#angor gets to be the witness to it all

[lavenoon]

GOOD GOOD FOOD spiced so so well with pepper FHDJKS

The pepper spray scene was a must, I really only regretted the lack of "oh yeah our souls are bound btw" reveal in canon, because, let's be honest, Barbara finding out by pepper spraying Strickler in her panic is hilarious <3

And ough, that moment in the backyard - that conversation is so important to me because yes, it's the base for their friendship! After the basement and the tension about Aaarrrgghh, this is the proof that not all is lost, that Jim can forgive if not forget, and that he's willing to do so. Angor may not ask for forgiveness, but it is waiting for him in form of one very kind young boy (who is also not above simply vetoing Angor's veto to their friendship hfdjks)

I'm honestly so glad too that the Deya Angor friendship is fun - I just felt like her absence in the council deserved an explanation, and well, there's a walking talking Trollhunters-hunting explanation right there! And then I had to make it pain, because I also really wanted to have this in the series:

I just love connecting dots and making sense of processes and developments too much to not invent a whole friendship too!

Oh, and also!! While on the topic of Angor's eyes and connecting dots - absolutely seconding you, it's so cool his eyes turn white in canon when the Inferna Copula breaks! Hadn't thought about the color spectrum and what white meant for that, but that's so neat! And, additionally, the fun fact - the letter on his ring is the Trollish "A", a monogram, and the yellow matches (some of the hues of) his eyes! It's his soul, and so it's colored like it, too! (Did I obsessively take screenshots to compare colors? Maybe so. I have whole folders of screenshots for character references, I need those!)

Gobbling all of this up and also channeling it into more writing - "Groundwork" will have some delightful Claire and Angor interactions, I just gotta finish writing it! With your art I've had a burst in motivation, so thank you!!

Back again with other fan arts for Severing Hell's Leash by @lavenoon 🤭

Starting with the scene of Barbara peppery spraying everyone, because this is literally a fav scene of mine even in canon where she did it with Draal and Jim (rip my boys eyes lol)

Next is the scene of Jim and Angor Rot in the backyard talking (aka the start of their friendship please please please)

Chat, what are you going to do if a kid resembles a lot of your friend that you killed 😔

Didn't know I need Deya and Angor Rot's friendship that ends with angst UGH UGH SUDGAVSSJSB thank you Lavenoon 😊

Jim is about to add another redeemed antagonist into his family tree. Strickler is his step dad, Nomura is the wine aunt, Angor Rot...is the weird uncle nobody talks about and has an insane lore.

Also I just noticed about Angor Rot's design, specifically the colour. I don't know if it's coincidental or not but I LOVE LOVE how they chose to make his eyes turn white when he lost his soul. I thought they'd turn duller color of yellow but nope!

It's really interesting for me because the white colour is a colour that reflects back all the visible wavelengths of light, contrast to the colour of black that absorbs all. So, in a way, the white colour rejects any light. It holds nothing at all.

And you know what the usual saying about eyes?

Eyes are the window to your soul.

When his eyes turn white, it means there's nothing there. No soul. Empty.

Also Lavenoon, I love the GIF you made! Yeah give that skinny skeleton looking something fuzzy and warm! I wanted to draw Angor in a sweater but!! Maybe later 😀

[elegantjellyfishwerewolf]

Trollhunters! Nomura Au

Final

The third part(2/2)<

This AU was made me and @enniyart

While part of the team, consisting of Nomura, Angor, Blinky, Draal, Aaarrgh, Toby and Jim, went in search of Merlin. Another part of the team with Steve and Eli stayed to look after the exhausted Claire in the Lake house (due to recent events, the house was empty for a very long time).

The journey to the tomb is uneventful. The only interesting moment happens when Merlin wakes up and Nomura says that she is now a trollhunter. This statement makes the Wizard surprised, for a second he looks at Jim, but quickly assumes the usual cynical expression on his face and together with the others goes to Arcadia where an unpleasant surprise awaits them.... The fact is that while the trollhunter and the others were looking for Merlin's tomb, the Creepslayerz, who were left to look after Claire, witnessed her obsession with Morgana (due to the fact that there was more concentration of dark magic in Claire, Morgana's possession occurred earlier than in the original). Steve was already ready to say goodbye to life, but fortunately Eli watched all seasons of "Supernatural", so the first thing he does is throw a jar of salt into the obsessed Claire and lock her in the basement to wait for the rest of the team.

After the rest of the team returns, Morgana is tied up in the same way as the original and they think about how to return Claire to her body. They decide to send a couple of team members to the world of shadows to pull Claire's soul out of illusions. Jim and Toby are called to go to the world of shadows, Angor remains to keep the portal open, and the rest remain to watch the queen of the Eldrich.

While Jim and Toby search for Claire, Morgana tries to manipulate the remaining members of the team. But Merlin begins to do what he does best, infuriate others, and Morgan is already being led to his manipulations and jokes.

Just like in the original, Jim and Toby find Claire's soul and together they expel the witch from her body.

At this time, Gunmar, with the help of Avalon's staff and Strickler, frees Morgana. Gunmar decides that he no longer needs changelings, but Strickler stops him saying that of all those present, only he is aware of what is happening in the world (and with the help of his connections has a great influence in the human world), he also says that he should not underestimate the superiority of people in technical terms. Strickler proposes a plan according to which his changelings penetrate into all important spheres of humanity, and when Gunmar decides to begin conquering the upper lands, humanity will already be destroyed from within and will not be able to provide proper resistance to the Gumgum army. Morgana, who has just been released, agrees with Strickler's plan and Gunmar and Morgana go into the shadows for a while to regain strength after a long imprisonment.

After all she's been through, Claire decides that her parents deserve the right to know what's really going on. At first, Ophelia and Javier do not believe their daughter, but when her teacher from the "exchange school" appears, all doubts disappear instantly.

Thanks to the help of a member of the Nunez council, the team is better able to hide trolls from the trollmarket.

A team of hunters is discussing a plan to defeat Gunmar and Morgana. Merlin tells about the stones of the three shadows capable of summoning the eclipse sword. The trollhunter already has the eye of Gunmar, and therefore the whole team goes for the rest of the stones. It turns out to be quite simple to get the stones of death and birth. Only in the process of extracting the second Draal accidentally turns into a human (he and Nomura even manage to go on a date to a human restaurant. The date itself happened surprisingly well, until Draal started eating curtains). After learning about this, Merlin and Angor finally figure out how to defeat Morgana once and for all. They decide to prepare a potion that, like with Draal, will turn Morgana into a human and when she will become mortal, they will finally be able to kill her.

Angor also decides that they need all the

powers they have and therefore helps Claire create her own shadow staff.

Blinky and Aaarrrgh, as well as in the original, gather allies among the trolls to fight back against Gunmar.

Gunmar also wasted no time and while the trollhunter was looking for the stones of the three shadows, he attacked troll settlements and replenished his army, simultaneously absorbing their hearts of stone, becoming even bigger and stronger because of this.

After that, Morgana begins eternal night (she also breaks Merlin's staff), but when they come to the surface, gumgums do not find a single person.

The fact is that council member Nunez is seeking consent to conduct a training evacuation of the entire city, so all residents of Arcadia are safe.

Morgana, seeing this, immediately begins to ask Strickler what is going on, and then it turns out that Walter has long betrayed her and sided with Gunmar. Morgana is about to kill the changeling, but she is attacked by an Angor that appeared from the portal and takes them to another battle location.

Gunmar at the same time starts a fight against Nomura in the eclipse armor and Draal.

Merlin goes to the ruined market to get a staff, and the rest of the team, together with the Order of Janus, fight against the Gumgum army.

The trollhunters' plan is that Angor should get close to Morgana and poison her with a poison that turns into a human (Angor himself understood that he was unlikely to be able to get out of the battle alive). Claire, when the witch finally turns into a mortal, will deal a fatal blow to the exhausted Morgan, thereby canceling eternal night. At this time, Nomura and Draal will try to restrain Gunmar in an open area, so that when the sky dissipated and the sun appeared, Gunmar fell under his direct rays and turned into stone (the fact is that he became so huge that Merlin was not sure whether the eclipse blade would be enough to kill Gunmar). The task of the rest of the team is to restrain Gunmar's army so that she could not come to his or Morgana's aid.The task of the rest of the team is to restrain Gunmar's army so that she could not come to his or Morgana's aid.

Angor and Morgana begin their battle during which the staff of the shadow breaks and Morgana kills Angor, but he manages to cut her with a poisoned blade. Morgana notices that her wounds do not recover, but remain and begin to bleed. In a panic, she tries to escape to regain her strength and stop the effect of the poison, but Claire, with a new staff of shadow, blocks her path. A long fight ensues between them during which Claire loses her right eye and is again in a dying state, but still she manages to kill the witch.

Gunmar finds himself right under the withering rays of the sun. He tries to find shelter (his skin has almost turned to stone and has become very fragile), but at that moment Nomura and Draal decapitate him. Gunnar dies, but also due to a strong surge of magic, the stone in the amulet splits, and Draal also loses his right arm.

The remaining gumgums, which did not have time to eliminate, are destroyed by themselves due to the death of Gunmar, as in the original.

Eternal Night ends (Merlin, due to the fact that Morgana broke the staff of Avalon, does not regain her powers).

Residents of Arcadia are returning to the city (a little oh.evayut when they see the consequences of the battle against Morgana and Gunmar). And when the team of hunters relaxes, the changelings take over the city and Strickler declares that his plan remains unchanged. Changelings will also destroy humanity from the inside, and then using human weapons they will strike at all the deposits of stone hearts, so the world will belong only to changelings (the world did not want to accept them, and they are not going to accept this world).

Claire goes to the hospital. Draal also becomes incapacitated due to the loss of his arm. Steve, Eli and Toby say that they will fight with the others, but Nomura does not want the children to participate in the massacre, so takes them to the pantry and locks them for a while until it's all over. Jim looks at all this from the side, and then follows Nomura (she did not look for him because time was running out, and she thought that he would have enough brains not to follow her (not enough)).

Nomura (already without the amulet, armed with khopesh), Merlin (still with 10% of his magic), Blinky, Aaarrrgh and the remaining surviving trolls go to storm the Order of Janus.

At this time, it is not Enrique who goes to the dark lands for familiars (let's accept the fact that the Darklands were not destroyed during eternal night).

While the rest of the trolls are fighting the changelings, Nomura infiltrates the headquarters of the Order of Janus (Jim slips behind her unnoticed) where Strickler is now. A fight ensues between Nomura and Strickler during which Strickler prepares to deliver a fatal blow to the hunter....

*BANG*

Jim picks up a crossbow lying on the floor and shoots his history teacher.

The surviving changelings escape from Arcadia. It is NotEnrique who successfully gets out of the Darklands with the familiars in the cradle stone.

Afterword: after the finale, Jimmy and Claire start dating (they fell in love with each other at joint sessions with a psychologist).

Claire continues to practice shadow magic (after the battle, she picks up a piece root of the Angor Rot body and now it grows in her pot).

Nomura, Draal, Blinky and Merlin, along with the rest of the trolls from the market, leave for New Jersey. Aaarrrgh stays with Toby and the others to protect Arcadia.

[imthepunchlord]

Honestly, the thing I’m saltiest about in Tales of Arcadia is how they handled the redeemed villains. Angor Rot? Dead. Strickler? Dead. Nomura? Dead. Tronos Madu? Dead. Literally every redeemed villain doesn’t get a happy ending. It’s especially egregious when it comes to Angor Rot and Tronos, who were redeemed for all of five seconds before getting killed. Like, why even bother going through the trouble of giving that development if they’re going to die anyway? Redemption Equals Death is an incredibly stupid trope, and I really hate how liberally Tales of Arcadia uses it.

The trope does have purpose to serve, but it does depend on the characters. Cause sometimes that finality is the only way, and there is peace in moving on. One of the best examples can technically be Darth Vader, though that can be up for debate on his redemption. I wouldn't say he's fully redeemed, but has a redeeming death, saving his child over his dark service, felt like a good end for him.

So, the trope of Redemption Equals Death, it does have it's purpose and use, it just comes down to the character it will be applying to and their situations and set up. But the big issue with ToA is that they overused it. I would've top that trope at 2 characters max cause not every character will apply to that trope.

Like, I don't see the point of killing Strickler, narrative wise it didn't feel fitting. To me, it always felt that he was set up for a redemption and a happy ending.

Before he revealed himself a villain, you got to see that he loved teaching, and he worked off Jim well and on some level did still care for him. Like, you can also see the alarm/horror in his expression when he saw that Jim was the new Trollhunter and that Jim his student was now his enemy.

And even afterwards, able to accept that Jim IS his enemy, for a trained assassin who can easily kill this kid who just started out and would get stronger as he performed more, he didn't go out of his way to kill Jim, he first wanted to try and just steal the Amulet without causing Jim's death. I could be wrong, but, as antagonistic as he got, I felt he did always care for Jim on some level and was reluctant to see him dead, especially the first half of s1.

Also he did come to really care for Barbara (though it didn't stop his villainy, I feel those smacks in s3 should've happened in s2 but I guess they didn't want to explore Barbara in the know which is a weak choice to me). But, with her, his love of teaching, and his soft spot for Jim, Strickler was always set up for a redemption and a future ally and mentor. And with this, I always felt that Strickler's end was going to be him and Barbara marrying and he'd be Jim's stepfather, which would've led to more of their fun dynamic, where they do care but also can't help but be a little antagonistic and that it would improve as the years went on. Death didn't feel like a fitting end for him.

Angor Rot though I did see as a potential redeemed character and still fated for death and finding peace through it. This is a troll that had his soul taken from him, got forced into servitude to a human mage commanding him to hunt down his own people who were fighting his enemies, and through the years became hollow, bitter, and ruthless. Also, mindful the show is kinda up in the air about troll life expectancy, but there could be in the realm of possibility that Angor is also much longer lived than he should be given that he is tie to that ring. He's a villain that got put into a situation outside of his control, and he's forced into a service he didn't want to be in. By set up, that leaves him open for a redemption, and the possibility that death could finally bring him some peace, give him true freedom. Which I'm sure was the idea for s3 but I also had different ideas of what s3 was going to go, and it was so weird seeing Angor think highly of Morgana like, didn't you hate her?

Did, did you get some amnesia with your revival? Or was there some brainwashing with your revival? What's going on there, buddy?

Anyway, when s2 ended, I predicted that we were going to see a Claire and Angor dynamic explored, cause for Trollhunters, the first 2 seasons was really good about giving us different dynamics that actually came out to be a lot of fun to watch. Like Jim and Strickler and their antagonistic rivalry + Strickler falling for Jim's mom. And we got Claire and NotEnrique that was a lot of fun. And then we got Steve and Eli and gosh those two were hilarious.

So at the end of s2, I was anticipating that Claire was going to be trapped in Morgana's service with the revived Angor Rot and that they were going to be forced to work together and do as Morgana wills, and it was going to be intense and fascinating as Claire, next to Jim, had the biggest clash with Angor; she even thought that Jim should have kept that ring and wore it and forced Angor to work for him. And then lo and behold, she's now in a forced servitude and is working with a hostile and bitter Angor and what starts out as hostility becomes them becoming reluctant frienemies cause they're enemies stuck together serving something more dangerous than them and holds all the strings and the enemy of my enemy is my friend and those scenarios are always so fun to watch. And once free of Morgana, because he hates her far more than he hates Jim and co, he helps in that fight, and would pass on more at peace in contrast to his first end.

So, that's what I would've expected and that's what would've been my ideals on the paths for redeemed characters. Not every redeemed character needs to live on happily cause sometimes, there is that peace in death and moving on. But not every redeemed character should die either. And this series just took it waaaay to far, to a point it feels more for angst and shock value than something fitting to the character and story. But I also felt that s3 of Trollhunters was the start of this series starting to go downhill and made weird choices that clashed with what was initially set up so I'm not too surprised.

[yourneighbourhoodtraumatisedkids]

Update about life because you people need it.

Insiya and Mary managed to get Jim back. He's currently lying down in his bed, awake, but he's injured all over his body and his ribs have been cracked for almost a week now- and he never told anyone until he disappeared, so definitely on bed rest. He also has a handprint on his face thanks to Siya slapping him.

Do you guys wanna know why he disappeared?

Because he was kidnapped by a certain goddess called Nimue.

Yeah. Nimue wanted to finally train her champion. We don't know what exactly Nimue did to Merlin but what Insiya could get out of him while tending to him was that she placed him in a sort of scrying bath and he witnessed many events occurring about the world.

Insiya was also about to leap at her relative and electrocute her when @bluheaven-adw decided to save the day and portal them all back to Arcadia before the girl could possibly kill the goddess. Thanks again, Blu.

Then again, Siya did explode a Fanta bottle and the microwave when we got to Arcadia. Blu couldn't heat her popcorn and watch as Insiya and Douxie shouted at each other while Mary went immediately to take a shower. It was actually kind of funny if it wasn't for the fact that now the Lake's microwave is broken and Insiya got Douxie sopping wet.

And as for Claire, someone- no names- healed quite a bit of her pain. She's sleeping, and Angor says she'll probably be around and moving, but soon enough Morgana is going to possess her and try to bait us in releasing her. Jim and Douxie both want words with her, and Claire is not excited about the fact that she's gonna be possessed soon enough.

I'm just here for the ride.

We'll update later, and see what will happen. Jim will talk to you guys tomorrow- he's absolutely exhausted and he needs rest.

*waves*

-Toby.

[raayllum]

hi jsyk watching your hype and excitement after the new short story is really funny (affectionate/positive)!!! ur excitement for s5 and love of the show is so clear

oh my gosh thank you this is so sweet!! it's the funniest thing because literally every time I want something specific as hell from this show, but lovingly put my clown makeup and assume I'm not going to get it, or that it's a fun prediction but doesn't have to pan out, but then

I either end up getting that exact thing or an even better variant of it??

Like pre-S1 I noticed Rayla's face markings looked like tears, so I hoped we'd see her cry at one point bc I thought it'd be a nice visual parallel? And then 1x09 gave it to me. Going into S2 I hoped for Callum to get over Claudia and for a Rayllum tag, and then [gestures] All That Happened. Even before S3 aired with the "written in the stars" skit I'd noticed the slight dark-lightness theme running through Rayllum's arc and thought it'd be a nice consistency, but I didn't think it'd be a Big Theme, even if as soon as the S4 intro came out I was like "yeah that 'south star' shit is coming back" and well... Gestures to the entire ass "stargazing" clip just between the two of them. The way post-S3 I assumed S4 would be about Callum flying too close to the sun magic wise, being terrified of Aaravos invading this mind, that Aaravos would get out in S5, and that S5 would deal more with Rayla's coin stuff? Ezran as the thematic Witness / Embodiment of Justice? Everything about Claudia's arc?? Chef's kiss

My first post-S3 theory back in 2019 was a "Rayla and Ezran disagree with Callum caught in the middle, leaving to a broyals conflict" wish, gave up on it when TTM hppened because it seemed like we were going in a different direction, campaigned for 2+ years for Callum to do something Fucked Up for Rayla, and like... now I'm going to get both things, presumably that I have desperately wanted/hoped for??

And then there's like, all the things I didn't even know I wanted that TDP just decided to give me anyway?? An Angor Rot villain variant in Kim'Dael? Motherfucking pirates? The game motif becoming a chess motif? Wanting a trio variant sitting around a campfire scene in S4 (that we haven't had since S1) and S4 gave me one and S5's already given me one and there might be More?

I've talked before about how healing TDP has been for me when my prior two fandoms source materials back to back were very disappointing and shoddily put together / majorly side lined their disabled characters / characters of colour (who were also my favourite characters) but like

You ever watch or something, and it feels like it was Made For You, in a way? Like tailor made for like, your interests or preferences or character archetypes, or whatever? That's always how TDP has felt for me in everything it's released and every time it's a beautiful, wonderful experience and a surprise. It would be hard not to be so excited and positive about it, and I cannot wait to continue to be catered to. They never miss!

[sorceress-coffee]

RoA Chapter 37 KanjigAAARRRGGHH!!! & Homecoming

Chapter 37, Phase 3 of River of Arcadia

Ao3 Link

Disclaimer: The Trollhunter universe and characters don't belong to me. River, Eri, Eemeli, Ms. Kamaria/Sylvina, Garridan, Ganieda, and the Eclipse Guard are my own characters (List is subject to change as the story progresses). The lore is a mix of old Arthurian legends, ToA cannon lore, and my own that I've developed

for RoA.

Toby ended up spending the night with Draal, NotEnrique and I. We all spent the night down in the living room, watching action movies and eating take out. Currently we were trying to figure out how to get Vendel’s staff.

“Why can’t you just teleport in n’ take it?” NotEnrique asked, wondering why this was so difficult.

Toby shook his head, “Remember when she snapped at Angor Rot? The Heartstone responds to her magic. If she teleports inside, the Heartstone is a dead giveaway that she’s close and using magic.”

I groaned, teeth ripping through my slice of pizza. “We could ask Claire to portal us in again.”

NotEnrique snorted, having caught the last bit of conversation earlier in the night. “You and Pudgeface don’t seem to be seeing eye ta’ eye, moonlight.”

Shrugging, I was trying to keep it from irritating me too much, “I just want to get Jim out of the Darklands, if she wants to be mad at how I do that, oh well.” Huffing, I stretched my hand out, playing with the dark flames.

“That doesn’t hurt?” Draal asked, eyeing the flames closely, just as confused by my magic as the others.

“Nope, if it hadn’t melted the iron, I’d almost say it was cold.” I looked over the flames closing my hand to extinguish them again.

“How are you still doing that when you’re tired?” Toby asked, knowing I had been exhausted after barely being able to teleport us out of the orientation room.

“Different magic,” NotEnrique smirked, fascinated by the flames. “Spells don’t take the same amount of mana.”

“So, just to compare,” Toby began, looking unsure if he wanted to ask, a mischievous glint telling me he got over it. “Let’s say we compared their mana pools, whose is bigger?”

“Moonlight’s” NotEnrique laughed, jabbing his thumb at me, “Only Wizards with more mana MIGHT be Merlin and the Witch.”

Tilting my head, I wondered where that would put Claire then. She was a new wizard but seemed to have the shadow staff down well enough. “Alright, so how would you scale them?”

NotEnrique thought for a moment, humming to himself. “Lake Shasta versus the Pacific Ocean.”

My eyes widened in shock, that was definitely not the scale I thought he’d go with. “That doesn't seem off to you?”

Toby let out a low whistle, having to search up the sizes on google to get an idea of how far apart NotEnrique thought Claire and I were. “That’s terrifying.”

“She’s a baby witch with a fancy staff. The only reason she can use it like she does is because she feels strongly. You were an actual baby that learned how to teleport all around Camelot. Your uncle’s very fond of baby stories.” NotEnrique laughed, shaking his head.

“Hey!” Uncle James came out of the kitchen, watching over the house while we were supposed to be sleeping or planning. “You have a little wizard running around and she just goes ‘poof’ one day. See if you don’t panic.”

“Do I want to know?” I asked.

Uncle James shuddered, “I thought your mother was going to tear my spine out. The day you learned how to teleport, I was on baby watch.”

I shifted uncomfortably, holding the locket where I kept my memory of mom’s final fight.

Draal nudged my knee with his own, before turning to the others. “Shouldn’t we get back on track? We need to get Vendel’s staff.”

NotEnrique stuck his tongue out at Draal, but otherwise conceded to getting back on topic.

“It’s not like Vendel would just hand it over if we asked nicely,” Toby pouted, “Even if River asked for it.”

Draal hummed, tilting his head in thought. “No, but we don’t need the real Vendel to hand it over.”

I looked at my mate confused. Where exactly was he going with this?

“The Janus Mask, someone other than River could go in disguised as Vendel and take the staff. That way no one knows it’s us, and the Heartstone doesn’t give you away.” He smiled at me, proud of his idea.

Grinning, I kissed his cheek, “That’ll work! Who’s going as Vendel?”

NotEnrique gagged at the display of affection, throwing popcorn at Toby, “Pudgebucket has the most experience with the mask, why not him?”

“First the shattered king, now Vendel?” Toby groaned, not actually saying no. “I guess if I have to.”

Nodding to the boys. We finalized our plans.

“We should still let Blinky and Claire know.” I spoke up, knowing the boys were being overprotective since last night.

“Are you sure, love?” Draal asked, nuzzling my temple.

Smiling, I nodded, calling Claire myself.

“River?” Claire’s groggy voice cut through the line. “My alarm hasn’t even gone off. What’s going on?”

Crap, I forgot how early it was. “Uh, sorry. I forgot you sleep. We came up with a plan to get Vendel’s staff. Thought I’d let you and Blinky know.” I explained quickly.

“Already?!” That seemed to wake her up, already sounding more alert. “What are we doing?”

“Tobes’ is going in with the Janus Mask, as Vendel. Hopefully he’ll be able to get it without trouble. If anything does happen, I’ll need you on hand with the shadow staff to get him out.”

“Why can’t you teleport him?” Claire asked, voice sounding clipped again.

Seriously? Not even time for school and she’s back to being mad? “Really? The giant Heartstone connected to my magic alerting her highness-lady and the tribunal to me? That didn’t cross your mind as an issue?”

Claire seemed to be taking my words in, or ignoring me. It was a 50/50 chance at this point. “I’ll be there, it’s the only way we’ll get Jim back.” Before I could respond, she hung up.

Irritated, I glared at the phone before dialing Blinky’s number, having a phone installed in the library for better access when we couldn’t be in Trollmarket.

“Blinkous speaking,” Blinky picked up right away, the sound of pages turning alerting me to him reading.

“It’s River,” was all I could get out.

“Lady River!” Blink yelped, whatever book he had been holding crashed into something, hopefully it was just the floor. “I would like to formally apologize.” I definitely wasn’t expecting that.

“Uh,” I glanced at the others, this was definitely two very different conversations. “Okay?”

“I realized after you left that the words I used were taken as an insult, and I meant in no way to insult you.” Blinky sighed. “It seems I’ve been doing that more as of late. I do sincerely apologize, Lady River.”

“Blink, I’m fine. You can stop apologizing.” I shook my head, thankful that he realized what he’s been doing and is trying. “I accept your apology, but we need to talk.”

“Of course!” Blinky agreed, waiting for me to elaborate.

“We have a plan, Toby’s going in disguised as Vendel to get the staff. If anything goes wrong, that doesn’t require him being shadow portaled out, I need you to step in. If Claire has to get him out, I need you to cover up that shadow portals are being used. We can’t let anyone know it’s us.”

Blinky hummed, “Of course, I will await Lady Claire’s arrival for the plan.”

“One more thing,” I grinned, remembering how Draal reacted to the question I was about to ask Blinky. “Would you please just call me River?”

“Ah, the title is unnerving?” Blinky laughed, it seems he may have had a similar conversation with Jim. “I will try, L- River.”

“I can live with that.” I grinned. Letting Blinky go, the rest of us got what little sleep we could before school.

Draal had chosen to stay behind, going to Trollmarket to visit the Forge, knowing the time Garridan said his fleshiness would end was approaching, figuring it would be safe to stay out of the sun.

Toby and I rode our bikes to school today. Eemeli had switched out with Eri, letting her rest in Blinky’s library while he kept an eye on Usurna.

“So, any ideas why Claire is acting off?” Toby asked when we dropped Draal off in the canal, heading off to school.

“Not really, she’s been off since we got Killahead back. I thought it was just nerves.” I shrugged, not knowing why Claire’s had an issue with me since. We locked our bikes up, waving to Claire, Mary, and Darci as they walked in together.

Claire barely waved as the other two waved quickly, continuing whatever conversation they were having.

That’s not good. Sighing, I headed straight for art after waving Toby off. Maybe he’d have better luck with her in their first period.

I sat down, uncovering the painting I started working on the day before. Tilting my head as I examined the little green fae-like creature, I turned to the second figure. Something in my gut was telling me to use blues.

Carefully I outlined a creature shadowed by a dark hood, a skull with large horns protruding from the sides adorned the top of their head while I gave them a staff with a large blue crystal at the top that almost looked like a blade.

Before long, I ended up in Trig, sitting in my normal spot next to Claire. Whatever the hell was going on with her left the entire class tense. It felt like one wrong move and everyone’s backs would snap, good thing lunch was next.

As soon as the bell rang, Claire packed her bag and headed for the cafeteria. Before she could make it, I grabbed her arm and teleported us to the roof.

“Are you ready to talk or are you going to be acting like this until Jim’s back?” I asked, done with today, and we haven’t even tried to get Vendel’s staff yet.

“Like what?” She snapped, pausing at her own outburst. “Oh.” She seemed to deflate.

“So, you want to talk, or keep snapping?” I huffed, sitting towards the back of the roof, making sure we were out of sight. Claire seemed to be torn. Whatever was going on seemed to be really messing with her. “Or we can sit in silence, or you can head back down. Your choice.”

Coming to a decision, Claire sat next to me. “I don’t get it.” She huffed.

That couldn’t possibly be the end of that thought. I waited, watching as Claire tried to gather the words she needed.

“You’ve done nothing but blow yourself up, and with a few words from NotEnrique, your magic is on an entirely different level!” She burst out, glossing over a lot of other shit I had to go through, not just a pep talk. “I could feel it when you were helping me open shadow portals! How the hell do you learn like that? Next thing we know, you’re using sleeping spells and shadow fire? Something that, according to Blinky, is impossible.”

“That’s the issue?” I asked, confused on why our differences were what was upsetting her. “Claire, I’ve been using magic longer than you’ve been alive. So, yeah, there’s going to be a lot of differences. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to do similar things later on.”

“I thought you just started using magic,” She huffed. Ah, time jumps really mess with your perception of age.

“Claire, I’m roughly in my late 30s, maybe early 40s. If I had to guess, I was maybe 6 or 7 years old when I actually started to use magic on purpose, maybe younger.” I explained, “I only look 19 because I began aging like a human when my magic was sealed.”

Claire seemed to ease with that, looking over to me. “You said you forgot I sleep?”

Groaning, I rubbed my temples, “Trust me, even I forget how far apart we are in age and magic.” I looked at her, crossing my legs. “I don’t need to sleep like Jim and Toby do. I’m more like a troll. With gaining magic from an outside source, I THINK,” I interrupted her before she could do the same to me, “you may or may not go through the same changes. I don’t even know if your aging will slow, or if you actually have magic in your blood and it took something to focus it on to awaken it.” I really wish we could speak freely with Vendel right now.

“What about the flames? How can you do something impossible?” She asked, having heard the rest of Blinky’s rant after I had run off last night. “Why don’t you do anything normal?”

I winced at the last question, “Normal for who? I had it pointedly drilled into my skull last night that I’m only half wizard. Whatever their formal teachings are, might not work for me. I started learning based solely on feelings, I still use spells but once I understand how they feel, I don’t have to use incantations.” I explained, trying my best to word it.

“What did you do while we were unconscious?” She finally asked. Well at least there was the root of last night's problem.

“I knew it was a trap the moment the female changeling looked over your shoulder at me. Strickler had the Janus Order hunt me down, did you honestly think they wouldn’t recognize me?” I asked, referring to her charade as Esmeralda. “I let them shackle me because we were surrounded. Once it was just her and Otto, and she threatened me, I knocked her out. Otto kept trying to gain the upper hand, but instead, he found out just how much Changelings supposedly loyal to Gunmar lied or withheld valuable information. He didn’t know why we needed the antidote.”

“And you just told him?” Her hands tightened, knuckles going white.

“I told him we need Arrrgh in order to open the bridge, and if he wanted any chance of getting Gunmar out, then he’d have to give us the antidote.” I shrugged, looking out over the mountains bordering the outskirts or Arcadia. “He couldn’t tell me what the Janus Order wanted, not until Morgana told him.”

“The creepy voice in the music,” She shuddered, not understanding the old tongue, but having caught the whispers.

I nodded, tensing at the memory myself. “The Janus Order sees Gunmar as a means to an end. They need him to free Morgana, why that is, I don’t know.”

“So you stalled him and got more information than we thought we needed?” Claire seemed to realize what I had been doing.

“Yes, and I hope so. I don’t understand it myself, but Morgana created Changelings,” I did not like having another part of my life tied to the malice filled version of the witch. “Which is why Otto now seems to think I’m betraying my people.”

Claire snorted at that, “Yeah, but you’re only half Changeling.” She teased, the tension that had been between us seeming to melt. “Do you think I’ll be able to do more than wave the shadow staff around?”

Nodding, I smiled. “Let’s put it this way, I thought the only thing I was good at was blowing up walls and myself. If you want my help, I’m here. We just have to figure out the best way for you to learn YOUR magic.”

Claire slumped slightly, “I’m sorry for being a butt.” Referring to her own fight with Toby before, “We’re a team, I should be acting like I’m part of it, not comparing abilities.”

Shrugging, I nudged her shoulder with mine. “It’s hard to do sometimes, we’re the only Wizards in Arcadia as far as I know, we just need to keep in mind that we learn from each other. I learned more about my teleporting from you than on my own, and it helped me connect to Jim in the Darklands.”

“Emotional anchors?” She asked, surprised she was the one who helped.

I nodded, clasping her shoulder. “I knew emotion powered magic, but using it to locate someone or something hadn’t crossed my mind. I viewed emotions similar to a battery.”

Claire nodded along with my explanation, seeing how my logic and her’s had differed. “We help each other grow.”

Flicking my hand out, I held the black flames. “Want to try?”

Claire’s eyes gleamed in wonder, reaching her hand over the flames carefully. “It’s cold?” Confusion etched over her face, fingers dancing through the flames.

“From what I can tell, it’s not shadow magic, not like the staff at least.” I turned our hands over, letting the flames rest in her palm. “Whatever upgrades the Triumbric stones gave Jim’s armor, it seems the magic tied itself to me. Think you can manipulate it?”

Eyes focused on the flames now held in her palm. Claire’s fingers began to twitch watching as the dark flames began to produce a purple glow instead of red. “Is that mine?” She asked excitedly.

“I think so,” I grinned, wincing as the warning bell rang. “Ready?” Offering her my hand to teleport us down.

Claire closed her fingers, extinguishing the flames in a similar manner I had the night before, resting her hand in mine. “Ready.”

I pulled us to a bathroom that was usually deserted, sighing in relief that the bell had seemed to have chased off any stragglers. “You going to be okay?”

Nodding, Claire sighed, “If you’re mad at me, I totally get why. I’ve been a real butt.”

I shrugged, ruffling her hair as we exited the bathroom, heading to our last few classes. “It’s a learning curve, we all have them.”

Grinning we parted ways, the day blurring by until we portaled into Blinky’s library after school.

Blinky jumped as we fell from the ceiling, holding his two right hands over his chest. “You’d think I’d get used to that.”

Chuckling, Draal came out of the back rooms, finally back in his troll form. “You three seem in high spirits.”

Grinning, I launched myself over Blinky, shifting into my troll form as I tackled Draal. “You’re not squishy!”

Toby pouted, seemingly disappointed that Draal was back to his normal self. “Does this mean we can’t scare Steve anymore?”

“We could always give him something to really be scared of,” Claire snickered, the idea of unleashing a Trollish Draal amusing to all of us.

“The whelp would crack,” Draal sneered, handing the Janus mask to Toby. “Ready for your next role?”

Toby groaned, putting the mask on and turning into a carbon copy of Vendel, “This sucks,” ‘Vendel’ groaned, waving his arms out, trying to get used to the new proportions.

Releasing my hold on Draal, I grinned turning to Toby, hands on my hips as I watched him adjust. “You remember the plan?”

‘Vendel’ huffed, dragging his hands down his face, “Yes! For the hundredth time. Go in, get the staff, walk out.”

“And?” I snickered, having added one rule after dealing with his slips as Jim.

“Talk the least amount possible.” Grumbling, ‘Vendel’ headed out of the library and directly towards the Heartstone.

Claire and I shadowed him using her portals, making sure the real Vendel couldn’t intercept him before grabbing the staff.

We watched as Toby-Vendel reached the center chamber of the Heartstone, two guards standing by, all he had to do was walk past them calmly, grab the staff, and walk back out.

“Ah, guard person,” Toby-Vendel stumbled slightly as he approached the guards. The trolls stationed there watched him in confusion. “Just returning to pick up a few things and such. Uh, carry on!” He waved them off, heading towards the staff leaning against a stone slab.

Claire sighed, shaking her head at Toby’s antics.

Whispering, I watched as the disaster unfolded, “This is why we have the no talking rule”

“Awesome sauce!” Toby-Vendel cheered, picking up the staff. “I mean, splendid and whatnot.”

The guards watched ‘Vendel’, confused by his behavior.

I pulled Claire back out of sight as the real Vendel came marching in, snarling that the guards had left their post. “What is the meaning of this? An imposter!”

Dumbfounded, the guards looked between both Vendels, utterly at a loss.

“Guards, seize him!” Vendel demanded.

I winced, getting ready to pull Toby out of there. If Vendel found out we were behind this, he might ban us from Trollmarket altogether.

“No, dudes, seize him!” Toby-Vendel argued, “If I’m not the real Vendel, how come I have the, uh, staff thingy?”

Did he honestly think that would work?

I watched in disbelief as the guards tackled the real Vendel, going so far as to pin him down. Toby quickly made his escape, running to where Claire and I were hiding. Before anyone could check, Claire opened a portal under us and we landed back in her bedroom.

Toby groaned, ripping the mask off. “I’m never doing that again!”

“What happened to not talking?” I asked, picking up the staff carefully.

“What? I panicked!” Toby pouted, kicking lightly at my foot closest to him. “When are we meeting Mr. Evil Man?”

“Tonight,” I huffed, sending Otto an email using the one Blinky had originally contacted him with, trying to pose as Strickler. “We’ll be meeting in the canal, south of Trollmarket.”

“I can’t believe those guards body-slammed Vendel,” Claire snickered, trying to lighten the mood. “How mad do you think he is?”

“Hopefully they still have a job, maybe not as guards though,” I sighed, magic thrumming between me and the staff. “That was a little too easy, but I’ll take it.”

We waited out the rest of the afternoon at Claire's place, Blinky calling only to let us know they’d meet us at the exchange spot and that Vendel appeared to be on a warpath.

As night fell, I teleported us to Draal, landing in the opened canal. I felt my skin crawl as we waited for the changelings.

“You alright?” Draal asked, nudging my shoulder as lights could be seen in the distance, slowly growing closer.

I nodded stiffly, eyes locked on the cars pulling up. “I’ll be better once we have the cure.”

“I dearly hope we are doing the right thing,” Blinky sighed, eyeing the Heartstone staff in my grip.

Toby’s face was set in firm determination, “Anything to get Arrrgh back.”

“Looks like the creep patrol is here.” Claire huffed as the cars came to a stop a mere twenty feet away.

“Ready to see how a hand off works?” Toby glared, stepping forward.

“Tobes, even with all your spy-flick knowledge, it might be safer if I handle this.” I spoke up, using the staff to keep him back as Otto got out of the middle car.

Otto walked to the midpoint between us and the cars, eyes never leaving the staff. “I have the antidote,” he pulled out an envelope.

I walked forward, all eyes on me. Reaching out at the same time, Otto’s right hand closed on the staff as mine clasped the envelope. Taking a deep breath, I let go of the staff, pulling the envelope back and reading through the paper.

“This is only the ingredients,” I snarled, my right eye glowing red as I glared at Otto.

“A little insurance, in case you tried your disappearing act again. Boil these in oil until it burns, and that will bring your friend back.” He groaned, fighting with the Goblins who kept locking the car door, finally getting the staff into his car. “Pleasure doing business with you.”

“If this doesn't work, you won’t be able to hide,” I snarled, fangs shifting out in warning.

Otto waved my threat off, “I’m under direct order to keep you happy, Sunshine. I’ve given you the antidote and the instructions. The rest is up to you.” As soon as Otto was in his car, all three left.

Claire sighed, the exchange still unnerving all of us. “We did the right thing. Right, guys?”

“Desperate times,” Blinky huffed, glaring at the taillights of the changelings’ cars, “desperate measures. Now we must concern ourselves with some shopping.”

“Won’t find this in a grocery store,” I sighed, handing the list to Blinky. “Any ideas?”

Blinky hummed, fully reading through the list. “Where might we find the tears of one untouched by love’s first kiss?”

We all turned to face Toby. He glanced around at us in disbelief, “What? I’ve been kissed. Many times!”

“Your nana doesn’t count.” Claire argued, causing Toby to deflate on the spot.

We quickly headed back to the Forge. Most of the ingredients were easy enough to get at RotGuts, Blinky and Toby going to procure the items as Claire and I readied the appropriately gothic cauldron.

“Didn’t think I’d be making potions anytime soon,” Claire grinned, excited that she was getting to help more on the magical side of our group. It seemed with everything going on, all she had really been seeking was a mentor.

“They’ll be important to learn, maybe start a grimoire of your own,” I smiled, copying the full antidote, ingredients and instructions, into a blank page of my mother’s grimoire. “Want to try lighting the logs?”

Nodding quickly, Claire sat in front of the cauldron, concentrating. After a few minutes, her brow furrowed in frustration. “I don’t think I understand the 'feeling translating into being' part of how you do YOUR magic.”

I flipped to an early page of the grimoire, sitting the book next to Claire, “Why don’t we try a spell then?”

Looking over the words, Claire hovered her hands over the logs, slowly reciting the spell. After a couple tries, purple flames sparked to life, slowly spreading to warm the cauldron. “I DID IT!” Claire jumped up, bulldozing me over in her excitement.

Laughing, I sat up, careful not to get too close to the flames. “Alright, looks like we can start with written spells and go from there.”

Draal brought Arrrgh’s remains into the Forge, carefully placing him so his face was directly over the cauldron. “Well done, it seems you’ve found your spark youngling.” He smirked, nodding to the purple flames.

“Hurry!” Toby’s voice broke through the Forge, carrying something that looked wet in his hands. “They’re slimy!” He gagged, dropping his items on a little table near Claire and me.

“I believe L-,” Blinky coughed, setting his items near us, “I mean, River, and Claire will have the best chance at brewing the antidote.”

“Already have the enchanted fire going,” I grinned clasping Claire’s shoulder, “Thanks to our newest Wizard in training.”

“Impressive,” Uncle James chimed in, studying the fire, “I’ve never seen someone with purple magic before.” He grinned seeing mom’s grimoire, “Glad you’re getting some use out of that thing. If you stumble on any pictures of your dad, I have all the embarrassing stories to go with them.”

Smiling, I nodded to Uncle James, “Maybe once Jim is home. First things first, swamp maggots.” I picked up the slimy black creatures, carefully adding them to the oil first.

“I hope this works,” Blinky sighed, eyes locked on Arrrgh’s stone face.

Draal sneered, crossing his arms over his chest, “If not, River’s going on a hunting spree. We can sic Eemeli on them as well.” He turned, heading with Uncle James to the Forge entrance, keeping guard as we worked.

Claire opened a milk carton, sniffing to make sure it was sour, gagging as she added the entire thing into the cauldron. “This is disgusting.”

I winced, throwing a live mouse in next, “Don’t think I’ll get used to live ingredients.”

We added various oils, liquids, a dash of pepper, and a gnome skeleton (hat must be included).

Toby groaned and punched himself in the face as he was technically the second to last last ingredient. Seeing as that didn’t work, Blinky stomped as hard as he could on Toby’s foot causing him to cry out in pain. He wiped the resulting tear and added it to the mixture.

Once everything else was in, I added a small condensed stone of my hearthstone magic and slowly stirred the concoction until steam began to rise. All of our attention was on Arrrgh as we each held our breath.

Teal mist exploded from the cauldron, cutting off our sight of Arrrgh.

“It’s working!” Claire yelped as we stepped back from the mist quickly.

Just as fast as it had appeared, the mist receded into the cauldron, and Arrrgh was still a stone statue.

Toby scoffed, going to the cauldron, “I don’t get it. What happened?”

“Nothing,” Claire sighed as they approached Arrrgh, “It didn’t work. The list was bogus!”

“We did everything right!” Toby cried, hugging Arrrgh, “The Trollhunters said we could save him.”

As the other’s turned away, I could feel a pull on my magic. Arrrgh's body began to glow pale blue, as if he was encased in daylight. “Toby!” I yelped, watching as Arrrgh began to move.

As the light dimmed out Arrrgh began to shake himself awake, slowly adjusting to movement again.

“Deya’s grace be upon us,” Blinky gasped out, all of us rushing to Arrrgh.

As Arrrgh opened his eyes, they were glowing a dark purple and he looked angry. He let out a roar, slamming his arm into the cauldron.

I pulled Toby away before Arrrgh could hit him.

Snarling, Draal ran to us, trying to calm Arrrgh only to get hit in the face with a flying cauldron.

Taking off, Arrrgh began to bulldoze over us, slamming into the weapons stand.

“He’s disoriented!” Blinky called out, “Quiet him before he alerts all of Trollmarket.”

Toby tore from grip, running up to the exit as Arrrgh took off after him. Turning around he held his arms up as Arrrgh went to strike. “Whoa, Arrrgh! Easy, easy!” He was trying to get through to him. “It’s me, your wingman!”

A final roar ripped from Arrrgh as his fist slammed into the door above Toby, the purple glow fading as he seemed to shake off the disorientation. “Wingman.”

Toby grinned, cheering as he jumped into Arrrgh’s arms, “He’s back! Oh, I knew he'd be back!”

Helping Draal to his feet, we followed the others over to Arrrgh, relieved that he was no longer tearing through the Forge.

“My friend!” Draal cheered, sharing a side hug with Arrrgh, Toby refusing to let go of the large Troll.

“You’re okay,” I grinned, hand resting over the amulet glowing on Arrrgh’s chest.

Blinky slowly walked up to Arrrgh, on the verge of tears. “I had all but assumed I would never see you again, old friend.” Toby finally moved so Arrrgh could properly hug Blinky.

“How did I?” Arrrgh tried to ask, looking at each of us, “Where’s Jim?” He asked, looking over the Forge for him.

Claire came to Arrrgh’s side, “He, uh, went to the Darklands so that no one else would get hurt.”

Arrrgh let out a whimper, before a determined look settled over his face. “Must get Jim!”

“Oh, yes!” Blinky cheered, “So you do know how to save him. The amulet proclaimed that you are the key to the hunter. So tell us, what must we do?”

Arrrgh looked confused, trying to think. “Umm,” his ears twitched as the Soothscryer activated itself calling Arrrgh by his full name, pulling our collective attention to it.

“I think we have our answer.” I sighed, clasping Arrrgh’s shoulder. “The Trollhunters need your help to save Jim. If you go into the void to speak with them, I’ll be by your side.”

Arrrgh seemed to relax, knowing whatever was about to happen, he wouldn’t be alone this time. We both approached the Soothscryer and Arrrgh settled his right hand into the blinding light.

We entered the void, Arrrgh fully himself, and me in my spirit form, the forge mixing blue and orange as it fed off of my magic.

“Uh?” Arrrgh asked, staying as close to me as he could without going through me. “Hello?” He called out, unsure what to do.

Kanjigar took form in front of us, addressing Arrrgh. “You are the first outsider since time began to see our sacred realm. Welcome, Aarghaumont, to the void between worlds.”

Arrrgh inched behind me at first, slowly registering who the troll was. “Kanjigar, why?”

Kanjigar sighed, nodding to me in greeting. “I know you have many questions.” Placing his hand on Arrrgh's shoulder, Arrrgh’s mana lines began to glow with the magic of the Amulet. “There is a reason you were chosen.” He seeped into Arrrgh’s body, voice still projecting around us. “There is a reason we need you.”

Arrrgh’s eyes began to glow pale blue, the possession of the previous Trollhunter seemed to be a success.

The world tilted and I fell back into my body as the void disappeared.

“Did you meet the spooky troll ghosts?” Toby was asking as I came to, still standing next to Arrrgh.

Claire and Toby gasped, jumping away from Arrrgh as he opened his eyes, revealing the pale blue light.

“He did convene with us.” Kanjigar answered, causing Toby to tumble back further. He stood up straight, Arrrgh’s full height towering well over all of us. “But I am not Aarghaumont.”

Blinky gasped, bowing quickly, “Kanjigar the Courageous.”

“Whaaaa?” Was all Toby could get out, mouth hanging open in shock.

“At ease, Blinkous.” Kanjigar grasped his shoulder, taking the overly dramatic ghost entrance far too seriously. “Yes, it is I.”

Draal slowly approached us, shock etched over his face. “It is you, father.”

Kanjigar smiled, pulling Draal close. “Well met.”

Draal rushed him, hugging Kanjigar tight.

Chucking, Kanjigar happily returned the hug. “My son.”

Once they parted, Blinky seemed to shake his shock off enough to ask questions again. “But how? What has happened to Arrrgh?”

Kanjigar placed his hand over his chest, “Your friend is here with me,” He began to explain, making sure to placate the fears of Arrrgh’s family. “Arrrgh walked the line between life and death, so he alone could become a vessel for me to aid you.”

Toby didn’t seem to be okay with this. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hey there, troll-tergeist! Give me my wingman back!”

“At ease, Tobias Domzalski.” Kanjigar approached the teens, “I will only stay until my work is done.”

“But excuse me,” Claire interrupted, raising her hand to speak, “Lord Sir Kanjig-Arrgh,” Wincing at her own fumbling, she glance at me before turning her focus back to Kanjigar, trying to get her question out, “What exactly are you here to do?”

“I thought you knew.” He looked back at me, “Only a Trollhunter can open the Killahead Bridge.”

“There they are!” Guards began to rush into the Forge, Vendel’s disgruntled voice giving them orders.

Draal and Kanjigar exchanged a glance before springing into action. Taking his boulder stance, Draal quickly took off after the farther trolls.

Kanjigar stood tall, “For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command!” The sword appeared, shocking the guards that had closed in on him as well as Vendel.

“Arrrgh? He asked, stern glare tearing towards me. “What dark powers have you meddled with?”

Draal easily took out the guards as the forge began to lift. Claire and Blinky made it off safely as Toby hung on for dear life, as the platforms began to shift, Kanjigar took off, grabbing Toby before he could fall into the gears. “We have little time.” He ordered, ushering us all to the back exit Draal cleared. “This will take us to Bone’s Alley.”

“But father,” Draal tried to question Kanjigar, only to be pulled along by the old troll.

“Come with me, son. We are together at last. River, think you can block them?” He asked quickly, gesturing to the guards slowly getting back on their feet.

Nodding I slammed my hands down onto the rocky ground of the forge, praying to Deya that this would work. Orange magic spread from my chest down my arms and into the earth, as I pulled my hands up harshly, the rock came with it, forming a barricade around the exit we took. “It worked!”

Draal grinned, grabbing me by the Heartstone belt of my armor and pulling me along with them. “Very effective!”

We snuck through the alleyway, watching as Kanjigar broke off to attack to guard trolls from above. Blinky fangirling over the move. “Kanjigar’s creeping spider! A signature move!”

Draal’s grin split his face as Toby and Claire were awed by his father. We rushed into Blinky’s library, Kanjigar grabbing seemingly random items as Chompsky chattered at him.

“Claire Nunez, I require a portal to Killahead Bridge. Quickly” Kanjigar grabbed a few more tomes, and Chompsky.

Claire quickly activated the shadow staff. Focusing on the bridge she opened a large portal.

Kanjigar threw the items he gathered into the portal. “Quick, everyone through!” A crossbow bolt hit the shadow staff sending it into the portal. “Fudge-knuckle!” Claire ground out, all of us turning to stare at the large orange troll holding a crossbow.

“Big mistake,” I snarled, shifting into my troll form, running straight for the troll, horns down, I pumped enough magic into my body in order to send the troll flying into a wall, knocking him out.

Kanjigar smirked, nodding at the quick dispatch of the troll. “We’ll take the gyre.”

Taking off at a full sprint, Draal grabbed Blinky as I picked up the teens, Uncle James shaking off his human form so he could run full speed.

Blinky yelped trying to get Kanjigar to pause. “Kanjigar, why don’t you simply talk with Vendel and the Tribunal?” He asked as Kanjigar got everyone else on the gyre. “Surely, one of Trollmarket’s greatest champions could persuade-”

“Talking requires time, Blinkous,” he cut Blinky off quickly, “something we do not have.” At that, Blinky rushed onto the gyre. “Things are dire.” He began adjusting the controls of the gyre. “If we do not act now, James Lake, Jr. will die.”

“What?!” I snarled, holding tight to the bench as the gyre shot off, faster than even Blinky took it.

“But Killahead’s in the woods. There’s no gyre station there!” Blinky tried to argue, unsure of how we were getting there.

“We don’t need one. River?” Kanjigar asked, looking back at me.

My eyes widened realizing what he was asking, choking at the thought of teleporting us and the gyre to Killahead at this speed.

Claire grabbed my hand, pulling my attention from Kanjigar to her. “It’s only impossible for those who don’t try!”

I nodded, pulling myself up to the front of the gyre. “HOLD ON!” Growling, I focused on encasing the gyre itself with my magic. An orange bubble of pure magic forming around us.

Uncle James grabbed onto Toby and Claire, trying to keep everyone in the gyre. “Keep your heads down!” He ordered the teens, feeling the magic shift around us.

I slammed my hands down on the gyre controls and in a flash of light we were falling out of the sky towards Killahead bridge. Slashing my hand to the left, I summoned a wind tunnel to push us away from the bridge enough that we didn’t crush it, using the same tunnel to slow our descent until we hit the ground with a thud, hardly doing any damage.

Groaning, we all carefully climbed out of the gyre, most of us falling to the ground in relief. “Eemeli better be glad he missed that,” I snarled, looking up as Chompsky was arguing with the bridge pieces.

Kanjigar quickly jumped out of the gyre, “Well done,” He grinned, helping me to my feet so we could focus on the bridge as the others’ grounded themselves.

Blinky freaking out about being fugitives, Draal shrugging it off as Uncle James checked on Toby and Claire, making sure they were still intact.

“Forget what they think. We must concentrate on what we do.” Kanjigar scolded, “We have all that we need.”

“How does this crazy crime spree help us save Jimbo?” Toby asked, trying to keep his stomach inside of his body.

“Friends, I have seen the impossible.” Kanjigar spoke, carefully gathering the items he brought. “A vision of you saving James Lake, Jr. but, to do so, you must follow the path I lay before you.”

Claire regained her shadow staff, grinning up at Kanjigar. “We’ve done the impossible before. We can handle it.”

“I have my war hammer!” Toby cheered, activating his weapon. “It’s hungry to smash.”

“No,” Kanjigar cut them off, shaking his head. “No weapons. In my plan, you will need nothing else but the knowledge and tools I will give you.” He held his hands out for the Shadow staff and war hammer.

“What possible chance do we stand if we are unarmed?” Blinky panicked, trying to reason that they needed weapons.

“Each of you will be charged with a task. You must follow them to the letter if there is any hope of survival. Claire Nunez, take this.” He held out a dark metal crank, “In the Darklands, it will aid you in a key moment.” Turning to Blinky he held out a dark rod with a purple crystal on top, “Blinkous, take this flare crystal. It’s blinding light will save your life.”

“My life?!” Blinky yelped, taking the item quickly. “Could I get some specificity on that statement?”

Kanjigar turned to Toby. “Tobias Domzalski. You must ensure that your team only brings back James Lake, Jr. No one else.”

I went stiff at that, Draal glancing at me quickly. We had promised to bring Nomura along as well. There was no way I was going to leave her trapped in the Darklands.

“James Lake Sr.,” Finally, Kanjigar turned to uncle James, “You will be in charge of protecting the younglings as they make their way through the Darklands.”

Uncle James kept close to Claire and Toby, adjusting the claymore on his back, and it seems Kanjigar wasn’t going to take his sword for this trip.

“Father,” Draal interrupted, seeing the gears in my mind going, “What is my task?”

Kanjigar sighed, grasping Draal’s shoulder, “I know you wish to go into battle, but I need you here. Of all of you, your responsibility is greatest. You keep watch so that Gunmar does not escape.” Kanjigar turned to look at me. “You must protect Merlin’s heir. If your friends do not come back, you must make a choice.”

Draal sighed, “I understand.”

Kanjigar pulled him forward slightly, pressing their brows together.

“Wait, we don’t even know our way around the Darklands!” Claire piped up, knowing this was happening now.

Kanjigar grinned, looking over to Chompsky. “But your gnome friend does. He will be your guide. Jim’s time is short. I sense Gunmar readying to destroy him.”

Toby began trying to convince Chompsky to help us, apparently upgrades for his doll girlfriend were the best bargaining chips.

“Merlin’s heir, River.” Kanjigar turned to me, pulling me away from the others. “I know of your oath to the Changeling, do you believe her worth saving?”

I nodded quickly, “I do.”

Kanjigar held his hand out to me, palm up, “Your weapon.”

Glaring, I rested my hand on Midnight, “Is this your way of trying to keep me here?”

Kanjigar shook his head, waiting. Slowly, I pulled Midnight from my belt, setting it in his hand. Carefully he pulled the amulet from his chest, the glow of Eclipse returning to it. Holding the amulet over Midnight, the red glow engulfed the blue veining of my lance, morphing the magic laced within. “If Gunmar should find you, it would do well to have a weapon that can injure him, should you tire from using magic.” He placed Midnight back in my hands, keeping his voice low while the others were dealing with Chompsky. “I cannot keep you from interfering, should you choose to enter in your spirit form, Gunmar’s blade will not harm you.”

My grip tightened on Midnight, looking up at Kanjigar confused, “You’re not going to stop me?”

Kanjigar shook his head, “Your word is the stone with which you etch honor, to keep it, you would tear the realm apart.” He held a hand up to stop me before I could interrupt him. “Draal must stay behind for you to enter the Darklands, if the threat of Gunmar is near, he will need to move your body.”

“You planned on me going in,” I realized, “but, you said we could only bring Jim back.”

Shaking his head, Kanjigar looked to the teens, “I said Tobias’ team could only bring Jim back, you won’t be with them, not initially. Your spirit will help those trapped to escape.”

Nodding, I walked with him to the middle of the bridge pieces. “Understood, ready?”

Kanjigar held the amulet out, summoning the pieces of the bridge to rebuild themselves. Once fully built, he climbed to the top of the bridge.

“What is the plan, Kanjigar?” Blinky asked, not liking that we were about to enter the Darklands with little to no instructions. “I have naught but a flare and more questions than answers.”

“I cannot reveal more,” Kanjigar sighed, trying to quell Blinky’s frustration, “for to know your future is to risk dooming it. Trust in yourselves and me, and all will be clear soon enough.”

“Don’t worry!” Toby grinned, “With super Trollhunter Kanjig-Arrrgh by our side, two for one, boom!” He punched the air, excited at the prospect of seeing Kanjigar in action. “We can’t lose!”

Kanjigar carefully held the rope meant for Arrrgh, getting ready to open the bridge. “I’m afraid I will not be joining you in the Darklands. After I open the bridge, I must use the last of my power here to keep it open.”

“Can’t River keep it open?” Claire asked, “She’s helped power the bridge before.”

“Merlin’s heir has a vital role to play, while her spirit is away, she will not be able to power the bridge.” Kanjigar nodded to me. “Besides, you will need Arrrgh, not I. He will make his own way.”

“Oh, dear,” Blinky sighed, “Is that another one of your riddles?” He asked, waving the crystal flare at Kanjigar.

Kanjigar held the amulet out, “One revolution of the amulet’s arm is all the time I can grant you before the bridge closes! Best of luck, Trollhunters!” He called out, acknowledging each of us as a Trollhunter. He slammed the amulet into its place on Killahead bridge, effectively opening the portal to the Darklands. Kanjigar’s spirit was pulled from Arrrgh’s body, allowing the large green Troll to join the others.

“Save Jim.” Arrrgh nodded, understanding what he must do.

“Remember what you must do, my son!” Kanjigar called to Draal, with a final nod from him, Kanjigar’s spirit smiled as he was absorbed into the amulet.

“This whole thing is nuts,” Claire gripped the crank she was given. “Are we really doing this?”

“If we don’t, Jim dies.” I huffed, sitting next to the gyre, keeping an activated Midnight on my lap. “I’m going straight for Jim, I’ll see you on the other side.”

“River,” Draal grabbed my shoulder quickly. “I will only move you if you are needed here.” There was a glint in his eye as he looked past me to the mechanical vehicle of doom behind me.

Grinning, I nodded, slowly closing my eyes, I let myself fall from my body, heading straight for Jim and Nomura.

As my spirit form floated above Jim I could see Chompsky handing him a rock.

“Oh, thank you.” Jim paused before tossing the rock our little gnome friend handed over. Glancing to his left, he let out a squawk falling back from the gnome. “Chompsky?!”

“He moves fast,” I grinned, floating down next to Jim.

Jim snapped his head to me, as Chompsky waved and took off to get the others. “River?! What’s going on?”

“We’re on the move, Chompsky’s getting the other’s,” Looking over to the second cell, I realized Nomura was missing. “Where is she?”

Jim shook his head, trying to reign in his shock, “They just took her to see Gunmar, won’t be long till-” Footsteps cut him off, then the sounds of Toby and Claire. “Up here!” Jim called out, excitement taking over.

“Jimbo?” Toby called out as Chompsky returned with our friends, Uncle James close behind in his troll form. “Oh, my gosh, Jimbo! You’re not dead!” Toby cheered, rushing to the orange crystal spikes keeping Jim locked up. Reaching through, Toby hugged Jim as best as he could.

“It’s you!” Jim cheered, hugging him tight, “It’s you, Tobes!”

After a moment, Toby pulled away so Claire could see Jim. I floated over to uncle James nudging him towards the cell. Cutting off Claire and Toby’s recount of how we got here. “Guys, we need to hurry, we can tell Jim everything once we’re topside.”

Jim nodded, “Right, Tobes, hurry up and use your war hammer to bust me out of here.”

I face palmed, “That’s gonna be an issue,” Jim looked at me and uncle James confused, not recognizing his father in troll form. “No war hammer, no shadow staff, will your claymore work?” I asked, turning to my uncle.

Nodding, he unsheathed his claymore from his back, once Jim took a few steps back, he slashed down against the crystal spikes with all his strength, only they stopped his sword dead in its tracks. “Son, it doesn't look like conventional weapons will work.”

Jim’s mouth dropped open, hearing his father’s voice coming from the troll, “Dad?! You’re here?”

“Like hell I was leaving you in Darklands, Garry sent word about you ‘jumping ship’ on your own.” He scolded lightly, sheathing his sword.

“Wait a minute!” Claire grinned, pulling the crank Kanjigar gave her from Toby’s backpack. “Kanjigar said I need this thing for a key moment. This is a key!” Rushing to a circle opening next to Jim's cell, she inserted the key, unfortunately it seems she didn’t have the strength to turn it as Chompsky came chattering back.

“Guards,” Uncle James snarled, turning to face the path they were coming from.

“Hide!” Jim instructed. “Now!”

I pushed Uncle James to follow Claire and Toby, we accidentally ended up in another cell as the guards came to get Jim. “Keep him quiet,” I instructed Claire and Uncle James, Toby’s nervous murmuring a dead give away to our presence.

“Your time has come at last, flesh bag.” A troll that looked oddly similar to Blinky spoke. He was leading a group of Gumm-Gumm guards to Jim’s cell. They quickly dragged Jim out, heading out of the cells.

Turning back to the trapped group, I looked over each of them as panic set in over their faces. “Chompsky, get the key, I don’t think it was for Jim’s cell. Uncle James,” The gnome saluted, heading out to the key once the guards cleared out. “Uncle James, I’ll follow Jim.” Grabbing his hand, I placed my left hand over his, concentrating on condensing my mana into a stone. “Use this to find us. Your priority is Jim.”

“What about you?” Claire asked, wondering what Kanjigar saw as my role.

“I’m here as a diversion, and for someone else.” I nodded, knowing it was better to be up front at this point.

Toby groaned, “You’re talking about the evil scary lady, aren’t you?” He asked, referring to Nomura.

“She’s been keeping Gunmar’s attention off of Jim while he’s been here, I promised her a way out,” Floating out of the cell as Chompsky returned with the key, I followed after the guards quickly, staying well above their heads and out of sight.

A soldier stopped the Blinky look alike, whispering to him.

“Take the hunter to the Crucible. I will be there shortly.” He ordered, heading off down another path.

The guards continued on their way. Once they reached a large opening, they threw Jim forward.

I flashed to the other side of the room, keeping as far above the trolls as possible, not wanting them to see me yet.

“If beasts won’t break you,” a menacing voice filled the room, “perhaps your friend will.”

Gunmar. I glanced around the pillar I had hid behind, only to see that it was actually a section of Gunmar’s throne.

“Know thyself, and know thy enemy.” Gunmar sneered as a large set of doors opened.

Nomura walked out, ears falling flat as she saw her next opponent was Jim.

“Not you,” Jim winced, “no.”

“A battle to the death!” Gunmar ordered the soldiers near cheering for what was to be a horrific fight.

Jim summoned the Eclipse blade, taking a defensive stance as he watched Nomura.

How the hell was I supposed to get them both out of here?

“A battle to break your will!” Gunmar sneered, glaring over the changeling and Trollhunter. “If the impure cannot break your armor, her death surely will. You shall be mine.”

I watched from behind as Nomura pulled her twin blades from her back, snarling at Jim.

He glanced up to where I was floating, trading his blade in for the shield, whispering to Nomura.

“You don’t,” Nomura snarled, readying her blades, “I do. Sorry, I really was getting to like you.” She charged forward blades ready to slice through Jim.

He quickly brought up his shield, trying to hold off her attacks. Trying to reason with her.

She planted a kick directly into his shield, knocking him further from Gunmar’s throne.

“Home is gone!” Nomura screeched, whatever Jim had said was getting under her skin. She doubled her efforts, putting all her strength in each slash, forcing Jim to switch from the shield to his sword.

She tossed Jim across the arena, the glow where his amulet should reside slowly began fluctuating.

“His will, it’s weakening!” Gunmar's voice broke through my thoughts. “You’re holding back.” He jeered, trying to get a rise out of Jim. “Kill the changeling! This will not end until you take her life.”

Jim used his sword to pull Nomura’s blades from her grip, throwing them out of reach. Once she was unarmed he took off running, trying to prolong their lives. Giving chase, Nomura easily caught up to Jim, throwing him into the face of a giant statue.

Once the rubble cleared, I could see him using the shield as a board, sliding down the arena walls as Nomura retrieved her blades. Sliding under her before she could react, Jim used her hair to pull her back, the Eclipse blade resting against her neck.

“Will you listen to me? There’s a way out.” He tried to explain as she struggled against the blade. “Claire and Toby, the others, they’re here to save us.”

“You cry for your friends, but there is no rescue.” She sneered.

This wasn’t looking good, if the others didn’t make it soon, we’d be down a changeling and a Trollhunter. Looks like it was time for that diversion.

I flashed down onto the arena floor, the presence of my magic strengthening Jim’s armor as I turned my back to them, choosing to face Gunmar.

“Little Isolde?” Nomura was the first to recover from my entrance.

Extending my hand, a rush of Eclipse flames burst to life around us, keeping a division between us and the Gumm-Gumms for now. “I told you I was getting you out. I meant it.” I snarled, eye focused on Gunmar.

“What is this?!” Gunmar roared, standing from his throne. “Who are you, witch?”

“No one dies today.” Jim whispered to Nomura, “We’re all going home.”

I grinned viciously, as Gunmar watched my magic breathe power into Jim’s armor. “I’m River, daughter of General Garridan and Lady Ganieda.” Gunmar’s eye widened, realizing exactly who broke into their fight. “I am Merlin’s heir!” A pale blue glow overtook my injured left eye as I poured daylight into my fist. Pulling it back, I slammed it directly into the ground, forcing the magic out through fissures and cracks, burning the soldiers trying to close in on us.

Toby and Claire’s screams came from behind as they tumbled out of a chute, landing in the arena with us. Uncle James was able to slide out onto his feet, pulling his claymore from his back as he spied Gunmar.

“You’re not crazy,” Nomura scoffed, seeing the humans and changeling.

Claire recovered first, “Jim!”

“Not just Jim!” Toby yelped, scrambling to his feet.

“Humans? Here? An Eclipse guard?” Gunmar snarled, “The bridge is open! Catch them!” He ordered.

More mindless guards began to walk directly into the Eclipse flames, more from behind using the dead to climb over them.

“This way,” Nomura hissed, pulling Jim back and leading the others. “Keep them back!”

Nodding, I rested my hands on the dark stone, using the same method I had in the Forge, I pulled the stone up to create another barrier, hoping to give them a little more time.

I quickly followed after them, feeling Jim’s armor pull me along. Seeing that they were stopped at a gate.

“And lead him to the bridge?” Toby asked, “We’re not that crazy!”

Spotting me, Nomura grinned, nodding towards the ceiling and throwing one of her blades. I caught it quickly, having to concentrate on holding something solid in this form. Her second blade flew by and hit the locking mechanism for a Stalkling cage, turning to the other side of the arena, I spotted a second cage.

I threw the blade as hard as I could and hit the mechanism, both Stalklings flew down into the crowd of soldiers, and began to tear their forces apart.

“There’s a keyhole!” Toby cried out, pulling Claire to the lock.

“It’s a crank!” Claire grinned, pulling out the item Kanjigar gave her.

As she tried to open the gate, Gunmar stepped into the fight, easily dealing with the Stalklings.

Uncle James rushed over, helping her use the key. “Time to go!”

The others ran out as I floated along with them, holding onto Jim’s shoulder.

“Kanjigar said you were supposed to be alone,” Toby yelped as we ran, trying to put distance between us and the Gumm-Gumm king.

“I’m here for Nomura, you’re here for Jim,” I snarled, letting go of Jim’s shoulder and channeling magic into the path behind us. “Keep going!” I pulled as hard as I could, the rocky path closing in on itself, sealing off the way we came. “That won’t hold them forever.”

We slid down into another tunnel, clearing through chains hanging from the ceiling. Nomura stopped abruptly, the chasm from here to the next path too wide for anyone to jump.

“We can look for another way around,” Jim tried to turn back.

Nomura grabbed his shoulder, “No time.” Jumping up onto one of the spikes, she used her blade to hold her as she reached for one of the chains, slicing through it, she brought it back for the others. “Youth before beauty.” She grinned, handing the chain to Jim.

Jim pulled it back to Claire, helping her hold on. “You ready?”

As she gave her nod, they took off running. They were able to touch down on the other side, stumbling back as they hit the ground. Once secured, Jim passed the chain back over.

Nomura secured the chain around Toby. “Thank you, Ms. Nomura,” Toby yelped, terrified that she was helping him.

“I never liked you.” She spoke bluntly and pushed him over the chasm.

Toby screamed, until Jim and Claire caught him. Once they let him down, they sent the chain back, Uncle James easily grabbed it, swinging across and landing with a heavy thud. “Everyone in one piece still?”

“Barely,” Toby whined, inching further from the ledge.

“Little one,” Nomura turned to me, holding the chain. “You kept your word.”

Smiling, I nodded, “Kanjigar gave them orders to get Jim. I’m here to make sure you make it out alive.”

Nodding, she glanced past me to the horde of soldiers heading for us. “Time to go!” Swinging across, she sliced through the chain so that the soldier couldn’t use it, roughly landing by the teens.

“Thanks, Ms. Nomura,” Toby yelped, glad she was on our side as the soldiers piled up on the path behind us.

Nomura shoved his head down, “I still don’t like you.”

I floated over snickering as Toby righted himself. “Come on, we don’t have much time left!”

The teens continued to run as I felt myself shift. “Time to go,” I grunted, nodding to Jim. “I’ll see you soon!” My eyes snapped open to Draal shaking my shoulder. “What’s the plan?”

Grinning Draal helped me to my feet. “They’re almost out of time, we need a fast way to get everyone out.” He looked pointedly over my head. “Think you can start it up?”

“Are you sure about this?” I asked, alluding to the instructions Kanjigar left him.

His grin turned to a soft smile, resting his brow against mine. “This is my choice.”

Turning to face the gyre, a grin split my face. “Then let’s find out.”

Draal pulled the gyre upright so we could access the console. I hopped up onto the platform, looking over the machine controls. Placing my hands on the console, I began to pour magic directly into the gyre.

Orange sparks of electricity started to run from the console over the rings. The inner rings slowly began to rotate. At the sight, I channeled more mana into the machine, the rings quickly speeding up and the outer rings slowly joining them until we were moving towards the bridge.

Draal clipped Midnight to my belt, holding his axe tight as we entered into the Darklands. “Let’s find our friends!”

Nodding, I focused on Jim and our bond. I felt a ripple in my magic, “There!” I grinned, starting to understand why Blinky drove the way he did as I forced my magic into the gyre, trying to get it to run as fast as possible.

We found them, blocked by a horde of Gumm-Gumm soldiers, “INCOMING!” Draal howled, laughing as we flattened them. Coming to a quick stop in front of our friends.

“What are you doing here?” Blinky barked, shocked to see Draal and I.

“My father said I had a choice, but I had to protect Merlin’s heir.” Draal grinned. “This is my choice. Get in!”

“River!” Jim yelled, “Nomura needs help!”

My eyes widened as I realized she wasn’t with the group. “Draal, get going, we’ll catch up!”

Nodding to me, he took over the controls. “You heard the lady! Gyre, now!”

I ran past the group and jumped off the ledge seeing Nomura was injured and fighting on her own. “My turn!” Snarling, I pulled Midnight from my belt, activating it and my armor, I sliced through a soldier about to cleave Nomura.

“What are you doing here?!” She hissed, shocked at seeing me in the flesh this time.

Grinning, I slashed out with Midnight, sending a wave of Eclipse flames towards the soldiers. “I told you, you’re coming home, even if I have to pull you out myself!” Turning quickly, I grabbed her and teleported to Draal, barely landing on the gyre as we shot out of the bridge and back into the forest of Arcadia Oaks.

The gyre came to a rough stop as it lodged into the boulders near the bridge. Jim crawled out of the vehicle, flopping onto the grass, taking in the forest.

Uncle James joined him, returning to his human form. “You can kill me later, for now,” held Jim’s hand tight, relieved that he was safe again. “I’m just glad you’re alive.” Oddly enough, Jim allowed it, taking his father’s return in stride after everything we faced today.

Nomura looked up from where we crashed into the gyre, taking in the forest around us. Draal helped her and I out of the gyre, getting Nomura to a smaller boulder so she could rest while I tended to her injured leg.

Wrapping the ankle carefully, I nodded up to her. “Good news is, you should be okay to walk on it. Bad news, you’ll have to take it easy, I couldn’t fully heal it.”

Letting out a tired laugh, Nomura shook her head, “You’ve grown little Isolde.”

Blinky and Toby were the last in the gyre, holding each other tight, shaking like leaves. “I know one thing for certain.” Blinky's voice called out, shaking as much as he was. “I hope to never see the likes of that Bridge ever again.”

Arrrgh slowly walked to the Bridge, punching through what remained of it.

“Awesome sauce!” Toby cheered, Arrrgh pulling him out of his shock, running to the large green troll.

Jim got up and followed after Toby, running directly into Arrrgh’s chest, hugging him tight.

Claire and Blinky joined them, celebrating that Jim was home and Arrrgh was alive.

“It’s so, so good to see you guys!” Jim turned to Nomura, grinning. “You want in?”

Smiling, she shook her head, “That’s not my thing. Thank you, little Gynt.” She patted a clawed hand over my head. “I have to hand it to you, you were right.”

“About what?” Jim asked, tilting his head slightly.

“Hope,” She smiled, “Friends.”

Blinky retrieved the amulet from the remains of Killahead Bridge, presenting it to Jim. “I believe this belongs to you, Master Jim.”

Once returned, the amulet began to glow, attaching itself to the armor. Once reunited, the eclipse armor morphed back into daylight. “Feels good to have this back.” Carefully, Jim climbed up the nearby boulder and took in the forest around us, eyes having to adjust to the light of the sunset again.

Claire met him, hugging him tight. “I missed you.”

After everything Jim went through in the Darklands, it seems girls were no longer as terrifying as they seemed, and he finally had the courage to kiss her.

Arrrgh chuckled, covering Toby’s and his own eyes, peeking through his fingers.

Uncle James sighed, shaking his head with a smile. “About time from what I've heard.”

Nomura gagged, nose wrinkling at the sight, “Disgusting custom.”

I burst out laughing as Draal decided to smoosh his face against my cheek.

“Let’s get rid of this Bridge once and for all.” Blinky cut through.

“Ha!” Toby laughed, “Just wait until Trollmarket gets a load of Jim and Arrrgh!” He let out a gasp, face falling immediately. “Oh, no! The Tribunal! They’re gonna go crazy town banana pants when they find out what we’ve been up to!”

I groaned, realizing I now had to be a part of that, “I swear, I’m going to bash her highness-lady’s face in.”

Blinky chuckled, throwing a piece of the bridge, “Frankly, who cares? We have our Trollhunter back.”

“For now, I say we stick to our houses,” I rubbed my temples, getting us back on track. “First order of business is a shower.” I snickered at Jim.

“Nope,” He grinned, jumping down from the boulder. “This is first,” he hugged me tight, arms shaking from how exhausted he was. “Thank you.”

Smiling softly, I hugged him close, my hand holding the back of his head. “You ever pull a stunt like that again, and I’ll tear you to pieces myself, got it?” I asked, trying to hide the tears, relieved that I was able to do more than speak with him in my spirit form.

“Noted,” He chuckled, slowly releasing me from the hug, tears sliding down his face as well.

“Come on Jimbo, you can get cleaned up at my house, don’t want Dr. L smelling you," Toby snickered.”

Jim laughed, nodding to Tobes before turning to his dad. “Are you staying?”

Uncle James smiled, “For now, I’ll have to return to the Eclipse Guard, but we will have time to talk. You need to see your mother.”

We all made our way back to Toby’s house, sticking to the shadows so we could stay together.

I helped Nomura walk, keeping her steady as we snuck in through the back door. “After Jim gets to see mom, you can rest in my room.”

“Thank you,” She acknowledged as I helped her sit on the sofa. All of us were glad Nana was out for Bingo night and we didn’t have to hide.

Jim ran upstairs to shower, Blinky deciding to stay with Arrrgh and Toby for the night.

Claire sat next to me, leaning her head on my shoulder. “He’s home.”

Nodding, I held my hand out to her. “He is.”

She placed her hand in mine and we all fell into a comfortable silence, exhausted and happy that we were able to save Arrrgh, and bring Jim home.

We let Jim head over on his own once he was cleaned up. He needed this time with mom, and we were happy to watch from Nana’s blinds as he finally stepped into his home for the first time in weeks.

“Do you think he will be alright?” Draal asked, watching as Jim fell into aunt Barbara’s hug.

Uncle James nodded, “He’ll need some time to recover. During that time, we should prepare for the Tribunal.”

[sseroxy]

Bro yeah Jim and Claire have been through hell what with being possessed/controlled by a great evil and hurting the ones they loved or just having to hold a great power on their shoulders

But Toby honestly has it so much worse (I'm not comparing but I am wanting them to bring this up in the movie)

Toby has been Jims right hand since they were kids and has been tossed aside when Claire came to the team

Which he even expressed how he felt miserable bc of it

But not only that he also has to WATCH everyone around him hurt while not being able to help

He literally witnessed Claire try to sacrifice herself to get everyone away from the army

He watched Jim lose his humanity to defeat Gunmar

He watched Arrggghh die in front of him after holding his secret for so long

He watched Draal die

He watched Beast Jim and Claire fight to the death

He watched Jim break because of the street

He watched Claire become possessed by the Eldritch Queen herself

This dude has seen his friends die, and be hurt

He watched his whole world burning at his feet and was barely able to do anything bc he didn't have some major power like his friends. Yeah he destroyed the Shadow Staff, beating Morgona, and broke Angor, but thats really all he was able to do big term

This poor kid has seen hell in 3 different series and i hope he is able to get the attention and kick a** like he deserves

He deserves to be a hero

[anything-goes-my-friends]

A New Beginning

The ending of ROTT broke me and I was left very disappointed in the ending of the show. I loved the movie, but the last 10 minutes didn’t sit well with me. I needed a fix-it fic with the ending I think the series deserves, so don’t be mad at me if you don’t like it. This is just what I think it needs, obviously not what everyone else thinks it needs.

In this fic Jim goes back to the day he got the amulet, but instead of giving it to Toby he takes it himself, and relives his journey with the knowledge and experience to save everyone he lost.

A New Beginning When he said goodbye to Blinky, Claire, and the others, Jim knew the journey ahead would be the most difficult thing he’d ever have to do. He needed to find a good time to jump back to, but whenever he settled on a date he thought of someone else he could save, and the date was pushed forward.

So he settled on the day it all began.

When his alarm buzzed, there were no words to explain the emotions swirling through him. With the deaths he witnessed still raw, and the destruction fresh in his mind, being in his old room seemed foreign. He remembered one of the last times he was there, recently half troll and struggling to adapt. But now, none of that had happened, but it had to him. He thought of everything ahead and smiled. But first, Toby.

He hastily prepared the meals for himself, his mom, and Toby, but nothing as fancy as the meatloaf he made the first time around. His head was buzzing and he struggled to focus on the simple task of making the sandwiches. But soon enough it was time.

The garage door opened and he gripped the handlebars of his bike until his knuckles turned white. This would prove that everything he did was worth it. Just to see Toby’s smile once more. The innocence in his eyes. He would never take it for granted again.

And there he was, his best friend. Jim let out a sound that was a mixture of a laugh and a sob and rammed into his friend to engulf him in a hug. It was worth it. All the pain he’ll endure again, and the burdens he has to bear were worth it for this moment.

“Come on Tobes, let’s take the canals today, I have a good feeling about it.” Jim took off on his bike, Toby hollering nonsense to pass the time and it was music to Jim’s ears. 

And when they reached the bottom of the canal, and he heard the amulet speaking his name in Kanjigar’s voice, Jim smiled.

“Hello again, old friend.” He whispered as he ran his finger over the familiar metal of the amulet.

<><>Time Skip to the end of ROTT with the new ending Jim created<><>

Jim read the text on his phone from Claire, asking him when he was on his way to Trollmarket. He hastily typed out ‘be there in 10’ before shoving the phone back in his pocket. He could feel the amulet buzzing in his bag, and grinned to himself. He knew what today was, he had it marked on his calendar for years. Today was the day the Titans were defeated in the old timeline. The day Toby died, and Strickler, and Nomura, and countless others. He thought of how different things had become as he rummaged in his bag for his horngazel. The door opened easily under the bridge and he started to descend the stairs.

“There you are, Trollhunter, cutting it close aren’t we?” Claire teased as she met him at the bottom of the stairs. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and she threaded her fingers through his. They began to walk through Trollmarket, all the familiar buzz that had been lost the first time. Jim had learned from his mistakes, but also knew there were some events that had to happen. Losing Trollmarket was not one he could bring himself to do. His gaze shifted to Claire, who’s white streak in her hair, the ponytail, and purple armor was the same as the day the titans attacked. But she was smiling, and there was still a light in her eyes.

“Romeo and Juliet? I would love to try out...Your brother was taken by goblins into the Darklands, I’m sorry, but I’ll get him back I promise. For now, try to get to know NotEnrique, he might surprise you...Everything we’ve done, we’ve done together, I love you Claire, and I always will.”

He had dreaded letting Enrique get taken into the Darklands, but Claire had once remarked that she was glad NotEnrique came into her life, and thought of him as a brother. He didn’t want her to lose that relationship. And saving Enrique pushed Claire to become the sorceress and warrior she was destined to be, bringing the two of them closer together in the process.

The two of them waved to Barbara and Strickler, as Barbara showed off her new ring to a group of changelings. Strickler gave Jim a nod, and he returned it with a smile.

“Strickler, I would like you to meet my mom...The Janus Order has fallen, you’ll be safe in Trollmarket...Yes, I would be honored to be your best man.”

The fall of Gunmar had been a shock to troll kind. Jim had arrived in Trollmarket knowing where the Janus Order had hid the bridge, and used that knowledge to secure it early on. Toby, Claire, and Jim had trained for months as Trollhunters, answering calls and building strength to enter the Darklands. Jim had made the mistake of going alone once, and didn’t want to do that again. So when they were ready, they entered together. Blinky and Aaarrrgghh had rescued Gunmar’s prisoners, even though they got distracted by Blinky’s brother. Claire and Toby had gone off with NotEnrique to free all of the babies, while Draal and Jim faced Gunmar. And at the end of the day, and with a battle that lived in infamy, they emerged victorious.

Gunmar, eager to avenge his son that Jim had slain, and his ego clouding his judgement, had agreed to a fight to the death with Jim. A fight that Jim won. The Trollhunters exited the Darklands with refugees and freed Gum Gums, and babies that were taken care of by Barbara and Strickler until they could find loving homes for them all. And with the fall of Gunmar, the troll world was left without direction. The Janus Order struggled to adapt now that they couldn’t take form as human, but Jim made sure they were welcomed into Trollmarket with open arms. Gunmar’s spies and allies were hunted down by the Trollhunters if they made a mess of things, and after months of struggling, peace was nearing. When Strickler was brought into Trollmarket, he drifted closer to the Lakes, and when he got down on one knee, Barbara didn’t even hesitate to say yes. He had even given Jim the ring to Angor Rot’s soul, and Jim was able to return it to its rightful owner, and set the Trollhunter Hunter free. And Claire, reunited with the real Enrique, gained a brother in NotEnrique, and her family became a little bit bigger. 

Jim never slept better after the Darklands. He was proud of his decision to go in together once they were ready, as was the original plan the first time around. Jim knew the importance of seeking help from friends, and he was able to live without that particular trauma twice.

Gunmar was defeated, Trollmarket wasn’t lost, Angor Rot became an ally, and his friends were alive and happy. Jim smiled as he and Claire walked past the forge, where Draal and Nomura were sparing, swapping insults that bordered on flirting, although both would deny it. Jim was most proud of saving Draal, although he would never tell anyone that. After defeating him in battle in the forge and gaining the respect of Trollmarket, Draal moved into his basement and the two of them renewed the bond that had been ripped away by Gunmar. Draal never lost his arm, was never under the control of Gunmar, and never died saving Jim’s life. He fought beside Jim as equals throughout his battles, and remained one of his closest allies and friends.

Vendel entered the forge to yell something at Nomura and Draal, but it wasn’t long before the three of them erupted in laughter. Vendel looked around and noticed Jim smiling at them, and gave a curt nod with his staff to signal a hello and his continued respect. 

“Vendell, Queen Usurna is working for Gunmar, she wants to take over Trollmarket and steal the Hearthstone.”

When it had come the time of the Eternal Night, there was no Morgana to rage war, and no Gunmar to destroy Arcadia. Jim stayed human, and stayed in Arcadia where he belonged. Blinky shortly became Vendel’s right hand, and the two of them set out on a mission to organize trollkind in the wake of Gunmar’s defeat. Dictatious had wanted to go along with his brother, but knew he was needed in Trollmarket to help the Changelings and Gum Gums adjust to a life post-war. He was joined by Aaarrrgghh in his endevor, who was happy to help others the way Blinky helped him. 

After the day the Eternal Night was supposed to be, Jim found himself wandering into the cafe Douxie worked at.

“Douxie, we need to find Merlin.”

Teaming up with Archie and Claire, the four of them set off to the tomb, where Merlin was resurrected and the next steps were taken. While they prepared for the war with the Arcane Order, Toby had stayed back in Arcadia as it’s one Trollhunter. He had formed bonds with Aja and Krel, and protected Arcadia from the threats better than Jim would’ve. He came into his own as WarHammer, and had accepted the role he chose himself.

“Claire, let’s free Morgana. She isn’t a bad woman, and she can help us in the days to come.”

With Douxie and Merlin at her side, Claire had freed Morgana and managed to settle her down enough to talk. And with her help the plan was made. The Wizards and Trollhunters traveled in time to determine the identity of the Green Knight, where Douxie was named a Master Wizard and the Trollhunter amulet was made. Deya was named the first Trollhunter, and the past was secured. And when they returned, it was Morgana that saved them from the Green Knight. She gave Arthur the rest he deserved, and when the battle was over, she left with Merlin to grieve and find themselves in the new world. Nari had stayed behind with Douxie, who had accepted his role as protector.

“There’s Douxie!” Claire briefly let go of Jim’s hand to wave, and Douxie beamed and returned it. Archie was sitting on his shoulder while Nari padded along after the two of them. Archie was mentioning something about going to visit his dad, and Douxie agreed to go along for moral support. Nari looked at Jim with a knowing look in her eyes, the way she always looked at him. He could never tell if she knew what he did, and all that he had changed, but he decided he didn’t care. She was alive, and Douxie had succeeded in protecting her, and that was all that mattered.

“We need to find the seals Nari...Do you know where the rest of the Arcane Order might have gone?...It’s over now, you’re safe.”

The Genesis Seals had been found and rehidden by Douxie, who didn’t tell anyone where he hid them. Not even Jim or Nari. They had all agreed it was for the best. When Douxie died the secret would die with him. Unable to find and open the seals, Skrael and Bellroc scrambled to find Nari and finish what they started. And with the help of Krel and Aja, the Trollhunters, and the Wizards, the two had their magic stripped away by Akiridian tech, and Jim was able to deliver the finishing blows.

Now today, the day the Titans were supposed to have risen, there was nothing but blue skies. School happened like normal, and the world was at peace. Claire and Jim finished their stroll through Trollmarket as they arrived at Blinky’s study. He was ready for them, and complained that they were the last to arrive. 

Inside sat Toby and Aaarrrgghh, who were shoving their faces with the feast that Blinky had prepared. Jim and Claire sat down at the large table and Blinky looked at him expecting him to speak. Jim chuckled and rose to make a toast.

“We have overcome a lot. The defeat of Bular, Gunmar, and the Arcane Order. Merlin and Morgana are off on their own. Douxie and Archie are protecting Arcadia from mystical threats. Aja, Krel, Steve, and Eli are off on Akiridion-5 to rule together. The Darklands liberated, our families reunited, and our loved ones close. This was all I ever wanted for all of you, and I couldn’t be happier.” Jim looked around at the smiling faces surrounding him. This was his family, the ones that had been with him since the start. Blinky, his mentor and father figure, Aaarrrgghh his loyal friend, Claire the love of his life and powerful sorceress, and Toby, the friend who had been with him since the beginning. From a time before trolls and aliens and wizards. When he had wanted more excitement in life.

There were days the burden of the what-could’ve-beens plagued Jim’s mind and he struggled to carry on with the weight of his mistakes. But then days like this happened, where he knew he had changed things for the better, and the world was better off because of his sacrifice. He wouldn’t change a thing, and given the choice to have the time stone again, he would toss it aside. This was the happy ending they all deserved, the ending he worked hard to give them all. There had been changes that brought new threats to face, new calls to answer. But he faced them all with the friends and family he chose and surrounded himself with, and he used his experience to do what he could. He was a hero, the Trollhunter, the champion of Trollmarket. He was Jim the Bular Slayer, the Gunmar Slayer, but most importantly he was Jim Lake. The first Human Trollhunter. And he didn’t think, he became.

[niuniente]

10 Fandoms, 10 Characters

Snatched this from kuurankaiho with a permission as it’s always time well spent when it’s sent with fave characters, right? :3

I have SO MANY FAVES AND FANDOMS, so I try to pick up them as widely as I can, and throw in some rarer characters.  All my faves are good boys and girls, except Haguro who is a vile asshole.

In no specific order!

SUN-KEN ROCK - Ken Kitano

“There are no good men in this world!” you cry. I come to you with a message of our lord and savior of The Good Men, Ken. Absolutely one of the best positive masculinity characters out there, even when the manga itself is... well... lots of peeping, let’s say like that. We need more men like Ken, both in media and in real life.

WOLF GUY / OOKAMI NO MONSHOU - Haguro

Show me your bastard villain and I’ll raise with Haguro. My favorite villain of all the time and trust me, I have seen lots of bastard villains. None is as vile and inhuman and twisted as Haguro. Come up with anything a man can do as a villain and I bet Haguro has done it. Setting people on fire, cutting tongues off or classic cannibalism, Haguro has done it all. There’s nothing good in this man. Interestingly enough, his driving force for that all is an obsessive love for another man, which we will learn only at the end of the story.

BIKER MICE FROM MARS - Modo

I was 9yo when I saw the first episode of BMMF and the second I saw Modo I knew that “Yep, this is the one.” He’s still the one! Very similar to Ken, definitely one of the best positive masculine characters there is. Looks tough, is tough, has drank Respect Women juice like the world would end, protects kids, is family oriented, helps grannies crossing the street, and punches bad people in their face with his robotic arm. Tortured, traumatized and abused character who stayed as a kind sweetheart despite it all.

DEAD OR ALIVE / VIRTUAL FIGHTER - Jacky Bryant

Technically Jacky IS a Virtual Fighter character but as I was always a Tekken girl, I have no experience of VF. Don’t know much about Jacky but he’s most positive, happy, energetic character who also has a very, very good heart.

TEKKEN - Claudio, Dragunov & Hwoarang

The thing with the Tekken boys is that I’ve played the longest as Hwoarang but I suck at Tekken with him. With Dragunov, I’m better and I actually made my art school thesis around Dragunov and the fan culture. Still, I’m not THAT good of a player despite that I’ve played as Dragunov since he came to Tekken in PSP. With Claudio, he chose me. I was absolutely 1000000% against Claudio like !NO NEVER I WILL NOT PLAY AS CLAUDIO!! I reluctantly gave a try to him and well, shit, it was a match made in Tekken heaven with the first strike. Ironically Claudio is the only character I have reached the highest Tekken God level with.

DEVIL MAY CRY - Dante and Lady

The Lady who showed compassion to a devil and the Devil who cried. Two absolute feral bastards with a way too big hearts and too heavy burdens to carry, all alone. We don’t have enough good tsundere women showing caring with actions more than words, so YAY GO LADY! She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’ll punch you in the face. And Dante, the subtly caring sweetheart who is always broke, either because he doesn’t get gigs or because he’s too kind to charge anything/enough. And you could bribe him for work with ice-cream only. A good pairing for Friends to Lovers, also with canon hints that they both have hidden pining feelings for each other but both are too dense and tsundere to actually bring it out. Poor Trish witnessing this all and shaking her head lol.

WORLD OF WARCRAFT - Vol’jin

Can’t play WoW but Vol’jin will forever have a place in my heart. There are lots of similarities in his and my life. Plus he’s kind and has a good heart, while being wise and doing what’s the best, no matter what everyone else might say.

TROLLHUNTERS - Angor Rot

Listen. Listen. Angor Rot is a good boy. He is introduced as a villain until it’s revealed that he was turned into a villain and assassin against his own will (literally as a slave), only because, what? He has a way too big and good heart, he is a way too empathetic and compassionate! He did all he could to save others and it cost him his soul, which he didn’t give willingly. This victim of abuse and enslavement deserved more than the story gave him. Boo.

NEMESIS THE WARLOCK - Nemesis and Chira

(art by AdeHughesArt) This is one of those married power couples you do not mess with. Especially NOT with Chira, who is stronger, deadlier and more dangerous than her husband Nemesis, who is already in a level of a God. The older I become, the more I adore Chira. She’s one of the rare female characters I really like. Too bad that she served only as a side character for the protagonist to propel his story forward...

FINAL FANTASY - Diabolos / Diablos

Diablos/Diabolos is my favorite summon, hands down. He was also surprisingly precious in the World of Final Fantasy. Whoever got the task to turn Diablos into a chibi version did well. His wings spell Diablos!

Tagging ANYONE who wishes to send time with this :3

[human-hetalia-imagines]

☆ Rules & Information ☆

This is a blog dedicated to doing imagines surrounding my original human au. Here’s a description for each character's place in the au and rules for requests — I’ll be adding more characters as I get more comfortable writing for them.

*I did change the names of some characters so that they would reflect the countries they come from

*Also: this shit long, so strap in and get ready

☆Rules for Imagines☆

I’ll do imagines, or a bullet point list of up to 6 characters at one time, or a written scenario for up to 3 characters

I’ll also do nyos and genderbends of each character (ngl, I simp after nyo!America), their placement in the au won't change.

I include South Italy and Prussia in the axis, and Canada in the Allies

I’ll write fluff, smut, angst, and everything in between

I absolutely won’t write: incest, explicit sexual assault or excessive gore

The only time I will do romantic/sexual imagines for the characters who canonically have the physical appearance of people under 18 is if you explicitly state that you want them aged up, or if the reader is also underage. If you request adult x minor, I will discard your ask & invert your rib cage.

☆Rules for Matchups☆ 

Before submitting, check if they’re open or not, they won’t always be due to not wanting my page cluttered with them

When requesting, include personality, interests, dislikes, any pets you have, fun facts about yourself, and possibly clothing style

Don’t bother to include physical features as those will not be taken into account when pairing you up with someone

Include whether you want the matchup to be romantic, platonic, or one of each

☆Character Au Placements☆

North America

America | Alfred Jones, age 19

A young man that's cheerful and strong, with a strong sense of justice. He often can't read situations and has a habit of ruining the mood, whatever mood that may be. While he’s usually labeled as “incompetent”, he’s attending college (or university, depending where you’re from) to obtain a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. He plays as the pitcher on his college’s baseball team, able to throw a devastating fastball. He lives in a two bedroom apartment with his twin brother, Matthew. He had a crush on Amelia Earhart when he was younger, and it’s something that Matthew teases him about on a weekly basis. 

Canada | Matthew Williams, age 19

On the surface, he's an easygoing, softhearted and gentle young man, around his twin brother and close friends, however, he can be quite sassy, nearly bordering on rude on occasion. He's in his first year of college for a degree in statistics. For the college, he plays as the Center on the hockey team, where he lets out steam on his opponents. He has a pure white rag-doll cat named Kumajirou that follows him around his and Alfred's apartment. He curses regularly in french. 

United Kingdom 

England | Arthur Kirkland, age 23

He's either a quick-witted, sarcastic and stubborn man, or the paragon of a perfect gentleman. He enjoys reading, writing (although he doesn’t show anyone his stories), and embroidering. He’s gotten so skillful at it, that he has a well-traversed Etsy shop. He’s currently in his last year of getting his Postsecondary Education degree and a minor in linguistics. When he was a teenager, he was a delinquent, going to loud concerts, fighting, dyeing his hair wild colors, and smoking. While he says he’s over it, he still keeps various CDs of OK Go and The Rolling Stones, as well as band t-shirts. It’s something that his 3 older brothers refuse to let go of.

Baltic

Estonia | Eduard von Bock, Age 19

He's a graduated honors student who has avoided many problems with wit. Usually in front of people he acts calm, logical, and businessman-like, but in private he’s actually pretty chill, albeit a bit quiet. He’s awesome with technology, and works part-time at his college as an IT advisor while he studies to get his Quality Control & Safety Technologies degree.

Latvia | Raivis Galante, age 15

He’s a boy who has been through quite a bit, making him an introvert, easily intimidated, and kind of a crybaby. He’s in his first year of high school, but due to him having an anxiety disorder, he does it digitally. The only problem is that he strives to have friends who are close to him and care for him unconditionally. He secretly likes to read cutesy romance novels from the young adult section.

Lithuania | Toris Laurinaitis, age 19

He's a patient, shy, and gentle person who has the ability to become pretty serious when he needs to be. He works as a librarian assistant while he decides between a degree in social work or education. He, unfortunately, usually over-thinks his decisions too much, causing him to have anxiety attacks. When he’s not working, he’s typically just dragged around by his close friend, Feliks, but he has a good time nonetheless.

Nordic

Denmark | Mathias Køhler, age, 19

He’s a genuine sweetheart who often accidentally always yells. While he is kind, he’s also a bit thick-headed, although he always has the best of intentions. He considers himself to be very close to his friends, especially to Lukas, although the other man’s opinion on the matter is about the opposite. He attends college for a master’s degree in, surprisingly enough, Business Administration. When he isn’t studying, he enjoys clinging to his friends and drinking. He has the habit of playing online video games with Alfred and Gilbert for way too long at a given time. He also gets oddly competitive over his degree with Tino. 

Finland | Tino Väinämöinen, Aged 20

He's a gentle, cheery young man with a tendency to like the more simplistic things in life. He seems very mature, yet can be childlike. He loves relaxing in saunas, especially with his close friends. He has a small Maltese pup named Hanatamago who attends dog shows. When he’s not attending dog shows, he does online college for a masters in Medical Assisting. 

Iceland | Emil Steilsson, age 17

He’s a mysterious boy with a cool exterior and a hot interior, being a bit easy to provoke with teasing. His older half-brother often insists that he was ‘born in his emo phase’. He taught his pet puffin (geniously named Mr. Puffin) a lot of profanity in Icelandic, Norwegian, and English. He attends high school, which he is absolutely over. On a side note, even though Lukas is his half-brother, he often refuses to have any connection to him whatsoever in public. 

Norway | Lukas Bondevik , age 18

He is, like his half-brother, very introverted. However, he is considerably more cold to strangers, but to his close friends, he can (sometimes) be very sweet. He just recently finished highschool, but intends on going straight into college for an Applied Data Science degree. He practices Modern Paganism, or Wicca, as his religion. 

Sweden | Berwald Oxenstierna, Aged 21

He’s a guy with an intimidating air who doesn’t talk much. On the inside he’s playful, but it doesn’t show at all and he just seems intimidating. He works as a carpenter after he went to a trade high school, a job that he greatly enjoys. Other than that, he likes decorative arts and being a part of debates on his free time. While he can create furniture out of wood scraps without any blueprints, he can’t put together IKEA furniture to save his life. 

Eastern Europe

Belarus | Natalia Arlovskaya, age 19

While she can be extremely possessive over her older brother and sister, she means well. She openly looks up to both of them, as they are the only two people in her life that have remained constants. She lives with both of them in a house and works part-time at her sister’s flower shop. She’s also a part-time online student with a pursuit of a criminology degree.

Russia | Ivan Braginski, age 21

He has the simplicity of a country bumpkin, an easy-going personality, and the cruelty of a child, all mixed together. Coupled with his personality traits and the fact that he’s well over 6 feet tall, he constantly (and accidentally) gives off an intimidating air. He attends college for a Avionics Technology bachelor's degree. Deep down, he’s incredibly passionate about ballet, more specifically Russian ballet, his favorite being Don Quixote, with Sleeping Beauty as a close second.

Ukraine | Katyusha Braginskaya, age 24

Ivan and Natalia’s older sister who always recklessly gets dragged into their messes. She's an absolute sweetheart who strives to make the people around her happy, even at her own expense. She can be very emotional. She owns a flower shop where she let’s her younger siblings work part-time while they go to school.

Central Europe

Germany | Ludwig Beilschmidt, age 20

He's a young man with an overly serious personality and a pessimistic nature. He's very by-the-book and has a pet peeve for a lack of cleanliness. He attends college for mechanical engineering and dorms with Feliciano and Kiku. His older brother, Gilbert, regularly breaks in and hangs out with them. His hobbies are reading, making sweets and taking walks with his dogs (that live with Gilbert). He’s in a garage band with the three aforementioned guys. He does, however, want to be a soldier like the other members in his family. Unfortunately, due to an injury to his leg that he sustained as a kid, he can’t. 

Hungary | Elizabeta Héderváry, age 26

She’s a sweet, reliable woman with a bit of a boyish streak. For a career, she works doing maintenance on a farm that belongs to a close friend, Basch (Switzerland). In her free time, she likes riding horses, going hiking and practicing instruments, one of which is the tekerőlant. She has a young child, Julian (Kugelmugel), from a previous relationship with her ex fiance, Roderich (Austria). Thankfully, things are civil between the two.

Liechtenstein | Lili Zwingli, age 15

She’s the darling, adoptive younger sister of Basch (Switzerland). She has a big heart and helps out on her brother’s farm wherever she can, and because she spends so much time on the farm, she’s gotten decently close to Elizabeta. She enjoys feeding, brushing, and cuddling her two angora rabbits on her free time, as well as knitting. Sometimes she’ll submit her bunnies to be participants in rabbit shows (Cocoa has 1 and Cinna-bun has 3).

Poland | Feliks Łukasiewicz, age 19

He has a fierce anxiety towards strangers, and upon a first meeting, he'll act very shy. Once he gets used to someone, he'll act goofy and a bit childish, clinging onto his closest friends. He attends college for a degree in fashion design and marketing. He is also very opinionated. He often drags his friends to Francis’ patisserie for cute aesthetic pictures. 

Prussia | Gilbert Beilschmidt, age 24

He comes off as rude, loud and self-centered, but he’s actually incredibly sweet and loyal almost to a fault. He’s catholic and takes his religion seriously to the point of keeping a cross necklace with him nearly all the time. While he wanted to join the army like the rest of his family, his albinism keeps him from being able to. Because of this, many members of the family see him as the Family Disappointment™, causing a strain between him and them. Unrelated, but when Ludwig lived with him, he caught Gilbert trying to play all three parts of Suite en trio, Op. 59: I. Serenade by himself with all three instruments at 2 in the morning.

Switzerland | Basch Zwingli, age 25

He’s an intimidating man with a soft heart. He owns a farm that has been in his family for generations, and it’s a job that he’s greatly proud of and fiercely protective over. He has technically adopted Lili as a daughter, but they both view each other as siblings. Regardless, Francis has still referred to him as a DILF before. He doesn’t understand what it means, and Elizabeta has assured him that he doesn't want to. On a more pure note, he enjoys attending rabbit shows whenever there’s any in the area, and has encouraged Lili to participate in them with hers.

Africa

Seychelles | Veronique Bonnefoy, age 17

She’s a southern country girl with a big heart. She's a bit sloppy and has the tendency to laze around when the weather gets warmer. She often laments over her being lonely to her friends, especially to Alfred and Matthew. She enjoys cooking, singing, and dancing. She takes after her brother figure (technically adoptive father), Francis, being a bit of a romantic herself. She’s in her senior year of high school, and is excited to be done with it. Once she ate pizza rolls in front of Francis and he almost cried. 

Asia

China | Yao Wang, age 19

He’s a (mostly) easy-going person, if not a bit of a hermit. He works as a waiter currently, but attends several courses in hopes of getting his food-handlers permit to, one day, open his own authentic Chinese food restaurant. He lives with his 5 other siblings, all of which jokingly refer to him as “grandpa” due to how often he complains about back pain and makes acupuncture appointments every 2 weeks. When his 6th sibling, Kiku, moved out for college, he was pretty salty. In his free time, he mostly plays Mahjong the practices the Érhù. He’s unabashedly likes and collects cute things such as small charms and plushies.

Japan | Kiku Honda, age 19

While, at first glance, he seems quiet and serious, he can actually be quite goofy and irresponsible with his money, buying anime memorabilia and American comic books. It’s something that one of his roommates, Ludwig, lectures him about quite a bit. His other roommate, Feliciano, sees nothing wrong with it. He attends college for a degree in animation. He enjoys messing with machines and drawing.

South Korea | Im Yong Soo, age 16

He’s a hyperactive young man with strong aspirations when it comes to schooling. He shows the upmost respect to strangers and his elders alike, but when he’s around friends and immediate family he tends to be more loud and silly. He’s currently knee deep in the K-pop wave sweeping the world and practices idol dances on tiktok. 

Taiwan | Mei Xiao, age 18

She is a strong-willed, fashionable young woman, but she's also said to have become more of a nervous type in recent times, unable to stop worrying. She has the tendency to be a bit smart-mouthed with a somewhat quick temper. Other than that, she has a sweet and cheerful disposition. She lives with all of her siblings (China, Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korea, and Thailand) and works as a hostess as a restaurant while she takes a break from schooling. 

Mediterranean

France | Francis Bonnefoy, age 24

He's someone who does things at his own pace and has an abundance of affectionate expressions for friends, family, and strangers alike. He owns his own patisserie which has become increasingly popular as a spot for dates and hipsters to eat cute, artfully made sweets and drink aesthetically pleasing coffees and teas. He loves culture and the arts, as well as paintings and clothing.

North Italy | Feliciano Vargas, age 20

He's a cheerful guy who can be a little bit of a crybaby. While he relies on his friends a lot, he deeply cares for them. He's attending college for a fine arts degree where he shares a dorm room with Ludwig and Kiku. He enjoys painting, singing and designing clothes. Also, while only a few people know this, he can play both acoustic and electric guitar. He’s in a garage band with Ludwig, Kiku, and Gilbert

South Italy | Lovino Vargas, age 22

He constantly starts arguments and fights, however he’s also a bit of a coward. He has the ability to be hardworking, but often doesn’t out of laziness. While he’ll never admit it, he’s quite the hopeless romantic, striving to find someone who will love him despite his flaws. He’s in college to obtain a bachelor's in agricultural studies with a minor in history, but absolutely refused to share a dorm with his younger brother, who he often teases about choosing to get a ‘useless art degree.’ He enjoys gardening, dancing, and playing the acoustic guitar in his free time. He also likes sketching, but due to feeling insecure, he never shows people his work, or even tells them that he does it.

Spain | Antonio Fernandez Carriedo, age 24

While he can be oblivious and even insensitive, he’s a generally friendly person with a cheerful deposition. He works as a bartender in a decently popular bar in the downtown of his city that’s within walking distance of his house. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing the flamenco guitar and practicing dancing. Since he’s very sociable, before work, he typically stops by Francis’ pastry shop to talk to him as he closes up.

Also, did you know that, in canon, Feliciano can play electric guitar and Ludwig can play the drums?? What I’m saying is: punk garage band w/ Kiku on vocals. Thank you for coming to my TEDtalk.  

[gumm-gumm-mum]

Genesis the Honest Heart

Personal Gumm Gumm character..

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Genesis  

Nickname(s):Gene

Title(s): Seer of Hope

Gender: Female

Age: 26 (human years)

Species: Troll

Race: Gumm Gumm

Height: 6′2″

Weight: 300+ lbs

Tattoos: None

Piercings: Varies

PERSONALITY & TRAITS

Likes: Optimism, the human arts, the color yellow

Dislikes: Hot weather, Murky water, Disregard for nature

Strengths: Archery, Bartering

Weaknesses: hunting, melee

Fears: being alone, losing control of herself

Aspirations: To become the beacon of hope that trollkind needs

Hobbies: Art ( varies )

Personality:

It's easy to get to know an open minded gumm gumm like Genesis, but perhaps most important is that she's playful and respectful. Of course she's also considerate, decisive and witty, but far less, and often mixed with being childish as well. Her playfulness though, this is what he's often admired for. On many occasions people will count on this and his perceptive nature whenever they need cheering up.

Gunmar the Black--Father

Bular the Vicious--Brother

Dionysus Halcyon- Mother

Elain Darya--adopted Sisterr Elain-the-Moonlit

Biography/History:

She's sweet, faithful, humble and perhaps a little too nervous. Which isn't out of the ordinary for someone with her position. She was born and grew up in a needy family in a developing village, she lived without worry until she accidentally caused a battle loss during a rebellion and was then alone and forgotten. She had been tossed aside, until her efforts to change had been noticed by a soon to be friend, nicknamed Pluto. Alongside her only ally she had to survive in a villainous world. But with her wits and intrepidness, she managed to battle the elements and conquer all fears and doubts. This has turned her into the woman she is today. She has since then redeemed herself and her efforts have put her to the pinnacle of Gunmar’s ranks. 

BASIC INFORMATION

Weapons/Tools: This exceptional shortbow has been flawlessly constructed of durable obsidian. Its string is made from valuable silk, it's an extremely rare material around these parts of the world.

The limbs have been decorated with intricate steel designs and end in narrow points shaped like dragon heads. The handle is wrapped in soft silk and decorated with carved woodworks.

The large quiver is made from coarse hide and is supposed to be worn around the archer's back. The outer side has been decorated with a furry animal tail, which could very well be done in a significant way for the archer.

In the hands of a novice archer this bow is capable of firing arrows up to 277 meters while still retaining lethal power.

Rank: She works as a strategist, and foresees the failed efforts of the Trollhunters.

Accessories: Shortbow, Rapier, various totems and trinkets

Love Interest: Angor Rot

Sworn Enemy: N/A

Best Friend(s): Kialos Sage Plutonus,Pluto

Theme Song: Michael Bolton- Go the Distance

(art by me and @my-soulful-remedy​)

[gold-kobold]

How To Fight A Shadow

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12: Rising Tides Are Hard To Ignore | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 

Dictatious majorly overthinks Angor Rot’s intentions. Blinky tries to reason with an overemotional James Sr., and Jim gets a phone call that could explain their “fake Draal” problem.

.

HOKEE, i’m finally done omg, i’m going to bed, may be subject to slight edits in the morning because things are happening #VeryFast and i apologize for that gfhfgsfhd goodbye

(edit: i added periods where the spacing was supposed to be because tumblr apparently hates me trying to space things out now and i didn’t want this heckin’ stuff looking like a text wall with 0 breaks agsfhdg

.

Quiet houses couldn’t be trusted anymore.

It had been beyond nerve-wracking lately, the times in which Dictatious couldn’t hear anybody else nearby. At the very least, he’d usually be able to hear Nancy puttering about, but even she couldn’t be relied on to be around today. They were out of tea. She had to restock. And there was never telling how long she’d take in doing so.

Being alone just felt like another word for being exposed. Vulnerable to an attack, should anybody want to hurt him.

And Dictatious oh so recently had angered someone with extensive knowledge on how to get away with exactly that sort of thing. Someone who, ironically, had conditioned him to be wary of exactly this sort of environment. 

The Conundrum tread lightly, his ears perked for any hint of noise as he emerged from his dwelling for food. When all seemed safe, he rummaged through the trash a bit.

It was the one thing Toby liked about having Dictatious around. Kind of like recycling, but way less work, and he almost never had to take the garbage out anymore.

He kept his ears carefully perked for any sign of noise, but Dictatious did allow himself to relax just the tiniest bit. All signs seemed to point that the house was, in fact, truly empty of others. 

It was a dangerous game, but he let himself relax just a little bit more when he started to eat. Someone will come back soon, he figured, the house was never empty for long.

~BLINDED BY THE LIGHT~

The sudden blast of music made Dictatious jump so hard, he knocked over the dining room table when he hit it. His heart may as well have broken out of his chest with how hard it’d lurched, its pounding beats filling his ears, along with his own shallowed breath that he tried so desperately to catch. By the time he’d calmed down enough to process what was happening, the first thing his hearing registered was the howling laughter of that infuriating little Changeling he (unfortunately) knew too well.

“Holy smokes, ya jumped higher than a frog on ‘roids!” NotEnrique cackled, beside himself with laughter. “Ya expectin’ one of them sneak attacks, or have y’always been that spookable?”

His voice seemed to be coming from atop the refrigerator. Dictatious wasn’t sure if he just hadn’t heard the Changeling come in, or if he had been there the whole time. Either way, he had to bite his tongue to keep from snapping something too nasty NotEnrique’s way. He composed himself, then growled, “If the alternative is having to hear that vapid noise one more time, I think I’d prefer a sneak attack.”

“Ohh, it’ll grow on ya.” NotEnrique said with a smirk, jumping down to the counter. 

Despite how aggravating Dictatious found the Changeling to be, part of him was relieved that he was nearby. Even if NotEnrique was someone who’d probably cheer on his death, there was a far less likely chance of actually being attacked with a witness around.

With an annoyed but resigned sigh, Dictatious set back up what he had knocked over as best he could. “So. Where has everyone gone today?”

“Meh, y’know, Trollhunter stuff.” NotEnrique looked down at his phone, swiping along through messages. “Claire n’ Toby are down in Trollmarket, fixin’ the place up with Aaarrrgghh and your bro. Jim n’ Strickler have been doin’ Changeling-y exercises, an’ I think Angor’s still lurking ‘round them, keepin’ an eye out.” NotEnrique had to laugh at himself. “Ha, get it? ‘Eye out’? Good times.”

Dictatious didn’t show any appreciation for NotEnrique’s humour. He was too focused on consciously stopping himself from grimacing at Angor’s name. 

Despite his irritations with NotEnrique, Dictatious decided it would be best to make an attempt to not bore the Changeling off, entertaining whatever conversations he started until Nancy returned home. 

.

~

.

They’d been a few episodes into their crime show binge by the time any others came around.

First, it was Blinky and Aaarrrgghh. That was fine. They were talking amongst themselves, something about needing a stone the kids had stored away. Dictatious only half-paid attention to their entrance. Another set of footsteps followed them in not long afterwards. That didn’t bother him, not until the third party spoke to Aaarrrgghh and his brother. The voice made Dictatious tense up, but he did everything in his power to keep himself looking occupied with the show.

.

“You said it was a Lodestone you needed?” 

“Correct.” Blinky had confirmed, perusing the kitchen cabinets. “Tobias mentioned keeping some of Master Jim’s booby traps, so I believe it should be…”

“Found it!” Aaarrrgghh happily announced, presenting a familiar crossbow with an inactive Lodestone attachment. Angor recognized it as the one Jim had used on him, actually. It was a clever little trick, futile as it may have been at the time.

“... I don’t understand why I’m needed here.” Angor bluntly pointed out. He let his eye wander to the living room, where Nancy and Dictatious had been watching another one of those ‘fake entertainment’ shows.

Though he might’ve imagined it, he thought he saw Dictatious flinch when he heard him in the room... Angor Rot kept watch of him out of the corner of his eye, but let the majority of his focus stay with the conversation at hand.

Angor had been keeping an eye on Dictatious from afar, these past few days. Something was off about him recently, but he couldn’t quite place what it was... not that that was anything new. It was frustrating sometimes, how there would be moments where he was so easy to read, yet other times it could be so difficult to follow his thought process. This is the closest they’d been in proximity for some time, so Angor assumed it might be discomfort over that?

“Oi, Spooks!” 

NotEnrique’s call for his attention dragged him out of his thoughts, glancing the Changeling’s way. “Hm?”

“Blink’s been tryna tell ya why they want ya along? Y’know… like ya asked? Aaand ya stopped listening.”

“Oh... Apologies.” He hadn’t even realized Blinky was talking, really. He turned to Blinky and proceeded to ask, “What is it that’s wrong?” 

Because, to be perfectly honest, he couldn’t imagine why Blinky would be initiating any sort of contact with him unless there was an issue. Angor wasn’t exactly popular with any Conundrums lately.

“No, it’s nothing like that.” Blinky assured him. “It was actually Claire and Tobias that asked me to invite you back with us.”

That took Angor slightly by surprise. “... Why? You need extra help?”

“I think they’re just worried about you, to be honest.”

Now Angor Rot was caught off guard. The confusion growing in his face was plain to see, but it wasn’t something Blinky had bothered to clarify on. He started to walk back to Aaarrrggh to take hold of the Lodestone, but took pause when Angor stayed where he was, a troubled look on his face as he stared into the living room. “What? You don’t want to come?”

“... It’s not that.” Angor paused. As much as he was confused about the fleshbags’ seemingly random worry for him, that was a question better saved for the children themselves. He thought now might be a better time to ask about his other issue. Angor gestured for Blinky to follow him further away from the living room, to which the Conundrum skeptically complied. 

“... Has Dictatious been acting... strange to you lately?” He asked, quieting his voice to ensure they stayed out of earshot.

“Any stranger than usual?” Blinky chuckled, shrugging him off. “How should I know?”

Angor could only stare at him for a few seconds. Eventually, he voiced, “You’re his brother.”

Again, Blinky just shrugged. “You’ve spent far more time with him than I lately.” He pointed out. “I wouldn’t know any better than you in that specific department.”

That... wasn’t the kind of response Angor had been expecting. His brows furrowed slightly at Blinky’s uninterested reaction, but he made no further comment on the matter. 

He didn’t really have the chance to, as Jim had burst into the house only seconds later, demanding everyone’s attention.

“HEY, CHECK THIS OUT!” Jim announced with excitement, drawing their eyes towards him.

Holding his arms out, he did a little wiggle of the hands (“jazz hands”, as the humans called it), and a blue light enveloped him, revealing his troll form underneath when it faded away. “Eh? Eh?” Grinning wider, the blue glow overtook him again, and he was back to human form. “Pretty cool, huh?”

“Excellent!” Blinky praised him. “You have much better control now, it seems!”

While he was also happy for Jim, Angor appeared more skeptical of the sudden improvements. “That was... fast.” He commented. 

Now, Angor Rot was no expert on Changeling biology or how long it takes troll whelps to adjust to such dark magicks… but it just struck him as odd that Jim was handling such a severe and physically draining change so well.

“I know right? Way beats writhing on the floor in agony, haha.” Jim agreed. When he’d noticed the inactive Lodestone in Blinky’s hand, he raised an eyebrow. “Got some metal that needs moving?”

“Actually, yes!” Blinky confirmed, tossing the stone up with one hand and catching it in another. “There’s a rather stubborn pile of scrap metal in Trollmarket’s Forge that even Aaarrrgghh is having trouble budging.”

“Huh, must really be jammed in there... Need any help?”

“That won’t be necessary.” Blinky reassured. “We’ve got all the extra hands we need, I believe, and you should focus on your training for now. I imagine Strickler isn’t quite finished yet, from the way he keeps checking on you from the window.”

“What?” Jim turned his head to the kitchen window, where sure enough, Strickler had been keeping an eye on him. Jim gave him a slow wave, he gave one back. “... Yeah, okay, that’s fair. I guess I don’t have it completely down yet…”

“So long as he’s not giving you Gravesand anymore…” Blinky commented with a suspicious side glance to the window, “... I trust that he’s been teaching you well?”

“Yeah, I’d like to think so!”

It pleased the trolls to hear that. Blinky gave an ambient nod. “In that case, we should let you get back to it.”

“And we go to Trollmarket.” Aaarrrgghh added in too. “Keeping wingman waiting.”

“Ah, right you are.” Blinky agreed, packing up the Lodestone and its counterpart.

With all said and done, the group parted ways to go back to their responsibilities. Angor slowed as he reached the door, casting one last glance Dictatious’s way, but he didn’t say anything more before following the others out.

.

Only when he heard all footsteps leave the house did Dictatious feel like he could relax again. He let out a long breath, though quietly as to not alert Nancy with it.

Still, he jumped slightly when she spoke.

“Silly writers,” She chuckled, commenting on their crime show. “Don’t they realize arsenic poisoning doesn’t take effect that fast?”

It took him a second to remember what was going on in that show... Someone had just poisoned the mistress’s coffee, if he recalled correctly- Ah, so she must’ve drank it and keeled over immediately. Nancy was right, of course. Even in a high dosage, arsenic would take at least a few hours to fully kick in on a fleshbag. “Somebody skimped out on their fact-checking, it would seem.” Dictatious agreed, slowly releasing the deathgrip he had on his armrest. 

She knew he was on edge. She’s sharper than most give her credit for, and Dictatious wasn’t exactly good at subtlety right now. But he appreciated that she chose to keep offering a distraction rather than bring it up directly. 

Nancy is a very easygoing human. Dictatious knew her kindness was a courtesy she extended to everyone, but he still took comfort in knowing he could rely on at least one person to tolerate his presence for extended periods of time. Over the time he’d lived at the Domzalski house, he found himself making more and more conscious efforts to stay on her good side. That urge has escalated over these past days.

Maybe it was because of the calming effect she had on him. Maybe it was to try and refill that tiny little void he’d been feeling lately. Maybe it was so that she wouldn’t eventually turn on him, too. 

But even though he usually found her company calming, Dictatious still only found himself on edge.

All his thoughts kept falling back to Angor.

Earlier, he didn’t sound angry. But there had been others around to keep his focus occupied.

Gunmar was easy to predict. Dictatious knew how to adjust his behaviour to curb the Skullcrusher’s anger as much as possible. He had years of practice, and even if it didn’t always work... he could at least predict when something was going to happen. He could brace himself for whatever was to come.

Angor Rot was not so predictable. The Conundrum didn’t know him as well, hasn’t had enough time to learn how to navigate his negative emotions. He didn’t get angry at Dictatious in the same way that Gunmar had, and Dictatious had no idea how to compensate for it. It didn’t help that he was several months out of practice for this sort of thing. He couldn’t even tell for sure just how angry Angor was with him.

It didn’t matter how well they’d started getting along beforehand. They could’ve had a good relationship that lasted a thousand years, and it still wouldn’t matter. Something like that can change in an instant. Dictatious knows that all too well.

He knew that he no longer had a use in Angor’s eyes. And if he was no longer of use, then the most logical next step to benefiting the Trollhunters would be to... cut their losses, so to speak.

The safest option, Dictatious had deduced, was to never let Angor Rot catch him alone. He knew enough that Angor wouldn’t try to kill him in front of the others. Even if it was likely they wouldn’t care, Angor still had somewhat of a reputation to uphold now. The most likely course of action the assassin would take in getting rid of him would be if there were no witnesses. 

If Angor Rot did want him dead, chances are very high that he’ll end up dead, one way or another. But Dictatious will do whatever he can to put that off for as long as possible. 

.

~

.

All was said and done on the surface, so all Blinky, Aaarrrgghh, and Angor had to do was make their way back to Trollmarket.

But mere moments after the troll trio left the Domzalski household, they saw a concerning sight. Who was to approach the house across the street but James Lake Sr.? 

“Oh dear…” Blinky sighed upon seeing him. Angor Rot’s eye narrowed immediately with an annoyed growl, but when he started towards James, Blinky quickly stood in front of him. “Wait! Wait… Let Aaarrrgghh and I handle this, please.” He requested. “If you go scaring him off now, he’ll probably just try again when we’re not around.”

Angor’s eye only narrowed further, but he didn’t fight Blinky on it. “... Fine.” He eventually agreed. “But if he steps out of line…”

“Just wait here.” Blinky requested, though it maybe came out slightly harsher than intended. He cleared his throat and more calmly added. “Please.”

Blinky exchanged a concerned look with Aaarrrgghh. The pair crossed the street to intercept James, while Angor kept a firm eye on them all from afar.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Lake!” Blinky called over to him when it looked like James may try to ignore them. “Fine day, isn’t it?”

James internally groaned, but didn’t let his frustration show on his face. “Uh... yeah, guess so.”

Blinky wasn’t about to beat around the bush. Getting right to the point, he politely asked, “May I inquire as to where you’re going today?”

No answer, but the subtle glance towards the Lake household was enough to make a safe bet. Blinky decided it would be best not to mention that Jim isn’t home, not yet. He wanted to gauge James’ intentions before anything else.

“And... does Jim know you planned on dropping by?”

“I’m just worried about my kid!” James exasperatedly declared to them. “Is it a crime to want to check on him?”

“Bad move.” Aaarrrgghh said, a look of doubt being sent James’ way. “No warning. Will upset Jim.”

Neither troll was expecting the man to scoff right in Aaarrrgghh’s face. When he spoke again, it was still only to Blinky. “So you speak for him now, is that it?”

James’ blatant disregard of Aaarrrgghh threw Blinky off, a look of astoundment crossing his face first, then followed by annoyance on his friend’s behalf. “Aaarrrgghh is right, actually.” Blinky agreed, placing special emphasis on Aaarrrgghh’s observation. “What are you thinking, showing up here unannounced?”

There was no winning answer for that. Feebly, James muttered, “Well... he wasn’t answering my calls or texts…”

Blinky closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and holding it there for a few seconds. “... I know that you are coming from a place of… ‘concern’…” Blinky said slowly, unsure of how much he actually believed those words… “... but if you want any chance of remaining in Master Jim’s life, you must respect the boundaries he’s laid out for you. This is not optional.”

“I just… want to see my son…”

“Not your choice.” Aaarrrgghh said. “Jim choose when. Only Jim.”

James wanted to further fight them on it. He wanted to just act on his impulses and go right up to his old house anyway. He wanted to ignore that suspicious stare he was getting from a familiar troll across the street… But his shoulders eventually slumped, and he sighed in defeat. “... You’re right… You’re right. I have no idea what came over me.”

Upon hearing him concede to their concerns, Blinky had somewhat relaxed. “You’re worried for your child. You said it yourself.” He said calmly. “But if you continue to react without taking into account how he feels, I have no doubt that he will cut you out of his life completely. You’re already on very thin ice with him, and you’ve had this explained to you more than once. You should know better by now”

It might’ve been a little harsh, but James didn’t really deserve to have his feelings spared if he won’t extend that courtesy to his own son. He couldn’t say much to defend himself. They were probably right on the money with that prediction... 

James sighed again, said nothing more, and headed back the way he’d came.

“... Think he’ll learn?” Aaarrrgghh asked Blinky, keeping a wary eye on James as he left.

“I certainly hope so.” Blinky huffed, crossing his arms. “He’s, to put it bluntly, denser than a rock. And that’s coming from one!”

“Hrrm…” Aaarrrgghh nodded in agreement, but also added, “Blinky not dense.”

With a soft chuckle, he gave Aaarrrgghh a pat on the arm. “Thank you, dear friend.” He said. Subtly, he took a glance over at Angor, whose eye had been remaining on James like a hawk even as the human slipped out of sight. “... Let’s just be on our way. It seems he won’t be causing any more problems for now…”

.

~

.

Jim had been improving, alright.

“Eclipse Armour.”

Blue light swallowed the metal pieces that drifted from Jim’s body, the glow changing to red as it replaced those pieces with red-and-black ones.

Strickler slowly nodded, keeping careful watch of Jim’s facial expressions and any involuntary body movements during the shifts. He saw nothing troubling this time around. “Good… Go back to the Daylight Armour now.”

Same results, no complications as the pieces changed.

Keeping control of his armour as well as both his physical forms would be vital, as the last thing anybody would want is for something unexpected to happen in the sunlight with no protection for Jim’s troll form.

“Throwing glaives.”

Jim summoned his boomerang blades from his legs, giving them a throw and catch for good measure before putting them away again.

“Helmet.”

Again, the armour extension was summoned with no visible issues.

Strickler slowly circled him, nodding again. Just this morning, Jim had been struggling to keep a stable form while also summoning his armour. Now, with their further practicing, it appeared that Jim’s body and armour were getting used to the quick adjustments they needed.

“Change your form.”

A blue glow trickled out from beneath Jim’s armour, him and the outfit shifting back down to his human self. 

Strickler nodded one final time, pleased. “Good. I can see you’re having much less difficulty with this. How do you feel?”

Jim took a deep breath, giving his arms a good stretch. “A little tired, but nothing I can’t handle.”

“Perhaps we should take a break.” Strickler suggested, frowning slightly. “Your body’s been going through very sudden, drastic changes, I know that can be difficult-”

“Oh trust me, I’m kinda used to sudden bodily changes at this point.” Jim reassured him, a mild jest to his tone.

The pair were interrupted by the ringing of Jim’s cell. 

“Oh, one sec…” Jim said, fishing the phone out of his pocket, checking the I.D., and promptly answering. “Hey, Nomura. What’s up?”

“Are you alone right now?”

“Uh… no…?” He glanced at Strickler before looking away again. “I’m with Strickler. We were practici-”

“Get out of his earshot.” Nomura requested - or, more like demanded. “I need to tell you something that we can’t risk being overheard.”

“Um... okay…” Holding his hand over the phone for a moment, he turned back to Strickler. “Sorry, could you give me a minute?”

Strickler didn’t think much of it. If anything, he was relieved that the phone call gave him an excuse to take it easy for a bit. “Call me if you need anything.” He said before going inside to give Jim some privacy. Jim distanced himself further from the house too, just to be safe.

“Alright, I’m alone.” Jim informed her. “What’s up?”

“I’ve been looking into possible explanations for that… ‘Draal’ duplicate you saw in the woods.” Nomura explained, her tone wavering a bit on that name. “Our documents from the Janus Order show no potential Polymorph activity. We believe Scaarbach was the last one. But I checked in with my old coworkers at the museum, had them take inventory and report back to me.” There was an audible clack as she frustratedly clenched her teeth. “One of the Glamour Masks that had been stashed there is missing.”

The second he heard the words ‘Glamour Mask’, Jim cursed under his breath. He rubbed his temple, kicking himself for not considering that possibility before. “How often does the museum take inventory?”

“Once every month. Nothing was missing last time.”

“So this was a recent robbery…” Jim cursed again out of frustration, but followed it up with a deep breath to try and calm himself. “Okay... okay. We can... we can figure this out. Thank you for the warning.”

“Be careful, little Gynt.” Nomura advised, her voice grim. “Make sure you know those around you are really who they appear to be.”

Jim nodded to himself, thanked her again, then hung up the phone, grabbing at his hair with his free hand and cursing one last time. Loudly.

They were going to have to take safety precautions. Way more than before. Jim would have to consult the others on possible code phrases or questions they could use… Strickler or NotEnrique might be good at that, considering their previous sneaky work.

He’d have to verify people’s identities before passing along the warning, though.

He saw the fake Draal spinning around, though. Would someone in a Glamour Mask really be able to mimic that movement? Maybe they’re looking for another troll of his species, or just one that follows the same fighting style-

As he was stressing over what to do next, he felt the familiar sensation of pain starting to creep through his body, and he quickly summoned his Daylight Armour. Not a moment too soon, as his body made a sudden lurch, the Trollhunter stumbling to the ground with a pained groan. Waves of energy surged over his body, forcing him into troll form. Had he been a second later donning his armour, he could’ve been sunned to death. 

Great, Jim grumbled to himself. Not as ‘under control’ as we thought...

Peaceful days never lasted for too long. He knew this by now.

[redvoid-40]

In the woods there grew a tree

Now guys, I have no idea if I’m going anywhere with this. I have no idea where this even came from!

All I can say is Angor Rot pre-Morgana sucking his soul gives off strong maternal paternal maternal vibes and I couldn’t help myself! He deserved better and you all know it! He would have made an AMAZING addition to the Trollhunters and they killed him because they were cowards! >.<

Enjoy this little crack-bit I wrote because I’m a hyper-fixated simp for everyone in the ToA series, but Angor Rot (and Skrael) specially. :)

Part 2

“This child is cursed. You must rid yourself from it. At once.”

“My lord, she’s but a baby, never hurt a soul!”

“You saw what she did! It was… troll magic. For all we know she’s one of their shape-shifters, planted as a baby, just waiting until it’s time to kill us all.”

“That’s impossible! During the two seasons she’s lived she has never been out of my sight.”

“Trolls are sneaky, you know it well. Get rid of it. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“You’d order me to kill your own daughter?”

“That thing is no child of mine! Measure your words, else you regret them. You ought to do as I say.”

“But, my lord-”

“No excuses! Either you put an end to this creature or I will. You have until the break of dawn. If I see or hear this child tomorrow, you both will be sorry. Do I make myself clear, wife?”

“... Yes, my lord.”

----

The nights seemed to grow ever shorter, and still they exhausted him to his core. Being a leader had never been a light burden on his shoulders, but ever since Gunmar declared war against the humans his responsibilities became heavier by the nightfall.There was too much to be done in too little time: perimeters to be run, wards to be cast, trolls to reassure, others to interrogate.

All to keep the Gumm-Gumms at bay. All to keep his people safe and cared for.

Not only the Gumm-Gumms. With Gunmar spreading his violence and chaos, the humans have become more aggressive as well. I cannot allow them to find our village.

Angor Rot sighed as he set yet another protective ward. He was so tired, and there was still a long way to go before sunrise called him back home. He believed it would be another uneventful, if tiring, night for him. 

But the Spirits had other plans for him.

High, bright giggles reached Anger Rot, followed by the sounds of heavy footsteps crossing the foliage of the forest. He quickly took a step back, hiding behind a tree-trunk as his eyes followed the sound.

The dim, orange light of an oil-lamp began to show in the distance, growing brighter as this… intruder advanced through the forest. Anger Rot clenched his fists, observing as a figure finally broke through the trees and into his light of sight.

He thought he’d find a soldier, an assassin, a mercenary. He had readied himself for the moment the human lord would send his people after his.

But standing there, wide-eyed and tear-stricken, was a woman. She held the lamp high in her left hand, while her right arm was bent at the elbow; a large basket hanging from it. And from that basket… giggles.

Angor’s hands relaxed, and he dared to sneak his way closer to the pair. What is this woman doing here with a baby? The woods are not safe in the dark.

The woman in question glanced down at the bundle in her basket and smiled in heartbreak. Slowly, as if she was handling crystal, she lowered the basket and the lamp to the ground before reaching inside the basket.

Gently she pulled the baby from it, humming softly as she hugged the small creature to her chest, tucking its fleshy cheeks against the crook of her neck. The baby’s giggles peaked for a moment before gradually subsiding, until the little thing was fast asleep in the woman’s arms.

The oil-lamp’s soft glow illuminated the scene for Angor Rot’s eyes alone, and from his hiding place he witnessed as tears flowed constantly from the woman’s eyes as she held her baby.

She seemed to whisper something in the child’s ear, before tucking it back in its basket. Once the child was settled, the woman reached for her lamp and stood back on her feet.

When she looked ahead of her, Angor Rot was there.

“What are you doing, human?”

Her eyes widened in a fear Angor knew all too well as she jumped back. But she didn’t scream, and she didn’t run. His gaze moved from her teary eyes to the basket, catching a glimpse of plump cheeks and a red nose peeking through layers of blankets.

“P-Please…”

Yellow eyes snapped back at the woman’s tear-stricken face. She wore her agony and despair clear as moonlight, just as he did his exhaustion and anxiety.

“Her name is Charo. Please, keep her safe.”

Angor Rot stepped back as if burned, eyes widening in shock as he stared at the woman. 

Before he could say anything, she shed one last tear and ran away.

“Wait!” Angor Rot called out, taking a blind step in the woman’s direction, and his foot caught on the basket in front of him, toppling it over with the baby in it.

Immediately the little creature began to cry. The high-pitched sound was heart-breaking and for a moment Angor forgot all about the woman as he rushed to pick up the little creature from the floor.

“Oh, shush.” He whispered, trying to mimic the rocking motions the woman had done before to calm the baby. However his movements were brusque, clumsy in his strength and mild despair.

The baby didn’t fall silent as he had hoped, but soon its wailing morphed into the warm giggles he had heard before.

Angor furrowed his brow, slowing down his movements as he balanced the tiny creature on the crook of his elbow. Curious, the little thing reached out, stretching chubby hands out to him, giggling uncontrollably. 

“Are you not scared, little one?”

Despite the voice in the back of his head screaming warnings to him, he reached back to the tiny thing, allowing it to close its unbelievably small fists around the tip of his index finger.

Angor Rot felt a sudden rush of warmth invade him at the contact. He was unable to describe how full he felt at the moment, as if a new breath of life had invaded his living stone, pushing his fears and anxieties to the side and making room for a new type of joy in his core.

He smiled, yellow eyes completely fixated on the bundle in his arm. WIthout meaning to he began to hum as he bent his knees to retrieve the basket from the floor and continue to set his wards.

How could the woman abandon this little one here?

Humans were confusing to Angor Rot, foolishly afraid of anything they didn’t understand. That was why he kept his people away, hidden from them. As their leader, he was responsible for them.

And now, he was responsible for this little one as well. She was his to protect and care for.

His little Charo.

[im-the-king-of-the-ocean]

Beneath a Blue Sun

Entry for @infogremlinmelise / @melsandbox ’s Rarepair Contest

Prompts Used: Nature - Misty Morning, Magic - Second Chance at Life, Dark - Shadow, Soft - Whelps

(I didn’t see any limits on how many prompts we can use in the main rules post and I do enjoy mixing and matching).

Ships: Strickrot, Past Strickando

Headcanons I came up with for this fic:

>whelps are considered the trollish equivalent of genderless.  A part of their puberty is choosing a gender and molding their bodies to fit how they want to present as.  None of the whelps in this are old enough for that yet, so they’re referred to with they/them pronouns.

>different colored stars affect trolls differently.  This is inspired by the concept that Supergirl/Superman get their powers from Earth’s yellow sun, but lose them under the light of a red sun.  So, under a yellow sun, trolls are turned to stone, but, under a blue star, they are not.  yes I used a blue star in this because I thought the visual/aesthetic was cool idc if you judge me for that.

Dawn arises to a symphony put on by an eclectic gathering of songbirds in the copse of not-quite trees some distance away from the downed spaceship.  Mist drifts lazily around its metal remains, and casually embraces them.  Uncounted years have passed since the shiny, metal beast came to a rest in the (formerly) uninhabited glen.  The world has adjusted to its presence.

A being not of this planet emerges from a hole in the ship’s hull (only those who know how to look are able to recognize the door for what it is).  He holds a hand up to shield his eyes from the morning light.  It remains strange to him how this star, this blue sun, doesn’t affect him like the golden daylight on his home world does.  He examines his fingers, rubs them against each other, but there’s no sign they’re about to be petrified stone.

He rotates both his hands in front of himself, watching as his green skin dims or illuminates, depending on which surface area happens to be facing the sky.

He is a being born in the shadows, yet here he is, welcomed by the light.

“Foolish of me to think you left your vanity on Earth, Stricklander,” a voice purrs behind him.

Strickler frowns.  He turns to face the one shadowed in the shelter of their ship.  “Still fearful of the light, Angor?  You’ve been here long enough.  I should think you’d have learned that this sun won’t harm you by now.”

Angor Rot steps out into the waking day.  His one eye narrows.  “Don’t presume you know what I’m like.”

“I know you better than you think.”  Strickler chuckles.  “I—”

A small, purple blur zooms by Strickler, causing a stir in the air that sweeps his hair.  A second one, bright orange, swiftly follows.  Then a third, green with blue streaks, comes and goes.

Strickler mutters a curse and spreads his wings.  He doesn’t look again at Angor Rot, for he knows Angor is smirking at him.

“You better catch them, Stricklander, or they’ll fly away to the mountains again.”

With a huff, Strickler takes off.

Angor laughs as he watches Strickler take to the sky.  He’ll certainly never admit it, but watching the changeling’s wings beat against the air pleases him.  Strickler’s form, too.  The smoothness of his chest; the elegance of his carved tattoos.  He’s not a displeasing troll to look at.  Then again, Angor’s tastes have always been unusual.

Perhaps, if the past was written differently, there’d be something more between them.  But it is what it is.

Angor observes Strickler a moment longer, and then strides over to his garden.  They don’t eat the strange plants he tends or have any real necessity for them, but he enjoys the act of digging his fingers into the dirt.  He rips up the roots of the ones he’s deemed weeds and casts them aside.  The soil is rich and damp with last night’s rainfall.  Angor inhales deeply.

He will never it admit out loud, but he enjoys this place life has brought him to too.

Up in the air, Strickler grunts as he increases speed.  Despite his larger wingspan working in his favor, he’s slow to catch up with the troll whelps.  The ceaseless energy that comes with youth, he muses.  He’s never sought to curb the whelps’ enthusiasm, but there are occasions, like this one, where he quietly wished they had just a little bit less of it.

Still, they’re alive and, really, that’s all that matters.

...

“I’ve collected the birthstones abandoned in Trollmarket.”  Strickler walks onto the bridge.  He basks in the displays of reverence Morando’s subordinates show him.  There is something utterly intoxicating about being shown proper respect for once.  “There were only three, but we expected that the numbers wouldn’t be high.”  Strickler places the stones on a hovering surface next to his general.

“Very good,” Morando praises his consort.  The corners of his lips twitch up.  He places a firm, but affectionate, hand on Strickler’s shoulder.  “Now, destroy them.”

“What?!”

“Perhaps you did not hear me correctly.”  Morando’s grip tightens uncomfortably on Strickler.  “I said destroy them.  We will build a new empire here on Urrrth.  One that has no place for such lesser beings.”

“But they haven’t even emerged yet.”  Strickler takes on a pacifying tone.  “They can be taught to—”

“Enough!  You may be a fine specimen for your kind, but you are an exception.  My empire will not be marred by the presence of such creatures.  I will not give the order again.  Destroy them, Strickler.”

Strickler disobeys.  The praise Morando gives him and the soft caresses may fill a gaping hole where his heart should be, but he is not the ruthless soldier he was created long ago to be.

He takes the three birthstones and hides them away.  Then, while Morando is distracted by his invasion of Earth, Strickler sneaks them down to the hangar.

Thwack!

The knife wedges itself in the wall a hair ahead of Strickler’s nose.  He freezes.  His eyes dart around until he finds the source of the attack.

“Where do you think you’re going, Stricklander?”  The rumble, familiar and dangerous, sneaks into his ears.

He growls his response, “None of your concern.”

Angor Rot saunters out of the shadows that concealed him.  “Off to destroy birthstones?  Innocent whelps yet to be born?  Even I never stooped so low.”

Strickler glances around.  They’re alone in the hangar.  The strikers, all but for the one he sabotaged so he’d have it for his escape, have been deployed and are likely reigning destruction down on Earth.  “I hardly expect you to believe this, but no.”  Without witnesses, it’s safe enough for him to say.  “They deserve the chance to live.  I’m going to give it to them.”

“You would betray your general?”  The way Angor speaks the title makes it sound like poison.  “After you’ve stood with him?  I have been watching, Stricklander.  I have seen the nightmares you condoned at his side.”

“You of all trolls should know, sometimes things change.”  Strickler marches toward the striker.  “Either attempt to cut me down or get out of my way.  Time is short.”

Angor pulls his knife out from the wall.  He follows Strickler.  “I won’t give you the sweet release of death you so desire.”  He jumps into the ship before Strickler can.  “Nor will I let you slip away so easily.”

There’s no time left for arguing.  They leave Earth together.

...

The first whelp hatched from their stone, the purple one, Oria, dives into a cloud bank as Strickler grabs for their foot.  Oria emerges giggling.  Eyes full of mischief, they spread their wings and swoop down around Strickler.  The changeling knows they’re going for a sneak attack and lets them.

Oria is the most like Strickler of the three.  He believes somewhere in the purple whelp’s ancestry is a link to his own original tribe, a tribe that fell out of existence centuries ago, but remains in small traits, such as ringed horns and bat-like wings, that pop up every now and then every generation.

Oria makes their move.  They slam into Strickler’s back, thrusting the both of them into a thick, chilly cloud.  As they lose momentum, Strickler wraps his arms around Oria.  First one caught.  Two to go.  He maneuvers Oria, who huffs grumpily, under one arm, so he can have the other free.

The bright orange whelp, Cerebi, laughs at their sibling’s ill-fortune at being the first caught.  They lean back as they do, end up going to far, and slip upside down, which only makes them laugh harder.

Cerebi is a rare, natural-born polymorph.  Before they emerged, Strickler hardly believed such a thing existed.  Then, Cerebi shifted for the first time.

There are times when Strickler thinks he sees hints of Otto Scaarbach in the whelp, but he brushes the notion aside.  Firstly, because Otto never was the childrearing type.  Secondly, simply because he’d only known one other polymorph before Cerebi, it doesn’t mean the two necessarily share a connection.

Strickler makes a grab for Cerebi, easily captures the distracted whelp, and maneuvers them under the arm not keeping hold of Oria.

The youngest whelp, the green one with blue streaks, Dilos, is the only one without natural wings.  Theirs is the one thing Strickler and Angor Rot successfully managed to make together.  They’d found old blueprints in the striker’s computer system for what looked like a set of holographic projection-type wings and got to work.  

Not that either Strickler or Angor Rot will ever admit to it, but they’d do anything to prevent their shared children from being sad.  And Dilos, the most sensitive of the three, cried when they realized their siblings could do something they could not.  Thus, Strickler and Angor put aside their various arguments and worked together until they managed to make Dilos a functioning flight apparatus.

Once he sees his siblings are caught, Dilos willingly goes to hover by Strickler.  He doesn’t like to be left out.

When they return to the ship, they find Angor waiting.  As each of the whelps place their feet on the ground, he looks them over.

“I would never let any harm come to them,” Strickler reminds him.

“They’re mischievous.”  Angor turns away from Cerebi to gaze at Strickler.  “And youthful.  Such a combination can be dangerous.”

Upon hearing the word ‘dangerous’ the three whelps each break out in a wide grin.  As a unified force, they tackle Angor Rot to the ground.

“Play with us!”  They shout in his face.

So, as the morning mists dissipate and the day warms, Angor Rot engages in play fighting with Oria, Cerebi, and Dilos.  When the whelps finally exhaust themselves, they collapse down on him.  Their eyelids flutter close and they drift to sleep.

Strickler settles next to Angor.  Not quite close enough to be too familiar, but closer than he used to get.  He lifts a wing to shield Angor and the whelps from the light of the sun as they rest.

[dawns-trollhunting-shit]

Trollhunters Treasure Planet A.U

(Dawn and Brook are o.c's

Dawn is my o.c and Brook belongs to @thegreatestbeeofall )

Jim= Jim

Jim being the main character obviously equals Jim the main character in the movie. They have different personalities with how they deal with their father leaving their family but they both care deeply about their mother and when they get in trouble feel bad because it only causes their mom pain. They both find a treasure of sorts and try to make their life better as they search for adventure.

Cyborg = Strickler

The Cyborg in treasure planet is who Jim gets close to in the movie much like Strickler and Jims relationship in Trollhunters. The way they bond is different but in the end they see eachother as father/son.

Both character's end up betraying their Jims because their on the opposite sides but make up later and at the beggining of their repsected media they don't seem like a major character but get a bigger part later.

Dr. Doppler = Blinky

Dr. Doppler in treasure planet is a mentor of sorts to Jim in the movie. In trollhunters Blinky becomes Jims mentor. Plus their both book nerds who love their Jims with all their hearts.

Morph = Dawn

Dawn my o.c is a changeling. Morph in the movie can change into any shape at any time like Dawn can because she's a polymorous. Morph is also close to the Cyborg in the movie which matches up to Dawn because the Cyborg is Strickler and Dawns Stricklers daughter.

Billy Bones = Kanjigarr

Billy Bones is the one who carries a chest at the beggining of the movie that has the map to Treasure Planet. Hes like Kanjigarr in the sense he gives Jim the map like Kanjigarr gives Jim the amulet in Trollhunters.

Mr. Arrow = Draal

Mr. Arrow is strong and smart but can be very hotheaded when pushed and does seem to like violence even if his character is mellow in general. Hes like Draal because they both share honor and respect and their both very strong and strategic(sometimes).

Captain Amelia = Brook (friends o.c)

Brook is determined hardheaded and beatiful much like the Captain Amelia. But she is also sweet and kind looking oit for her crew ans only making the best decisions at that moment depending on what's going on. Brook and Amelia also match wits so it makes sense why they have the same role in this a.u

Scroop = Angor

Scroop is the Cyborgs right hand man but has been planning a mutiny against him the whole movie simialr to Angor fighting against Strickler. Scroop also kills Mr Arrow like how Angor kills Draal.

B.E.N the robot guy could be Toby?

B.E.N becomes the best friend to Jim in the middle of the movie. He's a but scatterbrained but he helps Jim out and is incredibly kind. Like Toby hes been through dramatic experiences and becomes the sidekick of the show. Their also both pretty funny.

[worldsandfeathers]

ooc ! Owl’s TH Timeline

//Ok so if you’ve read my verses pages, you probably noticed I like tying my verses together into one big adventure arc for Owl and Vander. If ya haven’t read ‘em well, now ya know too! ^u^

//Anyway, in talking with a friend of mine about Owl and Troll Hunters (bc they’re TH fans too), I was forced to kind of tie all his relevant TH verses together in order to tell the “full” story of his adventure in TH, leading to me solidifying an actual timeline for him from which several sub-verses have branched off.

//So the timeline proceeds as follows: 

Owl arrives as a magician/wizard/Magus in pre-Killahead Bridge England (possibly the early 1400-1500′s) and, by transfiguring himself into an owl to avoid human issues of the day politics, he discovers/is discovered by various trolls, including the nefarious Angor Rot.

Upon witnessing Owl transform from a man into a barn owl, Angor’s curiosity led him to capture the tired magician/magus in owl form and torture/interrogate him about who & what he was. This actually ends up in him “dying” and becoming a Näota again (since he can’t die bc of his Näota curse). This results in Angor Rot being left with Owl’s True Mask or “Verum Faciem” and Owl making REPEATED attempts to get it back via various masks (including that of (Garl Grimjaw/Garl the berzerker resulting in an almost endless “game” of cat and mouse between Owl and Angor Rot.

This also has an alternate route in which Owl meets the good Trolls and is possibly asked to join Merlin and the other Trolls (bc hey, you don’t meet a good/neutral sorcerer every day) in their fight against the Gummgumms, or he’s seen by said Gummgumms and is given the ultimatum of “Join or die” and he ends up being killed and the Verum Faciem taken & used by said Gummgumms. (nothing says “power” than holding dominance over a magic slave, eh?) —An alt to this is having Angor capture Näota!Owl with one of his magic stone traps and Gunmar getting a good look at him and trying to use the Decimar blade, only for it to not work and Owl to laugh at him and tell him that “it can’t take something that isn’t there”, referencing his will/free will being contained in his mask and not his body. Naturally, Gunmar would be kind of ticked off and would probably have Angor deal with Owl.

However, after an unnamed battle, the Verum Faciem ends up being lost from all possession, sending Owl on a journey on which he would lend his magic mask-making powers to many and become known as the “Mask Maker”. Masks made by him would bestow new powers and identities upon their wearers and be revered as powerful weapons and relics by the people & clans who used them. 

An alt!timeline branch off for this is if Merlin’s Amulet became corrupted or was destroyed. In this Timeline, Owl would offer his services & masks in exchange for help in finding the Verum Faciem. The wearers of these masks would be known as the Verum Champions and be gifted with all the powers and memories stored in the masks by previous champions. — The only risk would be if they forgot their True Selves and lost their Verum Faciem (which comes to be the moment they take on the identity of a Verum Champion, leaving their identity in the mask instead.)

During his quest and time as the Mask Maker, Owl is approached by a Changling from the Janus order who offers him a deal: He helps them find the pieces to the Killahead Bridge and they help him find and get his mask back. He does so, sealing it with a magical contract, but conditionally. In exchange for the materials to make a Troll/Polymorph mask, he will help them for “a time” (150-200 years). But, if they haven’t found his mask by the end of that period of time or they try to use it to control him, the deal is off and he will seek help elsewhere & punish the changeling who attempted to use his mask. 

This leads to him gaining a troll form (Owlind) and a changeling/human form (Oliver Druze) and becoming a well-rounded historian, explorer, and archaeologist of both Troll and Humankind.

This also leads to possible story arcs between him, Stricklander, possibly Angor Rot (who he’d be horrified and furious to see in-series), and the TrollHunters with him working both sides to get his mask back. —The most notable idea I have is of the 200 years running out and him deciding to play both sides where he’s warning Strickler that the Janus Order’s time is running out and that he fulfilled his end of the bargain and is growing impatient for the JO to fulfill theirs. Then, not believing the JO will keep their word, he goes into Trollmarket in his troll form to pose as a field researcher and an “enemy of gumgumm spies” seeking help from the troll hunter to stop them from getting a powerful “ancient relic” the Verum Faciem. —He then pleads his case to Jim, Blinky and them, telling them about the possibly horrors they could commit with the mask, and is hopeful in recruiting their help. He then warns them of the polymorph “Oliver Druze” who is the changeling spy he’s been opposing and trying to keep from reaching the relic first, sending them on a wild goose chase through which he monitors them and their progress while also keeping an eye on the Janus Order in order to out-fox them. —I imagine there’d be a big fight between Strickler & his peeps vs the TH team, but regardless of who gets there first, Owl would reveal himself as the Mask Maker and take it for his own. If the JO got it first, the changeling would have 2 options - give it to him and not get punted across the cavern, or try to control him and end up getting ensnared by the magic contract, giving it to Owl anyway, and then getting punted across the room for breaking the deal. —However, after getting his mask back and dealing with the JO, he’d address the TH in a more friendly manner and cordially lead them out of the cavern, after which he would give his explanation as to why he did what he did and then bestow on them gifts for their help and selflessness (since they probably gave their help without any thought of payment or reward). Depending on if they found out if he was the Polymorph, Oliver Druze, or not would determine if he stayed or not. If he wasn’t found out, then he’d stay, seeking to use the rich minerals of Troll market to mend his mask. If he was found out, he’d lament that he had indeed desired to be friends and allies with the Troll hunters and leave their rewards as revered parting gifts.

He then would have his true mask back and once it was repaired, he’d be able to reveal his true self: the tyto magician/sorcerer Owl. He’d then give them an item with which to call him in case they were ever in need of the magics and/or information he could provide while there.

//Ok, so that got a little long but this is what came of me tying the TH verses together for Owl. I haven’t worked on any yet for Vander, but I’m looking forward to doing so! ^u^