Hello people and welcome to my domain! So, I guess I really have some explaining to do, don't I? Okay, so I know that I said it would be a very very long time before I would be able to get around do doing this. I have been having issues with my book, and I am taking a huge break from it. I love writing, and I am not one to just stop, so I have to do something while I'm taking a break from my book. This whole story has been gnawing at the back of my mind, attempting to break free, and a few things pushed it out. One, is SkyChip bringing it up (I do not know why, but it gave me an immense urge to do this), and two is the frequent messages and reviews requesting this. Also, I want you guys to expect this to be better than War of the Myriapods. I have improved a great deal since then, and I intend to use that improvement to do my best. So if anything is lacking in any way, do not hesitate to notify me (or scold me if you want). So, enough of my endless babbling, and onto the story!
See you guys in a bit,
-Tytonic
Disclaimer: I do not own any of The Underland Chronicles, only the characters I make up and the plot itself.
ATTENTION: This will not affect the story SkyChip and I are doing in any way. Expect that story to come out some time soon.
Return of the Myriapods
Prologue
"Why are we even posted here?" questioned one guard. "What I mean to say is, it is neigh impossible for King Xano to be defeated, so why exactly are we guarding him?"
"How did you get posted here if you do not even know why we do this?" Inquired a second guard. "It is well known that without the slasher's ruler, King Xano, the slashers would attack Regalia. If that ever happened, our entire race would be destroyed. We are still recovering from the War of the Myriapods, after all. It is our duty to ensure King Xano's safety, even at the cost of our own lives."
The first guard sighed, "Yes, I understand. It is just that the possibility of King Xano being harmed in any way is slim at best. The slashers are very powerful; it would take the entire cutter population to so much as make it here, and then thousands more to defeat King Xano."
"It is true that King Xano is as safe as one could possibly be, but we must always be prepared for the worst. No army could reach and defeat King Xano as is, and any enemy in their right mind understands that. We are here to ensure that an assassin, or something of the likes, does not do what an army cannot." Answered the second guard.
Before the first guard could respond, and third, higher ranked guard walked over. "Get ready, ladies! The uncharted lands expedition team is returning, and they are going to report directly to King Xano. It is our duty to see that this meeting goes smoothly and without problem, understand?"
Both guards wasted no time in saluting their superior, and shouting out a clear "Yes sir!" Immediately after, both departed in opposite direction, heading for their assigned positions.
Even after fourteen years, human guards had only recently been positioned in slasher territory. At the end of the war, every human was overjoyed to hear that the slashers would no longer be a threat. However, despite the human-slasher alliance, few humans could bring themselves to relax, believing that the slashers were still a large threat. In order to resolve this issue, Gregor the overlander, warrior of prophecy and king of Regalia, utilized the people's trust in him, and made it known that the slashers would never attack Regalia again, due to their loyal nature; they could never defy Xano, and he was to be trusted. However much the people trusted their king, they could not bring themselves to trust Xano, and only after many years of fruitful trade and commerce could they bring themselves to tolerate, let alone trust, the slashers. The people had then demanded that the king and queen take action, and ensure that the alliance between slashers and humans would never be severed. That said, twenty-five elite guards were sent to protect Xano, even if it cost them their lives.
Despite the low population of Regalia (due to the war), morals had never been higher, as the humans began to enter a golden age. Large advances were made in technology, agriculture, and even medicine. The previous life expectancy or 30-40 years old doubled, allowing the humans to flourish. Even more, the king brought forth a myriad of overland concepts, improving the economic and political state of Regalia.
Along with this, multiple species joined together and formed expedition parties, whose purpose it was to explore the uncharted lands. Many great discoveries have been made and are continuing to be made each day.
A horn could be heard in the distance. This was the signal that the exploration team was returning. This particular team consisted of four humans, along with five slashers. As a result, the light that could now be seen approaching was caused by the fires humans required to see.
It was but a few minutes before the party reached the wall. The humans had constructed this wall, in an attempt to protect Xano. The party passed through the walls gate without issue, and quickly approached Xano's position. The fact that there were five humans and six slashers, rather than four humans and five slashers, did not go unnoticed, and every guards immediately tensed up and prepared for a possible battle. It was also apparent that the extra slasher was not normal, and seemed to be the same race as Xano; a Symphyla. Once the party reached Xano, an unsettling silence fell upon the room.
Xano was the first to break this silence. "What is the meaning of this?" Of course, this was spoken in English, due to the humans presence.
The Symphyla scuttled forward. "Xano, greeting. I do believe that it has been a rather long time, has it not?"
Nobody could read Xano's emotionless tone. "I am surprised that you are still alive, Kedvoc. After all, I did make sure to inflict a fatal wound upon you. Do tell me, how did you survive?" Every guard pulled their swords when they heard this; Kedvoc did not so much as flinch.
"That is none of your concern, dear friend; allow us to move off of such trivial matters. I know that you are aware of my intentions today, so I will be forthright with this." He paused for a moment, and the tension in the air thickened. "I request that you resign, and allow me to take rule over the slashers."
Xano did not seem the least bit surprised. "May I assume that if I decline, I will be killed?"
"You are correct, my friend. I am sure you are aware of the fifty humans surrounding you, who all have crossbows capable of piercing your shell and killing you with a single shot."
"Indeed I am. May I ask how you obtained such a force? I know that King Gregor surely did not send them." Xano asked.
The extra human stepped forward. "I am sure you remember me, old friend. If not, than allow me to re-introduce myself. My name is Lord Hayden. All fifty of these humans I have personally selected and convinced to join me, in my endeavor to ensure the safety of Regalia."
"I am aware that they are under the impression that they are helping Regalia. I cannot convince them otherwise, that much is apparent. Now, Kedvoc, I wish to take you up on the offer you have not yet made. You will allow me to survive if I hand over my authority."
Kedvoc made a scratchy noise, most likely laughing. "You know me all to well, my dear Xano. I know you well enough to tell that this is not a decision made out of fear for your life. You will scuttle over to Regalia, and warn the humans of this situation, and have them evacuate before I destroy the city, am I correct?"
When Xano gave no response, Kedvoc made another scratching sound. "Very well then, let us begin."
If you have not, READ THE TOP, it has important stuff in it.
So, I am sure none of you would have guessed that this would happen. For those of you who noticed that the humans who wanted to protect Regalia did not respond when Kedvoc said he would destroy it, I can explain. They are under the impression that he will only destroy enough to get to Gregor, and then kill him. They think that Gregor is destroying Regalia.
So, I want to let you guys know that next chapter will probably be a second prologue, of a different scene. Sorry I cant get right to the story, but it's necessary. So, as usual all feedback is encouraged and appreciated, so give me any and all ideas! See you guys later!
Question: How will Gregor Respond to what happened?
Until next time,
-Tytonic