Author Note: Finally, the journey has begun. Again, really sorry for the slow update. It seems I get a little or huge amount of writer's block after finishing one chapter. But this mouth, I'm getting sick and can barely focus on anything. Including writing. But good news. I'm going to Colorado State University next school year! Go Ram! I'm really excited to start this new period of my life after graduation and hope it will be great. Similar to Rollercoaster, I'm going to switch in different points of the story for this chapter. This time, I'm switching back and forth from two days. On the 21st and 22nd. Claire isn't going to say, but Eli is not coming. After what happened in 3below and living on Akiridion-5 for the summer, he wants to take a break of traveling. And besides, he's afraid of going underground. I also decided to change the title. I mentioned it again in the near future. Sorry. I'm a perfectionist. Especially when it comes to titles.

"Claire."

I turn around and see my grandmother. "Abuela!" I cry happily, running towards her, but Abuela gasps and looks down in horror as I get closer. I look down and see the glowing green and red thin dagger in her stomach, causing her body to become black slowly. I cover my mouth and back up. My heart beats faster as Abuela looks at me blankly, dying before me. I cry and sprint toward her, wanting to save her, but she disappears into ash before me as soon as I reach her. I see flashes of Abuela's fatal injury and death. I scream and cry out, not wanting to relive the pain of losing her.

"You see Shadowdancer. You did this. If you would've listened and come with me, you would have never lost someone you loved." I hear the familiar dark voice behind me.

I shiver but take a deep breath. "If I would've gone with you, all my friends and family would die," I reply calmly but slightly shaky. I bite my lip and feel the Half-Troll's cold skin ghost over my arm.

"Well, we're coming for you again. And this time, we'll get you. Whatever it takes." It hisses in my ear.

"No!" I scream, turn around, and try to push the Half-Troll away from me, but its stone-cold body, and hard armor sprain my wrists, making me whimper in pain. Then Bellroc and Skrael appear behind.

"You will be ours, Child! And you will fulfill your destiny!" Skrael hisses, pointing his staff at me.

Suddenly, I see a fire circle around me. I try to extinguish it, but it keeps on burning. I feel the cold touch my skin. My magic spreads fast, and I feel myself being consumed by it. I cry in agony and fall to the ground. The Arcane Order laughs at my pain and circles around the flames. They start chanting, and the pain grows. I cry loudly and beg for it to stop.

"You will be our champion and recreate the world with us," Bellroc shouts.

I cover my ears and close my eyes. "No! I won't let you!" I shout.

"Claire! Let the magic flow freely. Let go!" I hear the female voice call out. "Now!"

I take a deep breath and open my palms, trying to relax. I feel the pain slowly fade away and let the magic flow. Anger boils inside me, and I feel my necklace and something on my head glow. "I'll never let them win."

Then I levitate again and feel the magic burst from my body, extinguishing the flames. I wake up in my bedroom, shrieking from the dream.

"Use the golden book; it will guide you to where to go."

"I have to go," I reply flatly to my family and walk from the manor door, but I feel someone's hand grab mine.

"Na-uh! You're not going alone!" Jim says seriously, gripping my hand.

"Jim, I have to go. You saw what happened. I can't let the Arcane Order hurt anyone else again; I have to figure out what's going on without hurting anyone." I protest and turn my head, taking back my arm.

"Claire, you're not doing this alone. You have us to help you, and I'm not letting you go alone."

"No, Jim! I'm taking Nymeria with me."

"That's not enough; I'm coming with you whether you like it or not." He protests.

"And you're taking me too," Toby speaks up.

"And us too," Douxie says with determination, and he, Zoe, and Archie step forward. "You're going to need all the help you have here."

And soon, Steve, Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!, Aja, Krel, and even Mary and Darci want to come along. "What?! No! Guys, this is way dangerous beyond comprehension."

"That's why we're coming with you. You're not doing this alone." Zoe says, crossing her arms.

"No! I can't let you all come!"

"Well, I'm not letting you go," Mom says calmly, her arms crossed before me. Then her lips become a smirk. "Unless you let your friends come with you."

"What?! Mom!" I reply in shock, looking at her and my friends with wide eyes. "You can't be serious, Mom? They're gonna get hurt because of me."

"But those "demigods" out there will hurt you if you and Nymeria go alone. I won't let you go unless your friends come with you." Mom protest. I shake my head and step back.

"Still stubborn as your mother," Dad says seriously behind her.

Jim walks up to me and places his hands on my shoulders. "Claire, we have been on many dangerous missions like this before. Every time I try for you and Toby to stay out of it, you two convince me otherwise and come with me, and in the end, I am eternally grateful for what you guys have done for me. Even you wanted me to come with me on the journey to New Jersey, even successfully saving my life despite all odds. We want to be there for you, protect and support you. I want to. Please let us help you." He says thoughtfully, looking desperate but determined in his eyes.

I take a deep breath and look down, biting my lip. He's right. Deep inside, I want them to come, but I'm afraid of them getting hurt. I want to protect them, but they can help me to defeat the Arcane Order. I need them, and they will help me succeed. I look back at Jim and nod my head. "Alright," I reply softly. Jim smiles, and we hug each other. I snuggle up against him and sigh in defeat. "But not Mary and Darci. They don't know how to fight trolls."

"We'll teach them," Toby calls out, standing next to Darci, who stands next to Mary, and AAARRRGGHH! Mary and Darci smile at me in determination and nod their heads.

"Alright then." I comply.

The journey has begun. Yesterday, we said our goodbyes to my family. They are still grieving what happened to Abuela—same as me, Mom, and Dad. Unlike before, everyone wishes me well, as it is Veronica's wish. Odd, but it's fine. All of my cousins hug me goodbye. Surprisingly, even Kyra, Olivia, and Lucas embrace me lovingly. Today, we are preparing to go. I bag my spell book, unnamed yellow flashlight, water, and food supplies. I grab the perfectly circular light blue and purple gemstone that Abuela gave me. I don't understand why, but I feel drawn to it, remembering what she said, and I think it might be helpful.

I hear a knock on the door and turn to see Mom smiling sweetly at me. "Hey!" She says calmly. "Can I come in?" I nod my head and smile. "So, today's the day, huh?"

I nod my head. "Yes," I reply, trying not to frown. She walks closer and sits on my bed next to my backpack of supplies. She pats on the spot on my comforter. I move my bag to the side and sit next to Mom. "You gonna miss me?" I ask, looking at her.

"Oh, of course, yes, sweetie! Dad and I missed you so much when you left for New Jersey. You're my daughter; I don't want to see you go, especially on a dangerous mission." She says softly, trying to hold her composure.

I bite my lip. "You know I might not return," I mumble.

Mom glances down and sniffs. "I know." She replies and caresses my cheek lovingly. "But I know you must go; you must figure out who you are and go on this journey."

"But I thought you didn't want to lose me of what you said yesterday," I ask in confusion.

Mom sighs. "Yes! I did, but you taught me if you let someone go to let them spread their wings and soar, you truly love them."

I bite my lip and try not to cry, nodding my head. Mom takes her hand off my cheek and smiles. I look down and take a deep breath. "Mom?"

"Yes, sweetie?" She asks.

"Yesterday, I saw you fighting with green magic. How? And you also mentioned on the beach that you felt we had a cure and regretted a mistake you made with me. What was it?" I ask.

Mom looks down again and sighs. "I'm a witch just like you." She answers calmly.

My eyes widen, shocked. "Were-were you always a witch?"

Mom nods her head. "I inherited it from Abuela, who was one too, and you became one the moment I was pregnant; it will likely be the same when you have your first child."

"Does every Firstborn of our family throughout generations like this?"

Mom shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know. Abuela told me a lot but kept many secrets too. I know none of my siblings have magic, and your brother doesn't either."

"Then what did you mean by fixing and regretting your mistake?" I ask curiously. Mom tries to look away and bites her lip. She tries to hide the coated tears in her eyes, making me concerned. "Mom?"

She sniffs and takes a deep breath, returning to me and trying to make a brave face. "Me and Abuela each had a special gift based on our personality. Hers was foreseeing. She can see through walls and great distances and sometimes looks a bit into the future, etc... You have healing powers. Me, I can affect people's minds. I can't wipe people's memories or control them, but I can alter their minds..." She pauses and takes a shaky deep breath. "I did the same to you from 8-10... It was a long process. You have already known about your magic since you were two years old, but I did it after you hurt yourself with your magic on your eighth birthday. Abuela wasn't happy about it, but I thought it would be best if you didn't know you were a witch... I hid my magic from you while altering your memories, making you forget you ever had magic powers... I was so filled with regret that I became distant and blinded by becoming neglectful." She finishes, and tears stream down her face. "I regret it every day. I'm so sorry, Claire." She mumbles.

I sigh with sadness but slowly wrap my arms around Mom; she sniffs and returns the hug, holding me tightly. "It's ok, Mom," I reply calmly.

We let go, and I see Mom's teary red eyes. I smile sweetly, allowing her to relax. "Are you shocked or mad that I'm a witch?" She asks with concern.

I shrug my shoulders. "Yes! I am. Hearing that for the past two generations, you and Abuela were always witches, and you altered my mind for me to forget my powers. But I understand that you did that to protect me. I am mad at what you did, though." I reply calmly.

Mom sighs and glances down. "Well... I deserved that." She replies, wiping her tears away. But she looks up and grabs my hands. "Now, I have something for you to wear for your journey. Do you know where the present I gave you on your birthday is?" She says cheerfully.

"Yes!" I reply, raising my eyebrow but going to get and grab the box and sit back down.

Mom opens the box. "I thought it might be useful to you one day. Abuela made this to you a year ago, sent it to me, and asked me to give it to you. It's an outfit like Douxie." She explains.

I grab the clothes and go to the bathroom. I take out my other clothes and put on this outfit. When done, I look in the mirror. It's a tight light purple silky outfit. It's a shirt, a long skirt, and dark purple legging-like pants. There's a small pouch around my waist to put my shadow staff. The fabric is decorated with beautiful Celtic designs. It's not battle armor, but I feel a confident and persevering force sweep over me. I open the door and walk back into my room.

Mom looks at me. Her eyes widen, but she smiles sweetly, getting off my bed to step toward me. "You look so beautiful." She says calmly, cupping my cheeks. I struggle to put on a smile. "Now we need to fix up that hair." She adds. Since waking up, I didn't correctly groom my hair. I turn to my desk and mirror and sit on my chair. Mom grabs my hairbrush and starts brushing my hair. "What hairstyle do you want?" She asks.

"Single Dutch braid," I reply flatly, knowing Mom has very clever hands. She smiles in the reflection of the mirror and keeps brushing. I look at myself in the mirror and sigh. I might never return. I might fail. I might cause the world to be destroyed, but I'm not going alone. I'm gonna find what I need. And I'm going to try to defeat the Arcane Order. No! I will stop them! I will succeed! I also can't believe Abuela and Mom are witches, and Mom used her magic on me, but what I said before, I'm mad but understand. What other secrets will I find about my family? I'm scared but feel brave about my friends coming. The brush strokes and Mom's hymning soothe my thoughts and smiles.

"All done!"

I see the beautiful Dutch braid, mixing my purple streaks with my dark brown hair. I turn around and stand up. "Thanks, Mamá!" I reply, smiling. She smiles back, and I finish packing up for the journey. When done, I swing my backpack on my shoulders, grab my shadow staff and turn to Mom, standing by the door. I step close to her and look into her eyes. I bite my lip, trying to keep my tears away, but they come and start streaming down my face. I wrap my arms around Mom and cry against her chest. I feel Mom's head sit on top of mine, wrap her arms around me, and hear her quiet away my sorrows.

"Shhh! It's ok, Claire. It's ok. Shhh!" She says softly, stroking my hair.

"I'm scared, Mamá. I don't know if I'll succeed?" I mumble into her shirt, trembling.

"Shhh! You will succeed! You have the support of your friends, and I know you will succeed." She replies. "It's alright to be scared of the unknown. You did this before, and I did the same when I came to Arcadia at 18. It will be alright. Just promise to stay with your friends, and don't let anyone take away who you are."

I nod my head and snuggle against her chest. "I will, Mamá!"

"Hey, Claire! Look at your ring finger on your left hand!" Darci calls out.

I look down and lift my left hand for a better view. My eyes widen as a ghostly white ring on my ring finger. "What the hell? I mumble, confused. I hear giggling and snickering behind me. I see Zoe, Mary, and Darci smirking and trying to hide their faces from me. I roll my eyes. "That's not funny, guys!" I reply flatly, crossing my arms.

"Sorry, sorry... But..." Mary tries to speak but starts laughing again.

"Hey! It's the same for Jim right here!" Steve shouts and causes everyone to laugh at us.

I turn to Jim, and we blush as our eyes meet. I notice the same ghostly silver ring on his left ring finger. I look away and take a deep breath. "Again, it's not funny!" I reply louder, covering my mouth. I look down and see the ring slowly disappearing. "See! It's gone now!" I shout, showing off my left hand, but Mom and Dad start snickering and shaking their heads. "Mom, Dad, what are you laughing about? What's going on?" I ask suspiciously, raising my eyes at them.

Mom smirks but shakes her head. "We're not telling you." She simply answers, crossing her arms.

"Mom!" I hiss. "What is it?"

But she keeps shaking her head. "I'm not telling you."

I huff, rolling my eyes. "Well, this is embarrassing." I groan, making everyone laugh hysterically. What a positive note after all that has happened today.

My friends, Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!, NotEnrique, Nymeria, Barbara, and my parents stand on a cliff early at dawn. The same cliff where Jim and I had our dance, our date, where he came back home from the Darklands, where Toby, I, and he hung out, and where I, Jim, and all the trolls left for New Jersey. Now we're doing the same thing for a different reason and destination. We say our goodbyes.

"Goodbye, Kiddo!" Barbara speaks sweetly and hugs Jim. "I love you so much, and I'll miss you!"

"I'll miss you too, Mom!" Jim replies calmly. "I love you too."

Toby already said goodbye to Nancy Domzalski at his house, and he's also wearing his armor.

"Wait! What about school and me and Darci's parents?" Mary asks worryingly, who stands next to Krel in his akiridion form.

"Don't worry, guys. I'm going to handle it." Mom says calmly, making Jim, Toby, Mary, Darci, and Steve sigh in relief. She looks at me and winks at me, smiling. I smile back. I told my friends about Abuela and Mom being witches and me since I was born when we came here.

I take a deep breath and step toward my parents. Enrique is not here because he's not involved with this, but I already hugged and kissed him before I left home. I take a deep breath as I try to hold my composure. "Alright... Goodbye." I say softly and bite my lip.

They approach me, and Dad places a hand on my shoulder. "We'll miss you, Mija." He says calmly, smiling.

"We both love you so much, sweetie," Mom says and smiles sweetly.

I can't hold it in and run into their arms, crying my eyes out. I feel arms wrap around me and pull me tightly. I start to tremble and snuggle against them.

"Aww, Mija! It's going to be alright!" I hear Dad say.

"Shhh! Shhh! It's alright, Claire! You're going to find what you're looking for and will succeed. It's alright to be scared, but always remember to stay strong." Mom says in my ear, feeling her hand stroke my hair. "We'll miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too," I mumble. After a moment, we let go. Dad and Mom hug and kiss me on the forehead, saying, "I love you."

"Claire, what does the golden book say where to go?" Toby asks.

I open my backpack and the book. It forms a map and a yellow line underground. It's similar to the route we went on going to New Jersey. "Well, we need to go on the east coast of America."

"Oh, we know where to go!" Blinky says with excitement.

"Well, we better get going before the sun comes out," Archie says with concern, flying to look at the sky.

"Come on, guys! Let's go."

With that, everyone walks into the woods. I turn to my parents and Barbara before I enter the trees. I see the sadness on their faces. I glance down and bite my lip. I'm doing this. For me. For my family. For the trolls. For the world. Then, I feel Jim's fingers gently touch my hand. I turn around, and he smiles sweetly at me. I can see he says, "It's time to go." I smile back and grab his hand. We walk together into the woods and get to where we went to begin our journey to New Jersey, following the rest of our friends. I blow a huge sigh, feeling regretful, and tightly grip my shadow staff, but it goes away when Jim squeezes my hand. I turn to look at him and see his gentle and soothing face. I smile back, and we intertwine our fingers together.

"We will be with you, Claire."

Author Note: Ghostly shiver rings on Jim and Claire's left ring finger? Wink, wink, nudge, nudge! Hehehe! Ophelia and Javier are laughing at it. And three generations of witches. And only first borns. Huh? Sounds suspicious. So many new questions. I can't wait to take this journey with Claire and the Guardians of Arcadia. This is exciting. I hope you like this introduction to the start of the journey. Please review.