NOTICE! YOU HAVE TO READ THE FOLLOWING PART OF THE NOTE! VERY, VERY IMPORTANT! DO NOT SKIP THIS WARNING!
Warning: I MIGHT HAVE TO DROP THE STORY...
I have received a review from a user who said that I have broken a rule. Which I have and I don't want to start a fight. However, this is a "Watching the Show" fanfic and I do have my own spin on it like there is a plot which requires more breaks. Yet, I was told that these stories are boring and are technically copyrighted because it is just the characters sitting around and commenting on random events of the show.
They told me to change the dialogue because I stole it off the show but then it wouldn't be a "Watching the Show" and you guys actually seem to be enjoying it.
But I MAY have to discontinue this book, depending on how it goes.
So just a VERY IMPORTANT HEADS UP!
I'm trying to see if they let me keep this book because mostly many others have done something like this.
Or, I may just have to move it to Wattpad because they actually allow these types of stories.
I'll tell how everything goes.
I AM SO SORRY GUYS! I DON'T REALLY WANT TO END IT IF I HAVE TO, IT MIGHT ACTUALLY BREAK MY HEART! If I get my accound suspended, I'm sorry. I already have a new username picked out because I'm actually terrified right now! I love this website but with so many rules and so many that you don't realize are being broken, its scary.
I pretty have a note for every chapter but I guess this is important. So, I have a book idea for a crossover for HTTYD and TrollHunters but I don't have really anything planned out for it. So, yeah but I do know the whole thing takes place in Arcadia.
Whatcha all think?
"Alright, so this is the big match episode!" Rileah announced as people inch further into their seats, clearly impatient. With a shrug of her shoulders, Rileah clicked play and dropping back into her little couch. "Enough said."
Instantly the episode begins, a familiar height poster plastered over the wall as Toby's figure slowly trudges to the corner of the paper, holding up the never pleasing sign of the APD name and a number, his first mugshot being taken.
Man: What kind of nerd breaks into a museum?
"Us." Toby grins as people sigh at his attempt.
"Tobes, we-Nevermind." Jim had caught the clueless look on his friend's face, clearly not getting on why it wasn't as funny or at least a "smart" comment.
The camera whirred, preparing to take a shot as Toby looked up, his lips slightly puckered as his eyebrows raised at the fact he now had a criminal record.
Man: Move to the middle. Pose.
After Toby had stepped to the side and heard the specific word "pose", he smiled shyly. As each time the camera clicked, Toby had different poses. One was him pointing to the sign he had been forced to hold, after that he had tried his best to make a 'handsome' face, holding the side further out on his side. With another pose of him holding it above his head, the cop had been irritated with the situation.
"Dude, seriously!"
"What!?" Toby exclaimed with his arms raised.
"Only you, Tobes," Jim said, a smile stretching his lips.
Man: Okay, come on.
A surprising picture had Toby closes to the camera, with another click, Toby was off the screen.
Everybody jumped back at the sudden close face of Toby.
Man: No, stop! Next!
Jim appeared from the other side, his posture slacking as he sighed, not even smiling. As the camera's whistle got higher, so did Toby's eyes that appeared at the bottom of the screen. With a click, Toby had taken a picture with his arm around Jim, the two holding up their signs, yet, Jim was giving Toby a displeasing look while he smiled into the camera. The cop groaned as the picture clicked.
Jim facepalmed.
Out in front of the police station, the colors of red and blue brightened the building as Strickler and Barbara as she thanked him, Jim and Toby had watched from inside the car.
Barbara: I can't thank you enough for coming to the station. They are so lucky she didn't press any charges.
Strickler: Ms. Nomura is a personal friend. She agrees with me that this was nothing more than reckless youth run amok.
"Yeah, I can see why," Jim said with a frown and turned to face Strickler. "If I figure out what you are, you are so done." The Lake boy had finally found his confidence.
In the car, Toby was perked up from the back seat.
Toby: I mean, who else do you think is hiding an evil troll face? Coach Lawrence? Steve? [gasps] What if Strickler's one of them?
Everyone eyed Strickler.
Jim: Strickler's been teaching history at Arcadia Oaks High since the dawn of history. If he's one, I'm one.
"Aw, Youg Atlas, thank you," Strickler said with some sarcasm.
"Screw you."
Jim caught the suspicious eyes of Toby clearly watching Strickler with an untrustful look. Jim scoffed and rolled his eyes and pushed Toby back, grabbing the phone finding the picture that Toby had taken of the bridge, yet the symbols were barely visible as the picture was blurry.
Jim: I know where I've seen this bridge. It's the same one that Blinky was talking about.
Toby: What? The Killa-thingy Bridge? That's, like, ancient history, right?
Jim: They're trying to break Gunmar out. This is bad, Tobes. Like, "Goodbye, Arcadia" bad. As soon as we get home, we're going to Blinky.
"Very bad, Master Jim. I am proud that you have managed to locate the whereabouts."
The two boys panicked as the driver side car door was pulled open and Barbara's voice had startled them.
Barbara: You really didn't have to go through all this trouble, Mr. Strickler.
Jim quickly handed Toby's phone back, hiding his hands as his face had held many emotions. Strickler appeared in the passenger window, startling Jim as he spoke suddenly.
Strickler: Please, "Walter." I'm sorry we had to meet under this unfortunate circumstance.
Barbara: There must be some way I can repay you. Coffee? Dinner? Appendix removal?
"EW! SHE ASKED HIM OUT!"
"Girl, Barb, you could do so much better."
As she named off what she could do for him, Jim's eyes grew and his eyebrow raised, shocked at what he heard. He looked at Toby, the two sharing a surprising look
Strickler: I-Coffee would be a delight. And a rain check on the appendectomy.
Barbara: Looking forward to it, Walter.
Strickler: Watch yourself, Young Atlas. Next time, the consequences could be more severe.
"Probably because you are there," Jim said as he folded his arms, not enjoying the fact of hearing Strickler at all.
He left with an eyebrow raised as Jim turned to look at his mom.
Jim: Did you actually just ask my teacher out on a date?
As she raised her voice, Jim flinched back against his door and smiled with worry.
"Wow man, she must really never rais her voice with you."
"I never do, it would be rare too," Barbara commented and shared a heartwarming glance with her son.
Barbara: Don't you make this about me. You guys broke into a museum! And for this? You are grounded until you apologize to that woman.
Dropping the Chubby Tracker, she started the car while Jim let out a large exhale before her finger was pointed at him again.
Barbara: You got me?
Jim: Yes, Mom.
Toby: Yes, Dr. Lake.
She drove off, switching the scene to Jim's house, the lights brightened the home.
The blanket on Jim's bed was tossed over a few pillows as he escaped through the window.
Jim: Sorry, Mom.
"I guess it's okay. You really don't have a choice anyway." Barbara smiled kindly at her son.
In Troll Market, Blinky, Aaarrrgghh, Jim, and Toby all surrounded an item, their heads fitting on the screen.
Blinky: Are you certain? Are you unquestionably, unequivocally…
Jim: I'm certain.
Aaarrrgghh: - Could be anything.
Blinky: I concur.
The phone was shown once again, the same blurry image of the bridge being half complete.
Blinky: Tobias' photographic skills are less than exemplary.
"HEY!"
Toby: Okay, it's a little blurry! You try taking a picture while hauling butt, mister!
Jim: Okay, well, what about the curator? How could a person just change like that?
Blinky waved over a waiter, grabbing a drink off the tray as Aaarrrgghh communicates in Troll Language. Blinky responding to it too.
Jim: What? What is it?
Aaarrrgghh: Changeling.
The drink Blinky had been slamming down, spit out all the liquid that he hadn't swallowed as gasps filled the room. With a quick movement, Blinky tried his best to cover Aaarrrgghh's mouth with only one of his hands. Every troll that had been relaxing in the bar, turned to the table that had spoken that name. In response, Blinky let out a nervous chuckle and patting the smooth stone of Aaarrrgghh's face, the trolls turned around and conversated like usual.
"What's so bad about them being spoken about in TrollMarket?" Claire wonders. "I get they are bad but is their name so forbidden?"
"Indeed Claire, they usually are never spoken, mainly because we find no care for those specific individuals," Blinky replied.
Blinky: Not helping.
Aaarrrgghh: Sorry.
Jim and Toby moved closer, Blinky's voice dropping as he cupped his mouth with his hand, hiding the conversation from any other person.
Blinky: Changelings haven't been talked about for quite some time.
His eyes catch another Troll being that stopped behind them, eavesdropping.
Blinky: Do you mind?
Troll: Whatever.
The troll heads off.
Blinky: In the Old World, Gumm-Gumms…
The same troll stopped on the other side, peeking behind Aaarrrgghh, yet no one had missed his large self. Blinky threw him a threatening glare.
Troll: Fine.
"Jeez."
Finally, after the troll left them to their own little secret, Blinky continued.
Blinky: Stole our young and did something unnatural to change them. Their sole purpose: to spy on the world above.
Toby: What did they do to them?
Aaarrrgghh: Nasty business. Very messy.
Blinky waved Jim over, knocking a cup off in the process but caught it with his other hand and set it back on the table before leading Jim away. The two passed as Trolls played darts, using gnomes.
Blinky: These are the very reasons I doubt your certainty. I don't question you saw a bridge, but Killahead? It would take years to collect all of the stones. Decades, even. You would need an army of changelings.
Jim: I know what I saw.
"C'mon Blinky, would I be able to make that up, especially since I didn't read the book! Also that it makes sense with who we are up against!"
"...We should never speak of my misunderstanding." Blinky jokes.
Blinky: These are serious accusations, Master Jim. Without proof, absolute bedlam will ensue.
Toby popped around the corner.
Toby: Well, we have to tell someone. This is our city, too.
Jim: Who? Our court-appointed psychiatrist? They're never going to believe us.
Before Jim could climb any more stairs, a large blue troll knew as Draal appeared.
Draal: Well, if it isn't the piece of flesh I'll pound into pancakes tomorrow. I look forward to your pain and I'll drink to your death.
Jim: Death? What is he talking about? I thought this was only a rematch.
"You should know that Trolls are weird and have weird rules!"
"I know." Jim sighed and mentally scolded himself.
Blinky: To challenge a troll's honor can only end in ruin. It's all right there in chapter three of A Brief Recap - You still haven't read the book.
"No."
Jim: Now, hold on. This fight, I don't know, maybe we can, um postpone it?
Draal: Postpone, you say? What a trainer! Does everyone in your company forget how to fight?
Aaarrrgghh growled.
Jim: There are things that have been brought to our attention. Things that have serious implications.
Blinky: No, no, no, Master Jim! Shh!
Draal: By Kanjigar's honor, I would have made your death swift and painless, but, for that act of cowardice, I will show you no mercy when I take back what's rightfully mine. Bid farewell to your loved ones, Jim "the Dead Meat."
Draal walks away, leaving Jim to process the information as Toby gives a comforting hand.
Jim: I'm going to die tomorrow.
"Yep, def-OW!"
They both shared a sigh as the screen switched to the museum, voices coming from the building as Nomura and Strickler pushed through the doors, horns, and lights cutting into their conversation and lighting the dark walls.
Nomura: What was I to do? The boy turned them on me. The goblins were supposed to hide our tracks, not lead them to us!
Strickler: I will see to it that your mess is cleaned up.
He pushes open the large blanket as Nomura gave a glare as she stepped through but her tracks stopped as the sound of a sword scraped against rock and her eyes widened. The sight of Bular sharpening his sword against his arm gave Nomura a sign on what her fate could be.
Strickler: I'm sorry. You've been compromised.
"Traitor!" Nomura hissed.
Nomura turns to him and growls before finding a sword pointed near her chin. She backed up as far as she could, yet, Bular stayed on her path, the sword still aimed.
Nomura: Please, Bular, spare me.
Bular: Groveling, Impure?
Nomura: You need me. If you dispose of me, who will replace me? The boy already knows I'm a changeling. How long do you think it will take for him to find out Strickler is one, too?
Strickler: We'll cross that bridge when we get there without you.
Her hand was held over her head as she let out a scream, watching as Bular raised his sword. She ran from the large black troll. The evil son slashing at the crates, using those to throw her to the floor.
Her eyes caught a glowing green cascade onto the ground. Before she could reach for it, Bular stood tall above her, pointing his sword and raising it once more. As he brought down the weapon, Nomura pulled the Fetch from its crate, using it as her shield, stopping the killing blow.
Nomura: Wait! I've acquired the Fetch!
"The Fetch?" Toby wondered and turned around.
"It technically is a window for the Darklands. You can stick your head in it and you will able to see the other side. Yet, only small things like babies and Goblins can fit through it." Strickler said calmly. It was weird to have him reveal specific things like that, but hey, if you received the information, it was fine. However, Strickler smiled, his act was starting to become believable. The quicker they were wrapped around his finger, the sooner the death of Jim Lake Jr. would come.
Bular: The Fetch? More changelings?
Strickler stepped up, not happy that her death wasn't coming sooner.
Strickler: But we are nearly finished. What good would it be to bring another...
"Why do you want me dead so badly? Because a little boy managed to defeat me. I will tell you something Strickler, he will defeat you too and I will be there to enjoy your defeat!" Nomura growled, lifting her balled fist at the man.
"Please, I will never fall at the hands of one of my students."
"You never know Strickler. I could easily take you down," Jim said, twisting in his chair as he glared sharply at the teacher, eyes either planting on Jim or Strickler as they battled with their eyes.
A sword pointed at his throat, had been the cause of Strickler's sentence being cut short.
Bular: Be quiet, Impure. Go on.
"Ha, see you can't force Bular to kill me," Nomura said as she got comfortable in her chair.
Nomura: Think how proud your father will be to see his legion grow.
Bular: Prepare the exchange. In case we're ever one changeling short.
As Bular walked off, Nomura stood, Strickler, turning around to find her glaring with a grin. The screen faded, finding a new focus, this time on Jim as he sat at his desk, a pen in hand and papers scattered around his desk.
Jim: "Dear Claire, you're receiving this letter because I've most likely been slaughtered by a troll."
"You're actually saying your goodbyes!" A student cried. Hearing her name come from Jim's mouth on the screen had caused her to turn to the boy that was real and sitting beside her.
"You're writing a letter to me?" Claire asked as she smiled warmly. He looked at her with a surprised expression before biting his lip and looking away.
"I-I guess I am, I mean... if I died I probably wanted to say goodbye and everything." Gently, Claire pressed her lips against his cheek before biting her own lip as she smiled happily.
"One, you aren't going to die. I have faith in you. Also, I'm glad that I mean that much to you."
He banged his head on his desk with a sigh before lifting himself back up and crumpling the paper, pulling out a fresh new one, and beginning his thoughts once more as he wrote them down.
Jim: "Claire, I don't know how to tell you this, but let me try."
The screen switched again, finding an envelope with the word "Claire" scribbled on it stuck in Jim's hand as he stood behind the curtain, watching her perform with Steve, a broken look plastered on his face.
Claire wanted to smile but her heart dropped for so many reasons. Mostly that he was watching her practice when he should BE practicing and that he was actually delivering the letters.
Steve: "What lady is that, which doth enrich the hand of yonder knight? She doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night like a rich jewel."
Claire had been pushed from the spotlight as Steve spoke, his clear craving for the attention was making the situation more unbearable for Claire.
"Wow, really Steve."
Jim: "Beauty too rich for use. For earth, too dear, so shows a snowy dove trooping with crows. Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight. For I never saw true beauty till this night."
Claire, who was glaring at Steve, heard Jim's voice, her face lighting up at the sight of him. As her line came up, suddenly it felt as if it was her and Jim on that stage, giving her the courage to act better even though she couldn't share the spotlight with him.
Everybody cooed at the moment.
"You smiled and poured your heart out because of me?!" Jim said with shock.
"Of course, you dingus."
Claire: "My bounty is as boundless as the sea. My love as deep. The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."
Jim watched with a smile, knowing she saw him. Suddenly Eli appeared behind Jim, startling him to close the curtain, blocking Claire from seeing on what he would do.
Eli: She's good, isn't she?
Eli ran out onto the stage as Jim looked sadly at his letter.
Jim: Yeah, she's great.
"Awwwwww!" Everyone screamed.
Claire: I hear... I hear some…
Jim slipped the letter into her belongings and walking off, Claire not fast enough to catch him on the other side.
Jim: Goodbye, Claire.
Claire pulled the curtain to find Jim nowhere, her eyes missing the letter.
Claire: - something. Ah, fudgeknuckle!
Jim couldn't stop smiling at how she wanted him on that stage. Without knowing nor stopping himself, his fingers curled into her's. Claire couldn't help but blush as she lifted his hand to her rosy lips and kissed the back of his hand.
Woman: Juliet, find your mark.
At Jim's house, a bell dinged, alerting him to pull out a gourmet meal he had cooked up as Barbara peeked her head in.
Barbara: Blueberry waffles? Bacon mac and cheese? Shrimp cakes? What is this, a last meal?
"Yeah, pretty much."
She stuck her finger into a bowl, enjoying the flavor running over her tongue.
Jim" Well, I wanted to bake cookies, I decided to make your favorite, and then eh, all your favorites.
Barbara: If you think this is going to get you out of apologizing to Ms. Nomura-
"No, mom. I just didn't want to leave you with the last meal being nothing but lasagna." Barbara chuckled.
"You won't die, Jim."
Jim: Hey, can't we just have dinner? We've both been so busy. When's the last time we've really sat down and talked?
Barbara smiled.
Barbara: I'll set the table.
The scene blended with another, the view of an empty plate was placed in front of Barbara at the table, her hand rubbing her stomach as Jim ventured into the kitchen, cleaning up.
Barbara: Oh! That was delicious. I don't know what I'd do without you, kiddo. I'd be ten pounds lighter, but.
"It's funny how it like foreshadows that he might actually die with the Last Meal and the 'what would we do without you', you know what I mean."
Jim: Well, you deserve it.
Barbara: Shrimp cakes? Gosh, I haven't had those since
Jim: Since Dad made them for us?
Barbara: I didn't think you were old enough to remember.
Jim: Oh, I remember enough. I remember how his beard would scratch my face when he hugged me. How he used to make you laugh. But, most of all, how much he hurt you when he left.
Jim closed the fridge, a hurt expression clear as day on his face, Barbara's too.
Everyone cooed sadly at Jim's expression.
Barbara: Jim, where is this coming from?
Jim: No matter what happens to me, I would never leave you like that. At least, well [chuckles] not by choice. You're an amazing person, and I just want you to know I'll always love you.
"AAAWWWWWW!" The whole theatre chants.
Barbara: Don't you start that talk with me. I'm still hoping you'll end up close at an in-state college. Now, help me clear the dishes. We are going to wrap these up for tomorrow. You have to give me that waffle recipe. If there's anything I could eat forever, it's waffles.
She set the dishes she carried in the sink as Jim slipped a letter meant for her in a cookbook.
Jim: It's here when you need it.
Barbara headed down to her son and gave him a reassuring squeeze.
In Jim's room, the alarm clock flashed the time '2:11' as Jim watched it with sad remorse. Not being able to sleep, Jim lifted his glowing amulet and shining the bright light onto one of his posters, the words that have been written on it suddenly turned to Troll Writing.
Jim: Whoa.
Everybody gasped.
He gasps and sits up, looking around his room. He bent over his bed, finding a book that had been slid underneath it before pulling it out and flicking on his lamp. He flipped the pages, finding a page with the Killahead bridge sketched on it, information surrounding it.
He pulled out his amulet, aiming the light at the page, making the book easier to read.
Jim: Whoa, What?
"Is that why you haven't read the book yet, Master Jim?"
"That and I always forgot to actually read it."
With one glance at his amulet, he smiled and aimed it back at the pages which suddenly turned without his command.
"Whoa!"
Jim: "Weak points. Rule three: Kick him in the gronk-nuks. Identifying your opponent's weakness."
A beep of the walkie-talkie pulled Jim from his reading, eyeing the communication device.
Toby: Hey, Jimbo. You up?
Jim headed to the window, finding his friend who was also waiting in front of his window.
Jim: Yeah. How can I sleep?
Toby: What are you doing?
Jim: Reading.
Toby: Tomorrow's a pretty big day. You ready?
Jim: Mmm nope.
Toby: Yeah, me neither. Night, Jimbo.
Jim: Good pep talk, Tobes.
"That conversation though!"
He looked to find that Toby moved from the window.
Jim: Huh.
Night changed to morning, the school is filled with students as intense music played in the background. Like the school, the Hero's Forge was filling up as well, spectators crowded on the balconies, ready for the fight as chatter was erupting.
Back at the school, Strickler taught up at the board, pointing to the map with his pen. Claire sat at her desk, taking a good look at the empty desks a few feet towards her right. Jim's desk, and Toby's too.
"You read the letter," Jim said with a smile. Claire nodded as she paid even closer attention. The fight was near.
Back at Troll Marker, Vendel spoke from within the crowd.
Vendel: Gathered trollkind! The Trollhunter has laid a challenge before the son of his predecessor, and you shall all bear witness to the ensuing battle, which will be one for the ages [quietly] if not remarkably painful and short.
"HEY!"
The arena was empty as Jim and Toby eyed the situation before them. Jim pulled out another letter, breaking within as he looked at Toby.
Jim: Hey, I...I want you to have this.
Toby: - What's this?
"You made me a letter too! Aw, Jimbo!... No! There will not be any more letter passing!" Toby said, hoping to at least put the thought of not dying in Jim's head.
Toby takes the letter and traces his name with his eyes before looking at Jim.
Jim: It says everything I want to say.
Toby: You promised me tacos.
Jim: Now is not the time for lunch, Tobes.
"Dude, really?"
Toby: Last week, we went for tacos. I paid. You said, "Next time on me." You're going to get this letter back unopened after the fight, and when you get back, we'll get tacos.
Jim: Tacos sounds good.
Jim smiled as Toby nudged Jim's arm.
Vendel: Draal, son of Kanjigar, son of Tarigar, Draal "the Destroyer," come forth.
A rolling form appeared from an entrance, spotlights catching him as he ends his rolling, flipping madly in the air and lands after his cool little stunt. He roars and laughs to the crowd, throwing up his hands as people cheer.
Aaarrrgghh placed a hand on Jim's shoulder, none too gently, but Jim appreciated it.
Blinky: It's time to put everything I've ever said to you to practice. With a little luck, he'll trip and fall. Now, tell me: rule one.
Jim: Always be afraid.
Blinky: Rule two.
Jim: Always finish a fight.
Blinky: Rule three?
Jim: About that. I was reading, when the Venerable Bedehilde fought the Hydrabeast, there were no gronk-nuks, but there was a weakness under its scales.
Blinky: You read the book?
Jim: So, it got me thinking. Does Draal have a weakness?
Blinky: He read the book. He read the book!
Blinky hugged Jim tightly before lifting him off the ground.
Everyone laughed at Blinky's antics as the real Blinky sauntered down to his Master and rubbed Jim's head.
"You studied!" Jim chuckled and pushed the stone hand away gently.
Aaarrrgghh: Books tasty.
People chuckle.
Vendel: And now, Draal's combatant, James Lake Jr., son of...
Another troll whispered in his ear.
Vendel: "Ba-bu-rah." Come forth, human Trollhunter.
Barbara let out a laugh at how such a simple name was hard to pronounce.
Jim took a deep breath and entered the arena, ignoring the harsh sounds the crowd made.
Blinky: Fight from your heart, Master Jim. It's strong, stronger than any rock. [quietly] And certainly, stronger than mine.
"What does that mean?" Jim said, his whole body quickly turning in his chair.
"Ah, nothing to worry about Master Jim. A promise from my heart." Blinky said reassuringly.
The gate closed, locking them away from Jim.
"Alright, since it is the big fight which we all have been waiting for, I have to bring in another character and I've already explained everything... didn't believe me at first that there was a human but he is here to join us!" Rileah said as her hand clicked another button, a large chair appearing beside Draal, Blinky, and Aaarrrgghh, clearly another Troll.
The sizable doors pulled open, an orange glowing staff emerged from the smoke as a tall body followed. Vendel had joined them.
The elder of the Trollkind said nothing as he eyed Jim before finding his seat and sitting down. The leader reamined silent, waiting for the episode to resume. He was going to see this fight, waiting to see if the amulet had chosen right. Until then, he waited, also thinking of the deal he had heard from Rileah between Draal and the young boy.
Vendel: Prepare for battle.
Vendel's eyes widened, he was on T.V. Hearing it from one's mouth was pretty suprising but actually seeing that his future was being watched by him and many others, epecially Changelings, it was just a little much.
Draal smashed his fists into the ground with an imitating roar. Jim held up the amulet, not bothering to say the incantation out loud, yet, his armor and sword still appeared.
Jim: Here we go. I am doing this.
Vendel: Begin!
The crowd let out a cheer as a guard simply hit a button, the floor let out a rumble before it lifted, startling Jim. The gears lifted the platform up higher than the crowd while Jim watched below, no barriers to stop them from falling off.
"Oh, this already seems bad," Jim commented.
The gears roughly stopped before platforms fell. Jim let out a yelp as he ran to another but before he could, the piece of rock he had run for, dropped as well. Draal let out a scream and jumped at the boy, easily but with panic running through his veins, Jim jumped onto the closes and lower platform.
Everyone gasped in shock, their hands tightening on the handles of the chair.
The boy landed with a groan, quickly gathering himself before rolling to the side as Draal's fists that were meant for him, cracked the ground instead. Draal grabbed the boy's leg, throwing him in a circle before letting him fly into a wall.
Someone cringed, if the ground had cracked, just imagine what would happen if it was Jim.
Stumbling, Jim couldn't regain himself until he was about to drop down into nothing but gears and possibly death. His electric blue eyes caught Draal who celebrated to the crowd, the large troll connecting eyes with Jim before rolling down the wall, Jim barely missed him as he rolled past, Draal doing a lap around the arena and right back at Jim.
With quick thinking, Jim tosses his sword in the path of Draal, the metal embedding into the rock, stopping Draal's twist of doom. The blue smoke filled the area as Draal hit it, causing Jim to flinch back just in case.
Students cheered loudly as Draal growled. Blinky cheered and clapped all four of his hands while the two Changelings and Vendel continued to study Jim and the battle before them.
"Go, Master Jim!"
Draal blinked a couple of times and looked down at the sword with shock, the audience gasping at what occurred. The sword appeared back within Jim's hand as he gave a confident smile.
A troll in the crowd who had been sipping on a drink, spit out his drink in complete shock as Jim's little gang watched with shock as well, Toby bouncing on his feet with happiness.
Blinky: I never taught him that. Did you?
Toby: He's a natural!
Jim grinned.
Back on Jim, he swung his sword, now finally putting his fighting skills to use. He chucked his sword at the now angry Draal, yet, the large blue troll easily blocked it with his arm, the blade disintegrating.
Jim: And there goes that move.
The crowd was covered in aw's at the sudden failure of Jim.
Now finding his opponent disarmed, Draal roars before beginning to roll once more.
Blinky: Ten whole seconds! He's not dead! That's a fortuitous sign.
Jim passed their corner, screaming as Draal chases him.
Aaarrrgghh: Don't jinx.
Everyone laughed.
Jim ran as Draal rolled on the wall and ahead of him. The troll stopped his roll, running at the TrollHunter with a raised fist as he jumps in the air, Jim protecting his head with his arms.
As Draal's fist collided with Jim, the boy was pushed to the ground, his body covered in blue smoke that poured from his armor. The crowd cheered as Vendel watched with utter shock while Blinky and Aaarrrgghh cringed at the sight.
"OOOOOH," People cringe as Draal this time, grins. Of course, a few people had called Jim but others had covered their eyes for the few seconds after realizing they didn't want to miss a thing.
Toby: Jim!
Blinky: Look away! We will not remember him like this.
Blinky covered his eyes, Aaarrrgghh already covering his own and Toby's.
The blue orbit absorbed, showing Jim who laid helplessly on the cracked pavement, Draal took a hold of Jim's leg once again and tossed him in the air. He punched Jim in the stomach, the force pushing Jim higher into the air before falling back down to Draal. Another fist sent Jim twisting through the air and landing painfully on the higher platform.
Everyone's worry had grown, goosebumps covering their no longer smooth skin as they watched Jim get thrown upwards in the air. Claire had tightened her grip on Jim's hands, the said boy not caring for the pain in his cramping hand.
Draal caught a ride on one as Jim stood shakily, holding his stomach as each platform flipped. Jim screamed as his was the last to flip, tightly holding onto the ledge. Draal gave another fist to the air and smugly headed to Jim who tried to pull himself up but was growing weaker, his muscles burning.
Draal laughed before stepping on the TrollHunter's fingers, Jim falling with yet another scream which was music to Draal's ears.
Jim landed on his stomach after flipping off the side of the platform, his breath taken from him.
Toby: He's getting killed! Do something!
Jim's name was called, the booming voices mixed as one causing his ears to ring. No one wanted Jim to die. The whole school body was now seeing Jim in another light, everyone was technically used to the Trolls and the fact that magic was upon them. Seeing a student that no one expected to stand up to monsters and face death, you found sudden care for them, feeling like you should protect them because you see them in a whole new way.
They needed to protect Jim.
As Toby ran past the teeth of the gate, a hand grabbed him and pulled him back, the arm clearly belonging to Aaarrrgghh.
Toby: Forget being a pacifist! Save Jim!
Blinky: He cannot. This is Jim's fight.
"So you are going to let him die!?"
"I wish I could go in there but he needs to prove himself."
Jim couldn't even push himself up. The battle maze had fallen, turning into a smooth arena, no lifting rocks to separate them. Draal advanced on Jim with a chuckle, the boy glaring as he looked back and twisting his body.
Jim: Rule number three.
Jim sent his foot towards Draal's private area, causing the larger troll to groan in pain as he screams, the crowd gasping and wincing at the familiar feeling. Draal dropped to the floor in pain but quickly gathered himself but finding no Jim around him.
"YEAH!" Kids cheered while others groaned at the feeling.
Blinky: Huh? What? Huh?
A pair of metal feet appeared in the large gap between Draal's thighs, as Draal twisted and turned in search of his enemy. Jim still holding his stomach, limped but quickly to stay behind him.
More kids cheered. "Ah, ha! That's my TrollHunter! See, I trained him!" Blinky yelled with a stand, celebrating with the students.
Blinky: By Deya's grace, he found it!
Aaarrrgghh: Found what?
Blinky: His weakness! Draal's blind spot!
Draal suddenly found curiosity, watching the human with amusement.
Jim backed up, still maintaining to stay behind the vast body. Draal yelled in frustration, a creaking noise alerted Jim to find a large ax appearing from a slit in the wall, swinging forward then back into its hiding spot.
Draal: You cannot be the Trollhunter! You're a boy! - I am the son of Kanjigar!
Jim managed to limp over to the opening, finally speaking and coming out of hiding.
Jim: And I am Jim, son of Barbara. And the amulet chose me!
Barbara smiled at the mention of how proud he was to be her son. She was proud that she had him too.
Draal roared as a familiar releasing noise met Jim's ears, his eyes popping open and dodging the large ax at the last minute.
Draal's eyes grew in size as the sword knocked him from Jim, the moment replaying before his body was thrown over the edge, his fingers gripping onto the ledge, hoping not to die.
Everyone gasps in shock.
Kids stood up and yelled into the room and sharing high fives, clearly rooting for Jim in the match. Draal gasped and so did Vendel. Jim could take the winning shot, he had won anyway.
"Whoo Hoo! That's my friend everybody!" Toby said excitedly as Claire nudged Jim in the arm.
"You didn't die, dummy." She chuckled and so did Jim as they share a quick winning kiss.
Jim stood with a hard time, holding his now bruised stomach as he slowly hobbled to where Draal had been hanging.
Toby: Yes! He did it!
Blinky: It's not over yet. He has to finish the fight.
"Aw, way to ruin the mood."
Crowd: Finish the fight! Finish the fight!
Jim looked down at Draal, watching the troll grunt as he wasn't able to pull himself up. The sword of daylight appeared, Jim raising it and pointing it at Draal, his face being overrun by many emotions.
Draal watched in shock and worry that his death was about to come. Jim yelled and brought the sword down, only to find the sword hadn't struck Draal at all.
But the ground.
Draal looked up as the smoke died off Jim's sword, exhaling heavily as Jim held out his hand.
Everyone's jaws dropped.
Draal: The fight is to the death.
Jim: House rules, not mine. Come on, man. Don't make it weird.
Draal used his free hand to grab onto Jim's, the armor giving him the strength to pull Draal up, the crowd booing at the action.
Draal was shocked at the turnout. The fleshbag didn't kill him, he spared him. He wasn't probably accepted by the trolls now but at least he didn't die. Draal stood slowly as people just watched, finally closing their mouths.
"Dude, did you see how his amulet made his armor glow when he pulled up Draal?" A student said. "What if the voice in the amulet is Draal's father, the past TrollHunter and he was happy that Jim didn't end his son's life so he gave Jim strength to pull him back up!"
Draal ignored the comment and stood in front of Jim, who had also rose from his chair.
"You didn't kill me, fleshbag."
"Well, I'm not that type of person. Like Blinky had said, I am learning the Troll rules but I will also use mine. I'm the TrollHunter, I would rather protect you after the many rude things you have said or done then just end you, just because you wanted the amulet, I wasn't going to slaughter you. You probably would have killed me but that is your instinct, not mine." Draal smiled, hearing the words had actually warmed him. Maybe this boy wasn't so bad. Maybe, he could actually do it.
"I will serve by your side, I will assist in battle and, I- I am sorry young TrollHunter."
"I'm sorry too. I didn't want to make you mad because the amulet chose me. I had no say in it." Draal set his large hand onto Jim, gently before leaving to his spot, now being on good terms with his TrollHunter. Now, Vendel had stepped from his chair to make a quick speech.
"I accept this human to be our protector, I know I have no word and I cannot choose who wields the amulet but I see some potential. With a lot of practice and time, I'm sure that you will do a lot of things." Vendel sat as Rileah nodded.
"Yeah, he gets way farther than the past TrollHunters who went against Bular and them. Just saying." She pushed play.
Draal: You should have killed me.
Jim walked off and to the center of the arena.
Jim: Look, I may not have followed your rules, but neither did the amulet when it chose me Right now, over our heads, changelings are in Arcadia.
The crowd gasps.
Blinky facepalms.
Troll: What is he talking about?
Jim: You'll need a Trollhunter who doesn't have to live in the shadows. This is a time to work together. They're building the Killahead-
Blinky: Stop! Say no more! We must leave this instant!
Blinky pulled him from the view of the crowd as they boo, throwing random items at Draal as he exits as well, mostly in sadness and defeat.
Jim: They have a right to know.
"Really, Master Jim?"
"What?"
Blinky: And you have a right to listen! Ours is an ancient race. It will take time to win hearts and minds.
Jim turned to find them throwing garbage at Draal.
Jim: Why are they treating him that way?
Blinky: You spared his life, but destroyed his honor. He will never be able to show his face in Trollmarket again.
Jim looked sadly at Draal before leaving, Vendel watching as he stroke his chin.
Draal smiled at the caring. Not many people had given him that.
Vendel: Hmm
After they exit the arena and the armor no longer covered Jim's body, Toby pulled his friend into a crushing hug with a happy chuckle.
Toby: Oh, praise! You're alive!
Jim: And sore. Ease up.
Toby: Just one more minute.
A voice pulled them from their happy moment, Vendel standing in the tunnel as the four turn around, awkward in the situation.
Vendel: Aaarrrgghh, Blinky a word.
"It better be a good word," Blinky mumbled.
Aaarrrgghh: Good fight.
Aaarrrgghh patted Jim's head as he left, Blinky saying a few words as well as he walked away.
Blinky: Yes! Very good fight, Master Jim. I'll handle Vendel. You get home and, we shall join you for these What do you call them? Ah, yes, "tacos."
Aaarrrgghh: Mmm, tacos.
Jim: You opened the letter.
Toby: When I read I was your best friend, it took our relationship to just a whole new level.
"I'm you're best friend!?" Toby said happily and jumped in front of Jim.
"Yeah, Tobes. You should have understood that since we were ten!" Toby engulfed Jim in a bone-crushing hug, the skinny boy groaning at his crushing ribs but returned the hug.
Toby sighs with content, resting against his tall friend as the screen turns black, then brightening to Jim pressing his forehead to the house wall, crickets chirping as he looked at his amulet.
Jim: Just an average teenager after an average teenage day.
He slipped it into his bag before heading in.
Jim: Hey, Mom, I'm home. I'm just going to head upstairs to get a jump on homework.
Jim rested his bag at the foot of the stairs, upon the large piece of the railing as a hand waved out from the corner, Jim tiredly pressing his forehead to his arm.
Barbara: In here. Guess who brought tea?
Jim: Oh, not Strickler again.
"Hey, I make a splendid company."
"No, no you don't."
He headed into the dining room to find his mother and Nomura. He let out a surprised gasp as the Changeling eyed him hungrily with a grin.
"Oh come on! Why is she there?" A student cried out. Nomura glared at the student and growled. "Oh yeah, fight me."
"No, don't fight her," Blinky mentioned, stopping the student from possible death.
Barbara: Don't you have something to say to Ms. Nomura?
"No. I. Don't." Jim grumbled.
Jim: I'm sorry, Ms. Nomura. I should have never gone into the museum in the first place. It's an unforgivable offense and I deeply apologize.
His voice grown darker.
Barbara: That's more like it.
Jim: But not as sorry as you're going to be for coming into my home, with my mother. So, you'd better leave now, or else we'll both be sorry.
"Ooh, tough Jim!" Barbara lost count at how many times she had smiled. Jim wanted to protect her but he also needed someone who would protect him.
Jim had made his way to his mother's side as he spoke, Nomura just smirking as she waited for a fight.
Barbara: Jim! She's our guest. What's gotten into you?
Her words died off as her head dropped on the table, no longer conscious.
Jim: Mom!
Jim called on and off screen before turning to Nomura.
"Stay away from my mother or you will not like me." He cursed through gritted teeth.
Nomura clicks her tongue and takes a sip of her tea before she stands and follows Jim who backed away from her.
Nomura: That speech was very moving. Too bad she won't remember it when she wakes up and finds your body!
As she claws the air with her fingers, the amulet dings, bringing both their attentions to his school bag.
Jim takes off to his bag, almost making it but Nomura grabbed his collar, throwing him back into the kitchen, his body slamming into the counters. He pulled himself up and reached for the knives, only to find all of them missing.
Everyone groaned, even they could feel the pain in their backs.
Nomura: Looking for these?
Passing the door frame, Nomura was no longer in her human state, as she turned into the troll. The knives Jim had been looking for were placed between each of her fingers before she released them, all aiming at Jim who used the pan closest to him as a shield.
"A pan, who knew?"
Nomura jumps with another sharp steak knife in her hand, the pan becoming really useful as Jim twiddles it with his fingers and trying to take a few swings.
"Whoo!"
With a grab of his wrist, Jim was pushed back onto the counter as her other hand threw the knife to his head, the TrollHunter lucky to avoid it. He shoved her head into a machine and pressing a button. Steam was released, drowning her in the smoke-like substance.
Now in the clear, Jim heads to his backpack, ducking as a knife sliced through the door. Nomura screamed before running at him and taking strikes as he dodges each one of them. She leaps in front of him, yet, nothing could stop him as he climbed the side of the stairs effortlessly and pulling his backpack off the railing.
"You are cutting it really close and it is freaking me out!" A kid called.
Nomura throws another hit at the boy, without thinking, Jim holds up the amulet, stopping her punch but the magic threw the two on opposite sides, the amulet rolling under Nomura before it stopped under the safety of the couch.
Jim pressed his teeth together and retreated up the steps while Nomura cleared herself from the blow and jumping to the stairs. Beneath the couch, the amulet faded.
"Damn, the amulet is quick."
Jim locked himself in the safety net of the bathroom for the time being. The Changeling quickly firing herself up the stairs, letting out a haunting tune with her whistle.
"Well, that isn't creepy."
The TrollHunter now defenseless listened with worry, afraid that she might find him.
The door handle suddenly shook violently, the door popping open to reveal Nomura finding an empty room. She searched the hallway as Jim heard the familiar sound of his amulet. He pulls open the bathroom mirror, happy to see his amulet transported in there.
People let out breaths they didn't realize they were holding.
Jim: Yes! Thank you!
The whistling continues as a glowing blue flash colored the cracks in the bathroom doors, her eye peering in that direction as she grinned.
Using the toilet for support, Jim moved behind it, waiting for her attack. After a while, her claws slid beneath the door, scratching the tile.
Everyone winces.
Nomura: You can't hide forever. Trust me I would know.
Jim watched as the handle to his bathroom door shook as she tried to reach the boy. Jim watched the shaking nob with his sword raised as he slowly paced backward. Suddenly, the trembling had concluded, not even a breath was taken from the other side of the door.
The young Trollhunter waited, trying to figure the situation out. Without warning, the door bursts open, Jim's body falling back against the wall as fighting occurred, his form wincing visibly as each grunt echoed in her ears.
People jump back equally.
The bathroom door opened just slightly, Jim's eye peering through finding nothing but the upstairs empty. The curtain danced in the wind as the window was left wide open. Jim peeked his head through finding Draal and Nomura battling against one another.
Jim smiled at the sight of Draal.
Draal threw a punch but with ease, Nomura escapes, jumping onto the roof as Jim gasps at the sight. Draal followed Nomura to the top of the house while Jim had pulled himself farther out to find them already halfway to the backyard.
Taking off with another run, Jim heads down the stairs, in each window was a vire of Draal using his signature roll as Nomura's swords scraped against him, sparks flying.
They stopped in the backyard of the Lake's house and stared another one down. The Trollhunter pushed opened the door, letting Nomura easily find him. Her quick feet moved her closer to the boy but a vast blue body blocked her from landing a hand on Jim. With force of his ar, Draal tossed her back farther from Jim.
Nomura: What are you doing here?
Draal: Delivering you pain again, Nomura. Do not touch the Trollhunter.
Nomura: Suddenly you're honorable? Sorry to hear about daddy. Bular always liked the way he screamed.
"That's just sick."
The tip of her sword tapped against her chin, smiling at her words that dug into Draal's tough skin. With anger, he let out a fierce war cry, aiming quick punches at Nomura who leaped back from each blow.
People now cheered on for Draal, knowing that he was out to protect Jim, not hurt him.
She kicked at threw her sword, the sharp weapon pounded on his head, barely making an impact. With a struggle, Nomura couldn't keep still as Draal continued to push her towards the fence.
The Changeling leaped onto the slim surface and jumped over his tall body, slicing his arm with her sword, his scream piercing the quiet night.
Now it was her turn to swing randomly, his arms becoming a shield as her swords had hit him. Sick and tired of not ending the fight, Draal's hands grabbed each sword, pulling them apart to reveal the shocked face of Nomura.
With one more roar, he swings her body to each side, her stone skin smacking against the hard surface of the dirt before tossing her far from Jim's house, a clear sign that Draal had won the battle.
"DAMMMMMMMNNNNNNNN!"
Draal: Impure.
He spits before looking at a flabbergasted Jim.
Draal: You were right.
Jim: So, you're not here to kill me?
Draal: Not kill. Protect.
Jim's eyes grew before his face dropped, the armor shredded, falling in the hold of the amulet as it rolled from his reach.
Woman: Be quiet or I'm calling the police!
"Always that one lady."
Draal picked up the metal and looked at the human that stood in front of him, Jim watching with confusion as Draal held out his hand.
Draal: Take it. Don't make it weird.
Jim and Draal smiled.
Jim smiled and gently grabbed it as Draal entered the house.
Jim: You going to be okay?
Draal: I am. But, are you?
After sniffing the foul scent of tea, Draal flicked the cup off the table and inspected part of the house.
Draal: Your battles won't always be waged in arenas. You won't have time to prepare, to study your opponent for weaknesses as you did me. You are the Trollhunter. It is time to start being afraid.
Jim stood shyly beside the door frame as Draal stood across from him, letting out a sigh.
Draal: Since I cannot go back to Trollmarket, I will guard your home.
Jim: I… I don't think my mother would be down with that.
"She won't know!"
"I'm down as long as my son is alive.
Draal walked off as Jim tried to follow, Barbara rested in the corner. Draal sniffed, finding a door and entering it as Jim gently pulled off her glasses and set them nicely on the table side.
"Mothering your mother."
"It's called care!" Jim answered.
Down in the basement, Draal was seen on the other side of a lit fire, pulling out coal and tossing it into his mouth.
Draal: This is nice.
He pulled out more burning rocks and scattered them onto the floor.
Draal: Here I shall protect you and your fleshbag mother, Bar-bu-rah.
"How is that so hard to say?" Barbara chuckled.
Jim: Mmm close enough.
Draal: Your mother will awaken soon. I protect. I do not clean.
Jim: Right. Yep. I'll get right on that.
Jim headed back up the stairs and grabbed a broom on his way. Yet, he stopped as Draal continued.
Draal: Fleshbag [snorts] Maybe you'll make a good Trollhunter, after all. When that time comes, I will be proud to fight by your side.
Jim smiled.
After Draal had stepped closer to Jim, the said boy smiled and set a hand on his spiked shoulder
Jim: Thanks, Draal.
The screen faded into black.
"Next one!" Kids yelled impatiently. Rileah clicked the next episode, the name To Catch A Changeling appeared.
That's the end!
As you can see the students progress with knowing about Trolls and stuff.
JLAIRE IS GROWING! Don't worry, they'll be a couple real soon.
All the allies Jim makes will become his allies in person during the episode like that so heads up for when he is in the Darklands with Nomura!
That's all.
WONDERLAND OUT!