Hi everyone, or anyone who actually reads this.

I've been nervous to post this series for a long time because some people might find it weird, but I've decided I can't let that stop me.

This story gets better, a lot better. I SWEAR! Just a few more chapters till it gets good.

Disclaimer, Enjoy, and...

Let The Chaos Ensue...

Chapter 3: Breaking Point

June 5th, Arcadia CA.

Two weeks later…

Jim talked to Stricker, -who by the way, actually doesn't sleep-, How else would he grade all those assignments?- he helped him get somethings for his bedroom. And was able to talk Barbra into letting Jim eat raw meat at the table, although she refused to let him do it while she was there. Nothing Jim did, in her eyes, was acceptable. And while she had appreciated the dinner, she only ate a few bites and said, "I have to be at the hospital, you used to know these things." before she left, slamming the door behind her.

As for his bedroom, Jim and Strickler went to the hardware store and the man there helped him get a sort of trap door over his window, so he could exit and enter through there. And a long, extremely sturdy, bar across the room that Jim could hang from whenever his heart desired, Jim had even taken to sleeping like that. His tail would wrap around the bar a few times and then back on itself like a vine.

Strickler, however, thought it was really strange. He told Jim that he never met a troll that hung upside down or slept that way, in all his travels around the world. He said that he'd never even seen a tail that long. This only made Jim more proud of it.

As for the trap door, it was a piece of steel grip plate that had the edges with foam so light couldn't get in during the day, it had two hinges at the top so he could slip in and out easily. It was basically a fancy dog door.

The man at the hardware store, of course knew, but was still off put by Jim. He kept giving Jim weird looks, it didn't bug him though, he felt super weird around the trolls for the first few months too. People would take some time to get used to him too.

Jim found that any kind of beef was his favorite, but the T-bone steaks especially. He liked the dark meats most, and one night while running through the woods at incredible speeds he ate a bug, and he found it quite delicious. Now, if he found a bug in his house or while he was outside, he would catch them and eat them.

Toby watched him do it once while they were out on a cloudy Saturday morning, when a ladybug landed on Jim's arm and he licked it up. Toby shrieked like a little girl and yelled about how nasty that was. Jim found the thing that Toby was most bugged by, was his eating habits.

One night in particular when Toby came over, Jim was eating 'breakfast' when he came in. it was a pair of raw turkey drumsticks that the butcher had given him, now that he was his best customer, he liked to treat the boy every now and again with something a bit exotic. Toby walked in mid crunch of the bone, his face had gone pale and he quickly ran to the bathroom to deposit his dinner into the toilet. Jim actually laughed quite a bit reciting it to Claire on their way to the movie theater. After that, Toby avoided Jim while he was eating anything. And still gave him off glances every now and again.

The people of Arcadia were slowly warming up to Jim. Mrs. Nuñez had been working hard on creating a program to educate people about trolls with Arrrggg and Strickler's help. Jim told her he would gladly teach them everything he knew. A large majority of the people in Arcadia actually wanted to learn, they were the ones that graciously thanked Jim for saving them, and for giving up being a human to do it. A small handful of the population though treated Jim, Strickler, Arrrggg, like trash. They blamed them for what happened and could care less about Jim's sacrifice.

Jim had been spending a lot of time with Mrs. Nuñez getting some 'classes' ready. He shared with her how his mom was acting, and how Toby didn't like spending as much time with him now, and how Claire acted. How much he just wanted to be accepted. She was a really good listener, and was surprised Claire had such a hard time getting along with her.

When he was in town, he was greeted by almost every person with a happy smile and "Hi Jim." or "Hey, how's it going." and everything in between. He held Claire's hand always, and was never afraid to show her trollish or human affection in public. Jim thought it was funny, when ever any girls walked by he would nuzzle Claire or pull her closer to him with his tail, and the girls would whisper about how she was the luckiest girl in all of Arcadia. Apparently, he was highly sought after.

On the nights they could hang out, they did normal teenager things. Going to the movies, bowling alley, getting food. And on any other night, Jim would spend time with Arrrggg or Strickler, who were both getting more and more upset with how Jim was being treated by his friends, and his mother especially.

Claire started out good, letting Jim nuzzle her, among other trollish antics. But the more time went on, the more she pushed it away. When he tried to nuzzle her, she would shove his head away. When he tried to wrap his tail around her hand, arm, waist or anything, she would forcibly remove it, which always resulted in a snarl. She handled his tail so roughly, and never apologized. Even when he snarled extra loud when she ripped it off her wrist, because that time really hurt. She only glared at him with each trollish attempt of affection and was rebuked with something to the effect of, "Jim, that's not what humans do." or something similar.

Barbara was the worst though. Even after Strickler told her everyday that this was the new Jim. And to just give him a chance. Or… why can't you just love him the way he is, you're breaking him. She, for the most part, gave him the silent treatment, when she did speak to him it was always something that he was doing wrong or how he wasn't acting like he used to. It felt like each word was a ray of sunshine on his fragile trollish emotional state.

She had stopped caring for him almost entirely, other than the fact that he still lived at the house. Strickler had given Jim a debit card with a healthy allowance to buy himself food and clothes. Jim started wanting him as a father, and wished that his former enemy could get some sense through to his mother. Barbara had forbade Jim from eating anything that wasn't his own, and was strictly forbidden to touch her, unless it was going to be an entirely human gesture. And that one took the cake.

Slowly Jim began spending more and more time with Stickler and Arrrggg, Blinkey didn't have his cell phone anymore so he couldn't talk to him. And all Jim began wanting was someone who would let him show his troll like affection to. He wanted to hug his mom, but last time he did, she said, "Now was that so hard to act normal?" After that he was less inclined to show her any human affection, because it always resulted in a similar comment.

On a particularly grey day, Jim was walking with his closed umbrella in hand. Toby on one side, Claire on the other. His large hand held hers and his tail made wide swings behind him. They had just finished hanging out with Mary, Darci, Steve and his girlfriend Aja, her brother Krell, and Eli at the park. (Who by the way, all thought Jim being a troll was awesome, and fully accepted him and his trollish behaviors). Which had Jim in a particularly good mood.

Jim was humming happily as they made their way back to the house when Toby said, "I promised Arrrggg we'd play some GoGo Sushi when I got back, so I'm going to head home. I'll see you guys later." Toby parted and headed for his house and Jim and Claire entered the empty living room where the windows were covered with light green blackout curtains.

"So Jim… woah!" Claire started, but was cut off as Jim lifted her easily by her waist and spun her around with a toothy grin on his face.

"Do you know how beautiful you are?" He placed his forehead on hers. Holding her off the ground in a hug. His tail made large swooping motions around him as he walked into the living room.

Claire giggled, "Why thank you Jim." and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Pressing her forehead back, not knowing that it was a trollish behavior. Even if it was also a human one.

Jim lowered Claire so she could reach the floor. He listened to her elevated heart rate and saw a mischievous look in her eyes that mirrored his own.

Slowly, they closed their eyes and pressed their lips together, the gentle kiss quickly turned into a full on makeout session. Only their second.

Claire's hands returned to his scruff, something she refused to actually call it, massaging his scalp. His hands wound up on her back and in her hair, as he guided her to the couch. Jim pulled her onto his lap as he sat on the couch, his tail thumping the couch as it basically wagged. He felt her hot breath from her nose and her mouth and he breathed it in like a lifeline.

Their lips pushed and pulled against the others, his large underbite pushing against her chin. He gently bit her upper lip with one of his tusks, and she positioned her head so she was making out with his tusk and the lips around it.

Jim started purring violently, and in one quick motion, he moved his tail around their waists and around Claire's arm, and he hugged her tighter with his arms. He then brushed his horn across her cheek and buried his face into the crook of her neck. Following what he felt he should do, -as per being a troll- he licked her, slowly across her collarbone.

Claire immediate took notice of the soft, moist tongue that had dragged itself across her neck, as well as the tail and purring. She threw her hands up and pulled away, pushing against his chest. "What are you doing?" She scolded.

"I thought we were making out." he laughed through his purr.

"NO! Not if you're going to do this!" She forcibly unwound Jim's tail from her arm, making him snarl in pain. "Not if you're going to lick me!" She screamed.

Jim's purring stopped, his ears folded back at the shriek he looked like a scolded puppy. His ears drooped his smile fell, and his eyes begged for any amount of love. "But…"

"But nothing, Jim. You shouldn't be purring, and the tail, always with the tail! The nuzzling. And I swear Jim, if you ever lick me again…!" She yelled, but didn't finish her thought.

The sad look on his face was chased away with pure rage, the edge of his iris' grew a vibrant red that touched purple and turned blue. He held his tongue, and took a deep breath. Uncoiling the rest of his tail he used it to push her off his lap. He stood, growling, his fists balled and his dark fingernails dug into stone skin. "You. Swear. What?" he ground out through clenched teeth. He didn't wait for her to answer, "Claire, this is me. Don't you understand that? This is who I am now! There's no changing that. And never once did you ask me to not do those things." His voice was now desperate and his eyes were no longer red. His tail slowly drifting along the floor.

"You said you were going to do your trollish antics weather I wanted you to or not." She cocked her hips and folded her arms. Staring him down.

"Had you asked me not to I wouldn't have. I only thought you were trying, trying for me. Like you said you would. But I guess not." He lifted his tail in his range of vision, gesturing to it. "And did you not realize you were hurting me? Every. Single. Time, that you ripped this off of you, and not once did you apologize when I was in pain because of it."

"It's not like I would know that. All you did was snarl, you don't communicate Jim!" She threw her arms up.

"I do. I am. It's how I communicate. I snarled in pain. I growl when I'm upset. I purr when I'm happy." Jim slowed his breath. He studied her face closely. "But you wouldn't know that because all you hear is me being a monster." He stared her down, his brows covered half of his vision. Realizing what he had said was actually true, His under-bite hung down a bit and his tail froze in mid air.

Claire didn't move from her angry defensive position, and their eyes bore into one another. That confirmed his statement.

"We're done." Jim whispered.

"What?" She replied, and only then did her face fall.

"We are done. I'm breaking up with you."

"What… Why?" she said softly.

"Because how am I supposed to be in a relationship with someone I can't show affection to. How am I supposed to stay with someone who thinks I'm a monster." He growled loudly, then calmed his tone. "You need a human boyfriend. Someone who can give you the attention you need."

Claire stepped forward, "Jim, I…"

"No, Claire." He held his hand out, and kept his eyes on hers. "I need to be able to be a troll. And I can't do that without upsetting you. And it hurts me that you don't let me. So, I'm done."

Claire brought her hands to her mouth and silent sobbs persisted.

"I love you. And I hope you find someone deserves the amazing girl you are. Goodbye Claire." His eyes were soft, and he gestured to the door. Claire ran out and slammed the door behind her.

Jim listened as she ran down the street and her wailing became louder. He collapsed on the floor in his own silent tears. He fell on his side and curled into the fetal position, his tail lay limp on the floor beside him. After a long period of time, he crawled on his hands and feet up the stairs to his room.

He leapt up to the bar and twisted his tail around then dropped off falling backward and swinging until gravity let him stop. He grabbed the blanket that was draped over the bar and wrapped it around himself, gripping the bottom with his toes. It was still daytime and basically his night, seeing how he's nocturnal. So he went to sleep with one thing on his mind.

-That's it-, he thought, -my first girlfriend is gone-.

June 6th, 9:30 pm, Arcadia CA

The night came and Jim woke with dread for what the had day brought. He had no mother, no girlfriend, no one to love. He reluctantly crawled down from his perch and shook like a dog. His stomach growled loudly and he remembered that he was supposed to go and pick up his weekly load of meat from the bucher, Brad Duff. He heard his mother coming up the stairs and wanted to avoid her, but thought he would try talking with her again. He walked out his door, reaching his mom before she could escape to her room.

"Mom," he smiled best he could and stepped in front of her door. "How was work?"

She forced a smile and looked up at him while brushing herself off. "It was fine, I saw you in town today at the park. I'm glad you're getting out, spending some time awake when you should be."

Jim's shoulders slumped, and he did his best not to look dumbfounded, does she even realize that could've killed me had I not been careful? He bit back his snarl, -she's my mom, don't snap at her. Don't growl…- Jim thought fighting his impulses. "Well, I'm kinda nocturnal. So I am awake when I need to be." he frowned, gritting his teeth behind his lips.

Barbara whispered something to the side she thought Jim couldn't hear but he did, 'well it's kinda your own fault you're nocturnal.'

Jim snarled mentally.

"How was hanging out with your friends? I bet you had a great day." She asked, glancing at the doorknob.

"Not really, it actually kinda sucked." He looked at the floor, his tail sat loosely at his feet.

"Well, I would love to talk about it," She said reaching for the doorknob past Jim, who thought -no you wouldn't-. "But It was a really long day, and I'm going to sleep. Because it's night time, and that's when people sleep." She ducked into her room closing the door smoothly behind her.

Jim gave a long audible sigh, he pressed his horns and forehead against the door. He felt like digging his claws into it, punching holes through it, ramming it down with his horns. But he didn't, he needed to be on his best behavior for his mom to keep tolerating him.

He scoffed and walked back to his room. That's all they've been doing, Toby, Claire, his mom. Tolerating him, that's it. He didn't understand how people who barely knew him could treat him better then they were. Then again, they didn't know how he was before. All they knew was that he saved them, and he was a troll.

He had too much on his mind and nothing in the fridge.

He checked his pockets for his wallet, phone, and amulet. Climbing out his trap door he jumped to the ground and made his way to town. Left and right people greeted him happily, his only reply was to nod.

He reached Brad's and entered with the wonderful smell of raw meat greeting his senses. He pulled his tail close as to not hit anything over like he had in the past.

"Jim! Have I got something special for you!" Brad laughed and pulled out a paper package from under the counter.

A smile was brought to Jim's face. "I could use something special. Whatcha got?"

"Oh, you're going to love this." he began unwrapping the package. "You know Jamison's dad?" Jim nodded. "Well, he likes to hunt. And every so often he'll bring me the game. Yesterday, he brought in an Elk."

The package unfolded and the smell of fresh meat fueled Jim's mood for the better. "Oh my gosh… that smells so good!" He took in a deep breath as he stalked forward. "Can I taste some?"

Brad smiled and cut off a good size piece that fit in Jim's large palm. Jim took a bite of it letting it tear against his tusks. The fresh blood had a slight tang and the meat tasted gamey. He put the rest of the meat in his mouth and savored the taste as it slid down his throat. Then cleaned his fingers with his tongue.

"Oh, mmmm, that was delicious! I think I like that better than steak." His smile spread.

"I'm glad you like it, I've got two packages with your name on it if you want it."

"Brad, you know I do. You wouldn't happen to have any of those elk bones too. Would you?"

Brad laughed and shook his head. "I understand you're love of meat, but I will never understand why you like eating the bones. I asked him to bring some by after he dropped off the meat he gave me. I figured you would want them, he's coming by with them in the morning."

Jim's mouth began salivating at the thought of tasting elk bone, his tail swung happily. "You're the best Brad. I so needed this."

"Something on your mind Jim? I know things probably haven't been easy, you know turning into a troll and all." Brad rewrapped the venison and placed it back in the ice chest under the counter.

His tail slowed and he nodded, "Yeah. Yeah there is, but I don't know what to do about it." He gazed sadly at his friend of business.

Brad watched him carefully. "You know, whenever life gets a bit too crazy. I like to go on a vacation. Maybe you and your girl could go out of town or something. Just get away for awhile."

Jim mentally winced at the mention of Claire, but Brad had a point. "You know what. I think you're right." Jim nodded a bit harder, a plan forming in his mind. "Hey, I know you only stay open late for me one day a week, but could you do me a favor?"

"Sure Jim, what can I do for you?"

"Stay open late tomorrow. With half of my regular order, plus the venison and bones. Get it in an insulated bag for me? Something I could travel with."

Brad started nodding thoughtfully, "Yeah, I think I can do that. So nothing tonight?"

"No, I've got some preparing to do."

"How about some venison, on the house. Just for tonight." He smiled and held out a white paper package.

Jim took it graciously. "Thank you Brad. You're the best butcher a troll could ask for."

"And you're the best customer I've ever had in my 25 years of business. Now you have a good night, and I'll see you tomorrow."

Jim nodded and left with the paper package in hand, he now had a plan. He was going to tell Strickler and Arrrggg, but no one else. They didn't deserve to know. He walked and ate his venison on his way, and licked his fingers clean when he was done.

Claire saw him as a monster, his mother rejected him, Toby was disgusted by him, and nothing he did around them was acceptable. The humans who mattered most to him could barely stand him. And now, Claire wouldn't be around at all.

He snarled to himself, the streets were almost empty. His tail made wide sweeps behind him. It didn't matter anymore. He reached Stricker's house and knocked on the door.

It swung open, "Ah, young Atlas…" He paused and his brows furrowed. "Jim, are you alright. You looked quite perturbed. Please come in." He opened it wider and he stepped inside.

Jim ignored the tears that pricked at his eyes. He wiped them with his sleeve, and walked to his usual spot under the archway that had a detached beam that left room between it and the ceiling. He climbed it and used his tail and wrapped around it and fell into his hanging position, crossing his legs but let his arms dangle, he used his fingertips to turn himself to look at Strickler.

"You seem quite upset, what's the matter?" he said, pulling a chair out to sit in front of Jim.

"I'm leaving." Jim stated.

"What do you mean?" Strickler tilted his head, confused.

"I'm leaving. I'm running away. I wanted you to know."

"Why? What happened?"

"You know exactly what, I can't stay here like this. I broke up with Claire, she's never going to let me be myself around her, and the only other reason I would stay would be my mother, but doesn't want me. And Toby is revolted by me." He snarled. "How come you don't act trollish?" he tilted his head.

"Well, I'm not half of either. I'm just one thing at a time, so the one doesn't affect the other."

"Oh, well I guess that makes sense…"

"Why?"

"It's just… when I feel things, the emotions are mixed and intense. I don't even know if there are human names to describe them. And I just feel so angry and hurt and sad, but it's not those emotions, it's something different…" Jim hugged himself, and watched Stricker think carefully, upside down.

"I'm sorry but this isn't something I'm familiar with. I really wish I could help you, but I have no idea what you're feeling."

"Figures." Jim huffed.

They sat in silence for a long time before strickler broke it.

"Will you come back?"

Jim nodded slowly, making his body swing. "I will, I just don't know when. But I think some time away from humans would do me some good. I'm a bit sick of having acquaintances and total strangers treat me better than my family."

"That's understandable. While you're gone I'll make sure your mother is taken care of. And I'll try to convince them of their wrongs."

"I appreciate it. And here." Jim crawled down and stood, he unbuttoned his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He held the debit card out to Strickler.

Strickler pressed it back to him, "No, you keep it. I'll be able to know that you're safe if you have it."

"Yes, but you'll also be able to follow me. I don't want anyone knowing where I am." he shook his head.

"I promise, you won't be disturbed or followed in your time of absence. I'll make sure of it." he pressed the card in Jim's direction then he finally replaced it back in his wallet.

"You know, currently, you would be about the only reason for me to stay." he breathed.

"I'm glad I've become someone of confidence for you, but you should go. I believe this will do you good. However, I expect you back by the start of the school year." He chuckled. Leaning back in his chair and folding his arms.

"What makes you think I'm going to go back to school?" Jim laughed.

"Because, you have a sense of duty and self respect. And you always finish what you start. So, I'll see you there, on August 15th. I've got a plan to 'sun proof' the school for you."

"Oh, is that right? Well, I've got about two and a half months. We'll have to see where I end up."

"And you'll keep your phone on you?"

"Yeah, I'm not sure how I'll charge it though, but I'll figure something out. I'm going to take a backpack, and not much else."

"You will be careful of the sun, right?"

Jim chuckled and nodded. "I'm going to get a tarp I can drape over the tree branch where I sleep, or find a cave, or a motel." He listed off on his fingers.

"Alright, just… be careful. You'll have to avoid people, but you know that. I recommend a good pair of gloves and I don't know what to do about your feet, but instead of carrying a blanket, which I know you like to wrap yourself in when you sleep, get a cloak. Something with a large hood," he suggested.

"Do you know where I could find something like that?" Jim pressed.

Strickler sat in thought, then held a finger up. He walked up the stairs for a few minutes then came back with a black cloak. It was thin leather and had a simple old fashion webbing buckle. Strickler handed it to him and he pulled it around himself with a flourish. It came just below his ankles, a few inches off the ground. It was worn well but fit his broad shoulders right. He fastened it around his shoulders and pulled up the hood. It covered his horns and darkened his face.

"This is awesome." He cooed.

"Try it while you're perched," Strickler pointed at the archway where Jim was before.

Jim stepped closer and flipped upside down dangling by his thin, but strong tail. He pulled the cloak around him and using his bare toes, held it around the rest of his body. The hood folded around his face and he could barely be seen. He poked his head out with a grin wieder then the grand canyon.

"This is perfect. Can I keep it?"

"On one condition." Strickler smiled, his hands clasped behind his back.

Jim swung slightly with his movements, "And that is?"

"That I'll see you at school on August 15th."

"Hmmm… deal." Jim crawled down the cloak getting in the way of his tail's natural flow. "Thank you Strickler." Jim smiled and rubbed his horn on the man's shoulder, Strickler hugged him as he did so, having grown closer to him over the past few weeks he felt no shame in it. Jim retreated and left his house, heading for Toby's home.

He arrived quickly after a shortcut through the forest, the cloak flowed around him naturally as he ran with his tail floating under it. When he arrived he lifted his nose to pick up Arrrggg scent. He found it and followed it back to his own house, where Arrrggg had been waiting for him.

"Hey, Arrrggg I need to talk to you." Jim said as he jumped the fence to his backyard, crawling forward.

"Thought you would, so I come to find you." He rumbled.

"Why would you know?" he asked, getting to his feet.

"Claire called Toby, was really upset. Talk about you." Arrrggg pointed at Jim.

Jim's ears fell slightly, "Oh, that." He lifted his ears again, "No, that's not what I needed to talk to you about, it's something different."

Arrrggg hummed as a question.

"I just wanted to tell you, I'm going to be leaving for a while. And I won't be back for at least a month. I don't want you to tell Toby though, not till after I'm gone at least." Jim put his hand on Arrrggg's shoulder, pressing his head against Arrrggg's horn.

"Won't tell. Will miss you." He hummed, pushing back against Jim's still nuzzle.

"I'll talk to you later, K bud?"

Arrrggg nodded and left. Jim could smell his mother on the first floor with Mrs. Nuñez so he climbed in through his window, listening to the conversation below.

"Look, I know you're struggling with him but you should at least make sure he's ok." Mrs. Nuñez said, "It's his first break up, he needs him mom."

Oh, so that's what they were talking about. He climbed up on his perch and wrapped himself in the cloak.

"Ophilia, he's not human. He broke up with her himself, that's what you told me. Besides, I think he's been avoiding me." His mom huffed.

"Of course he's been avoiding you! You treat him like he doesn't matter to you."

"How would you know anything?" Barbara snapped.

There was a moment of silence then Mrs. Nuñez spoke in quiet anger, "Because unlike you, I've been spending time with him while working on educating the people about trolls. He talks about how he wishes you would just love him for who he is. Not what he is or how he acts. Claire did the same thing, and look where that got her. And honestly, I don't blame him one bit. So, I'd be careful before you lose him."

"I lost him when he used that potion Ophilia, he's already gone."

"Fine," She huffed, "I'm going to go talk to him. You stay down here and mope about your son who saved the world."

She marched up the stairs to his room and knocked before entering, she poked her head in. "You in here? I thought I heard you." She said in the direction of the empty bed, the room was almost completely dark, she came in and closed the door behind her.

"Yeah, I'm here. I wasn't trying to be subtle or anything." She looked around trying to find where his voice was coming from. "You can turn on the light, it's right behind you."

She did and then spotted Jim, hanging seamingly like a bat. "Woah," She took a step back in surprise, "you weren't kidding."

He smiled and shook his head, "No, I wasn't. So what did you want to talk to me about?" He said, pulling himself up onto the bar and lying on it like a cat.

"Well, I wanted to make sure you're ok. Claire's in pretty bad shape…"

Jim looked at the floor, "I'm sorry."

"No, you shouldn't be. You told me what she was doing and I saw some of it. It wasn't fair to you." Mrs. Nuñez shook her head.

"It's also not fair to her, she deserves someone who can give her human affection like she wants. She thinks of me like a monster, so it will never be me." Jim sighed.

"Well, how are you doing?"

"I'm ok, not great. My mother doesn't care, my ex thinks I'm a beast, and my best friend is disgusted by me. So, I'm going to leave for a while." Jim's voice was low.

"What?" she raised her eyebrows.

"I'm leaving town for a while, going to give everyone some time. Maybe when I come back they'll be ready for me. And sorry, but I can't teach that class on history of trollhunters next week."

"Well, that's unfortunate." She sighed, "Is there anything I can get you? Help you out before you leave?"

"Just don't tell anyone until after I'm gone." he said.

"Alright, just stay safe." she smiled.

"I will, have a good night."

"You too." then she left.

Jim jumped off his perch and wondered why one of the most 'entitled' people in the city would stick up for him like that. Against his mother and her own daughter, nonetheless.

He pulled out his biggest backpack and began filling it with his clothes, he dug out a few different types of charger cords and a battery pack. He plugged the pack in to charge and after his mom was in her room, he silently went and retrieved the small tarp from the garage. He stuffed that in the pack.

What else might he need? He thought. A first aid kit would be ideal, even if he wasn't sure he could even get hurt now. He packed one anyways. He filled the bag with a few other essentials and he still had time for himself before the sun came up.

He draped the cloak over the bar, grabbed the amulet and went outside. Summoning the eclipse armor, Jim messed around with his sword for a while. Going through the stances Draal had taught him almost a year ago. He stood in his wide stance, holding his blade out parallel to the ground. Then slicing at a downward angle, pulling it back and moving step by step. His tail moved to add better balance than he had before, making him just that much more powerful. He remembered how Draal had stopped going through the routine and pinned him against the house, and he learned how to summon and dismiss his sword.

Back when his mother knew about none of this, he preferred that. Back when Barbara was oblivious and his life was constantly in danger. Yes, those were the days. Running around behind his mother's back protecting an unsuspecting town from dangers no one knew.

-That's it!-. That's what he was going to do! He figured as long as he was traveling around he might as well help out the locals from the shadows. Stopping robbers, muggins and anything else he might come across. Sure he would do it if he saw it, but now as his plan, he was going to go looking for it. Jim liked the sound of that. He was running away to look for danger. (Evil grin)

The sky started to get lighter, and Jim made a retreat to his room. He shut the door, placed his bag next to the door, and slung the cloak around his shoulders. He plugged in his phone next to the battery pack. He stood staring at the bar with his head tilted for a few minutes, he'd been wanting to try something but wasn't sure he could pull it off. -Here goes nothing-.

He took a short sprint across the small room and back flipped, wrapping his tail around the bar and around the tail itself and swung like a pendulum, quietly giddy.

Tomorrow he'd go to Brad's and pick up his meat. Then be on his way. He had a plan in place and first destination, he would be able to get away from unkind humans and broken relationships. Did he feel bad? NO! Why should he? They treated him awfully and all he ever did was hold his tongue and not lash out, which went against all his trollish nature. He took it and his heart took the beating. No, he didn't feel bad at all.

He wrapped the cloak tighter around himself and with his toes wrapped it around his crossed legs. The hood fell naturally around his head and he quietly slipped to sleep.

June 7th, 8:59 pm, Arcadia CA

He woke just as the sun was setting the next day, and he was too impatient to wait. He pulled an old pair of gloves from the garage, and pulled on a pair of thick wool socks. He figured the cloak would cover his face but he didn't want to chance it and just wrapped a scarf around his face. His tail was drifting behind him and it took a minute to figure out what to do with it. He wrapped the tail around his waist a few times, almost like a belt. Then he headed down the stairs. He checked his pockets for his amulet -check- his charged phone, -check- and his wallet, -check-. With his backpack in hand, he left. Not once looking back at his home.

It felt weird to walk in the socks, there was no contact to the ground and they padded his footsteps. He got some weird looks as he made his way to town, he didn't mind though. He did look really ridiculous. It was about 7:30 when he reached the butcher's shop, he entered and basked in the smell of fresh, raw meat.

He could smell Brad in the back, so Jim sat on the floor and removed his socks and scarf and gloves. He stuffed them in the backpack and waited silently on the floor.

A few minutes later Brad came out, "Jim! You're early! What brings you out when the sun's still shining?"

"Wanted to get an early start. Did you get the bones and the meat?" Jim got to his feet, and pulled the hood away from his face.

He pulled something out from under the counter, and sat an insulated backpack, and a large paper bag on the counter. "I sure did. This backpack is a bit heavy, but I don't think that'll be a problem for you. You can take it as long as I get it back." Brad stood proudly.

Jim tensed for a moment and opened the paper bag, digging through it for a smaller bone to snack on. "Would it be alright if I keep it for a few months?"

"Why? I thought you said you would be going on vacation." Brad questioned.

"No, I said you were right that I needed to get away. So I am, for at least a month." Jim said, pulling out a bone and pointing it at him. Then took a bite, making Brad cringe.

"Well, I suppose you could take it. It keeps meat good for just under a week, so make sure you eat it all by then." He paused for a moment. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you leaving?"

Jim let out a long sigh and paced around the shop, "Because, Toby finds me revolting, I broke up with Claire, and my mom doesn't even want me. But I'd rather not get into the nitty gritty of the hell I've been through the past few weeks." He rolled his shoulders, and his tail flicked, still around his waist. His fingers ran along the rim of the cloak.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't know you were having such a hard time…" Brad stared at Jim thoughtfully. "Let me give you my number." He said, walking around the counter.

"What? Why?" Jim's ears perked up.

"I'm going to be going around the state in a one week for a business trip, So if you need anything, you can come find me. There'll be meat involved." Brad smiled holding out his hand for Jim's phone.

Jim gave a shaky laugh and handed him the phone. Brad put in his number and handed it back to him. The contact name was 'Brad, your favorite butcher'. Jim got a real kick out of that.

"Thanks Brad, I'll see you later then." Jim smiled, grabbed the bags and exited the shop. The sun was down but the sky was only grey, he got on the main road and started walking.

He crossed the bridge and looked over the edge to the canals. The hole had quickly been filled in and Trollmarket sat abandoned underneath. Hidden away from the world and anyone not from Arcadia who was just passing through. Just like he would soon be.

He walked into the woods and passed the sigh, 'Welcome To Arcadia Oaks'. Jim walked passed it and looked back, and said, "I'll be back. Maybe then you'll be ready for me." He walked forward, the cloak drawn around and his tail flowing out the bottom. He walked deeper, becoming a shadow to the unsuspecting eye.

Please Review! Please.

...

please

('.')