[This chapter contains scenes from Episode 14: Return of the Trollhunter from Trollhunters]
"So, Jimbo, you make up with Claire? Are you two going out? Come on, spill the beans."
Toby was even more excitable than usual. After all, there was so much going on. Not only was Jim the Trollhunter who slayed Bular, but he was also a time-traveling hero. Not to mention Toby was his best friend and number one go-to guy. He never imagined their adventures together could get any cooler, but they just did.
"It's… kinda like that?" Jim nervously scratched the back of his head as he smiled.
After his brief talk with Claire, Jim came back to Blinky's study with the punk-rock girl in tow. That was when he told everyone he wanted the chance to talk to them one-on-one. It was cool, and it felt like a good way for everyone to ask the questions they needed to. Even better, Toby was up first. Well, technically second.
"Well, I'm happy for you buddy." Toby laughed as the two of them stood along one of the many streets of Trollmarket, looking out across the iridescent cityscape. "Why'd you keep the whole time-travel business a secret though? Is it gonna cause some kind of paradox? Wait, are there things I can't know? Will the world end if I know what's gonna happen?"
"Calm down, Tobes. The world isn't going to end. It's just… unfolding differently. Like a flower." A coy grin spread across Jim's face as it looked like he just referenced an inside joke, but Toby didn't quite get it.
"Not sure what flowers have to do with super awesome time-travel powers, but sure." He shrugged, hopping up onto the little stone wall with a bit of effort.
"Well, I don't really have time-travel powers." Jim replied, letting Toby down gently as he sat next to him. "It was kind of a one-time thing. But I did have the Time Stone when I picked up the Amulet."
To emphasize, Jim pulled out the silver Amulet glowing with ethereal blue light. Flipping it over, the back segment of the pocket watch-like contraption split open, revealing several compartments.
"I was able to use the stone to restore Strickler's memories. He's been helping me." Jim explained as Toby looked over the slots, all of which were empty save for one where a vibrant blue gemstone glowed.
"Yeah, I was kinda wondering why a freaky Changeling suddenly switched sides." Toby nodded, thinking back on his kidnapping and subsequent liberation. "So what happened the first time around?"
"That's the thing…" Jim grimaced. "Originally, only Blinky was taken. Bular wasn't supposed to find me in the woods with Claire either. It was going to be Nomura. Things changed, Tobes. Just like Strickler said they would if I messed around."
"Hey, it's all good, Jimbo. No harm no foul. Though I did have some major ropeburn there for a few days." Toby laughed again but Jim looked legitimately worried and guilty.
It was strange but, as he looked at his best friend, Toby could somehow see the weight bearing down on his shoulders. The tragedies he had already experienced. He was an older Jim in a younger body. But he was still Jim.
"Hey, man, it's alright." Toby reached out, putting a hand on Jim's shoulder. "We're in this together. I've got your back. Even if I had to face Gunmar himself."
"Thanks, Tobes." Jim managed to smile again, letting out a deep sigh as he leaned back and looked up at the distant cavern ceiling. "Well, is there anything else you want to know? I can't really tell you everything, and I especially can't tell you your future. But I can answer a few questions."
"Oh man, this is like one of those gameshows Nana watches. So many rules." Toby groaned, rolling his eyes but smiling nonetheless. "We win against Gunmar, right?"
"Yeah, but it wasn't easy." Jim's eyes grew wide and he let out a long breath, reliving the experience. "I couldn't have done it without you, Claire, and Blinky and AAARRRGGHH though."
"You bet you couldn't!" Toby grinned. "But that means I totally get some super awesome weapon too, yeah? Is it a warhammer? Please tell me it's a warhammer!"
"Relax, Tobes!" Jim laughed alongside him. "Yes, it's a warhammer. Which reminds me, we should get you your weapon earlier this time around. Let you train with it some more. You got pretty good."
"Aww yeah! Warhammer time!" Toby leapt to his feet, fist pumping as he danced. "This is gonna be so cool! So cool!"
"We also need to get the rest of the Triumbric Stones." Jim tapped his chin as he thought to himself. "They're needed for killing Gunmar. See, my armor can use what's called the Eclipse Blade–"
"Dude, you can't just one-up me like that!" Toby groaned again. "I'm super pumped about my warhammer and you have to go and say something awesome-sounding like 'Eclipse Blade'? Not cool man."
"Sorry, just telling it how it is." Jim rolled his eyes this time. "But, if we want to get them, I definitely need your help."
"Nice! Your number one wingman is on the case!" Toby put his hands on his hips proudly. "Guess we should probably let everyone else know, right? Don't worry, I'll make sure to debrief them."
"I'll handle it, Tobes." Jim stood up, patting his friend on the back. "Let's just… talk for a bit. Okay?"
"Okay. Sure thing, Jimbo." Toby couldn't help his smile as he sat back down with Jim and the two of them continued to chat. He wasn't even that focused on asking questions about time-travel or digging into Jim's new relationship with Claire. Instead, they just talked.
It didn't have to be some crazy, life-threatening adventure or a grand destiny. Toby was just happy to be by his friend's side when he needed him. Just like Jim had been there for him.
Knowing he'd get a magic warhammer didn't hurt either though.