~ PANDORA

Many fliers landed near Pandora and Pan as they entered the fliers' lands. As silent as they were to Pandora's ears, the huge cavern was eerily quiet. Bats of every size came over to put a claw on Pan as they passed. They must have already heard the details. Pandora was sure many bats lost their lives that day, just as many Regalians had. She wondered what Queen Athena thought of the situation, and her opinion of her general.

"Thank you for being with me," Pan said, breaking the silence. "It's nice to have such a good friend as you, Pandora."

"You're always there for me, Pan. I wanted to return the favor," Pandora replied.

"Do you think you could stay with me for just a few moments more?" Pan asked.

Pandora had just opened her mouth to answer the little bat as a peculiar, and unfortunately familiar, sensation ran down her spine. It was very strong, Pandora thought with concern. She didn't even have time to brace herself before she collapsed onto the stone floor, her right knee hitting the hard surface first with a loud knock.

There were no words swirling around Pandora's mind; only feelings, images, and pain. She heard the trampling of stalks of grain, the leaves loudly thrashing around as they crashed to the floor. Lights dimmed and a smell like death erupted from a now-empty field. Something was burning, and something else was plunged deep into water. Pandora's lungs burned, and she couldn't tell if she was being suffocated from smoke or if she had swallowed a chest-full of water. Barricades everywhere, yet there was always a weak point. Her eyes went from one wall to another, finding every weakness as quick as a flash. There was always a weakness: warm flesh underneath an arm, a crack in between two hard shells, a line of silk holding two sticky webs together.

Pandora sat up with a gasp, confused but relieved she could breathe just fine.

"Are you hurt?" Pan asked her, leaning down and offering a claw to help her to her feet.

"I don't think so... ouch! Okay, I hurt my knee a little bit. But I'll be fine. I'll just walk it off. I've gotta go back to the palace. I have to tell the others about what I saw! I'm so sorry, Pan, but I can't stay!"

"It's alright," Pan said. "You must go warn Queen Luxa and General Mareth. I'm sure you saw the cutter's next move?"

"Not exactly. It's... it's complicated. I can describe it to you later. Nerissa, too! I'm really sorry."

"Don't be!" Pan gave her a small, albeit sad, smile. "Do you want me to take you there?"

"No, no. You should stay here and take a break. It would really help you, I think. The palace is just too depressing right now to be there for very long."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'll find a ride, don't worry about it."

Pan helped her find a bat who was headed to the palace, and Pandora was introduced to a large grey bat named Barend. He didn't mind giving her a ride.

"It's awful, isn't it?" Pandora said to him as they flew back to Regalia. "What happened at the gate."

"It was overwhelming... maddening and heartbreaking," he said in a low voice.

"You... were there?"

Barend nodded. "One of the lucky few."

"You should stay away from the palace, if you don't mind me saying so," Pandora said. "It'll suck the rest of your life right out of you. You should go rest."

"Oh, it would take much to drain me of my life," Barend said back. "But I thank you for your concern."

Head reeling from all the images and feelings she had gotten while in the fliers' lands, Pandora thanked Barend when he dropped her off at the High Hall balcony and decided the war room was the best place to find Luxa. "They must have been planning their next move by now," she thought. Flying down the stairs and ignoring the pain in her knee, Pandora made it as fast as she was able. Lo and behold, not only were Luxa and Mareth in attendance, but also Vikus, Queen Athena, and Gregor.

"We've got to save as many crops as we can before the cutters destroy them all and the palace starves," she said as those in attendance lifted their heads to see her come in.

"Are you suggesting the cutters will just sit on our borders as we slowly fade to nothing?" Luxa asked.

"I'm not sure what'll go on, but I know for a fact the cutters like to destroy plants," she alluded to the quest to find the Starshade. "And I saw Regalia's fields completely wrecked. If you're planning to force the cutters into fighting at the arena, it's not going to work. They'll go for the fields."

Mareth turned to Gregor, "and how does this affect the plan you and Perdita have drawn?"

Gregor looked unsure, eyeing a detailed map of the City of Regalia that sat in front of him. "Ummm... well, if they do come through the fields, they'll get to the wall. And... all our troops will be at the arena... oh, wait! No, not all our troops will be. Bonded pairs of fliers and humans can stand on top of the wall."

"We don't have many of those troops left," Luxa said. "Unless you want to go recruiting in the hospital."

"Exactly," Gregor said. "The cutters know they've decimated our paired soldiers. They'll see the tiny group of them on top of the wall and think they've won."

"If the cutters do plan to attack the arena, but still make it through the fields as Pandora says they are, it could be they want to attack from multiple fronts," Vikus added.

"And now that we know their tactic, they cannot take us by surprise," Mareth finished.

"There was another part, too. To my vision, I mean," Pandora said. Her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to piece together what she saw and felt into words. "At first, everything was burning. And then everything was under water. I was drowning, but I don't understand how that has anything to do with the battle at the arena."

"Underwater?" Vikus asked. "Regalia can't succumb under water like the Fount has. There is only one point where the river touches the city."

"Not anymore," Luxa said, standing up to go to the map that sat in front of Gregor.

"The earthquake changed the course of the river. It now curves closer to the palace on this side," she pointed towards the far side of the Palace. "I'm sure if we send out scouts who first notified us of this change in the river, they can find exactly where the Waterway is closest to the city. If all else fails, we can lead the cutters to that point."

"And send them to a watery grave," Mareth finished. "That is, if the Waterway is that close to the city as you are suggesting."

"Let us find out," Luxa said.

"Is there anything else you saw, Pandora?" Vikus asked.

"I also got this sense from the cutters. They like to search for weak points. Ones that their large size can break, or ones that their pincers can snap. Their greatest defense is their offense."

"So, we've got to make sure that we have no weak points," Gregor said.

"It is impossible to not have any weaknesses," Vikus mentioned. "But we should identify where our weak points are and address them accordingly."

"That's all I had to say," Pandora shrugged.

"Hang on just a moment, Pandora," Mareth said. "We have a proposition for you."

Pandora wasn't quite sure if she should take a step forward or not. She was sure the others in the room could see her hesitation. She swore she saw Luxa crack a tiny, smug smile for just a second.

"What is it?"

"Take a seat," Mareth invited her. "And I'll give you all the details."

"Alright," Pandora said slowly, sitting across from him.

"Actually," Mareth turned to face Gregor. "It is your plan, Gregor. So, I'll let you do the honors."

"Ummm... okay," he said. "Just to let you know, I've been thinking about this for a while but nothing really solid was fleshed out until like an hour ago. So, if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears."

"Gregor," Pandora stopped him. "What are you having me do?"

"Well, to put it simply, we're gonna use the arena battle as a diversion."

"A diversion for what, Gregor?" Pandora pressed, getting more and more anxious with each passing second.

"I'm having you, and a couple others, escort Luxa out of Regalia."

"Escort her out? Why?" Pandora asked incredulously.

"So you can lead her to the cutter's queen... and kill her."

Pandora stared at Gregor as if he had just given her a death sentence. "I don't think you really know what I can do," she told him. "I can't hold a sword. I can't be a soldier. But I can collapse on the ground. I can be a liability. I can forget what we're doing. And I can let everybody down."

"Now hold on. Hold on. I've seen what you can do," Gregor responded. "You can diffuse situations. You can make people work as a team. And you can tell us what we need to hear when we need it the most."

"That's not what Luxa needs. She needs people to help her kill the queen."

"She doesn't need any help killing the queen. She and Aurora can do that by themselves. They need people to help them get there. And no one is better at helping on a journey where we don't even know where to go than you."

Pandora was silent. She swallowed hard. Never had she ever felt so on edge. The pressure was on... and Pandora didn't know if she could handle it. If she was ready for it. She knew her eyes were glassy, and she blinked away tears. "You're asking too much of me," she said in a shaky voice.

Gregor sat in the middle of the war room patiently and calmly. When he had first arrived, Pandora could tell he had wanted nothing to do with the war. Yet here he was, right in the thick of things. And he was calm. Pandora took a deep breath.

"I thought the same thing, too. When the Underlanders asked me to kill the Bane. Sometimes, the people around you know you more than you know yourself." Gregor paused. "Luxa will be the one holding the sword. You'll be giving her a second set of eyes. Your third eye, technically."

"Gregor, I don't have my visions whenever it's convenient for me. I can't just try to see the outcome of any event that I want."

"I understand that. But what if you suddenly think of something that would help Luxa find her? Or what if you know she's setting up a trap? Mareth and Vikus can take care of the planning here. And once Ripred and I are on the battlefield, we'll be fine. But Luxa needs some backup, and not just the big, burly guard kind. Will you help us end all of this?"

Pandora sniffled and wiped at her eyes. If she wanted to stay here, like she told Pan she wanted to, she was going to have to do her part to try and save Regalia. She had to be brave and she had to trust in her friends. "Yes. I will." Pandora said. "And you'll want her mission to stay as quiet as possible. I can help with that."

Gregor gave her a small smile. "Thank you. I know it's a lot to ask. Especially of someone who doesn't call this place home."

"I think we both know that the Underland is our home now."

Gregor gave a small nod of his head. "I think you're right."

"Is it okay if I go? I should clear my head. Maybe talk to Nerissa or Howard for a bit, if they're not too busy."

"Yes, we need to get back to planning Regalia's last hope," Mareth said. "Just return here tomorrow after breakfast to meet your team and go over the details."

"You got it," Pandora affirmed. "I... hope to be of some help."

"You are always helpful," Vikus said warmly. "Our people may not think affectionately of you but know that we all do."

Pandora smiled. "Thanks, Vikus. That's something I'm getting used to."

***

Pandora saw a very familiar black and white bat in the High Hall as she was preparing to meet Luxa and the others at the starting point of their journey.

"Nike?" She said out loud as she made her way over.

She was looking at someone who was approaching her as well. His back was turned, but his silver armor gleamed in the torchlight. Under one arm was a helmet, the other arm resting on the hilt of a sword that was attached to his side.

Recognition hit Pandora like a freight train. She couldn't believe it. How? Why? She quickened her pace, which could never match the pace of her beating heart.

"Howard? Howard!"

The figure in armor stopped mid-pace and slowly turned on his heel. "Pandora," he said quietly. "I hoped you wouldn't see me in all of this," he gestured to what he was wearing.

"You hoped...? What... I thought you were staying in the hospital to care for the wounded."

"They need all able-bodied men and women on the battlefield," Howard said, lowering his hand somewhat awkwardly off the hilt of his blade.

"But what about..."

"Caring for the injured Regalians won't matter if there is no Regalia left, Pandora," he interrupted.

"Howard... don't go." Her eyes filled with tears.

He shook his head, taking a step closer to Pandora. "There are so few bonded pairs left. They need us on top of the wall. You're doing your part. I need to do mine as well."

"Your part is to heal the wounded. Not become one." Pandora let her tears run freely. Even in a cave about to be overrun by hundreds of cutters, Pandora's fear for Howard's life had never been greater than it was in that moment. Yes, she had helped make the plan. She had suggested placing the remaining bonded pairs on the city walls, but it was Regalia's last stand. Many lives were bound to be lost... what if one of those lives was Howard's?

"Pandora, look at me." Howard laid down his helmet and cupped Pandora's cheeks in the palms of his hands, covered by black fabric that held the armored outer shell of his gloves in place.

"I can't promise that I will be safe. I can't promise that I will be here waiting for you when you get back."

Pandora looked away. "Stop. Just stop," she said through her gasps. Her shoulders shook as she cried.

Howard made her look at him again. She could see the pain on his face and the tears in his eyes, but he looked determined and steadfast.

"But I can promise you that I love you. And I know that if I die..." Pandora breathed in sharply and looked away again, but Howard brought her attention back. "I will go happily, for I have met you and I will forever know what it means to truly love someone."

And with that, Howard enveloped a sobbing Pandora in a huge embrace. It was cold and uncomfortable to be surrounded by Howard's armor, but Pandora didn't care. She wrapped a hand around the back of Howard's head, the other one underneath one of his arms. She didn't want to let go.

Howard took a step back. "I must go. Every pair is headed to the wall now."

"Let me... just say one thing," Pandora said in between shaky breaths. She tried to make the tears stop, but they wouldn't. Howard held her at arm's length and waited patiently.

"I am so happy... that I found my way here..." Pandora uttered. "Because if I never met you, Howard, I wouldn't know what life would mean for me. Now I know why I'm here. You're my everything, Howard. Please, Nike, please. Do everything you can to bring him back! Please," she pleaded with Nike without taking her eyes off Howard.

"I save him as he saves me," Nike said with fervent hopefulness. Pandora could tell she was choked up as well.

"Howard," a hand was placed on his shoulder. A tall girl about Luxa's age looked at him expectantly. She was wearing similar armor. "We must go."

"I know, Stellovet," he answered. "Fly you high, Pan..."

Pandora went on her tiptoes, leaned in, and pressed her lips against Howard's. She placed a hand on his cheek tenderly and she leaned her head to the side as their kiss deepened.

"Fly you high," she whispered in his ear before stepping away.

The girl named Stellovet gave her a nod and a smile. "Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on my big brother. Kent and Hero will, too."

A big brute of a teenager sitting on the back of his bond nodded to Pandora as well, obviously taking after his giant of a father. His twin sister gave a small wave and a sly smile as she mounted her flyer. "The cutters may not know it yet, but they have much to fear!" The sister named Hero said with confidence.

"You have no idea," Pandora said quietly as she wiped away her tears. She gave a small smile back as she waved at Howard's siblings, wishing she could tell them all how the battle was planned down to every detail, but knowing she hadn't the ability nor the time.

Howard held onto Pandora's hand until he was too far to touch her fingers any longer.

"I love you, Howard," she said to him.

"And I you."

"To the wall!" Kent bellowed, and the four of them, as well as a few others in the High Hall, took to the skies and headed towards the fields.

"Please stay safe," Pandora pleaded quietly.

~GREGOR

"Andromeda, how are these coming along?" Gregor asked the gold and black bat.

Hasty changes of command were made after the fate of Eurymedon and the rest of Regalia's soldiers was realized. Andromeda, Mareth's bond, was now the acting head of the Flyer's troops.

"Faster than expected," the bat purred. They both stood in the center of the arena, watching as the creatures got it ready for battle. Dozens of Spinners dotted the stadium chairs, spinning sticky webs tightly together. Gnawers and humans cleaned up the training equipment as crawlers swept the area, clearing it of debris and making sure the ground was even.

"How are the fliers preparing?"

"Those fit for battle, bonded or not, are still in Regalia. Those who are not are deep within our lands, far away from the fight and out of the crowded last stronghold of the city. And how do you fare?"

"Nervous."

"About the fight or about the armor?" Andromeda asked.

Gregor gave a short laugh, thinking to himself how well Andromeda knew him. "I'm not looking forward to either."

"To me, the preparations of a fight worry me more than the fight itself."

"Can't argue there. Once it all starts, my rager side will take over. And I won't be thinking about how nervous I am anymore... I don't know if that's a calming thought or not."

"Speaking of ragers, where is Ripred?" Andromeda asked. "I asked him to be here as well. Have you seen him?"

"No. He might be with Luxa and Aurora, giving them a few last-minute pointers."

They were both silent for a moment, watching the spinners weave. Their webs covered the chairs, up to the highest points of the arena, and then climbed even higher. Anti-climb nets, Gregor called them. If they were going to have the cutters on their turf, they were going to have to play by their rules. One even plain with two entrances and four exits.

"How is the city faring? The walls?"

"Vikus is looking after the walls," Gregor said, thinking about the defenses they had used during their battle with the gnawers. "Perdita and I are focusing on the city."

"Oh?"

"It's strange to think of traps in places where people used to live. It's a ghost town there now. Everyone's in the palace, so it's completely silent. Perdita and I walked through this morning, thinking of where to put walls of crawlers. Where to put pots of oil."

"Are you going to barricade streets with rock?"

"We were thinking about it, but they would just climb over them anyway. At least with the crawlers, it's like a moving wall. They can repel them way better than just some rocks."

Andromeda nodded her head as she listened.

"Do you think it'll work?" she asked.

"It better. This plan is all we have left."

"And once everything is in place," Andromeda started.

"We fight our hardest and hope it's enough," Gregor finished.

"Gregor? Gregor!" He heard someone call. Turning to see Pandora approaching, he excused himself.

"She looks upset," Gregor said. "I gotta go."

He met her along the outside rim of the mossy lawn of the arena. Her cheeks were red and shiny, and her eyes brimmed with fresh tears. "You... you saw Howard, didn't you?"

Pandora nodded and immediately wrapped her arms around him. "I'm scared."

"I'm scared, too," he answered sincerely. He had a feeling that she was more scared for Howard than she was for herself. He put her head on his shoulder and squeezed her tightly, happy that he hadn't gone to the armory yet. "All I can do is now is fight my hardest. But I keep thinking... what if my plan isn't good enough?"

Pandora held him at arm's length and shook her head. "I've seen nothing, Gregor. I'm as blind as you are. I have no idea what will happen! What if Howard doesn't make it? What if Nike doesn't? What if..."

"Enough with the 'what if's already," Ripred walked towards the pair. "You've both made your plays. Stick to them and be confident. You've got everyone standing behind you. Boy, you best go put some armor on before the red swarm marches into this arena."

"I know, Ripred," he replied with a smirk. "You think my black armor would still fit?"

"Miravet made you a new one," Ripred answered as if Gregor was being serious.

"It's silver this time, I hope. I hated the black."

"No, it's still black," Ripred said tiredly.

"Why can't I wear the same as my soldiers? Be one of them?" Gregor asked, feeling as though looking alike would boost morale.

"What and try to fit in?" Ripred said with a chuckle. "You're a rager. Pretty hard to fit in. Might as well stand out."

"He's got a point at least," Pandora said. She wiped away her tears with the back of a hand.

"Shouldn't you be in the war room with Luxa? I've heard you've got much to discuss," Ripred turned to her.

"I'm sorry. I was just upset.... I," Pandora took a deep breath in and seemed to stand a little straighter. "I'm on it." She gave the gnawer a small smile and then looked at Gregor. "Good luck," she said.

"Stay safe," he replied. She turned and started to walk towards the palace.

"Pandora!" Ripred called after her.

"Yes?" she stopped and turned.

"Fly you high," he said sincerely.

She beamed. "Run like the river, Ripred," she responded before turning back around and walking out of the arena.

Ripred stood there in silence for a moment. "Huh," he said. "I wonder who taught her that."

"She probably figured it out herself," Gregor said with a laugh.