Author's note:
Episode 5, 7 more to go! We are nearly there to finish Trollhunters: The Written Future! And, no. We haven't updated the Short Stories due to this one being a pleasant time consumer! But as we start to finish up, we will try!
CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW BEAUTIFUL AND GRAPHIC SOME OF THE SCENES WERE WHEN THEY TRAVELED INTO THE SHADOW REALM!? THOSE ROCKS ARE SO SIMPLE BUT OUTSTANDING! ANIMATION IS HARD, DREAMWORKS, YOU ARE AMAZING!
So detailed!
Side Note:
Please enjoy watching a very highly entertaining part of the season!
The Exorcism of Claire Nunez
Within the dark room of Claire's bedroom, the said girl had been chained to her desk chair, grunting as she struggled in the bonds. The anger within her, well, rather Morgana, flooded her. A golden hue surrounded her figure as the chair floated from the ground, eyes still piercing with black ink, a golden light shining through its darkness.
Jim's heart yearned for his lovable Claire. He hated seeing her in such a state, especially when it was against her will. Those chains didn't look too kind, however, the mage that took a hold of her wasn't too pleasant either.
Despite her wanting to kill him, he was aching. He wanted to reach into that screen and pull her close, hoping that it could free her. Yet, he knew that was not the case.
Morgana didn't dare to hide her frightening voice as Toby and Jim stood nearby, both armed with bats. While Jim was still dressed in his armor, Toby had made his own getup, the same as when they had battled on Killahead bridge.
The metal links floated around her body, seeming like they wanted to be freed from her, however, Morgana couldn't break from the hold. They swiveled around her, trapping her in a tornado-like spin.
"Release these shackles or I'll wear your spine as my crown, peasants." She spat.
"That's a new one," Jim mentioned as Toby stared at her nervously.
"I don't know what's worse, the fact that they didn't react much to the threat, or the fact that it was a new one they hadn't heard before. You guys, I am surprised you are still alive."
"With every threat, we should be getting paid."
"Her creativity knows no bounds." Before anyone could reply, an ear-piercing screech poured from Morgana, the light growing brighter before an invisible force threw both Jim and Toby across the room. As Jim's back collided with the wall, the door opened beside him, revealing a frantic Blinky.
"Apologies for my delay." He ran to the floating chair, gripping it by the legs and pulling Claire's helpless body back onto the floor, safely. Morgana leaned to bite him, however, Blinky had pulled out a horngozel, using it to slash at the chains.
From their golden color, they were suddenly surrounded in blue, calming and pressing themselves back against Claire. Morgana struggled against the tightened bonds as Blinky moved to help Jim to a stand.
"I was awaiting Aaarrrgghh's return, he never showed."
Everyone wore a frown at the mention of Aaarrrgghh, after witnessing his capture, the others unaware in the future, they could only pray that Aaarrrgghh would be okay in the long run. Who knew how long it would take for them to realize their friend had been discovered?
"I'm sure he's fine, we've got bigger problems." Jim looked towards the angered Claire, who was hissing and growling, trying to bite at Toby who had moved closer to the crazed woman. Jim gently pushed Morgana away from his friend, however, she continued to make threats.
"Uh, actually…. Both are a very big problem!"
"After I feast on your souls, agony will rule for a thousand millennia."
"How long is a millennium?" Toby asked breathlessly, laying on Claire's bed. "Is that like a million years?"
"I think it's a thousand," Jim answered.
"Indeed, Master Jim."
"I would not like my soul to be feasted upon if that's alright with everybody in the room." Toby whimpered out, backing away from the laughing Morgana.
"What's wrong with her?" Jim asked.
"Oh, I don't know," Steve started. "She's only taken over by some magic lady who wants to kill you and take over the world."
"Wow, your sarcasm was so needed! Thank you." Toby hissed out.
"She is most certainly possessed," Blinky replied.
"Does the name Morgana mean anything to you?" At that, Blinky gasped, his strong demeanor instantly dropping.
"You cannot hope to contain me, Trollish welp." Her body began to glow once more, chains rattling as they moved off of her. "I am the Eldritch Queen of the Seventh Plane." Her hair blew as the wind picked up around her before she pushed back onto the rug, glowing lines following the rug, symbols engraved on the floor as her chair lifted into the air, the same golden lines swirling around her.
"Baba Yaga, the Pale Lady. I have slain scores of Merlin's fools." She laughed as the chandelier above her flickered and died out.
"Well, Jim. Listen, I have faith but…"
"You really instill confidence in me," Jim said dryly.
"Gunmar AND Morgana? You cannot tell me that is terrible odds!"
Blinky covered his head, protecting himself from the bright light and the harsh winds. "I do know that name! This is far worse than I could have ever imagined!" Both Jim and Blinky pulled her back to the ground as she continued chuckling. "Morgan Le Fay, Merlin's apprentice."
"Like Merlin who made my amulet?"
"I spit on his name as I spit on his grave!"
"Sounds like they didn't get along," Toby muttered, appearing behind Jim.
"He thinks he can be rid of me? The fool." She hissed before cackling. "I will erase his name and all of his creations." She laughed once more.
"The sorcerer and sorceress dueled for centuries until Merlin sacrificed himself to banish her from our world. But now, she's here."
"I was about to ask what happened, but I guess I don't have to."
"There has to be more to this story, why on earth would they go against one another? I want to know more!" Eli cried, throwing his arms up as Toby leaned to the side, avoiding the frantic movements of the nerd.
"Oh, what little lambs. My work here is done. Gunmar knows how to bring the Eternal Night." She nodded her head, a pillow floating behind her as she leaned her head against it. "All you can do is sit back and watch the world as it burns."
"Oh, boy." Jim sighed.
"It's not possible. With what relics, what magics?" Blinky demanded, shaking Claire as the pillow fell, Morgana keeping her eyes closed and humming.
"Blinky!" Jim cried, the troll pulling back with a sigh. As the two walked away, Toby nervously waved at Morgana.
"Hi, Madam M. I'm Tobias." His face was full of fear as she leaned forward, growling. Jim had pulled his mentor to the side, Toby yelping in the background before he was thrown on the bed which happened to be in view as he was tossed around like a ragdoll by Morgana's magic, getting tangled in the blanket.
Toby facepalmed as the crowd chuckled, watching poor Toby face the wrath of Morgana as he tried to talk to her.
"Toby, were you hoping to change her or think that she wouldn't attack?"
"I mean, what else would you do when there's a deadly witch possessing your friend and is tied to a chair?"
"My toxic trait is greeting her and Morgana and I become the bestest of friends."
"Can you save Claire?"
"If the Eternal Night comes to pass–"
"Blinky, can you save Claire?" Jim asked more sternly.
"I cannot." As Jim's face was zoomed in on, you could still see Toby being bounced in the air, Morgana swiveling over, still trapped in her bonds as she grinned, despite being chained, she still had played around, enjoying the view of him being thrown around with a scream.
Blinky frowned lightly, watching as the chaotic scene played behind them. He wondered how this mess will become of them in the future but it seemed no matter what he wanted to change, he felt as if facing her would be a consistent issue.
He just wondered if they would truly make it out alive, and at what costs?
"I think I know someone who can," Jim stated before the scene changed.
Within the dark night, Strickler moved from his car, briefcase in tow as he stood in front of the Nunez Household, the light from Claire's bedroom pulsating with Morgana's magic. Strickler moved to a stop, fixing his coat before the sound of something squishing beneath his shoe was heard.
He lifted his foot, inspecting the damage before spewing out. "Darn it!" He moved through the empty house, cleaned of its furniture before moving to the staircase, Toby's terror-filled screams and constant banging echoed toward the Changeling until he had moved to the room, pushing open the door.
Jim snorted, Toby beside him trying not to laugh too hard as Strickler shot them a glare.
"Darn it!" Toby repeated, trying to fake an accent. Jim's laugh grew a little louder, the two boys currently laughing in their chairs.
Barbara grinned madly at Strickler who hid his face in his hands. While it was a simple moment, she wondered why Strickler stepping in dog poo had to be shown. Not that it wasn't pleasing to see.
"I'm sorry, is anyone else questioning why his leg looks and bends like a noodle?"
"Why is this so funny to me?!"
"I like how he nearly folds into himself, says darn it, and furiously whips his head near his shoe."
What he found was absolute chaos. The room was in complete disarray, Toby still pinned to the bed which now physically moved off the floor, the furniture flying as either Blinky crashed into it, or Morgana was using it for a weapon.
Jim and Blinky both worked, leaping into the air to grab a hold of the office chair Morgana had been tied to, the only problem was that she was rolling around on the roof, hanging upside down as she giggled.
Everyone watched in shock, while the Nunez parents had been staring, worried about their daughter, their house was being left a disastrous mess.
"I don't know what to expect when Morgana is there, but not this kind of chaos."
"Right, maybe I was thinking she'd threaten or battle, not Toby being tossed around, Claire's head humorously dangling from the ceiling as she rolls around."
"Oh, watching Claire upside down on the ceiling is very amusing." Someone started, pulling out their phone to record.
"Morgana in the flesh," Strickler stated, Blinky turning to face him while Jim continued to leap up and grab her.
"Well, that flesh isn't hers. So if you would be so kind, do tell us how to get her out of that poor girl!" Toby sobbed as Strickler set down his case, a trollish-like skull was pulled from it, it's power pouring out of it.
"Dim dock, sa-tu lark." He chanted, pulling the skull to the floor, causing Morgana's magic to fade instantly, everything that she had been causing to float, crashed to the floor, along with her. While Blinky helped Jim push Claire back into a sitting position, her head hanging. Strickler had pulled out a book, its golden pages whispering once it had been open.
"Gosh! You couldn't do that earlier!" Mary yelled, smiling wickedly as Strickler began to stumble over his words, trying to argue back.
"The book of Ga-Huel. You were reluctant to dabble in dark magics. I fear now you are neck deep in it." Strickler held the open book to Morgana who panted, glaring at him.
"Traitorous impure! I made you!"
"Whoa, wait. Was this already established? Or do I have a bad memory but Morgana made the Changelings?!" Toby yelled.
"I feel like it was," Eli mentioned.
"Let's just pretend like it wasn't, if it was, oh well." Mary shrugged. "Everyone, act shocked." As told, the students gasped, looking at everyone for an explanation.
"She made Changelings?!"
"How do we fix her?" Jim asked as they watched Strickler take a knee, flipping through the book.
"Dealing in dark magics is never easy." Morgana moved to bite at him, however, Strickler simply held her head back. "There is always a cost, though I fear we have no other choice. We all want to save Claire, don't we?"
The team gave one another a look before turning to Strickler. "Go on with it," Blinky commanded.
"Morgana is using her as a vessel, a puppet," Strickler stated, holding to show the pages. Both pages were filled with Claire's body resting over Morgana's hand, one was colored gold, while the other was filled with darkness. "A toehold into our plane of reality. But how? Where is the real Claire?"
"The art on the pages is fascinating, the fact that it altered to show an example of Claire." Eli started, leaning closer to get a better view of what was on the screen.
He shined a harsh light against Morgana, the sorceress growling as Toby looked behind, raising his own hand as he panicked.
"She doesn't have a shadow!"
"No shadow?" Strickler asked, the confirmation had been clear on the wall, and no dark figure of Claire's body had reflected onto the surface, all while Toby held up bunny ears.
"Dude," Jim said lightly.
Toby laughed lightly, both Jim and Claire giving him a playful glare. "I had to take my chance!" Toby joked.
"Remind me to get revenge," Claire mumbled to Jim, letting Toby hear it as he went tense.
"Uh, forget I ever did the bunny ears."
"Of course! The Skathe-Hrün. The Shadow Staff, it's a relic of Morgana!" Strickler said as the said staff filled with black, Morgana's magic surrounding the weapon.
"What are you trying to say?" Jim asked before Morgana growled, tossing her head to the side and causing her weapon to charge at Strickler, thankful for his quick reflexes. He caught the weapon before it had gone any farther.
"Morgana is the Mistress of Shadows. She doesn't cast a shadow because she is a shadow! Claire's spirit is trapped in the space between worlds. The Shadow Realm!" At that Morgana hissed, trying to attack but both Blinky and Jim held her back.
"How many titles does this witch have?!"
"Well, how do we get her back?" Toby asked.
"There is only one way, someone must find her spirit in the Shadow Realm and return it to her body. But we must do so quickly, the longer Morgana stays in her, the stronger the hold on Claire."
Morgana laughed in response. "You will never find her! You will meet your death first!"
"I know we are supposed to dislike her, but I just have to say what her laugh is like, amazing."
"I know, why do they have to make one of the biggest villains look so attractive?! Even their voice makes everything so much better!"
"I'll do it," Jim stated, with no hesitation.
Claire smiled, she felt so blessed to have him. Not even a moment of hesitation and he was willing to risk his life to find her.
He really loved her, it was clear to the crowd and the smiles everyone wore were an indication. While he was being threatened, going into the one place Morgana had wanted to trap him in, he would still face the witch if it meant freeing his girlfriend.
"Get you a man that would die for you."
"Not alone, Jimbo! Claire's my friend too."
"Thanks, you two. It means a lot."
"Well, duh. We aren't going to let some crazy lady steal your body." Toby said, smiling at her.
"Then I will stay back to conjure the portal," Strickler started. "It will remain open for as long as I hold the staff."
"You mean we will stay! You two find Claire and get back. I will keep all my six eyes on you, on both of you!" Blinky said with a harsh tone and glare, pointing to Morgana and Strickler.
From them, the scene changed to Gunmar who trudged through the woods, Draal following close behind as they none-too-gently tugged Aaarrrgghh's chained hands forward.
"Merlin dead. Staff lost." Aaarrrgghh said.
"But what is lost can be found. She told me who will show me the way."
"Why bring me?"
"When we arrive, all will be clear." Draal pulled Aaarrrgghh along as Gunmar continued. "Don't worry, you shall serve your warlord one last time."
The Trollhunter team frowned, glaring at Gunmar as their friend was pulled along. They didn't know what Gunmar had planned but they were using Aaarrrgghh for something, and the way Gunmar talked, it was the last feat Aaarrrgghh would ever do.
They needed to save him next, they couldn't let Gunmar hurt their friend again.
Morgana grunted and groaned as she struggled, Blinky leaning closer with a skeptical eye while Morgana groaned in frustration.
"We brought everything you asked," Jim said as he pushed open the door, Toby close behind.
"And some tacos! You didn't ask for those, but–" Strickler ignored that, coming to a stand.
"Did you bring the emotional anchor?"
"Here," Jim dug through his bag, pulling out Suzie with a smile. "She's had it since she was a baby."
"Perfect, it will lead you to her. When you cross over, speak the incantation Modus Occul-Takh."
"See, this is why I would be a goner. There is no way I would remember even one word of that."
Toby groaned, throwing his head back. "Why does everything have to be so complicated?"
"Because."
"Modu— Modus Ocultahm." Toby struggled as Jim was quick to pick the phrase up.
"Modus Occul-Takh."
"Perfect, once you get Claire, to return, use the rabbit again and say the incantation in reverse." At that, Toby had tried once more, both boys giving unsure looks before Blinky stood, saying it as if it was the easiest thing.
"Hkat-Lucco Sudom."
"Show off…" Blinky chuckled at the comment.
"You guys shouldn't be surprised, after all. Everything about Trolls is like trying to figure out how life is a thing."
"Whoever made these words up is laughing in their graves!"
"Can't they make it easier?"
"No, they are rooting for us to die!"
"Hkat-Lucco Sudom." Both boys spoke as they straightened. As they grew closer to entering the portal, Morgana snapped, but it had done nothing.
"We haven't much time. We must act now, or she may be lost forever. The staff," Strickler hissed out, pulling the weapon from his back and grunting, hinching over as he struggled with the portal, finally getting it open, but it was clear by his face and posture it wasn't easy keeping it open.
"Claire always made it look so easy," Toby gaped at the sight.
"Remember, Master Jim. The Shadow Realm is a plane of chaos, devoid of light or reason. Spare no time." The boys stepped to the swirling vortex as Strickler mumbled to himself, struggling for it to stay open.
"I'm sorry, when did I get in this? My name isn't Shadow Realm."
Morgana hissed and growled at the sight of their progress, but it went ignored. "Let's bring her home," Jim said before the portal swallowed them.
"Deya, guide them," Blinky said as the view of him was cut. The instant their bodies dropped through the circle of light, they screamed as they dropped rapidly, only to be thrown around in the strange currents, Toby screaming as he floated off uncontrollably.
Narrowing his eyes at his friend's distress, Jim clung to a rock before pushing himself from it, he kicked and propelled himself towards Toby, easily latching onto the boy and pushing him the right way up, only to realize he was holding his breath.
"Tobes, you can breathe." Toby gasped out, and while their surroundings reminded them of the deep sea, they were at no risk of drowning.
"This is nuts, Jim!" Toby cried before the two moved out of the way as a vast rock had come swirling at them, Jim using another rock to push him back to Toby as they stayed close. "Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh."
"So, Claire has to travel through that all the time? Or only when she doesn't have a destination in mind?"
"Unsure what she sees when she crosses through portals. Though, it is very fascinating."
Jim reached for the floating stuffed animal, "you might want to hold onto Suzie Snooze." Toby and Jim both gripped the bunny. "Modus Occul-takh." When it didn't react, Jim pulled it closer, his metal finger gently tapping the head of the animal, a small squeak coming from it.
For just a second, nothing happened until its ears perked up on their own, eyes glowing a bright purple as a humming sound emitted from it. It beeped like a radar, head spinning in a 360 direction before it stopped, head completely facing the wrong way.
"Uh, is that possible?"
"Nothing is impossible in this anymore," Toby said, glaring at the screen as he watched the possessed stuffed rabbit somehow come alive. It was rather disturbing if he was being honest. However, he was sick of the constant unbelievable surprises.
Jim and Toby waited anxiously, a little disturbed. Without warning, the head rapidly spun to face them, squeaking aggressively. Jim and Toby couldn't help but flinch with a yelp, startled. The bunny was covered in a purple hue, limbs, and body shaking as the two held onto it, but nervous.
The crowd jumped, some students letting out screams of fear as they never anticipated such a sight.
"Come on man! I'm throwing out the stuffed animals. This is a horror film now."
"Man, why they gotta do that!" Steve yelled as he tried to slow his rapidly beating heart.
"This was my thirteen reason. I hate my life. I hate that I have to constantly worry about wetting my pants! Go easy on me!"
"What the…" Toby mumbled but before he could finish, the rabbit let out a squeal-like sound before dragging the boys lower into the abyss. The two screamed as they cascaded through the stones, Toby instantly noticing the floating furniture that had been stolen from the Nunez Household.
"Wait, was that Claire's couch?" Jim didn't reply, pushing his friend's head down and out of the way of oncoming obstacles. They stopped at a rock foundation, supporting a rather, abandoned house. The house striked resemblance, it had been the Nunez house.
"Yep, welcome to the Nunez house being trashed part two."
"Oh, such a fun time to reminisce what happened literally twenty minutes ago!"
They lowered onto the vast rock, Toby grabbing Jim's arm with a whimper. The two boys slowly stepped up to the darkened house, Toby unable to hide his fear.
The world lacked light, only the flashlight and amulet produced calmness through the dark. As they stepped in, Jim had lightly closed the door, searching for Claire while Toby had moved to the light switch, pressing it, only for nothing to happen.
"Why does this look like something familiar?"
"Almost like we are in another dimension, why do I get the feeling something with no face but a skinny, deformed human and with a large mouth that looks like a flower and a lot of teeth is about to come out."
"I'm sorry. What kind of imagination do you have?"
"A disturbing one."
Unlike the house in the real world, this house had been filled with furniture, a remote laying by Toby's feet before he plucked it off the floor, pressing on the TV, nothing but static until it seemed her memories appeared on the screen.
Jim gasped, blocking Claire's body as a Goblin ran through. Finding a large tree, Jim gently sat Claire down, hiding her in a circle of bushes.
"I'm scared, Jim."
Claire slowly crawled to the rustling bush and inspected it until a Goblin jumped out suddenly scaring her, and causing her to scream and back away.
Next memory was more confident.
"That's our stone! We need that to save my brother." Claire ran up to him, grabbing a hold of his arm and pulling at it. Angor couldn't shake her loose. Angor yanked her in the portal, Jim who was running after them, called out in worry.
"Claire!" She fell into the deep dark doorway of the Shadow Realm.
"Oh, no! The portal!" NotEnrique yelled. Claire yelped and picked up the staff, only for her and the color to drain from her body and the staff. She slumped, turning to NotEnrique who no longer held his nervousness back, ears laying flat against his head.
"I can't. It won't work. I got nothing left."
Her body lifted from the ground, black cracks appearing in her hands and near her eyes as she grimaced, clearly hurt by the effects. She gasped and squeezed her eyes shut as Jim realized what was happening.
"It's killing her!" Jim cried.
"Don't let them do this to you," Claire cried as she held onto Jim's hand while he slowly moved within the suspended cage. A Krubera who stood near the activation button gave a slight nod and instantly it was pressed. The cage dropped rather quickly, Jim screaming, Blinky and Toby had to hold Claire back as she tried to follow after him, reaching out as she cried.
"Jim, no!"
As the memories played out, reflected in the dark windows, Jim had appeared behind Toby, looking at a loss for words as she mumbled on the screen one more time, grieving for him. Toby quickly clicked off the TV, turning it back to the harsh static.
Claire made a mental note of Jim's face as he witnessed the memories she had gone through when he hadn't been near. Just as he loved her, she loved him the same. Perhaps it was shocking at her emotions the day of the trial, but she was glad that he was able to see that he meant the same to her as she did to him.
Jim turned to look at her, smiling. She smiled back, her hand never leaving his, always seeming to be the resort they take as they watch their future play out.
Despite the struggle she was currently facing, she wouldn't change it for the world, it only brought her and Jim closer.
"I got a bad feeling about this place, man." They jumped as the TV flashed to another image, this time of Gunmar who chanted out for the Eternal Night, the world above would be his. The two boys moved slowly through the house, the particles, the small cones of light that shone through the darkness, and the reflection of Gunmar appearing on every window.
The floor creaked as they moved across it, Gunmar's low growls giving the room a much more frightening touch. Jim and Toby's backs pressed against one another, however, Jim's eyes were turned to the ceiling, a soft banging noise and a child crying had caught his attention.
Deciding to inspect, he moved to the bottom step. "Claire?" He continued forward when receiving no reply. "Claire, are you in here?" The baby's cries echoed as if it was a spectral being.
"Why does this have to be so creepy, I would give up if I even had to go through any of that."
"Yeah, and this is why you aren't going through it."
As Jim made it to the top of the steps, Toby appeared, holding Jim's hand which startled the lanky Trollhunter, more so of the wetness that came from it. Jim groaned out, yanking his hand from Toby's.
"Ugh. Sweaty palms."
"What? I'm scared." They moved slowly towards the cracked door, which had been emitting a white glow. Before Jim could move into the room, Toby pulled him back by his arm, squeaking. Yet, Jim pulled it from him, needing to go into the room as the baby's cries were faint.
His eyes landed on the crib, Jim moving towards it and finding a lone pacifier. "Enrique?"
Suddenly, the baby's cry grew louder, and as it did so, so did the white light, startling the two, letting out a scream at the scare. Toby rubbed his eyes as a figure moved swiftly to the door, Jim instantly locking his eyes on it.
The crowd gasped out, holding their hands over their hearts as they were affected by another jump scare, one student even angrily throwing their pillow across the room in a sudden defense mechanism.
"Why can't it just be normal for once?"
"Yeah, we aren't that lucky."
It had been Claire, however, she didn't notice the two boys beside the crib, and rather than her usually peach skin, dark-colored hair, and montone-colored clothes, she was nothing but an outline, a purple fade running through her.
The Trollhunting team stared at the screen, taking a mental note of Claire. This was odd, they weren't expecting her soul to be the only thing they could see. Would this make it harder to save her?
Jim hoped not, he wanted her and them out of the Shadow Realm. He wanted Morgana gone and away from Claire. However, the only thing he could do was sit and watch what would happen.
All while praying for her safety.
It was like she was a ghost.
"Enrique! Mi hermanito. Shh."
She reached into the crib, pulling nothing in her arms as the boys watched, both in complete shock.
"There, there." She mumbled, rubbing the invisible baby's head as she turned her back to Jim.
"Uh, can I just say that this is mildly disturbing?"
"Agreed."
"Claire? Claire, are you okay?" She stepped to face him, but never looked, completely ignoring him. "So much to do."
"Claire!" Jim cried, waving his hand in front of her but she simply sauntered to the window.
"Mom and Dad will be so mad if I don't finish it all. Calculus homework, band practice," Jim leaned in to give her a hug, only to go straight through her. While he was shocked and unsure, Toby leaned against the wall, gasping out. "I gotta be the best daughter. Mom needs me to be good, can't cause trouble for the campaign."
The crowd was awed by the heartbreak of the weight on Claire's shoulders. She was that pressured to be perfect so her mother could win? They didn't know if Ophelia in fact pushed it onto her daughter, making her believe such an absurd idea, or if Claire was overthinking, however, they felt sorry for her.
Speaking of Ophelia, she was quiet, fingers twiddling as she looked anywhere but the screen. Granted this wasn't good for her reputation but was she really neglecting her daughter that much when she felt so pressured?
"Bro, just imagine if you were in Claire's situation, never knew, and continued to live your life but everything was fake and you had no idea. You die and literally did nothing."
"So it would be the same thing as living a normal life in the normal world? You would just never know, we could be going through that right now."
"Stop! Stop! Don't get me thinking."
"We could all be made up, thinking that we are actually living life but in reality, it's nothing but a dream. We could never exist."
"STOP!"
She gently held the pacifier up, the object being sucked by an invisible force as Toby stuck his hand through the girl.
"Claire! Claire! We're in the Bizarro Zone! Wake up!" As she moved to the window, Jim and Toby's attention did too, furniture floating towards them, swirling around the house. Books, a guitar, and even the mascot's head came into view, their exit far behind.
She shushed her brother gently as Toby pulled Jim down by the arm. "This is bad. How are we supposed to get her back if she doesn't know she's gone?"
"What if she isn't?"
"STOP IT! STOP IT RIGHT NOW, YOU'RE SICK! SICK, I TELL YOU!"
From Toby, the camera panned out to the house, rocks falling slowly from the surface before the doorway to the Shadow Realm was shown. Strickler had still been struggling to keep it open, grunting slightly while Blinky paced around.
"Why haven't they returned? You've sent those boys to their doom." Blinky hissed out.
"The Realm of Shadows does not operate by our rules. Give them time. Have faith."
"I have faith… in them." Blinky quickly corrected himself, still angered by Strickler. However, his attention was diverted by Morgana who giggled at the sight of him.
"Oh, it must be heart-wrenching to see your pupil turn to another for guidance."
"Well, she isn't hesitating."
"Spare me, witch! Your words are useless to me."
"I spot a pattern." Morgana sang teasingly. "Even your own brother turned against you. Who can blame him?" She laughed as the troll grunted, moving to a stand and stepping out the door.
"Where are you going?" Strickler cried out.
"To find a gag!" As Blinky disappeared, Morgana's attention turned to Strickler.
"Oh, the poor soul stands in the presence of his Lady Creator, but insists on siding with babes." Her voice was full of venom. "You expect that feeble boy to be your savior, when a deity is before you!" Her voice grew distorted as her anger rose, her body lifting off the floor as she and the chains glowed once again.
"I don't deny who you are, but I choose to believe there's a better way!" When it was silent, Strickler turned to find her gone, and as the staff was pointed away, the portal began to shut, but he moved quick to face it again, keeping it open as her voice surrounded him.
"Dang it Blinky!" Toby cried, "why would you leave him alone with that monster!"
"I don't know! Now I am panicking!"
"I know your heart, Stricklander. You desire power. Changelings aren't equal. They are better." She was nowhere in view.
"I've heard all this before."
"But I can offer something more." The voice was different, soft, and beautiful and Strickler instantly recognized it as his posture rose, eyes open in an instant. The view of Barbara, restricted in chains instead of Claire was seen, her soft gaze staring at him.
"Son of a–"
"Whoa! Watch the language!" While they were being scolded, Jim glared at Morgana on the screen, not liking what she had known about his mother, using her for her own gain. It was sickening and he wished that Strickler wasn't truly in love so his mother was not dragged into something.
He slowly turned, gasping when he laid his eyes upon her.
"The heart of another," unlike Morgana's, Barbara was wearing such a kind smile, Strickler deflated as he looked around. Outside, Blinky had been returning, inspecting both his gag and a bat. Suddenly, his attention was on the room when he heard Strickler speak from inside.
"Nice try. She's done with me." Blinky slowly moved to the open door, hearing Barbara's voice instead of Morgana's.
"I can bend her will. I will make her fall in love with you despite the monster that you are. All you have to do is drop the staff and seal their fate." Blinky's head appeared in the door frame as the scene played out.
"I'll pass," Barbara said harshly, crossing her arms as Strickler gave her a knowing gaze. He hated this, he was hoping he could redeem himself, just enough to show Barbara that he had changed, especially for her.
"Yeah, no more using her to love Strickler."
"Strickler! No! Don't listen to her!" Blinky yelled, Barbara's head snapping in his direction, the cold black eyes glowing once more, the golden irises glowing as items flew from the shelves, pushing Blinky against the wall of the hallway. "No!" He yelled before the door was slammed shut, sealing him out.
Strickler watched in shock as the furniture in the room floated before slamming against the door, barricading it. His attention went to the portal that was closing, quickly keeping it ajar. Blinky slammed against the door, it never budging against his weight.
Barbara rolled to face Strickler, using a seductive voice. "Now, it's just you and me."
As Strickler battled on his own, Toby was currently shouting in Claire's ear as she scribbled in her notebook, studying at her desk.
"Can you hear me?! Blink if you can hear me!" In a natural response, she did so. Toby turned to face Jim excitedly while Claire leaned down to grab a stack of books. "She blinked!"
"Yep, she can hear you, now quick, tell her that she is dead."
"Finals are tomorrow. Can't fall behind."
"She can't hear us Tobes. We can't even drag her out." Jim leaned against the window.
"Well, if we don't get out of here, Claire might have some permanent roommates. That's us, Jim!"
"Yeah, I got it." He leaned over to her. "Claire! Claire! This is pointless! It's not working." In an angered grunt, he shoved the books off the desk, which instantly caught Claire's attention, to which both the boys were shocked by.
"Jim! The books! The books! She saw them fall!" She bent to pick them up, reaching out for one.
"Must keep studying, finals are tomorrow." She reached for another, ready to grab it but Jim instantly kicked it from her. In Claire's view, the room was normal, no lack of color, but the book was pushed by an invisible force.
"So, everything looks normal to her? She has no idea?"
"That must suck."
"I mean, at least she isn't living in a house that is affected by the Shadow Realm. At least there is some color."
Her spirit gasped, leaning back against the chair. "Dude! Do it again!" Toby cried out.
"I'll do one better." Jim moved, grabbing a notepad from the floor and a marker. Claire gasped, backing away as Jim quickly wrote down on the paper, in her view, it was a floating notepad and a rapidly moving marker.
"Mm, ay-yay-yay." She grabbed two pens from her desk, pushed the chair in front of her, and held the pens up as a cross. She pushed the chair towards them, which they dodged.
"She has to read it. Make her read it." Toby stated as Jim finished the note, moving closer to her and holding it up.
"Read it, Claire. Read it!"
"Stay away from me! Leave me alone!" She cried, however, her eyes opened, catching the note and reading out loud. "Claire, this isn't real. It's us, Jim and Toby. Wake up."
"Claire!" Toby's voice echoed, Claire, dropped the pencils as she gasped in surprise. The lights within her room flickered as the boys called for her. As their voices were heard, her room began to lose it's color, items falling from their place before the camera fully circled around her.
She was in the Shadow Realm, her body left as an intangible form, Toby's voice was heard more clearly as the boys were finally noticeable behind her, waving their arms.
"Claire, we're here!"
"Claire, see us?" Jim cried as she turned to face them, confused. "Come on, right here."
"We're right here, whoo-hoo!" Claire raised an eyebrow. "Claire, do you see us!"
"I know," Claire started, leaning forward, the two boys jumping back in fear. "I see you. What are you two even doing here?" Jim gasped before the two hugged each other in excitement.
Claire smiled at the screen, watching the two act like adorable idiots as they finally succeeded. She was proud they managed to figure something out, she didn't know how much longer she could take watching herself.
"She can see us!"
"She sees us! She sees us!"
"What? Why is everything so weird?" Claire asked, inspecting herself. "And why am I see-through? Holy shish-kebab! I'm dead!"
"You're not dead, it's kinda hard to explain." Jim started.
"Allow me," Toby said, inhaling deeply before talking fast. "You're a ghost in a ghost house in a crazy shadow space, we gotta get you back to fight a sorceress who hijacked your body. Plus, I think she's been dead for a few centuries."
"Morgana! I'm going to kill her!" Claire yelled angrily.
"Uh, did you not hear Toby says she is dead."
"Yes! Of course, I did!"
"Slow down. Let's get you back first."
The trio stepped out from the door, Toby's finger pointing in the direction of the light. "There, there it is!"
"That's a long way," Claire mentioned before Jim stepped up, holding out the stuffed rabbit.
"As long as we hold onto this, we'll get there together."
"Suzie Snooze!" Claire cried happily, placing her hand on the bunny as the boys smiled at her, earning a small chuckle.
"Jim, say the magic words."
"Helkat-Luccho Sudom." Jim said as it was supposed to be Hkat-Lucco Sudom. They stared at it expectantly, waiting for a reaction, however, they never got one.
"No, no, you have to say them backward!" Toby yelled, panic in him, rising.
"I am! Hkat-Lucca Sudom." This time, he added an 'a' to it.
"No, no, Jim. It's… hot-local-sumo… Oh, my gosh! We totally forgot it!"
"You forgot it?" Claire repeated as he panicked.
"We were in a rush!" Jim replied.
"I thought you knew it!" Toby said off-screen, Claire watching the two before growing determined and staring at the black abyss.
"It's hard enough just saying it forwards!"
Barbara smiled as she watched them panic on the screen, granted, it wasn't good to see them not able to get out, however, watching them act like kids for once had warmed her heart. She was afraid that because of Trollhunting, they wouldn't be her babies, her immature babies that still deserved a childhood.
Well, she was proud of her son, but seeing them just act like children for a second, it was refreshing.
"Okay, so we'll do it the hard way. Take us home, Suzy!" Claire pushed herself off the porch, floating upwards as Jim and Toby were pulled along with her, Toby screaming in panic as they moved through the space-like world.
While they moved through, ready to come home, Strickler was doing his best to ignore the seductive smirk from Barbara, trying to keep the portal open while Blinky pounded on the door, calling his name.
"Strickler!"
"Her heart will be yours. All you have to do is let go of the staff."
"All I have to do is let go," Strickler repeated. "But I've to come to learn that a stolen heart is never truly yours," Strickler grunted as he mentally struggled, Barbara's face moving closer, only an inch separating them.
Barbara wanted to stand up and punch the screen. She was being used as a pawn, a seduction tactic to kill her son. She was nothing but a mere distraction so Morgana could finish off the kids.
While she couldn't help but have a strange feeling in her stomach, she let her anger grow to ignore it. Strickler was in fact in love with her, her being his weakness. However, the protection of her son was more important.
Yet, what he said still burned in the back of her mind. A stolen heart wasn't truly yours. He was learning, she had to give him that.
"All you have to do is let go of the staff." As if she had put him under a spell, the black ink had poured in his eyes, the golden irises shining through the murky eyes as he shook, ready to hand it over before Blinky had finally broken through.
"What Faustian bargain did you make with the witch?" Blinky yelled as Strickler shook from his trance.
"I said "no," you idiot! Now, where is that gag?" Morgana glared at the two before growling, staring at the bookcase which rattled beneath her gaze.
"I'm not one to snitch, but…"
"Yeah that did not look like no to me, looks like you gave in."
Strickler frowned as Blinky grinned in satisfaction. "If it wasn't for me interrupting, perhaps you would have."
The teacher tried to defend his side, however, came up short, Blinky humming as he nodded his head, loving the feeling of being right.
"Azazazuth-Kinekh-Thoon!" She whipped her head as the two stared at her, the bookshelf sliding under them and knocking them off their feet, the staff dropping from Strickler's hands and into the air.
The crowd groaned as they watched as Strickler instantly let go of the only thing that could free the kids from their sealed fate.
"Should we blame Strickler?"
"No!" Strickler yelled in response, the teens nodding silently.
Her eyes were glowing once more, throwing the staff into the portal, sealing both the weapon and the kids inside. She changed from Barbara back to Claire's form, laughing.
"I am your doom!" The screen grew black, the light fading from within the Shadow Realm as the three floated, staring up at their defeat.
"Oh, no! Where'd the light go?" Toby asked. "That was our way home! We're sealed in!"
However, a bright golden light had caught Claire's eyes that had zoomed by. "Look! My staff!"
"Get it! It's our only way back!" Jim yelled as Toby instantly gave chase to the weapon, only for Claire to cry for him.
"Toby, don't let go!" It was too late, the boy was instantly gone as a rock sped past, his screams fading out as he was pushed away. Acting quickly, Claire planted her feet on another stone, propelling herself off of it, only to be pushed out of the way by the speeding staff.
Everyone winced, Steve laughing slightly as he watched the boy get taken out by a rock. "You lasted so long."
"I want to see you float in that!" Toby yelled back. "I bet you'd not even make it two feet from your starting position."
Jim followed it with his eyes before summoning his thigh blades and hooking them onto a rock, using it to drag him faster and in the direction of the staff. He reached his hand out while Morgana laughed, her body covered in a golden light as she floated into the air, both Blinky and Strickler gasping.
Jim's hand reached for the staff, gripping onto the end. "Yes!" He said happily, however, on Morgana's side, her smile dropped, a growl escaping her, head moving as she huffed.
The staff was clearly affected by Morgana, the weapon dragging him downward. He was pulled all around the Shadow Realm as Morgana laughed wickedly. He twisted and screamed as his body was pulled towards another rock, instantly slamming into it as the staff left his hands, free once more.
Jim stared a the screen, he wasn't going to lie, he was stressing out more just witnessing it and feeling hopeless despite having not gone through it yet.
He knew he wasn't going to give up until he freed Claire, but why was he feeling so hopeless?
Jim floated backward as his friends stood perched on a rock behind him, Claire's voice echoing to him.
"She's controlling the staff!" Speaking of Morgana, she was hissing as items slowly revolved around her.
"She's growing too powerful! We must stop her!" Strickler yelled.
"How would you suggest we do that?" Strickler narrowed his eyes before coming to a stand, pulling out a glowing green blade. "Aah! Don't you dare!"
"We must! We've already lost two! How many more deaths will be on our hands!" Morgana laughed. "Don't you get it? Claire's gone! They're not coming back!"
Toby turned to face Strickler. "I know we have to battle Morgana but a little faith would be nice!"
"Faith is hard to go by when Morgana is in the equation!" This time, Claire glared at the former teacher, already planning on scolding him about the dagger.
"You are not killing any kids!" Blinky yelled.
"I mean, he's killing Morgana."
"In a kid! This should not be a debate!"
"We don't know that!" Blinky cried.
"This is Morgana! The Morgana!"
"We mustn't! We can't!" They looked towards the witch as she laughed, her magic spiraling all around her. Back within the Shadow Realm, Claire was jumping from rock to rock, nearly catching the staff before it pulled from her hands.
Toby tried the same, only ending up against a piano. "It's too fast! How do we catch it?" Claire watched as it sped by, determination back on her face as she planted herself onto a rock, eyes squeezing shut as she held out her hands.
"Claire, yoh better hurry because Strickler is planning your execution."
"Azazazuth-Kinekh-Thoon!" Her voice echoed as the staff changed from a golden glow to a purple one, moving towards Claire. At this, Morgana growled while both Jim and Toby floated to the side, watching.
"What are you doing?"
"Oh, you know. Just saying another confusing incantation and mentally battling someone who hijacked the body."
"Wow. No need for the sarcasm."
"I don't know. These words, they're in my head." She raised her arms out, "Azazazuth-Kinekh-Thoon!" She balled her fists, the staff pulling towards her before glowing gold once again.
Morgana began to flail and screech as she mentally fought over the control of the staff, the magic now sloppy and flying faster as she grew angry. The staff was near to Claire before Morgana narrowed her eyes, the weapon floating away from Claire and gold once again.
No one said a word, watching the scene with many emotions. They couldn't believe what they were witnessing. Claire's soul battled Morgana for the staff, watching as Claire's body was distorted by Morgana's magic.
"There's no way I'm witnessing this."
"She's stronger than me!" Claire cried. Strickler had pulled out the dagger once more, Blinky gasping at the sight.
"Stand aside!"
"I will not let you harm that girl!" Blinky yelled as Morgana still was busy fighting for control.
"Azazazuth-Kinekh-Thoon!" Claire said once more, the staff being pulled to her. Morgana growled, both Blinky and Strickler turning their attention to her. The staff flickered in the two different colors, battling. "Azazazuth-Kinekh-Thoon! You don't control me!"
"Someone should pay me for how many enchanted, unreadable words we have to hear!"
"Get out of my head, child!" Morgana hissed and threw her head around as Strickler raised the dagger,
"Forgive me, Claire."
Ophelia looked at the teacher in shock, the man instantly shriveling under her gaze. "You are trying to kill my daughter?!"
"I mean, technically, a witch was already trying…" He said shyly.
"No!" Blinky held him back.
"But it must be done." A cracking sound was heard as Morgana growled, her head becoming distorted, much larger and unproportioned as a loud screeching noise escaped her.
"Azazazuth-Kinekh-Thoon!" Morgana hissed, squealing more as the head was thrown around, completely defying physics.
"Whoa, whoa. Bro, that is not right, that… no. I know anything is possible now but I refuse to believe Claire's head was able to warp like that without dying!"
"That would be a gruesome death."
"Let's not think about that, please," Jim stated, rubbing his forehead.
"You dare wield a weapon of my power? My Skathe-Hrun will be your end!"
"It's not yours anymore. I made it mine. And now, I'm taking it back!" Claire extended her hand, the purple light shining brighter around her, Claire nearly sparkling. "Okay, Suzy Snooze. It's you and I." She held the bunny close which also reacted to her.
Claire's body erupted in a blindly glow, the light pouring from her in a blast. Morgana roared on one end while Claire screamed on the other, the scene repeatedly switching back and forward. The staff sucked in the purple glow, patterens within a circle surrounded it as the staff floated right into Claire's hands, the burst of yellow magic surrounding Morgana had vanished.
The crowd watched with wide eyes, mouths dropped as they processed the scene in front of them. They couldn't believe Claire was going against a powerful sorceress and managing to actually put a dent into Morgana's hold.
It was impressive, especially since they had never seen this before, already thinking it was impossible, just by having a witch around.
"That's our best friend, that's our best friend." Mary and Darci sang together, moving side to side in their chair as Claire giggled.
Instantly, the trio, Jim, Claire, and Toby began to drop. Toby cried out, "what's happening?"
"Grab onto the staff!" They did so, the staff still glowing as the purple magic flooded it, the three dropping into a water-like substance before twisting 360 in the clouds, only to find themselves dropping towards a bubbling volcano.
Luckily a blinding light appeared before they reached the liquid, the portal opening back into Claire's room as both Toby and Jim dropped out onto the floor.
"We're alive! We're alive!" Toby yelled as they both realized where they had landed. That was until their attention was turned to an unconscious Claire, both she and the objects dropped to the floor before she stirred awake.
No glowing eyes, no echoed voice, and no magic came from her, just a scream as she stared down the point of the dagger that Strickler held in front of her.
"Claire," Blinky called out.
The crowd cheered at the safe arrival of the three, glad that Claire had overcome that vast obstacle in her way.
"We did it! Claire did it!" Toby screamed. Blinky smiled, looking at Aaarrrgghh who had stayed silent.
"Aaarrrgghh?" Blinky asked, catching the troll's dazed look. "What bothers you?"
"I captured, friends in trouble. I should have–"
"No, my friend. Do not blame yourself for the troubles you cannot prevent. Morgana had acted on her own, and while you saved my traitorous brother, you did the right thing. Perhaps he will listen, will warn us."
"Friends in danger."
"Of course, but we made it through and we fight to return you home, alive." The two shared a smile as Blinky rested a hand on Aaarrrgghh's shoulder, the gesture made the moment tender and the stress slowly dwindled.
"Were you gonna stab me with that thing?"
"No!"
"Yes!" Strickler cried out at the same time before looking sheepish. "Obviously, we were–"
"Going to break your chains!" Blinky finished. Taking the dagger and slicing through the bindings. "Ha!"
Claire face palmed as Blinky and Strickler grew sheepish. Of course, the two eldest in the room had panicked and couldn't come up with an answer on why they pointed a dagger at her for. Which, Claire already knew the answer anyway.
"Claire, that was–" Jim said before Toby appeared.
"We were around the world in zero seconds. And you, you out-witched a witch!"
"Is she still there?" Jim asked.
"No, she's…" Claire let out a soft sigh, "gone. But while she was under my skin, I was in her head, I remember things." Claire's eyes narrowed on the staff that laid against her bed, everyone's attention turning to it as her hand outstretched to it.
Not a word was said, the staff instantly reacting, glowing a soft purple as it floated into the air and into her awaiting hand.
"That's new," Claire stated.
"So, are you becoming a mage?!" Eli yelled excitedly. "Claire is destined to wield magic! The paranormal wonders continue."
"Cool, our girl is a mage," Darci and Mary high-fived.
Claire smiled, "I don't think I am, I think I am just understanding spells and Morgana's commands."
"No, I'm pretty sure she tainted you–oW!" Eli cried as Toby flicked him behind the ear.
"Curious, not only did you overcome a 12-century sorceress, but it appears you picked up a few of her tricks," Blinky said excitedly.
"Look how strong our daughter is, not that I like her going against a powerful witch who can easily kill.." Javier said, scratching his head when his wife glared at him.
"We don't want her in any of this! This is mixing up my emotions. I want to pull her out of there after this!"
"Well, good luck." Claire started, crossing her arms. "I'm not leaving them to handle it by themselves anymore."
"You almost died?!"
"Yeah, so did Jim and Toby, to save me and my brother. If they don't get to quit, I am not either. I want to return the favor, and protect them too." Claire turned to face the boys, smiling as she gripped Jim's hand. "Thanks for saving me, and my family."
"We would never lose you without a fight." Jim smiled.
"Yeah, you are one of us," Toby mentioned.
"I don't know if it's enough to stop her," Jim added.
"Plus, Morgana told Gunmar how to bring the Eternal Night," Toby mentioned.
"And if he does, I got a bad feeling this won't be the last we see of her," Claire stated as the view of the teens disappeared, showing the full moon before the rounded object was replaced with another, the new object being Angor Rot's eye.
Gunmar had it in the air, inspecting it. "She led us true, Aysa-Thoon, the Temple of the Pale One." As Gunmar trudged into it, Draal followed, pulling Aaarrrgghh along. The group came upon a pile of rubble, vines cascading down to the rock platform.
"The Temple of the Dark One, Morgana's magic is strong here. It weakens the walls of her prison." Gunmar said, kneeling and digging through the pile as the carvings of trolls lit up around them, Aaarrrgghh eying them nervously.
A ring of fire surrounded the statues before a blast of fire shot from the center of the platform, a figure appearing through the flames before it burst from view, leaving nothing but the glowing figure of Morgana.
She had still been ghostly, her green hand and eyes were strongly noticeable. "You brought the fallen Gumm-Gumm. He shall become bait."
"Bait? Bait for what?"
"I don't even want to know, please, spare me some decency and say nothing!"
"Hmm. Pale Lady, the eye of Angor Rot."
Her hand held out for it, the eye floating from Gunmar to her. "My champion. Centuries ago, you came to me on your knees, I granted you power. In return, you served me faithfully. Take your soul back and a tad of my own," she started, a stream of golden light wrapping around the eye. "And live again."
Two streams of magic had reached the eyeball, stones reforming into Angor Rot. The troll reacted instantly, clutching his fists.
"You shall serve me once more, Angor Rot."
Jim and Toby cried out, throwing their heads back at the sight of their enemy being reborn. It had been so hard defeating him the first time, now him plus Gunmar and Morgana. Their luck was terrible.
"Can anything ever be easy anymore!?" Toby yelled out, pulling at his hair.
"Uh, no. Not with us." Claire mentioned.
"Of course, he comes back. What would it be if he didn't?" Mary mentioned. "With your luck, everything will be ten times harder."
"Can't we go back to facing Bular, he seemed like a baby compared to these guys."
Angor bowed, both Draal and Gunmar following. "Yes, my lady. This time, I will destroy them all." Aaarrrgghh roared, trying to jump the troll, however, fell to the floor as Draal had a tight hold on the chains.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Even Gunmar is kneeling? How powerful is this lady!?"
"That's it. We're gonna die."
The episode ended with a dark chuckle from the reborn assassin.