Well hello all, wonderful to see you again. I just wanted to thank everyone who read Runaway and reviewed, all the kind words made me so happy. Now we start part 2: Refugee. I got the idea from the motion Gregor is an immigrant of sorts to the Underland and now that he's arrived and sort of set up camp, he could be considered a refugee. I'll see if I can't keep this kind of theme through the series.

For anyone new, please read Runaway before you continue or you'll be fairly confused!

Just a quick disclaimer: I do not own The Underland Chronicles, the characters and general plot belong to Suzanne Collins, I am merely tangling the existing ideas into something interesting to read :)

I'd like to keep my theme of a motivational quote for every chapter and of course I invite submissions.

"Everything you can imagine is real." Pablo Picasso.

I sat on the edge of a formation of dark black rocks, one of my feet dangled off the side and the other rested in the warm water. It flowed from somewhere higher, falling to my ledge in a soft waterfall before falling much further into the large pool below.

Serenity showed me this branch off of the main waterway that ran through Regalia a few weeks ago, the large pool collected from the waterfall in an area about the size of half a football field before spilling over into a faster moving section of the rapids. I was only about ten feet above the pool from where I sat, but I still pushed my back against the rock to avoid looking straight down.

I held a piece of parchment with neat words written across it, the poem had been a plague for me since my dad and Boots went back to the Overland. Nerissa was nice enough to make me a copy so I could study it away from the Prophecy Room, but I was regretting the decision to accept it.

A set of warm hands settled on my bare shoulders before moving down to wrap around my neck. "Reading the Prophecy of Bane again?" She asked, her voice soft as her mouth was right next to my ear, but I could still detect the playful annoyance.

I chuckled, rolling up the parchment. Serenity understood that the prophecy was important, and Sandwich was cryptic as ever with this one, but I had been kinda glued to it. I'm sure she was getting tired of falling second to a piece of paper. "Yeah, but more because I'm worried about bringing Boots back down here; she's only eight years old, this isn't the environment I want her to be in."

I unrolled the scroll and pointed to the last stanza. "Die the baby, die his heart, die his most essential part. Die the piece that rules the hour. Gnawers have their key to power. Sandwich may be hard to understand sometimes, but that's pretty obvious; if my sister dies, I don't think I'd be able to recover from that, especially because it would be all my fault for bringing her back."

The baker's daughter reached around me to take the parchment from my hands and I made no attempt to stop her as she put the prophecy back in my messenger bag. "Will you be alone on this quest?"

I sighed. "No."

"Ares will be with you?"

"Yes."

"Luxa and Aurora?"

"Yeah."

"Ripred?"

I couldn't keep a small snort. "Alright, I get it, I won't be the only one there to look out for her, but I've never had to worry about anyone other than myself, and I'm just scared I'll get so wrapped up in my own battle that when I finally remember to check on her…" I swallowed and lowered my head. "It'll already be too late."

Serenity took my hand and forced me to stand, facing her, which I was glad for, looking towards the edge and seeing the landscape, even for a second, started to make me dizzy. In this position, her chin reached my shoulder, a nice change from the more dramatic height differences like Luxa or Dulcet. Her tender yet electrifying violet eyes stared back at me, accompanied by a small smile that gave her a 'you are so stupid for worrying but I care about you and understand' look I've been getting from her increasingly often lately.

She wrapped her arms around my neck again, her slightly wet skin was cool against mine, and placed a small peck on my lips. "I know you will protect her, but you do not have to shoulder this burden alone; Ares is your bond, he will help Boots just as he will you, and the same for Luxa and Aurora. Now, please, come swim with me?"

I laughed at her pout, she'd been hackling at me for the last twenty minutes from the pool below to join her. "Alright, alright. Race you." Breaking loose from her hold, I took two steps and leaped off the edge with my eyes squeezed shut, not opening them until I was five feet underwater.

Part of the reason Serenity brought me to this swimming hole was the height of the edge, it was almost ten feet from the water which was around twenty feet deep. It took me a half dozen chicken outs to finally stumble off of it with her encouraging words, and since then, I was able to cannonball off without too much issue.

A plop off to my side indicated she had jumped in as well and I opened my eyes, the clean water didn't sting them at all. I swam to where Serenity was treading at the surface. I made sure to stay deep enough so she wouldn't see me approach and pushed off the bottom behind her.

I broke the surface with a splash and wrapped my arms around her, laughing at the cute squeak of surprise she gave. Leaning back, I swam us to the side where a natural ledge under the water was shallow enough for me to stand with my shoulders out of the water. Serenity recovered from the sneak attack and rested her hands on my shoulders for support, still giggling lightly. The water just deep enough that she couldn't touch, but I didn't mind holding her up.

I wrapped my arms around her waist, boosting her so we were face to face. "Hi."

She laughed at me, only fueled when I shook my hair free of water, shifting her arms around my neck much like when we were up on the edge and ran her hands through my long locks. "It is getting quite long."

I nodded, I had been able to see the strands over my eyebrows for a while. "Yeah, I was going to cut it, but it's hard to do without hurting myself."

"Come to the bakery tomorrow and I shall take care of it." Serenity lightly pulled on the ends to emphasis the point.

I shook obediently. "Yes ma'am." Before she got a chance to say anything, Ares fluttered down next to us. "Hey, man, what's up?"

The bat didn't originally know what the phrase meant, because obviously he wasn't a man, but through the last month and a half he had just accepted it as a greeting. "Mareth requests you be on time to training today." He joked and I laughed. The military trainer had come to me a week after the quest, telling me it would be best for me to learn to fight for the next prophecy and be better prepared, but I was usually late.

Part of it was because all we had done so far was run laps in the arena, and it wasn't any more fun down here than running from the police in the Overland, but most the time like now, I was with Serenity.

Ever since we kissed almost two months ago, we've spent about every other day together. She had such a bubbly, happy personality and her laughter was just as infectious as her smile; her perfect teeth stood out against the faded red of her lips as the only thing paler than her skin. Whenever I left her for training or the bakery for the night, I couldn't wipe the grin off my face as the sight of her gleeful expression was still clear in my mind.

I opened up to her about living on my own, more than I ever expected myself to, but I never imagined I would meet someone that I so trusted. She listened to my stories, often fighting off tears as most of them were less than pleasant, but she never judged. It didn't matter what it was, either demeaning like dumpster diving for food outside a chinese restaurant, or horrific like digging a bullet out of my thigh with half a pair of scissors while hiding behind a trashcan.

I never tried to spite Mareth by being late, it just happened because I lost track of time while I was with her, which is why Ares had started to track me down to make sure I got there. The soldier would simply roll his eyes at me when I would arrive behind schedule and make me run a few extra laps, but I still felt bad about it, so I appreciated my bond's efforts.

"Okay, I guess I have to get going." I turned to Serenity who somewhat reluctantly nodded, sending me a smile. "If Mareth doesn't make me run extra laps, I'll try to stop by the bakery before I go back to the palace, otherwise I'll see you after the game?"

She nodded, a true smile forming over the disappointed one. "Good luck, you and Ares have done well."

I grinned as I pulled myself out of the water, accepting the towel the black flyer tossed at me. "I had the best teacher in the game," I laughed with the bat. Two days after Luxa announced I was staying in Regalia, the citizens offered me a position in the flyer tournaments, and with Ares's help, I had learned the game quickly. We spent hours together, learning how to fly and track the ball while moving; that was probably the hardest parts for me to get use to. If anything, flying through the tunnels outside of Regalia left a lot of time for the bat and I to get to know each other.

As I was toweling off, Serenity's bond Aphrodite landed next to Ares with a fresh set of clothes for her. To swim, Serenity just wore what I assumed was the Underland version of a bikini, which wasn't any different than the underclothes she wore everyday; I wasn't sure if that was a normal thing, but Mareth told me that men simply wore boxers so I didn't think much about it.

She slipped on the shirt and shorts, waiting to change out of the wet undergarments in private, just as I finished swapping my boxers for a dry pair behind Ares's wings; if I was going to run for miles, the last thing I wanted was to do it in wet underwear. I hugged her and gave her a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you later." She nodded, waving me off with a fond smile from her bond's side.

I met Aphrodite the second time I stopped by the bakery; she was a rich chocolate brown with faded red accents over one eye, in the middle of both wings, and down her legs. It was cool because all the splotches all vaguely resembled hearts; if I tilted my head and squinted, but it was there. Like Ares, she didn't speak much, and when she did it was so soft to the point I often had to ask her to repeat herself; Serenity never seemed to have an issue with it, but she said they've been together since Aphrodite was abandoned by her parents when she was only a few years old.

Serenity told me that Aphrodite didn't speak at all when they first met, not even to other bats, and that's why she thinks her parents rejected her, but a young Serenity taught her to speak as she learned to herself. It was a touching story that clearly showed where the compassion and empathy she often gave to me originated.

I slid off Ares when we touched down in the Arena, my feet rebounding on the soft moss field. "Gregor!" Mareth appeared, clapping a hand against my shoulder in greetings; I got a lot of practice hiding the wince of the daily smack. "You are on time today, wonderful. I have a surprise for you!"

"Let me guess, running?" I droned sarcastically.

Mareth ignored my comment and directed me towards a rack of swords, pulling a bag from behind it to produce the beautiful blade my father had given me in the Dead Lands. It looked just as good as before, someone had cleaned the blood off and maybe even polished it. The soldier laid the blade against the back of one wrist and loosely held the hilt in the other, offering it to me. I swallowed hard and redirected my gaze. "I don't think that's a good idea."

His eyebrows lit up. "I believe you have earned it, Gregor. We have worked on your endurance and now you can learn simple moves with your father's sword. He clearly wished for you to wield it. We may work slow if you are unsure."

I took the handle from him, testing the weight and feel; it was nearly perfect, like he somehow knew how I would hold and swing it. Mareth handed me a black leather sheath and I busied myself with attaching it to my waist and experimentally slipping the sword into it.

"Hold on to it," Mareth encouraged, breaking me out of a frozen moment of staring at the weapon in its home. "We will try simple moves tomorrow."

I blinked. "We're done? Already?"

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "I know it is hard to understand what your father has done, but this sword is clear evidence he thought of you every day, and loved you dearly. Take it, but please be on time tomorrow."

I laughed and hugged him. "Thank you, Mareth, this means more to me than I even know." He chuckled, waving me onto Ares, and I asked my bond to take me to the palace. I dropped the blade off in my room and Ares brought me to the museum where I found a pair of scissors that looked like they were made for hair. He dropped me off at the bakery and I said goodbye to him before heading in.

"Serenity?" I called when no one was up front and she popped her head in a moment later.

She flashed her amazing smile at me and emerged from the back room where the raw ingredients were stored. "Gregor! How are you back so soon?"

"Mareth let me out early after he gave me my dad's sword." Her eyes softened at the sensitive topic but I didn't let it bring me down. "So, I dropped by the Museum and got these for that haircut."

Serenity laughed with joy and took the scissors from me, directing me to sit at one of the stone chairs before disappearing into the back again. She reappeared with a small, double sided dagger and a towel. "You're just cutting my hair, right?"

She rolled her eyes and turned my head forward. "Did you have a request for the length?"

I took a moment before an idea struck me. "I was thinking like super short up to here," I moved my hands from the base of my hairline to just below the tips of my ears. "Then progressively longer, and maybe leave a good amount on the top, you know?"

Serenity ran a hand through my hair as if she was imagining it. "I believe I understand, are you ready? I will almost miss the mop."

I laughed. "I won't." I couldn't see her reaction but a moment later she tilted my head forward and started snipping at the base of my neck. I sat in silence, allowing her to move me around as she deemed necessary, trying not to twitch when she used the knife on my neck. About ten minutes later, she set her tools down and used the towel to clean me off.

"Well, the moment of truth." I stood and walked to the mirror hanging on the wall next to the counter and smiled. My neck was smooth, bare of hair up to the tip of my ears. There, short hair began, and got longer towards the top of my head where it was still several inches; long enough to run my fingers through. I turned back to her and scooped her up, spinning us while she giggled and held my shoulders for support.

"Is it safe to believe that you approve?" She asked as I set her down, her eyes reflecting the torch's glow and her own delight.

I leaned down and caught her lips, answering the question to leave little doubt. When we broke apart, I gave her my own grin. "It's exactly what I wanted, thank you."

Ares fluttered in front of the door and caught our attention. "Gregor, Vikus calls you to attend dinner, he wishes to talk about the prophecy."

I wanted to scream. I was finally beginning to forget about the prophecy and now it could be starting? Serenity must have picked up on my frustration because she ran a hand over my neck and pulled me into a hug. "I will speak to you at the tournament."

I nodded, accepting her offer to vent later and pecked her cheek goodbye. "Did he say anything about what he was going to say?" I asked the black bat when we were in air.

Ares shook his head. "Only that it is important." I sighed and remained quiet for the rest of the trip.

Vikus, Solovet, and their bonds met me in High Hall. I returned the old man's greeting, gripping his forearm for an extra second to tell myself to relax. "Is Luxa coming?" I asked, noticing that the princess hadn't appeared when the food arrived.

"She has lessons." Solovet answered and I nodded, taking another bite of my food. The conversation was extinguished and if Vikus didn't bring the prophecy up, I sure as hell wasn't going to.

"Gregor," The old man started, taking a sip of his goblet. "How has training with Mareth gone?"

I had a sudden flashback of dinner with my own family when my mom would ask me how my day went at school. "He gave me my dad's sword and said we'd start some basic moves tomorrow, but before now we've just been running laps in the arena."

He nodded, taking his time for another bite before continuing. "We have received word the Gnawers wish to target your sister to prevent your intervention in their plans." My stomach dropped and I had to force my dinner from making a comeback. "The Crawlers agree we need to bring Boots back to Regalia to protect her. I have sent word to your father."

The news wasn't as bad with the idea of Boots being safe in the city, but I was still apprehensive. "Mail takes days to get to Virginia from New York...will she be ok for that long?"

Vikus nodded. "I sent a scroll to your Mrs. Cormaci several days ago. She left a note today saying your father had... 'called' her. He will send word again when he negotiates travel."

I slouched down in my chair, relieved. My dad just had to justify bringing Boots up to New York and she'd be ok. I still wasn't so sure my mom would even let them out of her sight so soon, but I had to trust my dad would do everything he could. "Ok, I hope we hear from him soon. I'm going to turn in for the night."

They wished me goodnight and I walked back to the royal chambers with Ares. I had gotten pretty good at maneuvering the palace without much issue and easily made it there within a few minutes.

When I walked through the thick curtain, Luxa was sitting at the central couch, reading a leather bound book. She glanced up at my entrance and did a double take. "Gregor," She called, closing her book and standing but hesitated at the back of the couch, not climbing the two steps from the lowered section of the room to be level with me. "You trimmed your hair."

I ran a hand over the back of my neck and up through my hair. "Yeah, figured it was getting pretty long so…" I trailed off, it had been a little awkward since she denied my affections after the quest, but with her busy schedule and my training, plus hanging out with Serenity, we had barely seen each other. It was pretty rare we were both here at the same time, and I don't remember the last time we had eaten together.

She tilted her head and walked up the few steps to be even with me. "Who cut it?"

"Um, a friend." I looked down at my feet. "Uh, you might know her; her dad was a baker in the kitchen. Her name is Serenity."

Luxa's expression softened. "Serenity. That is a name I have not thought about in many years. We were very close. Is she the one who gave you that?" My head snapped up in confusion and she pointed solemnly at my neck.

I tilted my head at the mirror behind me and saw the faded red spot along my hairline; my old hair was long enough to hide it but with nothing there, it was on full view. "Yeah." I mumbled, I wasn't embarrassed that Serenity had given it to me, but more that it obviously hurt Luxa's feelings; it probably had a lot to do with Serenity being her friend.

She nodded, remaining stoic. "It would be wonderful to see her again, perhaps you could bring her to dinner."

I almost couldn't breathe with how heavy the conversation felt, even though we were both being pleasant. Luxa's voice was low and defeated, mine tight and uncomfortable; it was like we had never met and weren't sure how to talk to each other. It saddened me because I thought we really connected in the tunnels during the quest, even though we weren't romantically involved, I opened up to her and I thought that trust would carry over. "Sure, I bet she'd love that. Well, goodnight."

"Goodnight, Gregor."

I walked through my room's curtain and let out a deep breath. I changed my clothes and sat on the bed next to my dad's sword. I ran my hand over the slick, black leather sheath and sighed. I wasn't happy about bringing my sister back into the danger of the Underland, but at least now I could properly protect her. Setting the sword against the bedside table, I wiggled under the sheets to get some sleep before official training started tomorrow.

There it is, the first chapter of Refugee! Kind of a filler first for the transition between prophecies but what can you do. I hope you enjoyed it! More is to come! It would mean so much to me if you left a review and let me know how I did.

Yours,
Artemis.