A/N: This chapter focuses more on Jim and his emotional turmoil. I just couldn't resist the chance. But he gets some comfort in the second half of the chapter as well as some Douxie/Jim bonding time.

After his mom had told Douxie to get some rest, Jim and the others didn't have anything to do. After a bit, Zoe left to check on how the repairs at Hex Tech were going. Archie went with her, jumping at the chance to stretch his wings, Nari also going to help. She seemed to perk up at the opportunity to be in nature and be useful, so Zoe - albeit reluctantly - agreed to take her along.

Tobes, Claire and him just sat and talked, Gun Robot 2 playing on the tv as background noise. They didn't talk about anything in particular, most of it Toby filling them in on what happened while they were away. The main thing that they had missed seemed to be an alien - Akiridion, he corrected himself - god who had invaded Earth looking for Aja and Krel who were apparently the heirs to the throne of Akiridion 5. Well, now Aja was the queen and Eli had gone with her as an 'ambassador'. The most surprising thing Toby had told them though, was that Mary and Krel had gone on a date. According to him, 'the date hadn't been the best and their relationship wasn't official, yet, but it happened.'

While they were talking, Jim thought about the changes in his life specifically. Strickler was now living with his mom, the two not engaged just yet, but getting there. It was kind of weird for Jim, but he was open to anything. He was only going to need time to adjust to having three babies in the house. Though they were only staying with him until someone adopted them, Jim thought of them as his siblings. He didn't mind them there, probably due to the fact that he hadn't been there during the phase where they cried in the middle of the night. He smiled to himself, imagining Strickler having to take care of crying babies.

From what he had seen the past few days, however, Strickler seemed to be quite good at looking after them. The little ones themselves seemed to be well behaved and Jim couldn't help but wonder if it had anything to do with their time in the Darklands. Jim stopped himself before he thought too much about that vile place. He still got the occasional nightmares about it.

He was pulled from his thoughts by Claire's phone. It chimed, signifying a text. He and Toby looked at her, waiting as she checked it. She checked the message and then told them what it said. "It's my mom. She's asking if we want to help clean up the remains of the school. Apparently a lot of the teachers and students from the high school and Acadia Oaks Academy are volunteering."

Jim and Toby looked at each and shrugged. "Why not?" Jim said. "Yeah, not like we've got anything better to do." Toby added. Claire smiled at them and texted her mom then stood up. "Let's go then."

The boys got up too, Jim telling the others to go ahead. "I'm just gonna let mom know where we'll be." He watched as his friends opened the door and went outside, talking about something or the other. He went downstairs to where his mom had made a studio. She was there, doing her new hobby. Painting.

"Mom?" He called out. Dr. Lake paused the video she was watching on how to do… monochromatic painting. Now that she remembered everything, her paintings were no longer of 'mysterious figures'. Her inspiration had also somewhat disappeared. So she had taken to learning how to do proper painting, using her laptop to search up videos.

"Hey, Jim. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine. I just thought I'd let you know that Claire, Toby and I are going to help at the school. Some others are volunteering, so we thought we might as well help, since the mess was kind of our fault."

Dr. Lake put down her paintbrush. "It's not your fault Jim, don't you dare think that. Besides, you're going to help right? Walt had told me about the email he got calling for any volunteers. He said he'd drop by later. I'll let him know you guys will be there. Thanks for telling me, by the way."

"Yeah, no problem. Zoe, Nari and Arch also went out but they're helping at Hex Tech. They should be back later. See ya."

"Alright, stay safe."

Jim went back upstairs and outside to where Claire and Tobes were waiting. They walked the route they knew so well and were at the school in minutes. The day was pleasant; sunny but not too hot. On the way, they looked around, taking in the damage done by the Arcane Order's castle. Luckily, most of it was in the forest, the remains of Camelot away from the civilians. There were only the stray piece of rock around town except for Hex Tech and Arcadia Oaks High.

As they reached their former school, they slowed, taking in the full extent of the destruction. In the dark when they had seen it, it hadn't looked this bad and even if it did, at that time there were more pressing matters. Jim squeezed his eyes shut as if he could physically block out the memories that had resurfaced.

His friends fighting a foe too powerful for them.

Douxie, Claire, Toby and Aaarrrgh being thrown to the ground.

Merlin keeping a shield around him, Blinky and Nari.

"You can't have them!"

"We need an edge. I'm sorry Claire."

"Jim! No!"

He felt a warm hand grab his and brown eyes looked into his, reassuring him that everything was okay. On his other side, his best friend smiled at him.

He took a deep breath, calming himself. Everyone was okay - or would be in Douxie's case. It was over and they had won. It was the same thing he told himself every time his breath started to quicken, when he went to bed, and when he woke up whether it was by a nightmare or by the sunlight streaming in from the windows.

He never said the last part of the statement, never wanting to admit it to himself or even think about it. It was over and they had won… for now.

"Hey Jim!"

"Claire! TP!"

"C-bomb! How's my gal doin?"

Soon, Jim was swarmed by friends he hadn't seen in months. Steve he had seen a couple days ago, but it felt good to see Darci - and even Mary - after so long. He could tell Claire felt the same way even as she was pulled away by her two friends to 'catch her up on stuff', which anyone could tell that 'stuff' was most likely gossip.

Steve was helping Coach Lawrence - his stepdad now, Jim remembered- and Jim saw many of his other classmates and teachers. Shannon was there with a girl he had seen before but didn't know her name, the two working together to move some of the rubble out of the way. 'Tight jeans' Hank was with some of the boys from the sports teams, the strong teens helping the grownups with some of the heavy lifting as well as showing off their muscles to a group of girls nearby. Their antics reminded Jim of the good old days when his biggest fear was talking to Claire.

There were some of Jim's teachers there too, Ms. Janeth and Señor Uhl talking while working, Señor Uhl using his truck - Susannah - to move the larger rocks.

Some other people were there that Jim didn't recognise; older kids he guessed were from the college, adults who could've been teachers at the Arcadia Oaks Academy or residents of Arcadia just volunteering. There were some adults he recognised as his classmate's parents like Detective Scott, and some others he had seen before in the school parking lot dropping off their kids. Some construction workers were also present, organising everyone, supervising, and operating the larger machines.

One of these people seemed to be in charge, a middle aged man with a bushy, salt and pepper, moustache and wearing a bright orange vest. He was barking orders at some of his men and then started shouting at some of Jim's classmates for not working and just taking pictures.

Jim heard a familiar shout of annoyance, the accent identifying his friend immediately. There was some cheerful, old timely talk from another person and then some more shouting from the first. "You cannot do anything right you mindless machine!"

"Ouch, hurt the old heart there a little, buster! Why don't you take a break?" Another voice joined in, the female voice sounding just like a commercial. "Did something break? Come down to Roddy's Repair Shop and we'll fix you right up! Roddy's Repair Shop!"

Toby and Jim walked around the school to see Krel, Ricky and Lucy standing next to a contraption and a giant pile of debris. The blanks wore happy expressions as always, Krel's the complete opposite. He was furiously typing something into… a floating holographic computer?

"Hey Krel…" Toby said, startling the Akiridion. When he recognised who it was however, Krel's face lit up. "Toby! Thank Seklos you're here. These two are driving me crazy! They cannot do anything right, and they are machines! Should machines not be able to operate machines?!"

Toby stopped his friend's rant by placing a hand on his shoulder. "Woah, slow down Krel. What's up?"

Krel opened his mouth to explain then seemed to think better of it. "No offence - as you humans say - but you wouldn't understand it anyway." He sighed. "I wish Aja was here. Even the the Pepperjack would have been preferable." He looked down in despair, then shook his head, seeming to only realise the other teen's presence then.

"Oh, hello Jim. How is Douxie? Has it not been the three days he agreed on?"

Jim thought about it. Time passed by so quickly. Had it really been three days? "He's better. My mom hasn't said anything about her decision on him staying or not yet, but I'll let you know when she has."

"Thank you."

Toby looked around. "Uhhh, what are we supposed to do exactly?" Krel sighed. "You have to ask the guy in the vest with a bushy moustache. He is not a nice person, but he is the one who will tell you what to do. I suggest that if you have any talents, like your Warhammer that can help smash big rocks into smaller rocks, you tell him."

Jim noticed how Krel avoided even mentioning the sword, the one he no longer had. He appreciated the small gesture, but the unintentional reminder hurt anyways. He still smiled at Krel as he thanked the Akiridion.

Toby and him went over to the man, who was now shouting at another group of people. Jim cleared his throat to get the man's attention. "Uhh, excuse me, sir?"

"What?!" The man always seemed to be shouting, even if he was talking to a person beside him. When he saw what it was, he looked disgruntled. "Oh come on! More kids who want to help?" He sighed and Jim swore that he could be related to Steve or Coach Lawrence. "Got any special talents?" He looked as if he had said the same thing a million times that day already. It seemed as though he was running an elementary talent show instead of a cleanup.

Toby looked at Jim before getting out his Warhammer and extending it. "I can smash the rocks to smaller pieces…?" Toby tensed up, bracing himself for the inevitable shouting to ensue.

The man - Rogers, according to the name tag on his vest - laughed, the action seeming more like a bark. "You!?" Jim saw red. He was starting to really not like this guy. This presumptuous, self-important twit.

Toby also seemed angry, and to show that he was serious and capable, he lifted his hammer and hit a nearby boulder. The large rock cracked loudly and split down the middle, Rogers' eyebrows raised in shock. He seemed to realise what he was doing and shook his head, snapping out of it then turned to face Toby. Reluctant to admit he was wrong, Rogers just pointed. "Go over to where some of your friends are and pulverise some of the bigger rocks so it's easier for them to carry.

Toby seemed to float as he went over to where some of their classmates were and started to use his hammer to smash some of the boulders into smaller, easier to carry pieces. Jim smiled, happy to see his friend happy until he turned to face Rogers. The large man was looking at him with his eyes squinting. "What about you? What've you got?"

Instinctively, Jim reached for his pocket before realising that the amulet was no longer there. He tried not to show his disappointment. "Uhh, I'm pretty strong…?"

Rogers muttered something under his breath, then pointed to where Toby was. "Why don't you go help your friend then? Transport the pieces he breaks to the truck."

That seemed to be the end of the conversation because Rogers went to shouting orders at some of his men and walked away. Jim stood there, frozen in place for a few seconds, before he walked to where Toby was and started helping. A few minutes later, he saw Claire being positioned somewhere else near some large boulders which she used shadow portals to move. She was laughing with Darci and Mary who were nearby and seemed to be encouraging her. Claire caught Jim's eyes and they smiled at each other before Rogers shouted at Jim to 'stop gawking at girls and focus.'

The hours went by fast, late afternoon coming fast. At some point while they were there, Strickler had come and helped by lifting the pieces from the air to make it lighter for those carrying below. It was lucky that he was there because he was the one who drove the exhausted teens home when evening came. Though it was only 5, Claire, Toby and Jim were ready to go to bed. The others had asked their families if they could stay at Jim's for dinner, which they could. When they got back to the Lake household, they found Zoe, Nari and Archie already inside.

They shared updates on how the two construction sites were going and Jim was glad to hear that Hex Tech was almost complete. He guessed it was due to the large amount of magic users helping with it. Zoe said that some of the guys there were planning to help with the school once they were done there, and Jim was grateful. It turned out that Nari had actually been a great help, using the nature around them like tree roots and vines to move or hold things.

The childish plant demigod in question was also half-asleep, though still as energetic and enthusiastic as always. Time passed by and they noticed the absence of a certain Master Wizard. When Dr. Lake came up from her 'studio' for a break, Jim asked her where Douxie was.

"He hasn't woken up yet?" She didn't seem too concerned about it which made the others relax a bit, knowing that it was probably no big deal. Either way, Dr. Lake went to check on him. "It is the last day of the deal isn't it? I need to check on him anyway, i'll go now."

She told everyone not to worry and she went upstairs. Despite her reassurances, they still worried a bit, but kept talking about various things. Jim was only half paying attention. He could help but think about how much more he could have contributed if he had his amulet. Daylight would have been able to do so much more, and not only that, and Jim hated to admit it, he had only been able to do the things everyone else had. Without the amulet, was he anything special?

They stopped talking when Dr. Lake came down the stairs a little later, her face giving nothing away. Archie was the one to ask. "Is Douxie alright?" Dr. Lake smiled. "He's fine, he just won't be going anywhere tomorrow. Or until his fever dies down, which could be couple days."

Zoe looked exasperated. "Great, now the idiot's gone and got a fever too."

Dr. Lake laughed. "Well, the fever isn't too bad. I suppose with his magic it should go away even faster?" She looked to Archie for confirmation. He nodded but still looked worried. "He shouldn't have even got it in the first place." The dragon muttered.

"His body is busy trying to heal his other injuries. A fever is actually good because it means that he's still able to fight off whatever's invading his body. As long as he rests he should be fine, so we should let him sleep. But i'm going to take advantage of the deal and say that he's not going anywhere just yet. We'll see how he is tomorrow."

Douxie did wake up a little before dinner and he came downstairs. He looked a little paler than normal, but he was still cheerful even if he seemed like he was going to fall asleep while standing up. He listened to their conversations and Jim and Zoe filled him in on what they did at their respective locations.

During dinner, Douxie only ate a little, but still stayed at the table and joined in on their talks. While dessert was being served, Claire hesitantly asked Douxie a question. "Teach, I know you're sick and need to rest and all, but since you'll be staying a little longer… I was wondering…"

Douxie chuckled. "Just spit it out, love. It's only me." Jim smiled, remembering a time when he envied Douxie's charm. It seemed so silly now, but that was how his life used to be. How a normal teenage boys life should be.

Claire sighed and gathered herself. "So, you know how back at the Lake Lady's place, you taught me magic? Well, it really helped and since my magic is kind of getting stronger, I was hoping if you could teach me some more things. You know, like how to control it better, or other things I can try?"

Douxie thought about it for a second. "That's… actually a good idea. You're a natural though, and you know my skill level with shadow magic, but I can try. Zoe can help teach you when I can't." The pink-haired witch in question looked flustered that her boyfriend had pulled her into this without her permission. Douxie gave her a cheeky smile. "Come on, Zo, Claire's not that bad."

"I'm not saying she is, but… you think i'm any better at shadow magic?!"

Douxie seemed not to hear Zoe's complaints, instead turning to Claire to ask her something. "Do you want me to teach you when i'm in New York too?" Claire looked excited. "Could you?"

"Using the wonders of modern day technology, I could try online classes through video call or something. Whatever you need in person, lovely Miss Zoe here would be honoured to teach you anything you need." Zoe opened her mouth to protest as Douxie smiled again at her but before she could say anything, Douxie cut her off and continued to talk to Claire. "You know what? How about I teach you how to read different languages so that in your own time, you'd be able to read books on shadow magic. I could give you the spare key for the bookstore if you'd like."

Jim was happy to see his girlfriend so enthusiastic. Douxie, Claire, and a reluctant Zoe discussed the details. When Claire asked how she would 'pay' for these lessons, Douxie waved her off and said 'i'll think about it later, fair Claire.' When the time came for them to go home, Claire talking excitedly to Toby about her magic lessons, they went home with smiles and promises to be back the next day.

Zoe also went home this time, saying she had overstayed her welcome despite Dr. Lake's insistences that she hadn't. Eventually, she managed to convince them that she should go on patrol anyway, Archie going with her but fully intending to be back. That left Nari, Douxie, and the Lake family. Nari went outside to where she had made her own little living space with vines and roots. She seemed comfier there so no one said anything about it.

Dr. Lake and Strickler went to bed early. Dr. Lake gave Douxie some medicine and an order to go to bed soon before heading upstairs herself. Douxie and Jim were the last ones downstairs. Since Douxie had slept in the day, he wasn't as tired and Jim, despite being tired earlier, stayed to keep Douxie company. It gave them the perfect opportunity to talk.

The two settled on the couch in a blanket, watching a movie fill the silence. Neither was really paying attention to the movie though, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. Douxie was the first to speak.

"Everything okay mate? You've been kind of quiet today."

Jim automatically responded. "I'm just tired from all the work we did at the school."

Douxie - with some difficulty - reached over to pause the tv. He turned to face the younger teen who looked back with some apprehension. "Relax Jim, you're not in trouble or anything, but we both know that's bollocks. Translated in American for ya: that's a load of BS."

Jim blinked in slight surprise at the older boy, but he couldn't help but agree. The lie had come easily but it was still a lie. "Yeah, sorry." He apologised. "It was just instinct."

Douxie looked at Jim, worried. "I don't think its a good thing that lying - about your well-being, no less - is an instinct." Jim didn't say anything. Or he didn't make the conscious decision to anyway yet he heard himself muttering. "Not like you don't do it too."

To Jim's surprise, Douxie laughed. "You're not wrong. Tell you what. For tonight, how 'bout we talk without hiding behind a mask, yeah?" Jim was tempted to act dumb, to say that he wasn't hiding behind a mask, that he wasn't hiding anything at all, but he couldn't bring himself to disagree. He was so tired of not being able to say what he was really feeling but around Douxie - who was so similar to him - he felt bad hiding. There had to be at least one person who he didn't have to maintain the illusion of everything being fine and who better than the wizard who Jim used to see as a rival?

They shook on it, then sank down into the pillows, signifying the weight of their masks gone. They were both also so tired that they couldn't sit up for long, Douxie's energy gone because of his fever and Jim's from the labour he did just a few hours ago.

"So, what's bothering you mate?" Hazel eyes met blue as the two boys turned to look at each other.

"Well, you know how we helped at the school? The guy in charge there asked us if we had any talents that would help, so he could see where we were needed, you know? Well, Toby showed his Warhammer, and the guy told him to help break down the bigger stuff. Claire obviously was a great help, with her shadow portals able to transport stuff and all. But when he asked me…"

"You didn't have an answer did you?"

Jim was glad that he hadn't had to explain it and that Douxie had just understood. Douxie sighed, closing his eyes. "Jim, do you want the truth or the thing that will make you feel better?"

Jim smirked. "That means that they're not the same thing then? I think since we're going without masks, it would defeat the purpose if you were still lying."

"Touché. But you're right, the two are slightly different. The thing that makes you feel better will most likely be a lie, but the truth might make you feel better in a different way. So truth it is." Douxie looked at Jim, his voice serious now. It didn't seem to suit the normally playful and happy teen that Jim had gotten to know, but he supposed this was what was under Douxie's mask.

"What I said to you guys that day in the forest… I wasn't lying. You guys are such a good team because you're good friends, but it's also because your different abilities work together. It's like…" He paused for a bit, thinking. "It's like the way a body works. You've got the brain, the lungs, and the heart. They work together and keep your body working. If one of them stops working, then you're as good as dead."

"So our team is as good as dead?" Jim interrupted.

"No! No, that's not what…" Douxie stopped, seeing the smirk on Jim's face. "You know what, just forget it. That was a bad example, my brain isn't working right now. It's not even the point i'm trying to make right now. What I meant was…" He sighed again. "I'm not gonna lie; we're royally screwed. It's not just you, but i'm also a weak link and I'm the one supposed to look after Nari; be the front lines in this. I know what it feels like Jim, to have everyone depend on you and you know you're not at your best right now. Even now, you're looking to me for answers, for me to say something that will give you hope. But I got nothing. I have no idea what to say to you. I can just listen, and give you comfort in knowing that I understand."

He looked at Jim apologetically. Jim looked back, not knowing what to feel or say.

Douxie's words were definitely not what he had expected. But the more he thought about it, the more sure he was that he preferred this to a fake lecture about being the leader and not having to have a specialty to be a valuable member of the team.

"I hate feeling this helpless." Jim felt tears in his eyes but didn't stop them when they fell.

Douxie pulled Jim into a hug, the younger one burying his head into Douxie's shoulder.

"Mate, you're not helpless. You're just not…" Douxie gave up and just tapped his head, showing that his brain was not working earning a small smile from Jim. "You're not helpless. I know from experience and this…" He gestured at Jim. "Is not what helpless looks like."

Jim took the bait and looked at Douxie. The curiosity in the trollhunter's eyes was all the invitation Douxie needed. "Helpless looks like me before Merlin found me. That was a terrible time. You do not want to meet moppet, man-bun Douxie before anyone else looked after him." Douxie shuddered dramatically.

Douxie told Jim some stories about pre-Camelot Douxie, making both of them laugh and Douxie blush in embarrassment. He had made Jim promise not to tell a living soul about the stories 'or else i'll banish you to limbo to deal with all of the shadow mephits and other creatures i've put there over the centuries'.

After some of that, they talked about the more serious stuff, both teens talking to the other about the darker parts of their lives. That part wasn't fun, but it helped both of them to have someone know their secrets. They put on the movie after that, needing something funny to counter the sad things.

Neither of them realised that they only watched five minutes of it before falling asleep.

A/N:. I just had to have some Douxie/Jim brotherly bonding because I found it a little weird that they seemed close in ROTT but never seemed to actually bond. And I know it's not just me who sees how similar these two are. Also the part where Douxie can't come up with something to say was definetely not me being lazy… and even if it was, it just worked. ;)

-CrowofArcadiaOaks