Disclaimer: I own neither the Underland Chronicles, nor any miscellaneous tidbits or references I may use in this piece.

Any and all feedback is appreciated.

All proceeds go to no one, because there aren't any.

Part Two

The Pain

Chapter

6

He ran. He ran faster and longer than he thought possible. He ran from thirty miles inland all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Once his feet hit the rocky eastern shore, Gregor stopped.

He simply stared out at the massive body of water. The light of the moon framed the horizon in a way that didn't seem quite right, but also more beautiful than the sun could ever hope to.

The antidepressant had left his system ten miles ago, but he hadn't stopped. Why would he? There was nothing to stop for.

He stood there for what seemed like forever until he saw the lights of an approaching car. He turned to see his family's dinky car pull into a nearby flat area. They all got out. All four of them where here. Lizzie looked sullen and quieted. Boots was still somewhat confused, but I could tell she was starting to understand. Gregor's dad couldn't meet his son's eyes. His mother had tears streaming down her face.

The sight only reinforced his feeling of helplessness. He had caused his family to suffer. The one thing he had fought so hard against two years ago was something he was causing at this very moment.

Gregor turned his back to his family and stared out at the endless ocean. His family joined him, standing to either side, watching the tide roll lazily in and out. Not a word was spoken. Not even Boots had anything to say.

"I'm so sorry, Gregor," his mother said, voice wavering.

"Don't be," Gregor replied honestly. "I chose to take that stuff on my own."

"Yeah, but if I hadn't- "

Gregor wheeled around and grabbed his mother. She yelped, but was surprised to have Gregor pull her into a tight embrace.

"My turn," Gregor began. "I'm so sorry, Mom. Everyone." Tears stained his cheeks as he spoke, real tears this time. The war had ended with a stalemate, and all his emotions had returned, a bit more sensitive now.

The pain was back too, but it was nothing compared to the agony Gregor had seen in the faces of the ones he loved. When he ran, he had made a decision. He would fight through the pain, together with his family. No matter what.

The others joined the hug, creating a tight mass of warmth that lifted Gregor's spirits, if only a little.

He got into the car with his family, and they rode home in silence. Gregor was never leaving them like that again.

Luxa sat in the pitch black room, hands bound behind her back. She strained to see her captor, who was pacing the room. Unfortunately, the echolocation lessons provided by her bond Ripred where proving ineffective.

She would issue a saucy comment were it not for the leather gag in her mouth.

"I never know what to do in situations like this…" a thin, sinister voice said. "Torture seems inappropriate, but how else will I extricate the information I need?"

It was definitely female. Cold and calculating, with a hint of condescension. Luxa tried to recognize the voice; it was a tad familiar. It was too dissimilar, however, for her to make an accurate guess.

"Ah, well. I suppose there is no other option. Come on in, dear. I need your assistance."

A door somewhere behind me opened, releasing light into the tiny cell. The woman was smart enough to stay behind Luxa so as not to be seen.

Another voice joined the first, this one far more familiar.

"So, have we decided on a more persuasive interrogation?"

"We have," the first voice stated simply. "Light the torch, and reveal yourself to her."

A striking sound issued from a piece of flint the second voice carried. Luxa did not need to see the face of the witch before she knew who it was.

The second interrogator removed the gag and stepped into Luxa's line of sight.

"I knew it would be you, you slithering whore!" Luxa shouted.

"Now now, no need to be so rude," Stellovet said. "Is it not only natural that I should be Queen? Do not worry, cousin. I promise your death will be quick, but only if you tell us where you hid the Prophecy of the Sovereign."

"Not a chance." Luxa steeled her face. "What have you done with Howard? Have you killed him too?"

Stellovet rolled her eyes. "Of course not. What good would that do me? He has no idea how far my web stretches. Besides, even if he tried to stop me, he would never succeed." She held the torch dangerously close to Luxa. "Now, I'll ask you again: where is the Prophecy of the Sovereign?"

Luxa spat directly into Stellovet's left eye. She squeaked in surprise and stepped back. Luxa laughed hysterically.

"Oh, you arrogant-"

"Stellovet," the first voice placated. "That's enough. Let me speak to her."

Stellovet stepped back, peering fearfully at the figure who still stood concealed behind Luxa.

"When the rats attacked the palace, the wooden door to the prophecy room was damaged. In all the commotion, no one bothered to so much as repair the door, much less check it for hidden prophecies. As it turns out, though, perhaps the most important prophecy of them all lay hidden in the wood. One would think that a great seer might leave such a revelation out in the open. Nonetheless, it is rumored to detail the exact duties of the king or queen of Regalia, and also the bloodlines that are required to lead. Rumored, because once the queen saw the prophecy, she sealed it away and never spoke of it again. What was so earth-shattering that the most open queen in a hundred years would conceal one of Sandwich's prophecies? Perhaps an inconvenient foretelling of the coming change in leadership? Either way, only you stand between us and rulership of Regalia. All we need it the Prophecy. And we will get it from you one way or another. After all, I know all of your weaknesses, my queen. Or should I say, my granddaughter?"

Solovet stepped into the firelight, revealing a hideously scarred face and empty eye socket. Her voice became that same false sweetness that had wormed its way into Luxa's mind for twelve years.

"Hello my dearest. How have you been?"

So, to apologize for the stupid amount of time I neglected this, I wrote TWO chapters!

Don't you feel special?

I also hope you don't might my perspective switching. I need to tell a parallel story here. More to come! Eventually! Maybe…