Strickler couldn't help feeling frustrated. Some months ago, he could have confidently claimed Jim Lake had been so easy to direct into the needed direction. No, he had already learned that his favorite student had been drifting away, but it was the first time that the boy had so blatantly opposed his suggestions.
Walter had given him such a convenient excuse to dissolve everyone's suspicions! So who cared if Steve Palchuk would have faced the consequences? That kid could actually use some repercussions - Strickler had seen how the local bully had behaved himself so far. A good life lesson was long overdue, apparently.
Young Atlas could be petty, Walter knew it better than anyone else. Nevertheless, right now, he had decided to be noble for no reason.
And honestly, if Strickler had still been the only changeling around, he would have just let it be. Alas, with that snake Shen as his co-worker, the space for any maneuver had dangerously diminished, leaving everything in a particularly fragile balance state. And, somehow, Jim had managed to bulldoze it all.
Shen wasn't a naive fool, she could effortlessly put two and two together. The Trollhunter was one of the students? Yes. Someone from their party had beaten the said Trollhunter last night? Sure. And the next day a certain student appears looking like he had survived a car accident? Hell, the answer was elementary level!
Walter had to think out something and fast, Young Atlas cooperating or not.
He had some ideas already, but finalizing his plan to cover for Jim would take some time. Unfortunately, time was a luxury he couldn't afford at the moment as Shen barged into his office, barely able to keep her usually calm and polite facade.
"How kind of you to actually help me with my 'job'," she hissed with a strained smile. "A pity that the student who waited for me wasn't there when I arrived!"
Well, there had been no one there to start with - Strickler had simply improvised to make her go away. Obviously, he had expected her to return, but he would have talked to Jim by that time.
"Really? I guess, they've gone away then," Walter responded with an indifferent shrug. "Anyway, I've freed you from a boring responsibility - shouldn't you show at least a minimal gratitude?"
The walls of his office really protected secrets well enough. Shen would have never allowed her fury slip through the cracks of her mask if they had been in the hall or corridors. Right now, she wasn't even investing in keeping her human appearance that much as her eyes were glowing. Strickler hadn't seen anyone that close to shifting for a while.
The first one who lost their cool usually tended to suffer a humiliating defeat - that was the lesson Strickler had learned relatively early during his training as a changeling spy. In a way, it meant subduing his true nature - trolls were nearly dependent on their emotions. No, of course, he could still get angry or outright furious, but Walter knew when and where he could afford that.
And he believed Shen was the same, so seeing her so out of her self-control felt oddly satisfying.
"Boring responsibility?" she nearly screeched. "I believe that's not what it's called!"
"Never knew you enjoyed dealing with stupid childish conflicts," Strickler said, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Nothing new here, just two boys fighting to appease their own ego. Happens all the time. You'll learn it fast enough..."
It didn't matter if his lies sounded realistic enough - he should have continued bombarding her with deceptive lines, creating a web to tangle Shen with.
"Do you think I'll buy it?" She smirked with annoyance. "You've just made up the whole story on the spot!"
Well, not that she was that far from the truth. Unfortunately for her, Walter skillfully mixed real facts in between.
"It hurts my heart knowing that my dear brethren have no trust in my words." Strickler made a fake sad expression. Not that any changeling would ever wholeheartedly trust anyone, but he was simply trying to get on Shen's nerves here - and even she was aware of that.
"Nevertheless, if you don't believe me, you can ask anyone else," he continued. "Even some teachers know about the conflict between Palchuk and Lake - well, at least those who actually care about kids. And our students will gladly provide you with more details - I'd recommend talking to Miss Wang. I'm sure you'll learn a lot about the recent fight when Palchuk lost his tooth. Do you think it's so shocking for him to want some payback?"
His words surely made an impact. Walter could see some wavering in Shen's expression. She was an overthinker in the end, which could be her downfall. No, obviously he needed more than that to convince her fully, but the first seeds of doubt were planted already.
"Nice try," Shen hissed. "Let me tell you my version of what happened. Jim Lake is the Trollhunter. Last night he fought and slew that dumb gorilla Montgo!"
Not that long ago, Strickler had genuinely wished to learn what had exactly happened the previous night. Currently, he wished he still hadn't learned a thing. At times, ignorance was a blessing for sure.
Hell, how had Young Atlas ended in such a mess? He had been so careful lately! Enough to make Walter relax and focus on his own attempts to get the amulet.
Moreover, why couldn't that foolish kid have had an encounter with Bular instead? The son of Gunmar was probably the only one who would have simply gone for a kill, while Montgo, despite being a brainless brute, had been one of Shen's party, meaning that snake had been nearby too and...
No, wait. Young Atlas possessed some means to keep his identity hidden. Some kind of magic, most likely. There was still a minuscule chance that he had forgotten to use it or something like that but in that case...
Yes, that was it. If Shen had known Jim Lake was the Trollhunter for sure, she wouldn't have been here right now. No, she wouldn't have waited for the morning, running to inform Barverra the second she had learned the truth!
Shen knew nothing. She was simply trying to find someone suspicious who looked like they had fought a troll not that long ago. And well, from that point of view, Jim Lake would absolutely fit as a prime suspect.
She had come to get the so-needed confirmation. Well, it wasn't like Stricklander was interested in giving her one.
"Do you think anyone is that crazy to go to school after fighting a troll? My, you know nothing about kids' psychology," he said, putting some mocking in his tone. Though, apparently, Young Atlas turned out to be crazy enough.
"Besides, Lake told me about his fight with Palchuk," Walter added as a sudden inspiration hit him. "He trusts me, after all."
Shen's snooping should have left her with at least rumors about Strickler playing favorites. It would be pointless to deny - but somehow, it was also something he could use.
"And if I ask him?" Shen smirked, not aware of the incoming trap.
"Go on." Walter shrugged indifferently. "He'll tell you it wasn't Palchuk."
Yes, that was it. That damned snake would ask the boy for sure. And that would be the response.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it make more sense for a victim to seek protection from further abuse?" Shen asked, barely able to keep her gloating hidden.
'Thinking you've won already?'
Walter anticipated her next reaction with sadistic glee. She would never see it coming, genuinely believing she had outwitted him in his own game. What a fool!
"Exactly." Strickler nodded. "The thing is that it's more complicated than a simple abuse. So I told Lake to lie and..."
"You what?" Shen interrupted staring at him with a mixture of shock and annoyance. It had to feel outright humiliating to have her version crumble. That last piece simply didn't fit anywhere.
"Come on, it'll be such a waste to ruin Palchuk's life despite his hostile attitude," Walter said. Wow, it was difficult not to be smug. That was the plan - to throw Steve Palchuk under the bus, making it look like Strickler was more investing in protecting him.
The main goal was turning the local bully into the prime suspect for being the Trollhunter. Shen still hadn't reached the intended conclusion, but Walter hadn't finished as well.
"Nice try," she muttered, way less smug than only moments ago. "A pity that my tonight's report will have Jim Lake as the Trollhunter suspect!"
A tough nut to crack - well, stubbornness was inherent for most trolls. Apparently, Shen expected Walter to make some mistake showing annoyance or something.
His bluffing had worked even in more dire situations. Here it was sink or swim, that's for sure.
"Never knew you liked pissing Gunmar's kin." Strickler smiled. "I bet Barverra's going to take some heads tonight. But who am I to stop you?"
He turned away, showing that the talk was over. Obviously, it was just the beginning. Some dumber changeling would have actually left, but Shen hadn't failed to read the hidden context.
"Ridiculous," she huffed. "Why would the Herald be enraged to learn the enemy's identity?"
"Who knows." Strickler shrugged, his back still turned to his opponent. "A bad mood. Or because we're wasting her time. Or maybe because you'll question her own competence."
"What a bushigal!" Shen cursed. "I know you look down on everyone in the Order, but there's a limit to everything. I'm not braindead!"
"But you are. Otherwise, why would you tell Barverra the same name I gave her when she first asked about the Trollhunter's identity?"
How lucky for him to remember his most successful bluff just in time! Seriously, anyone telling Barverra Jim's identity without solid proof would be doomed. Strickler had barely escaped that time - and nothing suggested that anyone else would be as lucky.
"You're lying," Shen growled.
"Perhaps. You can always go and check yourself."
Check and mate. Strickler mentally patted himself. He had won some more time and space for the maneuver.
Sometimes fighting fears was so impossible. Shannon sighed, trying to muster some courage. They said admitting the existence of the issue was already a huge progress, so, perhaps, she was on her way to solving the problem.
Not that it had appeared recently. Shannon closed her eyes, recalling not-that-nice memories about the kindergarten. Luckily for her, Jim Lake had dropped out of that one soon after his terrifying outburst. They hadn't met for years, and honestly, even ending in the same school wasn't that bad initially.
No, of course, Shannon had been wary at first, expecting another traumatic incident. Yet days had passed - and Jim had continued to be your everyday nice guy. It had made her feel so guilty back then. People changed, and most likely, he had outgrown his violent tendencies. And what about her? Stuck with her pointless fear!
She had been fighting it, quickly ending up feeling safe enough with Jim around. A success... or so she had thought.
Until that recent fight with Steve.
Shannon could have never imagined it would end as a trigger, bringing back the sheer horror of her childhood trauma. It didn't even matter that the fight had ended without Jim resorting to extreme violence.
And the worst was Shannon's inability to let it go. She couldn't stay in the same room as Jim now - oh, she had tried so many times, only to end as an overstressed mess, not being able to focus. Skipping some classes remained the only option, but it couldn't continue that way forever.
Her family had already noticed. Some teachers had commented on that. And poor Shannon couldn't even find a good explanation because blaming Jim Lake simply didn't feel right.
In the end, it wasn't his fault.
She had been brainstorming for a while until a genuinely simple solution hit her. She should have simply avoided Jim. Now, if only the school agreed to change her curriculum...
Shannon hesitated a lot before coming to the counselor's office. Part of the reason was that Ms. Shen was new. No one could say how she would react. Shannon hated to admit, but she would prefer someone who would more likely to show more sympathy. Like Mr. Strickler, for example.
No, she wouldn't bother their History teacher. Jim was a regular visitor in his office, and the only idea of bumping into each other made Shannon shiver.
She regretted her final decision at once as soon as she entered the councilor's office. Ms. Shen looked annoyed, no, furious, even if her expression morphed into a sweet mask the second she noticed her visitor.
So, apparently, she was one of those 'I hate my job and kids' teachers. Not the best person to help with anything.
Shannon unwittingly made a step back, on the verge of going away. A motion didn't escape Ms. Shen.
"What do you need, sweetheart? Don't be so shy," she said, her tone sickeningly sweet.
"Well, it's just about my curriculum," Shannon muttered hesitantly. She would still prefer to get away, but probably it was too late.
"Oh, and what's wrong with it?" another question, full of concern, followed.
"Nothing," Shannon admitted. "It's just..."
Somehow, she had ended up sitting on a sofa, with a cup of tea in her hands.
"It's a herbal one. Helps to relax," Ms. Shen responded to her questioning look. "I'm here to listen to your troubles, sweetheart."
"You won't believe me anyway," she said quietly, looking down. No one ever believed.
"Oh, I may surprise you." Ms. Shen smiled.
And...
Apparently, the tea was extremely effective. It was as if the dam broke down - Shannon couldn't stop the flood of words after she opened her mouth. She talked and talked and talked, confessing all her fears and insecurities, her not-that-nice and sometimes petty thoughts and even ugly wishes. She had never been that open. Not even with her friends. Not even with her family. Yet this woman, a nearly total stranger, seemed the best confidante.
Why had she thought Ms. Shen was a nasty, uncaring person? She listened to Shannon so attentively, only asking some clarifying questions here and there.
"I thought Jim Lake was a monster back then. No, not that. I still think he's and will lose it one day," Shannon finished, slightly mortified at her own wording.
"I see."
"I'm nasty, I know," Shannon sighed. "Badmouthing a classmate who's done nothing wrong..."
"Well, to be honest," Ms. Shen said seriously, "I don't think Mr. Lake is that innocent."
"What?" Shannon stared at her teacher in total bewilderment.
"Believe my experience, my dear. I've met that type of person often enough. They're monsters, only pretending to be nice. If anything, I'd say Mr. Lake just perfected his mask. Deep inside, he's still a violent, human-hating monster. Oh, sorry, it's just a random musing," the counselor giggled all of a sudden. "No need to worry, perhaps, I'm simply overthinking. I've never talked to Mr. Lake to say for sure..."
"Oh, ok," Shannon nodded in confusion, wondering what exactly was that serious tone. It was as if Ms. Shen was hinting at something.
Though... Was it even important? Her dizzy mind told her not to bother with dumb stuff...
As the problem involving Shen was more or less solved (or more likely, simply delayed), Strickler remembered another issue he had - namely Nomura. Any other time he could postpone making up with her without much damage, but now she remained the only reliable source of information. He just needed to know what exactly had happened last night, and Shen's claim that Jim had slain Montgo left some doubts.
No, obviously, that dumbass had to be dead, but Walter wasn't that unhinged to believe that a regular kid without much battle experience had defeated the former Gumm-Gumm soldier. Not even every troll could brag of such an achievement, meaning there was some context.
Besides, there was still the matter of how Montgo had encountered the young Trollhunter to start with, as it might have brought some correction to the following strategy.
Hopefully, Nomura could clarify all of that for him.
Strickler arrived at the museum rather early, hoping to avoid any unwanted encounter with either Bular or Barverra. It took him a while before he found Nomura who was fully engrossed in polishing some vase in the backroom. He had heard before it was one of her methods to calm her mind and organize thoughts.
And apparently, it wasn't that effective, at least this time. Her expression soured the second he entered.
"Oh, look who's graced us undeserving peasants with his divine presence," she said instead of a greeting. "Why now? You could take some time off - a month or a year, perhaps?"
Her voice was so full of sarcasm that Strickler could conclude only one thing - whatever had happened last night had spoiled her mood for a while, though, probably not that critically.
"I assume, something happened," he guessed calmly.
Nomura rolled her eyes.
"Something happened! You've missed all the fun. The only good thing is that I won't see Montgo's ugly mug for good. God riddance - at least, no one will be bitching about my music!"
Well, so far the conversation was civil so Strickler threw a question while his aide was still peaceful:
"So, did Young Atlas actually take his head? I'd never guess..."
"Have you lost your mind?" Nomura snorted. "Draal was the one who slew Montgo. The brat only got injured, as expected. Luckily for us, still survived until backup arrived..."
So Draal had gotten involved as well. The Trollmarket was seemingly more accepting than Strickler anticipated. Or probably, simply more interested in keeping the amulet safe. Just great - Montgo's stunt had apparently resulted in more defense lines on their enemy's side. On the other hand, that would keep their side from the brute force approach, which Walter would hate.
No careless stunts were something he'd prefer right now.
There was another unclear point Strickler wished to clarify, namely the circumstances surrounding the fight in question. If Montgo's strategy had been no different from Bular's ambush near the bridge, it was pointless to panic.
Alas, Nomura seemingly read his thoughts and hissed angrily:
"Lately, you depend on your luck too much! You can't even imagine how close to disaster we were yesterday!"
"Had Montgo learned the boy's identity?" Walter asked. That would definitely fit the 'close to disaster' definition, especially knowing that she used 'were' instead of 'are'.
"I'd prefer that one. It was worse," Nomura spat. "You've forgotten that there's one more changeling who knows the Trollhunter's identity!"
"Ridiculous!" Strickler furrowed his eyebrows. It was simply impossible. He had learned Jim's secret by total coincidence. Nomura knew it only because he shared it with her. No one else was as trusted, leaving only two of them.
Unless Shen had been playing the fool all this time.
"I can't believe you've forgotten Krax," Nomura interrupted his thoughts. "You know, our mole down there. The ambitious ass one."
She was right, Krax was working as an intermediary and spy amid the troll society, who would have access to much information from that side.
And that one was undeniably problematic, not without ambitions of his own and loyal to no one. Yes, Strickler considered him as a potential danger, but not the immediate one.
"According to my intel, he won't arrive at the Trollmarket at least for several months," he said confidently. "He's across the several states at the moment."
Nomura stared at him in bewilderment.
"Well, it seems the rumors about you losing your grip weren't that farfetched... Newsflash - Krax's at the Trollmarket and he was the one who sicced that brute Montgo on the Trollhunter!"
"What?" Walter lost his composure at once, feeling terror creeping up his spine. That was the ultimate miscalculation. Krax was affiliated with no one, so he could easily sell the precious piece of information to either Bular or Barverra.
"Not that smug anymore, eh?" Nomura grinned, seemingly enjoying his reaction. "Good for you that we're on the same boat - I won't let you sink. You owe me - I've solved the problem."
Strickler gave her a dirty eye. His aide could be so petty at times, probably planning her small revenge for a while. At least, she dealt with Krax.
"Have you disposed of him?" Walter inquired with some curiosity.
"As much as wish, no," Nomura responded with a scowl. "He can be useful, besides, if I ever kill him, I'll make his death as horrible as possible!"
Oh, Strickler had nearly forgotten about it, but Krax was probably the only troll she hated that much. At least it guaranteed that she'll never let her mortal enemy succeed.
Perhaps, Stricklander should have started to appreciate having Nomura around more. While she wasn't the peerless obedient pawn, her independence and quick thinking were strong points.
Alas, she also could be needlessly nosy.
"So, would you care to enlighten me where were you last night?" she asked, her expression full of 'don't you dare to give me some half-assed shit'.
"I had an important meeting," Walter waved her off, unwittingly recalling the previous night and the taste of Barbara's lips. Nomura was the last person he wanted to share that with. As if his aide would ever leave him alone after learning that!
"More important than reporting to Gunmar's kin?" Nomura narrowed her eyes, contemplating if he was pulling her leg.
"Yes."
Strickler was rather surprised by his own response. No, of course, getting closer to Jim's mother meant getting closer to getting the amulet, and he had done a giant leap that time. But was it the only reason why it was important?
"Whatever," Nomura said indifferently, either losing interest already or never that curious to start with.
Probably it was the right time to inform her about the new plan.
"I have a task for you," he started. "You need to stalk someone..."
"Again?" Nomura interrupted, getting furious at once. "Should I remind you how it ended last time? Do it yourself, thank you very much!"
Walter winced. While he couldn't blame his aide for the reaction (that negative experience with Claire Nunez had left some damage for sure), he was also annoyed she had noped before hearing out everything.
"Would you bother to learn the full plan first?" he hissed. "This time there won't be any magic users..."
Nomura gave him a dirty glare, probably implying that there shouldn't have been any magic users last time too, but refrained from any further comments.
"So, you get a task from me," Strickler continued, "and go around complaining to each changeling you meet how much of a horrible leader I am, sending you on dumb errands or something... I'll leave that to your imagination."
Her grin told him that she wouldn't be tame with possible epithets - and it was exactly the thing he needed.
"Not that I hate badmouthing you, but what's the point?"
If she had never asked, he would have been so disappointed. Luckily, Nomura never failed to catch his hints.
"Rats. Every single changeling in Arcadia secretly spies on me, reporting each of my steps to Barverra," Walter said with a frown. "And while I hate the situation, currently we'll be using it to feed some fake intel."
"What kind?"
"We are creating a fake Trollhunter to win more time."
Today's situation with Jim and Shen had made Strickler realize something.
Openly protecting Young Atlas would only create more suspicions. No, he had to change the approach altogether. Using the diversion tactics and creating the fake Trollhunter as a fake lead for his opponents to pursue - yes, that would be the best.
As long as someone else looked more fishy than Jim, no one from their side would chase the real one.
He briefly explained it to Nomura, getting her full approval at once.
"So, who's going to play the role of the hapless champion?" she asked.
Strickler handed her a photo.
"He'll do. Steve Palchuk, the same year as our Trollhunter."
"Hm." Nomura examined the photo, then raised her head. "Why him though? How has he landed on your shit list?"
Being a fake bait meant turning into the lamb to the slaughter. Walter knew that he basically had doomed the kid, but well, sacrifices were needed and Palchuk was simply that unlucky.
"I have no grudges against him. He's simply the most convenient candidate. More brawl than brains. Self-centered brat with a hyperinflated ego. He won't even notice that you're watching him."
Young Atlas might have no wish to create more trouble for his bully, but Strickler thought otherwise.
"So… I actually need to stalk the kid," Nomura clarified.
"Yes." Walter nodded. "And make sure our 'friends' notice you. If it's some other changeling, you're free to have an idle chat. Just don't call Palchuk Trollhunter. Use 'target' or something like that instead."
"Covering the bases already in case your ruse fails?"
"Exactly."
Strickler wasn't in the mood to joke about it. This time he had to include all the possibilities. Hopefully, Nomura wouldn't mess with him simply because she could.
"And if the one to see you is Shen, Bular, or Barverra, just try to escape. If they stop you, just lie. Act suspicious."
"Maybe you can have a plan that doesn't involve throwing me under the bus?" Nomura growled. "I understand Shen, but you're telling me to provoke Gunmar's children. Hello?"
"Fine, just tell them I ordered you to follow the kid. Make me the scapegoat," Walter spat, losing his patience as well. "I hope, that's fine with you?"
Nomura never managed to reply as her phone vibrated, signaling an incoming message. She immediately used it as a distraction not to give the answer at once.
'Now you're going to negotiate for better terms. Again,' Strickler thought with some annoyance. His aide was really something at times.
Initially, he thought she faked her interest in the message, however, in a few seconds Walter realized his mistake. Nomura's expression went from slight confusion to disbelief and then morphed into a smug grin.
"You know what? I agree to your terms," she drawled, looking at him again. Her eyes hid some devious glint, though. It was as if...
As if she had suddenly stumbled upon some dirt on him. What the hell was that message?
"Let me see it," Walter demanded, trying to imagine all the possibilities. He didn't remember anything that might have amused his aide that much.
Except the last night, but there was no way she could learn a thing about it. Only two people really knew what had happened, and Strickler seriously doubted Barbara would have carelessly talked about it.
"Relax, there's nothing scandalous there," Nomura smirked. "I want even criticize your preferences, even if those are unorthodox. Though, I'm surprised - who could imagine that she is your type? And the way you approached her is rather extreme. Should have tried a regular courting first..."
That had to be about Barbara, full stop. Strickler snatched the phone from Nomura - not that she tried to resist - and looked at the screen.
The message, however, made his brain temporarily shortcut.
Boss's become Barverra's qutarr'khaloon.
Walter repeated it aloud, still trying to process everything and failing miserably. The combination of words made no sense - or more like were outright crazy.
Qutarr'khaloon was a troll term, albeit not the one you could hear every day, especially nowadays, and much like many words was difficult to translate into one word.
Qutarr roughly meant 'giving your life to someone' and usually referred to a weaker troll who willingly submitted their life to someone stronger. Rarely it happened after being spared in a death match, but the common occurrence would be doing that without any battle.
There were different kinds of qutarrs depending on how their masters used them. Qutarr'granm, for example, would be fighting for their owner's case, which was considered a more or less dignified position, and qutarr'teye was used as a living punchbag, which would plummet troll to the lowest pits of the hierarchy.
As for qutarr'khaloon...
Stickler broke his train of thought to give cackling Nomura a murderous look.
Khaloon was a profanity used to depict the sexual act without feelings or obligations attached.
Yes, some bastard had been spreading the misinformation that Stricklander was Barverra's sex slave.
Nomura had already given up on keeping a straight face and laughed without restrictions. Oh, of course, she found that one hilarious, why wouldn't she?
Strickler rolled his eyes and checked the number. Apparently, it was from some Order member who considered Nomura a pal or something.
Just great. Someone was spreading unhinged gossip and it had a good reach already.
"Must be Shen," Nomura commented, wiping some tears. "She was talking about something similar last night."
Shen resorting to an act of petty revenge? That wasn't surprising, but Walter preferred it to happen some other time, not now when he was already playing with the fire.
"She tries to make me lose my cool," he stated aloud. Shen was waiting for a mistake and probably believed that dumb rumors could work or...
No, the gossip wasn't meant for Strickler's ears. He clicked his tongue in annoyance - Shen wanted either Bular or Barverra to hear it.
"Well, Bular knows," Nomura dropped another bombshell. "Luckily for you, he believes his sister doesn't mind..."
Not that it made anything easier. Even if, by some miracle, Bular had no problem, Barverra would have a lot to say. Or more like silently murder Stricklander without trying to get down to the truth.