A/N: Gah, the whole time-traveling thing at the end of ROTT is still so confusing. Please forgive me if I accidentally mess up the timelines.
As many of you may realize, this one-shot is based on Aaron J. Waltke's headcanon tweets! Story sets many years after all events in ROTT (including the time travel, which I usually don't consider canon, but this is an exception). Petunia is the name of Jim and Claire's daughter, and everyone's memories are restored so they remember events from the old timeline.
Alright. Now let's begin!
A little adventure
"Perfect," Jim smiled as he tied a small, purple ribbon onto the shiny, new bicycle.
"Just like you," Claire added playfully.
"Aww, who are you and what have you done with Claire?" Jim joked as he pecked a small kiss onto his wife's forehead. "So, I say we're ready?"
"Definitely," Claire said as she traced her fingers over the bike handles. "Petunia's been looking forward to biking since forever!"
"Yeah, and now she's finally getting a real bike," Jim laughed, putting air quotes onto the 'real'. Petunia got super mad when they refused to take off her trainer wheels, which, frankly, reminded him of his younger self- A stubborn kid who always craved for a little more adventure.
The clock above them ticked 8:00.
"So, time for her special birthday breakfast?" Claire chirped as she went to set the table.
"Yup, Toby's right around the corner," Jim said as he carefully made his way to Petunia's bedroom. Gosh, birthdays were a lot harder than he expected. How on earth did his mom manage to prepare birthdays all by herself, and work that job at the clinic?
As he stood at his daughter's door, his smile turned into a sigh. He swore to the gods- whatever happens, his daughter's birthdays needed to be perfect. He'd never forgive himself if Petunia grew up dreading birthdays as he did. No. This was his little angel, and she deserved the world...
He just wasn't sure if he could provide it.
He lifted his hand cautiously. Three, two, one…
Knock.
No response.
Another knock.
Still nothing.
"Penny…" Jim tested softly. He slowly opened the door, revealing a small, sleeping Petunia leaning into her fluffy pillow, groaning at Jim's presence.
"Come on Penny, it's your special day!" Jim cheered softly, "Mommy's already downstairs with breakfast!"
"Mhmm…"
"Or how about we get up to play with Nancy and Louis?"
"Oh…"
"Penny, you remember what today is?" Jim asked suspiciously.
"M'kay," she slurred.
Haha, and that totally answers my question,he thought as he rolled his eyes.
"Penny, we've got a busy day ahead. There are so many friends to play with, so many presents to open, and…" he paused for effect, "we even have a little adventure for you."
Petunia's eyes snapped open. "Adventure?"
"Ooh, not just any adventure," Jim smiled as he mysteriously lowered his voice. "It's a treasure hunt!"
"Really?!" Petunia shot up from her bed, brushing away her disheveled bangs. "What treasure?"
"You'll see. Now come on, breakfast first, then all the fun," Jim reassured the birthday girl. As Petunia giggled her way to find her birthday clothes, Jim exited the room and went downstairs to bring on the breakfast.
Balsamic mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, cardamon… same old recipe. He cooked this very meatloaf the day he discovered the amulet of daylight, and it still remains as his favorite family meal. He carefully plated the beautiful product onto plates, giving extra attention to the aesthetics.
"Jimbo! We're here!" Came a muffled voice outside their door. Claire welcomed the Domzalski family: Toby, Darci, and the twins Nancy and Louis. Toby was wearing his usual orange T-shirt, Darci in a knee-length, green dress, and the twins in cute denim overalls.
"Good morning aunty Claire," the twins shouted in perfect unison. They've rehearsed this, Claire thought.
"Morning to you too, Nancy and Louis!" she turned around and immediately raised her voice, "PETUNIA! NANCY AND LOUIS ARE ALREADY DOWNSTAIRS!"
"COMING MOM," she shouted back, equally as loud. Claire puffed. Normally she'll get scolded for this. Today was an exception.
As the Domzalskis sat down at the dining table, Jim walked out of the kitchen with his proud birthday breakfast.
"Toby! Darcy! Good morning!" He called joyously. "And of course Nancy and Louis. Gosh, I hope you're all hungry!"
"Uncle Jim, where is Petunia?" Louis asked quietly.
"Uhhh, she's-"
"Right here!" Petunia chimed as she raced down the stairs. She wore her favorite plaid shirt and jeans, bouncing down the stairs like an easter bunny. "Dad said we're going on a treasure hunt today!"
"Treasure hunt? Like pirates?" Nancy said as she waved her hands around dramatically.
"Nope, like Trolllhunters," Toby whispered to the kids, winking at Jim. The kids shrugged but laughed along anyway. Toby was always the favorite amongst children. He knew exactly how to keep them hyped. "Before we eat, let's see..." he sniffed the 5-star Michelin meal in front of him. "Balsamic mushrooms, meatloaf, chunky… sun-dried tomatoes!"
"And cardamon," Jim added to his laundry list.
"Whoo, taking a chance there, chef Jim!"
"What's life without a little adventure?" He said as he felt a sense of déjà vu. Yup, good old days.
.
Soon after breakfast, more of Petunia's friends joined the party. Jim also invited the other members of the guardians of Arcadia over, for a big reunion. Aja, Krel, Varvatos came in their human forms, Douxie came with Archie (without the glasses this time), and of course, Barbara and Strickler with their big bag of presents.
"Ta-da!" Barbara exclaimed as she revealed the contents of the bag.
"Let me guess," Jim said sarcastically. "A Food Magic 3000?"
"Come on, kiddo, we're over that," Barbara laughed as she took out the presents. "I heard you and Claire got her a new bike, so I thought she'd need safety gear. Helmet, Knee protection, elbow protection, hand protection…"
"Mom, it's a bike. It's not like we're putting her onto a unicycle or-"
"Uh uh!" Barbara interrupted before Jim could continue. "I still remember that horrible bruise on your knee when you had your first bike ride. Accidents happen. We're not leaving anything to chance."
Jim chuckled. Yeah, she's got a point.
"AHHHHH!" A high-pitched scream rang out in the distance. It was unmistakably Petunia. Dread immediately coursed through Jim as he raced over, his heart pounding.
"What's wrong? Petunia!?"
"DADDY!" The girl shrieked again. Was she hurt? Oh gosh, please, not on her birthday…
"DADDY, LOOK WHAT I FOUND!" She yelled as she pushed the bike out of the garage, smiling ear to ear. "IS THIS FOR ME?"
"Oh for the love of…" Jim panted as he rolled his eyes.
"Ha! And you say I'm overprotective," Barbara teased, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Now, you go and help Claire while I help set up the treasure hunt, alright?"
"Haha, yeah," Jim said embarrassingly, his cheeks heating up.
He made his way to the garage, where Claire helped Petunia put on her helmet and joint protection packs. Nancy and Louis had also brought their bikes, so the three of them could help each other out. The twins were two years older than Petunia, and she always complained about how "lame" she looked while she biked with trainer wheels on.
"Alright, young lady. Let's see how well you can balance," Claire said with hands on her hips.
Petunia curled her little fingers around the handles and brakes, feeling the rubber against her palms. She scooted a little, her feet still reluctant to leave the floor. She placed one foot onto the pedal, the other tiptoed on the ground, experimenting with the balance.
"It's okay, no rush," Jim encouraged as he placed his hands on the handle, keeping the bike from falling as his daughter struggled to take the first steps. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you don't fall. All you gotta do is try."
"I'm a bit scared," she admitted, her eyes glittering with excitement and fear at the same time.
"Goodness gracious, who isn't?" Jim said, quietly. Thanks, Blinky.
Petunia took a deep breath. "Okay daddy, but you have to promise you won't let go."
Jim lifted his eyebrow. We'll see about that.
"Penny! You ready for the hunt?" Nancy shouted from across the street.
"Yup!" She replied eagerly as she furrowed her brows and initiated her warrior face.
She's ready.
"Ready, set, go!" Jim exclaimed as he offered a small push. Petunia lifted her feet and pedaled along, although Jim was still the main driving force.
"Now, look straight ahead and focus!" Jim instructed as the pair flew across the garden. Gaining confidence, Petunia began to pedal faster and faster. Jim grinned proudly as he barely held on, running beside her, hands still firmly on the handles.
"I think I'm getting this!" She celebrated as she picked up more speed.
"Alright, birthday girl! I'm letting go, okay?"
Panic flashed across her face. "R-really? But wait! I'm not ready-"
"You'll never be ready! Do it scared!" Jim laughed as he released his hand. The little girl wobbled for a few seconds, but Jim knew her balance was perfect. After realizing her success, Petunia giggled and cheered, before joining in with Nancy and Louis.
Jim sighed as he gazed at his little girl's receding figure. The trio laughed about something inaudible, before commencing their own little adventure. How bittersweet, he thought, knowing that someday in the future, his daughter is going to grow up, go to school, graduate college, and start a family of her own… How heartbreaking, knowing that someday, he'll be standing at the front door, watching as his little girl waved him goodbye, just as his mom did when he was younger... The thought of it brought tears to his eyes. But even without sacred destinies and magical powers, life itself was a gift. No matter what she chooses, no matter what happens, her daddy will always be behind her, supporting her, watching silently as she journey through her unique, irreplaceable life...
"…Babe? Hey, Jim? Earth to Jim!"
He snapped out of his thoughts. Claire stood behind him with the shadow staff, a portal opened.
"Come on," she said, ticking her head naughtily towards the portal. "Don't you wanna watch?"
"Watch?"
"Everyone else is there, so..."
Jim nodded as the girls were out of sight. Yes, admittedly, he did want to watch.
.
On the other side of the portal stood the old guardians of Arcadia. Barbara, Strickler, Toby, Douxie, Archie, Aja, Krel, Varvatos… even Blinky and AARRRGGHH (with umbrellas over their heads). They all stood behind the row of tall trees, where a beautiful view of the canals laid beneath their feet.
"Master Jim! Aarghaumont and I came to witness this historical moment, as the youngsters commence on their hero's journey!" Blinky boomed.
"Mhmm, more Trollhunters," AARRGGHH mumbled.
"Do you think they're ready?" Claire asks, quietly, a shade of concern in her eyes.
There waiting were three tiny amulets, forged by Douxie and Krel. Three different shades of blue emitted from its surface, calling, anticipating their owners. Jim smiled- Douxie and Krel really outdid themselves. As the young trio stumbled down the sunset and into the canals, their attention was soon caught by the beautiful, intricate artifact. Lead by Louis, they climbed off their bikes and, ever so cautiously, lifted their treasure. The amulet's soft glow was reflected in the girls' eyes, lighting them up, like stars in the night sky.
"I wonder what destinies call to our young masters," Blinky questioned. "All worlds seem to be at peace. I don't seem to recall any immediate threats."
"Literally, those kids themselves are huge 'threats' to my mental stability," Claire sighed as she massaged her temples.
"I see, human children are hard to raise! Perhaps I could assist you in training the youngsters for battle, hmm?"
"Blinky!" Claire shouted, a little annoyed. "We're not training them for battle!"
"Well, you see, fair Claire, the amulet does not make mistakes!" Blinky argued. He cleared his throat and closed a few of his eyes. "As you remember, Destiny is a gift. Some go their-"
"Oh! The hero's speech thing! I love the hero's speech thing!" Krel interuppted.
Although his friends were still as chaotic and noisy as he remembered, Jim couldn't help but grin. Seeing everyone together, alive, safe, happy... it's more than he ever asked. Looking back, the time-traveling, trollhunting, elixirs, evil magic shards... no matter what, he'd do it all again. He'd do anything. Anything for his friends.
No. More than friends. Family.
"Don't worry, I made sure Hisirdoux got it right this time," Archie whispered to Jim, a reassuring grin on his face. "No dark fates, no irrevocable destiny. Just a birthday gift".
"Perfect," Jim smiles as he pets the shapeshifting dragon. "After all... Everyone needs a little adventure."
A/N: UGHHHH, Jim is just the most adorable dad ever. I feel like I rushed the ending. I may edit this story later if I have time. But please let me know your thoughts in the reviews!
Until next time!
