Something Wicked This Way Comes

Chapter 27

"What did he mean?" Jim asked, taking the lead. They hadn't been walking for more than ten minutes, but Douxie was already exhausted. He hated this. He hated what this was doing to him. "What did Aher mean by "ruthlessness"? I don't think I'm anymore ruthless than the next person."

"Maybe not more than Vex," Douxie mused, to which Jim managed a small smile.

"Aja," Jim agreed. He eyed Douxie. "Carter too."

Douxie breathed deeply, attempting to dispel the sudden anxiety building in his chest. "True."

"Right." Jim kicked a fern. "So, that's three people on our team that are definitely more ruthless than me. So what the hell?"

"I think..." Douxie wet his lips. "I think he meant rule number two."

Jim blinked. Then realization dawned on him and he nodded. "Oh. Always finish the fight."

Douxie nodded.

"But I don't." Jim said, looking like he wanted to fight the allegations that he was somehow a heartless murderer.

Which I'm sure is not at all what Aher meant. Douxie thought.

"Not really, at least." Jim continued, anxiety growing clear on his face. "I mean, think about all the times I was told to! I never—"

"Jim," Douxie said softly, drawing him to a stop with a hand on his shoulder. "You have the very unique ability to know when someone is, and isn't, worth sparing. You finish the fight when it counts. When you absolutely can't afford not to."

Jim pressed his lips together. He didn't look very happy with that answer. "What if... what if this time I make a mistake? Douxie, he compared me to a great king. I'm not... I can't be that."

Douxie just looked at him. "Why not?"

Jim chewed his lip. "I don't know."

"Jim..."

"I..." Jim took a deep breath. "I don't like knowing how much responsibility weighs on me, Doux. I mean, I was okay just being the Trollhunter. That came with obligation and responsibility, but I was only responsible for trolls."

"You didn't limit yourself to that," Douxie pointed out.

"No," Jim agreed. "But that was all everyone expected me to be responsible for. I took care of everyone else because I wanted to."

"And now?"

"I have to lead," Jim whispered, voice clogging in his throat. "Everyone expects me to have all the answers. They expect me to make everything okay because I'm their king now. But I didn't want it."

Douxie pursed his lips, wanting so badly to tell Jim he knew exactly how he felt, but knowing the moment he did he'd have to tell his brother exactly why he knew. "Some men, are born into greatness."

"Others have greatness thrust upon them," Jim rolled his eyes. "I know. People have been telling me that since the day I pulled Excalibur from the stone. Since the day I picked up the Amulet, actually."

"It's a good line."

"It's way over-used."

Douxie chuckled. "You're right."

"Douxie," Jim was looking at him, blue eyes intense but pleading. He wanted Douxie's reassurance. His validation. "Nimue choosing me... wasn't a mistake. Right?"

Douxie smiled and cupped Jim's cheek. "You are far from a mistake, Jim. I think Nimue chose exactly right with you."

He still looked unsure. "Are you saying that because you know it's true, or because you're blinded by loyalty and love?"