It is I! Hopelessly trying to figure out life!
My Brother in the distance: "Welcome to adult hood, Max!
Me: Shut up Brandon!
I wanted it to be longer, but I didn't have time this week. But you don't wanna hear my excuses, you wanna see what Maggie asks.
I don't own stuff.
Chapter 19: Maggie's Q&A Part I
I sit against the arm of the couch with my legs crossed, and Claire in my lap. I let the girls eat their dinner, rice and lemon chicken, and NotEnrique ate his steak.
Man I'm hungry! But I know for a fact Claire won't let my tongue anywhere near her after I eat, and I need to clean her cuts.
Maggie lets out a loud over exaggerated sigh before plopping herself down on the couch. She leans back on the arm in a similar position to the one I'm in, only with her feet stretched out, almost touching mine.
NotEnrique crawls around the couch next to me, eyeing Maggie carefully. I hold my arm out to him and he climbs up it and sits on the back of the couch, watching her, almost like a gargoyle. Claire looks confused, but I understand. He's protecting his territory, namely Claire and I.
"Alright Mags, you've eaten, and no one is dead yet, so let's get to those questions," Claire says.
She nods and gains a thoughtful look, then grins and points to NotEnrique. "I want to know why he's 'Not'Enrique'."
He snorts and sits up, "I got this question, you can get to fixen' up sis' cuts."
I give him an appreciative, quiet, bark. He starts his story as Claire lays against the couch and lifts her arm toward my hand. I take it gently and move my head closer and begin cleaning the claw marks littering her arms.
"Ya see, I'm a changeling. And us changelings, replace human babies when their just little tikes. I replaced Sis' brother. She was really mad about it at first, but we're like real brother and sister now." He sits atop the couch proudly, puffing out his chest. "And lake rescued my familiar, so we've got Enrique, and me."
Maggie was watching the little changeling intently, and didn't notice my actions till she glanced back at Claire and I. Doing a double take.
Her face contorted. "Ok, next question, what are you doing?" She leans back and furrows her brows, I can't tell if she's concerned or weirded out. Maybe disgusted.
I finish on Claire's first arm. "Cleaning her wounds, what does it look like?"
She blinks a few times. "Looks like you're licking her."
Claire gives me her other arm and rolls her neck to look at Maggie. "That is what he's doing Mags, you know what he's doing. He told you the purpose. It makes the stinging go away, and makes it heal better. Also, you wanted to know why my hair is so soft, it's because Jim cleans it."
To make her point I lick her head, dragging my tongue against her hair.
"Eh…"
"There are also kisses," Claire smiles and flicks my cheek.
Maggie looks disturbed as I also kiss Claire alongside her jawline and she giggles.
"Don't look at me like that," I scold.
She rolls her eyes and sighs. "I… whatever. My next question is, how did you get involved with Jim and the trolls, Claire?"
I return to cleaning Claire's arm while she answers Maggie's question. By the time she finishes the story, I've finished cleaning the goblin's claw marks off her arms and face.
"So basically it's NotEnrique's fault?" She asks, glancing at him resting on the couch's back.
"And I've never been so glad for someone to screw up so royally. I may not have found my mate," I declare and nuzzle the top of Claire's head with my cheek. She turns and leans her back against my chest, resting her head on my shoulder. We both face Maggie who is wearing a quizzical look.
"So did you move here because of the 'supernatural accident' or was that a lie?"
"Oh no, that wasn't a lie," I shake my head. "Gunmar depleted the heartstone of its energy, and Morgana completely destroyed it. It was completely unliveable for the trolls."
"So Jim and I left Arcadia, came here. The heartstone just happened to be here. It took us three months to get everyone here. Especially while only traveling at night, and having to find places to keep everyone out of the sun," Claire says.
Maggie slams her palm to her forehead. "The sun! You're a troll. The sun will kill you…"
I throw my arms up. "Give the girl a medal!"
Claire and I laugh as she starts slowly nodding. "You're nocturnal, that's why you always look tired, right?"
"Yeah," I rub the back of my neck.
"And I'm guessing you don't eat in front of us because troll food is gross?"
"Oi! Raw meat may be gross to yous', but to Lake and I, it's very tasty!" NotEnrique yells.
I rub his head and he pushes against my touch before fixing his scruff. "He's right," I say. "Plus it's really nutritional."
"And he's declared that I will never see him eat," Claire glares up at me.
"Hey, I just don't want you to see me act like a wild animal," I playfully retort.
"I mean, if you ever follow Strickler's advice…"
I shake my head. "We are not talking about this with Maggie here."
"Alright," She sighs and turns back to our guest.
"Next question," I say.
"More of a statement. I can why you're obviously stronger than me, you're basically stone. But you said your training was more of the reason you're able to beat me. And also know why you can run for like… ever at crazy speeds?"
I nod. "When I first got my amulet, I trained so much I thought Blinkey was trying to kill me. And I was running a lot before I was able to stand up to my opponents. I've just gotten faster since. Running in gym class is really easy compared to running from trolls."
"Though he'd much rather run on all fours," Claire laughs.
I sigh a frustrated growl and roll my eyes. "Oh how I'd love to do that."
Both girls laugh at my comment.
"OH! I have to know what happened when Justin found out," she leans forward, ready for a story.
Claire rolls her eyes but nods. "Jim had just killed the stalkling, I was keeping watch and saw Justin peaking in the old warehouse building…"
She gets to the part about me walking out of the shadows before Maggie can't stop laughing. "That little twirp… oh that's like the funniest thing! Man I wish I could have seen his face," Claire finishes the story. "And he still spilled, now I see why you were so pissed back on the first day of P.E.."
I nod.
"What about your armor?"
I hold up my amulet and let her look at it. "It's magic, and it gives me my armor, and sword. I'm the trollhunter, so it's my job to keep trolls and humans safe. And killing Gunmar pretty much made it like 99% safer for both humans and trolls."
"And getting rid of that witch solved a lot too," I feel Claire tense in my lap. She hugs herself and shivers.
I hug her tightly and nuzzle her face. "Shhh. it's ok. She's gone," I whisper in her ear and rub my horns on the side of her head.
Maggie presses her brows. "What nightmare did you have Claire?"
I glare daggers at her and growl. Claire gently turns my face back to hers. 'If she's going to know, she has to know.' she whispers. Claire takes a deep breath. "The supernatural accident, is called The Eternal Night. Two of the most powerful beings. A troll warlord, and an ancient sorceress, with an army of killer trolls, and centuries of built up magic. Against Jim and I and our team. Consisting of two changelings, two trolls, Jim, Toby, and I."
"Killing Gunmar was easy compared to getting rid of Morgana," I say. "She was going to kill Toby, Blinkey, Arrrggg… Claire…" I have to take a breath so I don't start whimpering. I give a choked laugh. "I jumped in front of the spell meant for the four of them, taking the hit. When I woke up Morgana was gone."
"I used my shadow staff to basically create a black hole to the shadow realm, almost got myself stuck in there too. But we destroyed the staff, locking her in for good." Claire's tone was cold, but her body shook as she spoke. "We thought… I thought for sure that Jim was dead."
NotEnrique is looking at her with concern, he crawls down into her lap and hugs her. I hug them both. My entire pack in my arms, where I can protect them, and keep them safe.
"Claire and I both have nightmares about that day, where we failed, and the other dies," I shake my head. "There is nothing worse than holding the body of the one you love, knowing that you failed them. Or watching them fall as they turn to stone."
I shake my head harder before my ears twitch, signalling someone coming up the stairs. "We can do more questions later. Maggie, don't freak out. But some trolls are going to come in."
She shrugs and slides further into her seat on the couch.
Claire takes a breath and relaxes a bit, I nuzzle her and she returns it.
"Don't worry sis, you did good," NotEnrique says.
She hugs him back. "Thanks bro."
Blinkey and Arrrggg round the corner and I take a deep breath. "Prepare for the scolding."
The others can't help but give small, quiet laughs.
"Master Jim! Do I need to ground you! Three humans! THREE!" He steps in front of me.
Arrrggg sits behind Maggie, scanning her. She lays back upside down and gives him a peace sign, and returns the gesture with a smile.
"Okay! This time it was NOT my fault! We drew the goblins at least three miles away. She followed us all on her own," I defend. I would stand but Claire and NotEnrique are on my lap glaring, so sitting works for right now.
"Are you so eager to expose yourself! You must remember that it is not just your own secret," He scolds.
I grit my teeth and snarl, about to move my packmates from my lap and get in his face when Arrrggg stops us both. "Remember, school argument?" He asks, looking at Blinkey.
The historian folds his arms and all six eyes look to the floor.
"Jim knows, he keeps secret. Even when Claire is sad," Arrrggg states. "Accident."
Maggie sits up and looks at Clarie with worry. "Claire, why would you be upset?"
"I just miss my family and friends a lot. And not being able to have anyone over is really hard." She wipes at her tears that have finally spilled over. They may be silent, but they could give Niagara a run for its money. I quickly lap them up, and as quickly as they came they stopped with a short fit of giggles.
Maggie nods slowly, she turns to Blinkey and Arrrggg. "I promise I won't tell a soul about what I see here or learn." Her eyes are sharp and determined as she stares the two trolls down.
Arrrggg hums in thought before saying. "Warrior."
Blinkey nods. "Indeed."
I tilt my head. "How did you know?"
"You can see it, it's in her eyes," he states.
Maggie looks taken aback, but pleasantly. "Thank you."
Claire stands and walks over to Maggie, putting her hand on her shoulder. "Maggie, this is Blinkey and Arrrggg. Guys, this is Maggie. And for a human, she's the closest thing to a troll warrior you will ever find."
"She would've even made Draal proud," I sigh.
"Well, it seems things are well contained. Now, the issue we came to address…"
"Goblins," Arrrggg finishes.
"Eh, yeah. That's what I came up to ask you's about," NotEnrique adds.
"UGH!" Claire and I grunt at the same time. She sits back across my lap and lays her head on my shoulder as if she's exhausted.
"20-30 hordes at least," I state.
"Infestation."
"Indeed, Arrrggg," Blinkey says. "This is also concerning."
"No duh," Claire spits.
"No, sis, the concerning part is that they're comin' round the school. They're smarter then they let ya think. They know there's easy food there."
Claire and I let that sink in, but Maggie doesn't quite get it.
"If they're looking for food, why don't they go to a restaurant dumpster or something?"
"You sweet, nieve fleshbag," NotEnrique coos.
I shake my head and snarl. "They've already cleaned out the dumpsters, and the food they're looking for is a bit more fresh than you think."
"I… I don't get it."
"No, I suppose you would not. You are not accustomed to the brutality of this world," Blinkey says.
"Maggie, the goblins are planning on eating the students," Claire says slowly. She's leaning forward on my lap, her legs tucked underneath her.
She goes pale. "That's sick! And not in a good way. Those little green things are planning on eating us?"
I look over to Blinkey.
"When enough hordes form, they become strong enough to begin devouring larger pray. You know very well that goblins can smell fear."
"And what place gives of more fear than that of a high school filled with emotional, hormonal teenagers," I say dragging my hand down my face.
"How long do we have?" Claire asks.
"Not long," Arrrggg says.
"But we killed more than two thirds!" I growl.
"Yes, but goblins bread faster than rabbits. And take less time to mature."
Maggie is looking between all of us. "So what are we going to do about it?"
"I'm sorry, we? You could barely kill five goblins!" Claire yells.
"That was before I knew what was going on. Now I understand." She gets to her feet. "Both of yours and Jim's side comments, the little things that were harmless out of context, and the bold statements declaring how incredibly brutal your 'culture' is. It's all making sense, everything you've done since you got here finally makes sense. Even 'buying clothes for your uncle... you're like seven feet tall!"
"7'5", actually." I note.
Maggie nods. "You promised to teach me swordplay, and you're going to. And I'm going to help you keep the trolls safe, and make sure no one else finds out."
There's a pause with us all staring in slight shock at the black haired girl.
"Lady Maggie, welcome to team trollhunter," Blinkey says placing a hand on her shoulder.
"So Jim, how about that training regimen?" She rubs her hands together and grins at me.
I shake my head. "Starts tomorrow night, we have school in the morning. And Claire and I are both really tired from fighting for over an hour and a half of nothing but goblins. It's already two. We'll go to the school together in the morning and discuss some things. But for now, get some sleep Mags," I smile and nod Blinkey and Arrrggg out.
The two on my lap slip off as I stand, Claire heads into the bedroom and brings back a blanket. "We'll wake up early enough to make it by your house so you can change out of the costume and get your stuff. But it's going to be early. Whatever you do, don't leave the cave, and don't go in our room."
"Territory, got it," she smiles and takes the blanket. "I can't say I'm sorry for following you, but thanks for letting me in on the secret."
I bark, an odd laugh. "You don't need to apologize, like I told the others, you were bound to be the first to know. But you do realize you can't tell them right? Not even that you know."
She thinks on that for a moment before smiling. "I can do that, and now it's just going to be really funny to watch."
"I think I like this girl, she's fun." NotEnrique grins.
I smile at him and hold out my arm for him to climb up to my shoulder. He does, Claire gets up and heads into our bedroom. "Night Maggie."
"Good night."
I'm about to head for my room but pause. "Let me know if you get nightmares, tonight or ever. The things you see in my world can get… intense. And I'll help you through them."
I expect her to turn me down, but she nods heavily. "I will, and I'd like that. Thanks Jim."
"Goodnight Mags."
"Night fleshbag," NotEnrique grins.
…
I find Claire waiting in our nest, sitting cross legged. I move to my fours and NotEnrique jumps off my shoulder and curls up and falls asleep. I nuzzle Claire as I crawl around her and help her lay down, noticing I missed some of the goblin scrapes on the back of her neck.
I forget to warn her and draw my tongue near the back of her shoulder to her neck, slowly to clean the cuts.
Claire giggles and rolls over, she licks the front of my neck up to my chin. A purr erupts and I have to shake myself. "What are you doing?" I ask.
"Kissing you back?" she looks confused.
I mentally facepalm. She thought I was being intimate and was returning the affection. "Oh," I give a shy grin. "Claire I just missed some cuts, I was cleaning them."
The playful glint in her eyes fades and she sighs. "I thought you were kissing my neck."
I give her a small smile, flick her upper lip and nuzzle our noses. "We have guests, and your brother is right behind me. I'm more discreet than that," I whisper.
Her eyes sparkle again. "Too bad, that felt nice." She rolls back over and not so subtly moves her hair off her back.
I laugh quietly, and return to 'cleaning' the cuts. Pushing my luck and sliding my tongue down her shirt a bit further than needed. I purr, and press my forehead to the back of her neck. Resting, but not sleeping.
Ok, so Maggie is missing some crucial information. Do you know what it is? Because if you think about it, it's really obvious.
I'd also like to thank everyone who reviews, you da bomb, you make me want to not go to work and do some writing.