Good evening everyone. I hope this chapter finds you well as we ready for another work week, and as we enter a new Christmas season.

Chapter 7

Director's Cut

Jim woke to the sound of 'Habanera' from Carmen. He knew that was what it was because he'd heard it in Nomura's alcove before.

It played very softly, Tagga humming along quietly. Jim sat up, groggy and confused. He was in the infirmary still? Why was he-?

He'd fallen asleep. And judging by the fact that he didn't feel like his eyes were about to fall out of his head, he'd been asleep for a while. He turned sharply to see Nomura in human form in the corner, restocking some of the herb containers. "Get a good nap in, Sleeping Beauty?" she asked.

"How long have I been out?" He stood with an effort.

"I want to say eighteen hours. It's ten in the morning. We didn't want to risk moving you too far and waking you up." Jim's jaw dropped in horror. "Relax. New Trollmarket hasn't collapsed. In fact, I think you'll be pleased at certain developments. Well, most of them." She turned toward him and put a granola bar in his hand. "Eat that. And comb your hair, it looks like a guinea pig had a fight with a raccoon."

Jim took off, hurrying into the tunnel. He nearly ran into Aaarrrgghh, who put up an arm to keep him from falling. "Aaarrrgghh! What's happened? Is everyone doing okay? What about the brownies?"

Aaarrrgghh patted his head. "Brownies much more popular now. Need to find boggarts, but rest of brownies are very happy. Their magic is very helpful."

Jim blinked several times. "Huh?" The troll held up his arm and Jim looked it over, bewildered. It was just Aaarrrgghh's arm, nothing strange about it. "Wait, where's the stonescale? Did you clear up? And what do you mean 'find' the boggarts!?"

"Brownie magic activates on night of full moon. Brownies put magic in spit. Come, see heartstone. You will like that." Aaarrrgghh turned and Jim followed, gnawing on the granola bar Nomura had given him, at a loss for words.

He should have stayed awake, he should have stayed in troll form if he had to. The others had to cover for him because he'd let himself get pulled in too many directions. And now something important had happened, and if they'd needed him he would have been out of commission. Guilt churned in his stomach as they entered the heartstone chamber, but shock drained it away.

The heartstone was no longer a big chunk in the middle of the room. Instead it had blossomed, growing into a greater mass until it reached the ceiling of the chamber, two stories up. From there it had started to spread outward, as if it meant to find the walls and grow along them until the entire room was coated in crystal. The warmth it let off was radiant, stronger than it had been before. It was a far cry from covering the room, but it was easily three times the size it had been yesterday. It was like a great star overhead, glowing warmly.

Aaarrrgghh nudged his jaw. "Catch flies that way." Jim rallied, turning to the troll. "Brownies were spitting because that how they put magic in things. When moon is full, they can use very big magic together. That why they spitting on stonescale and heartstone. And they make more crystal for food – they spit on pieces left to make those grow too."

Jim leaned on Aaarrrgghh, gazing at the crystal. "Tobes was right all along. They really did have a reason." He sighed. Relief flooded through him – there was a proven reason for their actions. No one would want them to leave now.. "So how are the trolls reacting?"

"They're embarrassed, thrilled, and very much interested in how to properly apologize." Toby looked tired but cheerful as he came through another tunnel. Mordred was behind him, leading Nutmeg and Nibbles. Jim waved as they approached. "A bunch of them feel really bad about assuming the worst off the bat. Though they're in their better minds now that they aren't itching so much. Mordred's been helping out around here."

The young man held a large cardboard box, and upon seeing Jim he brightened. "Hi Jim. Happy birthday! Or early birthday, rather." He set the box down. "I remembered you said you didn't really want anything except for the brownies to get settled, so I made this. There's…nowhere near enough room for all of them, but it's a start." He opened the top and slid out the object.

It was a wooden house, a bit like the birdhouses they'd seen in the house in Arcadia. It was shaped like an oblong sphere, sanded and lacquered to a fine shine and smoothness. Within the opening Jim could see an indentation in the floor where blankets and little cushions could go, and more holes for easy entry and exit for the little creatures. It was painted in warm, bright colors, a safe little sanctuary. It smelled clean, of sycamore.

Jim couldn't help but smile. "That's really nice Mordred. Thank you. I think it would make a great home for a group of brownies."

Toby patted it. "I was saying that we should use this as a model. Like, carve this kind of thing into some of the walls, or even the crystal. We could honeycomb it so they can all live together, and it wouldn't take much room. Just a tall wall." Mordred practically glowed with pleasure.

"That's a good idea. They're great climbers…" Jim trailed off. "I can't believe this. Look at the heartstone. And the stonescale?"

"Well, most of it's gone. A few people haven't cleared up, but we think it's because the brownies that turned into boggarts weren't here and their magic didn't activate." Toby twirled his thumbs uneasily. "And…they escaped."

The wonder broke into anxiety. "What!?"

"Strickler and Barbara looking in city now. Claire resting at home, coming by later to get Jim." Aaarrrgghh patted Mordred's back. "Mordred been helpful. Brownies like him very much."

Jim forced his panic down. Freaking out would do nothing, and his friends seemed calm enough. "Would the brownies know where the boggarts went? Aaarrrgghh, can you catch their scent? There are still blood goblins looking for the brownies!"

"Boggarts not as weak as brownies. Mean, sharp, fast. I will try to find scent at night if others don't see them. Boggarts will not reveal themselves – all troll beings know better. Pass for squirrels if no one know better." Aaarrrgghh leveled a serious look at Jim. "You study. Can look when Strickler and Barbara come back before going to rehearsal."

Jim sputtered. "But they're out there! In the world!"

"Yes. Just like many, many goblins and trolls. No way to find them if they don't want to be found. Wingman going soon with Mordred, you focus on other things right now."

Toby patted Jim's back. "Yeah dude, Mordred said maybe he could talk to the boggarts when we find them. But that's Team Brownie biz. You are Team Study-So-You-Don't-Fail-and-Practice-For-Play." Jim turned to him. "But you might wanna comb your hair first."

"'Team Brownie,'" Jim repeated.

"Yep. Me, Mordred, and Wingman." Mordred waved as Toby spoke. "Go clean up and hide in your alcove for a bit. Blinky's resting too." Toby lifted a finger. "Or else we're gonna kick you out of Trollmarket entirely. If you think I won't call your mom and have her remove you from the premises, you give me too much credit."

Jim sighed. "…You're serious." Toby nodded. "Okay. I mean, you've handled it this far. And I can't ruin this play. I can't." He paused and took out his phone. "Anyone heard from Merlin?"

Toby shook his head. "Not since yesterday. I tried calling a few times, but I just got a message." He dialed the number and Merlin's voice came through on speaker.

"If this is the Trollhunter and company calling, I assure you I'm fine. This is an interesting situation and I can't come to the phone." Mordred stared at the device in concern. "I found a hidden underground building where I believe there's some drug smuggling going on. I don't know what that is exactly, but it sounds serious. I'll call you in a few days."

"Think he's gonna have this insane, glamorous life of busting drug kingpins and seducing gorgeous women on the side? Like some old, magical James Bond or whatever." Toby shrugged. "Anyway. Go rehearse and study. We've got this handled."

Jim hesitated, but at last he obeyed, feeling rumpled and confused and relieved.

Claire walked into a completely new New Trollmarket.

She had gone home the previous night, eaten dinner, and acted out all of her scenes. Then she'd indulged herself by watching Papa Skull music videos before getting a decent night's sleep. And oh, it had been glorious.

Toby had texted her of course, letting her know what had happened. But she passed dozens of trolls that had just the previous day been covered in rashes, and almost all of them were clear and clean and cheerful. Bagdwella was sprightly, the brownies springing proudly under the thankful gazes. "Those little buggers are odd, but they were trying to help," one troll said. "Just goes to show, you can't judge until you've got the full story."

"They're all right by me! I haven't felt this good in weeks." Claire smiled when she heard things like this. Whiny they could be, but she was glad when the trolls were happy. They just took a while to come around to things. Rested and hopeful, it was easy to be forgiving of the world.

"Coming by your alcove in a minute. Ready to go?" Her text was answered almost immediately and Claire grinned at the message. "Definitely, I can blink without falling asleep."

She rounded the corner and nearly walked into Carina, who was scrubbing at the wall. The changeling jumped and glared. Claire spotted the brownies' rude gestures on the wall, scrawled in marker, and smelled permanent ink in the foamy water of the bucket beside her. "Hi Carina."

"Hello Claire." Carina turned back to the wall and continued scrubbing. Her tone was cool as always, and Claire watched her for a moment. She'd said nothing since the other day and offered no explanation for being in Jim's alcove. And the mulish glare dimmed Claire's cheer considerably. She was used to being liked, not detested. "Did you need something?" the girl continued.

Her tone was so cold that Claire blurted out, "Did I do something to offend you?" Claire didn't mean to say it. But the dislike on Carina's face was so obvious, and so different from how she treated everyone else. The girl blinked. "I'm sorry if I did. But I have no idea why you hate me so much."

Carina flushed. She looked around, as if checking for eavesdroppers. "I…I don't hate you."

"Well, you give me dirty looks. I'm sorry to call you out, but if I hurt your feelings or something I'd really like to know." When Carina didn't speak, Claire stepped around her. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. Thank you for cleaning the walls."

She'd taken two steps when she heard, "It's just…you're dating the Trollhunter." Claire turned around, surprised to see Carina looking sullenly embarrassed.

"Is that a bad thing? I know Kanjigar had a son, so I assumed the Trollhunter is allowed to date people." Blinky had never brought up any kind of rule regarding the Trollhunter's dating life, and if there was one, Claire was ready to start swinging. But Carina raised her eyes and Claire's anger ebbed at the humiliated confusion there.

"No, I mean…I don't like that you're dating Jim." She rubbed her elbow sheepishly. "Jim specifically."

Carina cleaning up, helping with the homework. The funny, wide-eyed stare. Claire smacked herself in the forehead as realization hit like a thunderbolt. "Oh! You have a crush on-!"

"Don't say it!" Carina looked baleful. "I'd just die if he found out!" The irritation, the glares of jealousy. How could she not have guessed earlier? Her anger vanished, Carina finally looking at her unhappily. "I know you guys are together, and he's too old for me. But I still like him."

Claire peeked around the corners of the tunnel to make sure they were alone. "Is that why you've been doing the Spanish homework? And neatening up his room?" Carina nodded.

"I wanted to help out. And I know he's really busy. He's always so nice, even when he's tired." Carina hid her face behind the cloth she'd been using to clean the wall. "And he smells nice and he's handsome," she muttered into it. Claire forced herself not to giggle.

"I'm inclined to agree. So that's why you've been angry around me? You're jealous?" Carina raised her eyes over the cloth, abashed. Claire leaned on the wall beside her. "You know, when I was twelve, I had this gigantic crush on one of my dad's younger work friends. He was like eighteen, but he was super friendly and cute. And he was a big fan of a band I love, Papa Skull, and he brought a t-shirt back for me from a concert. I was so jealous of his girlfriend." Carina lowered the cloth, as if surprised at Claire's reaction. "Nothing ever came of it, obviously. But it was okay that I had a crush on him. It's a part of growing up."

"You're not mad?" Carina asked.

"No. If anyone can understand why you like him, it's me. But it's good you know that it is a crush." Carina glanced at the floor. "Trust me, you'll find someone someday that makes you feel just like he does. Only they'll be in the right place and the right time for you."

"…I guess. Maybe if there are more changelings that come here." Carina's voice was quiet. Claire considered the changeling children and her mirth eased. The girl was the oldest changeling – was it any wonder she'd looked outside her group for someone romantically interesting? The others were just children, and she was growing up into a young lady. "It's just…he was so kind when you all found us. You were all nice, but he said I was brave for looking after Milagro. And that my mom would have been proud. Everyone just kind of assumed I'd take care of my baby brother. And I wanted to, of course. It felt nice for someone to realize it was hard to look after him. Changelings always have to be tough, but he…he didn't expect that." Claire knew why; Jim would know, better than anyone, what it was like to be expected to shoulder so much so young. The girl scuffed her foot against the ground. "Promise you won't tell him?"

"I won't say a word Carina." Claire stood straight. "You know, if you ever need to talk to someone a little older about girl stuff, you can always come to me. Right?"

Carina smiled a little. "Thanks Claire. You're…nice. But I'm still jealous."

Claire patted her shoulder. "That is perfectly okay."

"You look so much better." Jim held the door open as Claire said this, the sound of the actors in the theatre distant. "I need to hear you say it, 'I will not work myself so hard that I pass out ever again.' Say it."

Jim grinned. He hadn't fallen asleep on the ride over – it felt good to be aware again. "What'll happen if I say it?"

"Aside from you living a longer, healthier life? I might be persuaded to kiss you." She turned around as he closed the door behind them, tucking her hands behind her back coquettishly. "Sound fair?"

"'I will not work myself so hard that I pass out ever again, unless lives are at stake.'" She rolled her eyes but apparently found that suitable, as she drew close and pecked him on the mouth. Jim hugged her close with one arm, walking beside her. "You guys did great. I feel a lot better."

"All I did was rehearse. But that's what a team is for. Taking turns when things come up." She smoothed her hair back, sighing. "So your mom and Strickler didn't find the boggarts?"

"Nope. Tobes and Mordred have been looking for a couple hours now. I'll help look for a little while if we don't hear anything." Jim settled his "costume" in a bag in one of the seats by Claire's purse. It was really stuffed with socks and a couple of pots and pans for the occasional metal clang. "Strickler thinks they'll return to the other brownies if they're given enough time. Aaarrrgghh's on the trail now, but if it leads into the city-"

Claire nudged him gently; the actors were closer now. Jim took the hint and felt her phone buzzing against his hip. She took it out and frowned. "Kim? Hi, we just walked in. Where are you?"

Jim heard the hushed whisper through the phone and froze. "Claire. I'm in the costume closet. Th-there are things in here. Like, talking things with sharp teeth." Claire's eyes rose to meet his, horror reflected in them. "I don't know what they are…they're too big for rats. Claire, they're all over! Can-can you come help me? Please, I'm scared to make noise-!"

Ducking into the back of the stage, Jim dashed around to find the closet, Claire a breath behind him. He shifted to troll form as soon as he was in the back hall and opened the door. He caught sight of Kim, tucked into the corner with her phone, before something dark swept toward his face.

If he was tired like he'd been yesterday, he wouldn't have moved in time. A sharp sliver of bone would have ended up in his eye. But because he wasn't as tired, because he was expecting an attack, he lifted an arm to intercept the blow and swung, throwing the assailant back.

Fama shrieked in anger as he fell into cardboard boxes. Kim whimpered from the corner, eyes huge behind her glasses. She'd seen the goblins. She'd seen them. Jim didn't hesitate – if it came down to a secret or the safety of a person, secrecy was out the window – leaping forward and swinging for the blood goblin. Fama hissed and leaped again, purple flames glowing on his fingertips as he lost hold of the sharpened bone. There was no room in the closet, small and dark, and the feeling of something jumping onto his back made him ram against the wall. The creature croaked, plopping to the ground, and the sound of a purse smacking another goblin across the room made him wince; Claire's purse weighed a ton. The click of her staff extending was muted against the carpet.

The green goblins cowered, fleeing into a hole in the ceiling that had obviously been gnawed over a few days. The blood goblins jumped at him, tiny claws skittering against his stone skin, but Fama's flaming hands burned like acid. Jim hurled him back and Fama hit the wall again, yelping this time. Nursing his leg, the goblin glared at him in hatred and scuttled to the ceiling, fleeing. The other goblins followed suit and Jim panted as they went.

"Are you okay?" he managed, looking first to Claire and then to Kim. Claire was breathing hard, staff still extended. Kim stared at him, and Jim bit his lip. Was there any way to sweep this under the rug?

"…It's not a costume. Oh my gosh." She pressed a hand to her mouth.

"Hey Kim?" One of the actors poked his head into the room. "We're ready to start, want us to go ahead while you – whoa, what happened in here?" He gestured to the fallen boxes. Jim's heart stopped – if she said anything –

"Mouse. Really…really big mouse. Jim and Claire chased it off." Kim slowly stood, knees shaking. "It scared the dickens out of me. Yeah, go ahead and start. We'll be out soon."

"Okay, if you're sure. Jim, you want to run through with the costume today?" He nodded faintly and the man left, leaving the doorway a bright patch in the room.

Claire had stuffed her staff into her purse, and now she stepped toward Kim with her hands knitted together, as if to assure her she had no weapon ready. She was quivering. "…Why didn't you say anything?"

Kim sucked in a breath and sighed. She looked at Jim and said, "You don't remember me. When I heard your voice, I wondered. But after that, I'm sure." Her fingers dragged through her wild hair. "You saved me last November. From a mugger."

Jim blinked. Saved her? The only person he remembered helping in the city was…

"Wait. The girl with the tablet?"

"Yeah. You jumped off a roof. You were covered up in a sweater and glasses and everything, but I heard your voice." Kim scratched her head furiously. "I'm so stupid. That's not a costume at all, is it? Such weird things have been happening in Hoboken lately! I thought maybe you just covered yourself up and were running around as a vigilante or something! But…"

Claire looked bewildered. "You…are much calmer than I would have expected."

"Well, I did take some of my panic attack medication earlier. Been freaking out the past few days for the show. Whenever that wears off I'll probably run around screaming." Kim raised her hand to her mouth, fingers shaking. "So…can you…I mean, how does this work?"

Jim and Claire exchanged a look. Then Jim removed the amulet and the relief of the air on his skin returned. Kim's eyes bugged out but she shut them. "Okay. Wow."

"Kim, I hate to ask this, but-"

The girl waved a hand, cutting Claire off. "Yeah yeah, don't tell anyone. Sworn to secrecy. Just…promise me you'll explain this craziness, okay? And what was with those monster things?"

"Goblins. They smell fear," Jim added. Kim bit back a hysterical giggle.

"Oh, well, I'm probably smelling pretty strong right now! I need to sit down." She did so, hair more flyaway than ever. Jim sat in front of her, Claire beside him. "I can't believe this. What are you? And if you say half-demon or something, I'm calling my pastor. No matter how nice you are."

Jim couldn't help but laugh. "We'll give you the short version."

Fama licked his leg moodily, trying to cool the massive bruise. The green goblins were muttering to each other, staring in his direction. His blood kin were fuming.

"Fama say we can kill Trollhunter! Not even close to strong enough! Fama stupid, bad leader!" He replied by tossing a flaming, shadowy lump in their direction, making them scatter. "Brownie magic bad with goblins, don't know how to use!"

"Learning. Shut up." Fama grunted – they were hiding in the ceiling of the dormitory building, and it was dusty up there – and stretched his leg. The television in the room below them was loud, and it kept their chatter safe. "Need new plan. If all goblins have brownie magic-"

"Still not strong enough!" The speaking blood goblin glared at him. "Goblins are small and sneaky, not good for fighting lots! If have more goblins we could have chance!"

Fama's blood boiled. He stood up and glared at the speaker, pushing his hive mind down on it with the weight of thunder. The goblin twitched and squirmed, and Fama didn't relinquish the pressure. Stupid little goblin to question the leader of the hive.

He finally let go and the goblin whimpered, fleeing to curl up in a huddle mass yards away. The other goblins lowered their heads deferentially and Fama grinned. "We will find way to get to brownies. You will all have magic. And we will defeat Trollhunter and others." And goblins would be respected as a troll race at long last.

"…peculiar, as the only thievery was the supply of rock candy."

Fama sat up, ears pricked. The television in the room below went on and he listened more intently. It was some local news channel, reporting nonsensical stories. "'Sweet Thing Candy Shoppe' has not reported any money stolen, nor any confectioner's equipment, but their supply of sugar crystal, aka 'rock candy,' was wiped out last night. There were no signs of forced entry, leaving authorities baffled as to how fifty pounds of sugar candy was stolen or eaten in one sitting."

Fama smiled. Perhaps reaching brownies would be easier than he thought.

"You really think this will work? How are we even going to get the little fellows back here?" Blinky shook his head at the question.

"That is a work in progress. Finding out where they are is first on our list. But we must have a gift ready for them, and I think this will prove an excellent one." The brownies watching cheered in agreement. "I cannot begin to apologize enough for how difficult this has all been. Your generosity in this time is truly appreciated." He knelt to see the work from the brownie viewpoint. "It looks marvelous so far! You're all doing splendidly."

It felt so nice to be able to praise the trolls and brownies in the same breath. They were hard workers when invested in a project, and this one was something they were putting personal gratitude into. And the brownies were only too happy to help with the new understanding. Jevin was shining one side, smoothing it as he went. Brownies darted back and forth, cleaning up the flecks of crystal as the trolls carved and worked.

His phone rang and Blinky answered it with a glance. "Hello? James?"

"Hey Blinky. How are you guys? Is Mordred doing all right?" The man sounded out of breath. "Sorry, we've had two gruesomes running around today. Steve accidentally used a bag of sugar instead of flour – to be fair the bags looked the same, branding changed – and that makes them turn bright pink and move ten times faster."

"We're doing quite well, thank you. Are you all right?" James muttered something to the effect of "yes" and Blinky waited for him to catch his breath. "Anyway. I was calling about Jim's birthday. Did you find the parts you needed?"

"All but the exhaust and seat. I haven't found any in decent condition in the area." Blinky looked around, knowing that Jim wasn't in the market but unwilling to take risks. "He was so fond of the Vespa before. I hope we have them all by his birthing day."

"You're in luck, I'm heading into town. I can get those parts at the shop." James was quiet for a moment. "Unless you think that's cheating. I'm not trying to piggyback on your idea…"

"Not at all. We all have different resources and abilities. And I think it would please him very much to know we worked together with this." Blinky gave the trolls three thumbs-up as they finished one portion of the crystal. "I believe Barbara and Strickler have found a suitable helmet. Hopefully we can deal with the boggarts by his birthing day so the children can have a little fun after his exams are complete."

"Thanks Blinky. You're a great guy. Just…y'know, letting me be a part of this. I wouldn't have blamed you if you got all possessive or jealous." James sighed. "Sorry. I just miss him. Mordred's great, but I want to be there for both my boys."

"I understand. Perhaps you can come see the play this Friday, support him and Claire? Master Jim is quite nervous about it." And Blinky could not attend. He left this unsaid, but he knew James would understand.

"Sounds awesome, I'll be there. Think Aaarrrgghh would be willing to spot me for the evening? Just in case something happens in Arcadia."

"He'd be delighted I'm sure." Blinky heard footsteps and added, "I think they're back. I'll call you later."

"Thanks Blink. Take care." He put the phone away just as Claire and Jim descended into the tunnel. Blinky turned and grinned at the sight.

"Ah, perfect timing! What do you think of our fine artisans?" He gestured to the wall proudly.

"Wow! It looks so pretty!" Claire ran her hands over the surface. "And it's warm…I'm sure the boggarts will accept this as an apology, if we can just get them back here." She looked tired from rehearsal, and Jim as well. "We need to talk about something that happened."

Jim wrapped an arm around her, thumb stroking her shoulder soothingly. "The blood goblins attacked while we were at rehearsal. And the director of the show…knows about trolls now."

Blinky's mouth opened slightly, alarmed but not overtly so. "Am I to take it she found out due to their attack? Was anyone hurt? Who else saw?"

"Just her. Blood goblins were in a closet, and when they figured out they couldn't beat us, they fled. I couldn't find them anywhere in the building, and of course I couldn't take troll form outdoors during the day." The young man lifted his head a little. "She's agreed to keep the secret. Turns out I helped her once." Jim exchanged a glance with Claire. "Night's fallen. And the boggarts and blood goblins are all loose in the city. I think if he's up to it, Aaarrrgghh needs to take to the city to find their scents, narrow down where they might be. His nose is better than mine. And I'm…no good to anyone dead on my feet. I'm not letting myself get into the condition I was in before."

Blinky nodded slowly. His worry was laced with pride. "You are quite right. I think I might have a solution for Aaarrrgghh to search without being noticed." He gave Claire a conspiratorial glance. "Guess who found the glamor mask in the closet with the other magical items?"

End of Chapter 7