AN: Thanks to the people who reviewed! Thanks to Sath99, Kizanna The Underlander, g, to lazy, and Kobob. I appreciate your reviews a lot!

Disclaimer: Last time I checked, I'm not Suzanne Collins and I don't own Gregor the Overlander or any of the other books.

Chapter Two: Return to the Underland

After driving for almost two days, we were back in New York City. Back to the traffic, the commotion, the huge crowds of people... and my friends. We were back where we belonged.

Since my mom and dad had to go look for jobs, she told Lizzie, Boots and I to go back to the Underland and ask them if it was okay to stay at the palace for a while. Now, we were almost to the rock.

"Gregor, will we see Temp again?" Asked Boots. She was finally speaking in complete sentences.

"I hope so, Boots. Do you want to see him?" I smiled at her.

"Yes!" She squealed.

"I hope Ripred is there," Lizzie cut in nervously. "I've missed him a lot."

"I'm sure everyone will be there," I told them.

When we got to the rock, I slid it aside, and hopped in. My sister followed me.

Walking down the dark staircase was a little creepy. I had to keep reminding myself that the war was over, and no one would attack me. Still, though, I was on my guard. I used my echolocation skills, which I hadn't forgotten how to do.

"It sure is dark in here," Lizzie said worriedly. She must be scared of an attack, too.

"Don't worry," I reassured her. "The war is over. No one will attack."

"Okay," she said trustingly.

After walking for about five more minutes, it started to get brighter. We must be getting closer to Regalia. And closer to Luxa. At that thought, my stomach did a little flip. I couldn't wait to see her!

As we walked into the city, I was blown away at how beautiful it was. I had forgotten what Regalia looked like.

It had gorgeous stone pathways, with patterns of stone. The huge, lovely buildings were filled with artistic animals and patterns. Torches lit the city, as usual, creating a soft glow around the entire place. A few creatures and humans roamed the streets, together in harmony. That was new.

This was the Underland I had loved and known, in it's best form.

"It's beautiful," Lizzie stated. Her mouth was open in shock. The last time she was here, she hadn't had much time to appreciate the city, what with the war going on.

"Oh, Gregor, it's pretty!" Boots exclaimed happily.

"Yeah, little girl, it is." I looked around in awe. "We have to keep moving, though. Let's go to the palace, and see all of our friends." The only thing that kept me from sitting here and staring at this magical place were the people here.

"Okay!" Boots agreed.

We kept walking, and finally, reached the palace. It was still smooth as stone. I assumed they hadn't carved it because, even if the rats had became the human's allies, the giant ants were still enemies. I remembered when we had fought them, and shuddered. I still had scars as a memory.

As I walked into the palace, I saw a few people around. I looked around for people that I knew, and saw someone. "Dulcet!" I said.

Dulcet whipped her head around. "Gregor! Boots! Lizzie! You returned! How fare you?" She asked us.

"We're good," I told her. "Where is everyone?"

"Various places. Some people are in the arena, some scattered around here, some are visiting other creatures. Who are you looking for?" Dulcet answered.

"Um, everyone. Do you know where Luxa, Temp and Ripred are?"

Dulcet nodded. "Temp is at the arena, Ripred is in the dining area, and Luxa is in her bedroom."

"Okay, thanks!" I told her.

"I want to see Temp!" Boots cried.

"And I want to see Ripred!" Lizzie said.

"Do you want me to take you to them?" Dulcet volunteered.

"Sure!" Lizzie and Boots said simultaneously.

"Okay. Gregor, do you know where Luxa's room is?" She asked me.

"Yeah." It was in the right wing of the palace, on the second floor.

Dulcet nodded again. "Come, Lizzie and Boots. I will show you the way." She gestured for them to follow her.

Lizzie and Boots bounced after her, and soon, they were out of sight.

Not being able to stand another minute without seeing Luxa, I sprinted up the staircase, and over to her room.

I knocked on the door.

"Come in," Luxa said lifelessly.

I opened the door, and walked into Luxa's bedroom.

"Gregor!" Luxa said in surprise.