cloudy with a Chance of freedom

chapter 6

The first of the Arcobaleno to return besides Skull-sama! XD But really, it's a surprise it didn't happen sooner.

Skull was mostly skimming the Quibbler when he saw an article covered by discreet Mist Flames. Curious, he made sure no one was watching before pulsing his Flames as lightly as he could...to reveal a message from Luna.

Blinking, before re-reading it twice and making sure he wasn't seeing things, Skull grinned.

Well if anyone could have somehow found a way to come back by accident, it made sense that it would be him.

And he had the perfect bird to deliver his message. He wasn't chancing Hedwig, no way in hell.

Skull took out a quill and some fresh parchment, before writing a quick message in the cipher he knew that person would be able to translate, regardless of how annoyed he would be having to do so.

Then he called Lark and patiently waited a few hours.

And he couldn't suppress the grin on his face when he got an irate owl two days later.

"Skull, how the hell did you find out I got shunted into my younger body and where in blazes did you find a damn phoenix to act as messenger?

Coincidentally do you think I could have a few samples to play with? The thing wouldn't let me near it, just dumped the letter and flamed off.Verde."

Skull snickered. Smart bird.

"I have my sources. You have no idea how relieved I am you're back as well. I've already managed to track down Viper, Reborn and Fon. Viper's with me now, but they have no memories of that curse. Imagine my shock learning Viper is actually my cousin!

As for the samples, I can try and see if Lark will let you have some, but I wouldn't count on it.

I'm going to be heading to China for Christmas... if you're interested in meeting around that time let me know. Pretty sure I can source you a two-way diary if you want more regular communications.

The Great Skull-sama! (Sadly without Oodako)"

He even ended it with a winky face. He knew that would irritate Verde like nothing else.

Verde surprised him by delivering a magic-proof satellite phone that ran on Flames. Figures he wouldn't live without his precious technology.

"Yo, Verde! Long time since I heard from you," said Skull cheerfully in Japanese.

"Skull. You sound even more ridiculous before puberty hits than I expected. Where in blazes are you that you have to wait until Christmas to arrange a meeting? And what do you mean Viper is your cousin?!" said Verde in the same language.

"Highland Scotland in a magical institution that's gone down the drain because the headmaster is a moron."

"...That explains much. So you've found Fon, Reborn and Viper? How did you know I would remember?" questioned Verde.

"Would you believe me if I said that a Lovegood told me?" asked Skull hopefully.

Dead silence.

"I believe you. I had a girl about ten or so showing up in my lab two months ago asking for a box that contained a 'crumple-horned snorkack', whatever the hell that is," said Verde annoyed.

Skull snickered openly. Well that explained how Luna found out Verde had memories of the Future That Wasn't.

"Imagine how effective she could be if she trained with Viper," he joked. He could feel Verde shudder on the other end.