3
Leibniz did not return for two weeks, which was fine with Gregor. He was sure he wanted to go, and Wynnora, who was also invited, looked like she would like to return as well. Gregor waited until after his graduation to tell his family so it did not ruin the day for them. The night after though, he sat them down and told them about Luxa's message. His sisters were quiet, his father listened patiently, but his mother just said no.
It took hours of arguing, with Wynnora getting pulled into the mess, to convince his mother. It was actually Gregor's father who did it. Gregor did not know what he said to his mother, but she finally agreed under the one condition that there be some form of communication between them while he was down there.
When Leibniz returned, he confirmed that Luxa would have messages sent regularly between Gregor and his family. She also extended an invitation to his family to visit. Again, Gregor's mother was opposed at first, but Lizzie and Maggie surprised them all.
"We want to visit," Lizzie said with determination set across her face.
"Just one more time to say good bye," Maggie added, a bit more unsure of herself. His parents exchanged a look, and Gregor thought the 'one more time' seemed to sway them.
"Visiting would give us a chance to keep a closer eye on Gregor," his father put in. They agreed to think about it.
Gregor and Wynnora packed a few things quickly so they could leave before anyone changed their minds. Gregor hugged his family goodbye, and promised to write and come home safe. Wynnora also hugged everyone goodbye, and promised to keep Gregor out of trouble. Then they walked to the cave. When they got to the hole, Gregor's cousin hesitated.
"Wow, this is a lot more intimidating than I thought," she said. "You know. Jumping in a huge hole." Gregor laughed as she hopped back and forth a couple times as if pumping herself up for a fight. He was not worried at all. Just excited to see his friends once again
"Do you want to go first, or shall I," he asked his cousin. She said she better go first, in case she needed him to push her. She ended up jumping in herself, and Gregor followed. After several minutes of falling through the strange mists, Gregor landed on the ground. He saw his cousin's face in her flash light. She looked worried, but not as panicked as last time.
"Come, Overlanders," Leibniz said from somewhere in the darkness. They followed him to an enormous flier. "Meet you, Hector. He will be flying us back to Regalia." Hector was huge. Almost as big as Ares, and quite possibly as strong. His coat was dusty brown except for flecks of gold from his nose up his head.
"It is an honor meeting you, Overlanders," he said with a nod.
"Uh. You can call me Gregor. And this is my cousin, Wynn," Gregor said. Hector nodded. They then climbed onto the flier, and flew off to Regalia.