A New Journey Awaits

Chapter 1

Claire's pov
1 year. 1 whole year since the war with Angor Rot, since Aaarrrgghh!!!'s death, since Jim had gone into the Darklands. Almost everyone's doubting him still being alive. Me included, I came to the realization that for him to still be alive is slim to none about 4 months after he left. I really want to believe he's alive, but it's false hope. A wish. Me and Toby told his mother he was kidnapped. Not a great lie, but it's held up. The only one still believing is Blinky. And he's not doing to well. Sleep deprived, upset, always trying to find a way to get Jim back, and filled with hope that Jim will come back.
"What are we gonna do about Blinky?" Toby asks me as we walk to the bridge. "He's going crazy!"
"Please, that ship has sailed a long time ago. I think the only thing that will help is a miracle." I say, sighing. We are greeted by Draal when we walk into troll market. He updates us on all the crazy things Blinky's done while we were at school. We walk into the library to find something truly shocking. To us anyways.
"Blinky's sleeping!" Toby whispers. He's slept twice in the last month due to worrying for Jim. We all leave figuring he'll be sleeping for a while. We all talk about Jim for the rest of the day. How much we miss him, what our favorite memories are with him, things we regret, and really anything to do with him.
---
Sunset came around, and me and Toby left to go home. I sit on my bed and think about Jim. The thing I most think about is the night we were dancing at the park instead of the school dance. He tried to kiss me, and I ruined it. Instead of kissing him, I ruined it with Angor Rot! My biggest regret is not kissing him. My thoughts are interrupted when Not-Enrique bursts into my room.
"Sis, you gotta help me! I can't change forms! Mom and Dad almost found out my secret!" He yells. I slap my hand over his mouth.
"Shut up! If they hear you, you're a goner for sure!" I whisper angrily. He nods and I lift my hand. "Now, what do you mean you can't change forms." I ask quietly.
"I mean I can't change forms! What do you think it means?" He whispers loudly out of frustration.
"Well, why?"
"The only reason I can think of is Enrique is out of the Darklands."
"That's impossible," I mumble. Then I hear someone knocking on the door downstairs. I run to go get it, maybe who ever it is will help me take my mind off Jim.

Jim's pov
~earlier~
I climb through the portal, with Enrique in my left arm. When we get through, I lean against a wall with a horrible headache. I examine my many wounds, cuts and scars. I had broken right arm and my left leg fighting and escaping. I take a deep breath. Enrique begins to stir and cry, making my headache worse.
"Shh, shh. Don't cry Enrique, it's okay. You're safe now." I say, tiredly. I didn't get much sleep in the Darklands. Only, like, one day of sleep each month. I get up and limp to the library. I see Blinky sleeping, surrounded by books. He looks sleep deprived. I smile wearily and keep moving, making sure to not wake him up. I find myself in a 100% silent Trollmarket, it's so silent that it's creepy. I go over to Vendel's and grab a horngazel.
I leave Trollmarket and head towards Claire's. I knock on her door and step back. The door opens to reveal Claire. She freezes when she sees me. You can tell from the look on her face there are a million emotions running through her. I don't know what to do so, I speak.
"Hey, Claire." I say, nervous to how she'll react. Would she be mad? Does she hate me for not letting her come with in the Darklands? She quickly pulls me into a hug, squeezing my broken arm. I jump back and howl in pain. She gives me look of hurt and confusion, quickly replaced with joy when she sees the small 1 year old in my arm.
"Enrique?" She whispers.
"Enrique." I confirm. She slowly comes to me and carefully takes the baby from my sore arm, cradling him. Then she turns her attention back to me.
"Thank you so much, Jim!" She hugs me more carefully.
"Hey, can I come in?" I ask.
"Yeah, and shower. You smell terrible. I think my dad has clothes that will fit. Come on." She told me.