Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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 Text

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.

Chapter Text

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.”

Chapter Text

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 Text

“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 Text

“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 Text

“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.

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

“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.”

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

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 Text

 “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 Text

“ 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.

Chapter Text

“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.

Chapter Text

“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.”

Chapter Text

“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 Text

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.

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

“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.

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

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 Text

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.

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

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!

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

“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.

Chapter Text

“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.