Hello, my beautiful creatures! How are y'all today? I hope each of y'all are doing well!
I've been in a hella good writing mood... Which is bad when I have my final exam for a European history class I need to study for as my Psychology course is starting rear it's ugly head on my direction, but no big deal. I can handle it lol So this might not be as long as my normal chapters, but I'm feeling it today so y'all are gonna get an update anyway.
I hope you guys enjoy this and I hope you each continue to like the story!
"Are you sure that is what you saw, Stricklander?" I grimaced at the Gum-Gum's voice as I tried my best to keep my composer.
"Yes, Master Bular. I'm certain of the insignia. It's from the Legends of Arthur. The golden cross with the three crowns." The large black and grey stoned beast turned his head away from me as he gave a small chuckle.
"And how do you know this isn't just a coincidence?" I felt myself swallow dryly before I continued on to answer him.
"Because he had the sword as well." This caused the beast to turn his head back toward me with a furious look before standing up from where he was sitting to growl out his response.
"Then end him before he can cause any problems." I nodded my head without much hesitation.
"Of course, Master Bular. I'll take care of the knight. After I get the answers I want from him." The Gum-Gum gave a small huff as he then walked past me without a second word until suddenly his voice came out toward me once more.
"Stricklander," I turned my head slightly toward him to make sure he knew he had my attention before he spoke once more. "When you get your answers, I want that sword. If I'm going to kill the Trollhunter, I might as well do it with a sword from that bastard King to prove the end of his people."
"Of course, Master Bular. I will see to it."
"Mother?" I walked through the front door of our home with Douxie right next to me who carried a worried look on his face.
"Changelings? Are you sure you heard her say, changelings? Cause the last time I dealt with those buggers it wasn't quite a wonderful encounter."
"I meant what I said and my son heard me well, Hisirdoux." My mother came out from around the mixing counter she had prepared in the living room as we closed the front door behind us. "Wonderful to see you two are alright though. Seems they have not started what I feared as of yet." I gave her a confused look as I took a step closer to her.
"What do you mean, mother?" She gave me a soft look before placing a hand on my left shoulder before placing her right hand on Douxie's shoulder as well.
"What I mean is that we might have a problem we need to deal with. And when I say "we", I mean all of us." She dropped her hands from our shoulders before turning back toward her working table. "I found this today." She grabbed a small little glass plate and showed it to Douxie and me. On the thin glass plate sat a green slime-like essence sitting on it. "It was in the middle of the road over by the museum. Before I saw a familiar small green figure carrying a small bundle toward that same building. It's why I panicked when you said you were there today without Douxie by your side."
"That looks just to be goblin essence."
"Yes. It is. But it's not what this being was that is important. It's who they work for." I gave her a confused look before looking over toward the punk by my side who only decided to let my mother continue on the description herself. "They do the dirty work for the changelings I was talking to you about over the phone. The idea that they're getting rather close and they're working for the museum only means the order has something going on within there."
"Agreed." I turned my head back to Douxie that gave a stern nod in agreeance. "These bastards have caused enough issues for humans, wizards, and trolls alike. Whatever it is that they're doing in there's gotta be something that we need to stop." I nodded my head in agreement as I now understood exactly what it is that we were talking about at this point.
"So these beings are planning something huge than to hide it like this and to use such sneaky creatures." I crossed my arms over my chest and gave both of them a wide smile before speaking once more. "Then let's see what we can find out then, huh?" My mom nodded her head with a smile dancing on her face.
"Exactly what I was hoping to hear from my brave little boy." She then turned so she could make her way back behind the table she was working with to put the glass plate back down. "Which is why I already started crafting a plan. Are you boys ready for a late-night?"
"I thrive in the darkness. Isn't that right, Douxie?"
"It was when we got away with the most nonsense, so yes. Definitely."
"Wonderful then! Let's get started then!"
I pulled my mask down as Douxie threw up his hood over his head. Mother was down the street within Douxie's black car with the headlights off just in case if we needed a rather quick getaway. We headed toward the side of the museum with a large smile dancing on my face even though it obvious to me that it wasn't able to be seen.
Why was I so happy to be walking up to a building that was possibly holding a dangerous species wanting to what I know now was going to bring the end to the world that I know it? Well, the idea that my mother was only down the street and who was basically my adoptive brother that was standing beside me would probably be enough to make me smile in such dangerous situations. The idea I wasn't alone through all of this was enough for me to smile like a fool.
As someone that understood what it meant to be along for a little while of their life at such a young age makes you appreciate it when you have them back.
"Are you ready for this, my friend?" I nodded my head toward him as he crouched down next to the sidewall of the museum to cup his hands together. I took this opportunity to run up and placed my left foot into his hands before he pushed me up so I could grab the siding with ease. When I grabbed it, I was able to pull myself up the wall without much of a hassle. When I was able to get my footing while on top of the building side, I leaned over the side to give Douxie a hand. The wizard didn't take a moment to hesitate as he jumped up and grabbed my hand without must of an issue. I pull him up the wall side and helped him place his feet firmly onto the rooftop. I chuckled at him as he dropped his hands from mine so he could dust off himself.
"Worried they might think of you as a street rat?"
"All because we're planning on not being found doesn't mean I don't care for my favorite jeans getting dirtied. Now come on." I shrugged at that as I ran up toward the wall actually leading toward the top of the museum building and I jumped up so I could grab the window ledge on the side. I pulled myself up to use the windowsill to help me climb up the siding to the actual main roof of the building. Once I was on solid ground, I looked over toward the wizard down below as I brought up my mask slightly to showcase my smirk I had dancing on my face. "Okay. Okay. I get it. You and your biceps can skip me like I'm a pebble."
"I can. Most definitely, but I won't unless you need me to." Suddenly, a little figure popped out from within his hood and bring his head to Douxie's collarbone.
"Remember you two, we have a mission to accomplish." I nodded my head as I understood that I needed to get along with the plan. I turned toward the roof of the museum to see that there were five different sections to the roof windows. The one in the center was that of a circular skylight as the others seemed to be flat window plates. I turned back toward Douxie who was still staring up toward me.
"There are five different sets. Which should I go to first?" Archie flew out of Douxie's hoodie and made his way up toward me to then sit on the ledge of the museum before looking out over the roof himself.
"Look at the center window. That will probably be your best opportunity." I nodded my head in thanks to the dragon before he leaped off the side to fly back to his familiar's side. "Douxie and I are going to check through the back area windows. Good luck, our little soldier."
"Good luck to you two as well. Stay safe, mates." Douxie gave me a small two-finger salute before turning toward his own objective as I then did the same. I tried my best to walk lightly toward the center of the roof. Once I got to the small skylight, I dropped to my knees to look through the glass. Once I looked through it, I was welcomed to the sight of a group of people gathering. They all seemed human for the most part but they were all looking upon a dark blue circle. I felt a confused look appear on my face as I leaned ever to so slightly to get a better look. Once I did though, I was shown the sight of a familiar brown blazer and combed back hair. "Strickler? What's he-?" Then suddenly, the history teacher changed form into that of a taller green beast eerie close to that of a troll. I felt my eyes nearly bug out of my head as I pushed myself away from the glass and landed on my back with a soft thud. I tried my best to calm my breaths as I laid there for a moment.
My history teacher is a changeling. Absolutely wonderful.
Wait.
That means he probably realized the insignia.
I brought myself back up before going back to the window to take another look inside. I noted the large stone bridge behind the blue circle and the fact that it seemed to be missing two pieces of it before getting up to my feet and making my way back over toward where I knew Douxie and Archie should still be near. I lifted my mask slightly over my mouth to give a small whistle before swinging my legs over the side and landing on the shorter piece to the museum.
"Are you alright, mate? I thought you said we would only whistle if there was danger or something?"
"We need to leave. Now."
"What's wrong, little one?" I looked over toward them as Archie got out of the windowsill he was looking into and flown back over to Douxie with ease.
"One of my teachers is a changeling. I saw it myself." I swallowed dryly before continuing with my thoughts. "And I think he knows I'm not from this era." I looked over Douxie's features as his eyes widened in shock under the protection of his hood. Slowly though, he came back into reality as he let out a few words to showcase his shock.
"Oh, Fuzz-buckets."
"Are you sure of this? You really think he would know the insignia?"
"Why wouldn't he? He's a history teaching changeling that has probably lived for generations! I wouldn't doubt he would know." I leaned down to place my head into my hands as I felt my mother rub circles into my back. The stress of the situation was eating at me quickly as I felt a wave of anxiety hitting through my system. My mother and Douxie continued to speak toward one another as my mind started to wonder on its own.
There is so much more at stake now. If it is true that he knows of my origin then he knows that those around me are not from this era either. Douxie and mother might be outed then to at the very least targeted. Do they even do witch hunts anymore? Is that even a thing now?
But what about Toby, Darci, Mary, and Claire? Would he go after them as well? Do these two-faced creatures have a line they don't dare to cross or are they unable to feel guilt for their actions? I doubt they have a moral compass guiding them if what I saw is true. I never thought I would see the Killahead Bridge myself, but from what I saw and Douxie's descriptions of it, it is exactly what I saw them put together.
There is one thing that I know for sure throughout all of this though.
I brought my head up from where I was cradling it within my hands and looked over to my old friend with a determined look upon my face.
I will not lose another loved one. Not if I have anything to say about it.
"We need to tell those of Troll Market what we saw. If the changelings are planning on releasing Gunmar, they will most definitely be on their list of those they want revenge upon."
"And how do you expect them to believe us? The last time I spoke to them about the Gum-Gums like this, they treated me like I was away with the fairies." I sighed slightly as I brought my hands into my jean pockets.
"I guess it does not matter if they believe us, just as long as they know we have their best interest at heart. It is better to tell and be dubbed insane than not speak at all and watch them be slain if the worst circumstances arise." I felt my mother's hand place itself on my shoulder as I pulled my eyes away from Douxie to look up toward her. A soft smile was dancing on her lips before she spoke.
"You have grown to be such a fine young man, my son. Your words are true. It is better to give a warning than not to speak at all. If you need my assistance at all, you have my word I will be there for you." I felt my eyes widen slightly as I looked up toward her.
"Mother, why don't you ever fight back against those that go after us?" She gave me a large toothy smile as she toyed with my hair.
"I am not one for violence unless it is needed, my boy. You'll understand in due time. They are just afraid of what they don't understand. Give humans time. They'll great us with grace one of these days." I nodded my head with a sloppy grin as I looked up toward my mother with admiration. She the first to teach me that violence wasn't always the key in certain situations and her words stayed true with me throughout the years.
So looking at her now as she declares she is by my side within this battle is something I never thought I would hear from her.
"Mother, I cannot ask you to bloody your hands within this."
"I have sworn myself to help any of those that are of need since I had thought I lost you to time, my son." She brought her hand up to toy with my hair like she had done many moons ago. "It is only right that I continue that promise. Beside my wonderful little knight." I smiled up to her sincerely before glancing over toward Douxie who was sharing a soft smile on his face.
"And you, my brother?" He gave a small nod before crossing his arms over his chest and flashing a small smirk.
"You'll have to kill me not to join in this war, mate." He reached over and grasped his hand onto my left shoulder as Archie flown up to cover his. "You're my brother, blood or not. Does not matter to me if you're going to run through the Darklands yourself to end all of this. I'll be right there beside you. Through thick or thin, little one." My smile widened as Archie nodded his head as well.
"These creatures can not be allowed to cause havoc. We are the only ones fit to end this. With all of us magic, the trolls, and you yourself, James, I believe we can accomplish this. You have my word." I looked between the three of them for a moment as I gave a proud grin to each of them.
"Then that's it then. Let's end ourselves a centuries-old war."
"You cannot be certain of this, Master James."
"I'm not just certain, Blinky. I'm serious to the deadliest degree." The four-armed troll looked at me with worry for a moment before looking over toward the elder who was rubbing his chin with his staff in his other hand. I swallowed dryly as I remembered that this gesture could mean multiple things when it came to Vendel. It could lead to his agreeance or that of him decreeing I was insane and that I was unfit of the role I was given with the amulet. This could go either way within this moment and it only caused my anxiety to worsen from earlier. "Master Vendel, you know that I am not one to joke when it comes to these ideas. My only job is to protect your people as well as my own. Why would I cause hysteria if it was not out of the idea it was real?"
"I know you are a man of your word, Trollhunter." I swallowed my words as I knew I was going to continue until Vendal had spoken. "But you can understand my hesitance to believe this, don't you?"
"I understand completely, sir. But trust me. Even Douxie can explain that I had known nothing of the bridge myself but by my description, he was able to come to the conclusions it was the one and only Killahead."
"Is this true, wizard?" I looked over to Douxie to see him give a simple nod toward the elder before continuing.
"Everything about his description was that of Killahead. Every detail made it even eerier since he was not there for the battle himself." Vendal nodded as he continued to rub at his bearded chin for a moment before dropped his hand to his side.
"I will start preparations for the worse then. But we should not tell the population just yet of these developments. If they know what the changelings are planning, it will only bring chaos to the people." I nodded my head with a small bow toward the elder.
"Whatever you think is best, Master Vendel. Douxie and I are going to look in more to see if we can get any more information on what they are planning and what we can do to stop this. Even if it means stealing a single piece of the bridge ourselves, we'll stop them from opening that bridge."
"I know you two will do our people proud." I gave a smile toward the elder as I brought myself up to my full height. "Blinkous, ready him for fast and powerful combat. Changelings are noted for being faster but just as strong as us trolls so he must be ready if he is going to encounter them. Same with the young wizard." He looked over to AAARRRGGHH who was not too far away from Blinky's left shoulder as he continued. "AAARRRGGHH, I'll need your help with supplies. If we need to ready for the worse then I'll need a hand gathering what we need."
"Course, Elder."
"I'll have these two in changeling battle-shape before you know it, Master Vendel."
"Wonderful." The elder brought his eyes back toward Douxie and me as he bowed his head for a moment. "You have my faith. The both of you."
"Thank you, Master Vendel."
"We'll try our best to keep it that way, Master Vendel."
"I know you two will. May Deya's grace be blessed upon you."
I felt jittery while in my history class the next day. Knowing the truth of what your history teacher is and how you are, hopefully, secretively going to ruin his plans the best you can leave you feeling as if you're being watched and taunted with every word they make.
"For generations there were battles between those that were trying for glorious means for their people while there were also those trying to end those glorious means. It was only within those battles that we as historians are showcase those of valor and those of unprecedented means." His eyes met mine for a moment as what could be seen as a normal grin spread across his face. But for me, I saw the sickening emotion that came behind it and it almost caused me to snap.
So I am correct. He knows of me. Not as the Trollhunter, but enough for him to know that I'm not from this era.
With that, the bell rang and I tried my best to gather my stuff as quickly as soon as possible. That was until I heard the familiar voice calling out to me.
"Mr. Lake, may I speak to you?" I swallowed hard as I tried my best to keep my composure. I looked over to Toby who was giving me a worried look. I flashed him a reassuring smile as I placed my bag onto my back.
"I'll catch up to you in a minute, mate." He took this as an legitimate answer before giving me a quick wave. I watched him leave as I saw that Claire gave me a sympathetic look as she exited with our small group of friends. Once the room was empty, I turned my attention back toward the changeling with a false happy look to my face. "What was it that you wanted to speak to me about, sir?"
"What do you know about the legends of Arthur, Mr. Lake?"
"A decent bit. My mother was rather interested in the era so she would read me stories of him when I was young."
"Don't be coy with me, Sir James."
"Don't mock me, Changeling." I watched his eyes widen for a moment as then they flashed a sickeningly yellow color.
"Don't tempt me, boy."
"By my calculations," I gave a smirk as I crossed my arms over my chest. "I'm technically older than you."
"You're lucky we're on even grounds here, child, or you'd be dead by now."
"I've fought more threaten beings than you, sir. Trust me."
"Yes, but your friends haven't." I narrowed my eyes at the changeling as I took a step closer to him.
"If you dare lay a hand on any of them, I'll slaughter you myself in the most painful way possible. I would even make it so that each one of your followers will have a body part to remember you by."
"Don't make promises you cannot keep, little one." I growled at him as I pushed past him.
"Don't threaten those close to a warrior. You would never know what I have seen." I turned toward him once more as I glared at him with ease. "And I never broke a promise to anyone. Never once." I placed a hand over my heart as I gave a small nod. "This one I am sure to keep, as well. More than any other I have given. So either stay away from my loved ones," I lowered my voice as I dropped my hand to my side. "Or you'll be the one crying for mercy from a Knight of the Roundtable." I exited the room without a second thought as I started making my way toward my gym class with only one idea dancing within my head.
I swear on Excaliber that if he or his people lays a single hair on any of them, that he'll wish he was already dead. With all that is within me, I will protect those around me with my dying breath. I swear upon my sword. I swear upon my name.
I swear upon Morgana's gave.
"Great practice today, Romeo! You're getting better each time we rehearse." I smiled over toward Claire as we walked out of the gymnasium together. I wanted to enjoy her presence, but Strickler's words kept repeating in my head. It seems that Claire caught on to my hesitation though even if I was smiling toward her. "Are you okay? You seem like you've got something on your mind." I chuckled a little as I slipped my hands into my hoodie pockets as we continued our walk together. I took a deep breath as I tried to gather my thoughts together before speaking.
"Claire," I almost cringed as my accent came out in full swing but I continued on anyway. "If there was something about me that I couldn't help and I couldn't bluntly say it aloud, would you hold it against me? Even if I never meant to hide it from you?" I watched as a confused look appeared on her face. It was so soft and caring. I couldn't handle looking at her eyes even though they were my favorite sight as of recently. So I pulled my eyes away from her as I then set them down on the path before us. "I've never been one to keep secrets, but there's something I don't think I could ever completely explain to you or keep you safe from. Would you hate me if I couldn't? Would you regret-?"
"Jim." She stopped suddenly and grabbed me by my shoulder to stop me in my tracks as well. I allowed her to pull me so we were face to face and that her hands were upon my shoulders. "Whatever it is that you're talking about, I doubt it'll make the rest of the experiences I have had with you any less enjoyable." I looked within her eyes to see if there was truth to her words but all I saw was true care within her eyes. I couldn't help but smile genuinely toward her as she continued. "I won't force you to tell me whatever it is that you're going through, but know that I care about you, alright? It doesn't matter to me whatever you're keeping. What matters to me are your actions. From everything I've seen, you're a caring guy with a big heart who's willing to put everything at risk for those around him. Even if he hasn't even known them for more than a day." We shared a small laugh together before she went on. "And you're funny, witty, and always trying to make others smile." She placed her hands on my cheeks which caused the mood between us to change ever so slightly. I felt as if I was in a trace at this point as I was staring into her eyes like a lovesick fool.
Have I noticed before the golden flakes that seem to sparkle within these hazel pools till now? No. Have they become my favorite detail now? Yes.
Am I ever so suddenly screwed? Oh definitely.
"So even if what I hide could cause harm, you won't regret knowing me?"
"I don't think I ever could." I felt my smile I still had on my face widen as I noticed the sudden closeness between us. Her hands were back on my shoulders but were merely inches apart from one another. If I had the guts, I could lean in and capture her lips with ease, but I knew I wouldn't. I'm too much of a coward to ever initiate anything of the sorts. But suddenly a car horn I have never heard before came from the front of the building and Claire gave a small apologetic smile. "That's my parents, I'm afraid. But we've cleared up everything, right?" I gave her a small nod as my smile still danced on my face.
"Crystal." We stood there for a moment as we still looked at each other as if the sudden car horn had never happened. But when the sound repeated itself, Claire leaned in and placed a chase kiss to my right cheek before flashing me a smile and pulling herself away.
"See you tomorrow, Jim." I felt my eyes widen as I watched to run off toward the front of the school to stop her parents from honking a third time. As she fled though, I lifted my right hand up to touch my cheek as a soft lopsided smile appeared on my face. It felt as if I had the softest of touches appear on my skin and it had left a beautiful buzzing sensation on my flesh that I could never erase even if I tried.
At least that was something that'll get me through the rest of these upcoming days. As Lancelot would say, a simple kiss from who they hold dearest could cause a warrior to rampage through a field in the name of love.
My smile spread slightly as I started making my way toward the front of the school myself.
I always thought he was insane when he said that, but now I think I finally understand what he meant. Because I would slaughter a clan of changeling for her without a second thought if it meant to have this feeling again. Even if it was just for a moment. If she stays by my side, even knowing my secret, I think I'll be a force to be reckoned with. Just hope I won't lead her to harm.
But I won't let us become a tragedy. Not if I can help it. We might be Romeo and Juliet, doesn't mean our story has to be the same.