Hurrixane-Thank you so much! And unfortunately there's no angor rot in this fic! But you'll see who this troll is soon enough… :)
T3ddyBearL0ve-Hehe, I'm not gonna give anything away! Aw, thank you so much! I really tried on the action scenes. Yee, Jim was veryyyyy close to losing himself there! I really liked writing that Vendel scene as well, I like him a lot as a character. Don't worry, you don't have to wait for much longer! Thank you again!
Blackdrake-Yeah, Claire can only bring people she's close with through portals. Jim and Douxie are definitely two of those people, which is why she was able to do what she did. Yes, Douxie finally stood up for trolls and slapped some sense into Arthur (not literally unfortunately…) I hope you like this next one!
merendinoemiliano-Thank you so much!
"Remember," Jim said, "no matter what happens, don't pull out your weapons. The trolls in Dwoza are very, um, jumpy. One wrong move could scare them off. And when they get scared, they get defensive. And when they get defensive-"
"-they get angry, then they'll attack us, and we'll perish," Merlin finished. When Jim glared at him, he rolled his eyes. "You've told us this a thousand times, troll. We need to hurry; with Morgana alive, we do not have much time."
"Frustrating as he may be, the wizard is right," Arthur agreed. "I know you are just trying to help, but we really must make haste, beast-" he caught himself, "-troll."
Jim sighed. "No, no, you're right. Just a little anxious, I guess." He turned to Claire and nodded. "We're ready."
"Got it!" Claire said, raising her hands. A black portal swirled into existence.
Wow. He still couldn't believe she could do that without her staff. He really had an amazing girlfriend, didn't he?
Jim stepped forward. "Okay, I'll go first. Give me a minute to let them know I'm alive and all that before humans come busting into their home. I don't want to give them a heart attack." Claire smiled at him encouragingly as he walked through the portal.
He shivered at the odd sensation. He had forgotten how cold and-and slippery Claire's portals were. Weird, but not horrible.
Jim stumbled out of the portal and right into a stone wall. "Ow!" he cried, rubbing his head. That was going to leave a bump in the morning-
"Jim?" a familiar voice said. Jim looked up to see Vendel gaping down at him, bewildered. "You're alive?"
"Of course he is!" Callista said, walking up to him and rubbing his head affectionately. "Jim's made of strong stuff here." She grinned. "But seriously, kid. I'm glad you're okay. Was worried about you for a second there."
"Oh, so you do care," Jim teased, vainly trying to smooth back his scruffy hair. "But thanks. I'm happy to see you too, Cal."
"Jim, we are most pleased to see you in good health, but where did you go?" Vendel poked a finger through the portal before recoiling it. "And what kind of strange magic is this?"
He rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Um, yeah…long story. I think it would be better if they explained it."
"What do you mean by 'they'-oh my!"
Merlin, Douxie, and Claire strode through the portal. Claire started towards Jim, but he quickly held up a hand. Wait. She stared at him, confused, before understanding dawned on her. She nodded and stepped back to stand next to Douxie. Jim barely managed to keep a growl from crawling up his throat.
"Humans!" Vendel cried, stumbling back. "Sound the alarm!"
"Hold!" Arthur said, walking out from the portal. "Please, Vendel of Dwoza." He got down to one knee and lowered his head. "I humble myself before you. Camelot needs your help."
"No," Vendel slowly backed away. "King Arthur, killer of trolls, coming to me for help? No, this-surely this must be a trap!"
"Yeah, Arthur's done us no good before," Callista spat. She stepped in front of Jim and pointed her finger accusingly at the group. "I bet Merlin used his magic to kidnap Jim, and now they're using him as leverage against us. As soon as we let our guard down, they'll attack."
"You've got it all wrong," Douxie insisted. "That's not why we're here. We just want to-"
"-kill us all? I agree," Vendel scowled. "Go away! We want none of your kind here-"
"Stop!" Jim slipped around Callista and darted back to Arthur and the others. He turned around and gazed imploringly at Vendel and Callista. "Stop and listen, please."
"Jim, what are you doing?!" Callista hissed. Her eyes flicked to Arthur and then back to him. "Get back over here!"
"Isn't it obvious? He's under some sort of enchantment," Vendel stated.
"No, I'm not," Jim retorted. "Really, I'm fine. These guys…" He glanced over his shoulder and at Douxie, who gave him an encouraging nod. "These guys my friends."
"What?!" Vendel and Callista exclaimed simultaneously.
"Okay, maybe not all of them," he corrected himself. He jabbed his thumb over at Arthur and Merlin. "Those guys, not really. But the others? Yeah, definitely."
"So you'd betray your own kind?" Vendel accused. He glared at Jim. "It was all an act, was that it? Fighting that Gumm-Gumm, pretending like you wanted to converse with me…"
"It's not like that-"
"You're with the fleshbags," Callista snapped, her face full of rage. But underneath it, Jim could see sadness too. "I thought you were one of us, Jim."
"I'm not on the human or troll side!" Jim uttered. "I'm on both." The two trolls stared at him in stunned silence, and he took the opportunity to plunge on. "Look, I know Arthur's done horrible things in the past. But so have Gumm-Gumms! You've seen what they're like. Do you really want to join them?" Vendel looked down, unable to meet Jim's eyes.
"The young troll speaks truth," Arthur said, rising to his feet. "Gumm-Gumms have wronged you. I've wronged you. But I've changed, and I won't hurt your kind again. Can you say the same for them?"
Vendel was silent, deep in thought. Jim tried to make eye contact with Callista, but she just bit her lip and looked away. He slumped, trying to hold back the growing whine in his throat.
"I cannot," Vendel abruptly said, startling Jim and the others. He gazed long and hard at Arthur. "You make a good argument. Very well. I shall listen to what you have to say."
"You have my thanks," Arthur replied, smiling in relief. "Now-"
The old troll raised a hand, cutting Arthur off mid-sentence. "But whatever you have to say, you can do so in front of all of Dwoza. If we are to fight, every troll must agree to do so. Besides, if this does turn out to be a trap, I want everyone to see that humans can never be trusted."
"Ah-of course," Arthur said, his smile slipping off his face. "Lead the way then."
Vendel pivoted and stalked out of the cave. Arthur followed suit, with the rest of the group close behind. Jim approached Callista, her face stony and unreadable.
"Hey," he offered. "Um, there's some things I should probably tell you-"
She snorted. "You think?" She gazed at Jim with hurt and confusion. "I-I don't know what to think right now, alright? I want to hear what king fleshbag has to say, and if he's really for us, then we'll talk. But for now…" She turned away. "I just need some time alone." With that, she jogged away and into the depths of Dwoza.
Jim couldn't keep his mournful whine in any longer. His ears drooped, and his feet dragged on the ground. He really liked Callista. He didn't want to lose her over some stupid misunderstanding!
A small hand intertwined with his own, and he glanced down, startled. He relaxed when he saw it was just Claire. Her face was pinched with worry.
"I heard you whining," she said, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "What's wrong?"
"My friend doesn't trust me anymore," he answered brushing his thumb over her own. "I just want to get her back, you know?"
"And you will," Claire said, smiling up at him. "Because we really are here to help, and after Arthur tells all the trolls that, you'll have the time to talk to her."
He smiled back. She was right. Callista was stubborn, but well, so was he. "Thanks, Claire." He kissed the top of her head. "What would I do without you?"
.
.
.
"Gunmar the Black's swarm of Gumm-Gumms are ready to strike. The monsters seek vengeance on both our kinds." Arthur declared.
"And after all you've done, you expect us trolls to fight this war for you?" Vendel demanded.
A murmur of agreement filled the cavern. Douxie rubbed his hands nervously and glanced around at the trolls. This was not going well. When Arthur had exited the small cave, mass panic had ensured. It had taken a while to get the trolls to calm down and gather them in one place. Unfortunately, every single one still looked fearful, angry, and anxious.
Not that Douxie blamed them, though. It probably didn't help that a dozen human knights or so were in their home.
He looked over at Jim and frowned. Jim, for his part, seemed to be in low spirits. He was paying attention to Arthur and Vendel's heated debate, but his pointed ears were tilted downwards. Every so often, he'd glance at the top of a cavern, where that green female troll was perched. Then he'd look away and slump with a sigh.
Dunno what's wrong, but at least he has Claire to talk to, Douxie thought, tuning back in to the conversation.
"Gumm-Gumms are terrifying warriors while we are but humble gravel miners," Vendel was saying. "How do expect us to ever defeat Gunmar?"
"We will give you a secret weapon," Arthur replied.
Douxie, eager to listen in, leaned forward a bit too far and accidentally brushed against a knight's arm. The knight turned around, scowling, and shooed him, Claire, and Jim away.
"You really think they can work this out?" Jim asked.
"They have to, or everyone in Camelot and Dwoza are doomed," Douxie answered.
"And so is saving history." Claire crossed her arms. "Great."
"I assure you, all will be fine once I've completed my amulet," Merlin declared, confidently striding forward. He peered closely at Jim. "So, this is the once and future Trollhunter I've heard of. May I have a word, alone?"
"Um, sure. Be right back." He followed Merlin into a quiet alley.
Claire shot Douxie an inquisitive look. He merely shrugged. She sighed and walked to an overturned bucket. She plopped down and put her head in her hands.
He frowned. Seems like everyone was having a rough day. He came over and stooped down in front of her. "First Jim, now you," he chuckled. He gently pulled her hands away from her face. "What's wrong, Claire?"
She pursed her lips, reluctant to say anything. Finally, she gave in. "No surprise, it's Jim again," she laughed bitterly. "I mean, it's not just him, of course. There's the whole upcoming war, saving history, trying to get home…that's bothering me too." She glanced in the direction Jim and Merlin had walked off to. "But it's him that's worrying me the most."
"Oh? Why's that?" Please don't ask about the troll in the time map please don't ask about the troll in the time map-
"I'm scared of losing him," she confessed, rocking back and forth on the bucket. "I-there's been so many times he's come this close to dying, and I've always been so useless. He's always there to protect me, but it feels like I'm never there to protect him." A single tear fell down her face.
"Oh, Claire…" Douxie brushed the tear away. "It's hard to watch our loved ones constantly throw themselves in danger for us. I get it. But it's their choice to do that. Don't blame yourself."
"I know," Claire sniffed. "I know. But he's been through so much lately-whether it was adjusting to life as a troll, nearly dying at the hands of the Green Knight-I don't know how much more he can take. Maybe his weird behavior in the forest is a sign he might be-be losing it. And I can't do anything," she sobbed.
"Don't say that about yourself. Claire, listen to me." He cupped her face in her hands and lifted it, until she had no choice but to look at him. Tears poured down her face. "You are not helpless. Remember, you have magic now. You can fight, you can defend. Even if you couldn't do magic, you're always there for Jim emotionally. And I think that's more important than being able to fight by his side in battle."
She sat there, contemplating his words, before smiling. "You're right." Suddenly, she threw herself in his arms and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Douxie," she whispered. "I want you to know, you're not just my teacher. You're my friend."
Douxie's heart melted a little at that, and he hugged her back. "Of course, Claire. It's what friends do." They pulled away from the hug. "And you know what? I bet Jim's just a little grumpy from all the time travel problems. Trolls tend to be more aggressive than humans, after all."
"Yeah," Claire laughed, wiping at her eyes. "I know. And if Jim ever gets in a situation where I could lose him…" her eyes flashed purple, and the darkness in the room seemed to deepen. "I'll be sure that doesn't happen."
"I believe you," Douxie said, trying to ignore the uneasiness growing in his stomach. "I believe you."
.
.
.
"So, what did you want to talk about, Merlin?" Jim asked as the wizard slowed to a stop.
"May I see it?" Merlin said, holding out his hand.
"Uh-see what?"
He rolled his eyes. "Come now, Trollhunter, I sensed it as soon as we met. I can feel the dark magic radiating from you. I know it's not natural; it's from an outside source. Hand it over."
"Oh. Right." Jim suddenly found it very hard to move his hand. Gritting his teeth from the effort, he reached into his pocket. Ignoring the screams in his head to not give it away, he handed Merlin the shard.
"Hm," the wizard mused, holding up the shard for a closer look. "Odd. I've never seen a magical object quite like it."
"Yep, it's pretty unique," Jim said, jiggling his foot. Why was he so anxious about Merlin holding that dumb rock?
Merlin noticed his discomfort and raised an eyebrow. "I'm not making you uncomfortable, am I?"
YES. YES YOU ARE. Jim shook his head. "Nope. Not at all."
"Then you wouldn't mind if I took it back with me-"
"NO!" Jim snarled, grabbing for the shard. He snatched it back and held it close to his chest, growling.
Then the reality of what he'd done hit him, and he gasped. The shard slipped from his grasp and onto the ground.
Jim stared at his hands in horror. The shard…it already made him so much more violent and wrathful, but now he couldn't even bear to part with it?! He ran his hands through his hair shakily. What am I going to do?! he thought in a panic. I can't be like this for the rest of my life!
"It's as I feared," Merlin said, interrupting Jim's panic attack. "This stone…you've already let it enter your body, haven't you?" When Jim nodded numbly, he sighed. "Show me the punctured area, then."
Jim did so, still in a daze. Merlin bent down to get a closer look at the cracks in his leg and tutted. "Not good, not good at all. How far do these fractures go?"
He started. "Uh, I actually don't know." He hesitantly lifted his shirt up, and his eyes widened. The cracks formed a thin spiderweb over a large portion of his chest and torso. The last one stopped just before his heart.
Fear flooded through Jim. First the shard affected him emotionally, and now physically? He needed help, and he needed it now.
"Merlin, please, you've gotta-you've gotta fix me," he begged. "Please, I-I don't want this thing. Take it from me, even if a part of me doesn't want you to."
"And that is precisely why I can't take if from you," Merlin said sadly. "If you had only been in its presence, I could. But since you've pierced yourself with it, it is now bonded to your very soul. To take it from you now would be impossible, catastrophic even."
Jim's heart sank. It couldn't be. There had to be another way! "Isn't-isn't there anything you can do? Please, Merlin. I need your help."
Merlin looked down, pondering, before gazing back at Jim. "There is one way…yes, I believe so. This shard," he stooped down to pick up the shard and straightened, "holds a vast amount of dark magic. With that dark magic comes much power, but also great consequences, as I'm sure you've discovered." Jim nodded, a tiny spark of hope igniting in his chest. "It can be destroyed."
"Yes!" Jim whooped, punching his fist in the air. "What are we waiting for? Let's do it now-"
"But," Merlin interrupted, throwing a glare at Jim, "it can't be done here."
His grin fell. "What, here in Dwoza? Is it too dangerous or something?"
"Do be quiet and let me finish, will you? I mean it can't be done in this time. The shard is from the future, and as such, it can only be destroyed there. Time is fickle enough as it is without dark magic being involved. Once you get back to your proper time, find me and I'll know what to do."
"But…what am I supposed to do until then? Should I-should I give the shard to Douxie?"
"I'm afraid he is not an option," Merlin replied, shaking his head. "I can't even hold it without you getting…displeased. The shard must, unfortunately, be kept in your care until you go back. Before you can destroy it, you must promise me this."
He grabbed Jim's shoulders and made him look dead straight into his eyes. "You cannot let the shard enter your body again. By doing so once, you have already let its dark magic seep into your body and change you emotionally. If you do so again, you will become…" he hesitated.
Ice coiled around Jim's stomach. "B-become what?"
The old wizard seemed to steel himself before answering.
"A monster."
.
.
.
"Trolls of Dwoza, hear us now!" Vendel announced, waving his arm over the crowd of trolls.
"As we speak, death comes for us all," Arthur continued, stepping forward on the rocky bluff. "But we bring an offer of hope."
"Here comes the light show!" Douxie declared, opening the time map.
Hundreds of tiny golden orbs swirled together and formed a projection of the Amulet of Daylight. The trolls oohed and ahhed at the sight.
"I've designed a grand weapon; an amulet which will choose the greatest warrior among you to banish the Gumm-Gumm menace from our realm and become the Trollhunter!" As Merlin spoke, the amulet flew into its place in the Killahead Bridge. Golden projections of Gumm-Gumms were sucked into a spiral portal, screaming.
"The amulet's power will activate Killahead Bridge. Once a border between our worlds, it will now become a magic prison for Gunmar and his brood, trapping them in the Darklands and ending this war!" Arthur finished triumphantly.
"The battle will not be easy," Vendel added. "While the wizard builds this am-yoo-let, the king's men will train our bravest."
"Then we ride for Killahead to draw Gunmar out!" Arthur roared. The trolls cheered in agreement, although some still looked uncertain.
"That went better than expected," Douxie noted as he and Archie left the main cavern.
"Indeed. It seems we may have a shot at surviving after all," he remarked.
"One shot is the best I can offer," Merlin said, slowing to a stop. "When Killahead activates, it shall unleash a surge of magic across the realm." He tapped the ground with his staff, and a wave of green light washed over them.
"Just enough to power the Heart of Avalon for a trip through time!" Douxie finished, grinning. They were finally going to be able to go home!
"But only one, which means everything must go according to my plan," Merlin emphasized. He started walking away. "Hisirdoux, with me."
Douxie turned to Jim and Claire. "Why don't you two take a beat? Merlin and I have still got to actually finish the amulet all our hopes are riding on." With that, he waved a goodbye to them before trotting after his master.
Claire waved back before turning to Jim. "Hey, you okay? You've been pretty quiet after your talk with Merlin."
Jim blinked, startled. "Wha-? Sorry, I-" he took a deep breath. "He just…gave me a lot to think about."
She winked. "Well, I can take you somewhere to talk about it." She summoned a portal and placed her hands over his eyes. "It's a surprise," she giggled.
"Claire, the battle's coming," he sighed as he walked through the portal. "Sure we have time for random surprises?"
"Trust me, we need this," she said. She lowered her hands. "Okay, now you can look."
Jim opened his eyes, only to see… "Wow, what a nice…field?" He wasn't gonna lie, the night breeze was refreshing, and the stars really were beautiful, but why would Claire drag him all the way out here for this?
His gaze landed on a cluster of rocks, and he gasped. "Wait, is that-?!" He jogged over to a particularly large boulder and ran his hand along it. He remembered this rock. He had stabbed it with Daylight when he first summoned the armor. Had Claire really brought him home?
"It's your house in Arcadia," Claire affirmed, jogging over to him. "Or it will be, in like, a thousand years. I thought you could use a reminder of home. Of better times and…" she slipped her hand into his and smiled up at him. "Of us."
"Claire, that's…incredible!" Jim beamed. "You teleported us across the planet just for a date! And even if it's not my home yet…" he caressed her cheek. "I didn't realize how much I needed to see this. Thank you."
He pulled her in for a kiss. She happily obliged, squeezing him tightly. With Claire in his arms, all of his worries seemed to melt away. Even his problems with the shard seemed far away.
All too soon, Claire pulled away, giggling. "You're purring," she teased.
Jim blinked. He listened closely and scowled when he realized that, yes, he was indeed purring. His whole body was practically vibrating. "I hate this."
"Too bad, because I love it," she sang before skipping away. She bent over and grabbed a basket from behind a rock. "I hope you're hungry for meat pies, because it was either that or Callista's sock casserole." She sat down on the grass and held the basket out tantalizingly.
Jim's stomach rumbled, making him realize just how hungry he was. When was the last time he ate? He honestly didn't know.
He huffed and plopped down next to her. He snatched the basket from her and eagerly took a big bite of it. He moaned in pleasure. So good!
"Claire, this is perfect," he said, his voice muffled.
She laughed. "I try." She cleared her throat. "So, about earlier…I figured out what Merlin was talking about."
Jim's throat went dry. She couldn't have found out. "You did? Claire, I-"
"Yeah. You were wondering if Merlin's new amulet would choose you." She punched his arm playfully. "I think one's enough, hero."
Oh, thank God. "Y-yeah. Got me there."
Claire stood up, an eager twinkle in her eyes. "Hey, wanna see a new trick I learned?" Purple magic flared to life in her hands and she shot it up into the sky. As Jim watched, amazed, the magic formed into glowing doves. The doves flew and spiraled in the air in a mesmerizing dance. It was beautiful.
"Wow. Since when did you become such an awesome wizard?" he said breathlessly, gaze still trained on the doves.
"Douxie's a pretty solid teacher," she replied, sitting back down again. Her tone grew serious. "Besides, I…I wanted to be ready for whatever comes next. I'm not losing you again."
"Hey, you won't," he reassured her, bringing her into a hug. "I promise. And you know I always keep my promises."
Claire laughed half-heartedly. "I know." She broke away from the hug and stroked his slightly sunburned face. "But that doesn't mean I still don't worry."
He chuckled. "Now you sound like my mom."
"Oh, stop it," she teased. "I'm starting to relate to her a lot more."
"Looks like I'll just have to be extra careful then," he joked. He fell silent and stared at the swooping doves once more. Every part of him wanted to stay here with Claire, away from all his troubles and responsibilities. It was like the shard couldn't touch him when he was with her. He didn't have to worry about becoming…becoming a monster.
But Jim didn't have that luxury. He was the Trollhunter, and Trollhunters don't run away from their problems. The sooner they won the battle, the sooner they would get home and the shard would bother him no longer. It was time to go.
He bumped Claire gently with his horns. "As much as I don't want to, we should probably head back…the Battle of Killahead is coming soon. We should prepare."
She sighed and grumpily let Jim pull her to her feet. "Ugh, fine. You're such a mood killer sometimes, you know that?"
"Yeah, I know," he laughed, watching as a portal popped into existence. He slipped his hand into hers and pecked her on the cheek. "Seriously, thanks for the date. It was amazing."
"Just promise me as soon as we get home and deal with the Arcane Order, you'll give yourself a break so we can actually spend more time together." She jabbed a finger to his chest. "You got that?"
"Yes, ma'am," Jim replied, grinning, as they walked through the portal. He flinched as the sound of a high-pitched whistle met his sensitive ears. "What the heck?"
He turned to the noise and his mouth dropped open. "Uh…what's going on?"
The main cavern was full of trolls…exercising. Some were doing pushups, others sit-ups or pull-ups. Off to the side, Lancelot was trying to teach a few trolls sword fighting. And right in the center of it all was-
"Remember troops, when you challenge yourself, you change yourself!" Steve shouted, pacing back and forth, a whistle in hand. He bent down in front of a troll struggling to hold a plank and yelled, "You think it's gonna be easy fighting those creeps? Think again! You wanna survive, you're gonna hold that plank for another minute!" He blew the whistle loudly into the troll's face.
"Okay…" Claire said slowly. "Um, I'm going to practice my magic in a nice, quiet corner. Have fun with Steve!" she patted him on the back and jogged away.
"Claire, wait-!" But she was already gone. Jim groaned. Well, since he had nothing better to do, he might as well see what's up. He navigated his way around the exercising trolls and approached Steve. "Um, hey Steve."
Steve shot up and got into a ridiculous karate position. "Who's there!? Oh-oh, hey Jim," he quickly relaxed. "You here to train too?"
"Is that what this is? Looks like a gym, not a…a battle-training place or something."
"Aha! And that's where you're wrong, Lake. Look at these guys." He gestured at the panting trolls. "They're in bad shape! How can they fight if they can't do five push-ups? They'd get totally exhausted before they destroy their first creep."
Jim blinked. He hadn't thought of that. "That's…actually a really good idea. Nice job."
"Pft, don't have to tell me that," Steve snorted. He looked down. "Actually, I…" his voice was small and quiet. "I kind of got the inspiration from you."
He started, taken aback. "What?" Steve Palchuk, looking up to him? No way.
"It's just…" he fidgeted with the metal plates on his fingers. "I still remember when you were just 'Jim Lame Jr.' Like, you had no backbone at all. It was kind of pathetic-" he stopped when he saw Jim's glare and hurriedly added, "The point is, you've done so much cool, awesome stuff, and you're this big strong troll too, and I'm thinking-I haven't done anything. I just get in everyone's way." He slumped to the ground, defeated.
"Steve, don't say that!" Jim crouched in front of him. "You can be kinda…exasperating sometimes, but you're not useless. Just because you don't have troll strength or magic doesn't mean you haven't helped!"
He looked away and mumbled, "You're just saying that."
"I'm not," Jim insisted. "Don't you remember when you helped all those trolls escape with umbrellas? And when you fought in the Battle of the Eternal Night? Because I do. And I know you've done stuff while I was gone. Toby told me about all the times you helped Aja and Krel."
Steve glanced up hopefully. "H-he did?"
He grinned. "Yeah, he did." He stood up and held out a hand. "Now, come on. These trolls aren't going to whip them in shape themselves."
Steve beamed and took Jim's hand. "You're right, they're not! They need their awesome coach!"
Laughing, Jim pulled him to his feet. "That's right. Is there anything you need me to do, coach Steve?"
"Hm…yeah, actually there is!" He pointed to where Lancelot was trying to teach some trolls to parry. "I don't think Lancelot's doing too hot over there. The trolls don't trust him, so they're not learning squat."
"Will do." Jim saluted before trotting to Lancelot.
The knight heard Jim's footsteps and turned in his direction. He stiffened. Jim slowed, confused. Then it hit him. This was the knight that had shot an arrow at him and Callista!
Lancelot forced a smile. "Hello, troll…er, nice to see you again?"
Well, at least he was trying. Jim gave a fanged smile of his own. "Yeah, hi…uh, I heard you needed some help, so…"
"Ah, yes! I do, I do indeed." Lancelot cleared his throat and gestured at the four trolls, who were watching their conversation with rapt attention. "This lot is, to say the least, horrendous. They can barely keep their concentration, and they keep eating the swords!"
"No, we don't," one rumbled, oblivious to the half-eaten sword in his hand.
Jim raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh…you guys weren't giving this human here a hard time on purpose, were you?"
The trolls shifted uncomfortably and didn't meet Jim's gaze.
"That's what I thought," he said. He turned to Lancelot. "Why don't you take a break? I've got it from here."
"My thanks, troll," Lancelot started walking back to the main cavern. "I hope you have better luck than I did!" he called over his shoulder.
Hm, maybe he isn't so bad, Jim thought before turning his attention back to the trolls. "Okay, you four, that was not cool. I know humans have treated you badly before, but that guy was only trying to help. Not working together is only going to make winning the battle harder." He grabbed a sword lying on the ground and twirled it through the air. "Now, get a sword and do exactly as I do."
And so, Jim led the trolls in the same exercises he and Draal had done so long ago. They were awkward and slow to get into position, but after twenty minutes or so, they were getting the hang of it. There was hope for them yet.
Jim paused and wiped his damp forehead. "Nice job, guys," he complimented. "I think I'll have you spar against one another soon-"
"WHELP!" someone roared from behind him.
Jim yipped in alarm and jumped twenty feet in the air. He landed behind one of the trolls and peeked around him. He gasped.
Draal was stomping towards him in all his big blue glory. He looked exactly the same-same horns, same crystal spikes, same everything-expect he had no mechanical arm. And his yellow and red eyes that used to stare at Jim with fondness now glared at him in spite. But Jim didn't care. He was alive.
"Youngling, explain yourself! How come-ack!"
He didn't get to finish his sentence because Jim tackled him in a hug. Happy tears welled in his eyes, and he burrowed his face into Draal's chest. God, he had missed him so much. He could finally-
Jim yelped as Draal yanked him off and chucked him into a wall. His head collided against the stone and he groaned as he sank to the floor. He rubbed his sore head and scowled at his old friend. "What was that for?!"
"You tried to attack me just now!" Draal yelled. "I knew you were bad news. Any troll that talks to fleshbags so easily cannot be trusted."
"A-attack you?!" Out of the corner of his eye, Jim could see the four trolls sneaking off, but he didn't stop them. "That wasn't an attack, that was-that was a hug! You know, something you give to-to friends…" He slumped as he remembered Draal wasn't his friend. At least, not in this time.
"Friends?" Draal snorted. "I don't even know you, whelp! But you seem to know me." He crossed his arms. "Those sword-training exercises…that is how my father taught me how to handle a blade. How do you know of them?"
"Uh…isn't that how everyone learns?" Jim said lamely, getting to his feet.
Draal roared and punched the wall next to Jim's head. "Don't play games with me, youngling! First, you defend Dwoza against that Gumm-Gumm, then you befriend humans, and now you're training trolls?" He leaned in towards Jim, his hot breath on his face. "Just what are you planning?"
Jim grit his teeth. Wow. He forgot how much of a jerk Draal used to be. "Nothing," he spat. "All I want is to defeat the Gumm-Gumms. So what if I'm for both trolls and humans? There's nothing wrong with that. And if you have a problem with it," he pushed his horns against Draal's. "We can settle our differences right here, right now."
Draal's eyes bored into his own, seething with anger. Jim could feel the shard egging him on, urging him to deliver the first blow-
Then a large grin split Draal's face. He threw back his head and laughed, a booming sound that bounced on the walls. Jim stepped back, confused. Did he not want to fight or…?
The blue troll's laughter eased into chuckles, and he looked down at Jim. "I like you, whelp!" he rumbled. "I like your spirit. A tad too cuddly with the humans for my taste, but anyone who bests a Gumm-Gumm with their bare hands is fine by me."
Jim blinked. "So…you're not mad at me?"
"Of course not! I just wanted to see how you would respond to me intimidating you." He slapped Jim firmly on the back, making him fall over on his face. "And you did not disappoint! We will see who kills the most Gumm-Gumms in the coming battle, eh? Now, come!" He hoisted Jim up by the scruff of his neck and plopped him back on his two feet. "I see the other trolls gathering in the main hall. The wizard must've returned. Let us go!"
He steered Jim to the cavern, boasting endlessly on how he would get the amulet. Jim just kept nodding along. He seriously doubted that would happen, but it was so good to see his friend full of energy and life that he couldn't stop grinning.
Finally, they were back. All the trolls' eyes were trained on Merlin and Douxie. Or, more specifically, the glowing blue amulet in Douxie's hand. Draal, enraptured by the amulet, didn't notice as Jim quietly slipped off to join Claire.
"Wha-is that Draal?" she whispered in shock.
"Yep," he replied happily. "Pretty egotistical right now, though-although I guess you've never met him when he wasn't living in my basement."
"Today," Merlin declared, "the amulet will choose one of you to defend your people, to hunt these trolls who have betrayed your kind. You will no longer fear the daylight. You will wield it as the Trollhunter."
"It would be my honor," Draal said, bowing his horned head.
"I am ready!" a female troll insisted.
"For the glory of Merlin…" Douxie uttered, making all trolls fall silent. "Awake."
The amulet flew from Douxie's hand and in front of Draal. Excitement filled his face, only to be replaced with sourness as it passed on to hover over Bagdwella. It didn't stay there too long, though, as it proceeded to zip around the cavern. It soared high into the air before diving down to…
"Whoa, whoa!" Callista said as the amulet circled her.
"Rise, Trollhunter, and become." the amulet called in Merlin's voice.
"Uh, I think your amulet has the wrong troll," she remarked, her gaze flicking to Merlin.
"No, the amulet does not make mistakes," he responded, walking towards her. "For whatever reason, it has chosen you." Callista uncertainly took the fiery amulet into her hands. "Speak the incantation. Find your purpose, the savior of our worlds."
"Me?" she scoffed. "I've never been chosen for anything." She flipped the amulet over and began reading. "For the glory of-"
"Bushigal! It chose Callista the Calamity? She's basically a fleshbag!" Draal growled, clenching his fists.
"This is the humans' big plan?" a troll complained. "The only place that outsider will lead us is death!"
Oh no. Jim looked over to Callista, who looked more uncertain and scared than ever.
"Ignore them. Accept this honor," Merlin insisted.
Come on, Callista, Jim thought. Don't listen to them-
She lowered her head. "No, they're right. I'm not a hero. I'm not even good at being a troll." She turned and sprinted away.
"Cal, wait!" Jim pleaded, running after her.
"I-I can't do this!" Then she was up a flight of stairs and gone.
They made a move to follow her, but Vendel stepped in front of them. "Is this some sick human joke?" he demanded. "I believe you fleshbags have done enough damage."
Draal snarled, "Gumm-Gumms are coming for us, and we've wasted time with your silly games!"
"We all must fight as allies," Merlin urged.
"You think just because your king gives us a shiny toy, you can buy our loyalty? Leave, and take your trinkets with you!" Vendel spat before stalking off.
"These creatures will never trust me. And why should they?" Arthur said sorrowfully before turning away himself and walking out of the cavern. "This was a mistake."
"The amulet chose Callista?" Archie asked, flabbergasted.
"Yeah, I thought Deya was the first Trollhunter," Claire said to Jim.
"Either way, without one, Killahead will be a bloodbath," Douxie stated.
Jim furrowed his brow. He needed to talk to Callista, but where would she have gone? She only had one home-
He turned to Claire. "I think I know where Callista went. Claire?" She nodded and opened a portal. He leaped through, Claire right behind him. They landed in a rocky alley, with blue crystals glowing softly overhead. He gestured for Claire to stay back before approaching Callista.
"Ugh!" Callista said. He couldn't help but smile at the very familiar sight. She kept tossing the amulet away, only for it come whirring back to her. She kicked it away in frustration.
He chuckled. "It'll keep doing that, trust me." He picked it up and sat down in front of her. "It chose you."
"Your haunted clock's wrong, Jim. Why would anything believe I'm a hero?"
"Trollhunter, rise and become," Merlin's voice echoed from the amulet.
Jim winked. "Maybe it knows something you don't."
"How am I supposed to lead a bunch of trolls who don't give a slorr's knuckle about me?" she asked, picking up a small stone statue.
"You know, I was chosen to be a hero too, and no one liked it either," he remarked. "They called me 'Jim the Baby-Handed.'"
Callista narrowed her eyes. "You know, trolls are reclusive creatures who don't even lift a finger for anyone but themselves. But you, Jim, you're different. You constantly stick your neck out for trolls you don't even know, you mingle with humans like you've been doing it your whole life, and you seem to know an awful lot about this 'hero' stuff." She leaned forward, staring at him dead in the eyes. "Who exactly are you, Jim?"
His throat went dry. Dang it, she was smart. He couldn't tell her the truth…or could he? She needed his advice, and she wouldn't listen to him if she didn't trust him.
He sighed in defeat. Oh, screw it. "Look, Callista, the truth is…I'm from the future."
She shrugged. "Makes sense. That rectangular picture box of yours was too weird to be from this time. Anything else?"
"O-oh, actually there is." He hadn't expected her to take that so smoothly. "Where I'm from, I'm the Trollhunter. And the reason no one liked me as their Trollhunter is because…I used to be a human too."
Callista gaped at him, shocked. "Y-you…" she spluttered. "You were a fleshbag?" Realization dawned on her face. "That boy with the black hair…that was you, wasn't it?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, it was." He traced a finger across his blue palm. "Being the first human Trollhunter wasn't easy. I got criticized and beat up a lot for it. It was hard to earn everyone's respect…but it did happen. They eventually accepted me."
"Then why…" Callista said softly. "Why are you a troll now?"
"Oh…that." He looked away. It was still hard to talk about, even after all this time. "I-things were bad, Cal. Real bad. I couldn't stay human if we were going to win the fight. I had to become more. I had to become both troll and hunter." He subconsciously ran his hand along his horns.
"Jim…I'm so sorry," Callista murmured. "I…do you ever regret being the Trollhunter?"
"All the time," he laughed. "But you know what? I wouldn't ever take it back, even though I had to give up my humanity. The world needs a Trollhunter, Callista. It needs you."
"But I've got nothing-no village, no family, not even a real name."
"Hey, I've seen you break out of Camelot, outrun a legion of knights, and save a crazy time-travelling troll like me," Jim grinned, standing up.
She smirked. "I still think you're crazy, by the way." All humor left her face and she looked down at the statue in her hands. "I'm afraid, Jim. How did-how did you fight that fear?"
"I didn't," he said. "But my friends taught me that it's okay to be afraid, because you can do anything." He paused. "You can even make a name for yourself." He placed the amulet next to Callista.
"Jim, the sun." Claire walked behind him. "It's time to go."
He nodded and turned back to Callista one last time. "Hope to see you on the battlefield. We need you…Trollhunter."
Jim could feel her eyes on him as he jumped through Claire's portal. He could only hope that she had taken his words to heart. There was no way they were going to win this without her.
They arrived on a rocky bluff, the forest on their backs. Knights, swords in hand, surrounded them. Horses whinnied in anticipation. The sun was setting, closing the distance between them and the enemy. A small grassy field separated their bluff from the Gumm-Gumm's low cliffs.
Jim's eyes widened at just how many Gumm-Gumms there were. There must have been hundreds and hundreds of them, all yelling and shaking their spears in the air.
"That's definitely more than the Eternal Night," Claire murmured to him.
He grimaced. "Yeah…but luckily, my girlfriend is a master wizard, so there's no way they can beat us," he winked.
She giggled. "Are you sure this is the best time to flirt?"
"Absolutely."
"One king cannot stand against an army, Arthur!" Gunmar bellowed.
"It's a good thing he has an army!" Douxie taunted, activating his bracelet. At his side, Merlin's emerald staff flared dangerously.
"Perfect!" Gunmar chuckled. "More meat for my troops. Berserkers, tenderize them!"
Several Gumm-Gumms tucked themselves into balls and rolled down the cliffs, heading straight for them.
"Living cannonballs!" Archie yelped from the air. "Look alive!"
The tumbling Gumm-Gumms hit the sunlight, instantly turning them to stone. One knocked into several soldiers, flattening them. The knights just barely managed to dodge the others.
Merlin grunted. "We must hold Killahead Bridge, no matter what nightmares Gunmar throws at us."
Jim gazed at the sun dipping below the horizon. "Come on, Cal. We need you."
"Arthur, I can smell your fear!" Gunmar boomed. "Prepare to be crushed!"
The Gumm-Gumms moved closer and closer as the sun continued to set. They didn't have much time left.
Arthur turned away from the advancing Gumm-Gumms and strode down the bluff. Despite being surrounded by the enemy, he spoked with pride and bravery. "Knights of the Round Table, our battle cry will shake the heavens and awake the old gods to witness. Today we say 'no more' to fear and darkness! For Camelot and glory!" he cried. The knights cheered in agreement.
Douxie opened the time map and turned to Jim and Claire. "I know the Trollhunter isn't here-you know who I mean, Jim, sorry-but we are! And when I get us all home, brunch is on me! For Camelot!" he yelled, punching his fist in the air.
"For Camelot!" Jim and Claire echoed, raising their fists as well.
Finally, the sun finished its setting, cloaking the battlefield in darkness. Gunmar roared and charged forward, his troops right on his heels.
"For Camelot!" Arthur shouted, sprinting forward and leaping off the bluff. The knights followed suit, swooping off the bluff in one massive wave. Both sides yelled in fury as they stormed towards one another.
As he sprinted down, Jim reached into his cloak's pocket and pulled out the amulet. He clenched it tightly. It was time. And since Gunmar was here, he deserved a very special suit of armor.
"FOR THE DOOM OF GUNMAR, ECLIPSE IS MINE TO COMMAND!"
Then the humans clashed against the Gumm-Gumms with a deafening blow.
A/N: Okay, hope you guys liked this chapter! Lots of angst and tears in the beginning, but there's some moments I really enjoyed writing. (Having Jim purr was definitely one of them hehe)
I really hope everyone liked seeing our favorite blue boy Draal! I was super pissed when he and Jim didn't even talk ONCE in the show, so I had to add that. I made Jim tell Callista he was the trollhunter and time-travelled because that was NEVER elaborated in the show, she just sort of knew? What?
Anyway, this was a super long conversation filled chapter, but I promise there will be action and fight scenes galore in the next chapter! I'm ready for Jim to throw some hands! See you then :)