Chthonologist Chapter 2 Preview

"You know, I'm sure there was some way this seemed like a smart plan," Junior commented idly as he finished off his sandwich while glancing down at his attempted captors.

Shock, Lock, and Barrel groaned as they laid trapped half way under their flipped tub, its feet wiggling around in vain attempts to right itself while Junior sat onto of it.

"But for the unlife of me, I just don't see it," Junior finished, tapping his spear against the tub.

"We're really sorry, Kid-" Lock started, only to squeek as the spear stabbed down next to his face.

"The name is Professor Grim or Professor Reaper. I did not go swimming in the styx and systematically catalouge twenty Leviathanic spieces to be called kid by a Samhainian wannabe devil," Junior instructed sternly.

".....What did he say?" Barrel asked in confusion.

"You idiots, he's the Grim Reaper's son, Jack's nephew! The big shot scientist guy that explores and documents all the dangerous creatures of the Underworld- and wait, you're just a kid?" Shock asked in legitimate surprise.

"Oh? You've heard of me?" Junior asked with a head tilt.

"Nope/Notta," Lock and Barrel answered bluntly.

"Don't pay them any attention, Professor," Shock said, offering a smile that was only slightly forced. "I read all of your Species Collection edition on the insects of the underworld. You're tale defeating a Parvatian Swarm with the aide of the Thriae was amazing!"

"Hehe, good times. But I only did that because I needed a favor from Persphone. Though, of course they didn't call me in when it was affecting the Asphodel Meadows. No, Hades had to wait until the souls in Elysium started complaining," Junior complained.

"Typical," Shock agreed with an eyeroll. "Hey, my edition is up to date: did you ever find out how a swarm of Hindu Death-bees got all the way to the greek side of the underworld?"

"All I determined that they didn't get there on their own," Junior answered with a shrug.

"You folllowing any of this?" Barrel asked curiously.

"Not a bit, no," Lock answered in annoyance. "Look, Smart Guy? We're sorry. There, happy? Now can you let us up now?"

"No idea why I should. I could just feed you to some of my friends," Junior stated bluntly.

"Wait, what?!" Lock exclaimed in fright.

Junior sniffed idly. "Well, he definitely wet himself."

"You're not serious, right, Professor Grim?" Shock asked with a very, very nervous smile.

"Am I?" Junior asked with a head tilt as he jumped off the tub, using his spear as a leverage device to flip it over. "Tell you what, I'll make you a deal. You all climb back in that tub, point me to where you were going to take me, and I promise that none of you-"

"The Club House! Right over that way!" Barrel yelled, already in the tub and point out in a given direction. "Just around those hills, you can't miss it!"

"Hmm, he's fast," Junior complimented as he leaned the spear over his shoulder once more.

"Barrel, you coward!" Lock exclaimed with a growl, trying to hide his embarassment while ignoring his wet pants.

"Umm, P-professor?" Shock asked sheepishly, holding her witch hat nervously. "A-assuming you're not going to feed us alive to something that will slowly consume us for ten thousand years......can you sign my hat?" she asked hopefully.