#I can’t decide if troll Jim should have a troll nose | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sorceress-coffee · 4 years ago

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Gnome your Enemy, Courting Hazards

AO3 Link (available on 7/31/2020) This is pretty much Ep 4 pt 1& 2 with revisions.

River’s P.O.V.

I watched as Draal stood, growling lowly at Jim. “5 days,” he snarled, “we will fight in the forge.” He turned, huffing through his nose blowing out a cloud of steam. He walked out, head held high, nodding to me as he passed. I tilt my head in recognition, debating on following Draal to ask what had happened. As I stepped to follow after him, I was suddenly lifted from the ground and into a group hug with Toby and Jim, Arrrgh had already caught them.

Blinky clapped two of his four hands, grinning up at us, “Excellent, Master Jim! We should start your trying right away if you are to defeat Draal!”

Arrrgh laughed deeply as he walked out of the bar before setting Jim, Toby, and I down again.

Toby punched Jim’s arm, grinning “This is gonna be awesome! Right River? Oh! Hey River, when did you get here?” he asked.

“I walked in during your confrontation. What made you snap?” I asked Jim, frowning.

Jim was scratching the back of his neck sheepishly, “Well, I got in a fight with Steve, and-”

I raised my hand to cut him off, “No, why did you challenge Draal?”

“He was talking shit about his and Jim’s sparring yesterday!” Toby almost yelled, glaring at the memory.

Blinky clasped my shoulder as he guided us to the forge, “Come now masters, we have much training to do!” He took notice of the metal rod in my hand. “River? What do you have there?”

I lift the rod, looking over it confused for a moment, “Oh,” I held it out and tightened my grip slightly, as I did the rod began to glow blue and the lance I had forged with Vendel sprung to life, the veining in the staff giving off a faint sapphire glow. “Vendel and I found a way to channel my magic, he told me to find Jim to practice, but I think I’ll pass for today, he needs to learn troll fighting, not how hard I can bash his skull in.” I teased, lightly whacking Jim on the top of his head with the non-bladed end of the lance.

Jim laughs, smacking the lance away from him. “Those were the drawings you were working on Friday night, right? It looks amazing River!

“No way! I thought your magic was gonna be your cool superhero thing, now you have a weapon too?” Toby asked, pouting slightly.

I shrugged, “Think of it more as a sharp wand.”

Blinky held his hands out, “May I?” He asks. I smile and place the lance in his hands. He tested the weight, swinging it slightly before looking over the sapphire veining closely. “Incredible Lady River! You made the gems for this?”

I nod, reaching into my black satchel and grabbing the extra gem I took, not the one that looks like Draal’s crystalline back. I handed it to Blinky, taking my lance back. “You should see the one in the center of the Heartstone. I went a little overboard.”

Blinky inspects the gem closely before handing it back. “I will once Jim’s training is finished for the day, thank you Lady River.”

I nod noticing Toby’s eyes are locked on the crystal now in my hand, I chuckle before handing it to him. “I thought you could add this to your collection.”

Toby grins taking the crystal, he starts jumping, listing off various gems, trying to place what it could be. Arrrgh taps the stone, smiling “Not normal gem. Magic.” He explains, letting Toby know he won’t be to categorize it.

Jim shakes his head at his best friend’s excitement, “He’s not going to stop talking about this for a while,” he smiles to me before patting my shoulder. “Why don’t you head home River, you’ve been here for two days straight.”

Smiling, I nod, letting the lance collapse again. “I’ll be heading out soon. Is it daylight?”

Blinky shakes his head, “Sunset, actually. You’ll want to hurry home before Bular is out running around.”

Nodding, I hug Jim and ruffle Toby’s hair. “I’ll see you later tonight! Bye Blinky! Bye Arrrgh!” I took off running towards the exit for Trollmarket, keeping my eye out for a certain blue Troll. I frown slightly when I don’t see him, shrugging it off. Draal had a fight he probably wasn’t too worried about preparing for, but still, he was probably getting ready.

I climbed up the crystal steps to the canal exit of Trollmarket, playing with the lance as I walked, twisting it around my hand and back, slowly at first, trying to get the motions down. As I went to flip the lance over my hand it hit part of the stone wall and bounced back, hitting me in the head. “Ow…” I quickly grab the side of my head, trying to dull the throbbing. A sudden burst of laughter caught my attention. I looked up to see Draal, bent over laughing, at the canal exit.

I huffed at him, giving him a mock glare, “Oh, come on! I’ve barely had it an hour! Did you think I’d be doing backflips by now?” I asked, pouting a bit, still rubbing my head.

He straightens up, slowly getting control of his laughter, “You were just doing well, and then you were bested by a wall.” Snickering, “That’s two walls that have it out for you.” He remarked, referring to my destroying a wall in the forge during his and Jim’s spar.

“And here I thought you were supposed to save me when the walls decided to attack.” I snarked back.

He smirked before opening the exit, walking through. “I remember saying not to launch yourself off of walls when I can’t be there to help you, not that I’d protect you if they attacked.”

I followed him through the exit, walking beside him as we head in the direction of my house, laughing. “Well, I kept up part of my deal!”

“Still bested by the wall.” He smirked down at me.

Rolling my eyes, I collapse the lance, slowing my pace. “Well, I don’t have any training yet, of course, the wall is going to win! That’s like me trying to pick a fight with you!”

Draal slows to match my pace, snorting at the thought. “You’re too smart to try that. Even for a fleshbag.” He tilts his head in thought. “You will be training with the troll hunter?”

I shook my head, “Nah, Blinky’s gonna have all four hands full trying to keep Jim in line, I doubt he’d be able to handle us both. Besides, he has to train for whatever fight you agreed to earlier. Fighting me won’t help with that.”

At the mention of the fight, Draal stops short, watching me. “You don’t seem worried.”

“You’re sparring with Jim again, I’m more worried about falling off another wall.” I joke, frowning when I look back to Draal, a serious expression etched on his face.

“This isn’t just a spar River.” He began slowly, “Honor was questioned. I will answer the call.” He began, “This is a fight to the death.”

I could feel the color drain from my face, going cold at Draal’s words. “Death…” He nods, watching my reaction closely. “He doesn’t know that!” I yelled, throwing my hand in the direction of the canal. “He probably thinks this is just another sparring session!”

Draal huffed, “If his teacher has any sense, he will explain the mistake he made.”

“Mistake?! Draal, one of you could die!” I started to panic, scared for both of them. “Please Draal, I understand there are things Jim and I both don’t know yet of your culture, but please reconsider this fight. If either of you…” I trailed off, hands shaking. I did the only thing I could think of to calm down, I rushed forward, hugging Draal tight, hiding my face. “Please, just… consider it. I don’t know if asking this is acceptable for Trolls, but losing my family or my friend…”

Draal had gone stiff when I rushed him, moving into a defensive stance. When he realized I was hugging him, he didn’t know what to do. After a moment of silence, he finally reached up to pat my head, “If asked by anyone else, I would take insult, however, I will consider it. Though if he continues to insult, I will not hold back.” He stated.

I nod my head, still hiding against his chest. “Thank you Draal,” I slowly pull back when the shaking in my arms subsides. “Sorry for rushing you…”

He merely pats my head again, continuing our way to my house. “You need a trainer for that weapon, and I need to train, though I doubt it will be much of a fight to train for. I will train you how to wield your weapon properly, starting tomorrow. You’ve been locked in a forge with the old goat for two days straight. Get some rest.” He paused at the back door of the house, nodding to himself.

I yawned, nodding to him. “I’ll see you tomorrow then. Good night Draal.” I smile and pat his forearm before heading in.

“Goodnight River,” He called, leaving for Trollmarket.

I quickly grab a granola bar, eating as I head up to my room. Kicking my shoes off before crawling under the covers, sitting up long enough to grab the gem I made that resembled Draal’s back and setting it on my nightstand then passing out for the night.

The next morning, I woke up early to do my chores, sweeping downstairs and dusting before Jim wakes up. Once I was done, I rushed upstairs to get ready for the day, changing into black baggy cargo pants, combat boots, and a dark purple long sleeve. Grabbing my backpack and satchel, I filtered through everything I needed for school and training. Grabbing my collapsed lance, I walked out of my room as Jim’s alarm went off.

Jim was dragging his feet as he was walked out, mumbling in Spanish. Grabbing his book bag off the banister he headed straight into the garage. It looks like we were leaving right away. I quickly stuffed the lance in my backpack and took off after Jim.

Toby was already out front with taco truck bags. “I grabbed breakfast and lunch!” He grinned, handing me a breakfast burrito and diablo maximus for later.

Jim yawned, taking his bag, “Thanks Tobes, next time they’re on me.” We ate as we walked to school, having decided to nix the bikes since Toby’s was crushed by Bular, and he was too nervous to ride with Jim or me.

“Thank you, Toby!” I grin taking a bite. “Ironic choice since Jim woke up speaking Spanish.”

Toby laughed, “Yeah, we have that comprehension test this week. Speaking of, any tips, teacher’s aide?” he looked up to me hopefully.

I shook my head, “Sorry Toby it’s a comprehension test, you’re speaking the entire time, no scantrons.”

Jim groaned, rubbing his eyes, “Besides, the last time we asked River for help, she would only communicate with us in Spanish for a week Tobes.”

Toby shuddered, “Remind me never to ask for language help again, I had a killer migraine trying to figure out how to ask for toast!”

I laughed as we walked into the school, “I’ll see you two later, try not to cause trouble.” I headed off to my art class.

During Senor Uhl’s class, I had to listen as Mary stumbled over both her Spanish and English. I cringed, between Senor Uhl’s chalk screeching on the blackboard, and Mary’s terrible story about playing two guys.

“Little did anyone know; Maria was juggling two hombres. Manolo was muy guapo, but Joaquin had muchos musculos.” As Mary spoke, I glanced around the room, glaring as I saw Steve harassing Jim. “And poor Maria had a pedoso heart.” I flinched hearing Mary, Senor Uhl’s chalk snapped once she said ‘pedoso.’

He quickly turned around, arms held behind his back, “What kind of heart did Maria have, Miss Wang?” He questioned Mary, walking around his desk.

“Um, a heavy heart. ‘Pe-Do-So.’ Or is it-” Mary was beginning to panic.

“I would hope Maria wouldn’t have a pedoso heart, because that would mean ‘gassy’” He interrupted Mary, lecturing her. “Did Maria have a gassy heart, Miss Wang?”

Mary was embarrassed and almost on the verge of tears, “Of course not Senor Uhl!”

“You were trying to say ‘pesado.’ ‘A heavy heart.’” He stated, “And it is with a heavy heart, Miss Wang, to tell you, that you have not shown the slightest comprehension of basic Spanish.” He grabbed the tissue box, holding it out towards her. “If you can’t even finish the exam, I have no choice but to fail you.”

Mary’s face fell, she grabbed a tissue quickly as she began to cry over her failing grade. I sighed, writing down the grade next to her name on a spreadsheet Senor Uhl gave me to keep a record as he focused on listening to them.

As the bell rung everyone got up to leave, I waited for all the students to exit.

“Mr. Lake, I look forward to your presentation tomorrow.” Senor Uhl commented to Jim as he passed by to leave, stretching.

“Yeah,” Jim chuckled nervously, quickly moving to the door, “I’m ready…”

I shook my head, handing the sheet to Senor Uhl before heading out. I found Jim and Toby by the lockers, Jim looking upset. “What happened? You look like you just failed instead of Mary.”

Toby shook his head, “He just got guilt-tripped by Claire for missing rehearsal yesterday.”

“She thinks I’m a jerk!” Jim threw his hands up as we started the walk to the canal.

“Two days in and you’re already skipping.” I shook my head. “How was training last night?”

Toby sighed, “Before or after the gnome stole the amulet?”

“I’m sorry, what stole the amulet?” I asked Toby, not sure if I had heard correctly.

Jim groaned, “That’s right, we need one of the gems you made, Blinky said it would help with getting the gnome.”

I nodded, “There’s a few stored in the Heartstone chambers by Vendel’s study, Blinky can grab whichever one he needs.” I pulled out a horngazel that Vendel had given me. Opening the entrance and walking through.

Jim frowned slightly, “You’re not going to hang out with us? I thought Vendel was giving you a break to train with the lance?” he asked, following me in with Toby.

I smile and nodded, heading down the stone steps, “He is, but you need to train for your fight with Draal, someone offered to teach me how to properly wield the lance.” I state, leaving out the part that I was training with Draal, not sure how happy Jim would be about it.

Toby looked at me confused, “Can’t be Vendel, I don’t think he’s that spry.”

I snickered shaking my head, waving them off as the met with Blinky and Arrrgh, “I’ll see you later, good luck with the gnome!” I called, running off to find Draal.

I scoured Trollmarket for almost an hour, asking other Trolls if they had seen Draal, most of which just snorted at me and kept on with whatever they were doing before. I sighed, walking through a part of the market dedicated to different types of Troll cuisine, wondering if Draal had to leave for something important.

As I made my way through the stalls, I was suddenly hit by something large and wall-like from behind. My feet were swept off the floor as whatever ran into me decided to lift me. I quickly grabbed my lance, angling it so the staff would ram into whatever had grabbed me as I activated it. As calculated, once I activated the lance, the staff quickly shot back and I was launched out of the grip, landing on my feet about 8 feet forward. Swinging the lance into a defensive position as I turned, ready to face whatever attacked me, I was met with laughter.

Draal had been my surprise attacker. Though he was laughing, I didn’t sense that he was mocking me. “What the hell Draal? What if I had stabbed you instead?” I asked, pissed at being caught off guard.

Draal clasped his hands, his laughter had died out, but he was grinning. “You weren’t aiming for anything vital, so it wouldn’t have done much harm. I’m impressed at your quick reflexes though. Good to know you’ve got some fight in you too.”

I groaned, realizing why I wasn’t able to find him. Why the other Trolls were looking at me like I was crazy when I had asked for Draal. “You were following me the entire time.”

Draal nods, placing a hand on my back to guide me as we walked. “Since you entered Trollmarket with the Trollhunter and the other fleshbag.”

“Toby,” I remarked, noticing how depending on who Draal was referring to, ‘fleshbag’ either sounded endearing, usually towards me or annoyed, Toby and Jim.

Draal snorted, “Right, To-bee.” He drawled out on purpose, smirking down at me. “We’ll be training in the caverns since you haven’t told the Trollhunter I was training you; I figured the forge wouldn’t be available.” He stated a slight irritation in his tone.

I sighed, “Sorry, he knows we get along, but with the outburst in the bar, and your fight coming up, I don’t know how he’d react.”

Draal hummed, leading me into the caverns, large dark caves illuminated by the glowing gems embedded in the walls. “You are worried he will disapprove.”

I snort a laugh, “Hell no, I just don’t want to psych him out before the fight.”

Draal smirked at my answer, seeming to be in a better mood. We stopped in a large cave, a little smaller than the forge. It was well lit compared to some of the other caves we had traversed through. Draal motioned for me to face him, pulling out a training staff. “Mimic my movements.” He started by holding the staff in both hands parallel to the ground at arm’s length. As I took the position and copied his stance, he swung the staff down to the side, then pulled it up over his head, standing on one foot.

I mimicked Draal for a few hours, the movements became fluid, more stances were varied. Soon he was instructing me on lunging techniques and blocking. Around midnight we were sparring fluidly. As Draal curled into his ‘boulder stance’ as I began to call it, he set off to ram into me. I quickly dug the end of the lance into the ground as Draal was a few feet away, closing in fast, and I vaulted myself over him, swinging the lance around to whack his side with the blunt end, landing behind him.

Draal landed on his feet and grabbed his side where I had hit, he cheered turning to me, “Well done River! Similar to your evasion of my surprise attack earlier.” He nodded to himself, going over the maneuver again.

I dropped to sit on the floor, chest heaving, covered in sweat. “Thanks, Draal. You’re a good trainer, I’m surprised how far I’ve gotten.”

Draal smirked sitting next to me, “You need a break. We’ve been training since the sun was up.” I grin, flopping back on the ground, looking up at him. “Thank Daya! I’m exhausted!” My stomach growled and I groaned.

Draal barked a laugh, “Looks like you’ll need to move or your stomach will keep screaming.” He poked my stomach as it growled again. I yelped whacking his hand away quickly causing Draal to frown, “You can’t be injured, you never sustained a blow to that side of your torso.” I huffed, hugging over my stomach before he could decide to prod and look for injuries, “I’m not hurt, that just tickled.” “Tickled? What is tickled?” Draal asked a look of utter confusion etched over his face. I tilt my head to face him, trying to explain what tickling is, “Well, being ticklish means that when you’re touched certain ways, it sets off nerves and you get this feeling under your skin, your skin jumps, but in a really weird way it's not a bad feeling. People’s reactions vary though. Some people laugh uncontrollably, others kick and punch, trying to get away from the tickling.”

Draal’s face was etched in morbid curiosity as he looked from his fingers to my stomach again. “Why do fleshbags have such weaknesses?” He begins to poke at my leg when he doesn’t get a reaction, he poked my arm. When I fail to react again, he starts poking at my sides that weren’t covered by my arms.

I screech, laughing. Quickly trying to wiggle away from Draal as he continued to poke my sides. Squirming, tears flowing down my cheeks, and gasping for air, I grapple his arm with my arms and legs, hanging off of it like a sloth. “STOP!”

Draal laughs at my tactic, lifting his arm so I’m dangling in the air. “How is this helping you?” He asked.

“Well you stopped, didn’t you?” I stuck my tongue out at him indignantly.

“Careful, you don’t want to lose that.” He smirked as I squeaked, quickly pulling my tongue back.

“Are you threatening to rip or cut my tongue out?” I asked in mock disdain.

He hums in thought, tilting his head slightly, “Possibly…” He suddenly shakes the arm I’m hanging from with a smirk.

I yelp at the sudden movement and let go, landing on his lap, glaring up at him. “How dare you, sir! I was hanging on that!” I gesture to his arm dramatically.

Draal shook his head and stood as my stomach growled again, picking me up off his lap so I was sitting in the crook of his arm. “Let’s get you some food.” He began to head out of the caverns.

Holding my collapsed lance close, I squirm in his hold, not used to being carried. “Um, Draal, I can walk.”

He glanced down but made no move to set me down. “You trained well past your limit today. I doubt you’d be able to walk far,” he reasoned. We quickly made it back into Trollmarket, stopping at a stall with food that was safe for humans to eat. Draal handed the food to me, walking through the market. “Eat this, it might taste like rocks.”

I took the food and began eating quickly, tilting my head at the taste, “not rocks, but nothing I’ve tasted before.” I spoke up. I pulled my phone out to check the time, groaning. “I have to get home, it’s 3 am, and I have school tomorrow… well, today.”

Draal nods and heads out of Trollmarket to the canal. “Why do you attend this school, surely you are learning well under Vendel.”

I laughed shaking my head, knowing human school was a weird concept for trolls in general. “If I had a choice in the matter, I would love to run off to Trollmarket and focus on magic studies, but as I grew up human, well, we are forced to attend learning institutions until we graduate high school, and if we don’t, we can get into trouble.”

“Bushigal!” He sneered, “Fleshbags and their idiotic rules.”

I shrugged, “Yup, and with mom being a doctor, well, she’s all about getting an education. I don’t think she’d be okay with me dropping to study magic any time soon.”

Draal hummed, “It is best she remains unaware, the fewer humans know, the better.” Climbing over the fence and into the backyard, Draal finally sets me down. “You said you could leave after high school, what are you in now?”

“I’m in my senior, or last, year of high school, I’ll graduate in June.” I paused, thinking about what Vendel has explained to me so far. “I’ve been thinking, Vendel said I would begin to age like a troll, does that mean I wouldn’t be able to stay around humans for long?” I asked Draal.

He hummed, thinking for a moment, “It depends on how long it takes for the fleshbags to notice you aren’t changing as fast. Worried? It's not like you won’t have anywhere to go.” He stated as if it were obvious to me.

I looked up at him confused, “Where am I supposed to go? I can’t exactly afford to move around to different cities or states.”

Draal rolled his eyes at my question, “Trollmarket. You’re a sorceress, not a human, you’d be welcomed and respected in Trollmarket. Why do you think the Trolls leave you alone yet go out of their way to mess with the other fleshbags?”

“Because Toby can be loud and invasive and Jim is the first human Trollhunter,” I state with a blank look.

Draal shook his head, “You are more Troll-like than you are human. You were recognized and taken in by the leader of Trollmarket, you study the arcane under him. The most fearsome warrior in Trollmarket took you under his wing to train you in weaponry,” he smirked, boasting, “and you’ve forged your weapon in the short amount of time you have been coming to Trollmarket. I’m surprised you haven’t moved in yet.”

I laughed at his boasting, grinning up at him, “Thanks Draal, maybe once I finish school, I’ll take you up on that.” I paused, yawning. “I’ll see you tomorrow for training my most fearsome warrior.” I tease hugging him, lifting my head slightly under his chin before heading inside, “Goodnight, Draal.”

If I had stayed a moment longer, I would have noticed that Draal had gone stone still at the gesture, once I had shut the door behind me, his jaw dropped, staring at the door, a hand rose under his chin where my head had been. Draal had to remind himself that I still didn’t know much about Troll culture and that I most likely had no idea what I had just done.

I was happily dreaming of moving to Trollmarket when loud banging on my bedroom door woke me up. “It’s too early!” I yelled, throwing my pillow at the door.

Toby burst in, seeing me in bed his jaw dropped. “River! It’s time to leave! Also, Jim has a problem! Pack your laptop,” he yelled quickly, slamming my door shut.

I glared at the door before checking my phone for the time. “Shit, it is late!” I jump out of bed getting dressed as fast as I can, grabbing my laptop before running out after Toby. “What’s the problem? Where is Jim?”

Toby and I were running to school. “He’s at my house, Blinky shrunk him so he could catch a gnome and he hasn’t gotten bigger!”

I groaned, “I’m guessing the laptop is so he doesn’t fail his Spanish presentation?” I asked as we barely made it onto the campus as the final bell rang.

“Yup! See you in Senor Uhl’s class!” Toby yelled, rushing off to his first period. This was going to be weird.

Once we finally got to Senor Uhl’s class, I spoke to him before the bell. “Senor Uhl, I’m sorry this is a bit different, but Jim’s home sick. Is it alright if he gives his comprehension exam by video chat?” I asked, hoping Toby’s plan would work out.

Senor Uhl tapped his desk thinking. “I don’t see why not. At least he’s responsible enough to keep up with schoolwork while ill.” He nodded, allowing me to set up the laptop.

I logged in and waved to Jim, snickering as I recognized the background as the dollhouse in Toby’s room. “Ready Jim?” I asked.

Jim gave me a thumbs up. “Ready to go! Hola! Sorry, I couldn’t be en escuela, Senor Uhl, but I’m sick en casa. Which is fitting, since I’m doing mi comprehension presentacion on Ponce de Leon, who muerto-ed from a great illness.”

“Hey!” Steve yelled glaring at Jim on the screen. “’Muerto-ed’ is not a word!”

I rolled my eyes at Steve, sitting at my desk in the back with the grading sheet.

“Nope.” Senor Uhl began, “I’m curious to see where this is going. Continue Mr. Lake.” He waved Steve’s objection off.

Jim grinned when he was given the go-ahead, and I smirked at Steve, Jim continued his presentation until a vacuum cut him off, I dropped my head to my desk. Why was Nana cleaning now? “the feunte de la juventud, the Fountain of Youth.” Jim continued, scrambling closer to the screen.

“What is that horrible noise?” Senor Uhl asked.

“Uh, constuccion.” Jim quickly explained. “Uh, remodeling. A minor intrusion. Un minute, Senor Uhl.” Jim's face planted against the screen.

“Mr. Lake?” Senor Uhl was confused, “Mr. Lake are you still there? We don’t have all day.”

“No, no… No need to fight at home.” Jim spoke up, turning back to the screen. “Ponce de Leon joined Columbus in the New… New- What in the world?!” Jim yelled, looking past the screen again.

The next thing I know, Jim is fighting with a gnome, running on and off-screen as he continues his presentation. After a few minutes, he sat on the toy couch, out of breath. “But in the end, they were taken care of. And that is it for my presentacion. I hope this wasn’t too much trouble, Senor Uhl. Hasta luego.”

Eli jumped up from his seat, applauding “Spectacular!”

Senor Uhl shook his head at Eli’s outburst, turning back to the laptop. “Very, very informative, Mr. Lake. C-plus.” He said. Jim groaned as his body began to misshapen. “Fine. B-minus.” Senor Uhl stated quickly, looking worriedly at the screen and Jim seized up.

“Jim! Jim, what’s wrong?” Eli asked, taking his seat again.

I rushed out of my seat, closing the laptop quickly. “Sorry about that construction must have messed with the wifi!” The bell rang and I ran out to find Toby, grabbing him as soon as I pass by and dragging him off campus, all the way home. “Jim’s freaking out! He started changing shape after his presentation!” I yelled as we ran into Toby’s house and up the stairs.

Toby slammed his bedroom door open revealing a full-size Jim sitting in front of the dollhouse. “Jim!” Toby yelled, “You’re big again!”

Jim chuckled patting over his ribs, “I think my spleen switched sides, but everything’s better now.” He joked.

Toby hugged him, “I’m sorry I failed you, Jim. I should have done it when I had the chance.”

I looked between the two confused. “What are you talking about?”

Jim pulled back and moved away from the dollhouse, introducing us to the gnome that was attacking him on screen. Toby quickly dubbing him Gnome Chompsky when Jim says we can keep him.

“Chompsky. I like it.” Jim grinned. I nodded in agreement, snickering when Chompsky tried the movie theater, yawning arm move on the doll.

Jim laughed closing the dollhouse. “Pretty good for a first mission. Two crises averted. It’s not like you get to rehearse these things.” Jim’s face fell as he took a sharp breath. “Oh, no! Rehearsal! I gotta go!” Jim took off running out of Toby’s house.

I sighed before getting up, “I have to go too, I’ve got training in Trollmarket. See you late Tobes!” I wave heading out, running to the canal. Excited to continue training with Draal. As I walk into the canal entrance I run straight into a blue troll, though he wasn’t the blue troll I was expecting. “Blinky? Are you leaving? The sun is still up.” I asked confused.

“Ah, Lady River! Good to see you, I’m waiting on Master Jim, he should be arriving soon, your school let out a while ago.” Blinky explained, frowning as the portal closed behind me with no Jim in sight.

“Sorry Blinky, he ran off to rehearsal, school activities sometimes last longer than a normal day,” I said, making my way to the steps.

Blinky sighed, disappointed that Jim wouldn’t be coming anytime soon. “That’s a shame, he has so much training, especially considering his match with Draal.” Blinky shuddered. “Maybe it’s for the best, that Troll has been in a strange mood since last night,” Blinky noted, walking down with me to Trollmarket.

I frowned, worried for Draal, “Strange mood? Is he sick? Can trolls get sick?” I asked, going over our training to see if Draal could’ve gotten hurt. “Did Bular attack?”

Blinky shook his head quickly, waving his hands, “No, nothing like that. Yes, trolls can get sick. I don’t think he ran into Bular after his night out, but he seems to be distracted, and Draal is never distracted.”

I snort a laugh, “Oh yes, the ‘most fearsome warrior in Trollmarket,’ couldn’t possibly be distracted.”

Blinky pauses, tilting his head at my choice of words, “Have you been spending time with Draal?”

I stiffen at the question, unsure of Blinky’s tone, “Well yeah, I mean, we’ve been hanging out since… wow, the first night we came to Trollmarket. Vendel had him take me home since Bular was still running around and it kind of became routine if I don’t leave with Jim and Toby. He offered to train me with the lance so there’s that too…” I trail off watching Blinky’s face.

His jaw drops when I mention training. “DRAAL offered to TRAIN YOU?” Blinky asked in disbelief, an annoyed growl from behind catching our attention.

“I did.” Draal was standing behind us, glaring at Blinky as if he was challenging him.

I grinned walking up to him, “Ready to go?”

Blinky’s mouth was still open, looking between Draal and me, trying to get more than ‘you’ and ‘him’ out in a sentence. Draal nods as his glare morphed into a smirk, “Maybe we should train in the forge since the Trollhunter is busy, that way his teacher can get a sense of what he’s up against in his next fight.”

I look up at Draal confused, then I turn to Blinky and shrug. “That’s fine with me, uh…” I waved my hand in front of Blinky’s face.

Blinky snapped his mouth close glaring up at Draal. “Let’s go then, I’m sure we will all learn a lot.” He huffed, turning to get Arrrgh, heading to the forge.

I kept my pace slow, Draal matching my step. I was still worried about what Blinky had said. “Hey, Draal? Are you doing okay?” I asked, looking up to him as we walked.

Draal tilted his head towards me, confused, “Of course, why do you ask?”

I shrug a bit, glancing to Blinky and Arrrgh ahead of us, “Blinky said you’ve been distracting since you came back from taking me home, I was wondering if something happened?”

Draal stiffened, “On my way back? No, I… didn’t think I was distracted.”

I nod, watching his reaction, “Did,” I paused, selecting my words carefully, “Did I do something?” Draal winced at my question. Frowning I turned to face him, “I did.”

Draal sighed, waiting for Blinky and Arrrgh to walk through the forge entrance before explaining, “Culturally it isn’t… bad.” He began, tilting his head in thought, “You wouldn’t have known about it either. Do not worry about it.”

“What did I do? I doubt you’d be distracted if I had accidentally done something small like insulting your cooking.” I said, trying to go over everything I did or said last night. “Was it the hug? No, you’ve let me hug you before… was it the teasing? Calling you ‘my most fearsome warrior?’”

Draal shook his head, sighing “It was the gesture during your hug,” He pats my head, “a troll nuzzles their head under another’s chin when courting.”

I froze under his hand, face turning dark red, “Courting… that’s more serious than dating.” I groaned hiding my face in my hands, “No wonder you were upset! I’m so sorry Draal, that was probably insulting.”

Draal was confused by my reaction, “You believe I would take insult to court you?” He frowns pulling his hand from my head.

I look up at him, face still red, “well, no but… I’m not exactly a Troll.” I tried to explain.

“Then you take insult to a Troll courting you?” He asked, brow knit as his confusion deepened.

“Not at all! Well, depending on the troll.” I muttered, tilting my head in thought. “Though I don’t personally know a lot of Trolls. I’m closest to you and Vendel, so I don’t see a Troll trying to court me anytime soon.”

Draal nodded, continuing into the forge, contemplating my answer.

“There you two are! I thought you were supposed to be training?” Blinky huffed, all four arms crossed over his chest, still irritated by Draal’s quip about teaching Jim. Arrrgh just pats his head, trying to calm him down.

Dropping my bag, I grabbed my lance. “Seriously Blinky?” I shook my head before taking my stance, ready for any surprise Draal might have up his sleeves if he had sleeves.

Draal smirked, taking his stance. We slowly circled the perimeter of the forge, watching each other for the slightest move to attack. Draal lost his patience first, roaring and taking his boulder stance he took off after me, quicker than when we were training last night. I stayed planted until the last second before springing out of the way just enough not to get hit. Swinging the lance around, I dug my foot into the ground as it made contact with Draal. Growling, my hands began to glow as I channeled magic through the staff, forcing the swing to continue and I was able to knock Draal back, causing him to uncurl and land on his back.

He sat up, looking at me bewildered for a moment before smirking and jumping to his feet. I took a defensive stance as he held his hands up, walking up to me calmly, “Hands,” he stated, holding one of his out, palm up.

I was confused until I realized that this was the first time I channeled magic into my hands without blasting something to pieces. I looked at my still wrapped hands, the magic hadn’t burned the bandages this time. I place one of my hands in Draal’s palm. He unwrapped it, looking over it for injury before nodding and unwrapping my other hand. “If you use your magic properly, you won’t injure yourself. Keep practicing channeling into the lance as we spar. Don’t overdo it though. Vendel will have my head if you get injured.”

I laughed and nodded, stretching my palms. I smirked, hooking his horn with the blade, and surging magic through it, enough to enable me to flip Draal over onto his back again. I grinned leaning over his shocked face. “That’s for your surprise attack yesterday.”

He barked a laugh before raising a hand quickly and jabbing my side with his finger, “Careful River, I still know your weakness.” He grinned up at me as I yelped before glaring at him.

“That’s just rude!” I growled out hugging my sides and quickly stepping out of reach.

Draal and I continued to taunt and tease each other as our sparring continued. Movements quickened and each blow increased in strength as we were both tossed around the forge, not hard enough to do anything more than bruising.

Blinky and Arrrgh watched on in shock. “Draal strange,” Arrrgh noted to Blinky, cheering whenever I was able to successfully channel my magic into an attack.

“Indeed, it almost seems as if… no, that can’t be right. Draal can’t stand ‘fleshbags’ he’d never…” Blinky remarked, his thought trailing off.

“Not human,” Arrrgh replied. “River more like us.”

“I know, it’s just hard to keep in mind considering she’s related by blood to Master Jim and he doesn’t have an ounce of magic without the Amulet of Daylight.” Blinky shakes his head, laughing when I launch Draal into a wall. “Well, if this how females are taught to ‘flirt’ in the human world, I pray for Master Jim’s life when a human female tries to court him.” He states, wincing as Draal catches the blade of my lance and throws me.

Landing next to Blinky, knocking the wind out of my lungs. I groaned closing my eyes trying to catch my breath. I could hear running when I didn’t make a move to get up right away.

“River!” Draal was next to me when I opened my eyes again, seeing his worried expression I give him a tired thumbs up. Draal let out a sigh of relief, letting me take my time.

Blinky and Arrrgh glanced at each other with knowing faces before huddling with Draal over me. “River tired.” Arrrgh smiled, seeing that I was fine.

“Perhaps it is time for a break?” Blinky suggested.

I began to wave him off then paused, “Jim will be here soon,” I groaned, slowly sitting up with Draal’s help.

Draal huffed seeing the bruises forming over my arms, blisters covering my palms. “And it looks like I’ll be taking you to Vendel after all.”

I smiled up at him and pat his cheek. “I’m sure you’ll keep your head. These are standard fleshy training injuries.” I said, shaking my bruised arms out, wincing at the movement. “Maybe a little more than standard.” I sighed.

Blinky cleared his throat, nodding to Draal and I. “Yes well, you go get healed up, Lady River. Arrrgh and I will be setting up for Master Jim’s training now. I’ve learned quite a lot from your performance and it will do good being incorporated in the Trollhunter’s training.”

Draal slid an arm around me so I was sitting on his forearm, similar to how he carried me last night. I smiled and waved to Blinky and Arrrgh as he walked out of the forge and straight to Vendel’s study. “Vendel.” He greets when we see the old goat.

Vendel looked up from his scroll, dropping it when he sees us. “What in Merlin’s name happened?” He rushed over to me, seeing my arms were almost completely bruised over.

“Training, I can keep up just fine in strength, but I still get injured pretty easily,” I told him, surprised that his worry was showing.

“Set her on the table and step out Draal, I need to examine the extent of the injuries.” Vendel directed, turning to file through different scrolls he had stored.

Draal sat me on the table, nudging my shoulder, he frowned at how beat up I had gotten. “I got carried away with your training, I forget you're not made of stone.” He apologized.

Smiling up at him I shook my head. “So, the training got intense, at least we know I can keep up with a troll during a fight!”

He smiled at my logic and nodded, “Try to behave,” he remarked before stepping out.

Vendel unfurled a scroll next to me, he quickly checked for more injuries before nodding to the scroll, “Alright, I want you to read this out loud and focus on the bruising of your arms.” He explained.

I looked over the parchment carefully, reciting the Trollish words slowly, repeating them as I looked at my arms, trying to focus. I felt a strange warmth extend from my chest down along my arms, then it spread through my torso and legs. I continued to repeat the incantation, realizing this was a spell, my eyes glazed over, glowing a faint blue as my palms did the same, the bruises began to shrink until they had faded completely.

Vendel watched, smiling as the glow faded from my eyes. “Hm, looks like the healing incantation worked.” He examined my arms again, nodding to himself. “Though, maybe we should work on some armor that will allow you to train to your limits without having to heal yourself after every session.”

I grinned up at him asking “I’m getting an upgrade?”

He chuckled, “You’ll be forging an ‘upgrade,’ take your time thinking it over though, it needs to be functional. Now, why don’t you go see Draal, I can hear him pacing.” Vendel shooed me out of his study with a small smile.

I smiled seeing that Draal was in fact, pacing outside of Vendel’s study. Leaning against the wall, I watched him for a minute before snickering. “Worried?” I asked him.

Draal stumbled at my question, head snapping towards the sound of my voice. Letting out a snort he looked over my arms, tilting his head noticing the bruises were gone. “Vendel healed you?” He asked, prodding at my arms.

“Nope!” I stated, letting him continue, “He taught me a healing incantation.” I explained at his confused glance.

Smirking, he ruffled the top of my head. “Something tells me at this rate, you’ll be using that spell often.”

I whacked his hand from my head, returning his smirk, “Careful Draal, or I might have to use it on you.” I teased, walking past him. He laughed falling in step with me, heading out of Trollmarket and into the canal. “How about we get something to eat, my treat?” I asked him.

He glanced at me as we walked further into town, staying hidden. “Where could we get food?”

I grinned up at him, heading to the park, “The taco truck of course!” I replied, happy that he wasn’t rejecting the offer. I paused in an alley, spotting the truck. “I’ll be right back.” I quickly ran to the truck, ordering a box of tacos. I could feel Draal’s stare on my back during the exchange. Once I had the box in hand, I took off back to the alley, grinning. “Let’s find somewhere to eat.”

Draal smirked picking me up. “I know somewhere fleshbags typically ignore.” He stated, climbing to the roof and heading over several buildings until we reached a warehouse with a large billboard on the roof. Draal settled us behind the billboard, facing the woods. “How’s this?” He asked, surveying the area for a moment, relaxing slightly when there was no sign of Bular.

I smiled jumping out of his hold and sitting on the ledge, patting next to me for him to sit. Once Draal was settled I took two tacos from the box then handed the box with six remaining tacos over to him. “Ever tried tacos?” I asked, taking a bite of one.

Draal sniffed the box, observing how I ate one before picking a taco from the box and tossing it in his mouth. “No,” he answered, humming in approval, “these are good!”

I smiled, glad he liked them. “That’s good if you ever want them, let me know and I can bring them, or we can eat out!” I grin finishing off my first taco.

Draal nods, happily eating the rest of the tacos along with the box.

Finishing off my food, I leaned back against the billboard, looking over the woods. “Today was a lot of fun, bruises and all.”

Draal let out a deep chuckle, “You fight like a Troll, Blinkous and Arrrgh looked terrified when you were able to throw me.”

I laughed at the memory, “You were shocked too!” I defended, “Aren’t you supposed to know what I’m capable of as my trainer?” I teased.

Draal snorted, “I haven’t trained a sorceress for combat before, so it seems we’ll continue running into surprises.” He tilted his head, thinking.

I smile content with the quiet, enjoying Draal’s company.

“River?” He spoke up after a few minutes. I hummed in acknowledgment for him to continue. “Why do you think a troll wouldn’t try courting you ‘anytime soon?’” He asked, referring to our earlier conversation.

“Well,” I began, sitting up a bit, “I feel if one tried, they’d be very intimidated by you and Vendel. After all, I’m training under both of you, and after today I can tell you’re both pretty protective.” I smiled up at him.

He hummed at my answer, thinking for a moment. “It sounds as if you don’t think my asking you is an option then.”

My smile turned to confusion, thinking he was teasing me. I held my breath slightly, waiting for a smirk or chuckle, but neither came. “Well, you’re not ‘not’ an option.” I tried to explain, realizing he was being serious.

“That doesn’t make sense.” He frowned, confused by my wording.

I shook my head, trying to collect my thoughts. “It’s just, I assumed your reaction to my ‘mistake’ last night was negative, and the way you explained it felt like it was unwelcomed.” I shrugged slightly.

Draal arched a brow at my response, “I knew you didn’t know what you were doing. You didn’t know the significance… but it was not unwelcome.”

My face began to overheat, and I knew I was turning red. “Then you’re open to courting me?” I asked, trying to calm the redness in my face.

Draal leaned down to be level with my face, studying the color change before leaning forward and nuzzling his nose under my jaw, pulling back, smirking slightly as my face turned a deep scarlet. “Does that answer your question?” He asked, and I could only nod, eyes wide. “I will wait for an answer, after all, the fight may change things.” He stated, frowning when mentioning the fight and the tension that may arise due to it.

“Okay… um, could you explain why you court that way?” I asked, trying to distract him.

“It’s how we scent. Your scent will mix with mine and it will let other trolls know you’re being courted, the same would happen to my scent. That’s why I was distracted today; your scent wouldn’t leave.” He explained.

“So, if I walked into Trollmarket now I might be met with Trolls flinging themselves out of my path in fear of enraging you?” I asked teasing.

Draal growled, all teasing gone from his voice, “If you accept, they had better. Though exceptions are made for family and family-like relations.”

I blink, stunned at the tone. “So scenting is marking, and you don’t like sharing.”

“Culturally, if a troll is trying to get close to you while you’re courting another, they are competing to court you.” He explained, irritated at the thought.

I laughed patting his forearm, “Trust me Draal, you would have nothing to worry about.”

Draal smirked down at my response, “Let’s get you home, you have to attend the fleshbag study dungeon tomorrow.” He stood, lifting me to sit on his forearm as he climbed down from the billboard.

Leaning back against his chest, I kept asking questions about courting as he headed to my house. “So, if my answer is yes, do I have to do something specific?”

“Usually the courting gesture is returned.” He explained, nuzzling his nose under my jaw again. “Just like that.”

“Okay, and just so I don’t do something stupid or insulting, is there a way to deny the courting?” I asked worriedly. If I found a way to court Draal on accident, I could very well find a way to tell him to fuck off on accident too.

He winced slightly, “You can say it outright, or deny the gesture by pushing me away.”

I nod, then frown, “What if it tickles and I whack you as a reaction?” I asked, knowing it was a real possibility.

He laughed poking my side for good measure as he responded. “I will keep that in mind if you do hit me. If it happens though, I assume you’ll be screeching too much to let me know right away.”

I puffed my cheeks out, crossing my arms over my chest, “says the one who kept tickling me till I couldn’t breathe!”

He grinned, setting me down as we reached the back door of my house, “You can’t blame me, I didn’t know it could get that severe,” he teased, glancing over the house before scenting me again. “Goodnight River.”

I smiled up at him, face becoming less red the more he scents. “Good night Draal.” I lay my hand over his cheek, wanting to return the gesture, but waiting as he had asked. “Get home safe!” I called after him as he left.

Running inside, I covered my face, trying to calm the raging blush. I took a deep breath before heading up to bed, smiling like an idiot as I fell asleep.

#Trollhunters #Draal #trollhunters draal #draal the deadly #DraalxRiver #DraalxOC #River Marie Lake #River Marie Wyllt #trollhuntersoc #trollhunters oc #trollhunters fanfiction #episode 4 #gnome your enemy

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magic-and-moonlit-wings · 5 years ago

Text

Becoming The Mask Outline

Those who have read the previous outline will have notice the story veered away from it as I started getting new and different ideas or rearranging bits. Based on that precedent, this may not be how the story ultimately turns out either.

But for now, this is the plan.

Some of the scenes are planned in much more detail than others. It’s under a ‘Keep Reading’ because it is ridiculously long. In the document where I created it, it goes for 76 pages and clocks in at just under 36,500 words.

Version 2:

Jim goes through his morning routine of feeding his mother and best friend, taking care of the house, and checking on his Familiar. His internal narrative reveals that, although he is a Changeling and working for Gunmar, Jim also wants to find a way to keep Toby and Barbara alive after Gunmar is freed.

On his way to school, the Amulet calls him.

He tries to give the Amulet to Stricklander, but it teleports back to him, revealing Jim as the Trollhunter. He summons the armour for the first time.

Stricklander suggests they can use this to infiltrate Trollmarket. Stricklander promises to keep Bular from killing Jim over this.

Jim doesn’t know enough about troll culture to pass as a ‘normal’ troll, and would need to disappear a lot to keep up his human cover, and doesn’t know if anyone spotted him taking the Amulet, so he and Stricklander agree Jim should let the trolls think Jim is a human.

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH approach Jim that night. Narration confirms that Jim has met Dictatious and notices the resemblance between Dictatious and Blinky. Jim goes with them to Trollmarket, swoons over the Heartstone, and gets Blinky to start teaching him to speak trollish. Jim already knows some trollish but they don’t know that.

Draal finds out someone else was chosen as Trollhunter. AAARRRGGHH and Blinky tell Jim about Kanjigar and how the Amulet choses the new Trollhunter when the last one dies.

Vendel tests Jim with the Soothscryer. The Forge malfunctions shortly afterwards, implying to the audience that the Trollhunter ghosts were trying to summon Jim, but AAARRRGGHH hits the kill switch.

Bular postures at Jim, who is intimidated but physically unharmed.

Jim copies the first three volumes of ‘A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore’ and gives a copy to Stricklander. He tells Stricklander about Trollmarket and speculates on Blinky and AAARRRGGHH’s relationship.

Jim helps gather Kanjigar’s remains. Vendel gives him a closer look at the Heartstone while Blinky and AAARRRGGHH are taking Kanjigar’s remains to Draal. Vendel describes Jim’s reaction to the Heartstone as ‘troll like’. Jim passes this off as the natural human response to brightly coloured, shiny, or glowing things.

Draal and Jim spar. Jim yanks on Draal’s nose ring and Draal nearly crushes him. Jim has something like a flashback to fighting in Gunmar’s Crucible in the Darklands.

Draal is impressed enough by how long a ‘human’ lasted in a spar against him that he decides to help Jim train the next night. Jim tries to let Draal hold the Sword of Daylight, to demonstrate the proper grip, but it vanishes out of Draal’s hand.

Gnome Chompsky appears. Jim can’t bring himself to kill the gnome because gnomes and Changelings are both considered vermin by trolls. Gnome Chompsky escapes while Jim is putting off the kill, and gets into Toby’s house. Toby adopts and names him. Jim wants to intervene in this, but decides not to, to protect his cover. Toby does not know Jim is a Changeling or the Trollhunter.

Jim steals part of the Heartstone. It is implied the Heartstone gave a piece of itself to him on purpose.

Jim gives the Heartstone piece to the Janus Order, giving Stricklander the credit but not trusting him to share the Heartstone if Jim gave it directly to him. Another Changeling reveals that Killahead Bridge is nearly complete.

Stricklander is angry Jim didn’t bring him the Heartstone shard, but forgives him because Jim was trying to help their fellow Changelings.

Jim spends an evening with his mom, worrying that he won’t be able to keep her alive once Gunmar is freed.

Draal falls off the edge of the Forge platform during a spar.

Jim uses the Sword of Daylight, stabbed into the floor, as an anchor while pulling Draal up. He expresses horror and indignation that Draal’s expression, seeing Jim standing over him with the sword, implied Draal thought Jim was going to kill him. Jim promises that, if he ever does try to kill Draal, he will not use the Sword of Daylight – Draal’s father’s sword – to do it.

Jim also yells at Blinky about the use of actual lava in a training ring.

The class goes on a field trip to the museum. Jim sneaks off to talk to Nomura and Stricklander.

A new Changeling is being brought in. Jim wishes he could send Toby to safety. He suggests they swap Enrique Nuñez, officially because Mrs Nuñez is a local politician, unofficially because he’s acquainted with Claire and she gushes about her baby brother and Jim sees this as doing her a favor.

He ‘fidgets’ with pieces of Killahead Bridge while they’re talking. He steals one to take down to Trollmarket, to buy himself more time to convince everyone they should keep Barbara alive.

Jim babysits Not Enrique, whom he addresses as Enrique. Enrique catches Jim up on what’s been going on in the Darklands since Jim was planted on the surface. The house is not trashed.

Claire’s phone battery dies, so she isn’t able to warn Jim her parents are heading back early. Jim and Enrique switch to human form when they hear the door open. Jim tells the Nuñezes that he and Claire were studying together, and took a break to play with Enrique, and that Claire, sneaking in behind them, is in the bathroom.

The next day, Claire thanks Jim for covering for her. She kisses him on the cheek. He is uncomfortable because, despite appearances, he is actually an adult. He reassures himself she might not have meant it flirtatiously.

Blinky is teaching Jim to speak and read trollish. Jim thinks about how different Blinky is from Dictatious, but suspiciously wonders if it’s an act and Blinky might also secretly work for Gunmar.

Jim considers what will probably happen to the trolls he knows once Gunmar comes back. Draal and AAARRRGGHH will go in the army, probably controlled by the Decimaar Blade. Blinky will probably stay a historian/librarian and Bagdwella would still be a shopkeeper. Vendel would be kept alive to run the day-to-day affairs of Trollmarket, so Gunmar won’t have to and to keep the population at ease.

Jim assures himself all of this would be for the best to ensure their survival, even if it means Jim – a Changeling who will probably be kept on the surface to manage to human livestock, since he can withstand sunlight – will probably never see any of his troll friends again, and none of the trolls are likely to be happy about Gunmar taking over.

Jim invites Toby and Nana to dinner, but has to kick them out immediately after the meal because Bular shows up, wanting Jim to go to Trollmarket for him and get him a Heartstone fragment.

Toby is suspicious and tries to follow Jim, but can’t catch up to him before he uses the horngazel. Toby changes his mind about waiting for Jim to come back out after seeing that one troll who always says “Whatever.”

Jim at school is growing increasingly strained, with two other lives to keep secret from his seeming peers. Toby has noticed it most, but Mary, a committed gossip, also notices, and she mentions it to Claire and Darci. They talk to Toby and all agree to team up and investigate.

Toby, Claire, Mary, and Darci follow Jim into Trollmarket and are caught. Jim thinks at first, when he hears about the ‘human intruders’, that someone from the Janus Order followed him.

Jim is forced to reveal one of his secret lives to humans. Toby questions the title of ‘Trollhunter’. Blinky explains the grammatical difference between trollish and English, making the title mean ‘the troll who is the hunter’ rather than ‘the one who hunts trolls’ in the original language.

Bagdwella interrupts to tell them that the Hero’s Forge is going haywire. (One of the lines I am most proud of: “It’s a giant mechanical deathtrap; how can it malfunction? Is it suddenly non-lethal?”) Vendel learns of the human intruders and is not amused.

Jim is summoned by the ghost Trollhunters. They can see what goes on around the Amulet, so they know he’s a Changeling.

They tell him he shouldn’t let the humans help him fight, because it will only endanger them. Kanjigar comments on Jim’s lack of killer instinct. The Ghost Council tells Jim that, if he wants to keep the humans he cares for safe, he will eventually have to kill Bular and Gunmar.

Kanjigar doesn’t say anything about Draal, but Jim lies to Draal afterwards, saying Kanjigar asked Jim to pass on how proud he is of his son.

Jim leaves out the bit where they yelled at him for being a Changeling, but does say the Ghost Council doesn’t want humans involved, and so the kids will have to swear an oath of secrecy before leaving Trollmarket.

The trolls agree to let the humans keep visiting because they have no practical way to stop them.

Blinky suggests the humans all be tested with a gaggletack; Vendel points out there has been no Changeling activity for decades but does not actually countermand the suggestion.

Jim casually picks up the gaggletack with his gauntlets on. This does not transform him because the gaggletack is touching his armour, not touching Jim. The humans pass it around and Draal ends up pocketing it when they’ve all been tested.

Mary asks Jim if Mr Strickler knows about trolls. Jim panics and says Mr Strickler is lenient with him because their history teacher has romantic feelings for Barbara.

In his later report on the incident, Jim suggests Stricklander could flirt with Barbara to shore up the cover story. Thinking it over, Jim decides it would be a good idea, because if Stricklander gets attached to Barbara, Jim will have backup for keeping her alive when Gunmar takes over the world.

Jim supposes that now he needs to find an excuse to spare Mary as well, to honour this debt.

The humans are eager to revisit Trollmarket. Jim laments their lack of subtlety, since they bring this up in the middle of a high school cafeteria when the girls have rarely been seen speaking to either Jim or Toby before and therefore their first time sitting together might tempt eavesdroppers.

Once in Trollmarket, Jim imposes a buddy system for their safety, and the kids start angling for armour and weapons and training.

Draal decides to move into the Lake basement for Barbara’s protection while Jim is out. Jim has been followed once already, into Trollmarket; anyone or anything could follow him home.

Jim agrees, and suggests putting a tunnel in the basement. It’s an escape route and lets Draal to get about during daylight hours, and prevents Draal’s scent from getting established outside the house. Jim worries about Draal and Bular finding each other and fighting to the death.

Jim complains to Stricklander about his head itching. His horns are growing out to adult length.

Toby and Darci poke around Trollmarket, sticking together in respect of Jim’s ‘buddy system’. (They need to spend more time together socially if they’re going to be a ship later.) Blinky shows up and they tell him that Claire and Mary are at rehearsal.

Conversation leads to Toby mentioning Jim’s upcoming birthday. Narrative establishes that trolls live an average of fifteen to sixteen hundred years and Blinky is six hundred-something.

Jim enjoys the ‘special birthday pancakes’ his mom makes every year. He considers Barbara’s cooking the best of both worlds as it is appealing to both his human and troll palates. After breakfast, he checks on Jay-Jay, who is getting cuddled by a goblin.

Jim also reacts more positively to the blender than in canon, although it is ambiguous if he genuinely likes it or is just better at concealing disappointment.

When Toby shows up talking about an ‘emergency’, Jim wonders if Toby is actually Otto Scaarbach trying to sneak into Trollmarket, but goes anyway just in case there really is an emergency. (As a Changeling, he’s suspicious, but as the Trollhunter, he has to go anyway.)

Jim scruffs AAARRRGGHH. This causes a reflexive relaxation that knocks AAARRRGGH to the ground. Blinky is alarmed and fusses over AAARRRGGHH. Jim is terrified, knowing AAARRRGGHH’s pre-pacifism reputation, and particularly worried about Toby getting eaten. Jim hopes the fact AAARRRGGHH is articulate post-scruffing means Jim won’t have to kill him.

Bagdwella reveals the party. Jim is furious and relieved and ends up crying on Toby for a while. Vendel shows up and cancels the party.

Toby expresses guilt over making Jim’s birthday terrible. Mary thinks Jim just got overwhelmed by the idea of a party due to social anxiety. Toby reveals James Lake Senior chose that day, eleven years ago, to abandon his family.

The other kids have all picked out weapons and are starting to train with them. Toby has a hammer, Claire has a spear, Mary has a sword (a dagger to a troll), and Darci has a crossbow.

Claire wishes Jim happy birthday, and kisses him on the cheek a second time. He awkwardly but politely tells her that he’s not interested in her romantically, and so if she does mean that as a flirtatious gesture, to please not do it again. Claire is disappointed but agrees to this.

Jim test-drives a Vespa and has cake with Barbara. The cake was supposed to have a Vespa scooter drawn on the icing but instead has a simple motorless scooter, because Barbara didn’t specify what kind of scooter to draw and didn’t have time to check it at the bakery, which was about to close.

Blinky is teaching the human kids to speak trollish. Jim has to hold back his jealousy at having to share Blinky’s attention.

Jim warns Claire not to practice at home in case Enrique picks up on it. The official reason is ‘in case a Changeling hears a baby speak trollish and decides to swap him for a Changeling to investigate’. The real reason is ‘so Enrique does not find out Claire has access to Trollmarket’.

Jim gets Vendel’s permission to take another, larger piece of Heartstone, officially ‘for Draal’. Jim breaks the stone into multiple pieces, saving one for Draal, stashing the rest in case he needs bribes for other Changelings, and putting a small piece into the Amulet, which lets him summon a knife.

Jim gives Toby one of the Heartstone fragments, suggesting he could make the crystal grow. Toby agrees it’s worth trying to see if it’s possible. Jim thinks, if Toby can grow Heartstones, it could make him valuable enough to be spared after Gunmar’s escape.

After Jim gives Draal the Heartstone piece, he starts reading troll cookbooks. This is officially also ‘for Draal’, so Jim can offer him ‘proper food’ while staying with the Lakes, but also so Jim can make actual troll dishes for the Janus Order.

Nomura shows up at Jim’s house. She suspects Jim of stealing a bridge piece, but is hesitant to openly accuse him and throw him on Bular’s mercy, because that might just get her in trouble for ‘letting’ him steal it.

Draal attacks Nomura, who is still in her human guise at the time. Jim leaps to intervene in the fight, exposing himself to Nomura as the Trollhunter. Draal thinks Jim just doesn’t know Nomura is a Changeling, but Draal is carrying the gaggletack and gets it out to reveal her. Jim gets hit instead, exposing his Changeling identity to Draal.

This all happens fast enough that the reveals occur simultaneously. Draal and Nomura are both shocked and horrified.

Draal attacks Jim. Jim cuts Draal’s arm with a knife laced with Creeper’s Sun.

Barbara gets home. Jim forces Draal into the basement to hide, and cuts his leg with the Creeper’s Sun dagger to keep him from bolting for Trollmarket through the tunnel.

Nomura switches to her human form. Nomura excuses herself to Barbara by saying she was out for an evening stroll and thought somebody was following her (possibly her ex who lives in the area, referencing her past relationship with Draal), so she ran to the first house with lights on and Jim kindly let her inside. Barbara recognizes her from krav maga and offers to drive her home.

Nomura has Barbara drive her to the museum instead, saying she left her car there. They converse idly.

Jim takes the chance on leaving Barbara alone with Nomura – Nomura doesn’t like leaving a body trail – to try and convince Draal not to tell Trollmarket.

Draal insists on telling Blinky, but agrees not to go to Vendel if Blinky can also be persuaded on that score. Jim gives Draal the Creeper’s Sun antidote. They leave the gaggletack and the Creeper’s Sun knife in the basement when they leave for Trollmarket through the tunnel.

Nomura calls Stricklander and questions him on Jim being the Trollhunter. She does not reveal that Jim knows she knows, only claims she saw him with the Amulet and ‘wondering’ if Bular knows he has it. Stricklander reveals the ‘infiltrate Trollmarket’ scheme to keep Nomura quiet.

Jim tells Blinky he’s a Changeling. He does not transform, only making his eyes glow. Blinky takes it badly. Jim also reveals to Blinky that Dictatious is alive and working for Gunmar.

AAARRRGGHH shows up and Jim panics when Blinky immediately outs him as a Changeling, only to be assured by Draal that Blinky telling AAARRRGGHH “doesn’t count” because that was to be expected.

Everyone questions why Jim didn’t just kill Draal to secure the secret. Jim gets annoyed that everyone keeps acting like he should’ve killed Draal.

AAARRRGGHH is easily convinced Jim is still trustworthy, and instrumental in convincing Blinky to keep Jim’s secret.

Jim reveals the Changelings are working to rebuild Killahead Bridge.

Jim’s loyalty is conflicted. AAARRRGGHH can relate to wanting to escape Gunmar’s control while also fearing to leave it, and to not wanting to fight anymore.

AAARRRGGHH manages to get Jim to realize his justifications for why Changelings would still be useful to Gunmar post-conquest are … not consistent with Gunmar’s established strategies, no matter how logical Jim’s reasoning is, and that Jim’s human loved ones are in danger as well if Gunmar escapes.

Jim has a breakdown and officially changes sides.

Jim goes to Stricklander the next morning. He presents himself as having a crisis of faith because of Trollmarket influences and needing reassurance before he does something stupid. It’s a thin excuse but provides deniability.

Stricklander confirms the Eternal Night is a literal plan – Jim had previously assumed it was a metaphor for conquering the surface – and muses on the possibility of bringing Jim over to his side. (Stricklander considers Gunmar’s plans to be short-sighted and has a backup plan for Changelings taking over the world while leaving Gunmar in the Darklands.)

Toby expresses concern for Jim’s stress levels. Jim claims he and Draal had a fight. Toby offers to let Jim sleep over if he wants to avoid Draal for a while.

Mr Strickler meets Barbara, under the pretext of being concerned about Jim’s sleeping habits and tendency to overwork himself. His charm leaves Barbara feeling almost like she’s on a date.

Draal worries over whether trusting Jim was the right decision. He’s in the basement where Jim let him stay for Barbara’s protection at the risk of Jim’s secret, sitting on the blankets Jim gave him so he wouldn’t just be sleeping on the floor, munching on cans Jim set aside for him to eat, and looking at the little Heartstone piece Jim gave him, to emphasize to the audience that Jim probably is a good guy.

Barbara asks Jim if Mr Strickler is single. Jim says he thinks so. He knows, but if he said that then he might have to come up with an excuse for how he knows.

Jim tells Draal he told their human friends that they had a fight, in case Draal is asked about it, so their stories will match up.

Blinky questions whether Jim actually needs to learn trollish. Jim confirms he did know some trollish already, but that he isn’t fluent and really has been learning from Blinky. Blinky indirectly confirms he will continue teaching Jim the language. Jim answers some questions Blinky has about Dictatious.

Toby, Darci, Mary, and Claire hang out in Trollmarket. They talk about the play, Shakespeare-inspired movies, and gnomes. Narration confirms Darci has the school mascot extracurricular already.

Toby mentions Gnome Chompsky, and implies being hurt that Jim didn’t trust him with the secret of being Trollhunter until Toby forced his hand by coming to Trollmarket.

The kids stop by Bagdwella’s shop because she’ll speak in trollish with them. They find Suzy Snooze (the stuffed rabbit) there. (Because Jim did not chase down the goblin kidnapping Enrique, nobody found the bunny in the alley until a troll happened upon it.) Toby buys the plushie back for Claire.

The goblins show up at Jim’s house and lead him to the museum. The Eyestone, supposedly the last piece of Killahead Bridge, has arrived in Arcadia.

Jim intends to lure Bular down to Trollmarket when the Bridge fails to open, hoping to incite a mob of trolls protecting their homes to overwhelm Bular with sheer numbers and finally kill him.

Otto, Nomura, Stricklander, and Bular are all at the museum. Jim silently wonders why so few Changelings are present. Bular attempts to open the Bridge.

Bular threatens Jim when this fails, thinking the Trollhunter sabotaged the ritual somehow. Stricklander suggests that perhaps the Amulet needs the Trollhunter to be the one to activate it. Jim ‘attempts’ to open the bridge, but there is still a piece missing, so it doesn’t work. Bular attacks Jim.

Stricklander, to Jim’s surprise, intervenes to save him from Bular. Jim ends up unconscious during the escape. It is sunrise, so Bular can’t go after them on the surface. Otto chases them but Stricklander loses him in the woods.

Stricklander brings Jim to the entrance of Trollmarket and settles down to wait for Jim to wake up, just inside at the top of the crystal staircase so no one will spot them in the canal. (The horngazel was in Jim’s pocket and Jim has previously explained to Stricklander how it works.)

When Jim wakes up, Stricklander gives him their cover story: Bular finally discovered and attacked the human Trollhunter, whose history teacher happened to drive past the fight and help Jim escape.

Nomura stayed out of the fight, but she goes to the Lake house afterwards and drugs Barbara unconscious. She can protect Barbara for the Trollhunter, putting Jim in her debt, or use Barbara as a hostage against the Trollhunter, winning Bular’s favour. Either way, Nomura wins.

When Draal storms protectively upstairs, Nomura tells Draal what happened, and they ‘kidnap’ Barbara to Trollmarket through the basement tunnel and one of Trollmarket’s other entrances.

Jim and Stricklander get to the library with relative ease, other than one troll throwing a gnome at Stricklander and necessitating that Jim make a big speech about fighting Bular and needing to confer with Blinky.

When they reach library, they interrupt Blinky and AAARRRGGHH making out, or the troll equivalent. AAARRRGGHH recognizes Stricklander, although both Jim and Stricklander try to deny this is the same person.

Draal and Nomura show up. Nomura and Stricklander are startled to see each other in this setting and address each other by name, accidentally confirming AAARRRGGHH was right.

Jim fusses over his unconscious mother, but isn’t too worried once Nomura identifies the sedative, because he also uses that one on Barbara sometimes so he can sneak out without her waking up.

Jim expresses worry about Toby, who has a dentist appointment that day, being used as a hostage against him. The girls should be safe because he hasn’t talked about them with other Changelings other than Stricklander, so nobody should know he’s attached. Stricklander points out Bular wouldn’t want to involve more Changelings and Nomura points out Otto and Gladys hate each other.

Blinky gets the whole story of what’s going on at last. Stricklander muses internally that Jim turning against Gunmar should make him easier to persuade to join Stricklander’s side instead. Jim talks to Blinky, AAARRRGGHH, and Draal about possibly recruiting Stricklander to their side. Nomura is amused.

By now Blinky insists that Vendel has to be informed of what’s going on.

Vendel is on his way to the library, investigating rumours of the Trollhunter bringing another human to Trollmarket. Vendel is alarmed and confused and frustrated to learn there are actually two new humans, and one of the ‘new humans’ is actually a Changeling. Nomura is in her troll form so Vendel hasn’t really noticed her yet.

Jim urges Vendel not to hurt Stricklander. AAARRRGGHH also vouches that Stricklander could be helpful, which Vendel takes more seriously than Jim’s pleas. Vendel still thinks that Jim is a human and that Jim only believes Stricklander is a good person because the Changeling has been undercover as his teacher.

Blinky reveals to Vendel that Jim is a Changeling. Jim feels hurt and betrayed because Blinky previously promised not to tell anyone about that. Vendel questions whether the Amulet might have intended to pick Jim’s Familiar instead. Jim’s reaction indicates his protectiveness of Jay-Jay.

Nomura is revealed as a Changeling to Vendel as well before Blinky brings the conversation back to what to do about Killahead Bridge. AAARRRGGHH suggests stealing the Bridge and keeping it in Trollmarket’s vault. Stricklander suggests he, Draal, and Jim kill Bular, and Nomura volunteers to help.

Jim suggests they try to take care of this before Barbara wakes up, in hopes they can bring her home afterwards and let her think she fell asleep watching television rather than having to tell her about trolls. He leaves a note just in case she does wake up.

Draal and the Changelings leave Trollmarket by a side entrance and search the sewers. They find some goblins. The goblins run and get Bular.

Bular is run over by Draal twice, repeatedly struck with various knives and swords, some of which are laced with Creeper’s Sun, and Rule Number 3’d. The fight ends with Jim conjuring Daylight impaled through Bular and Draal punching Bular into gravel.

Barbara wakes up and begins exploring the library. Blinky comes in. Barbara attacks him. She knocks him to the ground before Jim gets back and defuses the situation.

Jim gives Barbara a rundown of troll history, explaining Gumm-Gumms and Changelings and Trollhunters, leading to the reveal that he is the Trollhunter. She is upset the Amulet would tell a child to fight giant rock monsters. Jim then explains to her that he is actually a Changeling.

Jim reveals his Changeling form to Barbara. The audience finally gets a full description of troll Jim.

They give Barbara some time and space to absorb all this. She pokes around the library a little more once left alone.

Outside, Blinky expresses shock that Jim brought Bular’s severed head to Trollmarket.

Stricklander offers to let Jim move in with him if Barbara kicks Jim out; Jim says it would look less ‘potentially creepy’ if he moved in with Toby than with his teacher. Jim proposes rescuing his Familiar from the Darklands, using a Fetch rather than opening the Bridge, to bribe Barbara’s acceptance. He can use a glamour mask to maintain human appearances.

Sticklander, Jim, and Nomura speculate on when Gunmar will find out Bular is dead, as no Changeling will want to be the one to report it. Sticklander suggests they can use Bular’s death as a rallying point to turn Changelings against Gunmar, because this proves Jim is strong enough to protect them. Nomura teases Stricklander about his ambition. Jim worries about in-fighting in the Janus Order.

Vendel arrives. Like Blinky, he is shocked Jim brought back Bular’s head. Stricklander passes it off as an old human custom used to prove a foe’s defeat. Vendel brings Jim to the troll pub and announces Bular’s death, using Stricklander’s explanation when Jim presents the head.

Jim objects, quietly, to Vendel leaving Stricklander and Nomura and Draal out of the story, pointing out that Deya set a precedent for Trollhunters operating in teams.

Vendel warns that mentioning Stricklander and Nomura’s involvement could expose them as Changelings, and implies mentioning Draal could sully Draal’s reputation because he didn’t stop Jim desecrating the corpse, which is taboo in most troll cultures (although not among Gumm-Gumms).

Claire, home from rehearsal and doing laundry, gives Suzy Snooze to Enrique. Ophelia notes approvingly how ‘mature’ it is of Claire to give the rabbit to her brother ‘after all’. After Ophelia walks away, Claire grumbles about how she didn’t take the rabbit back, it just got lost. Claire also mutters about trolls, which makes Enrique suspicious.

Enrique switches form once alone, as he often does, and realizes that the rabbit still has a lingering scent of trolls under the soapy smell. He wonders when it, or Claire, might have been around trolls.

Otto, working with the goblins, finds Bular’s remains. He notes Jim and Stricklander’s scents, and also Nomura’s and one he doesn’t recognize (Draal), and realizes fearfully that he has no way of knowing how many Changelings Stricklander has already turned against Gunmar.

Barbara and Jim go back to the Lake house – not through the tunnels, Jim hasn’t told Barbara about those yet – and Nomura goes with them to retrieve her car.

Barbara questions the box of tea Nomura takes, noting Jim has the same kind. Jim ends up revealing that he semi-regularly drugs her unconscious to sneak out without her noticing. She is justifiably horrified and outraged. She tells him to get all his ‘troll stuff’ and get out.

Jim goes to the Domzalskis. Barbara worries about exposing Nana and Toby to Jim but justifies it to herself that Jim does seem to have gone out of his way to avoid physically hurting humans. (She doesn’t know Toby knows about trolls.)

Enrique tries to investigate Claire, and gets caught by her in his troll form. She, Darci, and Mary capture him in a cat carrier and call Jim and Toby. Enrique learns Jim is the Trollhunter. Jim tries to pass Enrique off as a lost baby troll. Toby, who Jim has used as an alibi many times, realizes Jim is lying. Jim and Enrique are exposed as Changelings. Claire is furious.

Jim reveals that Blinky, AAARRRGGHH, Draal, Vendel, and Barbara know he’s a Changeling, but that Trollmarket does not, and also mentions Bular is dead. He tries to encourage Claire and Enrique to get along. He also shows the humans the mirror trick used to check on his Familiar, demonstrating with the sword of Daylight.

Jim tells Toby a little bit about Changeling ‘culture’, but refuses to confirm or deny the identities of any other Changelings. Toby is disturbed by the implications of Changelings not being actively taught to speak, and how Jim is surprised none of them tried to murder him for being a Changeling.

Stricklander tells the Janus Order that Bular was killed by the Trollhunter and that Killahead Bridge has been stolen. They are all instructed to immerse themselves in their human lives to avoid drawing the Trollhunter’s attention, just in case the Trollhunter knows Bular wasn’t operating alone.

Otto starts recruiting other Changelings to investigate Bular’s death, trying to sow suspicion that Stricklander wasn’t telling them everything.

An original Changeling characters is introduced: Dr Bernie Sturges, a genderfluid mad scientist who brews poisons for the Janus Order and has been studying how Changelings work. Otto asks Bernie to do an autopsy on Bular’s remains, and Bernie suggests recruiting another Changeling who is introduced later.

A short scene of Barbara’s day confirms that she struggles with preparing meals, since she’s accustomed to Jim taking care of that for her. She is disoriented to not have breakfast on her bedside table until she remembers Jim isn’t there, and she forgets to pack a lunch to bring to work.

Jim spends lunch in Mr Strickler’s office, officially to avoid Claire. Toby shares his suspicion Mr Strickler is a Changeling, so Mary goes to eavesdrop. Claire complains about Not Enrique.

Jim suggests to Stricklander that they plant a Heartstone shard in Otto’s office to make it look like he’s actually secretly been working with them, to undermine his attempts to work against them.

Claire, Mary, Darci and Toby debate what they should do with this new information and whether they should tell anyone in Trollmarket about it. (They know Blinky and AAARRRGGHH know Jim is a Changeling but don’t know that they know Stricklander is one, and aren’t sure who besides Jim knows about Not Enrique.)

Darci and Toby express concern about putting Jim or Original Enrique or themselves in danger if they make the wrong move.

Barbara considers what might happen if she does get her biological son back – how is she supposed to explain a three-month-old appearing out of nowhere? And is she even prepared to raise another child?

A semi-original Changeling character is recruited by Otto and Bernie to help autopsy Bular. Stephan Jorgensen-Warner, inspired in name and appearance by Steve in the original novel but with the first name adjusted to avoid reader confusion, is eager to help.

Stephan works in a crematorium and used to sneak out bodies for Bular to eat, and feels like he has less of a purpose in the Janus Order with Bular dead. However, he points out that despite knowing some morticians as workplace acquaintances, he does not actually know how to perform an autopsy, let alone how to autopsy a pile of rocks.

Jim has been ‘breaking in’ to leave food, trusting Barbara's perpetual exhaustion and how accustomed she is to there being leftovers in the fridge to keep her from questioning it, and putting the food in disposable containers to mimic restaurant takeout so if Barbara does question it she might think she bought it for herself and forgot. Toby discovers this and calls Jim out on messing with Barbara’s head.

Barbara sets up a lunch meeting with Mr Strickler, since she has questions about Changelings which she feels will be easier to ask someone she didn’t know for years before discovering they were a Changeling.

This conversation is a framing device for exposition, backstory, and worldbuilding on how Changelings work in this fic’s universe. (Although some things are left out; for example, Barbara does not learn about Morgana yet.) Some pertinent data:

The selection of Familiars is mostly random, but usually children from wealthy families in regionally socially-dominant demographics are selected. Sometimes a Changeling with a human friend will suggest their friend’s baby be swapped for a Changeling.

Young trolls are turned into Changelings and stashed in the Darklands, and later brought out and bound to a Familiar. A Changeling’s aging process is ‘paused’ when they become a Changeling, and this enchantment is transferred to their Familiar when they are tied together.

Only one Changeling per Familiar, or the bond gets unstable and only one of those Changelings can be human at a time. A Changeling bound to two Familiars will explode due to unstable magical overload, although the Familiars will be fine.

(Polymorphs are a different type of Changelings who do not have Familiars at all, and they are planted on the surface immediately, but Stricklander avoids telling Barbara about them.)

Scars on the Changeling’s body before getting a Familiar are only visible on the troll body – likewise, any scars the Familiar already had will only be seen on the Changeling’s human body – but any scars the Changeling acquires later will carry over to each form.

The Changeling can only transform while their Familiar is in the Darklands and physically unharmed. A goblin stays with the Changeling after planting to cast an illusion spell if the Familiar’s human caregivers come into the room before the Familiar gets through the Fetch. Goblins are good at chaos magic, including illusions.

Sometimes a Familiar’s hair or eye colour will be passed to their Changeling when they are bound together, or the Changeling will grow an extra finger on each hand. (The extra finger can also sprout when the troll whelp initially gets turned into a Changeling, as happened to Jim.)

A Changeling in human form will appear human by every test that has been devised as yet, other than a gaggletack or a test of genetic compatibility, and the latter is because Changelings are sterilized.

(The reproductive organs were low on Morgana’s priority list of ‘things to keep functional’, and Stricklander speculates that their human bodies lack a ‘blueprint’ for a functional reproductive system because their Familiars are sexually immature.)

A Changeling with a Familiar will age at a human rate until the body is fully mature (twenty to thirty years, they aren’t sure when it stops) and after that will age at a troll rate.

Changelings are made immune to sunlight by the process that turns them into Changelings, regardless of whether they have a Familiar yet.

Changelings consider themselves, to varying degrees, to be under the Gumm-Gumms’ protection, in the sense that other trolls might hesitate to attack them for fear of drawing Gumm-Gumm attention and wrath.

Changelings have only been around for seven or eight hundred years. Stricklander was one of the first viable Changelings. Jim was one of the last Changelings made before Morgana vanished, so there haven’t been any new ones for a bit over four hundred years.

This sequence also makes note that Jim was bottle-fed when passing as a human infant.

Jim and Toby go to the museum to admire a mineral display.

Nomura invites Jim to her office and gives him a fake Amulet, which Stricklander made as a ‘lockpick’ to open Killahead in absence of the real Amulet, and then gave to Nomura in hopes she could steal the real Amulet from Kanjigar when she was dating Draal. Jim now has a cover story if another Changeling sees him with the Amulet – that he was holding onto the ‘lockpick’ for safekeeping.

Toby sees Jim coming out of Nomura’s office rather than the bathroom, where Jim claimed he’d been going, and confronts Jim on still lying to him instead of just saying “I can’t tell you”.

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH are concerned because Jim hasn’t been in Trollmarket for a while. Blinky particularly wants Jim to take Bular’s severed head out of the library – AAARRRGGHH won’t let Blinky get rid of it because Gumm-Gumm etiquette says the head is Jim’s battle trophy and anyone else disposing of it is an insult to Jim.

Mary and Claire show up. Mary gives Blinky and AAARRRGGHH a cellphone, with the girls’ and Toby’s phone numbers programmed in so the humans can contact Trollmarket without needing to go through Jim. She also gives them a stylus for using the touch screen if it doesn’t work with troll skin. It does work, but AAARRRGGHH’s fingers are really big so he uses the stylus anyway.

Claire reveals to Blinky and AAARRRGGHH that Jim has told the humans about being a Changeling, and that her younger brother has been replaced by one as well.

Barbara approaches Nomura after krav maga class and invites her to coffee, wanting another perspective on the whole Changeling issue. Nomura reluctantly accepts.

Jim is mildly injured while training in the Hero’s Forge. Blinky and AAARRRGGHH check his injuries. Jim demonstrates how he can summon and dismiss individual pieces of his armour.

Darci, Mary, and Toby complain about Claire telling Blinky and AAARRRGGH that Jim and Enrique were Changelings so quickly. They were planning to lead up to it carefully, to confirm it was true that Jim really had already told Blinky and AAARRRGGHH about being a Changeling, to avoid getting Jim arrested or executed if he hadn’t confessed yet.

Blinky questions Jim about the Enrique Swap. Jim defends why he’d thought it was a good idea at the time. This leads into revealing Jim’s old, now-discarded plan to sell out his human friends as ‘breeding stock’ to keep them alive under Gunmar’s reign. Everyone is horrified.

Nomura advises Barbara to forget about trolls and Changelings and go about her life as if she’d never discovered them.

The Ghost Council decides this is a good time to summon Jim into the Void. Kanjigar is angry Jim lied to Draal about Kanjigar asking Jim to pass on a message to him, and that Jim has been encouraging Draal to be involved in Trollhunting. Deya says that Jim has a point about the merits of fighting with backup.

Deya tells Jim that, according to legend, Merlin found a way to beat Gunmar, though he never told the Trollhunters what it was. She advises Jim to talk to his mentors.

Barbara approaches Nana Domzalski.

AAARRRGGHH claims Gunmar has resistance to any known poisons. Toby and Mary speculate that true sunlight, or a UV lightbulb, could hurt Gunmar even if conventional trollish weaponry cannot.

Blinky brings everyone back to his library and digs up Gunmar’s origins, following what the show said about Gunmar being born from a rotted Heartstone. Jim is inclined to dismiss this as propaganda, but confesses he doesn’t actually know where baby trolls come from.

Blinky looks up the legend of the Triumbric Stones. Darci and Toby comment on the classical quest setup. Blinky speculates that the stones could be in Merlin’s tomb. Mary suggests they ask Mr Strickler about it, since he is obviously a Changeling and would have looked up ways Gunmar could be defeated under the premise of finding ways to protect against these methods.

Jim reluctantly phones Stricklander and asks him to come to Trollmarket. Stricklander reveals he was responsible for destroying all copies of The Final Testament Of Bodus, but that he took the liberty of memorizing the poem about the Triumbric Stones which was enchanted to be revealed when the book burned.

Blinky yells at Stricklander about book burning. The Library of Alexandria is mentioned, to Stricklander’s annoyance, since that wasn’t as big a deal as pop culture would imply because many of the books lost had copies elsewhere, just not centralized.

The poem is recited. Stricklander says that he can get access to Gunmar’s Eye, and speculates the Killstone is in the Quagawumps’ territory. Jim plans to return the Killstone to the Quagawumps once he’s done with it, since it was probably cursed by the Shattered King, and also it presumably has cultural significance to their tribe.

Everyone starts researching mountains, to determine possible locations of the Birthstone. (Stricklander said the Eye was taken from ‘caverns deep’ by Gunmar’s forces, but has not yet directly brought up his suspicions that any attacks on the Krubera Caverns would have to be an inside job.)

Blinky pulls Jim aside and apologizes for implying Jim wasn’t really a troll when Blinky found out Jim was a Changeling. Blinky also tells Jim where baby trolls come from.

This story uses the explanation provided in the novels: that parent trolls each implant a fragment of their own living stone, which have been joined together at the facets, into a ‘birthstone’, in which the young troll incubates for thirty years before hatching.

The explanation is expanded in the fic to say the living stone comes out of the parents’ gronk-nuks, the joined fragments are called a ‘seed crystal’, and that Heartstone is ideal material for birthstones. Jim compares the process to the external fertilization of eggs practiced by some species of fish.

One of the reasons troll birthrates are low is to avoid over-harvesting the Heartstone. Another reason, just now, is because of Gumm-Gumms and Changelings; trolls are still getting used to no longer having to fear that their newborns will be stolen away to be raised as soldiers to fight them, and/or magically turned into something else.

Jim fails to hide his bitter reaction to this. He confirms that Changelings know their birth families wouldn’t want them back even if a Changeling could remember or find out enough to make contact.

Blinky, in a moment of guilt and compassion, swears to help any Changeling who deserts Gunmar find a home and family in Trollmarket. Jim tries to make a joke about adoption rates and alarms Blinky further with the revelation that Changelings are sterilized. (The sterilization has previously been mentioned by Mr Strickler, when explaining Changelings to Barbara.)

Toby and Jim go back to Toby’s house at three in the morning, and find Barbara and Nana together in the kitchen, drinking sherry and baking cookies.

Barbara apologizes to Jim for kicking him out and Jim apologizes to Barbara for drugging her. Barbara implies she wants Jim to move back home, but Jim hesitates to take her up on that, concerned she’ll take it back once she sobers up.

Barbara has told Nana about trolls. It is implied Nana doesn’t quite believe her but hasn’t dismissed the idea either. Jim advises Toby to let Nana keep her impression that trolls are part of a video game the boys have been playing.

Barbara questions Jim’s plans for if Toby gets hurt or killed under troll-related circumstances, asserting Nana’s right to know what happens to her grandson. Jim reveals he’s had a contingency plan since he and Toby were in elementary school. Barbara learns there are other humans who know about trolls and wants names.

Toby suggests they set everything aside to deal with in the morning and hauls Jim upstairs to sleep.

Jim tells Toby about Blinky giving him the talk. Toby jokes about Blinky and AAARRRGGHH being father figures to Jim and Jim comments on seeing Stricklander as a dad. Toby questions this, wondering if, being Changelings, Jim and Stricklander are the same age. The dialogue reasserts that Stricklander is centuries older than Jim. Jim adds that Enrique is roughly Jim’s age.

Bernie has been studying Bular’s remains in the Janus Order’s labs, running the stones through as many non-intrusive tests as possible to avoid degrading specimens with a limited sample size.

Bernie decides to try and get Gunmar’s Eye out of the vault where the Janus Order keeps it, to see if a comparative study between father and son will reveal how blood ties manifest in stone-based organisms. Also, some data on trollish eye structure, to compare once Bernie finds Bular’s eyes. (Bernie doesn’t know Bular was decapitated and the head taken away.)

Stricklander and Bernie meet each other at the vault doors and Stricklander agrees to let Bernie study the Eye for a short period before it is moved to ‘an undisclosed location’.

The vault has several layers of security, including a scanner for which Stricklander has to switch forms so it can read his transformation magic and confirm he isn’t a polymorph impersonating Stricklander.

The Inferna Copula is kept in the same vault. Bernie comments that Angor Rot could potentially be summoned to avenge Bular, since Angor has successfully slain Trollhunters in the past. Stricklander takes the ring to keep Otto from following through with that idea. He begins to consider summoning Angor Rot as a bodyguard for Jim.

Jim moves back home.

Toby, once alone, lets himself get alarmed and disturbed about Jim’s contingency plan to cover up if Toby died for troll-related reasons, and texts the girls about it. They are sympathetic to his panic.

Toby also reveals that Barbara knows some additional human kids know about trolls and wants to know who, to tell their families. Darci suggests they take control of that situation and tell their parents first.

Draal agrees to let Jim keep Bular’s head in the basement. Jim lies to Draal about Kanjigar again, this time saying that Kanjigar is proud of the role Draal played in avenging Kanjigar’s death.

Jim and the humans go to Trollmarket. Claire brings Enrique – not on purpose, but her mother suggested she bring her brother along if she’s going to the park to meet her friends, and Claire couldn’t get out of it without her mother concluding she’d lied about her plans.

Jim insists on briefing Enrique before going down the crystal staircase, so the newer Changeling won’t be caught off-guard and reveal himself. Among other things, Jim forewarns Enrique that AAARRRGGHH will be there and reassures him that AAARRRGGHH is a pacifist now, which confuses the humans because they’ve only ever known AAARRRGGHH as a pacifist.

Claire points out Blinky and AAARRRGGHH already know Not Enrique is a Changeling. Enrique is alarmed and upset. Jim scruffs him to keep him from lunging at Claire and insists it would’ve been better for Enrique’s cover to not know that.

Toby finds it reassured that the Changelings keep secrets from each other, because that makes them seem less like a unified force toying with the foolish humans.

Darci tells Blinky and AAARRRGGHH that the kids want to tell their families about trolls. Blinky and AAARRRGGHH object to the idea.

The humans are allowed to present their reasoning to Vendel, who acknowledges that he cannot stop them, but decrees that if they go through with this, they will be banned from Trollmarket.

Darci, Mary, and Toby argue that Barbara is going to try to expose trolls anyway, but if the trolls will help them explain everything to their parents, it can be made to sound less terrifying.

Jim points out that, if Trollmarket won’t help, the kids might go looking for other evidence and get murdered by some other Changeling, or worse, be captured and interrogated and give the Changelings a lot of information which Trollmarket would rather Gunmar’s forces did not have.

Claire says that Trollmarket is used to them, so other humans being down there wouldn’t be much more of an adjustment. Vendel says Trollmarket figures the human kids are only there temporarily, until the human Trollhunter dies. There is a brief moment of confusion until Jim clarifies that yes, Vendel knows Jim is a Changeling, but no, most trolls do not.

Besides, as children, these humans are less intimidating than adults, which is why they don’t have guards following them around all the time. Trolls aren’t great at guessing human ages but they can tell these ones are young.

Mary starts to make an argument about how cellphone cameras make exposure only a matter of time, but AAARRRGGHH intervenes and physically carries the humans and Changelings away, to let Vendel consider their arguments in peace and for everyone to return to the debate once tempers have cooled.

Over pizza, Jim explains to Barbara that the humans who are involved with trolls are now attempting to persuade the trolls to let the humans tell their families that trolls exist. Barbara agrees to give them thirty days before she starts actively trying to identify these children. She also silently notices that Jim hasn’t called her ‘Mom’ in a while.

Jim informs Stricklander that the teens are trying to reveal the existence of trolls to their families. Jim expresses worry over whether Enrique will be able to remain in the Nuñez home if Claire exposes his identity to her parents.

Stricklander decides to delay telling Jim that Stricklander might be leaving town soon until after Stricklander identifies a suitable Interim Head of the Janus Order.

Jim invites Barbara to come with him to watch the school play. She accepts.

Barbara, wanting to know more about the trollish aspects of Jim’s life, asks about the troll school system. Since Jim doesn’t know much about it, he suggests putting her in contact with Blinky. Barbara suggests that Blinky could come over for dinner sometime.

Claire’s parents confront her about coming home late. She was at dress rehearsal and reminds them about the school play. Enrique tries making happy noises to dispel the tension, which is not effective.

The play is told from Toby’s perspective. He is impressed by Steve’s acting, and laughs at the dirty jokes Shakespeare wrote into dialogue, but is disturbed by Claire’s death scene. Toby has not been involved in fighting or chase scenes in this timeline, and so only has Jim’s word that Trollhunting is dangerous. Seeing Claire pretend to die makes it click in Toby’s mind that he and his friends could be killed.

Toby has a nightmare that Jim approaches him at school and delivers the cover story he’d previously mentioned planning – that Claire ran away to become a rock star – and Toby wakes up half-convinced that Claire has died. He texts her to ask if she’s okay and tries playing Go-Go Sushi to calm himself.

Claire texts back that she’s fine and asks if Not Enrique snuck over to Toby’s house or something. Toby tells her he had a nightmare she’d been hurt. Since she’s had nightmares about what might be happening to Original Enrique in the Darklands, and can’t go to sleep until Not Enrique uses the mirror trick to prove Original Enrique is fine, Claire calls Toby to reassure him.

While Toby was in obvious distress, Chompsky went across the street to get Jim. Jim comes in through Toby’s window, eyes glowing, and frightens him. Jim thought Toby was under attack. When Toby says it was a nightmare, Jim offers to make him food. Jim ends up switching to troll form and carrying Toby downstairs to Nana.

Toby cuddles in bed with his grandmother and several of her cats. Jim exits the scene. Toby tells Nana a little about his nightmare, cutting out the troll context but admitting he and Jim and several other friends are involved in something that has Toby feeling like they are in danger.

After Toby falls asleep, Nana calls his therapist to ask if his next appointment can be rescheduled for a sooner time.

(Toby has a family history of clinical depression, and after Nana found him a good therapist for grief counselling as a child she decided he should keep having regular appointments with the same person, someone he already knew and was used to confiding in, until and unless Toby decided he ought to see someone else or his therapist recommended he see somebody else and provided a referral.)

Toby’s therapist is an original Changeling character, Tiffany Archenn. At the time Nana calls, Stricklander is offering Dr Archenn the job of Interim Head of the Janus Order. He knows she won’t take it, since she prefers low-profile positions, but wants her opinion and suggestions for other candidates who won’t be killed or swayed by Otto.

The simplest solution, killing Otto, would look suspicious. Otto’s fervent loyalty to Gunmar means that Otto’s death at Stricklander’s hand would raise questions about Stricklander’s own loyalty, unless Stricklander can make it look like he killed Otto for being a threat to his position … but polymorphs are rare and it would be out of character for Stricklander to throw such a resource away.

Tiffany suggests the following candidates:

Nomura and Gladys, who are both aggressive and would lead through intimidation. Otto wouldn’t try to turn Gladys to his side because they don’t like each other, and Tiffany correctly suspects that Nomura is already on Stricklander’s side.

Bernie, who is primarily on the side of science.

Jim; Tiffany doesn’t remember his name, but everyone likes a good cook, and he’s new enough on the surface not to seem like a viable threat to anyone’s position.

Jennifer Smith, an original Changeling character, who manages the Janus Order base’s front business Omni-Reach Travel.

After Blinky started teaching more humans to speak trollish, Bagdwella took it upon herself to help with the lessons by teaching them words and phrases they would actually use in conversation.

Bagdwella lets Mary and Darci use the backroom of her shop as a workspace for a writing project, occasionally helping them with translation or spelling. Mary explains that they are writing stories about their families, although she doesn’t tell Bagdwella why.

At home, Claire asks Enrique to check the spelling and grammar of her trollish writing. He reveals he cannot read trollish, although he is starting to learn English and Spanish.

Claire questions the logic of not teaching Changelings to read, especially since, if they’re discovered as a spy by humans, a cipher written in trollish would be harder for a human to decode than a cipher that translates back to a human language.

Enrique speculates that it was done to cut Changelings away from troll culture, since only the highest ranking Changelings (or the recklessly determined ones, like Jim, who don’t tend to live long) can read trollish … or possibly Claire is just more sensible about espionage strategy than Gunmar is.

Darci, Mary and Claire present their project to Blinky. The stories and photos about their families are meant to persuade Vendel that these humans are trustworthy and can be told about trolls. They plan to have Toby and Jim contribute to the book as well.

Blinky doubts this will sway Vendel. Blinky is deeply alarmed when the section on Claire’s family includes a picture of Enrique in troll form at the entrance to Trollmarket. He advises them to take everything about the Changeling out of the book, lest someone else see it and start a panic.

Toby switches from the canon-compliant warhammer he picked out to a smaller one that he can actually lift without magical intervention.

Toby and Jim spar lightly, under AAARRRGGHH’s supervision, until Blink and the girls get to the Forge. Blinky is upset Toby is sparring with a weapon he hasn’t trained with, so Claire takes Toby’s place in the sparring ring. The humans don’t have armour, but they do wear bike helmets, shin pads, and elbow pads.

When Jim hears about the scrapbook project, he agrees to include stories about Barbara. Jim extends Barbara’s invitation for Blinky to come to dinner and expands the invite to include AAARRRGGHH and Vendel as well.

Blinky privately confronts Jim about deliberately losing his sparring match with Claire. It’s not good training for her if Jim simply lets her win. Jim says he did it to help Claire release some of the anger she feels towards Jim for his role in the Enrique Swap.

Barbara decides to vent her frustrations over trolls and Changelings and secrets into painting. While looking for canvas in the basement, she finds Draal and pepper-sprays him.

Jim comes home, hears screaming, and runs downstairs, getting pepper-sprayed as well. He slips up in his dialogue and addresses Barbara as ‘Mom’ for the first time since she found out he was a Changeling. (He’s avoided calling her that to her face to avoid having her tell him not to.)

Once everyone stops screaming, Jim introduces Barbara to Draal and explains why there’s a troll in her basement. Draal and Jim use milk to wash the pepper-spray out of their eyes. Barbara questions why Jim didn’t tell her Draal was living there, which Jim agrees would have been a good idea because then Barbara wouldn’t have read Draal as a threat and attacked him.

Draal and Jim also explain the hole in the basement. Barbara wants it filled in, but settles for insisting they have to put some kind of door over it so random trolls can’t wander into their house by accident after getting turned around in the tunnels.

Barbara sets up an improvised painting studio in the garage rather than the basement.

Barbara and Jim host Blinky and AAARRRGGHH (and Draal) for dinner. Barbara cooks, since Draal confirmed that her cooking tastes good to unaltered trolls as well as to Changelings.

Barbara considers dressing up, but is relieved she didn’t upon noticing Blinky is in pants and suspenders with no shirt, Draal is wearing a kilt with no shirt, and AAARRRGGHH is naked. Blinky admits he didn’t bother asking Vendel to join them because he was positive Vendel would decline.

Coversation wanders through books, Pyrobligst, medicine (Barbara is surprised to learn trolls pack injuries with hot metal; the trolls are shocked to learn humans can get sunburned), and a quick confirmation in dialogue (after the story’s many stating-without-spelling-it-out moments in narrative) that Blinky and AAARRRGGHH are romantically involved with one another.

There is a running theme in Barbara’s thoughts throughout the dinner party about the structure of the different trolls’ hands. AAARRRGGHH’s fingers are each bigger around than her arm. None of the trolls have much definition between their wrist and forearm, other than Jim.

When Jim switches to troll form during the meal she notes his five-fingered hands in contrast to the four-fingers hands of the other trolls present; she hadn’t been sure if this was the case or if she’d been conflating memories of her brief previous sight of his troll form with his human form.

Glug agrees to tell Jim, Toby, Darci, Mary, and Claire about the Shattered King, in exchange for a human song. It’s unclear if she initially means one from each of them or one in total, but she enjoys Toby’s rendition of ‘Boom, Boom, shake the room, say what?’ enough to count this as payment in full.

The saga begins with the king’s birth and how he was discovered to be a sorcerer of great power. He was transgender and able to physically transition on instinct as a child rather than needing the elaborate ritual to recarve his living stone.

Jim and Darci both pay sharp attention to this, Jim because he thought at first Glug meant that the king had been a shapeshifter, Darci because she’s trans and pleased to know that trolls have a concept for this so she won’t have to explain from scratch if outed to her troll friends.

The king grows up, gets apprenticed to a few different troll magicians and outpaces all his teachers in short order, and is one of the first trolls to discover the surface world. (According to the saga he was THE first but this might be poetic licence.)

This also means he discovers the dangers of sunlight. To convince other trolls to join him in this rich hunting ground despite the danger, he casts a spell of perpetual cloud over one section of the swamp to protect any trolls who don’t burrow into the mud fast enough by daybreak. The trolls who join him decide he should be their king, and form the Quagawump tribe.

Troll-human conflict has begun by this point, and Gunmar exists. Because of the cloud spell, the Gumm-Gumms want the Quagawump swamp for a base of operations. The king defends his home with magic. The River and Garden trolls both ally with the Quagawumps for mutual protection.

The power that lets Gunmar forcibly drain lifeforce from the Heartstone (instead of passively absorbing it as most trolls do) also lets him drain lifeforce out of other trolls. During an attack, he tries to drain the Wumpa King’s power but can’t quite get all of it, which is what creates the Killstone.

The Garden and River trolls each blame the other for not guarding the king’s back, which, according to the Quagawumps, is why those tribes hate each other. (The feud between River and Garden trolls comes up a few times in canon spin-off novels and comics.) The cloud spell breaks when the king dies and Gunmar doesn’t know how to cast it, so the Gumm-Gumms stop trying to capture the swamp.

Jim asks if the Quagawumps will let him borrow the Killstone. Glug is unsure but advises that Toby should do the asking since he looks like the Shattered King.

Stephan checks in on Bernie, who has been living in the Janus Order since Bular’s death. Bernie is trying to reassemble Bular and notes that the head seems to be missing. The Changelings start to suspect it was taken as a battle trophy/proof of death.

Bernie goes to the gramophone room to meditate and Stephan finds the Heartstone piece Jim brought the Order months ago. Bernie decides to take a break from studying Bular to study the Heartstone instead.

When breaking into Otto’s office to leave a report, Bernie and Stephan are led to another Heartstone piece by Bernie’s modified Geiger counter. It is implied to the audience that Stricklander planted it there as part of the plan he and Jim discussed a while back to implicate Otto as also being involved in treason.

Jim starts teaching Barbara trollish, to help her feel more connected to that part of his life. And also because she and Blinky want to set up a book swap, which will be easier on her if she has a bit more guidance than just a dictionary.

Vendel is given the scrapbook about the human relatives that the teens are proposing to tell about trolls. He reluctantly agrees to read the book and consider their arguments.

Mr Strickler calls Jim into his office after school and gives him Gunmar’s Eye. Jim is deeply unsettled by it and wonders, since it still looks like living stone, whether Gunmar can still see out of it.

Stricklander tells Jim that he’ll be out of town for a few days, “hopefully acquiring something else of use.” Jim thinks Stricklander has a lead on the Birthstone.

Jim brings Gunmar’s Eye to Vendel, keeping it sealed in a zip-up pencil case until Vendel tells him to open it.

Vendel explains about cleaving stones, and about the near-infinite number of elements. Subtle differences in composition, age, environment, and shaping make it extremely unlikely for two stones to be exactly the same, which is why it’s nearly impossible to predict what properties a cleaved stone will unlock.

Vendel wants Jim to be in troll form while cleaving the Eye. Jim really doesn’t want to do that. What if someone comes in? Vendel points out that, if Jim drops the armour, no troll will have reason to suspect who he is. Trollmarket is well-populated and has many visitors. Reluctantly, Jim transforms.

Vendel is taken aback by how young Jim looks. He understands that Changelings are older than they appear and that their apparent age in troll form matches their age in human form, but he hadn’t realized Jim’s human friends were quite this young. No wonder they want their parents to visit Trollmarket with them.

Jim trains with Gunmar’s Eye in the Amulet, but it doesn’t appear to do anything. Jim worries about his ability to unlock the Triumbric Stones and whether he might have cleaved the Eye improperly.

Toby has an appointment with Dr Archenn. She notes he is obviously reluctant to tell her what’s bothering him, but does not yet have reason to suspect he knows about trolls.

Claire talks about touching up her roots and Enrique learns what hair dye is. He thinks she meant ‘die’, as in, hair changes colour when it’s ‘killed’, and is confused because Ophelia and Javier have each taken him along while visiting the hairdressers and nobody’s hair clippings changed colour on the floor. Claire explains it and is amused.

Claire decides to teach Enrique how to read. He is an outwardly resistant student but secretly appreciates this.

Blinky drives Jim, Toby, Claire, Mary and Darci to Florida. AAARRRGGHH stays behind because he hates the Gyre.

The Quagawumps are, for the most part, eager to avenge the Shattered King, but Blango does not want to give up the symbol of his authority. Jim has to fight him for the Killstone. Blango won’t surrender, so Jim stabs him with Creeper’s Sun and explains the antidote to the Quagawumps if they want him back.

There is a riot between Blango’s supporters and those who consider him ‘The Pretend King’. Blango is shattered and Wumpa, the one who became Queen in the show, takes over.

Jim feels like he’s undergone a Changeling rite of passage by replacing a head of state like that. The humans are shaken from having been in close proximity to all that violence.

Jim cleaves the Killstone and unlocks the shield, which he really likes. He laments, but still fully intends to keep, his promise to return the Killstone once Gunmar is dead. Jim decides to start looking for another stone that can give him a shield.

Jim also decides to start training more in his troll form, covering up the blue flash of his transformation with the blue glow his armour emits when making adjustments such as opening and closing the faceplate. He can cover his horns and ears with his helmet, so as long as no one is staring at his backside while his tail sprouts or recedes, it should be okay.

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH talk it over and approach Jim with an offer to adopt him.

This would not in any way affect Barbara being Jim’s mother, but it would give Jim the legal right to call himself ‘Jim Galadrigal, son of Blinkous and Aarghaumont’ as well as ‘Jim, son of Barbara’. (AAARRRGGHH and Blinky are not married or engaged yet, but that’s not a requirement for adopting a kid together.)

It would also give Blinky and AAARRRGGHH the right to intercede on Jim’s behalf in legal contexts; although Jim is technically old enough to speak for himself, he doesn’t have centuries of experience with Trollmarket’s culture, laws, and customs to back up his arguments.

The adoption would give Jim an official position within troll society besides his job as the Trollhunter.

Jim accepts. Shortly afterwards, he is called into the Void. Araknak the Agile, one of Blinky’s ancestors, wants to welcome Jim into the family.

Deya wishes she had living relatives she could tell to adopt Jim as well, since he reminds her of her younger brother, who died in a plague when they were young. Araknak offers to ‘share’, so Deya declares Jim her nephew.

Jim worries about telling his Changeling allies about the adoption, since they’ve all been disowned by their troll families as far as they know. Jim is unsure how Stricklander, Nomura, or Enrique will feel about to Jim getting a new troll family but assumes they will be jealous.

It does not occur to Jim to worry about how Barbara will feel.

Barbara, when he tells her, wants to be happy for him but mostly feels hurt, like he’s rejecting her as a parent or saying she isn’t enough, and is also upset that he made such a big decision without telling her first – sure, Jim is not required to ask her permission or even her opinion, but he didn’t tell her until it was a done deal, which feels sort of like if he’d gotten married without telling her.

Jim and Barbara end up having a serious heart-to-heart conversation, admitting the fear the other might not see them as familym which has been between them since Jim admitted to being a Changeling, and each confirming they do see the other as family and want to keep the parent-child dynamic that they had before.

Barbara gets the calendar reminder that thirty days are up and starts trying to figure out who Toby and Jim’s other friends who know about trolls might be.

During a reading lesson, Claire decides Not Enrique ought to practice signing his name and they butt heads over whether he should sign ‘Enrique’ or ‘Not Enrique’.

Enrique tells Claire a bit about what his life was like in the Darklands, including the nicknames that Changelings had among themselves. His nickname, translated into English, was ‘Riot’. In goblin, the word has a similar set of meanings as it does in English.

(For readers who don’t get the joke: telling someone “you’re a riot” means “you are hilarious”. It is also used sarcastically to mean “you are no fun” or “you are not as funny as you think you are”.)

Stricklander approaches Angor Rot. He keeps the ring on to prevent Angor from killing him before at least hearing him out. In exchange for Angor’s word to not kill the current Trollhunter or his allies, and to help them defeat Gunmar, Stricklander will return the Inferna Copula and help Angor find a way to restore his soul to his body.

Angor takes the deal, but expresses surprise when Stricklander gives him back the ring. Stricklander explains that, while he believes in opening negotiations from a position of strength, an ally gained through coercion is a betrayal waiting to happen.

The Soothscryer activates, because Angor has freed the souls of the dead Trollhunters he had previously consumed. The ghost Trollhunters don’t actually know what happened and assume Angor finally died.

Jim has no idea who Angor Rot is. The ghost Trollhunters explain that he was a former hero who lost his soul in a quest for power and turned against those he had sworn to protect.

One of the new ghosts realizes Jim is a Changeling and starts to get agitated, so Araknak shunts Jim out of the Void while the rest of the Ghost Council explains the Changeling Trollhunter to the new ghosts.

The humans, along with Jim and Enrique, have a movie night. Jim props up the Amulet on the table so the ghost Trollhunters can watch too. Toby finally figures out why Jim always cries when watching ‘Lilo and Stitch’. Jim and Enrique talk about family.

Jim tells Enrique about being adopted by Blinky and AAARRRGGHH. Enrique has been thinking it over, and decides to try out the name Not Enrique for a while; he’s starting to get used to it since it’s how his sister keeps addressing him.

Blinky finds reference to the treasures kept in Gatto’s Keep and decides they should look there for the Birthstone.

Nomura and Draal come along as muscle in case Jim has to fight for the stone again, and in Nomura’s case because of her experience dealing with ancient artifacts and stuffy collectors.

Because they have to time the mission around Nomura’s work schedule, Toby is the only human available to join them. Jim hesitates to bring him along, especially after the Quagawump Revolution, but a human could notice something a troll or Changeling would miss.

Jim tries bartering for the Birthstone, offering to trade Bular’s head, a white noise machine (trolls love static), and/or one of Jim’s cookbooks (a “scientific study” that’s been “stolen from a Changeling hideout” about foods both humans and trolls can eat).

Nomura answers Gatto’s riddle, and she and Toby end up eaten. Draal is eaten trying to avenge them.

Jim attempts to slay Gatto.

Nomura grabs a number of artifacts that catch her eye, including a Kairosect, and stashes them in the duffle bag she brought along.

Toby texts Jim that they’re alive, and finds the Birthstone.

Draal is exposed to magic potions while ‘upsetting the stomach’, and shields the other two as best he can with his giant arms while they escape. Draal’s right arm is badly burned by the lava and has to be amputated and replaced by a prosthetic after they get back to Trollmarket.

Jim is highly aggressive in the immediate aftermath of escaping Gatto’s Keep. He won’t let any of the trolls near Toby. AAARRRGGHH is waiting for them at the Gyre Station in Trollmarket and Jim swipes at him with Daylight when AAARRRGGHH reaches for Toby.

Nomura figures out what’s going on – fear of being eaten is very common among Changelings, and Jim is panicking over seeing it happen to Toby – and advises they leave Jim and Toby alone to let Jim calm down and assure himself Toby is safe.

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH aren’t so sure that’s the best idea, but Draal needs medical attention, so they take him to Vendel while Nomura stands guard at the station entrance so other trolls won’t wander in.

Toby manages to talk Jim down eventually, so they can walk through Trollmarket to get back to the surface without Jim lighting his eyes up at any troll who looks at the human.

Nomura goes to check on how Draal is doing, though she covers her sentimental motive by saying she came to show him all the stuff he lost his arm for her to steal.

Claire, Darci and Mary are upset they weren’t invited along on the mission, although they change their minds when Toby tells them about being eaten.

Jim estimates, based on which toxins were on the weapons he struck Gatto with and how big the mountain troll is, that Gatto will be dead within twenty years unless someone willing to heal Gatto can identify each of the four poisons Jim used and work out their antidotes.

Gatto ate a human right in front of Jim, and it is part of the Trollhunter’s job to stop trolls from doing things like that, so Jim does not anticipate slaying Gatto to lead to Jim getting anything worse than a slap on the wrist.

Toby is much more shaken at his next appointment with Dr Archenn. Although he still avoids telling her about trolls, he does admit to some of the danger he’s faced recently in general terms, leading her to wonder if he is in the hazing stage of joining a gang.

Dr Archenn is annoyed Stricklander is out of town, since, as one of Toby’s teachers, he might be able to intercede or at least keep an eye on the kid without it looking out of place.

Jim cleaves the Birthstone. He unlocks the glaives and the Eclipse Armour, but still can’t figure out what, if anything, Gunmar’s Eye does on its own.

Draal turns into a human. Jim, Enrique, and Nomura are all deeply amused by this. Jim is excited to show Draal how great human food is. Barbara insists on giving Draal a medical checkup and some inoculations, both to make sure he’s healthy and not going to catch some human disease he never would’ve developed antibodies to as a troll, and to see how deep the transformation goes.

Draal declines to get another prosthetic arm, fitted to his human form, on the grounds he won’t need it once he changes back. He doesn’t say as much out loud, but he feels like getting the prosthetic would be the same as resigning himself to staying in human form long-term.

Stricklander returns to Arcadia with Angor Rot. Everyone is very alarmed. Angor decides to live in the woods, since Trollmarket doesn’t trust him, the Trollhunter’s basement is occupied, Mr Strickler’s apartment does not have space for a long-term guest, and Angor wouldn’t voluntarily stay at the Janus Order even if he had been hunting this Trollhunter (or pretending to).

Barbara and Walter go out for lunch, where he explains where he’s been and why he left town, and she catches him up on what she knows of what he’s missed. Barbara also tries to get him to slip up and tell her which humans know about trolls, which he catches.

Barbara asks Walter to back her up if she does find these children’s parents. Stricklander gently reminds her that his first priority is the wellbeing of his fellow Changelings, which is quite heavily tied to their secrecy. He asks Barbara not to put him in the position of having to choose between betraying the Changelings or discrediting her.

The kids start going to Angor for magic lessons. Claire and Toby both have a natural affinity, Claire for magic as a whole and Toby specifically for mineral-based magic. Mary and Darci both struggle but can manage basic enchantments which are powered by the enchantment’s components rather than fuelled by the caster. Angor will not let any of them so much as touch the Shadow Staff.

Draal and Nomura are spending more time together socially now that he’s temporarily living as a human. He feels like this experience is giving him a better idea of what her life is like, as a Changeling.

He makes the mistake of saying so out loud, and Nomura gets offended because, while he does now have a sense of what it’s like to interact with human society while humans think you’re one of them but you are still a troll on the inside, Draal has no idea what it means to be a Changeling.

They end up having a very serious and emotionally-charged conversation about how Changelings are viewed and treated, and Nomura’s life before they met and in the years since they were together.

It segues into discussing when their relationship fell apart and how each of them felt about it, and how it feels being allies and maybe-friends again.

Nomura expresses her resentment over how quickly Draal’s view of Changelings shifted when he found out Jim was one, compared to when he found out she was one.

Draal points out that Jim changed sides the same night that Draal found out, so Draal had only a few hours knowingly dealing with Jim as an enemy, whereas Nomura refused to change sides when he suggested she do so.

Nomura scornfully points out that she didn’t have a viable option of changing sides the way Jim did. It would have been only Draal speaking for her, and with his desperation to please his father she couldn’t trust him not to turn on her.

And unlike Jim, who has a mentor in Stricklander, Nomura didn’t have highly-placed allies to turn to and plead her case that what she did wasn’t really treason, just an attempt at double-agency that didn’t work out, if changing sides had failed but she somehow escaped Trollmarket alive and went back to the Janus Order, and the other Changelings learned she tried to desert.

The conversation ends on a prickly note with a lot of hurt feelings on both sides.

Draal still feels Nomura didn’t try hard enough to find a way to change sides when they were first together.

Nomura still feels Draal is refusing to understand both the precarious position she was in at the time, and that she’d had no intention of changing sides back then anyway and has only recently recognized Gunmar to be a bad choice as a leader.

The high school announces the Spring Dance. Jim, despite not being on the Honour Roll or in any official extracurricular groups nor even having perfect attendance, is nominated. He confronts Mr Strickler about it, since candidates are nominated by the faculty, and Stricklander says that if Jim is more in the public eye it will be harder for Otto to make Jim disappear.

Jim considers withdrawing his candidacy, due to the other demands on his time. He decides to participate because it seems to mean a lot to Toby, although he tells Toby he’s going through with it because dropping out would draw more attention than putting in minimal effort.

Jim discovers he fears public speaking when the Amulet activates and won’t shut down on the day nominees are presenting their dance themes.

He improvises a mantle out of a school banner to cover up the Amulet itself, so any photos that make it onto social media won’t fall into Changeling hands and lead to a search for a human Trollhunter, and suggests a Renaissance theme based on his plate armour.

Mary, Darci, and Shannon also suggest dance themes, because it makes no sense for only the boys to participate in that part of the contest (which is implied in the show by how none of the girl candidates are standing on the gymnasium floor with the boy candidates during that scene).

Jim and Angor start sparring together. Jim is curious about Angor’s supposed ability to ‘steal’ the Sword of Daylight, wondering if it would be possible to have Daylight and Eclipse active at once, but not curious enough to hold still and be marked by Angor’s sigil.

Jim is concerned that such a link might have unforeseen consequences, like getting tangled with his link to his Familiar so Jim forcibly reverts to troll form if Angor gets hurt, or Jim exploding as he would if he tried to bind himself to a second Familiar, or someone managing to steal the Inferna Copula before Angor gets his soul restored to his body and the mark making it easier for Angor to hunt and kill Jim.

Nomura brings Draal along to krav maga class. Barbara is startled to learn that Draal is the ex Nomura occasionally mentioned to her.

Nomura and Draal are able to have a much more productive conversation after Draal picks up enough of ‘how to fight in a human body’ that they can spar, because they both find emotional conversations easier to handle after physical exertion and enjoy sparring.

Toby tries asking out every girl in school, except for Darci, Claire, and Mary. He jokes that he wouldn’t want to make it awkward on the team if they started fighting over him, but actually he recognizes that rejection would hurt more coming from someone whose opinion of him genuinely matters to him.

Darci considers asking Toby to the dance, since she thinks he’s fun to be around and “reasonably cute”, but decides not to for three reasons.

One, his joke implies he’s not interested in dating someone he already likes as a friend.

Two, Darci is unsure if she has a crush on Toby, or if her feelings are mixed up because she’s not used to being friends with boys.

Three, Toby asking out every girl in school makes Darci suspect he would say ‘yes’ if she asked him, but only because he wants a date, not out of specific interest in her.

Toby, feeling hurt by rejection and blaming his weight and repeated failed diets, asks Angor if there is a magical way to become either thin or buff. Angor says spells affecting shape and metabolism are above Toby’s level of experience and Angor is not experienced in using magic on humans.

Angor does cast one piece of body-altering magic, after Toby leaves. He tries concealing the Inferna Copula under his skin, using one of his pitted scars to hide the new injury, rather than wearing the ring. This makes it harder to steal, but sadly does not restore his soul to him. He doesn’t want to try eating it, because while that might work, anything that destroys the ring could also cost him his soul forever.

Toby goes to RotGut’s. They don’t really understand what he’s asking for because most trolls are inclined to bulk up however they can. After some back-and-forth, Toby asks if there is a magical way to make himself smaller, and they let him use the Fergolator.

(This is all mostly as an excuse to have a chapter titled ‘Tiny Toby’.)

Darci is the first to find Tiny Toby. He confesses his self-consciousness about his appearance. She sympathizes. Toby also ends up confessing to her that he has a crush on the school mascot. Darci blushes but does not reveal that she is the mascot.

Darci takes Tiny Toby to Angor, who says the safest thing to do is let the magic wear off, which should happen within a day or two.

Since Toby is going to mess around with size-changing magic anyway, Angor agrees to teach his students some spells of that nature once Toby is full-size again, starting with how to compress weapons. Most magic is safest when practiced on inanimate objects.

They are all able to carry their weapons with them in disguise now. Mary’s sword still looks like a knife, but Arcadia Oaks High School does permit students to carry knives as long as the blade is shorter than three inches.

Stephan visits Bernie at the Janus Order base again. Bernie has Stephan test a new variation on Glamour Masks – a glove, so it’s harder for the source of the spell to be removed either accidentally or by an enemy, and so it doesn’t intervene with the wearer’s sense of smell.

Stephan tests it by appearing to stay in his human form while touching a gaggletack. When he removes the Glamour Glove, the audience gets a description of Stephan’s troll form.

After vigorous petitioning by those who remember him as a hero, Angor Rot is permitted to enter Trollmarket. He still hesitates to live there, but appreciates being in a proper underground structure again and does decide to stay.

This was a lucky choice on Angor’s part, because his attempt to implant the ring inside his body gets infected, possibly because of magic but possibly just because he performed surgery on himself in unsterile conditions. Vendel extracts the ring, treats the infection, and gives Angor a full medical checkup while he has him there. Angor goes back to just wearing the ring.

Barbara and Walter meet for coffee. Nomura and Draal show up at the same coffee shop. It becomes an awkward unintentional double date.

Claire’s parents find a few pages of trollish writing mixed in with her homework. Claire gets angry and defensive when she finds out her parents went through her stuff, which only convinces them she has something she wants to hide from them.

Rot and Gut have a device that works as an emergency shut-off switch for magical artifacts. It gets damaged in a way that causes it to randomly power up and overload, shutting down other things that should be insulated against its effects.

They bring it to the Trollhunter for advice on what to do with it, followed by a growing crowd of trolls whose things have been shut down by the malfunctioning device as it was carried from RotGut’s to the Forge.

The device shuts off the Amulet of Daylight as Jim is switching to human form, so all these trolls see Jim shapeshift.

Ophelia and Javier call Mary’s and Darci’s parents. Darci and her parents sat next to Toby and Nana at the school play and Darci and Toby clearly knew each other, so Detective Scott speculates the girls are sneaking around with boys. This reminds Claire’s parents of the time they came home and found Jim in their house, saying he and Claire were doing homework together.

Mary’s parents (mother, stepmother, and father) all follow her on social media. Mary has posted innocuous stuff which includes Jim and Toby, since she hangs out with them outside of Trollhunting.

Cross-referencing this with information Councilwoman Nuñez can access via her connections with the schoolboard (since this version of Jim and Toby never broke into the museum and so do not have criminal records for Detective Scott to look up), the parents find Jim and Toby’s full names and contact information for their guardians.

Jim has to escape Trollmarket. AAARRRGGHH helps, creating suspicion among Trollmarket’s citizens that maybe he didn’t really desert Gunmar after all.

Angor uses his teleporting staff to evacuate the actual humans while the trolls are distracted chasing Jim and AAARRRGGHH.

Barbara is very willing to meet with the concerned adults who contact her about their children acting strangely after spending time with hers. Yes, she has time this evening, she can come over right away. She’ll even give Nancy Domzalski a ride.

Unfortunately, Barbara’s strongest evidence of trolls being real, the troll living in her basement, is currently human-shaped, so instead of bringing him to the Nuñez house or inviting them to hers, the best Barbara is able to do is show them some pictures and videos on her phone and encourage them to question their children.

None of the adults, other than Mary’s stepmother Jennifer, believe Barbara. Jennifer is an original Changeling character previously mentioned; the one who runs Omni-Reach Travel and whom Stricklander left in charge when he went to find Angor Rot.

Jennifer tries to defuse the situation when she realizes Barbara is talking about trolls, desperately hoping Barbara doesn’t also know about Changelings.

Jennifer claims that if Mary discovered a magical world, she would have bragged about it on social media, and if later convinced it had to stay secret, her redaction would have been in the form of insisting it had been a filmmaking experiment and not intended to be mistaken for reality, so as not to destroy her online credibility by implying she participated in a hoax.

Jennifer justifies overthinking this with her passion for paranormal romance novels. Nana supports Jennifer’s explanation by sharing her own theory that this is related to video games.

AAARRRGGHH ends up moving into Toby’s house, and finally finds out about Gnome Chompsky. (Bagdwella, Blinky, and AAARRRGGHH all thought Jim had killed the gnome after taking it out of Trollmarket.)

Not Enrique phones Claire to tell her what’s happening and warn her not to come home yet. The kids instead agree amongst themselves that this is as good a time as any to come clean to their parents about trolls and do damage control on anything Barbara said that scared them.

They can’t go to Trollmarket right now, but they can introduce their families to AAARRRGGHH, the sweetest and least-threatening troll they know.

Jennifer attacks AAARRRGGHH, whom she only knows by reputation as a general, a deserter, and a human-eater. Mary manages to get the UV flashlight away from her stepmom, so Jennifer switches to her troll form. She’s about Draal’s size, with shiny dark green skin and bright orange hair.

Jim recognizes Jennifer as an old friend, nicknamed ‘Sneaker’ for how well she blended in with the Darklands’ crystal formations in her youth, and transforms as well, to either talk her down or protect AAARRRGGHH from her depending on whether she will listen to Jim about AAARRRGGHH being a pacifist.

Mary tries scruffing Jennifer, remembering how AAARRRGGHH collapsed when Jim did that. Jennifer tries to attack whatever grabbed her scruff, but realizes it was Mary and stops herself before Mary gets hurt.

(Detective Scott doesn’t carry his gun while off-duty, and after he learns trolls really do have stone for skin he’s glad he didn’t have it on him, because if he’d shot AAARRRGGHH or one of the Changelings, a bullet could have ricocheted and hit one of the humans present instead.)

Once combat has been avoided and Jennifer and Jim switch back to human form, trolls are explained to the human adults again, now that they’re willing to take the explanation seriously.

Jim explains why he and the teens can’t go back to Trollmarket anymore anyway, giving a quick summary of how Changelings work and how they’re viewed and how Jim was recently exposed to the market as one and any humans he brought in will now face the same suspicion.

Jim is very apologetic about not being sneaky enough to prevent the teens from learning about trolls in the first place. The teens are a bit annoyed that this is the part for which Jim feels he ought to be apologizing.

Claire tells her parents about Not Enrique. They are naturally upset. Jim and Jennifer each confess to having nominated Enrique as a possible Familiar, intending this as a favour to the Nuñezes. This is responded to with horror.

Nana Domzalski is neutral leaning towards supportive. Detective and Mrs Scott are alarmed and disturbed, but willing to hear out why their daughter wants to stay involved in the supernatural world despite the dangers. Mr Wang gets Javier’s “this is awesome” response from the show.

Laurel, Mary’s mother, is mostly in shock over learning her wife is not human.

Councilwoman and Mr Nuñez are outraged and horrified and want to get both their children as far away from the supernatural as possible.

Jennifer points out that, if anything happens to the Changeling, there is no need for the Familiar, and therefore if they plan to get the original Enrique back, they will need to make some kind of peace with the other Enrique in the interim.

The Nuñez parents officially meet Not Enrique. It is very tense and awkward. Everyone else decides to leave.

Barbara attempts to offer support, as a fellow parent who has gone through learning her child was replaced by a Changeling, and is harshly shut down because Ophelia and Javier aren’t ready for that conversation yet.

Vendel is trying to calm Trollmarket, a few hours after Jim was publicly revealed as a Changeling. Vendel points out Bular’s death and the capture of Killahead, and Jim’s mission to unite the Triumbric Stones, as evidence the Changeling Trollhunter really is on their side. The rioters settle down, but the citizens are not wholly convinced.

Draal is phoned by Blinky and strongly advised not to come back to Trollmarket until he changes back into a troll. Draal didn’t plan to do so, embarrassed to be seen like this, but that feels different from not being allowed.

Blinky is concerned that the trolls might turn on Draal and use his transformation as evidence that the Changeling Trollhunter is trying to make more trolls into Changelings, reigniting the riots Vendel just finished averting.

Krax, the Changeling spy planted in Trollmarket centuries ago, contacts Usurna to report the Changeling Trollhunter.

He has mixed feelings about doing so. Krax is pretty sure Jim really is still working for Gunmar, and either killed Bular to shore up his cover or as a power play, and Killahead Bridge being in the market means that Gunmar will be in an advantageous position to attack right away.

But ultimately Krax would rather Usurna get this information from him, proving what a valuable agent Krax is, than from some other source, which could cause her to doubt either his skill or his loyalties.

The Touch-the-Truck-a-thon occurs. After Mary forfeits to run to the bathroom, Jim attempts to psyche Steve out by complimenting how brave Steve is, for attempting to destigmatize adult incontinence by publicly confessing to wearing a diaper.

Steve lets go of the truck while trying to punch Jim. Shannon is accidentally knocked over by Steve, and Jim lets go of the truck to help her up, so Eli and Darci win the challenge.

Blinky, as Jim’s mentor and one of his adopted parents, has been trying to convince other trolls that Jim is harmless. Several trolls mock Blinky for not noticing Jim being a Changeling when usually Blinky can spot a conspiracy even when one isn’t there.

Blinky admitting he did find out and chose not to tell anyone is not well-received. Vendel has to intervene to keep Blinky from getting thrown out of Trollmarket as well.

Angor is very surprised no one has turned on him yet, since he explicitly showed up as an ally to this particular Trollhunter. Of course, Angor is also very sneaky and intimidating.

Rather than Toby purchasing an animal without considering its containment and enrichment and dietary needs just because he wants the volcanic slag that houses it, a Helheeti gets loose directly from Mervin the Monster Dealer’s shop and ravages Trollmarket.

Several trolls go to Angor for help. He teleports away and gets Jim, since this kind of thing really is the Trollhunter’s job and Angor is not going to be roped into doing it for him.

The two of them are able to corral the Helheeti and force it back into the volcanic slag. Angor decides to keep it for a pet. He has to go to Vendel for permission, since Helheetis are native to the Darklands and were banned after the bridge was sealed.

Mervin the Monster Dealer insists he thought it was a Luminere and promises to aid the investigation in how this happened. Mervin gets his Lumineres from the Krubera, implying to the audience that Usurna might be behind this. (She actually wasn’t – it was a genuine mixup with old and poorly labelled stock. Helheeti slag dens and Luminere slag dens look very similar.)

Javier goes to Barbara, taking her up on the offer to talk.

Ophelia ends up telling everything to her therapist, Dr Archenn, instead, desperately wanting all of this to be some kind of stress-induced illusion.

Tiffany is furious to learn that at least three Changelings have voluntarily revealed themselves to humans. Tiffany does not reveal that she is a Changeling, nor that she also suggested Enrique Nuñez as a Familiar, thinking the Nuñez parents were ideal candidates for a Changeling’s host family.

(The Nuñezes are affluent, politically well-connected, and rarely present, appearing to want kids more because ‘this is what successful adults do, they find jobs and buy houses and cars and get married and have children’, rather than because ‘I would find it fulfilling to care for another person and raise them to adulthood’. )

Tiffany reports the compromised Changelings to Stricklander. He does not admit that his identity has been compromised to at least some of these humans as well.

As the Trollhunter hasn’t been around Trollmarket of late, except for during that one emergency, Bagdwella has to give the package meant for Sagdwella to the carrier mice trolls rather than sending it through the human post office.

The mice trolls gnaw through the package, and the gravity hex infects Trollmarket.

Bagdwella ends up phoning Mary to ask Jim for help, since Bagdwella doesn’t have Jim’s phone number.

Since they know about it in advance this time, instead of finding out after like they did with the Helheeti, the kids are able to insist on coming with Jim to aid in the crisis. They’ve had magic training and Jim hasn’t had the time to work that into his Trollhunter training yet.

With Angor’s guidance, the kids are able to contain the curse in the warhammer Toby had stopped training with a while ago in favour of one easier to lift.

Angor then uses this as a prop in a lesson on how spells can stack together, by putting the weapon compression spell on the warhammer. Toby reclaims the hammer and starts learning to dual-wield.

Nobody ever learns Bagdwella was responsible for the gravity hex being unleashed.

Otto has been trying to build a power base within the Janus Order to let him overthrow Stricklander. It disappoints but does not shock him that Changelings are unwilling to commit to either side of this power struggle.

Bernie is now positive that Bular’s remains are headless.

A mortician who is a mutual work friend of Barbara’s and Stephan’s tries to set them up together. This comically fails for two reasons.

On Barbara’s side of things, she has a boyfriend; well, sort of. Walt isn’t officially her boyfriend yet, but she calls him that reflexively upon realizing she and Stephan are being introduced as potential dates rather than potential friends.

Meanwhile, on Stephan’s side of the table, he is demiromantic and would have to get to know Barbara a lot better to be able to tell whether he was interested. Blind dating does not work for him.

Barbara tells Walter about reflexively referring to him as her boyfriend when a friend tried to set her up on a date, and asks if he is interested in this being true. The two officially start to date.

Walter brings flowers when he comes to pick Barbara up for a date. Draal, who Jim and Toby were teaching video games in the living room, sees this and is confused by the gesture, so the boys explain.

Draal wonders if Nomura would like flowers, since her human cover is a big part of her life, or if she’d think Draal was implying he saw her as less of a troll by acting out a human courtship ritual.

Draal asks Jim for advice. Jim’s response is to suggest phoning Nomura and asking her how she would feel if Draal gave her flowers. Toby points out that it ruins the surprise of doing something romantic and spontaneous to just ask her, to which Draal and Jim simultaneously point out that Nomura doesn’t like surprises.

Jim makes the phone call. Nomura says her favourite flowers are yellow Gerbera daisies and she will honestly be impressed if Draal knows what a daisy is.

Blinky contacts the kids by group text to say that the mood of Trollmarket has stabilized enough it should be safe to come back.

AAARRRGGHH, who has been putting off this conversation, borrows Toby’s phone to tell Blinky that the kids’ families now know about trolls and will want to visit Trollmarket too.

Blinky gripes about having to explain that to Vendel, and worries how they can convince Trollmarket that Jim isn’t leading some kind of Changeling invasion if he brings down a bunch of new humans.

AAARRRGGHH reveals one of the parents is a Changeling. Blinky facepalms with the three hands not holding the phone.

Jim worries about bringing anyone else along when he isn’t sure how safe Trollmarket is right now, but Toby, Claire, Mary and Darci point out that they all helped with the gravity hex, and it’ll be good to keep Trollmarket accustomed to human visitors if they’re going to bring their parents down there eventually.

Mr Strickler also joins them – the trolls still think he’s a human, since the full story of Bular’s death has still not been made public.

On Jim’s first night back in Trollmarket, Queen Usurna also arrives. Jim asks if she’s there about the Helheeti, and commends her initiative in aiding the investigation of the possibility of a Darklands breech. It must be such a comfort to the Krubera to know their leader will take prompt action on these matters.

Usurna has no idea what Jim is talking about and wonders if he is hinting that he knows she works for Gunmar.

Usurna wants to take AAARRRGGHH back to the Krubera Caverns. She claims he is unsafe with a known Changeling having access to Trollmarket. As a pacifist, AAARRRGGHH cannot protect himself, and it falls to his Queen to do so for him.

Trollmarket’s citizens protests that Jim is definitely not working for Gunmar. It’s both comical and disturbing to Jim, how completely their view of him has shifted now that they’ve calmed down after their initial panic and taken Vendel’s words to heart.

Jim killed Bular and sealed Killahead and risked his life to save them all even after they found out what he was and somehow even brought Angor Rot back to the side of good! (They don’t know about Stricklander recruiting Angor.) The Trollhunter has found the Triumbric Stones and is going to slay Gunmar!

Usurna questions why the Trollhunter has not reassembled the bridge and fought Gunmar already, if this is really true. Jim says it would be safer to stab Gunmar through a Fetch, rather than risking the Gumm-Gumms escaping their imprisonment, and he still hasn’t been able to acquire one.

Actually, Jim is worried because he feels like he’s only unlocked two of the three stones, because Gunmar’s Eye still won’t let him summon anything.

It might just be the lynchpin that converts his armour and sword into Eclipse when combined with the other two stones, but what if there is a missing power he doesn’t have yet, and what he does have isn’t enough to slay Gunmar? But he’s not going to say all that to someone he barely knows.

Usurna says she’ll be staying in Trollmarket for a few nights to observe the Trollhunter and confirm her subject’s safety. Vendel proposes a Pyrobligst match. Everyone disperses and goes about their business.

Vendel and Usurna go to the pub. Jim fails to get close enough to eavesdrop. Jim ends up talking to the other Krubera about the Helheeti mistaken for a Luminere. Vendel and Usurna make their bet to determine whether AAARRRGGHH must return with the Krubera or gets a choice in the matter.

The human teens finally learn AAARRRGGHH’s backstory. Jim is shocked they hadn’t figured it out already, based on how literally every Changeling they’ve seen meet or hear about AAARRRGGHH has initially reacted with fear.

Stricklander shares his theory that, if it is true that only Krubera can survive the pressures of the deep caves where they live, any attacks on them had to have been inside jobs.

Blinky finds himself paying closer attention to how Stricklander and AAARRRGGHH are interacting after mistaking some innocent behaviour on Stricklander’s part for flirtation. Blinky does not think AAARRRGGHH will be wooed away from him, but is suspicious whether Stricklander intends to try.

Jim initially refuses to play Pyrobligst on the grounds that he did enough fighting to the death to entertain an audience back when he lived in the Darklands. He changes his mind when he learns the outcome of the game will determine whether AAARRRGGHH has the option of staying in Trollmarket.

Jim does not learn that participants must begin unarmed – he thought Vendel just took the Amulet because that particular weapon would be an unfair advantage – until right before the game.

Not wanting to give Usurna any excuse to claim that Jim cheated and therefore AAARRRGGHH must go back to the Krubera Caverns, Jim switches to his troll form, on which he keeps most of his weaponry, undergoes a comically long disarming sequence, realizes he doesn’t actually know how many weapons he is carrying and so cannot be sure he’s removed them all, and decides to play naked.

Blinky notices Jim appears to have runes carved into his legs and makes a mental note to question him on these later.

Angor is Jim’s teammate, since AAARRRGGHH is still a pacifist, Draal is still human-shaped, and Blinky doesn’t play. They win, barely.

After returning to the Krubera Caverns, Usurna retires to her private quarters and contacts Gunmar. This is how he learns of Bular’s death and that the amulet picked a Changeling as Trollhunter.

Gunmar had assumed the Trollhunter had captured Killahead Bridge and that Bular hadn’t contacted him since the bridge’s fall out of shame at having it snatched away when they were so close, and that Bular wanted to make some progress towards recovering the bridge – or at least killing this particular Trollhunter – before facing his father again.

Gunmar is suspicious that the Changelings never reported this. A Changeling with command of the Amulet should have come forward in hopes of gaining status and special treatment … unless they were a traitor from the beginning. Figuring out Gunmar plans to get rid of the Changelings once he doesn’t need them, and acting out of self-preservation, counts as treason.

Unfortunately, Gunmar may still need the Janus Order’s help to escape, so he can’t take out his wrath on all the Changelings yet.

Blinky asks Jim about his scarred legs. Jim explains how, when he was learning to read back in the Darklands, there wasn’t much to write with or on, so Jim carved each letter of the trollish alphabet into his own stone skin once he learned it. Ambiguous phrasing leaves Blinky under the impression Dictatious was the one to do this to Jim.

Jim explains to Vendel his concerns about fully unlocking the Triumbric Stones, so Vendel has Jim start training with other stones past Trollhunters have used.

Jim immediately pounces on the stone that lets trolls walk in sunlight without harm. Jim, being a Changeling, doesn’t have to worry about that, but his successor potentially will, and if Kanjigar had been carrying this stone he might not have died. Jim superglues and duct tapes it into the Amulet.

There are six slots built into the Amulet. With the three Triumbric Stones, the Heartstone chip, and now the sunstone (note, sunstone is a good name but also an actual stone’s name, and also would the trolls call it that? Come up with a name for it), Jim has one slot left for trying out new stones.

Jim goes into the Void to get advice from the Ghost Council about which stones to try, and goes for the Aspectus Stone because he likes the idea of always having backup in the form of clones of himself.

The first Jim Clone he summons is a manifestation of his academic curiosity, quickly nicknamed ‘Scholar Jim’, or ‘Schol’ for short. The next one is his resourcefulness, the bit of himself that always keeps an eye out for potentially useful things (and steals them), who is nicknamed ‘Scavenger Jim’ or ‘Scav’.

Jim, when in armour, can summon clones who are also wearing armour, but if the clone dismisses the armour, the cloned copy of the Amulet will vanish and the clone cannot resummon it.

A clone in armour can switch to the Eclipse Armour if Jim or another clone is not already wearing it, but there can be only one Eclipse active at any time.

Any clone can wield either the Sword of Daylight or the Sword of Eclipse, regardless of which armour the clone wears or whether they are in armour at all.

Jim dismissing his armour does not affect whether the clones already summoned will keep or lose their armour.

Jim cannot summon a clone wearing armour if he is not wearing armour himself.

Jim, wearing armour, can summon a clone not wearing armour.

A clone summoned without armour can only summon armour if Jim gives that clone the original Amulet.

A clone will appear as the same species as Jim is at the time of summoning, but can shift like any other Changeling, and Jim changing forms later will not affect clones already summoned.

The clones appear to have continuous memory between summonings and Jim’s memories of the time while that clone was not active.

Jim confirms that night that he reintegrates the clones’ memories into his own while he sleeps, which Maddrux said would happen.

Also, maintaining clones is hungry work. Jim suspects his metabolism is running however many times as fast as there are Jims for it to maintain at any given moment. One Jim Clone means Jim’s metabolism is twice as fast; two Jim Clones makes Jim’s metabolism run three times as fast. He’d best not summon a Jim Army after all, or he’d starve himself in a minute.

(This is not actually true. It just takes energy to summon and dismiss them, which Jim was doing over and over to test the possibilities.)

Jim learns through later testing that a clone will vanish if the clone falls asleep or is knocked out. A clone can exist continuously for as long as that clone remains awake – as a Changeling, Jim can comfortably stay away for about sixty consecutive hours (not quite three days), but after that he starts to get tired like a human would after being awake for more than twenty consecutive hours.

Draal turns back into a troll while at the museum. Nomura just barely hauls him into one of the archive rooms before anyone can see him. It’s where Bular slept when he spent the day at the museum, so it’s mostly empty and has no windows.

Nomura helps Draal out of the shredded remains of his human clothing and it is implied that they have sex. The scene cuts away before anything graphic occurs.

Jim wakes up early in his troll form and can’t shift to his human one. He wonders if it might be inoculation day.

The goblins regularly vaccinate all the Familiars, so the new babies won’t catch some disease still asymptomatically carried by the older babies that modern humans don’t have resistance to anymore, and the old babies won’t catch any diseases brought in by the newer babies that previous generations of humans couldn’t have developed resistance against because it didn’t exist back then.

But there’s usually some forewarning about the day, so the Changeling won’t be caught out in public if their Familiar reacts to the vaccine and this shifting problem happens. Of course, the Janus Order has been on lockdown since Bular’s death, so maybe Jim just missed the notice?

Jim tries spitting on the mirror, but cannot see Jay-Jay. In increasing panic, he spits on various reflective surfaces and tries the selfie camera of his phone (which the spell acknowledges as a mirror), but nothing happens.

In order, he calls Stricklander, Nomura, Not Enrique, and Jennifer, confirming each of them are still able to shift. Jim calls Stricklander again and gives a more detailed explanation of what’s happening.

Stricklander comes over and gives Jim a Glamour Mask.

They conclude Gunmar must finally have learned about Jim’s involvement in Bular’s death and taken vengeance.

Stricklander never reported Gunmar that the new Trollhunter was a Changeling to avoid exactly this outcome (potentially levied against all Changelings) if anything went wrong with the bridge reconstruction; although it was possible Bular would mention it, it was unlikely Bular would bother when he had ‘more important things than the Impures’ to talk to his father about.

Otto is suspected as the leak, because he knows who Jim is and because, as a Polymorph, he doesn’t have a Familiar to worry about.

Stricklander takes a sick day in case he’s next, and calls Nomura to advise her to do the same. Then Stricklander and Jim have to tell Barbara what’s going on and why they think it happened.

Jim demands access to the Fetch. His Familiar is dead and his mother is heartbroken and Jim needs to make Gunmar PAY for this. He has to kill him, has to get the other Familiars out of his reach, has to get the other Changelings out of his reach …

Stricklander fails to calm Jim, and when Jim leaves for the day, Stricklander stays at the Lakes’ house in case Barbara (who has locked herself in her room to cry) needs anything.

Jim decides to go through with Usurna’s ‘suggestion’ of opening Killahead Bridge to fight Gunmar. That way, even if Gunmar survives, he’ll be out of the Darklands and cut off from most of his forces and won’t have access to the Nursery anymore.

Jim skips school, missing the textbook stacking challenge, to go to Trollmarket and start rallying volunteers to form an army. It’s harder than he’d hoped, because despite being a culture in which solving problems with violence is common (functionally, duelling), most trolls don’t have an appetite for sustained warfare.

Not Enrique sneaks into Claire’s backpack and goes to school with her, which she doesn’t realize until she puts the bag in her locker. He’s concerned about Jim after that early morning phone call, and considering how abruptly Jim hung up, Not Enrique wonders if maybe the phone line was compromised and decided to come talk to Jim in person … except Jim isn’t at school.

AAARRRGGHH hears what Jim is up to and drags him to the library to find out why Jim changed his mind so suddenly and radically about strategy. Jim has an emotional breakdown and tells AAARRRGGHH and Blinky what happened.

Walter, in a fit of desperation and with Barbara’s permission, calls in Dr Archenn, so Barbara can talk to someone trained in grief counselling and to whom Barbara will not have to lie.

Tiffany is angry Stricklander broke both their covers but professional enough not to take this out on her new patient. Tiffany is also very concerned about this other Changeling who just lost his Familiar, but not willing to risk her life trying to get into Trollmarket to look for Jim.

Not Enrique decides to phone Jim after all. With permission, Blinky takes the phone and explains on Jim’s behalf. Not Enrique is shaken up enough to decide he wants to get his Familiar out of the Darklands as soon as possible, since the goblins are clearly no longer sufficient protection for the Nursery. Not Enrique breaks into Stricklander’s office and takes the Fetch.

Not Enrique gets a text from Javier, who noticed he wasn’t home and wants to know if he’s okay. (Not Enrique told all the Nuñezes his phone number.) He texts back that he’s fine, just had to run an errand. Javier points out Not Enrique could have just told Javier what he wanted, now that Javier knows he can talk.

Not Enrique doesn’t have an answer for that, but this conversation affirms for him that he’s doing the right thing and might not even lose his home once he’s given Original Enrique back.

Not Enrique calls Jim again. Jim agrees to help with his plan. They decide not to tell anyone, in case they’re too late.

They don’t know what exactly is happening on the other side and for all they know Gunmar’s just decided to forget about escaping and feast on all the Familiars, or Skarlagk’s forces found the Nursery and obviously have no motive to leave the babies alone and the Changelings’ covers intact.

(Skarlagk the Scorned is a character from the novels – her father Orlagk was the Gumm-Gumm Warlord before Gunmar, she wants to kill Gunmar to avenge her father, and she leads a rebellion of Gumm-Gumms who blame Gunmar for getting them trapped in the Darklands.)

Jim leaves Trollmarket, telling Blinky and AAARRRGGHH he’s going home. He and Not Enrique meet up and go to the Janus Order base to get a map of which Darklands locations match up with which surface locations. There are entrances to the base besides the travel agency, so they don’t have to get past anyone to get inside.

Bernie comes to meet Jim and Not Enrique, because the labs now have a monitor hooked up to the security cameras, but easily accepts they are there for classified reasons.

But, since they’re there … while Not Enrique gets the map, Jim is waylaid into helping Bernie brew a few poisons and antidotes and test out the Glamour Glove.

Bernie’s narration reveals that Bernie used to work for Area 49-B, but was discharged for questioning Colonel Kubritz’s motives and the base’s methods, which Bernie considered ‘unscientific’.

Among other things, Bernie finds it very easy to acquire voluntary test subjects if one is willing to put in minimal effort to build a rapport.

For example, Area 49-B could have learned all they wanted to know about Durians from Stuart, without imprisoning him and then losing the opportunity for further testing when he escaped, if only they had offered to help him fix his crashed spaceship and then asked questions and did some non-invasive testing in the name of keeping Stuart healthy while he stayed on Earth.

The results of those tests would be more accurate, too, since baseline readings would be of a subject at rest rather than a subject in distress.

Bernie made a fuss about how, if they’re going to keep Buster in a cage all the time, the enclosure should be at least five times larger and the giant insectoid extraterrestrial should have literally any kind of enrichment in there.

It's also very suspicious to Bernie where the base’s funding is coming from. Who is paying the big bucks for this research, especially since they have such limited data to work from, and they haven’t been adapting the spaceship engines for commercial or military aircraft, and the laser-guns are only being used on the base itself?

Sure, Kubritz says it’s ‘the government’, but which branch? Which politicians authorized this? Who all knows what’s really going on, and who has some information but not the full picture? What are the funders actually hoping to discover or gain?

Has Kubritz gone rogue and been falsifying expense reports, claiming to her superior officers that the base does something else while it actually serves her personal goals?

Or is it all a front, with scientific investigation being used as a thinly-veiled excuse for the imprisonment, torture, and eventual execution of extraterrestrial organisms?

Colonel Kubritz had Bernie reassigned off-base and shuffled through a few positions before being discharged and kept under observation.

Bernie waited a few years for the surveillance team to grow complacent and start slacking off. Once Bernie felt it wouldn’t look like they were just trying to vanish and sneak back into the base, they faked their death.

This is why Bernie has been living in the Janus Order base; they have not yet established a new human identity and don’t want to rush that process when there isn’t urgent need for them on the surface. There are still three other Janus Order operatives in Area 49-B – it always pays to keep an eye on anyone who might be out to vivisect you.

Jim has assisted in the Janus Order’s lab in the past. Bernie needs more data on the Glamour Glove’s user-friendliness than just how well Bernie and Stephan can use it, and wants to test whether the copies work like the prototype.

Jim also learns what happens when a Changeling without a Familiar touches a gaggletack; it stings just like it does when it forces the transformation, and there is the flash of light, but obviously he doesn’t shift.

Jim took off the mask before testing this, and tells Bernie he can’t shift right now because it’s inoculation day and his Familiar must be reacting to it, which throws off Bernie’s test results because Bernie was specifically testing if that would override a gaggletack.

Since Jim is going to be wearing a mask “all day” in any case, Bernie lets Jim take one of the Glamour Gloves for a field test.

Navigating the Darklands by peeking through the Fetch is … tricky. Whatever Deya did to seal the Darklands basically folded the dimension in on itself, which is also why gravity is inconsistent in some places and why the Gumm-Gumms can’t just dig a tunnel out.

The landscape is internally consistent but can look like it jumps around from an outside perspective. Sometimes you peek through the Fetch, go a few paces, peek through again, and the two spots you see would be vast distances apart if you were travelling in the Darklands, or in a different direction relative to one another than the direction you just travelled on the surface.

This folding is one of the reasons Fetches can only be made so large before destabilizing.

There are also multiple places on the surface which each correspond to the same place within the Darklands. Janus Order bases are traditionally built in spots that correspond with Gunmar’s throne room, which, fun fact, means their aboveground locations and front businesses often, though not always, correspond in location with the dungeons.

Jim and Not Enrique use a toilet paper tube, which Not Enrique was carrying for a snack, to check where they are.

The nearest spot that matches the Nursery is in the woods. They can climb a tree to get at the cradles, but don’t trust themselves to be able to safely pull a baby through the Fetch in that position.

They confirm there are no Gumm-Gumms or goblins nearby, and Not Enrique goes through the Fetch.

Jim watches through the tube, both out of nerves and so that there is a marker for Not Enrique to find the Fetch again once he’s got Original Enrique.

It’s hard to find the portals from the Darklands side – goblins can do it by magic, but Gumm-Gumms and Changelings cannot usually notice the Fetch, even if they touch the space where it should be, unless something is coming through it. (Like a door with a mental key? You have to know the door is there in order to open it.)

Not Enrique realizes he can transform while in the Darklands once Original Enrique is back on the surface, and decides to stay there so the goblins won’t realize Enrique is missing and go after the Nuñezes.

He’s also got his phone with him – somehow the Nursery is a WiFi hotspot – so Not Enrique is going to report to Jim if anything else happens, and help coordinate future rescues if other Changelings want to get their Familiars out.

Not Enrique has one of the crystal arrays used in Trollmarket to charge electronics, so he doesn’t have to worry about his phone dying, and as long as he keeps those things on his troll form the goblins won’t know he has them.

The human kids have gone to Trollmarket and realized Jim is not there. Toby calls Jim’s house when Jim doesn’t answer his cellphone, and confirms Jim is not at home either.

To sum up, Stricklander thought Jim had gone to school to try and block out what had happened by immersing himself in the human part of his life while he still can; the teens thought Jim was spending the day in Trollmarket handling some kind of crisis; and Blinky and AAARRRGGHH thought Jim had gone home to seek the comfort of more familiar surroundings.

Clearing this up leads to the teens finding out what happened to Jay-Jay.

Claire throws what can best be described as a tantrum, screaming things to the effect of, so much for Jim’s promise all the Familiars were kept safe, and, what’s going to happen to her brother now? This has clearly been building for a while but she cries herself out surprisingly quickly.

Angor shows up in the library and agrees to teleport them to Jim.

Jim being in human form confuses the kids, since although Stricklander told them about the Glamour Mask, they were expecting to see Jim troll-shaped after hearing he had lost his human form. Jim is holding Original Enrique, whom they think is Not Enrique in human form.

The Fetch has been disassembled to keep the goblins from swarming through if they notice the missing Familiar. Disassembling the Fetch does not permanently break it; it’s more analogous to taking the battery out of a phone.

Claire’s phone blips. She’s got a text from Not Enrique. This confuses her because she thinks Not Enrique is right in front of her and also not holding his phone. The text says he figures they’ve caught up to Jim by now, and not to worry about Not Enrique, because he has Suzy Snooze for company.

Once Jim is brought home, Stricklander demands to know what Jim was thinking.

Jim defends his actions by saying he and Not Enrique had to act quickly and in secrecy in case Stricklander, Nomura, or Jennifer tried to stop them.

Obviously, they weren’t going to pull another Changeling’s Familiar out of the Darklands without clearing it with that Changeling first, but they didn’t have time to have that conversation three times when they weren’t sure how much time they actually had.

Toby is distracted from this argument by his therapist being in Jim’s house and apparently knowing about trolls.

Dr Archenn, who has decided to make herself known to the Trollhunter, points out that they’ll need to remove the Age Pause on Original Enrique if they plan to reintegrate him into human society, and only the goblins know how to do that.

Stricklander points out that Not Enrique’s cover could be compromised at any time now that Original Enrique isn’t being kept in a contained, controlled environment to ensure he isn’t hurt.

Jim starts crying and yelling because the goblins don’t seem to think of the Familiars as pack members the way Jim had always believed, so it’s not safe to leave the babies in the Darklands after all. What he and Not Enrique did proves the Changelings can pull off a rescue.

Barbara hears Jim and comes downstairs. Jim can’t bring himself to face her. He still has the glamour on. She thinks he’s shifted to human form again, which means Jay-Jay is okay after all. Barbara grabs Jim and hugs him. He starts crying again, thinking she’s trying to comfort him and be comforted herself. When he goes to hug her back, he sees his human-looking hands and realizes what she’s thinking.

Jim has a desperate urge to not tell her and let Barbara keep thinking Jay-Jay is alright.

But, between all the talks he’s had with various people about the importance of honesty, and the knowledge that this lie would fall apart very quickly with all the other people in the know and Jim no longer being able to use the spit-check to show Jay-Jay, and mostly his own desperate need to express his grief, he reveals the truth, and both their hearts break all over again.

Walter explained the Glamour Mask to Barbara earlier, when Jim first left the house, and she remembers when Jim reminds her, but strong emotions overrode the memory; or possibly it didn’t really sink in when Walter told her, since Glamour Masks are a new concept for Barbara and she was distracted by more important and emotionally-charged information.

Claire brings Original Enrique home and tells her parents where Not Enrique is, although she does not tell them about Jay-Jay. Ophelia and Javier have a fight.

Javier wants to get Not Enrique back, and ground him for life, (and is texting him to that effect, to which Not Enrique points out that he can hardly get more underground than he currently is, which Javier replies is not what that means and Not Enrique knows it).

Ophelia wants to get as disconnected from the supernatural world as possible now that they have Original Enrique back.

Ophelia holds a position of leadership in this town, so she has a responsibility to deal with … trolls, now that she knows they exist, but she also has a responsibility to protect her family and she does not have to put up with her children being involved with trolls. Maybe they can find a nice boarding school for Claire to cut off her access to Trollmarket.

Claire lies and says Angor taught her how to teleport, therefore sending her away won’t work.

Draal returns to Trollmarket, gets his prosthetic arm back, and starts training in the Forge. Angor comes in and they spar. Angor tells Draal what happened, which explains to Draal the odd phone call Nomura received from Jim that morning.

Draal vows to join the army Jim is trying to assemble.

Angor thinks they should advise Jim to wait and give himself time to grieve before trying to fight Gunmar, so Jim won’t make sloppy mistakes.

Jim goes back to school the next day. Other students assume he is upset because he missed the final Spring Fling King challenge.

Nancy Domzalski comes over to talk to Barbara. Toby told Nana what happened, and she can relate to having lost a child.

Claire tells her father, but not her mother, about Jay-Jay. Javier also attempts to reach out to Barbara, wanting to return the emotional support she gave him when he was adjusting to the Enrique Swap.

Jim channels his grief into a research binge, summoning four clones: Schol, Scav, his vindictive side (nicknamed Vinnie), and a clone he initially thinks is a manifestation of his guilt but is actually the part of Jim that craves his parents’ attention and approval (eventually nicknamed Kiddo). Jim is trying to figure out why he can’t summon anything with Gunmar’s Eye.

Angor and Vendel, as the two experts on magic, discuss the Triumbric Stones with Jim. Angor, who remembers seeing the Decimaar Blade in action, suggests the Eye might give Jim resistance to Gunmar’s mind control and that’s why Jim can’t summon anything physical with it.

Barbara and Jim each have individual appointments with Dr Archenn.

Barbara has decided to take some time off work, and is considering telling people she’s had a miscarriage, which is the closest analogy to the situation she can think of that won’t expose the supernatural world but still allows her to express her grief.

Jim shows Dr Archenn how the Aspectus Stone works. She is fascinated by how parts of the personality can manifest as separate individuals, although she also suspects Jim is using this as a distraction to avoid talking about what’s upsetting him. She allows it in the name of building rapport with her new patient.

Jim accidentally summons a new clone, who is still in his human form and cannot shift, even when tested with a gaggletack, which Dr Archenn keeps in her office for some reason. Jim thinks this clone is a manifestation of his most human traits and nicknames him Hugh, as in Hugh Man.

(Hugh is actually a manifestation of the Changeling Identity Crisis, Jim’s feeling of being divided between being human and troll. Not all Changelings have that issue – Nomura, for example, identifies exclusively as a troll – but it is pretty common.

If summoned before Jim lost the ability to shift, Hugh would have always appeared in the opposite form of the form Original Jim is currently in and would switch whenever Original Jim did – unlike the other clones, who appear in the form Jim currently wears and can shift freely – but since Jim only has access to his troll form now, Hugh always appears as a human.)

Toby has an appointment with Dr Archenn, too. Since he knows she knows about trolls now, he tells her everything.

That appointment ends up focusing mainly on how Toby tried to use magic to change his body in response to feeling rejected, which ties into a lot of Toby’s issues about feeling inadequate and expecting people to abandon him.

Also, Dr Archenn knows enough about magic to recognize how dangerous shapeshifting can be, and wants to be sure Toby has been taught enough since then to recognize the risk he took.

Toby finds an angel aura quartz in the museum gift shop. He’s more interested in the scientific aspect of geology, but the superstitious part is also interesting, and now that he knows trolls and magic are real, he wonders more about it.

Angel aura quartz is supposed to help people cope with stress, anxiety, and overstimulation, and to help recharge energy. Toby decides to give the stone to Jim in case there is any truth to this idea.

Mary and Darci both update their families on what’s been going on.

Laurel and Jennifer discuss the possibility of bringing Jennifer’s Familiar, Guinevere, to the surface and raising her as another daughter, with Jennifer using a Glamour Mask to keep up her human life. Jennifer is opposed to this idea, not in the name of keeping her ability to shapeshift, but because she is uncomfortable with babies.

Claire, Mary and Darci spend a night at Darci’s house trying to do normal teen things and forget how weird their lives have gotten. It doesn’t really work, since the last time they did this, at Claire’s house, they discovered Not Enrique, so this time Claire and Mary end up talking a lot about their Changeling family members. Darci feels a bit left out of the conversation.

Jim spars against Draal, Angor, and Nomura all at once in the Forge. (Trollmarket has only seen Nomura in her troll form, so the trolls all think she is an unaltered troll.) Jim is trying to get used to fighting alongside his clones.

Jim discovers the Amulet can divide, allowing a clone to re-summon armour while Jim is still wearing it.

Jim rants to his human friends about how he keeps getting distracted when sparring with Draal by how shiny Draal is and the way he moves. Mary puts the pieces together and realizes Jim has a crush.

Jim does not see how that’s possible, since he’s never had a crush before, and this is the least convenient time to develop such feelings. Toby hypothesizes that seeing Draal get turned into a human and back made Jim subconsciously see him as a fellow Changeling, and therefore, like … eligible?

Toby’s other hypothesis, since Toby now knows about the theory Changelings’ emotions change a bit when their brains physically change during shapeshifting, is that Jim being stuck in troll form is stabilizing Jim’s ability to feel attraction to other trolls. Sharing this thought feels like it would be really insensitive to Jim’s grief over Jay-Jay, so Toby keeps his mouth shut about it.

Walter spends a few hours each day and the full weekend at the Lakes’ house trying to be helpful and make things easier for Barbara and Jim. He’s spent hours researching how to help people deal with grief, and being physically there sounds like the most useful and active thing he can do.

Jim ends up absentmindedly clawing apart the angel aura quartz Toby gave him. The activity is soothing, but he feels bad about destroying a gift once he’s done. Since the stone is so small now, Jim swaps it out for the Heartstone piece that gives him knives (since the Birthstone also does that) to see if it will do anything.

It turns out this crystal functions like a portable Soothscryer, letting Jim talk to the Ghost Council from anywhere.

Kanjigar is mad at Jim for having a crush on Draal. Jim protests that, if anything, Jim should be the one mad at Kanjigar, because it’s hardly Jim’s fault that Draal is attractive but if troll genetics work like human ones then it’s at least half Kanjigar’s fault.

A few of the other ghost Trollhunters pop up to comment on how Kanjigar can’t expect to control Draal’s life after cutting himself out of it and then dying.

Barbara talks with Nana and Javier again. Ophelia is also there this time.

Jim, looking over old maps, finds an isolated and disused gyre station which he thinks would be perfect for rebuilding Killahead Bridge and containing the resulting battle.

At Jim’s request, through Vendel, the Tribunal is summoned. Jim wants to clear his plan with them, so he won’t be accused to treason for letting Gunmar out. He also hopes that having the Tribunal backing his plan will make it easier to recruit an army.

Meeting the Tribunal is how Jim learns Gatto is on the Tribunal.

Gatto struggles to maintain his connection, since one of the poisons Jim used on him was a suppressant of magic.

(Like how a tranquilizer makes it hard to move, the poison makes it harder to use magic. It is particularly dangerous to innately magical species such as trolls. A Changeling will usually die in a few days, and an unaltered troll within a week; Gatto takes longer because he’s huge and only got a small dose. It can also be used medicinally, to slow the effects of a curse while seeking a counter-curse.)

Jim refuses to tell Gatto any of the antidotes on account of Gatto eating Toby.

Despite Jim and Gatto’s conflict, the vote still ends up four-to-one in favour of letting Jim rebuild the bridge and lure Gunmar into a trap.

Usurna contacts Gunmar to tell him what the Trollhunter is planning, so he can have his army ready to swarm out of Killahead Bridge the moment the portal is activated, or choose not to leave yet and lure the Trollhunter into a trap in the Darklands instead. Gunmar decides to go with the swarming option.

Spring Fling happens. Jim is dragged along and spends most of it on the bleachers texting Not Enrique. Toby dances with the mole mascot and Darci reveals she’s the one in the costume. Claire and Mary end up kissing during a slow song at the end of the night.

Barbara notes that Walter is spending more time at her house than his apartment lately and suggests he move in. Walter declines, saying it’s too soon in their relationship to consider that. They talk it out and agree not to discuss moving in together (or marriage) until they’ve been together for at least one year.

Tiffany Archenn contacts some original Changeling characters who deserted in the 1700s. She tells them that the latest Trollhunter seems to have a feasible plan to kill Gunmar and might be inclined to take their Familiars out of the Darklands. It could be in their best interests to approach him as potential allies before he goes through with this plan.

Most of them don’t tend to use their human forms anymore, but they appreciate the warning that this might become an issue.

The self-proclaimed Jersey Devils left the Janus Order after discovering and claiming a Heartstone near their base. Most of the Janus Order thinks they were discovered and wiped out by humans, but gutted their own base so the humans couldn’t find any other Changelings.

The Jersey Devils are led by Tiffany’s on-again off-again lover, and Stricklander’s former rival for leadership of the Janus Order, Carla Fontaine. Tiffany and Carla met again by accident in the early 1900s, but Tiffany agreed to keep the fact Carla was still alive a secret. Tiffany learned about the rest of the Jersey Devils fifty years later.

Tiffany tells Carla that the new Trollhunter is also a Changeling, which makes Carla agree to talk to him.

Jim is eager to welcome new potential allies. Carla and Stricklander, who came along to the meeting as backup, posture at each other, since the main reason they aren’t rivals anymore is because she broke off into a new faction and he thought she was dead. Tiffany finds their posturing amusing.

Carla is impressed enough by Jim’s track record, successfully killing Bular and convincing other trolls not to kill him, that she agrees to ask the Jersey Devils to consider an alliance. She won’t order them to fight, but she’ll provide the opportunity for them to volunteer.

Stricklander’s followers, the Janus Order agents on board with the plan to take over the world without Gunmar, are divided in whether they’re willing to actually fight Gunmar or not.

Jim ends up with enough Changelings willing to fight alongside him that he feels obligated to tell Vendel about them and ask for help getting Trollmarket on board with the idea of having more Changelings around than just the Trollhunter. That’s been something Jim wanted to do anyway; it just feels more time-sensitive now.

Bagdwella and Glug both agree, as a favour to Jim, to help sway public opinion in the Changelings’ favour. Krax subtly and unofficially volunteers as well, thinking a more Changeling-friendly marketplace could be to his advantage if Jim wins and Krax somehow gets revealed as a Changeling later.

Stricklander reveals himself as a Changeling to Trollmarket as a test of how well this attitude shift has sunken in. There are some harsh words, but nobody throws a gnome at him this time, so he counts it as a win.

Killahead Bridge is reassembled. The tunnel is rigged to blow, using dwärkstones and a variation on stasis traps that can all be released at once.

The army consists of Jim, Stricklander, Nomura, Jennifer, Carla, Angor, Draal, Blinky (who provided the dwärkstones), eight other Changelings and eight more unaltered trolls, making a total of two dozen fighters before Jim starts summoning clones.

AAARRRGGHH is still a pacifist, Tiffany is not a good melee fighter, Jim would not let the human kids come, and due to tight quarters it was decided not everyone who volunteered to fight should be brought in at once.

Angor is ready to portal in reserves. Those reserves are waiting in the Vault, which is sealed, so that if the Gumm-Gumms get through Angor’s portal they won’t have run of Trollmarket.

Various family and friends of those going to fight are waiting outside of the Vault door for news, including the human kids, and most of their parents and Nana Domzalski (all visiting Trollmarket for the first time, except Barbara who is technically visiting Trollmarket for the second time).

Claire’s parents are not there, because they didn’t want to bring Enrique or leave him with a sitter. Claire is to contact them with updates, even just “no news yet”, every fifteen minutes. Ophelia is preparing statements in case she has to announce to Arcadia that they are going to be under troll attack.

Jim summons Eclipse and a few clones, and puts the Amulet in the bridge. One of the Jim Clones is stationed on top of the bridge to remove the Amulet once Gunmar is through, before Gunmar’s whole army can get loose.

The portal to the Darklands does not open.

Jennifer confesses that she stole a piece of Killahead Bridge a few years ago, when she and Laurel got married, but replaced it with a fake. She wasn’t sure if that would actually keep the portal sealed or if the exact duplicate would let it open anyway, but it seemed worth a shot.

Nomura irritably wonders out loud if they have to re-verify every single stone.

Jennifer has the stone with her, in that pocket dimension Changelings can use to stash things, so they can switch it back right away. The portal works after that.

Gunmar’s troops swarm out. One of them sees the clone on the bridge and climbs up there to fight him, keeping him from pulling out the Amulet.

Gunmar exits the Darklands.

Draal uses his rolling attack to plow through the Gumm-Gumm ranks and uses his prosthetic arm to rip the amulet from the bridge before the full army can get free.

While fighting Gunmar, Jim drops Eclipse, which one of the clones picks up. Another clone has stolen a Parlok spear from a slain Gumm-Gumm, and disarms Gunmar. Jim, thinking the Decimaar Blade will vanish if held by someone else (like Daylight did when Draal tried to wield it), grabs the sword before Gunmar can, and discovers he can wield it.

The half of the Amulet from the bridge zips back to Jim and rejoins the other half, causing Jim to revert to the Daylight armour. Decimaar vanishes from his grasp.

The Eclipse sword is doing only minor damage to Gunmar. Daylight is doing even less. Jim’s knives don’t even seem to be cutting Gunmar, and Jim can feel that they’re making contact.

Someone trips the anchor that releases the stasis traps and activates the dwärkstones, which were supposed to be a last resort. Angor teleports out all his allies who are still alive. He grabs Jim last and doesn’t have time to get the clones.

When a clone dies, Original Jim has all the clone’s memories forcibly reintegrated into his mind at once. It is very unpleasant.

AAARRRGGHHH fusses adorably over Blinky and Jim. Jim ends up crawling onto AAARRRGGHH’s shoulders and taking a nap in his fur. He’s pretty burnt out. Barbara also wants to fuss over Jim, but is occupied providing first aid.

Laurel pounces on Jennifer and they kiss. Various trolls, including a number of Changelings, who explain the gesture, are disturbed by the face-smushing.

Angor decides maybe he should start teaching his human apprentices how to use the Shadow Staff after all, so there’s a backup teleporter if anything happens to Angor.

Everyone is deeply shaken but hopes the explosion will at least buy them time, since any surviving Gumm-Gumms will be too hurt to dig themselves out quickly. The tunnel was already collapsed and sealed off further away from the cavern in which they set up the battle, so Gunmar cannot easily get to the Gyre tunnel network to march on any troll settlements.

The Pale Lady contacts Otto and gives him the information needed to retrieve Gunmar. Otto denounces Stricklander as a traitor, lifts the lockdown on the Janus Order base, and gathers the Changelings still loyal to Gunmar (and a few loyal to Stricklander who have concealed their true loyalties.)

The Changelings dig Gunmar and the surviving Gumm-Gumms out. Dictatious is alive but was blinded in the explosion.

Bernie brings Dictatious into the lab, since, as a scholar, Dictatious should be the best at adapting to modern human tech. Dictatious finds Bernie irritating but silently acknowledges that he needs to find ways to prove to Gunmar he is still useful.

In the days following the battle, Barbara gets practical experience with troll medicine, helping Vendel patch up the injured survivors. The Changelings are more willing to accept medical aid from Barbara than from Vendel, since they’re mostly more accustomed to human medicine despite some of the Jersey Devil Changelings living primarily in troll form.

Jim hasn’t left Trollmarket since the battle. He uses the Aspectus Stone to send a clone to school on his behalf – Schol, the aspect who loves learning for its own sake. Jim wants to stay on hand in case there’s any sign of Gunmar, to go after him right away.

Jim goes to the Ghost Council to see if they can tell whether Gunmar survived the explosion, since some of the clones were still there and in armour. Does that count as seeing what’s around the Amulet? Technically yes, but the clones died in the explosion and therefore automatically vanished, so there were no Amulet copies for the past Trollhunters to watch through afterwards.

Now that Jennifer has been in Trollmarket, and is a known Changeling and also known to be one of Mary’s parents, Mary has to explain her family tree a few times to clarify that, no, Mary is not part-troll somehow as far as she knows.

Jennifer backs up these statements. This is how Trollmarket as a whole learns that Changelings are pretty sure they’ve been sterilized.

Enrique bumps his head crawling under the coffee table, and Not Enrique is caught in troll form by the goblins. Not Enrique has to make a run for it.

The goblins catch Not Enrique and, instead of killing him, drag him back through the Fetch instead, which is in Stricklander’s office again. They need Not Enrique to get them past the Changeling lock; the locks are two-way, so no one can get in or out without a Changeling.

Not Enrique calls home to warn them when the goblins swarm out of the office, leaving him behind. He follows them.

Claire uses a forcefield spell Angor taught her to hold the goblins back. Her parents fight the goblins using improvised weapons. Claire texts her friends for help; Darci has a driver’s licence, so she picks up Mary, Toby and Jim on the way over.

Once the goblins are driven off, Javier insists Not Enrique stay with them. Ophelia points out they wouldn’t have had any kind of advance warning if Not Enrique hadn’t stayed in the Nursery. Javier counters that Not Enrique wouldn’t have gotten caught if he wasn’t in the Nursery.

Not Enrique points out the goblins know which cradles should be occupied, so if he stays, the goblins will be back.

Of course, Claire says, the goblins will probably be back either way, to avenge the ones that got squished tonight … This is the deciding factor in Not Enrique staying with the Nuñezes, as an extra line of defence against the now-inevitable goblins.

Bernie has been teaching Dictatious how to use text-to-voice and voice-to-text computer programs, and has set him up with a laptop and Wikipedia. Once Dictatious is competent with these, Bernie steers him towards the articles on nuclear winter.

Officially, this is a suggestion for a potential way to bring about the Eternal Night. Unofficially, Bernie has realized that the Eternal Night would kill off all the tasty meat-creatures on the surface, and so defeat the purpose of conquering the surface in the first place, but suspects Gunmar would take this better if informed by his Esteemed Counsel rather than by a Changeling.

Unfortunately, Gunmar is not inclined to listen to his Counsel, either, if Dictatious is telling him something that the Dark Underlord does not wish to hear.

Between this incident and Otto’s vying for Dictatious’ position, Dictatious no longer feels safe at Gunmar’s side. Bernie wants to help and doesn’t want to just turn Dictatious loose on the streets of Arcadia, so Bernie calls Stricklander to ask him to set up a meeting with the Trollhunter.

This gives evidence to the Trollhunter team that Gunmar is indeed still alive.

Jim and Stricklander meet Bernie and Dictatious. Blinky and Angor are watching from a nearby roof. Blinky is suspicious of his brother’s motives; Angor is there as backup and to keep Blinky quiet.

Jim is easily swayed into bringing Dictatious back to Trollmarket. He could have useful information about Gunmar’s strategies and plans, things that Gunmar wouldn’t have told the Changelings about.

Vendel has a phone by now, and is on speaker or video-call with Jim, and agrees that Dictatious could be useful. If Trollmarket was willing to accept AAARRRGGHH, centuries ago, then they at least owe Dictatious a fair trial.

Stricklander and Angor decide Dictatious should be teleported to the marketplace, so as not to lead Bernie to the entrance.

Blinky insists Dictatious be held in the Stronghold until they can be sure of his loyalties. This is, everyone agrees, a sensible precaution.

The trial preparations nearly hit a snag when Blinky refuses to speak in his brother’s defence. He feels he doesn’t know Dictatious anymore; the brother he looked up to would never have joined Gunmar. Jim, as Blinky’s adopted son and therefore Dictatious’ nephew, says he will speak in Dictatious’ defence instead.

Jim drops his armour and goes into the Stronghold to talk to Dictatious and let him know what’s happening. Jim assumes Dictatious will recognize the Trollhunter’s voice, and intends this as a secret test of character, to see whether Dictatious will accept a known Changeling as his adopted nephew.

A few things add up to create a miscommunication.

Dictatious has only seen the Trollhunter in armour and has only heard the Trollhunter speak in English. Jim approaches Dictatious without armour and speaking in trollish.

Dictatious has not heard the current Trollhunter’s name. Jim does not introduce himself as the Trollhunter, and his human-sounding name can be explained by Blinky’s lifelong curiosity towards humans.

Blinky is technically old enough to have had a whelp in the time Dictatious was missing and presumed dead. Dictatious cannot see Jim clearly, but if he could, well, Jim only looks about half the age he actually is due to Changeling age distortion. Jim is also a similar colour to Blinky, and introduces himself as Blinky’s son, not Blinky’s adopted son.

Therefore, Dictatious assumes Jim is his biological (or geological, haha) nephew, and does not mentally connect him to the Trollhunter at all. He assumes Jim is talking to him because the whelp is curious. Blinky presumably used to reminisce about Dictatious before learning the truth and renouncing him.

Gatto sends a representative instead of a projection, due to the poisons’ effects getting worse. The representative’s job is to vote against the Trollhunter, whatever Jim says.

Usurna is concerned Dictatious will identify and expose her as a traitor, although she can probably deflect that by saying he’s lying to distract them from his own crimes. She plans to use Jim’s action of bringing a Gumm-Gumm into Trollmarket as proof to the Tribunal that the Changeling never truly left Gunmar’s service, to get Jim executed, once a proper window for this accusation arises.

Vendel and Wumpa both trust Jim and are inclined to vote in his favour.

This means, since the Tribunal has five members, the deciding vote on Dictatious’ fate rests with the one who looks like Nomura. (Bjork, the head of Trollmarket’s trade guilds, according to a mention by Aaron Waltke on tumblr.)

Dictatious is absolutely shocked when, at the start of the trial, Jim presents himself as the Trollhunter. Blinkous is old enough to have a whelp, sure, but not old enough for that whelp to be old enough to have been stolen and warped into a Changeling! Was the Impure Trollhunter felled?

Jim facepalms and finally tells his Uncle Dick that he’s adopted.

This moment hurts Jim’s case, since a large part of it was based on Dictatious’ intelligence. Jim does his best to rally.

First, Jim calls AAARRRGGHH to the stand. AAARRRGGHH confirms that, back when he served Gunmar, he would receive reports from spies; usually Changelings, but not always. Dictatious was not one of those spies. Furthermore, AAARRRGGHH never saw a troll matching Dictatious’ description near Gunmar or with any of the spymasters.

AAARRRGGHH and Angor Rot, as witnesses who have seen the Decimaar Blade’s mind control in action, both assert that Dictatious does not show signs of being mind controlled.

Stricklander confirms his personal history as an active agent in Gunmar’s forces prior to the First Battle of Killahead Bridge, and says Dictatious did not serve Gunmar until after that battle. He also testifies that, while imprisoned in the Darklands, Gunmar issued many orders and plans that did not work; plans that an intelligent advisor would advise against.

Jim then calls some character witnesses – Blinky, some old trolls Dictatious used to be friends with who are still alive, and finally Deya, Kanjigar, and Araknak, using the angel aura quartz to let the ghosts speak to the Tribunal. They all attest that Dictatious did not show signs, before his disappearance, of being a Gumm-Gumm sympathizer. They also each affirm Dictatious’ intelligence.

Jim was planning to have to call the character witnesses first, to open the trial, but wanted to give everyone time to be distracted from how Dictatious didn’t figure out Jim was a Changeling.

Araknak obviously never interacted with Dictatious, having died centuries before his distant descendant hatched, but he kept an eye on his descendants through the Amulet as best he could.

Dictatious was one of Deya’s strategic advisers during the war, which is why he was at the First Battle of Killahead Bridge and part of how he persuaded Gunmar that he could be more useful alive.

Jim posits to the Tribunal that, after being trapped in the Darklands and ‘joining’ Gunmar to avoid being killed or mind controlled, Dictatious in fact worked to sabotage Gunmar’s organization from within for centuries.

Dictatious should therefore be forgiven for any wrongs he had to commit in order to maintain his cover, and welcomed home as a war hero.

Jim also tells the Tribunal about Dictatious teaching Jim to read. Jim is trying to spin this to imply Dictatious was willing to risk his cover through acts of kindness in defiance of Gunmar, since Changelings were not usually taught to speak proper trollish, let alone read it.

Blinky derails this part of Jim’s testimony by objecting to Jim’s defence of Dictatious mutilating him. Jim has no idea what Blinky is talking about. After some back and forth, they clear up Blinky’s misunderstanding; the alphabet carved into Jim’s legs was self-inflicted.

Lots of Changelings give themselves markings like that, Stricklander adds, gesturing to his chest carvings.

Yes, exactly, says Jim, and therefore Dictatious would have had no reason to take notice of that. Dictatious never hurt Jim. Well, except that one time, which was an accident.

Ordered to clarify this statement, Jim describes the time he was perched above and behind Dictatious, reading over his shoulder, lost his balance trying to see the lowest line on the page, and fell on Dictatious, who was startled and threw him into a wall. Reflexes like that are a survival skill in the Darklands. Besides, Jim was fine, he only cracked one rib.

Dictatious suggests that, if the Trollhunter truly wishes to help him, perhaps he should stop trying to help him.

Dictatious is sent back to the Stronghold while the Tribunal discusses their verdict.

Stephan brings some bodies from the crematorium to the Janus Order base for Gunmar to eat. Gunmar is insulted by the taste of formaldehyde; the bodies were preserved for funerals before being sent to be burned. Stephan tries to justify the selection, and offers to get more palatable meat. Gunmar eats Stephan instead.

The Gumm-Gumms ravage the Janus Order.

Bernie manages to evacuate some Changelings to the laboratory and seal it off. The blast doors are designed for troll strength because the labs were also meant to double as a panic room if Bular ever went on a rampage.

Otto, disillusioned by seeing in person how little Gunmar truly values Changeling loyalty, escapes the Janus Order and uses a series of disguises to make his way into Trollmarket.

The humans are out of Trollmarket by this point, except for Barbara and Laurel, but the Changelings who were around during the Third Battle of Killahead Bridge are all still there.

Otto is caught, and Usurna uses him as a prop to accuse the Trollhunter of convolutedly scheming to turn Trollmarket over to Gunmar. Jim keeps opening Trollmarket’s doors to humans, and Changelings, and Gumm-Gumms, and now this newly-discovered type of Changeling who could be anyone and so who knows how many Jim has already snuck in?

The logic doesn’t really hold, especially since Jim was the one to catch and expose Otto, but the existence of polymorphs alarms everyone enough that Jim gets arrested anyway.

Jim is ordered to surrender the Amulet and submit to being sent to the Deep. Rather than fighting the charges and demanding a trial, Jim complies. AAARRRGGHH and Angor are present for this, but Blinky, Barbara, and Stricklander are not.

Angor teleports away as Jim surrenders the Amulet, looking like he can’t bear to watch Jim be executed

AAARRRGGHH tries to convince the Tribunal to let Jim go. The cage is still being lowered, so there’s still time to change their minds.

Usurna breaks the chain so that the cage falls and cannot be pulled up, and smashes the Amulet. She expresses gloating surprise at how easy it was; she’d really thought a magical artifact would be harder to destroy.

Angor actually watched from a hidden spot and teleported to Jim’s cage when it first dropped out of sight, to rescue Jim and berate his foolishness. This is when Jim reveals his actual plan.

Jim surrendered the fake Amulet he’s been carrying, the one that Stricklander made. Jim intended to pick the lock (it looks like a very simple lock and Jim carries lockpicks at all times), jump for the wall (the chasm isn’t that wide), and climb out – but he’ll take Angor’s offer of a portal instead, gladly. They leave a second or two before Usurna snaps the chain.

Vendel and Usurna fight. Usurna stabs Vendel, and the other Tribunal members, with Creeper’s Sun. AAARRRGGHH is injured with it too.

Usurna reveals to AAARRRGGHH that she willingly gave him and other Krubera whelps to Gunmar centuries ago. She plans to revive AAARRRGGHH later and ‘give him the opportunity’ to rejoin Gunmar’s forces.

Usurna traps AAARRRGGHH and the ‘dead’ Tribunal in the room, thinking AAARRRGGHH is now too weak to break out.

Some Krubera, the queen’s guards, were outside the room and heard all of this. They exchange significant looks among themselves behind Usurna’s back but do not act against their queen yet.

Gunmar and Usurna have been in contact since his escape somehow (cellphones from the Changelings?), so they are able to coordinate her getting him into Trollmarket. (Seriously, how did they set that up in canon? It was entirely off-screen.)

The Krubera guards try to attack Gunmar, but are put under mind control.

Angor has brought Jim to Barbara and Blinky, who were in the library. Jim explains his arrest and ‘execution’, and Blinky and Barbara tell him how reckless he was and question why he didn’t push for a trial or at least push to let them know he’d been arrested.

Angor leaves during this to check on Otto, who is imprisoned alongside Dictatious and being carefully watched. Dictatious and Otto are snapping at each other while Stricklander eggs them on.

The other Changelings still in Trollmarket are also held in the Stronghold, and bitter about how they should’ve expected this to be how the trolls show gratitude after the Changelings agreed to help them. Otto reveals what Gunmar did to the Janus Order, which does not surprise any of them – most of them deserted because they were disillusioned with Gunmar’s leadership.

Draal, one of the volunteers to guard the Stronghold, is indignant on the Changelings’ behalf. He and Nomura start up their old quarrel, much less heated now, about how he can’t understand why she wouldn’t desert centuries ago.

Usurna gathers Trollmarket and tells them the Trollhunter attacked the Tribunal and she was the only survivor, thanks to her faithful subject Aarghaumont sacrificing himself to protect his queen from his treasonous adopted son.

Various characters immediately recognize this as a lie. The scene jumps between a few perspectives to show their reactions, their speculation on Usurna’s motives, and what they try to do in the half minute before Gunmar appears.

AAARRRGGHH does not break through the sealed door, but sneaks out through a side passage Usurna didn’t know about. It’s a bit of a tight fit for him, but he makes it, and gets to the library around the time Gunmar’s attack begins.

Some of the Gumm-Gumms go to the Stronghold to finish off the rest of the Changelings. Angor starts using mini-portals to get rid of the locks on the cages, so the Changelings can protect themselves, but the Changelings quickly stop him and reveal they already picked or broke all the locks.

Laurel is also there (Mary is at her father’s place for the night, or maybe it’s his week with her anyway). Since she refuses to leave, Jennifer hastily arms her wife with a full-spectrum flashlight.

It won’t kill an unaltered troll unless you get a sustained shot at their mouth and nose to prevent breathing, but it’s painful and a deterrent against them grabbing her, and it won’t harm the Changelings except by sudden bright light in their eyes.

Angor goes to get the Trollhunter. Angor brings Dictatious, since Dictatious is the only troll still locked up (and also someone the Gumm-Gumms would see as a traitor to be executed), and Nomura, who says she has an idea that can help but needs to get to Draal’s keep.

Jim is trying to get everyone to the Gyre Station. It’s harder than in canon since his human friends aren’t there to divide the work of sneaking around to rescue people, and because there is no improvised Gyre tunnel to the woods, so the trolls are needing to be ferried all the way to other settlements.

Angor opens a portal to the Lakes’ basement. This time of day, their backyard is all in shadow. Angor’s been to the basement, but ‘the woods’ are a more ambiguous location so it’s easier to make the portal to the Lake house. Barbara goes through to direct the trolls to the woods behind the house.

Dictatious is in the basement with Barbara, but unwilling to go outside before sunset since he can’t actually tell where the shadows are.

The Gyre tunnels are cut off. Angor pushes the portal to be larger. The blue lights of his inner minerals, exposed by his scars, begin turning purple. Shadows start creeping up his fingers and out from around his eyes.

Nomura has been keeping the things she stole from Gatto at Draal’s place rather than on the surface. She uses the Kairosect to stop time, and attempts to slay Gunmar. Her swords cannot cut him, and she burns her hands badly trying to take the Decimaar Blade. Nomura uses the rest of the Kairosect’s first time-stop to get back to the Gyre Station.

(Originally Nomura was written going straight to the Gyre Station after grabbing the Kairosect, but it would have been unintelligent, impractical, and out of character for her to not attempt to kill Gunmar herself while she had the opportunity. Her failed attempt establishes that Eclipse really is necessary.)

Nomura pops up a second before they have to seal entrance the Gyre Station to keep the Gumm-Gumms out. Jim is being held back because he still wants to get back out there and help everyone else. Nomura explains the Kairosect to him.

Blinky expresses concern they won’t get out alive. AAARRRGGHH insists they will survive, and asks Blinky to marry him. Blinky is shocked AAARRRGGHH would pick now of all times to propose. Blinky wonders if AAARRRGGHH, despite his words, secretly doesn’t expect them to live long enough for there to be another chance. Blinky tells AAARRRGGHH to ask him again once they’ve lived through this.

Angor’s scars are all purple now. His eyes start to fade from yellow to white.

Jim stops time and uses Angor’s portal to get out of the Gyre Station. The portal feels like swimming through ice-water. He borrows Barbara’s car to get back to Trollmarket quickly.

Jim finds the frozen scene of Trollmarket under siege deeply unsettling. He is also unsettled by how his sense of smell is muffled by the still air while time is stopped.

Gunmar was using the Decimaar Blade to turn Bagdwella into a Gumm-Gumm when Jim stopped time.

Jim stabs Gunmar with the Eclipse Sword. It works this time, although the nature of stopped time means it is unclear if this is actually fatal. Since Jim is in the Eclipse Armour, he is able to steal the Decimaar Blade, which he uses to cut Gunmar’s head off.

Time resumes. Gunmar dies. Because Jim used the Decimaar Blade to kill Gunmar, the sword now recognizes Jim as the Gumm-Gumm Warlord, meaning Jim now controls all the trolls Gunmar was mind-controlling.

Jim is able to immediately stop the rampages, but he has to undo the mind control one troll at a time because he isn’t used to this ability. Jim’s eyes glow blue when he uses Decimaar’s magic. Jim does not notice this, and nobody feels the need to tell him.

Angor’s irises are white now, and the shadowy cracks on his body are starting to creep over the Inferna Copula as well. When Bagdwella calls Blinky to say Jim killed Gunmar, Blinky tries to tell Angor he can drop the portal, but Angor does not seem to hear him.

AAARRRGGHH grabs the Shadow Staff to make Angor drop the portal. AAARRRGGHH’s eyes and carvings light up purple for a moment. He and Angor both collapse once the portal drops and need to rest for a while.

Dictatious and Barbara start to panic when the portal vanishes. Blinky calls Barbara to explain. She snaps that he could’ve come through to tell her in person instead of giving her a heart attack.

Barbara has to go get the trolls who were evacuated to the forest, and tell them it’s safe to go back to Trollmarket. She doesn’t want to leave Dictatious unsupervised in her house, so she gives him a tarp to use as a cloak and takes him along.

The Gumm-Gumms who were not under mind control have one of two responses to Jim – yield or attack – but vary in their motives.

Some yield because the right of conquest means Jim, Slayer of Gunmar, is their new liege, demonstrated by how Jim can wield Decimaar; or because, like AAARRRGGHH, they want to change sides, but unlike AAARRRGGHH, they haven’t seen an opportunity before now; or because they’ve decided to bide their time and see how to turn this new situation to their advantage.

Some attack Jim because they refuse to serve a Changeling, or they want to avenge Gunmar, or they’re trying to get the Decimaar Blade and become the Warlord themselves.

Most of the Gumm-Gumms who came out of the Darklands were mind controlled, though; Gunmar got more paranoid about loyalty over the years, what with AAARRRGGHH deserting, and Skarlagk creating a schism within the Gumm-Gumm ranks and eventually breaking off to form her own band and stealing Gunmar’s soldiers, and Changelings slipping out of Gunmar’s control.

Jim decides he ought to dig up Killahead after he’s taken care of the Gumm-Gumms currently on the surface and go deal with the ones who are still in the Darklands. This will take a while. Hopefully the mind-controlled ones won’t starve in the meantime – they tended to be very still when they didn’t have orders to act on.

Jim takes a moment to briefly reminisce on how the mind-controlled Gumm-Gumms were actually some of the safer Gumm-Gumms for young Changelings to be around, since they wouldn’t attack the Changelings without being ordered to do so.

He’s going to get the Familiar-less Changelings out of the Darklands, too, of course, but that will be pretty easy compared to digging out the bridge, since ‘young’ Changelings can fit through a Fetch.

The ex-Gumm-Gumms released from mind control are returned to their tribes and families, if those survive; they are also welcomed to stay in Trollmarket, if they have nowhere else to go or simply aren’t yet ready to face the trolls they once knew.

The Gumm-Gumms who yielded are imprisoned and going to be put on trial, to decide on a case-by-case basis who actually wants to change sides, who might be swayed to do so, and who needs to be executed.

The Changelings are released and apologized to, except for Otto, who is also awaiting trial still.

For trials to happen, they need the Tribunal back. Luckily, Jim and Angor both know the antidote for Creeper’s Sun. They are able to revive Vendel, Wumpa, Bjork, and Gatto’s representative, and also treat AAARRRGGHH’s wound before he is fully petrified.

The first trial, a very brief one, is Usurna’s. Creeper’s Sun allows its victims to hear everything said around them, so the rest of the Tribunal (and her now-un-brainwashed bodyguards) heard her confess to giving her tribe’s younglings to Gunmar centuries ago.

Usurna is sent back to the Krubera Caverns for formal execution. Jim is mildly surprised that this is not something he, as Trollhunter, is called upon to handle.

Usurna has an heir, Keteven; a distant cousin who, for the past few centuries, has been acting as regent whenever Usurna had to leave Krubera territory for an extended period of time. The Krubera are not certain Keteven can be trusted or if she was secretly working with Usurna, but she is the most qualified candidate to take over their leadership on short notice, so for now, Keteven is named the new queen.

Keteven therefore ends up replacing Usurna on the Tribunal. This is a rough adjustment for her, since although she has been trained to lead the Krubera, she has not been trained in dealing with other tribes. Keteven has never left the deep caves, and therefore never met a non-Krubera troll in person before.

While Keteven and some of the Krubera elders are meeting the surviving Tribunal members, the Changelings go to see what can be salvaged from the Janus Order base.

Jim, the only one not told of the massacre because everyone else forgot he wasn’t there when they found out, has a breakdown at the sight of all the skeletons and shattered remains. Stricklander tries to comfort him while everyone else searches the base.

They realize the laboratory has been sealed off. The controls on that side of the door are ripped apart. One of the Changelings knocks on the door in an old ‘all clear’ pattern they used back in the Darklands. Bernie unseals the laboratory.

The survivors have been in there for a couple of days. They wanted to be sure the Gumm-Gumms had truly abandoned the base before venturing out, but most of the surveillance cameras were broken in the massacre. Since there hasn’t been any sound for a while, they’ve been debating whether to unseal the doors and check things out.

There are some emotional scenes between various Changelings. The Jersey Devils reveal their survival to the Janus Order members who weren’t in Trollmarket and therefore didn’t know already.

Stricklander is basically reinstated as Head of the Janus Order, although it’s a little debatable whether he was deposed in the first place because so many of them were loyal to him anyway.

The Jersey Devils continue to think of themselves as a faction of Changelings separate and distinct from the Janus Order.

The Janus Order starts contacting agents in other countries, who weren’t in Arcadia, to tell them Gunmar denounced the Janus Order and is now dead at the hands of one of their agents. They ease into explaining the ‘Changeling Trollhunter’ part of that until after the shock of Gunmar’s death wears off.

Most of the agents who didn’t come to Arcadia when Otto started trying to gather them were suspicious of how much Gunmar would need them once he was out of the Darklands, so although it is anticipated that some of them will take advantage of this to advance their own rank, it is not anticipated anyone will specifically be trying to avenge Gunmar.

Walter takes Jim home. Barbara, as a doctor, is also in a good position to sympathize with Jim about the lives he couldn’t save. With Gunmar gone, Jim feels able to stay at home on the surface again instead of needing to stay in Trollmarket. (Although Blinky and AAARRRGGHH did set up a room for Jim, so he’s starting to feel more at home down there, too.)

Walter brings Dictatious back to Trollmarket. Their arrival interrupts AAARRRGGHH’s second attempt at proposing to Blinky.

Schol and Toby learn from Barbara what’s been going on. Mary learns from Laurel what’s been going on. Mary and Toby inform Claire and Darci, respectively, and Claire tells Not Enrique. They are all a little mad at Jim for not contacting them. In Jim’s defence, it’s been a busy few days.

Also, Schol should really be reabsorbed into the Amulet. The clone has been active for about four days now and shouldn’t have even gone a full three; he’s exhausted from staying awake to avoid ‘fading out’ without Jim around to confirm a new clone will be summoned. Schol, being a manifestation of Jim’s love of knowledge, is treating this as an experiment in how long he can go without collapsing.

Jim’s human friends talk to him, and Jim has another breakdown, expressing his guilt over what happened to the Janus Order and all the other trolls who got killed before Jim could kill Gunmar. The kids try to comfort him but are obviously in over their heads. Barbara sends them home.

Jim reabsorbs Schol into the Amulet and falls asleep. There are some short scenes of the kids at school, indicating Jim assimilating Schol’s memories.

Not Enrique is distressed over what happened to most of the other Changelings. He and Jim have both seen fellow Changelings being killed by Gumm-Gumms before, but not on such a large scale. Not Enrique doesn’t want to talk to Claire about it – she’s already worried about how Jim is taking it; she doesn’t need to also be worried about Not Enrique – so he ends up talking to Javier and Ophelia.

Angor starts teaching his human apprentices more dangerous spells, including teleportation. Not Enrique also attends the lesson, though he does not cast anything. Angor tells them a bit about what happened during Gunmar’s invasion of Trollmarket, and they tell him about how guilty Jim feels.

Angor takes Jim to Angor’s old village, which is abandoned and in ruins. Angor is trying to show Jim that Angor understands his feelings and the reasoning behind them, but also to show him that Gunmar’s capacity to cause harm was massive and long-lasting and Jim cannot hold himself responsible for it or he’ll drive himself mad.

Bernie starts spending time in Trollmarket, particularly Vendel’s workspace. Vendel does not notice this, because Bernie can be quiet and unobtrusive.

Bernie is very excited to learn that the Glamour Gauntlet is being so exhaustively field-tested, but annoyed Jim threw off the gaggletack experiment by lying about which factors were in play.

Jim has more or less assumed responsibility for ensuring the prisoners are fed. The Gumm-Gumms get to know their new, peculiar ‘Warlord’ when he brings them food.

Jim channels his grief over the loss of so many other Changelings into using the Fetch to find the ones who were never brought out of the Darklands in the first place.

It turns out Skarlagk has recruited them to the faction of Gumm-Gumms rebelling against Gunmar’s rule. Jim, AAARRRGGHH, and everyone else who’s heard of Skarlagk the Scorned had assumed she would never let Changelings join her, but centuries leading a rebellion have taught her the value of sneakiness.

The Gumm-Gumms turned to Skarlagk for a variety of reasons – the main two are resenting Gunmar for getting them stuck in the Darklands, or no longer trusting his leadership and fearing for their minds because he’s been controlling more and more of his forces using the Decimaar Blade lately.

The Changelings were drawn to her side through polite treatment (not just claiming she’ll give them equal status once she takes over the world, but actually demonstrating basic courtesy) and because Skarlagk feeds them, as opposed to Gunmar, who ignored the existence of any Changeling that wasn’t in his way and he wasn’t giving an order to.

Most of the eighteen surviving Familiar-less Changelings immediately take Jim’s offer to come through the Fetch, but one insists on telling Skarlagk where they’re going. Jim has no objection to this. It will probably be his best opening for making first contact with her.

Skarlagk actually recognizes Jim when she sees him, and is pleased he isn’t dead. Her forces hide deep in Nyarlagroth territory, to avoid Gunmar’s troops, and she’d seen Jim a few times (before he had a name) when he was stealing Nyarlagroth eggs to eat.

He always bolted whenever she tried to approach him, so she never managed to recruit him. When he vanished, after being assigned to the surface, she assumed a Nyarlagroth finally caught and ate him.

She is pleased to hear Gunmar is dead, and cautiously optimistic about Jim’s offer to let the Gumm-Gumms out of the Darklands if they swear off eating humans and stop trying to conquer other troll tribes.

In return, Jim can probably avert any large-scale retaliation against the Gumm-Gumms in revenge for past conflicts. Skarlagk questions how Jim thinks he can keep other trolls from initiating attacks against them. Jim reveals he is the Trollhunter.

Skarlagk is displeased to be negotiating with a Trollhunter, but acknowledges that this supports Jim’s claim he was the one to kill Gunmar. She asks what happened to the Decimaar Blade.

Decimaar is magically tied to the Gumm-Gumm ruler. (Well, Ga-Huel ruler. Ga-Huel was their original tribe name. Their enemies called them Gumm-Gumms and they adopted the name over time.) Skarlagk assumes Jim killed Gunmar with Daylight, not Decimaar, and therefore whoever can conjure the sword next (presumably her, especially if she’s first to attempt it) is the next rightful Warlord.

Jim reveals he actually did use Decimaar to kill Gunmar. Skarlagk swears a few times, turns away to beat up the wall, and calms down.

She is disappointed the sword is currently out of her reach, but she can use this as evidence to some of her more traditionalist followers that recruiting the Changelings was in keeping with tradition after all, since only a Ga-Huel can wield Decimaar and this proves the Changelings Morgana gave into Gunmar’s service are Ga-Huels.

Jim elects not to tell Skarlagk about the Triumbric Stones and how Nomura hurt herself trying to hold the sword.

He tells Skarlagk about the trials, which have recently begun and which any troll retrieved from the Darklands will have to go through to assess whether it’s safe to unleash them on the rest of troll society.

Skarlagk tells Jim that the Decimaar Blade has weaker versions of mind-control which can compel someone to be truthful, or at least tell the wielder whether they’re lying, which should be useful if he doesn’t plan to simply compel them to adopt new values.

Jim and Skarlagk arrange to meet again after discussing next steps with their allies.

The new Changelings are brought to Trollmarket. Some of them end up having conflicts with other trolls because, although the Changelings are adults, they look like babies, so the other trolls are not sure how to respond to them yet.

Jim tells the Tribunal about his meeting with Skarlagk.

Some of the Janus Order’s sorcerers, who have been looking over Morgana’s notes for centuries, think they know how to transfer the Age Pause. They cannot get rid of the spell entirely, but they can move it around. The nature of the spell means it has to be placed on a living organism.

Once the spell is successfully transferred, Claire brings her brothers down to Trollmarket so Enrique can start aging again before he gets misdiagnosed with ‘failure to thrive’. While there, Not Enrique reconnects with some old friends from the Darklands.

Jim cautiously begins experimenting with the Decimaar Blade. He discovers he can shrink it down to the size of a knife.

Draal volunteers to let Jim test the low-level mind-control on him. Jim is uneasy about this power, which Angor says is good. That means Jim will be able to restrain the mind-control spell to a low level instead of completely taking over Draal’s mind by accident.

Bernie is still running experiments on Bular’s remains, now comparing them to Gunmar’s remains. Bernie has also managed to get tissue samples from Blinky and Dictatious, although these are hard to work with because living tissue samples do not remain viable for long after being removed from the troll’s body.

Jim finds out about Bernie’s experiments and gives Bular’s head to Bernie, as well as Gunmar’s Eye since Jim no longer needs the Eclipse Armour to wield Decimaar or the Eclipse Sword to fight Gunmar. Jim returns the Killstone to the Quagawumps, as promised.

Jim gives the Birthstone to Toby, since Toby was the one to find it, and Toby has some ideas for more Heartstone experiments since his first one is growing so nicely. Jim does worry about the ‘corrupted Heartstone’ idea, but figures Toby is smart enough to go for help if it looks like a baby troll is growing inside one of his rocks.

Bernie is trying to determine trollish genetic markers, to see if it’s possible to identify which trolls are related to one another. This is mostly out of curiosity but partially so that Changelings can potentially reunite with their birth families, since, in contrast to everything the Changelings have been taught, the unaltered trolls appear willing to be accept them into the community.

Jim spends time in the Void looking at the memories of past Trollhunters. He is hoping to get a better idea of what to watch out for from the Gumm-Gumms, now that he is sort of their leader.

When Vendel and Draal are both in the Hero’s Forge at the same time, the Soothscryer activates. Vendel’s brush with death allows Kanjigar to possess him.

Kanjigar does not reveal that Jim lied about his past ‘messages’ for Draal, only ‘repeats’ how proud he is of his son, and how much he loves and misses him. Draal and Kanjigar finally get a hug. Kanjigar does reveal, however, that he never wants Draal to be the Trollhunter, because he fears for his son’s safety.

Draal officially tells Kanjigar that Draal is romantically involved with Nomura. Kanjigar had figured this out but is still uncomfortable with it. He tries to be accepting, but cannot entirely hide his disapproval. Draal is fine with this – he just wanted his father to know he’s serious about this woman. It’s good practice for when he tells his mother.

Nomura is stunned that Draal wants her to meet his mother. Very few of her past relationships have involved being introduced to her partner’s parents. This is in part because many of her relationships have been with fellow Changelings, who don’t know their parents, but still.

The Tribunal and Krubera elders decide they’ve interviewed Keteven sufficiently to let her assume at least an interim role on the Tribunal. Trials can begin for the prisoners.

Jim uses the Decimaar Blade to link into the defendants’ minds and watch for insincerity. He doesn’t want to use an honesty compulsion, because that could easily slip into subconsciously ordering them to say what he wants to hear, which in turn could slip into Jim literally changing their minds by magic instead of by persuasion.

AAARRRGGHH also attends the trials, as a sort of example to the defendants that it is possible to survive desertion and find a new home, and to translate occasional cultural misunderstandings.

Otto manages to stay alive.

Steve finds a goblin in his garage.

At school, the kids are assigned to take care of flour sacks. Schol suggests to Claire that they name theirs ‘Ceres’, after the Roman harvest goddess whose name is where the word ‘cereal’ comes from. They name the flour baby Petunia Ceres.

Claire is uncomfortable sharing the assignment with Jim, even a clone of him who primarily cares about academics, since the last time she trusted him with a baby he had her brother kidnapped, but she knows he regrets that, and she does have Original Enrique back now.

Toby and Darci have Sir Isaac Gluten, as in canon. Also as in canon, Mary is paired with Logan (with whom she is acquainted from when they were in the play together), and they accidentally ‘kill’ their flour baby Dwight D. Eisen-flour by bathing him.

Toby and Darci take Sir Isaac Gluten to the rock show. They do not bring friends along, deciding to make this a date rather than a group thing.

Steve shows the goblin to Eli after school. Rather than typing Jim’s name, the goblin types Claire’s name, because the goblin is one of the ones trying to re-steal Enrique.

Steve and Eli conclude Claire is an alien planted in the Nuñez home because she can influence human politics through her mother.

The boys are then distracted by worrying that, because the Nuñezes are Hispanic, they obviously can’t tell anyone their ‘Claire is an alien’ theory, because people will assume that they mean it in the racist-against-human-immigrants way rather than the space-alien way … which means it’s obviously up to them to save the world from Claire themselves rather than going to any human authorities for help.

The goblin uses their distraction to escape. Steve and Eli lose the goblin in the woods, but correctly deduce they can catch up or get ahead if they go to Claire’s house.

Schol and Claire are at her house, as are Not Enrique and Original Enrique. Mary is there too. Ophelia and Javier are out for the evening. Officially Claire is supposed to be babysitting, but in practice Not Enrique is doing it.

Goblins enter the scene.

With Steve and Eli watching through the windows like creeps, Schol and Claire and Not Enrique defend Original Enrique and Petunia Ceres from goblins. Schol drops his glamour during the fight.

Schol yells at the goblins in their language to “stay away from the babies”, using the plural form. The goblins pause, confused, because the flour sack is obviously not a baby. Schol explains the assignment.

The goblins recognize him as ‘Blanket Thief’, the Changeling who used to sneak into the Nursery to steal blankets from the extra supplies. They ask him how he’s doing. Not Enrique is translating the conversation for Claire (and, unintentionally, for Eli and Steve) in the background.

Schol gets mad at the goblins about Jay-Jay’s death. The goblins reveal Jay-Jay is not actually dead.

Goblins are good at magic and illusion spells, and very protective of their swarm. Whenever Gunmar wants to eat a Familiar – this was not the first time, but usually the Changeling was already (at least supposedly) dead – the goblins put the Familiar in a cradlestone and cast an illusion on a rock for Gunmar to eat. The magical insulation of the cradlestone was why Jim stopped being able to transform.

After some hard negotiating, the goblins agree not to take Enrique back to the Darklands, but will be leaving one or two goblins to help keep an eye on him. Since Gunmar is dead, it is safe to bring the Familiars out of the cradlestone and put them back in the Nursery.

Negotiation for release of the Familiars back to the surface is put on hold until they can discuss the matter with the other Changelings, and because Enrique is now sort of a test-case for proving to the goblins that the babies can be kept safe outside goblin supervision.

Based on Claire and Mary’s use of magic and interactions with trolls and goblins, Eli and Steve now think the girls are Good Witches, or Sailor Moon-esque magical girls, trying to rescue magically-kidnapped babies. They vow to find out more and help the girls however they can. The boys are still confused about what exactly Jim is.

The goblins also decide to give the kids some lessons on baby care, since Schol said they’ve been assigned to learn that. The kids call Toby and Darci over after the rock show and politely sit through a lecture that Schol and Not Enrique do their best to translate. The goblins’ seriousness is both touching and comical.

Claire’s parents get home and are startled to find goblins in their house again. Ophelia takes offence at the implication she and Javier need to be ‘supervised’, as parents, by goblins’ insistence that a few of them stick around. Schol gets on her bad side by pointing out that, in fairness, Javier and Ophelia did not notice the first time a magical creature snuck into their house and abducted their son.

Schol brings one of the goblins home with him to tell Barbara about Jay-Jay still being alive. She is in shock.

Of course she’s happy her baby is alive, but this also means she is once again in the position of having to make the decision of whether to bring him out of the Darklands and raise another baby, or leave him in another dimension forever.

(Or bring him out of the Darklands and arranging for someone else to adopt him, but this does not occur to her yet.)

Toby is the one to call Jim and tell him about all this. Jim needs to sit down. Among other reactions, Jim feels guilty about doubting the goblins’ protectiveness.

He contacts Carla – the Jersey Devils have mostly gone home to New Jersey – to tell her about this, since she and the Changelings who follow her were written off as dead centuries ago, so some of them might have Familiars in the cradlestone as well.

Jim goes home. He and Barbara have dinner and talk about what’s going on. Jim mentions an idea he had a while ago.

During the period where he’d thought the goblins were untrustworthy after all and he was planning to get all the Familiars out of the Darklands, Jim had been thinking, once his human identity aged up a bit, he could take in and raise some of the Familiars as his kids.

Now that he knows Jay-Jay is alive, Jim is thinking about adopting his Familiar as his son in a few years.

Barbara is open to this idea.

Jim and Barbara each have another appointment with Dr Archenn to discuss how they feel about recent developments.

When the goblins take the Familiars out of the cradlestone, Jim and several of the Jersey Devils abruptly switch back to human form.

Killahead Bridge is dug out and reassembled again. The brainwashed Gumm-Gumms are rescued and the non-brainwashed Ga-Huel are tried on a case-by-case basis.

A careful sweep of the Darklands is done by the Changelings to ensure no Familiar-less Changelings are still stuck in there.

Skarlagk nearly blows her trial. She is immediately struck by how attractive Keteven is and tries to flirt with her. Unfortunately, her flirting comes across as ominous, such as when Skarlagk says Keteven looks like she’s decorated herself in the blood of her fallen enemies. (Troll blood is purple.) AAARRRGGHH, realizing what’s going on, intervenes and smooths things over.

Once released, on probation, Skarlagk goes to AAARRRGGHH. When the Krubera reclaimed him as a tribe member after he deserted the Ga-Huel, (he flinches, thinking she’s picking a fight,) did they teach him their courtship customs?

AAARRRGGHH takes this opportunity to gush about how wonderful Blinky is, and invites Skarlagk to the wedding.

Once Keteven gets over the … intensity … of Skarlagk’s initial approach, she notices Skarlagk is actually very attractive. However, Keteven hesitates to accept Skarlagk’s overtures for two main reasons:

One, Keteven’s hold on the Krubera throne is still tenuous. If she begins a relationship with a Gumm-Gumm, any rival claimants for the throne will say Keteven was obviously just as much a traitor as Usurna, and that the only difference between them is which side they supported during the Gumm-Gumm civil war.

Keteven would not entirely mind abdicating if she could trust her replacement to have the Kruberas’ best interests in mind, but she does not know who would replace her and cannot take that kind of risk with her tribe’s wellbeing.

Two, even if the Krubera did accept Keteven having a relationship with Skarlagk, it could hurt the trust that other troll communities have in the Krubera; trust that is already on shaky ground after Usurna’s actions.

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH are inviting people to their wedding. They discover that several of their friends were under the impression that they were already married and had just not made a big deal about the ceremony.

Barbara and Walter go on a double date with Jennifer and Laurel. This was mostly Barbara’s idea, wanting to get to know another human-Changeling couple better. Jennifer feels very awkward being on a double date with her boss.

Jim, as the Trollhunter, has the power to officiate weddings. Blinky and AAARRRGGHH ask him to officiate theirs. He agrees. The past Trollhunters call him into the Void to give him lessons on wedding officiation.

Now that all the Gumm-Gumm trials are over with, Jim approaches the Tribunal and lobbies to have Gatto removed and replaced. Jim’s candidates are Carla Fontaine of the Jersey Devils, and Skarlagk of the Ga-Huel. Jim is particularly hoping the Tribunal will select Skarlagk.

The Changelings have been managing their own affairs separate from unaltered trolls for centuries; it would be nice to have a spot of the Tribunal occupied by a Changeling leader, but unless somebody else is going to start making more of them, Changelings are only going to be around for another thousand years or so.

The Ga-Huel, on the other hand, are basically a lost tribe being reinstated into mainstream troll society. Having one of them on the Tribunal would make the rest more willing to acknowledge the Tribunal’s authority.

Skarlagk is the de facto leader, since Warlord Jim has other commitments to his time and because she’s the one who has been leading most of them for the past few hundred years, so the Ga-Huel know and respect her.

Gatto has been having to delegate all his Tribunal duties rather than appearing in person, since he’s dying, so the Tribunal has already been considering possible replacements.

Skarlagk is, in fact, a good candidate, and so, like Keteven, she is instated onto the Tribunal on a probationary basis.

Skarlagk is new to the concept of making decisions by voting. She thought the Tribunal operated by consensus, debating issues until all of them agreed on the decision.

AAARRRGGHH and Blinky get married.

Angor Rot decides his pupils have reached the point in their studies where they can learn new spells without his supervision. He leaves Arcadia to find a way to fully restore his soul. The Janus Order and Jersey Devils give him copies of all the information they have on the Pale Lady.

Bernie really wants to study Angor’s ring – a chance to quantify what a soul is! – but respects that Angor is not comfortable with this.

Because Jim does not have to attend trials all the time anymore, he starts going to school in person again rather than sending a clone.

Jim meets Aja and Krel Tarron. Jim does not know what a Daxial Array is, but he half-remembers hearing about it somewhere, and thinks it has to do with exploding the planet. (Spar the Spiteful met an Akiridion once, and Jim saw the memory in the Void.) Therefore, Jim must ‘befriend’ Krel to keep an eye on and possibly thwart him!

Claire, Darci, and Mary form their Papa Skull cover band, Mama Skull, and begin preparing for the Battle of the Bands at the end of the school year.

The Changelings have finished gathering the bodies of those murdered by Gunmar when he turned on the Janus Order, and matching up the skeletons as best they could.

Barbara comforts Jim and Walter after the mass funeral.

Krel’s mind-reading goggles pick up Jim thinking in trollish. Krel and Aja confront Jim, thinking he is a bounty hunter.

Jim is indignant. He is not a bounty hunter, he is a Trollhunter; there are key differences. One of those differences is that Jim does not get paid. He should get paid. He’s going to take that up with Vendel.

Now that Jim knows Krel and Aja are Akiridions, he introduces them to Bernie. Jim does not know that Bernie used to work in Area 49-B, but he does know that Bernie built a lot of the Janus Order’s lab equipment and therefore might know how to fix a spaceship. Jim might be missing a logical step there.

Toby and Darci go on a date playing laser tag. This time they bring their friends along, since that activity is more fun in a large group. Jim invites Krel and Aja along.

Jim persuades Aja and Krel to tell Toby, Darci, Mary and Claire about being Akiridions.

During laser tag, Claire and Mary kiss again, and finally talk about that time they kissed at the school dance. They decide to start dating and see where it goes.

Varvatos Vex meets and befriends Stuart, for a certain value of the word ‘befriend’, when Skeltegs escape the Mothership and end up in Stuart Electronics.

Jim uses his clones to track and surround Porgon before the trickster troll finds the broken-off piece of the Akiridion ship, therefore the time loops do not happen.

Jim’s science fair project is ‘edible batteries’ – potatoes are not the only food that can be used to generate electrical current. He teaches Krel to fist-bump, because Jim thinks they should fist-bump over being the only two who didn’t resort to baking soda volcanoes.

In Toby’s defense, his project is actually about the formation of rocks, and the volcano is more of a prop for the igneous rock subsection. He’s also got a tray of water, gravel, and sand, to demonstrate sedimentary rock. Metamorphic rock is harder to demonstrate on a high schooler’s budget, so that’s just a flow chart.

Toby feels jealous that Jim seems to be getting close to Krel, since Toby is used to being Jim’s closest and sometimes only friend. Toby is annoyed at himself for being jealous, since Jim doesn’t seem bothered about Toby having a girlfriend now, and Jim was always nice about Toby hanging out with Eli back in their first year of high school even though Jim didn’t seem interested in having Eli around.

(Toby now suspects this was because, even then, Eli was keen to investigate the paranormal, and Jim was trying to keep trolls a secret.)

Toby tells Jim and Vendel about the success of his Heartstone-growth experiment. The sample Jim gave him has now doubled in size. The Birthstone is also starting to grow – no sign of corruption yet.

The Jersey Devils let Toby have a piece of their Heartstone to test if he can make it grow as well. It is important that experiments can be replicated!

Bernie and Vendel are both deeply intrigued by Toby’s notes. Vendel finally discovers that Bernie, when staying in Trollmarket, has been living in Vendel’s workspace while somehow avoiding Vendel’s notice.

When the bounty hunter Birdie is pretending to be a schoolboard administrator and demanding the Tarrons produce identification, Stricklander steps in. He’ll provide fake papers to Jim’s friends this time, but signs up Jim, Krel, and Aja for the Janus Order’s next seminar on crafting fake IDs so that they can handle it themselves if it comes up again.

Bernie has examined mineral samples from enough trolls that Bernie can now identify family ties. Several Changelings and unaltered trolls agree to be tested for matches to see if biological families can be reunited.

Jim openly declines to be tested. He’s happy with his found family. Also, he doesn’t want unaltered trolls getting tested simply because they’re hoping to raise their social status by being related to the Trollhunter, and then hurting any actual Changeling relatives by not wanting to claim them.

Bernie has also been comparing Changeling mineral composition to unaltered trolls, (particularly AAARRRGGHH’s compared to other Krubera, since he is noticeably less light-sensitive) to see if it’s possible to identify and replicate the Changelings’ sunlight immunity.

When the campfire is arranged, Jim’s friends ask him whether there is any truth to the legend of the Billycraggle. Jim speculates that it could be based on sightings of Bular or other trolls, but it could also be something the humans made up on their own, like how the Jersey Devils named themselves after a local legend instead of being the source material for it. Or it could be real.

Jim is willing to fight bounty hunters to keep his friends alive, but not willing to vow aid in taking their planet back from Morando. Jim is already stretched thin with all his responsibilities; he doesn’t want to commit to anything interstellar. His priority is Earth.

Vex is introduced to Trollmarket and has a lot of fun fighting in the Forge. He and Draal are fast friends.

Jim goes into the Void to use its ability to ‘play back’ things that happened around the Amulet to try and figure out where he’s heard of a Daxial Array before. He sees Spar’s memory again, and then Kanjigar shows him the memory of meeting Queen Coranda and King Fialkov and hiding Galen’s Core on Earth.

Jim decides not to tell anyone else about this, since revealing a hidden superweapon feels like it could draw trouble and there are enough problems in his life.

Stuart, Aja, Krel, and Vex tell Bernie, who has been helping with Mothership’s repairs, about their recent break-in to Area 49-B. Bernie is upset not to have been in on that plan from the beginning, since Bernie’s information about that base is more up to date than Stuart’s (not that the Akiridions or Stuart could have known that). Bernie also rants about Colonel Kubritz’s unscientific mindset.

Nomura, Barbara, Nana, Jennifer, Laurel, Ophelia, and Darci’s mom use the Gyre to have a “ladies’ weekend” in Rome.

Barbara returns to her job at the hospital.

Aja tries to tell Steve she is an Akridion. He knows she and Krel have been hanging out with Jim and Jim’s friends, and thinks at first that she is confessing she’s a witch. Eli and Krel are both spying on the date. All four of them get captured by the Zerons but escape in a manner basically similar to canon.

The Akridions plan to leave Earth. Jim is sorry to see them go, but thinks this is for the best, to draw Morando’s attention away from the hiding place of Galen’s Core.

The school year ends. Since Krel has friends in this timeline, he actually gets some personal messages in his yearbook.

Zadra arrives on Earth. Jim sympathizes with Vex’s motives when Vex is exposed as a traitor, since Vex’s mistake was trusting the wrong person to be honest and mean well. It feels similar to Jim to his old misplaced trust in Gunmar.

Because there is not a Gumm-Gumm invasion going on at the same time, the Trollhunter team and Creepslayerz attempt to help the Akiridions when the Mothership is hacked.

All that magic training really comes in handy. They are able to disassemble the Omen and contain the pieces in force fields to keep them from reassembling. Lucy and Ricky are similarly restrained, but not dismembered, because the humans are uncomfortable doing that to robots that look human.

The ship is damaged and will probably not be able to fly again, but seeing the portal spell gives Krel the idea of creating a wormhole.

Draal and Nomura leave Trollmarket for a while so he can introduce her to his mother, Ballustra. Ballustra is not up to date on current events, so Draal and Nomura have to keep backtracking in their explanation of how they got together again.

The Nuñezes have a barbecue with the families of their daughter’s friends. They learn Claire and Mary are dating.

Javier sneakily gives Not Enrique the soy dogs to avoid having to barbecue them. Jim and Not Enrique split them. Jim discovers, after eating his half of the package, that he is allergic to soy in troll form. (He’s only ever eaten it in human form.) He has to be teleported to Trollmarket for medical treatment.

Rather than Krel getting unwitting humans to operate parking drones through a video game to stop Morando’s spaceship launch, Jim asks the Ga-Huel to ‘defend their territory’ (Earth). It’s not the kind of battle they’re used to, but a lot of them have been introduced to video games and love them.

Kubritz attempts the fake summer school quarantine. The scene is told from the perspective of one of the Janus Order’s operatives within Area 49-B, who recognizes Mary and is terrified of possibly being killed by Jennifer if anything happens to Mary during this. The Changeling is duly impressed when Mary is the one to scare Kubritz off.

Skarlagk continues her attempts to woo Queen Keteven.

Keteven explains why she thinks a relationship between them would, politically, be a bad move at this time. Could they wait and see how things are going in, say, fifty years? Skarlagk follows most of Keteven’s logic and agrees to back off.

Toby, Krel, and Eli decide to make a movie. Jim is willing to help but insists he will not appear on camera. He also intervenes when they want to film in Trollmarket.

When the asteroid is discovered, Dictatious speculates it will eradicate all life on the planet, not just this region. He’s remembering the articles Bernie had him read about impact winter.

Bernie joins the laser-making team. Kubritz does not recognize Bernie until midway through the escape.

Tronos Madu is not abandoned in Area 49-B after saving the world, because it made no sense for the protagonists to just leave him like that. He is teleported to safety and takes up Bernie’s offer to stay in the Janus Order base for a while. The base is mostly empty.

A troll accuses Bernie of faking the results in identifying troll relatives. This troll’s sister got tested and found a niece whose bio-parent refuses to claim her as family. Bernie is righteously indignant that this troll would imply Bernie would corrupt the data set by falsifying test results. That would be bad science! The Trollhunter is called in to mediate the dispute.

The Tarrons find out Morando is searching for Galen’s Core. Their friends are over when this happens, so Jim reveals he knows where that is, rather than Krel and Aja having to go into their parents’ minds. Jim also expresses the belief it would be safer to leave it hidden, rather than try to use it to stop Morando.

That guy from Area 49-B who defected in canon defects. Kubritz cannot really be protecting Earth if she thinks allying with someone who freely confessed to conquering another planet is a good idea.

Bernie sends evidence, gathered over decades, to various officials regarding what Kubritz has really been up to. Kubritz is arrested under suspicion that she was going to use this alien tech to usurp power and take over the country (or planet) herself. Therefore, she is unable to attack Arcadia Oaks.

Morando tries to attack Trollmarket, since before her arrest, Kubritz speculated whatever ‘energy source’ he is searching for is likely there. Many of the Ga-Huel leap at the chance to fight again. The trolls soundly defeat Morando’s forces.

Tronos Madu is instrumental in fighting off the Omens. He can use his electrical powers to overload and explode them, or drain their power source and shut them down.

Jim swarms Morando with clones and cuts him down to his core. Jim considers killing him then, for attacking Jim’s home, but decides it would be more diplomatic to turn him over to the Akiridions for sentencing.

Coranda and Fialkov come out of their comas. Morando is executed. The Tarrons go home. Aja and Krel intend to persuade their parents to let them return to Earth for the next school year.

Bernie thinks they’ve discovered enough of how Changelings were altered that it’s possible to undo the sterilization. Still no luck on giving trolls widespread sunlight-resistance, though.

Nomura and Draal start discussing the possibility of having a child.

They want to be on the same page about upbringing before they make or adopt a youngling; Draal remembers one of the factors in his parents’ divorce being disagreement on how best to raise him. Nomura suspects Draal is misremembering, since a lot of children blame themselves if their parents divorce, but does not argue with him.

Blinky and AAARRRGGHH decide to have another child. (Another, because they’ve already adopted Jim.) They actually end up having two more, creating a birthstone and adopting one of the young Changelings who has decided to ‘grow up slowly’ rather than insisting on being acknowledged as their chronological age.

Jim finally finds another crystal – a mineral Krel sends him from Akiridion-5 – which lets him summon a shield. He is delighted with this.

This feels like a natural stopping point. The sequel cannot be properly planned until ‘Wizards’ is released, to determine which content from that series will be kept or discarded.

The main plot of the sequel will be a canon crossover.

Jim and Angor Rot try having Jim bring Angor into the Void to see if coming out again will forcibly reinsert Angor’s soul into his body. Morgana (from canon) uses Shadow Magic to interfere in this experiment, pulling Jim, Angor, and Vendel and Draal (who were in the Hero’s Forge as well) into the canon universe.

From there, they have to recruit the aid of canon characters in finding a way back to their home timeline. Jim also has some opinions to express to Merlin regarding Merlin’s treatment of Jay-Jay.

Upon learning Morgana’s hand was infused into the Amulet, Jim will change the incantation to, “By the hand of Morgana, Daylight is mine to command,” which will summon gold and blue armour.

#Becoming The Mask extras #Trollhunters #Tales of Arcadia #Changeling Jim #3Below #TOA novels and comics #work in progress #also #Sequel #My Fanfiction #long post #Monday is fanfic day!

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im-the-king-of-the-ocean · 5 years ago

Note

Bookshop AU + The Missus and the Ex for Galadrilake?

Blinky is in the back room unboxing some new stock when he hears the bell above his shop door jingle.

“Be right out!” He places a stack of books down on a shelf, wipes his brow, and stands up. “Feel free to browse!” He calls over his shoulder. Blinky brushes his hands off on his pants. There’s not much else to do here. He’ll record the new stock on the computer tonight and then get the books out on the shelves tomorrow before opening. One perk of being his own boss; he gets to decide his own schedule.

Footsteps approach the back room and a hand knocks gently on the open door.

“Hello, Mr. Blinky.” Barbara Lake pokes her head in the room. She smiles and Blinky’s heart skips a beat. He dismisses the feeling. It’s no use to dream about such things.

“I had some free time,” Barbara continues. “I thought I’d stop by for a visit.” She looks around at the opened boxes and the stacks of books on every surface in the room. “If you’re busy, I can come back another time?” She takes a step back.

“Oh no, don’t mind all this.” Blinky waves a hand dismissively at the books. “I’m due for a break anyway. Though, I’m afraid I don’t have the next installment of the Hidden Trolls Saga in yet.” He approaches Barbara. “I did, however, set a few other things aside for Jim that I believe he’ll absolutely enjoy reading.” Blinky looks over her shoulder. “Is he out in the shop?”

“Err, no, Jim isn’t with me today,” Barbara starts. “He’s at a friend’s for a sleepover,” She adds hastily, while not making eye contact. “We’ve never really talked, you and I, just the two of us. I thought, that is, if you don’t mind…no, I’m sorry, you probably don’t have the time. I should go—” she steps away.

“No.” Blinky reaches after Barbara. He hesitates before grabbing her arm. He knows how pushy her ex used to be. “I was going to put on a pot of tea anyway,” he tells her. “And, I’d love the company.”

“Alright.” Barbara smiles again, and Blinky’s heart takes the liberty of skipping another beat.

Blinky goes and makes tea in his apartment above the bookshop. While she waits, Barbara meanders through the labyrinthine aisles of shelves. When Blinky comes back downstairs with teapot and cups on a tray, he catches sight of Barbara running her fingertips over the spines of the tomes in the Romance section.

Huh, he’d never take her for that sort of reader. Then again, for all the times she’s visited his bookshop, Barbara’s never picked anything out for herself. The first time she came in, it was due to her hoping to find a delightful tale to read to Jim so he could fall asleep at night. That was a couple years ago now, and Barbara has never strayed from focusing on her son since.

Blinky pauses midway down the stairs. He makes a mental note to learn precisely what sort of book Barbara would enjoy and ensue she walks out with it that day. Then, he approaches her.

They settle to drink their tea in their favorite set of big, comfy armchairs situated by the one of the large windows at the front of the store.

It’s a slow, sunny afternoon. No one else enters the shop. For once, Blinky’s glad. Sure, he needs business from other patrons too, but, getting the chance to just sit with Barbara and talk with her, it’s…well, it’s lovely.

Barbara is clever, witty, and attentive. And, of course, she does that thing to Blinky’s heart that makes it flutter. Blinky doesn’t dare think that there can be anything more between them. He’ll simply cherish their friendship, and the wonderful moments between them that happen like these.

But, great gronka morka, the way the sunlight filters down upon her hair, almost making it shine, and the dazzling, hypnotizing blue of of her eyes…

“Blinky, Blinky are you alright?”

He really needs to focus, Blinky knows that, but he can’t.

Someone walks in the shop.

“Barbara? I knew that was you I saw in the window—”

The man has a ruggedly handsome look going. Unlike Blinky, he’s not comfortably chubby.

And, just like that, the moment is ruined.

“—But I didn’t want to believe you’d be caught dead in a boring, old place like this,” the man goes on, ignorant of the discomfort he’s causing the proprietor of the shop.

Barbara presses her lips together. “I, errr…James, what are you doing here?” She asks the man, James, with an unreadable expression on her face.

“Just out running errands. You know, same old, same old.” James shrugs and grins. “I was thinking, it’s been a while and I’m not the same guy I was back when we were together and—”

Barbara cuts him off with a long sigh. She pinches the bridge of her nose, closes her eyes, and then opens them. “How old is Jim?”

“I—what?”

“How. Old. Is. Our. Son.” Barbara pauses for emphasis after each word. She looks up and glares at her ex. “Tell me, or have you forgotten like you did his birthday?”

James sputters, “I, what, no, I came in here to see you.”

“I know. And I thought I made it clear at our divorce proceedings that we are through, but you clearly haven’t matured enough to recognize what’s right in front of your face.” Barbara stops to glance at Blinky a long second, and then turns her attention back to her ex. “I am in the middle of a date, which I’d like to finish without you ruining, so kindly leave before I kick you out not-so-kindly.”

“Fine!” James throws up his hands. “I didn’t want to sleep with you that much ANYWAY!” He storms out of the bookshop and slams the door.

Barbara sighs again. She looks at Blinky and cringes. “…sorry. If I’d known he’d show up here, I would have…I honestly don’t know what I would have done, but I’m sorry you had to witness that.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Blinky leans forward. He takes one of her hands between his and gives it a comforting squeeze. “I’m sorry you still have to deal with him.”

How such a sweet boy like Jim could ever be related to such a person is utterly confounding, Blinky thinks, but doesn’t say.

“So.” Barbara purses her lips. “About that part where I told him we’re on a date, would you like to go out with me on a real one this Friday night?”

#trollhunters #galadrilake #barbara lake #blinky galadrigal #whirls writing #bookshop au #homosexual-disaster-ziggy #the doctor and the scholar

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trump1rocks-blog · 5 years ago

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Jimhunters - Walter and Barbara Off-Screen Fanfic (Mature...ish? Eh, not really)

A fanfic about the aftermath of what happened between them in Jimhunters. It’s not explicit.

"What do I know about being human?"

She leans against the table, quietly contemplating the meaning of it all. To outlive your child is a nightmare but to watch them become something you don't recognize anymore; It's another nightmare entirely. With no end in sight, the uncertainty eats away at you.

"I'm scared Walt. Everything's happening so fast. It was just the other day he was fine... I don't..." She halts, choking back tears. "...I don't want to lose him."

Walt turns to put away the remainder of the books albeit haphazardly on the shelf. Turning his attention back to her. "You haven't lost him Barbara. He's still here, just gone through a change."

"He got turned into a Troll! I-I-I didn't even know Trolls existed until a few days ago... a few months technically..." Barbara runs her fingers through her hair, frustrated.

Walt makes a half smirk but hides it so as not to offend her.

"Is he still Jim then? Is he still my son?"

"Of course. But Barbara..." His tone going serious yet again. Shes worried of what he's about to say. "You won't recognize him anymore..." Before she can respond with tears, he adds. "Because he won't recognize himself."

"You know that’s the case?"

"I know from experience, that will be the case."

Her hands crawl up to her chest to clench her proverbial heart. "What can I do?"

He unravels her fingers into his palm, pressing it lightly with his other hand. "You can help by reminding him that your still his family. When he rediscovers who 'him' is... will happen in time." He ends his advice with a gentle simper, doubly reassuring her things will be okay.

The words not only comfort her but send a warm surge through her blood. "Thank you Walt. I really appreciate..." She stutters, unsure why. She withdraws her hand. "– I really appreciate you staying to help clean up."

“I wasn't about to leave you alone with such a mess. The kids will be alright without me. Besides my presence might of 'cramped their style' as they would say?" He jokes before readjusting the aforementioned books upright.

Barbara already feels more at ease but the tensity is still there. She looks intently at Walt's back, her stare lingers far longer than it should. Not a single thought in her head, no reason or idea as to why she's staring and yet she's looking at him like there's something strange about him.

He turns around ever so slightly and catches her in his peripheral vision, ready to say something she interrupts with an excuse to pivot from the awkwardness of her staring. "Would you. Would you like some coffee?"

"Coffee!?" He repeats. "At this hour?" He turns his head as if to look at a nearby clock.

But Barbara simply shrugs. "It's not like I'm going to get much sleep tonight anyway."

There’s a breif pause but soon he nods to her offer. Given What she’s been through, there’s no reason not to indulge her. "Alright. I'll take..."

"Three cream, no sugar?"

"You remembered?"

Barbara heads for the kitchen, more than ready to leave the room and catch some air. "You ordered it every time on our dates." She calls out from the hallway. "I don't know how you could take it without sugar."

Barbara hastily puts on the kettle, her hands shaking the entire time. With the water getting ready to boil she gives out a deep, pained sigh. Not even distractions can lift this burden of an uncertainty but they help. Just like coffee helps keep you awake, your bodies still tired but at least you can keep going. The situation hasn't changed, the world is coming to an end but something as simple as getting the instant coffee from the cupboard helps her ignore the larger situation at hand.

"You seem lost in your thoughts." She hears from the doorway.

She fumbles the plastic jar. "I'm just... not thinking much really. There's too much to think about so why bother trying?" She ends in an awkward laugh.

He rest the broom on the kitchen wall and walks over to her. "Need any help?"

"No, it's instant." She chirps pointing at the upside down label on the jar. "See? Says it requires 'No tedious effort'. So you can sit down." She returns to lean against the counter, staring blankly at the wall just as she was before Walt entered.

He nods. "Ah. I see. Well I've put everything away and I swept up most of the dirt. That Troll really wreaked havoc in your living room."

She scoffs, releasing another sigh. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Her meaning comes through loud and clear. He reaches to brush the left side of his nose and sheepishly continues. "No, it certainly wouldn't be. For the record, when me and Jim were fighting, I was certain not to leave a mess."

"Thank you." She scoffs again but there is a levity to it. "Trying to kill my flesh and blood is one thing but heaven forbid if you get my rugs dirty."

This time he can't help but let out a laugh, though immediately trying to rectify it with a clearing of the throat. "Shall I shampoo the carpets while I'm here?" He whimpers.

She knows what Walt is trying to do. After looking everywhere except at him, she finally raises her head. "It's okay, I think we're even now. You did save my life after all.” She places the jar down. “And I wanted to thank you for earlier."

"Save your thanks. I already owed you for having risked your life in exchange for mine. Besides, my motives were selfish, you mean too much to me now before I’d let anything bad happen to you.”

She interrupts him. "That's not why I want to thank you."

He tilts his head. "Pardon?"

"You came running to Jim's aid when we thought he was in danger. You didn't have to do that."

Walter utters one of his infamous oh's. Scratching his head, a little unsure as to how he should reply. "The Tollhunter?” Well, he does have a way of growing on you."

“I appreciate you coming back to help him."

He raises his head haughtily, "I came back for you."

Her smile switches to a surprised frown but Walter finishes with, "Helping him happened to come second..."

Barbara tries to be happy but emotions once again begin to swell and has to draw herself away, twiddling her shaky hands on the counter as she worries over her son’s fate. The kettle whistles blows, interrupting them both. Walt takes his exit, leaving Barbara to prepare they're drinks and have her needed moment alone.

She comes out with tray in hand bearing two holiday mugs from one of her last Christmases. A trail of steam blows from them as she walks over to the table, presenting it to Walter. She grants him the mug depicting a snow family of three on it. Why she noticed this detail is beyond her but seeing him drink from it with a polite thanks, gives her a strange feeling of security.

"Hold on. Whats this?" He asks out of the blue, peering under the table ledge curious over what his foot just bumped.

She looks as well, spotting the familiar red book in the shadows. "My photo album?" She wonders, picking it up. "It must have gotten knocked under the table during earlier?”

"Sorry I missed it." Walt replies, reaching to relieve her of the album but Barbara pulls away. She rests it on the tabletop and lifts it open. Walter wonders to himself if he should suggest this may be a bad idea but ceases, it's not his place to say anything right now.

She skims through the book, looking intently at the snapshots of Jim's slow progression since birth. Some of the photos were jostled out of place so she neatly tucks them back under the slim plastic sheath. Walter's eyes follow the path of her hands along each photo, showing her own journey through motherhood. So many photo's of her and her son, Jim is of course but a baby looking wide eyed at the camera like it was his first time seeing one. There’s also her previous husband James but only in the photo's too precious to store away. He catches a glimpse of him in one Christmas photo holding the very mug he's drinking from now. The next page is a series of photo's from one particular outing at the park but only Jim or Barbara are in the shots now. There was no longer a third member to hold the camera for them.

Barbara stops. "This was our first normal moment together after... after everything that happened."

He rests his hand on her knee, beckoning her to not linger.

"The forecast predicted clouds but Jim insisted we go ahead with the picnic anyway and it turned out to be sunny. You know, this was the day I decided to go back to school and get my Bachelor's degree."

"You dropped out?" He says in suprise.

"Had to." She explained. "I was pregnant. I had lost so much time with the wedding that raising a baby meant I wouldn't have time to catch up.” Sipping some coffee, she soberly adds, “I decided to be a good wife and stay at home to raise my family; of course, James was quick to agree." Her tone comes across as annoyed, hinting to a more troubling aspect of her first marriage. "I don't regret it though. In the end I was there for Jim and when I went back to school, he was there for me. Despite how hard it was for the both of us." Her happiness returns, this time with an added sense of mischief. "He was so excited for me too when he heard I was going to be attending school just like him. I remember; one day he came back from making crafts at daycare with this..." She pauses with a snort, trying hard to hold back her laughter.

"Was it the infamous Macaroni necklace?” He jokes.

"No.” She howls. “No it was or he said it was supposed to be a pencil holder that I would use as part of my school supplies. It was made out of clay but..." She blushes again. "It looked, well I think I have a picture of it here."

She flips a page or two to the one depicting the infamous craft and Walt's face turns positively red in amused embarrassment. "Oh my!" He chirps.

“Yep! I felt...I felt pretty much the same!” She blushes.

Walter adds. “You think being a boy, he'd realize what that looks like?"

“You’d think that but he was still too young and innocent. When I picked him up that day I remember how he was waving it around trying to show me. All the other parents just stared. His reasons..." She pauses to catch her breath from laughing so hard. "His reasons were because it was for pencils, it needed to be tall and thin." She snickers.

" He had to use pink clay...”

"He was mad about that; said he wanted to use green but someone had used it all up. I still have this actually."

"You do?"

"Jim thinks I threw it out but I have it stored up in the attic. It's been there for years."

Walter rubs his face trying to massage out his smirk. "Poor thing probably can’t stand up straight anymore.”

Baraba, of course elbows him in the arm.

‘Did you end up using it?!” He suddenly asks.

“No! I didn't want to give my colleagues the wrong idea. I was just happy to see Jim be so invested in helping me. That Kiddo’s always been looking out for me.”

"That’s because you did a good job raising him." She hears him say. Barbara only sits there motionless, looking blankly at the album that Walter has to nudge her leg just to awaken her from the trance.

She perks up, albeit dazed and muffles the words sorry. She clears her throat before sipping some coffee, flipping to the next page.

In these photo's, Jim is clearly older by two years and looking far more like the Jim, Walt knows today or rather yesterday.

"Why is there a band-aid in this sleeve?" Walt grimaces, trying hard not to show disgust over what's probably an important memento for Barbara.

"That. Oh there's a story there. Jim was seven. He randomly toke off one day, disappearing for hours. Turns out, he had been chasing after a cat the whole time.”

'I hope that habit doesn't persist for the wrong reasons.' Walt thinks quietly to himself.

She continues. "I was so worried something happened to him. Calling his name for what felt like an eternity. I was just about to phone the police when there he was behind my back with an angry cat in his arms and his face covered in scratches. He thought the cat was hurt so he wanted me to treat it. I ended up having to treat him instead. This was one of the band-aid's I used. I kept it to remind myself that no matter how bad I thought things were, everything turned out fine." Her words come to a saddening slow. Barbara just stares blankly at the photo of her scratched up son. Her finger slowly tightening over the snapshot, that Walt can see her hand turning white.

"Barbara?"

His words fall on deaf ears, she sits there somberly, fidgeting in her seat trying to battle the negative thoughts in her head. He's ready to tap her leg once more but as he reaches out the chairs begin to quake! A loud thunder shoots up from the foundation of the house and everything around them shakes in pandemonium.

"Walt!" She screams.

He throws his arms around her shielding her from the Earthquake as it reach it's peak. Books stumble off there shelves in a crash. The lights flicker as the tremor roars on madly; finishing as quickly as it began. Both of them unharmed. It takes a New York minute before his heart stops racing but Barbara has yet to recover, despite the tremor having ended, she hyperventilates on his lapel.

"It's alright..." He whispers, patting her hair. "It's alright, It was only a small quake. They've happened before." Walter lies, knowing full well there was something unnatural about the tremor.

But despite his gentle caress, she cannot relax. The earthquake did more than startle her, it's the straw that broke the camels back. The dam bursts and out from Barbara’s collected self comes a flood of tears. Repeating his name indistinguishably, she lets loose a flurry of muffled wails into his lapel. To her, the world has come to an end, everything she once knew is gone and her very life or worse, her son’s could be destroyed. Walter can do nothing more than to continue cradling her, rocking her back and forth as she continues to shake from crying. He holds her head close under his chin, staring at an empty wall with no lead as to what he can say to rectify the situation. Perhaps holding her is enough? The tears continue with no sign of ceasing, to the point where Walter feels the dampness seeping through his sweater and onto his chest but It doesn't bother him. A good deal of time passes before the sobbing trickles out into variable sniffling then halting completly. The gentle rocking continues at her silent consent; they're shared breathing being the lull-a-bye that sends her back to peace. She thinks of nothing else other than the bliss of having someone here at such an ungodly hour.

"It feels like the worlds coming to an end." Her shattered voice croaks.

Walter sits there contemplating her words. He looks over to the small stereo resting on the self by the couch. He reaches for his pocket and pulls out his phone. Narrowing his brow at the phone screen, he releases her from his embrace in order to get up.

She watches him walk out into the living room. "What are you doing?" She asks.

After a few swipes on his phone, Walt places it in a small slot on the stereo and taps the screen. 'La vie en Rose' begins to play. "I remember when the world was coming to an end in 1832. Then again in 1918, and then 1939. And somehow we survived, just like now." He removes his jacket and rests it neatly on the couch. Walking over to her with his hand out, beckoning her to take it.

She blushes, looking at his empty palm. "You know I'm not that good at dancing..."

"Just follow my lead."

Taking his hand, Walt pulls her up from her seat. Together he raises there right hands out in the traditional arm styling of dance; with his left just centimeters off her waist. Pose ready, they pull into the romantic sway of the American smooth. He starts off with a simple step back, turning her ever so slowly around the living room. The song continues on, reciting the happy lyrics of seeing the world in a positive light once you’re in love.

He holds her out to do a slow twirl. Unsure, she tries her best being as awkward as a beginner could get but by Walter's standards, it's perfect. Barbara returns back to the comfort of his chest. Looking intently at one another while listening to the lyrics of someone declaring their love, proves too much for her that she rests her head down on his bosom to hide her flustered expression. Her heartbeat comes to a slow, falling in-line with the steady rhythm of their dance. They make circles around the floor not needing to change the songs as each one after another plays only the gentlest of love songs for them to move to. This unexpected romantic moment proves to be therapeutic. For the first time that evening, her mind pulls away from the fear over her son’s situation. Walter’s here to aid her and stay he will remain for as long as she needs. There’s no doubt in her mind about how she feels about him. Their steps become fewer and fewer till it boils down to just them standing there swaying, He could have sworn he heard the muffled words,"I love you, Walt." but dismissed it. The words I love you are heard many times throughout their songs that perhaps his hope had him mishear things?

The night continues on with the same monotony of them swaying to the rhythm but it's a monotony they enjoy. With the night drawing on as it is, soon the inevitable dreaded words are spoken by Barbara. "What time is it?"

He stops dancing almost immediately, looking at his watch in shock. "Oh my goodness, It's quarter to eleven! How'd it get so late?"

"The coffee must've kept us up." She remarks, adjusting her glasses.

He’s absolutely ashamed of himself for having kept her so long. "I completely lost track of how late it was getting. I do apologize."

"Why?" She asks him, pulling away to take the dirty mugs from earlier back to the kitchen.

"I don't want to keep you of your rest. I can't imagine you've gotten much of that these past few nights." Picking up his jacket and phone, Walt makes his way to the foyer. Calling out to her as he gets ready to make his leave. "You have my number, if you need anything or just want to talk give me a call. I'm here if you need me."

Barbara hears him from the kitchen. Tossing the mugs into the sink, she hurries out to meet him in the hall. Coming to a slow a few feet away from him, she approaches in inches; her hands cupped at her waist. "You're leaving?"

Walter carries on like he somehow must reason with her. "Well Barbara, it's getting late, don't you..." His gaze catches her body language, noting the way she draws her hands up from her lower region to her stomach in the most alluring of fashion. She looks meekly into his eyes in such an admirable way that he hardly remembers what he was just doing. Having been made aware, "Oh..." is the only word that falls from his mouth. He returns her advances with own his look of longing, tossing his car keys back on the end table in the hall.

"Don't go Walt..." She whispers upon his approach.

"I'm not going anywhere Barbara."

#Stricklake #trollhunters fanfiction #Walter Strickler #Trollhunters #Jimhunters #This was in my head so #Why not write it out

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megan0013 · 6 years ago

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trollhunters: unfinished fic

stricklake - 2,080 words - drama, romance

written pre-s3. baby drama and jealous strickler and a prophecy and an unknown changeling working for morgana. at least, that was the original idea. i only wrote one chapter before scrapping it, so it’s really just baby drama.

He’s been back in Arcadia for two weeks when he finally sees her.

Most of his time has been spent behind closed doors, debating the pros of certain defensive maneuvers and organizing the best possible attack strategies, and the feeling of confinement has been threatening to suffocate him for days now. He needed to get out of those caves, needed to breathe fresh air and feel the warmth of the sun on his skin. And so he’d taken the opportunity to quietly duck out of what was supposed to be a quick discussion about how they could best utilize NotEnrique (that had somehow erupted into a Blinky and Claire squabble session) for a cup of tea at their – his – favorite coffee shop.

He chats amicably with the young barista as he orders his usual, explaining away his absence as a series of unfortunate familial incidents he’d had to attend to, before heading outside to his preferred two-top. It’s a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and he can’t think of a better way to spend his afternoon as he takes a sip of his drink and settles back into the chair.

Two hours and an embarrassing number of refills later the sun is halfway through its descent when he reluctantly pushes back. The meeting is bound to have broken up by now, and it’s best he gets back to his little hovel before anyone realizes he’s shaken the short leash they’ve been keeping him on. He’s halfway standing when the sound of her laughter suddenly fills his ears. He freezes, eyes wide and heart pounding as she steps into his line of vision.

The ground seems to sway under his feet.

She’s got on her scrubs and her auburn hair has started to fall out of her bun, there’s a smear of something that could be vomit on her shoulder, her glasses are smudged, and there are dark circles under her bright blue eyes, but that wide, cheerful smile on her face is infectious and Walt honestly doesn’t think he’s ever seen something so beautiful before in his very long life. He takes a subconscious step forward, and rams his knee into the very heavy metal table. The jarring pain is enough to snap him out of his stupor and that’s when he realizes Barbara isn’t alone, that she’s laughing with a tall, blond man he vaguely recognizes as one of the orthopedic surgeons at her hospital.

It’s nothing, he thinks just before the surgeon’s hand comes to rest on Barbara’s lower back. The grin she flashes the blond is enough to make Walt’s blood boil and he’s sidestepping the table to instigate (though he swore to himself he would avoid her at all costs) when he notices the way Barbara’s scrubs have smoothed over her slightly rounded belly. He stops and blinks. Barbara shouldn’t have a belly at all. Barbara is bony and thin and doesn’t have enough fat on her body to keep her warm in summer.

But Barbara does have a rounded belly that is made all the more prominent when her hand rests upon it just before she’s ushered into the café.The blood drains from Walt’s face.

Food baby? He hopes silently before shaking away the thought. He’s bared witness to Barbara’s binging after a long shift and this bump is nothing like those caused by cheeseburgers and cake.

She’s pregnant, obviously. But when? And how? He was gone a little over five months and the swell of her stomach is too big to be anything less than that. Unless, his treacherous heart twists, she was seeing the surgeon before he left? No, she would never do that. Barbara is loyal and selfless and would never subject anyone to the pain she felt when her husband had been unfaithful.

Which leads to the next question – how? Changelings aren’t able to reproduce. They have the equipment but shoot blanks due to the manipulation and magic done to their DNA and there has never been a documented record of a hybrid conception in any of the historical texts he’s read before.

“Oh hell,” Walt mutters to himself as the realization of what he’s truly done settles upon him. Not only has he somehow defied the rules of biology andmagic, but he’s also managed to drag poor Barbara into it in the most despicable way possible.

With the magnitude of his mistakes beginning to weigh on him, Walt takes a deep breath and forces himself into action before his knees give way. He’s lucky Barbara didn’t notice him the first time she’d passed by, but he doesn’t want to push it, so he steals one last look at her through the café window, nose wrinkling at the way the surgeon’s arm is thrown around her shoulders, before setting off.

If he wants answers, he needs to talk to Jim.

Which is why he’s hunched over Barbara’s kitchen table an hour later, staring blankly at the picture in his hands. He’d somehow managed to convince himself that it had all been a misunderstanding during his long walk from the café. A trick of the light or an awkward wrinkle in her shirt, he’d thought with certainty as he let himself into the kitchen through the garage. And then he’d spotted the sonogram stuck to the refrigerator and his carefully constructed denial had come crashing down around him.

The due date is listed as a little less than four months away. Counting back, Walt pins the window of conception to be the week prior to the night in which he had utterly destroyed his life. He hopes it happened during one of their more romantic interludes and not that quickie against the wall in his office, but he can’t quite figure out why that particular detail is so important.

Walt rubs his eye with the back of his hand and sits back in the chair.

It’s a girl, or so it says in white type just below the border of the sonogram. His heart keeps flip-flopping unexpectedly every time his eye catches the words and, though the phenomenon isn’t entirely unwelcome, the implications make him somewhat nervous. There have only been a handful of times in his centuries-long life that he has felt genuine affection for others and that attachment had never, not even for Barbara, manifested so quickly before. What he’ll do when he’s told he’s not welcome in his daughter’s life, he doesn’t know or want to think about yet.

“You know, it’s called ‘breaking and entering’ when you let yourself into someone’s house uninvited.”

Walt looks up to find Jim leaning against the doorframe, arms folded and frowning. They’ve come to a sort of truce over the past two weeks, Jim has even sought him out for advice on more than just battle strategy, but that doesn’t mean this is going to be a pleasant conversation for either of them and Walt figures it’s best to skip the pleasantries.

“You know, it’s called ‘being a dickhead’ when you see a man every day for two weeks and neglect to inform him of his impending fatherhood.”

Jim points at him and says grudgingly, “Touché.”

“Why don’t you have a seat and bring me up to speed?” There’s a hard edge in Walt’s eyes, one honed over the years by defiant teenagers and overly ambitious minions, and he slaps the tabletop across from him with a little more force than intended.

Jim hesitates a second, eyebrows furrowing, but ultimately decides it’s too late to ignore the situation. It was only a matter of time before Strickler found out anyway and, whether he likes it or not, the changeling deserves some sort of explanation. Unfortunately, his mother’s continued ignorance means the responsibility falls to him. As usual.

“She’s healthy,” Jim says as he pulls out the chair and takes a seat.

“Which one?”

“Both.”

Walter nods before glancing back at the sonogram. “I don’t see any horns.”

“She’s developing like a normal human.” Jim gestures at the picture. “Mom opted for the genetic testing a few weeks ago and everything came back okay. Nothing abnormal or weird.”

That’s a relief. Walt had been certain there would be mutations or deficiencies and had been comforted when the sonogram showed nothing obviously out of the ordinary. Hearing confirmation from Jim, however, is much more reassuring. “And Barbara?”

“She’s fine.”

The words are clipped, almost snappish, and Walt senses a bit of accusation in Jim’s tone. Barbara is obviously not fine, or wasn’t before, and the teenager blames him for it. “You’re sure about that?”

“Yes.”

Walt nods, watching Jim warily. “How did she react when you told her about your secret life?”

“I didn’t.”

“I thought not.” Walt sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. “Will you tell me why?”

Jim relaxes slightly at the older man’s calm, neutral tone. He’d been expecting indignant anger on his mother’s behalf, but one of the reasons Jim had been drawn to Strickler in the first place was his openness and his ability to listen without passing judgement before judgement was due.

“She was scared,” Jim finally mutters after a long, apprehensive moment. “And I just… I know I should have told her, but she would have freaked and I didn’t want her more stressed than she already was.”

“Can’t fault your logic,” Walt concedes with a nod. “How much does she remember?”

“Nothing troll-related, and nothing about you after you put the enchantment on her. Everything else is still there.”

“She doesn’t remember how she got pregnant?”

“No.”

Walt groans and leans forward to cover his face with his hands. He should have stayed, should have finished what he’d started and waited until things had settled down. But he’d been in such a hurry to retreat, to run away from the guilt and the heartbreak, that he had left Jim to clean up his messes without argument and now… now he bitterly regrets that decision.

“She started acting weird a couple weeks after… that night.” Jim’s gaze drops to the table. “I don’t know if she talked to anyone about it, but she was super cagey around me for a while. That was pretty rough.”

“I can’t begin to imagine what she was thinking.”

“She finally told me about the baby and asked me if she’d been seeing anyone about a month later.” Jim shrugs, though he’s obviously troubled by the memories. “I was gonna lie, but she had this look in her eye and I just… couldn’t. So, I told her you two were dating but broke up when you took a research position in Greece.”

“And she accepted that?”

“Mostly.” Jim nods. “She wanted to try to get in touch with you, but I told her you were in some remote area and didn’t have access to a phone or internet.”

“She didn’t question why she couldn’t remember dating me?” Walt’s eyebrows quirk skeptically.

“I think, at that point, she was just relieved to know it wasn’t something more…” Jim grimaces and waves his hand to indicate the more-ness.

“Right.” Walt knows what Jim is alluding to and he’s happy to leave it unsaid. If Barbara wants to talk about it sometime down the road he’ll listen without interruption, but he doesn’t need her teenage son to elaborate just now. “How would you like to proceed?”

“Would you be cool with pretending this conversation,” Jim sits up a little straighter in his chair and smiles hopefully, “never happened?”

Walt responds with an amused, but undoubtedly negative, snort.

“Didn’t think so.” Jim’s nose wrinkles in disappointment. “Alright, let’s just tell her you came back from Greece last night and-“

“No,” Walt’s tone is firm and steady. “We are not lying to her. Not this time. She deserves the truth.”

“I knew you were gonna say that,” Jim groans and drops his forehead to the table with a thud.

“What time does her shift end?” Walter asks, ignoring the teenage theatrics. “Do you know when she’ll be home?”

Jim looks up, bewildered. “You wanna do this tonight?”

“There’s no time like the present, young Atlas.” Walter gives him a grim smile because, no, he doesn’t want to do this tonight. Or ever, really. Confessing his true nature to Barbara is terrifying, but the thought of her living this lie another moment is almost unbearable. “Trust me, you’ll feel much better once you tell her the truth.”

Jim rolls his eyes. “Doubt it.”

#trollhunters #stricklake #unfinished fic

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dreamingofthedeepbluesea · 7 years ago

Text

Trollhunters: True Lies

Chapter One: Buzz Kill

For the first time in a long while, Strickler felt old. There were more gray strands in his hair and some of his past injuries ached more with each coming winter. Old memories haunted his dreams at night but he still found the courage to move forward. After all, the Changeling had finally found a place where he belonged. He had fought in the war, he had survived Gunmar’s wrath, and somehow, he had found his place in this world. Instead of looking constantly looking over his shoulder, Strickler felt safe and confident in his allies. It certainly had been a positive change in his life.

“Time has sure steadily flown by, hasn’t it, Strickler?” Blinky asked as he offered a drink to the changeling. “Master Jim has grown into a fine young man. Clarie is a lovely lady, by human standards, of course. Tobias is…” He glanced to see the Toby attempting to help Claire hang a congratulations banner, nearly falling off the ladder in the process. Jim quickly steadied his friend and scolded Toby, telling him to be careful. While Tobias had shed a tiny bit of weight and gained some battle skills, there were still that clumsiness factor and love of spicy tacos. “… still Tobias.”

Troll Market was throwing a huge graduation party for Jim. Strickler helped where he could, including saving Jim’s cake from being a complete disaster. Try as she might, his mother had the best of intentions but could not cook. At least Barbara did decently at icing the cake and decorating it with candles. There were banners hanging from every vendor station declaring celebration. Barrels of mead were in every corner as were food stations, both human and troll dishes. There were some soda pop drinks from the surface, a fizzing liquid that made Argh’s nose sting. None of the trolls seemed to enjoy it but a few changelings did. The invitation extended to his friends and family. Supposedly, there was a surprise gift from Blinky. Yet, he would not tell anyone what it was to avoid spoilers for Jim.

“Indeed, it is strange to think that young Atlas is getting ready to leave high school and then go to college.” Strickler recalled writing the letter of recommendation for James. He wanted to stay in Arcadia to be close to his family and friends. His grades were high enough to apply anywhere he wished and acceptance was almost a sure guarantee. Despite a lot of objection, he applied to the local university to study, oddly enough, history. James had developed a love for mythology and legends over the years of being the Trollhunter. With a sigh, the Changeling took the mug from Blinky. “It seems just a few short years ago, we were trying to best each other in the dining room.”

“You still try to best each other in Barbara’s dining room.”

“Barbara asked Jim to take out the trash and he picked me up over his shoulder.”

“I recall that incident, we laughed about it for weeks.” Blinky admitted honestly with a small snicker. “Actually, we’re still laughing about it.”

“Good one.” Argh chuckled as he brought over a tray of used socks, soap bars, and broken vinyl records to share. “Laughed and laughed.”

“Well, I’m glad that you two obtained some amusement at my expense.” Strickler rolled his eyes and shooed away the plate full of distasteful goodies. He did not eat disgusting trash like trolls. Maybe the occasional pencil accidently had an eraser top chewed off the top due to not paying attention. It was part of the occupation, he supposed. “Younglings are so rude nowadays, thinking everything is a joke.”

“You just mad cause Jim taller.” Argh munched on one of the soap bars. “Taller than you.”

“Do they have any real food at this graduation party?” Strickler scowled at the brute, instantly wanting to change the subject. He would never admit it, though it did secretly bother him. Young Atlas had sprout up like a weed, surpassing him in height by a few inches. “Something that isn’t socks or garbage?”

“Yes, there’s lots of human food set out over there next to the fizzing lime liquid that Tobias loves to consume.” Blinky pointed in the direction of the table. “We’re waiting until Jim’s surprise gets here.”

“And exactly what is this surprise?”

“It’s for everyone, not just Jim.”

“You’ve been secretive about this for nearly a whole month.”

“I contacted many old friends to pull this off and I won’t have anyone spoiling it.”

“No surprise if know.” Argh reminded Strickler with a grin. “Excited!”

“And exactly when is this surprise supposed to arrive?” Strickler was beginning to think Blinky ordered a box full of cats for Jim. “Gift wrapped, I presume?”

“Stop pestering Blinky, Walter.” Barbara walked up behind the changeling, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Placing a kiss on his cheek, Doctor Lake knew her husband hated not having all the facts. She guessed that was part of being a history teacher. “You’ll find out soon enough what it is.”

“And what if it is a stripper inside of a cake?” Strickler asked his wife. “What will you do then?”

“What’s a stripper?” Argh swallowed another sock.

“If I remember correctly, it’s a human male or female who takes off their clothing for money usually while dancing around a pole.” Blinky quoted the statement from memory, earning a look from Barbara. He could not understand why Jim’s mother seemed a bit irked from his words. It was only the truth he spoke! “… that’s what it said in that human dicks-ton-airy.”

“That’s not the surprise, is it?” Barbara questioned in an accusatory tone.

“No!” Blinky replied very quickly, all four hands raised up in defense. “Most certainly not!”

“Hey, book brain!” NotEnrique jumped onto the bar, knocking over Blinky’s beverage. “You better go get things ready! The special package has arrived!”

“You could have announced that without jumping up on the counter and spilling my drink.” Blinky grumbled as he used a cloth to wipe up the mess. “But then again, that’s what you do, you create messes.”

Since Blinky and Argh had their attention on NotEnrique, Barbara took this as her chance to steal Strickler away from the party. Between work at the hospital and helping Blinky set up the party, she barely had time for her husband this week. Sometimes, a woman required quality time with her lover. Standing on her tip toes, she whispered into his ear.

“No one is in Blinky’s library.” Barbara murmured in a suggestive tone. “What do you say we do some research on the reproductive system?”

Perking up at the offer of pleasure, Walter smirked from ear to ear.

“I believe the Kama Sutra has some excellent references to offer.”

Blinky gathered everyone in the middle of Troll Market. He decided to leave Walter and Barbara to their odd human mating customs. If he interrupted them, it would surely cause unwanted embarrassment on both ends. He only hoped his table would survive all that rocking. So, he returned his focus to the gathering. After expressing how proud he was of Jim, he then explained he called in a favor from an old friend. When Blinky pulled back the curtains for Jim’s grand surprise, it was a gift he never anticipated. There was stereo equipment hooked up to a DJ system. It was the latest, top of the line products to produce music. At first, Jim and his friends exchanged confused glances. All three of them enjoyed music, but Jim never expressed interest in becoming a DJ.

“Yoohoo, little ones, up here.”

Everyone looked upward to the source of the voice. On top of the tallest stereo, there sat the esteemed guest of honor with her legs crossed. Multiple braids dangled from her curly locks and she had a smile that lit up the cavern. Waving at the graduates, she could not help but giggle at their shocked faces. She was a tall woman dressed in flashy clothing and wore expensive designer boots. From her overall reaction, she had seen trolls before and was not alarmed. The lady seemed quite comfortable in Troll Market.

“That’s… that’s…” Tobias stammered, his brain unable to process proper wording. “That’s…”

“The Siren!!!” Clarie squealed at the top of her lungs in absolute glee, causing some other trolls to wince. Even a few of the gnomes groaned their displeasure at the noise. Humans could be so loud and annoying. “Jim, you seriously like have the best mentor ever!!!”

“I know!”

“How in the name of the Heartstone was he able to pull this off?!” Tobias grabbed Jim by the shoulders and shook him. “That’s Loralei Abrielle! Her entire tour is sold out! There’s like no way to get tickets or backstage passes! How did he get her to come here?! Or allowed inside of Troll Market for that matter?!”

“I guess Blinky has connections we didn’t know about.”

“Forget that, we get a private concert!”

“From only the most famous, greatest, totally awesome techno, raving, music star in the whole country!!!” Tobias had to take a breath at the end of his excited rambling. “And she’s here! I can ask for an autograph!”

“Maybe she’ll sign my tour shirt!” Claire exclaimed as she pulled out several sharpie pens from her back pocket. Lately, the girl had developed a habit of collecting all the colors of sharpies like it was a hobby. Bright neon shades and pastels were her favorites. She doodled on every notebook page and blank surface she could find. Strickler had scolded her for drawing a rather crude drawing of him breathing fire on her desk. The rest of the class found it hilarious. “And I can get a selfie!”

“Think she’ll do a group photo?” Jim held up his phone and turned on the camera. “How do you set the timer on this thing again?”

“Don’t you think you should enjoy the music first?” Loralei asked them with a chuckle. “I came all the way from Malibu Beach to play for you.”

“Can I go back to Malibu Beach with you?”

Jim nudged Toby in the ribs for that statement.

“Heh, I appreciate your enthusiasm.” Loralei shook her head lightly with an amused grin. “But I think you’re a little too young for me.”

“She’s talking to me.” Toby nearly swooned and presented his most charming smile. “And you can’t be too much older than me, you’re what? Twenty-three, twenty-four? I can handle an older woman.”

“You have a girlfriend.” Claire reminded Toby with a cross of her arms. “Remember? Her name is Darci? Ringing a bell there?”

“Tobs, seriously, not cool.” Jim ran a hand down the front of his face.

“I’m actually a few thousand years old.” Loralei held up her fingers and counted in silence. “I forget my exact age, little one. After you live for so long, it becomes rather pointless to try to keep track of the years.”

Toby choked on his drink.

“Wh-What?!”

Scooting off the edge of the stereo, Loralei landed on her feet. The trolls would not allow any random human inside of their home. She supposed it was acceptable for these three kids to know the real her. With a blue flash, she transformed into her true appearance. The widely adored musician was a changeling. The musician had turquoise skin with dark blue streaks here and there. Black claws adorned her hands and feet, even blacker curved horns, standing proudly from her head. Strangely, Loralei’s eyes in this form had black sclera and glowing turquoise slit. It reminded Jim all too much of Gunmar, a slight chill going down his spine. Who exactly was this changeling? He could not look too suspicious. Questions could come later, seeing she posed no threat.

Toby’s jaw dropped, Jim stood there stunned, and Claire poked both boys in the chest with a triumphant yell.

“I told you, I told you and you two didn’t listen!” Claire held out her hand. “Pay up, I win the bet.”

“You predicted that she was a magical creature, you didn’t specifically say a changeling!” Toby protested with a pout. Jim swore there was no way a changeling could be that popular and hide among humans. Evidently, even a changeling could be a celebrity. “For all I know, you could have been calling her a unicorn!”

“Magical creatures include changelings, I win, you lose.”

“Urgh, fine.”

“That means you buy dinner at somewhere other than Tito’s Tacos.”

“But Tito’s Tacos is so tasty!”

“You can live off tacos, but Jim and I can’t.”

“Darci likes Tito’s Tacos.”

“Darci likes you, she tolerates your love of tacos.”

“Okay, let’s just come to a compromise and go to Amor’s and get pizza.” Jim interjected in the argument. “Then the girls will be happy.”

“And garlic bread.”

“Seriously, Tobs? That stuff reeks on you for weeks.”

“If I’m paying, I’m getting the garlic bread.”

“Girls like it if you shower them with delicious food, little one.” Loralei loved the banter between friends. “If you buy her food, she will feel obligated to eat it and not feel guilty about it later.”

“Really?”

“Why do you think the females wanted the best hunter as a mate?”

“Because… they got more food?”

“Exactly.”

“What do you know?” Toby shrugged. “Learn something new every day.”

“Now, little ones… what song would you like me to play first for you?”

“It’s Jim’s party, so he should pick first. Though, if I guess right, he’s going to pick ‘Take Off to the Stars’ cause that’s his favorite song.” Claire informed Loralei with a delighted clap of her hands. She was doing her best to remain casual in front of her idol, but it was hard. How could someone be so torn between wanting to scream from joy or embrace someone as tightly as possible and never let go? “Then me, the Toby, then uh… I don’t suppose your mom likes her music?”

“Mom likes Elvis, Sinatra, Darin, and Manilow.” Jim told his girlfriend. “She’s not too big on this type of music.”

“Only one question left, Jim.” Loralei put on the headphones and flipped on the power. “Original or remix?”

“I think we have officially disgraced Blinky’s library.”

“And sock pantry.”

“Don’t forget the potion closet.”

“Hrm, well, what should we disgrace next?” Barbara purred as she ran a single finger down Walter’s chest. Maybe menopause was making her more so feisty. It seemed lately that she could not keep her hands off her husband. The last time she acted like this was when she was pregnant with Jim. It was probably just the cascade of hormones. “I would like to nominate… the corner of bean bag cushions.”

Strickler gave a mock gasp.

“Scandalous.”

“You’re the one who suggested Blinky’s beloved desk.”

“Hrm, the book brain had it coming when he called me an old timer.” Strickler huffed as he pulled Barbara closer, nuzzling her hair. The scent of lavender and coconut oil lingered from her shampoo. Her hairstyle was out of place now from all the wild movement. He ran his fingers through her reddish locks and she tended to pull on his horns during love making. Such a sharp tug always aroused him. However, Strickler’s favorite thing that Barbara did was a simple act of when she traced his markings after the deed. He had gotten used to the affectionate gesture and a purr rumbled lowly in his chest. Now, the changeling craved her tender touches. Strickler expected harsh words and striking blows. Cruelty was all he ever received from Gunmar or Bular. His wife, his sweet wife, helped him heal in ways he never expected. “Saying I was getting paler and grayer with age.”

“You are an old timer.”

“Hey!”

“I’m teasing, honey.” Barbara laughed at his sulking. “You can still keep up with me and I’m almost in my forties.”

“And your Krav Maga, your horrible cooking, and your insatiable appetite in bed, my love.” Walter nipped at her ear as he rubbed his left horn. “I must say, I thought you were going to pull out one of my horns this time.”

“Sorry.” Barbara apologized sheepishly with flustered cheeks. “I didn’t mean to pull so hard, I just… well…”

“Trying to urge me on, are you, temptress?” Walter ran his teeth down her throat with a playful growl. “Faster?” His hand slid up her side, inching closer to her breasts. “Harder?” He pinched her nipples, earning a jolt from Barbara. “Deeper?”

“Walter!” Barbara squirmed in his grasp, laughing. “What are you doing?!”

“I am expertly obtaining my answer.” Watler buried his face in the nook of her throat. “Will my lady tell me or will we have to find the answer after round two?”

“Fine!” Barbara scoffed as she poked his nose. If the two of them had a second bout of intercourse, they would both miss Jim’s surprise. She knew that her son liked to focus more on his friends and love interest since he was older. Still, she would like to at least see him open his graduation cards and cut the cake. That was more of a birthday tradition, not really a graduating one, but she would always treasure, especially seeing such a smile on his face. “Yes, I was horny because we haven’t had sex in over a week, happy now?”

“Yes.”

Music started playing from above in the market. The beats echoed down to the library as did the cheers of the participants. Both Walter and Barbara perked up at the noise. It seemed the party had started without them. Blinky revealed the surprise without their presence, so Walter expected that the nerd smelled the two of them mating. Or maybe it was Draal, he had a bad habit of showing up out of the blue. Nomura was not kind enough to keep her mouth shut, she would have said something to embarrass him. Then again, he had not seen Draal or Nomura. Maybe the two of them were patrolling the tunnels for wanted Gumm-Gumms. Someone detected their act of mating and decided not to interrupt them. Of course, he would keep this little detail from Barbara to spare her any mortification. Trolls and Changelings had sensitive noses, so it was not surprising to him that someone would find out eventually about their sexual activities in various areas of Blinky’s home.

“Damn, we missed it.”

“Language, Lady Lake.”

“I’ll fucking swear if I want to swear, thank you very much.”

“Spirited, aren’t you?”

Barbara shoved at his shoulder, before arriving at a conclusion.

“We missed the surprise, so while they’re enjoying the music, we could go for round two before presents and cake.”

“Depends on how hard you pull on my horns.”

“Oh, shut it.”

“Best. Party. Ever!” Toby was sweating profusely from all the dancing. Having the time of his life really turned out to be an excellent workout. Burning calories during a graduation party was the best way to stay in shape. He started to chug down a bottle of water to rehydrate. “You know, if her songs were on that game called ‘Dance Just to Dance’, I could totally nail all those arrows and be king of groovy.”

“You do have the moves, Tobs.” Jim spun Claire around and then dipped her. “Darci has really rubbed off on you.”

“Darci took ballet, tap, and even ball room dancing.” Toby sighed dreamily, thinking of his perfect girl. “And she can twerk like—”

“T.P.! Seriously don’t need to know that.” Claire stopped her friend before he went into a ramble about Darci’s perfect backside. She already heard Toby go on and on about Darci’s bubble butt and did not care to hear it again. Puffing a strand of hair out of her face, Claire then signaled that she needed a break from dancing to Jim. “Let’s go and get some food, yeah? I’m starving and that barbeque looks amazing.”

“Hey, Miss Abrielle?” Jim asked the musician, gesturing to the table of cooked food. “You want to join us for some grub?”

“Call me Loralei. I’d be honored to feast with the legendary Trollhunter.” Loralei left a personalized playlist running on the computer. Claire had taken the initiative of uploading a playlist of all Jim’s favorite songs to a flash drive and had it in her backpack. Dialing the volume to low so people could converse, the artist walked up to young graduates. “When Blinky contacted me, and told me who you were, I figured the least I could do was play my music for you.”

“Hey, being the Trollhunter is a privilege.” Jim was modest about his position. Since maturing, he had less bravado and was becoming more of a humble man. There were a few times when overcoming a new challenge that the streak of invincibility returned. “It’s given more than it’s taken. I’ve made a lot of new friends, seen new worlds, learned magic, how to fight, and I kept evil at bay. The adventure is still continuing.”

“Life is an adventure and yours will be fruitful.” Loralei agreed as Jim offered her a drink an empty plate so she could select what she wanted. “It is nice to be back in Troll Market after being gone for so long. There’s many familiar faces.” She looked at her surroundings, taking in the beauty of the glowing stones and listening to the chatter. “I would like to greet your mother as well. Is she here?”

“Yeah, she’s… let’s see.” Jim peered through the crowd. The trolls blocked most of his view. He finally spotted his mother preparing the candles on the cake. Pointing across the way, the Trollhunter gestured to his mom. “Oh! There she is! Her name is Barbara. She’s right beside of Strickler. See the dude dressed in the suit?”

“… Strickler?” Loralei set down her plate and drink rather hard on the table. Her voice sounded urgent. She wanted clarification. “As in Walter Strickler?”

“Yeah, changeling, greenish avocado color, throws knives around like they’re going out of style?” Toby filled his plate to the top with barbeque chicken, baked beans, slaw, and a sizable piece of cornbread. His love of food still lingered and he still ate like it was his last meal. Wriggling his fingers, he gazed at the plate full of chocolate browns as it were gold. “Talks like he’s from last century? That’s him all right.”

“Excuse me, little ones, I’ll be right back after I kill him.”

Dumbfounded, Jim, Claire, and Toby watched Loralei tromp in Strickler’s direction. Toby was chewing a mouthful of food and froze. Jim was holding up a potato chip to his mouth and stopped halfway. Claire was quite certain her idol could not be capable of murder until now. The look in Loralei’s eyes said it all. However, she did notice that Jim was not chasing after the music star. No one moved until Claire spoke.

“Guys?”

“Yeah, Claire?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but, didn’t she just say she was going to kill Strickler?”

“Oh, you heard it too? Thought I accidently got cornbread in my ear or something.”

“Don’t you think you better stop her?”

“You think I’d be able to catch a break at my own graduation party.”

“Just go diffuse the situation before it starts.”

“Too late.” Toby noticed Loralei right in front of Strickler. “She’s got him.”

“You!!!”

The chatter instantly died and all eyes were on the musician. Loralei’s voice was so full of hatred, it gave Jim pause. Something told the Trollhunter that Strickler’s past was coming back to get him. Before Strickler could even react, she grabbed him by the throat and pinned him against the wall. Argh pulled Barbara out of the way, not wanting her caught up in the scuffle. The stone crackled from her brute force and Strickler yelled from the crushing blow. It dazed him so badly, his vision blurred for a moment. He was not prepared for a fight. As soon as he could see clearly, Strickler gasped at the face in front of him.

“What are you doing?!” Barbara shrieked, trying to wriggle out of Argh’s grasp.

“Murderer!!!” Loralei spat in his face, her eyes seething in rage. She pushed Strickler even further into the rock, causing the cracks to spread. He grimaced and grasped her wrists, trying to push her off him. “I should have killed you right after Gunmar ripped out your wings, you coward! They’re all dead because of you!!!”

“Loralei, let him go!”

Jim grabbed her shoulder and was immediately shoved backward by the angry changeling. He fell over a table, knocking the contents to the floor and bonking his head on the wall. Claire rushed over to Jim to make sure he was all right. The changeling did not even glance over her shoulder at him. Her sole focus was on Strickler. A piercing growl rumbled forth from her. With teeth bared, Loralei was expecting a fight. She wanted to fight, she had that need for bloodlust. More importantly, his mother cared for his exasperating teacher so much, she married him. He did not have an excuse for letting him die so easily. Tolerating Strickler was easier said than done. First, he moved into the house, then he started the cooking competition to see who was the better chef, and finally, Strickler then asked his mother to marry him.

“Stay out of this, Trollhunter.” Loralei snapped at Jim. “This is between me and this foul fiend.”

“You let go of my husband before I rip off those horns of yours!” Barbara shouted as she tried to get free. “Put me down!”

“Husband?” Loralei sneered at Walter. “You? That’s laughable.”

“That’s what I initially thought at first, but he’s been good to my mom!” Jim protested, wanting to avoid a duel his favorite musician. “Mostly good, if you minus that Angor Rot incident that shall not be named but… more so annoying.”

“James Lake Junior!” Barbara started to scold him but Blinky entered the conversation.

“Loralei! Whatever are you doing?!” Blinky exclaimed with two hands motioning to her hand on Stricker’s throat and the others on his face under his eyes. “This is a party, not a battlefield!”

“Blinkous, why is this murderer here?” Loralei still held Strickler against the wall, never breaking eye contact. “Does he really have you all fooled? You know he worked for Gunmar! He should be killed!”

“He helped us defeat Gunmar!” Claire came to Strickler’s defense. “He used to be evil, but he righted his wrongs!”

“Not all of his wrongs.” Loralei squeezed tighter around Strickler’s neck, causing him to choke.

“Just let him go and we’ll talk in a civilized fashion. We’re all adults here, right?” Toby even tried to present his two cents. “So, let’s just sit down, have a nice cup of joe, and discuss this.”

“Lo… r… lei!” Strickler managed to say between gasps for air. His lungs were burning, screaming for air. Flashing green, he managed to kick Loralei back, causing her to stumble. He coughed, the oxygen rushing to his lungs. Pulling the knives from his collar, Strickler felt uneasy. “I… I didn’t know Gunmar was going to slaughter them! I didn’t even know you were still alive!”

“Lies!” Loralei hissed as she sharpened her claws on the stone ground. “You saved your sorry ass and left us all for dead!”

Lunging at him, Loralei aimed for his throat. The entire market scurried out of harm’s way, wanting nothing to do with the fight. Dodging her sharp talons, Strickler ducked and then rolled to the side. With a grunt, he hurled one knife after the next at her, seven total. Each blade was for a specific weak point. One for each knee, one for each shoulder, one for each wrist and one for her stomach. Loralei flipped in midair, twisting and turning flexibly so she caught each dagger between her fingers. Strickler’s confident expression instantly fell, knowing that his advantage of having a weapon just ended.

“Forget who taught you?” Loralei scoffed, twirling a single blade around a finger. Wisdom usually came with age, but it seemed Strickler was senile. Maybe he thought he was seeing a ghost. Perhaps she should remind him she was here, alive and well. “You stupid boy!”

One by one, she started slinging the blades back at him. Strickler managed to block the first three by grabbing a nearby tray. The knives dug into the wood. The fourth grazed his thigh and the fifth dug into his shoulder. His shoulders were his weak points. Strickler grimaced loudly and tried to pull it out from his stone skin. The remaining two blades, Loralei held in each hand. The green changeling swiped at her. Avoiding his claws, she slammed one dagger into his arm, causing Strickler to yell. Twisting his arm behind his back, Loralei had the final blade at his throat. He froze in place, not daring to move a muscle.

“Loralei, I swear I—”

“All I want to hear from your mouth is a scream!”

Before the final blow was dealt, Draal appeared and snatched Loralei from behind. His arms held her tightly so she could not get loose. She screeched in fury, kicking her legs wildly, spouting curses. Nomura helped Strickler to his feet. Reaching to pull out both knives, the pottery fanatic earned a strident objection from Strickler to leave it alone. His wife was a doctor and she could attend to the wounds.

“Should I put her in the cell?” Draal asked and Loralei aimed carefully, throwing her leg back to hit the troll in his weak point. Instantly dropping to his knees, he held in-between his legs. He exhaled forcefully. “That was… a dirty move.”

“No fight.” Argh told Loralei firmly, keeping her from her objective. “Talk.”

“Strickler, Loralei… I think there is indeed a tidbit of explaining to do.” Blinky looked at the pair, crossing both pair of arms. “You have made quite a spectacle of Master Jim’s festivities.”

“See? Like I said, sit down, have a cup of joe, civilized conversation.” Toby repeated his same phase from earlier. “If they would have listened to me, this wouldn’t have resulted in a fight. I know things, you know.”

~~~

Thank you for reading!

Likes are sweet, reblogs are awesome, but getting feedback is the best!

Chapter 2: Coming soon!

#walter strickler #stricklake #barbara lake #james lake junior #toby domzalski #claire nuñez #notenrique #argh #blinky #nomura #draal #changeling #trolls #troll market #graduation party #older characters #fanfiction #trollhunters #for the glory of fandom

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suzie-guru · 8 years ago

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Trollhunters FanFic – “An Amorous Attack”

Draal finds he must bring the Trollhunter news dire and dark and full of face smooshing.

My first Trollhunters/Stricklake fanfic! The world fears...

This is the one I wanted to get out first, so hopefully afterwards it will be the equivalent of the floodgates opening. As always, hope you enjoy!

It was a dire development.

But Draal had been taught that the best way to face a challenge was to face it head on, particularly in a way that would best utilize one’s horns.

Alas, the young human who now bore the burden of Trollhunter lacked such weapons, but his fortitude had proven to be equal to that of Draal’s father, as had his ferocity when it came to the well-being of his mother, the Barbara. Draal remembered such a need and could therefore see no reason to not follow through with relaying what he had witnessed.

Still, it would not be a pleasant task, given how the Trollhunter reacted last time. He would have to tread carefully.

“Trollhunter,” Draal said without ceremony, tossing his makeshift battle staff aside to the grass. “I have news concerning the Bar-ba-ra. It involves Changeling Stricklander.”

Jim and Toby looked up, Jim resting upon one of the rocks in his yard and Toby splayed upon the grass, leafing through one of a dozen or so comic books littered around him. He had gotten the bright idea that if Blinky was so intent on them learning the myths of Troll history to aid them in battle, then they could use their own myths and legends as inspiration.

“Everyone can agree that superheroes are, like, our modern take on mythic heroes! Comic books as weapons, Jim! It totally works!”

Jim had gamely agreed, and had had a rare moment of pure, adrenaline-fueled fun as Toby had called out different battle scenes and he and Draal reenacted them. Now he looked up sharply, sweat making his hair stick to his brow, eyes wide with worry before narrowing. “God, that’s right – they had another lunch date, didn’t they?”

“Claire and I saw him creeping on her while you were at the Truck Challenge,” Toby confirmed, rolling over to seize a new comic book. He idly leafed through it, his eyes narrowed in thought. “Well, actually, to the casual observer, he wasn’t technically creeping since your mom was obviously consenting. But we know that he’s totally creeping because of the whole Changeling deal—”

“Enough.” Draal would not be deterred from his path, and sat down across from Jim, the movement sending tremors through the ground and making Toby’s teeth clack together. Draal ignored him and looked seriously into Jim’s face. “I thought I ought to be your eyes while you were training in the Forge.”

Toby struggled to sit up, concerned. “He didn’t hurt Dr. L, did he?”

“He can’t, remember? Not unless he wants to hurt himself.” Jim leaned forward, intent. “What was it, Draal? Did he try another charm or something?”

“I would not put it past a Changeling, Trollhunter, but no.” Draal took a deep breath, determined to get the terribleness of it over with. “There was…another instance of smooshing faces.”

“What?!” Jim yelped, standing up, face livid. “Man, again?!”

Toby looked between them, nonplussed. “Smooshed faces? What the what…?”

“He kissed her,” Jim spat, now pacing, the hand gripping his sword so tight that the blade began to shake. “Again. I should have freaking known, that – that asshat freaking asked me for a breath mint before he left to see her!”

Toby let out a low whistle, freckled nose scrunched in a scowl of disgust. “Low blow, dude. Strickler plays dirty.” He then cocked his head at Draal, curiosity and confusion in his green eyes. “Wait, so did he kissed Dr. L, or did she kiss him?”

Draal scratched his head, baffled. “Such things matter?”

“Subtleties, Draal my dude,” Toby said sagely. “They always matter in the art of romance.”

Jim glared at him, and his blade seemed to glow brighter in his grip.

“In the art of war and deception and douchebaggery,” Toby amended. “’Cause Strickler totally is one and I’m totally not forgetting that.”

“She initiated the first…kiss, if I recall correctly,” Draal said slowly, the word still feeling odd on his tongue, like polish on a stone meant to be rough. “As for this one, Changeling Stricklander began it. It looked like it would proceed the same way as before, but such was not the case. Had I known she was not retaliating in defense, I would have done something to intervene.”

“Retaliating in defense?” Jim stopped his pacing to look up at Draal, confused. “Wait, what? What are you talking about?”

“Your mother,” Draal responded, surprised. “The Bar-ba-ra responded so fiercely to the kiss I believed it to be an attack.” He then shook his head, a half-smirk of admiration curving at his mouth. “She has a fine ferocity to her, Trollhunter. You come by your fighting spirit honestly.”

Jim didn’t seem to heed the compliment. In fact, his face had turned strangely pale under the glow of his armor, and his voice gained a strange rasp to it. “Mom…responded…”

He stopped and gulped, his throat working with trying to get the last word out, “…fiercely…?”

Toby could only stare up at Draal with a slack jaw, light glinting off his braces and eyes wide.

“Indeed,” Draal confirmed, nodding. “When she seized him, I believe both Changeling Stricklander and I were surprised. What with how she hooked her leg around him, I thought she was attempting to bring him down—”

Jim’s face seemed to grow paler still, and Toby’s eyes widened even more.

“—but as I saw that Stricklander made no move to resist her, I knew it could not be a fight, even as she took him against the wall.”

“Took him?” Jim echoed, his voice high.

“Pinned him,” Draal amended. “Her arm strength is considerable. And how she clawed at him…” he shook his head in wonder. “Had she had talons, she would have rent the very clothes from his body. Would that we had a fighter like her amongst our ranks.”

Jim made a noise that sounded somewhere between a moan and a dry heave.

Toby recovered use of his tongue, disbelief coloring his voice. “Wait, and Strickler just took it?!”

Jim whirled on him, and Toby recoiled in fear. “Bad choice of words, bad choice of words!”

“As I said, he offered no resistance,” Draal confirmed, before tilting his head consideration. “One would think he must have felt some measure of pain, given how she handled him. One moans when in pain, and his were quite loud, though so were the Bar-ba-ra’s—”

Jim collapsed upon the rock in a clatter of armor and bowed his head, the paleness of his complexion now tinged with something close to green. Toby patted his knee, but still looked to Draal, apparently strong enough to hear his tale.

“—yet when they fell against the porch pillar, he still did not resist,” Draal said, resting his chin contemplatively. “Nor did their mouths come apart. Perhaps the pleasure outweighed the pain?”

“Or Strickler’s a masochist,” Toby offered.

“Tobes.” Jim’s voice, while ragged, was both a warning and a plea.

“You got to admit it’s a possibility, Jimbo.” Toby turned to Draal again, eyes narrowed. “Sooo...even after running into the pillar they didn’t stop? Dang.”

“I too was most surprised,” Draal agreed. “Yet the Bar-ba-ra was intent, like a predator with prey, not resting till it has devoured what it wants.” He then winced. “For a time it very well looked like she doing just that. Her tongue apparently posses some talents he was quite appreciative of—”

Toby whistled. “Damn. Get it, Dr. L.”

Jim stood up abruptly, his armor and sword vanishing in the usual flare of light. “I’m going inside now,” he announced, not looking at either of them. “I’m going inside and I’m gonna get a drink. Probably water. Maybe arsenic. Haven’t really decided. And then I’m gonna bake or cook or go into a coma to forget about this conversation. Bye.”

He then strode to the house, spine straight.

“Fear not, Trollhunter!” Draal called to him. “It appeared that Stricklander was greatly disoriented from such an experience, given how he stumbled down the steps afterwards. Perhaps we can use this against him in battle!”

“Doubt it, dude,” Toby muttered, before calling out to Jim as well. “If you’re gonna stress bake, make some of those macaroons I like! With the little chocolate and raspberry drizzles!”

Jim’s reply was the slam of the door.

Toby sighed, sprawling back on the grass. “Really is a shame that Strickler is a Changeling. I was totally shipping him and Dr. L.”

Draal cocked his head at him. “What is this…shipping?”

“Short for relationship. It means you want to see two people have a relationship together.” A look of sadness settled upon Toby’s wide face, and he sighed again. “Jim’s mom really does like him a lot, doesn’t she?”

“The kiss did last for a long period of time,” Draal agreed sagely, eager to show his wisdom.

Toby shook his head mournfully. “Man, it’s gonna freaking suck if she ever finds out. She’s been hurt enough already…”

“Relationships with Changelings are doomed endeavors,” Draal replied, his voice softening despite himself, thinking back to green eyes and a grace in battle that had struck him with its – her – feral beauty, how claws had clasped his hand in a grasp that had felt so right even when he knew it to be wrong.

Wrong and impure and doomed, but mine…

He then became aware that Toby was looking at him with avid curiosity.

He quickly looked away, letting out an uncomfortable cough. “Or...so I’ve heard…”

The eager curiosity did not diminish a bit from Toby’s eyes, and the young human gave a daring waggle of his eyebrows. “You and that Changeling chick, huh? Wanna give the Tobe-meister the low down on that love affair, Draal my dude?”

Comic books, Draal had to conclude as he took another swat at Toby’s head as the young human yelled for the Trollhunter whist uselessly trying to curl into a ball for protection, did indeed make very fine weapons.

#suzie's trollhunters fanfics #stricklake #stricklake fanfic #trollhunters fanfic #it totally counts as a stricklake fanfic even if they're just the topic of a conversation right...?#a VERY uncomfortable conversation #a conversation that shall haunt Jim till his dying day #poor poor Jim...#clueless clueless Draal...#God this feels so rough to me #I literally did a word vomit at the library yesterday and this was the result #but I wanted to get it out and share it and dang it it will NOT be denied

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earth-ambassador-jim · 5 years ago

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A Bad Reaction: Chapter 2

Summary:

“Changelings call it "Gravesand”. Derived from the pulverized bones of fallen Gumm-Gumms, gravesand aids us changelings in shedding our human form and embracing our more trollish nature…“

Strickler is a little off in his calculations and the gravesand draws out an unexpected response from Jim. Hopefully he can figure out what is wrong and how to fix it before it is too late.

AO3 - Fanfiction

~~~~

Barbara wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting when the pink rock monster had kidnapped her and brought her to an underground bunker but meeting her ex-boyfriend had not been it.

The moment she set eyes on him anger had eclipsed fear as the ever growing feeling of betrayal she’d been brooding on for the past few weeks reared its head in full force.

“What. The. Hell.” Barbara said slowly -but with great feeling- as her hands clenched at her sides.

The sharp pain in her skull that had just started up was not helping. For some reason the painting she had been working on surfaced in her memory.

“Sorry to interrupt,” The pink monster said in what sounded like an amused tone. Barbara jumped. She’d forgotten about it for a second. “As much as I want to see you beat up Strickler, there are more important things to deal with right now.”

It was then that Barbara saw who was in the table in the middle of the room. A sharp gasp escaped her and she rushed to her son’s side.

Her fingers immediately went to his throat, feeling for his pulse, and then to his forehead before she turned around to stare at Walt. She had been angry before, but it was nothing compared to what she was feeling now.

“What have you done to my son?” Barbara practically growled.

Walt… Strickler swallowed audibly and held his hands out, open and palms facing her, in from of him.

“It was an accident…” He started to say slowly.

“An accident?!” She yelled. “Is that why you have him tucked away in this secret base? You lured me out here with his phone! And what’s that?!” She added pointing at the monster.

And why did she feel like she should know the answer? Barbara drew in a sharp breath as pain lanced through her skull again.

“Please let me explain. You may yell at me all you wish later,” Strickler said.

Barbara grit her teeth and drew in a breath to start yelling again.

She never got a word out.

At that moment Jim jerked upright on the table. Barbara turned toward him and felt her heart skip a beat. His eyes, now open, were glowing a sickly red and gold. He made a low guttural sound in his throat and his lips pulled back in a snarl. She stumbled back a step.

He drew in a shallow gasping breath. His still glowing eyes widened and he clawed as his chest for a moment before collapsing back on the table.

For a sickening moment Barbara couldn’t move, then the symptoms she had just seen registered and she lunged forward with a string of curses. She pressed two fingers to his neck and felt a calm fall over her as her years working in the ER asserted themselves.

“Is there an AED here?” She asked Strickler sharply as she pulled Jim’s shirt up.

Some part of her mind vaguely registered a series of branching scars that she hadn’t seen before but, as they were currently unimportant, she mentally filed them away for later. Strickler ripped something off the wall and hurried over to her. She received the machine, noting that it was an older model than the hospital’s, and then with quick efficient movements placed the pads on her son’s skin.

“Get clear,” She said sharply.

Jim’s body jerked as the electricity coursed through him. Barbara checked his pulse. It was weak but the rhythm was now regular again.

She let out a sigh of relief before turning back to Strickler. The underlying protective rage layered over with her professional calm made her feel like she was floating outside her body.

“Explain what is going on now,” She said coldly.

~~~~

And so her ex-boyfriend explained how humans weren’t really the only intelligent species on earth, that magic was real, and that her son had been drafted to fight giant rock creatures.

It turned out there was a bit more to those images and dreams that had been flickering through her mind since the accident than she thought.

“Let me get this straight,” Barbara said as she kneaded the skin of her forehead. “You decided that it was a good idea to give my son, a minor, some sort of troll heroin to ‘hone his feral instincts’… you didn’t see any way that could go wrong.”

She was also rather disappointed in Jim for going along with this. They’d had the drug talk. Just because it was magic did not make it any less of a drug.

“How do you still have your teaching degree?” She wondered out loud.

Off to the side the pink changeling snickered.

“That’s not important right now,” Walt… Strickler said. “Right now I need your help to keep Jim stable while I figure out what exactly is causing this.”

Barbara really wanted to argue that Jim should go to a hospital to receive proper treatment, but she doubted they would know what to do with gravesand poisoning, or whatever was going on. She was also not foolish enough to expect that they would just let her leave. Not without a fight that she couldn’t hope to win. She drew in a slow breath and counted to ten before blowing it out through her nose.

“So you haven’t found anything in your files about why this might be happening yet?” She asked.

“No,” Strickler responded. “But I still have a few more to go through.”

“And these other trolls that Jim is helping can’t help?” Barbara would really like to have someone else here. Wal… Strickler had dropped completely off the bottom of her trust list. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the other changeling. “There isn’t any kind of troll-doctor?”

“Unfortunately Trollmarket’s healer was one of the first casualties according to Young… Jim. There might be other healers but it’s unlikely they will know how to take care of a human and even if they did they would not be familiar with gravesand.”

Barbara sighed.

“Okay, you keep searching your files.” She turned to the pink changeling. “I’ll need you to…”

She paused eying the changeling’s sharp claws with trepidation. It seemed to catch on and in a flash of pink transformed into the museum curator Ms. Nomura. Barbara jumped but otherwise didn’t react.

“Okay,” She said with a sharp, shaky breath. This was fine. She was fine. She could do this. “I’m going to need you to assist me. Follow my instructions exactly.”

Ms. Nomura moved to stand beside her and they got to work.

~~~~

“Any progress?” Barbara’s voice was something that could have loosely been described as professional.

Strickler looked up from the file he was currently reading.

“Nothing yet I’m afraid,” He said shoving down a pang of longing.

Barbara made a quiet frustrated sound and turned away. She and Nomura started talking in low voices. Strickler rubbed his eyes and glanced around the room. How long had they been here now?

Jim was now hooked up to a heart monitor and oxygen. He looked bad. Rashes had appeared on his skin and he was sweating profusely. Something in Strickler’s chest twisted involuntarily.

He had done this. He should have known better. Humans reacted differently to even regular medications. Why did he think having a child inhale magic sand was going to be okay?

What if they couldn’t save him? What then?

The more analytical side of his mind was already trying to come up with contingencies for dealing with a new Trollhunter this late in the game. The more pessimistic side suggested that between Barbara and Nomura he wouldn’t live long enough to have to worry about that. He’d deserve it too, he supposed.

He grimaced and pulled out his pen to fiddle with.

Focus.

He needed to save Jim. Failure was not an option.

He opened the next set of files, a series of experiments that had been ran by a changeling scientist back during the Cold War.

He started reading and froze for a moment before reading faster.

It wasn’t possible…

~~~~

“A question Barbara,” Strickler said. There was something stiff and deliberately level about his tone that made Barbara wary.

“Yes?” She asked without turning around.

“Do you have any pictures of your… of Jim’s father?”

That did make her turn around.

“Why would you need that?” She asked suspiciously.

“I will explain if my hunch proves correct.”

Oh she didn’t like that at all…

She studied his face. The lines around his mouth and eyes were tense.

“Please… it’s important.”

She made an irritated noise and glanced at his computer.

“Can that connect to the internet?”

“Yes…”

She wasn’t really in the habit of carrying pictures of James around. In fact, she’d gotten rid of most of the ones in the house as well. Both she and Jim generally preferred to pretend he didn’t exist when they could.

She brushed past Strickler and started tapping away. In a few minutes she’d pulled up an old finished projects page from a company website.

“That’s him,” She said pointing at one of the men in the picture. She pushed down the old ache in her chest as well as the strange feeling that rose when she realized how much Jim as starting to resemble him.

Barbara moved out of the way and Strickler settled down into the chair. In a few quick moves he’d downloaded the image and cropped it down to just James Senor’s face. Then he opened the image in another program. Immediately the computer pinged. The word “match” appeared on the screen.

A few more clicks and a new window was opened up on the screen.

“Barbara? Is this him?”

Barbara leaned over his shoulder. He twisted slightly in his seat to watch her expression. Her eyes tracked across the page and her lips moved slightly as she read through the words before she froze.

“Why…”

“It would appear that your ex is a changeling,”

“What?!”

Strickler moved back as she pushed forward to read the file more thoroughly.

“This explains Jim’s unusual reaction to the gravesand,” He continued. She could just barely hear him through the roaring in her ears. “Normally, in humans gravesand would only serves to draw out their feral instincts. It makes them angrier and their eyes glow. Long term use may have other side effects, but one use should not result in something like this.”

“So why is it causing this?”

“Because the gravesand is trying to activate Jim’s dormant changeling traits.”

“His changeling traits?” She echoed.

Strickler nodded and pushed a hand through his hair.

“Yes, but since Jim was… I assume he was conceived while James was in human form?” Barbara didn’t appreciate the question there but nodded anyway. “The only genes he has from his father are the ones that would allow him to shift not the biological template he needs to have a trollish form to shift into.”

“Which means..?”

Strickler grimaced.

“To put it simply the gravesand’s magic is causing Jim’s latent shifter magic activate, but as there is nothing to shift into his cells are basically tearing themselves apart.”

That wasn’t good. Understanding, mixed with new fear, settled in Barbara’s chest.

She turned away from him back toward her son frowning as she took off her glasses and polished them on her scrubs. This seemed to be one of the situations were knowing what was happening was not going to make thing easier…

She wasn’t even sure if she could use conventional medicines on Jim with the gravesand in his system.

Strickler was frowning as he continued to leaf through the file.

“It looks like all recorded cases have been fatal…”

Barbara whipped around, her heart lurching sickeningly in her chest. Across the room Nomura stiffened.

“But!” Strickler said before either of them could say or do anything. “The scientist in charge of the trails theorized that if a sample of changeling blood and stone was enchanted and then injected into the hybrid it would give the sifting magic something to latch onto and pattern a trollish form off of.”

“Did they test this?”

“No,” Strickler said. “It seems that the changeling in charge of the tests met an untimely death before he could find anymore test subjects.” There was an odd tone to his voice that Barbara could not quite pin down. It vanished quickly as he moved on. “I do however have the groundwork and necessary ingredients listed for the spell here.”

“What are the chances of success?”

Strickler sighed.

“I can’t really say. I doubt they are high… but what choice do we have?”

“You said that none of the… half-changelings… survived the gravesand?”

“None recorded.”

“Did they try removing the sand from the lungs? Or any similar measures to stop the reaction?”

“Yes and they all failed.”

Barbara stood quiet for a moment, acutely aware of the two changelings waiting for her response. She hated everything about this situation. She had a short moment of time to make a decision for her son that would at best be life altering and at worst fatal and the only information she had was from shady people that she didn’t trust.

But if she didn’t do anything…

Barbara glanced at Jim. She clenched her jaw and sucked in a breath through her teeth.

“Then I think we should take the route that still has a chance even if it is slim,” She said finally. “What do we need to do?”

Strickler took in her straightened posture and determined expression with a wistful expression. A jolt of bitterness passed through her.

“I am going to start running over the runes and layout for the spell to make sure there are no errors. Nomura…” The magenta changeling straightened up. “I will need you to retrieve some things from my office.” He pulled his pen out of his pocket and hesitated a moment before tossing it to her. “The lock is behind Landmark Thucydides.”

He paused for a moment and then pulled out his notepad and quickly scribbled out a list of what he would need and where she could find it.

“I’m also going to take a quick run to my apartment and retrieve the rest of my magic supplies.” He turned to Barbara. “I should be about a half hour. Can you handle that?”

She nodded.

“Good. Let us go.”

Barbara watched as they left.

Gradually their footsteps faded from hearing.

It was just her and Jim now.

She walked over to him and gently smoothed his fair out of his sweaty face. Even without touching his skin, she could feel the heat radiating off of him.

His eyes remained closed.

Barbara blinked furiously as a lump began to form in her throat.

How had it come to this? She’d known something was wrong.

Her vision blurred and she sucked in a harsh breath.

Why didn’t he tell her? Why hadn’t she…

Barbara’s hands clenched around the edges of the metal table as the first sob broke free.

~~~~

Author Notes:

I am going to go into a little more into the specifics about what is going on with Jim's reaction to the Gravesand in the notes next chapter, so be sure to read those!

We’ll get a little more on Barbara’s thoughts on the situation next chapter, but right now she really just needs a good cry.

I was a little rushed on editing this chapter (Just started a new job this week!) so let me know if anything needs clarification.

#Trollhunters #Tales of Arcadia #Trollhunters Fanfiction #A Bad Reaction #walter strickler #Nomura #Barbara Lake #jim lake jr #james lake jr #james lake sr #(mentioned)#gravesand #grave sand #my posts #my writing

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sorceress-coffee · 4 years ago

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The Shattered King

AO3 Link Phase 2 Chapter 23

Toby had decided the best way for him to get a date to Spring Fling was to ask every girl that attended school if they would go with him. So far, I’ve seen him get shot down by every senior I shared classes with, not to mention our blended classes with all four years. At the lockers, Toby was busy trying to ask Mary out, when she said she’d rather choke to death, he quickly moved to Darci. Jim and I watched from our lockers, astounded at how hard Toby was trying to get a date. Jim caught Claire’s attention as she and Mary met up, awkwardly trying to close his locker only to have it pop open again, causing Claire to laugh. Mary glance back, grinning when she saw Jim and me before Toby slammed his head against his locker next to us. “Well,” he sighed, keeping his head cemented to the locker. “I’ve asked out every single girl.” “They all said no?” Jim asked, shocked that Toby had already found every girl in school. “Of course not,” Toby laughed, turning to lean back on the lockers. “I got a few ‘as ifs.’ A couple ‘not in a million years.’ One actually gagged. I took that as she wasn’t interested.” “That could have gone better,” I thought back to the girl in my trig class who had the adverse reaction. Jim’s brow furrowed, staring at Toby in disbelief, “You actually asked out every girl in school?” “Nah,” Toby waved him off, grinning, “Saved Claire for you, also River,” he chuckled, elbowing my arm, “That would be like asking my sister to go with me. Plus, you never go to these kinds of things.” I shrugged, “Not really my thing Tobes,” I smirked, ruffling his hair as payback for elbowing me. “Besides,” He huffed out, whacking my hand from his hair, “Didn’t want to prom-block you, Jimbo.” Jim huffed, adjusting his bag, “thanks, Tobes.” “You haven’t asked her yet, have you?” Toby smirked, pulling Jim down to his eye level. “I,” Jim stuttered, making sure the girls were no longer around, “I’m working up to it, okay?” “If you don’t ask her, someone else will,” I shook my head, having “again.” “So, that what they’re calling ‘wussing out’?” Toby teased. “Jim’s still wussing out?” Eemeli’s voice joined in as he reached the lockers, smirking at the boys. “Toby asks every girl in school and you can’t even ask one?” Jim straightened up, glaring at Toby and Eemeli, “I’m just waiting for my moment.” Toby cackled, “That’s what they call wussing out these days, Wussy.” “He’s correct, Master Jim,” Blinky’s voice startled all of us. We turned quickly to find both Blinky and Draal, on campus. This wasn’t going to end well. “We spent the afternoon in the school library and you are, apparently, a popular topic of gossip.” Blinky finished, sending Jim out of his shock. “Blinky!” he yelled, looking around quickly for faculty. “What are you two doing hanging out at our school?” “Blinkous dragged me along to have ‘four eyes’ while he was reading, your ‘graphic novel’ section was interesting at least.” Draal huffed, scooting away from Blinky, not wanting to be dragged back for more research. “An interesting section indeed,” Blinky nodded. “Wait,” Toby cut him off, crossing his arm in thought, “Did you say people were gossiping about Jim?” “I didn’t hear much,” Blinky nodded, “but words ‘wussing’ and ‘out’ were frequently invoked.” “They kept bringing up a ‘Spring Fling,’ is that some sort of fight?” Draal asked. “It’s our annual school dance, like a party for the students.” I explained, “A fight would be more fun.” “How would you know?” Eemeli snickered, “All four years you’ve been here and not once have you shown up. It’s a popular topic among the seniors. Apparently, since you’ve become more approachable, some students are planning on asking you.” I groaned, leaning into Draal’s side, “If it turns out like ‘tight jeans’ Hank, Spring Fling will turn into a fight.” “Can we get back on topic?” Jim huffed, turning back to Blinky, “Why were you in the library of our school?” “I exhausted all of Trollmarket’s resources pertaining to the mysterious mark Angor Rot painted on your forehead.” Blink explained, over complimenting our school’s library as he did when we broke into Strickler’s office. “All we found out was that the fleshbags think Jim’s a wuss,” Draal shrugged, glaring at anyone who got too close to our group, eyeing the students Eemeli might have spoken about. “Oh,” Jim sighed, disheartened by this new information. “Really?” Toby gasped, watching behind our group, “Look at that hypnotic, bewitching allure of that swaying mole.” “I take offense to the bewitching part,” I snarked, rolling my eyes as Toby completely ignored us. “Excuse me, seems I was wrong about asking out every non-Clair and River girl in school.” He grinned, dusting off his sweater-vest as we turned to watch the mascot, heading after them. “Does he even know if a female is, in fact, beneath that costume?” Blinky asked, confused by Toby’s strange ways. “I really don’t think it matters.” Jim deadpanned, watching his friend follow the mole. “He’s been like this since the school spirit rally.” Eemeli chuckled, “Too bad he’s already asked them.” He confessed as the mole went into the female restroom, causing Toby to turn back with a thumbs up. “You know who it is?” I asked, shaking my head at Tobes. “Changeling, remember? I can tell by the scent.” He shrugged. “Hey, you!” Coach Lawrence interrupted, talking to Blinky, “You have a visitor’s pass?” “My dear sir, I dare say, my humanity is my pass.” Blinky smiled. “Yeah, that’s not gonna work. You might wanna run.” Jim spoke quickly as Coach grabbed Blinky. Before leaving, he paused eyeing Draal’s wrestling jacket, “Wait a minute, you’re not on the team.” “That’s mine sir,” Eemeli quickly stepped in, “It’s a bit chilly and it was messing with my friend’s injury so I loaned it to him.” He gestured to the bronze hand poking out of the jacket sleeve. Coach balked, nodding quickly, “Right, of course.” He began dragging Blinky off-campus. “We should probably head out before someone realizes you’re not a student.” I sighed, grabbing Draal’s hand to dragging him off with Eemeli and me. Strickler paused outside the school entrance as he watched Coach throwing Blinky off-campus. As we quickly walked past him, Strickler’s eyes widened at the sight of Draal, unsure of who Eemeli and I would be dragging around. Eemeli smirked over his shoulder at Strickler, turning us to head downtown to the shops. “Come on, before feathers gets any bright ideas.” “If only we could take him out,” Draal snarled, pulling me closer protectively as we continued. “Wish we could, but right now that’s not option with mom and all.” I sighed, reaching in to pet Eri in my hoodie pocket. Sliding up through my sleeve, Eri took her perch on my shoulder, “Magic, soul entwining totems, glowing sigils.” She pouted, nuzzling under my chin, “What doesn’t that troll do?” Eemeli lead us into Ms. Kamaria’s shop, “Not much is known about Angor Rot. I’ve tried using my contacts, but all I got was that he’s a powerful enchanter, with un-troll-like magic.” “Now why would Angor Rot be out?” Ms. Kamari’s voice came from behind us. I turned quickly, eyeing to old woman, “You know a lot more than you let on.” I quipped, referring to her knowing about me and my family. Ms. Kamaria smiled as she reached up, touching the gem encased in my collar, “Your mate’s?” She grinned, turning to Draal, “A face I haven’t seen since the Battle of Killahead.” “Not exactly the same face, is it?” Draal glared, already on edge with Ms. Kamaria. “What is a wild spirit doing running a fleshbag shop?” Ms. Kamaria chuckled, pulling her hand back. “River showed love for art at a very young age. I knew if I opened a craft store, she’d come in eventually, then I could keep an eye on her from a safe distance.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, trying to keep calm. “James asked me to keep silent once Garridan left.” She smiled, heading further into the store. “Uncle James?” I ran after her, more confused now. “He knows about this?” Ms. Kamaria hummed in thought. “If you’re speaking of magic, yes he knew. If you’re asking about Jim, I’m sure Garridan has informed him.” Draal and Eemeli followed behind Ms. Kamaria and me as she tidied up the shop. “How does he know?” I frowned, head reeling. How was I supposed to tell Jim? “They’re brothers,” She paused, turning to watch me, “siblings do speak with each other. Besides, they’re together, protecting the heart.” My eyes widened as I touched the collar, realizing what this meant, “Is Jim in danger of,” I trailed off, horrified that Jim might go through the same thing I had. “Doubtful, your magic comes from Ganieda, not Garridan. Even so, you possess Daylight in your veins, Jim doesn’t.” She took my hand, smiling softly as she reassured that Jim would be safe. “Will he start to change?” Eemeli piped up, even if Jim wasn’t at risk for the magical issues, Changeling features weren’t easy to hide. Ms. Kamaria paused, looking off for a moment. “One day, change is inevitable. But he won’t be alone.” Taking my hand, she guided us to the back of the store. “Eclipse will come, the sun and moon will become one. Neither and both.” She recited, taking us to a pedestal holding an ancient-looking book. “What’s this for?” I asked, seeing the same sigil on the cover as the locket my father sent. “Ganieda’s grimoire,” she handed the book over, “Left for you.” I took the book carefully with shaking hands, realizing this could be all I have left of my mother. “A grimoire, her magic studies?” Ms. Kamari nodded, “Ganieda was the healer of Camelot, many of her spells are recorded in there, but you will see there are empty pages. She said when the time is right, they will reveal what you need.” Nodding I held the book tight as the bell to the shop signaled more customers. Ms. Kamaria smiled softly before heading back up to help those who came in. Draal nudged my cheek with his nose, worried, “Are you okay?” “Things, are starting to make sense, I think.” I sighed, holding the book close. Eemeli grasped my shoulder, frowning in thought, “Do we tell him?” Draal flinched, realizing we just learned Jim was half Changeling, and he had no idea. “Something tells me that won’t go over well.” I nodded, agreeing with Draal. While contemplating whether or not we should tell Jim now, a page in the book began to glow a soft green. Startled, I opened the book to the page quickly, revealing a sketch of my mother and father along with another Changeling that looked similar to my father. My mother was laughing at something she had written in the book while my father and the other changeling were holding back laughter. “I should tell him,” I smiled softly at the picture, wondering what they were laughing at. At least they seemed happy. The drawing turned, Garridan and the other changeling shifted into humans, the other changeling looked like Uncle James dressed in matching knight armor with my father. “I really need to figure out my age,” I huffed, closing the book. Believer began to sound from my phone, Jim’s ringtone. I answered quickly, nudging the guys towards the door as we headed out. “Jim? What’s going on?” I asked, I definitely wasn’t telling him over the phone. “River! Great,” Jim sounded tired, “I can’t get a hold of Claire. I need you to find her and bring her to Trollmarket, we know where the next stone is. Blinky and Arrrgh are preparing to leave.” “Get Claire, Trollmarket, stones. Got it, we’ll be there soon.” I grinned, taking off running to Claire’s house as I hung up. “Hurry up!” Draal and Eemeli glanced at each other before taking off after me. “Stone, as in the second stone?” Draal asked from behind me. “Yup! Blinky and Arrrgh are getting ready to go, we gotta get Claire.” I explained, running for her house. Eemeli huffed, “We aren’t teleporting because?” “Three, well four, of us would take up a lot of mana right now, and there might be a fight to get the stone.” I nuzzled Eri, slowly getting used to our magic melding. We finally made it to Claire’s house, I paused seeing Darci’s car out front. “This might take a minute,” I sighed, knocking on the door. Mary ended up answering the door, he jaw dropped as she spotted Eemeli and Draal with me, “No way, is that your college boo?!” She screeched, running into the house to get Claire and Darci. “College boo?” Draal asked, startled by Mary’s abruptness. “Girl’s Night told them about you,” I grinned, taking his hand as I followed Mary in, Eemeli cackling behind us. Claire smiled seeing us, “So, finally introducing us?” She winked, finding the situation hilarious. Darci grinned as she and Mary began shooting off questions to Draal, “When are you getting married? Did River actually propose on accident? Did you get a ring yet? Are you doing rings? Are you staying for a while? Will you be at Spring Fling?” Draal’s eyes were wide as he looked back and forth between the girls, unsure how to answer most of the questions. Pausing to think of the terms I used when we discussed mating, he nodded. “Yes, River ‘proposed’ on accident first, then I asked her. Not sure when we are getting ‘married,’ after she graduates though.” Pausing at the ring questions he looked to me. “Remember how I said Draal’s family has different customs? They don’t exactly do engagement rings.” I covered quickly, “And like I said, can you imagine the teacher’s reactions if I showed up to school with one?” I laughed, knowing full well Strickler would combust at least. Mary pouted, “River! It’s traditional,” she defended. Darci smiled, patting her back, “Everyone’s different Mar,” she comforted, calming a possible tantrum. Claire giggles, siding up next to me, “So, what’s up? I doubt you came over just to show Draal off.” She snickered, watching Mary implode, explaining engagement customs and rings to Draal. I smiled, watching Draal consider what she was explaining. “Jim asked me to get you.” That cut Mary off quickly. “Is Lake finally going to ask her?” She huffed, turning on me now. “I think that’s the plan,” I shrugged, nudging Claire, “We need to borrow Claire, do you girls mind?” Darci grinned, quickly shoving us out the door, Mary following us all out, “If it gets him to ask her, take her!” Laughing, I linked my arm with Claire’s quickly guiding her away, “Thank girls! I owe you one!” “Then come to the dance for once!” Marry yelled after us. I winced, pouting as we made it out of earshot. “Why is everyone obsessed with me going?” “You’re a senior, it’s a right of passage in school,” Claire teased. “Alright, spill. What are we actually doing?” “You don’t think Jim sent us to get you?” Eemeli smirked. “Or that he didn’t send us to ask you to this Spring Fling?” Draal chuckled, thinking back to the teens gossiping about it in the library. “After the cliffs, I’m not sure he will,” Claire sighed, as we reached the canal. “So?” “They found the location of the second stone,” I explained as Eemeli opened the portal to Trollmarket. “So, we’re going after the stone,” She smiled, excitement returning, “That means we’re one step closer to finding my brother!” I grinned as we headed in, ignoring the confused trolls who haven’t seen Draal yet. “Yup! We’re meeting at the Gyre I think.” We quickly headed for the Gyre, hoping today’s ride was smoother than our last. Eemeli paused as we reached it, “I’m going to sit this one out, Strickler’s got me on edge. I think he’s planning something.” Eemeli’s brow furrowed. “You okay on your own?” I asked Eemeli, he could handle himself if was just him and Strickler, Angor Rot on the other hand was another story. “I’ll grab NotEnrique on my way, sure he could use a crib break.” He chuckled, turning to Claire before she could protest, “I’ll have him back before anyone notices.” Claire huffed, nodding to Eemeli, “Alright, as long as he comes back in one piece.” Eemeli nodded, heading back out quickly to the surface, intent on tailing Strickler. “Lady River!” Blinky greeted, ushering us into the Gyre station, “Right on time, we are heading to the Quagawump swamps!” He cheered as Arrrgh started up the Gyre. As we all boarded, Jim spoke up, confused about something Blinky mentioned before our arrival. “If Wumpas don’t let outsiders into their camp, how do we get the stone?” “Don’t worry, Master Jim!” Blinky waved off as he prepared the Gyre,” If Quagawumps are hostile to outsiders we’ll need an insider!” He grinned, “One of you is going to pretend to be the human reincarnation of the Shattered King! It’s genius!” “What?!” Jim cried out, “That’s insane, Blinky!” Blinky pulled a lever, causing the Gyre to take off at full speed, knocking us all back again. “If they find out, we’ll be on their menu!” Draal snarled, against the plan. Ignoring our dissent, Blinky continued his explanation. “You, Tobias, bear a most striking resemblance to their dead king.” “Me?!” Toby shrieked, realizing what that meant for him. “Yes. The Quagawumps are short and stout in stature. It’ll be the role of a lifetime. Mostly because if they see past our little charade, as Draal mentioned, the time of our lives will end.” Blinky concluded. “Why can’t we explain why we need the stone? Wouldn’t that be easier?” I asked, confused about why we couldn’t talk it out. “Kill on sight,” Arrrgh explained, holding on tight to the Gyre seat, at least the ride was smoother than our quest to Gatto’s Keep. Toby yelled as the Gyre docked, Arrrgh trying to keep all of us on the seat. Draal groaning as he sat up. “That feels much different as a fleshbag.” He complained, glaring at the back of Blinky's head. “Yes, well, we better get a move on.” Blinky grinned, ushering us off of the Gyre. We walked through the underground swamp; gems growing from trees allowing us to see the path to the Wumpa camp. Draal stuck close to my side, eyeing the foliage as we passed. “This is a bad idea.” I grabbed the prosthetic hand, holding tight as we walked, “We don’t have much of a choice right now.” I sighed. Curious, I paused to touch one of the green glowing gems lighting our path. As soon as my hand came in contact with it, blue magic bled into the green until the gem I touched and the surrounding cluster turned blue. “That’s new,” I pulled my hand back quickly unsure of what just happened. Eri looked over the gems, smiling, “Most Quagawumps have a little magic, the rocks absorb that magic and use it to cast light. All you did was recharge the rock with your magic.” She nosed another green gem, turning it an almost white lilac. “See?” “Now that’s cool,” I grinned, liking the swamps a little more. “This place is creepy.” Claire sighed, even with the light of the gems, the humans’ eyes weren’t adjusting well to the dark swamps. “Where are we?” “A place renowned for its vast swamps, theme parks, and retirement communities,” Blink explained, throwing his hands out to the swamp, “Florida!” “They’d lose their minds if they found out there was an underground swamp too. Wonder if there are crocs and gators down here too?” I snickered. Looking out at the swampy water. Eri grinned, sliding to the floor before shifting into a white crocodile. “Now there’s one!” I jumped back, yelping as the others turned to see what was wrong. “I didn’t know you could do that!” Eri shrugged as best she could, waddling after our group, Jim, Toby, and Claire a little uneasy with her new from. “Shapeshifting is pretty easy for familiars,” She shifted, turning into a copy of me with white hair instead of black and blue. “I always have trouble with colors though,” She explained, pulling on a strand of white hair. Jim’s jaw dropped, “That’s just creepy, one River is enough thank you very much.” “So cool!” Toby grinned, taking a picture of us on his phone, distracted for a moment from his upcoming role. “That’s a little unnerving,” I confessed, taking a step back, the only thing she didn’t include in her shapeshift was the collar. She shrugged, shifting to her snake form, climbing back up to my shoulders. “Just as well, I hate having legs.” “Is that why you’re a snake?” I asked as we continued. Eri tilted her head in thought, flicking her tongue out, “Probably? I’m mostly compact for traveling ease.” Shaking her head at us, Claire smirked back to Toby, getting us back on track. “Come on, Your Eminence. Your people await.” Toby sighed, catching up to us, “I’m just saying,” He groaned as we had to jump across stepping stones in the water. “I’m built to be a sidekick, you know? I’m not, gah!” He yelped slipping a bit on the stones. I grabbed him quickly, pulling him onto the next stone with me. “Better?” He nodded, sighing again, “I’m not leading man material. I’m a wingman.” He explained, nervous about his role. “Don’t be a wuss,” Jim teased, using Toby’s words from earlier against him. “Come on.” “Tobes, it’s alright. You got us here for back up,” I smiled as we made it to the next grassy patch of land, following the others. My ears twitched as something rustled behind us, I grabbed Midnight quickly, taking a defensive stance. Arrrgh growled, alert to it as well, he pounded his fists into the ground as a warning. Draal snarled, standing back to back with me. He held the haft of a compacted ax, waiting to see what would happen before activating it. Chanting sounded from the brush as short green trolls with grass-like hair emerged, most holding some type of spear. They surrounded us, spears at the ready. The Wumpa at the head of the group hummed seeing Blinky and Claire, “Humans and a mage! Tastes not common.” She grinned. “Toby?” Claire called, the Wumpas frightening her. Toby sighed knowing this was our ‘do or die’ moment. “Okay,” he pushed past Claire and Blinky causing the Wumpas to gasp in shock, pulling their spears away. “It is I. the Shower King!” Toby declared, raising his hands high. Blinky, having gone stone stiff, muttered “Shattered.” “The Shattered King!” Toby corrected quickly. “Reincarnated as a hooooooman,” he spoke, emulating a ghost voice, howling as he waved his arms. “You’re not a ghost,” Jim ground out, trying to get Toby to calm. I held my breath as we waited for the Wumpas’ reactions, I hope to Deya they believed us. They began to chant as the leader glared, circling Toby. “Gunmar kill you. You cannot be.” She declared, getting in his face. “Prove you are he! Show us great magics, god-king.” My jaw dropped, whacking Blinky with a deactivated Midnight, “Don’t you think you should’ve mentioned the magic and god-king parts?” I whispered, growling in frustration. The Wumpas began chanting louder as they drew closer with their spears at the ready. Toby whimpered, looking back to me, unsure what to do. I shrugged, not knowing how to help him since, when using my magic, it obviously came from me. Toby sighed, turning back to the Wumpas. “Okay. All right, now.” He waved them back, “stand back.” The chanting stopped immediately as the Wumpas watched him closely. “This one’s not for the faint of heart.” He waved his hands in the air before putting his hands together, “Abara-cadabara, nothing up my sleeve-ara!” He called out, moving his hands as he tricked the Wumpas into thinking he pulled his thumb off before reattaching it. Blinky, Arrrgh, and Draal gasped in horror at the sight. Jim and Claire groaned. Claire dropping her face into her hands. I stood there, dumbfounded that of all the tricks he knew, this is what he went for, I guess he didn’t have a levitating ball. The Wumpas all gasped in shock at the display, some dropping their spears in horror while others clung to them. “He dismembered his hand and then rejoined his flesh and bone!” A Wumpa near the leader pointed, unable to process what she just saw but excited at the tick. The lead Wumpa nodded eagerly, grinning at us. “His magic is so powerful!” They began chanting again as they swooped in picking up Toby quickly, taking us all back to their camp. “What just happened?” I asked, confused by the reaction. “Did he not just use blood magic?” Blinky screeched, still horrified. “No?” I tilted my head confused, “Have you never seen that before?” “How is that not blood magic? The only thing I’ve seen close to that is your healing abilities.” Draal asked, confused by how calm I was. “I’ll show you later,” I sighed, following the Wumpas, “When we aren’t at risk for death.” “Like floating ball?” Arrrgh asked, having seen some of Toby’s magic tricks before. I nodded quickly, glad one of the Trolls had an idea about what just happened. “Similar, not the same, but similar.” “Nice work, Tobes!” Jim called out, laughing at Toby getting carried away. “You are leading man material!” “Ha-ha-ha” Toby sarcastically let out, still highly uncomfortable with the situation. We followed after them quickly, snickering as the Wumpas swarmed Toby. The lead Wumpa ran through vines covering a rocky passage. “The lost king returned!” She announced as the others carried Toby into the camp, the rest of us close behind. More and more Wumpas began to chant as we were led further into the camp, Toby waving shyly to them. We came to a giant statue of a troll that looked exactly like Toby. “I don’t believe it,” Jim confessed, staring at the statue. “Neither do I,” Claire agreed, both in shock. “Ugh, I know right?” Toby asked, turning to look at us, “He doesn’t look anything like me.” “Does he really not see it?” I asked Jim, confused about how anyone could deny the resemblance. The Wumpas pulled Toby down, spinning him around their group as they chanted, asking him questions. One was even excited to see his mouth was filled with ‘precious metals.’ “So handsome the king is!” One grinned, pinching Toby’s cheek like a child. “That’s what I keep telling the girls at school, but they weren’t interested.” Toby pouted, complained about his failed attempts at getting a Spring Fling date. The chanting stopped immediately as the Wumpas dropped Toby, snarling in anger. “Who are these girls at school?” One cried out, snarling, “We shall hunt them down and make flutes out of their arms!” I snorted, trying to keep my laughter at bay, picturing the school being swarmed by Quagawumps defending Toby. “Th-That’s wrong but so funny.” I snickered, clasping a hand over my mouth when Claire glared back at me. Two of the girls that shot him down were Mary and Darci after all. “No, don’t do that!” Toby quickly got up, trying to calm the enraged Wumpas. “That’s very kind of you, but not necessary. Flames were lit, spreading through the camp as the Wumpas began to sing. “A song of a Quagawump.” Blinky gasped out as they began to dance around Toby. “No outsider has ever heard such a rare delight.” “Catchy,” Arrrgh agreed, nodding his head along to the song. “That’s too bad, this is amazing,” I sighed, finally relaxing enough to latch Midnight back onto my belt as Toby begins to dance with the Wumpas. A Wumpa quickly gathered us, guiding us to the tables, “Come. We feast.” She explained, happy to have us around now. “Oh! What’s on the menu?” Jim asked? “Outside tried to sneak into camp last night.” The Wumpa explained, “Tonight, we eat its heart.” She grinned pulling Jim and Claire to the tables. The Wumpas set out plenty of bread, rocks, and what looked like large chicken legs at our table. A bowl was brought over containing slithering creatures. “Ah! Fresh swamp maggots.” Blinky grinned, eating one quickly. Draal took a seat with me, taking a swamp maggot as Claire gagged, looking away from the Trolls turned humans. When she looked over at Jim, he panicked and ate one, almost passing out immediately. “Are those safe for humans?” I asked, concerned Jim just poisoned himself. Draal handed one to me, shrugging, “As safe as your sushi.” “Fair point,” I winced, taking the maggot. Sniffing at it, my eyes flashed as I realized it smelled appetizing. I took a tentative bite, sclera shifting as I wolfed the rest down. “Those are pretty good!” “Not as good as tacos, but they’ll do.” Draal teased, handing me more. Blinky left to talk to Toby, most likely asking about the stone we came for when a Wumpa restrained him. Toby patted his head with a drumstick, sending him off. As I bit through another swamp maggot, I groaned realizing the role had gotten to his head. “This going to be worse than pulling Mr. Meowmeow off his sweater-vest.” “Oh, great king!” A Wumpa announced, quieting the chanting around us. “Now is the time of telling. Why returned have you?” She asked, causing silence to spread over our tables. Arrrgh even paused eating the entire maggot bowl as Toby fumbled. “This could be bad,” Claire whispered between the tables. “Uh, yeah.” Toby sighed, standing upon the throne. “I have returned for one great purpose” he announced silencing the Wumpas in anticipation. “To tell you of my grand adventure in a far-off mystic land called Arcadia!” He cheered, beginning with a story about Coach Lawrence. Hours went by as Toby continued with his stories. Most of us had fallen asleep or were dozing off lightly. Draal and I crashed by a tree, trying to hide away a bit from the prying Wumpas wanting to see my ‘great magics.’ Drums began to play, prying Draal and I from sleep as the Wumpas began to dance. Toby was at the lead as they sang, ‘Boom. Boom, shake the room, say what?’ over and over. Arrrgh and Claire joining the dance already. Blinky dancing off to the side as Jim sat at the table. I grinned pulling Draal up, going to join the Wumpas. Laughing Draal followed happily as Arrrgh showed us the dance. We back to jump and turn to the beat of the song along with the others. “Why didn’t we come here first?” I laughed, enjoying this much more than Gatto’s Keep. “I guess we felt like getting eaten,” Draal teased, dancing along with me. As the music became more upbeat, Jim and his terrible dancing finally decided to join us. “What is the Trollhunter doing?” Draal asked as Jim ‘danced’ with Claire. I snickered, glad Jim finally faced his rhythm challenged dance moves, “Currently? His best.” Claire finally broke down, asking Jim to Spring Fling herself. Draal chuckled, watching the two. “This ‘Spring Fling’ really is a human right of passage isn’t it?” I shrugged, “For some, I guess if it was anything like this I’d consider going.” I smiled, always finding I had an easier time being myself around Trolls over my human peers. “Well, why don’t we make it like this?” Draal asked, a smug grin taking over his features. “Are you asking me out or challenging me?” I huffed, my stubbornness gearing up. “Both?” He grinned, knowing he didn’t have to goad me further “Fine, I’ll only go if you’re my date,” I ground out, slamming my weight into his side. He took it easily, still standing tall. “Good,” His grin widened, turning into the same predatory smirk he got when he was winning during a sparring session. “Does this mean I get to beat up anyone that tries to ask you?” “No, Draal, a human you could get into a lot of trouble doing that.” I sighed, hiding the small smile at his excitement. The music quieted as Claire and Jim almost kissed. Almost because a loud stomping interrupted the scene as a large green troll, at least twice my height and wearing a crown, entered the camp. “What manner of mischief this be?!” The troll called out, growling at the Wumpas. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Toby called, laughing at the troll, “Who’s this joker?” He asked the Wumpa that had stayed by his side for the entire party. “It is Blungo, the pretend king.” She explained, “You fight him, eh?” asked Toby, causing him to flinch back. “What humans here?” He snarled, gesturing to Toby. “He is our true king. Returned!” The Wumpa declared, standing up for Toby. I grabbed Midnight as Draal took out his ax. Looks like I was right, there was going to be a fight after all. “What?” Blungo snarled, looking from the statue to Toby. “Hi, Mr. Blungo,” Toby panicked as Blungo picked him up. “Shattered King cannot be. King was shatter-ed!” Blungo cried out as he began to shake Toby. “Please don’t kill me Blungo, I’m not the king!” Toby confessed as he hung upside-down. “Why you here?” Blungo asked, pausing in his shaking. “I only made it up to get the stone.” He explained before Blungo began to shake him again. The heartbroken Wumpa couldn’t believe Toby had lied to them, “But king you are not?” “I’m sorry I lied to you,” Toby yelled out. “We only came here for the,” he gasped pointing to Blungo’s crown. “The Killstone!” Blinky cried out, realizing what Toby was pointing at. Jim jumped in, glaring Blungo down. “Put my friend down!” “Or what?” Blungo smirked, eyeing Jim’s tiny form. Jim activated his armor pulling Daylight out. I activated Midnight along with my armor, the glowing Heartstone belt mesmerizing some of the Wumpas. Eri slithered down, increasing the size of her form to a giant snake, mist escaping her mouth as her breath cooled, charging up her ice. A shadow portal opened above Blungo as Angor Rot fell though on top of him. He held a glowing knight, declaring he was 'death' as he stabbed Blungo, his dagger immediately turning him to stone as Toby fell from his grasp. “Angor Rot!” Jim called out, trying to distract him from Toby. Angor sneered as his eyes landed on us. “Boora Nazulrah Char Sha!” He chanted, holding his hand out as Daylight disappeared from Jim grip, and reappearing in Angor’s. “How did you,” Jim panicked, knowing only a Trollhunter could wield Daylight. “Daylight is now mine to command!” Angor Rot cackled as he pulled the Killstone from Blungo’s crown. I snarled as my magic began to pour into the collar, Eri curling her body around mine to cycle the magic quickly. Jim’s armor began to glow as two glaives appeared. Jim through the glaive boomerang at Angor, smirking as it shattered Blungo on its way back, throwing Angor off the dead troll. Angor dropped the Killstone, going after Jim as the others began looking for the stone. Eri released my body as my magic slowed, having only reacted to Jim’s initial upgrade. “Be careful,” she called, quickly shrinking to her smaller size to help Draal and the other sift through the rubble. I teleported above Jim as Angor kneed him in the gut, knocking him back a bit. “Now, isn’t this fun?” Angor smirked, holding Daylight out. Arrrgh snarled, slamming into Angor as he tried to strike Jim. Jim ran after Angor as he kicked Arrrgh off of him. Angor snarled, teleporting higher into the trees. I snarled, as Jim ran up the trees I teleported behind Angor. “Two can play that game!” I lunged forward and Jim moved to strike with his glaives. Angor slipped off the side of the tree, catching us off guard as he jumped back up on the opposite side, knocking Jim from the tree. “Jim!” I yelled, Arrrgh grabbing him before he could fall any further. Still unable to attack me directly, Angor teleported to the tops of the swamp’s trees, pulling out the glowing dagger with a sick grin. “Be careful!” Blinky called to us from the ground. “His blade is poisoned with Creeper’s Sun! One cut and you will be turned to stone!” Arrrgh and Jim quickly began to descend from the trees as Angor leaped after them. As he went to strike Jim, I teleported in front of him, taking a chance. “River!” Jim yelled, trying to push me away. The gold magic that had stopped him before, swirled around Angor’s arms, holding him back from making contact with me. I sighed in relief, knowing that this ‘Eldritch Queen’ still wanted me alive. As long as that was true, I could shield them. Arrrgh snarled, swinging around the trunk of the tree and pulling Angor away from us by his ankle. The magic disappeared as I was removed from striking distance. Jim turned me quickly, angered at my decision, “Are you insane?! You could’ve been turned to stone!” “We don’t have time for this,” I growled seeing Angor swipe at Arrrgh before kicking him back. I teleported in front of Arrrgh, as Jim through the glaives, gaining Angor’s attention as they hit Daylight. As the tree turned to stone and began to fall over a Wumpa, Toby dived in, pushing her out of the way. Once I saw that they were safe, I teleported after Angor Rot and Jim. I flashed behind Jim as Arrrgh tried to tackle Angor causing him to teleport behind me. As I lunged for Angor, he quickly jumped over us, slicing at the tree we were standing on causing it to collapse. Arrrgh dove down, catching Jim as I teleported next to them on the ground. Quickly standing again, I tried to find Angor. “Hey, everyone! I’ve got the stone!” Toby yelled out, all eyes snapping to him. Angor opened a portal behind Toby before we could move. He swung his staff a Toby knocking him back a few feet as he took the stone. “Don’t let him get away!” Jim cried out, running after Angor. The Wumpa Toby save charged Angor, trying to stall him so we could get the stone. He easily threw her off, heading for the portal. Realizing Arrrgh as injured, I was caught between going after Angor and healing him. Snarling, I helped Arrrgh sit up, starting the healing chant as fast as I could. “That’s our stone!” Claire yelled as she took off after Angor. “We need that to save my brother.” She grabbed the staff, falling into the portal with Angor Rot. “Claire!” Jim yelled, trying to catch her. Blinky held him back from entering the portal. “No, Master Jim. If you were lost in the shadow world, you could never return.” He explained quickly. Jim was fighting him, still, trying to get the portal, “So could Claire!” Draal grabbed him, helping Blinky hold him back. “You be any use to her if you’re lost in there too.” Claire fell out of the portal, holding the staff Angor had used. The portal closing behind her. Draal and Blinky quickly let go of Jim, allowing him to reach her. “Claire, are you okay?” Kneeling beside her, he helped her sit up. My magic reached its limit trying to Arrrgh. “Rest,” he spoke, knowing I couldn’t continue. I nodded, helping him up, joining the others to check on Claire. “I lost the Killstone,” Claire dug at the ground desperately, looking for the stone. “But we have you.” Jim sighed, grasping her shoulder to keep her focused. “We’ll get it back.” “Indeed,” Blinky sighed, checking over all of us, “the victory here was survival.” As Claire and the boys stood, she tested the weight of the staff. “Shadowstaff!” Blinky gasped at the sight of Angor Rot’s staff. “Very dangerous. Let me take that.” “No way,” Claire decided, pulling the staff close. “I’m keeping this.” The staff collapsed, similar to Midnight. Claire quickly packed it into her bag as we all regrouped. Once injuries were assessed and bandaged if needed, Jim turned on me, still angry at me for shielding him earlier. “Are you insane?!” He blew up, causing me to wince. “I know he can’t exactly touch you but what if that weird magic hadn’t activated in time, you’d be a statue!” “What’s going on?” Draal asked, looking between us. Never seeing Jim this furious with anyone, let alone me. “Whoever the Eldritch Queen is, she wants me alive. You, on the other hand, she seemed to want dead.” I argued, defending my decision. Jim growled, throwing his hand out at me as he turned to Draal, “Your mate teleported herself in front of Angor’s blade as he went to strike!” He turned back to me, “You heard what he said, that could change at any moment. We don’t even know why she wants you.” Blinky pulled Jim back as my eyes began to glow. Draal stepped between us, frowning down at me. “Let’s go.” Was all he said before grabbing my hand and pulling me far ahead of the group as we headed back for the Gyre station. I flinched at the face Draal had made, staring down at the ground as Eri slipped from my shoulders, heading back to catch a ride with Claire instead. Keeping us out of earshot, Draal sighed, finally looking to me. Hurt was etched into his features. “Why? The Trollhunter,” he shook his head, “Jim, can defend himself, why did you feel the need to shield him?” I gripped his hand tight, trying to reel in my thoughts, “I knew he couldn’t hit me,” I trailed off. “But Jim had a point, the magic might not have held him back in time.” He ground out, sounding more distraught than angry. Pausing for a moment, I ended up pulling Draal further from the group, eyes burning as my thoughts collected. “We don’t know what it could do to humans or changelings. After Ms. Kamaria’s,” my throat clenched as I tried to explain. “The blade isn’t the only thing you’re trying to shield him from,” Draal sighed, realizing why I had tried so hard to keep Jim from being poisoned. “What about you? We don’t know how it’ll affect you either.” I shook my head, voice coming out soft as I tried to push past the tightness. “I didn’t consider it. I couldn’t see past protecting him.” Draal stopped up, holding firm to my hand, “I’ve said it, Jim has said it, Vendel yelled it, and even my father has acknowledged it. If you keep doing this, you’re not going to walk away from it one day.” The others quickly went ahead of us into the Gyre station, opting to give Draal and I space. Jim paused for a moment before quickly heading into the Gyre station after the others. Sighing, I nodded to Draal, knowing that they were right. “I’m sorry, I just,” I leaned my head against his chest, exhausted and overwhelmed at the same time. “It’s like the first night with Bular all over again. All I can see is that sword about to cut through my brother and I just, act.” “You’re a warrior, and a protector,” Draal sighed, hugging me tight as the Wumpa passed us, going to find Toby before we left. “But you have to realize that we need you to come home. I need you to come home.” I nodded against his chest, hugging him tightly. “How am I supposed to tell him? Everything he knew, his anger towards him? Will he be okay?” Draal smiled, kissing the top of my head. “I’m not sure, but he has you, and the rest of the Trollhunters to help him. We’re family after all.” Smiling softly, I pulled back, kissing his cheek as his words helped to calm the conflict in my mind. “We are,” I agreed, heading into the Gyre as Toby suggested the Wumpas might be better off with a queen. We all board the Gyre quickly, ready to head home after the events of tonight. “Jim,” I spoke sliding over to him on the ride back, “We need to talk.” “If this is about your stunt,” Jim began, understandably upset. Holding my hand up to stop him, I pulled my bag forward, taking out my mother’s Grimoire and handing it to him. “Ms. Kamaria gave this to me. She believed it was time I had it.” The page from before glowed. As Jim went to open it, I held it close. “I just want you to know, that I’ll explain as best as I can.” I sighed, pulling my hand away. “But you need to know.” Jim eyed me for a moment before carefully opening the book. The drawing of my parents and Changeling uncle Jim showed first. Jim traced over the sketch, “I don’t understand, what do I need to know,” he cut off as the sketch morphed under his touch, revealing our father’s in their human forms. I waited as Jim stared at the drawing in disbelief. As he began to process what he was seeing his head snapped up to level with me. “This,” he stuttered out, trying to wrap his head around it. “But that would mean,” he trailed off, grabbing my wrist. I nodded, “Our dads are brothers, we’re both half Changeling.” I held the hand that had grabbed my wrist, trying to keep him grounded. “When?” He tried to ask, looking down at the book again. “After school, while you were in Trollmarket,” I answered, knowing he was asking about when I found out. Jim closed the book, handing it back to me quickly. Putting it away, I watched him carefully. The others staying silent as we docked at Trollmarket. “Is he working with Strickler?” He asked, a pained look covering his face. I shook my head quickly. “He’s with my dad, Ms. Kamaria said he was protecting some sort of 'heart.'” I explained. Jim sighed, the pain leaving as quickly as it came. He lunged forward hugging me tightly. “That’s a relief.” He sighed, the tension finally leaving him. Maybe it was time to look for our fathers.

#Trollhunters #tales of arcadia #River Of Arcadia #trollhunters fanfiction #tales of arcadia fanfiction #Draal #draal the deadly #draal x river #draal x oc #River Marie Lake #River Marie Wyllt #episode 18 #the shattered king #chapter 23

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