#walter stricklander

“Eepa is the first troll youngling to be enrolled in an elementary school,” the news anchor said. “Some members of the staff have voiced their concerns, but the kids are nothing but thrilled.”

“Towns and cities all across the globe are finally being restored to their former glory, with many thanks to neighboring troll communities for their donations and reconstruction contributions.”

“Last week an unauthorized man was caught trying to chip off a piece of Harmonia’s Heartstone but was promptly arrested, and rescued, by human law enforcement.”

“Later this evening, we’ll be joined by Commander Zadra of Akiridion-5 as we further discuss the prospect of a new Earth ambassador and the future of galactic relations.”

“A tragic update for the ladies as Master Wizard Douxie Casperan, one of the leaders of the True Order, was recently seen with a ring and new pink tattoos on his left hand.”

“According to members of the True Order, Nari of the Eternal Forest still has yet to return.”

“The Great Eternity, father of the ancient wizards who called themselves the Arcane Order. Interesting enough, it seems the vast majority of Magickind had no idea who he was or that he even existed.”

“Wet socks and moldy bread. What do they really taste like on the troll palate? Food scientists and enthusiasts reveal their recent culinary crimes in their quest to understand. Some theorize it’s just a weird mythical-magic thing. After all, eyeballs and raw livers are a common snack among magic practitioners…….”

Jim glanced at the clock. Three hours.

“Okay, we’re good, we’re good,” Jim mumbled as he stepped out of the kitchen and rounded the corner to his parents’ bedroom. They always kept their door slightly ajar, Walter’s snore humming in the short hallway. Jim gently bumped the door wider with his hip and slipped two plastic wrapped plates of bacon and spinach omelets on the nightstand. He stepped back, taking a moment to gaze at Walter and Barbara sleeping in each other’s embrace, and smiled softly. “See you guys in a bit.”

He grabbed his phone, keys, and garment bag on the way out, hitting a button on the wall to open the garage door. Bits of morning light glinted off the silver sheen of his vespa. Jim hopped on, carefully folding the bag behind him, turned the key, then rolled out onto the driveway before cruising down the road towards town, admiring the sunrise.

Neighbors waved and smiled as he passed by, including the troll couple who’d recently moved into the chiseled stone abode four blocks down. The mail truck made its rounds while a Stalking followed above, digging rolled up magazines out of a pouch and tossing them onto doormats.

“Morning, Champion!” it squawked.

 “Hey, Hookwing!” Jim said, then nodded at the mailman. “Good to see you, Hank!”

Arcadia Oaks Square bustled with townsfolk heading to work and opening up shop. Benoit’s had finally reopened a month ago, the line up for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries already wrapped around the building. A troll strolled out while gobbling down five lattes, cupholders and all. Kids played kickball and jumped rope in lots between structures, left empty for whatever reason after being cleared of debris, though some were blocked off and displayed signs promising department stores and new restaurants. Others were turned into quaint flowerbeds with wooden benches, birdbaths, and the occasional arrangement of glowing gemstones. 

Jim rode past the dewy park where people jogged and walked their dogs, sidestepping bunches of gnomes haphazardly trimming the grass with scissors. Up ahead was Trollmarket Street, evident by the Heartstone getting bigger and closer. Jim went straight for another five minutes then made three turns, the last carrying him through the threshold onto Brilliant Avenue, the roads lined with multicolored crystal clusters, and the town opened up into a different world.

Brickwork and townhouses became cobblestone dens and smooth rock towers all studded with glittering jewels and rainbow sediments. Trolls went about their morning, pushing barrels of geodes, selling and buying wares, crafting totems and charms at their posts. Jim was greeted with waves and laughter as he made his way to the base of the Heartstone, where his friends were all waiting.

“There he is,” Douxie said.

“Good morning, Master Jim,” Blinky said.

“Sorry I’m late,” Jim said, parking his vespa at a big geode fountain then jogging over. 

“You’re fine. We all just got here, too,” Claire said. She took his hand. “Come on.”

They gathered around and faced the base of the Heartstone where a great golden statue had been erected, showcased on a wide pedestal of faceted glass and intricate granite marble. It depicted four beings standing tall and proud. A troll in the center, an Akiridion on its left and a wizard with a staff on its right. In the troll’s hands was a sculpture of Earth. The Akiridion cradled stars between their fingers. The wizard balanced the sun and moon in his palm. Risen behind them was a dragon, roaring at the sky with its wings fully spread in a protective stance. Inscribed upon the pedestal were hundreds of thousands of names. The names of every person and creature who’d died that day.

Every month for the past year and a half, the Champions of Daylight met here to be still and silent. As always, they lingered on the names that stood out to them.

Nomura. 

Every now and again, Jim and Barbara would find Walter listening to classical music and zoning out. Pieces by Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Edvard Grieg. Nomura’s favorites. Sometimes he would start crying, then they would settle down and weep with him.

Charlemagne the Devourer.

They all missed his stories and bloodberry pies and awful puns. Douxie and Archie had gotten to the point where it didn’t hurt as much. They could even joke about it at times, their “father issues.” But now it wasn’t just Douxie periodically waking up with tearstained eyes and an aching heart. Those nights, he held Archie close with all the love and comfort he’d been given.

Elijah Pepperjack.

Steve knocked his fist against the lettering and bent forward. He always tried to keep it together, always thought the next time would be a little easier, give him a little more peace. Instead his heart would hurt that much more, and the void left in his life would hollow out his bones. Aja hugged his shuddering back. Krel touched his shoulder, sobbing, too.

A few passerbys stopped to pay their respects as well. The crying and sniffling gradually quieted. Douxie and some kept their eyes closed, while Zoe and others fixed their pensive eyes on the statues. Jim skimmed over each name. Aja folded her hands over her chest as if praying. Toby leaned into Aaarrrgghh’s side, weeping softly.

After a long while, Jim checked his phone.

“Crud, we better get going guys,” he said, wiping his face.

Everyone cleared their throats and shook themselves back to the present. Tears were dried and tight embraces were exchanged among them, tender smiles breaking out.

“It’s time, little brother!” Aja giggled. They’d both gone with their human forms today.

“Best go and get ready then,” Blinky said to Jim and Toby.

“Big day,” Zoe said, patting Claire’s cheek.

“Yup. Actually can’t believe it’s happening.” Claire conjured a shadow portal before joining Jim on his vespa.

“Make us proud,” Douxie chuckled. He mounted his shiny black motorcycle, streaks of blue flashing as he revved the engine. Archie settled around his shoulders and Zoe climbed on after them. “See you in a bit!” They tore out of Trollmarket Street, tails of magic streaming behind them.

Jim rolled his eyes. “Show off.” 

Toby, Steve, and Krel hopped through the portal first before Jim accelerated into the darkness. They warped to the parking lot of the school’s sports field then booked it to the outdoor restrooms to change. Soon students were showing up in droves, some fixing their hair and makeup and others bumbling with garment bags to also get ready on sight. 

“Chop, chop, lemme see some hustle!” Coach Lawrence shouted.

“Ten more minutes, children!” Ms. Janeth said, counting heads with her pen. “Oh you all look stunning!”

The students filed into the lines they’d rehearsed, fidgeting in their gowns and fixated on the crowded bleachers and the rows of empty chairs set up in front of a constructed stage. Principal Uhl took his place at the podium. At his cue, whoever was the mascot today started thumping out chords on a keyboard and the procession began. They marched across the field to the hundreds of folding chairs and fumbled to their assigned seats. Jim glimpsed the left stack of bleachers. Barbara watched eagerly from the middle section with Blinky and Aaarrrgghh. The Blanks were a row down, armed with cameras and a cardboard cutout of Krel’s human face. Varvatos and Nancy Domzalski sat beside them, smiling sweet and holding hands. Douxie, Zoe, Archie found seats right above Barbara. Aja hurried to sit with them, playfully bumping against Zoe’s arm. When the mascot’s performance became too much, Principal Uhl coughed into the microphone.

“Uh…Wonderful. Yes, thank you,” Uhl said. Everyone clapped, either halfhearted or with questionable overenthusiam. The mascot stood and skipped to stand at attention behind Uhl with Coach Lawrence, Ms. Janeth, and Walter, nearly running into the table stacked high with diplomas. Uhl shook his head then adjusted the mic. He smiled. “Good afternoon everyone.  Thank you all for joining us on this momentous day. We’ve seen our fair share of global catastrophes. Our town is still recovering, but we’ve pushed through. And now, I’m proud to present this graduating class at last.” Uhl glanced at Jim, Claire, Toby, Steve, and Krel. “Well done to you all. You’ve truly earned it. The first row of students may rise and come up. Excellent. When I call your name, please come forward...”

Students claimed their diplomas and snapped photos with Uhl in alphabetical order, whoops and hollers buzzing on the packed bleachers. Seamus Johnson puffed his chest and grinned awkwardly at the camera. Shannon Longhannon squealed and did a jig off the stage. Darci Scott and Mary Wang took selfies with their teachers. 

“Tobias Domzalski!”

“Wingman!” Aaarrrgghh cheered. 

“That’s my Toby Pie!” Nancy said.

Toby snapped his finger guns and attempted to moonwalk down the stage ramp.

“James Lake Jr.!”

Barbara and Blinky jumped to their feet, clapping and shouting. Jim waved at them, then looked back at his stepdad and smiled. Walter nodded back, arms crossed and eyes soft with pride.

“Claire Nunez!”

“That’s my baby!” her dad yelled. Her mom hurrayed while bouncing a giggling Enrique on her hip.

“Way ta go, sis!” NotEnrique laughed.

“Steven Palchuk!”

Aja bounced on her heels and screamed in delight. Coach Lawrence clapped Steve on the back before squeezing him to his side. Red as his face was, Steve couldn’t help but grin.

“Krel Tarron!”

Lucy went ham on the camera, the flash strobing like crazy as she took hundreds of pictures in a matter of seconds. Ricky waved Krel’s cardboard face high.

“That’s my little brother!” Aja shouted.

“Glorious!” Varvatos bellowed. “The King In Waiting has received his paper certificate of great knowledge!”

Krel received the diploma, smiling big and bright. Uhl hugged him to his side.

When all the students returned to their seats, a quiet fell over them. Uhl stepped back to the mic, breathing deep as his eyes went glossy.

One more name.

“Elijah Pepperjack.”

A beat of stillness. Then heads turned as Eli’s parents approached the stage, Mr. Pepperjack rubbing his crying wife’s shoulders. Ms. Janeth sobbed and honked into a tissue. The moment Eli’s diploma passed into his parents’ hands, Steve rose from his seat, his fellow graduates and everyone on the bleachers following, and the entire field erupted in heartbroken applause. The Pepperjacks made small smiles and bowed their heads in gratitude before tearfully returning to their reserved seats.

“Your son was one of our brightest students,” Uhl said, voice cracking. “He was such a kind boy. And we know now that he was also very, very brave. He lost his life protecting this world. Arcadia Oaks will never forget him. And I’m sure he knows how proud all of us are to have known him.”

Steve buried his face in his hands. He couldn’t have agreed more.

After tassels turned and caps were thrown, the ceremony came to a close. The table, podium, and keyboard were replaced with a drum set, two big amps, and a much better keyboard. Three long white tables were set up and loaded with trays of catered food. Students stripped off their gowns before skipping and hurrying back to the field with their loved ones, all dressed for a party.

Feedback screeched through an amp. Cheers and squeals burst forth as Douxie and Zoe took the stage, testing levels and tuning their instruments. Archie squatted at the drums and Claire plunked out chords on the keyboard.

“Congratulations to all you lovely graduates!” Douxie said into the mic, getting a cacophony of excited, praising shouts in response. He grinned wide and leaned on the mic stand with both hands. “We’re Ash Dispersal Pattern. Most of you have seen me and my beautiful soulmate’s face before.” He gestured to Zoe, heart full to bursting when he glimpsed her left hand, the ring on her finger and sky blue soulbond mark swirling over her knuckles. Zoe did a lighthearted eye roll. “But I’m thrilled to announce our guest performer. C Bomb herself, our very own Claire Nunez on keys!”

Claire waved sheepishly at their claps and cheers. 

Archie hit four counts on with his drumsticks and the stage amps boomed the melodic screech of Douxie’s guitar. The crowd roared and jumped to the wild, energetic tempo. Douxie belted lyrics into the mic before shredding his expert fingers all along the frets, throwing his head back in rapture. Zoe headbanged next to him, then she popped off her bass and sang the next verse, Jim and the others awestruck at her amazing, passionate tone they’d heard so much about. Douxie played along with her voice, his gaze gravitating right to her. Zoe caught him staring and smiled. The two stepped back and rocked out at each other, eyes locked, hearts and improvised riffs synchronized. Their harmony crescendoed with Claire’s accompaniment and Archie wailing on on the toms and cymbals. He beat out a spirited final lick and the audience went wild with applause. Not even a second later they were chanting for an encore.

“Thank you, thank you everyone!” Douxie breathed a laugh. “Don’t you worry, we’re nowhere near done yet. If I could have your attention for just a moment…” Everyone settled down. As he looked out at all their faces, his heart thrummed with care. “We were facing some pretty dark times two years ago. None of us were sure if we’d make it to tomorrow, let alone to a high school graduation.” His eyes found each of his friends, all of them sharing his sadness. “We lost so much. Too much. At one point, we didn’t know if we could keep going.”

Douxie thought about Nari, just as he had every day since they’d parted ways.

“The Earth is calling for me. I must go away now to bring my healing, and to show Bellroc and Skrael the beauty of life. But I will come back to you again, I promise.”

“But the thing about darkness is that all it takes is a single spark, just a glimmer, and the room is lit,” Douxie said. “That’s the power of hope and love and… believing. When we were scared and angry and hurt and confused…there was still hope. It’s what got us through. It’s what brought us back to,” he gestured around, “this!”

“I don’t know what many of you are facing right now, the pain and darkness you’re dealing with. Maybe you feel like the world is on your shoulders. But just as the sun never stops shining, even in the worst of storms, hope is never truly lost. And if you can’t find the light now, that’s alright. I believe one day you will, cause it’s not going anywhere. Have faith. Hold on to hope. Keep love in your hearts and always let it win. Rise to the occasion, just as you are. Take care of each other.” Douxie took a breath. Another look at his friends brought tears to his eyes. “Yeah. Take care of each other. Then I think we’ll be alright.”

There was hardly a dry eye left in the crowd when Douxie finished. A few found the strength to clap while the rest blew their noses and dabbed their faces. Douxie took a moment to rub his own tears away. Zoe swiped his cheek with her thumb.

“Right then,” Douxie said, going back to the mic. “We have more tunes for you today. But we do have one more surprise.” Zoe and Claire moved a table on stage, complete with a multicolored soundboard, two more amps, a laptop, and twin electric blue turntables. Smoke machines shrouded the stage in a rolling mist. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the one, the only, the nuclear and lively, DJ Kleb!”

Krel burst through the haze with the blare synths, layering his set up with holographic bright blue discs of buttons, volume sliders, and fluctuating sound waves. Headphones on and body grooving, Krel spun out slapping beats in time with Douxie banging out new chords, hyping the crowd right back up. The field reverberated with delighted, raucous shouts as a medley of synthetic rock electrified their eardrums, fans bouncing high on the balls of their feet to the infectious rhythm. The performers all looked at each other, beaming and laughing at the awesomeness, the music fueling their souls like the air they breathed.

They played like they could go for hours on end.

Danced like they’d never have to stop.

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Pink and orange flushed the sky as the sun drifted behind Camelot’s towers. Beneath the shadow of the castle, the Champions of Daylight spread out on the soft grass of the Bluff, finishing up hamburgers and potato salads, chatting and laughing while reclined on picnic blankets.

Walter turned off the grill while Barbara and Jim went around picking up plates. Claire, Aja, and Zoe went for more tacos from Stuart’s truck. Steve and Toby chilled on Aaarrrgghh’s back, debating about the worst actors in sci-fi movies. Darci brought over the last helpings of Nougat Nummie pie, to which Toby slid off his Wingman’s back to smooch her on the cheek. Varvatos and Nancy snuggled and made eyes at each other under a tree before being disrupted by Ricky and Lucy rattling off recommendations for honeymoons. Jim, Krel, and NotEnrique tossed a frisbee, which ended up flying right into Luug’s mandibles and being horked down. While Jim fetched the spare, Luug flopped after Archie in endless circles until Douxie rescued him. Chompsky looked between Zoe and his Sally Go-Back wife, sputtering at the resemblance. She glanced perplexed at Blinky, who just shook his head and shrugged.

An early moon made its appearance, a full spherical ghost hanging low and shepherding the first smattering stars through the falling evening.

Another hour or two past, Douxie and Zoe singing softly while he strummed a gentle melody. Lovers held one another close, enjoying the sweet music. Walter and Barbara did a tiny waltz. Jim hugged Claire to his side and kissed her hair. Steve rested back against Aja’s embrace, her four arms wrapped snug around him. Toby held and kissed Darci’s knuckles. Varvatos pressed his lips to Nancy’s forehead. Chompsky fell asleep in his plastic wife’s lap and the Blanks swing danced to an entirely different tune.

When the sun began to dip below the treeline, Aja and Steve stood with their hands linked.

“I think it’s time,” Aja said. On cue, an Akiridion vessel crested the cliff, a ramp extending into the grass from its bottom hatch. “Little brother?”

Krel nodded, sniveling. Everyone took turns hugging him close.

“You sure you can’t stay?” Douxie said as he pulled away.

“It’s time for me to become King,” Krel said, gazing at each of his friends with a sad smile.

“What a glorious King you will be,” Varvatos declared.

“I second that,” Douxie said.

Zoe and Claire bundled Aja into their arms.

“We’ll miss you, girl,” Zoe said.

“And we’ll miss you,” Jim said, clasping Steve’s hand to pull him into a hug. “What’re we gonna do without our Creepslayer?”

“Beats me,” Steve said. “You nerds will just have to hold the fort while I’m busy being an ambassador. Just don’t do anything cool while I’m gone.”

“You got it.”

“Oh my sweet little Toby Woby…” Nancy cupped her grandson’s cheeks. “Remember to check that note I left, it has everything including ointment for your rashes and the soap I use for your underw—”

“Thanks, Nana!” Toby blurted, cheeks going scarlet. But within seconds he was smiling and hugging her close. “Thanks, Nana. I love you.”

“Oh I love you, too, so much Toby Pie.”

Varvatos and Nancy boarded the ship hand in hand. Aja collected Luug in her arms before facing her friends with Krel and Steve.

“Don’t be strangers, you here?” Barbara said.

Krel smiled. “This is our home. We could never be strangers.”

“If you ever need us, just send the word. We’ll be there,” Aja said. 

And with that, they turned and embarked up the ramp. The Blanks looked on with fondness shining in their artificial eyes, all while comforting a crying and snotting Stuart. Their friends waved and shouted final messages.

“Love you guys!” Toby said.

“See you later!” Claire called.

“Safe travels!” Douxie shouted.

“I’ll save a spot for you at Hex Tech for when you come back, Krel!” Zoe hollered.

The ship rose into the air, its passengers waving and calling back before the ramp retracted and the hatch slid closed.

Douxie hooked his arms around Jim and Claire’s shoulders. Ricky ruffled Toby’s hair and Lucy gave his cheek a light pinch. Zoe crossed her arms and leaned against Aaarrrgghh, Archie settling around her shoulders. Blinky came up behind Walter and Barbara to place his hands on their backs. 

They watched with tears and smiles on their faces as the Akiridion ship rotated and rocketed towards the clouds, looping through the darkening skies before vanishing in a blip of cyan light.

“What’s next for you guys?” Douxie asked Jim.

Jim smiled, tired but content. “College.”

“A job,” Claire added. Archie flew into her arms and bunted her chin.

“And most likely saving the world again at some point,” Toby finished.

“Sounds about right,” Zoe chuckled.

“We’ll be with you when it happens,” Douxie said.

They all wrapped each other up in a group hug.

That night, Douxie and Zoe stood on their bedroom balcony, resting against the cool stone parapet beneath glittering specks of starlight. The Heart of Camelot whirred softly below the castle, its brilliant blue glow dusting the surrounding stretch of midnight woodland. From here, they took in their restored little town of Arcadia Oaks in the distance, bathed in the full moon’s silver and Trollmarket’s luminous prismatic hues. The vivid Heartstone rose high above the rooftops, its warm fiery crystals blooming in the night, a towering bonfire chasing away the darkness. 

Zoe turned in Douxie’s arms, smoothing her hands over his chest. She went on her toes to kiss him.

“I think I’ll turn in for the night,” she said.

“Sound,” Douxie said, running his hands down her sides. “Be there in a minute.”

A gentle breeze fluttered over the castle as he marveled at the intersecting light sources for another serene moment. Douxie closed his eyes and breathed in the night one more time before turning to head to bed. Just as he did so…

Glowing spring green flecks drifted into his vision, first a pinch, then lambent clusters. They coalesced into dazzling flowers, shades of forest, jade, emerald, chartreuse, and mint falling all around him. 

Tears flooded his eyes as a petal kissed his palm, and her sweet voice reached him.

“Douxie.”

Breathless, he turned around…and smiled.

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Author’s Notes : Did...Did I actually do it? Did I actually finish this fic? o__o

I never thought I’d get back into writing again. But my love for the Tales of Arcadia franchise and unbridled hatred for that gross excuse of a “grand finale” (truly ROTTen, amirite?) summoned old author Rika lol

This has been such a journey for me as a creative. I’ve learned so much about myself as a writer and I want to continue to do so.This has to be one of most draining self-inflicted experiences I’ve embarked on, but believe me when I say that it’s been a blast. This was so much fun, and I’m so blessed, thankful, and blown away by how many people actually wanted to read it. And people who’ve actually, like, enjoyed it haha

I will say, though, that past month has been really rough on my health, emotionally and physically. Even as I write this now, I’m like...really lightheaded rip But! I wanted to see this project through to the end and I hope was able to craft an ending that did this incredible series and my children these amazing characters even a smidge of justice. If not, well, I sure did try :’) Regardless, I’m so thankful to the Lord and for everyone’s support that got me through to the finish line. I’d love to hear your thoughts and even answer any questions you may have! Headcanons galore >w<

Rika’s gonna take a nice long break now lol  

God bless and thank you all so much again for reading. 

Until the next one ~