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Chapter Text

Why did she let this happen?

She had him in where she wanted, he was severally injured, but he slipped from her grasp.

The bridge failed to seal the Gumm-Gumm king away into the Darklands.

Now he's out there, somewhere with whatever was left of his army. And because of her failure, the good trolls bashed her and lost faith in her.

It crushed her spirit, when she thought she was the one to defeat Gunmar, but it only ruined her reputation even more and wasn't allowed back into Dwoza until she goes out to find Gunmar and kill him.

That is what she was set out to do.

Many days has passed and Deya grew tired from traveling the vast lands.

It wasn't until she came across a crumbling ruins, it seemed to have been raided and destroyed for quite some time as there were vines and moss growing on the stone walls.

She enters inside and finds herself in a temple, then she froze when she found pieces of body parts scattered around.

Dead trolls were left behind and she became sick from the gruesome sight.

As she turns around, she found a symbol of Gunmar marked on a stone wall.

"He's been here." Deya mumbled.

That is when she heard a muffled noise nearby and she became alert.

She summons her sword and cautiously approaches the noise.

Underneath a pile of rumble, she could hear someone stuck under it.

Deya sheathed her sword and removes large pieces of rocks away until she found a trapdoor.

She opens it and inside was a Conundrum troll wearing robes and screamed in fear.

"Please, don't hurt me!"

"I'm not going to hurt you. How long have you been in there?" She asked.

"I'm not sure for how long. But, thank you for saving me." He responded.

"Well, you're luky that I happen stop by here. Do you know what happened here?" Deya asked.

"Yes. We were raided by Gunmar and his soldiers. My father hid me down here and told me to not get out until it is safe." The short troll explained and climbs out of the hiding spot.

"I wasn't so sure when it was safe to come out. All I heard were screams for hours, then... nothing."

She started to feel bad for the troll who had to go through that traumatic experience, and realized that he might be the last survivor.

"I'm sorry to tell you this... but I think everyone here is long gone."

He pauses and remained silent, trying process what she said.

"Of course Gunmar wanted us dead, we expected it would happen. My people were great scholars who follows the teachings of the Dishonorable Bodus. He taught us everything about this world and the ancient culture of the Old Ones. However, Gunmar somehow knew that Bodus found out about his weakness and wanted to silence us." The short troll explained.

"A weakness? You mean there's a way to kill him?" Deya questions.

"You could say that. Unfortunately, Bodus quickly hid it across the lands before Gunmar could wipe us out."

An idea sparked in her head and she perked up.

"This is perfect! I can still get a second chance!" She happily exclaimed.

The Conundrum raised a brow and stared at her, confused.

"Right, sorry. You see, I'm the Trollhunter and I was supposed to send Gunmar to the Darklands, but I failed and now he's out there somewhere, and I was sent to find him and kill him." Deya explained.

"Which means you can help!"

"What? No, no. I can't. I don’t know where or what to search for. The only thing that might help is this tome that my father entrusted to me. It was one Bodus' last teachings." He spoke and holds out a book.

She takes it and opens the tome, flipping the pages, but found nothing.

"There’s nothing in here that says what the weakness is." Deya complained.

"Well, truth is, Bodus has been known for being secretive and clever."

The female troll face palms and groans with frustration.

"But, I'm sure I can figure it out. Perhaps I can come along on your journey?" He suggested, which made Deya think.

It seemed like a good idea, and he is the last scholar that knew of Bodus who can figure out how to find Gunmar's weakness.

"Alright, Six Eyes. You can tag along." Deya accepted and the stout troll smiled with relief.

As the two left the ruin temple, while avoiding looking at the stone corpses of his fellow scholars, that is when the Conundrum paused.

"Oh, I don't think we have ever introduced ourselves. I am Dominic, and you are?"

"Deya. It's nice to meet you, and glad I found you in the nick of time." Deya replied with a smile, and Dominic smiled back.

They began their journey to not just fulfill a quest, but will soon fulfill something else that none of them will ever imagine.

Chapter Text

The journey wasn't quite as adventurous as one would think.

It was mostly walking, climbing, walking... and more walking.

However, it was good to start up a conversation that Dominic decided to break the silence, but he wasn't good at striking up one.

"So... you are the Trollhunter. Correct?" He questions.

"Yup. But, not a very good one, at least that is what the Dwoza trolls said. I mean, I had one chance. I was their only hope to end this war, but I blew it!" She complained.

"You know. My father once told me that when we make mistakes at a the most important moments of our lives, it's a sign that it wasn't meant to be."

Deya stops walking and snaps her head towards him with a raised brow.

The short troll instantly froze from her quick reaction, and it made him anxious.

"What do you mean "it wasn't meant to be?" I was chosen to be the Trollhunter to stop Gunmar. Are you saying I wasn't supposed to defeat him?" She spoke with frustration.

"Well, perhaps it was because you weren't ready..."

"Not ready?"

Her tone immediately changed aggressively and Dominic felt like he said something wrong.

"No, I didn't mean it that way! I meant... you know. It wasn't the right moment for you. Perhaps the Fates knew trapping him wouldn't last and wanted him gone for good." He quickly reinstated.

"So, they kept him alive and make me look like a failure? Well, the Fates seem to have a sick sense of humor." Deya complained and continued walking.

Dominic followed her while trying to re-explain.

"Not everything in our lives can turn out how we wanted. Bodus once taught us about the importance of mistakes and valuing it so that we will be fully prepare ourselves for when the true moment comes."

As she walked, she couldn't help but realize that he might be right.

When she was first chosen to be the Trollhunter, she didn't have lot of fighting experience, while her opponent had centuries of experiences.

It just didn't seem fair. But she didn't want to admit it to Dominic.

"It's not like you know what it's like to fail so miserably that everyone who once hated you, respect you for once, then hate you again." She scoffs and crosses her arms.

Dominic remained silent and looks away with a empathetic expression.

Deya noticed this and became curious in what he could be hiding.

"Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot. I didn't mean to offend you, it's... just something I was taught, a lesson that actually helped me, and thought it might help you. But I now realize, not everyone would agree with my beliefs. My apologies." He softly spoke and turns to look back at her.

As they walked, Deya started to feel guilty and realized how different he is than most trolls she's encountered.

Perhaps she shouldn't be so aggressive towards him, though his beliefs did seem strange to understand, at first.

Come to think of it, she has heard tales of how some scholars were quite private and almost never interact with trolls outside their social circle, and it most likely seems he never talked to anyone who wasn't like him.

"You know what. I forgive you. No hard feelings. It's just... I tend to get awful comments from others because... well because I was raised by humans as a youngling. Actually, it was more like I was captured and held captive for years until I escaped. I was an outsider to other trolls." Deya replied.

The two stopped once again, but this time there was no malice.

"Interesting... Not on the whole "getting held captive part," but interesting on the fact that I've never met anyone like you before." Dominic spoke.

"Yeah, given how you talk, I doubt you ever interacted with anyone like me. But, maybe it's not such a bad thing to meet new trolls. For once, you can actually learn to socialize and perhaps... we could get along." She explained with a grin.

"Really? Oh that would be delightful! I never had a friend before." The short troll happily exclaimed.

"You mean you never had friends? What about the other young scholars?"

"Well, yes. We were very well acquainted. But like you said, I've never interacted with a troll like you before. It would be nice to have a friend who isn't like me."

Deya chuckled and pat his back and faces the horizon.

"Okay, well. Let's not get overboard with this whole "friends" thing. I mean we just met hours ago. I think it would take a lot more time for us to get to know each other and become friends." Deya stated.

"Right, rght. You are so right. Forgive for jumping in so quickly. I've been so alone for who knows how long, I guess I got a little enthusiastic to finally have someone to talk to." The short troll awkwardly laughed and rubbed the back of his head.

Dominic was sure a strange troll, but an interesting one that she doesn't mind at all.

Suddenly, a growling noise came from the Conundrum's gut and the two awkardly looked at each other.

"My apologies. I haven't eaten since I gotten trapped. You wouldn't happen to have anything on you by chance?" He curiously asked.

"Sorry, I've got nothing. I ate like two days ago. But hey, maybe we can find food on our way."

"I suppose I can wait a little longer." The short troll sighs and the two kept walking, hoping to find any source of food to restore nourishment.

Chapter Text

It was hours of traveling that made Dominic very exhausted and hungry.

He could barely walk up a hill, and had to stop to take a break.

"We've been walking for six hours. How long will we find food?"

"Wait. Six hours? You've been counting?" Deya questions and stops.

"I like to keep my mind busy. Yes, I've been keeping count." The short troll replied, and was out of breath.

She decides to check up the hill to see if there would be anything on the other side.

"Stay right here, I'll be right back."

Once she arrived at the top, she squints her eyes and looks around.

Something caught her attention when she saw a small light in the distance and it caught her interest.

Then, she slides down to help the Conundrum troll up.

"I found something a mile away. We can relax there and hopefully, it might have some food." She spoke, which it gave some relief.

"Oh, what delighted news." He huffs and leans against her for support.

After awhile, they soon arrived at their destination and it turned out to be a trollish pub.

"A pub. Seems like a good place to stop and relax." Deya spoke. But before they entered, they heard a loud commotion inside and a troll was kicked out.

"And stay out, you filthy leech!" A larger troll shouted from within and the door closes.

The two gazed down at the drunken troll, who was completely intoxicated and struggles to get up, while slurring in his words.

"I... jush wan...ted an-other... drink."

He eventually fell on down face first on the ground and was instantly fell asleep.

Deya started having second thoughts about this place and takes a peak through the window to find the place completely packed.

Not only that, but there were some shady looking trolls in there.

"Is... he alright?" Dominic questions with concern as he kneels down beside the drunken troll.

"Forget about him. I'm more worried about going in there." She replied as she watched through the window.

"But, didn't we come all this way to find a place to rest and eat?"

"Yes, but I don't like the looks of this place. Especially, those trolls inside."

The short troll sighs with disappointment, which made Deya feek a little guilty, then she sighs after thinking for a moment.

"Alright, we'll go in..."

"Really?" He perked up.

"But, only if you stay close to me and don't make eye contact with anyone. Also, make sure you keep your belongings to yourself, there could be sneaky pickpockets in there. Come on." She approaches the door and he stays behind her.

As soon as she opens the door, the whole pub went quiet and the trolls turned towards their direct, giving them angry and intimidating looks.

The awkward silence made Dominic tense up and afraid, so he grabs onto her arm.

Deya didn't care as she went in with the short troll staying really close.

While they walked down the room, everyone was staring at them, with one troll smirking and whispered to his buddy.

Finally, when Deya and Dominic sat at the bar, everyone resume to their business and the ambience fades back in.

"What will it be?" The barkeeper behind the counter asked.

"Two drinks, and a warm meal for him." She replied.

The large troll scoffs and walks through a door.

A moment later, he comes back and slid two bottles towards them and a bowl of what looked like a slop of stew with snails.

Dominic didn't know if he should be relief to finally have something to eat, or be disgusted from how it looks.

"Not what you expected?" Deya asked.

"No. But I was taught not to complain and be thankful for what I have. Even if it's not appealing. " He responded, then he turns to the large troll.

"Thank you, for the meal, sir!"

The barkeeper stared at him with a confused look, like it was uncommon to be given gratitude and turns away with a scoff.

Deya gives the short troll a look, and Dominic looked back.

"What? I thought it was normal to give gratitude."

"I get that your being nice, but not everyone will take it genuinely. Something you should learn, is that even kindness can be seen as a weakness and a form of ridicule." She explained and took a swig of her drink.

The Conundrum troll paused for a moment, confused by her words, and unsure how showing kindness can be used against him when he was taught to be fair and genuine.

He decided to think about it another time and just eat, which he thought it tasted odd, but rather not complain.

That is when he tried to wash it down with his drink but nearly spat it out when he took a small swig.

Deya chuckled when he began coughing and wincing from the taste.

"I suppose scholars don't drink liquor." She spoke humorously.

"Only the elders. Newer scholars weren't allowed to indulge themselves with such beverages. Is it supposed to taste bitter?" Dominic shakes off the strange taste.

"You'll get used to it, just don't drink too much. I don't want to carry you out of here while your drunk." Deya laughed, and Dominic shyly chuckled.

Suddenly, they were approached by two trolls, one blue leaned beside Deya, and the other grey, leaned beside Dominic.

The moment was ruined when the first troll spoke with a cocky smirk.

"What’s a fine young mare like you doing in a place like this?" The red troll asked and he looks her up.

Deya frowns and her brows furrowed, ignoring the troll as she takes another swig.

The red troll didn't like how ignorant she was to his presence and decide to catch her attention.

"You know it's quite dangerous being here, and I doubt your mate over here can even protect you." He spoke and gave a smug look.

"Or himself." The other commented with a chuckle, making Dominic frown.

Deya slams her drink down and faces the red troll with a scowl.

"Watch your mouth, pebble-brain. He's just an acquaintance and I don't need protection. Now, if you don't mind, we would prefer to be left alone." She aggressively spoke.

"Whoa, hey. I mean no harm. No need to get feisty. Why don't you come over and sit with me. You know... get to know each other a little more." The red troll suggested, making Deya extremely angry, but tries her hardest not to make a scene.

Before she could answer, Dominic spoke up to defend her.

"Pardom me, sir. I don't mean to intrude, but she isn't interested in your advances. We would appreciate it if you kindly leave us be." He turns towards the red troll.

The two trolls looked at each other with a confused look, then they burst out laughing.

"I can't believe someone like you would want to hang out with a puny know-it-all like him." The red troll laughed as he looked towards Deya.

Dominic started to realize what Deya meant by showing kindness towards others, and that she was right, making him upset.

She had enough of them and grabs the short troll's arm and pulls him away to leave the pub.

"Come on. We're leaving, they're not worth our time."

"Hey, don't leave so soon. You just got here, why don't you-"

The red troll grabs Deya's arm and she instinctively punches him and pulls away from him.

He was surpised from her physical reaction, and wipes his nose to feel something wet, that is when he looks at his hand and saw that he was bleeding.

The grey troll was surprised from her reaction as well and his friend became angry.

"I see how it is. Playing hard to get, huh." He charges towards her, but she quickly backs away to dodge him, which caused her to accidentally bump into another big troll, irritating him.

"Look out!" Dominic pulls her away when the large troll was about to punch her, but punches the red troll instead, knocking him down.

"Oi! Watch it!" The grey troll steps in and pushes the large away to defend his friend and soon, a fight began.

Everyone in the pub got quickly involved with bottles being thrown, chairs and tables being destroyed, and overall utter chaos.

Dominic and Deya were caught in the middle of all of it, and they had to escape.

"Oh, dear. Oh, dear, oh-whoaaaa!"

The short troll was dragged away by Deya as she attempts to flee while avoiding the brutish trolls.

They were so close to the exit, but someone grabbed Deya and shove Dominic away, pinning her to the wall.

She looks up and saw it was the red troll, and he looked very pissed.

"Oh, you ain't going anywhere. You think you could just disrespect me like that and get away with it? Oh, no, no, no. You deserve what's coming for you." He growled and tightly grips her neck and winds back his other fist to punch her right in face.

Dominic wanted to help, but before he could intervene, the grey troll pulls him back.

However, Deya was quick enough to kick him between the legs and he howls in pain as his hands goes to cover his privates.

Deya grabs a chair and smashes it against the grey troll, releasing the Conundrum troll.

Then, the two headed for the exit, but once again, the red troll quickly grabs he, that is when he saw something in her pocket and swiftly snatches it from her without her noticing.

"Let me go! Get the hell off of me!" She shouted angrily.

It wasn't until she saw a bottle on a table, but it was out of reach.

"Dominic. The bottle!" Deya called out, and the short troll hands her the drink and slams it right on the red troll's head, shattering the bottle into pieces.

The troll groans in pain and was immediately knocked out.

Dominic grabs her and the two ran out of the pub, as far away as possible, until they ran out of breath.

"Let’s never do that again." She pants.

"Agreed. Also, I would like to apologize." He sadly spoke.

"For what?"

"For risking ourselves into a harsh environment. And for not assisting you. I wished I could have stopped him... you were right. Being kind to others was a sign of weakness."

The Conundrum troll frowns and looks away.

Deya finally catches her breath and pats his back, attempting to cheer him up.

"You shouldn't blame yourself. You were raised so differently than everyone else. And yes, reality is a awful, but that doesn't mean you can't learn from it. The next time we're in a tense situation, don't be afraid to stand up and fight." She spoke

"I don't know how. Conundrums are not bred for battle." He replied.

"So? I wasn't born a fighter too, but here I am. How about this, I can teach you how to defend yourself." Deya suggeted, which made the short troll look back at her and slightly smile.

"I suppose it would hurt to try." Dominic spoke.

"That's the spirit. Come on. We got a long way to go before the sun comes up." Deya smiled and the two continued on their way.

In the pub, the red troll and his buddy managed to get out and realize the other two had already fled.

"She's gone. Where did you think they went off to?" The grey troll asked.

"No clue. But something tells me she will miss this." He smirks and pulls out the Trollhunter’s amulet.

Chapter Text

The sun was beginning to rise, which concerned him.

He runs off to find shelter before he turns to stone.

The urgency made him panic, his heart raced, adrenaline pumping, and his lungs became sore.

Rays of sunlight hit his skin and snarled in pain.

Eventually, he hid underneath some trees, giving him some shade.

He knew it was over for him, as in a few hours the sun will move and the shade will shrink, and he will have no place to take cover.

It wasn't until he found a small cave nearby, and the sunlight was close to shining on it.

This was his opportunity to make a run for it and take shelter, even if it meant getting slightly burned.

He takes a deep breath and jumps out of the shade, jumping from shadow to shadow so he wouldn't instantly turn to stone.

Finally, he made it to the cave just seconds before the light hits it.

Once inside, he pants with exhaustion, and lays down to relax.

As he relaxed, he started to remember everything that happened and how he got into this mess.

He was fighting in a battle alongside his father.

They split, as his father fought against the human king, while he fought the knights of the round table.

Being so focused in the fight, he didn't realize of the traitorous general attacking him from behind.

The two soon found themselves far away from the battle, but it didn't mattered as they continued fighting each other.

Eventually, he was knocked out and when he woke up, he was all alone in the middle of the deep forest.

All around him was quiet, with no sounds of battle nearby.

He realized he was far from Killhahead and he had to find his father.

Not only that, but his dual blades were missing, which made him even more pissed.

However, there was no time to be furious, he needed to go back to the bridge.

That is how he got here, stuck in a cave to avoid daylight.

He just hopes he won't disappoint his father when he finds him.

They somehow managed to find shelter in an abandon shack.

It was quite small, but it had enough space for both trolls.

Deya managed to start up a fire in the fireplace to provide some light and the two of them gathered around it.

"So, you still don't have any clues in how to find that secret weakness?" She curiously asked.

"Still nothing, yet. I'm just not sure how or where Bodus hid it." Dominic replied, feeling stumped.

"Is there anything about him that could maybe leave a clue?"

The short troll thought about it and remembered old memories of his time studying from the wise scholar.

"He used to practice majiks and all sorts of enchantments. Maybe he hid the secret somewhere in the pages."

He flipped through them carefully, searching for something.

As he looked into the book, Deya reached into her pocket to look at her amulet.

However, it wasn't there.

She felt confused and looked into all of her pockets, only to find nothing.

Her heart raced and her stomach twisted as she began to panic.

"No, no, no, no, no, no! Where is it?" She spoke with dread as she re-checks her pockets.

Dominic sensed her urgency and asked.

"What's wrong?"

"My amulet! It's... it's gone! I must've dropped it. Maybe... maybe if I just..."

Deya began looking around the shack, through cupboards, a single chest, underneath some of the furniture.

Minutes later, she found nothing.

She soon became frantic and upset that her amulet didn't appear at her presence, like she thought it would.

"Damn it!"

"Perhaps, you accidentally dropped it at the pub when we tried to escape." Dominic commented, which caused her to perk up.

"Of course! But... no that wouldn't make sense. The amulet is magically bonded to me. If I dropped it, it would have followed me here. That could mean... oh, no." Her heart sunk when the worse might have happened.

"That son of a bitch! He stole my amulet when he got his grimey hands on me! Great, that's just great! What am I going to do now? I can't face Gunmar without my amulet!"

Deya paced around the shack, furious and stressed out.

"Perhaps it's best if you calm down. Too much stress can block your focus and make you blind." He suggested and gets up to guide her to sit back down.

However, she pulls back her arm and glares at him.

"Calm down? How can I be calm about losing the most important thing that was created by THE Merlin! Did you also learn that from Bodus?" She angrily questions and got in his face.

Dominic tenses up and slowly sits back down with a frown.

"No. My father told me that." He replied and stares at her in the eyes.

Deya suddenly felt the guilt strike her heart from his response, but she was too heated to even calm down.

"What am I suppose to do now?" She sighs and rubs her temples.

"You know, Bodus once said-"

"Enough with Bodus! I don't know how you can believe everything that insane old troll says when he hides secrets from everyone! He makes no sense, his teachings make no sense, and this book... this book doesn't even have the answers we need to defeat Gunmar! It's basically useless!"

In her furious rant, she snatches the book from the Conundrum and tosses the book in the flames in a fit of rage.

"No! Deya!" The short troll yells in a panic and was in shock when he witnessed her burn his teacher's book.

The tension broke and so did her blinding rage, realizing what she did her brows furrowed with concern.

Dominic quickly removes the burning book from the fire, but instantly drops it because the cinders nearly burned his robe.

He stomped the book to put out the flames, but once the fire was put out, the book was reduced to ashes, making him extremely upset.

However, he noticed something within the ashes and kneels down to examine it closely.

"Dominic. I'm so sorry. I... I didn't mean to..." Deya spoke as she looks at the short troll with worry.

That is when he blew onto the ashes and the dust flew away, revealing a message scorched onto the wooden floor.

It finally clicked and he perks up.

"This is it. He hid it within the book. Oh, what a genius!" He exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"What? What is it?" Deya questions and looks over his shoulder.

"The secret! Bodus used an hidden enchantment other book that can only be exposed in fire!" Dominic explained with a big smile.

She looks at the inscription and reads it.

"In the darkest tide, when Daylight dearest wane, the Myrddin Wylt obscured a Shadow's bane."

"Myrddin Wylt? Wait, didn't you say that Merlin made the amulet? Then, that means he knew of Bodus and must've informed him of Gunmar's weakness!" The Conundrum troll blurted out.

"That can't be. Can it?" Deya questions.

"But it can! The great and powerful wizard was known to have the ability to see into the future. Meaning he must have foreseen Gunmar's demise. I told you, the Fates kept him alive for a reason, Deya!"

Everything that didn't make sense, suddenly now made sense.

She finally realized why she failed, even if it painted her in a bad light, this was a perfect opportunity to get her respect.

That is when she looks towards Dominic, seeing how overly enthusiastic he was and his smile was strangely charming, making her forget the anger and guilt and replace it with relief and content.

"You're right. I shouldn't have underestimated you. You are more than a strange scholar. Dominic, you are a brilliant troll." She smiled back.

Dominic couldn't help but wag his stubby tail underneath his robe as she complimented him.

He realized how overwhelmingly warm his face was and felt a strange tension between him and her, which caused him to down to avoid her gaze, only to see there was more in the message.

"Three forces elemental thou must seek. In marshland, caverns deep, and mountain's peak. Where worthy perish, ye will prevail in night and eclipse all who quarry with thy might." He read the second half of the inscription.

"What does that mean?" Deya asked.

"Three forces elemental. In marshland, caverns deep, and mountain's peak. It must be the referring to three forces unhallowed... The Triumbric Stones. Of course!" Dominic perked up.

"The Trium... brick-what?"

"Three shards that were tied to Gunmar's lifeblood. If we find these stones, and your amulet, there could be a chance for you to defeat Gunmar once and for all!" He explained and jumps up with excitement, reaching over to hold her hands.

"This is your moment!"

Deya began to feel hopeful and determined again.

As the short troll became excited, he failed to notice that he was intruding on her personal space.

It wasn't until the two calm down and the awkward silence fade in and Deya looked at the short troll, who was holding onto her hands and arms, practically close to embracing her.

"Umm... Dominic?" She spoke up, and he curiously hums, still hasn't noticed yet, it isn't until is when he follows her gaze and saw how close they were.

His heart stopped and he quickly removed his four arms off of her and backs away.

"Oh, pardon me! I didn't mean to intrude." He awkardly laughed, and when the tension became too intense, he goes to sit near the fireplace and avoids her gaze.

He suddenly felt his face and the tips of his ears burn with embarrassment after what he did.

"Well, it looks like we got ourselves another quest. Finding the Triumbric Stones. And then my amulet, and soon, Gunmar will meet his end." Deya confidently spoke.

"Right now, we just got to wait until the sun sets before we can head out again."

And so, the two waited before they began their journey.

Chapter Text

In their first quest, they figured they would find the Killstone in the marshlands.

However, finding the Killstone in a swampy forest is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Thankfully, Dominic was one step ahead and knew where it could be.

"You're telling me that the Quagawumps have the Killstone?" Deya questions.

"Precisely. The Killstone is tied to Gunmar's first kill. From what I learned, he slaughtered the Quagawumps' beloved king. So ìt would make sense that they would have it." He replied.

"Do you know where the marshlands are?"

The short troll takes out a map of the massive land and quickly finds what they were looking for.

"Here. If we go east, we will arrive at our destination."

"Alright. Marshlands, here we go."

The two followed the path on the map, and as they traveled, Dominic warned her about certain dangers in the marshlands.

"I need to inform you. Before we enter the marshlands, we need to be cautious. The biome is known to inhabit dangerous creatures... including the Quagawumps..."

"Yeah, yeah. I know, the Quagawumps are savages and are very territorial. Don't worry, I got this. I know I don't have my amulet, but I've survived worse before I was chosen." She reassured him, so he took her word for it.

Days later, they were close to the marshlands as they begin to feel the humidity getting thicker and the environment was changing around them with long and thicker grass, vines hanging from trees, and the soil was muddy.

Soon, they arrived at an open swampy area.

It was damp and smelly, making Deya cover her nose with disgust.

"Why does it smell so bad?" She asked.

"Swamps often collect all sorts of scents, such as the scented flora, the molding carcasses of animals, and of course, animal droppings, and combining that with the strong humidity swamp gas, it can result into... well the smell you are sensing." Dominic explained, which didn't really help with her disgust.

"Eugh, gross..."

Deya watches where she steps after he just explained to her.

As they walked through the swamp, they finally arrived to the marshlands, and it was like a swampy jungle.

Large trees with hanging vines, even taller and thicker grass and bushes, and the smell was much worse than before.

However, the environment looked eerie, but also magically mysterious as the marshland was dark, although there were crystals that provided a light source all around.

It sort of helped them to see where they were going as the area also had swampy pools that could easily drown them if they fell in.

A minute later, they heard rustling nearby, causing them to stop in their tracks.

"What was-"

"Shhhh!" Deya interrupted the Conundrum troll to stay quiet as she became alert.

A second later, several short green trolls jump out of the bushes, aggressively chanting while pointing spears and surrounded them.

The two trolls stayed close to each other with Dominic grabbing onto Deya's arm with dread.

Turns out, it was the Quagawumps.

"What intruders doing here?" The leader of the pack blurted out, pointing her spear very close to Deya.

"Look, we're not here to harm you. We're here on an important mission to end Gunmar." She replied.

The pack looked at each other, murmuring to each other. But the leader glared at her in the eyes for a good minute, filling in the tension between them.

"You end Gunmar? You Trollhunter?"

"Yes. That's me. I'm the Trollhunter, and we came here to find the Killstone."

"We heard of Killahead war. And heard Gunmar is alive. Was it not you who failed to send Gumm-Gumm king to Darklands?" She aggressively questions, making Deya feel defensive.

"I know, I know. I failed, but I found another way to defeat him. For good this time."

All the Quagawumps were unsure and confused, then the leader removed the spear away from her and raised a brow.

"And why want Killstone?" The leader asked.

"If I may. It is said when your king fell by Gunmar's hands, the Killstone was tied to his lifeblood. A powerful stone that if combined with another two stones, could grant the Trollhunter an incredible power to defeat him." Dominic explained.

The others murmured to each other again, while the leader thought for a moment.

"You seek Killstone, but we no have." She replied with a disappointed look.

"What? What do you mean you don't have it?"

Deya seemed frustrated and annoyed.

"We fled from Wumpa tribe from Blungo, the Pretend King. Others follow him, but we stay loyal to true king." The leader spoke, which sparked a thought into Deya.

"Do you think this, Blungo might have possession of the Killstone?" Dominic asked Deya and she slightly nodded.

"It's worth a risk. Alright. We're going to pay this, "Pretend King" a visit, and avenge your fallen king." She spoke up confidently.

"You go see Blungo, die you surely will. He is big dangerous troll with other Wumpas on his side." The leader warned her, which made Dominic a little afraid.

Deya, however, ignores the Wumpa's warning as she passes through the Wumpas.

"Please. I'm the Trollhunter. I've faced plenty of big and dangerous trolls." She scoffs.

"But Gunmar you let live."

Again, Deya ignored her and continues walking.

"Come on, Dominic. Unless you're fine staying with them."

Dominic stood there for a moment, uncertain if he should follow the Trollhunter, although he was afraid of meeting the supposed dangerous troll.

It wasn't until the Quagawumps surrounded him, curious of his appearance, and some where smitten with him.

"Ooh. He has many eyes."

"And many arms."

"So handsome."

"You are single, yes?"

They were so uncomfortably close to him that he eventually had to make a split second decision.

"Thank you, but no thank you! Deya, wait for me!" He blurted out and rushed towards his companion.

Deya chuckled as he caught up to her, seeing his scared expression.

"I'm guessing you forgot that Quagawumps are not just scary savages, but are also known for being aggressively horny towards male trolls."

"A piece of information that I was aware of, but poorly misjudged." He sighs.

"Besides, they are not my interest of attraction."

She glanced at him with a raised brow and smiled.

"Do scholars have romantic interests? Or are you not allowed to have relationships?" Deya questions.

"Scholars are allowed to have relationships, but it meant the troll they're in love with have to pursue the same lifestyle as their mate. Because of that, not many scholars had relationships. So we often suppressed our longing for love." The Conundrum replied, and he slightly frowns.

She noticed his mood change and thinking how miserable his life must be without satisfying an important need because of his lifestyle.

As much as she wants to talk about her concerns for him, it was best to focus on the mission, and have this conversation later.

Soon, they heard a loud cheering, like a festival was going on behind some thick vines.

Deya and Dominic poke in and finds the tribe of Quagawumps celebrating and worshipping a large green troll with tree branch horns sitting on a throne.

"That must be Blungo." She whispered.

"No doubt. But, how are we going to get him to hand over the Killstone? What if tries to fight us?" He worriedly questions.

"Well, I don't mind a good old fashion brawl, if it means we get the stone. Just stay behind me and watch and learn."

She walks through the vines and enters the scene with Dominic being slightly concern and follows her.

"Oh, dear..."

As they walked in, the Quagawumps stopped dancing and singing, gasping as they saw two new trolls approaching.

The larger troll was furious and slammed his fist onto the arm rest of the throne.

"Why outsiders here?" He growled.

"Your time of ruling is over Blungo! Give up the throne and the Killstone, or I'll have to use brutal force." Deya demanded.

The large troll gets up from his throne and stomps his way over to the two, and Dominic cowers behind Deya, who stood her ground.

"You dare challenge Blungo?" He questions.

"We can do this the easy way where no one gets hurt, or we can do this the hard way, and you don't want that, do you?" She asked curiously.

It didn't seem the green troll would back down as he scowled at her and stayed intimidatingly tall.

That is when Dominic noticed a green diamond shaped stone embedded into the larger troll's crown, making him curious.

"King you are not. King am I!"

Blungo refused to listen and raises his fist in the air to slam down onto Deya, but she quickly reacted by shoving Dominic away and avoided the large troll.

The Quagawumps cheered for the Pretend King as the two got into a brawl.

Dominic felt his heart race, worried for his companion as he watched the scene unfold.

"Hard way it is, then." She mumbled with a sly grin.

As the larger troll attacked her, she kept dodging him, making him extremely angry and throws a tantrum.

The way she swiftly moved around the bulking troll impressed Dominic and he soon forgotten any feelings of fear or concern, and began cheering her on.

"Go Deya, go! Use his brutish strength against him!"

Deya dodges another attack, then gave the short troll a quick smile and jumps over the larger troll, then kicking him from behind, causing him to lose balance and fall forward.

The other Quagawumps weren't happy to see their king being beaten by a stranger, and so a couple of them started throwing spears at her.

"Deya, look out!" Dominic warned her, and she immediately dodged the flying projectiles as quick as she could.

One even zoomed passed her, just inches away from her head, which definitely made her heart skip a beat and the adrenaline kicked into high gear.

Eventually, Blungo got up and charged at her, but she jumped out of the way, and swiftly tripped him down again.

Once he was down again, she jumped onto his back and taunted him.

"I told you wouldn't want to do this the hard way. Now give up the throne and hand over the Killstone, I'm not going to ask you again." She firmly spoke.

"Never!" The large troll aggressively replied back and quickly gets up, and Deya lost balance, falling right off and landing on the ground.

She was about to get away, but he picks up a nearby spear and chucks it at her, stabbing her right in the waist.

"Deya!" Dominic shouted, and all the fear and concern came back to him.

Deya fell to the ground, knocking the air out of her lungs.

"Damn it." She panted and groans in pain.

The Quagawumps loudly cheered at her downfall with the larger troll gloating in his victory.

Dominic quickly rushed to her side, and winced at the terrible injury with the spear still stabbed in her waist.

'D-Dominic. Get out of here... you'll get hurt." She warned him, but he refused to leave her.

"No, I won't leave you like this. You mustn’t give up!" He exclaimed with worry and tried to help her up.

"Weak troll you are. Puny and weak, like your friend. Weak trolls must die!"

As the Pretend King was about to stab Dominic in the back, Deya became internally furious from his demeaning words that she heard many times in her past from other trolls that made her finally snap.

Within a split second she pulls out the spear from her body and charges at the big green troll, impaling him in the chest with it.

The Quagawumps gasp in utter shock to see the gruesome sight and Blungo howled in pain and suddenly turned to stone.

Then, she kicks the statue down, which shattered into pieces once it fell.

Everyone remained silent when the dust settles, and Dominic looks over to see the stoney remains of the larger troll, and the Killstone fell right of out the crumbling crown landing right in front of him.

"She shattered our king!"

"Gone is our king!"

"What now?"

Deya fell to her knees, and Dominic rushed to hold her up, filled with dread, he quickly picks up the Killstone and leads the Trollhunter out of the camp, avoiding the upset Quagawumps as they chanted aggressively and throwing spears at them.

Soon enough, they made it back with the other group of Wumpa trolls, but Deya was slowly losing her consciousness due to her wound.

The leader and the others were surprised to see them alive.

Well, barely.

Dominic sets her down against a rock and pulls out a small bottle and unplugs the cork.

"Here, drink this. It will help with the pain." He spoke and raised the bottle to her lips.

A few seconds later, she cringed from the taste and coughs.

"Why... why didn't you run away?" She weakly questions.

"I told you, I couldn't just leave you to die. You still have a mission, a goal to complete." He stubbornly replied and plugs the bottle.

Deya felt this strange sentiment towards him after he replied with a distressed look on his face, something about his loyalty to her made her feel confused, but also appreciated.

She never once had anyone stay by her side before, as all the other trolls abandon her.

"Please, she needs medical attention."

Were the last words she heard before passing out, everything going completely dark.

It took quite some time to arrive at his destination, but it only devastated him to find everyone is gone.

Killahead bridge was missing and the battle was over with the only thing that remained was the stone corpses of his fallen Gumm-Gumm allies, a few of Dwoza trolls, and several human corpses laying in the battlefield.

The battle was over, but his father is nowhere to be found.

He searched all around, only to find no sort of indication that his father could be dead, which was a relieving sign. But the question remains...

"Where are you, father?"

It wasn't until he found familiar tracks on the ground and knew it belonged to his father's, so he followed the foot prints and the scent, hoping he would reunite with his father.

Chapter Text

In the darkest night, two trolls set up camp in an open cave.

The red troll tossing firewood into the fire pit, then sits down.

"Hey, Figo, when we get to Amora, how much do you think we can sell this amulet for?" The grey troll asked.

"Plenty of gold that's for sure, Teros. And with the festival happening in the upcoming full moon, it will be a grand old time." Figo replied.

The two began laughing mischievously as they imagined themselves having "fun."

She thought she died, she could've failed, she... should've.

She been a failure her whole life.

However, she believes it was the Fates, again.

Still wanting to play one last game with her, making a mockery of her. But on the other hand, she also had...

"Fine she will be. Herbal medicine will help Trollhunter make recovery. But Heartstone she will need." The leader of the Wumpa pack spoke to Dominic.

"I couldn't be more thankful that you are willing to help us." The Conundrum troll replied with gratitude.

"However, where can we find another Heartstone?"

"There is another. Beyond the mountains, a large village there will be with grand Heartstone." The Wumpa leader pointed north.

Dominic was curious and takes out his map to find this village.

That is when he found a place called Amora, just on the other side of the highest mountains.

"Seems quite a journey, but I'm sure she can make it. She's strong and determined..."

"But, even strong trolls do not last. In the highest mountain is home to mountain trolls." The leader warned.

"Giants."

"Step on you they surely will."

"No survivors."

The others commented, making Dominic really conflicted and afraid to even go near the mountains.

However, he glances over to Deya, who was still resting, and knew he had to do this for her own sake.

Even if it meant facing both of their demise.

"Giant trolls or not, we still need to go." He swallowed down the lump in his throat, pushing down any sense of fear he had.

The short troll gets up and heads out to find the right directions before they start on their journey.

All while the other Wumpas watched him with admiration and swooning over him.

"So sweet he is."

"So brave.

"And very loyal."

After some time, Deya woke up feeling well rested, but her wound irritated her, especially from the medicine.

It was so itchy that she had the urge to scratch it.

"No touch. Itchy it may be, but resist you must." The leader warned her.

"Ugh. Fine." Deya groans, then she looks around to find Dominic nowhere in sight.

"Uhh... where did-"

"Conundrum troll seeks a path to Amora. Heartstone he searches for, so Trollhunter can heal."

For a moment, she thought she misheard the Wumpa troll.

That is until the leader spoke again.

"Very lucky you are. If he were not loyal, run like a coward he would. Death you would have met. Yet, stayed with you. Worried he was, stayed with you he wanted."

This completely caught Deya caught off guard, and raised a brow.

"Wait, he stayed with me, for how long?" She asked.

"Since fell under slumber you have. Held your hands and prayed, begging for Trollhunter to recover." The Wumpa leader replied.

Deya remained silent, looking down at her hands, finding herself confused and a bit flustered at the thought of Dominic being by her side even while she was unconscious.

Not only that, but he wanted to with her and wishing for her to stay alive.

"He must like you. A lot." The leader chuckled.

"Dominic and I are just companions on a mission, that's all. Why wouldn't he be worried for my safety? Besides, we only met a couple days ago. There's no way he likes me like that." Deya scoffs ignorantly.

However, the Wumpa leader stared at her with an unamused expression.

"Plus. He's a scholar who's never interacted with outsiders in his whole life. I doubt he knows the first thing about love and relationships." She added.

"Stay blind if you wish. But blame yourself when love comes between you both."

At that the leader left the Trollhunter to her thoughts, making her contemplate and confused.

Does Dominic really like her?

No, he's just a caring and kind troll who doesn't know a lick of social cues.

Suddenly, her stomach twisted when Dominic returned.

"Deya! I'm so glad you're awake. How are you feeling?" He happily asked her.

She could definitely see his relief in his expression and now, the charming smile he had before was viewed in a different light.

One that could be seen as adoration and fondness.

"Better. But the medicine is itching my skin. It's getting annoying." She replied and clenched her fist to resist the urge to scratch it.

"Well, fortunate news. I found the right path to get to a Heartstone so that your wound can heal. That is if you're feeling well enough to travel." The short troll spoke.

Deya thought for a moment.

It would be great to have her injury fully healed, even if the journey will be long and painful, but she will have to deal with it like she always have.

She takes a deep breath and gets up to show that she is fine, but limped when she took a step.

Dominic quickly hands her a walking stick to use, but she refuses it.

"I'm fine. Let's just go. I don't want to stay here too long in this smelly place. No offense." She spoke, then turns to the Wumpa leader, who rolls her eyes.

The short troll's smile falters and decides to take the stick with him just in case, and follows her.

"Farewell, and... thank you for your assistance." He spoke to the leader.

"We thank you. Blungo is gone, save us you have. Safe travels we wish for you." The Wumpa leader waved goodbye and so did the others.

Some were sad and disappointed to see Dominic go.

Once they left the marshlands, Deya already felt tired and took a break.

"So, where is this Amora place?"" She asked.

"It's just north of here. A little far, but if we get through the mountain pass, we should arrive at the village." The Conundrum troll replied, then hands her the walking stick.

She stares at him for a moment and sighs, finally accepting the stick and uses it to walk.

"Dominic. Do you really want to sticking around with me? We faced through plenty of dangerous situations. Situations that could've end in you getting hurt."

He looks up at her and smiled generously.

"Our quest and journey may be life-threatening that fills me with dread, but believe it or not, I never had this much excitement in my entire life. If I end up getting hurt, I know I will have someone brave and strong to aid me."

From his response, she turns to look away, avoiding his optimistic gaze.

She is really hoping that he means this in a friendly kind of way, and definitely not in a romantic sense.

"Then I guess you're sticking with me."

The two soon continued their path towards the mountains, in a slow and cautious manner.

For days he tracked down his father, sensing he was getting closer.

Despite being exhausted, he wouldn't give up until he finds him.

Eventually, he found more tracks, from not just his father, but from other Gumm-Gumms.

These were also fresh, meaning he recently been here.

Not only that, but it seems to be leading him towards the mountains.

Without a second thought, he continues following the tracks with a pinch of adrenaline pushing him furthermore, anxious to finally reunite with his father.

Chapter Text

When she heard it was going to be a long trip, she thought it would take long to get to the mountains.

However, getting to the mountains was easy, climbing it was the hardest part.

Especially when she has an injured waist that made it even more difficult. But at least she has Dominic helping her.

"I think you should sit down and rest for a moment." He spoke and held her arm to guide her to sit on a rock.

"I'm fine, Dominic. We're almost at the top, we can't stop now." Deya complained and pushes herself forward, using the walking stick for support.

"Please, Deya. You're body is still weak, you need-"

"I'm not weak!" She snapped at him, only to regret it when she saw his shocked expression.

"I... I'm fine."

This time her voice was much quieter.

She carefully walks up the path and Dominic frowns with disappointment, but he follows behind her, making sure she doesn't trip and fall.

As they climbed the mountain, the Conundrum couldn't help but feel like there is some inner turmoil that is bothering the Trollhunter.

He wanted to talk about it, maybe hoping he could help her, but decided against it, as it's probably best not to piss her off again.

Instead he wanted to talk about something else, then he smiles.

"You have still yet to teach me how to fight. Or at least how to defend myself. I've seen your skills and you were quite the fighter, even without your amulet." He spoke.

"Well, if you've lived in a life like mines, you would do anything to survive. Especially, learning how to fight. Alright. The first thing you should learn is to focus on your surroundings. If anything happens, you need to be fully alert." Deya responded and Dominic quickly takes out a booklet to write in.

"Stay alert. Noted."

"The second thing you should learn is to get ready to pounce when there is danger. Whether it's preparing for a fight, or dodging an attack. There is also no shame in fleeing the fight if you can't hold on your own." She stated.

"Get ready to pounce. Got it."

"Last, but not least, is that when you have nothing to fight with, let your environment fight for you. See anything that could be used as a lethal weapon, use it. You don't always have to have a glorious victory."

"Use your environment. Well, that should be easy to follow." He spoke with a grin.

"Right. It sounds easy on paper, but try actually doing it in a real fight. Besides, if you want to be like me, it's going to take years to learn and master the skills." Deya humorously spoke and continues forward.

"But the one thing you should learn, is to be more upfront and assertive when things don't go your way."

Dominic was a bit hesitant, but was also eager to try and be more upfront.

"If your the Trollhunter, a highly skilled warrior, would that make you, Master Deya?" He curiously asked.

Deya stopped in her tracks and turns to look at him with a surprised look.

It completely caught her off guard, but now come to think of it, it does make more sense.

However, she hardly had enough time to train for the battle against Gunmar.

The skills she only knew was from what she learned growing up, where she forced herself to survive, and she hasn't even mastered it.

It somehow made her feel self conscious about herself, but pushes it down and replies back.

"Uhh... Sure. Although, "Master Deya" sounds too... I don't know, too much?" She awkwardly laughed.

"But, it is honorable and respectful to be address as such, to show how important you are. Is it not?" The short troll questions.

She really didn't want to answer, especially when he's putting her on a high pedestal, but her unconscious thinking caused her to reply.

"Dominic, the more you get to know me, the more you'll learn I'm not as important as you think I am."

He remained quiet and his smile faltered.

For a moment, he began to think, thinking how to respond back.

Then, he perks up and his charming smile returns.

"You know, Bodus started off as someone who wasn't important. He didn't have a lot riches or physical power. Instead, he had his intelligence and his charm. He influenced plenty of trolls of his experiences and taught them everything. Soon, they all followed him and became his students."

"But he's a scholar, not a warrior." She spoke.

"True. But, we all came from somewhere. I came from a split family." The Conundrum troll replied, which caused Deya to pause.

"A what?"

"Oh, right. I never mentioned this before. You see, my parents were once married, they lived happily together, and they soon had me. However, their happiness started fading when my father discovered of Bodus' teachings and pursued his life as a scholar. He wanted my mother to join him, but she refused, as she had a duty to raise me and tend the farm. As I got older, my parents made less contact with each other and I rarely visit my father. It wasn't until Gunmar and his Gumm-Gumm army raided across the lands, including my mother's farm." He explained, and Deya felt her heart drop upon hearing his story.

"She... sacrificed herself to save me. My father was the only family I had left. So, I lived with him and the other scholars at the temple. We... never see eye to eye on certain things. I wanted to learn majiks, he wanted me to study natural medicine. There were times when he.... how do I put it? Forced me to choose a different path."

Suddenly, she felt awful for him for how his father treated him.

"As I was saying, I came from a split family. I didn't always had everything, but I knew one day I would find enlightenment. Something to take pride in. Wouldn't you want to be proud of something?" Dominic asked curiously.

His words made her feel conflicted, unsure how to respond, especially when everything in her life was nothing to be proud of.

However, before she could speak, she heard groaning up ahead.

The two stopped in their tracks, they stared at each other, then they faced forward.

Deya furrowed her brows and bravely took a step forward, and Dominic followed, putting on a brave face.

As they progressed up the path, the noises got louder and clearer.

Eventually, they heard painful moaning, and when they reached to the source of the noises, they gasped in utter shock.

Deya couldn't believe what she is witnessing, and so did Dominic.

There, before them, was Bular, the Gumm-Gumm Prince himself, chained to a giant boulder, covered in bruises.

"Is that... Bular? The son of Gunmar?" Dominic whispered to the Trollhunter, who remained still.

Not a second later, and the dark troll opened his eyes and stared right at them, startling the two of them.

He panted and struggled in the chains, growling with overwhelming anger.

"You... You!" He snarled at them and they took a step back, to stay at a safe distance.

"I know you. Trollhunter. The bane of my father's existence. Why are you here?" Bular asked aggressively.

"What am I doing here? I should be asking you. What are you doing here, and why are you chained to a boulder?" She defensively spoke back.

"I came to find my father. I suppose your here to find him, didn't you?" The dark troll growled.

Deya didn't answer, instead she scowled at him.

That is when Dominic discovered a lot of footprints on the ground going in the same direction they were heading.

He was curious, then he noticed the fresh injuries on Bular's body.

"Something happened here. And he knows it." The Conundrum spoke.

Bular took one good look at the short troll, then his expression changed, as if he remembered him from somewhere.

"As if I would tell you." He replied.

"Fine. We're heading on our way then. The sun should rise in a few hours and I rather not stick around when it does come." Deya turns towards the path and walks forward.

"No! You can't leave me here to die!" Bular complained and pulled against the chains, but was too weak to break it.

"Oh, I think I can. You clearly don't want to talk, so I guess it must not be important." She taunted and continues.

That was until the Conundrum troll stopped and look back at the dark troll with sympathy.

"Master Deya, I don't think we should leave him here."

"What? Are you listening to yourself? That is Bular, the Butcher. He's Gunmar's son! What makes you think I'm going to free him? He'll just try to kill me if I did."

He knew of Bular and his relations to the Gumm-Gumm king, but there was this inkling feeling that he couldn't ignore.

"I know who he is. But I have this feeling that he wasn't chained up for no reason. And given the tracks on the ground, clearly there was a more than one troll that passed through here." Dominic explained and pointed at the ground.

Deya raised a brow and was still unsure where this was going.

"Not only that, but he has fresh wounds on his body. I don't think he was attacked by random trolls. I think he did found his father. And something happened... didn't it?"

Six eyes turn towards Bular, and his body became tense as he short troll figured out a piece of the truth.

"I don't know what you're talking about. You're making up nonsense." He defensively spoke and looked away.

"I see. Your father betrayed and abandoned you. For what reason, I still don't know because you don't want to talk about it." Deya crosses her arms and frowns.

The dark troll roared and pulled against the chains, wanting to attack her, yet again, he was too weak to break free.

"Come on, Dominic. He's not worth our time." She turns to leave, but the short troll stood there.

"Please. We can't just leave him. A Trollhunter is supposed to be honorable, even towards the most formidable enemy."

This really made her conflicted and unsure, especially when she doesn't trust the dark troll. And she doesn't know why or how could Dominic have some sympathy for Bular.

However, she trusts Dominic enough, so she thought of hearing him out.

"Alright, Bular. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't leave your ass here to die." Deya sternly spoke.

Bular remained silent, hesitating to even speak.

He took too long and Deya had enough, wanting to leave.

"Fine. Have it your way."

"I was chained here because of my father!" The dark troll blurted out, causing her to stop.

"He said I dishonored him for abandoning him at the battle of Killahead. I lost my weapons that he gifted to me, which only dishonored him more. He punished me by having his soldiers beat me to pulp, and then he chained me to this boulder, and his final words to me was to think what I have done, to watch the sunrise and forget I was ever his son." He finally confessed, lowering his head to avoid their gaze.

Deya was utterly shocked to hear what happened to him, even a little disgusted by how Gunmar treated his own son, even if he was a horrible troll.

The short troll gave an empathetic look because he knew what it was like to have an awful father.

That is when she glanced over to see Dominic attempting to break the chains.

"Wait, are you seriously going to free him? What if he's lying?" She spoke up.

"Would he be lying if his life is on the line?" The Conundrum troll asked, which made Deya realize that Bular is telling the truth.

Dominic and Deya struggled to break the chains, and with her injured waist, it didn't help.

"It's no use. By the time we free him, the sun will already be up and we'd all be turned to stone." She huffs.

That is when the short troll had an idea.

"Maybe, not with strength." He mumbled and pulls out a piece of chalk from his satchel, then he starts drawing runes around the boulder.

"What are you doing?"

"Something I learned from my time as a scholar."

Once he was done, he stores the chalk away and places two hands on the boulder, and with the other two he raised them in the air and chanted an incantation in Trollish.

Soon, an icy mist covered his hands and he touched the chains.

The runes on the boulder lit up and it caused the chains to freeze with ice.

Then, he pulled onto the chains and it all snapped into tiny crystallized pieces.

Bular fell to the ground as he was finally free.

He was able to breath and move his body, but he was extremely weak and sore to even move.

"I didn't know you learned magic." Deya spoke, sounding impressed.

"I know my father never wanted me to learn majiks, but I may or may not have done so behind his back." The short troll replied with a chuckle.

She raised a brow and was surprised of his rebellious side, but started to like it.

Dominic pulls out the same bottle he used for Deya and kneels beside the dark troll.

"Here, drink it, it will help with the pain." He hands the bottle over, but Bular stubbornly jerked his head away.

"Don't bother with him, Dominic. He's not worth wasting your time and resources. He's free now, let's just go."

The Conundrum troll sighs and furrows his brows.

"You told me to be more upfront, so I will be more upfront." He grabs Bular's curled horns and forcefully pull his head back.

"I will not ask you again. Drink this if you do not wish to feel so much pain!"

The way he became assertive towards the Gumm-Gumm surprised Deya, something that she never saw coming from the Conundrum.

Bular was more surprised, staring at Dominic for a moment, and became curious and intriguied to this strange troll.

He sighs in defeat and accepts the drink, but also cringed and gagged from the taste.

"Are you trying to poison me?"

"Do I look like I have to heart to poison you?" Dominic questions.

Deya chuckled when the dark troll had nothing to say and muttered to himself as he became flustered.

"Alright, we've done our part. Can we just go to Amora now?" She asked impatiently.

The short troll still felt hesitant, but he knew Deya didn't have enough patience to keep helping the dark troll, and so he gets up, puts the bottle away, and turns to Deya with a nod.

Both trolls walked away, and Bular was left to his thoughts.

He was so distraught that his father betrayed him, after everything he has been through, from the day he was born, he was destined to be a deadly warrior for his father, learning and training to be a killer for years.

He was loyal and did everything in his father's name.

Gunmar wasn't just a warlord, he was his father, and he loved him very much, just as his father loved him.

So how could a proud and loving father punish their son and leave him to die?

It wasn't his fault he wasn't there when the battle ended.

If Gunmar truly loved him, he wouldn't have cared for honor, but would have been relieved of the well-being of his only son.

Instead father was cruel, and abandoned him.

Bular began to feel a burning rage inside, a thirst for vengeance and blood.

That is when he knew, that his father must pay for what he has done to him.

"Wait! Trollhunter!" The dark troll called out, and the two turned around.

He weakly approaches them and Deya looked at him, crossing her arms with a frown.

Dominic looked curious, but cautious.

Before he could even speak, he felt embarrassed and awkward to even suggest of coming along.

He quickly came up with an excuse to come along with them.

"Wouldn't it be honorable for the Trollhunter, to help a troll in need?"

Deya sighs with exhaustion, already tired of him.

"Look, if you're going to come along, I expect you to behave and don't try any funny business." She sternly spoke.

Bular scoffs and rolls his eyes.

"There isn't much for you to worry about, Trollhunter. As long as you don't get in my way." He growled and walks ahead.

Deya and Dominic allowed him to go ahead of them as she doesn't trust the dark troll being behind them.

"I'm going to regret having him come along, aren't I." She mumbled.

"Perhaps. Or he could be useful in our quest." Dominic replied.

"Well, if he does try anything, I'll be sure to end him myself... what... what happened here."

The two stopped when they arrived at the top of the mountain, but there was no giant troll in sight.

Instead there were giant remains scattered all over the mountain.

"Oh, no. Gunmar couldn't possibly have done this... could he?" Dominic stared at the gruesome and unfortunate sight.

"My father is a skilled ruthless killer. Anything that got in his path would fall by his claws, no matter the size of his opponent." Bular stated, gazing over the stone corpse and clenched his fists with anger.

Deya found herself lucky that she survived the Gumm-Gumm king, if it weren't for his retreat, perhaps he could've ended her, even if she had severally injured him.

"Look, down there! This is the place we were looking for!" The Conundrum troll pointed out and the two look down the mountain to find a thriving village a few miles away.

"Oh, good. I don't think I can last another couple of nights with this horrible itch on my side. Come on, the sooner we get there, the better." Deya spoke and the three began descending down the mountain, not before Dominic pulls out his chalk and drew a symbol on what appeared to be the giant's arm

As he did this, he noticed something a hole in the giant trolls chest, it looked like something was dugged right out of it.

He ignored it for now, and kneeled down and closed his eyes, whispering something that Deya couldn't quite hear.

Finally, he got up and joined the two.

"What was all that about?" She asked.

"I thought of... giving the poor soul a proper farewell. The symbol means a "peaceful death." Usually those who have died a horrible death are marked with it, so that they could rest peacefully." Dominic explained, making Deya feel a bit melancholic, but was glad that the short troll did something nice for someone who most likely didn't deserve to die.

Bular on the other hand only felt guilt and rage in his heart, mostly because his father's actions.

Chapter Text

After several hours of getting down the mountain, they were easily able to travel on flat grounds.

As they walked towards the village, Bular suddenly felt a force pushing him back, keeping him from walking forward.

He struggled to push forward as he was already weak.

Deya and Dominic, turn around to find Bular being unable to get through.

The Conundrum troll speculated something going on.

"What's wrong?" Deya questions.

"There's an invisible barrier that's keeping me from crossing over." Bular complained.

Dominic looked around and found the problem.

"It's a protection spell. Look at the trees, they have runes painted on the trunks." He pointed out.

"How come it doesn't effect us?" She curiously asked.

"Because this kind of spell wards off Gumm-Gumms, goblins and gruesomes." He answered.

This disappointed Bular and he tried to push through again, but failed.

"Well, that's too bad. I guess we'll just have to leave him here." Deya taunted the dark troll and he growled aggressively at her.

"How dare you! I asked for assistance and now you want to leave me here?" He furiously questions.

"Hey, it's not my fault you're a Gumm-Gumm." She shrugs.

"But, what if he doesn't have to be stuck here? I could try and trick the spell barrier to allow him to walk through." Dominic explained and pulls out a gem necklace and carved a rune that was similar to the one on the trees but added an extra marking.

"There. Wear this and it should allow you to get through. These runes as a bypass, and as long as you keep it on, you won't be affected."

He hands the necklace to the dark troll, but it was too small to wear around his neck, but it fit perfectly around his wrist.

Once he had it on, the gem glowed, which meant the spell is active.

Then, he takes a deep breath and takes a step forward.

Bular was surprised when the spell worked as he could easily walk pass the barrier, as if it wasn't there.

"Great. Problem solved, but there's one more to deal with." Deya spoke.

"You're right, the villagers will panic if they see a Gumm-Gumm in their village." Dominic commented and thought for a moment.

That is when Deya turned to see some villagers in the distance wearing face paints, and wearing festive outfits.

"I think I might have an idea." She gave a cheeky smile.

The idea being is to wear face paints and some festive cloaks, so they could blend in with the crowd.

Bular hated the face paints, but Deya found hilarious, which only made him even more upset.

However, his grumpy demeanor dropped when he got a look at Dominic.

The short troll had a white and blue face paint that beautifully complimented his features, including the natural yellow spots on his face as he had blue paint dotted over his spots with the white paint curving around his eyes and lips.

Something within Bular creeped in and found himself flustered and his heart skipped a beat.

What was wrong with him, why does he feel this way with the enemy?

He shook it off and looked away.

"Let's just get this over with." Bular muttered and walked towards the village.

"Hey. Don't be causing trouble alright. You need to lie low, got it?" Deya spoke up, warning the dark troll.

He scoffs and walks ahead anyways.

Both Deya and Dominic followed him and they finally arrived at the village where everyone seem to be celebrating.

"What's everyone celebrating for?" The Trollhunter asked.

"Ah! Newcomers! Welcome to Amora, the village of peace and unity. Tonight, we are celebrating the nine hundredth anniversary of the founding of our village! We call it the Festival of Love!" An older troll happily greeted the three.

"This village was founded nine hundred years ago?"

"The Festival of Love?"

Deya and Dominic questioned curiously.

"Indeed. Our founders, Amustus and Ora, a lovely couple, settled here along with their people, they built a home here one the night of a full moon and threw a celebration for everyone! And even welcoming newcomers who traveled from all over to relax and enjoy themselves." The kind troll explained.

"Okay. But why is it called the Festival of Love?" Deya asked again.

"That is because we celebrate the unity and love of families, friends and loved ones! Here is where we throw feasts for everyone and dance the night away. But if you head further down, just near the hotsprings, we have a... designated area for the romantic couples to... well you know, exercise their bonds and satisfy themselves." She chuckled enthusiastically, making the others awkward.

"Uhh, thanks for the information. But, we're looking for a place to heal, we came from a long way to find a Heartstone."

"Oh! Of course! Come follow me, I'll guide you to the healing huts." The old troll spoke and turned around to lead them.

Both Deya and Bular were relieved when they entered the hut.

There they saw a much smaller Heartstone in the center, which sparked curiosity.

"I didn't know there were two Heartstones." Deya spoke.

"Of course! When our fiunders came and settled here, they found out there were two of them growing from the ground. We used this small one as a source of healing, while the larger one is mostly for symbolism. To symbolize peace and unity as I mentioned before." The kind troll stated.

After awhile, Deya started to feel much better, and her wound was slowly healing.

All while Bular somehow healed quicker than she did, despite having a worse condition that her, which made the old troll suspiciously curious of him.

Eventually, they were free to go and decided to stay for awhile to relax.

However, Bular only grew uncomfortable and irritated the longer he stayed there, as the sounds of laughter and joyful cheers bothered him.

"Would you like to join us for the feast? There is still plenty of deliciously prepared meals left."

Upon mentioning food, the three began to feel very hungry.

"Sure. We'll join in." Deya answered and the old troll guided them towards a large and long table where plenty of trolls were feasting.

As they sat down, food was already served to them, and Dominic was filled with awe.

"I haven't had a proper meal since... well since forever!" He licked his lips.

"Well, enjoy! Eat to your hearts' content!" The old troll smiled and left the three alone.

There was so much food that Deya didn't know where to start, but Dominic was already munching what looked like beef jerky.

Even Bular was consuming some meat, perhaps a little too greedily as he stuffs a handful of food into his mouth.

Deya decides not to dwell too much in her thoughts and just enjoy herself.

As they ate, they were also served beverages to quench their thirst.

Although, it was entirely alcohol, but it didn't bothered Deya or Bular.

Dominic, however, was still new to drinking and wasn't sure if he should, until Deya reassured him.

"Hey, don't think about how it's gonna taste. Just relax, let loose, live a little." She spoke.

"I suppose..." He softly replied.

The Conundrum stared at his drink, then he glances over to Deya, who had a confident look on her face.

He was so enamored by her optimism that he decides to take her word, taking in a deep breath and drink the beverage.

Surpsingly, it didn't taste that bitter, as it tasted more fruity, but he could definitely sense the alcohol.

"Not bad." He spoke.

"See. Just relax and you'll be having a good time. But, don't drink too much. We still need to be lucid by tomorrow."

Dominic nodded in response, and Deya shot a glare at Bular, who was chugging down his own drink.

"And that goes for you as well." She elbowed him hard, which caused him to nearly choke on his drink and snarled at her.

"Seriously, let's not do anything that causes a scene. Including getting drunk out of our minds."

The dark troll rolled his eyes and scoffs.

"As if you aren't going to cause any trouble." He muttered and she elbowed him again.

The two scowled at each other, but quickly looked away as to not be suspicious towards anyone.

As they continued feasting, the dark troll glanced over Deya to see Dominic, but he soon regrets it when he caught the short troll sucking on a meaty drumstrick and he nearly choked on his drink again.

A coughed a bit and cleared his throat, which caused Deya and Dominic to give him a look.

He felt so embarrassed that he looked away with his face feeling hot, and so was something else down below.

'Not now! What is wrong with you!" He scolded himself and continued eating.

However, no matter how much he tried to ignore it, the crawling arousal kept rising and the mental image of the Conundrum troll unintentionally making such as lewd gesture wasn't helping either.

He was really in deep trouble, internally troubled.

Soon enough, they completely satisfied their hunger.

Dominic seemed to had a few drinks and was nonstop chatting the entire time

Talking about his interests and his time as a scholar, which really annoyed Bular, but also it frightened him a little as he knew exactly where the short troll came from and had direct ties to what happened to the scholars.

Guilt began to fill his gut and it soured his mood, which he decided to leave the table to grab another drink.

Deya decided asked about relationships when she caught Dominic watching a couple dancing in the distance.

"So, you never had a relationship with any one before?"

"Not quite a romantic one, but I was once sweet with another scholar at the temple. She was really kind and... pretty. We only made small talk, but I never told her how I felt and... it was too late." He replied with a frown, and she gave him a sympathetic look.

"It is a fickle thing. I try hard not to think about it, I've learn to move on. But finding love again is... pure luck."

Dominic glances over to her, giving her a soft look.

Deya started to feel panic when he gave her that look, knowing where this is going.

"Have you... ever been in a relationship?" He asked.

"Me? Nah. It's honestly not my thing. Trust one troll, and they stab you in the back. Trust another, and you'll be left trusting no one." She answered nonchalantly.

"But, you trusted me."

He was right, she did trusted him, mostly because he was victim and isolated like her, so she easily empathized with him.

When she glanced back at him, she could see the lonely desperation in his many eyes.

"I trusted you because I knew you weren't a threat. I mean you could've tricked me. But that never happened, you stayed by my side throughout this journey. You could've ran away with the Killstone and leave me to die, but you didn't. You knew this quest would be dangerous, yet, you still stayed. And I still wonder why?" She curiously spoke and raised a brow.

Suddenly, he felt his face becoming hot and he awkwardly laughed.

"I couldn't tell you the real reason. But I... really... have to admit. It wasn't just because of honor or loyalty. When we first met, when you saved me from the rumble, when I first laid my eyes on you... I was... terrified, but also enamored by your beauty." The short troll anxiously confessed.

Deya laughed and played it off as normal.

"Please, every troll I've met all said the same thing."

She continues laughing, but Dominic couldn't resist his deep feelings.

"But, I really mean it. When I joined you on your quest, the more I got to know you, more than any troll I've ever socialized with. More than... Abita."

The alcohol was really affecting his emotions as a few tears dripped from his eyes and his lips lowered.

Deya noticed his gloomy expression, and she immediately stopped, realizing he was really upset.

"Hey, I... I didn't mean to upset you. It's just I always hear the same song and dance over and over to the point that I didn't even cared anymore. I guess, I didn't think you were serious."

Now she started to see what the Wumpa leader was talking about, and it really pulled on her heartstrings.

What can she say to him?

She was still conflicted by the thought having a relationship with anyone, even with the friendliest troll she's ever met.

Perhaps she should let him down easy.

"Look, I think you're a good troll, and maybe a little charming. But, I don't think we can make this work." The Trollhunter gestured at both of them, which really made the Conundrum troll upset.

He remained quiet for a moment, and more tears began to shed.

"My apologies. I... just need a moment alone." He looked away and left the table in a rush.

"Dominic! Wait, please don't- why did I say it like that?" She facepalms with guilt and regret as she watched him leave.

Suddenly, Bular returned and was confused by what happened.

"Where's he going?" He asked.

"I messed up. Why did I have to go and crush his heart, all because I wasn't ready... Go on, insult me all you want and tell me how terrible I am." She crosses her arms on the table and lays her face on top.

The dark troll stared at her for a moment and laughed.

"So, he confessed to you, and you rejected him. Poor troll, he won't last a second out in this world all alone. And yet, he's still here. I wonder why?"

That is when Deya raised her head, realizing what he meant.

"It was me. He's still alive because of me. But, I'm still here, because of him."

"He has no one, and he will stumble across those who will take advantage of him and hurt him. Your ignorace will lead him to his doom." Bular stated and took a swig of his drink.

Fear struck in her heart at the thought of Dominic getting into the same situations as her.

"I have to go. And don't cause any trouble!" Deya rushed out of the table and went after Dominic, all while Bular rolled his eyes and chuckled.

He didn't know where he was going, but he wanted to be far away from everyone and the loud noises.

Soon, he found himself in a quieter part of the village and stumbled across a stone to sit on.

Dominic sat on the rock and began to sob.

"Why am I such an idiot! Of course she doesn't like me! Oh... Abita. I wished you were still here. I was coward then, but if you were here now? I would have the confidence tell you how much I love you."

He wiped his tears, but when he looked at his sleeves, he realized he messed up the face paint, and he most definitely looked like a mess.

"I'm sorry... Abita, for not getting to know you more. I was so scared to even glance at you let alone talk to you. It's too late now. You are gone. And I'm still here..."

"Dominic."

Deya's voice startled him, and he quickly cleaned up his face.

"Didn't I say that I wish to be alone?" He softly spoke, refusing to turn around.

"I know, I know. But, I came here to find you because... I... I was worried about you." Deya explained.

"Y-You were? I mean... Thank you, for your concern. But, I'm alright. You don't need to worry about me." The short troll sniffled and still avoiding her gaze.

"I have to. It's my duty as the Trollhunter to make sure you are protected and safe. You being all alone is concerning... especially being alone for so long. Look, Dominic. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told you what I said earlier. I was... just scared to be in another relationship. They never tend to last long for me and it always ends up hurting me." She spoke and walks over to him.

"But I now realize, my behavior ended up hurting you instead."

Finally, he mustered up the strength to face her. And as she got a look at him, feeling the guilt wash over her like an ocean sweeping her away as she sees his face paint being completely ruined.

"This doesn't mean you like me... do you?" The Conundrum troll softly asked.

Deya sighs and sits beside him on the rock.

"I mean, you're not very attractive to me. But, I once heard that looks doesn't matter... right?" She gave him a small smile.

With that smile, he slightly blushed and shyly looks away.

"As Bodus once said, "That beauty isn't always in our favor. But if we pick and search for what gravitates us, there will be beauty." So, I suppose your correct." He replied.

At that moment, where everything is quiet with the faint music and cheering in the distance, Dominic slowly scoots closer to her.

Deya eyes him and noticed their hands very close to each other.

Perhaps she should try to make it up to him.

"Do you... umm... want to dance with me?"

"What?"

Everything became so awkward, but she pushed through the awkward tension and asked again.

"I said, do you want to dance with me?"

He was uncertain, especially after what just happened, but he couldn't deny such a request, it would be considered rude.

"I would be delighted." He smiled widely, which Deya started to love the charming smile and the two went over to join the couples who were dancing to along to the rhythm of the music.

Once they slowly integrated with the others, the two began to enjoy the moment, and enjoying each other's company.

Eventually, the two seem to have forgotten what happened moments prior.

Chapter Text

The night was still young as the couples danced.

Dominic was deeply affectionate towards Deya as he dance with her, despite not being a great dancer. But it turns out she wasn't a great dancer either.

Although, they seemed to be having too much fun to even care.

The air was filled with joy, and the atmosphere is loud.

Soon, Dominic found himself close with the Trollhunter and he accidentally bumps into her.

Deya caught him before he tripped and fell, and he blushed when he locked eyes with her.

She awkwardly chuckled and helped him get on his feet, but their hands remained together.

Suddenly, the music and the festive crowd were nothing more as background noises as they lovingly gazed at each other.

They were in their own little bubble and Dominic was still under the influence of the alcohol, so he thought it was a good moment to flirt with her.

"M-Master Deya, has anyone ever told you that your eyes light up under warm lighting?" He anxious spoke.

"It does? Uhh... No. No one has ever told me that." She blushed and brushed her hair.

"Well, they're like two gemstones that radiate beautifully. Or how each highlight are like the sparkles of a diamond."

Suddenly, Deya began to feel shy and awkward.

Even the trolls in the past never complimented her the way he has, as they mostly called her pretty or beautiful, but never gave details.

She assumes they were attracted to her body.

It made her realize that he wasn't like them, and that he was being genuine.

"I've always been drawn to your eyes because I never seen eyes like yours." The Conundrum added and his lower arms hook around her waist, pulling himself closer towards her.

The closeness made the tension rise and she could feel her heart race with her hands tightly gripping his upper hands.

"Dominic..." She quietly mumbled.

"Master... Deya. I... I know you may not have the same sentiments as I do. But I really admire you. I admire your eyes, the way you smile, your confidence, your strength and skills, and-and I really love yo-mm!"

As Dominic complimented her, he barely got a chance to confess when he was interrupted by her pressing her lips against his.

His heart pumped rapidly, his eyes rolled back, and his tail wagged intensely.

A moment later, they split away and breathe in their heavy breaths.

He couldn't process what just happened and he stared at her with wide eyes.

Deya stared back with a admiration, but from his surpised look, she frowns and felt like she overstepped his boundaries.

"I'm sorry! I didn't know what I was thinking, I shouldn't have kissed you without your consent." She facepalms and pulls away from him, but jerks back because of the short troll's lower hands still gripping her waist.

"Dominic?"

"Pardon me. I was... still processing that affectionate gesture. You don't need to apologize, I was just caught off guard." He smiled.

"So, you're not upset?"

"Not quite. I actually quite liked it. C-Could you... do it again?"

Once he expressed his favor for another kiss, she planted her hand under his chin to raise his head and leans down to kiss him again.

The spark reignited inside him and he eagerly presses his lips further into hers, and his tail wagged even more rapidly from his excitement.

Their hands explored each other's arms and shoulders, but since he was shorter than her, he struggled to reach her upper body, and so his hands accidentally touched her waist and ass.

Deya couldn't believe what she was doing, maybe it was the alcohol that is making her feel this way... or perhaps she really liked him.

Either way, she decided to throw away any fear of her past experiences and enjoy her time with him. And suddenly had an idea to give Dominic the time of his life.

Their lips seperate and Deya lead him away from the crowd where it was quieter.

"Can I ask you something?" Deya asked.

"Of course, Master Deya. You can tell me anything." He happily replied.

"I'm only asking this because I want to know if you're okay with it. Do you want to... umm... be intimate with me?"

Dominic stood there for a moment, trying to process what she just said.

"But, I thought we were already being intimate." The Conundrum replied and sounded confused.

"No, I mean... I mean if you want to have sex with me?"

It took a minute to understand, and when it finally clicked, his stomach fluttered anxiously and he shyly looked away.

"You mean... you want to... do it... with me?" Dominic stammered and felt extremely hot under his robe.

"Well, yeah. We're in the Festival of Love. Thought I'd show you a good time." She shrugged and chuckled.

"I don't know what to say, I- I mean I'm not saying I don't want to! I... Yes. I would be delighted to have sexual intimacy with you, Master Deya." He smiled anxiously.

At that, she took his hand and lead him further into the village where it was very private.

There they found a few couples going into some large tents, a good place to have some privacy.

Thankfully, they didn't to find one that wasn't occupied because there were gems that hung from the tents that glowed either red or green, signaling it's occupation.

Once they entered an empty tent it was quite warm and comforting.

There was a small piece of Heartstone hanging from above, giving them warmth and a light source. And there were plenty of cushions, and fur blankets.

Dominic was led to the furs and was gently laid down.

Deya kneels down and crawls towards him until she was on top of him, she straddled him and her hands planted inches away from each side of his head.

The fluttering in his gut grew more intense, but when she kissed him again, he calmly sighs and the anxiety faded away.

His four hands reach over to wrap around her torso and waist, sensually touching her.

Soon, it became heated and intense when their tongues curled and danced together as they kissed.

Dominic wasn't much a kisser, but he learned quickly, allowing the Trollhunter to take the lead and he follows along.

Then, she positioned herself to easily remove her cloak, then she does the same with the short troll.

He didn't think he would enjoy and be aroused at her dominant assertiveness, but when she grabbed his upper arms and pinned them down beside his head and her weight being pressed on top him, he nearly lost his breath.

Dominic was boiling at this point, his breath was shallow and his heart was pumping, arousal skyrocketed and felt a twitch down below.

When she kissed him again, his lower hands gripped her waist tighter and her hips began grinding on his.

The electric tingling surged through his body and he became stimulated to the point that his hips jerked and a soft moan left his lips.

"M-Master Deya!" Dominic exclaimed with his lower hands pushing her back.

Deya stops everything and sat up, confused and worried if she overdone it again.

"What? Did I do something wrong?" She worriedly asked.

He took a moment to catch his breath with his hand on his chest.

Then, his lower hands reached over to cover between his legs, his face and his ears being completely hot

"No. Nothing is wrong. Well, maybe... but it has nothing to do with you. I, umm..." He struggled to speak.

It wasn't until two of his eyes quickly glanced down between them, and she followed his gaze and noticed his hands were hiding something.

"Did I hurt you?" She asked again.

"Not particularly. I was frightened because..."

When he removed his hands, her eyes look down again to see a bulge poking under his robe.

Relief swept over and she sighs.

"That's it? I thought it was because I hurt you or something." Deya laughed.

"You mean you aren't repulsed by my erection?" Dominic questions.

"Come on. I've seen plenty of boners from many male trolls. I mean, sure it was disgusting to look at since they just met me. But, it's completely normal, especially when your intimate with a partner." She explained, reassuring the short troll.

However, he remained quiet and a frown was painted on his face.

She noticed this and raised a brow, curious about his sudden expression.

"Then I must've been a disgusting immature troll." He scolded himself.

"What do you mean? I just said I'm fine with it."

"It's not you. I... had erections before... before I met you. Back when I lived in the temple with the other scholars. I told you before about Abita. The scholar I fell in love with. There was one time when I couldn't control it, I got one glance at her, and when she looked at me, she was offended by my exposure and walked away. I was eventually scolded by my father and the other scholars for my immaturity."

As Dominic explained, Deya couldn't help but feel bad for him.

It may have been seen as immature, but he couldn't control his own boners, and she would like to think it was the fault of the scholars who were suppressing their sexual needs.

Especially when it comes to young trolls who were coming of age and at the point of their lives where they need to explore that side of themselves.

Suddenly, she felt an awful pit in her stomach when a thought came to her.

If she didn't care for him as much and ditched him, he would have been so alone and would have stumbled across some awful trolls who would have taken advantage of him.

He would've ended up like her, untrustworthy of anyone, or worse, left to die.

Her heart sunk from the thought that someone as kind-h earted as him would have been destroyed by the cruel world.

A new spark of hope ignited within and she smiled.

"You're not disgusting or immature. You're just new to all of this. You were told to ignore and suppress your sexual desires, and that is not good. We all need to be to express ourselves." She spoke.

"B-But, Master Deya. I know nothing of making love. I don't even know how to express myself in such a way." He complained and felt self conscious, already having second thoughts.

"That's why you have me. I can show you... if you want to that is."

The Conundrum troll was surprised that she wanted to still continue forward with this.

He so desire to explore new things, even intimacy, so why back out now when he's this close?

"Please, show me." He softly replied with a smile and she nodded.

The two went back to kissing again, and Deya grinded her hips again, her clothed arousal rhythmically stimulating his throbbing erection.

Soon, the two slowly removed their clothes, one by one and tossed it aside.

Dominic was still shy to even look at her naked body, turning his head to look away, but, she guided his eyes to look back at her with a single motion of her hand.

"It's okay, Dom. You can look all you want. There's nothing to be ashamed about." She whispered reassuringly into his ear and sat up to show off her body.

His six eyes couldn't resist and with the little nickname she gave him, he soon gave in, each pupil turning to see her beautiful curves.

She was definitely taller than him, which made his perspective all the more arousing and his cock twitched.

Then, his hands reach up to touch her, but he was hesitant, and pulls back.

However, she grabbed his two hands and placed them on her chest, and the other two on her hips.

He couldn't sense any hesitation from her, and from that smile of hers, it told him that she wanted him in this intimate moment.

The two continued stimulating and pleasuring themselves. And it wasn't long until he slipped inside her and Dominic found himself moaning and whimpering in ecstacy.

Deya rolled her hips as she rode him, feeling the incredible sensation between their hips.

His six eyes rolled back and his mouth spilled out lewd sounds and words of admiration.

"Master... Deya! Oh, Master... please don't stop! You are incredible. I never knew this is what making love is like. I wish I have the right words to describe how amazing this feels... Ngh... Mmmm... Deya... Ahh."

As she bounced on his cock, her stomach twisted, already feeling like she was about to orgasm, but she needed to hold on a little longer.

"Master Deya... You are a magnificent troll. The greatest warrior I've... ever met. You may not have been perfect, but you always... had heart. Without it, you... you might not have saved me. And I want to thank you... for saving me. For giving me a chance in living through an incredible adventure with you. I... I love you, Deya."

His words moved her so much that she couldn't hold it any longer, essentially cumming on his cock.

She planted her hands on his chest and took a moment to breath, overwhelmed with emotions.

Never in her life had anyone said "thank you" to her in such a genuine way.

Perhaps... he is the perfect troll.

"I love you too, Dominic."

And so, the two spent the night making love, and when they were done, they were cuddled up in each other's arms, reminiscing moments prior.

Deya gently stroking his spikey hair, while he held onto her waist.

"Thank you."

Her voice softly spoke out.

"For what?" He replied.

"For being the first troll that I could finally trust." She smiled and gave him a smooch on his nose.

His tail wagged excitingly and he nuzzled her face.

The two laughed and comfortably snuggled in the furs, silence filling the tent once again. And soon, they fell asleep.

Chapter Text

It was near the end of the night when Deya woke up and found Dominic still asleep.

She didn't know how long they were asleep, but she knew the night wouldn't last forever and have to leave early before dawn.

Once she cleans up and puts on her clothes, then she woke up the short troll.

"Master Deya?" He mumbled and stretched his limbs.

"Come on, we gotta find Bular before he gets into trouble." Deya nudged him and headed towards the tent's exit.

"I'll be waiting for you outside to get ready."

The Conundrum was confused and his mind was foggy.

That is when he realize he was still naked and quickly change.

After he was done, the two headed back to the festival that was surpsingly still going on.

As they walked around the village to find the Gumm-Gumm, they came across the market area where trolls were selling wares and goods.

Deya was so focused in finding Bular, that she didn't noticed the short troll holding her hand, and when she stopped to look around her surroundings, a vendor from a stall called to Dominic.

"You. Conundrum. Yes, you. Would you like to buy a special gift for your lover?"

"Oh, we're not- I mean, yes, we are together, I mean... Not like..."

The vender laughed and Dominic approached closer.

"I know a couple when I see one. I've seen you dancing together with the other couples. Besides, a wonderful troll like her deserve a wonderful gift." She spoke.

Dominic thought for a moment, then he turns to look at the Trollhunter, seeing that she was indeed wonderful.

"What do you propose I should give her?" He asked.

"I have some jeweled necklaces, earrings, rings, horn garments, and bracelets. For a troll like her, I suggest one of these."

The vendor opened a small box to reveal a few jeweled horn garments.

He looked curious and browsed the catalog.

That is when, Deya walks up to the stall, startling him with her voice.

"Dominic, we have to keep moving. He's not here."

"Oh! I, uhh- Yes, of course!"

Deya looks to where he was looking at and saw the jewelry, and he blushed with embarrassment.

Then, she noticed something from the corner of her eye, and she gasped.

There, sitting on display was her amulet.

"Where did you get that?" She questions and points towards the round object.

"That one was sold to me by two trolls. Looks antique, doesn't."

She thought for a moment and figured that the trolls from the bar must've stolen it from her and sold it, which means they were here.

"Yeah, very pretty. How much for it?"

"Oh? Interested are we? Well, given how rare and special it is, I can sell it for two thousand gold coins." The vendor replied.

"Two thousand?" Deya exclaimed and checks her pockets, only pulling out four silver pieces.

She facepalms with frustration and sighs.

"Look, I know it may not sound important to you, but it's really important for me. Those trolls who sold that amulet to you, stole it from me. You see, I'm the Trollhunter, and that amulet is very special to me."

"The Trollhunter, ey? Didn't I heard you failed to imprison Gunmar?"

Deya didn't have time for them and slammed her hands onto the stall.

"I am aware of that! I just need my amulet back, so I can finally defeat him!" She yelled.

The vendor frowns and crosses her arms.

"You know, I don't like your attitude, young lady. I can only give it to you for two thousand gold pieces."

"Don't you understand how important this is? I'm on a mission to defeat the Gumm-Gumm king! Without it, he will terrorize the entire land! Including this village!"

At this point Deya was fumming and Dominic had to hold her back.

"Oh, please. No Gumm-Gumm has ever intruded our village. We have a special magical barrier surrounding our home. There is no way they can enter." The vendor scoffs.

"If you don't give it to me, I'll-"

"You'll what? Rob me? Because if you do, I'll have to call the supervisor and have you escorted out of the village."

Dominic quickly jumps in to deescalate the heated tension.

"I'd like to buy the horn garment!" He blurted out and picked up an emerald garment.

The two paused and glanced over the short troll, then the vendor spoke.

"That will be fifty gold coins."

He sighs and pulls out a pouch full of gold and gave her the right amount of coins.

However, he accidentally dropped a few over to the vendor's side.

"Oops!"

"Oh, don't worry I got it." She spoke and bends down to pick them up, then she stores the coins into a chest underneath the stall.

"Here you go."

"Thank you, a pleasure doing business-oh! And excuse my partner's behavior, she's passionately stubborn." The Conundrum troll awkwardly laughed as he stared the garment in his satchel and took the Trollhunter away in a hurry.

"Hey, I'm not that stubborn- hey!"

Once the two were away from the stall, Deya stopped and turns turns to face him.

"What was that for? That troll had my amulet! Now how else am I suppos-"

Deya paused when the short troll pulled out her amulet from his lower sleeve.

"You mean this amulet?"

Dominic had a smug look on his face as he presented the amulet.

The Trollhunter had a dumbfounded look on her face all while glancing at the amulet, then back to Dominic repeatedly.

She grabs the amulet from him and checks it to see if it was legitimate.

The amulet glowed and pulsed in her hands and she sighs with relief.

Finally, she looks back at the Conundrum troll with a raised brow.

"How did you- wait. Did you stole it from the vendor?" She curiously questions.

"I may or may not have a knack for being sneaky with my hands back then. I often "borrow" my father's private book collection when he wasn't looking." Dominic replied while holding up his four hands, wriggling his fingers.

The Trollhunter smirked and pockets her amulet away, then leans down, their faces nearly touching each other.

"My, my. Someone's a naughty scholar. I wonder what else those four hands can do?" She seductively spoke, causing Dominic to get flustered and his tail rapidly wags.

"P-Perhaps you'll find out. But let us focus at the task at hands-I mean hand!" He anxiously replied and folds his arms behind his back.

Deya laughed and lightly nuzzles his nose.

"I'm looking forward to it. And your right, we should go find Bular."

The tension soon breaks up when they hear a commotion nearby.

They followed the noises and found the same two trolls from the bar arguing with Bular.

Deya froze for a moment, but she quickly snaps out of her dreaded state and rushes in to intervene.

"Hey, there you are. We were looking all over for you." She spoke up and elbowed Bular's arm.

"And where have you been? I've been here for hours uncomfortably participating in festive activities! Then these two with pebbles for brains ran into me!" The dark troll complained.

"Oi'! Who you calling pebbles for brains?" Teros steps in to defend his friend.

"Say, have we seen you two before?" Figo questions as he glances at Deya and Dominic.

"I don't know, maybe you must've forgotten when you got punched in the face pretty hard." Deya humorously replied and attempts to pull Bular away from the scene.

"Hey. It's that mare from the pub. And her little mate as well." The grey troll point out, making the red troll angry.

"Yeah, I remember now. Feisty bitch and puny know-it-all. Now, what brings the two of you here at the Festival of Love? I doubt it's for sex." Figo asked with a smirk and his friend laughed.

"Look at him. I bet his cock is puny like him."

The two laughed, and this caused Deya to turn around and chuckle.

"Actually, you'd be surprised. And from the sound of it, I'm guessing you guys are just compensating for your own sizes." She clapped back.

The two trolls stopped laughing and were dumbfounded by her response.

Dominic and Bular chuckled as they noticed their expressions.

"Now, will you excuse us. But we're heading out."

The moment Deya was about to leave with the others, a familiar voice called out, catching their attention.

"There she is! There is the thief!"

They all turn to see the vendor pointing at them with a much more intimidating troll beside her, who approaches the group.

Both Figo and Teros slowly walks away, as to not get involved.

"Oh, no. Okay this is just a big understanding. You see I'm the Trollhunter and it is my am- Hey! Let go!" Deya complained when the supervisor troll grabbed her and pulls her up to take the amulet away.

Dominic turns to Bular and nudges him to help her.

"You have to do something!"

"Why should I? She's the one who gotten herself in this mess." Bular crosses his arms.

The Conundrum troll frowns and clenches his fists.

"Because you need her. She's the only one who can defeat your father." He explained angrily in a low tone.

"Pshh. My father means nothing to me."

That is when Dominic had enough and bravely approaches the supervisor troll.

"Pardon me. If you don't un-hand my partner, I will have no choice but to make you!" He warned.

The intimidating troll scoffs and takes Deya's amulet back and throws her to the ground and turns around, whipping her tail around, knocking Dominic down.

"Let this be a warning to not steal. You're lucky this is the Festival of Love. So, I'm giving you a second chance." The supervisor troll spoke.

As soon as Dominic fell down, Bular growled and angrily approached the supervisor and tapped her shoulder.

When she turn around he punched the troll in the face, knocking her to the ground and dropping the amulet.

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size." He raised his voice.

The supervisor troll growls and swiftly turns around to kick the dark troll in the gut, which caused him to fall back.

Bular gets back up and snarls at the other, and charges at the supervisor, but she moves out the way and snatches his cloak, pulling it and ripping it off of him, revealing his appearance.

He lost balance as he missed the other troll and turns around with a glare, only for everyone to gasp in shock.

"It cannot be! Gumm-Gumm! There's a Gumm-Gumm in the village!" The vendor exclaimed and everyone screamed and ran away.

The supervisor troll pulls out a sword and swings her blade towards the dark troll, who dodges the attack and headbutts her.

She stumbles back and shakes her head, feeling disoriented, then when she goes for another attack, Bular managed to stop the blow with his hand and smack her in the face while taking her weapon.

He glances at the blade and saw its perfect quality and decided to keep it.

"Come on! We got to go!" Deya yelled as she picked up her amulet and the dark troll followed them.

As everyone scattered in all directions, other supervisors chased them, throwing sharp spears with metallic tips at them.

"We got to shake them off our tails!" The Trollhunter exlaimed.

That is when Dominic had an idea and when they ran out of the village, he pulls out a seed with little markings on it and uttered an incantation which caused the seed to glow and stop to plant it in the dirt.

As the supervisors chased them, the ground shook and the seed spurted out large and thick roots that entangled the trolls.

Deya and Bular were surprised by the short troll's magic.

Soon, they got far enough, and the Gumm-Gumm Prince cleared their tracks so they wouldn't be followed.

"Nice work, Dom. You continue to surprise me." She complimented him.

The Conundrum troll bashfully smiled and dusted his robe from any dirt or dust.

"Thank you, but it really was nothing, other than a simple root spell." He replied.

"Well, simple or not, you saved our asses back there. Come on, we still have to find a place to take shelter. The sun is about to come up." Deya spoke and turns to the dark troll.

"And no thanks to you. If you didn't picked a fight with those two idiots we could've gotten away Scott free."

"What? They were the one's who started it! Besides you were the one who couldn't keep your mouth shut!" Bular argued.

That is when Dominic intervenes.

"Please, the both of you! We can argue about this later, but we need to find shelter first!"

The two of them glared at each other for a moment, then the tension breaks up when Deya turns away.

"Right. Come on." She mumbled and walks down the path, Bular scoffs and follows her, along with the short troll.

As they walked, Dominic decided to break the silence and talk to the Gumm-Gumm Prince.

"I know this may sound strange coming from me, but, thank you." He glances up to stare at the dark troll.

Bular gazes down with a confused look.

"Thank you?"

"For standing up for us back there."

There was an awkward pause as they walked, and Bular anxiously looks away.

"Well, you were the one to throw yourself face first against that troll who was clearly larger than you." He spoke with a grumpy tone.

"But, you decided to come to my aid anyways. That is why I want to thank you. And I suppose I could try and put my defense into practice."

Bular slightly glances towards the short troll and felt that same strange feeling from before, and he still can't figure out why.

He rather not think about it, mostly because he's scared to express his feelings towards the short troll, knowing that he wouldn't be interested in a savage Gumm-Gumm like him.

"Hey, this cave seems like a good place to hide in." Deya spoke up, catching both of their attention.

Dominic kneels down and finds a decently small cave with a slope.

"It's a little slippery, but it's big enough for the three of us." He spoke.

Bular senses something was wrong and turns around to find the sun rising, his eyes widened, and quickly acts.

"We found shelter, great. Let's just get in before the sun-"

"Whoa! Hey!"

"Wait, wait, wait-Aahh!"

Bular accidentally slipped from the slanted terrain as he rushed towards the cave, and his large body pushes the other two down with him.

They all slide down the slope, and eventually they crashed onto the wall of the cave.

"Maybe next time you should've watch your step before going inside." Deya groans and pushes the dark troll off of her, which caused him to fall towards Dominic.

Thankfully, he stopped himself from crushing the short troll by slamming his hands onto the wall.

He sighs with relief, but his heart stopped when he glances down to see the position he put himself in.

Dominic was pressed against the wall with the Gumm-Gumm Prince boxing him in, his six eyes stare at the dark troll's chiseled body and cranes his head to meet eyes with Bular, both equally staring in shock.

The tension began between the two of them and each of their faces grew extremely hot.

Bular quickly moves away to break the agonizing tension, and sit in a dark corner while facing the wall, all while Dominic was left flustered and frozen.

"Dom. Are you alright?" Deya questions, and snaps the Conundrum troll back to his senses.

"Huh? Oh- yes! I am quite alright." He clears his throat and goes over to her on the other side of the cave.

As the two settle down at a corner, Dominic couldn't stop thinking about the tension ridden moment with him and Bular.

Never in his life had he ever felt this way before with male trolls, as he was always had an attraction towards females.

However, he was no stranger to same-sex couples as there were two male scholars at the temple who were romantically together. But the thing that bothered him the most, is that he was already in love with Deya.

How can he be having feelings towards another troll, a male troll, to be in fact.

He didn't know what to think, and was completely confused.

Perhaps, he should focus more on the quest and helping Deya in finding the other Triumbric Stones.

Chapter Text

Many hours have past and the sun was heading to the horizon.

Luckily, they managed to start a fire to have some light source.

During those hours, Deya and Dominic were discussing and planning where to go next.

"We still have a problem. We have one of the stones. But we went to the mountains and there wasn't any stone." She spoke.

"There might not have been a stone, but it was once there. Someone must've taken it." Dominic replied.

"But who? And where could they be?"

There was a moment of silence as the short troll began to think.

That is until Bular spoke up.

"My father. He killed the giant, he taken the Birthstone."

"What?" Deya questions.

"Of course! Gunmar's Birthstone! The day he was birthed, he crawled out of a dying Heartstone, and left behind his birthstone." Dominic explained.

"Okay, so he has it. Where can we find him?"

There was another pause, and Bular seemed hesitant.

Deya noticed his silence and raised a brow, sensing that he knows something.

"You know something, don't you." She spoke up.

"If I did, I would've told you. But, I don't."

The Trollhunter frowns and stands up.

"Don't lie to me."

Deya threatened the dark troll as she pulled out her amulet, it's glow gave off an eerie hum.

Bular scoffs and refuses to speak.

"You know that this mission important. The millions of innocent lives, trolls, humans, and other magical creatures, are in danger if we don't stop Gunmar." She angrily spoke.

Dominic seemed worried and could sense some tension building up between the two.

"We only freed you from those chains because I HAD to. It is my duty. Then, I allowed you to tag along with us. The least you could do is try and help us!"

The dark troll growled and his tail whips in a snappy and aggressive motion, warning her to back off.

"But what did I expect from the son of Gunmar? A cruel and violent monster, who will never learn. You will always be like your father." Deya spoke demeaningly and Bular finally had enough.

He snapped and roared at her, charging towards the Trollhunter.

The two began to fight and wrestle each other while Dominic watched in dread.

"Stop! Please! The both of you, stop fighting!" He yelled, but his pleas were ignored.

Bular punched Deya in the face, leaving a bruise on her cheek, then she kicked him in the gut, causing him to grunt in pain.

However, he didn't give up and as she was about to go for another attack, he blocked it and grabbed her arm and threw her hard at the wall.

Then, he grabs her by the throat.

"I am nothing like like my father!" Bular snarled out loud.

"Well, you're telling me... everything I need to know. I can see it... in your eyes. Cruel, and violent. Just... like... him." The Trollhunter spoke, clawing at his hand around her neck.

"Stop! Please!"

Once again, Dominic's voice went unheard as the two were more focused on each other.

That is when Bular squeezed her neck tighter, essentially choking her.

Dominic panics and split them up, as he tries to push the dark troll away from her, but he wasn't strong enough.

"Bular, stop!" He screamed, snapping Bular back to his senses and let go of her.

Deya falls to her knees, gasping and coughing.

The Gumm-Gumm Prince realized what he did and stared down at his hands, then he sees the short troll with four hands on him as he was pushed away.

From the look on Dominic's face, he looked concerned, but also furious.

Then, he turns to Deya as she takes deep breaths.

"Master Deya, are you alright?"

"Ye-argh... Yes. I'm fine. I just... need a moment."

Bular backs away and begins to feel guilt, scared, angry, and confused, then he felt overwhelmed with so many rushing emotions that his hands were shaking intensely.

Eventually, he turns and scrambles out of the cave.

"Bular? Where are you going?" The Conundrum troll asked, but the dark troll was gone.

He quickly went after him, and Deya calls out to him.

"Where are you going? Forget him."

"I can't just leave him out there. The sun is still up..."

Dominic wanted to say more, but he was in a rush and was extremely concern.

As he left, Deya knew what he was going to say, yet, she couldn't stop feeling worried for him.

Despite the sun was still up, there was plenty of shade all around.

However, that didn't matter for Bular as he ran further and further away.

His heart was pumping with adrenaline and his lungs burned, and when he stopped at a river, he pants with exhaustion and settles down at the edge of the waters.

He looks over to his reflection in the water, seeing his face.

Deya's words kept repeating in his mind and he clenched his fists with anger.

His eyes closed and tried to mentally block everything out, but doing so, only made it worse as when he opened his eyes, his heart nearly stopped when he saw his father's face in the reflection.

"No. I am not like you. You are not my father. You are a-"

"Traitor."

His father's voice spoke out, sounding disappointed.

"I am not. You are! I am your son! How could you-"

"Leave me to die?" His father speaks over him, again, making Bular angrier.

"It wasn't my fault! I never meant to leave you. You know how loyal I was to you! You raised me, you made me who I am! I... I am-"

"A disappointment."

Bular couldn't hold it anymore and broke down.

He roared and slashed the water with fury, creating a big splash of water in the river.

"I am not... I... am..."

"Bular?"

The dark troll tenses up after hearing the short troll's voice behind him.

"Leave me alone. Or else!" Bular growled aggressively, threatening the Conundrum troll.

"I couldn't do that. Well, I can. But, I just wanted to make sure you were safe." Dominic replied, confusing the other.

"Why do you care about my safety? You heard the Trollhunter. I am a monster. A cruel and violent, monster. I'm just like my father." He spoke.

Dominic frowns and walks closer to him, but kept his distance.

"I care because it is an honorable thing to do. And whatever Master Deya thinks, I do not see you just as a monster. You are a troll. A savage troll for sure. But a still a troll."

Bular couldn't believe how soft and sentimental this short troll is, he shook his head with disappointment and sighs.

"And I also see you as a son who was betrayed by his father. Hurt by someone you trusted, I... I know what that is like. Well, my father never physically abused me, but he did made me feel like a disappointment." Dominic spoke, which caused Bular to slightly turn his head towards the short troll.

He remained quiet, and was somewhat interested in what the Conundrum has to say.

"I wanted to be myself, to study incredible majiks like Bodus did, and make my father proud. However, my father didn't see eye to eye with my plans and wanted me to be someone else. I remembered the night before the Gumm-Gumm raid, is when my father told me that if I don't study under him, I wasn't a true and passionate scholar. He told me he wouldn't care about me if I chose my own path."

At that point, Bular realized how somewhat similar their situations are.

Both of them have trouble with their fathers, how betrayed they felt from them.

Now he started to understand a little more of the short troll's personality and why he's so caring.

"Is that why you chose to save me from my chains? Because you... empathize with me?" Bular questions.

"Yes, but... also because it didn't feel right to leave you to die." Dominic replied.

The dark troll felt his chest and cheeks warm, and he couldn't understand why.

He began to hate this feeling, he hated feeling soft and vulnerable with others, as he was taught that kind of thing is a sign of weakness.

Anger and frustration burned within him and he snaps, charging towards the short troll and pinning him against a large rock with a snarl.

"I don't know how a troll like you has survived this long in this unforgiving world. You are very fortunate to have the Trollhunter with you, but she will not last long either. It would've been merciful for you if you died along with the other scholars!" Bular aggressively spoke.

Dominic was completely frozen full of fear, his breathing skyrocketed, and so was his heart, rapidly pumping in his chest.

Suddenly, tears began to build up in his six eyes and dripped down his face.

The dark troll stared into his many eyes, seeing sadness, fear, and shock.

Guilt began to wash over him, and lets go of the Conundrum.

"Why... do you still care about... me? After everything I've done. After everything that my kind has done to you. I do not deserve your kindness, nor your forgiveness."

Bular's lips began to quiver, on the brink of breaking down again.

For a moment, Dominic managed to calm down and keep himself level headed.

"You may think I shouldn't forgive, but I understand you. I come to accept that what happened, happened. I don't want to hold grudges, I just want to move on, and help the Trollhunter in anyway I can. I know It's upsetting that I lost my family, my peers, but I am alive for a reason." He spoke, then he frowns.

That is when the dark troll's mind clicked, finally piecing it out.

His father knew Bodus and his students found his secret weakness, causing the Gumm-Gumms to raid the temple, but when Gunmar caught Bodus, he had no evidence of this secret, neither did the other scholars.

All except for one...

Bular stared in disbelief that the Fates planned this, and kept this poor troll alive for the soul purpose to aid the Trollhunter in defeating his father.

"However, I sense that you are struggling to forgive yourself. Aren't you?" Dominic asked.

The dark troll remained quiet and huffs, turning away and walk back to the river.

He gazes down at his reflection again, this time he only see himself, thankfully.

"Bular?"

"All I want is to kill my father and be done with this. I want him to pay for what he has done to me. I want him to suffer a slow and painful death, and then, I'll finally be satisfied!" Bular exclaimed and clenched his fists.

The short troll kept the frown on his face, but his brows furrowed with worry.

"Is that all?" He asked again.

The Gumm-Gumm Prince opened his mouth to answer, but he only drew in breath.

There was no words coming out, almost like whatever he was going to say, wasn't entirely the honest truth.

"Y-Yes." He answered hesitantly.

Dominic tilted his head, sensing there was something off with the dark troll, but made no remark.

"Bular. I once learned from Bodus, if you do not forgive yourself, and not accept your wrong doings, you will forever be trapped in a unrelenting battle. You can never be free."

Two of his left hands reach over to give Bular a gentle pat on his arm, looking up to give him a sympathetic expression.

Eventually, the short troll turns around and leaves.

Once he was gone, Bular touched his arm in the same spot where the Conundrum touched him.

He could still feel the gentleness of his touch on his skin, slowly caressing his arm.

His heart began to swell and his chest became warm again, this time he didn't lashed out. But he did let it fester inside him, tormenting him as he began to feel guilty.

Soon, a single tear dripped from his eye, landing into the river.

"Why...? Why must you torment me? What did I do... to deserve this? I... am a monster. I do not deserve this... this feeling, your kindness, your wisdom..."

Bular fell to his knees, feeling weak as his emotions weighed down on him.

More tears spilled from his eyes, burning with remorse and sadness.

His breath became shallow, and struggled to hold back his tears.

"I... don't deserve you."

The dark troll's hands loosened their grip, and his arms wraps around his chest, holding himself from breaking down again. But, he allowed himself to quietly cry, just for a moment.

As Dominic was walking back to the cave to check up on Deya, he began to feel that same feeling again from before.

His mind went back to the moment where the dark troll pinned him to the rock, how close he was to getting hurt, or worse...

It wasn't until the moment passed, is when he grew empathetic for him.

Although, he thought about how interesting the Gumm-Gumm's eyes were.

They were full of fury with a burning passion.

He stopped in his tracks when he felt his cheeks warm, his hand planting over his face.

Then, his mind went somewhere else... Somewhere... lower.

From up close, he could see every detail of the dark troll's chiseled abs, the faded markings of his battlescars, and the alluring muscular arms.

Dominic's heart skipped a beat and within seconds, his face and the tips of his ears were completely hot.

His tail wagged in a strange motion.

Breathing was shallow and didn't noticed he was rapidly breathing.

Those rough claws tightly gripping him, completely under the prince's control with nowhere to escape. Or how scarily close his sharp tusks was to his vulnerable neck.

If only the dark troll could've inched himself closer to his small form...

Dominic gasps and finally breathes, heavily.

He goes over to a tree to hold onto as he nearly fell.

His whole body was overly hot and stimulated and he noticed his erection poking from his robe.

"What... is... this...? No. I can't-shouldn't feel this way. Not for him. I only have feelings for Deya, just her, and no one else! No one... else."

The short troll attempted to calm himself down, but even when his breathing was stable, he couldn't get rid of the throbbing erection.

He was scared and didn't know what to do.

That is when he quickly thought of the Trollhunter and felt like she knew what to do. Or perhaps she could help stimulate him to the point of regulating his arousal and turn back to normal.

The thought of Deya touching him made him feel a little better and rushed towards the cave, hoping to ease this problem.

Chapter Text

Once Dominic arrived at the cave, he found Deya sitting by the fire.

When she looked over, he could still see the bruise on her face.

"So, did you talk to the brooding grump?" She asked, then pauses when she noticed the buldge from his robe.

"Umm... Yes. It went... swell. But I have a problem."

"Clearly." Deya laughed as she looks down at his legs.

"Let me guess. You want my help with your "problem."

Dominic nods and walks over and sits down beside her.

"Oh, and by the way. I forgot to give you this." He hands her the jeweled horn garment.

"Aw, you don't have to. But, thanks." She smiled and wears it on her horn, then she gives him a kiss.

The short troll blushed and leans towards her, pressing his head onto her shoulder.

"You look beautiful with it." He complimented, which she slightly touched the garment.

"I don't know what I look like without a mirror, but I'll take your word for it." She replies and smiles.

Deya wraps an arm around him and her other reaches over to sensually rub his erection while kissing him.

Soon, the two were making out and the arousal grew more intense. And things quickly escalated from there as Deya got on top of him.

Her hand sneaks under his robe and his breath hitches when she stroked his cock.

The sensation made him twitch and his hip buck, a moan left his lips, and his four hands reach over hold her.

Deya lifts his robe as she kissed him, then moves away from his mouth and lowers herself down between his legs, essentially sucking him off.

That is where he began to whimper and moan the loudest, he bucked his hips again, but she pinned him down to keep him from moving.

"Steady there. Let me do all the work, just relax." Deya smirked and lapped his throbbing length.

"Forgive me. I... couldn't stop myself." He huffs and he gently strokes her horn, making her hum intimately.

Dominic admired how she made him feel with the way she suckle the tip of his cock, and how she strokes the remaining length, lightly squeezing him.

He gasps as his head rolls back, and his back arches when she fully took him in the mouth, bobbing her head.

Five minutes later, and the short troll finally orgasmed, and it soon calmed him down.

"Feeling better?" She playfully asked.

"Yes, very. Thank you, Master... Deya." Dominic sighs with relief and pulls his robe down.

"Well, if you ever need to blow off some steam, you can always come to me." Deya smirked and sat beside him, playfully elbowing him.

The Conundrum troll smiled and his lower hand goes to hold hers.

"I'll keep that in mind." He chuckled.

The two remained in a blissful silence, enjoying the calming quiet.

The sun finally sets and the day became night.

Bular had some time alone and decided to walk back to the cave.

As he arrived, he stopped at the entrance, taking a deep breath and exhales before getting inside.

He found Deya and Dominic huddled together while talking, and from the pieces of conversation, it sounded like they were talking about the mission.

The two stopped when they heard Bular enter and turn around.

"So, you done throwing a tantrum and finally coming to your senses?" She asked with a sassy tone, making the dark troll scoff and walk over to the fire and sit down.

"I know where my father might be." He responded.

"Really?"

"In the Winterlands. He is most likely meeting with an old ally. Vorticus, the vicious. A retired general from the days of Orlagk, and was the one to help my father overthrow the warlord." Bular explained.

Dominic checks his map and finds the Winterlands just further up north.

"And what does Gunmar want from this Vorticus?" Deya questions.

"Nothing good. Most likely recruiting him in his army. Which is why we need to move. Now."

The dark troll gets up and walks towards the exit of the cave.

"Well, the sooner we find him, the better chance we have in stopping him. Come on, Dom." Deya gets up follows the Gumm-Gumm Prince.

"But what about the other stones? We only have one of them. And the Winterlands is a harsh biome with snowstorms and ice lakes. Normal trolls are not built for those kind of conditions." Dominic spoke out with concern.

Deya stops and sighs, turning around to face the short troll.

"If we don't stop Gunmar now, everyone's lives would be doomed. Besides, how bad can a little snow be?" The Trollhunter replied, which made Dominic sigh and frown.

As Deya and Bular turn to exit the cave, the short troll felt uncertain about this.

The three left the cave and traveled north, hoping to find the Gumm-Gumm king and end him.

They traveled for two days, and soon the weather started becoming cold.

The ground was half covered in snow and the trees were completely naked from a lack of leaves.

Deya started to feel the chilly wind blowing into her face.

Bular was no stranger to different environments as he once traveled across the land with his father, and even gave him survival tips.

Trolls are able to withstand extreme cold weather than humans, but they could freeze to death if their livingstones drop temperature and if frozen, their hearts and organs would stop and die.

"Okay, we're here. So, where can Gunmar be?" Deya questions.

The dark troll sniffs the air and walks around, searching for a clue or a scent to follow.

Dominic walks ahead and finds multiple broken branches from some pine trees and follows the trail.

Then he sees several claw marks on one tree, but what really made his eyes widened is when he saw blood stains on the bark.

He gasps when he looks down and finds a lump of snow, but it turns out it was a dead and decaying deer buried underneath.

"Oh, no." He mumbled sadly and kneels down plants his hands on its body, quietly mourning it.

Deya follows behind him, unaware of what is wrong.

"Hey, Dominic. You found a clue yet- oh... oh, no." She kneels beside him and wraps an arm around him, consoling him.

"It didn't deserve this fate. I know It's the circle of life, but the way it died wasn't natural. It was brutally slaughtered. It wasn't even hunted for food, only for game." The short troll spoke and reaches over to close the animal's petrified eyes.

Bular couldn't find anything, which frustrated him and he walks back to meet up with them, until he stopped halfway to see the two kneeling before the dead animal.

It wasn't until he examines everything around it, the tree branches torn apart, the tree covered in claw marks, and stained with blood.

He approaches closer to touch the bark of the tree.

"I recognize these markings. My father was here." He mumbled and sniffs the scent, eventually picking up a faint familiar smell.

"We must move."

The dark troll walked ahead.

"Hey, give us a moment. Can't you see this poor animal died?' Deya called out, making the dark troll stop.

He turns and sees the pile of snow blanketing the creature.

"It's just an animal. It lived it's life." Bular scoffs and turns forward.

"Animal, or not, all living beings doesn't deserve to be hunted down, tortured, and die a gruesome death." Dominic stood up as he raised his voice, catching the dark troll's attention.

Bular remained quiet for a moment, contemplating.

He really wasn't in a mood to get into an argument with the both of them.

Instead, he let out a sigh of defeat and turns around to join the others without another word.

The three kneeled down to pay respect to the unfortunate soul for a couple minutes, and eventually they continued their journey.

As they walked, Dominic stared at the dark troll from behind, as Bular took the lead.

He felt as if the Gumm-Gumm Prince had a bit of a change of heart, or is attempting to change.

All he needs a gentle push in the right direction.

It felt like hours since they been walking, mostly because it was difficult to track down the scent, and the terrain started getting harder to walk through.

They tread through the thick snow that reached up to the smaller trolls' waist, as Deya and Dominic had to waddle through the deep snow.

As for Bular, since he was heavier, the snow sunk his feet and he groans with frustration.

It wasn't until they reach a path with thinner snow.

However, as they walked, Bular felt something off and stopped.

"This doesn't feel right." He spoke up.

The two smaller trolls stopped as well and gazed at the dark troll with confusion.

"What do you mean?" Deya questions.

"I sense something wrong. The ground, it feels too solid. Almost like-"

Just as he took one step forward he felt a loud crack underneath.

He froze and his heart stopped with dread.

"We're on an ice lake! We have to get away!" Dominic panics and turns around.

"No! Don't!" Bular yelled, reaching his hand out to stop the two, but just as Dominic and Deya were about to run, the cracks surrounded them.

"Stop running! Stay where you are!" He demanded them, and they froze.

The dark troll noticed their dangerous predicament, if they make one wrong move, they could fall into the lake and drown.

He had to think, and fast.

"Trollhunter. Take one step to your right."

"How can I trust you? What if I fall in?" Deya worriedly questions, which only infuriated the Gumm-Gumm Prince.

"You don't have a choice. Just take the step!" He shouted angrily.

Deya glares at him with a disappointed look, and it made him sigh.

"I know this because my father taught me how to escape a situation like this. If you step on a spot with less cracks you will have a chance of escaping." He explained.

At this moment, she couldn't do anything BUT trust him.

She groans and takes one step to her right.

"Quickly, make a run for it!"

Just as she stepped to her right, she made a mad dash out of the area safely, with several cracks following her trail.

"What about me?" Dominic asked as his whole body was shaking in fear.

"Stay where you are. I will slowly come to you, then you'll climb on my back." The dark troll replied and cautiously took a step forward,

It was a long and terrifying minute that felt like forever, but when Bular was a few feet away from the short troll, the cracks came closer, causing Dominic to panic.

He took a step back, which was the wrong move and Bular's eyes widened when the ice quickly broke.

The last thing he saw was the dark troll's terrified eyes staring back at him just before he fell in the lake.

"Dominic!" Deya screamed in a panic and attempted to run in and save him, but Bular warned her.

"No! Stay where you are! I will get him!"

With a deep breath, he held his breath and dives right in the freezing water.

The short troll was quickly sinking down and the dark troll swims towards him and finally grabs the short troll's wrist and pulls him close to his chest.

Once he feet touched the ground, he scurried to get to shallow end of the lake, but just as he made it, he needed to break the frozen ice above him.

However, his breath with depleting, and so was his energy as he punched the surface.

He only managed to make a couple cracks, but he was weak and his lungs ached, his chest became tight and his consciousness was slipping.

Suddenly, he gasps, a instinctive reflex, as his body was desperate for air, only for him to swallow a large abundance of icy water.

Bular began to choke, and with his last bit of energy he had, he charged towards the cracked surface and broke through and tosses Dominic through the ice.

Deya rushes over to pull Dominic out of the icy lake, seeing him unconscious made her extremely concerned.

Then she noticed how the dark troll wasn't coming up, and sees his body drifting away.

It put her a situation where she had to choose.

Save the dark troll, or take Dominic to a safe place and keep him alive.

She was breathing heavily as she became hesitant.

What is she supposed to do?

Chapter Text

Within the depths of the icy caverns, Gunmar and his small group of soldiers were exhausted.

They walked through the dark cold tunnels with many paths.

One could get lost in a place like this, but Gunmar knew the right path.

Soon, the Gumm-Gumm king and his soldiers arrive at a lit up cave.

Gunmar approaches the entrance and spoke up.

"Vorticus. I know you're in there."

A moment later, an old troll walks out, limping with a peg leg, and sees the dark troll outside his hideout.

Vorticus squints his faded eyes at the Gumm-Gumm, then smirks.

"Look who's finally here." The old troll laughed and gave the dark troll a rough and friendly pat on Gunmar's shoulder.

"I came here to speak with you. And if you will allow us to stay in your humble abode, for a while." Gunmar replied.

The two trolls stared at each other, and the Gumm-Gumm soldiers watched, feeling the tension between the two.

Vorticus sees the injuries on the dark troll, then he sighs.

"You don't look so well, my friend. Come, come inside, all of you. I'll fix you something to drink."

They all headed inside and settled down.

Thankfully, Vorticus' hideout was quite spacious for all of them and the old troll boiled warm wine, serving them to the Gumm-Gumms.

"Now, may I question how you ended up like this?" He gestured at Gunmar’s wounds.

"Do you remember when I sent you a message, that I was going to war against the human king of Camelot?" The Gumm-Gumm king spoke, making the old troll raise a brow.

"Yes. I do remember."

"Turns out, the Dwoza trolls joined an alliance with him and that wretched wizard crafted an amulet, granting the bearer great power. I was... beaten by this... troll, an outsider, but I managed to slip away. I came all this way to see you. Hoping you could join me in taking back our land."

Vorticus stroked his beard and sighs.

"Oh, no. I do think it is possible for me, old friend. I've grown too old to fight in another war. I have lost too much from these battles." He replied and took a swig of his wine.

Gunmar hides his disappointment as he drank the wine.

"Ava, my dear precious daughter. You remember her, don't you?"

"Of course."

"Well, ever since I lost her, my leg... my home, my tribe, I couldn't stand anymore loss. I lost it, Gunmar. I lost my spark. Besides, whatever happened to Bular? Wasn't he with you at the battle of Killahead?" The old troll questions.

Gunmar abruptly slams his drink down on the table, and the whole area became silent.

Many of the soldiers kept quiet and felt the tension rise up again when they saw their king give the old troll a mean look.

"He's dead. And he'll always be dead to me." The dark troll responded with a low grumble.

Vorticus was curious by his response and raises his drink to his lips before speaking.

"I suppose I should give you my condolences." He joked and took another swig.

Gunmar only glared at him in an intimidating manner, then he picks up his drink.

"I need a general. Someone to fight by my side and when I fully recover, I am going back to Camelot and burn the entire kingdom to the ground!" The dark troll raised his voice.

This didn't seem to ease the tension as the soldiers felt uneasy and unsure what will happen next.

Vorticus sighs again and shakes his head.

"I cannot join you. I would love to, but as I said. I lost too much. I'm sure you can find another to-"

"I do not trust anyone! You are my old friend, my comrade, my wingman! You helped me overthrow Orlagk, fought countless battles with me, you aided me when I was injured! I risked everything to get to where we were, how could you turn your back on me now!"

At this point, Gunmar was furious and immediately stood up, and tossing his drink to the ground in a fit of rage.

"You think you were the the only one who risked everything? I risked my life, my home, my own daughter, just to fight by your side. And look what that costed me? I am a tired and broken old troll, I do not have any interest in getting involved in your problems anymore. You are on your own this time." Vorticus replied, but he argued in a calmer tone.

Gunmar had a burning anger, one that took control of his body as he summoned his Decimaar blade and points it at his old friend.

The Gumm-Gumm soldiers watched in shock, getting up from the instinctive reflex.

"You will join me!" He threatened.

"Or what? You'll kill me? Just like how you killed Bular?" The old troll replied and his hand reaches into his robe.

The entire room was full of tension.

A long tension filled moment.

Before Gunmar could attack him, Vorticus threw some crystallized powered at the dark troll's face, causing him accidentally inhale it and cough.

"What did... did-did you do to me?" Gunmar choked and became disoriented, falling to his knees, knocking over the table.

"It's sleeping dust that I crafted myself. A little bit of crushed pinecones, a sprinkle of tundra mist and of course, a insomniac plant." Vorticus replied, then he turned to the Gumm-Gumm soldiers, who readied their weapons.

However, they began to feel weak and woozy before they could even attack.

"Enjoyed the drinks, boys? It has a delicious pine flavor, doesn't it?" He grins, and watches the soldiers fall to the ground and fall asleep.

The old troll then approaches the Gumm-Gumm king and kneels before him with a pitiful look.

"How... could... you." Gunmar muttered, his body growing weak, and was struggling to stay awake.

"My old friend, I chosen a path to live peacefully. But you chose a path of violence, bloodshed, and fear. For many years of my life I contemplated... and after losing my precious Ava, I knew I could not align myself in this terrible life anymore." Vorticus explained.

"Traitor..."

"No, Gunmar. You were the traitor this whole time. You betrayed Orlagk, your son, and... you betrayed me." The old troll frowns, watching with sorrowful eyes as the dark troll finally fall to the ground.

He struggled to speak as the enchantment took effect into his body.

"Do not worry, I will not kill you in your sleep. But, if you continue down this savage path, you will surely meet your end. And I will not be there to save you again."

Gunmar Immediately fell under the spell's influence and closed his eyes, falling asleep.

Vorticus noticed something in the dark troll's pocket and reaches to take it from him.

In his hand, he curiously examines it, then he smirks.

"Sorry old friend. But I hope you don't mind if I keep this in a safe place."

Hours passed and Gunmar woke up with a sudden dread, springing up with a gasp and pauses.

He found himself in an unknown location, he was no longer in the Winterlands, but in the seaside of a mountain.

The waves splash into the shore, angrily crashing at the rocks.

Crashing into his core.

His rage boils until it reach to it's breaking point.

Gunmar lets out a furious and frustrated roar that echoed throughout the sea.

Chapter Text

His body was so cold, it felt like his spine was tingling with a chilling pain.

He felt his heart was slow, and very frozen, but it was still beating, and his livingstone was faint.

In this moment he knew he would die very soon.

However, he began to feel a small sense of warmth nearby.

This didn't fully alleviate his frozen heart, but it did made him feel less cold.

That is when he slowly wakes up, his eyes open to see a crackling fire pit.

Next he looks around and finds himself in a cave.

He wondered how he got here, it wasn't until he heard Dominic speak.

"Y-You're alive..."

Bular looks over to see the short troll curled up on the other side of the fire pit.

"Th-Thank the F-F-Fa-Fates. M-Master Deya was able to sss-save you." He spoke with an intense shiver.

The dark troll stared in disbelief, then he closes his eyes with a frown.

"Sh-She sh-sh-should've just let m-m-me die. I d-do-don't de-des-erve th-this." Bular replied, with an even more intense shiver, given how long he lasted in the icy lake.

Dominic sits up and his four hands hover over the fire to stay warm.

"You d-don't mean that. Of course you d-deserve to live."

"No. I... d... don't."

The cave became silent and the Conundrum troll looks down at the fire with a somber expression.

Even with all the kindness that was shown to him, he still refuses to believe he deserves it.

For a moment, Bular noticed someone was missing.

"Where's... th-the Troll-hunter?" He questions.

"She went t-to get some f-f-firewood. She'll be back, soon. Hopefully." The short troll replied and rubbed his hands together.

There was another pause, the entire cave became silent again, except for the windy snowstorm whistling right outside the cave.

The silence made the moment a bit awkward.

Very awkward.

Dominic didn't know what to say or do, but he wanted this tension to stop, and so he cleared his throat, hoping to catch the dark troll's attention.

Two red and yellow eyes turned to his direction, which made him anxious, but he opened his mouth anyways.

"I just... wanted to th-hank you, for saving me. I thought I was done for... I didn't think you would..." He paused for a moment, unsure what to say next.

"I c-c-couldn't just let you f-fa-fall in and drown." Bular scoffs and looks away.

The Conundrum smiled and his tail lightly wagged for a second.

He felt a little warm from the dark troll's response, feeling as if he was showing some sort of kindness, meaning there is a window of opportunity for the Gumm-Gumm Prince to change.

Suddenly, the chilling wind blew into the cave, blowing onto the fire, the flames were slowly dying out as the heat was dimming down.

The wind made both trolls shiver, but Bular was much worse as his body was twitching intensively.

Then, he began coughing, he felt like he couldn't breathe, his heart was growing colder and his muscles tensed up.

His coughing worsen as he desperately gasped for air.

Dominic panics and wasn't sure what to do.

Instead of thinking, he instantly gets up and rushes over to the dark troll and kneels down beside him.

Bular looks over when he felt something warm touch him, he sees Dominic crawl under his arm and snuggle with him.

"Wh...wha-what.... are-"

"It's to k-keep you warm."

The dark troll felt awkward and embarrassed to be placed in this position, but he'd be lying that he doesn't like the feeling of a warm body cuddling with him.

His chest soon became warm, and so was his face.

"A-Are you f-f-feeling better?" The short troll asked.

Bular didn't answer, but instead, he tightened his arms around the Conundrum, making the smaller troll let out a high-pitched squeak.

He blushed after letting out the embarrassing sound, but it made the dark troll chuckle, amused by him.

Dominic, awkwardly smiled and rested his head against Bular's chest, feeling it rise and descend with each breath.

The dark troll's coughing lessened until it faded away.

His throat still hurts, but he could bear with it, now that he had some... company.

Despite the fire being dimly lit, and the chilling cold wind outside, Bular grew tired and wanted to sleep.

It took some time for the Gumm-Gumm Prince to fall asleep, and so did Dominic.

None of them want to admit it, but the feeling of being so close to each other brought warmth into their hearts, slowly healing them from the cold.

Deya, in her Trollhunter armor, finally found enough firewood after several hours of traveling through a snowstorm.

She took more time heading back as she needed to be careful not to fall in another ice lake, or trip and fall into deep thick snow.

Soon enough, the Trollhunter arrived at the cave and stops when she saw the two trolls cuddling together, then she looks over at the fire pit, seeing it barely lit.

After fueling the flames with the wood, she goes over to Dominic and nudges him.

The short troll mumbles in his sleep, not wanting to wake up.

"Dom. Come on, get up."

A minute later, Dominic slowly wakes up.

"M-Master Deya?" He mumbled, then his eyes widened and gets up from the dark troll's arms to hug her, his tail wagging excitingly.

"You came back!"

"Pshh. Of course I did. You didn't think I would leave you with pebble-brain over there. I can't believe I had to save him. I should've just left him." Deya sighs and crosses her arms.

"But, you still went in and save him anyways. I know you dislike him, however, you knew you had to do the right thing." The short troll spoke, hugging her tighter and lean his head against her chestplate.

"Okay, okay. Don't have to rub it in, I just... felt bad. Ugh... I hate admitting that." She frowns and rest her chin on top of his head..

"Plus, he did save you, so..."

"You care, Deya. I know you don't like to admit it. But, you care. Just as much as I care for you." Dominic lightly laughed.

"Oh, yeah? Then why you were sleeping with Bular? You trying to make me jealous?" Deya questions with a smirk.

The short troll blushes and clears his throat, leaning away from the embrace.

"We weren't... it wasn't what it looks like, I- We were freezing! We needed warmth and I thought of bundling close together to keep ourselves from freezing to death!" Dominic stammered with embarrassment, trying to defend himself and Deya laughed, patting his hair.

"I'm just messing with you. Sorry for disturbing your beauty sleep. Anyways, I have to head back out there. I need to find some food. So stay here and keep an eye on him. Oh, and don't forget to give him some warm herbal tea. He wasn't doing so good when I plucked him out of the lake. Got it?"

Dominic frowns and reaches over to take her hand just as turned to leave, she pauses and turns to his direction.

"Please, just stay for a while longer. I... I want you to stay... with me." His voice was soft and vulnerable, showing how much he missed her.

Deya sighs and leans down to his face and gives him a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"Sorry, Dominic. I have to. If we're going to survive this tundra hell hole, we'll need food. I love you too much to let you starve."

She embraces him in a hug, and his four arms immediately wrap around her.

"I understand. P-Please... Be safe." He sadly spoke.

"I will. And I promise, I will do everything in my power to come back to you. Even if I return empty-handed." She replied with determination.

Before she left, the two lean in to kiss each other on the lips.

"I love you, Deya." He whispered.

"I love you, too. Just hang on."

At that, Deya left the cave again to search for food, leaving Dominic feeling upset and sit back down near the fire pit.

He stares at the cackling flames, praying for the Trollhunter’s safety as she travels through the dangerous storm again.

Chapter Text

Two hours went by and Bular woke up again, this time feeling a little better.

However, his throat was so cold and dry that coughing and attempting to speak hurt so much.

"Here, drink this."

Bular looks up and sees Dominic hold up a wooden carved bowl filled with hot water and tiny little herbs.

The dark troll sniffs it, and jerks away, revolted from the smell with a growl.

"You need to drink it if you want to feel better." The short troll frowns and thrusts the drink close to his face, making Bular angry.

"I refuse to consume it, get that revolting thing away from me!"

This didn't please Dominic and he furrowed his brows, making a serious face.

He kneels down to Bular's level and grabs his curled horn, pulling him close to meet face to face.

"I don't want to hear your whining! You HAVE to drink this if you want to feel better! Do you want to feel sick and and miserable the whole journey? Master Deya would not be happy and she will likely have no choice but to leave you all alone, ill and weak, and maybe close to dying, do you want that?"

The short troll's voice was stern and assertive, again, surprising the dark troll.

Seeing how someone so small and weak being so defensively aggressive against someone who is intimidatingly tall, strong, and downright terrifying.

Someone who could easily rip this puny Conundrum in half.

He thought about it, several times, but for some reason, he doesn't want to.

It was quite amusing to see this side of him, and thought about entertaining himself, see where he can take this.

"Is that so? Then would that mean you will leave me to die, as well? And here I thought you cared." Bular spoke in a disappointed tone, masking his cockiness.

"What? Of course... I care, but if you don't drink this, you'll be left behind! I have to stay by the Trollhunter." Dominic explained in a defensive voice.

The dark troll jerked his head away and stretches his limbs.

"You care more for the pesky Trollhunter than the unfortunate prince. You must not be as noble as I thought. What can I expect from a troll who is madly in love?"

A small smirk teased the short troll, as a blush spread across Dominic's face.

"That-That has nothing to do with anything! I have to stay by her side to aid in her quest in defeating your father!" He stomped his foot down and his tail wagged furiously.

His hands tightly clutched onto the carved bowl.

"But you need me. You'll be lost without me. You won't know where to go." Bular sat up and leaned his face close to the flustered Conundrum troll, causing the Dominic to step back.

A grin flashed upon his face as he got the short troll stammering.

"I-I-I. That isn't- What are you talking- I..."

He wasn't sure if Bular was talking about the mission, or is trying to poke at his insecurities.

His heart was thumping against his chest and his face and the tips of his ears burned with embarrassment.

The closer the Gumm-Gumm Prince got, the more his assertive demeanor faded, and eventually dropping down and being replaced with anxious vulnerability.

"You know what I mean. You cannot possibly ditch someone who you care about? Would you?"

Bular continued teasing him, crawling closer and closer until Dominic was pressed against the wall of the cave.

A dark clawed-hand plants above his head and the dark troll's face leaned in so close, that the Conundrum could feel his breath on his skin.

"I... I care. Because... I just... want you to... to..." Dominic couldn't stop shaking from anxiety, unsure what to do or say.

Two red and yellow eyes stare intensely into his, but there was something different.

Last time he came across those eyes, they were full of terrifying anger, but now... it's something else.

Something more... intimate and lustful.

The tension between them was agonizing and reaching it's breaking point.

Dominic couldn't think, couldn't move, couldn't speak, and he couldn't breath, as Bular brushed a single claw against his flushed cheek, then it slid down, hooking around his jawline and tracing down towards his chin, where he eventually stopped.

Bular chuckled as he the Conundrum gasps, he looks down to find two hands pressing against his broad chest, uncertain if he wantsto push him back, or to feel him.

"B-Bular."

"Yes? What do you want, little scholar?"

His voice was full of sultry, it ached the smaller troll upon hearing that nickname.

It wasn't like Deya's playfulness where he felt happy each time she called him Dom.

This was something... more. This was more lustful and intimidating, it didn't feel romantic or normal to him.

"I-"

"Go on?"

"..."

Bular's dreadful mouth was close to his vulnerable neck, as his claw was still on his chin, lifting his head to finally breach in.

The dark troll lowered himself closer and closer, sharp tusks scraping against green stone, causing Dominic to yelp and whimper.

Was he imagining this?

Did he feel asleep and began dreaming of this erotic scene?

This is just like his imagination, his sinful desire.

To be trapped and vulnerable by a larger and terrifying troll who was about to nip his neck, to get but a taste.

However, the only thing that made him realize that this wasn't a dream, was that he felt light-headed.

He snapped out if it and realized he was out of breath and hasn't been breathing for the past minute, and suddenly the adrenaline kicked in as his body desperately pushed for air.

Dominic finally came to his senses, and gasps for air, giving him some strength to toss the hot tea in the dark troll's face, causing Bular to scream in pain and cover his face with his hands.

It gave enough time for the Conundrum to rush over to the fire pit and pick up a small dagger from his satchel.

When Bular recovered, he whiped his head towards the short troll with a furious expression.

The short troll raised the dagger towards the large intimidating troll, his multiple hands shaking in fear.

"What was that for?" Bular questions furiously.

"What were you doing? You can't just... do that to me and expect me not to fight back? My heart is for Master Deya, and I will fully admit I DO love her! But-"

"But, what? Huh?" The dark troll stepped closer to the short troll, making Dominic shiver intensely.

"I..."

He cannot admit it.

He can't admit that he has feelings for him too.

It will only make this situation worse for himself.

Or... will it?

There was an inner conflict raging within the Conundrum troll, uncertain if his feelings towards Bular is the same as how he feels with Deya.

Sure, they both are tall, strong, fearless, and brave warriors. But they also have different qualities.

Deya is sweet and caring, but also tough and assertive.

Bular is brutish and unrelenting, but he's also lost and confused, unsure how to solve a problem without resorting to violence.

Needing a guide to show him how to love and be kind.

Then, that is when his mind wondered off.

A fear that plighted with him.

What if he does admit his feelings to Bular, what if he decides to allow the brutish troll to pin him to the wall and bite his vulnerable neck until he was left with bloody marks, would that mean he would betray Deya?

Would sharing another love to someone else break her heart?

At this moment, it was his turn to feel lost and confused.

He can't just choose one or the other, he cared for both of them.

Never in his life has he ever fallen in love with more than one troll at the same time.

He wasn't sure if that was normal.

This inner conflict couldn't find a solution as he normally would, and he, lowering his blade until it faced the ground, felt his breaking point reach its peak.

"Just leave me alone..."

Was all he said and dropped his dagger, his face was tense and strained, like he was angry, confused, and close to crying.

He lies down and curls into a fetal position, facing away from the dark troll to hide away the tears that he couldn't stop from spilling out from his eyes.

Bular suddenly began to feel guilty and realized he pushed too far.

What he thought was playing a little tease to humor himself, turned into a inappropriate moment that made the poor small troll uncomfortable.

What was he thinking?

Why did he do that?

Why did he...?

He broke the trust of the only troll who actually trusted and cared for him.

Sadness and anger creeped in and he didn't know how to respond to overwhelming emotions in a mature way other than bursting out and punching his feelings at a nearby tree or rock.

He rather not let his monstrous side be seen by the small troll, so instead he used all his will power and strength to not give in to his savagery. But it was too much, he couldn't push it down.

The guilt was too much and he nearly choked, trying not to roar out his fury.

Fear fill his eyes when he realized he couldn't control it and ran out fo the cave, into the frozen snowstorm with a snarl.

Dominic's ear perked up and turned his head over his shoulder to see the dark troll gone.

His heart sunk and began to panic.

He quickly grabbed his dagger and satchel, running out as well, following after the Gumm-Gumm Prince.

"Bular! Bular! Come back! Please!"

There was no response from the dark troll, only but a terrifying, but saddening roar that wailed from a hoarse throat.

Dominic knew if Bular stayed out in the storm for too long, his condition would get worse and he would surely die.

"Please! Bular!"

Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough to catch up with the other troll as Bular ran on all fours.

All he could do was follow the tracks the dark troll left behind, and following he did.

His small figure was swallowed by the mist that violently blew through the Winterlands.

Chapter Text

It feel too long to be out here in the dangerous storm, but he was only there for a couple of minutes.

Dominic couldn't see much as the tears nearly frozen his eyes shut.

He could only see from three of his six eyes, making his vision slightly blurry.

The thick snow made it difficult to run, and the tracks that Bular left behind were being erased.

In a panicked state, he quickly picked up the pace, waddling through the deep snow.

Fortunately, he didn't need to travel far, as he found a big trail of snow that looked like a struggle.

Then he finds broken tree branches, some of them were bent and broken with splinters.

He follows the disaster trail, and his blurry eyes noticed something in the distance.

It appeared to be a large black rock that was slowly being covered by snow.

However, the form of the rock seemed a bit odd, and when Dominic got closer, his breath hitched.

He noticed the rock shivering and twitching, and realized it was the dark troll, weak, sick, and close to dying.

"B-Bular!" The short troll rushed over and kneel besides him wrapping his four arms around the larger troll.

There was no response, but he was still breathing, ever so slowly as his body was freezing and shutting down.

"P-Please, g-g-get up. We nnnneed to head... b-ba-back!"

Again, there was no response and it made Dominic scared.

Bular was too weak too respond, too cold to move.

It wasn't until he managed to say one word.

"L-Leave..."

Dominic shook his head, refusing to leave him.

"No! I will nnnnot! I won't l-l-leave you here to d-die!" He yelled and tightly held the dark troll, pressing his forehead against the dark thick hair of the dying Gumm-Gumm Prince.

"I-I-I don't want you t-to... die... alone. W-We can... stay... together..."

A soft shivering whisper tickled Bular's skin, feeling guilt... sadness, but the anger was gone.

He didn't know why the Conundrum wouldn't leave, and thought Dominic was a fool for staying with him, but in all honesty, he was glad that he wasn't alone.

Even after what he did to him, there was still some compassion within the short troll, that still confuses him.

In his final moments, he began to realize what true loyalty and kindness is.

Something his father never was to him, as he left his own son to die.

He felt some appreciation towards Dominic, and his freezing heart ached for the longing of love.

Guilt still clung to him, because he never treated the Conundrum respectfully, never returning that kindness back.

Instead their final memory would be from a terrible mistake.

He really doesn't deserve any of this kind of love. He should've died back at the mountains, wishing he never met this kind-hearted troll, maybe then the short troll wouldn't have ended up like this.

The pain soon became numb, and a peaceful feeling embraced him.

There was no fear, no worries, all expect the feeling of comfort from the Conundrum troll, who still held onto him.

His weary eyes closed, hoping to rest for one final time, and let the Fates take his soul and ready for punishment.

Dominic held tightly onto the larger troll, not wanting to leave his side, because he knew it wasn't right.

Sure, after what Bular has done that made him very uncomfortable, he couldn't just allow him to walk right into a deadly snowstorm.

His only wish was to see Deya one last time, telling her that he was sorry, and giving her one last hug before his end.

However, that won't likely happen, but he was happy enough to stay and comfort someone who was hurt, lost, and confused.

Even if it was someone like Bular.

Any moment now, his organs would freeze, and he would inevitably die.

Just as he was about to close his eyes, his blurry sight caught a glimpse of a faint light in the distance.

It came closer and closer with a heavenly glow.

Dominic sense that his time has come, his last moments in this world, and the Fates come to take him, and perhaps reunite him with his loved ones.

It's a nice thought to think about as he slowly closes his eyes and succumbs to death.

Expect, this wasn't any ordinary light.

When it reached them, the light turned out to be a lantern.

Before the short troll passed out, he saw a blurry tall figure, then... black.

Peace was all he could feel.

Although he feels like he doesn't deserved it. He wished his death was full of misery, just like the misery he spread across the lands with his father.

To feel pain, like all the pain he inflicted upon poor innocent trolls and humans.

Then, he felt... warmth.

Like a gentle comforting embrace.

The only thing he could think of was Dominic.

Perhaps the Conundrum was still holding on to his body. But if he could still feel, wouldn't that mean he...

No, that can't be.

He should be dead.

Then, he could feel warmth all over his body, and he could move his limbs.

Why is he still alive?

Was the Fates tormenting him for his sins?

Was this his punishment?

Or was death too good for him?

Suddenly, he heard mumbling, that soon became a clear conversation.

He slowly opens his eyes and saw a fire pit, and mistakenly thought he was back in the cave.

Except, he noticed he was laying in a comforting fur nest and was covered by a cozy warm blanket.

Quite unusual, as he doesn't remember having a nest.

Then, he realize, he was in a much spacious cave.

Bular looks around and finds himself in a strange hideout full of wooden and stone furniture with chipped ice sculptures.

However, his eyes caught sight of a symbol carved onto the wall above the door frame.

It was a familiar symbol that he knew all too well.

"Looks who is finally awake."

An old voice spoke up, and the dark troll froze.

That voice was one that he never thought he would hear again.

Bular turns his head and sees an old troll in a robe.

The sounds of wood thunking against ice could be heard as the old troll walked, limping from the uneven peg leg.

When he looks up, he saw two faded eyes staring down at him.

"Bular, the Butcher. What a surprise to see you."

"Vorticus, the Vicious." The dark troll spoke back and attempted to get up, but his legs were weak and wobbled.

He nearly fell on his face, but the old troll helped him up.

"You're lucky that I was around the area when I heard a painful cry nearby." Vorticus grinned and patted Bular on the back.

"What? I wasn't- you heard me?"

"Indeed. As soon as I heard it, I knew it sounded familiar. And here I thought you were dead. Or so as your father claimed."

Bular stared in surprise, his mouth slightly parted.

"My father has been here? But, I thought you-"

"Joined his army to take over the lands? Well, let's just say, I was not interested in getting involved with another war." The old troll replied and lead the dark troll towards the living space where he found Deya sitting on a chair, and Dominic peacefully sleeping on a cushioned chair with a warm blanket.

Deya stared at him with a unamused expression, one that he ignored, but he felt a sense of dread that she must've figure out what happened.

That is when she spoke up.

"What the hell were you two doing out in the storm? I thought I made it clear that you were supposed to stay put in the cave!" She yelled and got up from her seat, but Vorticus sat her back down.

"Now, now. Let's not start anything. Besides, we have a sleeping guest." The old troll calmly spoke and turns to Dominic, who quietly snored.

Deya sighs and crossed her arms, unhappy with what happened.

"It was a mistake. I know, I am an idiot for going out there. But I never wanted the Conundrum to follow me and put himself in danger." Bular spoke with guilt.

"Explain to me what really happened." The Trollhunter frowns, impatiently tapping her foot onto the ground.

As much as he wanted to explain, he rather not tell her about the certain interaction he had with the short troll that lead to all of this.

"I can't." He responded with a huff.

"You can't, or you won't? Tell me. Did you hurt Dominic? Because, if you dare even hurt a single hair on him, I swear to the Fates that I will shove my sword down your throat and cut you open down to your belly and let your guts spill out!" Deya threatened the dark troll, which made Bular back off and give her a cringed expression.

"I didn't... He-"

Before Bular could even explain, Dominic slowly woke up with a yawn that caught everyone's attention.

He rubbed his six eyes and stretched his multiple limbs.

Then, he noticed the others staring at him, confused in what just happened, and realized he was still alive as he patted himself.

Secondly, his eyes darted towards Deya, and his excitement and relief bursted out.

"Deya!" He exclaimed happily and rushed towards her to give her a big embrace.

The Trollhunter stumbled back upon his embrace and laughed with relief.

"I thought I'd never see you again! I'm so relieved!"

"Me too. I may or may not have gotten a little lost when trying to find some food. Then I stumbled across him." Deya explained and looks over to Vorticus, Dominic turning towards the old troll.

"I must admit, I did not expect to encounter the Trollhunter so soon. I did had a feeling that you were following the Gumm-Gumms, I just didn't expect you would come here to the Winterlands. Real risky move I must say." Vorticus spoke and walks over to serve them some warm wine.

"Well, how else are we supposed to track Gunmar down?" The Trollhunter raised a brow.

"But tracking him here? You could've taken the shorter route through the Hieken River. It streams down to the sea side, a days journey from here."

The three stayed quiet and Deya was upset.

"You're telling me that we could've avoided all of this if we went through the river? Seriously?" She groans with frustration and sits back down, rubbing her temples as she was exhausted.

Vorticus laughed and handed her the cup of wine, which she stared cautiously, then she takes it.

"You tell me. Why in the world would non-winter trolls travel to an environment that was not built for them?" He questions and Deya shot a glare at Bular.

"Yeah, I wonder why." She muttered and sniffs her drink, but not drinking it yet.

The dark troll scoffs and rolls his eyes.

"I said I knew where my father was. I did my part." He crossed his arms and sits across from her.

Vorticus also hands him another cup of wine, and he takes a small sip.

"Pshh, yeah. And you lead us to our deaths Well, you lead yourself to your own death and dragged Dominic with you." Deya complained, making the dark troll angry.

"Me? I dragged him? I risked my life to save him! And it was you who saved me. You could've have left me to drown in that lake, but you didn't! I honestly wished you left me for dead, so I wouldn't have to deal with your attitude!"

At this point Bular and Deya were verbally at each other's throats, as they argued back at one another.

Vorticus silently shakes his head in disappointment, taking a sip and sighs.

That is when Dominic intervenes to stop them.

"Enough! Please!" He yelled, catching the two troll's attention.

"Would you two stop blaming each other for once! I understand we all make mistakes, but that doesn't mean we should distract ourselves with petty squabble!"

Both Deya and Bular were shocked to see the short troll's rising anger.

"Do you know how difficult it is for me to see you both complain and fight? Each time you do, it always ends up hurting everyone! I can't stand it anymore! I'm always the one trying to keep this group together, and I know you can't trust each other, but for once, just get along and focus on this quest!"

The cave became silent, except for the crackling fire. And the two trolls looked away from each other, letting down their frustrations.

Vorticus senses the stress coming from Conundrum troll, given how he was heavily breathing from all the yelling, and pours another cup of wine for Dominic, going over to serve him the drink.

"I think you had a lot of pressure being placed on you. Here, why don't you just drink and unwind." The old troll recommended, giving the smaller troll a sympathetic look.

Dominic stares at the drink for a moment, feeling very pent up and upset, he decides to take the offer.

He takes a small sip and finds it tasty.

"I think it's time to head on and rest. The storm has gotten worse and it will last for another day. And by the looks of it all of you aren't looking so well." Vorticus spoke to the three.

"What? We can't just wait another day. Gunmar is out there and we need to stop him!" Deya complained.

"What you need is rest. Besides, you still need the other two Triumbric Stones."

The Trollhunter frowns and gets up to head over to the exit.

"Gunmar needs to be taken down. Come on, Dominic." She bluntly spoke.

However, the short troll was hesitant to get up and follow her.

"Leave now, and you will never make out alive." The old troll warned her.

"Then, try and stop me! Because I am tired of waiting and waiting! The longer he is still alive, the more violence he'll spread."

"Then, I suppose you won't be needing this."

Vorticus pulls out a purple stone that had light pulsing from within, like a heart.

Bular gasps in shock upon seeing the familiar looking stone.

Deya froze, completely in disbelief.

"Gunmar's Birthstone." Dominic mumbled and walks over to closely examine the stone.

"How did you obtained it?" Bular questions.

"Your father, he... wanted me to "keep it safe" right before he "left." The old troll replied with a smug look.

"Great. Fantastic. Amazing! We have another stone, but that doesn't convince me to stay here." Deya spoke and turns back, facing the exit.

"Trollhunter. Do you even know how to use the stones once you confront Gunmar?" He questions, both Bular and Dominic turn towards her direction.

She paused, and remained silent.

"I suppose you don't. But I can help with that."

Vorticus walks towards the back of the cave and heads into a small tunnel.

Dominic curiously follows the old troll, however, Bular stayed behind.

Deya groans and decides to join them, but gave the dark troll a glare as she passed him.

Inside the tunnel, the three began to feel warm.

"Why did the temperature heightened all of sudden?" Dominic questions.

"Many, many years ago. When I retired from Gunmar's army, I wanted a peaceful place to spend the rest of my years. Here is where I discovered a hidden Heartstone within this entire mountain. You see, this mountain is the main source of warmth while keeping the cold out. Incredible, isn't it?" Vorticus explained.

The short troll was amazed by this information and pulls out his booklet to write it down.

Eventually, they made it to a room that had several equipment for blacksmithing and alchemy.

At the end of the room was a part of the large Heartstone sticking out from the wall.

The old troll made his way to a grindstone and picked up some metal prongs.

"Now, I can only assume you have obtained the Killstone?" He asked, and Dominic perks up, reaching into his satchel to pull out the green stone.

"Good. Hand it over. I will show you how to use its power."

Before Dominic could hand him the stone, Deya blocks the short troll with her arm.

"Why are you helping us? Didn't you worked for Gunmar?" She curiously asked, her tone was filled with superstition.

"Used to. But not anymore. You see, the reason why I retired was because I realized how much I lost from fighting along side the warlord. I changed my ways to live peacefully. And during my path to discovering full enlightenment, I stumbled across a temple full of scholars." He replied and sets the Birthstone onto a table.

Dominic curiously tilted his head upon hearing this.

"It is there is where I met an incredible scholar known as Bodus. He showed me his ways and I became interested. During my time there, I learned from some of the scholars discovered many stones, geodes, crystals, and minerals that held different abilities."

As he explained, he picked up a hammer and a chisel, then he leans down to carefully chip away at the Birthstone until there was a breach.

"After a good while, I left and found my way here, in the Winterlands, where I spent most of my life, until I heard the war between Gunmar and the humans. I often hoped that Gunmar's tryanny would end there, but to find out he was still alive only left me with no choice but to find a way to stop him. And that is when I heard about the Trollhunter."

Once he finished cleaving the Birthstone, inside was a smaller gemstone and he picks it up with the prongs to polish it with the grindstone.

"I once learned about such a thing from the other scholars, as well. But how can the stones be used?" Dominic questions.

Vorticus finished and blew onto the gemstone, which glowed brightly after being polished.

"Your amulet, Trollhunter. Take this and put it inside." The old troll turned to Deya.

She pulls out her amulet and glances down at the metal object.

"This better work."

Deya takes the gemstone, and once it got close to the amulet, it activates a flap in the back of the round item that reveals a small hole.

It magnetized itself and click into the hole.

The flap closes and the amulet glows, then activates.

Deya found herself in her Daylight armor, but instead of the blue hue, it glowed pinkish purple tint.

The Conundrum troll admired her armor as he gave soft awe.

"Okay, so what does it do?" She asked.

"That is the mystery you must discover. Once you complete the set, it will grant you the ultimate power. Now, let us begin with the Killstone." Vorticus spoke and extends his hand towards Dominic, who hands him the green stone.

He repeated the same process as he used the grindstone to polish it.

After it was complete, he hands her the purified gem and once again, stored it in her amulet.

"But what about the last stone? It will take forever to obtain it since it is located in the deepest caverns." Dominic questions curiously.

"That, I can also help."

Chapter Text

It didn't take long to convince Deya to stay since she was relieved to have two out of the three Triumbric Stones.

Plus, she was sick of the cold and decided to wait for the storm to end and the others to recover from nearly freezing to death.

Deya and Dominic confided with Vorticus about where they can find the last Triumbric Stone.

It was said that the Krubera trolls lived in the Caverns Deep, that they must have some information about where the last stone might be.

Or they have it in their possession, hidden somewhere safely.

The old troll could make contact with the Queen of the Krubera, hoping to make a trade.

As of now, they waited until the snowstorm ends.

Deya heads out of the hideout, just into the tunnels to train, and hoping to figure what the stones' powers are.

Bular was already in the nest sleeping.

Dominic, however, was too preoccupied, entranced by Vorticus' alchemy equipment.

"Incredible, what sort of elixirs have you brewed, if you don't mind me asking?" He questions the old troll, who chuckled with amusement.

"Oh, just a couple of healing potions, one for pain relief, or enchanted spices for defense, like an insomniac spell. I used this station to also craft a medicine for you and your companion." Vorticus replied.

The Conundrum troll frowns and stares at the various bottles and spices to avoid his gaze.

This expression captured the old troll's curiosity, sensing something was off.

He hums while stroking his beard, thinking of what to say.

Then, he looks over to his alchemy station, then back to the short troll.

Vorticus smiled and placed his hand on Dominic's shoulder.

"You seem like a bright young scholar who knows a thing or two about spells, enchantments and such. Tell me. Have you ever heard of an oxygeno spell?"

Dominic craned his head up to meet eyes with the old troll.

"Well, I know plenty, but not quite as much as I hoped to learn. No, I have not heard of it." He answered.

"Then you have much to learn, my pupil."

Vorticus went to his right to collect several ingredients, not noticing the stunned scholar behind him.

"Pupil?"

"Why, yes. I recognized your clothing as the same as the scholars that once followed Bodus. I knew how spellbound you all are when it comes to knowledge. You must've had Bodus as your teacher, didn't you?"

The short troll sighs and folded his arms behind his back, looking shameful.

"No. I only learned several teachings from other scholars and some of his teachings through others. But I never personally knew the great scholar himself. He was often distant from newer students." He responded with a saddened tone and his head hangs down.

Vorticus sighs, feeling the smaller troll's sadness.

"I've always, wanted to learn majiks like him. But my father forbid me. I only learned a few spells behind his back, and it was difficult to do it without getting caught. So I never learned as much." Dominic explained.

The old troll raised a brow, then he scoffs.

"Well, that shouldn't stop you now. Because you, my dear pupil, will learn everything. I will give you all of my knowledge that I have learned from Bodus himself!" He happily exclaimed to cheer up the scholar.

This made Dominic perk up and gasp with excitement.

"Wait. Really?"

"Indeed. Now, let me show you how to craft this oxygeno spell. You may never know when you need it."

At that, the old troll took some of the ingredients and gave the Conundrum a simple tutorial, then, he allowed Dominic to try it for himself.

Never in his life as a scholar has he ever get to experience in such a moment like this, to finally have a teacher that could teach him of his special interests.

He could never be more than happy to gain more knowledge with someone who had plenty of wisdom.

Many hours went by and Dominic was completely enamored by everything he learned.

From fire spices, a stamina potion, and many other elixirs.

The one thing he was excited for was the oxygeno spell, that apparently was supposed to allow a troll to breath underwater.

It seemed quite useful for several occasions.

Not only he learned how to brew elixirs, but he learned about many different runes.

A stasis trap, a shield barrier spell, even perfecting his root spell, and a magnetic spell. But most of these spells could not be done without a wand or a staff.

The main source of magical energy to pull off these spells.

Dominic was confused when he was led to another room that was for enchantments.

In this room was covered in bookshelves that were filled with books, and in the far corner there was a case that contained wands and staffs.

"Come here. I want you to take a look, and see which one gravitates to you." The old troll spoke as he stood in front of the case.

"You mean, I get to choose... my own staff!" The short troll's tail wagged excitingly.

"Yes, my pupil. I know you haven't truly mastered magic, but given the dire circumstances, it only seems right to give you an advantage against your opponents. Plus, as a student of Bodus, you must have already learned his advices. It can help you more than you realize." Vorticus spoke and opens the case.

Dominic couldn't believe it, and was at a loss for words.

Then, he takes a step forward to gaze upon the magical items.

It seemed like it was a lot of pressure, and was unsure which one he should pick, but after a several minutes, he managed to find one that he liked.

To him, it sounded like it was speaking to him and he couldn't get his eyes off of it.

He picks up a staff that wasn't too long or too short, but the perfect size for him.

The staff was made of obsidian with several markings and a symbol on the top of the staff with a blue enchanted gem shard embedded in the middle of it.

Vorticus raised a brow and strokes his beard, amused by the short troll's choice.

"This one. I am sure of it." The Conundrum troll spoke and turns to the old troll.

"Good choice. Tomorrow, I will train you how to use it. As of now, I think it's best to join your companions and rest."

The short troll frowns and his hands lowers the staff with disappointment.

Again, the old troll noticed his upset expression.

"Is something wrong, my pupil?" He curiously asked.

Dominic sighs and shakes his head

"It's nothing."

He turns around to leave and head back, but he stops when a thought came to him.

Hours before, he was scared to think about his conflict with his feelings towards Deya and Bular, and even more scared to talk to either of them about it.

There was no way he could tell them. But what if he doesn't have to.

He has someone he can talk about this that wasn't the Trollhunter or the Gumm-Gumm Prince, and is much wiser.

Although it might sound a bit awkward to talk about such a subject to someone he just met hours ago.

There was no choice.

"Actually. There is something wrong." He turns around to face the old troll.

"If there is something wrong, we can talk about it. Come, take a seat." Vorticus spoke and leads the other to a table and they sat down on two stone stools.

Dominic sets the staff on the table and sighs, a bit anxious to tell him, but with one deep breath, he closed his eyes to mentally encourage himself.

With an exhale, he began to speak.

"Do you... promise not to tell the others about this?" He asked.

"Of course. You have my word." The old troll placed his hand over his heart and raised his other hand.

"I know this may sound like an odd question, but... are you knowledgeable about... love?" He awkwardly asked and felt his stomach twist with anxiety.

Vorticus paused and was surprised by his question, then he sees the smaller troll fidgeting his many fingers.

He gave Dominic a comforting and reassuring smile.

"Well, you are right. It is an odd question." He laughed.

"But, one that shouldn't be shy to talk about. Yes. I am quite knowledge with love. I once fell in love with a beautiful mare back in my youth. Back when I was a soldier for Orlagk. Then, one day, we had a daughter, Ava. After Gunmar took charge of the Gumm-Gumms, I lost the love of my life after raiding a tribe of peaceful trolls. It took a toll on me, but I had to stay strong for my daughter."

That is when Vorticus frowns and sighs, his entire mood changed.

"However, several battles later, I lost a leg trying to defend my home from enemy tribes. But that wasn't the worst of it..." He spoke in a softer and sadder tone, and looks down at his peg leg.

Dominic follows his gaze at the fake limb, seeing the gruesome consequences of war caused him to have an awful pit in his stomach.

"I also lost my precious Ava."

Six eyes darted up towards the old troll's saddened face with a gasp.

"I'm so sorry." He sympathetically spoke.

The old troll lightly shook his head, his face morphing into guilt.

"Everyday I still of them. I should be the one who is sorry. If I knew that if I continued down my violent path that it would cause the death of my family, I would've never followed Gunmar. But, here I am. Living the rest of my years as an lonely old hermit troll. Scarred and cursed with the sins of the past on my body, a reminder of what I've done."

Vorticus pulls his sleeves to reveal terrible battlescars that were uncomfortable to look at. And that was just his arms.

The Conundrum didn't want to think about how worse the rest of his body looked like, and his teacher pulls his sleeves back and adjusts his robe, wishing to keep the rest of his scars hidden.

"War is ugly, dear pupil. Some warriors may say it's thrilling, and it's true, I've felt that feeling before. To feel the rush of adrenaline pumping through my body as I slash and gore my enemies. Painting myself with their blood. It felt so satisfying. But, it is never beautiful." The old troll furrowed his brows, expressing his distaste of his past.

Dominic agreed with him with a nod, as he remembered the times when he witnessed blood and violence.

Like the time Deya was gravely hurt after fighting the false king of the Quagawumps.

"This world, it can be beautiful if you take your eyes away from the tragedy. But if you open them wider, you'll see everything. All of the beauty and ugliness in all sides. Which why you need to be prepared for the worst and be ready to handle it."

The short troll nods silently again, taking his words with confidence.

"Now, since you asked me about love, I can only assume, given how most scholars do not explore their feelings of the heart with other trolls, that you must want advice. Am I correct?" Vorticus spoke.

"I... yes. You could say I need some advice. But, it's not just a simple struggle of expressing my feelings. I have learned what that is like. My trouble is... well. I do not know how to say this, but... is it normal or even possible to have feelings for another troll, despite already being in love with one partner?" Dominic questions with curiosity, but also with concern.

His teacher, once again strokes his beard and hums with a curious tone.

"It's definitely not uncommon, if that is what you are worried about. Many trolls, mostly strong warriors tend to have harems, sharing multiple mates to expand their lineage. However, for trolls like you, it's quite a strange situation. Why do you ask? Are you in a conflict with your feelings?"

"Very much so. You see, I am madly in love with the Trollhunter, she's... incredible and strong. We already confessed our feelings with each other and... "bonded" together. But I don't think we're entirely ready to explore our relationship just yet, especially when we're busy on our quest." The Conundrum troll replied and fidgeted with the hems of his sleeves.

The old troll lightly nodded, then chuckled.

"And, let me guess, you also have feelings for Gunmar’s son."

Dominic cringed, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"I... I don't want to think about it. But... I can't stop these unnatural thoughts invading my mind. I hate the fact that I like being close to him, or admiring his strong and muscular figure. For many years I grew an attraction to females, and I find them alluring, often times I couldn't control myself. So why am I feeling the same way with Bular? Am I... broken?"

There was a sense of shame and fear within the Conundrum troll's voice as he spoke his frustration.

Vorticus frowns, feeling sorrowful for the young scholar, realizing how isolated these kinds of trolls were, never learning or discovering themselves instead of the world and pats him on the shoulder.

"No, Dominic. You are not broken. It's completely normal to feel an attraction towards males and females. In fact, it's quite common in trolls. Just, not quite often explored. It just means you have a preference for strong and brave trolls." He explained with a reassuring voice.

Now that his teacher mentioned it, Dominic did find himself attracted to both warriors because of their tough qualities.

This somewhat put his worries at ease, but there was still another problem.

"But what about at the same time? I can't be in love with the two of them. What if they think I'm being disloyal to either of them? What if I hurt Deya's feelings? What if make Bular angry? What if-"

"What if you talk with them?" Vorticus suggested.

The Conundrum troll paused and stared at his teacher with a confused look.

"Talk to them? You mean just tell them that I feelings for both of them and things will turn out well? What if it they aren't happy?"

Panic surged through his small body, filling him with anxiety.

"Well, they won't be happy if you stay quiet. They will think you were cheating on them. Which is why you have to talk to them, be honest. I know that may seem difficult, but talking to them will relieve you of your conflicted feelings. Besides, you three can learn how to go about this new polygamous experience. If they choose to get involved."

Dominic stayed quiet, unsure how to respond, stuck thinking about how they could even make this work.

"I suppose I could try and take the first step." He responded.

"Excellent. Do not worry so much about what will happen..."

"Just let it happen." The short troll finished the quote that he knew too well.

Vorticus grins and gave another pat on the smaller troll's shoulder.

Dominic smiled back and the two trolls get up from their seats.

"Thank you, Master Vorticus." He respectfully bowed his head towards the old troll.

"Please, just call me Vorticus. I am no one's master, but a humble guide to your own destiny." The taller troll chuckled.

"Very well, Vorticus. I shall see you tomorrow. Again. Thank you for the advice- Oh, and the staff! Thank you!"

The Conundrum troll couldn't keep his enthusiasm that he kept thanking the old troll before leaving.

Vorticus cleared his throat loudly, catching the scholar's attention.

"Pupil Dominic, are you forgetting something?" He spoke and looks towards the table.

Dominic turns to see his staff that he forgot and yelped.

"Oops! Almost forgot!" He rushed towards the table to retrieve his staff.

He gave another bow and one last "Thank you" before he left in a hurry back to the others.

Vorticus smiled and sighs happily.

It had been too long since he had someone like Dominic around, and the young scholar reminded him so much of his own daughter.

Curious, kind, confused, and has so much potential.

Chapter Text

After the talk he had with his teacher, he couldn't stop thinking about what to say to Deya and Bular.

He makes it to the living space where Deya was sitting down on a chair, glaring at her amulet.

Then, she looks up towards the short troll.

"Nice staff."

His train of thought disappeared and came back to reality when he heard Deya's voice, realizing she complimented him.

"Oh, right. The staff. Yes, Vorticus gifted it to me- well actually I picked it out, but it is still a gift nonetheless." He awkardly laughed and slightly blushed.

"Well, I tried to activate the stones' powers for hours, but I got nothing. Ugh. I swear this old troll is getting on my damn nerves!" She groans with frustration.

"He's not all that bad. I learned quite a lot from him, and I can't believe of the kinds of majiks there are, and he's also going to teach me how to use my staff!"

Deya was happy for him, but she didn't liked Vorticus and how Dominic spends plenty of time with the old troll.

A jealous feeling creeped in and she needed to cope with that feeling by having the Conundrum for herself.

She then smiles and pockets her amulet and gets up to take one of his free hands to lead him towards a room that wasn't occupied.

"What's going- Deya, what are we-"

"Relax. We don't ever have some time to ourselves, I thought we could just spend this moment we have together." The Trollhunter pulls the curtains to cover the doorway to give themselves some privacy.

"Oh. Right. I suppose we haven't. But, what about our quest?" Dominic questions.

"I get it. We're supposed to stay focus on our quest. But, we also need some time to unwind. And what better way to unwind than having a little drink."

Deya pulls out a bottle of wine and pours some in a glass.

"Wait, where did you find that?" He curiously asked and looked concern.

"I found a stash of it laying around." She answered and pours another glass.

"Won't Vorticus get upset that you stole that from him?"

"It's not really stealing if it is still in his home, now is it? Plus it's just one bottle, he has a load of them. I don't think he'll care if one is missing."

She hands him the glass and he was hesitant to take it.

"I know you are worried, but you've been through a lot. You almost died, twice, I think it is only right for you to just rest. Okay?" Deya softly spoke and gives him a comforting smile.

A smile he couldn't say no to.

"I suppose one drink wouldn't hurt." He takes the glass and takes a sip of the wine.

At that, the two sat down on a cushioned nest while taking small sips.

They began having small talk, then it evolved into Dominic explaining everything he did with Vorticus, much to Deya's displease, but she loved hearing me talk about his interests, and he was very charming whenever he was enthusiastic.

That innocent sparkles in his multiple eyes was like staring at the twinkling stars in the night sky.

Half an hour went by and the bottle was nearly empty, and they were already feeling the effects of the wine.

They never noticed it, but this bottle of wine was supposed to be very strong, which caused them to be easily intoxicated.

As Dominic talked about his life with his mother while slurring his words, Deya found herself very close to him.

Her hand brushing along his hair, intertwining with her fingers.

Then, she playfully flicks his ear, watching them perk up and twitch after touching his sensitive area.

He seemed too drunk to even complain, as he enjoyed the feeling of her hands.

Two of his lower hands snake towards her waist and lightly grip onto her, they softly stroke her back.

"Then... what?" Deya whispered, not really paying much attention to whatever he was talking about, nor that he even remembered what he was talking about either.

"I don't remember. But, I do remember the time...my mother used to sing me... a song. A song that my father used to sing to her. A love ballad." He replied.

"How does it go?"

After finishing his drink, he sets the glass down and tried to remember.

It took a moment, and he mumbled a few of the lyrics.

He repeats it again, but this time his voice pitch a little louder.

Deya was surprised by his voice, despite being drunk, he still managed to sound perfect in tune.

It was like hearing the wind whistle from the holes of a tree trunk, nature's song, and a melody that was sweet as honey.

She couldn't help but smile and lean her head against his, their horns bumping into each other, almost locking together.

He kept singing, and singing until the two were lying down, Deya wrapped her arm around him and his head resting on her chest.

Dominic was completely lost in the song that he was mumbling and slurring the words that it became difficult to understand, but he never finished the song as his lips was pressed against hers.

She smothered him with her wet affections, their tongues curled and and danced.

His tusk lightly scraped her cheeks as they their lips maneuver and shift around.

The taste of snowberry wine filled their taste buds, thirsty for more.

Dominic's tail wagged happily when she scratched a sensitive part behind his ear, causing him to purr with satisfaction.

"You like that don't you." She whispered seductively into his ear.

"Mmm-yes... yes." He moaned quietly and Deya chuckled.

Eventually, after light teasing and making out, they fell asleep together.

The hour came when Dominic would begin his training.

However, Dominic was no where to be seen.

Vorticus curiously wondered where he might be and found Bular gazing upon his sword that he took from the supervisor troll back at the festival.

"You haven't seen Dominic around, have you?" He asked the dark troll.

"Why don't you ask the Trollhunter. She's been with him all night. Kept me up all night with their shenanigans."

Bular had an irritated look on his face, but the old troll could have sworn he saw a pinch of jealousy behind those eyes.

Vorticus raised a brow and heads over to the doorway that was covered by a curtain.

He pulls it back and wasn't surprised to find both trolls slumbering together with an empty bottle of wine just at the edge of the nest.

The old troll sighs with a pinch of disappointment, but he was patient enough not to startle them up.

Slowly and quietly, he leaves the room to pour a glass of water, then he returns to gently nudge Dominic.

The short troll slowly woke up, and groans from a light headache.

"Here, drink this." Vorticus whispered, handing him the glass.

Without another word, Dominic took the drink to quench his thirst.

"Thank you. But, why are you here?" He curiously asked.

"Pupil Dominic, you slept for eight hours, you nearly missed your training session." The old troll answered, which caused the smaller troll to blurt out in a panic.

"Eight hours!"

Deya was startled and her adrenaline kicked in, almost punching Vorticus in the face, however, he was quick enough to avoid her attack.

She paused with shocked expression, then morphed into a scowl.

"Excellent reflexes, Trollhunter." He praised her, but she didn't seem happy.

"What are you doing here?" She frowns.

"I came here for Dominic. Come now, we must begin your training." Vorticus turns to the exit with the short troll giving Deya a sympathetic look and picks up his staff, following the old troll.

He was taken to another area inside the mountain.

There they arrived at a spacious empty room that was filled with plenty of small crystals.

"Now, hold out your staff." Vorticus instructed, and the Conundrum troll does as he was told, planting the end of the staff to the ground.

"Most magic users, have a bond to their staffs, which is how they cast spells and enchantments. But, it can also drain you of your energy if you overuse it. Which is why you will bond with it and learn how to control that energy within, and exercise the other source of energy. The staff." He explained and pulls out a stone and drops it onto the ground.

"Before we begin, I want you to repeat after me."

The old troll began speaking a foreign language, a incantation, and Dominic repeated.

Soon, the staff glowed and several symbols surrounded it.

He felt the strong connection, then the symbols disappear into the staff.

"Now, thar you are bonded with it, I want you to move that rock, only with magic. There is no trick, no nothing, but your mind. Just a simple levitation spell."

Dominic looks down at the rock, he takes a deep breath and concentrates in trying to make the rock move.

However, he was struggling and exhausted his lungs.

"How do you know this will work? What if I-"

"Stop thinking you can't, you can. You have hidden talent that needs to be unlocked, Pupil Dominic. Clear your mind from any distractions, when your in battle, your mind needs to be focused and ready. Just like a warrior, they use the mind to strategically fight against their enemy with strength. For wizards, and sorcerers, they prioritize their intelligence to strategize how to use their spells." The old troll confidently spoke, trying to encourage the small troll.

However, Dominic seemed uncertain and couldn't clear his mind, frowning with disappointment.

Vorticus sees his upset expression and spoke up.

"Your mind is foggy. You keep thinking of her, and you'll never have concentration. You'll never be able to make the rock move."

"Forgive me. I... I promise I won't think of her. I just..."

"I know it is difficult. Love is strong within you, that I can see. Your loyalty to your companions is incrediable, something I've never seen in others. Never lose that side of yourself. Remember, give yourself a reason on why you fight. Don't let it be the main focus, but your driving force."

After the old troll explained, the short troll closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

Mentally telling himself to focus on the rock.

Several moments later, he was getting started to feel a strange engery surging through his body.

Then the gem shard in his staff glowed brightly, causing the stone to move an inch.

Vorticus raised a brow with amusement and smiled.

"Take another deep breath, and focus." He reminded and Dominic continued.

This time he kept his eyes open, and focused on the rock once more.

The rock wobbled a bit until it was finally lifted from the ground and the Conundrum gasps with surprise. But that made the rock fall back to the ground.

"I did it! I moved it, did you see that?" He turned to his teacher with enthusiasm.

"Indeed I have. Keep practicing, I will return soon." Vorticus gave the smaller troll an encouraging pat on the shoulder and leaves the area.

Dominic felt confident in himself and continues practicing.

After a long day of training, Dominic was able to make the rock float and fly around.

However, he felt exhausted, not like his limbs were weak.

He felt like his life force was nearly drained, and of course Vorticus had to teach him how to use his energy.

The first thing he did was to provide him a good meal to regain his energy and taught him how to control his body's energy and which source of energy to use.

"Now, take a deep breath and hold it for a minute." He instructed.

Dominic did as so, holding his breath.

"While you are holding your breath, I want you to close your eyes and try to focus on your heartbeat. As you feel it beating, you will start to feel it go faster. Then, you exhale through your mouth."

During the minute, he felt nothing yet, and exhales.

"I didn't feel my heart. Did I do something wrong?" The Conundrum troll questions.

"No. The problem is because you are new to this kind of magic bearing, it will take a little longer. Magic is a part of you, you just need to connect with it." Vorticus explained.

"Try holding your breath for another minute, see if you can focus on it."

Dominic tried once again, and closed his eyes as he took a deep breath.

While he held it for two minutes, he began to feel his heart, it felt like it was pumping in his chest.

Within his heart it beat faster and faster, and the core grew warmer and warmer.

Finally, he exhales through his mouth.

"I felt it, just a little." He spoke up.

"Good. Now that you feel it, you need to control the magic within yourself. Each heart beat pumps the energy throughout your body. Try again once more. This time hold your breath until you can't hold it anymore. You'll began to feel your energy heightened, and once you feel it, you can finally recognize the energy of your body." The old troll explained.

The short troll nodded and took another deep breath, closing his eyes and focusing on his heart beat.

He held it for two minutes, it started to feel the heart pump rapidly, then he held it for four minutes, already feeling like he needed to breath again, but he definitely felt his body's senses heightened, and so was the energy that flowed through him.

A minute later, he felt like passing out and gasps, desperate for air.

"Excellent. Now that you are able to distinguish the two sources of energies, you can control which one to use without having to exert yourself. But be careful, your staff has a limited amount of energy before it would take the energy from your body. Understood?"

"Loud and clear. Thank you, Vorticus, for teaching me. I promise to make you proud." Dominic bows towards the old troll, and the other bows back.

"I know you will, because I believe in you. Here, I want you to have this." Vorticus pulls out an old tome that Dominic recognized.

The Conundrum troll gasps and perks up when the tome was handed to him.

"This... this was Bodus'. The oldest works he made during his younger years! "The Arcane Connections, Volume one." How did you obtained it?" He enthusiastically questions.

"Bodus and I were very well acquainted, close personal friends, you might say. He gave me this as a gift, and I kept it safely for years. Although, I sense that this is very priceless now." The old troll spoke with a frown.

Dominic stared at the old troll's saddened expression, which made him frown as well, expressing his sadness for what happened to the other scholars.

"Yes. Yes, it is. I promise to take care of it for you. Thank you." He gave the old troll a small smile as he took the tome and pressed it against his chest, his many limbs carefully wrap around it, like he was protecting it.

"I might not be able to help you further on, the weather is clearing up soon, and you need to continue your training without me. I want you to read it, learn from it. Remember everything I taught you, and one day, you will become a master."

Vorticus placed his hand on the smaller troll's shoulder, giving him an encouraging smile.

Dominic felt very happy to finally have an older figure be proud of him, and accept him for who he is.

Chapter Text

The storm finally died down, that means it was safe to travel.

Bular felt a bit better, but he was still weak.

He decided to wear a cloak to keep himself warm from the cold.

Vorticus packed up some supplies for the three, and Dominic thanks him.

Deya was still a little conflicted about him, but she appreciated his kind gestures.

"I have already sent a message to Queen Userna, the Krubera will be expecting you, and hopefully they are willing to trade. Here, take this-and don't lose it." Vorticus spoke firmly.

He hands the small troll a special charm. One that has a mysterious enchantment.

"I'll keep it safe." Dominic stashes it into his satchel.

"Wait, how did you sent the message during the storm? Deya questions with skepticism.

"I am a troll who has his ways. Do not worry. Just focus on the journey. Now, is everyone ready?" The old troll replied and turned to everyone.

Deya hulls up a sack of supplies, Dominic carries his staff, and Bular was given his sword back.

"I hope you don't mind that I upgraded your weapon. Polished and sharpened. It's slick and fast, and the cuts are clean." Vorticus spoke, surprising Bular.

"I... Thank you, Vorticus."

The dark troll sheaths his blade into the scabbard and attach it to his belt.

"Of course, Prince Bular. I know you have some quarrels with your father, but don't let your anger blind you from what's important."

Two fainted eyes look over to the other two trolls, and Bular follows, the old troll giving him a hint that he should keep an eye on his companions.

Bular snorts and walks off to the exit.

"Before you go, take this as well. You may never know when you'll need it." Vorticus hands Dominic an elixir.

"Is this the oxygeno that I crafted?" The Conundrum troll questions.

"Indeed. Now, take care, Pupil Dominic... and remember what we talked about. Be honest with them"

Dominic nods and felt a bit anxious, but he knew he had to tell his companions soon.

"Well, we meet again?"

"One day. One day, my friend."

The old troll pat him on his shoulder with a somber expression.

Deya sighs impatiently and clears her throat, catching the other's attention.

Vorticus knew it was time to go, and didn't want to keep the Trollhunter waiting.

"Farewell, Trollhunters. And stay safe!"

The journey was long, and it would take a six days to get to the caverns.

After an exhausting three days, they had to camp in another cave.

Thankfully, they found one that was big enough to give each other some space.

Deya built a campfire and they had some skewered rabbit that was packed for them.

During their meal time, Bular couldn't stop glancing over to Dominic, and so has the smaller troll.

The two accidentally made eye contact and looked away.

"I wonder what these new powers are suppose to be? I wish that old troll was more clear." Deya broke the tension.

"Perhaps, the abilities will appear in a moment of convenience when the time comes." Dominic answered.

I really hope that isn't the case, I rather not get in a deadly situation and my amulet somehow conveniently save us. That would be pretty boring and generic." She rolls her eyes and finishes her meal.

The moment was quiet, and the ambience was warm and neutral.

It seems like a good time to talk, or more so confess.

The Conundrum gulps and sighs.

"There is something I need to confess."

The two trolls turn to his direction, making him more anxious.

"I... I want you to know, I appreciate your company. Truly, I-I do. And I don't know if this is a good time to express how I feel... I... I." The small troll struggled to speak, feeling really afraid to tell them.

"You, what?" Deya spoke up.

Dominic felt very hesitant and Bular could sense the internal struggle within the scholar.

He feels as if his presence made it difficult for the short troll to speak and sighs, he gets up, and walks out to the open entrance of the cave.

"I will be outside, training." The dark troll muttered and left, confusing Deya.

The Conundrum sighs with some relief but he really wanted Bular to know about it.

"Is something bothering you, Dom?" Deya questions with concern.

"Yes. But, I... it's nothing. I think I need some fresh air."

Dominic was about to walk out of the cave, until she grabs his hand.

His body jerks as he was stopped from leaving.

"Dominic, whatever it is that's bothering you, you can always tell me. Be honest." She reassured him.

'Be honest.'

"I want to tell you. Really I do, but I'm afraid..."

"Of what?"

"Afraid that you will hate me."

The Trollhunter was quiet, but she kept her hold on him.

"There is nothing you say or do that will make me hate you, I trust you, and I love you, Dom." Deya softly spoke, making the other feel more guilty.

Dominic sits beside her, and holds her hands, his forehead bumping against her cheek.

"Promise?" He mumbled.

"I promise. Now, what's wrong?" She asked.

He took one deep breath and finally confessed.

"I... I love you, Deya. I really do. But, I had these... other feelings. For... someone else."

Deya stared at him with a confused expression, rasing one brow and leaning back.

"What? What do you mean you have "other feelings for someone else? Who? Wait... wait."

She began thinking, trying to figure out who he was referring to, but that only made him panic, and so he tried to explain.

"Deya, I am not saying I love you less or, or don't want to continue this relationship. In fact, I am madly in love with you! I want to be with you! Honest! It's just that... ever since Bular-"

Both of her eyes widened when it finally clicked and she shot him a look of disbelief.

"Bular? You have feelings for him? Why him? Hold on. Did something happened the night I left to find food. Did you two-"

"No! We didn't do anything! I... well, something did happen, but it isn't what you think it is. I swear, I would never want to betray you like that. It's just... all so confusing. I started developing these feelings for him recently, and I didn't want to think about it, but the longer he was around, the more these feelings grew." Dominic explained, which left Deya dumbfounded, still processing everything.

"Please, Deya. I still love you with all my heart. But, there is something inside me... I just can't choose. Please, understand. Deya, I-"

He reaches over to cup her cheek, but she grabs his wrist and moves back.

"I just need time to think."

Was all she said and stared at the campfire with her brows furrowed.

The short troll felt like he ruined the moment, and he figured this would happened.

"I'm sorry. I-I'll... give you some space." He sadly spoke and gets up to leave the cave.

Thankfully, it was night time and he went out to get some fresh air, and maybe wallow in his guilt and shame for making the one troll that he loved very upset.

He heads out to find a quiet and calming area.

After training for some time, Bular sheaths his blade and decides to head back, but as he walked through the woods, he heard a distant cry.

He curiously follows the sound until he reached a clearing to find Dominic sitting on a rock, sobbing.

The dark troll curiously tilted his head and steps closer.

"What is wrong?" He asked.

Dominic flinches and goes stiff, then he quickly wipes his tears.

There was a moment of silence and he finally spoke up.

"I ruined it. I upsetted her. And now she might not want anything to do with me."

"What? What did you do?"

The scholar turns around to face the dark troll, revealing his tear stained eyes.

"I confessed to her. I confessed that I had been having... feelings for you."

Bular stared for a moment, then he sits beside the small troll, and chuckles.

"Poor little scholar. Stuck between a rock in a hard place. I bet you broken her heart."

Dominic didn't feel any better and frowns with discomfort.

"How do you know?"

"Because I've broken many hearts before. Wasn't my fault of course. I suppose I was too good for them. I mean, I was the Prince of the Gumm-Gumms. Obviously, I had several trolls flocking to my feet, begging to lay with me. Some of them wanted to be in a committed relationship, but I wasn't in the mood for that kind of thing." Bular replies with a scoff and scratches under his chin.

"I think the problem is you."

The comment caught the dark troll off guard and snaps his head towards, looking aggressive, which made Dominic gulp.

"I'm the problem? Right." He snorts ignorantly.

"Think about it, you only care about being sexually intimate with multiple trolls, you ignore the ones that want to be with you because they adore you and want to spend their lives with you. Like a genuine relationship. You don't treat them well, and they leave feeling heartbroken."

Bular didn't like hearing such as thing from the other troll, but before he could retaliate, he stops and thinks for a moment.

He realized what the Conundrum troll said and how he behaved towards his previous partners.

Perhaps, he has been ignorant and only seek out his sexual pleasures rather than finding a partner and commit to an actual relationship.

Of course he isn't going to admit it to the smaller troll, and looks away.

"So, who do you prefer the most? The Trollhunter, or me?" Bular asked out of the blue.

Dominic didn't know how to answer this, but he didn't want to choose one over the other.

"I don't want this to be a competition. I adore you both. I thought that... maybe it could be possible if we can... get along? Together?"

He sounded hesitant and anxious, which made Bular turn back and raise a brow, staring with surprise.

"Me, sharing you with the Trollhunter? I cannot stand her. Why would I want to mingle with a troll like you when you spend time with someone I despise, someone who doesn't trust me?" The dark troll sounded unhappy, and this made Dominic even more sad.

He wanted to give up and forget in trying get the two of his companions to bond.

As of now, he'll just have to let the two deal with this situation on their own, he just wished he never mention his feelings to them, and focus on the main quest at hand.

"Let's go back, and forget all of this. Forget everything I said." Dominic sighs and gets up to leave the area.

Bular huffs and follows the other.

The two made it back to the cave to find Deya still sitting by the fire. And still looks upset.

She looks over with furrowed brows, making the Conundrum gulp, and when she glances over to the dark troll beside him, the silence insinuated her thoughts.

Dominic realized the unintentional situation that he was with Bular making it feel like he went to look for the dark troll, which wasn't the case.

He frowns and avoids her gaze, he wanted to explain, but before he could even speak she raised her hand up.

"Don't. I don't want to hear it. Let's just get some rest and leave to the caverns first thing at dusk." She stubbornly spoke and glance back at the fire.

The short troll felt his heart break, but he understands.

He heads over to a corner to sleep, facing away from the others.

Bular scoffs and heads deeper into the cave and rested his head on a rock.

Deya remained by the fire, still contemplating everything that Dominic said.

She felt hurt, but would it be considered betrayal if he never acted upon his feelings towards the Gumm-Gumm?

Well, she doesn't know what happened between the two that time she left then alone, which made her feel worried. But can she still forgive him?

It was all so frustrating considering that she trusted him, then he goes and tell her that he has feelings for another?

Why does she always lose trust from those she wants to care and trust?

Perhaps she needs to focus on the mission rather than getting caught up in some petty drama.

At that, she turns to look over to Dominic and sighs.

She gets up and grabs a warm blanket and drapes it over the smaller troll.

Despite his confession, she doesn't want to treat him any less than someone she cares about.

Besides, he still new to love and relationships, it must be really conflicting for him as well.

Then, she goes and sits against the wall and sleep, waiting for the next nightfall to come so they can continue their quest.

Chapter Text

After three long days of traveling, the three managed to arrive at a cave entrance.

Thankfully, Vorticus packed them a map of the caverns so they wouldn't get lost.

"Alright, this is it. Lets just hope this "queen" is willing to trade with us." Deya spoke and headed towards the entrance.

Dominic and Bular follow behind, although Bular seems to have some skepticism.

As they followed the map, the cave started getting darker and darker the further down they went.

However, the darker it was, it started becoming unstable for them.

The caverns were completely dark, and there was no sign of a light source, meaning normal trolls who weren't extremely nocturnal like the Krubera trolls wouldn't last long and their lives could drain without any source of energy of a Heartstone.

Luckily, Deya pulls out her amulet to light the way.

Dominic started to get an eerie feeling and went over to hold onto the Trollhunter’s arm out of instinct.

She becomes stiff and turns her gaze down at him with a raised brow.

The weary scholar wasn't aware of his action until he realized they had stopped walking, he slowly glances up to lock eyes with her, she didn’t seem happy and he looks down with his hands on her arm, then he quickly let go of her.

He frowns and kept his many anxious hands to himself.

"It's not that far, lets keep going." Deya spoke and continued walking.

Her tone was serious, like cutting to the case and not letting that little moment get to her, but Dominic could tell she was very bothered.

The three continued walking in silence, which didn't help make the small troll feel any better as the tension only made the guilt worsen.

An hour went by and they finally arrived to their destination.

They were met with four Krubera trolls with axes who approached them.

"We're here to have an audience with Queen Userna. She was sent a message that we would make a trade." Deya spoke up.

The guards looked at each other, then they led the three of them inside their home.

It was just as dark as the tunnels, but at least there were some dimly lit crystals all around so they can somewhat see where they were going.

There were Krubera trolls everywhere and were very curious and shocked to see newcomers in the deepest caverns.

More so terrified to see the son of Gunmar, although Bular paid no mind to their silent whispers and gossip.

Eventually, they arrived to the Queen's domain, where they were met with Userna herself.

"Ah. The Trollhunter and her companions. Vorticus said you would come." She spoke.

Both Deya and Dominic bowed down at the Queen, yet, Bular was hesitant.

Userna raised a brow at the dark troll, then curiously strolled over to him.

"And... Bular, the son of Gunmar. What brings you to join your sworn enemy?" She asked.

The dark troll remained quiet for a moment, not really wanting to talk about what happened between him and his father.

Especially towards her.

Instead he gave a simple response.

"I asked myself the same thing. Apparently, my father gave me the answer." He replied with a grimace.

Userna hummed curiously from that vague answer.

Then, she turned to the Trollhunter.

"Since you are here, why don't you settle down, relax, you three must be exhausted from your travels. We can discuss this trade afterwards." The Queen suggested and walks over to a table.

"Um... Pardon me, Queen Userna. As much as we would like to rest, this kind of environment is not suited for us for long periods of time." Dominic stated, trying his best to sound respectful.

Userna smiled and takes a seat at the table.

"Oh, I am aware." She calmly spoke.

Suddenly, Bular noticed four guards blocking the entrance, and it raised an unsettling awareness.

"However, I "insist" you stay for a while. Or maybe... forever."

Her voice cut through the quick tension as two guards restrained Deya and Dominic.

"Hey! Get your hands off me! What is the meaning of this?" The Trollhunter complained as she struggled from the Krubera's hold.

Dominic tried to slip away and pull out his staff, but was overpowered and pinned to the ground.

Bular pulled out his sword and charged towards the guards and the Queen, but he felt something nicked his neck and began to feel weak and numb.

"Wha- What is... this?"

He reaches over to pluck out a small and very sharp dart.

It was strange that despite his rough hide, the dart somehow pierced into him.

His vision blurred and he could barely see and drops his sword.

"My deepest apologies, but I cannot allow you to leave or will I ever trade you the Eye of Gunmar. Take their weapons and throw them in the dungeon." The Queen ordered and the guards took Deya's amulet and Dominic's staff.

Lastly, Bular's sword was confiscated and the three were taken to a deep dark pit

They were shoved into the pit and landed at the bottom where it was completely dark.

"No! No, no, no, no! You can't do this!" Deya shouted angrily and tries climbing up the curved walls of the pit, which was slippery and difficult to climb.

Dominic was in complete shock from the fact that they were double-crossed.

Bular couldn't do anything as he was completely paralyzed, instead he decided to complain.

"Would you stop? This pit is too deep to climb out of. We're stuck down here." The dark troll yelled.

"Well what else am I supposed to do? I can barely see, and if we stay here any longer we will all die!" She yelled back.

"There isn't anything we can do! So save your strength."

Deya was fumming and paces around to complain some more.

"That old bastard probably set us up! Oh! I knew I couldn't trust him!"

"What? Vorticus would never do that! There has to be some sort of explanation." Dominic spoke defensively.

"Oh, give it up! He played us for a fool! You spent so much time with him that he tricked you to trusting him! Well, guess what, you put your trust in someone, you'll get betrayed!" Deya yelled at the small troll, who remained silent.

He turns away to sit against the wall and closed his eyes.

Something about her words plagued his mind and it made his heart sink further down than it already has.

It felt like it was indirectly towards him and he couldn't blame her.

He tried not to think about it and fidget in his satchel.

After a moment, his hand touched something familiar and gasps upon remembering.

"I know how we can get out of here." He perked up.

"How?" Deya asked upfrontly.

The scholar pulls out a seed and quietly spoke an incantation, then places it near the edge.

Seconds later, the runes on the seed glowed and it opened up, exposing several large roots that grew all the way up to the top.

"Perfect. Now I can finally get my amulet and get my revenge on that Queen-"

"No. You have to stay with Bular. I'll go get our weapons back." Dominic spoke up and grabs one of the roots.

"But- I.... Dom."

The Conundrum troll stopped upon her calling his nickname, and he looks down to see her dimly lit eyes.

She didn't want him to get hurt, despite the conflict between them, she still wants him to be safe. But then, she thought about it.

Dominic is small, maybe not as nimble, but he can be undetectable, if he's careful.

Plus she doesn't trust Bular being alone with the scholar, unlike last time.

Deya could only trust him, even if had broken that trust.

"Be careful. Please." She spoke with a worried tone in her voice.

"I will. Do not worry. Just stay with him until he is fully recovered." Dominic replied and begins climbing up the rooted wall.

Deya could only hope that he succeeds without getting caught or worse...

She shudders at the thought of it.

Chapter Text

Once Dominic got out of the pit, he squinted his eyes and carefully navigate around the area.

That is when he felt a magical aura in his satchel, and when he pulled it out, it was the enchanted charm that Vorticus gave to him.

Suddenly, it activated and his sight heightened, as he was able to see in the darkness.

"Incredible..." Dominic whispered with enthusiasm.

Then he carefully sneaks around to find the weapons, and thankfully, he knew where he was going as he paid some attention to his surroundings when him and the others were dragged away.

He made it out of the catacombs, and found himself in the Queen's domain, but she wasn't there, thankfully.

"Where could it be?"

The scholar searches around, but he couldn't find any clues.

"Where is it... wait. My staff is bonded to me. Perhaps I can concentrate on its energy to find it."

He freezes when he heard Usurna coming in and he quickly hid under the table.

The Krubera Queen walks in with a changeling, which shocked Dominic.

"You tell your king that I have imprisoned his son and the Trollhunter."

"Of course. But, may I ask, how did you managed to capture Bular and the Trollhunter?"

Usurna walks over to the table, which made Dominic hold his breath.

"It was easy really. Vorticus was unaware of my secret alliances with Gunmar. In the past, he wanted something from me, and I gave him what he needed." She spoke and pours a drink for herself.

"You mean..."

"Handing over a couple of my own. Young whelps who were strong and healthy, and have the potential to be Gumm-Gumm warriors."

The Conundrum nearly gasped, but covered his mouth, flabbergasted from hearing such a horrible thing.

"Vorticus and I had some... equal ground, but I knew that old troll lost his ways many years ago. So when he sent me a letter saying that the Trollhunter and Bular were working together, and that they were going to trade with the Eye of Gunmar, I nearly laughed from the absurdity." Usurna chuckled and took a sip.

"I couldn't pass up the opportunity. And when they arrived, they never saw it coming."

Dominic was relieved to know that Vorticus hadn't plan this ambush.

However, it still didn't comfort him from the fact that the Queen of the Krubera was a traitor and gave away young Krubera trolls to Gunmar.

"I suppose I should make my leave. I need to make the report." The changeling spoke and left the domain.

"Tell him, that he shall have his claws on both of them."

Usurna laughed and finishes her drink.

The Conundrum watches her leave, then he closes his eyes and focuses on the energy of his staff.

For a moment he didn't feel anything, until he felt a faint source and it was close by.

He crawls out of the table and follows the source and comes to a room where the energy got stronger.

"It has to be here." He mumbled and searches around as quietly as possible.

It wasn't long before he found it, and when he gained possession of his staff he went stiff as he felt a presence behind him.

"You must be a clever little scholar. Perhaps I shouldn't have underestimated you." Usurna spoke.

Then, two guards tried to seize him, but Dominic uses his staff to summon a small blast to throw them off.

They were knocked back and the Conundrum troll quickly grabs Deya's amulet and Bular's sword and rushes back to the catacombs.

"Stop him! Guards! Get him!" The Queen demanded out loud and several other guards chased after the small troll.

A sudden distant rumble alerted Deya and Bular.

"Dominic. We have to save him." She spoke up and tried to climb up the roots.

"And ditch me? I'm still recovering!" The dark troll complained.

"Well I can wait here and do nothing!"

"You won't last out there. It's too dark out there and Krubera trolls are very tough to deal with." He warned her, which she groaned, jumps back down and paces around.

"I wished we hadn't come here! I should've gone up there with him."

Bular began to feel his tail and two of his limbs.

Then, he slowly moves his fingers.

"I thought you still hated him. From our last conversation, he sounded very distraught." The dark troll scoffs.

"I don't hate him. I... I'm just upset that he wants to be with you. You! Of all the trolls he choose to have feelings for, he chose you. And I trusted him. For the first time I trusted and fell in love with a troll because he wasn't like the others, but I guess they're all the same." Deya argued.

The dark troll tries to push himself up, slowly and carefully doing a push-up.

Next, he bent his knee and placed his foot on the ground, and the other.

Finally, he was able to stand up, but his knees were still recovering and he braced himself by putting his hand on the wall for support.

"Have you ever considered that trolls like him don't always have full in control of their feelings? He was a virgin, and still trying to figure out who he is. I can guarantee it is... confusing, that he has romantic feelings for both of us, but you can't blame him for it." He explained.

Deya kicks at a rock and leans her back against the wall.

She remained quiet for a moment, thinking about the times of her and the small troll.

Dominic was a strange troll that was enclosed by his people, never really knowing the experience of romance, or sex, or... what it is like to bond with someone.

Her brows furrowed and sighs.

He was new to living a life of adventure, danger, and love.

Of course he would eventually experience something new that he might not understand.

Hell, she doesn't even understand it either. But, should she just... let it happen?

Let him explore that side of himself?

"I don't mean to be hard on him, I just... I guess I'm still dealing with struggles of my own. I don't just care for him, I fear for him, I want him to be safe! I... love him." Deya spoke, sounding a bit concerned and vulnerable.

Now it was Bular's turn to be quiet, although, not for long.

He nodded and remember the time when he first met Dominic.

"Back on that mountain. Where we first met, I didn't pay any mind to him, because I thought he was just a foolish, weak, troll. But when he showed signs of aggression and became assertive, it captured my attention. I met many trolls in my lifetime. Those who were big and fierce, small and weak. I knew them all the same. But he... was someone different. I suppose I gravitated a bit too close to my curiosity." He responded.

"However, he was also... kind, generous, and loyal. When we were stuck in the snowstorm, I wanted him to leave me, but he remained by my side. Refusing to leave me and rather freeze alongside me. That troll knows no fear, even when it comes to facing death."

Deya nods and let out a small laugh.

"Yeah, that's Dominic. He is always the odd one. The most strangest troll I've ever met. He refuse to leave me when I was in danger too. I wanted him to save himself, but he also refused to. Why... why is he like that?" She asks, though it sounded more like she was asking herself.

"Perhaps, he simply knows his purpose when it is presented to him. He comes to accept death knowing that he has accepted his purpose. To never leave his companions and sacrifice whatever he has left to help us." Bular replied.

He couldn't believe the words he was saying, especially when it is directed towards the scholar.

Throughout his life, he truly never met a troll like Dominic. And despite being small and unskilled in combat, he was the most bravest of them all.

That's it.

Bravery.

That is why he is gravitated to the Conundrum.

It was true bravery that made the dark troll feel a certain way about him.

"I think... I understand now. Why he likes us. And why we like him. But... how can "we" make this work? I've never been in a relationship with two other trolls before." Deya spoke.

"I do not know. Perhaps we should... ugh... trust each other and work together." Bular suggested with a grumble tone.

She didn't like the suggestion either, but truth be told, he is right.

They have to work together if they want to keep Dominic safe.

"Okay. Here's the deal. We both care for Dominic, but we hate each other. We can't make this work if we keep fighting, so you're right. We need to trust each other. Our alliance will be a promise. What do you say, partner?" The Trollhunter extends her hand out towards two faint red and yellow eyes.

Bular sighs and accepts her hand, shaking it with intent trust.

"Right, now that you're feeling better, lets go save Dominic."

"Right behind you, Trollhunter."

The two trolls nodded and began climbing up the rooted wall and are filled with new purpose.

Chapter Text

On the run, Dominic tries to shake them off by magically throwing objects in their way.

He waved his staff and several rocks started floating and flew right towards the guards.

They were hit with the speedy projectiles and took cover.

This gave the Conundrum the chance to run and as he did, he blocked the path behind him.

He ran off, but not a second later, more guards came in and blocked in front of him.

Then Usurna walks in with a smirk.

"Don't even try to escape, you and your companions can never escape the caverns. It will take your entire lives just to reach the surface. Now, stand down and drop the weapons." She demanded.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. The Trollhunter and Bular needs me." Dominic replied with an angry expression.

The queen laughed and took a step closer.

"Please. What makes you think they need you? You're nothing. Just a lone survivor of a terrible tragedy who thinks he can make a difference by helping the Trollhunter."

"Besides, we both know my little secret. I would hate for anyone to find out and ruin my reputation." She spoke.

"You mean the fact that you've been giving away young Krubera away to Gunmar for his army." He responded, to which the guards looked at each other with a confused expression.

Usurna glares at the short troll, then she laughs again.

"Giving away my own kind? Please. The absurdity! Gunmar raided our home and stole them from the Krubera."

Dominic knew she was lying, but she was definitely trying to cover up the truth in front of her own people.

"I will not ask again. Drop the weapons and surrender. Now." She firmly demanded him.

His grip tightened on his staff, he closed his eyes and concentrated on his surroundings.

Then the staff began to glow and he swings it as he spoke an enchanted incantation.

A bright glowing orb flew towards them, which blasted in their faces and caused irritation to their eyes.

However, Usurna was quick enough to cover her eyes and when the bright light disappeared she quickly took out a blowgun, and uses it to shoot a dart right at the Conundrum.

Dominic panics and only had seconds to react and tried to throw several rocks at her, except, the dart managed to fly right past the many projectiles and hit him right in the shoulder.

Despite wearing a robe, it still went through the fabric and his skin, although, he was lucky he was wearing clothes as the dart didn't pierce all the way in his rocky skin. But, he did started to feel the effects and lost feeling in his right arm and dropped his staff, and the other weapons.

Usurna approached him with a furious look and grabbed him by the neck.

"You are too much of a liability. Keeping you imprisoned isn't enough. I say it is best that I put you down, for good." She angrily spoke and pulls out a sharp blade from her collar of her robe and aims it right in his chest.

"No one, not even your companions, will ever care that you even existed."

Dominic stared in both fear and anger at the Queen right before she thrust the tiny blade, he quickly shut his eyes, waiting for the impact.

Except he heard a metal cling and a grunt.

Next thing he knew is that he was on the ground and opened his eyes to see...

"Think again, Usurna."

Deya used Bular's sword to disarm the Queen and grabs her amulet, quickly tossing the blade to the dark troll and summons her armor.

A bright blue light flashed for a second, with Usurna covering her eyes.

Then the Trollhunter kicks her down.

"You think you can just betray us and lock us away without facing the consequences? Well, you're messing with the wrong trolls!" She yelled and points the tip of her sword at Krubera Queen's neck.

"No. You're the fools for messing with "the" Krubera!" Usurna yelled back and two guards charged towards the Trollhunter and knock her down.

Deya lands on her back, but quickly recovers back up.

Now it was Bular's turn to make a move, and charges at them, using his sword to block their attacks and threw them off, then kicks one of them down, and toss the other away.

A few more guards rushed him and he blocks and parries every attack.

However, he wasn't able to keep up and one Krubera manged to knock him down and when the guards were about to attack, Deya jumps in and clashes with them.

She was only able to knock back a few guards, but the remaining trolls were tough to deal with and she was quickly disarmed.

When one of them swung his ax over her, she somehow summons a shield and it manages to protect her in a split second.

"Whoa... that's what it does." Deya spoke in amazement and pushes back and summons her sword in hand.

Bular was surprised of her new ability, then he gets up and stands beside her.

"Perfect timing. Now, let's take them down."

"Together."

The Trollhunter felt more courageous and the two fought the remaining guards.

All while Dominic watches, amazed that his companions were working together.

The way they move and danced around each other as they block, attack, and parry their opponents, like they were compatible in combat, their minds were in sync and knew where to go and where to attack.

Never did he thought that he would see them working together, especially the Trollhunter and the son of Gunmar.

Finally, the two managed to beat them all with Bular giving the final blow by headbutting the last guard and the Krubera falls down, unconscious.

Usurna was furious, but she gasps when the two trolls glared at her.

"Fools! All of you! You will never get Gunmar’s eye and you'll never escape here!" She complained and runs off.

"Don't let her get away!" Deya spoke to Bular and the dark troll chases the queen, and she goes over to Dominic.

"Dom. Are you alright?"

"Yes. Thank you... for coming." He smiled and she smiled back.

"Anything for you. Come on, lets go get that eyestone." The Trollhunter spoke with determination.

She hands him his staff and he grabs it with his working hands, then Dominic yelps when Deya picks him up in a bridal style.

His little high pitch squeal caused him to blush out of embarrassment, and she chuckled, completely in awe by him.

Then, he holds on tight and the two went after Bular and Usurna.

It wasn't long that Bular caught up to the Krubera Queen and caught her arm and restrain her.

"Let me go! This isn’t how you treat a queen!" She complained.

"Not until you hand over my father's eyestone!" He growled.

Suddenly, everything went quiet when he realized that the Krubera trolls were all watching in shock as a Gumm-Gumm has his hands on their Queen.

"Help me! Please, get this filthy Gumm-Gumm off of me!" Usurna cried out in a convincing tone of fear.

Several Krubera trolls went after Bular, but a bright light flashed in front of them and they were all knocked back by a force.

"Don't listen to her. Usurna is a liar. A traitor to all of you!" Dominic exclaimed out loud as he managed to use his staff to push them away from their Queen.

He was set down by the Trollhunter and he steps up to catch their attention.

After recovering from being flashed, they looked at each other with confused looks.

"What is puny troll speaking?" One Krubera questions.

"Not true. Queen is our protector!" Another yelled in defense.

Usurna gave a little smirk then it quickly fades as she plays along her little facade.

"Yes! That is true. I am your protector, your ruler! Gunmar and his army has taken a lot from us! However, I managed to fight back and send him retreating. And now, his son wants revenge! Please, stop him and his allies!" She cried out again, and her subjects were angry again.

"Listen to us! She is lying! I heard her. She was speaking with a changeling and admitted that she gave away your whelps for Gunmar’s army!" Dominic exclaimed.

Everyone stared in shock, gasping and some fell silent.

"Lies! The Conundrum lies!" The Queen yelled.

"It's true! Your young wasn't stolen from you by Gunmar. It was Usurna who gave them away so she wouldn't anger the Gumm-Gumm king. She made a deal with him, and is still working for him!" The scholar explained, making the other's gasp.

"Yeah, and if she wasn't working for him, she would have given us Gunmar’s eyestone!" Deya added.

The others stared at each other, talking amongst themselves, making Usurna a bit afraid and lose her patience.

"I kept the eyestone because I knew it isn't safe to be placed in the wrong hands! How do we know they aren't working for Gunmar himself? He is known to control others against their will with his Decimaar blade!" The Queen argued.

Her attempts to convince her people seem to work and they come to agree with her claim.

"No! We're not under control of anyone! We need the eyestone so the Trollhunter can use it to defeat my father!" Bular complained, but it seems like the Krubera were already convinced and began to approach the group.

"Get them!"

"Kill the Gumm-Gumms!

Several of the Krubera trolls yelled as they came closer.

"Wait!" Dominic shouted and they stopped.

"If Gunmar really raided your home, how come it was impossible for other trolls to find the Krubera caverns if the caverns were known to be dark and void of light? Even Gunmar himself wouldn't be able to find your home."

That is when everyone stopped and stayed quiet.

"There was no raid. But Gunmar was attempting to. And in fear, your queen made a deal with him so that she wouldn't face his wrath. She benefited from your lives. You blindfully followed her when she was the one who betrayed you!" The short troll attempted to explain again, hoping he could convince them.

The Krubera were confused again, but this time they managed to put the pieces together.

"It makes sense."

"Queen Krubera is traitor?"

"No. Can't be..."

However, three other Krubera's still seem to be on defense for their queen.

"They are lying! They're all liars!"

"Gunmar must've told them to say that!"

"We can't trust Bular! He is a Gumm-Gumm! A monster!"

This infuriated Bular and growled, and before he could do something rash, Dominic stopped him, blocking his way with the staff.

"Wait. How come you three speak fluently, while the others don't?" He curiously asks and the three Krubera trolls stayed quiet.

Deya caught on and knew something was up.

Usurna panics and tries to come up with a quick explanation.

"They are the only ones who weren't stolen from Gunmar! I managed to save them before Gunmar couĺd steal them!" She explained.

That is when Dominic reaches into his satchel and tosses a metal object at the three.

One of them was hit by it and when they looked down, it was a gaggletack.

"Oh, no..."

A bright green light flashed the caves and when everyone looked back, they gasped in shock.

Right in the same spot as the Krubera stood was a changeling.

"Changelings!"

"Spies!"

Everyone panicked and they turned to Usurna, who tried to explain again, but was ratted out by the changelings before they all ditched her.

"Your queen used us!"

"She traded your young for her freedom, like a coward!"

"Usurna is a traitor!"

There it was, clear as day, the secret was out and the Krubera trolls were furious and appalled.

"What? No! No! They’re the spies. I had no relation to this! They have been tricking us!" She yelled and defense, but it seems like it wasn't working and her loyal subjects turned on her.

Bular tossed her to the ground, right in front of Krubera, and as she fell, a bright blue stone fell out of her sleeve.

It took a second to process it, and Dominic pointed out.

"The eyestone!" He called out and Deya quickly runs over to pick it up.

"Got it!"

Th queen was dragged off to her domain where the Krubera would decide of her punishment, all while she cried and screamed for mercy.

"No! Please. I am your queen! Your ruler! Help! Help me, Trollhunter. Please. I beg of you!"

Deya only watched as she was dragged away, watching with full content.

Dominic, however, stared in sadness and a bit of remorse, seeing as how the Krubera trolls were living a lie and that their queen had done atrocities just for power.

He knew there were bad trolls in the world, like Gunmar and his army. But to have someone like Usurna do something as horrid as giving away young trolls instead of protecting them, made him really uncomfortable, and realize everything now.

He realized what Vorticus meant.

The ugliness of war and how it affects those who wish to live, but their actions were done by cowardice.

Bular didn't bother to stay long and watch, just giving the queen one unsympathetic glance at the real monster and turns around to leave.

Both Deya and Dominic decided to leave as well, catching up with the dark troll and leave this dark madness behind.

Chapter Text

After everything that happened, the three of them were quiet and haven't said a word throughout the whole time they traveled out of the caverns.

Once they made it back out to the surface, they continued on to find a new place to settle.

During their journey, they grew tired and needed a break.

Thankfully, they managed to make camp a cave.

Deya set up a fire and Dominic unpacks some leftover food.

They eventually settled down and gathered at the campfire, even if Bular felt a bit awkward being around the two.

"So. We managed to find all the Triumbric Stones. Quest complete. But we have another to accomplish." Deya spoke up as she holds up the eyestone.

Bular takes it from her hand and examines it.

He felt a cold rush as he stared into the dismembered eye of his father, but he sternly stares back, showing no signs of fear.

"With this last stone, my father will realize his mistakes and tremble for mercy. And he will pay for his sins." The dark troll muttered and hands the stone back to her.

"Definitely. I made one mistake back at the battle of Killahead, I will not make the same mistake again." She spoke confidently and pockets the eyestone.

Then, she turns to Dominic and Bular with a smile.

"Because I will have you two by my side."

Bular playfully scoffs and leans back to relax.

"Don't be too sentimental. I'm only helping because I want to. And because I want my father dead." He crosses his arms.

"Come on, you and I worked well together. You just don't want to admit it." The Trollhunter laughed.

The dark troll chuckled and rolls his eyes.

Dominic smiles at the two as he ate his rations, seeing them getting along, then he looks down at fire, his smile faltering.

"Master Deya. I... I want to apologize for making you feel like I betrayed you. I never wanted to hurt you. I... I-"

"It's okay, Dom. I know you didn't mean to. I was just upset. Mostly because I was struggeling with my own issues and I didn't understand what you were struggling with. But I come to learn that you are just finding yourself, even if we don't understand it." Deya assured him and reaches over to take his hand.

He glances up and lock eyes at her beautiful radiant eyes that glowed under the warm fire.

The Conundrum squeezes her hand, feeling the warmth on their skin from the campfire.

"So... you two are okay about my feelings for the both of you?" He hesitantly questions.

"Whatever it is, however you feel about us, it won't stop us from caring and protecting you. Right?" She turns to the dark troll with a raised brow.

Bular stayed quiet for a moment, unsure how to answer, and it isn't that he doesn't agree.

He just doesn't like the sound of his own voice sounding soft.

"Correct. No matter what, we'll stay together." He replied and gave a confident smirk.

"And together, we can figure out how we can make the three of "us" work along the way." The Trollhunter spoke and scoots closer to the short troll.

"Wait, you mean..."

"Explore our three-way relationship? Sure. I mean, it won't hurt to try, right? Just as long as we're all consenting and okay about certain things. Understand, Bular?" She turned to Bular again, this time with a serious look.

"Yes. I understand. I will ask for consent first before doing anything. You don't have to pester me." He rolled his eyes and sighs.

Deya stares for a moment, then nods and turns her attention back to Dominic.

"Great. Now, since that is settled, how are we going to find Gunmar?" She questions.

The dark troll thought for a moment, thinking in where his father could be.

There were many places that he could pinpoint at the top of his head in where his father reside, but he needs to think of one's that seemed more plausible.

Perhaps he could be in the deep forest, he has one camp set up somewhere in the caves.

Or he could be near Camelot.

He shook his head and felt too tired to even think.

"I don't know. Well, maybe I have some clue, but I'm too exhausted to think right now." He responded.

"Well, then I guess we should all get some rest." Deya spoke and yawns.

Her arm wraps around Dominic and she leans her head on top of his, their horns bumping into each other.

The short troll wagged his tail happily and smiles as he nuzzles her neck.

"Sounds like a good idea. Our bodies and minds need the rest to fully rejuvenate and function." He stated.

"Then, why don't we "rejuvenate" together?" She suggested and gives Bular a glance.

Both Bular and Dominic stare at each other in surprise, then they look towards Deya, who chuckled at their wide expressions.

"Look, I know it isn't like me, but I just want to try this new relationship. Let's just start slow and easy. Okay?"

The two trolls stared at each other for a second time, then they nodded in agreement.

"Good. Let's sleep over here."

She gets up with Dominic in hand and Bular awkwardly follows behind to the back of the cave and the three settle down.

Dominic was the first to lay down, then, Deya lays down on his left, and lastly, Bular, to his right.

It was very awkward for the three of them, and it felt strange to be bundled up together, which, was something they'll eventually get used to.

However, it seems to fade when Dominic turns to face Deya and nuzzle her face, relieving some of the tension.

Bular felt a bit left out, so he leans in closer and wraps his big muscular arm around the short troll.

A deep rumble vibrated all over his back, and Dominic felt very warm in his cheeks.

Soon, his face grew hot when Deya kissed him.

In this moment, Dominic felt safe and cozy being between his two companions, and was happy that his relationship with them wasn't entirely ruined, but formed into something new.

The two trolls revel in intimacy for a moment, kissing, nipping, and nuzzling.

After a while, Bular wanted a turn, tugging onto the short troll's robe to catch his attention.

Three eyes look over to him, and the dark troll stare back.

There was a sense of interest, but they didn't know how to go with it.

Dominic has never been intimate with a male troll before, but he assumes it's the same with a female.

However, he let the Gumm-Gumm Prince take lead, allowing Bular to turn him over to face the large troll, then the dark troll leans in and nuzzles his face, letting out another deep rumble of satisfaction.

The vibrations gave the Conundrum troll a tingling sensation that made him chuckle and his tail wagged excitingly.

Deya couldn't help but smile to see Dominic happy, and at least with her supervision she can feel at ease in having Bular being around the short troll.

Perhaps one day she can trust the two to be fully alone together.

She reaches over to stroke and untangle bundles of the scholar's spikey hair, which only added the sensational feeling to the Conundrum.

Each of them tenderly groom the small troll with Bular lapping his front and Deya carefully tending the back of his head.

Dominic felt comfortable enough to reach up and give a small kiss on the dark troll's chin, just barely missing his lips.

Bular felt weird with the wet affection as Gumm-Gumms don't usually have soft and tender affections for one another.

They're more aggressive and violent when it came to intimacy, such as bitting, scratching, kicking, and often times fighting for dominance.

This, however, isn't the normal Gumm-Gumm behavior of intimacy, and has to change his ways for someone like Dominic.

Besides, the Conundrum wouldn't last a minute if he even tried to brawl with the Gumm-Gumm. And yet, Bular wasn't sure if he can even last a minute of being so tender and gentle.

He looks down to lock eyes with the scholar, who seemed to admire him just by looking at his bright golden eyes and his charming uplifting smile.

"May I kiss you?" He softly whispered.

"What?" The dark troll sounded confused, then he quickly figured what he meant.

"Uh... yes. I-I don't mind."

Next thing he knew, he found himself being kissed on the lips by said scholar, and four small hands stroke his strong and muscular body.

It was all so strange to him, but he is starting to like it a little.

Two hands rubbed his chiseled chest that was full of scars, and two other hands traced along his big strong arms.

Bular wasn't sure if Dominic was admiring his body, or was just trying to familiarize himself of his body, because the way the Conundrum troll's hands moved around him felt like he was exploring him, examining him.

The two hands on his chest moved up towards his neck and shoulders, and the remaining two lowered down to his waist and stroked over his belt and kilt, just above his hips.

He wasn't sure if Dominic was still examining him, or was he implicating for something more... sexual. He definitely felt his stomach fluttered and a pinch of arousal began to creep in.

Yet, he was scared to make a wrong move, and the short troll hasn't said anything that could give him permission to make a move.

So, he stayed still and when Dominic finished smothering him with kisses, the two lock eyes again, silently staring at one another with a sense of warmth and... love.

The dark troll never acted upon his feelings in a soft and vulnerable way, because he has never been treated like that his whole life.

So, for once, he felt... content?

Admired?

Loved.

He gave Dominic a little bump on the forehead and closed his eyes, breathing in each other's breaths.

It wasn't like him to be this soft. But, the guilty pleasure within him couldn't be ignored and he somewhat let it embrace him.

Suddenly, Dominic leans back and turns to lie on his back, just so the two trolls could each snuggle up with him.

Deya scoots in and wraps an arm around the short troll and lean her head against his, and Dominic tilts his head to her direction.

Eventually the two fell asleep as they closed their eyes.

Howecer, Bular watched them peacefully sleep for a moment, then he looks over to the entrance of the cave.

He wanted to make sure nothing intrudes on them, and to keep both Dominic and Deya safe before he could close his eyes and rest.

Although, paranoia also kept him a bit alert, as he was afraid to be caught in such a vulnerable position.

He couldn't imagine how his father would react if he found his own son laying with a weak and small troll like Dominic. Or with the Trollhunter for that matter.

His father would have been offended and angry, and honestly, he couldn't help but crack a smile from the thought of his father throwing a fit.

Perhaps there is nothing to feel shame about, and should allow himself to be gentle and soft towards his companion.

He just needs to accept himself as he is, to accept this new change, and ignore what others think of him.

Finally, he falls asleep, completely content to at least feel loved by someone who was loyal, caring, and brave.

Chapter Text

For three days they stayed in their cozy camp, regaining their strength and finally planning out where to go next.

Bular mapped out where his father could be, circling out three locations on the map.

Deya knew it would be risky to travel to these locations as it could mean that they would have a random chance in encountering Gunmar.

And so, she had to prepare herself before they venture out.

Both her and Bular trained together, practicing and focusing on the future battle ahead.

They trained their stamina and strength, trying to see how far they can go.

Both grunting and growling as they practiced, which created a loud atmosphere.

Dominic on the other hand, sat quietly outside the camp, concentrating on his surroundings.

His eyes were closed, taking several deep breaths to feel the calming environment around him.

The cool wind, the solid but soft dirt and grass, and the rhythmic song of the chirping crickets.

For a moment, he felt a connection between himself and nature, like he could sense the magical energy all around him.

Something he learned from Vorticus, when recharging his staff.

When he was ready, he gets up and raises his staff, he took a deep breath and his staff glowed.

He could feel the magical energy and concentrates on pulling it out of thin air and storing it within the gem of the staff.

Once the energy was stored, he began to practice some spells for a few hours.

After they were all ready, they packed up and set out to their first location, the old Gumm-Gumm ruins.

It was a place that was close to where they were, and Bular hasn't set foot in that place for years.

He remembered the last time he set foot on that area is when he was a youngling.

His father wanted to show him his greatest accomplishment.

This place where Orlagk, the original leader of the Gumm-Gumms, died.

Felled by the hands of his trusted general.

Bular was only born a few hundred years before Orlagk was killed.

His younger self was amazed by the tales of the war that his father fought in, and how he killed the original Gumm-Gumm leader, and taking his rightful place.

Now, he could only see past the childlike wonder and admiration of his father's feat, that it was only out of greed and power.

Finally, they arrived at the ruins, which looked very empty and dead.

Dead full of stone statues of previous Gumm-Gumms soldiers that were covered in moss and vines.

There was an eerie atmosphere that gave Dominic chills, and Deya felt an uncomfortable presence.

Bular stayed quiet and alert, making sure no one else was around.

However, he felt an odd nostalgia feeling when standing at the field.

Like he was an young troll again.

He remembered it like it was few hundred years ago.

"No one is here... all except for the dead." Deya broke the silence.

"Unfortunate souls that lost the battle centuries ago. At least they fought honorably." The Conundrum troll spoke sympathetically, and gazes upon the moss covered statues.

"I don't think Gumm-Gumms have honor." She frowns and crosses her arms.

Bular walks around and found one stoned corpse that he instantly recognized.

He softly stares upon the valiant figure of an old friend of his.

"Some of them are."

Deya was confused by his response and glances over at his direction and walks over to his side.

She looks towards a statue of a female warrior with a brave face, forever frozen in time.

Before she can ask, Bular answered for her.

"Ava, the Aggressor. Daughter of Vorticus. A brave and skillful warrior who was known to make her opponents blind with rage, and uses it against them."

Suddenly, her attention was peaked and so was Dominic as he joined in with the two.

"I only knew her when I was but a whelp. I didn't have much memories of her, expect for a few. And I will never forget her. She was like an older sister to me, always looking after me when our father's were away. And I remembered the night before a village raid, the last time I have ever seen her. She told me that when I get older, I mustn’t stop fighting for what was right. That I shouldn't let others guide my judgment." He explained and gently brushed the vines that drapped from her face.

"She was the only warrior I knew who had heart and honor. I have learned little from her, and I lost sight of her true words because of the corrupted teachings of my father. Now, I want to make things right."

Bular looks down, confidently smiling at the scholar, who looked surprised, then smiled back with a gentle nod.

The three stayed together for a moment, gazing upon a brave warrior who's life was cut short.

Deya found it strange that if Ava died in a village raid, then how is her statue here?

Until she realized there were some hand prints on the statue, and assumed that someone must've moved her here.

Once they searched the area for signs of Gunmar and found nothing, they were ready to leave, but before they ventured out again, Bular approached Dominic for a small request.

The Conundrum troll obviously didn't mind, but was surprised that the dark troll would request him to do a kind gesture.

He kneels down and marks a symbol on Ava's arm, the same one he marked on the giant troll from the mountains, and softly whispered for a moment.

When he was done, he gets up and nods at Bular, and the dark troll nods back.

Giving the short troll a silent "Thank you".

Finally, the three headed out and continued onto the next location.

The riverside, just west from where they were, and it wasn't too far either.

Bular claims that his father and his army would reside there for war meetings with other tribes or for agreements.

And so, they traveled for a day until they reach their second destination.

However, they weren't met with Gunmar and his army, but instead three changelings.

The same ones from the Krubera caverns.

The changelings became alert and drew their weapons out.

Deya and Bular did the same.

However, Dominic didn't, as he felt like it wasn't necessary.

"Stop! We mustn’t draw bad blood against each other!" He yelled out, calling for his companions to put their weapons away.

"What? Why? They're the enemies. They work for Gunmar!" Deya argued.

"We don't need to waste our energy on them. We're only here for Gunmar."

One changeling laughed approached a little closer to the small troll, which made Deya and Bular keep their grip tight on their weapons.

Dominic boldly enough, step forward.

"We're not good enough to fight? Or are you just scared." The first one taunted.

"Aw, he's afraid of getting hurt." The second laughed.

"If he won't fight us, what makes you think he has a chance against Gunmar?" The third one questions with a teasing tone.

Bular growled and was about to confront them, but Dominic held his staff up to block the dark troll's path.

"I am not afraid. I'm just not foolish enough to take my fight where it isn't needed. However, it would be generous enough if you could tell us what Gunmar is planning." Dominic kindly spoke, to which the changelings threw a laughing fit.

The Trollhunter had enough and swung her blade at them, and one of them blocked her attack.

"Enough of this! Let's just get this over with." She complained, but again, Dominic refuse to fight them.

Instead, he used his staff to cast a spell that caused the water from the river tide over the changelings and freeze them up to their necks, only leaving their heads exposed.

This caused the changelings to panic and struggle their way out.

"Let us go!"

"Oi' this ain't fair!"

"Please stop this!"

Deya chuckles and smirks at their predicament and sheaths her sword behind her back and crosses her arms.

"Cowering, are we now?"

This annoyed the first changeling and snapped at her.

"Look here Trollhunter, we don't know anything about Gunmar’s plan!"

"Fine. Guess we'll just leave you three here until the sun rises." Deya spoke and turns to leave.

The changeling panics again and finally confessed.

"We'll tell, we'll tell! He's planning on raiding Camelot with the help of other changeling spies."

"They’re going to wait for sunset and then the spies will open the front gates from within the kingdome walls." The second one explained further.

"Then, Gunmar and his army will take over and dethrone the human king." The third added.

Bular knew his father was planning on taking revenge on the king of Camelot, but now that he knew how he was going to raid the kingdom, he could find a way to stop him, or foil his plan.

"But, that's not all. Once Gunmar claims Camelot, he'll target for Dwoza, next."

The other two changelings shot a glare at the last one, who realized his mistake and kept his mouth shut.

"Oops."

Deya was surprised of this new information and approaches the third changeling, giving him a stern look.

"So, he's going for Dwoza, huh? How is he planning to raid it when their walls are impenetrable? Or does he have another spy within?" She asked.

"Keep your mouth shut!"

"Don't tell her."

The two changelings muttered at their partner to not spill.

Deya shot a glare at them, making them quiet and anxious.

"Tell me? What is he planning for Dwoza?" She asked him again.

"Nothing that you won't be able to handle." He replied anxiously.

She squinted her eyes and pulled out her sword, pointing the sharp end of the blade to his neck.

"Okay! He's going to sneak attack Dwoza from an alternative route." The changeling answered in a panic.

"Which route? They have several routes inside, majority of them have dead-ends." Deya questions him once more.

"I don't know."

His response didn't please her and she pressed the blade closer, making him panic more.

"That's all I know! I swear! I don't know which route! Only he knows about it!"

She wasn't having it, but Bular steps in and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"He's right. My father is known for keeping certain information from his allies. He's clever enough not to fully trust his own army on sensitive secrets." The dark troll spoke up.

Deya stops and removes the blade from the changelings neck and turns towards Bular.

"So, what are we going to do?" She asked.

"We stop him before he raids Camelot and before he gets a chance to attack Dwoza." He answered, then he turns to leave.

"Your father knows you're alive. He knows you're going to stop him, and he has plans for you, Bular." The first changeling spoke up, catching the dark troll's attention.

He stopped and this made the changeling smirk.

"I know. Which is why I have a different plan for him. Something he won't expect." Bular replied with a low and intimidating growl, then leaves.

Deya sheaths her sword back and turns away.

"Come on, Dominic. We have to go now." She spoke to the short troll.

"We can't just leave them. The sun will rise and they will die." Dominic felt worried for them, which confused Deya.

"What? These are changelings, they are the abominable creations of Morgana. Why do you think they should be free?" She asked.

"Hey, we may be an abomination, but we also have feelings too."

"We didn't asked to be born this way."

"How rude."

Dominic felt sympathic and turns to face Deya.

"Master Deya. They may be different from us trolls, but they are still creatures like us. Whether they are siding with Gunmar or not, we shouldn't leave them to die." He explained and used his staff to melt the ice and set them free.

The changelings were confused and stared in disbelief.

"You have a lot of guts setting us free."

"This mistake will come to bite you later."

"Thank you."

The other two turned to the third one with raised brows from his response, and he quickly changed his tone.

"I mean, this won't be the last time you'll see us."

The two changelings facepalm and sigh with disappointment.

"Mistakes can happen. But I made this choice because I know you three can choose your own paths. You don't have to side with Gunmar, nor side with us."

"I will leave you with this advice. Whatever you believe is right in your heart, you follow it and fight for it. Do not let anyone mislead your judgements." Dominic spoke with wisely and finally turns away.

The Trollhunter stares at the three for a moment, furrowing her brows, then leaving with the Conundrum troll.

All three changelings were still confused, and were left conflicted.

However, the third changeling seemed to feel more open-minded than the others.

During the journey to Camelot, Bular stopped at the middle of the two roads with one leading them to the kingdom, and the other to the hearth of the peaceful trolls.

"Listen. I have a plan." He turned to his two companions.

"Tollhunter, I want you to head to Dwoza and alert them for any alternative routes that can be breached. They need to know of my father's plans just as a precaution." Bular told Deya, but she didn't seem favorable of his plan.

"I can't. They hate me, and they won't believe me. Plus I can't return back there without defeating Gunmar." She complained.

Bular sighs and thinks of a way to comvince the Dwoza trolls.

His brows scrunched at the thought of one idea, but he was left with no other choice.

"Very well. I shall come with you. Hopefully, I can convince them." He spoke up.

Deya scoffs and crosses her arms.

"You think they'll believe the son of Gunmar?" She asked.

"No, but they have no choice. If we fail to stop my father at the raid in Camelot, we can still have a chance to prepare Dowza for the battle." He replied and then turns to Dominic.

The short troll perked up, attentively waiting for his word.

"For you... you must go and visit the King of Camelot and warn him of the upcoming raid."

The Trollhunter was concerned by his suggestion and stepped in.

"Wait, wait, wait. You want Dominic to go on his own to talk to King Arthur? Are you insane? He has already fought one war, I highly doubt he would listen and want to fight in another." She argued.

"I'm not saying he should fight another war. I want him to be alert. Whatever choice he makes, that is all up to him." Bular stated and places his hand on the short troll's shoulder.

"Do you have what it takes to gone on this journey alone?"

Dominic locked eyes with the dark troll, seeing the determination and confidence in his eyes, and he mirrored the same amount confidence in his expression back, showing that he could do this.

"Of course. I’ve been through thick and thin to handle anything. I won't fail you." The Conundrum troll smiled and took his hand ever so gently.

Bular lifted his lips into a small smile, but Dominic guides him to lean down so he could place a small kiss on the other's cheek.

The dark troll stiffened for a second from the affectionate gesture and felt his cheeks blush.

Then, the short troll turns to Deya, who looks worried.

"Do not worry for me. I can do this. Trust me." He reassured her and leans up to kiss her on the lips.

She sighs with worry, but she knew she needed to let him do this on his own.

"Okay. I trust you, just be careful." Deya gives him a hug before they split ways, with Bular giving Dominic one last glance.

It was difficult for Deya to let him go on his own.

Her love for him was strong, and being split apart without any way of contact or a way to reach him made her very anxious.

She won't be able to protect him if something happens.

However, she has seen what he is capable of, and he can handle himself well.

Deya takes a deep breath and exhales, letting those fears and worries go, to focus on the what is most important.

Chapter Text

The journey to Dwoza wasn't out of the ordinary.

Deya knew the area in the back of her head.

However, she stopped at where Killahead Bridge stood.

It was still there, but pieces of it were missing and the structure itself was unstable.

Someone has been purposely trying to destroy it and scatter it's pieces.

"I'll go first." She spoke and took a careful step forward.

Once she was halfway, the bridge began to crumble, then she quickly jumps over just before pieces started to fall off and half of the bridge broke way on Bular's side.

Luckily the remaining part was still standing.

Deya catches her breath and chuckles.

"Your next." She humorously spoke.

Bular grumbles to himself and readies himself to make the jump to the other half.

He takes three steps back, then charges forward to make the jump, and he made the landing, but pieces of the bridge gave way and he nearly fell.

Thankfully he swiftly reaches the end of the bridge as it completely crumble away.

The two look back and see that there was no way of going back, and the only way to go was forward.

"There goes our way back. Unless you want to jump it again." She spoke with a cheeky smirk.

"If I must." He replied and gets up to continue on.

"Well, we have to anyways. How else are we gonna stop Gunmar?"

Eventually, they made it to the outside of Dwoza's walls.

A watch guard noticed the Trollhunter and Gumm-Gumm, confused, but also a bit concerned to see Bular.

"Oi'! Halt right there!"

The two look up and see a troll at the top of the wall.

"Hey, you. We need to talk to Vendel!" Deya spoke up.

"Vendel? You ain't talkin' to anyone. Why don't you both turn around and take a hike!" The troll scoffed.

"We need to let him know of Gunmar’s plan! I'm the Trollhunter!" She continued.

The troll squinted, then he rolls his eyes.

"I thought you would return when Gunmar is defeated. How come you return now?" He asked.

"Because there are a change of plans! We need to talk to Vendel! Right now!" Deya yelled out with frustration.

For a moment, the troll thought about it, feeling a bit conflicted.

"We're not leaving until we see your leader." Bular stated and crossed his arms.

That is when the guard groans and sighs.

"Fine, fine. I'll go get him. Just stay put."

Both Deya and Bular felt a bit relief that they were able to get this far.

Five minutes later, Vendel appears at the top of the wall with a grumpy and irritated look on his face.

"What on earth are you doing here with the spawn of Gunmar?" He furiously questions.

Deya wasn't in the mood for questions and wasting time, and rolls her eyes.

"Look, I know you may not believe me, but he's on our side. His father abandoned him and joined me on my quest to defeat him." She explains, which didn't seem to convince the old troll.

"Ridiculous. Do you actually believe him? What if this is Gunmar’s intention?" Vendel argued.

"I believe what I saw! I found Bular chained up to a boulder, covered in bruises and injuries, and left there to die!"

The Trollhunter was starting to rile up and angrily yells at the elder.

"Deya, you are wasting my time. Leave now, I will not ask again!"

Vendel turns to leave, until Bular blurts out with a bit of a panic.

"Dwoza is in danger!"

Everything became silent, and the old troll turns to look at Bular with a raised brow.

He sees the desperate look on the dark troll's face, sensing something was off.

This caught his interest, but it was limited.

"Lightened me, Bular. What danger threatens our humble society?" He questions.

Bular knew he had to make a good response to convince the elder, so he went for it.

"My fa... Gunmar is planning to raid Camelot first. And when he's finished with that, he'll come after Dwoza last." The dark troll explained.

Vendel stroked his beard, amused by his claims and replies back.

"You are aware that no Gumm-Gumm hasn't been able to locate this place, or has ever gotten through its impenetrable walls." He stated.

"Gunmar isn't planning to smash through your walls. He is going to go through an alternative route and sneak in your home. One of these routes have a secret entrance inside. We're here to warn you, so that you'll be prepared when the moment comes." Bular explained again, and it seemed to have convinced the elder by how his expression dropped for a second.

"How can I trust that this isn't a setup?" He asked.

Deya was fed up and was about to argue, but Bular stopped her and continued.

"If the Trollhunter and I managed to stop my father from raiding Camelot, then you'll be safe. But, if we fail. You have to be fully alert and prepare to fight and defend your home. You have about three days before the raid to ready yourselves."

Vendel wasn't sure what to believe, but by how Bular spoke, his tone sounded concerned and convincing with his response.

He hums for a moment, then, he nods.

"Very well. If you do stop, Gunmar, and end him, I will allow you to return, Deya. And Bular. I want you to prove your worth by returning with his head." The old troll spoke.

"I hear your warning, and we will search for any open route and prepare ourselves for the upcoming battle. If it comes to it."

At that, Vendel turns around, leaving the two content that their message was received.

"Now that is done, what's next? Return and see if Dominic is completed with his task?" Deya questions.

"No, there is something else we must do." Bular replied and turns back into the forest.

"And that is?"

"The changelings said that my father is planning something for me. He knows I'm coming for him, so I am going to make sure he doesn't know I am here yet." He explained.

"So what are you planning?" She asked curiously.

What Bular said next completely shocked Deya to the core.

The nature walk was a delighted view, and he wished it lasted forever, but he knows there is an important task at hand.

He can't get distracted by the beauty of nature.

Dominic finally arrives, walking out of the woods and into the open fields and crossing the bridge.

Three guards caught him and aimed their crossbows at him.

"Halt, Troll! Don't go any further."

"Take one more step and we'll fire our weapons!"

The third guard seemed surprised by the short troll's arrival, and remained silent.

"Please, I mean you no harm. I am only here to speak with King Arthur. I have a message for him and it is urgent." Dominic spoke up.

The guards looked unsure and the first one asked.

"Who do you work for?"

"I'm with the Trollhunter. Merlin's champion. I have important message for the King."

Two of the guards froze upon hearing Merlin's name and the mention of the Trollhunter.

They seemed skeptical, but with the equal alliance King Arthur had with the good trolls, they felt like it was important that the king must hear what the short troll has to say.

"Alright. You may enter."

"But, we're keeping our eyes on you."

The third one still remained silent, hesitant, and when the two others turned to him, he had no choice but to comply and open the gate.

"Keep an eye on him." The first guard ordered the third one.

As Dominic enters the kingdom, the silent guard guides him through the town with some of the towns' people staring at him.

It was very interesting to walk through the human town and seeing... humans.

Dominic has never seen them before, but has heard of them from the other scholars.

They're stares were a bit awkward, but his curiosity and admiration of seeing new things overshadowed the awkwardness.

However, the only stare that caught his interest, was the guard that guided him through town.

From time to time, he has caught the silent guard staring at him several times.

It raised some suspicion, but it could just be someone who hasn't seen a troll before, just like how he hasn't seen a humans before.

Still, he kept it in mind for later.

Finally, they arrived at the castle doors, and when they entered inside, a few servants were shocked to see him.

He paid no attention to them as he was more focused on the interior of the castle, which intrigued him.

Soon, they entered the Arthur's throne room and the king sitting at his throne.

Several other of his subjects turn to Dominic's direction with a gasp, and everyone's attention were captured.

"What is the meaning of this? Who is this?"

Suddenly, the guard stopped and spoke for the first time.

"Your Highness, this troll has a message for you."

The king sighs and sits back on his throne.

"Alright. This message has to be important, Troll. I do not have all night." Arthur spoke.

The Conundrum troll steps forward and bows down to show some respectful etiquette.

"It is important, your highness. I have news of Gunmar’s return and his plan to raid your kingdom." Dominic replied, and the news made everyone gasp.

The king raised his brows with concern, but remained cool and collective.

"Gunmar is retuning? And how can he raid Camelot? Our castle walls are strong, tall, and no one has ever invaded my kingdom." He curiously questions.

"Yes, your walls are strong and mighty, even stronger than Gunmar and his army, but he is clever enough to not use brute strength to penetrate your kingdom." The short troll responded.

"What are you saying?"

The silent guard shot his eyes towards the short troll, squinting at him.

"He has allies that can easily intercept their way inside and open the gates, allowing the Gumm-Gumm and his army to seize your kingdom. He has changeling spies. That is how he is planning to raid your kingdom." Dominic explained, this very much made the King feel a bit more concern and thought for a moment.

His subjects on the other hand were gossiping and whispering to one another.

The silent guard however, looked anxious and his figure was stiff, something that Dominic noticed, but didn't point it out.

Pretending like there wasn't any tension between each other. But he slowly slips one of his hands in his right sleeve.

"And how do you know that? How can I believe you?" King Arthur questioned again.

It was like a string snapping from the fabric and everything started ripping apart, the tension broke when Dominic said these words.

"Because, I have proof right here."

Within a split second, the scholar swiftly pulls out a gaggletack from his sleeve and taps it against the silent guard, before the guard could even act on impulse.

A bright green light flashed the throne room, everyone shielding her eyes from the bright light.

Then, when they looked back, they gasped in utter shock.

Arthur was completely astonished to see a changeling not just in his kingdom, but in his own throne room.

"What in the bloody-"

The changeling swears in a panic and tries to flee, but Dominic was able to catch him when he used his magical staff to close the doors in front of him.

"No! You won't get me!" He blurted out and runs towards a window.

Suddenly, magical chain tied around the changeling and he falls to the ground.

Everyone turned to see Merlin's pupil using his braclet to chain down the enemy.

"Looks like he have a spy in our midst." The young wizard chimes in.

"Yes. It is clear as day." The king spoke and gets up from his throne and approaches the changeling.

"I must thank you, err..."

"Dominic. Sir."

"Dominic. Yes. Thank you for exposing this spy. But now, I have to invest my time in making sure there aren't any more."

"Pardon me, but I also helped." Hisirdoux spoke up, making Arthur sigh and wipe his face, completely tired of the boy.

"You want to help? Help me with this changeling problem. Go and give word to Lancelot and hunt down all these spies! I must not leave my kingdom vulnerable from the inside. Go!"

The king demanded him and the young wizard sighs.

"Yes, sir." He mumbled and turns to leave with his feline familiar snickering on his shoulder.

"Guards, take this creature to the dungeon." Arthur ordered two guards and they quickly removed the changeling from the room.

Finally, he turns to Dominic.

"I don't know how much I can thank you, tro- Dominic. I will be sure to have my men keep an eye out and prepare for the worst." He expressed his appreciation.

"Of course, your Highness. I was just glad to be here in time to warn you." Dominic replied positively.

"I just wished Merlin were still here. He would have foreseen this and prevented it from happening. Unfortunately, he is gone. After his battle with Morgana, he sacrificed himself to stop her, using up all his magic to suspend the witch and trap her for good. Now, he is in an enternal slumber." The king sighs and walks back to his throne.

The Conundrum troll empathized with him and respectfully kneels down.

"I am truly sorry to hear. However, I promise you that his champion, the Trollhunter, will stop Gunmar before he can harm your kingdom." He assured the king.

Arthur glances at the troll with a curious look, sensing that there was something interesting about him.

"You aren't like the other trolls that I've encountered in the past. Who are you?"

"I'm just a scholar who wishes to make a difference in the world. Someone who wants to use magic for good. A troll who lost everything, but wishes to give hope to others." Dominic replied confidently.

There was another moment of silence, and the King nods.

"Well, I do wish the best for you and the Trollhunter." Arthur spoke.

This time it was Dominic's turn to nod, and after one final bow, he turned to leave the throne room to return back and meet the others.

He felt so much relief that this plan turned out better than he expected.

Now, he just hopes that the next plan works out better than the last one.

Chapter Text

Dominic returns back to the crossroads where he would meet Deya and Bular.

However, he only saw Deya.

He was happy to see her, but her expression was less the happy.

She looked tensed and remorseful, as she stared at her sword.

Dominic became worried when he realized Bular was missing.

"Master Deya? Where’s Bular?" He asked cautiously.

The Trollhunter sighs and approaches him, putting her sword behind her back and places her hands on his shoulders.

"He's... fine. We set up camp nearby. He plans to meet Gunmar at Camelot." She replied, but her voice sounded defeated, like something devastating happened.

This didn't ease his worries and the curiosity ate at him.

"What's wrong? Why are you acting this way?" Dominic questions and takes her hand.

Deya didn't respond right away, and she felt really hesitant to speak.

"Deya."

"I... It wasn't my fault. He made me do it." She finally answered, but he still seemed concerned.

"What do you mean? What happened?"

His urgent desperation guilt tripped her to confess.

She guides him to their camp, and along the way there, she tells him.

"Bular had a plan to surprise Gunmar, and he knew that his father would do something horrible to him if they ever met according to Gunmar's plans." The Trollhunter explained.

"And...?"

"And by doing so, he wanted to fake his death. He wanted me to kill him, or at least pretend like we had a falling out and that I ended him."

Dominic stopped in his tracks, realizing why she looked so remorseful.

Despite the fact that Bular is not "actually" dead by listening to the whole "faking his death" plan, but something else must have happened to have made her look so guilty.

"What happened to him?" He asked again.

Deya did not fully answered him, but instead tries to sugar coat it.

"Please, Dom. You know I wouldn't just harm someone who wasn't asking for it. But he asked me to do it. He wanted me to... make it look like he died. It's nothing too bad, but it probably wasn't a good idea."

Again, she left it so vague that he couldn't even patiently take it anymore.

When they finally arrived at the camp, Bular was there, but his back was facing them.

Dominic quickly rushed over to the dark troll, then gently touched his back.

Bular tensed up, instantly recognizing that familiar soft touch.

"Do not worry for me, little scholar. It's just a scratch. It will heal... Eventually." He rumbled softly.

He didn't know what the dark troll meant, until Bular finally turned around.

The Conundrum troll's eyes widened when he glances over to see that his companion was missing an arm.

There was complete silence for several minutes.

Deya approaches him and places a comforting hand on his back, making him tense up and turn to the Trollhunter.

They both locked eyes with each other, both feeling upset and conflicted.

"I'm sorry. Dom. We had to do this, and I didn't want to do it, but the plan seemed... plausible." She stated and scratch the back of her head.

Dominic looks back at Bular, then he reaches over to touch the edge of his arm.

His entire forearm was removed, and it looked so uneven compared to his other arm.

It also appears that the cut was clean, and the inside of his remaining arm had small grooves.

Two small hands gently brushed over the cut, making the dark troll wince a little.

"This was a... decision you made that I hope you know what you are doing. I do not think it was a wise choice, but I understand what you are planning." Dominic finally responded and gives small smile.

"The plan is to trick my father into think I was dead, and you and the Trollhunter have to face him, and when you wear him out, I jump in and weaken him. Then the Trollhunter and I will give the finally blow." Bular explained, then he walks over to the campfire to settle down.

Both of his companions join him with Dominic sitting closely to him, leaning his body onto his side, and Deya sits beside the Conundrum troll.

As they sat together, Bular uses his other arm to wrap around both trolls, just so they can all be closer to one another.

The warm and cozy feeling came back and Dominic lightly wagged his tail, feeling relieved and somewhat somber about the situation.

It was going to be a bit jarring to see Bular with one arm, and it will probably be difficult for the dark troll to adjust, however, Dominic will still love him all the same.

A small hand planted itself on his thigh, and Bular looks down to see the short troll mindlessly cuddling his side.

There was a moment of awkwardness because he was unsure how to distract each other from the aftermath of the grim moment.

The only thing he did without thinking was flicking his tail over to touch the smaller troll's tail.

Dominic felt the large appendage touch his, and a small blush spread his cheeks and both of their tails fling together, dancing and swatting at each other.

Eventually, Bular's tail curled around Dominic's, which made him twitch.

This kind of deep feeling became apparent and wanted to explore this desire.

However, he didn't know how to ask or what to do.

It wasn't like how him and Deya made love for the first time, especially when male trolls don't exactly have the part for it.

He was starting to feel unsure now, but he wants to share the same love to Bular as he shared it with the Trollhunter.

Bular could sense it, a feeling that he could understand what Dominic is struggling to convey.

The dark troll gives Deya a glance, and as she turns to meet eyes with him, his expression shows a sign of permission.

It took a moment for Deya to understand what he means, but when he repeatedly moved his eyes down towards Dominic, it finally clicked.

Given that these were their final nights together with no telling of what could happen in the future, it might be a good time to have one last night of fun.

One that neither of them would want to forget.

She sighs and leans back with a nod, granting him permission to borrow the short troll. But there was still one more thing he must do before he could continue on.

Bular moves his hand over to gently and lovingly stroke Dominic's hair.

Finally, he broke the silence.

"I must ask... and if you are agreeable. Do you wish to spend the night with me... laying in the nest?"

He hasn't asked a troll to have sex with him in years, so saying these words now made him feel... unexperienced, despite the fact he has plenty of experience.

Dominic perks up and cranes his head to stare at Bular for several seconds.

When it finally registered, his face went hot and stammered.

"You... want me... with you... to-to... make love? But- but I do not think that is plausible. We both have the same genitalia. How can we make love?" The scholar asked, which caused both Bular and Deya to laugh.

Deya, despite meeting a couple trolls in her past, knew that it works in both ways.

Unfortunately, this is Dominic that they are talking about.

He knew almost nothing about sex when they first met him. And he even after what he and Deya shared their first time, he was still learning the ropes.

Bular cups his chin and raises Dominic's head to face him.

"You don't need a slit to make love, you know. There's another... entryway." The dark troll chuckles seductively and leans closer to the Conundrum troll's face.

Dominic whimpers and felt his face and the tips of his ears burning, feeling completely aroused.

Upon mentioning another "entryway," it became apparent that he meant his rear.

Suddenly, it came crashing down on him and shivers at the thought of Bular penetrating him up his tight ass.

"Won't that hurt? Also... that is where I... um... relieve myself." He awkardly spoke, making the moment all the more awkward, for himself actually.

Again, Deya laughed, but Bular muttered to himself.

"We bulls do it all the time. There ain't no harm in it. Well... as long as I take it easy that is." The dark troll smirks as he spoke with a pinch of lust.

Dominic gulps and glances at Deya.

"It's okay. Dom. If you don't feel like you're cut out for it, you don't have to do it." She assured him, and the short troll had to make up his mind.

That is when he thought of an idea.

"Actually, if it is alright with the two of you, I would prefer if we... stay together." He suggested.

Deya's smile dropped and Bular stared with wide eyes.

The silence was painful and Dominic quickly took back his words.

"Nevermind. Forget what I said."

"It's fine."

The scholar glances at the Trollhunter with surprise, while she stared back with a bit of hesitation, but also... determination.

"How bad can it be?" She awkwardly chuckled, and glances over to Bular.

The dark troll sighs and agrees to try and be intimate alongside the Trollhunter, even if it is going to be awkward.

Eventually, the three trolls settled down at the makeshift nest with Bular laying on his side, using only one of his arm to prop himself up.

Him and Dominic kissed each other with the small troll guiding the other, four hands roaming around his large and bulky body.

Deya plucks the amulet from her chest armor and it all disappeared, then she scoots closer to sensually message the scholar from behind.

Soon, things carried on when clothes were being removed.

Dominic kissed all over the dark troll's face and neck, just close from his sensitive spot, which caused Bular to flinch and let out small moan.

Once the three were completely nude, Bular took charge and carefully laid the scholar on his back with the Gumm-Gumm Prince looming over him.

He felt small and intimidated by the sheer size of his companion, but he also felt aroused and safe from being trapped under a strong brute like Bular.

As for Deya, she sits above the Conundrum troll's head planting his head onto her lap so that he can be more comfortable.

Bular smirks when Dominic yelped after nipping the scholar on the shoulder, the little squeal amused him.

Next, he looks down at the short troll's hips, then back to him, Dominic following his eyes.

He was looking for permission to proceed, which was quite generous of him and the smaller companion nods.

The dark troll grabs a hold of on of his leg and spread Dominic wide until his ankle touched Bular's side, then he did the same with the other.

Dominic glances down once more and nearly felt his heart stop when he noticed the size of Bular's cock, something he hadn't seen until now.

It started to make him feel anxious and a little worried that maybe this won't work.

His body started to shiver our of fear, and a pinch of arousal as the dark troll began slowly thrusting his hips together, rutting against each other's cocks.

That is when he felt Deya's hand on his cheek, and the other taking hold of his hand.

She gently squeezed him and he glances up to see her warm and comforting smile.

It somewhat eased his anxiety, but he was still scared about Bular's size and how it will fit inside his small body.

Suddenly, he felt something wet between his legs and flinches, looking down to see the dark troll sucking him off.

What came next only intensifies the intimate moment.

Dominic felt like he couldn't breath, but managed to let out a loud moan.

All his six eyes twitched and rolled back from the incredible sensation.

It felt similar when Deya did it, but somehow this felt more intense, like Bular has done this many times before, like he knew how to make one moan and squeal loudly. Which is exactly what Dominic did.

His body twitched intensely, as his hips bucked, and his lower hands reach other to grab onto Bular's horns, while his upper hands hold onto Deya.

"Does it feel that good?" The Trollhunter chuckled.

"Y-Yes. Way more than I-ahh! Mmm... than I thought it would... nghh... be." The Conundrum troll moaned.

"Aw... now I'm jealous." She teased, and laughed when Dominic stared at her with a sad and worried look.

"I'm just teasing you. Plus, maybe it's just my experience. I haven't quite sucked as many cocks before. Which only goes to show that Bular must have been a huge cocksucker."

The dark troll raised his head and furrowed his brows and gave Deya an annoyed look, to which she laughed.

"Am I wrong?" She taunted, and Bular sighs.

"To be fair, I spent majority of my time laying with bulls than mares. And, yes, I sucked plenty of cocks to know how to pleasure someone. But I do not appreciate the name calling." He spoke, and Deya waved him off.

"Fine, alright. Just keep sucking." She held in her laughter after making that off handed joke, which made Bular glare at her for a moment, then goes back to continue pleasuring Dominic.

The way Bular sucked his cock made his legs shiver and twitch, he felt like he was going to pass out from the intense sensations that surged through his entire body.

From the tips of his ears, to the ends of his feet.

That is when Bular stopped, finally giving Dominic some time to rest.

Deya planted her hand on his chest, spreading her fingers wide and sensually soothed his body, even rubbing his chubby belly.

He let out a sigh of relief, and finally, his body settled down after a while.

Now comes the intense part.

Or at least the preparation for what has yet to come.

Bular grabs Dominic's ankle and lifts it in the air, raising the short troll's hips from the nest, then Bular positioned his companion close to on his face.

It was a strange and uncomfortable position, but as soon as the dark troll lapped his puckered hole, Dominic yelped and felt the sensation rushing in again.

The wet appendage licked his small hole, sending a spark throughout his body that causes him to intensely twitch and his legs to close shut on Bular's face.

Bular managed to pry open his legs open to get some space.

Suddenly, Dominic could feel Bular's hot breath after each lick, and it suddenly made him whimper and grunt.

Ropes of cum shot out from his cock, which surprised him as he didn't think he would finish this quickly.

Deya reaches over to lightly stroke him, making sure he was completely spent.

Despite the Conundrum finishing, Bular hasn't let up yet, and pushed his tongue against the puckered hole until it finally pops inside.

Dominic gasped and moaned from the small intrusion and his legs continued to twitch.

He thrusted in and out, over and over, repeatedly entering inside him.

It began to drive Dominic crazy and he held onto Deya a little tighter.

"I've got you, Dom. I'm here." She softly spoke as she stroked his hair.

Dominic reaches over to Deya, placing his hand on her cheek and lowering her head towards his and the two kissed.

Small whimpers filled the atmosphere alongside wet smacks of Bular taking delight out of "eating" the scholar's ass.

If only he had his other hand to stroke his own arousal, a small misstep on his behalf, but he'll just have to figure out how to navigate with only one arm.

Eventually, he became hard enough to continue on the next part.

He lowered Dominic's hips and lets go of his leg.

Dominic finally got some relief, but it was short lived when he felt another small intrusion.

Bular slowly pushed his finger inside, which caused Dominic to squeal again, and the appendage sinks in deeper until the dark troll's knuckle touched the rim of his hole.

The short troll let out another loud moan as felt the digit inside him, curling and brushing over sensitive nerves that made his body twitch and shiver intensely.

For his whole life, he never would have imagined that he would be in this kind of position.

Or feel this kind of sensation.

In his past, he dreamed of finding a mate and spending his life with her, and also raising a family. But, somehow, his dream seemed to have slightly change.

At a point, he thought there was something wrong with him for wanting to love two trolls, with both of them being different sexes

Now, he knows that this is what it means to live, to explore, to feel free and alive.

He knew his father wouldn't approve of this if he were still alive, but when has he ever approved anything that he liked?

This is how he can express himself in a way that only his companions could see, to share the love and bond with one another.

Dominic moaned again as he arched his back after Bular squeezed in another digit inside.

The stretch was so intense that it stung a little, making the short troll hiss and flinch.

However, after a few minutes, the pain faded and pleasure seized in.

Finally, after preparing him, Bular pulled out and flipped Dominic on his stomach, and the dark troll spat in his hand to lubricate himself.

The Conundrum troll planted his knees on the nest and raised his rear in the air, displaying his wet puckered hole to the dark troll.

Bular smirked and groped the small troll's ass, kneading the flushed round rump.

Dominic braced himself for the penetration, but after waiting and waiting, he realized the Gumm-Gumm hasn't done a thing yet.

He looks over his shoulder to see Bular staring at him.

"I'm not going to enter yet. Not without your word." He spoke and stroked over his back.

"Oh. Uh... yes, of course. You may proceed, slowly... please." He replied back with a smile.

Then, he felt the dark troll press his cock against him.

It took a couple of minutes, and the head of his cock finally pops inside.

The intrusion was a bit intense and the stretch started to feel overwhelming.

He whimpered when Bular pulls out and pushes back in, and with each thrust, his cock goes deeper until he was a few inches deep.

His body felt so much arousal that he couldn't handle the overwhelming sensation, but Deya comes in to comfort him again.

Bular gave the short troll some time to adjust before resuming and he slowly thrusts in repeatedly, feeling the tightness around his cock.

Dominic moaned and yelps each time he felt the dark troll thrust inside him.

Despite going slow and not going so deep, Dominic's legs with shaking intensely and felt like he was on the verge of crying as he holds back tears.

Deya noticed this and raises his head up to focus on her.

"Too much?" She asked as she stroked his hair.

"Ngh... I'm not... n-n-not used to it-Aghh!" He blurted out.

Bular halted after hearing the scream, fearing that he hurt the small troll.

"I think we should stop here. I don't want to hurt you any further." He spoke and pulls out, giving some relief to the Conundrum.

"No, please. I can handle it. I just needed to adjust-"

"Dom, it's alright. If you're not ready, it's okay to give up when you know it's not the time. Besides, you can always make love to me." She smirked and cupped his cheeks.

The scholar blushed and began to feel his cock twitch at the thought of having sex with her.

"You don't mind? I mean... it has been awhile since we..."

"I know it's been long, but I really do miss having that moment with you. I don't mind at all." The Trollhunter replied and bumps foreheads with him.

The Conundrum troll smiled and wagged his tail with excitement.

Bular watched as the two engaged in the sexual intimacy, seeing Dominic spreading her legs and entering her, feeling a bit disappointed and left out.

However, he had an idea and moved over to the front and aims his cock at the scholar's face.

Dominic wasn't sure what the dark troll was intending, until he spoke up.

"I may not be able to pleasure you, but perhaps you can do me a favor." He gave him a smug smile.

It finally clicked and the short troll faces the throbbing length with a gulp.

He breathes in and leans forward to take Bular's cock in his mouth, suckling the tip, making his companion shudder and exhale.

After awhile, the three pleasured each other as Dominic thrust his hips into Deya, all while he sucks off the dark troll, each of them moaning and grunting from the pleasure and incredible sensations.

The feeling of sharing affections and trusting one another made their bonds stronger, and they could all feel it growing stronger.

A feeling that Bular was starting to like.

An hour later they all climaxed, finally finishing and bundling up together as they soon fell asleep.

Dominic cuddled between the two, feeling the joy of being with those he trust and love.

Chapter Text

Two nights have passed and the three trolls had planned strategies for the battle.

It will start with Deya going on the offense, and Dominic being on the defense.

Bular will stay hidden from the battle until Deya would weaken the Gumm-Gumm king and he would intervene and take him down.

After a few hours of training, and Bular taking some time to train with one arm, the three had to prepared for the upcoming battle.

Before they set out for Camelot, Bular decided to stay behind, but hands the Trollhunter his severed arm to show proof of his "faked death".

"The battle against my father will be rough, but his army is small, so you both will have the advantage. Just remember to stick with the plan and hopefully we will pull through." Bular spoke, reassuring the both of them with confidence.

Dominic approaches the dark troll and reaches up to cup his face, and Bular leans down to get a affectionate kiss on the lips.

"When this is over, would you perhaps be interested in... well... umm... travelling the lands? I would like for us to spend more time bonding and seeing the sights together." The short troll asked.

Bular thought for a moment, thinking how nice it would be to get away from all the violence and terror of war and just live in a peaceful life for once.

He smiled and nuzzled the Conundrum troll.

"When this war is over, and we're still together, I will be delighted to take your offer, little scholar."

Dominic blushed from the nickname and chuckled.

"You know you can always call me by my name."

"Of course... but I adore teasing you."

Deya rolls her eyes and sighs, getting a little impatient.

"Come on, Dom. We gotta be there before nightfall." She spoke up, and Dominic had to split from the dark troll.

As the two trolls headed towards Camelot, Dominic gave Bular one last look and then he turns around to face his destiny.

Bular watched them go, and when they were no longer in his line of sight, he takes in a deep breath and exhales, mentally preparing himself for the moment where he would face his father.

The sun was on the horizon, Deya and Dominic arrived at the castle gates.

They stood at the bridge, waiting for Gunmar and his army to arrive.

While they waited, Deya paced around, feeling completely anxious.

Dominic noticed how stressed out she looks, so he approaches her and touched her hand.

"You will not fail, Master Deya. Believe in yourself and you will succeed." He calmly spoke.

"I know. I just don't want to make the same mistake. And I know I won't, but that feeling in my stomach is driving me crazy!" Deya complains and sighs.

The short troll holds her hand to give her a boost of confidence.

She takes a deep breath and breathes out.

"You're right. I must focus and stay on guard." The Trollhunter spoke, then she heard the sound of a war horn blowing in the distance.

The two turned their heads over to the forest, and a few seconds later, Gumm-Gumms started emerging from the woods.

As expected, the army wasn't large, but it was a decent amount of them, and some looked like new recruits.

A couple of Camelot's guards swarm in at the top of the front gates, drawing their weapons.

Finally, the main Gumm-Gumm that Deya was expecting to see shows up.

"Gunmar." She muttered and her brows furrowed.

Dominic tightly held his staff, preparing himself.

Once the dark troll approach the bridge, he saw the Trollhunter and her companion, but no sign of his son.

This made him curious and smirks.

"Ah, the so called "great" Trollhunter. Merlin's failed champion. I expected to see you again. And I see you brought..."

Gunmar paused for a second, seeing the Conundrum troll's robes look familiar, then it he stared in disbelief.

"Bodus, that clever bastard." He spoke to himself and summons his Decimaar blade, raising it up and points it at the both of them.

His army drew their weapons to get ready, waiting for the Gumm-Gumm king's word.

Deya takes out her amulet and the final Triumbric Stone, and stores it in the object, finally completing the set and it gave her a completely different incantation.

"For the doom of Gunmar, Eclipse is mind to command!"

The bright red light glowed and it summons her armor and sword and shield, but it's color scheme was the opposite of her usual blue and silver.

It was red and dark bronze.

The dark troll growled upon seeing the Trollhunter’s upgraded form, realizing that she likely had the help from the scholar.

"And what of my son? I thought he turned traitor and joined you. Or what? Is he afraid to face his own father?" Gunmar questions with a smug grin.

"He stopped being your son the moment you abandoned him. However, we... did not end in good terms, if that's what you're asking. But he fought honorably." Deya replied and shows the Gumm-Gumm king the severed arm of his son.

Several of the Gumm-Gumms soldiers stared in shock, while Gunmar couldn't believe what he was seeing.

It almost felt like it wasn't real, but he got one good look at the disembodied limb and it was as clear as day that this was indeed Bular's.

She sets it down and readies her weapon.

"I am going to give you a final warning, Gunmar. Leave these lands, never show your face again, and I will spare you. Refuse and you shall die." The Trollhunter warned him, but clearly the dark troll wasn't for backing down now.

"You think that because you have all the Triumbric Stones, and killed my traitorous son, that I would just retreat? Your new look doesn't scare me, you are nothing, Trollhunter. Nothing." Gunmar chuckled and raised his blade up in the air.

"Attack!"

As he roared out the command, his army charged towards the Trollhunter and her companion.

The guards at the gates began shooting arrows at them as they got close the the bridge.

"Dom, don't let them get near the gate!" Deya spoke to the Conundrum troll and charges right into battle.

"I've got your back, Master Deya!" Dominic replied and raised his staff to control the water from below the bridge to wash away several Gumm-Gumms who were a little too close to the bridge.

Then, he used the magic seed to create a large barrier of thick roots around the bridge and the kingdom's gate.

Deya sliced and stabbed through a few Gumm-Gumms as she made her way towards Gunmar.

However, before she could even face the dark troll, a stalking appeared from the woods and tackled her.

The creature screeched while scratching and biting her.

"Get... off of... me!" She grunted as she tried to fight off the flying troll.

As the creature was about peck her eyes out, an arrow struck it in the neck and it wailed in pain.

Two more arrows were shot at and hit the stalking in the chest and wing, and it gave Deya the chance to slash the feral troll, killing it instantly.

She gets up and charges towards Gunmar.

Finally, after all this time, waiting and training, she finally gets these second opportunity to defeat the dark troll.

Gunmar smirks as he faces the Trollhunter, and soon the fight begun with Deya swinging forward and their swords clash.

He noticed how much stronger she has gotten, her swift movements seemed to improved the last time they fought, and given how she killed his son, it must’ve gave her an advantage to learn his skills.

This calls for a different tactic.

With many of the Gumm-Gumms charging towards the castle gate, Dominic and the guards were making sure no one was getting through the bridge.

The root barrier could hold them back for so long, and some of the Gumm-Gumms tried to cut through it. But it would take forever and they needed to raid Camelot before the night ends.

That is when one Gumm-Gumm tosses a Dwark stone at the barrier, which caused anyone around it to fall back.

Dominic wasn't fast enough to get away before it exploded.

The stone combusted and it blew up a hole in the barrier, but it wasn't enough to get through yet.

Dominic was blown away from the force and hit the gate.

He groans and gets up to see several other Gumm-Gumms tossed more Dwark stones at the barrier.

"Oh, no."

When the stones exploded, the rooted wall broke and Dominic used the broken pieces of the roots to trap the Gumm-Gumms as the magic roots curl and bury the soldiers into the ground.

The remaining soldiers continued charging towards him, however, his energy was fainting and knew he couldn't take them all by himself.

If only he had more time and experience to fully control his power.

Two Gumm-Gumms crossed the bridge and were approaching the gate, Dominic managed to fight them off with only his staff.

With the last of his energy, he used a magic blast to push the remaining soldiers away.

However, one Gumm-Gumm managed to avoid the blast and charged at him.

The scholar was pinned against the gate with the Gumm-Gumm pressing a handle of the spear on his neck, causing him to choke.

He tried to fight back, but clearly he stood no chance with the larger troll.

That is when a magic chain wrap around the Gumm-Gumm and the troll gets pulled back and swung around and was flung away.

Dominic gasps and was able to breath, then he looks up to see Merlin's pupil approaching him.

"Don't worry, I got your back." Hisirdoux helps the short troll up.

"Thank you. We need to protect the castle gates until Gunmar is defeated." Dominic explained, and the young wizard faces the bridge.

"No problem. We can handle it. By the way, the king is sending reinforcements. Let's hold them off just a little longer."

The two magic users take their stance and face the upcoming Gumm-Gumms.

As the battle raged on, Deya was grunted and fell to the ground when Gunmar managed to knock her down.

He nearly struck his blade at her, but she was quick enough to roll away and bounce back up to swing a kick to her opponent's face.

The dark troll growled and blocked her next attack by parrying her blade, and with a split second, he grabbed her wrist and slams her to the ground multiple times.

Deya grunts and groans from the several impacts and when she was thrown down, she weakly gets up with a huff.

Gunmar approached her and kicks her down and steps on her back.

"Such a shame. Even with all the Triumbric Stones, you still can't beat me. You should've accepted your failure the first time. Now, you are going to meet your end." He snarled and as he was about to stab her with his Decimaar blade, Deya somehow summoned two little daggers from her thighs and it forms into a boomerang.

They spinning blades flew past him, catching him off guard, and when he wasn't looking, the blades hit him in the back.

This gave Deya time to knock him back and get up.

She was surprised about her new abilities and grabs a hold of the boomerang daggers.

He gets a quick glance of her about to attack, and he manages to dodge it and tries to swing back.

Deya was left in the open and gasps, but her shield appears just in time to block his attack.

However, she stumbles back from the hard impact.

Gunmar swings again, causing her to back away until the two were away from the ongoing battle.

Eventually, the Trollhunter was back up to the edge of a cliff.

This was taking a little too long, and she needed to weaken him so Bular can jump in.

It didn't take long until she was inches from the edge, nearly falling backwards, but she quickly regained her balance.

"It's over Trollhunter. Accept your fate from my blade, or accept your failure by jumping off. Either way, I win." He spoke and takes a step forward.

Obviously she wasn't going to jump off, and she wasn't going to let him win.

She summons her boomerang weapon and tosses it at him, and when he moved his head aside to avoid it, she summoned her shield and rushes towards him.

Gunmar saw her coming and was ready to attack, but Deya tossed her shield like a frisbee, and this time it hit his head and was knocked back.

Deya continues to target him in his weak spots, from punching him in the neck to kicking him in the gut, or even trying to disorient him.

When he grew tired, he snarled at her and was about to claw at her, but he was suddenly hit with the boomerang.

He was at his limit and roared at her.

However, his breath grew short and felt weak.

Gunmar huffs and catches his breath, then he looks up at the night sky and realizes he only has a couple hours before the night ends.

This wasn't going according to his plan and it angered him.

"You ruined everything. You think... that by saving the humans from their doom... is going to save your reputation from your precious failure. Even the Dwoza trolls didn't want you. Besides, there will be other humans who will continue to have hateful prejudice against our kind. You are only wasting your time." He growled.

Deya still kept her stance and her eyes on him, ready to make her next move.

"I don't care what the others think of me anymore. And I know the hate will still continue, even after your death. Whatever happens to them is their loss. But that won't mean I shouldn't fight for what is right. Human or not, everyone deserves a second chance. Which you should have done with Bular." She spoke and next thing Gunmar knew was getting decked in the side of the head.

The dark troll fell to the ground and nearly passed out from that hard impact.

He groans and gets up to see...

"What... how?"

"Greetings, father. I've come to put an end to this. To an end to you." Bular snarled and charged towards his father, and both trolls rammed their horns at each other.

"So, you're alive. Somehow the Trollhunter lied, for what? Is this it? Your little plan? To get your taste for revenge? Well, I have a little plan for you." Gunmar chuckled and jerked his head to use his sharp end of his horn to pierce Bular in the face.

Bular snarled in pain and fell back.

Deya gasps upon seeing something small and round roll to her feet.

Upon close inspection, she sees a familiar bright yellow and red color and nearly felt her heart stop when she realized what it was.

It stared right at her, and she stared back in utter horror.

She snapped back from her traumatic hypnosis when she heard Bular howling and grunting.

Looking up, she saw that Gunmar was attempting to use the Decimaar blade on his own son.

"No." Deya quickly picked up the dismembered eyeball and pockets it, then rushes in to save him.

As she jumps in the way, the blade's power began to consume her will, and conscious.

It basically felt like her soul was being sucked from her body.

However, this triggered the last stone and her helmet began to glow, and a protective barrier shielded her from the blade's negative influence.

"What? No!" Gunmar growled and used the Decimaar blade again, but nothing worked.

Her new ability granted her protection from him and she smirks.

"It's over Gunmar."

"Not when I say it is!" The dark troll snarled and attacked her.

That is when Bular came in and block the attack for her and she knocks Gunmar back.

The two fought in perfect rhythm as one blocked and the other attacked, and the defender attacked as the attacker defended.

Deya parried Gunmar’s attacks with her blade, and he was left opened, Bular gives the final blow.

Gunmar fell back, completely full of fear that he was growing weaker.

Never in his life has he ever seen two trolls fight together in perfect harmony.

They were both in synchronization, especially the way they maneuver around each other as they blocked or attacked.

It was quite terrifying to witness.

Then, he looks over at his army, most of the Gumm-Gumms were diminishing as the battle went on.

In a moment, he caught sight of the Conundrum troll pushing the Gumm-Gumms back from the kingdom gates, meaning that the raid won't likely happen if this keeps going on.

He growls and orders another stalking to fly over and snatch the short troll.

"Dominic!" Deya yelled out in a panic and rushes over to save him, all while Bular remained standing against his father.

Bular knew what his father was doing and couldn't stand for it.

"Now. It's just you and me. Father and son."

"You are not my father. You stopped being my father the moment you betrayed me. Revenge isn't what I seek anymore. But the justice and freedom of the innocent lives you so wish to destroy."

Gunmar was very disappointed in hearing such words coming from his son, and he clenched his fists, readying for another round.

Both trolls charged at each other and collided their horns again, each pushing and forcing their strength on one another.

"Hang on Dominic, I'm coming!" Deya called out as she runs through the battlefield while avoiding flying arrows, and Gumm-Gumms.

"It's alright, Master Deya... I've... got thiiiiis!"

Dominic used his staff to blast a blinding light at the stalking's eye and it let go of him while it screeched in pain.

"I may have miscalculated-Ahhh!" He screamed and Deya picked up the speed to catch him as he fell from the sky.

"I gotcha, I gotcha, I gotcha!"

In the last second, she managed to slide over and catch him just he was about several feet from hitting the ground.

The scholar blew a sigh of relief and laughed, and so did the Trollhunter.

"That was too close." He spoke.

"Well, if you're gonna fall, I will catch you." She smirked and he blushed, but the moment was cut short when the stalking came back to attack them.

Before Deya could use her sword, Dominic made the first move and raised his staff, and summoned a wave of water to splash it and magically freezes it in crystal ice.

The ice covered stalking fell to the ground and smash into pieces, killing it instantly.

Both trolls blew a sigh of relief and stared at each other.

"Come on, we got to stop Gunmar. Together." She smiled and sets him down.

"Right. Together." He smiled back and they rushed back into the field, but a group of Gumm-Gumms surrounded them, outnumbering them.

That is when they heard the gates open and an army of King Arthur's knights charged into the battlefield on horseback.

Reinforcements arrived and began trampling and ramming into several Gumm-Gumms, and some were coming after the Trollhunter and scholar.

"Hold your breath." Dominic instructed and Deya stared at him is a confused look, until she felt the ground below them give way.

"Woah!"

Dominic used his magic to make the ground swallow them up and in a blink of an eye, Deya found herself back on the surface again with bits of dirt on her.

She shakes it off and sees Bular still fighting Gunmar, but clearly his father had more of an advantage due to Bular's one arm.

"Let's end this."

Deya summons her boomerang and tosses it at Gunmar, hitting him in the back of the head and charging forward with Dominic following behind.

The dark troll growls and knock down his son, and turn to the other two.

Dominic magically summons some roots from the ground and Deya used it to give herself a boost up as Gunmar slashed the roots away and when the Trollhunter jumped over him, she slashed him in the back, making him roar in pain.

The dark troll was about to swing back, but thick roots curled around his arm and held him back so Deya can go in for the attack.

However, he managed to block it with his bare hand, even if it hurt, he gripped the blade and used it to throw her off.

Then he pulls his arm back to free himself from the roots and it ripped apart.

Gunmar snarls towards Dominic and the short troll panics as the dark troll intimidatingly charges at him.

Once Deya and Bular got up they heard Dominic calling their names.

"Deya! Bular! Help!"

The two look up and gasp in dread when they saw Gunmar holding the Conundrum troll by the neck.

"Dominic!"

"No!"

They shouted in fear and before they could stop him, Gunmar raised his blade towards the scholar's neck, threatening to slit his throat.

"One more step and he gets it." Gunmar muttered.

"Don't you dare. You hurt him and I'll unleash all my fury on you." Deya warned, gritting her teeth.

Bular remained quiet, thinking of a solution in saving Dominic without him getting harmed.

The tension made the two dread, as any second, he could end the scholar without a second thought.

That's it.

Bular thought of an idea that he hopes would work.

No.

He is begging that it will work.

"Father. Listen to me. Look around, your army is dying out. Sooner or later you will have nothing left. Then what? What will you do then? I doubt you would want accept your fate or failure." The other dark troll spoke, and as he speaks with his father he slowly takes a step forward.

Deya remained silent, listening, but also keep a close eye on Gunmar, and hoping that whatever Bular is doing will work.

"It's never too late to surrender and end this senseless war."

This made Gunmar burst out laughing.

"I can see how this weak and puny troll has made you soft. Just like the rest of his people. This isn't like you, Bular. You never cared for peaceful endings, but craved for blood and violence. Pathetic."

"No. There is nothing weak about ending hatred with love. And I have come to learn that whatever happened in the past, happened, and I should forgive myself for all the wrong I've done. That cruel and bloodthirsty troll you once knew is gone. I am no longer your son and you are no longer my father if you continue this destruction." Bular replied back with wise words.

However, Dominic perked up when he heard a similar phrase that could have sworn he said once before.

This made the Conundrum troll smile, happy to see his companion finally accepting himself.

Bular smiled back at Dominic, their eyes locking together.

Gunmar noticed how fond the other dark troll looked, and when it clicked in his mind, he grew disgusted at his son.

He held Dominic over the cliff, causing the other two trolls to panic again, and the Conundrum quickly searching through his satchel.

"I can't believe it. My own son, growing soft and falling for a pathetic little useless creature, who don't deserve to live in this world!" Gunmar throwing short troll over, causing Dominic to fall off the cliff.

"NO!"

Both Bular and Deya shouted and with a swift motion, Deya rushed over, blocking one attack from the dark troll and Bular grabs a hold of Gunmar’s fist, restraining him.

Then Deya goes behind Gunmar and gives the final blow, stabbing the Gumm-Gumm king in the back.

A loud scream of agonizing pain ripped through the air as the sword of Daylight pierced through him with the end part of the blade sticking out of his chest.

"NO. NO. NOOO! AAAGHH!"

Bular watched his father turned to stone, staring with an unbothered expression into his single eye.

Gunmar felt fear for the very first time as he saw his son staring back at him, like staring into a mirror.

Like it wasn't Bular who ended him, but himself.

He was the fault of his own downfall.

Seconds later, Gunmar succumbed to his death and completely turned to stone.

As soon as the Gumm-Gumm king fell, the knights managed to capture the few remaining Gumm-Gumms.

After that, King Arthur declared the war over.

Everyone cheered with victory.

Expect, for two trolls.

Deya felt tears drip from her eyes as she rushed over to the cliff and peaked down to see that Dominic was nowhere to be seen.

Waves crashed against the cliffs, a deadly place to be that could instantly drown any troll.

"Dominic... no." She mumbled.

Bular glanced over to see the Trollhunter devestated and fell to her knees.

Then he looks over to the statue of his now deceased father and grabbed him by the horns to break and tear the head from Gunmar’s shoulders.

The now reformed Gumm-Gumm Prince walked over to Deya and kneels down beside her.

"He fought honorably. He was braver than any troll I've met. And he shall never be forgotten." He softly spoke, his voice faltered for a second before clearing his throat.

It seemed like he was struggling to keep his emotions in check, and he needed to be alone to grieve for the loss of someone he truly cared about.

An optimistic scholar that he deeply loved.

"Here. Take this and show it to the Dwoza trolls." Bular handed his father's head to the Trollhunter, who looked puzzled.

"But I thought Vendel said-"

"I do not need to prove anyone of my worth or loyalty. But I know that this is something you need. Go." He replied.

"What about you?" She asked with concern.

"Do not worry about me. I... I just need some time alone. Now, go."

Bular looked away as he was on the brink of breaking down, and Deya could sense the rising wave of sadness reaching its breaking point.

She knew she had to go, but before she left, she handed him his missing eye.

Once the Trollhunter was gone, Bular stared at the night sky, feeling the breeze on his face and warm tears sliding down his cheeks.

"When this is over, would you perhaps be interested in... well... umm... travelling the lands?"

The dark troll trembled as his emotions got the better of him, remembering the promise he made to Dominic, really hoping that they would all make it out in the end.

However, war doesn't end without casualties, and this deeply saddened him.

Finally understanding the pain of many innocent lives that he hurt in the past.

He now knows what it is like to truly lose a loved one.

The ground underneath him shook as he slammed his fist down in a fit of rage and sadness.

His eye burned from the overwhelming tears that build up, and so did his burning core.

A loud roar of mourning erupt from the dark troll as he finally broke down.

He was so devestated for losing someone he loved, grieving for the one troll who changed his life.

Someone who never gave up on him.

It reminded him of his old friend, Ava, which also added to his sadness.

Now, he has nothing, no purpose in his life without that kind and generous voice telling him all the beauty and wonders of the world.

To see those six eyes that widened with wonder and awe, a reflection that presents how he sees the world, no matter how cruel it was to him.

No one, not even the Trollhunter understood his optimistic outlook of everything, and he admired his commitment in staying loyal, no matter the risk.

After letting out his emotions, he gets up, wipe his tears and walks into the woods with no direction or destination, but just go to wherever his legs take him.

Chapter Text

The freezing cold made his body shiver with a sting that burned like fire.

Even when the waves brought him to land, the intense sensations caused him to desperately seek for warmth.

It felt like forever, and whatever is left of his consciousness was slipping away.

That is until he felt two hands on him and drag him out of shore.

Eventually, everything turn black.

Four days after the war ended, and Deya had shown Gunmar’s head to every troll in Dwoza, proving her worth.

Expect she didn't feel the need to be validated anymore.

In fact she denied to stay in Dwoza, and turned the other way.

As she walked through the woods, she felt so lost, depressed, and full of grief.

She didn't know where to go, or what to do.

Should she go and find Bular?

Or just find a new destiny?

That is when she heard her amulet hum, hearing it calmly speak to her.

Suddenly, she had an idea in where she could go, and maybe a certain troll could help her.

Deya sets a path to place she never expected to return to.

After what felt like forever, he finally started to come around.

He started to hear his surroundings, even if he didn't opened his eyes yet.

From the sounds of the crackling fire, to the silent hum of a cave and the chirping crickets.

Then, he heard the sound of someone shifting around, and it sounded like they were skittering with a anxious movement.

He could also hear them mumbling to themselves that he couldn't even hear what they were saying.

After a moment later, one eye opened to see a lit up cave.

Just a feet away from the campfire was a tall lanky figure who looked like they were busy with something.

Two more eyes opened and his sight became more clearer as he could see that the figure was a changeling.

Not just any changeling, it was the same one from the riverside.

He wasn't sure how to react, but it didn't seem like they were threat... yet.

While the changeling mumbled to himself, he slowly tried to crawl away, but it caught the other’s attention and he approaches him.

"Please don't move. You're still recovering." He spoke with concern.

"What? Where am I? What is going on?" Dominic questions with a confused look.

"Forgive me. I brought you here because I found you washed up at shore. I thought you were dead, but to my relief you were still breathing. Which was strange, no troll should be alive after being underwater." The changeling explained and handed him a warm drink.

Dominic was a bit glad to hear, but he doesn't understand why a changeling would help him, even if he now knows that he isn't a threat.

"Why are you helping me?"

"Because you spared me and my changeling brothers. Remember? After you freed us, we were left conflicted. They left to search for the other changelings, while I stayed to search for my own purpose. My own path."

That somewhat surprised the scholar, but it made him happy to find someone taking his advice.

As he takes a sip of his drink, the changeling asked him a very curious, but also understandable question.

"So... how are you alive? Like I said, no troll can survive the waters."

Dominic put down his drink and pulls out an empty potion bottle from his satchel.

"This was a gift from a wise troll. It was a spell that allowed me to breathe underwater. Although, it did not grant me the ability to swim properly." He nervously chuckled.

"That would explain why you were still breathing when I found you. But how did you ended up in the waters?"

Another great question that made the short troll think back for a moment, trying to remember.

A second later his eyes widened when he finally remembered.

"Master Deya! Bular! I have to get back to them-ack!" Dominic tried to get up but felt a sharp pain on his side that made him fall back down.

"Woah, woah! You need some rest." The changeling rushed over to aid him.

"But I need... to get to the others. They need... me."

"Don't worry. I will help you find them, but first you need to relax. You must've been badly injured while underwater."

He helped the Conundrum troll lie back down.

"But... the battle... I-"

"It's over. The war has ended four nights ago. Gunmar has been defeated." The changeling spoke, completely shocking the short troll.

He remained silent, trying to process the news.

"Wait... I've been missing for four nights? How long has it been since you found me?" Dominic desperately asked.

"Last night. Although, I am not entirely sure how long you have been washed ashore. Oh, that reminds me..."

The changeling reaches over and grabs a long object, and hands it to him.

"Here. I found this laying on the ground, which is what led me to find you. I assume it belongs to you."

"My staff. Oh, thank you." Dominic happily takes his staff back and hugs it with relief.

"Look, it would take some time for you to fully recover, but if you wish to go out to find your allies now, you'll need to wait a few hours until the sun goes down."

It wasn't like he had a choice, and there was no need to worry about the war anymore. And so, he decided it was best if he rested until sunset.

Several hours went by and the sun began to set.

Dominic seemed to be feeling better, even though his side still hurt, but there was nothing he could use to treat the pain.

All except a bottle of pain relief that he still had leftover.

After taking a drink of it, he got ready to head out and search for his companions.

The changeling helped him walk so he wouldn't limp as much while they traveled.

"We should head to Camelot, maybe they're waiting for me." Dominic spoke, and the other nods.

The two make their way to the kingdom, and when they arrived, they found the battlefield filled with statues of dead Gumm-Gumms.

However, there was no sign of Deya or Bular, which disappointed him.

"They're not here. Let's try someplace else." The changeling spoke, and Dominic sighs.

They turn back and headed to the riverside, hoping to find them there, but, yet again, they found nothing.

At this point, the Conundrum troll was growing tired he was starting to feel sore and uncomfortable.

"I think we should stop and take a break."

"No. I know one more place to go. Just this last stop, please."

The changeling didn't want to object, so he went along and helped the scholar get to the last destination.

Dominic felt a strange feeling about going there, as he suspect that is where might find his companions.

Everything was quiet.

Dead quiet.

Which was fine for him, he wanted some peace and quiet.

Especially when he mourns all alone.

"I failed, Ava. I mean... I succeeded in defeating my father. I accepted my past, and changed my ways. Yet... I lost someone I loved. I failed to save him and I now I don't know what to do. I'm... lost. I'm lost without him."

Bular kneels down before the statue of the troll he saw as his older sister.

Tears stained his face, and turning into a complete mess full of emotions.

"I wish I could've done more. I should've acted sooner before... before I lost him. And now... I won't be able to see him again. I will never hear his voice..."

"Bular?"

The dark troll didn't fully register the voice behind him as he thought he was hallucinating.

"His gentle and charming voice that I could still hear. Perhaps I am losing my mind."

"Bular!" Dominic's voice called out louder and Bular paused for a moment, trying to process what he heard.

His brows furrowed, confused from the fact he heard the scholar's voice, twice.

He thought he was still hearing things, but it wasn't until he heard footsteps behind him is when he turned around and his eye widened with surprise.

Bular couldn't believe his single eye as he gazed upon his love.

"D-Dominic. Is... that really you? Or have I finally cracked?" He softly spoke as he stood up and fully turn to face him.

"Yes. It is me. I'm really here, and I am so happy to have finally found you!" Dominic smiled and limped over to give the dark troll a big hug.

Upon feeling the short troll embrace him, Bular still hasn't processed what was going on.

That is when he felt his body shivering with an overwhelming sensation, slowly, his mind began to fully register what he was seeing and his emotions poured in as he tightly hugged the Conundrum troll.

Tears spilled from his eye while he nuzzled Dominic's hair affectionately.

"I... I saw you fall to your death. How did you survive the waters?" Bular questioned.

"You could thank Vorticus for gifting me this oxygeno spell." He holds up an empty bottle, and Bular felt so much relief.

The dark troll was very thankful for the old troll to teach the scholar everything he knows.

Without him, Dominic wouldn't have survived.

"Also, I couldn't thank more for an unexpected ally who saved me." Dominic turns around to see the changeling, who awkwardly stood there and waved at them.

Bular curiously gaze at the other, then he approached the changeling.

At first he thought the dark troll was going to lash out, but what he didn't expect to see Bular's face soften.

"Thank you." He calmly spoke.

The changeling thought it was odd to see the Gumm-Gumm Prince being grateful and nice.

To him, a changeling no less.

"O-Of course..."

At that, the dark troll turn to Dominic, who smiled at him and walks over to hold his hand.

"Thank you, friend. For helping me search for my companions... wait. Where's Master Deya?" The Conundrum troll looked around to find the Trollhunter was nowhere to be seen.

Bular frowns and sighs.

"I sent her to Dwoza to report them of Gunmar’s death. Other than that, I have no clue to where she is now. Perhaps she stayed there, finally accepted into their home." He replied.

Dominic felt a bit relief to know what happened to his other companion.

However, it didn't seem right that Deya would stay in Dwoza. And the fact that she isn't aware that he is still alive, could mean that she is still roaming around somewhere.

"I don't think she would stay. She has to know I'm alive. We must find her." The short troll spoke up.

"Oh. Perhaps I could stay with you two and help." The changeling raised his hand and step forward.

"Of course. I wouldn't mind the extra help."

Now they just needed to figure out where the Trollhunter went.

Bular took some time to think, until Dominic suggested they retrace their steps.

It was an idea that they all agreed to and they set out to find Deya.

Chapter Text

It didn't take long for the wind to start kicking in, and Deya could feel an upcoming storm brewing.

She sighs with frustration, but kept going.

The snow wasn't going to stop her, even if the weather was keeping her from moving forward.

Deya had a destination, and she was going to make it, no matter what.

After a long journey, she tried to remember where the old troll lived.

With the many tunnels inside the mountain it was going to be tricking to navigate through.

Soon it got darker and couldn't see, so she used her amulet to light the way.

However, the tunnels were like a maze and struggled to find where she was going.

"Ugh! Where is it?"

Suddenly, she felt the ground slippery and lost balance.

The icy ground caused her to slide down a tunnel with twists and turns.

Then, she arrives at an empty tunnel with a dead end.

"Great. I'm trapped here!" Deya complains and kicks the wall.

"I should've just stayed at Dwoza."

"Then what?"

A voice spoke and she gasps, looking around with her amulet, only to see her reflection.

Deya brushed it off and decides to climb up the tunnel she came from, but it sice it was slippery, it would make it difficult to climb upward.

"You know you can't go back."

The voice spoke again.

"Ugh! Who's there?" The Trollhunter raised her voice and looked around.

"No one. Just yourself."

Deya turns to face her reflection on the wall and noticed something was off.

"Whoever you are. Leave me alone." She warned and turned back to escape the tunnel.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. I can't really go away you know." The voice replied, sounding a bit sassy.

Deya finally had enough and faced her reflection again.

"Well I don't have time for your attitude. I need to get out of here!" She yelled.

That is when her reflection moved on it's own as it spoke back.

"And you don't have time. It's all gone. Whatever you were trying to accomplish, it doesn't matter anymore. There's nothing you could do here. Well, other than sitting down and think about your life's choices."

"Why are you here? What do you want from me?"

Her reflection laughs and walks to a different wall where Deya turns to point her amulet at.

"Sometimes, in the deepest moments, we get lost. And even when we think we have a solution, it is only postponing the real question."

"What are you talking about?" Deya questions.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. You aren't just planning to visit the old troll just for answers. There isn't much for him to help you with and you'll be just as lost as you already were. Because without your little lovely scholar, you are just becoming desperate."

She clenched her fists and growls.

"Oh-oh-oh! Looks like a hit a nerve."

Laughter filled the tunnel and Deya punched the crystal wall, leaving a dented crack.

"Shut up! I know he's gone! I just... can't let that get to me. I can't stop and wallow in my tears. I have to be a hero." She shouted, then her voice hitched as the sadness began to slowly crawl inside her.

"A hero to who? The trolls? The humans? You already saved the lands from being taken over by Gunmar. It sounds like want some way to cope from your loss. So you want to visit Vorticus to find a solution. It's sad really."

A few tears dripped from her eyes, falling down her cheeks.

The tension began to build up and she felt a bug lump in her throat.

"Look I get it. You miss him. But are you really going to avoid your emotions and forget about him? Like all the times you shut yourself out from past failed relationships? If you really loved him, then stop running."

Finally, the cracks began to break and Deya feel to her knees.

"I can't!" She screamed.

"I can't stop. I don't want to forget him, I just... don't want to feel the pain anymore. I've been through enough."

"Well, guess what, everyone feels pain. You think Dominic didn't feel pain when he lost his family, his people? You don't think he had the time to actually mourn his lost? No, because he had a mission to help you. He cared for you, risked his life to help the those he cared about. And you want to forget that he ever came into your life?"

At this point Deya was sobbing, feeling completely vulnerable.

"No... I... I don't want to... I never wanted... I-"

She was too distraught to even speak and spent her time to finally grieve, to cry her heart out.

"I'm sorry... Dominic. I'm so sorry."

Suddenly, her reflection disappeared and felt a large hand pressed onto her shoulder.

"Do not feel ashamed to mourn. It is natural that your body must speak how it feels."

Deya looks up to see Vorticus kneeling beside her.

He gave her a somber look, empathizing with her.

"I couldn't save him." She cried and wiped her tears.

"Even heroes cannot save everyone. It isn't your fault. You did what you could." The old troll spoke.

"But it wasn't enough."

Vorticus helped her to stand on her feet and guided her out of the tunnel, taking her to his home.

The three traveled to Dwoza in hoping to find Deya, and when they asked about her whereabouts, Vendel responded.

"No. Unfortunately she did not stay for long. The Trollhunter left without another word."

This didn't help them, and it only made Dominic more worried.

"Thank you for the information. We best be leaving." The Conundrum troll thank the older troll.

The three left Dwoza and decided to find her in the camp they previously stayed in before the war.

However, they couldn't find her there and they were running out of clues to where she could be.

"She couldn't have gone far. Could she?" Dominic questions.

"I don't know. But if she were to go somewhere, it would be a place she want some guidance. No doubt she feels lost after seeing you fall to your "supposed" death." Bular replied with speculation.

The short troll began to think, trying to figure out where she could be.

"A place where she want some guidance. Hmm..." The changeling hums and scratches his head.

Something clicked in Dominic's head and perks up.

"I think I know where she might be!" He exclaimed.

"Where?"

"I bet she's seeking Vorticus. I know she never favored him, but he's a wise troll who is capable of guiding anyone."

Bular nodded slowly, thinking it could be a possibility.

"Then we must return to the Winterlands." He spoke.

"The Winterlands? That's a deadly place. Why would you want to return to that place?" The changeling gulps.

"Despite it's horrible weather, it's not as horrible once you've been there and lived it." The scholar assured him and giving him a pat on the back.

The three set out to the Winterlands in hoping to find the Trollhunter.

"My deepest apologies for your loss. It is quite shocking to hear of Dominic's passing." Vorticus spoke sympathetically as he serves Deya a glass of wine.

She remained silent and drank to numb the pain.

"However, he fought a good fight. Just like any hero would when facing an inevitable fate. It is... part of war and life."

The old troll looked very sad as he spoke, sad to hear that his pupil lost his life in the battle.

It made him think of how much he lost in this senseless war.

First his home, his family, and now a young and gifted troll who had so much potential.

"And I suppose you don't have any advice for me? Now that the war is over... and he's... gone. What am I suppose to do now?" She asked.

"Well. You're still the Trollhunter. No doubt that Gunmar still has his agents and allies roaming around the land. In fact, I have some suspicions that they must have fleed to different countries to hide and scheme. They must be eradicated." Vorticus responded, which really didn't make Deya feel better, but it was the only option she has now.

"Maybe. It's not like I have a choice or anything. "The Trollhunter must answer every call" says everyone. Answering every... except the Trollhunter’s." Deya sighs and finishes her drink.

"Holding the mantle as Trollhunter isn't easy, Master Deya. Your will must be strong, and your emotions need to be in check."

The Trollhunter frowns as she stared at her empty glass, then she raises her glass for another refill.

Vorticus refills the glass, and she brings it close to her face, this time she could see her reflection within the wine.

"But, if you must grieve, I will allow you to grieve as much as you want and you can stay here for as long as you wish." He softly spoke then gets up to enter his study room, leaving Deya to herself.

She isn't sure what to do at this very moment.

Should she mourn for her loved one, or just get up and track down the rest of Gunmar’s allies.

Maybe that would relieve this emotional bundle of rage and sadness that's inside her. But then what?

What will she do after that?

It surely won't bring him back.

Or...

Should she look for Bular... maybe he can help with her new found quest.

Besides, she did miss him... in a way.

They were good allies, companions, friends, even.

Perhaps it can remedy her aching soul to be around someone that she trusts.

Yes.

That seems preferably the best choice.

However, right now, she just want to drown her misery in snowberry wine until she passes out.

It took a week and three days, to get to the Winterlands.

Despite being a long agonizing trip, the three companions did not stop to rest whatsoever.

They finally made it to the snowy cold terrain and they could began to feel the temperature drop.

"You're telling me... that y-you've been here before? How can you stand this f-fr-freezing cold?" The changeling shivers as he hugs himself and rubs his arms to keep himself warm, but it seemed futile.

His exposed legs were more of a victim to the freezing winds of the Winterlands.

"We didn't. We just kept going. No matter how cold it may seem." Bular bluntly replied as he took the lead, making sure they don't step into an icy lake again.

The meek creature seemed anxious, but Dominic assured him that everything will be fine by outstretching his hand for the other to take so the changeling won't fall behind as the snowy trail became more difficult to traverse through.

"We will get there. And when we find Master Deya, she will be so happy and relieved to know I'm alive." He spoke with confidence and excitement.

As they walked further and further, the temperature grew colder and the winds started picking up, making it more dangerous and difficult for the trolls to walk through.

Two hours later and they were already lost, and what was worse, they were in the harsh storm again.

However, Bular knew how to deal with the mighty cold winds.

The dark troll takes out his large cloak and wraps it around himself, then grabs Dominic and the changeling, carrying them on his side., which would be tricky to hold two beings with one arm. But with Bular, it isn't impossible.

He waddles through the thick layers of snow and the scholar squints his eyes as he peers through the misty storm, hoping to find the cave to the mountain.

After a while, Bular started to grow weaker and exhausted, but he doesn't give up yet, despite his heart slowing down.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew past them and it nearly knock the three of them back and fall down.

Bular manages to stop himself from falling forward by putting one foot down and kneeling.

"We're a-almost th-there. I c-ca-can see a p-p-part of the mountain... jussst sss-s-several yards away." Dominic spoke up, seeing a large paramount peak through the mist.

"Then we m-mmm-must k-keep going." The changeling added, but Bular was moving slower than before, huffing and his legs were shivering.

Then, he came to a sudden stop, dropping to his knees, and dropping the others.

"B-Bular. W-We have t-to keep g-going. C-c-come on." Dominic shivers and grunts when he tries to help the dark troll up.

He wraps a large and bulky arm around his shoulder and the changeling does the same, except for the lack of arm, so the creature holds the dark troll upright.

The two smaller trolls huff and grunt as they drag Bular through the snow.

As they did slowly made their way through the storm, Bular shuddered intensely, his body growing colder and colder until he felt like he was a frozen statue.

His heart beating in a slower rhythm, close to freezing to a stop. And his eyelid were growing heavy to stay open.

Within minutes, he could only see a blur of white and then... darkness.

The room felt like it was spinning when she woke up from drinking too much and passing out on the floor.

Thankfully, Vorticus helped her, as he carefully picks up the Trollhunter and sets her on the chair.

She groans when she was moved to sit upright, causing her to feel completely dizzy.

"Now, when I said to mourn as much as you need to, I should've specify that you shouldn't drink all three bottles of my finest wine." The old troll calmly scolded her, and she could only reply with a sigh as she rubs her face.

"I'll... mourn however I want. I just... need to... sssober up and I'll be... out of your hair." She slurred, then Vorticus handed her a glass of water.

"And where would you go, Master Deya?" He asked curiously.

"Don't know, don't care."

The old troll raised a brow from her response and hums.

He cleans the room, picking up the three empty wine bottles and stores them into a crate with the other empty bottles.

"So, you have no plan then?"

Deya drinks the glass of water and then sets it on the table.

"Have any ideas where Gunmar’s agents might be?" She asked tirelessly.

"No. Unfortunately. Gunmar’s allies must have fled to another land. He might have a home base here, but he also had many others from lands across the sea. He often visited other allied tribes to discuss plans of invading human camps." He explains.

After finishing her drink, she hands it to him, and he refills into hand it back to her.

"So, how do you expect me to get off this land? A boat?"

Her words started sounding more clearer as she spoke.

"Perhaps. Humans have been traveling through different seas for many years on ships. I could likely arrange something for you, if you are ready." Vorticus stroked his beard.

Another swig of her drink and she exhales from the cold and refreshing water that soothed her throat and cleansed her soul and mind.

"There's just one thing I have to do first. I need help from someone I trust."

"And who might that be, Trollhunter?"

Before she could open her mouth to answer, a faint voice echoes outside the den.

Both trolls turn towards the tunnels and then back at each other, unsure if they heard it or were hearing things.

The voice called out again, and for a second, Deya could have sword she recognized it.

No.

She was just hearing things. But, then... Vorticus wouldn't have heard it as well.

The old troll limped his way out of the den and watched the tunnels for a moment.

Deya followed and stood beside him, also watching.

A minute later, they saw two... no, three figures slowly approaching.

She squints her eyes, and could only make up two smaller figures that seemed to be carrying a larger figure.

As they got closer, Deya couldn't believe her eyes.

"Vorticus! Deya!"

That's his voice.

"H-Help us!"

That is Dominic's voice.

He's alive and well. But, how?

She saw him fall to his watery death.

"P-Please, it's B-B-Bular!"

He must be a spirit or a ghost given how he's completely pale as snow, or it's just snow.

It was no mind trick, especially when Vorticus made his way over and lifted the weight off of the scholar and the changeling by wrapping Bular's arm around him and taking him inside.

Words weren't exchanged when they entered the den.

Vorticus takes Bular in one of the rooms to lay him in a nest and ordered the changeling to hand him some medical supplies, which the other quickly complied.

In the living space, Deya and Dominic finally spoke to one another.

"Dom..."

"Deya..."

They both stared at each other with the Trollhunter's hands cupping her partner's cheeks, comfirming that he is indeed real and alive.

"I... I thought... I though you were-"

She didn't get a chance to finish her sentence when Dominic embraced and kissed her.

Their lips pressed against each other as their hold tightened and the smaller troll, with his many limbs pawed and gripped her body.

She could feel his freezing body practically shivering violently, begging and desperately needing warmth. And she would glady give it to him.

For several minutes, she smothered him her loving passion, kissing him in the lips, face, and neck, all while she comfortably rubbed his sensitive ears, hoping to warm him up.

Under her touch, Dominic started to feel the heat spread quickly throughout his body and no longer shivered from the cold.

Finally, they break way to look back at each other.

They breathe in their own breaths as they heavily pant.

Suddenly, tears began to pour out as Deya hugs him tightly once more.

"I thought you were gone." She sobbed.

"I could say the same thing. But I knew you were still alive." He anxiously chuckled.

"But, how? How did you live? I saw you, I saw you fall."

As he was a out to answer, Vorticus steps out of the room and happily approaches the scholar, greeting him with a big hug.

"Haha! I can't believe it! My dear pupil is alive! But how?"

"That is what I just said!" Deya complained.

"As Gunmar dropped me off the cliff, I quickly used the oxygeno elixir before I hit the water. However, the strong waves pushed me around and eventually I blacked out after that." Dominic explained.

"Ah, you clever troll! I told you it would come in handy." The old troll grinned and laughed, and the scholar smiled back.

"But, then how did you find Bular? Or me?"

Just as Deya asked, the changeling walked into the living space, catching her attention and she quickly acted.

She summoned her armor and sword, jumping in in front of Dominic and Vorticus.

"Hold it right there, changeling!"

"Deya, wait! He's with us!" The scholar yelled, and the changeling surrendered and raised his arms in the air.

"He's correct! I'm a changed... err... changeling."

"Oh really?" Deya scoffs.

"Yes. I saved your friend. I found him washed ashore and dragged him to my camp. I watched over him while he was knocked unconscious."

"It's true." Dominic was set down and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Her eyes turned to meet his, and saw the serious look in his eyes, which showed that the changeling was telling the truth.

The Trollhunter glances back at the creature with a stern look, but she lowers her weapon.

"Okay, you helped him, what are you still doing here?" She asked, which came off as a bit rude.

Dominic steps in to defend the changeling.

"Deya, he chose to help me search for you and Bular. He confessed to me that he changed his ways. He's an ally."

After a minute, an irritated sigh left her lips and takes off her armor and Daylight disappears.

"I'll take your word for it. But don't make me regret not slaying you." She glares at the changeling, who rapidly nods and anxiously smiles.

"Now, since we're all here, why not celebrate this momentous reunion! I'll bring out the wine." Vorticus cheered and heads over to grab a bottle.

Deya gags from the thought of drinking more snowberry wine and she quickly ran out to puke, causing Dominic raised a brow and stares confusingly at the changeling, who shrugged.

He could only assume that perhaps she had a bit too much to drink, given how he tasted and smelled the wine from her breath when they kissed.

At least he and his new friend can enjoy a fine drink and catch up with Vorticus.

Chapter Text

The den was filled with laughter, and overall a good atmosphere.

Deya walks back inside and finds Dominic and the changeling sitting down with glasses of wine, chatting with Vorticus.

She wipes the drool from her lips and sits back in her seat, rubbing her head due to a upcoming migraine.

"So from what I can only assume, the Trollhunter and Bular managed to slay Gunmar." The old troll spoke.

"From what I heard. And... how is Bular?" Dominic asked with concern.

"He will be fine. It looks like a frozen heart won't kill him that easily. However... may I ask. Did he lose an arm and an eye during battle?"

"Yes. And no. He severed his arm to trick his father, however, he did lost his eye during the battle."

The old troll raised a brow and hums, then he takes a sip of his drink.

"Well, I can't do much about his eye. But, I might be able to do something about his missing forearm."

This made the Conundrum troll curious and drinks half of his glass.

"I could use some help from my star pupil, and perhaps your friend... err..."

The changeling perks up and anxiously fiddles with the glass.

"I do not have a personal name. The other changelings would call me Runt. But it is a name I do not like." He frowns and looks down.

Dominic felt bad for his friend and thought for a moment.

Then a light flickered on and turned to the changeling.

"How about I give you a new name?" He kindly suggested.

"What? Really? Thanks... no one has ever done something nice for me." The lanky creature smiled and the scholar smiled back.

"Would you prefer if I called you... Bodus?"

"Bodus?"

"Or perhaps you have an name in mind. I wouldn't mind calling you however you-"

"I think... I like that name. Bodus. What does it mean?" He asked.

"It's a name of a incredible and intelligent troll that I looked up to." Dominic spoke.

The changeling noticed how the scholar fondly spoke of this wise troll, which meant that name has some sentiments to him.

It made him feel special by having that name and decides to accept it.

"I'll keep it. Thank you, friend."

Dominic couldn't help but feel warm and happy inside, his tail slightly wagging.

"You're welcome... Bodus."

Vorticus smiled in his drink and finished his drink, then he gets up.

"Well, Dominic, Bodus. Why don't you come with me, I have an idea for Bular. Deya you stay here in case he wakes up. If he does, keep him here." The old troll instructed as he walked to the secret tunnel that leads further into the mountain.

Deya sighs and waves him off.

"Got it."

The two other trolls follow Vorticus, which left the Trollhunter all by herself, once again.

She shouldn't mind it, but perhaps it's because she still have a bitter taste of wine in her mouth, making her feel bitter herself.

However, she is more than relieved to have Dominic back.

Maybe a nice nap would help clear herself from the negative mood.

Bular groans and lightly shivers as he slowly wakes up.

He feels something soft and cozy blanketing his whole body, which helps with the coldness inside him.

The dark troll could barely move his heavy limbs, but he manages to open his eye and look around.

This room looked very familiar to him the more he scanned the area.

He huffs as he tries to sit up, but his limbs weren't responding, feeling numb.

Instead he stays still for a moment, taking the time to remember what happened before he passed out.

He and the others were traveling through the storm, it grew cold, and he somewhat remembered Dominic mentioning that they were getting close to the mountain, lastly, everything went black.

Now he woke up in what he can only assume is Vorticus' den.

Finally, his mind clears and takes several breaths before getting up.

After several tries, he was able to sit upright, but the second he sat up, his chest began to hurt like someone stabbed through his heart with a spikey icicle.

He takes a deep breath and calms down.

Then, he slowly moves his legs to try and stand up. And as he got on his feet, his legs kept wobbling.

It took a couple of minutes to adjust his stance and balance, then he takes his first step forward, and another, and another, until he finally walked out of the room.

In the living space, he saw Deya taking a nap on a chair.

Suddenly, he heard distance voices coming from a different tunnel and follows it.

When he followed the voices, he found the three of them in the forge, crafting something.

"Dominic, is the metal piece ready?" Vorticus asked the small troll.

"Yes. It's ready."

The old troll takes the scalding metal out of the furnace with prongs and cools it off in a crystal ice water, letting out a sizzling sound.

He lifts it up and sets it down on a table with several other pieces.

That is when he noticed Bular.

"Oh. You're up. Well, I suppose the surprise is ruined." He laughed.

"What is this for?" The dark troll looks over to the silver pieces of metal.

"We're creating a new prosthetic arm for you." Dominic happily replied.

Bular looked surprised, then glances down at his armless forearm, his other arm lightly touches the cracked and crumbling limb.

"I see."

He gave his partner a small smile as he glances back.

"Now, we must assemble the pieces together to form the fake arm. However, we also need to buff your limb, so it can be smooth and easy for prosthetic." Vorticus spoke up and holds up a blue print.

The dark troll slightly wince at the thought of his upper arm getting buffed.

Both Dominic and Bodus checked over the blue prints and begin to attempt the assembly.

It wasn't easy, as it was their first time crafting a fake metal arm, but at least they had Vorticus' guidance.

Bular only watched, and sees the pieces fitting together.

The arm and palm was perfectly constructed, but the tricky part was to piece the fingers together, especially when trying to put together the tiny gears of each digit.

However, it was not impossible to do, as Dominic's multiple eyes were able to carefully examine each puny piece, and Bodus helped hold them together.

"Perfect. Now, come with me." The old troll gestures Bular to follow him, and the dark troll gulps as he knew where this is going.

He activates the grindstone and turns to Bular.

"Give me your arm."

"Will... will it hurt?"

Vorticus sighs and rolls his eyes.

"No. Well, not a lot. It will feel strange. Trust me." He replied and taps his peg leg.

Bular slowly inches closer, and Vorticus takes his upper arm to carefully grind away the crumbling end of his arm. And just as the old troll said, it felt strange.

Uncomfortably strange.

He felt his upper arm grinding against the stone, giving him a tingling sensation, then Vorticus pulls away to use sandpaper to smoothen the edge.

After a while, his upper arm became a smooth nub.

"Is the fake arm ready, you two?" The old troll questions.

"It's complete sir." Bodus answered confidently.

The prosthetic arm was carefully held as Vorticus picks it up, bending the wrist and fingers, and deemed it perfect.

He turns to Bular and takes the dark troll’s arm and connects the fake forearm to the nub.

To keep it in place, the old troll ties it with a leather strap and buckle it tightly on Bular's upper arm.

"There. Fits like a glove. Glad I guessed the measurement correctly. And it looks good." He complimented.

The ex Gumm-Gumm prince tried flexing his new arm, and it seemed to work perfectly well, as it bends upwards.

He didn't think it would work, but here it is. And it also felt like he had his own arm.

Dominic places two hands on the fake arm, gently sliding his fingers across the metallic limb, fondly admiring it.

Bular wished he could feel the touch, but drinks in the sight of the small troll interacting with it.

"It might be a little difficult to control it, especially handling items. However, with a little practice, you will get the hang of it." Vorticus spoke happily.

"Thank you. All of you."

Never before has he ever felt this much gratitude that felt genuine. And for once, it felt right to smile.

Days has pass and the lands were still healing from the war.

The Trollhunter carefully plans to going after Gunmar’s agents.

However, Deya decided to take Bodus with her, as she remembered Dominic's promise to Bular that they would see the world together.

The Conundrum troll packed some supplies for her, including some of his elixirs just in case.

"You two will be careful. Yes?" He worriedly asked and hands the changeling the satchel.

"Of course! We will be extra careful." Bodus replied.

"I'm the Trollhunter, danger will always come to me. But I'll try to be more careful." Deya spoke and hugs Dominic.

"And you will come back?"

"I will do everything in my power to return."

At that, Deya and Dominic kissed, then she turns to Bular.

"Take care of him for me, will you?"

"A promise I will tend to keep. And do not be foolish in your choices." He advised her and holds his hand out for her.

She takes his hand and they shake on it, keeping it a promise.

"Take care, Bodus." Dominic spoke and hugged his friend, and the changeling hugged him back.

"Good luck, both of you. The Fates will judge your new destiny, and hope that they are merciful." Vorticus wished them luck, which made Deya roll her eyes.

"Nice pep talk. I'll see you guys soon." She nods and waves goodbye, then walks out of the tunnels with Bodus trailing behind.

Bular, Dominic, and Vorticus watched the two go on their way, wishing them luck on their quest.

One month later.

Bular carefully steered the canoe and drifted through the lake.

Dominic wade his hand through the water, blissfully staring at the rippling reflection.

Then, he sits up, the wood creaking from his weight shifting.

"We should stop here. It's a good view of the valley from here. Plus it's a perfect spot for fishing." The scholar spoke.

Bular takes the paddle and stops the canoe.

The two watch the sunset on the horizon, making the valley a beautiful sight to behold.

Cherry trees shower them with petals as they flow through the air, some even landing on the scholar's hair.

The dark troll smirked and plucked some out of his hair.

"Here, take this. I'll handle the fishing." He hands the paddle to his partner and moves around the raft and grabs a spear.

They switch places, making the canoe wobbled and when Bular sat down, the boat slightly tilted and Dominic lost balance, nearly falling overboard.

Luckily, he had Bular catch him in time and hauls him back on the boat.

"Careful." The dark troll smirked, knowing he was the one who caused the raft to shake, which made Dominic roll his eyes, but smiled.

"Be careful where you step then." He replied back with a teasing tone, and the two locked eyes for a moment.

In that moment, everything was quiet, still, and... peaceful.

Bular takes his eye off from the Conundrum troll and focuses on the water.

"How do you feel about seasoned cod? I could go for some bloody cod right now."

Dominic chuckles and leans back to relax, staring up at the purple blue sky.

"I could go for anything." The scholar softly replied.

The canoe shook when Bular stabbed his spear in the water, piercing into a flopping fish.

"Cod it is then."

Two months later.

The mountains peak was a bit windy than the last time they were there.

However, it was fresh air that filled his nostrils and lungs.

Dominic smiled as he exhales and walked over to sit on a rock.

Bular huffs with exhaustion and sits beside the small troll, their bodies thump against each other.

"Tired already?" The Conundrum troll laughs.

"How are you not tired? Climbing mountains isn't exactly easy you know." His partner groans.

"I'm smaller, weigh less and I'm not carrying a heavy sack of gemstones that we collected." Dominic responded with a chuckle.

The dark troll snorts and drops the sack, creating a jingle of pearl-like sounds.

Both remained quiet, their eyes gaze up at the beautiful night sky.

Crickets chirping add to the peaceful atmosphere, giving the two trolls a sense of calm.

Dominic leans to the side, his head resting onto Bular's fake arm, making a small dink sound.

"I can never get enough of the stars. It feels like I can gaze upon them forever. I can finally see the night sky without having to fear the war. It made me remember when I was a whelp, and how I would star gaze with my mother." He spoke.

The dark troll slightly perked from his words, realizing he never got to hear much of his personal life, other than having father issues.

It made him interested and carefully listened.

"She would point out all the constellations in the sky, and then she would test me if I remembered any of them. I only got half of them right." He laughed a little, then he frowns.

His four hands reach over to wrap around the metal arm, his breath hitched as he inhales.

Then lets out a shaky exhale.

Bular could sense his sadness, and so, he comforted him by curling his larger tail around Dominic's.

"When I got slightly older, I grew curious and enthusiastic in gaining knowledge. My... Father decided that I was old enough to join him, but I did not wanted to leave my mother. It wasn't until... the farm was raided, I had no choice but to go live with my father and the otjer scholars." The Conundrum troll explained, and as he spoke he nearly choked.

Tears built up in his eyes and sniffles, wiping his tears.

"I... miss them so much. I know they will never come back, but the pain hurts. It hurts too much. I accepted their deaths... so why does it still hurt?"

Bular slightly turns and presses his forehead onto his partner's.

"Perhaps you never gotten a chance to mourn them properly because of the war. But it is over now. Your body needs to relieve that tension. That pain. Let it go."

Dominic wasn't sure if that is what he should do.

However, his heart was swollen with grief that it shook his chest and he couldn't fight it any longer.

He allowed the tears to flow and fall from his eyes and his lips trembled, and so was the rest of his body.

A painful cry escaped his lips, and silver claws plants itself on his shoulder, bringing the small troll closer to the dark troll.

"It's alright. Let it all out. I am here." Bular softly spoke, comforting the mourning scholar.

Rhe floodgates were finally open and the waters burst out, raw with emotion, he sobs until the dam is empty, all while, his partner remained by his side.

Three months later.

Bular wanted a new place to call home, because living with Vorticus wasn't exactly comfortable for him.

He has no qalms with the old troll, but wanting to be a little intimate with Dominic became a little awkward and they needed a privacy.

Vorticus understood his situation and allowed the two to leave and find a proper place to live.

The dark troll wondered where they were going, but Dominic seemed to know exactly where to go.

He followed the short troll for days and days.

Anytime he asked where they were heading, his answer was always the same with a giddy grin.

"You'll see."

Bular was stumped, but after a month of traveling, they stopped to a familiar location.

A place he never thought he would ever return to.

His heart stopped as he stood in front of the ruined temple.

"What? Why are we-"

"Pardon. I just wanted to grab a few things from here. Important and personal things that mean a lot to me." Dominic spoke up and entered inside.

Right.

Obviously the scholar must have left some belongings behind when going on a quest with Deya.

However, Bular refused to enter inside, not wanting to see the death and destruction he caused in there.

Instead, he waited outside, facing away from the entrance.

Dominic took some time to grab anything that he needed, and when he was about to leave, he stopped in his tracks when he saw something that made him gasp.

Except, it wasn't something. But someone.

"Abita." He whispered and approached the statue of the beautiful mare he once had feelings for.

She was on the floor, sitting upright, her hands looked frantic, her face was full of fear, and just below her head, he saw a large stab wound in her chest.

He kneels before her and stretches his hand out to touch her mortified face, lightly brushing her cold lifeless cheek.

"Abita... I... I am so sorry that your life was taken from you so soon. Perhaps things would have been different if I wasn't kept hidden. Maybe... we would have died and our spirits would have remain together. If only I hadn't been a coward in expressing my feelings for you before all of this." Dominic spoke and closes his eyes.

Bular let out a sigh, feeling impatient and wondering what's taking the scholar so long.

He really didn't want to go in, but he doesn't want to wait any longer, and it worries him.

With one deep breath, he mentally prepares himself for the horrors inside.

Darkness, dust, and...

The dark troll looks away when he caught a glimpse of a few petrified stone statues.

In the moment his chest became tight and struggled to breath.

"No. Stay strong. This isn't who I am anymore. I must face my sins." He spoke to himself and looks up.

The pain in his chest grew worse, but he pushed through and walked past the dead scholars.

As he searched for Dominic, he stopped to find him kneeling down.

He was confused, but also relieved to have found him.

However, his stomach dropped when he took a step forward and noticed the small statue in front of the Conundrum troll.

It's her.

He recognizes her from the raid.

No... not her.

"Bular?"

Dominic's voice caught his attention and glances at his partner.

"Sorry... I- I grew impatient in waiting for you." He replied, sounding a bit disturbed.

"Oh. Forgive me. I was searching for my belongings. Took awhile. And... some of it were... lost in the rumble. But, I have everything I need."

"Then, we should go..."

As Bular turned to leave, but Dominic spoke up, making the other stop in his tracks.

"Could I at least do one last thing. I must say good bye to everyone. Including her."

Her.

He didn't know how to respond, but instead, he nodded and the Conundrum troll took out some chalk to draw the same symbols as the giant troll from the mountains on one of Abita's arm.

There was a odd curiousity that sparked within the dark troll, wondering who was this young mare.

Obviously she was someone that Dominic knew, but there was something else he wanted to know.

"Who was she?" He decided to say, and the moment it left his lips he instantly regretted it.

"Abita. Someone I... was fond of. I adored her, but I wasn't good at showing how I felt about her. I made some mistakes that I very much regret. But that is alright. She is now at peace. I no longer have to live with that guilt anymore, because I have you and Deya now."

Dominic turned to look up at his partner with a happy smile.

Bular felt like he was stabbed through the chest, his stomach twisted painfully, and his throat tightened.

He couldn't take it anymore.

He needed to confront his sin once again.

Be clean with him.

"There is something I need to tell you..."

Scream and panic all over.

"I want you to know that I have completely changed."

Death filled the air within the temple.

"I want you to know that I completely regret for what I have done..."

In his line of sight, a small young mare running down the hall, avoiding several Gumm-Gumms.

"To her."

Dominic stared, his eyes slightly widened in surprise and turns to look at Abita's stone corpse.

"What...?"

"I'm sorry. Dominic."

Her screams filled his mind as he remembered that moment, where he chased the scholar down and when he rammed her with his horns, she hit the wall and falls to her knees.

"Please! Spare me!"

Her desperate words rang in his ears.

"There is no mercy for you, weakling!"

A bitter taste filled his tongue.

One moment, she was begging for her life, the next, her blood spilled on the ground, and her screams fell silent.

Bular felt like he stabbed himself in the chest, when he saw Dominic's sad expression.

He looked away, feeling ashamed of what he did.

"Bular." The scholar's weak voice spoke out, making his heart rip into pieces.

Suddenly, he felt a small hand on his claw.

He looks down to see Dominic hold his hand, unsure what to make of his expression.

There appeared to be some sadness... but he also appears to be smiling?

"I know you are different now. You aren't that terrifying Gumm-Gumm as you were before. I know you regret everything form your past. And I forgive you. It's all in the past now."

Did he hear that right?

How can he forgive him when he killed not just his people, but the one troll he once loved?

No. He doesn't deserve forgiveness.

And yet, what else can he do to make it up to him?

He can't exactly bring her back, not now.

Not when Dominic has already found love.

Perhaps it's best to leave the past behind.

Bular kept his hand in the small troll's, feeling Dominic squeeze it.

At this moment, he only feels melancholy.

After giving rest to the poor victims of the temple, the two left and headed out to somewhere unknown to Bular.

There was a clear field that is void of any plant life.

However, in the distance, there was a cave within a mountain.

The only way to get access to it was to climb a few steps up the mountain.

Bular wasn't sure why they were here, until Dominic spoke.

"It seems like it hasn't changed a bit. Other than the growing moss."

"What is this place?"

"The home I grew up in. My mother's farm."

Ah.

Makes sense now.

Wait... this the place he wants to make into their new home?

"Are you sure about this place? It seems... bleak." Bular asked with uncertainty.

"Of course. I've been missing this place for so long. Come inside, I can show you everything!"

The Conundrum seem enthusiastic. But how can he be happy about this?

It's empty.

Devoid of life, joy, and everything that once made it... home.

"Here. Look! Here is the living space with a fireplace. Mother used to make me all kinds of delicious meals here. I would sit here and watch her, drooling from the smell." Dominic laughed as he sits down on the familiar spot, reminiscing of his youthful years.

Bular watched the Conundrum troll familiarizing himself in his old home. And despite not even living here, he definitely feel like Dominic has lived his life here.

Like he was the missing piece that fills the void of this empty den.

He takes a seat beside him and sighs.

"So you think it's... fine for you to have us live here?"

"Of course! I know this place has old memories to treasure, but I want to create new memories with you and Deya. Don't feel as if you do not belong here, because you do. You belong here... with me."

Dominic leans his head on the dark trolls arm, and his four arms wrap around his thick arm.

Bular seems to always second guess himself, thinking he doesn't deserve such good fortune, but Dominic always reels him back into his heart.

"Now, why don't we clean up this place? It could use a homey touch." The scholar gets up with a smile and Bular nods in agreement.

Chapter Text

It took almost an entire year, but thankfully, Deya and Bodus arrived back in one piece.

They managed to take down five groups of Gunmar’s agents, as Bodus informed that there shouldn't be more than that. But, who knows, there could still be a few of them out there.

However, Deya gotten injured from the last battle and knew she had to return back.

She made a promise to Dominic that she would come back in one piece, and so the two traveled back until they made it to the open seas.

After they arrived back to England they were met with Vorticus, who informed them that Dominic and Bular were living somewhere else.

"What? Where are they now?" Deya questions curiously.

"Dominic has sent me a letter, a map of the location. He wants you to meet him there." The old troll explained and handed her the map.

The Trollhunter raised a brow, seeing that the location was a bit far.

"Well, I guess we have a new destination. Thank you, Vorticus. And... I just want to apologize to you." She sighs.

"What for?"

"For not trusting you. I never really appreciated everything you've done for us. So... thank you, for helping us."

For once, she bowed her head at the old troll, and he smiled, bowing back at her.

"No need to apologize or thank me. I only wished to help those who need it. And I can forgive your brash attitude towards me in the past. There are no hard feelings." Vorticus happily spoke, which was somewhat relieving to hear, but still, Deya really felt bad for her bad behavior towards him.

"Right. Then I suppose we should get going then."

However, before they left, Vorticus also handed them something large that was covered in a cloth.

She unravels it to see it was a piece of a heartstone. It wasn't very large, but it was big enough to carry in her arms.

"We'll meet again, Trollhunter. I hope to visit and catch up with my star pupil. Take care."

"You too."

The old troll waved goodbye as Deya and Bodus leave, and began to trail down the path of their destination.

After a long journey, Deya and Bodus found themselves at a field that had some plant life. And within the field were some goats grazing.

There, they saw a den up on the mountain, and assumed that is where Dominic and Bular is.

"Looks like we're here." Bodus spoke and the two trailed up the path and climb up the steps to the den.

They could see the lights inside the den from the windows and Deya takes a deep breath before knocking on the wooden door.

With anticipation, she held her breath and her chest tightened.

A few moments later and the door opens and her eyes widened when she sees Dominic's new appearance.

He was wearing different robes and his hair seemed to be nicely groomed.

"Deya! Bodus! You've returned!" He happily exclaimed and rushed over to hug the both of them.

Deya and Bodus stumbled back, but they gathered their balance and hugged him back.

"Good to see you again, Dom." She laughed.

"Yes. Very good to see you, friend." Bodus smiled.

"Come inside! Bular and I made sure it is comfortable and welcoming for you two." The short troll invited them inside.

Once inside, Deya could smell a floral scent, which makes sense given how there are several pots of flowers decorating the corners and ceiling.

It was also decorated by books and small trickets on shelves and a few rugs on the floor.

There were chairs in the living space with a fireplace and a iron cauldron hanging from a rack above the fire.

On the other side there was a table and several cushions around it, so they could sit on the floor comfortably.

Then, to her right was a hallway that leads to the nesting quarters.

"Seems cozy enough. I like what you've done with the place." Deya complimented.

"I had an hand in it too you know. Can't give him all the credit."

A deep voice spoke up and Deya turns around to see Bular, who looked very different from the last time she seen him.

He had symbols engraved on his silver prosthetic arm, and no longer wore his kilt, but instead, he wore a warm yellow and white toga. Which is a bright contrast from his dark hide.

"Nice gown. It suits you." Deya teases with a smirk.

Bular rolls his eyes and snorts at her comment.

"It's good to see you, Trollhunter. And I see one of Gunmar’s allies did a number on you." He commented, taunting her as he saw her injured arm.

Now it was Deya's turn to act unamused and scoffs.

"I could use a place to rest. I'm really exhausted." She groans and flex her arm, but it caused her to flinch from the pain.

"Oh! Here, follow me. I'll show you where you'll be sleeping." Dominic spoke and leads her and Bodus to the hallway.

"Bodus, you can stay here in the guest quarters." The Conundrum troll showed him a nice little room with a comfy nest.

"Thank you, friend. You are too generous." The changeling smiled and enters the room.

"You're very welcome. Now, Deya. You can stay in our room."

Dominic turns around to face the room across from Bodus' and opens the door to their room.

Inside was a much larger room, with a larger nest and several shelves and a large chest in the corner.

On the other side of the room was a desk with a candlewick and a scattered papers.

She found it cozy, but it felt strange to share a room with Bular, even if she trusts him.

However, she agrees to be in this relationship, so obviously they would share a lot of things other than Dominic's affections.

Plus she is too tired to even complain, and falls backwards into the cushioned nest, which felt like a fluffy cloud.

"I can get used to this." She sighs with satisfaction and gets herself comfortable.

Dominic smiles and lays next to her, resting his head on her chest.

"I missed you, Deya. Very much." He softly spoke.

"Oh really? How about you show me how much you miss me." She smirked, and Dominic blushed, coily staring into her eyes.

"You two enjoy yourselves. I'll be outside tending the goats. And please don't be too loud. We still have a guest here." Bular spoke as he walks out of the room, but gives them a glance before closing the door.

"Don't worry. We'll keep it down. Let's just hope he doesn't squeal." She smirked as she nipped his ear, making him yelp.

At that, Deya and Dominic had time to themselves, finally relishing in their intimacy.

"Ah! Dom... oh, Dom. Just like that... ohh... yes."

Deya moans flutter as Dominic thrust into her, and he sighs with arousal.

"Easy now, little scholar. Go slow so I can adjust inside you." Bular whispered from behind the Conundrum troll, gingerly stroking his hair.

"Pardon me. I couldn't resist. Also, be cautious, I don't want you to crush the both of us." Dominic whimpers and pants.

In one of their lonely nights, where Bodus was away, busy with his own personal duties, the three trolls would make love together.

Dominic would often mount Deya and Bular mounted him, each giving pleasure to one another.

As Deya laid on the nest, she straddles Dominic's waist while he slowly pumps his hips into her.

Then, Bular slides his cock into Dominic's ass, and halts for a moment to allow the scholar to adjust.

The Conundrum troll moans and shudders at the intense sensation.

Despite doing this many times, Dominic still hasn't gotten used to getting the receiving end of intimacy. And so, the dark troll, tenderly massages the small troll's back to soothe him.

"Better?" Bular mumbled in his ear.

"Mmhm. So much." Dominic sighs and begins to roll his hips, taking his larger partner's cock and thrusting inside Deya.

The dark troll waited for a moment, allowing the other to ride out his pleasure before making a move.

He grips Dominic's tail and moves his hips, keeping it in a nice pace.

This was good, it was nice.

More than nice.

It was incredible.

Just the three of them, experiencing this pleasure together, while also respecting one another.

Deya locks hands with Dominic as they rock together, and Bular hovering over them, who adds to the rocking motion with his thrusts that would slightly speed up.

"Oh, yes. B-Bular-Ah! Mmmm..." The Conundrum troll moans as he felt the large cock slide in and out of him, making his own cock twitch and felt a warm sensation build up in his stomach.

The sensation would rise higher when Deya tightened her walls around his length, causing him to yelp and whimper.

The dark troll could sense the two were getting close to finishing and decided to help out by thrusting harder and faster.

Both Dominic and Deya moan louder from the rough and quick pace, and eventually pumping deep into the scholar in a rhythmic thrust.

He grunts with each thrust, and their cries of pleasure followed after.

Dominic felt Deya's legs tense up around his waist and heard her cry out.

Within seconds, he could feel her orgasm flood inside and her walls clench tighter around his cock that eventually made him cum inside her.

He gasps and shudder from the release.

Lastly, Bular took the opportunity to finish up and ride his pleasure to its peak.

After thrusting a few more times, Bular growled when he finally cummed with one final pump.

They pant with exhaustion and let the pleasure subside.

Once they were drained, they lay down beside each other, enjoying the company.

Dominic snuggle between his partners, purring with satisfaction.

Deya stokes and comb his messy hair.

Bular tenderly nuzzle the small troll in the neck, and also nipping his shoulder.

None of them have said a word, they were too tired and wanted to sleep. Which they would easily succumb to, especially after an exhilarating mating session.

As they slept, they closely cuddle together, giving warmth to one another.

Accidents tend to happen.

Especially, when it is a happy accident.

Deya didn't think it would happen so unexpectedly, but then again, she figured it would happen eventually.

It just felt like whiplash as she come to reality.

Dominic felt surprised, but also guilty for letting it happen.

However, she assured him that she wasn't upset, instead she came to accept it.

To accept the fact that she's pregnant with Dominic's whelp.

Still it was surprising for the both of them, as they never thought they would end up having a child.

Plus, she never really considered being a mother, it was something she never saw herself as. But here she is, laying in her nest feeling the weight of her pregnant belly.

Dominic made it his responsibility to make sure she was cared for, even if he wasn't fully prepared of being a father.

He still went out of his way and take a lot of his time to feed her and comfort her when she fell in one of her emotional mood swings.

When Bular found out, he was still processing the news.

It took some time to think about the idea of raising a family, but then frowns at the thought of Dominic's attention focusing on Deya and the whelp.

Meaning he might be completely left out.

Of course he doesn't want to be jealous, he doesn't want his emotions to come between then.

It wouldn't be right.

He just needs to tell Dominic how he feels, and hope they can come to a compromise. And that is exactly what he plans to do.

One night, Bular was sitting out in the field, watching the goats grazing the grass in the distance.

It was a peaceful night, but the crippling worry still lingered.

That is when he flinched at the sound of Dominic exiting the den and descending down the steps.

He meets up with his partner and sits down next to him.

"What a lovely night, isn't it?"

The comment made Bular snap back to reality and nods.

"Very... lovely."

Both fell silent as they stargaze, then there would be the sounds of the goats bleating.

After a while, Dominic finally broke the silence.

"So, Deya is about to deliver in a few days. And it felt like it was just yesterday when she fell pregnant. Actually, it was only six months ago. Yet, I still can't believe I'm going to be a father soon. Can you?" He asked with light-hearted chuckle.

"No. However, I am happy for you. The both of you." Bular replied, but his tone was soft and weak.

Almost sounding sad, and Dominic took full notice of his tone.

"Is... is something wrong?"

Two small hands reach over to cover his dark clawed hand and hold onto his palm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Bular sighs and looks away before speaking.

"Ever since Deya became pregnant, I began to have these... worrisome thoughts."

"Oh?"

"I feared that, perhaps you will be very occupied with her and your whelp that you will completely forget me." He stated, still avoiding his partner.

Dominic's eyes widened and instantly understood Bular's fear.

"Oh, no, no, no! I would never forget you! Sure I have been very busy attending her needs that we never gotten some time together, but I don't want this to come between us. I still love you. You know that, right?" The small troll asked, hoping he understands.

Bular knew he still does, but he's afraid of losing him, again.

He could only nod, and for a moment, Dominic stayed quiet.

The Conundrum troll began to think, figuring out how he could solve this problem.

Then, he perked up and squeezed the other's hand, and used his other two hands to direct Bular's head to face him.

"Bular. We may share our love with one another, but what makes our love stronger is when the three of us work together. The whelp may be mine, but you also have a role as well. You can be the step-father to the child. I trust you."

He couldn't believe what his partner said and gave him a surprised look.

"What? No. I can't. Deya... she wouldn't like that. Thank you, but... I can't. I don't deserve it." Bular frowns and leans away.

"But, we are together, meaning we have to take care of each other. Including the whelp. I can talk with Deya about it-"

"And if she doesn't agree?" The dark troll cuts in, the fear rolling off his tongue.

"She will... eventually. Just give it time. She might not trust you with the whelp, due to her motherly instincts, but give her time and earn her trust. She will come around." Dominic reassured him and leans his head against the other.

For a moment, he could feel a sense of hope that perhaps the Conundrum troll is right.

Deya never really trusted him when they first met, and it only took a while for their trust to form.

However, another thought came to mind.

One that he had been avoiding for many years.

"Have you ever fancied the thought that... perhaps "we" could have a whelp of our own?" He asked shyly.

Dominic's expression dropped for a second, then laughed awkwardly.

He began to blush and scratch behind his head.

"I haven't thought it until now. And it's not that I don't reject the idea... I... it's just... I never saw you as someone who wanted children. I thought you would object that kind of idea."

Bular smirked and chuckled, then he glanced towards his partner.

"In the past, I have. For years my father wanted me to find a mate and start a family of my own. He wanted his bloodline to continue, but as rebellious as I was, I wasn't interested in settling down. I mostly slept around with multiple trolls. I just... couldn't settle with one. Who knows, I may have impregnated one or two mares. If only I had been more responsible." He explained, humoring himself, then frowns.

Dominic watched the dark troll sulk in his past mistakes.

He felt bad for him, knowing exactly what it is like to make mistakes in the past and feeling guilty.

"So... are you still interested?"

Bular locked eyes with Dominic, but he remained quiet, thinking if he should accept. And perhaps he should.

He isn't that arrogant troll who runs away from his responsibilities anymore. He's matured.

This could be his moment to finally take responsibility without having to be pressured by his father.

"I am. And I promise that I will do whatever it takes to support you, Deya, and our new family." Bular smiled confidently, and Dominic smiled back with his tail wagging happily.

"Good to hear!"

The short troll leans up to give him a kiss before heading back inside.

"Yes. Good."

Ninety years have passed.

The little farm they called home has changed throughout the years with the field having more crops and plenty of farm animals roaming around.

It was midnight, when two small beings ran across the field, laughing while playing.

"You can't catch me!"

"That is because you're smaller than me!"

"And older than you!"

Bular heads out of the den and calls out to them.

"Valiant! Umbra! Come back inside, the morning sun will rise soon!"

"Aww, no fair!"

"Okay, father."

The two children ran towards the den, but one was clearly faster than the other.

That being Valiant, son of Dominic and Deya.

He looks just like his father, while having features of his mother's.

Blonde hair, matching horns, and magenta colored eyes.

However, he had four arms and eyes with yellow blotches all over his body, just like his father's.

Despite appearing like his father, he acted very much like his mother, adventurous, blindly courageous, and very skilled in combat.

However, Bular saw his younger self in Valiant, which made the two closer.

The other whelp behind him, who had a darker complexion than him, struggled to keep up.

Umbra, the daughter of Dominic and Bular, was quite the opposite of her stepbrother, Valiant.

She looked much like Bular, dark hide and had a bulky body. But, she had Dominic's yellow eyes and matching yellow markings on her body.

Personality wise, she was like Dominic, shy, caring, but also curious for the magical arts.

Once the two head inside the den, Bular was about to close the door when he saw something in the fields.

It appeared to be a large figure approaching the farm. And in an instant his protective instincts kicked in.

He closed the door behind himself and waited for the figure to come closer.

"Who goes there?" He called out and pulled out one of his blades.

"Settle down Bular. That is no way to talk to an old friend." The figure teased, and Bular squinted his eye to get a better look.

Then, his single eye widened when he saw who it was.

"Vorticus? What... what are you doing here?" The dark troll curiously asked.

"I came to visit, of course! What? I can't visit some old friends?"

Vorticus, who appeared much older than he was before, limped his way up the steps.

Bular quickly sheathed his blade and helped the elder troll up the steps.

"No, no. You don't have to help me, I am not "that" old."

"I am aware, but these steps are quite rigid. One wrong step and you could fall."

The elder troll could only laugh at his comment.

"What's this? What happened to the Bular I know? He wasn't this soft and caring. Where is the real Bular?" He humorously asked as he walked up the steps.

"This is the real me. It just took years to finally find myself. It's good to see you again, Vorticus." Bular calmly replied with a smile.

"And it's good to see you, too. It had only been... Ninety years since my last visit. How are the others?"

Once they finally reach to the top and face the den, Bular placed his hand onto the door handle.

"Why don't you see for yourself." He spoke and opens the door.

Inside, the house was warm and brightly lit by the fireplace with several candles everywhere.

It felt very cozy and welcoming to anyone. And noisy.

"Valiant, stop chasing your sister! Leave her alone." Deya scolded her son, who was running and chasing his stepsister.

Dominic managed to grab his son by the arm, stopping him.

He sets him down on one of the cushioned pillows at the table.

"Come now. Dinner is almost ready..."

The Conundrum troll paused when he saw Bular enter the den, and also sees someone familiar behind him.

"Vorticus? Is... that you?" He mumbled in surprise.

Deya looks up from the table and gasps.

Bodus,who was stirring some stew in the cauldron, also turned his head to see the familiar troll.

"Greetings, old friends. How is my star pupil?" The elder troll cheerfully greeted everyone.

Dominic gets up and eagerly approaches his old teacher, wanting to hug him, but stops himself.

Vorticus smiled from the small troll's enthusiasm and stretches his arms wide, inviting his pupil to a hug.

"Don't just stand there, come here!"

The elder troll gave Dominic a big tight hug, both happy to see each other again.

"Well, look who decided to show up." Deya humorously spoke and greets Vorticus.

"Unexpected as always. Good to see you, Trollhunter." He gleefully smiled and they shocked hands.

While they all greeted each other, Valiant and Umbra looked confused by seeing this old stranger.

"We were just about to have dinner." Bular spoke, and Vorticus seemed invested, as he tapped his stomach.

"Come sit, we're just getting prepared." Dominic guided his teacher towards the table.

As they were about to sit down, Bodus had bowls of stew in hand and served it on the table.

"Thank you. I could use a good warm meal after a long journey over he-"

Vorticus stopped when he caught glance at the two whelp, who sat at the table.

"And who might they be?" He curiously asked.

"Oh! Right. We never got to introduce you to them! Vorticus, this is Valiant and Umbra. Our children." Dominic explained as he gestured toward the younglings.

Vorticus was surprised, but also very happy to meet them.

"My, my, my! Last I remembered was when Deya became pregnant. I didn't think there is another. I missed a lot, haven't I?" He laughed and offered his hand towards them.

"Umm... Hello. Who are you, and how do you know our parents?" Valiant awkwardly asked as he shook hands with the elder troll.

"Forgive me. I wished I visited often. I am Vorticus. I was your father's teacher, and an old friend of Bular. I helped prepare your parent's in a great war back in the day."

After explaining, the two whelps now understood who this was and the awkwardness faded away.

"It's nice to meet you. I didn't know our parents were in a war." Umbra greeted Vorticus.

"Really? None of them has ever told you?" He asked and looks over to Dominic, Deya, and Bular.

The three looked worried and remained silent, each looking at one another, then Bular spoke up.

"We all agreed we never talk about it. We never wanted our children to know about... Gunmar. Least they know who he was."

His brows furrowed and frowns, looking upset.

Both Valiant and Umbra were curious in what they were talking about, especially Umbra.

Vorticus sighs and understands their situation.

The war has affected them horribly and understood why they never mention it again.

"You can bury your past lives in the dirt, but when the seeds of it grow fruit, you can never ignore where it came frown. They have the right to know." He stated, giving them am empathetic look.

The three parents realize he was right and Dominic remember that saying from one of Bodus' teachings.

Dominic looks over to Deya, and she looks at him, then nods

The Conundrum troll did the same with Bular as they both nodded in agreement.

Finally, the short troll sighs and began to speak.

"Valiant. Umbra. There is something you should know, about about our pasts, and... the war with the Gumm-Gumms. And their leader, Gunmar, the Black."

As he went on to tell the tale of the Gumm-Gumm war, both children were intrigued and astonished to find out about Gunmar.

Especially, Umbra as she learns that her grandfather was a horrible warlord, who wanted to end humanity and rule the lands. And to find out that her father, Bular, was once like him.

She look at her father and couldn't really see how he was this bloodthirsty Gumm-Gumm prince that he was described as.

However, she came to accept him and continued to love her father.

Bular was so afraid how his daughter might react, but he felt relieved that she still loved him and he wraps his arm around her to give her a side hug.

Valiant on the other hand was invested and filled with awe that his mother was this chosen warrior that was meant to stop Gunmar, and despite her faults and mistakes, he found a new form of respect towards her and his father.

Deya was awkward and unsure that she even deserves the praise from her son, but decided to let him be happy.

For the rest of the night, they all feasted and bonded together while telling the story.

A family was made from love, where it couldn't have existed from all odds.

Yet, it remainded strong, and forever will...