Glad y'all are liking the story, it's a personal favorite and probably one of my best works!

Let The Chaos Ensue...

Chapter 3: Wherefore Art Thou Trollhunter? ()

The human's reactions were priceless.

And the fact that he was now referring to himself and best friend of the past as 'the humans' was odd.

"Excuse me, but why are you wearing human clothes?" Blinkey asked off the the side.

"Well, I blend better on the surface in these. But when I'm down here…" Jim continued to strip himself of jacket and shirt. Leaving behind his well chiseled abdomen and pectorals, covered only by the vest he'd swiped in previous days.

"Ah, that would make sense. Your knowledge of minerals is almost troll-like, Tobias."

"Yeah it is," Jim said.

They made more conversation about Trollmarket and made it back to the square. All the while whispers of humans, and the strange troll from days before.

"What is this?" Draal came through the crowd. "Human feet have never sullied the ground of Trollmarket before. Who are these fleshbags?"

"How do I put this… He is our new Trollhunter."

Draal didn't like this, Jim remembered how he tried to remove the amulet, injuring them both. Before he could, he stepped between them.

"Young Dagen…" Draal paused. "I see where your words come from," he glared at Human Jim. "We'll see what Vendal has to say about this."

Jim rolled his eyes, his poor self was going to have to put his arm in the Soothscryer…

The Soothscryer.

Shit.

The Soothscryer.

He tried to shove it to the back of his head as they talked of Gum gums. Smiling when Blinkey started up the blades, he ran around them, under, through, over. Snarling gleefully as he did so.

"Dude! Are you nuts?!" Jim yelled.

He gave a loud high pitched bark in reply.

"You didn't see how he plunged both feet into Bular's face as he tried to eat me. Of course he's nuts!" Toby yelled.

"Blinkus Galadrigal!"

Trolls couldn't pale, but the look on his face was definitely that of one losing blood.

"Blinkus Galadrigal!"

"That's your name?"

"Horrible, I know."

As the blades folded in, Jim sighed and walked back to where the humans were panting and Blinkey was cowering.

"Ah hello," Vendel turned to Jim with kind eyes. "Now, I am inclined to believe you. Anything else you wish to tell me?"

"Still don't have a name." Jim nodded.

"I see." Vendal mused. "Which fleshbag?"

"Jim," he said, pointing.

His younger self stepped forward, brandishing the amulet.

"I am Vendal, son of Rundel, son of Kilfred. If the amulet chose true, the Soothscryer will reveal it."

"But Master Jim hasn't had an hours training!" Blinkey cried.

Vendal pointed and grunted.

Though there was screaming and kicking, Jim still had his arm. Vendal made his verdict and left. Jim tried to not laugh and bark, but ultimately failed.

Jim, his younger self, looked at him and glared. "YOU WANNA STICK YOUR HAND IN THERE?!"

He smiled and helped the boys' up. "You'd be rather surprised at what would happen."

"You're weird," Toby said.

Jim shook his head. "No, just different. More informed. Better trained. You'll get there." He said looking at himself.

"Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

"I'm trying to remember," Jim tilted his head.

He was, really. Trying to recall if he remembered a blue troll stanger helping him out at the beginning. But he was starting to think he got lucky and now existed outside of time.

"Stupid! Why won't it go away?" Blinkey shouted, kicking the Soothscryer.

Jim's ears perked up and barked. "I can help you there…"

"You can?"

He nodded and everyone watched with rapt attention. He looked around at the statues and raised his voice. "I'm not talking to you guys today! You're all a bunch of jerks and I don't feel like getting yelled at. Got it?"

An odd moment of silence before the eyes of Daya's statue lit up and the Soothscryer retracted.

"I respect you, Daya. And Kanjigar…" He said in a more reverent manner.

"By Daya, are you speaking to the Ghosts in the Void?" Blinkey asked.

Jim nodded again. "They see and watch everything about the Trollhunter. They want to speak to me because I'm an unknown around the Trollhunter. Potentially dangerous, could be a threat, or an allie… Blah blah blah." He made a talking motion with his hand. "The only trollhunters I've ever really respected are Kanjigar, and Daya."

"I'm sorry, but… what?"

"Been to Void?" Arg asked.

Jim's eyes blew open. Was he trying to keep a secret or not? And he opened his big mouth!

"Uh, no. But I know a lot about Trollhunters and… stuff."

Blinkey got in his face, eyes narrowed. "Forgive me, Stranger. But I don't feel inclined to believe you."

"You don't have to." Jim replied, staying calm in the face of confrontation was the best thing anyone could do.

"Um… Blue troll dude?"

He heard his younger, more nervous voice. Turning his attention to him, he left an angry historian behind as he walked over to himself.

"Yeah?"

"You seem very different, from... everything."

He had to take a step back, was he that different from the other trolls at a simple glance? His ears twitched, and his eyes calculated.

"Actually yeah," Toby added.

He tried to feign innocence, forcing his toothy smile. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you're size for starters," Young Jim pointed out.

"I'm tall as Arg!"

"Your shape," Toby states.

"You haven't seen every species of troll, you've been here for less than an hour." He deadpanned.

"I agree with the boys," Blinkey said. "You seem to vocalize in sounds more often than not."

"Dress weird," Arg stated.

"And your teeth are abnormally straight for a troll."

"You don't look like the other trolls."

"Why do you…"

"You…"

"And…"

Words started blurring together, the two trolls and humans coming closer. He already knew he was different. He didn't need it pointed out how he didn't fit in. Louder and louder, more and more. They all seemed to be louder than they really were.

Jim gave a loud snarl and yelled. "Shut up!"

Everyone froze, he backed up. Putting his hands between himself and the others.

"Yeah! I know! Ok? I know I'm different. And it's not like my whole pack is constantly reminding me that I'm different. Ok? I get it. No one else is like me and I do weird things." He took a deep breath, sighing out with a growl.

His younger self raised his hand, and he moved his attention. "Another question… how do you know all of our names?"

"Actually yeah, that is a good question," Toby said.

He put his unwanted thoughts aside and stood straight. "Well, Arg is a respected member of Trollmarket. Blinkey here, was the next in line to train the Trollhunter. And you two," He barked. "I've been following Jim since he picked up the Amulet."

Before actually, but he wasn't going to tell them that.

"But I thought trolls couldn't be in the sun," Toby voiced.

"They can't, unless you're me," He smiled.

"Why do you keep barking?" his younger self asked.

"It's kinda how I laugh. I'll explain all that to you later."

The humans yawned and did their best not to look fatigued. He walked over to Blinkey and spoke. "Do keep in mind, they are humans. They need their rest and they've been through a lot tonight."

"But their training…" Blinkey tried.

"Can wait till tomorrow."

"I suppose it would be wise to let them rest."

Jim nodded and spoke up. "I'm going to take you two home, make sure Bular doesn't attack you again."

"Really? That would be awesome! I don't feel like dying anytime soon." His younger self shot a glare at Blinkey.

POV Shift

Was I always this sloppy?

The rocks made their way towards human me, he had to take steps back as he tried to not get hit with them. His form is off, and he is having trouble holding the sword…

I stand up, and walk past Toby feeding Arg various items. "Blinkey, may I suggest something?"

"Very well, make it brief. And don't interrupt me again," He waves me off.

I look to myself and take in the terrible posture, Draal was the one who taught me how to fight. Blinkey taught me about the troll world. And my battles made me a warrior.

I move next to him, and set myself in a basic stance. "Plant your feet, but stay on your toes. That in itself will give you an advantage to maneuverability and balance."

Jim shifts his feet, comparing his to mine. "Like this?" he asks.

I nod. "And try not to run away from the rocks."

"Thanks," He smiles at me and I smiled back.

"Of course, I'm here for whatever you need. Alright Blinkey, onto rule No. two." The rule to learn to embrace and ignore.

I space out for a while, and only come out again when I hear the sound of Draal's taunting.

I'd been anticipating this, and was excited for it.

Blinkey objected, Vendal enforced, and Jim groaned.

It was just as painful to watch as it was to endure, and I snarled at Draal silently as he called the human me a worm.

Jim ran out, and I didn't need to follow. He was adamant at the time about his choice, no strange troll added into the mix could change his mind. My next target, gaining real respect from Draal, and everyone in Trollmarket.

I follow him to just outside the forge entrance.

"Dagen," he addresses me.

"Draal," I say. I keep my face neutral.

"Do not lecture me on the Fleshbag. I have no respect for humans, or him."

"Oh, Jim?" I point over my shoulder and smile. "No, that fleshbag totally needed the beating. It will knock some sense into him. Help him grow some thick stone."

"I thought him your friend?" Draal says.

"Not really. He just met me. And he is still wary of us trolls, Blinkey and Arg as well. But I was actually hoping to spar with you." I smile, albeit a tad mischievous.

"You wish to fight me? After what transpired?"

"I won't lie to you Draal, it's going to be a very one sidded fight. But I'd like to do it anyways. You could even invite some of your buddies to watch."

We begin walking back into the forge, a few trolls following. "Are you sure about this?"

I shrug off the vest and drop it near the back gate. "Of course I'm sure. Don't worry, I'll try and make sure you get some hits in too."

"You confuse me, Dagen."

I only shrug and ready myself, getting low and starting the match with a roar.

Draal returns in kind and rolls at me. I charge head first and slide under him as he unrolls. Kicking him from the back and sending him forward.

He appears shocked, which is to be expected. I may be tall, but I am not broad. And me landing the first strike was not what he was expecting. Quickly, he gets up.

Charging me on two legs this time, trying to pound me into the ground, stepping to the side as his fist makes contact with the stone floor. With a smug grin I grab his arm and throw him to the nearest wall.

He gets up a with a little less speed and stares at me, eyes wide and face blank. I snarl and charge on all fours. Making sure he doesn't see what I'm doing, I jump onto the wall first before pushing off hard and ramming my horns into his chest. Sending him to the middle of the forge. I ready to attack again when he holds up his hand, stopping me.

"I see your point, and your respect is earned. I will not underestimate you again." He says.

I smile and walk over to him, offering my hand to help him up. "Considering you are the greatest warrior in Trollmarket, I thought you would be the best to share my abilities. I also want you to be my ally, I would be a fool to have you as an enemy."

"I will tell of your strength, and Trollmarket will know to respect you."

"Thank you Draal," I nod and leave. Only slightly acknowledging the trolls in the stands. Standing slack jawed at the shortest fight they'd ever witnessed.

Making my way through Trollmarket, grabbing my hoodie and shirt, and head back to my old house. Just in time to see younger Jim get hit in the back of the head with the amulet.

I laugh out loud as I jump the fence. "It's not as bad as you think, but I won't try and convince you otherwise. But, you'll soon realize, this is right."

"I'm sorry, why are you here?" He glares at me.

"Uh, to make sure no troll tries to kill you in your sleep. Also to remind you about your play practice, just make sure you focus."

"I'm getting a serious stalker vibe from you right now, man."

I shrug, "I get bored easily."

"Alright…" he says warily. "So having an amulet that puts me in direct line of imminent death and danger, 'isn't as bad as I think'?"

I walk closer and nod. "You actually learn to love it, I know I did." I take a deep breath. "Kinda wish there was something to fight."

"How good of a fighter are you?" He asks.

I gain a fond look. "The best there is, kid."

Did I just call myself 'kid'?

"Then… I think you should have it." He says, holding it out to me.

I already do.

I smile and shake my head, pushing it back in his direction. "No, Jim. This is yours, now and for the rest of your life. You are capable of so much more than you think. But I know that means nothing to you. So, just think about it." I pause before adding. "And if you ever need me, just… look up." Before he has time to question it, I jump to the roof disappearing from his sight.

I watch him try and bat the Amulet a second time, another solid hit. And waits, when it doesn't come back he starts to walk away, getting thwacked in the back of the head by the hunk of metal.

I bark at him and he scowls before going inside.

He looked up at me during his fight with steve. He looked up, because I told him he could. I was watching from the roof, I only signalled him to punch the blond bully.

He, of course, glared at me, but ended the fight with a solid hit. And dang that was cool to watch.

Claire was giving him the stink eye, but she later told me that she had secretly enjoyed watching it, and that he fully deserved it. By Daya I want to talk to her so bad, hold her close, have her scent close and on me. Though at this point, she'd probably run screaming… or kick me in the gronk-nucks.

Just being affectionate in general has become a problem, I have to constantly check myself to make sure I'm not nuzzling or rubbing against Arg, Blinky, Toby, and sometimes Draal. Not that I knew Draal while I was a troll, but he was my brother all the same, Arg too. Blinkey like my dad, and Toby's always been with me.

It's been three, maybe four days, and it's a problem.

After the fight, I followed Jim back to the Trollmarket Pub. He had a new energy, the kind of energy that makes him/me do stupid things.

Instead of hearing of Draal beating the crap out of Jim, I hear of our fight.

"I underestimated his size, and his strength. He is not to be trifled with, though I believe him to be a valiant warrior. He is honest, and honorable."

I halted Jim and Toby at the door so I could hear his words, and they quietly asked who he was talking about. Though I didn't answer.

"The Dagen stranger? That puny thing? He looks like an overgrown fleshbag, if you ask me." The occupants of the table burst into laughter, except for Draal.

The son of Kanjigar roars at his fellow trolls. "By Daya's name you will show him respect. He defeated me in rightful combat, and has earned a place in Trollmarket. Do not let me hear you shullieing his name."

"Or what? You'll fight me?" A large orange troll says, grinning.

I lean over to Jim and tell him to wait for my signal to challenge Draal and lunge forward at the orange troll.

With a loud snarl, the troll, much larger than Draal, is pinned to the table and his neck under my foot. "I fight my own battles, Eratz." I say low and menacing as my vocals vibrate. His eyes widen at the mention of his name, because there was no way I should know that.

Unless of course, he caused trouble on the way to NJ, and I had to put him in his place multiple times.

Scared shitless, he submits to me as his superior and I let my foot off his throat. He scrambles out of the pub with what's left of his dignity, which isn't much. And the whole pub stares at me, expecting something else…

I don't give them the fight they want, and they soon return to their own business.

"You surprise me still, stranger," Draal smiles.

I stand across the table from him and return the kind look. "And I probably will keep doing it. Though, I have to thank you for your defense against my proverbial name."

"But of course, you asked me to be your ally, and you earned the right to it. Also, as your friend, I couldn't allow them to speak about you in such a manner."

A small purr escapes my lips, and I bow my head as a sign of respect. He has surprised me, honestly. And I'm curious what would have happened if I had beaten him in our first sparing match as a human. Would he have respected me?

Though I showed my power and intellect when he very first met me as a troll, so that could be the case. But I still can't help but wonder.

"Now come, sit, have some glug," he invites cheerfully.

I moan slightly, and shake my head. "I will, on a different night. I came here on business."

Jim walks into view, and Draals face falls to one of anger and contempt. "Dagen, what is this?"

"You beat me once," human Jim says. "But next time we fight, I'll win. Name the time, name the place and I'll be there."

"We both will," Toby says.

My ears turn and pick up the sound of Arg saying. "Changed forever."

And I can't help but think he was right.

Review please, I'm begging.