The Discovery

As Gregor's dad drove to Central Park, Gregor reflected on how strange it was that Central Park was an entrance to the Underland. But then again, one of the entries was in their Laundry Room. Gregor's dad whipped out a crowbar from under his jacket with a flourish. Because the entrance was under a rock, Gregor had to help his dad pry it up.

When they finished, a voice sounded below. "Jump Overlander." Gregor shivered. It reminded him of Ares on his second adventure in the Underland. He pulled out his watch. Ten o'clock. Gregor gave his dad a smile and a wave goodbye. "Bye Dad."

With those words, Gregor jumped into the entrance. After a couple of seconds of falling, the bat caught him. " 'Sup?" The bat said casually. "Hey," replied Gregor. "What's your name?"

"Cosmos. We'll get to Regelia soon. Then you can meet your girlfriend."

Gregor blushed. Apparently, everyone knew about that now. He had never met a bat that spoke like a normal kid from the Overland. It was almost like he had learned it from there somehow.

Up ahead, the city of Regalia shone. The architectural detail still amazed him. As a soft glow lit the city, the bat landed near the palace. His friends were waiting for him there. Vikus, Howard, Luxa, and Hazard stood with grim faces. What was going on? Weren't they happy to see him?

Gregor connected the dots. There was another prophecy. His stomach sank like a stone. Every time he had gone on a prophecy, there were dangerous monsters who had tried to kill him. On the plus side, he could spend more time in the Underland with his friends.

Gregor hopped off the bat, trying to be casual. Instead, he tripped over a rock and face-planted at Luxa's feet. Gregor scrambled up and could feel his face turning red. Luxa was trying not to laugh, along with Howard and Hazard.

"Hey, everyone," Gregor said "Is there another-"

Gregor's voice cut off because Luxa had given him a big hug.

"Yes. There is another prophecy," grimly, Luxa replied. "Yes."