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Let The Chaos Ensue...

Chapter 23: Utah

September 7th, 5:34 PM, Southern UT

Jim was bought the first bus ticket to Utah, where Blinkey had called from, and given a Glamor mask. Headed his way to help him and the other trolls deal with this massive number of desert trolls. They were apparently hostile, and wouldn't let the pack move forward through the lava tunnels and the mountains were too big to cross in one night.

The only problem now, was actually finding the trolls.

He'd hopped off the bus then found a semi going in the direction of the mountain range he needed to cross. Once he was sure he had the relative area, he began searching for the scent.

He covered a good amount of ground, searching every tunnel, cave or alcove he could find. Most of the tunnels ended very quickly, and the caves had nothing to offer. It began to grow dark when it finally hit him, if it was already occupied territory, then he'd need a horngazzle.

Jim started backtracking and going to the caves that looked most promising, using the key to see if there were any troll inhabited tunnels.

As it got later, and his progress slowed. he decided to find a place to sleep. In a small alcove with a few trees, he did his backflip and fell snugly to sleep with his cloak in the trees just a few hours past sunset.

September 8th, 1:24 AM, Southern UT

He woke to the sound of several strange voices, slowly opening his glowing eyes he found himself surrounded at spear point.

Large sandy colored trolls with sagebrush scruff glared at him. They walked on their hands and feet, similar to Arg, Jim noticed. Though their hindlegs seemed similar to a rabbit more than anything else he could think of.

"It's awake," the one in the center spoke.

"What are you?" another asked.

Jim grinned and poked his head out of the leather hood. "I'm Jim," he said, slightly tilting his head.

"What kind of troll are you? We've never seen one such as yourself!"

"Oh, yeah, I get that a lot." Jim replied.

"So what are you? Answer the question or we'll take you captive."

"No, you won't."

"Yes, we will."

"You won't," Jim said. "Because you can't."

"I can and I will. I lead this pack and I do as I wish! Take him." The troll in the center commanded. The general, Jim decided.

Jim seamlessly dropped down into a crouched position, his hood falling around his shoulders, his calm laugh caused the soldiers to pause, and a short chill to run down the general's spine. He looked up at them, forcing his iris' red, grinning. "Try."

The hostiles advanced and he pounced from his spot in the cave, he jumped up to a stalactite and launched himself from that point down and planted his feet into one's face, then dodged as a spear lodged itself into the ground where he had been.

Aiming for the general, he ran on all fours at his target, though missed as a footsoldier blocked his way, he was still able to make quick work of him, knocking him out.

Behind him a spear was coming down on him, he turned, summoning the armor and blocking the weapon and causing his opponent's eyes to be blown wide.

He heard the small gasp of awe from the general, but kept fighting.

After he'd sufficiently handled the soldiers, he held the general at swordpoint. He gave a small, yet smug, smile. "Told you you couldn't. Take me to your leader."

September 8th, 1:30 AM, Arcadia CA

Indi sat up straight in bed, screaming, holding her chest. She sat in bed panting, she grasped for the bedsheets trying to orient herself, she looked around, taking in Jim's empty bedroom.

A moment later, Barbara burst in, looking for the danger, only to find Indiana in the beginning stages of a panic attack. Working quickly, she sat on the bed and pulled her into a tight hug only to be somewhat violently shoved away.

"I want JimI'' She yelled. "Just him. Just Jim. Only him." She was crying, hugging herself, sweating and hyperventilating, rocking herself back and forth.

Barbara stared at her, unsure what to do. Slowly, as Indi slowed her breathing and was starting to calm down, she moved to sit on the bed.

"Indi honey," she said softly. "Is there anything I can get you?"

She solemnly shook her head, not looking up.

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

She shook her head again, looking away.. "It's stupid."

"No it's not," Barbara said. "If it's been keeping you up this much then it's important."

"It's not going to happen, it can't happen," her breathing started speeding up again. Barbara approached cautiously, and was able to hug her this time. She brushed her hair off her sticky forehead and rocked her back and forth.

"What? What can't happen?"

"My dad, he can't find me here. He's in jail, he can't get out. He's not going to find me… Right?"

Barbara nodded. "I don't think it's likely, at all. You're safe here though. You've got all your friends, and Strickler and I. And most of all you've got a superhuman boyfriend," she smiled. "I know you didn't want Jim to leave you but whether he's in Utah, New Jersey, or the Darklands, he'll be back in a heartbeat if you're in danger.

"But he's got a job to do right now and I'm sure as soon as he's finished helping Blinkey and the others he'll be back."

"How long?"

"Hmm?"

"How long do you think he'll be gone?"

"Well," Barbara mused. "I've never seen him fight, I've only been told of his 'glorious battles', so I'm sure he'll be able to handle those hostile trolls in no time and head back soon after."

"You think so?"

"He is the mighty trollhunter," Barbara laughed.

"My dreams," she said. "They just feel so real. I feel like I know he's coming for me."

Barbara nodded. "I'm sorry, there's just nothing I can really do about that right now."

Indi glanced at the clock on Jim's desk and nodded. "I guess not. I'm sorry for waking you up."

Barbara stood. "Don't worry about it, I know how hard night terrors can be." she walked to the door, stopping at the sound of the girl's voice.

"Barbara?"

"Hmmm?"

"Thanks for letting me stay here. At your house, I mean. I didn't think I'd find a place here."

"You're welcome," she said. "Just remember that you always have a place here." She smiled, the light from the hall shining on her face as she shut the door behind her.

Indi was once again left in Jim's room, feeling completely alone without him, but comforted by his mom's words.

September 8th, 1:45 AM, Southern UT

Jim's sword cast a red glow on the back of the general as he walked through the village, his appearance shocking and striking fear into the members of the tribe. He'd left the soldiers at the cave, unconscious. They'd wake up soon enough and make their way back to the rest of the trolls.

He tried not to mind the civilians look of awe or terror as he passed, simply hoping that the general was actually taking him to the leader, and not the dungeons, because that would just be a headache.

These trolls also seemed to be a lot more adept at defending themselves, probably thanks to the lack of a trollhunter like the trolls of the trollmarket were. Hell, that was why he was here in the first place because these trolls were hostile and they couldn't do anything about it.

Marching to the center of the large lava tunnel made cavern, the general made his way down past a small glowing stone, the colors of lava, it seemed to move on it's own.

It was a heartstone, that much he knew, no bigger than a football. He frowned and asked the general. "Is this your heartstone?"

"Yes, it's size is unfortunate. Isn't it?"

Jim frowned. "Why is it so small?"

"It's all we could find." he shrugged.

"Did you leave the desert?"

"No," he shook his head. "We are native to this land, it's our home. It's where we stay."

"Why did you attack me?" Jim asked after a pause for thought.

"We've had many people try and steel what is left of our heartstone. Or come to invade our home, we keep everyone away now, as a result."

Jim came to a stop and pulled the amulet off his chest, turning to the general, he spoke. "My name is Jim Lake, I'm the Trollhunter. The group of trolls you won't let pass, they're my tribe. Our heartstone was destroyed, and they're traveling a great distance to try and find a new one. There's no way through the tunnels other than your cavern. I think we can work something out, without violence. Don't you?"

"That's why you wanted to talk to our leader?"

"Yes, for as far as my amulet, and the sword have got me, my words have gotten me a lot farther."

"I repeat my earlier question," he said. "What kind of troll are you?"

"The kind that looks weird," he gave a small laugh at the indignant look on the troll's face. "What's your name?"

The troll gave a slight bow of the head. "My name is Razai, I lead the troll guard of our tribe. This cavern is called Hidden Haven. It may not be much, but it is home."

Jim nodded. "I can understand that. And if you just let my tribe come through here I will personally ensure no trouble."

Razai hummed in thought. "We must still speak with our leader."

Jim nodded and they resumed their walk past the heartstone.

"I have a question for you, Jim."

"Shoot."

"You were not with the other trolls, you surely would have retaliated when we attached them. How did you know of their distress? Are you a scout? Are you a mage?"

Jim shook his head and laughed. "No, it was human technology."

"Human?!"

"Yes, human." Jim pulled out his cell phone and showed him the device. "This allows me to speak to anyone else with one of these. It's called a phone."

"Sorcery?"

"Technology."

"The leader of my tribe has one, and I have one. And no, I'm not a scout. He called me away from the rest of my pack."

"But you said that this was your tribe."

"It is, but they left me behind because I was… well, I'm not sure why. So me and some of my pack stayed back in California. The place we came from is called Trollmarket."

"Ahh, so the great Trollmarket has fallen?"

"You know of it?" Jim asked, his brows rising.

"Yes, it was so great, a place for all travelers to come and rest. I went once when I was a whelp. It was beautiful. How was the heartstone destroyed?" He asked slowly.

"It was Gunmar and Morgana," Jim said.

Razai narrowed his eyes, furrowing his brow. "I know of Gunmar, but not this Morgana. What is of Gunmar now, surely we would have been destroyed if he was still free."

"No, Gunmar is dead. I killed him."

"Oh," Razai said, his eyes widening. "So that is the kind of troll you are. A true bred warrior."

Jim gave a heavy nod, grinning slightly.

"Though it does not seem to bug you?"

"No," Jim said. "My pack is safe because of my abilities, I wouldn't have it any other way."

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