Secrets

Chapter 40

Part 2

Mistrial and Error

While Blinkous Galadrigal and Claire Nunez went off to investigate Trollmarket in hopes of finding clues to lead them to the mole behind the conspiracy. Marshall, Toby, and Arrrgh continue to defend Jim on trial. The young wizard, Marshall Cadden, even though he shows very promising skills and knowledge handling the situation, but the Tribunal leaders still would not see to reason, and this however made things difficult for them.

Marshall growls furiantingly getting frustrated dealing with these trolls intolerence, " Don't you guys get the point?! Do you all even hear yourselves?!"

"Of course we know," Gatto speaks. "Gunmar is free all because of the human Trollhunter and the Silver Lion. Now, our world is at stake."

"As I stated before, they had no intentions of releasing Gunmar in the first place! Why would you think that? Is it because he's the first human Trollhunter, which neirth would accept from the start, because he's best friend's with the Silver Lion a sister like he never had, or are you just too scared to face Gunmar?" Marshall questioned Gatto.

"All of the above," he answered.

"Right," Marshall suddenly calm showing a sly grin on his face as he turns and walks up to Jim, satifisied.

Usurna then realizes Marshall's manipulation and seethed under breath looking at the floating stone head in a disapproval expression, "Gatto!"

The members stare at him at his apparent cowardice and he'd realized what the wizard made him do. "Uh. . .um. . .Gatto excludes fear of Gunmar," he tried to act innocent. "He used magic on me!"

"I sense no magic protruding from the advocate," Vendel said. "He's remained true to his word, Gatto."

"A signature move." Marshall said, giving Jim and Arrrgh a pleasing look. "A wise man once taught me: when in the face of an arrogant fol, throw words they do and don't want to hear so they can snap true words that reveal who they really are."

"Not bad," Jim chuckles impressed by his stunt making Gatto look like a fool.

"I found a witness!" Toby came rushing in.

. . .

NotEnrique sits lazily on a rock while Toby begins to interrogating him. He holds a sock infront of the Changeling, who seems more interested in it than his questions. "Isn't it true you've been to the Darklands? Isn't it further true that you know Gunmar was trying to get out of the Darklands on his own? Huh?" Toby asked.

Marshall raises an eyebrow getting an uneasy feeling about all of this. Because he knows that NotEnrique has a big mouth and Toby clearly does not think things through, and he glances up at the Tribunal, and could not help to think that this is not going to end well.

"Isn't it further, further true that he probably would gotten out eventually anyway, even if we hadn't gone into to save Jim and Tally!" Then more rocks comes in right after Toby, "Hey! Cut it out!"

"It sounds like you're testifying," Bork said.

"Toby, lawyers have the power to testify, not co-counsels, unless granted permission from said lawyer. Maybe you should've talked to me and the Tribunal before bringing in NotEnrique?" Marshall said.

"I'm questioning my witness, butt-brains!" Toby clarified, before he stops himself and clears his throat. "That's a legal term of art."

"Nice recovery, Tobes," Jim said.

"As much as I hate to agree with Bork here, you were actually testifying your witness, not questioning him properly or fairly," Marshall clearly insulted.

"If we're to hear from you witness, co-counseel, let us hear from it," Usurna stated.

"Not 'it'. 'Him.'" NotEnrique offended by her words. "Now as I was saying, Jim's a good guy and Tal's a deciet gal. You know, for a human and a lion. While they were in the Darklands, they saved me familiar. A pretty cute kid. You know, for a human."

Toby smiles giving Jim a thumbs up, Jim and Marshall faces also ligthen up. But Marshall still wanted to be sure things weren't going south.

"So, to you, Jim and Talia are heroes?" Toby asked.

"Toby. . ." Marshall warning to him not to push it.

"Let me just. . ." Toby trying to tell him he can handle this.

"Yeah, they're heroes. I mean, if they weren't, you guys wouldn't have gone into- -

Toby quickly stuffs a sock into his mouth to shut him up, "That's enough! Thanks a lot."

"No!" Wumpa said. "I think the witness should be allowed to finish!"

"Well, technically, Wumpa," Marshall trying to change the subject. "He's my co-counsel's witness, so he gets to decide if he's finished or not."

"Yeah, my witness!" Toby turned to NotEnrique sternly. "You're my witness!"

"Rejecting the advocates' point over the minor power of the co-counsel, this witness will finish it's statement." Usurna proclaimed.

"I ain't an 'It', lady! Jeez!" NotEnrique stated.

"If I didn't know better, Usurna's prejudice maybe no better than- -" Toby quickly covers his mouth and nervously chuckles up at the Tribunal.

"I don't see what the big deal is." NotEnrique said. "I was gonna say that if Lake and his sister hadn't been, you know, themselves, Gunmar would have never gotten out."

Toby stepped in blocking NotEnrique out of view, "Objection! Move to strike! Move to strike that from the record!"

"But that was your witness," Usurna said.

"Okay, okay!People. I know this goes agaisnt the standard law, but I think it's best if the defendant should speak for himself and Talia." Marshall offered, making Jim very grateful.

"The accused cannot testify for himself, wizard, according to Troll Law," Bork said.

"Oh, really?" Marshall sarcastically said. "You don't want to bother hearing the accused's side of the story which all of you want to hear just to make yourselves look good? I'm pretty sure tons of people would love to not know of what the accused had to say."

"Fair point, young sorceror," Vendel chuckled, before turning to Jim. "Go on, Trollhunter. Speak from your heart."

"Everyone is angry at me and Tally," Jim started. "Because we both made a choice. A lot of you think that it was wrong. Well, it wouldn't be the first, and it won't be the . . .well. . .maybe it'll be my last. The truth is, we're still figuring out how to do the right thing. I'm not using that as an excuse; I accept full responsibility. But before you condemn me, lemme ask: who here hasn't made a mistake?" Wumpa raises her hand," Yes, I went into the bridge to save Claire's brother and my best friend. She even risked her own freedom protecting both Arcadia and Trollmarke from Gunmar's first attempt to escape." Then she quickly lowers it back down. "I know she would've done the same if she were me. And if I knew where she was, I wouldn't gamble my life to risk hers. We're family, and family sticks together no matter what. And if I'm being completely honest here, we both do it again!"

"No, no, no! Jim-!" Marshall stopping him in his tracks

"That, there! An admission!" Gatto pointed it out.

"He would do it again?!" Bork said.

"People, listen!" Marshall trying to calm them down. "He didn't really mean- -"

"We have our proof, advocate!" Wumpa interjected, as the members leave. "We must rule!"

"No, no! No ruling Flag on the play! Sit back down!" Toby said, before he slumped down turning his head miserably at Marshall, "We're so, massively screwed, man."

. . .

"Okay," Marshall glaring right at Jim. "What was that?! 'We both do it again?' Couldn't you have come up with more appropriate words that wouldn't strengthen their pride?"

"How was I suppose to know they'd react?" Jim said, before he paused. "Actually. . .scratch that, I was trying to use the same method you used."

"This is ridiculous!" Marshall groans. "If they're so concerned about Gunmar's release, we should be tracking him down sinces he's all weak and completely out numbered. We'd be sitting down at a table coming up with a strategy to eliminate that guy! But, noooo! They're just wasting their time blaming you and coming up with dumb accusations, blinding themselves by their own arrogance." Arrrgh grumbles nodding his head agreeing with Marshall

"Marshall- -" Toby said.

"Either they're just a lousy council or just a group of ignorant, cowardly, jerks!" Marshall snapped.

Jim raises an eyebrow and chuckles as if he was forgetting about something. Marshall stopped and turned towards them remembering about Vendel and blushed in embarassment, "Excluding Vendel, of course. Sorry it's just. . ." He sighs as he slumps his shoulders down. "Ever since they tore down the bridge. . ." he sits down on the ground and looks at one of his palm hands. "When I actually met Tally for the first time. . .when we tou- -. . . when we thought we lost you guys forever. It scared me. I thought that if I studied each and every law. . .becoming a wizard. I hoped that it would change everything. But I guess it wasn't good enough."

Everyone looked down upon him in pity, but they knew that wasn't true. Toby comes up and sits next to him, "Marshall, we can't always have everything go our way. Or even make people come to their senses. I mean, it's not like it's something we can do with just the snap of our fingers. They hear what they want to hear and ignore the bigger picture."

"Exactly my point, Tobes!"He sighs hugging his knees to his chest, "They care nothing but themselves."

Then suddenly Blinky and Claire rushed in all covered in dust carrying a bunch of Gaggle-tacks, "Tobias! Marshall! Master Jim! We have evidence!" Blinky announced.

"We have proof of a conspiracy!" Claire said.

"We- -" Blinky tried to explain before Arrrgh sadly interjected. "Are too late."

"The Tribunal already left to decide their ruling," Marshall said, before he looks up noticing them all dirty. "Wait. . ." he stands up, "Why are you guys covered in dust?"

"We have to speak with Vendel," Claire said.

. . .

In Vendel's studies, the team barges into the room to deliver Vendel a big message of importance.

"This better be good, Blinkous," Vendel said, with impatience.

"It is in fact," Blinky stated. "It is of great relevance to this proceeding. We've unearthed something foul."

"Back at school, when Gunmar sent Draal after Jim and Talia." Marshall explained. "He told them that he has an agent lurking in Trollmarket. Most likely he'd been watching us this whole entire time before the Tribunal came here."

"Go on. . ." Vendel starting to take interest.

"A changeling spy in our very midst, he means. Hence our dusty state," Blinky said.

"Ths dust is the remains of a spy who was working for Gunmar," Claire said.

"Technically of what's left of him," Marshall staring at them blankly making Blinky grin sheepishly. "After Blinky made him explode."

"Another conspiracy theory?" Vendel questioned, brushing the dust off of Blinky. Blinky narrows his six eyes and throws the gaggle-tacks onto the stone table. "This is no theory! It's fact. Plain as the cangeling dust on my face."

"Even if this is true," Vendel examining the horse-shoe. "It doesn't change the fact that the Trollhunter and the Silver Lion's actions led to Gunmar's escape.

Marshall of having enough of these accusations, he slams his fists down against the hard, stone, table, "Listen to us, Vendel! There's someone out there whose truely responsible for all of this. It's obvious! We've all been set up! This whole trial, hunting Talia, it's just a wast of time! Gunmar is out there. So the Tribunal needs to get their heads out of the clouds and focus on the bigger picture here! I implore you, don't let everything you've done for us be all for nothing. Without Jim, we don't have the power of the eclipse blade, and we can't kill Gunmar. And Talia has proven herself that she's far more than what her ancestors were."

Everyone stares at him in disbelief and completely shocked. Vendel leans over the stone table, taking in on the wizard's words. "He's right, Vendel." Blinky said. "You know Master Jim and Lady Talia are innocent."

"It's like the episode of Mistrial and Error," Toby said, as the trolls stare at him. "Oh, it's a great show. Do you watch TV? Like how this one guy found out a culprit, only to discover thant someone else was pulling all of the strings. . ."

Toby's words caught Marshall's attention and interest, this made him think to himself for a moment.

"Bottom line, you have to bring this evidence to the Tribunal." Claire said. "This could cange the whole game."

"Gunmar used Jim and Talia to open Killahead Bridge, and he's already at work here in Trollmarket. You have to believe us, Vendel," Blinky implored him.

"For once," Vendel smiled. "I believe you. Despite my numerous cautions and doubts, and general skepticism, you have championed these children impossible journey time and time again, and even saved me from my own arrogance." He places a hand on Blinky's shoulder. "You have done well, Blinkous Galadrigal. The wizard is correct, we have let our own fears cloud our judgements. And this news can turn the tides! It's time I took action and set things right. I will take this to Usurna and do everything in my power to convince her to stop this trial to save both our champions."

"Thankyou, Vendel!" Claire comes up and huggint the elder troll, as he returns the hug as well before he leaves.

"Awesome sauce! Team Trollhunters, attorneys kicking butt!" Toby cheered making everyone chuckle except for Marhall still in deep thought. "I mean, this is all terrible news. Very troubling, obviously, but awesome that Vendel is gonna save Jim." Then he takes notice of Marshall leaning over on the table completely quiet. "Hey, why the long face, Magus? We're gonna save Trollhunter and Silver Amazon! You're supposed to be like. . .giddy."

"I don't know," Marshall still not convince from all of this. "This just doesn't add up. . ." Team Trollhunter glances at one another bewildered and looks at him confused.

"What do you mean?" Claire asked.

"Blinky," Marshall turning towards to face him. "That changeling you and Claire found. . .what was he like?"

"Oh, crackles, Marshall," Blinky scoffed. "That Krax fool couldn't even find a proper place to hide those gaggletacks. I would be surprised how he managed to pull of all of our secrets to Gunmar."

"You don't say. . ." Marshall pinching his chin thinking.

"What's exactly on your mind, man?" Toby becoming all concerned. "I really don't like where you're going with this."

Marshall looks at his friends, "When you said about something from Mistrial and Error a minute ago. It got me thinking. . ." He falls silent as everyone awaits for his answer, but then shakes his head unable to tell them, and said "I have to go."

"What?!" Claire said caught off guard. "Why?"

"Hasn't it all crossed your minds that Talia should've been back with her aunt like a day ago? I'm going to find my mentor and find out what's taking them so long," He walks past his friens as he slings his backpack over his shoulder.

"Now?! When we're this close to saving Jim?!" Toby speechless.

Marshall stops at the exit and turns toward to face them, "That's the thing, Tobes. . ." His face then grew more serious. "I don't think we're anywhere near finding all of the answers, let alone saving Jim. There's something a foot here." He turns towards to Toby and said, "Tobes, you'll take my place as Jim's advocate until I get back."

"What?! Me?" Toby freaked out.

"If I don't come back soon, it means something's wrong." Marshall said. "I can't say for certain of what's really going on here. But I'll let you guys know, once I find all of the answers." He finishes as he leaves the room.

"Okay. . . .What the heck just happened?!" Toby completely utterly lost.

. . .

Out of the plaza in Trollmarket, Marshall pulls out his phone and looks at his GPS and see's Junes phone located not up on the surface but. . . .here. "June's here in Trollmarket?"

He summons aura creating an amber hover board and flies straight towards June's precise location.

. . .

June and her familiar, Jinx, were working on some papers in her laboratory doing research until she gets startled by the surprise of her apprentice bursting into her second home. "Ms. Sturges! Jinx?!"

"Marshall!" June surprised. "I didn't expect to see you on such a short notice." She looks at him and notice of how exhausted he looks judging by the dark circles in his eyes. "Are you alright? You look like you haven't slept."

"Uh. . .point taken." Marshall confirmed. "I havent slept at all since Jim was arrested."

"Wait. . .Jim? Arrested? What for?!" Jinx freaked as his fur spiked up.

"Seriously? You mean to tell me that you had no clue about the trial?!" Marshall exclaimed.

"Okay, okay, calm down you two," June trying to ease the tension before turning back to her pupil. "Marshall, tell me everything."

. . .

In the chamber of the Heartstone, Vendel and Usurna walked in alone as he explains to her everything he's been told.

"A changeling? Here in Trollmarket?" Usurna asked.

"Yes," he said.

"And you are certain of this?" Ursurna looked at him carefully.

"I have it on good authority," Vendel confirmed. "The wizard-in-training has spoken true and has made me see very clear. We've allowed our fear over Gunmar cloud our judgements, and we've been too buys blaming the Trollhunter for the mess, we're wasting time. If Gunmar's agents are with walls, something is afoot. We must suspend the Tribunal at once and deal with the real threat."

"A real threat?" she said unfazed. "You can't possibly believe the words from a child do you?"

"I do," Vendel said. "You've seen his wisdom at first hand did you not? And I've come to respect the boy. I understand his reasons for following the path of justice for both our worlds. There truly is a scandal at work here within Trollmarket. I Gunmar has has one agent, who's to saiy there aren't others? It's time we root out this enemy at the core and end this." He walks up ahead, Usurna's stops as her face slowy turns hard and cold.

. . .

"You guys found proof that there has been a Changeling spy here Trollmarket?" June said in disbelief. "Shouldn't that be enough to convince the Tribunal?"

"Yeah, but. . ." Marshall said. "But when Toby mention something from one of his TV shows. He said when a man discovers the target behind the crimes, but then realizes there's a true mastermind pulling the strings."

. . .

"You're wrong, Vendel," Usurna said to him as he walked up to the stone table grabbing one of the rocks placed on it's surface.

"There are only two agents of Gunmar within Trollmarket's walls," She pulls a sharp thin dagger from her feathers, "The Changeling. . .and the Changeling's master."

Vendel's ears perked up as his eyes widen, "What. . . ?" He slowly turns around, "How do you know this?"

. . .

Back at June's laboratory with Marshall and June still continueing their conversation solving the mystery. "So Krax wasn't alone on this?"

"Yes," Marshall stated. "The real mole in Trollmarket would'nt have to be just some amateur changeling. It had to be someone who has to be the center in all of this whole thing, someone's who's been watching our recent activities waiting for the right moment. Someone who. . ."Marshall stops as his eyes slowly turn wide finally coming to a complete understanding and had just solved their answer of who is the true criminal mastermind.

. . .

"Because. . ." She steps up to him and pierce's her weapon below his abdomen giving him a wicked smile. "I'm the master."

Vendel gasped in pain, sensing his body slowly becoming numb, immobilizing, feeling it starting to spread. He looks down at the wound witnessing his body turning to stone. Then realizes Usurna had that daggar coated with Creeper Sun. Vendel backs up, drops his staff, leans against the table coughing his last breaths.

"I'm sorry, Vendel," she said, as Vendel continues to hang on strong.

"I was hoping you'l live long enough to see Gunmar's glorius return." She picks up his wooden staff. Vendel tries to find the will to get up, the table tilts making him fall and roll on the ground, "Usurna. . ." he groans, as he slowly picks himself up and faces her one last time. "You cannot. They'll stop you. Trollhunter and Silver Li-" But it was too late. The posion had already taken it's toll and took away his life.

"Shall die!" Usurna finised. "And once I find your pet, the girl's spirit shall be mine!" She approaches him saying her goodbyes. "Farewell, Vendel, Elder of Trollmarket. Now is your end." She uses his staff tipping him back, his body falls, crash, and his remains shatter across the floor. Now Team Trollhunter's dear ally is now dead. Usurna tossed the staff aside and walks away leaving the remains to prepare her final preparations.

. . .

"Freaking Slimeball!" Marshall furiously slammed his fists on the table shaking the glassed bottles. "Of course. It all makes sense! She'd been playing us for fools!"

"What do you mean?" June asked shaken by his temper.

"Usurna! She knew Gunmar could use Talia to escape the Darklands. She tore down the bridge to trap Jim and Tally so he could capture them, she knew about our rescue mission of taking back the bridge, infact. . .that's how she knew your real name; Emelia, and informing that monster." He looked up facing his mentor as her eyes widen. "This whole trial is just a ruse to get rid of Jim and distract the Tribunal."

"But if she's working for Gunmar assisting hime to claim Trollmarket? Why or what could she possibly from Tally?" June asked.

"The same thing he wants. The Power of Enhancement," Marshall believed.

"I always knew there was something fishy about that lady besides the she smell," Jinx said.

"Then we need to find Talia before they do," June insisted. "When was the last time you've heard from her?"

"Not since detention," Marshall said. "She was looking for you in hopes you set things right with the Tribunal. She thought that you be at the house. On the surface."

"Sweet Pale One!" June panicked, rushing over to the corner grabbing a large red, cloth, bag. "If she's been gone for that long then something must be seriously up!" She waves her glowing purple hands telekinetically moving all of her potions, and alchemy turning them into purple spheres flying straight into her bag. "We need to move quick!"

"But what about Jim?" Marshall asked following his mentor as Jinx jumps on his back. She magically brings all her furniture into the bag havin them all stuffed into her bag. It didn't even looked like there was that much it still looked like a big red purse. "If Vendel can't validate the evidence to clear Jim's name. Usurna will sentence Jim to the Deep, a place of no return."

They walked out of the laboratory and out of her second house, "I'm afraid Vendel can't help, kid." she said. "Usurna has already sealed Trollmarket's fate. But I wouldn't worry about Jim. If my predictions are correct, he'll survive. He's strong both in mind, body, and soul. And besides he's not a troll remember?"

"Oh. . . that does make sense" Marshall understood, before he smirks. "Gotta love loopholes."

"Can you take me where you last saw Talia?" June asked him. Marshall nodded his head and leads the way.

. . .

Back in the Hero's Forge where the trial was still being held, the Tribunal returns with absence of Vendel while Team Trollhunter's stand before them.

"The Tribunal will come to order," Usurna said, as everyone sits down.

Jim glances looking around and notice two most important people were missing. "But Vendel and Marshall are not here." He turned toward Toby and Blinky, "Where's Marshall?"

"I don't know. . .something about not having all the answers or something," Toby shrugged.

"But what did Vendel say?" Jim asked.

"We spoke with him," Blinky said to the Tribunal. "And he was going to present our evidence to the Tribunal."

"He said no such thing to me," Usurna stated. "When I spoke with him, he said nothing of any evidence. Only that the Trollhunter would be desperate."

"That's a lie!" Jim snapped.

"Well, we'd certainly expect the accused to say such much, didn't we? Even trying to hide his pet from us. She's not even worthy of wielding such power."

"Don't you dare call her that!" Jim yelled in outraged.

"Objection! Objection! And objection!" Toby trying to play smart of stopping all of this. "Vendel and Marshall's absence from these proceedings is a violation of- -" Toby falters when he realizes of not knowing what to say since he clearly has no clue of Troll Law. "Of. . .oh, where's Magus when you need him? But its gotta be a violation of something, okay? Hence my objection, which is strenuous. Objection!"

"I'm prideful to inform you, Trollhunter," Usurna ignoring Toby. "I much rather involve that animal, no matter how you beg. The Tribunal finds the Trollhunter and the Silver Lion. . .guilty!"

Team Trollhunters gasped by her last words feeling utterly defeated, failed from saving Jim from certain doom.

"No," Arrrgh said.

"A search warrant shall be prepared for the search of the enemy, Talia Sturges, and will be exiled to the deep by default alongside it's master, James Lake Jr." Jim starts to grow more infurious calling his friend such things right infront of him.

"There, they shall face death at the hands of their greatest fears," Usurna finished.

"No! Objection! Mistrial Words! More words! More words! More- -" Toby desperately coming up with another way of stopping all of this. But Jim's cage begin to carry him towards the edge as everyone went after him.

"Master Jim! Marshall was correct! The court is a farce!" Blinky said.

"No! You can't take him yet. Please! Stop!" Claire begged as with an emotional voice.

"It is Troll Law," Usurna finished feeling of no remorse.

"Oh, Jimbo. I really messed things up, didn't I?" Toby feeling guilty.

"It's okay, Tobes," Jim said to him. "You tried. You all tried. Hey, Blink said even the word 'hopeless' isn't void of hope, right?" But Jim's comforting words still did not lift their spirits.

"Don't go," Arrrgh sadly raised his hand.

"Jim!" Claire grabbed a hold of his hand. "You can't go!"

"Don't worry," Jim said to her as they reached towards the edge. "Merlin said I was gonna have to fight. And I'll fight, Claire."

"Don't let them do this to you," Claire cried.

"I'll be back," Jim assured to her. "Just wait for me." Their hands finally let go as Jim was coming over the dark pit.

"Then fight, Master Jim!" Blinky rooted for him. "Fight for your life." The cage hit to an abrupt stop, Jim looks down and could hardly anything through the darkness below his feet.

"If it's any consolation," Usurna said to him. "I believe your actions to be in violation of Troll Law because you're human. And don't worry the Silver Lion will be joining you soon. Once I claim her spirit."

Jim looked at her now starting to become more afraid than ever. Not for him, or whatever waits for him in the deep, but for what fate this cold hearted queen has in stored for Talia. She turned towards to one of her fellow Krubera signaling him to begin the execution, and just like like her guard slammed his fist pressing against the large button dropping the cage, plummeting him down towards the pit with Jim screaming out loud falling from the gravity.

"Jim! No!" Claire cried, Blinky and Toby held her back as she desperately reached out for him.

. . .

The cage continued falling, falling, and falling into the black void of silence. Jim attempted to break free from his prison, but the bars would not budge. As the cage slowly came halt, Jim lost his balance and fell on his butt. Then herd a clinging sound above his head, "Oh, no." the chain broke, his prison crashed and rolled from a nearby boulder, Jim popped out right from his cage, and fell right onto his face. He painfully groans as he picks himself up from his little joy ride, looked around his surroundings as he takes his first steps into the dark, his only light source flickered and. . .slowly died out. Jim summoned his Sword of Daylight ligthing the darkness once more and came into defense of whatever lurks in the shadows waiting for him. At first he could've sworn sounding and felt like a breeze of wind, until he heard a ferocious snarling growl behind him. Then saw something moving around him and heard a sinister laugh echoeing in the pit. "Who's there?" Jim asked demanding to face whomever it was. Then heard another growl right behind him and the evil laugh once more. He turned and recieved a surprise attack right at his side knocking him down. Jim looked up to see who it was but. . .nothing. Jim got back up waving his blue embering sword trying to find his adversary. He turned back around and saw his foe in. . .his Eclipse armor wielding the Eclipse sword? The blade glowed fiery red as his opponent aggressively growls making Jim more afraid, "What are you?" But he did not respond and showed his frightening face making him scream. The Shadow struck, Jim deflected his attack, the two were then igniting sparks in a par with their weapons they were evenly matched there was no telling who will come out ontop. When Jim let his guard down the Shadow kicked him against the wall with his brute strength. The he came down jumping and rolling into a spin-dash. The struggle continued, the Shadow jumped again leaping from wall to wall as he sinisterly cackles, Jim tries searching for the mysterious foe again through his surroundings still hearing the Shadow's mocking laughter and predatoringly snarls.

The Shadow struck again, but Jim reacted in time and stopped the attack. But the Shadow was overing powering him with his brute strength and knocked him down. The Shadow was looming over him and brought down his sword to finish him off, Jim activated his shield and struggles putting everything he got against his enemy. The Shadow's face came closer to the light revealing his true identity. When Jim got a good look at him it was as if he was looking right at his own nightmare. . .in a mirror.

. . .

Up back in the Hero's Forge, the chain that was holding onto the cage that was supposed to have Jim reeled up with his friends hopeing he be still alive. "He's gonna make it. He's gonna make it." Toby desperately repeated. But find the cell was no longer attached to the chain and James Lake Jr. gone. "Jim!" Claire cried. She held onto Arrrgh sobbing as he comforted her."

"Jimbo?" Toby emotionally looked down in the pit.

"Master Jim. . .is gone." Blinky sadly said.

. . .

Blinkous ran to the Heartstone where he hopes to find Vendel to question his reasons for being absence and not supporting them as promised. "Vendel!" Blinky called out for him searching his surroundings. "Vendel where are you, you old goat?" He furiously said until he looks down finding his staff on the ground and find the remains of their leader dead before his feet. "Vendel!" Blinky ran up and kneeled down next to what was left his old friend. "No. Not you too."