Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I'm in the middle of moving out to my first apartment! YAY! Posts will be a bit slow, but I'm hoping to have the story complete in the next month or so.

Also have a little bit of my personal philosophy in the form of Jim's psychology class.

Sorry for the short chapter, have a good week.

Let The Chaos Ensue...

Chapter 21: School

August 22, 11:50 am, Arcadia CA

The week went by quickly, and school soon started up. Students were wary of Jim at the start but soon found the troll to be more than friendly. Before he knew it, Jim knew every kid in school, all because he was now half troll.

Anyone who made an odd look at him had to deal with Toby, Darci, and worst of all, Indi. Who claimed she would fight anyone who crossed him.

The whole reason Indi hadn't stuck it out in the basement with Claire was because she was insulting the way Jim looked. No one knew why it bugged her so badly.

Jim still helped Claire with her nightmares, doing his best to leave as soon as they passed, even though she'd insist she needed him there.

They were a week into school and finishing up in psychology.

"Can anyone tell me why fight or flight is important?" a few hands raised, but the teacher looked around and spotted Jim. "Jim! As someone who's been in battle, why is fight or flight important?"

"It lacks purpose," he said with a flat tone.

"I'm sorry," the teacher said. "What does that mean?"

"I apologize," he said. "In theory it should tell you if you can beat an opponent and whether you should run or fight."

"And in practice?" She asked, her tone piquing.

"It's irrelevant, if you're already faced with an opponent, you have no choice but to fight. So fight or flight lacks purpose in any real case scenario. You'll have to face it one way or another, once you've come across it."

She narrowed her eyes, but he had the class' attention. "I'm not sure that's true."

"No," Indi added. "He's right. Whether, in Jim's case battle, or anything that triggers the fight or flight response, you have to face it. If it's just in your mind or in the physical world."

"What does that mean?" Shannon asked.

"We all have demons, and we have to face them at some point."

The bell rang but no one moved to get up. They stared at the pair of odd students and slowly packed their bags. Before anyone left, Jim spoke.

"Think about it, it makes sense. Your enemies will follow you, your fears chase you, and anything that triggers fight or flight, you'll have to face eventually."

They all left with heavy thoughts on their mind, what he said weighted heavily in their minds.

As they exited their class to go to lunch, Strickler stopped Jim and Indi.

"What's up Strickler?" Jim asked.

"I wanted to borrow your girlfriend for a while, I have something I wish to discuss with her." He said with a soft smile.

Even as he spoke, Indi gripped Jim's hand tighter, his tail squeezing her wrist, letting her know it was alright.

"Can't Jim come?" She asked.

"No, I'm afraid not… Are you alright? You look a tad pale."

Jim hugged her and whispered into her ear. "He's in jail, he's not out looking for you, you'll be fine."

She took a breath and nodded. "'Kay, let's go."

"You're safe Indigo," he said.

As they walked away, Jim's tail flicked around at his feet. He couldn't help but feel some of her pain. Irrational fears that haunt you, and there's nothing you can do about it.

For Jim, it's that everyone secretly hates him, but won't say it to his face.

Or for Indi, who's terrified her father will find her and take her away again. Because he's done it so many times before.

Strickler closed the door and walked to the other side of his desk. "So, there's something very important I've been meaning to talk to you about."

She hummed her question. "Is this about my grades last year?"

He gave a small smile, and shook his head. "No this is more of a personal matter. It concerns Jim."

She laughed. "So that's why he couldn't come."

"On a different note, if you don't mind me asking, why is it you stick so closely to Jim."

Indi looked at her hands in her lap and frowned. "My dad… every time I've run away he's followed me and dragged me back. I know he's in jail now, but I still have nightmares sometimes."

"I'm sorry," he said, eyes wide. "When did this happen?"

"Oh… every once and awhile. Claire isn't the only one with problems. I just asked Jim to keep it secret. Along with a lot of other things."

"Hmmm, alright."

"So… you're question?"

"Oh, Jim… even Claire has a hard time with Jim's appearance. Why is it that you seem more attracted to him as he is now, as a troll?"

She smiled, a small blush graced her cheeks. "Well for one, I think he's handsome. He's one of a kind and works hard to protect other people. He cares about people, about me. But what really draws me to him… we're the same."

"The same?"

"People hear our stories and automatically treat us as if we're broken. Like we need to be treated differently. But he treats me like a normal person."

"Even though he helps you with your fears, and nightmares?" He questioned.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm broken." She stated. "But I don't want to be looked down on. Jim doesn't want to be pitied for giving up his humanity. We understand each other."

"Would you say Jim is broken?"

She shook her head furiously. "No. He's just different. We've talked about it and we both think he's high."

"High?"

"High on being a troll," she laughed. "He likes feeling powerful. Being able to protect everyone. Able to survive on his own. Everything about being a troll," she smiled.

"He calls you Indigo, I understand you don't like being called Indiana because your father called you that."

Indi nodded. "You've seen his eyes."

He nodded. "Do you plan to stay with Jim?"

"I'm sorry?"

"I worry about Jim, love him as my own son even. I want him to be happy. Do you plan to stay with Jim?"

"Oh… I mean, we've thought about it, but it's so far away. And really we're just kids." She gave a nervous laugh.

Strickler smiled. "That was the response I was hoping for. You can return to lunch. Thank you for the answers, they have been helpful."

She left and quickly found Jim. She sat down at the table of friends next to him. His tail curling around her waist and pulling her to his side.

"What was that about?" Jim asked.

"Strickler wanted to know why I don't find you wildly repulsive?" She said dramatically draping herself over his lap.

Jim laughed and brushed some hair out of her face. "Oh yeah? And what did you say?"

"How we're the same." Was all she had to say.

"Of course Indigo," he replied with a smile.

The bell rang and they left to go to class.

The two of them once again inseparable.

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