When You Thought Going Back In Time Would Fix Things But That Stupid Wizard Screws You Over Again

by ElymiGremlin

Summary:

Jim is sent back in time to fix the damage done to his life by the Arcane Order, but trying to keep things going according to his plans proves to be more difficult than he thought.

Chapter 1

 

He’d done it. James Lake Jr. had saved the world once again. That was his job as a hero wasn’t it?

  In the comics he read and the movies he watched the hero often had to choose between his loved ones and the world, but somehow they always saved both. Not Jim though. He had saved the world, but so many were lost along the way.

Tears rolled down his face as he named off every person he had lost, it broke his heart piece by piece as everyone had been torn away from him because he wasn’t strong enough, wasn’t smart enough to save them. 

 

The alarm clock blared announcing 6:00am snapping him from his thoughts. His hand dismissed the alarm out of reflex built over the years, and he sprung up from bed. The time stone had worked!

He raced out of bed, into the garage, impatiently shifted from one foot to another as the door lifted open, then dashed into the driveway where the garbage can had been knocked over by goblins. 

Where was Toby? 

He needed to see Toby! 

Jim stood at the edge of the driveway until it dawned on him that Toby didn’t show up until eight. But what if he was in danger? What if someone had come for him? What if Jim had just wasted the time stone to come back to lose Toby again?

No, no, Toby would be here. He had to be here. That was the whole point right? 

Jim needed Toby. 

The Trollhunter needs a wingman.

 The amulet made Jim strong, he needed it to protect his best friend. Jim couldn’t always be with Toby though could he? Sure they were neighbors, but the separation of a single fence could ruin everything. 

What if Toby had the amulet?

Jim had tried to give him the new amulet. He’d wanted him to have that protective armor that helped him endure everything. Maybe if he got Toby to go to the canal alone the amulet would call to him, the amulet would always be with him to keep him safe.

Once Toby was the trollhunter, Jim could be there as his wingman, able to prepare everyone for the incoming danger long before it happened. 

“You alright Jimbo?” a beautifully familiar voice asked, “have you really been sitting out on the curb all morning?”

Jim jumped up from where he had at some point sat on the curb. “TOBY!” He wrapped his friend in the tightest hug he possibly could, never wanting to let him go.

“Woah, touchy today,” Toby awkwardly laughed, a wonderful sound. “Seriously though, you’ve been sitting on the curb since I opened my curtain this morning.”

“I was so worried about you,” he heaved a sigh, then Toby began to squirm from how long Jim had been hugging him.

“Worry about both of us, at this rate we’ll be so late to school our kids will have detention.” In perfect timing with his words the school bell rang, signalling their impending punishment. 

Toby mounted his bike, already peddling away. Jim quickly followed behind, his helmet remaining unclasped as he didn’t want too much distance to form between them. 

“So instead of doing any of your morning routine like making us lunch, you sat out on the curb?” Toby asked as they hurried along.

“I umm, had a weird night,” Jim tried, not sure it was a good idea to tell anyone where he had just been.

“A dream of Claire Nunez perhaps?” He questioned jokingly, making some kissing noises. “Should we take the canal?”

“NO!” Jim shouted, if they both went down there the amulet might choose him again. “We’re already late, why put in the extra effort right?”

Toby gave a simple shrug in response, and they continued on the street route to school.

 

Everyone in the room was focused on the class, but Jim couldn’t stop staring at the three most important faces in the room.

Toby clenched his jaw as he focused on typing his notes.

Claire looked so care free and beautiful as she soaked up the information being given to her like the genius she was.

And Strickler had his usual calm persona with an occasional witty statement that kept the class engaged.

Jim gripped his desk as he fought down the terrible memory of losing Strickler. If only he had been smarter, if only- no- he would be smarter. This time around he was going to make sure everyone was safe.

The bell rang, releasing class into the halls. Jim began to gather up his things when Strickler approached him. 

“Are you alright Mr. Lake?” he asks in a smooth but concerned voice.

“Y-yeah,” Jim fumbled, a few items slipping to the floor.

“I'm a bit worried you're not getting enough rest, you were falling asleep during-”

“I'm fine,” Jim blurted, panicking over how far away Toby already was.

Stickler stared at him startled as Jim quickly began picking up his dropped things.

“I don't mean to intrude, but I do believe I'm overdue for a conversation with your mother.” He held out a note with his number and Jim snatched it from his hand, hurrying out of the class.

Jim stopped in the doorway and turned back, trying to ignore the concern of his teacher.

“I'll talk to her,” He said, offering a smile, “and Strickler- Mr. Strickler, thanks for everything.”

Jim turned and ran down the hall, trying to get to the gym before anything bad could happen to Toby.

The climb up the rope to the bell was surprisingly difficult, but still doable. Toby on the other hand was struggling with the small amount of progress he had made.

Jim tried to cheer, but seeing the pain on Toby’s face only made him want to cut the rope down and stop him from ever having to climb it again. But if Toby was going to be the troll hunter it wasn't like Blinky wouldn't be putting him through the same grueling work. Jim would be sure to make sure he was well supplied with amazing food to cheer up his friend when the time came.

Beautiful laughter sounded from the bleachers and Jim’s attention was turned to Claire. Okay, now was the time to start getting things going with her.

Jim carefully approached the girls, he needed to do this perfectly!

“Hola, me gusta tu camisa.” He tried, he definitely had more practice than the first time around. 

“You speak Spanish?” Claire asked, not caring to keep the conversation in the language when his accent was terrible and slow.

“Uh, yeah, I'm in Senor Uhl’s class,” he answered, not sure what to talk to her about, they had been so close only a few hours ago. But Claire had told him to work on them again, he needed this!

“Come on, let's go,” Mary sighed, standing from the bench.

Claire stood to follow, but stopped. “The school’s putting on a play, you should try out.” She held out a flyer for Romeo and Juliet, and Jim slowly took it, watching her walk away with her friends.

A hot sweaty hand grabbed Jim's arm making him jump.

“How people can climb a rope like that, I have no idea!” Toby wheezed.

 

Toby was blown away that Jim had talked to Claire, saying how she was amazing and they were nothing. 

Jim couldn't agree more, he wasn't really much without her was he? He couldn't wait to get to have her talking to them at school again.

“Okay, nothing to see here.” Toby quickened his pace, bringing Jim back to the current time line.

Steve was shoving Eli into a locker, accusing him of the make believe creatures he had seen that morning.

Had Eli seen Kanjigar? Jim would have loved to meet the trollhunter alive. What if Kanjigar had won the fight this time around? If Bular was defeated then everyone would be safe!

Jim rested his bike against one of the racks and headed over to the bully and the poor nerd tucked inside the locker.

“Do you really need to shove people in the lockers to feel something Steve?” Jim asked, wondering what all had happened to change Steve into the person he was by the time they had run into each other again in ancient camelot. 

“What did you say, buttsnack?” Steve turned on him, ready to shove the next person who stepped out of line into another locker. 

“I’m just saying, I don’t think shoving people into lockers is the best coping skill.” He replied, “so maybe let him out.”

“Oh, hey Jim,” Eli’s voice sounded from within the locker.

“If you like Pepperjack so much, maybe I should shove you in there with him.” Steve slammed his fist on the locker door, silencing any words Eli might offer.

“Come on, why are you wasting your time here anyways, just let him out Steve.” Jim struggled to look him in the eye. How could someone when they’ve witnessed whatever the frick it was to witness in the future he had just come from. Jim was pretty sure he would never be able to see Steve the same way again.

“Let him out!” Toby started, “Let him out!” 

The chant slowly caught on in the crowd that had formed, and once Coach Lawrence appeared Eli was released and Steve claimed he would get Jim back for his stupidity.

 

“That was so cool!” Toby cheered as they walked to the edge of campus, “You were all cool and then I started the chant! Now that’s the kind of excitement you’re always yearning for.” He elbowed Jim playfully.

“Oh, yeah, I guess it is.” Jim did his best to smile. “Hey I actually have to run to the store for something my mom forgot to pick up the other day.” He gestured awkwardly in the opposite direction of where they lived. “Let me know when you get home.”

“Okay, Mr. suddenly concerned,” Toby teased, turning to mount his bike and head home.

“Oh! And Toby, take the canal, I have a good feeling about it.” Jim said, and took off once Toby nodded.

Toby would be fine. Jim tried to tell himself as he biked down the street. He just needed to be apart from him for a little while, then the amulet would choose Toby and everything would be fine. This was all going to work out, it would be perfect. It had to be perfect or Jim could lose everything all over again!

Jim needed somewhere to spend a little time so he didn’t get home before Toby. He parked his bike and sat at one of the tables of the cafe, would Toby question him if he didn’t get anything at the store? Probably not.

“Good afternoon sir, is there anything I can get started for you?”

Jim’s head snapped up to see Douxie standing beside the table, the cafe’s apron secured over his modern clothing.

“Oh! Douxie! Umm…” Jim grabbed the menu that sat at the table, nearly shoving his face into it.

“You can take your time, no need to rush,” Douxie stifled a laugh, “I can come back in a few min…” his voice faded as Jim looked up and they made eye contact. Douxie’s brows lowered in a mix of concentration and confusion. He subtly shook his head and blinked away the emotions on his face. “I’ll come back in a few minutes.”

Jim watched as Douxie walked away to attend other customers, what was that reaction about? Douxie was a powerful wizard, was something wrong with him?

He patted himself down as if he might be fading from this reality, but no such event seemed to be taking place.

Maybe leaving Toby alone wasn’t a good idea, what if something bad happened to him? 

His phone buzzed with a text and he quickly checked it.

Just got home.

I think someone is trying to pull a prank on us. I found a weird radio or something in the canal and it won't shut up. Could you come over after you’re done at the store?

That wasn’t what had happened when he had picked up the amulet. It had just said his name the one time and that was it. Maybe something was different with the amulet this time around. Whatever it was Jim was sure they would be able to figure it out.

Jim hopped up from the table, and hurried towards home. Would Toby have armored up at this point? Jim remembered his friend had been eager to find out what it was last time.

Jim raised his hand to knock on the door when Toby opened it and pulled him inside, putting his finger to his lips before Jim could ask any questions. 

Nana said a happy hello before Toby waved her off, and she simply encouraged them to have fun. Once inside Toby’s room he held up a notepad, and with exaggeration pointed to the amulet softly glowing on the floor in the center of the room.

I think it’s a radio of some sort and I’m pretty sure someone is listening in on us.

Jim opened his mouth to rid him of his worry, but before he could speak the notepad was shoved into his hands. He let out a quiet sigh and began writing.

He wondered what exactly to write, there were several ways he could say he knew it was fine, but how many of those would Toby believe?

How do you know it’s a radio?

Toby took the note pad back, flipping to a prewritten note. Obviously he’d had plenty of time to think his thoughts through.

This spooky voice keeps coming from it and has said both of our names.

Jim froze as he read the words, both of their names? The amulet had never said Toby’s name when he had originally picked it up.

“What do you mean ‘both of our names’?” He asked, not bothering with the note pad anymore, he needed answers.

“It said my name, but then it said something something and your name.” Toby replied, angry Jim had broken the silence. 

Was it broken?

“Let me see it,” he picked the amulet off the ground and the moment it was held in his hand the pieces began to spin and it burned with light as it lifted into the air before him.

“JAMES LAKE YOU DARE TAKE A MASTER WIZARD FOR A FOOL?!”

Chapter 2

Summary:

Merlin's stubborn amulet is determined to have Jim as the next trollhunter which results in two very baffled trolls who saw a completely different human retrieve it. Jim has to figure out how he will deal with being the trollhunter this time around.

Notes:

Well my hyperfixation for trollhunters has officailly returned and I finally got ahold of all the trollhunter books (save troll lore and Jims guide) so there will be lore for this fic drawn from there which may make Wizards inaccurate. Also thank you for all the love on the first chapter! this is my first fanfic that's ever made it past a single chapter.

The room was coated blue, and Jim found himself alone with the angry amulet.

“DID YOU FORGET WHAT I HAD UNKAR TEACH YOU?” Merlin’s stern voice shouted from the amulet as it pressed aggressively towards his face, “DID I NOT TELL YOU OF ALL CREATURES I CHOSE YOU?”

Jim swallowed down his fear. “In case you didn’t notice I just got back from the future. The future that sucks!”

“Life for you mortals always seems to ‘suck’.” The amulet grumbled, “WHAT FOOL SENT YOU BACK IN TIME?!”

Jim frowned as he thought, “Unkar, Claire -accidentally- Porgon, you, and finally Nari told me to go back with the time stone.”

“Well, surely I had my reasons!” He spat, “apparently I have to tell you children things over and over again so… I chose you for a reason! Master wizards don’t make mistakes! Become the Trollhunter you have always been destined to be.”

The light from the amulet faded and the room returned to its original shade as it dropped to the ground with a soft thud.

“WHAT THE HECK!” Toby shouted, looking terrified in the corner with two pencils forming a cross in front of himself. “You and- and that thing just vanished and then you reappeared!”

“I umm,” Jim looked down at himself, it had felt a bit similar when he was pulled into the Soothscryer. “I think it’s some sort of magic medallion.” He said picking up the amulet. Darn Merlin, why couldn’t he have let his plan work. But you had to respect the ancient man, he had gotten them through so much, and he had always given Jim a choice. So why not this time around?

The memories of what Unkar had put him through made him think of the differences that happened when he had chosen not to be the Trollhunter, but that was because Draal didn’t want close allies, surely Toby would have trusted him enough to let him in on everything, right? 

“Wait, are you saying in that big pile of rocks in the canal we found some magicians power source?” Toby asked, now out of his cowered position and up close with the amulet. “Do you know what this could mean? We could get Steve back for every time he’s bullied us! You just turn invisible and then wham! Bam! KABOOM! And we take him down and then all the girls in school will notice me. I’ll let you have Claire of course. Oh man! This is so cool! So cool! So cool!”

“Tobes calm down, you don’t even- we don’t even know what it can do.” Jim held the amulet up out of Toby’s reach. “I don’t think it’s ability is to make people invisible.”

Toby gave him a deadpan stare. “It made you disappear, obviously that’s it’s ability.”

“I didn’t disappear,” He rolled his eyes, “it took me tooo…” He trailed off, he wasn’t really supposed to know anything about the amulet either, besides, Toby would probably question what he and Merlin had talked about. “A weird room! And, and this monster appeared, but he wasn’t quite scary, more daunting.” Jim recalled his many times training with Kanjigar, the description worked well. “But he was wearing this armor, and he umm, told me I needed to be some sort of… troll?”

Toby stared at him confused, his mouth hanging open. Suddenly he stood up straight and his confusion turned to excitement. “Awesome Sauce! Let me try.” He reached for the amulet again.

“What do you mean ‘awesome sauce’? This is dangerous!” Jim knew it really wasn’t that bad, but whatever Toby was thinking couldn’t be a good thing.

“Whatever you huffed from that thing I wanna try.” Toby stopped trying for the amulet and crossed his arms. “You made me miss lunch, you might as well let me have some of that.”

“W-what?!” He stared at his friend bewildered, “it’s not gravesand, it’s an magic imbued amulet.”

The two of them fell silent as each of them processed what he had just said.

“Are you doing drugs?” 

“No!”

“Then what’s gravesand, Jimbo?” he questioned, starting to look actually concerned.

“Do you really think I would do drugs?” Jim asked, “My mom’s a doctor, I doubt I could get away with it even if I really wanted to.”

Toby pondered this, then decided he would believe his friend. “Okay, so magic medallion, do you think we could still use it to beat Steve’s butt?”

“We’re not beating anyone up,” Jim sighed, “we're umm, going tooo… hold off on using the amulet, and see if anything magical happens over night.”

“But who gets to take the amulet?” Toby asked, clearly he wanted to keep it at his house for the excitement.

Jim tried to remember what had happened when he had first picked up the amulet, his mom hadn't been home that night.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and found a missed call from his mom, probably in the short time he had been in the void. He listened to the voicemail left and was reminded she had to work all night.

“Would Nana be cool if you stayed over at my place? My mom is gone for the night.” He offered, they needed to decide on a place to stay soon, as the sun was about to set. Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! would be showing up soon.

“I'll pack my things and let her know,” Toby beamed, excited for their little adventure. 

It was nice to know what was going to happen, as long as he was able to keep track of upcoming events he would be able to keep everyone safe.

Once Toby was packed they headed over to Jim's house, and began setting up in the living room where Toby announced they would stay up all night.

Although Jim’s body had gotten a full night's rest he felt like he had been up for a week, and with things being far less threatening for the time being he wanted to get as much rest as possible before Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! showed up.

Toby promised he would stay vigilant when Jim announced he was tired. His exhausted brain didn't let him sleep though, instead it began to worry about all the other threats that they would face again. If the amulet was in their possession that meant Bular was alive and hunting for them already.

He needed to deal with Bular as soon as he possibly could, if they got rid of him, they wouldn't have any other issues… right? He tried to think over the many enemies they had faced down, but he was starting to get them mixed around and couldn't remember who had come when or why. He would probably need to write things down to keep track of it all. He couldn't let anything catch him off guard.

A loud thud came from the basement, both boys leapt up at the sound, one far more terrified by the sound than the other.

Toby “allowed” Jim to lead the way and the two ventured to the basement door.

“It’s the magician,” Toby whimpered as Jim took hold of the door knob. “He’s come to reclaim his medallion.”

Both of them jumped at the sight of their reflection in a mirror. Jim couldn’t remember how long that thing had been in the basement, but it scared him almost every time. Someone had moved it at some point shortly after he had become the trollhunter.

A few items clanged just ahead of them as the basement door swung shut, whether it was shut by one of the trolls or a draft in the house Jim couldn’t tell. Either way the air of it all made Toby stand so close Jim could feel his breath through his shirt.

“MASTER TOBY!” Blinky’s voice boomed in the small room.

Toby screamed and jumped, shoving Jim forward and down, causing his forehead to slam into the metal pipe that stood floor to ceiling.

“Master Toby!” Blinky tried again a bit less loud.

“WHAT ARE YOU!” Toby screamed, now facing Blinky and slowly backing away.

“We are trolls, the very people you have taken up the mantle to protect when you took upon yourself the sacred amulet.” Blinky explained, as if Toby would be able to understand anything he was saying in the moment.

Toby took another step away from Blinky, toppling onto Jim and slamming his head into the pipe again.

“Help you.” AAARRRGGHH!!!’s deep but soft voice said, as he lifted both Toby and Jim from the ground.

“It appears we have revealed ourselves to more humans than we had intended,” Blinky looked at Jim with disappointment that cut deep into his soul.

“W- what-” Toby began to wilt, and Jim held him up trying his best to keep him from passing out, “is happening?”

“We come to help trollhunter.” AAARRRGGHH!!! answered simply.

“Indeed,” Blinky nodded, pressing each set of hands together. “We are a people who have lived for centuries in a vast world beneath your very feet. We have had a trollhunter, a guardian, to keep us safe, and now that calling has been bestowed on you Master Toby.”

Toby clung to Jim who was probably the only reason he was still conscious. “I don’t have your medallion, Jim had it last!”

What a way to throw Jim under the bus.

But of course Toby hadn’t understood anything Blinky had just said. Jim was pretty sure he had just screamed his entire first encounter with the two though, so he was off to a better start.

“You mean to say you let some other person take it after it called to you?!” Blinky yelled angrily, this was his first time seeing the amulet in the hands of humans since its making and now it seemed lost to him even though the mentioned person was also standing right before him.

“It did say my name,” Toby replied shakily, “but then it told me to take it to Jim.”

Blinky opened his mouth to scold him, arms raised, but then his angry stance dropped, replaced by confusion. “The amulet did what?”

“It umm,” Jim started slowly, not sure he could take another one of Blinky’s disapproving looks, “it sort of called to me.”

“But- we-” Blinky glanced between the two of them.

“Saw this one in canal,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said, holding a finger over Toby’s head.

“But it made him disappear!” Toby pointed to Jim, slowly pulling away from his friend, seeming to regain his ability to stand on his own.

Blinky grabbed Jim, seizing him with all four hands. “Bushigal! What does he mean by this nonsense?”

Should he tell Blinky the truth? He felt he might understand the magics that could cause all this. No, he was already so thrown off by everything else happening, plus then Toby would know he had lied to him.

“Toby got the amulet from the canal, but then when we were trying to figure out what it was I was brought to-” shoot, what did he tell Toby? “Oh! The weird blue place and there was Ka- this guy that was like you, but less arms and eyes-”

“Look like me?” AAARRRGGHH!!! asked, giving Jim the opportunity to turn to the gentle giant rather than into Blinky’s six dagger eyes.

“Yeah, kinda,” Jim nodded, “but he stood just with his legs,” he turned back to Blinky, “and he had this- this armor.”

“In all of my research I have never heard of the amulet calling to someone in such a way. Are you absolutely positive it doesn't belong to Toby?” The blue troll squeezed his captive tightly. “You did appear to hit your head and I believe humans are quite fragile in the brain.”

“Yes,” Jim groaned, trying to break from Blinky’s hold, “he seemed pretty adamant on that part.” he added with a mumble.

Jim was finally released, making him stumble as he was placed on his feet again.

“This is quite troubling.” Blinky began to pace with what space he had available. “First the amulet calls to a human, but now it calls in such a strange manner.” 

“Maybe it’s because we're human?” Toby offered, seeming much more relaxed now that most of the attention was off of him.

Blinky turned to AAARRRGGHH!!! “We need to research this. With the situation I believe it is a good idea to take these two with us.”

“Wait!” Jim shouted, he knew Blinky wouldn’t let them go until he found an answer, and Jim was pretty sure his situation had never happened to any other trollhunter. “We can’t go with you, we umm,” he needed an excuse, “if you took us we might get eaten, I mean I’m pretty sure A- your friend has been eyeing Toby.”

Toby stiffened and gave the large troll a terrified side eye.

“Ridiculous!” Blinky laughed, “every troll in Trollmarket rejects the brutal and dark traditions of consuming human flesh. AAARRRGGHH!!! will be sure no harm comes to you.”

“But- but my mother!” Jim said as he thought up another excuse, “she’ll be home soon and I don’t need her getting the whole town searching for us.”

“That could hold the possibility of being an inconvenience,” Blinky thought it through, then nodded in agreement. “We shall return tomorrow evening, in the meantime we will find answers to the mysteries that have perplexed us.”

Even with the announcement that they had “urgent research” the two trolls seemed a bit hesitant to leave, and it left Jim wondering how long they had stuck around after he had passed out in their first meeting.

When the two of them returned to where they had originally set up for the night Toby flopped onto the couch with a heavy sigh. He laid on the couch and stared up at the ceiling, his mind doing its best to figure out what had taken place. “Are you absolutely sure we didn’t huff something off that amulet thing?”

“Pretty sure, Tobes.” Jim sat down on the arm of the couch, staring at the amulet on the table. Merlin better have a plan with his stubbornness to have him be the trollhunter again.

 

The next morning Jim was forced to leave Toby’s side as he had that stupid dental appointment pulling him away from school. He felt terrible for being so far away from him, but he also knew appearances needed to be kept up. But if Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! believed Toby was the trollhunter. What if Bular did too?

“Jim, are you alright?” Strickler asked, and Jim hadn’t even realized he had naturally walked to the teacher’s office. “You look rather frazzled.”

“I umm, yeah, I’m fine.” He answered automatically, but then sat himself at the desk anyway and combed his hair to be sure it covered the horrible bruise on his forehead. “Mr. Strickler, can I tell you something?”

“Of course,” he straightened in his seat, ready to hear out any of his student’s concerns.

“I umm,” he thought of laying it all out to him, but that wouldn’t go well would it? Maybe he could make up a fake scenario that would still get him some answers. He looked down at his hands, uncalloused from the work they had yet to be put through. “I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed recently. There’s been a lot that’s been put on me, and no one can help me with any of it. I thought I knew how to make it easier on myself, but it ended up not working out the way I wanted.”

Strickler carefully studied him, “Jim if I may,” he gave a small pause, “I feel you may be choosing to feel alone in all this. I see the care you have for the people around you, but you don’t need to take their burdens on yourself.” He slowly stood, taking a few paces to look out the window and Jim followed him. “Much like Atlas, you seek to carry the weight of the world, but you don’t need to. Don’t seek to stretch yourself so thinly.”

“I guess so,” Jim sighed, Strickler of course wouldn’t understand that he was in fact burdened with the fate of the world. “Thank you, Mr. Strickler.”

“Anytime.” He watched as Jim headed for the door. “Do take care of yourself, Young Atlas.”

 

Jim looked through the fridge looking for something to make, he couldn’t remember the last time he had really been able to make something. He didn’t understand troll cooking, and in the few weeks he had been human it had been so stressful trying to make sure everyone was okay after the arcane order started searching for Nari that he hadn’t had a good sit down meal. Jim stopped and stared at the food in the fridge, had he even eaten since he was back?

Apparently stress could make you forget about those things. He began preparing a meal, snacking on the ingredients as he did so. If Strickler was right about anything it was that he was stretching himself too thin, but there wasn’t anything he could do against it.

Jim’s phone buzzed, a text from Toby notifying that he had gotten home. He now seemed to understand the importance and concern that would arise now that they both knew trolls existed. 

Have you figured out what the medallion/amulet/thingy does?

No, not yet.

Jim replied, realizing he hadn’t tried donning his armor yet.

He finished making his food and walked out to the back yard. 

“Here goes.” He held the amulet in front of himself, preparing to say the needed words.

Was it really this simple?

Was he really back in it all, the amulet unharmed and unchanged? He cradled the amulet in his hands as he slowly recalled each time he had held its shattered pieces. 

What if Merlin was wrong and he wasn’t worthy of the amulet after all this time?

“Only one way to find out,” Jim told himself, firmly holding the amulet out again. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “For the glory of Merlin, daylight is mine to command.”

The amulet released several blue orbs that flew into Jim’s chest, and the transformation began. The blue wisps of magic lifted him into the air as each armor piece appeared around him then all together clamped into place. The armor was sized to fit Kanjigar and Jim tried to focus to get the armor to resize to him. 

The armor didn’t shift like it normally would, instead it seemed to buzz as if confused by its wearer. 

Come on, please. Jim begged, he needed this armor to function properly if he was going to be the trollhunter. If he didn’t have the armor then what was the point of Merlin’s stupid reprimanding?

Slowly the armor sized down but stopped for a moment and as Jim looked at the oversized suit he wondered if this stopping point was the size he had once been as a troll. Had he really gotten that big? 

Before he could investigate any further the armor shrunk again this time fitting to its proper size. Several more glowing orbs lifted from the amulet and to his hand where they sprouted into the sword of daylight, which quickly shrunk down to proper size. 

Jim lifted the stunning weapon and swung it back and forth hearing it slice through the air with satisfaction. 

“I didn’t realize how much I missed you.” He said as he gave the sword a few good spins, then lifted it high before his grip faltered and Daylight fell into one of the large boulders decorating the backyard.

“Oh come on!” He yanked at the hilt, but the sword had lodged itself incredibly deep. “Why wont this thing-” Jim pulled with all his untrained muscles’ might, and Daylight flew loose only to fall into another stone. 

“Oh for all that is good!” he yelled, his voice cracking with the last word. He pried the sword free, this time being extra careful, then held it straight out in front of himself. 

As much as he wished Toby could’ve had the armor, and as much as he was irritated with Merlin, Jim had to admit it felt incredible to wear the wizard’s magic crafted armor once again.

Notes:

Jim's mentions of time travel refer to (claire) Age of the Amulet (book 4), and (Porgon) Defenders of Arcadia (video game)

Chapter 3

Summary:

Jim shows Toby what the amulet can do, Toby freaks out when he found out what being the Trollhunter really means.

Toby didn’t answer his phone when Jim called, nor any of the other three times, and Jim didn’t find out until the next day after an eight hour dental appointment that Toby had been so sleep deprived from the previous night that he had crashed into bed before the sun had set. 

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! hadn’t shown up and Jim wondered if they had lost track of time while working through Blinky’s entire library.

“Okay, but eight hours ,Toby, that's ridiculous!” Jim shouted.

“I wanna get out of these braces some day,” Toby whined as they entered the Lake home, “where do you keep your aspirin?”

“Upstairs in the bathroom mirror cabinet,” he answered, heading to the kitchen to find something that wouldn’t be too harsh on his friend’s pained mouth. He already knew Toby wouldn’t pay much attention if he was hungry and in pain, so he might as well appease him before he armored up and their troll friends arrived.

“I can’t feel half my face,” Toby said heading up the stairs, retrieving his desired medicine, and returning to the first floor. “And yet it hurts, how’s that supposed to work?”

“Probably the same reason you’d feel pain if your leg was cut off,” Jim said, recalling a random conversation they had once had regarding the subject.

Toby gave a disappointed whine, but brightened when he saw an ice pack set out on the counter and the smell of cooking food. 

A full plate was placed before Toby and he quickly began to eat, far happier now that his stomach had something in it again. “Okay, so what’s the thing you’ve been wanting to show me?”

Jim smiled, glad he would get to see his friend’s innocent excitement. He held out the amulet and Toby focused carefully on it as it began to glow.

“For the glory of Merlin,” He paused for dramatic effect, “daylight is mine to command.” 

The magic sparked to life and Toby watched in awe, running over onced Jim was on the ground again. 

“So cool! So cool! So cool!” He chanted, carefully inspecting the armor. He gave a delighted squeal as he ran his hand along the chest plate, “It’s not even a magician illusion, it’s reeeaaal!”

Jim took a silent deep breath, how would he have ever survived without Tobes? 

He focused the energy coursing through the armor and pushed it towards his hand, causing the sword of daylight to appear.

“Oh my gooosh!” Toby breathed, then his attention snapped back to Jim’s face. “Now can we use it to kick Steve’s butt?”

“What?” Jim questioned, caught off guard as he flipped the sword and holstered it on his back. “No, Tobes, this is way bigger than that.”

Right on schedule Blinky burst through the door, “We have returned!”

“AGH!” Toby yelped, jumping up onto the counter, and held up the spatula from Jim’s cooking as a weapon.

“pronuns AAARRRGGHH!!!,” the giant said as he tried to wedge himself through the door frame.

“ Pronounced, ” Blinky corrected, “Master Jim, Master Toby.”

“I feel like Tobias would sound better,” Toby said, thinking carefully, suddenly drawn away from his fear.

“Tobias?” Blinky questioned, thinking their past interactions over.

“It’s my full first name,” he explained, climbing down from the counter, “Tobias Domzalski.” He said with a wave of the spatula still in his hand.

“Thought name was Toby Pie,” AAARRRGGHH!!! offered as he finally got into the house, splintering parts of the door frame in the process.

“No, that's what my Nana calls me,” he fanned his hands in front of himself as if to shew the presence of the embarrassing name. “Wait, have you been watching us?”

“Master Jim! You’ve donned the armor!” Blinky cheered, turning the conversation to the selected trollhunter.

“Oh yeah,” Jim looked down at himself, “any luck with that pressing research?” He already knew they hadn’t found any answers, but Blinky could have found something interesting.

“I am ashamed to say we did not find our desired answers.” He lowered his head, but then it rose again. “But alas! We rediscovered that Merlin’s amulet has never been predictable, but it has never been wrong.”

“That’s an answer I suppose,” Toby mumbled through a mouthful of food, finishing what was left on his plate. “So is he like a superhero now? OOOH! Can I be his sidekick, with a cool name like Snipersnake or no-”

A car pulled into the driveway, making everyone fall silent.

“Oh no, my mom!” Jim whisperhissed, if he hadn’t been at Toby’s dental appointment he could have made sure she hadn’t forgotten anything!

“Everyone hide!” He hurried them to the basement not wanting Toby to make his mom think he was food poisoned again. Once everyone was down stairs Jim took a deep breath and deactivated his armor, tucking his amulet into his back pocket.

“Jim! I’m home,” Barbara called, but then looked up to see her son “casually” leaning against the wall by the stairs. “Oh hey, sweetie, I didn’t realize you were right there.” She adjusted her glasses. “I forgot my phone.”

“No problem,” Jim smiled awkwardly, “need help looking for it?”

“That would be great,” she sighed and headed up the stairs to check her room, and Jim searched the kitchen.

“WHAT?!” Toby shouted from the basement.

“Jim?” Barbara called, hurrying out of her room to the stairs.

“Whaaaat,” Jim said, standing at the base of the stairs looking at his phone in surprise, “Toby just sent me spoilers for Mistrial and Error! He really needs to SHUT UP about it!” Jim stomped his foot aggressively, receiving a concerned look from his mother.

“I didn’t know you watched that,” she said, looking partially hurt that she didn’t know things about her son. Jim knew he was only going to see that face more and more. 

What if he told her right here and now? What if he had her support and trust from the beginning?

“I’ve only seen the first few episodes,” Jim hated how it felt easier to lie to his mother than anyone else. Months of practice he supposed. “He said he would keep it a secret, but I guess a few things will slip.”

What if he just let it slip? Maybe he could even tell her about the future he had come from. Strickler had said he needn’t carry the burdens alone.

With a deep breath Jim shoved the thoughts away. That would only put a target on her, and he didn’t need more people to be worried about.

“You’ll have to let me know if it's any good,” Barbara replied, returning to her room, “Ugh! Found it!” she announced, holding it up high for him to see. “Right on my nightstand where it normally is.”

She headed down the stairs, “Well, I’ve got to get back to work.” She rested her hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for the help, I love you, Jim.”

“Love you too Mom,” he said, clenching his jaw as he looked her in the eye and watched her go. He was the Trollhunter, the burden was meant to be borne alone.

The car pulled out of the driveway and the basement door burst open.

“JIMBO! YOU’RE GONNA DIE!!!” Toby clung to his friend like he might perish that very second.

Jim gave a confused look to Blinky who was helping AAARRRGGHH!!! Through the door.

“THERE’S AN EVIL BULL TROLL GUY AND HE’S AFTER YOU!” he shouted into Jim’s jacket, “I don’t want you to die!”

“No one is going to die, Tobes,” Jim told both the frantic teenager and the universe as if it might actually listen to his determination.

“Exactly what I was attempting to tell Tobias,” Blinky said, unfazed when AAARRRGGHH!!! tumbled through the basement door and smacked into the wall.

“When he questioned the purpose of your calling he appeared rather flabbergasted when we informed him the calling of a Trollhunter is a mantle one cannot refuse-”

“THE LAST GUY DIED!” Toby gripped Jim tighter, then turned to Blinky pointing with an accusing finger, “You have a sweet voice, but you bring death with you!”

Wasn’t Toby supposed to say that after they got chased by Bular? Jim wondered, as Blinky and Toby continued to argue. Maybe he was remembering things wrong. No, he remembered being on his bike when Toby said it, so it had to be after they were chased.

“Jim listening?” AAARRRGGHH!!! carefully poked the side of Jim’s head, bringing him back to the present.

“Sorry I umm, what?” He scanned the room, Toby now stood on the counter trying to make his eyes level with Blinky’s, and they were nearly butting heads.

“Master Jim,” The four armed troll turned away from the angry teen. “It is understood that the amulet is a heavy burden to bear, but it chooses each of its holders carefully.”

“Of all creatures it chose me,” Jim sighed, pulling the amulet from his pocket, and gazed into its magical glow.

“Quite, it seems,” Blinky gave a deep nod, but then perked up, “with a bit of training you shall make a fine Trollhunter. I have trained and assisted a few in my lifetime, and shall teach you all that I know.”

Jim smiled, it felt good to have Blinky around. Jim tried to remember the many things that would harm Blinky in the future, but couldn’t remember any other than the times they had been in danger as a group. What did Jim need to do to keep him safe?

“Maybe this training stuff can wait?” Toby offered, walking over to Jim again. “He seems pretty overwhelmed, plus you know, school night.”

Blinky hummed with thought, as Jim looked up confused. Honestly he would be okay with starting his training, plus the ghost council could be really useful.

“I suppose it could be arranged,” Blinky said, turning to AAARRRGGHH!!!, “we shall return tomorrow and I do actually mean it this time, and then we’ll begin your training.”

AAARRRGGHH!!! headed for the back door and Toby went over to help him, asking something about a troll's diet.

Blinky watched his companion struggle in the door frame then carefully turned to Jim analyzing the worry lines creasing the young boy's face.

“Master Jim, if I may.”

Jim gave a small hum as he looked up from his amulet, his mentor looked upon him with that compassion Jim had grown to love and need. 

“Destiny is a gift,” Blinky began, making Jim’s eyes go wide.

This was it, one of the things he could always perfectly recall, the thing that got him through so much.

“Some go their entire lives living existences of quiet desperation, never

learning the truth, that what feels as though a burden

pushing down upon our shoulders.”

Much like Atlas, you seek to carry the weight of the world. The words echoed in Jim’s head, and he could feel how tense his muscles had already become from the stress they held.

“Is actually a sense of purpose that lifts us to greater heights. Never forget that fear is but the precursor to valor. That to strive and triumph in the face of fear is what it means to be a hero.” He grabbed Jim’s shoulders, and although the stone hands should have put more weight on them, they suddenly felt relieved. “Don’t think, Master Jim, become!”

Jim stared into Blinky’s many eyes, studying the light and hope that resided within them. Had Jim once held such hope in his own eyes, when had all of it changed?

AAARRRGGHH!!! finally got out the back door and waved for Blinky to head out with him. 

“Thanks Blinky,” Jim whispered as he watched his mentor leave. He could only hope the words could continue to uplift him.

“There!” Toby announced slamming the door, “I bought you another night. Now lets get rid of that thing before it kills us all!”

“WHAT?!” Jim looked down at the amulet as if it might suddenly say something evil on it rather than the words usually inscribed.

“I told you!” Toby hurried over and reached for the amulet, “the bull troll is going to track you down for it and kill you!”

“Toby!” Jim shoved his friend away, toppling him into the bookshelf. “Oh my gosh! Are you okay?”

“I'm fine,” Toby stood and dusted himself off, “I’m not one of Nana’s china dolls.”

Maybe not literally, but Jim felt like the whole world was made of fragile glass, and one wrong move would shatter it all.

“The amulet can’t be discarded, look.” He gently threw the amulet across the room, but the amulet, knowing Jim wasn’t actually trying to get rid of it, stayed put until he called for it, subtly holding out his hand and hoping Toby wouldn’t notice.

“Well that’s an issue,” Toby began thinking up plans of how they could rid themselves of the magical item. Toby really was on a rollercoaster of how he felt about the amulet.

“Toby, I’m not getting rid of the amulet,” Jim announced, breaking his friend out of his brainstorm, “it chose me, and if that means fighting Bular then so be it!”

“I guess it is that excitement you’ve been searching for,” Toby said, looking at the amulet with a bit of hurt. “But just to make things clear, I’m going to be there with you through it all!”

Jim smiled softly, Toby really was the hero type wasn’t he?

“I wouldn’t expect any less.”

Notes:

Toby is an interesting character to work with while writing him, he's sorta forming his own part of the story and it's a bit of a wild ride.

Chapter 4

Summary:

When his armor activates upon sensing danger and school, Jim is forced to try out for Romeo and Juliet in his armor. Once he does what he can to get into the play, Jim and Toby head home only to be chased by Bular all over town until Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! lead them to Heartstone Trollmarket where Jim is introduced as the trollhunter. Vendal comes to the Hero's forge and requests Jim be tested through the Soothscryer.

Notes:

honestly I'm just rewriting the whole show at this rate. I might do a small bit of a time skip in a little while though, I'm not really sure, I have some pretty solid ideas and then the rest I'm just winging so lets hope it works out.

Toby was a determined sidekick that was for sure. In class he asked at least once if the amulet was doing anything. What exactly he was expecting Jim could hardly guess.

The two of them walked towards their lockers when Toby pounced on Jim’s bag, whisper-hissing that the amulet was glowing brightly. He shoved the two of them into the locker room, and quickly ran around, checking if the coast was clear.

“Why did you drag us in here?” Jim asked, but then he felt it. The pull of the amulet as it sensed danger.

Jim fought off the need to armor up, but the feeling only got worse like the danger was getting closer. Were their goblins in the school? Pixies? A stalkling?!

With his spike in panic the amulet activated, wrapping him in its protective magic. Toby shoved him out of view right when the door to the locker room pushed open.

“Oh Mr. Domzalski,” Stickler’s voice echoed in the empty locker room, “I thought I saw Jim come this way.”

“He’s umm, he’s not feeling well,” Toby tried, “We had tacos last night and well…”

What was with Toby and always using food for excuses, although Jim had found himself using similar excuses.

It’s just Strickler, no danger here. Jim thought, slowly relaxing, stalklings and and pixies didn’t come until later, and Jim was pretty sure neither him or Toby had done anything to get the goblins to start coming after them yet.

“I would be happy to escort you two to the nurse’s office,” Strickler offered.

Even as he calmed himself the armor refused to dissolve, and from the sounds of the conversation it didn’t seem like their teacher would be leaving any time soon. Should he try the same excuse as last time?

“Don’t worry Mr. Strickler, I’m alright, just thee umm, tacos,” Jim said slowly, walking around the corner, “I was going to try out for Romeo and Juliet, and now I’m running late because of the… tacos.” He and Toby really needed to go over excuses to have on hand when they got put in positions like this.

Strickler stared at him in surprise, taking in the full majesty of the amulet’s armor. “Well then, if you’re feeling well enough you might still make it.”

“Right, thanks,” Jim grabbed Toby and hurried out of the locker rooms, and headed for the theater room.

The two of them got there just in time to admire the end of Claire’s audition, which with her memorization and delivery and just… perfection, even if Jim hadn’t been through it all already he would know she would get the part of Juliet. Who wouldn’t want to see her in the spotlight on stage?

Claire came back stage and looked at Jim with surprise, her eyes widening and catching more of the stage lights around them. “You’re actually here, I didn’t think you were going to try out.” She blushed slightly, then her eyes shifted to his armor. “Wow! Amazing costume! Did you make it?”

“No, it’s from an amulet that makes it appear with magic,” Toby said, with a surprising deadpan voice. Hadn’t he been excited to say that last time?

Claire laughed, and Jim found himself smiling like a fool, looking forward to when he could hear it more often. “You’re funny.” She turned back to Jim, and tucked her blue highlighted hair behind her ear, “You better go before Ms. Janeth ends tryouts.” she said when Ms. Janeth called for the next person.

“Right,” Jim smiled, and started for center stage.

“Break a leg!” Claire beamed, watching him go.

“Lets hope I can remember what to say,” Jim mumbled, standing up straight once he was in view of everyone.

“And who are you?” Ms. Janeth asked, seeming unimpressed even if Jim was in gleaming armor. 

“Um, James Lake Jr. auditioning for Romeo.” He said. He had tried out before, but that didn’t take away how nervous he was. 

“You may begin, we’re all ears.” She said, and Jim smiled as he saw Claire sit down beside her.

Jim stammered as he tried to know what to say. Should he use Blinky’s encouraging words as he had before? No, no, he knew the play now, he could do this!

“In faith, I will. Let me peruse this face. Mercutio’s kinsman, noble County Paris…” Jim went into the monologue he had once memorized, and as he said each of the words he recalled how Claire had helped him memorize each word. The way he would mutter them under his breath as he trained in the hero’s forge, reminding himself of one of the most important people he fought for. Claire meant so much to him and he needed her to know that once again. “O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.” Jim debated collapsing on the stage, but decided against it. He didn’t need to possibly get an injury when he knew that there were plenty already set in store for him.

“BRAVO! BRAVO!” Ms. Janeth cheered, standing up with stars in her eyes. She was clearly impressed that the boy who often fell asleep in her classes actually knew something about theater.

“That was amazing!” Claire cheered as she hurried to the stage. “I didn’t know you knew Shakespear.”

“A friend got me into it a while ago and convinced me to memorize Romeo’s lines,” he said, kneeling down on the stage to be closer to her.

“Your friend?” She glanced over Jim’s shoulder, “Toby, right?” 

“That's me,” Toby said with a tone of awkwardness, having no knowledge of why he was being called out by name.

“Err, no…” Jim said slowly, “a different friend.”

“What other friends do you have?” Toby questioned, and Jim did his best not to shoot his friend a scowl.

He thought of arguing, but what was he supposed to say? Toby had known him since they were tiny, and there was no way he could say when he had gotten into Shakespear when it had in fact been Claire who had been that friend.

Jim awkwardly shrugged it off, and smiled at Claire. “By the way you did amazing on your audition. I wasn’t able to see the whole thing though.”

She blushed and looked away, not expecting the compliment. “Thanks,” she glanced behind herself and saw people packing up. “I better go help Ms. Janeth with some stuff.”

“Bye,” Jim mumbled as he watched her go. Deya’s grace was he still head over heals for her.

“Alright, lets go lover boy,” Toby tugged on his shoulder plate, and Jim silently followed, playing memories of Claire and him over in his mind.

 

“When the heck did you have time to memorize an entire speech from that play?!” Toby demanded as they rode their bikes home.

“She asked me to try out several days ago, I had time,” Jim said, as if he had even thought about the play since he had been given the flyer.

“How?!” He questioned, nearly falling off his bike as they rounded a corner, “I haven’t been able to think of anything other than the fact that MONSTER TROLLS EXIST!!!”

“Toby…” Jim said slowly as he slammed on his breaks.

“TROLLHUNTER!” Bular stood at the end of the street, protected by the shadow of a building from the light of the setting sun. “GUNMAR’S BANE!”

“Oh we’re so dead,” Toby cried, “we’re dead! We’re dead! We’re dead!”

“GIVE ME THE AMULET AND I WILL MAKE YOUR DEATH QUICK!” Bular roared, slamming his fists into the asphalt, breaking it with his strength.

“This guy doesn’t know how to bargain, does he?”Toby asked through quick breaths, he was going to hyperventilate at this rate.

“Look, he’s scared of the sun,” Jim pointed out, trying to give his friend some comfort.

“Not for long!” Toby wailed.

“Then go!” Jim whipped his bike around and Toby quickly followed the two of them pedaling as fast as they could. Jim slowly let Toby take the lead, needing to be sure he was safe.

“I WILL FLAY THE FLESH FROM YOUR BONES!” Thundering hooves sounded behind them, and Jim knew Bular would catch up to them sooner than he would like. 

“I like my bones the way they are!” Toby shouted in response.

“WATCH OUT! FLYING TRUCK!” Jim shouted as the vehicle came careening through the air, and crashed right beside them as they swerved onto the sidewalk. 

As the two of them swerved around a corner, Jim dug his hand into his bag and pulled out his amulet and shouted the incantation. His armor clamped into place, and he risked a glance back as Bular barreled around the corner roaring after them.

“Head for Delancy and behind Stewart’s electronics!” Jim shouted, wishing Toby would pedal faster.

“I can’t fit behind Stewart’s!” He shouted back, but was already heading in the direction instructed.

“YES YOU CAN!” Jim tried to encourage, but it came out slightly angry with his panic. Bular couldn’t get a hold of Toby.

They reached the alley and Toby hurried for it, getting crammed in the tight space, but he was still very slowly moving.

Bular lunged for the two boys but Jim jumped from his bike, and quickly summoning the sword of daylight slammed it into Bular’s forearms as the troll quickly blocked the attack.

The Gummgumm prince laughed at the weak hit. “Fleshling trollhunter, how do you wish to die tonight?”

“It’s nice of you to ask, but I think I’d rather live today.” Jim kicked his bike further into the ally, readying for his retreat.

“You speak as if you are a warrior, but you are just a child!” Bular shot his hand out to grab him, but he quickly rolled out of the way.

“I think you’ll find I’m a bit more experienced than you think,” Jim smirked at the ugly beast, “I know your plans, and I know how to stop you.”

“YOU KNOW NOTHING!” He roared, grabbing the sword and swinging Jim around when he couldn’t move fast enough.

“Forgot I still technically haven’t been trained.” Jim groaned, as he held his sword tightly, so he wouldn’t fly into a wall.

“NOOO!” Toby yelled from the other end of the alley, “JIM!”

“Your ally will watch me feast on your bowls!” Bular smiled, baring his sharp teeth.

“No thanks!” part of Jim missed his tusks that the way they allowed him to deepen his threats, but being human felt better anyways. 

He let go of Daylight and flew towards the alley, the hit was hard, but he was up in an instant and on his bike heading down the narrow area as the troll roared after him.

“Let's go!” Jim hurried past Toby, who scrambled after him in the direction of home.

 

The two of them were weezing each breath by the time they made it to their street. Jim even had to remove his armor so he could keep up with Toby. He couldn’t wait to have his vespa again. 

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! Emerged from their hiding place behind some bushes, which hadn’t concealed them really at all.

“We- we-” Toby huffed, as he tried to catch his breath.

“Master Jim, are you two alright?” Blinky hurried to them, panicked over their pale appearances.

“We almost died!” Toby shouted, making both trolls’ ears pin down, “That crazy Bular guy chased us all over town!”

“You escaped him!” Blinky cheered, “that’s remarkable.”

“Not as remarkable as you assume, old fool!” Bular smiled from the end of the street, “You thought you could get away so easily?”

“I believe we are not complete on that escape,” Blinky yelped, and all four of them began hurrying away from the massive threat. “Quickly, to Heartstone Trollmarket!”

“My legs are turning into spaghetti!” Toby cried, as his bike began to wobble right before he slammed into a rock and flew off his bike. But before the boy could hit the ground AAARRRGGHH!!! caught him and settled him on his back.

“Got you.”

“Thank you,” Toby said with a sigh, as he clung to the troll’s hairy moss back.

Bular nearly tripped on the discarded bike, bending the frame out of shape. Better the bike than any of them.

“Master Jim, your armor!” Blinky reminded with urgency.

“Right!” Jim shouted, digging into his bag for it again, as they came up on the canal. He cleared his mind and carefully focused on the power radiating from the item in his hand.

Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!!!, and Toby hurried into the canal as Jim slammed the brakes of his bike and turned towards Bular who charged with full force towards him.

“For the glory of Merlin, daylight is mine to command.” Jim took a deep breath as the armor quickly appeared right as Bular rammed into him, sending him flying into the air. 

Jim’s armored knee and foot scraped along the bottom of the canal with the rough landing, paining both his ears with the scrape, and his bones as they absorbed the harsh landing. The rattle of it all lifted up to his brain, causing a small short lived headache before he was able to stand again.

He looked up at Bular, who scowled at him from the edge of the canal, “oooooh boy.” Jim frowned as his stomach dropped along with the troll who slammed down in front of him.

“I will drink your blood from a goblet made of your skull!” Bular roared, drawing his two massive swords.

“Oh, what?” Jim’s fear spiked as his frown deepened, “I don’t remember you using those last time.”

“Buy us some time Trollhunter!” Blinky shouted, as AAARRRGGHH!!! got started on the horngazel doorway. 

“Cut him like a meatloaf, Jim!” Toby shouted, reminding Jim what strength he did have right now. He may barely be able to wield his sword, but he had fought Bular once before, and he knew he could win this fight again.

Well… if you could call it winning.

Bular swung his swords down and they clashed against the sword of daylight. Jim’s back popped under the weight the troll put forth.

Lift with your legs! Jim reminded himself, carefully sliding his feet into a better position before pushing with full force against his enemy.

“Jim!” Toby shouted, signaling that the doorway to Trollmarket was now open. “Come on!”

As Jim ran for the bridge Bular leapt over him, crashing down and blocking his way. Jim still ran, yelling as he focused all his strength into his arms and swung and Bular. The troll jumped out of the way of the blade, and Jim just kept running.

“COWARD!” The Gummgumm prince roared, barreling after the trollhunter.

“Jim!” Toby shouted as Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! pulled him through the doorway. And right as Jim was in range the large troll’s massive hand reached out and yanked the trollhunter into the safety of the caverns far beneath the streets of Arcadia. Separating them far from the threat of Bular.

“We almost died!” Toby shouted, “AGAIN!!!”

“Almost!” Blinky said matter-of-factly, “a life of almost is a life of never.”

“Seriously?” Toby turned to his friend with a face that said “this guy is insane”, but Jim only shrugged and followed the two trolls down the magnificent crystal staircase.

“Welcome masters,” Blinky led them to the large archway leading out of the stairwell. “To Heartstone Trollmarket!”

“WOOOAAAH!” Both the boys stared in awe at the magnificent lit up town before them. Jim nearly teared up at the sight of the market being full of trolls again. It had grown so dull and dim after the eternal night, it wouldn’t come to that this time around. He would make it so his troll friends could stay, and wouldn’t have to leave in search of a new heartstone. 

The four of them walked into the busy streets, sticking close to their guides. Jim scanned each of the faces they passed, noting which ones he had become even further acquainted with when they had left Arcadia. But the more faces he saw the more it broke his heart. He couldn’t believe how many trolls they had lost to Gunmars army when he forced people into his ranks.

Toby rambled about all the crystals and types of stone all around them, and Jim smiled at his friend's love for geology. His friend snapped picture after picture of all the things around them, and Jim wished he could fully live the excitement over again like Toby. Although he supposed if he was experiencing it for the first time again he wouldn’t realize it was any different than the actual first time. Jim shook his head, he didn’t need to be getting confused by all this.

“What are humans doing here?” Bagdwella shouted, glaring at the people she had yet to welcome into her home for their help with her never ending gnome issues.

“Now now everyone,” Blinky started with an awkward laugh, “this here is-”

“Fleshbags have never sullied the ground of Trollmarket!” A deep booming voice shouted angrily, making its way through the crowd. “What insanity possessed you to bring such filth into our home?”

“Draal…” Jim whispered as Blinky said the name, stepping forward, partially barring the path to the two strangers.

“I was about to say,” Blinky glanced over his shoulder at AAARRRGGHH!!! with a mix of concern and sadness, then turned back to the gathering trolls. “This is our new Trollhunter.”

The crowd exploded with uproar, the loudest of it being from Draal.

“BUSHIGAL!” he bellowed, “I trained my whole life for the amulet! When my father was felled it was to pass to me, not some whelp!”

Jim stared at the anger and hurt in Draal’s eyes, and he felt himself begin to tremble and his eyes water. How had he forgotten the person he had so long ached to see again? His heart pounded in his chest at every movement the troll made, proof he was living. 

He’s alive.

Draal is alive!

“Master Jim, perhaps you should show them.” Blinky’s words cut into Jim’s thoughts, grounding him back into his surroundings. 

“R-right,” Jim struggled, choking up from the tightness in his throat. He held up the amulet, gripping it tightly as he swore in his mind. This time I won't lose him. He spoke the incantation and the armor activated around him, drawing gasps from the crowd.

“I may be the first human trollhunter,”  Jim announced to the people before him, “but if Merlin’s amulet has chosen me, then I will do everything in my power to protect you from the threats and trials that come against you!”

“We shall see,” Draal growled and stalked away, several other trolls going with him.

Blinky waved Jim and Toby along, leading them to the heroes’ forge. “It was a brilliant speech, Master Jim, but it will take time for them to come around. Our people are an ancient one, and change does not come easily.”

“Thanks Blinky,” Jim said, rubbing his hand up and down his armored arm, feeling the goosebumps underneath from seeing Draal again. How had he forgotten how he had gone back before everything happened? Of course Draal was going to be here, this was the troll’s home.

The four of them entered the training grounds, and Blinky began to explain it to the two of them, although Jim wasn’t really listening. 

The fighting area was brightly lit, it wasn’t darkened for a trial or desecrated by Gunmar, it was just the forge. It was once again a place in which Jim was able to think things through as he fought out any frustrations he had. The place was somehow stressful and yet destressing at the same time.

“Take a few steps back,” Blinky instructed.

 Jim automatically took the needed steps to avoid any of the weapons that shot out when everything started.

“Tobias, a bit more,” their trainor said, and Jim grabbed his friend pulling him out of the soon to be harm’s way.

With the press of the button the forge activated, and Jim dodged each incoming attack with memorization, although the lack of muscle memory felt odd.

“Amazing Master Jim!” Blinky shouted, “your instincts are incredible!”

Toby screamed as a blade swung out from the wall at him, and Jim sprinted after him. He leapt and tackled his friend to the ground protecting him from the chance of danger.

“BLINKOUS GALADRIGAL!” Vendel’s voice boomed through the forge and all the weapons were quickly tucked away into their hidden sheaths.

“Blinkous Galadrigal,” He repeated, each of his footsteps hard and loud carrying the weight of his aging body.

“Vendel, you’re here,” Blinky glanced around as if there might be an excuse to escape the frustration of the troll leader. “We wanted to speak with you, but we didn’t want to disturb your work-”

“What are these ridiculous rumors I’ve received from Draal of a human trollhunter?” Vedal asked, scanning the room with his poor vision.

“Not rumors I assure you,” Blinky said with an uncomfortable laugh, “the amulet has selected our newest trollhunter, Master James Lake Jr.” he gestured to Jim, who thankfully still wore his armor to spare the destruction that would have come to Toby’s phone. Jim could at least save him a few expensive purchases.

The old troll leaned down, bringing his face close to Jim’s.

Vendel’s alive too, I really can save everyone if I do this right!

“Perhaps we will see if he’s really a trollhunter,” Vendel hummed, and walked to the center of the room and Jim, knowing what would happen, followed to the carefully carved foot markings on the floor.

“Stand here,” He instructed, ignoring the argument Blinky brought up, saying Jim hadn’t had any time to train.

Jim obeyed, and the Soothscryer rose from the floor, bathing Jim in the faint red light from its crystal eyes. 

“Put your right hand into the Soothscryer, and it will tell us if you are truly worthy to be our trollhunter.” Vendel gestured to the device with his heartstone staff.

“Woah, woah, woah!” Toby ran over looking at the Soothscryer in horror. “He’s gonna get his hand back right?”

The old troll let out a tired sigh. “That will be for the Soothscryer to decide.”

“Toby, would you give me a boost?” Jim asked, a little scared to put his hand in, he had no idea how this would go.

“Yeah,” The boy gave a worried look but still helped the trollhunter up so he could put his hand into the daunting mechanics.

Jim clenched his jaw and squeezed his eyes shut as he put his hand in and a loud clang sounded before the world fell into silence.

Peaking his eyes open, Jim found himself in the void. The soft blue light enveloping everything around him.

“James Lake Junior,” Kanjigar appeared before him, looking down at the small human trollhunter, “You continue to prove that you are the most interesting trollhunter since Merlin, himself, created the sacred amulet.”

Chapter 5

Summary:

Jim is given warnings from the ghost council, Vendel is as strange as he always is. Jim gets home and finds Stickler visiting.

Notes:

Sorry this chapter took longer to come out, I had a wild weekend. My goat got attacked by our livestock guardian dog and my dad had to put her down because of how aggressive she got. I also found a dead mouse in my laundry like WTF??? I've been having to wrap Logan's (the goat) leg to help him heal and that's been quite a bit, but we're pretty sure he'll recover. anyways, I typed this chapter up today, it was a bit hurried and I only read through it real quick once so if there are typos or mess ups you can let me know I might fix them.

“You continue to prove that you are the most interesting Trollhunter since Merlin, himself, created the sacred amulet.”

Jim’s tense muscles slowly relaxed, and he looked up to Kanjigar. He had expected another lecture, but that seemed to be all the past trollhunter had to say at the moment.

“Wait,” he glanced around, none of the other trollhunters had come out to bug him about being a weak human. “You aren't confused by the fact I'm a human?”

Kanjigar and several other trollhunters laughed, they were actually laughing at him!

“No, young trollhunter, we know who you are,” with a wave of his ghostly hand, Kanjigar summoned a window to a different time.

On the underside of the bridge over the canal Jim was pinned against a pillar, before he removed his armor and slipped from Bular’s grasp. The armor was quickly equipped again, and the sword of daylight stabbed through the giant troll, sending him falling into the rushing water below.

The window faded and Jim turned his attention back to Kanjigar.

“We have seen where you have come from, and how much you have had to endure,” He sighed, exhausted at the idea that Jim had to do everything over. “You may be back in a body without training, but your mind is far more sharp. Do not dawdle in your training if you desire to save those you once lost.”

“So Merlin's magic allowed you to remember everything like how I did?” Jim questioned, he already knew he had to train hard.

“Are we sure this is the same sharp minded fleshling?” a raspy voice questioned, and Jim frowned. He wasn't entirely sure who it was, but he did recognize the voice as one that always seemed to need to have a jab at him.

“We recall this future past the same way your mind keeps a hold of its memories.” Kanjigar answered.

The amulet pulled from Jim's armor, hovering between the two of them. It flipped several times like a coin, before settling with its back up. The panels on the back of the amulet sprung open and a small green stone lifted, illuminating the only living trollhunter.

“The time stone,” Jim whispered, as if someone else might hear the answer to his secrets. Jim blinked a few times as he took in the stone again. “Wait, but I put this in the amulet made by Douxie and the Tarrons.”

Kanjigar nodded, understanding the confusion. “That amulet may have been made by different hands, but the magic within it was the same. It still bound itself to past trollhunters, and interlocked its destiny with the amulet you currently hold.”

The time stone fell back into place, the back panels clamped shut, and the amulet returned to Jim's chest.

“James Lake Junior,” Kanjigar boomed with warning in his voice, “do not allow the time stone to be removed by anyone, even yourself. If you lose the stone's magic you will lose the advantage it gives you.”

“The advantage?” Jim questioned, receiving several scoffs from the others.

“Remove the time stone and you will remove your memories of the past future with it.”

Jim's hand went to his chest, his armored fingers clinking against the amulet. He had to be extra sure it was never taken from him.

“Even a great distance from the amulet itself may affect your mind,” Kanjigar said, answering Jim's next question before he could ask it. “There will be foes who will know the advantage you carry, they will try to take it from you.” The past trollhunter leaned in closely. “Do not let that happen.”

The world blurred around Jim, and the Soothscryer spat out his hand, sending him to the distant ground when Toby was no longer there to help him.

“JIM!” Toby yelled, running over from where he had been sitting next to AAARRRGGHH!!!, “You put your hand in that thing and you disappeared!”

“Master Jim!” Blinky hurried over. “Did you… meet them?”

Jim slowly stood, happy his armor had taken the brunt of the fall. “I-” he pressed his hand to the amulet, as if making sure the time stone still resided within. “Yeah, I met them.”

“Well?” Demanded Vendel, “what have they to say of a human trollhunter?”

Jim made sure he faced the troll leader straight on, and mustered up all the confidence he could. “If I'm going to be a good enough trollhunter, I'm going to have to make sure I don't fall behind on anything. I have to be sure nothing is forgotten.”

Vendel’s eyes widened but then narrowed. “Remove the armor, and let me examine the amulet.”

“Absolutely not!” Jim darted back from the troll, ready to defend his strict charge.

Blinky gasped, and everyone stared at him with wide shocked eyes.

Blinky awkwardly laughed as he gave an apologetic look to Vendel, and approached the tense teenager. “Master Jim, Vendel is a wise troll. He has helped many of our Trollhunters in the past, you don't need to fear him as someone who will take the amulet from you.”

Jim took a deep breath, hoping he wouldn't fail the trollhunter ghost council mere seconds after receiving such strict orders. But Blinky was right, Vendel had helped him in the past. He may not have liked Jim much in the beginning, but he was also a troll set deep in tradition.

The armor dissipated, and Jim approached the troll leader. Very slowly and carefully, he placed the amulet in the troll's outstretched hand.

To his horror Vendel immediately flipped the amulet over and opened the back panels.

“Wait, no!” Jim reached for the amulet, but the troll pulled it back from his grasp.

“Interesting,” Vendel whispered as he stared down at the stone. Jim feared the troll was going to remove the stone, but instead he closed the back panels and carefully placed the amulet back in Jim's waiting hands.

“What was that?” Blinky asked, having seen the green that had illuminated from the amulet.

“A stone Kanjigar must have placed in the amulet before he fell,” Vendel answered, strolling away from Jim, “I do not know why he needed its power, but I believe it best to leave it be. Perhaps it's the reason the amulet has chosen a human to be our guard.”

Jim carefully watched the old troll leave the Heroes Forge. Jim had always struggled to read him, and right now he really wished he had developed the ability.

Did Vendel know what the stone was and where Jim had come from, or did he actually believe what he had told them all?

Blinky waited for a few seconds after Vendel had left before turning to his trainee. “Shall we continue your training Master Jim?”

 

“How are you feeling now that you've learned some awesome cool ways to take down bad guys?” Toby asked as they walked home, throwing a few punches and karate chops in the air, nearly tripping as his damaged bike toppled.

“Sore,” was all Jim had for a reply, he forgot how grueling the first weeks of training were.

Toby shrugged. “Beauty is pain, right?” He glanced down at himself. “Maybe I should start training with you, then I can be cool and use my skills to take out Steve, unlike you.”

“Seriously Toby, we don't need to take out Steve, he's just a school bully.” Jim rolled his eyes. Steve really wasn't that big of a deal, especially after everything they had faced before. The jock’s poundings would feel like a massage after an encounter with Gunmar or Belrock.

“Just a school bully?!” Toby shouted, for all the street to hear, “Are you kidding me? Do you remember when Eli was sick and so he took out his anger on us and managed to shove you and me, ME! in a locker?!”

Jim had to think, and then the distant memory came to, it had happened just before winter break. “I somehow forgot about that.”

“Lucky,” Toby grumbled, clearly the memory was burned into his mind. Jim was sure he had felt the same way once, but really getting shoved into a locker seemed nice now. 

“Oooh, your mom's home,” Toby cringed, looking at Jim’s driveway.

“I'll just tell her you got hit by a car, that you're fine, and that's why your bike’s dinged up.” Jim told him, remembering the past excuse.

“Woah,” he looked at him with a bit of surprise, “didn't know you were so smooth with making up excuses. Should I be worried?” He asked the question like Jim might have been sneaking out for more than trollhunting, as if that didn't take up all his time.

“You're ridiculous,” Jim laughed and waved bye to his friend, “Get some sleep, I'll see you in the morning.”

Toby shouted a goodbye and they split ways to their different houses.

“Mom, I'm home!” Jim shouted as he hung his bag on the stair rail. “I'll be upstairs doing homework.” Seriously he needed to crack down on his homework before he started missing classes and assignments again.

“Jim, come to the kitchen,” Barbara called, “guess who came by.”

Panic welled inside of Jim, his mom never had anyone over! He carefully walked to the kitchen, clutching the amulet inside his pocket. The panic dropped away as soon as he saw who sat at the counter awaiting a cup of tea.

“Mr. Strickler,” Jim smiled at the teacher, “wh- what brings you here?” he awkwardly propped himself against a table, glancing at his mom who poured hot water into the teacups.

“I came to congratulate you,” he said, picking up the cup Barbara pushed towards him, “it's quite the part to take up.”

“Oh good I got the part,” Jim gave a sigh of relief, that was one less thing to worry about, other than the worry that came with attending each rehearsal. No matter what he was pretty sure he would be missing a few no matter how hard he tried.

Strickler gave him a curious look, before taking a sip of tea. His face scrunched at the flavor and he gave Barbara an even more bewildered look. 

Welcome to the family, Strickler, where you’ll come to enjoy confusion, love, and more confusion.

Barbara beamed at her son. “I didn’t even know you were into Shakespear, and yet I’m told you recited an entire monologue without missing a single line.”

“Oh, yeah.” Jim scratched the back of his head. “I guess I really got into it a little while ago.”

“Well I should really be off,” Strickler stood, took up Barbara’s hand, and planted a small kiss on the back of it before seeing himself out of the house.

Jim had forgotten how it felt to be around when it came to pda with his mom. Sure he wanted her to be happy, but that didn't mean it wasn't weird to see people, even Strickler, flirt with her.

“Jiiim,” Barbara lightheartedly scolded, “is that face necessary, he was just being nice.”

Jim blinked and realized the horribly aghast expression that had made its appearance on his face. He quickly cleared the facial expression, and walked up to his mom, sitting on the stool by the counter. This felt like the first time he had actually interacted with her since coming back. Well other than the time he was hiding trolls and Toby in his basement.

“Sorry, I'm just tired and I guess I was thrown off by that.” Jim cleared his throat, glancing towards the front door. “He's a great guy though, awesome teacher.”

“It's really kind of him to stop by, his schedule is probably nearly as busy as mine.” She let out a heavy sigh and turned her attention back to her son. “So Romeo and Juliet then?”

“Oh, yeah,” Jim nodded, “I'll have lots of rehearsals, but if I need to drop it so I can help around the house-”

“Absolutely not,” his mother interrupted, “I want you to have fun, don't think you need to lose out on things to take care of me. I should be the one taking care of you.”

“Thanks mom,” He said, smiling softly. He adjusted his position on the stool and his overworked muscles cried out in pain. In an attempt to hide his pained wince, Jim turned his expression to a yawn. “Oh man, am I tired though. I should get to bed.”

“Sleep well kiddo,” she said as he hurried off to his room.

Jim flopped onto his bed, his muscles finally taking the soft cushiony mattress as a chance to release their tense positions. 

“ Don’t dawdle in your training trollhunter ,” Jim mocked into the muffling fluff of his pillow, “I don't wanna do this.” Jim let out a long groan into his pillow until his lungs ran out of air, he took a deep breath and let out another long groan. He was only a few days in and he already wanted all of this to be over. This time around he wanted to save all his friends, but he already knew his sleep schedule was far beyond saving.

Chapter 6

Summary:

Jim goes up against Draal in a spar, it does not go well. Jim also gets in a fight with Steve, it goes better but results in some stupid decisions.

Notes:

warning: PTSD panic/breakdown

“Do you remember the rules of the trollhunter?” Blinky asked, making Jim recall the two times he had now been taught the rules. 

“Rule one,” Jim started with a yawn. Although he had tried to get sleep the night before, he hadn't been very successful. “Always be afraid.” He took a step to the side and dodge a down swinging blade that clanged into the stone ground.

“Rule two.” He summoned his sword and cut down a gummgumm dummy. “Always finish the fight.”

“Rule three,” He flopped down on the ground as another blade swung out slicing where his head had been. “When in doubt, kick them in the gronk-nuks.”

Jim let out a long sigh as Blinky shut off the training equipment, which was perfectly fine with him. He was pretty sure Blinky had put him through this drill dozens, if not hundreds, of times before to the point he had it memorized. But he would take the memorized battle for today.

“Master Jim.” Blinky stood over him, scanning the boy with his six eyes for what ailed him. “You are out of sorts tonight.”

“I'm just tired, Blink!” He covered his eyes with his hands then dragged them down his face. “I didn't get any sleep last night or today, not even in math class. I always fall asleep in math class!”

“It’s true.” Toby nodded, from where he was sharing snacks with AAARRRGGHH!!! On the stairs. And Jim was happy to see them already getting close. “He always falls asleep in math class no matter how much sleep he gets, it’s like Ms. Janeth hypnotizes him.”

“A strange magic indeed,” Blinky thought hard on this and its possibilities of being a threat. “Perhaps we should find something a bit more engaging for training to help you awaken.”

Jim groaned, not wanting to get off the ground, honestly he could probably just fall asleep right here. “Do I have to?”

“Indeed!” Blinky cheered, “Tobias, perhaps you can train alongside him as a way to assist your ally.”

Before Toby could open his mouth to argue another voice boomed over him, and Jim immediately jumped up to his feet.

“Perhaps I can be of assistance as a sparring partner for our fleshbag trollhunter.” Draal entered the Heroes Forge with a wicked smile on his face.

“Much appreciated Draal, but I fear he needs a bit more-”

“Nonsense, Blinkous,” Vendel called from the stands high above them, “Let them spar.”

“Very well,” Blinky walked by Jim, grabbing his arm to pull him into his starting spot, “It’s a simple spar, hardly more than what you have been doing all evening.”

Jim glanced over his shoulder at Draal, who snarled at Toby making the boy leap back behind his large friend. 

“I can’t fight him,” He cried as his limbs went rigid, but Blinky still pressed him towards his spot.

“Of course you can, you fought Bular and you were glorious!” Blinky lifted and turned Jim so he faced Draal and plopped him down onto his locked legs.

Jim stared at the troll across the arena from him. He couldn’t fight Draal, could he?

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, recalling the movements of a warrior Draal had taught him in his backyard. He ran through each stance carefully in his mind before opening his eyes again. His breathing now level, he raised his sword for the spar.

Once Blinky was out of the way a gong sounded and Draal lunged forward curling into a ball and rolled with deadly spikes towards his opponent.

Jim ducked out of the way, sending Draal past him and up the wall. Jim spun around, keeping his gaze fixed on the blue blur that traveled about the forge with the skill of one who had trained in the very place for centuries. 

The blue troll leapt off the side of the wall, reeling for a punch. The attack left him open, a stance of someone clearly not afraid of their opponent. Jim hefted his sword, if he hit Draal just right he could down him quickly and get the spar over with.

Draal barreled towards him, his eyes glowing an eerie blue from the curse of the Desimar Blade. The massive fist slammed Jim to the ground and the blue troll stood over him.

“You should have killed this worthless husk when you had the chance!” Gunmar’s voice clawed out of Draal’s throat like a parasite living within him. “And now your attempts to spare him will be your downfall.”

Draal’s hand clamped around Jim’s chest armor, lifting him up to be eye level with him.

“No!” Jim weakly kicked against him. “Draal, please!”

“I could kill you right now,” Gunmar growled, his voice sending chills down Jim’s spine, as his lungs struggled to fill against the pressure on them.

“But I would rather tear you apart with my own hands.”

Jim was thrown to the ground, his face scraping against the stone floor of the arena.

“JIM!” Toby’s hand pressed against the boy's shoulder as his armor dissipated, “Jim get up! Are you okay?”

Jim pushed himself off the ground, finding himself surrounded by Toby, Blinky, and AAARRRGGHH!!!

“He weeps like a child,” Draal growled as he looked down at Jim with a dark scowl, “and he will serve as a trollhunter just as well.” His nose ring flicked as he let out a disapproving grunt, and stalked away.

“Yo, Jimbo are you okay?” Toby asked again as Jim sat up to touch his face that had scraped against the floor. The scratch wasn’t bad, something he could probably easily brush off. But what surprised him was the tears that were streaming down his face.

“It is very concerning, the state you fell into,” Blinky said, nodding knowingly, “When Draal attacked you it seemed as if you were a young troll being attacked by a gummgumm or even perhaps Gunmar the Black himself.”

Jim’s body ran cold at the mention of the horrible war lord. He brought his knees to his chest, and placed his head on them as he clenched his head in his hands. 

It wasn’t real.

It wasn’t real.

Gunmar is in the darklands.

Draal is in control of his mind.

Blinky looked to everyone around him with great concern. A simple spar like this shouldn’t have had such a horrifying effect on the young trollhunter.

“Take Jim home,” AAARRRGGHH!!! Said, patting the human on the head before picking him up and placing him on his back, where Jim instinctively clung to the troll’s fuzzy back.

The pain of Draal’s attack faded back, but it was replaced by the throat tightening pain of the fear of what could still happen.

He didn't want to lose Draal again, he wasn't sure he could take it. What if he was forced to live through everything again? Every loss? Every failure?

AAARRRGGHH!!! slowly walked them through the moonlit woods, the gentle sway of the beast’s pace helped safely ground the poor boy atop him.

“AAARRRGGHH!!!, did I mess up?” Jim asked quietly, not fully sure he wanted to hear the answer.

“No,” the troll answered simply, “Draal big and mean.”

“He’s not mean,” Jim argued, Draal just expressed himself differently.

“Probably sad,” he offered, “lost Kanjigar.”

“oh… yeah,” It made sense, Draal had probably hoped to have the amulet as a way to connect to his father again. But Jim had been chosen instead and got to talk with Kanjigar anytime he needed the council's guidance. Draal couldn't have the amulet though, Jim had already seen where that led. Was Draal always doomed from the start? Kanjigar had once said he knew Draal would die young, but Jim really, REALLY wanted to prove that wrong. 

Jim needed Draal, he was one of his best friends. How was he supposed to do this?!

“Here,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said, coming to a stop by the fence to his backyard.

“Thanks AAARRRGGHH!!!,” Jim said, sliding off his back. The troll offered to lift him over the fence, but Jim decided it would be best for him to walk through the front door, especially after seeing the car in the driveway. He really needed to pay more attention to his mom's schedule so he knew when he should be home.

“See Jim tomorrow,” AAARRRGGHH!!! offered a toothy smile, before Jim walked into the house with a wave goodbye. 

“I'm home,” Jim called, “Sorry it's late, me and Toby lost track of time.”

Jim had to think for a moment, had Toby stayed in Trollmarket? Maybe he had taken the roads home rather than the dark woods.

He pulled out his phone and shot Toby a text, asking his concern and apologizing for his ridiculous breakdown.

He tucked his phone away as he walked into the kitchen where his mom was staring down a recipe, perhaps wondering if she could properly pull it off. Jim was sure both of them knew that was an extremely low chance.

“Have you not eaten?” Jim asked, looking at the dinner recipe she had on the counter.

Barbara sighed, “I attempted it once, and it only resulted in feeding the trash can.” 

“I can make it,” Jim said, it was a decently simple recipe.

“What would I do without you?” She asked, but then her eyes widened. “What happened to your cheek?!”

Jim’s fingers instinctively brushed the scrape, causing it to sting at the contact. “I… fell,” he answered, “it's not that bad.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she looked from her son's eyes to the injury. “I'll go get the first aid kit.”

Jim watched her head up stairs for the medicine cabinet, and he took the chance to start on the food before she could insist on trying again. 

Once the food was quietly simmering on the stove, Barbara had Jim sit down so she could treat his scrape.

“This is really deep, how did you fall?” she asked, as the wound flared with sharp pain of the rubbing alcohol.

“We were…” Jim didn't know what to say, part of him was tempted to tell the truth but with a sarcastic tone, but then she might actually believe he was in a fight. “We were being dumb,” he sighed, “We were down in the canal and I kinda thought it would be a good idea to try to climb the underside of the bridge.”

Barbara cringed at the implications of how he would have gotten the injury. Her eyebrows knit together, probably readying to tell him to be more careful and not be an idiot. Instead her face softened and she said, “I'm just glad it's only a scrape and not a few broken bones.”

Jim breathed a laugh. “Me too.” Honestly Draal could have done so much worse to him. As much as the Troll hated him right now, he understood Jim couldn't control the fact that he was now the trollhunter.

“You doing alright kiddo?” Barbara asked, snapping shut the box of bandages.

“Y-yeah,” Jim blinked a few times then touched his face that was now patched up. “Thanks for taking care of me.”

“I'm your mom, that's what we do.” She patted his shoulder. “I’m here for you no matter what.”

He knew that, and he appreciated how much she cared for him, but it only made him worry more.

There were so many people he cared about and he wasn't sure if it was possible for him to keep them all safe.

By the time Jim laid in bed he had gone through so many different scenarios he felt like he had lived the past two years over yet again. How much would stay on track? How much would vary? He had so many questions and there wasn't a single person who could answer them, it was going to be hard enough to have people who would actually believe everything he had to say. 

Jim stared at the ceiling, his eyes picking up the tiny patterns and shapes that the shadows formed.

He so desperately needed sleep but each time he closed his eyes all he could see was the possessed blue eyes of his friend.

Didn't some people sleep with their eyes open? Maybe he could gain that ability. That would help some.

The idea proved to be a fluke, because eventually even the shadows of the trees in the moonlight dancing on his ceiling morphed into those terrifying eyes, boring into his mind and begging for him to set them free.

 

The next day at school was a train wreck. Jim actually managed to fall asleep in math class again, only to be shoved awake by Toby when he apparently started to cry.

The nightmares definitely weren't helping, it was like his whole past had been picked apart and made even worse. From Draal hunting him everywhere he went, to Toby being killed by every single enemy. The nightmares felt like an eternity only for Jim to be getting a few minutes of sleep at a time.

The worst part of school was play rehearsal, his mind was so tired he kept intermixing lines, and accidentally saying other people's lines. It was a disaster!

“Hey, are you doing alright?” Claire sat on the edge of the stage next to him as people began putting things away. She tucked her hair behind her ear in that adorable way she always did. The moment she was beside him the nightmares and exhaustion pulled back.

“I haven't been getting a whole lot of sleep,” Jim admitted, unable to keep his mask up around her, but it still made him cringe at the way her worry grew. “but I’m gonna really try to get my lines down!”

“It was only the first rehearsal.” She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater. “No one expects you to be perfect right away, most of the cast don't know more than three of their lines yet.”

“Right,” Jim sighed, and looked down at his hands, “no one expects me to be perfect right away.” But he needed to be perfect! He needed to protect everyone!

Claire adjusted several of the clips in her hair, before she hopped off the strange and turned to face him.

“You could come over to my place some time this week,” she offered.

Jim's eyes widened as he looked up at her.

“To go over lines and stuff, it's easier to practice this stuff when you have someone to go off of. If you're practicing by yourself it can be hard to get timing and queues down right.” She stared into his eyes, the light gleaming in hers offering a morsel of peace in his chaotic life. Her eyes shot down to the floor, her cheeks tinting a faint pink. “Only if you want of course.”

“No- I mean, yes.” He slid himself off the stage. “I think that would be a big help.”

“Just let me know what day would work well for you, other than taking care of my little brother I'm not super busy,” She added, even though Jim knew she had a lot more than that going on, he was pretty sure she was taking several AP classes that would increase her work load. How she always managed to keep her grades up while trollhunting was incomprehensible to Jim.

“Yeah, I'll let you know,” He laughed awkwardly, especially when they both started heading out the same door. Of course they would walk out the same door! They were both leaving school! 

How was he supposed to act around her? He obviously still liked her, but she was past her, and he was supposed to be past him. How are you supposed to act around a person that you dated in an alternate timeline?!

Jim’s face heated when they both snuck a glance at each other at the same time. By Daya’s Grace! He wanted to hold her again. This was pure torture!

Was it worse than the nightmares? MAYBE!!!

What he wouldn't give to be at the overlook of the town and dance with her. Just the two of them as the sun sets and the city sits in a moment of peace. He always knew he couldn't dance, but she never seemed to mind that. No matter how flawed he ever felt, she made him feel loved and seen. Oh Claire Nuñez, how-

“HEY BUTTSNACK!” Steve’s annoying voice cut off the heavenly thoughts.

“Oh no,” Jim mumbled, right as the neck of his sweater was balled in the bullies fist, and he was yanked forward.

“I thought I told you I was gonna get you back for last time,” Steve yelled.

“Pretty sure you didn't,” Jim stared at him blankly.

Steve's angry voice turned to a whisper, “You tried to embarrass me in front of all the school, but I'm going to make you wish you never even attended this school.”

“Oh please great king Steve,” Jim started in the most monotone voice he could manage, “spare me of your awesome power.”

“King Steve,” He repeated, his gaze lifting as he followed the thought. “Well this king doesn't like peasants like you trying to make a fool of him!” He let Jim go, making him stagger from suddenly having his full weight on his feet. “So let's punish you properly.”

“I don't have time for this Steve,” Jim straightened his sweater.

“Oh but you have time for some other dweeb to beat you up?” He demanded, pointing to his own cheek in reference to Jim's. “You really needed nurse mommy to patch you up when you got a little scratch.”

“She’s actually a doctor!” Toby yelled through gasps, probably having just run up when he saw the crowd forming. 

“Shut it tubby!” Steve snapped, briefly pulling his attention from Jim, which allowed him to take a step back. The small step gave Jim enough space to duck back as the bully turned back towards him and quickly threw a punch then another. Jim dodged with practiced ease, which only infuriated the bully more.

“Stop moving!” He grunted, lunging for his opponent, but this time Jim wasn't fast enough and the two of them crashed to the ground. 

The two of them grappled at each other, trying to get ground.

Jim wasn't sure exactly why, but somehow the fight felt… fun. He never remembered liking a fight until after Merlin had changed him. After that he couldn't recall how many times he had wrestled with the other trolls, even NotEnrique, who was far smaller than him was a fun challenge.

Jim had always questioned if all of him had been turned back to normal after his time as a troll, he supposed the change in mental behavior might be something that stuck around.

Steve broke his hand free from Jim's and slammed it down into his other cheek.

A loud “ooooh” sounded in the crowd as stinging pain spread across Jim's face causing his eyes to water.

“Hah!” Steve laughed, spit flying onto the other boy's face.

“Hate to do this Steve, but that was too far,” Jim groaned, as he shifted his position under the bully and smirked. “RULE NUMBER THREE!” He slammed his knee upward.

The bully fell limp, as he let out a squeaky whimper. Jim rolled him off of him, and quickly stood. 

“Sorry Steve,” Jim said, dusting himself off, as people around them stared in shock. “Probably shouldn't have hit you that hard,” his voice turned to a barely audible whisper, “forgot you're sorta human.”

“JIM THAT WAS AMAZING!!!” Toby grabbed his friend's arms and shook him aggressively, “YOU ACTUALLY TOOK HIM DOWN! AND WITHOUT THE AMULET!!!” Toby beamed with pride, then released his friend. “Dang, maybe I really should start training.”

Jim thought of shushing him about the amulet, but honestly, no one seemed to notice. “Only the first while of training is hard, once you get past the sore muscles it's all just learning to do cool stuff.”

He knew that wasn't really true, but he could at least let both of them believe it for a little while.

“Keep this up and you could take down Draal!” Toby shouted.

“YEAH!” Jim felt so excited, he could hear his heartbeat hammering in his ears.

“You should rematch him!” Toby shouted, amping up the excitement.

“YEAH!” The tingling in his veins felt like unlimited energy that could even make him take down Gunmar.

“LETS GOOO!!!” Toby bellowed, leading his friend off of school campus.

The world was a blur as the excitement of the fight buzzed in his brain more and more. It wasn't until he had slammed his fists on the table, announced the idea Toby had fed into his mind, only for the words to be received by shocked and terrified faces did Jim realize how royally he had screwed up.

The buzz in his mind instantly died as he stared into Draal's face that shifted from shock to a cocky smirk.

“Shit.”

Chapter 7

Summary:

Jim is so freaking stressed, but thankfully there are people around him who just want to help him out even if there is no way for them to really know what he's dealing with.

Notes:

mostly a fluff and Jim being awkward chapter

“Why did I say that?!” Jim yelled out to the world after mumbling it under his breath a hundred times.

“It’s just a rematch Jimbo,” Toby responded, pushing his bike along as they decided to walk home rather than ride. Jim definitely needed more time before he got back to the house.

“It’s not just a rematch Toby,” he groaned, his stomach twisting and churning with the panic inside it, “I put his honor into question, that’s a huge offence in the troll world.”

“How would you know that, maybe Draal is just a big meany.” Toby argued.

“I read it in that book Blinky gave me or something.” Jim shrugged, not even convinced of his own excuse.

“You know you’ve been acting off since the day I found the amulet.” His friend narrowed his eyes at him. “You’re all over the place now.”

“Of course I would be all over the place, who wouldn’t be after being thrown into the void by a magic amulet, yelled at, and then spit back out,” Jim hated how loud his voice got, but he had been so stressed the past week.

“No!” Toby snapped, “You were acting off that morning, way before the amulet even came into play.”

“I WAS JUST HAVING A BAD DAY TOBES! OKAY!” Jim snapped, jumping on his bike and pedalling off. 

He didn’t want this! He didn’t need this! Why did he come back to this, it was torture! Toby was so annoying, why couldn’t he mind his own business?

No!

What was he doing, why was he so mad at Toby? Toby was the tipping point that had him come back to this point. Toby was the reason he had made it this far. 

Toby was his best friend, and that meant everything to Jim.

He slammed his brakes and hopped off his bike, and quietly waited for Toby to catch up at his sombering pace.

“I’m sorry Tobes,” Jim said once his friend was close enough, “I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”

“It’s okay,” Toby replied, flashing his braces with that smile he always showed when things went sour. “You’re under a lot of stress, I would be too if I had to fight a big spikey troll who hated my guts.”

Jim breathed a laugh as he felt a smile form on his face. “I’ll try to be better,” he said, not wanting Toby to simply brush off the way he had exploded. “You’re my best friend, and I never want that to be something I can’t say to you.”

“And you’re my best friend!” Toby grinned. “Even if we get fed up with each other I wouldn’t give you up for anything.”

“Not even a nougat nummy if it was the last one in the whole world?” Jim teasingly questioned, knowing how many of those candy bar wrappers resided at the bottom of his friend’s backpack.

Toby made a faux focused face, pretending he had to think about it. His face shifted to a deeper focus, as if he was actually questioning the scenario.

“Toby!” Jim shouted with a laugh, “You’re not supposed to think about it for that long.”

The boy chuckled, and Jim knew that laugh as one you didn’t want to hear because it always meant the teenager was thinking something devious. 

“You’re ridiculous.” He grabbed his friend’s shoulder and shook him a little. “What do you want for lunch tomorrow?”

“And that is why I wouldn’t trade you for a nougat nummy,” Toby finally spoke as the two of them mounted their bikes. “What about… lasagna?”

“Lasagna?” Jim raised a brow, he hadn’t made it in a while, but he was pretty sure he had the ingredients.

“Yeah,” Toby replied with a shrug, “Nana made some the other day, but nothing beats your cooking.”

“Alright, lasagna it is.” Jim picked up his pace hurrying home.

“Wait! Wait!” Toby called as he hurried after him, “with garlic bread too!”

Jim rolled his eyes, but honestly Toby always had good ideas.

The next few days were chaotic, but honestly not too bad. He was far more successful in making it to rehearsal, and loved every minute he was around Claire.

When Bagdwella complained of a gnome wrecking her place Jim made sure to have his armor equipped so Chompsky couldn’t get a hold of it. And once the gnome was held tightly in the Trollhunter’s hands, he couldn’t help but whisper a few ideas to Toby. With a bit of finagling and coming up with several dumb excuses, the two boys smuggled the gnome out of the Trollmarket and back to Toby’s house. The gnome quickly calmed once he recognized he had just received a home of his own, and Toby bestowed him with the name Chompsky.

His Spanish presentation went far better this time around. The Spanish lessons Claire had given him during their down time as they traveled to find a new heartstone definitely helped. He still was nowhere near fluent, but Sr. Uhl seemed impressed by the progress Jim seemed to make so suddenly.

The goblins were another mess. Their presence reminded Jim of exactly where the Killahead Bridge was though, and while chaos was running about Jim snatched the chubby tracker off of Toby, and the goblins got away to a nest they would never find until Jim decided it best to reveal what was hidden in the museum.

It was all exhausting! And the training Blinky was putting him through was even more grueling. He really took the ghost council's words to heart, even if Jim had horribly quoted  Kanjigar on that first day. It also probably helped that Blinkly understood what Jim’s rematch meant, and seemed to understand that Jim also knew. 

The best part of the week was going to Claire’s house. 

Jim coughed as his voice annoyingly cracked while he delivered a line, and his cheeks flushed as Claire stifled a giggle. 

“I think I need some water or something,” Jim quickly sat down as he rubbed his neck, wanting to disappear from her observative gaze.

“I’ll go get you a glass,” she said, then walked to the kitchen, leaving Jim alone with little Enrique who was trying not to fall asleep on one of his toys. 

“Hey little Enrique,” Jim smiled at him, getting the little baby’s sleepy attention, “it’s nice to get to hang out with you when we're not being chased by nyarlagroths or a horde of gumm gumms.”

Enrique smiled, happy to have someone talking to him.

“Who’s traumatized by the darklands?” he asked, “that’s right, it’s me!” smiled brightly at the baby who gurgled a small squeal of happiness.

“And who’s an adorable baby?” He gently booped the baby on the nose. “Right again, it’s you!”

“He really likes you,” Claire said, as Enrique cheered. “Here’s your water.” She handed him the glass before she sat down on the couch beside him.

Jim sipped on the cool water as Claire fidgeted with her hands.

“This is kind of out of nowhere, but if it’s alright for me to ask, are you doing alright?” Claire said quickly, and clasped her hands together tightly in an attempt to stop fidgeting.

Jim almost choked on the small amount of water in his mouth, but quickly managed to swallow it down. “I umm, yeah, totally.” Jim’s stammering definitely didn’t sell the lie, not even Enrique seemed convinced as he fussed against his tiredness.

“You’ve definitely been improving in the play, and I can see you really do enjoy it, but you just seem tired,” She started, running her hands along the fabric of her jeans. “The play means a lot to me, and it seems to mean a lot to you. I’m just worried it’s giving you more to stress about.”

Jim sighed, his mask of living a normal life slipping a little. “The play does mean a lot to me.” You mean a lot to me. “And I can promise it’s not bringing more stress, honestly it’s kind of the one thing that gets me away from everything else.”

“That’s good to hear,” Claire smiled but she still looked worried.

“Wait!” He gasped, “were you going to have me quit the play for myself?” She made a face that answered the question. “Are you insane? You love this play! Why would you- how could you- what?”

“No one should feel pressured to do something just because it’s expected of them,” Claire turned away as her face heated.

Jim clenched his hands as he fought off the urge to turn her face back towards him and kiss her. 

No, no, she doesn’t like you like that yet! If you suddenly kiss her she’ll kick you in the gronk-nuks and throw you into the street to be eaten by grusomes. 

The thought process was probably on the extreme, but Claire could be an extreme girl, so it wasn’t beyond something she could do.

Claire turned back towards him, once her cheeks had cooled. “Let me know if it ever gets too much for you.”

“The same goes for you.” He beamed. “Even amazing kick butt girls like you need a break.”

“What did you just call me?” She questioned, not bothering to fight down her laughter.

Jim shot her finger guns, but the awkward action made him bury his face in his hands. “I don’t know why I did that,” he mumbled into his palms, “I should go.” He took a deep breath as he pulled his face from his hands and glanced at Enrique who was passed out on a stuffed animal.

“I think Enrique has a good idea,” Jim said, standing.

“Yeah, I better get him to his crib.” She stood, looked up at Jim, locking eyes with him, then quickly crept around him to the baby.

“Have a good night, Claire,” He said heading for the door.

“You too,” she awkwardly waved. 

With a wave in reply, Jim stepped out the door, and quickly walked away from the house.

“Oh my gosh!” Jim slapped his hands over his face as he walked, “that was so embarrassing! Get it together Jim! You’re doing this for Claire!”

 

Jim walked into his house, announced his arrival, and dropped his bag at the bottom of the stairs.

“How was the extra play practice?” Barbara asked as Jim walked into the living room and flopped face down on the couch. 

“That bad?” she questioned with a mix of concern and amusement.

“How am I supposed to talk to her?” Jim questioned into the cushions, “I was with her, and now I’m not and it’s so confusing! If I keep this up she’s gonna hate me.” he pressed his face into the cushions harder and harder, muffling his voice more and more.

Barbara’s hand gently stoked the back of Jim's head with loving comfort. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Jim grumbled a bunch of gibberish into the couch, then turned his head towards the back so he could speak clearly, but he didn't have to look at his mom.

“It was going great, but then I called her an ‘amazing kick butt girl'.” Jim flushed at the fresh embarrassment. “WHO SAYS THAT?!” 

Barbara laughed, of course she would laugh at him, who wouldn't want to laugh at him? He was a mess, and, he supposed, a funny looking one at that.

“And how did she respond to this title?” She asked, sitting down on the floor beside the couch.

“She laughed at me, and then I did finger guns!” He turned his head to bury his face back in the cushions. “Finger guns mom! How stupid am I?! And then I left.”

“I don't think she'll hate you,” she comforted, “We all mess up on what we want to say sometimes when we're nervous. I'm sure she understands that. Is Claire the type of person to hate you because of something silly you did?”

Jim heaved a sigh. “No.” She didn't even hate me for the stupid choices I made. “By Daya’s Grace! HOW COULD I EVER BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR HER?!”

His mom ignored the strange swear. “I think you might be selling yourself short kiddo, you're a good person and I think she sees that.”

Jim turned his head again, but this time to look at his mom. “Do you really think I'm a good person?”

Barbara looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. “Of course you're a good person, Jim.” Her gaze softened. “I have seen you do so much good for the people around you, and I can't imagine you would ever do something against that good nature.”

Jim smiled, but then it dropped to a frown. “I kicked Steve in the balls the other day.” He blurted right when his mom's phone went off alerting her to head to the hospital for another graveyard shift.

“What?!” She looked between her son and her phone. “I have to leave, but we'll talk about this later.”

His mom hurried around the house, gathering her things and muttering something under her breath about the chaos of her child. She didn't seem overly worried about the confession, more the suddenness of it.

“I love you,” She said as she got to the door, “make sure you eat something.”

“You too.” Jim said right before the door shut between them. He slapped his hands over his face again. “James Lake Junior, what is WRONG with you?!”

Jim's phone buzzed with a text and he pulled it out.

Are we going to Trollmarket tonight?

Part of Jim wanted to stay home, but he knew Blinky would get concerned if he didn't show up, especially with his fight against Draal being the next day. 

Yeah, I’ll meet you outside in a few minutes.

Once the text was sent, he got up and grabbed some leftovers from the fridge. He wasn't hungry now, but he figured he and Toby would want a snack break during the late night training.

Jim shoved the food into his bag, then went up stairs to where A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore sat under his bed. He flipped through the pages till he found the one about weak points, really one of the only pages he had ever read. 

He flipped through several more pages, maybe there was something in here that would make so Draal didn't get shunned again. 

What was Jim thinking? wouldn't Blinky have told him about something like that if it was an option? 

But still the Trollhunter searched the pages before him, for an answer he knew he wouldn't find.

Jim’s phone buzzed with a text, Dude, where are you? It's been like 10 minutes.

He quickly closed the book and headed down stairs and out the door, and the two boys headed off to training, one of them already complaining about how their muscles were already sore from the previous days of work. Both of them knew though, that if they wanted to improve, to be better they had to push through the stress and burdens placed on their shoulders. And so to training they went.

Notes:

the fight is gonna be the next chapter and I'm gonna be honest I don't really have a plan for it, let's hope the characters take over and just write it themselves.

Chapter 8

Summary:

Jim visits with the past Trollhunters to try to figure out how to fix his problems. He tries to figure out what to make of the council he received, but is busy with the incoming fight. The fight goes as well as it can, and Jim returns home to a very stressed mother and chaos breaks loose!

Notes:

I know several of you were really looking forward to the fight and I hope I satisfy you at least a little!

Sleep eluded Jim yet again. there were so many things on his mind, what was wrong with him? Why was he saying so many random things? 

He flipped through the pages of A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore, it was pointless, nothing in its pages told Jim what he could do to help Draal. He had even asked for more of the volumes much to Blinky’s excitement.

Jim was definitely learning a lot more about the world he was called to protect and the threats that past trollhunters had been up against, but apparently no one had ever chosen to spare a life.

He mindlessly turned through several more pages then stopped. A picture of Kanjigar stared at him. 

Jim was about to fight and humiliate the past trollhunter’s son, but Kanjigar knew his son… Kanjigar knew a lot about trolls.

The teenager quickly stood, knocking his chair to the floor. He glanced at the time 6:15am he could make it!

Jim hurried down the stairs, careful to keep his steps quiet for his sleeping mother's sake. He grabbed his bag and hurried into the garage for his bike.

He pedaled down the street as fast as he could, launched down into the canal and screeched to a halt under the bridge. 

He pulled the horngazel from his bag, opened the doorway to the underground market, and hurried down the crystal stairs.

“Master Jim?” AAARRRGGHH!!! questioned as the small human zipped past him and Blinky.

“Great Gronka Morka, what has him in such a hurry this morning?” The four armed troll questioned, “best we follow him.” 

Jim hurried into the Hero’s Forge, the amulet sensing his desire activated the Soothscryer to rise from the ground and Jim quickly climbed up onto it and shoved his hand inside it.

At first nothing happened, and Jim sat with his hand in the mouth of the mechanical troll head.

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! ran in after him, shared worry on their faces.

“Master Jim!” Blinky called, “What is the trouble?”

Jim opened his mouth to reply but then the Soothscryer activated and plunged him into the void.

The human Trollhunter shivered away the weird feeling from transitioning dimensions, it definitely wasn't as bad as the transition to the darklands.

“You come to us for such a simple matter, trollhunter,” a disapproving voice said.

“We all have come to the Trollhunter council for things that matter to us,” Deya said as she appeared before Jim, “what each of us defines as simple or trivial may vary, but we are called here to help our current trollhunter.”

Jim was thankful she was the only one to show herself, because as his mind recognized it was in a place of people who knew everything he had been through his mask slipped.

Jim fell to the ground on his knees from the weight of his burden, and hated how his eyes brimmed with tears. “I’m trying to guide things, but I feel like everything is slipping through my fingers and it's only been two weeks!”

“Being the Trollhunter has never been easy.” Deya took a knee as she lowered herself closer to Jim. “We all have made sacrifices for the people we wish to protect, it is often we saw that the burden of the amulet’s call was one to bear alone.”

“But you have shown us that it can be carried by those we trust.” Kanjigar appeared beside Deya. “Residing in the void allows us glimpses of the future and it shall be soon that your burden is lightened by another.”

Jim blinked back his tears as he looked up at the two Trollhunters. “Am I gonna die?”

Deya made an amused sound. “No, you're not going to die anytime soon.”

“Wait.” Jim's mind followed her words in a rapid spiral. “You know when I'm gonna die?” He quickly shook his head, not wanting to hear the answer. “Kanjigar, the reason I came here! You're son, he-”

“We are aware of the fight,” He said, cutting Jim off, but the boy was determined to voice his reason for coming.

“There has to be a way I can spare him from being banished from Trollmarket! Some weird troll rule that makes it so neither of us have to die, or- or something!”

“I'm afraid no such rule exists in troll law,” Kanjigar said calmly, and placed his ghostly hand on Jim’s shoulder. “Fight with valor, young trollhunter, do as you have done before and things will find their place.”

“But-” Jim was yanked from the void, and fell away from the Soothscryer, this time falling safely into AAARRRGGHH!!!’s large hands.

“Thanks big guy,” Jim said as he was set safely on his feet.

“Welcome,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said with a warming smile.

“Master Jim, what danger have you discovered?” Blinky demanded, “Goblins? Bular? A gnome uprising perhaps? We saw you running through Trollmarket, and the hurry gave us the suspicion that this is of dire importance.”

Jim sucked in a breath through clenched teeth as he cringed at the worry he was putting his mentor through, “I sorta just ran here because I need to be back up there before school starts.”

Blinky’s tense face dropped to confusion and disappointment.

“Told you,” the krubera said, “owe drink.”

Jim turned so he could look at the two trolls, “Did you make a bet on why I was running?”

“We do in fact trade items and favors based upon estimations,” Blinky said, looking guilty, and Jim had to wonder how often these bets took place between the two. “We refrain from doing so between anyone else, it is a pastime AAARRRGGHH!!! and I enjoy solely between ourselves.”

Jim pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don't have time for this, I’ve got to get ready for school.”

“Walk you out,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said and the two trolls walked with the boy.

“It would be best we walked with you,” Blinky agreed, “Draal is about, gloating of his future victory.”

Jim shot him a sideways glance, “future victory.”

“His words not mine of course,” He quickly corrected, “I am convinced you shall claim victory, you’ve improved greatly through your training. I'm almost convinced you've been training for years.”

“I feel like I've been training for years,” Jim grumbled.

The three of them made it through the market without running into Draal, to which Jim was grateful. He wasn't sure he could talk with the troll especially after the unhelpful conversation with the Trollhunters.

At least I'm not gonna die soon! Jim cheered sarcastically in his mind. He just wished they would tell him some way to fix all his problems, but of course that wasn't how these things ever worked.

 

School felt like it crept on forever, each class felt like an eternity, and each step he took felt like it took all his energy. He should have just skipped today, Toby would have understood. 

Jim spun his pencil around his fingers and looked down at his notebook.

Dear Claire, 

Why had he written that? Maybe it was his mind mixing things around. Last time around he had written her a letter because he believed he was going to die. 

But what if he still wrote her a letter? He never knew what to say to her in the moment, so what if he just let himself say whatever he wanted to say on paper?

Jim put his pencil to the paper as his mind continued to wander. 

Kanjigar had said his burden would be lightened, what if that was Claire? She was already trying to help him in her own way. She had always supported him and loved him no matter what form he took. And then once she gained her magic, Jim wasn't sure there was a person more powerful. She could do so many things, but was always so humble about it. 

Jim looked focused on what he had written and his face turned bright pink. I CAN'T GIVE HER THIS!  

He quickly turned to another page, and started again, this time keeping his focus on each word, but in the end it felt like something he could never give her. Maybe he was wrong about it being Claire.

Dear Toby, he tried, but the words he wrote felt wrong.

Dear Mom, He loved his mom, but he kept his trollhunting a secret from her for a reason, he couldn't tell her all that and then the fact that he was from an alternate timeline on top of that.

Dear Strickler, a single sentence in and he knew it was a bad idea.

Dear Blinky, somehow telling the fatherly troll felt like it would only result in two stressed people rather than one.

Dear AAARRRGGHH!!!, at this point Jim just shut his notebook before he could start writing. Who would be able to understand this whole situation? Even with the time stone safely secured and within range it boggled his own mind. 

He was just going to have to carry this burden alone.

No! Kanjigar said someone would help . 

The past Trollhunters had never lied to him, why would Kanjigar do so now? 

Jim was at a loss and laid his head on his crossed arms. 

Everyone had had so much faith in him, he'd had so much faith in himself. The time stone had brought him so much hope for what they could get back, but he was still the weak person every enemy had accused him of being. Kanjigar had said Jim had taught them that the amulet could be a shared burden with those you trusted, but Jim didn't know anyone he ever wanted to lay that burden on.

What if the reason they had messed up so bad was because Jim had made people carry his burdens.

The school bell rang, pulling Jim from his thoughts and announcing the end of school. 

Jim let out a long sigh as he drew himself up from his desk.

Come on Trollhunter, get your energy up! Jim tried to encourage himself. It's time to fight Draal.

 

---

 

“Remember your training, Master Jim,” Blinky instructed, “You've improved beyond anything I could have expected, fight like the might Trollhunter you are!”

Blinky was doing his best to stay positive, but Jim, knowing his face all too well, knew the troll was terrified of the fate his pupil was soon to face.

“You've got this Jim!” Toby cheered, “And after you beat his butt we're gonna get tacos!”

“You've got it,” Jim fist bumped his friend, who's fist didn't have as much strength as usual behind it. “I'm going to be okay, Tobes.”

Toby straightened up and smiled. “Right, you better, especially after all the training Blinky has put us through.”

“Duh, it would be embarrassing if I didn't,” Jim said, his hands moving awkwardly as his nerves kicked in. “I'm gonna keep it crispy out there.” He shot finger guns at his friend, who only stared at him with appalled confusion.

“Right,” Jim scratched the back of his head, of course the reference to his stupid quote would fall flat, he had never said the words to this Toby before. “I better get out there.”

Jim activated his armor, and walked out into the arena, receiving a mix of cheers and jeers. 

The trollhunter stepped into his position and rolled his shoulders as he took several deep calming breaths before summoning the sword of daylight.

You've got this Jim! he reminded himself as Draal dug at the dirt readying to charge for his opponent.

It's just like the playful spars as a troll. Jim's grip loosened on his sword, he had never gotten to spar in such a way with Draal, he had lost him too soon.

Jim clenched his jaw as he tightened his grip again, “I'm going to save you this time, Draal.” he whispered under his breath, “I'm going to keep everyone safe.”

The gong sounded and the two sprung into action.

Draal tucked into a ball and charged and Jim threw Daylight into his path, sending the troll flying in an explosion of blue.

Instantly Daylight was summoned back to Jim’s hand, and he began climbing the platforms that rose from the ground.

Draal quickly steadied himself from this hit and began climbing after the Trollhunter, quickly catching up with his superior build and skills.

Jim may have memorized the arena, but Draal had memorized it and memorized it again centuries before Jim was even born.

The wall Jim climbed rotated and leveled out, allowing the boy to stand. Draal launched himself from a neighboring ledge and slammed down in front of Jim.

“I'm going to enjoy ripping you out of that armor,” the blue troll growled, “you don't deserve to have that amulet over your chest.”

“Funny,” Jim said, needing to join the banter before the looming darkness in his mind contorted things to appear in Gunmar’s control again. Imagine you're a troll again. This is all fun and games.

“The amulet said the exact opposite when it chose me,” Jim continued, tapping his finger to the amulet and tilting his head down as if it was talking to him. “ooooh, did you hear that, it said you're a bitch!" 

Jim sure was thankful neither Claire nor his mother were present when the word came out of his mouth.

Draal roared and charged forward, and Jim took the chance to swoop low and knock the troll’s leg out from under him with the back of his blade.

The spiked troll toppled over the edge of the platform and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Jim didn't savor the cheers, he knew what they expected of him, and he also knew the hit would barely affect his opponent.

The platform began to rotate and Jim ran to the higher end, balancing on the edge, then ran along it onto the small circle where the Soothscryer could rise from. 

Draal flew up over the platform then slammed down right where Jim had stood half a second before.

Jim rolled to the other side of the platform then dove for the Troll’s blind spot.

“You think you can kill me with a weak hit, then simply hide?” He demanded, as he spun around, but Jim stayed carefully in the blind spot. “I can kill you in a single hit.”

“Wait, kill?” Jim questioned sarcastically, “I could have sworn we were playing.”

Draal roared in frustration, and spun around faster than Jim could keep up with, and slammed his fist into the trollhunter’s side sending him flying across the arena and into the wall.

Jim shut his eyes against the swirling lights and pain shooting from the back of his head. His helmet would have been really nice for that hit. He rubbed his head and thankfully found no blood, but the chances of a concussion were high.

Good thing Mom's a doctor. He thought, although how he would explain the injury to her was another issue.

Jim stood, his breath hitching with the pain that flared in his side. Thankfully the armor had taken most of the hit, but it definitely proved he was nowhere near as durable as he had been in his playful spars before. 

“Nowhere close to what I’ve been through,” he grunted, “at least he's not starving me and waiting for my will to break.” It was a dark memory, but why couldn't someone make jokes about horrible things to get through the pain?

Jim’s attention was pulled to his left where Draal was rolling across the wall towards him, going for the attack that got me last time.

Jim dove out of the way this time, rolling along and then springing up as the troll slammed down behind him. Jim spun around and swung Daylight at his opponent. 

Draal's back was to the cliff along the edge of the Deep, and Jim knew he had to take that to his advantage.

The powerful troll blocked the attack the human threw and the next one and the next one, but with each blow the Trollhunter inched Draal closer to the edge that resided in the Troll's blind spot.

“Even at your strongest you can never best me!” Draal laughed, unimpressed by Jim’s strikes.

“You’re right, even at my best I'll never beat your best,” Jim grunted through each hit, as he got closer and closer to the edge. Sweat dripped from his brow as he pushed his body to put more power in each swing. His muscles burned as they still had yet to become what they once were, but they did as he willed. 

Ten more hits.

“You admit defeat before you have taken more than a single hit?” Draal barked a laugh.

Eight more hits.

“You're nothing but a worm crawling up from the ground for validation!”

Six more!

“How do you expect to defeat Bular when your only protection is a scholar and a pacifist?”

Four more!

“Give up already, your attacks do little but scratch an itch!”

Two!

“I can see you're growing tired little fleshbag!”

“I said I could never beat you at your best.” Jim reared Daylight back, heaving a breath into his burning lungs. “But I know you, Draal, this fight has been far from your best.”

He shifted his feet and swung Daylight, the sword slicing through the air with a soft whistle. The impact of the sword against armored stone flesh sparked an explosion of blue sending both opponents flying backwards.

Jim crashed to the ground with a loud clang of metal against stone. He slowly stood as he struggled to get air into his lungs again, then ran for the edge. Sudden worry flooded him at the realization that Draal might not have caught himself.

He peeked over the edge, and let out a sigh of relief as he saw Draal hanging on several feet down wincing at the pain the explosion had caused.

The crowd above them cheered for Jim to end the fight, and it made him feel sick. These people knew Draal, they had been with him for centuries! And yet they begged their Trollhunter to end his life. 

Jim had to admit it, although the trolls were far from Gunmar's ways, they still had messed up traditions.

“Finish the fight, fleshbag,” Draal grunted, as he tried to pull himself up, “perhaps then they will see you as a real Trollhunter.”

The Trollhunter stabbed his sword into the ground and used it as an anchor as he lowered himself down the side of the cliff. 

“You admit defeat before you have taken more than seventeen hits?” He questioned as he offered his hand, “I'm not killing Trollmarket's best warrior.”

Draal’s brows knit together in a mix of disapproval and confusion.

“Come on man, take it, don't make it weird.” Jim shook his hand around to draw the troll’s attention to it, and slowly Draal reached up and took hold, and the two of them hefted themselves back onto flat ground.

The crowd booed, people yelled, trolls shouted.

Jim pulled Daylight from the ground and holstered it on his back. “You ask me to end the fight, but this is not the fight we should be shouting about! Bular is still out there, and he's slayed your Trollhunters before. Why would you sacrifice your own people when there are threats outside your door waiting for you to grow weaker?” Jim scanned the faces of the crowd, so many of them he had never had the chance to get to know. “Don't let yourselves become idle, that's just what they want from you. There are threats that will rise in the future, and it's important that we don't stand aside and let them through. Understand that each of you are powerful, and can do anything you put your minds to. I may be your Trollhunter now, but I've been told we are stronger together!”

Murmurs traveled through the crowd, and Jim knew he was far from gaining any of their loyalty. But all he could do was his best to prepare them for what might come upon them.

Toby ran up to Jim as Draal made his way out of the arena, receiving boos and rocks at his head.

“Blinky says we should probably head out,” Toby whispered, although with the loud conversations of the crowd Jim figured it wasn't necessary, “Him and AAARRRGGHH!!! got pulled away by Vendel.”

“Yeah, probably would be for the best,” Jim said, and the two of them hurried out, passing Draal who sombered along. Jim had to wonder what Draal did at this point, was he given the option to gather his things?

Toby pulled his attention back to their path, questioning why Jim had slowed his pace.

Jim gave a quick apology and the two of them headed up the crystal stairs and back into the above world of Arcadia.

 

“See you in the morning Jimbo,” Toby said as he waved.

“Night Tobes,” Jim replied, and headed towards his own house. Okay, I need an excuse for where I was and why I'm in so much pain. Jim started, as he noted the car in the driveway.

“Jim, where have you been?” Barbara asked, when her son walked through the door, “School's been out for hours and I know you weren't at rehearsal today.”

“Sorry mom,” Jim mumbled, and lifted his bag to hang it on the end post, but then his bag dropped to the ground and he didn't bother picking it up.

“Sorry?” She repeated, “last night you tell me you hurt a boy at school and then you show up late-” She stopped as she saw him wincing at her shouting. “What have you been doing?”

“Toby and I have just been out, I don't know.” Jim shrugged at his horrible excuse, his head hurt, his side hurt, and every joint and muscle hurt. He didn't want to argue right now.

“I don't know why I told you about Steve, but I wasn't a big deal,” Jim started when his mom didn't say anything, “He got mad at me for making him look dumb when he shoved Eli in a locker, and then we got in a fight the other day, and he punched me so I kicked him in the gronk- balls.”

“You got in a fight?” Barbara yelled, “why am I only finding out now?!”

“I dunno,” he mumbled. Her reaction definitely reminded him why he didn't tell her about being the Trollhunter, she would never let him out of her sight. Although it had been so nice after she found out the second time around. He loved his mom and he loved being open with her, but now was definitely not the time to lay it all out on her.

“Jim, this is something that needs to be taken seriously,” She rubbed her eyes under her glasses, “Do any of your teachers know? Never mind, I’m calling Walter.”

“On a first name basis already, huh,” Jim mumbled, getting a brief scowl from his mother. “What? You know about Claire.”

“Apparently one of the few things I know about,” She sighed, looking through her phone for the person she wanted to call.

“Mom, do you really have to call Strickler about it?” Jim asked, “I don't really want to draw more attention from Steve or any of his friends.”

“Kiddo, this is serious, fights aren't supposed to be happening in school,” Barbara said, but still turned off her phone.

“It was a one time thing, please just let this one slide,” He begged, he didn't need more on his plate, and having Steve breathing down his neck while he was trying to keep track of everyone, and making sure everyone was safe, and making sure he got rid of threats before they got too big, and making sure he kept his relationships up, and making sure he made it to school, and making sure he stayed caught up on homework, and- and- what else was he missing he felt like he was missing something! Jim clutched his pained head as he tried to think.

“Jim, Jim!” His mom's hands cradled his face, as his eyes came back into focus. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” He waved her off pulling his face from her hands, “I just uhh…” 

“You went white as a sheet, and you were short of breath,” she placed her hand to his forehead, “are you feeling well?”

“I just remembered all the homework I have to do, it's quite a bit, I've been putting it off but it's due soon,” He rambled trying to turn away his mom's worry. “And I feel fine, I probably just need some fresh air.”

Barbara looked unsure but let him go anyway, “Do you want something to eat? I can heat something up.”

“That sounds good,” Jim said, as he headed for the backdoor. He sat down on the steps and pulled the amulet from his pocket as he stared into the woods beyond the fence.

“Please let him come here, please.” He whispered, clutching the amulet as if it might make his wish come true. The only reply he got was the wind rustling the leaves.

Jim jumped up as he heard a thud and a plate shattering on the floor inside, “Mom?!”

He reached for the doorknob but froze as a familiar whistle could be heard from the woods, and a chill ran up his spine.

“For the glory of Merlin, daylight is mine to command!” Jim shouted quickly, equipping his armor, and drew his blade. The weight of the weapon made his limbs cry, but he didn't have time to hear out their complaints.

“Well, well, well, the little human Trollhunter feels braver in his shiny armor.” A venomous voice sang from above him.

Jim backed into the center of the backyard, and saw two glowing eyes peering down at him from the roof.

“I think you’ll find this little human is a bigger threat than you think,” He glared up at her, as he tried to focus past the pain in every movement.

“Says the boy who can barely stand,” she replied, slowly creeping down the roof, her claws scraping against the shingles.

“I can stand long enough to fight you, Nomura!” He shouted, praying his statement would hold true.

The changeling seemed taken aback by the fact the boy knew her name, but the shock didn't last long and the slender creature lunged for her prey.

Jim tumbled out of the way, and swung his sword, drastically missing the speedy enemy.

“Bular thinks you’re a threat, but I think he is just a child complaining for his loss of the amulet yet again,” she hissed, lashing out at Jim with her hands, she wasn't even bothering to draw her blades.

“I half agree with you on that.” Jim used his sword to block her, and she pushed against the flat of the blade making him stagger back and fall to the ground. “He's a child who likes to throw tantrums, but I like to assume I'm a threat to him and his father.”

“You think a little boy like you could go against Gunmar?” She laughed, pressing down on the sword that Jim struggled to hold above his chest. If he wasn't careful she could cut him with his very own blade and never draw her own.

“I think I could have a pretty good chance against him.” Jim smirked, but then his arms gave out and the flat of the sword slammed onto his chest.

“Not a chance,” Nomura pushed the blade towards his neck, “You were far easier to kill than I thought.”

“Hah! I was promised I wouldn't be dying any time soon!” Jim tried to smile through his pain especially as he heard loud footsteps racing through the woods.

A massive troll slammed into Nomura and through the fence into the street, giving Jim a chance to breathe again, as the pressure of his chest was ripped away.

Nomura screamed as the fight raged and Jim tried to get up to watch the fight, but the changeling was quick to abandon her prey with the additional threat of a well trained warrior troll.

“Oh thank goodness,” Jim rasped, as he leaned against the fence and watched as Draal stalked back towards the house.

“You won't always get time to prepare against an opponent you know well, you never know what you’ll be up against,” the large troll said as he rolled his shoulder.

“You umm, you're here.” Jim beamed, but quickly hid the expression when the troll turned to him.

“I am no longer welcome in Trollmarket,” Draal said, and Jim thought he heard a hint of sadness in his voice, but the warrior hid his emotions well. “I have decided if you are so keen to prepare against Bular you’ll need someone to look out for you.”

“I- thank you.” Jim stood awkwardly, what he wouldn't give to be able to hug the troll right now, so often he had wanted to be near him again. Tears filled his eyes as he soaked up the protective presence of his ally.

“But I fight and protect only,” Draal reminded, as he gave a glance towards the broken fence, “I do not repair or clean.”

Jim shrugged, it wasn't nearly as bad as last time when the fight happened in the house. “I’ll fix it up, after I get you settled in the basement. My mom- OH MY GOSH MY MOM!”

Jim ran inside and found his mother collapsed on the kitchen floor, a plate shattered on the ground beside her.

He looked her over and then reached and pulled a dart from her neck. “A sleeping dart?” Jim questioned as he examined it, “I’ve never seen Nomura use one of these before?”

“You have fought the impure before?” Draal questioned, probably concerned with what Jim had already faced.

“Uhh…” Jim scratched the back of his head and flinched as it touched the forming bruise. “Sort of?”

Draal huffed a breath that flicked his nose ring, “She will give you less issue now that I reside here, where is this bass-mant you spoke of?”

“It's over there,” Jim gestured towards it, then slowly picked his mom off the floor and carried her over to the couch, before leading Draal down stairs.

“My mom doesn't come down here very often,” he said as he turned on the light, “so you can rearrange things as you need, and let me know if you need anything.”

Jim stood expectantly as the troll took in his surroundings. What could he do to thank Draal for everything? He had sacrificed absolutely everything for Jim, and all he had to offer was his little basement.

“Your mother will awake soon,” Draal reminded.

“Oh, right!” Jim hurried back up the stairs, and began cleaning things up, and Jim just hoped Barbara wouldn't look too closely at the fence.

As Jim hammered in more nails to hold the broken boards in place, he couldn't help but feel more relaxed with Draal around. It was almost like the burden of protecting everyone felt a little lighter.

Jim froze as he was about to hammer in a final nail. Wait, when Kanjigar said soon I didn't think later in the day soon.  

Once his work was down he went inside and put away his tools and swept up the broken plate.

If Draal was here to simply lift the weight of guarding those around them, then that was perfect. He couldn't be happier to have his friend so close again. 

He took a deep breath, feeling cool air fill his aching lungs. 

This felt good.

Notes:

I love Draal so much! also wasn't expecting the scene with Barbara to be as long as it is, but characters will do what characters do.

Chapter 9

Summary:

Jim gets training from Draal, a phone number, and some extra time with Claire before going on a walk with Blinky who is concerned about the young Trollhunter's well being.

Notes:

Sorry this took a while to come out I had it typed up, but didn't have a computer to be able to paste it over and retain its formatting.

Finally the weekend came, and Toby and Jim decided they deserved a break. It took some convincing, but they managed to get Blinky to let them out of training for a few days. The painful fight with Draal definitely helped convince the mentor that their Trollhunter needed a break.

Draal on the other hand was not so easily convinced. He was determined to refine Jim’s skills, and honestly, even with the pain all over his body, the boy was happy to learn the calculated skills the warrior had to teach.

“The sword is an extension of your body, and your body and extension of your eyes.” Draal said as he swung a broken lamp as a makeshift sword. Jim followed silently. Normally he would say things along with Blinky or even before like he was a psychic, but for this, this moment, he wanted it to last forever.

How often had he gone back to the memory to calm himself? To take a breath before he made a big decision? This moment was a safe place for him, and now he was actually living through it again.

“A true warrior should not weep in battle,” Draal stated, as Jim parried an attack.

“S-sorry,” He quickly wiped his eyes, before swinging an attack, but Draal had him on the ground in a single swift move.

“Command the armor to do your bidding, remember it is an extension of yourself!” Draal instructed through a growl as he pressed the lamp against his opponent’s armored neck.

“I know!” Jim rasped as pain erupted across his body, and switched Daylight from one hand to the other in a whisp of blue, and touched the blade to Draal's ribs.

The troll released the boy, and stood, looking at least partially impressed. “You show great unity with your armor,” Draal said, and set the lamp down. “I have witnessed many Trollhunters, and often it takes them years to understand how the armor responds to them.” He looked at Jim with peaked interest. “And yet you show great connection to it within a matter of days.”

“Well, I don't know about that.” Jim brushed off the comment, especially as he saw Toby staring directly at him, “I’m sure it's just luck or something.”

“I don't believe in luck.” His instructor grunted, and sat on one of the boulders. “It is a thing of chance to you, I believe destiny is what guides us.”

“Destiny,” Jim repeated, “a gift right?”

“But sometimes a burden,” Draal replied, “your mentor may have told you it shall raise you to greater heights, but that is only if you allow it to.”

“Got it.” He really wished there was a step around the “burden pushing down on you” part of destiny, but he knew there was no easy route with these things.

Toby’s phone chimed, and he stood. “I gotta head home, Nana has some chores for me,” he grumbled the last part, clearly not looking forward to the work.

“Remember Tobes, a burden pushing down on you is just lifting you to greater heights,” Jim shouted after him as a tease.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” He lazally waved at the two of them, and walked to his own home.

“That probably means I should go to bed too,” Jim said through a yawn, and stretched his sore muscles as he dismissed his armor.

“Trollhunter,” Draal started.

Jim had opened the door to go inside, and stopped to turn to his ally.

“You did good today.”

“Thanks,” Jim managed through his tightening throat as several emotions crashed over him like a wave.

Jim went inside, and Draal set off to perform a perimeter check.

Even with aches and pains all across his body, the moment Jim laid down in bed sleep finally came to him.

For the first time in a very long time Jim got a full night's rest.

 

---

 

Being back at school didn't feel as bad as it usually did. Jim’s body had gotten a chance to relax and heal, he had actually gotten all his homework done, and he was feeling well rested.

“You look happy today,” Toby mumbled as they walked onto campus.

“I think I actually got eight hours of sleep for the first time in years!” Jim announced, not ashamed of this glorious accomplishment.

“Years?” Toby questioned, “Pretty sure you slept like twelve hours a few weekends ago.”

“Oh, right.” Jim scratched the back of his head, which was still a little tender. “Guess it just felt like years.”

“You've been saying that a lot,” he noted, but thankfully the conversation came to an end when Claire was dropped off and came walking over to them.

“Hey, are you alright?” She asked, fixing one of the clips in her hair.

“Yeah,” Jim smiled, “I'm doing great.”

“Oh,” Claire’s gaze shifted to the ground, not expecting that answer. “You missed rehearsal the other day, and I got worried.”

“Oh- OH!” Jim cleared his throat, “I'm so sorry! I meant to tell before I ran out of school. I had some… stuff come up.” He did his best to hide his wince as he shifted in a way that made his side flare along with the memory of Draal's savage hit.

“It's alright,” She said with a shrug, but then lit up with an idea. “Oh here!” She swung her backpack off her shoulder and pulled out a pen, then continued to search for something else when the school bell rang. “Fiddlesticks!” She hissed at the loud sound, then reached out and grabbed Jim’s arm and scribbled along his skin with the pen.

She released his arm and hurried into the school, “Now you can let me know if you have any problems come up in the future!” She shouted as she hurried off.

“Dude!” Toby grabbed Jim's arm and stared at it in awe. “You got a chick’s number!”

“I did?” Jim looked down at his arm and saw Claire's phone number written in neat but rushed writing.

“We’re gonna have to flay your arm so we can frame this!” He stared at the phone number with complete seriousness.

“No! oh my gosh, Tobes!” Jim pulled his arm from Toby's grip. “Let's go, we're gonna be late for class.”

 

---

 

Jim was thankful Ms. Janeth wasn't out for blood, but she definitely was displeased with him. But come on! Jim had been doing so good at making it to rehearsal, it was one missed practice! 

The nice thing about missing practice though is it gave Jim an excuse to ask Claire which parts they had practiced and she offered for him to come over again to make up for what he missed.

“Blinky's gonna be mad you’re skipping training after he already gave you the weekend off,” Toby said as he put on his helmet. 

“Oh come on Tobes, I'm not gonna be there for that long. I’ll just be a little later than usual,” Jim argued, unlocking his bike and starting walking out of school.

“You want to pull another all nighter in Trollmarket?” Toby raised a brow, clearly not wanting to do that.

“I'm gonna be at Claire's for like an hour,” He replied, “It's as if I had rehearsal.”

“Just an hour?!” he gasped, “Are you seriously just practicing? What about it being Claire Nuñez ? You know the girl you've been crushing on all school year.”

“An hour feels like forever with her,” Jim felt a stupid smile spread across his face.

“Oooh…” Toby rubbed his hands together mischievously, “I see, you're not practicing lines, you're practicing something else with your lips.”

“What? No!” Jim looked at him disturbed, no way things could move that quickly. Although he would love it if that was the case.

“Hey Jim,” Claire said, walking up to them on the edge of campus, “Coby, right?”

“It's Toby,” Toby said with what Jim was sure was supposed to be a charming smirk.

“Toby, sorry,” She smiled, but then turned her attention back to Jim, “My parents are swinging by to pick us up if you're cool with that. We should be able to fit your bike in the back.”

“A ride from your parents?” Jim questioned, but they hated him! He’d messed up so many times! Although they had warmed up a bit more after finding out why all those things had happened!

“I can call them if you'd rather walk,” she said, reaching for her phone.

“No, no, a ride sounds great!” he quickly corrected. Get your timelines right, Jim!

“I’ll see you later tonight Jimbo,” Toby said, mounting his bike, and started towards home.

“Make sure to let me know when you get home!” Jim called after him, sudden worry crashing over him.

Toby just gave a thumbs up, and pedaled away.

“A got home safe text, huh?” Claire looked at him with a gentle teasing in her eyes.

“Oh umm,” He held his hand down when he went to scratch the back of his head, to stop the risk of paining the tender spot. “He’s crashed his bike a few times.” It was true, but each time that had happened Jim had been with him.

Claire nodded knowingly. “My parents make me text them when I get home if they're not there.”

Was she saying Jim was parenting Toby?

No, it was probably her trying to share her understanding.

“So, since I didn't make it last practice, again sorry about that, who stood in for me? Were you having to say your lines to Ms. Janeth?” He asked, trying to keep a conversation going.

“Actually, Steve popped by and said he had an interest in the play, but everyone's been casted so Ms. Janeth let him play your part for the evening.” She answered, looking disappointed she had to be on stage with the bully.

“Of course he did,” Jim grumbled, then his eyes went wide when he saw Claire’s brows knit together. “Of course he did, I feel like I've been seeing him staring longingly at the Romeo and Juliet posters. He must have been upset he hadn't tried out, who knew he was into theater?”

Claire laughed, “I guess I shouldn't be surprised, I didn't think you were into theater, and yet you have the whole play practically memorized.”

“I sorta tend to keep parts of myself secret.” He shoved his hands into his pockets before they could form into awkward finger guns.

“You enjoy keeping secrets?” She asked, an odd twinkle in her eye.

“Enjoy keeping secrets? nah,” He said with a mix of a sigh and a laugh, “they just sort of happen to be that way.”

Claire was about to ask another question when she stopped, “There they are,” She pointed out the car pulling up, and Jim shyly waved. 

I can do this! I can make a first good impression this time around! 

“Hey, dad,” Claire greeted, then took Jim’s bike and casually loaded it in the back. He had forgotten how strong she was even early on.

She walked to the other side of the car, leaving Jim to get in on the side where he stood as the middle seat was taken up by Enrique and his car seat. “Where's mom?”

“She's working overtime,” Javier said, and Claire’s shoulders slumped with disappointment.

She then perked up again, “Dad this is Jim,” She gestured to the boy on the other side of the car. “Jim, you can get in the car.” she said getting in on her side.

Jim swallowed down his worry and got into the car, Enrique smiling the second he saw the teenagers face. “Thank you Mr. Nuñez for the ride.”

His nerves spiked through his entire body, and he feared his armor might activate with how much he was stressing. He rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants, Keep it together Jim! It's just her dad, it's not like you're gonna fight him!

“Yup,” he responded simply, “Claire has told me a lot about you.”

Jim might have actually preferred to fight him over whatever this was. Why can I talk to Trolls three times my size, but not a regular human?

“I talk about the play a lot,” Claire said, “As you know it's a big deal to me.”

“Which is why we're making up for the missed practice,” Jim confirmed, as if Javier might think they had ulterior motives.

“I know I said it before, but wow, Enrique likes you,” Claire said as she looked at the way the baby did not take his eyes off Jim.

Honestly Jim couldn't figure out why Enrique would like him so much, maybe from the Darklands rescue, but that wasn't a thing anymore.

“I suppose babies will like what they like,” Jim suggested. 

The car fell silent, but thankfully the ride wasn't long and Claire happily got them started on the play again. 

The extra practice wasn't at all needed, the two of them had the play memorized like the back of their hands. Claire obviously knew they had it down, so why had she invited him over? Did she enjoy his company just as much as he did?

Ask her on a date.

Woah, no! Jim halted that thought, their first date had been terrible, he was so awkward and she had been possessed by Morgana- maybe going on a date now would be better than later.

“Hey Claire,” He said slowly.

No! this is a bad idea, I never know what to talk about with her other than the play! 

“Would you maybeee…” he held out the word as he tried to find the best words to say.

“Want to study together at my place another time?” 

DRAAL LIVES IN YOUR BASEMENT AND YOU WANT TO INVITE CLAIRE OVER?!

“That could be fun,” she shrugged, her expression positive, but didn't tell him anything about what was going on inside her head. “But we would have to be actually studying, I have an exam coming up and I cannot risk getting a bad grade.”

“Right yeah, what else would we be doing?” Jim questioned awkwardly, “I'm not going to invite you over to study and then make you do something completely different.”

“Okay, sure,” she smiled, “but only if there are snacks, I need snacks when I'm studying.”

“There shall be as many snacks as you desire sweet Juliet,” he said, with a flourishing bow.

Claire laughed, and Jim’s phone buzzed, probably a text from Toby. Had it already been an hour?

Jim was sad to say goodbye, but he knew Blinky would be on his case if he didn't get down to Trollmarket when Toby did.

The day wasn't set, but he had done it! Sure it wasn't an official date but she was coming over to his place… WHICH WAS SUCH A BAD IDEA!  

A date would have been so much better because then at least they would be in town, and not in a house that had a troll living in it and was visited frequently from trolls both good and bad!

“You're an idiot Jim!” He hissed to himself as he rushed to his training.

 

“Ah! Master Jim,” Blinky greeted as Jim hurried into the library, Toby had thankfully texted where they were, and Jim felt extremely guilty when he found out Toby had just gone straight to Trollmarket after school.

“We're in your library today?” Jim asked, as he looked at all the shelves that were overloaded with books. 

“It is AAARRRGGHH!!! and I’s domicile,” Blinky explained, “Toby did not see it worth the time to start training prior to your arrival.”

“Right,” Jim looked around at the library- Wait Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! live together? How did he never realize this?!

Do they live together, or do they LIVE together?

They had always been close, but Jim was always busy with training.

No, no, because AAARRRGGHH!!! stayed behind when we left Arcadia.

“Master Jim,” Blinky interrupted his thoughts, “Master Tobias has brought to our attention that you may be experiencing issues upon taking on the amulet.”

“Issues?” Jim asked, looking over to Toby. To his surprise Toby was reading a book, or at least attempting to, with AAARRRGGHH!!! over his shoulder slowly explaining what he could read. Together the pair didn't seem to be making much progress.

“Indeed,” Blinky started, clasping three hands behind his back and the fourth free to wave about as he spoke. “We understand the amulet can be seen as a burden, but it is not to push you down, but to lift you up into the Trollhunter you are meant to be!”

“Thanks Blink,” Jim said skeptically, “you've told me that before.”

“I am recalling it to your memory.” He walked up to the boy and placed his hands on his shoulders and upper arms. “The mantle has never been passed to a human which results in an unknown, but we are here to help discover what it means to be the first human Trollhunter!”

“Right, so other than Gummgumms, goblins, and changelings what are my issues?” Jim asked, they seemed like things that would logically be a burden with the amulet, and he had dealt with all this before.

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! exchanged terrified glances.

“Master Jim,” Blinky’s voice came out in a whisper even if they were in a private place, “did you say changeling?”

“uh, oh…” Jim sucked a breath through his teeth, “Did I? I think I picked something up about them in the books you loaned me.”

Why was he keeping changelings a secret? He met Nomura, that should be fine to bring up even if he hadn't seen her change. Draal knew her and knew what she was sooo…

“Well actually, umm,” Jim glanced at Toby who gave him a strange look, almost like he was studying him. “I didn't want to tell you about this, but I sorta got attacked by a changeling but then Draal showed up and now he's living in my… basement.” He offered, already shrinking at the outburst Blinky would surely have.

“A changeling and you didn't think to bring it up immediately?” Blinky demanded.

“I was busy,” Jim argued, “I have a lot on my plate okay.”

“That's what I was talking about,” Toby said, as he flipped to another page, admiring the art within.

Blinky gave both the boys an irritated look. “I understand balancing the life of your human duties and the duties of a Trollhunter is difficult, but did you not think it important to ‘report’ the dangers lurking in the shadows?” He dragged his hands down his face. “You two are far more work than I am cut out to deal with, and I need you to explain what in Deya’s name you have been doing these past few days!” He whirled on Jim, scowling down at him.

“Gosh dad, dramatic much?” Jim questioned, but then bit his tongue. 

While on their journey to find a new heartstone Jim had for some reason started the joke of saying “he’s my dad” anytime someone mentioned just about anyone. And one day when Blinky had used his swear of “Great Gronka Morka” Jim's joke had come out and the realization of what that meant eventually just turned into Jim jokingly calling Blinky dad. It definitely wasn't a joke that was supposed to come out of his mouth now!

“AFTER THE FIGHT WITH DRAAL I GOT HOME AND MY MOM WAS UPSET WITH ME!” he started loudly rambling about everything that had taken place hoping the strange and obnoxious form of information would make them forget about his mess up.

“Hush your voice Master Jim,” Blinky warned as Jim began getting to when Nomura showed up, “we don't need all of Trollmarket to fall into panic.”

Jim quickly shut his mouth, glad his plan had worked. Blinky just looked exhausted, clearly the two boys were putting him through more than they had last time. That or Jim had been horribly bland last time around.

“Take Masters to train,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said, getting up and walking over to the other troll, “You come when you want.”

The large troll looked to the two boys, and they quickly followed after him as he made his way out of the library.

Jim followed silently as Toby rambled to AAARRRGGHH!!! about something. Apparently his thought process before was right, if he told Blinky everything the poor scholar would be just as stressed if not more than Jim. 

AAARRRGGHH!!! simply turned on the arena and let them run about. He didn't give any instruction, he just watched them carefully ready to save them if it became necessary.

Jim made it his goal to climb up to the top of the elevated arena as many times as he could, while Toby just stayed at the bottom, doing his best to avoid swinging blades. Toby wasn't super agile so he always stayed towards the edge, but Jim was just happy to see his friend putting in the effort to be a good ally.

“Master Jim!” Blinky called out by Jim’s third climb. The Trollhunter quickly descended, and hurried to his mentor.

“This way,” Blinky waved for Jim to walk with him, and so he did, leaving Toby and AAARRRGGHH!!! in the Hero's Forge.

“I’m sorry for stressing you out,” Jim said as they walked, “I should have told you about Draal and the changeling sooner.”

“Tobias informed us of the situation with Draal, and although I think it is a blasphemous concept, It is your choice in the matter.” The troll explained, looking at Jim with concern. “I am more concerned with Tobias’s worries of you not doing well… emotionally.”

“What?” Both Jim and Blinky stopped, but then continued when people around them began to approach.

“I’m doing fine,” Jim assured, keeping his mask on firmly. “I’m a bit overwhelmed with the whole being the Trollhunter and fighting evil, but I feel like for a person who just found out about the existence of an entirely other world I'm doing pretty good.” He smiled brightly. “And I’m really glad I got to find out about this world and meet people like you.”

Blinky looked proud, but the worry didn't leave, “You said something in the library, a slip of the tongue perhaps.”

Jim frowned, he really didn't want that to be brought up.

“Tobias also informed us of the strange things you say,” He continued, “I had thought it the way of your young growing selves, but it seems you had not been quite so odd before the amulet came to you.”

“Blinky, I really don't want to talk about this right now.” Jim shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at the ground.

“Which is the very reason I separated us from the others,” He said, “I don't want you to feel alone. When Kanjigar became the Trollhunter he distanced himself from those around him, and when he was felled…” Blinky stopped, as he looked at the young man beside him, “I am concerned you are distancing yourself.”

“I- I'm not,” Jim balled his fists in his pockets, walking at a faster pace, and Blinky quickly matched him. “I say weird things because I'm stressed. I might seem distant because maybe I'm trying to figure out how my life works again. Everything is so different than it used to be, and yet still the same.”

“Often things change in such ways,” Blinky replied, nearly jogging as Jim took long fast strides, “I would like to not only be your mentor, but also a friend or even an ally while you work through this change.”

“Blink, I…” He slowed his pace to a stop. They were now in a less crowded area, seeming to be more surrounded by wide spaced housing than shops. 

He stared at his shoes, scuffed from the work he put them through when his armor wasn't equipped. They still looked so new compared to how worn they had been after two years of trollhunting.

“I appreciate you wanting to be here for me, and I do see you as more than just someone making me work my muscles till they're sore,” He wanted to look at Blinky, but he knew if he did his mask would slip. Because he wanted to see the Blinky he had been through everything with. He wanted that for everyone, he wanted to look at Toby, Claire, and AAARRRGGHH!!! to be the people that actually knew him. It was so exhausting to be alone!

“Master Jim,” Blinky started slowly, “You are-”

Jim held up his hand, cutting him off. “I just need some time to think.”

“Very well,” his mentor replied, and they continued walking in silence.

Jim had never ventured very far in Trollmarket, he stayed on the main roads to the few places he needed to be. Here the crystals glowed a little dimmer, the paths a little narrower and far less busy.

The air smelled to trollish musk, but was free of the smog of the world above. It was cool from the insulation of dirt, yet also warm in some places with the closeness to deep magma streams.

TV’s buzzed with static within several homes, friends chatted together as they shared meals, and others clashed horns in playful fights. 

It felt so normal, and as much as Jim very much liked being human, he missed being a part of the community. But now he was a boy trying to fit in well enough to be the protector they needed.

The path Blinky led them on looped back towards the main street market, and far before Jim wanted to, they were back at the Hero's Forge.

Blinky put him right back to work, making the forge put him through battles and obstacles. 

Jim was grateful for it, and let his mind get lost in the grueling training.

Notes:

Spoilers for Age of the Amulet book - The joke behind Gronka Morka is that when the group goes back in time it is revealed that Blinky is actually Gronka Morka and he has been using his future self as a swear all along. and so Jim saying "thats my dad" to gronka morka is just a long version of saying that to Blinky.

Chapter 10

Summary:

A goblin is spotted running through town reminding Jim of something very important he forgot to be on top of. Jim volunteers to babysit for Claire, and discovers something strange about babies and his amulet.

“I was worried about you!” Toby said as they biked to school, “who else was I gonna tell, your mom?”

“You could have brought it up to me,” Jim argued, “rather than just going to Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!!”

“I tried, but either you brush me off or you're zoned out like you're in some alternate timeline!” He yelled over several honking cars, “even if I had been able to fully bring it up to you, what would you have said?”

Jim sighed, Toby was right. If he had voiced his worries about his friend seeming off, Jim would have just told him he was stressed and not to worry about him. Probably the same exact thing he had said to Blinky the night before.

“But seriously dude, you really are worrying me. Do you know how many Nougat Nummies I've consumed in the past few days?” Toby nearly toppled as he tried to pop a wheelie, and something ran along the telephone wire above them. “I don't even know, I lost count!”

Jim slammed his brakes and looked up, and sure enough there was a creature that quickly disappeared out of sight along with the heavy load it carried.

Jim jumped off his bike, leaving it in the street.

“No! No! NO! NO! NOOO!!!” Jim ran into the alley, quickly summoning his armor even though it was broad daylight.

He could hear the strange pug-like breaths in the distance, but they were quickly fading. There was no way he would be able to catch up, especially as the alley came to a dead end.

He slammed his gauntlets against the brick wall, “No! I can't have forgotten! I CAN'T HAVE MESSED UP ALREADY!”

“Jimbo?” Toby warily walked into the alley, guiding both their bikes on either side of him.

Jim turned around, slammed his back against the wall, and slid to the ground into a ball. “I messed up.” He clenched his hair in his hands. “I messed up so bad, Tobes.”

“What? What happened?” Toby looked around the alley like he might find the issue, but that was the problem. The issue was far out of reach.

He wanted to curse. He wanted to yell, but none of that would help. Some help the time stone was! This was one of those things he wasn't supposed to screw up on.

“Jim,” Toby said slowly, “you're scaring me.”

Jim looked down at the grimey ground he sat on, and there in the filth lie a precious item.

He reached out and picked up the well worn stuffed bunny. It was light, but it felt like a whole ton in Jim’s hand. 

He was supposed to be better this time around. He was supposed to be perfect! 

And yet staring at Suzy Snooze confirmed one horrible truth: Enrique Nuñez had been taken to the darklands.

Toby set their bikes against the wall, then sat beside Jim as his armor vanished in a puff of magic and the amulet fell to his lap.

The two of them sat in silence for several minutes, then Toby reached into a pocket of his bag.

“So you want a Nougat Nummy?” He offered, holding out the candy bar.

Jim wanted to refuse, it was stupid to eat candy at such a time, but the offer wasn't one he could pass on.

He kinda hated it, the way the chocolate helped his mood lighten just a little, or maybe it was sitting by his best friend. Either way it made the weight of the mess up a little lighter.

In the distance the Arcadia Oaks High School bell rang, signaling the start of classes.

“Are you gonna be alright?” Toby asked, not moving to hurry to school.

“Probably not,” Jim answered, standing and placing Suzy Snooze in his bag in a way that her head and arms poked out the back. “But I have to be, don't I?”

He pulled both their bikes from the wall, and Toby came to get his.

“That doesn't sound very reassuring,” He said.

The two of them walked out of the alley and mounted their bikes.

“It's not,” Jim sighed, “but it's what I've got to work with.”

The two of them set off for school, keeping their pace up so they wouldn't be too overly late for class.

 

---

 

Jim closed his locker with a slam, and then another to actually get it to shut. It had been over a day and he had been actively avoiding Claire. Suzy Snooze still sat in his bag, a reminder of his failure. And he wasn't about to start hiding the plush because he knew he deserved to carry the burden.

School had probably been the same it's always been. Nothing big had happened, no sudden tests, or getting called to the front of class. But the past two days school felt like the Darklands. The very same place he had let them take Enrique. 

He had literally seen the baby the day before! Why didn't he do something? 

“That thing is still bothering you?” Toby asked, even though the question wasn't needed, “Maybe we can figure it out together! Jimbo and Toby!” 

He playfully punched the air in Jim’s direction several times, his form actually pretty decent. “I know Blinky said there wasn't really anything we could do after a baby’s been replaced- if that's what happened. But we could maybe do something.”

“Toby,” Jim started, trying to stop his friend, but he kept going.

“Seriously though, don't be so hard on yourself, it's not like you could have known.”

“Thanks Tobes!” Jim snapped, “but I-”

“Oh my gosh!” Claire's voice interrupted, making Jim cringe. “You have Suzy Snooze?”

He took a deep breath, turned around, and put on the best smile he could manage. “Oh this lil guy, I thought he looked familiar. I found him on the side of the road.”

“I've been looking for her everywhere!” Claire’s face lit up as Jim reluctantly pulled the plush fully out of his bag, “She's Enrique’s favorite. He’s been super fussy ever since he lost her.”

“Oh has he now?” Jim said through gritted teeth, and handed over the plush. “Glad I could help.”

HELP?! YOU'RE A TOTAL FAILURE!!! His brain screamed.

“She’ll just need some washing of course, and then I’m sure Enrique will cheer right up,” She smiled down at the plush as if she really did believe it could fix all her problems.

“Claire!” Mary Wang came running up, looking torn between being the happiest person on earth, and being a bearer of bad news. “I can't babysit tonight.”

“What? No, Mary, I need you tonight!” Claire clutched the bunny in her hands that it looked like the seams might pop. “Papa Skull is playing tonight. PAPA SKULL!”

“But Dean finally asked me to the movies and Hank invited me to ice cream, TIGHT JEANS HANK!” Mary squealed in excitement, before hurrying off, surely to go tell Darci of her exciting dates.

“Gosh dang it, Mary,” Claire grumbled under her breath.

“I can babysit,” Jim said, stepping forward, and Toby hissed after him about training.

“You can?” Claire's eyes lit up, but then they dimmed, “Have you babysat before?”

“Only a few times,” Jim said, and only a very specific changeling.  

“I’ll take what I can get,” She said, probably louder than she intended, “come by my place at seven, no sooner! You're amazing, I could kiss you!” She leaned close to him and planted a kiss on his cheek, then hurried off before Jim could say anything else.

“Babysitting, Jim?” Toby questioned, “Don't you already have enough on your plate?”

“It's a baby,” Jim shrugged, “I'll bring some books to study while I'm there.”

“Fine, I’ll tell Blinky,” Toby grumbled.

“Tobes, it's not till seven,” he pointed out, “I have a few hours to train.”

“Oh sweet,” he sighed with relief, not wanting to go down to Trollmarket alone.

“We should really get them a phone, it would make asking them questions so much easier,” Jim suggested as they grabbed their bikes and headed out and down to Trollmarket.

 

Blinky had been kind enough to give Jim enough time to hurry home and wash up from his sweaty training.

When Jim found his mom at home he was happy he had something he could actually tell her about for his reasoning for being gone.

Barbara was a little sceptical of Jim taking care of a baby, but Jim assured her he had it under control and would be able to call Claire, or her if anything went wrong.

He had wanted to go down to the basement and tell Draal about the changeling situation, but he figured he shouldn't chance his mom coming down to ask him something.

Jim carefully waited until seven before biking onto Claire's street and knocking on her door.

“Perfect timing!” Claire greeted, waving him in.

Jim carefully eyed the baby bouncing in his swing, he definitely knew how to act like a baby that was for sure.

Claire gave instructions on where things were and what the routine was even though all of it was written down.

“Both my number and my parents’ numbers are on the fridge, but only call me if something happens, got it?” She asked sternly.

“Yes Ma'am,” He nodded, “parents don't approve of the concert?”

“You're not the only one allowed to have secrets,” she teased, putting on her coat and grabbing her bag. “Okay, was there anything I forgot?” She started listing things off.

“We’ll be fine,” Jim assured, grabbing her shoulder and gently pressing her towards the door. “Go have fun.”

She let out a sigh and walked out the door, before turning back to face Jim.

“Thanks again, you really are a lifesaver.” She smiled, and stared deep into his eyes.

“I- I try to be.” He stumbled, blinking hard when he found himself leaning towards her, and quickly stopped.

Steve pulled up on his Vespa and Jim let out a heavy sigh.

“The show was sold out and he got the last two tickets.” Claire quickly explained.

“It's alright,” he assured, then turned his attention to Steve, “Hey Steve, get me a shirt would you? You're amazing!!!”

The blonde teenager stared at him, confusion and shock creating the best facial expression. But he couldn't say anything as Claire hopped on the Vespa, and they had to hurry off for the concert.

“And now we figure out our baby situation,” Jim said, closing the door and turning to the disguised changeling.

He crouched down, and checked the buckle on the swing. Unclasped. Jim buckled it back up, “There you go, don’t want you to fall out.” He said, trying to make sure the changeling was at least a little secured before he ended up chasing him around the house and wrecking everything.

“Now, what do you know about this?” He demanded, pulling out his amulet and pushed it close to his captive’s face.

To Jim’s surprise instead of making a grab for it, the baby began to wail and clutch onto the few hairs on his head. His little knuckles turned white as they locked in their closed positions.

“Woah, woah!” Jim tucked his amulet away to free his hands, and tried to get the baby to let go of his blonde hairs, “not the reaction I was expecting, little dude.”

Slowly the baby’s hands relaxed and dropped to his sides, he looked exhausted.

If somehow this wasn’t the durable Notenrique he knew he was going to hate himself for doing it, but he had to test it.

Jim slowly pulled the amulet from his pocket and brought it up towards the child. Once it was a few inches away the baby began to wail again, and he quickly hid the amulet behind his back.

“What is going on?” He questioned, his brows scrunching in confusion, “is something wrong with my amulet?” He held it out in front of himself, looking into its face as if it might suddenly tick and tell him what was going on.

The baby began to wail again, but then in a crackling spark the baby turned into a tiny trollish creature.

“Get that grimey thing away from me!” The changeling yelled, batting at the air in the direction of the amulet.

“I knew it was you,” Jim said, tucking the amulet away to make so the changeling wasn’t scowling so hard. He wanted to demand Enrique back, but he knew how difficult that would actually be, so he decided to follow the new mystery. “What’s with the crying over the amulet? Got a fear of daylight?”

“Any troll wit’ a brain cell has a fear o’ daylight,” He huffed, “but I know ya wouldn’t hurt me, I’m yur girl’s li’l brotha.”

Jim gave a frustrated groan, “Why are you so upset about the amulet then?” he pushed the amulet towards the changeling who flinched away. Jim held the amulet close and Notenrique peaked open his eyes and looked at it, suddenly unaffected.

“Huh,” he hummed, looking at the magical item with interest, “now tha’s weird.”

“What’s weird?” Jim demanded, “talk, or I’ll tell everyone who you are.”

“Like ya aren’t gonna do tha’ already,” He glared at his interrogator, “I ain’t tellin’ ya nothin’”

Jim frowned, the changeling knew Jim didn’t have any leverage over him. Guess he would have to bribe. “Would a pair of sweaty gym socks perhaps sway you?”

Notenrique tried to keep the way he licked his lips subtle, but Jim saw it and wouldn’t let that get away from him.

“What about two pairs?” he offered, “four whole stinky, sweaty, well worn socks.” 

Jim felt grossed out as he described the offering. Once in his troll form he had lost a bet and tried one, and even as a random item eating creature he still couldn’t get behind the rancid material.

“Make it three pairs,” the changeling said, slamming his fist on the edge of the swing.

“Done,” Jim agreed, and the child’s eyes lit up with delight. “So what’s with you and the amulet.”

“Dunno,” Notenrique shrugged, picking in his ear with a claw.

“Do you want the socks or not?” Jim grabbed the bungie holding the swing and gave it a harsh shake.

“Fine! Fine!” He cried until the swing came to a stop, “It made me brain go freaky.”

Jim gave him a look to continue when the changeling stopped, and they sat for several minutes in silence.

“Baby brains are weird like,” he finally continued, “they still growin’ and stuff, it’s a weird spot to be as a changelin’. When yur a baby yur brain is real easy ta mold. Whateva’ ya got in tha’ amulet make’s me li’l baby brain feel like it’s got memories it don’t.”

“Like you have memories you dont?” Jim repeated, trying to understand the strange description.

Notenrique tapped his chin as he tried to think of the best way to clarify. “I’m rememberin’ ya, and sponge face, bu’ there’s other folks too tha’ I dunno.”

“Remembering,” he said slowly, “describe them.”

He gave an irritated growl, but continued anyway. “A big kid, he liked offerin’ me his socks, real funny sort. Two big dumb trolls, though one of ‘em knew how ta partay! Then ya again, ‘cept ya was a troll.”

“OH MY GOSH!” Jim stood as he clutched his head, “you remember! Oh man! Of all people, YOU remember?” he raked his fingers through his hair. “Why did it have to be you?”

“Hey!” Notenrique barked, “wha’s the deal? I don’ need ya gettin’ angry after making me brain hurt.”

Jim pulled his hands from his head and looked at his amulet then back to the changeling, as he tucked it in his pocket. “How much do you remember?”

“Jus’ bits an’ pieces,” He replied, “think I know wha’ ya are though.”

Jim narrowed his eyes. If Notenrique could remember, could others? No, it had to be an anomaly, something with the baby brain thing he was describing. Was that why Enrique had liked him so much?

For some reason the amulet hadn’t hurt Enrique though, maybe it was because of the twist with the changeling magic?

A small click came from the swing, and when Jim looked Notenrique was gone.

“No, no, no!” Jim glanced around the room, scanning for the little gremlin. “For the glory of Merl-” he patted his pocket, and found it empty. He had lost the amulet!

“Notenrique!” Jim called out, trying not to panic. He wouldn't be able to get the amulet back if he was freaking out. “We don't need to do this,” he called, “I understand you have it good here, but if you don't give back the amulet things won't end up so great for any of us.”

Footsteps scrambled along the second floor, and Jim hurried for the stairs.

“Maybe those memories you recalled are scary,” He tried as he slowly walked down the hall, trying to figure out which room the changeling was in. “But I know how things can go, and they're good for you.”

“How do ya know?” Notenrique demanded from Claire's room.

“Those memories-” Jim swallowed as his throat tightened, wanting to contain the truth. “They're from a different timeline, one where we're friends.”

He barked a laugh, “Changelin’s don' have friends, ya've got wild ideas kid!”

“I know you've only been with the Nuñezs for a day, but they do start to care about you,” He took a deep breath and walked into Claire's room and closed the door behind himself so NotEnrique couldn't get away. “And it's not because they think you're their son, it's because they see you for who you are and accept you.” 

The small changeling stood in the windowsill, his back arched like a cat, his scruff bristling. 

Jim stopped, not wanting him to make a run for it. “In this future they want you, even when they have Enrique again. They love you as their son.”

Notenrique’s eyes narrowed. “A load of bologna! Ya jus’ want yur amulet back.”

“Yes, I do want my amulet back, but I am telling the truth.” He slowly sat down on the ground and Notenrique began to relax a little. “If you want to, you can change back to your human form and let the amulet show you.”

He glared at Jim, clutching the amulet in his claws as he tried to find deceit in his words. 

“Jus’ don' move,” He hissed, then sat down with the amulet in hand and shifted back to Enrique.

His little knuckles turned white. His face scrunched, and he let out small whimpers as the amulet affected his delicate mind.

Did it affect Enrique back in the Darklands? Jim knew so little about how changelings worked, and here he was experimenting with something that could go so horribly wrong.

Notenrique shifted back to his changeling form, tears brimming his eyes. He released his grip on the amulet, and it flew across the room, returning to its keeper.

“Why would they care ‘bou’ me like that?” He questioned, looking at his clawed hands.

“Because you're a kid, and that's the kind of care a kid deserves.” Jim knew Notenrique was older than him, but the changeling still had many years of growing ahead of him.

The small child approached the Throllhunter, and laid down against Jim's leg and gave a huff like a tired little dog.

“If it's any help, I won't tell anyone who you are if you want.” Jim offered, suddenly understanding what it felt like to be so out of place. He now understood what it felt like to e so alien.

Notenrique gave another huff. “I won' tell anyone ‘bou’ you eitha’.” He pushed himself off the ground, and scooted away like the physical contact suddenly made him uncomfortable. “Yur still gonna get me them scrumptious socks though, right?”

Jim breathed a laugh as a smile formed on his face. “I'll see if I can get four pairs for you.”

His eyes lit up with excitement, as he licked his lips. 

“You wanna go eat something?” Jim asked, “I could whip something up.”

With a vigorous nod from the changeling, the two of them headed down stairs and got to work in the kitchen. They definitely made a mess, and Notenrique put weird combinations together, but none of it was more than Jim couldn't clean up in a few minutes.

“What do ya see in sponge face anyways?” Notenrique asked, from his perch on the fridge as he slurped another raw piece of bacon.

“Where do I start?” Jim questioned wiping down the counter, but then he froze as a car pulled into the driveway.

“Up stairs now, your parents are home!” Jim ordered, and the changeling was already halfway up the stairs. 

Jim quickly finished cleaning up the kitchen, and propped himself against the counter, in view of the front door.

What do I say? WHAT DO I SAY?!

The door opened, and Jim waved awkwardly.

“Hey,” he said right as Claire came running up behind her parents. 

“Mom, Dad, I can explain,” Claire said as she pushed into the house, and stood between her parents and Jim.

Her mom glared at the two teenagers in her house. “Jim right?” She asked, directing her attention to the boy standing in her kitchen.

“Yeah, that's me,” He answered nervously.

“Why don't you head home?” She said, walking further into the house so that the doorway was open.

“Yup, got it.” He walked forwards and scooped his bag off the ground. “I’ll head out.” He shot Claire an apologetic glance, then hurried out the door. 

At least the house wasn't trashed this time. As he got on his bike he looked up at the second window. He really hoped he hadn't screwed everything up.

“Hate to admit it,” Jim said quietly, “but I think I just put my fate in your hands, Notenrique.”

Notes:

I absolutely love Notenrique, but my goodness is his dialogue a workout to type XD

Chapter 11

Summary:

Jim's 16th birthday goes about just as well as it did last time, except he's severely sleep deprived from pulling an all nighter, trying to figure out how to best go forward from here on out

Jim tapped his pencil to his chin, trying to think. He needed to start keeping track of everything! His mess up with Notenrique was huge, what if something worse slipped through?

He looked up at his wall, posters had been pulled down and notes were strewn across it as he tried to recall things in the correct order.

Him forgetting about the changeling exchange wasn't too bad though, even if it meant he was going to have to save Enrique again. Notenrique deserved to be part of the Nuñez family, if Jim had intervened the changeling would have been in the Darklands forever.

Jim shuddered at the thought. He couldn't imagine how terrible it would feel to be raised there, by Gummgumms no less. 

“No, no, that was when Angor Rot showed up…” He mumbled, writing out another note and tacking it to the wall, then switched some others around.

A knock came at the door, and before Jim could say anything it opened.

“Good morning, Jim!” Barbara beamed as she walked in with a platter of pancakes, but stopped when she saw her son was on the opposite side of the room from his bed.

“Hi mom,” he rubbed his eyes, was it already morning?

“Oh, mom!” His eyes went wide and he wanted to rip down all the notes, but he had just spent the whole night writing them and putting them in order.

“You're up early.” Her brows knit together with concern as she saw the notes spreading across the wall. “What's this?”

“NOTHING!” He shouted, and slammed his back against the wall, trying to cover up the notes. “I mean, it's a project I'm working on, it's in its early stages. Don't look at it!”

“Okay, okay, I won't look,” she laughed, and kept her gaze on her son as he walked away from the wall. “What are you doing up so early on your big day?”

“My big day?” Jim questioned, taking the tray when she held it out to him. 

A single candle flickered from the middle of the pancake stack.

“Oh, Oh yeah!” he grit his teeth as he tried to smile. “Thanks mom.”

“I know you're not big about your birthday, but you only turn sixteen once.” She beamed with excitement for her son.

“Right,” Jim said slowly, pretty sure this is like the fourth time.

“We are gonna party tonight,” She announced, “enjoy your breakfast, I have a surprise for you down stairs!”

She was gone before he could come up with an excuse, and he set the food aside, already knowing it was inedible.

Even with the several birthdays he’d had after becoming the Trollhunter he'd never been one for big celebrations. The small notes and a gift or two was more than enough. Although celebrating your birthday when you're a half troll and traveling across the continent you find there isn't much time for celebration anyways.

Jim headed downstairs, and his mom hurried into the garage for his gift, announcing how exciting she was to get it for him.

“The food magic three thousand!” She held it up to him, and Jim did his best to smile at the gift.

“It's great, thanks mom, I'll eat it later.” He quickly bit his tongue as his mom looked at him confused. “I mean use it, use it later to make food that I'll eat. Gosh! I guess my brain hasn't fully woken up yet!”

Really it was that he had been able to recall more memories from more recent events, which all happened to be while he was a troll. He had no plans to eat the blender this time around or ever gain the appetite to do so.

“Jimbo!” Toby came running into the garage looking panicked, “We have an emergency in- the place, actually not really an emergency at all.” He rambled after making eye contact with Barbara.

“You two have fun today,” Barbara said, sensing the possible plans Toby had for his friend, “But stay safe, I don't need to see you in the hospital.” She teased, but Jim seriously felt like that was a possibility. He really wasn't looking forward to today, especially as he began to recall everything that was going to happen.

“Are you sure it's an emergency emergency?” Jim questioned once his mom was back in the house.

“Yeah! It's crazy town banana pants!” he shouted, waving his hands about.

Jim pinched the bridge of his nose and gave an exhausted sigh. “Alright, let's go.”

Toby led him down to Trollmarket, and they raced to the Hero's Forge. Where AAARRRGGHH!!! ran wild, and people screamed in terror. 

The massive troll slammed down in front of Jim, and roared in his face. 

Jim tried to look terrified, but he was so low on energy from pulling an all nighter and racking his brain for memories, it wasn't a very convincing face.

The platform rose from the floor, revealing balloons, and a banner written in trollish saying “happy birthing day” unraveled.

“Jim okay?” AAARRRGGHH!!! asked, his fake anger fading.

“I- I'm fine, gosh! were you pretending?” Jim asked, forcing surprise on his face, “I was scared you had snapped or something!”

“Did good acting?” he asked, then looked pleased with himself when Jim nodded. “I did good acting!”

“Happy birthing day, Master Jim!” Blinky announced walking up and clapping him on the back, “Tobias informed us of the celebratory traditions of humans, and we felt it well suited to do so for your momentous occasion.”

“Thanks, Blinky,” Jim mumbled, and offered a tired smile to his mentor.

“In fact, sixteen years is the age in which a troll gains control of their bowls,” he explained, placing his hand on Jim's shoulder, keeping him close beside him. 

“An amazing fact to know,” he sighed as Toby gave a disgusted sound.

“WHAT IS THIS?!” Vendel's voice boomed through Hero's Forge, “The sacred hall of Trollhunters past and future reduced to mockery!”

“We’ll clean it up,” Jim said, stepping out of Blinky's grasp, and AAARRRGGHH!!! happily helped especially when he discovered the balloons popped when he bit them.

Vendel gave an approving grunt as the decorations were shed and instructed Jim to get back to training.

Blinky activated the Forge and Jim equipped his armor. He took a deep breath, trying to gather any strength he had remaining, and began to chase down AAARRRGGHH!!! when Blinky announced it was his goal to catch him.

“Master Jim seems lacking in energy today,” Jim heard Blinky note to Toby, “I had thought the occasion of this special day would invigorate him.”

Jim rolled out of the way of a blade then jumped over it, not wanting to lose ground between himself and his target. He pumped his legs as fast as they could go, ignoring the need for sleep that weighed down on his eyelids. He just needed to catch up.

A whistling sounded beside him, and then pain sprouted across the side of his ribs. The world blurred around him as wind whipped past him. Two large stone hands crashed into him, stopping the world from its blurred state.

Wait, no, he crashed into the stone hands. Jim blinked hard, trying to orient himself. He was on the complete opposite side of the arena. All the equipment tucked itself away as Blinky slammed his fists on the control switch.

“Master Jim, are you alright?!” His mentor rushed over, his eyes looked down at the injured Trollhunter in horror.

“I'm fine,” He rasped, trying to get oxygen into his lungs again. “It was just a single hit.” He pushed himself out of AAARRRGGHH!!!’s hands and nearly fell as he tried to stand on his own. 

“A single hit?!” Blinky shouted, but then took a calming breath as he pressed his hands together, “I admire your endurance, but YOU WERE SENT FLYING ACROSS THE FORGE!”

“You didn't even try to dodge that thing,” Toby added, “you just ran straight into it.”

“I'm fine,” He said, removing his armor and dusting off his clothes, “I'm fine, just a bit tired.”

“I’ll get him home,” Toby told the two trolls, “come on Jim, maybe you need a birthday nap.”

“I don't need a nap,” Jim argued, wincing as pain shot out from his side. Just great, that spot had finally stopped hurting from Draal’s hit, and now it was bruised again.

“Yeah, pretty sure you do,” He replied, “because I have another far better surprise for you.”

Oh boy… Jim sighed, and followed his friend in silence.

 

Jim ended up at home to take a break while Toby ran out to get some tacos. He was more than happy to not have to make food, and was grateful his friend kept him fed while he was too out of it to do so himself. 

Even though Toby had told Jim to rest up while he got the food, he instead headed down to the basement.

“Draal!” He called as he hurried down the stairs, “I need advice!”

The large troll stood from where he sat, setting aside several of the random items long forgotten in the basement.

“What is the problem, Trollhunter?” He asked.

Jim rubbed his tired eyes, as he tried to keep up with where his own brain was going. “You know how you told me a warrior needs to be aware of their instincts?”

Draal gave a small nod, signaling for Jim to continue.

“Well, let's say there are people and things that I need to do that are going to have me running around all day, but something bad is going to happen if I'm alone. What should I do?” Jim asked.

Draal hesitated as he tried to understand the situation. “As a warrior you often will be in danger. Have we not gone over this already? I thought Blinkous would have taught you this as well.”

“Yes, but like…” Jim hesitated, how was he supposed to explain this without sounding insane? “Okay, there are dangers, but then there's like a death sentence.”

Draal drew up as tall as the basement ceiling would allow, “A true warrior will face any danger even if it means he shall fall. You are to be afraid, Trollhunter, but do not let it take control of you.”

“Right,” Jim should have figured that was the answer he was going to get. “Thanks, Draal.”

“It is my pleasure.” He gave a small bow, and Jim headed back upstairs.

He was in his room again, writing out everything he could recall about the day. What if things were off and he died this time?!

Last time AAARRRGGHH!!! and Toby had saved him, but AAARRRGGHH!!! wasn't rooming with Toby yet because they didn't know about all the changelings! 

“I'm so dead!” He slammed his fists against the note covered wall, then looked at the notes for the day. “Or am I?” He hadn't wrecked Claire's house this time, maybe her parents would give him a ride. Or if Steve didn't crash his Vespa Barbara wouldn't have to work overtime and would be able to drive him home.

Jim pumped his fist in victory, this would work out!

“but wait- that doesn't get rid of the stalkling,” he said aloud with the realization, “ugh! I'm just pushing my death till tomorrow!”

“A STALKLING?!” Draal's voice boomed from the other side of his door.

Jim jumped at the sudden sound then yanked his door open. “DRAAL?! how long have you been outside my door?”

The large troll held himself awkwardly in the tight space, looking ashamed that he had been caught. “Your questions earlier concerned me, so I came to check on you… BUT A STALKLING?! WHY DID YOU NOT TELL ME OF THIS THREAT?!”

“I DON'T KNOW!” Jim shouted back, feeling overwhelmed by the demanding questions, “I don't know for sure that it's after me yet?” he offered with a shrug.

“If you have seen a stalkling it is surely after you,” He said, “I have never had the opportunity to hunt such game, shall I take down this idiotic bird for you?”

Jim wanted to accept the offer, but what if Draal got hurt? So many things could happen!

“No, it's only going to be after me so it won't attack unless I'm alone,” Jim explained, hating that he was sentencing himself to face the monster alone. “I've been training non stop, I’ll be fine.” A horribly timed yawn didn't help prove his words, but the troll still agreed, and made his way back downstairs.

Maybe a nap would be good .

Jim flopped onto his bed, burying his face in his pillow.

Come on sleep, do your thing!

Surprisingly he fell asleep!

 

Toby burst through the front door announcing he had tacos, and that he hoped Jim was feeling better.

Jim got up and out of bed before his friend could come upstairs and possibly see all his notes. He really didn't need to explain what the heck was going on there.

“Yup, feeling great.” Jim announced, still feeling like trash. He glanced at the clock and found he had only gotten at most ten minutes of sleep. Better than nothing, right?

“We gotta chow down though, because I have a surprise for you.” Toby grinned with excitement.

“I’m not sure I'm really up for more surprises today, Tobes,” Jim said, sitting down at the dining table and Toby pulled the tacos from a paper bag.

“You'll love this one, I promise!” He assured, waving off his friend. “Seriously, it will be like a little break.”

“Is it something you would recommend doing when you're severely sleep deprived?” Jim asked, already knowing driving a vehicle was a bad idea in his state with a murderous troll vulture after him or not.

“Maybe not,” Toby said slowly, “But I have it all set and ready to go!” 

Jim sighed, looking down at his food, did he even have the energy to eat this? He felt so dead, maybe being eaten by a troll bird wouldn't be so bad.

“Okay, maybe we'll save it for next weekend!” Toby suggested, “it will be a late birthday gift, nothing wrong with those.”

“I really do appreciate it, Tobes,” He smiled, “I just feel like maybe today is already gonna be busy enough. I mean my mom is insistent that we're gonna party tonight, whatever that means.”

“Then I'll make this day as chill as possible,” he decided, “no crazy stuff, just hanging out.”

 

He may have gotten out of the Vespa drive, and being attacked, but everything else still went as normal, and it was EXHAUSTING! 

Rehearsal felt like it stretched on forever, but somehow Jim got through it with surprisingly few mess ups. 

Claire and Jim stood out in front of the school waiting for their rides. Or at least Jim pretended to be waiting for a ride. He had texted his mom that he would get a ride home from the Nuñezs, but he had no plans to ask them for one.

“How’d things go with your parents?” Jim asked, breaking the silence between them.

“Oh just about an hour of berating,” she answered, “it wasn't too bad though.”

“Wow!” his brows raised in surprise, “I’m pretty sure if my mom yelled at me for an hour I would just shrivel up and die.”

She coughed as she held back laughter, “Well then, let's hope that never happens. I like having you around.”

Jim's cheeks heated, “You do?” 

“Yeah,” She smiled, “you make a good Romeo.”

“Oh,” Jim looked at his shoes as he took in the compliment and what it meant, “You make a good Juliet,” he said, looking up at her, “and I like having you around too.”

The two of them stood in silence, the only sound coming from the forming storm above them. Was it really a good idea to fight the stalkling tonight? 

Probably not, but if things fell off track how would he know what's coming next?

Jim did his best to clear his mind, not wanting to think of the terrifying creature probably watching him from the darkened sky.

“Hey, umm,” Jim started, trying to relax himself, talking to Claire definitely helped. “If you're not grounded or something, would you want to maybe hang out for not school stuff?”

Wow, great job. Award winning sentence right there.

“What would ‘not school stuff’ include?” She asked, hopping a little as she adjusted the bag on her back.

You've got this. You've got this! Come on!

“I saw this café the other day, and I've been wanting to go, but I don't really want to go alone.” He tried, although he had definitely been to that café before, but what else was he supposed to suggest? He didn't even know what normal teenagers did in their spare time at this point! 

“Are you free this next Saturday?” he asked, right as she said, “There's my ride.”

She walked towards the car but then turned around, “And yeah, I'm free Saturday. Let me know where we're meeting up.” She turned back around, and got into the car.

Jim nervously waved, and thought he saw an angry little baby in the back. Jim definitely needed to figure out how to get him those promised socks soon.

The car pulled away, and he took a deep breath. It was time to take down that stalkling!

He mounted his bike, and figured looking like he was heading home was the best way to bait the creature, so that's what he did.

The hairs on the back of his neck stood as he could feel eyes on him, it was just a matter of time until the creature struck.

The feeling of being watched grew stronger and stronger, making Jim start to sweat. He had reached the bridge where he had been snatched up by it the first time, got off his bike, and scanned the skies.

“I know you're out there,” he whispered to himself.

Had it even been sent after him?

What if all day he had been thinking he was going to have this terrible day, and yet now it wasn't even going to end up like it once had?

Maybe he got the day wrong.

No, it definitely happened on my birthday.

So why? Why hadn't it shown up?

An entire minute passed, and nothing came for him.

Jim grabbed his bike, if the stalkling hadn't struck at this point then it probably wasn't even around.

“I've been paranoid all day!” He grumbled to himself, “and for nothing!”

Jim’s side erupted in pain as four claws dug into it, and in a harsh force of wind he was lifted off the ground.

“OH NOW YOU SHOW UP?!” Jim shouted, grabbing hold of the stalkling’s arm to try to ease the pressure on his side.

He twisted in the stalkling's grip, which caused more pain to shoot across his body. He needed the amulet, he reached for his back pocket, then the other.

Jim's veins ran cold, where was the amulet?

The stalkling pulled Jim higher and higher into the air. The storm clouds soaked him in water, causing him to shiver in the cold air. Apparently this was the point he died, hadn't he been told something that would say otherwise? 

There had to be a way to defeat this thing, he had done it before. 

How he had done it before he couldn't remember, it was all a blur. Maybe it was the thinning air making it hard to breathe, but his memories felt like a distant dream slowly fading away.

Why hadn't he had his mom pick him up? Why had he been so determined to fight this terrifying creature? How did he even know it had been after him?

Thunder boomed, rattling his bones and Jim startled back to reality.

He was being taken higher and higher, surely to be dropped onto the asphalt far far below.

The water of the clouds weighed down on him, his hair blocking part of his vision. 

Water conducted electricity right? Maybe he could take down the stalkling with him if he just reached…

Thunder clapped as blinding light flashed across Jim's vision. The world went dark as his body burned. The freezing water and air whipped against his skin, feeling like jumping into a pool after sitting in a hot tub. It felt like his skin was sizzling, and his veins felt torn from the electricity shot through them.

This was it then.

The stalkling had been successful, he was going to crash down to the bridge, and then it would be over.

Memories flickered back to Jim's mind. No, AAARRRGGHH!!! saves me. He and Toby save me.

Would they?

They didn't know there was a stalking after him, they didn't have a dozen missed calls to know to look for him. He had mixed things around, and now he was going to pay for it.

Two large hands grasped onto Jim, tucking him close to their stone chest. They rolled along the ground as they absorbed the shock of the fall.

Somehow they had known to come for him!

“You got me AAARRRGGHH!!!,” Jim tried to say, but it barely had enough air behind it to get out more than a few scratchy sounds.

“Got you, Trollhunter.” His savior said loud enough to be heard past the ringing in his ears, and he uncurled from around him. 

Jim let out a pained whimper with every movement, it felt as if all his training and battle soreness from all his years had come back to this very moment. He felt like he could just fall apart if AAARRRGGHH!!! we're to let him go.

Jim swayed as he was carried along, his rescuer holding him carefully in an attempt not to cause him more pain.

He whined as he was set down on the ground, he didn't want to walk on his own! He immediately fell to his knees when supporting hands were pulled away.

Someone loudly knocked on a door in front of him, and then AAARRRGGHH!!! was gone. 

He left him!

A warm presence fell over him, and soft hands grasped his shoulders, making him hiss at the contact on his sensitive skin.

“Jim!” The person shouted at him, as even sound began to fade from his senses. “Jim!” 

Whoever this was, he felt bad for them. How awful was it that they had to see him fade from this world?

Whoever the next Trollhunter was, he just hoped they would be able to do better than he did.

Notes:

Jim says he's had his16th birthday 4 times referencing, the bitter sweet sixteen, unbecoming, and Defenders of Arcadia.

Chapter 12

Summary:

Jim wakes up in the hospital and his Mom is worried sick about him. Draal finds some things out about Jim and demands answers. The two decide to make a possibly bad decision together.

Notes:

its mostly dialogue, but hopefully some people find it interesting.
I typed up both chapters 11 & 12 over the weekend and then had to wait for a computer to upload them better, so yeah, hopefully things actually take off for this story soon, some of the scenes I really wanna write feel so far away!!! (I enjoy every single chapter I write, I'm just impatient sometimes)

A soft constant beeping sounded in the cold room, and the smell of disinfectant filled Jim's nose.

He loved that smell, it was a bit too strong here, but he loved the way he smelled it when his mom got home from work.

Jim slowly opened his eyes, the room brightly lit for the people that frequented it. 

“What?” He whispered, revealing how dry his throat was. Why was he in the hospital? He blinked several times trying to get his eyes to focus.

He had been taken by the stalkling and then AAARRRGGHH!!! caught him, and then he was dropped off at home?

Where had Toby been? Had he been with AAARRRGGHH!!!? 

“He hasn't woken up yet,” Barbara's voice came from the hall, “I checked on him a few minutes ago. I have some other patients I have to check on, but why don't you wait in his room and I'll get you something to eat.”

“Thanks Dr. Lake,” Toby replied, and then walked into the room and into view.

“Jimbo! You're awake!” He shouted the second he made eye contact with his friend and rushed over. 

Barbara, hearing the shout, came hurrying into the room to see her son.

“What happened?” Jim asked, still trying to understand what had fully happened, or he could at least figure out whatever Toby had made up for the excuse.

“You got struck by lightning!” Toby answered, “and lived!”

“I'm kinda surprised by that second part,” Jim mumbled, this lightning strike had felt worse than the first time he had done it. Maybe the magic of the armor had protected him last time even though it was made of metal.

“How are you feeling?” Barbara asked, resting against the foot of the bed. She looked like she wanted to reach for him, but both his friend and mother seemed reluctant to touch him. It was as if they thought he might fall apart if they did.

“Sore,” He answered, trying to scan his body for injuries. The worst one was definitely his side, from Draal, to a giant axe, to a stalkling, his side had taken a real beating.

“Dude, have you seen yourself? Yeah, I think sore would be the least of it.” Toby gestured to him, as if Jim had the desire to move enough to look at himself.

Jim winced as he lifted his hand into his vision, and his brows scrunched together in worry. Pink marks spread out from his hand in and up his arm in little branches, like a vine shooting up his limb.

“You've got SCARS!” Toby said it as if it was going to be a source of superpowers, but it being called a scar made Jim's worry even worse.

“Lichtenberg figures,” his mom corrected, “they should go away after a few days.” 

Jim relaxed, and let his hand drop to his side, ignoring the pain it caused.

“Toby, may I have a moment?” She asked.

“Sure thing Dr. L, I'm gonna go see if they have anything cool in the gift shop.” He gave Jim a really worried glance, and tried to mouth something that Jim couldn't even attempt to translate.

“Jim, why didn't you call me? You told me you had a ride home after rehearsal. And then you show up all alone on the doorstep after being struck by lightning!” She pulled her glasses off as she wiped her tearing eyes. “I’ve been worried sick!”

“Plans fell through, I didn't think biking home would be a big deal,” He tried, had it been a stupid plan? Yes, but what else was he supposed to have done?

Barbara sighed, then walked over to a board and flipped it on, showing a X-ray, and Jim stiffened.

“You also have two broken ribs.” She pointed to the damaged areas. “Have you been getting in more fights?”

“No!” He pushed himself into a more sat up position, making his body cry with the pain. Not with humans at least.

“Jim, I'm worried about you.” She turned off the X-ray, and sat on the edge of his bed. “I understand you're older and you want to be independent. You're out of the house more than not, and when you come home you look exhausted and beat up.”

Jim wanted to answer her, his throat even opened like the words and truth were about to rise up. He clenched his teeth, stopping himself from saying anything. 

He’d faced the stalkling last night so things wouldn't get thrown off, he couldn't tell her now and throw everything off. He hadn't even gotten rid of the threat of Bular. Maybe after he got rid of Bular and rescued Enrique he would tell her. If something messed things up and he wasn't able to save the changeling’s familiar Claire would kill him!

“Jim please,” Barbara begged, “tell me what's going on.”

Jim took a deep breath, hating the way he had to look her in the eye as he lied. “We've been… LARPing, and sometimes things get out of hand. I honestly didn't think my rib injury was that bad so I didn't say anything.”

“Tell me the truth!” She snapped, “Please.” 

He stared into her eyes and knew no matter how much she begged he couldn't risk her knowing at this point. He couldn't handle her arguing with him every time he received a call. The troll and human world were separated for a reason and he needed to make sure it stayed that way.

“I asked Toby, and he gave me a ridiculous story. I don't know why you are so determined to hide things, but whatever it is I want to know. I won't get mad, I won't ground you, nothing. Just tell me, please.” She brushed her fingertips against his, reminding him of the scars sprawling across his body. They were visible proof of his trollhunting.

“Will you-” He choked on his words as the truth tried to spill out. “Will you trust me if I promise to tell you when I'm ready?”

Barbara’s face shifted with several emotions, hope, frustration, worry, sadness. She blinked back her tears, then stood. “If that's the way it has to be then I'll try to work with it.” 

It definitely wasn't what she wanted to hear, but Jim figured telling her he was supposed to fight evil trolls would have gone just as well if not worse.

She took a deep breath and adjusted her glasses, “I'll have your doctor check on you and see if you're ready for discharge.”

“Thanks mom,” he said quietly, kind of glad she wasn't his official doctor for this stay, “I love you.”

She turned back when she reached the door. “Love you too, kiddo.”

 

Two hours later and Jim was free to go, the longer he was awake the less sensitive everything felt.

To his horror Toby was the one to drive them home with the supervision of Nana, not that she could see anything to give decent instructions. Jim tried to focus on the possible bonuses to Toby’s jump start on learning to drive, as he tried to keep what little food he had in his stomach down.

Thankfully they made it home without needing to return to the hospital. Toby stayed close to Jim's side, not wanting him to possibly get hurt again.

“I'm just glad you and AAARRRGGHH!!! were there to catch me when I fell,” Jim commented as they walked inside.

“Fell?” Toby questioned, “I was at home when you showed up on your doorstep.”

“Oh,” Jim’s brows scrunched.

“Trollhunter! You are alive!” Draal cheered from the kitchen, where all curtains were closed to keep out the morning sun. “I had feared you might not have survived much like your foe.”

“The stalklings dead?” Jim needed to confirm.

“Turned to stone and fell into the canal,” he answered, then opened the freezer and pulled out a chub of beef and ate it.

So that's where those were going.

“You almost faced the same fate,” he continued, “you surprisingly survived the lightning strike, and I managed to catch you.”

“You're the one who caught me?” Jim brows raised and he ran his hands through his hair. So AAARRRGGHH!!! hadn't been there, that actually made sense. “But wait, how were you there?”

“After you mentioned the stalkling I followed you. It's said no one has lived after a stalkling chooses them as their mark, but I say they're just chickens who get lucky.” He closed the freezer after deciding nothing else in it was good to eat. “But if the greatest warriors have not defeated a stalkling I wanted you to have an ally at the ready.” 

“Thank you,” Jim looked down at his scarred hand, how stupid was he to not have anyone with him?

“And now you bear markings of your victory,” Draal approached and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Jim, the stalkling slayer!”

“Jim the lightning wielder!” Toby added, liking the idea of his friend earning a cool title, but then his phone began to buzz with an alarm.

“Ugh, school,” he grumbled dismissing the alarm, “I gotta go.”

“Wait, but I have rehearsal again, with the play coming up, and- Oh my gosh we're supposed to practice the kissing scene!” Jim needed to get ready and quick.

“Calm down, your mom already called the school and got you out for the day.” Toby waved his friend's worry away. 

“But I need to go to rehearsal,” Jim argued, he couldn't ditch Claire on such an important practice.

“Jimbo!” He stopped him from going anywhere. “You. Got. Struck. By. LIGHTNING! Take a break dude.”

“Fffine,” Jim grumbled.

Toby said goodbye, then headed out for school, leaving Jim and Draal alone.

He pulled out his phone, was he supposed to call Claire to tell her or should he text?

What was he supposed to say anyway? This was such an important practice!

“Ugh! how am I supposed to kiss her?” he hissed at his phone, he looked up at Draal, “how am I supposed to kiss her?”

The troll looked incredibly uncomfortable with the topic. He was a troll warrior, not someone who knew things about human girls.

Jim sat down on the couch, “Last time I was so worried about kissing her because it would be our first kiss, but now it's only her first kiss! What if I mess it up? Because I've kissed her like a lot, but she's never kissed me. What if I get into it like it was back then again, but then she's not because she doesn't remember that stuff, because well we're back here again. I'M SO CONFUSED!”

“I too am confused,” Draal said, reminding Jim he wasn't just ranting to himself.

“Umm,” Jim laughed nervously, “Could you pretend you didn't hear any of that. Gosh rambling about a girl, how embarrassing!” He pulled his phone to his face. “Speaking of, I really should text her so she knows I'm not making it.”

Jim took the silence as a chance to message her.

Hey, it's Jim. I can't make it to rehearsal… or school today. Super sorry!!! Let me know if there's anything I can do to make up for it!

He stared at the sent text, until a reply appeared.

Thanks for letting me know. People miss school sometimes. Everything alright?

How cool was she? How did she act so cool about everything?

Yeah, I'm all good! Just got struck by lightning last night.

The phone remained silent for several excruciating minutes. 

Why did he say that? He should have just said something came up! 

What if she thought he wasn't taking the play seriously?

What if she hated him now?!

YOU GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING?! Are you alright? Do you need anything? I'll definitely make sure Ms. Janeth knows so she doesn't get upset, you know how she is about the play. 

Several more concerned texts poured in as he attempted to reply, assuring her he didn't need anything and that he appreciated her letting Ms. Janeth know. 

Okay, but definitely let me know if you need anything! Seriously I still owe you for the whole babysitting thing.

Will do. He replied, and set down his phone. Seriously, how did he deserve her?

Suddenly a blue fist balled up around the front of Jim's sweater.

“Talk Trollhunter,” He growled, “Your ridiculous rant before, it's as if you are versed in the double life of an impure.”

“Woah, woah,” Jim gulped as Draal lifted him from the couch and he could barely touch the ground with his toes. “I just got nervous.”

“I taught you to follow your instincts,” he grunted, “and I am following mine. I do not understand this… kissing, but you spoke of it with this Claire as if you live a two faced life.”

“You really think I'm a changeling?” Jim questioned, trying to pry his fist open to release his sweater. “Would the amulet even choose a changeling?”

“I know Jim is not an impure, but I would not put it past those things to perform an exchange at your hospootall.” He tightened his grip on his sweater, making Jim give up on forcing his release.

“They only exchange babies,” he stated, “let me get the amulet and I'll equip it.”

“I shall not allow you to take hold of the sacred amulet so easily.” Draal glared deep into Jim's eyes like he was trying to read his soul. “You are keeping something vital from everyone.”

He needed an excuse, something, anything! “What, like that Kanjigar let a spoiled prince best him?”

Jim's back slammed into the wall, knocking the air from his lungs.

“YOU KNOW NOTHING OF MY FATHER!”

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I panicked, that's not true. Kanjigar is amazing! I don't know why I suddenly resorted to talking shit about your dad!” He wheezed as Draal continued to press him against the wall.

“Tell me what you hide!” He growled, “The notes in your nest, they speak of our enemies plans! HOW DO YOU KNOW THEM?!”

“You read my notes?!” His eyes went wide with worry. “Why were you in my room?”

“TELL ME HOW YOU KNOW THESE THINGS!” He demanded again, pulling him away from the wall and slamming him back into it. “WHY DO YOU PLOT MY DEATH?!”

Jim sucked in a sharp breath, recalling the moment Draal fell in the crystal caverns. He had written that out in his notes, he had written everyone's deaths. His allies, his enemies, people he didn't know well. He’d needed a reminder for why he was doing all of this.

“I don't want you to die!” Jim shouted, needing Draal to understand, “You can't tell anyone about those notes Draal, please! I can't let people throw things off! I don't want to lose everyone again!”

Draal's grip softened when several tears slipped down the human’s face as he was reminded of the burden on his shoulders.

Jim was set on his feet again and Draal sat on the coffee table. “Explain the insanity decorating your walls?”

He took a deep breath, there was no getting out of this. First Notenrique and now Draal, he really was failing at this whole keeping the past future a secret.

“Do your instincts believe me when I say I'm from the future?” Jim asked, not sure how to start the conversation. 

“Keep talking, then I will decide,” He narrowed his eyes at Jim, trying to detect any lies.

“Two years from now practically half the world was destroyed and a lot of people died. With the ability of the time stone combined with the amulet I was sent back to the day I picked up the amulet in an attempt to prevent that event from happening over again.” Jim blurted in a single breath.

Draal stared at him in shock, trying to identify if what he was just told was true or not.

Jim's stomach twisted as he was analyzed. It felt wrong yet right to tell Draal these things. Would the warrior believe him? Jim sometimes didn't want to believe himself.

“And I was one of these people who was felled during the world destruction?” He finally asked.

Jim cringed at the question, “Well, no,” he answered slowly, “You fell before we defeated Gunmar.”

“You defeated Gunmar?!” Draal stood immediately, “You slayed the gummgumm war lord?”

“Yeah,” he nodded, “kinda had to stop the eternal night and Morgana and you know, their whole army.”

“When?” He demanded, “When does this happen?”

Jim sucked a breath through his teeth, “During the Battle of the Bands, so this Summer?”

Draal's eye twitched as he tried to process everything, “Months… you, a human child, defeat Gunmar the black, within mere months after beginning training?”

Jim quickly ran over the timeline in his head, “Yeah,” He slowly nodded, then pointed at Draal as he recalled an important detail. “I wasn't human though, Merlin turned me into a half troll.”

“Merlin?” he repeated, trying to believe what he was hearing. “I did see that in your notes, but I also saw that you do not want to become such a creature again. How do you plan to defeat him without that advantage?”

“Probably just not let him escape the Darklands this time,” Jim shrugged, he hadn't really thought that far. “I'm also like far more advanced in my fighting abilities.”

“You still fight like a child.” He noted plainly, placing his hand on the humans small head.

“I am a child!” he argued, shoving away his hand, “and I just haven't built up all the muscle back. I’m far better a warrior than I was last time around.” He barked a laugh, “I could beat Bular if he showed his stupid face.”

Jim blinked as the realization hit him, “I could- I could beat Bular right now.” 

“Don't be arrogant-”

“We could take him down, then we wouldn't even have to fight over the bridge, ugh but then that could throw things off. If the changelings found out, who knows what they'll do.” Jim rambled.

“Chanelings? There are more of them than Nomura?” Draal asked.

“Oh, wait, no, no, no.” Jim wagged his finger in Draal's face, “We can't kill the changeling's. They're good, or some of them are good. Later after they try to kill me a few more times.” He scrunched his face as the troll gave an angry look, “Listen, I've got to be careful! If I throw things off too far I won't know what they're planning! That's why I can't let people know where I came from, if it gets out they'll know they have to move in a different direction.”

“But if they shift their plans, can you not know what they are planning through the time stone?” he wondered.

“It’s not a future telling stone, it brought me back in time, and keeps my memories in check.” He explained.

“I am confused.” 

“Yeah, me too. Buuuuut…”

Jim reached into his bag and pulled out the amulet, watching it brighten as he set his goal. He looked up to Draal, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

“Do you want to get some vengeance for your dad?” He asked, “I think I know where to find Bular.”

Chapter 13

Summary:

Draal and Jim go down to the sewers to fight Bular

Notes:

Sorry I dissapeared for a while there. The past to weeks have been a bit crazy but I should get back to updating on my usual not set in stone schedule which is like at least once a week or something.

 “Okay, you wait for me here,” Jim said, reaching the edge of the woods.

“I do not like this plan,” Draal protested, and punched his fist into his palm. “Impures are not to be trusted.”

“He may be a little turd, but he's willing to trade information,” Jim said.

“But if he tricks you I cannot assist you,” He gestured to the stretch of sunlight between them and the house.

“He's like a foot tall.” He held up his hands as if he was holding the changeling between them. “What is he gonna do, shoot frozen peas at me?” pressed his hands together and tapped them against his lips as he mumbled, “they actually hurt really bad.”

“Nor do I approve of any of the plan,” He growled, “Bular has slain many Trollhunters including my father and Deya the Deliverer.”

“I know he's strong, but in the past I defeated him like…” he held up his fingers, ticking the days on them, “a week from now or something.”

“You are far too confusing,” Draal sighed, “if we kill him now will that not throw off your timeline in which you are basing all of this?”

Jim clasped his hands together as he thought over the plan again. “Yes, possibly, probably. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to let them get as close as they did to opening the bridge again. We can then save my stress of making the play, and your arm.” He playfully punched the troll’s very much still intact arm.

“My arm?” He questioned, he shook his head before Jim could explain. “So the plan is to go head to head with the Gummgumm prince so that we can prevent them from releasing Gunmar.”

“Yes! Exactly!” Jim shot two finger guns at his friend, then quickly shook them from his hands. “But you definitely have a point with it throwing off the timeline… OH!” His brows shot up as the idea clicked into his head. “We won't tell anyone!”

“We won't tell anyone if we are able to defeat Bular?” Draal was even more lost at this point.

“Exactly! If they don't know he's dead then they won't change their plans.” He nodded knowingly, this was perfect! It was really nice to have Draal to bounce his ideas off of.

“You mean their plans to open the bridge and release Gunmar?”

“Yeah, those plans.”

“Why do we want them to still go through with their plans?” 

“I DON'T KNOW!” Jim burst, “I don't know what I'm doing. I need to keep things on track, but make sure everyone is safe, and make sure somehow things don't end up like they did last time.”

The two of them stood in silence as Jim breathed through his rising frustration. 

“Sorry, sorry,” he sighed, “I guess it's all still a lot. But I'm sticking with this plan, I really do think it's best for us to get rid of Bular sooner rather than later.”

Draal had to agree with that. The Trollhunter may have been small, stressed, and confusing, but he might possibly know what he's doing.

Jim gave the troll two thumbs up and started across the yard, then with a bit of shameful practice, climbed to the second story window and over to Enrique’s room.

He double checked no one but the changeling was in the room before tapping on the glass.

Notenrique whirled around, growling, but then his gaze softened once he identified the visitor.

“Ya finally ‘ere with me sock delivery?” He asked as he opened the window, “should really ‘ave asked for interest on that payment, coulda had so many more scrumptious socks.”

“You're in luck then,” Jim said, and reached into his bag, pulling out a sealed bag of nasty socks, “ten pairs, but I want some more information.”

Notenrique’s eyes lit up, as he said a little “yum!” He snatched the bag, and ripped it open, unleashing the awful smell that had formed over the past few days the socks had been in there. 

“What's with them fancy marks?” The changeling asked, gesturing at the scar on Jim's arm.

“I got struck by lightning,” He said casually, and the changeling followed the casualness. “How have you been holding up with the memories and such?”

“They've settled in,” he answered, sitting comfortably as he lifted a sock and inhaled the putrid scent. “still a lil scattered, bu’ what can ya do?”

“And they don’t go away when I'm gone?” Jim asked, wondering what rules he had still applied to the changeling.

“Nah.” he slurped down the sock. “They stickin’ around, don' think they goin’ anywhere.”

“Cool,” he noted, wishing his memories could remain as secure. “Alright, now the real question. Do you know where Bular is?”

The changeling froze as he held a sock above his open mouth, then slowly set the stinky item down. “Why ya wanna know?”

“I’m going to try to kill him, it's one less person to bully you,” Jim offered, with a shrug wanting to try to keep Notenrique from getting defensive.

“Ya wanna try to fight Bular?” Notenrique rolled on the ground as he laughed. He sat up again, “Yur serious?”

“I am,” he answered, “you know I've beat him before, so I'm going to do it again.”

He sighed, and shook out the anxiety bristling in his scruff. “Don’ tell nobody that I told ya!” he narrowed his eyes, scanning Jim as if questioning if he could really trust him. “He's in the sewers during the day, museum at night.”

“That's what I thought,” Jim nodded, “Thanks Notenrique, let me know if you need anything else.”

“How’m I supposed to let ya know?” He asked, as Jim began to climb back out the window.

Jim's brows knit together as he tried to figure out an answer for it. “Text me on Claire's phone then delete the text, I'll still get it but I won't be on her end.”

“Roger that boss,” he gave him a small salute, and turned to enjoy his payment of socks.

Jim scanned the yard, carefully climbed down the side of the house, and headed back to Draal who released a breath he was holding. For how long he had held that breath Jim could only guess.

“Did you vanquish the impure with the sword of daylight?” He asked, pounding his fists together.

“What? No!” Jim frowned. “I checked in on him, and got the information we needed, and now we're off to the sewers!”

“I still, very much, despise this plan,” the troll grumbled, but followed behind his Trollhunter anyways.

 

The sewers reeked!

Draal and Jim walked through the large tunnels, heading towards where Jim had fought the beast last time. His memories of that day were extra blurry though, as they were affected by the Gritshaka he had once worn in an attempt to clear his nerves around Claire. He definitely didn’t want to relive that again.

He would definitely take the way the air stung his nose and made his eyes water over putting the Gritshaka on again.

Draal gave another quiet huff of disapproval, letting Jim know for probably the hundredth time that he did “not approve of this plan”. The words were probably carved deep into his brain at that point. 

Jim sighed, trying to relax his tense muscles. The sewers had been empty so far other than the few scurrying rats, but he could almost feel they were getting closer to the Gummgumm prince. 

Draal stopped and a second later Jim heard the reason, the stuffy breathing of an excited goblin. Bular was probably right around the corner.

Jim clenched Daylight in his hands, this was it. He was going to fight Bular and this time he wasn’t going to run away! 

He lifted his hand and signaled to Draal to stay put, probably the biggest reason Draal didn’t like this plan. Jim wasn’t sure he could handle it if Draal got injured, so he was going to fight Bular on his own. Draal was only to step in if things got dicey.

Jim swallowed down the lump of fear forming in his throat and forced his legs forward, he had done this before he could do it again. But no matter what, facing a ruthless beast that could probably eat you whole would always be terrifying.

He rounded the corner, and saw the goblin they’d heard scurrying off another way. Jim scanned the open area carefully, but there was no sign of the Gummgumm prince. He sucked in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the rancid air. 

“BULAR!” He shouted, and his voice echoed through the tunnels. He cringed at the loud sound, I hate this. “HEY BULAR!” Unlike the last time he had shouted after the troll in the tunnels his voice now trembled from the fear clawing at his chest.

The ground shook as slow daunting steps approached, “Trollhunter, Gunmar’s bane, has called out for his death.”

Jim held his sword at the ready as the massive troll came into view. “Not my death, Bular, yours!”

The Gummgumm prince barked a laugh. “What a fool the wizard picked for his guard.” He drew his swords from their sheaths, and brandished them with centuries of practice. “You shall fall just as you predecessors!” 

He charged forward, and Jim held his ground, awaiting the perfect moment to move. The troll slashed his blades, and Jim jumped back and out of harm's way.

Jim needed to get a good angle, to find an advantage against his opponent.

Bular swung his swords down, and they crashed against Daylight. Jim pressed against the weight laid on him, building sweat on his brow.

“Your mentor must be a fool if you are so harsh to leap into a battle you clearly can't win,” Bular growled, and a smile contorted his face. “Your strength wavers, Young Atlas.”

Jim was sure the name was supposed to make him stagger, to make him let down his guard for even a brief moment, but it told him nothing he didn't already know.

“No, my mentor would probably be against me being here,” Jim grunted in reply, “and I think anyone's strength would waver under a fat bull like you.”

Jim shoved with all his strength against Bular, getting enough leverage to roll out of the way.

The ground cracked as Bular 's blades crashed into it, and he struggled to pull them from the thin crack they had wedged into.

The Trollhunter sprung up, and raced behind the Gummgumm. With a loud grunt he pushed all his body weight into swinging Daylight into the troll’s back. 

Bular was too fast. He abandoned his still stuck swords, spun around, and caught the attacking sword in his hand. With a loud roar he threw Jim against the wall. The Daylight armor crashed against the wall, and the wearer crumpled to the ground. He slowly pushed himself off the ground as he gasped for air, and felt pain erupt through his body.

The bullish beast charged towards the Trollhunter, who struggled to get to his feet. A blur blur barreled into the clearing, and smashed into the Gummgumm. 

“Draal, I had it,” Jim rasped, his voice barely audible. 

“Bushigal!” Draal shouted in reply, and crashed his horns against Bular’s. He turned his words to him, as Bular clutched Draal’s fists in his hands. “You may have slain my father, but I will not allow you to slay my friend!”

Jim secured his feet under himself, and raced over to the fighting trolls. He used his momentum to slide under the two, and slice Daylight through Bular's chest 

Well through would have been the best scenario, but the gash he managed before getting stepped on was still good.

Jim cried out in pain as Bular pressed his hoof down on his leg, making the armor creak under the weight. He dissipated Daylight, lined his hand up with his opponent’s leg, and summoned it again.

The sword of daylight skewered through the troll, and he roared loud enough to cause ringing in Jim's ears.

Draal reared back, then slammed against Bular again, toppling their enemy, and releasing Jim from his prone position.

The blue troll slammed his fists into the Gummgumm prince’s face, scraping the sharp armor on his arms across it with each hit.

Jim jumped up to his feet, ignoring the pain racking his body. He sucked in shallow breaths, and summoned Daylight back to his hand. 

If only Draal could wield the sword, Bular would be dead in seconds. Seconds, maybe he could wield it for seconds.

“DRAAL!” Jim shouted and threw Daylight to the brawling trolls.

Draal turned just in time to grab the handle of the sword and jam it into the Gummgumm prince’s chest.

“Let go!” Jim shouted, not wanting the sword to vanish.

Draal did as instructed and the sword remained embedded.

“NO!” Bular roared as he clawed at the sword.

Jim ran forward, jumped and kicked the hilt of the sword burying it deeper into its target.

Bular caught Jim out of the air, and clenched him in his claws. “I CANNOT D-” his words were cut off as daylight erupted from his face and wounds.

Jim did his best to shield his face from the piercing light, and braced against the tightening grip around his already damaged ribs.

Suddenly the only thing Jim could hear was the ringing and pulsing in his ears. Bular's claws still gripped him tightly, but had halted in increasing the pressure. Jim peaked his eyes open, then gasped in what air his lungs could take.

Bular was solid stone, the sword of Daylight buried deep in his chest. 

“We-” Jim coughed as he struggled to breathe, “We did it?”

Draal approached. Thin cracking stone coated his arms from his exposure to the blast of daylight, other than that he just looked worn from the fight. He drew back his arm, and punched Bular's. The solid stone cracked, and sent Jim down to the ground where the Gummgumm’s grasp finally broke from around him.

“You proved me wrong, Trollhunter,” Draal offered his hand, and Jim happily took it. “You were successful in your plan.”

“We were successful,” Jim emphasized, “it was a team effort, I definitely wouldn't have gotten him if it weren't for you.” He dusted himself off, picking off the stone that clung to his armor.

“It was good that I was here, but I believe you would have pulled through if you knew you didn't have back up.” Draal gave a deep nod to Jim, then turned to their solid stone enemy. “What shall we do with his remains?”

“We can't risk anyone finding him right now.” Jim said, rubbing his armored fingers over his chin. “Got any good hiding places?”

He gave an exhausted sigh, and picked up the biggest intact piece while Jim got the broken pieces. “We’ve got one spot.”

 

The second they entered the basement, Jim dropped his loaded arms. Draal set the rest of his load down as well, and began scanning the room for where to keep it.

Jim removed his armor, and headed up stairs. He wanted to take a shower then go straight to sleep, but he also knew neither of them had eaten much that day. He gathered an assortment of items from around the house that he knew were fairly tasty and wouldn’t be missed, then grabbed some food items for himself.

A loud crash boomed from the basement, and Jim hurried down the stairs with his basket of goods.

“What happened?” He asked, worried after getting a hold of success, things had gone horribly wrong.

“I didn’t like his face,” Draal replied, rubbing his hand over his closed fist, which had just punched through Bular who was now rubble on the ground.

Jim sighed with relief, “Yeah, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing him every time I came down to the basement. Did it feel good?”

Draal quietly processed the question as he looked at the rubble at his feet. He rolled his shoulders a few times, and then they relaxed. Jim wasn’t sure he had ever seen Draal let his guard down quite so far.

He huffed a small sigh, “Yes, Trollhunter, it did feel… good. We have avenged my father, so perhaps today I can rest.”

Chapter 14

Summary:

Heroes go through a lot, and sometimes they have some negative thoughts, but they all deserve to have a good day.

Notes:

A bit of a shorter chapter.

“ I am gun robot, pick up your phone !” Jim's phone buzzed.

Jim groaned as the ringtone repeated, pulling him further out of sleep from his battle recovery nap.

“Hello?” He grumbled as he answered the call.

“How are you feeling, Jimbo?” Toby’s voice was so upbeat, Jim could feel the radiating happiness through the phone.

“Sore,” he grumbled, “but I got some rest.”

“Sweet, okay, so Blinky still kinda wants you to come down for training. But! He says he'll go easy on us and stuff.” Toby said, the word training seeming off. Jim squinted his still sleepy eyes as he tried to figure out what was really going on down in Trollmarket.

“Fffffffffff…” Jim held out as he tightened his blanket around him, “...ffffffffffffff…” he threw his blanket off himself, and slowly stood. “...ffffffiiiiinnnneee!” He finally finished, and the call ended with a quick, “Sweet!” from Toby.

Walking into the bathroom, Jim actually looked at himself. He had ignored his reflection when he had cleaned up, but something told him he had to look.

Red fern like marks traveled from one arm, bloomed on his chest, then traveled down his other arm and up his neck.

“But hey, you lived.” Jim smirked at himself, trying to lighten his mood, “and at least your skin isn't blue, and stone, and allergic to the sun.” He clicked his tongue as he shot finger guns at his reflection, then the positive expression fell. “Yeah, I'm gonna need like twenty years of therapy when all this is over.” 

Once he left his reflection, and slid down the railing of the stairs, his positive emotions began to rise again. He trotted over to the basement and after a quick knock peaked his head in.

“Draal, I'm heading down to Trollmarket, do you want me to grab anything?” He called.

Draal was rearranging the basement for yet another time, still trying to find what he liked. “Brimstone grilled from Plagsnork’s.”

“You’ve got it,” Jim said, and headed out. Anytime he'd asked Draal what he wanted it was always the same thing.

Jim biked to the canals, walked down the crystal stairs, and made his way to the forge.

Toby waved at him energeticly, “Jimbo! How are you feeling?”

“Actually pretty good.” He answered, and rubbed his hand over the scarring on his neck. “How was school? Did I miss anything?”

“Nah.” He shrugged. “Just the same things as always.” 

A large smile spread across Toby’s face. “Are you ready?” He asked, right when Jim remembered the notes on his wall that he had worked on refining and said, “I found something out.”

“Oh, yeah, I’m ready!” Jim quickly replied, not sure he fully knew how to lay out what he wanted to say anyway.

The hairs on Jim's neck suddenly stood, someone had snuck up on him! He was about to turn around, when two hands grabbed his shoulders and another set covered his eyes.

“Blinky?” Jim questioned, then relaxed, not knowing anyone else who would have the ability to grasp him in the same way. “Diving right into training I see.”

“You cannot see anything for the time being, Mast Jim.” Blinky stated, wiggling his fingers over Jim's eyes, but little enough that they didn't allow him to get any light.

“I can see darkness, if that counts for anything,” Jim mumbled, wondering where this training would go. He focused on what he could hear of his surroundings, while Blinky held him in place. AAARRRGGHH!!! didn't try to move about stealthily, nor did Toby. He could hear them walking back and forth from a distant spot to right in front of him. 

Toby’s breathing was heavy from work, yet entertained like a prank was about to take full effect. Finally the two fell still, and Blinky gave Jim’s shoulders a small squeeze before removing his hands from his eyes.

Jim blinked as light met his eyes, and he shifted his stance to be ready for whatever was awaiting him.

His gaze slowly lowered to the ground where there were pieces pulled from the scrap yard. His eyes widened as he took in the specially obtained items. 

“It’s-” Jim struggled to find the right words, as his mind flooded with happiness. “It's the parts for the nineteen-fiftyfive Vespa!” He pulled from Blinky’s grasp as he needed to get a closer look. He couldn't believe he was seeing it again.

“Toby informed us of your interest in the vehicle, and I supposed we could build it together,” Blinky explained.

Jim whirled around, dashed to the troll, and wrapped his arms around him as tightly as he could. “Thank you! This is the best thing ever!” 

  Blinky gave a small chuckle, but then wrapped his arms carefully around his Trollhunter. “I am glad you enjoy it.”

  Jim soaked up the hug, squeezing tighter as he remembered the last time he had hugged his mentor.

  He hadn't wanted to say goodbye then. They had come so far, learned so much about each other. He just hoped they could become that close again, what would he do without Blinky?

  Jim wanted to stay there in Blinky’s arms for hours, but he forced himself to release him. 

Blinky smiled proudly at his Trollhunter, then his eyes scanned him, lingering in a few places with concern. “Tobias told us of your battle, I cannot express how proud I am!”

  “My- my battle?” Jim stammered, how do they know?! Does that mean Strickler knows? Does Gunmar know?

   He could hardly imagine how much worse the fight over his amulet would be if Gunmar knew of the fall of his son.

  “A mighty battle indeed,” Blinky cheered, “To wield the elements against your enemy!”

  “Stalkling too,” AAARRRGGHH!!! added, “Supposed to be impossible.”

  “OOOH!” Jim’s tense body slowly relaxed as the word stretched on the air leaving his lungs. “Yup, yeah, got him. Turned to stone and smashed.” Just like Bular. He did his best to smile with pride.

  Everyone eyed him with concern, but Blinky was the first to move. He placed his hand on Jim's shoulder.

  “Prior to the gift surprise, you mentioned you discovered something,” Blinky’s brows angled with worry, trying to piece together Jim's different reactions.

  “Oh, yeah,” Jim tried to remember what he had rehearsed to tell them, “I…” He held his finger up as he held out the word, buying himself maybe an extra second to think things over. For things to go right they needed to know. His voice lowered to a mumbly whisper, “I found out…” How would he verify what he was about to tell them, he couldn't tell them about the time travel or about the fight with Bular. He would have to find another time to tell them about the changelings in their town, Strickler would have a bit longer. “... that Draal can hold Daylight, but only for like a few seconds.”

  “Woah!” Toby beamed at the new knowledge, “How'd you find that out?”

  “We were,” Jim hesitated for a second, “training, in the basement. I can't sit still for very long. Bed rest is the worst.”

  “Then perhaps a bit of training in the forge will help,” Blinky beamed, proving that Toby telling Jim to come down for training wasn't just an excuse to get Jim there for the surprise.

  Blinky put them to work, and Jim was happy to see how much Toby was already improving. He didn't have a weapon to train with yet, but his reflexes were getting faster. 

  A large blade swung down towards Toby, and Jim tackled him out of the way.

  “Are you alright?” Jim asked, and he jumped back to his feet and offered his hand to Toby.

  “Yeah, and I would have been,” He answered, and stood without taking his offered hand. “You keep doing that, I get you've had a bit more training, and you're a natural at it or whatever. But I can handle myself.”

  Jim cringed, and his gaze fell to the ground. “Sorry,” he mumbled, and rubbed his arm. He knew Toby could handle himself, but every time something got too close to him he couldn't help but panic. Jim scrunched his eyes shut, and gave his head a small shake as the memory of warmth fading from Toby’s hand forced itself to the front of his mind.

  “I need to improve,” Toby continued, his frustration still bubbling over, “AAARRRGGHH!!! is our spotter if anything happens. We're not supposed to be spotting each other.”

  “Quite the contrary, Tobias,” Blinky said, walking up, having turned off the arena, “it is important to learn to be able to watch your surroundings, enemies, and assist allies.”

  Toby grumbled something under his breath, clearly wanting to be “cool and independent”. 

  Jim understood not wanting to rely on others, but to let Toby put his life on the line. He could never go through that again.

  “Perhaps our training should come to its conclusion, we don't want to overwork our recovering Trollhunter.” Blinky set a sturdy hand on each of their shoulders. “We shall see you two on the morrow!”

  “Sweet,” Jim gave a small thumbs up as he tried to think past his dark thoughts.

  The two of them made their way out of the Forge, and Jim headed towards Plagsnork’s. The massive cat neon sign made the place easy to find, and Toby’s frown deepened as they approached.

  “Hey, Plagsnork!” Jim called out as they reached the counter, “Brimstone grilled please.”

  “I can't believe you buy this for Draal,” Toby jutted his thumb toward the kitchen as the chef got started.

  “Draal needs food, and the amount of stuff he eats above world money can't keep up with. Yeah he's a good hunter, but seriously, I prefer a happy Troll in my basement.” Jim explained, leaning casually on the counter. “The rule I decided to give myself: don't ask where it's sourced.”

  “That's terrible,” Toby scowled at the ground.

  “Come on Tobes, AAARRRGGHH!!! eats here all the time,” he argued, but then sighed. Toby did have more of a liking for being acquainted with cats than him. “I get it's a bit… ehh, but at least it's not people?” He offered with a shrug.

  “I suppose that's true,” Toby sighed, his scowl fading, but his facial expression still far from a smile.

  “How about we drop this off for Draal, and then we go do something. Just you and me, doing whatever you wanna do.”

  Tony's smile finally returned, but quickly turned mischievous. “Whatever I want to do?”

  Jim thought of backing down, but he just couldn't. “Absolutely anything.”

 

  Maybe an hour later, “Absolutely anything” turned out to be the two of them in the ice cold water of a river looking for cool rocks. But once that activity turned into video games while wrapped in warm blankets and drinking hot cocoa, Jim couldn't deny it had been a really good time. He just really hoped they would have more times like this, where they could just sit and enjoy their hobbies rather than fully focusing on saving the world.

  “Even super heroes need to have fun,” Toby had said, and Jim couldn't agree more. Toby really did deserve to have fun.

Notes:

I really just wanted to write this chapter because Jim missed out on getting his gift from Blinky due to being in the hospital, and I also felt like Jim needed a little spot of positivity after his big fight, and just needs some good time with Toby.

Chapter 15

Summary:

Strickler has been invited over for dinner, and Jim has a plan although it's not very thought out.

“Okay, but the quartz we found, I'm pretty sure it has flecks of gold in it,” Toby quietly rambled while they sat in the back of class, “I’m super tempted to break it open, but then it's so pretty I don’t want to risk it. But then we could be so rich!”

“Tobes, lower your voice,” Jim whispered, when his friend’s volume raised with excitement. “Okay, so is the rock more valuable to you as a pretty stone, or as the money that it could possibly be?”

They both looked up as Strickler changed the slide on the projector to make sure they were at least sort of paying attention. Then Toby turned back to him.

“I don’t know, it’s a really nice one, and I kind of want to tumble it, then it would be even better, but then again, the chance at being rich.” He slumped back in his chair in defeat.

“I don’t know that you would find that much gold in it,” Jim offered, the quartz hadn’t been that big. “Besides, I’m pretty sure if you wanted to pawn off gold you could just ask Blinky or AAARRRGGHH!!! for something. They’ve got loads of ancient stuff in their library that would probably be worth thousands.”

“That’s not the same,” Toby pouted, probably just wanting to ramble and not actually get answers to his problems.

The bell rang through the halls, and everyone began to pack up their bags. Most of them laughed when Strickler made a dumb joke related to the lesson.

“Jim,” He said, approaching the two boys in the back as they got their belongings together. The teacher waited for a moment as the class cleared out. “I hope this doesn’t make things awkward, but your mother invited me over for dinner tonight.”

YES! Jim nearly dropped his bag when he almost moved to celebrate. As much as it was sometimes weird to see his mom date someone, he really liked having Strickler around. When making up his timeline chart in his room he had become so worried when he realized he hadn’t set up their first date through his museum break in. 

Jim stood up straight, and tried to keep his visible emotions neutral. “Yeah, no, not awkward at all,” he said, and folded his arms over his chest to keep them from doing anything else. “Any allergies we should be aware of?”

Strickler looked so confused, at least for his usual neutral face. The conversation definitely hadn’t gone the way he’d expected. “No,” he answered slowly, “No allergies. I’ll see you tonight, Young Atlas.”

“Looking forward to it,” Jim beamed, then hurried from the room to make his next class, leaving behind the bewildered changeling.

 

“Mr. Strickler is dating your mom?” Toby asked when Jim caught up to him in the locker room. “That must be weird.”

“I don't know if it's serious yet,” Jim said, pulling off his sweater, “so I'm not trying to make too big of a deal of it.”

“Aww, man!” He pouted, and crossed his arms as he eyed his friend.

“What?” Jim questioned, and tried to think over what part of the conversation he might be upset about.

“Your cool scars are fading away,” Toby answered, clearly he had hoped they would be permanent. Jim on the other hand was very thankful they weren't, and was happy someone else noticed they were going away.

“My mom said they wouldn't last long, and honestly I'm happy not to have an explosion of scars across my body forever,” He closed his locker and looked over the fading marks on his arms.

“But they were like your hero markings, Jim the lightning wielder, remember?” He struck a few poses like he was on a comic book cover. “I suppose you can still have the title without the battle scars though.” He shrugged, and once he was finished changing they headed to the gym.

Jim's phone buzzed as they walked in, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw it was a text from Claire.

Big boss has been asking for his son. Everyone is on edge about finding him. 

Do I get extra socks if I give you updates like that?

What about a really greasy cheeseburger?

Jim groaned. Notenrique had taken the idea of sending texts from Claire's phone to a whole different level than Jim had expected. He had thought up the idea for emergencies, or important questions, not a daily wishlist for what sounded good to eat. Although the update on what the other side knew of Bular was nice. 

He hadn't told Notenrique whether he had succeeded against Bular or not, but he was sure the changeling had figured it out by now.

The update is a nice change of pace, Jim typed in response, I'll get you something for it, not sure when though.

“You forgot your phone again?” Mary’s voice carried easily through the gym, but the question caught Jim's attention.

“I couldn't find it in time for school. I don't usually misplace it, but I'll make sure to send you the video when I get back home.” Claire handled her friend's frustration like a pro, and Jim couldn't wait to go to that café with her.

Toby elbowed him, and hissed, “you're staring like an idiot!”

“Was I?” He looked to Toby, and rubbed his arm over where he had hit him. He probably had been staring like an idiot, but he always felt a bit like an idiot when it came to Claire. She was just so smart, and confident! Then there was him, standing there knowing he was a big part as to why her phone was missing… and her brother.

Jim sighed then cringed as Coach Lawrence blew his whistle to get everyone's attention, and start the torture that was P.E.

 

“An impure, in our home?!” Draal's voice was strained as he tried not to be heard by Barbara in the living room. “And we're not going to be ripping him apart?”

“No, Draal, we've talked about this.” He took a deep breath as he tried to calm his frustration. “Changelings aren't immediately bad because they're ‘impure’. Besides, I was once a sort of ‘impure' myself. Sure I couldn't change, but I wasn't human or troll.”

“But this im- changeling is working for Gunmar, he means to rob you, and probably kill you,” he argued, and it was a fair argument.

“Yes, buuut he will be a good person if we give him a chance.” He patted Draal's arm. “It’ll be fine, your job is to guard this.” He gently tossed the amulet onto an old side table. He would summon it up if he really needed it, but he wanted to be sure Strickler didn't get a hold of it.

Draal opened his mouth, probably to say he didn't like the plan, but then he let out a sigh and said. “If that is what you think will be best, I will happily take this charge.”

Jim beamed at his friend, then headed up the stairs to get back to work on dinner. He quickly got to work cooking in the kitchen, stress draining from him as he budged the recipe to be more of what he wanted. The feeling of cooking was amazing. He felt like it was similar to when his mom got back into painting. It was a way for him to express himself, but also provide something for the people he cared about.

He could nearly close his eyes as he moved about the room, it was so nice to just worry about what was happening here and nowhere else. The fear of burning things or spilling something was so much lighter than everything else, and it felt relieving to worry about such little things.

A knock sounded at the door and Barbara answered it. “Welcome in, Walter.” 

“Already on a first name basis,” Jim noted to himself as Stickler showed his offering of a drink for the two adults.

“Jim’s in the kitchen, he’s an excellent chef,” Barbara praised, and led Stickler to the dining table.

Jim dished up three plates, and made sure to put any excess into a bag to go to Draal later that evening. 

“Ah, Mr. Lake,” Strickler smiled as Jim rounded the corner with their plates.

“Mr. Strickler,” Jim said, then clenched his teeth as his nerves for the plan returned. 

“Please, my friends call me Walt,” he replied, that small smug smile he tended to show to Jim appeared.

“Yeah, but you're my teacher,” he laughed nervously, but not for the reason his mother thought. “I don't think I could be so casual.”

Jim took his seat, and they began eating. Barbara and Strickler thankfully carried the conversation with ease.

“So I said to my co-worker, ‘I brought you a midnight snack’. Too bad for him, he had indigestion for days.” Strickler said, receaving a laugh from Barbara. “That's the problem with Italian.”

Barbara’s phone began to ring, and she quickly excused herself, explaining that it was the hospital.

“Go right ahead, I'll try not to bore Jim to death.” Strickler turned his attention to the young man across the table from him.

“That was a fun story,” Jim noted, keeping his eyes fixed on his plate, “Who was it you were working with?”

“The superintendent’s son.” Strickler’s cunning smirk returned. “He's a bit bullish.” 

“I bet,” he nodded, and looked up at the changeling, “sounds like a pain to work with, couldn't imagine his father is any better. Must be real monsters.”

Strickler's brow rose as he read into the words. “Yes, I know.”

“And I already knew you know,” Jim smugly smiled.

“So, you knew that I already knew, but how much do you think you know?” He took a bite from his plate, and eyed the boy, trying to get a reading on him.

“Think I know?” Jim asked, skewering a few vegetables, “Oh I know I know as much as I do, no thought about it, and I know it's more than you think I know.”

Stickler actually looked like he was getting lost in the vague conversation, and Jim honestly wasn't even sure his last sentence had actually made sense.

“Bular was ordered to call you ‘Young Atlas’ to force this very moment. I've been instructed to have you hand over the amulet, or kill you if you are not so willing.” Strickler finally said, breaking them away from the confusion.

Jim kept himself looking relaxed in his chair, not wanting to cause Stickler to start a fight. “I know.” He said, eating his forkfull.

The changeling froze for a small moment, thrown off by the confidence. “You know?”

“Yeah,” Jim shrugged, taking another bite. “You and your group are very sneaky, but there's a lot that I know.”

“How much do you know?” Strickler almost looked worried.

Jim was about to respond when Barbara returned, “Anything either of you need while I'm up?”

“A sharp knife for the steak,” Strickler replied, smiling pleasantly at her.

“I'm good, thanks mom,” Jim beamed, and flashed Stickler a side eye as Barbara retrieved the desired item.

She rejoined them at the table and the two of them acted as if they hadn't had their conversation. 

Jim needed to make sure he said the right things once he had the chance. He wanted to convince Strickler against opening the bridge, but if he did how much would that change?

“So Jim, how's the play going?” Barbara asked, pulling him from his thoughts.

“It's going alright,” he answered, “We've practiced most of the scenes, and I think we're coming up on a dress rehearsal soon.”

“The school actually seems to be getting excited for the play,” Strickler added, “the lead actress has been doing quite a bit of work to make sure everyone in town knows about it, Claire Nuñez, I believe.” He gave Jim a strange look, and Jim couldn't translate if it was a hint towards the fact that her brother had been taken, or a hint at his not so secret crush on her.

“She's really dedicated to it,” Jim turned his attention to his mother, “I'm just hoping the school is able to get decent costumes for everyone. I heard a rumor that we would be doing some scenes in bathrobes.” He hadn't heard that rumor at all, just remembered the one time in the museum when Claire had brought up her worry of such a thing.

“Well, I certainly hope that won't be the case,” Barbara smiled, glad to see her son talking about something so passionately. Whether it was about the play or a girl wasn't fully clear, but one could probably guess.

The conversation turned towards Barbara and her work, and Jim had to admit he was glad trolls turned to stone when killed. His mom sometimes got carried away with her descriptions of things, but you mostly got used to it when you grew up with it at almost every dinner.

To both the guys' relief the conversation shifted to other things, and they were able to finish their meal in peace.

“I hope you left room for dessert,” Barbara said, and Jim cringed, able to clearly remember how awful it tasted. Would he have liked his mom's cooking when he was a troll?

“I'll go get the hot apple pie ready,” she definitely looked excited for the dessert, and the two remaining at the table smiled at her until she entered the kitchen.

Strickler quickly stood, wielding his steak knife. “Give me the amulet.”

“Why should I?” He crossed his arms, and glared. Stickler wouldn't attack him if Jim didn't move to, not right away at least. His priority may have been the bridge right now, but he still admired Barbara. She had a knack at making people feel welcome regardless of who or what they were. Although she did have a bad habit of attacking unrecognized people in her home.

“Gunmar's release is inevitable. You can either live to see the glorious day, or die attempting to protect your amulet.” He slammed his hand on the table, and brought the blade closer to Jim.

“Why do you want to release Gunmar?” Jim asked genuinely, “Doesn't he call you impure, and stomp your kind into the dirt?”

Strickler's determination wavered, but only enough for Jim to barely catch it as a person who had known him for so many years.

“Gunmar will pave a path from changelings to rise up to their true potential,” He pressed the knife towards Jim’s throat.

Jim grabbed his fork, and caught the blade between its prongs. He pressed against the changeling’s strength, and stood from his chair with a groan from the legs against the floor.

“Do you really think that's what Gunmar will give your people?” He twisted the fork, and slipped the knife from Stickler’s hand. The blade flew across the room, clattering beside a potted plant. “Gunmar's entire army is under the control of his decimar blade after too many people betrayed him, you really think he's going to let cunning, intelligent, spies run free?”

“How do you know so much of Gunmar? He has been in the Darklands for centuries.” Strickler glared at his opponent, then his attention flicked to Jim's bag.

“I told you, I know a lot more than you think.” He ducked under the table as Strickler lunged for him. Jim reached out and yanked Strickler's feet from under him, slamming his chin into the table. He rolled out from under the table, and slowly backed away from the changeling who grunted in frustration.

“Enough of this!” He hissed, and in a flash of green he shifted into his changeling form. “Good look for picture day?”

But Jim couldn't respond, he could only stare wide eyed as he was plunged into the last memory he had of seeing Strickler in that form. The cold bit at his cheeks, but they were warmed with his determination to trek through the snow. Then Strickler was taking his burden away, was taking on the sacrifice of his own life. For the world. For Barbara.

“That disturbed to see what you're up against?” He laughed, at the boy struggling to stay up on his shaking legs.

“No,” Jim choked, snapping his attention back to the present, “I guess it's just been a while since I've seen you like this.” He forced a cocky smile onto his face, and it made it Strickler's turn to be surprised.

“How?!” He dashed forward and grabbed Jim's shirt and slammed him against the railing of the stairs. “I will kill you if I have to, Young Atlas.”

“Let's just say I've been through a lot more than you would expect,” Jim wheezed against the pressure on his neck, and he could have sworn he heard the railing crack. “But I know you've been through a lot too. I won't give you the amulet because if you release Gunmar it won't do good for anyone.”

“You know nothing of the changeling ways,” He growled, and pulled Jim away from the railing, making him hang in the air. “Just give me the amulet!”

Strickler took several quick steps back to the dining room, dropped Jim, and changed back to his human form.

Barbara leaned around the corner, where the two stood, and casually Jim casually propped himself against the table.

“Anyone want coffee?” She asked, looking quite pleased to see the two supposedly getting along.

“Decaf for me,” Stickler said.

“I’ll be alright, you know I'm not a fan,” Jim answered, and his mom disappeared into the kitchen again.

Strickler changed back to his troll form and grabbed for Jim, but this time he rolled out of the way.

Right as he was standing up again a blade soared right over his head, sticking into the wall.

“This war is millennia older than you, do not think you can stand against the tide of history. You cannot stop it!” Strickler threw several more of his neck ruff blades, and Jim scrambled out of their trajectory.

“I am trying to save everyone from this ridiculous plan,” Jim slid behind his opponent, and grabbed his arm, pinning it to his back.

Strickler cried out from the painful position he'd been locked into. “You think you are cunning, but you are a young boy who hopes for a state of impossible peace.”

“Not impossible peace,” Jim grunted, trying to keep the powerful changeling in place, “I want you to be able to live.” 

He spun the two of them back towards the dining table, propped his foot on Sticklers back, and shoved him with all his strength right as he let go of his arm. The changeling stumbled forward, and slammed his face into the table. Jim hurried forward, slid under the table, then popped up and into his chair.

“Who’s ready for pie!” Barbara called, giving Strickler enough time to shift back into his human form. His eyes watered, and his nose was pink from the impact on the table.

“Perfect timing mom,” Jim cheered louder than needed, wanting to take the attention off of Strickler. “It smells fantastic!” 

It smelled burnt.

“Just a small slice for me,” Stickler said, looking recovered from the fight. “I’m still a bit full from dinner.”

As Barbara began to dish them up, he glared at Jim. Would he leave without the amulet?

Jim needed something to make sure Stickler backed off for long enough that he could gather everyone to go after the bridge. Luckily he had already prepped something just in case Strickler had been too stubborn to talk things out.

He pulled a note from his pocket, stepped on Strickler's foot, and silently nodded towards the table signalling for him to search for what he held.

Strickler’s hand found the outstretched note, and slowly unfolded it in his lap.

Jim watched him read it, recalling it to his own memory as he did.

Waltolomew Stricklander,

I can't trust you because we both know it's a lie that there is honor among assassins, and you'll use everything and everyone to get what you want. But maybe we can work something out. Changelings deserve more than to be called impure, and trampled under Gunmar's hooves.

Jim just hoped it was enough to maybe make Stickler rethink things. He didn't have Bular breathing down his neck, but he also knew his fear of the gummgumm overlord ran deep.

“Excuse me,” Stickler stood, avoiding eye contact with either of the people at the table. “I've just been made aware of a sudden emergency and I must leave.”

Both Barbara and Jim stood, worry filling both of them. 

“Of course, let us know if there's anything we can do,” She said, and Strickler was out of the house before she could even move to open the door for him.

“I hope he's alright,” She said, half to herself.

Jim stared at the door, hoping he hadn't just made things worse. Should he have said something more in the note? Should he have just told Strickler the truth? The Changeling had believed him once before.

“I really hope so too,” he whispered, then his eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of a giant blue hand waving. He slowly walked away from the table, as his mother began to clear it. She had probably tasted the pie and knew it was inedible.

Once out of his mom's line of sight, he hurried down to the basement where Draal was awkwardly holding Claire. 

“She came in through the window, and then hit her head on the pipe when she saw me,” He held her out like one might hold a pet that had just done something wrong. Her head lolled, and Jim breathed a sigh of relief when he saw she was calmly breathing.

“Okay, just stop holding her like that,” Jim carefully took her from Draal's hands, and lowered her to the ground. “What was she doing here? I didn't give her the letter like last time.”

“Is she a spy?” He questioned, his eyes going to the amulet still safely on the old side table.

“No, just a girl who pursues things she finds interesting or mysterious,” He replied, and crouched down beside her. “What am I gonna do with you? You're far too stubborn for me to keep secrets from you.”

Jim stood, “Can you sneak her back home? Notenrique should help you get her inside.”

Draal sighed, “Fine, I shall work with the impure if it's necessary.”

“Thank you,” He said, “and please don't call him impure while you're there.”

“Says the Trollhunter who calls him NOT his name,” he shot back, with a quirk of his brows.

“That's what we always called him.” Jim shrugged. “Is calling him that rude?”

“Is calling him impure rude?” Draal asked, picking up Claire, this time carefully cradling her in one arm. “You can call the changeling what you will, but Enrique is the only name he's been bestowed with. If you are determined to treat them fairly, do you think it is kind to say he is Notenrique?”

Draal pushed the bookshelf out of the way of the tunnel, and headed through it, leaving Jim standing alone in the basement.

Notes:

The "I know" scene is one of my favorite scenes in the show, it just is so random XD

Chapter 16

Summary:

Jim takes Claire on a date! It will definitely go perfectly normal... :)

“Yeah, can I get a double cheeseburger, with extra mayo, and no veggies?” Jim asked, keeping his arms folded tightly. This fast food place seemed about as clean as the sewers, and he did not want to touch anything. But the food was cheap, and he had heard rumors that they had some of the nastiest, greasiest, burgers in town.

“Would you like a drink or fries with that?” The acne riddled college student asked from behind the register.

“No, thanks,” He answered, not wanting to spend any extra time here.

He looked down at his phone and smiled, a text from Claire reading, See you soon. He was happy to know it was actually Claire texting him, not her brother.

Once he paid he only had to wait a few minutes, and then the burger was wrapped up and thrown in a bag.

He walked outside, and held his breath as he pulled open a gym sock bag, and shoved the burger in with it. He finally breathed again once the bag was fully sealed, and safely tucked it into his messenger bag.

Jim hopped onto his bike and pedaled to the Nuñez home, excited for a day free of training and rants from Blinky.

He didn't exactly take the knowledge Jim had “just” discovered of Strickler being a changeling very well, nor the knowledge of the Killahead bridge being reconstructed. 

But Jim had to tell them, one so he would have backup for when he went to break it down, and move it to Trollmarket's vault. But also so when they won Draal would earn his honor back, and be allowed back into Trollmarket where he could order Brimstone roasted cat for himself. Jim was getting a little tired of playing delivery boy, but hey, the Trollhunter answers every call including Draal’s hungry stomach apparently.

Jim arrived at his destination, and knocked on the front door.

Claire opened the door. “Jim, come on in.” She stepped aside for him to enter. “My mom's working, but my dad just had to get some stuff at the grocery store. He should be back in a few minutes.” Her hair was currently free of her many hair clips, and she wore a simple white blouse. “Could you watch Enrique while I finish getting ready?” 

“Yeah, of course,” Jim closed the door behind him, as she began to wander the living room, searching for something. “Take your time, we don't need to hurry anywhere.” He said. He had thought about going to the movies, but that always made you have to stick to a schedule, plus their last first date hadn't exactly gone well. Claire getting possessed by Morgana during that date hadn't helped, but he didn't want to risk it.

“What’s up dude,” Jim leaned against the couch, and nodded towards the baby in the playpen in the center of the room.

The little boy glanced towards the stairs where Claire had just been, then shifted into his troll form.

“Jus’ borin’ baby stuff,” he answered, “everyone's still lookin’ for Bular, but Strickler seems real on edge about somethin’.” 

“And that is why you get this.” Jim reached into his bag, and pulled out the socks and burger. The changeling happily took the plastic bag, smiling as he opened the bag and breathed in the rancid smell.

“And umm, I wanted to apologize for instantly calling you Notenrique,” Jim started, “I heard that the only name you're given is the one you claim from your familiar, I shouldn't have taken that from you like that.”

“Where’d ya hear that from?” He asked with a laugh.

“Draal,” Jim said slowly, realizing maybe he shouldn't take the information from the guy who called them impure as fact.

“Huh, well he's right. Enrique is the only name I got, unless ya count the gummgumm insults, like impure, useless, pile of sh-”

“Okay, yeah I wouldn't count those,” Jim interrupted, not wanting to hear about how bullied the changeling had been in the Darklands, “So should I just call you Enrique then? I don't want to take your name away.”

The little gremlin shrugged, “I don' care, might get confusing when ya bring the kid back though.”

Jim sighed, that was a good point, and calling them Enrique one and two didn't seem like a good idea either. “What if we gave you your own name?”

He only shrugged again.

“Alright, Enrique it is,” he decided, they would figure something out at some point, probably.

The changeling quickly sealed his bag of goods, shoved it under the couch, and switched back to his human form right when Javier walked in through the front door.

Enrique gurgled with excitement when he saw his father, and Jim wondered if it was genuine or not.

“Oh, Jim,” Javier looked down at the boy nervously standing in his living room.

“H-hello Mr. Nuñez,” he said nervously, and honestly he would rather be fighting an army of gummgumms than feel as nervous and sweaty as he now did. “I'm just waiting for Claire. Umm, how are you?”

Why did he feel like he was about to throw up? Maybe he was just so used to Javier hating him, or the few times that they had gotten along things immediately turned to chaos.

“Good,” He said simply, eyeing him with a slightly pleased eye. Jim was pretty sure he had never seen that look. “What are your plans for this evening?”

“Oh, umm,” Jim had planned the whole date, and Claire knew the plan, but suddenly he couldn't recall it. Thankfully it only took a few seconds for his mind to recall it. “We're going to a Café, and then we’ll walk around downtown, there are a few shops I thought Claire might like, and then maybe stop by the ice cream shop if we're up for it.” He said, partially forgetting to breathe. “I'm hoping to have her back here before it gets dark.” You know, so we don't risk getting attacked by trolls.

Javier nodded, seeming to agree with the plan. He wasn't much of a talker, his wife seemed to do plenty of that. Jim couldn't imagine getting dragged around to every campaign, and event that went on. 

“Treat her kindly,” He spoke with a commanding tone, but also friendly, “and have a good time, but not too good.”

“Yes sir,” He said, and found himself standing a little straighter. Whatever that means.

“Okay, I'm ready!” Claire hurried down the stairs, her blouse mostly covered by a nice pinkish purple coat. She came over to the door, ready to immediately head out.

“Bye,” She said, grabbing Jim's wrist to get him to quickly leave with her. “Love you, dad.”

Once they were a few houses down Claire finally slowed her pace and released his wrist. 

“Sorry,” She sighed, “my dad can sometimes be a bit much.”

“He seems great.” Jim smiled awkwardly, as the nerves from her dad hadn't quite gone down yet.

“He's good at being a dad,” Claire laughed, “But anyways, where are we off to?” 

He knew she already knew, but he led the way anyway. 

Claire pressed her lips together in a line like she wanted to ask something big, but then decided against it. “So, how have you been recovering?”

Jim glanced at his arms even though they were covered by his long sleeves. “I'm good, you can't even tell I had an encounter with a thousand volts of electricity.”

“It's closer to several hundred million,” She corrected.

Jim stopped walking as the reality set in, “Deya's grace, how am I alive?” By Deya's grace probably.

Claire giggled at his reaction. “Actually most people do survive being struck by lightning, usually it's the after effects that can be fatal.” She rambled, then placed her hand over her mouth, “Sorry, but also you're up walking around and feeling fine. You're really resilient.”

“Th- thanks.” Jim scratched the back of his head and started walking again. “But how have you been?”

She gave a little hum as she thought, “I've been busy, with the play, school, parents, and some other weird things I'm trying to figure out.” She gave him a look that made him sweat. 

Please don't ask about Draal! Please don't ask about Draal! He repeated it over and over in his head, trying to wish it into reality.

“Yeah,” She said slowly, “like I think my phone has been glitching or something,” she continued, and Jim's stride became even stiffer. “Or maybe it's your phone that's glitching.”

“WHAAAAAT?” Jim shoved his hands into his pockets. “What would make you think that?”

“Every once and a while I see texts from you like you're replying to something I sent you, but I haven't sent you anything.” She explained, and Jim really hoped his discomfort wasn't showing as much as he was feeling it.

GOSH DANG IT ENRIQUE! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO DELETE MY REPLIES TOO! DARN LITTLE POOP CHANGELING!

“That's really weird,” Jim laughed awkwardly, “Oh wow! Look at that, the Café!” He gestured flamboyantly to the building.

The two of them took their seats at a table, both of them falling into the worst, most awkward silence. Jim stared directly into the menu, but couldn't read any of the words. 

Just don't ask for a steak raw, dripping with blood, and we’ll be good. Jim clenched his jaw. What was he thinking, this was worse than almost being killed by a sorceress.

“Good afternoon,” a familiar accented voice began beside them, “What can I get started for you two?”

Jim looked up and locked eyes with Douxie, and the wizard stared directly into him like he was trying to read his soul.

“I’ll just get a water,” Claire said.

“Y-yeah, me too,” he said slowly, “We’ll probably need a bit more time for…” he trailed off as Douxie made a face like he knew something, and it made him worry.

“Two waters it is, I'll be back with those in a bit.” He smiled at Claire, then gave Jim another strange glance before he walked off.

“Do you know him?” She asked, once the wizard left earshot.

“He seems really familiar,” he answered, “You know, one of those people you recognize, but just can't place?”

“I've felt that a few times,” She replied, her eyes on her fingers as she picked at her chipping nail polish.

A few seconds passed, then she pushed her chair back from the table. “I'm gonna head to the restroom, be back in a bit.”

Before he could say anything, she was already walking away.

“Don't get possessed,” he pretended to call after her in the quietest voice he could.

“Possessions don't ever go well,” Douxie said, suddenly next to him again.

Jim nearly toppled from his chair, and he clung his hand over his chest as his heart tried to jump out of it.

He set two glasses of water on the table. “Would you like me to come back when the lady returns?”

“Umm, actually.” Jim straightened himself in his chair, “Do we know each other?” 

“Depends,” He replied, “do you think we do?”

Jim sighed, knowing Douxie wouldn't really say anything until he did. “You're Master Wizard Douxie. Your cat is your familiar, and also a dragon named Archie.”

“Master Wizard?” He asked with a disbelieving laugh, then glanced around and took Claire's empty seat, “I knew you were off, there's weird magic all over you, not including Merlin's amulet.”

“You can sense his amulet?” Jim asked, but then shook his head, it would make sense for him to be able to identify magic, he was a wizard! “I’m from the future, I used the time stone from the Krohnisfere. How do you know me?”

“Fascinating!” Douxie leaned forward, “You, Lady Claire, Steve, and I met me in the past.”

“So I've got the timeline on track enough to make us go back in time,” He sighed, “I'm not sure that makes me feel better.”

“I'm sure it'll work out,” He stood and patted his shoulder, “Swing by my book store if you ever wanna chat.” He walked off, and a few seconds later Claire returned.

The two of them looked at their menus in silence, and when Douxie returned they placed their order. 

“So umm, the play,” Jim started, and thankfully Claire picked up the conversation and they began to discuss everything and anything about it. But even as they talked, Jim could feel an underlying discomfort between them. Somehow they got through their meal, and Claire didn't immediately want to go home. The plan for the date continued, and Jim was willing to get her anything she wanted if it helped salvage things. She didn't seem eager to buy things though, and the two of them happily wandered in and out of shops checking out all the wares.

They walked out of another store and we're about to head to the next, when Claire stopped, and grabbed the bottom of Jim's sweater to stop him as well.

“Hey, umm, I just got a weird text from my dad… to you?” She stared down at her phone in confusion, then slowly handed her phone over to him.

Jim carefully took it, and read the text.

Jim, Big boss wanted me to show up to work. Got in a tussle, and now the guys are after spongeface. They're hanging around the house for when ya come back. But several are scouting for ya too. Sorry?

“Oh come on!” Jim groaned, well there went his good reputation with Javier. He handed Claire her phone back, and let out an exhausted sigh. He knew the goblins weren't against going after people even in the middle of the street. “So umm, how would you feel about going to a cool underground place so we don't die or something?”

The face she gave him was worse than if she had chosen to curse him out.

“Okay, I'm gonna just say this, and I'm gonna sound absolutely insane,” he started, talking as quickly as he could, not wanting to stay in one spot for too long. “We're in danger, and I need to get you somewhere safe. The weird text we got was a warning from a person I know. They're the reason you got weird texts from me, and we really need to get moving otherwise we’ll get attacked by goblins!”

Claire took several slow steps away from him. “I always felt like you said weird things, but I get it now. You're insane!”

That definitely would be the most logical explanation. 

“Wait, you need to believe me-” He cut himself off knowing it only made him sound more insane. “Okay, the umm, you were in my basement the other night, and Draal scared you-”

“What was that thing in your basement?” She interrupted, and clutched her head. “What was that conversation between you and Mr. Stickler? Who were you texting through MY phone?!”

“I'll answer all your questions as soon as we're somewhere safe,” He offered his hand for her to take. At this rate Trollmarket might be too far, what other places could be safe? Douxie was back at the café, or there was that wizard computer shop.

“No, no, you're just crazy.” She slapped his hand away. “I'm going home.”

“No, you can't!” Jim reached out and grabbed her hand, and his grip tightened as he heard the heavy breaths of a goblin overhead.

“Let go of me,” She slapped him with her free hand, sending stinging pain through his face.

Forgot how strong she already is.

“Claire, I'm really sorry, but please listen to me,” He let go of her hand as people began to stare, and he held up his hands in surrender. “There are goblins waiting for you at your house. I should have been honest with you earlier, you brought up a perfect time for me to come clean and I didn't. But please trust me at least this one last time. I don't know how far they're willing to go to get to you, but I can't risk them revealing their whole world to everyone here.” He could already hear more of them gathering. They had been spotted.

“Please.” He begged.

She stared at him, trying to read him, trying to understand the strange events that had led up to now. 

A knot formed in Jim's stomach as he saw shops begin to close, and people leave the street. The sun was setting at a horribly fast pace, at this rate anything could come for them.

Curse you Enrique! It really wasn't the changeling’s fault, but Jim felt the need to blame someone in his mind right now, and that was the easiest name to think of at the moment.

Claire took a deep breath, trying to contain her anger and frustration. “No, I'm not going anywhere with you.”

She turned her back on him and began heading down the now too suddenly empty street.

“Waka chaka,” A goblin growled quietly from the shadows, making both humans freeze.

Claire’s tensed shoulders were forced into a relaxed position, and she began to walk again. 

A goblin jumped out in front of her, yelling and hissing. Jim ran right past Claire, and with as much force as he could muster punted the creature away.

“What was that?!” She screamed, trembling from the sight of the hideous creature.

“A goblin, and there are more coming,” He answered, trying to keep himself calm.

Strange howls sounded from the rooftops above them, the few scouts summoning the rest of the horde. 

“Shit,” Jim hissed, already seeing them beginning to gather, their eyes glowing red in the growing darkness.

“What do we do?” Claire asked, fear coating every word, and it only made the goblins gather faster.

“Just stay behind me!” Jim pulled his amulet from his pocket, and held it out in front of himself. “This will be bright,” He warned, “For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command!”

The magic of the amulet lifted him into the air, and carefully yet powerfully clamped each piece of armor into place. Of course the amulet that would react to his emotional state would do its best to make him look cool in front of Claire. He was pretty sure if the Amulet had the ability it would have played cool music too.

“W-what is going on?!” Claire demanded, picking something up off the ground.

A goblin lunged forward, and Jim slashed his sword through it, instantly ending its life.

“I'll explain when I can, but right now we need to focus on keeping you safe,” he answered, then slashed away three more goblins, “I really, really don't want to be out here long enough for someone like Nomura to show up.”

Claire clearly wanted to ask more questions, but instead remained focused on the quickly approaching enemies.

Another goblin lunged forward, dodging past Jim's blade. Before it could give him more than a few scratches, Claire's bag swung centimeters from Jim's head, and hit the goblin hard enough for it to go flying into two others.

“Woah!” Jim stared at the damage the girl had dealt. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

“You're right on the edge, Lake,” She quipped, and beat another goblin back, and he slashed four more out of the air.

The goblins came at them from every direction, falling on them in waves of green. Sweat coated his brow as Jim swung every which way trying to keep the monsters back.

Claire screamed out in pain as a goblin bit down on her arm. Jim sliced the creature in two. Turning his back on the others resulted in a dozen of them clambering onto him back. They clawed at every bit of skin they could access, and Jim screamed out as pain radiated through him.

He couldn't fight them off, there were too many of them! It was as if every goblin he had ever fought had come to this one moment. The amulet ticked heavily over his heart, begging for him to dig deep for something. He took a deep breath, trying to focus beyond what was currently happening, and focus on the pull of not only the amulet but the stone within it.

Daylight vanished from his grasp, and his hand reached out, reaching for what he needed. A faint wave of green rippled along his armor, and materialized within his hand. His hand tightly grasped around the handle, and then his other hand took hold. With a loud battle cry Jim swung Excalibur across the horde.

Instead of slicing through his enemies, the entire world froze. 

“Whaaaaat?” Jim breathed as everything remained still as if he had just activated a kairosect. He could do so much with this. He could win any battle! What couldn't he do at this rate? How could he ever lose? How was he supposed to make time resume? 

“This is so cool!” Jim excitedly and effortlessly hefted the sword, and swung it through more of his enemies. A faint green line remained in the air to mark the trail of each attack. He twisted it this way and that, as if it weighed nothing. 

“How over powered is this?! I can’t wait until I tell Tobes!” He could attack at his enemies endlessly, that was until he crossed one line through the other, then time suddenly resumed.

Each attack he had swung hit all at once, vanquishing dozens of goblins. But in the same moment Jim felt every excited heartbeat, every breath, every thought, and every effort he had put in during the paused time hit him at once. It was as if he had actually done everything within a split second. 

It hurt!

His heart felt like it was going to be ripped out. His lungs felt overfilled yet completely empty. His throat stung from his spoken words. His mind screamed as each thought clambered over the other. And his muscles ached like he had been working them until they could work no longer.

He couldn't even scream against the pain as his lungs burned, and his body tried to catch up with everything, but instead collapsed to the ground.

“Jim!” Claire yelled, falling to her knees beside him, “They're gone, the rest of them ran off.”

His body trembled, and he didn't dare to move. If he moved would it cause more pain? What had happened to him?

He tried to refrain from even trembling as chills ran up his spine, and he heard a haunting tune whistle along the wind. And a pair of slitted green eyes watched them from the rooftops.

“Jim!” Claire's hand grabbed his shoulder, “Jim?!” She reached into her bag, removed several bits of brick, then pulled out her surprisingly undamaged phone. “I’m calling an ambulance. Hang in there, Jim.”

His armor. He needed to remove his armor. Claire squeezed his shoulder, revealing to him that his armor was no longer on him. 

My “Amulet,” He tried to say, but everything was so exhausted. I “need it,” don't let them take it.

“It’s gonna be alright, Jim!” Claire said, her voice struggling against a tightening throat. She said something else, but it was fading in and out. She was talking to someone, and then another person. Her dad? But her dad wasn't here. How could you talk to a person not around? Maybe he was a ghost. Maybe they were in the void.

“Kanjigar?” He asked, maybe the past Trollhunter could make sense of this new weapon.

 

“We're over here!”

 

“He's my son!”

 

“I'm here, Jim.”

 

“Hang in there.”

 

“I'll try,” He needed to tell them, he couldn't fail his calling. “I’ll protect him, Kanjigar.”

Notes:

I've been really thinking about if I wanted the time stone to have even more power than originally planned, and then I thought this might be too over powered, but then I realized, If you had super speed but not super resilience what would happen?
Also a thank you to SAkhar for reminding me Excalibur exists, before I edited it it was originally a war scythe.

Chapter 17

Summary:

Jim talks with Toby, gets a message from Strickler, then struggles through a conversation with his Mom.

Notes:

Sorry this chapter is kinda short, I had quite a bit going on this week, I'm helping a friend prepare to move and another friend prepare for their wedding. But I'm gonna try to write the next chapter pretty quick and have it up in a day or two.

“Draal!” Jim sat bolt upright, he needed to protect him! Wires pulled on his chest and arm, and he took in his surroundings.

The hospital… again.

His mom had to be worried sick, had it even been a week yet since his last stay? This was getting ridiculous.

Snoring sounded to his right, where Toby nodded off in the one chair available. His head dropped forward, instantly he was awake, and his eyes met with Jim’s.

“Jimbo!” He jumped up from his chair, and leaned against the side of the hospital bed. “You’re awake, oh thank goodness!”

“What happened?” Jim asked, both trying to understand what had actually happened, but also what Toby may have said as an excuse for his injuries.

“Claire said you were in the street, and then coyotes showed up. Coyotes, in the streets! And then you had a heart attack or something. The doctors were calling it something else though, I don’t remember.” He explained rapidly, “but I have two questions,” his voice fell to a whisper, “was it really coyotes?”

Jim shook his head. “Goblins, hundreds of them. Claire doesn’t know you know so she probably told you along with everyone else that it was coyotes.”

“Okay, so that brings me to my second question,” he continued, “and this one is super important. So you actually successfully went on a date with the Nuñez?” He shook his shoulders in an “flirtatious” manner.

Jim looked down at his current situation, that being stuck in a hospital bed, hospital gown, and hooked up to machines to make sure his heart was working properly. “Tobes, we’re in a hospital. I don't know that I would consider that a success.”

“Ah, but you weren’t awake for the best part.” Toby smiled mischievously. “She was found holding you in her arms when the ambulance arrived, and tried to refuse treatment for her own injuries to make sure you got all the attention. She only left about an hour ago because her dad forced her to.”

Jim felt his cheeks go hot. “Really?”

“Oh yeeeaaah.” Toby nodded, but then his smile faded. “You umm, also got a message from… Strickler.”

“What?!” Jim quickly patted himself down, but he didn’t have any pockets to hold it. “Why didn't you lead with that? Wait, Toby, where is the amulet?”

“All your stuff is right here,” he patted Jim’s bag which rested on the windowsill, then pulled out his phone and handed it over.

Jim quickly navigated to the message, ready to play it over and over to analyze every detail of it.

“Young Atlas,” the changeling’s voice started on the recording, “you’re a smart young man, and I’ve learned you know far more than you let on, so I’m sure you can follow along easily. While you so recklessly allowed yourself to be distracted, we have taken captive one of your brute allies. Meet me in the alley by the theater if you wish to see him again. You will need to be alone, and have your amulet for us.” 

Jim could hear that stupid smile he wore when he felt everything was in his control.

“Please do say something to your Trollhunter,” Strickler added.

“I will perish before I follow an order from you, impure.” Draal spat.

“Splendid.” He said, half sarcastically, but the troll has given him what he wanted. The recording ended, and Jim stared down at this phone hating that somehow it had still come to this.

“This is bad, this is really bad, Tobes!” Jim clutched his head in his hands, and wanted to rip everything off him as he heard the heart monitor speed up with his heart rate.

“Jimbo, it’ll be alright,” Toby began, keeping his amazing cheery demeanor, “You’ve got AAARRRGGHH!!!, Blinky, and me! We can easily get Draal back! How did they manage to catch that crazy guy anyway?”

“I don’t know,” Jim shook his head, “but I do know they won't let him go unless we comply with their terms.”

“Oh absolutely not,” Toby crossed his arms into a big X, “You can’t just go against who knows how many changelings, plus Bular. I feel like we haven't seen him in a while, but I feel like he's been lurking. I've been having nightmares about him emerging, and coming for us.” Toby shuddered, and Jim hated that he didn't know about these nightmares sooner.

“Okay, but what if we sorta follow their rules?” Jim asked, ready to dive into a plan.

“Jim, Toby,” Barbara interrupted, walking in. 

“Dr. L, how's he looking?” Toby asked nervously, not knowing how much she had possibly overheard.

“Better,” She answered, looking at the monitors around the room.

Toby took that as his time to go, “I'll see you when you're out, Jimbo.”

The two watched as Toby left, and Jim wracked his brain to try to remember exactly what had happened the last time. He didn't want to screw up his chances to save Draal.

“You have good friends,” Barbara noted, sitting at the edge of the bed.

“Yeah, nobody quite like Tobes and Claire, not sure what I would do without them.” Probably die. He sighed, “Just wish I didn't keep coming here.”

Jim slumped in defeat, he felt so much weaker than last time. He hadn't even fought Nomura this time around. He had been taken out by stupid goblins. Well that and a horrible super power from the time stone.

Barbara sighed, and he knew what was coming.

“I want you to talk to me, and I expect to hear the truth. What really happened last night?” She tried to look him in the eye, but he refused to meet her gaze.

Jim tried to picture all the goblins as coyotes, to see if that might sell the story better. “We were walking down the street, it was getting dark, and then we heard these things crowding around us. And then the coyotes attacked us, it was crazy! We-” 

“The truth, Jim.” She grabbed his arm that was free of any monitors. “These scratches aren't from coyotes.”

“Maybe they weren't coyotes,” Jim tried to pull his wrist from her grasp. “I don't know what they were, why are you so angry?”

“I'm not angry Jim, and I'm far past worried. I- I'm terrified.” She clasped his hand between both of hers. “You’ve been coming home covered in bruises, sneaking out in the middle of the night, and you’re constantly lying to me.”

Jim opened his mouth to argue, but then shut it. He couldn't say anything against it. He had been lying to everyone, well, except Draal, Douxie, the Troll Ghost Council, and Enrique. 

“Please tell me what's going on.” Barbara carefully brushed his hair out of his face. “Believe it or not, but there used to be a time when you would share everything with me.”

He glanced up into her eyes and instantly wished he hadn't. He couldn't tell her, not right now, not with Draal on the line, not with him trying so hard to keep everything on track. If she knew, what would happen? She always tried to keep him safe, and it only put her in danger.

Barbara's eyes glanced between his two, trying to read him. “I know I told you I would wait until you're ready to tell me, but I'm worried you’ll never tell me.”

Jim sighed as he recalled where this led, to arguments about where he was, the thick tension that filled the house. It had only made him spend more time in Trollmarket, which only made things worse.

Was there something he could say to make it any better?

Barbara stood, not able to handle the painful silence. “Very well.” 

No!

“If that's how you feel.”

Wait, no, not yet!

“Your doctor will prepare you for discharge, Mr. Lake.”

Think of something! anything to say!

“Good luck at the play.”

“MOM WAIT!” The words burst out of his mouth, not wanting her to shut that curtain between them.

She froze, her knuckles white with how tightly she clutched the curtain.

“I- I don't know how to tell you what's going on in my brain,” Jim started, maybe if he described things just right this could work. “It's all confusing, and because I care about you I'm scared of what you'll think of me if you knew everything.”

Barbara was instantly back to his side, tears brimming in her eyes. 

He couldn't be doing this right now, he needed to be getting to Draal, he needed to be filling everyone in on the plan, he needed to be the Trollhunter.

But…

“Mom,” His voice broke as he wished he could tell her everything. He wanted to have his mom that had already seen everything he had been through. “I'm just really overwhelmed.”

“Oh, Jim,” she wiped a stray tear from his cheek, “No matter what you'll always be my little boy, nothing will ever change how much I love you. Life can be so overwhelming, but it's not bad to rely on others.”

“That was another thing I was worried about telling you,” Jim looked into her expectant eyes. “I maybe kinda have been talking about this to some friends.”

“Toby is a good friend, but-”

“I know what you're going to say, and it's to tell a trusted adult, and they are,” Jim scratched the back of his head, shoot who am I supposed to say? Draal, the guy living in our basement? Claire's baby brother? the teenager looking guy at the café? “I've been talking to Mr. Strickler.”

Boom! If Stickler denies it then Jim would tell his mom the truth and would tell her what Strickler is, he would never risk that!

“Oh,” Barbara’s eyes widened with surprise, then softened with relief.

“Yeah, he’s really understanding, and I think it is really helpful to have an outside eye on things.” Jim continued. Stickler had been that, before… everything.

Barbara clearly still wanted to know what was going on for herself, but this would have to do for now. 

“You’ll let me know if there is anything I can do?” She slowly stood, as Jim nodded. “I love you, kiddo.” She planted a gentle kiss on the top of his head, and with one more long look at him she left the room.

A nurse was in within a few minutes to get him disconnected from everything and ready to leave the hospital. Low and behold Toby was there with his Nana to drive him home once again.

Within the past week he had actually improved, but Jim definitely looked forward to getting out of the car.

Once Nana was happily seated in front of her favorite show, the two boys headed over to Jim's house, where both Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! were waiting for them.

“Tobias informed us there was a dire situation,” Blinky said, as he held up a phone that looked so tiny in his hand, “I am still trying to understand this strange human device.”

“When did you get him a phone?” Jim asked, looking to Toby.

He stood proudly, “While you were busy with Claire, I was busy with trolls.”

The room fell silent as Toby realized he hadn't picked his words very well.

“Wingman come to Trollmarket more often than you,” AAARRRGGHH!!! laughed, thinking the situation quite amusing.

“You go without me?” Jim turned fully to his friend, “how often?”

“I go really anytime I have free time, me and AAARRRGGHH!!! set up my old game console down there, plus he let me have a little nook in the library for my growing rock collection.” Toby explained, and the massive troll nodded in agreement.

“Wingman bring training snacks,” AAARRRGGHH!!! gave a happy hum as he licked his lips.

Both Toby and Blinky gave him a stern look, and he frowned, having said something he wasn't supposed to.

Jim slowly processed the words, “Wait, wait, wait, you've been training without me?”

“Well you weren't really letting me train,” Toby mumbled, and shrugged.

“I apologize, but I feel I must interject,” Blinky interrupted, “You told us this was of utmost importance.”

“It's Strickler,” Jim slammed his fist against the wall. He needed to talk to him again, but right now he had another priority. “They've taken Draal.”

Chapter 18

Summary:

Jim goes to rescue Draal from the changelings that are using him as leverage against him. The Bridge is opened, but Jim needs to close it in time to make the play.

Notes:

So I know on the last chapter I said I would get this one up in a day or two... well that turned into a few hours. I don't know what possessed me, but here is the next chapter.

Jim biked through the pouring rain, and as he rounded a corner his phone began to buzz.

“Hey Claire,” Jim answered, tilting his head a little as a way to try to keep his phone out of the rain.

“Hi, hey, I know you tried to explain some things to me earlier, and I'm still really boggled by the fact that, wow! Goblins and trolls exist!” She sucked in an excited but also stressed breath, “but Ms. Janeth is looking for you. I can’t exactly be Juliet without Romeo.”

“You know how I said some friends that are trolls?”

“Is everything alright?” Claire picked up on the situation quicker than anyone else. 

“Just buy me some time, I’ll be there in time for call, I promise.” He said. If he had done it last time he could do it again.

“On it!” She responded, her voice full of determination, “and Jim, stay safe.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Jim joked, then hung up as he came up to the alley chosen by the changeling.

He propped his bike against the wall, and hung his helmet on the bars. Across the street Strickler appeared, standing fully dry beneath an umbrella.

Jim carefully, but quickly crossed the street where Strickler greeted him.

“So you did come alone,” Stickler scanned him up and down, trying to read the Trollhunter. “You have the amulet?” 

Jim pulled the item from his bag, showing it to the changeling.

He raised his eyebrows with a bit of surprise, “I hadn’t expected you to follow my instructions so well.” He twisted his umbrella in his hand, showering Jim in even more water, but he hardly even noticed with the already pouring rain. “All seems to be in order, this way, Young Atlas.”

The two of them walked along, heading to the museum.

“You are an interesting person James Lake, we had plans to take the amulet, but you seem far too smart for such tactics.” The changeling began, filling the silence between them, “I would almost believe you to be a changeling if I wasn’t already aware of each one that resides within Arcadia.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Jim grumbled, but he really would, it showed that he had successfully learned something from his teacher.

“The museum,” Jim noted as it came into view, recalling fond and not so fond memories of it.

“Where else could you so easily hide an ancient bridge?” Strickler smirked at his genius. “Just between you and me, when Gunmar rules the surface I’ll do my best to look after your mother.”

“Thanks,” Jim lathered his voice with sarcasm, “but I think she and everyone else would be a whole lot safer and happier if we didn’t release him at all.”

“Perhaps in another life we would be allies in such a joyful world,” he said, and part of him sounded like he could actually believe the possibility. 

“Perhaps it could be this life,” Jim stopped walking before they entered the building, and Strickler turned to him, eyeing him suspiciously. 

“Come on Strickler, we both know you don’t want to be here for Gunmar’s release, if it was up to you you’d be packing your belongings in a box and heading to the nearest airport.” Jim stood firmly, he knew he needed to get Draal back, but he also needed to take the chance to get Strickler too.

“And here I thought you were smart,” Strickler glared at him.

Jim stared, a pit forming in his stomach. He had said the wrong thing, he’d hit too close to home. Because Jim knew what he said was true, he’d lived it before.

The changeling tightly grabbed his arm, pulled him through the door of the museum, and marched them to the room that held the bridge.

The bridge had haunted Jim’s dreams for years, even after he had known it was long gone. Nomura sat atop the bridge, grazing the tip of her blade across Draal’s face. The large troll was wrapped in chains and hung upside down. The chains would be more difficult to get through than rope, but the team would figure it out. 

Goblins wandered about the room, sniffing for something. And Enrique sat on a crate, and sucked a breath through clenched teeth as he saw the Trollhunter enter.

Jim gave him an awkward shrug that tried to say “it’s business, right?” and the two of them fought down laughter as they made weird faces at each other.

“Well?” Strickler turned to one of the goblins sniffing around.

The creature stopped and muttered a few strange words while shrugging. 

Strickler suddenly transformed into his trollish form and harshly picked up the goblin by one of its legs. “What do you mean you haven’t found him?! He’s a nine foot tall beast!”

Jim glanced at Draal, Enrique, then to the ground. He pressed his lips tightly together, trying his best to keep his mouth shut.

Strickler threw the goblin to the side, not caring where it landed, “His father will punish him for his cowardice.”

“Give it another hour,” Draal called from where he hung, “I’m sure your princeling will arrive.”

Jim had to bite down on his lips to stop himself from laughing. Draal’s smug smile was already enough to make Jim want to chuckle.

“Oi! Ya can’t say nothin’,” Enrique snapped, “He’s probably restin’.” He coughed as he said “in peace.” but the words were only recognized by those who already knew.

Jim made a growling noise as he tried to refrain from saying “you mean pieces.” This was terrible!

“Silence!” Strickler shouted, getting all of them to tense up. “We will continue without Gunmar’s son,” He instructed, and gestured to the makeshift stairs for Jim to reach the spot made for the amulet.

Jim stayed silent as he climbed the stairs, where were the others? He would just have to explain everything after this.

He clenched the amulet in his hand, then held it to his chest. For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command. The amulet responded to the silent command, and his armor formed around him.

“I won't open this bridge!” He announced, turning to stare down at Strickler. “You don’t have a reason to open it! Gunmar wont bring the freedom the changelings deserve!”

“Trollhunter!” Draal yelled, but it was too late, Nomura had pounced, and pinned Jim against the bridge. 

He kicked against her, but she was far stronger than him. 

“I know releasing Gunmar isn’t what you want!” Jim shouted as she shoved him harder against the bridge, as if putting him close enough might make the bridge activate.

“You don’t have to listen to anyone!” he grunted, “BULAR IS DEAD! I KILLED HIM A WEEK AGO!”

Several loud gasps sounded through the room along with a long “whaaaaat?” His back up had arrived. Seriously, had Strickler really forgotten people could track phones?

Strickler yelled, and in a moment Nomura was off him, and instead Strickler was grappling and twisting him on the top of the Bridge. 

Swarms of goblins rained down on everyone present, how were there so many of these things?

Jim summoned Daylight, with his free hand, but instead of attacking Strickler with it he threw it, cutting through the chains that held Draal in the air.

“I learned I should never underestimate you, and I will never trust a Trollhunter!” Strickler growled, shoving Jim’s hand to his chest and forcing him to remove the amulet. “Gunmar will pave the way for us, and changelings will no longer hide in darkness!” He grunted as he painfully twisted Jim around again, shoved him against the edge of the bridge, and forced the amulet into place. “GUNMAR WILL BE FREE!”

 A giant blue blur knocked into the changeling and sent all of them off the bridge. Shouts sounded throughout the room, as everything was pulled into the opening portal. Jim groaned as stood, and clung to a pillar. He needed to get that portal shut before Draal could attempt to. 

A scream sounded to his left, and he turned to see Nomura clawing at the ground trying not to be pulled to the darklands.

“Nomura!” Jim released his hold on the pillar and rushed for her. No! No! No! I can’t lose anyone! Jim caught hold of her wrist and they both flew to the portal. Jim’s other hand slammed against the side of the bridge and he dug his fingers into any crevice they could find. 

“I’m not losing anyone!” Jim shouted, as he tried to pull the two of them away from the biting cold of the Darklands. 

His eyes shut tight as they rapidly dried from the whipping air. He needed something to get out of this mess. Excalibur called to him, he just needed a free hand to summon it.

His grip was loosening on both holds, one faster than the other. “Hold on Nomura!” But she didn’t, she hated him, she might have even feared him. 

Claws raked across his arm, and his hand let go instinctively. Nomura was yanked away, but it gave Jim the free hand he needed. Excalibur appeared in his hand and he slashed it through the air. The pull of the portal stopped and fell on the ground. He pulled himself forward, and Excalibur slipped from his hand. The rush of the portal returned and Jim caught hold of the edge of the bridge with both hands this time. Excalibur had vanished and Jim tried to breathe through everything that had taken place in the two seconds time had been paused.

Two seconds was far easier to process than several minutes, but it still made everything hurt. He pulled himself away from the portal and climbed to the top of the bridge.

Everyone was fighting the hordes of goblins that somehow kept coming, and Strickler was nowhere to be seen. 

He slammed his hand over the amulet and it quickly obeyed him, removing itself from the bridge and closing the portal. 

Silence fell over the room, as everyone took in what happened. The goblins sensing the battle to be over began to flee, scrambling over one another. 

Jim refused to breathe as he counted each of his friends, Toby, Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!!! Draal, they had made it. Nomura didn’t make it though, she had chosen the Darklands over being saved by him. Where was Strickler? His lungs burned as he refused to give them oxygen, where was he? Had he been pulled into the Darklands like Nomura? What would that mean from here? What would happen? How could he live without them?

A hand clapped on Jim’s back, and he gasped in air.

“We have done it, Trollhunter,” Draal kept his hand firmly on the shaking boy, “The bridge will be locked away, and we shall never hear of Gunmar again.”

Jim turned to the troll and wrapped his arms around him, “You’re okay?”

“I am unharmed,” he answered, “everyone is unharmed, save a little bruising.”

“Strickler, is he…” Jim’s voice cut off as his throat tightened with emotion. 

“I do not know,” he replied, and slowly wrapped his arms around him.

Jim’s eyes flooded with tears, had he just lost Strickler all over again? Before he could even tell him of the person he could be?

“The other changeling is gone as well,” Draal added, and Jim peaked out from Draal’s embrace. He was right, Enrique was nowhere to be seen. 

“JIMBO!” Toby yelled louder than he needed to in the quiet room, “The play!”

“Yes, Master Jim,” Blinky called, and Draal started to lead the trollhunter off the bridge, “You must go to your Julia!”

“Close enough,” Jim laughed, but then cringed as stinging pain flared in his arm. Blood dripped down it, Nomura had got him good.

“I got you,” Toby slung off his backpack and pulled out a first aid kit, “I figured I should start carrying around something like this with how often you’re getting banged up.”

“You too,” AAARRRGGHH!!! Said, poking at Toby’s leg.

“I just scraped my knee,” He argued, and was already grabbing Jim’s arm to clean it up then wrap it. 

Jim never knew Toby knew first aid. 

“Nana falls sometimes,” Toby said, knowing what Jim was thinking, “I have to patch her up sometimes when your mom isn’t home. Then we call her doctor when we can.”

Jim had always known Nana had taken care of Toby, but he never fully realized how much Toby took care of her. How much more did he not know about the people he called his friends?

“You truly slayed Bular?” Blinky asked, as Jim was being treated.

“Me and Draal heard a rumor he was in the sewers,” Jim explained, “I couldn’t have defeated him without Draal.”

“Do not sell yourself short, Trollhunter,” Draal interjected, as he did anytime he tried to praise the troll.

“I- I don’t have the words,” Blinky blinked hard as he tried to hold back tears of joy.

“Alright!” Toby gave his bandaged arm a gentle pat. “Now let's go get you on stage, Romeo!”

The second Toby released Jim, he was wrapped in a four armed embrace from his mentor, “You have done it young master.” He mostly released him, keeping his upper hands on his shoulders, “I do not believe you will ever understand what this means to Trollkind.”

“I think I can get an idea,” Jim smiled.

“Seriously, the play,” Toby reminded.

“Yes, go,” Blinky smiled brightly, “the rest of us will deal with this bridge.”

 

---

 

Jim burst into the dressing room needing to make sure he looked less crappy than he felt. Strickler had definitely pulled a few things during their fight.

“Jim!” Claire gasped, “oh thank goodness.” She relaxed, and Jim took in her outfit. He had seen her in the dress twice before, but he couldn’t get over how nice she looked.

“You look amazing,” He voiced the thought, figuring there was no harm in it.

“And you look like you got in a fight.” She grabbed his shoulder and forced him into a chair, and sternly said, “we have five minutes!”

“Sorry, sorry- OW!” He reached for his head as she forced a brush through his hair, and she swatted his hand away.

“Well explain,” She impatiently urged, getting his hair to look less like a rat's nest.

“My friend Draal was kidnapped by some changelings. You know Mr. Strickler, yeah he’s a shapeshifting troll. I tried to talk him out of opening a magic bridge that leads to another dimension, which would release Gunmar and his army. They kinda want to eat humans, and trample them into the ground.”

Claire opened her mouth to ask a question or a hundred, but instead waved for him to continue. She finished working on his hair, which ended up amazing, then got a wet rag and began cleaning away grime and the bits of blood Toby had missed. 

“So our conversation didn’t go well, especially after I revealed that I killed Gumnar’s son Bular last week.” Jim paused as Claire did, but then she shook her head and kept working, whipping out makeup to make him look presentable. “He then forced me to open the bridge, but then it sucked everything in, including Nomura.”

“The museum worker?” Claire asked, the question slipping out before she could stop herself.

“Yeah, she’s a changeling too,” he answered, “but then I managed to pull my amulet out of the bridge, sealing it shut. And now Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!!!, and Draal are working on getting it locked up in a vault in Trollmarket.”

“So let me get this straight,” she started, putting powder on a forming bruise on his forehead. “You just casually saved the world, and are now going to be performing a school play?”

Jim shrugged, “yeah, I guess so.”

“How do you not tell anyone?” Claire questioned, snapping the powder case closed, she seemed to be done.

“You want to keep people safe, if people knew about this world, both humans and trolls could be in danger,” He explained, “but then there are people like you, who I can’t help but tell.”

“I think I found out on my own when we were attacked by goblins.” She gave him an unimpressed look.

A knock came at the door, “Time to be out of there you two!” Ms. Janeth called.

“Got your ‘costume’?” Claire asked, smiling in a way that made him blush, and he hoped there was enough powder on his face to hide it.

“Yup, yeah, got it,” He pulled out his amulet as he stood. “For the glory of Merlin, daylight is mine to command.” He whispered, and the armor firmly clasped around him. 

Jim’s cheeks burned even hotter as she slid her hand across his breast plate. “It’s beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful,” Jim responded. He bit his tongue, and hurried to the door. “We should get out there.”

His whole face felt like it was on fire, especially as he heard her giggling.

He carefully peaked through a curtain and saw the crowd that was forming, he saw the Nuñez family, Enrique safely cradled in his father’s arms. Jim sighed with relief, he was safe. His eyes continued to scan the crowd. Toby sat with Nana, happily snacking on a nougat nummy. Beside them was Barbara, she was there supporting him after everything. He swallowed hard as he made a decision, he was going to tell her the truth. At least the truth that was in this timeline. 

Eli began the opening speech, and Jim took several more deep breaths. He was going to put his all into this, for the audience, for the school, but especially for Claire.

The two of them recited their lines with ease, they had taken every moment they could to make this one perfect. Jim was thankful for his script as it gave him something to focus on and guide him as he grew more and more nervous for the ending. 

 

He laid across a beautifully decorated folding table, that hopefully didn’t look like a folding table to the audience. Claire recited her final lines as she stood beside him. Jim had to thank the script once more, grateful he had his eyes closed.

Claire’s lips only briefly touched his, but it was a feeling he had missed for so long, and he could already feel himself yearning for more. But even with how much he wanted to kiss her again, he knew he would willingly wait an eternity to be with her.

He would even return to the Darklands, a place he imagined hell to be like. Soon he would, because he would do anything to make her happy.

Claire gave her final line, then laid half beside him, half on him. Finally the curtains closed, and the two of them stood.

“You did amazing,” He told her, bumping his shoulder to hers.

“And so did you,” She replied, and grabbed his hand. “I want to help you Jim, with your world protecting.”

Jim smiled, so happy something had fallen into its correct place, “I would love that.”

She squeezed his hand. “Remeber to smile.”

The rest of the cast gathered beside them and the curtains opened, allowing them to bow in thanks to the cheering crowd. 

Everything was going to be a whole lot better with Claire on their team.

Notes:

Voila! we made it through the first half of season one! my goodness that was a lot of typing. I thought about taking a break at this point, but that probably wont happen. I am determind to feed the people that read this. Thank you so much for all the supporting comments, I absolutely love reading them, and I try to reply to most of them!

Anyways, we shall see where the next chapter takes us!

Chapter 19

Summary:

for the past while Jim has been avoiding home, or at least a person at home, but it's only a matter of time until he has to come clean to his mom.

Jim slammed his head on the table. His brain felt like mush, and he half expected it to start leaking from his ears. This was it, he was just going to die here.

“It’s really not that hard,” Douxie said, reshelfing several books.

“Says the nine hundred year old man,” Jim grumbled, shoving his algebra text book away. He had taken to studying at the book store or Blinky’s library. They both had a cozy atmosphere, but also ancient beings who understood his homework as if it was a tiny pamphlet they could memorize. Today he was at Douxie’s place because the day prior Blinky had felt human history was inaccurate and tried swapping his textbook for a trollish one. Jim might have preferred to study the troll lore, but he was pretty sure writing about the great prison break led by Gronka Morka on his history exam would fail him.

“How can I have studied this all before, and yet I can’t remember a single thing?” Jim asked, he had somehow managed to pass this class once.

“I find it your form of education’s fault,” Archie said, and the black cat jumped up onto the table and flipped through the textbook pages. “How are your simple minds supposed to take in all this information in such a short time?”

“Arch,” Douxie warned, not needing the dragon to make Jim feel worse. He spun a chair around, and sat down with his chest against the back. He grabbed Jim’s homework pages, put them in the textbook, then closed it. “Still not wanting to study at home?”

“I don’t know what to do,” Jim pulled his head off the table, looking at the wizard, “I told her I would tell her, but now I’m really regretting it, and then with Strickler disappearing…”

“Jim, we’ve been over this,” he said, crossing his arms on the back rest, and perching his chin on them. “If you rehearsed long enough, fuzzbuckets, you even made Arch roleplay the conversation.”

Jim pouted, he didn’t like how he made such good points.

“It’s just gonna get wooorse,” He singsonged. Douxie sighed, stood, then placed his hand on his head. “Would you rather sit here and pout while eating sad café leftovers, or be sitting at your own dining table enjoying dinner with your mum?”

“UUUUUUGH, I hate that you're right,” Jim groaned.

“Glad I can be of use,” He ruffled his hair, “now get going before your textbook eats Arch.”

“Wh-what?!” Archie hissed, jumping back and swatting at the textbook. He quickly fixed his posture, and cleared his throat as he adjusted his glasses. “Human textbooks possess no such abilities.”

“I think he knows that,” Jim said, trying not to laugh so he didn’t get clawed or shot with fire. He grabbed the textbook, shoved it into his bag, and headed for the door. As he pushed it open, but stopped and turned back to Douxie who was making faces at his familiar. “Could I- would it be alright if I crashed at your place if things don’t go well?”

Douxie shrugged, “I have nothing against it, but me and my girlfriend are gonna be staying up late, and making a whole lot of noise if you know what I mean.”

“You have no such girlfriend, nor do you desire such things as you’re implying,” Archie stated, then turned to Jim, “also you're letting the warm air out, I like it toasty.”

“Well Zoe is coming over,” Douxie started.

“The hedge wizard is fixing your game console,” Archie shot back.

Jim chuckled, and left the two to their ridiculous argument. He just needed to go home, and start the conversation with his mom.

Head home, have the conversation.

Home, conversation.

Home…

Jim stopped as he stood in front of his house, “Right, have the conversation you promised her.”

He opened the front door, and accepted the warmth inside from the cold air outside. “Mom, I’m home!” he called, and hung his bag in its usual place. No reply came, Jim glanced back towards the door. He had seen her car in the driveway, and the door was unlocked.

“Mom?” He called again, and still no reply came. Jim hurried to the basement, and down the stairs. “Dra- Mom!” Jim froze mid step as he reached the bottom of the stairs and saw her digging through a box.

“Oh Jim,” She looked up at him from where she was crouched, “You’re home earlier than usual.” The remark was supposed to be casual, but it had too much tension behind it. 

“Whaaat are you doing?” He asked, glancing around the basement, wondering where Draal might be.

“I’m looking for those old movies we had, Nancy was asking about one of them,” She explained, then continued to dig through the box.

“Oh, those?” Jim sucked a breath through his teeth. Yeah, Draal had eaten those a while ago. “I’m pretty sure we got rid of them.”

“Did we?” She stood up and stared down into the box, and Jim realized it was a box of his father’s old things. “I thought we had kept them.” She shook her head, as she tried to remember making the decision.

“Yeah, hey do you umm, want to have dinner?” Jim asked nervously, “I was feeling like making something.”

“Jim, you can cook whatever you want, I just ate,” She said, walking towards him and the stairs. “I have an overnight shift soon.”

“Well, umm, you know I ate too,” He corrected, he had eaten some of those “sad café leftovers”. Then he started following her up the stairs, and briefly glanced to the bookshelf covering the hole in the wall when it barely shifted.

Jim closed the basement door loudly behind him, hoping it would cover any sound that may come from the bookshelf moving when Draal returned to his room. The troll warrior had been invited back to Trollmarket after the claiming of Killahead bridge, but he had seemed to prefer residing in the basement. He always said it was because they didn’t know exactly when Strickler would return, if he did, but Jim wondered if it could be something else.

It had been a remarkable discovery when Jim found out there was actually someone who liked his mother’s cooking.

“I actually,” Jim started, trying to get himself to get into the needed conversation. “I guess I only wanted to cook so we had an excuse to sit down together.”

Barbara stopped what she was doing, which happened to be straightening up the already neat living room. Jim had even taken the extra time to fluff the pillows that morning.

I can’t have this conversation just standing here in the living room. “Since you already had dinner, how would you feel about dessert?” He asked, plus he really really needed to make something to relax his nerves at least a little bit.

She stood up straight and smiled at her son, glanced at the clock, then back to her son. “I would like that.”

“Cri-Cool!” Jim gave a thumbs up and hurried to the kitchen, already knowing this conversation had the potential to make him say the most ridiculous sentences.

Jim grabbed his favorite cook book, and flipped to the desserts, wanting to pick something he knew his mom really liked. Definitely needed to be something with chocolate. He began the process of making skillet brownies, to be paired with icecream. Cooking almost instantly made his nerves fade, and he allowed his mind to blank. All he needed right now was to follow the instructions and let the recipe do its work.

 

“That smells amazing,” Barbara said, as Jim carried the hot dish to the table.

“Let's hope it tastes just as good.” He set the dish down, then returned to the kitchen for the icecream, and muttered to himself, “and hope the conversation is half as delightful.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had you make a dish that wasn’t perfect,” She praised when he returned. “You spoil me.”

“Because you’re the best,” Jim tried to flash a big smile, but it quickly dropped as he sat down, and Barbara served them both their plates.

The two of them began to eat in silence, and Jim allowed it to be so. He wanted to eat as much as he could before it turned sour on his tongue.

“So where were you studying today?” She asked, breaking the few minutes of silence, she definitely did not believe he was studying.

“A cozy little book store,” he answered truthfully, this was it, he would say nothing but the truth. “The guy who runs it is super chill and his cat likes to hang around and try to mentor me on my homework.”

“I’d like to see that,” She laughed, “Was the library too busy today?”

“Uuh, no,” He shoved another bite in his mouth, and took his time to chew it, “The librarian sometimes likes to tell me about things not quite related to what I’m trying to study, Toby doesn’t help either, he goofs off with the librarian’s partner the whole time.”

“That seems a bit odd for the library,” Barbara’s brows knit together, like the library staffing was the most important thing at the moment.

“Well, that’s the thing…” Jim started slowly, “The library isn’t exactly the public library I’ve led you to believe I’m going to.”

Her eyes widened, fully realizing that Jim was actually opening up.

“So, where do I start?” Jim stabbed his food several times, half wanting to stuff it all in his mouth and hope he choked on it.

“Take your time,” Barbara assured, laying her hand out on the table for him to take if he wanted to. Instead Jim sat on his hands, not wanting to gesture in any ridiculous way.

“I umm, you know I haven’t been honest with you. It's pretty obvious.” He took a deep breath, he didn’t want to just blurt it all out, he wanted to let her ask questions and he would answer them. “So, I’m going to say that, you can ask me anything and… I’ll answer honestly. No secrets.” Well, except the alternate timeline, I think that’s going to be a whole other conversation on its own.

Barbara smiled sadly, “How are you doing?”

Jim blinked as he took in the question, he had expected her to ask where he had been going, where the injuries came from, what happened on the night he was attacked.

“Wow,” he said, needing to say something. His hands tried to move about, but he kept them where they were. He stared down at the table as he opened his mouth for more words to fill the air. “I… I’m actually doing good I think,” He started, and looked up at her, needing to look her in the eye. “I’ve actually been feeling better about life and just the way things are going, especially after the play. That was like a weight taken off my shoulders. No one died, it’s great!”

His mom smiled, actually genuinely smiled. “I’m glad no one actually died in the play,” She teased, referring to Jim “dying” on stage. Her face shifted as she found another question to ask, and it made her smile falter. “How are you dealing with Mr. Strickler being gone? I know he was the one you talked to before.”

Jim opened his mouth, but then bit his tongue before opening it again, “I’m actually pretty worried,” he answered, “he left so suddenly. I heard at school it was some sort of family emergency.” Okay, maybe shifting the truth about Strickler a bit too. It was a rumor he had heard at school though. “I just hope everything is okay with him.”

Jim pulled one of his hands free and placed it on his mom’s, knowing she needed more comfort than he did. He knew Strickler was stubborn enough to return, she didn’t.

“I’m sure he’ll be alright,” she assured, but Jim knew that that wasn’t what bothered her. It was the sudden leaving. 

He will come back , Jim wanted to say, to assure her that it all works out in the end.

Barbara closed her eyes for a few seconds then opened them again. “How are things with Claire?”

Jim hated how quickly he was smiling, how embarrassing! “Good,” He answered quietly, “I feel like we got closer after we got attacked, nothing like trauma bonding!” He freed both his hands to give a double thumbs up, which only increased her worry.

She took a deep breath and slowly released it. Her eyes locked with his, and he already knew the question before she asked it. “Jim, what happened that night?”

It was Jim’s turn to take a steadying breath, “That’s what I’ve really been wanting to tell you about.” He interlocked his fingers and twisted them, “We were walking through the street, it got dark pretty quick, and then we were… attacked by… goblins.”

Her brows quirked, and she slowly blinked. That was far less believable than coyotes.

“A while ago me and Toby found Merlin’s amulet,” He reached into his pocket, the amulet wasn’t there. “Oh wait.” He held a finger up as he asked for a moment, then stood from his chair. He walked to his bag, pulled the amulet from the front pocket, then returned to the table. “We found this,” He placed the amulet on the table between them. “And then I became the Trollhunter.”

She carefully picked up the amulet, looking at it from different angles, the trollish words unreadable to her. “The Trollhunter?” She questioned, getting that smile she did when she heard about the harmless adventures he and Toby used to go on.

“That’s when Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! showed up, they’re trolls,” He continued, and that entertained smile remained. It would only last as long as she believed this to be fantasy. “They live underground in a beautiful place called Trollmarket. It’s huge! And that’s where the library is that I’ve been going to. Which is also Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!!’s home.” 

A bit of concern flickered across her face.

“Blinky is my mentor, although sometimes he’s definitely more than that. I don’t think it’s usual for a troll to get their student the parts of a vespa to build together after they hear about your past birthday.”

Barbara’s face shifted, and here was the point when she realized this wasn’t all pretend.

“Anyways,” Jim’s words became faster, as he wanted to try to get more out before she freaked out, “Blinky explained to us what a Trollhunter is, which is a protector of troll kind and other magic beings against bad trolls. Gummgumms, as they call them. The thing is most of the gummgumms along with their war lord, Gunmar, were locked away in the Darklands. I say most because Gunmar’s son Bular roamed free.”

“Jim,”

“But don’t worry he’s not around anymore.”

“Jim,”

“Draal and I killed him a while ago.”

“James!”

Jim’s mouth snapped shut, his mother almost never called him that. He folded his hands neatly over each other on the table, not realizing how much they had been waving about. 

“What you're telling me is real?” She half asked, half stated.

“Yes.” He answered simply.

“So on the night with Claire…” She started.

“We were actually attacked by a horde of goblins,” He finished.

“And the next day you and Toby were planning something,” She said, she had overheard some of their conversation then.

“Draal had been captured, they used him as leverage against me,” He looked down at his hands, even though they had won, he still felt guilty for allowing them to take advantage of his connections. “To open the Killahead Bridge. To release Gunmar.” 

“And?” She prompted.

“Well we won, otherwise we’d all be dead,” he laughed, as if it was a joke, not to be taken seriously. “Then I had to run to make it to the play.”

“Jim!” Barbara’s hands wrapped around his. Her eyes flicked between his. “This- this isn’t something you should be doing.”

He pulled one of his hands free, patted hers, then grabbed his amulet. “The amulet called to me.” He pulled his other hand away as he stood. “It’s my duty to protect everyone, and it’s a… permanent position.” 

Jim took several steps back, and he held the amulet firmly in his hand. “Let me show you.” He loosened his grip on the amulet, and slowly closed his eyes. “For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command.”

Each piece of armor snapped into place as the magic lifted him into the air. Once the last pieces clasped around him he dropped to the ground, and Daylight appeared in his hand.

Barbara covered her mouth as she sucked in a gasp. It wasn't one of amazement though, she was terrified.

“Jim…” She couldn't find the words to say, and Jim didn't know what to say either. He couldn't promise her he was fine or safe, because he most definitely wasn't.

Fast thudding footsteps sounded from the basement.

“Oh no,” Jim groaned as the door burst open, and the giant warrior troll came yelling into the dining room.

Barbara screamed at the hulking warrior, freezing up at the sight of him.

“Draal!” Jim put himself between his mother and friend, facing the larger of the two. “What are you doing?!”

“I heard you summon the armor, and I feared we were under attack!” He answered, looking ashamed of his quick action that would have saved them in an actually dangerous situation.

“I told you I was going to tell my mom.” Jim slid his hands down his face and the cool armor felt nice on the hot skin. “You knew I was gonna summon my armor to show her.”

“We cannot let our guard down!” Draal huffed, “the impure is still out there.”

“Hey!” He warned, Draal wasn't supposed to bring him up around Barbara. “I understand you're on edge, but seriously?” He gestured to his mother, but then followed his own hands and turned to her. 

She had frozen in fear, and was struggling to breathe. Jim grabbed one of her hands, and looked her in the eyes.

“Mom, it’s okay, this is Draal, he’s a good troll,” he calmly started, taking deep breaths for her to try to follow, then turned to Draal. “Can you go get a glass of water? And please don't eat any of the cups.”

Draal groaned at the simple task he was assigned, but headed to the kitchen to do so.

“He's my friend,” Jim continued, turning back to his mother. “And he's also been living in our basement since I spared his life. His banishment from Trollmarket has been lifted, but he refuses to leave.” he shot a half teasing glare towards the kitchen. 

Barbara’s breathing was heavy, but it was slowly coming to a regular pace. She tightened up when Draal returned to the room, and he carefully set the glass of water on the table. She very slowly took it, as if sudden movements might make him attack her. 

“Just breathe, it's a lot to take in,” Jim said, as she took up the cup, and took sips to try to calm herself.

“You're,” Barbara had to take a few seconds to find her words and the air to go with them. “You're fighting these things?”

“Me fight Draal?” He turned to the troll, “I mean we did fight before, but not anymore. I think that's where those broken bruises came from.” He said the last part as a mumble. “But no, Draal is a good troll. But also yes, I do fight bad trolls.”

She set her cup down, and took off her glasses as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She returned her glasses to her face, and nervously glanced at Draal, before turning her attention to her son. “Why is this happening?”

Part of Jim wanted to say that the gummgumms had been around for ages, but he knew she didn't want the history of trolls. He put his hand to his chest and dispelled his armor. 

“The amulet chose me, I'm the only one who can keep everyone safe.” He clutched the amulet tightly in his hands. “This is my duty, and I can't let the world down.”

“You're only sixteen.” She reached up and caressed his face, “You’re not supposed to be carrying the weight of the world.” A look of realization flickered across her face as she seemed to connect the words with what Strickler always called him. “So, so Strickler knows about this troll world?”

“Yup, yeah, he uhh, he knows about it,” Jim nodded.

Draal coughed and Jim was about ready to punch him, not that his unarmored human fist would do any damage. If he tells her about Strickler, I'm- I'm going to… do something!

“And Toby and Claire know about this too?” She continued.

“Yeah, Toby found the amulet, and Claire found out that night with the goblins,” he answered, “they're both determined to help me.”

“And their parents?” She urged, already knowing if she was just finding out, every other adult was probably clueless to the danger their children were in.

“We can't tell them,” he said firmly, needing to make sure that it was taken as a statement and not a suggestion. “The troll world has remained hidden from our world for centuries, it’s not something to tell everyone about. The world beneath our feet has to be protected, and if everyone found out, horrible things could happen to them. I spent days deciding if it was even safe to tell you everything.”

Draal nodded, having been forced to give feedback on most of it.

“This is something that takes time and thought.”

“You sound like Blinkous,” Draal laughed, and Jim's cheeks heated as he realized he did. 

“Jim, this is dangerous,” Barbara said.

“I know it’s dangerous!” Jim took a step back and looked down at himself, “I've been hospitalized twice because of this job, but I would risk everything for these people.”

“Twice,” she mumbled.

“I do not believe she was aware of the stalkling in the thunderstorm,” Draal so intelligently observed.

“Mom, you have to promise me you won't tell anyone,” he pleaded.

“I-” She wanted to refuse, what mother wouldn't? “Okay, and you’ll continue to be honest with me?”

“Of course,” he nodded, as honest as I am with everyone else.

Barbara’s phone buzzed with an alarm, “Shoot, I have to leave for work.” She stood, and both boys stepped back and out of her way.

She was about to go grab her things, but stopped and looked at the two standing before her. “I don’t-”

“It’s okay mom, I’ll be fine,” Jim assured her, “I think the most we’re going to do is maybe go to Trollmarket to bug Blinky.”

After a assuring nod from Jim, she reluctatly grabbed her things then hurried over to Jim and wrapped him in a hug. She squeezed him tightly, and he returned the embrace. He needed to assure her that this was okay. 

“I can't say I support this troll fighting, but I promised myself I would support you no matter what.” She planted a kiss on the top of his head. “Be safe, kiddo.” She slowly released him. “I'm proud of you.”

Jim smiled, and watched her leave, while glancing at Draal over her shoulder a few times.

Once she was gone his smile dropped, had this really been a good idea?

“I had expected more screaming,” Draal said.

“And I expect to feel better,” Jim rubbed his thumb over the etchings in his amulet, “but I feel like I'm still keeping so much from her.”

“You are,” He stated, and walked off towards the kitchen.

“Right, one day I'll tell everyone,” Jim told himself, flipping over the amulet and opening it to look down at the time stone. Or maybe he would wait until every threat was gone, then he would forget.

Notes:

I'm not sure I'm super happy with this chapter, but I don't want to rewrite it or anything, so yeah, its done and now I don't have to deal with it.

Chapter 20

Summary:

Jim is training and gets to know more about Blinky even if he already knew some of it. At school Jim is reminded of several issues that he needs to deal with, one of which becomes extremely pressing.

“We did it!” Toby shouted up above on safe flat ground, playing video games with AAARRRGGHH!!!. Jim, on the other hand, was hanging off the side of a cliff with the risk of falling into The Deep.

“I kinda thought we were going to be working on the Vespa today,” Jim called up to Blinky, ducking down as a burst of fire shot out where his head had just been.

“In due time,” Blinky assured, as he tightly held the lone safety rope assuring Jim that if he did fall he would at least have someone to stop him from falling to his death. “You have been ‘slacking’ as Toby says, since our battle against the changelings. But threats are still out there and you have centuries of training to learn.”

“Pretty sure I’ll be dead long before I can get through all of that,” He grumbled, and lunged for a higher hand hold. Blinky still seemed to be determined to make sure Jim had memorized the basics at least a dozen times.

“Precicly,” he agreed, “Which is why each hour of training we can get should be taken advantage of.”

Jim grunted as he lunged again, this time making it to the top. He rolled himself onto flat ground and Toby applauded him. 

He had been offered the same training, but Toby had decided against that, saying he was getting plenty of climbing practice in P.E.. To both the boy’s excitement, Toby had made it to the top of the rope several days in a row now.

“Now that you have warmed up, let us simulate you in a battle!” Blinky cheered, and was already starting toward the Forge controls. 

“Warm up?!” Jim gasped, and pushed himself to his feet, “I thought that was the training for today.”

“Rarely will your enemies come to you for a fight, you must learn that often you will have to endure after them before the battle will begin.” Blinky stood proudly beside the controls as Jim slowly followed.

“If I fight you do I win?” Jim asked sarcastically, he sometimes wondered what that would even be like.

“Not good idea,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said, while keeping his eyes focused on the videogame, “Blinky great fighter.”

“I prefer books,” Blinky shrugged, “I haven’t wielded a weapon since AAARRRGGHH!!! chose the path of a pacifist. It was a glorious battle as we fought beside Kajigar.”

Jim liked to see that look in Blinky’s eyes, the way they gleamed when he thought back on his adventures with friends. 

“You fought alongside Kajigar?” Toby asked, pausing the game, to give his attention to their mentor.

“It was for but a brief time, it was when we traveled from the land you call England to the Americas on a ship called the Mayflower. Deya the Deliverer knew we needed a new home, and so we prepared to stow away on a ship…”

Blinky dove into the story, telling how Deya was felled and Kanjigar was selected for the next Trollhunter. As the story was being told AAARRRGGHH!!!, Toby, and Jim sat down on the ground happily listening. Toby elbowed Jim, and smiled proudly. He had gotten Jim a break, or maybe out of the rest of training entirely. Jim appreciated it, and was extra happy to hear about the brilliant person who could recall each detail of the past journey. He could only hope that one day he would be able to tell adventures half as well.

When the story was finished Blinky finally realized what Toby had done. He was tempted to still put Jim through more training, but in the end decided against it. 

Blinky and Jim left for the Library, where there was a collection of tools and the parts for Jim’s dream vehicle. The two of them got to work, and Jim would never not be impressed with how quickly the troll had learned the mechanics.

“Blinky,” Jim started slowly, and placed a wrench in his open hand. “Do you think it was a good idea for me to tell my mother?”

“You had thought it over for many days, are you not happy with the results?” He asked, and tightened several bolts.

“I guess it just seems weird to have told her,” he sighed, “I know she’s my mom, but it feels like these two worlds that I hold separate are trying to merge together.”

“The life of a Trollhunter has never been an easy one.” He turned to the boy beside him. “Often your predecessors would remove their loved ones from their life as a means to protect them. But there are others such as Araknak the Agile, who were supported by their family and allies which helped them succeed in many ways.”

“I know, I just, I thought telling her would make me feel better, like a weight would be lifted, but no matter how many people know what I’ve been through the weight of it doesn’t go away.” Jim slumped, sitting back and resting his arms on his knees.

Blinky sat back as well, mimicking the position to the best of his abilities. “Often I assure you of the weight you must bear… What do you believe would take some of this burden from your back?”

Jim sighed, “I don’t know, that’s the problem. So much of my life has been me getting hit with problem after problem and I  deal with them, but then there are times like this: where nothing bad is happening, and then I become uncomfortable.”

Blinky wrapped an arm around Jim, and gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze. “After defeating Bular and fighting an army of Goblins led by a group of changelings I don’t doubt you would be uncomfortable.” He laughed at the idea of Jim going back to ‘normal’ immediately after such a traumatic event. “I had hoped keeping the training active would allow you to slowly come down from the great battle, a slow progress to what you may want to be feeling. Perhaps we should treat it as your people say ‘fake it until you make it’.” Blinky shook his head, not agreeing with the statement. “It is alright to feel uncomfortable at times like this, but know that if there is ever anything that could help you feel comfortable, inform me and I will do what I can to make it happen.”

Jim smiled, leaning against the troll, “I think this is helping.”

“Marvolous,” he brought another arm around Jim, and pulled him a little closer. “How would it feel if I read a book?”

“Marvolous,” Jim tried his best to say the word the same way Blinky had. The troll smiled, grabbed a book from a close enough shelf, and cracked it open. 

The book was something about troll architecture, but Jim felt like he could listen to Blinky read the dictionary and still be comforted.

The worry of the conversation with his mother, the fear of keeping the timeline on track, and the stress of school all faded back as the troll read, and he slowly fell asleep.

 

Faint light flickered in Jim’s eyes as he opened them, what time was it?

“No, no, we should allow him to rest. Master Jim needs it.” Blinky’s voice came from a separate room.

“But has ska-ool doesn’t he?” AAARRRGGHH!!! questioned.

“Master Tobias informed us that their education does not begin until eight in the morning,” he explained.

“Blinky?” Jim slowly sat up, and rubbed his eyes. He was in a room full of old tattered pillows and blankets..

The six eyed troll entered the room, “Good morning, Master Jim!” 

“JIM!” AAARRRGGHH!!! squeezed past his partner, and flung himself onto the pile of bedding beside Jim. “Like AAARRRGGHH!!! nest?” 

“AAARRRGGHH!!! nest?” Jim questioned, watching the massive troll begin burrowing into the pillows.

“Aarghaumont has a love for the soft materials, he has been collecting them for years now.” Blinky explained, crossing his arms and smiled as AAARRRGGHH!!! popped his head out of the sea of softness.

 Jim realized the room was more than just pillows and blankets, but also had stuffed animals, yards of fabric, and even clothing. He really hoped they had cleaned it in some way, but with troll hygiene he doubted it.

“What, uhh, what time is it?” Jim asked, remembering the previous conversation he had overheard.

Blinky reached into one of his belt pouches and pulled out his phone, “According to this device it is seven thirty-two.”

“I have to get to school!” Jim jumped up, and as he hurried toward the exit, tripped on a tangle of fabrics. 

Blinky’s hands grasped the Trollhunter and pulled him to the safety of the stone floor. “I wish you well in your education, and may your Coach Lawrence not best you on this day.”

“What?” Jim quietly asked, wondering how much he was still asleep. He questioned reality even more so when Blinky wrapped him in a tight hug, released him, and sent him off with a small push toward the library and exit.

Jim slid his hands down his face as he stepped out of the library and into the street. He must have missed something. 

He hurried through Trollmarket, and up to the sunlit world above. 

If he was fast enough he could get home and wash off all the grime from the previous night’s training.

Jim unlocked the door of the house and rushed inside, he could make it! 

“Is there danger, Trollhunter?” Draal called, leaning out of the basement door.

“Just woke up late!” he called back, and hurried into his room to find clean clothes. He glanced at his clock and froze.

6:40am

What time zone had Blinky’s phone been set to? Jim grabbed his own phone from his bag, and it read the same as the clock. Well, at least he had enough time to get ready for school, and maybe make lunches for everyone.

Jim took his time, relaxing from the spike of panic. He felt clean from grime, and whatever might have resided in AAARRRGGHH!!!’s nest. Cooking up a quick lunch completed the feeling of calm, and with plenty of time to spare he met Toby out on the street to bike to school together.

“You really let me spend the night in Trollmarket?” Jim asked Toby, who was trying to bike and figure out what resided in his lunch bag.

“You were cozy, all snuggled up to Blinky like a little kid,” He teased, then lifted the bag and shook it, “Is this a turkey mozzarella melt with pesto and tomatoes?”

“Spot on,” Jim nodded, as they crossed the bridge over the canal. “Okay, but while I remember when we go to Trollmarket tonight we need to fix the clock on Blinky’s phone, it’s set to the wrong time zone or something.”

“What no!” Toby shouted, nearly crashing as he tried to put his lunch in his backpack. “I put it an hour ahead so that he lets us go early! I noticed we always got out at eleven but now we’re out at ten.”

“Really?” Jim had never paid attention to the time while he was in Trollmarket.

“There aren’t that many clocks that work in Trollmarket, and now that Blinky has a reliable one, were totally set, I had been tempted to change it by two hours, but I figured he would notice that one.”

“You're a strange genius.” Jim shook his head, and couldn’t help but laugh. He had to admit it was a good idea, he had forgotten Blinky didn’t always remember that the boys needed eight hours of sleep and also needed to get their homework done.

Toby smiled with pride, and for the rest of the bike ride asked about his experience waking up in Trollmarket. 

It wasn’t the weirdest place Jim had woken up in, the weirdest one probably had to be waking up in twelfth century Camelot surrounded by knights.

 

School carried on as it always did, History class made no sense, but that’s what happened when the school coach subbed in place of a centuries old changeling. How much of those events had Strickler been through himself? 

Jim hated to admit it, but only a week had passed and he already really missed Strickler. How many people made up his everyday life at this point? And who else would he greatly notice if they left?

The school bell rang signalling them to head to their next class.

“Hey Jim.” Claire walked up to the two boys as they packed up. 

“Oh, Hey Claire,” Jim quickly stood, dropping a few items from his open bag, and then two of them crouched to pick them up. 

“Thanks,” He said as she handed him some of the items, and this time he stood without dropping anything this time.

“Hey, I was just wondering, I meant to ask you before, but I still keep seeing weird texts from you now and then. And I still don't understand how that works with all the… stuff.” She explained, looking unsure of her current company left in the classroom.

“What texts?” Toby questioned.

“Oh, those, yeah I can explain that after school,” His eyes darted to the floor, unable to meet hers.

“Uh, dude, weren't you saying you wanted to head straight home after school?” Toby interrupted before Claire could reply. “you know, wanting to be there for your mom, who's probably freaking out.”

“Is everything alright?” She asked, worry creasing her brow.

“Everything is fine. Okay plan!” Jim’s voice raised louder than he wanted, and he took a deep breath to lower it again. “I go home, and clear up anything my mom wants to ask me about, then I go to training because I know Blinky won't like me skipping after falling asleep.”

“On him.” Toby laughed.

“Right, then tomorrow, I will clear up any issues with my phone and figure out what's up with it at Claire's. Sound good?” Jim heaved a sigh of relief as the two nodded in agreement. “And now we go to our next classes because otherwise we're gonna be late, if we aren't already.”

 

As each class went by Jim grew more and more nervous about going home. 

What if his mom was mad?

I can hardly remember the last time she got really mad .

What if she took his amulet away?

Pretty sure me and Draal could easily get it back… without hurting her.

What if Strickler was there?

What is he going to tell her that I haven’t already told her?

What if she got amnesia and forgot the whole conversation?

Okay, what is happening to these scenarios?

School ended, and Jim and Toby peddled home. Toby was sure to remind him that they needed to go to training and that he would be ready to go around seven in the evening. As if Jim didn’t know he was talking about the evening. 

“Night Tobes,” He waved, and walked inside. “Mom, I’m home!”

“Oh good!” Barbara called, her voice slightly further, meaning she was in the kitchen. Chances of Draal getting a good meal just went up. “How was school?”

“The same as usual,” He answered, and took a seat by the kitchen counter. “Coach Lawerence taught history, that was… something.” he cringed as he saw her putting something in the oven, and already before it had been cooked it wasn’t looking good. Now the question was would it be undercooked, burnt, or some third concoction only Barbara Lake could manage?

“Anything fun happen?” She questioned, turning towards him, and leaning against the counter by the microwave. 

Anything trollhunter related happen? Jim translated, “Not really, just Toby nagging me about making sure to go to training so Blinky doesn’t get after us for slacking again.”

“Toby is training too?” She blinked a few times as she tried to picture it, and Jim was curious what she imagined their training to be like.

“Yeah, but if it’s not something he wants to do he usually just plays video games with AAARRRGGHH!!!.” He leaned on the counter, trying to be casual about the conversation, but this felt so weird. He was pretty sure the last time they’d had a conversation like this was when he had called her a day or so before the Green Knight had attacked their camp.

“What is this training like?” There was the question he was waiting for. What mother wouldn’t question what possibly deadly situations her son was going through?

“Depends on the day.” Jim picked at the grout on the counter. “Yesterday was rock wall climbing, and the day before he was having me try to catch AAARRRGGHH!!! and then a spar with Draal.” Jim smiled, friendly sparring with Draal was the best! “It was so fun though, because I don’t know that anyone else can make getting chucked across the Forge fun.”

Barbara stared at him in horror.

“Which is not a big deal,” he assured, “I promise. My armor absorbs like all the damage, it’s really cool.” Jim thought back to his actual fight with Draal, he did not want to go against him and receive his full might again. “Maybe those broken ribs were from the stalkling.” he mumbled to himself, it was hard to tell when that injury had actually happened.

“Jim, I am worried about this… situation.” She said slowly, and it was definitely an understatement. There had to be a whirlwind in her mind right now.

What was he supposed to say? It wasn’t like he could retire from being the Trollhunter.

“What do you believe would take some of this worry off your plate?” Jim asked, and immediately was reminded of Draal’s teasing the way he sounded like Blinky. WELL THE GUY KNOWS HOW TO SAY STUFF!!!

Barbara thought, seeming as much at a loss as he was when it came to coping with stress. 

“I would like to meet this… Blinky?” She said the name as if it tasted weird on her tongue.

“Ah, he’s great!” Jim gave two thumbs up. “You’ll love him, he actually gave me the best hug this morning… still not sure why he gave me that hug.” Jim paused, as he remembered tiredly telling Blinky that spending time with him helped calm his worries. He wasn’t going to say anything against it, it had been good, just weird. “Oh and if you're up for it you can meet AAARRRGGHH!!!. He’s huge, but wouldn’t hurt anyone.” 

She gave him a worried look.

“Seriously, he swore to be a pacifist and has not even harmed a gnome in like four hundred years or something.” Jim leaned back and waved his hand in the air as if he could fan away her worry. 

“How old are these people?” She asked, thrown off by the massive number thrown her way.

Jim frowned as he thought, trying to recall what he knew of the two’s pasts. “I think Blinky is like two thousand years old? I’m not sure about AAARRRGGHH!!!, but I’m pretty sure he’s younger than Blinky.”

“If I’m remembering correctly, you got a magical amulet, and now you go to some place called Trollmarket and are being trained how to fight by a two thousand year old man?” She asked.

Say’s the woman who dated a man probably just as old. Not that he had done any better, he had gone on a date with a centuries old sorceress.

“Yeah, that sounds about right.” Jim nodded, but realized how absurd that must sound to her. He had gotten so used to trolls and their aging and world over the last few years, but she had just discovered they existed yesterday. “Is that okay?”

She pulled off her glasses to rub her eyes. “I don’t know, Jim. I’m hardly believing any of this. I’m still baffled at the idea that there is one of those things in our basement.”

“It took me a little while to get used to having him live here,” Jim agreed, then stopped as something made his nose wrinkle. “Mom, your food is burning.”

“Oh shoot!” she opened the oven, not only was it burning, it was on fire.

Jim leapt off his stool, and over the counter. He turned off the oven, opened a drawer, retrieved oven mitts, pulled the item from the oven, grabbed a towel, and put out the fire.

“There we go,” he stepped back and smiled as he pulled off the oven mitts.

“My hero.” Barbara smiled softly, then turned to her attempt at a meal and frowned. “I’m not even going to try this one, it’s going straight to the garbage.” She sighed in defeat, and closed the oven door.

“What? No!” Jim glanced in the trash and saw a previous attempt. “Draal loves your cooking!” He held his breath as he reached into the trash and retrieved what was best described as a brick.

“What’s that mean?” She placed her hand on her hip.

“It means what I said,” He answered, jutting his thumb towards the basement door. “I’ve been feeding him your cooking for a while now.”

“Oh, I’m flattered?” she said, definitely not sure if she was actually flattered by the idea of a giant troll enjoying her food.

“I do think you should be, ‘Draal the Deadly’ doesn’t hand out compliments easily.” Jim laughed, “I’ll let him know there is food for him-” he stopped as his phone started ringing. He pulled it from his pocket, and found himself smiling when it was Claire.

“Hey Claire, what can I do for you?” He answered, blushing a little at the way his mom smiled.

“No, not Spongeface! SHE’S TRYIN’ TA KILL ME!” Enrique screeched through the phone, “Di’ ya know she knows how ta throw a chancla! I’m gonna die if one of them hits me!”

“I’ll be right there, just try to get somewhere safe,” Jim instructed.

“What do ya think I’m doin’?” The call ended, but not before Jim heard a string of spanish swears from none other than Claire.

“I uhh…” Jim slowly slid his phone into his pocket as he looked up at his mother.

“Have to go,” She finished for him, “is everything alright?”

“Yeah… Not really,” He answered, then headed for the front door. “But don’t worry, it’s nothing dangerous, other than the risk of getting punched by Claire.” He hurried out the door before his mother could ask any questions that might delay him any further.

Notes:

Blinky's story about their travels across america and his ability to fight comes from the comic The Secret History of Troll Kind Comic
Araknak the Agile is from The Felled Comic.

Also sorry not sorry it ended on a cliffhanger, I was gonna do it all in one chapter but then felt like that would be longer than I wanted. Anyways, hopefully I'll have the next one up by next weekend or something.

Chapter 21

Summary:

Jim is off to rescue Enrique (the changeling) and definitely has some explaining to do.

Jim pulled up to the Nuñez home, no cars were parked out front, and all seemed at peace. That was until he sped up to the front door, and heard banging, clanging, and yelling.

Jim froze as he stood at the door. 

Do I knock or just walk in? He ran his hands down his face, what am I supposed to do? Charge in there in my armor, and claim the amulet sensed danger?

With a deep breath, he raised his hand, and imagining what chaos could be happening within, banged his fist as loudly against the door as he could.

“No, not now!” Claire shouted from inside, but still abandoned whatever was happening and answered the door, only opening it enough for her to stand in view. Her face was flushed, and a bit of sweat beaded her forehead from running about.

“Uh, hey Claire.” Jim grabbed his hand in his other as it moved to wave at her. “I had this feeling that I should-”

She grabbed his hands. “Thank goodness!” She sighed with relief, yanked him inside, and slammed the door behind him.

“Whaaat’s the situation?” He asked, glancing around the house. It definitely didn't look as bad as his first ever experience babysitting the changeling, but her parents would definitely assume some kind of party took place.

Claire snatched up a broom and held it like a weapon, “There is a goblin running around my house, and it’s… it's somehow shape shifting into my brother.” Her grip on the broom made her knuckles turn white, and she glanced at the ceiling towards the second floor as footsteps sounded overhead. “It's almost like how you described Mr. Strickler.”

“Oh, yeah, changelings,” Jim said, as if he didn't know for a fact that Enrique was one.

“I don't really care what they're called,” she huffed, and started for the stairs, “I know it has answers about my brother, and I am going to get it to talk.”

Jim dashed ahead of her, blocking her assent up the stairs. “Changelings are tricky creatures, ar- are you sure he was aggressive?”

“Didn't two of them try to kill you last week?!” She stomped her foot angrily, it was adorable! “This thing is pretending to be my brother, I need my real brother back before my parents find out!”

Jim needed to say something. He knew Enrique was durable, but Claire was strong. And for things to have escalated to a point that he had called him, he needed to calm this down now!

“Finally the Trollhunter boy answers the call,” Enrique said, staring down at them from the top of the stairs.

Not now, dude!

“What’s that mean?” She demanded, “Does he know you?”

“Trollhunters have been around for centuries,” Jim said, but it was ignored as Enrique shouted over him. 

“Yeah! He’s the protecta’ o’ lil guys like me!”

“You KNEW this thing was in my house?!” Claire's angry gaze turned to the Trollhunter, and it grew darker. “Where is my brother?!”

“I’ve been tellin’ ya!” Enrique growled, “I am your brotha!”

“No, you're not!” She shot back, “You crawled up from some dark hole and stole my brother!”

“I didn' steal nobody! The goblins did all tha’ work,” he barked.

“So you are with the goblins that attacked us!” She pointed an accusing finger at him.

“Not anymore!” he argued.

“Why?” she demanded, “because you took my brother's place, and don't need them anymore?!”

“WILL EVERYONE BE QUIET SO I CAN EXPLAIN?!” Jim shouted, needing their bickering to stop. Was this what it was like to have siblings?

“So you did know?” Claire stared at him in horror, and slowly backed away down the stairs.

“I…” he hesitated, not wanting to admit it. “I did know,” he admitted, “that's what the texts are, he was giving me information.” He walked down the stairs, approaching her.

She allowed him to close the distance between them, and loosened her grip on the broom.

“I didn't know how to tell-” A loud slap sounded through the room as Jim's face was forced to turn, and stinging pain erupted in his cheek.

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” Claire screamed, fear and anger crawling up her throat. “You think it's okay to not tell me about that?!”

“I'm sorry!” Jim tried.

Claire shoved him in the chest, making him stumble back and tumble on the stairs.

“¡Pinche madre! Este mendigo es un monstruo!” She gestured wildly at the two of them, then grabbed the ends of her hair and tugged on it. “Fuuucccckkkkkkkkk!!!!!”

Jim definitely didn't know enough Spanish to translate that, but apparently Enrique did, as he whimpered above him on the stairs.

The two boys remained frozen as she glared at them, her jaw tensed in a way that he knew she was debating on continuing to yell at them or absolutely shatter all their bones. He was at least happy she didn't have shadow magic yet. He was pretty sure they would have been sent to a personal little hell hole if she did.

“So what?!” She demanded, breaking the suffocating silence.

Jim glanced up at Enrique, who had come down several steps, then back to Claire trying to get an idea of how to respond.

“Well if you're going to explain whatever this mierda is, now is the time!” She snapped, placing her fists on her hips.

“Right, right,” Jim quickly stood, slipped down the stairs, and stood again. “So back when you asked me to babysit-”

Her fist slammed into his shoulder.

“Hey!” he placed his hand over the flaring pain, “I'm trying to explain.”

“And you could have explained how many weeks ago?!” Her eyebrows jutted up as she threatened another punch.

“Yes, I know, I was stupid for hiding this from you, I should have told you as soon as you found out trolls existed.” He admitted.

“And not sooner?!” Her hands returned to her hips, and he took that as a sign to continue.

“While you were at the concert I found out Enrique was a changeling, and at first a fight was going to break out, but then we had an opportunity to talk,” he explained as quickly, but still clearly as he could, “He was assigned here to replace your brother as a spy, but really he just wanted to get out of the Darklands. The plan is for him to stay here, and do what he can to bring your brother back. The only condition is that he doesn't ever have to return to the Darklands… unless like a master wizard asked him to or something, his terms not mine.”

Enrique gave a small growl.

Claire's hands slipped from her hips, hanging limply by her sides as she took in the situation. She took several steps back till she was against the wall, then she slid down it to the ground. She pulled her knees to her chest, hugging them tightly.

Enrique turned away, and hurried up the stairs, leaving the two alone for Jim to try to comfort her.

Jim walked over to Claire, and sat down beside her. “I'm sorry I kept this from you for so long. I was scared of how you would react, but it was a stupid idea to keep it from you at all.”

“So, my brother, my real brother…” She didn't fully know how to ask such a devastating question.

“He's safe,” He answered, “No harm will come to him while he's in the Darklands. It's something to do with the maintained bond with their changeling.”

“He's in the Darklands?” she questioned, “the place that… chupacabra said it would never go back to? That doesn't sound safe to me.” She wiped several tears from her eyes. “Am I ever going to see him again?”

“Ya will,” Enrique said, from the top of the stairs. He slowly made his way down them, his arms carefully holding a few items. 

Claire flinched back as the changeling approached her, and held out one of the items. She slowly relaxed as she realized what was being offered to her, and she took the framed picture of her brother in her hands.

“So what am I supposed to do?” She turned to Jim, tears filling her eyes. “Just pretend everything is normal?”

“Sadly yes,” he replied, hating that was the only answer. “But we're figuring out a plan to get him back, I promise I'll get him out of the Darklands.”

“In the meantime,” Enrique interrupted, then made a horrible sound in his throat, and spat onto the second item in his hand. “Here.” He held it out to Claire. 

She stared at it in disgust that formed into fear as the item began to glow. Realizing the girl wasn't going to be taking the item, Enrique adjusted his hold on the mirror. Rather than seeing their own reflection in it the surface swirled with green light. The material rippled as the magic took effect, and Enrique- human Enrique, actual Enrique- appeared. He slept cozily in the goblin crafted cradle, a few hiccups disturbing his steady breathing.

“Little Chicharrón,” She slowly took the mirror and caressed its edge. 

Jim looked from the strange portal image, then to the changeling. Since when could he do that?

The image on the mirror faded away.

“It only lasts a lil while,” Enrique explained, as Claire now stared at her own reflection. “But I can do it wheneva ya need, if it'll help.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, handing the mirror back to him. She looked down at the framed picture again, heaved a deep breath, then turned to Jim. “So what's the plan?”

“The- the plan?” He questioned, trying to keep up with her change of demeanor.

“You said you two had a plan.” She gently punched in the shoulder, but it still flared with pain from the previous, less kind, hit.

“The plan where ya go inta the Darklands all alone like the lone hero ya so desperately wanna be,” Enrique explained, with a cocky smile.

Jim narrowed his eyes in frustration with the changeling, that last part hadn't been necessary. “It’s going to take time, I can't just run into the Darklands unprepared. Gunmar is in there, and he's like the most powerful troll.”

“So, your plan is to…” she prompted, desperate for her brother’s return.

“Gather some magic stones that will help me out in that maze of a world, go in, find baby Enrique, and get out before Gunmar finds out the bridge is open.” Jim knew it didn't sound like much of a plan, but most of it was just going off of what had happened last time, and hope it goes better.

Claire pulled her knees tighter to her chest, “Got it,” she sighed, her breath unsteady as she fought back another wave of tears.

“But hey, we could always use your help getting those stones,” Jim offered, knowing they probably wouldn't be successful without her. “Oh, but I umm, I should tell you, no one else knows about him,” he gestured to Enrique, “or any of the plan… or the fact we know about the Triumbric Stones.”

Her brows scrunched in confusion, “So your plan was what? To do it all just the two of you?”

“No,” Jim said as Enrique said, “He’d try.”

“No,” Jim said again, “I just hadn't figured out the right time to bring it up.”

“So what are you waiting for?” she asked, looking up at the clock, “aren't you supposed to be heading to Trollmarket soon?”

“Oh shoot!” Jim jumped up, and started backing up to the door as he addressed the two. “Please try to get along, and Enrique help her clean up before your parents get home.” He reached the door. “Okay, take care, let me know if you need anything, and… yeah, bye!” 

He exited the house, and as he closed the door, heard Claire say. “Your parents?”

“Adoptive I s’pose.” Enrique responded.

Notes:

So sorry this chapter is so short and that it took me a while to get out. I totally forgot I had a whole bunch of stuff going on with friends and family. Totally was blocking out that it was my brother's deathaversary or whatever you would call it. lol.
also credit to my friend when I asked for something for Claire to say in Spanish, I personally don't speak a lick of Spanish T^T so having him do that was absolutely amazing!

Chapter 22

Summary:

Jim heads down to Trollmarket for some training, but also to bring up questions and plans to his team.

Notes:

Sorry it took so long for me to get this chapter up. MY FRIEND GOT MARRIED! and I was exaughsted from all the running around and making sure things went smoothly (practically slept the whole next day... something Jim probably needs to do) and then I got into a bit of a writers block, and wasn't writing more than about a sentence a day, but then yesterday at around midnight as I was laying down in bed I finally got the creative juice I needed and was able to finish writing!!!! So please enjoy the chapter!

Jim biked home, needing to grab some things, and meet up with Toby.

“I'm back!” he announced entering the house, “But only for a bit, I need to go to training.” 

“Bar-boo-rah is at work,” Draal said from the kitchen, where he was picking apart one of the baked monstrosities, and popping each piece into his mouth. “She is worried.”

“When isn't she?” Jim questioned, opening the freezer to grab a few frozen water bottles for cold water during training.

“You need to have a day with her where neither of you are rushing off anywhere.” Draal reached into the open freezer for something, and Jim swatted his hand away.

“You already have food.” He slammed the freezer shut, making something topple within. He'd deal with that later. “I meant to have a good sit down with her today, but Claire found out about Enrique, and I had to calm things down.”

“Did she squash him?” He asked, smiling at the idea.

“Draal,” Jim groaned, “no, I think they might get along now, but I'm not sure. Now I have to go to training and figure out if Blinky will help me get the Triumbric Stones so I can get my Eclipse Armor, then rebuild the Killahead Bridge, and get Enrique out of the Darklands.”

“The Triumbric Stones,” Draal said slowly, “I have seen them mentioned on your confusing wall.”

“How often are you in my room?” Jim questioned, and frowned when the troll’s eyes flicked to the floor with a bit of shame and embarrassment.

“Nevermind,” he shook his head, and pinched the bridge of his nose. Toby was probably outside waiting for him. “Will you meet us at training, then hopefully it will all get explained there.”

“Very well,” Draal nodded, “I shall make sure Blinky is training you properly in combat.”

“Sweet!” Jim beamed, knowing then at least he would get a fun spar, rather than more nagging about reading all the history books Blinky had assigned. Much like how Toby complained about his dentist reminding him to floss. Although maybe if they did what was asked of them the nagging would stop.

 Toby teetered side to side on his bike as he waited for Jim to join him outside. 

“What had you rushing off so quickly earlier?” Toby asked.

“Let's just say I figured out the text thing with Claire.” Jim answered, not sure he should tell anyone about the situation or not.

“Oh?” He wiggled his brows as he formed theories for what that meant. “Please, do tell.”

“Not really my secret to share,” he decided, that was Enrique and Claire’s situation to choose to share.

Toby’s eyes widened, “You have a girl secret?!”

Jim's made a face not sure if he should laugh or be weirded out by Toby’s thoughts on girls. “Aren't we supposed to be going to training now?” He started biking, and Toby quickly caught up behind him, and the two cut down the dirt road and down to the canal.

Jim pulled the Horngazel from his bag, and began to draw their doorway on the wall.

“I saw your mom leave for work,” Toby said, setting his bike on the ground next to Jim’s. “She looks really worried.”

“Draal said the same thing,” Jim sighed, pressing his hand against the wall and the cement rippled, cracked, and swirled to open the doorway. “But seriously, do you expect her not to be worried?”

The two of them walked into the cavern, and the doorway spiraled closed behind them. 

“Do you think it would have been better not to tell her?” Toby asked as they began to make their way down the shimmering crystal stairs.

Jim hesitated, that question had been bothering him a lot. “No,” he answered, “if I didn't tell her it would be worse.” His armor snapped around him as he fixed his mind onto that. He couldn't live through the months of arguments and stress between him and his mom again. He was willing to do a lot for Toby, but apparently that was one he wasn't willing to go through.

They walked into view of Trollmarket, and Toby hurried over to some of the stalls. He was always interested in what the trolls had to sell, and thankfully he had yet to offer a trade any of the merchants were interested in. Jim really hoped there wouldn't be a Mervin the monster dealer situation this time around.

Jim walked slowly towards the forge, and once Toby was done looking around he caught up with him. 

“Sooo,” Toby started as they walked, “are Claire and Dr. L going to be joining us in Trollmarket?”

“My mom, come here?” Jim gestured around them. “I think she would ban me from coming here if she found out about the lack of sanitation.”

Toby slid his finger down the stone wall, and rubbed what it picked up between his thumb and index finger. “Touché.” 

“Claire on the other hand…” he rubbed his hand over his forming bruise, “pretty sure she could take on a troll if one came after her.”

“So does that mean she's going to train with us?” He asked, and punched the air a few times, “I could totally show her how to fight.”

“I'm not sure she needs it, I've heard she's done gymnastics, fencing, and track and field javelin throwing,” Jim ticked each accomplishment on his fingers, and had to stop himself before he talked about magic wielding. “I think she's on a way higher level than us.”

“Yeah, but we’ve fought trolls, goblins, and changelings who want to kill us and aren't teachers.” Toby ticked their own accomplishments on his fingers. His voice then turned to a not very quiet whisper. “Speaking of teachers and changelings, does your mom know about the guy she had the hots for?”

“No, I'm not going to tell her that,” he answered, crossed his arms across his chest. “And you won't either.”

“I don't think I would want to be the one to tell her,” Toby chuckled, “but are you really still set on your weird redemption arc for him.”

Jim sighed, the chances of Toby letting that go any time soon were slim. “I just want to give him a chance, he's been such a good teacher to me for so long. Why not give him the same grace he offered me.”

“Those were low school grades, Jimbo, NOT ATTEMPTED MURDER!” Toby shouted, and several trolls turned their direction.

“Please ignore us,” Jim waved them off, and hurried his pace.

“Whatever,” one of them said, continuing on his way.

“Okay, maybe it's a bit extreme, but I know he's a good guy just trying to look out for his people.” Jim continued to explain as they entered the hall to the Hero's Forge.

“You are just as confusing as ever,” Toby sighed.

“Master Jim! Master Tobias!” Blinky greeted them as they walked across the bridge over The Deep. “I hope you have come prepared, I have an exciting trial for the both of you!”

Jim cringed a little at their mentor's excitement, knowing that meant for a grueling night. “Actually, Blinky, I wanted to talk to you about-”

“You'll find I am not so easily distracted from your training today,” he interrupted, and walked over to Jim and wrapped his two left arms around him. “I need each of you to find a token!”

“Like an arcade token?” Toby asked, starting to take on some of Blinky's excitement. “Or perhaps a token of gratitude from a beautiful damsel in distress?”

“No,” Blinky answered bluntly, “I have hidden a blue flag and an orange flag somewhere in Trollmarket, each of you is to go out on your own to find your respective flag and bring it back.”

“Ooooh, capture the flag!” Toby rubbed his hands together as a smile spread across his face. “Is there a prize?”

“Indeed, Master Tobias! The first one to return with their flag shall receive a great reward.” He gave Jim a good shake, as he tried to get the teenager excited for this game. “Master Jim, will you remove your armor?”

Jim gave his mentor a small smile, and commanded the amulet to do so. The armor dissipated easily, as he felt at ease around Blinky, even if his training ideas often made him nervous.

“Since this event is a competition it is only reasonable that we let it be fair.” Blinky snatched the amulet from Jim's hands with a victorious laugh at his successful plan.

Jim made a squeaky noise as the Amulet was held out of his reach, and his trust in the fatherly troll was shattered for the time being.

“I will give you no hints as to where your flags are, but there will be clues along the way.” Blinky beamed at the two boys, and gave Jim a small head pat. “Now, BE OFF!” 

“Uhh,” Toby turned to go then stopped, “I'm looking for the orange one right?”

“Yes, Tobias,” He sighed, “You are looking for the orange flag.”

Toby beamed, and ran off as fast as he could, determined to find his flag as quickly as possible.

“Go, Master Jim,” Blinky gave him a firm smack on the back, “This is a task of hasty perception!”

“Can- can I have my amulet back?” Jim asked, pointing to it in Blinky’s still upheld arm.

The troll looked at Jim with a small bit of disappointment. “That would make the challenge unfair, this will prepare you for if an enemy were to ever take the amulet from you.”

“But if I'm running around in Trollmarket we have no idea who I could come across, and I might need it,” He argued, reaching for the Amulet, but not quite calling for it yet.

“There are neither gummgumms nor goblins within Trollmarke. The only nuisance you may come across are gnomes, which I'm sure you can deal with, as you have already felled such a creature.” Blinky laughed at the idea of the Trollhunter being afraid of going against the small vermin. Jim was reminded that Blinky still had yet to find out that Jim and Toby had taken Gnome Chompsky home, and he was living in a dollhouse.

Jim took a deep breath, trying to calm that panic that had spiked and tightened around his lungs. “Blinky, I promise I won’t use my amulet, but I do need it.” He said as calmly as he could. “The Trollhunter council told me to always keep it close, and even though I trust you as my mentor, I can’t risk being so far from it.” 

He reached out his hand, calling the amulet, and it instantly returned to him revealing Blinky had no desire to steal the amulet away.

“A very wise decision, Master Jim.” Blinky gave a small nod of approval, then a large smile spread across his face and he lifted the boy in a tight four armed hug before dropping him back to the ground. “You better make haste, I believe you have given Tobias nearly a minute and a half head start.”

Jim glanced towards the hall where Toby had run off, then turned back to Blinky. “And you’re positive he’ll be safe.”

Blinky set a reassuring hand on the Trollhunter’s shoulder. “Do not worry yourself Master Jim, I have someone making sure he will be safe from any trouble that may befall him.”

“Thank you,” he smiled, grateful that their mentor had been sure Toby wouldn’t be at any real risk. He turned to go again, but then stopped himself once more. “Hey, Blink, what’s with all the hugs recently?”

Blinky’s eyes each blinked at a slightly separate time then they widened with a bit of embarrassment. “I have recently read up on human culture and have found that embracing one another is an important part of one's health. It is said you need an approximate count of twelve in order to have healthy growth and satisfaction in your lives.”

“Oh,” Jim had felt he had heard that somewhere, but he wondered where Blinky himself had discovered such things. Did him and Toby need to go over internet safety with a two thousand year old troll? “Is that the only reason?” He asked, realizing he hadn't seen Blinky give such support of growth to his other trainee. “What about Tobes?”

“He does not appear to be lacking in the necessary physical upliftment,” Blinky answered, but his fidgeting hands gave away that there was more.

Jim narrowed his eyes at the troll.

“You are aware the more questions you ask, the more of an advantage you give Tobias?” He asked.

“And you are aware the longer you take to answer them, the less fair your masterfully curated challenge becomes.” Jim shot back.

Blinky blew a breath through his lips causing a small trill, and he set his hand on Jim's shoulder. “Master Jim, I will admit, I am concerned about you. Your state of sleep this previous night did only cause an increase in my concern.”

Jim had to blink a few times as he processed the confession. “My state of sleep?” He asked, trying to figure out what the heck that meant.

“Sleep for most creatures, including humans, is to be a state of rest and relaxation,” Blinky explained, as if Jim didn't know what sleep was. “During your unconscious state you appear to be achieving neither of the needed aspects.”

“Hey, I got great sleep last night,” Jim shook Blinky's hand off his shoulder, and stood proudly, “I am so well rested I could fight a nyarlagroth.”

Blinky frowned at the statement, somehow that had only worsened the mentor's worries. “As I was saying, you are supposed to be resting and relaxing, but instead you become more tense and stressed, even muttering about matters that are quite concerning.”

Jim's face paled, I've been talking in my sleep?! How long have I been talking in my sleep at this point? Why hasn’t anyone brought it up until now?

“It's fine, humans have nightmares now and then,” Jim did his best to explain away the worry. “It's not a big deal.”

“‘Now and then’ would be quite acceptable, Master Jim.” Blinky nodded in agreement. “Every night is where my concern lies.”

“Okay, seriously Blink, you don't need to worry.” He casually backed away from his mentor. “I'm well rested, and doing fantastic!” He shoved the amulet into his back pocket, and hurried off to find his flag before Blinky could argue any further.

 

Jim scoured about the buildings, looking for anything that could be a hint for where he was supposed to go, or maybe a hint of where Toby might have gone. 

He groaned as he moved to another area, and came up with nothing yet again.

Why did Blinky have to get so worried? It's not like it's a big deal. Jim thought as he climbed up a shop to scan the area from a higher perspective. Our current threat is gone, and we've probably got a while until Strickler and Angor Rot show up. Not that he knows about that.

Jim leaned against a large pole that stuck up from the building to hold up a massive neon sign. It was actually impressive that it was being held by the sole support. He was starting to get frustrated with the fact that he had yet to find a single clue. Had Toby found one, or were both boys running around trying to find whatever it was that Blinky considered a clue?

He shoved off the pole, considering using his amulet. He wasn’t really sure how it might help, but if Blinky deemed it an unfair advantage there had to be something. 

No! I’m not going to do that. He pulled his hand in front of him, to be sure it didn’t go for his back pocket. He paused as he looked down at his arm. There was blue chalk dust all over his sleeve. He turned to the pole where he had been leaning, and his eyes widened. How did I miss that?

A large blue arrow had been drawn onto the pole with chalk, and Jim could have possibly erased the clue without ever knowing it was there! He followed where the arrow was pointing, and set off in that direction, deeper into Trollmarket where he hadn’t ventured very often.

Once he had reached the housing where the previous clue had led him, Jim had to search about for the next one, which Jim believed was a sign for gnome traps, with a blue ribbon tied to it. If that gave him a clue to anything, he was off to Bagdwella’s. At Bagdwella’s he was given a clue regarding travel. So to the Gyre station he went, although Blinky had yet to show them where the Gyre was this time around. From the Gyre station he went to a restaurant, picked up an order for a troll with a name he didn’t recognize, delivered that, then was given his next clue which led him further from the main market.

Jim’s eyes widened as he continued to take in how truly big Trollmarket was. It just kept going and going. There were even trolls getting rides from even bigger trolls. The massive living taxis were probably the size of the quagawumps’ cousins. He tended to forget how big some of these trolls could become.

The continuing clues wound Jim further and further into the vastness of Trollmarket, each turn revealing more to be explored where Jim had thought was an end. He had always been so limited to where he went and who he was able to interact with, he forgot how vast the world he had sworn to protect was.

He weaved his way through a crowd at a small merchant stand selling items from another trollmarket far off. The traveler’s back was still burdened with some of the items they had brought with them. Jim shooed away several gnomes that crowded his feet, and as they fled his kicking feet Jim made sure his Amulet was safely in his pocket.

“Oh finally,” he sighed with relief as he spotted in the distance a pile of rock, and at the top was a stick with a blue cloth tied to it. That had to be the flag.

He hurried his pace towards the item, but froze as a shadow shifted. Someone was lurking above him. Jim jumped back just in time as a troll slammed down on the ground where he had just been standing.

“You want your token, you’ll have to go through me.” Draal stood up to his full height, puffing his chest as he slammed his two fists together. 

“Oh, Draal.” Jim let out a relieved breath. “You scared me. Looks like Blinky already beat me to asking you to come down here for my training.” Jim reached for his amulet, ready to take on his opponent.

Draal’s fist wrapped around Jim’s entire forearm, stopping him from retrieving the item. “What’s this, Trollhunter? Trying to cheat?”

“Ah, no, I forgot,” He grumbled, trying to pull his arm from Draal’s grasp. How was he supposed to spar with the eight and a half foot tall warrior without his amulet?

Jim shoved the panic away from his mind, he could do this! He had fought a freaking god without his amulet. He hadn’t been winning… but he had still fought them!

Kicking against Draal’s fingers, loosened the grip enough that Jim was able to pull his arm free, and roll out of the way as he tried to grab at him again. 

Draal threw several punches, nearly hitting Jim, but the Trollhunter dodged with ease. He was lighter and faster without his armor, but Draal was pulling his punches. Jim knew if his armor was equipped Draal would be trying and probably sending him flying into a distant building.

Jim dove under the troll, popped up behind him, and tucked himself into the warrior’s blind spot.

“Smart move, Trollhunter,” Draal said, as he realized what Jim was doing. “Use your opponent’s weakness against them. Tell me, when did you discover my blind spot?”

“The second time we fought,” Jim answered, “in the previous timeline.”

Draal laughed at the idea that Jim had known about it for so long. “And you had not thought to use it against me before?”

“I thought I should go easy on you,” he quipped, “I mean a warrior like you, against a Trollhunter like me?”

“You are trying to anger me,” Draal huffed, spinning around, but Jim kept himself in the blindspot. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” Jim shrugged, even though his friend couldn’t see him. “Blinky is all worried about me, and I guess I’m still trying to figure out what to make of it.”

“So you are trying to create a true spar between us to ignore the thoughts caused by your mentor’s concern,” he stated, making Jim realize what he hadn’t fully registered himself.

“Since when could you read people so well?” Jim asked, focusing his attention on the flag that he now faced.

“You and I have our similarities, Trollhunter,” Draal answered, “much like how you make a run for your goal at the same time I would.” He curled into a tight ball and rolled after the sprinting boy. 

Jim grit his teeth as he got closer to the flag, but could feel Draal closing in on him.

“Come on skinny legs!” He hissed as the rumbling of the threat behind him began to shake the ground beneath his feet.

He ducked into a roll as the rumbling in the ground stopped, and Draal launched himself into the air. Jim tumbled onto the rock pile, reached up, and gripped tightly around the flag’s pole. 

“GOT IT!” Jim shouted, and Draal crashed onto the ground over him. His fist breaking into the stone beside the Trollhunter’s head. Draal slowly stood up, allowing Jim to go free.

Jim pulled himself closer to the flag, and pulled it free from the stone pile. 

“Why’d you stop coming after me?” Jim asked, turning to the troll, who gestured for him to go back to the Forge.

“You have gotten what Blinky sent you to retrieve, that was your mission,” Draal answered.

Jim looked down at the flag grasped in his hands, then back to his friend in front of him. His knuckles turned white as they clenched the pole tighter, and past future memories overlaid his vision.

“No, no, no!” He shook his head as the crystal caverns swirled in his mind. “Me grabbing this means nothing, an enemy doesn't just let you go! Gunmar didn't just let us go!” 

“Trollhunter.” Draal's hands clasped around his arms and chest, restraining him. “This is a game for practice.”

“Maybe we shouldn't be playing games!” Jim scrunched his eyes closed, trying to block out memories attempting to mix with where he was now. “There is still so much I have to face, what if I’m not prepared enough?”

Draal growled, scaring the boy from speaking any further. “Open your eyes!” He ordered, and Jim did as he was told. “I am no good at giving words of comfort. Return to the Hero's Forge, and present your token to Blinkous. I will make sure you are able to speak of your need for the stones tonight.”

Right, the Triumbric Stones. Jim was glad he had Draal to remind him of what was important. But what if we don't always have him? What if he falls?

“Tobias may be ahead of you, if we are to win this challenge we must move quickly.” Draal tightened his grip around Jim.

“Wait, wh-” he questioned, but was yanked into Draal's chest, and the troll curled around him. The stone flesh pressed Jim into an uncomfortable position, and everything began to spin. Shouts sounded as they rolled through the streets, heading at top speed to the Forge.

Jim's stomach twisted with the rapid rolling, and his lunch tried to escape him. “Dra-a-al! I’m gonna be si-” He clenched his jaw as he fought down the feeling in his gut.

The tightness around Jim released as Draal sprung out from his tight ball, and the two of them landed upright before Blinky. Draal released the boy in his hands, who immediately folded over, hands on knees, and emptied his stomach onto the stone floor.

“Ooh, that's not fun,” Toby’s voice came from near Blinky. Jim had lost his lunch for nothing.

Blinky made a disgusted sound, but then cleared his throat, ignoring the mess before him. “You successfully retrieved your token!”

Jim straightened his arms, propping himself a little taller, and raised his head to look at his mentor. “That was worse than the gyre.” He grumbled, and wiped away the fluid on his chin.

Blinky laughed, “Master Jim, you have not even ridden the gyre before.”

“Gyre?” Toby questioned, his clues having led him to different locations. 

“Hate gyre,” AAARRRGGHH!!! whimpered at the idea. 

“It's an exciting mode of transportation we trolls have,” Blinky answered, “now Tobias, your reward! You shall pick our next form of training from the options I have selected.”

Toby immediately began to complain, but Jim wasn't paying much attention, as he stepped away from the mess he had made and tried to get it off his shoes.

“I had hoped to get us here before the others,” Draal huffed, upset that they hadn't been faster.

“It was a good attempt.” Jim stood up straight, and the world wobbled around him, throwing him off balance. “Let's never do that again.”

“I make no promises,” he replied with a smirk, and started towards the other three who were arguing over training possibilities.

Jim groaned, that hadn't been the response he wanted. He made his way to his bag, needing water to clear the acid from his mouth and throat. The melted ice turned into perfectly cold water that Jim downed in a matter of seconds. He knew it wasn't a good idea to chug water right after throwing up, but he didn't care right now. 

“BLINKY, OUR TROLLHUNTER HAS SOMETHING TO ASK OF YOU!” Draal's voice boomed through the entire Forge. Well, there was his queue to bring up going into the Darklands. 

Jim headed over to the group, and tossed a bottle of water to Toby. He put the cold item against his forehead, then cracked it open to enjoy the contents.

There wasn't an easy way to start this conversation, so… 

Jim heaved a deep breath. “I need your help getting into the Darklands.”

The two trolls froze, and Toby spat out the water in his mouth, their minds trying to understand the ridiculous sentence that had just left his mouth.

“Uhh, Jimbo, didn't we like just destroy the one way there?” Toby asked, coughing on a bit of water that had traveled down the wrong pipe. “To lock away an evil war lord no less.”

“Yes, but if the bridge is moved then it's also moved in the Darklands,” Jim answered, “he won't know where the bridge is. If we plan things right I can slip in and out without being noticed.”

Blinky cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to himself. “Master Jim, the Darklands are not a place one so simply slips in and out of. The dying realm is an ever changing labyrinth. Why would you be so foolish to enter the Darklands in the first place?”

Jim rubbed his hand up and down his arm, trying to remember each answer he had come up with before this conversation. “I think- no, someone I know was replaced by a changeling. I want to get them out.”

“Wait who?” Toby asked, as Blinky exploded with fear of Jim's plans. “The nursery will surely be guarded with hundreds of goblins and gummgumms, the mission would be suicide!”

Jim sagged a little, but reminded himself that he had somehow convinced Blinky once before. “There has to be a way for me to get in there. I won't be going in unprepared, there are these stones… the trinity stones?” He questioned, as if he had only heard the name of the stones once.

“Trinity Stones?” Blinky questioned, thinking hard. “Where did you hear of them?”

“The Trollhunter council,” Jim answered slowly, the lie brought an even worse taste to his tongue.

AAARRRGGHH!!! and Blinky turned to each other, communicating with a look of what to think of the new idea. Draal rolled his eyes, he knew Jim hadn't talked with the council in a while, and he still wasn't a complete fan of keeping Jim's time travel a secret.

Blinky approached the Trollhunter and grasped his shoulders in his many hands. “I shall research these stones, but, Master Jim, I must impress upon you the danger opening the bridge could bring.”

“I know, I know,” Jim said, before Blinky could remind him of the death and carnage Gunmar the Black could bring to the world. “I- if I don't save this kid I don't know how I could live with myself.”

“Many times Trollhunters have been conflicted by the choices before them,” He began, and squeezed the boy’s shoulders, getting him to look at him. “But I believe in you, Master Jim. If this is a call you must answer, then I will do all that is within my power to aid you.”

“Thank you, Blink.” Jim pushed forward, and this time it was him who embraced the other. He felt like he had been arguing with everyone to get things to fall into place, it was exhausting! Blinky put his trust in his Trollhunter, and although it was another thing to bear on his shoulders, it felt like a good thing to have there.

“Do not think this matter will relieve you of your training, for this call only begs us to increase your skills.” He informed the boy tightly wrapped in his arms.

Jim only squeezed the troll tighter, he wouldn't have it any other way.

Chapter 23

Summary:

Jim has a nightmare and his mother is more than concerned. but in the end Jim really just wants a break for the day.

Notes:

Shorter chapter :3

Dream is in italics because it's in his head or something like that.

The journey home felt like the longest trek in the world! Blinky hadn’t let them out at the usual time, and now it was nearly one in the morning when Toby and Jim finally made it to their respective door steps. 

Once inside, Jim went straight to his room, stripped off his dirty clothing and flopped onto his bed, exhaustion dragging him down into sleep almost instantly.

 

Jim stood in the dim halls of Arcadia Oaks Highschool. Voices could be heard in the distance, but they had no seeable source. 

Footsteps sounded quietly down a hall to Jim’s right, a few feet in front of him. Even as quiet as those steps were, he knew them instantly. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out the amulet of daylight, clutching it tightly in his hand with the fear of losing it.

“For the glory of Merlin, Daylight-”

The enemy rounded the corner as their aged voice finished the sentence. “Daylight is mine to command.” Angor Rot held out his hand, and the amulet flew to him immediately.

“No!” Jim reached for the amulet, but it wouldn't return to him.

Angor Rot’s piercing soulless white eyes stabbed into Jim, as he laughed at his fear. “And Daylight is mine to destroy.” His grip tightened, claws dug into the crystal within, and then the Amulet crumpled into tiny irreparable pieces.

“No!” Jim growled through sharp tusks, and lunged at the ancient troll. He could defeat him without the amulet, he was strong enough! 

Jim slammed his blue stone fist into Angor Rot's chest, sending the troll tumbling back. He lunged for him again, roaring as he dug his fingers into the troll’s throat.

“ENOUGH!” Gunmar's deep commanding voice sent shivers up Jim’s spine.

The half troll stood, and turned around to face this new threat, finding himself in the Darklands’ throne room. Gunmar stood at the top of the stairs in front of his throne.

“Except defeat, boy,” he growled, then kicked something at his feet that tumbled down the stairs to Jim.

Jim took a stumbling step back as his eyes filled with tears blurring the image of Toby laying motionless before him.

He looked down at his hands, now fragile human flesh again, covered in blisters, scars, and blood that wasn't his own. 

The defeated boy collapsed to his knees. “Please, please, please!” he took Toby’s cold hand in his own, “Please don't leave me! Tobes! TOBY!!!” His pleading screams tore at his throat, “I can't do this without you!”

A soft humming sounded in his ear, “Don't cry, little Trollhunter,” Nari’s voice said, “We’ll just have to try again.” Her voice mixed with Merlin's. 

Jim looked down at his hands and in them sat a glass jar full of time stones ready for an infinite life of trying to make things right.

“Please, no,” he cried, as the stones lit up, and enveloped him in bright green light.

 

Jim jolted violently, and tumbled out of bed and onto the floor. He sat up and ran his hands through his sweat soaked hair. He reached for the clock on the night stand, and stared at the time.

7:00am.

He looked at his calendar on the wall, and sighed with relief when his marked completed days showed it was nearing the end of October.

Jim leaned his head against the nightstand, allowing himself to breathe through the terror of the nightmare. 

This one was worse than usual, usually they were shorter, and just brief images. This one was vivid, and felt so real.

Jim clutched his arms as a shiver ran through him. He closed his eyes and slammed his head against the nightstand. 

“Shit.”

He took a few deep breaths, then turned to look at his timeline wall. It was getting closer and closer to when Angor Rot was going to show, and Jim wasn't sure he was ready to face the terrifying beast.

“Well at least it's the weekend,” Jim said in a half hearted upbeat tone, then forced himself to get up, and wash away his night terrors.

Scalding water poured over him, removing all the sweat and grime from the night. The water turned patches of his skin pink, but he didn't turn the knob to a cooler temperature. The hot water helped his mind stay clear, it kept him in the present rather than in his dreams or the reality that once was. Finally he granted himself relief, and the water turned to a soothing cool on his skin, and then he shut off the supply all together.

After dressing he came face to face with the steam covered mirror, and wiped it clear, wanting to see himself and be reminded that he was still human. 

How often in dreams was he still a troll? So little of his life had actually been spent as a troll, and yet he had gotten so used to it. 

Jim looked down as his hands; blistered from the grueling training he had tried to wash away. 

“Better blisters than stone,” he told himself, and clenched his fists closed, causing them to erupt in pain. His eyes lifted to his reflection again, his pain and stress showing clearly on his face. 

He lifted finger guns at himself, and smirked as he made a clicking with his tongue. “Gotta be keepin’ it crispy.” The smirk turned to a proper smile, and the exhaustion faded back. He looked far more rested and healthy with a smile, especially when it met his eyes.

“Yeah, there's the face they all wanna see.” He gave himself a wink, and headed out, jumping and clicking his heels before energetically descending the stairs.

Jim peaked into the basement, “Draal, are you here?”

No reply came, so the boy closed the door, and headed for the kitchen. 

Barbara had probably been out as late as Jim, and he was sure she was just as tired as he was.

He pulled several vegetables and eggs from the fridge, mixing everything together to create a great morning omelette. What was better than waking up on the weekend after a tiring day to a freshly made omelette?

Saturday was going to be a good day, his mom had the day off so it was perfect to spend with her. Then Sunday he would go out with Toby, and meet up with Claire.

“Good morning, Jim,” Barbara greeted from where she approached the kitchen counter, then took a seat on one of the barstools. “How did you sleep?” 

“Great!” Jim answered as he rolled the omelet, happy she came down just in time to have the food right out of the pan. 

His mother let out an exhausted sigh, the hospital must have worked her hard.

“And how are the nightmares?” She asked. Jim froze, the omelet on the edge of the pan, slowly sliding towards a plate.

He forced himself to fully dish up the food, filled a glass of orange juice, and placed it all along with the needed utensils on the counter before his mother. 

He turned back to the stove and started on his own food, but the process didn’t feel as relaxing as before. “Is there a reason everyone suddenly knows about the nightmares?” He disappointedly questioned, the question was mostly to the universe and himself, but his mother still answered.

“Toby brought them up yesterday while you were at Claire’s,” She explained, picking at her food with her fork. A small expression of being ashamed for bringing up the topic flickered across her face, but it was easily overpowered by her worry for her son. “We’re all just worried, Jim, if this is all getting to be too much for you-”

“I’m fine,” He turned to her and smiled proudly, he did not need this discussion right now. “They're not a big deal, seriously, I think I would know if they were a problem.”

She rubbed her hand over the other, trying to rub away the worry. Her eyes fell to the counter, unable to meet his. “I heard you screaming last night.”

Jim wanted to argue against that, but every response made him sound more insane. What was he supposed to say? That he was having nightmares that mixed the worst experiences of his life together? Everything that happened in this last nightmare wasn’t even something anyone would expect him to even think of at this point. He wasn’t even supposed to know who Angor Rot was. Nor were you supposed to know about the gyre. Jim cringed at his slip up last night. 

“Jim, I’ve been thinking,” Barbara started slowly.

The smell of burning eggs turned Jim’s attention to the stove, and quickly did what he could to save his food. 

“You were thinking?” Jim prompted, trying to sound unbothered.

“This is all so much for you to take on your shoulders, at this age you’re only supposed to be worried about homework and girls, not trolls and magic!” She readjusted her glasses as she took a deep breath. “I know you don’t want to tell me everything, but what if we got you someone to talk to?”

Jim slid his omelet onto his plate, blinked a few times as he processed her meaning, then turned around to face her. “You want to put me in therapy?” He laughed at the idea, and leaned back against the counter. He hissed when his palm touched the edge of the stove, and he scooted over a bit to clear the dying heat. 

“I know it doesn’t sound exciting.” She shook her head at the idea as if she too disagreed with it. “But I feel like-”

“No, mom, just no.” Jim waved the idea away. “First, we can’t tell anyone about the troll world, it’s been kept secret for centuries for a reason. Second, I'm pretty sure I would send my therapist to therapy.”

That was not the right thing to say, you idiot! He screamed internally as Barbara’s brow creased with more worry.

“Th- that was a joke,” Jim did his best to laugh it off, “My second point was that even if we had a person I could talk to I don’t know that I would even have time for that.”

“Jim, this is serious.” She stood, then came around the corner to be closer to him. “You’re my son.” She cupped his cheek in her hand. “I want you to know you’re not alone in all of this.”

“I know,” he whispered as he leaned into her hand. “Can we not talk about this, and just have a normal day today?” He wanted that so badly, he’d been wanting it for so long now. How long had it been since he’d had a normal day? What was a normal day at this point?

She hesitated, clearly she wanted to dig deeper, but she gave into the request. “Of course,” She smiled down at him, then wrapped him in a hug, “ Yes! We’re going to have an absolutely amazing normal day!”

Jim laughed at her sudden enthusiasm, he didn’t see her like this often. “What should I prepare for?”

“To be relaxed and have nothing to worry about,” she answered with pride, “you won’t have to make any decisions today, I’ve got those covered, kiddo.”

Jim fought down the tears from the relief those words brought him, and after they ate breakfast her words held true. 

Barbara knew her son well enough to make the perfect lazy day, with his favorite movies and games. The two of them even tried to play chess, but found neither of them were any good. 

Lunch was delivered to their door, and when Jim felt restless they went for a walk while the sun was still high in the sky so there weren’t any risks of running into trolls. 

Jim laughed at the fact that he got to have dessert before dinner, which made him feel like a happy child.

“You are a child.” Barbara reminded him.

“A teenager,” he corrected.

“And I’m an adult,” she added, “we can all enjoy having dessert before dinner.”

The two of them headed home, where Jim wanted to make their dinner, and Barbara picked something out for him to make. A few times she tried to help, but he had to fix each thing she did. He didn’t mind though, it made it more fun. 

After dinner the two of them sat on the couch to watch the first Gun Robot movie, a film they had memorized at this point. 

Tired from the day the two of them headed up stairs, and Barbara requested to tuck him in for the night. He thought it was a bit silly, but still allowed it.

“Please ignore that,” He said, catching her looking at his timeline wall. “It’s personal thoughts.”

Barbara immediately turned away from the wall, and towards her son. And once he laid down she carefully tucked him in.

“Love you, mom,” he mumbled through a yawn. 

“Love you too Kiddo.” She planted a kiss on his forehead, then headed for the door. “Please have sweet dreams.” She whispered, then padded down the hall to her own room.

We can only hope. He thought, as sleep pulled him into darkness.

Notes:

I do feel like the tranistion from worry to fun mom is a bit fast, but I also feel like Barbara is trying to be whatever Jim needs her to be in the moment so I didn't change it. Jim needs so much therapy, but its probably true that he would send his therapist to therapy. I think a lot of people would have a crisis if they found out that a magic world existed while also learning about time loops and time travel.
anyways, hoped you liked this. Now go drink some water! I'm gonna go have a nice big glass so you should too <3

Chapter 24

Summary:

Jim and Toby go out to town for the morning

The pleas to whatever controlled Jim’s dreams went unanswered. Nightmares wracked him through the night, and the relief from the previous day did little to grant relief for the new day.

Jim moved through his routine of washing away the night, mustered up his energy as he forced a smile onto his face, and with a heel click headed down the stairs. 

“Good morning, Draal,” Jim called, seeing the troll looking through the kitchen for anything he might be allowed to consume. 

“Morning, Trollhunter,” he greeted, pulling an old lightbulb from the trash, and after a quick sniff, ate it. “How was the battle against the restless demons?”

Jim groaned, “Is everyone going to be nagging me about nightmares now?”

“The need to fight these monsters is not one to be ashamed of,” Draal began, standing up taller, and approached the frustrated boy. “When I was a little one I had fears of Gunmar coming to take me away to become a mindless slave in his army. My father tried to assure me that if the warlord showed himself as he once had we would fall in battle before he could take me away, but the facts did not outweigh my fears.” He closed his eyes for a few seconds as he recalled distant memories with his father. “I had terrors that consumed me when I rested. My mother told me of creatures once related to pixies that came to feast on one's fears when they slept. But as you sleep, if you fight against the fears it damages the restless demons, and makes them see you as a foe they dare not threaten again.”

“So she told you to stand up to your fears, and the nightmares went away?” Jim asked, not believing that he might have some childish fairytale haunting his mind.

“You do not believe me, but I was also told of tales of small flesh creatures that dwelled in the sun, and I did not believe them for many years of my youth.” He smirked as Jim’s face visibly showed his surprise. He had once not believed in creatures from fairytales, and now one lived in his home.

“So I’m supposed to fight the nightmares, got it,” Jim didn’t really believe it would do much, he often was fighting in his dreams, but something bad always happened anyways.

“That is what the encouragement is meant to imply,” he answered. 

“Okay, sure, sure, I’ll try it out,” Jim turned away, and slung his bag over his shoulder. “I’m going out, not sure what time I’ll be back.” 

“You have not consumed a morning meal.” Draal followed Jim to the door.

“I was going to eat out in town, I don’t have to make breakfast every single day,” Jim grumbled, hating that everyone seemed determined to mother him all of the sudden. Seriously, he could take care of himself! “Now step back, I’m going to open the door, and I don’t need you to lose a limb.” 

Draal quickly took several steps back. Jim carefully opened the door to be sure no sunlight touched his friend, then headed outside.

He stood out in front of Toby’s house, not even sure he could handle hanging out with him today. Toby talked to his mom about the nightmares, how did Toby even know about the nightmares? Jim had maybe told him about a nightmare once or twice, but not enough that it would give Toby a reason to believe they happened every night.

The front door opened, and Toby beamed with real genuine happiness at his best friend. “Sorry I took so long, Nana needed me to change like three litter boxes.” He made a gagging sound, and Jim plugged his nose as he could smell the litter dust that still clung to him. 

“Okay, but let’s gooo!” Toby charged forward and Jim followed, laughing especially hard when Toby realized he had forgotten his bike. 

“I seriously can’t believe you got out of training again,” Toby shook his head when they reached downtown, and they locked up their bikes. “How did you do it?”

“An insistent mother,” Jim replied, he hadn’t even introduced Barbara and Blinky and yet when he had brought up needing to go to training the second she knew Blinky had a phone he was called. “I wish I could have recorded it, I don’t think I will ever get to witness someone lecturing Blinky ever again.”

“She lectured him?” Toby stared in astonishment.

“For at least five minutes about the rest and free time a growing human needs.” Jim laughed as he recalled Blinky’s stammering on the other side of the phone. “It was beautiful.”

“So then, how’d it go over with your mom?” Toby asked nervously, as they approached the music store mostly run by- if he was recalling correctly-  Zoe, right next to Douxie’s book store. Very clever little wizard man.

“A little rough at first,” Jim shrugged, “Also why are you telling everyone I’m having nightmares?” Jim hadn’t confirmed it, but he figured he had been Blinky’s source as well. 

“I- I’m worried about you, Jimbo.” Toby fidgeted from a small smooth pink stone he had pulled from his pocket, where he typically kept a small handful of rocks from his collection.

“And now everyone else is too, thanks to you,” Jim grumbled, shoving his hands deep into his pockets.

“What, can't handle people mothering you?” Toby questioned, entering the store and picking up a vinyl to avoid eye contact with Jim. “Because that's how you treat me.” 

Jim turned away from Toby, and looked over the assortment of instruments on the wall, then turned to the counter where Zoe was working on restringing a red and white electric guitar. Was that Douxie's?

“Welcome in,” Zoe drawled, “Is there anything specific you're looking for?”

“Uhh, no, just browsing,” Jim answered.

Her expression shifted from a tired over-worked teenager to someone who was alert of possible magic around her.

“Do… Do you need something?” He questioned, pulling his hands from his pockets and grabbing tightly onto his bag strap instead. Had Douxie told her about him? Did she know he was from the future? How close were she and Douxie? We’re they dating, or just friends? 

Now his thoughts were just getting off track.

“You look out of place here,” She replied, then her eyes widened. She rubbed her temples and returned to her previous slouched position. “Please don't tell my boss I said that.”

“It's alright, I don't come here that often,” He shrugged, he more tended to be in the movie or game stores, Claire was the main one that went here. “I probably am a bit out of place here.”

“Well, let me know if you need anything,” She turned back to her work stringing the guitar.

Jim continued to browse and glanced over to Toby who was looking through classic vinyls, probably looking for something for Nana.

He felt a bit bad, Toby was only trying to look out for him, just like how he was trying to look out for Toby. But Jim just took care of Toby himself, not asking others to do it as well. Although that wasn't counting a few times he had asked Draal to check on him, or talked with AAARRRGGHH!!! on how he was doing, or asked Blinky if the training Toby went through was perfectly safe.

Maybe he was just as bothersome about danger as Toby was becoming about nightmares.

“Aaah, Zoe, Zoe, Zoe!” Douxie walked into the store proudly, Archie perched happily on his shoulders. “Oh, hey Jim.” He offered a small wave as he walked to the counter.

“Hey, Douxie, Archie.” He waved back, and Toby gave him an odd look saying “You know him?”

“What are you doing in my store?” Zoe demanded, keeping her eyes on her work.

“Your store? Congratulations on the promotion,” Douxie teased, and Archie hopped off his shoulders onto the counter.

“You know what I mean.” She glared at him through her bright pink bangs. “Here you little vicious beast.” She reached under the counter, pulled out a can of tuna, popped it open, and placed it on the counter for the familiar.

“I’m on my break, thought it would check on my darling.” He raised his brows at her, but then slid his hand along the edge of the guitar. 

“I only tolerate you for Archie you know,” she turned and smiled at the creature on the counter and gave him scratches under the chin. “And I’m still not done, you could have restrung the guitar yourself.”

“But I like it better when you do it,” He smiled proudly, “It’s got a sort of magic to it.”

She rolled her eyes, and got back to work, occasionally stopping to pet Archie who purred happily with his royal treatment.

Douxie pushed off the counter, looked around the store for a short bit before turning to Jim and throwing his arm onto his shoulder. “So, how go the adventures? Haven’t stopped by the book store or cafe in a while.”

“I’ve been busy,” Jim answered, frowning at the wizard who leaned on the Trollhunter as if he were an arm rest. “Unlike you apparently,” he teased.

Douxie looked at him with faux hurt, “I am very busy. I work two jobs, and am a high school senior, and I have to take care of Arch of course.”

The cat glared daggers into him from the counter, it was definitely the other way around in his mind.

Taking care of people who threw themselves into danger couldn’t be an easy job. Jim looked over at Toby who was now looking through the rolls of band posters.

“Having an argument?” Douxie asked, following Jim’s gaze, “You should just talk it out, communication is keeey.” He turned to Zoe as if they had a perfect relationship through incredible communication skills. The Girl only shot him a glare similar to the one Archie had just provided. 

“And why should I take your advice?” Jim demanded, although talking was the most logical thing to do, but it was fun to question Douxie.

“I’m older, wiser, handsomer.” He flicked his long bangs to the side.

“Is that even a word?” Jim shifted a little as the older leaned more weight onto him.

“I just said I was wiser, don’t ask such ridiculous questions.” Douxie ordered, shifting his voice down an octave and gave him a gentle flick on the forehead. Jim gave a small laugh as he registered the deeper voice to be an attempt at impersonating Merlin.

“Uh, hey Jim,” Toby said, walking up to the two, standing a little taller than he normally would. “Do you know this guy?” 

Was Toby trying to look intimidating?

“Oh my bad, sir.” Douxie pulled himself off of Jim and stood casually on his own. “I am Douxie, a senior at school.”

“I’ve seen you around.” Toby folded his arms over his chest. “What are you doing with Jim?”

“Just socializing, no harm done.” Douxie held his hands up in casual surrender.

Toby turned to Jim, his arms dropping from their crossed position, “Jim, you have a senior friend?” 

“Oh, yeah, we met a few weeks back,” Jim answered, “I had been studying at the bookstore now and then.”

“Oooh, when you were avoiding Dr. L,” Toby nodded, understanding the situation a bit more.

The sound of a guitar case slamming shut made all of them jump, and turn to the sound at the counter.

“Your guitar is done, now get out.” She pushed the guitar towards Douxie, and he rushed for it before it could topple off the counter. Archie hopped up onto his wizard’s shoulders, and the two headed for the door.

“Oh Douxie!” she called as he went to the door. “Are we still on for karaoke this weekend?”

“Yup, right after me and Arch do our round.” He answered, he beamed at Zoe, then gave a small two fingered salute to Jim, and headed next door to the bookstore.

“Does he always bother you that much?” Jim asked, turning his attention to Zoe, who he found softly smiling at the door Douxie had just exited. 

“Yeah,” She said, her smile vanishing, “He’s super annoying, and rarely has free time because he has to ‘do what he was told’.” She mocked with air quotes, then pulled up another instrument to work on.

After a few more minutes of browsing, Toby finally decided on a vinyl to buy, and the two of them headed out of the store, and to the more desired shop of games.

“Hey, I’m sorry for getting mad at you,” Jim said as they walked, “I guess I didn't realize how crazy I've been with everything.”

“And I guess I should have just talked to you about the nightmare thing too,” Toby replied, flopping his arms loosely at his sides. “Probably would be better than spying on you.”

Jim stopped dead in his tracks, “YOU WHAT?!”

Toby slowly came to a stop several paces ahead of Jim, and turned around. “I’ve been worried about you, and you always leave your curtain open, it's kinda a straight shot from my window. You stare at your wall like a lot. I can't see it from my angle, but I'm super curious what has you so focused for so long.”

“You've been watching me through my window?” Jim questioned again, “Tobes, that's like… so not crispy.”

“What?” Toby laughed at the use of words, “Okay, I'm sorry or whatever, but you've been acting crazy town banana pants ever since you got the amulet.”

“You've been watching me through my window for MONTHS?” Jim ran his hands through his hair, not sure how to process this.

“Yes, we've established this.” Toby slumped at the repeating question. “You seriously never close your curtain.”

“I like being able to feel the sun when it rises,” Jim explained, ignoring his desire to question his friend's choices again. “What if one day I wake up, and don't get to feel the sun on my skin ever again.” Jim stared down at his hands, remembering a bit of his nightmare the previous night when he had been a troll and shoved into sunlight by Camelot knights… although they hadn't actually been Camelot knights, they were more like trolls, or maybe goblins-

“This is what I'm talking about.” Toby gestured wildly at Jim, interrupting the thought process. “You're worrying about everything, like the world might end tomorrow.”

“But what if it did?” Jim quietly wondered, what if the Arcane Order suddenly decided today was the day to reset everything? Or Morgana broke free, and began the eternal night?

“Jim, Jim!” Toby waved his hand in front of Jim's face. “Seriously dude, do we need to get you an MRI?”

He brushed Toby’s hand to the side, removing it from directly in front of his face. “I’m fine, maybe overthinking a few things.”

“A few.” Toby breathed a chuckle of the idea of it being so simple. His eyes lit up as an idea came to mind. “You know what could help?”

Jim let out a quiet groan as Toby got that mischievous look on his face. 

Toby raised his brows up and down, as he awaited Jim to ask the question and allow the idea to be spoken. Jim was tempted to not say a word, and see how long he could hold out the groan from one breath, but Toby's bouncing eyebrows became too much to watch any longer. 

“What could help?”

Toby grinned, flashing his braces, “You mentioned bringing a particular lady to Trollmarket, we should go to her house, and see if she would be cool with it.”

“And how will that help?” Jim questioned.

“When Claire's around you don't think about anything else,” He answered, cupping his elbow in one hand and tapping his chin with the other, putting on his ‘serious’ face. “Therefore you will only overthink things about girls, and not the end of the world or whatever else you're freaking out about.”

He frowned, not so much at the dumb plan, but the fact that said dumb plan would actually probably work.

“Yup, we're going.” Toby walked past Jim, back the way they had come, to where their bikes were locked up.

Jim took a deep breath, this could be a bad idea. He still followed Toby though, he would follow him anywhere really.

Notes:

Draal's fear thing is in reference to the book "way of the wizard" in the prologue when Draal is born and Gunmar and Bular come to take him away.

In case you are clutching your chest over your pounding heart in fear of what might take place in the next chapter because things are looking a little to good, you may relax a little. I feel like writing a bit of fun fluff for a few chapters, and then it will get back into things.

ALSO question, I am debating writing a halloween chapter that would also mostly be fluff, or maybe making it spooky. I'm still on the fence if I want to write that or not so let me know if you would like to see that or if I should skip over it and get to the story story sooner. (Could also write it as a seperate one chapter fic if you think that would be a good idea instead)

Chapter 25

Summary:

Jim and Toby invite Claire to Trollmarket, but she is currently busy but is happy to go later in the day. Jim and Toby head down to Trollmarket, where everyone else has not promised to stop mothering Jim like Toby did.

Notes:

Trollish language has * for quote marks such as "Hi!" Jim said in english *Hey.* Draal responded in trollish

Toby didn't even wait for Jim to catch up, and Jim couldn't believe how fast the dude could pedal. He immediately tumbled off his bike, ran to the front door, and began to knock before Jim could suggest they call or text Claire.

Claire opened the front door, just in time to see Jim double over as he tried to catch his breath.

“Do you need something?” She asked, caught off guard. Her attention shifted between the two boys who were both panting.

“We wanted to know-” Toby heaved a heavy breath. “If you wanted to hang out then go to Trollmarket with us-” another breath, “because you know about trolls and stuff, and Jim thinks you're cool.”

Jim stood up enough to free a hand from its supportive spot, and hit Toby in the arm.

Claire’s brows scrunched, and her lips pinched together in the adorable way they did when she thought hard, but then her eyes lit up. “Wait, go to Trollmarket?” She asked. She looked over her shoulder then back to them. “Like the place underground with trolls, and all that fantastical stuff?”

“Yeah, that place,” Toby smiled proudly, and crossed his arms as he leaned against one of the porch posts, “Wanna come see how a warrior trains?”

Claire's eyes sparkled, but only a second later they dimmed. “Both my parents are going to an event an hour away tonight, I have to stay home and watch my brother.”

“Well, it’s only…” He glanced at his wrist like he had a watch on. “...the morning, it doesn’t have to be night for us to go to Trollmarket.”

Claire shook her head, “I have chores.”

Toby slumped with disappointment, his plan falling through, and they weren't even five minutes in. 

“Are you sure your brother needs to be watched tonight?” Jim offered, very much not wanting Toby’s plan to fail now that he was here looking at Claire.

Claire gave him a look that said it all before she even spoke. “Yes, he definitely needs to be supervised.”

“What if he came with us?” Toby asked, “he’s a baby right, he can’t tell anyone.”

“That’s a horrible idea,” Jim said as Claire shook her head, saying. “Absolutely not!”

“Okay, geez, I knew it was a bad idea, but you didn’t have to shoot it down so quickly.” Toby raised his hands in surrender.

“Claire, who’s at the door?” Ophelia called from somewhere further in the house.

“Just some school friends,” Claire called back, “I’ll be inside in a few minutes.” She stepped outside, and closed the door behind her. 

“Why are you so desperate for me to come?” She asked, propping her hand on her hip, she kept a serious face, but Jim could see how desperately she wanted to go. He wondered what she had already learned from Enrique at this point.

“Like I said, Jim thinks you're cool.” Toby smirked with the confidence that came from a boy who wasn’t trying to win a girl over for himself.

Claire turned her attention to Jim, “If you were wanting to ask me on another date you could’ve just asked directly.”

Jim’s cheeks warmed, and words blurted out of his mouth, “I didn’t- I mean, it wasn’t my idea to come here.”

“So you weren’t planning on asking me out again?” She questioned, a bit disappointed, but mostly stone faced.

“No, I was, just not right now-” Jim paused as his brain actually caught up with what was being said. “You want to go on a second date with me?” He questioned, Even after what happened last time, and the whole situation with Enrique?

“Not exactly a romantic way to ask, but I suppose so,” She cracked a small smile, before grabbing onto the doorknob. “I have to do my chores, I’ll let you know if I have time to hang out before my parents leave.” She started to turn the knob, but then stopped and turned to them again. “I’ll also see if I can figure out something with my brother. You’re sure it’s okay if I go to Trollmarket?”

“Heck yeah!” Toby bounced both his fists with excitement, as Jim wobbled a flat hand back and forth, as he displayed the iffy experience it could be.

“Okay, you let me know, and I’ll let you know.” Claire beamed at the two of them, before slipping back inside to tend to her duties.

Toby and Jim walked off the porch, one much more steady in their steps than the other. The two of them picked up their bikes, and Toby smiled brightly.

“There, you got to see Claire today, and you’re set up for a second date.” He leaned on his bike, and nearly toppled over as it leaned too far. “Told you it was a good idea.”

Jim tried to fight back his smile at that fact, but it was an impossible battle. “Another date with Claire Nuñez…”

“Another fleshbag in trollmarket?!” Draal demanded, the moment the suggestion was brought up. “What is our home, you're playground?!”

“Is my trashcan your buffet?” Jim asked, not that he was against Draal consuming their unneeded items.

“You're rubbish is being cast aside, not a place that is known to troll kind as a safe haven,” he argued.

Jim frowned, how was he supposed to get Claire on their team? They were not going to be able to accomplish much without her. Jim quickly apologized to each team member in his mind for the statement, but it was true. Their group all worked together, and without one of them it could all fall apart.

“Master Jim, I am worried about the turmoil another human entering Trollmarket could cause,” Blinky said, pacing back and forth. AAARRRGGHH!!! watched him carefully, a bit worried Blinky might end up on another research deep dive since the Triumbric Stones were brought up. “You have brought up many concerning things, Master Jim, but you do appear to know what you are doing.” He stopped his pacing and smacked closed fists onto open palms. “I shall look into bringing her here at once.”

“Blinky,” AAARRRGGHH!!! grabbed one of the other troll's arms as he turned to his bookshelves. “Is good idea?”

Blinky proudly smiled as he leaned close to his large companion, and his voice fell to a far too loud whisper. “Master Jim has informed me much of this Claire girl, she is quite intelligent and obedient to education, he also fancies her. I believe if we bring her along Master Jim may be far more encouraged in his training.”

“I can hear you, you know?” Jim said, folding his arms over his chest. But he still couldn't deny any of what was said. Did he really talk to Blinky about Claire that much?

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! flashed big smiles at him then each other, before Blinky turned to his shelves, perhaps looking for some long forgotten rule that would allow Claire to be in Trollmarket without any push back.

“Another human in Trollmarket?!” Vendel’s voice froze everyone on the spot, and Jim stood up straight when the old troll entered the room. “Why must I always question your choices, Blinkous?”

“Vendel, I had only intended to-” Blink was silenced by a simple upheld hand from the troll leader.

“I had come to return this tome,” He set a massive book on the center table, then turned to Jim, “but I have also been seeking a moment to speak with our Trollhunter.” He turned away and started for the door. “This way.”

Jim looked to Toby, Blinky, and AAARRRGGHH!!!, and when none of them gave him a reason to stay he followed Vendel.

The two of them walked in silence to the heartstone, where Vendel got to work on some kind of potion or elixir.

Jim looked around the room, waiting silently for Vendel to choose when to speak. He wondered if the old man enjoyed making people sit in silence for a while before speaking to them, or if it was a Jim only type thing.

Vendel poured his concoction into a vial, corked it, then placed it in a shelf with other small vials. 

“Are you going to tell me what you aren't telling the others?” Vendel asked, starting to work on another elixir.

“What do you mean by that?” Jim asked, looking down at a little stool at the main table, and decided to take a seat.

“I do not know why you have the time stone, but I do find it perplexing that Zong-Shi is still in possession of the Krohnisfere, which remains functional.” Vendel didn't even look up from his work when he said the words, but it felt as if he were staring deep into Jim’s soul.

“T-time stone?” Jim questioned, wondering if it was a good idea to let yet another person find out he was from the future.

Vendel finished up the elixir, then walked to the table Jim sat at, and stared down at him. “The Krohnisfere allows Zong-Shi to glimpse the future, I would assume the stone being in your amulet would allow you a similar ability.”

“Oooooh,” Jim breathed, “yeeeaaah…” honestly that was an easy lie to roll with.

“I have heard you are wracked with night terrors,” he sighed an exhausted breath, “are we truly in for such a harrowing future?”

“Why does everyone know about the nightmares?” Jim whispered to himself, but then looked into Vendel's cloudy eyes. “It's rather confusing, but there are a lot of threats coming up. I’m doing my best to make sure we have the best advantage possible.”

Vendel breathed a small growl at the idea of upcoming threats. “I am supposing your desire for another human to run about Trollmarket, and your determination to gather stones of fairytales is your way of preparation?”

“Yeah,” Jim nodded. The excuse of seeing the future could be so helpful!

“And I imagine you are being intelligent on who you tell of the time stone?” Vendel asked, immediately crushing Jim's plans. “If an enemy were to be made aware of it being in your possession, and they were to take it from you, it would be your ultimate downfall.”

“I know,” he sighed, but at least maybe Vendel would be able to help get things moving along.

The troll slowly took a seat and propped his hands on the table. “Are you going to tell me what threats we need to prepare against?”

“Wait, you want me to tell you?” That was completely different than he had planned, if he told Vendel things could go really bad for Strickler, and if something bad happened to Strickler then Jim's whole life would end up different. 

Vendel stayed silent, giving Jim a look that proved he wasn't going to repeat himself.

“It's confusing, but,” Jim paused for a second and took a deep breath. “There's a risk of the Darklands collapsing, and for the sake of a lot of people I need to go in and scout out the changeling familiar nursery for when we have a magic item that will allow us to retrieve all the familiars. To be safe within the Darklands I need the Triumbric Stones, which will aid me on the journey, but they also wield the power to defeat Gunmar. I'm hoping to prevent Gunmar from ever escaping the Darklands, but it's not a guarantee, because there are a lot of enemies that lie in wait for their opportunity to strike.” 

Where the heck did that come from, and how did I say it so easily?!

Vendel raised his brows in surprise, but also interest in what he was being told.

“There are also a lot of people that seem like a threat in some parts of the future, but then they’re essential allies at other times.” Jim added, he needed something to keep Strickler and Enrique safe.

“Are you able to recognize or identify any of these allies?” Vendel asked, completely ignoring everything else. 

Jim’s brows knit together as he debated actually revealing some of these people to Vendel, but what if things didn't work out with Strickler? Would Vendel be mad if Jim went against his “visions”? 

Well he could tell him about…

Claire and Enrique forgive me.

“I do recognize one, because I’ve met them, and they've already become an ally.”

Vendel stared at Jim, the old troll’s expression unreadable.

“He's a changeling.” Jim stared at his hands, and gave it a second to see if the troll would say anything, but he didn't. “He replaced the brother of the person I'm requesting access to Trollmarket for. In fact he's also the reason I need to go into the Darklands. After I retrieve his familiar he’ll be more available to aid us, and if treated correctly he will be the one to venture back into the Darklands during its collapse to retrieve the rest of the familiars when he is given a cradle stone.”

Jim slowly looked up at Vendel, and boy he was staring daggers, but they almost seemed like they weren’t targeted at him.

Vendel grunted a sharp breath that made Jim want to curl into a ball, and disappear. “How old is the changeling?”

“What?” Jim asked, caught off guard by the question, but then quickly caught up. “Well, I mean, maybe a few centuries?” He honestly had no idea how old Enrique was.

Vendel pinched the bridge of his nose. “How long has he been replacing the human? Changelings cannot age until they are bound to their familiar.”

Jim blinked a few times, processing this new knowledge, he had never heard about that, but it did explain why Enrique was so small. “Maybe a month?”

Vendel visibly relaxed, and Jim was glad he brought up Enrique rather than Strickler.

“He will not be a problem then, merely an annoyance,” Vendel suddenly looked like all his years of leading Trollmarket were weighing down on him. “I shall allow the human and the changeling access to Trollmarket, but be sure the changeling does not change while here, I do not need a panic.”

Jim didn't know what to make of the Troll's reaction to everything, or really his words he had said during the conversation, but if this got him what he needed…

“Do not make me regret this, Trollhunter.” Vendel gestured for Jim to leave, and the boy quickly took the opportunity given. He had gotten Claire the go ahead, but he also needed to tell her about the new situation with Enrique.

Once far enough away from the Heartstone, but not quite back to the library Jim tucked himself into a private nook between two quiet buildings. He pulled out his phone, and called Claire.

“Hey, what’s up?” Claire answered, and the sound of Enrique in his baby form could be heard gurgling.

“Are your parents around?” He asked, maybe he could talk to both of them.

“They’re downstairs, I was about to start seeing if I can free up tonight by not having to watch a certain someone. Perhaps a burger will sway him to behave.” She answered, the end of that being more directed to Enrique than him. 

“Oh, could you put me on speaker?” Jim asked, as a “yum!” came from probably now troll Enrique. 

“Ya got a better offer than a burger?” Enrique asked, “I know ya ‘ave access to a ‘ole load of goods down in the market.”

“Actually you do now too,” Jim told them, “that was the reason I’m calling, I ended up telling Vedel about everything, and now you’re welcome in Trollmarket, as long as you stay in your troll form. You’re also allowed to come here too, Claire.”

“Really?” She squealed with excitement.

“Wai’ wai’ wait,” Enrique interrupted her excitement, “what’s everythin’?” 

“I’ll explain when you get down here,” Jim answered, not sure how to explain it to him without revealing things to Claire. “Speaking of explaining, do you want me to tell Toby, Blinky, and AAARRRGGHH!!! about your situation before you get here?”

There was a moment of silence on the other side of the line, and Jim waited as patiently as he could, part of him wishing whatever silent conversation they were having on the other side of the line would be a little faster. Maybe they had muted themselves, and were actually talking. 

“We’ll explain it when we get there, which won’t be until after my parents leave, so we won’t be down there for… like nine hours.” She finally answered, and Jim let out a small sigh of relief, honestly he wasn’t sure how Blinky or AAARRRGGHH!!! might react to Enrique.

“I’ll come up and get you once you're free,” Jim told them, “I’ll see you later tonight.”

“Sound’s good,” Claire replied.

“Ah, qui’ that face he’s jus’ gotta show us-” 

The call ended, and Jim stared at his phone, curious of what face Claire was making to get Enrique to make that remark.

He tucked his phone into his pocket, and made his way to the library. 

Blinky had several books in his hands, each of his eyes reading different sections. Jim had no idea how he could process reading so many different things at once. 

AAARRRGGHH!!! was sitting next to Toby on the floor, a book between them. Toby was very slowly reading, horribly botching trollish pronunciation.

Jim stopped mid stride, Toby was reading trollish?

A few syllables into the word Jim recognized it, and finished it outloud, the word feeling a bit strange in his throat when it didn’t have the trollish deepness with it. He definitely wasn’t fluent in trollish, just the same as spanish, but he was sort of trilingual at this point.

Everyone glanced up at Jim, Toby surprised by him being there, not having heard him come in,, and the other two from him knowing the word.

“You have been studying Trollish?” Blinky asked, his whole face lighting up with happiness.

“Yeah, a bit,” Jim answered, scratching the back of his head. “Oh, but I got the go ahead from Vendel that Claire can come to Trollmarket.”

“Excellent, Excellent!” Blinky clapped his hands together as he approached Jim, then once standing beside him wrapped his two left arms around him, *AAARRRGGHH!!! He’s learning Trollish!* 

Jim blinked as he took in the words, and was surprised how much trollish he could recall. Part of him wanted to use what he knew of the language to impress them, but did they expect that of him? Would that throw them off? He had already said so many things that hinted at his time travel.

“Wait, Jim!” Toby looked up from his book, while AAARRRGGHH!!! turned the page. “You, me and Claire could all learn Trollish together.”

“I have a few books that can assist in your learning.” Blinky released Jim, traversed his shelves, pulled down three different books, and set them on the main table.

Jim took a seat and Blinky cleared his throat in a way Jim knew he was about to explain the best study methods for them.

“Good, our Trollhunter has returned,” Draal interrupted, walking into the room. He shoved Blinky’s books aside, who made a distressed sound as one of them toppled off the table, then he slammed a bowl that sloshed with some strange soup in front of Jim. “EAT!” He growled.

Jim looked up at Draal, confused at the sudden demand. 

“You did not consume a morning meal,” He huffed.

“What am I being baby sat or something?” Jim questioned, looking at everyone in the room, then turned his attention to the mysterious concoction before him. “Can I even eat this?”

“I swore an oath that I would keep you alive,” Draal crossed his arms over his chest, “I refuse to be a successor to a Trollhunter that dies of starvation.”

“What?” Was this really a conversation they were having? “Am I dreaming or something?”

“Not a dream,” AAARRRGGHH!!! answered from where he still laid on the ground beside Toby. “Later.”

Jim sighed, clearly some kind of conversation had taken place while he was gone, and he really hoped Toby hadn’t been the one to start it. He took a deep breath, not really wanting to hear the answer to his next question which he directed to Blinky. “What does he mean by later?” 

“You are showing signs of sleep deprivation, Tobias informed us that you have no plans for the day so we have planned it for you.” Blinky explained, “After you have consumed something of humanly digestible substance I will escort you to AAARRRGGHH!!!’s nest.” He held up a hand when Jim opened his mouth to argue. “We have thoroughly cleaned it, including with your human soaps.”

“Smells like flowers,” AAARRRGGHH!!! smiled warmly as he took a deep breath through the nose, perhaps being able to smell the artificial scent from here.

Jim turned to his last option of possible sense in all this, “Toby?”

He sat up, and held his hands up in surrender. “The only thing I said was if we had plans, and whether we ate while we were out in town this morning.”

“Sooo…” Jim looked at the trolls around him, but mostly Draal and Blinky. “I’m assuming I don’t have a choice in this?” 

Draal only huffed a breath that flicked his nose ring.

He glared at the bowl of soup in front of him. I feel like a child.

“You are a child.” His mother had told him yesterday. Jim took a deep breath, debating booking it out of the library. He was supposed to be training, not eating and taking a nap. Draal was there though, he would grab him before he made the door.

“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine,” he groaned, and took up the spoon in the bowl. It looked like meat and maybe some kind of vegetable, but if Blinky deemed it good for him he would take his word for it. Maybe if he got sick then they would refrain from doing this again.

He took a bite of the soup, and it seemed edible. The flavor threw him back in time, or forward in time? It reminded him of wooden spoons, shoelaces, and freshly killed deer. 

He kind of missed all the flavors and foods he got to eat as a troll, he kind of wished he could be one again.

Jim shut down the thought, he’d hated being a troll! It was awful! Confusing senses that constantly over powered him, leaving home because he needed a heartstone rather than sunshine, and horns that made it difficult to lay in a comfortable position. He could have gone on and on, but that was enough to shut down the thought. He’d gotten the chance to be a troll, he didn’t need to live through that nightmare again.

“The Amulet chose you to become the first human Trollhunter, but you were never destined to remain so.”

He shoved the bowl away from him, not wanting to be reminded of those tastes again. Why was he thinking about this now? Was it the nightmares he’d had?

“To protect the world you love, to be the champion for both humans and trolls, you need to be more than human. You need to be both Troll and Hunter.”

Jim had a plan this time, he was going to train hard enough that he didn’t have to change again. If Gunmar never got out he would be free from Merlin’s curse.

He stood, wishing Blinky would let him train in combat right now so he could clear his head, but he knew that wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m going to the nest,” he announced, and started walking ignoring anything that may have been said.

Once in the room, he tried to be careful not to get swallowed up in the plush items, but maybe he wanted to be swallowed up in it.

Swallowed up in the darkness, his last feeling of sunlight on his skin fading away. 

Why was he thinking about this right now?!

“Master Jim,” Blinky’s voice came from the doorway, “are you alright?”

“When I gaze upon you, do you know what I see?”

Stop! Stop! Stop! I don’t want to remember this right now! Why am I remembering this right now?!

Jim clenched one of the larger pillows wrapping his whole body tightly around it as if it could grant him relief. 

“Did your conversation with Vendel perturb you?” Blinky asked, “He can be a mean old goat sometimes.”

“I see a champion. A friend. A son. A magnificent son.”

Was it this he missed? Then he had been understood, they’d known what he was going through, they’d known how to help. Now they didn’t, and he had to make all the big choices to keep everyone safe.

“Only a moment ago you seemed joyous,” Blinky said, “Do you… wish to discuss what troubles you?”

Jim kept his eyes closed, as he debated what to say. Pretend it’s the other Blinky. Imagine it’s your Blinky.

He opened his mouth to say something, admit he was scared, admit he was carrying too much, tell him everything.

“I’m just tired,” he said, putting up a wall that separated his Blinky, and this Blinky. He wanted his old life back, when he wasn’t so alone.

He tightened his curled position around the lavender scented pillow as he heard Blinky’s steps retreat, and several distant words were exchanged in the library. 

Footsteps returned to the room, this time a door shut removing all sound from the library.

“I said I’m tired, Blink,” He grumbled, not wanting to deal with how much he missed everything from before.

“I am not as skilled in advice as Blinkous,” Draal said, from the edge of the plush nest, where Jim heard him sitting down. “But I thought you may be more able to tell me what troubles you.”

Draal.

“I’m the sworn guardian of the Trollhunter. And here I honor my oath!”

Jim curled up even tighter.

“It has been my honor, fleshbag.”

This, this was why he gave it all up. Jim had gone through this before. He wanted to go back, have it all again, but then he would remind himself what he lost, what he wouldn’t lose again. Any time these stupid thoughts came up he made himself relive his worst nightmares.

He clenched his jaw tight, fighting back the fear of living through everything all over again.

“I’m scared,” Jim admitted in a whisper, “I don’t know if anything I’m doing is the right thing. We had Claire last time, and we made it through so much, but what if she gets hurt. If I did everything alone the only person that could get hurt is me.”

There was nothing but silence, and Jim wondered if he had even said any of it outloud, he was actually really tired, and he wouldn’t put it past himself.

How stupid was that, he couldn’t even tell what he had and hadn’t said aloud, and yet he was supposed to guide everyone on a safe path where no one got hurt or died.

“My father often fought his battles alone,” Draal replied so quietly Jim almost didn’t hear him. “He had never been one for fighting, that had been my mother, nor had he wanted me to be a warrior. He wished for a world where no battles needed to be fought, so he fought alone so others could have that world, and he fell.”

Jim opened his eyes, partly wanting to see the troll his back faced. Had he heard a hint of emotion in Draal’s voice?

“In war we lose many of the people we care about,” he continued, “I have lived through many battles, but the battles you went through, one right after the next. I am amazed by your bright spirit after it all.”

That made Jim turn over, needing to look at Draal, and see that he was sincere. 

Draal looked into Jim’s eyes, “You are doing a fine job, Trollhunter.” After a moment he stood. “Now rest, I desire to spar you before your Claire.”

Jim felt his face warm. “Thanks, nothing like getting beat in front of a girl you like.”

“You must display what you would bring to a union,” Draal replied casually, or as casually as Draal got. “Based on your wall, I see potential and will look forward to your spar on the day you are one.”

If Jim’s face had been warm before, it was on fire now! “DRAAAAL!” Jim squeaked burying his face in the cushions.

“Rest Trollhunter,” Draal walked towards the door.

“How?” Jim grabbed a plushie and chucked it at the troll’s head. “YOU PUNK!”

Jim thought he saw a hint of a smile as he retreated from the room, and then he was left alone. 

Seriously, how was he supposed to sleep now with that image in his mind? 

He flopped back onto the softness all around him, although it was nicer to think about than what had been in his mind before. He had made the choice to come back in time, and he couldn’t undo that now. He could only take what he had now, and find joy in what he had regained.

Notes:

Dark thoughts are hard sometimes because they can seem to come out of nowhere then leave just as quickly or linger for a long time. I imagine Jim flops back and forth from thinking brightly about his situation and thinking negativly, mostly a result of him not giving himself an opportunity to process everything he's been through.
Next chapter Claire is gonna be in Trollmarket and we'll have some fun moments and then we'll do a bit of a time skip. So yeah! I'm excited!

Chapter 26

Summary:

Jim takes Claire and notenrique to trollmarket for the first time!

Notes:

Trollish lauguage uses * for quote marks example: *give me five minutes!* Jim gumbled.

Also had to take down this chapter then put it back up because for some reason it went up as chapter 24 rather than 26 putting stuff out of order.

Jim woke to a buzzing in his pocket. He sleepily pulled his phone out, and answered the call. 

“Hello?” He grumbled, and began to wipe the sleep from his eyes.

“Hey, my parents just left,” Claire explained, “We’re super excited to see Trollmarket!”

Jim blinked a few times, hadn’t she said her parents weren’t leaving until the evening? What time was it? How long had he slept?

“Is everything alright?” She asked, when he didn’t respond.

“Oh, yeah, yup!” Jim started to crawl to the edge of the plush sea, then tumbled onto the safety of solid ground. Laying on his back, he held a thumbs up in the air even though she couldn't see him. “I’ll be there in like fifteen minutes.”

“Sound’s great!” Claire nearly yelled with excitement, “see you soon!”

“Yup, Love you, bye.” Jim pulled the phone away from his ear and hung up, giving a yawn to wake up. Jim stopped mid yawn mouth agape. Love you?! Did I just say love you?!

Jim buried his face in his hands. Sure he did, but she didn’t know that yet! 

Maybe Toby could go get her. No, he didn’t know about Enrique.

Jim slowly stood, he said he would be there in fifteen minutes, he needed to be there in fifteen minutes.

“Ah, Master Jim!” Blinky greeted as Jim emerged from AAARRRGGHH!!!’s nest room, “How did you sleep?”

“I gotta go get Claire,” Jim rushed past everyone, not wanting them to see how pink his face was. Oh Draal is in for it! That wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t brought their relationship up!

Well, it could have still happened, but for this he would blame Draal. 

The cool air on his bike ride to Claire’s house helped him calm his spiked nerves, but he was at her house sooner than he had hoped.

He walked up to the door, knocked, and Jim braced himself as the door opened.

Claire stood ready for an adventure in Trollmarket with Enrique perched on her shoulder. A wicked grin spread across the changeling’s face.

“Love ya too, Jimmy Jam,” He said, sticking his tongue out.

The blush Jim felt spread across his face, was mirrored on Claire’s.

“I’m sorry, it just sorta… auto pilot, you know?” Jim tried to explain.

Claire laughed, but it seemed a bit forced, “It’s okay, I once said it to a store clerk.”

“Aww, wha’? Not gonna tell the Jimmy Jam ya love ‘im too?” Enrique asked, tugging lightly on the ends of Claire’s hair.

“Get in the bag,” she ordered, holding open a tote bag by holding one strap and the other on her shoulder. Enrique obeyed, climbing off her shoulder, and into the bag, poking his head out like one of those purse dogs.

“Let’s go!” She walked out of the house, closed the door, locked it, and then grabbed her bike and helmet.

“Yeah, yeah, let's go.” He hopped onto his bike, and started peddling down the street. “Okay, so just a warning, everyone is a lot, and I mean a lot bigger than him.” Jim gestured to her tote bag, where the changeling had tucked himself out of view.

“He’s told me quite a bit about trolls,” Claire said, bouncing the bag on her shoulder a bit, “He’s even teaching me trollish.”

“Jus’ grammer and some good words, gotta make sure she can insult a bloke,” Enrique explained from his tote bag, “She doesn’t know a whole lot yet.” He gave a small chuckle. *I’m real tempted ta tell ‘er about how ya miss bein’ able ta give ‘er kisses.*

*Don’t you dare!* Jim growled, as his face heated again, *you better watch your mouth in Trollmarket, or I’ll have you sparring Draal instead of me.*

*Oooh, sparring in front of spongeface.* Enrique laughed.

“Jim, you speak Trollish?” Claire glanced at him, a sparkle in her eyes. “Also are you talking about me?” She thankfully directed the question to Enrique. “I heard you call me Spongeface.”

“Whoops.” Claws clicked on stone, surely Enrique covering his mouth with his hands. “Forgot I told you that word.”

“Down this way.” Jim turned his bike off the street, heading down the dirt path to the canal.

Claire quickly followed, and the two of them dove down into the canal. Once beneath the bridge, Jim dismounted his bike, pulled the horngazel from his bag, and began to draw their doorway.

*If it’s anythin’ to ya, if ya win the spar I’ll give ya mah blessin’.* Enrique said, making Jim stagger in his carving.

*I am never going to talk to you or Draal ever again,* Jim grumbled finishing the arch, and once the horngazel was back in his bag, he pressed his hand to the center and the doorway opened. Jim gestured to the revealed entrance, “Ladies first.”

Claire smiled as she walked in, and Jim followed behind. She descended the crystal stairs so quickly, he nearly tumbled down them trying to keep up. 

She reached the bottom of the stairs, and paused as she took in the grandeur before her.

“Welcome to Heartstone Trollmarket,” Jim said, stepping beside her. The moment he was beside her her hand took his and she started forward, looking at everything and anything she possibly could at the rate in which she was hurrying through the market.

“Oh, wow, it’s just- WOW!” She released his hand and twirled with excitement, a few grumbles coming from her bag. 

Jim offered his hand for her to take again. “Ready to go meet Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!!?” 

“Yes, please!” She beamed with delight, and took his hand.

He led her to the library, pointing out several things as they went. 

“And here we are.” Jim guided her into Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!!’s home, and her eyes somehow gained even more sparkles at the sight of books lining every wall.

“You have an entire Library?” Claire looked at all the books in awe, running her hand down a few of the spins with gentle fingers. She paused as she looked up at Blinky who wore the biggest smile on his face. “I'm so sorry, I'm Claire, you must be Blinky.”

“Yes, indeed I am, it is a pleasure to meet you, Fair Claire.” He dipped his head in a small bow, “this is my companion, AAARRRGGHH!!!.” 

The giant troll waved from where he sat on the floor beside Toby, who was sleeping face planted into a book. Maybe he didn't get a full night's rest either… probably from staying up late spying!

“Thank you so much for inviting and welcoming us into your beautiful home,” Claire returned the deep nod to Blinky then to AAARRRGGHH!!!.

“Us?” The mossy troll questioned, tilting his head with curiosity. “Do smell something-” AAARRRGGHH!!!’s expression darkened, and Jim put himself between the new arrivals and everyone else before they could accuse anything.

“Okay, so before we go assuming anything, Claire has some stuff to tell us,” Jim quickly rambled, then took a step to the side so everyone could see Claire fully again.

“I umm, well, Jim knows about this, but I have a little brother and he… got replaced by a changeling.” Claire reached into her tote bag, and held up the mentioned changeling from under his arms. It was rather impressive, he wasn't an especially light creature.

“And you brought it here?!” Blinky tugged on his ears, overwhelmed with panic.

“Vendel approved it!” Jim jumped in, dismissing some of the worry. “I wouldn't have brought him here if I hadn't gotten permission.”

“Yeah, six eyes!” Enrique flipped out of Claire's hands, and landed on her shoulder, standing up and holding onto the top of her head for balance. “I got the old goat’s approval to be ‘ere, don't go thinkin’ ya can bully me, I'm a guest.” He smiled with the cocky confidence that all changelings seemed to be enchanted with.

“How do we know you're not a spy? You're all the same.” Blinky pointed an accusing finger at the changeling.

The accusing finger was grabbed, and tugged down by Claire, turning her shoulders in a way to put a little more distance between the changeling and troll. “Watch how you talk to him, Mateo has been nothing, but a blessing to my family.”

“A blessing?!” Blinky stared flabbergasted.

“Mateo?” Toby sleepily asked, and Jim wondered how long he’d been awake, “I thought your brother's name was Enrique.”

“Enrique's in the Darklands thanks to goblins.” Claire folded her arms across her chest. “This is my changeling brother, and his name is Mateo.”

Blinky laughed the way he did when someone was so obviously misinformed. “Changelings don't have names, they only steal the ones of those they replace.”

“Blink,” Jim elbowed his mentor, “I think she gave him that name.”

“What? ‘cause I'm an impure I can' ‘ave mah own name?” He demanded, sticking his tongue out at Blinky.

“Got a point,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said, with a shrug.

“Fair Claire, I apologize for the misunderstanding.” Blinky placed two hands together, but the other two were planted firmly on his hips. “But how can you trust him? He is a changeling, created to be spies and deceivers.”

“And trolls are blood thirsty monsters who want to water the ground with human blood.” She raised a brow, and Jim blinked as he both realized the good point she made, but also, how had he not noticed the little shaved notch in her brow?

“We are not-” Blinky cut himself off, “I see your point.”

The tension left Claire's shoulders, “Sorry for getting angry, I guess I'm just scared of Mateo being mistreated.”

Blinky took a deep breath, then nodded, “and I was defensive over the safety of my home. Mat-e-o, if Vendel approves you, and Claire vouches for you, you are welcome in our home.”

The changeling only slightly eased up on his glare, then turned to scan the room. “Nothin’ but ol’ dusty books, where's the fun?”

“Books can be fun,” Claire said, “what about your favorite book, Fox in sock-”

Enriq- Mateo shushed her, before glancing around the room once more, then hopped off her shoulders to wander the room sniffing out the new scents around him.

“Master Jim,” Blinky turned to the boy, concern creasing his brows, “You knew about this changeling, and did not tell us? I recall this one from our battle for the bridge in the museum.”

“He was there because he had to be,” Jim replied, “by then we were allies.” He dug his hands into his pockets. “I didn't tell you because I was worried it might ruin his situation. He gave me all the information to find the Bridge, and has agreed to continue to help even after we get Enrique out of the Darklands.”

The two of them turned to see Claire chatting with Toby, and AAARRRGGHH!!! laughing as Mateo crawled around on him.

“He tickles!” AAARRRGGHH!!! chuckled, and reached for the changeling who crouched up on his head, pouncing to the ground when he made a grab for him.

“I will admit it again, Master Jim, you make strange choices, but they always work out for the better.” Blinky wrapped an arm around his Trollhunter. “It would take me another lifetime of study and practice to gain the positive foresight you possess.”

“Oh, th- thanks.” He shoved his hands further into his pockets, making his fingers curl into fists. That or some traumatizing time travel. Either one works I guess.

“Blinky!” Toby ran up to the two of them, all sleep gone from his voice, but a few creases still remained on his face from his chosen pillow. “Can we give Claire and Mateo a tour of Trollmarket?”

AAARRRGGHH!!! smiled from behind Toby, clearly on board for the adventure.

Blinky nodded, “But after we shall train, do not think I will forget to further your combat skills.”

“Do we ge’ ta see the Trollhunter get beat?” Mateo asked, rubbing his hands together with excitement.

“We should really see if you can do better.” Jim pulled his hands from his pockets and folded his arms.

The changeling scrambled up Claire, perching happily on her shoulders, “Ya wanna bet?”

“A pair of socks if you can beat my course record,” he offered, holding up his hand.

“Free office nab if I don'.” He said, taking his hand and shaking it.

An office nab? A Stickler office heist?  Jim would take it if that was the case. He would be able to get an office nab out of Mateo easily if he got him the right treats though, so it wasn't a loss if the changeling did beat his record.

The six of them headed out of the library, and began the tour of Trollmarket. Claire hurried about looking and asking about everything. 

What surprised all of them the most about the tour was how many of the trolls Toby appeared to be friends with.

By the tenth person briefly greeting Jim as the Trollhunter at most, then greeting Toby warmly by name Jim had to ask. 

“How do you know all these people?”

“I trade with them,” Toby gave a casual shrug, “Nana's a bit of a hoarder, and she doesn't want to throw anything out unless it's going to a good home. No one on the surface is interested in buying her stuff, but when I told her there were some geologists interested in trading stones for her unused stuff she was more than happy.”

“Are they… eating her stuff?” Jim asked, wondering if Nana would be heartbroken if she ever found out.

“Some of it, it's not like the hoards of fabric she has aren't falling apart though. The material can hardly be sewn together without fraying and snapping. Apparently the aged fabric tastes better.” Toby explained, pulling a few stones from his pocket, “I've got my usual rose quartz for stress, rainbow fluorite for focus, these three are just my lucky rocks, and this gold nugget from Bagdwella.”

“You carry a massive gold chunk in your pocket?” Jim stared at the walnut sized piece, and wondered how much it was worth.

“You do crystal energy stuff?” Claire asked, before Toby could reply to Jim. “Mary got into that for a while as a trend for her social media.”

“It's not just a trend, it's science,” Toby corrected, putting his handful of rocks back into his pocket.

“Those are lil’ stones,” Mateo pointed out, “Ain' got much power in ‘em, are ya sure ya ain't gettin’ ripped off?”

“Compared to surface people prices, I'm getting a wild deal.” Toby huffed, but he did look a bit curious at what having the changeling on his team could get him in terms of bartering.

“Say, if ya bring me a pair of stinky ol’ socks I'll be your barter buddy for a day, and I'll give ya a Darklands pebble.” 

Toby debated the offer, then nodded. “You're pretty cool, Mateo.”

The changeling brightened at the compliment, but the expression quickly faded. “Well, ya ain't seen nothin’ yet.”

AAARRRGGHH!!! peered down at them, observing their conversation, then finally cut in. “Blinky says time to go to Forge.”

“Alright,” Jim glanced over to Blinky who was in deep conversation with a shop keeper. “Are you sure he said that?”

“Spar first, Blinky catch up, buying grow-sir-reez.” He explained, already starting in the direction of the Hero's Forge.

Blinky had put off shopping until the time that he usually trained? That didn't seem like him. Although Jim and Toby had been at their house all day. Jim wanted to find a way to repay them for that, but he was sure if he asked Blinky he would just say that he would like Jim to train extra hard.

Jim didn't let himself fall behind, and kept an eye on the others to be sure they didn't wander off. Thankfully Mateo stuck to Claire's person the entire time, otherwise he probably would have been lost to the massiveness of Trollmarket in two seconds flat. He was going to be quite the trouble maker once he was comfortable enough to run free.

“Hero's Forge,” AAARRRGGHH!!! gestured to the massive room as the four of them walked across the bridge over the Deep.

“This is where you train?” Claire’s eyes followed the carvings in the walls, then wandered to the past Trollhunters watching over the arena. 

Mateo leapt from her shoulders, recognizing a familiar face, and trotted to the large warrior working on repairing a target.

Creeping up like a cat stalking its prey, remaining carefully in Draal's blind spot, before pouncing up and clambering up his back.

Draal gave a half grunt, half roar as he spun around then began reaching towards his back, which his limbs were not made to reach.

“Who-” He grunted again as Mateo tugged on one of Draal's ears. “IMPURE!” 

“Stuckup!” He growled in the same tone, letting his guard down in a spot the troll finally managed to reach, and he clutched the tiny changeling in his massive hand, only his little head popping out.

“Mateo!” Claire ran towards the two, ready to beat on Draal. Jim grabbed her arm, stopping her. He saw that look in Draal's eyes, there wasn't actually any anger there. Had Draal and Mateo been hanging out?

“I will grind you into a pulp, and consume you as a pre battle toast!” Draal roared at the tiny creature still in his clutches.

“Let me go!” Claire shoved at Jim's hand, holding her back. “Mateo!” Jim instinctively let go as he heard the fear in her voice, the fear he had felt in his throat far too many times.

“Tappin’ out, tappin’ out!” Mateo shouted, and Draal immediately released him, right in time for Claire to catch him.

Claire didn't stop though, she swung her foot up, and if it wasn't for Draal's fast reaction she would have nailed him in the gronknuks.

Both Jim and Toby suck a breath through their teeth, cringing at the near miss.

“Sis, sis,” Mateo patted Claire's shoulder, wiggling a little from where she tightly held him in her arm. “We was jus’ playin’.”

Claire looked from the changeling to the troll then back again, “Oh, sorry.”

“Nah, I shoulda warned ya.” He chuckled, then wriggled his way out of her grip and back onto her shoulder. “Me and Spikey ‘ere are friends.”

“We are not friends,” “Spikey” grumbled.

Mateo gave a sharp huff out of his nose, “I'm not sharin’ mah goody stash with ya no more.”

“Is that why you're going through your stash so fast?” Claire questioned.

“Wait- wait, Draal, you've been hanging out with him?!” Jim demanded, walking up to them, “I thought you hated him.”

“Umm, hey,” Toby interrupted, “am I the only one who doesn't know about any of this?”

“I don't.” AAARRRGGHH!!! raised his hand while we walked to the stairs of the grand entrance to take a seat.

“Thank you,” Toby noted, “why didn’t I know about this?”

Jim turned to let Toby more into the tight circle that had formed. “You remember that ‘girl secret’ I had?”

Claire made a confused face, but Toby’s face lit up with recognition.

“Oooooh!” He nodded, then the nodding changed to shaking. “That's not a girl secret.”

“Toby, what even is a girl secret?” Claire asked, arching a brow.

He only shrugged, “I don't know, but having a changeling for a brother is not a girl secret.”

“Okay,” Claire breathed, and rolled her eyes. What else were they supposed to expect from Toby?

“Blinky want you to spar!” AAARRRGGHH!!! called from his spot on the stairs.

“Right, right.” Jim nodded, and pulled his amulet from his pocket. “For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command.” 

His armor clasped around him instantly.

“Pretty cool, right?” Toby elbowed Claire.

“Crazy cool,” She half whispered.

“Okay, but we should go to the stairs, they're crazy when fighting sometimes.” He waved her to follow him to the stairs, and they took their seats beside AAARRRGGHH!!!. 

Jim started walking to his usual starting point when he heard Draal's rumbling roll behind him. So that's how he was playing tonight.

Daylight manifested in his hand, and he slammed it into the ground before leaping out of harm's way. The jump had only meant to be a few feet, but the explosion of magic from Draal smashing against Daylight hit him like a wave, sending him flying ten more feet. He hit the ground hard, his armor scraping against the stone floor before catching in a groove, forcing him to roll a few times before coming to a complete stop.

“Ow~” he squeaked, and slowly pushed himself up off the ground. He looked up just in time to see Draal practically falling from the ceiling, his arm drawn back for a punch that could bury Jim in the stone.

The Trollhunter scurried out of the way, and summoned Daylight back to his grasp. Draal hit the ground with a loud crack echoing through the Forge. Jim really hoped he had planned to pull that punch at least a little bit if he hadn't moved in time.

Draal turned, and charged for him. With the small seconds he could spare, Jim spun Daylight in his hand with practiced flare. Swinging with all his might, Draal perfectly ran into range, and the flat of the sword hit against the side of his face, knocking him to the side.

Jim cringed a little at the fantom of a pain that surely would have hit his shoulder had the magic armor absorbed the shock.

He breathed a small proud breath at the hit. “Did I ever tell you I played baseball in middle school?”

Draal stumbled a few steps, shook his head, and turned back to Jim. “You are supposed to use the edge of your blade, Trollhunter!” He threw several punches at Jim, who quickly backed out of their range.

“I can't slice up your face,” Jim said, slicing his sword down against Draal's spike armored forearm. “It's already ugly enough as is.” A stupid smug smile crept across Jim's face, then spread a little wider when he saw that annoyed glint in Draal's eyes. 

A rush of wind sliced against Jim as Draal slammed his fist down, and the boy tried not to look terrified at how close the hit had gotten to him.

Even with the close call, the urge to continue to bother Draal did not subside.

“Like seriously,” Jim dove under the troll, then sprung up into his blind spot, and his voice fell to a whisper, “how did you ever get a girl like Nomura?”

“WE ARE TO BE SPARRING! TROLLHUNTER!” Draal roared.

“Aww, but I like messing with you,” Jim whined, keeping his exertion from the fight from his voice. Honestly he was really looking forward to the day he was a troll again, and could spar with Draal that way.

“What- no I'm not.” Jim whispered to himself, needing to say it out loud. “I'm not going to be turned into a troll this time.”

“Your thoughts distract you!” Draal yelled, giving Jim just enough warning to realize rather than turning around, the spike covered troll was just falling backwards.

Jim let out a panicked cry as he tried to move out of the way, but Draal fell hard and fast, and his leg was caught under him.

“GET OFF ME!” Jim kicked at Draal's horns with his free leg.

“No.” Draal just laid there on the ground, arms folded across his chest. “I had wanted a good spar, and you got distracted by ridiculous banter.”

Jim slid Daylight under the troll, and tried to use it to pry him up, but to no avail.

“Is this usually how your spars go?” Claire asked AAARRRGGHH!!! from where they say over on the stairs.

“No,” AAARRRGGHH!!! sighed, probably more displeased that he wasn't in on the game than them not sparring as Blinky would want. “Being silly.”

“I don’ consider this a win!” Mateo shouted.

Jim rolled his eyes, and tried prying Draal off of him from another angle.

Toby walked up to the two of them, a half eaten nougat nummy in his hand. “So uhh, you gonna get up big guy?” 

“I will not,” Draal grumbled, sealing Jim's fate of being stuck with his foot under Draal. Dang it, it was already starting to get tingly from lack of circulation!

“You're really fast, Jim,” Claire said, crouching down beside his head, “I was really impressed how fast you could dodge all that.”

Jim smiled, his cheeks warming at the compliment. “Thanks. Lots of practice.”

“Are ya kiddin’?” Mateo asked, sitting down beside Claire. “Ya think that was impressive? He was scurryin’ like them creepy crawlies I had ta clear outa’ your room the otha day.”

Claire shot him a small glare, then turned her attention to Draal. “Are you planning on getting up soon?”

Draal let out a mix of a sigh and a growl. “AAARRRGGHH!!! give me your hand.”

The large troll offered his hand, and once interlocked with the other’s, pulled him up, releasing a loud cracking noise.

Jim's eyes widened as he saw the grooves Draal's spikes had driven into the ground, but it also made him realize, “Wait, Draal, were you stuck?”

The warrior gave him a nasty look, clearly he had been. Jim's face lit up as another thing to tease Draal about bubbled up his throat, but quickly died when the look darkened. Jim kept his mouth shut, not wanting to be chucked across the room.

Jim cleared his throat, deciding it best to change the subject, “So uh, Mateo, that course run, you really think you can do it faster than me?”

The changeling lit up. “Oh ya bet your socks on it, and they are gonna be DELICIOUS!”

 

Blinky returned shortly after Draal and AAARRRGGHH!!! managed to figure out how to pull up the course Jim had been practicing. And honestly everyone had to admit it made the most sense that the person that could practically defy gravity with what they could crawl on would get through the course faster.

Jim gave Mateo a slip of paper as an “I owe you two socks” as he was not willing to give up the pair he was actively wearing at the moment. He had given a pair to AAARRRGGHH!!! before, and the bike ride home after all that training had been awful.

With some not really needed pleading from Claire, Blinky happily let the three humans do a simple training course. And was happily impressed with Claire's skill set.

Claire was so excited about everything she insisted on another round, but after checking the time, Blinky shewed them out of Trollmarket, reminding them to sleep as if their tired bodies weren't already doing so.

Jim, Toby, Claire, and Mateo, biked down the road to the Nuñez home.

“Thanks for bringing me to Trollmarket today,” Claire said, her smile so bright it could have lit up the whole night.

“My- Our Pleasure,” Jim teetered a little on his bike as she dismounted her own, parking it beside the porch.

“Don't thank us just yet,” Toby waved at her, “Wait until after you're done being sore from all that training.”

“I'm definitely going to be doing some more stretches to try to prevent that to the best of my abilities,” Claire said, gesturing loosely to inside her house.

Toby and Jim exchanged glances, was that why she had been stretching so much?

Claire's smile faded, replaced by disappointment. “Seriously, you don't stretch? Okay, I’ll talk to Blinky about it.”

“He, uhh.” Jim scratched the back of his head. “He doesn't always know exactly how humans work.”

Claire looked like she was about to argue over the fact that they should have known, but decided against it. “It's been a fun experience.” She unlocked her front door, and once it was open the changeling in her bag leapt inside, scrambling off to who knew where. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night, Claire,” Jim waved to her, and she gave a small wave back before closing the door between them.

“Oh yeah,” Toby nodded to himself, as he turned his bike around to head to their houses. “You are smitten for sure.”

“Hey!” Jim shouted, and biked after him, “just you wait until you have a specific girl you like! I'm gonna be throwing all this back at you!”

Toby laughed, clearly not believing it. He had a point though, Toby was far too confident to be bothered by such teasing. 

Jim smiled, as he watched his friend happily bike ahead of him. There was nothing that could deter Toby from being amazing!

Notes:

The name Mateo means gift from God. I like to think that Claire was a bit put off by the changeling in her home at first but once she found out even an ounce of the crap he went through in the darklands would have wanted him to feel wanted and loved, instantly adopting him into her family even if her parents aren't aware of his existance yet.
Part of me debated never having the point where Jim starts refering to him as Enrique, and so it would just go from Not-Enrique to Mateo, but I also wanted Jim to put in some effort on his part. so then we get the path of Not-Enrique, to Enrique, to Mateo.
Also thank you so much to my friend for helping me pick out a fitting name for him. Part of me wanted to have some sort of chaotic name for him, but in the end my friend helped me decide on something that would remind the little changeling that he is in fact loved and wanted.

Chapter 27

Summary:

Toby is insistent on having an awesome day, but Jim's train wreck of a mind, sleep schedule, and life make that a bit difficult even if it is a holiday.

Today was finally the day Toby wouldn't shut up about. Jim had overheard him explain the entire holiday to AAARRRGGHH!!! while they were supposed to be working together during a battle simulation. Thankfully Jim and Claire had almost managed to beat it which satisfied Blinky well enough.

Jim’s phone had been blowing up with texts from his best friend, and he felt a bit bad for ignoring him, but Toby had been asking him the same question all week.

A knock sounded at the front door as Jim headed down the stairs, and he opened it. “Toby, it's 6am, why are you here?”

Toby smiled with all his shiny braces glory. “I need to know if you truly let me down or not!” His hopes were clearly high, and Jim felt just a little bad for not fulfilling his wish.

He rolled his eyes, groaning as Toby fell to his knees, “Please Jim, please tell me you have been lying this whole week!”

“No, Toby, I don't have a costume,” He told him for the twelfth time, and hopefully this was the last time. “I haven't had time.”

“BUT IT'S HALLOWEEN!!!” He cried, clutching the front of Jim's pants.

Jim sighed, not sure how much of a good idea this was, but it wasn't like anyone at school would know any better. “Would it count as a costume if I wore my armor?”

Toby’s eyes filled with so many stars the whole galaxy might as well be crammed in them. “You would do that?”

“Yeah, if you'll get off the floor,” Jim shrugged, and Toby used Jim to pull himself onto his feet.

“Have you eaten anything?” He asked, walking to the kitchen to get started on his and Barbara's breakfast.

“Nah, not yet,” he said, patting his stomach, “I came here the second I woke up.” 

“That… that explains the alien pajamas,” he noted, gesturing loosely to his pants which were decorated with UFOs and little bug eyed beings. 

Toby looked down at his clothing, but seemed unbothered by it, and after closing the door made himself comfortable on the couch. “I’m trying to convince AAARRRGGHH!!! to hang out with us tonight, but Blinky says ‘feeble human costumes are not an advantageous enough situation’ for AAARRRGGHH!!! to hang out!” He folded his arms and pouted.

“What were you planning to do with him? And I agree with Blinky, that dude is way too big for ‘a costume’ to be a good excuse.” Jim said, not even looking down at his cook book as he made his way to the breakfast recipes. 

Toby’s pout deepened, “Mateo is getting to go out with Claire.”

“Mateo also isn’t the size of a bus, and can shapeshift into Enrique,” Jim pointed out, “also pretty sure it’s his parents who are taking him to a little get together, because he is their son.”

“Pretend son,” He huffed, “why can’t I have a purse troll?” 

“You have Chomsky,” he bit his tongue. He shouldn’t have brought that up, but now that was in the open, and who knew what trouble Toby could get into now. His worry only deepened as a mischievous expression wiped away his pout. “What are you even planning on doing tonight?” Jim begged the universe it wasn’t something that could get him hurt.

“I was going to TP Strickler’s house,” Toby said with a sad sigh, like his amazing plans were coming to nothing.

Had Jim ever been to Strickler’s house? He kinda thought the dude lived out of his office, sleeping under the desk if he ever found the spare time to do so. Honestly until his journey to New Jersey Jim hadn’t seen any trolls sleep, and that was rare and far between.

“Why- how did you find out where he lives?” Jim had so many questions, but that seemed like the best one to start with.

“Research,” Toby answered, then picked up a magazine from the coffee table, and began to flip through it.  Jim really had to question where Toby drew lines when it came to privacy. 

Jim looked down to the page he had flipped to, and decided whatever it was that was what breakfast was going to be. Masala toast it was.

He kept the spice down, but knew Toby would want extra on his, so he made sure he knew exactly which plate would go to which person.

About half an hour of peaceful cooking in the kitchen breakfast was done, and after serving Toby, Jim headed up stairs to Barbara’s room, that sleep in note was practically permanently on her door at this point.

He gave a gentle knock on the door, and to his surprise she gave an answer.

“I’ll be down in a few minutes,” she said, her voice tired, but obviously up and awake.

“Okay, Toby’s here,” Jim said, but she probably knew that. His early visit may have even been the reason she was up so early. Not many people could have slept through that cry about the holiday.

“So what’s your costume?” Jim asked when he returned to the first floor, and swapped his mom’s plate of food for his own. Even with the week being full of Toby talking about Halloween, he had yet to reveal what he was dressing up as.

“A dwarven war king,” He answered, making Jim pause himself as he was about to take a bite.

“Have you been hanging out with Eli again?” He had to ask, he hadn’t heard that fantasy talk since Eli had tried to recruit them into the DnD club freshman year. By Daylight, that was ages ago!

“If trolls, goblins, and gnomes can exist, then I don’t see why I can’t dress up for such a society.” Toby stated, taking another bite of his nearly finished food.

A good enough point to satisfy him. At school it was always a hit or miss if people dressed up. Last year only about half the students had gone out of their way for the holiday, but Toby would probably take advantage of the holiday for the rest of his life.

Barbara came down stairs, greeting Toby on her way to the kitchen. 

“Do you work tonight?” Jim asked, sliding her plate over to her as she approached the counter where he was casually leaning.

“No,” she replied with a tired sigh, “But I am on call, and chances of me going in tonight are high.” She pulled off her glasses and rubbed her eyes before returning them. “On a different subject, I wanted to meet your mentor, Blinky, in person. He's been keeping you out way too late this week.”

“He figured out I set his clock ahead,” Toby grumbled, and walked over to put his empty plate on the counter.

“I also would like to see what his ‘training’ entails, you all have been suspiciously vague about it.” She narrowed her eyes at Jim, but it seemed more targeting at Blinky than him even if the troll wasn't present.

“Well, we're not going to Trollmarket tonight,” Jim said, thankful they had gotten the night off. “But I'll talk to Vendel about you coming down tomorrow.”

Barbara held up her hand to stop him, “I'll reach out to Blinky, you have enough on your plate. I don't need you to add messenger boy to it.”

Jim relaxed, he wasn't sure he wanted to see Vendel anyways, what if he demanded to know more about the future? Jim wasn't sure he had another -whatever the heck that prophecy BS was- in him. 

“I just need his number,” she said, pulling out her phone, and Toby was immediately on it, putting the information into her contacts.

“Okay, I gotta go get ready,” Toby said, handing Barbara back her phone, and trotting over to the front door. “Jimbo, with or without AAARRRGGHH!!! we're definitely doing the thing tonight.” 

The door was shut between them before Jim could make any argument. Great, how did he get roped into TPing his enemy/friend/future mentor/possibly future step dad's house?

“Fun plans for tonight?” His mom asked, raising a curious brow.

“Something like that,” he answered, then not wanting to go into detail, got to work on finishing his breakfast so he would have time to put lunches together.

Once started in the kitchen again, the third occasional household member emerged from the basement. But stopped when he saw the curtains were open.

Jim quickly shut several curtains that would allow the troll to do his usual morning task, which was digging through the trash for anything he wanted.

“Good morning, Draal,” Barbara greeted, with far more comfortability than it had once been several weeks ago.

“Morning to you, Barbura,” Draal replied, he had also gotten a lot better at saying her name. He gave a small grunt at the lack of goods in the trash. “Will you be cooking today?”

Barbara got a look on her face, not quite sure if she should feel pleased or offended by the question. “I… might.”

Draal nodded to that, and Jim turned his attention back to the stove where several pieces of bacon were cooking for BLTs.

Jim tapped the cool metal spatula against his chin, still turning over the idea of actually going to school in his armor. 

For one part it could make people stare, maybe they would ask where he got it, if he made it, if it was real metal. The possible questions were a lot simply just thinking about them.

On the other hand it would make Toby happy, it was relatively comfortable, and if any threat showed up, well then he would be ready to start swinging.

He definitely needed to make sure Daylight wasn't summoned, there was no way the school would let him in with a full sword.

“Jim.” Barbara’s gentle reprimanding tone interrupted his thought process. “Dont chew on the spatula like that, it can't be good for your teeth.”

Jim glanced down, he hadn't even realized the utensil was in his mouth.

Draal gave a small laugh, “Wanting to eat like a troll?”

Jim quickly began pulling the bacon out of the pan, it was cooked well enough. “No, I-” He threw the bacon on the sandwiches, and quickly bagged everything up. “I was just thinking about stuff.” He tossed a bag in the fridge, beelined it to the garage door, then turned and grabbed his bag, and slung it over his shoulder.

He paused, and turned back towards the two still in the kitchen. “Love you, mom.” 

“Love you too, kiddo, have a good day.” She waved to him, before he hurried into the garage, and grabbed his bike.

Turns out Jim was running early, but so was Toby who was so insanely excited for the day. He wore leather armor that looked too big for him, and a large very itchy looking beard across his face.

“Did… did you get that armor from Trollmarket?” Jim asked, recognizing the quality and make of it.

“Prices in Trollmarket are so good!” Toby beamed, and Jim cringed at the likelihood of the wild faux beard hair getting caught in Toby’s braces. “Also dude, your armor?”

“Oh right,” Jim pulled his amulet from his pocket and recited the needed words. 

“Awesome saaauuuce!!!” Toby squealed with delight, and the two of them headed off to school.

Thankfully throughout school no one even questioned the armor, he did get some looks for future bullying from Steve though. Honestly he hadn't been on him as much as he used to be, but this was definitely going to set him up for something.

“Jim!” Claire slammed her hands down on the table in front of him, startling him into almost dropping his sandwich.

“Wh-what?” He asked, setting his sandwich down on its bag to make sure he didn't drop it.

She didn't take a seat with him and Toby like he had hoped, instead she quickly glanced at her two friends at their own table then leaned a little closer, lowering her voice. “Have you heard yet?”

“Heard what?” Jim asked, wondering if this was going to be a ridiculous rumor about him or Toby.

“Apparently Mr. Strickler has been seen around school,” she whispered, “They even announced that last period has been cancelled for some sort of announcement.”

Jim's eyes lit up, Strickler’s back? He came back!

“Why is he smiling?” Claire asked Toby, her brows knitting together with worry. “Didn't he try to kill him?”

“Jim is… weird about Stickler…” Toby said slowly.

“I was so worried he wouldn't show his face again,” Jim blurted, the energy the thought had been too strong to stay in his brain. “With him back I can easily talk to him here at school, all I would have to do is get in at least a bit of trouble then I'm sent to the principals office. Oh it's perfect!”

Toby and Claire exchanged concerned glances. 

“You're going to have to repeat that plan,” Claire voiced, “I think we're missing like half the context.”

“I'll explain later,” he tried to wave away their worry, “I've just got to figure out how to convince him to actually listen to me.”

“You do that.” She looked a little unsure about leaving, but Mary and Darci were waving her over, probably having heard about some other gossip. “Also, I wanted to let you both know that my mom invited your mom and Nana to the Halloween event tonight, along with a lot of other people.” She gave a small tired groan at that. “If you don't already have plans I could always use the extra company. Mary and Darci will be there too, so no troll talk.” She glanced at her friends again. “Okay, gotta go! Hasta luego.”

“Bye,” Jim said quietly, half his brain registering her departure, and the other trying to think of how to get in Strickler's office and what to say once he did.

The rest of school went by in a blur, less quick, and more out of focus. Jim was honestly glad he had his armor on, the metal was honestly one of the few things keeping him standing. It probably also helped that he always felt a bit more energized while he had it equipped. The after armor crash always hit hard.

During the last period students trickled to the gymnasium for the announced gathering. Jim found Toby and took his seat beside him, feeling tired and ready to go home. 

He definitely didn't get enough sleep the previous night. Mix those few precious hours with nightmares of being chased by Bular throwing every possible threat at you, and you've got a perfect recipe for exhaustion.

“Are you gonna be okay for tonight?” Toby asked, patting Jim's head when it had slumped on his shoulder.

“Yeah,” Jim mumbled, “I'll be good.”

“Okay, good, because Blinky said AAARRRGGHH!!! is coming up once the sun is down, and we're gonna be super stealthy and take out revenge on- oh hey, speaking of the changeling.”

Jim raised his eyes to the people addressing them, and there stood Strickler, standing with utmost confidence.

“Woooaaah!” Toby whispered, “how did you guess he would be principal?”

“Future vision or some dumb crap like that,” Jim grumbled, wanting to go to sleep right then and there on Toby’s shoulder. It was so comfortable! If only he wasn't wearing the stupid beard, the few hairs touching him itched so bad.

“Dude, Strickler just shot us the evilest look ever,” Toby explained, noticing Jim's eyes were closed. “Are you sure you want to try to talk to him? Wouldn't it be easier to just fight him?”

“Can't kill him,” he mumbled, “he's got the eye.”

“Yeah the stink eye, directed right to us,” he huffed, “are you sure you're up for tonight?”

“Tobes,” Jim grumbled.

“Maybe we'll get you a nap while we wait for the sun to go down.”

“Mothering,” he warned.

“Right, right, sorry,” Toby patted his head again, not quite heeding the warning.

“I will bite you.”

Toby pulled his hand quickly to himself. “You are grouchy tired. You sure you, as in you and only you and definitely not me suggesting this because I'm worried, sure you don't want an after school nap?”

Jim let out a long quiet groan, not wanting to admit defeat to his exhaustion. “Just a short one.”

“Just a short one,” he agreed, turning his attention back to what was being said by the school staff while Jim kept his eyes closed against the bright fluorescents that made his sleep deprived head ache.

One bike ride and nap on Toby’s cat hair covered couch later Jim was feeling a whole lot better.

“Now you two boys be careful and have fun!” Nana said, walking them to the door, and placing several candies in their hands. “I'll see you at the party tonight.” She planted a kiss on Toby’s now beard free cheek then patted Jim's.

“Will do Nana,” Toby said, before leading Jim out before Nana could stop them for anything else.

Back in casual clothes the boys set out to the woods to meet up with AAARRRGGHH!!! 

“Wingman!” Toby shouted upon spotting his friend, who was sniffing around a tree.

“Find something fun?” Toby asked, clambering up onto the troll's mossy back.

“Deer poop,” AAARRRGGHH!!! answered, picking up a few of the droppings and rolling them between his fingers.

“Gross!” Toby made a small gagging noise that turned louder and more real when AAARRRGGHH!!! ate the pellets in his hand.

Jim cringed, that was one of the things he absolutely refused to eat while a troll, no matter how much nutrition Blinky claimed was within it. He was pretty sure Claire would have never kissed him again if he had eaten some. There were a few things Jim had avoided eating solely for that reason.

“Are you ready to get some REVENGE!” Toby roared with mischievous delight.

“Revenge!” AAARRRGGHH!!! cheered, and the two of them turned to Jim.

“Revenge?” He offered, with a small shrug. Still not entirely keen on the idea, but if Toby was doing this he would do it with him. It wasn't like TPing a house was going to murder anyone.

The three of them trekked through the woods, or at least two of them did, Toby remained on AAARRRGGHH!!!’s back holding all their supplies. 

“Stop!” Toby ordered, and AAARRRGGHH!!! froze mid step. “We're here.” His eyes narrowed, eyeing the house through the trees. “No lights are on, I don't think he's home.”

“Okay, let's just make this quick Tobes,” Jim pulled his phone from his pocket to check the time. “We've only got about half an hour before the party.”

He slid off AAARRRGGHH!!! and started towards the lit street. The houses here were small, maybe two bedrooms. Toby walked down the street, then stopped and stood confidently in front of one of them.

“Are you sure this is it?” Jim asked, it looked just like all the other houses. He kind of expected something more, maybe something older? Stickler had been around for hundreds of years, this house was way too modern. And why such a little house? Wouldn't he have a ton of money with how many years he had been working? Although he was a teacher, so…

“Here, Wingman,” Toby placed a toilet paper roll in the troll's massive hand.

AAARRRGGHH!!! ate the roll, smiling happily as he chewed. “Tasty!”

“What! no! you're supposed to throw it!” He pulled out another roll, and demonstrated himself, chucking the roll over the roof.

Jim blinked a few times as he processed what Toby had done. “Pretty sure you're supposed to unroll it a little before you throw it.”

Toby frowned, “Yeah, probably.”

This time he followed both instructions, and the roll unraveled as it flew through the air.

Jim still didn't have a good feeling about this, but as AAARRRGGHH!!! laughed at the entertaining activity the knot in his stomach eased.

“Come on Jim, you do one.” Toby held a roll up to his friend, smiling confidently. 

Jim hesitantly took up the item. “Okay, but just one.” He unraveled a bit of the roll, rolled his shoulder a few times then wound it back to throw when he froze as his eyes landed on something on the neighboring roof.

“Another!” AAARRRGGHH!!! cheerfully demanded, nudging Toby.

Jim felt like his eyes couldn't focus on what he had seen. There was just the shadow of the chimney, but he could have sworn he'd seen-

From within the shadows two piercing gold eyes studied him.

“T-T-T-Tobes.” Jim dropped the toilet paper roll, and blindly reached for his friend, his gaze locked with the pair of eyes that haunted his nightmares.

“What?” Toby laughed at Jim's stuttering, “did you see a ghost?”

“We- we need to go.” He turned to Toby when his hand couldn't seem to find him, and found he was over a foot out of his reach.

His gaze flicked back up to where the eyes had been, but nothing remained on the roof to watch him.

AAARRRGGHH!!!’s ears flicked up as he caught onto a sound.

“Something coming,” he warned, turning towards the house to the left of Strickler’s.

Heavy footsteps sounded from behind the neighbor's house, and slowly made its way around, and into the open street.

Jim's breath caught in his lungs as he took in the massive golem, made of something he had never seen used before.

“WHAT IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH HORROR MOVIE IS THAT?!” Toby shouted, clambering closer to AAARRRGGHH!!!

The golem was a tangle of plants and vegetables, from the neighbor’s backyard garden. Jim gulped hard as he took in the sharp thorns intertwined throughout the mix of plants.

“We uhh, we need to go,” Jim said, slowly backing away. He blindly reached for his amulet, until his hand found his pocket, and pulled the item free.

“For the Glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command!” The armor snapped around him just in time for the golem to slam a thorny fist against his breast plate, and send him flying down the street back towards the woods.

Jim's shoulder hit the ground first sending him into a tumbling somersault, which spat him out into a sprawled position.

He used his sword to slowly stand, and he gasped in air to fill his lungs again. “Alright, let's do this,” he rasped, looking up as AAARRRGGHH!!! ran past him to the woods with Toby clinging tightly to him.

He lifted Daylight, and charged towards the golem. Hacking and slashing through the plants searching deeper and deeper for the totem. 

The plants tried to cover their vulnerability, but Jim was persistent. carving his way in and then he saw it. Jim needed to get to it quickly, so without thinking he jumped in for it.

Vines and branches curled tightly around him, but his fingers caught hold of the totem, and once in his grasp he broke a chunk off of it, causing the golem to collapse all around him.

“Jim!” AAARRRGGHH!!! shouted, a mere seconds of the thing collapsing and the giant troll was already digging him out. “Jim okay?” He asked, lifting the boy up from under his arms.

“Yup!” Jim gave a thumbs up and smiled, which stung from the small cuts that littered his face.

“What was that thing?” Toby asked, walking up to them, AAARRRGGHH!!! probably having dropped him off in the woods to return for Jim.

The troll held Jim a little higher as he lowered his head and sniffed the pile of plants. “Blood magic. Golem.”

“Blood magic?!” Toby gasped, staring at the plants in horror, and took a few steps back from them.

“We go,” he instructed, lifting Jim onto his shoulder, and started back towards the woods.

Toby continued to ask AAARRRGGHH!!! about the golem, not that the troll seemed to know a whole lot about them. Probably reciting some of Blinky's words to the best of his abilities.

Jim took slow deep breaths, trying to rid the feeling of being watched, but all he could think of was Angor Rot silently stalking them from the shadows. 

Shadows.

Angor Rot had the shadow staff, he could appear anywhere at any moment. 

Jim tried to rub his goosebumps away, but trying for comfort only made them prickle worse. He clenched his jaw as every little sound made him think Angor Rot was right there. The rustling leaves, the grass and dirt shifting under Toby’s and AAARRRGGHH!!!’s feet, the scattering creatures at the noise of the approaching group, the rapid thudding of feet, the screams of fear and excitement of children enjoying the holiday. 

AAARRRGGHH!!! grabbed Jim and flung him off his back, far ahead of them. And as Jim’s back slammed against a tree, another loud crash a grunt sounded back where AAARRRGGHH!!! and Toby were.

Or where Toby had been, he had received similar, but gentler treatment, and was sent tumbling towards Jim.

AAARRRGGHH!!! grappled against yet another golem, this one made up of rocks and mud. 

“AAARRRGGHH!!!!” Toby shouted, his voice strangling against the fear in it.

The troll roared against its enemy, slamming it down to the, lifted it, then slammed it down again, and again and again.

Jim pulled at the collar of his armor to get more room to breathe, he had never seen AAARRRGGHH!!! go so berserk.

“AAARRRGGHH!!!!” Toby called out again, “Wingman!” 

AAARRRGGHH!!!’s hand slammed down into the golem's chest, grasped around the totem, and ripped it free before crushing it in his fist. The hulking troll growled with each breath he took, until slowly his breathing returned to normal.

“Wingman?” Toby whispered, his voice making the troll’s ears rise, and he slowly turned around, his entire front spattered in mud. “Your- your oath.”

Jim's eyes widened, he had forgotten about the oath, his pacifist ways that had gotten past his cruel past.

“Jim and Toby more important,” AAARRRGGHH!!! slumped his head, like he expected his violent actions would make them reject him.

“AAARRRGGHH!!! that was amazing!” Toby immediately praised, “you beat the absolute snot out of that guy!”

He looked back towards the remains of the golem, “Should go now.”

“Yeah, let's get out of here,” Jim agreed, pushing himself up off the ground, “I don't want to deal with any more of those things.” 

“Are you going to be okay going back to Trollmarket by yourself?” Toby asked.

“Will be okay,” AAARRRGGHH!!! answered with a soft smile, “will tell Blinky about everything.”

“Okay, just have Blinky let me know when you made it back,” he told him. And Toby claimed Jim was the mothering one, although it was a good idea to be sure AAARRRGGHH!!! made it home safely, especially with Angor Rot now in town.

The three of them walked through the woods, until they reached the street and Jim and Toby continued in the lamp lit streets, while AAARRRGGHH!!! made his way down to the canals.

“How dirty am I?” Toby asked, as they walked.

Jim dusted off the bit of dirt and leaves that clung to his friend, “Practically spotless, what about me?” 

“Your face is smudged with some dirt and lots of scratches, but your clothes should be fine, you're still in your armor.” Toby gestured to the bright metal gleaming in the streetlights.

“Oh, yeah,” Jim placed his hand over the amulet, and ordered the armor to dissipate.

It didn't.

“Hmm, must be the adrenaline from the fight,” he offered in explanation, not that he hadn't been able to remove his armor even with his adrenaline pumping through him before.

“Try again once we get closer to the party,” Toby suggested, then pulled out his phone to pull up the address. It was being hosted by some close friend of the Nuñez family, but apparently practically anyone who heard about it was invited, probably why Claire had been sure to make sure they knew about it at lunch.

The two of them followed the directions given from Toby’s phone, and at the sight of people Jim's armor finally obeyed its previous command, and Jim had to move quickly to stop from dropping the amulet.

“Ready to act like we've had a normal Halloween?” Toby asked.

“Or a normal life?” Jim questioned.

The two of them nodded to each other and headed to where people were entering and exiting an open gate directly to the massive back yard.

Strings of little plastic glowing jack-o'-lantern strung from tree to tree, lighting up the back yard. Several other decorations dawned the corners of the yard, and the tables of food, but it seemed mostly free of an excess of decorations. 

People meandered about the yard, talking amongst themselves. The crowd mostly consisted of adults with a few teenagers and children that had been dragged along. 

“You both made it!” Claire greeted, emerging from the crowd, but her smile dropped. “What happened to you two?”

“We got-” 

Jim elbowed Toby stopping his explanation. “Pretty sure you told us not to bring up the subject at school.”

She gave a tired sigh. “I'll ask about it tomorrow.” 

“But uhh, how goes the party?” Jim asked, wanting to get some kind of conversation going.

“Pretty good, a bit boring, but nothing bad,” she answered, then waved them to follow her into the crowd. “Both your Nana and mom showed up about fifteen minutes ago. They're talking to my mom right now.”

“Hey, uhh, who's party is this anyways?” Toby asked, looking a bit uncomfortable with being in a random person’s backyard as if he hadn't been vandalizing another person's house moments before.

“Lillian Smith,” Claire answered, “she works with my mom. I'm pretty sure they're just trying to have more events for people to get to know my mom so they'll vote for her. My mom practically planned this whole thing, Mrs. Smith is just hosting.”

Jim and Toby exchanged glances then nodded, a party with free food was a party with free food regardless of the intention behind it.

Claire rolled her eyes, seeming to read their minds. “I'll lead you to the snack table.”

At the table, they were greeted by two more girls.

“Oh, that's where you disappeared to,” Mary said, eyeing the two boys, reading them in her own strange way.

“Hey, your Jim and… Toby, right?” Darci asked, making Jim recall how much he didn't talk to really anyone at school other than Toby and Claire.

“That's us,” Toby offered his hand to shake, and she slowly took it, but looked relieved when it did in fact turn out to be just a handshake. “Your Darci, and Mary, like the coolest girls at school…”

Toby dove fully into a conversation with them, but Jim's attention caught on his mom, retrieving a drink at the end of the table.

Jim made his way over to her, smiling as he remembered the news he was going to get to share with her.

“Oh, Jim, glad you made it,” She greeted stiffly, like she was greeting another random person at the party. She shook her head slightly. “How was your activity with Tob- Oh my goodness what happened?” 

“I'm fine, just a little tussle,” Jim said, his words a bit warped as she grabbed his face to look at it from different angles. “We were hanging out when a golem showed up. The one I fought was made up of plants which had thorns.”

“I thought you weren't going to Trollmarket today.” She gently ran her thumb over one of the cuts, then picked up a napkin and began wiping away dirt from his cheek.

“We didn't, we were with AAARRRGGHH!!! doing some silly stuff near the woods when one showed up and then a little while later another one showed up. AAARRRGGHH!!! took care of that guy, and now we're in a populated place so we should be fine.” Jim rambled, trying to ease her worry, “but, good news, Mr. Strickler came back, and is now principal.”

Barbara didn't look as excited about the news as he had hoped, instead she let out a tired sigh and said, “I know.” and nodded over to a distant group of people. There amongst the group, stood a confident and charismatic Strickler, talking to everyone as if he had never left his element.

“Are you gonna talk to him?” Jim asked, looking back to his mom, as she finally pulled away from him, satisfied enough with her cleaning job.

“I'm not sure.” She picked up her cup again, and took a small sip before crossing her arms. “He left so suddenly, and we haven't talked in weeks.”

“Do we know why he left?” Jim asked, as if he hadn't just fought the very reason. 

Barbara shook her head, remaining silent as her eyes settled on the conversation subject again.

“It was probably a family emergency or something,” he suggested, not liking that he could tell she was tossing around the idea of the reason being her.

“Jim,” she warned, not fond of him pushing her.

“I’m just saying, he's a good guy. If I can talk to him then you can too.” He picked up a few grapes from the assortment of fruit, then stood casually beside his mom.

“So he really does know about all your troll stuff then.” She said more to herself than to him.

Jim coughed as he nearly choked on the grape he had just put in his mouth. He had forgotten he had said that rather than actually telling her about trolls. But now she knew, and he could tell her he had lied about that, and then… and then what?

Didn't he want to talk to Strickler about everything? He was an annoying guy sometimes, but he always gave amazing advice, especially when it came to adapting to troll life. Blinky was always a good dad to talk to, but there was something about how Strickler helped Jim think more critically about his situation rather than trying to find the answers in books. Both were absolutely amazing dads, just some advice felt more useful at different times.

Jim had to pump the brakes on his thoughts, did he just refer to both of them as dads? Maybe Toby was right, and he should have taken a longer nap. 

“Okay, I'll go say hello,” Barbara decided, and started forward, and slowly integrated herself into the group Strickler was chatting with. Like a socializing natural, she was in the conversation, too far away for Jim to hear, but he could tell it hadn't been an awkward transition of letting her in.

“You’re letting your mom talk to him?” Toby questioned, a plate of snacks now in his procession. “With his creepy changeling words?” 

“Would you say that about Mateo?” Jim asked, side-eyeing his friend.

“Yeah,” Toby answered without hesitation.

“With Claire around?” he clarified, slightly disappointed in his friend.

“No.” He lowered his head with at least an ounce of shame.

Jim chuckled at the reaction, then continued to watch the conversation carry out. To his surprise both Strickler and Barbara broke off from the group together.

“Woah, you tensed up quick,” Toby noted.

“I- I'm fine,” Jim absentmindedly waved him off, and kept his gaze on the teacher and doctor chatting.

It looked a bit awkward, but so far nothing bad…

“Is there a reason you're watching your mom talk to Mr. Strickler so seriously?” 

Jim jumped, when had Mary come up so close?

Mary turned her attention to the two adults. “Wait, are they flirting?”

“A-are they?” Jim questioned, clearly not as good at reading people as she was.

Mary fell in line beside Jim and Toby, eyeing her targets carefully. “Oh they definitely are.” She turned away like she had seen everything she needed to.

Jim glanced from his mom and back to Mary.

“And he's principal now.” She sucked a breath through her teeth. “Sorry, Lake, but you're in for an interesting ride. I am sooo gonna be asking Claire about details while this unfolds.” She tossed her hair and almost as quickly as she had shown up, she was gone.

“She is such a strange girl,” Toby said, as the two of them watched Mary walk off to have a conversation with some other people.

Jim could only nod in agreement, before turning his attention back to his mom who was heading towards the table, having split ways with Strickler.

“Just got a call,” She said, “I need to be at the hospital in an hour, do you two want a ride home?” 

Jim and Toby exchanged glances, neither of them too keen on sticking around after the whole golem run in.

“Yeah, that would be nice,” Jim answered.

The three of them found Nana, then went out to the car, and headed home. Jim waved bye to Toby and Nana, as they each entered their respective houses. 

Barbara was up the stairs, changed, and back down the stairs in a fast practiced fifteen minutes. 

“Okay, I love you.” She gave him a quick kiss on the top of his head. “Draal is in Trollmarket for the night, so you're holding down the fort. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will,” he replied, and with that, she was back in the car and off to the hospital.

He went around the house and closed all the curtains, then curled up in bed, trying to rub away the chill that had run through his veins. Because the second Barbara had left, Jim felt like he was being observed.

And in his nightmares, although the ancient troll never showed himself, Jim could see his eyes watching from every shadow.

Notes:

Thought I would do something for Halloween since it was around that time (in the story- were close enough to spooky season IRL) but also didn't get to a whole lot of spooky stuff, that will hopefully come later... maybe on IRL Halloween.

Chapter 28

Summary:

Jim and Steve are sent to Strickler's office and are given detention. JIm is frustrated and wants to just fight through his complicated emotions. Barbara comes down to Trollmarket and definetly doesn't agree with most of what Jim is doing, but when Blinky gets an idea of where to find the first of the Triumbric Stones Jim can't help but run off with or without her permission.

“So, any ideas about what came after us last night?” Toby asked, leaning over towards Jim's desk, not willing to wait until after class.

“I- umm,” Jim wasn't sure how to respond, he knew a whole lot about them, but also so little. “If the golem was made by magic there has to be a person casting the spell right?” 

“You mean like a witch?” Claire asked, leaning forward, and Jim turned a bit in his seat to include her in the conversation.

“Maybe.” Jim shrugged. “When we were in the street I thought I saw something watching me.”

“Oh, creepy!” Toby shuddered. “Kinda cool that it chose to show up on Halloween though.”

Jim breathed a laugh, of course that's where Toby’s mind would go. Yes, so kind of Angor Rot to start his spooky stalking on Halloween.

“Okay, yes creepy, but do we know why this thing sent golems after you?” Claire asked, which was definitely a good question.

“No idea.” A lump formed in Jim's throat with the lie, would not telling them about Angor Rot put them in danger? WHAT WAS HE DOING?! 

“Maybe Blinky has some answers,” Toby said, waving his phone under his desk. “He wants us to come down after school.”

“Yeah, I saw,” Claire grumbled, “he spammed the chat trying to correct his spelling mistake.”

Jim had seen those, he had to admit, working with a tiny phone with big troll fingers that don't always pick up on the screen can be a pain. He could only imagine Blinky's frustration.

“Hey, Coach!” Steve said, raising his hand, which was a bit unusual, he never raised his hand.

Jim glanced up to the front of the room, and saw the digestive tract diagram. Oh no.

“Yeah, umm, I don't mean to butt in, but I'd like to gas a question!”

Laughter rippled through the class, much to Jim's displeasure and Steve’s delight.

“Hey, poos laughing?” Steve asked, receiving an angry shout from Coach Lawrence.

Jim's brows lifted as he remembered what happened last time, and his plan to talk with Strickler.

“Hey!” Jim slammed his hand on his desk. “Why don't you shut your hole Steve!” 

“Alright that's it you jokers!” Coach Lawrence stamped his foot with frustration pointing an accusing finger at the two boys. “Principal's office now!”

Jim stood from his chair, turning to his friends, and gave them a quick proud smile as he shrugged his shoulders and followed behind Steve to Strickler's office.

The two of them walked through the hall in silence, but Jim could feel the anger wafting off Steve. And not until they were in the office did Steve turn on him.

“You think you can out-poo-pun me, Lake?!” He snapped, straightening up so he towered over him.

Jim scowled up at him, not daring to back down. “How could I ever dream to, when you are such a massive piece of shit?” 

“Oh, you think you're so cool now after you ‘won’ that fight against me, well guess what, Lake.” He butted his head against Jim’s as if they both had horns to spar with. “You just got lucky, you wouldn't win in a real fight.”

Jim tilted his head to push against Steve. “You just don't want to admit you lost. What are your rules for a real fight?”

Steve stumbled a little at that, allowing Jim to push against him to where they're eyes were level with each other. The pressure against his head increased, but something in Jim almost… liked it.

“Off school campus, no crowds, no adults, and no tricks?” He decided, seeming to make up these rules on the spot.

“Tricks?” Jim questioned, that was a rule he could easily manipulate.

“None of your cheap shots or-”

The office door swung open, and Strickler stared down at the two boys with disappointment, with one brow arching high with silent questioning.

Steve immediately backed off from Jim, shrinking under the changeling’s gaze.

“I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything…” His gaze turned to Jim. “Important.”

“Nothing important at all,” Jim said, keeping his confident smile on, as if daring Strickler to try the same thing Steve had. He blinked hard as the thought hit him, he didn’t remember ever enjoying his fights with Strickler, why, when he wanted him as an ally, did he want to fight him?

“I hope you know I am far from through with your education, Mr. Lake.” Strickler stated, making his way to his desk, and Steve silently followed to take a seat before the principal.

After watching Strickler take his seat, and pull up a pen to fidget with, did Jim move from where his feet had rooted themselves and took a seat beside Steve.

“I’ve had enough of your games, and I need you to understand how VERY important it is that you do not step out of line again.” Strickler glared at Jim, making him shrink like Steve had. 

“I’m sorry Mr. Strickler!” Steve wailed, “Please don’t kick me off the football team, the poop jokes weren’t even that funny!”

Strickler capped his pen, a bit of pity on his face for the ignorant boy before him. “Detention for both of you, now return to your class immediately.”

“Yes, Mr. Strickler!” Steve stood, looking ready to bolt to the door.

Jim opened his mouth to ask to stay and talk but Strickler held up his hand stopping both students.

“Mr. Palchuk, please make sure Mr. Lake returns to class with you.” Stickler smiled at Jim, his confidence clearly high and not planning on coming down any time soon. “Would be a shame if he were to get lost on the way.”

He didn’t have to say any more than that. Steve’s strong grip wrapped around Jim’s wrist, and he practically dragged him out of the office, down the hall, and finally let go when they reached their classroom door.

Rather than entering, Steve turned on Jim, blocking the entrance.

  “If you want to get in trouble with Principal Strickler, keep me out of it,” He shoved Jim’s shoulder, but not harsh enough to do any harm. “But if you're so desperate to get your butt handed to you, Saturday at noon, behind Stewart Electronics. We’ll see if I keep you as my punching bag, or if I need to adjust to something shorter and rounder.” His eyes flicked towards the classroom door, clearly referencing Toby.

Jim’s brows sunk at the threat. No one threatened Toby! Jim had almost wanted to fight Steve for fun, but now this was a real fight.

Before Jim could respond, Steve opened the door to the classroom, forcing the conversation to end, and the two of them returned to their seats.

“What was that all about?” Claire asked.

“Hey, no more chit chat,” Coach Lawrence warned, “I’m lookin’ at you, Lake.”

Jim sighed, and pulled out his homework. Not his human stuff of course, that could wait. He was finally getting around to reading all those troll lore books Blinky was so insistent on having him read.

 

His friends seemed just as displeased with the uneventful meeting with Strickler as Jim felt. Although Toby of course had to point out the positive that Strickler hadn't attacked him.

Detention after school was just being forced to sit in the class room while Senor Uhl sat at his desk, grading papers.

Jim appreciated the teacher though, because he was strict enough to get Steve to not bother him during their imprisonment, but carefree enough for Jim to freely study his trollish book.

The more Jim read the troll lore books the more he realized he had learned just from living his life as a troll. It was interesting to learn more in depth about their ways of bonding. At the top of the list of course was sparring, nothing like fighting those you care about the most, right?

After the eternity of being stuck in the classroom, the prisoners were set free.

“What are you reading, dork!” Steve said, snatching the large book from Jim's hands before he could get it in his bag.

“Steve, give that back.” Jim reached for the book, but the jock held it up and out of his reach.

“Let's see,” He said, ignoring Jim's half-hearted attempt to take it back. He held the book high over his head and opened it to a random page.

The page showed depictions of a tiny troll encased within a stone egg. Jim hadn't gotten that far in the book yet, but he didn't think anyone had ever told him exactly what a troll hatching was like.

“What is this?” Steve questioned, unable to decipher the ancient trollish language. “Is this some nerd crap?”

“Steve, I really need that back,” Jim grumbled. He was in a really vulnerable position, his arms were up high to hold the book, leaving his core completely open.

“Maybe I'll just take a page or two.” He adjusted his grip on the book and took hold of several pages.

Jim moved quickly, striking Steve in his stomach making him double over from the shock, and he snatched the book back.

“It's on loan, I can't bring it back with any damage,” Jim said, as if Steve was even listening. “See you later, Steve.”

He walked away, before the bully could figure out how to fight back. And was biking away by the time Steve decided to start shouting.

Jim marched into the house, and started to head up the stairs.

“You're home later than usual,” Barbara noted from the living room, making Jim stop his assent. “Is everything okay?” 

“Yeah, I just-” He didn't know what he was feeling, he felt frustrated and tired, but wanted something else. “Is Draal here?”

“In the basement.” Barbara glanced at the door, looking a little unsure about whatever the troll was up to.

Jim decided his original plan on starting on his homework could wait, and turned around on the stairs. “Draal!” he shouted loud enough for the basement dweller to hear. “I'm going to Trollmarket, I want to spar.”

He was already at the door by the time the troll popped his head out of the basement, and didn't stop to wait for an answer.

Barbara turned to Draal, giving him a concerned look. “Jim wants to fight?”

 

“For the glory or Merlin, or something,” Jim droned, pulling his amulet from his pocket, and surprisingly the armor activated and wrapped itself around him.

The forge was empty, he hadn't swung by the library, or even messaged Blinky or anyone for that manner that he would be down in Trollmarket so early.

He wasn't super familiar with the controls of the forge, but he knew well enough how to turn it on, giving him whatever simulation it was previously set to.

Jim dove into the flurry of swinging axes and spinning platforms. He didn't really have a goal in mind, but climbed about as if it were a playground. Flinging himself off the weapons, and sliding down tilted ground at high speeds.

Had he become an adrenaline junkie? Was that way he just wanted to move, and fight, and not be stuck in a classroom all day?

Several voices reached his ears, letting him know someone had entered the Forge, but Jim ignored them. But didn't he want to hang out with someone? Part of him did, but another part of him wanted to just do his own thing alone.

An axe swung out faster than he expected, nailing him in the chest and sending him into the opposite wall, which he peeled away from and slammed down into the ground.

The mechanical sound of the Forge being shut off sounded in his ringing ears.

“JIM!” Barbara’s voice screamed out, and he felt careful hands running over him looking for injuries. “This is what you call training?!”

“It is standard Trollhunter training,” Blinky answered, trying to keep his scholarly tone, but it struggled a little under Barbara's disapproval. “Although I must admit Master Jim typically has AAARRRGGHH!!! or myself to watch over him to avoid… this.”

Jim slowly sat up, the pain in his rattled body subsiding. “I'm fine, the armor took the brunt of it.”

“Jim, that hit could have killed you!” Barbara fussed, grabbing his face and carefully looked into each of his eyes. “Do you hurt anywhere?”

Deya's grace, another person to mother him, and he had no way of arguing against this one.

“Mom, I'm fine, the armor absorbed all the shock,” he explained, pulling his face from her hands and standing, “See, all good.” He held his arms out, displaying his well being.

Barbara didn't look convinced, but backed off for the time being.

“On another subject,” Blinky started, clapping his hands together. “I believe I have found a clue to your stones.”

“Really?!” Jim lit up, finally they could go on a mission! 

They made their way to Blinky's library, the scholar telling the Trollhunter’s mother all about Trollmarket as they walked.

Jim had thankfully remembered the riddle? poem? thing from the book Blinky had once burned, he had actually written it down on his note wall several times without realizing it. He had needed to organize it, but he honestly couldn't keep up with how many notes he had added at this point.

A simple text of some ‘Trollhunter given dream’ the poem and a ‘you can ask Vendel if you need more information’ worked perfectly to get Blinky to start researching for the stones with more urgency, wanting to understand the riddle.

“Concerning our Trollhunter though,” Blinky said, and Jim cringed, and did his best not to glance at the two walking behind him. “I am a tad worried, he is most definitely determined to make a great Trollhunter, and he will surely have books and ballads written of him, but at the mean time he does not appear to be caring for himself as a growing human should.”

Jim quickened his pace, he could not be slowed down by their worries. The future depended on him! He couldn't bother himself with whatever it was that he supposedly needed to be doing.

Blinky seemed to think rest was the answer, but ‘rest’ only resulted in worrying. Worrying about what might happen, what had happened, and the longer he tried to stay put the worse he felt for doing nothing.

Barbara wanted him to talk to someone. Talk about what? No one knew what was really on Jim's mind and there was no way he could tell anyone. 

They just didn't get it, and they never would. The memories of the past future were Jim's to bear, and Jim alone!

“Hey! The Jimmy Jam is ‘ere!” Mateo called when Jim entered the library.

Draal, Toby, AAARRRGGHH!!!, Claire, and Mateo filled the library tightly.

“Will you stop calling him that?” Claire grumbled, tossing a candy bar at the changelings head, where he sat on the table several feet away.

Mateo happily grabbed the candy, and took a bite, not even bothering to take off the wrapper. “Nah.”

“Trollhunter,” Draal said, shrugging off one of the book shelves to stand up straight. “I had intended to come spar with you, but Barbara insisted on coming, and then I was forced here instead.”

“It's okay,” Jim replied, then nearly fell over when Mateo jumped onto his back, and clambered onto his shoulders. Jim glanced at the changeling and then removed his armor, causing him to topple off him. “I just ended up doing a course, for a little while.”

“Unattended,” Blinky huffed, entering his home, then wriggled his way through the crowd of people and grabbed a book from one of the many towers that risked toppling if you looked at it wrong. “Regardless of Master Jim's choices during his free time, I believe I have discovered an answer to our question.”

“The meaning of life?” Toby asked, receiving a small glare from the scholar.

He placed the book on the table, and everyone gathered in close. “I've spent nights poring over the legend of the stones, decoding its hidden meanings. Endless, sleepless nights.”

It seemed a bit dramatic, Blinky didn't sleep most nights. But glancing up at his mom's amazed face, Jim realized the flare of words might be to make the tale sound as exciting as Blinky saw it.

“You found something for the trilogy stones?” Toby questioned, leaning so far on the table towards the book that his feet came off the ground.

“Triumbric Stones,” AAARRRGGHH!!! happily corrected, before his companion could.

“Indeed.” Blinky smiled proudly at the perfect pronunciation. “At first, I combed every library for insights, but there is nothing written. Rumors say they are tied to Gunmar's life force. So I searched for stones that would have a significance to his past-”

“Birthstone,” AAARRRGGHH!!! finished, pointing out what he could remember from Blinky's late night ramblings.

“Yes! Such as Gunmar's Birthstone!” Blinky cheered happily, clearly it had taken ages for him to figure this out, and he should be proud of himself. Jim did feel a little guilty for not just telling them, but that would take out the fun for Blinky.

“How would that help?” Claire asked, not quite connecting the dots yet.

Blinky beamed at the question, happy to answer it. “Long ago, trolls lived underground, blissfully unaware of humankind above. Inevitably, our worlds collided. Trolls and humans each wanted the world as their own and fought for it. Blood was shed, and our First Heartstone rotted from within. And from it, Gunmar was born.”

He flipped through the pages of the book, showing images and written descriptions of the horrors that had taken place. Jim still wasn't fast at reading Trollish, but what he did manage to skim were graphic details sure to add themselves to nightmares. Gunmar hadn't just been magically born from the heartstone, that had been his egg that was created from the living stone flesh of the fallen trolls.

“So we have to go find it!” Toby cheered, throwing his hands up with happiness as he slid off the table to put his feet back on the ground. “Where is it?!”

“Birthstone gone,” AAARRRGGHH!!! answered, waving his hand like it had done so with magic.

“It was plundered before any good could come from it. But then I remembered this passage. ‘Three forces Elemental thou must seek in marshland, caverns deep, and mountain's peak.’ Ah. Which is elusive, but the clue-”

“Wait, what passage is that?” Claire asked, glancing at the book Blinky had.

“The passage Master Jim received,” Blinky answered, gesturing to the Trollhunter. All eyes turned on him.

“Did you not tell them?” Blinky asked.

Jim shrunk, especially as he briefly made eye contact with his mother. The emotion was hard to read, but she had strong feelings about whatever this may be that he had withheld.

“I umm,” Jim probably should have told the others about it, but he hadn't exactly thought that far ahead. He really needed to work on doing that, what if he messed up on something way bigger?!

Blinky placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “A blessed vision of such an important endeavor would be a sacred experience meant to be kept close to the heart. I can understand why you would tell but a few people.”

“Yeeeaaah,” Jim painfully agreed, doing his darn hardest to ignore everyone else.

“Is it alright that I inform our group?” He asked, looking so genuinely concerned that he might ruin the ‘sacred experience’ for Jim if it were to be talked of any more.

Jim silently nodded, trying so hard to keep a straight face. Blinky gave his shoulder a tight squeeze that Jim was sure was meant to provide comforting strength, then pulled his hand away to stand up straight to present the information Jim had given him.

“Master Jim often finds counsel from our past Trollhunters, who as spirits that dwell in a realm beyond our comprehension may glimpse and foretell of things to come.” Blinky explained, bowing his head slightly, perhaps recalling memories of Trollhunters he had known personally, or had heard and read many stories of. “They granted Master Jim a clue of where to find the Triumbric Stones.” He produced a scroll from his one of his pouch pockets where he had written out the words Jim had texted. “In darkest tide, when Daylight darest wane. The Myrddin Wylt obscured a Shadow's bane. Three forces Elemental thou must seek. In marshlands, caverns deep, and mountain's peak. Where worthy perish, ye'll prevail in night, and Eclipse all who quarry with thy might.”

“Woah,” Claire breathed, reading the passage over and over again. 

“What does that even mean?” Toby questioned.

“And why are we in such need of collecting these… stones?” Barbara cut in, far out of the loop compared to the others.

Blinky looked at Jim with a face that questioned why he wouldn't tell his mother of his ridiculous plan to enter the Darklands.

“We need to be prepared, even with Bular gone, the threat of Gunmar returning will never stop.” Jim stated, trying to draw up the confidence he had when speaking before his friends to rally them for battle. He needed them to trust his insane sounding plans. “The Triumbric Stones are our only way of being able to even hurt him, without them we’d be helpless.”

He ignored his mother's worried expression. She would understand one day.

“Well said Master Jim.” Blinky smiled proudly, then resumed his scholarly serious expression. “The Birthstone was surely passed around, but with a clue from the passage-”

“A mountain!” Claire excitedly interrupted, “the Birthstone must be in a mountain.”

“There are like a million mountains,” Toby shot down, “pretty sure we’d have as much luck finding it as finding a unicorn.”

“Unicorns are quite easy to find if you understand their nomadic culture and diet,” Blinky corrected, not understanding Toby’s meaning. “But yes, a mountain, and I believe our stone resides within Gatto’s Keep.”

Jim shuddered, he was not excited about going back to him. Neither of them liked each other, and he was pretty sure it wouldn't be changing this time around.

“Deep in the realm of the Volcanic trolls is a vault of the greatest treasures untold. Treasures too powerful for the underworld to possess. Treasures kept locked up by Gatto himself.” Blinky continued.

“Birthstone there.” AAARRRGGHH!!! concluded.

Toby breathed in such a long gasp, Jim was surprised by his lung capacity.

“IS THIS A TROLLHUNTERS QUEST?!” he jumped up and down with his hands firmly on the table. He reached across, and grabbed Jim's shoulders and began to shake him. “WE’RE GOING ON A TROLLHUNTERS QUEST!!!”

“We shall collect up the things we need, then set out on this journey!” Blinky announced happily, glad to see at least two of the three kids were getting excited for the journey. Jim was doing his best to get that excited energy started up. “There is far more to see of this world than you know!”

“Wait! Wait! Wait!” Barbara interrupted, waving her hands in front of herself. “Where are you taking these kids?”

Blinky tapped his chin as he thought, creating a soft stone clinking in the suddenly silent room. “I believe it is in the place you call Argentina.”

“Argentina?!” Barbara glared at Blinky, “These children have lives, parents, school!” 

“Honestly I would give up a few days of school for a super awesome troll trip,” Toby mumbled, still loud enough for everyone to hear.

“The journey will not be very long,” Blinky laughed, “I will have them back in time for a few hours of sleep before they must awaken for their education.”

“Be taking… gyre?” AAARRRGGHH!!! asked, frowning deeply, already knowing the answer.

“The gyre is the fastest route.” He beamed with excitement. He always claimed to be a simple scholar, but Jim knew that man was probably as insane as he was.

“Well, I'm coming,” Barbara said, crossing her arms.

“Nooo! no, no, no, no,” Jim cut in before he could think of a better way to stop her. “I mean umm, are you absolutely sure you want to go? I mean, volcano trolls… they're a different crowd, and don't you have work?”

Barbara raised a brow at him, trying to figure out why he was so against it. Jim didn't need extra people on this mission. What if she got eaten by Gatto?!

“I mean, Draal and Mateo aren't coming, we don't need that many people, plus the gyre, OOF!” Jim blurted.

“Why are me and Spikey not comin’?” Mateo asked, and Draal brows sank a little.

“Because you're a baby, and Draal… is busy!” Jim decided, looking to the large warrior for back up. “Said so this morning.”

“I did?” Draal asked, but then his eyes lit up with realization, catching on to Jim’s attempt to keep certain events the same. “Yes, I did inform the Trollhunter of such events, I have to… degnome my pantry. Those vermin have been wreaking havoc in my dwelling for some time now.”

“Is that why you've been staying in our basement?” Barbara asked, looking concerned for the troll's housing condition.

“Yes,” Draal agreed stiffly, “I will probably be busy for quite some time.”

“Speaking of being busy!” Jim cut in, already herding Claire and Toby to the door. “We should really get going if we want to be back with enough time to actually get some decent sleep.” 

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! caught on and began to head out of the Library as well.

“Love you mom, I'll make sure to text and let you know we're alright!” Jim waved to her, then booked it towards the gyre station. 

He was definitely in for it when he got back, but that was a future Jim’s problem.

Notes:

I won't be writing out them retrieving the stone because I imagine it went relativly the same in this time line. Jim probably knew the answer to the riddle but still didn't say anything because he knew no matter what they would lose. but also letting Claire pride herself in figuiring it out and recieving praise from Blinky is so worth it.

Chapter 29

Summary:

Jim gets home from Gatto's Keep. Jim and Vendel cleave the Birth Stone so Jim is able to wield it's power. Draal comes in saying there is an intruder, only for Jim to quickly realize it is Blinky who has been cursed from his venture into Gatto's Keep. The group decides to take Blinky out for his day in the sun, but just like last time things don't go quite how Jim hopes.

Notes:

I edited this chapter at 1am so if there are flaws I'm sorry xD

“One stone down,” Jim groaned, gently hitting his head against the front door, not sure he was ready to open it yet. “just two more to go, quagawumps and then… Strickler.”

The adventure of Gatto's keep hadn't taken that long, maybe two hours max, but that didn't mean Jim wasn't exhausted. Still he was going to have to face his mother sooner or later. 

Gathering up his energy with a big deep breath Jim walked inside.

“I'm back!” He announced, knowing if he didn't it might make it worse. He tossed his bag at the base of the stairs, and came into view of the living room.

“Kind of you to let me know,” Barbara said with irritation.

Jim sighed, ready to apologize, but froze when he saw the second person in the room.

“How was your outing, Young Atlas?” Strickler asked, raising his brow, and took a long sip from his cup of tea.

Oh Strickler, fantastic!

“It was good.” Jim nodded casually. “We got what we were after, although Toby did throw up from the gyre.” Jim frowned a little at that. “I definitely understand why AAARRRGGHH!!! would dislike it so much.” 

Strickler’s face contorted with confusion and worry, not expecting Jim to talk so freely about trollish things.

“Strickler you remember I told you about AAARRRGGHH!!! and Blinky,” Jim said sitting down, on the couch, “Thanks for being there for me during all that by the way.”

Strickler stiffly nodded, then slowly turned to Barbara. “I was not aware he had informed you.”

“It took a little while, but I'm glad he had someone to talk to.” Barbara placed her hand on Strickler's knee. “I really do appreciate you being there for him, Walter.”

“Yes, of course.” He gave a small smile, then glanced down at his wrist, and tapped his watch. “Oh my, is that the time? I really must get going.”

Strickler stood, gave a friendly goodbye to Barbara, then as he walked passed Jim, gave him a dirty side eye, trying to decipher his plans.

“Oh, Mr. Strickler,” Jim stood, “can I ask you about something?” He had waited perfectly for Strickler to be at the door so they could briefly talk on the porch. Jim wanted him to know that the fact he was a changeling wouldn't be revealed unless he said so.

Strickler hesitated, grasping the doorknob tightly. “Perhaps we can discuss it at school tomorrow, forgive me, but I really must be off.”

Before Jim could push further, the changeling was gone and Jim's plan fell through. 

Great! Just great! I just needed that final part, and then maybe he would understand I don't want to hurt him. Jim ran his hands over his head, grasping his hair in his fists rather than the horns that had once been there. And started for the stairs to rework his plan in his room.

“James Lake Jr.,” Barbara started, her voice firm and ready to reprimand for his ridiculous behavior earlier. “Don't think you can get away with that stunt you pulled earlier.”

Jim slowly turned around, keeping his eyes on the floor. “I'm sorry I left like that.” He grabbed his arm and rubbed his thumb back and forth. “I guess I just got worried, as the Trollhunter there's a lot I have to do.” He looked up at her, and saw the anger melt into worry. “I know you worry about me, but if I don't do this people could get hurt.”

“Jim, I know you want to fulfill this calling, but I want to be there to protect you.” She closed the distance between them and grabbed his shoulders. “You're my son. I don't want to see you get hurt.”

“That's why I have my armor, that's why I have Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!!, Claire and Toby, Draal and I guess even Mateo, they're helping me, keeping me safe.”

“But what about your friends?” She asked, referring to the human ones without needing to say so. “They don't have armor, and yet you bring them along, what about when they get hurt?”

“I don't like it either,” Jim admitted, but without them he didn't know how they would get through everything. He needed to help them stay safe somehow, maybe get them armor. Didn't Toby have that leather armor, he could at least wear that from now on.

“Jim, I worry about you every day,” Barbara said, lifting his face by his chin that had dropped as he thought. “But I'm much better off knowing where you are, Claire's parents don't know though, Nancy doesn't know. They should know.”

NOT MORE PEOPLE! 

Jim fought the thought back from showing on his face. “I- I'll bring it up to the others. But this world…”

“Is secret for a reason,” she finished, “I know. Just, please don't go running off like that again.”

That wasn't happening, he still needed the Kill Stone.

“I need a hug before your adventures.” She said, wrapping him in a hug.

Jim's eyes widened as he soaked in the embrace. His arms slowly raised and wrapped around her, suddenly not wanting to let go as his eyes brimmed with tears.

This felt like- It was like before, when she knew. When she loved him as her son, human or not.

“I love you, mom,” He whispered into her shoulder.

“I love you too, kiddo.” She gave him a tight squeeze, her arms trembling as he did. 

She was so scared of what he was going through. Jim clung tighter to her, wishing with all his might that what he already knew wouldn't take place. Jim hated it, but they were only scraping the top of everything to come.

---

Jim knocked slightly on the crystal doorway, not sure how else he was supposed to announce his arrival. “Umm, Master Vendel, sir?” He had never figured out what to call him.

“Yes, yes, come in, Trollhunter.” The old troll waved him in, and gestured to the Stone awaiting him on the table. “It has come time to cleave the Birth Stone.”

“R-right,” Jim said, clearing his throat in an attempt to rid the tickle that had been bothering him all day. 

Vendel rounded the table and dropped a handful of tools into Jim's arms. “I will not be doing the work for you, but I will direct you where to cut.”

Jim placed the tools on the table, and picked up the hammer and chisel, ready to chip away at it. 

As instructed by Vendel he lifted the hammer, sniffled, then struck down on the well placed chisel. 

Jim blinked hard, the vibrations of the hit felt as if they shook his bones, which did not help with his headache.

“And here,” Vendel pointed carefully, then corrected Jim's chisel placement when it was slightly off. 

He slammed the hammer down, breaking off another piece.

“Are you feeling alright, Trollhunter?” Vendel asked, and Jim resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 

He'd heard the question from about seven people at this point. His mom, Toby, Claire, Ms. Janeth, Eli, Senor Uhl, and now Vendel. He was sure he would have heard it from Strickler as well, if the changeling wasn't so busy trying to avoid him.

“I'm fine,” he insisted, “I just didn't get much sleep last night.” or at all. He hadn't gotten even a wink of sleep. It was ridiculous!

“Here,” Vendel continued to instruct. “Many Trollhunters have become stressed from the pressures of the Amulet’s call, but in all my years I have never seen one grow ill as a result of it.”

This time Jim did roll his eyes, he really didn't want this right now. It was just a sniffle and sleep deprivation. He would take some medicine and sleep it off tonight. 

“You also haven't had a human Trollhunter before,” Jim replied, with a bit more irritation in his voice than he had intended, and he quickly removed the tone from his words. “I’ll be fine, it's just getting cold out now.”

“Humans are such delicate creatures,” Vendel said, before pointing to another part, and with that strike the gem they were after on the inside was revealed.

Jim lifted the crystal with tongs, and brought it over to the grinding wheel. He made sure to keep his focus on the crystal, refusing to let his mind wander as he delicately and carefully followed the continued instructions provided.

“Truly a sight to behold,” Vendel whispered, taking in the glow of the red stone.

Jim pulled out his amulet, and opened the back. He saw Vendel's gaze go to the time stone glowing in its slot as Jim placed in the Birth Stone. 

“Might I inquire-”

“Trollhunter!” Draal stormed into the room, “There is an intruder in Trollmarket! AAARRRGGHH!!!, Schmidt, and Kulmar are currently attempting to capture them!”

Jim clicked the back of his amulet closed, summoned his armor, and raced out of the Heartstone.

He recognized the situation all too quickly, and could only give Blinky a disappointed stare once he had ordered the bag to be opened.

“Did you seriously get cursed by something from Gatto?” Jim asked, stabbing his sword into the ground, then leaning on it. Well, at least he could spend a little bit of time out in the sun with him.

“I- perhaps that would explain my predicament.” Blinky looked at his two arms, definitely thrown off to have half the amount he was used to. 

“Go see Vendel?” AAARRRGGHH!!! suggested, tentatively sniffing his transformed partner, and reeling back at the unfamiliar smell.

“A splendid idea!” Blinky agreed, excited at first, then seemed to remember the repermanding that would probably ensue. 

And ensue it did. 

Five minutes of it, Jim had timed it.

In the end Blinky was told nothing could be done but to wait for the curse to wear off, and enjoy his day in the sun.

“Come on Blinky, it'll be fun!” Jim cheered, pulling Blinky to the crystal stairs.

Blinky hesitated, stopping their progress at the base of the stairs. “But to be in the sun, I've never felt its rays in a manner that did not result in pain.”

Jim let go of Blinky's arm, not willing to pull him all the way up the stairs. There had to be something that would encourage Blinky to go out.

“Besides Master Jim, perhaps we should stay indoors,” he continued as Jim caught his breath. “You do not look well.”

“I'm-” he choked back a cough, “fine.” Why couldn't people just take his word for it? An idea finally hit him. “I could see if my mom will teach you how to drive.”

Blinky's eyes lit up with delight, and barely with a question of “would she?” he was hurrying up the crystal stairs.

They were fairly close to the top when Blinky stopped and doubled over. Using the wall as support to stay standing. “Curse this squishy body! We have yet to finish the ascent, and I am-” he gasped in a breath, “quite worn down.”

“It’ll be alright, Blink,” Jim offered his hand, hiding how worn he felt from the climb himself. “Maybe just don't try to run up like…” He peaked over the edge of the crystals gauging the height. “Four flights of stairs?”

Blinky nodded, and the two of them continued up the stairs at a much slower pace this time. AAARRRGGHH!!! wandered quite a distance behind them, still unsure of the situation.

“And here we go,” Jim said, carving  the doorway into the wall and opening it to the sun lit world. He stepped out into the sunlight basking in its warmth with his arms spread wide. He could just take a nap right here.

Blinky shuffled to the edge of the shade, then slowly extended his arm into the daylight. His eyes brightened with delight when no pain was inflicted.

“All the way now,” Jim encouraged, then turned to cough into his elbow, before returning his attention to his mentor.

Blinky squinted his eyes shut, and fully stepped into the light. He opened his eyes and gave a small laugh at how absurd the situation was to him. “It's like the warmth of the Heartstone.” His gaze lifted to the source of the heat. “It's beautiful.” He squinted painfully as he took in all of it.

“Woah, woah! Don't stare directly at it!” Jim yelled, putting his hand in front of Blinky's eyes to stop him from blinding himself.

“Alright,” Jim started, once Blinky had lowered his gaze. “Ready to go?”

Blinky turned to AAARRRGGHH!!! who silently watched from the shadows. 

“I am afraid this adventure will have to be without you.” He slowly approached him, then the two of them pressed their foreheads together. “I shall return tonight, and perhaps this curse will fade on the morrow.” 

“Have fun,” AAARRRGGHH!!! instructed.

“I shall attempt to,” he replied, and whispered something that made AAARRRGGHH!!!’s face light up with a massive smile.

The two parted ways, and Jim offered a hand to help Blinky up the steep slope of the canal, while AAARRRGGHH!!! returned underground.

“Oh.” Jim pulled out his phone once they had reached flat ground, “Should probably let everyone know… that way you don’t get beat up by my mom.” He added in a mutter.

The text was sent to his chat with Claire and Toby, then texted his mother separately. Toby immediately responded simply with a shocked face, and Claire confirmed if they could come over to the Lake house to witness it for themselves.

Jim glanced up from his phone, just in time to see Blinky wandering into the street.

“WOAH!” he grabbed his arm and yanked him out of the road as a car swerved around them shouting some slur of profanity. “Blink, you can’t just walk in the street. You’re not a freaking rock anymore.”

“Appologies, Master Jim,” Blinky said, glancing about the brightly lit world. “I suppose I am not so used to the above world being so… awake. It’s thrilling!”

“Okay, well, how about we go get Toby and Claire, and they can help give you the best tour of town possible.” Jim decided, not sure he had the energy to do so all by himself, especially if he was going to be trying to wander into busy streets.

The more Jim walked the worse his headache got, but also the more excited Blinky became. He was rambling about rumors of the human lifestyle that he wanted to prove right or wrong himself, but Jim could barely keep up with the conversation. 

They eventually made it back to the house, and Blinky took it in from his new human perspective, happily sitting on a couch now sized for him.

“Do you want something to eat?” Jim asked, already heading to the kitchen to get something quick and easy. As much as it would be fun to cook something extravagant for his mentor, he didn’t know if he had the patience with himself to do so.

“Yes please, I am curious how different the pallet may be,” Blinky replied, just as excited as he had been for literally everything else. With his rate of energy he was going to be exhausted by the end of the day, and Jim needed to remember to remind Blinky that humans needed eight hours of sleep, not minutes.

“Oh they're different,” Jim mumbled as he pulled several containers of left overs from the weekend that were still good enough to not go to Draal.

He came back to the living room, his arms laden with the food, and placed them on the coffee table. He handed Blinky a fork to use, and as the troll-turned-human reached for it. Jim kept a firm hold on it. “Don't try to eat the fork, okay?”

“A kind reminder,” Blinky said, taking the fork, and Jim opened the containers. He didn't feel like heating them up, tomorrow would be the day for really good food.

Blinky was overly delighted by the flavors he was introduced to.

Yup, just wait until you crave it while a troll again. Jim thought. He still kept getting the craving for forks or other utensils… but mostly forks.

“It is fascinating to taste human foods with human taste.” Blinky noted, “I have eaten many of the things your people create, but they are bland or even repulsive with hints of goodness.”

Yeah, that just about explained it.

“But this! I understand why you would dedicate so much time into preparing it and learning the art, Master Jim.”

Draal emerged from the basement, raising a brow at Blinky. “Is this?” He asked, the question directed to Jim.

“Yeah,” Jim shrugged. He was curious how much Draal knew from his wall, and how well he had studied it. But if Jim was being honest that conversation would never happen, and he would just have to deal with Draal knowing stuff. Although Jim had now formed the habit of locking his door. More so that other people didn't wander in there, and slam him against a wall.

The front door opened and Barbara entered, looking exhausted from her shift. She slouched a bit, but then sensing the people in her home, drew herself up and pulled loose hairs behind her ear.

Her gaze turned from Draal, to Jim, then to Blinky, who was still happily eating from another container. Jim should probably warn him about over eating.

“Wait, is this what your text meant?” She asked, walking into the living room, and stood next to Draal as she got a better look at the person in her home.

“Yeah, Blinky sorta got… cursed,” Jim answered, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. He felt awkward talking about the bad things that had happened when she hadn't wanted him to go to Gatto's Keep in the first place.

A tickle in Jim's throat grew stronger, urging him to cough. He tried to focus on the conversation Barbara and Blinky were now having, but he needed to keep this stupid cough down! 

He tried to get rid of the cough by swallowing several times, but it only made it worse. 

Maybe if he held his breath?

Even worse.

Maybe he could grab something to eat, or maybe a glass of water.

He went to move, but it finally got the best of him, and what might have originally been one cough was now a whole fit of them.

Crap!

“Jim, you sound awful!” Barbara said, giving his back a small pat. “Did you take any medicine this morning?”

He knew she was going to ask that question, but it hadn't been this bad this morning. “I did.”

Barbara gave him a look, and squeezed his shoulder, silently demanding the truth.

“I had… a cough drop.” He answered honestly, but at least he had taken SOMETHING!

“Jim,” she warned, ready to send him to his room to rest. That was the last thing Jim wanted.

“I had school, then I had to work with Vendel on the Birth Stone, and then this happened with Blink. Mom, this is Blinky's one time to be out in the sun, I can't miss this.” I can't bear to be stuck in bed when Angor Rot could come after the others!

“I didn't want to do this, but you're grounded.” Barbara folded her arms over her chest, a sign she had made up her mind. “From Trollhunting, you need to take a break.”

“WhAt?!” Jim half shouted, half coughed, “you can't do that.”

“I just did.” She stated.

“I've got stuff to do! Ang- whoever summoned those golems is still out there.” He argued.

“Dr. Barbara,” Blinky stepped in, looking quite confused. “What is grounding?” He probably had a few definitions in mind, but none were lining up with the context.

“It means he's not allowed to go underground.” She said, not breaking eye contact with her son.

“I had no idea humans had such a specific punishment.” Blinky muttered to himself.

“I can't be grounded,” Jim continued to argue, hating the way he kept fighting and losing against the urge to cough. “Pretty sure magic amulet made by Merlin over rules being grounded.”

“Well when Merlin shows up to tell you to get off bed rest, I'll take him by the beard and make sure he knows that people need to take care of themselves too.” Barbara argued, and from experience Jim couldn't argue about that. He had heard about his mom quite literally dragging Merlin about by his beard.

“Fine,” Jim grumbled, “so no underground, does that mean I can show Blinky around with Claire and Toby?”

Barbara sighed, “Yes, you can go, just don't wear yourself out, I want you home by dark.”

The idea of being home by dark actually sounded really nice, if only he could actually get the sleep that would come with it. He'd been awake for far too long at this point. As awful as they were, a full night's sleep filled with nightmares actually sounded nice.

The front door burst open, Toby standing in a wide and excited position. “I NEED TO SEE BLINKY!”

“Wow,” Claire commented as she walked in, and gently closed the door. “We got here really fast.”

“I'm surprised Toby didn't get here sooner,” Barbara said, glancing at the boy now grabbing Blinky's squishy face.

“He was at my house trying to convince Mateo to somehow get him out of gym class,” Claire explained, “still not sure what the plan was there.”

“Where is Mateo?” Jim asked. Last time he had been at his house in a matter of minutes to witness Blinky himself.

“Back home,” she answered, “he said ‘it’ll be boring to see again’. Did he sneak off to Trollmarket this morning again?” 

“I did not see him,” Blinky said, pulling Toby’s hands from his face. “But the little changeling is quite stealthy when he chooses to be.”

“He has seen trolls turn into human forms many times before,” Draal offered, before Jim could make up an excuse. “Perhaps he sees it no different if it is not a changeling.”

Claire nodded with a thoughtful look, accepting the explanation as good enough.

“We've gotta show Blinky all the good places!” Toby shouted, “The arcade, the taco truck!”

“The library!” Claire added.

“The sunset up at the lookout point.” Jim said, not wanting Blinky to miss out on that sight.

“A hike?” Barbara questioned, knowing how long it took to get there. Her eyes looking at Jim's well-being and thinking how it might affect him.

“I'll be fine.” Jim waved her off, and knowing they didn't have much more time before the sunset waved his friends to follow him out the door.

Wanting to get there for the sunset, the other suggested locations were dismissed, but Jim knew Blinky had plenty more time under the curse to see them later.

“I have never seen anything quite like this,” Blinky whispered, and Jim reached out and grabbed him before he would walk too close to the edge.

“I do wish AAARRRGGHH!!! could be here to see this,” he sighed, leaning a bit to one side as if he had his partner there to rest against. 

Once Jim was sure Blinky wouldn't wander off the edge of the cliff, he went and flopped onto one of the benches. His arms draped over the back rest, and his head lolled back as he finally got off his feet for the first time in hours.

“How are you?” Claire asked, sitting down beside him. Didn't she bring up the Spring Fling last time? It wasn't even winter yet. We're things going faster? How far off were things then? 

Shit! My whole timeline is off now!!! How could he not have noticed this?!

“Woah, didn't mean for you to have an existential crisis,” Claire teased, seeing his emotions make their way to his face.

“Sorry, sorry,” He laughed it off, peeling himself off the back rest, and waved his hands in front of himself. “I was just lost in thought.”

“About what?” She asked, genuinely curious.

“Time, I suppose,” he answered, deciding to go with an at least partial truth. “A lot has happened in such little time.”

“You could probably say that ten times over,” she replied, “I can't believe it hasn't even been that long since I found out Mateo replaced Enrique. I miss him.”

“I’ll get him back,” Jim reached for her hand, but then settled to have his rest on the bench beside hers instead. “I promise.”

Claire swept her hand over her cheek, laughing a little at the emotion that had caused a tear to escape her eye. “Sorry, not what I had meant to bring up.”

“No, no,” Jim shook his head, “if you want to talk about it, I would love to listen.”

Claire smiled, and another stubborn tear leaked down her face. Jim fought down the urge to wipe it away, would she even find comfort in that now? 

Probably not, especially with him having a stupid sniffle every ten seconds.

“I really do like having Mateo around, and I can't imagine not having him now,” she explained, “but I want Enrique back more than anything. I would go into the Darklands myself if I could.”

Jim did not like picturing that. He was already hating the idea of going in himself, that place was a hellscape. But then again, he would go to hell and back a hundred times for Claire… for all of them. 

“Look at me whining about this.” She shook her head, as if her missing her brother so much was ridiculous. “What about you? You're called to protect troll kind, I can't imagine it's been an easy transition.”

“Honestly it feels like I’ve been doing it for years,” Jim smiled. Even though he had tried to give the amulet to Toby, he couldn't imagine life not as the Trollhunter. Any time he did all he could recall was finding the amulet shattered in front of Draal's solid stone body.

Claire looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to say more, but honestly Jim didn't know what to say. 

He was stressed, but he couldn't really say why.

He was tired, that was thanks to the nightmares, and he couldn't describe those even if he wanted to.

Jim looked to the ground, not sure how he could keep the conversation going. 

Time seemed to crawl on forever when Claire finally spoke up. 

“Ugh, can you believe this?” She picked up one of the glass bottles littering the ground, “I can't believe people leave this basura laying around.” 

She was off to the dumpster when Jim fully remembered what happened.

“ForthegloryofMerlin,Daylightisminetocommand!” Jim shouted, and Blinky and Toby barely had time to turn and question why Jim summoned his armor when Claire screamed as a golem made of shattered glass and trash emerged from the dumpster.

“Claire! stay back!” Jim ordered, not wanting her to get hit by any of the flying glass as he slashed through the creature, and hit out its totem core. “Quick, break that!” He shouted, before turning around in time to see two more emerging from another dumpster. 

Jim charged forward, and slashed through them as quickly as he could. He had taken down hundreds of these before, he could do this in mere seconds now.

Moving to the third one, Jim caught site of their source. Standing perfectly still, waiting for the Trollhunter to spot him was Angor Rot. 

Jim flung the totem out of the golem, and without looking to see where it landed he charged after the ancient troll. Time to stand up and face one of his nightmares like Draal had suggested.

Angor Rot allowed himself to be seen just enough to lead Jim where he wanted, then stood in plain sight waiting for Jim to charge him, but Jim skidded to a stop, spotting the stasis trap awaiting him.

A sickening smile spread across the troll's face, “Cunning little hunter.”

“I know your play Angor Rot,” Jim tried to sound intimidating, but he was out of breath and any he did get came back out as a cough.

“So it seems, Strickler informed me you are quite intelligent.” Angor Rot paced the edge of the clearing. “Which is why I awaited you to pursue me before I sent another golem to hold back your allies.”

Jim readjusted his grip on Daylight, readying himself for when Angor Rot would strike. His friends could handle one more golem, they had done it before.

“You know far more than you let on boy,” He said, rapping his nails on the edge of the shadowstaff. “How is it you know of Angor Rot?” 

Jim clenched his jaw, refusing to answer the question. He couldn't underestimate him. Bular had been easy to predict, following his path exactly the same as last time. Angor Rot on the other hand was smart, he calculated each of his attacks.

“I have never hunted a human Trollhunter, but you do not seem to be fully so.” His eyes scanned Jim up and down, making a shiver run up his spine. “I have yearned for a hunt for centuries. I shall thank my master for giving me such a gift.”

Jim needed some kind of advantage over Angor Rot, but he had nothing! No intimate knowledge, no history- wait! He did!

“I know who you are,” Jim huffed, fighting off another cough, “I’ve heard you were once a great warrior, someone who fought for his home, his people!”

Angor Rot's gaze darkened, and he charged. He was fast, but Jim had trained for that. He knew how Angor Rot fought, that would always be Jim's advantage. He knew, and they did not.

Jim swung his sword, about to clash with Angor Rot's knife, but his forward stepping foot found no ground. He plummeted into darkness, then back into the dimming daylight of sunset. Right as his foot hit the ground his limbs locked up. When Jim fought to move he realized he had been thrown into the stasis trap. 

No! This can't be happening! 

Angor Rot slowly approached, raising a finger to begin his horrifying incantation.

Jim had no escape, no way of getting out of this stupid mess. How had he fucked up so badly?!

As Angor Rot spoke in a far more ancient trollish language than Jim had learned, stinging pain started to slowly spread across his face. Like a sharp blade cutting into his skin, the golden markings carved into him.

He tried to scream, but his mouth was shut, his lungs already struggling to get air from their frozen state. 

Tears pricked his eyes as the sharp pain continued. His heart pounded, he didn't want to be so helpless.

Please! Claire! Toby! Blinky! Somebody help!

The screams remained in his head, unable to make their way into reality. He could only watch as Angor Rot continued the painful curse. 

Tears poured down his face, the fragile droplets the only thing able to move within the stasis trap.

His body ached, trying to move but unable. 

He was helpless, alone, and stuck in a reality where his nightmares came true yet again.

The invisible blade of magic carved down past his temple, and along his jaw. Another carved around his eye, and the streaming tears only made it burn worse.

“HEY!” Toby’s voice cut through the darkness forming in Jim's mind. “LEAVE MY BEST FRIEND ALONE!”

Angor Rot surely could have teleported Jim's rescuers far away, but instead he stopped his spell, and vanished into the woods. 

“JIMBO!” Toby’s hasty footsteps approached, and Jim's pained tears shifted to ones of relief as his best friend came into view.

“Careful Tobias!” Blinky shouted, “do not touch the stasis trap!” He jumped through the golden beams, hitting against Jim and knocking them both to the ground and tumbling into a tree.

“Jim!” Claire gasped, and Jim could still feel the burning stinging on his face.

“It appears you were to be marked for a fate worse than death, Master Jim,” Blinky said, grabbing Jim's face. “But the curse appears unfinished and fading.” His thumb slid along Jim's jaw, and Jim found it didn't sting any more, just a phantom of the pain remained.

“Who was that guy?” Toby demanded.

“Angor Rot,” Blinky answered, pulling Jim into a tight hug as Jim sobbed, coughed, and sniffled as a wave of relief washed over him, and the stinging cuts slowly faded. “An ancient being, often believed to be but a myth.” He squeezed Jim tighter, letting out a deep hum as if attempting to purr as he had often done when Jim struggled as a troll in the time he had once belonged. “Master Jim is lucky to have survived the encounter.”

A comforting hand Jim instantly recognized as Claire's, rubbed his back. “We're here Jim.”

“Yeah, that creepy troll isn't getting anywhere near you again.” Toby growled, sounding ready to dive into battle immediately.

“It is getting dark, we should return to our homes.” Blinky shifted his arms, scooping them under rather than around Jim. He slowly stood, with far more struggle than he would as a troll.

Jim tried to pull himself from Blinky's grip, not wanting to be a burden.

“Do not worry Master Jim,” Blinky assured, already starting to walk. “I will be alright.”

Jim pushed down the urge to fight against his mentor, but he was already so drained of energy, he wouldn't be able to make it back home on his own anyways. Instead he rested his head on Blinky's shoulder, and soaked in the soft humming he made.

Jim wasn't sure if he had lost consciousness, but within a blur and a few scattered thoughts, Blinky had gotten him home.

“Oh my gosh! JIM!” Barbara gasped from the stairs, as Jim was placed on the couch. “What happened?!”

“We were attacked,” Blinky answered, his hand brushing over Jim's forehead, where a sliver of the burning pain remained. “An ancient being, Angor Rot, attempted to curse him.”

Jim winced and let out a small groan of pain when Barbara’s hand replaced Blinky's, but it felt ice cold against Jim's forehead.

“He's burning up,” She noted, “He needs medicine.”

“Master Jim may have traces of the curse within him, a remedy may affect its magic.” Blinky warned.

Draal's loud footsteps approached, “I shall track this Angor Rot, and tear him limb from limb!”

“A death wish!” Blinky spat, “do not risk your life when his was nearly marked for a fate far worse.”

“What can we do?” Barbara asked, her voice riddled with worry.

“I am afraid we can only let him rid the magics from himself,” he replied, “perhaps his armor is assisting, its abilities run deep. I had expected it to disperse when we arrived within the safety of your home.”

“Thank you for bringing him back, Blinky,” she said. Her hand caressed Jim's face, the coolness of her fingers were a relief to the burning spreading through his entire body.

“Shall I remain to watch over him with you?” Blinky asked, sounding ready for the task but also exhausted.

“We'll be alright,” she decided.

“Would you like an escort back to Trollmarket?” Draal offered, and Blinky at first sounded like he wanted to accept the offer but stopped.

“Master Jim should have someone here to protect him,” he instructed, “I believe our young warriors will all need security. I shall discuss it with AAARRRGGHH!!!” Blinky's steps retreated to the back door, used to needing to travel by stealth.

“Let us know when you're home,” Barbara told him. Then the back door opened and closed, leaving Draal, Barbara, and Jim in silence.

Jim clenched his jaw, and groaned as it suddenly felt like the stinging mark had returned, and vanished just as quickly. Shivers ran through his body, and his armor felt wrong on his skin, but it wouldn't dissipate no matter how much he begged it to. It was like the shard all over again, would he be stuck in his armor forever? 

His brain felt fuzzy and blurry, his thoughts were slowly jumbling together, and he was struggling to tell what point in time he even was at this point. Was he even human anymore? 

“Jim, can you unclench your jaw?” Barbara’s gentle voice asked.

Another wave of pain shot through the cursed half of his face, and shivers ran through him. Once the shock faded, he let his jaw slacken. A cool piece of metal slid through his parted lips, and nestled under his tongue. It was uncomfortable, and he didn't want to eat right now. He tried to spit it out, but it was held in place.

“Just a bit longer,” his mother said, and ran her hand through his sweat soaked hair.

The metal stick was pulled from his mouth.

“Shit,” Barbara hissed, “but I can't take him to the hospital in his armor.”

“Perhaps Vendel-” Draal started and instantly stopped.

“What?” She prompted, wanting to hear the proposed idea.

“I was going to offer to take him to Vendel, butBlinkoussaid…”

Jim couldn't understand what was said after that. His ears rang, and all he could possibly try to focus on was how uncomfortable he was. Discomfort stretched on for eternity, spikes of pain, waves of shivers, and sweaty, uncomfortable armor gripped tightly to his skin.

Slowly Jim opened his eyes, the room was dark. He turned his head and scanned the room. Barbara slept in one of the recliners, her glasses skewed on the top of her nose.

Draal was nowhere to be found, maybe he'd gone to Trollmarket. 

Vendel.

Draal said Vendel could help. 

Jim slowly sat up, every movement making his achy muscles cry out. He couldn't live through this, he finally had to admit it.

Jim needed help.

His feet found the floor and he stood, then made his way to the door. Fumbling hands opened the door, and he walked out into the cool autumn air.

Vendel.

He reminded himself, and he started towards Trollmarket. He needed to get to Vendel.

His hand slid over his chest. Where was the shard? He could feel its effects, but where was it? 

He shook his head, Vendel would know what to do.

Vendel? Vendel is dead.

Blinky! 

I need Blinky.

His legs shakily carried him forward, closer to his needed destination. 

Blinky will know what to do.

Notes:

I think I cursed myself, because what do you mean I decided a while ago that Jim would get sick, but the moment I start writing the chapter where it happens I myself get sick??? (don't worry I took medicine unlike Jim, and took a day off from work... unlike Jim)
Also sickness is wild, and can do crazy things to you. As a kid I once had a fever and practically started hallucinating, and my dad was terrified I was gonna try to run away because I was begging him to let me go outside (I felt too hot indoors). So why not have Jim think his problems will be solved in Trollmarket and run away in the middle of the night?

Barbara dragging Merlin by the beard is reference to the book Angor Reborn.

Chapter 30: Toby

Summary:

Toby gets call from Blinky needing him to come down to Trollmarket for some suggestions on how to take care of Jim who won't listen to reason. Toby tries to talk to Jim in an attempt to comfort him during his fever dream nightmares.

Notes:

Special chapter from Toby's POV!

Toby woke up before his alarm, he had never felt so worried. That creepy Angor troll dude lurked in his dreams all night. Was this how Jim felt? No wonder he looked exhausted all the time!

Mostly Toby was just worried, Jim had looked BAD after that stupid troll tried to put a curse on him. Halloween was over, spooky creepy stuff was supposed to be done with by now!

Not that he or Nana had taken down their Halloween decorations yet, but that was different!

Well if he was already going to be awake this early maybe he could head over and check on Jim. He glanced at the clock again, 4:30am, freaking ridiculous! Toby already snoozed his alarm like three times when it went off at 6:00am on a normal day. What was he supposed to do with a whole nother hour and a half on his hands?

Toby’s phone buzzed from the other side of the room, and he vaguely remembered Chomsky stealing it the night before. Probably to watch more Sally-Go-Back youtube videos. Toby rolled out of bed, half wanting to ignore whomever was calling, but what if it was important?

He stumbled over to where his phone was, and saw Blinky’s blurred trollish face as the incoming call icon.

“Yellow!” Toby greeted, wondering if the troll had reverted to his normal form yet, he really wanted to show him cool things around town, but they had been so limited on time yesterday.

“Tobias, finally!” Blinky sounded exhausted, probably as tired as Toby, if not more so, maybe even borderlining Jim tired.

“What’s happenin’?” He asked, wondering if he was aware what time it was. 

“Master Jim is here in Trollmarket, and-” Blinky hesitated, “I am unsure how to treat a human so unwell.”

Toby’s jaw dropped open, how had Jim gotten to Trollmarket?

“He is delirious and cannot be reasoned-” Blinky’s voice cut off.

Toby looked down at his phone, a dim empty battery symbol appearing on the screen. “CHOMPSKY!” Toby growled, “I told you to plug it in last night!”

The gnome angrily chittered from within his house, probably some argument about how Toby hadn't left much battery in it to begin with.

He plugged in his phone to a small portable charger, shoved it into his backpack, and began getting dressed as quickly as he could. Jim was not doing well, and gosh darn it, Toby needed to be there for him!

Toby rushed down the stairs, out the door, and onto his bike. He pedaled as hard as he could, making his still waking body scream at him. He would normally take the street all the way to the bridge, but he needed to get there as quickly as possible. As much as he hated the little route, Toby turned down the small dirt road. It bumped, shook, and tossed Toby around on his bike, but he persisted through the nauseating ride. He shot down the side of the canal, came halfway up the other side, before coming back down and zipping under the bridge. 

He patted his pockets as if he might find that fancy troll key, but Jim was the one to always carry it. He whipped out his phone, impatiently waiting for it to power on with the small bit of battery it now had, when the wall in front of him opened up revealing AAARRRGGHH!!!

“Yes! Wingman!” Toby cheered, hurrying in to give his friend a hug. “Always got my back!”

“Happy to see Toby,” AAARRRGGHH!!! returned the hug, then the two of them started down the stairs.

“So what’s wrong with Jim?” Toby asked, “did the curse somehow finish? Is he dying?!”

AAARRRGGHH!!! frowned, “Don’t know.”

The two words were enough to make Toby’s already racing heart double its pace. He hurried through Trollmarket, hearing a few greetings from the people he usually chatted and traded with, but he didn’t have time for that right now. Jim was in trouble!

He rushed into the library, and was already shouting by the time his eyes found Blinky, still in his cursed human form, standing in the doorway to AAARRRGGHH!!!’s nest. 

“Where is he? Is he alive? Is he dying? Why didn’t your curse wear off? When did he get down here? Did that stalker troll come back? Did you call Dr. L?” He had so many more questions, but he knew he needed to give Blinky a chance to answer them. 

Blinky rubbed his hands nervously around one another. “Master Jim is alive, but I am unsure about the curse or which state his well being resides. There have been no signs of Angor Rot, but perhaps Master Jim came to Trollmarket in search of the safe haven the wards supply.” He was rubbing his hands together so much they were starting to wear red. “I have refrained from calling our Trollhunter’s mother as Jim specifically requested such. Although I am beginning to debate if I should ignore the request.”

“Classic Jimbo,” Toby said, shaking his head. Why couldn’t he just let people help him? “We could always carry him back home. Dr. L is amazing! She’ll have him back on his feet in no time.”

Blinky did not give a happy response like Toby had expected, he looked even more worried. AAARRRGGHH!!! slowly approached, and pressed his nose against Blinky in an attempt to comfort him. 

“We had attempted to bring Master Jim to Vendel when he arrived, but…” He hesitated, and gently patted his partner’s head. “The moment we reached the door of the library he summoned his sword and threatened to dispose of us all.”

Toby tensed, that did not sound good. He had seen him wake up like he was ready to fight the entire world, but that only lasted a few seconds. For Jim to try to attack his friends, that was crazy town banana pants!

“I have read everything I could find on Angor Rot and such dark curses, but none of them speak of such symptoms.” He rubbed his eyes. “I had meant to study more on curses placed on humans, but the few eyes I have grow tired quite quickly.”

Toby noticed the bags under them and had to ask, “Have you even slept?”

“Only a few hours before Master Jim stumbled into our home,” Blinky answered, “I was hoping with your knowledge of humans, you might be able to tell if these are normal human behaviors.” He didn’t sound like he believed it, but they were running low on options.

“Yeah… yeah!” Toby drew up his confidence, if he needed to become Dr. Toby for Jim, then that’s what he would do. “Is he in there?” He double checked, then once confirmed entered the room flooding with pillows, stuffed animals, and random pieces of fabric with Jim curled up tightly around a chosen plush, clinging to it as if it were his life line.

“Hey Jimbo,” Toby said, approaching the edge of the nest. “Heard you weren’t feeling well.”

Jim’s face contorted with pain as the sound of his voice hit his ears, probably sensitive to pain in his current state. 

Toby carefully reached out and touched his forehead, which was beaded in sweat. 

“Oof, that’s a bad fever man,” He noted, keeping his voice quiet in an attempt not to disturb him, but perhaps still give something for him to grasp onto. “Probably just going to have to burn through it.” 

Toby waved Blinky over, and he quietly approached.

“He’s burning up with a fever,” he explained in a hushed whisper, and Blinky nodded in agreement. “How long has he been like this?”

“Since I brought him to Dr. Barbara last night,” he answered, and Toby’s face paled. That was a long time to have a fever!

Toby let out a small hum as he thought of how to best help his friend. “He probably needs something. I don’t think he ate since lunch yesterday. You got some broth or soup he could eat?” That's usually what Nana and Dr. Lake did for them when they were sick.

Blinky nodded, “I will see what I can find.” He stood and made his way out of the room, determined to find something within the category of soup that Jim would actually be able to healthily digest.

Toby sat in silence, and felt helpless as he watched Jim’s face fluctuate from fear, to worry, to pained. He grip on the plush he was wrapped around tightened, bringing the fabric to the verge of ripping.

Why had Jim let it get to this. Sure some of it could be blamed on creepy dude, but Jim had been sick all day yesterday, and still wasn’t getting sleep. Part of Toby hated that he had agreed to stop pestering him about his well being.

“Why don’t you take care of yourself, Jimbo?” Toby asked, not sure he would ever be able to say it to his face if he were conscious. “You push yourself too hard. It’s not fair. I was supposed to be the one protecting you and everyone else. It was me who found the amulet!” He shut his mouth tight, he would never admit that to Jim, part of him hated how jealous he was of the hero Jim had become. Jim had always yearned for more, and although Toby had blatantly expressed not wanting more, that moment when he had found the amulet he had gotten excited. Part of him thought he had finally found his purpose, but turned out his purpose was just to be a delivery boy, and watch Jim be amazing.

“Now I’m just a sidekick you see as a burden,” He sighed, his gaze falling to his hands. “You’re so focused on making sure I’m safe, but what about yourself?” He questioned, feeling his frustration rise. “Why can't you just let me fight and be a hero like you?!”

A sniffle sounded from the nest, and Toby looked up, finding tears streaming down his best friend's face. Was he awake?

“I'm sorry,” Jim whispered, his eyes still shut tight, perhaps stuck in a nightmare. “I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry!” 

“Hey, I'm right here, Jimbo.” He placed his hand on one of Jim's, attempting to offer a small bit of comfort. Even though the armor was cool to the touch, Toby knew Jim was burning up underneath.

Jim's eyes peeked open, the bright blue shining brighter with the brimming tears, but they lacked focus, like he wasn't quite seeing reality. “I'm sorry, Tobes.” His words slurred together slightly, still mostly asleep.

Toby patted his hand. “Why are you sorry?” Maybe the conversation would drive away the nightmare, and Jim would get some actual, well deserved rest. As much as Toby sometimes wanted to be the Trollhunter, he couldn't imagine carrying the burdens Jim did.

“I couldn't protect you,” Jim whimpered, and sniffled again as another round of tears streamed down his cheeks. “I wasn't good enough. I let you die.”

Toby’s heart swelled as the horrible fever allowed him to see a glimpse of what his nightmares were like. Being Trollhunter had taken its toll.

“I can't let you die again!” Jim sobbed, burying his face into his pillow, his eyes shut tight as he seemed to fall back into the nightmare.

“Again?” Toby questioned aloud, it made him wonder how exactly the nightmares played out, how they might shift into one another.

Jim clenched the plush again, this time ripping a small hole. “If I had gotten the amulet to work sooner, or maybe if I was still a troll, you wouldn't have had to come in with the taco truck and the anti magic cannon.” 

Toby blinked a few times as he took in the insanity of that sentence. Oh he is having a fever dream for sure! Poor Jimbo.

The tear in the plush tore further. “I thought I could do this all again. I wanted you to have the amulet, but I got it again.” He started coughing as he sobbed.

Jim wanted me to have the Amulet?

“Hey, it's gonna be okay,” Toby patted his hand again. 

Jim whimpered in disagreement.

“I'm okay,” He assured, giving his hand a squeeze like it might provide to his half asleep friend that he was plenty alive.

Jim let out a deep sigh, but his brows knit together. He still wasn't quite convinced of reality.

“I'm sure we'll find something that will help get rid of all these nightmares.” Toby had no idea how they might accomplish that, but if it could help Jim in the moment it was good enough. “No more taco trucks and magic Lazer cannons, or whatever you said.”

That didn't brighten the dark cloud over Jim's head like he had hoped. There had to be something that could cheer him up, even if for a little bit.

“I just want to protect you this time Toby,” Jim muttered, pulling his face slightly more out of the plush. “I'm sorry for failing you.”

“Jimbo, you didn't fail, besides, just like Nana always says ‘you can try, try again’!” Toby smiled, remembering how often those words had helped him out.

Jim shook his head aggressively to the point it might even hurt, and showed no signs of stopping.

Worried about his well being, Toby grabbed his face, stopping the aggressive disagreement. His eyes widened as he felt how hot his face was, where was Blinky with that soup?

“I don't want to use the Time Stone again, Tobes!” The tears began to gush again, soaking Toby's hands, and surely dehydrating him even further.

Time Stone? What does that mean?

“I can barely handle this time around,” Jim continued sobbing, leaning his face into Toby’s hands. “I don't want to go back to the beginning again. I just can't do it.” He choked on his tears, resulting in a coughing fit, before sleepily and tearfully whispering another slew of “Sorry”s.

“It's okay, Jim…” He tried to assure, but his heart rate was going far too fast, and felt as if it were pounding against his rib cage as Jim’s words crashed around in his brain. Most of it could be so easily dismissed as a fever dream nightmare, but something about a look on Jim's face. The way he couldn't seem to wake from the dream.

Is Jim from the future? A future where I- He couldn't finish the thought, it was ridiculous anyways. Jim was just delirious from having a fever for so long. Toby had known him for his whole life! He was pretty sure he would know if Jim time traveled. There would be signs. 

Signs like saying things that didn't make sense.

Talking about things like he'd known about it for ages.

Or speaking a language he had only a few months exposure to.

Toby stared at Jim in horror, what had happened to him?

“I have procured clean water and stew!” Blinky announced joyously making Toby jolt, his heart nearly jumping up his throat.

“Great Gronka Morka, Tobias, are you sick as well?” He asked, his hands full of the announced items. “You look horribly pale.”

“Nope, all good!” Toby flashed his braces as he gave a quick big smile. “Jim just said some weird stuff in his sleep. Fever dreams, am I right?” He got up and elbowed Blinky in a friendly manner, ignoring the way his stomach growled at the smell of the food.

Oh my gosh! I'm already starting to sound like Jim!

“I realized what time it was, I better head home to get ready for school,” he said, “Jim seems alright, just probably needs more rest, although Dr. L should probably come see him if he doesn't start cooling off soon. Make sure to give him food and water if he’ll wake up for you.”

Blinky balanced the bowl and cup in one hand, and placed his now free one on Toby's shoulder, stopping Toby’s escape. He stiffened as he felt nervous sweat dripped down the side of his face.

“Do take care of yourself, Tobias. I want everyone in good shape, for I believe I have discovered the location of the next Triumbric Stone!”

“Awesomesaaauuuse.” Toby cheered with the most enthusiasm as he could, then started for the exit once he was released.

Jim’s rock collection seemed to be far more insane than Toby’s ever would be.

AAARRRGGHH!!! tilted his head towards Toby as he walked out.

“I'll be back big guy… after school.” He turned and hurried out of the library, no longer able to keep his smile up. How did Jim do it?! 

He knew this was all he was going to be able to think about, but he supposed, like all super heros, appearances needed to be kept up.

Maybe Claire had some ideas, could he even tell her?

WHAT WAS HE SUPPOSED TO DO?!

The only thing Toby could agree on in his mind was that he NEEDED to have a conversation with Jim.

Notes:

I had this chapter writen up for about a week now except it was on paper, I don't let myself write out of order electronically, but I can write out of order as much as I like on paper (makes so I don't go back and fixate on fixing and editing these random scenes) So it just took me a bit of time to transcribe the chapter and add some details and fix things up as I went.

Chapter 31

Summary:

Jim wakes up and is tended to, as he should be. Claire and Jim head up out of Trollmarket to help make sure Toby is doing okay after he's gotten some frightening news.

Notes:

Well, not quite sure why I am suddenly writing so much, but I'll take it. Hopefully feeding my readers well.

Light flickered with soft warmth, dancing over Jim's face gently waking him. The remnant of a headache faded away, but each movement reminded him that his body was still incredibly sore. He really hated sleeping in his armor.

He placed his hand lazily over the amulet, and ordered it to release its protective hold on him. To his relief the amulet obeyed, and dropped into his grasp.

As he stretched out his aching limbs, he noted a plush that was torn open with stuffing spread across the nest. Had he gotten violent during his sleep?

Jim blinked harshly, how had he even ended up here? His memories were really foggy. 

He hadn't been feeling well, and was convinced Blinky could fix it, but when had he actually made it to Trollmarket? 

Jim opened and closed his mouth, tasting strange trollish flavors on his tongue. Had he eaten something? He really couldn't remember anything.

Well, he could remember what led to him feeling so unwell. Angor Rot was sure to make a lot more frequent appearances in his nightmares now. 

Nightmares… had he had a nightmare?

Honestly Jim was feeling so good mentally, he felt as if he would never have nightmares again.

“Yes, the fever reducer was necessary,” Barbara's voice echoed through the cave. “With the fever he’s had I would take him to the hospital, but he won't get out of that armor.”

Jim placed his hand to his forehead, it felt normal, well temperature wise, it was all wet and clammy from sweat. That explained why he was so incredibly sore, other than the usual soreness that came with sleeping in his armor.

“Aww, crap,” Jim growled, flopping back on the cushions. Mom must be furious. She just told me not to go to Trollmarket, and then I came down here.

“Jim awake?” AAARRRGGHH!!! questioned from the other room, the only one Jim had noted to be in the library so far that would have good enough hearing to pick up the few sounds he'd made.

“Is he?” Blinky asked, his voice coming closer. “Oh thank Deya,” he sighed with relief, seeing Jim who kept his eyes closed debating pretending to be asleep, because he really did not want to deal with anything right now. “He removed his armor.”

A soft hand caressed Jim's face. “Hey Kiddo, you awake?” Barbara whispered softly.

He threw out the idea of pretending to sleep, he wouldn't be able to pull it off anyway. He slowly peaked his eyes open, making eye contact with his mother.

“He finally cooled off,” She noted to Blinky, briefly glancing over her shoulder. “How are you feeling?”

“In pain,” he answered honestly. Now that he had his armor removed he was debating going back to sleep.

“How’s your head?” She brushed her fingers over his forehead, and he was relieved that none of the sharp stinging pain lingered on his face.

“It's okay, it hurt a little bit when I woke up, but it went away pretty fast.” He blinked a few times, still searching his brain for what exactly had happened. “How did I get here?”

Blinky stepped forward, allowing Jim to get a better look at him still appearing human. “You walked to Trollmarket in the middle of the night, do you have no recollection?”

Jim winced as he sat up, then shook his head. “I remember walking out of the house, I needed your help with the sh-” He stopped, trying to think through his logic the night before. Had he been human the whole time? Part of him remembered being a troll. He could have sworn he had the shard in his chest. 

Had he been so delirious his memories had muddled together?

Well at least he had gone to Trollmarket, and not the Warehouse from after the evacuation, or ridiculously started on the path to New Jersey.

“Jim?” Barbara said, making him aware of how long he had been silent.

“Just trying to piece things together, I can't remember much from after we got home from the look out point.” He explained, “Most of what I can remember doesn't actually make sense.”

“Tobias did inform me you were having ‘fever dreams’,” Blinky stated, “Perhaps that is part of the confusion.”

That did make sense. “Wait, Toby was here?” 

“He came down a few hours before he had to prepare for daily education.” Blinky lowered himself and sat down beside Barbara. “Shortly after his departure you awoke enough to consume a small bit of food.”

Jim swirled his tongue around in his mouth, catching the hints of strange flavor again. “That explains the weird taste.” 

“Are you up for trying to eat something?” His mother asked, “you haven't eaten anything other than those few bites in twenty-four hours.”

Jim could feel how hungry he was, but could also feel how much he didn't want to eat. He had a strong feeling he wouldn't be getting out of this nest until he ate though.

“Yeah.” He slowly nodded, rubbing his hand over his eyes to rid the sleep from them, he probably wouldn't be going back to sleep any time soon. “That sounds good.”

Barbara stood, and left the room, probably to get some food she actually approved of.

“Blink,” Jim said once his mother was gone, “what happened last night?”

Blinky's worried face brought no comfort, Jim just really hoped he hadn't done or said anything stupid.

“It was almost as if you were affected by pixies,” he started, “you arrived asking for help, looking ready to pass out, but the moment we attempted to take you to Vendel you lashed out as if we were gummgumms.”

“Sorry,” Jim whispered, the word felt familiar on his lips as though he had said it a thousand times over recently.

“Your state was brought on by Angor Rot, you have nothing to apologize for.” He rubbed the top of Jim's head, messying his hair, before sliding down the side of his face where the curse had meant to remain. “Do you feel…” He didn't seem to know how to ask the question.

“Cursed?” Jim finished, “not that I can tell, the pain from it is gone.”

“A relief to hear.” He smiled, patting Jim's face before returning it to his side to lean on. “There are few records of unfinished curses, their effects varying far too greatly to pinpoint anything.”

Jim wanted to thank Blinky for always being so willing to find any information he could on any need or desire, but the words “thank you” didn't feel like enough. Blinky did so much for those he cared about, and Jim wasn't sure he could ever repay him for it all.

AAARRRGGHH!!! entered the room, carrying a takeout bowl of steaming soup. Well at least Barbara had counted her own cooking as indigestible. “Bar-boo-rah gone, emergency.”

Jim sighed, not sure if he was happy or sad Barbara had left. It was nice having her around. He would never say it, but he didn't like how busy and tired her job made her. That place always took advantage of her willingness to work, calling her in for emergency shifts every moment they could it seemed.

“Jim need help to eat?” AAARRRGGHH!!! asked, holding the bowl between Jim and Blinky.

“Nope, no,” He said, before anyone could attempt to feed him, and took the bowl. The liquid within showed him how much his energy lacking hands were shaking. “I can feed myself.”

He crossed his legs, placed the bowl in the created knook, and took a bite of the warm soup. He could feel the warmth of it slide down his throat, and into his empty stomach. Oh this is good. Jim caught some familiarity in the flavors, and looked at the blank unbranded bowl. Was this from the café Douxie worked at? 

“Jim okay?” AAARRRGGHH!!! asked, plopping down on the ground beside Blinky.

Great, Jim had an audience while he ate.

“Yeah, I'm okay, big guy,” Jim assured him, taking another spoonful of soup. And honestly for the first time in a while Jim actually felt like it was true.

Jim glared at the ceiling, how long had it been now? It felt like he had been stuck in this stupid nest for hours!

He'd felt plenty good to get up after eating, but Blinky had refused to let him get out of bed. He even threatened to have AAARRRGGHH!!! hold him down. The large troll had more than happily agreed to the idea, cheerfully saying something about “whelp cuddles”.

He was no longer being supervised, and as far as he knew Blinky was no longer lingering by the doorway. Maybe he had finally gotten tired enough, and gone to bed. Although chances were this was his bed, but Jim knew Blinky could fall asleep just about anywhere if he was tired enough.

“Alright, I can't sit here anymore,” Jim decided, rolling to the edge of the nest and climbing onto solid ground. He slowly stood, his legs a little wobbly from lack of use, and made his way to the library portion of the home.

He hesitated in the doorway for a moment, before walking out into view of anyone who might be in the library. Which was only AAARRRGGHH!!! and-

“JIM!”

Jim barely had a second to process who had yelled his name, when Claire’s arms were tightly wrapped around him, nearly toppling him over. He screamed internally, CLAIRE WAS HUGGING HIM!!!

She released him, looking him up and down with worry. “I was so scared after seeing Angor Rot try to curse you, I was scared you were dying… or… or… I don't know what else, but I was really really worried! Are you feeling alright?”

“Yeah, I'm feeling great.” He ran his hands through his hair, trying to tidy it when he remembered he probably had awful bed head. “Are you and Toby okay?” He said, thinking back on the golem Angor Rot had occupied them with.

“I'm okay, Toby…” she fell silent.

Jim grabbed her shoulders needing to know that Toby was okay! If he had to activate the time stone right now he would, he couldn't lose Toby again!

“Toby is okay,” She assured him, putting her hand over one of his. “It's just that Mrs. Domzalski fell down the stairs. She was hospitalized and Toby left school early. Last I heard she's stable, but might have broken something.”

“WHAT?!” Jim released her and ran his hands through his hair, messing up any fixing he had managed. 

“Bar-boo-rah emergency,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said, referencing when he'd said that earlier.

So it hadn't even been work, Jim felt awful for being mad she had left. How selfish could he be?!

“I think Toby could really use your company right now,” Claire said, “I tried to be there for him, but he wouldn't even look at or talk to me. I don't want to push him, but it's been hours now, and I'm really worried about him. So if your feeling up-”

“Absolutely, yes, let's go!” Jim didn't even need to be asked, he couldn't leave Toby all alone in a situation like this.

“Will tell Blinky,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said, waving them goodbye as Claire took Jim's hand to lead him out of Trollmarket even if he knew the way better than she did.

Jim hated how long it took him to climb the crystal stairs. Claire had already reached the top, and opened the doorway with Jim's Horngazel. 

“Here, you take my bike,” She said, picking it up off the ground, “You don't have yours, and we'll be faster that way.”

Jim noted the foot pegs on the back wheel, “or maybe we could both-”

“Master Jim!” Blinky called from the bottom of the stairs, and the two of them peaked over the edge to look down at him.

He looked so teeny tiny from the distance, and with how much AAARRRGGHH!!! towered over him. Jim's eyes lit up as he noticed what AAARRRGGHH!!! was holding in his hands.

“No way!!!” Jim nearly ran down the stairs, but stopped himself. 

AAARRRGGHH!!! and Blinky climbed the stairs as quickly as they could, and AAARRRGGHH!!! set the now finished 1955 Vespa.

“You finished it?!” Jim said, running his hand carefully along its gorgeously aged surface.

“It was only a bit more work that needed to be done.” Blinky downplayed, most of the parts had been put together, but now it was beautifully all in one piece.

“Thank you Blinky!” Jim wrapped him in a tight hug, before turning back to the fastest form of transport they had for now.

“And I have procured these from Bagdwella’s,” He held up two helmets, that must have been for sale as food.

“You're the best Da- Blink.” Jim stammered, quickly grabbing the helmet and shoving it onto his head, avoiding eye contact at the slip up. 

The two of them exited the cavern, leaving Claire's bike to be retrieved later. 

“Did you almost just call Blinky Dad?” Claire asked, teasingly. 

Jim mounted the Vespa. “Maybe,” he mumbled, starting the engine, and smiling as it rumbled beneath him. “Now come on.”

Claire smiled, and climbed onto the back. Jim's face heated as he started forward, and she clung tightly to him, especially as they revved up the steep slope of the canal, and popped up onto the street.

Jim would have savored the moment, but the joyful feeling only lasted so long before his worry for Toby crept up to the forefront of his mind. He really hoped Nana would be okay.

The two of them parked the Vespa, and Jim noted he would need to take it to the DMV and get it registered. He was pretty sure saying it was from trolls wouldn't be a good excuse if he got pulled over.

Claire pulled out her phone as they walked in, and Jim cringed at the overwhelming smell of disinfectant. 

“She's in room 314,” she said, tucking her phone away, and the two of them made their way to the elevator.

“Do you think she'll be alright?” Claire asked, as the doors shut, closing them in the small compartment together.

“I hope so,” Jim said, grabbing onto one of the rails and leaning on it. He couldn't remember something quite like this ever happening. It had always been magic or battles that got people hurt, and Jim was pretty sure Angor Rot hadn't randomly decided shoving an old woman down the stairs was how to get under Jim's skin.

“She seems like a strong woman.” She glanced up at the slowly ticking numbers, and stepped forward half a step when it reached three. “She’ll be okay.”

They set off down the hall, scanning the door numbers, they rounded a corner, and stopped, seeing Toby sitting in a small sitting area all alone.

“Hey Toby,” Claire greeted quietly, and gave a small wave. 

“Hey Claire,” He mumbled, lifting his gaze from his hands to her. 

Jim gave a small wave, and to his horror Toby’s expression darkened and he stared daggers into him.

WAS IT ANGOR ROT?! That was supposed to be a joke!!!

Jim felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over him, freezing him in place. He might actually take being sick, and stuck in the nest again over this.

“Hey,” Toby grumbled, before returning his attention to his empty hands that slowly rubbed over one another.

Jim gulped hard, walked over to his friend, and took a seat beside him. “How's Nana?”

“She's okay,” he answered, the anger still very much present. “No thanks to you.”

Jim blinked, Okay, it definitely has to be Angor Rot, right?! 

Angor Rot was awful, but why go after Nana, and in such a weird way too?

“How'd it happen?” He asked, trying to piece together the few clues he had.

“Oh like you don't know.” Toby clenched his fists making his knuckles turn white. “You don't have to play, dumb, I know.”

Jim glanced up to Claire, like she might have a clue as to what he meant, but she only helplessly shrugged from across the little sitting area in her own chair.

Well, whatever was bugging Toby, Jim's next question could definitely tip him off the edge, but he needed to ask if.

He rubbed his sweaty palms over his jeans. “What do you know?”

Toby jumped up from his chair, whirling around on Jim, and his fist coming close to hitting his face. “You know everything!” He burst, “and then you act like you don't! It's so obvious once you see it!” 

Jim shrunk in his chair, Toby had never yelled at him like this before. It was horrifying. Guilt clawed up his gut and into his throat. Whatever he'd done to make Toby pissed, he surely deserved it.

“How could you withhold this from me?” Toby demanded, his anger starting to crack to reveal saddened hurt. “You couldn't have said anything about Nana so she didn't get hurt?! She's all I have left, Jim!”

Okay, Jim was REALLY confused now, and Toby finally seemed to notice it.

The flicker of realization only lasted a moment, before Toby’s expression darkened again. “The future, Jim!” He shouted, spreading his arms out wide like it might help it click into Jim's head. “Sure didn't bother to tell any of us that you know everything that's going to happen!”

How the fuck did Toby know about that? Had Vendel said something? Why would Vendel be talking to Toby? Maybe it was when he’d come down to Trollmarket when he was unconscious.

“Wait, what?” Claire had gotten up from her chair the moment the yelling started, but only now approached the two of them. Her attention flicked between the two of them, deciding to turn to Toby for the answer.

“He's from the future!” Toby announced, crossing his arms firmly across his chest. “Told me himself this morning, didn't bother warning me about anything though, just how much he hated it.”

“Toby, he had a fever all night,” Claire argued, “I say ridiculous things when I'm out of it, I'm sure you do too.”

“Don't defend him!” Toby growled, “Let him defend himself! Let him explain the Time Stone.”

Jim stared up at Toby in horror, how did he know? 

Should he play dumb? No, Toby would see right through that. 

Pinned against another wall it seemed. 

Jim sighed, then sucked in a deep breath as his throat tried to tighten to withhold the truth.

“Okay, fine, you got me.” He stared down at the ground, refusing to make eye contact with either of them. “I'm from the future.”

“That's ridículo,” Claire said, like this was all a big joke she had been pulled into.

Jim wished it was, but his skin crawled as he knew all too well what was the truth. He had screwed up so bad, he’d had to come back to try to fix it all.

“Why didn't you tell me about Nana?!” Toby snapped, the pain he felt finally coming full force in his words. “Maybe a little warning even?!”

Jim forced himself to look up, locking eyes with his furious and hurt friend. “I didn't know! This didn't happen last time!”

“Wait, last time?” Claire interrupted, “you mean… the future thing is real?!”

Jim glanced away, but that seemed to be answer enough for her.

“You're actually…” she struggled to find the words, but Jim didn't need her to. He nodded stiffly, not wanting to admit it.

“How far?” She demanded.

Jim bit his tongue, he couldn't answer that. 

She grabbed his shoulder, trying to get him to look at her. “How far?!”

Jim's jaw opened enough to allow his tongue to move and form the needed words. “Around two years.”

Her hand left his shoulder as she recoiled, “That's- that can't be possible!”

“Tell her,” Toby ordered, his angry gaze locked on his shoes. “Tell her why you came back.”

Jim's eyes widened, he’d told Toby that?! 

He moved before he could think, standing, and wrapping Toby in the tightest hug he could manage even if it made his muscles hurt.

With his face burried in Toby’s shoulder, he rambled apologies. “I didn't mean for you to find out like this. I'm sorry about Nana, if I had known I would have said something.” Jim hated the way guilt gnawed at his stomach, because he didn't know if that was true. He didn't really know how far he would attempt to go to keep this secret.

“Is it true then?” He questioned, his hands slowly taking hold of the back of Jim's shirt as he returned the embrace. “Is it true I died?”

Jim squeezed him tighter, never wanting to let go. “You were my hero, Tobes, I couldn't live in a world without you.”

“Did- did we win?” he asked quietly.

“Yeah-” Jim choked, “yeah, we won.”

His heart pounded, and part of him wanted to shift his head so that he could hear Toby's heart as well.

“What the hell did I just hear?!”

Jim's heart jumped up into his throat, and he released and stumbled back from Toby.

“M- MOM?!” He clutched at his chest, trying to get some control of his far to harshly pounding chest.

Barbara slipped past the two other teenagers, closing the distance between her and her son, and grabbed his shoulders. “Jim, what did I just overhear?”

He gulped, not even willing to glance at his friends for any support. She wasn't supposed to know! NO ONE WAS SUPPOSED TO KNOW!

But how much had he yearned for them to know?

Jim's gaze dropped to the floor. “How much did you hear?”

Barbara squeezed his shoulders tightly, for a split second inflicting the smallest bit of pain before softening her hold. “You're right outside the room, and Toby was shouting.” 

A pit formed in Jim's stomach, of course, that made sense.

“Jim, sweetie.” She didn't force him to look at her, released him and patiently waited for him to do so on his own. Once he finally lifted his head to look up at her through his lashes did she speak again.

“What happened to you, baby?” It felt as if she could see it all, like she already knew how much hurt he had been through. Like she was the Barbara he'd once had, the one who had comforted him even after she had lost everything.

“The end of the world.” He shrugged, not willing to say that it was technically the third version of the end of the world. Nothing like the world facing a wizard, a god, and god wizards.

“Jim.” Her hand softly cupped his cheek, and he leaned into it. “Why didn't you tell us?”

“I was scared,” he admitted, and with it his eyes brimmed with tears. “I have to make sure everything goes right. Things were terrible last time, I can't-” I can't watch everyone die again.

She pulled him close, and wrapped him carefully in her arms. His head rested against her chest, hearing how panicked she was inside. “I'm here for you no matter what.”

“Yeah, Jimbo!” Toby’s hand patted his shoulder. “We're here even if you are a time traveling magic man.”

“Even if things didn't work out for us last time,” Claire said on his other side, “we’ll do everything we can to make it work this time.”

Barbara released him, but only for him to be held in place by his friends as she pulled them all in for a tight squeeze. 

The tears broke from his eyes, and dripped down his face. His body shook with sobs, but they held him firmly, not letting him stagger and fall.

He hated how vulnerable he felt, but it was relieving to feel their protective embrace around him. For now, he would be okay.

Notes:

Honestly had to sit down for a minute with myself and really think over how I might react to my best friend telling me they were from the future, there were definetly some mixed emotions there.

Chapter 32

Summary:

Toby, Claire, and Jim go to a bookshop to spend their spare time and get some answers

Jim rubbed his hands up and down his jeans, hating how horribly silent it was. Sure there was the noise of nurses and doctors hurrying about, people entering and exiting the building, and people shopping at the gift shop. But Claire hadn't said anything since they decided to wait down in the main lobby while Barbara and Toby talked with the doctor.

There were several things he thought about bringing up, but maybe she didn't want to talk. He had just dropped the “I'm from the future” bomb on her.

What if she hated him now?! 

“Whatever happens, don't give up on me. Don't stop trying, until I love you.”

Jim buried his face in his hands, and groaned. I think I really screwed up Claire!

Claire stood, and for a second Jim was terrified he had said that aloud, but then he saw Toby walking into the lobby.

“How is she?” she asked, once he was close enough.

“Nothing's broken,” he started, with the good news, “she wasn't very high on the stairs so that's a good thing. But she has a mild hyperextend knee, and a lot of bruising. They're gonna keep her overnight, and then Dr. L is gonna help out with her recovery.”

“She's a tough woman,” Claire praised, “anything we can do to help out? I'm sure my parents and I could make a few meals for you both.”

Toby nodded, looking up at her with silent gratitude. “C-can we get out of here? I don't like the smell, it just reminds me of my upcoming orthodontist appointment.”

Claire took the lead on that, exiting the hospital, and heading over to where they had parked the Vespa. Which was their only vehicle since Toby had gotten a ride from Barbara.

“Oh, you finished it!” Toby delicately ran his hands along it, oohing and awwing at each part. He leaned on it excitedly. “Could we all fit on it?”

Jim frowned, now that was one way to get pulled over in two seconds.

“Down town isn't too far,” Claire offered, “We could walk, and find a comfortable place to hang out.”

Jim recalled a question about the half done curse, and who might have answers about it. “I know a place we could go to,” he offered, then immediately regretted speaking, he still didn't know what they thought of him. Sure they had said they were there for him, but… “Only if you want to go though, no big deal.”

Toby and Claire exchanged glances.

“Is this a magic place you know from the future?” Toby asked, still happily perched on the Vespa.

“Yeees,” Jim answered, a little worried that might upset him.

Toby squealed with delight. “Then let go!” He shouted and promptly started off in the wrong direction.

“Toby!” Claire shouted after him, and jutted her thumb in the other direction. “This way.”

“LET'S GO!” he shouted, setting off in the new direction.

Jim shook his head, as a smile crept onto his face. There seriously was nothing that could keep Toby from seeing the best in every situation. He took hold of the handles of his vespa, and caught up with the two of them.

 

“This old book shop?” Toby questioned, looking at it with a mix of disappointment and intrigue.

“Oh my gosh, I love this music shop.” Claire’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the store next door, tempted to spend all her time within.

“Doesn't that one gothic senior work here?” Toby asked, “the one you were all buddy buddy with the other day?”

Jim met Toby's questioning gaze, and raised his brows as he smiled, before turning away pulling open the door causing the bell to chime.

“Oooh, future people mysteries.” Toby followed behind, and Claire entered after.

“Welcome in, I'll be right with you!” Douxie shouted from somewhere in the back.

Claire turned and scanned the books, seeming quite intrigued in them. “Those ones on the top shelf seem… interesting.” The shelf was too high up for anyone to reach without some kind of assistance, but then one of the books wiggled out of its spot and fell down into Claire's hands.

“MAGIC!” Toby pointed an accusing finger at the book.

“Oh hello,” Claire greeted, looking up to where the book had come from, two curious yellow eyes peering down at her.

The cat squinted down at her, before slowly and carefully making his way down to be on the edge of the shelf level with her. His eyes widened, pupils expanded, and leapt onto Claire's shoulders, immediately releasing the loudest purr Jim had ever heard from him.

“You seem very nice too,” she giggled as his tail flicked over her nose and he slung around her neck, lounging happily. Claire turned to Jim. “Is he always this friendly?” 

Jim shook his head staring in amazement. “He's usually very reserved.”

“Sorry, about that, what can I do-” Douxie paused as he came into view, and Jim turned to face him. “Good to see you Jim, Toby, and…” he cleared his throat, and moved in a way Jim almost expected him to bow. “Might I know your name, M’lady?”

“I'm Claire,” She answered, blushing a little at the formality of the question, “and you are?”

“Hisirdoux Casperan the fourteenth.” He actually half bowed this time, and blushed at the old timey greeting he had accidentally used. “And that's Archie.”

“Sooo,” Toby said, rotating his hands around each other.

“Oh right.” Jim shook his head, clearing away his current thoughts. “Yeah, Douxie, they uhh, they know now.”

“Oh, delightful.” Douxie clapped his hands together as a large smile spread across his face.

“Wait!” Toby interrupted, looking quite offended. “You told the Goth Senior Kid you were from the future before you told us?” 

“Ah-ah-ah,” Douxie wagged his finger at Toby, “I figured it out, it's not everyday you see a kid walking around with time magic radiating off him. I'm surprised you didn't notice, Lady Claire.”

“Why would I-” She cut herself off raising her notched eyebrow as she saw Jim try to signal Douxie to stop talking. “What is it?” 

“Nothing!” Both Douxie and Jim said at the same time. 

“You are both horrible liars,” Archie grumbled, standing up on Claire's shoulder. Both Claire and Toby yelped, startling back, which made the cat topple off her shoulders and onto the ground with a very not graceful landing.

“Hey! I thought cats were supposed to land on their feet!” Toby propped his fists on his hips, and stared down at the familiar with suspicion as if his landing was the most outrageous thing to happen today. “Nor should they be able to talk.”

“Oh, meow, meow, I'm sorry for not reaching your expectations.” He scoffed, and then turned to glare at Douxie with squinted eyes. “But someone misplaced my glasses.”

“I haven't touched your glasses,” Douxie argued, “just admit you lost them yourself.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Claire said, “but what did you mean by saying about me noticing Jim was from the future?”

Jim turned to Douxie, feeling it best that one magic person explained it to the other.

“Well, for starters,” Douxie cleared his throat, “how much do you both know?”

Toby was quick to answer, featuring enthusiastic hand gestures with each word. “Jim is the Trollhunter, sworn to protect both humans and magic folks from evil monsters. But apparently this isn't his first time doing so! He's actually from the future! Which is why he knows so much already, like how to fight and speak trollish. Jimbo’s also doing his absolute best to make sure everyone is safe, because when he came from was not awesome sauce and definitely not crispy as he tends to say.”

Douxie blinked, then frowned a bit as he nodded with the description. “I like this kid.” 

“Hey, why does Claire get called Lady, but I get called Kid?” Toby pouted.

“Apologies,” Douxie laughed, “I didn't get the opportunity to meet you before.”

“Jimbo,” he stage whispered, “what does he mean?”

Douxie turned his attention to Claire, opened his mouth to speak, stopped, walked to the front door, turned the open sign to closed, and returned back to them. “Would anyone like tea, or to sit down?”

A few minutes later they were sitting in a small lounging area of comfortable chairs and bean bags while Douxie was getting drinks for them.

“So, who is this guy?” Toby asked, wiggling in his beanbag, trying to get more comfortable.

“He's uhh,” Jim rubbed his chin, trying to decide if it was safe to tell them. “A wizard.”

“You mean like Merlin?” Claire asked, sitting up straight in her plush chair. 

“I could only hope to be comparable to Merlin,” Douxie said, walking in with a tray bearing a steaming tea set. Jim had to wonder how old it was based on the make of it. “Merlin is my Master, I am just an apprentice.”

“Wait, wasn't Merlin from like King Arthur time?” Toby asked, lighting up when he saw the cookies on the tray.

“He's far more ancient than that,” Douxie took up a cookie himself, and sat down. “He was an immortal Master Wizard by the time he found me on the streets of Camelot.”

“You're from King Arthur time? Are you a time traveler too?!” He asked, spraying cookie crumbs from his mouth.

“No, just wield enough magic to no longer be considered fully mortal,” He answered, “also, Arch, I found your glasses by the milk steamer.” 

The cat snatched the tiny pair of glasses from Douxie, and carefully perched them on his nose. Before turning his attention to an open book on a side table.

“You still have yet to answer Lady Claire's question,” Archie noted, licking his paw to turn a page.

“Right you are, Arch,” Douxie snapped his fingers and pointed happily at his familiar who was now ignoring him. “I’m sorry Claire, I had mentioned you sensing the magic around Jim because I already assumed you were attuned to the arcane arts.”

“Are you sure you're not a time traveler?” Toby asked, narrowing his eyes. “That was very time travelery to say.”

“Not yet,” Douxie shook his head, “I know Lady Claire and Jim from when they arrived back in time with myself, Sir Steve, and…” He snapped his fingers trying to spark a memory, “Oh what's his name? Arch, who was the traumatized winged green one?”

“WAIT!” Jim blurted, “STRICKLER?!”

“Yes! Strickler!” Douxie beamed, but then realization dawned on him. “Oh, he's a changeling, that explains SO MUCH. I've been wondering why I get dajavu any time I see him in the hall.”

“Wait, wait, wait!” Toby waved his hands back and forth aggressively. “What is this about us time traveling? And what do you mean Strickler was with us?! He's trying to kill us!”

Jim wanted to argue against that, but he did summon an ancient troll to murder him, sooo…

“Ay caramba! How complicated do things get?” Claire questioned, rubbing her temples.

“Very.” Jim offered, not sure how else to answer that.

“So in the future we go back in time, and at that point I have some kind of sense for magic?” Claire clarified.

“Sense for magic?!” Douxie sat at the edge of his seat, and opened his mouth surely to praise her abilities, but stopped himself. “Yes, something like that.”

“Okay, why are you being all mysterious?” Toby questioned, “also Jimbo, don't let me forget I want to discuss the Strickler thing.”

“Okay?” Jim agreed slowly.

“Time is an extremely fragile thing. One of the reasons Merlin is one of the only wizards able to wield its magic.” Douxie explained, “It takes so much to be able to understand it. If people know the future it can throw it off, make it tumble into an entirely different route once intended for it, it could be catastrophic.” 

“That's why I didn't tell any of you,” Jim added, “if you knew it could change everything. I've gone back to the beginning before under different circumstances, and it was awful, I only survived long enough to find the Amulet thanks to Strickler.” Jim decided not to add that the Amulet had been shattered, and just about everyone had been killed and or hunted down by Gummgumms.

“So that's why you're so nice to him.” Toby sipped on his cup of tea, making a face like he was trying to look like an old timey detective. “How did you get him on your side that time?”

Jim slumped back in his beanbag, “I stormed into his office and told him everything. He tried to kill me, but then I managed to convince him.”

The room fell silent, save for Archie turning the page of his book.

Jim glanced at Claire, Douxie, then back at Toby who wore a surprised questioning look on his face.

“What?” Jim demanded, shrugging his shoulders innocently.

“THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THAT THIS TIME?!” He burst, spilling tea from his cup. “Probably would save us a lot of trouble if we're not dealing with him and Angor dude!”

“Well, about that,” Jim scratched the back of his head, “Strickler is kinda the one who summoned him.”

Toby gently set his cup on the table. “ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” He slapped his hands over his face and dragged them down, “Alright, that's it.” He stood. “YOU’RE GOING TO STRICKLER'S HOUSE RIGHT- No, if he has Angor Rot that would be a bad idea… TOMORROW AT SCHOOL YOU ARE GOING TO STRICKLERS OFFICE AND TELLING HIM THE FULL TRUTH!”

“Tobes, I can't just burst into his office and tell him I'm from the future.” Jim argued, although it had worked last time.

Toby shoved his hand towards Jim's face, wagging his finger only a few inches away. “Oh don't worry Jimbo, you won't just be telling him tomorrow.”

That sounded like a terrible idea.

“Honestly not a half bad idea,” Douxie said, “as much as I’m impressed with how you’ve dealt with things so far, Jim, I am starting to think maybe telling your allies might be a better choice. Like Merlin being there for us in Camelot… although we didn’t have to tell him, he already knew.”

Jim pinched the bridge of his nose, “I- I’ll think about it.” He decided, not wanting to say yes or no. Really he just knew he was in for a late night analyzing the wall.

Toby happily took his seat in the beanbag again, and snatched up a few more cookies.

“Douxie,” Jim started, and the wizard gave a small hum in reply as he refilled his cup. “I was wondering what you know about a curse Blinky called a fate worse than death that would give someone the power to wield Daylight, and what might happen if that curse wasn’t completed.”

Douxie turned very slowly to face Jim, shocked terror on his face. The tea overflowed from the cup, and he quickly stopped pouring and with a quick spin of runes from his wrist band tidied the mess on the table, receiving a small “wow” from Toby and Claire.

With a few blinks, his expression shifted from terror to looking quite impressed. “And you lived?”

Jim looked down at his hands, and rotated them back and forth as if they might suddenly be transparent. “I’m pretty sure.”

Douxie stood, flung a slew of runes from his wrist, and they crowded around Jim’s face.

Cutting pain started in his forehead, and snaked down the half of his face.

“Oooh, yikes,” Toby winced.

“Is he going to be okay?” Claire asked.

The runes around Jim’s face vanished, and the sharp pain began to fade. “Ow.”

“That is a nasty curse for sure,” Douxie said, folding his arms. His brows knit together tightly. “Usually if a curse this far along is cut off, although more difficult, the caster will finish it from a distance. Although it’s not really finishing the curse, it’s more finishing off the person you attempted to curse.”

“Could it look like a fever that lasts for over twelve hours?” Claire asked, making Jim recall the way the sharp pain had continuously returned and faded away while he was sick.

Douxie nodded slowly. “Can I see the amulet?” 

Jim pulled it free from his pocket and handed it over, half expecting Douxie to pop open the back to look for a specific stone. He turned the amulet over in his hands a few times, before gently rubbing his thumb over the face of it. “Bleeding balroths, I knew Merlin’s amulet could adapt, but this is something else entirely.” He held the amulet out to return to Jim. “Well, thanks to the amulet and the fact that you're not fully- uhh, cursed.” Definitely not the word he was going to say. “It looks like you’re plenty alive and sure to stay that way. But a warning, the curse still can be completed, your hold of Daylight has already slipped.”

Jim took the amulet back, and stared down at it like it might give him the explanation to Douxie’s strange answer.

“What does that mean?” Toby demanded.

“It means,” Archie spoke up, “that a wizard does not reveal all their secrets.”

“Like a magician,” Toby breathed, apparently satisfied enough with that answer.

Maybe Toby and Douxie were right. Jim couldn’t risk losing Daylight. He was going to have to tell Strickler the truth.

Notes:

Oh gosh their conversation felt all over the place while writing, I was just trying to have them talk about like two things, but then they just kept chatting. I can't control these characters half the time.

Also I just wanted to say how much I love all your love and support! I am so thankful to everyone who takes the time out of their day to read this! weather you leave kudos, comment, or just lurk I am very thankful for the time you took to read!

Chapter 33

Summary:

Jim follows Toby's advice, and comes clean to several more people about his situation, although none of them go quite like he's expecting.

Notes:

Hey! look I'm not dead! Super sorry I've been gone for a while, I got sick for a week, depression hit me with a sludge hammer the next week, and then I got sick again the next week! I've also been a bit distracted with Arcadiatober art over on tumbler, which has been a lot of fun! (and I really need to do yesterday's prompt as well as today's)
But as a treat this chapter is REALLY long! over 12k words! Could this be split into several chapters? most definitely. Did I do that? obviously not.
So hope you're able to enjoy this chapter and its ridiculousness. I'll hopefully get the next chapter out sooner than I got this one.
Also shout out to my two sisters who are now reading this fic, one of which has only seen like 3 episodes of Trollhunters (in no particular order). They probably won't read this note for a while, but HELLO! Thank you for all your fun ideas and theories!

The office door slammed open. “STRICKLER I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!” Jim shouted.

Strickler eyes were wide from the sudden loud entrance. “Mr. Lake, what has possessed you into entering my office in such a manner?”

Jim turned and looked at the door, assessing it for any damage, before carefully fully entering the room and allowing the door to shut. “That was actually the fifth time,” he mumbled, “three times it was still locked, and then you weren't here on the other time.” Jim rubbed his nose, it was still a little sensitive from when he had accidentally slammed into the door. In his defense he had expected it to open. Why he was so set on the exuberant entrance he wasn't sure.

“Intriguing,” Strickler noted, not sounding intrigued at all. “Are you aware you to be in class with Ms. Janeth right now?”

“Yeah, well, you haven't been in your office between classes,” Jim grumbled, taking a seat on the stool in front of Strickler's desk.

“I have been busy,” he stated, sophisticatedly propping his hands together. He seemed confident with being alone with Jim at the moment, hopefully this would be good timing.

“Yeah, me too,” Jim replied half heartedly. But then being done pretending they had a normal student principal relationship decided to cut to the chase. “Okay, can we cut the formalities? I really need to talk to you about something.”

“As do I, but I must ask, are you here to be sure I don't ruin whatever lie it is that you have sold to your mother?” He questioned, eyeing Jim carefully. “I don't know why you roped me into your story, but I would happily tear it down if you step out of line. Your outburst on my door for example.”

“I don't know what you would tell her that I haven't,” Jim said, rubbing his chin. “I had told her that I had told you about things going on because I wasn't quite ready for telling her. My mom sees you as a trustworthy adult, so that allowed me a bit more time to figure out the best way to tell her.” He looked deep into Strickler's eyes. “The only thing she doesn't know is your true involvement with the bridge or what you are. As far as she’s aware you're just a human adult I went to for guidance.”

“Are you hoping withholding such information will give you an advantage over me?” He quietly chuckled, “if you were to reveal that truth to her it would be no matter worth thinking about to me. Your mother is but a pawn in my plans to withhold your attempts to thwart me.”

Jim stood and slammed his fist on the table. “YOU TAKE THAT BACK!” He pointed an accusing finger at Strickler who glared up at him, daring him to strike. “I know you care about her, and I know because…” 

Oh, come on Jim! You can do this!

Strickler began to laugh, seeming quite entertained by Jim's outburst. “You're desperate, Young Atlas.” He pulled a pen from its designated spot on the desk, and sat back in his chair. “So very human, and desperate to see that humanity in everyone around you. You will find I do not have such humanity, Young Atlas. I know you have met the assassin I sent after you. I am sure a boy as intelligent, and cunning as yourself has already deduced how I have him within my power.” He turned his hand slightly glinting Angor Rot’s ring in the sunlight streaming in from the window. “I also am aware you know of his magic capabilities, even if some are yet to be successful.” He was very displeased by that. “But even if you wish to exact your revenge on me, you'll find it has some… undesirable consequences.”

Jim dropped back onto the chair. “Oh no,” he whispered, trying to convince himself he hadn't missed the opportunity to stop this.

“Listen carefully as I tell you this.” He smirked, and clicked his pen in and out of its cap. “Your mother and I are now bound, any harm that comes to me will also befall her.”

“Oh, no, no, no!” Jim ran his hand through his hair, grabbing for his non-existent horns. “I was trying to convince you before you did that!” He slammed his face down into the desk, making the pain in his nose flare again. “Craaaaaaaaaaap, now we have to deal with Vendel, and her possibly losing memories.” His words were muffled by the desk, resulting in most of the ramble being lost from the possibility of being understood.

“Not as knowledgeable as you thought yourself to be?” Strickler asked smugly.

“Nooo,” he pouted, lifting his head so that only his chin rested on the desk.

Seeing Strickler's expression only made him feel worse. Strickler was so different than he had been in the future, but Jim had treated him as if he were that same person. Wasn't that what he was doing with Toby too? He really needed advice on this whole time travel thing. Why couldn't he be better at this? SERIOUSLY! He would learn Ancient Draconic and read Merlin's tome if it meant having some pointers for this whole thing. Frustration broiled within him, causing him to stand and slam his hands down on the desk. 

“I'm frustrated because I was stupid, and for some reason didn't think this conversation would work even though it did before, and it took Toby telling me to do it just to get me in here!” Jim pulled away from the desk, needing to walk off the energy building inside him. “Now you're going to be upset with me because this was such an obvious decision, but I was apparently too stressed to think logically.” He dragged his hands down his face, as he paced about the room. “Deya’s Grace- I’M FROM THE FUTURE, STRICKLER!” He shouted, stopping to look at the changeling who looked for a brief moment utterly lost, before shifting to a more reserved, guarded expression. “I came back in time to keep everything from going wrong! That's why I know so much. In the end we were… allies working together to try to keep the Earth from being erased.”

Strickler stared at the boy standing awkwardly in the center of his office. His expression held far less confidence, and his brows knit together in confusion. “Why would I ally with a Trollhunter?”

Jim thought, having to visualize his wall in his mind to remember his notes. “I accidentally made Angor Rot destroy his own soul, and then he was pissed and hellbent on killing all of us. But more so when you recognized that Gunmar would never give changelings the life they deserve.” and to protect my mom.

Stickler glanced down at his hand, as if the ring might suddenly no longer be there. “And Angor Rot or Gunmar attempted to erase the world?” He looked at Jim suspiciously, trying to search for what he was plotting.

“No, it was the Arcane Order that-” Jim shut himself up when Strickler stood so quickly it toppled his chair.

“You so casually speak of such beings?” His hissed, as if saying their names would summon them. “They are creatures of immeasurable power, it's said they made The Pale Lady the deity she is known as today.”

“Yeah, I know,” Jim sighed and shrugged, “almost got killed by her too.”

“Do you even hear yourself?” Strickler demanded, looking at Jim like he was insane. “A human can't face a sorceress like The Lady Creator.”

Wasn't exactly human. Jim thought to himself. “Yeah, well, Claire sealed her in the shadow realm.” He walked back over to the desk, and slumped down onto the stool. 

WHAT AM I DOING?! 

IF I TELL HIM ALL THIS HE COULD USE IT AGAINST ME!

“When did you come back?” Strickler growled, but there was a small hint of  that soft kind teacher he had believed him to be for over a year before it all happened.

From when or to when? Jim asked himself, staring down at his hands. “The morning Kanjigar was felled. I sent Toby to get the amulet. It didn't want him though. Merlin's stubborn like that.”

“So you’ve known all of this since then,” he mused, slowly making sense of the ridiculousness Jim was throwing at him. His hand slowly tightened around the pen in his grasp looking ready to snap it. “WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?! DO YOU KNOW WHAT I'VE DONE TO TRY TO STOP YOU?!” He shouted, the weight of their situation sinking in.

“I WAS SCARED!” Jim shouted back, immediately feeling defensive. “It's not everyday you have to pretend everything is completely normal after seeing the world get destroyed and the people you love die!”

Strickler took a deep breath calming himself, and Jim followed suit, not needing anyone to over hear them in the halls.

“I didn't know how to interact with you when you were suddenly my enemy again.” Jim hated the way his emotions of all his battles and losses rose. They were forgotten now, he didn't need to think about those.

Strickler slowly picked his chair up from the ground, and sat down in it. “I died, didn't I?”

“It was my fault,” Jim choked, refusing to look at him. He shivered as he recalled the freezing temperatures. The snow sapped away all his body heat as he had plummeted down into the snow. “You told me we couldn't do it, but I tried anyway. I wouldn't be alive without you.” His throat tightened with the confession. He shook his head, it didn't matter. Strickler was right here in front of him, alive and well. “You took the bombs,” something inside him forced him to continue, even as it made his eyes annoyingly well with tears. “You sacrificed yourself to stop Skrael, but it was useless. I destroyed our family after you were finally happy.”

“Our family?” Strickler questioned quietly, and Jim chose to ignore it as his chest ached. 

Stop talking! Just stop talking! He begged himself. He didn't want to think about this, but the words still spilled out. For some reason confessing it all felt both horrible, and good at the same time. To allow someone to know the horrible things he’d done.

“I think she blamed me, although she would never admit it. Who wouldn't blame me? It was my fault. That's why this time around I need to be better. Everything has to go right.” He dug his nails into his palms trying to focus on reality rather than the memory of the pain in his mother's eyes. “You gave the world to my mother, and I took it away.” He hated himself for that, for all the lives he ruined with his poor choices. Why couldn't Merlin have let someone else be the Trollhunter? The world would probably be better off if Jim wasn't the one trying to carry it. 

But how dare he wish this on another person, maybe it was his right to serve this terrible fate.

What was wrong with him?! Sometimes he loved being the Trollhunter and wouldn't give it up for anything, but then he saw it as an awful curse! He really was messed up.

Jim slowly pulled his nails from his palm, revealing the deep gouges. How long had the room been silent? 

Only a soft ticking from an analog clock at the other end of the room behind Jim filled the silence.

He felt like he had lost his sense of time since coming back. Moments blurred together, and short minutes felt like hours. 

Jim wiped the few stupid tears that had slipped from his eyes then began fidgeting with a loose thread on his now damp sleeve, struggling to sit still. 

Was Strickler waiting for something? Waiting to say how he needed to be better if he were to fix everything?

Jim took a deep breath, bracing for whatever Stickler would say to him, and slowly lifted his gaze to the changeling’s.

Strickler held no anger in his eyes, no malice as they’d had when Jim had entered the room. They simply held concern. 

“Jim,” He said softly, causing Jim's chest to tighten. “If your mother then was anything like your mother now, she did not blame you.” 

The words hung in the air between them, and Jim couldn't believe they had just been said to him with such undoubting confidence. 

“I would not blame you either. The weight you are burdened with is more than anyone should be asked to bear, Young Atlas, but it seems fate has made other choices for the people in its hands.”

Jim looked back down at his hands that had forgotten what had been just like everyone else. 

“Strickler, do you think it would be better if I didn't remember any of it?” Jim asked. He could forget, take the Time Stone out and lock it away somewhere.

“I suppose that would be up to you,” Strickler answered carefully, “but I do not think forgetting is necessarily better, often forgetting will only make us repeat our mistakes.”

Jim knew that, but sometimes he just wished…

He lifted his gaze, and saw the stress that time had put onto Strickler. Jim didn't know very much of the changeling's past, but with the way the trolls treated his people, his life could not have been any better than Jim's.

“Strickler, are you okay?” He asked, wondering how he got through it all.

He smiled sadly. “I am quite alright, Jim. I've had centuries to find my chosen tools to cope. A gift you do not appear to have been granted in your limited time as the Trollhunter.”

“I've been the Trollhunter for a while, probably over two years now.” Jim shrugged.

Strickler raised a brow. “Two years is very short for what you have been through.” 

Jim's shoulders drooped, that was true. There wasn't much he could do about it though.

The two of them sat in silence for several more minutes, Strickler seeming to debate something in his mind.

Jim glanced around the room, taking in the decorations, wondering which items did what. Maybe one day he could ask Strickler.

Strickler drew in a deep breath, and stood. “You have given me a lot to think about, Mr. Lake.” 

Jim stood as well, fascinated by how quickly he had suddenly shifted back to the tone and posture he held as principal of the school. 

“I have kept you for too long,” he pulled a note pad from a drawer and scribbled on it, before passing it to Jim. “That should keep you from trouble for now.”

Jim looked down at the paper, and found it was a signed note excusing him from his missed class.

“Th- thanks.” Jim took that as his sign to leave, and once the paper was secured in his grasp he saw himself to the door. He stopped as he was about to walk into the hall, and turned back to the principal. “Oh and Principal Strickler,” He said, making sure to use the title now that the door was open. “I won’t tell my mom about you, I’ll let you do… all that. And umm, don’t worry she likes it.”

Jim turned away, and walked down the hall as fast as he could without breaking into a run. His face burning harshly.

AM I WEARING A GRITSHAKA?!

WHY WOULD I SAY THAT?!

Jim was exhausted, had he slept last night? No, though he had briefly dozed off in algebra. He was having to fix the entire wall, and was still doing so. With things moving faster than they had last time he needed to figure out how to better predict what was to come.

“Jim, are you home, sweetie?” Barbara called from down stairs.

He hit his head against the wall as he let out a tired sigh. He hadn’t announced his arrival as he normally would, and although he was sure Barbara had heard him come in that didn’t stop her from asking as a way to show her concern.

“Yeah!” He shouted back, “I got home a few minutes ago. I’m just working on a project in my room.”

A note fell down from the wall, and Jim picked it up. It had been written recently. 

Technically asked Claire on a second date, be sure to follow through.

Well that hadn’t been put in the to-do section, how long ago had that happened?

How long has Claire been waiting for me to do something?

Would she even want to go on another date with me?

He grabbed an unused tack, put it in the to-do area, and caught sight of another note with the date put for two days from now.

Fight with Steve at noon, Stewart’s electronics. For Toby. For fun?

“Do you need any help?” Barbara asked in his doorway, making him jump back from the wall with a start.

She kindly kept her gaze away from the note and string riddled wall, as if it wasn’t a floor to ceiling cry for help.

“Uhh, need? Probably,” Jim sighed, looking at the mess it was. “Can get? Probably not.”

“Can I look at it?” She asked, her gaze not even flicking to it.

“Umm, one moment.” Jim skimmed over it, ready to take down notes about Strickler and any others that he wouldn't want her to see, which as he scanned over them seemed to be most of them. “Actually… no?”

He turned away from the project, and approached his mom. “Did you need something?”

“Just checking on you.” The worry she’d been hiding flickered across her face. 

Oh, right. I didn't get the chance to talk to her after the hospital.

“I…” He wasn't fully sure what to say. He really wished he somehow knew what she was thinking. Was there some kind of mind reading stone? In reality that sounded like a really bad idea, the stones never let you off easy.

“I know you just got back, but I've got a bit of time before I need to head over and check on the Domzalskis. Do you want to come down stairs and… talk?” She asked hesitantly.

Jim glanced over his shoulder at the wall, debating getting back to work on it, but his mother deserved to have her questions answered. He turned back to her, catching her quickly looking away from the wall.

“Yeah, that sounds good,” He said, and Barbara stepped out of the way so he could exit the room. He took hold of the doorknob, twisted the lock, and shut it behind him. It was a flimsy lock, but it was at least something.

Jim followed her down the stairs, and took a seat in a chair across the living room where she had sat down. He could have sat beside her, that's probably what she would have wanted, but right now he wasn't sure he wanted to do that. 

Their loss in Greenland was still playing on repeat in his head from the conversation with Strickler. 

Jim’s knee bounced up and down nervously. 

What was Strickler going to do now that he knew? 

He always hid his emotions so well.

He forced his knee to still, trying to channel that same calm the changeling had held. Slowly he met his mother's eyes. She’d wanted to talk, so they were going to talk.

“What do you want to know?” Jim asked, wanting to cut to it. He was too tired to dance around it all.

Barbara was much more lenient with what emotions reached her face, surprise and worry dancing in her eyes. 

She sighed, seeming to accept going straight into the intended topic of their conversation. 

“I want to know how you are doing.” She held up her hand as he opened his mouth to quickly answer. “How you're actually doing.”

Jim's gaze dropped to the floor as his knee stubbornly started to bounce again. He didn't want her to worry about him, but it was already beyond that. She was worried, and now he needed to find a way to stop that worry.

“I'm- I'm just tired,” Jim answered, not sure what else to say. What else was he supposed to say? 

Oh, hey mom, I'm haunted by the future and how bad it can get and the fear of it doing so again or possibly being worse!

It's my burden to shoulder. Jim reminded himself.

“Are you-” Barbara cut herself off, rethinking her question. “I know you didn't sleep last night, are you… avoiding sleep?”

“No,” Jim answered immediately, “I was just fixing-” He stopped, but wasn't that what he had been doing? Staying up trying to fix things in an attempt to make the nightmares feel at least a little less possible.

“Maybe.” He heard himself barely audibly mumble, the simple word easily understood by his mother.

“Jim,” she started, and he knew he was in for a reprimanding, even if it was going to be a kindly meant one for his health and well being. “Everyone needs to sleep, but especially growing young men like yourself.”

“I'm fine,” he grumbled, rubbing his dry eyes. “It was just last night, I’ll- I’ll sleep tonight.” He didn't want to commit to that, didn't want to dive back into the nightmares. He could just lay down at least, rest like Blinky insisted he should. 

“It wasn't just last night, Jim,” Barbara said, it was subtle but Jim could hear the frustration building.

Great, he'd said something wrong now.

She rose from her seat, then crouched down in front of him. “Have you seen yourself?”

The question caught him off guard. He had stopped looking in the mirror during his morning routine. He would just remind himself to smile, to hopefully appear okay, but he'd stopped checking. He wasn't sure why he'd stopped looking, but every time he moved to something held him back.

“Jim,” Barbara whispered, the name coated thickly with concern. Her fingers brushed his cheek before cupping his it in her hand. “Do you think… would you want to try melatonin?”

He blinked a few times, it was unlike the times she had wanted him to talk to someone about it. This wasn't an ‘open up and make your way through your fears’, this was… sleeping pills?

“I- no,” He shook his head. He’d heard enough about the possibility of it making dreams more vivid to shut down that option immediately.

“That's alright,” she didn't sound bothered or frustrated at all. “What about a warm cup of chamomile tea?”

She was trying to problem solve for him, and he could tell she was desperate. But he would take these suggestions over “fighting pixies” and forced bed rest some others had come up with.

Even with the better suggestions, Jim still didn't want to sleep.

That wasn't true, he would love to sleep, to rest, to catch a break. Unconsciousness wouldn't bring that, it only brought fear and torture.

“Please, Jim,” Barbara’s voice cracked with a stifled sob. “I can't bear to watch you fall apart like this.”

Jim had to question what he looked like, what would get this reaction from her. He lifted his gaze, and met her watery eyes. 

He didn't want to, but he would do it for her. “Okay, We’ll try it tonight after I get back from Trollmarket.”

Barbara made a face that reminded him he was technically still grounded. “Okay.” She agreed, the grounding now forgotten with everything else going on, but Jim was sure it would come back if she felt he wasn't doing enough for himself again.

He hadn't managed to look the part. He needed to get over whatever was holding him back from looking in the mirror, and make sure his mask didn't crack. He needed to be there for everyone. He couldn't protect them if he was stuck in his house all the time.

“Jim.” Her soft voice made him meet her eyes again. “I don't know everything that you’ve been through, but if you ever want to talk, I'm here for you.”

He forced himself to nod, even though he knew he would never burden her with what he had been through.

“And no matter what I'm going to be here for you.” She combed her other hand through his hair. “And I will always love you.”

He took a deep breath, doing his best to actually absorb and accept the words. “I love you too, Mom.”

She slowly moved her hands away from his head, and wrapped him in a comforting hug.

Jim slid off his chair to soak up the embrace as much as he could. Honestly if he could sleep in a trollish cuddle pile again he felt he might actually get decent sleep.

Tucking his head into the base of her neck, took a deep breath, and allowed his mind to follow the comforting thought.

He had just assumed it was a normal troll sleeping behavior, until he had read about its purpose recently. It explained why he had never seen that degree of friendliness between trolls until their journey to New Jersey. Without a Heartstone the trolls would remain close, attempting to share the warmth of their own inner Heartstones, bringing a bit more energy and healing to the traveling group.

Jim clenched his fists around his mother's shirt as he felt her begin to pull away.

“Is it okay if we get off the floor?” She asked gently, a soft laugh coming out in a small breath. “My leg-”

She didn't need to say more, Jim loosened his grip just enough for them to both stand. Barbara didn't let him go, and yet took a step back, forcing him to take a step forward as he didn't want to leave the embrace. He felt silly for being so clingy, but the ache in his chest wouldn't let him release her, as if it expected the embrace to relieve him of all his problems.

Slowly they moved a few paces before lowering down, this time together on the couch.

He shifted to sit beside her, leaning his head on her shoulder, and she kept her arms secured around him.

His breaths followed hers, attempting to keep himself from worrying about keeping his breaths steady. With each exhale a small hum thrummed through his nose, a response he couldn't stop, and didn't try to.

The two of them sat on the couch for several minutes, just soaking up the goodness it was.

Barbara gave a small hum, slightly vocalizing a thought she’d had.

Jim shifted his head on her shoulder, looking up at her to voice the thought.

She breathed a small laugh, entertained by the thought as she prepared to voice it. “I don't think you've ever been this cuddly, even as a little boy.”

Jim's cheeks warmed, that was probably true. He didn't remember being so drawn to hugs, or cuddle piles for that matter, until after Merlin's elixir. Even if he was human again he supposed habits were hard to kill.

He waited for Barbara to ask questions, he knew she had them, and yet they were never voiced. The two of them just sat together, and Jim hoped that the hollow ache in his chest would alleviate.

A quiet chiming sounded from the coffee table paired with aggressive buzzing. Jim peeked his eyes open, seeing Barbara's phone going off with a reminder to head over to the Domzalskis’. 

“Mom,” he mumbled, peeling himself from the couch, and dismissed the alarm before standing. 

He hadn't fallen asleep that was for sure, but maybe he had gotten a bit of that rest Blinky had been so instant about.

“Mom,” Jim leaned down and shook her shoulder, unlike him she had actually managed to fall asleep. She definitely needed it though. He was probably more lacking than her, but that didn't mean she was getting enough.

Barbara slowly opened her eyes and suppressed a yawn. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing,” he answered, not wanting her to get worried. “It's just time to go check on Nana.”

She was up and ready in a moment, fast and practiced as a frequently on call doctor.

Jim debated going back up to his room to continue to work on the timeline wall, but decided against it, and headed across the cul-de-sac behind his mother.

Not bothering to knock, because knocking had been practically done away with years ago, the two of them entered the house, and announced their arrival.

“Coming!” Toby shouted and hurried over from the living room. His face split into a bright smile when he spotted Jim had arrived as well. His eyes returned to Barbara, and he suddenly stood up straighter and saluted. “Nana just woke up from her afternoon nap, and is watching mistrial and error reruns, Dr. L.”

Jim did his best not to laugh at the obnoxiously serious tone from Toby. He was definitely taking his role as caretaker seriously.

“Thank you, Toby,” Barbara beamed down at him, before heading over to the living room to check on Nana herself.

“How's she doing?” Jim asked, rocking back and forth on his feet. 

“She's alright, pain meds are pulling a miracle or two for her.” He slowly started mirroring Jim’s nervous movement, and the two of them stood rocking back and forth in the entry way for several minutes.

Toby stopped rocking, and his large smile returned to his face. “Are you ready to talk to Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!!!, and Draal about everything?” 

He sighed, not sure how he had been talked into telling so many people, but he had felt good about it at the moment. With Toby’s excited determination there was no going back now.

“Oh! And Mateo is coming,” Toby added, “I know we didn't talk about him being in on it, but Claire messaged me to talk to you, and I kinda just said to go for it.”

Jim pressed his lips tightly together to stop himself from saying anything, and just nodded. He would just let them come, and let everyone find out that they already knew all together rather than having to tell each person separately.

“Sweet, I figured it would be better to just get that little gremlin in on it with the group rather than having to sit him down or something.” Toby laughed a bit at that idea. “Buuut!” He danced from one foot to another. “I did make some of Nana's chocolate chip cookies so we can have some yummy goodies to have while we talk.”

“That'll be great, Tobes,” Jim smiled, even though the idea of eating right now felt terrible. He was becoming more and more nervous about telling AAARRRGGHH!!! and Blinky, but mostly Blinky. 

Jim rubbed his hand up and down his arm as his stomach twisted with nerves. “Are- are you sure this is a good idea, I kinda starting to second guess this whole thing.”

“Oh come on Jim, it's gonna be great!” He cheered, and lightly punched Jim in the arm. “It’ll get everyone on the same page, plus then we can totally help Blinky with all his research for finding the trinity stones.”

“Triumbric.” Jim found himself automatically correcting.

“Yeah, those!” He snapped his fingers with recognition. “Then we'll figure out how to get rid of stalker troll.”

“Angor Rot,” he mumbled.

“Yeah, him.” Toby nodded, as if he hadn't said anything different. “We’ll be all set.”

Jim sighed. “Okay, if you say so.” He didn't fully see how it would help, although it would make so he didn't have to come up with ridiculous excuses for the things he said or knew about.

“I just gotta pull the cookies out of the oven and then we'll be ready to go.” He hurried off to the kitchen, leaving Jim in the entry way to process the fact that they were heading down to Trollmarket within a few minutes.

Maybe it would have been better if he had stayed in his own house, working on the timeline wall.

Knowing Toby would want to leave as soon as possible, Jim walked into the living room, where he knew if he spoke loud enough could easily be heard from the kitchen.

“Hey, Mom,” He started quietly, not wanting to butt too harshly into the conversation the two women were having. Barbara looked up at him, and he continued. “I'm going to head back to the house and then me and Tobes are heading down to Trollmarket.”

“Don't let Toby Pie forget his cookies,” Nana quickly said, not picking up on where the two were going. “He worked so diligently on them.”

“He's getting them out of the oven right now,” Jim informed her.

“Good, good.” She smiled brightly, even through the pain she was probably in with or without pain killers. The optimistic resilience was definitely something Toby had inherited from her. “You boys have fun! Don't stay out too late, that's not till the weekend.”

“We’ll try Nana,” Jim waved bye to both of them, headed out the door, and back across the street to go grab his belongings.

“Draal, are you here?” Jim asked, opening the basement door and peaking in. Draal hadn't been around for the past few days, maybe he’d actually had a gnome problem, and it wasn't just a made up excuse.

Well, Toby had seemed sure he would be there, so that would have to be good enough for Jim. He didn't need to start worrying until after Draal didn't show up- if he didn't show up.

Jim walked around to gather his items, bag was on the end post, phone was upstairs. He stopped as he grabbed his phone from his desk, and turned to his notes. Specifically scanning his to-do list.

Triumbric Stones checklist.

Strickler.

Keep an eye out for Aja and Krel.

Date with Claire.

Fight with Steve.

Oh Steve! Jim grabbed a new note card and fresh marker, the previous one now dry and in the trash.

Douxie said Steve ends up in Camelot… make sure he knows trolls exist by then???

He would clear up the note later, but for now it was good enough to get tacked to the wall.

Now thinking of Camelot he pulled another card from the dwindling supply in the drawer. 

Strickler goes back in time with us? Should I ask Douxie about it?

He stared down at the note for a little while then crossed out asking Douxie about it. He was literally living with all the pressures of knowing the future, he didn't need to ask about more future events. He was just going to leave that one on Douxie. 

He tacked the note in the miscellaneous section, a spot of non pressing matters. It was a mess of notes, even compared to the other messes of notes, but it was things like people's favorite foods, or just thoughts… mostly about Claire.

Jim's brows sunk a bit. He centered himself with the notes, and turned towards the door. He sighed, half stressed and half relieved. Yeah, those were definitely the notes his mom had glanced at. Definitely not the worst spot for her to look at. At least she hadn't looked at the actual timeline, or the…

He glanced down at the bottom of the wall where there was a tight bundle of the notes, a collection of encouraging things people had said to him over the years. Notes that helped him keep going.

He brushed his hand over one of the notes, and pulled in a deep breath.

My Amulet does not make mistakes… of all creatures in our world, I chose you. Now, show them why.

The front door opened.

“Jimbo! You ready to go?” Toby called.

Jim pulled in another deep breath, drawing up all the confidence and positivity he could, and headed out of his room. “Heck yeah! let's do this!”

The two of them put on their helmets and mounted the Vespa, Toby rambling with delight at the fact that Jim actually had one now.

They drove down to the canals where Claire and Mateo were waiting for them. 

“So what's the surprise, Jimmy Jam?” The little green changeling asked from Claire's shoulders. 

Jim smiled, but wondered if he was going to be disappointed that he had to come down to Trollmarket for a long conversation about something he already knew. “Toby baked cookies.”

Mateo’s eyes lit up, and he sniffed the air “Yum! Are those chocolate chip?”

“Sure are.” Toby stood tall with pride. “But you'll have to wait for everyone till you can have any.”

He dropped a little at that, probably wanting to eat the entire bag full before they even got to Blinky’s library.

“Are you ready?” Claire asked, seeing right through Jim's confident mask.

“Y- yeah, I'm ready.” He said, turning his back to everyone as he pulled out the Horngazel, and began drawing their doorway.

The four of them headed down the crystal stairs, and Mateo leapt from Claire's shoulders, to Toby’s head, to Jim's back, before clambering up onto his shoulder and leaned casually against his head.

“Sooo,” Mateo started in a whisper, “when ya gonna take big sis on tha’ second date?”

“What?” Jim glanced over his free shoulder at Claire who wasn't too far away, but she didn't appear to have heard the question.

“Come on Jimmy-”

“Please stop calling me that.”

“She's been waitin’ around for ya ta bring it up,” he continued, keeping his voice quiet in his ear. “even the girls are askin’ ‘bout it.”

“The girls?” Jim questioned.

“Ya know, Marci and Dary.” 

Jim rolled his eyes, knowing Mateo had purposefully messed up on the names.

“Startin’ to wonder if the Jimmy Jam ain't as cool as they thought.” He patted Jim's head as if comforting him from tragic news.

“Pretty sure she needs some time,” Jim whispered so quietly he barely heard himself. “she kinda just found out about everything.”

“Is tha’ what we're gonna be doin’?” He sighed, “well at least Tubby brought cookies.” He lowered his head closer to Jim's ear as they entered the busy streets. “Do I get a reward for keepin’ my yapper shut this long?”

“Yeah, sure,” Jim slipped his hand between his head and Mateo’s, not liking the way his teeth had brushed against his ear. “We'll discuss it after.”

He stood up on his shoulder, and ruffled his claws through Jim's hair. “We betta’.” 

Jim felt him turn to look behind them, and frowned as his cheeks heated when he heard a slightly irritated groan from Claire.

Mateo gave his head a small pat, “I'll be sure to let ya know if she still wants ta date ya by tomorrow.”

“Wait what?” Jim questioned, why was he like this?

“Changelin’s are made to be spies,” He deemed good enough as an answer, “I'm jus’ keepin’ maself entertained.”

Before Jim could argue, he leapt off his shoulders, and hurried towards Blinky’s library which had just come into view.

Claire quickened her pace to walk side by side with Jim. “Sorry if he’s bothering you, he's been a bit extra recently… well he's extra all the time but still.”

“Siblings, right?” Jim offered, not that he'd ever actually experienced having siblings save the few calls with his mom that included little changeling familiars. 

Dang, I kinda miss those little guys.

“Was he always this insufferable your other time around?” Claire asked so casually Jim almost didn't recognize what she was really asking about.

Jim laughed a little, thinking back to the little punk he'd been. “I think I prefer this teasing Mateo over where he stood with our group last time.”

Claire raised an eyebrow. “Am I allowed to know details?”

“He was kinda a free for all types of person, just looking out for himself.” Jim shrugged. “It's the way the changelings are raised.”

“And yet he so quickly became friendly to us.” She elbowed Jim as a big smile grew on her face. “You seemed to have figured out how to get on his good side real quick.”

“Yup, sure did.” He smiled awkwardly, and thankfully they were now at the entrance of the library. Mateo could explain his side of things after Jim finished his explanation.

“WE'RE HERE!!!” Toby announced, prancing proudly into the main room, where Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!!!, and Draal awaited them, with Mateo already sitting proudly on Draal's back spikes where the large troll couldn't reach him.

“Master Jim!” Blinky cheered, definitely still human. “Tobias has informed us you have extraordinary news to share with us, but before you do I would like to share an idea that has occurred to me.”

“Nana okay?” AAARRRGGHH!!! interrupted before Blinky could continue.

“Yeah, she's handling her fall like a champ,” Toby answered, looking quite proud of his grandmother.

Blinky cleared his throat, to get the topic back to what he was wanting to address, but also gave a happy nod to Toby. “With Angor Rot on the loose and threatening the safety of all not within the protective bounds of Trollmarket, I believe we need to take some precautions.”

“Like what?” Claire asked, probably thinking of plenty of ideas for how they might prepare for their current enemy.

“Master Jim often has Draal within his home as a sworn protector, but Angor Rot is a cunning opponent and we must also protect Miss Claire and Tobias,” Blinky explained, “which is why AAARRRGGHH!!! will now dwell with Tobias and his grandmother.” He turned to Claire. “In my current state I cannot say I would be of much use to you, but perhaps when I am back to my proper form-”

“Pretty sure big sis already has a trollish protecta' in her house!” Mateo interrupted, his scruff bristling.

AAARRRGGHH!!! poked the small changeling, making his jump back with a hiss and a swipe of his claws.

“Well…” Blinky actually seemed to not have the words to say what he wanted to, or at least ones that weren't absolutely rude to the changeling.

“Oi!” Mateo growled, “I spent centuries training under the gummgumms and survived the Darklands’ wilds alone.”

“That's really impressive,” Jim agreed with a nod.

“Okay, hold on,” Claire interrupted, “Draal can obviously be in Jim's house, Dr. Lake knows about trolls, and seems happy having him around. AAARRRGGHH!!! can probably get away with being at Toby's house because Mrs. Domzalski is legally blind, and would just be happy to have anyone over, human or not. But my house? Absolutely not!”

Jim couldn't say anything against that, Claire seemed to understand everyone's situation really well, and honestly it was kind of ridiculous to imagine Blinky trying to be stealthy within Claire's home. 

“My mom may not be home all the time,” Claire continued before Blinky could argue, “but my dad is, and he doesn't have an unused room like Jim had with the basement before his mom knew. He frequents the basement, attic, and garage. There's no way a troll could hide in our house unless they can magically vanish or shape shift into a baby.”

Mateo smiled proudly at the reference towards him.

“A fair point, Fair Claire,” Blinky said, sounding rather disappointed that half his plan was just thrown out the window. “If Tobias is still alright with it, AAARRRGGHH!!! shall dwell in his home, and Mateo will guard the Nuñez home… but should not refrain from the idea of calling for help if a threat is posed.”

Mateo rolled his eyes, but Claire nodded in agreement.

“If there are no questions or arguments, we shall gladly give our undivided attention to our Trollhunter.” Blinky turned to Jim, and looked at him with excited expectancy.

Jim swallowed hard, right, he was supposed to tell the two of them that he was from the future. His fingers twisted around each other nervously, mirroring the feeling in his stomach. He did his best to take a deep breath, but it was short and shaky. 

Okay, just say something.

Literally say anything!

His mouth wouldn't open. The words didn't even attempt to form in his throat no matter how much he tried to force them up. 

I have something to confess…

I need to tell you something…

This may be hard to believe…

None of it felt right, this was supposed to be secret, this was supposed to be something only he knew. And yet four of the six people staring at him already knew.

Come on Jim! Just say something!!! 

His fingers wound around  each other so tightly it was beginning to hurt, any longer and he might actually break one of them. Maybe all of them at this rate.

“Jimbo?” Toby’s voice cut through the darkness fogging his mind.

Jim’s head snapped over to look at Toby, his tongue and vocal cords still held fast preventing him from even making a sound at the sudden interruption of thoughts.

“Are you okay?” Claire asked, her brows knitting together with worry.

He slowly went to nod, but then it quickly changed to a shake of his head. 

What is happening? Why can't I talk?!

He'd told six people already, why couldn't he tell two more? 

With Mateo it had been easy, he'd remembered all on his own thanks to the time stone somehow messing with his baby brain. He probably needed to talk to him more often, maybe then he wouldn't feel so alone.

Draal found out from the wall, and confessing had been a need so he wasn't snapped in half like the twig he was.

Jim had apparently confessed to Toby in his fevered state, but he couldn't even remember that.

Claire and Barbara had found out through Toby forcing a coherent confession from him. But it had been needed to make sure Toby knew Jim hadn't betrayed him like he’d thought.

And Strickler… maybe it was the several tries leading up to it, maybe it was the boisterous start to it. It also helped that he had done it before. Knowing that the worst that would happen was getting slammed on a desk, and a knife pulled on him helped.

“Jim,” Claire said quietly, holding her hand out to him, but didn't touch him. “Do you need some space?”

Deya's Grace, this is stupid! And now everyone is going to question why I would ever be picked as the Trollhunter!

Shakily, Jim pried his fingers apart and took Claire's hand, because, dear goodness, it felt like a way out of this locked up hell he was trapped in.

“We’ll be right back,” She quietly announced to the room before leading Jim out, and through the streets of Trollmarket.

He didn't know where she was leading him, didn't try to figure it out. Right now he was just trying to figure out why he couldn't speak.

He let his eyes fall half closed, just open enough to watch his feet, and keep their linked hands in his gaze. 

She held so securely yet so gently, guiding him with confidence like she knew exactly what needed to be done.

Jim heaved a deep sigh, and his eyes widened as it felt like he had just filled his lungs all the way for the first time in months.

Claire stopped, slowly released Jim's hand, clambered up onto a large purple crystal, and sat comfortably with legs dangling happily. She patted the flat bit of crystal beside her, and Jim, thankfully able to move fine, climbed up and sat beside her.

Once seated comfortably, Jim raised his eyes to the view before them. Claire had led him to a quiet spot with an unobscured view of the Heartstone. Its comforting warmth radiated around them, like a cozy blanket on a rainy day.

Claire took a deep breath, soaking in the Heartstone’s embrace. 

The two of them sat there for a few minutes, before she finally decided to break the silence.

“It's subtle, but I love the way the Heartstone feels,” she started, explaining why she had decided to bring them here. “It's like the sunshine on a cold winter day, you can't feel it super well, but it still feels good.”

Jim felt it was definitely stronger than that, but the explanation was good enough for him.

“Don't- don't feel pressured to talk, you've probably been pushing yourself enough already.” She quickly said, her eyes still fixed on the Heartstone. “Mateo goes nonverbal sometimes, that or he has a spastic angry meltdown.” She smiled softly, the idea of the insane changeling not even bothering her. “I can't imagine having to grow up in a place like the Darklands, being treated like a soldier since the day you can walk.” She shook her head grimly, but her face softened as she cleared those thoughts away. “I can't imagine what you must have gone through. Obviously I've only heard bits and pieces, but it couldn't have been easy. Toby’s great, you know that, but I think he got a bit ahead of himself with wanting you to tell so many people in such a short while.”

Even if Jim could talk right now, he wasn't sure what he would say. How did Claire always manage to be so knowledgeable? It had to be a wizard thing.

“So how about we take some time? We can tell everyone when you're feeling up for it,” she offered, “and we’ll make sure Blinky doesn't go on a big rant before or after, or even during. Unless you want him to, of course.”

Dang, maybe Claire should have been the one to come back in time. She's already got everything figured out now. Imagine what she knew by the end. 

Gosh, who was he kidding? Probably anyone would do better than he was doing. He tried to plan everything, and yet did everything on a whim. He was a complete train wreck that was still on fire, and on the verge of exploding.

Claire swung her feet back and forth, not seeming to care that they were back to being silent again. How could she do it? Maybe sorcerers were just built different.

Slowly, with many deep breaths, Jim felt like his voice might actually work now.

“Thank you,” he said so quietly he wasn’t sure she had heard it, but her attention shifted over to him, and she made eye contact for the first time since they had left the library.

The kindness and worry in them was overwhelming, and Jim quickly looked down at his dangling feet. 

“You didn’t have to bother bringing me out here,” he mumbled, feeling bad for leaving everyone behind.

“No bother at all,” she happily assured him, “we’ve all got to watch out for each other.”

Jim started knitting his fingers together, his mind flickering to his to do list. 

No! Don’t bring that up, you literally just had a weird breakdown!

“Yeah,” Jim agreed, “we look out for each other.”

“Even if that person is from the future,” she added, making sure Jim absolutely understood that he was part of “each other”. “Which I realized I haven't said, is like the coolest thing ever!”

“What?” Jim had to look at her again, there was no way she just said that.

“I mean, obviously a lot of it probably sucked, and it must be hard to be back in time,” she rambled as her cheeks warmed. “But the fact that you can just say you’re from the future is so cool.”

Jim hadn’t really thought about it that way, but honestly it did seem pretty cool.

“Mierda, what am I saying?” Claire dropped her face in her hands. “Sorry, sorry, that was so insensitive.”

“No, no,” Jim waved his hands in front of himself, “I just haven’t thought about it that way. I mean there are so many things I have a chance at reliving now, things like…” getting to go on a first date with you, and maybe going to the spring fling together, and becoming your boyfriend again. 

Jim’s face was probably beet red with how hot it felt. For the glory of Merlin he could never tell her that they dated before!

“Relive things like?” She prompted, very intrigued as to why he had stopped talking.

“I mean, I got to do the play again, that was fun!” He quickly answered… probably too quickly. “Nice that I wasn’t a total flake like last time, and not making your parents absolutely hate me by destroying your house.”

Claire burst out laughing, and it warmed the cold hollow cavity in Jim’s chest far more than the Heartstone could. “Why did you destroy my house?”

Jim shrugged as he felt a smile appearing on his face. “Mateo and I didn’t exactly get off on the right foot. I’m sure you can imagine the looks on your parent’s faces when they came in to find me holding their son in a wrecked house, and then the portal in their living room, and then the barbecue-” He buried his face in his hands. “Oh the barbecue was terrible.”

“Do I get to know about this barbecue?” Claire asked teasingly, seeing the embarrassment on Jim’s now hidden face.

“Maybe in like twenty years,” He decided, maybe then he’d have actually gotten over the trauma of all that.

“I’ll look forward to it,” She nodded happily, and smiled brightly when Jim pulled his face out of his hands, and sat up again. “So, two years, that would make you a senior, must suck having to live through high school again.”

Jim shook his head, “are you kidding, I would so rather actually make it through high school than be-” He stopped himself. Just because Claire knew didn’t mean he should tell her everything. 

She raised her notched eyebrow, but then it lowered when he didn’t say anything. A confident smile spread across her face. “Don’t feel pressured to share anything you don’t want to, I’m sure I’ll find out one day.”

“Yeah.” He half heartedly agreed. Hopefully not. He sat up a little taller, feeling far better, that rest on the couch earlier was probably doing numbers. He could hardly imagine or remember what a full night's sleep could do.

He placed his hands on the crystal beneath him, ready to slide off of it and down to the ground. “I think I’m ready to head back to the library. Blinky’s probably freaking out.”

“If you’re up for it,” Claire said, and followed him as he hopped down.

The two of them headed back to the library, where Toby was chatting with AAARRRGGHH!!! probably planning their new living situation. Draal and Mateo were wrestling, well, wrestling as well as one could with a person an eighth of their size and in a library. And Blinky was attempting to read two different books at once, but seemed to forget he was currently a human with only two eyes. The smell of cookies lingered in the air, probably most of not all of them had been consumed while they were away.

Jim drew in a deep breath, as he clenched his fists. “Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!!! I have something I need to tell you.” He started, hoping with all his might that he didn’t suddenly shut down again. 

Everyone stopped what they were doing, and gave him their undivided attention, save Mateo who was still aggressively chewing on Draal’s arm, and did not appear to be in the mindset of stopping any time soon.

“I haven’t been entirely honest with you, and I’m sure you’ve noticed.” Jim wrapped his arms around himself, and squeezed tightly, the compression making him feel a little better. “I say weird things, I know things even though I technically shouldn’t, and I claim to have gotten visions from Trollhunters of the past.”

Blinky’s eyes widened at the mention of something so specific, seeming to tie all the hints together, but not coming to a full conclusion yet. AAARRRGGHH!!! only tilted his head curiously, prompting Jim to continue.

“In two years some stuff happens, some really world changing and horrific stuff.” Jim forced himself to speak slowly, not wanting it to come out in a confusing blurb. “And because that stuff happens we have some losses… a lot of losses. He glanced up at Draal and Mateo who both understood some of what he was saying before his gaze fell to his feet. “And I- to save those people, to try to give the world a better chance at surviving, I used the Time Stone, and came back to the day I first found the Amulet so I can give them all another chance.”

The room fell dead silent, and Jim slowly turned to Blinky who was staring at him with disbelieving eyes.

“Great Gronka Morka,” he whispered, the time spent processing rendering him speechless.

“Jim from future?” AAARRRGGHH!!! asked, taking a step closer to the Trollhunter. He lifted his hand, and tentatively patted the boy on the head, almost as if testing if he was really there.

“Sure am,” Jim grunted, doing his best to stand up straight with the weight of the troll’s hand now on his shoulder.

“By Deya's Grace,” Blinky walked up to the two of them, and placed his hand on Jim's other shoulder. “Master Jim, if I had been aware of the turmoil you must have endured- I cannot fathom- It seems I am at a loss for words.”

Jim hated it, but he couldn't help but be disappointed in those words. He wanted something from the two of them. He didn't care if it was anger or hurt, he just wanted something!

Blinky pulled in a deep breath, seeming to sense Jim's want for a real response, and smiled warmly. “Master Jim, you were granted the sacred obligation to be the Trollhunter. No matter where in the grand universe, or when in the breadth of time, you will always be our Trollhunter. If fate would so have it that I am blessed to train and assist you through your many trials I would do so for every lifetime I am granted. Through Destiny, my dear boy, I am forever grateful I have this opportunity once again.”

With trembling arms, and teary eyes, Jim wrapped Blinky in the tightest hug he could manage, and buried his face into his chest. “I love you, Blinky.”

Startled from the sudden embrace, Blinky gently patted his head before wrapping his arms carefully around his Trollhunter. “As do I, my dear boy. As do I.”

“Jim, friends with AAARRRGGHH!!! in future?” The massive troll asked softly.

Jim loosened his grip on Blinky so he could look up at the gentle giant. “Yeah, the best of friends.”

AAARRRGGHH!!!’s face split with a massive smile, and began almost jumping in place with excitement, causing even the solid stone home to quake. “AAARRRGGHH!!! and Jim friends!”

“Uhh, what about Mateo and Draal?” Toby asked, gesturing to the two awkwardly.

“YEAH!” Mateo shouted, from where he was being held in Draal’s clenched fist. “It’s after now, what am I gettin’ for keepin’ ma yapper shut?”

“What?” Claire turned on the little changeling so quickly, his ears dropped and eyes darted to the ground. She then turned back to Jim for an explanation.

Jim sighed, pulling away from Blinky. “Draal and Mateo… sort of already knew.”

“You told a changeling and a troll who tried to kill you before you told me?” Toby demanded, sounding a little hurt.

“It was a difficult situation,” Jim defended, “Draal found out from the note wall, and Mateo remembered because the Time Stone was weird with his partial baby brain.”

“Wait,” Claire glanced between Jim and her brother. “You remember?!”

“A bunch of nothin’ at first, but it’s all about there now.” He answered, tapping his head with his fist.

“Hold on, I’m curious about this note wall,” Toby jumped in, “Is that what you were always working on all night long? Can I see it?”

“No, you are not allowed to see the note wall,” Jim stated, “time is delicate and if you knew all the things that could happen it could throw everything off.”

Toby folded his arms, and pouted. “Oh, but Draal and Mateo get to know?”

Jim threw his head back as he groaned.

“Sorry, sorry,” Toby lightheartedly apologized, “I’m just messing with you… mostly.”

“Master Jim, if I may,” Blinky began, interrupting the ridiculous playful argument. “I understand time is a fragile thing, but in regards to our current threat…”

“I’m working on it,” he assured him, even with it being his duty the burden was already feeling lighter with no longer carrying his secret. “I don’t think he’ll be a problem for too much longer.”

Blinky clapped his hands together with satisfied joy. “Wonderful news to hear!”

AAARRRGGHH!!! stepped behind Blinky and nudged him with his nose. “Don’t forget discussion.”

“Oh yes! Thank you my dear AAARRRGGHH!!!.” Blinky patted his large companion who was snuffling his hair. “Master Jim, along with the new precautions we want to be sure that you are on high alert. Even with this new knowledge that you are much more aware of your enemies than I'm sure even they know, you need to be prepared for whatever they may come against you with.”

Jim already felt tired with where this was going. It didn't matter if he was from the future, Blinky was determined to train Jim until he could best a god with his hands tied behind his back, a blindfold on, and probably some other ridiculous handicap situations.

Blinky grabbed his shoulders, making them face straight on to each other. “Master Jim, you need sleep.”

Damn it.

“Yeah, I know, Dr. Mom already beat you to the conversation.” Jim grumbled.

“Excellent!” He cheered, like Jim had just given the best news possible. “We need you well rested for when we venture to the quagawump swamps.” He patted Jim's shoulders. “And if you so desire, you may at any time rest here within our home. According to Tobias’ reports you appear to rest at least a little better within Trollmarket.”

“Is that so?” Jim raised an eyebrow as he looked over at Toby, who did not look guilty whatsoever.

His friend gave a casual shrug. “An older report, I'm keeping my side of the deal.”

Jim breathed a laugh, and turned back to Blinky. “I guess I can come down here if it's not working out up there.” 

“Good, good.” He gave Jim's arms a firm squeeze before letting him go. “Then you should be on your way. We don't want to keep you from your much needed rest.”

Jim rolled his eyes, “You sure you don't want me to stick around any longer? Answer any questions?” He didn't just want to leave them bewildered and lost.

“In due time, young lad.” 

Young lad???

“I will entrust Draal… and Mateo… to get you all home safely,” Blinky said, turning to the others. “AAARRRGGHH!!! will join you on the surface shortly.”

Everyone began to tidy up the mess Draal and Mateo had made, before heading to the door, but Jim hesitated before walking out the doorway.

“Hey, Blink.” He wrapped his mentor in another hug. “Thank you for everything.”

“It is my pleasure, Jim.” He replied quietly into the top of Jim's head, then released him. “Now go sleep!”

“I'll do my best, great Gronka Morka.” Jim gave a casual salute and quickly caught up to his waiting friends.

“Shouldn't that have been phrased differently?” Toby asked, as they started down the street. “Usually you say the swear at the ridiculous request, then agree to it.”

Jim shrugged. “Yeah, probably something like that.”

“You're weird,” he laughed, and elbowed him. “And definitely need sleep.”

“Yeah, I've figured that much out, thank you very much.” He elbowed him back. When Toby tried to repeat the action again, Jim ducked back, then pounced forward and ruffled Toby’s hair. The redhead swatted him away, and attempted to fight back. Jim hurried along, picking up his pace towards the exit. Toby ran behind him, doing his best to catch up, and finally exhausted and out of breath at the top of the crystal stairs, he tackled Jim, sending them both to the ground in fits of laughter.

After walking Claire and Mateo home, they made their way with Draal in the dark to their own houses through the woods. 

“You think Angor is watching us?” Toby asked, glancing around nervously.

“Pretty sure he's too scared to show his face since he screwed up on trying to curse me.” Jim lathered his voice with as much confidence as he could, because to be honest he had been thinking the same exact thing.

“He would be a fool to attack the Trollhunter,” Draal stated, briefly sniffing the air, then grunting out the scents he had gathered. “He does not appear to be lingering nearby.” 

“Thanks guys,” Toby smiled as well as he could, which wasn't super convincing. “I feel better knowing you're around again, Draal.” His forced smile turned genuine. “Speaking of, did you get those gnomes cleared out of your place?”

“The what?” He asked, but then seemed to remember the excuse he had used. “Oh, yes, I suppose I did.”

“Well if you ever need help handling gnomes, I believe I have it quite figured out.” Toby puffed his chest with confidence as they walked.

“Weren’t you just complaining this morning about how Chompsky stole your shoe and that's why we had to run to class?” Jim questioned, making Toby lose a small bit of his confidence.

“Time and patience my dear fellow,” he assured, “Just like Mr. meow meow PI, you must work at a rate their mind can process.”

“Suuure,” he held out, then laughed. “You're honestly doing great though, Tobes. Chompsky is turning out to be quite the little gentleman.”

“Yeah, he is,” He beamed with his well earned pride. 

When Jim looked back to the path ahead of them he found they had made it to Toby’s backyard.

“Hey, you don't think AAARRRGGHH!!! will tell Blinky about the gnome do you?” He questioned, looking quite concerned for the little man's wellbeing.

“He’ll be fine,” Jim assured, “I'll see you in the morning.”

Once Toby opened the door to his house, Jim and Draal entered their own. 

“Mom, We're home!” Jim called out, as Draal struggled through the tight door frame, complaining about how they should have taken the basement sewer entrance.

“Right here,” Barbara said, standing in the kitchen with gloved hands, scrubbing away at a pan covered in charred… something.

“I wanted to make you something, and now I have to clean up from my several attempts.” She gestured to her current mess.

Draal's mood brightened, and he made his way to the kitchen to feast on Barbara’s creations.

“I can make us something,” Jim said, ducking under Draal's wide frame to get into the kitchen. 

“No, I already have something for you.” She gestured to a steaming bowl of stir fry on rice.

“Oh,” Jim took up the bowl, and provided utensil. With a deep breath he tried to keep subtle, he took a bite, and was delightfully pleased with the flavor. “Woah! Mom, this is good!” There were definitely things he would have added more or less of, but he was thoroughly impressed. His hunger from the long nerve wracking day made his shovel down his food in a less dignified manner.

“I've still got some skills.” Barbara smiled, proud of her accomplishment. He could remember her being a decent cook when he was too little to cook for himself, but it was almost as if the more skill he gained the more she lost. It was nice to see her cooking abilities shine again.

“That was amazing!” He said once the final bite was down his throat, and he stepped up to the sink to wash his dish. 

“Here, trade,” Barbara took the empty bowl before he could argue, and placed a smaller, warm, full dish in its place. “Hopefully it should help, I added some honey so it's a little sweeter.”

Jim looked down at the golden liquid within the cup. Right, sleep. He took another deep breath, this one much less subtle even if he tried.

“You don't need to chug it,” his mother laughed at the serious look he had towards the contents in his hands. “You don't need to go to bed right away, but preferably soon.”

Jim raised the cup to his lips, and took a small sip. It was also, thankfully, good. Some kind of blessing had to be bestowed on Barbara for this night.

“So how did things go in Trollmarket?” She asked, ignoring her accumulated dishes, and leaned against the counter trying to appear casual for the conversation.

Jim took a few more sips of his tea before answering. “Not great at first, but once I actually managed to say something it went pretty well.”

He swirled the tea gently, as he turned Blinky’s words over in his mind. The way he'd called him “young lad” had felt off, but maybe that was just Jim. In that moment he had almost thought he was going to call him his son.

“That good, huh?” Barbara asked, a pleased smile on her face making Jim realize that he had a massive smile on his own.

The expression dropped to a far smaller, slightly forced smile as his mind returned to the present. “Yeah, both Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! seemed almost unbothered by the whole idea. I have a feeling I’m going to be getting the onslaught of questions tomorrow though.”

“Don't let them overwhelm you,” she instructed, “if you need space, or don't want to answer something you make sure that boundary is in place.”

“I know.” He rolled his eyes, but then fell silent as he took a few more sips. “What about you?”

A loud clearing of the throat came from Draal. “I will just take this to the basement.” He took the trashcan he had been picking through in his hands, and turned to leave, allowing Barbara and Jim to have the room to themselves.

Jim breathed a small laugh at Draal's avoidance of emotional situations, then turned his attention back to his mother. He knew she had questions, so he was going to give her the opportunity to ask them. 

“Jim, I don't want to intrude on your experience,” She said, subconsciously folding her arms as she closed herself off to the conversation.

“I don't mind.” He shrugged. The words weren't true, but she deserved to have her chance to ask whatever she wanted.

“I’m not entirely sure what I would ask you, even if I wanted to, kiddo.” She replied, “I just want to make sure you know you are loved, and no matter what I'll be here for you.” 

Jim looked up at her face when her arms tightened around herself, her brows furrowing with an assortment of emotions.

“I- I was there for you, right?” She asked, looking broken at the thought.

He set his cup on the counter, carefully took his place beside her, and gently leaned against her.

“All the way to the end,” he answered, “even when you were busy with… other things, you took time to talk to me any time I called.”

She gave a small hum, her grip on herself lessening from its harsh hold. She definitely caught that part about it being “called” and not just “needed”. That was a slip up on Jim's part, but he couldn't take it back now.

“Well, then, you should know then, that I'll always be here for you,” She gave him a small bump with her elbow. “I love you, kiddo.” 

“I love you too, Mom,” he whispered back.

“Now finish your tea,” she instructed, echoing his volume. “As your mother, who loves you very much, you need sleep.”

“Got it.” he gave a small chuckle, then returned to his cup, drank down the rest of its contents, and started to his room.

“Good night, mom.”

“Good night, Jim.” 

“AND GOOD NIGHT TO THE TRASH MAN, WHO EATS ALL OUR TRASH!” He called out to be sure the troll heard him.

Grumblings sounded from the basement, making both Jim and Barbara laugh, until she shooed him upstairs.

Jim grabbed clothes, wanting to take a quick shower before bed, and heading into the bathroom. He was tempted to look right away, but decided to clean himself first.

After a warm shower, Jim braced himself as he wiped the steam off the reflective glass. He nearly stumbled back at the sight, but steadied himself by grabbing the sink.

That's what he looked like?! No wonder everyone was so worried.

Dark circles sunk deep under his eyes, his eyes were pink, probably from how often he rubbed them in their dry tired state. His face looked thinner… all of him looked thinner. He really needed to get on top of his meals. 

Jim swallowed, trying to moisten his dry mouth. He looked almost as bad as when he’d come back from the Darklands, and that was BAD. 

Blinky is so right, I NEED rest.

He stepped out of the bathroom, unlocked the door, and stepped into his bedroom. Part of him was so tempted to continue working on the wall, but he was pretty sure if he stayed up tonight Barbara and Blinky would strap him down to his bed until he caught up on sleep.

He pulled back the covers, and fell face first into his pillow. Maybe it was the day, maybe the realization of what sleep deprivation was doing to his appearance, or maybe it was the tea, but he actually felt like he was going to be able to sleep.

Notes:

Just wanted to talk a bit about the scene when Jim goes to tell Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! but then goes non verbal. Going non verbal is such a weird sensation sometimes, because like what do you mean im so stressed that I just cant physically speak any more? (at least how i experience it) The reason I have Claire as the one to reach out and help Jim through it rather than Toby is because I felt Toby is a more "just push through it, it'll pass" where Claire is more in tune with emotions and such. so yeah... idk, I just felt the need to adress that i guess.

Chapter 34

Summary:

Now that Jim has actually gotten some sleep, plans to make life a little easier start to fall into place.

The woods were barely lit by the sliver of the moon in the sky, but his enemy found advantage in the darkness.

Jim spun around as his ears caught the footsteps approaching behind him. Gunmar stepped out of the shadows, gently lighting the area around him in his sickly blue light. His eye burned brightly as it bore into Jim's. 

“Little fleshling boy playing pretend troll.” He grabbed Jim by the throat, who hadn't even moved an inch upon seeing the gummgumm king. “You cannot kill me without your silly stones.”

Jim blinked in and out of consciousness. When he managed to open his eyes Angor Rot held him up now, squeezing his throat tighter.

“You destroyed my soul, and now I will take yours.” He growled.

Jim kicked against Angor Rot, his armored feet hitting uselessly against him. He needed an advantage against him.

He grabbed at the amulet in his chest, and removed his Daylight armor. Pain radiated through his body, as the armors protective shell dissipated. 

“For the pursuit of Angor,” He rasped with what air he could manage in his lungs. “Moonlight is mine to command!”

The grey armor clamped around him, and with the activation of the sharp cleats Jim kicked against Angor Rot again. This time it did enough damage to make the ancient troll drop him. 

Jim fell, the ground now long gone. He couldn't breathe. The pitch black water swallowed him up, and dragged him deeper and deeper. He needed to swim up, to free himself from the cold creeping deep into his bones.

No matter how hard he swam, he didn't rise. His armor was weighing him down. He clawed at the amulet, but with his panic it refused to let go. 

PLEASE!

He wanted to cry out, but there was no oxygen to do so. His lungs burned as the hands of the fallen gripped him and pulled him to his death.

Jim’s mind snapped free from the nightmare, and in a ragged gasp his burning lungs filled with oxygen. 

His fingers clawed into his mess of sheets, and gasped in several more breaths. He wasn't drowning, he was safely in his room. Draal was here to protect his home, Angor Rot wouldn't be here.

Jim allowed himself to take a calming breath, they were okay for now. His eyes drooped shut, and the nightmare began to replay in his mind, but this time Jim wasn't stuck in it. He could turn over what actually made sense of it all, making it seem at least a little less terrifying. 

His alarm blared, and went to dismiss it, when he sat up with a realization. As he tumbled out of bed, briefly tripping on his tangled sheets, he dismissed the alarm, and hurried over to his desk to retrieve a blank note card.

“Moonlight armor. Moonlight armor.” He mumbled to himself, and began wracking his brain for which stones made up the armor.

Vivianite, amethyst, fire opal, wulfenite, peacock coal, and obsidian.

“Crap,” That was six, he couldn't fit that in with the time stone. Maybe he could talk with Vendel about it, he surely had some ideas. But first he would need to get those stones.

Jim grabbed his clothes, and headed to the bathroom to start getting ready for the day. 

He looked up in the mirror. The dark circles under his eyes had lessened, and his face held a little more life to it. Even with those improvements, he still looked like crap. 

As Jim brushed his teeth, knocking on the front door echoed up the stairs. Who was here this early in the morning? Based on the rapid rhythm of knocks, Jim had a good feeling of who it was.

He quickly finished up in the bathroom, and hurried down the stairs, before unlocking and opening the door.

Toby hurried in, shivering against the morning cold, and Jim closed the door behind him.

“I've been thinking,” Toby started, “it would be nice if I had a key so I didn't have to be waiting out there for so long.”

“Yeah, not happening,” Jim folded his arms, and leaned against the front door, tilting his head with interest as to why Toby was at his house so early.

Toby straightened up, and held his hand up in front of his chest as if holding an imaginary microphone. “So, Mr. James Lake Jr. what's it like to experience sleep?” 

Jim rolled his eyes as Toby held the imaginary microphone up to him, but then leaned towards it. “You know, I think I'd give it a four out of ten. Would definitely recommend to people who aren't haunted by untold horrors though. How might you rank sleep, Mr. Tobias Domzalski?”

 Toby grinned at the participation in his ridiculous interview. “In general, nine point five out of ten. Tonight I'd give it a six out of ten, getting AAARRRGGHH!!! settled took a while, and I've been so stressed.” His eyes widened as he remembered something, the imaginary microphone dropping away. “Speaking of! I know you say ‘time is fragile’ and all that stuff, but I NEED TO KNOW!!!”

Jim let out a small groan, and headed for the kitchen wanting to get started on making breakfast and lunch. He really needed to make sure he was feeding himself. “I’m not a fortune teller, Tobes.”

Toby followed quickly behind him, not letting Jim run away from the conversation. “Okay, but please!!!”

He dug through the fridge, pulling out a carton of eggs for omelettes, they had to be his favorite breakfast. He turned and grabbed out a bowl. 

Stifling a small yawn, he briefly turned his attention to Toby. “Fine, go ahead and ask and I might answer.”

“Yes!” Toby cheered, as Jim got back to his work. “Okay! This next Monday, do I pass my driver's test?”

Jim slowly turned back to his friend, Toby had gotten his permit over six months ago? No wonder he couldn't remember when he'd gotten it. “Tobes… you never got your license.”

“NOOOOOO!” He collapsed to his knees in anguish.

“No, Tobes,” he set aside the cracked egg shells, and quickly rinsed his hands before allowing himself to drag them down his face. “You never took your driver's test, you made different choices.” He explained, and did his best to remember when Toby ever drove. “Pretty sure the only time I can really remember you driving was when you stole that cop car, and the taco truck.”

Toby looked up at him confused, and then slowly stood, completely done with and forgetting his melt down. “Okay, one, what's with the taco truck, I got no context for that. And two, I STOLE A COP CAR?! I’M A DEGENERATE?!”

“I don't know what to tell you about the taco truck, we just happen to befriend Stuart because he’s… cool.” Jim explained, not sure he wanted to have the whole “aliens are real, but don't call them aliens that's rude” conversation. “And yeah, you stole a cop car because you panicked or something. We were looking for Glug, and just a whole bunch happened.” Jim laughed as he recalled Toby's panic, and how ridiculous it was to find out they weren’t actually dealing with a troll after all. “Wasn't our first time getting involved in crime.”

“WHAT?!” Toby clung to the counter as the information shook him. “Why were we so terrible?”

“Well, when you’re trying to do trollhunting that involves a lot of sneaking around and or being the human caught after all the critters have caused their havoc, you kinda get blamed for stuff,” Jim explained, turning away from Toby to continue on his breakfast. “You want one of these right?”

“Yes, please,” Toby answered happily, “Okay, so did you like, go to jail more than me?” He was definitely intrigued by the whole thing now.

“Uhh,” Jim had to think on that as he poured part of his egg mixture into a pan. “I think you got arrested by the police more, yeah.” He nodded slightly, mostly talking to himself at this point. “Because the cop car, then New York, with Claire, AAARRRGGHH!!!, Douxie- sort of, and Archie, and then Krel got you out-”

“Oooooh, who’s Krel?” Toby asked, leaning in close.

“Aaand I’ve said too much.” Jim glared down at the cooking eggs as if it was their fault he had said more than he intended.

“Oh come on, right when it was getting good!” Toby pouted. “Maybe I’ll just have to get arrested, and then he’ll show up.”

Jim’s face scrunched at the ridiculousness of that plan. “Yeah, pretty sure he’s not around yet.” His eyes widened as he remembered his note this morning. “On the topic of possibly getting arrested-”

“What conversation did I just walk in on?” Barbara questioned, standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

Jim put all his attention on the cooking omelet as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up from the feeling of his mother looking at him. 

“Just uhh, fun conversations about what we definitely won't be doing,” Toby quickly answered, “right Jimbo?”

He gave a small teetering hum in reply, he was definitely still planning on doing some things that were against the law.

The kitchen fell incredibly silent, but Jim made them wait until the omelet was done cooking, before dishing it on a plate, giving it to Toby, and pouring out the next one to start cooking. He turned around, made sure he was clear of the stove, and leaned against the counter. Barbara was watching him with a raised brow, wondering what ridiculous plan her son was up to.

Jim looked down at the floor as he fessed up. “I was going to ask Toby to break into the museum with me.”

“WHAT?!” Toby shrieked, “why the museum? Why not a vespa shop, or a game store?”

Jim glanced up to gauge his mother’s reaction, but it was well hidden behind her doctor poker face.

“Why are you breaking into the museum?” She asked, her voice eerily calm.

“For… rocks.” Jim sighed.

Toby looked at him like he was insane, but Barbara’s brow only raised a little higher, suggesting he expand on his words.

“The museum has a display of stones, and if I get ahold of them I can use them in my amulet to have a specific tool set that might help in battle against Angor Rot.” He explained, it was best to just be honest with her.

“Were you planning on having an adult with you?” She asked.

Jim shrunk. “Does Mateo count?” He figured that was a long shot, but Mateo would have fun on a little mission like this.

“Absolutely not.” Barbara folded her arms in disapproval. “Want to try another option?” Surprisingly she didn’t seem against her son breaking and entering.

Jim thought through the different people he knew who they could bring along. He could probably bring Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!!!, or Draal, they were pretty stealthy. “Okay, we’ll take AAARRRGGHH!!!” He gave a lazy shrug, it would be easy enough to bring the troll along since he was already out of Trollmarket.

“Better,” she sighed, and Jim took that as enough for him to turn back to his cooking food and get it dished up for her before starting on his own.

“Sooo, I’m guessing we’ll talk about this more later,” Toby said, his plate already cleared, and was being placed in the dishwasher. “I’m gonna go get ready, and make sure to feed Chompsky before he wreaks havoc in the fridge again.” He was already at the door, and waving goodbye. “See you in a bit, Jimbo!”

“So, my son is a criminal?” Barbara asked teasingly with faux disappointment. At least Jim hoped it wasn’t real.

“Apparently so, arrested by both police, and knights of the round table.” Jim froze as he remembered his mother didn’t know about that time travel element yet. “I mean-”

“Jim, you don’t have to worry, I…” Barbara stopped herself, needing a moment to make sure her words came out right. “I don’t expect you to tell me everything that happened, but I would like to know about what you’re doing now, even if- no, especially if it’s something as crazy as breaking into a museum.”

Jim turned off the stove, and brought his plated food over to the counter to sit with his mother. “I uhh, I think that’s about all the plans for right now.”

“Well, I can’t say I approve of this plan. No parent in their right mind would.” Barbara let out an exhausted sigh which Jim felt deep in his soul. There definitely weren’t any parenting books with instructions of how to take care of your child who has been selected as the first human Trollhunter, and has now come back in time.

“Yeah, would be nice if I didn’t have to break into the museum,” Jim picked at his omelet with his fork, why did the latter seem more appetizing right now? He was really getting sick of his want for troll food again.

“You okay kiddo?” She asked, seeing the frustration on her son’s face. “Did your fork wrong you in a past life?” 

He dropped his fork, letting it clatter on his plate. “No, I’m just… not hungry anymore.”

“Jim,” Barbara warned as he moved to stand up from his stool.

“Fine, fine, I’ll eat,” he forced himself to remain seated, and took the fork back up in his hands. The first bite was slow, but after it was as if his stomach opened up to a void and the small breakfast wasn’t enough. Two small containers of leftovers, and snacking on the ingredients while putting together lunches made him satisfied enough to last him till his next meal, which he had doubled just in case the intense hunger returned.

“Bye mom, love you.” Jim said, as he walked past her in the entry way, one person getting ready to go out the front door and the other heading for their bike in the garage. 

“Love you too,” she replied, pulling on her rain coat as it started to drizzle outside, which thankfully reminded Jim to grab his own coat before he headed out to bike to school with Toby.

---

“You want Mateo to go WHERE?!” Claire slammed her locker.

“It'll be like a fun little outing for him,” Jim tried, “come on, you know he’d love it.”

She glanced over her shoulder, noting Mary and Darci watching carefully, but kindly keeping their distance for Claire to have her own conversation.

“Yeah, an outing for him would be nice,” she agreed, before her voice turned to a quiet hiss. “But breaking into the museum?!”

Jim shrugged, “I've been in there loads of times… although only once this time around, when Strickler brought me there for the bridge.”

“Unbelievable,” Claire grumbled, then her phone buzzed with a call, and she quickly answered it, wanting to make sure she still was able to wrap up her current conversation before their next class. “Hi Papi!” She with a far softer voice, that dropped away a little, but not as harsh as it had been with him. “You stole Papi’s phone again? You better not hide it in my room.” Claire rolled her eyes, but then held her phone out to Jim.

He brought it slowly to his ear, wondering what ridiculous things he was about to hear about. “Hello.”

“JIMMY JAM!” Mateo greeted happily, “can big sis ‘ear me?”

Jim took a small step back from Claire and tried to subtly turn down the call volume. “Nope, what can I do for you, other than request you stop calling me that.”

“Not happenin’,” he replied, “anyway, I mean’ ta call ya this mornin’ before sis lef’ for school. She’s definitely down ta date ya.”

“Dude!” Jim gripped the phone tighter to his ear, suddenly feeling like everyone in the breezeway could hear their conversation.

“She was tellin’ her girl friends all ‘bout how ya haven't said nothin’ yet.” Mateo continued, unfazed. “I betta' be hearin’ her on the phone ‘bout a date with the girls tonight.”

“You're terrible,” Jim groaned, and watched as Claire tapped her wrist signaling their ticking time till the bell rang. “Hey, you want to do a museum gig with me, Toby, and possibly AAARRRGGHH!!!?”

Claire's jaw dropped, throwing her hands out, gesturing like he couldn't ask the centuries old changeling his own opinion.

“Breakin’ and enterin’?” The changeling asked with great interest.

“You know it.” Jim grinned. “We’ll even get burgers after.”

“Now you're gettin’ interestin’ again!” Mateo was probably jumping up and down with excitement. “Give somethin’ for big sis to gush about ta her friends and you got a deal.”

“Done!” Jim answered, and hung up before he could fully process what he was agreeing to. 

“Seriously?” Claire questioned when Jim handed back her phone.

“He’s a big boy, he can make his own choices.” Jim shrugged, but then realized if he was going to get Mateo on the break in team he was going to need to be further on Claire's good side rather then on the edge. “I promise I won't let anything happen to him.”

Claire’s brows sunk, and her fixed expression didn't even falter when the grinding sound of the bell rang through the school.

“I swear on Daylight, he'll be fine.” Jim tried.

“Fine.” She tugged on her backpack straps as she started to back away, slowly getting set on the way to her class. “But I better get one of those burgers.”

“All the burgers you could ever want.” Jim saluted, but then staggered as the intercom sparked to life.

“James Lake Jr. to the principal’s office.” 

He shrugged to Claire as she raised her brow, “What can I say, apparently I'm popular and everyone wants to talk to me.”

“Don't get detention,” She teased, turning away, “might not be able to go to the museum.”

“Hah! As if that could stop me from having fun,” Jim laughed, it was higher pitched than he wanted, but his nerves were kicking in. What had gotten him summoned to the principal's office?

 

“Principal Strickler?” Jim quietly said, slowly pushing the door open.

“Mr. Lake, please, come in,” Strickler greeted, but he didn't sound like his confident self, he sounded worried. 

When Jim fully entered the room he saw that Strickler’s elbows were perched on his desk, his fingers interlocked, and tapping against his face right under his nose.

Jim made sure the door was securely shut before making his way to the desk, and sat on the small stool.

“Is this a principal thing or a changeling thing?” Jim had to ask, wanting to ease at least some of his anxiety.

Strickler pulled his hands away from his face, and took up one of his pens to click in and out of its cap. “I have thought over the situation you brought to my attention yesterday.”

“Oh, oh yeah, no, that makes sense.” Jim nodded, of course it was about that. “What do you want to know?”

“I did not summon you here to ask ridiculous questions of the future like your friends might,” he replied, “I believe I have made some trouble for you.” He capped his pen and set it down firmly on the table, and slid it towards Jim as if offering it. “I want to know how I can assist you.”

Jim's eyes widened, “You want to help me?”

“Was this not your goal?” Strickler asked, the pen still extended.

“I mean, sort of?” Jim shrugged, “I guess I just wanted you around again.”

His brows raised at the confession.

“But I guess there is some stuff you could help with,” Jim rambled, “I mean, having Angor Rot off my back would be really nice.”

“I sent Angor Rot on an errand several days ago,” he carefully explained, “he has yet to return, so I have not had the opportunity to give him a different command.”

“Let me guess, the order was to stop me from doing whatever I'm doing?” Jim guessed, and Strickler's guilty face was enough to tell him he was close enough. “Why can't you just summon him back? Isn't that the purpose of the ring?”

“The Inferna Copula holds Angor Rot's soul, and can be used in many ways against him. To control another's soul is dark magic, and will take a toll on the soul performing the commands.” He explained slowly and carefully.

Jim slapped his hands over his face, and dragged them down as he let out a groan. “Let me get this straight, by wearing the Inferna Copula you bound your soul to Angor Rot's, then made him bind your soul to my mother's?”

“It's crudely put,” Strickler half agreed.

“YOU BOUND MY MOTHER'S SOUL TO A DEMON TROLL?!” Jim pinched the bridge of his nose, and screwed his eyes shut, as he processed how bad this really was.

Strickler frowned with his shame, clearly not as proud of his work as he might have been only a little over a day ago.

“Okay, okay, we'll fix this,” Jim told both himself and Strickler, he really needed to believe this mess could be fixed. “If Angor Rot is hunting me than if you give me the ring then I could-”

“No!” Strickler snatched his pen back up, and snapped it in and out of his cap. “‘Controlling another soul can take a toll on one's own. Besides, if Angor Rot returns while I no longer have the ring both your mother and I will be in danger.”

Jim slumped. He had never worn the Inferna Copula before, so he wouldn't know for sure. He then brightened as another idea hit him.

“Okay!” He stood up, and slapped his hands onto the desk, “what about you help me, Toby and Mateo break into the museum to get the stones necessary for the moonlight armor? Mom wanted me to take an adult- I mean she definitely doesn't want me breaking and entering, but the next best thing was to have an adult. I was going to invite AAARRRGGHH!!!, but you could totally come! I mean you know the security from building Killahead Bridge, so we could get in and out of there no problem.”

Strickler would probably have looked less confused if Jim had grown a second head. “You're mother is allowing you to commit a crime?”

Jim shrugged, losing a bit of his enthusiasm, and plopped back down onto his stool. “I think she's still struggling with the whole ‘her son is from the future’ situation.”

“As would any parent I am sure,” Strickler commented, mostly to himself. “Very well, if this is how I make it up to you, so be it.” He stood and straightened his coat.

“Really?” Jim jumped up.

“Yes,” he said simply, “now please return to class.”

He nodded, and headed for the door.

“Oh, and Mr. Lake,” Strickler added as Jim reached the door. “We were discussing your continued naps in Ms. Janeth’s math class, please allow yourself to sleep at home so you can keep up with your school load, Young Atlas.”

“Got it.” Jim flashed a big grin, happy to have Strickler on his side again, and hurried down the halls to his class.

Notes:

Strickler offered to help... he did not think "help" was going to be "do a crime".

Chapter 35

Summary:

Jim is able to slip into a little bit of normalcy (for him) before diving back into the chaos of his plans.

Notes:

Two updates at once?! Whaaaaaaaaaaaat? (But also they are short) Idk, yesterday I was on something and wrote a ton and then did a quick proof reading this morning. I had planned to sleep in today but my friend called me at 6:30am to tell me about a weird dream she had. (Still got to sleep in a little compared to Jim... poor dude)

Silencing the engine, Jim allowed his Vespa to coast in the rainy darkness a little past the front of the Nuñez house.

“Took you long enough,” Claire said, pulling her hood off to put the provided helmet on.

“At least it's street legal now,” Jim said, patting the still warm headlight. “Don't have to worry about getting pulled over now.”

“The fact that Dr. Lake was willing to spend her day at the DMV so you could drive this thing.” Claire shook her head as if she disapproved.

“What's that mean?” He asked, keeping his tone light.

“She just seems like the kind of mom that wouldn't want you on a Vespa or motorcycle or…”

“A gyre, or wielding a magic amulet that gets me involved with deadly trolls?” He offered, “I think she’s letting me get away with a lot more than she normally would.”

Claire laughed at that, then climbed onto the back of the scooter, and placed her hands on Jim's waist which made shivers run up his sides. “Like breaking into a museum.”

“Exactly,” Jim answered, and started the engine again, before quickly taking off down the street, then slowed a little once they were out of view of the house. “Also umm, you mentioned wanting a burger after.”

Claire's arms wrapped around him as she tried to get closer to hear him better. Jim’s breath caught in his throat as her chin brushed his shoulder.

“I was mostly joking,” she replied, her voice far more confident than Jim was going to be able to manage. 

“Oh right, right.” He nodded more than needed. “But I was thinking, what if we went and got something to eat before the whole museum thing?” He came to a stop at a red light, and twisted his body to be able to look at her. “Like… like a date?”

Claire hummed with amusement. “And when is this pre museum break in date taking place?”

“Tomorrow?” He gulped down the tightness in his throat trying to silence him. “Six o'clock?”

The light turned green, and Jim was forced to turn his attention back to the road, nervously awaiting her reply. The rain picked up, and pattered his warm face as they neared the canal.

Claire's arms tightened around him, “I love to go with you, but preferably no goblins this time.”

Jim’s face split into a huge stupid grin, and he really hoped Claire couldn't see it.

“I'll do my best to let them know not to show up,” he joked, “just you and me this time.”

Her grip tightened even more as they dipped over the edge of the canal, and coasted under the bridge. Jim flicked the kickstand into place, and the two of them dismounted. 

“We'll try for a normal date,” Jim offered, as he dug into his bag and pulled out the Horngazel. “No crazy magic, trolls, goblins, or curses.”

“Talking from experience?” She asked, making Jim stagger in his doorway carving.

“I- well, I umm-”

Claire lightly punched him in the arm. “I'm just teasing, I don't need to know about all the people you dated over the years.”

Jim cleared his throat, “Right, yeah.” He put all his focus into finishing the doorway as his face heated.

“Master Jim!” Blinky yelled from behind them, making them turn around to see the out of breath man attempt to run up to them. He was soaked from the rain, definitely not wearing the proper clothing for the outing.

“Blinky?” Claire questioned.

“Why are you out in the rain?” Jim demanded, “are you trying to experience human illness?”

“I was exploring the human library.” With one more gasping breath, he straightened up.

“The library closed at least an hour ago.” Jim said.

“Hour and twenty minutes,” Claire specified.

Blinky frowned. “It seems I am much more reliant on my stronger troll senses than I had assumed. I appear to have taken them for granted. I got lost in your confusing streets.”

“Fair enough,” Jim decided, then turned and pressed his hand to the wall, opening the doorway. “Let's get you inside, and into dry clothes.”

“And you complain when people try to take care of you?” Claire asked in a whisper.

“Hey!” He grumbled, as they walked in. “I'm doing… better.”

“Good.” Claire smiled brightly. “I don't want to date a zombie.” She hurried down the stairs, leaving Jim behind with his locked in place feet.

“Officially courting Fair Claire, are you Master Jim?” Blinky said, clapping him on the back.

“N-not yet,” Jim stumbled, and started down the stairs before he fell down them.

“I believe it is best to be direct with your intentions,” Blinky said, walking beside him. “AAARRRGGHH!!! and I had assumed each other to be only friends for nearly a century before either of us spoke of a desire to dwell with one another.”

“Thanks Blink,” Jim said half heartedly. “I'll keep that in mind.”

“I understand human courting rituals are different than that of trolls,” he continued, as they reached the bottom of the stairs. “But I believe I am learning much of the customs, and would be more than happy to provide advice.”

Jim clenched his jaw as he tried not to laugh at the well meant offer. “I'll let you know if I need anything.”

Blinky stopped them both as he pulled Jim into a quick soggy hug, then dragged him along to the Hero's Forge.

Jim was put to work almost immediately, and was reminded that it had been quite some time since he had last trained. 

Swinging axes nearly cut him in two, fire blasts almost singed off his hair, and Draal defeated him three times the fourth spar definitely had been a pity win. Jim wanted to blame being cursed or sick, but he had to come clean to himself and admit it was probably the sleep and food deprivation.

“Jimbo!” Toby called from where he was happily seated on the stairs once Jim was granted a break. “I brought you training goodies!” He held a taco up in the air, and Jim nearly ran to him.

“You are my hero.” Jim said, collapsing on the steps, and took the offered food.

“Don't forget water.” He pulled an ice cold water bottle from his bag. “And electrolytes.” He pulled out another bottle of light blue Gatorade, and Jim took it with every bit of gratitude he could manage in his exhausted state.

“You want to stretch with me?” Claire asked, once Jim had downed two tacos and almost all the provided drinks. “It’ll make you hate yourself less in the morning, after what Blinky just put you through.” As if to show off the perks of stretching, Claire folded in half where she stood, and wrapped her arms around her legs.

“Ugh, show off.” Toby grumbled, he was definitely getting more nimble since joining in training now and then, but flexibility was never his strong suit.

“It’s alright Tobes, you'll get to show off once we get your hammer.” He patted his friend's shoulder as he walked over to stand next to Claire, and follow her recommended stretches.

Blinky emerged from beneath a malfunctioning panel, and dusted his hands off, pleased with the work he had managed to accomplish even with his “few and weak hands” he'd been complaining about not long before. “Now that we have fixed up the equipment,” he started, walking up to the three humans, and Jim almost feared he was going to be put through another course. “I must inform you of plans for our journey to the quagawump swamp.”

“Oooh! Yeah! Back to Trollhunter quests!” Toby cheered through a mouthful of food.

“Indeed,” Blinky smiled at the enthusiasm. “To keep convenience around your education hours we will go on your second free day, Sunday.” He seemed quite proud of knowing their weekly schedule now. “The quagawumps are a closed off tribe, we will need to have a special way in. Tobias! You bear resemblance to their people, we shall have you act as their shattered king, reincarnated as a human.”

“Me?!” Toby questioned, and started eating the last of his food with the rising anxiety.

“We just need to go in, retrieve the Kill Stone, and make our escape. AAARRRGGHH!!! will be there if-”

“AAARRRGGHH!!!’s not coming,” Jim stated, standing from the low stretch he had been in.

“What?” Everyone questioned.

“AAARRRGGHH!!! is the only troll within our group willing to go.” Blinky said, “Draal has refused to come along, and I am still inhibited by my curse.”

“Draal probably said no because he knows some stuff and probably doesn't want to throw off the timeline.” Jim said, but he would prefer he didn't come anyway, he didn't need Draal taking AAARRRGGHH!!!’s place. “And I'm just saying it now, AAARRRGGHH!!! is not coming.”

“But Master Jim,” Blinky closed the distance between them and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. “AAARRRGGHH!!! is our muscle, our protector, and our trollish face to help us enter the swamps, and give Tobias a chance to have them hear our our ruse.”

Jim hated that Blinky made such a good point, and he knew his face showed that. “Fffine!” he said through ground teeth. “But just to get us in. If any trouble happens I deal with it, no one else.”

Blinky looked like he was about to argue, but decided against it. “Very well Master Jim. You are our Trollhunter, and we must allow you to be such.”

“Thank you,” Jim sighed, then glanced side to side, noticing the krubera was absent. “Blinky I need you to promise me AAARRRGGHH!!! won't try to protect me.”

He heaved a deep breath, then nodded. “I'll do what I can.” He squeezed Jim's shoulder, then released it. “In the meantime get some rest.”

The three of them nodded, and together headed out of the Forge. It wasn't until they were back on the surface that any of them said anything.

“Our retrieval of the Kill Stone didn't go well last time did it?” Claire asked, as Jim started pushing his Vespa up the steep slope. He slipped on the wet surface, but both Claire and Toby caught the scooter, before it could slide back down.

Jim glanced down at the water starting to gather in the canal. “At this rate we won't be able to get to Trollmarket for a little while if they release the water from Arcadia Lake.”

“I don't think they will,” Toby said, “they don't usually start releasing water until later in the rainy season.”

“Right,” Jim shook his head, refound sturdy footing, and pushed the Vespa up to flat ground.

“Jimbo, you doing alright?” Toby asked, “Is it… was it… is there anything we can do?”

“I'll be okay,” Jim did his best to smile and wave away Toby’s worry. “Just a little stressed and tired is all.”

“When I'm stressed I really like to take a warm bath before bed-” Claire cut herself short, and Jim's cheeks warmed with embarrassment at the way he had flinched at the suggestion.

“Nevermind that,” she tossed aside the suggestion. “You look really tired, how about- oh even better.” She turned towards the canal, drawing Jim's attention to it. AAARRRGGHH!!! and Draal emerged, having a conversation about some other troll they both knew, and didn't seem to be a fan of.

Claire turned back to Jim, “Toby and AAARRRGGHH!!! can walk me home. You head home, and get some rest.”

If he wasn't so tired he probably would have argued, but instead he just nodded, asked them to message him when they were safely home, mounted his Vespa, and drove home.

The front door was locked, and the car was gone from the driveway. Barbara was working late tonight. Jim unlocked the door, and half announced his arrival, before recalling that he had just determined no one was home.

In the kitchen was a note from his mother reminding him to make some tea if he needed it. 

Oh he needed it, and maybe a painkiller or two as well.

By the time the water on the electric kettle had reached a hot enough temperature, Claire had texted letting him know she was home safe.

And by the time his tea and painkillers had been downed, Toby texted that he'd made it home. 

Draal entered through the back door, sniffed at the trash for anything of interest, before retreating to the basement with not much more than a nod of acknowledgement.

Jim felt that, and followed the troll's lead of retreating to his room. He briefly glanced at the note strewn wall, his eyes immediately catching on the notes about the Kill Stone, the moment when AAARRRGGHH!!! was hurt… was poisoned…

Jim was going to make sure that didn't happen again.

In the meantime all he could do was rest, and make sure he had the energy needed to perform such feats.

He did his best to straighten out his messed up sheets, then laid down and stared up at the ceiling.

Back into the nightmares I go. He thought before closing his eyes, and allowing himself to slip into unconsciousness.

Notes:

Is Jim over booking his Saturday? Probably, but what the heck? he's actually got some energy that isn't draining his soul again.

Chapter 36

Summary:

Jim has a funny little dream, wait a dream, thats crazy! But when you dream your a troll sometimes your old trollish feelings stick with you through the morning. Jim then goes to fight Steve, how will that go? Jim has some pretty dumb ideas, but he's a silly teenager what do you expect from him?

Notes:

Sorry it's been a little while. Fun fact about me I love to draw and I love to write, but apparently I can't enjoy them both at the same time. Gain the ability to draw for the week? well you have writers block now. Regain the motivation to write? mmm, you think drawing is exhausting now. It is a bit of a roller coaster lol.
Also I did have this chapter done a few days ago, but it was originally combined with the next chapter and then as I was writing that I decided to cut it to what happens in this chapter now. BUT that does mean I am currently like half way or so through the next chapter so hopefully I won't dissapear for as long again. And I know it's only been like two weeks, but it has felt so much longer to me. (forgive the ramble)

The floor of the school rocked back and forth as Jim attempted to make his way to Strickler's office. He needed to get the Inferna Copula. But the halls were shifting like he was on a boat.

A wave crashed against the side of the ship, and Jim now sick to his stomach, took the offered bucket and vomited.

“The ship's supplies not sitting well?” Blinky asked, somehow steady in the ever moving environment.

Jim shook his head as another wave of nausea hit.

“The sailors above have spotted land, it shall not be much longer until we reach the shore.” An armored hand grasped Jim's shoulder with a reassuring squeeze. 

Kanjigar the Courageous gave him a quick nod, before turning to check on the others.

“How much longer until we reach the Heartstone?” Jim asked, wishing his head would stop spinning.

Blinky paced back and forth, now in their cave for the day. “Not much further, Master Jim. We’ll reach New Jersey in a few more nights.”

“You hear that Jim?” Claire smiled brightly. “We’ll be in the New World soon!”

Blinky and Claire began to dance together, cheering about the coming end of their journey. Jim couldn't really understand what they were saying though, and slowly the world began to fade back.

Jim slowly opened his eyes, his room bathed in sunlight, making him flinch at first, then remembered he was human.

He heaved a deep sigh, a large weight made him use a little extra effort. The large volume of Troll Lore sat open on his chest reminding him of the fact that he had woken up in the middle of the night. He had figured if he couldn't go back to sleep he might as well read, but the small trollish letters had put him back to sleep rather quickly. But apparently he'd read enough about the mayflower voyage that it had affected his dreams.

Jim blinked a few times, turning over his thoughts in his head a few times.

Dreams.

He’d had a Dream.

Not a nightmare.

Jim's eyes widened with the realization. The book was removed from his chest, and he was up and out of his bed in a matter of seconds. 

He was pretty sure he'd had a nightmare and that's what had made him wake up to read in the first place, but that didn't matter in comparison to the DREAM he'd had.

He felt like he could fall down to his knees, and worship whatever deity had blessed him with such gracious relief.

Jim looked to his clock, curious how much sleep he might have gotten. He hadn't been in Trollmarket that late, then he'd woken up to read around one, and now it was.

NINE AM?!

Jim ran his hands through his ridiculous bed head as he stared at his clock in disbelief.

I got over eight hours of sleep?!

He couldn't remember the last time he had gotten that much sleep. Well probably when he was sick, but that was cursed sickness sleep, it didn't count.

He put on his clothes for the day, then made sure to set out a nicer shirt for his date with Claire to be sure it wasn't wrinkled, and walked into the bathroom to finish getting ready.

Noise in the kitchen got him to rush downstairs, wanting to be sure whoever it was wasn't wrecking the kitchen or stealing his ingredients for planned meals. DRAAL!

But it was Barbara, simply making little toaster waffles pulled from the freezer.

“Good morning, Kiddo!” Barbara greeted happily, her focus still on her task of putting food together.

“Good morning,” he replied with a yawn, and stretched his arms in a few different directions.

Yes he had gotten AMAZING sleep, but that definitely didn't rid him of training soreness.

“It's good to see you actually sleep in…” Barbara said, turning towards him, but her words cut off as her gaze fell on his face.

Jim quickly touched his face, what did he look like? The habit of not looking in the mirror had come in strong with his want to be down stairs, and checking the kitchen.

Barbara smiled, seeing her son’s sudden panic. “Nothing's wrong, Jim.” She let out a small suppressed laugh. “You can just tell you slept well.” She tapped her cheek mirroring the location of what was on his face.

Jim carefully touched his fingers to his face, as if expecting to have a cut or wound, but only found the sheet texture imprinted on his face. That was a relief.

The toaster dinged, and Barbara turned to retrieve the little waffles. Once plated, she pulled out several choices of toppings and slid them to Jim. 

“I already ate,” she explained before he could say anything against her giving him her breakfast. “I was going to come bring it up to you, but here you are.”

Jim decided on just syrup, and poured it over his waffles. The consistency and color made him want something else though. “Motor oil,” he hummed quietly.

“What's that?” Barbara asked. She appeared to have heard and understood what he'd said, just confused.

Knowing he couldn't take back the slip of words, he just went with it. “I had a dream I was a troll, and was eating all sorts of weird things.” He managed a small genuine sounding laugh. “I think I might have just been hungry last night.”

“Have you been eating enough?” She asked, the troll dream excuse satisfying her well enough.

“Yeah, I think so.” He cut off a bite and shoved it in his mouth. STOP CRAVING TROLL FOOD! YOU ARE NOT A TROLL!!!

“So any plans for the weekend?” She asked, coming around to the other side of the counter and took a seat beside him.

“I'm thinking of visiting Douxie at noon,” He started off with the lie. He might stop by Douxie's after his scuffle with Steve though. “Then going out with Claire at six, museum with Mateo, Toby, and S- AAARRRGGHH!!! at one. Oh, and Blinky is taking us to Florida tomorrow.”

“That… sounds like a busy weekend.” Her brows raised with concern at the load for such a short amount of time. 

“Yup,” Jim answered simply, resuming his focus on putting food in his body. He was definitely going to want more than these two tiny waffles.

“Do you know what time you're back from… Florida?” The question was awkward on her tongue. 

Jim shrugged. “Depends on when the one dude shows up, and if Angor Rot's there, and how well that fight goes.” He finished his food, and pushed the empty plate away from him to allow his face to rest on the cool stone of the counter. “If we have to go back to Gatto's Keep I might actually blow up that volcano, and I'm not meaning the same way Toby does. There's gotta be a Kyrosect in Trollmarket somewhere.” Jim sat up straight. “Wait! I could just use Excalibur!” He slumped again. “And then be in the hospital again? Ugh! What's the point in that power if I just perish after?”

Barbara’s hand gently rubbed between his shoulder blades, slowly easing the tension out of them.

“Want to maybe ease up on the weekend tasks?” She asked, most definitely referring to the museum heist.

“No,” he sighed, “I'm just over thinking what might happen… again.”

“Well, if you get back before too late on Sunday.” She paused for a moment, choosing to reconstruct her phrasing. “Walter is coming over tonight, but if you want to join us, we can postpone until tomorrow evening?”

“Strickler’s coming over?” Jim's eyes lit up, but he quickly tried to hide the sudden brightened reaction. “Is there a… particular reason?”

Barbara sighed, she looked like she had been wanting to bring this up for a while now, which only made Jim more happy for her. “Walter and I have been seeing each other again since he's been back, and it's just been…” She paused and Jim tried to fight down the smile on his face, he was supposed to be grossed out or something wasn't he? oh, eww my mother is dating my teacher. He tried to think in an attempt to make his face cooperate.

Barbara’s eyes narrowed a little as the thought that had already occurred to Jim manifested in her own. “Jim, can I ask-”

“QUESTIONS ARE CLOSED FOR TODAY!” Jim scurried off his seat, hurried to put his plate in the sink, grabbed a random assortment of foods from the fridge, then hurried up the stairs to his room. Normally he never had food in his room, but this seemed like a good exception. “I LOVE YOU!” He quickly shouted to be sure she didn’t think he was mad at her.

Jim slammed his door firmly as his whole body hit against it, then he pushed off it and dumped the containers of food on his bed, before pacing.

“What are you doing?! Stupid! control your face!” He dragged his hands down his face. He should probably stop doing that, he was going to stretch his skin with how often he did it. “Okay! Focus on today, Jim! Deya's Grace!” 

Jim spent the morning picking up where he had left off in the troll lore book. He remembered Blinky reading this one to him, pretty sure he'd fallen asleep though.

A knock came at his door, and Jim announced that they could open it.

Jim spun around in his chair, the large trollish book resting in his crossed legs.

Barbara smiled, seeming pleased Jim was doing a relatively normal thing. “I'm off to work, I should be back by six.”

“Do you need lunch?” Jim asked, ready to get up that second to go make something.

“I'll be alright,” she assured, but based on the debate in her mind showing on her face there was something she wanted him to do.

“Do you need me to clean something?” He asked, although the house was pretty tidy already. “Do the dishes? Take out the trash?”

“No, no,” she waved her hands back and forth to stop him, “If you get the opportunity would you check on Toby and Nana. I went by this morning, but I like checking on her every now and then.”

“Oh, totally!” Jim nodded, that would be easy enough to fit into his schedule.

“And call me if you need anything.”

“Totally.” He gave two thumbs up.

“And… maybe do your human homework?” She said, glancing at the obviously trollish book.

“Right, yeah, I'll get on that!” Jim smiled awkwardly, and slipped a scrap piece of paper in as a bookmark before closing the book.

“Alright.” She relaxed a little, seeming to talk about everything she wanted to. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

She closed his door, and he heard her grab her needed items before heading out the door. 

Jim cracked open the trollish book again. “Just going to finish this section then do homework.” Was he really choosing to read a troll lore book over other things? Although it was this or homework, not much of a fun option there.

Besides, it was cool to read about Kanjigar, and how he became the Trollhunter he was. But one thing was for sure, Blinky was not providing him these troll lore books in chronological order which was ridiculous. 

Two hours later his phone buzzed, warning that he had half an hour until noon.

Jim swung the large volume shut, so much for getting around to his homework. He threw on his shoes and headed down the stairs, nearly running into Draal in the living room.

“Oh hey Draal,” Jim said, taking a step back to give the troll space. “What are you doing?”

“Debating setting a trap for the changeling when he arrives this evening,” he stated, picking up one of the couch cushions.

“I've told you before, I’m working on stuff with him. He's even trying to help us out now.” Jim grabbed the cushion and tried to pull it from his grasp.

“Has he surrendered the Inferna Copula?” He asked, releasing his hold making Jim stumble back.

“No, but for good reason.” He put the cushion back on the couch. “If I take the ring from him, he and in result my mother will be vulnerable.”

Draal groaned. “Why do you tolerate him? He has only caused problems for you.”

“Because Draal, he’ll be much more valuable as an ally,” Jim turned, and grabbed his bag from its usual hanging spot. “Plus I'm giving him a good test tonight.”

“You've brought him into your mission?!” Draal glared down at him.

He slumped with a small groan, but then stood up straight because he needed Draal to understand he had made his decision and wouldn't be changing his mind. “Yeah, he’s helping with the museum gig. Come on, he knows the museum super well. The only better person would be Nomura.”

Draal gave an angry huff at the mention of the other changeling, reminding Jim he’d once liked her.

“But she's in the Darklands,” Jim continued, “anyways, I’ve gotta go.”

“To your weak attempt at a spar?” He asked, crossing his arms.

“Will you stop going in my room?” Jim demanded, “I lock the door for a reason.”

“You’ve been locking the door?” Draal questioned, revealing the flimsy lock did very little against the troll's strength.

“Apparently for no reason!” he threw his hands up in defeat, “But seriously! Stop going in my room, that's an intrusion of privacy.”

“Win your pitiful fight, and I will think about it.” 

Jim would take what he could get, and headed to the garage door. “And don't hurt Strickler!” He ordered, spinning around and pointing accusingly at the troll. “The stupid binding spell is still in place.”

Seeing that the small nod was the only sign of agreement he was going to get, Jim grabbed his Vespa, headed across the street to the Domzalskis', sent his mom an update text then cruised out towards Stuart’s Electronics.

 

“Well look who decided to show up.” Steve leaned against the wall of the alley as Jim dismounted his Vespa. 

“Yeah, well you sort of threatened Tobes, and the whole reason I'm here is to keep him safe.” Jim folded his arms across his chest. “You do know not everything has to be settled with a fight?” Although if you were a troll that was in fact how it went.

“I've heard fists speak louder than talking.” He pushed off the walls and cracked his knuckles.

“That's… not how it goes.” Jim struggled not to laugh. 

“You think you're so much better than me, Lake, well prove it!” He lunged forward, grabbed Jim's sweater, and threw him further into the ally.

Jim stumbled, and almost lost his balance, but then propped himself against the dumpster. “Was that supposed to hurt, or are we dancing?”

“Just shut up, and fight me!” Steve yelled, stomping closer to him.

“Okay.” Jim hopped up onto the lid of the dumpster, then pounced down onto Steve, sending them both tumbling onto the ground.

A loud thunk sounded as they hit the ground, and Jim immediately jumped off him.

“Are you okay, Steve?” He asked, worried he’d actually hurt him, knowing that had been the sound of his head hitting the concrete ground.

“Don't ask if I'm okay?!” Steve growled, pushing himself off the ground, but the words didn't stop Jim from noticing the way Steve rubbed the back of his head.

He stood, rolled his shoulders, then charged at Jim, throwing several punches that the boy quickly dodged.

As Jim ducked out of the way of another punch, the fist whipped past his head and slammed into the side of the dumpster with a loud echoing clang.

Steve released a slew of swears as he attempted to shake the pain from his hand, which inhibited him from hearing the huffing breaths within the dumpster.

“I can’t have any fun,” Jim grumbled, and rolled behind Steve. Jumping up, he locked him in a headlock, and did his best to cover Steve's mouth.

“Shut up, Steve,” he ordered in a harsh whisper, as the dumpster began to rattle. 

“I’s jus’ racuns,” Steve growled into his hand, and fought to free himself, but seemed rather surprised when he found Jim to be much stronger than expected.

“No, not raccoons,” Jim whispered, and slowly started to ease the two of them out of the alley.

The dumpster gave another harsh rattle before the lid flung open, and three goblins jumped up to perch on the edge of the container.

“WA’ ARE DOSE?!” Steve screeched, and clawed at Jim's arms as panic surged through him. So much panic Jim almost felt like he could smell the scent he had grown accustomed to as a troll.  Steve managed to free the hand from his mouth, but then a goblin pounced onto his head, and he screamed. Jim grabbed the goblin off Steve, then flung the jock to the ground, out of harm's way.

Harsh claws dug into Jim's scalp as the goblin tried to cling tighter not wanting to release its prey.

“WHAT THE FLIP IS THAT THING?!” Steve shrieked, pushing himself along on the ground as the other two goblins approached them.

“Run Steve!” Jim shouted, punting one of the approaching goblins back into the dumpster with a loud crash.

Steve made no move to run, and Jim wasn't sure he had ever seen the jock so horribly terrified.

Huffing breaths sounded from the rooftops, six more goblins were scurrying down the walls.

Jim ripped the goblin off his head and threw it at another, splatting them both against the wall in a disgusting burst of green. 

The goblins shrieked at the death of their comrade, and charged Jim with more ferocity.

Jim reached for his pocket and whipped out the amulet. Steve was going to have to find out sooner or later.

“FOR THE GLORY OF MERLIN, DAYLIGHT IS MINE TO COMMAND!” Jim shouted. He summoned Daylight the moment it could answer his call, and with his hand firmly around its hilt slashed it through two more of the goblins.

Steve screamed as one of the goblins charged him, and Jim slashed through three more goblins.

Before Jim could reach Steve, he kicked the spindly limbed creature against the wall, spattering its remains everywhere.

“Nice one!” Jim praised, knowing full well Steve had a VERY long way to go before he could fight any real threats.

The final goblin moved to retreat. Engaging the birthstone, Jim summoned his glaives from his thighs. Once in his hands he clicked them together, and threw them. They sliced the goblin down before circling back for Jim to catch them from the air.

Now with the active threat taken care of, he took a moment to listen for any others. Jim let himself release a relieved sigh as all traces of living goblins were absent.

“You alright, Steve?” He asked, turning around to look at the goblin blood covered boy. 

Steve's mouth flapped open and closed, in far too much shock to say anything.

He looked physically fine, and would probably be back to his normal self once he understood a bit more.

“We're safe now.” Jim heaved a deep breath. “I can explain everything.” He paused himself.

Wait… Steve needs to befriend Eli.

How am I supposed to get out of this situation? 

He had a few ideas, but one sounded particularly hilarious.

“This is all a hallucination.” He pulled in a deep breath, and summoned Excalibur to his hand. This was such a stupid and really poor idea.

“W-what?” Steve finally managed, staring with wide eyes.

“None of this was real.” Jim added as mysteriously as he could, then slowly cut time to a stop.

Holding his breath, Jim rushed out of the alley, just out of view of Steve, and slashed an X in the air resuming time.

Jim nearly crumpled to the ground as his heart slammed against his chest, and his legs trembled with the small speed walk out of the alley.

After a few deep breaths, Jim stood up straight, using Excalibur as a crutch, then leaned against the wall and allowed his armor to dissipate.

The pain of pausing time became well worth it as Steve's mind tried to wrap around what had just happened.

“WHA- BU- HOW THE FLIP?!” The crack in his voice almost made Jim burst out laughing, but remembered he was trying to get away stealthily. He was about to head home, when I remembered his Vespa on the other side of the building, probably where Steve was now.

Jim hit the back of his head against the wall as he grumbled to himself, one more time.

“For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command.” He whispered, and his armor clasped around him. Jim peeked into the alley, and found Steve was no longer in it. Carefully Jim walked through the narrow area, before spotting Steve slowly approaching Jim's Vespa as if it might attack him.

Jim pulled in another deep breath, then summoning Excalibur once more, he split time. He pushed his Vespa away, and down another street before allowing time to resume.

This time he did collapse to the ground as his muscles strained under what they had accomplished in no time.

Jim blinked a few times as his eyes caught up with what they had observed, and he slowly mounted his Vespa and allowed himself to half lay on it as he recovered.

“WHAT! THE! ACTUAL! FLIP?!” Steve cried out.

“Totally worth it,” Jim mumbled, before starting the engine and driving back home to allow his body to fully recover from the two times he had stopped time.

Once his Vespa was safely in the garage, he walked inside and flopped on the couch.

A few seconds later, heavy steps came up the basement stairs, and a large presence hung over him.

Keeping his face firmly planted into the cushion, not wanting to move anymore he asked, “what?” when nothing was said. 

“Did you win?” Draal asked.

Deciding it would be better for the conversation if he actually looked at the other person, Jim turned his head to look at the awaiting eyes.

“He didn't land a single hit, and I got him on the ground twice,” Jim answered, “but goblins showed up, and I had to deal with that.”

“Did you defeat him after?” Draal asked, folding his arms over his chest.

“No, I left because I have to make it so he'll go to Eli about it. The two of them form their own weird group then will get involved and help out now and then.” Jim explained, grumpy Draal didn't seem to understand the situation.

“So you retreated.” He huffed.

“NO!” He groaned, then turned his face back into the cushion. “It's called strategy. Besides, Steve will be too freaked out by my ‘magic powers’ to bother me or Toby for a while now.”

Draal made a noise, clearly he wouldn't be seeing things from Jim's point of view. Jim gave a half hearted shrug. He was quite pleased with his actions and would not be made to feel otherwise.

Seeming to sense the end of the conversation, Draal left the room to go do something probably more entertaining than bothering with Jim’s strange behaviors.

Jim didn't mind, sometimes he wished he could get away with his strange behavior as well. Like the cravings, why wouldn't they stop?! 

Sure he'd had some cravings since he'd turned back to human that month before he came back in time, but that had seemed much less in the face. Or maybe it was just worrying about the Arcane Order, honestly he hadn't really had much of an appetite, period.

I mean while he was a troll cravings for trollish foods were way up there, along with missing and craving human food. Maybe he could complain about it to Blinky tomorrow before they left for Florida, he probably had to be getting hit hard with the missing and craving trollish foods by now.

As bad as it was, knowing another person was going through the same thing as him felt pretty relieving.

Maybe Jim could find weird humanly edible stuff that would satisfy him. 

Gosh dang it, Merlin! 

Jim had been magically turned back, and went back in time to his old unchanged body and yet he still had to deal with the wizard's stupid magic!

Next time I see that wizard, I'm gonna throw hands. He decided, and did his best to imagine it. And then I'm gonna make him eat something absolutely disgusting! Jim paused in his thought. Although he probably would like that, wizards have… interesting diets.

Even Claire became a little more adventurous in her diet, although that might have been from being surrounded by trolls and said wizard for over a year.

Jim thought over some of the things she had tried, he'd thought a lot of them quite delightful, and she definitely had mixed feelings. Looking back on it, he wondered how many of those had actually been her fighting back disgust in an attempt to console his new diet, especially during the beginning. That could not have been easy on her part.

It had definitely been hard for him, that was for sure. If Jim was being honest with himself, craving the food was one thing, but actually eating it, that was a whole experience in and of itself.

Eating a sock for the first time… Jim shuddered as he remembered the feeling. But also what he wouldn't give to eat a good, not very dirty- because Jim still has standards- sock! 

Jim groaned into the couch cushion as the craving hit his stomach. He felt so hungry!

With the heavy footsteps of a troll, Draal approached him again. Apparently he was more willing to deal with Jim's strange behaviors after all.

“Do you plan to lay there all day?” He asked.

“Why?” Jim responded, “it's not like you use the couch.”

“Are you planning on wearing the gore of your enemies to your courtship outing as a means to impress the woman?” Draal questioned, the sound of shifting stone skin made Jim sure he was crossing his arms.

Jim groaned, thankfully most of the time pausing related aches had mostly faded, just the gnawing hunger remained. He pushed himself up, and slowly and shakily stood. “What time is it?” He'd been laying there for what, half an hour?

 “Your clock hands point towards the four and the twelve.” Draal looked down at Jim with disapproval, but also maybe relief?

“It's FOUR?!” Jim gasped, looking to the clock himself to be sure the troll hadn't misread it.

Accurate.

“HOW DID I JUST LAY THERE FOR NEARLY FOUR HOURS!” Jim shouted, his voice cracking uncomfortably. He looked down at his hands as if they might hold the answers, but they only had the couch texture in a few patches. “Wait- did I sleep?!” 

Today had to be a freaking miracle! Was he finally cured from his nightmares and horrible insomnia? 

Okay, Sleepy Dream Deity was definitely getting like a burnt offering, or whatever it was you gave to deities. 

“Based on your breathing patterns, it would seem you were in and out of your conscious state.” Draal answered, even if Jim had already come to that conclusion himself, but it was nice to have it confirmed. 

“Well, I am going to get ready then,” Jim looked down, and frowned. He definitely should have changed before he touched anything. “After I clean the couch.” 

Deya's Grace, Jim hated goblins.

Notes:

Is Jim stupid for putting his body through weird pausing time consequences? yeah, but like he's a boy, let him do fun stupid stuff. Besides, he seems suprisingly durable.

Chapter 37

Summary:

Jim goes on a date with Claire, and she catches onto some things rather quickly, although maybe with a small incorrect guess at first.
Jim, Toby, Mateo, and Strickler break into the museum, what could possibly go wrong?

Notes:

Another pretty long chapter.

After achieving a clean couch, clean clothes, and a clean body. Jim was off and  ready to go!

The old engine rumbled beneath him, and cold air whipped around his face. This was nice. Claire didn't live very far away, but the drive was still enough for him to try to freeze off the nerves that had risen. 

After parking the Vespa, removing his helmet, and making sure his hair was decent, Jim approached the front door, and knocked.

“Coming!” Claire shouted from somewhere within. Quick footsteps sounded down the stairs, then towards the front door.

“Hey!” She greeted happily as she opened the front door to let him in.

Jim smiled as he soaked in her excited energy, then smiled even bigger when he walked inside and took in her cute outfit. She looked so cozy in the turtleneck sweater dress, leggings, and usual boots. 

“You look amazing.” He said, as she shut the door and turned to him.

“And you look-” She paused and Jim almost stumbled backwards when her hand suddenly reached out and cupped his cheek. “What happened?!”

“W-what do y-you mean?” Jim stammered, his face heating.

“The claw marks all over.” She rolled her eyes, at his seeming cluelessness, but then her eyebrows sunk, and her hand moved from his cheek to his hair. “They’re all over your scalp too. Did you even treat these? Some of them are almost splitting open again. When did this happen?”

Jim blushed even harder, ashamed she felt the need to worry about him so much. “I had a run in with some goblins earlier today, but I got rid of all of them so we should be fine.”

“You are ridiculous,” she half growled and half laughed, “sit down, I’ll go grab some bandages."

Jim did as he was told, and waited on the couch for her to return. Carefully he lifted his hand to his face, sharp stinging made him wince, but he winced even more when he pulled his fingers away and found them contaminated with blood.

“I know you're still getting into the whole taking care of yourself thing,” Claire said as she made her way back to the living room. “But you seriously need to be actually worrying about yourself.”

“I know,” Jim sighed, and reached up to take the bag of cotton balls and alcohol she had brought in. It was definitely more than bandages. “I guess I'm still getting used to the whole ‘I can easily get hurt again’ thing.”

Claire raised an eyebrow at that, and kept all the items away from his hands. Clearly she felt he wasn't going to do a good enough job.

“I umm, get a helmet later,” Jim said, tapping his head, which was a bad idea because he tapped it right on one of the claw marks. “Full face coverage and everything.”

“Good to know.” She brought a cotton ball towards his face, and he pulled away as the stinging of the wound mixed with the alcohol spiked.

“Hold still,” she ordered, and he tried, but it really did not feel good.

Jim's heart jumped, and breath caught as she grabbed his chin. Obviously just to hold him still while she tended his wounds.

She's just helping, nothing else is going to happen.

Jim could feel his face warming as his stupid brain made him remember the other times she had grabbed him like this. The way she always looked deep into his eyes, he missed those little flecks of purple shimmering magic within the brown. She would sometimes say something sweet, but other times she wouldn't say anything at all. And then she would press her lips to his. 

Focus! Jim ordered himself. Just think about the pain or something! Not that!!!

Right, that was the future, or the past. Time travel was too confusing. 

He cringed as he realized how much of his thoughts must be showing on his face.

“Sorry,” Claire mumbled, peeling a bandaid and sticking it over the deep gouge on his cheek. “I should probably try to help distract you from the pain.”

“Oh, yeah, a distraction would be good,” Jim agreed, then he remembered how sometimes she would pepper him with little kisses when his injury from Morgana would flare as distraction. 

OKAY! YUP! DISTRACTION FROM MY THOUGHTS PLEASE!

“So, bowling?” She asked, catching him off guard, but then he quickly recalled their plans for the night.

“Well, there aren't that many indoor activities around town,” he replied, it definitely wasn't that exciting. “But I'll be honest, I was debating surprising you with a different place.”

“Oh?” She tilted her head in that adorable manner- and she teased him about his trollish head tilts. He fought down the urge to roll his eyes.

“Well, if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise.”

It probably wasn't on purpose, at least he tried to tell himself that, but right at those words, alcohol burned harshly against one of the other deep cuts.

“But I suppooose…” He smiled through the pain. “There's a little place near the edge of town, you wouldn't happen to be interested in axe throwing would you?”

Claire gave a small excited sound. “That would be SO FUN!” 

“You think Blinky will let me out of a day of training if I tell him we did weapon practice?” Jim asked jokingly.

She laughed. “I think you'll have a week's worth of how to properly throw an axe if you tell him.”

Goodness he liked when she laughed. The way her nose formed a small crinkle when her eyes shut with the little outburst.

Claire's gorgeous brown eyes locked with his when she shifted his face to look at another cut. The two of them froze for a second both assessing the current situation. 

Jim's heart hammered against his chest. No! He couldn't just lean in and kiss her! He was thinking too much about future Claire. This was their second date, and there was no way he was going to pressure her into doing anything.

Claire's eyes shifted away, and she started on the next injury. Once it had been covered with a bandaid she announced him free from her doctoring.

“You'll probably want to have your mom do a better job,” she said as she gathered up the items. “Don’t want you to get an infection or anything.”

“Yeah, that would not be great.” He gave an awkward chuckle. “Thanks for patching me up.”

Once she had returned all the items, she slung her bag over her shoulder and walked towards the door.

“Are we going?” She asked, watching him still sitting on the couch.

“Yeah!” He jumped up, and hurried to the door, and opened it for her. “After you.”

She smiled, and walked out, then waited for him to close the door so she could lock it. It was a bit of a silly dance, but they both liked it.

“Safety first,” Jim said, grabbing a helmet for her off his Vespa, and gently tossed it to her.

“Says the guy covered in scratches.” She rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face enunciated the teasing tone. 

With helmets secured, the two of them mounted the scooter. Jim couldn't help but tense as her arms wrapped tightly around him when the engine revved to life. 

The cold air whipped around them as he drove to their first stop for the evening. Jim took a deep breath. 

Just stop thinking about the future- or the past. Just focus on now.

 

Claire was scarily good at axe throwing, and Jim let her know it. Although he skipped over the “scarily” part. Once Jim had figured out the weight of the axes he was pretty great himself. What could he say? Years of training did their part.

When they went out to eat, part of him feared one of them would order “a steak, raw and dripping in blood”, but thankfully no such incident took place. And the two of them sat happily chatting about interesting things at school. No mention of trolls or time travel. Not in an avoiding the conversation way, but it just didn't come up.

For the first time in a really long time Jim felt like he was a normal teenager again.

The drive back to the house was pleasantly uneventful. Although Jim's heart may have nearly leapt out of his chest when Claire leaned against his back completely.

The two of them pulled up to her home, and from the looks of it at least one of her parents was home now.

Killing the engine, and removing their helmets, the two of them dismounted the bike to say their goodbyes for the night.

“Thank you for today,” Claire started before Jim could. “I had a lot of fun.”

“Me too.” He smiled in agreement, “I'm happy you came out with me, I don't think I could have as much fun throwing axes with anyone else.”

“You were really fun yourself,” she said, taking a step closer to him closing the gap between them.

Oh wow! She's really close!

“I'll be honest, I had been hoping you would ask me out again, but with everything going on, I figured I'd give you some time. So when you asked me it was a pleasant surprise.” Her eyes danced between his two before extremely briefly glancing further down his face.

Jim's chest tightened.

Oh gosh! She wants to kiss me! 

Yes! Absolutely yes!

He took a small steadying breath, and slowly leaned towards her, and she did the same.

Wait- but I've kissed her like a thousand times, she's only ever done the stage kiss with me. What if I overdo it? What if I screw this up?!

He must have pulled away, or done something, because Claire stopped and pulled away.

“Sorry I-” She looked down at the ground, seeming ashamed of her attempt to kiss him.

“No, no, please don't be sorry,” he blurted, “I umm, I just…” His face heated as the embarrassment of the situation sunk in.

Claire lifted her face. She looked a bit confused, puzzling the situation together. “I guess I thought… I thought you had kissed someone before, other than the stage kiss.” Her hands clamped over her mouth. “I'm so sorry! That was so insensitive!”

Jim waved his hands in front of himself. “No, you're okay really! I have kissed y… a girl before.” 

Claire still looked mortified by the question she had asked, but had that puzzled look on her face again. Silence hung between them, and Jim simply tried to breathe while she thought.

“Jim.” She paused to test the question again in her mind, as her hands pulled away from her face. “Are you… gay?”

“WHAT?!” That was not the conclusion he thought she would jump to. “No! No! No!” Jim waved his hands back and forth even more aggressively. “I am definitely straight.” At least pretty sure I am. “Not- not that there's anything wrong with people who aren't! I mean like props to Shannon- Oh shit, don't tell anyone I said that! I don't even know if she's figured it out yet, or told anyone!”

Claire blinked slowly, processing all the words he had just thrown at her in his panic. Then her eyes widened. “Oh my gosh! You were going to say a name!”

Jim’s mind back tracked to what she was referring to. “N-no, I wasn't.” Technically “you” wasn't a name.

Her eyebrows sunk a little as she thought over her provided information. Jim had to wonder what all this must look like from her perspective. Probably like he was insane.

Claire's eyes widened as she came to a conclusion, and based on the little gasp and blush across her face she had come to the correct one. “You- you were going to say ‘you’!” Her cheeks shifted to a brighter pink. “You've kissed me before… but I haven't kissed you, oh my gosh! No wonder you freaked out, I would have freaked out!” That calculating face returned for a brief moment. “We're we like, together?”

Jim forced himself to swallow, and attempted to keep breathing. His pause seemed answer enough, but he needed to say it anyways. “Yeah.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” She asked, seeming almost hurt by it.

“I- I didn't want you to feel pressured,” he explained, “you're amazing, and wonderful, and like the most perfect person ever, and I would absolutely love to be with you again, but you're also you from now. I didn’t want you to feel like you had to make the same choices you did last time.” Jim wrapped his arms around himself. “There was even part of me that didn't want to ask you out, part of me that said it was weird and wrong. But I- I made a promise to someone, and I plan to keep it.”

After a confession like that, Jim was not expecting to feel her hand caressing his face to lift his eyes to meet hers. 

“Then keep that promise,” she said, so much calmer than him, and for a moment he saw her. Those magic flecked eyes, the ones that had witnessed so much and held so much power. But then they were back to the present, and those brown eyes were just as beautiful as ever. “And I'll take things at the pace I want, no pressure.”

She was so close to him now, and with a tiny shift forward he leaned his forehead against hers.

“You sure you wanna keep dating me?”

“You sure you wanna try dating me?” He asked.

“I'd date you for a hundred lifetimes, Jim Lake.”

“I've been wanting to for months, Jim Lake.” She whispered, like it was a secret now only shared between the two of them.

Claire tilted her head, and Jim mirrored the motion. Slowly and carefully their lips met, filling Jim's chest with warmth. Sparks of joy, and excitement flooded his brain. Here he was kissing Claire Nuñez, something he had dreamed of for months now.

The two of them pulled away, but kept their foreheads together, simply basking in each other's presence. To Jim’s surprise Claire leaned in and planted another, much briefer kiss before fully pulling away.

Jim blinked a few times as he processed the second kiss, and her warmth slowly pulled away.

She pressed her lips together, fighting down a smile. Her hands clapping together before snapping her fingers into quick little guns. “Thanks for tonight, and good luck at the museum.” 

Jim barely managed a small “bye” and returned the finger guns, before she turned away and walked up to her front door, which shut carefully between them.

Jim stood there, probably looking stupid for nearly a full minute before he got onto his Vespa and drove the few blocks back home.

When he pulled onto his street he slowed, and smiled at the sight of Strickler's car parked by the curb. Not that he hadn't already been smiling. He couldn't manage nor did he want to remove the smile from his face.

Jim parked his Vespa in the driveway, knowing he was going to be leaving in a few hours. 

He walked up the steps and attempted to be casual as he walked inside, only to nearly walk into the back someone in the entry way.

“Oh, Young Atlas.” Strickler turned around, he looked quite surprised to see the young boy entering his own home.

“Hey,” Jim said slowly, not sure what situation he'd just walked in on.

“Jim, how'd it go?” Barbara asked, also in the small entryway.

Oh! Jim's smile finally dropped. “Good. Sorry, uh, I'll just be in my room.” He said, already starting for the stairs.

“No worries, I was just on my way out,” Strickler said.

Yeah, I figured that out, genius!

“Have- have a good night Mr. Strickler!” Jim hurried up the stairs before either of them could say anything more.

Jim slumped once he was in the safety of his room. Deya's Grace, what had he walked in on?

Never mind that, he needed to make sure he had everything together for tonight. Not wanting to think about what might be going on down stairs, because he hadn't heard the front door yet. He busied himself with emptying his school bag, and filling it instead with items he might need for the break in.

Oh no! I have to see Strickler in a few hours! 

Just don't think about it, it's fine.

He shoved a flashlight into his bag, then sat down at his desk. Maybe he would actually do his homework now.

---

“Come on Tobes, what is taking so long?” Jim grumbled as he tapped his fingers on his handle bars. 

“I'm here! I'm here!” Toby said, hurrying out the front door and locking it. “Sorry, Nana woke up, and I had to convince her to go back to sleep, then AAARRRGGHH!!! got stuck in a doorway. It was a bit of a mess.”

“Yeah, sounds like it,” Jim chuckled, as Toby put on his helmet. “You ready to go break the law?”

“No,” Toby huffed, then climbed onto the back of the Vespa. “But I am really excited!” He gave a small squeal.

“Good enough.” Jim shifted into gear, and the two of them took off down the street to the museum. They parked the Vespa a good distance away. Jim did not need it to be identified if they risked getting caught during this mission, and they walked the rest of the distance, finding Strickler and Mateo waiting for them by the museum monument sign. One of them in their human form, and the other much more comfortable in their trollish one.

“The lil law breakers decide ta arrive!” Mateo announce upon spotting them.

“Yeah, yeah, we're here.” Toby waved off his words. “You do know this makes you a law breaker as well right?”

“We're changelin's, your human laws don' apply ta us.” He patted his chest with a soft clacking of stone.

“So, Principal Strickler,” Toby clapped his hands together, as he looked the teacher up and down. “Finally came out as a changeling.”

Jim smacked him up the back of his head. “Don't say it like that, it's weird.”

“No, Mr. Domzalski.” Strickler pressed his hands carefully together. “I am not out as you put it. My identity as a changeling is only available to those of my own kind or those I work closely with.”

The three younger boys exchanged glances, then all shrugged, not seeming to want to push the conversation any further.

“Okay,” Jim started, “I'm after an assortment of stones within one of the displays.” He reached into his bag and pulled out the list of stones. “We should be able to get in through a window, there's oddly always at least one unlocked or open. Once we get to the display I’ll need one of you two.” He looked between the two changelings. “Your trollish eyes should be able to see the sucurity lasers. With the ability to see them, as long as we're careful we should be able to just grab them then be out of there before anyone notices.”

“Who did what last time?” Toby asked, “Like, do we have more specific tasks, or if we knew them is there a possibility we would mess them up.”

Strickler looked at Toby as he asked the question, then turned to the slightly confused Jim. “Are we the same team you had last time you retrieved these items.”

Jim blinked, “N-no, it was just me and Sir Barks-a-lot, but the situation is very different this time, and we're getting these a lot sooner.”

Strickler raised his brow at the name of the apparent other person they didn't have this time around for the heist. “Very well.” He turned to Mateo. “Enrique, find us a way in.”

The little changeling folded his arms as he frowned.

Strickler sighed. “Mateo, find us a way in, after Young Atlas and I are in you and Tobias will keep an eye out for any guards, human or goblin.” He had turned to all of them but then turned his attention to Mateo again. “Open the upper fourth as well.”

“Wait, why would goblins be in the museum?” Jim asked, as Toby pouted about being put on guard duty, and Mateo nodded at the seeming nonsense order. “The bridge hasn't been there for ages and Bular is long gone.”

“Changelings have used the museum as a means to transport needed items for centuries,” He explained, as Mateo scurried off, now equipped with a radio from Toby. “Although we no longer have Nomura within our surface world ranks, the goblins may continue to use the museum as their nesting grounds.”

“Wait, do you know anything about Nomura?” Jim asked, before Toby could voice his own question.

“No, but we assume she is in the changeling dwell under command of Gunmar’s army,” he answered.

Jim frowned, more likely she was mapping out the entirety of the Darklands, far from anyone's grasp for now.

The radio in Jim's bag beeped to life, and he fished it out.

“Got an open window,” Mateo’s voice came through, “no scent o’ stinky goblins yet.”

Jim lifted the radio to his mouth and pressed down on the button, “Great job Mateo, where should we head to?”

“‘Round back,” he answered.

“Alright, let's go.” Jim beamed, doing this with people and not dealing with transformation pains was so much better.

Strickler seemed a bit reluctant at first, but walked behind Jim and Toby as they circled around to the back of the museum.

Jim glanced along the many windows, looking for the little changeling.

“Up ‘ere!” he called down to them from the second story. 

Jim gave him two thumbs up, and began climbing on the first floor window, he turned back to look down at Toby who made a sound of protest.

“Come on Tobes, you did great when you did rock climbing in the forge the other day.” Sure it had been a little while, but Toby had been improving a lot.

“Yeah, but I had a safety line then,” Toby looked up at how high they would need to climb.

“You climbed twice as high then,” Jim pointed out, “and if you fall, Strickler will catch you.”

“What?” both of them demanded in unison.

“Come on Strickler, I need to know I can trust you.” He looked at Toby. “And I need you to climb up here, come on, Trollhunter needs his Warhammer.”

Toby’s eyes sparkled at the code name. “Okay, okay, I'm coming.”

“Are you really expecting me to climb this wall as well?” Strickler asked, watching the two boys, one making extremely quick progress.

Jim pulled himself into the windowsill where Mateo had been, and turned around to offer a hand to Toby when he got high enough. 

“Uhh, yeah,” Jim shrugged. “Or you could, I don't know, fly or something.”

Toby barked a laugh, “Mr. Strickler fly? That’s a good one Jimbo.” He reached up, now high enough, and Jim grabbed him and pulled him up and through the window.

“Yeah, could you imagine,” Jim laughed right along, and it became a bit more genuine when Toby toppled off the window cill, and onto the hard wood floor. 

He popped his head back out the window where Strickler was still standing with his arms folded. Jim rolled his eyes, was he waiting for them to open another window? And what? Risk setting off the sucurity alarm? No way!

“Come on Strickler!” Jim quietly called down to him, “I need you for this, don't tell him I said this, but Mateo’s claws are so going to trip the alarm.”

Seeming to find he had no other choice, a flash of green had the man now in his trollish form. He scaled the wall in a matter of seconds, and climbed through the window.

Toby jumped at the sight of the changeling straightening up to his full height.

“Woah, forgot what you looked like.” Toby placed his hand over his heart. “Haven't seen you like this since the last time we were here.”

“Good to know you haven't noticed me,” Strickler said, turning away from the boy with an amused tusked smile on his face. 

The idea of Strickler lurking in the dark in his trollish form was scary, but Jim also knew he left that creepy stalker stuff to Angor Rot. 

“He's messing with you,” Jim whispered to his friend, patting him gently on his back. “At least, I'm pretty sure. Now stay guard here, this is our escape route.” Jim hopped up onto the railing of the mezzanine, then carefully hung down off it and let himself drop to the ground floor.

He scouted through the different displays of rocks, searching for his needed ones. 

They had to be here somewhere. Unless they weren't. Unless they hadn't been put on display yet, if even shipped in. Jim was nearly seven months early to this heist.

“Young Atlas,” Strickler’s gruff voice whispered from beside another display, “I believe I found them.”

Jim hurried over to him, and sure enough he had found the display, although it was in a different location than it would be by the end of the school year. 

“Which ones do you need?” He asked, his eyes deeply focused on the display, the security visible to his glowing eyes.

Jim reached for the note card in his bag, but looking at the display he knew he didn't need it.

“The Vivianite,” he instructed, and Strickler started for it, snaking his hand through the invisible lasers, and carefully retrieved the item.

“Amethyst.” He said, once the first stone was securely in his hand. Fire opal and wulfenite were retrieved next.

Strickler carefully pinched the peacock coal between his fingers.

The radio beeped. “We've got a human bogey comin’ in!” 

They were almost done, they could get the other stone-

“Dammit,” Strickler hissed, and a second later red lights began to flash and a horrible screeching alarm sounded.

The radio was ripped from Jim's hands.

“Get Tobias out of here,” Strickler ordered into the device, with surprising calm. “Goblin path to your waiting nest.”

Strickler shoved the radio back into Jim's open bag, and Jim knowing they were going to make a hasty escape zipped it tightly shut, not wanting to drop any possible evidence.

“Obsidian,” Jim blurted, and the changeling reached into the display, careless of the security this time, and grabbed the obsidian, and shoved it into Jim's grasp.

“FREEZE!” A security guard shouted, his flashlight shifting to illuminate them. Strickler grabbed Jim, spun and hunched over him, shielding him from the bright light.

“HEY! STOP!” The guard shouted. 

The sound of leathery wings unfurling dulled the blaring alarm, before sweeping the air around them, and shooting them up into the air. Jim expected to crash through the glass ceiling, but Strickler's wings curled tightly around them and shot out through an open panel.

“Open the upper fourth as well.” Strickler had this emergency escape plan perfectly set up. Thank goodness Jim had thought to bring him along.

Strickler and Jim held tightly onto one another as they soared higher and higher, out of view of the museum. When they leveled out, Jim pulled his face away from Strickler's stone chest and soaked in the view. Last time he'd been up here he'd gotten struck by lightning.

Strickler's massive wings pulled in slightly and they dove back down toward the ground. With practiced perfection the changeling pulled out of the dive and flapped his wings to bring them to a gentle landing.

Once released, Jim stumbled onto his shaky legs.

“Are you hurt?” Strickler asked, sounding genuinely worried for the boy.

“No,” Jim shook in head, and he shook out his arms trying to get his nerves to calm back down. “No, I think I'm alright-” His breath caught in his throat as he was caught with relief that they were both safely on the ground, and no one had to go anywhere, no big war around them, no sacrificing themselves for the fate of the world, no having to talk someone out of a gravesand trance. Dang, he really needed to have more peaceful bonding with Strickler. Any time he'd interacted with Strickler's troll form they had either been fighting or fighting something else.

“Good,” Strickler sighed with relief, “If your mother found out I let you get hurt-”

“Oooh,” Jim nodded, his brain instantly grabbing onto the chance at humor to work past his pounding heart. “You’re just worried about my mom.”

“No, I am worried about you,” Strickler growled, which seemed funny with the words. “Anyone with half a brain would be worried about you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Jim waved off the comment, he thankfully was already feeling pretty recovered from the impromptu flight. “What about Toby and Mateo? What was with that weird code stuff you were spouting off?”

“Mateo will get Tobias here safely,” he answered with such confidence Jim had no doubt about it. “When in dangerous situations information has to be conveyed quickly and thoroughly to only those you want it to reach. I gave our little friend just enough information that only he would be able to translate to lead him here.”

Jim looked around them, they were in someone's back yard that looked vaguely familiar. It clicked in his head as he realized he would recognize it instantly from the front from the day he, Toby, and AAARRRGGHH!!! had been here on Halloween. “This is your house.”

“It is.” He started for the door, and as he stepped through it there was a flash of green, and he was back to his human form. 

“Wow, over two years of knowing you,” Jim said, walking inside and closing the door behind as he put all six acquired stones into a pouch and into his bag. “And I finally get to be in your house.” He spun in a circle taking in the decor and to be honest he was a bit disappointed. He'd expected relics and trollish items to cover the walls, but instead he was greeted with sleek modern design and art. 

The house was pretty open, the front door almost directly across from the back, the living room to his right and the kitchen to his left, where Strickler was now putting a kettle on the stove. 

“Coffee or tea?” He asked casually, as if they hadn't just broken into the museum and nearly been caught.

“Umm, tea?” He answered, “I don't like coffee, and nothing caffeinated please, I don't need to be up all night.”

“Hadn't even thought of giving you such,” Strickler replied, pulling a few jars of loose dry leaves. No wonder Barbara liked having tea with him, at least if he was the one bringing it. The fact that he put up with their store bought bags was another impressive feat.

Jim found himself done looking at the house, and instead watched as the man made up a teapot with practiced motions.

“Are you intending on asking a question?” Strickler asked, not even turning to look at him. He just knew Jim was watching him.

Jim approached the counter and leaned against it. “How do you do it?”

“The tea?” He asked, pulling two tea cups from the cabinet, then after a moment of thought pulled down two more.

“No, although that is a bit cool.” Jim nodded. “You’re so calm. I know you've been through a lot, although I don't know the details, but somehow, after all this time, after all the losses you must have had… you seem so well put together.”

“Same as any other skill,” he answered, his back still turned and arranging the small cups and teapot on a little tray. “Years of practice.”

“Got it.” Jim figured as much, but part of him had hoped there was some kind of shortcut or secret changeling tactic he could learn overnight.

Strickler snapped off the stove and poured the near boiling water into the teapot, and once it was full, he took up the tray and set it on the counter between Jim and himself. “Young Atlas, I have developed many skills over the centuries I have been alive,” he said, “but only after I had come to know the human world did I learn to understand my emotions on the things I had endured.”

Rather than looking at each other the two of them watched the glass teapot, the color of the dried leaves and flowers bleeding into the steaming water.

“As a young changeling we are told we can only feel hate, anger and hurt. But we feel so many other emotions, especially when he are able to become human. The emotions of your kind are far more pleasant,” he continued, “So once I was able to, I learned as much as I could on the topic. To be honest, most of it still confuses me.”

Jim's eyes lifted from the teapot and scanned Strickler's face. He didn't have his usual calm demeanor. He looked tired, he looked sad and worn, but through all that he looked happy and peaceful.

“Why are you telling me this?” Jim asked, knowing Strickler never did something without a reason.

“When you came to my office, and you told me the truth, I was amazed by the amount of conflicting emotions you pour out so freely. Such conflicting and chaotic emotions, part of me almost expected you to confess to being a changeling even if there was no other evidence. What intrigued me the most was the way you freely shared what was burdening you in the moment,” he explained, “I don't want you to lose that, for your sake, and I suppose for the world's sake. If you ever want to talk-”

Jim lifted his hand and stopped him, “My mom put you up to this, didn't she?” It was terrible to say it, but he did not want someone trying so hard to get inside his head. “I thought she finally stopped, no I don't want to talk to someone about it.” 

Really he didn't, talking about it sucked! He just wanted to let it all go, why couldn't she see that?

“Barbara did not put me up to this, Young Atlas,” he stated plainly, “and I doubt she would want to. I may be a decent history teacher, but my advice is questionable at best.”

Jim's eyes were back on the teapot, the water now a soft golden color.

Strickler picked up a newspaper from the corner of the counter. “All I am saying is if you ever want to talk, or sit in silence if that is your chosen method.” He bonked him on the head with the rolled paper. “My door is always open.”

He turned, leaned against the counter beside the stove, unfurled the large paper, and began reading it.

Jim would give it to Strickler, he was always going to be a very, very strange man.

The golden color of the tea darkened closer to caramel, and Jim was finally fed up with waiting.

“Are you absolutely sure Toby is okay?” Jim asked, about ready to start pacing as his worry was at the brink of breaking his emotional dam.

Strickler glanced down at his watch, even though there were plenty of clocks in the house to read from. “I suppose we can go look for them.” He folded the newspaper and returned it to the corner of the counter, then headed to the front door. Jim followed behind him, ready to start running down every single street. Instead Strickler lead them to a narrow ally, then began climbing a ladder that was leaning against one of the buildings.

Oookay? Jim followed after him, at least Strickler looked like he knew what he was doing.

Once on the roof, Strickler stood tall, looking quite casual with his hands in his pockets. 

A strange man indeed.

Jim looked out over the town, there were several buildings taller than the one they were on, but it was still a decent view. Jim sighed, yet no sign of Toby or Mateo. Where were they? We're they hurt? In danger? What if Angor Rot had come after them?!

Jim needed to move, and Strickler was making no sign of going anywhere, so Jim was left to pace on the rooftop. 

Why hadn't they reached out? Jim hadn't gotten a text, a call, or any sound from his radio. Part of him wanted to reach out to them, but what if they were hiding, Jim didn't want to be the reason they got hurt!

Strickler's hand fell on Jim's shoulder stopping him mid stride. His firm hand guided Jim to stand beside him, and look out over the city again.

“There.” He pointed, and Jim did his best to follow his finger to where he pointed. From what he could see there was nothing.

Jim looked up at Strickler to let him know there wasn't anything there, but then he saw how his eyes were glowing yellow and red against the dark night.

Jim looked back towards where Strickler had pointed as he released his shoulder. He still couldn't see anything, but Strickler was already moving. He walked to the edge, and hopped down out of sight.

Jim hurried to the edge of the building, and lowered himself down with his arms because his legs would not forgive him if he tried to simply drop like Strickler.

They weaved between buildings, never being out on the street for more than a few seconds. One thing was for sure, Strickler knew how to get around town quickly and stealthily. No wonder he never ran into him in public like his other teachers.

As they cut around the back of another building, they were greeted by a little rumbling growl.

Jim's eyes fell to the ground, where Mateo stood on all fours with his back arched and scruff bristling like a cat as the growl emitted past his barred tusked.

Upon recognizing them the aggressive behavior dropped away, and he sat back. “Finally the help shows up.”

“Where's-” Jim’s eyes lifted and he spotted Toby sitting on the dingey ground with his back propped against the wall.

“OH MY GOSH! TOBY!” He bolted for him, landing on his knees with a small skid that tore at his jeans and skin. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” He looked him up and down looking for any injuries.

“Dude, dude, I'm okay, not dead, and not dying,” Toby quickly assured him.

Jim's shoulders drooped as he relaxed, but his heart was still pounding.

“I just messed up my ankle while trying to keep up with Mateo.” He folded his arms and glared at the little changeling.

Strickler shot the gremlin a dirty look as well, which made him lower his head in shame.

“Why didn't you contact us?” Jim asked, pulling out his radio as if it could prove evidence of Toby’s lack of communication.

“Dropped it.” Toby frowned. “We were hauling ass, trying to get away after the cops showed up.”

“And your phone?” He demanded, “a text would have been nice.”

“Left it at home, didn't want it to get dropped like the radio,” he answered.

Jim rolled his eyes. “Of course.” He offered Toby a hand. “Let's get you off this nasty pavement.”

“Yes, please!” Toby took Jim's hand, and carefully stood on his good ankle. 

“Alright climb on,” Jim crouched for Toby to climb on his back.

“I can walk!”

“You can hobble at most.”

“Fine!” Toby grabbed onto his shoulders and hopped onto his back. “And I'm not too heavy?”

Jim straightened his legs, “Dude, have you seen what Blinky has been putting me through?”

“True,” Toby nodded, then thrust his finger up into the air. “THEN ONWARD TO… wherever we're going.”

Jim started to walk back the way they had come.

Strickler turned to Mateo who had begun to follow. “Please retrieve Young Atlas’s scooter.”

“Ya wan’ me ta push that thing across town?!” Mateo questioned.

“If that's how you want to do it,” Strickler agreed, “Just make sure it arrives at my home in a timely manner, and in one piece.”

He pulled Jim's keys from his pocket and dropped them in the changeling’s claws.

“Hey, how did you-?” Jim patted his pockets as well as he could without dropping Toby, at least his amulet was still there.

Before he could say anything more Mateo was already gone, cackling at his newly bestowed power.

“This way,” Strickler said, walking past them and down the alley.

“Are- are you sure that was a good idea?” Jim asked, quickly falling in pace with Strickler.

“Yeah,” Toby nodded, hitting Jim with his chin. “Can he even reach all the controls?”

“He was trained enough to receive access to the surface realm,” he answered, picking up his pace, forcing Jim to tighten his hold on Toby and extend his strides to keep up. “He is trained enough to retrieve a small vehicle.”

“Sure he's trained,” Toby continued, “But does that really make up for his height? He's only got like five inches worth of legs.”

“If Strickler trusts Mateo for the mission, then I'll trust him too,” Jim said, not really wanting to hear a ridiculous argument while carrying his friend.

“You are way too trusting, Jimbo.” Toby patted his shoulder.

“Most changelings are smaller than most trolls,” Strickler added, and turned a quick corner that had Jim stumbling. “We can't allow ourselves to be limited by what our physical forms are equipped with.”

Jim almost dropped Toby when he whispered “that's what she said”. If Jim wasn't so worried about Toby he definitely would have given into the idea. Instead he released him for a second then caught him again, getting a shocked gasp from his friend.

They stepped out of the alley with the ladder and into the street.

“Oh hey! It’s your house,” Toby said, spotting their spot to rest while they situated his injury. “Which I have never seen in my life, whaaaaaaat?”

“Wow, great save,” Jim grumbled, and hurried across the street and into the house.

Toby got situated onto the couch, looking far too comfortable for a person who had just run away from cops. “You’ve got a nice crib Mr. Strickler.”

Strickler ignored him. “Young Atlas, down the hall, first door on the right, and I do mean the right. Don't open the door to the left.”

“Oookaaay,” Jim slowly backed away then walked into the hall leading to the other rooms of the house. Even though Jim was good with his lefts and rights he still double checked that he had the right door before opening the closet door.

That's a lot of medical supplies.

Floor to ceiling shelves were jam packed with bandages, salves, and medicines, both human and trollish. Jim thankfully spotted the needed supplies to wrap a sprained ankle and loaded up his arms.

“Also grab the red vial,” Strickler added, “third shelf on the left.”

It was a bit relieving to have Strickler confident enough in Jim's competence to grab the needed supplies without being specially told which items to grab. Adding on the red vial made sense, because who in their right mind would grab a random red vial when retrieving items for a sprain?

Jim was about to grab the vial when he noticed the assortment of prescription bottles that definitely weren't holding their original medicine. Thank goodness for that, somehow the label from the nineteen seventies was still perfectly preserved, along with the weird bugs inside it. Jim grabbed the vial, closed the closet, and returned to the living room with his collected items.

Toby’s pant leg was rolled up, and shoe and sock removed. His ankle was already swollen, and he winced as Strickler poked and prodded it.

“It's not broken,” he announced quietly, then taking up the wrap set down beside him, immediately got to work. 

Jim was impressed, Strickler was definitely faster than he could do it, but still several leagues behind the speed and precision Barbara could do it.

“Oh, hey, Mr. S- can I call you that?” Toby asked. 

*Can I amputate your leg?* He quietly asked in response, and Jim covered his laugh with a cough.

“Cool,” Toby said, as if he had understood it. “So like on that history homework assignment- and don’t tell me to go to Coach Lawrence, he doesn't know history like at all, and obviously you're not busy right now. I also know you're the one who assigned this homework, there is no way it came from him. But on the third question it was worded funny.”

“Oh, yeah, I got stuck on that too,” Jim nodded, and smiled a little when Strickler gave an exhausted sigh. “But I figured it out, I think you mixed Trollish and English grammar.”

“Then please, do help Tobias with the assignment.” He picked up the medical tape and began the finishing touches of the brace.

“Wait I got it right here,” Toby shifted and pulled a paper from his pocket.

Jim snatched the paper from Toby’s hand and unfolded it. “You didn't bring your phone, but you brought a homework assignment with your name written on it?”

“I knew Mr. S was going to be- OW!” 

Strickler had pulled the tape too tight, but then quickly back tracked and replaced it with the needed tension.

Jim rolled his eyes then plopped down on the couch beside Toby, and began explaining the question by putting it into its proper grammar.

Once Toby’s foot was treated Strickler stood and poured the tea that still waited on the counter. Jim had a feeling it was a bit colder than desired, but something relaxing to drink sounded nice, hot or not.

Strickler opened the red vial Jim had retrieved and let a few drops fall into two of the cups, one getting more than the other.

He returned to the two boys and silently offered the small cups.

“Thanks,” Jim said, taking the one offered to him and giving it a careful sniff. “What is it?”

“Lavender and chamomile,” he answered, with a smile as Toby took his cup, and sipped it.

Jim did his best not to laugh, “Not what I was referring to, and you know it.”

“A few drops of gorgon blood,” he replied, “for the healing properties of course, no ill intent infused.”

Toby stared down at his half drunk cup, he looked sick to his stomach.

Jim took a small sip of the tea, and tested the flavors on his tongue. He swirled the now auburn liquid. “It’s salty.”

“Good,” Strickler said, taking up his own gorgon blood free cup and sipping on it. “If it was sweet I would be worried.”

Seeing Jim drink his tea, Toby happily finished his own.

“Sooo,” Toby started, lifting his cup as if searching for any remaining droplets. “What’s a gorgon?”

“Serpentine creatures with both healing and destructive properties,” Strickler answered, his face shifting with the smallest twitch of irritation. “They originated in Greece, but there are several colonies across the globe.”

“How many types of fantasy creatures are there?” he asked, seeming overwhelmed at the idea that there was far more than trolls and goblins.

Strickler frowned, done with the ridiculous questions.

“Tobes, pretty sure that's like me asking how many animals are in the world.” Jim downed the rest of his drink, wanting to finish it before he over thought what he was consuming.

“And it seems your ride has arrived,” Strickler said, before the front door opened.

Mateo stood proudly, Jim's helmet lopsided on his head. “Tha’ was fun!” He pulled the helmet from his head, dropped it on the ground, then ran and jumped onto the counter where Strickler was filling the fourth teacup.

He happily took the cup in both hands and slurped it noisily. “Y'know, Jimmy, if ya ever need a valet again, I would be more than happy.”

Jim frowned at the nickname he knew he would never be rid of. “I'll keep that in mind.” He stood, took Toby’s cup, and returned both of them to the counter. “Alright, we should probably head home.”

He returned to Toby and helped him stand and made their way to the door. 

Strickler walked behind them, and passed Jim his helmet from the floor. “Tobias, you should be safe to remove the brace in the morning given the blood takes well to your system.” 

“Thanks?” Toby said, leaning against the Vespa and putting on his helmet.

“Hey Strickler,” Jim said, putting on his own helmet. “Why did you give me gorgon blood?”

Toby could definitely use it, but Jim had been perfectly protected.

“You do realize you have cuts all over your face and knees?” He raised his eyebrow.

Jim touched his cheek with the bandaid still on it. “Yeah, but you gave me more than Toby.”

“Observant, good. Based on the information I have gathered…” The way he stopped caught Jim off guard. He looked so horribly worried for far longer than he usually let such emotions show through, and the way his eyes looked deep into Jim's like he was searching for something made him get goosebumps all over. He cleared his throat. “You could probably use the extra boost.”

Jim frowned, not fully liking that response, maybe he could bother him another time that wasn't in the middle of the night.

“Again, Young Atlas.” Strickler clasped his hands behind his back. “If you ever want to talk, my door is open.”

“Yeeeaaah…” Jim agreed slowly, “I'll keep that in mind.” He walked over and mounted his Vespa. “Let's go, Tobes.”

Once Toby was securely on, Jim started the drive home. 

What had Strickler meant? Was it the lack of sleep? His nightmares? Did he know about Excalibur and its consequences? 

Jim shook his head, clearing his thoughts. He needed to focus on making sure he was ready for tomorrow. He knew he couldn't be absolutely sure, but he had a very good feeling he was going to fight with Angor Rot and it was not going to be pretty.

Notes:

What could ruin the feeling of a kiss at the end of a great date? probably coming home and finding your mom following the same formula.
that was one of those scenes that I reread because yeah, I'm writing this fic first and formost for myself. Super glad other random people on the internet like it too though.

also do y'all perfer fewer long chapters or more frequent short chapters because I was thinking about splitting this one but since I had it all done figured I would put it all up as one chapter.

Chapter 38

Summary:

Jim gets help from Vendel for his Moonlight Armor, the crew goes to the quagawump swamp to retrieve the Kill Stone.

Notes:

This one took me a long while to finally finish, but here it is! Just in time for you to read if you have family over for the holiday and you need to do something while you ignore them XP

By hour two Jim decided sleep was a lost cause, eyes open or closed all he could think about was fighting Angor Rot and the possibility of losing AAARRRGGHH!!!. He really did not like the idea of him coming on the mission. Draal could be their trollish face to get them in- no, because then what if Draal got poisoned?

Jim had gone over this a hundred times now. He grabbed the pouch of rocks, amulet, and phone, and headed down stairs. 

To his surprise a lamp was still on, well that wasn't really the surprising part, it was that his mother was still up, and writing in a notebook.

“Can’t sleep either?” Jim asked, walking over to her. The moonlight armor was important, but this seemed more important at the moment.

“Not a wink,” She said, shutting her book around the pen. “Off to Trollmarket?” She asked, seeing him in clothing to leave the house.

He nodded. “I was going to leave a note, I wanted to work on the stones. Can't exactly chisel them into shape with my nails.”

“And I'm glad you're not going to attempt that.” She stood from her chair, transferred to the couch, then patted the spot beside her. “How’d the mission go?” 

Jim sat down beside her, and she wrapped an arm snugly around him. “It went good, I mean half way decent. Well.” He let out a sigh. “We didn't get arrested.”

“I noticed,” she laughed, “glad you didn't, although I really should be getting after you about robbery.”

“I know, I know! First I steal an entire bridge from the museum, then a handful of rocks, next I'm gonna be stealing a brochure.” Jim was pretty sure he was done breaking into the museum, although that was what he told himself every time.

“No more breaking the law, got it?” She gave him a tight squeeze and he jokingly tried to wriggle away.

“Okay, but like one more?” He asked, getting a little glare from her. He hoped it was a playful one.

“I kinda wanted to teach Blinky how to drive while he can still fit properly in a car,” he quickly explained, “it's been his dream since the things were invented!”

“Okay, fine.” Her glasses lifted as she pinched the bridge of her nose. “We'll let Blinky break the law.”

“Yes!” Jim leaned against her happily. “You're the best, you know that?”

“I don't think a good mom lets her son break the law,” she mumbled.

“Yes, but the best mom does,” he teased, “but, being serious, how are you doing?”

“Stressed, worried, terrified!” She combed her fingers through his hair on the back of his head, and he was thankful none of the goblin scratches were hurting anymore. Either they weren't that bad, or that gorgon blood was really doing its work.

“Sorry.” He frowned. He didn't like that he caused her so much trouble. He had always wanted to lift her burdens, not give her more.

“Don’t you apologize for that. It's my job to worry about you, you should be living happy and carefree.”

“And yet here I am, on the couch in the middle of the night talking to my mother about breaking the law.” He flopped his head on her shoulder. “Crazy.”

“I'm at least glad you tell me these things, I can't imagine not knowing where you are.” She gave him another tight squeeze.

“Yeah, I'm glad you know, it's a lot harder without you,” he admitted, and the two of them fell into silence. Maybe there was a way he could make it up to her, something that could at least ease her worry a little bit. He didn't like it, but he hadn't been able to stop thinking about it. If he said it now then he would have to do it, and maybe that was a good thing.

He pulled away from her, and leaned forward with his forearms on his knees. “I know you want me to talk to someone about all… this.” He cringed a little at how quickly she sat up straight. “I really really don't like the idea, but- well- so-” He stopped, needing to reconstruct the way he wanted to say this.

Barbara’s hand rubbed gently between his shoulder blades, making his tense shoulders relax. 

“Mr. Strickler offered a listening ear, and I'm not sure what it is about him, but I feel like I can talk to him about stuff.” Finally it was out, and she could judge him for it however she wished.

He could almost hear the gears turning in her head as she thought of how to respond. “I know he went to the museum with you tonight,” she finally said.

Jim's head turned so quickly his neck almost popped. “You do?!”

“He told me this evening,” she explained, “he's close friends with one of the museum workers and knows his way around the place. It seems ridiculous to me that you would ask him to come, but I suppose you don't really do normal anymore.”

Oh, so he hasn't told her yet. Figured as much. I was about to be SHOCKED with how well she was taking it.

“Yeah, Strickler helped out with a few things,” Jim said, “He's like, really level headed in crazy situations, like one time I called him when all the teachers at school were going crazy, and he showed up to help out.”

“And did he help?” She asked, catching onto the lack of information.

Dang it, she wasn't supposed to ask a follow-up question!

“Uh, yes and no?” He offered. Yes, Strickler had given them a way to break through the gravesand trance, but then got infected himself.

Barbara didn't seem surprised by that, probably because she still believed Stickler was a normal, above average human.

“If Walter is willing to listen, and you are comfortable talking, then I am happy.” She leaned forward, and wrapped him in a tight hug. “I'm proud of you.”

“Thanks mom.” He leaned into the hug, trying to find some of that pride in himself, he was really going to need some confidence on this next mission.

---

Jim walked to the canal, through the doorway, down the stairs, and into Trollmarket's streets. He walked quite slowly, he knew he was going to have to explain all the stones, and why he needed them, and just-

Jim sighed, he was starting to miss having people explain things to him rather than the other way around. How did Blinky do it?

“Trollhunter!”

Jim turned to the call, perhaps a ridiculous side quest to take up his time. 

“Oh, Draal!” Jim smiled when he spotted the spikey troll approaching him. In one hand he was holding a small sack, and in the other arm was a wheelbarrow without the wheel.

 Was that just a barrow? 

Title of the vessel aside, it was filled with an assortment of items, collected from the merchants and traders.

Draal kept walking, not caring to stop and chat, but he seemed like he wanted to say something so Jim fell in step beside him.

“How was your courtship outing?” He asked, making Jim groan. Why was Draal asking about this?

Jim was going to talk to him about it though, it was better than worrying about Vendel and the stones. “It went well, she uhh- she knows we were together before- or you know. And she…” He blushed, why was he telling this to Draal, he knew the warrior didn’t care for this sort of thing, but then again he had been the one who asked in the first place. 

Jim’s voice grew very quiet. “We kissed.”

Draal hummed, clearly not interested, but still willing to acknowledge the young whelp beside him and his strange accomplishments.

“So umm, how was your night?” Jim asked, “I noticed you didn’t go through the trash yet.”

“I had some things I needed to do,” he answered firmly, but not quite in the way he normally would. “I would like to inform you though, I saw the impure smooshing faces with Barbara.”

“I know.” Jim hated that he already knew. “Pretty sure I walked in on them.”

“I too almost walked in on them,” Draal replied, Jim had never seen the troll look like he wanted to so badly crawl into a tiny hole and hide for a few centuries. “I have been down here since then, your human customs can be… disturbing.”

Jim too really wished he could curl up in a hole, that was one of the many reasons he was now in the underground city.

“Hey, since I let you live in my house, can I live in your house for a while?” Jim asked, a small part of him actually serious about that.

“No,” he grunted, adjusting his hold on the wheelbarrow. “It is terrible stratagem to leave your mother unprotected, especially with her closeness to the impure.”

Jim was about to get after him about his continued use of the offensive term, but figured that was a fight for another day.

“And you are not being careful either, which is why I will continue to dwell within your home.” 

“Definitely not my mom's cooking then?” Jim asked, raising his eyebrows as he briefly glanced at him.

“That is a benefit,” he huffed, and quickened his pace for a few strides before allowing Jim to catch up with him and fall back to his normal pace.

The two of them continued down the street, Draal stopping to talk to a few trolls, and Jim for one whose neighbor supposedly was replaced by a changeling. 

Riiight, your two thousand year old neighbor has just recently been replaced… Jim quickly discovered they had just gotten in an argument, and we're saying whatever they could to get other people to side with them.

Draal of course told them to fight out their problems, which did much better than Jim's suggestion for them to actually talk to one another.

Once back on their path to wherever Draal was going, Jim glanced around then his eyes fell on the troll.

“Sooo, what time did you leave last night?” Although Jim didn't want to know a lot of it, he was kind of curious what Strickler talked to his mom about, and vice versa.

“Both to seven,” he answered. He never said the actual time, just what numbers the hands pointed to, which was good enough. Jim was just glad he usually said the hour hand first.

“SERIOUSLY?!” Jim's eyes widened, “I didn't get home until almost nine!” 

Okay, maybe this was his sign to stop digging into things, because at this rate he had already learned more than he wanted to know.

Draal smiled. “Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to.” 

“I know, I know,” Jim sighed, taking a few stumbling steps when Draal had stopped and turned into a dwell. He quickly turned and followed him in.

So this was Draal’s place, wow, Jim was really getting into a lot of houses within the past few hours.

The dwell was simple, just one large room. Large scrapes covered the walls surely from roughhousing. On one less banged up wall was a neat shelf, with a few books and scrolls, and lots of little nicknacks.

Draal was on the far end of the room, hanging his acquired items on metal hooks protruding from the stone. At the top of that wall were displayed several weapons. Swords, a mace, a huge bow, and even a gummgumm spear.

Jim turned back to the shelf with all the nicknacks, they were so small and looked delicate for Draal's taste.

He carefully picked up a blown glass quagawump, carefully turned it in his hands, before setting it down.

Jim looked up at the scrolls, and carefully took one down. “I didn't know you could read.” He teased, looking over what looked like an alchemist potion recipe. 

“Those were my father's,” Draal said, not even turning around. “Most of his books now reside in Blinkous’s dwell, but there were a few he held onto and now I do also.”

“Oh.” Jim very carefully rolled the scroll back up, and slid it back into place. Then his eyes fell on a ceramic sculpture of a spikey troll much like Draal.

Jim didn't dare to pick up the probably delicate item, he would never forgive himself if he broke it. The sculpture was a near perfect image of Ballustra. Did Draal even know she was alive?

Should Jim say something? Bring her up, and figure out if Draal wanted to see her? 

But what if it was more delicate than that, he was sure he'd gotten the simplified version of why she had stayed back, but what if it was a lot worse than he knew?

Jim looked up from the ceramic figure when he heard Draal approaching.

Draal looked at the only image of his mother in the dwell, then turned his attention to Jim. “So why are you in Trollmarket? Losing fights to the night pixies again?”

“No,” Jim huffed, crossing his arms, “I came down to get some work done with Vendel, I just so happened to run into you and thought you could use the company.”

Draal rolled his eyes, and Jim followed him as he exited the dwell.

It was kind of fun to shadow the troll as he performed his regular tasks. Sure Jim had spent a long time as a troll, but he hadn't gotten to do so in Trollmarket.

Several minutes into the walk through the street on the way to their next stop Jim frowned as he realized where Draal was leading them. 

“And here you are,” Draal announced, gesturing to the heartstone. He turned to Jim, and gave him a pat on the head. Jim glared at his stupid shit eating grin. “Wouldn't want you to feel the need to waste your time on a bothersome troll like myself.”

“Draal!” Jim grumbled as the troll tousled his hair. “You are bothersome.”

“I know, that's why I said it.” He gave Jim two more pats on his head, before walking behind him, and aggressively shoving him towards the heartstone.

He stumbled forward, but thankfully caught himself well enough not to fall on his face, and started towards Vendel's office.

By the time Jim allowed himself to look back, Draal was already long gone. Off doing whatever he pleased with his time, now free of the little bothersome human.

Jim walked closer to the heartstone, taking in deep breaths as the warmth of it filled his lungs with life. 

And walking into the office felt like bundling into bed after playing out in the cold rain. If Jim was Vendel he too would almost never leave the heartstone room.

“Vendel?” Jim questioned, pausing in the entrance.

“I am here,” he replied, at a work table in the corner. “Unless this is about the supposed gnome revolution, then please, look for me elsewhere.”

“No, no, I'm not here for that,” Jim shook his head quickly. He was rather surprised he hadn't heard about the apparent issue while making his way through Trollmarket. “I was wondering if I could use your tools.”

Jim pulled out his little pouch of stones, and Vendel looked at it with great interest.

“Have you retrieved another of the Triumbric Stones?” He asked, leaving his work to approach the Trollhunter.

“Err, no,” he mumbled, pulling out the contents, “that's later today, I uhh, this is for something else.”

Vendel approached the center table and picked up the amethyst, he set it down and picked up a few others. “What strange power are you hoping to possess with these?” 

Jim, not fully wanting to tell Vendel very quietly mumbled, “Moonlight armor.” as he took up a small chisel and got to work on the Vivianite.

“You are a very strange Trollhunter, I will give you that.” he said, setting down the stone in his hand and watching Jim’s careful work. “And are you giving up the stone of future vision in favor of these?”

Jim set down the chisel and looked up at Vendel, already cringing before he could ask the question. “You wouldn't happen to have suggestions on how to fit more than six stones in the amulet would you?”

Vendel's curiosity dropped from his face, replaced by disappointment. “The amulet is given limited slots for a reason, Trollhunter, each stone can grant power and effect one another. Mix too many together, and you might as well split time and space.”

Jim gulped, with only one stone and he had already done one of those. “And say I could really, really, really use these stones so no one dies, but it's also absolutely necessary that I keep the time stone?”

Vendel’s disappointment increased, but his eyes looked down at the stones again, and the amulet Jim had placed beside them. “Carve them, perhaps the time it takes to do so will give your mind a chance to think over the ridiculous things you ask of me.” With that Vendel turned away and resumed whatever he was working on at his little corner table.

Jim, knowing that was the most he would get from the old man for now, got to work on the stone, comfortably carving away small chips of crystal and stone at a time.

Maybe Vendel was right, Merlin put a limit on the stones for a reason. But Jim knew the six stones worked together perfectly, was having the time stone in there with them so bad?

Maybe their power would mix together, imagine instead of Excalibur it was the cleats, and with every step or kick time paused and resumed. 

That sounded like a death wish.

So maybe he trains really hard, and then when Angor Rot shows he pops the Time Stone out, gives it to Blinky for safe keeping, then goes Moonlight on Angor Rot.

Jim would also have to remove the Birth Stone, but he figured he could keep that in Trollmarket, maybe even with Vendel for extra safe keeping. Sure the glaives were useful, but the bow would be even better. And moving through the trees with those jumping stilts? That sounded so fun!

Angor Rot wouldn't even know what hit him!

Carefully Jim worked on the obsidian, one of the most fragile of the stones, break off a piece in the wrong way and the whole thing would be ruined! Thankfully, Vendel had all the tools for the job, which made it quite a bit easier than just working with his claws in the dark museum.

“There,” Jim smiled proudly at the stones and arranged them neatly in a circle, the same order he had once put them in his amulet. Did the slot they went into affect their powers? That would be insanely complicated, but Jim wouldn't put it past Merlin to do such intricacies.

Vendel returned to the table, and looked down at the stones. He pulled a gem magnifying glass from one of his many pouches around his waist, and analyzed each stone carefully. His thoughts remained entirely to himself, neither coming to Jim's awareness by words or emotions.

“A fascinating combination,” he finally noted after carefully setting down the final stone. “And these must be together?” 

Jim nodded, he wasn't even sure any of them would function properly without the other. 

“Very well, there is a possibility these can be combined.” He picked up the peacock coal and obsidian. “But it could completely ruin them.” He set the two stones in front of Jim. “The choice is yours.”

Jim stared down at the gems, he couldn't quite get the same reading on them he’d had when he was part troll, but they still radiated with subtle power.

If they combined he would be able to remember every previous fight with Angor Rot, including the one in which he had worn this armor. If he didn't have the moonlight armor then it would be far more like the time he had fought Angor Rot in the swamp the first time, except he had a lot more knowledge and skill. Without the Time Stone he would be at far more of a disadvantage.

With a deep breath Jim looked up at Vendel, mustering up all the confidence he could. “If you can combine them, then do it.”

Vendel's face shifted with a mysterious expression, whether he was pleased with Jim's choice or not would never be known by the Trollhunter. “Very well, I will do what I can.”

He took up the stones in his large hand, and drew in a deep breath as if he were breathing in their essence. 

He looked back to Jim, “That is your sign to leave me to my work, please go bother Blinckous or some other poor troll with your human tendencies.”

“R-right,” Jim quickly backed out of the room, “Thank you, Master Vendel!” He hurried away before Vendel could give him any type of dirty or disapproving looks, and rushed to the library. Even if Vendel may not have been entirely serious about bothering Blinky, it seemed like the most comfortable place to be for the time being.

 

In Jim’s mind “bothering Blinky” was going to be about going over plans for their journey, not… this.

Most people wouldn’t think being stuck between a rock and a hard place was comfortable, but when you’ve been around trolls for long enough that proves otherwise. Because even though Jim was very much against it, being forcefully swaddled and locked in AAARRRGGHH!!!’s arms was annoyingly one of the most comfortable places he’d been. AAARRRGGHH!!!’s rumbling purr probably wasn’t much help on that account either.

Jim had been stuck in the puffy quilt and the krubera’s hold for a while now, with no signs of letting up, and the lack of movement was allowing Jim’s sleepiness to catch up to him.

But I need to talk to Blinky about the fight with Angor Rot… the thought didn’t go very far as another loud wave of purring rumbles banished the worry.

No! I’m not some little whelp that is gonna fall asleep… Jim couldn’t stop himself from yawning as sleep continued to pull at him … while wrapped up in some old… extremely cozy, soft quilt.

The chasm of the Darklands stretched out far in front of him, the void of it calling for him to fall deep into its depths. Somewhere down there another being was crying for him, the only way that he could communicate. Enrique was somewhere down there, and Jim had promised to retrieve him. Without thinking he tipped off the ledge, and fell into the chasm’s yawning maw. The bitter cold of the Darklands ripped through him like daggers, and the bottom of the chasm never seemed to exist. Deeper and deeper he fell, and harsher and harsher the biting cold became, until finally-

Jim’s eyes snapped open as his mind finally released him from the nightmare’s claws. Observing the reality now around him, AAARRRGGHH!!! Had completely fallen asleep in his nest, and Jim was now several feet away from him, freed from the confines of the quilt he had been forced into and on the cold stone floor. Well that explained some of the nightmare.

“Master Jim!” Blinky said with surprise, his two hands holding a tray of something steaming. The tray might actually have been what was steaming, and Blinky was just holding it with his bare, very pink, if not red, hands.

“Blink…” Jim rubbed his eyes as he tried to ground himself further in reality. “Doesn’t that hurt your hands?”

“It does indeed,” he said, looking down at the tray, and seemed at a loss of how he might rid himself of the pain.

“Oh my gosh Blinky!” Jim quickly grabbed one of the blankets from the nest, and used it as a barrier between his hands and the tray as he yanked it from Blinky's grasp. He set the tray of mysterious food on the floor, and went to his poor burnt hands.

“Shit Blinky! What were you thinking?!” he cradled Blinky's blistering hands. “You know humans! You've studied them! What is this?” He guided him out of the nest room and into the main library where Toby had been smart enough to leave a med kit, apparently he'd also hid one somewhere in the forge. He opened the box and grabbed several items, while quietly grumbling about how ridiculous Blinky was being.

“I sometimes forget I am a human for the time being,” Blinky said, staring down at his injured hands.

“Oh I get that.” Jim nodded, then looked at Blinky's hands again. Maybe they should call Barbara, these looked horrible. “Umm, Blink, about you being human, I don't know, I'm just curious, but like do you…” he fell silent as Blinky winced while Jim was trying to tend the wounds.

“Do I?” Blinky prompted, lost as to where Jim wanted to take his question.

“Do you crave troll food?” He forced himself to ask, “I mean, you're around it all the time, and AAARRRGGHH!!! still has to eat it, but you can't.”

Blinky looked at him quizzically, trying to puzzle together where the question was coming from. “I have and almost have consumed trollish foods out of a habit crafted over my entire life, but it seems my appetite has shifted along with my appearance.”

Maybe it was just a habit with Jim too. Besides, he had craved plenty of human food as a troll, although he’d been half troll, still part human.

Jim's small frown dropped lower as his eyebrows pinched with worry. He patted his head feeling for horns, slid his tongue across his teeth in search of tusks, then brushed his fingers over his nose feeling for the stone skin and flatter shape.

Nothing was out of place.

Jim let out a small sigh of relief, he was fine. He was human.

“Master Jim, are you alright?” Blinky asked, reminding Jim he had just done his strange pat down on full display.

“I- I'm fine!” He blurted, feeling his cheeks warm. “Let's get your hands wrapped.”

He worked in silence, and didn't dare look up at his mentor’s face. He was being ridiculous, everyone was right, he was way too stressed. Every little thing seemed to worry him though, and he couldn't figure out how to stop it. 

“And done,” Jim announced, closing the medical box with a satisfactory click. “I should go check on Vendel and his progress with the rocks.” 

He returned the box to its shelf, and hurried out the door before Blinky could say anything.

Jim took a deep calming breath once he reached the heartstone, and stepped inside. 

“I was a bit curious when you might return,” Vendel greeted, back to working on his own little projects in the corner. “Your stones are where you left them.”

Jim looked down at the table, where five stones sat in a circle spaced for a sixth stone. He picked up the black glimmering piece, the peacock coal somehow now encased within the obsidian. How Vendel had managed that was something Jim would probably never learn.

“You're a miracle worker Vendel!” Jim smiled at the stone, as he pulled out his amulet and popped open the back. 

*A blessing and a curse* he grumbled, “I advise you to activate the stones elsewhere, lest something terrible takes place.”

Jim glanced at the heartstone walls all around them. “Right, got it.” Jim nodded, stopping his progress of loading in the stones, then pulled the Birth Stone free. “Can I leave this with you?”

Vendel turned from his work as Jim approached him with the stone held carefully in his fingers.

“I shall protect it until you need its power.” He gave a small nod, and carefully took the stone. 

“Thank you,” Jim gave a small nod back, then scooped up the remaining stones for his amulet, and walked out. He slowly put each stone into place then allowed the back to clamp shut.

The amulet whirred with its newly granted powers, and shifted into a bright blinding white. 

For the pursuit of Angor, Moonlight is mine to command. Was now engraved into the amulet’s face. 

Jim smiled down at it, feeling more confident about the fight to come.

---

Well getting into the quagawumps village was easier than Jim remembered, or maybe it was just that he had more faith in Toby’s acting skills this time. 

Drums beat rapidly as the green trolls danced before the person they believed to be their king. AAARRRGGHH!!! happily danced along with them happy to get to experience this once in a lifetime event.

“Are you going to dance?” Claire asked, tilting her head towards the display.

Jim laughed awkwardly, “I'll let you in on a secret, I umm, I can't dance, like at all, it's horrible.”

“That sounds more like a won't than a can't,” she teased, then flinched back when a massive platter of swamp maggots were placed on the table in front of her.

“You eat?” The quagawump that had placed the platter asked, seeming so happy to get to share some of her culture with others.

“Oh umm, we can't, human and all,” Claire said as politely as she could.

“Can't or won't?” Jim teased with a smug smile.

“Alright wise guy, let's see you eat this.” She folded her arms, and her eyes sparked with the dare.

Jim was tempted to glance at Blinky who he knew was eating the maggots, plus he had eaten one before. He didn't remember it being delightful, but he did know it hadn't made him sick.

“Oh, I will, because I can.” He grabbed one with the most confidence he could muster, and braced himself for the horrible experience of consuming the entire noodly creature.

He slurped down the food as quickly as he could, doing his best to look like he enjoyed every second of it. His face shifted as the flavor hit him.

OH MY GOSH THAT JUST HIT ALL THE TROLL CRAVINGS!!! 

Jim found himself grabbing another then stopped himself and held it out towards Claire. “You want to try this delectable swamp maggot?”

This seemed to satisfy the quagawump well enough, and she headed off to attend other duties.

Claire's face scrunched in disgust at the slimy creature, part of her face turning green as she thought over the offer.

To Jim's surprise she slowly took it from his hand, but made no move to eat it.

“I take a bite, to prove I can, and you show me you can dance?” She asked, part of her looking confident again, but the other half looking so disturbed and begging him to say no.

“Deal.” He agreed instantly, his smug smile returning in full force.

Claire's face turned even more green as her eyes returned to the eel. “And I won't get food poisoning?”

“Probably not.” He shrugged.

She stared at the maggot, turning more and more green by the second.

“Here, quit looking at its face,” he said, grabbing the head, ripping it off, and tossing it in his mouth, like he had done so many times with the bad parts of her food when he was a troll. 

Claire’s eyes widened with surprise and a bit of horror at the casualness of his action.

“Seriously, it's not that bad,” he assured her. “It tastes like garlic and ginger, you just have to get past the gooey texture then you're good.”

She forced back a gag, and extended her arm to get it as far from her as she could, nearly hitting Jim with it. “I don't know if getting you to dance is worth this.” She frowned.

“Up to you.” He shrugged, and grabbed another maggot. Unable to help himself, he gulped it down. Jim's eyes widened as he realized why he seemed to actually enjoy the flavor. 

Seeming to be a little more confident with Jim's willingness to eat more than one, Claire carefully took a very small bite. Jim almost didn't want to count it.

She made a face as she slowly chewed then painfully swallowed it. “How are you able to eat this?” 

He glanced around to see if anyone might overhear their conversation, then leaned towards her. “Glug, a friendly quagawump made a similar recipe when the ingredients were available, we ate her food quite a bit.”

“We? as in me too?” She questioned, disbelieving.

Jim nodded. “About once a week, Glug would take a turn to cook.”

“Well, since you enjoy her cooking so much here.” She handed him the remaining part of her maggot.

Jim happily ate it, and after sitting for a moment, she grabbed him and dragged him out past the tables.

“Now show me, how bad are you really at dancing?” She was already swaying happily to the music now far from the disturbing food, encouraging Jim to do the same.

Slowly he began to grow more comfortable in the music, and allowed himself to move freely. Claire laughed, and he did too, not caring anymore and having genuine fun.

He took hold of one of her hands, and twirled her around. Then yanked her close as he heard thumping footsteps approaching.

“What-” Claire questioned, but then she heard it too, and shrunk a little as she saw the giant troll enter the clearing.

“WHY IS FLESHBAG ON THRONE?!” He demanded, pointing an accusing finger at Toby.

“Make sure AAARRRGGHH!!! is safe,” Jim instructed Claire in a whisper, then released her, and started towards the throne, getting ready to activate his armor.

“He is true king! He has returned,” a quagawump beside the throne shouted, then turned to Toby. “Banish Blungo away with your magic, my king!”

“Uuuuh, Jim…” Toby whined as he was picked up by the large troll. 

“Your pathetic magic will do no good,” Blungo chuckled, squeezing Toby in his fist.

“Forthegloryofmerlindaylightisminetocommand!” Jim blurted, as he ran up to Blungo, his armor snapped tightly around him. “Oh wrong armor…” he mumbled to himself, then shook his head. “I'll change it later.”

“PUT HIM DOWN!” Jim shouted, pulling Daylight from his back, and standing ready to attack.

Gasps and whispers trickled through the crowd as they realized the Trollhunter was among them.

“Human? What-” Blungo cut off, and pulled in a shaky breath, as his living stone turned grey and brittle in a quick wave.

Jim’s eyes looked up to the trees, and instantly caught on the pair of golden eyes staring down at him with an entertained expression. Angor Rot leapt down from his perch and yanked his poisoned dagger from the deceased troll, shattering his body in the process.

Toby fell to the ground with a yelp, but was now free from his restraint. 

Angor Rot plucked the Kill Stone from Blungo’s crown, then stood tall as he looked down on Jim. “Little Trollhunter frozen at the sight of death.”

Jim clenched his jaw, then forced his armor to dissipate, making Angor Rot second guess his observation.

“For the pursuit of Angor, Moonlight is mine to command!” He announced, and the amulet whirred with its white light, and snapped the new armor around him. “Give me the Kill Stone!” He growled, summoned Moonlight and slashed it back, and forth feeling out the new armor. It was colder than the daylight armor, and felt ever so slightly heavier, but nothing that would inhibit his movement.

Angor Rot smiled, jumped back, and bounded up into the trees.

The fire opal sparked inside the amulet, and Jim activated it, lifting him up onto jumping stilts. In a single bound Jim was soaring up into the trees. He stumbled as he landed on a branch, his balance wasn't nearly as skilled as it had been as a transforming troll.

Struggling to stay up on the narrow branch Jim leapt higher, then let them dissipate. With a pull on the wulfenite, he summoned his bow and the quiver of arrows materialized on his back.

He pulled an arrow free and drew it back on the string. Angor Rot was watching him from his perch on a neighboring tree, not seeming all too surprised by the new arsenal of weapons. 

Jim shot off the arrow, and Angor Rot tilted just enough for the arrow to perfectly zip between his jaw and horn. 

He's messing with me.

Throwing his bow onto his back, Jim bounded to the tree Angor Rot was on with the assistants of the stilts. On the landing Jim nearly fell out of the tree, but caught himself. He tried calling for the cleats, but they wouldn't respond.

Jim stood up on the branch, stilt free again, when a gleaming green blade slashed towards his face. He ducked, and rolled back out of reach. 

Seeing an opening, Jim charged forward and slammed himself into Angor Rot, sending them both out of the tree.

Angor Rot roared as they fell, then they plummeted into a shadow portal. It spat them both out into a shallow area of the bog. 

“NO!” The troll shouted, looking at his hand that had previously been holding the Kill Stone.

Jim summoned Moonlight, and slashed at him. The assassin dodged each attack with perfected skill, but then stumbled on an unseen rock within the mud.

Jim swung his sword down towards the troll, who lifted the shadow staff to block the attack. Right before the weapons clashed Jim felt the peacock coal and obsidian activate. His sabatons shifted into armored cleats, locking him firmer in his footing. Moonlight’s blade exploded with light as the weapons hit, and Jim scrunched his eyes shut to protect them from the blinding spark.

The armor around him grew colder, almost making him shiver. Jim opened his eyes, and nearly fell when he moved to stumble back but his feet were locked in place. What had happened?! Where was the swamp?!

Jim was in an empty waste land that stretched on as far as his eyes could see.

The cold and the void around him crept deeper in him, making his chest feel hollow.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?! 

Vendel had said the stone might act differently, but Jim hadn't thought that meant teleporting him to another dimension!

With his panic the cleats released their hold and Jim stumbled back, falling into the thick mud with a nasty glump!

Jim's head snapped from side to side. “Where- where is he?”

“JIM!” Claire's voice shrieked through the swamp, and the Trollhunter got up as quickly as he could and raced towards the clearing.

Angor Rot grappled against AAARRRGGHH!!!, his hands clenched in the krubera's, inhibiting him from attempting an escape.

Jim's stomach twisted with panic at the sight of the assassin so close to his friend. Jim drew his bow and an arrow, and took aim at his enemy. Releasing his hold, the arrow split through the air and buried itself deep into the troll's abdomen. 

He roared out in pain, and wavered in his push against AAARRRGGHH. The massive troll took the advantage, and flung Angor Rot across the clearing, and into a tree.

Jim rushed after him, summoning Moonlight, and sliced it toward his throat. The obsidian peacock coal activated again without even a tug, and the cleats dug into the ground. Suddenly Jim was in the desolate wasteland again.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” Jim shouted, looking around himself for any clue as to where he was. 

The world around him turned from a hazy dusk sky to dark night, but a beam of moonlight remained around Jim even if there wasn't a moon in the sky.

A figure flickered into view, and Jim stumbled back at the sight of the golden armor.

Morgana!

She didn't appear to notice Jim though, it was as if he was invisible even with the light around him, and nothing else to obstruct her vision of him.

The Sorceress opened her mouth to speak, and Jim instinctively took a step back, relinquishing the cleats in the process. 

The wasteland vanished, and Jim opened his eyes and found himself on the ground. Claire lay on top of him, with the shadow staff secured between their bodies.

“CLAIRE! JIM!” Toby shouted rushing over to them.

Claire shivered, even in the hot humidity, she felt cold.

A loud cracking and scraping of stone sounded through the swamp, and a stone pillar- No. A tree turned stone, toppled to the ground, heading straight for Toby.

As Claire rolled off of Jim, his instincts kicked in, and he activated the amethyst in his amulet, summoning a small shield, and threw it to Toby. 

The stone tree shattered as it hit the ground, shooting up a large cloud of dust.

“TOBY!” Jim's lungs burned as he refused to take in any breath. He rushed to the rubble, searching for any sign of his friend.

“TOBES!” He screamed with the small amount of air still in his lungs. “TOBES!!!” His eyes blurred with tears and he began digging through the remains of the tree. “TOBY!!!”

The stone shifted, and suddenly Toby sprung up out of it. He was completely grey from all the dust, but he softly shined in a set of armor of his own. 

“HOW COOL IS THIS?!” He cheered, lifting triumphant fists up over his head.

Jim leapt forward, and wrapped his arms tightly around Toby. He tucked his head into the crook of his neck, and heaved shaking sobs.

“Hey, Jimbo, you're okay,” Toby rubbed his back reassuringly, “I'm okay.”

Jim pulled away, feeling a little embarrassed by how intensely he had reacted. “Sorry, sorry, I just- the rubble- I couldn't see you…”

“Jimbo, I'm okay,” Toby repeated, then looked down at his armored self, and wiped off some of the dust. “This is siiick!”

“Is Everyone alright?” Blinky asked, poking out from behind a tree along with several quagawumps.

“Okay,” AAARRRGGHH!!! called back, holding up a thumbs up.

“AWESOME!” Toby announced.

“Alive,” Claire answered, using the shadow staff to stand up properly.

Jim turned to her as she slowly approached them, looking rather off balance.

“Claire, are you alright?” Jim asked, stumbling on the stones as he made his way to her side. 

“I- I lost the Kill Stone,” She said through a shiver.

“We are all lucky to survive Angor Rot,” Blinky stated, coming over to check on Claire. 

“Okay, can I ask about what happened?” Toby asked, falling over with a small “oof” when a stone slipped out from under his foot. He seemed to decide sitting down was better for now, and remained in place. “You froze up right before you landed a finishing blow, then you just stayed there. Angor pulled you into a portal, and Claire dove in after you.”

“I- I don't know.” Jim shook his head. He removed the amulet, and both his and Toby's armor dissipated. He flipped it over in his hands and opened it. “It's like-” 

Blinky's hand shut the back of the amulet. “Perhaps it would be better if we return to Heartstone Trollmarket first.” 

Jim lifted his gaze to the watching quagawumps, and he silently nodded. Blinky began guiding him and Claire away, as AAARRRGGHH!!! and Toby spoke with one of the plant covered trolls.

As they waited at the gyre for the other two, Claire climbed in and sat down looking as exhausted as Jim felt. It was probably their bodies processing going through a shadow portal for the first time.

Jim leaned against Blinky, not quite wanting to go sit and wait in the gyre. “No one got hurt?” he had to ask.

“Only a few quagawumps were injured in the panic. Blungo was the only to fall.” Blinky wrapped an arm around Jim reassuringly. “You did a good job, Master Jim.” 

He leaned into the embrace, his head still spinning from everything he just went through in such a short time. “We lost the Kill Stone.”

“And we will find a way to get it back!” Blinky squeezed him, and lifted his feet off the ground as he tried to rally up Jim’s optimism. 

“Yup,” Jim replied through clenched teeth, “hope you’re okay with going back into Gato’s Keep.”

Blinky frowned at that, and his brows rose. “Great Gorgus! What would possess us to go back there?”

Jim heaved a sigh, “A Kyrose-” he stopped himself. Didn’t he technically have a kyrosect built into his amulet through the Time Stone. Maybe they could do without a second trip into the mountain troll’s belly. 

“A kyrosect?!” Blinky gasped, his eyes sparkling with the idea of having such an item on hand.

“Maybe we could do without it, I might have an idea.” Jim said, standing more on his own at this point.

“Wouldn’t it be better to have it on hand though?” Claire asked, leaning over the side of the gyre and looking down at them. 

Jim looked up at her and the two of them stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds, was it just him seeing things or was there already a hint of magic in her eyes?

“Wait-” Her brows sank as she thought. “What’s a Kyrosect?”

“It’s a powerful relic that allows one to step out of time,” Blinky answered happily, “although I am unsure exactly how it works.”

“It's a little triangle thing with three strict rules. One, it allows one person, and one person only, to step out of time. Two, it is only for about forty three minutes and nine seconds. And three, it can only be used three times before it runs out of magic.” Jim listed off, still somehow having yet another three rules memorized.

“How many things of three rules do you have?” Claire asked, as Blinky said, “I shall have to record such useful knowledge!”

Jim’s brows knit together as he thought, and he began ticking them on his fingers. “I think five.”

“So you have all fifteen of these rules memorized by heart, but you can’t memorize the rules of math even if this is your second time through all these classes?” She teased.

“Well, missing fifty two days of school didn’t help,” he grumbled, folding his arms across his chest, and lowering his head so she was no longer in his line of sight.

Claire mumbled something about the number of days, then decided to disregard it. “So, what are all these rules?”

Thankfully before Jim could answer, AAARRRGGHH!!! and Toby came into view, Toby smiling like he somehow always did.

Jim pulled away from Blinky and closed the distance between him and AAARRRGGHH!!!. He grabbed his massive arms and held them up. Looking over every bit of stone, and when nothing was there, he carefully ran his hands through his thick fur.

“Jim like big gnome,” AAARRRGGHH!!! laughed as Jim searched for any trace of injury.

“Indeed, he does look as if he is searching for mites.” Blinky nodded. “Master Jim, is there a reason for this odd behavior?”

Jim’s cheeks flushed as he realized he had started his worried search for injuries without saying anything. He shifted his legs around so he was sitting on one of AAARRRGGHH!!!’s shoulders, and patted his head. “Just making sure he’s okay.”

“Alright, Mr. TSA pat down,” Toby laughed, “are we all set for boarding?”

Jim’s cheeks warmed more, and he silently nodded, thankful he was still on AAARRRGGHH!!! and didn’t have to make his own way into the chaotic vehicle.

 

Other than the awful spinning headache, the gyre ride back to Heartstone Trollmarket wasn’t too bad. 

Blinky nearly pranced away from the gyre, quite happy with his thrills for the day, Jim was just glad one person was able to enjoy it. 

Once Jim’s headache calmed, he thought back on the strange events that had taken place. Why had he been able to hit Angor with an arrow, but not with the sword? What was that weird wasteland? Why had Morgana been there?

It felt like Jim was just getting more and more mysteries set on his plate, and chances were no one was going to have answers to them.

“Hey Jimbo,” Toby’s voice cut into his thoughts, and made the headache ripple with pain.

“Yeah?” He asked, forcing his hands to stay at his sides rather than trying to rub away the hurt.

“Is Claire allowed to keep the creepy shadow stick?” he questioned, pointing to Claire who was twisting the weapon around like a baton.

“Yeah, yeah,” Jim nodded, “just make sure she doesn’t try to portal half of Trollmarket, she might get possessed.” He stifled a yawn, maybe he needed to go home. He would figure out the rest of the stuff later.

Jim waved goodbye, and headed out. The near all nighter he had unhelpfully pulled was catching up to him. All he wanted now was to curl up in his cozy warm bed, and sleep the rest of the weekend away.

Notes:

I have no idea when the next chapter will come out, I've been pretty busy lately and am wrapping up on one thing and starting up on a new job in about a week, but I will work on the chapter when I can.
As always I am so thankful for all the comments and love that you guys put on this fic! I am determined to keep going because I too want to see where it goes (or at least how it gets to the scenes I already have planned)

Chapter 39

Summary:

Jim spends the day with Strickler. Jim honestly can't decide if he wants to actually talk about his problems or not.

Notes:

Had this chapter done a few days ago, but just took me a bit to get to a computer to upload it. Hope you enjoy it.

The final bell sounded releasing the high schoolers from their prison of the day. Jim said bye to Toby and Claire, and made his way to the quiet of Strickler’s office. He opened his messenger bag and decided it was best to start with the brain melting math homework even if it wasn't due until the next Monday.

Jim worked at the little chair desk in the corner in silence. The only sound coming from the clock and the students practicing soccer out on the field. Mr. Strickler wasn't in his office, probably off doing some other duties.

The idea of having Wednesday each week to focus solely on his human education was really nice, but Jim couldn't help thinking about the city beneath his feet.

Mostly Jim was worried about Blinky, the transformation back to troll had not looked enjoyable. Thankfully the car hadn't wrecked when he had suddenly gained another set of arms, and Barbara and Jim had been able to get him into the shade of trees. AAARRRGGHH!!! had been overly delighted when he received the call to pick up his companion. 

Blinky had been wrapped in tight arms, squeezing to the point he looked like he might pop, and then had been overloaded with aggressively happy head bumps, nuzzles, and scenting.

Barbara had watched it all with a bit of worried interest, and then asked Jim if that was where he'd gotten his new found clingyness.

Even at the desk, thinking back on it, Jim's cheeks warmed. 

He shook his head, and refocused on the current math problem. Today was the day he was supposed to put his Trollhunter life aside. Focus on Jim Lake Jr. and maybe get the chance to graduate.

Two problems later Jim was thinking over Claire's idea of still retrieving the Kyrosect. He wasn't sure it was necessary, but she didn't either, and was just making good excuses for why it would be a good idea to have it in their possession.

She hadn't figured out the shadow staff quite yet, but Jim had to wonder if one could just portal into Gato’s Keep. That would save them a lot of trouble.

Okay, carry the two… Jim thought as loudly as he could to get himself to focus on his work again.

Slowly he puzzled his way through the problems, and feeling good enough about his answers, moved on to his biology homework.

A few times on those questions he had to remind himself that this was human biology and not trollish. He was actually getting close to finishing his troll lore books, which made Blinky absolutely elated. It definitely didn't help with his human homework though.

The office door opened, and Strickler entered. He gave a small nod towards Jim, before sitting at his desk, and starting on some paperwork. 

The room remained silent, the two of them remaining focused on their own work.

Jim slid his biology homework back into his bag, pulled out his English homework, and started skimming the assignment details. He'd been told them in class, but Jim was always happy to be able to go over them again, because he definitely wasn't paying attention half the time. The joys of having such a busy life.

After shutting papers into a drawer, Strickler stood and approached the focused student.

“Are you ready to leave?” He asked once Jim had looked up from his paper.

“Oh, yup, yeah.” Jim shoved the paper into his bag, crumpling it and a few others in the process, then stood to follow Strickler out of the school.

Jim loaded his bike into the roomy trunk of Strickler's car. 

Could probably fit a few bodies back here. He jokingly thought, then decided he would rather not think about that idea with Strickler's line of work…

The car ride was silent, and Jim couldn't help but anxiously check his phone for notifications. The only messages he'd gotten was from Toby who got a comic he'd ordered in the mail, and Barbara wishing him a good time at Strickler's.

The two of them arrived at the house, and Jim followed Strickler inside. He set his bag at the door, then slowly walked further in, not quite sure what to do with himself.

“Can I get you anything?” Strickler asked, already grabbing down to glasses and filling them with water.

“I'll be alright,” Jim said, looking at one of the simple art pieces on the wall. It wasn't really anything interesting, just a grey scale gradient with sleek black lines intersecting, but Jim wanted to distract himself with something.

One of the glasses of water was placed on the counter for him, and Jim turned away from the painting to take it up in his hands.

“Sooo… how does this work?” He asked, glancing around the room as if there might be an answer laying somewhere around him.

“How ever you want it to,” Strickler answered, “we can talk about whatever you like, or not, I can find something to do if you would like to sit and take a break.”

Jim shook his head, he was not here to just sit around. He was pretty sure sitting around was a form of torture on himself at this point.

“I umm…” he tried to find where to start as he leaned on the counter, and spun the water glass between his hands. “I tried to get the Kill Stone, but Angor Rot got it. Claire's got his staff though.”

Strickler set his glass on the other side of the counter, and nodded along showing he was listening but still waiting for Jim to say more.

Oh man! Would this be an incredibly good strategy if he was still evil. Jim thought as he could feel his want to tell Strickler about his experience in the swamp. No, no, he's good. We're good.

“That happened last time too, except this time AAARRRGGHH!!! is okay. At least I really hope he is. I didn't find any injuries on him, but I can't help but worry that he's hiding it from us.” Jim pushed his cup to the side, and ran his hands through his hair. “I thought things would go perfectly with the moonlight armor, but I had to make changes to it due to the number of stones, and now the cleats are freaky.”

“The cleats are freaky?” Strickler questioned when Jim didn't explain any further. After a second he shook his head at the question. “Your companions returned from the journey without injury, and if you have taken the Skathe-Hrün from Angor Rot then you have gained yourself quite the advantage. Claire being in possession of it is a bit concerning.”

“She's fine,” Jim assured, “probably. I mean she doesn't have it down yet, but she's a natural when it comes to shadow magic. With Douxie's help she'll be opening portals and warping shadows in no time.”

Stricker’s brows raised at that, seeming rather impressed by the idea. “Are you aware the Skathe-Hrün belonged to Morgana?”

“Yeah,” he nodded slowly, grabbing his glass of water again, but didn't drink any of it. He just stared down at the rippling water. “I'm going to make sure Claire doesn't have to open a giant portal again. I do not want to have to go into the Shadow Realm to get her soul back.” Jim shuddered as he remembered how creepy it had been in the Shadow Realm, although if needed he would dive into the terrifying void in a heartbeat for her. “I’m not sure which place is worse, the Shadow Realm, the Darklands, or that spooky wasteland. Also why are all alternate realms so cold?”

“I've never heard of the spooky wastelands,” Strickler said, with a light tone which almost resembled teasing. Jim hadn't talked to anyone about it yet, so he was glad Strickler had gone with that rather than asking about one of the other two.

“I… I don't know what the place was,” Jim started, then forced himself to take a few sips of water to give himself more time to figure out how to best describe it. “I had the moonlight armor to fight Angor Rot before, but this time it was different. Each time I went to attack him with my sword it was like I was pulled from reality. I would be so close to hitting him and suddenly my feet would be locked to the ground and I would be in this desolate, cold, dry land.” He shuddered just thinking about it. “And then… I think in the real world we went into a portal then it was dark in the wasteland, and Morgana was there. She couldn't see me though, even if I was in a beam of moonlight. I just- I-” Jim looked up at Strickler, who looked at his with wide almost terrified eyes. “What's that look about? Oh sorry, right I'll try to call her the pale lady or one of her other names.”

“No, no, the name is fine,” Strickler assured him, his face relaxing quite a bit. “I- the place you described is familiar.”

“It is?!” Jim pushed himself up straight on the counter, and leaned towards the changeling.

“If I may ask, do you know what may have granted you the ability to go to this realm?” All signs of his previous panic were gone now, and he seemed back in control of the world and information around him. Jim really wished he could learn to compose himself so well.

“The peacock coal and obsidian, maybe the Ti- yeah probably the peacock coal and obsidian. Vendel combined them, and warned me it might act differently.”

“You know, humans have a small idea of the magic stones can hold. They can often be mistranslated, but other times they can be fairly helpful.” He started, sparking hope of an answer to the questions Jim had been sure he wouldn't get answers to. “Obsidian is supposed to inspire protection, grounding, and spiritual connection.”

Funny, the stone with grounding abilities activates the cleats, very clever Merlin.

“Peacock coal also creates grounding, but particularly with connection to ancestors, or those of the past,” Strickler continued, and twisted the Inferna Copula back and forth on his finger. “Tell me Jim, is this wasteland realm you saw nothing but dusky skies, and dry, gray, cracked ground?”

Jim's brows furrowed at the perfect description. “How did you…”

“Because I have seen it,” he answered, “because you, Young Atlas, have somehow found a way to access the domain of souls.”

“The domain of souls?” Jim repeated, taking a step back from the absurdity. “arent souls in the shadow realm? That's where I rescued Claire, and she found me, and Morgana found Arthur.”

“I am not fully studied in the many realms that reside parallel to our own.” He held his hands up side by side. “But some can overlap, or create windows into each other.” He clasped his hands loosely together with interlocking fingers.

“But wait wait wait, the Domain of Souls? Isn't that like the void?” Jim asked, trying to make sense of it.

“The void?” Strickler wracked his brain for an answer, but appeared to be at a loss.

“Yeah, the place with all the past Trollhunters,” Jim answered, “is that… is that not something all trolls know about?”

“I had heard rumors of such an ability, but I was unaware it was a realm of its own,” Strickler nodded, clicking the new information into his large web of knowledge.

“Okay, but back tracking, if the peacock coal is supposed to connect me to people of the past, how does that work with Angor Rot, he's not dead. Well, actually, could he be considered dead?”

“The peacock coal could be interacting with the vivianite,” he offered, as if that alone would be answer enough.

A look at Jim's blank stare was enough to get a proper explanation. 

“If your stones are acting the same as human predictions, Vivianite can provide connection to the people around you, perhaps allowing you to see the domain in which their soul dwells as well. Or it could be that Angor Rot is ancient enough that the peacock coal can connect completely on its own. Or I am relying too harshly on human knowledge of stones and the power comes from a completely different place.”

“One thing I know now is that you and Toby could talk for hours about rocks.” Jim stated, Strickler definitely was reminding him of the times he had gone to a crystal shop or other with his best friend. Back then Jim hadn't believed rocks could hold any magic abilities, now over half his friends were rocks.

“Tobias does have a rather trollish knowledge of stones.” He glanced to the side, but not at anything in particular. “I do wonder if he has any trollish blood.”

Jim almost asked how that would work, but decided he would rather not have that conversation, especially with Strickler.

Oh, but on the topic of part troll…

“Hey, Strickler, when you're in human form do you crave trollish food or vice versa?”

Strickler blinked a few times and turned back to Jim as he processed the drastic change in subject. “I prefer not to partake in trollish foods if I can help it, I find human food to be much more desirable.”

Jim frowned at the answer, it had to be a habit then… right? Yeah, it was just an old habit refusing to die.

“I will admit, in both my troll form and human form I have found myself wanting foods from when I was nameless,” he offered as a better answer.

“Okay,” Jim nodded slowly.

The two of them sat in silence for a few moments, then Strickler spoke.

“Is there a reason for this odd question?” 

Jim immediately shook his head before he could think to answer honestly. “No, I just, was curious. I guess I was just thinking about how Toby sometimes talks about wishing he could eat random things. I guess I was just curious if it went both ways.”

Strickler patted Jim's shoulder. “There are many humans who think such thoughts, and there are many trolls who wonder what human food tastes like. I'm sure you can find a few foods that are safe for human consumption for Tobias to try.”

“Cool, thanks Strickler.” Jim gave him a thumbs up, then slowly drank his water. 

He really didn't want to bring up the fact that he had once been a troll, even if he was only half so. Telling people made it feel like it would actually happen, the same reason he didn't bring up his interactions with the gritshaka.

It would be a little nice to talk about it to someone… well if he was willing to talk to one changeling about his problems, why not another. 

Thinking this Jim realized he had told himself this before, but yet again he reminded himself he really needed to find a time to talk to Mateo about things.

Jim spun his empty cup a few times, before Strickler silently took it and refilled it for him.

“Do you know that Mateo knows?” He asked, accepting the glass. 

“Mateo knows what?” He questioned, not having followed Jim's thought process, which made perfect sense when there wasn't any context for it.

“That he knows the future,” Jim answered.

“Are you willing to elaborate?”

“Oh, yeah.” He shook his head at how little information he had given. “Mateo remembers the previous timeline, or at least most of it. Something to do with the amulet and his partial baby brain…” Jim trailed off recalling he honestly didn't know how it worked. “It would be pretty cool if I could make other people remember too, it would solve a lot of our problems… probably, but it seems only babies can be affected.”

Strickler nodded silently, connecting several more dots in his mind. 

“I bring it up because it would probably help if I talked to him, and I was just thinking about that, but I feel so far behind on so many things, and I can barely sleep at night, and if I do it's not like it's a break from anything! Being the Trollhunter has always been a big calling, and Kanjigar used to always tell me how a Trollhunter works alone, but I just really feel alone this time around even though I have so many people helping me.” Jim couldn't stop the rant, and part of him didn't want to because having it out there felt like a fresh breath of air. He lifted his eyes to meet Strickler's. “Are you going to tell anyone what I tell you?”

The changeling smiled kindly. “I will keep everything confidential, no one will retrieve your secrets through me.” 

“Even my mom?” Jim asked slowly.

“Even Barbara.” He gave Jim's shoulder a reassuring pat. “I will much sooner tell her the secrets of changelings ancient and present, then tell her of your curiosities with trollish foods.”

“Toby’s curiosities.” Jim corrected. 

Strickler nodded, but his face made it clear he didn't fully believe that. He was horribly good at sniffing out a lie.

“I… it's not really a secret, everyone knows about it at this point,” Jim started, his eyes falling back down to his glass. “Ever since I came back I've been having nightmares. I would have nightmares before but these ones are every single night.” His knuckles turned white as he tightened his grip on the cup. “I can barely close my eyes without being thrown into a twisted horror film of my life.” He sighed, feeling defeated because there wasn't anything he could actually do to stop them. It wasn't like he could just stop stressing as a way to help relieve them. “Maybe I'm hoping you have some magic way to get rid of them, but mostly I just… I don't know, telling you somehow helps.”

“One like yourself should not be tasked to carry such burdens on your own. It is a wonder you have held together so well.” Strickler said, and Jim rolled his eyes. He didn't need compliments, he needed ways to solve his problems.

“I do not have a magic cure for nightmares,” he continued, ignoring Jim's reaction, then paused. “Well, I might, I'll have to look, although it's for trolls, and may not be compatible.”

Would it work if the person was once a troll in an alternate timeline?

“I will see what I can do for you, it's the least I can do to try to ease your load, Young Atlas.” He reached over to a small pile of mail, pulled a note pad from beneath it all, grabbed a pen from a drawer, then jotted down a note for himself on the pad. Jim had almost expected all his pens to be fancy calligraphy ones, but this one was a branded retractable pen from none other than Omni-Reach Travel Agency. 

“Nice pen,” Jim couldn't help but breathe a laugh even with the tightness in his chest from the confession.

Stricker's brow raised as he glanced down at the printing on the pen. “You know what this is?”

“A super secret teen center.” Jim laughed quietly to himself, then feeling it wasn't quite funny knowing no one else would ever get that, he said, “Yeah, it's your other job.”

“You need to promise me you won't go there.” Jim was surprised by the seriousness of his tone, but he forced himself to nod.

Strickler planted his hand firmly on the counter, almost like he needed the extra support to stand. “It’s unsafe for you to be further on the radar. The Janus Order is questioning my loyalty, but none of them dare to make a move while I have Angor Rot in my control.”

Jim clenched his jaw, as yet another blanket of worry was laid over him. He felt like he was buried in AAARRRGGHH!!!’s nest except with none of the comforts.

“I guess I forgot how hard it might be for you,” Jim sighed, trying to put together some sort of plan to help Strickler out.

“No, you will not worry about this,” Strickler ordered, “I will straighten things out, and I do not need you stressing yourself further.”

What’s another thing to worry about at this point? Jim shrugged. That earned him a harsh scowl.

“Fiiine.” He pushed away from the counter, and took a step back as he held his hands up in surrender. “I'll do my best not to worry about you and the gaggle of assassins in your little underground clubhouse.”

“About me and the what of assassins?” He questioned.

“Gaggle,” Jim repeated, and stuffed his hands into his pockets, and allowed himself to walk around the room, but kept it as casual as he could. He just needed to talk to Strickler about a few things for a few weeks, then once everyone calmed down he could stop. Everyone would stop worrying. “Like a group of geese, they're aggressive, protective, and everywhere.”

Strickler gave a very small huff mix with a sigh as he crossed his arms, his eyes trying to study the boy in his living room for more information.

“I mean, it's also funny that it’s gaggle… you know, gaggletack.” Jim did think his choice of words were funny, but it seemed to be wasted on the changeling. Maybe calling a group of changelings a murder would have been better. He gave a shrug, accepting defeat. He needed to focus on the important stuff anyways. “You wouldn't happen to know if Angor Rot is back in town yet would you? We're not sure where Claire dumped him off, or how long it’ll take him to get back.”

“Didn't we agree today was the day you set aside your trollish responsibilities?” Strickler stood up taller, ready to enact his authority over his student. Jim wasn't going to get away with making off to the sewers today.

Well, if he really wanted to he could always pause time, and make a run for it. Part of Jim wondered why he didn't use the ability more often, but also reminded himself of the repercussions. Besides, if he used it now Strickler would probably figure out the ability, and stop him from using it again in a more pressing situation.

“Just thought I'd ask rather than in the middle of history class.” He plopped himself down onto the couch. Maybe if he annoyed Strickler then he would call off the idea of these meetings. No, that would just make Barbara more worried. Plus the meetings were Jim's idea in the first place, even if he didn't really want to do them.

“Also thanks for resuming teaching, even with your responsibilities as principal. I don't know that I could make it through the next semester with Coach Lawrence.” He nestled against the cushions, trying to appear as comfortable as possible. 

Why was he suddenly putting up his walls so harshly? Wasn't this supposed to be a place to be vulnerable? To try to find some way, shape, or form to be able to be less stressed about everything?

“Speaking of being principal, how do you feel about stepping down next semester? Well, maybe even later…” Jim’s loud confidence faded as he tried to remember the small details of the last timeline. “When do Aja and Krel show up? Also probably better for you not to be principal when it comes to the NEEN.”

Strickler took a quiet, deep breath, was it really quiet enough in the house to hear that? “Do I need to be aware of these people, or what nean is?”

Jim shrugged, he seemed to be doing that a lot, and it looked like it was starting to get on the changeling’s nerves. “They're transfer students. Senior Uhl takes really good care of them… apparently. It's weird to think of him as caring to anyone other than his truck. It's like he became a completely different person.” His eyes lifted and met Strickler's. “Which I mean I could say the same about you, but like the really extreme version. Oh!” His eyes lit up as he recalled the second part of the question. “NEEN, the not eternal eternal night, it was a whole thing. Toby took to calling it the NEEN, and it caught on pretty quick.”

Strickler made his way to one of the chairs, and sat with perfect posture. “So you want me to step down from being principal so two transfer students you like can feel more at home because Senior Uhl did a better job last time around?”

“Okay, so they're not just transfer students, they're also foreigners… like really extreme foreigners.” Was it okay for Jim to tell Strickler about Akiridions? “We’ll just say I really, really don't want to screw up their timeline because I don't know a lot about it, and if it goes wrong we could end up with an evil, rampant god.”

Strickler slumped slightly, and rubbed his temples. “How many times have you faced near world destruction?”

Jim leaded forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and started counting on his fingers. Does the bridge almost opening count? And should I count it twice? The time the bridge did open, in the other other timeline. Angor Rot wasn't going to cause world destruction. Okay, but Gunmar and Morgana definitely count as one. That one alien god dude, although I didn't face him. Does the battle of Killahead Bridge count? The Arcane Order is also a definite yes.

“The amount of time you have to think about this only concerns me further,” Strickler sighed.

“Sorry, sorry, I just…” He stopped his search for an excuse when Strickler held up his hand.

“Do not apologize, Young Atlas, I should be more mindful of my questions.” He set his hand down on his lap. “I will look into your concerns, and see if Uhl is more suited as principal. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

There was only genuine desire in his voice as he asked the question, but Jim couldn't help but feel bad for putting so many of his issues on Strickler.

“I… no, I'm good.” Jim gave him two thumbs up.

Strickler nodded, and leaned back in his chair, apparently if Jim didn't have anything more to say that meant they would be sitting in silence. How long were they planning on being here anyways?

He knew his mom didn't get home until around eight, but was he supposed to spend all that time around Strickler? Sure he was cool, but that was a long time.

Jim could work on his homework again. He could probably focus better here than in his room. That timeline wall was both helpful and distracting.

He stood, and Strickler made no movement or acknowledgement as he walked to the entryway to retrieve his bag. With the bag in hand, he sat down on the floor with his legs crossed at the coffee table and resumed looking over his now wrinkled English assignment.

Several minutes later Jim had decided he didn't want to work on his English homework and transferred to another subject. Strickler had gotten up from his chair, and gotten some paper work that definitely wasn't from Arcadia Oaks High and sat down on the floor with Jim.

The amount of work Strickler had on his plate was insane, but Jim supposed being a spy for hundreds of years made him well trained in that as well as everything else he was so good at.

“Strickler, do you know Spanish?” Jim asked, trying to make sense of the sentence before him.

“Enough,” he mumbled, set the paper in his hand down on the pile, and leaned over to see Jim's homework.

“El gato ronronea al oír que le sirven la comida.” He read quietly, with perfect pronunciation. Of course Strickler would be fluent in Spanish.

“I think I get it, but this word, I don't remember going over it in the vocabulary.” He pointed to it. “Ronronea.” He'd heard Claire say things about it a lot, she liked whatever it was, but refused to give him a translation. For some reason he had never decided to look it up for himself.

“It means to purr.” Strickler translated. 

Jim's face warmed, and clenched his teeth. “Of course it freaking does. She could never give me a break about that.”

Strickler gave him an intrigued look, but sensing that his assistance was no longer needed, he returned to his own work.

Jim wrote down the translation of the sentence, and moved on to the next part. 

Maybe it would be better to tell Strickler about being a troll. He'd always had good advice before. Sure he was bound to repeat some of it, but he also probably had some more to say that might help Jim with his fears of becoming one again.

No, maybe next week if he thought about it again.

The rest of the night continued with the two of them just doing their own work, Jim asking for assistance now and then. Finally Strickler decided it was time for them to head out and they loaded into his car.

Pulling out of the driveway Jim had expected them to go straight to his house, but instead they took a different route. 

Oh gosh, where was Strickler taking him now. Jim really should have just biked home.

“What would you like?” Strickler asked, making Jim realize where they were now. 

A little drive-thru coffee shop.

Jim rolled his eyes. “Nothing, I'm fine.” He folded his arms and looked out the passenger window.

Strickler nodded, and once they pulled up to the window they were greeted by one of the two workers in the tiny building.

“Could I get a small decaf with hazelnut?” Strickler asked, and Jim thunked his head against the cold glass of the window. He suddenly just wanted to be home right now.

“Anything else?” The worker asked, and Jim could feel their eyes briefly on him.

“Actually yes, a small cinnamon apple cider, and a medium dark chocolate hot cocoa with as much whipped cream as you could possibly fit in the cup.” He sounded so chipper, and that made Jim want to disappear even more.

A few minutes of silence later all three cups were handed to them.

“Hold this,” Strickler instructed, and Jim begrudgingly took the warm cup into his hands. The other two small cups fit happily into the two cupholders available.

“You didn't need to buy me hot chocolate,” Jim grumbled, once they were back on the road.

“And why not?” he asked, still with a bit of that chipper voice.

“I'm not a little child who needs a little treat.” He looked down at the cup and the small amount of whipped cream popping out of the top. They definitely tried to follow Strickler's order.

“Are you not a child?” Strickler asked, and it took Jim a second to realize it wasn't a patronizing question.

“Uhh, well,” Jim looked out the window, “Technically didn't fully make it to my eighteenth birthday.” 

Strickler gave a small hum in response. “I also thought you wanted advice on how to ‘deal with it all’. I think a good thing when you have a large work load is to get a ‘little treat’ as you called it, to help ease a bit of the tension. Why do you think I drink tea so often?”

“Kinda figured it was because you were British,” Jim said. He pulled in a deep breath and huffed it out in a sigh before lifting the cup and taking a small sip. It held a small amount of bitterness from the darker chocolate, but Jim kind of liked that. It wasn't overwhelmingly sweet. He took another sip… and then another.

The two of them arrived at the Lake home, and once Jim had parked his bike against the porch, Strickler handed him the cup of apple cider.

“For your mother when she gets home.”

“Thanks,” Jim said, partly begrudgingly, but then paused himself before he could turn to go inside. “Thank you Strickler, for… listening.”

“Of course, Young Atlas.” He nodded. “I will see you at school tomorrow. Please get all the rest you can.”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.” Jim gave a small wave with a few of his fingers. Then set one of the cups on the railing to unlock and open the door.

Once the door was closed behind him, he let out a sigh and leaned against it. He pulled in a deep breath, then with a small grunt pushed off the door, and walked further into the house.

He set the two cups on the counter, and started on finding something to make in the kitchen. He needed to try refining his timeline for Aja and Krel, but he knew so little. The only things he could go off of were what he could remember of Toby’s mile long texts, and rambling phone calls. Most of the time he only briefly brought up the life threatening stuff. It had probably been as a way to make Jim less worried about being away from Arcadia, but now it was going to make things more difficult.

Jim shook his head reminding himself today was supposed to be a day free of thinking about all that, well other than the things he might want to talk to Strickler about.

WHICH HE DIDN’T WANT TO TALK TO STRICKLER ABOUT!!!

Jim slumped, oh who was he kidding, it was amazing to talk to Strickler about it. The man held himself together so perfectly, it felt like he could have the answers to the entire universe.

Jim turned away from his options of cookbooks and ran upstairs. He entered his room, didn't even bother turning on a light, grabbed a fresh notebook from the bottom drawer of his dresser, then headed back down stairs.

Strickler had given him an idea: There were foods both trolls and humans could safely eat.

He opened the notebook, flipped a couple pages in for any introduction he might want to add later, and wrote the first dish title.

Swamp Maggots

Jim was pretty sure it was eel, but he figured he could maintain the trollish title. He'd been calling them maggots that whole night, but in reality it was probably a flaw in translation.

He knew there were several other things that could be consumed. Toby had eaten plenty of different things, although some of them probably weren't meant to be consumed by humans. But there was also that stew Blinky had made when he was sick.

Jim smiled as he tried to dissect the ingredients from the memories of the meals he'd had. What could be better than a meal that all of them could share together?

The Swamp Maggots probably didn't fall under the share with everyone category, but it still felt nice to have more ideas than fewer.

 Once he wrote down what he could remember he slipped the notebook among the other cookbooks, then pulled down one to figure out what he wanted to make.

Jim hummed as he worked, maybe having a day free from being Trollhunter was actually a good idea. When was the last time he’d let himself just be Jim? 

His phone buzzed with a text, and he picked it up, seeing just a radio emoji from Toby.

He turned the burner to low, went up to his room, and retrieved his walkie-talkie. He turned the knob, sparking the device to life.

“Trollhunter to Warhammer, what can I do for you?” He asked, trotting down the stairs, and returning to his cooking sauce. Then checked if his pasta water was boiling yet.

“Did things go well with Mr. Strickler?” Toby asked.

Jim spun the radio in his right hand rather than the spatula in his left knowing that would spray alfredo sauce in every direction. “I guess you could say that, mostly it was awkward.”

“Oh, so is there another reason you're dancing in your kitchen?” He snorted with held back laughter.

“I thought we promised no more watching me through my windows?” Jim turned to the window and stuck his tongue out.

“AAARRRGGHH!!!’s sticking his tongue out in response.” Toby described. “But also, I just glanced over to see if you were home and saw you dancing. Thought you told your Claire girl you don't dance.”

“I don't!” Jim huffed, embarrassed he'd been caught. “At least not in front of anyone.”

“Wow, AAARRRGGHH!!! look at how rigidly he stands, definitely won't be dancing anymore.” 

Part of Jim wanted to see if he had enough strength to break the radio in his hand, but figured it would be better to spare the device. “Will you quit watching me… do you need dinner?”

“Nah, Nana’s feeling good enough to cook tonight.” Toby sounded very excited about that. “And AAARRRGGHH!!!’s good, we changed the kitty litter today.”

Jim cringed, definitely something that was never going to even come close to his cookbook.

“Don’t tell Blinky,” AAARRRGGHH!!!’s deep voice rumbled through the radio, as if he had snuck cookies rather than eating cat waste.

“My lips are sealed.” Jim slid his fingers across his mouth, zipping it shut, then grabbed the freshly made spinach raviolis, and dropped them into the boiling water.

“Your mom's home,” Toby stated, and a moment later Jim saw the headlights of her car pass the window.

“Raviolis good for lunch tomorrow?” Jim asked.

“Awesomesause!” he cheered, which was a definite yes.

“Alright, see you in the morning, Tobes.”

“Will do,” he responded, and Jim imagined him saluting. “Oh and Jimbo, make sure to try to sleep, I think Blinky’s got a big training session for us tomorrow night.”

“On a school night?” Jim whined without pushing down on the talk button, not wanting them to hear his complaint. “Alright, I'll do what I can.”

The radio fell silent, and Jim set it aside to focus more on his nearly finished food.

The front door opened, and Barbara entered the house. Once the door was closed behind her, she let out a sigh and leaned against it. She pulled in a deep breath, then with a small grunt pushed off the door, and walked further into the house.

“That smells amazing,” She said, closing her eyes as she drew in another deep breath. “What did I do to deserve you?”

“You raised me?” Jim offered, straining the pasta, into the sink, unleashing a billowing cloud of steam. “Oh, Mr. Strickler got you apple cider. I got back about an hour or so ago so it's cold by now.”

“You both know me so well.” She smiled, and picked up the cup. Jim never got it, but his mom's love for no longer hot apple cider was a little quality not many people knew about. She took a sip, then looked up at her son. “I'm surprised you didn't eat sooner.”

Jim shrugged. “I wasn't hungry earlier, plus why not try a late dinner and fall into a food coma?”

“Not exactly healthy,” She laughed, “but how could I refuse?”

Jim smiled, it felt good to have a normal day.

Notes:

Jim is seriously so stubborn sometimes, he does not like working with me from time to time. I often feel like I have to hunt him down and drag him back to set to get a scene done.
Okay this Angor Rot arc is taking WAAAY longer than I thought it would. I thought I would be through it in like two chapters but NOPE! hopefully we will get through it relatively soon because I am just DYING to get to later scenes but also DO NOT want to rush through any of this. WHY DOES WRITING HAVE TO BE SO HARD! I hate it (but oh my gosh do I love writing!!!)
Also thank you everyone for the continued support! You're comment's always make me so excited for when I can get around to writing the next chapter. I have tried bullying myself into writing (really just getting after myself watching far too much youtube) and that gets me to write like a paragraph or so, but getting a comment gets me so inspired I feel like I could write for HOURS!!!!!!!!! so THANK YOU so so so much for all the comments! even the tiny little ones help out so much!
I also am super happy to be able to write more again, I went into a depressive slump but am really doing a lot better and so I'm super excited to get the fic really moving again! YIPPEE!!!

Chapter 40

Summary:

Barbara gives Jim some drugs 👍
Draal and Jim go down to the sewers to hunt for Angor Rot, but Jim believes that maybe there is another way to deal with Angor Rot.

Notes:

Merry Christmas! So sorry this chapter took so long, it took me a while to get to a computer and update it (aka "whatever my brain has" paralysis kept me from getting my moms laptop out of the home office which is a bit of a mess). I've had this written for a while, and even wrote the next chapter (which will be up after I give it a quick read through). So YAY double update!

Toby was right about the training session… and the next. Blinky was VERY intrigued by the Moonlight armor, and wanted Jim to practice more with it. 

Toby was insistent on getting to wear his own set of magical armor, but each time Jim threw the shield to him, it either flew past or hit him.

Blinky seemed at a loss for why Jim was struggling so much. He'd been such a natural with the daylight armor.

Jim had to explain that he'd had nearly two years to work with the daylight armor, compared to the one night he'd had the moonlight armor.

Thankfully during Friday night’s training Jim had finally managed to get Toby into the sharable armor again.

“Okay, but I gotta say I look really good in armor,” Toby was saying, as they walked back home, Jim had to leave his vespa in Trollmarket for maintenance. 

“Aww man, sometimes I wish I could be the Trollhunter. I'd get to kick bad guy butt, and get a cute girlfriend.” He winked at Jim.

“You do know you can do both of those things without being the Trollhunter right?” Jim felt the need to ask the question genuinely, not sure if Toby was aware of such things.

“Yeah, but it doesn't come as naturally,” he gave a tired sigh, and rubbed one of the forming bruises from Jim's poor attempts of sharing armor. “Guess I'll stick with being the sidekick.”

Jim wrapped his arm around Toby, stopping their walk, and squeezed him tightly at his side. “You know what you need? We need to get you your warhammer! Once you have that thing you'll be unstoppable, plus the magic armor, you'll be a freaking tank!”

Toby’s face brightened at the thought, as they began to walk again. “Please tell me more about this warhammer hero.”

“Maybe tomorrow,” Jim said, since they had reached their houses.

“Fine, but don't skimp on the details,” Toby demanded, already heading to his house.

Jim waved goodbye, and walked into his house.

“I'm home!” He called out, and hung his bag on the rail, then spotted his mother reading a book in the recliner.

“How was practice?” She asked, she seemed to like calling it that rather than training for whatever reason. She closed her book around her thumb, as she looked up at him. “Oh, and I got you something, it's on the counter.”

“Training was good. I accidentally hit Toby in the face with my shield, but he's alright.” Jim answered, walking to the kitchen counter where a paper bag awaited him. He picked it up, and it gave a loose rattling noise. “Prescription drugs?” He opened the bag, and pulled out the little bottle full of small pills, and labeled with a name he couldn't bother himself to pronounce.

Barbara set down her book after finding a different item to hold her place, and walked over to Jim. She wrapped an arm around him, which made his knuckles go white around the bottle.

“I went out with Walter during my lunch break yesterday, and we got talking,” She paused.

 It was probably a tiny pause, but it was enough to make Jim's mind race. “About?” He questioned, Strickler had said he wouldn't say anything.

“Nothing I don't already know about, Jim,” she assured him, “I feel bad I hadn't thought of this before.” She set her hand over his on the bottle. “It's supposed to help with the nightmares. Even with stress, for them to be every night is severe, we don't want to see you struggling so much.”

Jim stared and the white cap, just visible in their hands. “And this…” he debated trying the name of the medicine, but decided against it. “These pills are supposed to make them go away?”

He'd never been on any kind of prescription before, except maybe antibiotics, and whatever those few medicines he'd had after his two hospital stays.

“You don't have to take them if you don't want to, but I want you to know they're an option.” She gave him a gentle squeeze before slowly pulling away from him. “And if these aren't doing it, there are a few other options. Walt was pretty sold on this particular brand.”

Jim knew Strickler was a person who wouldn't insist on something unless he had a very good reason, and his mom definitely seemed to know that very same thing. 

He stared down at the medicine in his hands, he'd asked Strickler for a magical remedy mostly as a joke, and yet here one was.

He skimmed the label again. Was it really that easy? Take a pill before bed, and get a full good night's sleep?

If this worked… Jim couldn't imagine the weight that would relieve from him. Actual sleep! Every night! In what universe could this be so easy?!

If he got sleep, he could be better at keeping up with his training, with school, with everything! 

He'd been having nightmares probably since he'd seen Bular for the first time, although not every night.

How wonderful would it be to get the opportunity to lay down, and not be worried about what your subconscious might put you through?

“Hey,” Barbara said gently, wrapping him in a hug. She cradled his head, and combed her hand carefully through his hair. “Hey, it's gonna be alright.”

Jim sniffled, he hadn't realized he'd started crying. He clung to his mother, the prescription bottle still clutched in one hand.

“Thank you,” he whispered into her shoulder.

“Of course.” Barbara kissed the top of his head. “I only wish I had thought of it sooner. I'm sorry Jim.”

He shook his head, this was amazing. Even if these things didn't work, he would always appreciate the help she provided him.

He pulled out of the embrace, and wiped his eyes. “I want to try them.” He opened the bottle, and poured out a single pill. Jim glanced at his mother, double checking there wasn't anything else he needed to do, and then he downed the pill. Jim could now only hope that it would do its job.

---

The numbers ticked up on the digital face, and the alarm clock activated with a preset alarm.

Jim groaned as he dismissed the horrible sound. Why had he set an alarm on a Saturday? 

He blinked a few times, clearing them of sleep. The inside of his room was dark, which was strange. He'd left the curtains open last night.

Two large yellow eyes glowed gently in the darkness.

Jim sprung up, holding the amulet tightly in his hand from under his pillow. “Fordagluryo’merl-” he trailed off, and his brain fully woke up. “Draal, why are you in my room?”

“We agreed we would hunt for the assassin on the first morning of your week’s end.” He huffed, impatient with how long he'd been left to wait. “The sun has been up for an entire thirteen minutes.”

Jim looked at his clock, not even a full minute after seven AM. “Sorry, I rounded up from sunrise, guess I should have set the clock for what? Six forty-seven?”

Draal nodded, not catching onto Jim's sarcasm. 

He stepped down off his bed, and gave Draal's arm a good pat. “Alright, buddy, I'll meet you in the basement in five minutes.”

“More waiting?!” He growled.

He pulled in a deep breath through his nose and out his mouth, it was too early for this. “A dude has to pee, ya know.”

Draal gave another huff, then made his way out of the room, deepening the gouges in the doorway from his many sharp points.

Knowing he had only a few minutes, Jim got ready as fast as he could so he might have the chance to eat something.

Within six minutes (much to Draal’s disappointment) they were down in the sewers. Draal guided them with a map he'd made of the sewers, and Jim ate a protein bar after equipping his armor.

“Any smell of him?” Jim asked after the first hour, wobbling a little as he tried to just walk normally with his jumping stilts activated.

“I would have said something if I did,” Draal growled, “don't you remember where he was last time you went searching for him down here?”

“I told you, this place is a freaking maze.” He glanced at the map. “Well, not actually, but a lot of it looks the same. I feel like we're getting close tho-”

Draal held up a hand silencing him, and carefully sniffed the air, before heading to the left.

Jim removed his jumping stilts and hurried on much more stable legs after the troll.

After a few more turns, Draal stopped, and motioned his hands letting Jim know Angor Rot was probably just around the corner.

Stay here. Jim did his best to signal, summoned Moonlight to his hands, and walked slowly around the corner.

He hadn't quite walked into view when he heard Angor Rot's chuckle. The troll awaited him, sitting comfortably against the wall with his legs crossed. 

“Little Trollhunter, seeking your little stone are you?” He said, his golden eyes locked on the armor clad boy.

Jim was ready to attack the troll, he was a threat to everyone he knew. But here, seeing him in the sewers Jim was reminded of the horrible fate Angor Rot faced with losing his soul to Morgana, and then watching it be destroyed. He was reminded that once Angor Rot got his soul back he had given up his life to save Jim. And finally he was reminded of another time travel hassle where Angor Rot had helped him stop time from being destroyed.

“I seek to talk with the ancient.” Jim gripped his sword in his left hand and fully extended his arm bringing the sword closer to the troll, but in a not completely threatening manner. “Angor Rot, you do have something I want, but I also have something you want.”

Draal growled quietly, clearly he'd wanted action, not bargaining as Jim had promised. But suddenly plans had changed in Jim’s mind.

Angor Rot's eyes narrowed. “What could a creature like yourself possibly have that I would desire to acquire."

“The Pale Lady's shadow staff,” Jim swirled his sword back, struck it against the ground, and gently leaned on it. “And your soul.”

Jim had been puzzling over what Strickler had told him, he'd even bothered him on Friday during his free period to ask more questions. Apparently to reach out to Angor Rot through the Inferna Copula his mind had visited the domain of souls. 

Jim still didn't understand why he hadn't seen Angor Rot in his own domain, or why it was so miserable when Strickler had told him in his readings that the domain was a place the soul felt safely bound to.

All that with recalling the good Angor Rot had done, maybe he could be an ally rather than another enemy to defeat.

“You do not lay claim to either item.” The ancient troll stood, and pulled a dagger from his waist. “You think me a fool.”

“No! not at all,” Jim straightened, and held his sword at the ready. “I umm.” he swallowed as his throat went dry, why did Angor Rot have to be so intimidating? 

No! No! Remember he was once a good troll, that's probably in there still… somewhere. He stood with a bit more confidence. He spared my life. He died to defeat Morgana!

“Listen I know you don't have a reason to trust me, but-”

“No, I don't.” Angor Rot bounded forward with his dagger, and Jim shifted his stance to defence, and then… he was in the cold desolate wasteland.

“Okay, okay, think Jim, if you're where his soul is, maybe you can reason with him here!” He told himself. “Hello! Angor Rot?” He looked around, making sure to check behind himself.

There was nothing here. Jim turned back around, knowing he probably needed to get back to his realm, and hoped he wasn't dying.

Goosebumps ran over every inch of his skin, as he came face to face with a pale golden face. Their body was see through, but one thing Jim definitely recognized was the armor the troll bore.

“Trollhunter?” The ghost rasped as if it took all its energy to speak.

“Trollhunter?” Another voice choked.

“Trollhunter?” Yet another begged.

“Trollhunter?” Another pleaded.

The Trollhunter ghosts hung in the air like corpses in water. Both deceased to the mortal realm and spirit.

Jim could feel his heart pounding in his chest like a feral animal. 

“Trollhunter?” Another cried.

The ghost in front of him snapped forward like a bear trap, grabbing him with deathly strong arms unlike the rest of his limp form.

“Free! Trollhunter.” His voice slowly died along with the strength in his limbs. “Help.”

“Help.”

“Free us.”

“Trollhunter!”

Jim stumbled back, and instantly he was back in the mortal world. He sat bolt upright as he felt himself over, very much covered in goosebumps, but unharmed. 

That was definitely going to be in his nightmares.

A loud ground rattling thud, drew Jim's attention to the situation of this plain. Draal slammed Angor Rot against the wall, reared his head back, then slammed it against the other troll's. 

“Draal!” Jim summoned his bow and arrows, and took aim. “I need a clear shot!”

Draal shifted, giving Jim the perfect angle. He could shoot Angor Rot right now, and free the souls of all the Trollhunters he’d slain.

Isn't his soul as trapped as theirs? His mind asked, is he not a prisoner forced to do the bidding of a sorceress? Forced to lose himself for what he believed to be the good of his people?

“Take the shot, Trollhunter!” 

Jim's eyes widened, he'd expected the order to come from Draal, not Angor Rot. Angor Rot wouldn't give up his life for nothing, he knew something Jim didn't. 

Glancing around Jim took note of what useful items were around him. 

“No,” Jim whispered, and hooked the bow to his back. “Draal, let him go.”

Draal narrowed his eyes as he looked into Jim's. The Trollhunter gave a small nod, and the Warrior returned it even if he didn't fully understand.

In a matter of a second Draal released the assassin, who sprung forward towards the Trollhunter. Jim summoned Excalibur to his grasp, and slashed it through the air.

Jim squinted his eyes making so less light entered them. He only allowed himself one deep breath, and set to work. He knew Angor Rot was strong, but the chains in the corner would hold him well enough. 

He bound the troll securely, and once he felt that would be good enough, he slashed an X in the air and allowed Excalibur to return to the Time Stone.

Jim crumpled to his knees as Angor Rot crashed to the ground, now bound by chains.

It took a few unsuccessful breaths for air to actually enter his lungs again. He clenched his hand over his chest as his heart ached in its racing, panicked pace. 

Draal looked back and forth between Angor Rot and Jim. “What?” was all he managed to ask, before shaking the question away. He charged forward, lifted the bound troll, and slammed him against the wall. “What is your game, assassin?”

Angor Rot made a small rumbling sound that slowly grew louder into a hollow laugh. “Game? My only game is the one I hunt.” His eyes slowly turned towards Jim, who slowly stood. “Your precious Trollhunter on the other hand,” he chuckled as he lazily turned his eyes back to Draal. “He has secrets beyond comprehension, abilities no troll or human could accomplish.”

“Listen up Angor Rot,” Jim rasped, then cleared his throat. “I need you to hear out my bargain. I know you were a good person… at some point. A hero even, a person who sought to save his people. What are you now?”

“A slave, just like you boy.” He blinked slowly, as if bored with the conversation, but the smile on his face said he was very entertained. “Tell me? When was the last time you made a choice of your own?”

“Right now,” He said, standing up tall. “For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command.” A ripple of blue magic washed through the armor, shifting it from camouflage grey to bright silver, and he summoned Daylight to his grasp. 

Draal dropped Angor Rot, and took a step back. Jim took his place, and held Daylight under the ancient troll’s chin. 

“And I'm going to give you a choice to make for yourself right now.” 

Angor Rot breathed a small disbelieving laugh. 

“I will retrieve the Inferna Copula for you,” Jim started, “and you will give me the Kill Stone.”

“You desire more, I see it in your eyes.” He narrowed his eyes on the boy. “You refuse to admit it, but you seek something more of me.”

Jim hated the way his hands shook, and he tightened his grasp on his sword to stop one while the other clenched into a fist at his side.

He pulled in a deep breath, trying to remain steady. “When we first fought face to face at the lookout point you said something.”

Angor Rot's smile grew, he seemed to already know where this was going.

“You said you'd never hunted a human Trollhunter before,” Jim tried to swallow, but his mouth had gone dry. “But that I was not fully so. What does that mean?”

He studied Jim, then glanced towards Draal.

Jim's armor and sword brightened with blue light as his heart pounded with frustration. “ANSWER THE QUESTION!”

Angor Rot looked him up and down, smiled even bigger, and let his head tilt to the side.

Jim pressed Daylight forward, pressing the blade against his throat. “What did you mean in the woods?” He growled.

“As the Lady Pale, Baba Yaga, Argante, Mother of Monster, my queen has cursed me, so has that wretched wizard done to you.” He shifted in his chains, and leaned against the wall, lifting his chin as if to let Jim have complete access to cut off his head.

Draal's fist slammed into the wall beside Angor Rot's head, cracking the cement. “Do not speak in riddles, assassin! ANSWER THE TROLLHUNTER’S QUESTION!”

He looked up at Draal, unimpressed. “The boy knows in which I speak. He reeks of the wizards magics as he reeks of mine own incomplete curse. Mayhaps his master will awaken to finish the job.”

Jim’s breath quickened as his heart picked up pace again. 

No! No! Don't trust everything he says. He’s still trying to get in your head!

Jim pulled Daylight steadily away from the assassin, and hooked it to his back. “Does your answer mean you accept my bargain?”

“Bring me my ring, and the Kill Stone will be yours.” Angor Rot agreed.

Jim looked to Draal. “Should we take him to Strickler?”

“The impure can summon him himself,” Draal scoffed, “I say we leave this troll here. Hopefully the gruesomes will finally catch up, and consume his rotting flesh. Why don't we just take the Time Stone off of him?”

Jim paused, even his still impending panic attack he was holding back seemed to stop. I think I’ve lost too many brain cells to be the Trollhunter at this point.

He shrugged, it probably was something to do with proving himself, but he just wanted to go home.

Draal huffed, and pulled Angor Rot away from the wall by the chains wrapped around him. “How about this bargain: You hand over the Kill Stone, and I don't kill you.”

“Are you allowed to bargain without your Trollhunter’s approval?” He asked.

Draal turned towards where Jim had been, but the boy was already walking back through the sewers back towards his home.

“Untie yourself, and return to the holder of your soul.” He tossed the troll to the ground, and followed after his charge.

After a few minutes, Draal finally stopped looking over his shoulder, but still listened to their surroundings intently. 

“What did the assassin mean by his riddles?” He asked, offering a small worried glance.

“I don't want to think about it right now, Draal,” Jim answered, and numbly allowed his feet to guide him home without any further conversation. 

Draal slid the shelf to the side letting them into the house, and Jim climbed up the stairs. He grasped his hand over the amulet and allowed it to dissipate… except it didn't.

“Oh come on!” Jim pulled at the amulet. “I'm fine! I'm home!”

He stormed into the living room, clawing at the amulet in the process.

“Master Jim, are you alright?”

Jim looked up and found Blinky standing in the middle of the room, Barbara standing beside him.

Lowering his hands from the amulet, Jim did his best to give a small smile. “Yeah, just the amulet, it does weird stuff sometimes.” He gave his breastplate a few taps with his knuckles. “What are you doing in my house?”

Barbara stepped forward. “I just thought it would be good to get to know more about what you do in Trollmarket. A lot of times I'm working when you go down there, so…”

“Bring trolls to the house, yeah, cool!” Jim gave a thumbs up. It was good for everyone to be getting informed and staying caught up with things. That made his part in everything a little easier. “I'm just… I'm gonna go to my room.”

He gave a small wave and headed to the stairs.

“How did the hunt go?” Blinky asked Draal who emerged from the basement.

“We found the assassin, he still breathes, and his riddles trouble our Trollhunter.” Draal answered.

“Riddles?” Barbara questioned.

Jim closed his bedroom door, not wanting to rehear the words. They were already plaguing his brain as it was.

What did Angor Rot mean by incomplete curse? He walked to the wall and tore a note free. 

Merlin's Elixir.

He wasn't even free from his tomb yet, how could Merlin have cursed him?

Jim’s fist crumpled around the note, and slammed into the wall, creating a hole where the note had been.

I'm human… and I'm going to stay human this time.

Chapter 41

Summary:

Jim starts making a plan for Angor Rot. He hands a "simple" job over to Claire and Toby to give him more time in the day. He has an unscheduled sit down with Strickler, which goes a little longer than intended.

Notes:

double update success YIPPEE!!!

Jim stared at his ceiling, he'd forgotten to take the anti nightmare pill last night and now he was laying in bed with no desire to sleep. Really he hadn't wanted to eat or drink anything since his armor wouldn't FREAKING COME OFF!

He supposed it was good training for when he was back in the Darklands.

Enough sulking! Jim told himself and stood, his armor clinking in the silence with each movement.

You sat around all Saturday, your armor isn't holding you back from doing anything amongst trolls. 

Jim grabbed a pencil from his desk, and tore a paper from his notebook. 

Once I get the Kill Stone, I'll convince Strickler to hand over the eye of Gunmar. Then into the Darklands for Enrique.

He drew a map of the Darklands, marking where he'd found the nursery. He'd committed the map to memory from the many times he'd had to draw it with chalk and erase it when he moved locations, but having a paper one he could keep in his armor would be helpful. And if it came to the point that he needed to be rid of it, a quick cut from his sword would have it shredded instantly.

He finished drawing out the map, and folded it carefully.

Next step, the Kill Stone.

Jim glanced at the clock, 4:32am.

Eh, screw it, trolls didn't need as much sleep as humans.

Three rings later, a very tired sounding Strickler answered the phone. “Young Atlas, do you have any inkling of what time it currently is?”

“Mmm, four thirty-three in the morning?” he replied, “hey so listen, I need the ring.”

A grumbling sound came from the other end of the phone. “I am hoping you have a plan.” He said, sounding more awake now.

“A bit,” Jim tilted his hand back and forth, weighing out the idea he had. “I made a bargain with Angor Rot, the Kill Stone for his soul.”

“Is that all?” He asked, “Perhaps you were calling to get an actual plan put together?”

Jim laughed, “Oh, Stickler, the thing is, I used to plan a lot, and I still do, but most of the time they don't go anywhere and we end up winging it.”

“Lady creator give me strength,” Strickler mumbled, “you do realize this is Angor Rot we're talking about? A trained and ancient assassin who has slain a hundred of your predecessors.”

“Yes sir!” Jim answered, “I just need the ring.”

“Jim.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you wanting to give him the ring, or his soul?”

“Is there a difference?” Jim had to ask, wasn't his soul in the ring?

“The ring can be stolen from him.” Strickler still sounded a bit irritated, but he was starting to get that teaching tone to his voice. “There is a ritual we could perform, but it needs a person skilled in shadowmancy to bear his ring and connect to his soul, know anyone?”

He turned to his wall of notes and scanned it over even if he didn't need to. “I might.”

“And this is why we plan, Young Atlas. If you give the ring to Angor Rot now, what are the chances that he will hand it over to someone else for you to truly free him? That is your goal, correct?” 

Strickler knew Jim a lot more than he would like, or at least could read him very easily.

“Why don't you come by my office after school today?” Strickler asked.

“I can't, Bagdwella’s got some package she wants me to deliver, it's apparently top priority. I don't even know how she got my number, but I have a billion missed phone calls from her,” Jim groaned.

“Well, then, do let me know when your busy schedule will allow you to discuss a plan-”

Knocking sounded at his door.

“Shoot! IGOTTAGODADLOVEYOUBYE!”

Jim hung up the phone and threw it on his bed, where it bounced off and hit the floor with a thud. He ignored it, and turned to answer the door.

“Mom, hey, why are you up so early?” He asked, propping himself against the doorframe.

“I just got home from work…” She answered slowly.

“Oh, yeah, umm, how was it?” he asked, feeling silly. He knew that.

“Tiring as usual,” she said with a tired sigh. “Still no luck with the armor?”

Jim glanced down at his armor clad body. “Could you tell?”

Barbara gave a small laugh at that. “I just heard you were talking with someone on the phone, thought I would check on you.”

“Oh, yeah, just chatting…” Jim scratched the back of his head.

Barbara pressed her lips together as she fought back an amused smile. “Did I hear correctly that you, I assume, accidentally called them dad? And was there a ‘love you’?”

“Fuuuuuuuuuuuu…” Jim glanced up at his mom, “...uuudge and peanut brittle, my goodness, did I?”

She couldn't hold back her amusement, and a smile spread across her face, and a few laughs escaped her lips. But slowly it faded, with how tired she was. Or maybe she realized what Jim knew. He hadn't really grown up calling anyone dad, sure he'd accidentally called a few teachers mom, much to his embarrassment, but never dad.

She gave a small hum, and to Jim's horror she had her thinking face on. “Was it Blinky?”

“W-What?” Jim felt his face heat, “I um… well, would you believe me if I said no?”

“You don't have to tell me, kiddo.” She ruffled his hair. “Anything I can do to help? Something about Badulla?”

“Bagdwella,” Jim corrected, Dang, how much did she hear? “And it's not a big deal, I just need to drop it off at the post office if it's what I think it is. It’ll probably only take an hour or so.”

“And anything I can do for this?” She gave his shoulder plate a small tap.

“You're helping already, trust me.” Jim gave two thumbs up.

His mother wrapped him in a tight hug, tucking his head under her chin. “I’m here for you, no matter what, okay?” 

Jim melted into the embrace, soaking in the warmth, the comfort, the smell of the hospital intermixed with home, and the unconditional love. She loved him no matter what, and he knew that. No matter what he did, where he was, or what he was, she cared about him.

Barbara hummed happily, and Jim returned the sound, although his lasted a lot longer. 

“Glad I could help,” she said, and pulled away which was followed by the sound of something falling to the ground.

Jim looked down, and the Amulet gave a small soft glow from the ground.

“Oh thank you.” He heaved a sigh of relief. He was free from his armor at last! “Oh my gosh! I gotta go!”

He pushed past his mother and ran for the bathroom, the magics of the amulet finally leaving his body to fend for itself.

 

Jim began to eat every container of left overs or quick food to make he could find. Two days didn't seem like that long, but when you suddenly have a fast metabolism after having a snail's pace for a while, the hunger hits hard.

“You know, I thought the slow metabolism came from the Birth Stone,” Jim said to no one in particular, but both Barbara and Draal were in the area. “But I guess it makes sense for it to just be the amulet. Maybe the Birth Stone just makes it more intense.”

Draal shrugged, “Trolls naturally can go many days without food without seeing effects, but it would make sense for the amulet to increase such abilities.”

Barbara grabbed Jim's arm as he moved to open the fridge again. “Maybe you should not gorge yourself. It's not good, and will only make you sick.”

Jim took a deep breath, and released the fridge handle. “Sorry, wow! I think Toby’s stress eating habits got to me for a bit there.”

“Yeah.” Barbara nodded. “Let's not make this a habit.” 

Jim returned the nod, “I’m gonna…” he wanted to go to his room, to sleep for the hour he had until his alarm went off, but he knew that wasn’t going to happen. “...sit on the couch.”

He curled up on the corner of the couch, and took a deep breath, feeling lighter without the armor on him. Well, maybe an hour of sleep was possible. He could at least close his eyes for now.

---

 

“So wha’s the Trollhunter’s duties for today?” Mateo asked, clambering onto Jim's shoulder as he pulled the Horngazel from his bag.

“Bagdwella has a package she needs me to mail to her sister in Utah,” Jim answered, drawing a semicircle into the concrete wall. “Human postage is apparently more reliable than trollish delivery.”

“Ooooh, that job!” Mateo chuckled, getting a confused look from Jim. “Hey, last time ya gave the job to your buddies, why are ya doin’ it this time?”

“It won't take that long, and I think a simple mission would be nice,” Jim replied, lifting his hand to press the doorway open, when Mateo grabbed his arm and stopped him.

*Hey, I really think ya should give the job to the others.* he glanced back towards Claire and Toby. Claire was spinning her shadow staff around, apparently still yet to open a portal with its magic.

Jim narrowed his eyes, there had to be a reason the changeling had switched to Trollish. *Are you planning something?*

*Nah, not at all,* he shrugged, but his mischievous face told another story. *I'm not plannin’ anythin’, but trust me when I say they need this job.*

Jim turned away from the still unopened doorway, with a small grunt of semi acceptance. “Hey Tobes, Claire, I just remembered I have to go see Strickler about some stuff. Can you two take care of the package? Just pick it up and take it to the post office.”

“Warhammer’s got you, Trollhunter!” Toby gave two thumbs up, and Jim tossed him the Horngazel.

“Thanks! Let me know when you get it sent, or if you need any help.” He waved bye as Mateo jumped off his shoulders and trotted over to Claire, saying something about how fun little jobs could be.

That changeling definitely had something planned, but Jim felt that maybe it was better to trust the little guy.

They'd headed down to Trollmarket right after school, so Jim figured Strickler would still be there, but it was probably better to call him.

“Young Atlas, I thought you had an after school activity today.” Strickler greeted.

“I actually got that taken off my hands, so are you free?” Jim said, already mounting his bike.

“Thankfully I don't have staff meetings today, so I will be leaving the school shortly,” he answered.

“Sweet!” Jim pumped his fist. Even without any sleep, today was feeling productive! 

---

 

Jim arrived early, and sat waiting on the porch. A stray cat approached the porch, giving a happy meow. Definitely a friendly one.

“You better not stick around here,” Jim said, petting its soft head. “Strickler’s part troll ya know.” He heaved a heavy sigh as the cat butted its head against his other hand and began to purr. “Although from the looks of things I might be too.”

The cat looked up at him with big eyes, before butting its head against his hand again. Jim ran his hand down the cat's back and up its tail. It didn't seem to like that, as it turned and whacked his hand with its paw. A few seconds later it was back to demanding pets.

Strickler's car pulled into the driveway, and the cat hurried off, apparently taking Jim's advice to avoid the changeling.

“Do you plan to take in every stray you find?” Strickler asked, spinning his keys on his finger before inserting it into the lock.

“Would you rather I leave you in a box on the side of the road?” Jim quipped, with a smile as he walked inside.

“I was referring to your strange compassion for Angor Rot, the monster created to kill people of your calling.” He closed the door, and flicked on the lights even though plenty of light came in through the windows.

“He's not a monster,” Jim argued, “he just got cursed by an a-hole sorceress, that's not fully his fault. Besides, didn't he have good intentions originally?”

“I studied everything I could about the troll. He sought the Pale Lady to gain strength to help his people after a pillaging raid,” he explained, walking to a bookshelf, sliding it to the side to reveal another bookshelf, and pulling one of the trollish books down. “So I do suppose you could say it started with good intentions.”

Jim leaned on the counter as Strickler set the book down, and opened it. He turned through the pages, which were full of rituals, magic, and potions.

His breath caught in his throat when the page turned to one Strickler had shown him once before. The page was crammed with writings, both historical and complicated steps and ingredients.

The Elixir that changed a troll to changeling, and with the right twist, a human to half troll.

“Sometimes to understand one’s situation it is good to understand one’s origin.” Strickler had said over the phone as he tried to find a way to help Jim recover from another round of trollish overstimulation.

Strickler started to turn the page but then stopped. “You recognize this page?”

Jim blinked and reminded himself to breathe. “N-no, it just looks interesting.”

Strickler continued to flip through the book, burying the page with each turn.

“Here it is,” he said, turning the book around for Jim to better see it. “How to return a soul from an object to its proper host.”

“Wait, there's a spell for this? How many people did Morgana steal souls from?” Jim questioned.

“You give Baba Yaga too much credit, there were many magic wielders throughout time,” Strickler answered, “Did you really think every magic item in trollish history was made by Merlin?”

“Nooo?” Jim answered slowly, it just seemed he came across a lot of items made by Merlin.

Strickler shook his head and mumbled a question about poor teaching. “Continuing, if you are wanting to give Angor Rot his soul, it must be returned to him by the same magic that took it in the first place.” 

Jim nodded deeply, ready to soak in every bit of information.

“But it is not just a spell, it's a ritual and a fairly long one at that,” he continued, “You will need someone skilled in shadowmancy to bear the ring, and allow it to bond with their magic for an entire moon cycle. Then on the final day of the cycle the soul can be returned to the body with a ritual which I will conduct so you don't cause yourself and all your friends to swap souls or disembowel each other in a cannibalistic frenzy.”

Jim went to laugh, but it died in his throat when he recognized Strickler hadn't shifted to a joking tone. “Right, so when you say a skilled shadow magic caster…”

“Preferably someone with at least a few hundred years of training.” He snapped the book shut.

“What about a beginner with a lot of natural talent?” Jim offered.

Strickler frowned.

“So like, how good would you say those few hundred years of training would make a person?” Jim tried again.

“Someone who has mastered the ability to cast shadows in any form through a staff of shadows. Much like Angor Rot's ability to open portals, but even beyond that, to warp shadows, even compress them into items or beings of matter.”

“So like, stretching a shadow of a building across a sunlit bridge, or creating birds out of shadows?” He said, smiling. He always knew Claire was gifted.

“Yes, something like that.” He nodded, and gave Jim an intrigued look.

“Okay, I'll get Douxie to train Claire, and then in a month we'll be set!” He gave two thumbs up.

Stickler pulled a deep breath in through his nose. “Young Atlas, Claire barely has any traces of magic on her.”

“Yet!” Jim grinned, already proud of her. “Last time around she thought she was done with shadow magic when Toby destroyed the staff, but then when I was about to be turned to stone she saved me, and saved me again, and then she even found my soul in the shadow realm when I was all… freaky. And that was in the span of like what? A week?”

Jim's smile faded as he saw the shock and what might have been fear on Strickler's face.

“What?” He asked.

It took him a few moments to compose himself well enough to explain his reaction. “Shadowmancy is an extremely difficult power to harness, most sorcerers never even dare to try to learn it, and even then an arcane focus is almost always necessary. The only people able to wield such magic by hand were Kek and Kauket, and a few of their apprentices. Focuses have to be made for particular magic, and shadowmancy being difficult, often the focuses were simply passed down rather than new ones created. Most of the focuses were lost over time, the last one with a known location is the staff you and your friends supposedly destroy.”

Jim looked down at the closed book on the counter, processing the information. “So you're saying…” his brows knitted together with thought. “You're telling me that Claire is a FREAKING BAD ASS SCORCERESS?!” He pulled away from the counter and threw his hands in the air. “HOW COOL IS THAT?!” 

He couldn't get over how amazing this information was. “My girlfriend- wait not girlfriend yet- my friend is going to be the most powerful sorceress in modern day?!”

Strickler looked a bit worried for the fate of the world. “If your information is correct it would seem so, although there are rumors of another shadow mancer who came and went during the battle of Killahead, but I have found no records.”

Jim felt it best not to say anything about that situation.

“Well, it seems the puberty patrol is much more than I expected it to be.” Strickler slicked his hair back, even though the product in it already was doing a perfectly fine job. “But I might also add that Ms. Nuñez has yet to create a portal even with the staff.”

“Give her a bit,” Jim grumbled, “in the meantime I should talk to Angor Rot about this.”

“Patience, Young Atlas.” Strickler rounded the counter, and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. “Perhaps it would be best to make sure you have the approval of your chosen Shadowmancer.”

“Right!” Jim pulled out his phone, as Strickler released him. There were no messages from his friends saying they had completed the job, hopefully everything was going alright. Mateo had seemed pretty determined for them to do it on their own. 

He wanted to get the Kill Stone soon, but Angor Rot could wait to hear about the new plan. Jim wasn't even sure he wanted to talk to the troll so soon after last time. The way he'd smiled as he told Jim he was still somehow messed up even though he'd thought he was human for quite some time now. 

He thought about the armor and how he'd been trapped in it the same way he had when he’d been transformed and had to figure out how the amulet responded to him all over again. 

He thought about the hug from his mother, and how nice it felt to know someone was there for him no matter what. Everyone was there for him, even if he struggled to remember it.

He thought of the stray cat on the porch, and how he had realized Strickler perhaps wasn't so different from him.

“Young Atlas, would you like a ride home?” Strickler asked, glancing at a clock.

“Do you have somewhere to be?” Jim asked, feeling a little bad for taking up the teacher's time.

“No, not particularly, I am just aware that Ms. Janeth assigned a bit of homework due tomorrow—a day to get the work done, ridiculous—and I also know your mother gets off in half an hour, and was unsure if you were wanting to be home when she arrived.”

Jim shook his head, he figured he could get Ms. Janeth's homework done in the morning, and his mother was going to be spending some time with Nana.

“You look troubled.” Strickler returned his hand to Jim's shoulder. He glanced at the clock again, and whatever “not particular” thing he had on his schedule seemed to be tossed aside. “Do you wish to stay here for a while?”

“It's not Wednesday,” Jim mumbled.

“Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, what's the difference?” He questioned, “I've told you before, Young Atlas, my door is always open.”

“So even though it's not Wednesday, would it be okay if we talked about something?” His stomach twisted with worry.

Strickler gave his shoulder a firm, reassuring squeeze, and offered a small smile. “Would you like some tea, while we chat?”

Jim nodded stiffly. He wasn't really sure he could eat or drink anything right now, but something warm in his hands sounded nice.

Strickler pulled out a teapot, it wasn't the glass one from last time, but a stout ceramic one with intricate carvings all over its rounded surface.

A few minutes later, Strickler set a tray on the coffee table with the teapot, cups, and an assortment of cookies and crackers.

The teapot steamed as the herbs inside steeped, and Jim watched it for a good while until he figured he was supposed to start talking now.

“You won't tell anyone what I say right?” Jim had to ask, even though he had asked it not even a week ago.

“Jim,” Strickler gave a small entertained laugh, “This conversation is strictly confidential, you don't need to worry.”

“Okay, okay,” Jim nodded, his stomach giving another harsh twist. He rubbed his hands up and down his jeans as he felt them begin to sweat. His throat went dry as he opened his mouth to speak and he had to swallow to wet it again in order to say anything. “I'm really worried about getting turned into a troll.”

Strickler raised an eyebrow, then leaned forward and filled each of their cups with tea. “And what might have you so perturbed about that?”

Jim grabbed his cup and sipped on it, but it was still incredibly hot, so he placed it back on the table.

“Angor Rot said some stuff about an unfinished curse from Merlin.” Jim forced himself to continue. “And I am pretty sure it's a curse that will turn me into a troll, especially since Angor Rot said I wasn't fully human.”

Strickler's face was unreadable, especially since Jim was actively avoiding eye contact.

“I mean, it's not just taking Angor Rot's word for it.” He picked up a cracker and broke it into smaller pieces, not really planning on eating it. “Last time after we found Merlin we had to deal with Gunmar, and Morgana, and Angor Rot during the not eternal eternal night. I wasn't strong enough to fight them, so Merlin… changed me. I- I lied before, I did recognize the page. You showed it to me before after a… not great day of dealing with everything after.” He gave a shrug. “I had never thought a phone call with you would be a comfort.”

“I’m so sorry,” Strickler said, as if all of this was his fault somehow.

Jim looked up at him, he didn't seem surprised by the topic at all, more like he'd had an idea and the worst had just been confirmed.

“You knew, huh?” Jim picked up his cup and swirled the tea inside. “Angor Rot probably told you that I'm some fucked up remains of Merlin’s magic.”

“Don't say that,” Strickler ordered, “you do not belong to Merlin.”

He pulled the teacup close to his chest, and slowly curled up on the couch, kicking off his shoes in the process. 

“I don't get it,” Jim sighed, “Claire changed me back into a human again, and then I went back in time to a body that shouldn't be affected by his magic, and yet somehow I'm still… whatever I am.”

Stickler didn't have an answer immediately, but he was definitely determined to find one.

“It's weird too, because all the stuff that kinda made me start worrying didn't start until later,” Jim added, wondering if that would help any.

“Well, when you came back in time something allowed you to keep your memories, and in so doing also allowed oddly enough En- Mateo to remember as well-”

Jim’s head popped up as the realization struck him. “OH MY GOSH IT’S THE FREAKING TIME STONE AND- AND… and maybe every time I use Excalibur I'm turning more and more into a troll!” He lowered his head back down in-between his knees. “Oh my gosh, even if I don't ever have to bring Merlin back I still might turn into a troll again.”

“Jim.” The couch shifted and Strickler's hand rested between Jim's shoulder blades. “From what I understand I doubt you will ever become a troll. An unfinished enchantment is unfinished, and will never be finished without the caster present. I doubt it will spread any further than a few habits or cravings that will be easily dealt with.”

Jim curled in even tighter. “I just thought going back in time would fix things, but that stupid wizard screwed me over again.”

Strickler gave his back a few awkward pats, probably not really sure how to comfort him.

How stupid was this? Jim curled up on a couch on the verge of tears like some pathetic child.

“Well, no use in sitting around!” Jim wanted to say, and spring up and carry on as if this wasn't a problem at all. 

But Jim hadn't gotten any sleep the previous night, and he was exhausted in more ways than sleep deprivation. He felt weak, and lost, and small. There was nothing he could do, there wasn't some magic cure, unless he went and got corrupted again and Claire managed to save him again. Jim knew the chances of that happening were slim to none.

Weak and tired, the tears burst the dam, and Jim tried and failed to hold back sobs.

He didn't want to be some trollish monster. He wanted to be himself, to just be Jim Lake Jr. Right now, he really wished the Amulet had chosen somebody else even though he knew that wouldn't end well.

---

 

Jim wasn't sure how long had passed, but now he was on the couch with a blanket around his shoulders. He was on his third cup of tea, and all the cookies had been eaten.

Strickler came back from down the hall, where he had gone after Jim had refused to return home when he knew his mother would instantly recognize that he'd been crying. Plus being home would only make him overthink and try to plan something stupid.

“I called Barbara,” Strickler said quietly.

Jim head snapped up, worried what was said between them.

“She is aware you might not be home tonight,” he continued, “you are welcome to stay as long as you like, but if you are planning on attending school in the morning I would suggest heading home by six in the morning.”

Jim shook his head, remembering one of the things he might need to carry on himself since he sometimes slept down in Blinky's library. “I need to go home, my medicine… thank you for that by the way.”

“I did my best to find something that I knew would work on you no matter what.” Strickler said, walking back towards the hall and to the door of the small room loaded with medical supplies.

“Wait… like it might even work if I was a troll?” Jim asked, connecting the dots of Strickler's strange insistence on the particular brand.

“I didn't know how deep the enchantment ran, so I thought it best to cover all bases.” He stepped into the small room, and a few moments later returned with a small glass vial with a tiny amount of thick green liquid in it. “And if you are willing to risk nightmares, you could try this.”

Jim took the offered vial, and tilted it side to side, observing the sludge. “What is it?”

“Reduced baku saliva,” he answered, “creatures that consume nightmares. The saliva doesn't quite work the same though. If it works it will prevent you from having dreams for the night, but in turn may lessen the quality of your sleep.”

So go home where there is medicine you know works, but possibly stay up late figuring out what's wrong with me, or drink some random creatures saliva and hope it gets rid of the nightmares for the night, and stay at Strickler's house.

The baku saliva slowly crept down the side of the vial when he flipped it, similar to honey or syrup. 

If I go home Mom's gonna worry.

She's probably already worried, but in my current condition I might end up telling her everything.

Jim heaved a heavy sigh. “Eh, why not?” He uncorked the vial. “Do I just drink it?”

“Drink it, spread it on a cracker, mix it in your tea, whatever you would like to do.” Strickler suggested, picking up the tray, but hesitated in case Jim did want anything off of it.

Jim sniffed the substance and his eyes pinched shut at the rancid smell.

“It doesn't taste much better,” Stickler said.

He grabbed a cracker off the tray, and poured the ooze onto it. The faster he could get it down the better.

Jim barely chewed, then gagged as he did his best to swallow it down. Even if he threw up, he doubted it would taste any different.

“Not delightful, but helpful if it works.” Strickler handed him Jim's cup, and he quickly downed it trying to clear the flavor from his mouth.

Once Jim handed back the cup, he took the tray to the kitchen and began to clean things up. 

Comforting warmth bloomed in Jim's chest, and he let out a yawn. His eyes began to droop with a sudden wave of tiredness.

“You sure you didn't accidentally give me some sort of sedative?” He asked, fighting back another yawn.

Strickler looked at Jim, taking in his sudden droopiness, and frowned. “The saliva can make you tired, I honestly didn't expect it to work… so quickly.”

Jim huffed with determination to stay awake longer. “Sorry for making things so complicated for you, Strickler. I know you've got a lot on your plate with school, the Janus Order, Angor Rot, and now me bothering you all the time.”

“You don't need to worry yourself, Young Atlas,” he said quietly, walking over and turning off most of the lights except a lamp by the couch and the ones down the hall. “I had assumed you were going to be a problem when you first found the amulet, but it seems you're quite the opposite. Since you told me your situation, I’ve started to look forward to the future with founded positivity, because maybe things aren't as bad as we think.”

Jim felt he could argue that, hadn't he told Strickler that he died? But the wave of sleepiness was too strong, and Jim couldn't tell when he had fallen asleep.

 

Darkness stretched in every direction, there was nothing. A void. Yet it all crushed in around him.

He wasn't supposed to be here, Jim knew that much.

This shouldn't be a nightmare.

This shouldn't be a dream.

And yet he was trapped in this crushing expanse. It crept into his skin, into his muscles, into his bones.

How long would he remain here? He could think, but it was tiresome. 

Then the pain started.

Cold pierced down into his bones, breaking them apart and piecing them together.

He tried to gasp, but the darkness around him was thick like tar. He couldn't escape this, he was trapped from his own choices. 

Jim attempted another breath, and another, and another. 

“Young Atlas?”

The tar burned his lungs with freezing temperatures. But he still tried to breathe through it.

“Jim!”

Icicles stabbed into his arm, digging deep into his flesh. Jim tried to scream, but again he didn't have air to breath. 

“Jim!”

Jim tried for another breath, he just needed one!

“JAMES LAKE!”

Jim sat bolt upright, and gasped in a lung full of air, soothing his burning lungs. 

He patted himself down in search of the tar that had enveloped him, he seemed to be good.

Jim's eyes darted around the room attempting to soak in where he was, it definitely wasn't his room. Finally his eyes settled on something, or rather someone.

Strickler crouched down beside the couch, looking very concerned.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry,” Jim shook his head, and buried his face in his hands. What time was it? Had the nightmare been so bad he'd woken Strickler?

“You have no reason to apologize,” he assured, “I am assuming this means the baku saliva didn't work.”

Jim shook his head, feeling defeated. The last thing he was expecting to hear was a sigh of relief from the person next to him. He pulled his face from his hands, and looked at him, confused.

“I told you it might not work, and I was concerned when it made you tired that it was going to work,” He explained slowly. “I think you'll be happy to know it doesn't work on you, because reduced baku saliva only works on trolls.”

Jim stared at him, still confused as his exhausted brain processed the information it was being fed.

“You gave me nightmare medicine… that only works on trolls?” Jim questioned, “and since it didn't work that means that I'm… not a… troll.” He hadn't realized how much a nightmare could bring him relief, but it felt so amazing.

“But that nightmare,” Strickler frowned, “I didn't realize how bad they really were.”

“Please don't tell me you woke up from me screaming.” Jim felt his face flush with embarrassment, and hid it in his hands again, feeling the heat of his cheeks against his clammy palms.

“No screaming took place,” he informed him, “the inability to breathe is extremely concerning though.”

Jim pulled his knees up to his chest, and leaned his side against the back of the couch. 

“I'll be sure to make sure I have human medicines on hand in the future.” He grabbed Jim's shoulder.

His skin prickled with the contact, it felt too sharp, too intense. Jim shrugged off the contact with a small groan. 

“It was just a nightmare about drowning, I nearly did that a few times,” he mumbled, probably would be helpful for Strickler to know more, but that was the most Jim could get out for now, especially as his stomach twisted violently.

“You don't need to explain anything,” Strickler told him, then stood. “Just breathe and rest, we’ve still got a few hours before either of us need to be up.”

Jim gave a small groan in protest, but then slowly laid back out on the couch, focusing on his breaths that he thankfully could take into his lungs without pain.

Strickler gave a small hum, and Jim distantly heard the sound of a dialing phone. “Forgive me, Young Atlas.”

Still fighting the sleepiness the baku saliva caused, Jim felt himself already starting to fall asleep again.

“Sorry to call you in the middle of the night,” Strickler started, but Jim missed the rest of it as he drifted back into sleep.

---

 

Jim’s phone buzzed with a six am alarm. He didn't remember setting it, but was thankful he had.

He slowly sat up, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He felt both rested and like crap. His chest ached, his eyes felt swollen, and his limbs felt shaky and weak.

He slowly stood, and his stomach gave an uncomfortable twist. What happened last night? He couldn’t quite remember much of it. He knew he'd eaten some nasty attempt of medicine, and he'd briefly woken up in the middle of the night from a nightmare. A nightmare in which he remembered vividly, it was kind of hard to forget what it felt like to have magic start restructuring your entire being. 

Jim shed his blanket, and walked to the hall, the medical room was on his right, he wasn't supposed to go in the room to the left, there were two more doors across from each other, and then one at the end of the hall. It seemed like a very strange layout for a house to Jim. The second door on the left was left open, and thankfully that was the bathroom, so Jim didn't have to chance any other doors.

Well, Jim looked about as bad as he felt. Puffy eyes, pale clammy skin, and his hair stuck out in every direction. He did his best to tidy himself up well enough for the trip home, then he could officially get ready for school.

Once he felt decent enough, he stepped out of the restroom. 

“Good morning, Young Atlas,” Strickler said, walking past him in the hall towards the living room.

“G- good morning,” Jim stumbled over his words, as he caught up with seeing Strickler in something over than a long sleeve turtle neck.

He had known Strickler for a long time, but he'd never even assumed he would see the man in a baggy T-shirt with some ancient brand on it and sweat pants.

Jim walked down the hall, and into the living room, while Strickler searched through his refrigerator.

With the cut of the shirt, Jim was able to understand why the teacher always wore such clothing even during the hotter months. Hundreds of years worth of scars decorated his arms and a few even made it to his neck. Jim wondered if he would have similar markings if it weren't for his armor.

“Are you hungry?” Strickler asked, glancing back towards the boy standing in his living room.

“Umm, well, I need to go home,” Jim said, blinking back into focus.

Strickler shut the fridge, and frowned looking guilty. “Your mother is calling you out of school this morning.”

“What?!” Jim ran his hands through his hair, messing up his previous attempts at making it look decent. “You told her?”

“I did not tell her about our conversation,” he quickly assured, “I did however inform her of your condition last night. Whether it was from the baku saliva or the nightmare, I am unsure.”

Jim's eyebrows pinched together. “My condition last night?” He rubbed his head trying to remember.

Strickler gave him a moment to try to recall on his own, but when Jim continued to be at a loss he answered. “You stopped breathing last night, I was able to wake you enough to get you to breathe again, and then you vomited.”

Jim glanced back towards the couch, guilt twisting his insides at the idea of Strickler having to deal with whatever was wrong with him. But at least he had an answer to why he felt so terrible this morning.

“So, am I allowed to go home?” Jim asked, curious how far his ailment would prevent him from going.

“You may return home.” Strickler nodded. “I will drop you off on my way to the school.”

“Not exactly on the way,” Jim mumbled, but if he could be back at his own house that would be good enough. “Thanks.”

“Now I'll ask again,” he started firmly, “are you hungry?”

Notes:

The title enters the story lol, I couldn't resist.
Also I think I may have really put Jim through it because I cranked out the second half of this chapter a few days ago after a guy stood me up (bro asked me out and wasn't even in town) This is one of the reasons I don't really want to date, like I'm not attracted to you, I just wanted to have a fun day and then you pull this shit. And now the whole internet gets to here about it.
So yeah, I was feeling pretty down so Jim got to feel down too. SUFFER WITH ME YOU LITTLE BLORBO!
Anyways, I'm doing a lot better now (other than the fact that I'm now sick). I offically got my best friend HOOKED on Trollhunters. He even bought the game so we could play it together (it was like $8 on steam) and he even asked for my fanfic so he could see my take on everything! eeeee! well buddy, if you make it this far HIIII!!!! love you!
Merry Christmas! hope you have a great end of your year!
Also I did have plans to write a chapter about thanksgiving at thanksgiving and a christmas chapter at christmas but chapters/arcs are taking longer than expected, so be prepared for a thanksgiving chapter probably for new years and a christmas chapter in like Februray or something idk.

Chapter 42

Summary:

Jim sees who's willing to join in the plan for Angor Rot.

Notes:

Shorter chapter today, hope you enjoy it.

 “So let me get this straight,” Douxie started, leaning against the table. “You want me to teach Claire shadowmancy—something I don't know how to do—so that she and Stricklander can give Angor Rot—Morgana’s champion—his soul back.”

Jim’s nod started slow and then sped up as he confirmed to himself that it was all accurate. “Yeah, that sounds right. Okay, but I should add, you're the one that taught Claire shadow magic last time. I wasn't exactly around to witness it, but she praised you as a really good teacher.”

Douxie didn't look very confident about it.

“Douxie!” One of the other cafe workers called, “stop chatting with your friend, and take care of your tables!”

“On it!” Douxie called back. “I think I might have a book on it, just keep me updated on Lady Claire's willingness in the plan.”

Jim gave him a thumbs up and a small apologetic smile, then left the cafe.

“I am gun robot, pick up your phone!” 

“Hey Tobes!” Jim greeted, he was definitely feeling better than he had that morning. Barbara had been sure to check on him, and see that he wasn’t going to have any more long lasting issues from the previous night. But from the sound of it the chance of him waking up to Draal or really anyone else making sure he wasn’t dying in the middle of the night was high.

“Sooo, gonna explain why you weren't at school?” Toby asked curiously, “did you defeat Angor Rot? Or maybe some weird time anomaly alien showed up?!”

Jim laughed at Toby’s goofiness. “Nah, nothing exciting, unless you count attempting to ingest another creature's saliva and then throwing up.”

“Nasty,” Toby gagged, “should I ask why?”

“It wasn't anything interesting, just a test on myself to check out some things. Buuuut!” he began, pumping up his optimism again. “I have something I need to talk to you and Claire about, are you both good to meet in Trollmarket?”

“I think so. Claire's off hanging out with her girlfriends right now,” he answered, “oooh! and I totally have something super exciting I want to show you down in… the place… Hi Eli.” Toby paused for a moment, then started talking again. “Dude was totally eyeing me. Weird, I thought we were kinda friends. Oh wait, you told me something about him, possibly knowing huh?” He paused again. “Okay, okay, but you've totally gotta see my new cool thing in Trollmarket!”

Toby getting a cool new thing that's in Trollmarket? Jim had a pretty good idea he knew what it was. “Alright, I'll do my best to be surprised if it is what I think it is.”

“Oh come on! How am I ever going to surprise you if you're able to know the future?” He huffed, disappointed that his surprise was possibly ruined.

“You surprise me all the time, Tobes,” Jim assured him, “anyways, I'll call Claire and meet you in Trollmarket.”

“Library or Forge?” 

The library would give them more privacy, especially for talking about Angor Rot, but if Toby had officially become Warhammer then the Forge would be better to start off in.

“Forge, I’ve been cooped up all day, and could really use some action.” Jim gave a small kick and punch in the air.

“Yeah, well, you do that,” Toby replied, sounding exhausted, “You weren't sent to hell-” he coughed, “I mean didn't have gym class today. Anyways, see you in Trollmar-” Toby started panting, it sounded like he was suddenly running. “Psycho Steve is staring me down, gotta run!”

Jim pulled his phone away from his ear, the call now ended. Hopefully Toby would be alright. Steve wasn't gonna go after him… right?

He'd just have to trust that Toby had things under control. He would have asked for help if he needed it. Unlike Jim.

Jim opened his phone app, and pulled up the next person he needed to get ahold of. 

“Hola,” Claire greeted. 

“Hola, hey, are you available to meet in Trollmarket in a bit?” Jim asked, then suddenly felt nervous about what he was going to ask of her. Sure she was incredibly powerful, but to hold someone else's soul?!

“I'm kind of with the girls right now,” She said, sounding a bit tense. “No, Mary, I'm not putting it on speaker.”

“Hey, no problem,” Jim said, then hearing aggressive shuffling on the other end decided it best to keep watch of his words. “I'm just going to be doing some… working out with Toby, although I think he's mostly going to be cheering me on today. But if you want to meet at the library once you're done with the girls I'd love to talk to you about… umm, stuff! I-if you want.”

“Sí, I'll text you when I can head over,” she said, keeping a casual tone much better than Jim had, and she hung up the phone.

Jim could only imagine what might have been going on with Mary and Darci. Their point of view of things must have been intriguing to say the least.

---

 

Jim walked into the forge, which was strangely already on. Blinky stood next to the controls smiling up at whoever was on the course, AAARRRGGHH!!! on the other hand looked a little worried.

An orange blur suddenly crashed down only a few inches in front of Jim, making him stagger back with wide eyes as Toby stood. He hefted his bright orange warhammer over his shoulder as if it were weightless, and smiled brightly. 

“How cool is this?!” He asked, spinning it around a few times before aggressively slamming the hammerhead on the ground and leaning against the handle as the arena shut down behind him.

“Very cool,” Jim said slowly, having noticed how close Toby had been to smashing his own toes with the hammer. He shook his head, and pumped up his energy. “SO COOL! AWESOMESAUSE COOL! LIKE TOTALLY CRISPY!”

Toby laughed joyfully, “I think you'll also be happy… spoilers I suppose, that Claire can open magic portals now.”

Jim smiled brightly. He wasn't exactly sure what had taken place yesterday, but Mateo had definitely been right about his friends needing to deliver that package.

“Oooh, team Trollhunters is so back in business!” Jim pumped his fist. “Just wait until Blinky modifies the hammer, and then we are totally set!”

“Modifies?” Toby questioned, looking his hammer up and down with concern, “What's wrong with her?”

Jim stepped to Toby’s side, and wrapped his arm around him. “Two words for you, Tobes: Pocket hammer.”

He frowned. “But I like my hammer being big.”

Jim pulled his amulet from his pocket, and showed it to Toby. “Pocket armor.”

Toby’s eyes sparkled with realization. “Pooocket hammeeer!” He whispered with delight.

“Exactly, but for now just big hammer.” He gave Toby a firm pat on the back, then walked over to Blinky. “Alright, I have been at home all day, please give me something to do, Blink!”

Blinky smiled proudly, very pleased the boy wanted to train so early in the day. “I was hoping you would be up for practicing more armor sharing.”

Toby brightened, even though he had previously stated exhaustion from gym class. “Make me a tank! Make me a tank! Make me a tank!” He happily chanted, and Jim couldn't help but give into the demand. 

“Alright, let's see if I can do this first try.”

---

 

After getting a text from Claire, Jim and Toby headed to the library with Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!!!, and Draal who had joined them shortly after they started training.

“How was ‘working out’?” Claire asked, as they entered the library. Toby pulled away from where he had been leaning on Jim during their walk back. 

“We're totally crispy,” He said through exhaustion.

Claire raised her notched eyebrow. “And that means?”

“It went good,” Jim answered, reaching slightly for Toby who took a few stumbling steps away from him. “Toby may have gotten a little over excited about the new warhammer and armor combination.”

“How cool are we?!” Toby cheered, then tumbled over with a stack of books.

Blinky made a small distressed sound, but also knew the books made for trollish hands could withstand such treatment.

“Super cool, Tobes.” Jim gave him a thumbs up, and decided it best to leave his friend and the pile of books on the floor. They were surprisingly comfortable.

Claire leaned on the main table, as Jim walked to the opposite side of it. “So, what's the stuff you want to talk about? Did Toby tell you about yesterday?” She grinned with excitement, and Jim couldn't help but reflect the energy.

“About how you opened a shadow portal? YEAH! IT'S INCREDIBLE!”

Blinky joined them at the table, and gave Claire a gentle pat on the shoulder, while ruffling Jim's hair. “She did quite an incredible job, she seems rather skilled in the method of magic.”

Claire's cheeks warmed at the praise.

“Which is exactly what I want to talk to you about, Claire.” Jim started, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Seeing her bright smile, Jim suddenly felt nervous about what he was going to ask of her. He swallowed hard.

“Claire, I actually have a favor to ask of you. It's like really, really big, but I want you to know that you can say no. Seriously no pressure at all if you don't want to do it.”

“Jim.”

“And if you don't do it then I've totally got another plan, and you won't have to worry about anything.”

“Jim!”

Blinky's fist bonked down on the top of Jim's head, snapping out of his worried rambling.

“Apologies, Master Jim,” he mumbled.

“It's alright, thanks.” Jim rubbed the top of his head, and refocused on Claire.

“Just tell me what the favor is, and I'll tell you if I want to do it or not,” she assured him.

“R-right,” Jim nodded, “Okay, sooo, regarding Angor Rot.”

Draal gave a deep growl at the mention of the assassin.

Jim ignored him and continued, “The only reason he's after us is because Morgana took his soul, and forced him to be a slave to whoever wields the ring that holds it. There's a ritual to be able to reunite his soul with his body, but…” He locked eyes with Claire. “It requires a shadow mancer to hold his soul for an entire month.”

Claire's eyebrows shot up, and Blinky gasped. Both other trolls made uncomfortable sounds. 

“Claire, I am asking you to wear the Inferna Copula, and let it bind to your magic.”

She blinked a few times, shook her head, and took a few steps back from the table. “Jim, I don't even have magic, I used a magic staff to open a portal. I'm not some magic ancient person like Douxie or Merlin.”

A small smile crept onto Jim's face, and he walked around the table, approached Claire, and gently took up her hands.

“But you are so much more powerful than you think. I've seen you work magic even without a staff, which I just found out is even more insanely powerful than I originally assumed.” He squeezed her hands. “If you say yes to this- actually even if you say no to this, Douxie is willing to teach you about shadow magic. Claire, you could become a wizard!”

She stared at him, in absolute silent shock.

“Whaaaaaaaaaaat?” Toby’s voice echoed quietly across the library. “Awesomesause.”

Claire pulled her hands away from Jim's, and cradled her head in them. “This is- this is insane!”

Jim did his best to give her a reassuring smile, but remained quiet to let her process things at her own pace.

“I just managed to open a portal yesterday, and now you're telling me I could be some maga?” She rubbed her temples so harshly it looked painful. “¿Qué está pasando?”

Guilt flooded Jim's stomach, maybe he should have gone about introducing the idea more gently.

“Hey, hey, don't worry about it. You don't have to do anything you don't want to,” Jim started, “I've got a different plan on the back burner, and we can totally just ignore the fact that we had this conversation.”

“Are you kidding me?” Claire’s hands released her head, and clamped around Jim’s shoulders and she started shaking him. “THIS IS SO COOL!” She released him and took a few dancing steps away from him before giving a small twirl. “I have been trying to talk Mary and Darci into getting into witchcraft with me, but it just never worked out. But this! Oh my gosh! This is so much more than hexes and protection spells, this is MAGIC!”

Jim didn't try to fight the giant smile on his face as butterflies erupted in his stomach at the sight of her being so happy about this. The way she allowed herself to move about with her delight, made him want to dance about with her. He wanted to hold her close, and bask in her beautiful raw emotion.

“Master Jim,” Blinky whispered, shuffling quietly to Jim's side. “Is this a good idea? If you are planning to cast a spell relating to souls… the type of magic required for such a feat is quite proportional.”

Jim placed his hands on his hips, feeling quite confident. “Don't worry Blinky, I have a really good feeling about this.”

Blinky turned his attention from Jim to Claire, who pranced back over to them.

“Well, the magic sounds absolutely fantastic! Now about Angor Rot's soul, could I get more detail on that?”

“So Strickler has a ritual that he can perform to get the soul out of the ring, and back into its proper place.” Jim walked back over to the table, and leaned against it. “But it requires the assistance of skilled shadow magic. You're kinda the only person I know who can use shadow magic. So you get to wear the magic soul ring, and it will connect to your magic, so then when it comes to the ritual the spell will actually work.”

“Master Jim,” Blinky placed two hands on the table, and his brows slanted with worry. “Angor Rot is an incredibly dangerous enemy, for you to give the ring to our Fair Claire, I-” he cut himself off, and took a deep breath. “I will let the choice remain on you both.”

Claire pressed her curled hand against her chin and mouth, her brows knit together, and the room fell into silence as the decision fell on her.

Jim had nothing against her if she decided against the plan, he knew Angor Rot could be happy enough if he was just able to be in possession of his ring.

Claire lifted her gaze and it locked with Jim's, and he suddenly felt intimidated by the confidence and almost mischievous glint in her eye.

“I'll do it.”

“Are you crazy town banana pants?!” Toby dashed over to the table, colliding into it beside Claire. “He's like the devil! FROM THE BIBLE!”

“Perhaps,” Claire nodded, but that didn't seem to bother her in the slightest, “but the ring gives me the ability to control him right? So I can just tell him not to hurt anyone.”

Blinky made a sound of discomfort, but didn't say anything.

“I mean, yeah,” Jim shrugged.

“Then I don't see anything wrong with this plan, he seems like he could be cool.” She gave a casual shrug back.

“So you're just gonna let a demon troll in your house?” Toby questioned, sounding quite nervous about the possibility. “Aren't you Catholic? Isn't this like completely against that?”

“My parents are Catholic,” Claire corrected, “and hardly even, if that. Toby, did you really think I was into that? You've seen my locker, plus I have a brother who's a changeling.”

“Jim,” Toby turned to his friend as if he hadn't been the one to suggest this plan. “She has skulls in her locker, SKULLS! If you give Angor Rot to her I think she might end the world.”

Jim laughed. “That's what you're worried about? Tobes, I trust Claire. Pluuus, I think the skull thing is pretty cool.” Just about anything Claire did was cool in his book.

Toby nodded a few times, crossed his arms and looked at Claire. “Okay, okay, I'll trust you. But don't go using Angor Rot for some freaky girl sleepover shit!”

Claire smiled smugly. “I promise nothing.”

Notes:

Oh my gosh! this is oddly enough kind of the last chapter of the Angor Rot arc! I AM SO HAPPY!!! (it'll make more sense later of how this is the end of the arc) were gonna have two more REALLY fun chapters that I am SO EXCITED TO WRITE, and then were gonna get into another very fun arc, which hopefully wont be nearly as long as this last one! I think I have enough stuff layed out to really let things take off. But hey, these characters do their own thing most of the time so I honstly have no idea where this is gonna go. I mean I do know, I just don't know how truly long it's gonna take for me to get there.
Well! hope you all have an awesome day!
Keep It Crispy!!!

Chapter 43

Summary:

Jim takes a crew to visit Angor Rot. After school Jim has a very strange run in with Eli and then Steve. Strickler and Jim talk about changelings.

Strickler tapped his foot impatiently when Jim and Claire pulled up on the newly maintenanced Vespa Jim had gotten from Blinky the night before.

“I do have a job you know?” Strickler said, looking down at his watch.

“And we have school, which you know as our principal,” Jim replied, and dismounted the scooter. “We just have one more person we’re waiting on.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Strickler tugged on his coat to straighten it, as if they were going somewhere nice, rather than traversing the sewers.

A person slid down the side of the hill, joining them down by the entrance of the tunnels. “I have arrived!” Douxie announced proudly, and nodded to Claire and Jim, then turned his attention to the disguised changeling. “Mr. Strickler? Oh right, forgot you were a changeling.”

Strickler glared at Jim. “Young Atlas, do you tell all of your friends every little detail of your allies?”

“It was a natural part of the conversation,” Jim argued.

Douxie laughed, not at all bothered by the angry changeling. “I’ve met you before in your other form.”

Strickler raised an eyebrow, prompting more information.

“It was a while ago.” He offered his hand in greeting. “I’m Douxie, you’ve probably noticed me around the school a few times with Connie, she’s a colleague of mine.”

Strickler took his hand and shook it. “A wizard, working with the others in that little store of yours?”

“Ah, no, I don’t work with the others, I’ve got duties of my own to work on.” Douxie said, sounding just a little nervous.

“You work at a café and a book store,” Jim couldn’t stop himself from pointing out.

Douxie’s cheeks tinted pink. “I do other things you know! Haven’t had to deal with helheeti’s the past few nights have you?”

“No, no, your right,” Jim raised his hands in surrender.

“Can we please get this over with?” Strickler demanded, and already started into the sewers. The other three followed behind him. 

“So Mr. Strickler.” Douxie started falling in stride by his side. “We wizards have definitely noticed the changelings seem a little… unstructured.”

Strickler gave a small glance over his shoulder, to look at Jim who did his best to look like he wasn’t listening. Claire on the other hand didn’t seem to care to hide her interest.

“Changelings naturally work in both structure and the lack thereof,” he replied, keeping his voice cold and calculated. “I think it would be best if you and your little crew of hedge wizards kept your noses out of our business. It would not end well if my people felt threatened by your presence.”

“Noted.” The wizard nodded, and turned his attention to the path ahead of them.

The four walked in silence for a few minutes, until they came to a fork in the path and Jim instructed them to turn left. 

“So, where’s Archie?” Claire asked, trying to distract herself from the smell.

“He’s watching the bookstore with Zoe,” Douxie replied, “She said she would hunt helheetis with me last night, but since she missed it, Arch demanded she watch the bookstore with him.”

“How would a cat watch a book store on his own anyway?” She wondered.

“Oh, the book shop is closed,” he laughed at the idea, even if Archie could probably shapeshift into a human, although Jim had never seen it happen. “They’re just watching over some stuff in the back. I was working on a few potions.”

“Right, and then he should be right around the corner.” Jim said, looking down at his map, and then walked right into Strickler who he hadn’t realized had stopped.

“Or he heard us from a mile away and is right here,” Strickler stated. His fist clenched tightly, turning his knuckles white as if the ring might possibly try to just slide off his finger.

Angor Rot’s quiet chuckle echoed through the tunnels. “What an intriguing little party that has come to the depths to torment me.” He approached them somehow both menacingly slowly, and threateningly fast at the same time. “Stricklander, have you finally sought a new target for me to hunt? You have not summoned me for some time.”

“You could have just summoned him?” Claire whisper-hissed, not seeming to be fazed by Angor Rot’s horrifying appearance as Jim was. 

“Angor Rot,” Strickler started, and if Jim wasn’t mistaken he almost sounded scared. “I am here to make sure you do not harm the Trollhunter as he speaks with you.”

The troll hummed with interest, and his golden eyes fixed on Jim. “You have bested me in a fight before, and yet you hide behind a changeling as a shield. Tell me Trollhunter, why would one of your standing speak to the one bound to kill you.”

Jim swallowed hard as he straightened his posture. “I’m here to inform you that my bargain has changed. I won't be giving you the Inferna Copula. Rather, I am giving it to Claire, the one who has your staff. After a month, she and Strickler will return your soul to you as it should be.” 

Angor Rot glared daggers into each of them, knowing with Strickler present there was nothing he could do against them. “I have been promised my soul before, but as you see, Trollhunter, I am still cursed as you are.”

Jim clenched his jaw, he wouldn’t let that get to him.

“Angor Rot,” Douxie started, speaking with far more confidence than he’d had all morning. “I understand you are enslaved to the Pale Lady, but my friends here want to set you free. I know something like this seems too good to be true, but here the Trollhunter is! He’s telling you this plan not because he needs you to know it, but because he wants you to. The trading off of the ring could happen without your knowledge. Claire could take ownership of your soul and there would be nothing you could do about it.” He stepped behind Jim, and placed his hands on his shoulders. “He is letting you have a choice, because seeing the good in people and letting them choose is what he does.”

Jim drew up his courage, with Strickler here there was literally nothing Angor Rot could do to him. “I was going to come here alone, to tell you this plan to give you a heads up, but I wanted you to know who was going to be dealing with your soul.” Jim gestured to the people around him. “Because I’m going to be honest, I personally would prefer to know who was handling my soul if I was in your situation.”

Angor Rot did not seem to care about what was being said, instead he took a few strides away from them, leaned against the tunnel wall, ripped a part of his flesh off, and began to carve it. 

Douxie coughed in an attempt to hide the way he gagged at the troll’s terrifying sourcing of magic. The cough only enhanced the sound.

Jim took in a shaky breath, knowing if he spoke the troll would still listen. “You’ve been wrongfully cursed, and I’m going to do whatever I can to let you make your own choices. You deserve to make your own choices.”

Angor Rot’s eyes slowly lifted from his carving, and focused on Jim. A terrifying smile spread across his face. He blew a few bits of dust from the carving, tucked it into a pouch on his hip, then slowly walked back over to the group, never breaking eye contact with Jim.

Strickler tensed, his hand reaching towards Jim as Angor Rot leaned down bringing his face only inches from Jim’s. “I pity you,” he whispered, sending shivers down Jim’s spine. “Your attempts to save others will not save yourself. Your wizard will return, and he will complete that which is unfinished.” 

Jim pinched his eyes shut as Angor Rot’s boney fingers brushed against his hand which clenched into a fist on instinct. The assassin pulled away, and turned to Strickler, an entertained smile remained on his face for a few seconds before it vanished completely. 

He glanced towards Claire, then back to Strickler. “If you truly do seek to break my master’s curse, the darkness of the new moon will allow the magic to course more freely.”

The changeling and troll stared at each other for quite some time, long enough that Jim had to wonder if Strickler was talking to him through his soul. 

“Do not harm anything but what you need to survive,” Strickler ordered, “report on the night of the new moon.”

Angor Rot, seeing he was now allowed to leave, took that as his chance, and in a few quick and smooth movements he had vanished from view.

Jim looked down at his clenched hand. He tried to open it, but his fingers wouldn’t move.

The group headed out of the sewers, and once they reached open skies again Douxie let out a long shaky breath. “I’ve heard about Angor Rot, but Mordrax’s miracles! He’s terrifying!”

“I think he’s cool!” Claire announced, her voice shaking with the remaining nerves from the encounter, but also with excitement similar to people who enjoyed being scared in haunted houses.

How had Claire never watched Danger House? It was a classic horror movie!

Douxie stared at Claire like she was insane, then his eyes shifted over. “Jim, your hand.”

Jim lifted his hand, still refusing to unclench. 

Douxie pulled in a breath through his teeth. “That spell can’t be comfortable.”

“Spell?” Jim focused on his hand, but no matter what it wouldn’t open as if it were paralyzed, and the more he tried the more his muscles strained and began to hurt.

Douxie started towards him, drawing up his sleeve to reveal his rune cuff. “Let me get-”

Strickler grabbed Jim’s hand. “Relax, Young Atlas.” He whispered something in a language Jim didn’t know. He slid his hand from the crook of his elbow to the end of his fingers which carefully uncurled with the movement.

Strickler and Jim gasped. In Jim’s palm, green and softly glowing, was the Killstone.

Jim rolled it to his fingers and held it up to the light, as if testing to see if it were real. “Do you think this means he trusts us?”

“Trust is a strong word,” Strickler said, “but I believe this may mean he’s willing to see if your plan goes anywhere.”

---

 

“You got a new upgrade!” Toby cheered, “Awesomesause!”

“Right, it felt like it took forever,” Jim replied as he pulled away from his locker and fell into stride with Toby. “Next we just need the Eye of Gunmar and I’ll be set!”

“Like… his actual eyeball?” Toby asked, turning a little green.

“It’s a rock, Tobes,” he replied, “it’s not like they have blood.”

That was enough to get Toby’s face back to its proper color. 

Claire peeled away from Mary and Darci a little ways ahead of them in the hall then started walking backwards in front of the two boys. “So I know you are supposed to take Wednesdays off, but are you going to carve the stone tonight?”

“I think my mom would kill me,” Jim replied, “and Strickler, and Blinky, maybe even AAARRRGGHH!!!. They’re all in agreement that I have a required day off. If I try to go carve the stone tonight I think I’ll be forced on bed rest for the entirety of Thanksgiving break.”

“Oh! Speaking of break, do you have to go over to Strickler’s right after school?” Toby asked, “Since it's half day, I was thinking we should go see a movie or something fun with the free time.”

Jim made a face, he was planning on heading straight to Strickler’s after school, he had an idea of what he wanted to talk to him about, and if Toby detoured him he might talk himself out of it.

“I think that’s a no,” Claire said, “plus I have family in town now, I don’t think I’ll be able to do any of our after school activities.”

“Is that what the stressed out text you sent in the group chat was about?” Toby asked, “something about not being able to be yourself with all your family around.”

“That text definitely wasn’t from Claire, Tobes,” Jim stated, “The lack of grammar, and the use of trollish slang. That text was obviously Mateo.”

Toby shrugged. “I wasn’t going to say anything if Claire wanted to try out a new way to vent.”

Claire rolled her eyes, and the conversation came to an end when they entered their first class for the day.

---

 

School got out just in time to release the students to go eat lunch anywhere but on campus. Jim didn’t follow that though. He had packed his own lunch to munch on while he waited for Strickler to wrap up whatever he needed to do before the long weekend. 

Not even bothering for when he reached the office, Jim pulled out his bagged lunch, and treated himself to the grapes inside. Something clanged in a locker as he walked past it, Jim paused, that didn’t sound like a few items just shifting. Looking around in the hall to see if anyone was around, Jim backtracked down the hall to the locker he had heard the noise from. 

“Hello?” He questioned carefully. It couldn’t be pixies, Angor Rot wasn’t after him anymore. But what had that been about Douxie saying the changelings were unstructured? Maybe there were a few out for Trollhunter blood.

“Is someone out there?” A voice sounded from the locker, making Jim jump back and hit his back against the opposite wall.

He rolled his shoulder, trying to ease the bit of pain. “Wait- Eli?” Jim rushed to the locker and began prying at the door. “Dude! Did Steve seriously shove you in here right before break?!” Jim knew Steve was a bully, but that seemed harsh even for him!

The door finally swung open with a loud clang. Eli smiled at his release, and began slowly uncurling from his uncomfortable position. 

“What happened?” Jim asked, trying to figure out what would have gotten him shoved in here. From what he’d seen glimpses of they should have been friends at this point, the Creepslayerz or whatever.

“Steve shoved me in here because he trusted that I could be a good distraction!” The boy cheered.

Jim blinked as he processed what was just said. “What-” something hard collided with the back of Jim’s head. He clutched at the injury. “OW!” He turned around and found Eli standing beside Steve who was holding a wooden baseball bat.

Steve glanced between the bat and Jim. “I thought that would- how is he still standing?”

“What is wrong with you?!” Jim demanded, wincing at the pain throbbing through his skull.

“STEVE! TACKLE HIM!” Eli shouted, and suddenly both boys lunged at Jim forcing him to the ground. 

“GET OFF ME!” Jim yelled, trying to get out of their grasp, but even years of Trollhunter training hadn’t prepared him for a scrawny boy wrapping around him like a human rope. Steve lifted the two of them off the ground and covered Jim’s mouth before he could say anything. 

“Steve! Hurry! He’s really strong!” Eli cried as he tried to pry out of their grips. 

“I know that!” Steve growled, and rushed them into the closest classroom. 

Jim was more flabbergasted than anything, preventing him from fighting back due to a mix of shock and curiosity of where this was going. He was shoved into a chair, and the second Eli had released him he was tied to the chair with one of the gym climbing ropes.

The two boys panted once they had completed their work, and after a few seconds of catching their breath, Eli sprung up with a victory jump and fist pump. 

“WE GOT HIM!” He cheered victoriously. Then held up his hand in a C shape. “Creep!”

“Slayerz!” Steve held his hand above Eli’s in the same shape.

Jim took a deep breath, doing his best to ignore the pain still in the back of his head. From what he could tell though he didn’t have any brain damage. “Do I get to ask why you jumped me in the hall, and tied me up in a chair?”

Steve glared at him. “We’ll be the ones asking questions here, Lake, if that is even your name.”

Jim kept his mouth shut, both to stop from asking questions, but also to stop himself from laughing. What is this situation???

Eli clamped his hand around his fist as if trying to pop his knuckles but they didn’t make a sound. “We know everything! You cover up all the creeper business happening, and you're a witch! We’ve seen the way you're forming a coven with Toby and Claire!”

Jim tried, he really did, but he couldn’t hold back his laughter. A tear even slid down his face, and he curled around the rope binding him from the pain in his gut from how hard he was laughing.

“HEY!” Steve grabbed the collar of Jim’s sweater. “Shut up! You’re going to tell us exactly what you're planning on doing to Arcadia!"

Jim slowly gained control of himself, and took a few deep breaths to make sure he didn’t start laughing again. “I’m not planning on doing anything to Arcadia.” He leaned his head to the side, looking at Eli. “Ask any questions you want, I’ll answer honestly as long as they aren’t too intrusive.”

The nerd and jock exchanged looks, then Steve released Jim’s sweater and took a few steps back.

“What are you?” Eli asked, the hostility gone from his voice, replaced by pure curiosity.

“I’m a human,” he answered, but his stomach churned a little at the slight incorrectness of the statement. 

“You vanished into thin air!” Steve growled, “humans don’t do that.”

Jim nodded slowly, understanding the argument. “Most humans don’t, but you're getting into stuff I don’t want to talk about. I haven’t told anyone about that ability.”

“So if you’re a human, then why are you so involved with creepers?” Eli questioned, “You even have a giant one in your basement!”

“Wait, you’ve seen Draal?” Maybe Steve and Eli were better spies than he gave them credit for. Jim shook his head, trying to focus. “I’m their protector, I’ve been trained in… creeper battle tactics? Yeah that sounds good. I’m not going to do anything to Arcadia other than protect it.”

“Sounds like he’s making it up,” Steve said, while Eli was staring with stars in his eyes. “You’re making up the creeper battle tactics! Tell the truth, Lake!”

Jim sighed, he thought it had sounded kinda cool. “Alright, here you go. I’m the Trollhunter selected by a magical amulet made by Merlin. I’m sworn to protect humans and good trolls from evil foes like Gunmar the Black. I’m the first human Trollhunter, normally the calling goes to a troll, but I’ve proven my worth by defeating Gunmar’s son, Bular the Butcher and preventing him and his crew from opening the Killahead bridge and releasing Gunmar and his army from the Darklands.”

Steve blinked a few times before turning to Eli. “Did any of that make any sense to you?”

“OH MY GOSH IT’S ALL REAL! I KNEW IT!!!” Eli was so excited he was practically vibrating.

“Can I be untied now?” Jim asked, giving a small wave with his hands that were stuck down by his waist. 

“Why, got somewhere to be?” Steve asked, stopping Eli from making any moves.

“Umm, I was on my way to Principal Strickler’s office. I’ve kinda got some stuff I need to talk about him with. And now that I’m not there, I might have missed my chance until after break.” He explained, as if Strickler hadn’t been invited to thanksgiving at his house.

“Wait! Do the teachers know about the creepers?” Eli asked, some crazy theory already forming in his mind.

“Uuuh, No.” Jim answered, at least most of the teachers weren’t involved. “Listen, today is supposed to be my day off from all this stuff, Trollhunting is a full time job ya know? I could really do for a nice normal day, but I don’t think I’ve had a normal day since I first picked up the amulet. So if I could go…”

“NO!” Steve shouted, “you’re not leaving until I understand what the flip is going on!”

“Oh boy.” Jim rolled his eyes. “We’ll be here forever then.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He stomped over to him, and leaned the chair back, threatening to throw Jim to the floor.

“Sorry, sorry, I’ve had a long day,” he sighed, “I’ve been having to plan a ton of stuff and make sure everyone is in the loop, it’s been a lot of fun but it’s also exhausting.”

“What are you planning?” Eli peeped, “can we help?”

“Not unless one of you is a master shadow wizard or knows how to return a soul to its host.” Jim shrugged, then smiled at how big Eli’s eyes were. “But we’ve got people for that already… mostly.” Jim thought hard on anything that they needed help with that these two could actually do. He knew they were capable of some stuff. “There’s not too much going on right now other than… that. But if you want I’ll call in the Creepslayerz if we have something come up.”

Eli looked to Steve with the biggest smile, Steve fought off a smile, and propped Jim back up in his chair. 

“We could probably spare the time to help out.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “You know, we’re pretty busy slaying creeps on our own.”

Jim felt it best not to comment on that. “Well, if I come across a goblin horde, or gnomes try to start a war I’ll let you know.”

“YES!” Eli pumped his fist. “This is gonna be so cool!” The two boys turned to each other and began celebrating by flexing and making strange noises. Too much noise, Jim knew, especially when he heard someone in the hall.

“Umm, untie me please?” Jim tried, but too late.

The classroom door swung open, and standing in the doorway, of all teachers, thankfully, was Strickler. His eyes scanned over the room lingering on each boy before settling on Jim, and raising an eyebrow at his current state. 

“Would someone like to inform me what is taking place in here?” He questioned, as if he had just walked in on a normal situation.

“Chess club?” Jim offered with a shrug.

Strickler walked up to the two boys, looking at them down his nose. “Mr. Palchuck, Mr. Pepperjack, I believe school ended over half an hour ago.”

“We uhh,” Steve glanced over to Jim—still tied up in the chair—and seemed to register how bad this looked.

“Mr. Strickler,” Jim started, “am I glad to see you! Steve and Eli here found me just a moment ago. Some A-hole caught me in the hall and tied me up in here, probably as some stupid holiday prank. I didn’t see their face though.” Jim frowned, as if he actually needed to sell the lie. 

Strickler looked over each of the boys again. “Well aren’t you lucky we all showed up so close together. Mr. Palchuck, if you would untie your classmate.”

“Right!” Steve hurried over to Jim, and released him from the chair. 

Jim rubbed his hands up and down his arms, trying to rub away the uncomfortable feeling from the rope fibers. “Thanks Steve.” 

Steve gave a small nod.

“And now that Mr. Lake is free from this… prank, allow me to walk you out, we wouldn’t want any students being stuck here over break.” Strickler gestured to the door, and all three boys quickly headed out into the hall, and started towards the exit.

They reached the exit of the school in silence, and the two boys took off on Steve’s vespa. 

Strickler and Jim waited a few moments as they drove away. The teacher stood tall with his hands clasped behind his back. “Do I get to know what that was about?”

Jim looked up at him, his eyes still fixed on the streets, but a slight hint of an entertained smile showed on his face.

“I uhh,” Jim rubbed the back of his head, which was definitely bruised. “Steve found out about my trollhunting a while ago, but I kinda ditched him… so he resorted to probably whatever weird theories and ideas Eli had.”

“Those two are a strange combination,” Strickler said, and started towards his car, and Jim quickly followed behind, glancing towards the bike racks, briefly forgetting that his mom had dropped him off that morning. 

“You can say that again,” he laughed, climbing into the car. “But they saved a lot of people back before. They’re not the best, but it’s good to have extra hands around.”

“So you allowed them to tie you up?” Strickler questioned, concerned that two teenagers could get him in such a situation.

“Sort of,” Jim shrugged, “they caught me by surprise, and then I just couldn’t help but be intrigued with what they were trying to do.”

“Jim,” Strickler briefly glanced away from the road to shoot the boy a stern look. “You allowed two unpredictable people to tie you up!”

“I was fine,” Jim grumbled, crossing his arms and looking out the window. “I had things under control. Steve’s bad at tying knots anyway.”

He took a deep breath, and his hands twisted with white knuckles on the steering wheel.

Jim turned away from the window. “Sorry if I worried you.” His arms pulled out of their tight crossed position, and he started toying with the hem of his sweater. “Is… is everything okay with the Janus Order? You sounded kind of snappy at Douxie this morning.”

“Wizards and changelings don’t get along,” He stated, and for a moment Jim thought that was all the answer he was going to get. “The Janus Order is fine. A few people out of line, but that is to be expected.”

“Do I need to be careful of everyone?” Jim asked, Strickler gave him a brief glance to explain his meaning. “Umm, What’s his name and what's her name…” He felt silly for suddenly blanking on names. “Oh, Otto and Eloise.” 

Strickler’s brows shot up at the names. “You know what they are?”

His brows scrunched, trying to remember. “Polymorphs I think, yeah, they can turn into anyone. I umm, never really got the chance to know them. We kinda… killed them.”

“I’m rather surprised, you seem like such a peace seeker.” He pointed out, and Jim wrapped his arms around his stomach as it twisted with guilt.

“I’m trying to do better this time around, maybe if I deal less damage, less damage will be done to me.” He knew that was just wishful thinking, and in reality it was more that now he had people who could help him take a far more peaceful route. Strickler was on his side, and in charge of the changelings.

“You don’t need to worry about our two polymorphs, I keep careful tabs on them.” Strickler assured, and pulled into his driveway.

Jim glanced up at the porch, where the stray cat from the other day lounged in the autumn sunshine. 

The two got out of the car and the cat gave a small meow before running off to find another place to sunbathe.

“He seems to like hanging around your house,” Jim noted, watching it dash across the street.

“As I’m sure you’ve learned, Young Atlas, that is what happens when you feed a stray.” He unlocked the front door, and the two of them walked inside.

“Wait, you feed that cat?” Jim glanced over his shoulder before the door closed behind him, catching one last glimpse of the animal. “Oh, were you referring to Angor Rot again?”

“I do not know what he will do once he is released, but it may become a bother.” Strickler tossed his keys back towards the door and they perfectly caught on a hook on the wall. 

“Is your cat a bother?” Jim asked, dropping his bag in the entryway. Then frowned when he realized he must have lost his lunch somewhere in the hall at school when the boys had jumped him.

“At times, but most often she keeps other pests out of the garden beds.” He was already in the kitchen pulling out what he needed to make tea. 

Jim made himself comfortable on the couch, and allowed the stress held in his muscles to dissipate. 

After a few minutes, Strickler brought over a tray with an assortment of food and tea, then took a seat in his chair. “How are you doing, Young Atlas?”

Jim felt it was a bit of a weird question to ask after they had already been talking for a while, but when wasn’t Strickler strange? “I’ve been good.” He was happy it was more than just crackers and cookies this time. Jim went for the slices of persimmon first, before grabbing a few pieces of cheese.

“Jim,” Strickler said, once the boy had swallowed down some food, but didn’t continue until he looked at him. “How are you doing really?”

A bit of that tense stress returned to his muscles, but then they drooped with defeat. “I’ve been feeling better now that things are moving along with Angor Rot, but every moment I’m not talking to someone about it I- I’m just worried about what’s going to happen in the future.”

Jim ate a bit more food, and Strickler let him, somehow having an extra sense that Jim was just building up his courage to say what he wanted to.

“Please say something if you think this is a bad idea,” Jim started, as he watched Strickler take up a few bits of food for himself. “But I think I should tell my mom.”

Strickler was surprised by that, which was fair, Jim had barely just started telling him about this stuff. “Is there a particular reason?”

Jim frowned. “Last time I kept everything a secret from her, and it really drove a wedge between us. I know things are a lot better than last time since she knows about me being the Trollhunter now, but I think it’s still bad when I’m so anxious and I refuse to tell her why. I didn’t even give her an excuse for my condition yesterday! She just accepts that I’m not telling her everything, and somehow that makes it worse.”

“There is nothing wrong with wanting to be open with those you care about,” Strickler said, leaning forward with his forearms on his knees. “You’re in a strange situation though, is there a limit you plan to not tell her?” 

Jim shook his head, realizing he hadn’t been fully clear as to what he meant. “I’m not planning on telling her everything that happens in the future, or every little thing that’s going on in my life, but I just want to be able to be honest with her when she asks me about things. Really I want to be honest with everyone, but I think she’s the best person to start with.”

“Nothing in this world is harder than speaking the truth, nothing is easier than flattery.” Strickler quoted, from who Jim didn’t know, he just knew he was quoting something based on his tone. “I am always encouraged by the way you care for the people around you, Young Atlas.”

“Thank you.” Jim nodded shyly, but felt a small smile lift the corners of his mouth. “So, since it’s been an issue I think I’m going to tell her about the… Merlin situation, and umm,” He looked up at Strickler. “You know I’ve heard that if you’re encouraged by someone you should follow in their footsteps…”

Strickler sat up straight so quickly, Jim thought he might knock his chair back. “Jim,” he warned.

“Come on, I told you you needed to tell her, and I can’t be honest with her if you're not!” Jim argued, throwing his hands around loosely. “I promise things will work out!”

Strickler stood and took a few steps away, looking out the window into the backyard. “I have done things I’m not proud of, and if she knows what I am she will know I am not a good person.”

Jim got up from the couch, but decided to stay standing where he was. Strickler wanted the space for a reason. “You are a good person though. You literally have me in your house right now and are giving me food and advice, what’s not good about that? My mom sees the good in everyone, and I mean everyone. I’m pretty sure if you gave her enough time she could find something good about Gunmar!”

Suddenly all the curtains in the house shut as if by magic. Thinking back to that morning, Jim realized it probably was.

Crackling green light filled the room, and Strickler whirled around to face Jim now in his trollish form. “This is what she would have to accept, Young Atlas. A spy master who has killed people for his own gain. Who bound his soul to hers to thwart her son!” He clenched and unclenched his hands, and his jaw worked back and forth as if he hadn’t been in this form for a very long time. “I know you plan to one day retrieve the familiars from the changeling nursery, if you return my familiar to this realm, I will be stuck like this forever.”

Jim slowly nodded, but then shook his head as he recognized the flaws in the argument. “And?”

“And this!” Strickler gestured to himself. “Do you not see what I am?”

“Are you going to stop me from retrieving the familiars?” Jim asked.

“No, that is not something I will stop you from attempting.”

“So what are you going to do? Disappear on her the moment I get out of the Darklands?” He demanded, “That’s the worst thing you could do to her! You want to know something, Strickler? Do I really need to tell you this again?” Jim’s face warmed already thinking about what he was going to say. “She likes it! She likes you like this!”

Strickler took a step back, thrown off by the comment. “Like… this?”

Jim threw his hands in the air. “YES! So stop being so self conscious! You literally started raising changeling familiars in my room when I left for New Jersey!” He took a deep breath needing to calm himself. “If she can accept the warrior troll living in her basement, and her son turned troll, then she can and will accept you.”

Crackling green light enveloped Strickler as he shifted back to his human form. “Appologies for the outburst, I am not normally so… wild.”

Jim shrugged, he’d spent plenty of time with trolls and as a troll to understand fear naturally tended to come out in angry bursts. 

“She umm… I will say she’ll probably need a bit of time to process it though,” Jim added, because finding out someone close to you was a changeling was a wild ride to go on.

Strickler returned to his chair, and poured himself a cup of steaming tea. “When are you wanting to tell her?” He asked, and took a sip of tea. Already somehow back to being perfectly calm.

Jim pressed his lips into a straight line. “Mmm, tomorrow.”

He choked on his tea.

“After dinner… she’s better with news when she’s eaten something.” He fidgeted with his sleeve.

“Anything else I should be aware of?” Strickler sighed. Jim knew it was supposed to be rhetorical, but he did have something else he needed to add.

“I need the Eye of Gunmar,” he mumbled, “and I know you have it.”

Strickler swallowed down his tea, as if it had something stronger in it. It was barely past one, but the day felt like it should be over by now.

Notes:

Strickler quotes Fyodor Dostoevsky (found it via goodreads, idk)

A quick thank you to Pinkytoothless011 for talking me into keeping the sewers scene. I originally cut it from the end of the last chapter and was going to summerize that Jim went to the sewers by himself (him getting the killstone was not in the original plan) at the beginning of this chapter. But instead we got a fun little scene to play around with. So thank you for that!!!

Chapter 44

Summary:

Jim, Barbara, and Strickler enjoy Thanksgiving together, although enjoy is a strong word when it comes to dropping infomation bombs on your mother.

Notes:

YAY! first chapter written in 2026!!!
lol, enjoy a Thanksgiving chapter 37 days late!

Sunlight spewed through the bedroom window much to Jim’s disappointment. He’d stayed up late, and he wanted to sleep in for the holiday. Jim pulled his blanket up over his head, and rolled onto his side. He probably should have closed the curtains to save him the bother in the morning, but the sun went down so early and the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a little bit more he would actually be able to fall asleep again. 

Okay but when did he need to get started on making food? He had done a bit of prep the night before, so everything would run smoothly. And as per usual thanksgiving tradition in the Lake home, Barbara was banned from the kitchen until Friday morning.

Jim always made enough food to feed an entire village, but he just really liked making a big feast. None of it ever went to waste, being repurposed into lunches and shared with the Domzalskis on Friday. And with Draal in the house Jim doubted the left overs were going to last nearly as long as they normally did.

Hands now itching to get started on work, Jim pulled the blanket from his head and sat up with a groan. He blinked a few times taking in his room, and the fact that there was a very big thing that wasn’t supposed to be there.

“Draal.” Jim slid his hands down his face. “Why are you in my room?”

“I am making sure you remain alive,” he answered, from where he sat on the floor, not that the position changed his height much with how short his legs were.

“And clearly I’m alive,” he grumbled, what does it take to get some privacy around here? “You do know when Strickler said to keep an eye on me, I think he meant you could do so from the OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR!”

“But how will I observe you if the door is closed?” Draal huffed, trying to figure out how he had misunderstood such simple instructions.

“Listen, smell, I don’t know, you’ve got a whole list of senses to pick from.” Jim got out of bed and threw his blanket at Draal’s face. “I may have like a million problems when it comes to sleep, but I’d like being watched by a troll to not be one of them.”

“A million?” Draal questioned as Jim marched out of his room, “I was only aware of twelve. I will speak to the impure about these other many issues.”

Jim would let him do that, he was sure he’d eventually recognize Jim had been greatly exaggerating. 

A few minutes later Jim was down in the kitchen, pulling ingredients out which began to crowd the counter, but he left himself enough room to work, and slowly he would make more room as he got through each item.

Barbara walked down the stairs, dressed in her scrubs for the hospital. “I get off work at five,” she informed him even though her schedule was written on the calendar for all to see. “Walter should be coming over around the same time.” She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her bag. “I know I’m working, but please call or text me if you need anything.”

Jim carefully finished peeling the current potato he was working on, then gave her a thumbs up. “Do you have your lunch?”

“It’s in the fridge,” she answered, then walked up to the kitchen, but stopped before entering. In this house, being banned from rooms was taken very seriously, a concept Draal had yet to understand.

Jim set his work down and pulled her food from the fridge, then handed it through the threshold. Barbara pulled him through as well and wrapped him in a tight hug. “Love you, and have fun. You don’t need to worry about Draal, he should be out of the house until later this evening.”

He wasn’t sure if he should ask what task Barbara had assigned the troll, but if it allowed Jim a peaceful kitchen he was happy. “Love you too, have a good day at work, and go save some lives.”

She gave him a gentle kiss on the top of his head, briefly reminding him that Steve had hit him over the head with a bat yesterday. And then Barbara was gone until dinner.

Jim got back to work, happy to have the kitchen free of any possible things to bother him… that was until his own mind decided to be a bother. 

Normally cooking eased his mind, and allowed him to just focus on the now, but that didn’t seem to be the case this time. Maybe it was the holiday, maybe it was just the fact that he was now alone, but the moment his mother had left Jim missed everyone.

He missed the way Blinky would wrap him in a four armed hug as he attempted to make some of the hurt and stress disappear for even a second. He missed the way AAARRRGGHH!!! always sniffed around at everything because of his stronger sense of smell and love for discovering things through it. He missed when Toby would call him and tell him everything that had happened the past few days with an insane amount of detail, but usually telling the details that didn’t really matter as much. He missed the way Claire would grab his hand and reassure him that even with everything they had been through she would always be there for him. He missed… he missed so much.

Jim slowly crumpled down into a ball on the kitchen floor, he just wanted to talk to someone, but everyone was different now, none of them remembered like he did.

A little green, mischievous face appeared in his mind. Well almost all of them didn’t remember.

Jim pulled out his phone, and as it rang he tried a few hellos to be sure his voice wasn’t too thick with emotion. 

“Hola,” Claire greeted, “I’ll just be a second, no I’m not going to be hiding in my room. You literally camped out in the bathroom all last Christmas. I’ll be back in like five minutes.”

“Sorry,” Jim mumbled, feeling bad for interrupting Claire when she already was having to entertain so many people.

“No, no, don’t apologize,” she replied, “just bothersome cousins, is there something going on? I could probably slip away if I get a few of my younger cousins to cover for me.”

“No, no, I was umm… oh gosh this is stupid… I know he’s probably super swamped with people, but is there any chance Mateo might be free for a little bit?” Jim asked. “Not to go anywhere!” he quickly added, “just to, umm, talk?”

Calire made a humming noise as she thought, probably connecting the dots as to why Jim would want to talk to her changeling brother of all people. “He has been pretty active the past while, if I can get him to act fussy they might put him down for a nap.” She said, mostly to herself. “Okay, yeah, I’ll see what I can do. Hopefully he’ll call you in a bit.” 

The call ended, and Jim was left alone with his thoughts again. He didn’t get up off the floor, because that felt like too much work, and besides, the potatoes could wait.

What if Jim had waited? What if he hadn’t gone straight back in time after losing Toby. Jim had a nasty habit of doing things without thinking, and going back two years seemed like something one shouldn’t do on a whim. What if there had been a better way to do this? What if coming back in time was a horrible mistake and everything was now all screwed up because of him? Maybe he deserved to be turned back into a troll, making him suffer for all his stupid choices. 

A lot of people would probably argue against that, but no one was around to do so. Jim was alone, surrounded by a bunch of work he needed to do, but suddenly didn’t have the energy to perform.

Jim's phone rang, and he nearly dropped it as he tried to answer. “H-hello?”

“I gotta go down for me nap, are ya gonna tell me a bed time story?” Mateo asked, his voice surprisingly loud and confident for a changeling in the house full of family members who were definitely expecting a human baby to be in the crib.

Jim sniffled as he felt a sudden pressure in his eyes of incoming tears. “Do you ever miss them?”

“Woah, woah, woah, I didn’ know I was on therapy duty!” he laughed, “who are we suppose ta be missin’?”

“Sorry, I guess I should have asked,” he wiped his traitorous nose, refusing to give into another sniffle. “Everyone I guess.”

Mateo stayed silent for a while, and Jim almost thought he had hung up. “You mean like the old Spongeface and Tubby?”

Jim nodded, then remembered he needed to give a vocal reply. “Yeah, those people.”

“Now don’t go tellin’ anybody any o’ this conversation, I don’ need folks thinkin’ I’ve gone soft,” he warned, “but yeah, I miss them dumb folks sometimes. Sis here is a whole load of fun, but she’s just not quite Spongeface no more.”

“Do you think it’s bad to think about the people they won’t ever completely become?” Jim asked, “sure we know things that could happen in the future, but things are different already so they’re not going to be exactly the same. I guess what I’m asking is if it’s bad to compare them.”

“They’re the same folks, bu’ different folks,” Mateo repeated in his own way. “I s’pose, it might be bad if ya do it too much.”

Jim nodded, and tucked his head between his knees. Maybe calling Mateo was a bad idea, now he was just thinking about it all even more.

“Ya know who I miss,” he said, far more cheery than Jim had the ability to feel at the moment. “Lil Wally.”

Jim blinked a few times, now that was a name he hadn’t heard in a long while. He didn’t have too many interactions with the little baby, but he was also technically Jim’s little brother. “Yeah, I miss him too.”

“But ya know what? When we get all them lil tikes out o’ the darklands we’ll make sure ta spend lo’s o’ time with ‘em,” he promised, “plus when they’re around we can see what your amulet does to them lil baby brains.”

Jim laughed, the simple sounding plans lifting his heavy heart. “Do you think that’s a good idea?” He asked, “what would happen if you gave a baby a year worth of memories?”

“Only one way ta find out.” Mateo clicked his tongue. “Also, heard tha’ you’ll be makin’ a big feast tonight, can I come by tomorrow? All I’m getting here is mush and a few veggies. I’m gonna need some real food.”

He rolled his eyes, but found himself smiling. “I’ll have a plate with your name on it.”

“Oh and Jimmy Jam, I won’ let ya live it down, but if ya ever want ta reminisce…” his teasing tone faded, “I’ll be around for ya.”

“Same to you, Mateo.” Jim squeezed his knees with his arm, then forced himself to stand. “I’ll see you when you come get your food.”

“YUM!” He cheered. Right before the call ended, Jim heard Mateo start to cry in his human form, demanding to be freed from his crib.

Jim tucked his phone into his back pocket, took a deep breath in through his nose and out his mouth, then started back to work. Even if the conversation with Mateo hadn’t been long, just knowing someone else felt similarly to him made him feel a whole lot better.

---

 

Jim was pulling the turkey from the oven, and sliding in the macaroni when a knock sounded at the front door. He glanced at the clock, 4:13pm. 

“Coming!” Jim called, closed the oven, adjusted the heat, and removed his oven mitts. He opened the front door, where Strickler was tugging at his sleeves as if they weren’t already sitting perfectly on his arms. 

“You’re early,” Jim noted, but gestured for the teacher to enter the house anyway. 

Strickler entered the house with a small hello, and Jim closed the door, before heading back to the kitchen to continue his work.

Jim didn’t say anything, and neither did Strickler. The changeling just stood awkwardly, looking around the house as if he had never seen it before, or like he was scanning for every possible exit. Remembering Strickler’s… reaction yesterday Jim figured it was probably the latter.

Now with a bit of down time, Jim turned away from his work and turned to the man in his home. “Did you just show up early to stand, or were you wanting to ask me something?” 

Strickler stared at him for a few seconds before finally speaking. “I was wondering if you had a thought as to how your evening will go.”

“Oh I’ve had lots of thoughts of how it could go, the good, the bad, the probably impossible. But the possibility of a space ship falling from the sky and smashing the house is still a possibility no matter how little.” Jim rambled. His nerves made his fingers drum on the counter now that they didn’t have something to busy themselves with.

Strickler made a face, and Jim decided to translate it as him wishing a space ship would come and smash the house.

He pushed away from the counter and walked into the dining room, taking a seat at the table. Strickler slowly followed suit.

“Mom doesn’t really get mad,” Jim said, looking down at his twiddling thumbs. “She gets worried, and scared, and stressed, but very rarely angry. I don’t think she’ll get angry at anything we tell her… well okay, she might get mad about the soul binding thing, but she’s going to try to step into our shoes and understand.”

Strickler didn’t look comforted, if anything he looked more stressed. 

“Okay, but another thought I had,” Jim added, pulling his hands apart and then tapping his fingers together. “We save the trying to kill me and soul binding for a different day. A very soon day, but another day none the less.”

That eased Strickler’s tense position a little. 

“And hey, one day it will just be a little funny thing we look back on,” he cheered, “nothing like good water under the bridge. I mean, Draal and I were supposed to fight to the death, and he had full intention of killing me, but now he lives in our basement!” Jim smiled brightly, but then it faded as his brows scrunched with thought. “Wait… I don’t actually know if I told her that fight was to the death.” He shrugged, that would be a conversation for another day.

“While I appreciate your attempts to ease my conscience, Young Atlas,” Strickler finally spoke, “I am more curious if you had a set plan on how we might begin this… intriguing topic.”

“Oh right,” He nodded, and glanced toward the kitchen, wanting to do something even though nothing was needing him at the moment. “We eat… and then I will tell her about my part of things, and then I’ll hand it over to you and you tell her what you are, and that will be it for the night.”

Strickler frowned, but Jim wasn’t sure if it was entirely directed at him. “In your ‘part of things’ are you planning to inform her of your going to the Darklands?”

Jim’s lips pulled into a straight line. “Not tonight, but I will tell her. I’m not going to run into the darklands like an idiot again.”

Strickler’s brows raised at the “again”.

“I’ve got a whole plan, plus I know my way around this time,” he explained, “I’ll know how to avoid problems, get to the nursery a lot faster, and be out before anyone can knock a single brick from the bridge.”

He didn’t look very impressed by Jim’s brief plan. But at least Jim did have a plan this time!

“Oh I see what you're doing. If you focus on me you don’t have to think about yourself.” Jim stood, and walked into the kitchen even though none of his timers had still yet to go off. “Well, I’m not in the mood to tell you all my woes of the Darklands. I would much rather you hand over the Gunmar’s eye, and let me do my job.”

Strickler remained silent, and Jim looked around the kitchen for something to do. He opened up a cabinet, and pulled down a small box. 

“Do you…” he held up the box for him to see. “Want tea?”

---

 

“And that patient was a great reminder to why I never drink more than a bit of wine,” Barbara said, wrapping up the horrific story of her adventures of being a hospital doctor on Thanksgiving. From past stories Jim knew the hospital only got worse the later it became during the holiday, and was glad his mom wasn’t having to work the evening shift this year.

“People never cease to amuse us with their stupidity,” Strickler laughed, sounding so naturally relaxed. 

“Yup,” Jim nodded along, struggling so hard not to sweat with how nervous he was. “Nothing quite like the stupid mistakes we all make.”

Barbara’s expression sobered. “Jim, are you feeling alright? You look pale.”

Jim gulped, and looked down at his plate. She had noticed, so now it was time to be the honest son he wanted to be. He fidgeted with his fork, refusing to look up at either of the two adults at the table. “I’m okay,” he found himself automatically saying, a habit dug deep into his brain. He wanted to be okay so that was what he told people, but it wasn’t the truth. Tell the truth! 

Jim heaved a heavy sigh. “Actually no, I’m not okay. I’m stressed and overwhelmed and I keep it all to myself because Nari told me only the trollhunter will know. Which is absolutely horrible instruction! Seriously the world is ending and you're told ‘Trollhunter make ninth configuration, Krohnisfere will make right’ and ‘time unfolds differently like a flower. Only the Trollhunter will know.’ What are you supposed to do with that?! AND THEN SHE DIES! And I have to figure out how to stop Bellroc when the stupid amulet isn’t working-”

A hand clasped around Jim’s shoulder, making him stop and realize how fast his heart rate and breathing were. He looked up, and met Strickler’s gaze and he slowly removed his hand from his shoulder.

“Sorry,” he quickly apologized and looked over at his mom, who looked terrified. “That wasn’t even what I wanted to talk about, sorry.” He took a breath through his nose, held it for a few seconds before letting it out through his mouth.

“Jim,” Barbara’s hand laid over his. “You don’t need to apologize, you have nothing to be sorry for.”

Jim nodded, although he didn’t fully agree with the statement. “I know you're worried about me, and I hate to be the one to make you feel stressed. A lot of times I think it will help if I just tell everyone that everything is fine, but that clearly doesn’t ease anyone's mind. So I…” He looked down at their hands, then lifted his gaze to her eyes again. “I want to be completely and fully honest with you from now on. So if you ask me about something… I’m not going to lie and tell you I’m fine, because I’m not, but I’m working on it.”

Barbara squeezed his hand, and tears brimmed her eyes. “Jim, you’re right, I am worried about you. You have so much going on, but then I see little glimpses here and there that prove to me things will be okay. I see the way you love to help the people around you, and value them as close family even if they’re so very different than you. You remind me everyday of how I want to live. I always told you to be open and that everyone is welcome in our home. I had always thought it would be like the injured rabbit, or lizard you caught as a little boy. But trolls and gnomes are part of everybody too.” She smiled as she tried to hold back tears. “I just want you to know, no matter what I will always care about and support you, even if- no, especially if it’s protecting the people you love.” 

Jim smiled, and briefly glanced over to Strickler who had stayed silent the whole time. Barbara followed his gaze.

“That goes for you too, Walt, you’re welcome here as long as you're comfortable with trolls and other magical creatures.” She reached out her other hand and took his as well. 

Strickler smiled warmly, a perfect mastery of facial expression control.

“Speaking of trolls,” Jim started slowly, “Mom, I have something I want to tell you about, because if it’s completed life is going to be very different.”

Barbara’s hand slipped from Strickler’s so both of them could hold Jim’s. “Jim, what do you mean completed?”

Jim sighed, part of him wishing he could go back in time by maybe an hour and completely avoid having any of this conversation. No, this is good. This is what I want. 

“In the future- or in the past-” He forced another deep breath before he got too stressed about the dumbest thing. “In the time that I came from, as you already know a lot happened.”

Barbara stared deep into his eyes, perhaps trying to predict what he was going to tell her.

“One of those things involved me… getting…” He pinched his eyes shut then, opened one to watch her reaction. “Turned into a troll.”

He clenched his teeth as pain erupted in his hand from how tightly she was squeezing it. Her mouth opened and closed as she looked for something to say, her eyes flicked around as if the answer might be near by.

“But don’t worry!” Jim said, plastering a smile on his face—another horribly bad habit. “Claire changed me back.” 

Her hold on his hand eased just a little.

 “But,” he added.

Her grip tightened again.

“Apparently, probably because of a magic stone in my amulet—which I can’t remove for a lot of reasons—I might be ever so slightly, just a little bit troll?” He offered the best he could.

Her eyes widened, and scanned him up and down as if she might be able to see the change.

“The effects of the previous enchantment are not ones that can be seen with a natural eye,” Strickler said, easing the bounteous amount of attention on Jim. “From my observations and information I’ve received, the traces of the elixir should not affect him any more than a few instincts or emotions.”

Barbara slowly blinked as she took in what Strickler had just said. Clearly that had not been something she expected a high school history teacher to know, even if he was aware of trolls dwelling under their city.

Shaking off the strange knowledge he had, she returned her attention to Jim. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Not really. He thought, but he knew his mom wanted to help more than anything, and if he gave her nothing to work with it would only stress her out more. “Don’t judge me too harshly for getting in fights or talking about wanting to eat random stuff?”

She took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to continue processing what she was being told. Realization dawned in her eyes, as she connected Jim’s words to previous experiences. “Okay,” was all she said, at first and honestly it felt like enough. “I’ll keep an open mind.”

“Thank you,” Jim whispered, a wave of relief washing over him, but his nerves were still buzzing because unlike his mom, they hadn’t even gotten to the biggest conversation yet.

The home fell silent, and Jim fidgeted around with the small bits of food still on his plate. He knew they needed to talk about Strickler, but throwing everything on his mom all at once seemed harsh. Maybe this had been a bad plan after all.

“Why don’t we go for a walk?” Barbara asked, already standing. “The sun’s down, but I think some fresh air would do us all some good. Afterwards, we can enjoy some nice pie.”

Strickler and Jim exchanged glances. Well, this could be a good break for her to process things.

Jim stood, and Strickler followed suit. “Where are we walking to?”

“Just around the block,” she suggested, and grabbed a sweater, and opened the front door. 

Jim allowed Barbara and Strickler to walk ahead of him, and watched as he offered his arm, and she happily interlocked her own. Jim didn’t say anything, he was going to let Strickler have the moment.

His phone buzzed. Who was texting him at this time?

Where are ya off to? Toby asked, saw you head out.

Thanksgiving walk to digest. Jim replied, Wait- are you seriously watching us? Dude! What have we talked about?

IT WAS A BRIEF OBSERVATION! Come on, stop accusing me of spying! Besides, Nana is wondering when you're coming by for your pie. 

Jim sighed, he supposed Toby didn’t have much to do today anyway. It had become a tradition to do more of a thanksgiving with them on Friday, because Barbara could get the day off a bit easier. So even on the years she had the day or evening off they still waited until Friday.

We’ll come get the pie after our walk. Not sure how long it’s gonna be though.

Alright, I’ll let her know. She’s got a few options for ya to pick from.

Sweet. Oh and later if you hear yelling I promise I’ve got everything under control. 

That doesn’t sound good.

Strickler’s gonna tell mom today.

OOF! Good luck to ya… can I come over with popcorn?

No, but I’ll tell you all about it later if you want.

YES PLEASE! I love story time.

Last story time you fell asleep.

That was because it was about the like hundredth gnome uprising. I think they're addicted to war at this point.

You could say that about trolls and humans too.

Yeah, exactly why I fell asleep! BORING! I’ve heard about this war and that war all my life. HONK SHOO!

Your favorite movie is Gunrobot…

Okay, when aliens and robots show up I’ll be invested.

Alien is considered a rude term. Jim typed, deleted it, then took a screenshot of the chat. He’ll save it for later.

“How are you doing, kiddo?” Barbara asked, looking over her shoulder at him.

Jim looked up from his phone. “Good, just messaging Tobes.”

She smiled, before turning back to Strickler, and carrying on their conversation that Jim hadn’t been previously paying attention to. “If I may ask, how does a man like you seem to know so much about trolls? Has Jim taken you to Blinky’s library?”

“The moment I had the ability, I learned everything I would possibly need to know about trolls,” Strickler answered, which was probably true, just when he had the ability to learn was more likely a brain development thing and not a new lack of ignorance. “I have always been fascinated by history, so why not learn how each creature views it.”

By Deya’s grace, I don’t want to be here for this conversation! No! I need to be here! I can’t have Strickler chickening out, and I can’t have mom strangling him if he lets it slip that he’s tried to kill me before. Jim couldn’t help but think about how she had once admitted she would be happy to forget about Strickler.

“Jim?” Strickler said. Both adults were looking back at him.

“Sorry, got lost in thought,” he said, realizing his pace had slowed to a stop, and he quickly caught up to them.

Barbara unhooked her arm from Strickler’s and wrapped it instead around Jim’s shoulders. “Thinking about anything fun?”

Jim nervously laughed, feeling a little strange when he realized from an outside eye they probably looked like a typical family enjoying the holiday together. 

“Thought about a time we all went to trollmarket together,” Jim answered, already screwing up his goal to be honest. Well, it was the truth… technically.

“Have you been, Walt?” She asked, genuinely curious. It seemed they didn’t talk about trollish stuff very often.

“You know, I have not,” he replied, fitting his hands comfortably into his pockets. “I’m not entirely sure I would be welcome there. I’m sure they made an exception for you as the trollhunter’s mother.”

Barbara began to talk about how pretty the underground market was, and Strickler listened with great interest. Jim had to wonder how much Strickler already knew about Trollmarket. What had he learned over the two hundred years they’d all lived here?

Jim looked around at the houses they walked by, and the star lit sky. Only a few more days until the ring was handed over to Claire. He wondered what his mom would think about the situation. He frowned, last she had heard about Angor Rot was Jim had gone down to hunt him in the sewers. Was it bad he hadn’t told her any of the plans? Well, the plans were pretty heavy on the fact that Strickler knew what he was doing, and that didn’t make complete sense unless you knew what he was.

Strickler’s elbow hit Jim’s arm, and he glanced up at him. He made a brief face, that Jim had to replay in his head a few times to translate. Was Strickler thinking of telling Barbara while on the walk, I mean, it would give Barbara the chance to leave if she wanted to rather than having to directly tell Strickler to leave.

Jim looked up at Strickler again, trying to be sure he understood the expression correctly. Coming up to a turn at the corner of the block, Jim turned his feet to walk the path along the forest, a more private route. Barbara with her arm still around Jim, followed him, knowing the path probably as well as he did, and Strickler kept in pace with them silently.

Jim heaved a sigh. Here we go into another stressful conversation. Better to get it over with now. 

“Hey mom,” he started, slowing his pace to a stop, and his mom turned her full attention to him. “I umm, well actually me and Mr. Strickler have been talking about some things… you know about that, but there was something specific we wanted to tell you about because it’s kinda important.” He carefully pulled out of her hold and stood beside Strickler. “If it’s cool that we tell you now.” 

The stress Barbara had managed to hide during the walk returned. She crossed her arms quite tightly, but then loosened them to be a bit more open. 

Jim elbowed Strickler who had gone completely silent, and then elbowed him again when he didn’t talk. “This is the part where you’re supposed to talk.” He whispered through the side of his mouth.

Strickler stared like a deer in headlights. “I don’t think I can.” He said so quietly Jim barely heard it.

“Bro, I told her I’m part troll, now it’s your turn!” he hissed, gesturing towards his mother.

“Should I be more worried?” Barbara asked, watching their strange display. 

Both Jim and Strickler went rigid.

Jim was the first to break from the stiff position, “Well, maybe? Not necessarily. I actually personally think it’s really cool.”

Barbara raised a brow. “And what do you think of it, Walter?” 

His hands clasped together tightly. “I umm, well… I personally find it a bit disturbing, although I suppose that could be due to the way I was raised. My guardians were not the kindest of people, so that had an effect on my view of things.”

“Oh come on,” Jim cheered, “It’s great! Literally so cool! Sure, a bit of hassle, but nothing someone can’t get used to.”

“Walter?” Barbara prompted, and the man’s shoulders slumped and his gaze fell to the ground.

“Barbara, I have in very few ways been honest with you.” He started.

Her eyes widened, and her arms tightened in front of her chest.

“I am not the man you think I am, in fact I am not even human, some people might even say I am not a person at all.” Strickler’s eyes remained on the ground, so Jim gauged his mother’s reaction for him. 

Jim did his best not to make any movement or sound that might reveal the terrified face his mother was making, he needed Strickler to finish what he was saying.

He pulled in a deep breath, tensing like he was about to be beat. “I am a changeling, an impure monstrosity made by twisted magics.”

Barbara’s jaw dropped, utterly speechless to what she was hearing. Her arms pulled from their crossed position and her hands lifted to cover her mouth.

“I want to apologize for not telling you sooner,” Strickler continued, “I was fearful of what you might think of me, but that was no reason for me to lie to you every single day. I am without an excuse that would ever be worth your while.” 

Barbara looked Strickler up and down similar to the way she had searched Jim, but she had a different sort of fear in her eyes. Less concern for the person before her, and more for herself. Her eyes slowly moved to her son, who attempted a smile but it came out more as a grimace. Her eyes softened a little as they took in his awkward way of standing, and Jim fought off the overwhelming urge to give her thumbs up or finger guns. Part of him wanted to summon Excalibur and vanish from this conversation. He didn’t care if it had the possibility of turning him further into a troll at the moment.

“Jim…” She started slowly and quietly, “You’ve known about this?”

He flexed his hands, a few times trying to get his nerves to disperse through them. “Since the previous timeline, yeah.”

“A changeling,” she repeated to herself, her eyes flicking to the ground, then back up to Strickler. “So like Mateo?”

Strickler’s head lifted, but only by a small amount. 

Jim took it upon himself to answer. “Yeah, like Mateo. Shapeshifters of a sort.”

“Right.” She nodded, but was still unsure. “So you’re a troll, but also a human because you replaced someone’s child some forty so years ago?”

Both Jim and Strickler cringed, Jim very much audibly. 

“I wouldn’t quite say forty years ago,” Jim teetered his hand back and forth.

Barbara puzzled over each piece of information she was given. “Can an adult be replaced by a changeling?”

Jim had a few ideas of where that thought process might have come from. 

Strickler shook his head, it was now a little higher, but his eyes were still to the ground. The way he was posed, Jim suspected the changeling was ready to dart for the trees the second anything could be considered a threat. 

Barbara rubbed her hands up and down her arms, either fighting off a chill, or attempting to soothe herself. “Older then,” she deduced, her eyes met Jim’s. “A lot older.”

Jim’s lips pressed into an awkward line as he gave a little nod.

The forest next to them rustled with the wind, and a few creatures chittered and chirped. Jim looked at his mother, then his teacher, then his shoes which he scuffed on the ground.

“Walter,” Barbara’s quiet voice broke the silence, “will you look at me?”

In the corner of his eye, Jim saw Strickler stand up a little straighter, but not quite to his usual posture. 

“I’m going to be honest with you when I say I don’t know how to feel about… this.” She began to explain, “You two have put a lot on me tonight.”

Jim lifted his head, and looked at his mother guiltily. Yeah, he’d gotten ahead of himself for sure.

“But I’m glad you told me.” She twisted her hands around each other. “And although I think we’ll need a break from… a lot of things, my invitation is still extended. All are welcome in our home.”

Jim and Strickler exchanged glances, one quite surprised and the other’s smug smile saying “I told you so”.

“Jim,” Barbara said, causing the smile to vanish instantly.

“Yes, mom?” He stood at the ready, as if he was in a training session with Blinky, prepared for any order he was given. 

“Will you pick up the pie from the Domzalskis’ and wait for us at home?” She asked, but it didn’t sound much like a question. 

“Yeah, of course,” Jim nodded, and with one last glance at Strickler he hurried down the path back home. Should he really leave Strickler all alone? He knew how to be sneaky, he could just have Toby ready with the pie so he could run and grab it before they got back.

He pulled out his phone, and began typing a message up to Toby. He stared down at the message for a few seconds before deleting it, and shoving it back into his pocket. His mother wasn’t going to do anything bad, he knew that. So why was he so worried? 

Jim shook his head to clear it, everything was going to be alright.

---

 

Toby jumped up on his chair, holding his hands up over his head in claw shapes. “AND THEN SUDDENLY OVER COME WITH THE NEED TO HELP THE SIDE OF GOOD, AAARRRGGHH!!! LEAPT INTO ACTION STRIKING THE ENEMY HE HAD BEEN ALLIED WITH AND SAVING OUR HERO KANJIGAR!” 

Nana applauded the story, as Toby sat back down on his chair. “A lovely story, Toby Pie.”

“Thank’s Nana,” Toby grinned, showing off his braces.

Jim leaned in close to Toby. “Do you really think it’s a good idea to recount troll history to her?”

Toby shrugged. “I don’t see anything wrong with it, it’ll help later on when I tell her what we’ve been up to.” He didn’t bother lowering his voice, as Nana pushed the options of pies closer to Jim for him to pick. 

Jim definitely understood why his mother had sent him to the Domzalskis’ on his own. Nana always chatted for a long while, and Jim doubted Barbara wanted to have to put on a face for their neighbor after finding out so much.

“Okay, my story’s done,” He interlaced his fingers and placed his hands on the table in anticipation. “You gonna tell how it went with Strickler, or have you not had the conversation yet?”

“Tobes.” Jim gestured to Nana with his hands partially under the table. His friend shrugged again, and Jim had to wonder how much Nana actually knew at this point if Toby was this casual about it.

“Have you boys seen my other hearing aid?” She asked, glancing around the table with squinted eyes behind her massive glasses. “It’s been missing all day, and I keep reaching to adjust it.”

Both teenagers shook their heads, then began searching around the table even though it could be anywhere in the house at this point. But then Jim spotted it, the only problem was it was in the hands of none other than Gnome Chompsky. 

Jim readied to chase the little trouble maker, but then froze in surprise when the gnome walked right up to Nana’s foot and gave a small friendly chittering. 

Nana adjusted her glasses, and looked down at the little creature. “What do you have there?” She reached down, and Chomsky held the hearing aid up as high as he could. She plucked the item from his hand, and held it close to her face. “Oh! My hearing aid, thank you, deary.” She reached for one of the pies, broke off a bit of crust and lowered it to him. “There you go Mr. Compsky.”

The gnome gobbled up his reward, and scurried off to another room. 

Jaw slack, Jim gestured from where Chomsky had gone, to Nana and back again. 

“She thought he was a cat at first, fed him, and now he pesters her all the time,” Toby explained, “he’s also formed a union with the cats to get them all more treats.”

“So she just knows about everything at this point?” Jim questioned.

“No, just Mateo, Chompsky, and AAARRRGGHH!!!. I think she might have run into Draal the other night.” He said, listing them all off on his fingers. “They all get along great. I invited you over for one of our get-togethers, but you said you were too busy.”

Jim went to argue, but then held up his hands in surrender, another thing off his plate that he didn’t need to worry about. If Nana was alright with all of it, then he was too.

He glanced up at a few of the clocks looking for one that was properly working, then spotted the time. His mom would probably be back home by now… hopefully.

“I should probably get going,” Jim said, taking a step toward the door, “we’ll see you at our place tomorrow.”

“Don’t forget your pie,” Nana reminded.

“Thank you,” he said, and grabbed the closest, knowing all of them would be good. “And Tobes, feel free to tell her whatever you want… well maybe not the full thing about me.”

“You got it!” He shot him finger guns, and Jim returned the gesture with his free hand before heading out the door and across the street.

“Mom?” He called, when he entered the house, and closed the door behind him. No reply, except there was someone in the kitchen. 

“DRAAL GET OUT OF THE FRIDGE! KITCHEN IS OFF LIMITS!” He shouted, wiggled between the troll and the fridge and began to push him out of the room with his back, his hands still occupied with the pie.

“I retrieved the tome from Blinky’s library, I should receive a reward,” he huffed. He didn’t fight against Jim’s pushing, but he didn’t go along with it either. Jim had maybe moved the troll three inches. 

“It took him ages just to find the tome, and before I could leave AAARRRGGHH!!! arrived and suggested a spar.” Draal seemed much more happy about that part of his day. “I have never had the opportunity to fight with the krubera since he was a gummgumm general! So I could not let the offer go. I hope Barbara does not reprove me for the delay.” He glanced around, and finally stepped out of the kitchen, making Jim nearly topple over. “Where is the woman anyway?”

“She should be back any-”

“She is on the porch,” Draal started towards the door.

Jim set the pie on the counter, and dashed in front of the troll. “How about we wait for her in the living room. She’s really overwhelmed right now, and I don’t need her walking into a wall of a troll the second she steps through the doo-”

Draal grabbed Jim’s face, silencing him. Jim pried at his hand, trying to gain the ability to breathe again. After a few seconds Jim heard the voices, and stopped fighting. Draal released him, and the two remained silent.

“Thank you for accompanying me home,” Barbara said, but her voice sounded tense.

“Of course,” Strickler replied, “Do apologize to Jim for me.”

Jim’s stomach dropped. Apologize for what? Oh no! What is he up to now?!

“I’ll apologize for the absence,” She stated sternly, “But you’ll be apologizing for what you said.”

What did Strickler say to me that he would need to apologize for?

“I will, thoroughly,” he promised, “Please do take care of yourself, Barbara.”

“You too, Walter.” She replied.

The front door began to open, and Jim, realizing he was right next to it, obviously eavesdropping, ducked under Draal’s arm, and dove for the couch. He crashed face down, and quickly kicked off his shoes.

The door shut with a soft click. “Hello, Draal, is Jim home?”

“Couch,” Draal answered simply, “and book.”

“Thank you, Draal,” Barbara said, then walked over to the couch and crouched down beside it. Her hand stroked his hair, gently, not flaring the bruise there too badly. “Are you doing okay?”

Jim turned his head, and looked at his mom. His eyes widened as he saw the fading fog on her glasses and tear streaks down her face. He quickly sat up, and without much thought, wrapped his arms around her. “Are you okay?”

“No,” She answered honestly, “it’s been a really long day.”

“Sorry,” Jim said, his stomach giving a guilty twist.

“Don’t you apologize for anything that happened today,” She said, holding him at arm’s length to look him right in the eye. “I am proud of you for telling me. Thank you for being open with me.” She wrapped him in a tight hug again, holding him tightly like he might disappear from her grasp if she held him too loosely.

“Now let's have some pie,” She said, finally releasing him and standing. “I could really use something sweet right now.”

Jim wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to eat more, but sharing some pie with his mother sounded good enough to outweigh the potential stomachache.

Chapter 45: Barbara

Summary:

After Strickler confessed to being a changeling Barbara needs answers.
Jim makes a big and possibly terrible decision.

Notes:

A chapter from the POV of Barbara?! woah! it took me a while to get in her head so I could write her perspective, but I got there eventually (once I stopped over thinking it)
Thank you to PinkytoothlessO11 and DayDream358 on tumblr for helping with figuiring out their characters and stopping me from overthinking <3

Heart pounding and mind racing, Barbara almost didn't see the faces the two boys made even though it was in her direct line of sight. She had managed to say some kind words of acceptance, but most of this evening was feeling like a nightmare she would never have the ability to wake up from.

First her son confesses to another new thing he's been constantly stressed over, which wasn't even something he had meant to tell her about. Then he tells her he had once been a troll, and might be turning into a troll again. And now Walter was apparently a troll too!

“Jim,” Barbara said, needing her son to go home before she broke down in front of him. 

The smug smile he was giving Walter instantly vanished, and he stood at attention like some sort of soldier. “Yes, mom?” 

“Will you pick up the pie from the Domzalskis’, and wait for us at home?” She forced the words into the form of a question so it maybe felt like an option to him.

“Yeah, of course,” Jim agreed. He looked over to Walter with a very concerned expression, before heading down the path back home at the fastest walking pace he could.

Not a word was spoken for several minutes, she just waited to be sure her son was far enough away so he didn't hear whatever breakdown she might have.

“Barbara, I am so sorry,” Walter began once he had deemed Jim far enough away. “Withholding this from you was something I should have never done. I will maintain distance from you and Jim-”

“Walt, please stop.” She held up her hand, still clutching her arm with the other. “I just need a moment to think.” She needed a lot more than a moment. Barbara felt like she was going to need at least a whole lifetime to process everything that had taken place in her life these past few months. Months?! It felt like years at this point!

What was she going to do? How was she supposed to take all this in, act like everything was normal at work, and still be a good mother who was always there for her son?

The last one seemed the easiest, even if she still felt like she could be doing more for Jim, loving her son came naturally.

She looked at Walter, across the path from her, his back to the woods. Did caring for people come naturally to him? From what she knew about Mateo, he wasn't supposed to tell anyone he was a changeling. The little boy was supposed to lie, and be seen only as the child he had replaced. Was lying something Walter had felt the need to do all his life?

Barbara finally lowered her hand, and clasped it around her arm again. She chewed on her cheek, trying to will herself to speak and ask the horrifying question on her mind. “You said you’ve hardly been honest with me, how much of this…” she gestured loosely between them. “was a lie?”

Strickler visibly flinched, hurt flickering across his face. He opened then closed his mouth, as if to tell her what she wanted to hear. She wanted to be told that none of it was a lie, but that wasn't what he was going to tell her.

“In the beginning it was just a means to assist me in getting what I wanted, I needed to be close to Jim for a job. But very quickly I formed a real desire to be around you. When I found myself lying awake thinking of you I tried to convince myself I could let go and leave at any time.” He fidgeted with the ornate ring on his finger. “And then I did leave, and I am so sorry for that. I was scared because Jim knew far more than should have been possible. When I believed it was safe to return, the first thing I wanted to do was to see you.”

The confession made Barbara’s heart leap, but she reigned it in. Walter had still lied to her, he'd kept this from her for months! But what else was he supposed to do? She hadn't known trolls existed until recently, and the only changeling she knew about was Mateo. It made sense that he would keep this from her. 

But something else was off, he wasn't telling her the truth still. Perhaps he was just wanting to focus on them, but his story was so vague, too vague.

“What was the job?” She asked, fighting down the urge to demand the answer out of him. “What was the job you used me for?”

The question horrified Walter, that much was obvious, but she needed to know why.

Several expressions flickered across his face as he tried to decide the best way to answer the question. One of his options even appeared to be running away, based on the way his eyes had gone towards the forest.

His shoulders slumped in defeat, but still held tension from stress. “I was not a good person, Barbara. I needed the Trollhunter’s amulet to open a gateway for a beast I previously served.”

He clearly wasn't proud of what he had done, but Jim had told her about something similar when he had first confessed the truth to her. Jim had been against the opening of this gateway, and if Walter had tried to open it that meant they had been against each other. 

“So you used me, to get information from Jim, to unleash some…” She had to remember what she knew about the insane event before Jim had told her everything. “SOME TROLL WARLORD?!”

She didn't know if she should be angry or disgusted. She just knew she was never going to be able to see Walter the same again.

“So the conversations you're having with Jim now…” She searched for a comprehensive thought process. “You're using him to get more information? For- for what?”

“No! No, I would not do that to Jim,” he quickly replied, “Your son is compassionate to all he interacts with, but he over extends himself. I don't fully understand why he chose me of all people to open up to, but if that is what he needs from me then I will be a listening ear. I want to at least attempt to make up for the life I have led.”

He wants to make up for mistakes, he wants to do better. Wasn't that what she wanted, someone who was willing to try, to work to be better. This was a lot more than a few bad habits though. This was some complex ancient war she had only heard about in passing.

“How can I trust that you aren't lying to me still?” She asked, although she didn't expect him to answer, because even if he did she would have to trust him on it. That was the scary thing about lies, you could never prove them right or wrong when it came to emotions.

“I do not expect you to trust me now that you know,” he answered, “Changelings are not creatures of trust, we seek gain only for ourselves and for those we are indentured to.” 

“Then what do you gain from Jim?” His explanations didn’t line up, why was he so determined to keep lying? “What do you gain from me?”

“I-” Walter paused, suddenly not having an answer for her. He took notice of the contradiction of his own words. That was such a simple slip up that you wouldn’t expect from a person supposedly skilled in lying.  “I help Jim cope with his complex life to make myself feel as if I could make up for my own, and I wanted to be close to you because it made me feel human and less like the terrible creature that I am.”

There it was again, the thing that kept bothering her. He talked down on himself so harshly. That seemed to be the big thing he had hidden from her all this time. He always held himself so confidently, and now here, on the dark trail bordering the town and the forest he looked sad and broken. Even with all the lies, her instincts stirred to try to fix him, to make him whole and better.

“A selfish person doesn’t try to make up for things,” Barbara stated. She knew that, because if that was the case James would have returned years ago. “And stop saying that!”

Walter startled back at her sudden raised voice, but he didn’t seem to know what she was getting after him for. 

“Stop talking down about yourself,” She clarified, but her voice was still laced with frustration, and she felt anger rising. “You talk about this part of yourself so highly.” She gestured to his current appearance, and it suddenly hit her that he had another one which made her breath catch for a moment. “But when it comes to the other side of things you talk as if it’s disgusting and awful.”

Walter looked ready to argue that it was true, but Barbara wasn’t going to let him.

“My son just told me he might be something like you, and you have the gall to say how horrible it is?” She panted as her face heated. “You may have been raised to believe harsh things about yourself, but I will not have you make him think the same way.” She marched up to him, closing the gap that he had slowly been making larger, and thrust her finger against his chest in time with each of her words. “In my work, in my home, in my life, everyone is cared for no matter what they are.”

She glared into his wide green eyes, and she hated the way her heart hammered. She hated how she was torn between hitting him and angrily kissing him because both sounded incredibly satisfying.

Noticing Walter had stopped breathing, Barbara disregarded both thoughts and took two steps back, and he resumed his intake of oxygen. 

Barbara fought off the urge to apologize, because in reality she had no reason to do so. But years of being led to believe everything was your fault was still ingrained eleven years later.

She wanted Walter to say something, to argue or to explain further, but he seemed to be far too lost for words. Her gaze fell to the ground, which was a mistake. The moment she had allowed herself the pressure of staring him down for something, that breakdown she had been fighting back since she had sent Jim away began to win. It made her body shake weakly, and her vision blur with tears. She pulled off her glasses and wiped her tears, and when they focused again she found a handkerchief extended to her. 

She debated not taking it for a few seconds, but deciding she would rather not be ridiculously stubborn, she took it to wipe her eyes and glasses. “Thank you.”

“It is quite potentially the least that I could do for you,” he replied, his voice full of apology.

She lifted her gaze back to him. “Thank you for telling me.” She wanted to say more but the tightness in her throat prevented her from doing so. 

He only gave a nod in response.

She sniffled, and wiped her eyes again with the handkerchief. “I’m an absolute mess.”

“Now, what did you say about not talking down about oneself?” Walter questioned, catching a small bit of his usual charismatic tone, and a hint of his charming smile.

Barbara rolled her eyes, of course he would use that to comfort her at the earliest chance he got. Sometimes she hated it, but no matter what she did she could almost never stay mad at anyone. 

Although Walter’s previous life experience was very questionable, she trusted her son. If Jim trusted Walter, then there had to be a good reason for it.

“We should probably head back to the house,” she said, looking down the path where Jim had hurried away not too long ago.

“We?” Walter asked, as she was already shifting her feet to start walking.

She paused, thinking for a moment, turning over if it was a good idea in her mind. “I could use the company on my walk home,” she offered as a tiny olive branch. “Ever since I’ve learned about this whole other world beneath our feet…” she hesitated revealing the little secret, but what was another secret to be shared on this insane night? “I’ve grown a bit fearful of the dark.”

Walter fell in line beside her and they both began to walk. “To be honest, I’ve never liked the dark either.”

Something about the simple confession made her feel better about the whole situation. She didn’t understand a lot still, and she was going to need a lot of time on her own, but this little walk felt okay.

She pulled in a deep breath, letting the chilled air fill her lungs. Right as she had felt like she was getting her footing again another thing knocked her over. That seemed to be her entire life since the moment she could remember. But just like her determined little boy, she would always, always get back up stronger.

---

 

Barbara woke to an alarm blaring from another room. She didn’t even have to look at the time to know it was Jim’s six am alarm going off for him to get up for school. On most days she didn’t wake up to it, but of course Monday morning had to be the day she did wake up to it. 

She shifted from her side to her back, and listened to hear Jim get up for the day, but the alarm just kept blaring. He had gone down to Trollmarket the night before, maybe he had been studying with Blinky and fallen asleep.

Fed up with the alarm, Barbara threw her blankets off and headed out of her room. There was no sound of Draal getting into the trash or cabinets, maybe both Jim and Draal had spent the night underground, it wouldn’t be the first time.

She reached her son’s door, which was closed as it always was these days. I’m just turning off the alarm, I won’t look at anything. She told herself. She turned the knob, and it opened without the need of a key. She walked quickly across the room, shut off the alarm, and turned to walk out but of course the wall caught her eye. But that was because it was very different from the last time she had seen it. The wall that was surely still loaded with hundreds of index cards was now covered by a large tacked up bedsheet. Maybe seeing the notes all the time was stressing him, the fact that it was covered was actually quite comforting. She walked out of the surprisingly neat and tidy room, and closed the door behind herself. She would give it a few minutes then call Jim to make sure he was getting up for school.

Barbara glanced to her own room, debating going back to bed. Sighing with the knowledge that she was already too awake for that, she would try and see if she could throw anything edible together for breakfast. Maybe even get something put together for Jim too, with the trip from Trollmarket back to the house taking up a big chunk of time, having something waiting for him on the table would be good.

She descended the stairs, and walked towards the kitchen, when a piece of paper waiting on the counter caught her eye. Even if Jim could easily text her his plans, he had a habit of leaving her notes instead. Just like how he would radio Toby rather than call him when they were both home. Little adorable habits built over his childhood before he’d had his own phone. She was happy the sweet loving actions had remained over the years.

She approached the note, happy to see what little adventure he had taken off to, but the sight of an entirely filled page made her heart drop, and it sank even further when she noticed there were more papers beneath it.

 

Dear Mom,

Strickler told me I needed to tell you this, which I'm sure he meant in person, but instead I'm writing this note letter to you because I don't want you or anyone else to try to stop me.

So if you're reading this, it means I’ve run away to the Darklands.

Please don't blame Strickler, I sort of threatened him for the eye because I wasn't really sure if he was ever going to willingly hand it over since he actually cares about my well being compared to last time around.

I know this probably sounds like a bad idea, but Enrique needs me. I promised Claire and Mateo that I would get their brother back, so that's what I'm gonna do.

ALSO! Unlike last time around I didn't rush in! I made a whole plan! So you won't have to worry about too much (because I know you're gonna worry no matter what).

And because I already know my way around, I should only be gone for a week! YAY!

I've got everything covered! Steve and Eli are cooking up a good excuse for why I will not be at school. (I gave them a few excuses, such as Jim Lake Disease, it worked wonders last time)

Draal and Mateo are covering for my Trollhunter calls. They're actually becoming good friends, so I have confidence they won't argue too much and will actually get work done.

Thankfully since I'm able to write you this note there won't be a need for glamor masks or anything of that sort! 

Also I did a bunch of food prep so the fridge and freezer are fully stocked with meals for you ⁠♡

If you are still concerned about my plan for myself in the Darklands, I have provided you with my packing list, a copy of my written plan, and a copy of my map, both of which I have on my person in case I for some reason lose track of the simple in and out plan.

I promise I'm being careful! I love you and I'll see you soon!

- Jim

P.S. If you need to go in my room it's open. I used a sheet to cover the timeline wall which has just about become my journal at this point so unless some crazy emergency happens like Userna shows up, Gunmar breaks out, or area 49B starts snooping around please don't take down the sheet.

P.P.S. Strickler did apologize for calling himself gross and ugly.

 

Barbara reread the letter over and over again, trying to comprehend half of what he was saying. Tears broke free, and streamed down her cheeks. He ran away?!

She flipped the paper front to back, looking for some kind of hint that would tell her this wasn’t real. Beneath the note, as promised was a checklist. Some things crossed out, other items written out on the sides or crammed between two others. He’d packed food, water, and an assortment of camping supplies, but little enough that could have fit in his backpack from his freshman year before he had swapped to his current messenger bag.

She revealed the next paper, a photo copy of a hand drawn map of some ridiculous maze. There were Xs and notes scattered around the map marking specific locations, but Barbara couldn’t make sense of most of it, other than the fact that most of the marked places sounded dangerous.

And beneath that was a photo copy of a detailed plan with what to avoid, and which camp to move to and how frequently. His entire week was planned by the hour.

Her hands trembled more harshly as she shifted that paper and found another beneath it, because on every trip, on every vacation, both Jim and Barbara had a habit almost every human had. He’d forgotten something. 

Beneath her copy of his plan was the original. 

She checked his letter again, proving to herself that he had only intended on leaving one copy of the written plan. As she clenched the papers to her chest and crumpled to the ground, she could only hope that maybe he had been stopped by one of his friends being successful in running away. 

Barbara didn’t know what time Jim had left, maybe he was caught up with something in Trollmarket, maybe she could catch him before he went through with this idiotic plan.

She sobbed as she knew that wasn’t true. Jim was a smart boy. If he had thought this plan through as his notes clearly showed, he would have left ages ago.

The paper crinkled in her tightening grip, and she looked down at its creased surface. There at the top was a name, a person with potential answers. 

She hadn’t spoken to him since Thursday, but that didn’t matter. How she felt about Walter didn’t matter right now. What mattered was getting answers of where her son was.

---

 

Taking a deep breath, Barbara knocked on the front door. She tightened her hold on the papers in her hands as she tried to steady their shaking. 

The sound of several locks undoing preceded the door opening. Walter, dressed and ready to head out for work, looked at her with some disbelief. “Barbara?” He glanced behind himself, as if there was another person in his home that she would have come over to visit. “What brings you here so early in the morning?”

Unable to say anything, Barbara thrust the papers out towards him. 

Confused, but responsive enough, Walter took the pages and began to read the note. Unlike her he didn’t have to read very far to understand what was happening. His face tensed, but remained nearly stone still, except his eyes which burned bright red and yellow. 

“HE WHAT?!” Walter shouted, quickly ruffling through the other pages. “NO GUIDE! NO HELP!” He looked at the two papers containing the hand written plan. Then back at the letter. The fury in his eyes faded down, “and a plan…” He sounded impressed by that, but then his eyes briefly brightened again. “THAT HE DOESN’T EVEN TAKE WITH HIM! WHAT IDIO-” he stopped himself and looked up from the papers to Barbara, with his green eyes. He cleared his throat and regained his composure. “I will refrain from sharing my personal opinions of your son’s actions.”

Barbara clenched her jaw to try to stop herself from shaking. “Walter, where is my son?” 

His eyes widened, realizing that she didn’t know what the Darklands were, she didn’t know anything about what her son was really getting into as the Trollhunter.

He glanced behind her, checking the empty street. He took a step back and to the side, opening the entry way. “Are you willing to come in?”

Needing answers, Barbara nodded, and slowly entered. Walter waited a little while before closing the door, as if giving her a chance to flee. 

Now with the world closed out, Walter released a stressed puff of air. “The Darklands,” he said quietly, and took her hand out of habit, then quickly dropped it. “It is the place I was raised, a place bitter and cold, and with little light or life.” His brows creased with concern, and his arms wrapped around himself defensively. “Jim has gone to the last place you would ever want him to go, and he is the only one with the key to the singular doorway.”

Barbara’s heart broke. Not only had Jim run away, but he’d gone somewhere she wouldn’t be able to reach him.

Notes:

Sometimes when writing it feels like playing with dolls by myself, I have to make up everything they say and do and that can take a while. But then a little bit before Barbara gets after Strickler for calling himself mean names I finally got the actors on the set and they started thinking for themselves (this is just how my brain works) I especially noticed them stepping into their own roles when Barbara thought about angry kissing Strickler. Just gonna say, as an AroAce who doesn't really think kissing is all that grand, I would have never thought of that on my own... and yet it happened in my brain. you know what, I don't know how to explain the whole I have other people in my brain situation right now. But I guess here is a little peak into Elymi's brain.
Strickler handing Barbara his handkerchief was also something I wasn't expecting, but I think it's very cute and sweet.
ALSO WHAT DO YOU MEAN THATS HOW YOU SPELL HANDKERCHEIF?! I guess I don't write/read the word very often and that threw me off, I didn't realize it has a d in it XD

Okay! question time for those reading this! Would you perfer I continue to update as soon as I finish the chapter, or would you rather I make a schedule that I keep so then if I have a point in time where I have a lot of chapters going really fast they can spread out for when I have slower writing? (will probably be posting this question on my tumblr as well)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Twisting Time