"Why won't you OPEN?!"
Claire's frustrated demand of Killahead Bridge echoed through the cavern behind the Hero's Forge where it had been locked away for safe keeping. She whacked the piece of Jim's amulet embedded above the archway, but it didn't respond.
"I swear, when he comes back, I am gonna sock him so hard," she growled as she jumped off the bridge to where Toby was sitting below, poking his head through the Fetch in order to find some clue as to their friend's whereabouts.
"Have faith in Master Jim, Claire," Blinky advised without looking up from one of many books he had brought from his library on the Bridge and the battle that had taken place there. "He wanted to keep you out of harm's way. I would very much like to be there with him, but we must respect his decisions."
"His decisions are stupid," Claire grumbled and kicked Toby lightly, causing him to pull his head out of the Fetch. "Anything?"
"Nope," Toby replied with a yawn. "It's so dark there. And you're sure NotEnrique couldn't show you anything?"
"For the last time, yes, I'm sure," Claire said as she crossed her arms. "Last time he showed me my brother, Enrique was in his basket thing like usual. No sign of Jim or Gunmar."
"Then hopefully that at least means he's safe for now," Toby offered. "And if something happened to Jim, wouldn't the amulet find a new owner or something?"
"Quite right," Blinky agreed. "The amulet would find the next Trollhunter. Or... at least it is supposed to. We've never lost a Trollhunter in the Darklands, never mind that the amulet itself has split into two. While it likely has given Master Jim the power to defy Gunmar, we cannot ignore that the amulet now houses the Triumbic Stones that are tied to Gunmar himself. I can't say I know how that will affect it, nor are we capable of asking the former Trollhunters."
"So, in other words, we have no idea if he's actually still alive," Claire groaned.
Before anyone could say anything else, Killahead Bridge suddenly illuminated, and Claire readied her Shadowstaff while Toby yelped and scrambled to grab his Warhammer. Under the arch, the portal between realms opened, and the two took a defensive step closer together while Blinky hurried over to them.
"Do not fear, my friends!" He said with bravado. "We shall stop them where they-"
Their Troll companion stopped short as a familiar head poked out of the portal, a relieved grin on his face.
"Oh, good, I was hoping you were here!" Jim greeted. "Where's NotEnrique?" His friends stared at him with several degrees of disbelief.
"Uh, he's with Draal looking through Blinky's library," Toby replied.
"So he's here in Trollmarket?" Jim's grin grew. "Good. I wouldn't want to blow his cover. Claire?" Slowly, he came a bit further through the portal, and Claire's eyes widened at the sight of who he held.
"Enrique!" Her voice cracked as tears filled her eyes, and she rushed over to take her brother from Jim and gave him a nearly suffocating hug. Enrique laughed and bounced in her arms as she looked over him. "Oh, Enrique!" She cried. "You're safe... you're okay!" She fell to her knees and hugged him again more gently this time, and Toby came up behind her with a big smile on his face. She looked up at the Trollhunter still standing halfway between Trollmarket and the Darklands. "Jim... Thank you. Thank you so much for bringing him home."
"I promised I would," he said with a shrug.
"You also promised we'd all go to the Darklands together!" Toby complained, and Jim smiled sheepishly.
"I... I didn't want any of you to get hurt." He looked from his best friend up to Blinky, who had a proud and relieved smile on his face.
"Master Jim, you've done it!" He came running over and placed his hands on the Trollhunter's shoulders. "Well done! You've brought Enrique home and returned safely! ...But what of Gunmar?"
"Haven't met him yet," Jim replied. "I wanted to get Enrique home first."
"How did you do it?!" Claire demanded. "And will you please come out of there? You're NOT going back there without us."
"I know, I know," Jim nodded. "Just... take a step back, okay? And don't be scared. I made a friend."
"In the Darklands?" Blinky asked. "Master Jim, I would advise you not to trust anything in that forbidden realm. The Gumm-Gumms and their allies are deceitful, dangerous-"
"The local crowd didn't really like him all that much," Jim interrupted. "Just... don't freak out." He disappeared back through the portal with his friends calling after him, and a moment later, he returned with one hand behind him.
"Come on, buddy, it's okay," he said softly, and following behind him through the portal came a large black creature with bright green eyes. Toby, Claire, and Blinky all stared at the emerging dragon while Enrique squealed with laughter and clapped his hands. The dragon looked over them with an excited gaze, then back to Jim.
"Guys, this is Toothless," the Trollhunter said with a smile as the portal closed behind them. "Toothless, this is Claire, Toby, and Blinky."
"Great Googly!" Blinky blurted. "Master Jim, you are full of surprises! You found and befriended a dragon?!" The Troll approached quickly and began looking over the dragon, who watched him curiously and wiggled back and forth playfully, almost like a cat ready to pounce. Toothless began bounding around the cavern with small growls and rumbles of excitement, and as he came back to the group, he rolled onto his back as he looked at Jim and slobbered.
"He seems like he knows humans," Jim explained as he scratched Toothless's chin. "The Gumm-Gumms called him the 'Black Death,' but he's been nothing but friendly with me." Toothless's tail lashed about and he rolled over quickly and pounced on Jim, earning a grunt as the Trollhunter hit the ground. Toothless let out a rumbling laugh and licked him, earning snickers from the others.
"Okay, okay, get off!" He protested and rolled back to his feet once he was free.
"So he helped you save Enrique?" Claire asked, and Jim nodded. She approached Toothless somewhat slowly and placed her free hand on his nose, and he gave her a rumbling purr. "Thank you." She looked back up at Jim. "Oh, and by the way."
"Ow!" He complained once she'd delivered a hard punch to his arm. "What was that for?" He asked as he rubbed the impacted spot where he didn't doubt he would have a bruise later.
"For leaving us behind to worry about you! Do you realize how scared we were?!"
"I... I know," he looked down as Toothless nudged his hand. "I broke my promise, and I'm sorry. But I couldn't let any of you get hurt. I'm supposed to protect everyone, but people still get hurt because of my mistakes."
"Master Jim..." Blinky placed a hand on Jim's shoulder. "You can regret your past mistakes, or you can learn from them. There is no better teacher than experience. I vowed to train you into the Trollhunter I know you can be, but you have taught me more than I ever thought possible as well." He smiled. "We know the dangers, Master Jim. We Trolls have been fighting this war far longer than you may realize. In a way, we are profoundly selfish, relying on one warrior to keep us safe. We have fighters, of course, but none like the Trollhunter." He paused as Jim looked up at him. "Master Jim, there is one thing that sets you apart from your predecessors more than anything else- not that you are human, but that you rely on your comrades rather than pushing us away. Let us lend you our strength." They both looked down as Toothless rumbled and nuzzled his nose against Jim's side.
"He's right, Jimbo," Toby grinned. "You said it yourself. We're Trollhunters! You may have the fancy armor, but we're all in this together."
"Exactly," Claire agreed with a smirk. "So if you try to sneak off again without us, I'll make sure you get more than a sock to the arm, got it?"
"Got it!" Jim lifted his hands and smiled.
"Excellent!" Blinky exclaimed. "Now, about our new friend here. I believe I have a book somewhere on dragons. Perhaps we may find some information about where he originally came from." Jim nodded and turned to his new companion.
"Hey, buddy, can you give me a boost?" He pointed up at the piece of his amulet embedded in the bridge. Toothless lowered his head and allowed Jim to climb on, then hoisted him up to allow him to grab it. Jim hopped down and gave Toothless another good scratch, then fused the two halves of the amulet back together. With that, the group headed out of the cavern and locked it behind them, then made their way across the stone bridge to the Hero's Forge.
"Maybe Toothless could stay here for now," Jim thought aloud. "Plenty of space, but he should stay pretty undisturbed. At least until I can think of something else."
"Excellent idea, Master Jim," Blinky agreed. "Do not worry. I will make sure our fine friend here is taken care of in your absence."
"Thanks, Blinky." Jim turned to the dragon. "Okay, Toothless? You have to stay here right now, but I'll be back. I promise." Toothless gave him a melancholy rumble, and Jim's eyes softened. "I'm sorry, buddy. But I'll be back soon! And then I'll really fix up your tail and we can go for a flight." Toothless nudged him and he rested his hand on the dragon's nose, then returned his attention to his friends. "Shall we?"
"See you later, Toothless!" Toby waved as they headed for Trollmarket with Toothless staring longingly after them.
The walk to Blinky's library took a lot longer than expected with all the residents celebrating the Trollhunter's return. Jim had given his warm welcome a heartfelt thank you before finally retreating to their destination. Once they entered, Draal and NotEnrique looked up from their searches and both gave Jim an enthusiastic grin in their own way.
"Welcome home, Trollhunter!" Draal greeted as he gave Jim a hearty punch in his good arm, causing him to stumble. Jim smiled regardless and patted his guardian's arm as well.
"Thanks, Draal. It's good to be back."
"Lookie here!" NotEnrique chortled. "You actually did it." He skittered over to Claire and Enrique in her arms. Claire grinned and nodded. "Good to see you, shrimp," he went on. "You better take good care of my sis, you get it?"
"Hey," Claire said as she touched his back with her free hand. "You can still be my brother too!" NotEnrique lifted an eyebrow.
"Don't worry, I won't bother ya," he grumbled. "Can't exactly head home when I look like this." Claire's expression fell, and she knelt down a bit.
"Hey, don't be like that. You're still our friend and my brother. You know I'm almost always around here anyway."
"Quite right," Blinky agreed. "Don't worry, my little friend. You're welcome to make yourself at home here with me." NotEnrique scanned over them and smirked.
"Alright, alright. Guess I can't say no to those mugs. You're lost without me anyway!"
"Well, onto our main business," Blinky said. "Let me see..." He shuffled over to a stack of books and began looking over them, and after a bit of searching, he pulled one free and began flipping through it.
"Yes, yes, this is it!" He laughed. "Viking lore and the history of dragons!" He slowed down and nodded as he came to some passage or other. "Nordic runes... fascinating." He paused. "Here we are. Legend tells of a Viking village called Berk. The people of Berk once warred with dragonkind- until the great dragon master and chief was able to bring peace with the help of his dear companion, a rare species of dragon called a-" His eyes brightened and he broke into a wide grin. "That's it! A Night Fury!" He flipped the book around to show them a drawing that bore an uncanny resemblance to Toothless. "According to this, the people of Berk each had a dragon companion as a partner, but the chief and his Night Fury... they were two halves of a whole. Their bond was unlike any other."
"What was the chief's name?" Claire wondered. "Does it say?" Blinky sought the text.
"Now THAT is a name," he laughed. "Chief Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III."
"What kind of name is 'Hiccup?'" Toby asked with a snort.
"Supposedly the people of Berk believed that such a name would ward off Gnomes and Trolls," Blinky explained. "I cannot fathom why they would believe that. I certainly don't see why a name would keep us away."
"I'd rather give a kid like that a good punch," Draal muttered.
"Who knows?" Jim shrugged. "But that explains it. Toothless responded to the word 'hiccup' and I couldn't figure out why. He must be the same Night Fury, and Chief Hiccup was his rider." He frowned. "I mean... I'm assuming dragons live a long time."
"Correct," Blinky agreed. "Life spans of dragons vary from species to species, but they generally live for hundreds if not thousands of years. It is very likely that Toothless is the same Night Fury spoken of in these legends."
"Wow..." Jim, Toby, and Claire all marveled.
"But how did he end up in the Darklands?" Claire wondered.
"Plenty of species were involved in the Battle of Killahead Bridge," Blinky replied. "Perhaps Toothless was present for some reason or other. But certainly not on the Gumm-Gumms' side from the sound of it. We have found an invaluable ally in our new friend." He closed the book. "But that will come later. Right now, I'm sure our dear Trollhunter would like to rest after his harrowing adventure."
"Can't argue with that," Jim agreed.
"And I should get Enrique home," Claire added and lifted her brother up. "I bet you can't wait to see Mom and Dad again!" She gave his belly a kiss, and he giggled. Jim's eyes widened and he smacked his forehead.
"Mom!" He groaned. They all stood in awkward silence for a time.
"Oh, right..." Toby gave him an uneasy laugh. "Dr. L has been worried sick about you... Everybody has, really, since you disappeared." Jim lowered his head and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I didn't even leave a note... She must be frantic." He sighed. "I guess I have to make good on my promise and tell her everything. Can't really explain being gone so long any other way."
"If it means anything, I've been keeping an eye on your home," Draal told him. "She's been safe, if not concerned for you."
"Thanks, Draal," Jim nodded. "Thank you." He paused. "How am I gonna face her...?"
"Being a Trollhunter means being strong not only physically, but in your heart as well," Blinky said with a sympathetic look in his eyes. "Do what you believe is best, Master Jim. Know that your mother is welcome to return to Trollmarket at any time, should you see a need. And no matter what, I know the love you share with her will triumph over any adversity."
"Thanks, Blinky," Jim forced a smile. "That means a lot to me." He took a breath and turned to his friends. "I guess I should get going."
"I'll go with you," Toby volunteered. "At least, I'll be nearby if you need me."
"I wish I could be too," Claire agreed. "But I gotta get Enrique home."
"Of course," Jim nodded. "Keep him safe. I know you will." With that, he bade farewell to the Trolls and, with Toby and Claire accompanying him, headed for the entrance to Trollmarket.