Chapter 6

"Ah, Ripred! You have arrived at last!" Vikus greeted him.

"Yes, Yes, I'm here. Now what's all this talk of Aurora's family?" Ripred said, in his usual tone. His mite wounds had basically healed, and his back leg was out of it's cast. To make it simple, he looked ALOT better than when Gregor had last seen him.

"I am Aurora's sister, Hera." Hera stepped up to Ripred. She seemed a little uneasy, with a rat in the room, and she moved closer to Gregor, as if ready to protect him from Ripred if he chose to attack.

"Hello, Hera. Yes, you were Electra's daughter. Wonderful flier, she was. Pity she didn't make it. And don't worry, I'm a friend." replied Ripred, seeing her uneasiness.

"Yes, well..." said Hera, still a bit uneasy.

"Anyway, Ripred, we have just discovered more important matters than Aurora's family. Take a look at this." Vikus handed him the scroll. Ripred's tounge clicked as he read.

"Stop those who wish to devour. Hmm, who could that be?" he said.

"So? Do you believe it is a true prophecy?" asked Vikus.

"True? Yes, Sandwich wrote it, if that's what you mean. About it's nature, there are many things that need questioning, particularly the final stanza." replied Ripred. "So, what do you think about all this?" he turned to Gregor.

"Me? I'm just a little surprised there's even another prophecy!" said Gregor.

"Well, there is. And apparently, you have a rather large role in it!" said Ripred.

Gregor didn't reply. He supposed this prophecy would just be another chance for Ripred to whine about Sandwich. He really needed to talk to the rat, alone. He didn't know what to do about this prophecy. Ever since Ripred had told him that he didn't believe in them, Gregor was a little unsure himself. How would opening a door give life to the Underlanders? Who, besides the territorial cutters, would plan to attack them? Besides, wouldn't the cutters just stay where they belonged? They only attacked if something came near to them.

But Gregor could see that Ripred wasn't going to have any time to spare at the moment. Now that there was a new prophecy, he had to discuss things with everyone, including the gnawers. So, since Ripred wasn't an option, Gregor decided to go talk with Luxa.

Hera could see that Gregor was anxious to go. "Gregor, would you like me to take you elsewhere?" she asked. Gregor mounted Hera without a word. They flew out of the room, out of the wooden door, and back into the palace.

"I never got a chance to say this before, but I am truly sorry about Ares. I can only imagine how close you were. I hope I am a fair substitute, at least for the moment. I am nowhere near as strong of agile as he was, although. I will be there for you at anytime I can, since my sister has queen Luxa covered." said Hera.\

Gregor could see that Hera really cared, and he was glad of that. He still missed Ares, though. He was definately not ready for another commitment to another bat, it was still too soon. At least Hera would help ease the pain. "Thanks alot. Can we go to Luxa's room? It's in the third hallway, just there." Gregor pointed down the hallway to Luxa's quarters.

"Yes. I would like to talk to Aurora, as well." Hera flew into the eoom. Aurora had Luxa cradled in her arms. When they flew in, Aurora looked up. So did Luxa. Her eyes looked red and puffy. He guessed all those tears she had bottled up over the years had finally got to her, after reading the note from her mom.

"Oh, hello Gregor. Hello Hera." Luxa greeted them, without bothering to rise.

"Sorry, to burst in, but I really need to talk to you, Luxa!" said Gregor.

"And I as well, Aurora." agreed Hera.

"All right, well Gregor and I will go in here, you two may stay here." Luxa said to the fliers. She and Gregor went into one of the few bedrooms off of the main room. They each sat on a seperate bed, across from one another.

"What is it you have such need of telling me. Gregor?" asked Luxa.

Gregor told her all about the new prophecy. Her eyes widened as he told, and looked puzzled over the prophecies many secrets.

"Oh Gregor, what are we to do?" She buried her face in her hands. He moved over to her side and put his arms around her. "I am truly sorry, I had no clue of these happenings. If you wish to return home, I would not hold it against you." This was exactly what she had said when he was with her in the firelands. He doubted that she would, because he wouldn't. But even if he wanted to, he didn't think he would be able to. This latest prophecy had already dragged him in, and it hadn't been even a day yet!

"No, I already told Vikus I'm staying. Besides, I couldn't leave you." Gregor was surprised at how easy it was to say this to Luxa. He held her tighter, and she didn't pull away.

"That you, Gregor." Luxa turned her head. "I don't know what I would do if...you had...gone..." a single tear rolled down her face. As they moved closer, Gregor could feel the tingly sensation he had felt that time once before, in the museaum during the War of Time. Their kiss lasted longer this time, but before they pulled apart, a voice came from the doorway.

Am I interrupting anything?" It was Howard, with Hera, Aurora, Vikus, and Ripred. Aurora and Vikus looked amused, Howard a bit upset, and Hera positively surprised. Ripred was smirking knowingly. Gregor and Luxa pulled away quickly, trying to pretend nothing had happened.

"See, Vikus? I tried to tell you! Their crazy for eachother!" Ripred grinned. Vikus just nodded.

"Yes Ripred, I now see that you were right. Luxa, could this perhaps be why you were not concentrating on your responsibilities these past months?" asked Vikus.

"Umm...well...I..." Luxa stuttered.

Howard interrupted. "Yes, I know this is true. I have seen Luxa's expressions, and I know her." he said.

"Why don't we leave now?" Vikus led the party out of the room. Hera looked back at Gregor with a puzzled look, then followed.

"I am sorry, Gregor. I had not known they would walk in." said Luxa.

"No, it's not." Gregor replied.

"Okay, well why do we not go and examine this prophecy a little further?" she said, back to serious matters. Gregor agreed, but he knew Howard would be on top of him about this the next time he talked to him. He would probably get Luxa, too.

They were looking it over more carefully, trying to figure out its secrets, when Aurora fluttered in.

"Sorry to bother, but Overlander, you are being summoned from the high hall. Apparently there is a guest for you." she said.

Who would be a guest for Gregor?