Hello, folks! Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it, and Happy Winter holidays to those who don't.

I hope to post one more chapter before the end of this year, but we will see.

"And with that in mind, it seems that I'm actually staying," Jim admitted guiltily, shifting on his feet. "I've come to apologize for causing too much fuss."

It was his second visit to the GDT Arcane Books, though, this time for the less selfish reasons. The teen had already apologized before Blinky and Aaarrrgghh for storming out after his defeat from Draal. Apparently, both trolls had been simply too happy to see their champion back to the Trollmarket, so they hadn't held any grudges.

However, Jim felt a need to inform his other allies about the current situation. Keeping them in the dark would be just unfair, especially after troubling Douxie with finding the possible way to adjust the amulet.

"Never mind," the wizard-in-training slapped his young friend on the shoulder in encouragement. "Honestly, if someone told me that I had a responsibility to protect the world when I was fifteen, I would probably hide somewhere and pretend that I knew nothing…"

"I feel it was more of lines - pulled something reckless and stupid, got himself nearly killed, got saved by amazing Archie and then - yeah, hid somewhere," the familiar butted in with a hum. The description felt weirdly specific, and Jim was even tempted to ask about that for a second but decided against that in the end. Perhaps, Douxie would tell him some stories from his past himself one day.

"But you've changed your opinion surprisingly fast," the young man continued, looking at the Trollhunter with genuine interest. "What's happened?"

"Just realized that I can fight," Jim chuckled nervously. Yes, that was the truth technically, but he was still uncomfortable about avoiding some vital details.

Perhaps, one day the teen would be comfortable to discuss those with more people, not just Toby, but there was still a long way to go.

"As far as I understood, you'll have a rematch with that guy Draal in some days," Douxie's concerned voice broke his thoughts. "Are you ok with that?"

"Yes, I've challenged him myself," Jim nodded. Sure thing, it had been soon after his victory against Steve, so both he and Toby had been still excited. Afterward, the lanky teen had wondered if he had been too reckless. But wouldn't it be just another spar?

"Ask Douxie if there's some magic to one-hit K.O a troll."

Tobes's advice flashed through Jim's mind once again. His best friend was clearly worried too much - he had said there had been some nasty gut feeling or something.

Personally, Jim was against cheating like that - if he wanted to prove his worth to the residents of the Trollmarket, he would need to depend only on his own skills.

It was so odd, but the teen felt as if he had started to understand troll principles more, even if some of those didn't bode well with his own worldview.

"By the way, it's surprising not to see your friend today," Archie pointed out. "I've got an impression that you usually are inseparable."

It was true.

"Well, Toby went to gather some snacks for Aaarrrgghh," Jim couldn't help smiling at that. "He likes the big guy…"

It never ceased to amaze him how Toby could see beyond the surface level. It was as if he could befriend anyone regardless of their kind.

Even if everyone else only saw a monster.

Jim shook his head. Hadn't he made a vow not to think in that direction anymore? The recent fight with Steve had proved that he was stronger than his darker urges. So what was the point of returning to that childhood traumatic experience? It would never repeat itself. Full stop.

"By the way, maybe you guys want to go down there as well? I'll introduce you to Blinky - he'll be excited," the Trollhunter suggested in an attempt to change the direction of the conversation.

Well, he planned to bring it up in any case, so it wasn't just politeness. Blinky had mentioned to Jim that he would have been happy to talk to Merlin's apprentice.

"Over my dead body," Archie huffed. "There's no way I'll go there!"

"Never mind Archie," Douxie sighed. "He has a strong bias when it comes to trolls…"

"That's not a bias!" the cat spat back, obviously annoyed that he wasn't taken seriously. "I refuse to communicate with anyone who views me as a potential dinner!"

"Makes sense."

Well, Jim could relate to that. He wouldn't be happy to communicate with Bular, for example. Not after the evil troll's colorful threats about making the goblet of the teen's skull.

"Sorry, Jim, I also won't go there today," Douxie replied after the Trollhunter turned to him. "You see, I don't think it's a good idea for another fleshbag showing there so soon. Let them get used to having you around."

Jim nodded - somehow, he could understand that kind of reasoning, especially knowing that his own appearance at the Trollmarket hadn't been that anticipated. The teen suspected there was some complicated past between humans and trolls. He had noticed so many bits and pieces that hinted that something had been off.

Perhaps, his wizard friend was right, and they should have waited at least a bit. Not to mention that Jim and Toby alone had already been too much for the residents of the Trollmarket…

Toby was already pacing impatiently under the bridge when Jim arrived there. There was a rather heavy-looking bag put against the beam. The lanky teen wondered about the limits of Tobes's enthusiasm when it came to feeding his new friend.

"I've thought you'd bring Douxie," the gingerhead pointed out instead of greeting, looking around as if expecting the wizard-in-training to teleport out of nowhere.

"Well…" Jim drawled. "Let's not provoke trolls down there even more…"

He opened his bag, searching for the horngazel.

"And my suggestion about one-hit K.O magic?" Toby inquired. His best friend remained silent.

"Jimbo, don't tell me you're crazy enough to go against Draal without any backup!" the plump teen exclaimed.

"That will be just another spar," Jim argued back, creating an entrance to the Trollmarket.

"He considered dropping you into the abyss last time."

Toby was right - everything could possibly happen, taking into account that troll morals were different from human ones. But were there any other choices?

There should have been some closure, some way to diffuse the dissatisfaction down there. Draal claiming his right for the mantle would remain a source of the constant discord. Blinky had explained to both boys the possible consequences of that stalemate - there could be even more trolls attempting to challenge their supposed protector, and some of them may have been less merciful than the son of Kanjigar.

No, until Jim demonstrated his own worth, he would remain the laughingstock at the Trollmarket.

"Blinky told us to come to his library today," the lanky teen changed the topic as he jumped down on the glowing steps.

"Hopefully, he'll teach you some winning tactics," Toby huffed, struggling with his heavy bag. "No offense, but at times it feels like you have no common sense at all."

Jim couldn't help smiling at that. It was so odd how all the supernatural stuff had already begun building into his regular routine. The life without all of that seemed so distant right now, even if it had been actually not that long ago.

He wanted to add some joke but stopped as a distant sound reached his ears. Weirdly enough, the Trollhunter could discern it among all the noise of the Trollmarket.

"Jimbo?" Toby waved a hand right before his face, visibly alarmed by his friend's sudden stupor.

"Just… Wait a bit," Jim muttered, mostly to himself rather than his companion. The next second, he was already running in the direction of the sound.

It was familiar, perhaps, even nostalgic… No, not that. The teen definitely hadn't heard it in that timbre, but…

He had found it. The source.

An unfamiliar dirty-green troll, obviously drunk, was trying the limits of his vocal cords, singing something in his own language. If anything, it should have been an unpleasant image, yet Jim stood there, stuck on the spot, catching every single note.

There was no doubt he had heard it. Well, not the drunk troll. Yet the song itself brought up an unexplained warm feeling, like…

It had been there, however, Jim failed to catch it, to make it take the form in actual words.

Just a little bit…

The answer kept escaping, no matter how much he tried.

"Man, what a hellish cacophony!" Toby whizzed as he had finally caught up to his friend. "Though, to be honest, trolls don't look as fine arts connoisseurs to start with…"

"I don't know, Tobes," Jim disagreed. "I think it sounds kinda… nice?"

Obviously, his friend had a different opinion:

"Well, Jimbo, I've known already that you're not into music, but not even in the wildest nightmare I could imagine your tastes being that extravagant."

The lanky teen opened his mouth to argue back, only to discover that he had nothing to tell. To be honest, he had no idea why he had enjoyed listening to something like that. It made no sense. At all.

"Master Jim!" Blinky's jovial greeting momentarily silenced all other noises. Only the drunk troll continued his performance without caring about his surroundings.

Jim turned around, noticing his mentor making his way towards the boys with Aaarrrgghh close on his tracks. Apparently, he had gotten worried when no one had appeared in time and decided to search for his charges.

"Hello, Blinky," the Trollhunter waved to him with a smile. "Sorry, we've just lost track of time."

"Yeah, Jim is appreciating local music," Toby shrugged.

"Really?" the scholar beamed. "And what do you think, Master Jim?"

That was a surprisingly tricky question to answer. Judging from Tobes's reaction, liking troll singing wasn't that normal. But, on the other hand, Jim hated lying.

"I find it, well, enticing," he responded in the end, mentally smacking himself for the choice of word. It was even worse than his previous 'nice'.

"Come on, Jimbo, your joke goes too far!" Toby begged for some mercy. It seemed it was easier for him to imagine that his best friend was just fooling around.

"Tobias, what's wrong in our protector finding some beauty in the local art of self-expression?" Blinky suddenly came to Jim's aid. "Besides, despite the lacking performance, it is a song with deep meaning and some amazingly crafted metaphors…"

Yes, there was nothing odd in him liking that troll song. Was it that different from enjoying the sounds of some foreign language?

"It's rather calming," the lanky teen smiled. "I bet it's a local lullaby."

His statement had an unexpected reaction. Toby stared at his best friend as if he grew a second head, Blinky dropped the bag he was holding, and even some trolls who were passing by froze on the spot.

"Master Jim," the scholar broke an awkward pause. "I'm not that well-versed in human traditions, but do your kind sing to your young ones something like that?"

Apparently, Jim had said something too shocking even for trolls.

Toby nudged Aaarrrgghh, whispering:

"Need some translation."

The brute nodded and started to explain something quietly. With each word, the plump teen turned greener and greener until he stated:

"Sorry, guys, I feel the taco I ate recently wants out… Seriously, who decided to make any song about that stuff?"

"That stuff?" Jim asked in confusion. He still couldn't get the reason for all the fuss.

"Master Jim, that one is the battle song, all descriptive details included," Blinky replied with some hesitation. "Nothing wrong with liking that one, but definitely not the best choice for pacifying a child…"

"Man, Jimbo, what kind of songs did Dr. L sing to you when you were a baby?" Toby complained, still nauseous.

His best friend wondered himself - not that he had any distinct memories from the early part of his life. Yet, somehow, he could swear that her lullabies sounded similar to that battle song.

Did his mother know troll language?

Yeah, sure, as if something like that could be possible! Most likely, it was some other foreign song. Perhaps, there was some human language sounding like that.

It could be only some weird coincidence, so he should have stopped trying to read that deep into it.

Yet…

When they were heading towards Blinky's library, Jim caught himself trying to repeat the words of the song he had heard recently.

"Surprisingly wonderful pronunciation, Master Jim," the scholar commented, noticing as well. "You have a good ear. Perhaps, you should take some proper lessons?"

"Nah, Blinky, that will be just a waste of time," the teen shook his head. "I'm horrible with languages!"

"Yes, you should have heard his Espanol," Toby chuckled. "That's something!"

"Mommy, Mommy!" Jim was jumping around the woman, with his eyes sparkling in excitement. Barbara smiled at her tiny son - he was her little sunshine for sure.

"What's the matter, sweetie?" she asked, kissing his head.

"Tell me a story!" the kid beamed. "You've promised!"

"Of course, kiddo, a promise is a promise," the mother faked a sigh. In truth, her time with her little boy had been her valuable treasure. "So, which one do you want to hear today?"

She sat down on the sofa, and Jim climbed on her knees.

"About the Killahead," he claimed boldly after nesting comfortably.

"Haven't I already told you that one?"

"No, Daddy stopped you," the kid's face darkened at once as he remembered the recent nasty incident. Barbara frowned herself, recalling James barging in and causing a scene.

Perhaps, her husband was right, and she should have picked up a more child-friendly story.

"I won't tell Daddy," Jim answered her thoughts as if he could read those. Apparently, her hesitation had been too evident.

Would she continue keeping her son away from his heritage? Maybe she could at least pass some knowledge through the stories.

"Once upon a time, there lived a king," Barbara started. She could continue easily without mentioning any trolls. "He was strong, charismatic, unstoppable. No matter what enemy the king faced, he always came on the top as he was born a true ruler, the one meant for greatness…"

Jim listened in awe, and the mother couldn't help smiling at that. Yes, her son should have learned about his grandfather's achievements. He was also Gunmar's kin, so the boy had the right to be proud.

"The king wanted to create the perfect kingdom for his people, and his children assisted him in that task," she continued, closing her eyes and remembering the old days. "As the years passed by, the goal seemed so close. Until… Until another ruler interfered."

She could barely contain her anger and frustration. That damned Arthur had been the root of all problems. Him and that pesky old wizard of his!

"The other king was conceited and insolent, thinking that he was a better candidate for ruling the world and willing to obliterate every single being not belonging to his ki… subjects," Barbara caught herself just in time before she had managed to say 'his kind'. Yes, both sides were humans in her story, so she should have kept to that.

"The two sides fought, and the true king was close to winning… But the blow came from the most unexpected direction. Some of his subjects changed the allegiance behind his back and forged the alliance with the enemy. Using the magic, they sealed the king beyond the Killahead Bridge, which was the doorway to the other dimension, and broke the bridge into numerous pieces…"

"Isn't there a way to free the king?" Jim asked quietly. Barbara could say her son was pitying Gunmar. Was it that surprising? He was a good kid, after all.

"Don't worry, kiddo, the king's children gathered all the pieces and let their father out," she ruffled his hair affectionately. "And then the king defeated all the enemies and built his perfect kingdom!"

Of course, the mother made up the happy ending. The reality had been way different, but… She wanted the optimistic resolution as well. After all, Gunmar's perfect kingdom would have been the only place for Jim to live safely.

"The king had good kids," the boy commented after some consideration. "If you are trapped somewhere, I'll also do my best to free you!"

"Of course, sweetie," Barbara laughed…

"Aaaand, I somehow ended with even more studies," Jim complained to Toby, trying to shove a heavy book inside his bag after they exited the Trollmarket.

A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore apparently was brief in the name only. Not to mention that it was only the first tome out of forty-something.

"Maybe there are some winning tactics there," the plump teen guessed, trying to seize the book from his friend.

"Yeah, good luck with reading," the Trollhunter drawled without any enthusiasm. "Blinky somehow has forgotten to mention that it isn't in English. Hell, it isn't even in Spanish! How am I supposed to read all of that?"

"Well, he suggested studying troll language to you," Toby shrugged. "Perhaps, you can take some lessons…"

"When?" Jim sighed. "I need to balance two lives right now. There's a Spanish exam incoming, I still haven't memorized my lines for the school play, and don't let me start about that rematch with Draal. I'd rather train if there's a free minute!"

"Well, at least, there are no evil trolls around lately," his best friend attempted to cheer him up a bit.

He was right. Of course, both boys made sure they entered and exited the Trollmarket only when the sun was still high after Blinky had confirmed that the sunlight was deadly for trolls. Besides, they also kept using the talismans until they were sure that the location was safe.

However, there weren't any attacks or ambushes from the shadows. It didn't sit well with the young Trollhunter - he couldn't help feeling that the enemy was preparing some devious scheme.

And Blinky's today's lecture hadn't brought any optimism. The scholar had explained some things about Gunmar and his children - and not even a single fact about that family was pleasant to learn.

Speaking about the troll history, there was a thing that had bugged Jim a lot.

"Say, Tobes, is it me, or Killahead sounds familiar?" he asked, hoping to get at least some hint.

"Nope," the gingerhead shook his head. "I've just learned about it for the first time… Why are you asking?"

"Well, probably it isn't important, but I can swear I've heard about it somewhere… Or perhaps, someone told me, I don't know…"

It had been a second deja vu - wasn't that too many for a single day?

Barbara felt drained lately. Of course, her true self didn't get tired that fast, however, the problem was that she barely had any sleep as a human as well. Not that long ago, Jim had commented on her pale complexion.

Just great, she had needlessly worried her son again.

No, the woman certainly had to finish everything fast. Just catching the elusive Trollhunter. Oh, and finding out whatever Stricklander was scheming. That would do.

The woman had pulled an all-nighter with the map of the area, trying to guess her brother's roaming routes. Bular had seen the Trollhunter's house, that was for sure. Her brother's gut feeling had always been superb, after all.

If only he was better with descriptions!

Bad snack!

Barbara groaned. Technically, it meant that their enemy had a slender build, but that would leave the list of suspects too long.

Probably, she had to try to use the other hint, meaning that stupid nickname Stricklander had given to the kid. Most likely, impure was sure that neither of Gunmar's children was well-versed in the human mythology.

What a miscalculation.

Barbara knew that legend about Atlas, yet she failed to see the connection.

Holding an entire skydome. Cursed by gods. Heavy burden?

No, nothing made any sense. The more the woman thought, the more headache it caused.

Perhaps, it would be better to focus on her human work for now - at least, the shift wasn't that crazy. It could be a perfect way to unwind.

The redhead took some X-rays from a nurse. Those were from a problematic patient, some young lady causing a fuss because of not-that-serious trauma. Luckily, Barbara knew how to deal with drama queens.

"Well, Ms. Lumiere, you've gotten lucky - no bones are broken. Just a sprain," she said, entering the office and not looking at her patient.

"Yeah, good thing that I've faked a trauma," the troublesome lady drawled. "Because the only idea of you treating anyone causes a major headache!"

The voice, it was too familiar, even if she hadn't heard it for decades. Barbara turned her head to face the patient.

The hairstyle and clothing choice was different, but she would recognize those freckles anywhere.

"Sarah," the name escaped her lips unwittingly.

"My gosh, I really hoped, it was some kind of misunderstanding or the most improbable coincidence, that there could be some other Barbara with untrackable past, but no!" Sarah ranted in a furious whisper. "The infamous Herald of Doom is treating fleshbags. I'm losing brain cells while only thinking about it. If your skills are on the level of your cooking, you won't see me within hundred yards of this clinic. Wasn't breaking bones more of your thing?"

"That was mean," Barbara scowled. "And, just so you know, I'm actually a good doctor."

"Whatever," the witch seized her temples. "Good or bad, it doesn't matter. The problem is that you've somehow landed in a huge mess, and we need to talk. Not here, though, - let's pretend to be strangers."

She sounded troubled, even conflicted. Whatever had brought her old friend here, it wasn't just a wish to have a leisure chat.

"There's a good cafe nearby, Benoit's French…"

Barbara's proposal was cut short as Sarah glared at her:

"You really have no idea. That place is the last one where we could go together. I know your home address - I'll visit later…"

It didn't seem that Sarah had changed that much when it came to her personality. Though, Barbara wished her old friend had been more specific instead of mentioning some mess and giving vague hints.

Not to mention that the witch would come to her house - that would be the first time when the daughter of Gunmar allowed the fragment of her old life to approach so closely. Luckily, Jim wasn't at home - he had called, saying they would study with Toby.

Well, Sarah would be easy to explain in any case, unlike some other parts. Like Bular, for example.

The guest arrived without delays and said no to any food at once.

"That's not my cooking, so you're missing a lot," Barbara chuckled at those antics.

"You've changed," Sarah sighed. "A lot."

"How so?"

The daughter of Gunmar had known it herself. She wasn't that oblivious. Her experience as a human had taught her so many new things that she couldn't have stayed the same.

"You used to be on edge all the time during your stay at the village," the witch responded. "Now you're calm. Collected. I'd say it scares me way more - it's like you can show your claws any second. You're more dangerous now. Is it because you have something to protect?"

Barbara never answered. Apparently, Sarah was really good at reading her.

"That's why I say it's a huge mess," the witch sighed. "Look, Barverra, I don't give a shit about what you are doing right now when it comes to freeing your father. I'm from the neutral party, after all… However, I want to know what you've done to pick up Zoe's attention…"

"Zoe?" the daughter of Gunmar raised her eyebrows in confusion. The name was unfamiliar. She definitely hadn't encountered that person as a troll or a human. "Who is that?"

"A hex witch, one of the stronger ones, has been around since Arthurian times… What, nothing rings a bell?" Sarah asked impatiently. "Well, she was digging info about you. Or more like about you, your husband and everyone related, but you were the only one without any proper past there! Your cover story comes apart the moment someone starts to look for more. Couldn't you put more effort or something?"

"I always can run away and start somewhere anew," Barbara shrugged. "Have done that countless times."

She knew it was a weak excuse, but honestly, it was the first time someone had investigated her thoroughly.

"I knew that all trolls were reckless," the witch groaned. "Do you know that I've barely managed to convince Zoe that you're clean? And who knows when she will decide to investigate you herself. Are you ready to drop everything you have here at the moment?"

Barbara hated to admit it, but Sarah was right. Right now, too many things had been connected to Arcadia Oaks.

The Killahead Bridge restoration plan.

The search for the Trollhunter.

And, most importantly, Jim's entire regular life.

She just could erase that mysterious Zoe from the face of the Earth.

"Bad idea," the witch commented grimly.

"I don't remember voicing it," the daughter of Gunmar folded her arms.

"No need," Sarah smiled sadly. "You're like an open book when you consider killing someone. That's why I repeat - don't even think in that direction. You may be my old friend, by I'm also a member of Hex Tech. If something happens to Zoe, I'll show them where to investigate."

"What do you want then?" Barbara scowled, feeling some rising annoyance. Her old friend was right - she definitely had something to protect here. That Zoe or entire Hex Tech - the Herald of Doom didn't care how many of those she would have to fight.

"To trust me," the witch stated firmly. "As long as you don't touch any magic user, I'll try to cover for you."

"It seems you, folks, just like weird bargains," the daughter of Gunmar snorted. "I've already forgotten how annoying it is… Fine, but what if you fail?"

"Then I won't stop you anymore," Sarah admitted honestly. "Not that I'll be able to do anything then as no one likes traitors."

They both stayed silent for a while.

"It would be easier for you if you'd just picked one side," Barbara stated with some compassion. "And you keep to both for whatever reason."

"As if there are easy ways in this life," Sarah let out a bitter laugh. "Besides… Barverra, do you actually have a son?"

The last one came out of nowhere.

"I bet you know it yourself, knowing that you investigated me," the redhead replied.

Or, she could have noticed from some photos in the house.

"I meant if he's a biological one."

"He is."

There was no point in denying it. Ironically, her old friend Freckles was probably the only person she could talk to about Jim.

"I see… Well, I suspected you weren't the type to adopt a kid for the sake of cover," Sarah nodded. "Not to mention that I see some resemblance. But… Gosh, it's even a bigger mess than anyone can imagine!"

She looked extremely pissed for whatever reason. Barbara considered asking her about that, but the witch was faster with her own question:

"Does he know?"

Yes, she could feign some ignorance or drag time with pointless clarifications. But what would be the meaning of that?

Sarah's question implied only one thing, and they both knew perfectly which one exactly.

"I haven't told Jim anything," Barbara admitted. Her friend's face darkened even more.

"And when do you plan to discuss everything with your boy?" she inquired sternly. Somehow, it even felt as if she was older one out of two women.

"I don't know."

That was probably the most honest answer possibly - after the years of hesitations, weighing pros and cons, and mental turmoil, the mother had no idea.

To protect while lying?

To tell the truth and possibly endanger his life?

Yes, she had no right to criticize Sarah for her vague position regarding allegiances.

"You know, Barverra, I lost my mother when I was twelve," the witch started slowly.

"What does…"

"Please, don't interrupt," she gritted her teeth. "I loved my mom, I felt we could talk about anything, and there were no secrets. I was wrong. There was one, the really important. The one she preferred to take to her grave instead of sharing with me. That she was a witch. That I, apparently, inherited her gift. When two years later, my magic power resurfaced, do you know what I felt? I was scared and lost. Every person around me started to treat me like a pariah. And I didn't know a thing why it was happening to me. Not until my mother's good friend found me and took me to the witches' village."

Sarah stopped, obviously reliving the old memories.

"No matter how many decades have passed, I'm still angry with my mom," she continued after some pause. "I know your son isn't me. Perhaps, he'll forgive you in any case. But, Barverra, if he learns the truth himself or someone else tells him, it'll hurt the most. Not the truth. Your lack of trust. Don't do it to your kid."

There was another pregnant pause.

"As you said, as if there are easy ways in this life," Barbara broke the silence. "I'll talk to Jim. Eventually. Just not now."

Sarah laughed bitterly:

"Are you sure that you're not finding excuses right now? I am starting to wonder if my mother kept delaying as well. Until it was too late… But who am I trying to convince here? Trolls tend to be stubborn, so… Will you at least consider my advice?"

She waited for the response, but there was none…

A/N

Next time, Strickler tries to approach Barbara once again and Barbara schemes to get more resources