Barbara the Belonging

Party the Night Away

Crystal visited Claire's home, and thankfully her parents weren't home, as they were on a weekend trip and didn't have to go through the trouble of having to introduce herself and probably judged.

While they waited for Mary and Darci, Crystal started talking about her adventures with the Trollhunter.

The other girl was amazed by the tales she told, especially the part where they were nearly melted in lava by a giant volcanic troll.

How they had to fight giant golems made out of glass.

Or how they pretended that Barbara's step brother was a reincarnated king to these swamp trolls and nearly died, all while dealing with an undead troll assassin.

Unfortunately, he holds the very thing they need to stop Gunmar and save Claire's brother.

"So, you're telling me that this... Angor Rot made a deal with Mrs. Lake to steal Strickler's ring and he'll break this connection between Jim's life and Strickler's?" Claire summarized.

"Yup. Pretty much sums it up." The girl replied.

"But, what about the Killstone thingy? Do you think he'll also give it to her and keep his word?"

"If I know anything about assassins and spies, it is that they almost never fulfill their deals which is what I kept telling the Trollhunter. But the main concern now is how we can get Strickler's ring off."

That is when Notenrique joins in on the conversation.

"Trying to steal from him is like trying to steal some cheese out of a mousetrap. It's too risky." He spoke.

"Well, do you have any plans?" Crystal crossed her arms defensively.

"Not exactly. Unless the plan is sneaking into his office and knocking him out cold, then I don't know." The small changeling chuckled, but it made the girl roll her eyes.

"Did you forget about the binding spell? If we knock him out, we knockout Jim as well. We don't want that... even though I would love to punch that old man." Crystal replied.

"Well, I'm sure Mrs. Lake will find a way to get the ring." Claire optimistically spoke.

"And why are you down here? Just 'cause my parents are gone doesn't give you free rein to do whatever. I'm still your older sister, you little troll." She raised a brow.

"Technically, I'm a few centuries older, so I should be the one babysittin' you, spongeface!" Notenrique commented and laughed.

Claire glared at him and now it was her turn to become defensive.

"I've had it with you. Ever since you replaced my brother, all I do is cover you. I'm the one who gets blamed for everything! My dad wants to see a shrink for ordering nine hundred dollars worth of socks online!"

"Could've been worse! Used a promo code! Got free shipping!"

That is when she finally snapped.

"Ugh! You're the worst fake brother ever!"

"Easy, sister. Did you forget? I'm the one puttin' my neck out on the line siding with you guys over Gunmar. And for what? To be a crib rat? I used to be the life of the party!" Notenrique complained.

"Hey, you're not the only one risking their lives. I was nearly taken out by Angor at the school, no doubt Strickler sent him to get rid of me." Crystal argued.

"Now get back to your crib 'cause my friends are coming over." The other girl picks the small changeling by his scruff and heads upstairs.

"I told you. Not me scruff!" He whined.