Changling Families

Betrayal

"D-Dark Princess," she called into the bridge room.

"Impure."

"I have discovered the  identity of the Trollhunter," Nomura shifted into her troll form and kneeled, "And...and  a traitor in our midst."

Gunra pulled her lips  back in a terrifying smile, "Very good, Impure. Tell me. Then I have a mission for you."

Nomura tried to slow her heart,  "The Trollhunter and traitor are one in the same. They are my brother, Stricklander."

Gunra let out a booming,  blood curdling laugh, "It appears we do  have something in common, Impure. My brother, too, has been unfaithful. He has not returned this morning and I know he  has abandoned us in favor of the  Trollhunter. My  mission for you is simple. Bring me a lure for the Trollhunter TONIGHT."

Nomura swallowed thickly, thinking over her options.

"And, bring me my baby brother's mate. He stinks of  her so  she  must reek of him. Bring them both to me tonight and you will  be greatly rewarded."

"As you wish, My Lady."

LLB

Nomura crept  threw the dark streets of Central Arcadia on her way to the hospital. Her stomach churned slightly but she ignored it. She loved  Barbara like the sister she never had but there was no way she was letting Stricklander get away with betraying her,.

"Come on, Aunt Dwella. Why did Da really send me  to help you scavenge?  We're both well aware that you can defend yourself. You've been doing Krav Maga with Mum for years!"(2)

Nomura stoped at the  sound of Jim's voice.

"Circumstances can change, Little Trollhunter," The second voice was different and unrecognizable to Nomura.

"Change how? Does this have anything to do with what Mum and Tanta Jay have been all  excited about? Or the sudden meeting Da had tonight with the Tribunal?"

Nomura peaked into the alley. Jim had his back to the dumpster diving trolless, ever vigilant. He was in his human form and wearing a chain mail shirt and  leather armor. He had a short sword at his left hip and a dagger at his right.

"Yes, Jim," The trolless chuckled,"To  both. And, if all goes well tonight, I'll tell you myself. Alright?"

"Aunt Nono?" He had spotted her, "What are you doing here?"

Nomura stepped out, "Just out for a walk, Little Gynt. What about you? It's a little late for you to  be out here, isn't it?"

"Um..." Jim looked down at his clothes, "Aunt Dwella is one of Mum and Tanta Jay's friends. She offered to help me get a little last minute practice in for the play. It debuts tomorrow, you know."

'He doesn't realize I saw the trolless,' Nomura realized.

Suddenly, the wind shifted. Nomura's eyes widened as a familiar scent wafted towards her.

"Bular."

Jim's head snapped up just as Nomura transformed.

"Aunt Bagdwella!  RUN!!" He shouted as he drew his weapons.

Nomura drew her khopeshes and  lunged  forward.

LLB

Jim wheezed quietly as Elizabeth tied him up above the fully rebuilt bridge.

"Very good," Gunra purred, "And your sure this whelp will lure the Trollhunter to us?"

"Positive, My Lady," Nomura looked up at her nephew, "Stricklander would die before he let anything happen to his whelp."