Gregor and the Prophecy of Blood Customized

by FrostKing104

Don't skip this cause the number of chapters. Look at the word count. –Gregor, struggling with his duties as King, is bombarded with more problems. Between his bond catching a deadly plague, and many restless, worried nights Gregor does his best to hold the Underland together. – Installment 3 in the Customized Chronicles. Rated T for light cursing and violence. *AU*

2. The Plague —Part 1—

Gregor and the Prophecy of Warmbloods — AU

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Part 1

The Plague

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I Do Not And Have Not Ever, Owned The Rights To The Underland Chronicles. All Of Those Rights Go To Suzanne Collins.

Key — This is Gregor's thoughts.

Please enjoy!

First it was Ares. Then Howard, and Andromeda. Why? Why would this happen to them? Howard, destined to helping people, and vowed to saving anyone in peril. Andromeda, the bond to a great Soldier, and a great one herself. And Ares. Who sacrificed his freedom. Who saved

Gregor, and let his bond fall to his death to do what was right. Even though that pushed him out of the Fliers social circle. It caused him to be rejected by nearly everyone. And what had Gregor done? He had pushed him away, so that he could deal with his own problems. No. This

wasn't Gregor's fault. No feeling sorry for yourself. This was life's fault. Because life, Gregor decided, Wasn't fair. To anyone.

At this moment, Gregor was sitting outside Howard and Andromeda's room, watching them play chess. "Your Majesty?" Gregor slightly jumped, but kept his composure. "Yes, Claudius?" Asked The King. "Your family has arrived." Gregor nodded to the kneeled man. "Thank you.

You may rise." The well-built soldier stood, and hurried off. Gregor stood as-well, walking to the Highhall. Wait. Gregor stopped in his tracks. Why had Claudius said, 'Your family' he pondered. Wasn't only boots supposed to be here? Gregor shook his head and continued walking. I needn't worry so much. I'm sure Dad just came to check up on me.

"Gregor!" Gregor heard Boots' voice squeal as he entered the room. "Hey little girl!" Gregor said, picking her up into a hug. Gregor though, still couldn't bring himself to smile, remembering what had almost happened to her a year ago. "I haven't seen you in so long!" Boots giggled at the sight of his hair. "Why's your hair

blue!?" The little girl asked. "Well, that is one of the requirements of being a..." Gregor trailed off, as he suddenly couldn't find the will to talk. Behind Boots, on the flier... Icarus, was it? He wasn't sure, but at this moment, that didn't matter. Gregor was right when he had assumed that his father was here but... His mother?

No. She may be my biological mother, but she didn't raise me for most of my life. Grace. That is what he would call her. "Gregor?" The woman

asked in a weak voice. She seemed frozen in time, while Gregor maintained the emotionless look he had worked so long to perfect. As if someone melted the ice holding her in place, she moved. Grace ran forward, Throwing her arms around the King. While Grace sobbed with assumed joy on Gregor's shoulder, the victim to the hug stood still, arms to his side awkwardly. When Grace finally released him, he stepped back, keeping his head high. While this woman might look like

his mother, he needed to confirm his suspicions. "If I may ask," The woman's face fell at the lack of... anything in his voice. "Who are you?" He asked with caution, not wanting to offend her. He failed. Her mouth fell to a frown at his words. "Don't you remember Gregor?" She took a step closer, which caused Gregor to take a cautious one back. "It's me. I'm your Mom." Gregor shook his head, ghosting a hand over his eyes. Trying to ignore the situation, Gregor turned to Icarus.

"Thank you for transporting the Overlanders Icarus. Is there any thing you would like as thanks?" The bat merely stared off into space.

"Icarus?" Gregor asked again. Icarus' head snapped toward his voice, slightly surprised. "Oh! No, no your majesty, all I need is a good nights rest." Responded the bright orange bat. Gregor let a small smile show on his face. "Why do you not rest in Regalia? We can give you a room if you would like." Icarus shook his head. "No, no. I can

make the trip to the fliers land. Though I promise, if I feel worse, I will come here." Gregor nodded, knowing that the fliers didn't have as

good medicine as the Regalians, let alone the hands to make it.

"Follow me." Gregor said, avoiding his mothers gaze. "Are we gonna take a bath?" Boots asked him, taking his hand. His mother crossed her arms at how kind he was being with Boots. "Yes." He responded. "Why? We don't smell that bad." Grace said defensively. "The gnawers have a very acute sense of smell. If you would rather be eaten alive then be rid of your Overland smell, be my guest." Grace rolled her eyes at his

attitude, but got rid of her own. I guess my father has informed her about the Underland, otherwise she would most definitely have asked

what gnawers were. Either that, or she doesn't want to ask me. "Here we are. Grace, Boots through here. Father, through here." He saw

Grace's eyebrows lower at his use of her more formal name. "What about you Gregor? What are you going to do?" Grace asked him raising an eyebrow. "I have a meeting to attend." Gregor didn't like her using his casual name, but right now his mind was to busy to correct her. She merely nodded, going into the washroom.

"About that." Said Gregor's dad once they were alone. "Where is Luxa? And what's with the crown and blue hair?" Gregor sighed. Deciding he

could trust his father, he let his shoulders slump. "She... she's gone. We had to go to the labyrinth, and the Serpents attacked. We got split up and, to this day, we still do not know her location. So, as her... boyfriend," Mark smirked at this. "I took over as King. Now we have the plague, and Ares, Howard, Andromeda is sick... It is a lot. Not to mention figuring out negotiations with the Cutters. That is where I am going to now, actually" Gregor's father nodded. "So..." The

older man started, cracking a smile. "Should I call you King Gregor now?" Gregor chuckled, shaking his head. "No... no Gregor is suitable." Gregor's father nodded and walked into the washroom.

Gregor turned, and started moving his feet. Why is my moth- Grace here? Dang it! I should have asked my Father! Now to think of it, Father did kind of avoid the topic... Maybe when I next see him I will ask. "Ah! Your Majesty, welcome." Said a council member, bowing to him. "Thank you, Lancelot. Is there anyone here who has not been

informed of the current affair?" A few People raised there hands. "We are here today to think of ways to either negotiate with the Cutters,

or ways to defeat them, should the situation get out of hand. Are there any suggestions?" About half the people gathered in the room promptly raised there hands. "Yes Alucard?" Gregor asked, turning to the one of the tops in Regalia's army. "Thank you, King Gregor. I think, Should we choose to negotiate, we should give them the twelfth sector, farthest from Regalia, and closest to the fount." Another member, a tan Flier, scrunched his eyebrows. "So you are suggesting we sacrifice the fount!?" He shouted. Gregor shook his head. "You are forgetting, that the Cutters cannot swim. I think this would be a good idea. In this sector, they would be far from Regalia, Yet the fount would be inaccessible from the southern side." Praised Gregor. Alucard smirked in triumph.

Since FanFiction won't let me do a fancy looking line... this is whatyou get. Time skip

Finally! It was over! After 2 hours of arguing, mediating other arguments, and almost falling asleep twice, it was finally over! Gregor stood from his chair, addressing the council. "That will conclude this meeting, You may depart." Promptly, everyone left the room. All except for one person. "You requested my presence, your majesty?" Richard, a very muscular, kind looking man asked. "Yes, yes.

Come." Gregor replied, walking out of the room, Richard in tow. After about three minutes of walking, they arrived at the Blacksmith's

workshop. "Richard, from what I understand, people claim you are the best blacksmith in the city." Richard nodded. "If people claim it, I

cannot deny it. Plus, I would hope so, being the royal bladesmith" In front of them lay, on a table the shell of a Cutter. "This, as you can see, is the shell of a Cutter." Richard nodded, as Gregor drew his sword. Gregor slashed the strongest part, not at all surprised when it only made a slight scratch, and a horrible sound. "As you can see, our swords are not strong enough to even dent the strongest part of a Cutters shell. So, I propose we make a sword, and maybe armor, out of the shell itself." Richard's eyebrows shot up. "I... Well I suppose we haven't tried that yet... but what about trying to make peace with the Cutters?" Gregor shook his head. "This is merely for the possibility of that... not succeeding." Richard smiled, his eyes alight with the

possibility's of this new idea. "I would like two swords, a dagger, and bearings for a gnawer. One sword, and the dagger shall be jeweled. The sword, with red, orange, and yellow gems. The dagger with violet gems. How quick do you think you could get this done?" Richard smiled, his hands twitching as if he couldn't wait to work on his assignment. "Maybe... within three hours. Of course I have yet to work with this... material." Gregor smirked. "So there is a reason they call you the best." Said the boy, as he headed for the door. "Thank you for your presence, Your Majesty." Said Richard, Dipping into a deep bow.

Gregor walked from the room, pointing himself towards the chambers he had reserved for his family. Upon arriving, Gregor knocked on the stone outside of the curtain. "Come in!" He heard his father yell. Gregor walked into the room, and saw Vikus explaining... a lot to his

mother. "And, why does Gregor have a crown on?" She asked the old man, not yet noticing Gregor's arrival. "He is king." Vikus responded

calmly, as if it was no big deal. His mother though... "What!? Why is he the king?" Vikus smiled a sad smile, remembering his granddaughter. "Relations with the queen." Said Vikus. His mothers eyebrows scrunched

in confusion. "Relations? You don't mean like... romantically, do you?" Vikus nodded. "The previous ruler, Queen," Gregor could tell,

Vikus was struggling not to cry. "Luxa, was lost on a previous journey her and Gregor attended... she has yet to be found." Grace lowered her

head in respect. "What about his blue hair?" Gregor spoke up this time, causing his mother to jump. "The same reason. Now, Vikus, I think it's time to start the meeting." Vikus nodded. "Then let us go!" Said the old man, going back to his usual, happy self.

Gregor led the family to the arena, albeit slowly thanks his mother's endless questions. "May you quiet? You are disturbing the fliers."

Gregor knew it was rude to make up an excuse, but she was asking some questions he didn't want to answer. "Why didn't you come back?" Asked

the woman quietly. "This isn't the time, nor place. We have arrived." Said Gregor, luckily dodging the question. They approached the oval shaped arena with haste, Gregor in the front, and the rest in a square-like shape behind him. They

landed, being greeting by a few bows in Gregor's direction. Gregor quickly scanned his environment, placing the positions of each species

in his head. The king looked behind him and saw his mother looking at the creatures in horror. Ceasing the impulse to laugh, Gregor explained the status of each to her. Not the he cared that she knew, he just didn't want her to screw anything up. "The Gnawers, or rats, Are our enemies. We would much rather not bear their presence, but they are needed for the quest. You can though trust the big grey Gnawer, Ripred. The crawlers, or cockroaches, are not exactly our

best friends, but if Boots is here, they will come. The fliers, or bats, would give their lives for the humans, and reverse." His mother nodded, eyeing the Gnawers, who were occupied combing yellow powder out of there fur. "What's in there fur?" Gregor rolled his eyes. Did her questions ever end? "A... Flea powder of sorts." His mother nodded yet again, not heeding his attitude.

"Temp!" Boots scared Grace unintentionally upon noticing her best friend. "No Boots!" Grace commenced a run towards her joyful daughter

only to be restrained by Gregor. "No! The Crawlers would not be here if it were not for Boots. Temp saved her life on many occasions, and we need them for the quest! Do not mess it up!" Gregor commanded in a stern voice. Grace's eyes flared in anger. "Excuse me? You can't tell

what to do!" She complained, thinking she'd won the argument. "Actually, Since I am the ruler of Regalia, the city you are currently in, I can" Gregor shot back. Grace just folded her arms, walking off to chat with the bats. Gregor regally walked to the Crawlers; greeting them politely, and expertly hiding the anger that was possessing his voice mere moments ago. "I thank you for attending, Crawlers." Gregor addressed them in a monotone voice. the Crawlers bowed in respect. "For the Queen, I am sorry, for the Queen." Gregor sadly smiled. "Thank you." With that, Gregor retreated, heading in the direction of the Gnawers.

Where were the nibblers? Gregor had asked Ripred to notify them, hadn't he? "Ripred." Said the boy. "Oh! If it isn't my favorite king!

Have you been practicing your echolocation?" Gregor ignored the question — because he in fact hadn't — and asked his own. "Did you

notify the nibblers?" Ripred nodded. "Lapblood and Mange were supposed to get word to them." Said the rat turning to his follow Gnawers.

"Well, we didn't. Why should we?" Lapblood sneered. "Yeah! We took all that time driving them out of our lands, I'm not going to join forces with them." Ripred growled. "You had very specific orders!" Said the larger rat, scratching his fur with vigor. "Well," Mange responded,

"If you didn't notice, we don't take orders from you!" All three of the creatures poised into a crouch, but Ripred only said, "We'll finish this discussion later." Gregor nodded. "Well then," Gregor could see the surprise on Lapblood's and Mange's faces, when they saw that even after the fiasco a few seconds ago, Gregor's face and voice was blank. Completely emotionless. "If we shall not have the Nibbler's presence, we are only waiting on Doctor Neveeve." Gregor paused

looking toward the west entrance. "And here she is now."

Gregor walked to the Doctor, and helped her off her bat. Frankly, with how jumpy she'd been, he was afraid she would fall off. "Thank you, Gregor. Am I to speak now, or are we still waiting for the arrival of the Nibblers?" Gregor shook his head, giving the girl a small smile. "You shall speak now, there were some troubles in contacting the Nibblers." Gregor shot a look at the Gnawers, resulting in a shrug on Ripred's part, and a nod from Dr. Neveeve. After

everything that's happened, Gregor had spent a good amount of time with the doctor, talking about the plague, and had gotten to know her.

Since he was King, and she was the head researcher of the plague, she had to report any progress she'd made with the antidote, resulting in a loose friendship. The 16 year old, hoisted a large book off the back of her crimson Flier. She laid it on the moss, and knelt before it. The book was only a foot tall, but about 3 feet thick.

"I have been searching the records, in an attempt to identify a scourge like this in the past" Said Neveeve. "Two and a half centuries

ago, there was a plague much like 'The Curse of the Warmbloods.' Also one about eighty years ago." Ripred piped up, "Lovely, do any of these

happen to mention a cure?" Gregor sharpened his eyes. "Silence." He hissed. There was silence for a moment throughout the arena, for no

Regalian, besides Gregor, had ever spoke to the cunning rat in such a manner. What surprised everyone even more was when Ripred, albeit

snarling, shut up. Neveeve blinked a few times, before turning to a page depicting a star-like plant. "This plant. Starshade." Said the Doctor. "There exists only a single field of it." Lapblood scrunched her nose. "I've never seen it. Does it grow in the Overland?" Neveeve shook her head. "'In the cradle find the cure' The antidote is found in the place it first emerged." Ripred rolled his eyes tiredly. "Which is...?" The young girl hesitated. "The cure is found on the floor of

the valley in... The Vineyard of Eyes." Silence. Absolute silence. "Well," Said Lapblood. "We may as well slit our throats as enter the Vineyard." Queen Athena ruffled her wings. "Yet you had no trouble driving the Nibblers to it." Said the Queen. "The nibblers had the whole Underland to choose from." Retorted Mange. "Where? The Dead Land? The Fire Points?" Solovet chimed in. "You're one to talk Solovet, giving the current circumstances." Gregor sighed. While he was King, there was still stuff he could not control until he was eighteen. For instance, he couldn't control if Solovet chose to cut of the Gnawers main fishing river, practically starving them. "Please!"

Gregor interrupted, tired of the endless bickering. "Is there no other field of this?" Asked Vikus despairingly. "They attempted to transport it to the Regalian fields, but it died almost immediately. We have no choice but to harvest large quantities from the vineyard directly." Neveeve told the group. "You want us to enter the vineyard to find a cure, what guarantee do we have that we ever see it?" said Lapblood. "We gnawers starve now! At your hand! We figure out today that you have the powder to kill the fleas spreading the plague, but do you

send it?" "You attacked us." Solovet's steely voice responded. "Now you whimper at the consequences." Lapblood and mange crouched to

attack, while Solovet's hand flew to her sword. What was Gregor doing through all this? Standing there. Indifferent. Before they could

fight, Ripred stepped between them. "Tides turn Solovet," He said quietly. "Remember this moment when your own pups cry with hunger, and

the plague stills there hearts. Even now, your grandson lies behind glass in the hospital." "And what of my granddaughter, Luxa?" Solovet

replied. "Where lies she Ripred?" That. Those simple, hatred fueled words, cracked Gregor's patience. "Shut up!" He shouted, grabbing both

of there attention. "This is not the time to-!" Gregor didn't get to finish his sentence as the horns began to blow. They, the horns that

is, blew in the direction of the tunnels, away from Regalia. A dozen soldiers on Fliers appeared, heading briskly for the tunnels.

"What are they blowing that for? No rats are attacking." Queried Ripred. Gregor shook his head. "There must be some threat, or they

would not blow them." He replied. "But who would attack Regalia now?" Said Vikus. There question was answered when a bat came floppily

flying out of the tunnels. At another glance, he recognized it as the bat who had flew his family to Regalia. Icarus. He had started flying

to the fliers lands, with a mystery pestilence. Well, at this moment it was very clear to Gregor what that sickness was. The plague. His

tongue hung pale out of his mouth, and his wings beat erratically, taking him in twirls. "He has the plague." Gregor said quietly, resulting in only Ripred hearing him. "He has the plague!" He yelled louder for everyone to hear. Icarus twisted in the air, and lost control. Gregor winced from the scream his mother emitted next to him,

as it plummeted straight for them. Gregor instinctively sprinted out of vicinity of the crash, along with many other people, in fear. Luckily everyone had cleared the area when the bat hit the ground with force, snapping it's neck.

"Do not touch him!" Neveeve warned. Though it was unnecessary as everyone was scrambling away from the body. Only his mother, still

frozen in fear was close to the bat. "Grace!" Gregor shouted, running to pull her away. "Torch the body!" Solovet yelled. "No!" Gregor and

Ripred shouted in unison, but three torches had already fallen from the hands of soldiers. "Everyone, get out!" Gregor screamed. "Out!

Out!" Agreed Ripred, running away himself. The second the torches hit Icarus, black specks abandoned there host, and bounced in the

direction of the other living things. "Fleas!" Vikus yelled. "Get you gone!" Grabbing Boots, and his mothers arm Gregor hopped onto the

nearest bat, who happened to be Queen Athena. He knew it was impolite to ride the Queen without permission, but at this moment, Gregor couldn't care less. While the humans did something similar to Gregor, the Gnawers, and Crawlers ran for the tunnels. Luckily, all of the humans had now been picked up by a bat and were now airborne. "To the

royal box!" Gregor shouted, "No one enters the city!" Queen Athena obligingly dashed for the royal box.

As they landed on the section of seats, Dr. Neveeve made them spread out. "Put as much distance you can between one another." Gregor moved away from his mother, but kept Boots in his arms, afraid she'd run off. When Gregor's mom tried to follow them, Neveeve ushered her back. "No! Move into your own space!" The Doctor pulled out the underland equivalent of a perfume bottle, and, pointing the bottle at herself and closing her eyes, Squeezed the bulb. Puffs of flea powder covered her pretty face, her hair, and her body. Neveeve then moved rapidly around the box, spraying everyone with the powder. Within a matter of minutes, everyone had been covered in the stuff. "It is safe now to

gather." Said Neveeve. "Thank you Aleena." Gregor said, referring to her with her first name. "You are very welcome Gregor." She said, her cheeks turning a pale red. Everyone gathered near the center of the box. "Give orders to disinfect the entire field." Gregor told a guard. "Wait!" Gregor turned to the Doctor, "Will that be sufficient Aleena?" "They must also spay the tunnels that lead away from the arena. You must also have every guard down those tunnels recalled, and checked for bites." The young girl responded. "Do as she says." Gregor told the guard, who hurried away. "What of the Gnawers and Crawlers?" Gregor asked Aleena. "No flea could penetrate the coat of poison on

the Gnawers, nor could they the Crawlers shell. They are okay." Neveeve responded. "What of us, here in this room?" Vikus asked. "If any flea reached us, it is now dead. We must go back to Regalia and have our skin examined for bites as well."

Grace's eye twitched. "We are not... We are never returning to Regalia!" She shouted. "Please Grace. I know that-" Gregor started, only to be cut off by his mother. "We are going home! We came to you meeting, and that's all you said we had to do!" Gregor rose an eyebrow. "Who told you this?" Gregor asked. "That rat! With the scar

across his eye! Reprid... or Ripred... Whatever! All I know is that I am leaving!" She started walking away. But Gregor caught her hand. "Grace, I am afraid that I cannot allow Boots to..." Gregor stopped as he felt something. On the back of his mothers hand, there was a... bump. Turning her hand over unintentionally forcefully, he saw what he feared. A small red flea bite.

All movement in the room stopped. There was not a rustling of a robe or wing. "We need to go home." She whispered, her face pale white. "I

can not let you." Gregor said sadly. "Not now." "If the plague were unleashed in the Overland it could mean the annihilation of warmbloods

there as well." Solovet added. "We must place you in quarantine at once." Said Neveeve. Gregor laid his hand on his mothers shoulder. "I'm sorry Mom." He whispered, letting the guards help her mount Nike. "Nike," Said Gregor. "When you are finished, report to be inspected for bites." The Princess nodded, and flew off. "We must all be

inspected for bites immediately." Said Aleena. All of them mounted bats, Gregor mounting Vikus' bat, Euripedes. Within minutes, they were

standing naked, being inspected by at least seven teams of doctors. Gregor blushed when he caught Aleena eyeing him. Then she blushed when

she caught him eyeing her. God! What was his problem! I mean... Luxa was... dead. He would have to move on eventually. But what about that

sliver of hope that she'd escaped? What if she was alive? Then he would sure regret doing what he was doing. He sighed. He was to tired to contemplate this now. "You are all bite free." The head doctor announced, making everyone rush to get dressed, embarrassed eternally. "Thank you, Doctor." Gregor praised, before the doctor left the room.

"Gregor?" Aleena Asked. "Yes?" "I would like to speak with you in private." Gregor nodded, and lead her to the royal chambers. "What is

it you want, Aleena?" She smirked. "I saw you. Peeking at me."bGregor's face set ablaze. "Oh! I... I am deeply sorry, I shouldn't have-" Gregor was interrupted by Aleena's lips clashing with his.

After getting over his initial surprise, Gregor pulled away. "Aleena I-" Gregor froze when Aleena pulled at the bottom of his shirt.

"Aleena!" That got Gregor. "Aleena, we can't do this!" He yell/whispered, moving away. "Oh... I... but I thought." Gregor shooknhis head. "I'm sorry Aleena, but you thought wrong. I should never

have done what I did." Aleena nodded with a deep frown. "I hope... this did not ruin our friendship?" Gregor sighed. "I... just let me

think Aleena." Aleena darted for the door. "I am truly sorry Gregor." She said before rushing out.

"Why was she here?" Ripred asked, walking in seconds later, having seen Aleena leaving the room. "Misinterpreted signals I guess." Gregor

said, fixing his shirt, and flopping down on the couch. He was still shaken from the events moments earlier. It happened so quick, one

moment she was trying to sleep with him, the next she was apologizing and then... Ripred was here. A picture of confusion was painted on

Ripred's face, till the realization moments later. "oh...oooh." Gregor nodded. "You know Gregor... you are going to have to eventually... move on. You have to have a Queen to properly rule Regalia. The city needs an heir." Ripred said carefully. Instead of blowing up like usual — which was no doubt what Ripred expected — Gregor just sighed. "I know Ripred I just... What if she isn't dead? What then? What if I do, and then she pops up at the door?" Ripred sat next to Gregor,

choosing his next words. "I cannot tell you what to do in that instance, but just keep my words in mind." With that, Ripred stood, and after giving a long groan for his no-doubt aching joints, he left

the chambers.

Gregor mind drifted to his Mom, and her sickness. He knew, from a time he had visited Neveeve's lab, he could lose her... within two

weeks.

FLASHBACK

"So, How long do the plague patients have to live after obtaining the disease?" Gregor was in Dr. Neveeve's lab, where she researched the

plague."It varies. It seems that Fliers take longer to show symptoms, for instance, Ares is showing great resilience." Gregor frowned,

resulting in Dr. Neveeve frowning. "I am certain we will find a cure your majesty." Gregor nodded in thanks. "Thank you Doctor Neveeve. And

please, call me Gregor. I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time together." Neveeve smiled. "Then call me Aleena." She responded.

Gregor gave her a small smile, and turned, bumping into a glass container. Fortunately he caught it before it could go hurling toward

the ground. "Oh! I am so sorry!" But Aleena just laughed. "It is fine! Although we are lucky you caught it, it took me two weeks to replace

one that broke a little while ago!" Gregor chuckled, relieved.

END FLASHBACK

Maybe his father would- Wait, his father! Gregor hadn't seen his father in a while... when they went to the meeting, his father tried to tell him something but Gregor ignored him. "Sir Ronald!" Gregor called ton the head of the royal guard. "Yes, your majesty?" The guard kneeled in the doorway, awaiting his kings command. "Do you know the whereabouts of my father?" The guard thought for a second, before looking to the king. "Last I heard he was traveling back to the

Overland. Though I am certain someone has informed him of his wife's condition, so it is doubtful he proceeded in this action." Gregor

nodded, and waved his hand excusing the loyal guard. After a much needed bath, Gregor proceeded to call his most trusted guard once

again. "Call Richard, the royal blacksmith. And tell him to bring the blades. Also request Ripred's presence." The guard nodded, albeit

puzzled as to what 'the blades' were. Sighing, Gregor stood, and left to the dining hall. Figuring the pair would be at the royal chambers

within the hour, Gregor ate a dinner of mushrooms and greens, before heading back to his room. Ripred was walking down the hall as Gregor reached his room.

"You requested my presence your Majesty?" Ripred mocked. "Yes. We are just waiting for Richard." Responded Gregor, ignoring Ripred's

sarcasm. After a few minutes, Richard arrived, "Your Majesty." Richard bowed deeply, despite an eye roll from Ripred. "Did you bring what I

asked?" Richard nodded, handing Gregor four objects hidden in cloth. Ripred raised his eyebrows in curiosity. "You can go Richard, thank

you." The blacksmith bowed once more, before retreating from the room. "I don't suppose your going to show me what's in that cloth, are you?"

Ripred asked impatiently. Gregor smirked, and looked up in the rats direction. "Since we are going to the Vineyard of Eyes, I figured, why

not have something to up our chances at survival?" Gregor unwrapped the claw bearings, and was awed at their sight. They were crimson red, and very smooth. But most of all, sharp. Richard had also apparently added his own addition to them. At the end of each claw, smooth, almost perfectly aline with the rest of the claw, were sharpened rubies. Even Ripred had to take a second to admire there beauty. "What

the hell are those made out of!?" Gregor smirked. "Cutter shells." He responded, resulting in a nod from the rat. "Good idea. Well lets try

them on shall we?" Ripred reached his front paws up for Gregor to attach them to. They were almost the exact shape of his claws, but

only the top half of them, with straps on the bottom to clamp. Gregor then pulled out the tail bearing, which wasn't much different from the

claws, except it went all the way around his tail, and was made in...sectors so that he could bend his tail. After finishing up, Gregor had to say, they looked wicked! "And what's in those two?"

Asked Ripred, indicating the other two objects with his ruby colored tail. Gregor drew the cloth away from one and found his requested sword. It was the same crimson color, but had a dark red handle. In the center of the handle, there was a red gem, glistening in the torchlight. Other than than, there were many smaller orange and yellow

gems. "Well that's something, isn't it?" Said Ripred, mesmerized by it. "Yes Ripred, yes it is." Gregor, after replacing his current sword

with this newer, improved one, pulled out the dagger. The blade of the weapon was about 10 inches long, and with the handle, the dagger was

about 14 inches long. Its blade had been dyed a deep purple, to match the handle. On the handle was one, violet gem. A single tear fell from

Gregor's eye as he saw that it was exactly the color of... of Luxa's eyes. "I um... I've got places to be. I'll see you later." Ripred said quietly, moving toward the door. "You too Ripred." Said Gregor, snapping out of his trance.

As Gregor entered the council room, the creatures — other than the rats — greeted him with respect. There were Crawlers, Fliers, Gnawers, and Humans. After greeting everyone formally, Gregor got right down to business. "The journey to the Vineyard of eyes is most urgent, so let us get to the point. The proposed members of the quest are Me and my sister, as the princess is called for. Nike will be coming as our

flier, and as a backup incase we have misinterpreted which princess the prophecy refers to. Solovet and her bond, Ajax will complete the Humans and Fliers. Ripred, Mange, and Lapblood are to represent the Gnawers. Also since Sandwich specifically mentioned crawlers, Temp has valiantly offered his services."

"We don't really have to drag that crawler along with us, do we?" Said Mange. "I suppose we can always eat him if the supplies run low," Said Lapblood. There was laughter from the humans and Gnawers. Gregor hated how they always made fun of the Crawlers. "Or maybe we can eat

you?" The room silenced. "I've never had Gnawer before but, with the right sauce, who knows?" The only one laughing now was Ripred. "Well!

At least this trip won't be dull." He howled "At present, there is to be no trip. We have not yet been convinced that it is to our advantage." Hissed Lapblood. "The council has agreed to open the fishing grounds to the west." Vikus said. "That should provide plenty food." "And the yellow powder?" Asked Mange. "To kill the fleas?" Gregor sighed. He hadn't been to give them the powder before, but if it's concerning the quest... he might could... "The second we get the confirmation of your company on the quest, I will personally send enough powder cover the entire Gnawer species." Gregor piped up. The

rat's head snapped toward him with a smile. "You see Solovet, you should take a page or two out of this ones book." Said Lapblood. Solovet just crossed her arms. Gregor then pulled out the Underland map, and pulled out a stick to use as a pointer. He used the pointer to direct there attention to a location so deep into the jungle, it

was almost off the map. "That is where we believe the Vineyard lies." He told the group. "That jungle is more confusing than the Labyrinth." commented Mange, visibly confused. "How do you suppose we find the Vineyard?" Gregor was about to speak, but Nerissa beat him to it. "I have arranged for you, a guide." Said the girl in her delicate voice "You... have?" Asked Ripred. The rat looked to Gregor, but found he

was just as bewildered as the rest of the creatures. "When did you do this, Nerissa?" Vikus asked. "Quite a long time ago. Though I have

every confidence he will arrive there on time." Nerrisa responded. "I have seen him in a vision." Uh-oh. While Gregor had personally seen the wonders her visions could do... Others hadn't. That, plus the fact that her visions tended to be inaccurate on exactly what time they were going to occur, made people very doubtful of her... skill. That said, she was given very little respect when referring to her visions. The Regalians might refrain from telling her to her face, but the rats

didn't. "A vision?" Asked Lapblood, speaking in the manner you would to a child. "I thought I had a vision once, but it turned out to be some bad mushrooms. Have you had any mushrooms lately?" The rat asked. "Nerissa has no taste for mushrooms, and while her visions are sometimes incomplete, I have seen myself how accurate they sometime are." Gregor said firmly. Mange fell back laughing, while Ripred tried to calm them. Ripred new how protective Gregor was of the girls visions. Usually he wouldn't mind making fun of the girls visions but, he knew where this conversation was going. "And please tell us your Majesty a vision she's announced that has been correct?" Ripred sighed in defeat as Lapblood said this. Gregor stood from his seat at the

head of the table, and placed his hands on the table in front of him. "Nerrisa foretold the loss of Queen Luxa on the trip to the Labyrinth." Silence. While people may not be afraid of jesting at Nerrisa, they knew not to mess with Gregor when it came to the subject of the late Queen. Lapblood even lowered his head in respect. "To the Arch of Tantalus it is then..." Said the rat, wanting to change the subject.

TIME SKIP

The rats, who had to make the journey to the jungle on foot, had to leave immediately to make the rendezvous in eight hours — which was the time that Nerrisa had given them — It would take the bats much less time, so Gregor found himself with a few hours. Of course, the

first two was spent sitting with the council, and listening to there endless arguing. So, in the end, the King only had one hour to get supplied. First, Gregor wrote a quick note to his parents, instructing a messenger to deliver it once he had left. The note was very short, and just explained where he and Boots would be going. Then, he went to the Overland museum, and grabbed several flashlights and batteries. He also got a roll of duct tape, just incase they needed it. Duct tape

really seamed to fix everything. Gregor noticed how much space was left in his expensive looking travel pack, so he grabbed two 2-liter bottles of water. After sticking two packs of bubble gum in his pocket, and adding a few cans of Sprite to his collection, Gregor exited the Museum. Finding himself still having half an hour, he headed for the dining hall, just noticing how hungry he was. Gregor ate a big serving of shrimp in cream sauce with Mareth, before calling a servant. "Can you put the rest of this into a wineskin?" He asked, pointing at the shrimp and cream sauce. "Yes, Your Majesty." The young boy responded, albeit giving a weird look. Gregor smiled, figuring he could use it as a bargaining chip for Ripred later.

"Your Majesty?" Gregor turned around, greeted by Dulcet — quick fact, did you know that Suzanne Collins named the character 'Dulcet' off of the adjective dulcet, which means "Sweet and soothing" ? — with a smiley Boots. "Please Dulcet, call me Gregor." Dulcet blushed, and nodded. "Yes Your Maj- I mean, Gregor. Here is Boots for the journey, she has just been bathed." Gregor gave a small smile, and knelt down in front of the little girl. "Do you want to go on an adventure Boots?" Said Gregor, putting on an excited voice. "Yes, yes! Can we bring Luxa!?" Gregor's smile dropped, and Dulcet looked down. "No Boots, she's not coming with us." Boots frowned, but let the subject go. "Thank you Dulcet." Gregor said, facing his friend. "It was my pleasure Gregor." Dulcet leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "You take care, okay?" Gregor gave her a smile. "I'll try."

Dulcet nodded, walking past him and down the hall. Gregor grabbed Boots hand and lead her down the hall. Gregor let his mind drift to

different subjects, as his feet went into autopilot. "Gregor?" The teen looked down to his little sister. "Yes, Boots?" The girl took a

moment before speaking. "Why did you leave? I know you fell down here, but why didn't you come back?" For a second Gregor saw a much more

mature side to his eight year old sister. Maybe she just put on an innocent act, because that was how people expected her to act? I mean,

those years with so little money... Gregor wouldn't be surprised if that had made her realize the harshness of reality. "It's complicated

Boots... I just knew in the end, it would be better for the family if I stayed here." Boots nodded and looked back forward, indifferent.

Gregor urged his body to turn right as they approached the high hall, satisfied as it followed his command. "Gregor, we shall leave at your

request." Said Vikus. Gregor nodded, and mounted Nike, who was his ride for the trip. "Mount up!" Gregor commanded. Everyone promptly mounted there bats, supposedly ready for what lied ahead. Temp scurried up behind Gregor onto Nike, gripping her fur with all his

might. "Temp, you must trust Nike not to drop you." Gregor said, seeing his mount wince. The bug seemed to ease up a little. Soon they lifted off from the ground, saying what may be there last goodbye to there home. Since Boots had fallen asleep, Gregor figured he might as well get some rest as well. "Temp? If Boots wakes up while we are still flying, may you wake me?" Temp moved his oval-like head vertically. "If Princess wakes, Temp wake his Majesty; if Princess wake." Gregor thanked him with a small smile, and moved the wineskin under his head to use as a pillow. When was the last time he'd slept?

Gregor rubbed his face as he realized, for one, he couldn't remember, and for two, he didn't have the energy to try to. His home shrunk in

the distance as the bats flew more distant from his city than he would have ever wished.

When he woke, he was lying on surprisingly warm stone. A blanket was spread over him, though regarding the temperature, he'd rather it not

be. Without delay, Gregor noticed Boots, chattering away with Temp. He didn't understand how the cockroach stood it. Gregor, Smelling fish; sat up and craned his head around to identify his surroundings. Failing, he clicked on his flashlight and used it as a guide for his eyes. Now would be a good time to have the skill of echolocation. What Gregor first thought were the ever elusive trees, he deduced were vines, weaving into each other. The next thing he noticed were the stacks of bones around him, and the rest of the party. The Arch of Tantalus. A huge arch lay at the edge of the jungle, made up of perfectly balanced boulders. Taking this place in would give the hardest of soldiers shivers down there spine. Gregor stood up, unnoticed by the group. "This whole thing is crazy." Lapblood snarled. "We're just sitting here asking to get eaten, and for what? To humor some lunatic girl's fancy." "Nerissa is not a lunatic." Gregor spoke

up, making Lapblood jump. "Well, you have to credit her with some instability. Remember? she told Vikus I was plotting to take over the fount with an army of lobsters?" Ripred asked Gregor. "You did try to take over the fount with an army of lobsters." Said Vikus. "Yes, yes, but it was several years before Nerissa was ever born. The point is, she isn't always correct on the time of her vision. Who's to say this 'guide' didn't show up three days, or even three years ago?" Continued

Ripred. "They are right Vikus. We invite trouble stopping In this place," Said Solovet. "and how, in your mind, did Nerissa arrange this guide? She rarely sees a soul." Gregor rolled his eyes. They'd been arguing a lot lately. "Only a few more minutes. Then we shall depart."

"I throw up to sky!" Boots squealed. Gregor turned and saw her wing the ball into the mass of vines. Well, that is the last we'll see of that. Gregor thought. He caught it in the flashlight beam as it flew into the jungle. He was right, it did disappear, but not into the jungle. Gregor's mind recalled his most treasured memory related to this creature.

Flashback

"My favorite animal is a cow. What's Yours?" Gregor, in his squeaky five year old voice, asked his new best friend, Hamnet. "I do not knowof... 'Cows', but my favored animal is a hisser." Gregor's face twisted in overdramatic confusion. "What's a hisser?" Asked the boy. "I believe you would call it a... Lizard. They deserve much morecredit than they are given. Hissers are very smart. If they are frightened, there frills unfold, scaring there enemies. Like this." Hamnet put his hands around his neck and hissed at Gregor, resulting in a fit of giggles from Gregor. "Hissss" Gregor hissed back. The next morning when Gregor couldn't fins his friend, he asked Vikus. "Vikus, Vikus? Where's Hamnet?" Vikus turned his face toward Gregor with streaks from tears on his face. "Hamnet is... Not here right now." Vikus responded. "When will he be?" Asked Gregor. "Well... I doubt he is coming back Gregor. I am sorry." At the time Gregor didn't trulyunderstand the sadness of the situation at the time, but he learned eventually, Hamnet was dead.

End Flashback

Yes, it wasn't the vines which caused the disappearance, But the mouth of a Hisser.