Gregor and the Siege of Claws

Gnawers and Fliers and Spinners, Oh My!

                                                         Gregor POV:

We had never really left New York, especially after all of the begging Lizzie, Boots, and I had been doing.  Although, going back to the Underland was prohibited.  My parents even had to contact Mrs. Cormaci so that we didn't dive into the laundry.   I begged my parents to allow me to go there again, but they always say the same thing.  "It's too dangerous."

Today, however, I've decided that I'm going back.  I will be seeing them all after a year, Vikus, Mareth, Ripred, Luxa... Luxa.  Boy, do I miss her.  When I watched her leave to go back to the Underland after our last goodbye, it was like a part had left me.  I missed her more than anyone else.  

Then Ares appeared in my mind, and I felt my eyes turn glossy.  Remembering the death of my bond, I got flashbacks.  I remembered how I told him to get closer to the Bane, and the Bane ripped out his throat.  I winced and returned to my less... depressing thoughts.

Tonight, I would go to Central Park and return to the Underland.  Tonight, I would be back where I belong.

**Time skip**

I headed out the door of my family's apartment and headed down the block to central park.  When I got there, there was no one there.  Probably because it was the middle of the night, but still.  I hurriedly headed toward the rock that separated me from the Underland, and tugged it open with tremendous effort.  

When I moved the rock from above the opening, I saw two big eyes staring at me.  I jumped back, and almost screamed in shock, but the gnawer put its paw on my mouth and snarled with sarcasm dripping from its tongue, "Quiet, pup, unless you want the whole town to think your being attacked by a giant rat.  Which I'm SURE they'll believe."  I stood there, shocked.  "R-Ripred?" 

I could hardly believe it, of course the first thing I see if my long lost... friend?  You can never know what to call Ripred at this point.   "Yes, it's me, now celebrate after you get down here."  I rolled my eyes, same Ripred.  I crawled into the opening and moved the rock back over the entrance.  "You know, it's probably not the best time to come back, pup."  Ripred commented, somehow with no sarcasm.  

"Why?  Is there another war...?"  I asked, dreading the answer to come.  "No, not yet.  But there is another prophecy that may lead to one.   Even with the peace."  I was shocked, for the second time in probably fifteen minutes.  "Can I come to Regalia at least?"  I asked, hope obviously leaking from my voice.  

"I can try, Luxa will be happy to see you, but everyone else might just be tense, with the whole prophecy."  I nodded, understanding what Ripred was trying to say.  I mean, if there was a prophecy of some sort that was predicting a war, and the Overlander that has only ever been there for wars returned, I'd be a little tense as well.

We walked further into the cave, and I started to hear the rushing water of the Waterway.  My vision still hadn't adjusted to the darkness of the Underland, so I tried the echolocation that Ripred had taught me before I had left the Underland last time.  Sure enough, I still got it, and I could see a flier approaching us.  Memories with Ares flooding back as it did.  "Hello, Warrior, it is nice to see you again."  My eyes lit up at the voice, instantly recognizing it.  "How is it going being princess, Nike?"  I asked.  "Quite well, now let us go."  With that, Ripred and I hopped onto her back, and she took off.  I took in the surroundings, the jungle, the caves, the Waterway, everything I had been missing the past year.  

When Regalia came into view, I could feel my heart start racing.  I saw the Regalians as we passed overhead.  We landed in High Hall, and I saw Vikus, nose in a book, about fifteen feet from us.  "What book you got there Vikus?" I asked, grinning from ear to ear when he looked up.  "Gregor, my boy!" he marched as fast as he could to us, but I met him in the middle, not knowing the state he was in after his stroke last year.  We embraced and I realized how tall I had gotten, he used to be about a few inches shorter than me, now he was a foot or two.

He too seemed to realize this and boasted, "Well, time has treated you well I see.  I assume you would like to see Luxa?"  At this my eyes darted forward and looked at his hopefully.  "Very much, Vikus."  He smiled and gestured at me to follow him.  "She hasn't quite been herself since you left, Gregor.  She's been more... secluded." I frowned, not wanting to hear about how I had practically abandoned Luxa.  We entered what I had recognized as the royal chambers.  I saw some people up ahead, and immediately recognized them.  "Hazard, Mareth!"  I yelled, trying to get their attention.  

They turned towards me and smiled.  "Gregor!"  "Hey guys!  Mareth how's your leg, and Hazard, how's that translating going?"  Mareth answered, "It's good, definitely had some getting used to, but it's better than no leg.  Hazard has mastered almost every Underland language and is our official translator!"  He ruffled Hazard's hair and smiled proudly.  "Gregor, we should go now, but we can catch up with everyone at dinner." Vikus interrupted us.  I nodded my head and waved goodbye to Hazard and Mareth.  

We adventured further in the royal chambers and made our way to the chamber labeled 'Luxa'.  I gulped, and knocked on the door.  Vikus left, and it was just me, so I was quite nervous.  The door opened, and there in front of me, stood Luxa.

* *  Thank you for reading so far.  Little rough start. 😅 * *