~ GREGOR

"Gregor, we need to talk," came a commanding voice from behind him.

Gregor turned to see Luxa approaching. What did she mean, "we need to talk?"

Looking at her questioningly, Gregor asked, "right now?"

Luxa stopped a few paces away from him and crossed her arms. "Come again?"

"I mean... sure," he scratched the back of his head. He should have known she would take an attitude with him after what he said to her the last time they'd talked. She had been upset, and now she had obviously come up with exactly what to say back to him.

Luxa guided him to a more private area on the floor and then turned him around to face her.

"Look before you say anything," Gregor began, lifting his open hands up in defeat. "I just want to let you know..."

Luxa cut him off with the wave of a single hand. "Gregor, I know the decision you had to make was difficult. I entrust you put a lot of thought into it beforehand. I am also grateful you were upfront with me and told me as soon as you had decided. You are right... family does come first."

"Great," Gregor said. "But I..."

"I was upset at first, but it was for selfish reasons. I did not want you to leave again. To be truthful," Luxa said with a shrug, "I still do not. I have come to the realization that... that I..."

Luxa took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Gregor raised his eyebrows expectantly. "That you're... sorry?" He tried to help.

"That I love you!" She blurted in frustration, her frown indicating that she didn't like Gregor speaking for her. "I love you, Gregor. I want you to be happy. And if that means you choose to return to the Overland and be with your family... to focus on you and your studies and your future... then I wish you well."

"Luxa... thanks. I mean..."

"I want nothing but the best for you."

"Of course, but..."

"And if that means we are never to be together, then..."

"Luxa!" Gregor exclaimed, physically placing a hand over her mouth to get her to stop talking. At first, Luxa looked surprised, then she looked angry that he had placed a hand on her face. Within the span of three seconds, her expression softened and she didn't try to slap Gregor's hand away. She must've known she had been carrying on. Gregor knew it was finally his turn to speak. "I'm staying," he said.

Gregor slowly removed his hand. Luxa looked shocked. She stood there for a moment with her mouth open slightly and her eyes unblinking. "You're... what?"

"How stupid would I be if I left my best girl behind... again?" Luxa's surprised expression slowly turned into a huge smile. "I love you, Luxa. I can't leave you."

In an instant, Luxa lunged forward and pulled Gregor into a hug. He lost his balance, but the way Luxa pressed into him kept them both from falling over. With her arms wrapped tightly underneath his arms, Gregor placed his hands on her lower back. Gregor didn't know how long they stood there, embracing one another.

Gregor started pulling away, one hand reaching up to cup Luxa's cheek. As she was backing away, Gregor put his lips onto hers. They stood like that for a while, gently kissing in a quiet area of the palace. If anyone had walked by, Gregor didn't hear them. He didn't care.

"If it's alright with you," Gregor said to her after their embrace melted into handholding. "I'd like to go up to New York City one last time. I want to call my parents and tell them what I've decided. I want to hear my sisters one last time."

"I am more than happy to escort you to the Waterway entrance once more," Luxa replied. "On one condition."

"What's that?" Gregor asked.

"You have to take me up with you, so I can see New York City for myself."

Gregor grinned and gave her another peck. "It's a date."

***

~ PANDORA

"I really hope this picnic doesn't turn out like the last one," Pandora joked with Howard as he helped fasten a bag to Nike's side. Howard, Pandora, Nike, and Pan had met at the back of the palace, where the Waterway now flowed. In the weeks since the war, the area was cleaned and improved. The Regalians had turned what was once a battlefield into a beautiful little park.

"I have a good feeling about it this time," Howard said with a laugh.

"You still haven't told me where we're going," Pandora said. Pan offered her to jump on, and she did so. Nike took to the skies right after them and the two fliers entered a tunnel. It was one that Pandora was not familiar with, although it was lined with torches. "We're not trying to go to the mossy spot you wanted to go to before, are we?"

"No. We are going in an entirely new direction. But you won't know where it is until we arrive!"

"Can I at least ask if I've been there before?"

"Oh, I think you have," Howard answered playfully.

The trip was quite short and had a lovely route above the Waterway for a while before entering some smaller tunnels. Pandora tried to get her bearings, trying to see if anything seemed familiar, but she was unable to. Where were they going?

Nike and Pan landed in a very smooth tunnel. There were no stalactites... it felt strange. Something was different.

"Where are we?" Pandora asked. "I've never been here before, I don't think."

"This is not where the picnic will be," Howard said as he pulled the basket off Nike.

"But we're almost there," came another voice.

Gregor, Luxa, and Aurora joined their group from somewhere up ahead.

"I didn't know you three were joining us," Pandora said with a smile. Hopefully Howard packed enough food!

"We aren't planning on attending your picnic," Luxa said.

"Yeah, don't worry. We'll part ways before then," Gregor finished.

Howard took Pandora by the hand and they followed Gregor and Luxa as they climbed up a staircase.

"I... I think I have been in this tunnel before," Pandora realized. "Mareth and Andromeda... they..." She stopped as she saw Gregor and Luxa push a rock out of the way at the top of the stairs.

There, right above Pandora's head, was the night sky. It was exceptionally bright for nighttime, Pandora thought, or perhaps that was because she was used to the Underlander's darkness. She didn't bother finishing her thought. Pandora held Howard's hand tighter as she slowly climbed the rest of the stairs. She turned back to look at Pan, noticing the fliers weren't following. They were all smiling though, and Pan gave her a small wave.

Their picnic was going to be in the Overland? In Central Park? Oh, how magical!

~ GREGOR

"Are you certain this is the best idea?" Luxa asked as they sat on the stairs.

"Not getting nervous on me now, are you?" Gregor said smugly. "You're the one who wanted to go!"

"I am not nervous! I am referring to this plan you have with Howard. It sounds so... so..."

"It's an Overland thing, Luxa. She'll get it. Trust me," Gregor said, reaching over and taking her hand.

"They're here," Aurora said softly. Gregor and Luxa stood.

After they all met up, Gregor led the way up the stairs and had Luxa help with the stone. Could it have been a more beautiful night? Gregor had never seen the stars so clearly in New York City before. It reminded him of a typical night in Virginia.

Gregor could tell Luxa was a bit apprehensive about walking all the way out into Central Park, but she didn't say a word. He kept a hold of her hand, looking at her sideways and enjoying the look of wonder on her beautiful face.

"You both are staying here in the park," Gregor said, looking over his shoulder to see Howard helping Pandora up the last few stairs. "We're gonna do some sight-seeing. Oh! Before I forget..." Gregor swung the backpack he was wearing off one of his shoulders so he could get to the zipper. "This is for you," he tossed some clothes from the Overland museum over to Howard.

"Sweatshirt. Good find," Howard commented before pulling it over his head.

"And this is for you," he offered Luxa a soft blue jacket with white stripes.

"Overland clothes," she said excitedly.

Before it slipped his mind, Gregor had Howard help him move the rock back into place.

"I hope you have an amazing time," Pandora said with a wave and a smile. Luxa walked over and gave her a hug.

"Thank you," she said softly. "For everything. Including saving my life... again. I hope you'll be staying in the Underland."

"You're welcome," Pandora said before walking over to Gregor and giving him a hug. "And I hope you've come to a decision. Oh! Remind me to give you Rose's address later, so your parents and sisters know where to mail things. And you're always welcome up in her apartment. If you ever need to call, or even video chat with them on my old laptop! You know, whenever you miss them."

"Thanks, Pandora. That's a really great idea. Much more reasonable, too, so I don't have to learn to fly or ask Nike to go all the way to Virginia."

"What?"

Gregor laughed and shook his head. "Just some of the advice you gave me when you were... you know..."

"Delirious?" Pandora giggled.

"Yeah."

As Pandora and Howard started to walk to the nearest path, Luxa came back over and took Gregor's hand. She was smiling, but there was a twinge of sadness in her expression.

"What is it?" he asked her.

"I wouldn't blame you if you changed your mind about staying."

"Never in a million years would I make that mistake again." He leaned over and gave Luxa a gentle kiss. The sadness seemed to melt away. "Now let's go enjoy our night in the city that never sleeps."

~ PANDORA

Once they made it to the grass, Pandora walked in a slow circle, looking up at the night sky and enjoying the view. There was a full moon that illuminated the trees around her, creating one of the most beautiful nights in Central Park she had ever seen. Stars! It had been such a long time since she had seen any. When was the last time? Pandora couldn't remember, but she knew for sure that she hadn't stood to admire them for long back then.

After parting ways with Gregor and Luxa, Howard joined her as they walked down the nearest path, picnic basket in tow. All was still and quiet in the park around them, except for two people standing a few yards away. They stayed near a bench apprehensively, facing down the path as if waiting for someone to approach.

"Rose?" Pandora called. Both figures turned to look in her direction. "Rose!" As swiftly as she could, Pandora made it to the woman waiting near the bench and threw her arms around her.

"Oh, dear!" Rose said as she enveloped Pandora in a huge hug. "Aren't they feeding you down there? Goodness. Pandora! It's so good to see you."

Tears welled at the corners of Pandora's eyes and her voice got tight. "I'm eating. Trust me. It's a long story. I've missed you!"

"I've missed you too, dear," Rose said. They hugged each other for a few moments more, and then Pandora remembered there were other people gathered around. Stanley was the figure who stood next to Rose, and Pandora almost laughed when she saw him. He had a goofy grin on his face that reached both ears.

"Stanley, I'm glad you're here," Pandora said honestly.

"Oh, gosh," he said, his chest heaving as, Pandora guessed, he couldn't hold his tears back any longer.

Pandora turned to look at Rose as they held each other at arm's length. She was smiling as well, but Pandora could see a hint of sadness in her eyes. Pandora was just about to ask her what was wrong when Howard walked over and put his arm around Pandora.

Looking back at Gregor and Luxa, Pandora could see they had hung back from the group. Luxa had knelt and was touching the grass. She plucked a blade or two and stood, holding it in between her fingers in front of her face for further inspection. Gregor took hold of her hand, and it seemed to break her trance. They took a few steps closer to everyone else and stood near the bench.

"Pandora," Howard said gently. Moving her head to face him, she could see the odd twinkle that was always present in his eyes. He seemed nervous.

"I wanted to bring you here..." Howard continued. "I wanted to bring you all here, in order for you to decide."

"To decide what?" Pandora asked.

"Before I continue," Howard said, "please know that whatever you choose, I will support one hundred percent. Each has good options for you, and I will understand."

"It's ok, Howard," Pandora said gently, putting a hand up to his cheek. He closed his eyes for a minute, seeming to gather his thoughts.

"You have the choice, Pandora. To stay here in the Overland or come back down to Regalia."

"Oh," Pandora said. She should have seen it coming... but for some reason, she was still surprised. Maybe she was taken aback only because she already knew what answer she had chosen.

Pandora took a step back from Howard, his hand that wrapped around her shoulders dropping to his side. She walked towards the woman who she had lived with for many years.

"Rose," she said, taking the woman's hands in her own. "you're more of a grandmother to me than any other woman I've ever known. I love you, and... well, now I finally know where I belong."

Pandora stepped back from the person who helped raise her and came back to Howard's side. She could swear she could hear Howard's breath catch in his throat.

"I'm going to miss you," she said to Rose. The older woman's face held nothing but warmth and understanding. As sad as the words Pandora spoke were, she couldn't help but smile back. "More than the sun and the city. More than the stars. But I prefer the Underland." Pandora turned, ripping away from Rose's gaze and instead looking at Howard. "Its understanding, its creatures, its mysteries... even, sometimes, its adventures. Most of all, it's where Howard is." Howard turned away for a moment, his whole face turning bright pink. "I don't think I can leave him."

"Honey, don't you dare feel bad for me," Rose exclaimed. "I am over the moon! If you had told me last year that we would have both met the most amazing men, I would've told you to eat a spoonful of cinnamon. You've grown to be such a smart, strong young woman... and now to see you... on such a beautiful night!"

Pandora took a moment to look at the stars again. Everyone was silent, and she knew they were admiring the night sky as well.

Easily locating the "Summer Triangle" as she had many times before, Pandora couldn't help pointing out some of her favorite constellations that were easy to spot during the season, even in the City that Never Sleeps.

"There's Cygnus, the swan," she gestured towards a bright star, drawing a sideways cross as she spoke so the others could see the picture the stars drew. "Cygnus and his friend were in a race when disaster struck. His friend died, and the only way to get his body and give him a proper burial was to ask Zeus to turn him into a swan. He gave up his immortality to save his friend, and Zeus placed his image in the sky to honor his unselfish act.

"And there," Pandora continued, pointing to another bright star called Regulus and drawing another outline. "That's Leo, the lion," Pandora excitedly turned towards Howard before continuing her story. She had to look down to find his face, as he had fallen to a knee. "He..." Pandora paused shortly after returning her gaze to the night sky. Her body took a second to catch back up with her mind.

Pandora whirled back around and looked down at Howard. He was propped down on one knee, with both hands extending out to her. In his fingers, he held a ring. Wildly looking around at the others, Pandora spied mixed reactions. Rose didn't look surprised at all. Stanley was quietly weeping behind a hand. Luxa had her classic grin spread across her face although her eyes gave away a bit of confusion. Gregor was beaming with an all-knowing smirk, as if he had helped mastermind the entire plan.

"Howard..." Pandora began. Her voice quickly stopped working, and she couldn't find a second word to say. She looked into his eyes and then down at the ring in his hands. Even without a single gemstone, the ring was one of the most intricate and beautiful pieces of silver she had ever seen. Were rings even a part of Underland culture? Pandora didn't know, although she didn't recall ever seeing one on anyone's fingers. Perhaps that was why Gregor's smile seemed to hold more than just happiness.

"Pandora, I knew from the moment I caught sight of your face that our lives would be intertwined. Even before I knew your name, I was smitten... and with every word spoken between us, my love grew more and more." Howard seemed much more confident than he had before. The nervousness seemed to melt away, and now the smile on his face matched the twinkle in his eyes. "We have faced many trials together, most completely out of our control, and we have always overcome them stronger than before. Pandora the Overlander, will you marry me?"

Pandora opened her mouth a few times, but no sound came out. Instead, the tears welling at the corners of her eyes built up more and more each time she tried to talk, and sooner than she thought possible, Pandora was crying with tears of joy.

"Yes," she finally said. "Howard the Underlander," she took him by the hand and helped him back to his feet. They both stood there, inches apart with a ring still held in Howard's right hand. She didn't know whose smile was bigger. "I will marry you."