Hello guys, and welcome back! First things first. Yeas! 1,000 view on this story! And also, we just hit 40,000 on War of the Myriapods! Thank you very much guys! I would have never imagined that my writing would get this popular, but it has! Again, thank you!
So, I have been having some trouble writing my book, as some of you may know. However, I have just made a break through! Lat night I got into "that" type of mood, and sat down at my computer. I officially have ¾ of the book outlined and set. Before, I only had the first few chapters down, and I kept changing other stuff. This new stuff though is good, and I'm going to stick with it!
Unfortunately, nobody even tried to guess the question last chapter, so there is no winner today. C'mon, we can do better than that!
So, I'll see you guys after the chapter!
See you guys soon,
-Tytonic
Disclaimer: I do not own The Underland Chronicles, nor do I claim to. I do, however, hold rights over the characters and plot I create.
Gregor and the War of Severance
Chapter 6: It Will Destroy Her
He could feel her tears on his shoulder, but did not mind. She had been thrown off of her throne, and watched half of her people get slaughtered in front of her very eyes. She had the right to cry. Sometimes, crying was good for you.
"Luxa. . . I'm back." He whispered into her ear.
Her arms tightened around him in response.
-O-
Gregor's breath was taken away as he gazed upon the Fount. With the glowing river flowing beside it, and the vast crop fields surrounding it, it was very beautiful. Parts of the river also flowed into the city, breaking it into sections.
It's not as big as Regalia, or as grand, but it's beautiful in it's own way.
Gregor was still slightly shaken from the battle. While he was completely unharmed, he was now plagued with the guilt that came from killing another human. Of course, if it had not been for him, the Fount would have lost the battle, and too many of their soldiers to continue the war. This did little to ease his guilt.
On another hand, Gregor was worried about Lillie and Gage. Ever since the battle, they both seemed a little. . . hollow. Gregor understood that it was too much to take in, but it wasn't only that. The had seen him kill, watching him slaughter other humans as if he were used to it. He just hoped that they understood.
And, of course, he dreaded talking to them again. Not only would he have difficulty facing them after what they had seen, but he was not keen on explaining everything to them. It could ruin their friendship.
And then there was Luxa. During the battle, he did not have time to actually think about how he was finally seeing her again. It was too dire of a situation. But now, after the battle, he had too much time. The Fount was a few hour flight away from Regalia, and the battle had taken place fairly close by.
The first thought that came to him was of how beautiful she had become. While she seemed like a fragile girl, there was still the sense of power and command that came from her presence. She was, n no way fragile.
Over the four years they had been separated, his love for her had only grown. Having been through so much together, they had become bound by trauma, and in turn, fallen in love. It was because of this special connection that their separation had felt so painful, yet loving. They say that ones love for another only grows stronger with distance.
Gregor came back to his senses when Atlas began to speak. "Gregor. . . I see that your relationship with Luxa is of romantic nature?"
Gregor was surprised that Atlas would ask such a thing. He did not seem like the type of person to stick his nose (snout?) into other peoples business. "Well. . . Yes. We do love each other."
"It will only bring you and Luxa trouble. However. . . it, it makes her happy. She has been void of happiness since the war began. While, from a political view, I would advise against your relationship, I believe that it is good. Luxa needs it."
Something occurred to Gregor. "Oh, well thanks, I guess. Atlas, I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Yes?" The bat replied.
"Why do you call Luxa by her names, rather than her title?" Gregor asked.
"It is because we are close. From my day of birth, I have been with her. She is, after all, my mother's bond." Atlas exclaimed.
"Wait, slow down. So Aurora is your mom? Then who's your dad?" Gregor asked, noting the golden lines running along Atlas's body.
"Indeed., she is my mother. My father is. . . deceased. You knew him far better than I did Gregor. He was the flier who sacrificed himself so that the underland may descend into peace. My father was Ares, the legendary bond of the warrior."
Gregor was left speechless. Unconsciously, he wrapped his hand around Ares's claw. He did not feel the tears sliding down his cheeks.
"If I may ask a favor of you. . . could you please tell me of my father?" Atlas asked politely.
Gregor choked down a few sobs before answering. "Atlas. . . your father. . . he was a great flier. The best I knew, in fact. He was very nice, even if he did not always show it. He would not let things get him down, either. After I left for the first time, he secluded himself. But when I got back, he was okay. He hadn't allowed it to affect him, nor had he allowed the other fliers hate to affect him."
Gregor paused for a moment to wipe his tears away. "He was strong, very strong. He fought off the plague like it was nothing, and even in death, he did not give up. He *sob* was great, Atlas. He was the best bond a person could have."
It was then that Gregor gave into his tears. Allowing them to flow, he wept silently. He missed Ares greatly, and his death had greatly affected him. For an entire year, he had been terrified of heights, knowing that there would be nobody to catch him, should he fall.
Atlas was silent for a few moments. "Thank you, Gregor. I know that must have been difficult for you."
Gregor wipe his tears away again, and forced himself to calm down a little. "No, it's fine, Atlas. You. . . You deserved to know. He was your father, after all."
Gregor focused on calming down after that. It would be rude if he showed up at the Fount in tears.
By the time Gregor had calmed down enough to become presentable, he could see the Fount's palace. While it was smaller than Regalia's, it was no less grand. The streams which ran throughout the settlement surrounded it, forming a mote. At the very edge of the mote, the walls of the palace slopped upward immediately, forming a very strong defense.
Gregor watched as their group of fliers, which consisted of the Fount's military, broke apart. Many of the fliers flew down to the infirmary, which was a large building just outside the palace, with wounded men upon their backs. The rest flew to an arena, which was connected to the barracks. While it was smaller than Regalia's, Gregor knew that it still had plenty of room.
As they swirled down into an opening in the palace room, Gregor was surprised at the people who awaited them. While he was not at all surprised about Hazard being there, he did not expect to see Stellovet. While his thoughts instantly leaned towards her beauty, he was not enticed by it. She was beautiful, sure, but Luxa was more beautiful in his eyes.
As they settled down, Gregor tensed up. He could feel the tension in the air.
So Luxa and Stellovet are still on bad grounds. Might want to be careful around her; she was nasty the last time we met. By the way, where is York? Isn't he the leader of the Fount?
As Gregor dismounted, Stellovet walked up to Luxa. "Greeting, cousin. It is good to see that you are well. The trust that the mission was a success?"
"Yes, it was. However, that is the work of Gregor here." Luxa replied, gesturing towards Gregor.
Stellovet turned to him, mildly surprised that he was there. "Ah, Greetings, warrior! It is reassuring to know that you have returned to aid in this war." Her voice was much less strained than it was with Luxa.
"Hello, and thank you. Just, the warrior is dead. Call me Gregor." He replied.
"Yes, of course Gregor." She said, the looked towards his friends. "I will have accommodations made for you and your friends."
"Thank you." Gregor replied.
After what felt like hours, Stellovet left, and they were left to their own. Before Gregor could even begin to arrange his thoughts, Hazard ran towards him and embraced him in a strong hug.
"Woah, easy there Hazard. Man, your getting strong. And look at yourself, your as tall as I am!" Gregor said. "So, how's it going?"
"Great! Aside from recent events, of course. I have started language lessons for people! Along with a creature of that species, I am teaching other humans to speak in other languages!" He exclaimed happily.
"Ah, that's great Hazard! I may have to swing by when I get the chance!" Gregor responded.
Hazard's eyes lit up. "That would be great!"
It was then that Hazard noticed Gage and Lillie for the first time. Running over to them, he held out his hand. "Hello! My name is Hazard, and I'm Luxa's sister! Who are you?"
Without missing a beat, Gage shook hands with Hazard. "Hey Hazard. My name's Gage. Nice to meet you."
Next, Lillie shook hands with Hazard, albeit she was a bit more hesitant. "Hi, Hazard. My name is Lillie." She paused for a few moments. "Not to be rude or anything, but why does everybody here have silver hair and purple eyes when you don't?"
Hazard did not seem surprised at the question. "I am a halflander. My father was an underlander, and my mother was an overlander, like you."
Lillie nodded in understanding, and said no more.
Ass they finished their conversation, Luxa motioned a servant to come over. "Could you please show the overlanders to the baths? They must wash the overland stench off of them."
The servant nodded in response, and began to walk away, motioning for Gregor and his friends to follow. As they began to follow, Luxa stopped Gregor for a second. "Gregor, come by my room when you have completed your bath, okay? Just ask one of the guards for directions. They should not give you any trouble."
Gregor nodded in response, and continued to follow the servant to the baths. The women and men bathrooms were located next to each other, so Lillie split up with Gregor and Gage when they arrived.
As Gage and Gregor walked into the bathroom, Gage turned to Gregor and punched him right in the stomach. Of course, Gregor could have blocked it, but he figured that he deserved it. That didn't make it hurt any less. Gregor fell into a kneeling position, gasping for air. The punch had taken all of the air out of Gregor's lungs.
"What the hell man?! What is all of this, and why didn't you tell us about it all earlier?!" Gage said angrily.
"I suppose I deserved that. Look, Gage, I know I should have told you and Lillie about this earlier, but you wouldn't have even believed me." Gregor exclaimed once he had caught his breath. "Look, I'll explain everything to you and Lillie later, okay? Right now just isn't the time."
Gage took a few deep breaths to calm himself. "Okay. . . I'm sorry I hit you man, that was wrong of me. But I'm gonna hold you to that promise, okay?"
"Got it. Now, don't be alarmed, but these baths are completely open. No privacy." Gregor said.
"No problem. We're both guys here, right?" Gage said.
Gregor nodded in response.
They both began to take off their cloths, and Gage almost freaked when he say Gregor's scars. "Woah, what the? Gregor, what the crap are those from? I knew you had scars, but nothing like that!"
Gregor sighed. "I'll explain that later. For now, let's just say that this place hasn't necessarily been kind to me."
Gage nodded, and proceeded to slide into the bath. Once Gregor had done so as well, he began asking other questions. "So, Gregor, is that girl your girlfriend or something? You seemed pretty lovey dovey to me."
This, Gregor could talk about. "Yeah, you could say that. Though, it is a bit. . . complicated. I mean, she IS a queen down here."
"Yeah, what is up with that? How is all of this below New York? Actually, no, you'll answer that later. So, how did you and that girl hook up?"
Gregor smiled. "Well, we kissed right before I left for a battle that I was suppose to die in. I mean, I did get this, but it's better than being dead." He said, pointing towards the largest of his scars.
"Right. I guess you'll explain that later too. . ." Gage trailed off.
He continued after a minute of silence. "So, when are we going to go back up to New York? It's been a while, and is probably around morning. We need to get back, or else we'll miss the rest of the field trip."
Gregor looked him dead in the eyes. "I'm going to ask Luxa later to send you and Lillie back up."
Gage tensed up for a moment. "Wait, are you not coming?"
Gregor shook his head. "Sorry, but no, I'm not. I need to stay down here and help Luxa win back her throne."
Gage was surprised. "Wait, so you're going to fight an entire war down here? You'll get killed!"
Gregor continued to look him in the eyes. "I've done it before. And I don't plan on getting killed. If by any chance I do, at least I will die fighting for Luxa."
Gage was left speechless after that, and remained silent throughout the rest of their bath.
Eventually, they completed their baths.
Walking out into the hallway in new clothing (the servants had had enough sense to leave Gregor Ares's claw and the picture), Gregor and Gage were met by Hazard. They engaged in small talk for several minutes before Lillie came out into the hallway and joined them.
"Okay, you are all here. Follow me, I will lead you to your rooms." Hazard said. Then, as if reading Gregor's mind, he leaned in and whispered, "Your room is right next to Luxa's."
They all followed Hazard through a maze of hallway, until he stopped suddenly. He then pointed each of them to their respective rooms, and walked away after bidding them all a good day.
Gregor walked into his room, and looked around really fast. It was simple, nothing grand. He had all of the essentials. Walking over to his bed, he unbuckled his sword from his belt, and placed it on his bed.
Wasting no time, he walked back out into the hallway, heading to Luxa's room. However, he was stopped by Howard several steps outside of his won door.
"Gregor! It is nice to see you again! Sorry we could not talk before, but, as you know, we were both rather. . . busy." He said.
"Yeah. But hey, enough of that, It's good to see you too, man! What's going on?" Gregor asked.
"Not much. I am currently on break, but there are many wounded to tend to, so I will not be free for long. What about you?" He responded.
"Not much, either. Just going to talk to Luxa. She said she wanted to talk to me once I was done getting settled in." Gregor said.
Howard's face instantly lost it's grin, and Gregor regretted his words. "Gregor, I have seen how you affect Luxa. Ever since she met you, she has been more enjoyable, and has been happier overall. After you fought the bane, and was seriously injured, she was very worried about you. Unbelievably worried. Her feelings towards you were rather evident. When you left, you do not know what it did to her. While she continued on with everyday life, and tried to act happy, but she had lost that enjoyable feeling. She no longer seemed happy all of the time. While she smiled, you could see that it was forced. In short, you departure almost destroyed her. Having lost her family, you were one of the only people she had to lean on. When you left, I was afraid of how she would take it. If it ha not been for her duty to Regalia I fear that she may have hurt herself, or worse."
"What are you saying, Howard?" Gregor asked.
"Gregor, she cares about you. Even more than you could possibly fathom. That is why I am asking that you end your relationship with her. While it benefits her in many ways, and makes her extremely happy, I fear that it will also destroy her. As an overlander, you cannot have a relationship with the queen. One day, she will have to marry, and who she marries depends entirely on how it will benefit the humans. Marrying you would benefit us in no way. In other words, she cannot marry you Gregor. When she has to marry another, it will destroy her. When she has to give herself to another, it will ruin her. I fear that it would be the cause of her death. If not physically, then emotionally. And so, I am asking that you end your relationship with her now, as to avoid putting her through that much pain. Gregor, please, do it of Luxa."
Gregor felt an anger rising up within him, but he pushed it down. Violence was not the way to handle this.
"Howard, I respect you. However, you are a fool. Love is not an emotion to play with. I love Luxa, and she loves me. We did not choose to love each other. . . It's not something you CAN choose. It just happens. And there is nothing you can do to change that." He responded.
Howard seemed very unhappy. "Gregor, please see reason here. That very love will destroy Luxa. You mustn't allow it to continue!"
Gregor remained calm. For the most part. "On the contrary, I think it will help her. Love is a powerful emotion. It grants you unimaginable power. It is now, in this time of war, that Luxa needs that power."
Gregor began to walk away, but stopped when he was several steps past Howard. "Howard, I love Luxa. There is nothing that will change that. I will support her, protect her, fight for her, and in the end, I will love her. I would not give her up for the world, let alone for the good of the humans."
Gregor turned around and looked Howard in the eyes. "Howard, you say that our love will kill her. You are mistaken. When it comes down to it, I believe that it will save her."
And with that, Gregor turned, and walked away without another word.
Bam! I love that ending! I also love that little speech I put together, considering that it took all of 20 minutes. So, how do you guys like that speech? I think it works perfectly. Just a little heads up, the same argument will come up later in the story, so look forward to it!
Some of you may argue that Luxa's reaction to Gregor leaving may have been a little off. I think it's spot on. Having lost almost all of her family, she depended greatly on Gregor. They went through an entire war together, and depended on each other in life and death situations. Also, consider all of the pressure put on her as queen. Now, take Gregor out of the equation. Imagine the amount of emotional damage that would do on a person. I feel bad for her. So, I'll see you guys later!
Question: What will Gregor and Luxa talk about? C'mon, this is an easy one!
Tytonic: So, how was it?
Howard: Greagor is a fool, a fool! He is blinded by love, and it will be the end of Luxa!
Tytonic: Hmm, good point. Their relationship does cause some issues. Gregor, your thoughts on it?
Gregor: I only want the best for Luxa. Ending our relationship will not be good for her. Especially now, when she needs it the most.
Tytonic: And what if it destroys her later?
Gregor: It won't. I won't let it. Even if I have to defy the entirety of the Regalia.
Tytonic: You both make good points. Personally, I think their relationship is a good thing. I think that if Gregor leaves her, it would be much worse than if they were forced apart. If they were forced apart she would still know that he loves her, when she would think that he no longer loves her if he left her.
Gregor: Finally, somebody with a brain!
Tytonic: Okay, well that's enough for now. I'll see you two later!
Howard: *Grumbles*
Gregor: See you man.
Until next time!
-Tytonic =3