Jim wondered if he could ever get a break from... well, everything. The last few days had been certainly a rollercoaster - and it wasn't like his enemies would have some pity and let him rest. No, they seemed to be that type that kept chasing the prey until it dropped dead from exhaustion. Well, in Jim's case, they probably expected him to make a mistake.
All the brainstorming led nowhere. Ms. Shen might have been a confirmed changeling and an enemy, but they simply couldn't get rid of her without attracting unneeded attention. No one in their team knew where the school counselor lived, meaning that ambushing her at school was the only available option.
"Or someone can track her when she goes home," Claire suggested.
That made much sense. After some arguing back and forth about who should or shouldn't have gone, the team ended up picking up Archie. Out of them all, he was the least suspicious and the most resourceful, with the highest chances of escape in the worst-case scenario.
"So, that leaves only our unknown big wig," Jim said. That one was even more tricky. How could they possibly discover that one?
"We've already started, Jimbo," Toby reminded him with a smile. "Remember? Before that brute tried to kill you?"
Actually, Jim preferred to forget everything surrounding that traumatic experience - especially now. It was as if that event had been the beginning of the downfall, with everything growing more and more complicated.
But Tobes was right - they had been checking out some potential changelings before, so couldn't they also use it as the base for a new, more thorough investigation.
"Would you care to elaborate?" Blinky asked, seemingly slightly upset. Jim looked at everyone present, finally realizing that the conversation made no sense for most people present.
Oh, they both had forgotten to tell that part to the team.
"Well, that was dumb and counterproductive. No offense," Zoe commented after finally hearing out the explanation.
"How did you plan to reveal a changeling's true nature without a gaggletack?" Blinky inquired. "You should have asked for one."
"What's a gaggletack?" Jim felt both embarrassed and upset. So, there was actually a working way to tell a shapeshifting troll apart from a human. Could they actually have avoided at least some problems if they had bothered to ask?
No, the dark brute would have still attacked. And Ms. Shen hadn't been on Toby's list to start with.
"You see, changelings have a weakness against pure iron," Douxie replied instead of Blinky, probably feeling he could explain it better using human terms. "It burns and forces them to switch forms. Though, it can be inconvenient sometimes... Anyway, a gaggletack is made from pure iron and trolls usually have those around."
That sounded neat.
"So... To the Trollmarket?" Jim guessed. That would be his first visit there since Draal's defeat, and he wasn't even sure how local trolls would react.
Sure thing, they had celebrated Jim's victory, but weren't they kind of... fickle?
"Good idea," Blinky nodded. "Besides, we should report some of our findings to Vendel..."
"Can I come as well?" Claire asked. "I'm curious to see that place!"
"I think, everyone should go," Douxie added with a sigh. "Right now, we need a united front."
It turned out that 'everyone should go' didn't mean everyone would have gone at once. A group as big as theirs would attract too much attention in any case.
After some discussion, they decided to head out in groups of two, deciding on groups and order by drawing lots.
Jim somehow ended last, moreover together with Zoe as his companion. Not that he had anything against her, but he would probably prefer to have Tobes by his side right now. In the end, his best friend could always chase away Jim's insecurities - and he desperately needed that.
Blinky and Claire headed out first - and judging from both's expressions, they didn't mind each other company. Claire was already in the process of asking some things about trolls, and obviously, Blinky would never refuse to respond to her curiosity.
Jim worried a bit about those two as neither of them was a battle-capable type. He realized too late that he should have probably proposed to switch his place with either Claire or Blinky - Zoe seemed to be a powerful witch, after all.
Alas, it was too late already.
As some time passed, Douxie headed out, followed by Archie. Initially, his companion should have been Toby, but the cat-dragon had refused to stay alone with Aaarrrgghh, no matter how much the latter had tried to prove his peaceful intentions.
Jim felt nervous for whatever reason, fully expecting enemies to attack any second. On the other hand, wouldn't it be quite a logical reaction, knowing that at least someone on the enemies' side knew his identity?
He suddenly remembered that Barbara was out tonight as well. What if they tried to capture her? Or worse?
"Our turn," Toby said, checking the time. "Don't be too late, Jimbo!"
Jim chuckled unwittingly, seeing how poor Aaarrrgghh struggled to get out of Toby's room. They were so lucky that Nana was fully engrossed with her TV show!
And that was it - only he and Zoe left, leading to quite an awkward atmosphere. Jim wondered if he should have started some kind of conversation - and had no idea what to tell.
"I'm sorry," Zoe broke the silence first.
Jim stared at her. What was even the point of that apology?
"I cheated when we drew lots," she explained, noticing his confusion. "I can imagine you'd rather take everyone else but me..."
"But why?"
Jim couldn't imagine the reason why Zoe would have been that interested in staying with him. Her desired pick should have been Douxie or Archie. Or Claire, perhaps.
"Let's go." Zoe sighed. "I'll explain while we walk..."
He nodded, slightly intrigued. Besides, from the very start, Zoe had made an impression of a strong-willed person, so seeing her that hesitant and apologetic was odd.
"Not that I question anyone else in our team," she began once they left Toby's house. "They all care about you and will be happy to help through your anxieties... But someone needs to address quite a nasty topic - and I guess I fit the best for this role."
Nasty topic. Jim would be shamelessly lying if he tried to claim that wording didn't cause his heart to skip a beat.
Zoe wanted to tell bad news. Or, perhaps, ask an uncomfortable question. Or share some unpleasant insight. No matter what she planned to say, it was still something meant to his ears only.
A part of Jim wished he had simply put too much thought into her wording. It could be just something unrelated. Perhaps, Zoe was simply eccentric and it was her quirky way to lighten the mood.
"Have you puked today?"
"What?"
Okay, that was the last question anyone would have expected. What does vomiting have to do with the whole picture? Well, unless his odd guess about Zoe's sense of humor was on point...
"Sorry," Zoe said, noticing his confusion, "should start with something else... It's about the gravesand again. You know, that vile substance you ingested..."
"And?"
Jim both wanted to hear the response and stay oblivious. Alas, the latter wasn't even an option here.
"It's magic stuff, in the end. Foreign to the human body. A bit of it may be assimilated, but most gets rejected. You cough it out if it came through lungs, and in your case, you should have thrown it up."
"But what if I haven't?" Jim asked hastily, feeling panic creeping up his spine.
His body should have rejected the gravesand. Yet Jim couldn't remember even being slightly nauseous.
No, perhaps it was still too early to panic. It might have been a belated reaction. Zoe had said nothing about how long it could take.
"Well, the reaction may differ depending on the individual." Apparently, she had noticed his anxiety and tried to encourage him. "Still, the gravesand should be out - otherwise, you may have some mood swings. Or worse."
"What can be worse?" Jim asked, somehow wishing there had been Toby around. He could use a dumb joke right now. Anything would do.
"Sometimes there are physical changes too."
Perhaps it was for the better that Zoe was so straightforward. Someone else might have tried to hide it from Jim.
"Will I turn into a troll?" he asked. It came out easier than he could have anticipated. Wasn't losing humanity one of his biggest fears before? Then how could it be so effortless to say that aloud?
Zoe suddenly chuckled.
"Oh, no, not something that drastic! You'd need to eat some pounds of that stuff for that - and there's no guarantee that you might have survived after that! The changes I meant are more subtle - like pointier teeth or less resistance against the sunlight. Or even a preference for raver meat. Some might even find those cool.
"Not me, thank you very much." Jim rolled his eyes unwittingly. Somehow, the grim mood has lightened a bit.
"Then, I guess, you need to make sure the gravesand is out," Zoe said with a smile, showing him two fingers. "I'll wait."
She had no need to hint on that, honestly - Jim knew well enough how to make himself vomit. Just another thing he had learned from his mother.
He stepped into the bushes, slightly regretting they had already left Domzalski's house. It would be better to throw up inside the safety and privacy of a bathroom.
Though, no. Nana might have heard a suspicious noise and asked some questions.
Beggars couldn't be choosers. Jim inhaled and showed two fingers inside his mouth.
It felt nasty, but, well, was there any other choice? As long as he got rid of those ground troll bones, it was worth enduring discomfort for a while.
Jim also realized how long he hadn't eaten a thing as his stomach suddenly felt sickeningly empty.
Was the gravesand out already? He tried to check the disgusting puddle below, but it was too dark. Besides, even with better visibility, Jim had no idea how it should have looked.
There was no way he would ever call Zoe to check it out.
No, he was just overthinking. Everything should have been alright.
Jim had no idea if Zoe would share the contents of their talk with Douxie. He wouldn't have been surprised if she had at least mentioned it. Those two seemed close, sharing centuries of common history.
Somehow, it was hard to imagine.
Jim, however, had no idea if he could talk about it even to Toby. Was it the lack of trust?
No, Jim mentally corrected himself. He kept silent only because he didn't want to worry everyone even more. Their team had a mission to catch a changeling. Well, changelings, apparently, as there were at least two of them. Wait, no, there was also the museum curator!
He nearly groaned at the realization. Why did Arcadia have that many evil shapeshifters again? Anyone would become paranoid with that knowledge!
Zoe stayed silently, probably being mindful of his mental state. Jim wondered if he could talk to her about something else, but his mind kept trailing to the current situation.
It wouldn't be that unexpected to him if someone had ambushed them right now. He kept imagining Bular's monstrous frame hiding among the trees. His fingers were curled around the amulet. This time, the summoning shouldn't have failed.
Jim could say that Zoe kept vigilant as well - he could swear he saw some sparks of electricity between her fingers.
Nevertheless, they reached the canals without any accidents.
"Why hasn't anyone attacked?" Jim couldn't help but voice his confusion. Not that he complained, of course, but his nerves were on the edge
"Well, we deal with certified schemers, remember? Apparently, they won't make a move unless it guarantees the one hundred percent success." Zoe shrugged. "Good for us that they are more interested in their own potential benefits than in liberating their dark overlord. Sucks to be Gunmar, I bet."
Jim genuinely hoped she was right. From whatever he had seen of trolls so far, they tended to favor solo work over team effort. Was it the factor here as well?
There was also something bugging him. It was as if there was some detail he had overlooked - the one that might have given so much-needed answers to everything, connecting all the confusing pieces.
Was it about the mysterious big wig's identity? Perhaps, Jim subconsciously suspected someone.
It had to be someone really close. Close enough to see the Daylight Armor.
A neighbor getting an accidental glimpse?
Someone from a school play as he hadn't even bothered to hide his realistic 'costume'?
Well, that might have shortened Toby's list of suspects. Maybe Jim would even be able to stop feeling uncomfortable around some people.
Like Mr. Strickler, for example. His favorite teacher had done nothing to deserve the lukewarm treatment.
Jim watched Zoe sliding down the canal and followed suit. He could see some figures near the bridge - apparently, everyone had managed to travel without complications.
Zoe had been right - the enemy's side had made a grave mistake while pursuing their own agenda.
But wouldn't that also mean that their successful defense so far had been just a lucky coincidence? The thought alone was terrifying - if the enemies decided to put aside their differences at least for a day, it would doom everyone in the Trollhunters team.
Jim shook his head, chasing away a horrible thought. They all should have been moving forward right now, and he couldn't worry everyone even more. Besides, the close vicinity of the bridge had seemingly put everyone at ease - Tobes was in the midst of telling some funny anecdote, while Blinky, apparently, had found a dedicated audience in Claire, who was surprisingly curious about the troll lore.
Aaarrrgghh drew a shiny arc with the horngazel, creating the passageway, and everyone stepped inside.
Jim couldn't help but keep staring at Claire's awestruck expression - her excitement was contagious, making him forget his troubles for a while.
Douxie seemed impressed, even though he kept his emotions to himself. Zoe just hummed to herself.
The only one who openly demonstrated his dislike was Archie, who kept throwing in rude remarks. Nevertheless, somehow his anxiety was so noticeable that it was impossible to understand the poor cat-dragon's true motivation. He would rather be somewhere else right now.
Not that Jim could blame him. Trolls ate cat meat, and everyone would feel uncomfortable surrounded by someone who saw them as a potential dinner. Perhaps it would be better for Archie to shapeshift into some other form, but Jim wasn't even sure if it was his place to give such advice.
Or maybe everything was just an exaggeration. Apparently, trolls were more curious about new humans around. And Jim could swear Zoe had greeted a handful of locals.
"Past acquaintances," Douxie commented, noticing his confusion. "Zoe has better ties with some magical races..."
He never elaborated, though, so Jim was left with even more questions than before.
The introduction to Vendel went relatively smoothly, even if it initially looked like the old troll might beat someone with his staff. He counted human visitors silently, his expression more grim with each one.
"Does the Heartstone Trollmarket look like a perfect gathering place for fleshbags to you?" he inquired sternly. Jim wondered who Vendel directed it to as he looked somewhere above everyone's heads.
Logically, as the Trollhunter, he might have been one responsible for any questionable decision, but most likely, Vendel scolded Blinky first.
"There were two initially. Now there are five. What's next? Few dozens?"
Yep, that was definitely addressed to Blinky.
"And don't dare to think bringing a snack will make it better!"
"A snack?!" Archie reacted before anyone else fully grasped the meaning behind Vendel's words, getting out of Douxie's hands and reverting to his dragon form, intending to spew some fireballs.
It took some minutes to calm him down (especially after Vendel refused to apologize), but it ended more or less peacefully.
Jim felt odd - it was as if everything was getting hazy and drifted away. Even Archie's complaints sounded like it was a muted recording.
"Jimbo, you OK?" Toby's worried expression appeared right before him. "You look sick. And not in a good way!"
"I guess," Jim muttered. He felt just... tired. Yes, tired would be the best word to describe everything. Or perhaps, exhausted. The day had been so eventful that he hadn't had even a second to relax, and now, in a more or less safe environment, his body started to give up.
"Perhaps, you need to go home and rest, Master Jim," Blinky said, his voice full of concern.
"We'll take over from here on." Douxie exchanged glances with Zoe.
"A lift?" Aaarrrgghh proposed.
Jim shook his head. It was so nice to feel support, but somehow, he'd rather have stayed alone right now.
"I think I need a walk to clear my head. It's a bit stuffy here."
The fresh air outside seemed such a wonderful change. Ironically, it cleared Jim's head for real. Perhaps, his exhaustion had nothing to do with the previous condition.
Why though? Jim didn't remember having any problems with staying at the Trollmarket. He wasn't claustrophobic and didn't have any respiratory problems, and...
Wait, no. It wasn't as if he had felt unwell or something back then. If anything, it had been like...
Jim froze at the realization. It had been no different from that dizzy sensation he had felt back at Ms. Shen's office after taking a gulp of her accursed tea.
Was it gravesand acting up again?
No, it couldn't be! It was simply impossible! Hadn't he gotten rid of that one already?
A sudden spike of anger shook Jim to his core. Nothing had ended. Hadn't Zoe told that some gravesand might remain inside his body, causing permanent changes?
He was so naive to believe that he had escaped the possible nightmare!
Would he now lose control over his anger at random times? Was he now an actual danger to his allies? Would he injure someone else? Or worse?
Jim felt nauseous. Some part of him genuinely wished he could vomit once again, but this time getting every single speck of the gravesand out.
That was simply impossible.
His thoughts trailed back to the memory of Barbara silently treating the wound he had inflicted. It could happen once again any time now.
Not because his mission put his dear people in danger.
No, he was the danger now. It could be Toby next time. Or Claire. Douxie and Zoe might probably find a way to stop him. And...
His train of thought came to a halt as some swift shadow landed right before him. His subconsciousness identified it as a danger way faster than his mind managed to formulate anything.
Though, Jim wished he had reacted in a more dignifying manner. The yelp was totally unnecessary while facing an enemy.
Especially that one.
Barverra. Just why out of all possible opponents Jim had to face her? Not that he found Bular more likable or something. No, it was because Barverra invoked some odd emotions - something he couldn't explain or even fully comprehend. He just couldn't stand her image for some reason - as if her whole existence was the ultimate offense to whatever Jim believed and held dear.
Was it because the daughter of Gunmar would most likely target not only him but his dear people (well, at least, according to Blinky)?
Jim summoned his sword, wondering how far any of his allies was. He wasn't even sure which scenario would be better. The one with a sudden back-up? The one where everyone stayed away from the sadistic troll?
He glared at Barverra - as stupid as his bravery was, he couldn't just risk turning away and trying to run. The enemy would be faster in any case.
Somehow, he had ended in the worst possible scenario - and all because of his stupid decision to have a walk to clear his head!
"I'm genuinely amused you've lasted for this long."
Barverra started talking first. Not that it was so surprising - they both were well aware of who had the upper hand right now. She had the luxury of choosing what to do.
Yet Jim wished she just remained silent. Her voice alone irritated him too much. Or was it the manner of speech?
It was too uncanny - to the point that Jim genuinely wished Barverra didn't exist in this world. Even Bular hadn't made him feel like that.
So why her?
"I'm not going to fight you." Another lazy, overconfident remark. The one that forced Jim both to tighten his grip on the sword and grit his teeth.
He shouldn't have responded, yet...
"As if I'll ever believe that. You want to get the amulet."
He still had voiced the obvious, probably amusing the enemy a lot. Besides, the odd anger kept growing. Was it another side effect from that accursed gravesand?
It didn't even matter right now. If the magic-induced rage could stop shaking in his knees - wasn't it for the better?
Always be afraid.
That rule seemed so pointless at the moment. Jim didn't want to be afraid of Barverra.
She had noticed.
"Brave and not that dumb, I guess. A good combination for a warrior. However, are you even aware that there are other ways to get what I want without fighting?" Her voice was full of amusement. Yes, she was just having fun, never viewing Jim as a threat.
Was she also trying to provoke him? Jim seriously doubted that one - someone of her caliber had no need to care if he dropped his defense.
Barverra could tear him apart regardless of his mental state. That was the harsh reality.
It didn't change the fact that her words still had worked as a provocation.
No, of course, even the anger from the gravesand residue didn't make Jim lose his head (both figuratively and literally in this case). Provocation or whatsoever, he wouldn't attack first.
And then he heard something that made him doubt his sanity.
"Let's have a deal. I bet you're sick and tired of this burden you didn't ask for. How many complications has the amulet caused already?"
Her tone was calm, sympathetic even, to the point that Jim's facade cracked momentarily. Most likely, all his hesitation and insecurities became obvious, even if for a split second.
"And what do you propose?" He let that weakness sink. The common sense nearly screamed not to bargain with the enemy, but...
The good side had never given any choice, but to carry the burden.
"Give me the amulet. Your life will be spared, the same for everyone you name. This isn't your war."
Should he have been surprised that the enemy's option was even worse? Jim felt yet another spike of anger building.
He'd rather have taken Bular's proposal of quick death than this treacherous one!
Saving some and doom the world? Barverra had known nothing!
Not his war? Not anymore, apparently. Not after Claire being attacked or that dirty trick with the gravesand!
"I don't believe you! Your side has no problem using dirty tricks!"
And those dirty tricks would continue regardless of his decision. Why would someone treating humans as prey suddenly bargain with said prey?
It was just part of a trick, the one that most likely started with that gravesand - to make Jim doubt, then get the amulet from him and eradicate everyone.
He refused to fall for that.
"You'll have my word and my protection. Gunmar's kin never breaks their oaths. And believe me, you don't want to know what happens to those who get on my bad side," she still sounded composed, and someone else might have even believed her. Alas, her following phrase sealed it:
"I'm sure your mother will appreciate it if you don't sneak out every night."
Jim saw red. Perhaps, it was because of the gravesand - but even without it mentioning Barbara would have worked as a trigger.
His dear mom had already been hurt because of the villains' schemes. A memory of her treating her injury only some hours ago made Jim's blood boil.
"Don't you dare to bring up my mom!" If there was still some self-preservation instinct, he threw it away entirely.
It was the first time Jim genuinely wished to hurt someone. No, just hurting would never be enough. He had to obliterate this threat - otherwise, his mother could never enjoy her peaceful life. And not only her - Toby, Claire, his new allies, and all the people of Arcadia would be in danger.
Jim had to finish this tonight, no matter the cost. Even if that meant to die trying.
He wasn't a good warrior - even if Blinky had complimented his potential. Yes, there was that recent battle against Draal - but that win was with the help of the unique design of the Heroes Forge and because of Draal's overconfidence.
He couldn't depend on something like that here. Not that it mattered, of course.
Jim just swang the sword, hoping to never let her counterattack.
A dumb strategy, which surprisingly worked as Barverra just kept evading, never bothering to unsheath her swords.
Was it the troll pride again?
Jim didn't even finish the thought when one of his swings connected, cutting her arm.
It wasn't like that time when the Daylight had stuck in Bular's forearm - Barverra's stone skin was not that thick to protect her as effectively.
Was it a miracle? A so-much-needed lucky coincidence?
Surprisingly, it looked like that a lot - especially after Barverra started retreating.
Jim was so close to chasing after her. He had to finish what he had started, to put an end to everything.
No one close to him would ever be safe with the evil trolls around, and...
The angered daze state ended as suddenly as it had begun, and Jim froze on the spot. What the hell was he going to do? He had been lucky already, so why pushing his luck more?
Getting out of this encounter alive and unscathed was a miracle. Another one wouldn't happen. Barverra still hadn't fought him seriously but could change her opinion any second. Not to mention that everything could be some kind of an elaborate scheme to catch him.
Oh, so apparently, his fear came back, sobering Jim's mind at once.
No, seriously, right now, the best action would be escaping himself without pulling any crazy stunts!