Disclaimer: I do not own Trollhunters or any of its characters.
Chapter 12
Foremost Folly
Jim v. Claire (Round 1)
The break in the action proceeded with haste. Standing in one corner of the contestants' stands, Merlin coached Claire.
"Jim may be quicker and stronger than you physically, but the reverse is true mentally. In order to win this fight, you must outthink him. Be the clever, cunning Claire that dispatched Tobias. Set it up with the staff to distract him." The mages nodded at each other in confirmation.
Strickler stood in Jim's corner, speaking with agitated intensity.
"Don't count on Claire tiring. That was Toby's mistake. Did you get your Amulet back?"
Jim nodded.
"Excellent. Be wary of the staff. That's how Claire will begin her attacks. To my penultimate point: the little incident with the Amulet should teach you something."
Jim looked away, embarrassed.
"This is a fight. Claire will not be afraid to use your attraction to her to gain an advantage. Don't let her distract you. Finally, and this is of vital importance: your opponent is well aware of the effective nature of Rule Three. She also has a portal-generating magical staff, and unlike Toby, you can't fly."
Jim muttered a quick thanks before rushing to the tunnel.
"Trollmarket, welcome to the finals!" Blinky's voice rang out over the exuberant crowd.
The atmosphere was electric. The energy level in the market may have never been greater. Great Gronka-Morka, Blinky could not wait for this fight.
"This series will be a best-of-five, featuring. . ."
Trollmarket's elder was momentarily drowned out by a thunderous roar from the crowd.
"Entering first. . . on her road to the final, she vanquished the changeling NotEnrique and Tobias Domzalski with a record of 3-1. Trollmarket, welcome Claire Nuñez!"
Blinky huffed softly at the brevity of his own words. Merlin had insisted he keep the introductions brief, citing the "convoluted nature" of his speech. Blinkous Galadrigal, convoluted? Perish the thought.
But his inner grumblings could not distract Trollmarket's elder from the joy of the upcoming fight.
"On his road to the final, he defeated Aaarrrgghh and Walter Strickler with a record of 3-0. Trollmarket, welcome Jim Lake Junior!"
As the Trollhunter bounded out of the tunnel, his best friend watched with a grin. Toby rubbed his hands together gleefully.
"Here we go."
Jim began the action, leaping forward with Daylight extended.
Claire shuffled to the right, leaning out of the sword's path with ease. A well-timed strike caused a grunt of pain as the Shadowstaff connected with Jim's elbow.
Taking advantage of the Trollhunter's brief imbalance, Claire swept his legs out from underneath him.
For the second time all tournament, Jim found himself on his back. Claire secured a judo side-hold.
The half-troll placed a hand on each of his opponent's arms in an attempt to bench-press the mage away from him. It worked.
Until Jim realized he'd forgotten the Shadowstaff, which now sent him flying through the air.
As he hurtled towards the ground, the Trollhunter knew he needed perfect timing.
As he was about to collide with the Forge floor, Jim somersaulted forward.
The half-troll failed to see his opponent glide out of a portal.
Jim felt a blow to the side of his head. His involuntary response was to roll backwards over his shoulder, back to his feet.
The dizziness didn't help matters. Jim tried to ignore it as Claire walked forward.
"Poor Jim. How's your head?" she teased.
"Getting better," he growled.
Jim lunged forward, curling his sword towards Claire's shoulder. It was a feint.
Daylight's course changed in mid-air, with the blunt edge striking Claire in the side of the head.
The mage crumpled backwards into a portal. She emerged a few yards away, looking a little dazed.
Both fighters walked towards each other, sword and staff extended.
Jim connected first as Claire deflected Daylight into her thigh inadvertently.
The Trollhunter was glad he used the side of the sword. It was still painful, but Claire wouldn't pick up any long-term injuries that a sharp cut would have wrought.
Jim surged forward, feinting to the head. Daylight headed towards the mage's side.
Claire anticipated the trick this time and deflected the strike.
The half-troll redirected the motion, curling Daylight to the back of Claire's head.
The mage raised her staff and blocked the attempt. With a twist, Jim's sword skittered away on the ground.
Claire did not expect the ensuing punch to the stomach. As she fell backwards, Daylight rematerialized in her opponent's hand.
The mage teleported away a few yards at a time, with the Trollhunter leaping after her.
Claire stopped on a dime and stuck out a leg. Jim tripped over it at full speed, falling on his side.
He never returned to his feet.
Dropping to her knees, Claire wrapped her right arm under Jim's left arm and neck, connecting her arms in a merciless D'Arce choke.
"I. . . yield," Jim gasped out.
Blinky's voice rose over the crowd. "Round one's victor. . . Claire Nuñez!"
Claire leaned towards Jim with a grin. "One down."
The infernal puff of green smoke accompanied Merlin's arrival in the Tarrons' kitchen.
Aja Tarron poked her head into the room. Merlin cut her off with a vehement shake of his head.
"Gather the others. I have an announcement."
Aja dashed off. One by one, Akiridians filed into the kitchen.
"What happened?" Krel inquired.
"I'd prefer to explain this once, and once only," the mage decided.
"You again. What is it now?" Zadra scowled as she came into the room.
Vex thundered down the stairs. "Is that the wizard? Varvatos will give him a glorious death!"
"No one needs to die yet. I have an announcement," Merlin repeated.
Aja perked up. "Does this have to do with the glowy thing?"
"Yes. No," he warned as Krel raised his hand. Merlin cleared his throat. "In thirteen days, Earth will be under attack by a powerful mage. The invader has acquired a planet-sized armada and a vendetta against House Tarron."
Shocked whispers raced around the room. Varvatos raised a hand.
"Who is this attacker, and when can we pummel him?"
Merlin sighed. "It's Val Morando."
Notes
Welcome to the finals! Next, round two of a possible five. I trust the fight was exciting?
The word "convoluted" is in this case synonymous with "difficult to decipher" or "unnecessarily elaborate and complex."
Thanks again to Forever-Foruba for the wonderful assistance in improving this chapter.
Please review! I'd like to know what readers think of the story.
