. I can't walk away now." There was a moments silence, then Paul spoke up. "Yeah, you can count me in, too. I can't spend the rest of my life afraid of myself can I."
"And that means you guys will need me to teach you all sorts of stuff," said Liz, beaming brighter than usual. "Anyway, what are we waiting for? Let's go to Connie's office.” She kept talking as she pulled Levi and Alice along, Paul followed, just a step behind.
###
Connolly stood there a moment, smiling a knowing smile before muttering "Looks like you chose well after all my Lady. I had my doubts. But will they live up to the task ahead I wonder?"
"Connie, you coming?" Liz had looked over her shoulder and noticed he wasn't following.
He sighed and began hobbling after them, wincing at the sharp twinge in
his leg. "I'll get there, just don't rush me."